Hi there everyone! Thanks for coming back. I have ya'll a little something something so show my appreciation. It's brief and I promise I'll make a better one later.

~~Enjoy~~

Derek went to bed before I did. He was exhausted from having to deal with Kate. I had all intentions of joining him, but I was too upset to sleep. I was in the basement linking the talismans together on a necklace chain when my phone rang. I was really starting to hate the song 'Cool Kids'. Stiles was calling me too much. I sighed and answered the phone when it rang for eighth time.

"Why are you frantically calling me?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, no, I mean, I'm fine but my dad's not."

I furrowed my brow as I placed my talisman in the middle.

"What happened to your dad?"

"He was hit by car, I mean he looks okay, but he's hurt."

"Hurt how?"

"He's got a major bruise and maybe some tissue damage on his back-ish area."

I sighed.

"He should take it easy for the next few days."

"I know, right? Hear that dad? Whitney says to take it easy."

'Tell her I'm fine, that it's just a bruise.'

I smiled.

"Call me tomorrow if the pain gets worse."

"They're going to proscribe him some pain killers and then we'll head home."

Stiles sighed.

"If Scott hadn't been so worried over Allison and stuff, maybe my dad wouldn't have gotten hurt."

I frowned slightly and put my jewelry pliers down.

"Now Stiles, Scott cares for Allison deeply. Werewolves have a natural instinct to protect the ones they love. Scott is still adjusting so Allison's safety takes precedence over everyone else. He can't help it."

"And somehow I highly doubt that. Ugh, why did things have to get so complicated?"

I shook my head.

"You're still mad at Scott aren't you?"

"Yes, yes I am."

I hung my head.

"I give up. You're on your own."

"With what?"

"Nothing. Don't be too mad at him okay?"

"Yeah, sure thing."

"Okay. Again, call me tomorrow if the pain gets worse or the pills aren't helping your dad, alight?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll do that."

"Good. Goodnight Stiles."

"Night."

I hung up the phone and stared at the necklace.

"How does one grieve for a family who hated her? How does one forget the need she felt for a family who didn't want her? How does one miss a family that never loved her?"

It was simple really. I loved my family more than anything and they in turn were simply jealous. Jealous of my power, of my strength, and of my position. Tribrids are royalty among the supernatural, or so I've been told. My coven respected me in a way I never understood. They would never place their personal feelings before the good of the coven. I was chosen as the leader and they wanted it that way. Why? Hell if I know. My family was complicated that way. I scratched my head and looked at the window. The sun had started to rise and the light was abnormally bright for me. I rubbed my eyes and got up from the table. I sat the necklace on display and carved a spiral into the wood beneath it.

"This deed shall not go unpunished. This, I swear to you all."

I walked back upstairs and into the kitchen. I made some cookies and left them on the table for Derek to find. I walked out of my house and inhaled the cool air deeply. I sat Derek's jacket on the porch swing so he'd know that I went running. I changed into a pair of maroon cargo pants, a black tank, and my running shoes. I had no plans of being back any time soon. I ran around until it had started getting dark. Derek was on the swing waiting on me when I got back.

"Have you been here all day?"

"Not really."

I smiled as he handed me my black leather jacket.

"Where are we going?"

"To surprise Scott."

"A training lesson? Today?"

"Why not? The surprise will be good for him."

I sighed.

"If you say so."

I slipped my jacket on as Derek shifted. I bit my lower lip as I looked him up and down.

Enjoying yourself?

I smiled.

Maybe.

I cracked my neck.

I've got an idea.

What is it?

How about I give Scott a real test?

How?

Like this.

Shifting into my full wolf form would have fine, but even Derek hasn't seen my Alpha form yet. My fur was naturally white and I loved it, but I needed to blend in; not stand out. I shifted into my alpha form, which is a bit smaller than a males, and furrier. I stood up on my hind legs and Derek smiled.

Damn.

Surprised?

Not really.

Darn.

I got back down on all fours, dyeing my fur black as I did so. I walked over to Derek and rubbed my head into his chest. He petted me for a moment and walked away.

Scott's getting groceries right now so we should hurry.

Then what are you waiting for? Run.

I took off at full speed and Derek followed me. Running like this, with Derek, makes me feel free. Scott was parked on the third floor of the parking garage so I used my magic to move it to the fifth floor. Derek told me to reveal myself after he caught Scott so that he could show Scott the power of numbers. I nodded and waited for them. I was on level two hidden behind a large truck. I shifted my violet eyes over to red. Derek was in for a huge surprise. I heard car alarms go off and I shook my head. The noise hurt my ears a bit. I scratched behind an ear as a phone went off. I rolled my eyes as the two of them started talking. I couldn't hear them until my ears quit ringing.

"But, but the car alarm thing, that was smart, right?"

"Till your phone rang."

"Yeah, but that was, I mean, would you just stop? Please? What happened the other night, Stiles' dad getting hurt; that was my fault. I should have been there to do something. I need you to teach me how to control this."

Derek's trying Scott. Just hang in there.

