Salt The Earth

by A. Constance

She was changing- physically, mentally- slowly and then all together. Rage seemed to own her. Lust, fear and pain became inescapable. Something was wrong with Mars, and her best friends Scott and Stiles were going to figure it out even if it killed them. Or, at least, before it killed her. M for language and triggering content. Slow Burn. Formerly Beast of Burden.

33. The Angel

CHAPTER 33

The Angel

It was dark when Mars emerged in the land of the living. Her whole body ached. The sheets she was wrapped in were clean, she was clothed and in her own bedroom. She rolled over, trying to swallow.

It was past the point of burning, it simply hurt to do.

"Mum?" She asked the slim figure beside her. Mary smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"How are you feeling?" Mary asked, sitting up straight.

Mars stayed laying down. "Okay, I guess."

"Good." Mary said, not looking at her daughter. She didn't quite know what to do now that Mars was aware. "Can I get you anything?"

"Water?" Mars asked, Mary nodded and handed her the glass from the side table. "Thanks." Mars tried to drink, but that hurt, too. "How- how did I get here?" She couldn't bring herself to call here, home.

"I brought you."

"How did you know?"

"You called me before…" Mary hesitated, cleared her throat, and said. "The mess is taken care of, they don't have to know anything."

Mars noticed Mary's hair was down- it was a rare thing- but it made her mom look softer, kind even. And also like looking in a mirror. As always, they both elected not to talk about what had passed. Mars was shocked, to say the least. The thought of the last thing she did before she thought she would die was reaching out and calling her mommy was almost comical. Why hadn't she called 911?

Then she remembered. Sheriff. Sheriff was why she didn't call.

"Well, thank you." Doc came and curled into Mars' lap.

Mary nodded. "I'm calling you out of school tomorrow, you could use the rest. I'll get your coursework from the other teachers and catch you up after."

She had a newfound respect for the woman before her. She was handling the situation with grace despite her distress. Her mother went to leave. "Mum?" Mary turned to her, Mars' brows pushed together as she began to put together pieces of the night before.

"Yeah, baby?"

Mars hesitated, should she tell her mom about Da? No, she couldn't. She promised. "I just-" She paused again. "Thank you, for um- For sparing Stiles."

"I'm your mother. You don't have to thank me." Mary paused too. "It's my job." They looked at each other for a moment before Mary nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind her.