WOLF MOON
Sophia
I knew it was getting late, but I couldn't sleep so I thought a nice warm bath would help. It isn't, I don't feel at all relaxed. Sighing I pulled the plug to drain the water and stood, starting a shower to wash off the dirt. A final ditch effort that my lavender body wash would work its magic. Full moons always seemed to throw me off balance. It could also be the fact that tomorrow was the first day of the new school year. My nerves are going crazy, my body riddled with adrenaline. "Get a grip Sophie" I told myself. After giving myself a good rinse, I stepped out of the tub, wrapping myself in my thick towel, I walked into my bedroom and to my dresser pulling out a pair of sweatpants- that I may have stolen from my brother- and a band tee and got dressed. Sighing, I grabbed my sketchbook from my desk and flopped on my bed to finish the drawing I started earlier that day. Of a dream I had the night before. Me in the woods, darkness surrounded me with only the full moon above me the little light I have. But I'm not alone. Something is there with me, yet I couldn't make out what it was. The only thing I could make out was is eyes. Its glowing red eyes.
"Sophie!" I jumped at my brother's voice swinging in a panic. My fist connected with a loud "crack" that echoed throughout the room, causing him to let out a pained yelp.
"Damn it Stiles, what are you doing?" I asked him shoving my book aside and standing. He was holding the side of his face, his pale cheek already turning red. Reaching up I shoved his hand aside as I assessed the damage. I didn't break anything thankfully.
"I knocked, but you didn't answer."
"Sorry" I said feeling horrible. "What is it?"
"Dad got called out, two joggers found a dead body, BUT get this they only found HALF" he said. At that I could help but roll my eyes and him and sit back on my bed. Our dad is the sheriff of our small town of Beacon Hills. Stiles always eavesdrops on his phone calls.
I paused. Did I hear him right?
"Only half?" I asked completely grossed out. "Who would cut a person in half."
"How would I know? Look I was thinking we're going to get Scott and the three of us are going to go look for it."
"Why on earth would I do that, better question is why would you?" I mean my brother was a very smart kid. This idea is not smart at all.
"Come on Sophie, nothing like this happens in Beacon Hills." He said pleading his case. I wasn't budging.
"NO, that's all the more reason not to go." I said trying to reason with him. I could tell my words were going in but nothing was connecting in the middle.
"Please. Do you really want Scott and I out in the middle out the woods alone."
At that I had to reconsider. The two of them have been best friends for most of there lives. Neither of them could stay out of trouble. Granted Stiles more so than Scott then I'm the one who usually bails them out.
"I soo going to regret this. Fine, let me get dressed" I told him moving to my closet. He pumped his fist in the air with a yes. As he moved back out of my room, my sketch caught his eye.
"What's this?" he asked me. "Nothing. just another weird dream I've been having" I said as I pulled out a pair of jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a hoodie.
"I thought that they didn't happen anymore." He said worry clear in his voice. Looking out at him I saw my book in his hand, his eyes on me questioning.
Shrugging, I walked over to him and pulled the book out his hand closing it I tossed it on the bed." They don't happen as often and they're not as bad as before" I said looking him in his eyes.
"I'm fine Stiles. I promise, you and dad would be the first to know" I tried to be as reassuring as possible, but honestly, I wasn't so sure. But it seemed to placate him at least. Nodding he turned and walked out of my bedroom telling me to hurry and meet him in his car. Shaking my head, I can't believe im doing this. Groaning, I shed my sleeping clothes and pulled on some underwear and warmer clothes. It was freezing tonight and from the breeze that was coming through my balcony doors it was possibly going to rain. After lacing my Dr. Marten boots I grabbed my warmest coat and my cell then raced down the stairs and out the front door. Locking it behind me.
"Scott isn't answering his phone." Stiles said as I got into his ancient Jeep. He sounded annoyed.
"Yes, he's probably sleep. Something we should be doing." I told him sarcastically.
"Whatever" he replied as he started the car and pulled onto the road. Shivering, I pulled my coat closed. It was considerably cold tonight and my damp hair that I piled on top of my head in the messiest bun possible wasn't helping matters. I see pneumonia in my future. It took us 15 minutes to get the McCall residence. As my he got out, I stayed put.
"Are you coming?" he asked. I shook my head no. I was not leaving the warmth of the truck.
"It's bad enough I'm on one of your crash dummy missions. Just get Scott and hurry up." I said. As time went on the more I was thinking, the more thinking I did the more unsettling this entire thing was. He shut the door and jogged off. I watch as he scaled the side of Scotts house. Seriously considering talking to my dad about putting him on something stronger than Aderall. I love my brother but he could be a lot to handle at times. I watched as Scott came out of the house with a bat, creeping around the porch. Stiles swung down scaring the hell out of Scott and almost getting hit for the second time in one night.
They talked for a few minutes before Scott went back into the house. Stiles waited for him to come back. He came out five minute later dressed in warmer clothes. Then they both made the trek back to the car. The two of them were the same height and had the same slight build. Stiles had pale skin, brown eyes, and recently cut his hair in a low buzz cut. Scott has a warmer skin tone, brown eyes and messy shaggy- like brown hair.
"Hey Sophie" Scott said as they reached the truck.
"Hey, let's get this over with" I said as they got in on either side of me. It took us thirty minutes to get to where the search party is taking place. Me regretting my decision to tag along.
" BEACON HILLS PRESERVE. NO ENRTY AFTER DARK."
"Are we seriously doing this?" I couldn't help but ask as I fumbled with the flashlight, falling in step behind Scott.
"I was trying to get a good night's sleep before practice tomorrow." Scott complained.
"Right because sitting on the bench is such a grueling effort." At that I hit Stiles with my flashlight.
"Hey" he yelped.
"Don't say that, He could actually start this year" I said defending our friend.
"Exactly, I'm going to make first line."
