FLASH

- A brief, sudden burst of bright light from a flashbulb or an electronic flash unit

"I know what you are," Jackson appeared beside me as I closed my locker. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him trying to encourage him to continue. "Guess it isn't just bites that do it then," I flinched as he lifted his arm to rest it on the locker beside my shoulder. He had brushed his fingers against my covered scars purposefully as if to make a point.

Nudging his arm away from me peered into his smug face trying to figure out just how much he knew. "What are you implying?" I tried to keep my tone neutral as I counted his accusations.

"You know what," he smirked back before leaning closer than I felt necessary, "you're one of them, just like McCall." He didn't hang around to hear my reply as he straightened up and strutted away. His words left a bitter taste in my mouth for the remainder of the morning. Jackson seemed intent on making me as uncomfortable as possible as he stared smugly across the canteen. His eyes shifted from me to Scott. I saw the boy's shoulders tense as he realised Jackson was watching him intently from a few tables away.

"Stiles, he's watching us," I could hear Scott's voice jump as the words tumbled from his mouth.

The pair jumped as I slammed my tray down in annoyance and slid into the seat opposite Stiles. "The creep has been at it all day," I muttered darkly.

Scott jolted unexpected and his eyes widened dramatically. Stiles and I paused waiting for him to explain but he didn't talk until Stiles nudged him expectantly. "Jackson's talking to me. He knows I can hear him." He turned to look at me in confusion, "He thinks you can hear him to. Why does he think that? Can you hear him?" Did everyone think I was some sort of supernatural creature? Instead of verbalising the question I turned to join the boys as they stared back at the Scott's co-captain. "Look at me. Just talk to me. Act normal. Pretend that nothing's happening. Say something. Talk to me!" Scott snapped in panic pulling our attention back to him.

"I can't think of anything. My mind's a complete blank," Stiles gushed unhelpfully as Scott and I stared a joint look of frustration.

I rolled my eyes, "that has to be a first, you can't think of anything to say?"

"Not under this kind of pressure," Stiles whined back before turning to Scott, "FYI, he's not even sitting with them anymore."

We turned in our seats trying to find Jackson, "Where the hell is he?" Scott paused tilting his head to the side as if listening to something. His eyes narrowed and teeth clenched as he spat out a low, "Yes."

Stiles watched worriedly as his friend's hands gripped the edge of his tray in anger, "Scott, come on, you can't let him do this. You can't let him have this kind of power over you. Okay?" Stiles' words didn't calm his friends temper continued to flare until it was too late. A loud crack filled the hall as Scott snapped the plastic tray in half. Eyes turned to see what the noise was but before they could see the destroyed tray I had slipped it under my own. With a groan I stood wondering to myself how we were going to keep the rest of school from finding out about the supernatural world. I left the hall discarding the concealed tray as subtly as possible.

My sees scanned each corridor as I headed toward my locker not wanting to cross Jackson's path. Instead of the arrogant lacrosse player I stumbled across a distraught looking Lydia. I paused next to her as she snarled down the hall calling after someone. I reached out for her arm trying to pull her back from whoever she was angry at, "everything okay?"

My actions didn't seem to work as she continued to shout down the hall, "dead weight." Turning she muttered quietly to herself, "as if I need him."

"Lydia?" I tried again.

She looked up at me with large watery eyes, "Jackson broke up with me. He plans on making big changes in his life." Taking a deep breath she stood straighter and flipped of her hair. She marched off letting out one last comment just load enough for the others in the corridor to hear her, "Whatever I don't even care" I let her words sink in as she strode past rows of curious teens. Then it clicked. Jackson wanted to make changes? He wanted to do more than just make changes he wanted to physically change! I turned sharply forgetting the need to get to my locker. Instead I shot through the corridors toward my car and sped home. I hadn't even waited for Matt to appear beside my car as usual. The only thing could think of doing was telling Stiles about Jackson.

I clambered across to the open window into Stiles' bedroom. I couldn't help but take a moment to inspect the décor. Posters covered the wall and clothes hung from the partially closed draws. My eyes landed on a white surf board that was prompted up against the wall precariously and I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the idea of Stiles trying to balance on top of it. Stiles wasn't back yet so I decided to make myself at home. It was only as I settled onto his bed that I realised a dark figure was looming menacingly in the corner. Derek glared down at me as I pulled my legs under my heavy winter jumper. I didn't bother questioning him, if our last encounter was anything to go by I doubted he would be keen to answer. Instead I picked up one of Stiles magazines and began to flick through it.

It wasn't long before the bedroom door opened. Stiles entered the room completely oblivious to his two guests. He only turned when his father's deep voices called out after him. "Hey, Stiles."

The teen turned to answer his dad but his eyes landed on me before he had turned fully. His eyes widened at the sight of me and I could tell he was about to shout. Raising my finger to lips I used the other to point at the other person Stiles had missed. "D—Derek. I, um,"

"What'd you say?" questioned the Sherriff from outside the bedroom.

