Keeper's Keep

by xTonyaJacex

Everything should be settling back into something similar to normal. Unfortunately nothing normal ever happens in Beacon Hills!Derek meets a strange girl who used to be Peter's best confidant and they go from strangers to friends to something he can't explain. This is the story of what happens to Beacon Hills when it's Keeper returns.(DerekxOc) *EXTREAMSlowBurn*(Peter Friendship)

34. Bk1: Not your fault

OMG IT'S AN UPDATE!

This is more Informing rather than progressive. I decided to get it out of the way and set it up now rather than later. Anyway Happy reading guys :)

Enjoy your chapter x

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Isaac caught the pillow Danny had thrown him with one arm and just barely caught the blanket with the other. Staring at the two before looking to the friendly grin on Danny's face, he warily said thanks.

"No problem, I figured I owed you one after ditching you in Kansas and leaving with Jackson" Danny shrugged.

The two boys were currently at Danny's Aunt's house spending several nights there rather than at the mansion with Araiya and the others. A fact that Isaac was immensely grateful for.

"You didn't have to let me crash with you. I could've found my own place to stay" Isaac muttered but none the less placed his borrowed pillow and blankets on the mattress on the floor. Danny fixed a wry stare at Isaac tinged with amusement.

"I just figured that with how you left things with Scott and Derek you'd need a hand. Besides' Araiya would get super pissed if she found out you were in a hotel/motel when the Mansion had plenty of room" Danny commented as he unashamedly pulled off his shorts and stood in his boxers, readying for bed.

Isaac paused in making his bed to cast a questioning look in Danny's direction.

"That's the name of the purple eyed chick?" he asked causing Danny to smirk

"Amethyst and yeah. She's Davian's sister by the way and whilst he had taught you, Araiya taught Jackson. Nikolas their youngest sibling was my mentor" Danny informed as he fiddled a bit with his phone, setting an alarm for the next morning.

The two boys fell silent leaving each other to their own thoughts. After making his bed, Isaac just lay there, staring at the ceiling and thinking about earlier when he and Jackson had been fighting.

"ISAAC STOP!" Scott growled as blood seemed to cover Jackson's face, matching the slightly dried splatters on Isaac's face. But the two wolves ignored Scott too caught up with each other to register the True Alpha.

"Tell me you didn't know! Tell me that throughout all those years, You didn't fucking Know!" Isaac whispered, his violent actions coming to a pause as he lifted Jackson by his shirt collar. Focussing intensely on the sound of Jackson's heartbeat needing to hear the truth.

Isaac felt his fingers curl into a fist at the memory. The frantic pounding of his heart and the desperation that fuelled him and his wolf. As well as the truth in Jackson's eyes.

Jackson gritted his teeth together tightly, glaring back into the yellow golden eyes, yearning for the truth. Turning his head to the side and spitting out a mouthful of blood. Jackson met Isaac's stare stonily uttering two words that he knew would throw Isaac off the edge once again.

"I knew" Jackson admitted….. His heartbeat steady and betraying no lie.

"I knew since the first time, and I did nothing. Told no one and left you" Jackson added, his tone blunt and pure truth. No wavering lie….. No nothing.

Isaac felt himself getting worked up all over again. After all these years-… He knew that Jackson was a selfish Asshole but he never-….. Jackson KNEW what he had been going through. Knew about his father's treatment towards him for years and he-… Isaac closed his eyes and did his best to calm the hurting anger his wolf was overwhelmed with.

"Do it!" Jackson taunted… the blonde blue eyed wolf awaiting Isaac's finishing blow. Isaac let out a furious roar, his eyes blurred slightly with tears as his emotions ran rampant. Isaac felt so many things that it overwhelmed him and he didn't really know what he was doing all he knew was the anger. The hot burning ANGER he felt. His claws sharp as he readily began to swipe, aiming for Jackson's bared throat.

Remembering the way Jackson had revealed the skin of his throat to him. Meeting his eyes as if waiting for Isaac to hurry up and finish him. To kill him. Isaac felt sick, sick and disgusted with himself because he remembered wanting to. He had been angry enough that he had almost taken the opportunity to kill Jackson right then and there. It had been Araiya that had stopped him. Gripping his clawed hand, inches away from the flesh of Jackson's throat.

"Shh…. That's enough Isaac" Araiya cooed, like a mother would a crying child. Isaac was shaking and staring at her completely wrecked. Araiya's eyes glowed their Amethyst brightness that seemed filled with warmth. Isaac was so caught up in them that he didn't notice how the veins of her arm glowed golden from where she gripped him.

Thinking about Araiya, Isaac couldn't help but compare her to Davian. When he had met Davian he had thought it to be coincidental, Chris and he had already gone their separate ways. Isaac hadn't wanted to tag along with the hunter in seeking other hunter families who still followed the code. The both of them agreeing a werewolf in tow would only worsen matters. So Chris would send Isaac money to survive life in France and check in every 2 weeks or so. At first Isaac had tried to decline the help, not wanting to be a burden.

"Just take it kid." Chris ordered his face unmoving and eyes piercing.

"I don't need you to waste your money on me" Isaac countered his jaw tensed. Chris just huffed out a broken laugh that echoed hauntingly between them.

"The money was supposed to pay for Allison's College fund. Evidently I'm not going to need it anymore am I? It'll be better used on you than gathering dust in the bank. Just take it kid" Chris had replied. The mention of Allison hitting the both of them hard and so Isaac took it.

Isaac had been wondering around Paris at the time. Enjoying the freedom, the view and nursing the heartache in his chest. Convincing himself that he was healing from all the losses and tragedy Beacon hills had scared him with. There was a popular little café he had heard about from the locals. The place made great business as it was open to an Art Gallery next door and was regularly frequented by many. Curious over why the place was such a big deal, Isaac had gone to see it. Hoping to distract himself from his hauntings for another day.

The café food was alright, nothing special but it was the Art Gallery that had really got to him. When it came to art Isaac knew nothing about it. Just that some stuff looked cool and pretty and others weird and insane. But this was different…. It wasn't the way the paintings looked or what they portrayed. It was how they made him feel.

As he moved from painting to painting, Isaac felt the heavy weight in his chest loosen. Each painting depicting a different emotion in brush strokes and colour. It was addictive and Isaac found himself returning day after day and spending hours there. It wasn't long before Isaac had found pieces he loved the most, and was researching all he could on the mysterious artist A.N

Then he met Davian.

Isaac sipped at his hot chocolate and couldn't find it in him to drag his eyes away. The artist had used majority of pastel and nude colours for the portrait. The faces of the people blurred and undefined yet certain features told them apart. There were three beings in the painting all telling their own story, evoking different emotions despite being in the same setting. Most prominent was a girl, obviously supposed to be the main focus of the piece. The strokes used to depict her, smooth and compressed, as if the artist had used their fingers in place of a brush in some areas. The girl had nothing grand about her features, nothing that would label her a goddess or anything. Perhaps it was her simplicity- her plain Jane appearance that endeared her to everyone. That made you think of untainted beauty. The girl was smiling softly as her fingers were poised in position on the cello in her hold. Her brown hair cascading freely and her eyes closed, a picture of bliss.

When Isaac stared at her he felt calm. Warm and slightly cheery almost as if he could feel the girl in the painting's blissful peace as she played. It made him wish to join her, to hear the music she could produce and laugh. It reminded him of Allison when she would peer at him through her lashes and smirk at his words. Of when she would smile at him or when she would laugh. Of how she cared and worried for him. Somehow Isaac knew that if the girl in the painting had her eyes opened they would be brown. It made him remember the way Allison made him feel.

Then his eyes would drag his attention away from the cello girl to the background where the other two people in the painting were positioned. Cello girl was seated forward in the left corner of the canvas, her portrait filling majority of the space and grabbing attention first. Then slightly in the middle was a boy, a teenager. The collar of his shirt hiding majority of his face as he peered over his shoulder towards Cello girl. A basketball in his hands and his head tilted with his eyes detailed brightly with green. The artist had used darker paints to outline his person and the effect it caused made the boy look conflicted. Shaded and struggling with some inner turmoil of yearning. Isaac stared at the boy and remembered his need. The feeling of need for salvation, guidance, for affection. Isaac felt his heart stutter at the emotion the painted teen boy evoked from him. The green orbs of the boys gaze, looked mournful yet excessively loving as he stared at the girl. For some reason Isaac felt like he could connect with him.

And then finally the third figure in the painting. Isaac couldn't tell whether it was a girl or boy as the dark shadow like smudges derailed any details the artist had half-heartedly given them. They were painted smaller than the teen boy and Cello girl. Almost like an afterthought as if added as a minor detail to the story between the teen boy and Cello girl. Yet Isaac felt more from that figure than the others. It was like the artist was conflicted in what they wanted people to understand about that last character. A.N had used darker pastels and even lesser details yet somehow…..they still managed to portray so many shades. Anger, Fear, Worry, Reluctant Happiness, Desperation, Hope and Protective defense. The emotions so different from one another yet all somehow depicted through the single figure in the shadows.

Stepping back from the painting and finishing his drink, Isaac stared at the painting as a whole. Once again wondering what the story among the three people was.

