Next chapter! Hope you guys like it! :)
Ch. 21
I hate crying myself to sleep, Ruthie thought, opening her sore eyes to see light coming in through the blinds. At least it's not early in the morning. Looking over at the clock on the nightstand she saw it read 9:30 AM. Rubbing her hands against her eyes she knew nothing was going to make them feel better until she splashed some cold water on them. Fighting back the sting of tears as memories from the day before hit her she wrapped her arms around Derek, seeking comfort from his touch. Saying goodbye to her brother had been just as hard as she remembered it being. Waiting for his train to pull into the station, Simon had hugged everyone and gotten promises that they would all be visiting Glen Oak soon. Turning to her and Derek, he looked at her for a moment and then focused on the man holding her close.
"Take care of her," he told Derek simply. "Keep her safe."
Derek had nodded back and she felt his hold on her hip tighten fractionally. "I will," he swore to Simon, who nodded back just as seriously at him. Derek held his hand out, letting him grab it for a manly handshake before quickly pulling his friend into him for a hug. "I promise I'll protect her with my life," he said quietly to Simon patting him on the back with his fist before they both released each other. Stepping back, Ruthie saw a look of understanding pass between the two.
Seeing Simon turn to her, she shook her head willing herself not to cry. Simon just gave her a small smile, feeling as awful as she did that they had to part. Ruthie suddenly broke from Derek and flung her arms around her brother, holding him tightly as she hid her face in his neck and shoulder. "I don't want you to go," she whispered sadly to him.
Simon wrapped her in a tight hug and pressed a kiss to her head. "I know Ruthie," he said sounding just as upset. "I'll see you in a few weeks though. You guys will all come visit and we'll have some fun in Glen Oak. You know it's been quiet ever since us Camden kids grew up," he joked trying to make her laugh. Seeing her smile he tugged on a strand of her hair. Hearing a train pull into the station, they turned and saw people begin boarding. This was it. "Hey," he said, getting her to pull back and look at him. "I love you baby sister and I'm going to miss you. But you have a ton of people here who care about you so I know your in good hands. I'm a phone call away, you know that," he said seeing her smile through her tears.
"I know," she sighed reaching up to wipe her face. "I just hate saying goodbye."
"Me too," he said, pulling her to him one last time as his train called final boarding. Kissing her on the head, he pulled back and smiled as Derek stepped forward and put his arm around Ruthie. Nodding to him, he turned and smiled at everyone. "I'll see you guys in Glen Oak in a few weeks," he smiled. Picking up his duffel bag he turned and went to get on the train.
"Simon, send me a text and let me know you made it home safely," Ruthie called out to him.
"Will do mom," he replied back, seeing her laugh through her tears. Giving her another smile he waved and went to grab a seat. He hated leaving her. It always tore him up no matter how hard he tried to hide it.
Derek had to practically drag Ruthie out of the station she was such a mess. After watching his train pull away, they all headed back to their cars, ready to drive home. Ruthie was fine once reaching the house and made it the rest of the day without breaking down. Everyone kept her busy and was trying their best to keep her distracted. Once she climbed into bed with Derek, both happy to finally be sharing a bed again, Simon had texted. He apologized for not texting sooner saying that he had been home for awhile and got caught up with seeing everyone. This made Ruthie start crying again, feeling the sadness of being away from her family wash over her again. Derek had wrapped her in his arms and just laid there with Ruthie letting her cry out all her tears. He heard her heartbeat slow and her breathing even out as she slowly lulled herself into sleep. He knew she would be fine tomorrow, that it was just the emotions of the day catching up with her. The women in the Camden family have a flair for the dramatics and emotions he chuckled softly, pulling her against him. Wouldn't have it any other way, he thought. Wouldn't have Ruthie any other way. She's perfect. Pulling her tighter to him he fell asleep to the thought that she was back where she belonged.
Present
Ruthie didn't want to wake Derek, who she knew had a long night since she spent the better part of it crying in his arms. I hate goodbyes, she thought. I can't wait until we're in Glen Oak and I can visit with everyone. Ruthie sighed, knowing she didn't have time to be sad. Instead, she was feeling nervous. Today was the day she handed in her letter of resignation to the Jacobs. Derek had argued with her when she said she wanted to go alone. She was adamant about it and Derek finally caved after she promised to drop it off and leave. She grinned as she felt him snuggle into her his hands gripping her tighter, like even in his sleep he needed to reassure himself she was there. Running her hands softly up and down his back she saw his eyelids flutter and knew he was waking up.
"Baby," she said, cringing at how hoarse and sickly she sounded. That's what I get for turning into a sobbing mess she thought sarcastically.
