BLEED

Describes a photographic print that extends to the edges of the paper (beyond the trim marks on a page) and has no visible border or defined margin area.

"You're going where?" questioned Matt down the phone, his tone anything but civil. I knew I should have just lied to him. I should have just told him I was sick or that Josh was sick. Instead I'd been honest and now I had to deal with his temper tantrum.

I gritted my teeth as I repeated myself, "shopping with Lydia and Allison." He had heard me the first time he was just annoyed I'd bailed on our usually weekend routine. Not that I could have driven us anywhere seeing as I was currently carless, just one more thing for Matt to whine about.

"You're ditching me again for those two?" His words were getting louder as he spoke and I was forced to pull the phone away from my ear slightly as he continued to rant, "How did you even get there? Your cars totalled thanks to that loser Stilinski."

I sighed knowing he wouldn't like the answer, "Stiles gave me a lift."

As he replied I could hear the rage bubbling beneath the surface, "you got a lift to the mall from the guy who crashed your car? Seriously Em! How come you guys are such BFFs all of a sudden?" He could be so petty sometimes. It wasn't like we couldn't have other friends. He had the whole Lacrosse team to talk to why couldn't I have a different group of friends?

I knew he was just being a selfish idiot, I'd known him long enough to know he hated to share. Rolling my eyes I let out a frustrated sigh as I spoke, "stop being so melodramatic. Beside mums getting me a new car as we speak, you will have your chauffeur back in no time." My eyes drifted over to Stiles, who was currently fussing at the perfume stand. When he had asked about the car this morning he had looked worried. I quickly eased his nerves by telling him that my mum had taken one look at the crushed bonnet of the car and deemed the action as a cry for help. In her eyes I had purposefully crashed the car to hurt myself because I was upset about dad leaving. I guess she got the crashing on purpose bit correct. I had almost laughed out loud when she had told me her solution. What do you do when your daughter crashes her own car to harm herself? Well you buy her a safer car, one with better air bags just in case she tries it again. Stiles had been at a loss for words when I had given him that piece of information earlier. I don't think he had realised just how much my mother wanted the outside world to see us as a perfect little family. Pulling my eyes away from Stiles I tried not the laugh has he accidently sprayed a fragrance into his open mouth. "Got to go my new besties are here," I didn't wait for Matt's reply as I pocketed my phone and headed towards the two girls who had just stepped off the escalator.

"It means you're going to cancel on whatever dumb, roided - up jock you said yes to and you're going to go with somebody else," I frowned at the brunette's words as I joined them. I'd clearly missed an imported lead up but I could figure out the general gist of the conversation.

Lydia paused and questioned Allison stubbornly, "Who?"

Allison pointed towards Stiles and Lydia frowned, "him." I groaned inwardly, It all made sense know. I understood why Allison had suggested asking Stiles for a lift when I had originally text her. I watched Lydia's eyes narrow at the still coughing teen and I couldn't help but feel she wasn't seeing the best of him. Though if I was being totally honest with myself I don't think I wanted her to him as anything other than a dorky idiot. Allison smiled at the redhead's expression, "don't frown, Lydia. Someone could be falling in love with your smile."

I left Lydia alone as she marched off toward Stiles, I wasn't in the mood to hear him gush stupidly in her presence. Instead I followed Allison as she started rummaging through the dresses on the rails. I pulled a dress from the rail and I grimaced lightly at the shimmering pale material before turning to my fellow shopper, "you feeling better?

"Am I being petty?" she queried tentatively as if worried about the answer I would give. I didn't say anything just shook my head back. Who was I to judge, Matt and I did worse to each other over much less. She seemed happy with my response as she moved away slightly in order to inspect the dresses behind her. I left her to it as my eyes scanned the shop floor searching for the others. I hummed softly in displeasure as I spotted Lydia piling dresses into the arms of an overjoyed Stiles. She wasn't even looking at him as he rambled on about something behind her.

