Disclaimer: Teen wolf does not belong to me in any way, shape or form. All of my lovely readers, thank you for the support, the reviews, and the birthday wishes. You're all fabulous. Sorry for the wait, and I really hope you enjoy this next chapter :)

She knew that she had a certain level of disconnect from her brain to her mouth. Many people had pointed it out to her throughout her life, taken aback by her blunt and seemingly shameless ways. She didn't see any problem with it. Unsure why people were so careful with their words. If she thought something, ninety-nine percent of the time she said it. To her, that was normal.

However, it seemed most people did not operate that way, including Sheriff Stilinski. The man in question stared at her in a mixture of distress and complete bewilderment, taken aback by her words.

"What?" she asked, "that's what the ribbed dots are for, y'know. Some people just need a little extra friction and stimulation. Personally, I don't. But it's sweet that you care".

"Oh dear god" Stiles muttered under his breath from beside her, looking like he wished the ground would just open up and swallow him whole.

"Just… just use them, okay?" the Sheriff sighed in exhaustion, scrubbing a hand down his face.

"Now?" she asked, much to both males' mortification.

"It's okay, uh, we-we weren't going to have sex" Stiles rushed out, grabbing the box of condoms from her hands and throwing them behind him on the bed, "this-this is all just a big – gigantic - misunderstanding".

The Sheriff looked at his son in a way that clearly said 'trust me, your lies ain't fooling nobody', and instead chose to look at Kayla, his eyes begging for her to be honest and upfront.

"Kayla" he said, "promise me?"

"I promise," she reassured the anxious and awkward father. Luckily, those two words seemed to calm him down somewhat. He breathed a sigh of relief and stepped back out of the room.

"Okay. Okay. That's good. At least there's one of you that's mature" he said, sending Stiles a pointed look, much to the younger boy's offence. "I'm, uh… needed back at work. Might be another all-nighter, so…"

She couldn't tell if he was giving them the green light to go ahead and fuck, or hoping that this little discussion had put the fear of God into them. Why couldn't people just be more forthcoming?

She frowned, searching for clarification. "So we don't need to keep it down, or…?"

"So, there's 20 on the dining table if you both need dinner" the Sheriff said, trying not to look so taken aback by her statement.

"You know what?" Stiles exclaimed, slapping his hands on his knees and standing up, "dinner sounds great. We're going to get right on that. Probably-Probably pizza".

The Sheriff looked between the two of them carefully, sighed loudly, waved his hand out and took his leave. Deciding that maybe, for now, it was best not to know.

He took his leave, and Kayla was sure Stiles didn't breathe until he heard the Sheriffs' cruiser exit the driveway, turning to face her in panic.

"Oh my god. Oh my god. Did that just happen?" he wheezed, "oh my god".

"Relax" she chuckled, standing up off the bed, "it's just your dad".

"Yeah, my dad" Stiles emphasised, "the guy who raised me and used to give me bubble baths and change my diaper, just walked in on us… doing stuff".

"He didn't see anything".

"He saw enough" he gulped. "I don't think I can look that man in the eye ever again".

She stifled her giggles, reaching out to touch his chest with both hands.

"Just be thankful he didn't come in five minutes later".

He met her gaze, looking at her in surprise and awe.

"Uh… wh-what would he have seen five minutes later?" he asked, his voice several octaves higher than usual.

"Probably both of us completely naked and raw dogging like horny, irresponsible teenagers" she smirked, much to his shock.

"… Oh" he simply said, unable to conjure up any meaningful words of wisdom. Taken aback by her no-nonsense answer.

"Would that have been okay if we were?" she asked, her eyes dazzling with playfulness as he tried to stifle his panic, along with the uncomfortable bulge in his pants.

"Would that have been o-okay? Heh" he stuttered, nodding his head quickly and swallowing the lump in his throat. "Hell yes that would have been okay. I mean the sex thing, not my dad walking in on us thing".

"Good to know" she winked, playfully toying with the hem of his shirt.

"Is-Is it?" he wondered, "g-good to know?"

"Stiles" she smiled sweetly, "this shouldn't come as a shock to you, but I do want to have sex with you. In fact-" she continued with a devious grin, "-I've wanted to have sex with you for a long time".

"You-You have?"

"Of course" she laughed, "have I not made that blatantly obvious?"

She could see the clogs turning in his head, unable to deny the fact she, indeed, made it incredibly, very obvious how much she wanted him.

She pulled him close until their chests were touching, indulging in how speechless and overwhelmed he was simply by her body against his, now knowing what was under her clothes.

Silently, she lifted her top over her head, letting it fall through her fingers as he watched her with wide, hungry eyes, his gaze dropping to admire her chest once again.

"Is this obvious enough for you?" she teased, "or should I take off more?"

"Uh… heh…" he stuttered, trying to find the right words to say whilst his eyes were glued to her perk breasts that seemed to enthrall him. "I, uh… I vote more. Lots more".

She bit her lip coyly, feeling the way he was tense with anticipation as she unbuttoned her shorts and shimmied them off her hips, stepping out of them as they pooled around her bare feet. Leaving her just standing there in a purple thong, cut sharp so it left little to the imagination.

