A/N: Tnx for all the reviews, love hearing from you all! Work has been hectic so I couldn't get around to editing and posting but here I am again, possibly with some spelling errors since my brain is tired of braining but hey A for effort right? (I've since edited this to the best of my abilities lol 8-8-23)
For this chapter a small disclaimer; I took French in high school for two full years and learned exactly jack squat. It was the bane of my existence back then so any and all French (resembling) sentences were either plucked directly from the show or our friend/foe google translate. Thus if you wanna sue someone for any potential butchering of the French language that might occur in this fic, go knock on google's door.
Chapter 22: At some point you have to let someone in, share the burden before you buckle beneath its weight.
This war wasn't fought by soldiers nor was it fueled by the desire for war.
No, this war was waged by the scared and desperate, fueled by the fear of losing those they loved most.
Sheep frightened into taking up arms against the incoming wolves.
Their arrival? Whispered into their ears by the lions who ruled the land.
-M&S-
...
A few weeks later
''Malia might I invite you in?'' Morrell asks, ''The boys can stay with Miss Jean.''
Nodding Malia gets up from the waiting room chair and enters the office, foregoing the big comfy couch in favor of standing, placing herself near the big office window overlooking the square. Morrell sits down on a large chair with a small play table in front of it; toy cars still haphazardly strewn about.
''I'll be frank, considering the boys' circumstances they are adjusting astoundingly well. They have yet to open up about what they've witnessed regarding their mothers death but they have disclosed a lot, including some fears regarding you.''
''They're scared of me?'' Malia asks, shocked since the boys seemed to be opening up to her more and more.
Morrell shakes her head, ''No, though we did talk about their initial fear in regards to you during some of our previous sessions, that isn't what I'm referring to. Aiden and Ethan have voiced some concern about your wellbeing, noting moments where you are physically present but seem elsewhere with your mind. Aiden has dubbed it your daymares.''
Frowning Malia looks at Morrell, ''My what?''
''Daymares. After some follow up questions the boys have explained that you seem to have nightmares whilst awake, unpleasant daydreaming or as they've named it; you daymare. They've also picked up on the fact that you seem to sleep less than what is desirable, they believe you do this to guard them.''
Swallowing she turns back to the window, looking at the square currently unmarred by violence.
She watches as Lydia traces the cracks in the fountain with her hand.
''I had my first kiss here, you know? Horribly sloppy and awkward with some boy from Pennsylvania.''
Eyeing the dirty water or rather the mix of water, blood and soot still left in the fountain, a pensive expression fills her face.
''I wonder if he's still alive.''
''What does that have to do with the boys wellbeing?''
Morrell responds calmly, ''They worry about the only family they have left, they want to take care of you like you take care of them. Aiden has expressed to me that he has been staying up later in order to help you guard the house, Ethan has admitted he declines playdates so you won't have to be alone with your daymares.''
Malia looks away from Morrell, shaking her head. ''Shit.''
''It's not a bad thing at all that they want to care for you as you care for them, if anything it shows how much they've bonded with you. A positive development, however it becomes a problem when they feel like they should be the ones to solve problems bigger than themselves.'' Morrell explains.
''So I'd like to invite you to sit down with me and show them that the adults will take care of the adult problems.''
''You want to be my shrink?'' Malia asks, clearly opposed to the offer.
''I want to help you and the twins. I wish for them to rest easy knowing their aunt is getting help before her daymares lead her to hurt someone.'' Morrell responds, the warning clear in her voice.
Swallowing Malia slowly takes a seat, ''Anything I say here will be strictly confidential right?''
''I'm bound by law and my own oath to the profession.'' Morrell resplies calmly.
''You wouldn't even tell Deucalion if he ordered you to?'' Malia asks, looking Morrell dead in the eyes.
Holding her stare Morrell responds confidently. ''Not even if he had his claws to my throat.''
''What do you know about time travel?'' Asking this question alone, it feels like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
…
Shots ring through the thick smoak, the smell of gunpowder and sweat fill the clearing. Her back to Isaac's as they turn as one, cutting through anything and everything in their way. She can't see more than 3 feet ahead of her and all the sounds are deafening. The clang of weapons, flesh hitting flesh, bullets whizzing by only to hear a thud further away indicating the bullet found its target, grunts and pained screams fill the battlefield.
