Chapter 18

A/N well here's chapter 18 already! Thank you to everyone who's left a comment, I love hearing your feedback. So a small tiny thing… I have for some inexplicable reason named Chris' mother Juliana and then proceeded to name Jackson's mom Julie, not realizing that we already have a Julia (Baccari) in the story O.o So yeah I don't know why I have given them such similar names but since they are not exact duplicates and I'll probably be using Miss Baccari mostly instead of her first name it should be fine. I might go back and change it when the story is finished but idk we'll see.

Also anyone else feel like Baccari is waaay to similar to Bacardi? Or am I like a dumb boozehound?

Anyways enjoy and let me know what you think!

From my mind you shall never be erased,

In my heart you'll never be replaced.

S&M

…

It'd been about a week and a half since she had taken the twins in, making it almost three and a half weeks since she arrived in this time. It was weird, some days it felt like she'd just been here for mere hours and other days it felt like she'd been here for months.

The boys were warming up to her surprisingly fast, perhaps they sensed a kindred spirit in her. And while they were still keeping their distance, cautious of approaching or disturbing her in any sense, she saw small improvements every day. They were more talkative, both to each other and to her though with her they were careful to only speak when she didn't appear to be doing anything else. They've gotten to the point where they've explored most of the house and have now moved onto the reserve surrounding the Adelaide house.

Finding sleep had been difficult those first few nights, the instinct to stay awake and guard was reawakened by the twins' arrival. She found herself continuously listening and searching out their soft heartbeats day and night, instinctively leading her to search for the others which of course led nowhere aside from short moments of utter panic until her brain caught up with her body.

Today they'll be touring the Elementary school and the town a little, maybe stopping by the graveyard before heading over to the Hale property.

The Hale pack…

Turning onto her side she admires the picture on her nightstand, it has some water damage and numerous folding lines roughing it up but it was one of her most prized possessions nonetheless. It's said that a picture speaks a thousand words and looking at the loving faces of her pack she can't help but feel no truer words were ever spoken. She'll only be able to display it like this until the twins start to feel comfortable enough to enter her room at which point she'll have to hide it along with her notebook.

Getting out of bed she tiptoes to the shower. After showering she sighs as she sees her own reflection in the mirror, raising her left hand she traces a jagged scar running across the right side of her throat to just a little ways above her clavicle. She eyes all the other scars that litter her body, noting how her bones poke out in places they shouldn't and looks herself in the eye.

''I survived, so they could live.'' she whispers, ''And I'll assure they'll live well.''

Determination fills her, she'd make sure her family got the life's they deserved. In order to protect two of them she'd need to get stronger, healthier, to be perceived as a threat by others. Others, like the Jones pack. She still needed to consider how to proceed regarding Eli Jones and his pack.

Stepping out of the bathroom she quickly throws on some clothes before heading to Aiden and Ethan's room. Knocking softly on the door to announce her descension downstairs to the boys.

Within minutes both boys join her at the dining table, quietly eating some eggs and toast. She takes this time to observe them, scanning for any discomfort or anxiety but is relieved to find neither.

''So how are you two feeling about going into town today?'' She starts, taking a bite out of her slightly burned toast.

Ethan's eyes snap up to hers, wide and slightly panicked. He liked it here, alone with her and Aiden, why did they have to leave?

Aiden on the other hand didn't even look up from his plate, shrugging indifferently. ''Where are we going?''

''We'll go to the car dealership to get us some wheels then the mall to get you guys some new clothes. We'll have some lunch at the local diner before going to your new school and meeting your new class and teacher. Then tonight we'll be visiting some family members of mine.'' She answers calmly trying to hide her own nervousness.

Pursing his lips Aiden pokes at his scrambled eggs. ''Do we have to?'' suddenly sounding very unsure.

Eyeing the twins her instincts scream at her to keep them home to tell them no, they don't have to. But while that would be the easy thing to do, it wasn't the right one.

''We do. It's okay to be nervous, we all get nervous sometimes.'' She responds, getting up and putting her dishes in the sink.

Ethan frowns, ''These family members we're visiting tonight, are they part of your pack?''

Stumbling a little at the question, she looks out of the small kitchen window. She hadn't thought of how she'd explain this to the twins.

