I don't own Teen Wolf.

Married to Darkness- Chapter 10

Liam slowly woke up, his arms firmly wrapped around what he thought to be his pillow. His pillow felt so warm and inviting, but also bigger, a lot bigger and it smelled just like Theo. It was in that moment that the young wolf remembered that Theo slept in his bed with him last night. Liam listened for the gentle breathing of the chimera. The wolf smirked to himself as he thought, "Of course Theo is perfect. He doesn't even snore." He listened to the slow but powerful heartbeat of the slumbering chimera. Liam inched closer to Theo, to bask in the warmth that the he gave off.

Liam could practically hear his wolf side purr, if wolves purred. Slowly the young wolf remembered arguing with Scott and Malia, the arguments that happened at the pack meeting, the arguments from the day prior. His sighed lightly, fearful he would wake up the wounded chimera.

Liam inched even close enough to lay his face against the chimera's back. He enjoyed the feeling of being near the man. His senses danced and his synapses ignited like fireworks.

Liam resolved that if he were ever addicted to a drug, that drug would be Theo. Right now, all he wanted to do was enjoy this high. He reached his arm to readjust and the slumbering chimera giggled a little. Liam froze but listened to Theo's breathing and noticed he was still sleeping.

It wasn't long after that Theo mumbled, "Stop Corey. I told you I'm ticklish." Liam froze, his breath held as the chimera began to move and wake up. Instinctually he wanted to pull his arm back as fast as he could but as much as his brain screamed to do it, the arm wouldn't move.

Theo slowly opened his eyes as he felt well rested. He stifled a yawn as he glanced down and saw Liam's arm wrapped around him. The chimera grinned and said, "Good morning little wolf. Got cold again?"

Liam's heart raced and he tried to calm it but the best he could muster is a "Yeah." Theo stretched in the bed and popped his neck before he turned to look at the Liam. The chimera said, "I know we beat your alarm clock but I think I am going to get up. I should be able to clean up but I might still need your help bandaging the wound on my shoulder."

Liam muttered, "Y-y-yeah. No, that sounds good." Liam stared at Theo's face and thought, "He can't be real. He even wakes up to his hair perfectly in place. No sleep lines or anything embarrassing. The only thing different are his eyes which were made for bedrooms." The chimera looked into the little wolf's eyes for a moment, like he was searching for an answer before he slid out of the bed. Theo stepped just out of the door before he ducked his head back in, "I'll let you know when I need your help. Thanks again Liam."

Liam took a moment and reflected on Theo's confession the night prior. He thought about how maybe it could mean more but the word friend kept popping up in his head. The wolf sighed as he pulled himself out of the rapidly cooling bed. He sighed and gathered up his things for school and picked out an outfit to wear. He set aside a set of training clothes for Theo. By the time he had everything gathered up, the chimera yelled, "I'm ready for my close up."

Liam laughed and took the clothes to the bathroom. Theo was cleaned up and sat on the toilet seat wearing only a towel around his waist. Liam quickly set the clothes down on the sink as he fought back against every ounce of fluid leaving his mouth and throat. Theo's face was scruffy, but the stubble was well-shaped and soft looking. Liam took a moment to examine the scent of Theo, notes of cedar, leather and iris sprang to mind. He swallowed difficultly and said, "So, your wounds look better."

Theo shrugged, "My shoulder is a bit tight." The chimera reached up and rubbed the wound on his shoulder that still covered a large area with broken skin but appeared to be a shallow wound. "And my ribs could be better." He reached across his torso and rubbed the wound on his chest which looked like five quarter sized or smaller holes. "But I think I should be just fine today." Liam stared at Theo's naked chest lost in thought, the word friend kept popping into his head.

After a few moments, Theo remarked, "Earth to little wolf. I need you to help bandage me so I can put on some clothes. It's cold in case you didn't notice." Liam laughed nervously as he grabbed the bandages and Theo raised an eyebrow in confusion. Liam began bandaging Theo's left arm and swatted away the chimera's hand when he attempted to help. Next he bandaged Theo's shoulder, making sure to cover the wound but not make it so tight that it restricted movement. Lastly he bandaged the wound on Theo's ribcage. The wolf slowed as he pressed the medical tape down against Theo's skin. Liam noticed that the chimera was covered in goosebumps but wherever he touched him the skin flattened out from the warmth.

Theo remarked, "Are you okay Liam? You don't seem like your usual self."

