OMG IT'S AN UPDATE!

Yes I know, I'm super duper late with this update but I had real life problems to deal with and this chapter kept kicking my ass. It's long and I'm still not entirely satisfied but enjoy. Once again not edited!

P.S : Important things mentioned at the end note concerning story :)

*Four Days Later: 1:09am*

"Aarrrggh!" An angry voice screeched. The reason for their anger cowered in fear and shielded itself from the flying weaponry.

"What use are you wretched things if you bring me nothing but FAILURE!" The angry figure scorned causing the creature at their knees to moan out pleading. The creature was made of rotting flesh. Flaky patched skin stitched together to make half its face. Those familiar with magic and its uses would be able to sense the vile defilement the creature was composed off. Everything about it screaming dark and forbidden. Something that did not belong.

"Your souls are MINE! You obey ME! So far only one of you has proven FRUITFUL in aiding me with my plans" the being sneered before raising their hand and snapping their fingers, the creature trembled in agony. It's trapped soul screaming out for someone to save them. Purple fumes wrapped around it and soon it exploded before only the flaky patched skin that made its face floated to the floor. An ancient rune marking it and sealing the soul.

Annoyed the being gathered the mess and placed it back in its jar.

"But of course that's what I get for creating you from the stomach flesh and thigh skin of a virgin. Horribly hesitant and too whiny" They muttered before placing it on the shelf to join the other 4 jars filled with stolen organs of their victims. Trailing their fingers over the jars and humming thoughtfully they pondered on who to use next.

"You served me well in luring out and identifying the oracle" They crooned caressing the jar containing a single eye and kidney. Moving to the next jar they sighed dramatically at the ears and tongue.

"And you were pleasantly useful in spying on those silly little wolves and finding me the Keeper"

Turning to the last two jars they hummed.

"Eenie….meenie…..miny…..mo"

Their finger landed on the biggest jar on the shelf containing the chopped chunks of a male's lower half. Smirking excitedly, the figure upended the jar onto the ground and activated the rune that marred the bottom of a foot. Purple fumes shrouded the pieces before yet another creature stood before the figure.

This creature seemed more grotesque than the last. Stitched together like a rotting Frankenstein years past its prime date. The creature groaned and grunted as it stood. The figure smiled and crooned at the creature.

"I want YOU to find out who the guardian is. The ritual calls for all 4 of them. Find them and I'll set you free and you can pass on into Death's embrace.….." Intimately caressing the creatures face and luring them closer with a smirk of their lips they whispered their next words enticingly

"I promise you"

The creature roared and shook before hunching on all fours. The figure grinned victoriously before stepping back.

"Attack the Keeper and the Guardian will come running"

Off into the night the creature ran, rushing to fulfill its orders. The figure turned to the board on the wall. An intricate design for an ancient rune, sketched out with 3 places surrounding a centre piece. Each placing held a label. Oracle, Guardian and Shadow hunter. In the centre was a single name 'Araiya' and above it the title Keeper. Toothily smiling, the figure waved their hand and beneath the title Oracle a name etched itself.

'Lydia Martin' written in cursive joined the ancient rune design. The only unnamed title was the Guardian. The name 'Stiles Stilinski' sat under the title Shadow Hunter.

"One more…and then finally…Hmmm….. I can't WAIT!" As the figure broke out into maniacal laughter, the leftover 4 jars on the shelf screamed out in agony their souls screaming out.

*Beacon Hill Woods: 2:04am*

Araiya's Pov

"Shit shit shit shit FUCK!" I cursed as I continued to run. The white shirt I had on was dirtied. I heard the creature roar out before it sped up after me.

"Fuck I am so dead. Peter is going to kill me" I panted as I continued to run.

It was moments like these I really questioned if I was a genius. A purple black plasma blast shot just past my head and it was only due to the years of training I managed to dodge it. I was too weak to shift, too tired and low on energy to properly fight. The creature let out another roar as it pursued me.

Spotting a temporary hiding spot I quickly hid and tried to catch my bearings. The creaking of the branches above me, froze me in place. As slowly and quietly as I could I huddled further into the small space a pile of rocks provided. The creature was in the trees, no doubt trying to seek me out, waiting for me to reveal myself. Unsure of how it tracked I held my breath and slowed my heart rate. Dulling my presence as much as I could. Mentally counting down the minutes that passed. At 1 minute 30 seconds I could feel my lungs burn. The need for air overcoming me. My eyes were watering and my face turning red. However something told me it wasn't gone. That it was still watching.

I was in no position to fight it. Of all the nights I had to be attacked why tonight. I began to feel dizzy and the need to breathe was getting worse. I had no weapons and with how little I'd been eating and the lack of sleep, my energy levels were low. At best I'd last 10 to 15 minutes before exhaustion would do me in.

Fuck I'm so screwed… Jackson would tear me a new one and Peter would kill me again. Oh shit not to mention the Chief and little Cień. (Note to self: If I survive tell no one about near death.)

The world was spinning and my hands trembled with effort to hold on. Creaking branches and thudded noises drew closer to where I was. It was going to find me. I felt the rock on top of me shake and quiver and I knew that the creature was right there. My head began to throb and I started to see stars.

This was it.

A small part of me wanted to laugh…after everything I'd been through this is what would do me in. My beast and caged other growled at me for slowly giving in. Angry that I had let us be weakened. Slumping slightly against the rock behind me I smirked.

….then I heard it.

The slow and quiet thumping that didn't belong to me. The slight warmth of the rock behind me. Ignoring the rumbling of the creature on top, I placed my palm against the rocks around me. Patting it once….twice….three times.

4 pairs of eyes blinked at me, the colour yellow and black.

ROCK TROLLS

I was near the lake. Which meant the water pixies were near as well as the rock trolls. With a solid plan forming in my head, I prepared myself to run again. Shaking off the dizziness and ignoring the burning in my chest. Clenching my hand into a tight fist, I used as much energy as I could spare, focusing entirely on the strength of the hit. Pounding it into the ground and watching as the force of it caused the rocks shielding me to tremble. I sprinted, inhaling greedily at the air and stumbling away as quick as I could.

The angry roars of the creature chasing me fading slightly with the weight of the frightened rock trolls weighing it down. It would buy me time but how much was unknown. Which is why I had to hurry.

I could see the shimmer of the lake and my heart lifted whilst my stomach swooped. Just a little closer. A loud monstrous roar sounded and the pounding of heavy footsteps followed.

"TWIT! PESKY!" I yelled out just before tripping. I scraped my knees and the palms of my hands as I scrambled to get closer to the water. From the coverage of trees emerged the revolting creature. It's stench rotting and overwhelming. It trained its gaze on me and I flashed my amethyst eyes in threat. Baring my fangs and snarling. It did little to deter the creature, instead the creature hunched onto all fours and seemed to grow. Its back split open and the reek of rotting flesh grew worse. I could see maggot like bugs wiggling around on the inside of its flesh and did my best to refrain from gagging.

The creature let out another roar before 4 purple black plasma like whips shot out its back. The tip of it spiked and waving around wildly. The maggot looking bugs fell to the ground and crawled towards me faster than normal.

"OH Fuck that is gross" I snarled as I turned to run closer to the lake.

Two of the whips slammed down on either side of me causing dirt and tiny rocks to fly. Shielding my eyes I yelped as a third wrapped around my ankle and pulled me closer to the wiggling maggots. Kicking frantically, I swiped at the plasma whip with my talon claws only to watch in horror as it reformed. Another whip wrapped around my other ankle and I began to panic. The maggots were on me now, crawling up legs, and I regretted the fact I only had denim shorts on. The wiggling of their bodies against my bare skin disgusting me.

I dug my nails into the ground and fought to stay still. The creature let out another roar and I closed my eyes as its horrid breath reached my nose. Looking to where it continued to drag me, I freaked as I realized its plan.

It was trying to eat me.

"PRETTY GIRL!" Squeaky voices exclaimed.

I didn't have time to respond as a third whip wrapped around my neck and began to choke me. My struggling became desperate and my vision began to blur….. I was so tired.

Blinking in and out I noticed that water whips seemed to be attacking the creature. And glowing little balls of light were flying about directing the water. Small grey looking things were ramming into the creature and it was flailing me around.

Would it be so bad to sleep now?

"PRETTY GIRL HOLD ON!" A squeaky voice cried out but I couldn't

*Flash*

"Don't touch me"

"But why….. Your skin is so soft"

*Flash*

"ARAIYA!" A deep voice cried out as they aided the pixies and rock trolls. My arms felt heavy and I couldn't feel my legs anymore.

*Flash*

"ARAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIYAAAAAA!"

"STOP PLEASE YOU'RE HURTING HIM!"

*Flash*

Someone succeeded in slicing through the plasma whip that gripped my neck and I gulped greedily at the air. My throat burning and no doubt bruised. However they had failed to release my ankles. As such when the creature roared and waved its whips about in anger, I went with it. I couldn't even scream out. A hard thud and a painful throb from my head later and all I knew was darkness.

I felt as if I was floating….. In a sea of darkness. Amid an empty abyss of nothing. There were no sounds, no light. Nothing but cold. The feeling was familiar….. Something I knew.

I was dying again…

"…You are my sunshine…My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey….."

A voice…. A childish voice was singing. Why did it feel so familiar? I knew that voice.

"Do you have any siblings?" The childish voice asked.

"….I have brothers" a voice I recognized as my own replied. It sounded younger though... I sounded younger.

What is this?

*Flash*

"Don't touch me" a growling voice scorned. The clinking of chains echoed throughout the prison chamber. Phantom fingers trailed along my exposed skin dyed with old blood and open cuts. Laughter, mocking laughter and heated breath perversely flirting with my sickly pale skin.

"But why….. Your skin is so soft" A gripping squeeze around the torn skin of my throat.

*Flash*

"ARAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIYAAAAA!"

"STOP PLEASE YOU'RE HURTING HIM!" A desperate cry roared, tearing the skin of my throat even more. Laughter, mocking laughter and burning pain as fire branded my flesh.

*Flash*

"I used to sing to my sister before I was taken" The childish voice croaked emotionally

*Flash*

Electricity, pain, unbearable pain. Blurred vision and buzzed noises throughout the room. Silence and a humming voice. Dirty hands, vile fingers caressing my skin. Wiping at the drool that pooled from my mouth. Ghosting over my bruised flesh.

"I like to hear you sing! - Won't you sing for me Araiya?" Filthy words spoken into my ears.

"Ngh-ngh uh ah" I couldn't speak and my body twitched from the bolts running throughout. A titter of disappointment before they leave. I shiver and shake my head in fear. No more, please no more. Their hand on the lever, twisting and turning and electrifying pain is once again afoot.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

*Flash*

Drip…Drop…Drip…Drop…

Young, so young, too young to be trapped. Screaming, pleading screaming and sobbing wails of pain. Dazed, cloudy eyes, Death's presence. Sickly pale hands holding a cold corpse. Young, so young, too young to be dead.

Drip…drop…drip….drop

I was too late. Too late, too weak. Gone. She's gone. They killed her. I failed her…..

Drip…Drop….drip….drop….

