Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Something was up with Scott, and it had the whole pack concerned.

It was thanksgiving weekend and the college members of the pack were back in town and those of them still in high school were off for the holiday. Even Derek and Braeden were back in town to celebrate with them, as was Isaac and Hayden.

Isaac had come back home not long after the whole situation with Monroe. The pack was all too happy to have him back, though the newer members were a little confused by him. Isaac got on well with them though, and he and Malia developed an interesting relationship. Not romantic, but more like bickering siblings than anything else and it often drove Stiles mad.

Hayden moved back a little while after Isaac did. She had told her sister everything one night after her sister almost got shot on duty. Hayden couldn’t handle the thought of her sister dying and never knowing the truth, so the two of them sat down over some pizza and talked for hours. After that they moved back to Beacon Hills, her sister had sat down with Scott and told him they came back because it felt wrong to take Hayden away from her pack.

It didn’t take long for his two bitten betas to get back together. Their relationship was different from before, but that was a good thing.

Isaac moved back in with Melissa and Scott, Scott still went to college but chose one close enough to Beacon Hills that way he could still live at home. The pack wasn’t all that excited about that and tried to convince him to go to one he really wanted to, but nothing they said had convinced the stubborn alpha.

But this time it wasn’t just Melissa, Scott and Isaac. Chris also had moved in with the McCalls.

Everyone was excited and happy to spend the holiday together without anything supernatural getting in their way. However something else got in the way. Something completely unexpected, though maybe it should have been.

Something had been up with Scott for the past few months that had the pack Worried. But over the week, the closer Thanksgiving came the worse Scott seemed to get.

——————————————————————————

Melissa noticed it first. It was a month after Isaac had moved in and about a week before everyone was scheduled to arrive.  Melissa was in the kitchen cooking dinner enjoying a well deserved day off when Scott had gotten home from a shift at the clinic.

“Hey sweetheart.” She called from the kitchen as Scott hung his keys by the door. “How was work?” She placed the knife she was using down on the counter and turned to face him.

Scott smiled at her. “Hey mom. It was good, we didn’t have anything too serious, just a lab doing the usual lab thing and ate something it shouldn’t have.” He explained while leaning on his elbows and forearms against the counter clasping his hands together.

Melissa smiled. “That’s good. How was classes today?” She asked turning back around to finish chopping the vegetables on the cutting board.

“They went okay.” Scott started as he watched his mom slide the already chopped carrots into a bowl and grab another one. “I think my professor Mr. Keith likes to torture his class though.” Melissa laughed and Scott smiled at the sound.

“Why’s that?” She asked cutting off the end of the carrot and grabbing the peeler.

“He gave us-“ Scott cut himself off for some reason and Melissa turned around to see if he was okay. “Scott?” She asked looking her son.

Scott was now standing fully, while his hands were gripping the edge of the counter and his eyes were locked onto her hands and the peeler in her grasp. “Scott? What’s wrong.” Melissa was starting to get concerned, she stepped forward a little and that seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in.

“Umm… ya.. I’m fine.. it’s-just.. um.” Scott stumbled over his words his eyes flickering to hers and the and peeler. His whole body was tense like he trying to stop himself from moving.

“Just what?” She asked again stepping forward just a little bit more.

“MOM! WAIT! Wait!” Scott ran around the counter and stood right in front of her.

Melissa flinched back a little at the sudden movement. Scott’s hands hovered over hers shaking slightly, like he was restraining himself from simply snatching the item out of her hands.

“Ho-how about I. Um… how about I peel the carrots?” He smiled while asking but it looked tense as did the rest of his body. Melissa wasn’t even sure he was breathing.

“Scott? Are sure that you’re okay baby?” She was completely confused about his behavior. And even more worried, she’d never seen him act like this before.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. It just that…. I want to help you with dinner. Can’t a alp- son help his mom cook dinner for their pa- family?”

“I mean yes you ca-“ Scott snatched the peeler out of her hand before she could even blink. Sometimes she forgot her son possessed  in human speed. Scott’s whole body seemed to relax with the tool out of her hands.

“Okay…” Melissa glanced up at Scott then shook her head. She’ll just keep a close eye on him and if he wants to help cook dinner that just means keeping an eye on him will be easier.

“You can finish peeling and cutting the carrots while I start the chicken.” Scott nodded and began peeling the skin off the carrots.

Melissa moved to the fridge and grabbed the bag of chicken that she put up last night to marinate. She then moved the pan that she put on the stove earlier closer to herself and turned on the stove with a click. Scott’s head twitched at the sound which indicated to Melissa that he had been paying close attention to what she was doing even though he wasn’t looking at her.

She then grabbed a stick of butter from the counter and unwrapped it dropping the butter into the pan. Scott who had started chopping the carrot had now stopped and she didn’t have to look at him to know that he was staring at her. Deciding to ignore him she opened the bag and turned to the small island and grabbed the pan of flour she had prepared.

She then took out a breast and placed in in the flour making sure to coat it completely. After that she shook some of the excess flour and raised the chicken over pan, she started lowering it down when a hand grabbed her wrist causing her to drop the chicken she was holding on to the ground.

Thankfully it didn’t drop into the pan. If it had it most definitely would have splashed her arm with very hot butter.

She stood frozen for a second before she turned to look at the person who the hand belonged to.

Scott was staring at the pan, his face was coated with fear. His eyes were bright red and his brows were pinched together he looked, tariffed. Melissa could visibly see him breathing quickly as his chest and shoulders moved with each breath. But his body was tense and the grip on her arm was firm.

“Scott.” She spoke gently. “Honey you there?” She placed her other hand on Scott’s rubbing her fingers over Scott’s hand. “Can you let go please?”

At her request Scott’s face twisted. It was like he was fighting himself against whatever was going on in his head. He let out a whine similar to one a dog would make if it was sad or in pain as he shook his head slowly to say no.

At that moment Chris walked through the door, stomping his boots on the mat on the floor. “Hey Mel. Smells go-“ he cut himself off as he finally noticed the situation in the kitchen.

“Melissa.” Chris spoke his blue eyes looking at the scene in front of him. He was worried and she didn’t blame him.

“I’m okay.” She reassured her husband. “Just stuck. A little help?” She motioned to Scott who was still struggling, his eyes darting between her and Chris. The boy was shaking where he stood not knowing what he was doing. Maybe he did, or at least a part of him did.

Chris approached them slowly and Scott turned his head towards him then looked back at Melissa.

“Scott.” Christopher said still walking towards them. “I need you to let her go okay?”

Scott once again shook his head and whined a much louder and longer whine, like letting her go would physically pain him. Melissa’s heart was breaking at the sound of it. She could tell it was upsetting Chris as well.

She hoped he knew what was going on. She knew quite a lot about werewolves and other types of supernatural creatures. But she always forgets just how little she actually does know.

“You can do it Scott. Just let her go. Keeping her hand above the stove like that could hurt her.” Chris was right next to the fridge, holding one hand out towards Scott trying not to spook him.

Scott’s eyes got wide at what Chris said and faster than either human was ready for he moved his mother away from the stove. Melissa letted out a yelp and Chris ran over pulled her close checking her over for any injuries.

“I’m Okay!” She shouted seeing Chirs’s fear. “I’m alright.”

Scott looked back at the stove and growled at it then turned towards his mother. He walked over slowly, his head moved from side to side also checking her over. He whimpered while looking at her, he even had tears in his eyes.

“It’s okay baby. I’m okay, you didn’t hurt me.” She told him cupping his one cheek that he leaned into when he was close enough.

Chris walked over to the stove while this was happening to turn it off. Scott’s head snapped towards him at the sound of his foot steps and the alpha ran over wrapped his arms around the ex-hunter and pulled him away from the stove.

“SCOTT!” Chris shouted in shock. The werewolf placed him down next his mother and moved to block the way to the stove stopping either of them to get to it.

“Scott we need to turn the stove off.” Chris said slightly jarred from how fast Scott moved him.

Scott growled at them then looked at the stove behind him, then back to them. “No.” He said, his voice echoing as he talked. “ Not safe. ”

Chris and Melissa shared a look. “Scott the stove saying on isn’t safe. We need to turn it off okay? You can do it yourself if you want, but it needs to be off.” Melissa spoke hoping he’d listen.

She watched as his eyes, still red, went wide. Tripping over his own feet, he turned around and turned off the stove as fast as he could.

“ Chris! What’s going on with him?” Melissa whispered while Scott wasn’t focused of them.

“I don’t know.” He whispered back to his wife, keeping his eyes on the young alpha. “How long has he been acting like this?”

“Not long, just a few minutes. He came home from work and was acting normal then out of nowhere he just-“

The pan fell onto the ground with a thud that echoed throughout the kitchen. Chis pushed Melissa behind him. “Scott?” He asked carefully.

Scott stood next to the now off stove, his whole body shaking and his eyes were tightly shut.

“Scott? Sweetheart.” Melissa slowly moved from behind Chris and walked towards her son. “Baby you back with us?”

She moved the hot pan out of her way with her foot and carefully walked through the spilt hot butter. Scott’s one hand was gripping the counter by the stove and the other on the island, his one hand by the stove was very close to some of the spilt butter. Melissa, as gently as possible touched Scott’s hand trying to move it away from the still sizzling substance.

At her touch he seemed to finally come back to himself. Scott shook his head and blinked his eyes a few times. Melissa took his one hand into her own and rubbed her thumb on the back of it as he did so.

“There you are. Deep breaths.” Scott did as she asked, looking around the room. Brows pinched in confusion.

“You good Scott?” Christopher asked from behind Melissa. He had used an oven mitt to pick up the pan and placed it in the sink and tossed the chicken that was on the floor into the trash. He now had his attention on the mother and son.

“Wh-what…. Did.?” Scott looked around the kitchen and closed his eyes. He shook his head again then opened his eyes again. “Did i?” He asked again looking at her.

Scott looked around again, his eyes slowly getting wide. “Oh my, I lost- Mom!” Scott looked at his mother, his eyes frantically looking her over. “I’m so sorry! I don-, I don’t know, I’m normally so good at stopping it.” The last part was said in a whisper, but Melissa and Chris still heard.

“Stopping what?” Chris asked.

“This has happened before?” Melissa asked at the same time as Chris.

Scott looked between the two of them. “Nothing, nothing it’s fine.” He said beginning to back away and took his hand away from his mother’s grip and brought it to his chest.

However he looked almost pained, like he was forcing himself to walk away.

“I’ll go get something to clean this up! I’m really sorry mom, Chris. I didn’t mean to scare you, I promise this won’t happen again.” Scott quickly walked away before either adult could say anything.

——————————————————————————

Next it happened with Lydia and Stiles. The three pack members had all piled into Stiles jeep and made their way to a local restaurant. The three of them fell instantly back into place as if they were never apart.

Lydia sat in the back listening to Stiles go over all the details of a case he was learning about. Scott had asked him half way through his explanation if he was aloud to tell them. Which had also concerned her, she was quite sure the FBI wouldn’t be to happy about one of their agents telling his friends about their cases.

“Nope!” He had replied way too easily. Making Scott burst out laughing as Lydia smacked Stiles upside the head.

She made sure to tell him he was an idiot. All he did was laugh at her though and then tried to explain his reasonings why he could tell them. Scott laughed at almost all of his reasons, and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t.

His two main reasons were. “I’ve gone through literal war with you both! Noway I’m not telling you guys anything!” And “I mean, who’s better to keep highly classified secrets than two supernatural creatures?”

Scott and Stiles began their own conversation from there, while Lydia sat back and enjoyed listening to them.

It was nice. The three of them being back together again. She had missed them both deeply, despite them calling almost every night and coming home every weekend they could. But those times can’t recreate the moments they had back in high school when they saw each other every day.

Of course she had missed the rest of the pack. Their parents, Malia, Parish, Derek, Braeden, the younger ones, and Isaac and Hayden. They were all part of the family they had built, the family she could have never imagined of having.

But Scott, Stiles and Alison were the start of that family. It was just them in the beginning, then slowly more came just as some left. There will always be a hole in her heart that Alison left, and she knows her boys have one too.

They were the first two real friends other than Alison she’s ever had. Maybe that’s why they try and spend as much time together by themselves as they can. The last three original members.

Stiles, the boy she always thought was weird and odd. Became not only one of her closest friends, but the person she fell in love with. The one who showed her how she deserved to be loved. Scott, who somehow became someone she trusted without a doubt, and looked up too, also became the brother she didn’t know she needed and now couldn’t live without.

She was reminded every day and time spent with them just how much she never wants to go back to how she was. She was pulled away from her thoughts as they pulled into the parking lot. Stiles tried to turn off the Jeep, but struggled as the poor car stayed on.

“You’ve got to kidding me.” He said smacking the dash board. “I fix one thing, then something else breaks!”

“I think you mean you stop one problem for a while till the problem comes back or is worse. I’m not sure you’ve ever really fixed a problem with this car.” She said leaning forward between the two front seats.

Scott patted Stiles shoulder as Stiles head began to hit the wheel. She rolled her eyes and grabbed her bag and fixed her hair. “Come on Scott. Better let him do his ‘magic’.”

“Rude.” Stiles said sitting back up and trying the key again before waving them off.

Scott hopped out of the Jeep and closed the door behind him. Lydia watched as he lifted his head into the air slightly, his brows pinching together in concentration. She couldn’t help but smile sadly at the behavior. Scott at some point not too long ago had picked up the habit of smelling the surrounding area every time they went somewhere.

Everyone in the pack knew about it, and they all agreed not to bring it up anymore. He seemed to do instinctively, not knowing what he was doing till someone mentioned it, and if someone did mention it he always seemed to ‘snap’ out of whatever trance he was in and became embarrassed and ashamed of what he did. He would then actively try and stop himself from doing it till he couldn’t help it anymore. The last time someone mentioned it he had stopped doing it for almost two weeks, and the whole time he looked like a ball of anxiety ready to explode at any moment.

Like if he didn’t allow himself to do it he couldn’t focus on anything else except trying not to do it. Nobody liked seeing him like that. So, they just decided not to mention it anymore.

It calmed him, Derek had told them. The other werewolves did it on occasion, but usually just when they go somewhere new. But Scott did it everywhere. Deaton had told them Scott did it to make sure everything was safe and that there was no threat or danger around. But he had also said it could be related to some kind of PTSD. Sadly he had failed to mention it could get worse, which it did.

Scott didn’t just check out the area for the pack, if they all were going somewhere together he actively wouldn’t let anyone out of the car until he was sure the area was safe. Then he would open everyone’s door for them one at a time and make sure they were okay before going to open the next door. When he first had done it he almost had a full on panic attack when they had gotten out of the Jeep before he was able to get out. He made them all get back in, then one at a time he opened to their door, only after he managed to calm himself down. They had asked if he was okay,  asked what was going on, but Scott didn’t even seem to know why he freaked out to began with. Once they had explained what had happened he looked like was going to throw up and had apologized over and over again.

He had promised several times that he wouldn’t do it again. But it was obvious that one, he couldn’t seem to help himself, and two, he didn’t even realize when he did it.

They had gotten used to it quickly though. Even had gotten used to him doing it whenever they went into a building or leaving it. Stiles had found hilarious the first time he had done it to Derek.

They had told Derek about it, but she guessed he didn’t realize just how serious Scott took it. Scott had road with Derek in his car to Scott’s house for a pack dinner that day. They were all inside waiting for them when they heard Derek’s car pull into the driveway. Stiles and her went to the door to greet them and were just in time to see it.

Derek, who had been driving, opened his door just as Scott was moving to open his own. They watched as Scott’s head snapped to look a Derek as the older werewolf began to get out of the car and watched as Scott grabbed Derek by the back of his jacket and yanked him back inside. They heard Derek shout in surprise as he fell back into his seat with his legs still out the door.

Scott then manhandled him back fully into the car then got out himself, walked around to the driver side door, slam it shut as Derek watched wide eyed. Then got back into the car and grab Derek by his shoulder and proceeded to lecture him like a parent to a disobedient child.

Stiles was dying of laughter, bending over in hysterics and clutching his stomach. As Scott McCall, one of the calmest and most levelheaded people she knew lost it. Red eyes and all Scott was giving Derek Hale one of the biggest lectures of his life. She watched as Derek shrink a little in on himself with blue eyes looking at Scott with an unreadable expression from where she was. As Scott, who Lydia believed was now talking in Spanish, used his other hand to help him talk. Waving it around wildly.