Retaking her seat at the table she shakes her head ever so slowly, ''No, I'm not in their pack but we are related. We've only recently found this out just like how I found out about you guys.''

''So you're like mom.'' Aiden says looking relieved at this confirmation. He'd suspected as much when she told them her family had died like theirs had but it was nice to know for sure.

Taken aback by the comparison Malia tries to clarify, ''I don't understand?''

Ethan looks from his brother to Malia, ''You're an omega like us, like mom.'' he states, seemingly just as relieved as his brother at this confirmation.

Her heart tugs painfully at the innocently spoken words. It hurt to hear another say that she's an omega, a lone coyote, a being without a pack. The fact that they seem somewhat relieved by this fact is a worrying aspect. They should want to belong to a pack, to experience the love and care a pack provides. Clearly the Jones' have ruined their image of what a pack is and before she can ease them into another pack she'll have to change their perception of it as a whole.

Shaking her head she sets out to put a positive spin on it for them and maybe just a little for herself too. ''Not really, coyote's usually remain within their own family; like their own little pack albeit without an alpha.''

''So we're like our own pack…'' Ethan says quietly, not disliking the idea.

Smiling she nods, ''I guess you could say that, yes.''

''Our own pack.'' Aiden nods, that sounded great. It would just be them and quite frankly he'd come to like Malia a lot, she was a lot like their mom; smart, kind and loving. Being omega's was dangerous but if they were a pack then they'd be safe.

Moving from the table they grab their coats and make their way outside. Crunching the leaves underneath their feet as they walk towards town. Malia points things out to them, plants and even the occasional animal.

Aiden watches as his brother carefully brushes his own hand against hers and makes a decision, a silent vow, when he sees a genuine smile creep up on Malia's face at the contact.

No matter what, he'd protect their little pack.

…

''Is that her?'' a woman questions as her eyes follow a young woman escorting two young boys alongside her.

The man alongside her nods observing the trio on the street with interest.

''Out on town all by themselves…'' the woman remarks, tapping the window with her nails. ''Shall we go and introduce ourselves?''

…

Entering the diner they are welcomed warmly by Sheila who immediately ushered into the booth she'd occupied last time she'd been there.

''And who might these two fine gentlemen be? Your bodyguards perhaps?'' Sheila asks jokingly, smiling as she sees both boys puff up their chests.

''My nephews, Ethan and Aiden. '' Malia answers, pointing out both boys.

''How lucky you have these two strong nephews around to protect you.'' She says, earning herself two firm nods from said nephews.

''Anyhow enough of my chattering, what can I get you dears today?'' she smiles, taking out her pencil and notepad.

''How about some pancakes?'' Malia asks the boys, who nod enthusiastically. Resisting the urge to order her usual. ''Two chocolate milks and a-''

Nodding Sheila finishes her sentence, ''And a milk coffee for yourself, coming right up.'' Seeing Malia's surprise she explains, ''I never forget a face nor the order that comes with it, definitely not a heroes like yours.'' winking before she retreats from their table, leaving Malia to stare after her in confusion.

Looking around the room she sees mostly elderly people and mothers with young children in the other booths, looking at the big owl clock on the diners wall she isn't surprised 12:15 wasn't exactly rush hour restaurant wise.

The amount of people in this time was still jarring to her, the fact that none of them jeered or glared at them for simply existing still surprised her even though it shouldn't, not in this time. It was liberating to walk into stores without having to check for boards prohibiting supernaturals excess or risk walking into mountain ash walls preventing them entry. Things she hadn't even thought to check for when she first arrived, too sleep and nutrition deprived to watch out for such things.

Turning her attention back to the chattering twins wondering how she should broach the subject of their parents and what happened to them. The boys only briefly mentioned them a handful of times but never about what they witnessed or how they felt about it. Maybe they should swing by Deaton today as well to ask if he knows an experienced child psychologist in the know, perhaps he'd recommend Morrell which would be perfect.

Her thoughts are interrupted by the doorbell chime, announcing another customer entering the diner. Flicking her eyes over the door she stops short when she sees the new arrivals; Ennis and Kali.

What are they still doing here, in Beacon Hills of all places?

Just as Sheila has ushered the duo into a booth a few yards away from their own, the doorbell chimes again. Walking in are none other than Peter and an unknown man, probably a beta of the Hale pack if smell was anything to go by.