"You are my-*sniff* sunshine….. My only sunshine. Shh! Shh! Y-you make me *choked sob* I'm sorry. I'm so s-sorry. Y-you make me h-happy when skies are grey *sniff*" My broken vocals cracked. The room was wet, the corpse is wet. She was just a child.

Drip…Drop

They drowned her before she could fully blossom

*Flash*

Silence and a humming voice. Dirty hands, vile fingers caressing my skin. Wiping at the drool that pooled from my mouth. Ghosting over my bruised flesh.

"I like to hear you sing! - Won't you sing for me Araiya?" Filthy words spoken into my ears. Mocking me.

"ARAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIYAAAAAAA!"

Why aren't I dead?

*Beacon Hill's Lake: 3:26am*

Desperation. It was all he knew as he swam to save her. He didn't care about the creature or if it managed to escape. He only needed to save her. He couldn't fail another person again. She wasn't moving, her eyes were closed. She looked dead. Grabbing hold of her tightly he swam to the surface. Bursting out with a gasping pant. Clutching her tightly and keeping her head above water.

"GREEN EYES!" The water pixies cried out as they manipulated the water to push him closer to shore. Derek held tightly to Araiya's limp and unconscious body, letting the pixies magic do their thing.

"TWIT Pretty girls hurt!" Pesky cried out in grief to her brother. Twit clutched his sister watching with watery eyes as Derek wasted no time. The wolf lay Araiya flat on her back and shook her roughly.

"We failed Dewey….. We were too late. Pretty Girls Dead" Twit mourned to the smallest water pixie who only blinked. The rock trolls gathered round watching on with sad eyes as Pesky wailed into her brother's hold.

"SHUT UP! She's not dead. Wake up Black! Dammit WAKE UP!" Derek snarled angrily as he pressed on her chest. Attempting CPR. He couldn't hear a heartbeat and her body was cold. She wasn't breathing.

Tilting her head back and pinching her nose. He cover her mouth with his own. Blowing twice within a second until he saw her chest rise. Pulling away he pumped at her chest again. He repeated the process becoming more frantic as time ticked.

"Green eyes….. She's gone" Twit whimpered but Derek growled, his eyes glowing Beta blue.

"DAMMIT ARAIYA WAKE UP!" Derek snarled before giving one last pound to her chest.

Thump…..thump…..

*GASP*

Honey brown, doe shaped eyes flew open, coughing out water as they did. Derek felt his heart leap in a mix of relief and shock. Araiya gasped and choked, blearily looking about with wide confusion. Weakly she flopped back against the ground and stared at the dark morning sky. Derek sat back and stared at her form blankly as he tried to make sense of what just happened.

A few more seconds of silence, until Araiya turned her head and stared at Derek.

Green eyes met Honey brown

"Y-you look like shit" Araiya croaked regretting speaking the minute she did. Derek didn't respond only stared at her… slowly trying to make sense of the fact that she was alive. That he saved her.

"PRETTY GIRL!" Twit and Pesky exclaimed with joyful tears as they hugged her best as they could. The rock trolls watching began to cheer as well whilst Dewey stayed beside Derek….. Blinking only once.

As the Pixies and the rock trolls crowded and cheered for Araiya, Derek could only stare. He couldn't find it in him to drag his eyes away from the rise and fall of her chest. From the fact that Araiya was alive and that he saved her. That she had almost been gone. Just like Paige. Just like Erica and Boyd. Only this time….. He hadn't failed to help her.

Twit and Pesky then went about thanking the Rock Trolls for helping them. Waving the rock trolls goodnight as they curled up into their rock forms to sleep. Not once did Derek shift his gaze away from Araiya…. Afraid that if he did she'd be dead again. That this was just a dream and he had really failed to save her.

Araiya struggled to sit upright and massaged at her throat. Dark purple black bruising already began to form on her skin and she winced as she touched it.

The longer he stared, the more Derek noticed just how worn she looked. Her skin looked clammy and cold. A sickly pale compared to her usual creamy tone. Her honey brown orbs were dreary and dull and the dark rings marking her under lids exposed her lack of sleep and exhaustion. Yet what really got to him was the obvious slimming of her cheeks. Her collar bones were sharper more prominent much like her chin and cheekbones. She'd lost weight…..it was slight but Derek noticed.

"We can't stay here. They'll find us" She rasped wincing at the pain that followed. Derek furrowed his eyebrows and looked round cautiously. Scanning for the threat.

"You know what that was?" Derek responded a little aggravated that she had followed a lead on their culprit but didn't say anything. Just barely refraining from snapping at her for following it on her own and almost dying.

"We need to move" She croaked again, almost distractedly, and struggled to stand up on her own. She managed however, panting heavily and staggering slightly in attempt to move. She managed three steps before collapsing. If Derek hadn't anticipated it happening she would have met the ground again. Only then did he notice how badly she was shaking, practically shivering violently in his arms. She blearily gazed up at him with glazed eyes that seemed miles away.

"Araiya? We need to get you checked out" Derek growled, worried about how cold her skin was. Just barely holding on to his calm demeanour. Araiya choked out a chuckle at Derek's words.

"I promised I'd get you out. Don't worry about me" She muttered weakly trying to push him away to stand. Derek was momentarily confused by her words until the rustic scent of blood reached his nose. His eyes widened and he checked her over only to feel warm wetness from where his hands cradled her head. Pulling away he cursed at the red substance.

"Fuck you're bleeding" Derek muttered as he adjusted his hold on her to lift her in a bridal hold. Araiya moaned out in pain at the sudden movement and clutched at Derek tightly. Still shaking and trembling.

"GREEN EYES! Is Pretty Girl okay?" Pesky questioned flying over fitfully anxious.

"She's hurt, I need to take her-"

Araiya cut Derek off with another hacking cough drawing his attention. She groaned weakly lolling her head against his chest. Still muttering faint words he couldn't make sense off.

"W-we're going to get out! Y-you h-hear me..."

Twit and Pesky peered at Araiya with eyes of concern whilst Dewey blinked. The three water pixies flying after Derek who was making his way as quickly as he could without jostling Araiya too much.

"Y-you can't do that to him! N-not y-you…. N-not to h-him"

"What's she saying? What's she talking about?" Pesky questioned whilst Twit was staring intently at Dewey who blinked in silence. Derek barely kept from snapping at Pesky to shut up. Doing his best to make sure Araiya stayed awake until he could get her to the hospital or Deaton's. As her muttering tapered off into silence, he jostled her making her groan and blink at him.

"Stay awake" He growled

"WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO?!" Twit exclaimed half excitedly half chiding towards Dewey. Derek made to turn towards the pixies only to be drawn back to Araiya as she tightened her grip on his shirt. Holding her closer to his chest, causing her head to rest on his chest he stared down at her as he continued to rush to get her help.

"I-I promised Petey I'd protect you" She whispered before rubbing her face into his warmth….causing him to falter.

"Dewey knows where Pretty Girl lives!" Twit exclaimed

"Peter" Derek breathed in realization, knowing his uncle would have a better idea on what to do. Turning to the silent pixie, Derek motioned for it to show the way. All the while clutching Araiya tightly.

''Stay awake" He repeated with gritted teeth. As he rushed, he missed the glazed honey brown eyes that stared at his profile with hazy confusion. Not hearing the barest whisper escape Araiya's trembling lips.

"Why do you feel like home?"

*Unknown location: 3:56am*

The creature moaned out fearfully having reported the events of the lake. The figure hummed in interest at what they had learned and hummed giddily. The creature before them scuttled back in fear as the jars on the shelves trembled.

"HOW INTRIGUING! Well, Well, WEEEEELLLL! Derek Hale hmm hmm MMMH!" The figure cackled manically. The figure's laughter soon darkened into a husky taunt causing the creature before them to groan out in fearful question.

"Oh no no no. You failed me. The Guardian is always a human and Derek Hale is a werewolf."

Desperately the creature roared out in anger seeming to attack the figure only to cry out in pain as the figure cast out a hand forcing it to cower and choke on purple fumes. The rune on the creatures stolen parts glowing brightly.

"I promised you freedom should you find me the Guardian's identity. YOU FAILED and so you are still mine" The figure crooned with a greedy sneer. With a snap of their fingers, the creature screeched out in agony before being consumed in purple fumes and falling apart to the floor. Ignoring the mess the creature left behind the figure looked to the board and smirked at Araiya's name.

"A Hale and a Black…. After all these years... Who would have thought?"

*Eichen House: 4:00am*

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" the scream echoed throughout the ward and Dr Conrad Fenris gnawed at his lip uncomfortably. The urge to cover his ears was strong but his pride as a man kept him from succumbing. Especially as he stood next to the impassive and blanked face mercenary and emissary. Braeden huffed out a sigh drawing Morell and the doctor's attention.

"It's been an hour. How much longer does he plan to take?" The mercenary muttered

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Another strangled scream echoed

"Peter won't stop until he's satisfied" Morell commented giving a small smirk at the wince Dr Fenris gave.

"Surely he must have gotten what he had wanted by now?" Dr Fenris shared with a jitter

"I'm surprised you're still sticking around" Morell spoke directing her words towards Braeden.

"I have my reasons" Braeden responded offering nothing more. Another scream sounded before crying pleads followed. Dr Fenris immediately relaxed knowing that it was over. As the Doctor moved to do his rounds wanting to be elsewhere when Peter walked out, Morell took that moment to offer her own advice to the mercenary.

"You should take it" Morell advised causing Braeden to raise an eyebrow.

"There's more to Antonio than most ever expect. What he's offering you isn't just a place on his team….. But security."

Braeden remained silent but it was obvious she was thinking over Morell's words. The mercenary had been surprised and apprehensive at the invitation she'd received to work for Antonio Black. Better known to most as Ruler of the Underworld. Some argued that he was the sole reason they called it the Black Market. Many people in her line of work interacted with his business, either for supplies or simply information on their targets. Antonio Black was a man who bent and twisted the law to his needs and wants. Who despite his dirty connections still possessed clean hands.

"Be sure of your answer is all I'm saying" Morell added before walking away. Braeden stared after her before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a crumbled piece of paper. Staring at the number and thinking over her options….. Braeden already knew her answer. Her struggle was deciding when to give it. At the sound of a door opening, the mercenary tucked the paper away and looked up with a quirked eyebrow of interest. Peter prowled towards her, face dirtied with blood splatters and hands completely covered. The older wolfs eyes glowing a glacial ice blue glinting with crazed cold idleness that was unnerving to meet.

"A little overboard don't you think?" Braeden mused yet receiving nothing else other than an intense stare from the wolf. Steeling herself, Braeden refused to flinch at the confrontation. Peter slowly lifted his lips into a damning smirk, eyes glowing fiercer with the action.

"Well deserving actually" the werewolf hummed

"Did you at least get anything?" the mercenary scoffed

Peter didn't answer only pushed his way past Braeden into another room with his next interrogator. The wendigo strapped to the chair sneered at Peter's entry spitting words at the wolf that did nothing but amuse him. Braeden had barely just closed the door when the roaring screams started up again. Leaning against the wall and waiting out the interrogation she lost herself to her thoughts. Ignoring the screams of the wendigo as Peter began.

*Derek's Loft*

"What Happened?" His uncles voice growled but Derek didn't ponder on it for long.

