#I. STUDY ; MASON HEWITT | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

swearwolf-writes · 4 years ago

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Teen Wolf 2020

it’s 2020 and corona is a bitch :) the wolves might not be able to get sick but they still wear their masks bcs they could still be carriers so *clears throat* WEAR YOUR MASKS Y’ALL!! this is very much a no one dies/everybody lives au :)

[CROSSPOSTED ON: AO3]

Scott McCall - age 26

this cute nerd. he studied veterinary medicine which takes about 4 years so he graduated in 2017 and works as Deaton’s partner at the Beacon Hills Animal Clinic. he’s dating Isaac (bcs he came back from France with Argent, remember) and Kira (she came back from the Skinwalkers in 2019 and has a proper grasp on her powers). sorry scalia shippers but it’s not really my thing-

Stiles Stilinski - age 26

NERD. anywho- FBI dork became an agent in 2019 whoo and lives in DC with Lydia, Derek and Braeden. he’s dating Lydia and Derek and things are pretty chill - he yells at arseholes who refuse to wear their masks bcs ‘it’s uncomfortable :(’ like bite me karen no one cares

Derek Hale - age 32

grumpy sourwolf actually knows how to smile!! who knew- he lives in DC with Stiles, Lydia and Braeden most of the time but he and Braeden travel often to fight butthead hunters who need to mind their own business. he’s dating Stiles and he and Braeden are engaged - it’s cute and they’re being dorks about it. he likes to complain that they’d be married by now if it wasn’t for freakin covid

Lydia Martin - age 26

your local genius banshee~ 🥰 still awesome, still a harbinger of death - so yk, the usual. bcs she had extra credits she started as a junior studying maths and graduates in 2016!! 🎉🎉 she moved to DC after she got some money together while working as a tutor - the quartet splits rent (but usually it’s just Stiles and Lydia splitting it bcs the other two don’t technically have jobs and yk Derek is an unsub and Stiles is in the FBI which Lydia finds hilarious). she teaches adults in the local community college and helps supernatural folk on the dl - she runs a grief counselling service at the same place for people who’ve lost someone. she’s also trying to get a degree to become a high school maths teacher and it’s a lot but she’s got it handled.

Allison Argent - 24

accidentally brought back from the dead by the Dread Doctors. everyone could not stop crying bcs she’s back baby!! she died in 2011 age 17 and came back in 2012 so she wasn’t dead long thankfully - wanted to kill Theo bcs he messed with her pack even he did bring her back. she’s a chimera now lads- she needed a kidney transplant when she was young which was why she was kept away from the family business. she was a werewolf-werejaguar chimera like Hayden but stayed a chimera. Chris and Isaac stayed home and bcs she and Isaac never actually broke up, they kept dating - she found it funny that Isaac and Scott were dating at this point,, meanwhile they were panicking wildly :) she went back to school and said she wasn’t dead, just in the hospital for a really long time. she joined Liam’s year and again, wanted to very badly throw hands when she found out about Monroe- she’s the coolest, like she has claws and bow and arrows

Malia Tate - 26

our girl went to France as promised and hooked up with plenty of hot French people *le eyebrow wiggle* she found her beau there in France and it was not a love at first sight sort of thing - she wanted to punch them in the face,, in their very pretty face- she was basically doing her own thing when she smells them, another bloody werewolf and like don’t get me wrong, she’s fond of werewolves, but bloody hell do they cause trouble. and they smell her too and it’s like ‘eh-?’ bcs werecoyotes aren’t so common as werewolves. and they’re just there in a club in Bordeaux and they’re sniffed each other out and they kinda just pause like huh- bcs they were were not expecting to see someone that pretty- but that’s not the point of course- they pretend to leave together and as soon as they’re out of sight from humans, they start fighting in an alley, as you do. it ends up with the wolf tasting the wall bcs who the hell are you- once they figure out they’re both just there to party, things chill and they see more of each other, naturally, it’s all just a big coincidence and doesn’t mean anything. and then they’re dancing and it doesn’t mean anything. and then they’re sleeping together and it doesn’t mean anything. except it does. and they don’t know when it became normal to cuddle or wake up together or have breakfast together but it just was. and when the cute werewolf (who I still don’t have a name for-) plans on moving to the next place, she comes with. the pack are happy for her and they usually road trip from place to place so when the pack comes to visit in Prague? it’s fun to say the least

Kira Yukimura - age 25

she came back from the Skinwalkers in 2019 and she and Allison became good friends. she kept going with school from home and is dating Scott. her powers are strong and when she sneezes bcs yk pollen or wtv, there’s sparks and it’s hilarious and Scott finds it adorable. she doesn’t really know what she wants to do yet and that’s cool of her

Erica Reyes - age 25

they thought she was dead- think again bitch, she slowed her heart rate down so they couldn’t hear and everyone thought she was dead - when the alpha pack got rid of her body and Allison found it, she told her to tell the others to pretend she was dead bcs of the Alpha pack - they beat the Alpha pack but she and Boyd hid with Satomi’s pack while that went down and helped generally after. she kept going with school and bcs she dipped for a while, ended in Liam’s year and eventually became a nurse in 2017. she works with Melissa McCall and joins for family dinner a lot.

