Chapter 13:

Liam:

I stepped out onto the porch for a breather. I could still hear my friends laughing and joking in the living room behind me. Teasing Mason about the dumb struck look on his face when he saw a picture of Corey. Malia losing her filter, again, and Stiles trying to explain why certain things didn't need to be mentioned. All of it was amazing and the most relaxed I have been in over a week.

Today has been a long but great day. Got my license, got a car, had lunch with my dad and got to escape to the lake house for at least one night away from the tension at home. The cherry on top was my friends throwing a small celebration for my birthday, complete with cake and presents. It's actually been one of my best birthdays. And not just because Theo was here.

Speaking of, I felt him come up behind me, bracing his hands on either side of mine on the porch railing. I automatically leaned my head back against him.

"Did you enjoy your day?" he asked.

"Yeah. it was one of the best birthdays I have had in a while. Usually it's just me, my parents, Mason, and his parents. I've had a few parties, but they aren't really my thing. This was perfect."

"Good, I was hoping you would like it."

"Did you plan this?"

"Me and the girls. We thought you could use something like this with everything that's been going on lately." He shrugged.

"Thank you. this was exactly what I needed."

"You're welcome. You were right though, it's beautiful here and so peaceful."

"It is. I love coming here." I said, shivering with a familiar energy.

The moon was about three quarters of the way up and I could feel it. But there wasn't the same urgency to shift. Every once in a while my skin felt like it was crawling, and I would get antsy like I couldn't sit still, it's why I was out here to begin with, but I didn't have the same fear that I would go tearing through the woods needing to hunt.

"Are you feeling it?"

"A little, but it's not bad, actually. Nothing like previous months. I don't feel the same urges."

"You mean to shift."

"Yeah. I mean I can feel the wolf there but he's not bursting out like normal. Feels like he's content just to be, you know."

"Is that normal?"

"I don't know. I'll ask Scott about it tomorrow."

"So, I don't have to relinquish you to the moon tonight then?"

"No? I can't be sure. We'll just have to see how the night goes. I'm sure the others are listening for any issues. Right now, I just feel relaxed and happy."

"Good." He said placing a kiss on my head then wrapping his arms around me.

"I wish we could stay like this." I sighed enjoying just being able to be with him.

"Me too."

I looked up at him.

"No that is not a hint at anything. I just really like holding you. You fit so perfectly right here. You're almost pocket size." He chuckled.

"Shut up, I am not." I said, fighting a smile.

"You are. But that means I can do this." He said spinning me around and setting me on the railing.

"Did you really just do that?" I asked, blinking up at him.

"Yes, I did. Because now I can do this."

His lips pressed against mine and I melted into him. I loved the feeling of him pressed against me, feeling his heartbeat against mine. My hands that had been gripping his waist slipped under his shirt, running over the ridges of his abs. I could feel the smile on his lips. he knows how much I love touching him.

Every kiss brought new emotions to the surface. So much want and need, so much affection and so much possessiveness. I felt the need to claim him. I wasn't used to feeling that. But he was mine and suddenly I wanted everyone to know. Theo pulled away and quirked a brow at me.

"Did you just growl?" he smirked.

"Maybe." I muttered, blushing.

"Can I ask why? And why are your eyes gold?"

"I may… have gotten a little… possessive." I admitted.

"Of me?" his smile widened.

"Just a little." I shrugged.

"You have no idea how much I love that."

"I can guess since your eyes just switched." I said with a laugh.

"What can I say. My mini wolf brings out a possessive side to me as well."

Before I could object to being called mini wolf he was kissing me again and my brain stopped working.

JACJACJAC

We were up the next day early. I had no issues at all overnight. I don't know if that had to do with my control being a lot better or if it was because Theo kept me thoroughly distracted with making out until we fell asleep. It didn't hurt that he was shirtless as well.

We went to school as normal and I was in such a good mood I didn't even get annoyed when Hayden tried, yet again, to wave me over to her table at lunch. it was really getting old that she was still persisting. I've taken to just ignoring her now.

