SO Sorry, like a million times sorry for the long wait! AP classes kind of take your time away...and when you have a boyfriend who treats you like a princess. But anyway, here's another great chapter. I really hope you guys like it because I struggled figuring our how best to pull it all together. anyway, enjoy and please rate! Next update should be in four days!
Stiles would admit to anyone that there was no greater Hell than to be locked inside one's own mind and watching yourself do horrible things. He had lost control of his limbs, his body becoming a puppet for Isabella and the alphas. Death would be preferable to the daunting task of murdering his friends. All they had to do was say the word and he would have to watch himself do the unspeakable. He prayed that Derek wouldn't try to be noble and sacrifice himself to save Stiles; that he would do what was best for the pack and kill him. He prayed, but he knew it was futile. Derek would let himself die for Stiles sake, screw the pack.
His nose twitched as Phil jerked on his leash. The man was a sadistic bastard, insisting upon dominating him in any form or fashion. Stiles didn't hate Phil as much as he hated himself. He should have known something was wrong with the man from the beginning, but he had been watching them like a snake. He could have gotten them at any time, but he toyed with them deliberately.
Phil looked over his shoulder as he dragged him towards the battlefield. "Your friends talk a big game Stiles. Do they not realize it is the end for them? Well, all besides Ms. Martin." The man laughed mirthlessly as he led him to the front procession.
He looked across the barren field. Immediately his body reacted. He inwardly convulsed, the monster thirsting for blood, the real him battling for control. Flames licked at his insides as he fought the bloodlust, corroding his very bones.
"Stiles, kill boy." Isabella demanded.
Agony unlike anything else ripped through his body. He threw his head back, howling hungrily. The unholy sound made the hair on his neck stand on end. His vision tinted gray, pink around the edges. His claws dug into the cement as he lunged forward, a snarl curling his lips back. He ran straight at Derek, ignoring the battle breaking out around him. At one point, however, he faltered, watching Isaac getting beaten to a pulp.
Derek hadn't moved. He stood there in shock, completely human. Stiles wanted to scream for him to run, but instead he pounced. Taking the alpha by surprise, he sank his teeth into the man's shoulder. The sweet and coppery liquid spilled onto his tongue, dribbling down his chin. Derek grunted and threw him off. His back hit the pavement, knocking the breath out of him.
He growled and made to get up, only to have Derek pushing down on him. The man grabbed his wrists and pinned them above his head. He writhed under him, snapping at his arms. Derek's eyes flashed crimson, taking labored breaths as if to hold back the wolf.
"Stiles stop. Listen to me and pull yourself out of this." He growled. The words struck him to the core; he viciously fought, but it just wasn't enough. The poison in his veins was much stronger than he ever was or could be. And really what was to be expected? He was a weak human who'd tried to keep up with the supernatural without becoming a part of it. Derek had too much faith in him; he was crafty and smart, but not physically strong in the slightest.
Stiles wedged his foot between him and Derek, kicking out forcefully. It was just enough for him to roll over, the alpha now beneath him. He didn't hesitate and dug his nails into his stomach. He made sure to kneel into his chest, baring his fangs. The monster could feel the hot blood pulsing beneath the supple flesh, craved it even. He stabbed deep, tearing the precious tissue.
Derek roared, his wolf breaching the surface. The man plunged his talons deep into Stiles forearms. He howled as Derek tossed him easily across the pavement. His body soared through the air, the pain enough to draw on his likeness. He thudded against the ground, amidst a heated battle between Lydia and Phil.
He wasted no time clambering lithely to his feet, the monster within him begging to be satisfied. Derek was advancing, body vibrating with the true power of an alpha. Stiles snarled, slipping into a crouch and lunging. Derek sidestepped easily, bringing down a heavy elbow to his mid back. He whirled around in time to catch it, flexing his muscles quickly and snapping the bone.
Since becoming Alpha Derek realized he had limited if any self control. The wolf was always there just below the surface, always pushing. When he'd realized Stiles was his mate he tried his damnedest to reign in that power, to protect him. But now it was near impossible to hold back the monster within. His wolf was torn between the need to protect his mate and eliminate the threat. It didn't help that he could smell Stiles transforming, whatever they'd done was taking a toll on him. But he had to control it, had to way to subdue Stiles long enough to save him.
