Archive of Our Own ^beta

The sun,

The moon,

The truth.

The sun,

The moon,

The truth.

The sun,

The mo-

"WAKE UP DUMBAR!" 

Liam was pulled from his futile attempt to calm himself by Coach yelling at the side of the field. This only made his blood boil even more. His hands tightened around his stick. 

He stole a quick glance at the field and locked eyes with Nolan, who was nervously digging his spiked shoe into the grass. Corey was bouncing on the balls of his feet.

He closed his eyes again. 

The sun,

The m-

Coach blew the whistle sharply next to his head, leaving Liam's ear ringing slightly and signalling for the game to continue. Liam pushed himself into action with a low annoyed snarl.

The game was tense, much more than it needed to be. It wasn't even that big of a deal, just a friendly game between Beacon Hills and Devenford Prep, but Liam was on edge either way. The full moon was close and already tugging at his mind. Like a puppet on a string.

Plus, those guys were assholes.

Liam glanced at the bleechers only to lock eyes with Theo Raeken. They held gazes, neither refusing to break eye contact.

In his moment of distraction someone slammed into him, knocking him down and leaving him gasping for air.

"Sorry bud didn't mean to knock you from your daydream," the player who rammed into him winked while his teammates laughed. He offered a hand but Liam swatted it aside and angrily got to his feet, chest starting to heave. Liam felt his claws lengthen underneath his gloves as his canines poked at his tongue.

"DUMBAR! What are you doing? Get your head out of your ass and into the game!"

He was losing control, if he didn't get a grip now he'll end up hurting someone.

"Liam?" Nolan reached to touch Liam's shoulder but before he could make contact Liam took off, running to the treeline at full speed until he vanished into the forest.

He's not sure how long he had been running, leaves and twigs whipping gashes that stung his face, before he finally collapsed onto his knees to catch his breath.

He took a few deep gasping breaths with his hands on his head, trying to clear his mind. As he looked around he realized he must have run farther than he thought because he didn't recognize these woods. He was kneeling in a small clearing that was lined with trees. Slate rock hot beneath his palms despite the cool dusk air. 

"Great..." he sighed.

Now he was fucking lost. 

Stupid game, stupid IED, stupid, stupid, STUPID.

"FUCK!" Liam punched the ground with a clawed fist, feeling the bones in his hand snap. 

"Ouch." 

Liam whipped his head around so fast it took a moment for his brain to catch up. He frowned as he looked Theo up and down. He just leaned against a tree, arms crossed with that stupid smirk on his face. 

Theo raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"What do you want?!" Liam snapped at him.

"I want lots of things, you'll have to be more specific," his smirk only grew.

Liam got to his feet rather clumsily and snarled at the Chimera. Why does he have to be such a dick all the time!

"Leave me alone!" He spat and bared his fangs.

"C'mon Baby Wolf, don't be like that," Theo touched a hand to his chest in a mocking gesture, pretending to be offended.

"I'm not in the mood Theo!"

Theo's face grew serious, "You have to calm down. You almost caused a scene back there."

"How can I calm down when you won't leave me alone?!" Liam tugged at his hair in frustration and turned to leave, not caring that he had no idea which way he was going.

Liam felt a strong tug on his elbow as Theo pulled him to a stop, "I don't think Scott will be too happy with me if his baby beta got lost in the woods alone!"

Liam spun around at that, "So that's why you're here? To please Scott?"

Theo's jaw clenched, "No Liam, I don't have to please anyone."

Liam scoffed back at him,  "Oh really, then why are you here?" 

"I'm here because you lost it on the field and made a run for it. Someone had to come get you," Theo grumbled.

"And it just had to be you? You always show up, like now! Here you are to calm me down and bring me back, right?"

Theo crossed his arms but remained silent.

"You think if you keep up the whole hero act Scott will let you in his pack?" Liam shoved the chimera a step back.

"Liam," Theo warned with a low growl rumbling in his chest.

"What? Did I hit a nerve?" Liam took another step closer.

"Liam, stop it. Its time to go." 

"I'm not leaving until you tell me why you keep trying to save me?!" Liam shouted loudly, the sound cutting through the chilly air. 

Theo fliched at the loud shout, "Liam, I really think we should go."

Liam opened his mouth to argue but Theo clapped a hand over the beta's mouth and pushed his back into a tree. The bark bit into Liam's skin and he was about to bite the hand on his mouth to complain about it when he locked eyes with Theo's golden orbs. Theo motioned for him to be quiet and took his hand away. Liam couldn't hear anything except his own panting breaths and rapid heartbeat. He tried to calm both down, while Theo pressed closer, still listening.

Liam's heart got stuck in his throat at how close they were. He was enveloped in the scent of pine and leather that was coming from the older boy. His lips parted in a questioning whisper when all of the sudden he smelt it - gunpowder. That sent a cold chill down his spine and suddenly he was aware of it all - he could smell wolfsbane, hear heartbeats and the sound of breaths puffing in the air as booted feet slid quietly along.

He looked at Theo again and was met with a somber, worried look.

Hunters.

They were surrounded.

A two-way radio came to life with static and they could hear one of the hunters answer in a low voice, "Yeah, 2 of them. South of the caves. Not sure, we drew a mountian ash circle before we came closer. We'll find them."

Laim's pulse spiked at that. Mountian ash? He was trapped then. Theo wasn't. For a moment Liam wondered if Theo would leave him there, but he quickly stopped himself.

Theo would never leave me behind.

Theo took the back of Liam's neck firmly in his grasp, forcing their glowing eyes to meet as he searched the beta's gaze. Looking for confirmation that Liam understands what has to happen now. 

Liam understands.

They're trapped. 

No running away.

He blinked at Theo and gave a small nod.

I will fight with you.

Theo swallowed heavily and nodded back.

Okay, let's fight.

Liam let his eyes wander over his companions face while the footsteps drew closer to them. He traced the dark circles underneath his burning gaze, following the stubble on his jawline to where it frames his mouth. They were so close he could feel Theo's heart beating from where their chests touched. He watched as Theo swallowed nervously before forcing his gaze back to his eyes. He saw fear and worry in his friend's eyes. Friend? That didn't feel right. 