He didn't know where to direct his eyes, his hyper-fixated stare flitting all over her body as his pupils widened to the size of dinner plates.

"You know-" she smirked, "-it doesn't seem fair I'm the only one taking clothes off".

He gulped and shook his head, clearly trying to distinguish if this was a dream or not, and eagerly helped her remove his tee. The sight of his bare chest sent her into a whirlwind of hormones, her eyes glowing that mesmerising emerald green.

Within a fraction of a second, she was back in his arms. Their lips frantic and ravenous as she fell back on the bed, pulling him with her.

Within another fraction of a second, he had grabbed her thigh and pulled it around his hips, rolling against her body as he completely devoured her mouth with so much urgency that even she struggled to keep up with his desperate pace.

Unlike usual, when she enjoyed and flourished with being in control, feeling like she needed to be the dominant one, she felt safe and secure with him on top of her. Despite his frenzy, he was still gentle and careful, not putting all his weight on her. That was until she pulled him down by his hips, gasping as their bodies molded together.

By God, she wanted him. She wanted him so badly it made it hard for her to breathe. Her nimble fingers were quick and desperate as they worked on unbuttoning his slacks, the layers of clothes between them too much.

She wanted him.

No, scrap that. She needed him.

She needed him more than she needed breath.

Something inside her snapped, as if something had awakened within her. A new found desire that scorched her from the inside out. A hungry beast that couldn't be tamed without Stiles being the one to tame it.

It felt strange and somewhat overwhelming, her skin burning so hot she felt as if a fire had been started in the pit of her stomach. It quelled anything else in her that wasn't Stiles, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

She felt insatiable - and Stiles, apparently, did so too. His lips seared their way down the column of her neck, bucking his hips between her legs and eliciting moans of pleasure from them both.

Losing control, she was used to. She didn't have much willpower to begin with, but somehow, this was different. She felt wholeheartedly unable to hold back, clawing at his bare back - ready and willing to lose herself to him like she had been wanting to for a long time.

That was until Stiles' bedroom door was wrenched open, cutting through their blissful and heated moment like a cold, sharp knife.

"Stiles! Stiles! You'll never guess what Allison and I saw at-"

Through the haze, she and Stiles broke apart slowly, looking at each other in confusion. Both wondering where the hell that voice came from and why they seemed to lose their cool with each other so quickly.

"Oh. Oh. Oh God" the voice exclaimed, which she now came to recognise as Scott's, "Oh, that's… oh my God. I-We… oh my God".

She frowned, looking around Stiles' shoulder to see Scott and Allison standing over the threshold of Stiles' bedroom door, both completely mortified at the intrusion they just did.

"Ah" Stiles yelped, jumping up off her to his knees and whipping around to give Scott and Allison the same look they were giving them, hurrying to grab a pillow and cover her chest with it.

"What-What-"

"We did not mean to… interrupt…" Scott gulped, waving his arms out in panic. "This- This- This can wait".

"What can wait?" she asked, wrapping her arms around the pillow and sitting up, still a little delirious and out of it, her skin flushed a playful pink.

"No, really, this can wait" Allison muttered, but despite her embarrassment, she was clearly trying to stifle her giggles with the back of her hand, looking at Stiles' walls like they were the most fascinating thing since sliced bread.

"Uh…" Scott added cluelessly, unable to formulate words.

"First my dad, and now this? Why is God punishing me like this? What have I ever done?" Stiles muttered, letting his chin fall to his chest, looking like he wished the ground would just open up and swallow him whole.

She was still a little dazed, unsure why her body had the intense reaction it did, and just stood up from the bed, the pillow dropping from her grasp.

"What's going on?"

Her question, which should have been simple, garnered no response from her friends, which she realised too late was probably due to her state of undress. Her skimpy underwear the only thing decorating her body.

"Whoa" Stiles immediately said, darting to his feet and grabbing the pillow to cover her chest once again as Scott quickly hid his eyes with his hand, and Allison burst into uncomfortable laughter.

"What?" she asked cluelessly.

"You don't have any clothes on" Stiles stated with wide eyes.

"It's just a naked body. We all have one" she shrugged, not understanding this modern-day prudery, but halfheartedly held the pillow regardless, much to Stiles' relief.

"We may all have one, but no one needs to see yours" Stiles muttered awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

"Does that include you?" she smirked.

"… I-Ideally not".

She snorted. "That's what I thought".

"We obviously came at a super bad time, so we're just gonna go-"

"You're here now" she interrupted Scott, who had already tried to back away, "what is it?"

"Uh…"

Scott and Allison shared another look, still mortified with what they walked in on.

"It was just, uh… Isaac Lahey-"

"Isaac Lahey?" Stiles scoffed, unable to stop the dramatic roll of his eyes. "Why would we want to know about Isaac Lahey?"

"Derek visited him at his house" Allison said.

"The big bad wolf made a social call" Stiles whistled, "I'm shocked. Truly, I am. I still don't see why this couldn't have waited till tomorrow…"

Scott gulped, still unable to look them both in the eye. "Now you mention it… nor do we. It's… not really that important".

