***Three chapters this time. There are only two more chapters left in this story and then I post the next story, Liam and Theo. I'll post their first chapter when I post the last two of this one. Enjoy! ***
You need to get this straight…I will never cooperate with you…You try to control me…And the pain I feel seems to make you happy…Fuck that…I'm down so low I've got nothing to lose…Won't put thoughts in my head trying to tell me what to do…Fuck that…And every step you think I'm under your shoe…If you're breaking my back, I'll be breaking yours too…If you've got something to prove…You against me, me against you ~ Me Against You by Three Days Grace
Chapter 27
Malia:
The meeting broke up after plans were made and we all decided to just take a breather before whatever was going to happen happened. I went home. I needed to freshen up and I wanted to see my dad. I didn't want to think about what could happen tonight, but I also couldn't ignore the fact that this could end with either me or Stiles not being okay.
I opted to walk home, needing solitude and fresh air to think. The fact that tonight was the full moon and not only am I worried about how things play out with Corinne, but also I wasn't sure how much control I would have tonight. I wonder if Corinne suspected I wouldn't be able to control myself and planned to take advantage of that. She was in for a rude awakening if that's the case. If there's one thing that I gain from being with Stiles its control. My instincts were keeping my urges at bay because until Stiles was okay I couldn't lose it. I had to get him out of there if it's the last thing I do. It very well could be. But I wasn't going down without a fight.
"Malia?" my dad questioned coming around the corner as soon as I opened the door.
I didn't respond I just walked up to him and threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tight. He automatically hugged me back.
"Honey, everything okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I just needed a hug." I sighed. He held me tighter and hummed contently.
"I love you dad."
I can't remember the last time I told him that. It's always just been implied, but I felt the need to tell him now. Not as a final goodbye or anything mostly because he was my dad. he was the one that rocked me as a baby, bandaged my boo-boo's and made me feel better when I cried. He was the last family I had left. I'm still building my relationship with Peter and I'm starting to feel grateful that I found him and he's willing to be there for me. But it's different with him.
"Oh sweetheart. I love you too. I'm so happy I got you back."
"Me too." I said stepping back, he reluctantly let me go.
"You sure everything's okay? I'm happy to give you a hug anytime you need it but…"
"I'm sure. I just felt the need to tell you I love you and to hug you." I told him, shrugging. He smiled.
"well feel free to do either of those anytime." He placed a kiss on my forehead. "Aren't you leaving for the weekend?"
"Yeah, I'm going to get freshened up now. Had to do something earlier and it ran long."
"Okay, is Stiles coming to get you?"
I forced myself not to flinch and shook my head.
"No, I'm riding with Allison and Lydia, they want to stop at some store or something on the way." I lied easily. I didn't really like lying to my dad, but it was necessary.
"Ah, shopping. Your favorite pass time. Well go ahead. Don't want you to be late."
"Okay, thanks dad." I kissed his cheek and rushed off to my room to get ready.
By the time I was ready to go my dad had called out a goodbye, planning to hang out with some old friends for the night. Lydia pulled up just as I was stepping outside. I quickly hopped in the back preparing myself.
"Are you ready for this?" Allison asked from the passenger seat.
"As ready as I will ever be."
"Scare?" Lydia asked.
"For Stiles, yes. But for me, I'm just angry. She took people I loved from me once. I will not let her take anyone else."
"That's the spirit. But don't do anything reckless, okay? I don't think Stiles could take it if something happened to you, especially because you were trying to save him."
"I know. and I don't plan too. if I can avoid it coming down to a fight then I'm all for it. she's older and has had more experience. I'm not sure I could beat her in a hand-to-hand fight. And of course, her preference for guns, there's nothing stopping her from shooting me to get the upper hand. But I won't let her hurt Stiles."
"I have every faith that things will be okay. Peter is more determined then I have ever seen, and you survived 8 years on your instincts alone and not to mention what you had to go through to adapt to being human again. You're strong Malia." Allison said reaching back and squeezing my hand.
"Thanks." I offered a smile.
Lydia pulled up to the school where Stiles' jeep was still parked. I hopped out and Isaac hopped in, giving a supportive pat on my shoulder as he did. I waved them off before approaching Mr. S., and Peter. Scott and Derek were already at the edge of the woods waiting. Braeden was sitting in her SUV and Parrish in a cruiser waiting for Mr. S., so they could be ready to go at moment's notice.