"Look, I am what I am because of birth. You were bitten. Teaching someone who was bitten takes time. I don't even know if I can teach you."

Wrong.

"What do I have to do?"

"You have to get rid of distractions. You see this? This is why I caught you. You want me to teach you? Get rid of her."

"What, just because of her family? Wait - wait - whoa – whoa!"

Scott's phone smashed against the wall. That was my Que.

"You getting angry? That's your first lesson. You want to learn how to control this, how to shift? You do it through anger, by tapping into a primal animal rage, and you can't do that with her around."

"I can get angry."

"Not angry enough. This is the only way that I can teach you. Now, can you stay away from her? At least until after the full moon?"

No.

"If that's what it takes."

"Do you want to live? Do you want to protect your friends? Yes or no?"

"Yes. If you can teach me, I can stay away from her."

I growled as deep as I could manage. Derek and Scott looked around.

"Uh, Derek?"

"That wasn't me."

I crept out from around the corner of the second floor. Derek looked surprised and Scott was terrified.

"This so isn't happening right now."

I growled again as I crouched down.

"Scott?"

"Yeah?"

I snarled at them and lunged forward.

"Run!"

They ran from me. I chased them to the fourth floor before I managed to tackle Scott to the ground. Derek had his back though and he tackled me off of Scott. I was shoved into a van as Scott got up. Derek shifted and roared at me. Scott followed his lead and I growled louder this time. I lunged at Derek, who sank his claws into my sides and threw me over to Scott. Scott then proceeded to throw me into the concrete wall. I shook my head and snarled as I got up. It was the double teamed throw back into the concrete wall that caused me to shift my eyes and fur back to their original color. I shifted back into my human form and groaned in pain as I sat up. Derek and Scott went to their human forms as well.

"What's she doing here?!"

"She was supposed to be helping me."

"Helping you do what? Scare me to death?!"

I smiled as Derek put his hands on his hips.

"I actually thought you were him Whitney. We could have killed you."

I giggled and whined as my broken spine healed.

"Immortal, remember?"

Derek walked over to me and helped me up.

"How was any of that part of the plan?"

"I wanted to teach you both a little something."

Scott was confused.

"What would you have to teach Derek? I thought he knew everything?"

I smiled and leaned against the wall.

"To a degree. I wanted to teach Derek that he was capable of putting his pack's safety before his own, which he did, by telling you to run. He also challenged me after getting me away from you. Basically telling me that if I wanted you dead, I'd have to kill him first."

Derek rolled his eyes and slid his hands in his jacket pockets.

"Don't do that again."

I looked at Scott.

"I agree with him. That wasn't funny Whit. I was terrified!"

I smiled again and nodded.

"Fine. You guys win. You should go home Scott. You've got school in the morning."

He nodded and walked off.

"I can't believe you just did that."

I sighed.

"Sorry. I'm impressed though."

"Over what?"

I used my magic to take us back to my house.

"Over your willingness to protect Scott. That means a lot to me."

"You almost make it sound like he's your pup."

"Do I?"

"You were testing me. Why?"

"I needed to know how you'd react. I can rid myself of your mark but you can't get rid of mine once I claim you. I needed to know if my choice of mate was the right one."

Derek growled at me.

"Why would you get rid of my mark?"

I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not saying that I will, just that I can, if I needed to."

He glared at me and I threw my hands up.

"Never mind. I give up."

I walked away from him. I was trying to make a point, but I seem to have forgotten what it was.

I'm gonna go track the alpha. Wanna come?

Not really. I've got something I need to do. Maybe tomorrow, okay?

Sure.

I was just turning around to head upstairs when I turned right into Derek's chest. I made a face as he hugged me. I hadn't sensed him come up behind me. I hooked my fingers into his belt loops as he let me go.

"We'll find him Whit. We'll get revenge for Laura."

I sighed as I stared at his abdomen.

"What happens when you become the Alpha?"

"We'll discuss it when we get there."

I hung my head a little.

"Is Laura the only reason you came back?"

"Whitney."

I looked up at him, his eyes were glowing softly.

"Why do you doubt me like this?"

I furrowed my brow. I trusted Derek with my life, so why was I acting like this?

"I want you to be sure of this, of us. If you become an Alpha being with me may get harder or easier. The power that comes with becoming an Alpha can change you. I'm just scared that you won't want-"

Derek cut me off by kissing me. He slid a hand into my hair and around my waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck, tiptoeing as I did so, and he deepened the kiss. I could hear his heart beat pick up as he brought my body closer to his. I could feel him shifting as I ran my hands down his chest. I pushed Derek against the wall and I growled at him when our lips parted.

"Weren't you leaving?"

"In a minute."

He kissed me again as he slid my jacket off. I kissed him back harder as I slid his jacket off. Our lips parted as his heart steadied, his shift reversing. I pulled my shirt off the same time he did. I used my magic to take us to my bedroom and Derek purred in my ear.

"Please."

I smiled as I unbuttoned his pants.

"Please what?"