"We'll leave you both be" Allison smiled, biting back more giggles. "Come on Scott, let's leave them alone".

Scott was more than happy to oblige, backing out of Stiles' room faster than she had ever seen him move, with Allison giving them a playful wave as she followed - deliberately, and purposefully, shutting the door behind her.

As soon as their friends disappeared from sight, Stiles sunk to the bed, hunched over in embarrassment with his head in his hands whilst muttering something about God hating him. The bulge in his pants had long gone soft.

"Cockblocked twice in a row" she chuckled, sitting down next to him, "has to be some kind of record, huh?"

"Not the kind of record I was wanting" Stiles grumbled.

"Sorry loverboy", she smirked, "I guess our world is just a little chaotic right now".

"Oh, I wish it wasn't" he mumbled, glancing at her from the side, his eyes so very appreciative.

She leaned in, cupping his cheek and pulling him forward into a sweet kiss, that intense heat spreading across her skin again, but that, too, was cut short by her phone ringing.

She groaned, feeling like they were cursed, as she reached back and grabbed it from the bed, seeing the caller ID 'Evil Bitchface' glaring up at her.

"My mom" she sighed, rolling her eyes. "She gave me a curfew of eleven, so why is she phoning me at nine?!"

She hit ignore, putting her mother out of her mind.

"Where were we?"

She didn't even get a chance to kiss him again before the shrill ring of her phone cut through her, igniting a quiet fury in her gut.

"Normally, I would totally encourage you to ignore it, but your mom is, well, terrifying" Stiles gulped, "so maybe you should answer it before she drives over here and kills me. Slowly".

Against her better judgment, she answered the call and was immediately bombarded by her mom's voice berating her down the line as if she was ten years old all over again.

"It's nowhere near curfew" she cut in with, "I'm following your rules, remember?"

"Well, tonight I want you home where I can keep an eye on you" her mum said, "I don't want you hanging out at that boy's house. Is his father there?"

"No".

"Even worse. Get home - now" she chastised, "It's time you spent more time with your family instead of running about town doing God knows what".

She wanted to argue back, but, of course, her mom had already hung up, probably knowing that was the only way she could ever win an argument with her foul-mouthed and stubborn daughter.

"Are you getting summoned?"

"Yup" she grumbled, "for a woman that hates me, she sure loves having me home".

"So, uh… I guess you're leaving?" Stiles asked, although he sounded hesitant and disappointed with the idea of her going so soon.

She hummed out a response, although she couldn't help but smirk - not wanting to leave him high and dry.

She pushed the pillow she was hugging away, dropping to her knees between his legs.

"Uh… heh… what-what are you doing?" Stiles mumbled, biting back a gasp as she began unbuckling his pants once again.

"Do you need me to spell it out for you?" she smirked, but he just shook his head in awe, silently lifting his hips so she could pull his pants down his thighs.

"Good" she chuckled, a devious expression twisting her features as she kneeled by his feet, topless from the waist up - a sight that would be forever engrained in his brain, she was sure.

So she did what she did best - she put on a show for him, whilst metaphorically giving her mom the middle finger.

"I am so sorry" Allison ambushed her as soon as she got out of her car that next morning at school, although her eyes were still filled with laughter, probably still finding the whole situation hilarious. "If we had known you were doing that, we would've just texted. Did we ruin your night?"

"You weren't the first, and you weren't the last" she chuckled, referring to the Sheriff and her mom. "Apparently, the universe doesn't want us fucking just yet".

"I feel so bad" Allison cringed, briefly covering her face with her hands.

"As you should" she joked, playfully nudging her friend, letting her know there were no bad feelings. "But maybe it was for the best. Something happened to me whilst we were getting it on".

"Something like…?"

"I got all hot and flustered, my eyes were glowing, and I felt a little… out of control" she explained, walking towards the school with Allison by her side. "Like I was hungry. Really fucking hungry, but not for food - for dick".

Allison quirked a brow, a thoughtful expression twisting her features.

"Do you think it's because of, you know… what you are?"

She didn't miss a beat before asking "What, a whore?"

"No" Allison rolled her eyes, "a seductress".

"Maybe" she shrugged, realising her body was changing, and lots of weird things could begin to happen to her - things out of her control. "I mean, I've been horny before, but last night took the torch. I've never felt that kind of desperation before".

"Or maybe-" Allison smirked, "-it's just because you actually like him. And by like him, I mean love him-"

She elbowed her brunette friend before she could get any more words out, her message being loud, clear and obvious: Shut the fuck up.

"I'm just saying" Allison defended herself with a laugh, throwing her hands up in defence. "Feelings like this is all new territory for you. Maybe this is what it's meant to feel like when you're with someone you love?"

"Can you stop saying that word" she grumbled, ignoring the uncomfortable tightening in her stomach every time she was forced to face that possibility.

"You're going to have to get comfortable with it at some point" Allison pointed out.

"Maybe" she agreed, "but today is not that day".

Surprisingly, Allison dropped the subject - but, evidently, the topic of her sex life was still the number one topic of discussion as they walked up the steps to the school.

