#but... you know

As if on cue, Josh moves next to him. Not slow. Not heaving himself out of paralysis that should’ve lasted so much longer. He moves with a purpose. He moves as if he planned this. His fingers curl into Stiles’ shirt, and he drags him to his feet. Stiles hates it. He doesn’t feel his legs, his arms. He cannot move, and he dragged around like a sack of potatoes. Josh raises him high enough that his feet hardly reach the ground. “What—” Josh basically tosses him in Theo’s direction, and Stiles yelps. Panic raises in his chest. He cannot— he can’t stop the fall. He can’t—

Theo catches him with ease. His left arm wraps around his waist, his right hand stops the fall as he presses it against Stiles’ sternum. Theo chuckles, something Stiles feels more than he hears it. “What?” Theo turns Stiles around, right hand moving up to his throat. He taps a finger against the sensitive skin there. He does so once. Then twice. “Come on, Scott. I make sure my betas know how to use and control their powers. They don’t have to be afraid of it.” The hand around his throat vanishes. Theo brings his foot down, smashing the ground underneath them.

Scott stares at them.

“You’re going to leave here,” Theo says, this time bringing claws to Stiles’ throat, “thinking that you need to worry about me.”

Stiles swallows, unable to keep his heartbeat under control. He’s not panicked, not really. Theo had ample opportunity to hurt him. It’s the unpredictability that makes him nervous. That jerk could’ve at least told him that he has a plan. Stiles doesn’t know what comes next, doesn’t know what Theo’s going to do next — and Theo knows exactly how much Stiles hates to be in the dark. Then again, perhaps he should’ve expected it. Theo wasn’t exactly subtle last night by telling him that there’s something in the tunnels that could help them fight the beast. Stiles can’t believe he ran into this like a moron. Well, maybe Theo wanted that to happen. After all, Stiles is good at faking emotions, but even he isn’t perfect.

“But you’re wrong.” Theo’s fingers twitch around his throat, the only sign of anger that’s noticeable. “We’re actually back on the same side.” The chimeras move to stand behind their alpha. Stiles can feel their presence behind his back, and part of him wishes they would feel like a threat but they don’t. Stiles isn’t afraid of them. He’s worried about the unknown. “Because that thing…” Theo pauses, almost as if to consider his next words. “That’s what we need to worry about.” Then why don’t you sound worried, Theo? “Your pack and mine.” Theo tightens his grip around Stiles’ waist, pulling Stiles against him, pulling him closer; Stiles is more than aware of Theo’s belt buckle pressing into the small of his back. His legs would probably kill him because of the awkward position he is in... if only he were able to feel them.

Theo taps a finger against his hip. “We’re gonna go back to school and pretend like we’re normal teenagers, but at night, we’re going to be fighting for our lives.”

“What is it?” Stiles asks because he probably should at least try to be interested in this conversation.

Almost immediately, Theo’s voice softens. “It’s not a chimera.” If he’s any more obvious, Stiles could’ve just told Scott they’re hooking up since the stakeout, but the whole point is to keep their relationship under the radar until Beacon Hills isn’t in danger of being turned into rubble.

“But it’s just a kid underneath,” Scott says, drawing his brows together. “Someone like us.” What does it matter? If it’s going to kill all of them, it’s not going to make a difference if it is just a kid or a fucking monster without conscience.

Theo scoffs. “Not anymore. And I think, we’re done here.” But instead of letting go, Theo takes a step back, pulling Stiles with him. Without any word or command, the chimeras step forward and surround them. Tracy has her claws out, venom dripping to the ground. Stiles can only imagine what expression is currently on her face.

Scott draws his brows together. “Stiles…”

“Oh, Stiles stays with me. I thought that’s obvious.” Theo’s fingers twitch around his throat. This time in warning. His claws press against his skin. “It’s insurance, so you don’t do anything stupid.” Like what, exactly? It’s not like Scott has a lot of people left to do stupid stuff with.

Scott looks at him, lips parted and eyebrows raised. His expression is almost expectant.

Stiles swallows. He doesn’t really know what to say to sell this. Sure, he’s able to lie his ass off in front of werewolves, so technically, he can say whatever he wants to. If Theo told him about this, Stiles would have had time to think. “It’s okay,” Stiles says quietly, and Theo’s grip around his throat loosens a fraction. “Just go.”

“But—”

“Go.” Stiles doubts he’s convincing, but it seems to be enough for Scott because he takes a step back then turns around. A moment later, he’s running, footsteps echoing through the tunnels.

For a second, nobody moves. They all listen for the footsteps to quiet down a bit more. Then Corey moves and secures every pathway with mountain ash. Nobody talks until he is done with his work.

“Stop enjoying this so much, Theodore.”

Theo chuckles, pressing his mouth against the spot just behind Stiles’ ear. “I never thought that this would end up making you afraid of me.”

“How about next time you clue me in? Also, what was up with your claws at my throat?” And he’d really appreciate it if he stopped letting him hang here like a sack of moldy potatoes.

“Should I have used teeth? You don’t usually complain about that.”

Josh groans.

Stiles wishes he could elbow Theo in the ribs. “And kanima venom? Really?”

Tracy whips around, grinning so brightly Stiles wonders if her cheeks hurt. “That was my idea. I think it sold the whole thing.” Cackling, she ruffles Stiles’ hair and strides past them. The moment he can walk again, she’s going to regret her idea very much. There’s nothing worse than kanima venom.

“Okay,” Josh says, turning around to follow Tracy, “can we talk about what we’re having for dinner now?”

“A salad wouldn’t hurt you.”

“Hey!”

“Wait!” Corey rushes after them, “I thought we agreed on pizza?”

Theo huffs out a breath. “See that? You’re spoiling them.” He runs his mouth along Stiles’ jaw as far as he can reach then turns Stiles’ head to kiss the corner of his mouth.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Food sounds great.” Stiles grins.

Theo sighs and hooks an arm behind Stiles’ legs to hoist him into his arms. “You’re lucky I like you.”

“Well, that doesn’t change the fact that I’m paralyzed and starving.”

“Okay.” Theo sighs again, a lot more dramatic than it really needed to be, and starts following his pack. “I’ll tell Josh and Corey to pick up something to eat when they get your stuff.” A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, and he bends down to kiss the top of his head.