At some point Melissa came out to see what was taking them so long and shook her head a few times struggling to believe what she was seeing. “I guess I now know what I look like when I lecture Scott.” She said before heading back inside. Stiles, who had recovered slightly nodded his head. “Like mother like son.”

Scott eventually letted go of Derek and walked out of the car and Lydia could tell he was shaking. After a while of just standing by the passenger door Scott wiped his eyes, which indicated to them that he had been crying. Then walked around the front of the car and opened Derek’s door for him. Derek got out of the car and closed the door all while looking intensely at Scott. Then he pulled him into a strong hug.

They went in after that, giving the two of them privacy. She didn’t know what conversation the two of them had out there, but they came in 20 minutes later seemingly a lot better. Something she also noticed was how Derek didn’t leave Scott’s side once.

After Scott seemed to deem it safe he walked over and opened the door holding out his hand and smiling that sweet way he does. “Thank you.” She said taking his hand and getting out of the Jeep. She brushed off her dress and double checked her hair in the side mirror while Scott went over to the driver side door.

As she walked to where the boys were Stiles was stretching with his arms above his head. “Jeep working?” She asked coming to stand next to them.

Scott nodded. “Took him a couple of good hits, but she’s working again.” He said patting the roof of the car.

“Yup!” Stiles said smiling proudly. “Was there ever any doubt?” He asked crossing his arms and leaning against the driver door.

“Yes.” She said making Stiles scoff. “That Jeep is on its last few tries.”

“Naa.” Scott shook his head. “She’ll out live all of us.” He said patting the car again then motioning for them to follow him to the restaurant.

Scott walked in first and as suspected he prevented them from coming inside as he sniffed the air. The doors were glass so they could see him easily from outside. Stiles shook his head and leaned closer to her to whisper. “ I know we all agreed not to say anything, but he seriously needs to stop doing that. Or at least not make it so obvious.”

“He can’t help it, you know that.” She whispered back. “Besides, Deaton said it’s not good for him to suppress those types of instincts.”

Stiles sighed and rolled his head then looked back to Scott. He had to go through a another pair of doors before he was actually in the restaurant. Right now he was in a small waiting room slowly walking around doing whatever it was he was doing.

Stiles rubbed the back of his neck. “ I know.” He whispered back. He then gestured to Scott with his other hand. “ But, he needs to find a way of doing this more discreetly. You know how many hunters we get here! He’s not exactly doing the best job at keeping his werewolflyness a secret! ” If he wasn’t whispering the last part would have been a shout.

“We have to talk to him about how he’s acting at some point.”

She nodded at his words. Then look at the ground thinking. She knew he was right. She really did, but she didn’t know how they were going to have whatever conversation they needed to have. They’ll have to talk to the rest of the pack before they do anything. They’ll especially have to talk with Deaton.

Lydia looked at Scott who seemed to have finished doing whatever it was he was doing. He turned around now facing her and she cursed under her breath. She quickly opened her purse and began rummaging through its contents. The small noise she was making caused Stiles to look away from his phone and look at her.

“Lost something?” He asked moving a little closer. “It might be in the Jeep.” He said using his thumb to point where the Jeep was parked.

Lydia shook her head. “Nope.” She then pulled out a pair of sunglasses and handed them to Stiles. He raised a brow as he hesitantly took them from her. “Thank you?”

“They aren’t for you.” She answered him closing her bag then pointed to Scott who was walking towards them. “They’re for him.”

Stiles looked where she was pointing and his eyes nearly bursted from their sockets. He pulled open the door right as Scott about to push it open. “Crap! Scott!” He pushed Scott back through the doors into the room and moved him into a corner keeping him out of sight as Lydia made sure no one was around.

“What crap dude! Your eyes!” Stiles fumbled with the sunglasses and almost dropping them on the floor.

He looked up at Scott whose head was tilted a little. “Scott?” Stiles asked now getting a better look at his brother’s face. “You there Scotty?”

He waved his hand in front of Scott’s face but only got a few slow blinks in return. His eyes were the same bright blood red as always, but his pupils seemed bigger. Scott moved a little closer to Stiles and placed his hand on Stiles shoulder and tilted his head more.

“Yeah… you’re off in happy wolf land or something.” Stiles said taking Scott’s hand off his shoulder and put the sunglasses on Scott’s face, covering his eyes.

Scott growled slightly showing his fangs and pulled back then went to grab the sunglasses. “Nope! No, buddy don’t do that.” Stiles said pulling Scott’s hands away. “Good werewolves keep the fancy sunglasses on.”

Scott made some kind of huffing chuff sound and tried to move away. “Scott!” Lydia snapped after watching Scott and Stiles fight for a few minutes. (The last thing they needed was to draw attention to themselves.) Making the werewolf and the human both freeze. She walked over and pointed at him. “Stop it right now. Stiles said to keep them on so you keep them on or I’ll be very upset with you.”

For a second they just stood there till a long heart shattering whine escaped Scott’s throat. “Oh on.” Stiles said looking alarmed as he backed away from Scott letting Lydia take over.

Lydia closed her eyes silently yelling at herself. When she opened them Scott had tears coming down his cheeks from under the sunglasses. She should have known better.

“Scott i didn’t mean-“ Scott cut her off by pulling her into a tight embrace. She blinked a few times and looked at Stiles over Scott’s shoulder. Stiles was looking at them with his mouth open and his one hand in his hair. He met her eyes and shrugged his shoulders not knowing what to do. Lydia flicked her eyes towards the Jeep parked just outside and tossed her right hand over her shoulder and pointed to the Jeep. She watched as Stiles understood what she was saying and pulled his keys out and nearly fell while running out the door.

With Stiles talking care of the car she had to deal with Scott. She had to get him out of this room before anyone in the restaurant came to investigate. But first she had to calm him down.

“Scott.” She said trying to make her voice as calming as possible. The only reaction it go her was another whine. To be honest she wasn’t even sure Scott could understand her.

She has seen him do similar stuff like this a few times, but it’s never been this bad.

“Scott.” She tried again, trying to get out of his arms. Which turned out to be the wrong move.

Scott inhaled quickly, like her action tariffed him and pulled her closer burying his head in her shoulder. “Don’t.” He said quietly. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry.”

And if his reaction didn’t break her heart his words definitely did. His whole being was shaking in her arms. The last time she had seen Scott this broken had been that night in the library, with blood covering his eyes and dripping off his claws and dried on his cheeks. He was panicked and it wasn’t allowing him to focus on healing.

It had remained her of that time with Stiles when he was having a panic attack. The only thing she could think of was to distract him, so she kissed him. So she had told Malia to kiss Scott, it was unexpected but it worked I got him to stop panicking and allowed for his body to heal his eyes.

But this time was different, this time her friend wasn’t entirely present. That night in the Library all of the adrenaline that kept him going during the fight was gone . But even then he was still there, still present, still Scott. She breathed in and out, exaggerating each breath to make it easier for Scott to copy her. “Come on Scott, I need you back with me.”

She did it a few times and soon Scott’s breathing matched hers. “Good job Scott.” She said pulling away to look at him. She could see the red glow behind the tinted glass of the glasses. His hair was a complete mess from him rubbing his head against her shoulder.

She gently fixed some of it with her hand then took both of Scott’s hands in her own. “Alright, now I need you to follow me okay? Just hold my hand and stay by me.” She smiled up at him then took a quick glance at the doors to the restaurant.

Thankfully no one was watching them. People in Beacon Hills have gotten pretty good at not getting involved in the pack’s business.

She lead Scott out the doors and was beyond thankfully he followed her. They quickly walked to the Jeep where Stiles was anxiously waiting. As they got up the Jeep Stiles jump out to the car to see if he could help. Just as Lydia was about to talk to him Scott letted go of her hand.

“Scott?” Stiles asked looking at him in worry as the werewolf slowly looked around in confusion. “You back buddy?”

“Wha- what?” Scott asked looking at them with his head tilted.

Lydia didn’t speak she just watched standing next to Stiles as Scott slowly came back to his senses. He shook his head then brought his hand up to his face and flinched when he touched the glasses.

“Why…?” Scott slowly took the sunglasses off and looked at it in complete confusion. He turned it over in his hands then finally looked at them.

“How did?” His eyes had a foggy look to them, it was clear was still wasn’t fully back.

“Come on Scotty.” Stiles grabbed Scott’s arm and gently lead him to the passenger side door. Scott followed without a complaint. He still held the sunglasses in his hand and was looking around trying to figure out what was going on around him.

“Stiles? How’d? Umm.. what’s,” Scott stopped moving and rubbed his left temple squeezing his eyes shut as his breathing started to pick up again. Lydia could tell he was starting to panic again. She quickly ran over and placed a hand on his shoulders coming to his other side to help Stiles.

“We decided to go somewhere else for lunch.” She said taking Scott away from Stiles so he can open the door. “This place is way too packed for Thursday.”

“Yup!” Stiles said as he helped Scott in and quickly buckled his confusion friend. “Who wants to go from fancy sit down place anyways! I say we get some good fashion fast food burgers and milkshakes! What about you Lydia?”

Lydia quietly jumped in the back and got herself buckled. “Sounds perfect to me.”

“Then it sounds like a plan!” Stiles said from the front and started up the Jeep and pulled out of parking lot a bit faster than necessary.

Only a minute after they pulled out into the street Scott spoke. “I did it again didn’t I?” Stile shared a quick glance with Lydia in the mirror.

“Yeah you did.” Stiles answered honestly.

Scott leaned his head back against the head rest and sighed. He brought his arms up to his face and balled up hands and pressed them against his eyes. Lydia placed her hand on Scott’s shoulder as Stiles patted his leg.

“What’s wrong with me?” The werewolf asked no one in particular. “I’m losing it.”

Stiles and Lydia again shared a quick glance before Stiles answered. “I don’t know Scotty.” He replied honestly. “But I do know a good cookie dough milkshake might help take your mind off werewolf crap.”

Scott laughed, but it held more exhaustion than it had earlier. “Sounds good to me.” He said before closing his eyes and listening to the sound of the Jeeps engine.

He’s 50% sure it’s not supposed to sound like that. But it’s a nice distraction.

Chapter Text

Nolan was sitting at his desk, slouched over the homework they were given to do over break. Music played in the background as he taped his pencil against the desk trying to figure out how to rewrite a sentence to make it make more sense. It was around 2 in the afternoon and he had managed to get two other assignments done already earlier that day.

This was his last one, then he was officially on Thanksgiving break. Free to spend time with his friends, with the pack. Because that’s what he told everyone, he promised to hangout once he finished.

Nolan tossed the pencil onto the desk and buried his head in his hands sighing deeply. He was stalling. He could have had this done 30 minutes ago already. But instead he erased this sentence over 10 times, and each time was perfectly fine.

The assignment wasn’t even required, it was optional. The only reason he decided to do it was so he could have the excuse. Not to mention he purposely chose to write it on paper instead of writing it on his computer. He chose to do it so it would purposely take longer to do, why? Because he was a coward.

An absolute down right coward.

Thanksgiving was getting closer and he was supposed to spend it with the pack. Scott’s pack, the pack he almost helped kill. And the pack he was avoiding for the past few days.

All of that happened about a year ago. Now almost everyone in Beacon Hills knows about the supernatural world, and in a way helps keep its secret ( Mostly by not talking about it ). There was a town meeting and Scott and the pack told the town the truth. A lot happened during that meeting, but one of the main things that happened was Scott introducing each member of his pack.

Which somehow ended up including him.

Even today he doesn’t know why, and he doesn’t have it in him to ask the alpha. Or any of the other members. But, everyone in town knows he’s apart of the pack that watches over the town, even his parents.

Which, is why he’s spending thanksgiving day with the pack this year. His parents are visiting his uncle and Scott’s meant to drive him up two days after thanksgiving to be with them. He’s also meant to sleep over at Liam’s house with the other members of the “puppy pack” as the older members like to call them, till he heads up there.

He didn’t celebrate with the pack last year, he honestly thought he wasn’t invited. So when he saw Liam and the rest of group when School started up again and Liam had asked why he wasn’t there and Nolan was honestly confused why he was asking.

Apparently Cory was supposed to tell him. But supposedly he forgot, even though he was reminded at least half a dozen times by multiple members of the pack.

When Scott had found he had been extremely apologetic. So this year, Scott made sure to let him know he was more than welcome to join.

When his parents found out they were all in on him being with his pack for the holiday. Though Nolan was positive his parents just saw this as a golden opportunity to ditch him.

So here he was, cowardly avoiding Scott and his whole pack. It felt wrong, wrong for them to want him to be apart of their pack, wrong of them to even want to be within a hundred yards of him. But they treat him like a friend,  holding no grudges against him, it makes him feel sick to his stomach.

He’s not used to people actually wanting him around. So he’s avoiding the uncomfortable feeling of being around them, hoping and praying no one will notice.

Nolan looked at the paper lying on his desk in frustration. This whole idea was stupid, as childish as it sounded. He was sitting in his room avoiding people who actually care about him because he’s guilty and doesn’t know how to deal with them caring about him.

An absolute coward.

He grabbed his phone and went to his messages and tapped the message he got earlier that morning.

(8:30)

Liam:

Hey man you coming over later? I promise I’ll order more pizza this time!

(8:40)

Me:

Sorry can’t. Got to finish homework.

(8:41)

Liam:

Still? Maybe when you finish? Mason, Cory, and Heydan are staying till 8.

(Read)

Liam had invited him yesterday to come over play some video games today with him and the others. But of course he made an excuse. Then Liam texted again this morning and he made another excuse, then when couldn’t think of another excuse he just didn’t respond.

He put his phone back on the desk and leaned back closing his eyes. He listened to the music playing in the background of his room and trying to ignore the feeling of guilt from ignoring Liam.

A few minutes later the sound of knocking on the front door caused him to fall off his chair and bang his head against the ground. They weren’t loud knocks, just soft normal ones to say someone’s at the door, but the unexpected sound in his quiet house made his heart jump nearly through the roof. Grabbing his phone he carefully walked out of his room and towards the stairs. He had Scott’s number on the ready as he made his way to the door.

His hands where shaking and his heart was pounding in his chest. His parents weren’t in town, not due back for days. He couldn’t think of anyone who would be outside of his door.

“Nolan?” A voice called from the other side of the door and Nolan felt his nerves instantly start to settle down. He sighed in relief as his shoulders dropped, he turned his phone off and placed it in his pocket before opening the door.

“Hey Scott.” He said when the door was fully open. He gave Scott a half smile still trying to calm his heart from earlier.

Scott stood outside the door way with his bike helmet under one arm and a soft smile on his lips. His hair was a mess and he was wearing his jean jacket and a deep blue shirt. Nolan was fairly certain he saw Scott wearing that same shirt the other day.

“Sorry if i startled you a bit. I should’ve called or texted. But Liam called me asked if I could check on you, aaaand… well, I just kind of acted.” He rubbed the back of neck and laughed a little.

“No you’re all good. You didn’t startle me.” He said before he could even think. He cleared his throat and looked down at his socked feet.

Scott raised a brow but didn’t say anything. He just looked at him for a moment seemingly to think something over. While Nolan was silently chastising himself. Of course Scott knew he startled him ( scared the crap out of him more like ). He could probably smell it all over him. He’s an absolute Id-

“You busy?” Scott asked breaking Nolan’s  train of thought.

“What?” He asked.

Scott laughed a little. “I asked if you’re busy.”

“Umm, not, not really I guess.” He answered, even though there was a haft finished essay up in his room that would have made for a perfect excuse.

Scott’s smile widened. “Great! Why don’t you join me on patrol.” He sounded excited about the idea, even hopped up and down a little. Then a thought seemed to enter his head because Nolan watched as his excitement toned down and a calm washed over Scott’s face. “Only if you’re okay with it. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” His voice was comforting and non judgmental, Nolan hasn’t known it to be much different.

Nolan just looked at the older boy for a moment. How much practice did he have to be able to hide his emotion so well? That can’t be something someone learns easily. It was both impressive and strange, he’s not entirely sure if it’s a supernatural thing or a Scott thing.

“Sure I’ll go.” Nolan answered. Even though he had no clue what patrol was.

“Okay! Why don’t you get changed and I’ll wait out here for you.” Scott said taking a step back from the door.

