Married to Darkness- Chapter 21

Severo listened to the voicemail on his phone as he stood next to the fuel pump at the gas station on the outskirts of Beacon Hills. He looked to the sun and thought about his preparations for tonight since it would be a full moon and he wasn't familiar with the different supernaturals within Beacon Hills on top of having to deal with this seemingly new radical branch of hunters.

"Severo, this is Jorge. I found the hunters that follow Monroe and I also found the members of our family that joined. Something isn't right here. It's like she is selectively wiping out their memories and using them for her wipe out every supernatural cause and anyone who isn't fighting for her. I am going to find where their safe house is and see if I can find and bring my brother back. Hope to see you in Beacon Hills soon but if I don't, look for Monroe's hunters."

The handle for the gas pump release clicked as he ended the message and pocketed his phone. The two other hunters walked from the service station back to the van. Severo removed the pump handle and closed the gas cap as he finished getting the vehicle ready to head to their safe house before beginning the mission. One of the hunters entered the vehicle using the side entrance while the other walked over to Severo. The hunter looked to Severo and asked, "Are you listening to the voicemail again? Do you think we are going to find Jorge?"

Severo sneered and said, "Yeah. We will find him. One way or another we will find him."

The hunter asked, "Do you think the alpha got him?"

Severo shrugged as he walked towards the driver's side, "Don't know. With the message, I doubt it. I think we are going to have to deal with Monroe."

Severo opened the door and stepped into the van while the other hunter got in on the passenger's side. The Calavera hunter turned on the van and began to drive as the other hunter asked, "If it's another hunter family, why are we here?"

Severo momentarily glared at the passenger before he responded, "Because when Araya asks, you do it. Plus, no family likes Monroe. You know what Araya says about her. Keep your family close, you can't wage a war without soldiers and camps. Protect innocence next since that is our mission. Choose your fights with the other side, not everyone is the enemy and not every wolf needs to be put down. Last, never succumb to the bloodlust and insanity or you become the worst monsters that we must always fight and put down. Monroe has that bloodlust."

Loneliness and thoughts of disconnection filled the young alpha's mind. He knew that tonight would be the first night of the full moon and, while on edge, decided to get away from the house and around people, even if that meant he wouldn't really be able to talk to anyone. It's at times like this that Erik really held a grudge against his Gran. She took care of him, he knew that, but she also separated him from what life would normally be for the teen. He walked around the edges of the woods, near the high school, and listened to the students inside finishing up their classes for the day. He glanced to the parking lot and saw the truck, Theo's truck.

The alpha reflected on his interactions with the senior, by a couple of years, wolf and how maybe they could be considered friends. He knew that man saved him from losing control around his Gran but there were so many gaps in the alpha's memories that he couldn't place the interactions within a normal timeline. He took a deep breath as the pull from the moon threatened to overwhelm him and fought against the rage.

He let himself zone out and try to remember times in Beacon Hills where he had his family, times when he was happy. When he came back to his senses, he saw the field was occupied with the lacrosse team and they were beginning their practice. He caught the scent of Theo and saw that he was leading their practice. He noticed the scent of another wolf on the field. His eyes travelled to the player whose jersey named him, "Dunbar". Another wave of sadness left the alpha as he thought about how he should be playing a sport or doing something with school versus being "homeschooled" at the moment.

He sighed and heard a branch snap near him and caught the smell of someone. The scent was spicy and teased his nostrils in a pleasing way. His wolf drank the scent and panted for more. Just before the person stepped close to him, the alpha turned and faced them. He was met with a beaming smile from a beautiful girl in a longer dress. She asked, "What are you doing watching from the forest? They have bleachers over there for a reason."

Erik mumbled, "It's just. I don't really know anyone and I don't go to this school."

She walked up to the alpha and said, "I know how you feel. I just transferred here. I know a few people from Nolan."

Erik nodded slowly, "I recognize Theo and he and my grandmother know each other but that's about it."

Alia looked into the alpha's eyes and commented, "You're shaking and your eyes keep flashing. Are you alright? I know it's a full moon tonight and that can be difficult for such a young alpha."

Erik's eyes widened as he asked, "You know about that?"

Alia smiled and gently hit Erik's shoulder as she said, "Of course I know about that. I know about a lot of things. You aren't the only one that stands at the edges and observes. Would you like me to help?"

Erik tilted his head in slight confusion, "Help with what?"

