EPHEMERAL

“Scott, I have to. And I can’t bring you into this, because I’m going to kill her, and I don’t want you to ever see that side of me. Nor do I want to make you some kind of accomplice or force you into being a killer. She’s not going to stop until one of us is dead, and I’m not ready to die yet, or let her hurt anyone else I love.” Her eyes stayed stuck in his. “I can’t let her hurt you.”

His grip tightened a little more on her arm, he was still convinced that this was not the way. Both of them would wind up dead if they were not careful. Of course her mother was past reasoning but there had to be some kind of a way... Something.

“That’s not quite how I’d put it, but i guess that is a way to call it yes.” Stiles spoke before chuckling. “Oh and just in my defense. Let me tell you this, every wolf I’ve ever met, even my best friend, has tried to kill me at one point so, forgive me for not simply coming over to have tea with you. I know what you are, and part of who you are, but since you are not registered there was no way for me to be certain you were friendly, and frankly … I was not going to risk it. I do still value my life, even though some might not think so.”

A sigh left his lips as he sat up slowly, leaning forward as he watched the other closely. “But well, seeing as you spoke of tea, … why don’t we discuss it over a cup of tea?” He asked, getting up with a slight smile on his lips. “You do realise that key’s been in your reach all this time, do you? So unlock those cuffs and come along. I know a good place not far from here.”

In all honesty, the wolf had completely missed the key sat before him on the table - he wished he spotted it sooner for he could of walked around and tried to stretch and ease out the pains that irradiated throughout his muscles. With that, he scootched a little further forward in his chair and brushed his hand along the table. Fingertips grazed the metal and clamped themselves around it. 

“Just don’t make me angry.” Scott replied, attempting to release the first cuff on his wrist. “And trust me, you’ve been doing a terrible job so far.” That came out like a huff, after all he was still kicking himself that he had managed to scramble himself into this mess. Clink. One cuff free. At least with a free hand now, it made lighter work of the other shackles that kept him in place. 

“Wanna make it a coffee?” He suggested instead, tea was usually his go to choice - chamomile especially - but he was having the day from hell and needed something stronger. Not to mention the pounding headache that was still residing in the front of his skull. Clink. “And some clean clothes... Please?” As much as New York had seen it all, blood stained clothing didn’t typically go down too well. Plus the smell was still threatening to upturn his stomach before long. Clink. “Maybe a shower too...” 

He got to work on the last cuff around the ankle, inserting the key into the lock and turning it - quickly like the others it pinged open with one last... Clink. 

Limbs finally free, Scott immediately hopped from the chair and to his feet as quickly as he could. Blood now racing to the fast asleep muscles and bringing them back to life. A part of him really wanted to jump the other, make a break for it that way but he was in way too deep now for them to even keep him alive if he pushed his luck that much. 

@trueaxpha​;;

“don’t look at me like that. like i’m some broken toy.” theo was avoiding scott’s gaze, but he could feel the other’s eyes on him anyway. the chimera hadn’t wanted to be in that situation, had hoped scott would just stay away from him and let him die here. right where it had all started, in the dread doctors’ lair. 

he felt the mercury dripping from his nose again, and wiped it away. last night he’d barely slept, ended up coughing the mercury. his body was shutting down, and he could feel it, was barely strong enough to stand more than a minute. “you’ll be rid of me soon, no worries.” he’d wanted to keep this a secret, but liam had found out and then told scott, against theo’s will. wouldn’t it just have been so much easier if they had just found his body down here one day, and that’s it? or even better, completely forgotten that he existed and left his body to rot. 

His figure remained somewhat in the shadows, standing from afar and observing the scant amount of life draining away from the chimera’s body. He wanted to be sure, Theo was known for his chicanery and mind games - it could all be nothing but a ruse. That didn’t seem to be the case.  

It was true, Liam had been quick to find the alpha and report on Theo’s condition and now Scott had seen it for himself. 

It really was like nothing ever really got to him. It was admirable, but she stayed on the floor, just watching him get up. The cold hit her almost as soon as he moved away from her but she didn’t move, still just observing the alpha. Why was she so distracted by him all the time? After he mentioned her mother however, she pulled herself up from the floor, stretching a bit. Figuring out a plan to keep her mother from returning, ever again, was her top priority at the moment. 

“I’ll make sure nothing else happens. That’s not something you have to worry about.” She didn’t want to admit she was going to try to kill her mother, again, but that was essentially her plan. 

@trueaxpha​ / liked.