Isaac Lahey - age 25

went to France with Chris Argent but kept going with his studies at Chris’ insistence. was dating dating Scott before he had to leave with Chris but they didn’t actually break up,, it was more ‘i’ll miss you :(’. came back to Beacon Hills when Chris came to help with the deadpool business and stayed bcs of Allison and Scott 💞 his studies were mostly uninterrupted and he studied law, becoming a lawyer in 2020!! so at least one good thing came of this infernal year- he wants to specialise in family law.

Vernon Boyd III - age 26

yea no, Derek didn’t mercy kill him bcs he was fine :) de nile ain’t just a river lads he went into hiding with Satomi’s pack and came back when the Alpha pack was dealt with. went back to school and ended up in Liam’s year. he joined the air force when he was 18 and finished his rotc training stuff in 2018 and it’s pretty alright - he’s a pilot but was discharged in 2019 bcs someone started with him and bcs they were a superior, he couldn’t say shit. so now he likes to wear ‘fuck the army’ and ‘fuck the air force’ shirt. he has mad respect for the people out there but the people in charge? fuck em

Aiden Steiner - age 27

he lives bitches 😎 Ethan had a silver chain on so he plugged the wound with it - it counteracted the oni poison and the chain started melting into the would (he had mild silver poisoning but he was fine). school was normal and now he’s an engineer, living in Beacon Hills. he and Ethan left for London for a while bcs that town was crazy af. while Ethan was very happy there, he missed home so went back. he got an online ordination and learnt Japanese bcs why not

Ethan Steiner-Whittemore - age 27

got married!! whoo 🎉🎉 Aiden officiated (this is 2018 btw) and it was cute. the whole pack was there and the wedding was in London bcs as quaint as Beacon Hills is

‘i’m only planning on getting married once so this is gonna be awesome’ - Jackson Whittemore, 2017

he’s dramatic but yk Ethan was a blushing mess bcs ~life partners~ he’s soft y’all. he’s a primary school teacher in London and they’re part of the South London pack.

Jackson Steiner-Whittemore - age 25

also got married!! whoo 🎉🎉 ngl he’s lowkey a trophey husband/sugar hubby bcs he’s rich af - he does business with his dad but it’s not a big workload. he and Aiden want to adopt and yk being rich will hopefully help

Theo Raeken - age 25

ah yes, the absolute nightmare bi enby returns. (i hc him with he/they pronouns ✌🏽 as you do) so he successfully gained Scott’s trust and is part of the pack - yay! he and Allison have a sort of ‘you’re a bitch’ ‘no u’ *saves each others lives* relationship at this point - it took a while for Allison to warm up to him but he did save Liam’s butt several times so,, anywho, he’s still a werewolf-werecoyote chimera and he’s cool with it. he went to an online school and got his high school diploma - Liam then snuck him into the school and he signed the bookshelf bcs yea he didn’t graduate there but he did go there and now he’s graduated so yay. speaking of, he and Liam are dating, yea ik we been knew. they started dating in 2014 and Theo now works waiting tables at a local restaurants bcs he lives with Liam and his parents (you best bet that when they found out he was living in his car, they made him move in so he pays rent, not at their request but his). that was till 2017 and they moved out into an apartment together. Theo chips in on rent but it usually ends up being split 60:40 (Liam: Theo) so he cooks and cleans a lot,,, mainly bcs Liam can’t cook and does laundry like a maniac-

Liam Dunbar - age 24

this werepup is just as chaotic as always - he cannot be trusted with laundry bcs he doesn’t split colours from whites :) honestly it makes me wanna cry a lil bcs he can’t even fry eggs either- he has Theo to cook for him tho so that’s all good. he’s a history tutor for the high school students bcs he likes history and he knows the pain of high school- *shudder* he got an online Spanish and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) degree and is now teaching at Beacon Hills High but yk his first year teaching is all online bcs 2020-

Mason Hewitt - age 23

he’s Emissary to the pack when they don’t have Deaton *wipes tear* he’s all grown up- he went to UCLA and majored in biophysics and minored in LGBTQ studies (graduated 2017). he lived on campus (kept the bat next to his bed lmao) and videochatted with Liam almost everyday - he would visit almost every weekend even tho it’s a 6 and half drive but hey. he got an apartment near the uni where he and Corey lived after he graduated. they’ve been engaged since 2018 (it was actually the day after the Steiner-Whittemore wedding). he’s helping work on a new drug delivery system and they moved closer to Beacon Hills (Sacramento)

Corey Bryant - age 24

he also went UCLA, studying comparative literature and LGBTQ studies, and lived on campus (for 3 years before moving in with Mason in 2017) before graduating in 2018. they’re engaged and moved to Sacramento. he’s writing a novel that will thankfully have nothing to do with their confusing ass lives

Cora Hale - age 28

lesbian queen *bows* still part of her pack in Ecuador, South America - she’s got a lady lover who I call Rosa (affectionately nicknamed Rosalita). they met when she first got there age 12 (Rosa being 13 at the time). Rosa taught her Spanish and made her feel like part of the pack - after all the Alpha pack stuff, when she went back with Derek and Peter, she didn’t realise how much she’d missed them- how much she’d missed her. Derek asks if that’s her girlfriend and she’s like ‘wha- o.o’ and Rosa just goes ‘yup - nice to finally meet you guys’. she still visits DC to see Derek and Beacon Hills to see Erica and Isaac. even tho she lives in a different continent, Peter still looks out for her, sending anonymous donations in Talia’s name to the areas surrounding her pack’s territory

