Liam sits in the living room debating what to do. It is not that he does not want to tell Stiles. He does. There is one problem. He does not know how he should tell him something that he is not sure of himself. Maybe everyone should start talking to each other again. Maybe that will solve it all.
He sighs.
Lucas walks in the living room. He looks over at him. He does not say anything. He just gets a glass of water and glares at Liam with those black eyes. He walks out of the room and Liam shivers. He still does not like that guy.
"Why are you sitting in the dark?" He hears Theo asks.
He looks over and sees Theo standing in the doorway. He did not even think about sitting in the dark. He just sat down to contemplate his dilemma. Maybe he has been asking the wrong questions.
"I'm thinking." Liam grumbles.
"Have fun." Theo says, as he starts to walk away.
"Um, can I ask you something?" He asks.
Theo turns around. He looks at him.
"How do you know when you can trust someone?" Liam asks.
"I don't know if I am the best person to ask." Theo says.
"You trust no one?" Liam questions, raising his eyebrows.
"I trust myself." Theo says.
Liam thinks that sounds a little paranoid. Although, it is not like he trusts anyone right now anyway. Maybe Brett and Lori. He is not sure.
"Are the stories true about you?" Liam asks.
"Which parts?" Theo smirks.
"All of it." He says.
"Most of it." Theo says.
Liam is not sure if that makes him feel any better. He frowns.
"I don't really get why people feel that three mad scientists that operated on people with no anesthesia, have a right to be saved." Theo points out.
"I didn't say that. They operated with no anesthesia?" Liam asks, eyes widening.
"Yes. You learn to zone out eventually. It's not as bad as it sounds." Theo says.
"It sounds terrible." Liam says.
Theo shrugs.
Liam studies him for a moment. He wonders if being operated on without anesthesia can cause someone to react differently than a normal person. It is not like Liam expects someone to quietly sit by while they are being hurt.
"Their eyes." Theo says.
"What?" Liam asks.
"When you know you can trust someone. My old elementary school teacher found out that a kid was lying about cheating. She said you can always tell by the way they look at you." Theo says.
"What way is that?" He asks.
"I don't know. She did not say. She just said she knew. Something about their eyes look insincere. The kid was looking at her with wide eyes, so maybe that is how she knew. The eyes express everything anyway. You don't always need someone's scent to pick up on things." Theo says.
"What do my eyes say?" Liam asks.
"Your lost." Theo says.
Liam looks at Theo. Theo smiles and heads upstairs.
Liam sits there for a few more minutes. He feels annoyed. He is not lost. He feels like everyone is hiding everything from him. He heads up the stairs and wonders if he should talk to Mason.
He did not really look at him when he came in. He feels bad. He does not know what is happening anymore. Maybe he feels lost. Maybe Theo is right. He may be lost but maybe everyone else is too.
—-
He wakes up to Theo pulling him up onto the bed. He looks outside and the sun is barely up. He slept on the floor because he wanted to think. He did not want to wake Theo. Plus, it is not like he wants to share a bed with him. Not really. It is this whole weird power play thing Theo has.
Theo pulls him onto the bed and Liam shoves him off. Theo smirks at him.
He is so annoying. He scowls.
Liam lays down and tries to sleep. He feels a little more comfortable in the bed. Theo moves closer and Liam glares at him. That does not seem to deter him though.
"What do my eyes say?" Theo asks.
Liam narrows his eyes but looks at Theo. He sees green eyes looking back at him. However, their slightly different colors. They have a golden tint to them. He does not really see evil looking back at him. Maybe that's why Liam does not think it was evil for Theo to kill people that were experimenting on others for science.
"Survival." Liam says.
Theo tilts his head slightly at Liam. He leans in and kisses him. This kiss is different. It is demanding, but in a different way. It is not as rough, but the kiss demands reciprocation when Theo slides his tongue over Liam's lips. He feels warm and slightly confused again. Or lost, as Theo would put it.
Theo slides his tongue into his mouth and slides his hand up Liam's shirt. He strokes his fingers up Liam's side. He feels goosebumps. Theo moves to his neck and Liam feels fangs slide across his pulse point.
He shivers.
"Don't worry Little Angry Wolf. I will keep it PG-13." Theo whispers.
