What they don't show in the movies or television shows is that handcuffs are incredibly uncomfortable when you're sitting in the back of a squad car. They don't tell you that while there is chatter on the radio, it is eerily silent when you exercise your right to remain silent, and the cop isn't exactly a chatty uber driver. They don't tell you how, no matter how much you shift around, and try to adjust, your wrists are going to hurt and there are going to be two sore spots on your back from where the arch of each cuff dug into the skin. And what they never tell you is that even if you are willing to do this, or even prepared to do this, you can never stop the swirl of insecurities that fly through your head at speeds that are illegal for cars.

Instead, I had the distinct pleasure of discovering such things myself. I did not turn behind me to see if anyone saw me getting arrested, meaning I didn't see if Scott or Stiles found out about my involvement or not. Nor did I think about what the administration would say to my family. In fact, my family was the last thing on my mind presently, since I now had to figure out how the hell I was going to defend Isaac without ending up trapped at my mother's job. Yes, I was there, yes, I can confirm his innocence, but how? Who do I say did it instead, or do I try to blame it on the mass of animal attacks that were starting to suspiciously sound like the 'gas leaks' in that syfy show Haven? In which I mean they were starting to sound like coverups for weird shit like what really happened to Mr. Lahey.

Everything fat present was happening so fast that I couldn't really get a grasp on any of these things. Instead, I was pulled from the car and into the station, extra care being made to make sure that Isaac and I didn't interact or stand near each other for more than a few seconds. I could tell he was a little surprised by the development, or at the very least not expecting me to be brought in as well. I knew that was going to happen, I've watched enough shows to know that as a key witness as well as his alibi I had to be brought in. Not that I could convey this to him presently, so instead I settled for a small smile to assure him I had no regrets and would keep my promise.

Soon, we were pulled into separate interrogation rooms, and, honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if we were at opposite ends of the station at this point. I'm sure it was an investigatory countermeasure to make sure we didn't have time to plot or commiserate about what to say. I don't know how long I had waited, or if I was the first one they interviewed, but with me unsure of what to say to begin with, it didn't really matter. They didn't tell me too much about what they knew, or mention my family at all, instead invested in trying to establish a timeline. I ignored the sentiment that they were simply trying to understand what happened, and told them as much of the truth as I could. I was at work until six thirty last night, and then I went home taking the longer route on the off chance that anyone needed me to pick something up. I mentioned the text to and from my family group chat, even offering my phone to show them. Granted, they didn't have a warrant for anything, and at the moment they were just asking questions, but I figured if I was as helpful as possible, my innocence would be clear.

I went on to detail that Isaac and I crossed paths since we were both biking on the same street. We paused briefly to talk, Isaac's dad nowhere in sight, and as far as I knew, not interacting directly with Isaac while I was in his company. While technically true, I was uncomfortable with the carefully given partials, and felt simultaneously guilty and assured about the omissions. Losing track of time, I got a call from my brother, forcing us to part ways, and I continued my cautious trek home. I knew it wasn't an ideal testimony for them, but my only concern was Isaac, and maybe a little bit of myself. I didn't particularly care if I provided any new or interesting information to the cops, I just wanted to keep my friend safe. Besides, this was the most neutral choice. I could lie, and subsequently get all of us in further trouble, or I could tell the truth which, frankly, wasn't an option. In fact, I'm pretty sure the officers would have thought I was crazy or at the very lease on drugs if I did. So, instead, I gave them a mundane statement that showed nothing. They even tried to get more out of me, giving me directed questions, but I kept to my information, never straying.

After a while, I could only guess that they felt bad, that I must have been in shock or something because they offered my phone call. I almost refused, but then realized that I hadn't talked to Danny all day, and despite the anger boiling in my gut at the betrayal from this week, I accepted. They led me to one of their desks, giving me some privacy in the form of staying two desks away from me. I thanked them, dialing the house with shaking fingers. It rang once, twice, three times before clicking.

"Hi, you've reached the McGraths, we're not available right now, but if you need us, you probably have at least one of our cells and should use one of those instead."