Brett Talbot - 24

*singsongs* ~he did not die~ the car swerved out of the way and the pack took him to Deaton who burnt the poison out of him (it was a long and painful process but he’s fine y’all). he’s the new lacrosse coach at Devenford Prep and he and Liam have a (mostly) friendly rivalry :) he’s a single pringle not bcs of lack of dates but just bcs he hasn’t found the one yet

Lorilee Rohr - age 22

also did not die :) she finished high school (2015) and went on to studying at UC Berkeley (art practice and theatre and performance studies, major and minor), graduating in 2018. she and Brett moved once he reached age 18. she makes and sells art from home

Nolan Holloway - age 25

after proving himself, same as Theo, he was eventually accepted into the pack. he and Gabe were dating and that’s that so he did mourn him for a long while. he works with hunters on the dl, trying to stop them hunting the supernaturals - he’s flipped 23 away from the dark side by 2020. he and Liam are friends which took a while but Nolan has his back (like there was that one time someone from the lacrosse team said they weren’t gonna ‘follow some mongrel’ so he reminded them that Liam was co-captain and if they didn’t wanna follow him, they could kindly fuck off :)) he’s a simp and has a raging crush on Brett like me too bruh

~the end~ for now

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midnight-thinkings · 4 years ago

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant, Alec (Teen Wolf) Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Relationship Study, Theo Raeken is Liam Dunbar's Anchor, Post-Canon, Homeless Theo Raeken, Helpless Liam Dunbar, Emotional Constipation, learning how to move on from a world of hurt, and fucking up in the process, Late Night Conversations, Heartbreak, Leaving Beacon Hills, and coming back again, Angst, Unhealthy Relationships Summary:

Liam asks, “Are you going to stay this time?”

A naive hope always lingers in this routine, in Liam’s foolish conviction that this time will be different. That this time, Theo’s truck will remain in the driveway, that the last vestiges of the chimera won’t be receding headlights and the rumbling of an engine.

It’s a sad disguise: Liam resting his chin in his free hand with a casual grin stretching onto his lips as he gazes at the dead-end boy lying atop his bedspread like he simply asked if Theo has any plans this weekend.

Theo doesn’t tear his gaze from the television, hollow as ever when he finally parts his lips to speak.

“Nah, I don’t think I will,” he shrugs.

Familiar routine like reading from an old script, pages yellowing with age.

“Okay,” Liam says, offering a jerky nod. That grin feels a little tighter on his face, too manufactured. “That’s fine.”

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probably-eating-poptarts · 5 years ago

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New Blood | Chapter 2

Tensions rise and plans are made

Universe: Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning

Pairing: Thomas Hewitt x OC

Word count: 1,980

| Chapter 1 |

A/N: This chapter was honestly so hard to write considering the fact that, like… nothing interesting happens 😂 But I felt it ended where it needed to end, and I have ideas already set for where I want this story to go, so stay tuned! (@tentacles-and-coffee, would you like sum tag? 👀)

Chapter song: Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival

✧༝┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉༝✧

That night was chaos at the Hewitt house.

“What the hell were you thinkin’, Ma? That bitch should be on Tommy’s choppin’ block, not off runnin’ your damn errands!”

“Now Charlie, you oughta know by now we can’t just kill off every single person that comes through; someone’s gonna catch on eventually–”

“It’s Hoyt, goddammit! Hoyt!”

A bony, long-fingered fist slammed into the worn butcher block table with enough force to topple one of the cloudy old mason jars spaced around at each place setting, and spittle flew from pooched, cracked lips. Luda Mae threw her hands up in exasperation before stomping into the kitchen, fed up with her son’s tantrums.

She returned a moment later, setting down a casserole dish fresh out of the stove. “That was a good girl, I just know it. She was just passin’ through and there wasn’t no reason at all to do away with her! Besides, her granddaddy is old John Elwood and you know he and his kin would come snoopin’ around if she up and disappeared!”

Hoyt spat carelessly onto the scuffed hardwood and curled his lip in a mockery of a smile. “You just jealous, Mama?” he wheedled. “Sad that you ain’t had no little bitch to gussy up, huh? Is that it?”

“That’s enough, now!” She snapped, her tone booking no room for further argument. “You won’t lay a single finger on that girl if I have anything to say about it, so just hush up and eat your supper.”

The old woman sat herself in her chair with a sense of finality, staring down her eldest child as if daring him to open his mouth again. Luda Mae had given her boy a lot of slack after his return from the war, and she loved him dearly despite the attitude he liked to give her these days, but at some point a mother just has to put her foot down.

The two locked eyes for several tense moments before Hoyt sucked sourly at his teeth and called over his shoulder, “C’mon in here, Tommy, and let’s eat.”

From the shadows of the hallway a looming shape moved; dim light from the dining room spilling over the burly, hulking form of the youngest Hewitt as he ducked under the doorway to enter the room. He had been patiently awaiting his adopted brother’s permission to join the rest of the family as always, but he found his thoughts distracted from his meal tonight with the topic of their discussion. Who was this girl, and why was Mama so taken up with her? Would she just end up like everyone else who found themselves on the receiving end of the infamous Hewitt hospitality?

He could tell that Mama was none at all happy with that prospect, and he found himself struggling with the uncomfortable possibility of having to choose between the wishes of his mother and the demands of his sibling. Cross as he could be sometimes, Charlie (Hoyt, Tommy reminded himself) had always been the one to give Thomas direction in his days following the collapse of the slaughterhouse; who to kill, who to detain, who to hobble for his… ‘personal enjoyment’.