It was supposed to be a simple intelligence op; meet with the French leadership of the resistance to see how they got the humans to treaty with them, turns out the French human faction had simply been lulling them into a false sense of security waiting for them to let their guard down.
When the second phase of the war began most supernaturals fled towards the coasts in case they needed to flee their country. As a result they'd held the western front of France for a while now, able to fight off the early aggressors of the war.
''So you wanted to know how we got that peace treaty?!'' Isaac yells, barely cutting through the noise of the ongoing battle.
Cutting down another enemy combatant she yells back, ''Not anymore! I think I've figured out how you got it!''
The enemy soldiers, though great in numbers, were surprisingly easy to subdue. It felt like this was their first time seeing combat which was worrying for both sides. This didn't feel like a well-planned attack which contradicted everything they knew, there was no altercation which could've started a sudden attack like this but if this was a long planned attack then why were there no experienced fighters on the field?
Somewhere further down the battlefield a voice calls out, ''Des cendres nous ressuscitons!'' The voice cuts through the sounds of war indicating he's either close by or he's using a megaphone, probably the latter. (''From the ashes we rise!'')
Malia's eyes widen, terror filling them at the spoken commend. Her French wasn't great but if she understood it correctly they all needed to get the hell out of here and quickly.
Sidestepping a body Isaac looks up, searching for the source of the voice. ''Well that's not good.''
''Isaac?'' She asks as they keep moving through the slippery field, tripping over fallen warriors both their own and the enemies.
''Ne faites pas de prisonniers!'' The Megaphone voice rang out again. (''Take no Prisoners!'')
Isaac doesn't respond though he instead turns his head skyward letting out a booming howl that bounces off the battlefield. The message clear to any and all on their side; retreat!
By fleeing south, they'd lose the Picardi stronghold and with it their trade route with the Belgian and Dutch factions but it was a loss they had to endure. It was better to survive, to fight another day, than to lose such a large portion of the French resistance.
''Vous honorez votre famille, votre peuple, votre pays! Le monde vous remercie pour votre sacrifice!'' (''You honor your family, your people, your country! The world thanks you for your sacrifice!'')
The human soldiers pause their attack and start to cheer as they see the supernaturals fleeing from the battlefield. The supernaturals still caught in the middle of the battlefield look up in terror realizing they weren't going to make it in time. Malia and Isaac run through the masses pushing both allies and enemies towards the woods, to the safe zone.
''Run!'' she yells as she pushes a young beta up off the ground.
A young human boy, no older than sixteen, points at them laughing with his mates mocking their retreat. ''Comme des rats fuyant un navire qui coule'' (''Like rats running from a sinking ship'')
She and Isaac run to push as many people as they can to the tree line, the safe zone; they're almost there themselves when the first bomb drops, shaking the ground beneath them before blasting them in separate directions. She hits the ground hard several feet from where she was before, cracking a few ribs on impact, losing consciousness.
Blinking she tries to get her bearings, her vision hazy and ears ringing incessantly. She pushes herself up from the ground, slowly taking in the devastation around her. The smell is the worst, it always is… worse even than the agonizing screams that the child soldiers let out. She retches in the grass next to her.
An honor, their superiors call it… She's heard it all before, maybe the words differed a little but it all ended the same. They send their young onto the battlefield knowing full well they're sending them to die while they wait out the battle off the battlefield, worse still they design it like this.
She turns her head away from the boy she'd heard laugh only moments earlier, he looked even younger now as he lay there body prone, neck bent at an unnatural angle. Glazed over eyes forever opened to the harsh reality of warfare.
As the ringing fades it opens her ears to far worse sounds, short pleas, silent cries, slow shots in intervals of two before silence reigns for a few steps; they're executing the injured and dying. For a moment she is left wondering if they're only executing her people before her question is answered by enemy combatants pleadingly identifying themselves before they too are silenced. For if they lived, what stories would they tell?
Though visibility is still low she tries to search for Isaac, staying low to the ground whispering his name into the air hoping he'll reply; he never does.
After a while she's forced to leave the field or face the firing squad, entering the safe zone in the treeline she quickly heads south. Trudging through the woods with some difficulty, she hopes Isaac is doing the same. On the way she's joined by other supernaturals fleeing to the south.