Nolan nodded his head and slowly closed the door then ran upstairs to his bedroom. Only once he was in his room grabbing a clean shirt did he realize Scott was in pajama pants and had on two different pairs of shoes.

Just how quickly did Scott rush to leave his house after Liam called him?

—————————————————————————-

Patrol apparently was walking around the woods just at the border of Beacon Hills. Nolan followed Scott like a baby duck as they walked through the woods. He was thankful he remembered to grab his coat and gloves before heading out.

The fall weather was in fully swing by now, and winter wasn’t that far away. The ground was covered in fallen leaves that crunched underneath them as they walked. The crisp air chilled his face, but he could feel all the stress he was feeling earlier melt away. Growing up in Beacon Hills he’s been in the woods many times, but he hasn’t felt this calm in the woods in a long time.

Here and there a squirrel or a raccoon would pass by. Each time Scott would stop and turn towards Nolan with a smile and make a be quiet sign with his index finger on his lips. Then they would crouch down and watch the small animal walk around. They’d stay there for a little while watching the animal look around and scavenge for food till it left or the wind changed and started blowing their scent towards it.

Once they catch Scott’s scent they don’t stay long.

Then when they start walking again Scott begins explaining facts about the animal they had just seen. From why raccoons wash their food, how good a squirrels memory is, to why some of the birds they’ve seen aren’t going to fly south. It shouldn’t have surprised Nolan how much knowledge Scott had on wildlife, but it did.

Nolan figured between Scott’s job as a vet tech and spending so much time in the woods he’s probably learned a lot.

Scott then stopped and turned towards him making him stop as well. “Come on, I want to show you something.” Scott turned right, and walked off the path they had been following.

He didn’t question him. He simply followed the alpha down the hill and over a few fallen trees. Then finally he heard and saw what Scott wanted to show him.

A small water fall that flowed into a stream going down the mountain. There was a willow tree next to the larger part of the river and some of its long leaves swayed just above the surface of the water. There were a few bushes near the water with some kind of fruit growing on it. With the way the sun was shining off the water and rocks, the little oasis looked just as supernatural as the werewolf next to him.

“Wow.” he said taking everything infront of him in.

Scott patted his shoulder. “I know, I found this place not too long ago. Come on let’s sit, we could use a break.” He lead him by his shoulder to edge of the river and sat down.

“Come on, we’ve been walking for a while.” Scott patted the spot next to him and slowly Nolan sat down next to him.

Scott scooted over a bit more to give him room then nudged his shoulder and pointed at the water. “Look.”

Nolan leaned forward just a little and soon saw what Scott was pointing at. Fish, of all sizes were swimming around without a care in the world. He watched as the smaller fish went in and out of the vegetation. How the bigger one’s gray scales glistened with the rays of the sun light.

This was way better than homework.

They sat there for a little while. Nolan watching the fish swim around in their own little world as Scott sat behind him watching over him and keeping a lookout.

“Feeling better?” Scott asked from behind after a bit.

“Sorry?” He asked sitting back up and turning to look at Scott.

“I could tell something’s been going on with you these past few months. I won’t pry, but you seemed like you needed a break.” Scott sat there with his legs crossed and his hands in his lap looking at him with kind soft eyes.

“I’m I that easy to read?” He asked looking down for a second.

Scott huffed a small laugh. “A little yeah.”

“That’s nice to know.” He sighed. “No wonder I can never get away with anything.”

Scott laughed again and shook his head. “It’s not a bad thing.” He said “just makes it easier for people who care about you to know when something bothering you.”

Nolan thought a moment. Then took a deep breath, time to stop being a coward. “Why? Why do you care about me? I- I mean I tried to get you guys killed. If I were you I wouldn’t want anything to do with me.” He kept his voice as calm as possible, he just wanted to understand, he didn’t want this to become some high emotional drama filled moment.

Nolan watched Scott’s face, he was thinking over what Nolan had said. Going over each word. Finally Scott came a bit closer and placed his hand on the back of Nolan neck.

“Nolan, if I held that over you, I would be the biggest hypocrite in the world.” He said meeting eyes. “What happened to you was wrong. You were scared and you needed a grown up to help you and all you had was Monroe, and for that I am so sorry. She took advantage of you, that’s what people like her do. And even through everything she put you through you put yourself at risk to help my pack.”

“But I still did those things.” He said, casting his eyes towards the ground.

Scott took a moment. “Nolan, guess how many people in the pack have tried to kill me, or someone else in the pack.”

“What?” He asked quickly turning to look back at Scott.

“Just try and guess.” He said again with a straight face waiting for him to answer.

“Umm, me and, I guess Liam and Cory?” He answered still confused. He knew Liam had tried to kill Scott during a super moon. And when Cory used to part of Theo’s zombie pack he tried to fight Scott. Maybe he personally wasn’t trying to kill him, but someone wanted to use him to help kill Scott.

“Not just them.” Scott answered.

“What?” He was starting to sound like a broken record.

Scott huffed a laugh and looked towards the water. “Derek and Isaac, back when we didn’t know what Lydia was, tried to kill her. They thought she was this other type of supernatural creature that was killing people at the time. They were just trying to do what they believed was right.” Scott said looking past the small river at a few birds rummaging through dead leaves.

“It wasn’t only them. Chris attacked me on my first full moon, put an arrow right here in my arm.” He taped the spot on his arm. “He was only doing what he knew to do his whole life. Chris was told from a young age that being a hunter was the best way to protect people and yourself.” Nolan looked at his hands in his lap and picked at his gloves.

“Liam tried to kill me. Ducalin wanted me to kill others and be like him. Kira attacked me once.

Isaac attacked me here and there, and Derek used to beat the crap out of me every other day.” Scott shook his head smiling at whatever memories were playing in his head.

“They did what they did at those times because it made sense for them to do it. People do what makes sense to them. That’s not always an easy lesson to learn, but it’s important.” He looked at Nolan and smiled.

“I don’t blame you the same reason I don’t blame them. Nolan, those choices you made weren’t okay, but they made sense to you at the time. The important thing is that you know what you did was wrong, that you have tried to fix it and have apologized to those you hurt.” Scott patted Nolan’s shoulder and leaned in just a little. “And you’re incredibly brave for that. I’m proud to get to say you’re in my pack.”

“Thanks.” Nolan said looking at Scott, “Liam really was right you know.”

Scott tilted his head and Nolan laughed a little whipping his eyes with his sleeves. “Liam said you always know how to make people feel better.”

Scott beamed at him. “I try, so I guess you feel a bit better now?”

“A lot better actually, thank you. I really mean it.”

Scott almost seemed to puff out in pride. Before he ruffled Nolan’s hair. “Anytime.” He said before standing up and stretching. “I’m starving. How about you? What to you say we finish up the last bit of patrol and get some food?”

Nolan smiled and stood up while nodding his head. “I can eat.” He said.

Scott nodded then turned to head back up the hill. “You think of somewhere while I check a head real quick. Don’t run off.” The last part was said with a bit more authority as he pointed at Nolan.

Nolan nodded and rubbed his neck. “Hey Scott.” He called out after Scott started walk off making the werewolf turn around with a raise brow. “Seriously thanks, I-um, I really needed this today.”

Scott’s face softened. “Of course Nolan.”

He watched as Scott disappeared over the hill top. He shuffled on his feet and turned to look at the small river. Bending down near the water watching as the fish swam around in and out of plants and rocks.

He shivered as a gust of wind blew cold air down his neck. He pulled his jacket closer and rubbed his gloved hands together trying to get a bit warmer. He looked back up to where he last seen Scott, “hopefully he won’t be gone too long.” He said to himself. He turned to the fish in the water, “you guys might not be cold, but I’m freezing.” He rubbed his hands again “Pizza, pizza sounds really good. You guys think Scott would be down for pizza?” The fish didn’t give him an answer but Nolan thank them for their input always.

He heard a twig snap behind him and quickly turned around and stood back up. “Scott! I was thinking we could-“ the words died on his lips.

Standing across from him no more than 15 feet away stood a massive black bear. Its ears flickering and raising its head in the air lifting its upper lip. It took a step forward and made a huffing sound.

Nolan took a small step back. “H-hey! Get!” It probably was a stupid idea to yell. He knew that some bears you’re supposed to yell at and others you’re supposed to play dead. However he couldn’t remember which one was meant for black bears and which was for brown.

The bear stopped and began making that huffing sound again. Then it made a rumble sound and started tossing its head up and down. It reminded him of what Scott had said when they came across two bucks on patrol that had been tossing their heads in a similar fashion. “Some animals move their heads around like that when they get agitated, and are about to attack,” he hopes beyond belief that this isn’t what’s going on here.

“Shoo, bear! Go on get!” He yelled again. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest he could feel it in his skull. His body was pumping adrenaline throughout his system. He was frozen, stuck and unable to move as his breathing began to pick up speed.

The bear started walking towards him a bit faster. And Nolan yelled one on time.

“SCOTT!”

Right after the words left his throat a powerful sound echoed through the woods. Scaring a flock of birds out of the trees but not stopping the bear. Nolan felt something inside him react to the noise, his head turned quickly towards the sound instinctively. He could feel a strong sensation run through him, a powerful one.

Then the sound came again but much closer. This time Nolan knew instantly what it was.

A roar, a werewolf roar.

He had seen and heard Scott roar many times, but never as loud or as powerful as that one. He’d been told that sometimes during a battle or a fight Scott would roar and the whole pack would feel it. Liam, Isaac and Malia had said it was a rush of power flooding through them, giving them more strength and power.

Scott finally came into view, jumping down from the top of the hill and landed right behind the bear and with one quick motion he grabbed it just as it was inches away from Nolan’s head and threw it back. Scott was fully shifted and was breathing heavily as he stood in front of him. Bight red eyes with sharp teeth on fully display and a deep growl emitting from his chest. An alpha in all its glory.

Scott roared again and the bear stood on its hind legs and faced the werewolf, then roared back. Before Nolan could even blink Scott charged and tackled the bear to the ground. The shock from it caused Nolan to take a few steps back in panic, completely forgetting about the water behind him.

With a shout he fell into the river and cut his arm on a sharp rock near the surface of the water. Nolans breath was kicked out of him by the shock of the cold water and he quickly went to stand breathing heavily.

Scott roared again and Nolan looked up just in time to see a black blur fly across the air and land with a thud onto the ground against a tree not far from himself.

“D-did you just throw the bear?!” Nolan blurted out. He stood in the water too scared to get out, the adrenaline still flowing prevented him from feeling the pain of the cut on his arm and the effects from falling in the ice cold water.

Scott stalked towards the bear that was still on the ground. His claws were covered in blood that dripped onto the leaf covered ground below. Scott himself wasn’t looking too good, if he was human he probably wouldn’t be alive. His jacket was nowhere to be seen and his blue shirt was torn in the middle, at his left shoulder and his right side. His pajama pants were torn at both knees and he was covered in blood all over.

Nolan had no idea if it was Scott’s or the bears. But he assumed it was good mixture of both.

Scott was still growling loudly, his fangs on full display and his eyes still glowing bright red. Nolan could see a huge cut by Scott’s eye as the werewolf walked slowly towards the injured bear that seemed to be trying to get up. Nolan carefully made his way out of the river and began shivering as his adrenaline finally started to come down.

“Scott?” He called out.

The only indication he got that Scott heard him was the slight twitch of his ear. Scott’s growling continued as he got closer to the bear and Nolan noticed the way his claws flexed. His eyes went wide realizing what the alpha was planning to do.

“Scott wait!” He said as he moved to walk towards him. “He’s just an animal it- gaaahhh!”

As he took a step forward pain shot through his leg from his right ankle and he fell back in pain with a shout. On the ground Nolan bit his lip and closed his eyes as the stinging pain continued to make it self known. When he opened his eyes he was met with bright red eyes right in his face.

“Aahh, Scott! What the heck!” He exclaimed, he didn’t even hear Scott run over to him.

Nolan tried to back away a little but Scott cupped his face with his hands. His bloody and still clawed hands. Nolan’s face recoiled at the feeling of the blood now on his cheeks but Scott pulled him closer.

“Scott?” He asked looking at werewolf’s face.

His face was back to normal but his eyes and fangs were still there. With Scott’s face so close to his own that Nolan noticed two things. One, the cut by his eye was now gone, all that remained was the blood left behind. And two, Scott’s pupils were huge, blown wide like a cat high on catnip, and his brows were pinched together with worry.

Scott’s head tilted back and forth and while he seemed to be smelling him, as strange as that sounded. Nolan watched as his eyes flicked around wildly looking at him. When he didn’t find anything on his face he began looking at the rest of him.

Nolan was trying to remember everything he knew about werewolves. Everything that he learned from being part of the pack, and the few things he had learned from Monroe. But he had no idea what was going on with Scott. Then it hit him, the pack had been saying for weeks that Scott had been acting off recently. He himself hadn’t seen it, but from the descriptions he was told this seemed to be what everyone had been talking about. And now it made sense why everyone seemed so concerned, this couldn’t be normal.

“S-Scott, are you there?” He asked. From all the stories he heard, none said that Scott had tried to hurt anyone. If anything they said the opposite. But he couldn’t help the fear that he was feeling, he knew how werewolves were when they lost control.

The werewolf stopped his frantic movements then looked at him directly in the eyes. Then as Nolan started to ask again Scott licked him right on the bridge of his nose before going back to carefully examining him for injuries as though nothing happened.

Out of all of the things he expected Scott to do that was nowhere near it. Nolan touched the spot where Scott had licked him, then looked at Scott who was patting him down frantically. “Scott? Are you okay?”

This time the werewolf didn’t even look at him, instead he made a strange puff and chirp sound from the back of his throat. He didn’t even know Scott could make that kind of noise.

Could all werewolves do that?

“Scott, I th- aaaahh!” He pulled his arm away from Scott’s hold and brought it to his chest. His arm hurt, almost as bad as his ankle did.

Scott moved to take his arm back but Nolan pulled away. Scott didn’t lean away, but made that noise again and moved much slower to take his arm. He probably shouldn’t be letting Scott anywhere near his injures right now with the way the alpha is acting, but he sure doesn’t know what to do and it’s not like anyone else is around.

With his arm back in his grasp Scott carefully used his claws to cut away at his sleeve making Nolan a little sad because the jacket he was wearing was brand new. With the sleeve gone Nolan could now see the nasty cut on his arm from the middle of his arm to his elbow. It didn’t seem very deep to him, which he believed was good, but it was still bleeding a little.

Scott made a low whine and used his right hand to rip off some of his all ready tattered shirt and kept a hold of his arm with his left hand. After he managed to get a good chunk of fabric off he leaned in close and started up that sound again. This time Scott licked his cheek bone making him pull his head away from Scott, and used his free hand to wipe where Scott had licked him.

Scott then pulled him very close and started wrapping his cut with the piece of Scott’s shirt. Nolan hissed when Scott pulled it tighter and in response Scott began to make a rumbling sound and started rubbing his head against his.

“Are you purring?” He asked as Scott continued to do whatever it was he was doing.

Soon he pulled back and Nolan’s eyes went wide as he met Scott’s face. He was crying!

“Scott are you alright!” He asked starting to get worried. Had the bear hurt him more than he thought it did?

“ Okay, pup. ” Scott’s voice had an odd echo to it and a bit of a lisp, but was thick with emotion. “ So, sorry. Never again. ” Was the only warning he got before Scott picked him up  bridle style.

“Scott!” He shouted in surprise.

“ Not safe. ” Was the reply the alpha gave him as they started off.

Scott walked a few meters away from the small river and then sat Nolan down on the ground. Nolan pulled his hurt ankle close to his body when Scott stepped away to do something else. He pulled his shoe and sock off and gently went to touch the swollen ankle.

Right before he touched it though a hand grabbed his and pulled it away from his foot. Scott knelt down and placed his hand on his lap, then pointed at his foot and shook his head. Once again Nolan letted Scott take care of his injury. As gently as possible Scott applied some mud looking thing onto his ankle.

“W-hat I-i- is that?” He asked trying to get a better look at what Scott was put on his foot. He wrapped his arms around his middle as he began to shiver. The cold wind was finally making its self known as his wet clothes began to suck his body heat away.