Liam growls. He feels like every time Theo says anything it is almost like he is taunting him. He says he will keep it PG-13 but he acts as if he is testing him. He feels annoyed and warm. His skin feels on fire with every movement Theo makes.
However, Theo stays true to his word. He continues to brush his fingertips over Liam's side and over his torso. He nips at his neck and licks his over his collarbone. No clothes are taken off. Although Liam is not sure if clothes really need to be taken off. He already feels breathless.
He groans involuntarily at each touch and kiss. He grips the sheets out of panic when Theo scents him. He feels fangs and a tingling, but Theo never bites down. He bucks his hips up and Theo allows him some friction. Theo growls and holds him still. Theo flashes his red eyes and Liam grabs onto him. He pulls him closer. He feels like he is going crazy.
Theo moves his hips a few times but keeps Liam pinned down. Liam feels wrecked and aggravated.
"Little Wolf. It's time for school." Theo smirks.
Theo gets up and heads into the bathroom.
Liam's wolf growls.
—-
Liam feels on edge at school. He is not sure why. He feels like banging his head against the wall. Maybe it would help. He almost became mad that he did not sleep with the enemy. Is Theo really an enemy? It is not like he is hiding talking to dead chimeras, unlike Scott.
"Hey, got a second?" Brett asks, walking up to him.
"Yes." Liam says.
He follows Brett into the library and watches while he pulls out a piece of paper. He hands it to Liam.
"Lori looked into a few more records. One number on Scott's list are coming from Eichen." Brett says.
"Eichen?" Liam asks.
"Yes. Weird thing is, it was masked as a cellphone line. We only figured it out because Lori recognized the number. She checked online. We had a cousin there a few years back." Brett explains.
"It was masked as a cell phone line. That can be done?" He asks.
"Yes. But the question is why? Why would you mask a line to look like a cell phone?" Brett asks.
"Because you knew someone may check." Liam says, feeling uneasy.
"Also, one more thing. I hope you do not mind, but Lori also checked Theo's phone records. She got it from Stiles. He had an unknown number too. It's coming from everywhere." Brett says.
"Everywhere?" Liam asks.
"Yes. Like near his house, near the preserve, and multiple calls during the day. We tried to trace it but it is a blocked number." Brett says.
"It's mine." Liam lies.
"Oh? Really. Why do you have a blocked number?" Brett asks.
"The pack is really weird about secrets and stuff. So, I have one he calls me on. Do not worry. Nothing crazy so far." Liam says.
"Ok. That guy is a real piece of work." Brett shakes his head.
"Thanks, Brett, for helping." Liam says.
Brett smiles and heads to class.
Liam sighs. What the hell is happening. Who is everyone talking to? Why did he lie for Theo? What does it matter if Theo is having conversations with blocked numbers?
Liam heads to class and tries to focus. He heads outside to leave for the day and sees Scott. He hesitates but walks over to him.
"Hey." Scott says.
"Hi." Liam says.
"I just wanted to check in with you. Make sure Theo hasn't murdered you." Scott says.
"No. I am still here. So, any pack plans I should know about?" Liam asks, trying to be casual.
"No. Just normal stuff." Scott says.
He looks at Scott and he sees it. His eyes. He is not looking at Liam. His eyes are slightly moved to the right. He is not looking Liam in the eye. If he were not paying attention, he would not even notice. His heart sinks.
"So, are you going to come by or anything?" Scott asks.
"Not today. I have a lot of schoolwork." Liam's says.
"Ok. Well call me." Scott says.
"Sure." Liam says.
-—-
Mason is sitting on the front steps glaring at him. He slowly walks over to him.
Mason throws a hoodie at him.
"Here, I thought you might want this. I saw you in the library with Brett. I do not care but Theo may. That is my hoodie, so he does not know. "Mason says.
"Thanks. Look, I'm sorry I have been a little preoccupied." Liam tries to explain.
It comes off insincere and he feels like a terrible friend.
"Obviously, something is going on and you don't trust me. I know you are looking around for something Liam, but I do not know why you will not talk to me about it. "Mason says.
Maybe it is the look on his face, but Mason's anger turns to concern.