     “we’ve had a nice long run, but i think it’s time this relationship come to an end.”   he sounds completely serious, looks it too, but he’s not moving from the seat that he had dramatically plopped into half an hour ago.   “i can’t believe you still haven’t watched those movies, scott. i thought you loved me.”

SCOTT.

”Ah, come on. Surely, you’d like some company?” Katherine jutted out her bottom lip in a pout once more, hoping that would work this time. If it didn’t, then maybe she’d have to get a little bit more physical to persuade him. The vampire didn’t know what it was about Scott, she just knew that she didn’t want to let him out of her sight, that she wanted to sink her claws into him in every way possible. She did something bold next, pushing herself up to her tippy toes and keeping her hand pressed to the strap of his backpack while pressing a kiss to the corner of the Alpha’s lips. She purposely lingered against his warm skin for a few moments before finally retracting again, her heels hitting the ground once more as she did so. “I mean, you don’t really think I’m planning on just letting you head off, right? Unless it’s with me.”

“I’m really good, honestly - thank you for the absolutely charming offer but I’m good, enjoying my own company for once.” His words jutted out, again trying to deter the other off his case. That didn’t work though, did it? He felt his cheeks flush a crimson, eyes widening in response and muscles drawing tight. As lips moved away from the corner of his, breath got caught in his throat and caused him to fluster for a moment. Confusion, puzzlement, he met this woman all but 15 minutes ago and here she was planting a kiss on him. 

Still confused, his body took a couple of steps backwards - eyes blinking back to life. 

“I- I uh- I really have gotta go...”

Lydia was startled by the noise until she heard his voice. It was only Scott.

Lydia closed her eyes on the other side of the door. He was here. All she needed to do was take a deep breath and let him in. She loathed the feeling of uneasiness that had spread under her skin. She absolutely despised the feelings of dread that seemed to seem out of her brain, down into her spinal chord, and across every vein. She needed to breathe. 

It was only Scott.

With a quiet exhale, she composed herself before opening the door. She hated feeling like this– this paranoia. Usually she’d be fine being alone, but today having Scott over was something to be thankful for. It was difficult for her to determine what was a dream and what was real. She had been having reoccurring nightmares, lately. Was it just due to stress? Or was it something she should be paying more attention to. She needed to put on a brave face.

”Hey,” she said with a thin-lipped smile. “Please, come in.”

Every time she had her nightmare, she reminded herself of the other times she had encountered repetition. Writing ‘Someone Help Me’ on the chalkboard over and over again. Doodling the same tree. Reoccurring nightmares happened to most people, but Lydia wasn’t like other people. She couldn’t just wake up, smell the roses in her mother’s garden, and go shopping. She also had to be prepared for the worst; for signs of death. She had to scream.

Opening the door wider, she moved from the doorway so Scott had enough room to enter.

“Sorry to message you out of the blue,” she sighed, closing the door behind him.

“I just need to talk through this with someone.”

[@trueaxpha​]

The cause for concern was rising, her expression, the fear and confusion that irraded off her invaded Scotts nostrils and made his stomach pang. Whatever this was about, it couldn’t of been good. He slipped his body through the gap in the door and firmly pressed his back against the wooden door, pushing it closed once more with a satisfied click to ensure it was definitely closed and they were safe - more for Lydia’s saintity than his own.

“Hey, don’t apologise - it’s what I’m here for. Are you okay?” Scott knew it wasn’t the case, he could smell it on her - but he was simply concerned and the thought of anyone in his pack were suffering in any sort of way always made him feel guilty for not preventing it sooner. But he was here now and they could try and work it out together whatever the case may be. 

He couldn’t help but notice that the house was illuminated - every possible light on that he could see with the eye. Something people tended to do when they were spooked. 

Rogue wasn’t far behind, launching herself in the air right where the ground sheered away. She landed with a hard forward roll, taking the majority of the impact on her shoulder, wind slightly knocked out of her. “See, wasn’t bad,” she coughed, pushing her hair out of her face, ignoring the leaves now caught in her wavy hair. “Easy stuff.”

SCOTT.