"Get back to the mansion. Araiya was attacked" As soon as the words left his mouth, Derek hung up. Leaving Peter not time to respond.

Derek chucked his phone after hanging up on Peter and gritted his teeth. The green eyed wolf was a mess of confused frustration but underneath it all…..he felt mostly lost. Glaring at his bed, he turned away and instead made his way to sit at the stairs. Remembering April's words after he had brought Araiya back to the mansion…..he felt unsettled. His wolf itched and prowled within him and he wasn't sure just what to do with what he learned. Or what his answer was to the half cupid's inquiry.

"Araiya suffers from PTSD and Dissociative Amnesia."

It was one sentence, one statement but it was enough for Derek to feel as if the ground had disappeared on him. Derek knew what those words meant. What it implied. He was familiar with the terms, not because he experienced it but because he was familiar with some of the symptoms. The only question he had was How long and How bad.

"She's missing a few months and a recent incident spurred them in to resurfacing. As a result she's been having nightmares borderline Night terrors, losing sleep and being unable to stomach enough food"

The explanation made Araiya's mumblings at the lake a lot clearer for the wolf and he tensed his jaw in ire. Derek thought back to his interactions with Araiya, and some of the weird quirks she had started making sense. His throat grew dry and it was somewhat hard to swallow. But it was that one sentence that really shook him.

"Derek….. She's not completely stable."

They weren't exact but it was close enough to remind him.

18 year old Derek sat in the plastic seat stiffly with his head bowed and eyes closed. Straining his hearing to listen in to the conversation behind the closed door before him.

"I know it's been hard for the two of you with what you've been through" the doctor spoke. Followed by Laura's heavy scoff.

"Just give it to me straight." Laura stated her tone only slightly hopeful. A lulling silence followed that felt like hours.

"Laura… He's not completely stable"

"From our sessions it's clear that Derek exhibits an immense amount of trauma and his depression concerns me"

"How is that any different from me? You don't think I'm not depressed or Traumatized about the fact that our ENTIRE family is DEAD!" Laura choked out her voice strained and Derek could tell that she was trying not to growl. Clenching his fist at her words, Derek felt the sting of his claws digging into his hands.

"Derek seems to hold the belief that the fire was his fault. People deal with grief differently but your brother's case worries me"

"Why?"

The sound of shuffling papers before silence. Derek held his breath fearful on just what was happening behind that door. Scared that Laura would know. That the Doctor figured it out and will tell Laura that he killed their family. That their pack was dead because of him.

"No." Laura's voice firmly spoke.

"Laura you have to consider-"

"Derek wouldn't do that!" Laura denied and Derek felt himself panic. They know. God they know about Kate. They know what he did. She'll hate me. She'll leave me. She can't- He's sorry so sorry. He killed their pack!

"DEREK! Der look at me. Hey look at me Der bear deep breaths come on" Laura urged. Belatedly Derek realised that she was in front of him. Calming down he clung to his alpha's presence. Hugging his sister tightly and burying himself in her scent. Laura clutched at her brother and glared at the Doctor watching them.

"He'll heal. You don't know my brother." Laura glared intimidating the Doctor into submission. As she and Derek made their way out, Laura pointedly threw the results to Derek's psyche evaluation into the nearby bin. Privately in her own mind, Laura determinedly vowed to fix her brother. Derek wasn't going to leave her, he wouldn't chose to be gone.

In the silence of his loft, Derek brooded by his lonesome. The more he brooded the more he wondered just how Araiya managed. April had told him more than he had thought he should know. Something told him that if anyone knew what the half cupid had shared with him she'd be dead. At the same time April's words opened his eyes to a revelation.

He still liked her.

Araiya was messed up, borderline insane. Perhaps even worse off than Derek himself but the wolf still found himself interested in her. He couldn't even deny it to himself, not even in private, because Damnit he still liked her.

"I'm half cupid Derek. If I couldn't sense attraction and interest I'd be a disgrace. You like her….. You still do" April purred her eyes sparkling somewhat causing Derek's glower to darken. Derek couldn't even open his mouth to respond. April smiled widely at the wolf's silence and almost like a switch her demeanour changed into one of warning and complete seriousness. Her features sharpening into one of danger.

"I'm warning you now Derek….You know of her condition now. How truly fragile she is"

Derek gulped but stubbornly kept his glare.

"For all her strengths the path your relationship is currently walking could make or break the both of you….. Only one of you will heal again. Furies only love once Derek" April's words sounded both ominous and like a threat but Derek was listening.

"As her friend and therapist I'm asking you now. What do you want to be to her?"

Clenching his fists and inhaling, Derek warred with his thoughts on the question. He liked her he couldn't ignore that. However his past lovers always ended either with death or evil. Braeden being the only one smart enough to jump ship before she became either. They were proof that he broke everything he touched. Araiya was already broken. The broken cannot heal each other.

He didn't hate her. He didn't want her to hate him.

Finally exhaling Derek sighed with his head bowed. Annoyed with how he had no answer to April's question.

*Augusta's Mansion*

As April closed the door, following Derek's departure, she returned to the lounge to check on Araiya. Tending to her, the half cupid smiled softly before speaking to the hidden presence from the shadows.

"There's no need to hide Stiles" April hummed

In the corner where the shadows gathered most, a pale skinned boy walked out. His stare focussed solely on Ariaya's sleeping form. He knew something was wrong, had a feeling that something bad was happening. The best he could say was that his instincts was telling him to find Araiya. The need to protect her so strong that Stiles didn't waste a minute. His shadows had then consumed him and next thing he knew he was at the Mansion. He was a step from revealing himself and seeking out Araiya when Derek had barged in carrying an unconscious Araiya with him. April following behind him with a medical box and dry clothes. Instead Stiles opted to hide in the shadows and watch, not wanting to distract April from tending to Araiya.

Which was how he learned the truth about Araiya's health. About her many issues. About just how screwed up she was.

"Why didn't she tell me?" Stiles questioned referring to when Araiya had relapsed after the pixie trial. April sighed heavily in a mix of exasperation and defence on Araiya's behalf.

"She didn't want anyone to know. If she hadn't been with Peter at the time not even he would have been told. Araiya will never lie to you, she's honest to a t but to compensate she holds many secrets. You would have worried and she can't have that. You're one of hers and she puts those she considers hers before everything especially herself"

Stiles was uncharacteristically silent after April elaborated. Which was why he was somewhat startled at the folder she pressed into his hands.

"Don't be too mad alright….. She loves you" April cooed before walking out. Leaving Stiles to settle into a chair and begin reading through the folder she'd given him. Every once and awhile he'd look up from his reading and stare blankly at Araiya's sleeping form.

April sang a jumbled mix of 'la la's and 'shi bi do's as she browsed through the Black library. Waiting because she knew she was in trouble. Which was why she showed little surprise at the sudden chokehold Peter held her in. Claws trailing over her skin in taunt and a tight squeeze around her throat cutting off her ability to breathe. Her vampire half hissed at the scent of blood on his fingers and her fangs grew as her eyes changed into a magenta shade.

"You dance a fine line little cupid" Peter sneered

"Quite the little opportunist" he continued.

April broke out of his hold and hissed at Peter meeting his icy blue stare without care. Peter was undoubtedly angry but April persisted past it. Not feeling a single shred of regret at her actions.

"Simply doing my job" She chirped with a cheeky smile

"Correct me if I'm wrong but Stiles and Derek were not on Davian's list of need to know concerning Araiya's health" Peter smarmily growled the unspoken threat clear.

April felt a shiver of fear rankle through her. Peter was right, Davian had been explicitly clear that no one other than Peter could know about Araiya's health and mental state. Davian's sibling complex and overprotective nature concerning Araiya was never something to mess with. She was bound by Davian's orders to keep Araiya's medical reports and health issues sealed from anyone unless he gave the go ahead. She had promised Araiya not to tell anyone in the pack. And repeated the same promise to Peter. However she had found a loophole. It was small and she could still face punishment but it wouldn't call for her death.

"As her therapist I saw it necessary to inform them" April excused her tone still impish and teasing but Peter sensed the unsteady fear in them. Taking note that the half cupid wasn't as confident as she was trying to project.

Gulping slightly, April knew that she was done for. Davian was a gentle boss and a caring man but there was a reason rumours depict him the way they do. The man who sold his soul, The Maestro, The puppeteer. The human who feeds pieces of his soul to demons, a man who thrives in corrupted evil and plays with lives as if they are his toys for entertainment. April had been an instrument for his use since she was 18. Had worked hard to become one of Davian's prized four, his most trusted team of elite. Which was why she knew the risk.

Peter thought over the pros and cons of Derek and Stiles knowing about Araiya's issues. Calculating the many angles and possibilities it could mean for their plans. Leaving the Half cupid to stew in her panic. Peter was well aware of the fear Araiya's eldest brother instilled to those he worked with. Davian was one of the few humans Peter had met that rubbed him wrong. Knowing what he did though you couldn't blame Peter for being wary.

"What happened?" Peter asked instead wanting to know just how Araiya got hurt. April took the sympathy escape for what it was and explained how Araiya had snuck out for some reason. It wasn't much but Peter knew Araiya and the way she thought. She wouldn't simply sneak out without notice unless she knew it was dangerous. Once again she was hiding something leaving only clues for Peter to decipher. Which was why Peter moved to break into Araiya's room dismissing April with only one last piece of advice.

"I wouldn't worry about Davian just yet….." leaving April to collapse to her knees in nervous worry as it really sunk in how screwed she was. Araiya would not be happy when she found out one of the kids knew the truth about her health. Smirking Peter could see the openings April had just given him and what kind of gentleman would he be if he didn't exploit them. He was an opportunist after all.

*Beacon High School*

The students of Beacon High milled about together in their peer groups. Enjoying the morning air and chatting away about whatever they deemed worth sharing or as a point of interest. Something most normal typical High school students would do. However this was after all Beacon Hills. Which meant the chatter exchanged wasn't exactly normal in itself. Hushed whispers and excited chatters revolving around the missing teens were exchanged but that was considered old news. What really had everyone talking was the continued tension stirring between Lacrosse favourites Danny Mahealani, Jackson Whitmore, Isaac Lahey and Scott McCall.

To say the random return of Jackson, Danny and Isaac had caused a stir would be undermining the event. EVERYONE at Beacon High had thought they'd seen the last of those three. Considering the many rumours and stories surrounding the three, not many could blame the students of Beacon High for speculating such outlandish things.

"I don't get why everyone is throwing up such a fuss" Howard grumbled as he overheard Jackson and Isaac's name being whispered about.

"Dude. It's a pretty big deal if you grew up here in Beacon Hills. Don't sweat not getting it, you're not the only newbie who's probably confused" his friend reassured with a shrug.

Howard huffed out grunt before starring over to where he could see Scott McCall and his usual group of friends huddled together. Howard couldn't spot Stilinski anywhere with the group which was a bit of a surprise considering he rarely was away from his girlfriend and best friend. His curiosity spiked at where the odd flaky skinny teen could be. With Stilinski out of the picture Howard thought McCall's group looked a lot more like the group he should be seen with.

"Dude seriously knock it off man" his friend scoffed as he nudged Howard out of his thoughts.