"Mark me."

"Then strip."

We peeled the rest of our clothes off and I laid on the bed. Derek crawled between my legs slowly, trailing kisses up my body as he did so. I closed my eyes in pleasure and moaned lightly as he ran his nose up my neck. My eyes were glowing softly just as his were.

"Beta."

"Alpha."

I smiled.

"Take me."

Derek smiled back at me.

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Shut up."

I kissed him as he sheathed himself inside of me. I've slept with Derek in the past but I don't remember him being this big. I moaned and he nipped at his mark on my neck. I held onto him as he moved, both of us breathing harder as our pleasure mounted. His movements quickened as I drug my nails down his back. I pressed my body against his when I fell over the edge. Derek followed shortly after me and I shifted my teeth, sinking them into his skin. He howled when my teeth broke his skin; I drank from him, finding ecstasy in the endorphins in his blood stream. My purr was almost a growl when I whispered into his ear.

"Mine."

"All yours."

We shared another passionate kiss before he collapsed beside me. I rolled over onto my side, Derek wrapping an arm around my waist, and sliding the other under my head as I did so. I intertwined our fingers together as he pulled me closer. He didn't have to say it this time, I could feel it, and his blood was thick with it. Derek loved me honestly, deeply, and truly; but something inside me, somewhere deep down, was terrified. I love Derek more than anything, so where was that feeling coming from? I was almost asleep when he kissed my cheek.

"I love you."

His whisper was so soft that I almost didn't hear him. I'm not sure if I replied to him or not but I know the blush that spread a crossed my face with my smile should have been answer enough if I hadn't.

When sleep finally found me, I was faced with a choice: Become human so he could evolve and live or let him become human and die at the hands of someone he once trusted. This was no memory; this was a vision. My choice was clear, my decision final, and I would never change it. I would sacrifice everything I was and become human, so that he wouldn't have to, for death would make him evolve as it had once done for me. The only question I had, was the only question I dared to ask: What happens to me once I was human? The answer, was a clock fading into the distance as the hands flew around it. With my immortality gone, with no magic keeping me young, time would catch up with me, and death would greet me shortly. Would I give my life for his? Should the chance arise that I could choose differently, would I make the same decision twice? My answer, without hesitation, is yes.

I woke up that next day, heavy from the vision. I sat up slowly and sighed. I don't know who the vision was about, nor do I know if it'll even happen; fate was funny that way. I picked up my phone just as Stiles called.

"No."

"You don't even know what my question is."

"I don't care."

"Ouch. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

"What – do – you – want?"

Yes, I was cranky, but you would too if you found out you might have to become human with no answer as to why.

"Would it be possible for you to come to school for a while?"

"Why?"

"To help Scott."

I sighed heavily.

I never thought I'd ever get sick of hearing about Scott.

"Fine. I'll be there shortly."

"Could you grab a heart rate monitor used by the track team and the coach's phone while you're at it?"

"You're going to monitor his heart rate so he knows when to calm down."

"Yes."

I rolled my eyes.

"Why do I have to get them?"

"You've got magic. Duh."

Not for long.

"Okay. I'm on my way."

"Thanks Whit. You're a peach, you know that?"

I smiled.

"I am very aware."

I hung up on him. Stiles was inviting me to help, why? I used my magic to get cleaned up, changing into my blue jeans, skate shoes, black tank with a silver heart on it, and my red leather jacket. I pulled my hair into a ponytail as I stuck my phone in my back pocket. I disappeared and appeared at the school. Fun fact: I own the place. Why? Blame my father, he used to own this place before he died, leaving it to me in his will. So what does that mean? It means I can run around campus for no reason and no one can tell me to leave. That had its perks, occasionally. I headed out to the lacrosse field, using my magic to take the coach's phone and a random heart monitor from the track team equipment. Stiles and Scott were waiting on me.

"Hey Whit. What are you doing here?"

I looked at Stiles.

"You didn't tell him I was coming did you?"

"I may have forgotten to mention it."

"Right. Okay. Now, put this on."

I handed Scott the monitor.

"Isn't this one of the heart rate monitors for the track team?"

I smiled.

"Yeah, I borrowed it."

"Stole it."

"Temporarily misappropriated."

Stiles smiled.

"Coach, uses it to monitor his heart rate with his phone while he jogs, and you're gonna wear it for the rest of the day."

I pulled the phone from my jacket pocket.

"Isn't that coach's phone?"

I smiled.

"Now that, I stole. Magic was very helpful."

Scott smiled but was confused.

"Why?"

I looked at Stiles.

"Your turn."

Stiles looked at Scott.

"All right, well, your heart rate goes up when you go wolf, right?"

Scott and I nodded.

"When you're playing lacrosse, when you're with Allison, whenever you get angry. Maybe learning to control it is tied to learning to control your heart rate."

Scott looked at me.

"Like the Incredible Hulk."

I smiled.

"Kind of like the Incredible Hulk, yeah."

"No, I'm like the Incredible Hulk."

I shook my head.

