CHAPTER FOUR
Magda snarled and snapped her teeth at Derek, but the chains held. They had been at this for over two hours. Derek morphed into wolf form and growled at her authoritatively, but Magda didn't back down.
"Magda, I need you to focus," he snarled back at her. She struggled against the shackles that bound her wrists and ankles, wary of the one around her neck, spikes less than in inch from her throat. Derek stood directly in front of her, with Isaac and Cora flanking him on either side. "Remember what I said earlier. I need you to focus on one thing, one emotion, one human emotion. You are in control of this wolf, it does not control you."
Magda continued to thrash and snarl. Derek turned to Cora and Isaac, all three in wolf form.
"I hadn't expected so much… energy from her," Derek confessed. "I had thought she would be a more submissive wolf, at least at first."
"She was nervous all day, I could feel it, or the lack thereof," Isaac informed him. "Maybe it's all her pent up emotions being expressed as a wolf."
Magda howled and thrashed, regaining their attention.
"Remember what it's like to be human, Magda. Find your humanity. Remember what it's like to feel, both good and bad," Cora told her friend. Magda just turned to her and let out another snarl.
"Magda, I know you can do this," Isaac said calmly. Magda's bright yellow eyes snapped to meet his human blue ones, baring her teeth threateningly. Isaac didn't back down. She then looked up at the ceiling and let out a long howl.
When she finished, her head dropped towards her chest, and she stopped thrashing, her breathing still labored.
"Is she… is she okay?" Isaac asked, sending a worried glance to Derek.
When she looked up again, Magda's humanity was evident in the yellow eyes.
"You did it," Cora said proudly.
"What was your anchor?" Derek asked.
"Do you really need to know?" she asked with a friendly growl.
"Yes, actually. So if you ever lose yourself, we can use your anchor to help coax you back to humanity. Unless you'd like for us to let you go and kill innocent people," Derek snapped back.
Magda mumbled something under her breath.
"What was that?" Derek prodded.
"If you must know," Magda said through gritted fangs, "my anchor is Isaac."
Isaac's eyes widened as Derek and Cora both turned to look at him.
"He was the first one in Beacon Hills, the first one since I turned or ever in my life really, who was kind to me. He was my first friend, and he introduced me to you guys, my pseudo family pack thing. I wouldn't be where I am right now without him," Magda explained softly, looking at the floor. Isaac's face turned a light pink. There was an awkward pause before Magda continued. "So could someone please unshackle me now? This isn't very comfortable."
"Because of the shackles or because of your anchor?" Cora teased. Magda snarled at her playfully, but Cora helped Derek unchain her. Isaac stayed back, silent. Magda did her best to avoid his gaze anyway.
"So now that I'm in control, what's the next step?" Magda asked.
"Now comes the fun part," Cora lit up. "We get to roam through the forest all night. We can hunt if we want, but none of us really took to the taste. It's an exhilarating feeling, especially the first time."
"Alright," Magda said with a nervous smile. "Let's go."
Magda followed the group as they ran through the forest. She was amazed at the feeling of how quickly she could run, how aware she was of her surroundings, how her blood pumped through her veins.
Excitement fueling her adrenaline, Magda raced ahead of the others until her lungs felt like they were going to explode. Still, she felt light and happy. She paused and sat on a stump as she waited for the others to catch up.
Derek was the first to reach her.
"Thank you," she told him warmly. "I should've said it earlier, but thank you for everything. For taking me in, for teaching me to control myself on the full moon."
"I know what it's like to feel lost," Derek told her, looking out at the moon. "Maybe not exactly the way you do, but… Everyone deserves a family. Everyone deserves a pack." He looked at her and smiled warmly.
"Cora was right," Magda teased. "You are a big softie after all." He growled playfully at her.
"Just don't spread that around," Derek joked. "I have a reputation to uphold, you know."
"Your secret is safe with me, Derek," she promised. "As long as you don't go around telling people Isaac is my anchor."
"Of course not," Derek said. "I'll have to save that should the need to blackmail you ever arise."
"And there is the sneaky badass Derek that I imagined you'd be," Mia said with a sparkle in her yellow eyes.
"How are you feeling?" Cora asked as she and Isaac finally reached them.
"Amazing," Magda grinned, her fangs shining in the moonlight. "I've never felt so… alive."
"I told you, getting the bite was the best decision I ever made in my life," Isaac said with a small smile.
"I'm getting the feeling that getting bitten was a blessing in disguise, myself," she admitted, returning the smile.
"Alright, enough of the mushy," Cora said. "Last one back to the loft is doing dishes for the next week."
When the group arrived back at the loft, Derek immediately went to bed, Cora teasing him about being an old man, to which Derek only playfully snarled at. He couldn't really argue, as he was the last one to reach the loft and the one stuck with dishes for the rest of the week. Although Magda suspected he lost on purpose.
Cora lingered for a few moments in the living room with Isaac and Magda, talking a little more about Magda's experience on her first full moon before faking a yawn and heading back to her room.
Magda and Isaac stood awkwardly for a moment before Magda broke the silence.