"It's different than with Aiden though, right?"

"Yeah. Stiles hasn't hit me yet" she joked, earning another eye roll from Allison.

"That's not what I meant".

"Well, Stiles isn't a werewolf so-"

"Aiden was a werewolf?" Allison interrupted, her mouth popping open.

"Yeah. An out-of-control one. I thought you would have put the pieces together".

"Did he… you know, 'wolf out' when you were… doing stuff?"

"Yeah. It's normal. Heightened emotion and all that jazz. Why?" she added, "did Scott?"

"For a few seconds" Allison laughed shyly, "he was so embarrassed. I'm glad it can be a normal thing to happen".

"It just means you rocked his world" Kayla snorted, opening the door for them, "so take it as a compliment".

"Is there anything I need to know?"

"About sex? Probably".

"Sex with a werewolf" Allison clarified, "it's not exactly something I can google".

"Yeah, with your family, don't have that in your search history" she remarked.

"Can it get dangerous?"

"I mean… werewolves are supernatural creatures. Their strength, their stamina, their fangs and claws, obviously, it can add a little risk, but Scott is probably one of the most grounded and well-adjusted werewolves I have ever met. Especially for one that was bitten, not born. Plus, he's an absolute sweetheart. You're in safe hands".

"Yeah, he's been very gentle with me" Allison smiled, "but I wouldn't mind a little of the rough stuff either".

"Oooooh, Allison Argent" Kayla teased, "I knew there was a bad girl under those goody two shoes somewhere".

"Not as bad as you, though".

"Obviously".

"Was sex with Aiden dangerous?" Allison continued, "If he was so out of control?"

"Sex with Aiden was… wild" she settled with saying. "Not just because of what he was, but because of me, too. I was on this self-destructive path. I didn't care. I was off my face pretty much all the time. We were not a good combination - think Bonnie and Clyde, just minus the murder. Actually-" she corrected, "-don't minus the murder. He wasn't exactly innocent".

She and Allison had a rocky patch in their friendship, but now she knew about werewolves and all the things that go bump in the night, Kayla truly felt like it strengthened their relationship. Enjoying being able to speak freely and openly with her, as she had with Scott and Stiles for weeks. It was nice not having to constantly watch what she said to her without dropping the bombshell of the century.

As they walked down the hallway and past the lockers, she caught sight of a memorial placed at one locker in particular, and she knew whose straight away, pictures, notes and candles decorating it.

"Speaking of dangerous men…" she mumbled, frowning at the shrine that he did not deserve.

"If only they knew what he was really like" Allison said, shaking her head at the sight.

"Oh, people knew" she remarked, "but it just wasn't spoken about or acknowledged. Now, because he's dead, he automatically becomes a victim".

"Isn't his funeral today?"

"Good riddance" she mumbled under her breath, "the sooner he begins decomposing, the better - for everyone".

"His obsession with you was scary," Allison said, "I hate to think what he could have done".

She stayed silent, slowly coming to a stop and eyeing up the locker opposite her, more people laying single flowers and handwritten notes on the floor. Subconsciously lifting a hand to absentmindedly drift across the column of her neck where Brian's hands had very nearly choked her to death just a mere week ago. Unnerving her with just how close he got to ending her life.

She didn't show it - in fact, she didn't bring up that moment again - but it unsettled her, knowing that if Peter didn't come along when he did, maybe it would have been her funeral today instead of his. That realisation was daunting for her, as she had always been able to handle herself. Brian was a sickening reminder that, despite how much training she had, no matter how strong she could become, there was always someone out there who could get the upper hand.

Allison noticed how quiet and pensive she became, frowning at her in concern.

"Kay?" she asked softly, "are you okay?"

She tore her eyes from the locker, meeting Allison's concerned stare.

"… Yeah" she settled on saying, "just, uh… realising how shit my taste in guys is".

"It's not your fault" Allison reassured her as she lowered her hand from her neck, shaking off the claustrophobia. "He didn't take no for an answer".

She was used to that, too. A steady history of always attracting the worst of the worst.

"What if it was?" she asked, "my fault?"

"How would it be your fault?"

"Peter said I have the 'ability' to make guys go nuts. Y'know, because of what I am. What if I did?"

"No" Allison shook her head, "he was just a crazy and obsessive guy. Don't blame yourself for his actions".

She didn't, but she was also on edge and worried ever since Peter bit her. His warning words repeatedly echoed inside her head on repeat that she was lethal and dangerous and powerful - all things that sounded good, but she knew would come with consequences. Consequences she wasn't sure she wanted.

Logically, Allison was right. She knew she was right, yet she still felt uneasy. Not having come to terms with her 'diagnosis' quite yet.

"Did something happen with Brian?" Allison asked knowingly, clocking onto her entire demeanour and expression.

Plenty happened with Brian, but she knew what specifically she was asking about.

"The night of the dance, he, uh… he followed me out to the field. We had heated words. I told him to just leave me alone, but he… he didn't like that. He… He lost it. He got the upper hand and-and he was on top of me, pinning me to the ground. I… I underestimated him. I thought he was just a stupid, egotistical prick, but in that moment, I… I felt how much he wanted to kill me. I couldn't breathe. Couldn't move. He… was going to rape me" she admitted, "and then Peter snapped his neck. He saved my life. If he didn't do what he did, then maybe… maybe it would've been my funeral today instead of his".