It starts with a group of youngsters who got separated from their packs, later a couple joins them running from the inlands hostility and then the group is joined by larger travel groups. Some civilians others she recognizes as warriors of the resistance. Approaching one of them she inquires about Isaac but is left no wiser than before.
After five long days they reach the Normandy forces where she's informed that Isaac has been named as one of the casualties by the human faction and thus labeled M.I.A.P.D. - missing in action presumed dead. They won't know for sure because while they considered Isaac pack, he in fact wasn't officially Scott's beta. Isaac had created somewhat of his own pack in France, built entirely out of omega's meaning that there was no way of knowing for sure if he was dead or alive without seeing his body.
Later that day she sits on a ship heading for America, numbly watching the news feed blaming the resistance for the bombing.
''Nous sommes venus ici en espérant la paix mais après qu'ils aient fait ça? A massacré nos fils et nos filles qui n'aspiraient qu'à la paix… La violence dont ils ont fait preuve aujourd'hui ne peut être répondue que par la guerre! Nous ne laisserons pas cela devenir une seconde Amérique!''
Damn they even subtitled it in English, a first for the French.
''We came here hoping for peace but after they did this? Slaughtered our sons and daughters who only longed for peace… The violence they've shown today can only be answered with war! We will not let this become a second America!''
Drone footage of the battlefield shown, burned corpses on blatant display, propaganda at its finest.
She watches the footage with a pained heart, she'd gone here to find a solution, to put an end to the constant fighting back home. Instead she'll return with the news that they've lost Isaac and Picardi in one fell swoop along with any hope of peace. Gone were they're hopeful thoughts of a safe haven across the Atlantic Ocean.
''Hey, you with us Malia?''
Dazed Malia blinks, trying to clear her foggy mind. Turning to the voice that spoke she's confronted with Caroline's concerned face, nodding at the other woman she waves away her concern.
Looking around she sees that they've arrived at the meeting point, she spots children running around the meadow, shadowed by adults from their own packs. Many different packs, even a few she can't identify looking at the current members. A meet and greet on neutral ground with so many different packs was truly amazing to witness, it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up but it was amazing nonetheless.
Food stalls line the outside of the gathering, party tents squeezed in between them providing semi closed off resting places for each pack. It resembles somewhat of a carnival/backyard party mix. Picnic tables and blankets spread all around the field, creating comfortable spaces for people to mingle.
She sticks close by the Hale's as they wade through the crowd. She hears mostly English but spots the occasional foreign sentence as well.
''Your first time I presume?'' Talia asks, watching her take everything in.
Nodding Malia nervously holds onto the boys' hands. ''Isn't it risky to gather in a single place like this?''
Peter frowns before chuckling a bit, ''Trust me if any place is safe it's this place filled with hundreds of alert eyes and ears. And if you fear inside aggression, don't. Starting anything here would not only be stupid but would also get you and your pack blacklisted which no one wants.''
''Blacklisted? For how long?''
''Depending on the charge; worst case scenario until there's a change in leadership, best case you get probation which means you'll get closely monitored next meet. Though it rarely comes to that, no one wants to get blacklisted, makes you look bad towards the other packs.'' Peter answers before taking Caroline and splitting off from the formation, heading towards one of the food stands with comfortable seating.
Cora and Alexander confidently tug the twins towards a few other children roughhousing in the field, Darius hot on their tails. James pats her shoulder, nodding reassuringly before leisurely following them.
Wide eyed Malia's heart rate increases despite every effort to keep it steady. She watches anxiously as James casually greets the other adults supervising the kids. When she turns back she sees the teens also going their own way.
Laura and Derek coax Paige into following them to a group of teens lounging on picnic blankets and sitting at some picnic tables. Laura excitedly hugs another young woman, smiling brightly.
And then they were down to two, she nervously follows Talia not caring about the looks she's garnering. Let them think that she's trailing behind Talia like a puppy, what does she care.
She's too busy visually checking on the entire pack, eyes flitting from one member to the next that she follows Talia blindly, only turning her attention on her when she bumps into Talia's back. Looking up she sees that Talia's led them to a long row of tables a little ways removed from the busy crowd. It was raised a bit compared to the rest of the field, a perfect vantage point. Sitting down they sit in silence for a bit, watching the crowd.
''They're all looking at us.'' Malia grumbles, not taking her eyes off the twins.