Alia reached her hand up and stroked down the side of the alpha's jawline. As she did, he noticed her eyes lit up silver. Almost instantly, he couldn't feel the pull of the moon. His wolf seemed to curl up and fall asleep from the gentle touch and presence of this young woman. He asked curiously, "How did you do that?"

Alia knowingly grinned, "You know how to do things, I know how to do things. I just know how to do different things."

While vague, Erik accepted the answer since it fit in his world. As he contemplated what Alia could mean in its entirety, Alia asked, "So who are you out here watching?" She walked closer to the edge to watch the practice.

Erik followed her towards the edge and meekly replied, "Theo."

Alia's eyes lit up as a mischievous smile crept across her face, "Oh, Assistant Coach Raeken. I guess I can see the allure. I just didn't place you as the type of guy to try and pursue him. I should let you know though, he is completely smitten with Liam so don't get your hope up on that one."

Erik thought for a moment before her statement sank in and his eyes widened as he shook his head, "No. Not like that. I don't think Theo is attractive. I mean I guess he might be. To other people and not me. I'm straight. Not that there is anything wrong with not being straight."

Alia looked to Erik as he continued to trip over his words and she giggled. Once the alpha's face was a nice beet red, she interrupted him and light-heartedly stated, "You're cute. I like you."

Erik nervously laughed as he mumbled, "You like me? Wow, you might be the first person to tell me that here. I like you too. What's your name? My name is Erik, Erik Mulcahy."

Alia giggled again and said, "You are a nervous little ball of energy aren't you Erik. You remind me of the boy I am watching, Nolan, but you can probably just make out his jersey, Holloway. I'm Alia by the way."

Erik rubbed the back of his head and said, "That Nolan is one lucky boy then."

Alia looked back out to the field, and in a distant tone stated, "Yeah. One lucky boy."

Nolan ran up to Erik and Alia once practice was over and said, "Hey Alia" and looked to Erik, "And hey guy I don't know but looks awfully familiar."

Erik looked at Nolan and caught the same nagging feeling that they met somewhere, "Hey Nolan. I'm Erik and I know what you mean. I feel like we met somewhere."

Alia looked at the two and said, "Well boys, what are we doing this Friday evening?"

Erik looked to Alia and said, "I've got to get back to my grandmother before too long. I can't let her find out that I snuck out so I'm just going to walk through the preserve and head home."

Nolan looked to Alia and said, "Are we still good for tonight at Sinema?"

Alia smiled and said, "Sure. But I think we need to sneak Erik away from home so he can join us too."

Nolan nervously bit his lip as he looked to Erik and said, "Would you be interested in going? It's an inclusive club and a lot of fun. Theo works there on the weekends."

Erik looked between the two anxiously, "I don't know if I can. My grandmother can be quite a bit protective and has an eagle eye. Plus, I don't know if tonight is a good night."

Alia looked to Erik, "I can help you. With both issues." She smiled genuinely to the alpha and he bashfully lowered his head.

Nolan looked to Erik, "Both issues?"

Erik shook his head and Alia looked to Nolan, "Don't worry about it Nolan. So tonight at Sinema right? After 10 right?"

Nolan nodded his head, "Yeah. I'm going to go shower up."

Parrish stepped into the Sheriff's office with a stack of files. He closed the door when he stepped in and placed the files on the edge of the Sheriff's desk and looked to the Sheriff, who was almost buried in the open files on his desk, his eyes locked on the file from the attack on the hospital. He read over the reports and addressed the deputy, "What do you have to add to the stack Parrish?"

The deputy looked to the files and said, "I've got the reports from the house fire out on Sycamore. This wasn't the simple house fire that we originally thought it was."

The Sheriff glanced to his deputy, "What do you mean Parrish?"

Parrish collected his thoughts before he said, "A few of the victims were killed before the fire began. What also doesn't make sense is the state of the bodies found that were alive. They didn't make a single move to get to safety."

Stilinski replied, "Smoke inhalation."

Parrish argued, "That's what I thought but the man in the living room, on the far side of the house, would've had time and energy to react to the fire. If I had to guess, I'd say he was paralyzed."

Stilinski sighed and said, "Like the men in the hospital."

Parrish nodded, "My thoughts exactly."

The Sheriff ran his hand through his hair and muttered, "So on top of everything, we are dealing with a Kanima now."

Parrish slowly nodded, "It looks that way Sheriff. Are we still looking at Theo? He was at the hospital the night of the attack and he did kidnap Liam."

