Chapter 19
Hi there! Thanks to everyone whose left a comment! I had a little difficulty writing this chapter, I rewrote it like three times trying to get the right feel to it so I hope you all like it. There might be a few spelling error's but those are a problem for a future me ;) I tried my best guys.
Stepping onto a brand new path is difficult,
but not more difficult than remaining in a situation,
which is not nurturing to the whole woman.
-Maya Angelou-
…
Parking their new black jeep Malia turns around to the boys, leaning on each other in the backseat or as much as their seatbelts would allow. Ethan is firmly out, head leaning on his brother's shoulder. Aiden isn't far behind, struggling to keep his eyes open.
''Hey Aiden, I'm going in for just a few minutes. Are you two gonna be okay for that long?'' she asks softly as to not rouse Ethan.
Yawning Aiden nods sleepily, ''I'll watch Ethan.''
''No doubt, I'll be back in no time. I'm locking the car so yell if anything is wrong okay?''
''Mmm kay.''
Locking the car behind her she looks back at the tinted windows, relieved when she is faced by her own reflection. Turning towards the building she sighs, scuffing her shoe against the pavement. The vet clinic… It held so many memories, so much history.
Stepping into the clinic she closes her eyes at the familiar chime and silently takes a seat in one of the waiting room chairs. She focuses on the boys, smiling when she hears Aiden's breath even out like Ethan's had. Suddenly though her attention snaps towards the examination room, a scent long thought forgotten reaches her.
''Thanks Alan, the girls brought it in and couldn't pinpoint where they'd found it.'' Evelyn tells Deaton.
''Good thing they found it. From the looks of it, it can't be more than a few days old. Certainly wouldn't have survived on its own. Most likely born to an inexperienced mother who might've gotten spooked by the sudden influx in wolves. Seeing the time of year it's a wonder the mother or father didn't eat it.'' Deaton responds, holding the pup in his hands.
Frowning Evelyn questions him. ''I thought there were only coyotes in the area, no wolves… I vaguely remember you telling me wolves and coyotes didn't get along which was why there was such a big population of coyotes in California? The lack of wolves...''
''That is correct.'' Deaton answers, still examining the pup.
''And yet you just told me there was a wolf influx…'' She challenges, searching his eyes for something.
Making eye contact, Deaton nods at her, ''They are known to travel through Californian woods, could be part of the reason the coyote abandoned her young. That or the mother died, either way he wouldn't have survived the night without her.''
''Wouldn't another coyote have taken care of it if they found it?'' she asks, eyeing the baby coyote as Deaton places it in one of the cages. ''A relative of the mother perhaps?''
Walking to the front Deaton shakes his head. ''Afraid not, very few animals will take on raising the young of another. Wolves and lions do it but only for young from their own pack or pride, humans are one of the few exceptions that actually take on caring and raising non blood relatives.''
''Well then I guess it's a good thing the girls found it after all. Thank you again Alan.'' Evelyn says as she walks out of the clinic unaware of the other woman's presence.
''Ah Malia, what can I help you with today?'' Deaton asks once he notices her.
Eyes still glued on the door Malia watches as her mother disappears from sight, taking with her the smell of lilies and citrusses. Shame fills her as she realizes how easily she'd cast them aside in this time, she hadn't even dared to take a peek at the Tate family; her family.
Shaking away her feelings she reminds herself of the reality; it wouldn't do the Tates any good if she drew attention to them now when so many threats still loomed over her and the future. She'll see them, maybe even introduce herself but only after she's finished her mission. Maybe she could even forge a relationship between the Tates and the Hales.
Taking her eyes off the door she stands and walks up to the mountain ash barrier. ''I need to find a child shrink that's in the know of our world.''
Deaton looks around the empty waiting area before answering, ''And you think I can help you with this?''
''Can't you?''
''Perhaps, I might know someone.'' Grabbing a pen and paper he scribbles something down, ''This is her number, you might ask her yourself if she is taking on clients at this time.''
''Thanks Deaton.'' she says trying to gently take the paper but for some reason Deaton hasn't let go yet. Throwing him a questioning gaze she waits for him to elaborate.
''Perhaps you could help me with something. You see someone just brought in a coyote pup and-''
Tugging the paper from his grip she practically sprints to the door. ''Coyote's eat their young!'' she yells as she exits the clinic.
Deaton stands there, hand still up in the air. ''Perhaps you could hold it while I give it its rabies shot…'' he finishes in the empty air.