"Desiderio di toccare" A deep voice spoke shocking Isaac out of his thoughts. For a brief moment Isaac wondered how he hadn't sensed the human man sneak up on him before staring at the man confused.

"I'm sorry what?" Isaac questioned.

"The Italian name for this painting. The French however call it something else. Envie de toucher" The man continued speaking with a quirky little smirk on his lips. The man looked to be 26 and important with his cashmere brown vest over a pristine fitted dark blue work shirt blouse. A white tie neatly tucked into his vest and fitted black suit pants. His ravenous black hair neatly combed and styled, his face sporting light stubble. He looked amused yet oddly still intimidating for a human.

"Yearning to touch" Isaac translated, eyeing the human man warily. His answer caused the man to smile his stormy grey eyes glittering brightly with praise.

"Exactly. Davian Royce Black at your service" He introduced with a hand out for a shake.

"Isaac Lahey. You don't sound French" Isaac responded whilst warily shaking his hand and scoping Davian out suspiciously. Davian let out a laughing chuckle and seemed to wave Isaac's somewhat rude words away.

"I suppose you are sort of right. You see my mother is Italian but my father is half French and half British" Davian smiled causing Isaac to smile slightly back. Having struggled to remember the last time he had smiled at anyone.

"I see you are another fan of A.N. These paintings are rather old work of theirs but people still love to come and see it. It's why I decided to set up this gallery, open to the public for free" Davian informed motioning idly to the building.

"You own this place- wait that means you know who A.N is!" Isaac exclaimed

"And they will remain a secret. It took a lot to even convince them to let me share their paintings with the world if keeping their identity a secret was their only condition then so be it. However I see that this particular piece has enamored you most" Davian spoke as he stared at the painting.

"Uh y-yeah I guess. It's just-… it reminds me of things" Isaac replied staring at the painting once more. Unaware of the side gaze Davian gave him before speaking.

"You wouldn't be the only one. Many people often find themselves or connect with A.N's work. Always talking of how their work makes' them feel. As such they often wonder for the truth behind the paintings origins, even about the artist."

Silence fell between the two males and they both just stared at the painting. Losing themselves to their own thoughts on what the story between the three may have been.

"What do you think, if you don't mind me asking?" Davian softly questioned. Isaac didn't mind but he still took a while to answer. To him the painting resembled the relationship between Allison, Scott and He. Like the green eyed teen, Isaac had looked to Allison and yearned for her. Hoped he could share in her presence and be graced with her affections. Yet also afraid, afraid that he would taint her beauty and ruin her grace because he was a werewolf and she was a hunter. The shadowy third figure in the background made him think of Scott, and how he might have felt towards Isaac falling for Allison. It was why he always came back to the painting. Because somehow it showed him the truth….. That despite how much Isaac had fallen for Allison….. Scott had been first. Allison had been his before she had ever been Isaac's. Yet it was Isaac who had run away, like a coward.

When he had fallen silent after his admittance, Davian had hummed. Before smiling at Isaac softly.

"You have a way with words. It's intriguing"

"Isaac!?" Danny called startling Isaac out of his thoughts reminding him of where he was.

"What?" Isaac asked wide eyed and slightly confused.

"I asked if I could turn off the lights. I just sent Nik those reports he wanted and finished enrolling you back into Beacon High"

"What!? Why would you enroll me back in school?" Isaac exclaimed causing Danny to roll his eyes and sigh.

"Because I was told to" Danny replied his tone implying he would not be elaborating any more than that and that Isaac would have to ask someone else. Biting his lip to hold his tongue and not annoy Danny, Isaac made a mental note to phone Chris first thing tomorrow and then call Davian to ask about Araiya.

Isaac just stared at Danny for a while, whilst the tan skinned teen made himself comfortable in bed and tapped at his phone. Feeling the werewolf's gaze on him, Danny side eyed Isaac with an inquiring smile.

"What?" He asked causing Isaac to hesitate before speaking.

"Why aren't you mad at me?"

"I don't see a reason why I should be" Danny shrugged only agitating and frustrating Isaac.

"I almost KILLED Jackson today, right in front of you. I basically beat the shit out of your best friend yet you offered me a place to stay!?" Isaac pointed out somewhat like a confused child sulking at the lack of reaction from a parent.

"Trust me the urge to kill Jackson is something I know well enough" Danny chuckled only to get 'I'm serious' vibes from Isaac. Sighing Danny put his phone down and decided to seriously answer Isaac's question.

"You and Jackson have history that doesn't involve me. Whatever it is, is between the two of you. From the way things were earlier it's obvious it's really bad" Danny started before his gaze hardened slightly. Intimidating Isaac for a bit before the werewolf straightened his back in attention.

"You saw what Jackson was going to let you do today" Danny stated, not needing to be specific because Isaac did know. Jackson was going to LET Isaac kill him.

"He's still a douchebag don't get me wrong but he's different now." Danny finished with a shrug before grabbing his phone and tapping away at it once more.

Danny hadn't specifically answered Isaac's question but somehow he understood. Basically Danny was leaving any issues between Jackson and Isaac alone. Obviously trusting the two to work it out with no one dying. Isaac lay back onto his mattress and stared at ceiling. The blue eyed, dirty blond curly haired wolf confused on how he felt about the whole thing.

Danny peeked over at Isaac's lying form before turning his gaze back to the open text message on his phone.

He's okay, No open wounds and all healed up. He's sleeping now – Danny

Just as Isaac's light snores began to fill the room, Danny's phone lit up silently with a reply.

Thanks –Jackson

It was only one word but somehow it meant so much more. Danny smirked at the reply before hooking his phone up onto the charger and laying back down comfortably. Don't get Danny wrong, he was mad, absolutely furious as he watched Jackson and Isaac fight. But it wasn't at Isaac or Jackson. He had known the minute Lazarus had begun baiting Derek and subtly restraining Araiya that something fishy was happening. At Isaac's angry spiel and desperate roaring question Danny then knew that someone had been blabbing.

Annoyed anger buzzed beneath the constant calm and friendly facade he constantly wore. His teachings with Nikolas serving him greatly in ways he never thought would be needed. But it had been compulsory of him to learn. Especially with how sensitive Jackson had been at the time. Danny knew that the pack only saw Jackson to be lighter and less scathingly mean but they had no idea. No idea of just how much of an improvement this Jackson was compared to the Jackson Danny had met in London.

Danny was to work on the right council under Scott. He was going to be working closely with Lydia as she was the oracle, however that would change nothing. Jackson would always be a main concern for Danny. Because they didn't know,... They didn't know just how close to gone Jackson had been.

---

*Augusta's Mansion*

Jackson felt the tension in his shoulders ease a bit after reading Danny's text. He had yet to change out of the bloody messy clothes from earlier, and still had several open wounds. The stinging pain and achy stab they caused every time he moved, hurt but he refused to let them heal. Instead he let the pain resound, dragged it out longer by applying pressure on them. Yet not once did he make a sound, or wince.

"Stop that!" A sharp voice ordered causing Jackson to release his thigh where his blunt human nails were squeezing. The claw wound oozing blood once more. Jackson kept his gaze to the ground, refusing to lift his head.

"Give me your arm" Araiya sighed as she placed the white bandages onto the bed. Jackson glared at her, clenching his teeth tightly in refusal.

"I wasn't asking Jack-Jack" Araiya countered her honey brown orbs daring. Stiffly and still reluctant, Jackson slowly reached out his arm. Dousing the scratches and wounds with alcohol, she cleaned at it. His entire arm felt as if it was on fire, His blood boiling and his skin burning. Yet still he made no sound, only staring at it blankly.

"I didn't teach you how to block out your emotions so you could abuse yourself like this" Araiya scolded as she finished up his arm and moved on to his other.

"It's not like I fucking asked you to teach me anyway" Jackson growled

"You didn't need to. Even if you weren't going to be my apprentice I would have offered to anyway" Araiya snorted. Jackson looked at her, silently asking why.

"You're too young to be as fucked up as I was….. Besides I might get jealous" Araiya smirked trying to make light of the topic. Jackson couldn't help but scoff out a laugh before it slowly faded into silence. Cutting his shirt open, Araiya continued to clean and bandage Jackson's wounds the human way.

"He had the right. He had the right to do it" Jackson softly spoke, barely a whisper but none the less heard. Araiya remained quiet leaving Jackson to share as much as he felt.

"I know I promised Danny I wouldn't. I swore I wouldn't, and I meant it. But if it was HIM….. I would let him" Jackson admitted. His tone strong and firm but it didn't hide the truth of his feelings from Araiya. With her massaging at his bruised skin and taking care of his injuries, Jackson slowly deflated. Slumping and leaning into Araiya's warmth like a wounded puppy, seeking comfort.

"So…. He's the kid huh" Araiya whispered receiving a small nod from Jackson.

As she continued her administrations, Araiya mulled over what this would mean. She remembered when she had met Jackson, the boy a completely different type of mess from now. When Davian had informed her that he wanted her to take on a student, she had been adamantly against it. That is until she met Jackson. From the first glimpse of him she knew that she was fucked. That the boy would become one of hers. Her stubbornness was what made her continue to outwardly reject having an apprentice, but it was mirrored by Jackson. And then somehow…slowly they became each other's helping hand. Jackson reminded her a little too much of Peter. From the times Peter would be such a dick and she would just want to punch him in the face, only Jackson was less finesse about his ways.