They'd really bloomed in the few weeks they'd been with her. Getting to know the Hale family was good for them, Aiden, Ethan and Cora might as well be called the three musketeers with all the trouble they get up to together.
Smiling Talia shakes her head, ''They're all looking at you.''
Malia looks at her in question.
''News travels in the supernatural community, your identity and actions are well known by now. Not to mention the fact that until you accept my offer you remain unbound by any pack, a tempting prospect for other packs.'' Talia explains further, ''Omega's often show up to these events looking to find a place among one of the packs. Meanwhile packs come here to create and strengthen pack relations, some specifically come here in search of experienced wolves to add to their ranks.''
''I'm not a wolf though.''
Talia shrugs, ''You're in the family.''
''You do this regularly?'' Malia asks, turning her head in question.
''Here in California? Once a year, all packs are welcome but usually we end up with twenty packs, thirty at the most. Though I think we'll exceed that number today.''
Frowning a little Malia watches the now even bigger crowd, ''So you just what? Talk and eat with a bunch of strangers and call it a day?''
''We also play games, have tournaments, enjoy one another's company, you know have fun? You know fun America?'' A heavily accented voice butted in.
Malia turns around in her seat, smiling at the familiar voice. ''Frenchy?''
Smiling, Aleron looks puzzled at the new Hale. ''Have we met before?''
Talia watches the interaction with rapt attention. Did she know the French beta?
''Peut-être dans une autre vie Frenchy'' Malia responds fondly. (''Perhaps in another life Frenchy'')
Leaning against the table Frenchy nods, ''Terrible accent America, perhaps you learn better French in this life.'' he jokes.
Scoffing Malia smiles cockily, ''Still better than your English in any lifetime.''
''Oh America's got some jokes!'' He teases.
''Ah son, mind your manners and stop bothering the young lady.'' An older man says walking up to them.
''Your family?'' she asks, warming her hands at the bonfire.
''Dead long before any of this started. At the time I wondered why that happened to our family, I only saw the unfairness of it all.'' Aleron answered, watching the flames dance in the dark.
''And now?''
''Now America, now I see it was a blessing in disguise. I am eternally grateful that my family didn't live to see the world today.'' Smiling sadly he turns to her, ''My sister would've been a few years older than you…''
''I think that's a splendid idea, don't you Malia?'' Talia's voice breaks through to her.
Blinking, she nods, not sure what she's agreeing to but desperately masking her absent mindedness. Hoping her companions haven't picked up on it.
''It's settled then America, we are going on an adventure while the old folks talk business.'' Aleron says, slipping his arm through hers and dragging her away from Talia and Antoine straight into the ever growing crowd.
Flinching slightly at his sudden touch she quickly masks it as a shudder, unsure if Frenchy bought it. The older version she knew wouldn't have but this young, inexperienced version just might.
At the table Antoine raises an eyebrow at Talia, ''You're not afraid our pack will poach your sister? She's quite the addition.''
''You do realize we sent her with Aleron right?''
An oh expression overtakes Antoine's face, ''I've lost every prospect haven't I?'' he asks, defeated.
Patting his shoulder Talia nods sympathetically, ''You still have Aleron.''
''And here I thought you were trying to comfort an old friend.'' Antoine scoffs in mock offense.
''He is your son Antoine!''
''A son who's been giving me gray hairs since the moment he learned to speak.'' he smiles slightly, ''Karma for being a nightmare in my own youth I suppose.''
Talia laughs softly, keeping a watchful eye on the retreating backs of the young duo they just send off.
''Jesting aside my old friend, I wish to know the reason my son is leading your sister around instead of one of the Hales themselves.'' Antoine states seriously.
Talia sighs, ''We have tried very hard to get to know her and while we have been getting closer there is always this halting point, a wall of sorts. I know there is a lot of pain in her past and I fear she is battling it on her own. I think she might be uncomfortable sharing these things with us because we stand too close to her. I was hoping that she'd meet some people today that she could open up to.''
''You worry for her?''
''My friend, I have known her for a few months now and I have yet to see her smile without worry clouding her eyes. Not once have I seen her let her guard down and relax for a moment, like any other her age would. She is always on edge like someone's about to pull the rug out from under her feet any minute now.'' she nods, ''Worry is a small word for what I feel.''
Antoine looks into the crowd seeing his son dragging the young coyote along with him, ''And you think Aleron can be this person, that he can help her to be more carefree?''