The barrel of a rifle gleamed next to his head. Theo's arm shot out and grabbed the barrel of the gun, the hunter fell back in shock, the metal bending around the chimera's fist as he stepped into the clearing. He bared his fangs and growled menacingly.

"Here! The wolves are over here!" 

More men burst from the treeline into the clearing with shouts and curses. Theo tossed the mangled rifle aside with a roar that Liam echoed as they shifted and lunged forward.

Liam slammed into a hunter before he had the chance to fire his first shot and sent him to the ground hard. He spun to meet the swing of a muscular woman with a machete, the blade gleamed with wolfsbane that stung Liam's eyes. He tossed it aside easily and knocked her out.  He felt a familiar presence join him from behind as he and Theo fell into rythm and fought back to back. They were perfectly in sync, blocking advances with clawed swipes.

"How many are they?!" Liam shouted as shot went wide over his head, causing him to duck a little. 

"I don't know! Ten, twelve?" Theo grunted in reponse as he disarmed another hunter and sent him head first into a tree. He swiped another's legs from under him and kicked him in the chest.  Suddenly hunter tackled Theo to the side and away from Liam's line of sight. Panicked he called, "Theo?!"

"I'm fine, Liam!" Followed by a snarl and the screams of two hunters.

He's okay. 

Liam tried to focus on his own fight, but after a while he grew tired. His limbs were heavy and clumsy now as he struggled to catch his breath in between dodging blows. He hoped Theo was doing better than him. As he knocked out one of the last remaining hunters he staggered upright, gasping. The small moment of rest cost him.

He heard the gun cock and turned around to see the hunter take aim at him. He was too far away to disarm the man and he knew it. He was finished. He squezed his eyes shut and braced for the pain. The shot fired and he flinched, but when he opened his eyes he saw the bullet embedded in the ground next to his foot. He jerked his head up in time to see the hunter's eyes roll back in his head and fall to his knees. Theo kicked him over harshly.

He saved me. Again.

Their eyes locked and for a moment they both just stood there, panting heavily. Thunder rumbled.

Liam gulped in huge amount of air, "What took you so long?"

They both laughed at that and eased up a bit. It was over, they did it. Bodies of groaning and unconcious hunters littered the clearing. There was a flash of lightning somewhere to Liam's right, and the cool breeze carried the smell of blood, sweat and rain. Liam shook his head in playfull disbelief as he started walking over to Theo.

"Okay I'm calm, we can leave now!" 

That earned him an amused snort and Liam glanced up again. That's when he saw it.

A fallen hunter had gotten his feet under him near Theo, who was still oblivious as he tipped back his head to allow the first raindrops to cool his face. The hunter crouched low with a wicked, curved and jagged blade in hand. 

Liam's heart stopped. He ran.

"THEO!" He shouted in warning, but he was too late.

The hunter flung an arm around the Chimera's throat and drove the blade into the side of his chest with brutal force. The boy roared in pain and shock but had no time to defend himself before the hunter stabbed him again, twisting the blade. 

"Got you, Mutt!" He sneered.

"NOOOOO!"

Liam barreled into the man, sending them both skidding a bloody trail on the slate. He saw red. He roared as he knocked the man down again with a clawed swipe, leaving deep gashes on his cheek. Then he started punching him repeatedly. He could hear bones crushing beneath his fists, teeth breaking and blood spattering onto his face, but he kept punching. 

"L..iam-" Theo's raspy voice broke him out of his trance.

He sat back. He was going to be sick. The man was a bloody pulp, but Liam heard his faint heartbeat.

I almost killed someone.

A wheezy cough brought him back to reality.

Theo.

"THEO! Theo, hey!" He fell by the wounded boy's side and propped him into a sitting position with his back leaning against a slope in the clearing. Thunder and lightning sent a chill down Liam's spine when he looked at Theo's wounded side. Blood stained his shirt and still flowed freely from the wound. He didn't know what to do, where to touch. He circled the Chimera's wrist and started to take his pain "Theo, you're going to be alright! Okay? Theo?" 

Theo was gasping for air, blood already trickling down his chin. He leveled Liam with a pained look, "A-Are you ok-kay?"

"Are you serious right now?!" Liam asked in disbelief but quickly added, "I'm fine, thanks to you."

Why do you keep saving me?

Theo only hummed in response, sagging a bit. Liam caught his shoulders so keep him upright.

"You have to stay awake! We need to call-  SHIT!"  Liam pulles at his hair in frustration. "My phone! I left it back at the game in my bag!"

"Use mi-mine. Back pocket. On t-the right."

Under different circumstances he would've blushed at the thought of sliding his hand in Theo's jean pocket. He pulled out the phone and unlocked it, drops of rain fell onto the screen, making the contact list blurry. Liam was about to call for help when he heard the static of a two way radio behind them followed by a woman's voice, "We're down. I repeat, we're all down. Send more men!"

Liam clenched his jaw before taking of his hoody and pressing it to Theo's chest. Theo's pained hiss was drowned out by more thunder.

"Theo, keep pressure. I'll be right back."

He didn't wait to hear a reply and hurried to the young hunter woman, she was holding the radio and giggling at him with bloody teeth. 

"Why are you laughing? You lost, we beat you!"

Her smile looked wicked, "No, more are on their way. Don't worry, it won't be long now." 

"Call them off!" Liam threatened.

"Or what? You'll kill me?" She started laughing again, tilting her head up at him, "You better run little beta! You better run!"

He knocked her out cold with an angry roar. He was shaking. Glancing back at Theo he felt as if this was just some sick nightmare, he'd wake up. This couldn't be real. 

But it was real.

He dailed Mason's number, the screen warning him that the battery was about to die. He brought his trembling hand to his ear.

"Liam? Are you okay?! We looked for you after the game bu-"

Liam gave a relieved sob, "Mase..."

"Liam what happened? Where are you?"

"With Theo, we were attacked."

Mason cursed loudly, "Are you okay?"

No.

"I'm okay, but Theo needs help. Mase, its bad, so bad." 

"Calm down, we'll come get you-"

"There are more hunters coming, s-someone mentioned a cave. South of here."