Scrambling toward the door Stiles swung the door closed behind him shielding us from his dad's view, "What? I said - d – dad," the pair continued to talk about the upcoming match. The conversation ended with an incredibly awkward hug before he shuffled back into the room. "I'm sor," Derek lunged at him pinning him against the recently closed door, "- oh!"

"If you say one word," Derek snarled at him.

Rolling his eyes at the older boys words Stiles let out a light scoff, "Oh, what, you mean, like, Hey, dad, Derek Hale's in my room - Bring your gun? Yeah, that's right. If I'm harbouring your fugitive ass, it's my house, my rules, buddy." He pushed a finger into Derek's chest his voice oozing with over confidents. As Stiles went to pass Derek the wolf jutted his chin forward growling at the younger boy, "Oh, my God!"

"You happily taunted a terrifying black monster the other night but Mr tall dark and brooding has you flinching like a 5 year old?" I commented as the pair continued to glare at each other. Stiles glanced my way clearly trying to figure out why I was there. Derek merely ignored me as he began to pester Stiles for answers about a necklace, clearly something I had missed. "No. He's still working on it. But there's something else we can try. The night we were trapped at the school, Scott sent a text to Allison asking her to meet him there."

Derek blinked back, "So?"

To be fair I was intrigued to see where Stiles was going with this thread of thought, "So it wasn't Scott."

"Well, can you find out who sent it?" Derek pressed on.

Smiling lightly I pulled my phone out and began to text, "I know somebody who can." From the smile Stiles was giving me he had known I would answer like this. I wondered ihe just assumed I would have friends with dubious talents or if he had had inside knowledge on the matter. His dad was the Sherriff after all.

"Emma?" A voice drifted through the open window. "Your brother let me in, where are you?" I grinned as I slid of the bed and lent out of the window toward the confused voice. Danny was standing in the middle of my room and he looked so out of place amongst the dark tones and artsy pictures.

"Over here," I beckoned him over and I was surprised at how little persuasion he needed to climb across the tree branches. As he ducked through the window into the room Stiles stared at me with an unamused look. He mouthed Danny's name in disbelieve as the new arrival straightened up and queried why he had been summoned.

"Trace a text," Stiles replied clearly he didn't think Danny could do it.

I rolled my eyes are his tone before turning to Danny, "you owe me." Danny grimaced as he realised the truth behind the words. Like many of the students in school we had all grown up together, sure some people were closer than others but most people had some sort of connection. I had been Danny's rebellious friend back before he had come out. He had seemed to think acting out would make the process easier. It hadn't, it just got us in trouble.

"And what makes you think I know how?" I snorted loudly at Danny's comment, "We were 13. They dropped the charges, eventually"

I lifted an eyebrow at him before stating calmly, "They dropped your charges." The enter event had been my idea and Danny's first offence so it hadn't been hard for his parents to get his arrest written off as childish stupidity.

"No." I groaned in defeat at his answer before lending backwards into the window ledge blocking Danny's exit.

Stiles threw his hands up as his face twisted in frustration, "Oh, my" I didn't hear the rest of the pairs muttering. I picked at the week old nail polish that coated my thumb almost forgetting the werewolf perching on chair across from me. It was only Stiles' mischievous glances towards Derek that reminded me he was there. "Hey, Miguel," Derek and I both look up. "I thought I told you you could borrow one of my shirts." Was he talking to Derek? It seemed he was as the older teen followed his suggestion and reluctantly began rummaging through stiles' cloths. Turning back to Danny Stiles continued to pester the boy, "So anyway, I mean, we both know you have the skills to trace that text, so we should probably" Though with Derek stripping behind him I doubt Danny was even listening. I wasn't.

"Uh, Stiles?" Derek's strained voice pulled Stiles' attention back to him.

"Yes?"

Tugging at the corners of a top to emphasise his words Derek spat a frustrated, "This - no fit," toward Stiles.

"Then try something else on. Sorry," as Stiles turned back he caught Danny's gaze and realised the computer whiz was a little too interested in the werewolf's attire, or lack of in this case. Turning back to Derek he called out a cheerful "Hey, that one looks pretty good," nudging Danny he continued to pry, "What do you think, Danny? The shirt."

Danny's eyes shifted from the floor to look at Derek coyly before replying, "It's - it's not really his colour." He was right as always, the orange and blue shirt Derek currently had on was horrendous. Shaking his head in annoyance Derek finally understanding what Stiles was up to. He pulled the top up and over his head in one swift motion while Danny and Stiles exchanged a few more whispers.

Holding up a third top Derek snapped, "Stiles! None of these fit." His rage raising with every word.