"That's the spirit everyone should have a dream even a typically unrealistic one."
I laughed and pushed Stiles causing him to trip a bit.
"Okay so out of curiosity boy genius. What half of the body are we looking for?" I asked realizing he never told me.
"I didn't even think about that" he said.
"And what if whatever killed the body is still out here?" asked Scott.
"Also, something I didn't think about" he said.
Why am I not surprised by that?
"It's comforting to know that you planned this out with your usual attention to detail" I said upset at myself. I should have just stuck with no and called our dad.
We reached a hill, and I needed both hands. So, I turned off the flashlight and placed it in my pocket.
"Maybe the severe asthmatic should be the one holding the flashlight." Scott said stopping to take puff of his inhaler. I stopped with him to make sure he was ok. His mom made sure I knew what to do if he had an asthma attack. He nodded when he was good to go, and we continued on. Hearing voices at the top of the hill we followed Stiles up, who flopped on his stomach to stay out of sight.
"Maybe we should just go home guys." I said after hearing the cadaver dogs. Its for sure we'll get caught if they pick up our scents.
Stiles ignored me, hopped up and took off. Scott and I called for him as we followed trying to stay out of sight. He was a little ahead of us, He didn't see the dog until it was too late. It barked startling him and he fell. Scott yanked me with him behind a tree and out of sight signaling for me to be quiet.
"Hang on, Hang on. This little delinquent belongs to me." I heard my dad say. Making me curl up more to stay out of sight. Peeking I saw my him ruff up my brother a little bit.
"Dad, how are you doing?" Stiles said as if he wasn't currently somewhere he shouldn't be.
"So do you listen in on all of my phone calls?" my dad said annoyed.
"No not the boring ones."
I smiled shaking my head as Scott rolled his eyes.
"Now where is your usual partner in crime? And please don't tell me you got your sister involved." I held my breath. Hoping he'll do something right tonight.
"Who Scott? Scotts at home he said he wanted to get a good night's sleep for his first day back at school tomorrow. Sophie told me I was nuts and kicked me out of her room"
I saw a light move around on the trees and we both froze. Scared that we would be found. I was going to kill Stiles.
"Scott, you out there?" Dad called out "Sophia."
He must have been satisfied after a minute of no movement he cut off his flashlight.
"Well young man, I'm going to walk you back to your car. Then you and I are going to have a conversation about something called invasion of privacy."
As we hear them walk away. I groan quietly while Scott bangs his head on the tree. Damn it now we're stranded. We waited a couple of minutes to be sure they were gone, before moving.
"Maybe we can walk back the way we came. Go a bit further up the road with any luck we can run into Stiles." I said looking at Scott who was looking around nervously.
"Hopefully him, and not your dad" he said. Sighing, I pulled the flashlight out of my pocket and handed it to Scott, then we headed the way we came.
"This is the last adventure I'm going on with you guys for a long time."
"You and me both" he said. Walked for about ten minutes and no road was in sight. At this point we are absolutely lost. With a huff Scott stopped once again to puff his inhaler.
"I can't see a thing out here" I told him looking around. As soon as the words were out of my mouth deer jumped out from the trees. Scott and I jumped back me hitting a tree behind me, while he fell to the ground a few feet from me. They were running all around us barely missing Scott as they did so. It was over quickly. I raced over to him to help him up.
"Are you ok?" I asked my heart racing.
"No, I can't find my inhaler" he said pulling out the flash light moving away to look for it. I stayed put scared out of my whits afraid that something else is going to pop out at any second. He was starting to get to far.
"Scott maybe we should come back after school and look for it. When we can see better. If we can't find it then, I'll buy you a new one." I said moving to follow him. Not wanting to get separated from him too. As I caught up to him, he flashed the light on the other half of the body. It was a woman with dark hair and her green eyes open, staring at us her eye frozen in horror. Startled Scott jumped back to close to the edge of the hill. I tried to grab his arm as he fell back but only ended up going down with him. Bumping my head and losing my glasses on the way down. As we landed at the bottom with a grunt, I looked over. We some how managed to a good distance from each other. Groaning I struggled a bit to get up. That knock on the head causing the forest to spin a bit.
Scott ran over and helped me up. "You okay" he asked. I felt something running down the side of my face. I knew it was blood but I was too scared to confirm it.
"Yeah, let's get the hell out of here please." Nodding he helped me over a fallen tree.
"Stiles owes me a new pair of glasses; those were my favorite ones" I said as we walked. Suddenly there was a loud growl causing us to stop and look around. I didn't see anything, but the darkness and trees. I turned to Scott to tell him something when something knocked into me with such force I went flying into a group of trees, the air leaving my lungs as I fell to my stomach. I looked up to see something that looked like an enormous wolf with glowing red eyes bite Scott causing him to let out a dreadful scream before throwing him to the side like a doll.
"Scott!" I yelled out. Making the wolf turn in my direction, my breathing stalled and I froze.
"Sophia, run. Go!" Scott yelled at me. I jumped up as it started to come after me. I ran as fast as I could. Over my panting I heard it racing behind me. Causing me to push myself to run faster while praying that Scott was okay. I was so busy running I didn't see the branch until I tripped over it. Giving the thing its opportunity, it latched on to my shoulder. Screaming, I kicked at it trying to fight it off. A weird sensation coursed through my body I kicked again hitting it with all the force I could manage. I don't know if it helped but it let go of me jumping back with a whine as if it was hurt. As soon as I was clear I jumped to my feet and took off. Running until I couldn't run anymore. I was exhausted and dizzy. My legs gave out and I fell to the ground with only enough energy to turn on my back. Shivering, I laid there my vision going in and out. As I did I admired how beautiful the full moon looked. Thinking that at least I had that as the last thing I'll see. Hoping my dad doesn't blame Stiles for this and for him to know it wasn't his fault. Hoping that Scott got away and that he's okay. Hoping they know I loved them all. Suddenly I heard footsteps to the right of me before the blurry figure of a man appeared above me.