"Okay that's good Liam, get there and wait for us!"

"Mase I'm sca-" the phone died before he coukd complete his sentence.

The rain was steadily getting heavier, washing away the mountian ash that kept him prisoner.

Liam and Theo were both soaked to the bone by now, shirts plastered to their bodies. Liam heard the Chimera's teeth chattering and wondered briefly if it was from the cold or if he was going into shock.

"Liam, you have to leave me." Theo yelped as he slipped a bit from Liam's grip, the movement pulling at his wound.

"Shut up."

"Li, you-"

"Shut up!"

He regained his grip on the chimera and pushed forward. 

"You'll be fine Theo, we're almost at the cave. Just hang on!" His foot got lodged in a pool of mud and he had to yank it free.

"You s're?" Theo's head rolled to rest on Liam's shoulder, breaths puffing rapidly on his cheek.

"Yep!" 

No.

Theo did his best to help, but by now his feet were dragging limply in the mud. Liam's shoulder burned from supporting his weight and his muscles screamed at him to stop, but he had to keep going.

Liam sobbed in relief as he could make out the cave in a stone wall.

Just then Theo's legs gave way completely and his weight sent them both to their knees. The wounded boy leaned backward, arms hanging limply at his sides no longer keeping pressure on his wound. His head was tilted back, eyes unfocused. 

"No,no,no!"

Liam grabbed his shoulders as he began to fall to the side, keeping him steady.

"Theo! C'mon!" He forced the chimera to look at him.

Theo saw the pure panic in the beta's face and felt a pang of guilt, "I'm fine," he slurred, "I jus' need a minute."

He's my responsibility.

"I am not letting you die!" With renewed determination he slung Theo's arm around his aching shoulders once more and dragged them upright.

Theo screamed in pain, turning his face into the beta's neck.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry..." Liam whispered into the boys wet hair.

He forced his trembling legs to keep walking.

They slump down, both panting and gasping for breath. 

"We made it, Theo. We made it," he said between breaths.

We made it.

Theo couldn't bring himself to form words yet, so he only hummed in response. He was so cold. Liam felt the boy shiver next to him and cursed himself for allowing the little time to rest while Theo was cold and wounded. He sat Theo up against the rocky cavewall and took a good look at him for the first time since they started to walk to the cave.

He's so pale.

Liam swallowed a lump in his throat. Now was not the time to cry. He had to help Theo. He tore Theo's shirt open and tossed it aside, ignoring Theo's weak protests.

"Shhh, it was ruined anyway. We'll get you a new shirt."

Theo's chest was a bloody mess, the red a stark contrast to the pale skin. 

This is bad.

He must've been staring too long because Theo shifted slightly, "Liam, its going to be okay."

Liam met his watery eyes and ran a hand over his face, "I'm supposed to be telling you that."

He rose and took off Theo's shoes and jeans, earning a suprised grunt from the older boy, "Buy m-me dinner first."

Liam rolled his eyes before taking off his own wet clothes, leaving both of them in their boxers. He kneeled by Theo with his wet shirt and gently started to clean his chest, wiping the blood away to reveal two jagged stab wounds. Both were still leaking blood.

"You're not healing," his eyes snapped to Theo's face. 

"Wolfsbane," Theo tiredly replied, his head felt heavy.

Liam cursed under his breath and glanced around the small cave for anything to light a fire with. "I have to burn it out."

Theo rested his head against the cavewall, "Yeah, good luck wit' that," he just wanted to rest his eyes.

Theo must've passed out because a moment later Liam was back at his side with two stones and a wad of dry grass he had found peeking through cracks and stones.

"Theo? You with me?" Liam gently cupped his face and let black veins snake up his arms as he took some of Theo's pain.

"Thanks," Theo puffed in relief and relaxed his shoulders a bit more.

Liam got a strange look on his face as he looked at Theo, still cupping his face, "Yeah, sure thing."

He let go and started to strike the stones together, praying for a spark. He failed a few times and had to take a rattling breath to try and steady his trembling hands. His tears were beginning to burn his eyes.

I can't lose him. Not yet, not like this. 

A soft hand found his own that was still trembling, clutching the stone. Liam looked at Theo with a tearfull gaze. 

"Take it easy, y-you can do this. Just c-calm down Little Wolf," Theo reasured him softly, his hand slipped from Liam's and rested limply at his side.

Blinking tears away Liam tried again. A spark flew and was followed by a small flame. Liam looked at Theo for some type of reaction to his success, but his eyes were downcast and unfocused. His nose was bleeding.

"Shit," he mumbled and made quick work of heating the buckle from Theo's discarded belt before bringing it to the smaller of the two wounds.

His voice shook as he asked, "Ready?"

"Jus' do it. I trust you," Theo slurred, closing his eyes.

Wasting no time he pressed against the wound.

Theo's pained howl made his heart shatter.

The flesh sizzled as the wolfsbane bubbled out with the blood. 

One more. 

Liam repeated the process with the largest wound and this time Theo howled even louder, golden eyes blazing before his eyes rolled back in his head and he passed out.

"Damn it!" Liam finished the task at hand and lightly tapped Theo's cheeks.

"C'mon Theo, wake up."

Please be okay.

Theo coughed lightly and opened his eyes a bit, peering at Liam from beneath long dark lashes. Then he smiled weakly and winked at him, "Still 'ere Little Wolf."

Liam breathed a relieved laugh and rested his forehead against Theo's, closing his eyes.

"You're alright, you're okay now," he whispered for his sake more than Theo's and pulled him in close for a hug, nuzzling his neck. Theo rested his chin on top of the beta's head tiredly, all his energy drained. His side throbbed and his head felt fuzzy. He wriggled his fingertips and toes trying to make the pins and needles go away. 

"You scared me," Liam whispered into his neck. He tasted Theo's sweat on his lips. "You almost died."

I almost lost you.

"Don't worry Little Wolf, you saved me," he raised an arm and played with the hair in the nape of the boy's neck. "Are you okay?"

Liam pulled away with a sniff, "Yeah, I'm fine." He hesitated before adding, "Thank you for saving my life, again."

Theo gave him a lopsided grin, blood still staining his teeth, "You're welcome."

