Killing the Past

"Dad?" I couldn't believe it. My father was here in the Argent home, just like when I was a child, ignorant to the true world I live in. Even more surprising, he had cleaned up. The grizzly beard that usually covered his face was shaved and gone. His hair was a warm chocolate color, now with flecks of silver age. And the most surprising thing of all, he was sober. I saw Chris leave out of the corner of my eye.

"Aideen, come sit. We need to talk." He patted the seat next to him. I walked over to the nearest chair that seated one person. I could tell he was upset I didn't sit next to him by the deep sigh that passed through his lips.

"What do you want?" Something very big must have brought him here if he had bothered to leave the house and get sober for enough to get here. The last time I saw him, he was slouched on the couch, beer in hand as I shouted I was leaving to him and that I loved him. I never got a reply and I wont waist those three precious words again.

"I noticed you're engaged. At sixteen. As your father, this is a problem. Especially when you take the boy into question." Anger boiled in my blood.

"I noticed to decided now to step up and be a father. You don't deserve to have say in my life anymore. You gave that right up the day you checked out after my sister died and my mother left. I don't blame you, but don't think you can come in and alter my life any more than you already did."

"Look, I know that I'm a crappy dad. I won't lie and say I'm not. But, you're my daughter and owe me that level of respect."

"Chris is more of a father to me than you are. He cares about me. Has me how my day is stead of swinging down his beer and passing out before making dinner. They are my family, and so is Justin, so don't come in and think you can just join."

"Right. Justin. We need to have a talk about him. I noticed the... interesting choice of ring he got you. I find it a bit ironic, don't you?"

"You mean Allison's mom called you and told you everything that's going on because she's worried about me and I heard you make her promise that she would call once a week to keep tabs on me? I'm surprised you even cared that much."

By the hurt look on his face, I could tell I hit the nail on the head. "Sweetie, I-"

"Don't start with the pet names. I'm not five."

"Fine. I'll be the bad guy. He's a werewolf, Aideen. You're a hunter. That doesn''t exactly work out. You need to end this silly game. I don't know if you're suicidal, or you want attention or what, but this needs to stop."

"It's no game. I love him. And about me being a hunter, I only protect the people from dangerous monsters. He's not one. He has saved my life countless times. He's faithful, and would do anything for me. I have no doubts in him, so you can take yours and go back to Texas. I'm sure the Jack is getting lonely."

"Enough with the attitude! I'm your father like it or not, and I came her for you! I do care, Aideen! If I didn't, I wouldn't both coming and would have just let this continue to trick you."

"He's not trying to trick me!" I stood up, unable to control myself any longer. "He loves me and I know it. Just because your marriage jacked up, doesn't mean mine will. Now, I can't deal with you right now, so please just go!"

He rose slowly, age showing as his back popped. I almost felt bad at the pained look on his withered face. Almost. I had to fend mostly for myself for years when he checked out. I had plenty to be pissed about. "Ok, sweetie. I'll go. If you want to talk to me, I'm staying at the local Super 8. I love you."

I turned away without saying it back. "See how you like it knowing no one cares," I seethed just loud enough for him to hear. I went to my room, and I waited until the slam of the front door sounded through the house. Only then did I let some of the hot tears fall. I never let them see me cry.

The next morning, I woke up feeling lonely. I wanted the person who I knew could make that go away. I got some fresh clothes on and headed out the door. Th shop, where Justin would b working, was a little while away, but I needed a good walk to think about things.

When I got there, I went through the back door the way I usually do with Justin. The smell of baking goods filled my nose. I loved that smell. It made me feel at home. I went to the back office to find Justin, popping my head into the unlocked door. Suddenly, I felt something grab my wrist. It pulled me back into the hall to face a pissed looking brunett.

"Well, who peed in your pancakes?" I asked. This only intensified the dirty look I was getting.

"You're not supposed to be back here. I'm going to have to ask you to please leave." I put my hands on my hips, ready to go rounds with this chick. Who the hell does she think she is?

"Actually, I am supposed to be here. I'm looking for Justin Topain, my fiancé. And who are you?"
He face melted into shock. "Oh my gosh, I had no idea that he was engaged! I'm so sorry! My name is Arianna, and I'm new here. I just moved to town." I felt my eyes narrow suspiciously at her. If she was so new, why act like she and Justin are best friends?

"It's fine. I'm Aideen, and I'm kinda in a rush. Have you seen him here, or not?" I was't trying to be rude, but it came off that way.

"I haven't seen him since he left to go home. He just showed me the ropes and left."

I didn't have a reason for being here, then. I smiled as nicely as I could and said goodbye. I made my way out and was starting to walk back home when my cellphone started to ring. Justin's picture popped up, his smile warming me even then.

"Hey, babe. I was looking for you," I said in a flirty tone.

"Aideen, it's Justin's mom. There's a problem. Justin is sick, and he won't wake up. I think you should get here." I wasn't expecting that.