"Help me" I managed to get out before my body gave up. All I remember before it all went dark was how beautiful his bright blue eyes looked.
"Sophie, Sophia wake up!." I hear my brother call out to me shaking me. Opening my I eyes I hurried and closed them back to shield them from the light.
"Oh, thank god. You scared the shit out of me. Scott said you guys got separated."
At that I jerked up and looked around me. I was back in my room, on my bed under the covers. No longer on the cold forest floor. Reach for my left shoulder, I pulled down my shirt that was sticking to me from all the blood.
"Jesus!" Stiles said. I gasped at the large, ragged bite that covered most of my shoulder. It was so gnarly that my brother gagged before looking away.
"What the hell happened to the two of you?" he said. Ignoring him I shoved my blankets away and stumbled on my way to my bathroom. My head was pounding, and my vision was still off. But I managed with my brother's help.
"Sophie I'm gonna call dad" I heard him say. "No" I said loudly grabbing his arm.
"Don't I'm fine, I just need to get a shower and clean this up. I'll fine I promise" I said. He just looked at me. Tears in his eyes. Scared.
"Michie, promise me you won't tell dad." My tone forceful, my fist clenching his t-shirt.
Shaking his head "Sophie, you can barely stand. I know I do a lot of stupid things, but this is on another level" Scoffing I shake my head. Now he wants to be a responsible brother.
"Okay. Can we just wait until tomorrow? I don't want to worry him. I'll go to the hospital, and get checked out. Just please" I was pleading at this point.
"Dammit" he exclaimed "Okay, but if it gets worst before than we go sooner, deal?" he said. I nodded as best I could without making my headache worse.
"I'll get you something for your head while you shower, and let Scott know your home."
How the hell did I get home? Then it hit me. Scott.
"Scott? Is he okay?" My words kind of running together.
"Yeah. I drove all over town looking for you guys." He told me. I've never seen my brother this way. His brown eyes that always look so playful and full of mischief held nothing but worry.
"How did I get home?"
"I don't know. You were in bed when I came in, you look like hell; let's get you cleaned up before dad gets home."
Groaning, I looked over at my clock on my bedside table. It was almost 3am. They should have called off the search by now. It also means that Stiles had been searching for us for a solid 3 hours.
" Are you sure you can stand?" He asked.
"Stiles, this night has already been beyond weird. Let's not add to it please." I said trying to lighten up the mood. Which fell flat.
He tapped on the door frame before leaving the bathroom. Giving me some much-needed privacy. Sluggish I walked over to the tub after turning on the shower I shed my clothes and assessed myself in the mirror. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the nasty gash on the left side of my head by my temple. There was mud and dried blood caked in that area of my hair the bun I had initially long gone. I looked like a total disaster. Turning I jumped in the shower as quickly as I could manage and began to bath and wash my hair, I shivered as I watched the blood and dirt swirl down the drain.
Getting out I wrapped myself in a towel and exited into my room. I found that Stiles was back, and he had changed my bedding for me. I was beyond thankful for that. His head snapping up out of his hands as I came in. His eyes went straight to my shoulder, with the blood washed off you can clearly see it. I hated how remorseful he looked. That he blamed himself.
"I'm so sorry Sophia." He said standing and walking over to me. He wrapped his arms around me. Hugging me to his chest.
"It's okay. I'm okay" I tried to reassure him.
"Your hurt, Scott was hurt. Neither of you would have been out there if not for me"
I pulled away nodding.
"Yeah, maybe, but we could have said no. We're alive, a bit banged up but we're here. Just promise me no more body hunting."
That caused him to snicker and hug me tighter.
"I love you Michie" I told him hugging him just as tight. After taking some much-needed pain medicine, he helped me dress up the gash on my head and my shoulder.
"Dads gonna go ape- shit in the morning." My brother groaned.
"Don't worry we'll figure it out. But in the morning, right now both of us need to get some sleep."
He gave another hug before reluctantly he left shutting the door behind himself. Sighing I turned off my bedside lamp and burrowed under my covers. Falling asleep almost instantly. Dreaming of vicious growls and demonic red eyes.
"Hey kiddos. Time to get up you're going to be late to school."
Groaning I burrowed deeper into my covers, desperately trying to get away from the sound of my father's voice.
"Just a little longer, please" I pleaded.
"No, can do. Both of you need to get up. Now." He said pulling away my shield. Unable to avoid the inevitable I opened my eyes and sat up. Looking at my father who was already dressed in his brown sheriff's uniform, belt and coat included, mug of coffee in hand. I watched as his brown eye widened with alarm.
"What the hell happened to you?" he said sitting his coffee down on my bedside table.
"Nothing to worry about. My desk and I had a run in. Safe to say it won." I explained. Lame excuse, I know. From his expression he didn't believe me either.
"Right. You wouldn't have been in the woods last night with your brother, would you?" he said picking up his coffee, taking a sip while staring at me over the rim of the cup.
"Of course not" I said shaking my head, making sure to look at him in the eyes.
"Right. Any reason your brother is camped out on your floor?"
I looked over at the foot of my bed where he was pointing. And sure enough, there he was. Curled up with a pillow and blanket asleep on the floor by my balcony doors.
"I, honestly have no clue" I said shrugging. My dad just nodded. Taking another sip of coffee
"I have to head out a little bit earlier today. I'm sure Stiles filled you in on what's going on. "I nodded "Get to school and no more trips in the reserve for a while please. At least until we get an idea on what's going on out there okay."
"Okay, Be safe daddy okay." I told him. It just occurred to me that he and others are going to be in those woods looking for the other half of that body. With that thing out there.