The thunderstorm outside continued, rattling the trees. Theo gazed out with an expression Liam couldn't read. His eyes were drooping.

"You tired?" 

Theo hummed in response.

"You can get some rest now, Mason is bringing help. I tried my best to explain where we are."

"He's smart, he'll figure it out," Theo closed his eyes with a weary sigh.

Liam had no doubt, but he was worried the hunters will figure it out sooner. He kept his fear to himself though. Theo looked so tired. He stood up and rinsed the shirt he used to clean Theo's wound again and settled next to the chimera who was already asleep. He gently wiped the mud and blood from his chest, carefull not to touch his wounds. The smaller wound was already healing, slowly. He wiped his neck before moving to his face. Theo didn't wake as he gently cleaned the blood from his mouth and nose.  The flames from Liam's fire flickered, illuminating the sleeping chimera's face. He looked so peaceful. 

Chimera of death...

He was still only a boy. Liam sighed and watched Theo, taking in all his features. His long lashes cast shadows over his cheekbones. It scared Liam sometimes, how close he and the older boy had become. Theo was a killer, a designed weapon created to cause chaos and betray. But he was also Liam's Theo. A boy who had no family, who was robbed of his life and all alone. A boy who died and came back. A boy who protected Liam at all cost. 

My anchor.

And he almost died.

After cleaning himself up a bit he moved Theo a bit to let the boy rest against him, he tucked Theo's head under his chin so that his body was stretched out, resting against the beta's chest. Liam felt his limbs grow heavier as he watched the flames, the bone weariness settling in now that the adrenaline was wearing off. His eyes were drooping, he was so tired. He wanted to stay awake, to keep watch untill his friends arrived to save them, but he eventually lost the battle and fell asleep.

Thanks to a crack of thunder Theo woke up right before Tara could take his heart. He tried to calm his racing heartbeat and ralid breathing, looking around in confusion before he remembered where he was. 

Liam.

The beta was sound asleep, mouth slightly agape. 

Theo relaxed at the sight and shifted a little, trying to get more comfortable. His limbs were stiff and painfull, but nothing compared to the throbbing in his side. He hissed when his movements pulled at his wound. He brought a trembling hand to his side and lightly traced his numb fingers over his torn flesh. His fingers came away bloody.

Huh...

Theo thought that maybe he reopened the wound by shifting around, so he tried to remain still. He felt nervous. 

Liam was almost killed today.

His brain clouded with that thought. If Theo had been a moment too late, Liam would be dead now. That's why he welcomed the pain he felt now, because it was nothing compared to the oain he would feel if he lost Liam. 

The beta made him soft, weak even.

Failure...

The truth is, he was still a killer. He was dangerous. He didn't change that much, if he even changed at all. Before Theo fought to survive, clung to life no matter what it cost. Now, Theo fought for Liam, clung to Liam. 

No matter the cost.

Blackness was creeping at the edge of his vision and his head rolled to the side so rest on Liam's chest again. He stared at the rain as he passed out once more.

Something's wrong. Something is seriously wrong.

"The last known location Theo's cellphone was before it died was somewhere around this area," Argent pulled the lid from a black marked with his teeth and roughly circled an area on the map displayed in front of them. Mason nodded, running a hand over his face. His foot was tapoing restlessly on the floor.

Corey placed a reasuring hand on his boyfriend's shoulder, "Liam told Mase that they would go to a cave south of where the were when he called."

"There are a lot of caves here though," Nolan tapped his finger on the map, "How would we know which one?"

Mason cleared his dry throat, "Liam said Theo was hurt pretty bad, so my guess is they'd have gone to the nearest one. In case, you know..."

Argent spat the marker lid out of his mouth, "In case Theo wouldn't be able to walk any further." He circled the cave nearest to the location Theo's phone had given. 

"That's miles away!" Alec pointed out. "How are we supposed to get to them anyway? There are no proper roads to follow with a car and the hunters will be looking for them too."

"It'll be a hotspot," Nolan agreed quietly, biting at his thumb nervously.

"Then we take them down! We have to get to Liam!" Mason shouted.

"Take them down?" Peter growled, "Okay tough guy, how the hell do we do that? We don't even know how many there are. Rushing in head first with no plan is suicide."

"Scott?" Corey pleaded with the Alpha, who was currently miles away. They were on Skype with him, Stiles, Derek, Lydia and Malia.

"I don't know, just... let me think," the Alpha shook his head helplessly, feeling useless and guilty for now being with his pack when they needed him.

"Was Liam okay?" Lydia asked.

"He didn't mention any injuries..." Corey supplied but Mason cut in.

"He's scared, I haven't heard him like that before."

"Well of course he's scared! He's surrounded by people trying to kill him!" Stiles yelled.

Mason shook his head. 

"If Liam is fine, chances are he can hide until morning. The hunters would give up the search eventually, they'll think he got away," Malia poked her head over Scott's shoulder.

Alec frowned, "What about Theo? He might not have until morning."

"So?" Malia shrugged.

Scott sighed wearily, the burden of leadership heavier than ever, "Malia..."

"What? As long as Liam gets out, I don't see a problem."

"For all we know Theo could already be dead..." Stiles reminded them.

"He's NOT dead!" Corey seethed.

"Lydia?" Derek spoke up for the first time. He had a sad expression on his face. 

"I don't know- I- I don't think I can tell. He's too far away from me," her lip trembled a bit.

"Mason, did Liam say anything else about Theo's injuries?" Stiled urged.

"No, nothing. There was no time," Mason shook Corey's hand from his shoulder and started to pace around the room.

"Okay, let's forget about the hunters for a moment, how are you planning to get to them in the storm? It's not safe," Stiles threw his hands in the air.

Scott nodded slowly in agreement, "I can't ask any of you to go and risk your lives. Not without me there to protect you."

Argent shrugged but remained quiet.

"Liam will be alright until morning," Malia repeated firmly.

"Theo won't be!" Alec spat.

"Theo is not pack!" she retorted.

"Ah, I see. So if I were to be injured you'd leave me to die as well because I'm not pack, Malia?" Peter asked in disbelief.

"Peter, shut up," Derek grumbled.