Elena killed the engine the moment she pulled up at the hospital, helping Scott off the back of the bike and guiding him inside. She frantically searched for Melissa with her gaze, moving through the building and soon spotting the nurse. The second Melissa caught sight of the pair, her own expression became laced with concern for her son, eyes widening as she stared at them. “Oh, my god. What happened?” the woman questioned, looking Scott over thoroughly like the good mother and nurse that she was. “We were chased down by hunters. Scott got hurt protecting me. He’s a real hero, that son of yours.” Elena commented genuinely, a tender smile being flashed into the Alpha’s direction before her eyes fell back upon Melissa. Of course, Scott’s mother would be insane to disagree, though she wished that her son wouldn’t get hurt on such a frequent basis. Still, she knew that came with being an Alpha as well as a werewolf. Motioning over to a nearby door, the older female began to guide the two towards an examination room. “He really is. Come on, let’s go in here. I know you heal, but I’m still a mom who worries way too much about her son, so you’re not leaving until I’ve examined you.” Melissa was serious and Scott probably knew that. She only had one son and she wasn’t planning on losing him anytime soon. Elena followed suit, sitting herself down in a nearby chair while letting the nurse do her job. “I’m sorry. For what happened. I feel like it’s my fault.”

Scott let himself be lead around not wanting to put up much of a fight or an argument if he chose to try and hobble into the hospital emergency room himself. His side continued to howl in pain but he could feel his body begin to fight back - he just needed to sit, maybe find himself a drink. Give him an hour he should be right as rain. 

However the two women continued to flutter and faff around him, a part of it warmed his heart that they were so caring - the other half just wanted to lay down, close his weary eyes and rest. He’d be alright, he kept reassuring himself that. 

“No, no - it wasn’t your fault - it was an ambush. I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt.” He quickly interjected, trying to make sure she didn’t blame herself for any of it. He followed his mom and hopped himself up onto the bed in the middle of the room. 

SCOTT.

The moment he turned around and Malia’s eyes fell upon the person she’d bumped into, she stared just a little bit too long. It wasn’t often that people mesmerized her, but this was a whole different story and she couldn’t put her finger on it. Maybe it was because he seemed like such a genuine and gentle soul, maybe it was the way he spoke to her or maybe it was how he collected her book off the floor and held it out to her. Either way, Malia felt herself smiling softly and nodded her head at his question. “Sort of. I’m new and don’t really know my way around yet. I guess I missed the memo that said: Report here for a tour guide, huh?” she had no idea where any of these classrooms were and it made her feel like she was stuck in a maze, not knowing where the exit was. For the moment, her rebellious nature was kept at bay and pushed into the background, having no desire to be snippy. “I’m Malia, by the way.”

“Scott.” His reply was immediate, flashing a grin as the other retained her book once more. Hearing that it was her first day, he felt obliged to show her around the school and get her familiar with her new surroundings. It was daunting, new place, new school, new teachers, trying to make friends and keep grades up - school was mental. Especially when you had to change half way through. But, with that being said Scott had approximately 6 minutes and 32 seconds to get to his first class for the day and that wasn’t merely enough time to show Malia around the school in time. 

“I’m okay. There’s a few things still trying to heal, comes with the territory of Corinne knowing how to hurt me. I’m gonna be fine though, Scott, it’s okay.” She could see the concern just as clearly as she could smell it. 

“Are you okay? I mean, you can’t have been comfortable on the floor.” It never bothered her, but that came from years of being in a coyote den. Her hand touching his shoulder, she could feel the ache, which she wasn’t used to, she’d never been able to take someone’s pain before, so how could she take his? 

“I’m good, I’m good.” He shrugged it off, it wasn’t anything to be worried or concerned about. He’d slept in iller conditions. His muscles just ached from being stuck in the same position hours on end. Scott finally clambered to his feet, stretching through his legs and torso in an attempt to wake sleepy muscles. 

“I just hope we wont be receiving any more problems from your mom.”

It felt weird, them all growing up and leaving the nest. God knows she was happy to be back and able to see everyone again. Nevertheless, Lydia had thoroughly enjoyed her semester at MIT — her classes challenged her more than her schoolwork ever had. They were still simple though, and as such she’d been taking extra classes, working with professors on a one-on-one basis, learning more and thriving in the educational environment. It was refreshing to be back with all that new insight, to look about her home and remember all the times she had pretended to be stupid. How times had changed.

“I’m so glad!” She squealed, beaming up at him with a genuine grin. “Things have been really good for me too,” she admitted, “I’ve been enjoying my classes a lot. Have you seen anyone else since you got back?”

“Not yet. Pretty sure we’re the only too back so far.” Scott admitted. Many of their friends had to travel up and down the country, some of their time tables were different and they were all finishing at different times too. However, the closer it crept to christmas the soon they’d all be back together - though short it would be, everyone would savour the time spent together. Baring that in mind, Scott made a mental note about christmas presents he had yet to buy - he’d go shopping in the week. 

Make Your Muse!

I was tagged by: @foxburned