"Yeah….." Jackson confirmed.

It was perhaps 4 days before she had left Nik, Danny and Jackson in Europe. Making her way back to America, needing to move. When she had told Jackson, he had been understanding despite the harsh glares he aimed at her. However as her leave day drew closer Jackson began to relapse. Slowly freaking himself out over little things and losing the confidence she had so painfully given him back. He doubted his worth, doubted his parent's love, doubted everything and just lashed out. Finally they faced off in the most dirtiest and vicious one on one fight possible. Anything went, and words were flying. Secrets they had thought the other never knew, feelings and past fuck ups and insecurities spat at each other with every intention to hurt.

"I can't do it! I can't save anyone Raiya. I'm weak and pathetic and … I knew and I left him to suffer" Jackson emotionally rasped. Tears fell from his blue eyes with raw self-hatred and disgust. Araiya dropped the weapons in her hand and simply sat by Jackson's kneeling side. The sight of Jackson affecting her heavily as she remembered having a similar break down.

"When I was 14….. There was a boy" She began, sharing with him the story of how she had sealed away a part of Stiles. Of how she had to make him forget her because she was weak and couldn't protect him. Jackson listened intently, slowly easing down from his outburst. As she finished, the two just sat on the floor in silence. Both their faces wet from the raw emotional distraught they had just gone through.

"His dad was abusing him. I knew he was, I saw the marks, saw him hit him. I knew it was wrong, that it wasn't right and I tried to tell my Dad. Tried to help him, to make it stop because a parent shouldn't treat their kids like that" Jackson whispered gripping tightly at Araiya's arm as she had been carding her fingers through his hair in comfort. Araiya made no sounds of pain at his grip, even as the bone cracked and shattered. She just stayed silent and listened.

"But my dad needed evidence and I knew that the kid wouldn't talk. That abuse victims usually preferred to stay silent. So one night I tried to get evidence. The dad caught me, smashed the camera and threatened me into silence. Told me that he knew I was the reason for all the snooping." Jackson began to shake as he lost himself to the memory.

"I found out I was adopted that way. He told me about my real parent's and the day the Whitmore's brought me home. He took me to the basement of his house and pointed to the freezer" Jackson shakily continued almost heaving but Araiya didn't let go of him once.

"He said it was my fault. That he had to lock his son in the freezer because of me. I could- fuck I could hear him crying out for help. Screaming for his dad to let him out, his nails scratching at the walls. I was just a kid I couldn't-"

Jackson took a shuddering breath because he couldn't believe he was telling someone. No one knew about that day because Jackson had done as Mr. Lahey had said. He told no one about Isaac being locked away in the freezer, stopped his dad from investigating Mr Lahey. Afraid that if he continued Mr Lahey really would kill Isaac. A few days later his parent's confirmed he was adopted and it just-…Somehow, it made sense. Why he was so weak against Mr Lahey, Why he couldn't save Isaac. He wasn't a Whitmore, he was just some orphan who they took in out of pity.

"….. I had to be perfect. I had to be the best or else I couldn't protect anyone. But I knew that towards the end…. How strong I was or how perfect I got wouldn't matter. Because I still left him in that freezer." Jackson finished.

As Araiya hugged Jackson, she drained away the guilt and self-hatred he was slowly filling himself with. Her veins golden as she did so, ignoring the irritated glare Jackson cast at her.

"It was Stiles…. The boy was Stiles" Araiya traded, thinking it fair.

"Like I didn't already figure that out" Jackson scoffed with a sneer as he pulled himself away from Araiya's hug. Showing to her that he felt better by finally allowing his wounds to stitch up. The torn flesh mending within seconds, faster than what was considered possible. Just as Araiya had taught him, Jackson evaluated his emotional state before separating the pain from his person. Squishing any acknowledgment of the emotion until it was non-existent. Allowing his healing abilities to become faster.

Once again Jackson felt a fluttering of pride at having mastered the ability. As well as pride over his tight control on his emotions.

"I suppose it's quite obvious when you think about it" Araiya laughed before thinking on what she could trade. It was an unspoken deal between them that should one share an overly emotional and life threatening personal event the other would too. Seeing Jackson's impatient glare, Araiya suddenly was reminded of Peter. Which answered her problem.

"I killed the Hale family" She stated freezing Jackson in place and staring at her wide eyed. Araiya's heart stayed steady and her face showed no lies, nor did her emotions. Which was why Jackson could only stare.

"Peter came to me. Told me about Derek and Kate Argent, asking me to help him stop Derek from making a mistake. Instead I told him I was leaving that something had come up and I was leaving Beacon Hills. He didn't take it well" Araiya began with a sad laugh. Jackson just stared at her, unwilling to believe that Araiya had killed the Hales, because he knew. He knew how much loyalty she had toward Peter Hale. SO this couldn't be it, there had to be an explanation.

"You see with Decalion, Kali and Ennis's packs wiping themselves out. The council blamed my abilities, claimed I manipulated the Alpha's to turn on their pack. They ordered my death, claiming to have no other choice as I was clearly unstable. My Aunt and Father arranged for me to leave. Especially after Davian caught wind of rumours claiming I had infiltrated the Hale pack through Peter already and was gearing for their death." Araiya continued distantly losing herself to the memory.

"I was in Rio when I felt my link with Peter suffer. The link so damaged that I thought he was dead, I couldn't feel him at all. 2 hours later my phone call to my aunt got through and she told me about the fire. About how so far only two people survived and one was critical. I had hung up on her convinced Peter had been one of the deceased" Araiya finished with a shrug. Trying to seem nonchalant about the whole thing.

"That's it! You just said it yourself! You were in fucking Rio when the Fire happened. YOU couldn't possibly have killed the Hales!" Jackson snapped incredulously causing Araiya to glare.

"I may not have lit the match but I had let her grab the box. Peter told me about Derek fucking around with Kate Argent and I walked away. He asked for MY help and I fucking turned my back all because I thought I was keeping him and his pack- HIS FAMILY SAFE! FROM MY SHIT!" Araiya growled

"Kate set them on fire, Derek may have shown her the way but I'M the one who gave her the opportunity. My aunt would have noticed Kate Argent's name in the system, would have investigated her and stopped her from fucking with Derek if she hadn't been so busy trying to keep me safe. So yes Jackson….. I killed the Hale pack" Araiya ended leaving no room for contradiction.

Jackson and Araiya stared at each other, both just silently digesting all the emotional outpour they spouted tonight. Slowly Jackson began to sneer at Araiya before scoffing at her.

"You're fucked up you know that" He spoke and Araiya just shrugged back

"You're fucked up too"

And just like that the topic was over. Getting up and packing away the left over bandages, Araiya ruffled Jackson's hair causing him to scowl and push her hands away in annoyance.

"With that over, I want you to take a shower and clean up any mess you make. I'll order you some pizza for dinner because I'm too tired to cook after today and I know you've been craving it." She prattled before leaning forward and kissing Jackson swiftly on the forehead causing him to roll his eyes and huff.

"Don't stop those wounds healing past 12. I mean it Jackson, I'll check it in the morning if I have too. No more guilt tripping alright. Otherwise Danny is probably going to throw a fit and you know I hate it when Sunshine gets cloudy." Araiya warned with a pointed finger.

"Whatever" Jackson retorted before standing up and grabbing his towel.

"You should call your dad okay" Araiya added softly before making her way out and closing the door behind her. Jackson stared after her before looking at his phone. Grabbing it, he inhaled deeply before dialing.

"Jackson? Son? Is that you?" David Whitmore answered and Jackson felt himself choke back a cry of relief at the word 'son'.

"Yeah Dad… it's me!" Jackson replied his tone steady and strong. The fear in his chest loosening as it always did when his father would call him that. A nice reminder that he had been wanted by the Whitmores… just as he was.

---

As she heard Jackson converse with his father over the phone. Araiya relaxed, knowing that Jackson would be just fine, easing her worry for the night. She made her way to the hallway closet, putting the left over bandages away before making her way to where the others were crowded. The closer she got, the more her stride turned agile and silent. Her movement became prowling like a predator, moving to hunt for the night.

"RAI! There you are! You were taking ages I was beginning to think you'd gone and taken a nap" April whined childishly from her sprawled position on the couch. Jeff was seated in his single chair, sipping on a cup of tea, eyeing Araiya's form tensely. Peter was sitting on the piano seat, looking pensive and staring intensely at Araiya, almost as if he discovered something he couldn't believe.

Lazarus though stood by the fireplace, downing several swigs of whiskey as he watched her blankly. Despite how casual the atmosphere appeared, EVERYONE knew that danger was afoot. Minus April who cheerfully didn't care, enjoying the reunion, eagerly anticipating what would occur next.

"Arai-"

Lazarus didn't even get to finish her name before Araiya had stabbed him. Pinning him to the fireplace frame with the fire poker. The object speared right through his middle causing him to cough in pain. Lazarus gripped at the fire poker, trying to tug it out only to be stopped by the talon like claws wrapped around his neck. Choking him on his cries and drawing blood, the threat clear that at a simple twist of her wrist, his head would no longer be connected to his body.