Allison, much to her surprise, had tears in her eyes as she reached out to hold her hand.

"Oh Kayla, I'm so sorry".

"It's okay" she said, not really sure where Allison's rush of emotion had come from. "It's not a big deal".

"It is a big deal".

"It's… It's a little bit of a deal" she shrugged, "I'm so fucked up in the head, that I underestimated him. I ignored about a million red flags. He's just another unsuitable and sick and twisted guy to add to my never-ending list of mistakes".

"He's gone now" Allison reassured her, "he's not coming back. He can't hurt you".

She glanced once more at the lockers, an uncomfortable feeling spreading in the pit of her stomach that, for some reason - despite death - Brian's reign of terror wasn't quite over yet.

For the entirety of that Friday, she kept an eye out for Isaac, but he was either really good at dodging her or he pulled a sickie and didn't show up to school, probably just to avoid running into her.

She voted for the second option.

She was a little disappointed as she hoped she would be able to corner him and pump him for more information, specifically about Derek, but that wasn't meant to be.

When the final bell rang, she met Stiles and Scott in the corridor amongst all the rambunctious teens leaving in one big mass, but Stiles immediately grabbed her hand and pulled her into his side, a big smile lighting up his face.

"Hey" he greeted, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek.

"Hi" she said, feeling herself giving him a dopey smile back, but unable to stop it. Her stomach fluttered a little by the feel of his soft lips brushing against her skin.

Scott, she could tell, was still feeling a little awkward around them, deliberately looking in the other direction when they showed affection to one another, trying to respect and not intrude.

"Relax, Scotty" she grinned, playfully reaching around Stiles to punch his arm, "you had the honour of seeing my tits - which are pretty spectacular, if I do say so myself - so enjoy, and move on".

"Uh…." Scott was flabbergasted and panicked, quickly shaking his head. "I-I didn't see your- I didn't see a-anything-"

"Yes, you did" she smirked, "but it's cool. We're all friends here. Lots of people have seen my tits, so chill out and stop acting all innocent. I know you're really a stud in bed".

Stiles coughed at that statement, looking like he wished the ground would just open up and swallow him whole. "What? Stud? Huh? And how many exactly is 'lots?'"

"Did Allison say that?" Scott continued, ignoring Stiles' exclamation. "Did she use those words?"

"Sorry, girl code dictates I can't say more than that" she laughed, "but basically, yeah. Littlest McCall isn't just an animal on the full moon, huh?"

She was in her element, loving the teasing and making the two boys feel awkward, opening the double doors and walking out into the fresh air.

"Stud?" Stiles continued, seeming a little offended. "Him?"

"The quiet ones are always full of surprises".

"Heh" Scott smiled, nodding as he sat with that title for a few seconds and obviously decided he liked it, giving them both a cocky look. "I'm a stud".

"Stiles, I think you should give him your 'Stud Muffin' T-Shirt" she teased, much to her boyfriend's outrage.

"What? No. I'm Stud Muffin!"

She threw her head back and laughed as they bounced down the concrete steps, times like these feeling like she finally had a purpose and place here with these adorable oddballs that had changed her life.

"I'm teasing, chill" she giggled, "Scott, I'm happy for you and Allison. You deserve it".

"Her family just makes things complicated".

"Complicated is a little bit of an understatement" she snorted, "but I'm sure it'll work out".

She did wonder how on earth a werewolf and a werewolf hunter could ever be a good thing, but maybe Allison and Scott would be different. Already defying all expectations.

She thought she heard a voice shouting her name but shook it off, sure her mind was just playing tricks on her, but when she heard the call of "Kit Kat" she stopped short, scanning the school's parking lot.

To her surprise, she spotted three very familiar faces grinning at her as they lounged against, presumably, a rental car. All three broke into delighted and excited waves when she caught their gazes.

"Oh my God" she muttered in shock, unsure what to say - a feat in itself.

"What?" Stiles asked, "Who's that?"

She couldn't respond, completely taken aback as her three friends rushed her.

"Surprise" Blake grinned, grabbing her effortlessly, throwing her over his shoulder and spinning her around, much to Scott and Stiles' astonishment. "Long time no see, Kit Kat".

She was still completely dumbfounded as he placed her back on her feet, bringing her into a tight hug.

"What… What…"

"We didn't want you to forget us" her other friend, Emma, grinned, giddily jumping into her arms, her blonde hair obscuring her vision. "So here we are".

She still didn't know what was happening, not expecting to see her friends, well, ever again, having accepted that she had made too many mistakes to remain as close as they once had been. Despite it hurting like hell, she had come to terms with it. Only now, for some reason, they were here - in Beacon fucking Hills - and Kayla felt her two worlds colliding - her past, and her present. A whirlwind of emotions assaulting her gut.

"You know we're irreplaceable" her other friend, Luke, winked, taking her cheeks and pressing a fleeting kiss to her lips - his unique form of greeting to pretty much anyone - and hugged her too.

