I don't own Teen Wolf.

Married to Darkness- Chapter 9

It wasn't long after Corey left the room that Melissa stepped back into the room. She carried a clipboard with a stack of paperwork. She said, "I've filled out most of the information for your discharge. We are just waiting on your ride to get here so they can take you home."

Theo looked to Melissa, "What ride? My truck is outside right?"

Melissa shook her head, "No, Liam has it. The Geyers also put down their address as the location for recovery."

Theo smirked, "I am not going there. I'm going back to my home."

Melissa shrugged and with a stern inflection stated, "If that's the case, you won't be discharged today, Mr. Raeken."

Theo groaned and said, "Are you kidding me? I don't need to be here any longer. I am good enough to go home." The chimera flinched in pain as he finished speaking.

Melissa raised an eyebrow as she watched the chimera, "You expect me to believe you are going to drive home when you can't feel your left arm and while you are still in pain. You are not very convincing Theo."

Liam opened the door with a smile plastered across his face, "So is Theo ready to be discharged? Mom and dad won't be home until later this evening so I'll take him home."

Theo looked to Liam and back to Melissa, "I don't really have a say in this, do I?"

Melissa shook her head, "Not if you want to leave today."

Theo acquiesced, "Alright. Where are my clothes?" Melissa handed the paperwork to Theo. The chimera finished signing the parts that she needed. While Theo worked the paperwork, Mama McCall unhooked the various monitoring devices.

Liam lifted up Theo's black duffel and said, "Right here."

Melissa smiled and said, "I'll get this processed and you will be out of here soon." Mama McCall stepped out of the room with the paperwork.

Liam set the duffel on the bed. "Do you want me to help you get dressed?"

Theo growled as he sat up, "I can get changed just fine."

Liam took a few steps as Theo grabbed the duffel and attempted to unzip it. His right hand worked well but he couldn't get his left hand to work the zipper well. He inched it back some but kept getting it hung up. Frustration and rage filled the chimera and he knew the scent must be filling the room. Liam stepped over to the bed and placed his hand on Theo's and helped him unzip the bag.

The chimera felt an unusual sensation in the pit of his stomach when the wolf made contact with his hand. He couldn't place it any better than momentarily feeling like he caught the flu, without the congestion. While their hands were in contact it felt as though a foreign pulse of energy travelled up his arm and radiated through his body.

Theo glanced to the wolf and met eye contact before he quickly pulled his hand away from Liam's and pulled out the clothing inside. There was a costume from Sinema, which wouldn't be appropriate attire to leave the hospital, and a large pair of sweats and a pair of boxers. Theo shifts his legs off the side of the bed and grabs the boxers. He noticed that the wolf's eyes were following his movements. The chimera attempted to slide the boxers on but only accomplished dropping them on the floor. He sighed and said, "This is going to be more of a challenge than I thought."

Liam stated, "Stand up, I'll help you get changed." Theo began to argue but shook his head and stood up.

Liam stepped in front of the chimera and said, "I need you to turn around so I can take off the hospital gown."

Theo fought back blushing as he said, "I'll be naked."

Liam laughed, "Yeah, don't worry though, I'll just see your ass. Not like everyone can't see that at Sinema."

Theo turned a bright shade of red as he turned around, "That's not even funny Liam. This is different."

Liam laughed an airy, light-hearted laugh, "If it makes you feel any better, I'll tuck a twenty in the rim."

Theo growled in embarrassment, "Shut up, little wolf."

Liam chuckled as he untied the strings on the back of the gown and it fell away. The wolf tossed it aside and knelt down, picking up the boxers. He said, "Lift one of your feet."

Theo lifted his right foot and Liam slid the boxers around his foot and up to the ankle, "Now the other."

Theo set his foot down and lifted his left foot. Liam slid the boxers around the chimera's foot. "You can set it down now."

Theo commented, "What is taking so long?"

Liam laughed as he slid the boxers up, "I'm trying to maintain control."

Theo turned his head over his shoulder as the wolf pulled the underwear all the way up. "Control from what?"

Liam smugly grinned, "The full moon." After Liam finished speaking he made silly, cartoon style howl at Theo.