"You try some sort of shit like this again and I will shove a stake up your ass and slow cook you over an open fire" Araiya snarled her eyes glaring with promise. Rings of gold, amethyst and honey brown in her eyes.

"I told you not to do it" April chided but the grin on her lips looked entertained.

"I'm bound to the Black family. You know this. It was on Boston's orders because he knew you'd be too easy on the kid's punishment. Isaac and Jackson needed a push to confront each other in order to be able to work together" Lazarus managed to rasp out despite his situation. Araiya growled, flashing her fangs in threat and squeezing tighter around his throat, digging her talons into his flesh.

"I DON'T FUCKING CARE! Jackson is one of my kids, which means he's one of MINE. If a Black orders you to do something involving them YOU run it through ME first."

Jeff shivered at the aura Araiya was exuding, feeling his old heart pound with fear. April relaxed further into her seat having already expected this to be the outcome the minute Lazarus was given his orders. Don't be getting the wrong idea. Lazarus and Araiya were friends but he wasn't considered one of Araiya's. And that made all the difference in the world. Peter just watched the entire thing with passive interest his mind running over other things.

"U-Understood" Lazarus growled out only easing when Araiya released his throat. Gripping the fire poker in his stomach, Lazarus pulled it out and grunted in pain as his wound slowly began to close up. Wiping his hands on his shirt and chucking the fire poker away he whined at the blood.

"Ugh…. This is going to stain. A shame really I quite liked that shirt" Lazarus pouted

"I didn't, the colour was all wrong!" April chirped

Shaking off the blood on her hand, Araiya rolled her eyes at April before chucking the bottle she had gotten earlier from the basement towards Lazarus.

"Here!" She called to the vampire.

"Oooh Serena Delacour ….sounds delicious" He crooned before opening the bottle and pouring himself a glass. The red liquid thick, and rustic in scent. Sipping at it, Lazarus practically purred with delight.

"Mmh… god she must have been beautiful" Lazarus moaned only to have Araiya blankly stare at him as he went for another drink.

"I suppose. If 6 fingered with warts on her face and oozing pus boils on her lips are your type" Araiya blandly delivered causing April to fall off her seat in laughter and Peter to smirk. Jeff felt a little green at the description having already been uncomfortable at the bottle in the first place. Lazarus spat out the blood and glared at Araiya's deadpanned expression. However her eyes twinkled with mirth at his expense and he couldn't find it in him to be mad.

"Ah well…. Beggars can't be choosers" The vampire shrugged before continuing to drink the liquid.

"How is Mr Whitmore if I may inquire?" Jeff asked hoping to change the topic.

"He'll be okay. I'm ordering pizza though so can you keep an ear out for it Jeff" Araiya sighed as she reached for the phone. As she spoke, April wondered closer to the others and clutched at her chest before clasping her hands together under her chin.

"Look at her Laz! She's so maternal! Like a caring mother for her baby boy, catering to his needs and taking care of him" She dreamily praised.

"Indeed you're right" Lazarus smirked

Peter rolled his eyes at the two, whilst Jeff just stared at them judgingly. Peter of course remembered April hazily from when she was in school with Derek and Araiya. As such her behaviour wasn't all weird or annoying, if anything she was still the same as she was back then. Only a lot calmer.

Eyeing the curvaceously body blessed hybrid, Peter privately praised just how well into herself the girl had grown. It made him curious about her uses and strange quirks. She had been quite the informant with her stalker craze.

After ordering the Pizza, Araiya had busied herself in the kitchen most likely listing what needed to be restocked. Leaving Lazarus, Peter, April and Jeff in the company of each other. April was humming to herself kicking her feet into the air as she sat upside down on the couch whilst Lazarus fed on the blood he was gifted.

A few minutes passed like that until the doorbell rang. Jeff had gone and paid for the pizza before informing Araiya of its arrival. April clapped her hands at the pizza boxes before eagerly pulling a box towards herself. Peter perused the boxes in passive interest, not entirely eager to eat the take out junk. Seconds before April could take a bite, Araiya had snatched it away.

"HEEEEY! Raiya I was going to eat that!" April whined in annoyance

"I'm not happy with you either April" Araiya retorted before handing the pizza slice to Jackson. The blond werewolf teen, accepting the slice with an arrogant smirk. April glared at the two before pointing an accusing finger at Lazarus. Having just finished a shower and feeling refreshed and better, Jackson enjoyed April's annoyance. Jackson noticed the rustic scent of blood in the room, could see the blood stain on Lazarus's shirt. However he just shrugged at it knowing the vampire probably deserved it.

"HE'S the one who told Isaac! What could I have done!? You know he's bound to follow orders from any member of the BLACK family. I couldn't do anything about that!" April whined

"You could have told me" Araiya bluntly replied as she handed a box over to Jackson. She also placed a reheated plate of ravioli in front of Peter. The delicious aroma appeasing the older wolf, better than the pizza delivered.

April huffed and glared at the ground knowing Araiya was right. It was only when April's stomach growled in hunger that Araiya seemed to relent.

"When was the last time you ate actual food" Araiya asked causing April to sheepishly pout.

"Um….. Before the last mission Davian sent Laz and I on" April replied

Unlike Lazarus who has been a Vampire since he was turned in 1803, April was only half. After killing the vampire who had turned him Lazarus had struggled with what he was, especially his control. It was only when he had met the Head Keeper at the time that he found a solution to his lack of control. Lazarus had chosen to bind himself to the Main Black family, to follow their orders and aid the Head of the Black family with any and all needs. Over the years he had come to be known as the Black Butler…. Because he would listen and be controlled by no one other the Blacks.

April was actually Mike's HALF sister. They shared the same father but had different mothers. Whereas Mike's mother was a seer, April's mother was a cherub or more fondly known as a Cupid. The woman had rebelled against her duties and instead chose to fall in love herself rather than set up couples on Heaven's orders. It was practically unheard of a Cupid becoming a parent however April's birth proved them wrong. As April's father was a human she was not a full cupid like her mother. Instead she had the ability of seeing compatibility between people. Unfortunately that didn't always mean the couple would have a happy ever after. It was part of why she was so weird in high school. Her obsessive need to see compatible people become one. When she met Lazarus, something about him endeared her and one day she asked if he could turn her. Offering to keep him company throughout his servitude to the Black family. Because she was only half human, the vampire venom only converted her human side leaving her to be a hybrid. Half cupid and half vampire.

"You shouldn't starve yourself April" Araiya scolded before passing April a box.

Lazarus and April stilled and stared at Araiya with surprise. Clutching the box in her hands, April almost sniffled as she tried to hold back her joy. Lazarus couldn't find it in him to look away because it had been too long…. Much too long since he had seen Araiya be this at ease. The last time he had seen Araiya this relaxed and concerned being the first time he met her….. When she was 3. Araiya was oblivious to their looks, too busy eating her own pizza and thinking on what she had to do tomorrow. She caught sight of the messy pizza sauce on Jackson's chin and sighed before passing him a napkin.

"Don't be messy Jack-Jack, girls don't like that" she teased causing Jackson to growl back and tell her to shut up. When she laughed it proved too much for April. The hybrid promptly beginning to tear up emotionally, startling Jackson and Araiya. The latter two staring at the crazy hybrid with wide eyed looks screaming 'What the hell?'

"OH MY GOOOOOOOOD! RAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIYYYYYYAAAAAAAA!" April cried dropping the pizza box and clinging to Araiya tightly. Araiya could only startle and grunt out her annoyance whilst Jackson snarled at April to let Araiya go.

"LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE GETTING BETTER! I CANT- I'M JUST- I'M SOOOOOO PRRROOOOOOUUUUD" April warbled as she continued to sob in happiness despite Jackson constantly insulting and snapping at her to let go. Araiya was too busy trying to gasp for air again.

"Might I offer some assistance?" Jeff asked as he returned with a very pink and very fluffy teddy bear holding a heart which said 'I LOVE YOU'. April instantly squealed before clutching the teddy bear and babbling to it her happiness.

"She's a fucking nutjob!" Jackson snapped as he ate his pizza.

Despite all that commotion, Peter had ate silently. Lazarus slowly dragged his gaze away from Araiya and met the older werewolf's gaze. The two silently exchanging promises of a talk later revolving on their concerns for Araiya's health. Peter was well aware that it was Lazarus who had monitored Araiya's health after she had disappeared. Nothing would stop him from uncovering just who was responsible for scaring and torturing his minion so badly. Especially with what he had overheard earlier when he had been eavesdropping on Araiya's talk with Jackson. Peter's grip on his fork tightened and he filled his mouth once more with ravioli to calm himself and his wolf's crazed anger.

---

Araiya's Pov

I could only sigh in exasperation after April had released me. Yet I couldn't deny that I had somewhat missed her special type of insanity. As we all ate and talked idly, I felt myself sink into my seat and slowly grow silent. If Davian had given April and Lazarus permission to come here then it could only mean things were getting worse. No doubt they were to update me on the things Uncle Ricardo and Uncle Mikael were deliberating hiding from me about the family. The throbbing of my head started up again and I clenched my fingers stiff to avoid rubbing at it.