They join Ennis and Kali's table much to the duo's obvious displeasure.

She quickly scans the diner and the street for any more wolves. Had they been following her and the twins this whole time or was it simply a coincidence? What were Kali and Ennis doing together anyways, they were alpha's of their own packs that had no ties to one another…

Either way she wanted to put as much distance between them as possible. Turning her eyes back on the boys she realizes that she would have to alarm them to the fact that something was wrong if they left abruptly like this, without eating. Not to mention that they were much safer here with all these witnesses than out in the street where they could easily be separated from the public's eyes.

She remains seated, forcing herself to appear relaxed, robotically taking bites of her pancakes. Listening to their conversation as she feigns ignorance to their presence.

''What do you think you two are doing?'' Peter asks, condescension dripping from every word.

Kali lazily eyes him ''we were out on a date which you two nitwits rudely interrupted for some reason.''

''Oh my! We do apologize, I didn't realize stalking was now a dating activity. You see I've been out of the game for quite a while and he's married so you know, new dating customs just blow right past us. But hey gives us one more thing to discuss at the dinner table right?'' The other beta says jestingly, his tone contrary to the clear implied threat of informing Talia about this.

Kali looks annoyed at the two beta's before her.

Ennis however looks rather unaffected by their unwanted companions. ''We only wanted to introduce ourselves, we meant no harm nor did we mean to offend.''

''Be that as it may, it still goes against customs and you know it. I you wish to speak to a protected member of the Hale pack you are required to seek permission of the alpha, which neither of you have done.'' The unknown beta continues, though his tone is more neutral than before.

Peter takes the opportunity to observe the coyote and her wolf nephews, the children seem oblivious to the situation, the coyote however seems to be on the verge of running. She looks relaxed and oblivious for the most part he'll give her that but her eyes give her away, they glide over three things and three things only; the boys, himself and his companions, and the exit.

''She may fall under the Hales' protection but she is not a member of the Hale pack now is she? Meaning we don't need permission to speak with her. To harm or kill her yes we'd have to ask permission to do that but to approach her? There is nothing prohibiting us from doing so.'' Kali responds snidely.

Peter's eyes glow a dangerous icy blue at the alpha's careless words, ''Watch your tongue in the territory of another!'' he hisses.

Kali's own brown eyes bleed into a violent red in response.

Darius scans the crowd seeing that only one other occupant has noticed the shift in atmosphere, said person is now herding her two young companions out the door. And he isn't the only one who's noticed their departure.

''Perhaps next time you attempt to make contact with her, you'll remember she is indeed not officially a member of the Hale pack and she is well aware of this fact.'' Darius says as the four of them watch her disappear from sight.

Ennis closes his eyes as the realization hits him like a ton of bricks. ''She's an omega with two young children and we're alpha's appearing to be following her…''

Peter scoffs hackles raised, ''Appearing?''

Kali remains unmoved, it's not like they had bad intentions and if these two morons hadn't shown up they could've made that clear to the coyote. ''Just because you share blood doesn't give you agency over her.''

''True, but you two should abide by our alpha's request, which stems from Malia's own to be left alone until she is ready to approach us. And if you cannot comply with our alpha's commends we may be forced to request you to return to your own territories.'' Peter responds icily, before getting up and leaving the diner.

Darius nods at the two alpha's before him, ''We are meeting her tonight, for the first time. Perhaps you could request Talia for a meeting of yourselves and the other surrounding packs. Please do not misunderstand, we do not wish to keep her locked away from the other wolves. We understand your curiosity but for now we will put her wishes above that of yours even if you are our guests.''

Ennis and Kali remain seated even after the Hale beta's leave.

Ennis looking genuinely shocked asks, ''Did we really just get read the riot act by Peter fucking Hale? I mean Darius sure, but Peter?''

''The worst part is that he's, ugh, not wrong.'' she says scrunching her nose up in disgust.

Swinging his arm over her shoulders Ennis' lips curl into an amused smile, ''How hard was that to say out loud?''

Rolling her eyes she shoves his arm away from her, grabbing his hand instead she pulls him up out of the booth. Throwing down a generous amount of money Kali drags him to the door, ''Come on, we have a meeting to arrange.''