Theo groaned as he laughed a little, "Have you always been this corny?"

Liam shrugged as they repeated the process with the sweatpants. Liam picked up the sweatshirt and had Theo turn to face him. He said, "Lift your arms up."

Theo, still flushed a brilliant shade of crimson, raised his arms. His right arm went up well but the left didn't move far up. Liam worked around Theo's left arm and managed to get the sweatshirt put on. The clothes fit loosely. The sweat suit was red and gold and emblazoned with Beacon Hills Lacrosse with the name Dunbar on the back.

Theo sat down and raised his legs so that Liam could put on his socks and shoes. While the wolf was putting on the chimera's shoes, Theo commented, "Wait. These clothes fit me. Why didn't you put these out when I crashed at your home last time? You know, instead of the tight fitting crop top and running shorts."

Liam grinned mischievously, "I thought the other outfit was funnier."

Theo smirked, "You're an asshole."

Liam finished putting on the other shoe and said, "That's usually my line."

The two gathered up Theo's things and finished with his discharge. Theo argued against using a wheelchair to be pushed out of the hospital but a quick glare from Mama McCall put down his fight. Liam helped him get into the truck, which he parked next to the entrance. Before they could leave, Melissa ran out to the truck with a bag full of bandages and gauze. She said, "I don't know how long before his wounds heal but until they do, you'll need to help him keep them clean and bandaged."

Liam responded, "Don't worry. I'll take good care of him."

Theo looked to Melissa and then Liam, "I am sitting right here. Once I get some more mobility in my arm I can do it myself."

Melissa glanced at Theo then back to Liam, "If your patient fights you too much, you have my number. I'll make sure he listens."

Liam smiled, "Thanks Ms. McCall, you're the best."

She waved to the boys as Liam drove the truck out of the parking lot. Theo sulked in the passenger's seat for a moment before he mumbled, "You are enjoying this, aren't you?"

Liam continued to smile, "Yeah. Helping you when you wouldn't ever admit to needing it."

Theo groaned against the verbalization of affection, "In a few days, I might just have to break your nose for embarrassing me."

Liam gasped before he grinned wider, "I, Liam Dunbar, embarrassed you, Theo Raeken? I guess you can't claim to be an atheist anymore because a miracle just happened."

Theo growled playfully, "Shut up, little wolf."

They made it back to Liam's house. Liam took the duffel and bag of bandages inside while Theo followed him. Once inside Liam said, "You should probably crash downstairs. That way you don't have to go up and down the stairs to the guest room."

Theo glared at the beta, "Why? My legs work just fine."

Liam thought for a moment and said, "Well, in case you fall. You wouldn't be able to catch yourself well."

Theo looked at the beta and then to the stairs. He flashed his eyes yellow before he crouched down and jumped to the top of the stairs. "I think I can negotiate the stairs just fine, little wolf."

Liam walked up the stairs behind him, mildly annoyed, "Show off."

Theo laughed as he walked to the guest room. He walked into the room and plopped down on the bed. The chimera rolled around on the clean full sized bed. He smiled to himself, not realizing that the wolf was standing at the door, watching him. Theo glanced up and said, "What?"

Liam chuckled as he set the duffle and bandages down on the dresser, "Nothing. You just seem to enjoy a bed. You should probably get one for the den."

Theo sat up and smirked, "Why? The cot works just fine. That's not to say that I am not going to enjoy this bed." Theo laid down on the bed and said, "I think I am going to take a nap. Wake me up in time for dinner."

Liam smirked, "Alright, shadow wolf. I will be in my room if you need anything." The wolf closed the blinds and stepped out of the room, leaving the door barely cracked.

The chimera drifted off to sleep.

Almost two years ago

Theo stormed into the lair as frustration bled off the chimera. He walked over to the Geneticist as she documented information from the chimera trial of Josh. Theo stated, "I think we need to look into what Stiles Stilinski is. I am telling you, something is off about him."

The Geneticist lowered her pen as she reviewed her notes and said, "Stiles is human. Nothing more."

Theo shook his head and paced around the lab, "No. The pieces just don't fall into place. He must've retained some power from being possessed. It has to still have some effect."