We were able to steal a moment towards the end of the school day in the 'SS' room. Theo made me promise to give my mom a chance before he kissed the hell out of me, only separating when the bell rang for final period. I told him I would call him after dinner, and we went to class. As soon as Mason dropped me off my mother was waiting.

"Hey mom." I said dropping my bag by the door.

"Hey honey. Are you ready for dinner?"

"it's only 4."

"I know, but it's a bit of a drive. I figured we could get there early and spend some time chatting. It's been a long time since we just talked, the two of us." She said cheerily. I was uneasy thinking about what we could possibly talk about, but I promised Theo I would give her a chance. Maybe we could straighten out this situation between us.

"Sure. Let's go." I agreed. She squealed, clapping excitedly and I couldn't help smiling remembering before last year when she would get this excitable.

Conversation heading to the restaurant was one sided. Mom talking about random things going on and how well her job was going. I relaxed over the drive thinking that I had been overreacting to feeling that this was going to be horrible.

The restaurant she chose was nice. It was more her style then mine. I would be happy with a burger or pizza. Mom liked fine dining more, hence us being seated in fancy leather back booth with a candle in the middle of the table and soft lighting.

"See, nice right?" she asked smiling.

"Yeah, real nice."

"So, tell me, how's school going?"

"it's going great. I've been doing good in classes, though I still hate history. All those dates to keep track of."

"You always did hate that subject. Keeping track of dates were never your thing. How's Lacrosse? The season is over isn't it?"

"Yeah it is. We didn't win our last game, but we came close. Coach thinks next year we will have it in the bag. He did sign us up for some charity thing this year though. It's more a demonstration then a game but should be fun."

"that's good. And it doesn't affect you? with your condition?"

I took a deep breath.

"No, it doesn't. haven't had any problems at all."

"That's really good. I'm happy to hear that. So, the medication is helping?" she asked her tone a bit wary but also relieved. I clenched my hands in my lap.

"Mom. When was the last time I had an episode? Not counting what happened on the ride back from Aunt Josie's. When was the last time you saw me even lose my temper let alone explode?" I asked her.

"You haven't. not since…"

"Exactly. Not since what I did. So why do you continue to act like I'm one step away from blowing up? What have I done that makes you feel like I'm a ticking time bomb?"

"I don't."

"Are you sure? Because constantly asking me if I took my meds and walking on eggshells around me if I'm even just a little frustrated says otherwise."

She said nothing just toyed with her cloth napkin refusing to look at me.

"I hate that what I did still makes you see me differently, but I'm not him anymore. I have worked so hard to get a handle on this. I don't know why you can't see that."

"Honey, I'm sorry. I just worry."

"I know. But you have to stop treating me as if I'm going to lash out at any given moment. I'm fine."

"Okay, your right. I'm sorry. Let's just forget I said anything. Tell me what else is going on with you?" she asked, and the subject was dropped.

We talked about school and my friends and even the 'retreat' to the lake house. She told me stories about me when I was a baby, and I was back to enjoying spending time with her. I was getting hungry though and we had yet to see a waiter. I was about to question that when someone called mom's name.

"Diane is that you?" an older woman, around my mom's age, came up to the table, and right behind her was Hayden. And just like that the evening was ruined.

"Allyssa, fancy seeing you here." My mom greeted with a wide smile and too much surprise. The hostess that seated us was right behind them but wondered off as soon as the two women greeted each other. I narrowed my eyes.

"I've always wanted to try this place and figured since we were in the area, we would just see what it's about." Mrs. Romero said. Hayden waved to me.

"Well why don't you join us. We are just celebrating Liam's birthday." My mother said and my eyes snapped to her.

"Oh, if you don't mind." She said taking a seat next to my mother before she could get an answer.

"Not at all. It would be a pleasure, wouldn't it Liam?" my mother asked looking at me.

"Seriously?" I stared at her, making her look away.

"Do you mind?" Hayden asked standing next to where I was sitting. I wanted to say I minded very much but manners had me sliding further in to let her sit.

"Thanks. Happy birthday, by the way." Hayden said.

"Yeah, thanks."

"If I had known I would see you, I would have brought your gift with me."

"You got me a gift?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

I don't know, maybe because we are not friends and I do my damnedest to avoid you, I thought but didn't say.