Scott and Stiles were standing to the side, open-mouthed and wide-eyed, watching the exchange unravel before their eyes.

"What… What are you doing here?" she muttered, finally finding her voice and staring at each of her friends. "You're… You're in California".

"Yeah, we bunked off school to fly out today" Blake grinned, "We missed you".

"Everyone is still asking for you" Luke added, "you're missed".

She didn't know what to say, looking at her oldest and once closest friends before glancing at Scott and Stiles, but they too were equally dumbfounded.

"You look good" Emma smiled, "healthy and… and happy" she added, turning her coy gaze to both Scott and Stiles, unable to hide her smirk. "Which boy is making you this happy? Or is it both? They're cute".

Both boys shared a frazzled and awkward look with each other as Stiles self-consciously raised his hand like he was back in the classroom.

Emma, who was almost as brazen as Kayla, raked her eyes from the tips of Stiles' toes and up his body, shamelessly checking him out which made him gulp, looking at Scott in terror.

"You are not what our Kay normally goes for, but trust me-" she laughed, "-that's a good thing. I'm glad I came here now. Californian guys are definitely hot".

"Calm down, Ems" Blake chuckled, "you'll scare them".

"You… You came here for me?" she asked, wondering how they could forgive her so fast after her actions. Although, knowing she still had people in her corner warmed her heart more than they knew.

"Of course" Luke laughed, "the others wanted to come too, but they're in the middle of championship season, and coach is kicking their asses. They couldn't spare a weekend - but maybe in the summer".

Despite everything, her friends treated her like they always had - as if she had never upturned and ruined her entire life. No judgment in sight.

"So, you going to take us on the grand tour?" Emma smiled, "it seems like a small town, but there must be some fun things to do, right?"

She was still overwhelmed but felt herself relaxing, grateful for the effort in flying all the way over here.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'd love that".

"Good. And take your plaything" the blonde added, a devious smile lighting up her features. "I want to interrogate him".

"Oh God" Stiles muttered, fearing for his life.

"You're more than welcome to join too".

"Uh… I have to get to work" Scott muttered, backing away slowly, "I'll… I'll catch up with you all later".

Her two worlds had completely collided, and she just hoped it was a good thing.

Stiles sat in the back of Kayla's car, squished between her two male friends, both of whom were much larger than him, and he felt a little - okay, a lot - intimidated. They were loud, boisterous and friendly, but he felt a little threatened, just purely by the fact they had known Kayla all her life and he was the new thing on the block.

Blake, he recognised from the video call all those weeks back. His broad figure was muscular, and his red hair was like fire, but his smile was kind.

The other guy, Luke, was full of energy - like an over-excited puppy dog, his dark features striking and handsome.

Emma, sitting up front, was kind of similar to Kayla, confident and bold in nature and very flirtatious. Her blonde hair was long and wavy, and her deep brown eyes were full of mischief.

Stiles tried to keep up with their conversation, but many of the things - and people - they were speaking about, he didn't know. Yet he found it fascinating. Over time, he watched as Kayla eased more and more, relaxing as she drove around Beacon Hills and joked with her friends.

It was nice to see, especially since the events of the dance and what happened at the Hale House. Maybe her friends from back home could provide a good distraction for her.

"So, come on Missy, tell us what's been happening with you" Emma gushed after about an hour of catching her up with Louisiana gossip. "All the juicy details, please".

He caught Kayla's gaze in the rearview mirror, both knowing she couldn't tell her friends much of anything without revealing the supernatural.

"Uh…"

"Surely It's not been that boring?" the blonde asked, "you've been here two months. The Kayla I know would only need about two minutes to find some fun".

"Well, uh…" she shrugged, "I found out my dad was actually my uncle, and my uncle was actually my dad".

The whole car fell silent, and Kayla just nodded along to the beat of the music, tapping her fingers along the curve of the steering wheel.

"Wait, you're serious?" Blake asked after several seconds of daunting silence.

"Yeah".

"Whoa. Mind fuck much?" Luke cut in from the other side of Stiles.

"Pretty much".

"So are you going to, like…. build a father-daughter relationship with him now?"

"He's dead now too" Kayla replied to Emma, "I, apparently, don't have the best luck when it comes to dads".

"Jesus" Blake whistled, "that's… wow".

"Other than that? It's been… uneventful" she lied, and Stiles could see how much it pained her to keep that part of her life hidden from her friends. "Like you said, small town".

"Well, we'll change that this weekend" Emma grinned, "tonight we party. Tomorrow night? We also party. Don't worry-" she added, "-just with copious amounts of alcohol. We know you want to stay off that other stuff. How is that going by the way?"

Despite her brash tone, Stiles could sense a quip of concern in Emma's voice as the blonde studied Kayla carefully.

"It's going fine" she replied with a gentle laugh.

"Oh good" Emma sighed, "we were all a little concerned after, well… after Harry. We thought maybe that might mess things up for you".

There it was again - that name. Harry. Harry who? Stiles didn't know, but he wanted to find out.