"Hmm," Derek mumbled, not moving.
Ruthie tried again. "Baby I need to get up. I have to go drop off that paperwork."
Derek grumbled and she felt his fingers dig into her for a moment before letting go. "Fine," he said, making no argument. Letting her go he watched as she slid out of bed and went to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. Seeing her come out wrapped in a towel with her wet hair streaming down her back Derek had to remind himself that she had things to do. Digging his nails into his palms he took a breath, trying to calm himself. "Baby your coming home right after right?" he asked, hoping his voice sounded normal.
Ruthie glanced at him as she walked out of his closet in a pair of her dark blue jeans and a red lacy bra on. "Yea," she told him smiling as he looked her up and down. "I figured we could spend the day together since I don't have to worry about work, at least until I get another job," hearing him growl at the last part she rolled her eyes. "Baby I am getting another job. I'm not going to live off of you and Peter and your family's money," she told him, going through his drawer and pulling out one of his shirts.
"I know and part of me loves that you're so driven, but another part of me just wishes you would stay home where I can protect you," he said, smiling as she tied a section of his shirt behind her lower back so it wouldn't be so long on her.
Walking over to the bed where he was still laying, she leaned down and pecked him on the lips. "Baby I love you, but you worry too much," she said, eyes shining down at him. "I'm going to go drop off the paperwork and then I'll be home right after. Get ready okay? I want to go do something," she told him, smiling as he sat up and pulled her to him so she stepped between his spread legs.
"Anything in particular or should I just surprise you?" he asked wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her against him so he could smell her perfume.
Running her hands through his hair she smiled as he sighed and leaned his head against her. "Surprise me," she laughed. "I'll be back in 45 minutes, tops," she told him. Giving him one last kiss and saying bye she turned to leave.
"Hey beautiful," Derek called, making her turn with her hand on the door knob. Arching an eyebrow at him she smiled as he walked over to her. Ruthie tried not to be distracted by the way his sweats hung low on his hips or the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt. Leaning down he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Pulling back slightly she heard him say 'I love you'.
"Love you too," she said, pulling him to her for another soft kiss. Stepping away she flashed him a quick smile and was out the door. Running into Peter and Isaac in the living room on her way out the front door she told them where she was going and that she would be back soon.
"You want us to go with you Ruthie?" Isaac asked, not wanting her to go alone.
Ruthie smiled at him and loved that he was concerned, but like Derek, he was worrying over nothing. "That's okay, thanks though Isaac. I'm just going to drop this off and come right back. I don't expect any problems," she smiled seeing him glance at Peter who stood staring at Ruthie.
"Okay if your sure," Isaac told her trailing off. Ruthie nodded and waved goodbye, grabbing her purse and car keys and heading out to her car.
Pulling up to the Jacobs ranch 20 minutes later Ruthie parked and got out, making her way towards the barn. Walking over to the desk she saw Mrs. Jacobs sitting behind it typing on the computer. "Morning Ruthie," she said pleasantly.
"Good morning," she replied back. She stopped on the other side of the desk. "Mrs. Jacobs I'm sorry but this job just isn't working out," she said handing her the resignation letter she had typed up over the weekend. "I'm quitting," she said, seeing shock cross the woman's face.
"Ruthie, why?" the woman asked her, clearly not expecting this. "The kids love you and your great with them. And the horses," she added, standing up from behind the desk.
"I'm sorry, I just think it's best if I find other employment," Ruthie said, trying to give her a small smile. I just want to leave. I don't want to have to explain to her husband and have him stare creepily at me.
Mrs. Jacobs nodded and took the paper from Ruthie. Walking around the desk she gave her a smile. "We'll miss you Ruthie," she told her. "I guess we'll see you around. I'm going to go let Dan know we need to look for a new instructor," she said, walking off towards the house. Ruthie nodded and went to leave her key and riding badge on the desk. Walking over to the horses she pet a few of them goodbye and started to head out. Hearing a noise coming from the loft Ruthie looked up and wondered if now was her chance.
Looking around, Ruthie noticed that she was the only one in the barn. After a minute of hesitation, she rushed up the ladder and crept towards the locked room. Seeing a big ring of keys hanging on a hook on the wall, Ruthie grabbed them and started fitting them into the keyhole hoping one would unlock the door. Hearing movement down in the barn, Ruthie stood still, hoping whoever it was would leave the barn and not come up and find her.
"Dan," Ruthie heard Mrs. Jacobs saying. "Have you seen the girl?"
"No, I thought you said she left," he replied back.
"I thought she did too, but her car is still here."