…
Driving closer and closer to the Hale property she contemplates just turning the car around. Tightening her grip on the steering wheel she stays the course, heading for the Hale house. Looking at the boys through the front mirror she sees them quietly watching the passing greenery. Within no time at all they arrived at the property, various cars out front and a multitude of heartbeats inside.
Parking the car she sits there for a second or two gathering the courage to go in, to face them and lie about who she is again. To play to their assumptions and hide her true identity again. Her lies pile up the longer she's here and interacts with more people.
Looking back to the now fully alert boys she wonders if the lies she tells will someday become real to her like they are to others, that one day she'll forget she isn't really the twins' aunt and maybe someday she'll be able to call herself Malia Stitch without her heart skipping a beat.
''Ready?'' she asks the boys who nod in return.
Stepping out she walks around the car to the other side to let the boys out. Hopping out of the car the boys observe their surroundings with open curiosity, carefully following her to the door.
She surveys the property, wide and open making it difficult to approach without getting spotted, not even taking in account the super hearing and smell most inhabitants of the house possess. So how did Kate manage it?...
She's about to knock when the door swings open revealing a young brunette facing away from the door, zero regard for danger…
''No, I'm only stepping out for a second. A coat is unnecessary, it's not even cold out!'' she yells into the house, ''I swear Peter, if that's you rummaging through the closet.''
Her eyes zeroed in on the small bump of her belly, her ears unconsciously focussing on the tiny flutter of a heartbeat. Blue eyes, brown hair, another cousin maybe?
Turning around, Caroline is shocked to see Malia and her boys standing on the porch. ''Oh! Malia.'' she smiles. ''My name is Caroline, these must be your nephews Aiden and Ethan?''
''Nice to meet you Caroline.''
''Come on in, I'll safely lead you to Talia.'' She jokes, abandoning her previous plans, as they bypass many toys littering the floor. ''As you can see we open straight to the staircase a most prominent place for flying toys but no worries everyone is in the dining room right now so we are in no danger of flying projectiles at the moment.''
Looking up the spacious staircase, seeing half a dozen doors on the first level alone, she's reminded of how rich the Hales truly were.
''To our left is the living room. A door further, connected to the living room, is the playroom. The one at the end is the bathroom which might be nice to know.'' She explains kindly.
Taking in Caroline's scent she is confused, she smells so familiar, but she can't quite put her finger on it. But what confuses her even more is that none of the other family members have burst into the hallway to take over the impromptu tour. What was their angle, letting one of their most vulnerable lead them through the house all by herself…
''To our right is the dining room and here is the kitchen. Just so you know everyone is probably listening in on our conversation right about now.'' She says sheepishly.
''I know, I would too if i were them.'' Malia answers blankly. ''Is it common Hale practice to send a pregnant packmate to face an unknown threat alone?''
Caroline smiles a little sadly, ''I wouldn't describe you as such, neither would the family. I think we are much more than that, don't you?''
''So the packs have determined me not to be a threat.'' Malia states, voice neutral even as fear and paranoia start to claw at her throat. Being labeled as weak is the first step to becoming easy prey. A coyote in wolf-invested woods… she gently takes hold of the twins' hands.
Caroline leads them to the dining room before carefully wording her response. She's been in the supernatural world long enough to know that being seen as non-threatening could be a death sentence, especially to an omega.
''I wouldn't say that, you are clearly a threat to any and all who cross you. It's more that we believe, given your prior actions, that you wouldn't harm anyone without good cause. Have I given you cause Malia?''
Shaking her head, Malia calms slightly though she remains a bit discomforted by the fact that they'd trust her after so little time. They thought they knew her when they in fact knew only a fraction, if that… Perhaps their naivety and will to trust strangers led to their downfall in the past.
Caroline opens the dining room door for them, waving them in. Tightening her hold on the twins' hands she slowly enters the grand dining room. A huge dining table sat at the center of the room, filled to the brim with delicious smelling food. Almost every seat occupied, some faces she knows or at least a version of them while others are no more than strangers to her.
''We're so glad you could make it tonight, have a seat.'' Talia offers with a soft inviting smile.
Helping Aiden into his seat she notices Peter helping her tour guide to a seat next to his, she turns to help Ethan but is surprised to see Laura already scooting his chair forward for him. Taking her own seat at the table she sits directly opposite of Talia, at the far end of the table, close to the exit.
''Not everyone could make it today but most of the pack is present. How about we all introduce ourselves to start?'' Talia begins.
Nodding Malia takes the lead, ''As you might already know my name is Malia and these are my nephews Ethan and Aiden.''
''Nice to meet you,'' Talia says softly to the boys. ''My name is Talia, this is my husband James.'' she says pointing him out next to her.
