Chapter Eight

'Stacey, slow down!' Scott screeched from the passenger seat, holding on to his seatbelt for dear life.

'No, keep going!' Stiles disagreed, leaning forward from the back of the Camaro.

'If she keeps going this fast, she'll kill us!' Scott yelled.

'If she slows down,' Stiles paused and gestured to the SUV that was gaining on us from behind, 'they'll kill us.'

'He's right, Scotty. They think we're Derek and they want him dead.' I said, brushing my hair from my face and readjusting the rear view mirror to give me a clear view on how close the headlights were.

'Derek owes us for this,' Stiles huffed, twisting to rest his arm on my seat so he could look out the back.

'I hope he finds something,' Scott whispered, gripping his seatbelt hard enough that his knuckles were turning white.

Derek had asked us to distract the hunters while he questioned someone his sister had mentioned when she had last spoken to him. I had no idea who this person was, but I hope it was a lead because we were no closer to finding the alpha. I had a feeling that by the time we reached the next full moon, the alpha was going to force us to join his pack whether we wanted to or not.

I took a sharp right turn, smothering a laugh when Scott yelped and Stiles went flying from one side of the car to the other. Served him right for not wearing a seatbelt.

'Who's idea was it to let her drive again?' Stiles complained, popping up in the back and rubbing his head.

'Derek's.' Scott winced.

'What is going on there, anyway?' Stiles asked curiously.

'What do you mean?' I frowned, glancing back at him only for Scott to scream at me to keep my eyes on the road.

'You two looked pretty cozy this morning.' Stiles commented.

'What?' Scott asked, confused.

I winced and sent Stiles a glare in the rear view mirror—I had almost gotten away with Scott not finding out.

'I was in exhausted after the full moon and I didn't want to be alone, so I asked him to stay,' I shrugged, taking another sharp turn, grinning when Stiles yelped as he went flying again.

I couldn't help my mind going back to that morning; Derek and I had been talking for a while before Stiles barged in.

I blinked, groaning at the pounding in my head. I almost gasped when I felt a hand rubbing up and down on my arm in a comforting gesture, but the events from the night before came back to me and prevented me from freaking out.

I lifted my head from his chest and offered him a smile, 'morning.'

'Morning,' he cocked his brow in amusement; I assumed it was because of how non-chalaunt I was acting.

Honestly I didn't know why I was either—it should have been awkward but it just wasn't. I knew then that last night had cemented a bond between me and Derek, a tether that couldn't be broken.

'Thank you for last night.' I told him, my chin resting on top of my hand that was on his chest.

'I owed you… again.' He smiled, making me smile in turn before he continued, 'I know you're sick of hearing this, but you'll learn.'

'Have you ever struggled with the full moon?' I murmured, readjusting myself so my head was resting on his chest again; I knew that if he did answer he wouldn't want me to see the vulnerability on his face.

'Of course, it's supposed to be easier for those who are born as a wolf but it never felt that way.' Derek admitted, his voice soft, I felt him playing with my hair but I didn't think he was aware of it.

'Who did you have? To help you, I mean.' I wondered, my tone matching his.

'My uncle Peter,' he answered, I felt my nose wrinkle in distaste—I'd never gotten a good vibe from the older Hale, 'my mom was running the pack, so he offered but I'm sure he regretted it.'

I smiled when he chuckled and patiently waited for the rest of the story.

'I remember one of the times I actually thought I had control… I had wanted to play in a basketball game for my team, I knew they needed me, and it was on the night of a full moon. But I was wrong, just before we went out I started to feel it and while the rest of the team went out I stayed behind under the spray of the showers.'

'This is sounding very familiar.' I commented, lifting my head and grinning at the blue-eyed wolf.

'I suppose. But that's why I'm so hard on Scott. If I struggled with control when it was supposed to be easier…' he trailed off, still playing with my hair.

'Then Scott and I will be a hundred times worse.' I nodded in understanding, 'so what happened? Did Peter find you?'

'Yeah, told me I was an idiot for risking so much for a basketball game,' he rolled his eyes when I quirked my brow, 'and he tried to teach me to control it with the triskillion. It's a medallion that our family used to help betas learn how to control the shift, a physical object to focus on.' Derek's hand went to my back, pulling me closer to him for a moment before his hand rested there; I tried to ignore my raising heartbeat whilst hoping he didn't hear it.

'Did it work?' I wondered.

'No, I learned to control my shift after the fire,' he told me; the sadness in his gaze was reflected in mine as I remembered my fallen best friend, 'Peter taught me to focus on my anger and it worked. I had a lot of anger at my disposal after that happened.'

'I can imagine.' I commented, smiling sadly, 'I'm sorry that happened.'

Derek looked over to me, blinking in surprise, 'it wasn't your fault.'

'I know I'm just sorry it happened.' I told him, tracing random patterns on his grey t-shirt, I frowned when I saw the guilt in his eyes before he looked away.

'Derek, tell me you don't blame yourself for that fire.' My tone was firm with determination.

He didn't answer and he refused to look at me, I gently forced him to meet my gaze with a hand under his chin. My hand moved to the side of his face to stop him from looking away again. In any other circumstances I would've blushed at the intimacy of the gesture, but the pain and guilt in his eyes was the only thing on my mind.