He noticed Kayla stiffen a little, as if the sound of the name pained her, but she hid her expression with a small smile, keeping her emotions hidden deep below the surface.

"Nope, it didn't. I'm good, I promise".

"That's a relief" Emma laughed, "the world does not need another out-of-control Kayla".

"So, uh, where do you want to go?" Kayla cut in with, "any requests?"

"I want to go line dancing" the blonde announced, "please tell me there's something like that here?"

Kayla looked at him in the mirror, clearly seeking advice.

"Uh… like a country-style bar?" he asked.

"Yes" Emma gushed, turning around in her seat to face him. "preferably somewhere with a rodeo bull. I like to ride".

He blushed a little as everyone laughed at his embarrassment, but he gave Kayla the directions anyway.

"Eek, this will be so fun" Emma promised, "my cowboy boots are in the trunk. Don't worry, I brought an extra pair for you Kay. We can't have you forgetting your roots now, can we?"

"You-You line dance?" he asked Kayla in surprise, because, for some reason, he did not expect that.

"My secret is out now. Thanks, Ems" she playfully remarked, rolling her eyes. "But yeah, I like to line dance. I'm a sucker for any country thing, but if you tell that to Lydia you're dead".

Maybe having her friends here was a good thing after all.

Maybe this was his chance to find out more about the enigma that was Kayla Hale.

Walking into the bar, Stiles felt entirely out of place.

He felt out of place in most places, including his own brain sometimes, but he supposed there had to be a first time for everything.

The bar, slash restaurant, slash dance club, was made entirely out of dark, rustic wood, and the mood lighting was set to a deep orange. Rickety, circular tables and booths made up the restaurant part, paving the way to a large barn-style dance floor with a live band playing.

He didn't expect a place like this to be this popular, especially in Beacon Hills, but it was pretty packed with people eating, dancing and laughing. Even Stiles had to admit that the vibes of this place were immaculate.

"Yes!" Emma just about screamed, "There's a rodeo bull. Once I get a few shots down me, that will be my new best friend. C'mon Kay, let's go and get drinks".

The blonde had basically ripped Kayla away and towards the bar, and she happily followed.

"I better go and keep an eye on them" Luke laughed, "make sure they stay out of trouble".

That left him and Blake, Stiles not knowing what to say.

The redhead pointed to an empty table, quirking a brow at Stiles. "You hungry?"

"Starving, yeah".

"Good. Come one".

They sat down, opening the menus and taking a look, Stiles immediately knew what he was wanting.

Sticky barbeque chicken wings and cajun fries with a large strawberry milkshake. Then maybe, if he was still hungry after that, he would get a second portion.

The waitress was quick and took their orders whilst Kayla, Emma, and Luke laughed and boogied at the bar.

"You alright Stiles?" Blake asked, and Stiles just knew he was enjoying watching him squirm.

"Me? Oh yeah. Yeah. Just… severely out of my comfort zone. And I think that mounted deer head is staring at me".

"Well, you can relax. I'm not going to rough you up or anything".

"Oh thank God" he muttered under his breath, because there was no way he could ever possibly win a fight against this guy. Not in a million years.

"Did we spoil your weekend plans?"

Stiles tried not to flush at that because he did hope that maybe they would get some 'them' time, just the two of them, with hopefully fewer distractions, but apparently the universe was out to sabotage that.

"Nope" he lied, "no plans. No nothing".

Blake winced, "we totally did, didn't we? did we cockblock you?"

He flushed, struggling for words.

"Oh dude, I'm sorry" Blake laughed, "you must hate us now huh?"

"No, no, no. It's- it's nice seeing this side to her. I think seeing you all will do her a world of good".

Blake nodded, his gaze drifting towards his old friend, who was in bouts of hysterical laughter.

"She seems different. In a good way" Blake said, admiring Kayla from the distance. "Maybe this move has been good for her after all".

"Oh" Stiles muttered, "Different? How so?"

"Happier. Lighter" he responded, "after that year... I didn't think I would see her smile again".

Right. The year of hell. The year she nearly lost herself.

"But that-" Blake continued, nodding over to where Kayla was laughing and having fun with her friends, "-shows how strong she is. To go through what she did, and come out the other end? That girl is special".

"Yeah" Stiles smiled, "she is".

"I thought we would lose her", Blake admitted, "and we very nearly did. I don't know how much Kayla has told you, but she tends to downplay things. She fell down this dark hole so quickly that none of us had a chance to catch her. Then that guy kept pulling her down even further".

"Aiden" Stiles scoffed, the name bitter on his tongue.

"She told you about him?"

Blake seemed surprised, like he was taken aback by how honest and upfront Kayla had been with him.

"Yeah" he confirmed, "what a dickhead".

"That's one word for him," the redhead muttered darkly, an edge of fury buried in his voice. "I still think that if it wasn't for him, we could have gotten her back sooner" Blake continued, "but instead he poisoned her. Got into her head. Made her feel like she had to depend on him. Within weeks, she was barely recognisable. It was terrifying".

"We tried" Blake continued, "we tried to get her back, but the demons she was fighting won. For months, we didn't know if she was alive or dead, and most of us thought it was the latter. We were so sure that either the drugs had killed her or Aiden had because, oh boy, he sure did have a temper, but she defied our expectations and proved us all wrong. As usual" he added with a laugh.