Scott’s head snapped up at Nolan, he seemed even more worried. The werewolf then quickly jumped into action. Scott ran off back the way they had just came towards the small river then came running back not even a minute later. He slid next to Nolan and began grabbing at Nolan’s jacket.

“S-scott!! W-hat are yo- doing!? S-t-top!” Nolan tried to move Scott’s hands away but stopped when the werewolf growled at him the moment he tried to pull Scott’s hands away.

“ No! ”

Scott was looking at him directly in the eyes. Nolan was shivering almost uncontrollably now as another gust of wind blew. They both just looked each other for a few seconds as Nolan’s anxiety began to spike. He didn’t know what Scott was thinking, or if he even knew what he was doing. But he was freezing the last thing he wanted to do was to take off his coat.

“L-let g-go!!” He tried to pull away but Scott grabbed on his shoulders and didn’t let him move an inch. “S-s-cott, -I’m, seri-ous!” His teeth chattered with each word as he tried again to pull away.

“ No. ” Scott said again, this time much softer. He pulled Nolan closer. “ No, pup. ” He shook his head and ran his hand through Nolan’s hair. “ Help. ” He said pointing to himself.

His eyes held that soft and welcoming look they always did. Though this time they glowed red instead of his normal brown with black pupils far too big to be normal. It was probably dumb, probably extremely stupid. But Nolan nodded his head and stopped fighting.

He trusts Scott, even though he’s not acting like himself Nolan could still see the real Scott was there.

Immediately Scott began taking Nolans jacket off but was careful with his injured arm. Then came his gloves and his sweatshirt he wore over a t-shirt. By the time Scott was done he was sitting on the forest floor in a short sleeve shirt and pants, with bare feet.

Scott then picked him up once again and moved them by a huge tree. Scott sat down and wrapped himself protectively around him. He tucked Nolan’s head under his chin and making it near impossible for the boy to move.

Scott began to make that chirping sound again as he pulled out a handful of berries and held them to Nolan. He wanted to ask the werewolf where on earth he gotten those from, he didn’t recall seeing Scott carrying them when he came back.

“ Eat. ” He nudged the berries closer to his face.

He knew he should probably be more careful about eating some random berries from the forest. But he was cold and hungry, so using his good hand he grabbed the berries and began to eat them.

Scott began “ purring ” again and then licked his left ear. He tried to pull his head away, because the whole licking thing was disgusting and Scott really needed to stop. But he was practically trapped in Scotts bear hug, which was actually starting to help him feel warmer. However, being stuck meant he couldn’t move away from Scott and his “affection”

Scott rubbed his cheek against Nolan’s head and every few minutes would again lick his ear or his temple. All the while his strange and comforting purring never stopped and each time he would lick him Scott would make that odd chirp.

Werewolves, Nolan had decided, were incredibly odd when they were high on wolfnip. He doesn’t know how Scott got into it or found it, but all wolfnip plants need to be burned down. He also decided that werewolves must have a built in oven because Scott definitely ran way hotter than humans did.

Maybe a few minutes later, though it felt like hours, Nolan thought he heard the familiar sound of Stiles Jeep. It was an easy sound to recognize once you’ve realized it doesn’t sound like any well functioning vehicle on the road. The sound got louder and louder, then the next he knew the sound was accompanied by another sound. Another car by the sounds of it.

Scott’s purring stopped as he looked up at the incoming noise. Which also allowed Nolan to be able to move his head enough to see. Stiles Jeep stopped just a few feet away from them, and right behind the Jeep a truck came into view.

Nolan watched as Stiles, Isaac and Liam jumped out of the Jeep and ran over to them as Mr. Argent, Derek and Malia ran out of the truck. Mr. Argent reached them first with a gun in hand, his face was coated in worry as he looked over the two of them.

“What happened? Are you both okay?” He asked quickly looking around the area for any possible danger.

“They’re covered in blood! Why are they covered in blood!?” Isaac asked coming up with the others behind him.

“Scott fought a bear.” Nolan answered.

“He what?!” Stiles said dropping the box he was holding. It look like some kind of medical kit. Liam picked it up and started walking closer as Stiles stood there trying to wrap his mind around the fact his best friend actually fought with a bear.

“A bear?” Derek asked kneeling down to get a better look at them.

“Not really that surprising this time of year.” Mr. Argent said putting away his gun. “They’re getting ready to go into hibernation, which means they’re looking for food. The more calories the better, they’re more likely to go after people around this time.”

“Not surprised.” Malia said, “it was always harder to steal food from them around this time.” She knelt down on the other side of them scanning for injuries.

“I don’t smell it.” Isaac said standing a little off from the rest of them. It looked like he was standing to guard them.

“You don’t think it’ll come back do you?” Liam asked handing the medical kit to Mr. Argent. The betas eyes kept glancing at Scott, it was obvious he was worried, but was trying not to be.

“I doubt it.” Nolan answered, slowly trying to escape Scott’s hold. He had hoped the alpha would have letted him go now that help has arrived, but now that seemed like wishful thinking as Scott pulled him back before he could even get a foot out.

“I’m not even sure if it’s alive. Scott threw it into a tree, he really got some air on it too. Flew a few feet off the ground.” Nolan sent a glare at Scott who began rubbing his cheek against Nolan’s head. Again.

“He threw it!?” Stiles shouted, he then turned his attention to Scott. “You threw a bear!? The Heck Scott!?”

At his name Scott finally seemed to register the people around him. The Alpha shifted slightly moving Nolan along with him as he sat up straighter.

“Scott?” Liam asked walking closer, “Scott you okay?”

Of course he didn’t answer with words, it seemed that the ability to talk wasn’t there at the moment. Scott chuffed then made a different chirp, more high pitched than the one he made earlier.

Liam responded almost instantly coming closer to them getting right up in Scotts face. The alpha gently pulled Liam closer and began sniffing him all over, Liam looked slightly out of it because Nolan was sure that if Liam was fully himself he wouldn’t be letting Scott do this so easily.

He just hoped Scott wouldn’t decide he needed to cuddle Liam in his lap also. One because Nolan was all ready incredibly squished and two, he didn’t want Liam to also he covered in blood.

“What in the actual world is going on right now?” Stiles said. He was now standing next to Mr. Argent, who was also staring at Scott wide eyed.

“Scott?” Derek shook the alpha shoulder to get his attention off of Liam. “Scott look at me please.” Scott turned to look at him, and when he met Derek’s eyes the older werewolf cursed.

“Is it happening again?” Isaac asked, to which Derek nodded.

“We need to get Nolan away from him.” Mr. Argent said while motioned to Isaac. “You, move Liam out of the way. Stiles go start the Jeep and take the medical kit back with you, Derek you and Malia help me get Nolan so we can take them to Deaton.”

“Scott hasn’t hurt me!” Nolan rushed out to say when he saw the others getting ready to do as Mr. Argent had said. He felt a sense of protectiveness wash over him. He knew the pack wouldn’t do anything to really harm Scott, but if they thought Scott was a danger to him they might hurt Scott just enough to get him away from Scott. “I twisted my ankle on some rocks and cut my arm when I fell in the river that’s all.”

“Nolan-“ Mr. Argent began but Nolan cut him off talking a mile a minute as if he was begging for his life.

“I promise Scott hasn’t layed a claw on me! All he’s done has been a werewolf heater and put some mud stuff on my foot, I think he’s actually been taking my pain too because I can’t feel any pain anymore.”

“Nolan.”

“I mean he’s licked me too, which was extremely weird and gross. But I don’t think he really understands what going on, but still-“

“I didn’t know you could talk this much.” Malia said introuping the vomit of words flowing from his lips.

“Nolan, we need to separate you two not because we think Scott hurt you. But to make sure you’re both okay.” Mr. Argent explained while he handed Stiles back the medical kit.

“Chris isn’t going to hurt him.” Malia said. “If he tries I’ll kill him don’t worry.”

“I don’t think Melissa would be okay with you killing her husband.” Nolan replied. Not entirely sure how to respond to the coyote who was rubbing Scott’s shoulder.

“Na.” Isaac said grabbing Liam by the back of his jacket who was still standing in front of Scott looking a little dazed. “Melissa would join in.” As he said it he quickly yanked Liam away from Scott causing Liam to shout out in surprise and began dragging the beta to the Jeep that Stiles had managed to start up again.

Scott, who was still distracted by Derek, shot up at the sound Liam made and his grip on Nolan lessened just a little. However it didn’t go unnoticed by Derek and Malia, quicker than Nolan was ready for Derek yanked him away from Scott’s grasp and started walking towards the Jeep carrying him just as Scott had earlier.

Nolan could hear the sound of people moving around in the leaves along with a high pitched whining sound and a couple of growls. He couldn’t see what was going on due to how Derek was holding him but it didn’t sound good. Especially when he heard Malia cursing at Mr. Argent, but he’s could tell what she was saying.

Derek quicken his pace and hurriedly placed Nolan in the back of Jeep next to Liam who looked like he was having a horrible head ache. Isaac was handing the other boy a bottle of water and looked up at them as he entered the car.

“Stiles!” Derek shouted. “Get them to Deatons we’ll deal with Scott.”

“Hang a second, you’re not go-“ Stiles began as someone shouted for Derek and Isaac to come help.

“Just Drive!” Derek yelled as he slammed the door shut.

“Okay! Okay! I’m going!” They drove out of the woods faster than Nolan thought should be possible for the state Stiles Jeep was in. But soon enough the sight of the vet clinic came into view.

“Nolan, you better not have gotten blood all over my seats.” Stiles said as they pulled into a parking spot at the back of the building.

Nolan looked down at himself really for the first time and cringed.

“Yeah, not a chance of you getting those stains out.” Liam said also now fully tanking in just how filthy Nolan’s appearance actually was.

Not just in blood, but also mud and leaves.

Stiles banged his head on his steering wheel a few times while muttering. “Stupid freaking werewolves fighting bears! Of course! Why the heck not.” Then he turned off the engine.

Chapter Text

Deaton finished putting away the bandages and turned back around to his patient who was sitting on his examination table. “Well Nolan, I’m happy to say that your injury’s weren’t as bad as they seemed.”

“So, I won’t get an infection?” The boy asked picking a little at the bandage on his arm.

Deaton shook his head while gently moving to stop Nolan from messing with his bandages. “Me and Melissa cleaned your cut and the medicine Melissa gave you will help make sure you won’t get an infection.” He patted the boy on the shoulder and smiled, “you’ll be all right.”

“And are you sure my ankle is only twisted? It felt a lot worse to just be twisted.” Melissa walked up towards him drying her hands on a towel. “Yes I’m positive, sometimes a twist or a sprain can feel a whole lot worse than a break. But all you’ve got here is one nasty twisted ankle kiddo, just stay off it and ice it.” She smiled, then looked to Liam and Hayden who were standing against the wall by the back door.

“Hey, can you two werewolves help Nolan down from the table to the seat over there?” She asked pointing to of the chairs they brought from the front.

“Oh! Yeah, we can help.” Liam said stumbling a little over his words. He walked over with Hayden at his heels, the two betas carefully helped Nolan off the table into the chair next to where Stiles was furiously texting on his phone.

“They’re strung up tighter than a loaded crossbow.” Melissa whispered to Deaton as she helped him finish cleaning up and get ready for what might come when the others arrive. “They’re being worse than me.” She laughed a little, but it lacked any humor.

Deaton smiled at her but kept moving around the supplies. “You have more training in keeping calm in cases like this than they do.” He looked back at the two werewolves fretting over Nolan and huffed a laugh shaking his head a little. “Plus, it’s a little different for them.”

Melissa sighed, a fond smile creeping over her face. “I never expected to become a grandmother so early. ”

Deaton laughed a little harder as he began to mixed some herbs together, he passed it to Melissa as he bent down to grab another ingredient. “ And to think, he’s not even twenty yet.”

The mixing stopped and Deaton sparred a conserned look to the nurse. “Melissa?” He asked, no longer whispering, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She flinched slightly at his touch and sighed leaning heavily against the desk. “ He’s not even twenty yet. ” She looked up at the ceiling and closed her eyes. Deaton rubbed her shoulder and Melissa gave him a parse smile. “We should probably get this fished before they get here huh?”

Deaton returned her smile and nodded. “It would be best if we got these done before they come.”

“When will they be here?” Liam asked panic slightly creeping up in his voice. “I, I mean, it shouldn’t be taking that long should it?” The young werewolf walked to the back doors leading to the outside, his arms crossed over his chest. “Something bad is happening isn’t it? Why else would it be taking this long? They were right behind us.”

“Liam, I’m sure they alright.” Melissa said trying to comfort him.

“But-“

“Wait, I hear a car coming!” Hayden yelled interrupting Liam. The two betas rushed to the front door in a blur as the humans members of the pack tensed with anticipation. “It shouldn’t be them.” Stiles said slightly confused and concerned. “Isaac just texted me that they finally managed to knock Scott out, they just left.”

“Then who-“ Nolan asked as Liam and Hayden walked back in. Both looking a little deflated.

“It’s just Mason and the others.” Liam said, his tone clear with disappointment.

“Just Mason? Wow, nice to know how you really feel Liam.” Mason said walking in with a change of clothes in hand and Cory next to him. Liam growled in frustration and began pacing again as Hayden stood next to the door with her arms crossed drumming her fingers and biting her bottom lip.

“Nice to know that we’re wanted.” Cory said taking the clothes over to Nolan. “Here you go, looks like you really need em.” He said handing them over to the other boy.

“Thank you.” Nolan sighed taking the clothes in his arms. “Umm, doc is there somewhere I can change and clean off a little?”

Deaton nodded. “Come on, let me help you.” Carefully he lead Nolan to another room.

“Dude, you should really take a seat.” Mason said stepping over to his best friend “you’re gonna put a hole in the floor.” He smiled at the other and tried placing a hand on his shoulder, but Liam brushed it off.

“Can’t sit still,” he said, not sparring his friend a glance. “I already tried that, I broke the chair.”

Mason stared. “I’m sorry?” He asked. “Did I hear you right?”

“How’d you do that?” Cory asked just as confused.

“He threw it.” Stiles helpfully shared as he continued to text on his phone not looking at the others in the room. “It’s over there.” He pointed to a corner of the room, where a pile of wood and metal lay crumbled on the floor that was once a chair.

“Dude, why?” Mason asked not taking his eyes off the destroyed chair.

“Because he’s worried about Scott, he probably can’t help it.” A new voice said that finally had Stiles looking up from his phone.

“Where have you guys been! I texted you at least 10 times!” Lydia rolled her eyes at him and placed some of the bags she was carrying on the examination table.

“We stopped to get water and food, figured everyone would need something since it’s almost six.” Noah Stiliniski said coming right behind Lydia with Parish just behind him carrying another bag.

“Thank goodness for you guys.” Melissa said coming to take the bag from Parish. “I’m starving.”

Lydia’s took out a water bottle and a burger and walked over to Stiles. “Hey,” she greeted standing in front of him, “I think you need to take a break.”

“Can’t.” Stiles said going back to his phone, “Mal and Isaac have been keeping me updated. But Derek is refusing to text me back an- Hey!!”

Lydia snatched the phone placed it in her pocket. “Derek called me on our way over here. Everything is fine, they have Scott and they’re on their way here right now.” She gave him the food and water “he also said to tell you to stop blowing up his phone after he already answered you.”

“I wasn’t blowing up his phone.” He muttered twisting the cap off the bottle, “and sending a simple ‘all good’ doesn’t mean anything.”

“Stiles, you texted him 58 times. And you texted me 45 times after I answered.” She crossed her arms and raised a brow, “I think a break will do you a little good.” She said a bit softer than before.

Stiles rolled his eyes but leaned back into the chair. “Fine.” He muttered, Lydia saw his shoulders relaxing just a little and a smile crossed her lips.

She turned around and began handing some water to the younger members. “It has nothing to do with you Mason I promise.” She said patting the boy on the shoulder while walking over to Hayden.

“Yeah I know, it’s still a little weird to see him all,” he waved his hand around. “You know.”

Lydia laughed, “yeah I know.”

“They’re around the corner!” Melissa shouted, “Chris just texted me.”

Deaton and Nolan came back in as everyone else anxiously waited. But no one more than the two betas who were seconds away from running out of the office. When the sound of Argents van pulled into the back of the clinic, Liam and Hayden along with Parish opened the doors and headed out to meet them and help if needed.