"I'll be there in just a second." I hung up and broke into a dead sprint to get to the Topain home. I was tired and and I had a stitch in my side when I got to the house. I'm very fit, but I was going as fast as I could. I tore open the door and made my way to his room as fast as I could.

I didn't like what I saw. Justin lay in bed, not moving one bit. I couldn't even see his chest rising with his breath. His mother sat by his side in a fold out chair, her hand clutching his. Austin was nowhere to be seen.

"Aideen, sweetie, I'm glad you're here!" I could hear the sob in her voice. My whole body went numb, and I felt my knees grow weak. I walked over to them and sat on the corner of his bed.

"I'm going to call the ambulance to take him to the hospital, but I wanted you to be able to see him if... well... Austin saw him once and had to leave. It's hitting him pretty hard, I think. His last relative is..."

"I'm sure he is. Do you know what happened to him?" I didn't want to hurt her more in her already frail state. My fingers mindlessly combed Justin's red hair. It felt good to touch him, but his skin was much too cold. He's always warm, and now his skin was ice.

"No, not a thing! Austin found him like this and helped me get him into bed. I called you as soon as we did that. I... I don't know what I'm going to do, Aideen. You're really my next closest family."

I got up and put my arms around her. "Thanks, that means a lot to me."

She patted my hand, and I could hear her sniffling as her tears started to fall. "You know, when Justin came to me to tell me that he was going to ask for your hand, he was worried I was going to disapprove because of his age. He was surprised when I hugged him and said, 'finally, you learned to never let that girl go!' He laughed and showed me the ring. It told him it was perfect, though he was worried you wouldn't like it. I knew you would, though." While she talked about it, she twirled the little band around my finger. I smiled, though I felt tears as well.

"I have to go now. I have something that needs to be done. I'll come by the hospital tomorrow. Nothing will stop me." She squeezed my hand one more time before letting go. I let the room, trying to give a rough smile which she tried to return, streaks of water streaming down her face.

I went down the stairs, keeping my eyes wide open. I was looking for him. He knew I was coming, and he stood with his back against the front door. His arms crossed over his chest, and a smug look was plastered all over his face. It was almost as if Kate had been turned into a guy and was living.

"Get out of my way," I hissed. I walked over to him, staying slightly back to control myself from killing him right there. I knew he had something to Justin, so he had to live until Justin was ok. He put his face close to mine, his breath mingling with mine. I wanted to draw back, repulsed, but I didn't want him to mistake it for fear. I held my ground as he brushed his nose against mine.

"You know, I'm starting to see why Justin got over Laura so fast. There is something special about you. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't kill you."

I glared, but stayed still. "You won't be saying that when I kill you."

"Fiery. I like 'em like that. Look, babe, I know why you're with him, and it's not because you love him, is it?"

"Why else would I be with him? He's my world!"

"I think you're in it for another reason. I think you want something he can give you. Actually, it's something I can give you, too. You want to be one of us, right? a Werewolf? If you join me, be my mate, I'll do it for you."

I spat in his face, beyond angry. "I've never had the thought! Now move, or I will move you. You pick!" He just wiped away my spit and moved over just enough for me to get out. I was sickened by the very idea of ever being with that monster!

I knew exactly where my next stop was going to be. I was jogging at an easy pace there. I didn't exactly know how he was going to react, but I need him right now. He's really the next closest person I have left, and I don't even know if he hates me now.

I came up to his home, still dark and depressing. I don't know how he lived in it after everything that happened. Part of what happened was my fault, too. It suddenly felt very cold, and I shivered.

I didn't bother knocking. He was either going to kill me or not. I went to his living room, or what was left of it. I didn't see him, but it smelt like him all around. I was just comforted being at his home. I went to the little couch and curled up on it, letting the frustration out and screaming into the cushion. After I finished, my throat was sore, and I kept my face buried in the pillow.

My heart stopped in dread when I felt a hand on my back. Slowly, I rolled over, looking into his ruby eyes. "What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, Derek. I didn't mean to just walk in. I wasn't thinking, I guess. I don't want to think. I just... I don't even know." I was shaking, but not in fear of him. I was just cold, and scared for Justin.

"I didn't ask why you were here. I asked what you're doing. And I'm not going to kill you, so stop shaking." His eyes softened at me and they went back to their normal stormy grey.

"Sometimes, I wish you would. I deserve it. After what happened to you in the cellar, it was my fault. I'm so sorry for what happened, Derek. I could have done something, and I didn't. Now, I don't even have Justin."

He sat down next to me and pulled me into him for a rare hug. It was the most compassionate I had ever seen him. "You're cold." I nodded, agreeing. "I don't blame you for what happened, Aideen, and you know it. I told you what to do and you did it. I would never hurt you for any reason. I don't think I could even kill you if you tried to kill me. Besides, I'm fine. I already told you that I heal fast."

"I know what you told me, but you just can't walk away from something like that as if it didn't happen. I know you're strong, but I also know that no one should be alone, and I think you are because of her. No matter what you say about it to make me feel better, it's not going to happen. It's just going to scar me forever."