"I don't know why you're so damn obsessed with them. McCall and his crew are pretty tight knit and with Lahey, Whitmore and Mahealani back in the picture you should just chuck out any stupid idea's you're getting."

"I bet you I could!" Howard retorted back. Annoyed with how many times he's been told to back off from his plans.

"Pfft. McCall and Stilinski have been best friends since their kid days. They're practically attached, you never see one without the other for long. The kid, Liam Dunbar and his friend Mason, have already been labelled as one of McCall's since he joined the lacrosse team. Stilinski practically FOUND Malia Tate out in the woods and has been one of the key people in helping her adjust back into society. Kira and McCall are practically made for each other with their whole good kid vibes. And Dude…..If Lydia Martin has CHOSEN to sit with them you KNOW that there's no messing with them."

"Your point" Howard scowled causing his friend to sigh.

"My point is Newbie that there's no way they'd be letting some fresh meat like you get in with their group"

"I think you give them too much praise. Bottom line is there ain't nothing that separates them from us. They may be popular but they're still human just like the rest of us" Howard scoffed.

"Whatever dude. When whatever you do blows up in your face, don't come crying to me. Sooner or later Whitmore is going to get sick and tired of your kiss ass routine and give you the boot. Just watch yourself. He wasn't exactly known for being a tolerable nice guy"

"Pssht Whitmore and I have more in common than you think. With Mahealani ignoring him in favour of Lahey, I'll be Whitmore's right hand man in no time" Howard smirked with immense arrogance.

"I somehow doubt that. Danny and Jackson have been best friends for almost as long as McCall and Stilinski. Also Lahey and Whitmore have their own history between the two don't forget that"

Howard remained silent as he recalled what he had managed to gather concerning Isaac Lahey. He hadn't exactly been thrilled when Isaac returned and was shown to have history with McCall and his crew. It would seem his plans kept having to adjust over and over and it was getting more complicated with each try. From what Howard managed to discern from Jackson and Isaac's interactions, most of the hostility was coming from Isaac. Which made things even stranger as Danny had been ignoring Jackson the moment Isaac came into the picture. He also noticed that there was tension between Isaac and McCall and if rumours were to be believed it revolved around some girl named Allison Argent who was currently 6ft under.

As far as Howard was concerned his best plan of action was befriending Jackson which was proving to be easier said than done. The tales of the former lacrosse idol being an arrogant douche were greatly underrated. The rivalry however between Whitmore and McCall seemed true to an extent as well. The two budding heads almost every time they caught sight of one another.

Gritting his teeth in annoyance, Howard once again steeled himself for another day of playing kiss up to Jackson.

Malia was frowning in distaste where she spotted the boy who had almost been assigned to tutor her. Once again the she coyote felt her hackles rise in annoyance and dislike.

"Um…. Okay s-sorry if my rambling annoyed you that much" Kira stuttered nervously having been in line with Malia's stare.

"Not you. That guy behind you. I really don't like him" Malia explained with a nod of her head. Kira frowned as well before turning to look and tried to recall the boy in questions name.

"He's new isn't he?" the Kitsune asked earning a nod and a shrug from her friends.

"Howards on the lacrosse team remember. He's one of the reserves. Although Coach lets him train with the first string because he's pretty good" Scott explained

Lydia narrowed her eyes before scoffing unimpressed.

"Doesn't change the fact that he's a reserve"

Something about Howard just didn't sit right with the banshee. It wasn't anything supernatural seeing as she's checked multiple times for her sake and at Stiles insistence. The boy simply rubbed her wrong and the more she caught sight of him the more her dislike grew. At the moment Lydia figured she disliked Howard because he kept trying to make a move on Malia when it was very clear she was Stiles.

"He's not that bad" Scott defended but instead of agreeing, Lydia just waved of his opinion.

Scott frowned at the clear dismissal but otherwise didn't say anything. It was Lydia after all and she could get really scary at times, true alpha or not.

"I don't like him and neither does Stiles" Malia declared with a rough grunt before she went back to her homework that Lydia was helping her with. Scott sighed a little at the Coyote's attitude knowing she was still a little peeved at him for telling her off about the last confrontation she had.

Kira noticed the slow development of awkward silence and blurted out a question to stop it.

"SO….. It's a little weird that Stiles hasn't come yet?" She stated half with sincere curiosity and relief. Malia just shrugged when she noticed everyone staring at her for an answer.

"I was over at my dad's last night. Beats me where he is"

"How are things with your dad?" Scott asked, a little unsure if it was okay to prod or not.

"Better. He's not drinking anymore. I think he made a friend or something? Comes home smelling like them"

"Ooh a lady friend?" Lydia perked up, curious for gossip but Malia just brushed it off and continued to scribble.

"No, it's a guy" Malia bluntly replied not noticing the way Kira seemed to pink and Scott's shocked expression. Lydia's smirk however seemed to grow bigger.

"Well Liam stayed over at Mason's last night. I think he's the only one slightly happy about this new training thing we have to go through, seeing as Derek and Braeden have stopped training him in the morning" Kira added

"He was overdoing it and would've burned himself out at some point" Lydia commented

It was then the group's idle chatter grew silent as they all sensed the arrival of Isaac and Danny. As the dark blue Camaro pulled up into a park they all found themselves watching. Like every other morning since Isaac started at Beacon High again, Scott stared forlornly at the curly haired werewolf, and like every morning, Isaac ignored his stare. Even as the whispers of other students started up marking the 5th day, Danny was seen with Isaac instead of Jackson, sticking to the curly haired teen like glue.

Danny just walked alongside Isaac not saying anything but somehow comforting the curly haired teen silently, allowing the werewolf to give a tiny smile in thanks. Isaac found it hard to attend Beacon High again, not only because of the memories he had at the school but because of the constant whispers and speculation. Isaac had come to think of it as punishment, because every morning he could feel Scott's eyes on his person.

"I thought you said Danny was Jackson's best friend?" Malia questioned as she watched Danny and Isaac disappear into the school building.

"They are" Lydia replied as she too wondered just what Danny was up to.

"It's the 5th day and ever since Isaac's started Danny hasn't even looked at Jackson once" Kira added

"Do you think somethings up?" Malia wondered but Kira just shrugged.

"Whatever it is….. I'm sure Danny has a reason. He of all people wouldn't ditch Jackson I can tell you that" Lydia mumbled with calculative eyes as her mind worked to figure out just what Danny was doing.

Scott was abnormally quiet as he stewed on the last interaction he shared with Isaac.

"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" Scott questioned breaking the solemn silence they had fallen into. Isaac didn't answer for a while seeming reluctant at most which was why Scott felt the need to continue.

"You could have called. I mean Chris said you were doing alright but I mean it would have been nice you know" Scott shrugged and for the first time since he came back Isaac met his gaze. Scott could see the apprehensive fear, could smell the awkward shame and slight twinge of guilt in Isaac's scent which confused him a little.

"I-I didn't-… I wasn't sure if-…" Isaac struggled to say but somehow Scott understood. Reaching out and placing a hand on Isaac's shoulder in comfort, Scott gave him a friendly pat.

"I get it" His words understanding which annoyed Isaac.

"No you don't!" Isaac snapped shrugging Scott's hand off but Scott persisted.

"Yes I do. I loved Allison. She was my first everything and when she died it really hurt a lot. But because of that I also know other people loved her maybe even more than I did. We all dealt with her loss differently. Which is why I get it. You don't have to be ashamed for running away, for leaving. Nobody blames you" Scott spoke, his tone sincere and as honest as he could make it. Hoping his words would make an impact. Isaac stared at Scott before drooping his shoulders and sighing.

"I just need to adjust to being back." The curly haired werewolf admitted. Not entirely satisfied but willing to accept it Scott nodded.

"We'll be waiting" Having said that Scott turned and walked away only barely catching the whispered words Isaac parted.

"I loved her too….."

Closing his eyes Scott ignored the ache in his chest as he walked away.

"Scott?" Kira called snapping Scott out of his thoughts. Giving his girlfriend a confused little smile, he laced their hands. Grinning at the flutter like feeling in his stomach as he kissed her. Enjoying the way Kira's cheeks pinked in embarrassment.

"Ugh. I think I'm going to be sick" Lydia muttered in jest before she linked her arm with Malia's and dragged the coyote away to class. Scott laughed only stopping to check his phone for a reply from Stiles. Seeing none, and feeling a little worried about where his best friend may be, Scott shrugged it off relatively sure that he was okay.

Sitting in his jeep on the outskirts of the woods, Stiles stared blankly ahead at the road. Somewhere at the back of his head he was aware he was late to school but it was pushed back. Stiles mind was too wired up, too active as it tried to digest how he felt.

One thing was for sure though…. He never should have read that file.

It was awhile later when the irritation of his eyes got worse that he realised he was crying. That his chest felt tight and his fists felt heavy as they pounded the wheel of his beloved jeep. Frustrated anger escaped his lips in the form of aggravated huffs and grunts and muffled shouts. Then he felt boneless… loose like a deflated balloon out of steam. He wasn't sure who he wanted to direct his anger at anymore, but he wasn't happy.

When he had left the Mansion he'd taken the file with him too caught up in his anger to notice. He hadn't wanted to wake Araiya up knowing she needed the rest. Stiles also knew that had she been awake they probably would have fought. However now, Stiles found himself in a different dilemma. The two halves of him that always warred with each other were rattled. The sheriff's son side of him was shouting for him to show his dad the file. To make him read it and justify it all, make things right. However the darker side of him wished for crueller things. Much like the Nogitsune, Stiles inner darkness wished to hunt and play with their newfound prey.

"Controlling the dark shadows and their magic is both a gift and a curse Cień don't forget that"

Calming himself with the breathing exercise Araiya taught him, Stiles remembered her advice. When he felt more relatively controlled he exhaled and relaxed against the wheel of his jeep. Then he laughed. He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips. He laughed because he had forgotten just who had taught him to play with his words. Forgotten that his mother hadn't been the only sly influence in his life. That Araiya had been a part of his life once upon a time.

Then slowly his laughter tapered off into heavy silence because….just like his mother Araiya had managed to hide it. The reality behind her health, the danger, the risk. Once again, Stiles probably wouldn't have noticed until it was too late.

Steeling his resolve, Stiles grabbed the stolen folder and made his way to the cliff drop not too far away. Standing by the edge and hiding a bit behind a huge rock to block any wind. He built a small pile of rocks in a circle. Placing the file in the centre, ensuring nothing would fly, he took out the lighter from his pocket and set it ablaze.

Bit by bit the orange red flame ate away at the words printed on the white sheets. Destroying the black ink inch by inch. All the while under the heavy dark stare of glowing whiskey brown orbs. A dark wisp curled around Stiles shoulder and he absently played with it, enjoying the warmth the darkness shared with him.

"Destroy it….. I don't want there to be any traces" He ordered.

On the ground from the shadowy darkness the flames projected, swam the shadows. Crawling over the stone and over the fire, it was like watching a dark void swallow the burning paper and alit flame. And in its wake was nothing.

Satisfied, Stiles made his way back to the jeep. Despite his calm outward persona, his belly was still hot with anger. Which was why his arrival at Beacon High was greatly gossiped about. The students of Beacon High for the first time actually felt a sprig of fear as the Sheriff's troublemaking son roamed the halls.