"Okay hear me out guys, she has a point," Stiles offered, "Getting Liam out alive is our top priority right now."

"What the fuck?! Scott?!" 

"Argent, do you think these might be Monroe's men?" Scott asked the older man.

Nolan flinched at the mention of Monroe.

"Could be," Chris answered thoughtfully, "Theo is one of our best fighters, if they managed to injure him badly and called for backup it means they are pretty well trained and organised."

"What does it matter?" Corey asked.

"She might be there too!" Stiles yelled, "It's too dangerous!"

"I can't risk any of you, but I also can't leave Liam behind," Scott said in dismay.

"If Theo is still alive he needs medical attention and I won't allow Melissa to walk into a bulletstorm," Chris stated firmly.

"And we can't risk Deaton either," Derek mumbled.

"Liam can take care of himself, he's strong. Propably the strongest of us all," Lydia looked like she might be sick, a tear slid down her face.

"He'll lose it if Theo dies," Mason warned. "He'll be angry and reckless. He'll get himself killed."

"And he'll never forgive me," Scott quietly added.

"He'll never forgive himself," Mason pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Stiles questioned.

"He's my best friend. I know him better than anyone. The guilt would eat him alive."

"Guilt? What guilt?" 

"If Liam isn't hurt right now I can promise you it's because Theo took the worst of it to protect him, if he dies now, Liam will never get over it."

A silence settled over the group like a dark cloud. 

"I'm going," Mason whispered. 

"If you're going, I'm going," Corey reasured him.

"No offense, but Mason what exactly do you think you'll be able to do to help?" Malia asked.

"I don't know. Propably nothing. But maybe I can pull Liam back from the edge if Theo dies. Maybe I can convince him to come home."

"You won't convince him," Peter pointed out.

"Then I guess I'll die trying," Mason swallowed the lump in his throat. 

"I'm with you too," Alec nodded.

"I'll come..." Nolan mumbled nervously.

Argent glanced at the others uncertianly before placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "No, I need you to stay here. You have to help Deaton and Melissa get everything ready for Theo."

Nolan nodded in relief. 

"I'll drive," Argent supplied.

"Guys... Are you sure about this?" Scott asked them.

"Yes, we have to get Liam out." 

"And there's no Liam without Theo..." Mason whispered.

"Well... since it will be awkward if I'm the only sensible person here, I guess I'll come too," Peter nodded to Chris, "Besides, I've been dead before. It's not that bad." 

"Okay, we'll be there as soon as we can. You need to keep me updated. Please, please be carefull," Scott pleaded.

"Guess that's it then," Argent sighed.

Alec let his eyes glow, "Let's go kick some ass."

Liam wasn't sure what woke him. He body hurt, stiff from the fight and supporting Theo's weight for miles. He stayed still, wondering for a moment what time it was and how long they've been here. The rain was pouring loudly outside,  the sound making his head buzz and making him feel sleepy again. He was faintly aware of another noise that was almost completely concealed by the downpour. He swallowed, his mouth was so dry.  He felt Theo's weight pressed against him, a warm head on his chest. His hair tickled Liam's chin. He was hot and clammy.

"Theo?" He groaned, but when the chimera didn't stirr he decided against trying to wake him. Theo needed to rest. Maybe he should get some more sleep as well.

He started to drift away again, sleep beginning to pull him under. Something tickled his stomach, irritating him. He moved to scratch at whatever it was, and his fingers touched something slick and warm, smearing it across his skin.

What the hell?

He brought his hand to his face and peeled his eyes open.

His heart jumped into his throat.

His fingers were slick with fresh blood.

"What the hell?!" He asked aloud in confusion and shifted back to sit upright, forgetting for a moment that Theo was asleep on his chest. His sudden movement caused the other boy's head to roll to the side, neck bending uncomfortably.  Liam's heart pounded against his ribcage. He became more aware of the sound the rain had concealed from him. A wheezing sound of ragged breathing. It was coming from Theo. Liam snapped his head down and saw more blood, smeared across his upper body. 

"Theo, wake up!" 

When the boy didn't wake Liam took his head between his hands and rolled his head back so that he could see his face.

It felt as if the world slipped away beneath him, as if he were floating in space.

No.

No.

No.

The blood was coming from Theo's nose and mouth, covering the bottom half of his face and his cheek. Sweat was beading on his brow.

"THEO!" 

Liam swiftly moved from under the older boy's weight, propping him up and slaoped his cheek. He was so warm.

Fever. He has a fever.

"Theo! Hey! Wake up!"

Theo groaned in response but Liam received no further reaction.  He shoved Theo's arm away from his chest to see the wounds on his side. The smaller wound had healed completely, only a thin pink scar remained. The second wound however was bleeding again, a long red trail ran down Theo's side and dripped onto the ground. The wound was inflamed and swollen at the edges, puss already leaking out and crusting at the edges. It was so much worse than it had been. He smelt wolfsbane.

"I don't understand, I don't understand, I don't-" he stammered and cupped Theo's face again, shaking his head more forcefully, his eyes were golden as he roared, "THEO!"

Theo's eyes snapped open instantly and he jerked away from Liam's grasp, only to hiss as the movement sent a stab of pain down his side. "Liam? Wh-whats going on?" He blinked in confusion. Liam didn't miss the way his speech was slurred again.

"Hey, you with me?" He grasped Theo's neck, grounding them both. Theo nodded and became more aware, he gasped in pain as the numbing effects of sleep wore off.

"Somethings wrong Theo," Liam whimpered, "I burnt it out, I swear I did!"

"I know Li, I know," he whined lowly.

Liam started taking his pain, he took as much as he could bare. 

Too much, its too much.

Theo relaxed a bit as he felt some relief, the burning pain faded somewhat. His chest felt heavy. He tasted copper on his lips and touched his face, hand coming away bloody. He saw Liam's desperate face, could smell his fear and sense his panic. He tried to slow his own rapid heartbeat, hoping that Liam would find some comfort when Theo himself is calm. He had to get a grip, for Liam's sake.

"Liam," he tried to keep his voice level, "I need you to calm down, please."