'You don't seriously blame yourself for that fire do you?' I murmured, frowning in concern.

'You don't know everything, Stacey.' He told me, trying to move away but I wouldn't let him.

'Unless you handed the arsonists the gasoline and matches it wasn't your fault. Deep down you know that. It was the Argent's who decided to light that fire,' my voice was dripping with sincerity and the vulnerable expression on his face made my heart squeeze painfully; he wanted to believe me but he wouldn't let himself.

He looked like he was trying to decide if he could tell me something and I just kept staring into his eyes, allowing him to search for whatever he was looking for.

'When I was seventeen I met someone… she was a little older than me and she came from a family of hunters who lived in the area. Her name was Kate Argent.' His voice had been so low that I had to strain to hear it.

'You told her about your family?' I asked gently, my thumb subconsciously moving back and forth where it rested on his cheek.

'Yeah, I did. But looking back she would have already known. She used me to get close to the rest of us and find out where we lived.' He sighed sadly, 'Laura and I were at school when the fire started. When we got home the fire brigade and ambulances were there. I can't remember much of what happened afterwards. I couldn't believe it.'

'I still don't think it was your fault.' I shook my head, wiping away the tear that had fallen down my cheek with the action.

'How-,' he started to disagree but I cut him off by putting the index finger on my free hand to his lips.

'Kate knew exactly what she was doing. She sought you out and manipulated you into giving her what she wanted. If that hadn't worked, she would've found another way. No one is to blame for that fire except for that sociopathic bitch.' I assured him, meeting his guilt-ridden gaze with determination.

I don't know how long we started at each other, refusing to back down, but I had just noticed a glimmer of hope shining in Derek's eyes when the door burst open, interrupting the moment. But I was sure he was starting to realise that I had a point, and that was good enough for now. One day I would make sure that he knew that without a doubt that fire hadn't been his fault in the slightest.

'Wait, where are they going?' Stiles' confusion bought me out of my thoughts and I glanced in the mirror to see the headlights retreating.

Scott leaned forward and turned on the police radio to see if anything was being broadcasted.

'Suspect running into the ironworks. Recognised as Derek Hale.'

Scott and I shared a look of confusion before I spun the car around and sped towards the location, wondering how the hell the police ended up chasing him. The lead he had been chasing must have included him doing something illegal. I could hear dogs barking and shots being fired as I pulled in, Scott jumped to the back and I leaned over to fling open the passenger door. I noticed Derek crouching behind some metal structures; avoiding the shots Chris was sending his way. When I drove in, his gaze jumped up to meet mine and I could see the relief shining in his eyes.

'Get in!' I yelled, anxious to get out of there.

Derek sprinted to the open door after chancing a glance at Chris on the roof. He made it in under five seconds and I wasted no time in speeding out of there, pressing down the accelerator before the door was fully shut.

'What the hell happened? Why do you have the cops after you?' Stiles asked, popping forward from the back.

Derek didn't answer and instead glared at the nervous boy until he cowered back in his seat, I shook my head with a smile and sent Derek a questioning look. The blue-eyed wolf smirked a little before irritation took over his expression. Not at me but what had just happened.

'I was tracking the alpha. He led me to the high school where he was questioning a teacher. I nearly had him when the freaking cops showed up,' Derek huffed and I frowned sympathetically.

'Hey they were just doing their jobs,' Stiles chimed in, but he wasn't brave enough to lean forward again apparently.

'Why did they show up?' Scott asked.

'Apparently someone called in a break in at the high school. The alpha was just about to kill Harris and I saved him. When I looked up the alpha was gone and the school was surrounded by cop cars, they saw me leaving and started chasing after me.' Derek rolled his eyes.

'What's Harris got to do with any of this?' I frowned, indicating and turning down the street where Scott and I lived.

Derek hesitated, glancing at the boys in the back.

'Okay, could you just trust us for five seconds, please?' Stiles complained, shrinking back when Derek glared at him, 'or you could just trust the both of them. I'll be back here, shutting up.'

I stifled a laugh as Derek turned in his seat so he could see Scott and I at the same time. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and unfolded it but didn't show it to us.

'All I know is the last time I spoke to my sister; she was close to finding something. Some guy named Harris and some kind of symbol.' He turned the paper around and Scott and I immediately shared a knowing look, one that didn't escape Derek's notice.

'What? You know what this is?' He asked urgently.

'I've seen it on a necklace.' I murmured, looking over to Scott.

'Allison's necklace,' Scott groaned, clearly not wanting Allison to have anything to do with this, and I couldn't blame him.

'We'll get it.' I assured Derek with a smile, noting the appreciation in his eyes, 'I have a plan.'

'Uh-oh,' Stiles murmured from the back, making me roll my eyes.

I pulled Derek's car into a spot across the street; he was staying with us because the hunters were all over his ass in that moment. It wasn't safe for him on the Hale property and it would be easier to hide him at our house rather than Stiles'—his dad was the Sherriff after all. We all climbed out of the Camaro, Stiles and Scott walked ahead while Derek and I trailed behind.

'If you ever need someone to go on a high speed chase again I would totally do it.' I smirked at him holding out my hand to offer him the keys.

He chuckled and accepted them, tucking them away in his pocket, 'I'll keep you in mind. You drive her well.'