"What's going on?" Mason asks.
He sees Mason looking back with concern. He has not really been fair to him. He has never given Liam a reason to doubt him before. From the start he has only tried to help and has been friendly. He finds it hard to believe Mason would be involved in some sinister plot. That does not seem like him at all. Liam decides to tell Mason everything. He feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He takes out the paper Brett gave him and hands it to him.
"Well, I can solve part of this. I can talk to Corey. I'm sure he can clear it up." Mason points out.
"How do we know Corey wouldn't lie?" Liam asks.
"He won't. Do not worry. I can ask." Mason.
Liam feels like his head is about to explode. He feels like everyone is a suspect now. How does he know that Brett is not working with Scott? Maybe no one is working with anyone. Maybe Liam is just losing it.
"Why the hell didn't you talk to me?" Mason asks.
"I'm sorry. I guess I should have in the first place." Liam admits.
"Yeah. I will let it slide. Only once, because your new and Scott is apparently being shady." Mason smiles.
"Do you know anything about the whole Belasko thing?" Liam asks.
"Not really. I do know that he killed an entire pack or something. Theo killed the Alpha because they were attacking Corey. They seemed to fear them, I guess. "Mason says.
"Theo didn't kill the pack?" Liam asks.
No. He didn't. Theo does not kill at random like some psychopath. That is Belasko you're confusing him with. Do not get me wrong Theo is not innocent by any means. I am just saying that Theo still has some checks and balances. If Scott is talking to Belasko, assuming he somehow is alive, then I hope he knows that guy will do anything to get power." Mason says.
Theo killed an Alpha to save Corey. That does not sound like the stories. Why did Theo say most of the stories are true? Maybe nothing is black and white anymore.
Theo opens the door. Mason and Liam look at him.
"Is this a secret meeting?" Theo sneers.
"No." Liam says.
Theo looks at Liam. He frowns and looks at the hoodie. He lets them inside.
Mason feels like this will be cleared up no problem. He walks into Corey's room.
"Hey, I have a question." Mason asks.
"Yes?" Corey asks.
"Do you know who Theo has been talking to? I ask, because Liam is all freaked out about things and someone told him that Theo has been talking to someone on a blocked number." Mason explains.
"Oh, it's Tracy. I think he wanted no one to trace it. He plans on getting everyone new phones from blocked numbers. He is paranoid you know. "Corey smiles.
"True. Thanks." Mason smiles and kisses Corey.
"I'm going to run to the store. Do you want anything?" Corey asks.
"No, I am good." Mason says.
Corey quickly texts someone and heads out. Corey and Theo always text. They never seem to talk a lot in person. It is kind of weird, but Theo is kind of weird to Mason.
Mason looks on the bed. He sees Corey's phone. Corey always loses his phone. He picks it up to run it out to him, when he sees a text flash on screen.
Theo: I thought Mason does not ask all these questions. It is fine. I will handle it. Do not do anything. Only you and I know anyway.
Mason looks at the screen.
Liam feels someone grab him and drag him into the hallway. He looks up and sees Mason. He looks really upset.
"Are you okay?" Liam asks.
"No. Corey lied to me. He never lies!" Mason says.
"Uh. Ok. How do you know?" He asks.
"He left his phone. He said Theo has been calling Tracy but apparently it is someone else. Corey and Theo know. No one else." Mason explains.
"Maybe he is calling Corey?" Liam offers.
"I get your trying to help, but I doubt it." Mason says.
"Theo did say that he wasn't sure who he could trust? Maybe that is why everyone is being so secretive." Liam points out.
"Why are you still defending him. I do not care what everyone's reasoning is. We are making a visit tonight. Hope you got a lot of sleep." Mason says.
"Not really and where are we going?" Liam asks.
"Eichen. Call Brett and Lori. Maybe call Stiles? I do not know though. Will he tell everyone?" Mason asks.
"No. I don't think so. I have a feeling Stiles is just as confused as all of us." Liam says.
"Follow my lead." Mason says and walks back into the kitchen.
Since when did Mason become so invested in this? He must be mad at Corey. Liam looks over and sees Lucas standing on the stairs. His eyes slit to black, and he walks down the stairs. If he heard anything, he does not say anything about it. He walks by Liam and into the kitchen.
