**Surprise, new chapter. Finally, I know. I'm going to try to keep up with this story but posting 4.5 stories at once it hard. So patience is appreciated. Hope you enjoy. **

Malia:

Waking up covered in a sheen of sweat with my hand buried between my legs was not how I wanted to start this morning. But here I was. Hands planted between slick thighs as I recalled the dream. It was so vivid I could almost pretend it was really happening. I was tempted to just finish the job since I had already started, and I was still feeling the effects of that dream.

"How wet are you for me?" he growled slipping a hand between my legs and through my folds. I gasped and he groaned when he made contact with my clit and entrance. "So damn wet. I need to feel you again. It's been too long." He said stroking, teasing. His touch so sure, long strong fingers, teasing me.

Trying to mimic it I let my own fingers lightly trace over the overly sensitive bundle of nerves. Since I have apparently already started, might as well finish the job, since I didn't get to in the dream.

"I missed feeling you clamping down around me. I missed feeling you fall apart beneath me, and I really missed hearing you scream my name. Think you can give me that?"

"Oh God." I whimpered, wishing it were his hand touching me, wishing it were his voice in my ear and not just in my head.

Lips smashed together, tongues clashed, and teeth scraped. Soon replaced with soaked fingers that I sucked clean, tasting myself before sharing it with him with another searing kiss. legs wound around him as I felt him press against my entrance.

"You never answered me. Think you can scream for me?" he rasped voice growled in my ear.

"Yes. Please, Scott. I need you."

"Scott? Do you want Scott right now, or do you want the alpha?" he asked pulling away to look at me, a wicked grin on his face, already knowing the answer.

"Fuck me Alpha." I told him.

"Hold on tight, baby." He whispered.

That first thrust caused my vision to darken for a second and then I was filled completely. That first thrust felt like coming home.

"Oh, Yes. Fuck. Yes."

I buried my head in his neck as his pace picked up, until he was pounding into me. that familiar band formed, and I tried to stave off the feeling, needing this to last longer.

"Did you miss me, baby? Did you miss my touch, my kiss, my dick?"

I nodded into his shoulder, my nails digging into his skin.

"I need you to say it Malia. I need to hear the words. Tell me. Did you miss me?" He once again found that magic button.

"Yes." I cried out. I could feel myself getting closer and stroked myself harder, using my own fingers to tease my entrance. My other hand pinching my nipples. Moaning I rocked my hips.

"Scream my name Malia. Scream and I will let you come." He said reaching between us and circling my clit, pinching it between two fingers.

"God, yes." I moaned.

"That's not my name." he chuckled. "What's my name? Hmm? Say it."

"So close." I moaned, stroking faster, pinching harder, thrashing wildly on my bed.

"Come on Malia, you promised. Say it and you get to come." He said pulling out slowly and slamming back in.

"Fuck, Scott. Right there. Don't stop."

"That's my girl. Come for me baby. Let me feel it." he said rocking harder against me, rubbing, repeatedly, over the same spot. God, how did he always find that spot? Doesn't matter, just glad that he did. He owns it now, that is his spot.

"Fuck, Malia, come. Do it, now." he growled, pumping furiously, the telltale signs of his pending orgasm urging mine closer. And then there it was, as all-consuming and explosive as always.

"ALPHA!" I screamed, reaching my own release in reality and in my fantasy. My back arched and twitches and spasms ran through me. my breath caught on a choked gasp as I rode it out.

When I collapsed back against the cool sheets I just lay there, trying to catch my breath, my body humming in satisfaction. Or as close to real satisfaction as I could get.

Even though I had just woken up I was already spent. Still, I forced myself up out of bed and to the bathroom, turning the shower on as I brushed my teeth and stared into the mirror. It had been a while since I had a dream that good, but this one has been on repeat since I last saw Scott, two weeks ago.

Two weeks. I have been avoiding Scott for two weeks. Haven't seen or talked to him, despite the many times he's called, text or come by, since running into him outside of the restaurant I had lunch with Lydia at.

It hasn't been hard really. Summer was coming up and Derek wanted to spend as much time with Eli before he heads off with Peter to visit Cora in Mexico for a month. So, I have been taking on extra shifts so he could have some extra time off. Which gave me the perfect excuse to decline hanging out with everyone when Lydia would invite me.

I know she knows what I am doing but I haven't given her an opening to interrogate me as to why I am doing it. besides, she has her own issues going on. She was hired to redo the system at the sheriff's station and her partner in it is none other than Parrish. I swear Sheriff Stilinski has an ornery streak or something. there is not a person that can see them in the same room and not see the chemistry there, even if she avoids him like the plague as much as she can. Hmmm… I wonder if I can use that against her when she finally gets around to lecturing me about being stupid.