I felt myself blink rapidly in shock at reaching the answering machine, stopping only at the tone telling me to leave a message. Ignoring the prompt, I dropped the headpiece back into the receiver with a sigh, picking at my lip. Seeing I was off the phone, the officers in charge of me came over, asking if I got in contact with anyone. Shaking my head, they offered to let me try a different number, since with me not contacting anyone, I didn't really have a phone call. I knew that was a lie, though, it was more of a way to cover their butts since I was a minor without an adult present. They needed my family to know where I was just as badly as I needed to talk to them. I waved them off, giving my thanks and saying something about trying later. From there, I stood, following them as I moved to the holding room where I would stay until some undisclosed time and reason.

I was placed in the second cell to the left, next to one that I could only guess held Isaac. It was small with a simple cot along the left wall, and a toilet/ sink unit in the corner next to the foot. I was able to see through the barred door, but the other three walls were concrete. Isaac's cell had even less of a luxury, a small window within the steel door being the only thing he could look out of. I tried to calm myself, my emotions swirling with uncertainty as well as rage and fear of the situation. Unfortunately, all that was left at this point was to wait. The size of my cell didn't provide much to do, and I still didn't know what to say to Isaac or if I even should try to talk to him. So, I sat on the cot, bouncing my knee rapidly and picking at my fingers just for something to do. The police had taken away my necklace, my bracelets, everything 'dangerous' aside from my shoelaces, putting them in my bag which now rested on the desk in front of our cells. Isaac's bag was on the floor next to it, making me wonder why they didn't put anything in Evidence. Maybe they were waiting to see if there was anything worth looking into, or they hadn't even talked to him yet.

There was a creak as I was proven wrong, or maybe Psychic as the officers in charge of Isaac placed him in the neighboring cell. Based on the clock on the wall, it had been about an hour or so, meaning they probably let him think they got more information from me than was true. Though I only saw him briefly, he looked tense, a nervous energy practically radiating off of him. There was a creak as he sat on the bed, the concrete wall separating us from each other. Unable to see each other was an annoyance I wasn't expecting when they took me in, but at least we could talk to each other. Not that I had thought of anything in the hour I had to myself. So, for a while, we just sat in silence, making me go crazy with the deafening din. Letting out a light sigh, I leaned my head against the wall, calling out to him.

"So…What did they ask you?" He made some sort of noise in confusion but didn't answer, so I continued. "It's just that you were gone longer than I was. Uhm, did they say anything about what Jackson told them?"

He was quiet or a few seconds, speaking slowly, not quite hesitant but somehow restrained. I couldn't quite read what it was, but it made worry twist inside me all the same.

"They said he told them about the abuse...but uh...but they were more asking about the extent of it and about how I felt about my dad. Uhm...What about you? I didn't think they'd bring you here too."

"It's fine, I told you I was going to be here for you, and I am. Just a little more than you would have anticipated. There was a reason I didn't tell you." I ran a hand through my hair, shaking my head, "I didn't want you to feel guilty, and I knew you would have. But all they really did was try to establish a timeline. If anything, I'm more worried about why Danny isn't at home right now." I scoffed.

"Not that I know what I'll say when he does answer. Probably go off on me while keeping up with stupid lies…." I paused, realizing I'd said all of that aloud. "Anyway, no, they asked leading questions, trying to get more details than what existed, trying to find holes in my story, that kind of thing."

"What was your story?" I looked back at the wall, noticing the concerned lilt to his voice. I was glad he didn't mention what I said about my brother. "D-did you mention seeing me at all or-?"

"Well, yeah, why else would I be here? I told them I saw you on my way home from work." I smiled lightly, "When they pushed I said we talked a little bit, but other than that, I was going home and that you were on your way to some location we hadn't talked about."

"I can see why they asked where I was going…" He sighed, "and what we talked about."

"What did…" I paused, biting my lip, "What did we talk about? In case they ask me later…"

"I told them that you went to ask me something but it was kind of hard to understand because you were rambling a bit. That I thought you were trying to tell me something, but changed your mind and apologized, running off toward your house."

I closed my eyes with a wince, "You heard me talking to Meg in math class…."

"Only bits and pieces…and I tuned out at Pig Latin." He admitted, paused, "You guys were pretty vague, since you kept cutting her off."

"Oh good." I nodded despite the fact that he couldn't see me, "Well, there are reasons for that, as I'm sure you put together."