…

''It's bad, isn't it?'' Claudia asks, sounding defeated already, sitting in the doctor's office.

Melissa closes her eyes shortly, trying to reign in her own emotions; she nods, confirming Claudia's worst nightmares. ''If it was good news a nurse would have told us. But hey just because it isn't an all clear doesn't mean it's something catastrophic so let's not jump the gun.''

''You're right. I mean I'm barely thirty, I eat healthy and exercise regularly. It can't be that bad.''

Squeezing each other's hands they await the arrival of doctor Cadle.

Sniffling Claudia turns to her friend with tear laden eyes, ''It can't be that bad right Mel?''

Steeling herself Melissa avoids the question and simply says, ''Whatever it is, no matter how bad, we'll figure it out okay? We always figure it out, don't we?''

''Yeah.'' Claudia says, tapping her own leg nervously.

''Maybe we should call Noah?'' Melissa proffered again, starting to sound like a broken record for repeatedly uttering the same question for days now. Ever since the hospital started doing more and more tests on her friend.

An hour later they left the doctor's office in a foggy haze rerunning the conversation in their heads. It was surreal.

''Early stages of frontotemporal dementia, your perception of reality will deteriorate rapidly. Seeing your current symptoms you'll soon, within months possible weeks, begin suffering from an inability to distinguish dreams from reality, sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, irritability, and paranoia.'' The doctor explained.

''So what do we do to prevent this from happening? What's the treatment course?'' Claudia asked.

The doctor looked down regrettably, ''Mrs. Stilinski, I regret to inform you that there is no cure for frontotemporal dementia as of yet.''

''But surely there has to be something, a treatment to prevent the progression of the disease, an experimental trial? something?!'' Melissa had asked, desperation seeping into her voice.

Shaking his head he shattered their entire worlds, ''There is nothing that can be done, I'm so sorry.''

''I'm only thirty years old,'' Claudia utters in complete shock once they get outside. Gasping, she turns to Melissa, ''How am I going to tell Noah? And what about Mischief?''

''Screw that doctor. We'll tell Noah and then we'll get a second opinion and a third and a forth if we need to, up until we find a competent doctor.'' Melissa tells her, she's never heard of this disease but surely there is a treatment for it out there somewhere, there has to be.

…

''Are we going to the school now?'' Ethan asks, skipping a little ways in front of her with Aiden running circles around him.

''Not yet, but soon.'' she responds, looking over the bouquet of white roses they picked up at the flower shop.

Walking onto the cemetery they head straight for one of the fresh graves, the tombstone reading;

Here lies Juliana Karla Argent, beloved wife, mother and grandmother. A woman of beauty and strength both inside and out, missed by all who knew her.

Tightening her grip on the stems of the flowers she slowly draws blood as the thorns pierce her skin. Both boys eye her worriedly when they spot the drops of blood yet they don't speak, simply watching her every move.

She takes her now dripping hand and holds it above the pure white roses, staining them red. ''People either leave a mark or stain upon this world, be at rest knowing you left your mark.''

Putting the flowers on the grave she chuckles at the other flowers surrounding it, bouquets of wolfsbane, vervain, henbane, aconite, deadly nightshade… all beautifully arranged as a tribute to the late Matriarch. All poisons, some of which deadly to her kind, used as symbols of love for the dead huntress.

Ethan and Aiden instinctively shy away from the flowers, the wolf part of them warning them not to get too close. Their careful retreat is halted by a voice close behind them.

''Who are you and what does that mean?'' a young voice asks, tilting her head . The three supernaturals turn to face the brown haired seven-year old that just rolled up on them.

''Allison!'' a familiar older voice yells a few paces behind. Walking quickly he reaches them in no time at all.

Allison…

The huntress who broke the rules, falling in love with a werewolf. Changing the code her family abided by for centuries. The girl who died saving her friends, her pack. A girl taken to the grave too soon much like her pack.

Malia extends her hand to Chris slowly, ''Again my condolences.''

Taking the wolfs hand, Chris shakes it, eyeing her and the young boys at her side with careful consideration. He looks at the flowers that decorate his mother's grave noting the newest bouquet with interest, it stood out against the others like a red wine against a white carpet.

''Thank you, Mrs-?'' he asks, not yet releasing the handshake.