Jackson had been prepared. Peter did warn him. What Peter however didn't know was that April had given Stiles Araiya's full medical history from when she was 4 years of age. Which was why Jackson had been a second away from Clawing of Stiles face right in the middle of the school corridor. Stiles skin seemed to starkly stand out and the corridor looked darker than normal. Yet it was the intensity in Stiles eyes that really spooked everyone, and drove fear throughout their person. Those whiskey brown orbs that were usually filled with mirth and sarcastic humour now glinted with deadly threat and dark warning. A fiery whisky brown that looked every bit pissed off.

"Hey Whitmore!" was the only warning Jackson got before he was slammed against his locker. The action should have been impossible however, the blue eyed werewolf was well aware that the thin dark shadow thread (barely visible to the human eye) wrapped around his being was to blame. It took a lot of control not to wolf out and snarl back at the pale skinned boy currently holding him by the shirt against the locker. His struggle evident by the glowing hue in his blue orbs.

"I think you and I need to have a little one on one chit chat" Stiles grinned. His expression seeming teasing but his eyes devoid of any humour. Jackson could grit his teeth as he fought his restraints.

"I think you need to calm the fuck down Stilinski" Jackson managed to get out. Instead of letting him go, Stiles just chuckled before twitching his fingers and releasing Jackson. With that the two made their way to somewhere more private for the matter they were about to discuss. Uncaring and ignoring the whispers of the students around them.

Jackson was a lot of things but blind wasn't one of them. He did notice the strange way Araiya would sometimes word things and the weird little quirks she had. He couldn't exactly ignore the screams at night from her room despite the heavy warding surrounding the door. The dark rings under her eyes, the erratic eating habits, and the dazed and pained twitches. Jackson noticed it all.

But if there was one thing Jackson was sure of….. it was that Araiya would never lie. If she couldn't tell you she would tell you just that. He also knew she held many secrets and omitted to many truths. It was something he respected and accepted about her. Which was why he never pushed or asked about her health, only trusted that she knew what she was doing.

So when Peter warned him to expect Stiles confronting him at some point, he'd prepped. But the whiskey brown eyed boys' reaction unnerved him because Stiles looked beyond pissed.

"You son of a bitch! Did you KNOW!?" Stiles demanded as his shadows slammed the boys locker room shut with a slam.

"Calm the fuck down Stilinski-"

"DID YOU KNOW!?" Stiles ordered

Stiles wasn't his alpha, the boy wasn't even a werewolf. However Jackson's wolf was well aware that if they were to join Scott's pack, Stiles would rank higher. That when Stiles was told about his position in Araiya's court he would rank higher. Which was why his wolf acknowledged the command.

"I know that she's sick and it has something to do with her past. I know that it's bad and could get worse. I know that the way she is now is the best she's ever been. That's it" Jackson shared somewhat reluctantly.

Stiles searched the blued eyed wolf and relaxed a friction when his instincts insisted he was telling the truth. Somehow just like that, Stiles anger seemed to seep out of him. The fact that Jackson hadn't known as well comforted him and he knew why. Stiles had seen how close Araiya and Jackson were with each other and if it had turned out that she had told Jackson and not him… betrayal would be too simple a word to describe how he would've felt.

At the same time the knowledge that she hid it from everyone rattled him because… they were either that oblivious or way too easy to fool.

Jackson wanted to ask, the need to know so strong that he was literally biting his tongue to hold back the words. However he was well aware that if Stiles reaction was anything to go by, his would probably be worse. Araiya didn't need that, she never did things without reason. Which was why Jackson refused to pry.

Having decided the silence had gone on for too long, Jackson steered the conversation to his somewhat planned speech.

"To cut to the chase Stilinski, You've got two spots to claim on the court. Are you in or not?"

Believe it or not Jackson did put some thought into that alright. Stiles snorted before he drawled out his response in that annoying sarcastic tone that always pissed Jackson off.

"Holy douchebag Batman, Penguin just proposed!"

"Cut the crap Stilinski and answer already" Jackson sneered

"pfft and what makes you think I want to be a part of a justice league that has your ugly face on the team" Stiles snapped back.

"Tch You have a brain don't you? You'd be fucking stupid if you hadn't already figured out why a loser like you was even given a second of consideration to join the court" Jackson mocked earning a glare from Stiles.

Stiles had yet to answer and as it dragged along, Jackson knew why. Which was why he sneered scathingly at Stiles almost spitting his words.

"You're letting that fucker determine your decision. I knew you were pathetic but I didn't think you needed McCall's approval for every choice you made" At the mention of Scott's last name, Stiles could hear actual hate in Jackson's words.

"He's still my Alpha, asshole. Watch what you say!" Stiles snapped

"Some Alpha. He hasn't done jack shit. I met puppies back in London who could run a pack better than McCall could ever hope. True Alpha my ass." Jackson spat

"Is that jealousy I hear? Still a jealous dick because Scott is more Kickass than you could ever hope to be" Stiles retorted with a smug smirk dancing on his lips. Something he said pissed Jackson off more than he expected because the wolf smashed his fist into one of the lockers completely wrecking the thing. If he hadn't held so much confidence in his shadows coming to his aid, Stiles would have been scared shitless. After all Stiles had not forgotten the fact that werewolves could smash through walls with their bare fists.

"McCall can strut around calling himself a True Alpha all he likes but at the end he's still the pathetic fucking loser he always was. No fancy wolf powers or shitty titles are going to change that."

Stiles remained silent as Jackson broke off into laughter before continuing.

"As if I'd ever be jealous of McCall. That Fuckboy is never going to be an Alpha to me even if all the wolves in the world said he was. You expect me to trust Scott McCall to keep this town and its people safe? If I did I might as well dig my own grave and plant my own fucking headstone. After all isn't that what happened to Allison?" Jackson sneered

Stiles eyes widened slightly as it dawned on him why Jackson was still so hostile towards Scott.

"If he can't even protect his own pack what makes you think he can protect the goddamn town?"

The silence that followed rang loudly and Stiles made no move to break it. Stiles could see Jackson's outburst for what it was and even though his best friend instincts were screaming to defend Scott, he understood. It annoyed him but he understood Jackson's hostility which was why he stayed quiet.

Jackson seemed to realise he had said more than he had planned and closed off every bit of expression and emotion in his actions.

"Yes or No Stilinski….. You got a week"

At that Jackson walked out.

*Lunchtime*

Isaac waited for Danny to finish changing his books at his locker and kept his face impassive as his hearing caught the whispers of his peers. He still felt a little strange being back, attending school as if he hadn't spent months in Paris doing nothing. Paris was already beginning to feel like a dream. Which saddened him a bit because he missed the atmosphere.

"You ready for lunch?" Danny smiled as he shouldered his bag.

"Uh yeah" Isaac responded still a little unsure

Despite Danny saying it was no biggie, Isaac still felt awkward. After all Danny didn't have to listen to the talk of how Isaac had stolen Danny from Jackson. However he couldn't deny that Danny was a very good shield. It'd been 5 days and for the past 5 days Isaac could honestly say with 100% sureness that Danny and he were friends. They weren't best friends but friends none the less. Which was why the more days that passed the more Isaac felt guilty.

He wasn't all that oblivious to how Jackson had been spending his time at school alone. Isaac suspected he did the same after school because Danny and he hardly separated with the two of them staying at Danny's aunt's house. Jackson talked to no one, he sat with no one, and was always alone. Even though Isaac had saw this one kid pester Jackson to hang out with him, Jackson had declined and instead chose to be alone. It was like there had been a role reversal.

Isaac found that when he watched Jackson, it was like watching him before the bite. Always alone, talking to no one, and rejecting everyone who tried to talk to him. By hanging out with Danny, Isaac felt as if he had swapped places with Jackson. Everyone seemed to want to talk to him and Danny, they invited him to things and included him in everything. Yet somehow… no matter if they managed to make him laugh, or smile. Isaac would simply have to catch a glimpse of Jackson and suddenly he felt lonely all over again.

"Isaac?" Danny called his face confused as to why the curly haired wolf was so spaced out.

It'd been 5 days… that was enough time to adjust…right?

"Let's go to lunch" Isaac relied with a smirk causing Danny to arch an eyebrow in question.

As he strode with his head held high and a smug swagger to his step, Isaac was reminded of Erica. The confidence they both felt after they received the bite. He could remember the way she smirked with the brightness of her lipstick. It was almost as if both Boyd and Erica were walking beside him, urging him to move onwards. A voice a lot like Erica cheering him on with catty wolf whistling and brash flirtatious remarks. The silent but comforting presence of Boyd. As he opened the cafeteria doors and continued to walk, almost as if he belonged and hadn't left, he slid into the seat beside Scott. Interrupting whatever conversation he was having with Kira.

"What did I miss?"

He casually bit into the apple on his tray and waited for their shock to disappear but the smirk on his lips betrayed his amusement. And somehow he just knew that Erica was laughing from where she and Boyd were, proud that he was using her move.

"Nothing much" Scott shrugged as he grinned back and just like that things were good between them.

As Danny settled into the seat beside Kira he refrained from smirking and instead kept his friendly smile. It took 5 days but he couldn't deny it worked. Slow but none the less it worked. Surprisingly well considering Jackson wasn't much of a tactician. As Danny scanned the room in search of Jackson, he slowly frowned as he realised he couldn't spot him. Then it became clear that Lydia, Stiles and Malia were missing which only made him more suspicious. At least until he overheard the nearby whisper.

"Did you hear about Stilinski picking a fight with Whitmore?"

"Dude Stilinski was totally PISSED at Jackson! You should have seen it!"

"Yeah right Stilinski didn't even come to school today"

"As if Stilinski could go against Whitmore"

Danny decided to pretend as if he couldn't hear the whispers and continued to eat his lunch like the good human he was. Instead watching how Kira and Isaac both looked to Scott for his opinion. The true Alpha had a frown on his face as he probably heard more than what Danny had caught.

"Where's Malia?" Scott asked looking to Kira

"We had different classes before lunch" Kira shrugged helplessly.

"Jackson wouldn't hurt Stiles" Isaac piped up, trying ease the growing tension in Scott's shoulders.

"How can you be so sure?" Kira questioned not entirely convinced. The Kitsune could easily picture poor Stiles against Jackson and even though she had faith Stiles could hold his own. He was still human.

"Stiles means a lot to Araiya" Danny answered instead reminding them that he was still there. Isaac opted to bite into his apple, remembering Danny's neutral stance towards his conflict with Jackson. Scott didn't look too convinced but he nodded none the less which led Kira to follow. As the four of them went back to eating lunch and talking about safe topics that wouldn't spur any awkwardness, Danny continued to keep his friendly mask on. All the while his mind took note of the red glint that had appeared in Scott's eyes.

*Beacon High School Pool*

Lydia rushed through the hall as cool and collected as she could. She didn't want to attract any attention. As she rushed she checked everywhere she could think off, looking for either one of the two idiots. Half of her was worried and the other half annoyed. She didn't know why but she had felt when Stiles had come to the school. She suspected it was his shadow magic thing that alerted her or maybe the weird connection they shared but either way she had felt it and she knew he was mad. Which is why when she heard about him facing off with Jackson she had begun looking for one or the other. To slap the crap out of them for increasing the rumours but also to find out what had Stiles so pissed.