''Aleron for all his jokes and mischief is a very insightful young man, after our parents died he was the only person that could get Peter to leave his room. His positivity and joking nature seem almost contagious, I'm simply hoping some of his attitude might rub off on her.''
''Well then let's hope it's a fair exchange and my son gains some of your sisters sensibility.''
…
Malia quietly walked alongside Aleron as he showed her around, introducing her to different people, watching him laugh and play around like a child. The wolves surrounding them, much like the humans, are so different from what she'd become accustomed to. Very open and happy to meet new people, almost like they'd never experienced any strive in their lives.
''So right now is basically the meet and greet, hence me parading you around. After that the alpha's give a sappy speech about teamwork and pack cooperation before we all have lunch and the real fun begins. Afternoons are filled with all sorts of games, most interestingly we have a tournament to see which pack hosts the strongest wolf or were. In the evening we'll usually have some bonfires and tell stories; some true, others… embellished or just plainly made up to scare the younger wolves.'' Aleron explains as he leads her around the entire meadow, pointing out everything and everyone.
He observes her, watching as her eyes flit back and forth, unable to keep her full attention on him as her eyes flit back to two blonde haired boys playing with the Hale children.
''Yours?'' he simply asks, nodding in the children's direction.
Something unreadable flickers through her eyes before she nods jerkingly, quickly moving forward to steer them towards the children.
She was a peculiar thing just as the gossip train had described, an unreadable face not giving away anything she's unwilling to reveal. A lone coyote guarded by a pack of wolves, an omega that took down the Argent leadership in one night and lived to tell the tale, covered in scars that should marr no person with their DNA. And yet for all that they knew of her, little could be said about her past, about her story preceding her sudden appearance in Beacon Hills.
Approaching the horde of children she's almost tackled by two blurs of blonde and it's perhaps the first time her mask lifts as her face morphs into something resembling a genuine smile. He watches as she is then also swarmed by two dark haired children, easily identified as little Cora and Alexander Hale.
''Aleron!'' Peter calls out, walking over while supporting Caroline on the uneven ground.
Smiling Aleron hugs his old friend, ''Peter!''
''And Caroline, more beautiful each time we meet. A boy, no?'' He asks pointedly looking at her protruding belly. ''How much longer until he's fully cooked?''
Laughing Caroline rubs her stomach, ''About two and a half months left.''
''Wonderful, let's just hope he takes after his mom when it comes to his looks.'' Aleron jests, letting out a pained jowl when Peter's hand collides with the back of his head. ''What was that for?''
''You know what that was for.''
Mumbling Aleron rubs the back of his head, ''Befriend a Hale they said, they're so nice and noble they said...''
''What did you say?'' Peter asks.
''That you should watch out because I have options friendwise.'' Aleron threatens.
''None as good looking nor as well placed as me.'' Peter counters confidently, the history between these two men clear in their friendly joking.
Rubbing his chin Aleron's eyes glint with mischief, ''You sure about that?'' looking at Malia a few steps away.
''You once tried that with Laura, I wish you good luck my friend.'' Peter states confidently. ''Come on we should find our seats before the speech starts.''
''The only reason that didn't work out was because she thought I was hitting on her!'' Aleron yelled after him.
He still cringed when he thought about what happened five years ago, when his eighteen year old self thought befriending fourteen year old Laura was a good idea. And it was, right up until she agreed to be his girlfriend and he had to break it to her that he saw her as a friend, a little sister. Apparently telling her that he was exclusively into guys did not lessen the blow, if anything she seemed angrier at this revelation…
All the packs separated into their own packs, sitting or standing amongst their own at the tables or blankets. Looking towards the large table hosting many different faces, alpha's in their own rights with their own experiences. It was a tight squeeze up there, two tables had been dragged up there last minute because of the influx of attendants.
''I'd like to start today by thanking everyone for attending this celebration, those for whom this is a long time tradition and those who've just entered the scene for the first time. I am warmed by the sheer number of packs that have chosen to take the time to attend this year's celebration of unity and alliance. May we all prosper and grow closer in the coming years.'' Talia began before sitting down and letting all the other alpha's have a say too.
Silence rang through the meadow as they listened to every alpha's words with respect and reverence, that is until a very young alpha stood up, the last to have his say. Young and clearly inexperienced, a little nervous he seemed at a loss as to what to say.
