Married to Darkness- Chapter 12

Theo pulled himself out of his cot the next morning, just after 10, after a night of tossing and turning in his sleep. He fought with himself how the pack could still doubt him but he thought that maybe the pack's doubts didn't bother him, but Liam's. He didn't understand the little wolf. Last night, when they were on the dancefloor putting on a show, there wasn't an ounce of worry, concern, or anger. It seemed like the wolf enjoyed being the center of attention. The rage didn't creep in until they were alone together. Theo growled and walked to the bathroom to clean up.

After cleaning up and putting on a fresh set of clothes, the chimera pulled out Mildred's card and thought, "If trust is an issue, then I will do this for the pack. Maybe then they'll understand." Theo pocketed the card and drove to the Mulcahy residence.

It sat near the outskirts of the town, a large grey with black trim, Victorian style home. Theo drove down the long winding driveway towards the entrance of the home. As he got closer he could make out the pock marks on the side of the house from the gunshot wounds it sustained from the attack. He parked his truck and walked up to the wrap around wooden porch. He made it to the front door and knocked on the heavy wooden doors. He heard the heavier steps of someone other than Mildred walk to the door. It opened slowly and a young man stood at the entrance. He was a little taller than Theo but his posture was slumped and the chimera could feel the sorrow bleed off the young man. He looked to be around Theo's age, maybe younger, his skin was pale which reflected against his short blonde hair. He looked to be wearing a black Victorian era suit with a blood red button up shirt. His eyes seemed to be fixed on the floor but they slowly rose to meet the chimera's gaze. He whispered as he asked, "Excuse me. Can I help you with something sir?"

Theo nodded and said, "I'm here to see Gran."

The young man nodded and guided Theo inside. The chimera could see the beautiful architecture of the structure, with tall wooden columns and elaborate artwork and furniture but he could also see where bullets ripped through these things.

Theo followed the young man into a sun room, just past the living room and found the matron sitting at a table, with a window that had a view of the entire town. She slowly stood, leaning on her cane, as she walked to get Theo. Theo caught the strange scent again, and at that moment it reminded him of a scent that he knew: the scent of death. She smiled softly and said, "It's good to see you Mr. Raeken. I see you have met my grandson, Erik."

Theo looked to the man and extended his hand, "Hello Erik, I'm Theo." The young man took the chimera's hand and shook it. Theo's eyes widened at the immense strength the meek young man possessed, especially when he realized that the firm to painful handshake was unintentional. Theo pulled back his hand and Gran motioned for the chimera to sit with her at the table. She said, "Erik, be a dear and fetch the kettle. Theodore will be joining us for tea."

Erik nodded slowly and stepped back into the kitchen while Theo took a seat at the table, after Gran returned to her seat. She smiled as she looked down into the valley and said, "What brings you to my home Theo? Is the Sheriff bothering you again? Do I have to teach the law enforcement a lesson in civility?"

Theo smiled as he looked at her, "No. They've approached my employers and visited me on occasion but nothing I couldn't handle."

Gran gently lectured the young chimera, "You know you don't have to put up with their harassment. I am aware of your past dealings with them but I am also aware of your criminal record which does not warrant such treatment."

Theo waved his hand and said, "No, Gran. It's alright. I'm actually not here for that."

Gran turned to face the chimera as Erik returned to the sun room with the kettle, which smelled of delicious hot tea, and a cup and saucer for Theo. He set the kettle down between Theo and Gran and set the cup and saucer in front of Theo. Erik stepped back towards the entrance and brought over a glass container with sugar and placed it near the kettle.

Gran smiled at Erik and said, "Aren't you going to join us Erik? It's a beautiful day for a cup of tea and a discussion with a dear friend."

Erik slowly nodded and sat at the table, closer to Gran but away from the edge. Theo eyed the young man and then looked back to Gran, "I wanted to talk to you about an alpha. I spoke with one of the Hales and he suggested that I speak with you."

Erik poured Gran and Theo a cup of tea and the shrewd woman stirred in some sugar and took a sip before she responded, "I would figure that Peter would send you to speak with me. How is he? Still the young ne'er do well?"