She was afraid that it was bad news dealing with the Missing body case, or even why she kept walking around in her sleep unable to scream.

She'd searched everywhere and on a whim decided to try the pool.

It was empty save for one person, swimming laps at what could only be impossible speed. It was that last bit that clued her in on who it was. She allowed herself a brief moment of apprehension and uncertainty before donning her bitch face and waiting at the end of the lane.

Coming up for air, Jackson inhaled greedily and proceeded to ignore the irate red head standing over him. Her fierce glare stirring nothing from him.

"What the hell did you do?" Lydia started her tone cold and accusing.

Jackson just huffed out a smirk before he swam his way to the ladder. His skin cold from the water but his temper soothed.

"This really is like old times" Jackson mused as he dried his face with a towel. When Jackson had gotten out of the pool, Lydia had faltered in her stance. The sight of Jackson in just his wet swimming trunks reminding her off past times they shared together. She couldn't help but privately admit that despite the time apart he was still fit as anything. Inwardly slapping herself out of it she strongly carried on, just in time for him to turn around and meet her glare.

Jackson however continued to smirk, his confidence only rising as he scented the air. Somehow something told him Lydia had forgotten that this time round he was a werewolf. So despite how much she tried to control her actions and her face, her chemo scent exposed it all.

"What did you do Jackson?" She glared

"What makes you think I did anything?" He retorted as he folded his arms purposely. He saw when it clicked, and could only grin wider as Lydia glare turned frosty.

"Fine. Don't tell me but for your sake, you better not have hurt him" Lydia sneered before turning to leave.

"Since when have you been a fan of Stilinski?" Jackson scoffed but somehow Lydia still managed to hear the curiosity.

"Careful Jackson you're starting to sound jealous" She smirked

"As if I have any reason to be jealous of Stilinski of all people" He threw back but his lips twitched betraying the fact that he was joking. A part of Lydia found it a little alien to see Jackson so freely tossing banter with her. She had always known he wasn't all bad but when they were dating it was like digging through concrete with a paddle. His sincere smiles had been so rare to catch even when they were alone.

Now here he was jesting and snapping back at her without any cruelty meant to hurt. It made her chest tighten and she was unsure what she should call the emotion.

"Oi? You okay!?" Jackson questioned as he noticed the silent way Lydia continued to stare at him. She didn't know why she asked… but she found the words leaving her mouth before she could stop them.

"Did you miss me?"

It was too late to take them back, so gathering all the courage she had, she waited for his response. Jackson initially looked surprised at the question before he lowered his head to the side. Once again Silence decided to make itself known.

"Not really…" Jackson admittedly

Lydia didn't know how to take that answer but Jackson wasn't finished.

"I didn't really think about you while I was there….." he admitted and somehow it made the tightness in her chest ease.

"Did you?" He asked. His blue eyes watching her closely reminding her of all the reasons she had admired them. Her fingers trembled a bit because she wasn't sure how her heart would respond, if it would claim her words to be a lie or the truth. She pushed them out anyway.

"No…I didn't think of you at all"

She saw how his eyes seemed to soften and his presence seemed to warm. She didn't move despite how he moved closer to her. Didn't step back as he tilted her chin. Didn't say no, as he pressed his lips to hers. It was warm, gentle yet at the same time demanding and greedy. His lips fought with hers just like their relationship had been. Taking from one another all they could uncaring for what mess they left the other in. Selfishly using each other for their own goals. Her for power and he for status. Then slowly as they panted for breath against one another, occasionally diving in for another taste, it changed. His tongue caressed hers instead of wrestling. His lips danced sensually with hers rather than violently. Their passionate fight dwindled into a soothing dance.

A lone tear trailed down her cheek as her heart squeezed. Their foreheads rested against one another as they tried to catch their breath. Both their eyes closed. Jackson could feel her warmth, could remember all the reasons he had chosen her. Why he had adored her. Which is why when he heard her rushing footsteps leaving. He smiled knowing he would open his eyes to see her gone.

Jackson gathered his things and went to change, unbothered by the waiting presence inside.

"You really are an asshole" Danny dryly insulted.

Jackson just shrugged and started to change. Sighing Danny shook his head at the blonde werewolf. Apart of him wanted to tell the werewolf off but knew it wasn't his place. Lydia and Jackson's relationship was never something he understood, which was why he opted to just leave it. But after the stunt Jackson just pulled, Danny knew he had to step in. He and Lydia may have only become friends because she'd been dating Jackson, but that didn't mean Danny didn't like her.

Clearing his mind of Lydia and Jackson's relationship troubles, Danny decided to congratulate, the blonde blue eyed wolf.

"It took 5 days but I'm surprised it worked. Somehow turning yourself into a loner led to Scott and Isaac becoming friends again" Danny praised. The days spent with Isaac were interesting for Danny, he was actually rather useful when it came to research. Especially when Danny needed summarized notes per Nik's request. He enjoyed becoming friends with the curly haired wolf, it had almost been like having a little brother or something similar.

Jackson only scoffed smugly at Danny's praise. He hadn't expected Danny to think of it as a plan, Jackson had actually just wanted to be alone. He didn't see any other way of getting Danny to leave him be other than to pretend he wanted Danny to watch over Isaac. Regardless praise was praise.

"Don't forget we've got lacrosse practice after school" Danny reminded as they began to make their way out. Jackson just grunted before following after.

*Augusta's Mansion*

Araiya's pov

It was quiet when I woke up, but rather than opening my eyes I kept them shut. I didn't want to see, didn't want to move. Didn't even want to breathe. To open my eyes would be acknowledging I was awake. Which meant I was still alive.

So instead I lay where I was, eyes closed and stiff. My body felt numb and my mind quiet and I couldn't find it in me to move. Soon even the silence grew too loud for me.

"How much longer are you going to just lay there?" Peter's voice drawled.

His voice was silky smooth and with my eyes closed it seemed to drown me. My breath hitched and I almost choked. Wrong choice of words. Reluctantly or maybe fearfully I opened my eyes. The Mansion….. I was back at Aunt Augusta's mansion. Releasing a breath of relief I didn't know I was clinging to, I found myself curling inwardly. Snuggling closely with the material in my grip.

"I'm sorry….." I muttered out knowing he would catch it.

"Not for the right reason" Peter retorted catching my word play. He was right, I was sorry but not for the right things. I was sorry I worried him not for sneaking out or almost dying. Peter knew me too well.

"You really are an idiot" Peter mocked

"If it helps I didn't plan it" I replied realising too slow that my tone has been bland and dead each time I spoke.

"It doesn't really matter now does it" Peter muttered before letting it fall into silence.

We didn't talk for the next 20 minutes. Instead just let the presence reassure one another that the other wasn't totally insane. That we still had time. As feeling returned to my body so did the flashes of images from what I saw after falling in the lake. Peter probably felt my distress. Which was why it wasn't much of a surprise when he pointed to the recent painting still slightly wet from yesterday.

"Who was she?" He asked bluntly and detached

I took my time to reply. Simply staring at the painting I had been working on for the past few days. The colour theme were shades of red, blue, yellow and green. You could see the clumps of paint from the times I kept adding more and more paint. Only to toss the brush away and pushing with my fingers. Pressing the paint into the canvas almost making holes. The blue started at the top of the canvas so dark that it almost looked black. It then faded into the pure white of the canvas so thin and transparent. From there a figure seemed to be reaching to touch the white side of the canvas. Their face was a muddle of colour however most prominent was red. It was female, evident from the long sunshine yellow of their hair. It seemed to blend with the blue creating a pretty green. Her hands were red though, and the further she reached the more purple it seemed to become.

If someone were to look at it, I imagine they would say the girl was a creature from the dark reaching for the brightness of the white. But they'd be wrong. The canvas is upside down. The girl was drowning, her hands lifted upwards to the pure white sunshine. The purple representing her memory dissolving in the water the green representing the poison she induced. The dark blue she was sinking into, symbolic of her death.

"Dead….." I answered before turning away from the painting.

I felt dirty after staring at it. The need to scrub my hands raw pulsing within me. Which was why I jumped up and distractedly informed Peter I was going to shower. I didn't stop to grab a change of clothes or a towel, just rushed to the bathroom. Immediately I switched the tap on and scrubbed at my hands. The water was seemed too cold despite being on its hottest setting but I continued to scrub. Angrily ripping the clothes that clung to me off my body. Soon I stood bare before the sink, my hands raw and in pain from the heat of the water and my frantic scrubbing. My breath eased and I turned the water to its coldest setting. Letting my hands soak. When I opened my eyes, I felt more at ease. Still a little numb but more calm. Which was why I was surprised to see the mirror cracked. There was glass at my feet but I paid it little attention. Too caught up in the reflection I cast.

The glamour had fallen and my scars stood out starkly on my skin. I wasn't sure how I felt knowing some of the stories behind the markings. My throat looked to be the worst. Touching it I winced before letting my hand fall. Absently noting that it was bleeding.

"Remember this pretty Raiya… no matter where you go… who you meet. You will always belong to me….. I own you…" The sentence echoed throughout my head and underneath the hot spray of water I cried. Letting the hot water wash my tears away. I left my head to hang knowing that if I turned around my reflection would remind me.

In the back the cracked mirror reflected my torn and scared backside but right in the centre were those words. Hazardously cut and carved into my skin with careless angles.

"I OWN YOU"

*Beacon High*

"You know your dad's not going to be happy" Malia stated as she sat next to Stiles on the bleachers.

The coyote had sensed when her mate had arrived and immediately sought him out the minute she could. She didn't know what was bothering him but she knew what he needed wasn't to be alone. So instead of joining the others for lunch she just sat next to him in silence. It had gone on for so long that Malia was officially skipping class and Stiles had officially skipped school. Of course Malia didn't care. She'd take sitting with her mate in silence over school any day.

"Okay! I think it's been long enough" Malia stated before she turned to face Stiles who gave her a look of confusion.

"Kira said that if someone's upset you're not supposed to push. Although Lydia said that if they don't say anything for a long time you have to make them admit it" Malia recited dutifully in her typical 'Humans are so weird' tone. Stiles couldn't help the amusement he felt.

"And what do you think?" He asked curious for her answer.

"I don't care. If you want to talk I'll listen if you don't then okay. I won't judge" Malia shrugged

Stiles wondered on what he should say next. The urge to spill everything was there, to explain why he was so angry. Yet he suppressed it because he knew that it wasn't his secret or story to tell. Understood why Araiya kept her stories somewhat vague. To tell the truth about what she'd been through would alter the way they treated her. Inhaling deeply, Stiles made his decision.

"I can't tell you" He admitted and Malia only nodded with an okay and went back to staring at the field.

As she looked out, Stiles watched her, simply waiting. Until it sunk in that she really didn't care. That Malia wasn't just saying so because someone had told her that's what humans do. She simply wouldn't judge him if he didn't tell her or not. She just took his word for it straight of the bat. No, face expecting him to cave, no off hand guilt trip. She just accepted his word and moved on.