''I-uhm'' Clearing his throat, ''I would,''
Whispers from a few younger wolves rang through the meadow and though they were no more than soft mocking whispers they might as well have been yelled at the poor kid since he could hear them loud and clear. The wolf in question started to shake a little whether out of anger or nerves she couldn't tell from so far away.
The other alpha's waited patiently for the younger to say what he wanted to say, sink or swim style… The whispers slowly grew louder, grating her nerves. Why wasn't anyone helping the kid, where was his pack? She'd never have let this happen to Scott, not that they'd ever found themselves in this type of predicament but still.
''Why isn't anyone helping him?'' She finally asks, annoyed at everyone's inaction.
Peter turns to her, ''They are. He might be young but he has the eyes of an alpha and every danger, and responsibility that comes with that. He has to learn to hold his own and quickly before someone decides he's a weakling who'd be easily dethroned.''
The young alpha takes a calming breath and straightens his back. ''I would like to say-'' A hush fell over the field once he spoke with the confidence of an alpha. ''Something inspirational, the problem is that I'm the last speaker of the day in a line of thirty-three incredibly experienced and wise alpha's. So you could say they stole my line and all I'm really left with is this; I hope everyone here furthers their work towards lasting alliances, peace and making today into one hell of a party!''
Cheers rang through the crowd, surprisingly the youngest wolves that minutes ago mocked him now cheered the loudest.
''It's a rite of passage for everyone, to find one's place in the world. Don't worry though, he has an entire pack to guide him through this.'' James says, pointing out a group of people swarming around the young alpha. An elderly woman hugged the teen tightly, a proud smile on her face.
''Come on let's get some food before the Edevane pack claims all the steak again.'' Peter says bumping James' shoulder casually.
Her eyes shoot up to Peter when she hears the name, ''Deucalion is here? He didn't give a speech…''
For some reason Peter's face soured at the mention of Deucalion, Darius smirked annoyingly at her; a true idiot indeed. Meanwhile Laura and Caroline seemed to be having some telepathic conversation she wasn't girl enough to understand.
The kids blissfully unaware, already stuffing their faces at the kids table. She felt surprisingly at ease with the boys being at a different table, probably because it was right in front of theirs.
James on the other hand seemed pleased by her question, ''Usually he does but he had some pack business to attend to so he opted to join a little later.''
Walking up Aleron, unaware of the situation, simply nodded his head towards something in the distance. ''There he is, heading straight for the steaks no doubt.''
Turning her head, their eyes meet and for a brief second she thinks of waving but her hand doesn't get far before he turns his head away without acknowledging her. She makes eye contact with Dean next who simply shakes his head sadly at her. Swallowing she turns back dejected, there goes that… whatever that was.
She doesn't know why she even cares what Deucalion thinks of her. It shouldn't matter, it's not like they really knew one another anyways, in either time. So why did it hurt when he dismissed her like this? They were never friends, never pack, they were no one to each other… but maybe that was the point?
He was someone she was getting to know, someone who was interested in getting to know her without ulterior motives, without wanting something from her in exchange that much was apparent. Getting to know her not because she was a part of the McCall pack, not because she was the True Alpha's wife or a leader of the resistance… But because he wanted to know her and perhaps be her friend even if she was just an omega.
Clearing his throat Darius asks, ''Trouble in paradise?'' He tries to coat the question in humor but she hears the edge of concern.
The pack looks troubled by the interaction and why wouldn't they be? The Edevane pack was an important ally to them and she caused a rift that might have far reaching consequences for all they know. She wonders what would happen if they had to choose between her and the Edevane pack, would they be on her side or Deucalion's?
Caroline reaches out, laying a hand on her own. ''You okay? Did you have a fight or something?''
Shrugging their concern off she shakes her head dismissively, ''Nothing for you to worry about. How about I go get us some food?''
Jumping up she doesn't wait for a reply and fades into the crowd only to realize she has no clue what to get or where to get it.
Back at the table Aleron raises an eyebrow at the interaction. Peter seems to be steaming.
''I'll kill him.''
''Kill who?'' Aleron asks, alarmed at the sudden threat.
''For what exactly?'' James asks, ignoring Aleron's shock, staring at the spot where Malia disappeared into the crowd.