Theo laughed as she dodged his question. He took a sip of the bitter tea and said, "Peter is Peter. He seems to be doing well." Erik poured himself a cup and blew away some of the steam before drinking. His eyes never left the table as he listened. Gran nodded to Theo and said, "Now for an alpha, there are two or maybe three here, if memory serves."

Theo blinked a few times as he thought about it, "Who are they?"

Gran smiled and took another sip before she responded, "Well, Last I heard Scott McCall, the fable true alpha, was in town though I should correct that to he will be in town soon again."

Theo quirked an eyebrow, "Scott's going to be in town?"

Gran nodded, "Why yes Theodore. In a day or so if memory serves. I think he plans on surprising his pack, though he should realize that an alpha of his station isn't able to move so effortlessly that he misses the notice of others."

Theo nodded, "Well I know about Scott. Who are the others?"

Gran continued, "I could've sworn the other Hale boy was in town. Now if he is actually an alpha again is debatable but that's what the word is."

Theo tilted his head, "Derek?"

Gran nodded, "Sweet young boy. Doesn't say much but sweet nonetheless. But something tells me that you aren't asking about him either."

Theo nodded slowly, "I didn't know Derek was in town but you are right."

Gran looked to Erik and smiled, "The only other alpha in town that I know of is Erik." The sad teen raised his head to make eye contact with Theo and his eyes flashed red.

Theo took a sip of tea as he saw the red of an alpha and asked, "When did Erik become an alpha? I thought you had to kill an alpha to become one."

Gran tutted the chimera, "Not exactly. The power runs through the blood as well and Erik's parents were both alphas. It's a long story but before they met, my daughter was a member of a pack in Northern California. They picked their fights carefully, claimed a territory and rose to become protectors of the area. My daughter was originally their second in command but after a brutal territorial fight, her alpha was fatally wounded. He sacrificed himself and his power so that my daughter would become the pack alpha."

Theo finished his tea as the old woman looked to her grandson, "Erik, do you mind getting things ready for lunch. I gather that Mr. Raeken will be joining us?" She glanced to Theo, who nodded slowly, and Erik excused himself from the table and went back to the kitchen. She continued the story, "Colette always favored peace over war and brought that to the conflict. She challenged the rival packs alpha to single combat to decide who would claim the territory."

Gran finished her tea and set the cup down as she continued, "What started out as combat shifted into a dance between partners. They fought for days and nothing was decided. As their dance continued, there was another shift between them and when the week was over, both alphas returned to their packs. An alliance had been reached and they were in love. That's when my daughter met her mate, Brent. From that point on, their packs became one."

Theo finished his tea and said, "Your son-in-law fought and tried to kill your daughter?"

Gran smiled and gently laughed a maternal laugh, "Of course. What couple doesn't?"

Theo laughed and asked, "So how is Erik an alpha?" Gran continued, "They married and started a family. After the birth of Allyssa, my youngest grandchild, they decided to pass the mantle of leading their old packs and start one of their own, one with just their family."

The chimera nodded slowly as she continued, "The children bred true and they sealed the pack with a ritual from a local emissary. You may know him, Mr. Deaton."

Theo whispered, "Deaton." Gran smiled and continued, "This ritual allowed the strength of the pack to be passed on without conflict but out of love. When the hunters murdered my family, their strength passed to Erik."

Theo's eyes widened, "Oh. I didn't know."

Gran shook her head, "It's alright child. It's not a widely known phenomena. So, as things currently go, I am the only pack that Erik has."

Erik stepped back into the sun room and said, "Gran, Deputy Parrish is here to see you." Gran's gentle demeanor flashed hostile for a moment before it returned and she said, "Send him in. Prepare him a plate if you don't mind." Erik nodded and stepped back into the house. In a few moments, Parrish stepped into the sun room.

He looked to Theo and Gran and said, "Mrs. Mulcahy, I have some questions with regards to our ongoing investigation." He glared at Theo in a way to tell him to get lost. Gran deviously smirked, "No doubt the investigation that involves my client. He will remain while you ask the questions." She looked to Theo as she continued, "That is unless you want to step away?"

Theo shook his head and smugly grinned at Parrish, "No, I think this is best since he can interrogate me if the urge strikes without having to even leave the room."