'I'm not sure Scott and Stiles would agree with you,' I said, amused.

'No we wouldn't, you nearly killed us.' Scott complained, turning and walking backwards much like I had in the woods all those days ago.

'Are you dead?' I quirked my brow in a challenge.

'That's not the point.' Scott rolled his eyes.

'Nah her driving was fine, she stopped the hunters from catching up to us.' Stiles commented, slapping Scott's chest.

'Thank you Stiles.' I smiled.

'I'm still gonna have bruises though,' Stiles sent me an amused look, as did Derek.

I simply shrugged, 'that's why you wear a seatbelt.'

'Yeah, yeah.' Stiles waved me off and headed to his Jeep.

'See you at school.' I shouted after him, earning a grunt in response.

After I made sure mom had already left for work, I waved Derek up to my room, giving him the chance to shower and get ready for bed while I took care of a few things down stairs. I had a routine; first I checked the pile of bills hid under the breadbin. I was happy to see that only three were in the first notice stage, with the phone bill being in the second. I opened it and checked the balance- it was only $80 and I wasted no time in calling the twenty-four hour line and paying it off before putting the bill where I had found it. After that I went to the fridge and pulled out the ingredients for a chicken and potato pie, knowing mom would need something to take into work for her dinner and I could reheat it for our dinner tomorrow as well. Having done it a hundred times, it didn't take me long and before I knew it the pie was done and cooling on the cooling rack. I left a note for mom so she knew some was for her and made my way to bed. Derek was already asleep by the time I got there, and after a quick shower and brushing my teeth I was about to join him but I hesitated.

Would he mind? Did it matter? We'd shared a bed last night and it hadn't been the slightest bit awkward. But I didn't want him to think I was presuming-

'Stacey? What's wrong?' Derek's sleepy voice bought me out of my inner ramblings.

'Hm? Oh I was just thinking…' I trailed off, looking anywhere but him.

'About what?' He sounded amused.

'Do you mind me sharing a bed with you? Because I can-,' I was cut off when Derek reached out and grabbed my hand, pulling me into the bed beside him. I ignored the goose bumps on my skin that grew from the warmth I was suddenly surrounded by, and resisted the urge to snuggle into his chest.

'I don't mind, Stacey. This is your bed.' He sounded entertained and I was secretly happy when he pulled me against his chest, winding his arm around my waist.

'You have a point. Maybe I should start charging you rent,' I teased, grinning when I felt him chuckle.

We fell asleep like that and when my alarm went off in the morning I was pretty sure that we hadn't moved a muscle. I managed to untangle myself from his hold—although it took some doing, even in his sleep he had a strong grip. I showered and came out in a towel with dripping wet hair and started shifting through my closet, choosing what to wear. I decided on a black pencil skirt and a white sheer blouse with a white bandeau underneath. I was just about to head back in the bathroom when I heard Derek stirring from my bed. I looked over to him, trying to fight the blush that was threatening to stain my cheeks.

'Hey,' Derek offered, running his hand through his hair.

I tried to ignore what the movement did to his chest, seeing as he was topless; he was only wearing the sweatpants he'd borrowed from Scott. I blushed when I realised I had just been staring at his naked chest—damn him for being so muscular.

'Hey,' I replied eventually, ignoring his smirk.

'I'm gonna take a shower if that's alright?' He asked, standing from the bed.

'Sure, I'm done with the bathroom. I'll get changed in here.' I smiled, placing my clothes on the bed.

When my bathroom door closed I wasted no time in drying off and getting dressed. I was just about to switch on my hairdryer when I heard a knock at my door. After throwing a glance at my closed bathroom door I silently preyed Derek had heard and would remain where he was until my mom was gone.

I walked over to the door, opening it with a bright smile.

'Hey sweetie,' she smiled, she was still wearing her nurse scrubs and she looked exhausted.

'Hey, mom,' I hugged her, resisting the urge to glance at the closed door.

'You look nice,' she commented, leaning on my doorframe.

'Thanks.' I rolled my eyes, knowing that was a typical mom line, but I appreciated it, 'I made you chicken pie to take into work later.'

'I saw and I also got a call from the phone company-,' she started, giving me a firm but gentle look.

'Sorry mom, I need to get ready. I still have to dry my hair and do my make up and-,' I was rambling and trying to close the door but she put her foot out.

'Nice try but you have plenty of time before you have to leave,' mom smirked.

'Mom can we not do this,' I pleaded, running my hand through my wet hair.

'We've been over this, I appreciate your help but you should be spending your money on things that other teenagers want. You should be saving for a car, going to the mall with your friends-,' she stopped when I placed a hand on her arm.

'Mom I don't need any of that- why would I need a car when I can get a ride with Stiles or Scott? As for the mall I hate shopping, you know that. Call it a side effect of your best friends being your brother and another guy,' I shrugged, tensing a little when I heard the shower turn off.

'I worry about you, you shouldn't be thinking about what bills need to be paid and you certainly shouldn't be paying them yourself.' Her brow crinkled with worry.

'Mom, I don't mind helping out. It's my money and I can chose what to do with it. I'm already putting some away into my savings and some into a collage fund.' I shrugged, throwing a casual glance over my shoulder at the closed bathroom door.