Melissa gasped as she saw Derek carrying Scott bridal style with an entourage of very worried werewolves right next to him. Scott was passed out and covered in dried blood and mud. His clothes were torn and his hair was a mess, sticking to his forehead in sweat with leaves and sticks stuck in it.

Derek carefully laid Scott down on the examination table. Melissa started to get close when she froze for a moment. The image of Scott dead on the ground in the library flashed across her eyes. Though this time he was still breathing, still alive, she couldn’t help but make the connection.

Deaton came up behind her, he placed a hand on her shoulder and walked over to Scott. He began asking Derek, Malia and Isaac all kinds of questions as he went over the check list to make sure Scott was well. Lydia and Noah gently took Hayden and Liam over to the others to give Deaton space to work. Getting them some food and water trying to calm their nerves.

Melissa however couldn’t seem to get her legs to move.

The back door opened again and Parish and Christopher came in. Seeing her husband Melissa finally managed to move and made her way towards him. When she got close they pulled each other into a tight embrace, Chris handed over the case he was holding to Parish and the deputy took it over to Deaton.

“Does Deaton know what’s going on?” Chris asked not pulling away.

Melissa shook her head. “He hasn’t said anything, but he just started looking him over. Hopefully he’ll have some kind of idea.”

Chris nodded then finally pulled away from the hug. “Years of werewolf hunting and I have no idea what this could be. I’ve never heard of this before.” He sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.

Melissa rubbed his arm and looked back over to Scott. Deaton was writing something down standing at Scott’s left hand side while Derek moved to the corner of the room watching Scott with an anxious eye. He wasn’t the only one. Everyone else in the pack was a pile of nerves.

Cory, Mason and Nolan were by the entrance trying to keep Hayden and Liam calm. Malia, Isaac, Stiles and Lydia were all huddled near each other, non of them were talking but they were close enough to be shoulder to shoulder trying to support each other. Parish and Noah were talking standing a little off from Deaton, Melissa wasn’t a sure what it was about but by the face her friend was making it probably had to do with work.

“Scott tried to eat a cat the other day.” She said to Christ trying to lighten the mood just a little. “I don’t he like how it hissed at me when I got to close.”

Christ managed to laugh a little at the thought and kissed her cheek. “He’ll be okay. We’ve felt with worse.”

“Lord knows it.” She replied leaning into him as they waited for Deaton to finish, hoping the vet will know what to do and how to fix it.

“I think, I might have an idea as to what’s been going on here.” Deaton’s leveled voice echoed through the quiet, breaking the tense atmosphere after what felt like hours of silence.

Before they could all begin asking questions Deaton raised a hand to stop them then looked to Derek. “When’s the last time Scott had rest period?” All eyes went to Derek as the beta thought over the question.

“A what?” Stiles asked, taking the attention off Derek who seemed to come to the same conclusion Deaton had.

“Every pack has their own name for it, Talia used to call it a rest period .” He moved to stand in front of the table crossing his arms as he began to explain. “Often after a pack deals with an extremely intense situation or loss the alpha of the pack becomes more protective, more attentive to the pack. During these moments the pack will shut themselves off from the rest of the world for a few days as the alpha daunts on them.”

Deaton sighed then looked at Scott behind him before turning back to the pack. “Obviously not all packs do this, it depends on the alphas personality and how much they care for their pack and the way they care for them. However, I didn’t make the connection.”

“Connection?” Mason asked.

Deaton looked over to Derek. The werewolf was looking intensely at Scott before finally meeting the vets eyes. “I don’t think he ever had one.” Derek closed his eyes, letting his head hit against the wall behind him. “I’m an idiot.”

“The blame is not entirely on you, some does fall on to me as well.” Deaton said placing and hand on Scott’s leg.

“Wait, wait, wait? What’s going on here? Please explain to the rest of us who weren’t born in the supernatural world, what that has to do with Scott!” Stiles stepped forward pointing towards his best friend.

“To put it simply, Scott’s been suppressing his instincts.” Derek said looking at Stiles.

“I thought he’s supposed to.” Melissa said, “I thought that’s how he controlled his transformation.”

Deaton shook his head. “Not exactly. Keeping the part of him that wants to hunt and kill under a full moon and not letting himself shift during high emotional moments, is all about control yes, but not suppressing it. When to let it go and how far he can without losing himself to it. That instinct is still there, he’s simply controlling it and keeping it at bay. But this is different.”

“So what does that mean?” Malia said, “you’re not doing good job at explaining this.”

“Think of it like this, werewolves are pack creatures just like wolves and just like humans. They have instincts, good and bad ones just like humans, you learn to control the bad ones, for werewolves that’s keeping control over your shift. Because of your family nature your instincts are often always about that, your pack, sharing food, clothes, your homes, checking in on each other and protecting each other. All of that is good as long as it doesn’t become overbearing or too much.”

“Like Scott has been doing.” Lydia said

“Exactly. You see, it’s an alpha job to teach their betas to control their new instincts, good and bad.”

“But Scott didn’t get that.” Isaac said, “not from Peter, or Derek.” He sent a glare to the other beta who in turn looked away.

“But,” Liam started. “He didn’t always act like this. It only started this past month. In fact he’s barely ever,” he waved his hands around, “you know, been very tactical. Sure something here and there but nothing like he’s being now.”

“That’s the problem.” Chris said. He looked at the others in the room. “He didn’t learn what instincts were good. So by association he put most of them off as bad, by doing so he’s been hurting himself.” Chris signed. “If what you’re saying is true, then Scott has essentially starving the wolf part of himself the entire time he’s been a werewolf.”

Deaton nodded. “And when he became an alpha his instincts grew stronger, especially after he bit Liam and Hayden. Any one of the enemies you’ve faced would’ve made Scott’s need for a resting period greatly needed for his well being and possibly yours as well. A rest period lets the alpha and the pack release those instincts more openly.”

“Why didn’t he do it then?” Nolan asked.

“Because he probably didn’t know what he was wanting or needing.” Lydia explained trying to stop her own swell of emotions from spiraling. “Think about it, if he never knew about a resting period he probably thought he was going crazy. So he just didn’t say anything.”

“So what you’re saying, is that for the past few years Scott’s been starving his werewolf self emotionally. Meaning he’s been starving emotionally and somehow he kept this hidden from all of us.” Noah asked dumbfounded.

“Essentially.” Deaton said.

“Wait, but this still doesn’t explain why he’s reacting this way now.” Parish said.

“Because everyone is here for the holidays. Resting periods only start when the alpha feels the threat has left. Beacon Hills hasn’t had anything very problematic for months, and with the whole pack coming home, all of those repressed instincts are becoming overwhelming. He’s probably been having a hard time trying to hide them, so it keeps slipping away from him.”

“What can we do?” Melissa asked, with tear stained cheeks. “We can’t continue to leave him like this.”

“No we can’t, it’s not safe for him or anyone else.” Deaton agreed. “If he keeps going this way he’ll end up having a hard time keeping himself under control at all.”

“What do we do?” Stiles asked, faced determined.

Deaton sighed. “It’s not going to be easy, and Scott won’t like it.”

—————————————————————————-

The very next day they started putting the plan in motion. Melissa, Lydia and Hayden went to the store to get food and Noah took care of his and Parish’s replacements for the next few days. Liam, Mason, Cory and Nolan took care of getting drinks, four packs of water, and 5 cases of different brands of soda.

While Isaac, and Malia went to everyone’s house and “borrowed” their blankets and pillows and any other soft items they could find with their sent on them.

“This feels like stealing.” Isaac said as he stuffed Jordan’s bedding into the back of the Chris car.

“He said we could take it.” Malia said coming up next to him carrying more of the deputy’s stuff and shoving it into the back. “If he didn’t want us doing this he wouldn’t have given us a key.”

Isaac shut the door and turned to look at her. “Yeah, i don’t why he trusted us with a key to his apartment.”

Malia shrugged, “probably because he doesn’t have anything actually edible in his fridge. Who actually likes vegetable meat? That’s insulting to meat.”

Isaac shrugged as he and Malia walked back to Jordan’s apartment. “We can always check his cabinets, we didn’t look in the bottom ones.”

Malia nodded. “He better have something, I’m starving.”

Stiles too had an important job, get and keep Scott out of the house.

—————————————————————————-

Scott decided he’s never leaving his room again.

It’s not like he’s never been stressed before, because he’s always stressed. That’s nothing new. He was stressed before the bite and was still stressed after. It’s just this, this has to be on a whole other level of stress.

He’d rather have to deal with Peter being an insane alpha again over this.

Scratch that, he really wouldn’t.

It feels like everything dialed up 2000%. He’s never been so hyper aware of everything that’s going on… everywhere! The raccoon in the trash three houses down, the smell of a pizza car driving past his road, and the fact that there’s 156 birds in the trees behind his house, he counted, twice. He can even tell the difference of their species.

Yesterday had to have been one of the worst days yet. His mind was a complete mess, the moment he woke up that morning he could already tell no one else was in the house. He felt a surge of panic rush through him, the thought that his pack was out there, out of his sight and he didn’t know where caused his anxiety to skyrocket.

He was up and running towards the front door before he could even register what he was doing. He swung open the front door just as his mind caught up with his actions, he grabbed onto the door frame splintering the wood as he stopped himself. His heart pounding inhumanity fast in his chest.

He could feel the fog in his mind clear slowly as he shook his head. Very carefully he moved backwards and closed the door, taking methodical steps further away and headed back towards his room. “Get a grip.” Scott told himself as he struggled to force himself to move up the stairs.

His hands were shaking and though the fog was leaving his mind the anxiety of not knowing where his pack was, was growing stronger. Scott closed the door to his room and leaned heavily against the door closing his eyes trying to calm down. Just as he began to relax his phone rang from somewhere on the floor.

Scott ran over and began scrambling to find it under the blankets he had thrown off in his hurry to leave. Once he found it he answered before he even looked to see who was calling.

“Scott.” He said catching his breath.

“Hey, Scott. You okay? You sound out of breath? Is that possible for us?” Liam asked

Excitement over turned any of his past anxieties and he nearly jumped up at the sound of Liam’s voice. His Beta called him! He called! Was he okay? He sounded okay. Maybe he wants him to come over? No! He should ask him to come here! Yes!! No wait, that could be dangerous! Anything could happen if he came alone. He should go get him! Yes!! Get him and bring him here!! Bring pack here!!

His thoughts began to go everywhere. The thought of bringing Liam to his house just sounded so good. It sounded perfect. He could make food! Build the perfect nest for him to be comfortable and safe, he’d take care of everything! Then he’d bring the rest of his pack here! But he couldn’t leave Liam alone! What if something tried to get in! What if-

“Scott?” Liam’s voice came through again sounding concerned. His betas voice should never sound like, never!

“Yeah, sorry. Is everything okay Liam?” He asked rubbing the bridge of his nose trying to bring his mind back together. He needed to reel back some control before he said or did something.

“Everything’s fine, well mostly. It’s, um, it’s Nolan. I’m sure it’s nothing but can you go check on him? I think he’s getting in his own head again.”

“Yeah! I’m mean of course, I’m not doing anything at the moment I’ll head out and check on him.” He bit down on his bottom lip to stop himself from begging Liam to come over, to allow him to bring him to his house where he could watch over him and keep him safe.

“Thanks Scott!” Liam replied sighing in relief. “Oh hey I gotta go Mason wants me. Talk later okay?”

“Definitely.” He managed to choke out.

“Bye Scott! And seriously thanks again.” With that his beta hung up, and Scott heart sank.

He sat on his floor looking at the dark screen for a few moments trying to ignore the stinging in his eyes. He began to feel frustrated at himself again, he stood up and shoved his phone into his pocket. This was getting ridiculous. He told himself. He ran his hands through his hair a few times trying to reel himself in and keep from feeling hurt that Liam had said bye.

It was so stupid that his friend saying bye after a phone call felt like his heart had been smashed by a rock. Not just friend, pup! Did his pup not need him? Was he such a bad alpha that his beta didn’t want him? He needs to show he cares! He needs to check on him! He can’t lose him too! What if he leaves!! He can’t-

Shaking his head, Nolan, he told himself. He needed to check on Nolan. With something new to focus on he hurriedly rushed to get out of the house and get to the teen. His mind finally seemed to be getting the idea, before he knew it he was on his bike and on the way to check on a member of his pack. Hopefully he can do it by acting like a normal person.

He went 10 above the speed limit, drove through 2 red lights and almost jumped off his bike while it was still running once he saw Nolan’s house. All while still in his pajamas with two different shoes and a half hazardily thrown on jacket. He was doing great at acting normal.

Everything after that went well. Nolan and him got to spend time together and they had a great time. Scott was feeling more like himself than he had in weeks. The only thing that could have made this trip better was if his whole pack could have been here. Just as he was making his way back to Nolan after checking ahead he heard it.

“SCOTT!”

Without a second thought he was speeding through the woods pushing his muscles as fast as they could possibly go. It reminded him too much like the first time he heard Liam howl, very few things compare to that feeling he felt that night running to Liam.

When he came to where he left Nolan a different scent was mixed with Nolan’s. And Scott’s mind was overcome with fog. And didn’t go away till he woke up back at his house in his room with a lingering taste of blood in his mouth.

And now here he is.

He hasn’t moved from his room since he woke up last night in his bed with the scent of his worried pack downstairs in his living room. He was mortified as he listened to his pack retelling the story of him vs the bear. A bear, why the.. why did he throw a bear?

Well, he did try and kill that cat the other day… the bear probably had it coming, the cat did !

He can’t remember anything after hearing Nolan call out his name and smelling what he now guessed was the bear. He was there one minute then the next it was like something else took over the drivers seat and he was knocked unconscious. From what he had gathered from ease dropping on his pack last night, he has a pretty good picture of what exactly he did.

“He ran after the car?! Like at full speed?”

“Yeah, took us forever to chase him down. Last thing we needed was for him to run into a grizzly.”

“With how he handled the black bear- ouch!”

“Shut up.”

He’s never leaving his room again. He’ll just have to die right here laying on his bed. If anyone tries to take over Beacon Hills they’ll just have to come face him off here because he’s not leaving.

He didn’t go back to sleep even after the last person in the house fell asleep. Apparently most of the pack was spending the night downstairs because he could count the added heart beats and scents flowing through the house. The fog began to creep up again at that information.

They’re all so close! He needs to go down and check them make sure they’re safe. Needs to care for them, they should know he cares. What if they think he doesn’t! He’s not taking care of them properly! What kind of alpha!-

He somehow managed to stop himself from running downstairs to see his pack, and keep the fog at bay. Thankfully no one had come to his room, he’s not sure he’d be able to keep his cool if he actually saw a member of his pack right now.

Mentally, he was in pain. His hands haven’t stopped shaking once as his mind tore its self apart piece by piece.

A part of him was desperate, so desperate to let the fog in his mind take over and to go get his pack. It was starting to make him feel ill, as it turned in his stomach. He needed to bring them here, he needed to- to.

Scott stood up fast on shaking legs and ran to his bathroom and ended up dry heaving into the toilet. When was the last time he ate? He hasn’t been able to keep anything down for a few days. When- he couldn’t remember.

Scott eventually made his way back to his bed and flopped down like dead weight unable to move. Maybe he could stay here forever. Just close the curtain, stop the sun light from reaching him.

“Hey Scott! I need to pick up a few things from the store wanna come?” Stiles voice spoke up.

Scott wanted to bash him over the head.

Not to hurt him, he doesn’t think his mind could let himself do anything to any member of his pack other coddle them in a massive blanket wrapped in more blankets. Yes! That’s how we take care of them! Keep them safe. Where no one else can touch them! If they just-

He smushed his face deeper into his pillow hoping his bed would swallow him whole. He can’t think like that! He can’t act like that.

“No thanks Stiles. I’m not feeling that great.” His voice could barely be heard through the fabric of his pillow case but Stiles seemed to have heard him.

“Okay, no worries buddy! I’ll just head out by myself then. Oh just cuz I know you worry I’m heading to Millers.”

Millers? Millers!!? Scott shot up, his body filling with adrenaline as his mind went crazy.

“Stiles why are you going to Millers by yourself!!” He shouted as he stood up. “That place is always getting raided for one illegal thing or another! You tell me all the time not to go there by myself because three! Three, different gangs hang out around there!” His eyes were bright red now and he could feel his fangs pushing their way out of his gums.