She continues slowly, ''Next to James sits our youngest son Alexander, next to him sits our youngest daughter Cora. I hear you might be enrolling in the same class?''
The boys look at Malia before they nod slowly in response to Talia's question.
''And at the end there sits our eldest daughter Laura. On my right here sit my brother Peter and his wife Caroline.''
His wife Caroline…
Malia eyes Caroline with renewed interest and a healthy amount of shock.
''Next to Caroline sits our other son Derek with his girlfriend Paige whom you've all met before. At the very end sits Darius James' lifelong friend. We have a few more members but they either couldn't make it due to personal reasons or are away on pack business.'' Talia finishes, carefully observing the tense woman at the end of the table.
''How about we discuss everything else while we eat, before the food gets cold?'' James interjects, gaining everyone's approval, especially the childrens.
Malia cuts some chicken for the boys before sitting back in her seat, she watches as they eat seemingly at ease in this new environment after the success at school, trusting her not to bring them into a dangerous or unpleasant situation. She leaves her own plate empty, only tasting what she gives the boys as she continuously hands them veggies and any other stuff they show interest in.
Looking around the dining room her nervousness slowly seeps away as mindless chatter fills the room. Slowly she examines the room, seeing small wear and tear on well loved furniture, old expensive paintings surrounded by various messier artworks clearly made by little artists of the house. Her eyes are drawn to one wall decorated with numerous pictures dating back decades, a recent one showcasing her father and the brunette tour guide surrounded by the entire family in formal wear.
Feeling eyes on her she turns back to the table and is met with expectant faces, all watching her for some reason. Expecting her to say something? What was she supposed to say? She wasn't the negotiator nor the intermediary of the pack, she had no experience taking the lead in negotiations. Besides, even if she were, right now all she could think of was the fact that Peter, her father, was married. Married and had a baby on the way, a baby that didn't make it to the age of two in her time…
''You're pregnant.'' she breathes out looking directly at Caroline.
Caroline frowned slightly at her tone before giving her a confused smile. ''Yes I am.''
Peter eyes Malia suspiciously, not quite liking her emphasis of the pregnancy. But when he turns to Talia he doesn't see any of his own suspicion rather her eyes speak of sympathy and sadness. Turning back to Malia he quickly realizes why… Malia, though she masks it well, smells ever so slightly of grief. He swallows trying not to speculate as to why she'd feel that way at the mention of a pregnancy.
''Aunty Care is having a baby.'' Alexander sagely comments, mouth full of chicken.
Malia nods but can't seem to speak of it. That baby would've been her brother or sister and she never even knew of their existence. Peter never spoke about his life before the fire, she'd always just assumed he was single at the time. It hadn't crossed her mind once that he might've had a family of his own, that the fire took more than just his sanity. It gave his so-called rampage and unhinged behavior of the past so much more credence, to suffer such a loss and be left to deal with that pain all alone? It's a wonder he was halfway functional by the time she met him.
Pulling herself together she gives Caroline a weak smile, ''Congratulations, a boy or a girl?''
Peter squeezes his wife's hand lovingly, ''A boy.''
Cora frowns, disgust plain on her face. ''Another boy, like we don't have enough of those already.''
''Cora.'' Talia warns as she notices the twins shrink in on themselves.
Malia smirks looking at Cora with mirth in her eyes, ''How about you get to know them first before you judge, unless you're too scared?''
Taking the bait Cora looks at the boys with strong determination, ''I'm not scared of ANY boys! You two after dinner we play!'' Pointing her butter knife at them to emphasize her point.
Wide eyed the boys turn to Malia in shock that she'd offer them up to the clearly insane knife wielding girl. Aiden taking control says, ''And why would we play with you?''
Cora swallows and searches for an answer, turning to her mother for help but is faced with a face that screams; you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar and you just doused them in vinegar…
Ruffled, she stutters, ''Because- Well because-'' and like a lightbulb going on she knows what to say to convince them, it worked on everyone in the family. ''Because we're family and a family that plays together stays together!'' take that!
Blinking dumbly Aiden opens his mouth to deny her claim but can't because Ethan pipes up smiling brightly, ''I'm done eating! Can we go play now?!''
''Race you to the playroom!'' Alexander yells jumping out of his seat followed by Cora though both wait at the door for the twins to follow. Ethan and Aiden turn to Malia for permission who after gaining a nod from Talia proceeds to give them permission as well. Though looking at the children's plates they might come back for seconds after they tired of playing.
Laughing, Laura stands. ''I'll see to it that they don't break the house apart.''
