Author's Notes: Hope the last chapter was enjoyable, but as a wise woman once said… back to the ACTION!
Lydia bounced into the hospital room, eyes still sparkling with tears, face split in a grin. Scott threw her a bemused look and she ruffled his hair fondly, before waltzing over to Allison. The girl looked weary but excited to have female company for a change. Lydia sat on the bed and promptly began running a brush through the long hair; she firmly believed that though Allison had knocked on death's door she didn't have to look it. She may have been on guard duty, but girls had fun.
"Allison how do you feel? Did you and Scott have a good time?" she asked as her fingers braided the hair the way she wanted it.
"Yeah, he slept most of the time, but otherwise we had fun." The girl relaxed, trusting Lydia to not judge her. "I was thinking about everything that's happened and I just don't understand why he still cares so much." She shook her head.
Lydia smirked. "Scott is a lot of things. Oblivious? Hell yeah, no doubt about it. Loyal? Only Stiles could beat him in that category. Bitter? No; I've never seen him hold a grudge against anyone. Let me tell you a little secret Allison. That boy is probably the only one in the pack who never honestly hated you for a spell."
Allison ducked her head, cheeks burning. "I can understand why you guys did." She didn't say much else and Lydia continued braiding in the silence. There was no reason to discuss such dark topics anymore; the past was the past. Was she one of the ones who hated Allison for awhile? She wouldn't deny it, but she wouldn't say she was proud of it. The last few weeks had been hell on everyone, and though Allison had lost her mother her method of "venting" wasn't practical in Lydia's book. Still, the girl had been singled out and caught between her friends and her family, neither side really supportive but asking more and more.
"Well, we used to, but not anymore. In all honesty we all kind of resented each other because no one was being honest and we were scrambling around trying to put together pieces that never fit in the first place. Now though? Just look at us; always together and fighting over whom gets to protect you. Smile Allison, it's a new day…night, whatever." They laughed and settled in more comfortable positions on the cramped hospital bed, Lydia pulling her bag towards her. They pawed through the contents, giggling and chatting idly. Lydia reluctantly allowed her best friend to clean her face and apply a fresh coat of makeup, before returning the favor. She had just reached for the gray eye shadow when Allison snatched up her hand and examined it closely. She reddened as she turned her hand over and over, expecting the ring. Allison let it fall back to the bed, eyes locking onto Lydia's. The girls beamed at each other for a full minute before they hugged each other, squealing hysterically.
"Oh my God Lydia! When did this happen? How? What did he say? What did you say? Okay I know, stupid question, but STILL!" the words gushed from Allison's mouth, the girl batting away a few tears.
Lydia couldn't suppress the stinging in her eyes either as she cradled her hand to her chest. "He asked me to marry him today at the botanic gardens. It… it had to be the most amazing thing ever. I'd never thought I'd see the day when Jackson Whitmore would actually propose."
"When is it going to happen? I mean the whole pack has to be in on this! Does anyone else know?" Allison embraced her again, relishing in the fact that even amidst the drama.
"I'm not sure when anything is going to happen. He's…going away for a little while after things cool down around here. But, good news, my maid of honor will have complete control…with my guidance of course." Lydia offered her best smile, showing pearly white teeth. Allison's expression was comical; Lydia clutched her stomach as she tried to compose herself. They gushed over the idea that the two who appeared to never want to be bonded forever were actually going to get hitched.
"Does that mean I get to plan the bachelorette party too?" Allison giggled.
"Just make sure Stiles is one of the strippers. I have to have leverage to mock him mercilessly with." She snickered. They bantered a little while longer, throwing themselves into fits of laughter as they suggested which of the guys would be the third bridesmaid. This was easy; this was safe; this was what it felt like to be a teenager for once, without the nonsense. This was what it was like before her cell phone rang shrilly, startling them both, and things went to hell.
Stiles had made sure he was inside his house before the sun had touched the horizon. He'd checked the windows to be sure they were lined with mountain ash and wolfs bane. He'd called his dad, letting him know where he was, before shooting a text to the rest of the pack. He knew the only ones who would actually receive it would be Allison and Lydia, seeing as neither was of much use that night. All he could do now was prepare for tomorrow and hope they made it through the full moon. The alphas would be near unstoppable tonight; it would be a definite fight between Jackson, Boyd, and Isaac. The chances of those three surviving was slim at best. Erica, Peter, and some friends of the Argents were scouting possible locations the alphas could be hiding. He had been asked, no, commanded to stay away for one night, in case the alphas decided to attack. He could lay low for the night, but in the morning they wouldn't be able to shut him away. Scott and Derek were still unhappy about him participating, but Lydia had promised to neuter them if they tried to stop him.
Sighing, he climbed the stairs to his room, grateful that Phil wasn't there for once. The man had been surlier than he had ever seen him, sneering at him whenever he walked past or asking snide questions about the pack. He was going to have a long conversation with his father about new sleeping arrangements. He reached the landing and headed for his room, feeling a draft on his back. He looked over his shoulder, bewildered to see the man's bedroom door cracked. In all the time Phil had stayed there, never once did he leave that door opened. It was always under lock and key, even when he was in it.