I smiled, glad that flush that was slowly starting to warm my cheeks and the back of my neck couldn't be seen. I don't know how much of his confession was true, or if he even picked up on what we were saying, but I knew that I was only interested in proving his innocence while here. A jail cell would not be where I was admitting things like a stupid crush that carried over from our childhood. We barely talked as it is, I was surprised he was letting me help him. I was here as a friend and nothing else. I sighed, allowing my face to cool as I lay down on the bed. When I turned my head towards him, I couldn't help but wonder if Isaac was staring at the wall like I was.

"But anyway… " I said, feeling the tension in the room and shaking the thought away "I don't know about you, but I slept like shit last night, so I'm gonna get some rest.."

I rolled over to face the wall next to me as he let out a small sigh of laughter but said nothing. I went to sleep then, figuring that now was as good a time as any to get some shut eye. It was going to be a long night.

Danny went straight to the Lahey house the minute he left from bringing his mom dinner. He failed to tell Tess about the fact that something was off with Steph, more to protect her than anything. She didn't need to know what he found out about her daughter's little side quest the other night. How could he have been so stupid? Of course, she didn't believe anything he had to say the past week. Conall had warned him that things were going to be harder to hide once she reached a certain age. Now that she was in high school, her brain was more developed, and with it everything else. His weaker tricks wouldn't work against her like they did when she was a kid. And as for the who of the situation, it shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did. After all, the rift never sat well with her, and in the past week she'd started to mention it again- that is when she actually decided to talk to him. But, that was and will always be Steph. His little sister who did things like this even without hesitation to help someone she cared about, no matter the time that may have passed.

As far as she knew, she was a girl that cared deeply about people. So, why wouldn't Steph have injected herself in someone else's problems? Why wouldn't she have found out that her father's 'accusations' were based in fact? Why wouldn't she try to help the family that they've been avoiding for years, for pretty much this reason? He could hear his father's lecture now and could already feel the impending headache. God what was he going to do? What would his father do? What would Cam do if the situation was reversed? Would he run to only help his brother, or would he still help them both despite the canyon that formed between the two families?

He shook his head, slamming the door to his truck when he found Derek's Camaro parked on the street, along with a familiar beat up old Jeep. Oh great, as if this couldn't get worse, Stilinski's involved too. He made his way over quickly, taking advantage of his former babysitting ward flailing wildly from the doorway of the other house, a mess of brown curls disappearing from view. Wonder who that could be...

"Okay, when we talked about your little Beta, I wasn't expecting this to be a frequent occurrence, Hale." Danny felt a smirk stretch across his face as the other man tensed at his voice. "But you saved my ass the other night, and I'm not gonna be the dick who doesn't return the favor."

"If Stilinski's right, it has more to do with the fact that your little sister can't ignore what she is anymore. Tess must be losing her touch." Derek's face was calm, his confidence oozing from his voice and being as he raised an eyebrow. "Though from what I hear it's more than that she's losing."

"Oh ahead, keep being a dick see how far that gets you." Danny grit out, clenching his fists. "I'll show you who isn't losing their touch."

"Says the guy who sent out a massive panic signal when he got the snot beat out of him." The other boy snorted, unperturbed by the sudden shift in Danny's demeanor. "While this is fun and all, seriously; when are you and Conall going to tell her? Because based on this week alone, and who she keeps as company, it's probably hurting her more than it's protecting her."

Danny sighed, hating that he heard his own argument against his father being used against him. He's wanted to tell her since the McCall turned. How those two idiots managed to stay alive against Peter of all people will forever remain a mystery to him. He could remember Steph mentioning the weird things she noticed, and he almost, almost reached out to Derek to say something. But he didn't, and now he was suffering for it.

"You know my dad; I have no say in the matter, I'm just the bodyguard." Danny crossed his arms in an attempt to hold himself back. "Not that it's any of your business."

"Right, of course not." Derek rolled his eyes. "I only matter when you've got no other options. Or dying and in a panic."

Danny tilted his head, feeling more than the usual bite of sarcasm from the Hale. He was the one that had left after the fire. No contact; leaving Danny alone again. Then, when he did come home, he didn't call to let him know about Laura or the resurgence of activity in town. It wasn't until after he'd gone to parent teacher conferences for his Mom and felt the strategic thoughts of the Argents that he even found out about the new betta and the return of the hunters. To make things worse, he was arrested for the murder of Laura, and then found out that the alpha that did kill her was actually his Uncle Peter. So yeah, there was a lot of disconnect between the two. But why was Derek the one that was being bitter?