But if his brother commanded him to kill this stranger, and then Mama told him not to… What would he do?

Shaking off the unanswerable conundrum for now, Thomas tucked into his meal with his usual gusto and decided he would just cross that bridge if or when he ever came to it. For now, supper was hot and the evening was still young yet…

“Thanks again, Bobby. I’ll tell Opa you said hello!”

Addie waved farewell to the bearded man and folded the small stack of paperwork he’d just finished filling out neatly as she made her way back towards her truck and now-empty trailer, hauling herself into the driver’s seat before cranking the engine and pulling out of the livestock pavilion.

Just a ways down the road - right where Luda Mae said it would be - a tiny little tea shop sat tucked away on the downtown strip between a record store and a newly refurbished post office. Addie had to drive almost half a mile more to find parking that accommodated the size of her rig, but she enjoyed the walk nonetheless as she made her way back past quaint storefronts and other folks out for a morning stroll.

The shop itself was cozy, if not slightly disorganized on the inside, but the rather eccentric older woman behind the desk knew exactly where everything was when Addie explained what she was after. When she finally left the store nearly a half hour later - the small silver bells above the door tinkling a merry goodbye over her head - she had two boxes of green tea and a little novelty tea strainer she’d been… somewhat coerced into buying all tucked away in a little paper bag under her arm.

From there it was just one quick stop by Luda Mae’s place, and then she’d be on her way home. The trek out always took much longer since she made extra stops at other farms to pick up livestock, but if she played her cards right, she’d probably make it back to Elwood Dairy by suppertime.

Someone at the pavilion had even managed to fix her radio, so with the windows cranked down and CCR blasting over the speakers, it was only just before noon when she found the little turnoff and rolled into the diner’s parking lot.

Roiling thunderclouds were gathering as Addie made her way across the asphalt towards the rickety front steps, and she paused for just a moment to study the looming darkness reaching out across the restless treetops in the distance.

“Looks like we’ll be in for a pretty nasty summer storm,” came Luda Mae’s voice from just behind the porch door. She pushed the screen open with her elbow and waved Addie inside, ushering her towards one of the antique tables where a porcelain teapot and mismatched teacups sat waiting.

The two women chatted amicably for a while as the tea Addie had acquired steeped; watching the broiling noon sun slowly and mercifully fade away beneath the creeping shadows of the oncoming storm cell.

“So do you stay with Old John up there at the dairy?” Luda inquired.

“Yes ma’am,” Addie replied, “Ever since I was a kid.”

“What about your folks? Do y’all all live on the property together?”

The younger girl pursed her lips and looked down into her cup, swirling the dark contents within.

“M’not really sure where my biological father is,” she finally confessed. “And my mom signed over custody to my grandparents when I was about six, so I’ve been with them almost my whole life. She comes around now and again, but we don’t really see her all that often.”

Her shoulders lifted and fell in a quick, nonchalant shrug. “Besides, growing up on the farm was really nice; and with Oma being sick lately, I came back from college to help out more.”

Luda Mae perked up. Sweet, well-spoken, and educated? “What were you schoolin’ for, then?”

“Well I finished my degree a couple years ago, actually.” The hint of pride in her tone was hard to hide. “I was really just taking extra courses during the fall before I left campus.”

Before she could elaborate the screen flew open with a sharp thwack, accompanied by a growling roll of thunder. Well-worn snakeskin boots thumped heavily against the dusty hardwood floor, announcing the arrival of the scowling sheriff Addie had seen briefly during her previous visit.

“Mama,” he nodded in greeting to the older woman, his sharp, beady gaze boring into Addie so coarsely that an instinctive shiver of apprehension tumbled down her spine.

“Hoyt! Come on in, honey; let me get you something to drink and introduce you to Miss Adeline Elwood, old John’s grandbaby.” As she spoke, Luda Mae tottered up from the table and pulled out a glass coke bottle from the old cooler by the register, popping the cap off on the attached bottle jack before passing it to her son.

The seemingly permanent frown he sported turned a fraction more sour, just for a moment, before breaking into a fractured grin - as if he had forgotten the art of smiling properly. “Pleasure’s all mine, ma’am.”

Both Hewitts joined Addie at the table, chair legs scraping as bodies settled into comfortable positions.

“So you mean to tell me ain’t nobody out here drivin’ that rig of yours?” Hoyt asked her with an air of haughty surprise. “We ain’t used to seein’ decent womenfolk around these parts all by themselves, y’know.”

Addie hid her clenched teeth behind a sociable smile. “Yep, it’s just me. Been hauling cattle by myself for a few years now since my Opa is staying home more often.”

The sheriff whistled low and reclined comfortably against the back of his chair. “Yeah, word spread fast when miz Rosie got sick. How’s she been holding up these days, hm?”

“About as well as can be expected,” Addie replied with a cock of her left shoulder. “We’re all just taking things one day at a time.”

He nodded sagely and took a swig of his drink, still watching her every move like a hawk zeroing in on an unsuspecting mouse.

“Now, you never got around to tellin’ me what you were upstate studying,” Luda Mae interjected with a gentle pat on the younger woman’s arm. “Such a bright young thing, aren’t ya dear?”

Clearing her throat, Addie fiddled with the excess of her ponytail before taking a brief sip of tea long since gone tepid. The wiry old coot was starting to make her rather tense. “I got my degree in animal science over at TAMU two years ago, and I’d been taking some agricultural classes right before I came back home to help around the farm.”