"Shut up and put the strap on."

Scott put the monitor on under his shirt and we headed over to the middle of the field. Stiles duct taped Scott's arms behind his back.

"This isn't exactly how I wanted to spend my free period."

I rolled my eyes.

"This is not how I wanted to spend my afternoon. Get over it."

Scott looked at me like he was hurt.

"Why are you so bitchy?"

I sighed.

"I'm sorry, I'm just not in a good mood today."

"I can tell."

Stiles walked back over me with his lacrosse stick and his duffle bag.

"All right. You ready Scott?"

"No."

"Remember, don't get angry."

I looked at Stiles as he handed me the phone.

"Keep an eye on this."

"Sure thing."

"I'm starting to think this was a really bad idea."

I smiled as I watched Stiles hit Scott with a lacrosse ball. I made a painful face as Stiles hit Scott square in the jaw.

"Oh, man. Okay, that one…kind of hurt."

Stiles wasn't having it.

"Quiet. Remember, you're supposed to be thinking about your heart rate, all right? About staying calm."

I smiled as Stiles missed and Scott was reinforcing the calmness to himself.

"Stay calm. Staying calm. Staying totally calm. There's no balls flying at my face."

Scott groaned in pain as the next ball hit him in the collarbone. I giggled and tapped Stiles's shoulder.

"Can I try?"

Stiles smiled and handed me the stick. I gave him the phone as he did so.

"Be my guest."

I took the stick and threw a few balls at Scott. Three missed, one hit him in the ribs, two hit him in the chest, and one hit him in leg. I was having fun for a change so I decided to put a little more oomph behind it. I regretted it immediately as the ball hit Scott in the crotch.

"Aah! Son of a bitch!"

"You know what Whit? I think your aim is actually improving."

I bit my lip as I looked at Scott.

"Wonder why."

"Don't get angry Scott."

"I'm not getting angry."

I gave the stick back to Stiles as he handed me back the phone. Stiles threw five more balls before Scott needed a break.

"Stop. Just…can we just hold-"

The sixth ball made Scott groan in pain and I panicked as I stared at the phone. Scott's heart rate was 158 and rising.

I gave the phone to Stiles and I ran over to Scott. I knelt down in front of him.

"Calm down Scott. Calm down."

Scott broke the tape around his wrists and dug his nails into the dirt. He groaned and his heart rate began to slow.

"Scott, you started to change."

"From anger. But it was more than that. It was like, the angrier I got, the stronger I felt."

I nodded and looked at Stiles as Stiles looked at me.

"So it is anger, then. Derek's right."

I looked at Scott and he looked at the ground.

"I can't be around Allison."

"Just because she makes you happy?"

"No, because she makes me weak."

Everyone has an anchor and a trigger. The anchor makes you human, like the pain does. I helped Scott up off the ground and looked at the boy behind the bleachers. It was Jackson. Now, Jackson and I have a past. I dated him up until last year, when he got together with Lydia. He knew I was witch and yet kept my secret. He caught me healing a bird's broken wing once, so I wound up telling him about that part of me. He thought I was incredible, at first. He soon lost interest though, like most children often do with their toys. I smiled at him as Stiles and Scott walked away. He smiled back at me and walked off as well. I wasn't expecting that. I also wasn't expecting the decaying smell that wafted off of him in the breeze. So, I followed the boys to their locker room where I waited until Jackson was the only one left.

I walked in to see him leaned over one of the sinks. He scratched at the back of his neck before unbuttoning and pulling his shirt off. He was groaning in pain as he peeled his bandage off. I could see the claw marks on the back of his neck, I could feel the wolfsbane coursing through his body, and I could see that it was killing him. Derek must have done that the day he was shot and came looking for Scott. Jackson's not such a bad person really. He doesn't deserve to suffer like this. Jackson started coughing and gagging. I could see the black clawed hand come out of his mouth and suddenly disappear. Jackson was hallucinating, his body was shutting down, and it was trying to heal all at the same time. He hung his head as I walked over to him. He was trying to calm himself and even out his breathing. I wasn't surprised when he didn't startle at my touch. I guess he was still used to it. I ran my hand up his back and wrapped my other hand around his arm.

"Jackson, you look terrible."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm worried about you. You look really pale."

"I'm fine."

He looked at himself in the mirror as I placed my chin on his shoulder.

"You can't lie to me Jackson. Let me help you."

His blue-green eyes were full of fear, confusion, and disbelief.

"Why would you help me?"

"Because no one deserves to suffer like this, even the ones that do."

He sighed as he stared into my eyes.

"Eyes that blue should be a crime."

I smiled.

"Does that mean you'll let me help?"

He nodded.

"Do what you can."

I slid my hand up his back and onto his neck, covering the claw marks Derek had made. He would be changing like Scott did if it weren't for the wolfsbane in his blood. I'd have to talk to Derek about this later. I used a more advanced healing spell on Jackson. I patted his back and I crossed my arms.

"You should see a doctor Jackson. That spell with only slow down the symptoms for a short time. Okay?"