"As much as I would love to unpack that, truly," He deflected, not in the right mindset for that particular conversation. "I have a sister to bail out and you have a betta you don't want shifting in a police station."

"Okay, Allison's gonna stay here, with-woah! Danny…" Stiles appeared, bringing the men back to the present, and stopping any further discussion on the topic as well as the beginnings of a glaring contest. "Wha-What are you doing here at Isaac's house...with Derek….hey do you two-"

"Slow your roll, Mini Sheriff?" Danny smiled easily, ruffling the boy's buzzed head. "I was driving through, stopped to admire the cars. I see your dad lost the fight in keeping you supervised until you were 20."

"Oh, my gawd, still a joker, great, and yes, I'm perfectly fine taking care of myself now, thank you." Stiles smacked his hand away. "And while you answered part of the question don't think I ignored the diversion from the second."

"I don't know what you're talking about. What I do know, stop me if you heard this already, Police Scanner," Danny leaned forward to whisper. "But my sister got arrested by your dad today. So, I need to get that sorted, which I was doing. But then imagine my surprise when I see Roscoe at the home of the victim and prime suspect, along with the same man you accused of murder a few weeks ago."

Stiles looked between the two, Derek struggling not to smirk as he started to blub like a fish, his mouth opening and closing rapidly. Danny didn't hide his amusement at pointing out a glaring oddity that he was surprised no one else had picked up on, putting his hands on his hips as he waited. After a few minutes, the teen just groaned, stomping off to his car, mumbling something about the McGrath Siblings needing to stop commenting on his methods. Yeah kid, the fact that Steph has been catching on to you too? Not good, and not what my dad and I need right now.

"Guess he'll have to think of something else, huh? I'm gonna take my truck." Danny said. "But don't think this conversation is over yet."

"Can't wait, Dan..." Derek muttered, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets. "Can't fucking wait."

When I woke up, the room had dimmed, the natural light from the small basement-esque windows gone with the setting of the sun. Feeling unsettled, I gave out a hesitant call to see if Isaac was still in his cell or awake, but was met with the same silence from before. The lack of sound was unsettling, and deafening, until it was interrupted by something even scarier. A high pitched, and strained whine broke out next to me as Isaac's cell door was forced open. I couldn't see anything at first but regretted sitting up to see the cause instantly. The sight alone was enough to send me propelling into the corner with my eyes wide in shock.

It was Isaac, but not Isaac. It looked like someone melted a mask over his face, and reshaped the features on it to create a new face altogether. The eyebrows protruded; the hair gone from them as his sunken eyes glowed-yeah that's right freaking glowed- a shining golden yellow. Then there was the hair that curled all along his jawline and the elongated claws that wrapped around the steel. The nose was ridged, looking like a dog's snout as it twisted into a growl. Out of all of it though, the scariest part of it all was the four was the enlarged canines he exposed for me to gawk at in terror. He no longer looked like the shy, quiet teenager I was talking to today, but instead like a Halloween monster come to life. With the expression on his face, it seemed, disturbing yet appropriately, that he was out for blood.

I held my hand to my mouth, my head spinning as I felt unfettered anger replace my fear in a wave. I didn't have to guess whose it was, but it made my whole body hot, like it was trying to burn through me. Rippling under the service, however, were cold spots of fear that I knew was mine. Trying to control my erratic breathing, I jumped back as he slammed against the cell wall, growling and snarling as a long arm reached between the bars. My breath came out in short, fast breaths, eventually followed with small whimpers of fear. I wanted to scream, to warn the other cops of what was happening, but I was caught in the same trap that got me here. He'd run by the time anyone approached and I'd look absolutely crazy. So, instead I was caught in a horrifying staring contest while my brain struggled to keep myself calm as well as find a way out of this mess

So, I continued to stare at the figure that was so different from the Isaac I knew, so feral, jumping when the fire alarm filled the station. I let out a short shriek, covering my ears and glancing up at the ceiling at the sudden, cacophonous noise. By the time my hearing adjusted, and I remembered my predicament, Isaac was gone, leaving me alone in a cage. I stood shakily, not knowing where he was, or really desiring to have his attention redirected at me. I slowly made my way to the bars, placing myself kiddy cornered against the wall that formerly was also a part of Isaac's cell. I couldn't see Isaac or even outside of the lockup area save for some shifting shadows heading towards us.