The Sheriff glared at Parrish, "We could try to bring him in on kidnapping but the Geyers are going to be on Raeken's side and I don't think we can expect Liam's testimony to be anything other than Theo saved his life from the attack. We know that Theo has been involved with these murders, but not enough to arrest him yet. Don't worry Parrish, he'll make a mistake, and when he does, we'll get him."

Parrish nodded and continued, "These other murders don't make sense Sheriff. It's like there are two gangs fighting in Beacon Hills. Two heavily armed and dedicated gangs."

The Sheriff responded, "That's exactly what it is Parrish. From the looks of things, Monroe's hunters are fighting any number of the other hunter families. I've been in contact with Argent and he has confirmed these suspicions. We just need to find a way to put an end to it."

Parrish laughed hollowly, "So just to confirm. We are dealing with a rampant werewolf/chimera murderer and an all-out hunter versus hunter war."

The Sheriff nodded slowly, "Exactly. Be careful out there Parrish. The last thing we need is to get caught in the crossfire while we try to end the violence."

Parrish replied before he stepped out of the office, "Yes, Sheriff. You can count on me."

Theo and Liam stepped into the den. Practice was long and both men were covered in sweat from the drills. Theo stripped off his shirt and tossed it into his bag of dirty laundry. He looked to Liam and said, "Full moon tonight, Little Wolf. How are you holding up?"

Liam pulled off his training jersey and said, "I'm alright. I can feel the itch but nothing too bad."

Theo laughed a little before his smirk formed and said, "That's good. Can't have a naked wolf running through the woods again. I always meant to ask, what were you doing naked?"

Theo stepped into the bathroom and turned on the hot water heater while Liam responded, "It's not like I meant to be naked running through the woods. I just happened to lose control, while I was in the shower."

Theo eyed the wolf and said, "How do I have such a hard time believing that?" He laughed as he smirked to his Little Wolf.

Liam's face blushed a deep red as he defiantly replied, "It's what happened! I don't just strip naked on the nights of full moons for fun."

Theo stepped to the bathroom door and mischievously grinned to the wolf, "Maybe you should." As soon as he finished speaking, he stepped into the bathroom and started his shower.

The two men showered, cleaned up and dressed in loose sweats, courtesy of the chimera. Theo sat at his desk while Liam sat on the chimera's cot. Theo worked on his online coursework while the wolf looked to him. After almost an hour, Theo asked, "Why are you staring at me, Little Wolf?"

Liam half grinned as he responded, "I'm just looking at you do your online classwork. I have to keep reminding myself that this is real. That and I am making sure that you don't try to skip out on Mom's dinner. I'm not having that awkward conversation solo."

Theo knowingly glanced at Liam, "It's real Little Wolf. Just like my assignment and grade if I don't finish this paper." The chimera put on his smug grin and said, "Don't worry, Little Wolf, I will not be leaving you all alone in your talk with mom."

Liam smiled at Theo as the radio receiver sounded with a message, "Set up in position for the target. All members authorized deadly force to capture the target."

Theo looked to Liam and quickly put on his shoes while the wolf did the same. He said, "I think they are targeting Erik."

Liam looked confused as he asked, "The guy that watched our practice with Alia."

Theo nodded, "He is the rogue alpha."

Liam argued, "Then why didn't we stop him there?"

Theo rolled his eyes, "Because Erik doesn't know what he is doing. He is being controlled by Gran with that pendant."

Liam nodded as the radio squelched again, "Target located on the preserve. Move into position."

Theo stood up and the two ran out of the den towards the preserve.

Severo parked the van in the parking area on the nature walk entrance side of the preserve. He stepped out of the van and the two other hunters exited the vehicle. He looked to his cell and read the message:

Meet me near the Hale house. See you soon.

Severo looked to the other hunters as he pulled out a shotgun from the back of the van, "Get ready to deal with Monroe's men. I don't think this will be as easy as it seems."

The two men grabbed their firearms and the three walked into the preserve.

They walked for almost an hour before they made it to the rendezvous point near the Hale house. Severo saw several bodies on the forest floor with Jorge barely grasping for air as he sat against a tree. It looked like the men were torn up with claws that shredded their clothes and skin. Severo ran to his fellow Calavera and saw how the claws had pierced Jorge's chest where pink bubbles gathers around his left side. He was covered in superficial lacerations but the chest wound was clearly meant to be the death blow.