"So where the hell is she, Amy?" Ruthie heard Mr. Jacobs question.
"I don't know," came her reply. "Come on, let's split up and look around the ranch. Knowing that stupid girl, she took one of the horses out for a last ride."
Ruthie flinched. It wasn't a bad word and it's not like the comment actually upset her, but she was brought up in a house where 'stupid' was not said. She got lost in her thoughts as she remembered a memory involving one of Lucy's friends and the girl's mom.
Shaking her head she knew she only had a few minutes before Mr. or Mrs. Jacobs came up here and found her. Putting the next key in the lock Ruthie almost shouted in joy when the lock popped open and she pushed into the room. Looking around the dark small space, Ruthie saw a lantern and flicked it on. The sight before her made her gag. Strung up to the ceiling in chains hung a man. His head drooped on his bloody chest and his breathing was barely audible. With each small breath he took Ruthie heard how hard it was for him to suck in air. His entire torso had whip marks and cuts all over it and it looked like he'd had a knife plunged into him from the size of the wound she could make out on his side. Walking up to him slowly so as not to startle him, Ruthie reached a hand out and gently lifted his head. When the man's eyes locked on hers, he released a breath.
"Your new," he rasped. "Who are you?," he wheezed.
"Ruthie," she whispered. "I'm here to help you. I've heard noises coming from up here for weeks now and I haven't been able to sneak a chance up here. You're a werewolf right?"
The man looked up at her again and met her eyes. Nodding slightly he asked that she step closer to him. Ruthie cautiously took another step forward keeping her eyes on the man the whole time.
"Your an alpha's mate," he whispered. "Tell me girl, does your mate know you're here?" Ruthie gasped in amazement that he knew and before she could ask he told her that he could smell his scent on her. "The scent of a mate, especially a male alpha, is powerful. Strong. I could smell him on you when you walked through the door, but I had to be sure. So, does he know you're here?"
Ruthie swallowed. She thought back to how she promised Derek she'd come straight home after dropping off her letter of resignation. He was worried and didn't want her going alone, but Ruthie didn't want to risk the Jacobs figuring out what he was and told him she would be right back. "Yes, he knows I'm here," she whispered to him. "But he thinks I'm coming home right now."
The man looked at her and a low growl started to form in his throat. "Run girl, get out of here. Head home like you told him you would. I will not be responsible for the death of an alpha's mate."
"An alpha's mate," came a voice from the doorway. Ruthie whirled around and gasped at the sight of Mr. Jacobs slowly stepping towards her. "If I knew you were mated with that asshole," but here he was interrupted by Mrs. Jacobs stepping in the room.
"I knew she would find her way up here sooner or later," she said, smirking at Ruthie. "I knew that you recognized Peter Hale last week. And now to find out that you're actually friends with them, this is just awful."
"Not just friends, dear," said her husband. "She's mated to the alpha, Derek Hale." At this his wife visibly flinched and Ruthie saw her hands clench into fists.
"What do you want with Derek?" Ruthie asked, glad that her voice was steady.
"We want to kill him," said the wife gleefully. "His kind need to be wiped off this earth to keep everyone else safe."
"Derek and others like him aren't a danger to people," Ruthie said, her voice getting louder with each word. "Derek and his pack protect the people of this town and keep other supernatural creatures out. Do you think they would do this if they wanted to see people dead!"
Mr. Jacobs walked up and backhanded Ruthie across the face. The blow hit so hard, Ruthie's entire body jerked and she fell to the floor at the man's feet. Hearing the werewolf behind her snarling and growling at the Jacobs, Ruthie knew in that moment that it would take a miracle for them to get out of here alive. Feeling her hair being tugged Ruthie looked up into the eyes of Mrs. Jacobs. She was pulled to her feet and soon Mr. Jacobs had her strung up in chains just like the man beside her. Ruthie gasped at the feeling of hanging from the chains and her eyes went wide in fear as she saw Mr. Jacobs pick up a whip. Hearing the man beside her growl and try to break free from his bindings, Ruthie struggled with her own confinement.
"Leave her alone," he snarled loudly at Mr. Jacobs. "Listen, I'll tell you everything you want to know," he yelled in frustration.
He's trying to protect me Ruthie thought, as she pulled at her wrists to no avail.
"You said yourself you have no knowledge of this pack. We've kept you around this long purely for our own fun. This girl," said Mr. Jacobs as he grabbed Ruthie's chin and forced her to look up at him, "knows the pack. She knows the alpha." Mr. Jacobs slapped Ruthie across the face. Ruthie cried out and looked up, seeing him circle her until he was standing behind her. Ruthie heard the whip before she felt it. Crying out in pain as she felt the whip slice through her shirt to her skin, she felt the blood start to slowly drip down her back.