"How did you even know it was my birthday?" I asked because it wasn't common knowledge, and my friends only knew because Mason brought it up.

"You're mom just said it, silly." She giggled slapping my arm and lingering.

"Yeah but you just said you already had a gift for me. Which means you would have had to already know it was my birthday." I glared at her, shrugging from under her hand.

"Oh, uhm…" she said looking to her mother who pretended not to notice, though I saw my mother's lip tick.

"Right, of course." I muttered, nodding.

She had told her or at least her mother. Which led us to tonight when they just happen to pick the same restaurant to eat at, tonight of all nights, even though this place is 45 minutes away from where we live.

A set up. Exactly what I should have expected. Benefit of the doubt my ass. I could feel my anger rising and took a minute to close my eyes and calm down. I just needed to get through this dinner without blowing up.

"Are you okay?" Hayden asked reaching over to grab my hand. I snatched it away, placing it back in my lap.

"I'm fine." I tried not to sound as irritated as I felt but judging by the sudden awkwardness I wasn't successful.

"Well, this is nice. I didn't think we would ever get a chance to get everyone together." Mrs. Romero said.

"I know. but I'm glad it was today. We haven't all been in the same place since they went to homecoming together." My mother said.

"Yes. And didn't they look so good together? The cutest couple ever."

"That's what I thought as well. it's a shame that was the last time."

"Sorry about them. They seem to want to keep reliving the past." Hayden leaned over to say. I nodded once. "they aren't wrong though. We do look good together."

Finally, the waitress came, saving me from saying something that would cause more tension. The rest of dinner was slow torture. Hayden trying to engage and our mothers chattering on to each other. I think at one point my claws came out because the thick cloth napkin I had been holding was now in shreds, I was so irritated. My eyes stayed mostly on my mother as she held a conversation with both Hayden and her mother, since I wasn't saying a word in fear that I would lash out. All of them every once in a while stating that we should get together again and how nice it would be if we all saw more of each other, especially Hayden and me. You would think that since we haven't spent any time with each other outside of class in months they would let this go and stop trying to force something that wasn't there.

"Well, that was fun." My mother said when we were back in the car. I snorted in disbelief.

"You just won't give up, will you?" I said shaking my head. "You won't quit until you get what you want."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, confused. She didn't look like she was faking it either. Did she really think I enjoyed that?

"I really thought you just wanted to spend time with me. but this was all a set up." I turned to look at her. "Wasn't it?"

"Liam." She sighed.

"Never mind. let's just go."

"Honey-."

"Forget it. Let's go home." I told her staring out the window.

The ride back was quiet just the radio playing. Maybe I shouldn't have told her. Maybe I should have just let things continue as they were. Dad knew and he was fine with it. But her… was she even trying to understand? Maybe this would be one of those things I would have to learn to live with.

As soon as we parked I was out of the car.

"Hey, you guys are back late. Dinner must have gone well." Dad said when I came in, mom right behind me. He took one look at my face and stopped smiling.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Ask mom." I said.

"Liam it wasn't that bad." She said.

"What did you do?" Dad sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He already looked worn out since he worked tonight. But now he looked worn out and annoyed.

"Ask her who also happened to be at the same restaurant tonight." I said.

"You didn't." dad snapped, looking at her.

"It was a coincidence." She shrugged, nervously.

"A coincidence." I scoffed. "it was a coincidence that you both decided to choose that particular restaurant, that's almost an hour away on the exact same night at the exact same time?"

"Diane we talked about this. Are you trying to push him away?" he asked her.

"Of course not. I just thought that it would be a nice dinner out. we would all talk and enjoy a night together that's all. I'm not pushing anything."

"Yes you are. You have been for weeks but this… this is low. You used his birthday as an excuse to set him up on a weird date with the girl?"

"It wasn't a date. We were just having dinner." She yelled throwing her hands up.

"Yeah with the one girl you have-."

"Stop." I shouted, halting them both. "I can't take the fighting anymore."

I took a deep breath.

"Liam."