"Okay, here's the bug." Mr. S. said handing me the small device. "make sure its somewhere out of sight but not overlapped by too many clothes so we can hear clearly."
"Bra?" I asked. He cleared his throat and looked away.
"That should work." He said.
Turning away I positioned it in my bra.
"Do I need to speak directly to my boob?" I asked.
"No." Mr. S. said, still looking uncomfortable.
"Braeden, Scott, Parrish can you hear us?" Peter asked into a cell phone.
"Loud and clear." Came Scotts reply followed by an affirmative from Braeden and Parrish before the call was disconnected.
"I'm going to get situated. Malia don't take risks. As soon as I can get into a good position I will handle her. You just stall her for as long as you can, alright? Be careful." Peter said.
"I will." I nodded. Once Peter was in the small, cramped area in the back of the jeep I turned to Mr. S..
"are you ready?" he asked.
"I think so." I said shuffling my feet and trying to shake out my nerves. He gripped my arms to stop me moving.
"You can handle this. And you're not alone. You have all of us right behind you. trust your instincts and be careful."
"I just want to get Stiles away from her. She's not my goal, Stiles is."
"Good stay focused on that. Get going. We're right behind you." he said handing me the keys.
I hopped into the jeep. Stiles had been teaching me to drive over the last few months before we broke up so I was pretty confident I could handle at least that part. But I might just end up parked in the middle of the street. I started it up and carefully pulled out.
"You okay back there Peter?"
"It's a good thing I stay fit. This is a really small and uncomfortable space."
I let myself laugh.
"I'm sure Braeden is enjoying the fact that you had to fold yourself in half to fit back there." I mused.
"I'm sure she is, the sadist."
The rest of the drive was quiet as I concentrated on staying in my lane. I reached the area sooner than I thought I would and parked as close as I dared to the edge.
"Be careful." Peter whispered again before I turned off the engine. I left the keys in the ignition as I got out. if I could get Stiles away then at least he would have a way to get out of here.
I expanded my senses to hear, see and smell everything around me. but it wasn't necessary. I could smell Stiles 2 feet in. I sped up until I could see him, tied to thick tree. The car that had still been there just months ago was gone leaving a clear area. Stiles, just outside of it. He didn't look hurt, but he did look tired and worried.
"Stiles." I breathed rushing to him.
"That's close enough." She said, stepping into the clearing, cocking a gun and pointing it my way. I hadn't paid attention to where she was, my focus on Stiles.
"Malia. Don-." He started and my heart squeezed in hearing his voice.
"Shut up." She told him. Looking up I could see the moon wasn't fully up yet but almost. I could feel the urges start but fought to control them, even though I growled at her for even speaking to him.
"Stiles, are you okay?" I asked him, not taking my eyes off her.
"Rainbows and sunshine." He answered. She chuckled.
"alright, I'm here. You got me. you can let him go now." I told her.
"I don't think so." She said, walking a bit closer.
"Wasn't that the deal? I come here and you let him go?"
"I said come to me or I would send directions where to pick up his body. I never said I would let him go." She smirked.
I growled again and could feel my eyes change.
"His fate isn't up to me. he's just a bargaining chip for me. once I'm done with you, he goes right back to Kate and whatever she has planned."
We both looked behind her when we heard the sound of snapping branches. She turned back and grinned wickedly at me.
"You forgot one of the instructions. You brought someone with you."
"no, I didn't. it's just me. just like you said." I lied, badly. But I was panicking. What was she going to do?
"Well, she didn't say he had to be whole." She said before pulling something from behind her quicker then lightening and throwing it at Stiles. He screamed in pain.
"Stiles!" I took a step in his direction before she stopped me. she had thrown a knife at him hitting him in the thigh.
"I'm okay." he gritted out. I could see blood starting to seep around where the knife was. Now I was pissed. My vision tinted, and I felt my claws extend.
"okay, you bitch. You want to fight. Then let's fight." I snarled at her letting my instincts take hold.
"Malia, don't." Stiles called.
"There's my baby girl." She cooed dropping her gun.
Stiles:
My heart pounded in my chest watching my girlfriend ferally attack Corinne, only for Corrine to slam her to the ground. A growl came out of nowhere and Peter ran in, threw Corinne across the open area where her body slamming into a boulder. He placed himself in front of Malia, fully shifted and snarling loudly. Corinne got back up and charged for Peter, claws at the ready. Malia grunted and got to her feet, turning to run to me, but Corinne slipped out of Peter's hold and grabbed her by her throat.