"Always" he said giving me a kiss on the head. Avoiding my left side. "I'll probably be home late, you two misfits behave please." He said walking out. I listened to his heavy footsteps descend the stairs, and the sound of the front door closing behind him as he left. Looking down at my floor again I grabbed a pillow and launched it at Stiles as hard as I could. He jumped up startled, moving so fast his feet got caught up in his blanket and he fell back down. Hard. I covered my mouth barely containing my laughter.
"Not cool." He said glaring at me as he untangled himself.
"Sorry, it's time to get up. Dad just left, and I think we're busted." I told him. Pulling back the rest of my covers I got out of bed. Stretching my aching muscles. It felt as if I ran a marathon, but at least the headache and vertigo are gone. Which I both a relief and surprising.
"How are you feeling?" Stiles asked while gathering his things.
"Good, achy but good. The headaches gone and the room isn't spinning anymore. That's a plus. I honestly think I could make it through the day."
He sat his things down on my bed before moving closer to me. I huffed as he turned my head checking on my gash.
"It doesn't seem as bad as it did last night,"
I shrugged and stepped out of his grasp.
"Head wounds always do. See nothing to fuss about. We should hurry or we're going to be late. I'd like to stay in dad's good graces please."
Rolling his eyes, he snatched up his stuff and went to his room. Closing my door as he left. Going to my dresser I pulled on a new set of underwear, a pair of black jeans, a black NIN band tee that was loose enough to not put too much pressure on my shoulder. After layering that with one of my brother's black and yellow plaid shirts I found my Dr Martens by my window taking them in the bathroom and I gave them a good wipe to get rid of some of the mud and putting them on. Catching my reflection in the mirror I looked frightning. My newly acquired bruise stood out against my tawny skin. My waist length ash brown curls wilder that usual, my wide almond shaped hazel eyes tired, baggy. But Stiles was right, my gash didn't look as bad as it did last night. I refused to deal with my shoulder. The dressing seemed fine as I got dressed so why mess with it?
After searching for my back up pair of glasses I realized that I couldn't find my cell phone.
"Shit" I said, shoving large colorful square framed glasses on my face. I grab my backpack from my desk chair, my sketchbook, beanie and lone wool coat and headed downstairs. Stiles was in the kitchen. trying to shove as much cereal as he could in his mouth.
"How is Scott doing?" I asked sitting down picking up the bagel Stiles slide in front of me.
"He said he's fine. Lost his inhaler, and was bitten by a big ass wolf" he using his fingers to quote "big ass wolf"
"It was most defiantly a wolf Stiles. A huge one. I didn't think they could get that big." I said. It's red eyes flashing in my head. Stiles shook his head. Getting up placing his empty bowl in the sink.
"There are no wolves in California."
"Yeah well they must have migrated or something. It's not like we both imagined the same thing" I said pushing my plate away my stomach in knots.
"We have to go back after school. I can't find my phone. I think I dropped it. Not to mention my favorite pair of glasses" Dad will kill me if he has to pay to get another one.
"What the hell happened to you guys?" he said grabbing his bag, lacrosse stick and car keys. I really didn't want to talk about it. It's not as if he's going to believe that a wolf the size of a car attacked us.
"I'll tell you on the way."
I spent the whole fifteen minute drive to school retelling the night and trying to convince my brother that what I saw what I saw and was bitten by was a wolf.
"Stiles I know what I saw. I know what I felt. You've seen my shoulder. What the hell do you think could have done that?" I said plopping down at the picnic tables where we usually meet up with Scott.
"Yeah. You also said the two of you went down a hill and you most definitely hit your head. Hard"
I cut my eyes at him annoyed.
"So we both imagined it and I bit myself?" I questioned. Pulling my beanie on and fixing my hair to hide my head as best I could.
"That's not what I'm saying. Im saying its not likely that a wolf bit you Soph."
"Look I don't know how to explain it other than it was a wolf. A big ass wolf, with red eyes and it was fast unbelievably fast, I'll see you in class" I said before leaving without another word.
I stopped at my locker and grabbed my English book for first period. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, my headache was starting to come back. As I closed it I jumped at the sight of Jackson, who was leaning against the lockers beside mine. I couldn't help but let out a groan this was not my day. Don't get me wrong, Jackson was a very handsome kid. Nothing upstairs but handsome. Tall, with an athletic build, strong chiseled jaw, full lips, and gorgeous green eyes. Like I said handsome. And he knew it which also made him a huge asshole. It doesn't help that he is captain of the lacrosse team. Scott and Stiles are on the team too, but they are always on the bench.
"How can I help you, Jackson? Don't you have a freshman torture?" Sarcasm dripping from my voice. I don't have time or the usual patience for his bullshit.
"Chill Stilinski, I need help with a english paper." At that I raised my eyebrows. Is this arrogant jerk really asking for my help?
"An English paper. Why would I help you?" I was very confused. This was a person that lived to make people's lives hell. Namely my brother and best friend. He moved to stand closer to me. Too close to be comfortable.
"Because I'm the captain of the lacrosse team. Which your brother and friend can easily be cut from." See douche bag. Giving him the meanest glare, I could muster. I pushed past him. Screw him and that paper.
I couldn't focus at all today. The animal clear in my mind. I spent most of English sketching it. The only exciting thing that happened to day was we have a new girl starting today. Allison Argent. She was a very pretty girl, Fair skin, tall, brown hair and eyes, with a dimpled smile that the guys will love. I could see her and Lydia - Jackson's girlfriend and my brothers long time crush- being good friends. I just hope she wasn't ugly on the inside.
Lydia was one of those really pretty girls with a lot of smarts. She just dumbs herself down for her boyfriend benefit. She had long red hair or strawberry blonde my brother would say, green eyes, pale skin and always dressed to impress. By the end of the day I almost kissed the ground when the final bell rang. I found Scott and Stiles standing near their lockers looking at Allison as she talked to Lydia and Jackson.
Well Scot was more so drooling.
"Could the two of you get any creepier?" They both looked away. Scott scratching his head. Shaking mine I leaned against the lockers.