"No, dad. I love you for trying to get her to understand, to accept me as I am. She either is or she isn't, but she needs to do it on her own. And it's clear she's not ready or doesn't want to. I'm over it. I can't take hearing you two go at each other over it anymore. Stop fighting please. Just stop." I sighed and made my way upstairs.

I stripped down and got into bed, showering would come in the morning. I thought about calling Theo and just talking to him until I felt myself again. But I didn't have the heart tonight. I needed to process all this. I would tell him in the morning.

JACJACJAC

I didn't feel any better in the morning. In fact, I felt worse. My alarm went off and I just laid there. My head hurt and so did my heart. I was still reeling over dinner last night and the fight I witnessed. But I was so tired of this. I was tired of hiding, I was tired of my mom, I was tired of Hayden and just tired of everything. A knock on my door had me sitting up finally.

"Come in." I called, checking the time, 30 minutes past when I was supposed to be up. Great, I was going to be late.

"Hey, you up?" my dad said coming in.

"Yeah, just got a late start."

He sat on the edge of the bed and gave me a strained smile.

"Liam, I am sorry. I didn't realize you could hear us arguing. I never wanted you to see or hear that."

"It's okay. I mean, I get why but I don't want you guys fighting over me. It is what it is."

"She does love you; she just seems to have a block somewhere-."

"Dad, its fine. This isn't something you can solve. I like who I like, either she accepts, or she doesn't. Just no more fighting please." I told him. he nodded, patting my knee.

"Well, I'm off today. Why don't we hang out after you get out of school? You can invite Theo; I would love to see him again."

"You don't have to do that."

"He's important to you. I want to get to know him better."

"Okay, I'll check with him."

He nodded and stood up.

"You should get ready; you're going to be late."

"Okay, thanks dad."

He offered a smile before leaving, a genuine one.

I hurried through getting ready and was out the door thirty minutes later, hair still wet, calling bye as I left. My phone pinged as soon as I was in the car.

THEO: HEY WHERE ARE YOU?

LIAM: RUNNING LATE. ON MY WAY NOW.

THEO: OKAY. HOW WAS DINNER LAST NIGHT?

LIAM: I'LL TELL YOU ABOUT IT WHEN I SEE YOU. MEET ME AFTER FIRST PERIOD?"

THEO: SEE YOU THEN.

I made it to class just after the late bell rang.

"You're late." Ms. Ackerman said not even looking.

"sorry ma'am." I said taking my seat. Mason leaned towards me sparing a glance to make sure the teacher was still facing away.

"What's going on? you're never late. Did you oversleep or something?" he asked.

"No. just a rough night." I told him.

"Liam."

"Ma'am."

"Since you're inclined to talk. Why don't you start off our review this morning." She smiled tightly. Sighing I opened my book to a chapter that I never got a chance to look at yesterday. This day was not starting off great.

As soon as first period ended I headed to my locker, waiting for Theo while I shoved my bag in.

"Hey." Theo greeted coming up next to me.

"Hey." I sighed, wanting to just grab him for a hug cause I could really use it.

"You don't sound good. What's wrong?"

"I'm not. I should have never gone last night."

"What happened?"

I opened my mouth to tell him when I heard her.

"Hey Liam."

My head dropped and I just didn't have the energy to deal with her right now.

"Not now Hayden." I told her, not even bothering to turn around.

"I just wanted to say I had fun last night." she giggled.

"What?" I whirled around so fast I almost lost my balance.

"What happened last night?" Theo asked and now I'm panicking. I just knew that what ever was going to come out of her mouth wouldn't be good.

"Nothing." I said at the same time she said, 'we went out.'

She was smiling so blithely that I was dumbstruck.

"Wait, you guys went on a date last night?" he asked, sounding unsure.

"No." I said. Hayden shrugged with a smug smirk.

What the hell was even happening right now? Am I in the twilight zone?

"Oh. I see." He said, there was definitely hurt there.

"No, you don't. we didn't go on a date." I told him.

"I mean… we were at a nice romantic restaurant last night, together…" She casually mentioned, the implication was clear.

"That wasn't… that's not… what are you talking about?"

"Okay, well I'm going to let you two hash this out. I have to go." Theo said, turning and walking away.

"It wasn't a date." I tried to tell him, but he didn't stop or turn around.