"Whatever it is you're thinking about I suggest you don't" Peter spoke out casting a glare at me in warning. I winced knowing that he had done that on purpose. Lazarus, April, Jackson and Jeff were all staring at me with inquiry.

"Sorry Petey" I apologised with a shrug and playful smirk.

"Miss Black might I remind you that Dr Valack specifically said not to stress yourself after your outburst. Your health depends on it" Jeff scolded and I cursed him inwardly for mentioning the incident in front of Jackson.

"What outburst? What the fuck is he on about Araiya?" Jackson demanded his eyes glinting with demand.

"Thank you Jeff" I gritted out. Annoyed because I hadn't wanted Jackson to find out about my breakdown. Especially after his little reunion with Isaac. Jackson knew I was messed up, the two of us had bonded over our shared interactions with falling off the edge and taking a leap towards being gone. However I never let him know that I had been driven towards that point 2 times in my lifetime. Tortured towards it once and missing 6 months of memories because of it. I made sure he never saw how bad my scars were.

"It's nothing Jack-Jack. I had a bit of a breakdown due to stress a few days back" I confessed keeping my tone soft and dismissive so not to panic the teen. I hadn't lied and my emotions were controlled so he wouldn't pick up any abnormalities in my sentence. When his shoulders relaxed and he bit into his pizza again, I knew I'd convinced him. Damning eyes of accusation from Peter did nothing to guilt me.

"We should discuss important matters now before it gets any later" I quickly moved on

Lazarus straightened and so did April, the atmosphere shifting into a more serious mood. Even Jackson listened intently.

"The Branch family is stirring up trouble. They are not happy with Ricardo's decision to leave and comfort Mikael" Lazarus started and I frowned at the news.

The Black family split between the Main and the Branch over the years. To appease and assure equality despite the split the Head Keeper at the time formed a Family council. One where the branch members of the family still had a chance to voice their opinions. It was an old and outdated thing huge and important families had done back in the day. Something that wasn't needed or used much anymore.

In summary the Branch family made up the council and it was them that wanted me dead.

"How bad is it?" I asked awaiting to hear how much I should be concerned about.

"There are high chances of their being a mole. However my investigations suggest otherwise" April contributed with a blank face. Losing her crazy childish personality and settling into her work mode.

"Something tells me it's worse than a mole" Peter muttered

"My findings are indicating that the Branch family are gathering to overhaul authority. They have grown too arrogant and greedy with their power and hold the belief that they know what is best for the Beacon" April continued

"Your father suspects that they organised the attack on Mikael's pack and is currently gathering proof. Davian predicts that your father and his siblings will be in need of a reunion soon and suggests Beacon hills as the location. Lenora is still obsessing over Tristen's whereabouts and Jeanne is reluctant to get involved with this mess" Lazarus spook his tone grave and serious.

I hated family politics and Davian knew it. Which was why he was forewarning me about the chances of a reunion. It also meant I had to get a move on with the teens because my Dad's siblings would all be judging their worth as court members. If even one of them disapproved or disliked a member of the pack they would refuse them and could overrule their claim over Beacon Hill's territory. Regardless if they had Hales in the pack or not.

"Peter, Jackson you two need to construct a training schedule for your group ASAP. My main concern is Scott. I suspect his Alpha instincts are warring within him. If he isn't already feeling threatened by my involvement with things he's going to soon. He also needs to be heavily trained on Alpha etiquette and leadership necessities." I stated looking to Peter and Jackson.

Despite the sneers of dislike on both their faces, they both nodded in understanding. In spite of me being a Keeper and owning the rights to this territory legally, Scott was still an alpha. His territorial instincts would surface and he could challenge whoever he deems as a threat for trying to steal his territory. And with how contained he kept his wolf, if the boy were to blow up it would be messy. True Alpha's were the absolute worse when it came to territory. They weren't always as pure and good as some people liked to think.

"Danny and I have a way that might speed things up with the pack getting along" Jackson added

"Even with Isaac's arrival?" Peter questioned with a raised eyebrow and Jackson just scoffed

"Even better" Jackson retorted causing Peter to smirk in impressed amusement.

"I also contacted Olly on the Parish issue. She said she'll look into it and if anything concrete pops up she send it over with Cora" I added

"Does she at least know what's going?" Jackson asked referring to the fact that Stiles and the others were still in the dark excluding Isaac. However I had a feeling that Stiles and Lydia were on their way to figuring things out on their own.

"She got the option same like you." I answered

"Curious that she hasn't told Derek though" Peter hummed

"According to Olly, Cora's keeping lip tight about a lot of things and despite the training she hasn't given an okay to joining the court" I shared causing Peter to nod.

I could feel his proud approval at Cora's actions. Which was something I understood. Cora saw the opportunity in gaining training without actually having to commit to the court. Chances were she probably wanted to talk things over with Derek but didn't want him to immediately tell her off and be left with no training in the end. It was rather sly of her but something I expected seeing as Peter had always been proud of that aspect of hers.

"Morell is proving to be more useful then we first considered" Jeff contributed

"Yes well considering she's spent the last few visits of mine, hovering for information on our plans, I'm a little surprised" Peter snorted

"She reports that Deaton's visit to the Druid Council was not as he had hoped. They rejected his concerns and refused to hear out his pleas. She is currently working on convincing him of the benefits the McCall pack will gain with a Keeper's presence" Jeff continued

"Why all the effort, I wonder?" Lazarus hummed

"Desperation perhaps? If convincing Deaton of McCall's safety is her angle than she won't have much trouble. Deaton will agree, mostly because Scott reminds him so much of my sister." Peter smirked

"His Love for your sister was a hopeless one. Their compatibility was weak and the heavens had no wishes of joining them" April tittered with a shake of her head.

"Hm… what of the other Banshee? Meredith." I questioned silently asking if she would be of help to Lydia.

"I see the benefits however I'm not entirely sure if Miss Martin will see it as such." Jeff added unsurely

"Don't doubt her. She's a lot stronger than she seems" Jackson growled hearing the doubt in Jeff's tone. The defense in his posture showing that he would not stand for anyone saying anything negative or doubting about the red-head.

"How about things with Nik. He sounded stressed last I heard from him" April cut in asking me.

"He's not exactly happy with my mother right now and is very annoyed with my father" I replied which caused Jackson to snort and snicker.

"Speaking of your mother, you should know that she was spotted in Brazil recently. She was reportedly sighted following a blonde werejaguar in an underground market" Lazarus added

"Mother has her own plans right now, she'll be fine." I brushed off

"Your father and Deucalion are in the process of recruiting and if you ask me, Deucalion is having a little too much fun in sending Agent McCall around in circles. The two are bonding better than I expected"

Peter sent an inquiring look my way and I smirked in response.

"Daddy likes to make friends with rather strange people. Where did you think I got it from?" I teased

"There's only one more thing you should know" Lazarus interrupted

"Your cousin Alice has asked to be wiped and Sarah has gone missing. Mikael isn't exactly stable at the moment so Samuel is currently running their pack"

I wasn't sure what to think or feel about that piece of information. I was never close with Uncle Mikael's children and I knew for a fact Alice hated me. However I understood why she did. Sarah was always annoying and Hector was a brat. Samuel was too meek and Olly was Uncle Mikael's stepdaughter. However to ask to be wiped… that was rather permanent.

To be wiped meant to forget EVERYTHING that tied the person to the supernatural community. There would be no way to remember, everything would be permanently deleted. It was developed as a failsafe back when Humans were less accepting of things supernatural. However it had been banned from use sometime in the 1990's.

Gritting my teeth I suddenly felt angry at Alice and her selfish request. To ask her father to have her wiped was the worse she could have done to him. Uncle Mikael loved his children and I suspected them to be his anchor. He would do anything for them and to have already lost one son and a daughter missing, she asks him to allow her to forget. She wouldn't remember her family, wouldn't remember that her father was a werewolf and she was his human child. It was suddenly a lot clearer as to why Uncle Ricardo had gone to comfort his twin.

"How is Samuel doing?" I asked after taking a deep breath to calm myself.

"He seems to be coping well enough. Although you should thank Danny for recommending his friend Ethan to helping him." Lazarus added with a smirk which resulted in Jackson laughing

"Ethan is banging him isn't he!?" Jackson laughed

I paused at that information and just blinked. I didn't know Samuel was gay!?

"64 % compatibility! Although with Danny added into the mix their Compatibility rate increases to 100%! GAAAAAAAH IT WOULD BE A MAGICAL LOVE THREESOME! JUST IMAGINE! Samuel the meek, insecure Alpha werewolf and then Ethan the confident beta with a tragic past AND THEN you add in Danny! The human tech with the gorgeous dimples and hot bod! MMMH MHHMM I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOOOOOVE IT! YAAASS I SHIP IT! IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN!" April began to fangirl her eyes practically lighting up with excitement. Only Jeff stared at her as if she needed to see a therapist or something. The rest of us were well used to her already and considering she had been worse in school this was preferred. I wondered what Jeff would say when he found out April was actually an approved Therapist with a psychology degree?