She responded, "No. There is no residual power left. While the possession affected him at a cellular level, the removal of the nogitsune did not alter his make-up. However, his biomagnetic field has been altered."

Theo grinned, "That's it! That must be how he is able to affect me."

She spoke, "Negative. His biomagnetic field was weakened by the nogitsune, not strengthened. If anything, he would be more susceptible to measures to control or alter his composition through scientific or supernatural methods."

Theo retorted, "Then how is he able to afflict me with nausea and fever. I know I feel different around him and it doesn't make sense. Is my transformation not complete? Did you forget something?"

The Geneticist stood and walked over to the pacing chimera. A pale green light emanated from the eyes of her mask. She said, "Biomagnetic field within proper deviance. Temperature and bioregulation also within proper deviance. Neurological and biochemical exchanged heightened but in proper level of deviance."

Theo yelled at her, "Then what is wrong with me?"

The Geneticist turned and walk back to her journal. She remarked, "You are a failure."

Theo growled and stormed out of the lab. "Something is wrong with Stiles."

Theo slowly opened his eyes and looked around the room. Liam was standing next to the bed with a glass of water in hand. He said, "What's wrong with Stiles?"

Theo muttered, "What?"

Liam stated, "You said something is wrong with Stiles."

Theo yawned, "Must've been a weird dream or something."

Liam offered the glass of water and Theo took it. He gulped down the contents and handed it back. The chimera said, "Why did you step in here?"

Liam looked around nervously before responding, "You smelled angry and frustrated. I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

Before Theo could respond they heard a knock at the front door. Liam said, "Hold that thought" before he left the room and walked to the front door. Theo listened and heard the door open. He smelled the familiar scent of fire scorched wood and cinder. He mumbled, "Parrish."

Parrish asked Liam, "I saw Theo's truck outside, is he here?"

Liam sternly responded, "Yeah, he's upstairs resting."

Parrish asked, "Can I have a word with him?"

Liam argued, "He's pretty out of it from his injuries. I don't know if he's going to help you much. I can answer any questions you have."

Parrish insisted, "I need to speak to Theo."

Theo groaned and yelled, "Send him up Liam. This hound has a bone to pick I imagine."

He heard Liam sigh and then the footsteps of both of them as they walked to the guest room. Parrish stepped in with Liam following him. Before Parrish could say anything, Theo asked, "Do I need my lawyer for this?"

Parrish grumbled, "No. I want to know what happened at the compound."

Theo rolled his eyes, "Let me guess. Torn up bodies, must've been Theo."

Parrish narrowed his eyes, "That's not what I am saying."

Theo spat back, "Really? It fits the MO for the other murder. Except the problem you are facing is how I killed twelve heavily armed hunters, destroyed parts of their facility, and managed to horribly injure myself all before the other witnesses could know that I pulled a fast one on everyone."

Parrish looked away from the chimera, "If you say it like that it sounds ridiculous."

Liam glared at the deputy, "It is ridiculous." The wolf walked over to Theo's side and rolled up his sleeve and removed the bandage on his arm. Liam emphatically motioned to it. The wound appeared deep but was healing, just not as fast as they usually heal for supernaturals.

Liam stated, "He was attacked by an alpha. You can tell because of how slow it's healing. Instead of trying to find this alpha, you came to accuse Theo."

Parrish glared at the beta, "That's not why I am here."

Theo raised an eyebrow as he asked, "So you aren't here looking for a reason to arrest me?"

Parrish stated, "No."

Theo heard the uptick in the heartbeat and instantly regretted asking the question. He felt a heatwave of rage bleed off Liam as the beta struggled to hold back shifting. Theo saw Liam's claws tearing into his palms as they clenched up tight.

Theo looked to Liam, "Little wolf, can you get my bandages and the shower ready, I am sure the deputy will be leaving soon."

Parrish looked from Theo to Liam and said, "I know you are up to something Raeken."

Theo spat back, "Then how about you find some evidence. Hey, while you are at it you can find the hunters that are killing supernaturals around town. You know the family slayers. That is unless you think I have a box full of werewolf claws in my truck."