Parrish groaned and asked, "Mrs. Mulcahy." Gran cut him off, "Call me Gran dear." Parrish nodded and said, "Are you familiar with a few military style buildings in the preserve. They date back to the WWII timeframe."

Mildred nodded, "I am familiar with a lot in this town deputy. Continue."

Parrish nodded, "Have you visited one recently?"

Mildred slowly shook her head, "I don't believe I have dear, but my memory isn't what it used to be." When Theo heard Mildred speak, he instantly recognized the heartbeat change and knew she just spewed nothing but lies.

Parrish reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture and slid it on the table to Mildred. It was a picture of a small pocket watch and there was a drop of blood on it. He stated, "This watch belongs to you, doesn't it Mrs. Mulcahy."

Theo could smell the anger coming from Gran as she corrected Parrish, "It's Gran dear. And yes, I believe I lost that a few weeks ago when I went on a walk through the preserve with my grandchildren. The ones you still haven't found their killers."

Parrish flinched slightly but recovered quickly, "Actually, Gran, we have found the killers."

Gran's eyes lit up, "You don't say Deputy."

Parrish nodded and slid another photo on the table which showed the carnage from inside the facility, "We were able to check ballistics and the men here were most likely the men that killed your family."

Gran darkly smiled, "Then I guess things worked out."

Parrish shook his head, "Actually, we are now looking for who did this. Do you know anything?"

Gran smiled her predatory smile masked behind the façade of an aging maternal and said, "The only thing I know Deputy is that we are about to have lunch and you are more than welcome to join us."

Parrish looked from Gran to Theo and said, "Another time. Gran."

Gran quickly stated, "Then if that is all, you should probably be on your way. There are far too many criminals in this town to waste your time with an old woman."

Parrish nodded and excused himself. When Theo heard the heartbeat of the hellhound leave, he looked to Gran. He said, "Alright Gran, I think we need to discuss things."

Gran flashed her kind, maternal mask and the chimera smugly grinned and said, "I heard your lies. But then again, you knew that already. What is really going on?"

Erik stepped back into the sun room and Gran, with a bit too much anger said, "Erik, leave us to discuss things. We'll grab lunch when we are finished, thank you."

Erik lowered his head and stepped back inside. Gran looked to Theo, the kindness gone and the gaze of a calculated tactician bored into him. She began, "Since you know if I lie, I will be direct. I was at the compound."

Theo nodded, "Of course you were. But you didn't kill the hunters."

Gran nodded, "You're right. Erik did." Theo shook his head in confusion, "But I don't understand. He is strong and an alpha but how?"

Gran's smiled darkened as she said, "Erik is torn up with sorrow and grief. The wolf only knows how to respond to threats with anger and his wolf side fed on that grief to kill them."

Theo's eyes widened, "So he murdered them."

Gran slowly shook her head, "Not exactly. Erik has no recollection of what he did. Do you remember the medallion he wore?"

Theo nodded and she continued, "It is tied to my cane. It allows me to exert a bit of control over him. More to the point, it allows me to communicate with his wolf."

Theo whispered, "So you are using Erik to exact your revenge?"

Gran spat back, "No, I am using his rage and the wolf to protect him. These hunters want him dead and I will do anything to protect my last remaining family."

Theo took in the words and nodded, "Erik almost killed me."

Gran looked away and guilt filled her voice as she said, "I know. I didn't realize what was going on until too late. That's when I called him back."

"You were the voice in the Bluetooth."

Gran returned her gaze back to the chimera, "You are right."

Theo asked, "But why do it like this? You are acting rashly."

Gran nodded slowly, "I know you can smell it Theodore. I know you can smell how death clings to me. I don't have long to live."

Theo took a deep breath and said, "So you want to try and protect Erik before he loses you too."

Gran nodded and said, "I'm actually glad you came by today, Theodore."

Theo asked, "Why is that?"

Gran smiled and said, "Because I want you to work with me. I know of your killer instinct. I also know that you too have people you are trying to protect. I think that together we can wipe out Monroe's hunters and any other who would try to kill us just for existing."

Theo thought on it for a moment and said, "Alright. I'll consider your offer Gran but can you do me a favor?"