He nodded as I walked off.

"Hey, Whit?"

I turned back to him and slid my hands in my back pockets.

"Thank you."

I nodded and left. I was walking down a hallway when I noticed a girl sitting by the lockers. Her scent was sweet and metallic. I guess with a name like Argent they're all going to smell like silver one way or another. I stopped beside her and slid down the lockers to sit with her. She looked at me.

"Who are you?"

I smiled.

"My name's Whitney and I'm guessing you're Allison."

I was confused.

"How do you know my name?"

"I'm friends with Scott and Stiles."

She smiled.

"No way. You're that Whitney?"

I giggled.

"I see I've been mentioned. A few times."

Allison grinned as she set her book down.

"Scott told me about you not long ago because Stiles talks about you all the time."

"Does he now?"

She nodded.

"It's nice to finally meet you. I feel like I know you so well already."

I nodded.

"I feel the same way. You're all Scott talks about."

"Really?"

"Really."

Allison looked at her hands as she fiddled with her pen.

"Something wrong?"

"It just…it just feels like he's been avoiding me lately."

I nodded.

"Scott's going through some things. Don't take it too personally, he cares deeply for you. Just hang in there okay?"

"Okay."

Allison smiled at me.

"I know this might sound weird, but would you mind if I give you my number? You're like a sister to Scott and I would really love it if we could be friends too."

I smiled and pulled my phone from my back pocket.

"Here."

"Really? You don't mind?"

"I know what it's like to be the new girl in school, to not know anyone, to have very few friends, and what it's like not having someone to talk about boys with that isn't family."

Allison put her number in and handed my phone back to me as she took hers out and passed it over as well.

"You really know what that's like?"

"Oh yeah. I moved a lot as kid. My grandmother was a hunter and my grandfather was an herbal healer so we went where the work was."

I put my number in her phone and handed it back to her.

"I thought Scott said you grew up with Derek and his family."

I nodded.

"They took me in when my father died. My grandparents passed away just months before his passing. I was lucky to be young enough not to be able to understand death. Made moving on all the easier."

"I can imagine. I'm so sorry."

I smiled.

"I met Scott and Stiles that way. They attended my father's funeral together. Stiles's dad had befriended my father several years before hand and so he found it necessary to pay his respects to me. My father was cremated before the funeral so I found it odd that they showed up to say goodbye to a bunch of ash. I'm forever grateful that did. I wouldn't be who I am now if Scott and Stiles hadn't entered my life back then."

Allison smiled.

"How did they change you?"

"Believe it or not, I was a very bitter person after my mother died. Her side of the family hated me and my father's family was no better. I wound up living on the road with my grandparents, both of whom would have preferred to leave me in an orphanage, because my father thought he could find my mother in the bottom of a beer bottle. My grandmother hunted big game animals and my grandfather gathered herbs to make natural medicines with. I was just in the way but they took care of me the best they knew how. The lack of love turned me bitter to the world. I hated everything and everyone around me. Had Scott and Stiles not have shown me the power of friendship, I would have ran from the Hales, the people who took me in when I needed a family the most."

I looked at Allison as she fiddled with her fingers.

"Too bad you can't change the past huh?"

I chuckled.

"I wouldn't change it for the world."

She looked up at me.

"Why's that?"

"Listen carefully Allison and listen well. We can't change the family we're born into, we can't change what we're born as, and we can't change who other people are or even who we are. The only thing we can change is the future. We can decided who we're going to be and we can make the decision to better. If we can't be difference, if we can't be better than those around us, then we have missed the point of living; for life without love, forgiveness, and understanding, is life not worth living."

She nodded and I pointed at her necklace.

"Be careful what you look for. You may not like what you find."

Allison was confused but she smiled anyway.

"I'll keep that in mind."

I smiled back as I got up off the floor.

"Do me a favor."

"Yeah."

"Don't let your ancestry define your future. It's called history for a reason."

She nodded as I began to walk away.

"Hey, Allison?"

I turned around and Allison looked at me as she picked her book back up.

"If had to give up everything that made you who you are in order to save the life of someone you love, would you?"

She thought about it for a moment.

"Are you asking me if I would sacrifice my life for Scott's?"

I shook my head.

"That wasn't what I was asking."

"Yes."

"What?"

"My answer to your question. It's yes."

I smiled and nodded before walking away again. I wonder what Derek would say. Hell, I wonder what Stiles would say. I had just made it off of school grounds when Derek's car pulled up beside me. I opened the door and climbed in.

"Where have you been?"

"Gathering information. I need to go see my uncle which is where we're headed."

He looked at me, then at his mark, and then back at the road as he took off.

"You don't have to go in. You can wait in the car if you want."

I smiled and turned to Derek.

"Afraid your claim may make him angry or something?"

Derek didn't answer me so I took his right hand off the steering wheel, intertwining our fingers as I did so. Derek held my hand tightly before looking at me.

"Peter always said you were the perfect mate and perfect for the future of our pack. I was too blind to see it then. He would be proud of me, I think."

