...
''Malia I…what are you asking?''
''It's a simple question dad, Am. I. Adopted?''
He just kept opening and closing his mouth, silently confirming everything.
''Don't answer. Your hesitation is enough.'' my voice was deadly calm.
''I wanted to tell you, but when was I supposed to? I mean everything is craz...''
''Shut up.''
He scowled looking at me in shock. ''Malia, don't talk to me like that, I'm still your father.'' he scolded
'' YOU'RE NOT MY FATHER.''
I could hear his soft gasp, eyes teary and wide. He is not my father, they were never my family, and I didn't know what to feel, except for anger and pure rage, it seemed like I couldn't control any of the emotions am feeling; I'm not used to feeling this much all at once. I knew that I could so easily lose control, if I let my anger get the best of me, and it was already running through me, filling me up and I didn't want to stop it.
''No no it doesn't change anything, '' he started, taking a small step in my direction, I instantly took a step back, because something changed in me and suddenly all I wanted was to let go, I wanted all my emotions to take control over me; and that was what Scott warned me from, he very strictly said, that as easy as letting go would be for my transformation, I shouldn't do it, because I will feel drunk with power and I will not be myself and I could definitely hurt someone. It's all about control, he said. Right now, I felt like I had none. Especially looking at him, standing there, telling me that nothing changed. I felt the change from the inside first, I felt the animal taking over from the inside, it was as if am just a human body but inside it was all coyote, because nothing physical happened, I was still me, while in me I wasn't.
'' Maybe you should go.''
I didn't recognize my voice, it was calm, smooth and dangerously quiet.
''What? Malia we're talking about this, we will sort everything out.''
''Trust me, you don't want to see what's coming,'' I advised, chuckling under my breath, looking at him from under my eyelashes. ''It's about to get ugly, father.'' I snarled, taking a step closer this time, while he took one back.
''We will always be your family, that's what we wanted, your mother and I. We loved you just like your sister...''
''Don't talk about them.''
He took another step back, while I took one closer, ''Malia, I'm still your father, nothing can change that.'' I heard his heart skip a beat and I smiled sadistically,''Who are you trying to convince?,'' I asked while slowly crossing my arms, now directly standing in front of him; ''Huh? you've been nothing but miserable even though; you just got your daughter back, I mean don't get me wrong you do try to put on a smile for me, but your grief is just unmistakable. You're still a miserable old man. Why is that?''
He opened his mouth as if to say something, but I shook my head slowly, shutting him up with just a look. ''I'll tell you why, I'm not them. Because am here and they are not; I mean if only you could trade...'' I trailed off, a challenging smirk on my face.
''No...th..that's not true.''
''You're so pathetic.''
''Stop just stop, we'll finish this some other time'' Before he could move a muscle, I put my hand on his chest, preventing him from going. ''Come on, no time like the present. Say it for me, daddy, you wish I died instead.'' he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, before opening them and looking straight at me.
''I..I don't..Malia you're acting crazy and that's understandable, but that's just for now, it will get better, you will get used to it, Peach.''
That nickname, that stupid nickname. The nickname that all of them used to call me by, the one my sister came up with when she was three and it stuck. All of a sudden I could see their faces that day, laughing and smiling and happy before it all went to hell and it was all screaming, crying and a lot of blood. That nickname almost immediately got my blood boiling, rage coursing through me like wild-fire, controlling everything in me and around me, I felt such power as I felt my claws sticking out, my eyes turning blue and I can feel fur growing all over me. It felt freaking amazing.
I was fully transforming.
I looked at my dad growling loudly, he took a few steps back, pure and utter horror on his face. Power. God it was amazing, and with that feeling, it felt like I could have everything, I control it. Glancing at my father, feeling superior I decided to have fun. Holding everything back for the moment, I took a step towards him.
''What daddy, don't you want to talk anymore?''
He all but sprinted to the door, opened it and ran down the stairs, I followed him slowly going down the stairs, when I reached the bottom of the stairs, I started sniffing the air around me.
Living room. I made my way to the living room, and upon entering I was greeted by a big gun pointing right at me.
''Nice thing you got there, not much help, but nice.''
''What did you do to her?''
Throwing my head back, and laughing loudly. ''Is that a trick question, old man?''
''Whatever you are, get out of my daughter, Leave. Her. Alone.''
''Oh god stop, I'm going to pee myself.'' I was roaring with laughter by now.
''ENOUGH.''