"That's not your colour," the hairs on the back of my neck tingled in recognition. My heart began to pound as I swung myself around the railing and didn't stop moving until I had successfully manoeuvred myself between Allison and Peter. My eyes narrowed at the man how merely threw his hands up defensively, "Sorry if that was intrusive, but - considering your skin tone, I'd go lighter."

Allison frowned taken about by the strangers comment and my sudden appearance. She tilted her head lightly before asking, "because I'm pale?"

"Fair," corrected Peter. His eyes tracing Allison's features slowly. "I mean, you can't call skin like yours pale. Not skin that perfect. Do you mind?" He didn't wait for her to reply. Instead he plucked her hand from her side and held it against a different dress beside her. "See? Much better," The corner of his lips twitched slightly as I shuffled forward trying to put some distance between the pair again. He turned to face me, "You two together, shopping for dresses - with friends. High school dance?"

"Formal," I spat back my eyes still focused on his and Allison entwined hands.

"Attention shoppers. To the owner of a blue Mazda, license plate," looking up I smiled knowingly at the werewolf before turning to nudge Allison lightly and pointed at the tannoy making she could hear the words clearly, "5768. Your car is being towed."

Allison's lips parted to form a small oh as she let out a flustered yell, "that's my car." She pulled her arm away from Peter and dashed out toward the car park.

Peter glanced around before settling on a post a few metres away from us, "I have to say, Scott, I continue to be impressed with your ingenuity." He turned back to me and my breath caught in my throat at his predator glaze, "and you. Well you just seem to turning up everywhere." He pulled a royal blue dress of the rail and held it in front of me. His actions had successful pinned my between his warm body and the dress. My eyes searched for a way out franticly only stopping when I caught sight of his gleaming red eyes in the mirror in front of us. "You should wear something strapless to show of those beautiful battle wounds," as he said the words his hand came up to brush my dark curls off my shoulder. I tried hard to hide the fact my limbs were shaking but I'm positive he could feel my body trembling. I could feel his gaze lower from my face to the single visible scar that my hair had been hiding, "shame they didn't go deep enough, would have been fun having another wolf running about. Maybe later." My throat tightened and I slammed my eyes shut. I'm not sure how long I stood like that but by the time I felt brave enough to risk a peek Peter was gone and Scott was staring at my reflection. His arms came forward to catch me as my knees buckled.

"It's just me," Scott reassured as he supported my weight with ease. I couldn't bring myself to verbalise a reply so I settled for nodding back at him. By the time my legs had stopped shaking the others had left the mall and Scott the ever heroic knight that he was gave me a lift home. Neither of us spoke during the car ride. It was only as we pulled up to my house that Scott let out mumbled goodbye, "be careful at the dance tonight." I stopped and peered back into the car at him confused by his wording. "I'm banned, remember."

I nodded again and tapped the top of his car thoughtfully, "well aren't you a regular Cinderella. Banned from the dance, what ever will we do?" Scott's curious eyes burnt into my back as I strolled up my drive. Running my hand over the gleaming white SUV that was parked across the pebbled pathway I realised Mum's books must have been selling better than I thought.

I'd spent the rest of the afternoon pondering Scott's predicament and as I finally pieced together an outfit I decided how I was going to help him. I pushed the lace hairband over my face letting the beaded material rest just under my hair line as it pinned my unruly locks back. "I wish you had worn a dress," Mum's voice drifted through the room as she peered around the door frame. She eyed my high waisted leather trousers and sequin crop top disapprovingly. "You know I would have brought you a new one if you had just asked," she continued as I barged past her and down the stairs. She carried on whining about my outfit choice and heavy makeup as I slipped a pair of heeled boots on and swung my camera bag over my shoulder. My other hand curled around a suit I had stolen from my parent's room earlier. Deciding it would be better if mum didn't see me leaving with one of the few things dad had left behind I slipped out the door before she had reached the bottom of the stairs.