Parrish glared back at the two and stepped out of the room towards the front door. As he descended the stairs, Theo yelled, "And stop bothering my places of employment. I would like to keep my jobs."

They heard the front door slam. Theo looked to Liam and saw the blood trickling from his fists. The chimera reached out and grabbed the wolf's forearm. Once again he felt the weird pulse of energy as Liam looked to Theo. Theo chuckled and said, "Hey, you didn't attack the deputy. That's a win."

Liam growled, "I can't believe he thinks this is okay."

Theo shrugged, "It happens. I know what I did in the past and some people can't get past that. It's okay."

Liam pulled away from the chimera's hold and faced him. He angrily spat, "It's not okay. I don't get what's so difficult with them realizing you aren't the murderer running around town. Hell, there are at least two and you are neither. This is bs."

Theo sighed and nodded, "I know little wolf. It doesn't do any good to get mad about it."

The chimera smiled and made an audible sniffing noise as he said, "So I should probably get a shower and get these bandages changed. I can smell myself right now and not in a good way."

The rage slowly left the wolf as he said, "So are you asking for my help?"

Theo grinned as he said, "Never." Theo knew he was lying and did nothing to hide it. He watched as the word hit Liam which momentarily flashed his expression of disappointment before his mind caught up to the lie. Liam smiled and said, "You're an asshole."

Liam prepared the shower and set the bandages needed in the bathroom. While in the bathroom there was a knock at the door. Liam shouted, "Be right down." Liam darted out of the bathroom and answered the front door.

Theo heard a mixture of talking and caught the scents of the pack as they ascended the stairs and walked into the guestroom. Theo glared at the pack and said, "Great timing. You came to visit me just in time for my shower and wound cleaning."

Liam commented, "The shower is ready when you are Theo."

Theo said his brief hellos to the pack before he walked into the bathroom and looked at the wolf, "So I am going to need some help with these clothes."

Liam laughed and grabbed the bottom of the sweatshirt and lifted it over the chimera's head. He stopped pulling it off and waited. Theo groaned playfully and said, "Very funny little wolf. Just for that, I should struggle to pull it off and open the wound on my shoulder." Theo instantly regretted the threat as Liam quickly pulled the sweat shirt off and the playful feeling in the bathroom suddenly shifted to sadness and regret.

With the shirt off, Theo pawed at the top of the sweat pants and used his feet to step his way out of them. Liam said, "Do you want me to wait outside?"

The chimera smirked, "You saw me naked earlier, don't tell me you are getting bashful now. Plus." Theo attempted to demonstrate how he was going to lather and wash himself with one arm and limited mobility from his chest wound, "I don't think I can actually wash myself."

Liam bit his lip as he fought internally before stepping out of the bathroom and closing the door. Theo rolled his eyes as he muttered, "Great. I can do this." Theo stepped to the corner of the shower and turned the water on. He caught the scent of guilt and said, "It's okay Liam. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Theo turned around and saw Nolan and Corey standing there. The young man mumbled, "I'm not Liam but I am going to help you. Liam muttered something to Mason before he ran down the stairs. Mason said he would be right back and followed him."

Corey smiled, "It's okay Theo, we've got you." The chimera fought back his disappointment but also internally question why he was disappointed. Corey and Nolan began to take off Theo's bandages and revealed the wounds across his torso. Nolan flinched at them which only caused the older chimera to laugh, "What Nolan? You didn't seem to have a problem watching my claws get ripped out but these bother you."

The nervous teen thought about a response and said, "Actually, the claws thing was pretty traumatizing. I had a nightmare about that. I just." The teen fought through the words and the emotions that accompanied them, "because of me."

Theo sighed and said, "Alright guys. I only need one person's help. Corey, do you mind?"

Corey nodded and turned Nolan away and walked him out of the bathroom. The young chimera walked in and helped Theo into the shower. The warm water pelted the older chimera which felt good everywhere but the wounds. He gritted through the pain as they stung from the water beginning to clean the wound. It was a moment before Theo felt the presence of the other chimera behind him. Theo laughed as he smelled Corey applying soap to a loofah, "Mason's going to be pissed at me, isn't he?"

Corey laughed as he began to wash the chimera's back, taking special attention to gently clean the wound to his shoulder, "I wouldn't worry about that Theo."