"Stop," the man yelled, continuing to fight against his chains. "Don't hurt her!" he growled at their attackers. Mrs. Jacobs walked over with a taser and as soon as the device hit the man's skin he shook from the shock and passed out cold.
Mr. Jacobs didn't even look at the other man as he raised the whip and slapped it across Ruthie's back again. Ruthie cried out in shock at the pain as she felt tears start to slide down her face. These people are monsters. They're going to kill us! Ruthie prayed that the pack would find her and rescue them. As Mr. Jacobs raised the whip again Ruthie struggled in her chains trying to move her body away from the man. Knowing it was useless, but not wanting to give up, she barely had time to register the whip hitting her skin again. Feeling it cut across her back Ruthie let out a scream so loud she swore her throat was bleeding from it. Derek! she screamed for him in her mind.
"It's going to be fun breaking her" said Mrs. Jacobs. She came to stand in front of Ruthie as her body hung limply from the chains at her wrists. Mrs. Jacobs grabbed her by the hair and pulled so her neck snapped back. Remaining silent, Ruthie tried to drift away in her mind. Seeing that she would get no response, Mrs. Jacobs grabbed a knife off of the small table in the room. Ruthie's eyes widened as the woman brought the knife up to eye level. Trying to shrink away from the woman, Ruthie shivered when she heard the woman laughing at her weak attempts.
"No where to go you little bitch," she laughed as she slapped Ruthie again. Ruthie tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth and tried not to show fear as the woman brought the knife to her side. Slicing into her waist, Ruthie screamed as she felt the blade cut open her skin.
"Stop, please stop!" she cried, desperate for the pain to end. Ruthie felt herself losing consciousness, but fought to stay awake. "Why are you doing this?" she shouted, trying to move away from the Jacobs.
"You stupid bitch," spat Mr. Jacobs, walking around her and grabbing her face to make her look up at him. "You think we didn't know who you were when we hired you. We knew all about Derek Hale's mystery life while he was living in Glen Oak. How he went into hiding," he said, leaning down so his face was eye level with hers. Ruthie fought to get away from him as he ran his hand down her neck to the top of her shirt. Taking the knife he cut it clean off her as Ruthie cried out in anger as she was left chained in her jeans and bra. "You think we didn't know that you were connected to him somehow, you little whore," the man shouted, spitting on her and balling his fist together, punched her in the stomach. Crying in pain and gasping for air, Ruthie couldn't even bend over to catch her breath. The chains were so tight she could just barely stand on the floor. "Although being his mate was a surprise we didn't see coming. It's a good surprise though. Just means we get to watch his heart break before we kill him." Ruthie cried silent tears praying Derek would show.
Looking past Mr. Jacobs, Ruthie saw Mrs. Jacobs standing behind him with a sinister grin, knife back in hand. "His mate," she hissed advancing on Ruthie. "The world doesn't need this slut to have his pups," she bit out. "She wants to lay with the dogs then she can be put down like one. Let's keep her up here for a day or two and just send her back in pieces. That will break him so much, he might even kill himself." With that she turned and left the room.
Ruthie visibly shook in fear, knowing that she was going to die soon. Watching as Mr. Jacobs advanced on her, Ruthie struggled knowing she wouldn't go out without a fight. "Dumb bitch, you can't go anywhere," Mr. Jacobs told her. Feeling the man come up behind her, Ruthie shook in disgust as the man's hands started at her shoulders and traveled down her body. "Such a shame we have to kill you," he said, his hot breath in Ruthie's ear. Ruthie felt tears streaming down her face as she tried with everything in her to move away from this vile man. "An alpha's whore," he lowered his voice against her ear, pushing her hair back and pressing a kiss to her neck. Ruthie whimpered, praying that in that moment Derek would come rushing in and take her away from all of this. "If you're good enough for the alpha to fuck you must be pretty good," he said, sucking on the spot over Derek's mark. Feeling a burning sensation shoot through her entire body, Ruthie cried out in pain and struggled in the chains, feeling the man's hands grip her waist to keep her steady. "I'm going to enjoy taking you like the bitch you are," he spat, hands reaching the top of Ruthie's jeans.
"No!" she shouted, trying to twist away from him and feeling her back burn from the lash marks. Feeling the man's nails dig into her waist to hold her still, she bucked her hips trying to get him off her as she kicked out at him with her legs. "Stop!" she yelled, struggling against him as he pulled her back against his front and wrapped an arm across her shoulders and waist. Ruthie felt her fear increase as she realized she couldn't move. The arm around her waist moved slightly and Ruthie tried to break his hold, but the man held her still by moving his other hand up to grip her throat.