"I bet that's why Danny's been so sensitive about anyone grabbing his phone." Jackson sneered with a scowl.

"Is that jealousy I detect? Don't be so pouty Jackson I'm sure you're somebodies type" Peter mockingly taunted

"I'm everybody's type" Jackson sneered back

"Not when I'm in the room" Peter muttered with a smug grin

Anything else that was to be said between the two was stopped when April suddenly gasped and stared at them wide eyed.

"Oh my god….." She whispered and I suddenly began to recognize the look in her eyes. Peter could probably tell he was going to hate whatever she said next and Lazarus was already grinning.

"What the hell are you looking at?" Jackson snapped uneasily.

"Your compatibility rate is 73%" she replied with awe.

There was a beat of silence before everything exploded into some kind of chaos. I fell back clutching my stomach in laughter unable to forget the look of mortification on Jackson's face. Peter actually looked like he was thinking about it which only made me laugh. Evidently it proved too much for Jackson when he heard April begin to gush about the best date locations and perfect children's name.

"You're a fucking psycho- GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!" Jackson shouted as he rushed towards his room.

"WAIT! YOU HAVEN'T EVEN HEARD WHAT COLOUR YOUR SUIT SHOULD BE FOR YOUR WEDDING!" April screeched after him.

Evidently that was how this very serious briefing had come to an end. I let out one last giggle before relaxing back into my seat allowing myself to mull over what I just learnt later.

---

*Currently in Italy*

"Perche '? Perché!? Perché dovrei essere litigato in formazione un altro? Ho già un apprendista a Danny. Io non voglio né bisogno un altro adolescente di gestire." (Why? Why!? Why should I be wrangled into training another? I already have an apprentice in Danny. I do not want nor need another teenager to manage)

Chris motioned for another shot as he watched Nik yell in Italian at his phone. The hunter couldn't help but laugh at the sight, his mind absently acknowledging the resemblance the werewolf had with Isabella. Isabella Fuller was a mother…. Of THREE and happily MARRIED! Chris quickly downed his shot and winced at the harsh burn in his throat before placing the glass back on the counter.

"Another one!" He ordered.

"Don't you think you should slow down?" Giovanni Abandonato commented before doing as asked.

Chris just glared at the Italian Hunter before shaking his head with an exasperated laugh.

"Nope. Because if I do that voice of reason that sounds suspiciously like my father is going to start up again" Chris replied his voice deep with exhaustion and his words slightly slurred. Giovanni remained silent before placing another shot in front of Chris and watching as he downed it just as fast as the others.

"I mean what the hell am I doing? My baby sister is somewhere probably killing even more people with her newfound abilities and here I am gallivanting around Europe with another teen werewolf" Chris continued

"DAMMIT DAVIAN! YOU KNOW I HATE TEACHING KIDS!" Nik snarled drawing the two hunter's attentions.

Chris snorted at the action before shaking his head with a laugh.

"Yep he's Isabella's alright"

Giovanni watched the drunk Hunter at his bar intensely. There wasn't a Hunter alive who hadn't heard of what happened to the Argent family. There were mixed responses concerning what had been said to have happened. Some of the old Hunter families praised Kate and Gerard's methods for how they tried to wipe the wolves out but only in private and never out loud. Some were disgusted at the cruelty deeming it just as monstrous as the beasts themselves. However at the end of the day Gerard and Kate had broken the code and it was all that mattered.

Looking at the clearly broken man in front of him, Giovanni felt sympathetic for him. Chris Argent had become one of THE most respected Hunter's to ever exist. His loyalty to the code endearing many of the old hunter families to him even more so after they heard of his loss. And everyone knew that Argent's legacy would die with Chris Argent. The proud family name, ending with the man.

"How do you know Isabella?" Giovanni asked hoping conversation would hinder Chris from drinking more.

"My mother introduced us when we were kids." Chris indulged taking note of the way Giovanni seemed to look surprised.

"That's a long time to have known the princess"

Chris stilled at the word princess and looked at Giovanni with expecting eyes. Slowly Giovanni became even more surprised that the Hunter before him travelled with Isabella's son but had no idea she was considered a princess.

"I am slowly under the impression that you do not know Isabella's origins"

"She's royalty!" Chris sceptically stated. Giovanni frowned at the tone and the disrespect but let it slide considering Chris was drunk and in the dark about the whole thing.

"Not really. Here in Italy the Mafia is treated and considered somewhat royalty. Isabella was the youngest daughter and third child to the last Mafia boss of one of the Main Mafia families. Her brother is the current boss. You will not come across a Crime involved family in Europe that does not know of her." Giovanni informed.

Chris could only stare. Isabella Fuller, the same pain in the ass who stabbed his father with a fork when they were kids was considered a princess. The more he thought about it the more things seemed to make sense. Why his mother had introduced them in the first place.

"Her last name isn't really Fuller is it" was all Chris had to say in response.

"Heh… not even close. There are also rumours that the she and her family are a breed of supernatural creatures that were once feared for their power and are now incredibly rare to come upon."

"Any idea what it might be?" Chris asked but Giovanni only shrugged

"No idea. Be warned that anyone who ever tried to find out never lived long enough to share. Isabella's brother is known to be incredibly short tempered and his punishments torturous"

Chris mulled over Giovanni's words, revaluating everything he knew about Isabella Fuller. As he did that Nik had made his way to join the two hunters with a scowl on his face.

"I take it your brother said something you didn't like" Chris smirked causing the werewolf to growl and flash his blue eyes in irritation. Chris had come to find that Nikolas was rather grumpy and too serious for a 21 year old. Sometimes the hunter even forgot that the werewolf was still a kid compared to him. Especially when they would be doing business.

"Nothing short from the usual. Let's hurry up and start negotiations so we can meet with Donati and Padovano tomorrow. We still got to visit France and make the rounds from your list. The minute we finish that we got to catch a flight over to South America." Nik started to list as he tapped at his phone, but the scowl on his face deepened. The two hunters shared a look before turning back to watch Nik.

"What's waiting for us in South America?" Chris asked

"My cousins Olly and Travis. Araiya wants to figure out what the deal is with some officer working for the Sheriff, so Davian thought it best the two of us go."

"Why?"

"Cora Hale is currently over there and she'll be working with your wolves in Beacon Hills. She's not entirely buying into the whole court thing and Davian reckons she won't give a definite answer till she talks it over with her brother. He doesn't trust that she won't be attacked if she travels back on her own. Therefore the two of us will be travelling back with her as backup just in case." Nik listed off his tone serious

"Danny just sent me an update on how things in Beacon Hills is going. Isaac arrived and is currently staying with him at his aunt's house. Apparently he's still too raw to meet with Scott and Derek. Expect a call sometime later about him starting school again and what not"

Giovanni watched as the 21 year old werewolf rattled off information without looking up once from his phone and continuous tapping. Chris had just nodded his head absorbing the update like it was nothing strange. Giovanni marvelled slightly at just how well and comfortable the two worked together….. Which only spurred his curiosity even more as to what they could want from him.

"Now do you want to start or shall I?" Nik huffed

"As the head of the Abandonato hunting family we wish to offer you a chance" Chris started dryly.

"Hm... and just what sort of chance will an Argent and a werewolf present?" Giovanni smirked

"You've heard about the Beacon. The myth pertaining its existence perhaps even the prophecy and its promise" Nikolas spoke next his eyes narrowed carefully studying Giovanni's reaction.

Giovanni froze as the tales from his father and mother's stories surrounding the Beacon prophecy resounded in his head. Not many Hunting families cared for it, most considered it to be a myth but the old Hunter families who stemmed from the hunters who had witnessed the Beacon's abilities knew the truth. His gaze turned sharp and his posture straightened. Nik smirked in satisfaction at the response.

"A Beacon of peace and unity. A promise of paradise" Giovanni recited his tone somewhat awed and wistful. Chris inwardly rolled his eyes having seen the same reaction 5 times now from the other hunter families they had visited. No matter how glorious the damn stump might be considered Chris still remembered it as the tree he was almost sacrificed to.

"My mother named you and your family as one of those that would be willing to aid in its rise" Nik casually added subtly inflating the man's ego even more. A few spoken words later and Giovanni was bidding Chris and Nik goodbye with a knowing smirk on his lips.

"Abandonato family. Check" Nik muttered as he deleted it from his list on his phone. Chris just scoffed in amusement. The minute Nikolas would mention his mother's recommendation the entire thing was basically done and dusted. Things made a lot more sense as to WHY Isabella's recommendations were so flattering.

"If all it takes is the mention of your mother. Why the hell am I tagging along for all this meet and greet stuff" Chris grumbled as he started the car and began to drive them back to the hotel.

"Isn't it obvious? Mom knows you don't have it in you to kill your sister. She's taking care of it for you instead. An easy trade really, you help me recruit suitable hunter families to protect Beacon Hills and she punishes your fucked up sister for her mess. Besides you're an Argent, the name helps" Nik carelessly informed uncaring for the way Chris grew annoyed and sombre at his words.

Chris grew silent and was unsure of how he felt about Isabella going after Kate. As the ride continued he thought about Allison again and what she would think on everything.