Gran smiled slightly and said, "What do you need Theodore?"

Theo asked meekly, "Can you restrain on doing anything until I come back? I am working with the McCall pack and we might be able to stop them without any further bloodshed."

Gran's smile darkened, "You sound like my son-in-law. He too went from a killer instinct to being soft. However, I will give you the opportunity, Mr. Raeken. I owe you as much since I almost killed you."

Theo slowly nodded and softly said, "Thank you. I will be in touch Gran." She smiled and he excused himself from the table. As he reached the front door, Erik, who sat in the living room reading a book asked, "Mr. Raeken, are you not hungry? Your lunch is in the kitchen." Theo smiled to the meek alpha and said, "Thanks Erik but I need to be going. Take care of yourself and I will see you soon." The chimera could've sworn he saw a smile on the alpha's face before he left the house.

Theo's mind filled with errant thoughts of the murders and the hunters and Mulcahy and the pack and not to mention Scott coming back to Beacon Hills. He drove back to the den and nearly flew through a stoplight. He stopped just in time but continued his drive in thought. When he made it back to the maintenance shed, Corey was waiting outside. The younger chimera said, "Can we talk Theo?"

Theo shook the errant thoughts away and slightly smiled when he said, "Sure Corey, let's go to my den."

The two walked to the den and Theo took a seat at his desk and faced the standing chimera. Corey began, "I thought first of all you should know that Scott is coming back to town."

Theo nodded and said, "I know that. He should be here either tomorrow or Monday, right?"

Corey blinked a few times and nodded as he said, "Yeah. How did you know?"

Theo smugly smirked, "Not a lot gets by me."

Corey raised his eyebrows and said, "Lately Theo, I beg to differ. What I want to ask you is what is going on with you and Liam? Seriously, no BS."

Theo sighed and looked to the floor, "I don't know. One moment little wolf trusts me and we make a great team and then other times, it all goes to shit. He fills with rage and I can't even be around him. It seems like I set it off too."

Corey laughed once before he stated, "You know you are his anchor right?"

Theo's face darted up and he met Corey's gaze, "WHAT?! I am his anchor? Since when?"

Corey rolled his eyes, "I'd say since the Ghost Riders but that's just a guess."

Theo slowly shook his head, "I don't think that is a good idea from little wolf. I have trouble being around him sometimes."

Corey slid the cot and sat on the end to meet Theo's gaze before he said, "Alright Theo, what is going on with you?"

Theo sighed and said, "When I am around Liam, I feel weak. I can feel the strength leave my limbs. My stomach churns with uncertainty and I feel light-headed. I have trouble thinking straight and my throat tightens. I feel like my coy wolf side is just under the skin and I have to fight to maintain control." Corey's eyes widened as Theo continued, "There used to be a time where I would gladly fight side by side with Liam. Now I can't touch the wolf without this electrical surge racing through my body. We were unstoppable but now I worry that this weakness is going to get him hurt." Theo stood up and paced the area with Corey's eyes firmly locked on the chimera, "Ever since I took Gabe's pain in the hospital it started. I thought if I distanced myself long enough, the weakness would pass. But when we met up again in the forest, it started to happen again. I don't know, maybe the way I have acted lately has caused Liam to think that I am untrustworthy. I know he sticks his neck out to defend me from Scott and the rest of the older pack but I think that he should stop. I don't know if I can trust myself around him."

Corey fought back a smile as he asked, "Alright. You think something is wrong with you?"

Theo met Corey's eyes and nodded emphatically, "Yes. I shouldn't be feeling like this. Maybe it's like the Geneticist said, maybe I am a failure."

Corey shook his head as he continued to fight the smile, "Alright Theo, when do you feel strong or invincible with Liam?"

Theo thought about it and his mind kept flashing back to dancing with him at Sinema. He realized that when they danced, the whole world fell away from them and there was only Liam. He thought back to the kiss and why he did it. He thought back to how his coy wolf felt holding the wolf. He whispered, "When I am holding Liam?"

Corey stood up and laughed once, "Theo, you aren't a failure. You are in love."

Theo's eyes widened as he looked into the younger chimera's soul, looking for the truth, "This is what love feels like?"