Today I was forced to take the day off. Derek and Peter both told me not to show up. Peter was apparently filling in for me. that's when I knew they were serious. Peter, though a good mechanic, hated menial labor.

So here I am lying across the couch trying to figure out what I can do for the day. Everyone is at work, which is great if I want to go out. less chance to run into Scott. He's probably knee deep in puppies right now. I can just picture that sweet dopey grin on his face when he's feeling… soft and sweet. That image quickly changed into glowing red eyes, a deep penetrating alpha stare and his jaw set as he took me over and over again, showing no mercy.

A shiver ran through me, and I had to squeeze my thighs together and shake it off.

See this is why I need to keep busy because thoughts like those keep running through my mind. Along with Scott's options. Not even sure if those are still on the table. The only one that seems plausible was the last one. It was the one I wanted with everything in me. I craved it, badly. But I was also terrified of it. he means too much to me, not just as an alpha, for me to risk it but the pang of pain in my heart won't let me reject it.

I really need to woman up and just talk to him, figure this out with him. I should have already done that but -.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, which was probably a good thing, but I wasn't expecting anyone. I stiffened, sitting up.

"Who is it?" I called cautiously. I was pretty sure it wasn't Scott; he was working… or should be. Did he take the day off? Was he finally confronting me? damn it I am so not ready for a confrontation. Maybe he was here to tell me to forget it. that the way I have been acting showed him where I was at with this. I wouldn't blame him if he did. I'm acting like a stupid teen again.

"Uh, it's Stiles."

"Stiles?" I called, confused. I swung my feet to the floor sitting up ramrod straight. What was he doing here?

"Yeah. Wanna open the door? It's really hot out here and my leg hurts." He said.

Jumping up I practically leaped over to the door, yanking it open once I undid the locks. There stood my friend and my ex. It was still hard to see the old Stiles in this new one. not even just in looks, the shaggy hair he came back with was still shaggy just neater along with the beard and mustache he had started sporting. It all still looked good on him. But really it was his demeaner. He stood straighter and braced, his eyes were a bit harder, not as wide and innocent as when we were younger. Even the smile he gave me wasn't teen Stiles. It looked more forced.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I asked opening the door wider and letting him in.

"Thanks." he said in passing, limping over to the chair. "I came to talk to you."

I closed the door and took a seat back on the couch looking at him, curious as to what we had to talk about.

"Okay… about what?" I asked.

"A few things actually." He huffed a laugh, scratching the back of his head.

I nodded, starting to feel awkward. Why was I awkward? Stiles was one of my best friends. We used to talk about everything, well before we broke up.

"first, how are you doing? Haven't seen much of you in the last couple of weeks." He asked.

"Uh, I'm good. Just working, you know. everyone wants servicing before summer."

"You work with Derek, right?"

"Yeah, but he's been spending some extra time with Eli before he leaves. So, I have been taking on extra shifts so he can do that." I explained.

"Eli's leaving?"

"Yeah, he goes to spend a month with Cora every summer."

"And Derek doesn't go with him?"

"No, Peter usually takes him. Sometimes Cora will come get him and they fly back there together. Cora comes here for Christmas to spend time."

"Peter? Wow. Okay. How is he? And how is Cora? "

"Peter's… Peter." I shrug. There was really no other way to describe him, and Stiles already knew how Peter was. "Cora's doing good. She has a pack down there that she is close too."

"That's good. So is work the excuse you really want to go with for why you are avoiding Scott?" he asked bluntly.

Deflating I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"I'm not avoiding Scott." I lied. He stared. "Fine so I am avoiding Scott." I admitted.

"We know. WHY are you avoiding Scott?"

"Did you really come all the way here to talk about Scott?" I asked instead of answering.

"No, I actually didn't. I came here for another reason."

"And that would be." I said. I was getting irritated.

"I owe you an apology… and an explanation." He sighed.

"An apology? For what? What did you do?" Irritation turned into confusion.

"For what happened back then. I was a fucking dick back then."

My brows shot up.

"Wait, what?"

"Malia, you were never, not once, second choice or a placeholder for Lydia. Not for a minute." He said.

I threw up my hands and shook my head. I so did not want to go down that road.

"Nope. We are not doing this." I told him, getting up and heading to the kitchen. I grabbed a water for myself and after only hesitating a second I grabbed him one as well.

"when we met, I was in the middle of the craziest, most frightening thing I had ever been through in my life up to that point."

"Stiles, stop." I said, shoving a bottle at him and flopping back onto the couch, hard.