"If you so much as move, I'll slit your throat right now," he said roughly, running his lips over her neck as tears streamed down Ruthie's face.
"Please don't do this," Ruthie begged. "Please!" Ruthie felt the man's hand go to the top of her jeans and unbutton them. "Stop, please," she pleaded, crying and trying to move away from him.
"Did you mate with that animal?" he asked her gruffly, thrusting his growing erection against Ruthie's ass. "Because if you did it's going to make the pain he feels when I take you even worse," he said, grabbing her face and turning her to look at him. Feeling him brush hair out of her face, she tried to turn her head as he shoved his mouth on hers. Ruthie tried to kick him as she bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. "Fuck!" he yelled pulling away from her and wrapping his hand tighter around her throat. Ruthie started gasping as she felt her body not getting enough oxygen. "I'm going to make you regret that you bitch," he spat at her. Feeling his other hand run down her body Ruthie cried and thought of Derek. She thought of the pack and her family in Glen Oak and how she was never going to see them again. She cried at the thought of never being with Derek, never having a family or growing old with him. She cried as the man tore her bra off her, leaving her naked from the waist up. She gasped in pain as he pinched her nipple hard and rolled it between his fingers.
"Like that you little whore?" Mr. Jacobs grunted shoving his erection against her again. "Does he share you with the rest of the pack, huh? Are you just a slut they use to get off?" Ruthie felt the fight drain out of her as she slowly started to slip into unconsciousness. Please God, help me she prayed.
Hearing a loud growl Ruthie shook her head disoriented, thinking it was the man beside her waking up. She was surprised to see Derek, Peter, and some of the others in the doorway. A loud howl pierced the room and Ruthie looked up and locked eyes with her mate as she felt every bit of his pain at seeing her right then. It's my nightmare come to life Derek thought in horror. Taking in the sight of his bruised and battered mate, Derek had never felt rage go through him like he did in that moment. He was ready to tear these people limb from limb for ever laying a hand on his girl.
"Get away from my niece!" Peter shouted to the man, a fire in his eyes Ruthie was sure she'd never seen before.
"I was just about to have some fun with her," Mr. Jacobs laughed crudely, running his hand along her waist.
"Don't you fucking touch her!" Derek yelled, taking a step toward them.
"Too late," he taunted Derek. "Besides, it's so much fun seeing how much pain she's in when I do this," and with that he leaned down and sucked on her mark keeping his eyes locked on Derek. Ruthie thrashed in his arms feeling like she was on fire.
"AHHHHHHH!" she screamed trying to fold in on herself and hating that she couldn't. Anything to stop the pain she thought.
Every wolf in the room let out loud growls, all their yellow eyes focused on Mr. Jacobs. Derek advanced on them slowly, the rest of the pack waiting for his signal and Ruthie felt Mr. Jacobs step back from her slightly in fear. Breathing a sigh of relief that he wasn't touching her she screamed as he pulled a gun out and fired at Derek. "No!" she screamed seeing Derek charge the man and tackle him into the small workbench. Peter went to help, demanding Isaac, Erica, Boyd, and Allison to get Ruthie and the other man down.
Feeling her wrists freed, she would have crumpled to the ground if Boyd hadn't been holding her up. Isaac grabbed a blanket nearby, something Ruthie would usually throw on the horses before strapping on the saddle. Moaning in pain as her body met the floor, she could hear Derek and Peter attacking Mr. Jacobs as well as the voices of Scott, Lydia, and Stiles down in the barn with Mrs. Jacobs. Feeling herself start to drift off, she closed her eyes wishing this was over.
"Ruthie," Derek called her name. She could hear the panic in his voice. "Ruthie! Baby stay with me," he said finally getting over to her. Feeling Derek brush her hair back she remembered the feel of Mr. Jacobs hands on her and tried to move away from him. "Baby, it's me. Your safe," her mate whispered in her ear. "I've got you Ruthie." Turning into Derek's hold, Ruthie whimpered and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Take me home Derek," she whispered in a weak voice. "Take me home."
Derek pulled back and looked at his girl hunched in on herself. God she's in so much pain he cried. "I will," he promised her solemnly. "We're going home baby." He leaned his forehead against hers and moved his hand up to cup her cheek. Gently holding her to him Derek got up and moved past Peter, who had Mr. Jacobs in handcuffs he had borrowed from the sheriff and had a gun to his head. "Don't kill him Peter," he said quietly to his uncle knowing he heard him. Peter looked at him shocked.