I smiled as Derek looked back at the road again.

"We are marked, mated, and imprinted now Derek. No one can change that."

He smiled and kissed my hand, goose bumps running up my arm as he did so. I can't believe that I'm mated to Derek Hale. I couldn't be happier. I suddenly remembered my vision. My vision was about Derek. I could feel my heart sink. Is it selfish of me to hope that my vision was wrong? The rest of the drive was quiet. I was leaned against Derek's arm when the Crossing Home came into view. Derek parked the car and we got. Once we were inside, Derek walked into his uncle's room with me behind him. I could feel that overwhelming darkness again. There's no doubt about it now. You're the alpha Peter Hale and I'm on to you. We sat on the bed together and Derek turned his uncle around to face us. Derek looked at the ground as if ashamed of having to come here.

"I need your help."

I placed my hand on Derek's leg as he looked at his uncle.

"If you can hear me, I need you to give me a sign. Blink. Raise a finger. Anything. Just…Just something to point me in the right direction, okay? Someone killed Laura. Your niece. Laura? Whoever he is, he's an Alpha now. But he's one without a pack, which means he's not as strong. I can take him. But I have to find him first. Look, if you know something, just give me a sign. Is it one of us? Someone else make it out of the fire? Just give me anything. Blink. Raise a finger. Anything."

Derek was growing impatient.

"Say something!"

Derek was shaking his uncle's wheelchair as the nurse came in.

"Let him go."

Derek stood up straight as I looked at him.

"You think after six years of this, yelling at him is going to get a response?"

Derek looked at me before looking back at her.

"Got a better method?"

"Patience. He'll respond if you give him the time."

Derek looked at his uncle.

"I don't have any more time."

With that, Derek walked out of the room quickly and the nurse turned to me.

"He's still hurting inside and I don't blame him. Do you mind if I stay a few more minutes? I have a few things I'd like to tell Peter as well."

She smiled at me.

"Of course. Take all the time you need."

She walked out of the room and I smiled at Peter as his finger lifted slightly. I grabbed the pack connection so only he could hear me.

I know what you are Peter.

I could feel him smile.

Took you long enough. I would have thought you would have caught on a little sooner.

Who made it out of the fire with you?

Now Whitney, you know as well as I do that information like that doesn't come free to you.

Bite me.

I already have.

Who made it out of the fire Peter? Tell me who survived!

I'll give you a hint: she was your shadow.

Cora's alive?

Maybe.

I could feel relief flow through me. If this was true, then Derek's little sister was alive.

Kiss me.

I smiled.

No.

That's an order Whitney.

My eyes glowed slightly as I showed him Derek's mark.

I'm mated to another.

He growled at me.

Traitor!

Derek will kill you.

I let the connection go as I stood up from the bed and leaned over to whisper into Peter's ear.

"I am your slave no longer."

I smiled again and walked away. I could feel the dark energy around me grow darker, if that was even possible. I walked out of the building in time to see Derek pull a sheet of paper out from under his windshield wiper. Derek looked around before looking at me.

"Something wrong?"

He handed me the sheet of paper as he got in his car. I looked at it as he opened my door from the inside. It was a deer with the spiral on it. I climbed in his and put the paper in my lap.

"I'm guessing we're gonna go see Deaton now."

"You would be guessing right."

I nodded as Derek sped off, dangerously I might add.

"Do you drive like this so you don't have to shift very often or do you do it to impress me?"

I earned a smirk from him.

"I'm in a hurry."

"Why?"

"Are you seriously asking me that question right now?"

I started laughing.

"I'm glad you think it's funny."

I bit my lower lip as I calmed down.

"Sorry love, but I find your two track mind adorable."

Derek rolled his eyes as we pulled up to the animal clinic. Derek grabbed the paper after he parked and we went inside.

"Scott, you're late again. I hope this isn't getting to be a habit."

Dr. Deaton turned to us. He looked at me before looking at Derek.

"Can I help you?"

Derek sighed slightly.

"Hope so. We wanna know about the animal you found with the spiral on its side?"

Dr. Deaton was confused.

"Excuse me? What animal?"

He crossed his arms as he looked at Derek.

"Three months ago. The deer."

I took the paper from Derek's pocket and opened it up.

"You remember this?"

Dr. Deaton looked at the paper and at Derek a few times before looking back at me.

Something's off.

"Oh, yes. It's just a deer. And I didn't find it. They called me because they wanted to know if I'd ever seen anything like it."

Derek looked at me and then at Dr. Deaton.

"What'd you tell 'em?"

"I told them no."

I could hear the uptick of Dr. Deaton's heart.

"Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"The sound of your heartbeat rising."

Dr. Deaton was confused.

"Excuse me?"

Derek walked towards Dr. Deaton and Dr. Deaton backed away and stood behind the table. Derek stared Dr. Deaton in the eyes.

"It's the sound of you lying."

Derek grabbed Dr. Deaton and pulled onto the table where he proceeded to punch Dr. Deaton in the face to knock him out.

