Chapter 15
A/N: sorry it took a while to post this, life and all. Anyways without further ado, here is chapter 15.
I saw city's still bruised and bleeding from years of crushing war. I saw souls darkened by loss and bitterness in the crusades. I saw faith destroyed after the brutality we'd endured in its name.
-Ernest Hemingway-
1 week later
Derek stared out the window plagued by his thoughts, what would she be like? What was it like to have an aunt? Well, he did have other aunts technically. Like Caroline, Peter's wife and aunt Gil, Darius' wife but they had both married into the family. And since Peter grew up alongside him it sometimes felt more like they were brothers than uncle and nephew, which then extended to Caroline feeling more like an older sister rather than an aunt. And while Aunt Gil and uncle Darius filled the roles in their family well they had their own life outside of Beacon Hills, outside of the pack which meant they didn't get to see each other regularly, even less now that aunt Gil has passed.
''Mister Hale am I boring you?'' Mr. Harris asked snidely.
Turning to face Mr. Harris, he smirked. This wasn't they're first altercation, Harris hated his guts for some reason.
''Thank you for noticing but don't feel down Mr. Harris, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it someday.''
Mr. Harris flustered a bit as the other kids laughed, ''Detention.''
''No can do. I have basketball practice and you know how coach gets…'' he replied smugly. Honestly he wouldn't normally act this douchey towards a teacher but Harris picks on him for no reason all the time. Calling him out on the smallest things, being a hardass only to him and if that's how he wants to play it then he would play by his rules too.
Gritting his teeth, Harris longs for his military days. The youth of today are too free, they have no respect for authority, they don't strive for bigger things or have bigger ambitions than getting a high school game medal. Look at the Hale boy; incredibly smart, from a good family with so much potential wasted because he isn't stimulated to work for it. He could be an honor student, straight A's and maybe graduate early if he simply put in the work but instead he skips school, talks back and puts all his effort in playing basketball instead of his schoolwork resulting in a coasting B/C student.
A true waste.
''Mr. Hale, I will not tolerate back talking in my class so pack your things and go to the office.'' he says with a calm facade, never let your emotions rule you or impact your decisions.
…
''Mrs. Boyd, why don't you take a seat? A deputy will be right with you.''
With shaking hands Harper guides Alicia towards the appointed chair, taking a seat herself and placing her daughter in her lap. What was she thinking going here, what good could come from it? What should she even say; I'm here to report an attempted kidnapping but the would-be kidnapper didn't hurt her, also he's already dead…
''Mrs. Boyd?'' a man in uniform asks her. ''I'm Deputy Stilinski, I'll be taking your official statement today.'' he says, extending his hand to her.
She shakes it as he sits down across from her at the desk.
''So what brings you and the little lady here today?'' Noah asks tentatively as he observes the nervous mother. He'd already read the call log so he knew what she was here to report.
''Uhm, well I wasn't really sure if it was something I should report but I thought; better safe than sorry you know? So I called and reported it but the deputy on the phone advised me to come in, so here I am- here we are.'' God she probably sounded like a lunatic to him.
Noah nods understandingly, his calm demeanor usually had a calming effect on people.
''At first I wasn't going to say anything because it was so public and quite frankly I didn't see what difference it would make. But as the days wore on, it uhm started to weigh on me more and more…''
Noah nods, ''You did the right thing to call and come in about this Mrs. Boyd.'' he reassures, before letting Mrs. Boyd tell him exactly what she discovered a week ago.
…
''So you have another aunt?!''
''Sshhh!,'' Cora hisses, ''Miss Baccari might hear you.''
''Miss Baccari might hear what, Cora?''
Speak of the devil. Turning around in their seats Stiles, Scott and Cora face Miss Baccari. Guilty eyes dart around the classroom searching for an escape.
''Cora, Stiles and Scott the first ten minutes of lunch we all have to be as quiet as a mouse and focus on eating well remember?'' Julia Baccari says not unkindly.
Nodding, the kids turn back to their lunches but not before Cora throws a mighty glare at Stiles the loudmouth. They munch for a few more minutes until the class timer announces the end of quiet time.
''Alright kids, if you want you can now talk with your neighbors but remember to use your spy voice.'' Miss Baccari announces before sitting down at her desk to grade some papers, keeping a watchful eye over her class.
Stiles immediately turns to Cora, ''So a new aunt?''
Ignoring him Cora turns to Erica, ''What did you do this weekend?''
Erica looks up from her lunch, surprised that Cora is ignoring Stiles in favor of her. ''Me?'' she squeaks, confused at this positive turn of events as Stiles waves his hands wildly trying to gain Cora's attention.