"You okay Soph?" Scott asked me.
"Yeah. How about you?"
"I'll live. We're going back after practice. I have to try and find my inhaler." I nodded.
"I think I lost my phone too."
"Just tell dad and get a new one." Stiles said. I shook my head no. Our dad was sheriff but he doesn't get paid that much. Looking at the trio ahead of me I hear Jackson and Lydia invite Allison to a party Friday. She said it was family night. They were a good distance away. I shouldn't be able to hear anything they were saying but I did clearly. Freaked out I turned to the guys.
"I'll see you guys on the field. Good luck" I told them walking away to the lacrosse field at the back of school. There was already a good amount of people there to watch try outs. I chose a seat at the top bench. Pulling out my sketch book I worked on my wolf sketch. I was shading in its hair when I felt someone sit next to me.
"Hi Sophia" Looking up I saw it was Lydia and Allison. I paused. She never talks to me. Allison waved.
"Hey Lydia." I answered a bit perplexed. She smiled as if we were the best of friends.
"This is Allison."
Looking past her "Sophia Stilinski", I introduced myself offering a smile before going back to my drawing.
"That's very good." Allison complimented. I gave her a smile in thanks.
"It looks freaky," said Lydia.
Turning to the field I watched as Coach Finstock gave Scott a mask and stick making him goalie.
"Who's that?" Allison asked Lydia who said she didn't know. Which is a shame since we've been in school together since the 4th grade.
"That's my best friend Scott." Interested in why she wanted to know. And from the look on Lydia's face so did she. I smiled to myself. Until the whistle blew causing a bad skreiching sound in my ear causing me to flinch. Looking down I saw Scott in the net holding his head like something was bothering him, so he didn't see the ball until it hit him in the face and knocked him in the net.
Everyone around me laughed except for Allison. He stood up after a moment and the next player was handed a ball. I braced myself for another embarrassing display. The ball was thrown, and Scott CAUGHT IT shocking not only me but everyone else as well. He did it time and time again getting everyone including myself excited and cheering in the stands. I was ecstatic when he caught the pass that jackass Jackson threw.
I waited for the boys in the parking lot after practice. Wondering how the hell Scott did it. Sure, he's been practicing but no one can go from being that bad to superstar overnight. It's Impossible.
When they came out, they loaded Scott's bike into my bothers Jeep. We were going back to the Reserve to find my phone and Scott's inhaler. Hopefully we'll all stay together this time.
"I don't know what it was. It was like I had all the time in the world to catch the ball." Scott told us as we crossed the creek, I don't remember going over last night. Thankful that I had boots. I was still having some trouble though, Stiles helping me.
"And that's not the only weird thing. I hear stuff I shouldn't be able to hear, smell things."
"Smell things, What things?" I asked. Yeah, today the sound of the whistle was like nail on a chalk board. I just took its as me being irritated. Then there was the conversation with Lydia, Allison, and Jackson. I took a deep breath and caught on to something.
"Like the mint mojito gum in your pocket." Scott and I told Stiles.
"What? "I don't have- "Stiles started to say as he checked his pockets and pulled out a piece of gum. I looked at Scott a bit wigged out my heart hammering in my chest.
"So, all this started with a bite?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Really Stiles, now you believe me?" My brother raised his hands.
"I never said I didn't. But come on a huge wolf bit you?"
"Wait it bit you too?"
"Yeah. On my shoulder but I don't even remember getting home last night."
"What if it's an infection, like our bodies flooded with adrenaline before going into shock or something."
"Maybe we should really go to the hospital. That thing could have rabies or something." I told them I was getting more and more worried. Diseases never occurred to me until now.
"You guys, I think I've heard of this before it's a specific kind of infection. Stiles said helping me over a log.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, I think it's called lycanthropy." At that I gave Stiles a look, seriously wanting to hit him over the head. This isn't a joke.
"What is that bad?" Scott asked. I almost laughed. He should be thankful that he's cute.
"Oh yeah, it's the worst, but only once a month" My brother continued to pull Scott's leg.
"Once a month?"
"Yeah, on the night of the full moon." Then he howled. Scott pushed him, finally catching on to the joke. I shook my head at Stiles.
"Hey, you two are the one's talking about a wolf."
"Yes. It's supposed to be to impossible but again. I know what I saw." I told him.
"And something could be seriously wrong with us." Scott added.
"I know you guys are werewolves, arrrg."
We both gave him a look. Not finding any humor in the situation.
"Okay obviously I'm kidding, but if you see me in shop class trying to melt all the silver, I could find it's because Friday's a full moon."
"You know what guys; I think we're here. I don't see anything. No body, no inhaler, no cell. Nothing." I said frustrated. Looking at the ground I walked away a bit but no far.
"I could have sworn this was it. We saw the body, deer came running out, I dropped my inhaler."
Sighing I kicked around some leaves. Seriously just considering getting a new one.
"Maybe the killer moved the body."
"Seriously Stiles say one more thing and I'm going to kill you."
"Well, if he did, I hope he left my inhaler, those things are like eighty bucks." Scott said.
"If we don't find it, I'll just pay for another one." I told him. I had money saved from my shifts at the clinic.
Suddenly I was grabbed and pulled back. Looking I saw it was Stiles. Opening my mouth to fuss he shook his head and pointed behind me. Turning to see what had his boxers in a bunch. I saw there was a man standing there. He was tall, maybe just over six feet, pale skin, black hair that was spiked a little, striking green eyes and dressed in all black. He walked closer to us with a scowl on his handsome face. The closer he got the more I felt this magnetic pull. It was like my body was humming with energy. My hands got a bit clammy. He looked my way I saw confusion flash through his eyes before the scowl came back.
"What are you doing here? This is private property."
Both boys looked at me to speak. Wow I feel so protected. Rolling my eyes at them before turning back to the mysterious guy ahead of us.