"I want my power back." She snarled before shoving her claws deep into Malia's stomach. Malia's eyes widened and she gasped when Corinne's claws dug in a little deeper.
"Malia." I screamed struggling against my restraints. Scott and Derek burst onto scene heading for Malia and Corinne. A couple of cars screeched to a stop and my dad, Parrish and Braeden jumped out. each with a gun in hand and at the ready. Again, Peter was there, slamming his claws into Corinne's back and forcing her to release Malia who fell to the ground, curling in on herself. For the first time I wished I were a wolf, so I could break these damn ties and go to her.
"Don't move." A voice said from next to me. I looked around and saw no one, but I felt my restraints lax, freeing me.
"Who's there?" I asked.
"Just stay still." They said before pulling the knife out. I growled out every curse word I could think of as they wrapped the restraint around the wound and tied it tightly. I gritted my teeth but tried not to make a sound, so I didn't draw attention to myself as I put weight on my leg.
The fight still going on. Guns were still drawn but no shots fired yet. Probably because the wolves were all a blur as they each took a turn in fighting Corinne who was holding her own very well. Scott narrowly missed getting maimed. Derek, landing a kick that sent Corinne staggering back.
"Who are you? Where are you?" I asked.
"I don't have much time. I need you to get to a message to Theo for me. Tell him to stop looking for me."
"Corey?" I guessed still not sure where he was or how he was doing whatever he was doing. "You know he won't stop."
"Just tell him to not come for me. there's something else going on and they want him. he needs to stay away. Tell him I will contact him when I can, but he has to stay away."
"More people. You really can't follow directions can you." Corrine said breaking into our conversation. Someone had tossed her again but unfortunately they tossed her towards her gun which she picked up.
"I guess Kate is gonna have to find a new pawn for her game." She sneered before aiming at me and pulling the trigger. Various voices shouted and Scott roared loudly. I closed my eyes waiting for the impact, but nothing happened. I heard a dull ping. When I opened my eyes I saw the bullet stopped, floating in midair.
Three more shots rang out, from my dad, Parrish, and Braeden each and Corinne fell to her knees.
"You sneaky little brat." She growled falling over. I watched the floating bullet kind of turn to face me.
"Keep Theo safe, Stiles and tell him I love him. I will contact him when its safe." Corey said before he was leaving.
I released the breath that I held and gasped for air, my heart pounding in my ears. My eyes searched out Malia to see her too still laying on the ground. I dragged myself over to her as fast as I could.
"Malia." I called reaching her and falling to her side. Peter fell to her other side and grabbed her hand.
"Stiles. You're okay." she whispered trying to smile.
"But you're not. We need to get you help."
"Good, that's good." She said closing her eyes.
"No, Malia, open your eyes. Look at me, okay? I need you to look at me." I said cupping her face.
"It hurts." She moaned. I lifted her shirt and saw four puncture wounds.
"Oh God, we have to get you to the hospital." I said my voice shaky. She moaned again her eyes fluttering. I called for Scott to help her, but Peter stopped him.
"let me." he said, and I have never seen him look so broken as he did right then. Gripping her hand with both of his and pulling her pain from her. Malia quieted instantly. Her eyes opened and she smiled at him.
"Thanks dad." she sighed and closed her eyes again.
"Malia…Malia."
"Let's get you both to the hospital." My dad said coming over.
Peter picked her up and rushed her towards an SUV parked nearby. Dad and Scott helped me stand. I watched them load Malia in the back, Peter sitting with her before Derek hopped in the driver's seat and they sped off with her.
"Dad."
"We will meet them there. Come on." he said.
"I got her. You go, sheriff." Parrish said calling for medical transport on his radio, and cuffing Corinne. Breaden was still standing there with her gun at the ready. Corinne was out but not dead.
Dad and Scott braced me on both sides and walked me down to where my jeep was parked. We all piled in, dad in the back with me and Scott driving.
My father held me closely, not letting go on the ride back towards town. I didn't mind. He watched Corinne pull the trigger. He almost lost me and I'm sure it brought back memories of when mom was getting worse and died. I clung to him too. reliving the same memories. But also terrified for Malia.