''Who else?'' Cora asks snappily, ignoring Stiles' erratic motions behind her. When she turns around a little Stiles smiles in triumph to Scott. His plans always worked out. ''You thought I was talking to this loudmouth? I don't think so.''
Deflating Stiles turns to Scott as if he knew the answer to their current dilemma. Scott simply shrugs in response, ''Girls'' he adds sagely as if that explained it all.
Seeing that Cora was actually talking to her she jumped on the opportunity to make a girl friend, she didn't have many girl friends or really many friends to begin with only Scott and Boyd to be honest. And maybe Stiles counted but he was more Scott's friend then hers. Besides they were all boys and she wanted to have girl friends like her mom, so they could do girl things like doing each other's hair, having sleepovers and tea parties.
''Oh, well nothing much this weekend but last weekend me and Scott met up on Friday. We helped my mom deliver furniture and went to the mall later.'' Erica says nervously.
Nodding Cora looks between Scott and Erica, pointedly ignoring Stiles. ''Sounds fun, where'd you bring the furniture to?''
''A new friend of my mom's.'' Erica answers softly, eyes nervously flicking around. It wasn't the most exciting story.
Scott, noticing Erica's nervousness jumps in. ''Yeah it was super cool! It was near the preserve and we got to play near this huge lake, though I almost fell in…'' he trails off.
Concern flashes over the loudmouth's face but before he can say anything Cora jumps in asking a question, successfully excluding him from the conversation. Serves him right, today wasn't the first time she got in trouble because he doesn't know what whispering is. ''So why didn't you?'' she asks.
Stiles, ignoring Cora's soured mood, jumps into the conversation regardless. ''Did catwoman over here save you?'' he asks, nodding at Erica who's turning a slight pink color as a result.
''No, Miss Stitch saved me. She was super strong, lifted me up by my hoodie with one arm like it was nothing.''
Blinking slowly Cora lets the name register, ''Stitch?''
''My mom's new friend.'' Erica supplies.
''What's wrong Cora?'' Stiles asks.
Cora looks between Scott and Erica, ''So you went to Adelaide house?''
Scott's face scrunches up in confusion, ''How'd you know that?''
''That's my aunt. Miss Stitch is my new aunt…'' Cora mutters, her classmates had met her aunt before her… it was weirdly disappointing. It made her feel strange, knowing they had spoken to her aunt before her.
''And the plot thickens.'' Stiles whispers. Because of course now he knew how to whisper…
…
Melissa walks through the halls of the hospital and checks her watch for the time, she'd like to think she'd found her place at the hospital in the short few years she'd worked here. She'd carved out a place for herself in the emergency department. A good, steady place. It wasn't her dream job with the long hours and stress filled shifts but it was the best option for her and Scott right now. It had the most earning potential with numerous double shifts and all the night shifts which allowed her to be home during the day for Scott.
Walking the halls towards her next patient she looks away from her watch, she swears that thing is the only thing that ever worked in her marriage. Grabbing her next chart she heads over to the bed assigned to her.
Pulling back the curtain she reads the name on the chart and what she's here to do, ''Good morning miss Gajos, I'm nurse McCall I will be drawing your blood to-''
Smiling sheepishly, Claudia addresses her longtime friend, ''I know Mel, I requested you specifically.''
''Claudia. What are you doing here, are you alright?'' Melissa asks, her professionalism falling away a bit at seeing her friend here; on a bed in her ER.
''I've been having some trouble sleeping so my doctor referred me here to get some blood drawn and tested.'' Claudia answers honestly, swinging her legs a bit on the side of the patient bed.
Eyeing her friend suspiciously she looks between her friend and the chart in her hands, ''Miss Gajos, is it?'' Guilty eyes look back up at her.
''I don't suppose Noah knows of this?'' Melissa sighs.
''He has noticed a bit, noting my sleeplessness suggesting I take a nap or turn in early. I've played it off so far but he's a smart man.'' Chuckling a bit she continues, ''marrying a deputy seemed like such a good idea at the time but they can be observant to the point of irritation. ''
She plays with the ends of the blanket avoiding looking at Melissa, ''I didn't want to worry him over nothing you know?''
Looking up from the chart Melissa eyes her friend worriedly, ''And what if it isn't nothing?''
''I don't know, it's probably just paranoid little me making a mountain out of a molehill.''
Prepping Claudia's arm for the blood withdrawal Melissa rubs her shoulder to comfort her, ''Mountain or molehill, we'll be there for you. Me and Noah.''
Flicking her eyes back to her friend Claudia bites her lip nervously. ''Thanks Mel,'' she breathes out.
…
''You think the children are doing okay?'' James asks quietly as they walk through town. Was it really the right decision to send them to school today?