The beta's breaths were shallow and rapid, "I don't understand, I don't-"

"Liam!" Theo brought both his hands up to grip Liam's face, "Look at me!"

Large scared eyes met his, shocking Theo for a moment at how blue and beautiful they were, even though they were framed by wet lashes and red from unshed tears.

"I need you to calm down," he repeated, "For me, please. Try to calm down. What three things cannot long be hidden?"

Liam swallowed, "The s-sun, the m-m-moon-"

"The truth, c'mon Little Wolf you can do it."

"The sun, the moon, the truth. The sun, the moon..."

Liam's breaths started to even out.

"That's it, that's it Liam," Theo let his hands fall from the other boy's face to rest at his sides. His fingers were numb again.

Mason drove in silence as he followed the vehicle Argent, Peter and Alec were in. They had gone off road a while ago, making their own trail through the woods to get as close as possible to their location. The only sound that filled the car was the wipers.

"Mason? I'm worried about you," Corey whispered softly from the passanger seat.

"Don't be, Cor. I'll be fine, besides I have a gun now," he attempted to lighten the mood.

Corey snorted, "Yeah, exactly."

Heavy silence settles again. 

"He'll blame himself," Mason said suddenly, voice thick with emotion. "He'll think its his fault if Theo dies."

"Theo won't die, Mase."

"We don't know that, Liam sounded so scared. I think its really bad," he shook his head, "Theo's going to die Corey. And I'm going to lose my best friend."

"What do you mean?"

"I've seen him around Theo. He's different. He needs Theo. He needs him to keep him grounded and in control. He needs him..."

"His anchor..." Corey whispered.

Mason sniffed, "I think its more than that, all I know is I'll never understand them. But I know Liam would lose himself if he lost Theo."

Corey swallowed the lump in his throat, "Drive faster."

Liam never knew Theo had freckles. They were small, light and arranged perfectly across the bridge of his nose. The boy's tanned skin had always hidden them, but they stood out like dark paint slotches on a clean canvas now. He was so pale. 

"What do you see?" Theo asked tiredly, leaning his head back against the cool stone again. 

Liam wiped at the bleeding wound, "I think its infected, I still smell the wolfsbane."

Theo hummed in response, waiting for the room to stop spinning.

"What do I do? Theo, hey," Liam rubbed his thumb over his cheek. Theo leaned into the touch. 

"Just... sit with me."

"What?" Liam took his hand away and Theo immediatly missed the warmth, "No, tell me what to do. Tell me how to fix this!" 

Theo felt sorry for him, he didn't want Liam to have to see this. A loud crack of thunder startled them both, causing Theo to jump a little. 

Something in his chest shifted and his world was suddenky stark white. He screamed in pain.

Liam sobbed and immediatly began to take his pain until the chimera quieted down once more and took deep ragged breaths. 

His lips were turning blue. 

"What was that? What happened?" He pleaded.

Theo swallowed down the blood pushing up his throat, it made him feel nauseous, "I-  I think I know w-what the problem is."

"Tell me how to help you, please!"

"Count," he gasped, "my ribs. Count 'em and tell me w-where the wound is."

Liam quickly counted and then recounted, his brown furrowed, "Four. Between the fourth and fifth rib."

Theo has always been good at hidding what he was thinking, what he was feeling. He just slipped the mask on and he could make you believe anything. As they grew closer the last few months he had stopped hiding behind the mask as much, but Liam instantly recognized it. Theo got a strange, faraway look on his face that Liam didn't have time to place before he slipped the mask in place. "Are you sure?"

Liam nodded.

The chimera swallowed and closed his eyes again, "Just sit with me Liam..." He took the beta's hand in his own, interlacing their fingers.

"N-no! Just let me help you. I can do it! Just tell me what to do! Let me save you!" He pleaded, feeling a few hot tears spill over his cheeks.

Theo could smell the salty tears and opened his eyes to meet those blue orbs once more. His heart ached to see how much this was hurting Liam. How could he ket this happen? How could he let Liam care so much about him. He knew that if he did nothing, Liam would hate himself for letting Theo die. So he took a rattling breath and steeled himself.

"I felt something in m-my chest. It moved, I felt it. Scraped the bone," he swallowed more blood, "I think p-part of it 's still in there. You n-need to get it out."

Liam frowned in confusion, "Part of what?"

"The blade."

Liam's insides felt like they turned to ice. His grip tightened on Theo's hand, like he was affraid he might slip away.

"How do I that?" He was frantic.

"Your claws, dig it out."

Liam hated how his lip was trembling, "But I'll hurt you!"

Theo rolled his neck a bit, trying to ease the tension that was snaking up his spine, "It's ok-kay. It hurts already. I can t-take it," he rubbed his thumb over the back of Liam's hand, "d-dig it out, then burn out the poison."

Liam clenched his jaw in determinstion,"Okay, okay..."

"Hey, just try not to go t-too deep 'kay?"

"What, why?!" 

"My-" Theo cut himself off and clucked his tongue, "Tara's heart, it's t-too close. B-between the fourth and f-" his breath caught as a cough suddenly seized his body. 

"Theo! Theo, no! No, no, no!" Liam wiped at Theo's mouth in utter panic. It came away red mixed with silver. Blood and mercury. 

I'm losing him.

He flicked out his claws.

Now or never Dunbar.

He dug into Theo's flesh. Theo's screams were so loud they drowned out the rainstorm. Blood streamed down his side, gushing like a river and formed a pool there Liam knelt. He felt his knees get soaked with the sticky warm liquid. His claw scraped against something and Theo howled even louder. It was a rib. Liam adjusted his angle and kept going.

He heard Theo mumble, "It's okay, you don't have to stop."

He touched something else. The blade tip, caught in his friend's tissue. He gripped it between two clawed fingers and pulled.

It came free and fell to the cave floor with a soft 'clink'.

Liam's entire body was shaking now, a mixture of adrenaline and shock. Theo had gone quiet now, his eyes were open and unfocused, staring into the distance. His breaths were wet and shallow. Liam grabbed the heated belt buckle once more and burnt the last remaining wolfsbane from his friend's body. Theo didn't scream this time, he was too tired. 