He didn't expect the flare of pain from his elbow. Without thinking he swiped with his free hand, catching Stiles' side. His claws sliced through the skin like butter, blood spilling onto his hands. The metallic smell wafted up his nose, snapping him out of his animalistic mentality. He stepped back, ashamed at himself. Stiles was not in control, could not heal like the rest of them. The boy groaned and fell to his knees clutching at the gaping hole in his side. His eyes were flickering between brown and red; his heart was now pumping furiously. "D-Derek…" he gasped.
It was that little bit that broke through his haphazardly built wall of control. The sight Stiles dying was more than he could handle. It brought him back to that fateful night almost seven years ago. The same fire was ignited in his heart, the same agony severing what little hold his heart held on the world. He thought back to what Scott had said, about Stiles just being a pawn drawn into a dangerous game…because of him. Just like his family. They were innocent until his selfish needs exposed them and made them vulnerable prey to the hunters. It was always his fault, if he could learn to deny his desires those he loved wouldn't get hurt. It was his fault…his fault.
The heat blazed with a fury unlike any he'd ever experienced. He crumpled on all fours choking on the rage welling within him. His muscles, tendons stretching to unbearable capacities; his nails elongating to small dagger like claws; his canines shredded his gums, coming to steak knife points; his human skin faded under a blanket of thick, coarse fur.
He snarled and stood to his feet, the battlefield bathed in red. His senses were running haywire. He closed his eyes and drew in a large breath. He could taste each individual scent there, the dead hunters, his comrades pushing beyond their limits. Their numbers were dwindling, but the alphas were growing weak as well. He opened his eyes and scanned, quietly assessing each battle. Jackson and Boyd simultaneously drove their clawed fists into his chest; Lydia was dancing around Phil's deranged swings, clearly on the defensive and sporting a fading cut from her chin to hairline; Isaac was standing over Peter's still form fighting off a burly man that towered over the boy; Erica was holding her own against two females, giving just as much as she got; and Scott was going toe to toe with Isabella. She was twirling around him, ducking and weaving before attacking swiftly. It was clear that Scott was losing and soon it would be too late to save.
He couldn't tear his eyes from her petite wolf form, able to see the beast inside that phony shell she was sporting. She was the cause of everything. She was just another Kate Argent, playing mind games to get what she wanted. This entire time she'd wanted power and to get it she'd twisted them all, made them dance to her will; even her own pack were expendable if it served her purpose. He wanted her to die for doing this to them, for doing this to Stiles.
Scott hit the ground underneath her. Her nails were buried in his neck, her cherub like face pressed against his. Her iris were darkening steadily, but they twinkled mischievously. She was stronger and quicker than he'd anticipated. He'd only caught her now and again, which he was certain was pure luck. When he'd fought Peter months ago he had been strong and an actual threat to the alpha. He might as well have been human now for all the good his abilities were doing him. There must be a reason why she was the leader of an alpha pack despite her size and physique. She gave off such a strong aura he found himself trapped under her, unable to move.
She grinned and pressed her pelvis against his. He smelled the lust all over her; she was getting release from the bloodshed and carnage, she was truly. "Come on Scotty, you can do better than that can't you?" she sat up straddling him, eyes roaming over his body. He couldn't help the blush that crept into his cheeks under her scrutiny. "You sure are lovely…powerful for a beta. Such a shame all that energy held back by a human girl…has she discovered what makes you tick?"
She leaned towards him, brushing her lips against his collarbone. He resisted the urge to shudder at her unfamiliar touch. She smiled against him. "This might pinch a bit…." Then she bit down into his shoulder, drawing blood and earning a strangled cry. She pulled back, licking her lips. "Guess you don't like biting…shame, I wonder if the Argent girl likes being bitten…"
The threat was barely concealed. He screwed up his face and swung his fist into her jaw. She yelped and rolled off of him, clutching her shattered face. He launched to his feet throwing himself at her. She whirled and he faltered. She had allowed herself to phase back into her human persona, a child if anything else. She fixed with large blue eyes and lightly pink cheeks. His wolf was confused; she didn't look like a threat, yet he knew what she was. Scott was not a monster, could not bring himself to attack someone so helpless.
She rolled her eyes and next thing he knew he was on his back his thigh split open. He gritted his teeth, glowering at her through watery eyes. She'd half transformed, all the while licking his blood from her fingers. She glided towards him sneering. "What's the matter Scott, too noble to hit a girl?"