Danger!! Pack!! Danger! Don’t let him go!! What’s he thinking!!! Have to keep him safe!!! I need to protect him! I-

“So, you’ll go with me?” Stiles asked stretching out the o as he watched Scott grow in distress.

The werewolf snapped his head towards him. “Of course! But we are Not! Going to Millers.” Stiles’s smile almost fell at the growl on the word not but as he watched the red fade from Scott eyes and the fangs become normal human teeth once again it stayed.

Scott dragged Stiles out of the house still complaining about his friends idiocy. But had he had been in his right mind, Scott would have known he had done exactly what Stiles had wanted him to do from the start.

Get him out of the house.

—————————————————————————-

“They’re doing this for his own good.” He reminded himself. “He won’t help himself so they have to.” Stiles looked over to Scott in the passenger seat and reminded himself that his best friend could read his emotions like a book. So he was trying his best not to allow his anxieties to bleed through his sent. He’s not actually sure that’s even possible, but he can still try.

The last thing he needs is for Scott to get suspicious or for him go all “mama wolf” on him.

They’re making their way back towards Scott’s house, though Stiles was taking the longer way back. He wanted to give the rest of the pack time to finish, they needed to have everything done and everyone needed to be in place before they get back. If this plan has any chance of working that is.

Personally, he gives the plan 50/50 percent chance. Though both Derek and Argent think it’ll work, not to mention Deaton came up with it. So by all accounts, if the experts think it’ll work it should. But when does plan A ever work for them? Never, that’s when.

A part of him still thinks they should have gone with his plan. Simply tie Scott down and force him to relax.

Okay, maybe that wouldn’t exactly work in the way it should. But, it could definitely be a good back up. Even though Melissa and everyone else looked ready to smack him for suggesting it. Lydia actually did smack him on the back of the head, so did his dad.

He took another glance at Scott. He was scrolling on his phone, on what Stiles couldn’t exactly tell. But for the first time in a while Scott looked calm, almost relaxed.

He turned his attention back to the road and his focus on not letting his anxiety slip through.

“You okay?” Scott’s voice echos over the music barely playing.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about Scotty.” He replies tapping his finger on the steering wheel trying to look completely focused on driving.

“Mhm, that why we’ve been going in circles?”

“What?!” Stiles quickly looked to see what street they were on. He was certain that he had already gotten off this street three turns ago, apparently not. “How the- did they extend this street and not tell anyone!?”

“No, you just kept going right inside of taking a left back by the park.” Scott explained pointing behind them with his thumb.

Stiles grumbled and pulled into a nearby parking lot of a store to turn around. He can’t believe he had been so focused on trying to hide how nervous he was that he hadn’t been paying as much attention to the road like he thought he had.

Scott put his phone back into his pocket and turned to look at him. Stiles desperately tried not sigh out loud, he knew exactly where this was heading.

“Wipe that look off your face Scott.” He said before his friend even opened his mouth.

Scott tilted his head slightly and gave him a lopsided smile. “What look?” He asked with a hit of humor and what Stiles knew was concern in his voice.

This time he did sigh as he quickly glanced at Scott giving him a glare before looking back to the road to make sure he didn’t miss his turn this time.

“Your “I’m here for you look” I swear you’ve had that look ever since you were born! Probably came out of the womb with it, and you becoming a werewolf has made it ten times worse!!” He said as got back to the park. He drove by this park all the time, how on earth did he miss his turn? At least everyone had a little bit more time he guessed.

Scott huffed a laugh and shook his head. “Not quite sure if I should take that as a compliment or not.”

“Both I guess.” Stiles answered him a small smile worming onto his face.

“An insult and a compliment. Thanks.”

“Hm, I wouldn’t say insult.” Stiles turned left finally heading the right direction. “More like a complaint. I need to ask your mom if she can return you for repairs.”

“Because that’s how it works.” Scott said rolling his eyes while laughing. “I should tell your dad to do the same, you could probably use a work up.”

Stiles looked over now grinning. “No can do Scotty, pops already resent me five times. Five’s the limit, didn’t you read your instructions?”

“Na, mom keeps it locked up.” Scott said in a serious voice, though the smile on his face said otherwise. “Dad tried to resend me but mom caught him before he could put in the call.”

Stiles sighed shaking his head. “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but that’s a shame she stoped him.” A grin spread across his a face “they probably could have fixed your face.”

“Hey!” Scott shoved him a little and they both smiled.

“I’m just being honest!” Stiles tried to defend himself. “Think about it! You could’ve had a face as great as mine.” He wiggled his brows up and down.

“Yeah, if I wanted to look like the kid from Toy Story.” Scott said.

“Wow, my best friend. And to think I’m here trying to help you.” He shook his head. “Never again Scotty.”

Scott shook his head and looked towards the road still smiling. It felt good falling back into banter with Scott, it had been way too long since they had just hung out without some supernatural or human threat hovering over them. They should do this again, actually hanging out just the two of them not just when Stiles needed to get Scott out of his house because they plan on ambushing him.

Would you call it ambushing? He’s not sure, maybe. Scott doesn’t know what’s going on or that they’re planning on forcing him to shift and go into “mama wolf” mode. Forcing sounds wrong, coursing him? Yes, they plan on coursing him into his instincts so he can do whatever it is he needs to do all safe in his house and out of the way of people.

Because apparently, according to Deaton. Scott will be so deep into his instincts that he very may kill someone if they come anywhere near the pack if he doesn’t know them or trust them.

So not nerve racking at all.

As they pulled down Scott’s street, Stiles could already tell he was going to have a problem. For some reason Scott went from having a normal conversation with him to going dead still. He could see the stress begin to creep up and over him the closer they get to the house.

“Stiles, why- uh, why do I smell the whole pack? Did something happen?”

“Crap! So much for doing this slowly.”

“Everyone is just stopping by for a few days, it’s been awhile since we’ve all been in town so, why not all crash at the same place! Eat popcorn and watch movies! Like normal people!” He tried to say as nonchalant as possible.

Scott’s face grew pale and his hands gripped at the arm rests. “Stiles, this really isn’t the greatest idea.”

Stiles ignored him and pulled into the driveway and surprisingly shut the Jeep off on the first try. He probably won’t be able to turn it on again, but hey! That’s one win tonight.

“St- Stiles I mean it! I can’t be around everyone!” Scott pleaded, his voice going up a notch.

Stiles took in a breath then turned to Scott, his face set. “Yes you can. And you’re going to.” Without another word he opened the driver side door stepped out closing it behind him. He tried to keep his bearings as his heart pounded in his chest walking over to Scott’s door. This needs to happen, he kept telling himself, he’s not hurting Scott, he’s helping him. He just doesn’t realize it yet.

He grabbed the door and swung it open. “Come on, let’s go.” His determination almost dropped at the sight of pure fear on Scott’s face. Scott looked like Stiles was trying to drag him to a slaughter house! Not inside his own home for dinner!!

“Scott man relax. Nothing bad is going to happen. Everyone just came over to spend a few nights and have some dinner, that’s it.” He tried to sound more comforting but his words only seemed to make it worse.

Scott shook his head and pushed back some of his hair staring intently at the front door. As he did so Stiles could see just how badly his hands were shaking. How did they miss how bad it got? How did he miss.

“Stiles.” Scott said almost desperate, “I can’t go in there, not with everybody here. Not when I- not when I wasn’t ready. I-“ he cut himself off and pushed his hair back again and shifted in a he seat. He looked half ready to run. “I won’t be able to keep myself under control.” He  practically whispered.

“Good.” Stiles said before even thinking.

Scott’s eyes went wide as he stared at him with disbelief. Great job, Stiles thought, so much for Scott not knowing about the plan. Might as well go full in.

“We don’t want you to hold back on this.” He said crossing his arms. He probably looked why to much like his dad by doing so, but at this moment he didn’t care.

“What?!” Scott shouted his eyes flashing red for a second before he closed them tightly and they returned to brown.

“You heard me. Deaton finally figured out what has been going on with you and now we know how to fix it. You need to act like a werewolf.” Scott looked shocked as the words left his mouth.

“That’ll kill you! I’ll kill you if I do that!” Scott said in pain, desperate for Stiles to understand.

Stiles threw his hands up. “Not the killer werewolf part Scott! The other one! You know the one that says to keep us safe and stuff! You need to do that! Because apparently!! Someone, you , haven’t been and it’s hurting you.” He glared.

Scott sat for a moment not speaking before shaking his head. “No, I can’t do that.”

“Oh my- Scott did you not just hear what I said!” He grabbed Scott’s arm and pulled at it, pulling Scott out as well due to the werewolf not expecting it.

They stumbled over their feet and landed on the ground with a humph getting their limbs tangled.

Stiles sat up and turned to Scott who was sitting up as well and grabbed his shoulder. “Look! You need to get your werewolf self in that house let go of whatever it is that you’re holding back! Because, Scott! Let me tell you this, you need this! As much as you might not think so, you do. So, let’s get off the ground and head inside an-“

“Stiles I can’t.” Scott cut him off

“Oh for crying out loud yes you can!!”

“No I can’t!”

“It can’t be that hard! Just go in and stop constructing so much! It’ll be over in no time and-“

“No Stiles I can’t!!! Because if I do I’ll be no better than Peter!” Scott shouted echoing over the quiet street.

“What.?” Stiles asked, his anger fading to confusion.

Scott sighed shuttering a breath and rubbed his face before landing back onto the grass by the driveway. He laid there with his eyes closed as he began to talk.

“Peter never held anything back.” He said softly not meeting Stiles eyes. “When he was alpha he let his instincts control everything. When he wanted me he took me! He made me shift whenever he wanted Stiles, made me act like a puppet! He called me his, acted like I was his!” His hands tightened into fists grabbing the grass as his eyes flared up and Stiles could hear the lisp in his voice telling him his fangs were most likely out as well.

“I have those thoughts Stiles! Like you guys are mine! That- ThAt I own you! I can’t stand it when I don’t know where you are, I hate that I can’t be around Liam and Hayden all day! I’m in constant panic about it! It’s like my mind isn’t even mine sometimes!!” He got up and started pacing while Stiles stayed and watched sitting on the ground.

“What happens when I let go of the control?! What happens if I let myself act on my instincts just a little?! Will I be able to stop?! I don’t know how to do this?!” He gripped his hair looking towards the house.

“All I can think of doing is grabbing everyone and locking you away from everyone and anything that could possibly hurt you or take you guys away!” He letted go of his hair and grabbed the hem of his shirt with white knuckles. “It was easy before, all I had to do was be around you guys and the thoughts calmed down. Now, now I can’t even breathe without almost losing it!? I almost ate a cat the other night because it got to close to my mom! What would I do to a person?”

He took a deep breath before shuttering it out. “I can’t risk it Stiles.” He said softly before meeting his eyes. “Even if it means I have to go through this, then so be it. I’d lock myself away before I ever treat you guys even a sliver of how Peter treated me.”

—————————————————————————-

Stiles looked at him for a moment, not exactly sure what to say. It was this reason he respected his friend at times, and why he wanted to slap the crap out of him. He can admit that they both have a tendency to put themselves last, it’s something that the McCall pack is very good at doing he’s come to accept. But it’s moments like these that he realizes Scott might do it the most.

Twice he’s pushed aside life threatening injuries and continued on as if they were nothing. This however isn’t an infected scratch or deep wound that can be fixed with a trip to Melissa or Deaton. It’s closer to the times when those injuries got so bad because he blamed himself that he almost died. One time he did.

It’s like he’s slowly starving himself, refusing to give his body the food and nutrients it desperately needs. Because someone used it as an excuse to hurt him and now he won’t help himself because he won’t allow the possibility that he may do it to others.

Deaton practically hit the nail on the head. Scott didn’t know why this was happening, doesn’t know how to fix or make it better. All he knows is that he won’t let whatever is going hurt others.

“Scott.” He began standing up to match his hight. “If I have to say this so much that it gets tattooed to your brain then I will, but we don’t have all night so listen.” He pointed his index finger against Scott’s chest choosing to ignore how much they were both shaking.

“Peter is out of his mind half the time we see him, and when he was an alpha he had completely lost it! You know it and I know it. There was practically nothing human about him when he bit you. So don’t you compare yourself to that.” He could tell Scott wanted to interrupt, but they both knew he won’t.

“He never cared about you, never cared about Derek and definitely didn’t care about his niece that he brutally ripped in half! Can you give me an example of you doing anything that he did to us and them that you did to us?”

Scott didn’t say anything.

“With the exception of Cory that one time, which you’ve apologized for more times than I can possibly count and I know you still feel horrible about it. You haven’t, and last time I checked Peter has never apologized for any of the crap he’s done.” He waited a second trying to let his words sink in. He grabbed Scott’s shoulders squeezing them slightly.

“Look Scott, you’ve never done anything to hurt us on purpose. And every single time you’ve lost control and your wolfy mother hen of a brain takes over you’ve still haven’t hurt us.”

“What if next time I do? I can’t take that risk.” Scott said eyes desperate for him to understand.

“When we’ll deal with it. You didn’t turn away Liam when he got bit because he might hurt us, or Malia. We didn’t leave the chimeras to deal with their problems alone because there was a chance they might hurt us. Why would we do that to you?” He could feel the tension leaving Scott’s shoulders.

“Stiles thats diff-“

“Don’t say this is different.” He interrupted, “because it’s not. You need help, we want to help and we know how too.” He letted go of Scott’s shoulders and grabbed the sleeve of his jacket. He didn’t want to take the chance Scott might bolt, even though at this point he didn’t think that would happen.

“How? By making me lose control?” He asked.

“Deaton and Derek called it a rest period. Apparently it’s something alphas are supposed to do and no one, as usual, forgot to tell us about it.” That got a small laugh out of Scott and Stiles released his sleeve and crossed his arms realizing how cold it actually was.

“I guess after a pack goes through a lot of stress and stuff when things calm down it triggers some weird part of your brain and kicks up your protectiveness to a 1000%. And when an alpha ignores that new and overpowering instinct for too long, well,” he waved his arm around gesturing to Scott. “We get this situation.”

He could see Scott mulling over the words he just said, nodding his head and asked. “So, what does that have to do with all this?”

Stiles smiled. “You have to go all mama wolf on us apparently. So to help you we get to get all pampered, because your wolf brain needs to make sure that we’re all safe and stuff.”

He was slightly struggling not to laugh at the situation. Out of all the things they’ve dealt with, the solution to this problem was a day off. Thanks to the porch and the street lights Stiles could see mortifying look cross Scott’s face. And then he did laugh.

He wrapped an arm around Scott’s shoulder. “So, how about we get this over with, everyone is already inside and I can’t wait to get my massage.”

He pulled Scott along with him up the steps to the front door but Scott stopped them before he could open the door. Scott moved back and Stiles let him pull out from under his arm when he saw what was going on.

“Scott.” He said concerned. “Scotty what’s going on?”

Scott was shaking and breathing in and out fast, probably why to fast if he was human. He took off his jacket and tossed it on the ground. “Give me a minute.” He managed to get out. He kneeled over gripping his pants and squeezing his eyes shut.

Stiles was about to head in and get Derek when Scott took a deep breath and with trembling hands grabbed his jacket. “Okay, let’s go.” Slowly Stiles hand touched the door knob and Scott stiffened. He didn’t need to be a werewolf to feel the fear radiating off him. Slowly Stiles opened the door and gave Scott a smile before entering in leaving the werewolf alone on the porch staring at the opened door.

—————————————————————————-

He could smell them. Each and every one of them. They all were inside, he could hear them. Talking amongst themselves. He hear them asking Stiles about him, and hear Stiles say he was coming. He’s going to throw up.

He’s going to pass out right here and might not get back up.

He’s still going over everything Stiles had said, and it makes sense he guesses. But that doesn’t change the fact that right now, going inside his own home feels like he’s about to walk out on a battlefield. As if the moment he steps inside he’ll be fighting for his life, and won’t be able to escape.

But the other part is begging to go in. Screaming with joy underneath his fear and anxiety.

Because they’re all here! All of them in his home, safe and away from anything else that could hurt them. He can take care of them, show them that he can be a good alpha. A good protector and provider. He’s messed up so much already, they keep leaving right when the danger is over before he can make sure they’re okay! He’s already lost pack members, he can’t lose more! They have to think he’s not good enough, why else would they keep leaving.