''No I want you to stay, perhaps Derek and Paige could go see to it that the children behave themselves.'' Talia says, giving Derek a meaningful look when he opens his mouth to protest.
The atmosphere becomes somewhat more serious after the children's departure. Should she say something? Tell them something about herself?
''So…'' she starts but can't come up with anything else to say. What does one say in this situation? All her mind can come up with is wishing Stiles was here, he always had something to say no matter the situation.
James takes pity on her, ''It must be strange, awkward even to sit here surrounded by well… strangers.''
''Something like that.'' She answers.
''Well if no one is going to ask, I will.'' Peter says, ''How old are you? Did you know you were a Hale before coming here and why did you come? What's your background, any pack affiliations we should be aware of? Any enemies we should be prepared for?''
''Peter!'' Talia reprimands him for his callous way of questioning. They'd agreed to let Malia tell them what she felt comfortable with, not to interrogate her. This dinner was to get to know each other a little, anything further they could find out gradually at a more natural pace. But that would only be possible if they didn't scare her off.
Seeing Peter like this she smiles at the similarities to his older self, it made her feel a little more at ease to see that not everything had changed. ''It's okay, I much prefer being asked questions rather than having to guess what you want to know.''
For a split second she considers telling them the truth before quickly dismissing it again. No matter how much she longs for someone to know it; for another living being to know of the bravery her pack showed, sacrifices they'd made, the losses they'd suffered in the name of peace. The cons outweigh the pros, it wasn't worth the risks.
''I'm twenty-five, I found out I was a Hale in my teens but never got around to meeting all of you.'' Choosing her words carefully she made sure they couldn't detect any lies in her words. ''I came here to prevent some things from happening and- uhm if I can be honest, to kill some people who've done horrible things and will continue to do horrible things unless they stop existing. I guess they could be counted as enemies and perhaps the Jones pack might fit on that list too. Don't misunderstand though, we might share blood but I am not asking you to get involved in any of that, that's my business.''
Nodding the adults listen and mull over the information given and note that which is withheld.
James jumps in before Peter can ask it in a less than delicate tone, he means well they know but sometimes he comes over as callous when it comes to others' pain. ''Could you tell us about your pack affiliations, you don't have to answer if it's difficult to speak off.''
This was the hard part to explain without telling the truth or blatantly lying to them. Shaking her head a little she tries to find a middle ground, while also remaining her composure.
''I used to-'' she shakes her head as she regroups, ''I-'' she sighs, before laughing deprecatingly at herself. How hard was it to say, she'd said it before.
Taking a deep breath she started over. ''I've been an omega for a few months, maybe a little over a year. My pack- We uhm we got wrapped up in a battle we didn't want to fight and couldn't win, and we didn't… win. I for some inexplicable reason survived and found myself here, making sure the people who started the fight paid for their crimes. So no, no pack affiliations you should be aware off.''
Grim silence overtook the room when she finished talking. Eyes downturned she felt the shame rise in her, it always did when she thought of her packs demise. To survive when they didn't, even when she was doing everything to avenge them and change the future now, always felt wrong, it felt like a betrayal.
Peter tried to keep his anger under control, ''So who's next on your list and do you need any help because I'll gladly offer my services.''
''I second that.'' Darius nods.
Laura raises her hand, ''Count me in.''
Raising her eyes from the table she is faced with understanding and surprisingly support for her actions and future plans. Murder was never the McCall way of doing things, it was truly a last resort even during the war they're pack showed restraint. Only Peter and Derek had deviated from that norm, apparently that wasn't necessarily an after effect of the fire like they'd all assumed.
Talia looked at her with compassion, ''We can see that you've suffered greatly and if there is anything we can do to help you, you need only ask. I'd also like to apologize on behalf of our father and the Hale pack as a whole for abandoning you in the world, that never should've happened. Hales take care of their own.''
Malia saw Peter flinch at the mention of their father, Leroy- Deucalion had called him. She had to somehow do damage control but how… how could she spin this in Leroy's favor? He didn't deserve for his name to be besmirched like this.
''Thank you, it means a lot.'' Malia started out, ''But you should know that I don't believe Leroy to be my biological father, I mean from what I've heard it's more likely that I'm distantly related to you all.''
Hand covering her mouth Talia nods, though she'd never voice it, she doubted that was the truth of the matter but she appreciated Malia's attempt to make them feel better nonetheless.
Peter however had no such qualms, shaking his head. He felt for her, yes he may be hard on her about security risks but her parentage wasn't in question here. They'd all come to terms with the fact that she was Leroy's daughter, his and Talia's sister and he'd be damned if they made her feel any less than that.