He sighed, upset by my words. I didn't come here to hurt him, bu it seemed that it was all I could do. "I just want Justin, Derek. You the last thing I have left."

"What happened to him? Is he ok?" Big brother popped up in his tone and I wanted to smile, but I couldn't.

"His mother called me earlier today. They found him on the floor, not moving and hardly breathing. She's taking him to the hospital now. I don't know what happened to him, Derek. He was so cold, he almost seemed dead! All I know is that Austin has something to do with it."

"All those symptoms sounds like wolfsbane poisoning. Austin must have given him a small dose of the plant to put him temporally out of commission for some reason."

"You're right," a new voice said. Footsteps echoed through the empty halls, huge thuds of boots. Austin's tall frame came into our vision, and I curled instinctively into Derek for protection. I was in no emotional condition to fight him right now. "I needed him out of the way, for the time being."

Derek stood, pulling me behind him, placing himself between me and the intruder. Austin chuckled an insidious noise that made Derek visibly bristle. I saw his eyes get darker an darker, turning ruby red. "What do you want?" His question was a deep warning bark, short and brisk.

"What I really want, is more than one thing. I want a pack, which means I want Justin. Justin wants her, and not me, so I need her, which fills in my other wish. I want a beautiful mate. A werewolf would have been preferable, but that can easily be fixed."

"Over my dead body!" Derek snarled, voice mutilated by the fangs growing from his mouth. He changed into a huge creature. He looked more like an actual wolf that his uncle did, but I could still see human-like qualities about him, such as his dark hair.

"As you wish," Austin grinned before changing into something more beast-looking. I figured the larger a pack you have, the more the inner-wolf has control over you. Austin roared at my protector, teeth snapping harshly, red fur rippling.

Derek returned the sound with more intensity. "Aideen, run!" His voice wasn't his own, but I could tell it was him. I shook my head, loyal to my pack. I pulled knives out of my boots. And clenched them in my fist. I would not leave my best friend to fight alone.

Austin rushed at me, trying to get to me first. Derek knocked him over, and the two began to fight. Horrible sounds came from the two wolves. Ripping sounds of flesh and snapping of bones and teeth scared the crap out of me. There was no possible way form me to join without gettng hurt myself.

Derek's teeth clamped onto Austin's throat, but the yelping wolf in return clawed across his face. Derek was ripped away from him, but went back into the fight. Soon, they began rolling on top of each other for dominance. Austin had Derek on his back and was going in for a killer blow.

Refusing to let Derek die, I rushed the wolf on top of him, leaping onto his back and putting my blades into his shoulders. I wrapped my legs around his back, ridding the monster. Austin howled in pain from the silver edges of the blade, and he reared up to knock me off. I clung to him, trying to hold on, but he fell over backwards, pinning me under his massive frame. The pain of impact didn't break anything, but it knocked the wind out of me.

Derek rolled the other wolf off of me, allowing me to breath again. Austin lay panting for a moment, collecting himself as Derek made sure I was ok. He nuzzled my side, asking how I was. I patted him head to reassure him, when out of nowhere, Austin knocked him over, clamping teeth around his front paw. Derek yelped, and the very pain of it forced him back to human form.

He laid breathing hard on his side, blood gushing from his body, particularly his arm. Austin changed back into a human, looking bloody was well. Derek crawled over to me and laid on top of me as a shield. Austin just walked over and kicked him repeatedly, trying to get him off. Derek wouldn't willingly yield until Austin sent a kick to his head, making Derek slump over.

Austin rolled him off me and grabbed my wrists tightly, forcing me to drop my blades. He pulled my back into his chest as he used some rope from his back pocket to tie my wrist together. When he finished, he shoved me down on the floor. I made a light thud on impact, though it hurt more than I'd like to admit. I used my elbows to crawl to Derek's body, trying to see if he was alive, but I was pulled away by my legs.

Austin then walked over to Derek, and he picked up his face in his hand. I saw his eyes roll in his head and he was forced up. Claws grew from my enemy's and hand, and he put them on Derek's neck. "No, don't! Please!" I screamed. Austin looked over at me, curiosity in his eyes.

"Why? Why do you care so much? I can maybe believe a hunter fell for one wolf, but not two. Besides, if you cared so much, why did you let your people torment him? I'm just ending his suffering."

"It's not like that! He's my best friend. And I did care! That day will torture me until I die! Just please, don't kill him. He's done nothing to you."

Austin took in my words carefully, thinking about them. Suddenly, eyes still locked on me, he bent his head to Derek's ear. "You're lucky she was here. I really want to kill you right now, but I won't because you can still be used against her. Tell Justin, when he wakes up, that I'll be in touch." With that, he tore his claws across Derek's chest and dropped him to the floor again.

Then, he came and dragged me away. He slung me over his shoulder and began to run away from the house, and I could hear a broken howl of anguish pour from them ashen home.