My laughter came to a halt, looking at him. deadpanned, I clenched my jaw.
''WHERE IS SHE?''
''I am her, you fucking moron.'' I replied calmly, walking slowly towards him.
''No you're not, please leave us alone.'' he begged, tears starting to stream down his face.
''Are you brain-damaged? I am her. I just turn into a coyote from time to time, it's fantastic really,'' I growled to make my point; he visibly flinched, taking another step back.
''Well, you wanted answers; I'm giving them to you,'' I gave him a big, sick, fang smile ''There is not much to tell really, I've been a coyote for the past eight years and…''
I stopped mid sentence, now standing in front of him, I reached up with my right hand, slowly wrapping my fingers around his gun.
''I feel like I'm forgetting something.'' I frowned feigning ignorance, as I started bending the gun back, he gasped loudly, obviously not expecting my strength, tears still running freely down his face.
''Oh, I got it; I remember now,'' I leaned in, still bending the gun back, I whispered ''I murdered your family,''
''That's right I'm the animal that killed them, I transformed in the car and well, you could probably figure out the rest.'' he was shaking his head back and forth, whispering broken Nos. He let out a loud sob; and I rolled my eyes, ripping the gun away from his hands and throwing it across the room.
'' Come on, don't be like that, it's all in the past now.'' I reached up, cupping his left cheek, I smiled softly. ''I mean it's been eight years man, get over it.''. After a while he started slowly raising his eyes to meet mine, the fear was gone, replaced by repulsiveness as he pushed my hand away.
''Get out of my house, you FREAK.'' he sneered
I caught him by his collars and literally glowered in his face. ''You shouldn't have said that.''
He caught both my hands in his, slowly pulling mine away, and shoving me backwards.
''You're not my daughter,''
'' When we adopted you, we thought your mother can't ever have a baby, but then two years later your sister miraculously happened,'' he started, breathing heavily, but not crying anymore. ''We should have taken you back; we should have never adopted you.'' he continued, making the rage inside of me multiply. His words were vicious and cruel and I felt like screaming, he said it so easily. So honestly. I didn't think I could get any angrier.
''They're dead because of you''
I was wrong.
Growling for the thousandth time that night, I drew my fist back and punched him squarely in the nose; he fell to the ground, his hand over his nose. He slowly looked up at me, blood pouring out of his nose, dripping on his chin. I bend down and brought him by the collar towards me, punching him repeatedly.
''NO NO NO.''
I kept punching him, switching fists during yelling. '' NO NO NO''
''I DID NOT KILL THEM.''
Punch Punch Punch.
'' COME ON KILL ME, LIKE YOU KILLED THEM.'' he suddenly shouted.
I stopped just before my fist connected with his jaw for the twentieth time. It was the sight of his face that stopped me, blood all over his face bruised and battered, just like it was all over theirs. Panting, I slowly let him go, a sinking feeling in my stomach; everything finally coming into focus, I stared at him and he stared right back, hate was so clear in his eyes, looking away and taking a few deep breaths, instantly I changed back crawling backwards, shocked and horrified at what I'd done; at what just happened.
'' Oh god I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry.'' I will never say it enough.
glaring at me, there was nothing in his eyes but hatred and fear.
''Get Out.''
''Dad, I'm so sorry, I'm sorry…''
''Don't call me that, and get the hell out of my house NOW.''
''I don't have…''
''I SAID GET OUT.''
Shaking I got up, quietly making my way towards the door, before twisting the knob; I looked back at him one last time.
''I really am sorry.''
Opening the door, ready to walk out, his voice brokenly saying my name stopped me, looking back at him again, I waited.
''Don't ever come back.''
...
Sitting or sleeping in my den wasn't new, ever since I changed into human; I came here almost everyday, but somehow tonight was different, a lot has happened, and I felt emotional and I never felt more lost, but being in my den was the only place that made me feel like I belonged, I remember coming here before, after and during school. That awful place the place I will hopefully never have to see again, the only good thing there; was lacrosse practice which of course not enough to make that school any better. Nothing can make any of this better. I almost did it tonight, I was going to change but I stopped myself, just to torment my father; I had control enough to stop maybe I even had it all along but what let me change was my anger, something Scott told me not to let get to me. I sighed heavily and just as I was about to close my eyes, I heard ruffling from outside, quickly I got of the ground and walked out of the den I sniffed looking around the woods, and suddenly I could smell them, the three of them. They found me. Slowly a smile crept up my face; they were here for me, I just felt it.