''They'll be fine. It's better to have them occupied and engaged at school rather than having them needlessly worry at home. Besides we kept them home for a few days, let everything sink in. We can't keep them home indefinitely.'' Talia responds, treading her arm through her husbands as they walk past shops and restaurants.
They stop at one of the buildings, a two level structure that reads Hale Legal Firm. ''I suppose you're right.'' he says as he pulls the door open for her.
Walking in they are greeted by a chirpy receptionist, ''Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Hale!''
''Good morning Calliope.'' James nods. ''Any important messages?'' He asks, taking off his coat as they continue to the back, bypassing the empty waiting area and receptionist desk.
Grabbing her notes Calliope follows her boss to the office part of the building. Four offices with glass windows fill the area while four desks are arranged neatly just outside each office, a place for either the lawyers assistant or their assigned paralegal.
''Mr. Dickson called to confirm your 3 p.m. meeting, Mrs. Pauel has called to reschedule and there is a surprise in your office.'' Calliope responds.
Eyebrows raised James turns to Callie, ''A surprise?''
Calliope's only response was to smile, shrug and turn on her heels. Walking, almost skipping back to the receptionist desk.
Eyeing the perky receptionists retreating back with both amusement and suspicion, the couple turns back and approaches James' office with caution. Once at the door they hone in one heartbeat, a person with a very familiar scent. Swinging the door open they are met with a brown haired, fair skinned man in his early 30s.
''Darius.'' James says shocked.
Talia steps forward first to hug Darius, ''Nice to have you back, how long are you planning to stay this time?''
''I'm glad someone is happy to see me again,'' he says, ''Oh fair Talia, why did you have to marry this block headed hunk of muscle when you could've gotten so much better?'' he muses teasingly.
''Really Darius, you're back no more than 5 minutes and you're already hitting on my wife?''
Gasping he points at himself as if scandalized by the accusation, ''Me? Hitting on your wife? Oh no brother, I am merely letting this beautiful lady know that she is waaay out of your league and could thus do much better. You however not so much.''
Talia taps her chin, appearing to be thinking hard. ''And where would one go to find this better?''
''I am surrounded by children,'' James mutters, though the amused expression on his face void the words he speaks.
Darius sits himself on top of James' desk, ''you know widowers support groups have very handsome, reliable men available.''
A waft of sadness sweeps through the office.
''How are you doing?'' Talia asks softly, all joking set aside. He didn't really talk about it while it was happening, worrying everyone in the pack.
Nodding Darius shrugs, ''I didn't catch the early signs of it, too busy traveling. We wrote off the early signs because of course she was tired, we were constantly on the move discovering new things, meeting different people. By the time we figured it out the cancer had already spread, too advanced for the doctors to treat. I'm still struggling to come to terms with Gil's wishes, respecting her choice was agonizing knowing a cure was within reach.''
James grasped his shoulder, ''The bite isn't a guarantee of life, Gil knew that and chose instead to use the time she had left to spend with the one person she loved most.''
Swallowing Darius nods, ''Yeah, I know and I don't fault her for her decision but that doesn't mean I don't wonder what life would be like if things had gone differently. How life would be if she were still here with me, you know?''
Talia nods sagely, Gils death had hit the family hard. Losing a pack member was always painful but to lose them slowly somehow hurt worse than any sudden deaths they've incurred over the years. Quick, sudden deaths were the status quo for their kind. Illness was unnatural for them, a cruel invisible enemy that slowly drained the life out of someone previously so lively.
''Anyways I hear we have a new family member?!'' He exclaims excitedly, shaking off the sadness that seemed to envelop him whenever he spoke of his late wife.
Following Darius' lead they move the conversation away from Gil. ''Yes, a younger sister for me.'' Talia admits.
''Wow and here I thought I was special, being adopted by James at the tender age of 10 because he needed a brother. Someone who would have to put up with his annoying ass.''
''And I have regretted picking you ever since.'' James interjects. ''They told me the big brother program would last twenty days, not twenty years…''
Darius smiles wickedly, ''Can't get rid of little old me that easily. So when do I get to meet this new edition to the family?''
Frowning Talia cuts in, ''Wait, how do you even know about Malia? I thought you were still traveling, exploring the Amazon rainforest?
''I was, and then I ran into the local pack who had all the good gossip including the fact that the Hales had gained a mysterious additional member all of a sudden.'' Darius responded glibly, ''What can I say? Word travels fast, juicy gossip even faster.''
…
Leaning over her, Caroline brushes Malia's hair out of her face. ''Do you think she'll come to anytime soon?''
''I don't know but if she does it'd be good for you not to be anywhere near her hands or mouth.'' Peter responds, pulling her to sit on his lap and away from Malia.