Stiles shuffled his feet, biting his lip. He really shouldn't…it wasn't right considering he didn't even know the guy. Then again it could probably put all of their minds at ease if they found out more about him. He debated internally with himself, looking more and more constipated by the minute. Curiosity was his strongest suit, and he couldn't pass up such an opportunity. Breathing deeply he dashed madly across the hallway, snapping the door closed behind him. He flipped on the light and caught his breath, moving into the room.
It was like walking into a nightmare. The walls were papered with pictures of him and the pack, some with the wolves transformed. A few were of them during the covert training sessions or their meeting the other night. The majority of them were of him and Lydia. He shivered, heart pounding. This wasn't right at all. Who was this guy? Why was he doing this? He moved to the desk, stacked with neat little papers and a digital camera. Hands trembling, he picked it up and went through the memory. He felt sick to his stomach, the horror weighing him down like bricks. There were hundreds of them, some even before they had become an official pack. How long had he been watching them? There were even photos of Allison's attack. He had been there…watching her die and taking pictures. He continued to look through the camera until he came upon the more recent ones. His heart turned to ice, acid in his veins. Those pictures were from that day; Lydia and Jackson; Isaac at the cemetery with his neighbor-okay that deserved investigation; Scott and Allison at the hospital; and finally him and Derek.
This guy had been watching them all. He knew them, knew their plans. But why? Why would he stalk them like this? What could he gain from it? Stiles' chest was constricting, head fogging. No, he couldn't be having a panic attack, not now. His body was shaking so bad he dropped the camera, breaking it in half. He needed to get to his room, he needed to relax, needed…Derek. That's who he needed, wanted right now. He stumbled to the door, leaning his head against the wall, steadying himself. He squeezed his eyes shut, recalling the techniques they'd worked on during training. 1) Think of something calming, something that brings comfort. He thought about his mother and how she had loved to sing and dance as she cleaned with him. 2) Breathe, passing out is the last thing that needs to happen. He took long deep breaths, mimicking a drowning man. He waited until he was certain he could make it out of the room without going into shock before pushing off the wall. His hand crumbled a faded photograph and looked at it curiously. It was a grainy photo of Phil and…the alphas.
He reeled back, frantically pulling his phone from his pocket. Phil had to be the hybrid that wanted Lydia; that was the only explanation why the others couldn't sense he was a wolf. He punched in her phone number, everything making sense. That was how they'd found Allison, how they kept finding and attacking them when they least expected it. Phil was keeping them informed, which meant the alphas already knew about their plan. Damn, they had to get out of there, had to get out now. He listened to it ring, fear choking him. They would be going after Allison and Lydia that night, him too if he wasn't already prepared.
She finally picked up the phone, sounding concerned and irritated. "Stiles what's going on? Is everything-?"
"Lydia get Allison and get the hell out of there! Phil was an alpha, he's a hybrid. Try and get in contact with the wolves and rendezvous at Deaton's. The alphas know the plan, it's a trap. Hurry and watch your back, he's been watching us." He snapped the phone shut and barreled into the hallway.
He darted down the staircase, tripping a little bit as he went, but managing not to face plant on the wooden floor. He snatched up his keys and ran for his jeep. In the distance, he heard the first howl, followed soon after by seven others. At least the wolves were aware that something was amiss. He jammed the key into the lock, twisting it just as a sharp pain sent him to his knees. Through bleary knees he made out the electric green eyes that were pulsing and not so normal canines. He panted, the man's serrated claws piercing his neck and bringing him eye level. He squirmed in the grasp vainly, this guy was an alpha; he didn't stand a chance. The guy smirked evilly, digging his claws in deeper.
Stiles grunted and rammed his body into the alpha's torso. He gripped his arm tightly, twisting it as he folded in on himself. He used the momentum to flip the man over his shoulder like Derek had taught him. He didn't waste any time watching the results. He sprinted down the street, grateful that they'd been pushed to train hard. His lungs expanded with the effort he was using, every breath drawing in stinging cold air. His arms and legs pumped furiously, never breaking stride. A blood curling snarl made him yelp, but he didn't slow down or look back; he knew what was coming for him. He rounded the corner, slipping just a little. He was breathing hysterically now, praying for a miracle, anything to save him. Apparently, for them miracles were not an option.
He heard the air whistle before he felt the agony. The wolf grabbed his arm, wrenching it back and out of its' socket. He heard the pop and screamed. The wolf held him by the neck against the ground, furious green eyes holding his gaze. "Did you really think I'd let you get away that easily?" Stiles spit in the man's face.
"Derek will rip you apart." He snarled viciously. The alpha roared with laughter. It made the hairs on his neck stand up.
"Before or after you're dead?" The alpha dragged him to his feet and slung his body over his shoulder. Stiles felt his lids go heavy, the pain in his arm searing. He knew even as he passed out that he was going into shock. He just prayed to God that Lydia and Allison were okay.