Corey Cheshire grinned and said, "I knew Mason was wrong. I knew you weren't intentionally hurting Liam. I just didn't realize that you didn't know what love felt like." Corey stepped forward and embraced the older chimera. Theo relented to the embrace and returned it. When they stepped apart Theo began, "That's what Liam wanted to talk about last night."

Corey nodded slowly, "Yeah."

Theo growled to himself, "Oh. Shit! I am such an asshole. I blew up at him for not trusting me and treating my like I didn't matter. He was just so angry."

Corey smirked, "Or scared? What did you tell him when we dealt with the Anuk-ite?"

Theo slowly mumbled, "That he feels anger because of fear. Also that he can't feel more than one emotion at a time."

Corey patted Theo on the shoulder, "Exactly. From Liam's talk with Mason, I'd say he was pissed at himself for not being able to say the right things to you. It's also why he has been avoiding you since the injury."

The information slowly sank in and the older chimera softly said, "And that's why he didn't want me to take on any pack tasks. He was afraid I would get hurt again or worse."

Corey nodded, "Yeah. Liam's got it as bad for you as you do for him. I probably would've picked up on it sooner but you didn't even realize what you were feeling."

Theo asked meekly, "What should I do?"

Corey smiled, "Talk to him. I'm sure he is waiting to hear from you."

Theo bit his lip as he said, "I can't yet. I don't want him to blame himself for me being an idiot. I'll talk to him tomorrow."

Corey shook his head and said, "Alright Theo. Is there anything you want the pack to know?"

Theo nodded, "Yeah, I am following up a lead on the alpha." The older chimera felt bad about lying to Corey but he wanted to tell them in person as he continued, "Parrish found a pocket watch near the compound."

Corey nodded and said, "Alright Theo. Take care and don't waste too much time otherwise I will have to stop Mason again."

Corey smiled as he walked to the entrance of the den and Theo returned the smile. As the younger boy left, Theo had a thought of the perfect present for Liam and Gran. He pulled up his browser on the laptop and went to work.

Liam sat in his room, the weight of the failure of a conversation rested on his mind. He mumbled to himself, "Way to screw up again Dunbar." Before he could continue beating himself up, he heard the doorbell ring. The wolf smelled his pack, well most of them except the chimeras, especially the one that plagued his thoughts. He rushed downstairs and opened the door. Mason and Nolan stepped inside and Liam asked, "Where is Corey?"

Mason smiled as he said, "Having a talk with Mr. Raeken."

Liam's eyes widened, "Why?" Mason responded as they walked into the living room and sat down, "Corey thought it would be important if he told Theo about Scott coming back to town to visit. He also wanted to share some of my choice feelings about his behavior as of late."

Liam sighed and said, "He didn't have to do that."

Mason shrugged and said, "Well, what's done is done. He sent a text that he would meet us here. Theo found out about the alpha or at least another clue."

Liam growled and said, "I don't know why he doesn't listen."

Nolan raised his eyebrow and asked, with a bit of venom in his voice, "Why are you surprised? Didn't he tell you that he doesn't take orders?"

Liam bit his lip as he looked around nervously, "Well, yeah."

Nolan's toned continued, "And you expect that he, the previously rebellious and strong willed loner, would suddenly just change his mind?"

Liam softly spoke, "Well I hoped he would."

Nolan continued, "And you hoped without just asking him or putting in any effort to convince or give him a reason to change, correct?"

Liam continued to flail in defense of his logic, "Well, yeah."

Nolan shook his head and in a far too serious tone, "Sometimes Liam, you are a lost cause."

Liam looked to the floor as Mason laughed. The laughing teen quietly stated, "Read for filth."

Liam growled to his best friend, "That isn't funny Mase."

Mason grinned at his best friend, "Of course it is." He looked over and high fived Nolan which caused the nervous teen's face to flush with anxiety from recognition.

Liam growled again, "I have to take this abuse from the peanut gallery."

Nolan quickly retorted, "Get your pistachio." Mason laughed harder and said, "Damn Nolan, you are on fire."

Corey opened the front door and stepped in to hear the laughter from the pack. He walked into the living room and said, "What did I miss?"