“Sciences, huh?” Hoyt sucked on the dip between his teeth. “Awful high aspirations for such, ah… lovely young lady such as yerself, dontcha think?”

Addie leveled him with a rather icy stare.

“Well that may be so, but since veterinary options tend to be rather limited around these parts, I figured I may as well learn how to do it myself.” She hit him then with her coyest, most femininely charming smile. “Sometimes a lady’s gotta help herself if there’s no man around to do it for her.”

With a sly wink to seal the deal, she pushed off from the table and tipped her head to both Hewitts in turn. “The tea was lovely Miss Mae, but I really ought to be headed on home, now.”

“Oh please, sweetheart, don’t go botherin’ with all that ‘Miss’ stuff.” The older woman began to gather their empty china. “Luda Mae will do just fine now.”

Nodding her understanding, Addie swapped final goodbyes and stepped back into the oppressive Texas heat, barely deterred by the flagging breeze pulling the surging storm cell ever closer.

“You drive careful now, y’hear?” Luda Mae called from beyond the screen. Hoyt stood at her shoulder - an ominous figure looming within his mother’s shadow - and he crooked his fingers at her in a little wave as he smiled that rusted out grin around the wad of tobacco always present within the rotting crease of his lips.

Ingrained southern manners had the young woman returning that broken-doll gesture with the barest tilt of her head in acknowledgment, and she clambered quickly into the confines of her truck cab where she felt a modicum of safety behind thick glass and sturdy American steel. She wasn’t going to outrun this beast of a downpour, but she was ready to get as much of a headstart as she could.

Things were looking to get nasty very quickly.

#the texas chainsaw massacre #TCM #Tommy Hewitt x OC #uh ohhh #that's what we call FORESHADOWING ppl #dun dun duuuuun #also i'm BACK #bay-BEE #Thomas Hewitt #New Blood #NB TCM

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just-jordie-things · 7 years ago

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The Boxer - Stiles Stilinski

word count: 4497 warnings: swearing, I think that’s it a/n: based on this song

[ i am leaving, i am leaving // but the fighter still remains ]

Pack meetings were officially deemed the worst, in Stiles’ book anyways. Not only did he always get talked over, and picked on, but his opinions were never taken seriously. His arguments and decisions had no effect on the rest of the pack, and it was pointless for him to even try anymore. But he was too stubborn to give up.

Currently everyone was using the empty Biology classroom as a place for an emergency meeting.

“This can’t be a serious threat” Malia scoffed disapprovingly. “A pack of omegas? First of all, that’s redundant, even I know that” Lydia shrugged a shoulder and hummed in agreement with the coyote.

“She’s right” She said. “We’ve handled an alpha pack, and that wasn’t even too difficult looking back. What’re a bunch of omegas gonna do?”

“Need I remind you of that one who went rogue and tried killing Liam on the lacrosse field?” Stiles asked, crossing his arms over his chest in an irritated way.

“And the way (y/n) took care of it” Lydia said with an amused chuckle. Then her eyes widened as an idea enlightened her. “Oh my God, (y/n), that’s the answer”

“No!” Stiles shot down immediately, but the gears in the banshees mind were already turning. “No no no no no. No. I forbid it-”

“Wait..” Scott cut off his friend. “Lydia’s onto something here…”

“No!” Stiles whined desperately begging them not to go to (y/n). Anyone but (y/n).

“I mean, if she can take down a werewolf, with no super strength, no claws no fangs…” Lydia began, looking around at everyone for any kind of sign that this was a good idea. Malia was already grinning, excited about the idea. “She could definitely do it again, backed up by us”

“No”

“Yeah” Scott said, nodding with a growing smile. “She’s right”

“No!”

“I agree” Malia grinned. “I’d love to kick ass with (y/n). She’s hands down the coolest person in this whole school”

“Hurtful” Stiles muttered. “But still no!”

“How about we vote?” Scott offered, but Stiles only rolled his eyes in response.

“Everyone else has already agreed, I’m the only one with any common sense around here!”

“All who votes we get (y/n) on our side for this?” Lydia called, raising her hand. Everyone else, besides Stiles, put a hand in the air. The boy grumbled and scowled at the banshee.

“Good luck trying” He snarked before grabbing his backpack and bolting out of the classroom. Like she would ever agree to anyways.

(y/n) (y/l/n) was a badass by nature. Meaning she was born into it, raised into it. Her family being a renowned league of hunters, she knew a thing or two on how to get a job done quickly and efficiently. She was the reason BHHS had started a boxing club, and she solely held every winning title, for the past three years. The whole senior class knew she was a force to be reckoned with, especially after she beat up her first (and only) boyfriend in front of the entire cafeteria sophomore year. No one had bothered her since.

But the McCall pack knew there was more to be known about her, behind the scenes. She wasn’t just good at hand to hand combat and kickboxing, she was especially crafty with an array of weapons, typically used to hunt supernatural creatures.

The first time she’d stepped in on an incident was early last year. She’d been on campus late that night, boxing practice and some light studying, but she hadn’t expected to see Scott McCall and his girlfriend fighting off a Berserker. But with a hasty decision she joined in, seeing as they were losing terribly. With the swiftness of a fox she unsheathed her ring dagger from her ankle holster and threw it straight into the beast’s skull. Her peers, Kira Yukimura, Malia Tate, and Scott McCall himself, were baffled, not having known of her second life.