''Miss Stitch, but you could just call me Malia everyone does.'' She responds carefully, gaging his response. Seeing his reaction she deduces he remembered her first name well, he was simply fishing for her full name.

Unsure of what to say, if anything at all, an awkward silence starts to form. Thankfully the children don't seem to notice this and one of them pipes up.

''Aren't you supposed to be at school?'' Aiden says more than he asks the brunette encroaching on their pack. Honestly, how dare she and her father disturb their pack moment.

Rocking on her heels Allison tilts her head, raising one eyebrow in question she quips, ''Aren't you supposed to be at school?''

Ethan looks between the two, deciding to play mediator. ''We're going later today, it's gonna be our first day. Maybe we're in the same class?''

Turning to Ethan, Allison smiles a little sadly. ''Too bad, I'm moving away today. But I swear the other kids are like super nice, so no worries.''

Turning away from the children's conversation Malia breaks the silence between her and Chris appearing shocked at the news, ''You're moving?''

Chris doesn't show a single emotion, observing the she wolf- not wolf carefully. ''Yes, occupational hazard.''

While she is saddened by the news she understands better than he would ever know. Sometimes moving away from the place where tragedy has occurred feels like the only remedy to the pain and grief surrounding the loss.

Taking his short and business-like answer as a clear dismissal she nods, ''Well then, I wish you the best of luck Chris. Perhaps one day we'll meet again under better circumstances.''

It hurts to let him go like this but she can't force him to stay and no matter how hard it is to admit; he is not the same man she once knew and he won't be for a long while. She can only hope that someday he'll return more as the man she loved like a father than the stranger that stands before her today.

Chris watches as Malia guides her boys out of the cemetery, many questions swirling through his head none of which he dared to ask. Hell, to have a civil conversation like this between their opposing sides was rare enough, he couldn't risk souring it with his interrogation-like questioning. Though his restraint left him wondering; Why didn't she kill him that night? Why console him, a hunter over the death of another? Why bring flowers to the grave of your enemy? Why do you care?

''Daddy?''

''Yeah baby?'' Chris squats down to his daughters height.

Allison frowns, ''What does it mean?''

''What does what mean, munchkin?''

Allison points at the foreign words neatly written on the card poking out of the newest bouquet, the flowers Malia has brought by.

''Nous protègons ceux qui ne peuvent pas se protèger eux-měmes'' Chris reads fluently, though he frowns at the meaning. Looking towards the end of the cemetery where Malia has already disappeared from sight, Chris wonders not for the first time who exactly they were dealing with. ''We protect those who cannot protect themselves.''

…

''We rank among the top 10 elementary schools in the tri-state area. We have recently invested in new gym materials and also acquired a new state of the art in school library.''

Malia simply nods at the principal's sales pitch, he really didn't need to try so hard to convince her she's already made it clear that she intends to enroll the boys here.

Walking through the halls she takes it all in as the principle continues his sales pitch, boys in tow. The amount of children in this place is staggering, she thinks… Apparently voicing her thoughts out loud because the man pauses his rehearsed pitch.

''A testament to our school I would think, no?'' The principal responds, sounding a little nervous at her observation. ''Rest assured that despite being a slightly larger school than you might be accustomed to, we know and care for every child individually. We have well qualified, highly regarded staff that make sure that every child excels to the best of their abilities.''

He sounded a little desperate to her, putting her on edge immediately. What did this guy have to be nervous about? Scanning the halls she sees nothing out of sorts, nothing that points to any danger.

''Do you perhaps know anyone at the school already?'' he asks as they go out into the courtyard.

''I've met a few people during our stay here.'' She answers vaguely. Why was this guy being so twitchy?

The principal motions to the playset within eyes view, ''Perhaps Ethan and Aiden would like to try out our playground equipment?''

Nodding Malia sends them off, keeping a watchful eye on them as they mingle with some older kids.

''So you are aware of the recent events that have taken place in and around Beacon Hills?'' he asks tentatively as if the very question would send her running. Obviously keeping his question vague in case of any prying ears.

And now she knows why he's been acting strange ever since she voiced herself about the sheer volume of children. A perceived criticism. He fears the recent deaths or as he calls it events have scared her off, he probably thinks she's looking for any reason to opt out of enrolling the boys here. The question is why would he care? It's only two kids.