"Come on, Derek. Was that necessary? You cut his cheek open."

"He knows something and he's lying about it. Either help me tie him up or get out."

That was mean.

I helped Derek get Dr. Deaton tied up with bandage tape. It was the only thing I could find that would hold his hands behind his back. It's not like the man had rope or anything. I think I would have preferred putting handcuffs on him. At least that way it would guarantee Dr. Deaton wouldn't get loose. I blushed and bit my bottom lip. Derek looks sexy in handcuffs…cuffed to the bed…begging for release… I leaned over the table as Derek turned all but the exam light out. I bet I can make him whimper with need…with just my hands… I was pulled out of my thoughts when Derek grabbed my waist and bent over on top of me pressing his lips against my ear.

"I could make you beg for me too you know."

The purr in his voice made me shiver.

"You were listening?"

He ran his lips up my earlobe slowly.

I can always hear you when you think about me.

I turned my head to look at him.

"Since when?"

"Always."

Derek kissed me and I gladly returned it. I slid my hand into his hair as the kiss deepened. Our tongues danced together for felt like ages, only to pull away from each other so we could breathe. I smiled as Derek nipped down my neck. Better yet, I should just cuff you to me. Derek growled lightly as he pressed his lips against my ear again.

"Maybe later."

I purred in delight only to groan in defeat when Dr. Deaton began to wake up. Derek walked over to the corner as Dr. Deaton opened his eyes. He began to panic as the pull on his restraints.

"Oh, God."

Derek walked towards him.

"Are you protecting someone?"

Dr. Deaton looked at Derek.

"All right. The key to the drug locker is in my pocket."

Derek grabbed Dr. Deaton and leaned into his ear.

"I don't want drugs. I want to know why you're lying."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Derek whipped Dr. Deaton around to him and pick up the chair he was in.

"What are you doing to me? What do you want?"

"I want to know who you are or who you're protecting.

The light suddenly flicked on.

"What are you doing?"

I looked at where Scott was the same time Derek and Dr. Deaton did.

"Scott, get out of here!"

Derek dropped Dr. Deaton to the floor and punched him in the face again, knocking him out for the second time. Scott walked over to Derek.

"Stop! Stop!"

I sighed as Derek turned to Scott.

"Look, when he's conscious, he can keep himself from healing, but unconscious, he can't."

"A-Are you out of your mind? What are you talking about?"

I was just as confused as Scott was but then it hit me. Derek thought Dr. Deaton was the alpha.

"You want to know what the spiral means, Scott? It's our sign for a vendetta, for revenge. It means he won't stop killing until he's satisfied."

"You think he's the Alpha?"

"We're about to find out."

Derek went to attack Dr. Deaton with his shifted hand but Scott shifted and stopped him. Derek was surprised when Scott gave a low roar in warning, shoving Derek's hand away from him. I walked over to Scott and put a hand on his shoulder as Derek backed away slowly. Scott looked at me and then back at his hand as he calmed down.

"Hit him again, and then you'll see me get angry."

I smiled and patted Scott's back as he turned to me.

"Now boys, let's not get carried away here. I can put you both in your place if I have to."

Scott almost glared at me.

"Why were you letting Derek beat him?"

My eyes glowed in warning as I stood between the two of them.

"You're crossing a line Scott. Back off before I do something I regret."

"You wouldn't."

I narrowed my eyes at him, using my magic to squeeze his brain. The pain caused Scott to put his hands on his head.

"Okay, Okay! I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

I stopped as my eyes returned to their human form. Scott looked at me like his feelings were hurt.

"You're lucky I didn't alpha you into place."

"Whitney, I'm sorry. He's my friend and I was protecting him."

I nodded in understanding.

"You scared Derek and my instincts took over. I need the two of you to get along. Can you guys do that? For me?"

I looked at Derek as he looked at the floor. He nodded and then looked back up at me. I returned my gaze to Scott who looked at the floor as well and nodded before looking back up at me.

"Okay then. Scott, why don't you find a disinfectant for Dr. Deaton's cheek and take care of that for him."

"Sure."

Scott was cleaning Dr. Deaton's wound as Derek paced around the room. Scott looked at me as I stood on the opposite of Dr. Deaton.

"He's making me dizzy."

Scott tried to whisper to me and I nodded in agreeance as Derek walked over to Scott.

"Do you have a plan?"

Scott thought about it a moment.

"Just…give me an hour."

"Then what?"

"Meet me at the school. In the parking lot."

Derek almost rolled his eyes as he walked outside. I looked at Scott as he threw the cotton ball away.

"You're gonna call Stiles aren't you?"

"How'd you guess?"

"Because I know the two of you that well."

He smiled.

"What do you think I should do?"

I looked him the eyes as he stared at me.

"The Alpha in me wants her Beta to kick some ass, but, I honestly just want you to be careful."

"Your Beta?"

I smiled.

"You're one of my best friends Scott, so of course you're part of my pack, just like I'm a part of yours; Stiles too for that matter."

Scott nodded.