Scott shook his head desperately trying to keep just a little bit of control. He can feel the fog, how heavy it is on the back of his mind, making him want to let it cloud over his thoughts and feelings. To let it take over, to ease and take away the pain and stress of not letting go. But he can’t.

He’s been keeping it at bay for so long, kept it in check for years, only giving the smallest amount of what it wants just so it won’t push too much. But now that’s impossible to give it any without it wanting to push him aside completely.

He can hear laughing, it’s his mother’s. He can hear the soft music playing inside and the soft whispers that Lydia is saying to Malia making Derek huff a laugh because he heard it too. He can hear Liam, Mason, Cory and Hayden’s hearts beating close together. And he can smell Isaac’s awful cologne that he’s been wearing recently. Parish and Noah are in there too, so is Argent and Braeden.

All of them, and it finally draws him in.

He walks inside and it’s much warmer than the cold air outside. He closes the door behind him and lets himself lean against it for a moment before slowly moving to take off his shoes. He turned to look into the living room and his eyes met Derek’s.

“Hey Scott.” He said with small smile. He looked completely relaxed sitting in the recliner  with a drink in his hand.

Scott couldn’t bring himself to speak, if he did he’s not so certain human words would come out. So he nodded and made his way to the couch, that was thankfully empty and sat down in the middle. His leg bounced repeatedly and he fidgeted and messed around with his hands trying to get rid of the ever growing anxiety in his chest.

“Hungry?” Derek asked. He hadn’t took his eyes off him the minute he walked inside. Derek had followed every single movement that Scott was making, and he couldn’t find it himself to care all that much.

He knew Derek was concerned, they had already talked about it once.

Again Scott couldn’t trust in vocal cords so he nodded. Even though he wasn’t sure he could keep anything down.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Derek get up and head to the kitchen and whisper something to Liam. At the sight of Liam the fog almost pushed over, he quickly shut his eyes and focused on the felling of his hands.

He knew Stiles said he needed to let go of control for this to get better. But that was far easier said than done.

A dip next to him caused him to look up and open his eyes. His whole body froze for a moment when he saw Liam sitting next to him. The younger boy looked uncomfortable as he pulled his legs onto the couch and was looking everywhere but at Scott.

“Liam, you okay.” He asked. He was beyond thankful his voice actually came out in words and the strange noises that sat in a lump in his throat didn’t.

“Yeah, I’m good.” He said shifting again and rubbed his hands against his pants.

Scott didn’t want to push, however seeing Liam in a sense of distress was driving his mind into a frenzy. His hands started shaking again. He looked away for a moment and swallowed the sound that was making its way up his throat.

“Liam-“ he was cut off as Liam without warning grabbed his arm and lifted it so it sat on the betas back and he was pressed up against Scott’s side.

He couldn’t breathe. Liam moved closer somehow and turned so his back was pressed against Scott and Scott’s arm was wrapped around his waist. His legs were stretched out and he pulled out his phone and began playing a game on it. And Scott still couldn’t breathe, his heart was pounding in his chest and he knew he had now fully lost the ability to speak.

“You good Scott?” Liam asked not looking at him.

Scott couldn’t bring himself to nod. To move. If he moved he’d lose it, if Liam move he’ll lose it. His sanity was hanging on by a thin small wire that was slowly breaking.

“Hey Liam come here for a second!” Isaac’s voice carried over from the kitchen. “Me and Braedon want to show you somethin!”

Liam moved, just an inch, and Scott’s grip tightened as his body trembled.

He should let go. He needs to let go.

“Um, Scott can you let go for a second?” he asked. He just pulled him closer.

He needs to let go, Liam wants him to let go.

“Scott?” His voice was getting further away.

Why does Liam want to go? What kind of alpha is he that his beta wants to leave! That he wants to go and not come back! He came to him for comfort and now he wants to go!? He doesn’t want him to leave!

Tears pulled at his eyes as they flashed between red and brown. Liam tried to pull away one last time and the last bit of the string snapped.

“I told you it would work.” Braedon said sipping her drink next to Isaac and Derek as they watched Scott pull Liam into a deep hug with his eyes burning bright red.

Chapter Text

It didn’t take long for Scott to be running around the house and end tripping over thin air in his hurry. His pupils had dilated to the point that the white of his eyes were nearly nonexistent. Speaking also seemed to be completely lost on the alpha. When he did manage to speak it was only one or two words, before he seemed to get to overwhelmed again and not speak.

Scott had left Liam on the couch as he ran off upstairs before coming back with an arm full of blankets. When Liam had tried to get up and help; Scott nearly tripped over his own feet running back into the room seeing Liam begin to get up. The alpha letted out a high pitched whine in distress and gently pushed Liam back into the chair while his arms shook and breathing heavily.

“Are we sure this is helping him?” Hayden asked watching Scott begin to arrange the pillows and blankets in the middle of the living room floor. “He looks stressed. I thought this was supposed to help calm him down.”

“It is helping him.” Derek said taking a sip of water. “He needs this.”

Stiles raised a brow as Scott struggled to get his foot untangled from a blanket. “Looks like it’s really helping.”

“It’s a good thing we moved the coffee table out of the living room.” Lydia said moving closer to the others as Stiles wrapped his arm around her. “How’d you know that he’d do this?”

Derek shrugged his shoulders. “My mom used to do something similar, not to the extent Scott is doing but.” He shrugged again as Braeden laughed while shaking her head.

“Who knew werewolves were half birds.”

“He’s making a den, not a nest” Derek explained rolling his eyes.

“Looks like a nest.” Stiles shot back

“He found the other blankets.” Cory whispered to Mason as they watched the alpha sitting on the couch now next to Liam with Nolan on the ground in front of them.

They had placed the blankets and extra pillows they had gathered from everyone’s homes in a corner in the living room. As well as any extras they could find in the McCall house. It didn’t Scott long to find them, and as soon as he did he quickly added them into his growing collection. He once again began to arrange them in a certain order, moving and rearranging them till he deemed them perfect before going to the next part.

Melissa watched quietly not saying much as she observed her son. She didn’t quite know how this was helping him. Each time a blanket or a pillow would fall out of place Scott would panic till he managed to put it back. She could see his eyes frantically looking around at his nest? She supposed that’s what it was.

It was obvious he was trying to get it perfect. And it was clearly stressing him out that he wasn’t getting it to where he wants it to be.

Every now and then he looks up at the others around the room and an emotion she can’t place crosses her boys face. But each time he does he starts working harder and straightens out everything more than he all ready did.

It’s almost as if he keeps checking to make sure they’re actually here, that they won’t disappear.

And it’s worrying her. She hates seeing him acting this way, acting so… so not like her son.

Chris puts a hand on her shoulder and plants a small kiss on her cheek. Clearly she wasn’t hiding her worry as well as she thought she was. He rubbed her shoulder with his thumb trying to ease the tension that had been growing there.

He didn’t say anything but it was clear what he was saying. He’ll be fine, and he is. She turned to him and gave him a small smile while placing her hand over his. She didn’t need any words for him to understand what she was saying either.

When Scott stopped messing with the “nest” he carefully made his way to Liam and hesitated just in front of him. He lowered himself down to Liam’s level but casted his gaze towards the floor like he wasn’t sure if he should be doing what he was about to do. The alpha bit his bottom lip, he looked at the nest he constructed and then back to his beta in front of him.

He letted out a quiet chuff lifting his eyes back up at Liam his head tilted slightly to the side.

“I don’t know what you want Scott.” Liam said quietly. He could feel a slight buzzing under his skin similar to when they were in the woods.

Scott chuffed again, yet this time gently placed his hand on Liam’s and gave it a small tug. It was hesitant, barely even moving the betas hand like he was scared to hurt him.

“You want me to get in the nest?” Liam asked slowly getting up.

Scott moved along with him not letting go of the betas hand once. As soon as Liam took a step into the nest Scott carefully as possible moved the beta to a stop then gestured for him to have a seat. As Liam began to sit Scott quickly ran off for a second before returning with something in his hand.

He gave it to Liam and began moving the blankets and pillows around him trying to make his beta more comfortable. Liam unfolded the cloth and realized quickly that it was one of Scott’s hoodies. He turned it around a few times looking at it when Scott poked his shoulder and huffed gesturing to the hoodie in Liam’s arms.

“He wants you to put it on!” Isaac said from the kitchen stifling laughter.

Liam glared at him for a moment before pulling the hoodie on as Scott watched. Once it was on Lydia and Melissa awed at how big the hoodie seemed to be on the beta. Liam rolled his eyes and turned to look back at Scott whose eyes seemed to have gotten impossibly bigger.

“Uh, Scott you okay?” Liam asked a little concerned.

“Oh no,” Nolan said for the first time in a while making the other members turn to him. “I know that look.”

“What loo- AH! Scott!!”

Scott gave Liam a small lick right across the bridge of his nose interrupting him.

“Oh please tell me someone recorded that!” Stiles said barely containing his laughter.

“Oh I did!” Isaac said happily still holding his phone up.

“NO! You dele- SCOTT!!” Liam said but once a again was cut off as the alpha pulled him into a strong hug pressing his cheek against Liam’s hair. “You already did this.” Liam grumbled but made no move to get away.

A deep rumble began to erupt from his chest as he pulled Liam even closer.

Liam’s own eyes went wide at the sound and his body instantly relaxed going nearly limp. Scott pulled away for a moment and cupped Liam’s face in his hands and pressed his forehead gently against Liam’s.

Liam felt his eyes close as he somehow relaxed even further, tuning out any other noises except for Scott. When he opened his eyes again they were bright yellow looking directly into bright red.

“ Mine? ” Scott asked, his voice shaking and echoing slightly. He said it tentatively, almost worried that Liam would refuse.

Liam didn’t speak, his own mine clouded with a thick fog. He pressed himself closer to Scott and nodded his head multiple times despite to get his point across. A smile broke out over the alphas face as his shoulders sank in relief. He then pressed a soft kiss to Liam’s temple, much a like a parent would to their child and began to get up.

Liam’s hand shot out and grabbed ahold of Scott’s arm, yellow eyes begging him not to go. Scott bent down agin and carefully pulled off Liam’s arm then ran his hand through the betas hair.

When Scott managed to get away he turned around and began to look around the room. His eyes frantically looked over at each persons face desperate to find the person he was looking for. He bit down on his bottom lip again and his hand went to his hair. He pulled on it slightly, his breathing starting to pick up.

“Oh Scott.” Melissa said beginning to move towards him but was stopped by Chris. “Chris he’s going to hurt himself!”

“Just wait a second, if you go over there you might overwhelm him more and make it worse.”

She didn’t like it, but she had a feeling he was right.

“Who’s he looking for?” Parish asked just as someone ran past him and threw themselves at into Scott’s arms.

“That answer your question?” Noah asked a little shocked.

Hayden clutched onto the back of Scott’s shirt, her claws digging into the fabric. Her legs wrapped around his middle trapping him in her hold. She pressed her head into the crook of his neck trembling.

Scott stumbled as the beta hit him at full force. He pulled her closer supporting the back of her head with his hand, and holding her back with his other. He kept his hold on her as he lowered them down onto the rug. When he tried to remove Hayden off of him and onto the nest she letted out a low growl.

Another two growls echoed from the kitchen and Chris pushed Melissa behind him and moved themselves further away from the two betas. Lydia and Stiles took a few steps back with Noah and Parish with them. Derek walked over and placed a hand on the back of Isaac and Melia’s neck.

“That’s enough.” He said trying to get them to calm down. “Scott’s fine.”

“You sure you’re fine?” Chris asked Derek. Derek turned to look at him and Melissa gestured to her eyes and then pointed to Derek.

“Your eyes are glowing just like theirs.” Braeden said from behind him not getting much closer.

Derek blinked a few times, he hadn’t even realized his eyes had changed. However the two betas didn’t stop, and Derek could feel Isaac getting more tense under his hand.

Scott glanced over at the ongoing noise. At Isaac and Melia’s growling Hayden hugged on tighter and her claws accidentally nicked his back drawing a few drops of blood. She letted out a few more growls and whines as Scott tried to gently pull her off him offering her some encouragement.

The scent of his blood reached the two in the kitchen and they both tried to pull themselves out of Derek’s grasp.

Liam letted out a worried whine at the sound and tried to get closer to Scott to check on him. But the other beta flinch back when Hayden snapped at him when she deemed him too close to Scott.

“This isn’t going to go well.” Mason said at the same time Stiles asked if Chris or Braedon could knock Isaac and Melia out.

A strong and steady growl flooded the room silencing the werewolves and humans alike. Red eyes were staring at the wolfs in the kitchen from where they sat on the floor. He was still holding Hayden but his attention was on his other betas.

His lips parted showing off his fangs in the low lit room.

He kept up the sound till Isaac, Melia and even Derek averted their eyes and looked towards the ground. When the growl faded off he didn’t look away till he saw their eyes fade back to their normal colors. Then did the alpha turn his attention back to the beta in his arms.

“How did he do that all without blinking?” Cory asked. Mason and Nolan could only shrug, though Mason looked on with awe.

After a few encouraging nudges from Scott Hayden finally letted go. Just like with Liam Scott gave her an old hoodie of his and moved the blankets and pillows around her to make her more comfortable. He then gently placed a kiss onto her temple just like he had done to Liam.

Only this time hadn’t needed to ask her the same question. She had already answered it when she jumped into his arms.

Scott then settled his eyes onto the three boys that had moved over to the couch after Scott had left to begin making the nest.

First he went to Nolan and when the boy gave him the okay he gently lifted him into his arms and carried him into the nest. He then wrapped a blanket around Nolan’s shoulders taking extra care around the boy’s injuries. Giving him comforting chuffs and whines as he went along.

Then he brought Mason in, and sat the boy right next to Liam. He wrapped Mason in a blanket also and rubbed his cheek over the boy’s hair causing him to laugh a few times at the oddness.

When it came to Cory Scott moved much slower. Making sure the boy could see every movement he made and didn’t touch him. The two looked at each other for awhile till Cory’s eyes went over too Mason who was being cuddled by his instinct high best friend. He then looked back to Scott.

Cory stuck out his hand and gave Scott a soft smile. Scott took it as gently and as careful as he could and began leading Cory to the nest. Instead of wrapping him up in a blanket Scott handed it to the boy. Which Cory thanked him for, then wrapped it around himself.

Scott then stood again and turned towards the kitchen. With slow steps he held out his hand towards his mother.

Chris’s grip tightened on her shoulder but letted go when she placed her hand on his. She placed her hand in her sons and he lead her down to the nest he had made. As she watched him she could still see her baby. Though it was obvious Scott had no control over what he was doing, he was still there.

He placed a thick blanket over her shoulders as if it was a cape and adjusted it to make sure she was warm. When he was close enough Melissa placed her hand on her son’s cheek and he stilled. Red wide eyes looked up at her, and she simply smiled cupping his other cheek in her other hand.

His face was slightly squished as she pulled him closer and planted a soft kiss on his forehead.

“ I’m so proud of you. ” She whispered. At her words the alpha practically melted and a low rumble started in his chest once again.

After a moment she letted go and a low whine came from Scott who chased her hands. “I’m not going anywhere baby.” She reassured him.

He looked up at her clearly not happy but got back to work making sure she was comfortable anyways. Before he left he too placed a small kiss on her forehead and made his way back to the kitchen.

Noah and Chris were next, they sat next to Melissa, one on each side. Scott wrapped them each in a blanket and took time making sure it was secure before adjusting the pillows around them. Unlike the others Scott didn’t pull them into a hug, instead he took their hand and rubbed his cheek against the back.

Noah seemed unsure as Scott did so, but Chris seemed shocked. When Scott stepped away to grab another member of the pack Melissa asked if Chris was okay.

“I just, I guess I don’t really know how to process it.” He said looking intently at the back of his hand.

“Process what?” Noah asked looking at the other man.

“Being park of a werewolf pack, being treated like this.” He shook his head while huffing a laugh, “if my younger self could see me now.”

Next came Lydia and Melia. Each one he lead into the nest along with the others and sat them down. He wrapped them each in a massive soft blanket then pulled them each into a strong hug rubbing his cheeks against their heads.

Lydia hugged him again once he pulled away. She wrapped her arms around him tightly pulling him back to her. He returned the embrace, holding on her like a life line, afraid she’ll disappear.