Hugging her closely to himself Peter takes in his wife's scent. A salty ocean smell and something flowery lavender, probably her new perfume, her old one making her nauseous these days.
''You should get to the office babe, James is probably already there.'' Caroline says after a while, he hums in response but doesn't make any attempt to move. Smacking her lips impatiently she asks a question she should already know the answer to, ''You aren't going to leave me here with Malia, are you?''
''Yeah… not a chance in hell of that happening.'' Peter whispers into her hair.
Huffing Caroline jumps up, ''I'm not an invalid you know?! I can stay here and take care of your sister just fine.''
Peter chuckles fighting off a smirk, ''I am aware of your many capabilities, love. However fighting off a confused, possibly angry and hurt were-coyote didn't make the list. So I'm either staying or you're coming with me.''
''This isn't because I'm pregnant at all is it?'' Caroline asks deflating.
''Yeah no I wouldn't leave any human or child alone here, a were-anything scared and cornered? Is a tragedy waiting to happen.'' The not on my watch went unspoken but was heard loud and clear nonetheless.
…
Panting they turn around backs to the wall, pushing Alexander behind them. Faced with yet another hunting squad, though these she knows are simply killers. Old school, they won't subject them to the camps or the colosseum, no they'll simply kill them which is a small blessing in and of itself.
''It's me you're after, let them go and I'll surrender willingly.'' Malia says, already knowing their answer. Their laughter grating on her nerves, she squeezes Kira's hand whether it's to comfort Kira or herself she doesn't know.
The laughter stills as an older, grave looking man enters the building, ''Hand him over, we'll make it quick and painless.''
''He's just a boy.'' Kira pleads.
''For now but soon he'll grow into a beast, a monster that we'd have to put down eventually. We're doing him a favor.'' the man responds calmly.
Alexander whimpers gripping Malia's pants leg even tighter, turning his small knuckles white. Squeezing Kira's hand one last time she sweeps her hand through Alexander's curly hair and steps forward slightly, forcing Alex to let go of Malia's leg.
One last look at Kira and Alex she breaths in and out deeply before turning her head back to Kira, ''Peter.''
Kira's eyes widen at his name but does what she is meant to do upon hearing his name, she drops down and gathers Alexander into her arms. Peter had been a running joke because all his life he had been best at running away from danger while everyone else in the pack usually ran head first into it. And thus his name became a code word to convey a plan of escape; if you heard Peter it meant you were supposed to run like hell and not look back.
Malia ignored the searing pain of the bullets tearing apart muscle and blood vessels, and ignored the feeling of her claws doing the exact same. Her violent, though expected fight was distraction enough for Kira and Alex to make it out into the woods as she led the hunters in the other direction.
Kira did not get off scot-free though, at least 3 bullets managed to hit her and after a while she struggled to carry the five year-old. She should've started to heal by now she realized belatedly, she finds herself walking into an old bear cave. Taking off her coat she wraps a now sleeping Alexander in it and slides down against the wall.
She wakes up when a hand softly caresses her cheek, as she opens her eyes she sees Malia. She looks a little worse for wear but that's nothing out of the ordinary, no it's the tear filled eyes that worry her.
''Kira,'' Malia whispers, chokingly. ''Kira, wake up.''
Kira tries to comply but her hand slips against the slick substance on the ground, ''What's happening to me?'' she asks sluggishly.
Malia grasps her hand, ''The bullets…Kira the bullets were laced with poison.''
''Wolfsbane doesn't affect me?...'' she answers, face scrunching up in tired confusion. Poison coursing through her veins as the blood loss starts to affect her.
''It's not wolfbane.'' Malia whispers softly, voice rough with tears.
Squeezing her hand Kira tries to smile but it fractures straight away, ''I- I'm… I'm so so- sorry-'' she cries, ''for lea- leaving you… alone.''
''Sssshhh, it's okay. I won't be alone, remember you saved Alex.'' Malia chokes out, trying to pull any pain from her friend but knowing she'll be unable to.
A smile crosses Kira's face, ''I saved Alex.'' she breathes out with her last breath.
She breaks then, her entire frame shaking with guttural sobs as she lets go of the lie she told her dying friend. Trembling hands reach for Alexander, unwrapping him from the coat she is faced with his innocent relaxed face, eyes closed. She could almost pretend he was sleeping, that he'd open his eyes soon and call for her. She could've pretended he was alive for a bit longer had a bullet not torn a gaping hole through his small forehead.
She doesn't know how long she sat there hugging him as she laid her head on her friend's shoulder, unable to let go of either. Unable to admit she'd lost everyone, if she just stayed here with them then maybe, just maybe she could pretend it wasn't so.
It wasn't so.