One last glance at Derek seemed to be all Danny need before he gave in to Stiles' requests, "I'll need the ISP, the phone number, and the exact time of the text." Rocking back on his chair Stiles raised his arms up in victory and grinned stupidly around the room. I couldn't help but grin back as our eyes met. Once Danny had started typing way I stood from my resting spot and glanced at the still half-dressed Hale. Sighing I gripped the edge of the large jumper I'd thrown on this morning and began to pull the woollen piece of clothing up and over my head.

Stiles lets out a rushed, "whoa! What are you doing?"

"What? You've seen me in less," Stiles began to splutter and blush at the words I'd thrown his way so causally. It was the truth, I was still practically full clothed as I strode across the room in my frayed denim shorts and bralette. My legs where even covered by thick patterned tights! I didn't get why he was stressing. Stiles had seen me in just my bra back when all this started. Thinking back I couldn't help but be grateful the sheriff had made us leave that evening. Who knows what might have happened had Michael and I stayed. "Here this should fit you better." I passed the navy jumper to Derek who seemed hesitant to take it "It's clean."

"There," we all turned to look at Danny. "The text was sent from a computer. This one."

I leant forward Ignoring the warmth from Stiles bushing cheeks as I wedged my face between him and Danny, "Registered to that account name?

"No, no, no, no.," Stiles chanted quietly before turning to face me, "that can't be right."

After sending Danny home the three of us sat in silence for a few moments, trying to get our heads round the fact Melissa had been the one to trap Allison in the school with us. Or at least someone pretending to be Melissa had done it. It hadn't taken long for Derek to begin to order us about and I soon found myself in the back of Stile's Jeep, straining to hear to phone conversation with Scott. Stiles nodded as if Scott could see him, "Yeah, I did, and it looks just like the drawing."

Impatiently, Derek pulled Stiles' hand toward him and began to talk down the phone, "Hey, is there something on the back of it? There's gotta be something. An inscription, an opening, something."

I couldn't make out Scott's muffed reply but Derek didn't look amused by it. Stiles continued to nod along to the faint murmurs that were coming from the phone. "I know. Look, if you see my dad, can you tell him - tell him I'll be there, I'll just be a little bit late, okay? All right, thanks."

"You know we're not going to make it," I checked not wanting the boy to get his hopes up about playing. I glanced out at the hospital beside us, who knew how long this was going to take.

He glanced back at me with a sigh, "I know."

"And you didn't tell him about his mom, either," Derek added.

Stiles paused clearly still finding it hard to believe Melissa had anything to do with the text, "Not till we find out the truth." I had to agree with him, there was no point adding more worries to Scott's list. He already had to focus on staying calm going the match without worrying about his mum.

"By the way, one more thing." We both turned curious to see what else Derek had to say when his hand shot out and pushed Stiles face into the duct tape covered steering wheel.

Clutching his nose Stiles rocked his head backwards and yelled out in pain, "Oh, God! What the hell was…"

Before he could finish whining Derek and thrust a finger into his face and barked "You know what that was for." Turning his hand to point towards the hospital doors he ordered Stiles out with a forceful, "Go, Go!" I sniggered childishly at Stiles as he practically fell out of the car clearly still in pain from Derek's stunt. After a brief silence Derek pulled his eyes away from the glass doors and turned them on me. He shook his head disapprovingly, "You shouldn't have gotten yourself mixed up in this." He said it as if I could have ignored all the signs and just walked away from it all.

"I didn't have much of a choice" I answered honestly. I could feel his eyes linger on my scars and knew he was trying to piece it all together. Hopefully if he figured it out he would tell me. My phone began to buzz franticly in the palm of my hand forcing my eyes away from the man in the front seat. Pulling the phone to my ear I greeted Stiles with a short hello before asking, "any luck?"

" I can't find her," before I could ask him what he meant the phone was snatched from my hand.

I glared at the back of Derek's head as he turned in his seat. I tried to lean closer to hear Stiles but had very little luck hearing anything other than muffled words and broken speech. "Look, ask for Jennifer. She's been looking after my uncle," as Derek listened to the response it was clear something was wrong. His back straightened and his eyes narrowed at whatever Stiles was telling him. "What? Stiles, get out of there right now - it's him! He's the Alpha! Get out!" Derek flung the car door open ready to race into the hospital he only paused momentarily to bark one last order, "stay here!" He didn't need to worry. If the Alpha was in there I had no intentions of entering the building after him.

Minutes passed and nothing happened, no screams, no broken windows, no phone calls. Taking a deep breath I pushed the jeep door open with my feet, "screw this." Not stopping to think about how stupid this particular action was I ran towards the reception. It was eerily quiet as I peered down the deserted corridors, "Stiles!" I hate to attempt it but my voice sounds much higher than normal and seemed to shake as I called out again, "Stiles?"

I jumped as a head popped up from under one of the desks at the end of the hall. A terrified looking Stiles stared back at me. He seemed just as shocked at the fact I'd come in after him as I was, "It's his uncle." We stood in silence as the words sunk in. I wasn't sure if knowing who the Alpha was made him more or less intimidating.

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