"Nous protégeons ceux qui ne peuvent pas se protéger eux-mêmes. We protect those who cannot protect themselves" The phantom whisper of her voice echoed.

Steeling himself, Chris tried his best to ignore the ache in his chest.

"Here!" Nikolas suddenly offered, holding out a bottle of whiskey

"I'm driving!" Chris warned emptily but Nik only shrugged.

"I'll heal"

The unspoken understanding evident in the way the werewolf opened the bottle almost enticing Chris to take it. The both of them knowing what the real offer was. A way out. A way to join Allison and escape the shitty life he was living. With one hand on the wheel, Chris reached for the bottle and chucked it out the window. Ending the discussion like he did every time Nikolas would offer at the end of the day. As Chris focussed his eyes back on the road, Nik hid his smirk of respect for the hunter and continued to tap away at his phone.

---

*Back in Beacon Hills: Stilinski Household*

Stiles yawned as he climbed the steps towards his room. His dad called to let him know he was staying at the station a while longer, eager to figure out something more on those runes concerning Victim 6. Also with Malia having left to her father's after the dramatic arrival of Isaac, Stiles had the house to himself.

He was also very exhausted having spent quite a while doing his best friend duties. Scott was actually pretty spooked and nervous about Isaac's return even more so after the way Isaac had been beating the shit out of Jackson. When Isaac had chosen to just up and leave he hadn't told no one that he would be joining Chris. Scott only found out after he had sought to find Isaac a few days later. In a panic he had called everyone worried that Isaac might have gone to do something stupid. However Derek had left with Cora and Stiles was still wrung out about the Nogitsune thing at the time. Luckily Chris let him know that Isaac was okay.

Now Scott had no idea what to say or do concerning Isaac. The true alpha was quite convinced that Isaac probably didn't want to talk to him. Stiles had listened like the best friend he was and sprouted all the positive and realistic reassurances he could think of. In the end he had urged Scott to talk things over with Kira.

"How can Kira help?" Scott questioned with his typical puppy confused tone. Stiles just sighed and closed the book he had been scribbling on.

"I don't know how she puts up with you. Look don't you think Kira is probably feeling a little unsure about the whole thing?" Stiles replied

"Um….. No?" Scott warily responded

"Dude think about it. Isaac was dating Allison at the time and she and you had been doing whatever the heck you two call what you had been doing- I'm not calling it flirting because that was like worse and just tragic. Anyway – Isaac hadn't been the one to cradle Allison in her last moments. It was you and Kira told Malia who told me about how awkward and unsure she had been about starting a relationship with you later on" Stiles informed softly uncomfortable remembering the day Allison died.

"But why would it be-"

"Think about it Scott. Allison was your first love and she died in your arms. Not only was Kira there to see it but she also still wanted to be in a relationship with you. Don't you think she might have been a little worried on whether you actually liked her or if she was just being used as a way to get over Allison?" Stiles continued

Stiles had thought a lot about these things, especially on nights where he couldn't sleep. Privately, Stiles was under the impression that sometimes Kira felt like she had to prove herself to them. To prove she could be just as good as Allison. She didn't have to, because she was nice and they all genuinely liked her but Stiles could understand why she was so insecure about her place in the pack. It explained why she always tried her best.

Which was why he thought Kira would be the best person to talk to about Isaac. After all in a way Isaac was sort of in the same boat. He had been dating Allison at the time and Stiles was pretty sure that the curly haired werewolf had been falling in love with Allison. However it wasn't him who had been cradling Allison and holding her before she died. Instead it was Scott…. Her first love. If anything Kira would be able to explain what Isaac possibly felt a lot better to Scott than Stiles could.

"Dude just talk to Kira about it alright." Stiles urged once more. He heard Scott sigh and mutter out a yeah before relaxing himself. Mentally patting himself on another Best friend duty accomplished.

"Hey Stiles?" Scott questioned his tone somewhat awkward and nervous

"Yeah buddy!" Stiles replied as he rummaged through his draw

"Thanks" his tone sincere

"Dude what else are best bro's for!? Look man just trust me on this and talk to Kira."

Switching off the hallway lights, Stiles wondered if Scott would actually take his advice. He had just opened his bedroom door when something grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him the rest of the way in. Shoved up against the back of his bedroom door, Stiles had a split second to recognize his attacker before they had brought their lips together in a heated and angry kiss.

"Mmf mmh Malia wha?" Stiles stammered in surprise when his girlfriend had pulled away for a second. Her eyes were glowing their coyote blue and she was obviously a mixture of angry, hurt, frustrated and confused.

"Talk later!" She growled before pressing their mouths together again. Despite his confusion, Stiles returned the kiss letting Malia's grip on his wrist restrain him against the door. When her hands left his wrists to rip off his shirt, he was still a little dazed from the ferocity of her kiss. It was only when he noticed the way her hands shook slightly and her teeth clench tightly that he realized that something was really upsetting her.

"Malia! Hey" He called carefully not wanting to suddenly spook her. Grabbing her clenched hands in his own he cupped her face and forced her to look at him.

"What's wrong? Come on talk to me" He urged.

Malia was desperately trying to control her coyote and with the full moon approaching in a few days it was harder than usual. That is until Stiles forced her to look into his whiskey brown orbs and slowly began caressing her cheek with his thumb. Leaning into his touch she visibly inhaled and exhaled losing herself in her mates scent and presence. One of her hands gripped at his pants, clinging to it as if he was going to move away and her other hand gripping at the Triskelion necklace around her neck.

"I killed my family Stiles" She muttered but in the quiet of the room her words were heard.

"No you didn't. You didn't know, it was an accident" Stiles instantly corrected, Malia stayed silent though showing her disagreement. Stiles grew angry suddenly at the action and pulled her closer.

"Who told you that? Huh!"

When he received no answer, he decided to take a wild guess. His features growing sharp and piercing as the darkness swirled behind him.

"Was it your dad?" He asked and Malia stayed silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"No… but he doesn't have to"

*Earlier at the Tate Household*

Malia scrunched her nose up as soon as she entered the house. The smell of Alcohol strong and overwhelming. She felt a bout of frustration well up inside her before she brushed it off and continued on inside.

"Dad!?" She called following the sound of his heartbeat into the lounge.

"Hey- um *cough* I thought you wouldn't be back until later!" Henry Tate startled out. His appearance was ragged and his pupils blown. The scent of alcohol clung to him like second skin and tainted his breath. Malia visibly frowned before she followed her nose to where her dad tried to hide the bottle.

"Malia! Malia wait don't-"

"You told me you were going to stop!" She accused watching the way her dad turned his head away.

"I will!" Henry responded but the blip in his heartbeat rang loudly in Malia's ears.

"You're lying!" She glared.

She wasn't sure on why he was like this. It had started the day after she had told him she knew she was adopted. He had looked surprised and then asked her how she knew. Not sure if he knew about who her real birth parents were and wanting to keep him away from Peter just in case she told him that her friends found out and told her. The truth understandable as she was dating the sheriff's son.

And it had been fine. Her dad had hugged her and told her things wouldn't change and that had been it. However it didn't appear to be the case when the next day she found him drinking a bit. Brushing it off Malia hadn't thought anything of it until it became more frequent and his scent began to constantly be a mix of emotions.

"You need to stop it" She firmly stated

"I know I do" He nodded but his gaze wouldn't meet hers and it frustrated Malia even more. Hurting her slightly as well. As the days dragged on her father slowly stopped being able to look her in the eye and he smelt of guilt and self-blame.

"Stop that! You keep doing that and it makes you smell weird!" She growled pointing at him

Henry Tate slowly dragged his eyes away from the floor and looked at his daughter. Forcing himself to meet her glare he did his best to ignore the thoughts that ran rampant in his head. The longer he stared the louder his guilt grew as did his shame.

When Malia had told him she knew she was adopted, he had been surprised but honest with her. It didn't change anything, she was still his daughter and he had meant it. But later when he had been on his own at home he had found the bill for Eichen House and he remembered.

After the Sheriff had brought Malia back to him he had been so happy, so grateful for whatever had brought her home. Yet as the days went by he struggled to accommodate for her quirks and he realised that she wasn't his little girl anymore. Now she was a teenager, a teen who had spent years on her own in the woods, living off the wild. At first he had brushed it off certain she could learn how to be among people again. Learn how to be normal but he grew even more frustrated.

He slowly began to hate that she would act like an animal at times. Hate that she was able to sneak up on him at any time and somehow always knew where he went and what he was feeling. Hated how she would be able to tell when he lied. He began resenting her for not grasping how to be normal as quick as he had hoped. He felt so stressed from it all, not at all anticipating how he was going to get this wild girl to be normal again. He looked for ways to justify her actions and then he had thought that horrid thought.

'She's not my daughter anyway….. She's adopted'

The next day he had sent her away to Eichen House. And he would be lying if he told you he had done it fully for her expense. Henry Tate knew that a part of him had sent Malia to Eichen House because he couldn't stand to look at her. Because out of his family from the crash he was given the one that wasn't even his.