''Guys, come on out now, it's still me.''
They slowly and very quietly emerged from behind the trees, I assume only because they recognized my smell too. Bob, Fury and showy. God I missed them, and as the three coyotes started walking on all fours toward me, I felt such nostalgia, a part of me was jealous because they were still them. Coyotes and they are probably scared because they don't recognize my form . They were the first three coyotes I met, they were my pack and in my human mind I gave them names, that described each of them. I gave names to every coyote and animal I've met as a coyote, because at the end of the day, coyote or not, I had a human brain and well, I was still human, somehow. And those three were my first friends; they're very special to me. Looking at them now, I could cry they felt so much like home. I giddily gestured with my hands, for them to follow me inside the den, walking back inside the den; I turned around to find them staring at me from outside not fully inside the den.
''Oh is it because, you smell the invaders? Yeah I hated that too, but it's alright really.''
They just stood there, refusing to come in, they were glaring at me, their eyes still confused. Well, of course they must be so confused, they recognize my smell but not my human form.
''Okay, fine, I'm sorry.'' I continued as if they can understand me.
''But I swear, I came looking for you guys, but we all know you're great hiders.'' I chuckled softly and Still nothing.
''You know what you're not any better, you didn't look for me, I came here a lot you know, it is my den, and I thought you might show up or something.'' I was babbling.
''Come on, guys I missed you and you know it's me.'' I beamed and opened my arms, waiting patiently for them to come to me. Abruptly they all marched at me knocking me down, I laughed happily as they also growled in happiness.
''Yeah, yeah I missed you too.''
And as they lapped at me, and full on sitting on me, I felt a tear slide down my cheek, I slowly raised my hand wiping it off and staring at my hand, I was actually crying; real tears were on my face. I looked up at all three of them, and I noticed the sadness in their eyes because I was sad, I smelt their fear for me, because they didn't know why I was in pain, they didn't understand what happened to me and why I was like this. They too were looking for answers.
Fury slowly raised his claw and gently put it on my shoulders while the other two nuzzled my face and stomach. And right then everything came crashing down on me, every emotion I Felt since all of this started. Confusion, anger, sadness, guilt, and pain. They crashed like waves over me making me tremble. And so I let it go, I openly cried, not that I could stop it; tears were streaming down non stop and I felt the pain with each tear. Clutching the three coyotes to me and letting every emotion out, and they understood because they surrounded me, somehow holding me, protecting me from everything. And I just let myself go.
''Oh god I'm crying.'' I choked out. '' I missed you and I want to go home.''
But I didn't know where that was anymore. So, I cried and cried until I finally saw black.
...
It's been exactly a week and five days since the fight with my father and it's been a week and five days since I last saw any of them. They came looking for me, all over the woods, almost everyday but they never found me, because I didn't want them to. A part of me hated that they cared so much, it made me feel guilty for some reason. I didn't want them to care.
'' Just turn.'' I screamed to myself in the middle of the woods. I've tried for the past week and I got nothing. Why can't I turn?/
Because you're guilty.
I did feel awful about not telling them where I am or what happened, since I knew my father wouldn't tell them anything if they asked. I knew that Stiles would be mad at me and disappointed, because all they tried to do was help me. I wanted to go to Stiles, just him alone and explain everything to him but I just couldn't, when they were here looking for me; I wanted so much to show myself to him. I remember when I listened in on their conversation.
''Maybe she just left, Stiles.''
''No, she would tell me.''
Those words cut through me, because he was right I would tell him if I decided to leave. But I didn't leave, I was here and I still didn't go to him, because I needed to be away. The woods felt safe and I missed it.
Sighing loudly and throwing myself on the ground, giving up for the day. I glanced around the woods, spotting Will running towards me, I could hear his heart beating loudly, and I knew he was having a hard time breathing, by the time he reached me he looked half dead.
''William, stop running, I actually think you might kill yourself.''
''Shut up, I feel free.'' he literally panted the words out as he finally collapsed next to me on the ground.
The first time I saw Will in the woods, he was heaving his guts out under a tree and I felt like I should help him, I didn't know how but it seemed like a good idea to show myself to him, knowing that he knows I'm missing and they were looking for me, but I made him promise not to tell anyone about where I am. And without explanation he agreed, which made me appreciate him and having him here every day. He came everyday for the past week to run in the woods and afterwards he stuck around and talked about himself incessantly, he told me that he just moved to beacon hills, and that his father died when he was fourteen. He also told me that he has a little sister that he has to take care of because his mother was an alcoholic. And I noticed that he was always so tired. I knew he was sick, but I didn't know why or what was his sickness and I didn't ask.