Liam feels confused again. His wolf does too. On the one hand, he is mad at Corey for lying no matter what his reasoning is. He is also mad that Scott is lying to him and feels he cannot be trusted. He is worried about getting Mason, Lori, and Brett involved. Maybe he should have kept everything to himself.
He walks into the kitchen and sees Mason telling Corey he is taking Liam out tonight. Tracy glares at him but says nothing, as usual.
"Where are you going?" Theo asks.
"A few clubs. Well, clubs we can get into clearly. It should be fun." Masons says.
"Why can't I come?" Corey frowns.
"Because it is a friend thing." Mason says.
Corey rolls his eyes and sits down.
Theo studies Mason and looks at Liam. Liam feels his heartbeat pounding. Theo must know. He has too. He taught him about scents and things. Emotions. He feels frantic and nervous. It is not like he is doing anything wrong, but they are not telling anyone. He looks at Mason to avoid Theo's gaze. After a few moments Theo starts talking to Tracy.
Mason and Liam start to leave the kitchen.
"Ok, well call Tracy or me if you run into trouble." Theo says, looking directly at Liam.
He shrinks back and feels like he is being interrogated by Theo's tone of voice. Liam's wolf whimpers again. He is not sure why his wolf is upset this time.
_
"This is the worst idea we have ever had as a fucken pack. However, it is only you and I, so makes sense." Stiles complains.
Liam feels on edge and he does not appreciate Stile's negative thoughts right now. He is already feeling like Theo knows he is doing something wrong. Even though he is not doing anything wrong. Technically they are just trying to figure out what Scott is doing, but Liam failed to tell Stiles it was to investigate Scott. He might have mentioned it had to do with Theo. Mason went to pick up Brett and Lori, but he should have been here by now.
He sees a car pull up, but it is not Mason's car. The windows roll down. He stares at a scowling Tracy and an annoyed Theo.
"Mason is not going to make it. I sent him home." Theo says.
Liam glares at him.
"Next time you plan some excursion, I would appreciate you telling me about it." Theo sneers.
"You are such a stalker. It has nothing to do with you." Liam argues back.
"Wait, what?" Stiles asks.
Oops. He forgot he might have left that part out when he talked to Stiles.
"Stiles should go too. We do not really need regular people getting killed off. There is a lot of weird things in there." Theo points out.
Stiles looks at Liam waiting for an explanation. He does not really want to explain right now. Theo gets out of the car and looks like he is ready to fight. He sees another car pull up because Liam is never going to be lucky.
Brett and Lori get out. Theo looks at Brett. Brett looks at Liam.
"Your services are not required." Theo says.
"Uh my services are not for you. How about you explain who the fuck you have been calling all hours of the day, from everywhere in Beacon Hills?" Brett seethes.
Liam remembers what Derek said about the five second rule. He did not think it applied with two werewolves in a fight, but he watches as Theo looks at Liam for a brief moment.
Theo seems to not be someone that starts a fight. Or he thinks so, based on his expression of being highly amused at Brett and angry at Liam. Brett growls and moves towards Theo.
Liam has a moment of panic as he watches everything unfold. Brett lunges at Theo. Liam's wolf decides to react and it confuses Liam. It is not like Theo needs help.
He is even more confused when he sees Brett looking at him with a look of betrayal. Liam has these moments where he sees red and is angry. He sometimes blacks out and loses what he is doing. These are one of those times. Liam has his hand around Brett's neck. He drops him.
"Sorry. I don't know why I did that." Liam says, feeling awful.
He really does not. Theo does not need people fighting his battles anyway, but Liam just reacted. His wolf feels angry and defensive. Brett steps back and looks angry. Liam feels angry too. He is angry at himself.
Stiles looks at him with a questioning look.
"Ok, great. Let's go." Lori says, ignoring Theo completely.
She grabs Liam's arm and pulls him toward Eichen. Brett follows. Stiles mutters but follows after them.
He looks back at an angry Theo. He is not sure why but he feels like he is somehow betraying Theo again.
"Anger." He sees Theo mouth to him.
His wolf feels sad. He ignores it and follows Lori into the building. He has a bad feeling.