''I'm well aware of the recent incidents in Beacon county.'' She responds, carefully dodging a ball heading in her direction. ''You are worried I'll change my mind about enrolling my nephews here.''

Hit the nail right on its head. Principal Laurence sighs before nodding minutely.

''There have been quite a few parents who've expressed their concerns regarding school safety in light of the recent weeks. Even those who've gone as far as to move children or sometime their entire families elsewhere, which as you can imagine is not a development we as school view as positive.''

''Thank you for your honesty, have there been many children taken out of school?'' Malia pries.

''Not in alarming numbers I assure you, but in the spirit of transparency I will admit that nine children have been officially taken out of school as a result of recent events. Two first graders among them, a third possibly.'' He says honestly. Better to have her leave now than have her find out later and having to; A. Explain why they hid it and B. to have done all the paperwork only for the boys to be pulled from the school.

Nodding, she thanks him for his candor and calls the boys back to them.

''So is this the part of the tour where they get to meet their new class and teacher?'' she asks lightly, relieved that her paranoia turned out to be for nothing.

''Absolutely!'' the man replies, sounding about as relieved as she feels.

…

''Isn't that your aunt Cora?'' Scott asks when he sees Miss Stitch standing in the door opening with the principal, Miss Baccari and two boys their age.

Looking up from her drawing Cora blinks in confusion, before remembering her mother's explanation from a few days ago. Before she can respond though their local loudmouth speaks up.

''Who are those boys with her?'' Stiles asks, his investigative curiosity tearing him away from the strawberry blonde beauty he'd been drawing.

''Yup, that's aunt Malia and those are her nephews.''

''Sooooo your cousins?…'' Stiles says.

Giving him a dirty look Cora returns to her drawing, ''I guess.''

…

''Why don't we leave the boys to get to know their new classmates, while we go through some paperwork?'' Principal Laurence says casually as Miss Baccari smiles kindly in invitation to the now clearly nervous boys.

Swallowing her own anxiety over separating with the boys she nods and squats down to their height, ''What do you think? I'll pick you up in an hour…''

Aiden nods, trying desperately to appear unafraid. Ethan has no such qualms though as he launches himself into Malia's arms, hugging her tightly for less than a second before turning around and marching into the classroom. Taking Ethans lead albeit more reservedly, Aiden squeezes her hand for a second before following his brother into the classroom.

Frozen in shock Malia stands there for a second before walking off with the principal, asking herself when the last time she was hugged like that was.

''If you can hear me put your hand in the air, if you can hear me put your hands on your tummy, if you can hear me put your hands on your desk.'' Miss Baccari says, calling out instructions until every first grader has joined and is thus actively listening.

Walking the twins to the front of the class she smiles, ''This is Ethan and over here is Aiden, they're here to introduce themselves and to get to know us a bit before they join our class on Monday. Aiden, Ethan? Would you like to share something about yourselves with the class?''

Ethan shakes his head shyly, while Aiden simply shakes his head negatively as well.

''Well then perhaps someone in the class has a question for our new classmates?'' Julia Baccari tries gently, knowing more than most humans about what these two have experienced.

Erica raises her hand but then quickly lowers it again.

Isaac didn't bother raising his, choosing instead to think about how he could hide his spelling paper. Dad had become mean since mom died, Camdan hasn't spoken to him since not even to help him with his homework like he used to. Biting back the tears he ignores the rest of the room's occupants.

Scott calmly raises his hand, his best friend on the other hand makes sure his hand won't be overlooked by anyone. Waving his hand as he stretches himself in his seat to reach as high above himself as possible.

''Jenny.''

''What's you guyses favorite color?'' a dark haired girl with glasses asks.

''Blue.'' Aiden answers as Ethan says, ''green.''

''Lydia.''

''How come you are joining our class when Malia and Allison left, did you swap schools?'' she asks, curious to know how a school swap works. How is it fair to swap two girls for two boys anyway…

Thankfully Miss Baccari answers for the twins. ''Good question Lydia. They did not swap schools, Allison moved away and Malia is going to go to a different school because her mom has started a new job there. Aiden and Ethan did not in fact trade places with the girls.''

''Stiles.''