As I reached my destination I paused listening to the frantic voices rushing about behind the front door. My knock had only ruffed them more. A woman's voice called out from somewhere in the house, "are you expecting someone?"

"No?" replied another voice, younger but definitely male. "Mum!" the voice continued to whine as the sound of footsteps approached the wooden door that blocked them both from sight. As the door creaked open I waved back the pair of confused faces that greeted me. Scott was the first to speak as he questioned dumbly, "Emma?"

I smiled back at him, letting myself in as I squeezed past Melissa. "Someone had to make sure Cinderella got to the ball," I shrugged up at him. My eyes falling onto his bare legs as he stood in half-dressed at the top of the stairs.

"I'm sorry, I'm just a little, you know, surprised that, well," Melissa shook her head and found her words, " I thought you would be going with Stiles," I frowned lightly. Why would she think that? And why did the idea of going to the dance with Stiles make my heart race? Melissa turned to her son, who I found staring at me intently his head tilted as if he where listen to something far off in the distance. "And you said you don't have anyone else to ask other than Allison," The poor woman sounded exhausted.

"There are no other girls besides Allison," Scott counted before whining loudly as he waved a pair of ripped trousers in the air, "can you just please keep sewing?"

Shaking my head I turned to the nurse pushing the stolen suit into her hands, "don't bother, this should fit." It didn't take long for Scoot to change and as predicted the suit fit him nicely. After a quick goodbye and some last minute words of encouragement from his mother Scott slid into the passenger seat. He let out a whistle of appreciation as he eyeballed the high end interior. I smiled smugly back at him before prying, "you really like her don't you?"

"I love her," he replied with ease. I wondered what it felt like to declare your love for someone. Scott made it look so easy. He turned to me and frowned, "do you like him?"

I pressed my lips together and frowned right back at him, "who?"

He chuckled lightly under his breath as if my answer was amusing before shaking his head, "don't worry."

As we pulled into the car park Scott slipped out of the car unnoticed by the school security patrolling the line for vehicles. Pulling up beside Stile's Jeep I spotted the teen and his red headed date strolling to the dance arm in arm. My brows furrowed at the sight. "Em! You're late. Why you aren't inside taking pictures," I slammed the door loudly as Audrey shouted across the sea of students at me. I waved her off as I lifted a freshly lit cigarette in the air. I could see her nose scrunch up in the distaste as she yelled out a judgmental, "nasty habit. At least I can count on Matt to be here on time."

As I entered the dance I took a moment to appreciate the effort that had gone into decorating the hall. They had hidden the walls well and the shire glimmering drapes made the room look more welcoming. I began to circle the room taking photos of couples swaying in the dimmed light and friends sharing drinks. As I did my rounds I spotted a few friends sharing more than just fruit punch and I wondered how annoyed Audrey would be if I got drunk while on the job. I shook my head and decided against it, I'd been on the receiving end of her temper before and it just wasn't worth it. I spotted Matt snapping away from across the hall and I wasn't really surprised when I found his camera focused on Allison as Jackson led her into the crowd to dance. My eyes settled on another couple dancing behind them and I pulled my camera up to get a picture of the pair. Lydia's red hair cascaded down her back while she rested her head on Stiles' shoulder. His hands wrapped tightly around her shimmering dress, as if he was scared she would disappear. "McCall!" I jumped backwards as Coach pushed past me. His focus solely on the cornered Scott, "I see you! Come here, buddy."

"How am I meant to compete with both Co-captains?" Matt's words pulled my eyes away from the coach who was franticly trying to explain himself as Scott linked his arms tightly around Danny's neck.

I couldn't think of what to say. Nothing I could think of would comfort my friend as he watched Scott move away from Danny and ask the girl he was obsessed with to dance. "I don't think you can," I shrugged back at him honestly. He sighed heavily before sinking into one of the spare seats behind us. I pulled another chair from a different table over and joined him.