Somehow it felt like it had been a long time since someone had just accepted his words without pressing. Believing and trusting him without a second thought. Which was why it caught Malia by surprise when he suddenly turned her head and kissed her without warning. She hadn't been expecting it but Malia was coming to find that Stiles seemed to keep surprising her. Every time she thought she'd seen everything he had to offer he'd do something like this. Dominating her, leaving no room for her to question or give a response. Just taking what he wanted when he felt, challenging her. It thrilled her coyote and took them back to their days in the wild where every meal was fought for. As she kissed Stiles back just as fiercely she was battling him for the prize of victory.

She loved every bit of it.

Hence it was no surprise that the two had then been caught by the one and only Coach Finstock. Finstock had approached the teens awkwardly warning them with detention if he caught them like that again. His usual flare for dramatics and shouting miniscule against the fierce glare of agitation Malia had given him. The coyote was far from happy at being interrupted especially since she had been winning. Stiles on the other hand was competing against the reddest tomato you could possibly find. Instead Finstock had ordered Stiles to help him set up the lacrosse gear for training, yelling at him for the many many practices he'd been skipping.

It was only when Malia was no longer in sight that Finstock clapped him on the back.

"Uh Coach?" Stiles replied a little thrown.

"Never thought I'd see the day Stilinski!" Finstock cackled as he congratulated Stiles.

"Um d-uh uh Thanks?" Stiles replied somewhat confused.

"A-HAH! WAY TO GO STILINSKI!" Finstock cheered before blowing his whistle and hustling Stiles to hurry up.

Lacrosse had grown even more popular with the return of Jackson, Danny and Isaac. Which resulted in the bleachers being quite full almost as full as it would be at a real game. Adding in the fact that they had so many people try out, they actually manged to have a reserve team well….. You could say Finstock was a really happy man. Unfortunately he had forgotten that with more players… it meant he had more hormonal idiotic males to train.

"ALRIGHT LISTEN UP YOU GIRLY WHIPPED BUNCH OF SUCKERS! Seeing as I got more of you little runts on the team than I first thought I'm going to have to work you through the wringer more than ever" Finstock started as he eyed every single player. As Finstock went into another one of his speeches, Scott had moved closer to where Stiles was. A little upset that Stiles hadn't told him he was coming.

"When did you get here?" Scott asked with a nudge.

"Just before lunch" Stiles replied with a shrug making light of the situation.

"You okay?" Scott asked somewhat aware that he seemed to be out of the loop of something. Stiles hadn't faltered as he tied his laces just gave a shrug and smirked at Scott.

"Never been better"

"STILINSKI!" Finstock screeched

"AH!-holy Jesus Coach would you not scare me like that!?" Stiles cried out in surprise as he clutched his chest.

"CAN IT STILINSKI! Don't think I've forgotten how many practices you've been skipping out on. Even though you send DUNBAR with a good excuse doesn't mean you can't make it up to me! Now HUSTLE!" Coach snapped before moving away.

"Wah!? But I never….. Liam!" Stiles questioned looking to the bashful little beta holding his lacrosse stick.

"One of the guys kept kicking up a fuss about how often you guys skipped practice and still got to play. Coach was reluctant to take note of it because Scott's still our top player and Kira is pretty kick ass on the field. So Mason and I started writing up fake notes to excuse you all" Liam explained unsure of what his actions would get him.

Stiles, Scott and Kira just stared at the little beta in surprise before Kira smiled thankfully.

"That's actually…. Not really a bad idea" Stiles mused somewhat reluctantly unaware of the way Liam seemed to perk up. Up in the stands, Malia relayed the conversation to Lydia and Mason, who then proceeded to roll his eyes.

"That's making light of the situation. The reserves were pretty rowdy about the whole thing considering 3 of the first team kept skipping practices but still got to play on game day. It only got worse when Coach Declared Jackson, Isaac and Danny first team as well." Mason elaborated.

Malia didn't really get what the big deal was but knew that basically the reserves were jealous.

"If the reserves really want to be on the first team they should work harder" Her condescending tone strong in her delivery which was almost identical to Peter's… almost.

"I don't know I've been watching them practice and some of them are pretty good. Like that Howard Armstrong guy. He's pretty up there and at times seems pretty close to catching up to Liam's level" Mason shared regretting it instantly as both girls frowned. The dislike the two ladies shared towards the guy was prominent and Mason couldn't help but wonder the hell he did to get these two against him.

"He's becoming quite the little pest." Lydia muttered as her eyes glinted with calculation. Malia only growled lowly slightly unnerving Mason.

"Oi Isaac over here!" Scott called as he spotted Isaac coming onto the field. The curly haired teen approached the alpha but he cast a curious gaze over Liam who was doing the same.

"Hey!" He greeted giving a nod to everyone. Stiles was grumbling something under his breath which seemed to make Liam laugh and Kira was welcoming Isaac with friendly punch on the arm.

"Uh Isaac this is Liam, Liam this is Isaac" Scott introduced with a friendly smile.

Stiles stopped his grumbling and watched the meeting in interest wondering how Isaac was going to react. Stiles knew Scott was more than a little oblivious to the way wolf pack hierarchy worked which was why he focused on the introductions. Isaac was Derek's official first beta whereas Jackson was his technical first beta. However when Isaac ditched Derek's pack to join Scott's, as the only other werewolf in Scott's pack at the time, Technically Isaac had been Scott's first beta. Although because Scott OFFICIALLY bit Liam, Liam was OFFICIALLY really technically Scott's first beta.

In the end there was only room for one First beta in Scott's pack and with Isaac returning things were obviously going to get a little messy at some point. Especially when you remember Jackson is also back.

"You were one of Derek's right!?" Liam questioned with a polite smile.

Stiles had to physically turn away unable to watch, the minute Liam had mentioned Derek. A part of him found it funny and wanted to jump in Scott's face and scream 'I TOLD YOU TO STUDY PACK HERACHY AND INTERACTIONS BUT YOU DIDN'T NOW SUFFER' the other just wanted to move far away from what was bound to turn into a pissing match.

Isaac felt his wolf growl and his eyes flashed briefly. They heard the slight twinge of awe in the little beta's tone when he spoke Derek's name. Derek wasn't their alpha anymore but the little beta's praise irked them, sparking the territorial part of them.

"And your one of Scott's" Isaac replied with the same polite smile.

Liam's eyes flashed and his wolf sneered. They by no way liked the way the curly haired wolf had spoken their Alpha's name. Almost as if the curly haired wolf was taunting them with their Alpha's name.

"Nice to meet you" they spoke at the same time, gritting their teeth as they did.

"Wooow" Kira muttered as she backed away from the stares off the beta's were having. Moving closer to Stiles who seemed like a safer choice, Kira warily asked why she felt like she was stuck watching a cage fight between two wild dogs. Even Scott stepped closer to Stiles.

"I thought they would have got along?" Scott muttered confused as to why it wasn't the case.

"Scott remember how you were the hot girl?" Stiles began earning a nod from the true alpha.

"Now let's pretend Derek is another Hot girl" Both Kira and Scott blanked their faces at the images they conjured. Stiles realised what he had said but pushed onwards with his analogy.

"Now Hot girl Derek was dating Isaac BUT Isaac leaves Hot Girl Derek for Hot Girl Scott BUT THEN Hot Girl Scott meets Liam after Isaac flies to France. Hot Girl Derek becomes good friends with Liam which makes Hot Girl Scott jealous. So when Isaac comes back and Hot Girl Scott starts hanging with Isaac, Liam gets jealous. Isaac finds out about Hot Girl Derek and Liam and also gets jealous. You get it now?" Stiles explains quite happy with himself.

"Oh my gosh Hot Girl Scott is totally the hussy!" Kira mutters softly to herself which causes Stiles to pause and realise she was right.

"I…. never thought of it that way!?" Stiles muttered

"What?" Scott exclaimed completely lost as to what they just said. Kira sighed before patting Scott comfortingly on the shoulder.

"Don't worry I don't mind"

Stiles nodded before patting Scott himself.

"Hang on to that one. Not many girls like to share alright Hot girl Scott!"

Kira and Stiles then wandered off for their turn at shooting goals. Scott only managed to catch the end of their conversation.

"You know Kira that makes you the other other woman"

"What the hell just happened?" Scott muttered completely confused.

Off on the side-lines, Jackson noticed the rivalry like tension between Isaac and Liam and smirked. The blonde blue eyed wolf saw that rivalry happening the minute he saw how friendly Derek and the little beta were with each other. Jackson didn't actually care about all that First beta crap and sure as hell didn't consider Scott his alpha which was why the pull was practically non-existent. Even if push came to shove and he was forced to choose an Alpha, Jackson would pick Derek over McCall any day.

"Tch I seriously don't get why Coach keeps him on the team" Howard complained from beside Jackson. Watching as Stiles missed another shot into the goal. Whilst Kira had aced all hers. Jackson remained silent as the irritating teen continued to complain about McCall's crew. The guy rubbed Jackson the wrong way, and it pissed him off that he didn't have a legit excuse to wolf out on the guy. He'd had Danny double check and triple check the guy's record but there was nothing supernatural about him at all. At almost every chance he got he was harping off about something Stiles did and the more he did it the more irritated Jackson got.

"Listen retard, I don't know what the hell makes you think I care about what the hell Stilinski does, but from this point on you. Don't. Talk. To. Me." Jackson sneered roughly pushing past the guy and onto the field.

Being on the field again, Jackson felt like the old him again. He wasn't sure if he liked it. Back then Lacrosse had been his only outlet for his aggression soon it easily became his world. Something that no matter what, he had to be perfect at. Which was why his temper was just as short as it used to be.

"Jackson" Danny called bring him out of his funk.

"Get your head in the game. Don't make me break out into song" Danny threatened with a joking smile. However Jackson could also hear the concern. Once again Jackson felt relieved and admittedly just a little safer with Danny present. He served as a physical reminder of the promise he made and never ceased to bring Jackson out of his head.

As training continued, Finstock's grin grew wider and wider. His eyes practically sparkling because he could see it. This year Beacon High's lacrosse team was unbeatable. Already he could hear the crowds cheering his name and awarding him as best Coach of the year.

Christmas must have come early.

"ALRIGHT! ROUND IT UP! McCall as team captain-"

Finstock never got to finish his sentence as the mumbled grumbling of the reserve team behind him caught his attention.

"YOU gossipy girls have something you want to share with the REST of the class!?" Finstock demanded with narrow eyes. Awkwardly one of the boys spoke up.

"We were just wondering if you were thinking of introducing Co-captains again."

Scott blinked at the question having not thought about that. Once again Stiles found himself wary on how things would play out. Being Captain of the lacrosse team had developed a new meaning for Scott whether he knew it or not. Scott was an Alpha and Captain was a leader title, and authority position. After Jackson left and with no-one to challenge his place, Scott had pretty much claimed it his territory. Stiles hadn't even remembered that Jackson and Scott used to share the title once upon a time.

Back then Scott had been a regular beta and Jackson a human. This time round Jackson was a beta and Scott was an Alpha. Essentially Jackson still had the disadvantage. Stiles was wary on just how the confrontation would go. A beta against a beta was one thing but a Beta against an Alpha was a whole different level.