''Are you twins? Why'd you move here? Did you know that your aunt is also Cora's aunt? Also how come your aunt brought you to school today?'' he rapid fires the questions at them.

''Stiles, one question at a time.'' Miss Baccari reprimands him slightly though there is no true fire behind her words, before addressing the twins, ''if you feel uncomfortable by any of the questions you don't answer.''

Ethan answers a little shakingly but loud enough so everyone would hear, ''We are twins, we moved in with our aunt. Uhm, I don't know if she's also Cora's aunt… We are meeting her side of the family tonight.''

''Alright, Jackson.''

''How come you live with your aunt and not with your mom and dad?'' he asks, frowning in confusion.

Aiden takes the lead this time, not showing any emotion for if he did then they'd surely make fun of them just like the Jones' did. ''Because they're dead and our aunt isn't.''

Silence rings through the class, some hands shoot down. Miss Baccari is about to say something when one of her students pipes up, it's Isaac.

''My mom's in heaven too.'' he says, looking at Aiden and Ethan with understanding.

Scott swallows before supporting the newcomers by sharing something of his own, ''My dad isn't dead but he is gone.''

And like it goes with children the serious stories shared devolve into stories about dead pets and then onto the living pets and so on and on. And by the end of the hour when Malia comes to pick them up school doesn't seem half as bad and neither does their class.

…

Malia is waiting at the schoolyard, allowing the boys to walk out with their new class. It's already the end of the school day so the yard is peppered with other adults there to pick up their offspring. She's listening in on the class when she suddenly hears her name being called.

''Malia!''

Approaching her in high, no doubt uncomfortable heels is Jessica Reyes. Blonde curls bouncing as she closes the distance between the two of them.

''How are you? I came by your house but your boyfriend said you were sick. So I texted you which you only replied to a week ago, with a single sentence, so I started to worry. I mean what if that guy just lied and had you tied up or something?'' she rambles not caring who heard her, gaining quite the audience. ''Anyways I went to your house again and Caroline explained everything, I didn't know you were family of the Hale's.''

''Wait who is Caro- you know what never mind. What boyfriend?'' she asks, utterly confused.

''The one with the sexy British accent…''

She looks at her dumbly for a second, before bursting out in laughter as she puts the pieces together. ''You mean Deucalion?!''

''Ooh and he even has a deliciously mysterious name.'' she says salaciously.

''I wouldn't go as far as to say we're friends, let alone partners. We are at best non-combative acquaintances.'' Malia responds, shaking her head at the other woman's antics.

It felt odd to be talking with someone like Jessica, nice but very odd. She'd never really made friends outside of the pack before, so having someone completely unaffiliated with the supernatural trying to be her friend was delightfully strange.

She spots Noah waving at her on the other side of the yard, by his squad car. Waving back Jessica lifts an eyebrow at her.

''What?''

''Nothing, just didn't expect you to be such a social butterfly. It's a good thing though, you're gonna need those wings to fly away from all the small town drama.'' She smirks, before waving over another mother.

''This is my friend H-''

''Harper Boyd.'' Malia interrupts, shaking Harper's hand.

Harper nods in greeting, ''Malia Stitch, I don't know how I can ever repay you for what you've done for my family.''

Confused Jessica looks at her friends in question.

''Malia is the customer I was telling you about, the one who scared off Baylon.''

Jessica's eyes widen at this revelation, ''Oh my god!''

Malia shushes her, ''It was nothing, anyone else in that situation would've done the exact same thing.''

''I'm not so sure but either way it doesn't change the fact that you saved my daughter, and for that I will be forever in your debt.'' Harper says, getting a bit misty eyed.

The moment is interrupted by the school bell, damn that thing was loud. Not nearly as loud as all the children that exited the building though, racing to their parents, grandparent or guardians. Soon they were surrounded by their own chattering children. Waving goodbye they each go their own ways.

Malia turns her head back when she smells a somewhat familiar scent, scanning the schoolyard until she spots the owner of it; the Hale beta from earlier. He throws a giggling Cora over his shoulder with a man's ease, chasing a laughing and shrieking Alex around the schoolyard. He's completely unaware of his surroundings, totally enraptured in the children before him. He doesn't even seem to notice her, another supernatural…

What a complete idiot.

…