5.

I pried open my eyes after what seemed like minutes. Rolling onto my back, I could feel the grass from underneath poking me through my shirt. I stretched my back, wincing slightly, a groan escaping from in-between my lips. Whatever wounds I had endured last night would already healed, but I was still sore and my body was stiff from the dried blood. I rubbed a hand over my face, exhausted before crunching my stomach as I sat up. The sky was a lovely pink color, the sun beginning to peak over the horizon. Legs shaking, I got to my feet and began to walk stiffly towards my house. I checked quickly to make sure my mom's car wasn't in the driveway and a wave of relief washed over me. I didn't think there was a way to explain the state I was in and I was happy to see that I wouldn't have to. I slid my key into the front door, shoving it open and stepping in.

The house was still and cold. I shut the door behind me, starting for the stairs. I pushed the thoughts that threatened to implode within and told myself to wait until I was done with my shower before I could melt down. I kept my head clear as I stripped off the ruined clothing, tossing them in the corner of my bathroom. I stepped under the warm, cascading water, hands immediately going towards my face. I could feel the crusted blood under my fingers and prevented myself from clawing it off. I let out a calming breath before simply washing myself until the water ran clear.

Too exhausted to fully dry myself, I walked to my bedroom, naked and dripping onto the hardwood floor. I shut the door behind me, climbing under my covers and biting the inside of my lip. I closed my eyes, ready for the memories of last night to assault me. I cringed. Had that curly-headed boy recognized me? I didn't know who he was, but I haven't been here very long. Did he know who I was? Was he going to hurt me? Was he going to come after me? Was he going to tell him? My heart seemed to pound faster and faster which each gut-wrenching question. Every time a creak erupted from my house I stiffened, listening, certain that he was coming to collect me.

I pushed the blanket off of me, bounding towards my closet. I pulled on a sports bra, jogging shorts and a plain shirt. As I was lacing my sneakers, I plugged my phone into a pair of headphones and turned on my music. Loud, pulsing melodies hit me, making it difficult to think. I pulled out my house key, detaching them from the rest and shoving it in my sock. I collected the soiled clothing, deciding to toss them in the still-smoldering bonfire outside before continuing on my run. I stretched for a second before deciding to go for it and began a slow jog.

I kept my mouth in a straight line, determination on my face. My legs pumped from under me as I weaved over and under the branches. I side-stepped a tree that was in my way and continued on my route, figuring I could go to the school, round it and head back. It was Saturday; I wasn't expecting anyone to be there.

I suppressed a frown as I watched Coach stepped out from within the school. He looked up from the papers he was studying, narrowing his eyes. I slowed down to a walk when he began waving his hands over his head, almost losing his papers.

"Hi, Coach." I greeted, slightly out of breath.

"Akers!" He boomed and I flinched, the sound echoing in my head. I made a small face. "What are you doing here?"

"Um, running?" I furrowed my eyebrows, confused.

"You like to run? You run a lot?" I gave a curt nod, still confused on what he needed me for. A huge smile began to show on his face and I bit the inside of my lip. "I'm the coach of the cross country team." He informed and my heart dropped. "And I expect to see you at the next practice."

"Um, I really shouldn't—,"

"Okay! I will see you tomorrow morning, bright and early!" He interjected, beaming at me as he headed towards his car. "Nine am! Don't be late!"

I stood there for a moment, my heart pounding my chest and eyebrows furrowed.

I was crouching slightly in my gym locker, trying to calm myself down. I wasn't planning on showing up this morning, but my mom had caught wind of Coach's offering and had insisted. Her pleading face flashed in my mind and I stood to my full height, slamming the locker shut. The loud noise reverberated through the room and the girls within went silent for a moment. I let out a heave of breath before pulling on a light jacket over the mandatory maroon T-shirt. The silence was eventually penetrated by a loud snicker, unassumingly directed towards my act of aggression. I kept my face empathetic as I flicked the hoodie over my head and began to stalk around the other girls. Trying to keep a low profile with the humans didn't see to be working, some shooting me a look. I kept my eyes on my feet as I pushed through the scents and out towards the fresh air. I had started out the day with a mild pressure in my head that had only grown into a full-blown migraine.

Unhappy, I followed the clump of males outside. A second later, I felt a nudge on my shoulder. I looked over to see Stiles, beaming slightly, even though everyone else seemed as grumpy as can be. I scanned the group for his friends, but they were no where to be seen. I finally gave the boy my full attention. "Hey Calla." He greeted.

"Hi," I responded, shoving my hands in my pocket, frowning at the tree line where Coach was standing, waiting on his team. "How's it going?"

"Good, good." He responded and I looked over to see that he was distracted.

"As riveting as this conversation is, I'm going to stretch." I said monotone and walked away from the boy. I kept my back to him, feeling him watching me, as I disappeared within the group and began stretching my still-store legs.

A moment later, I saw him again, this time accompanied by Scott and the curly headed boy from Friday night. My heart began to hammer in my chest, fearful and Scott looked up, curious. My eyes widened as I looked away, panting slightly. Oh my god. How many fucking werewolves were there in this town? He had to be one. He seemed to be able to hear my heart. Oh fuck.

I got to my feet quickly and deepened myself in the group. I hoped to remain incognito until I could find a good reason to drop the sport. I didn't know where their allegiance lied and they could possibly know him. No matter how paranoid or ludicrous it sounded, it was a chance I was not willing to take.

A whistle blew through the air. I started out in a brisk jog as Coach's voice began to fade behind me. "Pace yourselves! Come on!" The anxiety of almost getting caught caused me to break into a full sprint, breaking from the group. I kept my senses alert, ready to attack if one of the werewolves decided to get too close, though I never got the chance.

I froze when a scent washed over me. I peeked behind me to make sure the humans were still far behind before rounding around the tree-trunk, despair already collecting around my stomach. Someone is dead.

True to my thought, a boy was strung to the tree by his neck. Blood had dried over his clothing and his legs were limp. I stumbled back, shocked as a human girl ran up. A second later, a piercing scream danced through the air. I remained still, unable to take my eyes off of the boy.

"It's him, isn't it?" Scott's voice pushed through the group and I found it easily. My head snapped up to see the same three clumped together, almost unsurprised. I clenched my teeth, wondering what the fuck was really happening in this town.

A/N: I'm sorry this chapter is so short compared to others and how late! I've had a tough two weeks from working doubles to my friend having to be taken to the hospital to personal problems, while also trying to continue an original story on Wattpad. (If interested in reading in, let me know( So I apologize from the bottom of my heart and I hope you can forgive me. Thank you vtennis and Guest for your reviews! I'm glad you are enjoying it so far and I'll try not to take too long on updating!