Peter glares at his brother-in-law, ''Obviously something happened, he hurt her somehow.''
''Calm down, we don't know that. Besides Malia is an adult and whether you like it or not she's going to have her own relationships and business to tend to.''
Shaking his head Peter stands, ''I'm going after her.''
''Behave yourself and get me one of those sandwiches I like!'' Caroline calls after him, totally unbothered by her fuming husband.
''You're not worried?'' Laura asks incredulously.
Sipping her drink Carline paused, ''That he's going to forget my sandwich?''
''That he's going to kill Deucalion…''
Throwing his hands up in the air Aleron looks around wide eyed, mouth agape. ''Kill Deucalion?!''
Raising her eyebrows a smile forms on her face, ''Peter went after Malia not Deucalion. That's a very important distinction besides he's not going to start something here of all places, give him some credit. And just between us girls, I love my husband and I know he's very strong but he's not winning a fight against Deucalion and Deucalion isn't going to hurt Peter.''
…
''Grandma?''
Turning her attention on her granddaughter, Lorraine smiles despite the incoming headache. ''I'm sorry dear what were you saying?''
''Their fire will burn us all,'' Her six year old granddaughter says. ''The embers will travel and light the world ablaze.''
A shocked breath later Lorraine responds, frozen in her seat. ''What did you say?''
The image of her granddaughter seems to change shape, turning her into a weathered young woman mistakenly her Lydia. ''Every thought is a battle. Every breath is a war, and I don't think I'm winning anymore.''
''Lydia?'' She gasps, reaching out for the young woman.
A painfully sad smile enters the young woman's face, ''Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.''
''I don't understand.''
Lydia flickers from old to young.
''Hunted, dying, extinct.'' The words mix with screams and pleas.
Screaming Lorraine wakes in her own bedroom, all alone. Heart beating rapidly, nausea rolling in her gut. What was that? There is a pressing message hidden in her words, a premonition of sorts but she can't understand the meaning of it not yet. One thing she does know; it's a warning of something horrible to come and her Ariel is in the middle of it all.
…
The longer she wandered the grounds the angrier she got, around her some games seem to have started already. Why should she care about Deucalion's feelings? He sure didn't care about hers. What made him so special that she ought to mince her words, risk her mission, her life? To what, make sure his feelings aren't hurt?
No, maybe that was how other people treated him but she wasn't going to walk around on eggshells just because he was an alpha.
Following her nose she finds the object of her anger, locked in some kind of fight. He throws his opponent out of the sand circle with ease. The crowd surrounding them cheers loudly.
''Anyone else care to try?'' Deucalion asks, a cocky smile framing his face.
Another man steps into it right away, she recognizes him right away; Ennis. The two shake hands before stepping back and engaging in a brutal battle, very different from the first fight she witnessed. Clearly Deucalion adjusts his fighting to his opponents.
A girl no older than twelve moves to stand next to her, ''Which one's yours?''
''What?''
The girl laughs, ''Which one's your alpha?''
''Neither.''
''You looking to join either?'' She questions curiously.
Shaking her head Malia laughs a little, ''Not exactly, I'm looking to fight one of them. Aren't you a little young to be watching the fighting?''
The girl gapes up at her, ''They're alpha's and you're not… You can't fight them.''
''Says who?''
''My grandpa.''
Smiling at the kid Malia tilts her head, ''So… Go tattle on me then.''
Taking her vest off Malia steps forward into the fighting circle the second Ennis leaves it.
Deucalion's eyes widen when he looks up and sees his next opponent, he schools his features quickly. ''This ring is reserved for alpha's.'' He drawls out in a monotonous voice, not even meeting her eyes.
''Afraid you'll lose to a silly little omega like me?'' She counters loudly, drawing in a bigger crowd.
Looking up blue and brown eyes clash, ''Leave.'' He grinds out.
Scoffing, brown eyes become an icy blue. ''Make me.''
Shaking his head Deucalion sighs, when his eyes open again the formerly calm blue is replaced by a violent red.
The crowd waits with bated breath for one of them to make a move but to everyone's disappointment the momentum is broken by a loud scolding voice.
''What is the meaning of this?'' A commanding voice cuts through the crowd. Stepping in between Deucalion and Malia is an older gentleman with a walking cane.
Growling Malia glares at the man, ''Out of the way old geezer.''