"Sorry we didn't know, we're just looking for a couple of things we lost, but um forget it we'll just leave." He didn't answer me back just stared at me for a while before tossing Scott his inhaler and walking closer to me. Kind of invading my personal space. I couldn't help getting a whiff of him. He smelled of sandalwood and sage. Earthy. Silently he handed me my very broken cell phone. Before stepping back and walking away.
"Thank you." I called after him. He didn't slow at ment by Diamond Young:
"Alright, we have to get to work Sophie." Scott said.
"What the hell was that?" Stiles asked me as we walked away. I shrugged how should I know. My body still feels a bit wired.
"That was Derek Hale, you remember right, he's only like a few years older than us." Stiles said. I smirked.
"I think I'd remember knowing him."
"Funny." Stiles said unimpressed "No, his family, they all burned to death in a fire like ten years ago."
I winced. That's horrible. To lose your whole family that way.
"Wonder what he's doing back."
I pushed them both forward.
"Let's wonder and walk faster. Your both dead if we're late."
They laughed both linking an arm with one of mine.
"So, about the new girl." I grinned at Scott.
Looking out the glass door of the animal clinic as I flipped the signed to closed. I hear the unmistakable sound of a howl mixed in with rolling thunder. Sighing, I walked back to the exam area to finish inventory before I left. The headache I had this morning was back and my body felt off. I heard Scott dragging a bag of food down the hall. Just then I hear the cats in the back start meowing loudly. Starting to walk back I stopped when someone started to bang on the front door frantically.
"Scott" I called back. He rushed in the room before we both went to the front. Alison was at the door, soaked from the rain and a bit freaked out. Scott rushed forward, unlocking the door and pulling it open.
"I didn't see it. I took my eyes off the road for like two seconds and then this dog it just came out of nowhere." she said practically sobbing. Scott calmed her down enough for her to tell him that the dog was in her car.
They both went out to get it as I hurried and got the exam room ready. Pulling bandages and cleaning supplies just in case. Scott carried the dog in and placed her on the table for me. Dr Deaton taught us both a lot about animal injuries, but I had more hands on experience.
I looked at her while Scott kept her calm.
"I think her leg is broken. I've seen the Dr do a lot of splints. I can do it then give a pain killer for now." I told Allison who was standing beside Scott shivering a bit.
"I have a shirt in my bag." Scott offered.
"I don't want to trouble you." He ignored her and handed it to her. She gave him a small smile, leaving to go change.
"How about you do the splint and tell me how it goes?" I said quietly. Scott gave me a panicked look. I smiled back. He glanced over at the door Allison went through. She was taking her shirt off. The dog whimpered to get Scott's attention. I raised my eyebrow at him.
"What? I didn't see anything." He spoke. Smiling, I shook my head. Boys.
He started on the splint as I gathered my things.
"Your leaving?" Allison said coming back in.
"Yeah. I have to get my brother's car back. He'll freak if I don't. besides it's been a very long day" I said making up an excuse. Stiles didn't care that I had his car. But hey I'm trying to be a good friend and my body feels as if it was going give out at any moment.
"See you guys tomorrow." I said before leaving thankfully the rain stopped. I made sure to lock the door behind me. Planning to ambush Scott in the morning.
Once I got home. The house was very quiet. I didn't see my dad's car in the driveway. Meaning he's working late again. Going into the kitchen I see that Stiles ordered Chinese. He even placed a note on the one that belonged to me. Smiling I grabbed a bowl and dumped shrimp and broccoli into it placing it in the microwave. As I waited, I went through the cabinets searching for some ibuprofen and thinking about the guy in the woods. Derek. It was like I knew him, like my body called to him. That could just be my hormones out of control. Grunting I popped the pills, then grabbed my food and bag before going to my room.
I threw my bag on the bench at the foot of my queen-sized canopy bed. I loved my room. It was large beings though it was the attic. As you walked in there was my bed against the far-right wall, at the foot was a floor to ceiling window. On the left was my desk, bathroom and closet. I had easels scattered around the room in any space they could fit. My favorite part of it all was the bay doors that lead out to the wrap around balcony. It was in the middle separating the left and right sides of the room. Glancing around I took in the black, gold, and emerald, green decor.
Flipping off my boots I went and sat on my bed, quickly finishing my food and placing the bowl on my bedside table. I couldn't help but walking over to look out at the moon that was clear from my balcony. It seemed like the clouds were avoiding it. Beautiful. I saw movement of the corner of my eye glancing down I see across the street at the corner was Derek Hale. Staring up at my window. Right at me. How did he know where I lived? Why was he here? Stepping back out of sight I waited a minute before looking again. He was gone.
My satin sheets felt cold against my heated skin. His hand leaving a heated trail behind. My body felt as if an electric current was coursing through me. Dragging my nails down his back as he devoured my mouth and his unoccupied hand bringing me to unimaginable levels. Pleasure. Pure ecstasy. Breaking away I looked up into his gorgeous bright blue eyes.
"Soo you were running around in your underwear?" I asked Scott. To make sure I was hearing correctly. I called to see how things went with Allison and he told me about waking up in the woods a mile away from his house. I mean yes, a few weird things have been happening to me for the last couple of days. Like this morning I went to put on my glasses, and it made things blurry, my hearing, and sense of smell are different too. Better. My dreams were no better than usual, but sleepwalking was thankfully not one of them. To top it all my gnarly bite mark was completely healed. As if nothing was there. Like nothing happened.
"Sophia?" Scott called out to me on the phone. I had to use the house phone until I picked up my new phone today.
"I'm here, what was that?"
"I said. Do you feel any different?" I paused for a second.
"No. I don't feel any different." I don't know why I lied. But I did. I guess Im not ready to deal with the face that something obviously unnatural is going on here. Truth is I'm scared.
"I'll see you later Scott."