"I had a deranged homicidal wolf spirit inside of me that was using me to hurt people, kill people." He kept going.

"Stiles, just-."

"I was scared and stressed and just exhausted. I felt alone. even though I know my dad was looking into the diagnosis I supposedly had at that time, and I knew Scott and everyone else were trying to figure out how to get the nogitsune out of me, I was still alone in all of it because I was the one going through it."

"STILES!" I yelled, slamming my bottle down.

"Malia, I have to say this. I need… please just let me finish." He said, his eyes pleading with me to just listen. This was important to him, so I sighed and nodded.

"Then I met you, at Eichen of all places. Well, I re-met you, I guess. And you were in there because you were having a hard time dealing with being human again and everything that you been through while you were living as a coyote all that time. and even though we kind of clashed, I just felt like… you would understand if no one else would." He said scrubbing a hand down his face.

"After we got that situation taken care of and you and I started hanging out more, I started to like you more. The more time we spent together the more I wanted you. The less I thought of Lydia. I still cared about her but once we got together… my mind and heart was split in half. I was falling for you, but I still also still loved Lydia." He admitted quietly.

As much as I felt an echo of pain from that, even though I already knew this, it wasn't as hard to hear as it had been back then. Still, it wasn't pleasant to hear that she still had a piece of him that he would never have been able to give to me.

"back then I felt like I was split in two. I wanted you but still was holding out for her. I feel like shit for admitting that now. Back then we had so much going on, it was like we couldn't get out of one situation before we were in another. I never really took the time to examine what I was feeling. If I had, I might have broken things off early on so we could remain just good friends. Not because I didn't want to be with you but because it wasn't right to want both of you and I never wanted to hurt either of you." he said, his eyes were holding so much guilt.

"But I ended up hurting you anyway. After you broke up with me I had no plans to go after Lydia. And it wasn't just because she was in Eichen or because of the beast. It was because I realized that it wouldn't be right. We were all friends and how would it look if I started pursuing or dating Lydia afterwards."

"But after we got you back from the Ghost Riders-."

"I was stupid. I had just told my dream girl that I loved her for the first time right before I disappeared. And I came back to her loving me back. I think back then I was confusing love with obsession. Since 3rd grade Lydia had been this fantasy that I never really thought I would have no matter how devoted I was. But it wasn't until we got together that I started to realize that all that time I thought I loved her as a lover, but I am not sure I did. especially since we broke up not 2 months later. It's like I finally got her and the rose-colored glasses I had been wearing came off and I could see clearly that we weren't right for each other, not in that sense. I just wish I could have realized that sooner." He sighed.

"My point is this. Back then I was a stupid kid who was torn between two girls who were both equally amazing and seemed equally perfect for me for different reasons. I should have put more effort into us, maybe things would have worked out a bit differently. But I never once looked at you and saw you as a substitute or rebound or replacement for her or anyone. Malia you are beautiful, smart, funny, and strong. You are an amazing woman that I miss having as my best friend. I miss how close we use to be."

"I miss it too. you were always the one I was closest too back then. After we broke up, even though it was my fault, I just felt kind of alone again. I didn't really start getting close to Lydia and Scott until after you disappeared." I hesitated before admitting the next part. "To be honest once I remembered you I remembered how much I actually did love you back then. I never told you and I had hoped for a split second that maybe I would tell you and maybe we could have a second chance." I shrugged.

Groaning, he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"But then Scott said something to Lydia when we were trying to remember. He told her that no one had a stronger connection then you and her. I thought over everything and started to put the pieces together. it wasn't until Lydia started crying saying she never said it back that I realized, I could never compare to her."

"But you don't have too, you didn't have too. There is and was never a comparison. You two are different people, both of which had a piece of my heart at one point in time. I am so sorry that I ever made you feel that way. I never wanted you to feel as if you didn't measure up. it was me that didn't measure up. I was the problem. Never you or her. I'm so sorry Malia." he said earnestly.

I ducked my head in a quick nod, acknowledging what he said and his apology. I could see him breathe a sigh of relief. He knew me well enough to know I wouldn't say the words aloud but that I did appreciate what he said.

"So, does this conversation have anything to do with Scott?" I asked. He chuckled.

"Yes and no. I've wanted to do that for a while now just hadn't done it or had the chance to at least. This wasn't a conversation to have over the phone. As far as Scott goes… what is it you want to do Malia? Are you really going to let my idiocy of the past stop you from taking a chance with him?"