Mason stood up and walked to his boyfriend and gave him a quick peck on the lips before he said, "Nolan has been roasting Liam."

Corey's eyes widened and he met Nolan's gaze, "Good job. That almost makes up for your comment last night."

Nolan smirked and Liam repeated in a mock Nolan tone, "But that's where my underwear are." It earned Liam a quick shut up from Nolan as the pack laughed. When the mirth subsided, Corey took a seat and said, "Parrish found something from the accomplice at the compound."

Liam's ears perked and the alpha in training said, "What did he find?"

Corey responded, "A pocket watch. Theo told me about it when I spoke to him."

Liam nodded, "Alright pack. Who wants to make a trek through the woods to see what other clues haven't been found yet?"

The pack mates nodded and Corey asked, "Should I get Theo?"

Liam shook his head, "No, we shouldn't bother him since he has to work tonight. We should be fine to look around ourselves."

Corey nodded and the pack decided to venture back to the preserve.

Theo drove to his workplace, a little earlier than usual but still after dark. He walked with a determination to complete his personal mission for the evening. He carried his duffel, as he only wore a pair of dark sweats and his regular sneakers. He knocked on the back door and Robert opened it. He asked, "What's up Rex? It's a little early, is everything alright?"

Theo put on his best act as he said, "Boss, I'm sick. I've been coughing and throwing up all day. I think I should skip tonight."

Robert sighed with a hint of anger before he said, "Alright Rex. You did make enough money for the entire weekend last night so take the night off. I'm sure the other guys will enjoy you not taking all the tips."

Theo feigned a smile, "Thanks boss. You're the best."

Robert shook his head and mumbled, "Whatever Rex. See you next weekend" before he closed the door. Theo stepped away from the warehouse and followed the directions he wrote down before he left the den. The hunter's warehouse wasn't too far from Sinema and no one would question his truck being parked at his workplace. The chimera darted between buildings, his senses keenly aware of the presence of anyone attempting to track or follow him. He made it to their warehouse unseen and skulked around to the side.

The chimera climbed up the side and made it to the roof without anyone seeing him. He looked down into the structure from the skylight. He saw maps on a table and many wooden boxes around the warehouse. He deftly opened one of the glass panels and listened for heartbeats. The chimera was confused when he heard none.

He reached into his bag and pulled out the rope he planned to use for this mission. He tied it off to a pipe and tossed the free end into the warehouse. He slowly lowered himself and quietly made his landing on the floor near the table. He found papers and a closed laptop setting on the corner of the table. He scooped them up and put them in his duffel.

Silently he walked over to one of the wooden crates and opened it. Inside, he found several rifles with scope attachments. He looked over the boxes and realized that Monroe planned to send a small army to deal with Beacon Hills. Theo walked around the warehouse and found a box of explosives. The chimera grinned as he pulled it into the center of the room, just below the skylight. He pulled out a couple of blocks of explosives and pressed them before setting them on the table.

The chimera grabbed his rope and hoisted himself out of the warehouse. He grinned to himself exactly how easy this mission had been. When he reached the top, he retrieved his rope and placed it in the duffle. He walked back to the window and fetched the flare gun out of his bag. A joy of superiority filled the chimera as he aimed it and thanked Corey for reminding him how useful it could be. He fired the flare and ran away from the skylight towards the building next door.

The chimera's eyes lit up as he jumped from one rooftop to the next. He barely landed when the explosion went off and the force threw him to the hard concrete. The chimera heard screams of anger as flames whipped up through the skylight of the warehouse. He quickly descended on the far side and stuck to the shadows as he made his way back to his truck. He tossed the duffel into the back seat and said, "I hope Liam enjoys the present I got for him."

At that moment, Theo felt content and whole. He just finished another dangerous mission, without endangering his pack and as an excellent way to say, "I'm sorry I've been such an oblivious ass. Can you possibly forgive me and maybe have another dance?" Theo smugly grinned when a sound shrieked throughout Beacon Hills.

The chimera's blood ran cold and any joy he felt fled as he recognized the howl. It was Liam's howl. His alpha was in pain. The chimera didn't even think before his truck sped towards the preserves.