He told me goodbye then hung up. Groaning, I flopped back on my bed. Could this get any worse? Just then Stiles burst through my bedroom door without knocking, I might add.
"Soph, you'll never believe this?"
"What?"
"So, I overheard dad- "
"You eavesdropped" he gave me an annoyed look. I motioned for him to continue.
"The fiber analysis came back from the body. The hairs belong to a wolf."
I nodded. I've been saying that all week.
"I have to tell Scott." He spoke. I nodded. Grabbing my things, I followed him to his car. Thanking every deity, I know that today was a half day because I could tell it was going to be a long one.
Our classes breezed by and soon it was time to leave. I went to Scott and Stiles practice as usual. Today they were playing elimination games. Scott was warming up when my brother rushed over to him. I tried to focus and tune in to what he was saying.
"Scott" he cried "wait up."
"Stiles I'm playing in the first elimination, can it wait." He said very impatiently, bouncing from one foot to the other.
"Just hold on." He pleaded" The fiber analysis came back from LA, and they found animal hairs on the body from the woods."
"Stiles, I got to go." Scott said distracted.
"Wait" Stile protested. "You're not going to believe what that animal was" Scott was already jogging to the field "It was a wolf. "
Just then Coach blew his whistle causing me to wince. The sound kind of hurts. I watched in amazement as Scott completely dominated the field making first line. I would be very happy if I wasn't horribly worried. Walking down to where my brother was. I gave him a look.
"Do you believe me now?" I asked. Mutely he nodded his head.
"What do we do." He asked as we looked at Scott.
"I don't know."
We spent all night researching werewolves/ lycanthropy. From books from the library to anything online. At some point I fell asleep but was woken by the sound of knocking.
"Get in" I heard Stiles tell someone none too quietly. Looking at him I could tell that he's taken way to much Adderall. "You got to see this, so we've been up all night reading nonstop."
"How much Adderall did you take?" Scott inquired "A lot" Stiles replied. I looked at him worried he was going to overdose. "Doesn't matter okay, just listen."
"Remember that joke the other day in the woods. Yeah well, It's not a joke anymore." Scott looked totally confused. Understandably.
"What do you mean?"
"The wolf- the bite in the woods… We started doing all this reading. Do you even know why a wolf howls?"
"Should I?"
"It's a signal, when a wolf's alone it howls to signal its location to the rest of the pack. So, if you hear a wolf howling that means others could be close by, maybe a pack." My brother was so amped I could hear his heart damn near beating out of his chest.
"A whole pack of wolves?" Scott was even more confused at this point.
"No" I said taking over "werewolves."
Scott looked completely upset as he stood, his posture defensive.
"Are you guys seriously wasting my time with this? You guys know im picking up Allison in an hour."
"I saw you on the field today. Not discrediting the effort you've been putting in over the off season but what you did wasn't just amazing. It was impossible." I told him.
"So I made a good shot." Scott shrugged, picking up his backpack.
"No," Stiles shook his head. "You made an incredible shot. I mean the way you moved your speed -reflexes…People can't just be able to do that overnight. A- and your vison and senses…. Don't think I haven't noticed that you haven't been using your inhaler, or that you haven't been wearing your glasses.
Scott looked at me. I looked away guilty.
"You lied to me." He said. I winced at the accusation in his tone.
"Yes, I don't know why, Scared, I guess. I still am. Something is happening to us Scotty. My bite has completely disappeared."
"Okay" he snapped, and I was taken aback. Scott hardly ever snapped. "Look, I can't do this now. We'll talk tomorrow.' "Scott the full moon is tonight" Stiles tried to reason.
"What are the two of you trying to do?" Scott said" I just made first line; I got a date with a girl I can't believe wants to go out with me. Everything in my life is somehow prefect why are you trying to ruin it for me?"
"We're trying to help" Stiles said "You're cursed Scott. The full moon will also be when your bloodlust will be at its peak." I missed that. Must have fallen asleep.
"Bloodlust?" Scott and I said together.
"Yeah, your urge to kill." He said.
"I'm already feeling the urge to kill Stiles." If the situation wasn't so serious, I would probably find that funny.
"The change can be caused by anger or anything that raises your pulse. I haven't seen anything raise your pulse like Allison does. You have to cancel this date." Stiles got up from his desk chair and started rummaging through Scott's backpack.
"What are you doing?" Scott said.
"I'm cancelling the date." Stiles said. Wrong move.
"No." Scott said angrily. I gasped standing as he grabbed my brother pinned his to the wall. His fist raised to strike. I moved to intervein, but he let out an angry roar and pushed the chair over. Then he let go of him breathing heavily.
He looked at the both of us.
"I'm sorry. I- I got to go get ready for that party." He grabbed his bag, apologized again. Then left. Releasing my breath, I didn't know I was holding. I picked up the chair. But something on the back caught my attention. There were three slashes across the back.
"We're going to a party."
This was not where I wanted to be. But I had to go and make sure Scott doesn't hurt anyone hoping I don't get the urge to rip anyone's throat out myself. So here I am at a party. A boy came up to me.
"You look beautiful." He said. I smiled looking down. I was dressed simply enough. A black softly pleated skirt, black sweater that slide off of one shoulder a bit with stockings and black heeled booties. I left my hair down, most of it pushed to one side.
"Thanks" I said moving away. It wasn't that he wasn't handsome. I just wasn't interested. I looked at Scott and Allison from a distance. He was looking across the pool. I followed his line of sight. Derek. That's the third time he's popped up mysteriously. Lurking in the shadows. Shame he is way too hot to be so creepy. I watched as Scott danced with Allison for a bit and could help but smile glad, he was enjoying himself. It wasn't long before I saw Scott move away from Allison. From his posture and her expression something was wrong. Where the hell is Stiles. Quickly at I could I followed them through to the front. Scott was stumbling and bumping into people as he went. Allison and I made it to the front to see Scotts taillights.