Jorge whispered, "Severo. Monroe's hunter. Trying to kill. Everyone. Alpha claws."

Severo grabbed his hand as he knelt down and said, "Save your energy. We need to get you to safety."

Jorge shook his head as he coughed up blood, "Not the wolf. Alpha claws."

Before another word was spoken, a shot rang out in the preserve and one of the hunters with Severo dropped to the ground. The round struck him in the center of his head and he was dead before he hit the ground. Severo shouted, "Get to cover."

More rounds were fired and ricocheted around the two hunters but they were able to take cover behind the larger trees of the preserve. Severo identified where the shoots were coming from and motioned to his fellow hunter. They continued to hear more shots fired but found that none were landing near them. Severo looked towards the muzzle flashes and saw that the ambush appeared to be ambushed. He watched as Monroe's hunters ran further into the preserve and motioned to his compatriot for them to pursue.

They ran into the forest, moving tactically between the trees as they gained ground on the retreating force. As they closed the distance, they saw a figure, completely dressed in black with large claws through his gloved hands. Severo watched the figure drop a body, one of Monroe's hunters, as the others ran. Severo ran after the retreating hunters while his compatriot charged the figure.

The figure charged towards the Calavera hunter and closed the distance before the man was able to line up a good shot. He fire his shotgun at the figure but missed wildly as the figure sidestepped and tore into his arm. The hunter released a scream which was quickly muffled as the figure tore through the hunter's throat and dropped his body.

Liam and Theo ran into the forest near the school. Almost immediately, they were able to catch Erik's scent and ran in that direction. They heard gun fire and the smell of blood caught them not long after they approached the area near the Hale House. They pushed through their bodies' screams of exhaustion as they approached the scene of carnage. They saw Erik, completely wolfed out, holding a body in the air, his face close to the man's chest.

Theo yelled, "Put him down. You don't need to do this Erik."

The alpha turned towards the two and threw the body to the ground. He leaned forward and released a mighty roar towards Theo and Liam. The pure force of the roar forced both men to wolf out. Glowing red met the two sets of gold as Liam roared back at the alpha.

Theo whispered to Liam, "We have to subdue him without really hurting him."

Liam growled back as Erik charged towards them, "Easier said than done. He's trying to kill us."

Erik slashed towards Theo as Liam stepped aside to create distance. Theo grabbed the clumsy attempt and shifted his weight to throw the alpha into a nearby tree using the alpha's momentum against himself. Erik flew through the air and cracked against the large tree.

Liam used the opportunity to charge Erik and grab his right arm. The beta tried to pull it around the tree but the alpha was too strong and threw the smaller wolf towards Theo. The chimera barely dodged the body of his boyfriend as he lowered himself to prepare for the alpha's next charge. Erik got to his feet and roared at Theo. Theo returned the roar as the alpha charged him. Theo dodged the succession of slashes that Erik threw at the chimera and landed a few claws of his own to the alpha's torso. The cloth tore and blood sprayed but the wounds quickly healed. Liam jumped to his feet and moved towards the alpha.

On the last slash, Erik missed the contact with his claw but lowered his body and shoulder tackled the chimera to the ground. Theo skidded across the leaf covered dirt and almost immediately felt the weight and pressure of the alpha as he pinned him to the ground. Theo instinctively threw his hands towards the alpha and caught the claws before they could make their way to the chimera. Theo smugly muttered, "Any time Little Wolf."

Liam laughed before he jumped on Erik's back. He raised his hand and slashed into the alpha's neck. Erik released a roar of pain as the claws connected. Liam quickly realized the chain was caught between his claws and yanked back with all his strength. Initially he choked the alpha with the pendant as he pulled back and shifted Erik off balance. The alpha slashed wildly back towards the beta but Liam dug his knees into Erik's back and wrenched the necklace against the bucking alpha. With one more strong pull the chain shattered and the beta tumbled backwards as Erik fell off Theo and rolled to the side of him. Theo quickly got to his feet and rushed to Liam. He turned to see Erik slowly getting to his feet.

The alpha looked back at the two and released a wounded howl as he darted off into the forest. Theo helped Liam get to his feet and said, "I think he just lost control."

Liam held up the remains of the pendant, "Wasn't Gran using this for his self-control too?"

Theo nodded and said, "So this is Erik's first full moon as an alpha. We've got to find and stop him."

Liam nodded and said, "Let's split up. We can catch his scent and try to harry him. We might be able to stop him before he makes it into town."