A few seconds later, a deputy came in, depositing a struggling Stiles onto the floor in a frantic heap. The man in question was limping, the broken shaft of an arrow buried in his thigh as he moved towards my general direction. Holding up a syringe, his intent face fell into a state of shock at the sight of Isaac's cell before quickly switching to alarm as Isaac tackled him into the desk. The sudden commotion made me crouch down to the floor with a yelp. They all moved, the desk screaming against the floor, the teen recovering faster and subsequently picking up the man by the back of his shirt. With hesitation, he bodily threw the man into the wall, leaving him unconscious next to the door. I let out a yelp, alerting Stiles to my condition, which in turn made him scramble to look for keyes.

However, this only served to remind Isaac of his presence. The taller boy snarled, moving to lunch at Stiles, who was completely unaware of what was happening. Without thinking I thrust my hand through the bars, letting out a yell, as I reached uselessly.

"Stiles, look out!"

Instantly, his body curled, and he threw himself flush against the wall in an unnatural display of body control. He gave me a quick nod before eyeing Isaac's approaching form. Turned away, cupping my hands around my ears so that I didn't have to see whatever was going to happen. I heard one step, two step, and then a tinkling of broken glass before an animalistic roar resounded clearly through self made muffs. Then it went eerily silent. My heart lost in my throat, I slowly turned, noticing a man about Danny's age dressed in jeans and a leather coat towering over Isaac. Somehow he'd ended up in a ball against the wall, and was peering through his arms, shaking and whimpering in fear. His face was back to normal now, and he looked feverish, cold sweat dripping from his face. Stiles, perfectly safe where he was, looked up at the man curiously.

"How did you do that?" He said, intrigue laced with his incredulousness.

The guy turned around to look at him, his voice oozing with confidence. "I'm the alpha."

"The what now?"

The two turned to look at me, Stiles opening and closing his mouth before my brother of all the people in town burst through the door. He scooped the keys from the floor, ignoring everything else in the room as he opened my cell, pulling me up into his chest. My thoughts were a blur as he muttered into my hair, running a hand up and down my back before he jerked me by the shoulders to roughly check for any injury. I couldn't take my eyes off the trio behind us. Stiles looked guilty, Isaac was shocked and terrified, but the third guy, he just looked... smug.

Once I could control my breathing, I pushed Danny off me, so I could take a couple steps forward and address the whole room. "Okay, Anybody want to key me in on what the hell is happening here?"

I held my finger up at Danny, stopping him mid-step and stopping his mouth from opening. "Someone other than him?"

Two pairs of eyes turned to the dark haired stranger as if he held the answers I desperately needed. Judging by his entrance, it was probably true, but his gaze was fixed on my brother's look at him with the tell-tale expression of 'I told you so'. And we stood that way, silent save for the consistent screaming of the alarms that no one had turned off yet. Having no other options, I followed the majority, turning to this man I didn't even know, I hugged myself and raised an eyebrow expectantly.

"Well, you see Steph, what happened was- is- uh…" Stiles awkwardly broke the silence, moving between the two of us, breaking all sets of gazes to look at him. Unsure of where to go from there, he started circling his hands while pointing in my direction. "Pffff...You know how you've been covering for me and Scott lately? Well, the thing is-"

"Need I remind everyone that we are standing inside a police station at full alert?" Danny spoke up, trying to place an arm on my shoulder, but stopping when my gaze shifted to him. "Now's not exactly the time for explanations."

"Oh, how convenient for you." I spat, earning a shocked look from Leather Jacket. I don't know why, but there was something in his eyes that told me he was thinking the same thing. "But I'm getting one when we get out of here. One that doesn't involve lies or questioning my sanity."

"Careful what you wish for." Stiles said, looking between me and Derek nervously before sighing, "Come on, I know how you can get out. Derek's parked close by."