"Allison, Sophia" we both turned to the person calling our names. It was Derek. He walked over with a charming smile. "I'm a friend of Scotts' my name is Derek." He said to Allison. Who looked at me, but I was too busy looking at the handsome stranger before me?
"Scott had an emergency and asked me to take you home, Sophia can ride with if it'll make you more comfortable." He said. Allison nodded. Shit. I reached for my phone to text my brother remembering I was supposed to pick it up today. Double shit. He walked us over to a black chevy Camaro. I got in the back seat while Allison rode up front. The whole ride to Allison's I tried to catch his eyes to ask what the hell is he doing? He just gave me a smirk and continued to drive.
For some reason it felt like my body temperature was rising slowly. I've been running hot most of the night but now it was beginning to be unbearable I . tried to discreetly pull down the neck to my jumper, but I caught Derek's eyes in the mirror watching me. Huffing, I sat back. Once we were at Allison's I got out and walked her to the door.
"You sure Scott is okay?" she asked. She looked a bit put out.
"Yeah, I' m sure it was something important. He really was looking forward to tonight." I told her half the truth. It worked. She gave me a smile before going in with a small wave. Turning I march to the stranger leaned up against his car.
"What the hell do you think you doing" I asked highly irritated, I was uncomfortable to the max, my body felt like it was on fire. He looked at me from head to toe as if he was looking for something.
"You're not changing, some thing's happening but you're not changing" I froze at his words. He knows? How does he know? It not possible unless- Gasping I took a step back. He grabbed my hand tightly before I went too far. Making my body pulse more than it already was.
"Don't" he said the warning clear in his voice.
"It's you." I said. He shook his head no.
"Get in the car. I'll tell you everything after we find Scott."
"Why should I help you, why should I believe you."
He stepped it my personal space again. This time I was highly aware of how tall he was, how good he smelled. Leaning down to my ear he whispered.
"Because whether you believe it or not. I'm your friends only help.?"
I looked him in the eyes. Searching for any hint that he wasn't being truthful. Something was telling me that he was. Frustrated I groaned.
"Fine. First we find Scott than you tell us what the hell is happening to us." I said moving around him and getting in the car. He drove us to the woods. After walking a few minutes he placed Allison's jacket on a branch we just stood and waited.
"Start talking." I said. He raised his eyebrows at my tone. I really didn't care about being rude now.
"You were bitten by a werewolf. You should be turning like Scott is no doubt. But you're not. Your temperature is a bit high, but not changing like I thought you'd be. You smell as if your body is fighting off an infection" At that I scoffed.
Then why has my hearing changed, my sight, smell. The bite is completely gone my head was healed within 24 hours. If I'm not changing like Scott what's wrong with me?" He looked at me from head to toe after a moment he opened his mouth to answer me, but the sound of footsteps grabbed our attention.
"Stay out of the way" he said before moving away. I saw a body moving fast through the trees, stopping at where Derek hung Allison's jacket. Taking a small step forward. My eyes widened. It was Scott, but it wasn't. His body was the same still human, but his hands now had claws, his face more pronounced with sharp teeth visible, lots of facial hair on the sides, his eyes are what shocked me more they were a glowing yellow.
"Where is she." He growled.
"Safe. From you." Derek answered from somewhere in the trees. Then he jumped out colliding with Scott, the two of them rolling down the hill. Cursing I followed. I see Derek restrain Scott on a tree. Something sounded to my right.
"There already here. Run." He told Scott, grabbing my hand and taking off pulling me behind him. I heard something that sounded like an explosion, then Scoot let out a pained scream.
"Scott" I said yanking from Derek going back. He grabbed my waist, stopping me.
"Wait here. I'll get him" he said before running off. Not listening I followed but kept a distance. I quietly gasped as I saw Scott's arm pinned to a tree by an arrow. Three men armed with crossbows and guns ahead of him.
"Take him" Said the one in the middle. The leader im guessing. As they stepped forward Derek went into action. Throwing them into trees, I ran over pulling the arrow out of Scotts arm before we both ran a fast as we could Derek close behind. Only stopping when we were a safe distance away.
"Who the hell were they?" I asked as I tried to catch my breath.
"Hunters. The kind who have been hunting us for centuries." Derek said.
"Us, you mean you. You did this to us." Scott said angrily. That im not too sure of.
Derek turned to Scott and me "Is it really so bad Scott, that you can see better, move more faster than any human being could ever hope. You've been given something that most people would kill for. The bite is a gift?"
"We don't want it." I told him annoyed.
"You will. And your gonna need me if want to learn how to control it." He told me leaning down to Scott who was leaning on a tree holding his injured hand.
"So the three of us are family now." He moved back sending one last look my way before walking off. Huffing, I helped Scott as we tried to find a way out of here, while no running into those hunters again. We had to walk for almost an hour before we got to the road. Then began the long trek to town. The sun was up now. It was another hour before we heard a cart behind us. Glancing back, I sagged in relief. Stiles. I helped Scott in first before getting in after him.
"How much trouble am I in." Dad is surely blowing a gasket because I didn't get home last night.
"I told him you were staying at friends." Sighing, I leaned my head back. I owe him for sure.
"You know what worries me the most?" Scott said
"If you say Allison im going to punch you in the face." I told him. He was just shot in the arm by werewolf hunters and Allison is who he thinks about. Priorities.
"She probably hates me now." My brother and I sighed.
"I doubt that, but you're going to have to come up with a really good apology and emergency." I told him.
"Or you can just tell her the truth, and revel in the fact that you're a freaking werewolf. Both of you."
Scott and I both gave him a look.
"Okay bad idea." Of course, it was a bad idea. This whole mess was because of a bad idea. "Hey, we'll get through this. If I have to, I'll chain you both up to a radiator and fed you live mice."
"Gross Stiles."
This is most definitely gonna get way worse.