“This,” She’d spoken with an intense seriousness as she retrieved her weapon, “-this is a one time thing. You keep this to yourselves” She had pointed the blade between the three of them, before sheathing it again and going home.

As soon as Scott had told Stiles of the altercation, he’d grown obsessively fascinated by the girl. She’d always kept to herself, especially after her… boyfriend incident. But he’d seen her as an intelligent girl, always assuming she was just a little shy. But this was a game changer.

He’d gone to school asking questions, having a whole list of interrogating phrases in hopes of hearing her story. But she wasn’t interested in answering his nosy questions, and didn’t care that he was trying to put together the puzzle that was her. And after promptly telling him to fuck off, and denying that she had anything to do with the ‘story’ he was making up, Stiles left her alone.

Clearly, she wanted nothing to do with the pack.

But she’d helped them again, in a way. When the Beast of Gevaudan had attacked innocent students in the library, she’d aided them, brought them to safety, hid Scott’s werewolf features from view, and not to mention, managed to figure out who it had been, Mason Hewitt.

Then she dropped out of their lives again, just like that. There in desperate situations, and back the next day pretending she didn’t know a thing about Scott and his friends.

Until a week ago. When Liam had been running laps on the lacrosse field, she’d been staying late as usual, training in the school’s weight room, where the punching bag was. As she was heading to the parking lot, she’d heard the familiar sounds of werewolf growls, and at the last minute jumped in to save Liam’s life.

And now, she was back to ignoring them. At this point trying to swear of the McCall pack for good. All they did was got themselves into trouble, and the vendettas beasts seemed to hold against them only put the people of Beacon Hills into more danger.

So, (y/n) kept to herself. Training during free periods and after school, getting her studies done at home, and keeping her earbuds in to avoid interaction. There was no way she’d get involved with a group as reckless as them.

“I think I’ve made progress” Kira said as she sat down at the lunch table next to Scott.

“Oh really?” Stiles asked disbelievingly. “And what do you think you’ve done?”

“I waved at (y/n) in the hall” The kitsune stated proudly. “And she nodded back at me” Stiles scoffed, rolling his eyes. Surely that didn’t count.

“I’m not sure that really....” Lydia trailed off with a wince, not wanting to admit that Kira’s moment didn’t exactly mean anything. “I did follow her on instagram today, liked her three most recent photos, and left a nice comment on her recent”

“That doesn’t mean anything” Malia groaned. “Who cares? That’s just regular teenage trashy stuff-”

“Easy” Lydia scolded as she frowned. “Did you do anything?”

“I asked her to help us kill bad people” The coyote shrugged simply. Everyone hung their heads and grumbled, except for Stiles who laughed bitterly.

“What did I say? She’s not just going to succumb to your pitiful attempts at making friends with her. Trust me, I tried, she didn’t give a shit” He took a bite of his food before continuing. “She can probably smell bullshit from a mile away anyways”

“He’s probably right” Scott sighed. “All I did was sit next to her in Bio, and as soon as she saw me she picked up her things and went to a different table. It was… uncomfortable” Stiles belted out a laugh again.

“You stand no chances. I’m sure Liam just stared at her before walking away?” Stiles looked to the younger beta for confirmation, but Liam just ducked his head and silently ate his food. “That’s what I thought” He said with a cocky attitude. “Now, should we discuss my idea?”

“Have you tried?” Lydia questioned, before Stiles could voice his plan.

“What?” He muttered.

“Have you tried talking to her?” She clarified. “That was the agreed upon plan, you know” The banshee spoke mischievously and Stiles knew she was already coming up with a scheme.

“Of course not” He said lowly. “I was the one saying all along she wouldn’t listen to you-”

“Well we don’t know that she won’t listen to you” Kira piped up, only earning narrowed eyes from the skeptical boy.

“Yes, we do, last time I spoke to her? Got the middle finger and an accompanying message. I don’t think she’d care for any further advancements on my part”

“Maybe,” Lydia shrugged. “But maybe you’d already gotten a crack at her, and one more and she’ll break, and help-”

“No” Stiles shook his head. “I’m not going to go pressure her to help us, we can do this on our own” He looked to Scott for backup, but the alpha winced.

“I mean… it’s worth a shot-”

“Scott!”

“She’s got great aim! What am I supposed to say?” Scott asked, raising his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry it’s just… these things are always easier with…”

“-an experienced hunter” Lydia offered when Scott couldn’t finish. Liam nodded his head in agreement.

“She did save my life…”

“And mine too” Scott said.

“Me too” Kira added softly.

“I hate you all” Stiles announced, though of course it wasn’t true. “I guarantee when I talk to her I’m going to get socked in the face and wind up with a broken nose” But the pack smiled, glad he’d decided to try.

“Thank you, Stiles” Scott said, but his friend shook his head as he finished his food.

“I haven’t even done anything yet”

Stiles was standing in the hall outside the gym, tightly gripping the straps of his backpack and rocking on his feet. He knew that was he was about to do was invasive, and that she wouldn’t take kindly to seeing him in her space. But this was the only time he could think to speak to her privately.

When he walked through the gymnasium on his way to the weight room, he practiced in his head exactly what he wanted to say.

He took a deep breath before opening the door, all of his nerves spreading through his chest and all over his body he felt he was on fire. Seeing (y/n) in the corner of the room, going to town on the swinging punching bag, heavy duty headphones preventing her from hearing him enter.