Liam quickly pulled away, "No, I am great." The wolf managed to crack a smile with a few nervous laughs.

Theo shrugged and stood up, scooping up the outfit Liam picked out for him. "I'm going to get changed, Breakfast?"

Liam nodded and Theo left the bathroom, closing the door behind himself. Liam stared into the mirror and noticed his flush, baby smooth face, completely messed up hair, and some sleep to wipe out of his eyes. He grumbled, "It's not fair" before he cleaned himself up. Liam heard talking downstairs as he showered and his alarm went off. He quickly cleaned up and threw on his clothes before he rushed into his room and shut off the alarm.

The wolf padded downstairs and caught the scent of French toast as he descended. His stomach began to grumble as he walked towards the kitchen. He heard his mother, "Theo, you are here to recover, not cook. You should be resting."

Theo responded light heartedly, "Cooking is good for the body and soul. That's what they say right? Plus I can think of a lot worse ways to spend my morning than cooking for a beautiful mother and her son."

Mrs. Geyer laughed as Liam stepped into the kitchen. Theo looked back from the stove and said, "It's about time. I thought you might've crawled back into bed." The chimera wore his smug expression as Liam playfully stuck his tongue out.

Mrs. Geyer commented, "See Liam, if you woke up like this every day then we could have family breakfasts. When is Mason coming by?"

Theo finished plating the French toast and said, "He isn't. Liam and I both have to go to the school. Mrs. Geyer, is that invitation for me as well?" The chimera glanced to Liam's mother and smiled while giving his version of puppy eyes.

Liam's mothers giggled and said, "Of course Theodore, but I cook most family breakfasts. But you might have to make sure Liam pulls himself out of bed on time."

The chimera remarked, "I'd make sure he was tucked in the night before if it meant he'd make it to practice on time."

Liam glared at his mother and Theo as they lightly laughed about breakfast.

Mrs. Geyer took a plate of food that Theo prepared for her and sat at the kitchen table. She placed the silverware for the three of them and said, "Oh, is that why you are wearing Liam's track suit?"

Liam took a plate and sat opposite of his mother, "Yeah, Theo is our unofficial assistant coach."

Mrs. Geyer smiled as Theo sat down and said, "Oh, like Scott. How is Scott, Liam?"

Theo lowered his head and ate his food, his jovial expression disappearing as Liam responded, "He's doing well at UC Berkley. He wants to come down and visit but school is too busy at the moment."

Theo mumbled so low that only supernatural hearing could make out the words, "Hopefully they make him take classes year round."

Liam glared at the chimera as his mother said, "I'm sure Melissa is proud. Such a smart and caring young man."

Theo rolled his eyes as Mrs. Geyer asked, "What about your parents Theo? When do I get to meet them?"

Liam could feel the sadness and regret roll off the chimera as Theo whispered, "I don't have any." His heart dropped when he heard the words.

Mrs. Geyer quickly apologized, "I'm sorry dear. I didn't know."

Theo lifted his head and gave his best charming smile, "It's alright. It's just another reason I enjoy the little things like family breakfasts at the Geyer's."

Theo finished and picked up the finished plates and silverware from the table and began to clean them. Mrs. Geyer walked behind Theo and gave him a gentle hug and said, "Anytime you want to stop by for breakfast, you are welcome Theodore. Maybe next time you'll let me cook breakfast for you."

Theo smiled, "Thanks Mrs. Geyer."

She smiled and said, "Just call me mom" before she walked upstairs. When she reached the top she yelled, "It's getting late boys, don't be late for school."

They responded in unison, "Yes mom." Liam and Theo met eye contact and Theo laughed about their joined response, but the wolf could only gaze at the chimera.

Theo finished cleaning up as Liam gathered up his things for school. They hopped into Theo's truck and drove to the school. Unlike most mornings, Liam watched Theo instead of looking out the window. After a few minutes of silence, Theo asked, "What's up little wolf? Was I too much at the breakfast table?"

Liam shook his head, "No. When did you learn to cook?"

Theo shrugged, his eyes never leaving the road, "Don't know. Five, six years ago. The Dread Doctors didn't really do the domestic thing."

Liam bit his lip as he tried to think of something to say. Theo broke his train of thought, "Are you alright little wolf? You keep staring at me? Do I have syrup on my face?"

Liam blushed and turned his head to look out the window, "No, I'm fine. It looked like you did but I think it was just the light bouncing off your scruff."