"How long was she gone?" Stiles asked curiously.

Blake pursed his lips as he cast his mind back, counting the months on his finger.

"Her dad and brother died in November, and by New Year she was pretty much AWOL. She didn't come back home till… September, I think. So yeah, nine months, give or take. It's a damn long time to be out there surviving at fifteen years old".

It was. He couldn't imagine trying to get by in the world for that long without any company or support and with only someone like Aiden to spend time with.

"She was barely home a week before her mom sent her away to rehab. A really fancy, expensive place over in North Carolina. At first, she wouldn't let any of us visit her. I think she was ashamed. Our friend, Harry, drove all the way over there one weekend and wouldn't leave until he saw her. Eventually, she gave in. She always had a soft spot for him, you see. Then by November, she was back home and recovering. We thought, after winter break, things would go back to normal… but they didn't. Just like the year before, almost to the day, she disappeared again. Only this time, it was for good. The house was empty and put on the market, and, well..." he shrugged sadly, "the rest is history".

"Then she came here" Stiles summarised.

"Then she came here" Blake confirmed, "the golden state" he added with a chuckle. "I thought she would hate it here, but she seems settled and content. It's nice to see".

"Maybe she just needed a fresh start. A chance to hit the reset button" Stiles suggested.

"Maybe" Blake agreed, "but it's more than that. All these years I've known her; I've always felt like she was hiding a part of herself. Like she had some deep dark secret she couldn't tell us. But here… with you guys… it doesn't feel like that".

Stiles tried not to look surprised by that dead-on observation, awkwardly trying to laugh it off and not appear too guilty.

"I think this is where she's meant to be" Blake continued, "and as much as we miss her, we just want her to be happy. God knows she deserves it after everything".

Stiles couldn't agree more.

"We'll look after her" he promised, trying to settle Blake's very obvious worry. "We won't let anything happen to her".

"You're a good guy" Blake smiled, "and not at all what I was expecting – which is a good thing" he added as Stiles gulped. "Kay doesn't exactly have the best track record with guys. All of them have been disasters. She needs someone who will love her through all the crazy ups and downs. Someone who can handle and balance her. I think you could be that person".

"You've only just met me" he muttered a little self-consciously, wondering why he was getting all this praise.

"I'm a good judge of character" Blake winked, "which is why, the first time I met Aiden, I broke his nose".

Stiles snorted, beginning to like this guy more and more as the night went on.

"I wish I was there to see that".

"Well, I wish it was as epic as it sounded" Blake laughed, "but instead, I came out with a broken hand and the douche didn't even flinch. Just cracked his nose back into place without breaking a sweat. A God Damn psychopath, I swear".

That, coupled with being a werewolf as well. Of course, Blake didn't know that. Maybe if he did, he would have thought twice about aggravating him.

"He's not been back in contact with her, has he?" Blake asked a little warily, as if he was scared to know the answer.

"Nope" he replied, "at least not that I know of".

"Good" Blake sighed, "because she needs to stay far away from him, for her own sake".

Stiles agreed. He thought one of the worst possible things for Kayla, now or ever, would be having Aiden back in her life. She didn't need a reminder of the chaos and trauma she went through for months on end.

"She, uh… she never mentions that other guy. Harry, is it?" Stiles asked, trying not to sound too overly curious, but that had been twice his name got brought up today, and he was desperate to know what the deal was.

"She's probably still grieving him".

"Oh. He's… he's dead?"

A flash of pain shot through Blake's eyes, glancing down at the table.

"Yeah, he died. A car accident just before Christmas".

"Who was he?"

Blake seemed to toy with an answer in his mouth for a few seconds, clearly wondering how much to divulge.

"He was our friend. He was Kayla's best friend since they were, like, six. His death was a horrible, tragic accident. It really shook our town".

"I wonder why she doesn't talk about him".

"Kayla is a pro at ignoring things" Blake shrugged, "especially when it comes to emotions. His death devastated her, and it happened only a year after she lost her family. I think she did the only thing she could do at the time and shut herself off from it. Just, uh… don't tell her I told you about him. She might not like that".

"Did they, y'know… I mean, were they ever, well…"

"You mean, did they have feelings for each other?" Blake snorted, seeing Stiles' questioning angle a mile away. "No, not really. Harry was a self-proclaimed ladies' man. They maybe hooked up a few times at parties, but nothing ever came of it. Maybe if things were different, but they weren't. He died, and she moved here. So don't worry so much" he added with a chuckle, "you don't have to compete with the dead for Kayla's affection".

"Nope, just everyone else".

"What can I say? She's a catch. Be careful someone doesn't swoop in and take her".

Great. New fear officially unlocked.

A/N) I have returned with a super long chapter wow, that was longgggg haah sorry for the delay, just got stuck in a rut, but I hope this makes up for it. I've wanted to introduce some of kayla's friends for a while now, and I think it adds more to her character and backstory. So I hope you al enjoyed and I'm excited to hear your thoughts :) xxx