"Okay, let's get the awkward conversation out of the way," she said quickly, trying not to turn red. Isaac smiled lightly. "You're my anchor. Is that weird for you?"
"I dunno," Isaac admitted, scratching the back of his head. "I mean, it's really, truly flattering."
"You're just trying to be nice," Magda said. "It's weird, isn't it?"
"I just… It's hard to wrap my head around the idea that I mean so much to someone, ya know?"
"I mean what I said earlier," Magda said softly. "You changed my entire life around in just a few short days."
"I guess I'm so used to being blamed for all the negative things, it's just a shock to be the cause of something good," he admitted. Magda tentatively took his hand in hers and squeezed it. He smiled at her gratefully.
"You're a good person, Isaac. Never forget that."
"Thank you," Isaac said shyly. "How do you feel about our sleeping arrangement?"
"I actually kind of like it," Magda admitted with a shy smile. "If you're still okay with it that is."
"Definitely," Isaac nodded. "I know we're just friends, but… I kind of like having you around."
"Good, because you offered me a place here in Beacon Hills and I don't really have any other place to go," she teased as she climbed into bed with him, resting her head on his chest without hesitation.
Isaac boldly placed his hand on her hip, pulling her a little closer to him. Magda leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
The next few weeks went by quickly for Magda. She easily fell into a rhythm with the Hales and Isaac. She went to school, had lunch with Cora, and came home to do homework, sometimes staying after school to watch the occasional lacrosse game. She would do homework or hang out with Cora, and sometimes Isaac, until it was time to make dinner; have training exercises with Derek and Cora and most times Isaac. Then went to sleep in Isaac's bed. Derek stopped questioning it, Cora's teasing about it ceased to only twice a week, and neither Isaac nor Magda felt the need to define or explain their unique friendship.
As ordinary as it sounded, Magda had never felt happier or more at home.
One night, Magda was going through some physical training exercises with Derek and Cora when he brought up an interesting proposition.
"You know, I think you should try making friends with the rest of Scott's pack," he said as she practiced punching and blocking hits from Derek. In her few weeks in Beacon Hills, her scrawny and frail body had quickly become toned and muscular. She even felt the confidence to only be wearing a sports bra and yoga shorts, with her hair tied back.
"Already tired of my company, Der?" she said in between huffs and blocks.
"Ever since the day you arrived, little pup," he replied sarcastically, not missing a beat. One day Derek had called her that while she pouted over something, and the name stuck. It was a rare sign of affection from the former-alpha and it was a special bond between the two.
Magda threw a flurry of punches, but Derek quickly knocked her down. Magda blew a strand of her hair out of her face as she easily stood back up.
"I thought I told you not to take it easy on me," she said, stretching.
"You come in with your hits too quickly," he told her. "Accuracy and power, not quantity, is what's important. A bunch of half-assed hits won't do anything. You've got to get the power punches in. Be patient." Magda nodded.
"I don't know how to make friends," Magda said finally, after drinking her bottle of water.
"Hell, neither do we," Cora said. "Us Hales aren't exactly the friendliest of people."
"And yet you were the ones who took me in," Magda pointed out. "Interesting chain of events."
"I think Lydia would be a good place to start," Cora said, ignoring her friend's comment. "She isn't fully immersed in the supernatural world, and isn't fiercely loyal to Scott. She's really only there because of Alison. And if you just mention the word shopping to her, I doubt she'd turn away."
"Me and her don't exactly have the same style," she said, thinking of the fashionista. "Besides, you took me shopping for the essentials two weeks ago. I'm set for the rest of the season."
"Except," Cora added with a knowing smile, "for the fact that there's a school dance next week." Magda made a face at the mere idea of it.
"I do not do dances," Magda said. "Even if I did, I don't have anyone to go with."
"Don't have anyone to go with where?" Isaac asked as he entered the room. Cora raised her eyebrows and winked at Magda. Magda inwardly groaned. She should have known.
"The school dance next week," Cora answered with a devious grin. "We were telling Magda that asking Lydia for help for shopping for a dress would be a good way to make friends with her, and slowly start edging her way into Scott's pack."
"But little pup here is a bit of a lone wolf," Derek added. Magda sighed. Now both of the Hales were against her and having fun tormenting her.
"I'll take you," Isaac offered casually. "Never been to a school dance myself actually. Who knows, maybe it'll actually be fun."
"Sounds great," Magda said through a forced smile. "I'll talk to Lydia tomorrow. Isaac, do you mind sparring with Derek. I think I want to try my hand against Cora tonight."
"Hi, Lydia," Magda said nervously as she approached the redhead in the hallway.
"Hi," she replied with a tilt of her head a polite smile. "Magda, right?"
"Yeah," she said as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know this might be weird, but I heard you were the fashion queen here at Beacon Hills, and I'm going to the school dance with Isaac, but I don't have a dress, and Derek gave me his credit card, and…"
Lydia shushed the rambling girl with a finger. "Say no more," she smiled. "You had me at fashion queen. Meet me at my car after school and we can go to the mall, sound good?"
"Alright," Magda said with a small smile.