Liam tossed the belt aside and tried not to gag, the scent of burnt flesh making him sick. He brought his hand to his mouth, unintentionally smearing his face red. He sobbed and moved crawled back to Theo's side, lightly touching his face.

"Hey," he sniffed, "its over. Its over now. Okay? Theo?"

Theo slowly blinked at him, he attempted to smirk but it was weak, his lips were coated in silver.

They hadn't made it as close to the caves as they had hoped.

Chris stopped the car with a curse and slammed the door. The rest of the group went to stand next to him, and Peter whistled at the sight of the rough terrian that would be impossible for tyres to endure.

"Fuck," Chris muttered and kicked the side of his vehicle in frustration.

"Now what do we do?" Alec asked rather hopelessly.

"We'll need to get to them by foot, we have no choice. Then we'll have to bring them back here to the cars." 

Peter met Chris's eyes and quickly looked away, knowing they both thought the same thing. There was no way all of them would be able to walk back.

"Fine, let's go," Mason stepped forward but was stopped by a hand on his chest. 

"No," Chris ordered, "not you."

"What?! Why not! My best friend is somewhere in those woods!" 

"If we leave the cars here then two of you will need to stay behind, one for each vehicle. When we return with Theo and Liam we'll need to make a quick getaway. I need you to be ready."

"But you need me there! Liam needs me!"

"Listen, if you want to help you'll stay here. We can't rescue them and look out for you at the same time! If the hunters show up, we're screwed! Do you really think Liam can lose you too?"

As soon as the words left his mouth Argent regretted them. 

Alec shoved the older man's chest, "Theo is NOT dead!"

"He will be if we keep wasting time!" Peter hissed.

Mason knew they were telling the truth. He had never felt more useless in his life, but he couldn't get in the way of them saving his best friend.

"It's okay, I'll stay."

"Then I'll stay with you. You guys are better in a fight than me anyway," Corey ducked his head.

"Good, call Scott. And be ready."

Mason, where the hell are you?

Liam positioned himself so that Theo was resting on his lap. He was keeling as much pressure as he could on the gaping wound at his side.

"You'll be okay now, the pack is coming," he whispered into Theo's hair and placed a soft kiss on his temple. "You just stay with me okay? Until you heal."

Theo could barely keep his eyes open, he was just so tired and heavy. The pain had faded to a dull ache, he was too numb to feel it properly now.

He was losing to much blood. Despite Liam's best efforts to stem the flow it gushed between his fingers. Theo brought a trembling hand to Liam's, once again lacing their fingers, palms pressed down to keep as much of his blood in his body as possible.

"It won't be long now, they'll be here any minute," Liam kept telling him.

"Li," Theo's voice was barely audible. 

Liam's tears ran down his face freely now, dripping from the tip of his nose and splashing onto the broken boy's face. Theo didn't seem to notice. 

"Yeah?" 

"Tell me something. Anything."

I love you.

Instead Liam found himself telling Theo about his old school, his first kiss, first date, first time he punched a hole in the wall... eventually he ran out of things to say and said the first thing that came to mind.

"You remember when we first met?" He wiped away the fresh mercury and blood that leaked from Theo's nose.

Theo smiles weakly, "Yeah, you w-were such an angry pup."

Liam laughed through his tears, "Yeah well you were a dick." He combed his fingers through Theo's hair, it was soaked it sweat. "I thought you smelled nice."

Theo chuckled at that, only to start coughing, spitting blood to the side. Liam pressed their forheads together. "Please hang on Theo, please."

"Always," Theo promised softly, but his heart ached. He knew it was a promise he wouldn't be able to keep.

Liam sat up again and looked at their hands that were still clasped together, covering Theo's wound. He lifted his hand slightly, but blood gushed with renewed force and he pressed back down with a sob.

"Don't be so sad, Little Wolf."

"I can't help it, you're not healing."

Theo stared at the opposite wall of the cave so intensely Liam also glanced over to confirm that there was nothing there. 

"Don't let me f-fall asleep," Theo suddenly said and met Liam's eyes again, "Please don't let me fall asleep yet."

Liam nodded helplessly.

"She'll come for me." 

Liam frowned, "Who?" 

Theo swallowed, "Tara. She always comes for me. Ever since I went to Hell."

Tara?

"What do you mean?"

"Everytime I go to sleep, she comes for me. Over and o-over and over. I wake up in the morgue, I'm a-alone, always alone. I tried to run at f-first, but it's no use. She won't stop until she takes it back."

Liam felt horrified, "Takes what back?"

"Her heart. I stole it, n-now she wants it back. She digs it out of my chest and takes it back."

He felt vomit rise in his throat and he swallowed it back with difficulty.

"I stopped fighting, I d-deserve it."

I think you were rotting down there.

"What happens then?" 

" I die. And I wake up. And it happens again. Over and over. And I let it."

You don't have to stop.

Liam gasped and whined, "I'm so sorry we did that to you, Theo."

Theo shook his head slightly, "Its 'kay. I deserve it."

"No, no you don't!" He cried fresh tears and pulled Theo closer so that their noses almost touched.

Theo smiled sadly, "Li, I have to tell y-" he coughed again, longer this time. His body spasmed and he grunted in pain. Liam sobbed harder, trying to take as much pain as he could. Theo caught his breath again, the wet rattling sound coming from his chest grew louder, "I have to tell you something."

No, no! He's saying goodbye.

Liam shook his head, "No, I don't want to hear it. You can tell me when you're better!"

Theo's eyes sterted tearing up, he ignored Liam and continued, "Then don't listen, but I have to - I have to say it."

Tears splashed onto his face, mixing with the blood on his cheeks, "Don't be sad, don't be sad. I deserve this. I deserve to die."

"No! No stop it! You don't!"

"Yeah, I do. I've done a lot," he paused to cough again, "a lot of terrible things to get me here. I'm a bad person." He chuckled, "Hell, I'm b-barely a person."

I can't do this.

I can't do this.

This can't be happening.

"You're not a bad person, Theo. Theo!" Liam's eyes widened as the red that seeped through their fingers also turned silver.