Lydia threw her sweater over Allison, body vibrating with fear. She'd sent out the message to the others as best as she could. She hadn't heard from Stiles since the phone call, but she was scared for him. He had uncovered something they'd never considered, something she of all people should have realized. Peter had told her that first night that the other hybrid was like her, that he wasn't exactly alive, but he wasn't exactly dead. She should have been paying close attention. She dismissed her qualms and focused on her mission. Stiles had said to get Allison to Deaton's where the others would be.
Deep down she wanted to sob. This was going to hell and fast. They hadn't anticipated the group being separated when the alphas attacked, hadn't even considered it an option. But here they were; none able to reach the others. She whined through her teeth as she handed Allison her crossbow and hunter gear. The girl hobbled on her leg, but managed to get it comfortable. Lydia didn't feel right taking Allison into another battle when she wasn't even fully recovered yet. The alphas would slaughter her without hesitation, her being a hunter and all. She breathed and looked at the ring on her hand forlornly. "I told you I'd wait until I died." she murmured. Jackson would have to forgive her this time. She would die before she allowed that hybrid to claim her. It seemed as if tonight would be that night.
She turned to Allison. "Listen to me closely. Ms. McCall's car is third level up. Stiles had it laced with mountain ash and there's wolfs bane in the trunk. You get there and you get out of here do you hear me? I'm going to distract the alphas while you get there; they want me alive so mostly they'll toy with me. Don't try to be a hero Allison okay? If they catch you they will rip your throat out on the spot, no torture included. Don't come back for me. Promise me."
Allison gaped at her before her face contorted in rage. "Lydia no! No, I'm not leaving you. I can fight, I can help!" She frantically grabbed her shoulders. Lydia shook them off.
"Allison you are going to leave me behind and save yourself. I love you, you're my best friend. We can discuss your involvement in the fight later, but for now you have to do as I say." She pleaded with her eyes, trying to make the girl understand.
"What about Stiles? He doesn't have anyone with him right now Lydia! What if an alpha gets to him before he gets to us?" her voice was shrill.
Lydia swallowed the haunting thought. "Stiles is smart. He's gotten out of tougher situations using just his wit when the others were too selfish to help him. He'll be fine, I promise."
The girls stared at each other for what seemed like the last time. Finally Allison nodded and Lydia swept her up bridal style. She took off out of the room, heading for the rear staircases. She concentrated on her senses, hearing the two alphas tracking them. She kicked the door to the stairwell open and leaped up the stairs. Allison began shooting a volley of arrows behind them, covering their backs. She heard a few thunk against flesh, heard the furious growls of the wolves, but she kept going. They stumbled into the parking garage. Lydia promptly deposited Allison on her feet and wheeled on the two wolves, teeth bared.
She smelled Allison's indecision, craning her neck around and glowering at her. The girl hesitated, but limped over to the silver vehicle. She returned her attention to the alphas. Both were young males, no older than fifteen. They were corrupting the children; they were sick and twisted. The boy with the sandy blonde hair lunged, sinking his teeth into her forearm. She growled and rammed her elbow into the back of his neck, simultaneously slamming her knee into his chest. His ribs splintered at the impact and he howled in misery. The albino boy came to his comrade's defense, forcing her into a headlock. She twisted in his grasp plunged her hand into his abdomen. He roared and sliced quickly, opening a gash on her thigh. She threw him off, slipping into a crouch and letting her wolf take over.
The three circled each other, both of them looking for a way to get at her. She pounced, grabbing the albino by the throat and hurtling him into the nearest cement pillar. It cracked at the impact, some of it raining down on his head. The blonde boy came at her, swiping with his claws and catching her in the cheek. Her head snapped to the side, stars dancing before her eyes. She shook it off as he struck again, this time landing a punch in her stomach. The air whooshed from her lungs as she flew back and hit an old convertible. She staggered to her feet, blood dripping down her forearm.
The albino was murdering her with his eyes. "You are a strong little hybrid. You will make a great addition to our ranks."
"Go to hell." She dashed at them, roundhouse kicking him in the face. His nose crunched beneath her shoe, the blood spurting out. He fell backwards in a daze. His partner caught her around the middle and body slammed her to the ground, pinning her there. She struggled, but he pushed her head down onto the ground, the albino flopping over her legs. She snarled, snapped at the blonde boy's hands. They jeered, marveling over the prize.
"What a looker we have here, don't you agree Kenny? Kenny?" The albino looked up at Kenny. The blonde was sputtering like a fish out of water, clutching at his chest. A dark red stain was spreading over his heart where a bullet had left a gaping hole. His body hit the floor with a solid thud. The boy moaned in agony, his body convulsing. Lydia used the distraction to flip over and drive her hand through the albino's chest, her hand closing over his heart. He looked at her in shock before she tore it out. The red from his eyes faded, revealing pale blue ones. So young, but so evil.
She crawled away from the dying duo, looking around for the source of the bullets. Her eyes landed on the three people advancing towards her and she felt her jaw drop. Chris Argent, Mr. Deaton, and their school counselor stepped into the moonlight, each armed, each poised to kill.