It was both relieving and anxiety inducing, seeing her.

“Uh, (y/n)?” He called, before hitting his own head out of stupidity. Of course she couldn’t hear him. So, he walked over closer, until he was in her peripheral vision, and waved his hand slightly to catch her attention.

(y/n), however, had felt the floor vibrate slightly when the door to the weight room door had shut behind Stiles. She knew she wasn’t alone, but she didn’t think it was Stiles Stilinski who’d come in.

She knew for a fact he wasn’t here to work out either.

Casting him a side glance, she looked him up and down before going back to her workout. Not giving him another ounce of attention. Most things go away if you ignore them hard enough.

Stiles wasn’t one of those things.

Waving his hand again, he called her name and stepped closer than before.

Now she spun in place, pulling the headphones to rest around her neck on her shoulders, taking a large step towards him threateningly.

“Why are you here, Stilinski?” She asked, eyes penetrating his soul as she analyzed his every move.

“Uh- I-” Every rehearsed line Stiles had come up with vanished, suddenly his life seemed at stake. “You wouldn’t kill me on school property, would you?” his words came out a nervous string, and (y/n) rolled her eyes, stepping away.

“Answer the question” She monotoned, hand reaching up to stop her punching bag from swinging. “Here to make a move like the rest of your friends?”

“Kind of-”

“Get lost”

“You aren’t even going to hear me out?” He asked defeatedly, brows furrowing as he frowned. (y/n) pursed her lips and shook her head.

“No” She stated simply.

“We need your help, (y/n)-”

“What don’t you understand by get lost?” She asked rhetorically, eyes widening and finger pointing towards the door. But Stiles still didn’t leave.

“Let me finish” His annoyance began to shown through as he gritted his teeth. “There’s a pack of omegas out there, that’s why Liam was attacked, and we need your help. You’ve been the key to a few problems now and we think that with you on our side on this that it can be offer before it’s even an issue”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” She said, feigning ignorance with ease. Lying was a key aspect to being a huntress. “I don’t need new friends, Stilinski, you can go now”

“Pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it go away” Stiles said, starting to really test (y/n’s) nerves. “Will you even consider it? Give us a chance?” She stared at him with narrowed eyes, lips parting slightly as a small smile formed. Her tongue darted out to wet them before speaking again.

“Like I said, Stilinski, I don’t know a damn thing you’re babbling about,” She whispered as if there were other people there to keep hidden from, but they had the whole weight room to themselves. “So, unless you’re about to start lifting weights, get. Lost. Got it?” Her voice was so soft as she spoke quietly, but somehow he felt threatened by her words again.

“I knew it. Of course you won’t acknowledge it at all. I told them” Stiles said, making (y/n) press her mouth into a straight line as her jaw set in irritation. “If they ask, tell them I tried, but you’re still a stuck up, lying, badass”

He shook his head as he walked out of the room, the door slamming behind him. Leaving (y/n) confused and angry, punching the bag out of pure frustration. How dare he come in here and try to pry her open like that, guilt her into helping his pack of animals. They could handle this on their own, they have before.

But his words stuck with her hauntingly.

The next day when (y/n) came to school, she practically crashed right into Lydia Martin, who was waiting for her to do just that. The banshee had a knack for predicting things after all.

“Oh, so sorry about that (y/n)” Lydia apologized, resting a gentle hand on the girl’s arm to show her sympathy.

“It’s fine” (y/n) muttered back quickly, already trying to walk away.

“So look, I was thinking,” Lydia continued, her hand on her arm firm and keeping her there with her. “If you could do my friends and I this one, simple, tiny favor?” Her eyes bore into (y/n’s), round and hopeful, trying to come across as pleading.

“I don’t think I owe you any favors” She shot back, yanking her arm away. “Never touch me again”

“Alright, fair, that was rude of me” Lydia apologized again, falling into step with the boxer as she tried to walk away. “Maybe this can be more of an… I owe you situation then?”

“I don’t think so” (y/n) said instantly. “Leave me alone, now” She added, sharply turning a corner to get away.

What was it with these people trying so hard to get her to crack? It wasn’t happening, they could threaten her with her life and she still wouldn’t help them.

After wandering back around the halls towards her class, she’d caught sight of a certain tall boy who’d interrogated her just the other day. And without hesitation she’d grabbed him by the wrist, spinning him around before pinning him against the lockers, arm across his collarbone as she snarled at him. Just her luck, everyone else had scattered, leaving them alone again.

“Get your friends to back the fuck off of me” She muttered up to him. “All of you, even the sweet one, need to leave me the hell alone”

Stiles, though winded from the sudden predicament (y/n) had put him in, managed to smirk down at her.

“Don’t think that’s gonna happen, sweetheart” He taunted, which only fueled her frustration. “See, they’ve come to the consensus that, without you, we’re dying. All of us, Lydia supposes”

“I already told you, I don’t know what you want from me-”

“Oh cut the shit, (y/n), you have no secrets left, we know you’re a hunter” Stiles spat out. “What’s the real reason you aren’t helping? Went back to your natural ways? Simply don’t give a shit about casualties?” She pressed her arm harder against his chest.

“Of course not” She practically growled out. “I don’t owe any of you anything, you don’t get to use me just because it’s convenient for you”

Stiles pushed her off now, catching her by surprise that he even could.