'Sweetie,' she started, I winced when I heard a bang coming from the bathroom, 'what was that?'

'What was what? I- didn't hear anything,' I said, trying to sound casual, but I could feel myself turning bright red.

'Now I know you're lying,' she gave me an accusing look that mom's had mastered.

'I-uh- my shampoo probably just fell over in the shower… I should go pick it up! Love you! Bye!' I closed the door and locked it on her surprised face, resting my back against the wood until I heard her move away from the door.

I looked up when I saw the bathroom door creek open and I couldn't help but laugh at the apologetic look on Derek's face. But my amusement faded as I took in his appearance. His hair was damp from the shower and so was the rest of him; I was mesmerised by the water droplets slowly trickling down his muscular chest. I followed their path all the way down to the towel that was tied around his waist. I felt desire start to pool in my belly and my mouth went dry.

My eyes snapped up to Derek's when I heard him clear his throat. When I noticed him smirking I felt myself turning bright red.

'You really need to be wearing a shirt at all times.' I muttered, closing my eyes and leaning my head on the back of my door.

'Sorry,' he said but he didn't sound sorry at all.

I rolled my eyes and pushed away from my door, grabbing my phone from the nightstand to look at the time. Stiles would be here to pick up me and Scott in fifteen minutes. I cursed and pulled my damp hair into a high ponytail, grabbing my backpack and leather jacket from the foot of my bed.

'I'll see you later,' I said, throwing a smile over my shoulder that turned into a grin when I saw Derek checking out my ass.

This time he was the one to blush and clear his throat in embarrassment. He rolled his eyes when he saw my amusement grow.

'See you,' he yelled after me.

'I'll leave you some breakfast downstairs!' I told him, making my way down the hallway to wake up my brother.

After persuading Scott to wake up with the promise of scrambled eggs I ran down stairs to start cooking. I cooked up enough to feed Scott, Derek and I. Scott came downstairs just as I was putting his on a plate with some buttered toast, he accepted the food from me with a grin while I rolled my eyes fondly and placed some on a plate under some tinfoil for Derek. I barely had enough time to wharf my own breakfast down before Stiles started beeping from out front. We made the journey in silence but when we got to school the chatter started ten to the dozen.

'So how are you going to get the necklace?' Stiles asked Scott, slapping his shoulder.

'I don't know. I could just ask her for it?' Scott said, rubbing the back of his neck.

'Or steal it?' Stiles suggested, flapping his arms around frantically.

'You two are idiots. Leave the necklace up to me,' I rolled my eyes, patting Scott and Stiles on their shoulders.

'What are you going to do?' Scott sounded worried.

'Don't worry about it,' I muttered, walking in front of them and ignoring the catcalls I could hear; I assumed Lydia was walking behind me.

I headed towards Allison's locker, a little slower than I usually would; I was trying to come up with a valid excuse as to why I'd need the necklace but I couldn't for the life of me think of one. I sighed and set my shoulders; I was just going to have to wing it. I saw Allison leaning against her locker and I was relieved to see she was alone; I was in no mood for Lydia's bitchiness before first period.

'Hey, Allison,' I smiled, hitching my backpack up higher on my shoulder, 'how are you?'

'Hey Stacey,' she smiled, her dimples showing, 'I'm good thanks. Is your brother with you?'

I had to physically stop myself from rolling my eyes; those two had it bad for each other that was for sure.

'Actually, no. I wanted to ask you a favour. It's huge and I'll totally understand if you don't want to do it-,' I was rambling but I was cut off when she placed a gentle hand on my arm.

'What is it?' she smiled kindly.

'I'm doing a project for history and I thought it would be really cool to do it on your family—I read about the family of Argents somewhere a while ago and I was wondering if you would mind me lending that family amulet I saw you wearing a few days ago?' I asked, hoping I looked innocent.

'Oh- sure,' she grinned, reaching under her shirt and taking it off before placing it in my hand, 'just take care of it, my Aunt Kate passed it down to me and she'll go crazy if it gets lost.'

I had to force my expression not to cloud over with anger at the mention of Kate, and I was proud of myself when I forced a smile that seemed to convince her.

'Thanks, Allie.' I grinned, giving her a hug that surprised us both.

On the way to class I slipped the necklace on, hiding it under my shirt; I didn't have any pockets on me so it seemed like the smarter option. I pulled out my phone and set up a text chain to send a text to Scott, Stiles and Derek.

Me: Got the necklace.

Stiles: Sweet.

Derek: Is there anything in it, on it?

Scott: We have a problem.

Me: No there's nothing on it or in it, but you can get a better look after school.

Me: What's wrong Scotty?

Scott: Jackson just confronted me. He knows I'm a werewolf.

Stiles: What?!

Stiles: Did he say those words?

Scott: What?

Stiles: Did he say I know you're a werewolf?

Scott: No, but he implied it pretty freaking clearly.

Me: What does he want?

Scott: He wants to be a werewolf.

Derek: As far as he's concerned, you have know idea what he's talking about.

Scott: What?

Me: He's saying you need to play dumb Scotty.

Scott: He's given me seventy-two hours. After that he's going to tell Allison.

Stiles: She won't believe him.

Me: Dude she's from a family of werewolf hunters, we have no idea if she already knows.