Theo rubbed his face with his off-hand, "You think I should shave it when I get back to the den? I would've at your house but it's not like I packed a razor. You're lucky Liam, you still only have the peach fuzz." The chimera grinned as he finished speaking.

Liam responded, "No. I think you should keep it. You might look good with a beard."

Theo shrugged again and they drove to school in a comfortable silence. Once again, Theo parked next to Mason's car and they met up with the rest of the pack. Corey commented, "Look, Liam found clothes that would actually fit Theo."

Theo laughed sarcastically, "Very funny. He still hasn't given me back my outfit." The chimera playfully glared at the wolf. Liam thought, "I might have to accidentally lose it for a while. Maybe a couple of years to forever." Theo shifted his head to the side with a raised eyebrow and said, "Alright. I am going to the field before Coach yells at me. See you out there for practice and hopefully one of you can figure out what's going on with Liam." Theo laughed as he ran out to the field. Liam's eyes followed the movement of the chimera as he sped away from the parking lot towards the field.

Mason, Corey and Nolan looked at Liam. Nolan asked, "What's up Liam?" The wolf instantly responded, but didn't move his head. "Nothing." Nolan quirked an eyebrow in confusion, "Are you ready for the test in Biology today?" Liam didn't respond but continued to watch Theo run towards the field. Nolan raised an eyebrow and said, "Alright. I better catch up." The teen ran to catch up with the chimera. Corey looked to Mason and asked, "I need to go find that thing from my locker don't I?"

Mason kissed Corey on the tip of the nose, "Yeah, babe. I think you do." Corey smiled and walked into the school.

Liam nervously smiled as Mason's eyes fell on him, his attention finally pulled back to his friend, "See. I am just the same normal me."

Mason quirked an eyebrow, "It's worse than you thought, isn't it?"

Liam laughed even more nervously and he rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah…No…Maybe…I don't know Mason."

Mason smiled and stated, "You are acting like you used to around Hayden."

Liam's eyes widened and he paced in front of his best friend, "I don't know. This is bad. Do you think he knows?"

Mason acted as if he was going to go into deep thought before he responded, "Not a chance."

Liam bit his lip, "I just thought he was my anchor you know. He kept me centered. He became a constant presence I could rely on. He always seemed to pop up at the right time and he always pushed me away from doing rash things, except breaking his nose. But that's werewolf flirting, right?"

Mason laughed and shook his head, "I don't know, this is new to me. Just so you know, I still want to break his nose for how he is messing with your head."

Liam gasped, "What do you mean?"

Mason smirked, "He is either intentionally doing it or he is completely oblivious and self-destructive. My money is on intentionally."

Liam retorted, "But you just said he doesn't know."

Mason grinned, "I was trying to spare your feelings."

Liam shook his head, "I don't think Theo would do that. I guess that means I go with oblivious. But if that's true, do you think he likes me, you know likes me."

Mason shrugged, "I don't think I can help with that."

Liam pleaded, "But Mase, you are my best friend and you happen to be gay. You are supposed to be the wise guru that guides me through this."

The human laughed, "I guess when I was taking the gay best friend course they left out the part about your up-until-recently "straight" best friend is crushing on the guy he pulled back from hell who happens to have been a psychopathic killer but now is trying to reform chapter.

Liam argued back, "But you didn't miss the how to sneak into a club and watch said boy from hell be a go-go boy chapter."

Mason grinned, "What? I didn't think I was going to use the other chapter, it wasn't on the test."

Liam and Mason laughed together. When they stopped, Liam asked, "How would I know?"

Mason smirked before he said, "Well you could always just ask him."

Liam turned beet red and shook his head, "Not a chance. I don't think I am good enough with the words around Theo right now."

Mason shook his head, "Alright, well, does he flirt with you?"

Liam thought for a moment, "Well yeah, but Theo flirts with just about everyone. He's a flirt. I could've swore he was flirting with my mom this morning."

The teen quirked an eyebrow as he asked, "Theo flirted with your mom?"

Liam nodded, "Yeah, as he was cooking breakfast. My mom was even calling him Theodore and he didn't growl or correct her."

"Theo cooked breakfast?"

Liam grinned, "Yeah. Awesome French Toast."

Mason slapped Liam on the back, "Well if he does like you, then he might be marriage material. Already good with your mother. Cooks and cleans. Not to mention the shorts. Red might be his color. Of course if you keep taking his clothes and lending him yours, everyone is just going to assume you two are together."