Once they parted both had tears in their eyes.

Melia on the other hand pulled him in for a deep kiss. If it wasn’t for Lydia pinching Melia in the side they might have stayed like that the rest of the night.

When Stiles joined the nest, a lot like Liam he was engulfed in a massive hug. Causing the other members of the pack to laugh as Stiles halfheartedly pushed against the werewolf. Which caused Scott to growl and hug his best friend tighter.

“Oh so you’re gentle and all sweet with everyone else! But when it comes to me you’re space heater with attachment issues!” He struggled to move for a moment but found himself stuck.

“Are you putting all your weight on me?!” He nearly shouted. “Because I hate to break this to you buddy, you weigh a ton!”

His only reply back was a satisfied sigh escaping Scott as he pushed his head into the crook of Stiles neck.

“I hate you. I actually might be rethinking this whole plan, let’s go back and do mine and tie you to a radiator.”

“Stop it Stiles.” Lydia said watching with a smile. “Be nice.”

“I am! He’s the one who’s causing a problem!”

“I pretty sure you’re the problem Stiles.” Isaac said from where he was watching, a small smile on his face.

The voice made Scott look up and pull himself off Stiles. He rearranged the pillows around him and pulled the blanket tighter. He looked at Stiles for a second longer, before Stiles waved away telling him to go finish what he was doing.

Scott then turned his attention back towards Isaac. He reached his hand out towards the beta, who took it without hesitation. However instead of leading him towards the nest he lead him out of the living room and into the bathroom.

“That’s different.” Parish said, “should we be worried?”

“I don’t think so.” Breadon said looking where the two werewolves had disappeared.

Just then they heard the shower turn on and a small scuffle go on in the bathroom.

“Maybe I’ll go check on em.” Derek said making his way out of the kitchen only to be stopped by Isaac.

“WHAT THE- SCOTT!.”

Then a splash was heard, and the pack didn’t know what to do. More splashes were heard and a massive thud shook the wall. Few growls were exchanged and someone shouted right before an even bigger splash was heard.

“If they flood my bathroom.” Melissa said looking at her husband. “Someone will need to call Deaton.”

“If they do I’ll take care of it.” Chris reassured her. “It’s not like Scott really knows what’s he’s doing, and it doesn’t sound like Isaac is happy with what’s goin on either.”

“What is going on?” Melia asked just as confused as the others.

“Sounds like when I give Prada a bath.” Lydia says. “She hates it, gets water all over the place.”

“Isn’t she the size of a volleyball?” Stiles asks.

Lydia sends him a glare. “She’s two inches taller actually, and it’s both impressive and a hassle.”

“Wait, does that mean Scott’s trying to give Isaac… a bath…?” Cory asks making the others pause.

“Oh my goodness.” Melissa berries her head in her hands. “My bathroom is destroyed.”

“If they come out of their naked leaving.” Noah states just as the bathroom door opens.

Scott comes out dragging Isaac behind him. Both are in different clothes but their hair is soaking wet, sticky to their foreheads. Scott looks very proud of himself, while Isaac seems embarrassed. If the red across his face is anything to go by.

As Scott pulls Isaac into the nest the beta refuses to look at anyone else. Instead glaring hard at the ground.

Scott wraps a blanket around Isaac’s shoulders and fixes the blankets and pillows around the beta. When finished Scott pulls away and tilts his head to the side before lifting Isaac’s head to look at him. When their eyes meet Scott makes a questioning sound in the back of his throat as his brows pinch together in worry.

Isaac sighs. “I’m not mad at you.” He says as his shoulders sag, “more annoyed and embarrassed than anything.”

Scott whines as if Isaac just stabbed him in the heart.

“Scott! No I’m-“. Scott pulled Isaac into a deep hug rubbing his head across Isaac’s.

“Scott!” Isaac tried again, his voice muffled in the alphas shoulder. Scott pulled Isaac even closer as he whimpered while tears fell from his eyes and down his cheeks.

“Isaac. How’d you break Scott!” Stiles asked crossing his arms.

“I didn’t!” Isaac exclaimed pulling his head over Scott’s shoulder to see the others and to talk without Scott’s shirt stopping him.

“Then why is he’s crying?”

Isaac could feel a fog trying to take over his mind, but he shook it off. Though his eyes began to glow anyways.

“W-why, he- Ah!” Isaac shook his head trying to clear his mind. “ This sucks, Scott can you please let go? I promise I’m not mad or upset at you.”

Finally the alpha released him but kept a strong hold on his shoulders.

“Sco-,” Isaac started then cleared his throat. “I’m NOT! Mad at you. A little annoyed because even in wolf hen mode you still think my cologne stinks! I don’t what your guys’s problem is with it.”

“That’s what that was about!” Stiles yelled barely able to keep himself from laughing.

“I mean, it really is an interesting type of cologne.” Melissa said smirking as Noah and Christ laughed.

“You did us all a favor Scott,” Melia said nodding her head seriously. “I don’t know how you handled having that thing, On you all day; it burned my nose just by you walking by!”

“Hey! I like it!” Isaac exclaimed trying to defend himself while the others couldn’t help but snicker.

Scott eventually pulled away after Isaac insisted once again that he wasn’t upset at him, not really.

The werewolf then moved on to Derek. He pulled the older beta into the nest and sat him down next to Christ. Just like before he pulled a blanket over the elders shoulders and adjusted the comforts around him. He grabbed Derek’s hand and pressed it hard against his cheek, just as he had done too Chris and Noah.

When he released his hand Derek then took Scott’s and returned the gesture. Instead of letting go and Scott moving on, when he released Scott’s hand the alpha moved closer and placed his forehead heavily against the others.

When they pulled away Derek’s eyes glowed back a cool blue. As Scott moved away Derek watched him go, his head moving slowly while his mind drifted off.

“Great, we lost Derek too.” Stiles said shaking his head while looking through channels on the Tv.

“What?” Derek asked still not fully present.

“You, sour wolf. Are right at the edge of entering happy wolf land.” He looked to Derek and made a circling motion with his hands around his eyes. “These my dear wolfy friend, are bluer than the ocean and are slowly getting as big as cat on a catnip high. You’re about to Join Scott, Liam, Hayden into sweet unknown bliss!”

“What?” Derek asked again barely comprehending what the human had said.

“Nothing Derek, just relax.” Braeden said next to him.

Derek blinked and rubbed his eyes with his palm before looking at who was by him again. He squinted his eyes at her not realizing that he was slowly leaning into her space.

She laughed before cupping his face. “I’ve never seen him so out of it.” Derek leaned heavily into it, his body relaxing, then he fell asleep, and landed across her lap completely unconscious.

“Is he okay?” Melissa asked shocked while struggling not to laugh.

“Is that normal?” Parish asked, now sitting next to Braeden leaning forward to see the werewolf.

“I don’t know.” Chris answered. Melissa gently tossed a pillow over too Braeden who lifted Derek’s head and gently lowered onto the pillow. In turn the werewolf gripped the pillow tightly, burying his face in it.

Lydia giggled while watching, leaning into Stiles as he muttered angrily at the Tv. “I don’t think he even noticed Scott bringing you and Parish in.” She commented.

“Not with the way he acted.” Noah said leaning into the back of the nest, “ dang, this is way more comfortable than I expected? ” he whispered to himself.

“How don’t you know?” Parish asked, adjusting the blanket around his shoulders. “Didn’t you guys study werewolves for, you know, generations?”

“We know the obvious, the things learned by paying attention. We didn’t exactly have a sit down with a werewolf pack and ask about this kind of stuff.” Chris explained. “While I knew somewhat about an alpha resting period , I don’t know what really goes on during one, and it’s not like an Argent has ever been apart of one before. We never really explored this side of werewolf interaction and instincts.”

“Yeah, just the killing part.” Stiles said off handily, “finally! Something interesting to watch!” He settled back into the soft cushioning behind him as he pushed play.

“Star Wars?” Cory questioned.

“Scott still hasn’t watched it, and now is the perfect opportunity for him too! No crazy motel, no crazy werejaguar and bone men just us and the Tv.” Stiles stated.

“He’s not even in here. He’s in the kitchen.” Nolan pointed out.

“He’ll be in here eventually.”

“Are you sure he’ll even remember it? I mean he’s not exactly himself at the moment.” Mason said.

Stiles eyes went wide for a second before tossing the remote away from him. “Every single time!” He shouted.

“Why are you yelling in my ear?” Lydia asked from where she laid against him.

“Because!” He began, tossing his hands in the air. “Every single time I try to get him to watch it, something gets in the way! At least I’ll have something good to watch!”

—————————————————————————-

He placed the food down in the middle of the den, he hoped it was enough for them. Did they need more? Should he get them more? He stepped away and watched anxiously, shifting his feet.

Mom grabbed some first then thanked him with a smile. Pride rushed through him again, he did good! He’s doing so good!

He’s taking care of his pack properly! Just like he’s supposed to!

He’s goes back into the food room and grabs as many drinks as he possibly can. They need to drink, he reminds himself. He walks back to his den and places the drinks next to the food.

Brother thanks him as he takes two of the bottles, he gives one two sister as she leaning against him. When she grabs it she smiles at brother then looks at him and thanks him too. He did good again!

He should get more! Should he get more? The pups need drinks, can they drink themselves? Should he help them? No, they can do it. But, he should still get more, there’s no need for them to get up.

He hurries back to the food room. What drinks? Different ones? There’s a lot, what would they want? What would his pups like?

He grabs the ones that smell the sweetest. Pups like sweet things.

He brings the other drinks back to the den with him. Did he grab too many? No, no such thing as too many, it’s just extra. He places them down and one of the human pups light up and grabs three of them while thanking him.

He was right! Pups do like sweet drinks! He knew it.

Human pup gives it too chimera pup and other human pup, makes sense. Other human pup is hurt, he shouldn’t be moving around. Chimera pup is still unsure of him, it’s his fault for why.

“Come-safe-stay-please?” an arm grabs his and he can feel what it wants. He looks and his heart melts.

HIS, his mind screams when he lays eyes on his first pup. They’re pulling at him, they want him to join the den. And , he wants too. He desperately wants to, but not yet.

Before he can reassure him a second arm pulls at him. “Safe-stay-come-please.” It begs, and Scott wants to cry. Both his pups want his attention!

He looks down at her and he nearly gives in. His mind screams at him, HIS. Yellow eyes, bright and oh so beautiful. His second pup joins and pulls at him, pulls at his heart and at the core of his instincts.

He can’t, no matter how much he wants to join his pack in the den. He needs to make sure it’s safe. That they’re safe. He’ll be back, he’ll come back and they can have all of his attention. They always have it.

He carefully pulls them off and sets them down next to his mother and the other guardians. He does his best to comfort them and reassure them that he’ll be back the whole time.

He forces himself to walk away, giving his pack a once over. Satisfied they were all safe, he left the den and began his patrol.

His body grew tense as he walked the halls. Every corner could hide a possible threat, every shadow could hold danger. He kept his steps silent, ears listening to every creek the old house could make.

Each window he checked over twice. Hands tracing the edge of the window, making sure there wasn’t one crack. He then moved on to the doors, unlocking them and then locking again.

Once satisfied he finally relaxed.

The house was safe, the den was safe, his pack was all here and safe. He did it! He’s doing it! He’s finally doing his job right and they’re all safe.

He begins to walk back towards the den when a scent outside reaches him. He stops dead in his tracks, his claws come out immediately.

Danger. He knows this danger.

He grows, low and loud enough that the danger on the side of the door can hear it. He’s warning them, if they go now they can live, if the come closer they won’t.

Steps inside come closer to him, they ask if it’s okay. If he’s okay.

His gaze stays on the door, he can’t afford to move. But he glances at them for a moment and it affirms who he thought it was. Love. She comes up right beside him, like she always is, he can feel the moment she catches the scent on the other side of the door.

Her eyes are glowing blue, beautiful and wonderfully blue. She says something to the danger, and they answer.

He doesn’t like her talking to it. But he doesn’t stop her, she’s dealt with danger before too, she knows him. All his pack does, but he and sister remembers the most.

A distant memory of dangers teeth in his side, of danger forcing themselves into his mind, of danger threatening his pup and family!

Danger gets closer and he pushes love behind him. His warning is no longer low, it loud and a threat. Love tries to move him away but he won’t move, she calls to the danger again, her voice is threatening of its own.

A guardian, his mother’s love comes also to the door. He talks to love and she tells him of the danger on the other side of the door. He then calls out to danger in a warning.

Scott lets him. Lets them continue to talk to the danger. If it gets any closer he’ll push them back into the den and take care of it himself. He’ll have to ask for their forgiveness for being harsh on them later, but he won’t let danger near them.

Danger then makes a move.

He can hear them put a foot on the steps leading too the porch.

He’s too close.

He’s. Too. Close!!

He pushes his love and his mother’s love into the den ignoring their calls.

He throws open the door and roars.

His eyes lock onto dangers for a second, they get wide when they meet his.

They then run, and he chases.

—————————————————————————

Scott comes back an hour later, covered in leaves and mud. His clothes are torn and his cheeks are covered in blood.

“Scott!” Melia comes to him first. She runs up to him as he’s closing the door and looks for any injuries. “Are you okay?” She asks carefully taking his face in her hands.

He softly smiles at her, leaning against her hands.

“Scott, please tell me you didn’t kill Peter. Not that I’d be mad, but you’d be extremely upset at yourself if you did. And I don’t think you’ll ever do this again if you ended killing someone.”

“ Sorry. ” Is what he says instead. Not looking at her, instead looking at the ground.

“Sorry that you killed him?” She asks. He shakes his head and pulls her into a hug.

“ You. ” He said softly before pulling her closer, “ sorry. ”

Melia sighs and pulls away taking his head in her hands again before he could think she was leaving. “No Scott, you didn’t hurt me. I promise.”

“ Chris. ” He said mournfully.

“No, you didn’t hurt him either. We’re both okay.” She reassures him once more before pulling him into a hug again.

She can smell the woods on him, her father, and fear, her father’s fear. It lingers on his clothes and skin like a heavy weight. They obviously fought, some of the blood on Scott is his. That knowledge makes her hold him tighter. Her father hurt Scott again.

A selfish part of her hopes he’s dead, or very, very hurt.

But for Scott’s sake, she hopes he’s not.

“Scott.” She asked again pulling away, she waits for him to look at her. “Did you kill Peter?” She hopes the answer is no. If he did she knows he’ll never forgive himself.

If he took a life while not in control of his own actions… all his fears of himself would come true. He’ll never trust himself again.

“ No…” he answers and her relief is immediate. “ Away. ” He adds on sounding upset.

“He got away?” She asks, and he nods. At least he’s alive she thinks. Scott won’t see it that way, they’ll have to come to that later. But for now…

“Come on you. About time you relax as well.” She drags him into the den and it doesn’t take much for her to convince him to sit down.

Liam and Hayden come to him the minute he’s on the ground and she knows he won’t get up. She grabs the blanket he gave her and moves next him. She wraps it around them and he wraps his arm around her.

It doesn’t take long for her to fall asleep with Star Wars playing in the background and soft conversations going on around her. But the best sound is the relaxed breathing of his chest and beating of Scott’s heart.

When Scott wakes, he releases a few things. One, Melia, and Hayden have both his arms trapped. Two, Liam is on top of his chest with the boys hair in his face. Three, he’s on the ground. And four, he’s starving.

“Sleep well?” A deep voice asks.

Scott looks over to find Derek leaning against the Tv stand with Braeden laying on his lap. He’s scrolling on phone and his hair is a mess. Looks like he was sleeping and woke up some time ago.

“Wh- what happened.” He asks, his voice is raw.

“A lot.” Derek replies with a fond smile. Scott simply nods. “You feeling better?” The older werewolf asks.

Scott has to think for a moment before answering. Liam shifts tries to pull himself closer to Scott, instinctively Scott’s pulls one of his hands free and placed on Liam’s back. Causing the beta to instantly relax.

Seeing him so content Scott smiles then looks back at Derek’s who’s still smiling but know also watching him. “Yeah,” he answers, “a lot better.”

“Good.” Derek says, before going back to his phone. “Now what pizza do you want? I’m pretty sure you haven’t eaten anything in a while.”

“Anything with meat.” Scott answers and Derek agrees.