''We appreciate the gesture but there's no need to lie. I think I speak for everyone when I say we'll gladly accept you into the family, sister.''
Shaking her head Malia laughs awkwardly, ''No, you don't under-''
''Well said brother.'' Talia interrupts, nodding proudly in Peter's direction.
Oh this was way weirder than she anticipated… Peter, her biological father, just called her sister. And her undead aunt seconded the notion. Grabbing her champagne glass she guzzles it down, if only she could get drunk.
''So now that the serious topics are out of the way I must admit to overhearing you earlier today and I must know, is there something going on between you and a certain Englishman?'' Darius asks teasingly.
Her head snapped sideways so quickly Laura thought it might spin all the way around.
''Seriously? What is up with this town and Deucalion?!'' Malia exclaims, ''And honestly hasn't anyone ever told you it's rude to eavesdrop?''
James and Talia seemed to be communicating telepathically; Malia and Deucalion? It wouldn't be a bad match.
Darius' smirk grows, ''I don't know, maybe they did but you know a complete idiot like myself simply couldn't be expected to retain such a lesson now could I?''
Malia narrows her eyes at him, she should really watch what she said out loud… ''Guess there's nothing wrong with your ears though so you should already know the answer to the question.''
Peter frowned, not liking the idea at all. Deucalion didn't even live in Beacon Hills, besides if she got with him she'd leave their pack for his which he simply couldn't accept. Half-sister or not, a Hale is a Hale and Hales stick together. She needs to find someone who can join their pack so alpha's are off limits.
Caroline seemed to be on the same wavelength with her husband as she watched Malia frowning at a smirking Darius with rose-colored glasses. How nice would it be for Darius to find love again, and for Malia to have a strong teddy bear like Darius around. Oh it could be the hormones but she could already hear the wedding bells.
Darius leans forward towards Malia, ''Yeah but then only I would know of your secret paramour, where's the fun in that?'' He whispers, wiggling his eyebrows teasingly.
''You-'' she growls in annoyance.
''What's a parador?'' Aiden suddenly asks from the door opening.
Cora pops her head around the corner too, ''And why is it a secret?''
…
Lighting another cigarette a tall man sits at the bar listening to the chatter. The humans conversed about simple, human things. The supernaturals kept to their own, mirroring the humans in their talk of the mundane yet there was nuance to their words, codes and hidden meanings all concealed in simple sounding sentences.
Sipping his drink he watched the blonde at the bar throwing back shot after shot. She was interesting at least, her smell intriguing and dangerous; blood and gunpowder.
''Keep watching me like that and you might find yourself in dangerous waters.'' the blonde threw his way.
Smirking he nods, ''Good thing I'm not afraid of the deep end then.''
Standing up he signs to the bartender for two more drinks, taking a seat right next to the blonde. People say you shouldn't mix business and pleasure fearing it'll end badly, but it never really has for him.
''What's a pretty huntress like yourself doing in a wolf's den? Business or pleasure?'' the wolf asks, taking a drag from his cigarette.
The blonde eyes him, running her tongue across her teeth. Leaning closer to him she whispers, ''Can't it be both?''
Smirking, he orders another round for them not realizing that staying in this moment he signed his own death warrant.
Leaning towards him she takes the cigarette from his mouth and takes an elongated drag from it before blowing out the smoke. ''So, what can you tell me about the Hale pack?''
…
Cora tiredly clung to her mother as she carried her upstairs, snuggling into her. Trying desperately to keep her eyes open she clings to her mother when she tries to lay her down on her bed.
''Momma?''
Petting her hair Talia smiles, ''Yeah baby?''
''I like them.'' her daughter admits softly before losing her fight against sleep. Laying her down on the bed she tugs her in and departs the room with a soft, ''Me too baby, me too.''
…
At Adelaide house Malia silently carries the sleeping boys inside, one by one before bringing them upstairs and laying them in their own beds. She pets each of their heads lovingly before whispering a good night and crashing in her own bed, knocking over the picture frames on her nightstand in the process.
Somewhere in the night she wakes up to one little body snuggling into her side, Ethan, if smell was anything to go by. Just as she is about to fall asleep again her bedroom door creaks closed as Aiden sleepily traipses in, closing the door that his brother had left wide open behind him. He stands at the side of the bed for a second before spotting Ethan and climbing onto the other side, effectively sandwiching her between the two of them.
Aiden grumbles something before fully nodding off again, ''Your families not so bad.''
She smiles at his sleepy confession, thinking back on the night. No, they weren't bad at all.
…