Liam elbowed his friend as he laughed, "Shut up Mason. You could say something that is at least helpful."

Mason thought for a moment and as soon as he opened his mouth, Finstock's thunderous voice echoed, "Helpful?! I've got something helpful Dunbar! GET TO THE FIELD!" Finstock began to blow his whistle as he ran towards Liam.

Liam grabbed his stuff and yelled, "Sorry coach" as he ran to the field.

Theo led the warm up drills around the track. He enjoyed the running and the feel of the cool air across his face. He unzipped the red and gold track suit jacket and let the air whip over his chest since it was barely covered by a maroon tank. As he did the drills with the players, shouting distances and directions for them to run, he noticed a few make eyes at the bandages. He knew he'd have to explain it but didn't know exactly what he would say when he had to. He saw Liam toss his bags on the bleachers and run to catch up with the warm-up. Finstock wasn't far behind but Theo's eyes went back to Liam. Something was off this morning but maybe it had been off for longer. The chimera couldn't place his finger on it.

As they did agility drills he heard the coaches' voice, "Raeken, Come here." Theo ducked away from the drill and Nolan and Liam picked up where he left off. Theo ran to the Coach and stopped just short of him. He said, "Yes Coach, what do you need?"

Coach Finstock eyed up Theo and said, "First off, what the hell happened to you?"

Theo took a moment to reply and said, "Well It happened this weekend when I wa-"

Coach Finstock interrupted, "Did you have a fight with your spouse?"

Theo shook his head, "I'm not married."

Finstock continued, "Girlfriend?"

Theo responded, "No."

Finstock nodded, "Boyfriend then. Did he push you down a flight of stairs? If you are being abused at home you need to tell me. There are things we can do to help and there are shelters in Beacon County."

Theo's eyes widened, "I'm not being abused coach. I had a nasty fall when I was hiking the preserve. I'll be alright though."

Finstock nodded a few times, "Good. I'm glad to hear everything is good with the boyfriend."

Theo began to argue but Finstock cut him off, "Is there a reason I should be upset that the Sheriff decided to stop by my office this morning before practice?"

Theo's blood ran cold. Internally he screamed about how the past wouldn't let him have any peace. He mumbled, "No, Coach. I had to go to the station to answer some questions about a case."

Finstock's angry smile widened, "Yeah the Sheriff said you might be the lead suspect. What kind of case is it? That is if I am not prying too much."

Theo bit his lip and responded slowly, "Murder."

Finstock's eyes widened as a bit of excitement filled his voice, "Murder? Like real Murder? Like not putting a pillow over someone's face but like real real murder?"

Theo looked to the ground as he thought about how much TV coach must watch to be excited about the prospect, "Yeah. Real."

Finstock slapped Theo on the shoulder, the injured one which caused the chimera to flinch, "Hot damn. Well if they are even considering you then that means maybe you can teach these marshmallows how to hit someone on the field."

Theo raised his gaze to meet Finstock's, "What? I thought you were going to tell me that I'm fired?"

Coach quirked his eyebrow and laughed, "Why would I tell you that you are fired? Innocent until proven guilty and if guilty, who knows, I might get a book deal."

Theo shook his head and asked, "Are we done coach?"

Coach nodded, "Yeah, I'm speaking with the administration later today about bringing you on as a paid employee. Anything you want me to tell them?"

Theo smugly smirked, "Tell them I am a go-go boy bouncer who is wanted for murder."

Coaches' smile grew, "That's what I like. Show 'em you got a pair! Now finish up practice so I can find something in the budget before I go to the meeting."

Theo shook his head as he laughed and ran back to the team.

Practice went well and when they finished Theo slinked away back to his den. He logged onto his computer and knocked out the assignments that piled up over the last few days. He pulled up his tracker and pinged the last location of the cell, which had long been found and destroyed, and noticed it wasn't at either compound but at a warehouse, not far from Jungle. The chimera thought about the last pack meeting and how he had been assigned to do nothing.

While he stared at the laptop, the door to the den rolled open. Without looking up he said, "Hello Peter."

Peter stepped into the den and looked around at the setup, "How's my fake wolf? Guarding everything well?"

Theo rolled his eyes and said, "No one has been in or out of the vault."

Peter stepped over to the vault entrance and said, "Your den smells like the puppies. Don't tell me you are involved with their nonsense."