Scott: I'm pretty sure she doesn't. But if she mentions it to her dad or aunt…

Me: You know what? I got this Scotty don't worry. Consider it taken care of :)

Derek: Stacey, stay away from Jackson.

Stiles: I never thought I'd say this but Derek's right. Jackson doesn't know about you, that's the only advantage we have.

Scott: Stacey, do not get yourself in danger because of me.

I ignored them all, searching to corridor for the arrogant co-captain. I could feel my rage bubbling in my blood and threatening to spill over so I forced myself to calm down before I went looking for him. I found him smirking over a shocked Lydia and that grated on my nerves even more. I caught the tail end of their conversation.

'It wasn't a joke, I would have put a ha-ha at the end, and you see there's a no ha-ha.' Jackson smirked.

'Lydia, please return my house key at your earliest convenience as we are no longer dating.' Lydia read from her phone, glaring at him when she was finished.

'Hey Lydia,' I smiled brightly, I couldn't stand the look on his face and even though the strawberry blonde and I weren't exactly the best of friends, I couldn't stand to watch Jackson looking at her like that. I was going on my instincts here.

Lydia's eyes flickered over to me, and I saw the flicker of pain in her eyes before her mask was back up. Shockingly she smiled at me and linked her arm through mine. I didn't let my surprise show on my face and offered Jackson his very own arrogant smile; I was pleased when his mask fell.

'Hey Stacey.' Lydia finally answered, gripping my arm like a lifeline.

'I see you're talking to just the person I was looking for,' I said, casually looking around.

We were the only three in the corridor and I smirked when I realised.

'So I hear you've been talking to my brother.' I stepped forward threateningly and was pleased when he gulped.

'That's none of your business.' He said, sounding anxious.

'Actually it is,' I smiled, squeezing Lydia's arm in assurance when I heard her heart beat pick up, 'he's my family and I take it personally when someone messes with my family.'

He tried to step back again but ended up stepping into a row of lockers, I tilted my head thoughtfully, pretending to think for a moment.

'Let me make one thing clear to you, Jackson,' my voice was low, I placed my free hand onto his shoulder, 'I don't care what you think you know about my brother, but if I find out you have made any attempts to threaten him again…'

I trailed off, my hand sliding down his arm and gripping it with enough force to make him cry out. When he tried to push me off I twisted his arm behind his back, pinning his face to the lockers.

'I'll break your arm.' I whispered into his ear, releasing my hold on him with one final shove.

I started to lead Lydia in the direction of chemistry, our first class. We were of course going to be late but I couldn't find it in my to care. I checked my phone that I had stashed into my bandeau and saw I had twenty five missed messages and four missed calls. One from Derek, one from Scott and two from Stiles. I sent Derek a quick text but left the others knowing I would see them soon.

Me: All's fine. I just threatened to break his arm.

Derek: Stacey…

Me: What? It's not like I threatened to kill him!

Derek: Did anyone hear you?

Me: Just Lydia but I don't think he'll say anything.

Derek: Let's hope you haven't made it worse.

Me: If he doesn't stop… I honestly don't know what I'll do.

Derek: We'll figure it out. I have to go, but thank you for breakfast.

Me: You're welcome :)

I stashed my phone where it was and turned to Lydia, her arm was still linked through mine and she looked entirely dazed by what had just happened.

'Jackson's a dick.' I said, figuring she wouldn't want outright sympathy.

'He is.' She agreed, giving me a small genuine smile.

'I always wondered how you put up with that. He's an idiot and you're smart. We're both at the top of all our classes.' I muttered, quirking my brow in question.

'Pretending to be an idiot helps with image I guess,' she admitted sheepishly with a shrug.

'I guess, if that's important to you,' I nodded in understanding; I didn't care what people thought of me but she clearly did.

'Thank you, for stepping in,' she said a little hesitantly, 'and for beating him up a little, even if it wasn't for me it was nice to see.'

We shared a laugh as we stepped into the classroom.

'While I'm sure you're having an interesting conversation I hope you have an excuse for why you're late.' Harris' voice boomed from the front of the classroom.

I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth to offer a sarcastic reply when Lydia's words cut me off.

'Sorry, sir we were just in the guidance office. I had an appointment and Miss Mural asked Stacey to take me to my first class because we're in it together.' Lydia said it with such conviction that I almost believed her.

'Is this true, Stacey?' Harris asked.

'Yes sir.' I nodded, walking arm in arm to the desk I shared with Lydia.

'Very well. We're going over chapter eleven, I trust you're both already familiar with it?'

'Yes sir,' we said together, sharing a look of amusement.

I could practically sense everyone's confusion at seeing us actually getting along. We usually ignored each other and made snide remarks until the bell rang, this was definitely an interesting development. I could feel Scott and Stiles' stares boring holes into the side of my head, so when Harris turned back to the board I offered them a reassuring look before telling them to focus on the class. I managed to escape the class without facing an interrogation from my twin and best friend and was surprised when Lydia dragged me around with her all day, including lunch. I was thankful it was just her, me and Allison and not the rest of the popular crowd. Conversation was actually nice, Allison talked about her family history, thinking I was doing the project and I chipped in with the right questions here and there. Lydia asked if we had any plans for the winter formal and I wrinkled my nose in distaste; I'd never been one for dances. I lied and said I'd have to work that night and wouldn't be able to get out of it.