''You're filthy by the way.''
''Of course I am, I've been living in the woods, genius.''
''Still not gonna tell me why.'' It wasn't a question but I shook my head anyways.
''Alright, but the lacrosse team really needs you, dude. When are you coming back?''
That was the third time he asked me that and the answer will always be the same.
''I don't know.''
''I have no idea how or why are you living in the woods and you refuse to tell me anything and yet; I bother myself and bring you food.'' he exclaimed jokingly as he unzipped his bag and pulled out a sandwich and a water bottle.
''Oh William, you're the absolute best.''
''Stop calling me William or I'm outing you.''
''Piss off.'' I said as I took a big chunk after a big chunk from my sandwich, chewing loudly.
''Super attractive, Malia.''
I was just about to scold him when, Bobby came out of nowhere and tackled him to the ground. Bob, Fury and Showy, left after they found me by two days, and I knew they were hunting and traveling. Usually we take weeks, I really didn't expect them this soon.
''Oh my god Bobby, get off.'' I growled as I caught him by the neck and threw him off Will.
''He's a friend.'' I tried communicating with my eyes as Bobby glowered at me, trying to get to Will as I was now standing between them.
'' Malia, that's a freaking Coyote, I really think we should be running.''
''Shut up Will.''
''Wait...did you just call him Bobby?''
''Shut up.'' turning around to face him, I knew he could see my face, fangs and everything, his eyes widened as he crawled away from me.
I ignored him and turned back to face Bobby, still furious and ready kill, so acting on instinct I opened my mouth and howled as loud as I can. Bobby howled back moving towards me, daring me; but I kept at it until he finally, slowly bent his head downwards, before turning around and running further into the woods. Turning around to face a horrified Will, staring at me still on his back.
''Okay, there is an explanation.'' I started nervously.
''What..how did..wha..''
''I'm a were-coyote.''
That seemed to confuse him more, as his brows furrowed further. ''A were coyote?''
''Yes.'' the only thing I could say really.
I expected him to scoff, to call me crazy, to run away and never come back to even scream and tell the world I'm a freak but I didn't expect him to start laughing. He was clutching his stomach, face red as his laughter echoed around us.
''Why are you laughing?'' I asked fighting back a smile.
''I'm so confused; yet it makes so much sense.''
I laughed with him, because I was relived that it made sense to him, he wasn't running away.
''A were coyote?'' he exclaimed loudly again, still hysterically laughing, until suddenly he was coughing heavily, I thought it was because of all the laughter, but it wasn't because I smelt the blood, before I saw it coming out of his mouth.
I ran to him and put my arms around him as he heaved on the ground, blood still pouring out of his mouth, I didn't know what to do but rub his back until it stopped that's what I did every time it happened.
The cough slowly came to a stop, he was breathing heavily as he wiped his mouth with his right sleeve ''That's never fun.'' his voice was low and hoarse, if it weren't for my supernatural hearing I wouldn't have heard him.
''Will, what's wrong with you?'' I asked in concern.
He sighed ''Cancer. Lung cancer.''
Cancer, I remember it, the deadly disease.
'' Are you going to die?''
He smiled sadly at me. ''Hopefully. I'm so tired.''
I flinched, I didn't want him to die. No, I will not let him; there must be some way to save him. Looking down, I caught a drawing of a small wolf on his left wrist, I reached out and rolled his sleeve further.
''What's that?''
''It's a tattoo.'' he chuckled lightly. Right, I smiled back remembering Scott and Derek's tattoos.
''It's a wolf.'' I stated with a deadpanned look.
''Yeah, I love wolves.'' He beamed, his eyes lighting up.
I scowled. ''Why not a coyote?''
He laughed as he grabbed on my shoulder to stand up, still exhausted from his vomiting session, he gave me a mischievous smile and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
''Because Malia, wolves are much much cooler.''
I scoffed ''What do you know?''
And as I helped him walk back to his car I realized that Scott can help him, he can turn him and Will can live. Why didn't I think of this before! I groaned internally as that would mean, I'm going to have to go to them for help. Again. After disappearing without a word. They were not going to be happy, but Will needed them and I knew that Scott was going to help him.
''Will, I think I know someone who can help you.''