The elderly man raises his eyebrows at her words but doesn't comment on it nor does he comply with her 'request'.
''Are you deaf? I said get out of the way, we're trying to settle something here.''
So wrapped up in her anger she doesn't hear the gasping of the crowd, nor does she register the amusement on the man's face.
''A dispute so grievous you are unable to settle it with words, Deucalion?'' The old man asks calmy, leaning on his cane for support. Letting his bloodlust win was a first for young alpha Deucalion, very unlike him.
Deucalion looks away from the elder man, the air tinging with hurt and shame.
Turning away from him, Rainier turns back to the young coyote. She seems familiar in a sense but he is sure he has never formally met her before, though it seems the young alpha sure has if his reaction is anything to go by. Her chemo signals were easy enough to read, anger and hurt. A lot of anger, still directed at the young alpha.
''Young lady, I might remind you of the rules of this gathering. Break them and your pack will suffer the consequences.'' He says sternly but quickly realizes his mistake as the surrounding wolves awkwardly look away.
A hollow laugh leaves the young lady's mouth, ''Cute threat but that doesn't mean much to me.''
Rainier can't place it, she feels familiar yet he is sure they've never met before. And then it strikes him, why she looks vaguely familiar.
''Could you not solve whatever issue it is in some other, more civilized way?''
Shrugging Malia grinds her teeth, damn this old dude. Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why can't she and Deucalion just fight it out and be done with it.
''I'll tell you what, if you explain your grievance with young Deucalion here and I find it a satisfactory reason, I'll let the battle resume without any consequences. Make no mistake omega, even an old fool can tell you're related to the Hale's.''
''I'm not-'' Scoffing Malia swallows her anger as tears start to sting her eyes, ''Never fucking mind.''
Walking away she ignores Deucalion calling for her. Screw him, his old ass bodyguard and their weird little rules.
Omega
It's what she is now, but for some reason being called an omega stung so much worse today.
Walking through the crowd she feels smothered, heartbeat increasing as people bump into her. Everything seems to be getting louder, her breath quickens trying to take in any oxygen but seemingly unable to do so.
Her eyes drift as the scent of blood taints the air, she can hear shrieking. Her eyes light up as she hears the tale tale sounds of a plane flying over the meadow.
Eyes shooting to the treeline she knows they're not gonna make it.
Suddenly a hand clamps down on her shoulder turning around, she looks up to see Deucalion. He breaks her out of her episode as her eyes fade to a soft brown and her breath levels out.
''I apologize for Rainiers callous words, he did not know of your past if he had he would have never said such a thing.'' He says, ''And-''
''You ignored me.''
Awkwardly Deucalion nods slightly, ''Indeed I did, childish but it seemed only fair at the time. I was hurt by the way you'd treated me last time we'd met. I would like to sincerely apologize for my behavior-''
''Don't.''
Shocked Deucalion looks at her fearing the worst.
''If we're gonna be friends then you need to know that I don't do well with feelings. I don't care for apologies, they've never done me any good. I'm gonna say things that you don't like and do things you might not approve of-''
''Like killing the Desert Wolf?'' He asks, some hope resparked in his eyes after hearing her words.
Nodding Malia bites her lip shrugging, ''Like killing the Desert Wolf.''
Hiding in the crowd Peter frowns, why would killing the Desert Wolf drive a rift between these two? Shaking it off Peter heads back to the table seeing as they seemed to be making up.
Smiling teasingly Deucalion asks her, '' So you want to be my friend…''
''Not if you say it like that.'' Malia frowns back.
''You know there are a lot of people who would kill to have the honor of calling themselves my friend, you should count yourself lucky.'' Deucalion says jokingly.
''Really? I don't see a line of adoring would be friends anywhere near you?'' Malia says, looking around them mockingly.
Smiling at her candor Deucalion wraps one arm around her shoulders, ''I'm very selective.''
''Difficult you mean.'' Malia corrects him, surprisingly comfortable with his casual touch.
''Difficult to resist indeed.''
Scoffing out a laugh, she bends forward gasping for air garnering his concern.
Straightening back up she looks him dead in the eye before saying, ''I'm sorry, I seem to be choking on your ego.''
''Oh yeah, laugh it up Miss I'm going to fight an alpha.'' He retorts.
''You're just scared I would've won.''