'Stacey!' I turned to see Stiles sprinting down the corridor towards me.

I had to steady him with a hand on his elbow when he reached me, and honestly he looked like he was on the verge of passing out.

'What's up?' I asked, hitching my bag higher on my shoulder.

'Scott's with Allison and then he has practice, you and me are gonna find out where the text came from,' he told me, pulling me along with a hand on my upper arm.

'Text? What text?' I frowned.

'The night the alpha tried to trap us in the high school Allison got a text from an unknown number asking her to meet Scott at the high school. The alpha must have sent it… he must have had something bigger planned.' Stiles explained on gasps of breath.

'Okay.' I shrugged figuring that made perfect sense.

'You don't have work do you?' Stiles asked, reversing out of his space smoothly before making the journey to his house.

'Nah not tonight. Deaton has a hospital check up or something so he's closing at four.' I said as I scrolled through my phone, amused to see I already had a friend request from Lydia on Facebook. I clicked accept and carried on scrolling.

'Did you tell Derek?' I wondered as we pulled into his driveway.

'No,' he scoffed, climbing out of the car; I followed after him with a shake of my head.

'He'll want to know, this is a good lead on the alpha,' I told him as we climbed the stairs to his room.

'Yeah.' He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, 'alright, text him.'

'I already did,' I grinned at his affronted look and sat on the end of his bed and dramatically fell back, wishing I could just go to sleep to wake up when all the drama was over.

'What happened with you and Jackson today anyway?' Stiles asked, spinning around in his desk chair to face me.

'I told him I'd break his arm if he threatened Scott again,' I told him, not even bothering to open my eyes.

'How are you and Lydia best friends all of a sudden?' I smiled when Stiles moved onto the next question, not phased by me threatening Jackson.

'I stood up for her when Jackson was being a dick, apparently she appreciated it.' I shrugged, on the verge of falling asleep.

'Stiles!' The Sherriff shouted, making me jump.

'Yo D-Derek,' Stiles stuttered sounding scared.

I sat up with a confused frown, and when I looked to the right of me I grinned when I saw the blue-eyed wolf stood there. He was wearing his usual attire; black jeans, white t-shirt, black leather jacket and stoic expression. Stiles jumped up from his chair in alarm to meet his dad in the hallway, and I couldn't blame him. It wouldn't end well for anyone if the Sherriff found the guy he was chasing last night in his son's bedroom.

'You look very serious,' I commented with a grin; I was so used to seeing him relaxed when we were alone, so seeing his usual front amused me.

'Do I?' he quirked his brow, his eyes glittering with amusement.

'Yep,' I nodded, fighting the urge to laugh.

He rolled his eyes but came to sit beside me on the bed. I noticed there was blood on his shirt and reached my hand out without thinking, my eyes meeting his in silent question.

'It's from last night. I got clipped in the shoulder by the hunters.' He shrugged, his eyes softening at my concern.

'You could have taken one of Scott's shirts.' I offered, knowing my twin wouldn't have minded.

'I was going to, but your mom came to your room when you left this morning, so I didn't get a chance. I had to leave through the window,' he smirked.

'Well that's what you get for being loud,' I laughed aloud; Derek smiled a genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat.

'Stacey is that you?' Sherriff asked.

'Yes Sherriff, how are you?' I yelled back, knowing he wouldn't come in.

'Good, and yourself?'

'Great thank you!' It was my usual response.

When the Sherriff was gone, Stiles came back into his room, only to be slammed to the wall by Derek. I watched the scene in amusement, knowing that Derek wasn't going to hurt my best friend.

'If you say anything-,' Derek started to threaten but Stiles cut him off.

'Like what? Dad, Derek Hale is hiding in my room, bring your gun?' The brown-eyed boy said sarcastically.

Derek eyed him with a glimmer of respect in his eyes, releasing his grip on Stiles.

'That's right, I'm hiding your ass it's my house, my rules buddy,' Stiles said, getting cocky.

Derek nodded and fixed the boys shirt, Stiles did the same for him but nearly fell over when the wolf made a move to attack him. I had to stifle a laugh; those two were just too amusing when they were together.

'So what's the deal with this text?' I asked, amusement still present in my voice.

'If we can track it we can find out who sent it.' Stiles shrugged, sitting back down at his desk.

'What text?' Derek frowned, sitting next to me on the bed.

'The night at the high school, Allison got a text from Scott,' I started, looking over to the wolf.

'So?' Derek quirked a brow.

'So it wasn't really Scott,' Stiles rolled his eyes.

'Can you find out who sent it?' Derek asked, catching on to what Stiles was thinking.

'No, but I know someone who can.' He smirked making me shake my head fondly.

I was lying on the bed, my foot against the mattress and my ankles crossed in the air, scrolling through my phone and trying to smother laughter at Stiles' failed attempts to convince Danny to help us. They eventually moved on to Chemistry and I rolled over onto my back suddenly only to catch Derek staring at my ass again. I sent him a grin, ignoring the blush that formed on my cheeks as I sat up and reached for the necklace he had wanted to see.

'Here.' I murmured, too quietly for Stiles and Danny to hear.