"I don't want to. I really don't. I care for Scott a lot. I realized it was more than I thought when I saw him again. But I'm scared, Stiles. I don't know how to… do this. I don't know how to go from friends to more with him. and yes part of it has to do with what went wrong with us back then but the other part is me." I told him honestly. He nodded. "I don't want to lose our friendship if things don't work out for us."

"why wouldn't things work out?"

"Because he's Scott." I said standing and starting a pace across the small living room.

"Yes, that's been his name for as long as he has been alive." Stiles said with a snort.

"I mean, I don't know what I mean actually. I just know that he's smart, and sweet, and amazing. He's so protective its almost crazy. He always wants to help or save people. He doesn't know how to not take everything onto himself. He's so self-sacrificing. He would do anything to keep others from being hurt, even die. Which he has freaking done a few times by now. He's a freaking alpha, I mean he's the reason I am even sitting here today and not still roaming the woods as a coyote."

"Okay, so you just ticked off every one of his amazing and annoying qualities. None of that sounds like a reason not to date him. a lot of them are actually glowing reasons why you should. What's the real issue here, Malia? Because I can just look at you and see you want to be with him."

"Of course, I want to be with him. I love him." I growled, then stopped and fell back onto the couch. Holy shit, I love him. I looked over at Stiles to see him grinning widely at me. "Fuck."

"I think you guys already covered that activity." He said. I rolled my eyes at him.

"I can't love him. I haven't even really been near him in ten years." I said, feeling a sense of panic well up inside of me.

"I don't think love has a distance or time max or minimum requirement."

"But it should. I mean. Before the party I hadn't been in the same room with him since before we left for college. And since then, I have only seen or talked to him over video or phone calls."

"And? It doesn't matter that you have only talked to him from afar. You still talked to him. you still saw him. you still felt something for him." he sighed. "Look, I get it. it's scary to take a chance on something like this. You two went through a lot together before we left. You built a bond that you don't want to jeopardize. But I don't see why dating would jeopardize it. from where the rest of us are sitting it would only make it stronger."

"But…"

"Malia, I have known Scott practically my whole life. Besides his mother I probably know him best. We may have been leading separate lives but the one thing about Scott that hasn't changed is that deep down to his core Scott is the most level headed person I know. He wouldn't have even hinted at trying to start something with you if he didn't absolutely, 100% believe that you two could have something special. He wouldn't have even suggested it if he thought for even a split second that it wouldn't work out for you two."

"How are you not weirded out by this? I mean I know it was ages between when we broke up and Scott and I got together. But how are you so okay even talking about me and him being together?"

"I'll tell you basically the same thing I told him. We have all been friends way too long and been through way too much for me to be hung up on the whole 'bros before hoes' concept."

"Are you calling me a hoe?" I asked with an arched brow.

"Of course not. It's just a saying. I just mean that I'm not hung up on the idea that just because we once dated that you or he shouldn't give it a go. why would I want to get in the way of two people caring enough about each other to want to build something together." he shrugged.

"well, that's very mature of you."

"I'm a very mature person." He said with his nose in the air. I laughed shoving him. "so does this mean you will stop avoiding him now?"

"Yes, I had pretty much decided I needed to talk to him before your little intervention. But now I know I need too. though I am not sure what will happen now since I haven't so much as sent him a text in two weeks."

"Yeah, he's been a bit cranky about that. He's been trying to keep his mind off of it by getting settled back in. in the past 2 weeks he has dragged me to every apartment he's even considering. You wouldn't think there would be that many in a town this small." He shook his head. "But he hasn't given up either. He wants this Malia, he wants you. that hasn't changed. You just have to make the next move."

"That sounds awkward." I groaned, falling sideways.

"Yep, it definitely will be. Especially with your aversion to feelings of any kind. But if you want to at least save your friendship, you need to talk to him."

"I know, I know. Fine, I will talk to him. probably tonight. After I psych myself up." I told him.

He snorted.

"Great. So now that, that's settled. Let's go grab something to eat and catch up. I'm starving." He said, standing and holding out a hand to me. taking it, I let him pull me up.

"This isn't a setup is it? we aren't going to get to a restaurant and then Scott will coincidentally be there as well, right?"

"No, it's not a setup. I just want to have lunch with one of my best friends and I'll even pay."

"Okay, sure. I'm kind of craving some loaded fries and some hot wings."

"Of course you are." He laughed.

Scott:

"Hey Scott, sorry I'm late. One of my kids decided to try to sneak off campus to make out with their girlfriend. I had to escort them back to the cafeteria." Liam said as he slid into the booth I had been sitting in.

"It's cool. I get it. hell, I did it." I told him. "Is this going to cut into your time you have to get back?"