Theo grinned and agreed, "Alright Little Wolf. We'll do it your way." Theo shifted into his wolf form and charged into the forest while Liam ran to out flank the rampaging alpha.

Theo darted through the darkness of the forest to catch up with Erik. He caught his scent but the scents of blood and munitions began to drown it out. After rounding a particularly large tree, Theo felt the blunt impact of someone tackling him to the ground. He quickly got to his feet and looked to see the Calavera hunter.

Severo addressed the wolf, "Derek? Are you Derek Hale?"

Theo rolled his eyes and shifted back into his human form. He looked at the hunter warily and asked, "What do you want with Derek? And clearly I am not him."

Severo raised his hands to show he didn't mean harm and said, "It's Monroe's hunters. And this monster alpha."

Theo thought about Erik but quickly dismissed it since Liam was still tracking him. He smugly responded, "We are dealing with the frenzied alpha and what about Monroe's hunters?"

Severo shook his head, "That alpha wasn't frenzied. He was cold and calculating. Between him and Monroe's hunters, I am the only Calavera left."

Theo shook his head and stated, "That doesn't make sense. Why would Monroe's people kill other hunters and I don't think we are talking about the same alpha."

Severo weighed the decision in his mind before he finally said, "I was sent here to find out what Monroe was doing. I think this might be more serious than Araya originally thought."

Theo rolled his eyes, "So you want help? Are you sure? I am one of the nasty monsters that goes bump in the night."

Severo argued, "We still live by a code. I'm not here to hunt you. I know that you must know something that is going on here and I still have some leads to follow up when I get back to my van."

Theo smirked, "So you want to share information. Alright, I can agree to that. When?"

Severo thought for a moment before he stated, "Meet up at the diner off 13th street Tuesday. That should give me plenty of time to follow up leads."

Theo extended his hand and shook Severo's hand, "Consider it a plan then. Now if it doesn't inconvenience you too much, I have a frenzied wolf to get back under control."

Severo laughed at Theo's statement as the chimera shifted back into wolf form and charged into the darkness.

After almost half an hour, Liam and Theo met up. Both men lost track of the alpha around the creek that ran through the center of the preserve. Theo shifted back to his human form and looked to Liam, "It doesn't make sense. His scent shouldn't just disappear."

Liam nodded as he tossed Theo's pants to the chimera. "I know. Could it have something to do with the Nemeton and how it hides its presence?"

Theo shook his head as he pulled his pants on, "I don't know Little Wolf, but I've got a bad feeling about this."

Deep in the preserve, Erik continued to run, his vision clouded by the rage that was released by the presence of the full moon. As he ran into an open glade, he heard the sound of a shot ring and felt the impact as he fell forward and tumbled into the tall grasses.

Two hunters, equipped the night vision goggles and high powered rifles with scopes approached the downed alpha. One raised his weapon and shot a second, wolfsbane round into the prone teen.

They looked to each other as Erik fought against the crippling pain and one said, "Orders were to kill this one on sight."

Behind them they heard the voice of a young woman, "Don't you dare."

The two men looked back towards the voice and Alia slowly stepped into their view. She continued, "I don't care what your orders are, we are not killing him."

One hunter laughed and walked towards Alia as he said, "You may be here as an asset but Monroe's word is law. Orders are to kill and that's exactly what I am going to do."

Alia glared at the two men as her eyes shifted silver. The trees around them violent burst into splinters which pelted them as they fought against the force waves to remain standing. The hunter raised his weapon and pointed it at Alia. The sound of a deep voiced male as he laughed was heard behind Alia. When he stepped into view he was a larger dark skinned man with jet black hair, wearing an expensive suit. He stated, "You might want to listen to my niece. She just gave you two a warning shot. Next time, I'm certain it will be you she turns into splinters."

The other hunter argued, "But our orders."

The suited man grinned, "So you don't kill him, you only capture him. Where is the harm in that? Plus, didn't Monroe want to find an alpha linked to the wolves here? I think you two just completed that mission."

The two hunters nodded and slung their weapons. The man looked to Alia, "Alia, you know that with them agreeing to this, we have to help them bring him back."

Alia looked to the ground and whispered, "I know. I just like him Uncle."

The man placed a hand on the teen's shoulder and said, "Perhaps there is something we can bargain for him. For now, help them to get him back to base."

Alia nodded and said, "Yes Uncle." She looked to the thrashing alpha and her eyes once again flashed silver. Slowly, Erik fell asleep.