I took his hand, ignoring the spark that travelled up my arm at his touch, and placed the necklace in his palm. His stare was intense as his eyes stared into mine for a moment before he released me and studied the jewellery in his palm.

'Who is that?' Danny asked not very subtly as he eyed Derek, who was sat on the armchair studying the necklace I had handed to him, ignoring the teenager he could definitely hear.

'Oh, that's my cousin… Miguel.' Stiles said.

I looked up at Derek's expression to see him glaring at the brown-eyed boy. I stifled a laugh in the palm of my hand and continued scrolling through my phone.

'Is that blood on his shirt?' Danny sounded suspicious.

'Yeah, he gets these horrible nose bleeds.' Stiles explained, giving the wolf a look, 'hey Miguel? I thought I said you could borrow one of my shirts?'

Derek stood up, clearly pissed off with Stiles' name choice, and started rifling through his draws. It was a few moments before Derek noticed a problem and turned to glare at Stiles holding up one of the shirts.

'Stiles? These no fit,' he ground out through a clenched jaw.

'Just try one,' Stiles rolled his eyes, not bothering to look up from his chemistry work.

When Derek complied and stripped off his bloody white shirt, I couldn't help but stare at his chest appreciatively. He gave me a knowing look before he turned around to find a shirt. The tattoo on his back was beautiful and seemed to enhance the ripples around his shoulders. I blinked out of my trance when Derek pulled on blue and orange striped shirt, I wrinkled my nose in distaste; it really didn't suit him and I couldn't imagine Stiles ever wearing something like that either.

'What do you think of that, it's nice. Right Danny?' Stiles said and I looked over just in time to see him slapping Danny's shoulder.

'Uh- it's not really his colour.' Danny commented, guiltily looking away from Derek.

'I don't think that's anyone's colour,' I grimaced and looked over to Stiles, 'why do you own that? I've never seen you wear it.'

'I wear it,' Stiles half-heartedly defended before turning away and talking quietly to Danny.

I didn't hear how, because I was too preoccupied with the half naked wolf, but Stiles managed to convince Danny to trace the text. At that point I got a text from Scott asking me about the necklace. Derek had handed it back to me a few minutes after I'd given it to him; it didn't have any clues or anything on it. I told my twin that and he asked if I'd swing by and drop it off- apparently Allison had mentioned she'd loaned it to me and her aunt was furious. If only she knew her aunt was a sociopathic bitch, I'm sure she wouldn't care about her being irritated then. I reluctantly agreed and left after reminding Stiles about the lacrosse game and telling them to keep me updated with whatever they found.

I gave the necklace back to Allison before her aunt and father got there; I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my anger under control to her face. Allison thanked me and apologised that her aunt was so crazy. If only she knew how much. I decided to hang around for the game, seeing as Stiles and Derek hadn't texted with any news, and I joined my twin on the player's bench, nudging his shoulder gently with mine.

'What's up Scotty?' I murmured when I noticed his nerves.

'Stiles should be here by now,' he said, looking around as if his friend would magically appear.

'They were trying to find out where the text came from. Maybe they found a lead.' I shrugged, nervous too.

I hoped they hadn't been stupid enough to check it out on their own. I worried about Stiles anyway; he was the only human in the middle of this mess, but after the way that Derek had been attacked by the alpha, my concern for him had tripled when I realised how easy it would actually be for him to get hurt.

'Call them? I left my phone in my locker,' he gave me a sheepish look that made me smile before I pulled my phone out of my bandeau.

I called Stiles and he picked up on the third ring, before I could say anything Scott snatched the phone out of my hand.

'Stiles? Where are you? You do remember you're first line right?' Scott fired question after question, not giving Stiles a chance to respond.

'I know, I'll be there. If you see my dad just tell him I'll be a little late, okay?' Stiles said, I frowned at his defeated tone. He was lying.

Scott and I shared a worried look before my twin responded, 'okay. Be careful.'

Stiles hung up the phone and I stashed mine back in my bra while we waited for the game to start. Things were about to get really tense. I could feel it.

The game progressed pretty normally, though Stiles never showed up. Which was something that was making the ball of worry in my gut grow more and more. What had happened? What if they'd found the alpha? What if they were dead? No, they couldn't be dead, right?

While Scott hit the showers, I sat on the benches in the locker room, tapping my fingers against my thigh with a frown on my face. I was just about to get my phone out and call Stiles when I felt two other people join me in the room. One of them was Scott and the other was Derek. I was about to hug him in sheer relief when I noticed how… off he looked. My twin didn't appear to notice though and started chattering right away.

'Where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea what has been happening?' Scott demanded, wafting his arms around.

Derek didn't answer, he simply stared at my twin while I stared at him. Something was definitely wrong.

'What's going on?' I asked, my voice unsure as I stood from the bench and moved next to Scott. My instincts were telling me we needed to be ready to defend ourselves.

Derek's gaze didn't move from Scott's and the fact he was afraid to look at me made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Scott moved closer to me, obviously sensing something was wrong.

Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. Literally nothing. Peter Hale walked in behind Derek, a lacrosse stick in his hands.

'I really don't get lacrosse,' Peter mused, staring at the equipment in his hands.

'Son of a-,' I was interrupted by Scott painfully elbowing me in the ribs.

'It was you,' Scott realised, his hand moving to my arm as if he could sense my anger.