"After what he did to her, did to our kind, and you don't want me to kill him?!" Peter said incredulously, his voice getting louder with every word.
Derek met his gaze and shook his head. "Ruthie wouldn't want us killing anyone," he said quietly, knowing everyone remembered how she was so angry at the plan of killing these people. "That's the only reason these scum are still alive. She wouldn't want it," he said, knowing that Ruthie would want them locked up. "Ichen House can have them. That's where they put monsters remember?" he said, seeing his uncle's face light up with understanding.
Peter said he'd stay and wait for Argent and Sheriff Stilinski, who were busy at the station cleaning up an unrelated supernatural mess for once. Derek wanted to take Ruthie away from all of this and told Peter they'd see him at the hospital. Meeting Isaac at the ladder, Derek told him to go down first and then gently passed Ruthie down to him. Once his feet touched the ground, Derek took Ruthie back from him and together they walked to the car. Isaac ran ahead and opened the passenger door of Derek's camaro so Derek could slide in and have Ruthie still on his lap. Isaac jumped in the driver's seat and they sped off towards the Beacon Hills Hospital.
"Baby, baby I need you to open your eyes for me okay," he said brushing her hair back and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Ruthie groaned and pushed her face into his neck, breathing in his scent and feeling tears stream down her face at being safe in his arms.
"I prayed you'd find me," she whispered brokenly. "I prayed to God that you'd save me," she said, feeling his arms wrap tighter around her, but being careful to avoid hurting her even more than she already was.
"I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner," he cried, his own tears falling as he leaned down and pressed a kiss against her head. "I'm so sorry baby."
"It's okay," she said hoarsely. "You got there in time. You got us out," she said quietly. Suddenly tensing in his arms, "Derek where is he? Where's the man that was in there with me? Did you get him out?" she panicked trying to move and crying out in pain as her wounds pulled at her.
"Shh baby relax, I need you to relax," Derek tried calming her. "We got him out, Stiles is taking him to the hospital in his jeep. Melissa is meeting them at the hospital to treat him." Ruthie nodded feeling slightly better knowing the man was safe too. Settling back against Derek, she gasped in pain as the wounds on her back came into contact with him. "Shit, Isaac drive faster! She needs a doctor now!" Derek barked.
Reaching the hospital Ruthie was immediately taken in to an operating room and Derek and Isaac were forced to wait in the waiting room with Stiles and Lydia who had gotten there before them. Derek couldn't sit still. He kept reliving what he walked in on in the loft. If we had gotten there even a few minutes late who knows what that monster would have done to her. I should have gotten there sooner. Derek's guilt was eating away at him. You never should have let her go alone in the first place you dumb fuck! She wouldn't be in an operating room right now getting stitched up because some fucker thought it would be fun to whip her! Derek shuddered at the last thought. He had his hands on her! He was going to... Derek's train of thought broke as someone laid a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Scott standing there with Allison, Erica, Boyd, and Peter.
"How is she?" his uncle asked him. Derek didn't know. No one had come out and said anything to them. They had just been waiting in here and Derek didn't even know how long he'd been pacing. Peter, seeing his nephew's helpless look, pulled him in tight for a hug. Derek didn't even try to fight his tears as he cried into his uncle's shoulder. "She's strong Derek," he said quietly to him. "She's a fighter and she's going to come back to us, to you," he said trying to reassure his distraught nephew. "Stilinski and Argent stayed behind to take care of the Jacobs, but they said they'll meet us at the house later tonight," he told him.
Derek nodded and pulled away from his uncle after a moment longer. Glancing up he saw that the rest of the pack had tears streaming down their faces too. She's pack. She's family. Derek kept repeating what his uncle had said. Ruthie's a fighter. She's coming back to us.
Stiles broke everyone out of their thoughts by suggesting they pray. "I know I'm not the most religious person, but I know Ruthie would probably appreciate it," he said, letting out a small chuckle as everyone except Lydia looked at him in surprise. Everyone smiled and stood together forming a small circle and holding hands. Stiles asked God to watch over Ruthie and the man, who told Stiles and Lydia his name was Luke, and prayed that they would heal quickly and be able to come home soon. Everyone stood together silently after, saying a quiet pray of their own for their pack member and for Luke.