"I am, I really am Liam. Because I'm not sorry," Theo's own tears were running down his face now as he admitted, "If I could do it all o-over again, I wouldn't change a single thing. 'Cause all of my m-mistakes led me here, to you. I got to meet you, Li." Theo's eyes were closed now.

Liam threw his head back and howled with grief.

I can't do this.

I can't lose him.

"And I know, I know I'm the b-bad guy," his voice was softer now and Liam had to pull him even closer to hear, "nd I'll always be the bad guy. But I love you, Liam. And I could never n-not save you." Theo whispered the last bit, eyes still closed. His grip on Liam's hand loosened. 

Liam's vision swam, his heart breaking into a million shards as he tried to focus on Theo's face. His breathing was worse now, so raoid and shallow and wet. Underneath red and silver stains were blue lips, slightly parted. 

I'm losing him.

Liam leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Theo's lips. Despite the fever his lips were cool. He didn't even have the strength to kiss him back. Liam tightened his grip, it must've nearly crushed him but Theo didn't mind at all. 

His mouth quirked into a small smile and he opened his eyes, another tear rolling down his cheek, "Thank you," he whispered.

Liam's heart clenched in absolute agony, "You're welcome," he whispered back and pressed another kiss to Theo's temple, "Please don't leave me."

Theo's gaze slid across the cave again to stare at the same spot he had been before. His breath hitched.

"Theo?" Liam whimpered.

"She's here," he replied weakly.

No.

No!

"No,no,no,no please! Please don't die! I love you too! C'mon Theo! Stay with me! We're getting out of here. Together. Please, let's just go home," Liam pleaded, but Theo's eyes were closed again and his head rolled limply to the side.

"NOOOOO!" 

Liam howled in agony as he hugged the dying boy closer to his body, listening to his heart slowing down.

A howl so filled with pure agony, loss and grief pierced through the nightsky. 

The hunters were tracking the wolves to a cave when they heard it. The sound was earsplitting. 

The huntress covered her ears, not because of how loud the howl was, but because she could not bare the pain in the howl. 

One of her companions nudged her to get attention, when she looked at Owen's gapped tooth grin she felt worry for him. He was so young. He shouldn't be here, fighting these beasts.

"Stupid Mutt! Lead us right to 'em!"

The huntress glared at Gusmán, "Shut up you idiot! He'll hear you!" She whispered angrilly.

"Nah, let them hear. By the sounds of it one of 'em ain't doing so well," Gusmán looked at his fellow hunters, trying to get a rise out of them.

"Don't be stupid Gusmán, you saw what they did to the team back there. Beaten within inches of their lives!"

Gusmán stepped closer, trying to intimidate her with how tall he is, "Now there is only one of them."

"The angry one," Ari mumbled. "The one that almost beat me to a pulp cause I made him angry." She shook her head, "No way Gus, he's too dangerous."

The huntress cleared her throat, reminding them that she was the chief officer in charge tonight, "Call for pick up, a couple of miles West. Gather your things, its a long walk. Dani, you take point."

Everyone gladly grabbed their packs and weapons to follow Dani as she cleared a path for them. 

Gusmán glared at the huntress again, "This is cowardly. We could've killed them both."

If Ari's descriptions of the wolf that beat her was correct, then that would mean it was Liam Dunbar, the True Alpha's first beta. The one with the anger issues. She shook her head at Gusmán, "If we manages to put the wolf down, half of our team would be dead. I won't give that order. I'm here to kill monsters, not to become one." She dismissed him and walked ahead.

Gusmán glanced back at the cave. His hands clutched het weapon so tightly they turned white.

Mason and Corey were leaning against the car, watching the stars in silence when the sorrowful howl split through cool night air. 

The boys locked eyes.

"Liam," they mouthed at the same time.

The pained howl made Chris's heart skip a few beats. It made Alec's beat faster and it made Peter's clench in sorrow.

Chris cleared his voice, "Who was that?"

Alec didn't bother answering and just bolted ahead in the direction on the sound.

Peter swallowed, "That was Liam..."

Liam

Liam, hey man!

Liam, we're here.

LIAM!

Liam was still clutching Theo's broken body when they were found. He was reliving those last words over and over in his mind, that last kiss... 

A sharp punch from Peter pulled him out of his thoughts.

He rubbed at his jaw, but had nothing to say.

He stood back as Alec and Peter lifted Theo from the ground and started to carry him.

Chris was speaking next to him, but Liam's focus was on Theo's lax arm that hung between Alec and Peter's shoulders. The hand hung limp there, a trail of blood making its way to his middle finger where a dark drop gather, splashing onto the dusty ground every now and then.

At the sight of his best friend's face Mason suddenly felt like he had lost his best friend, like Liam had not come out of that fight. Like Liam was dead. Because this Liam? This Liam was hollow.

Please make it Theo, please. He needs you.

Nolan handed each of them a cup of water as they waited in the hospital. It was literally the only useful thing he could think of doing. Everyone was still too shell-shocked to even notice, but at least Peter and Chris both accepted the water and drank it. Peter crushed his empty cup beneath his boot.

Theo was in surgery right now.

They had to sedate Liam, because he was losing his mind. He wouldn't let the surgeons near Theo, not ever Dr Geyer. 

Alec couldn't stand waiting so he'd taken off. Nolan doesn't know where he went but knew he'd be back. 

Mason held his head between his hands, smearing blood onto his face. Neither he nor Corey seemed to notice.

Nolan thought again about Gabe. His childhood friend and first love. He had died because he did what he thought was right. He did what he thought would save them, save Nolan. Regardless of right or wrong, he died. He's dead. Nolan was here today because Gabe died. It was the lonliest feeling in the fucking world. He hoped this is not what Liam would be feeling tomorrow. 

Liam felt his knees go weak at the sight of Theo. It wasn't the first time the chimera had this effect on him, but it was the first time it happened due to how weak and small he looked. 

Liam sat by his side and clasped Theo's hand firmly between his own. 

He must've fallen asleep because next thing he knew his head was resting against Theo's chest.  His neck had bent awkwardly and it felt stiff from sleep. 

His eyes traveled to Theo's face, where a stormy gray eye peeked at him from a hooded eye. 

Liam's heart was beating so fast.

"Mornin' Little Wolf. I'm still 'ere."