'When I was in high school we played basket ball,' Peter looked over to Scott and I, 'there's a real sport.'

'That's beautiful,' I said sarcastically, refusing to be afraid of him, 'now how about you cut to the chase because I'm pretty sure you didn't come here to complain about how sport has changed since you were in high school.'

'Ah, Stacey,' Peter smirked, he stepped closer and I saw Derek take a subtle step forward as well, though the alpha didn't seem to notice.

'Now you have the most potential,' he reached his hand out as if he were going to stroke my cheek and I slapped it away.

I felt Scott and Derek tense but Peter just laughed. It was a sadistic sound that sent shivers of apprehension down my spine.

'Still as creepy as ever I see,' I commented, crossing my arms over my chest.

'That anger and your brain will definitely come in useful.' Peter mused.

'Useful for what? You see I have no desire to go out on a killing spree.' I told him, meaning every word.

'Don't worry, as soon as you kill one it becomes easier.' He carelessly shrugged.

'We aren't killing anyone,' I said, including my twin in my statement.

'We're not like you,' Scott agreed, presenting a united front against the alpha.

'But you are.' Peter grinned, he started to circle us and I turned my attention to Derek.

'You gonna say anything? Or have you gone mute?' I quirked my brow, pissed off that he seemed to be on his uncle's side.

'You're on his side now? What happened to wanting the alpha dead? You know because he killed your sister?' Scott asked, I was sure we were both sending Derek expressions of disbelief in that moment.

'It was an accident,' Derek said, his voice was monotone, 'it happens.'

'Who are you trying to convince there Derek?' I asked, pissed off, 'because you don't sound so sure of that yourself.'

'You know I read somewhere that lacrosse comes from Native American tribes and they played it to resolve conflict,' he had come full circle and he took his original position in front of Scott and I again. He placed the lacrosse stick he was still holding on his shoulder for a moment as he thought, 'do I have that right?'

'Yes,' I rolled my eyes.

Peter smiled at me and took the lacrosse stick from his shoulder. He examined it with little interest before placing it to the side.

'I have a little conflict of my own I'd like you two to help me resolve.'

Scott and I shared a look before we looked back over to the alpha.

'No,' we said together.

'We're not helping you kill people.' Scott added and I nodded in agreement.

Peter seemed to find our mutual agreement both amusing and irritating—I didn't know which was worse.

'Well, I don't want to kill all of them,' he said slowly, like he was speaking to a child.

'I don't care.' I shook my head, 'you've killed plenty on your own. You don't need our help.'

'That's true, but with both of you helping me, we'd be unstoppable. And those that are responsible will be the only ones that have to die.' He gave us an assuring look that made a shiver of dread run down my spine, ' that doesn't have to include…'

He trailed off, looking over to the blue-eyed wolf who had made his way behind us at some point.

'Allison,' Derek said.

I felt Scott tense and I placed a comforting hand on his arm. I felt myself tense as well; I barely knew the girl but that didn't mean that I wanted her dead.

'You think you can take on the Argents and not die?' I scoffed, trying to stall him while I thought over what was happening.

Peter's eyes hardened to a cold steel blue, 'if I have you two absolutely.' He stepped forward.

'And the only way you can get us is by blackmailing us.' I smirked, taking a step back from the alpha and bringing my brother with me, 'that's pathetic.'

Peter smirked but he was anything but amused by my remark.

'You'll be glad I did when you feel the power that comes with being in a pack.' Peter said, 'I would think you would want the Argent's dead after what they did.'

'Don't you dare,' I spat, I could feel the blood pumping in my veins and that was never a good sign.

'If you truly cared about Cora, then you would want to avenge her.' Peter goaded me.

'You're going to stand there and manipulate me with Cora?' I scoffed, I went to step forward but Scott caught me around the waist and held me back, 'this isn't the right way to do it, Peter. Fighting fire with fire complete idiocy.'

'Maybe so, but I believe if you two see it from my perspective,' he stepped forward and placed his claws at the back of both of our necks, 'you'll have a change of heart.'

With that, his claws pierced our flesh and we fell to the floor. A sound of pain escaped my mouth and I felt my eyes flashing as I writhed on the damp shower floor. Images were flashing through my eyes. Screaming. People desperately trying to escape. Arsonists dousing the house in petrol and lighting it with a match. Peter panicking. Him lying in the hospital comatose. Him killing Laura. Just before I blacked out I could have sworn I saw Derek hovering over me, a worried expression on his face, but I didn't know for sure because when I woke up he was gone.

'Stace? Are you okay?' Scott asked, helping me from the floor.

'Yeah.' I said, rubbing the back of my neck, wincing when I found the marks hadn't yet healed.

'Did that really just happen?' Scott glanced around, looking for evidence that Peter and Derek had even been here.

'I think so.' I sighed, sitting down on the bench.

We both looked up when Stiles came barrelling in, looking absolutely terrified.

'Dude you have no idea what just happened,' he breathed, looking hot and sweaty.

Scott and I shared a look.

'Actually I think we do,' Scott said.

What were we going to do?

Hi guys! I Hope you like this chapter! I'm not done at uni yet, but I was just itching to do a update and I hope you liked it! As usual leave me a review and tell me what you think :)