Her eyes darkened and her body began to quake. He watched in frozen horror as he body contorted, unholy sounds coming from her. Her eyes pinched at the corners, her nose and mouth pulling into a gray muzzle. They pulled back exposing razor sharp teeth as long as steak knives. She dropped to all fours, panting in pain. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, turning snow white. Fur sprouted from her body, folding over her skin. Her back arched, her body mass increasing until she towered over him. She was larger than Peter had been; only she looked like an actual wolf instead of what he'd been. She fixed him with cool eyes. He scrambled backwards as she stalked him, baring her fangs.
He could smell the want on her, the insatiable bloodlust. She paused, assessing him with crimson eyes. He heard a low whistle and an arrow thwacked against her shoulder. Isabella howled and stepped back furiously. She shook with anger dislodging the weapon. He looked up at Allison who'd came to his side, already letting another arrow go. He could only stare at her in awe and fascination. He remembered when they'd first met how her smile was shy, her eyes innocent and wondering. He was captivated by her beauty, the way her raven colored hair would fall over her shoulders and her slender hips swayed when she walked. She'd had him around her finger from the beginning. He contrasted that to who she was now. She had a cold determined look in her eyes, jaw firm. She carried herself with a quiet confidence. Scott found himself falling more under her spell.
She looked down at him, eyes determined but fearful. "You aren't healing. Why aren't you healing?!"
He groaned. "She's an alpha, it takes longer." She desperately fired a volley of arrows at the demented she wolf.
"I can't hold her forever Scott. Can you get out of here?"
Her face was drawn, desperate. He knew what she was thinking and reached for her. He grabbed her arm and glared up at her. She scowled down at him mouth open to argue. Before she could speak the ground shook under a deafening roar. He covered his ears, the frequency high enough to drill a hole into his head. He screamed, unable to focus, even on Allison who was kneeling in front of him, arms wide as if shielding him. He blinked back tears as Isabella lunged at them. He desperately flung his body over Allison's. He closed his eyes, squeezing Allison to his chest, calming under her frantic heartbeat.
There was an answering roar, one that sent an icy chill down his spine. It burned through him to his core, to his wolf. It tugged on the sanity he had anchoring him to humanity. His vision tinted gray as he uncurled himself from Allison. She was staring dumbstruck at a large midnight black creature that stood between them and Isabella. The she wolf was hoisting herself back to her feet snarling as a large cut in her side sealed up. The blood stood stark against her white pelt. He looked at the black wolf, which was only a hair smaller, but radiated just as much power. He felt the urge to protect this wolf, to stand by him. And this could only be Derek Hale.
Scott had resisted joining him, the pull he had over him. It was nothing against him personally; just that Scott never wanted this. He didn't want to be a wolf or have his best friend and girlfriend pulled into the chaos. He didn't want one person to have such power over him that he had no free will. More importantly, he was his own person. He couldn't follow someone who might turn out to be a viscous killer; he'd have to disobey that alpha. It was better if he was single. But as he gazed at Derek and felt the tug he let himself submit to his will. Derek was and had always been his alpha, and he could only see now that the man was his protector and guide.
The giant beasts came at each other, jaws snapping at throats and claws raking at the bodies. Scott pulled on Allison who was still in shock. She looked at him, face comically pale. He held her gaze evenly. "Get out of here, before things get bad." She hesitated, searching his face for something before nodding and sprinting off. He grunted and climbed shakily to his feet, panting at the effort. The wolves continued to tear at each other, chunks of fur and blood flying as they came collided again and again. Suddenly Isabella caught Derek in his left shoulder, swinging the beast and letting him fly. The remaining fighters scattered as the wolf crashed to the ground, staring in disbelief. The combatants backed away, unconsciously forming a circle around the two wolves.
Derek huffed and looked at Scott pointedly as he climbed to his feet. Scott gasped as images flashed through his head. They were blurred but one thing stuck out- Stiles. He didn't understand how he could see any of it, but it quailed in comparison to hearing Derek's voice. "Scott, this isn't over. I will handle her, but get Stiles out of here while you can. I'm reading her and she is not finished with him yet." He shook his head and whined, unsure how or why he could see or hear Derek. Looking around he noticed that no other wolf was disturbed by it, some had even returned to dueling, though it was obvious that the alphas were down to the wire; only a handful remained. Scott quickly assessed the damage, his heart sinking. There were only five hunters left, including Allison and Chris; Erica and Peter were lying unconscious; and Jackson and Boyd were each taking on two alphas at the same time; Phil and Lydia were nowhere to be seen. The fight was too close.