"I'm sorry, Derek? As in Derek Hale?" Stiles nodded, pulling me with him as I slowly turned to look at Danny. "Oh you've definitely got some explaining to do, Daniel."

Derek snorted, pulling a weak Isaac up onto his feet before passing my brother. "Looks like somebody's in the doghouse. Can't say I didn't warn you."

"Ya know what? Shut up, Hale."

I bit my lip, curious at the familiarity in their tones, focusing instead on where Stiles was taking us. I jumped, as Isaac leaned into me, Derek having shoved him in my direction as the 'adults' lingered behind, having some sort of hushed argument as they followed us. Stiles appeared on the other side of the boy, helping to take some of the weight off of me, distracting me from any attempts at eavesdropping. Soon, we reached the impound lot, Stiles muttering directions to Isaac before leaving us to urge the rest of us forward. Judging by how comfortable he was with this, something tells me he would be providing a distraction as well. After we'd made it outside, I stopped to let Isaac stand, some of his vigor returning to him.

"What the hell is going on?" I whispered, my whole body shaking as I tried to process the past fifteen minutes of my life. "Why do I feel like everyone knows something and isn't anyone telling me? My brother knows Derek Hale? You were-were… I don't even know, but Stiles knows about it? And Scott is involved somehow?"

"Steph...I know it's a lot, but I need you to trust me." His voice was soft, his eyes pleading as he carefully placed an arm around my shoulders. "Do you think you can do that?"

I crossed my arms, forcing myself not to lean into the warmth of his body close to mine, following where he gently led me. "At this point, I'm not sure if I have a choice on who to trust anymore."

He nodded slowly, any offense carefully hidden as he led me to a jet black Camaro that I guess was Derek's car. Seems about right that a guy that cocky would have a flashy car. Opening the passenger seat and letting me in, Isaac resigned to lean against the hood, hands shoved into his pockets as we waited. I kept my eyes downcast, focusing on my nails between my teeth and rapidly bouncing knees as I tried to find a reasonable explanation for everything. I don't know how much time passed, insect chirps and the alarms the only noises between us. Finally, Isaac cleared his throat, forcing me to glance up at him.

"Hey Steph, about what happened in there…" He started, pausing slightly. It was a lot to unload.

"Is there anywhere in particular you wanted me to start?" I gulped, rubbing at my forehead. "Because I have no idea, personally."

"Yeah…" He muttered, pulling a hand up to rub at the back of his head. "Yeah me neither."

"I just-" I shook my head, feeling the tears trying to pass the dam of shock. "I don't think I can go home, not with my brother...not now."

"Then where-" He stopped seeing my face. "You don't know, do you?"

"You'll have to be a bit more specific." I laughed, my throat hurting as I forced the sound. "While I am aware of my lack of knowledge, there seems to be a lot of shit happening right under my nose right now."

I swallowed my emotions down, watching as Derek and my brother approached each of them holding a bag. Apparently, Stiles showed them where to get our things before telling them the escape route. Danny was taut, his whole body tense and alert, his face scary. It was vaguely similar to the night he found me in the preserve, the night of the first lie. Or at least, the first lie I noticed.

He relaxed slightly when he saw me, as if he needed a reminder that I was okay. The relief in his eyes mixed with what I now know he's hiding from me was enough to make my stomach turn. He must have sensed this, because he moved right to where I was, holding a hand out to help me up.

"Come on, kid...you've had a long day." He tried to give a reassuring smile. "Shower and a bit of sleep and you'll be right as rain."

"You mean so you can lie to me again?" I demanded, glaring up at him until he retracted his hand. "Yeah, I don't think so. I think I'll take my chances with your friend, the fugitive."

Before he could answer, I turned away from him, buckling myself and staring out the windshield. I heard Isaac get into the car, and saw Derek pause next to my brother. There were a few hushed words said, and Danny retreated, allowing the other man to close the door next to me. I didn't say a word when Derek passed Isaac the bags, and got into the front seat. I barely even flinched when the engine started, and we sped away.

Away from my brother, away from the station, away from everything I knew. Instead, I was silently and willingly in the car with a stranger as we went to who knows where, with hopes that maybe, just maybe somebody would finally tell me what was going on. Or at least, that's what I thought. Now, all I could think about what else my brother was hiding from me, and why.