It had only been after he received a phone call from Marin Morell telling him off how they found her strapped in a chair in the basement and one of the other patients with a drill that he had snapped out of it. Despite them saying it was unclear on how it had happened. It was the wakeup call he needed to realise that he could have lost her again. He brought her home and the entire thing had almost been like a bad dream….. Until she confronted him about the issue.

"I don't know how to fix this!" Malia stated her tone blunt and just a little lost.

"I'm sorry I just-…I need time to think about things. You should stay with the Stilinski's" He replied knowing that he was probably confusing her. Looking at her and seeing the concern she held for him, he felt disgusted with himself all over again. What kind of father was he? He didn't deserve her after the way he had treated her. After throwing her in Eichen House like she was a nut job. She was his daughter…. But he had almost tossed her away after getting her back.

"You don't want me here!" Malia stated her face becoming blank and her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Of course I want you here. I just need time!" He quickly countered

"Time for what? Maybe I can help!" Malia insisted and guilt washed over him again at how she refused to let him deal on his own. Once again proving just how much of a better person she was compared to him.

"Malia just-… Please. This isn't something you can help me with." He gently rejected.

She seemed to stare him for a while before slowly nodding her head reluctantly. He couldn't help but deflate in relief and gratitude. Giving her a thankful smile watched her go and reminded her to text him tomorrow before closing the door. Steeling himself he pulled on his coat and locked up the house before driving off into town. Giving himself this one night, one last night to wallow in his self-hatred and disgust before he would become the best god damn father to Malia he could possibly be.

*Present: Stilinski Household*

Stiles had listened to Malia recount the emotions she had scented coming off her father and the truth behind his words. It was evident that she was confused and frustrated with the situation but also angry and hurt at her father's request. Stiles wondered over everything and tried to make sense of what Mr Tate could possible feel so guilty off. However it would be something to ponder over later as he had a girlfriend to care for.

"Well that explains the angry girlfriend who surprised me in my room at this time of night" Stiles muttered trying to make a joke.

"I've done it plenty of times before" Malia scrunched up her face silently asking why Stiles would bring it up when he knew it already.

Stiles couldn't help but smile at her in amusement. His laughing smile only made her frown at him in confusion.

"What?" She questioned but Stiles just shook his head.

"Would you like to continue what you started earlier?" Stiles smirked his eyes gleaming with tease. Somehow the sight managed to make Malia feel completely at ease and forget about her concerns about her father. Biting at her lip much like she had when they first made out in Eichen House, she nodded her head.

Surging forward to kiss him eagerly, she grew confused when he pulled away after a while. His eyes were still teasing but tinted with lust and his lips still curled up in a smirk.

"What now?" She asked feeling just a little impatient.

"Now hang on….. I want to try something else tonight" He whispered

A little hesitant but also curious, Malia let Stiles lead her to his bed. She watched him curiously as he switched off the light leaving the darkness to overcome them with only his open curtains to provide some sort of light. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she could make out the way Stiles stared down at her.

It was different, a completely new feeling for Malia as usually she would be on top. If not they would always be rather too eager to really appreciate the sight of one another. She liked it, the way he was staring at her in the dark with his whiskey brown orbs gleaming with affection. Her coyote purred and she grew warm inside. Slowly he cupped her cheek again, almost as if he was touching fragile snow. Malia felt her skin tingle where he touched and she pulled him into a kiss. He laughed a bit before pulling back and shaking his head at her.

"Something else alright!" Stiles reminded her, the darkness somehow enhanced her awareness of him further.

"You're going too slow" She growled impatiently

"Trust me… you'll like it" He smirked confidently before kissing her chastely on the lips. Annoyed, she lay still letting Stiles do as he wanted.

A few minutes later Malia was completely relaxed. She felt warm and loose almost as if she had just finished a nice long stretch after a long run. However most of all she felt cherished. Stiles had stuck by his word and ever so painfully he had slowly praised her body. She had struggled at first, tried to sneakily speed things up but after her third attempt he had used his shadows to hold her down.

Currently his fingers were skimming the flesh of her stomach, teasingly putting pressure near her pelvis before dancing away once more. His lips were latched on to her collar bone, kissing at her skin and nibbling it at times. Enjoying the taste of her skin on his tongue. Malia felt her body beginning to tremble with anticipation and want. Already high strung and ready since he started. When his fingers dipped into her she smiled widely with relief only to cry out when he danced them away again.

"NO! Stiles!" She whimpered as her legs tried unsuccessfully to trap his arm in place.

"Hmm" Stiles hummed as if he didn't know what she was going on about.

"Stop playing" She whined her tone desperate and frustrated at the same time. Resting his chin on her chest and ghosting his breath over her skin, Stiles feigned ignorance.

"Don't know what you mean" He shrugged. Malia opened her mouth to growl at him only to instead moan when he blew gently over her sensitive skin.

"Please! Please Stiles" She begged and Stiles stiffened at her plea.

"I need you" She whined and like it was the magic word, Stiles grinned.

"Just because you asked"

*a while later*

Malia snored softly as she slept, her arms tightly wrapped around Stiles and not releasing him at all. Stiles however was still awake, staring at the girl in his arm with intense focus. He traced over her lips, her lashes and his fingers caressed her skin. The warmth of her body pressed against him was something he couldn't imagine not having anymore. It was with a start of surprise that Stiles realised that his feelings for Malia went deeper than he had thought. Rolling over what this could mean, Stiles felt a little unsure of what it could come from it. Malia let out a moan before she snuggled her face deeper towards him and inhaled his scent with a loving smile. At the sight, Stiles couldn't help but smile as well. Pushing his thoughts away to think on some other time, He brought his coyote girlfriend closer and lost himself to the land of dreams.

---

*Augusta's Mansion*

After their short meeting, April had demanded Araiya show her all the new clothes Peter had bought her and promptly dragged her upstairs. Jackson had locked himself in his room and Jeff had retired for the night. As such Lazarus and Peter were left to their own devices downstairs.

The vampire and older werewolf were quiet as they stewed in the silence both knowing that the topic to be discussed was one they cared deeply for.

"I take it Mike and Richard filled you in on the events surrounding how we found her" Lazarus started causing Peter to growl.

"I don't want to hear you repeating information to me. Unless you have anything new I don't want to hear repeated recollections" Peter glared

"Know this Peter Hale… I only give you this because Davian believes it will benefit both you and Araiya" Lazarus sneered before he walked over to his bag and pulled out a file. Peter eyed the folder with wary eyes before snatching it and opening it.

"That contains every medical review, psyche evaluation and Therapy scripts conducted on Araiya since she was 6. I'm warning you now Peter… you're not going to like it."

Peter clenched his teeth at the warning but took the file anyway, silently dismissing the vampire and heading to his room.

Lazarus watched Peter walk away and turned back to his bottle of blood. Drinking the last of it and enjoying the thrilling rush it sent down his body, he once again questioned if it had been a wise move to give Peter Araiya's file. However he would then remember how she had smiled and laughed and the way the wolf had kept subtle monitor over her actions. He was healing her and that was something Lazarus had long thought impossible.

---

And there you have it!

Now I couldn't remember if Isaac ever said anything in the show about Jackson knowing he was being locked in the freezer and I was too lazy to watch the season again. So in my version Isaac knew that Jackson was aware he was being abused but thought Jackson had no idea about the freezer thing. This chapter was really just a set up for future upcoming plot reasons so next chapter will drag us back to the Pack training and the dead Bodies case. I also decided to slip in some Stalia because I was missing them and wanted to give some background to the whole Mr Tate thing. Plus I decided to throw in some Chris and Nik and start mentioning Cora.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed because Next Chapter: More Derek and Araiya, More April, More Pack and Araiya and some insight on our Villain.

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS I GOT!

Is the beast going to be in your story?

-No. Considering I cried for Mason and hated Season 5 I'm scratching the Beast nonsense.

Are you going add Mason? Can we get more Mason with the pack? MAAAAASSSSOOOOOON! Is Mason not part of the pack?

-Alright I get it we all love Mason! Mason will be in the story but I originally planned to use him more as a support base for Liam. I have a few plans on his involvement that I'm contemplating but nothing concrete yet. I didn't really get the vibe that Scott included Mason in the pack from Canon so alot of his scenes will depend on Liam. But Yes Mason will be present just not all the time.

Does Derek's wolf has its own conscience like Araiya's beast and caged other?

- Actually all of the shifters wolf and coyote parts have their own conscience but I vary how I write them out depending on how in sync I think they are. So like Scott's wolf hardly says anything because he ignores it most of the time. Liam's wolf is pretty young and silent anyway. Malia is rather in sync with her coyote so they think alike. Peter tends to close his wolf most of the time because of how scarred and damanged he is mentally and because he's struggling to remain sane. Derek and his wolf are constantly at odds with each other as his wolf doesn't like what his human mind decides. Jackson and his wolf are pretty in sync too. So yeah... basically.

Are you going to explain how lydia is both an oracle and a banshee?

-Yes I am and hopefully it will be soon :)

That's all the questions I got :D

Remember if you want answers you just got to ask

Don't forget to vote for who you want Lydia to end up with on the poll on my profile. At the moment it's a tie and I won't write Marrish or Jydia scenes if its a tie.

Thanks for the follows, faves and reviews.