Hearing a door open they all turned to see Mrs. McCall. Derek just stood and looked at her, knowing she would announce what was going on to the group at large. "It's okay guys. She's going to be fine. Ruthie has some lacerations on her back from the whip and a cut from what appeared to be a knife wound. She's had liquid bandages applied to the lashes on her back and is pretty much covered in gauze to keep from irritating them. If the lash marks were any deeper she would have needed stitches. Thankfully we just had to clean them up after seeing they weren't that bad. She will have welts on her back for a few weeks though until the swelling and bruising goes down." Seeing them all nod she continued. "The cut from the knife was deeper," here she paused, looking at Derek and seeing him shake from what she assumed he already knew. "The wound from the knife did need stitches to heal properly so she will have a small scar on her waist. The stitches will be taken out after two weeks and she'll need to be careful when showering since she can't get them wet. The wounds will all heal over a few weeks on their own but she's going to be in pain. Don't let her lay on her back because the pressure on her wounds there will hurt like hell. The doctors prescribed her some painkillers which you'll need to pick up at the pharmacy" she continued, holding out the form and watching as Isaac didn't even hesitate but walked up and offered to take it from her. She gave him a small smile and watched the look of appreciation Derek shot over to the young boy as he walked back to the circle. "She has bruising and some swelling from where she was struck in the face but it will go down in a few days and the bruising should fade in a few weeks."
Silence followed Mrs. McCall's update on Ruthie. "And the man? Luke?" Lydia asked after no one said anything. "How is he?"
Mrs. McCall took a step closer to the group. Keeping her voice low she said, "He's a werewolf. He just needs a few hours to let his body heal and he'll be fine. I've put him in a private room and told him when he's ready I'll give him his discharge papers. As for Ruthie, you guys can take her home whenever you'd like, just keep her comfortable."
Derek nodded and said he'd like to see her first. Melissa nodded and turned to show Derek to her room. Before walking away Derek turned to look at his pack. They all looked relieved that she was going to be okay. "Go tell her we're taking her home," Peter told him softly.
"Derek I'm going to go get her medicine, tell Ruthie I'll see her at home," Isaac said, before giving him a small smile and turning to head out.
Derek walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Ruthie's closed door. He'd been in the hospital before for people, but never for her. He prayed to God he'd never have to experience this again. Taking a breath, he gently opened the door. Seeing Ruthie sitting up in bed freshly showered, she looked up from where she was playing with the bed sheets and locked her brown eyes on him. He heard her breathing quicken and he knew if she could move she would have been out of that bed and running across the room to him. Instead he hurried over to her and being careful of her injuries, wrapped her up in his arms and sighed as she laid her head over his heart. Kissing her cheek he felt her grip him tighter and sighed as he finally had his girl safe in his arms. "I want to go home Derek," she said quietly and Derek could tell by her voice that she had started crying again. Hating that she was in pain, both physically and emotionally, he vowed then and there that he would do whatever it took to see her smile again.
"Whatever you want baby," he said. "I'll get your discharge papers and we'll go home," he whispered, brushing her hair back behind her ears. Cupping her face in both hands Derek pulled back and looked her in the eyes. Seeing tears stream down her face broke his heart. "I'm going to go get the papers. I'll be right back okay baby?" Seeing her nod he went back out to Mrs. McCall who handed him papers for Ruthie to sign. Derek took them back into Ruthie who signed them silently and grabbed her few personal effects before getting in a wheelchair.
While being pushed out of the hospital all Ruthie could think about was getting home. She wanted to lay down in Derek's bed and not think about anything. Feeling the rest of the pack walk behind her and the nurse, she couldn't help but be grateful for each and every one of them. They had all come through and saved her life tonight. And the man that was chained up with her. I hope he's okay. I wonder if he made it she thought, praying that he did. Feeling the wheelchair stop moving Ruthie looked up and realized they were outside. Feeling Derek next to her she looked up at him and knew she was still weak and wouldn't be able to walk on her own. "Derek," she said quietly, feeling relief spread through her as he knew exactly what she needed. Watching him bend down and feeling him gently place his arm under her knees and hold her lower waist with the other, she sighed as she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. Seeing Boyd and Erica pull up in Boyd's silver Subaru, he smiled gratefully as Erica jumped out and let Derek slide in front with Ruthie on his lap and then jumped in back. Telling the others to meet at home, they all went to their cars and started back for the house.
Once they pulled up, Derek had to restrain himself from trying to open the car door and waited while Erica jumped out and moved to help them. Getting inside Derek immediately carried Ruthie upstairs, knowing tonight wasn't the night to discuss anything. Setting Ruthie down on the bed gently, he made sure she could sit up on her own before walking over to the dresser and grabbing a pair of her sleep shorts and a loose tank top. Walking back over with them he held them out to Ruthie who looked at them with sadness. "Baby, baby what's wrong?" he asked, afraid that she was in too much pain and couldn't handle it.