Later that afternoon, Magda followed Lydia like an obedient puppy as she strutted her way through the juniors' section of Macy's. Lydia made her way through the racks as if she knew exactly what she was looking for while Magda trailed behind, eyes wide as she stared at all the bright, sparkly dresses.
"I've never bought a dress before," Magda commented softly, in awe. Lydia so abruptly that Magda nearly bumped into her.
"You're kidding, right?" Lydia asked looking at her.
"Uh, no?" Magda said. "I mean, Cora took me shopping a few weeks ago, but we just got the essentials, like shirts and jeans and some shorts. And then athletic wear like yoga pants and the such…"
"Of course," Lydia said. "I don't think Cora would let anyone catch her dead in a dress. Well every girl should at least have the opportunity to own a dress or two. You said you have Derek's credit card, right?" Magda nodded. "Perfect. We'll get you a dress for the dance this Friday, and maybe a few cute day dresses if you'd like?"
"I've always thought dresses were so pretty," Magda told her. "That's why I never thought they would really be for me."
"Oh, sweetie, you are pretty," Lydia told her. "You just need to wear the right clothes and accessorize the right way so your beauty shines."
"Really?"
"Yes really," Lydia said, grabbing a couple of dress off the racks.
"Dresses just show so much," Magda said as they walked towards the dressing room, Lydia occasionally grabbing another dress.
"Are you one of those modest types? Because, honestly, sweetie, you have a banging body and have nothing to be ashamed of," Lydia said.
"Well, that's after weeks of training with Derek," Magda said, blushing slightly at the compliment. "And, well… before I had to worry about hiding the bruises." Lydia's face softened as she remembered what Alison had told her about the mystery of Magda's past.
"Well, good thing you're a werewolf now then," Lydia smiled gently. "Now you can heal easily, and kick ass to boot." Lydia paused before continuing. "You know, sometimes I envy your ability to fight back." Before Magda could reply, the redhead handed her a pile of dresses. "Here, try these on, and let me see each one."
For the first few dresses, Lydia and Magda were mostly silent besides Lydia giving her two cents on whether the dress was a good fit for her not.
"So are you and Isaac, like, a thing?" Lydia asked as Magda turned in a sparkly bright pink dress.
"No," Magda answered quickly, though her heartbeat quickened. "We're just friends."
"You might not be a thing," Lydia started as she shook her head. She handed Magda another dress, but continued, "Not yet at least. But it's clear that there is something going on between you two. I mean, you hardly talk to anyone besides Cora and Isaac in school at all, and Isaac has been spending less and less time with Scott and more at the Hales, presumably with you."
"I'm working on being more social," Magda defended. "And Isaac is just a really good friend. I care about him."
"Mhmm," Lydia said. "I'm sure that's it."
Magda came out in a lime green, one-shoulder dress. Lydia made a face and quickly shook her head.
Magda hesitated a moment before going back to change into another dress. "Do you… do you think he thinks there's potential for more?"
"I mean, I don't really know him that well," Lydia said through the dressing room door. "But I don't see why not. You guys are really good friends, spend a lot of time together. And you both are werewolves, so you've got that in common. Interspecies dating can be a bit of a bitch."
Magda came out with a hopeful smile at Lydia's words. Lydia's face lit up.
"That's it. That's the dress," Lydia said, standing up and clapping her hands. "If Isaac doesn't have feeling for you yet, he will once he sees you in that."
"You think so?" Magda asked, turning and looking at herself in the mirror.
"It's perfect."
Magda quickly went back to change into her own clothes, returning all the other dresses to the racks. The pair then went on to look for more casual dresses.
"Thank you, Lydia," Magda said as they looked through the racks together. "For helping me pick out a dress. And for spending time with me."
"Any reason to go shopping, dear," Lydia smiled at her.
"Well, it means a lot to me," Magda told her. "And I caught your comment earlier, about being envious about my ability to fight back. If you wanted, you could join Derek and I on some of our training sessions. We could easily teach you a few basics. Self-defense at the very least, and however much more you'd want to learn. I'm still learning myself, I'm sure Derek wouldn't mind."
Lydia looked at her with a smile and suddenly hugged her.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. "That would be great. And since I assume Cora won't be going to the dance this Friday," Magda shook her head in confirmation, "So you should come over to my place to get ready. You can come over right after school, and just tell Isaac to pick you up there. Ooh! We can get a limo!"
"I'd love to come over to get ready, but I think I'd feel more comfortable if Isaac just picked me up."
"That's fine too," Lydia smiled. "Oh I am so excited for Friday, I can't wait!"
"Me either," Magda smiled lightly. Though she didn't express it as Lydia did, she was already counting down the days til Friday.
Yay! I hope you guys are just as excited about this new chapter as I am! I've been on a writing roll lately (if you're a fan of Charmed, I've been writing a lot for my Charmed fanfic titled Lieutenant as well). I am so thankful for all of you readers. If you have even a second, please try to leave me a review! Let me know what your favorite part was, or if there's anything you're confused about. Again, from the bottom of my heart thank you, and I hope to have another chapter up soon! :)