"Have you told Stiles that you're dating Derek yet?"

I sighed.

"No, not yet."

"I thought so."

I scratched the back of my head.

"Keep an eye on Dr. Deaton for me. I'm going to go get Stiles."

I nodded as Scott walked away. Derek came back in when Scott left.

"Feel better?"

I looked at Derek as he glared at me.

"I take that as a no."

"You still have feelings for Stiles, don't you?"

I was confused.

"Where is this coming from?"

"Answer the question. A simple yes or no will suffice."

"No."

"You sure about that?"

I rolled my eyes as Derek walked over to me, my eyes suddenly finding the right side of the room very interesting.

"Onyx."

Shit. There goes my middle name again.

"Do you love me?"

I looked at Derek, his eyes was glowing softly, and I could see the pain, the fear, and the worry behind them. My glowed softly as I stared into his eyes.

"I've always been in love with you."

I've cared for Stiles and Jackson both, but not like this, at least I don't think I did.

The slight uptick of my heart beat surprised us both.

"I heard that."

"Listen carefully Derek, and listen well. I love you."

My heart beat was steady and Derek leaned his forehead against mine.

"But there was a time when you didn't, wasn't there?"

"In my defense, you didn't always love me either, remember?"

Derek sighed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to question you."

I smiled.

"Come on. Let's get this guy in the back of your car."

Derek and I carried Dr. Deaton out to Derek's car, where I found a roll of duct tape in the back floor board. I raised an eyebrow as I turned to Derek with it in my hand.

"Why is this in your car?"

"Don't ask."

"I'm asking."

"It's for you."

"To do what with?"

"To put over his mouth so he doesn't scream."

I pouted as Derek got in the driver's seat. He had a point but that wasn't my question. I taped Dr. Deaton's mouth shut and put the roll of tape back in the floor board. I closed the door and got in the car. Derek took off once the door was shut.

"I can't believe the sun's gone down already."

Derek smiled as I leaned against his shoulder.

"Time flies when you least expect it to.

"True that."

I smiled as he kissed the top of my head. We arrived at the school just in time to see Stiles pull a pair of wire cutters and a flashlight out of the back of his jeep. I got out as Derek turned the car off.

"Where's my boss?"

"He's in the back."

I looked at a disapproving Stiles.

"Oh, he looks comfortable."

I scratched the back of my head as they walked away.

"Wait. Hey. What are you doing?"

"You said I was linked with the Alpha. I'm gonna see if you're right."

Derek looked at me as I walked over to him.

"What's he doing?"

I sighed.

"No idea."

We walked over to Stiles's jeep and leaned against the back of it. I looked at Derek as the school intercom came on and Scott is pathetically trying to howl.

I giggled as Derek grimaced.

"You've got to be kidding me."

He shook his head and sighed.

"That's an insult to wolves everywhere."

"Agreed."

I shook my head as Derek wrapped his arm around my neck, kissing my temple as he did so. It was then that the intercom came back on and Scott's roar sounded around us. Derek and I looked around a moment and then looked at the door to school. I felt my eyes shift against my will as I looked at Derek.

"What's wrong Whit?"

"Scott just called the Alpha. He's bringing him here."

Derek ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm gonna kill him."

I turned my back to the school as I looked around.

"This isn't going to end well. We're not prepared for this."

Derek was pissed as Scott and Stiles walked towards us. I kept my eyes shut. They weren't shifting back to their human forms and I had no idea why so I closed them as to not freak out Stiles.

"I'm gonna kill both of you. What the hell was that? What are you trying to do, attract the entire state to the school?"

"Sorry. I didn't know it would be that loud."

"Yeah, it was loud. And it was AWESOME."

"Shut up."

"Don't be such a sour wolf."

I opened my eyes and Stiles freaked.

"Woah, wow, your eyes are like, really violet."

I sniffed the air slightly as I felt that darkness nearby. Scott motioned to Derek's car.

"What'd you do with him?"

"What?"

Derek and I turned to the car to see the back seat empty and Dr. Deaton gone. Derek turned back to Stiles and Scott as I walked over to Scott.

"I didn't do anything."

Then I heard it, the sound of something running towards up. I turned around to see blood pouring out of Derek's mouth as the alpha pick him up off the ground. I stood there, staring at Derek as the blood continue to pour out of him mouth and all over him. The alpha tossed Derek against the building and he fell to the ground, face in the leaves, and his eyes wide open. Scott and Stiles had bailed into the School as I just stood there. I could still hear Derek's heart beating and I turned back to the alpha.

You will watch your friends die as punishment for your betrayal and I'll take your precious Beta as one of my own.

I don't know if it was fear or anger or both that made me shift into my alpha form but I spread my wings defensively as I took a step back towards the school.

Over my dead body!

I roared at him, challenging his claim on Scott.

So be it.

I'm the one telling this story and I am excited to know what happens next. Stay tuned to find out!

~~Leave some love~~
P.S.
Rates are appreciated as I have no idea how you guys like the chapters I post if no one says anything.