Shaking her head, she sobbed quietly. "I don't want those," she croaked out, feeling stupid she was being so emotional over pajamas. I've always loved sleeping in his clothes. "Derek I want one of your shirts," she said softly. "Please," she begged, meeting his gaze and letting out a small gasp at the pain she saw in his eyes.
Derek nodded and walked back to the dresser. Putting her clothes back he rummaged through his drawer until he found one of his white work out tanks. Knowing she wouldn't want shorts again, he walked back over to her and held it up for her inspection. Seeing her smile softly at it he knew he made the right choice. "Can you help me get these clothes off?" she asked him, gesturing to her jeans and a loose top Melissa had given her to wear home.
"Of course," he said softly. "But first give me your hand," he told her.
Ruthie knew he was going to take some of her pain away. She knew that he could get hurt if he took too much and that he could lose his alpha status as well. "Not too much Derek," she told him quietly, placing her hand in his. Soon she felt her pain lessen, happy that Derek was able to do this for her. Going to pull her hand away, she looked up into his now red gaze as he tightened his grip on her. "Derek let go," she said, voice loud and sure. Not feeling the pressure let up on her hand, she stood up as best she could and pulled his head down to hers. Pressing her lips against his in desperation, she sucked his bottom lip in her mouth, biting hard enough to draw blood. "Stop it Derek, let go," she told him again, sighing as she felt his hand drop from hers.
Both breathing heavy, Derek rested his forehead against hers and wrapped his arms gently around her. "I'm sorry baby," he whispered. "I just can't have you in pain, I want to take all of it away."
Ruthie tried not to cry at how his voice sounded. He sounds broken. Like he's blaming himself for what happened. Ruthie cupped his cheek until he met her gaze. "This is not your fault Derek Hale," she told him. Watching him close his eyes and take a breath to calm himself, Ruthie stroked her thumb across his cheek. "Baby I don't blame you at all so don't blame yourself. The only people to blame are the Jacobs," she said, feeling his body go rigid under her hands at the name. "They can't hurt anyone ever again. Not where they're going," she whispered softly, smiling when she saw his eyes open and see some of the warmth in them that she loved so much shining through. "I love you Derek Hale," she said, a few tears escaping to fall down her face.
Derek moved his hands up to cup her face, gently brushing his thumbs across her cheeks to wipe away her tears. "And I love you Ruthie Camden," he whispered back moving forward to gently place a soft kiss on her lips. "Come on, let's get you out of these clothes so you can go to bed," he told her. Seeing her nod, he helped her out of the top first, letting it fall to the floor by his bed. Ruthie didn't care that she was naked from the waist up or that she had to keep her hands on Derek's shoulders as he took off her jeans.
"Panties too," she said in a small voice. "I don't... I want a different pair." Ruthie thought back to being chained up and she shivered in fear as she felt like the man's hands were still on her. Even the shower at the hospital hadn't erased his touch from her body. Derek had sat her on the bed and went to get her a new pair. Kneeling in front of her he slowly slid them up her body, coming to rest gently along her hips. Helping her sit on the edge of the bed, he gently maneuvered her arms so she wouldn't pull at the gauze taped to her back. Once his tank top was on her he leaned towards the head of the bed and pulled the covers down. Helping her slide in so she was still sitting up, he quickly went and answered the knock at the door. Opening it he came face to face with Isaac who held out a bag containing Ruthie's medicine and a tall glass of water. Thanking him and telling him they'd see everyone tomorrow, he closed the door and walked back to Ruthie. Opening the bottle and shaking the prescribed two pills out, he handed them to her with the glass of water. Watching as she took them, he sighed in relief knowing these would also help take more pain from her. Placing the glass on the table beside her, he walked around to his side and stripped until he was just in his boxers. Sliding in he laid on his back and helped Ruthie turn to lay on him. Feeling her breasts pushed up against his chest and her arms wrapped around him tight, Derek finally let out a sigh of relief at having her home. She's here where she belongs. She's safe with me, he thought, stroking his fingers through her hair. I'm never going to let anything happen to her again, he vowed. With that thought in mind Derek fell asleep holding Ruthie to him, thanking God for her heart beating steadily against his chest.
What did you guys think about the showdown with the pack and the Jacobs? Good/bad? I'm thinking one more chapter left and then I'll be starting a sequel with them visiting Glen Oak. I don't know if there will be danger in it, it might just be the two different universes merging together and the craziness that ensues with everyone together... and possibly a wedding. ;) Let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see in the sequel and I'll try and fit it in! Thanks, you guys are the best! :)