Theo grinned, "Now do you say that because he understands or because he is already pissed off at me."

Corey applied shampoo to Theo's hair and began to wash it, "You already know that answer."

Theo shook his head which caused Corey's fingers to dance around his scalp, "Alright, he is pissed but why?"

Corey finished cleaning Theo's back and his hair and turned him around in the shower. He leaned back the older chimera's head into the water as he began to wash his chest and arms. "You seriously don't realize what you do? Have you ever considered that you may read people's emotions but you don't really understand them?"

Theo began to respond but almost immediately caught a mouthful of water which caused him to cough. He coughed until it turned into laughter. Corey asked, "What's so funny Theo?" as he washed the older boy's chest and underarms.

Theo responded between giggles, "Nothing." "I'm just ticklish."

Corey stopped washing the older chimera and wore a huge smile. Theo didn't notice it until he lowered his head to face Corey. He blinked away the water, "What are you doing?"

Corey responded, "I didn't know you were ticklish. Theo, with you it is always something new to learn."

Theo said, "You are just as almost naked as I am." Corey continued to wash the older chimera, "Yeah, I don't want my clothes soaked." He knelt and began to wash the chimera's legs and said, "Now I am not going anywhere near your junk. We're friends, but I don't want to be that close with you."

Theo grinned, "I think I will survive." When they finished with the shower, Corey helped Theo step out and dried him off. Once the older boy was dry, Corey began to apply the ointments to the wounds and bandage them.

A bit annoyed with the pulling of the bandages and the semi light headed nausea, Theo asked, "So why is Mason mad at me?"

Corey smirked, "I would say ask him but something tells me that might not end well. Ask Liam, he knows."

Theo shook his head as the younger chimera finished, "You are as cryptic as Stiles."

Corey quirked his eyebrow, "I thought Stiles hated you. You talk to him?"

The older chimera shook his head as they changed his clothes, "Not that Stiles. Sometimes when I have nightmares, I see him. Always has something cryptic to say."

Corey mumbled slowly, "You dream about." He noticeably paused, "Stiles."

Theo glared at Corey, "Not like that." Corey laughed as they finished. Before they walked out of the bathroom, Theo whispered, "Thanks Corey." The younger chimera patted Theo on the back, "Don't mention it." Nolan was waiting in the guestroom and said, "Theo, I'm sor-" but was cut off by the older chimera, "Stop apologizing. I'm alright. In a day or so you won't even be able to see that I was injured."

Nolan chewed his lip before he began to respond, only to be interrupted by Mason downstairs, "Hey, while we are all here, let's have a pack meeting."

Theo rolled his eyes as the three walked downstairs and into the living room. Theo plopped down on the long end of the sectional while Nolan, Corey and Mason filled the remainder. Liam stepped in front of them and said, "Alright. We have quite a few problems going on and I think we need to address them."

Theo groaned, "That doesn't sound foreboding." Mason glared from the far side of the sectional at the older chimera. Theo raised his right hand and meagerly raised his left in a gesture of surrender. Liam looked to the chimera before continuing, "We have the hunters which are still acting in Beacon Hills. Mason is going through the papers to figure out what they are planning. For now we can safely assume that they are following their hit list and planning to destroy the locations that are focal points for the telluric currents."

Corey asked, "Are we any closer on figuring out why they need those locations destroyed?"

Mason looked to his boyfriend and said, "I think it has to do with how the energy flows within Beacon Hills. If I had to guess they are trying to stop the flow. Without it, the Nemeton would shut down. At least I think it would."

Corey nodded and Liam continued, "Next we have the mysterious alpha. We need to find him and figure out what his angle is. From the looks of it, we may have to find a way to deal with him."

Nolan commented, "Couldn't we reach out for help with him?" The teen looked to Theo before looking back to Liam, "He was really strong and I don't know how well we could deal with him alone."

Theo volunteered, "I could always talk to Peter." Liam shook his head, "No. I will see if Peter will help us." The older chimera rolled his eyes and said, "Alright. As far as tracking him, that may be easier than we think."

Nolan asked, "What do you mean?"