"We just thought that with Whitmore's previous rep you would reinstate him as Captain or at least Co-captain" Howard spoke up with a shrug.

Finstock seemed to really think over the question and Stiles could physically see the implications sink in for Scott.

From where they were watching Lydia, narrowed her eyes. Both she and Malia knew that if Finstock actually gave the idea merit, Scott wouldn't like it. Mason wasn't 100% percent sure what would happen but he knew it would be intense.

Slowly Finstock began to grin.

"Alriiiight….. I admit this actually sounds like it could get interesting. With all the skipped Practice this is the perfect way to punish you" Finstock grinned at Scott who was already frowning.

"Coach I don't-"

"WHITMORE!" Coach called cutting Scott off

"You in to compete?"

Jackson quirked an eyebrow at the excitement from the reserve team as well as Finstock. He took note of the slight glare Scott was giving him but ignored it in favour for the indifferent aura around Stiles. Returning his gaze to Scott and taking note of how hostile he was being, Jackson smirked.

"Why not!"

The reserves burst into excited cheer, settling in for the match eager to see who would come out victorious. Even Finstock cheered for a bit. All of them unaware of the real challenge that had been issued.

"This is so not good" Stiles muttered

"Why would you say that? Stiles!? What's not good? How not good is this not good?" Kira rambled nervously

"Dammit he knew what he was doing when he agreed" Isaac muttered as he glared at Jackson.

"Stiles?" Liam questioned a little unsteady with the hostility Jackson and Scott were emitting.

"Scott's an Alpha and Jackson's a beta. As an Alpha Scott's territorial pride won't let him take the captain position so easily. As an alpha he refuses to bow to a beta. Well this is certainly taking me back to the good ole days where Derek and Scott liked to fight" Stiles mumbled.

"You idiot!" Lydia snapped as she realised exactly what Jackson just did. She knew without a doubt that he did it on purpose.

"Just what the hell is he trying to prove?" The red head muttered to herself.

Beside her, Malia remained quiet. She knew her opinion would only cause more trouble. Personally the she-coyote wasn't too bothered about the challenge. As far as she was concerned the two were lucky they were only playing a game, She'd seen fights where only one would walk away alive. She was also curious as to what the outcome may be.

"From the mood of everything I'm guessing a big fight is going to happen am I right?" Mason muttered to Malia, wary of talking to Lydia with how intensely she was glaring at Jackson.

"Just a typical Beta challenging an Alpha rumble" Malia shrugged.

The casual delivery helped ease Mason's unease.

"Stiles" Scott barely manged to say without a growling edge to it.

"Alright, Coach is probably going to split you into two teams making you captain of them. All you got to do is-"

"Coach I was thinking we could spice it up a bit" Jackson smirked dragging his glare away from Scott for the first time.

"What did you have in mind?" Finstock questioned.

"McCall and I get to pick any 3 players of our choosing. Only three and we both captain the teams. First team to score a point wins Captain"

Finstock thought it over but in the end decided what the hell.

"Alright I'll bite. Whitmore, you get first pick"

Which only made the smirk on Jackson's face wider and the Scott's glare darker.

"No worries Scott we got this. We'll kick some serious ass and get captain" Stiles muttered in reassurance. Scott grinned at Stiles words feeling himself getting worked up for the game.

"Stilinski" Jackson spoke with a smug grin

"Yeah what?" Stiles threw back with annoyance.

"You're my first pick" Jackson shrugged shocking everyone who was watching and knew Jackson from before he left to London.

"W-What?" "What!" Stiles stuttered whilst Scott snarled, his eyes flashing red causing Jackson to flash his beta blue back.

"You heard me" Jackson grinned.

"Coach?" Stiles questioned still a little thrown at Jackson's decision. Never in his life had Stiles ever though Jackson would pick him first for his team. He also never thought the day would come where he and Scott were on opposite sides.

Finstock had known these boys since they first tried out in freshman year. He'd seen how they interacted and he too never thought he'd see the day were Jackson WILLINGLY picked Stiles for anything. Or the day Stiles and Scott were to face off on opposite sides. So he could only shrug and disbelieving repeat that he had agreed. Which is why he stayed silent when Scott had spoken out.

"You can't pick Stiles" Scott snarled looking ready to lunge.

"Rules are rules McCall. I chose Stilinski so hurry up and hand him over" Jackson sneered. Scott looked ready to fight but Stiles stopped him by moving to stand beside Jackson.

"Stiles where the hell are you going?" Scott growled just barely maintaining control.

"He's right. Don't worry Scott come on, don't forget it's only a game" Stiles did his best to stress the end part of his sentence but he had doubts it got through. It certainly was strange for Stiles to be staring at his best friend from the other side and not being right behind him. Which was why Stiles was sure, Jackson was up to something.

Also why it was hardly surprising that Scott had called out Danny's name as his first pick. The unspoken declaration being 'you stole my best friend now I'm stealing yours'. It barely even seemed to phase Jackson who simply continued to grin. Stiles over heard one of the reserve players mutter about the intensity before saying it was just a game.

Despite his earlier words to Scott, this was clearly more than just a game. Had the two captains been regular humans and not an Alpha werewolf and Beta werewolf, then yeah. No this was a territorial fight, a battle of dominance over just who was king of Lacrosse.

"Isaac" Jackson called. Once again shocking everyone including Isaac. However Isaac trudged his way beside Stiles. The both of them awkwardly standing behind Jackson like hostages instead of team mates. Stiles could literally see Scott's teeth beginning to lengthen and he crossed his fingers anxiously hoping Scott's anger wouldn't cloud his decisions.

Stiles could already see the advantage Scott had with Danny on his team. There was no better goalie in lacrosse than Danny, the guy could practically be a legend. Which was practically Scott's power ace trump card. Considering this was a dominance battle and the fact that Stiles and Isaac were already off the list to choose. This next choice relied heavily on Scott's ability to think as an Alpha. With Kira and Liam still left as optional choices, Scott had to be careful with whose name he called. In a traditional pack the next name that should be called would be his first beta. Excusing Danny if you thought of him as a hostage like Stiles was choosing to think of himself as.

Jackson calling Isaac had been no mistake. Isaac and he may have never technically been in the same pack but they did share the same Alpha who turned them. Which was why Jackson had called Isaac's name next. Because Kira wasn't actually a wolf, she technically should rank lower than Liam as he's Scott's first beta. She hadn't been claimed as Scott's actual mate, nor was she recognised as it by the pack, she was still classed as 'girlfriend' to the pack animal mind wise.

"Kira" Scott called

Stiles had known that he would call Kira first but still he had hoped. Beside him he heard Isaac curse lowly which showed that even he was aware of the point Scott just lost already. Somehow, Stiles didn't want to see Liam's face at the moment.

From where their watching, both Malia and Lydia reacted to Scott's choice. Lydia with a muttered string of insults and Malia with an offended growl. The coyote felt for the poor little beta who had just been publically humiliated by his alpha in front of his pack and friends. Mason didn't get why Scott picking Kira seemed to set the two girls off but he did notice the way Liam had ducked his head. That alone was enough to make the teen angry on his best friend's behalf.

Kira noticed Jackson's wince as she made her way to join Scott's team but somehow she felt like something wrong just happened and she missed the whole show. Danny noticed the awkward stance Kira stood in and pat her on the back reassuringly.

"You'll do fine" He encouraged.

"Final pick" Finstock warned a little caught up with the intensity of everything.

From where he sat on the bench, Howard sat up a little taller. Knowing it was Jackson's pick, he felt rather confident that he knew Jackson would call for him out of the leftover selections. Which was why the name that did leave Jackson's mouth had everyone double backing in complete and utter shock.

"Greenberg" Jackson repeated clearly and impatiently.

"No way….." Greenberg muttered in complete and utter shock.

"You sure about that Whitmore?" Finstock checked but Jackson only nodded in response. Even Stiles had no idea where Jackson was going with adding Greenberg to his team. Greenberg SUCKED!

"Liam" Scott called out surely.

Despite being added to Scott's team, Liam was feeling a little bit glum and wasn't entirely sure why. As he stood next to Danny, he looked up to where Mason, Malia and Lydia were watching. Mason cried out his name and gave a whooping cheer whereas Malia and Lydia just gave him reassuring smirks. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt like he needed to be reassured but none the less he appreciated it.

"You know I heard you're quite the player" Danny spoke nudging Liam with a smile

"I just really like lacrosse" Liam shrugged with a modest smile.

All talking ceased as Scott joined their huddle. Danny noticed the way the alpha red in his eyes had dimmed and concluded that it was just dawning on him that Stiles wasn't part of his team.

"You going to be okay?" Kira questioned cautiously

Scott closed his eyes and inhaled, finding the resolve in him to push onwards. Finding it, the wolf in him growled with eager energy. His reaction spurring Kira and Liam to respond in kind. Danny just continued to take note of everything.

"Jackson's mine" Scott growled his voice a deeper tone than usual.

Up in the stands Lydia narrowed her eyes as it she took note at the real disadvantage Scott was in. With the looks of things, if Scott won it would probably be a miracle. This was no longer a simple game to determine lacrosse captain, this was a battle of dominance over the school. What really worried Lydia was the fact that Stiles was on the other team and not with Scott.

"This is going to be the talk for days…." Finstock muttered as he moved to initiate the start.

"Game starts…NOW!"

Let the game begin.

Alright that's it!

So you got alot in my opinion. Lets be honest Derek and Araiya are practically unofficially dating man. This was totally the part where he has to decide to break up with her or fight for her haha. So I decided that Stiles should know too seeing as he's pretty close to Araiya both on the court and off. Their unofficially related. You got alot more Jackson and Isaac. A sprinkle of Liam and so on. I seriously cannot wait till this villain is out of the way. The most boring villain ever to write, i hate myself for creating them.

IMPORTANT STUFF!

-To be frank Jydia is winning the poll at the moment. I figured it's been up long enough so I'll be taking it down in about a week's time or maybe 4 days. So if you really want Marrish to win vote your souls out.

-There are alot of extra bits to this story that i had to cut out because they were irrelevant to the main plot and main characters but I really liked them. Such as the Black family history, The first Keepers Court that sealed the Beacon 900 years ago, Araiya's childhood, How Araiya met Paige, Araiya through the years etc. Which is why I was toying with the idea of putting it up as a new story. Essentially it'll be like an extra go to for more information on some of my OC characters pasts and Keeper's Keep's histories. So would you all read it if I posted them or nah?

-Secondly concerning a sequel. The answer at the moment is a firm NO!. I'm not thinking or planning a sequel for this story mainly because I'm struggling to finish it and I don't want to overcomplicate things even more. SO there will be NO sequel as far as I can tell.

-No! There will be no slash pairings. I mean you could see it as implied slash but really it's not. I've got nothing against slash stories and reading them but I personally don't think I'm good enough to write slash. So the interaction between the pack boys are completely friendly... but not that friendly.

- Beta Reader. I wouldn't mind one to edit my chapters but if you don't want to go through the pain don't sweat it.

Alright... I think that's it?

If you have any questions remember to review them and I'll answer.

Next Update should have more Pack and Araiya i hope

Thanks for the faves, follows and reviews :D