Theo commented, "Yeah. There are hunters from Monroe maneuvering through Beacon Hills. I'm certain you've heard about the family slayings."

Peter nodded, "Of course. I didn't know there were that many wolves in Beacon Hills. It's a shame, back in my day when visitors came to town, they introduced themselves to the Hales. It's like people don't value traditions anymore."

Theo laughed sarcastically, "Please don't tell me this is where you start espousing tradition."

Peter laughed, "Of course. But I don't expect a fake wolf to understand."

Theo turned to face the elder wolf, "So I take it you don't care about the alpha going around town slaughtering hunters."

Peter smirked and shrugged, "Sounds like a self-solving problem to me."

Theo smirked, "That is until the hunters blow up another one of your cars."

Peter remarked, "Then I guess it's a good thing I don't live in town anymore."

Theo sighed and began, "Liam wants to know if you know anything about this alpha."

Peter smirked, "Then tell him I said no. I won't give him any answers about anything."

Theo stood up and quirked an eyebrow, "Why? I thought we were on the same page."

Peter laughed, "For starters, we aren't even in the same book. Secondly, I like to see him get pissed and throw a fit. His temper tantrums are pure gold on film. A favorite pastime of yours if I remember things."

Theo shrugged, "Used to be. So you don't know anything?"

"No, not a clue. If I had to take a guess, look to Mulcahy. Their pack isn't prominent in this area but they do have strong connections here. Just don't tell the poster child for anger management."

Theo sat down and continued to work at his laptop, "Alright. Just don't be surprised if the alpha-in-training comes looking for you."

Peter laughed, "He'll have a tough time finding me. Besides, you are more of an alpha than he is."

Theo released a growl before he could stop himself and Peter continued, "Oh, did I hit a nerve? The fake wolf is boot licking for Scott junior. This is rich. I didn't know my guard dog was also a lap dog."

Theo fought back his anger as he said, "Don't you have something to check on?"

Peter grinned as he opened the vault, "I am. I was going to say nice den you have here, maybe call it quaint or cozy, something like a B&B but the only words that spring to mind are squalid, dank, hole."

Theo growled as Peter laughed from inside the vault. Within a few moments, the elder wolf stepped out and back into the living area, "Don't forget to change the locks when you break up with the puppies. I wouldn't want them to tag my walls."

Theo shook his head, "Goodbye Peter. Send your daughter my regards." Peter growled before he stepped out of the den.

Theo opened his desk and pulled out Mildred's card. He decided he might need to pay her a visit.

Theo finished up in his den and stepped back onto the school grounds. He saw Liam walking to the gym to get ready for afterschool practice and yelled to him, "Liam, wait up." As soon as Liam looked at Theo, he darted into the gym. The chimera shook his head, "He doesn't make any sense what-so-ever." Theo ran towards the gym to catch up but managed to bump into Mason.

He struck Mason with enough force to send the boy towards the ground but managed to move fast enough to catch his wrist and pull him back to standing, "Sorry about that Mase. I was trying to catch up to Liam. What is his problem today?"

Mason blinked a few times and said, "Stress. From classes and you know, other problems."

Theo raised an eyebrow, "Is everyone acting weird today?" Before Mason could respond, Theo said, "I might have a possible lead on the alpha and I figured I would tell Liam. But it seems like he is avoiding me now."

Mason bit back telling Theo and said, "Yeah. You know the journals you had weren't complete."

Theo shook his head and said, "I figured. I need to go back down to their lair. Did you find out anything?"

Mason nodded, "It looks like whatever is holding the hybrid side together is losing its strength. I couldn't find out anything else. Why don't we talk to Deaton and let him know what's going on? He might be able to find something we can't."

Theo nervously inhaled, "Deaton, not a chance. That's just going to complete the circle back to Scott." The chimera let out a sigh, "So the prognosis isn't looking good."

Mason struggled internally before he said, "How about we go to the lair after practice. I'd feel more comfortable giving you an answer when we have all the information."

Theo nodded slowly, "Yeah. I understand. See you after school." Theo stepped away from the teen and stepped into the gym to get ready for practice.

True to his intent, Finstock wanted the players to do high contact drills. After many sessions of hits, the practice ended with Theo only being moderately sore from his injuries. Theo noticed Liam avoiding him during practice and eventually just resigned to that fact. Once practice was over, Theo went back to his den to get changed and cleaned up.

When he finished, he glanced at his phone and saw that Mason just texted him:

Ready whenever you are.