"Get any good ones?" I hummed back at him as I scrolled through my images. My eyes scanning the images for any hidden gems. I froze as a figure appeared in the background of one image. A dark haired man in a blood red shirt his eyes hidden by the lens flare. "Em? Are you even listening to me?" I didn't answer Matt as he huffed like a spoilt child. Instead I shot up and darted out the door, I had to tell someone he was here! I pushed my classmates out of the way as I flew through the hallways searching Stiles. I slowed as I entered the carpark my eyes travelling to the illuminated playing field. It shouldn't have been lit at this time of night. I started to walk toward the pitch, my pace quickened as a low growled rippled through the night air. My feet began to run towards the noise. The rational part of my brain screamed at me to stop, reminding me that the sensible thing to do would be to run away from the noise. I ignored it and pushed on.

My fingers brushed the cold metal of the stands as I entered the training area. Taking the time to access the sight beforeme, two figures crouched in the centre of the field. I stumbled forward as I realised one of the figures was Stiles. It was only as I got closer that I noticed who the second person in front of me was. Red glowing peered up at me as he lifted a clawed finger to point at me, "or is she the clever one?" Stiles glanced over his trembling shoulder at me before turning back to Peter as he continued to talk, blood dripping from his lower lips, "Tell me the truth - Or I will rip her apart." It was only then that I noticed the third motionless body that was pinned under the alpha. A halo of strawberry blonde fanned out around Lydia's pale face as blood stained her pale dress. Lunging forward I sank to my knees and reached forward in an attempt to pull the girl away from the monster.

"Emma stay back!" Stiles grabbed my hand and pulled me back beside him. Now that I'd stopped moving I realised how stupid it was to try to reach Lydia by force. Peter was right we were the clever ones, we could save her, we just had to be smart about it. Happy that I wouldn't do anything stupid Stiles let go of my hand, I hated to admit it but I missed the warmth. He began to reason with the werewolf, "Look - Look, I don't know, okay? I sw - I swear to god, I have no idea."

"Tell me!" Peter's claw reached out and caught Stiles by the chin lifting the boy to his feet. My eyes shifted between the two males. I tried to take the opportunity to move toward Lydia but Peter sneered down at me forcing a pitiful whimper out of my lips.

Stiles looked down at my fearful face. I could see from his expression that he was ready to fight back but I shook my head and gestured toward our unconscious friend. We had to survive this to the help Lydia, "Okay, okay, okay, look, I - I think he knew." Peter tightened his grip on the boy encouraging him to continue explaining, "Derek, I think he - I think he knew he was gonna be caught."

"By the Argents?" questioned Peter.

Stiles nodded quickly, "yeah, when they were shot, he and Scott - I think he took Scott's Phone." He paused at the bored look on the Peter's face. His red eyes turned to glower down at me as he noticed that once again I was trying to edge my closer to Lydia. Stiles waved his hands frantically trying to regain Peter's attention, "they all have GPS now. So if he still has it and if it's still on - you can find him." Peter pushed Stiles backwards hinting for the boy to move. "No - I'm not just letting you leave Lydia here."

Peter rolled his eyes at Stiles who was still struggling to get back to me and Lydia, "it's not like she'll be alone, I only need you Stiles." I looked up at the boy, his wide eyes focused on Lydia's lifeless body and he nodded. I hated watching him leave but there wasn't much I could do. Lydia needed me more than he did. Beside if anyone could talk their way out of an alpha's clutches it was Stiles.

Tears streamed down my checks as I begged, "come on. Lydia! stop being such a diva, come one!" I hooked one hand around her back and let her limp body slump against my shoulders as I pulled up her legs. I stumbled under Lydia's dead weight, I cringed dead was not a word I wanted to use in the same sentence as Lydia's name. I forced my way forward ignoring the burning sensation in my feet. I screamed out for help as I reached the carpark, my heart lifted at the sight a familiar boy running toward us, "Jackson!"