"Nah, I'm good. I bribed another teacher to take my spot for lunch duty and I have a planning period afterwards so got about an hour and 25 minutes left for lunch." he picked up the menu and started perusing.

"I already ordered for us. I don't know why you bother looking. You always get the same thing." I snorted. He shrugged and put the menu back down.

"True. So, what's going on?"

"Nothing, just wanted to have lunch, that's all."

"Where's Stiles?"

"I'm not actually sure. I think he had something to do for work."

"Cool. So, how's it been going, being back and all. Any second thoughts?" he asked. He was curious but I could also see his worry about that. I felt a smidge of guilt over it. I left him in charge while I was gone and then I stayed gone.

"No, no second thoughts. I'm actually enjoying being back. I've missed this town."

"Really, even after everything?" he asked with raised brows.

"Yes, even after everything. Things weren't all bad before, it's just that when they were, they were really bad. But we got through it."

"Ain't that the truth."

"Ain't? aren't you an English teacher?"

"From 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and the occasional Saturday detention, I am. Beyond that I'm just me. Besides The word ain't is a negative inflection for am, is, are, has, and have in informal English. In some dialects, it is also used for do, does, and did. In fact-."

"Okay, okay Mr. Dunbar. I get it. you are definitely an English teacher." I laughed, stopping him from continuing. He gave me his signature wide smile. Even with the facial hair I still saw my pup. "I'm really proud of you man. I know when I left it was thought that I would come back after graduating but I didn't. I never meant to just strand you taking care of everything here alone. But you really stepped up and the town seems to be thriving now."

"Thanks." he said, ducking his head shyly. "Honestly, I didn't do it alone. I mean with Mason and Corey here and of course Derek, Malia, and Parrish." He said, his gaze meeting mine for a minute then looking away. In that minute I could see something was bothering him.

"Hey, Liam, what's going on man? I can tell something is on your mind. Want to talk about it?"

"Actually, there is something on my mind and I do want to talk to you about it, just not yet. I will just give me a bit more time."

"Okay, whenever you are ready, let me know. you know I'm here for you."

"I know and I appreciate it. Now tell me about apartment hunting. Have you found anything you like yet?"

"It's been tedious." I sighed. "But I think I found something, not an apartment though. There's a little fixer upper a few streets away from my mom that's on the market. I'm thinking of putting in an offer on it."

"really, that's good man. What's it like?"

"Three bedrooms, 2 baths. Big yard and close to the woods in case I want to shift. But it needs a lot of renovating on the inside, maybe some touch ups on the outside. So, it will be a lot of work."

"Are you gonna be able to afford that and reno?"

"Yes actually. My dad had an account he started for me my senior year, for when I was ready to buy a house. It has gained a lot of interest in the last ten years. So, I can use part of that for the down payment. I would still have a mortgage, but it would be a lot lower than usual, and I figured I would use the rest of the money to reno. I mean I plan to do as much myself as I can but stuff like plumbing and electrical work I will probably contract out for."

"That's great. Let me know if you want help with any of it. I was lucky enough that my parents gave me the house when they decided to move." He said.

"How are they doing? Are they enjoying Nevada?" I asked.

Liam's parents decided to move after Liam graduated due to all the drama that happened in this town. I wasn't really surprised. From what I know they still visit Liam quite often and are finally okay with the fact that he's a wolf, which came out during the last battle.

"They're great. W- I went to visit them over spring break. It was nice. But it's so dry there. I couldn't do it long term. I prefer it here, for more than one reason." He said. I quirked a brow catching his slip. He blushed and looked away.

The waitress brought our food out and Liam changed the subject again. We spent the rest of lunch just talking about his work and mine. I touched on the subject of him dating which he quickly shut down and I let it go. I wonder if that was part of what he wasn't ready to talk about yet. Then he asked about my dating situation and since I really didn't want to get into that issue right then I just told him it was complicated. We ended lunch laughing over stories of Mason and Corey.

Walking out of The Grille we stood out front for a bit longer talking before he had to rush off to get back to school for his next class. I pulled out my phone, which I had on silent during lunch so there would be no distractions, and hoped to see a message from Malia but there wasn't anything.

Sighing, I contemplated giving her a call but knew it wouldn't be answered anyway. I haven't seen or talked to her in a couple of weeks, and I longed to do so. I was hoping she was still thinking about what we talked about but that this point was there even a reason to hold out hope.

I was still standing there, minutes later, staring at my phone when I heard my name being called. Turning I searched until I found who it was. I blinked as I stared at them, not sure if I was believing my eyes.

"Kira?"

** There you go, a bit of Stiles and Malia moment and a bit of a Scott and Liam moment and a return character, for a moment. Hope you enjoyed. **