Theo looked to the teen, "What is easier to track, one lone figure, who clearly knows the area well enough to evade us, or a group of people who are new to the area?"

Nolan mumbled, "The group? Right?"

Theo flashed a grin and said, "Exactly. Let's hunt the alpha by hunting his prey."

Liam glared at Theo, "It's too dangerous. I think we should pursue other methods. Nolan mentioned you heard a voice right? Which means he has an accomplice. It also means they weren't far to give orders based on what we did."

Theo returned the glare to Liam, "Fine. Whatever you say alpha."

Liam shook his head as he bit back his rage, "We'll try to find a way to track the accomplice. Maybe look for evidence in the preserve. Lastly, we have the issue going on with Parrish and the Sheriff's department."

Theo stood up, his rage barely being contained, "That's my personal issue to deal with Liam, not a pack affair."

Mason stood up and glared at the older chimera, "And anything that affects a member of the pack affects us all."

Theo turned his gaze to Mason, "Don't worry Mase, they don't want to lock you up for murder."

Corey stood up and looked at the three, "Guys, stop! Is this even accomplishing anything?"

Theo muttered, "Whatever. I'll do whatever you need. I wouldn't want to piss off Scott."

Liam growled, "Theo."

Theo shook his head and walked towards the stairs, "I am good with whatever you want to assign me to do. I'm just done with this meeting." Theo walked up the stairs and to the guest room while the pack called out to him. He stepped into the guestroom and closed the door. He plopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He heard the conversations downstairs but controlled his senses to dampen them so he wouldn't hear what they actually talked about. Before too long, the chimera fell asleep again.

He woke up in a cold sweat later that night and walked to the bathroom. He left the door open as he splashed some water on his face. Unintentionally he overheard Liam talking to someone over the phone.

Liam said, "No Scott, I don't need you to come back to Beacon Hills." He couldn't make out Scott's side but he could tell the alpha wasn't happy.

Liam continued, "No we can handle it. With the five of us we have this under control. I just wanted to let you know that there is a rogue alpha and if you heard anything."

Theo heard Scott say something before a female voice began to yell into the phone. The chimera knew it was Malia.

Liam pleaded, "Yes, Theo is the fifth but he has changed. I know him, I trust him. He saved Nolan's life and almost died in the process."

Theo didn't move as he heard Malia's response. It shouldn't have bothered him but it was unmistakable what she said, "Maybe he should've died."

Liam argued back, "I don't care what you think. He is pack whether you like it or not. It's my decision here."

Malia yelled something back but Theo heard the phone hit the wall. Theo took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom and stood in the hallway for a moment. After a moment of deliberation, the chimera walked to Liam's door and very gently knocked in the darkness. Liam mumbled quietly, "Come in."

Theo slowly opened the door and looked into the room. Liam's room was dark except the book light that clipped to the headboard. Liam sat on his bed and looked at the chimera. Theo could see the light glisten off the line down the wolf's face.

Theo began, "I suck at understanding people. I suck at understanding why people's emotions affect them. And I suck at trying to genuinely connect with someone. I know it. I know it's because of something I did." Liam attempted to interrupt but Theo continued, "Please, let me finish." He continued, "I messed up. I always act without thinking of how it might affect others and I know I did it again. I did it at the compound and did it at the hospital. Me being here has put you into a situation with the pack and that isn't fair to you." Liam once again tried to interrupt and Theo once again said, "Liam. Please. If I don't say this now, I probably won't." The chimera took a deep breath and said, "I'm a bad friend and I just cause you trouble and I'm sorry." The chimera thought about it for a moment and realized this might've been one of the first times he has genuinely apologized to someone in years. He continued, "So if there is anything I can do, just tell me."

Liam took a deep breath and asked, "Can you sleep in here tonight?" Theo walked over to the bed and sat at the foot, "What's up?"

Liam bit his lip and said, "With the pack, with everything that's happened. I just don't want to be alone tonight."

Theo smiled, "Alright." The chimera moved up the bed and laid down next to the wolf. He curled up next to Liam. The wolf curled around the chimera and reached up and turned off the light. Slowly their heartbeats came into sync and the two young men drifted off to sleep.