He turned, sniffing the air for his friend. He followed the trail, confused as it drew him farther and farther from the battlefield and deeper into the trees. It was evident that Stiles was injured, splashes of blood on the ground. The hair on his neck stood up, his stomach churning, something wasn't right about this. There was something else here, an underlying scent so sweet it hurt. He paused suddenly, a twig snapping to his left. He pounced, trapping the struggling figure beneath him. He raised his clawed hand, prepared to strike when the moon illuminated bright green eyes. "Lydia." He breathed.
He quickly clambered off of her and helped her to her feet. She threw him a dirty look, tenderly massaging her arm. It hung at an unnatural angle at her side. He swallowed thickly, more so to keep himself from retching. "What are you doing? Where's Stiles?"
She blinked up at him, eyes glistening. "He…he bit me Scott, Phil did. I- I'm human again." She turned her eyes from him, taking a deep, shaky breath. "I almost had him, but then I got distracted…I felt Jackson, felt his pain. Scott he almost died so I- I used my energy to heal him. Phil took his chance and went after Stiles. I followed him as far as the edge of the trees and he bit me. Then he took off into the woods…I'm so sorry, I couldn't keep up!" she broke down, sobbing and shaking.
Scott felt hallowed out inside. Stiles was his best friend, his very first friend moving here. He remembered Lydia's stinging words earlier. For awhile he had blamed him and sometimes he found himself furious at the boy, but Stiles had never intended this to happen. It was all an accident, one started by a psychotic wolf. No, he was not supposed to be dragged into this, not this far. Scott looked at Lydia and gathered her into his side. She stiffened at his touch.
"What can you tell me about him Lydia, after fighting him, what can you figure out?" She sniffled and pulled away from him.
"I was able to see his heart, his emotions….the only thing that truly terrifies him…is…fire…" she trailed off, eyes widening. The wheels whirled in Scott's head. They looked at each other, the plan clicking between them. "Lydia…do you remember how to make the Molotov cocktail?"
She held onto Scott's hand like a vice as they tip toed down the empty hallways towards the chemistry room. It felt weird, being human again. Her body felt the difference, her muscles suddenly sore. The air felt unnaturally stuffy, as if she were pushing to feel what she could no longer feel. Scott was warm and comforting, though honestly he was as dim as the lighting. She'd meant every word she'd said to him and had much more to say should they survive this.
She may not feel romantically for Stiles, but he was certainly a good and loyal friend. He'd been the only one who hadn't treated her like a complete freak after she'd been running around the woods naked for two days. He worshipped her, even when she could care less about his existence he'd always been there waiting in the wings to pick up the pieces. Derek was lucky to have someone as devoted as him, but unlucky to have someone with a knack for caring too much. The boy would willingly give himself if he thought it would save everyone, and that was his only flaw.
They paused outside of the classroom and she pulled from Scott, looking at him meaningfully. He kicked the door, sending it flying half off its hinges. She rushed in, going straight for the supplies cabinet. Scott hovered protectively, crowding her into the tiny space. "Oh for Heaven's sake Scott! I may be human, but I'm far from fragile." She flipped her hair and deposited the ingredients onto the desk. She began slowly pouring the chemicals into the flasks, Scott fidgeting on the other side of the desk watching her carefully.
"I think I know where they might be hiding out." He began. She tilted her head in acknowledgement, brow furrowing in concentration. "I…I smelled crushing despair unlike anything before on Isabella. I think they're hiding at Isaac's old home."
She sighed exasperatedly and sat the last chemical down daintily. "Scott, unless you would like us to be blown to bits I suggest you shut the hell up and let me concentrate. You do remember how delicate this is right?" He nodded. She rolled her eyes and wagged a finger at him. "Then you would do well to let me think, otherwise this could go to hell and we'll both be killed and that bastard will get away with Stiles. Now, please hand me the sulfuric acid and for the love of God please make sure it's the right bottle."
He chuckled sheepishly, handing it over. She poured a small amount into each flask before stopping them up. She handed one to him eyes dancing with determination. "You ready to light a bastard on fire?"