“We aren’t using you, (y/n)!” He hissed. “We’re on the same side here! You don’t want to get killed, and neither do we!”

“Yes you are! Just cause I have weapons and I know how to use them!” She snarked, an accusatory finger pointing up at him. “I’m not some prize to help win a war, I’m not going through that bullshit again. Now leave me alone”

She was going to head to class for certain this time, but was dragged back by Stiles. What was it with these people grabbing her?

“Don’t touch me” She uttered, pulling her arm out of his hold.

“We aren’t using you, (y/n)” He repeated, but kinder this time. “We need you, okay? There’s no way we’re getting through this one without your help. Yeah, you know how to do what you do, and you do it really fucking well, alright? We need that”

(y/n) didn’t say anything at first, just stared at him as she took in his words. She didn’t want to get caught up in another supernatural versus hunter war like she had earlier this year, but Stiles didn’t make it seem like that at all. And he was right, her life was at stake because of her interference with Liam and that stray omega the other night.

“Okay” She eventually hummed.

“Okay? As in okay you’ll do it?” He asked, suddenly ecstatic that he’d gotten her to cave.

“Meet me in the library after school. Tell me everything. I’ll decide then” She told him, before walking off.

She wondered if this was even worth it.

“I told you! I knew she’d cave to you!” Lydia exclaimed with happiness at the lunch table, making Stiles roll his eyes. “Didn’t I say? Didn’t I tell you he’d have the best of luck? And I thought I ruined all chances this morning”

“I’m surprised I didn’t” Stiles said. “Thought she was gonna beat me up or something” He shook his head as he recalled the way she had glared at him when he was pinned to the wall of lockers. “But she agreed to meet after school-”

“That’s great!” Kira chirped.

“-with just me” Stiles finished, causing everyone to share suspicious glances with one another. “I really think that we need to just ease her into the idea of helping if we want her to stick around-”

“This can’t possibly work” Malia cut in. “If she’s only going to talk to you then how the hell is she an ally to the rest of us?” She asked, but no one responded. “Am I wrong?”

“I’ll come with you” Scott decided. “It makes sense that I do, at least maybe she can get used to being around me too”

“I don’t know…” Stiles hesitated. “She’s seriously not good with new people, I’ not kidding I thought I was gonna die-”

“You’re dramatic” Lydia rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand. “Let Scott go, you guys can figure out a plan, and then we’ll figure out what to do from there”

Stiles looked to Scott unsurely, but the alpha seemed to agree that it wasn’t a bad idea.

“Fine” He muttered. “But if she backs out, it’s on you”

“What’s he doing here?” Was (y/n’s) immediate reaction when Stiles and Scott sat down across from her at a secluded table in the library. Stiles had turned and given Scott a smug look before answering her.

“He didn’t give me a choice” He sighed. “So, are you in or out?”

“Stiles,” Scott muttered, “It’s not a heist” (y/n) snorted at the comment, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back comfortably in her chair. If she was being honest, she quite liked the way they were desperate for her help.

“Just a reminder, that your life is at stake here too” Stiles said before she could back out right away. “They’re trying to track down hunters, they just don’t care if a few others get taken out along the way”

“Is that supposed to threaten me?” She asked, quirking a brow. “You think nothing’s tried to already?”

“Well… I guess but-”

“I think I can handle a few omegas” She stated confidently.

“Yeah? Well Liam couldn’t handle the one on his own. You think you’re good enough to?” Stiles snapped, earning a rough pat on the shoulder from Scott to get him to shut up. “What? I’m just saying, you think you’re top notch? Then take care of it yourself”

“Stiles,” Scott hissed, sure that he was about to drive away they’re only hope.

“Alright,” (y/n) shrugged with a grin on her lips. “I’m in”

“See, look what you- wait what?” Scott caught himself as he processed what she’d actually said. “You’re in?”

“Yeah” She nodded, packing up her things.

“Why?” Scott asked. “I mean, if you wanted to help why haven’t you?”

“Because you’re obviously desperate” She said simply. “You’ve all been stalking me for the past two days. And you,” She nodded to Stiles. “You’re an annoying prick, I’d like to see you try to fight a werewolf on your own” She laughed to herself at the idea while Stiles squinted in annoyance.

“Thank you” He uttered out, but she just smiled and winked with a click of her tongue before putting her backpack on to leave.

“I have training to get to” She stated. “Let me know when you’re in dire need of my help”

And with that, she’d taken off out of the library. Leaving Stiles annoyed and Scott relieved.

“She’s great” Scott said, getting his own things together to head home. “I can’t believe she said yes, this is great news”

“Yeah. She’s just wonderful” Stiles responded bitterly.

“Come on, even you have to see the opportunities here. An alliance? Maybe even friendship? Who knows, this is a whole new avenue and I just can’t believe she’s on our side-”

“Alright! I get it” Stiles mumbled the second half and grabbed his bag to leave. “I’ll call you later, I have homework” He grumbled.

Stiles knew that (y/n) (y/l/n) was perfection at it’s finest, he knew there was no way anyone could ever taint her image. But he also knew she was a cocky asshole that was about to use everything against him.

He knew that she knew that he owed her. And he didn’t like owing people. So, he planned to make it up to her before she could ask any insane favors.

Using his detective skills he found her insta handle -from Lydia- he stalked her for a while before coming up with some decent ideas on how to make it up to her.

The following morning he started his plan, by bringing her breakfast. (y/n) spent her morning time in the library, seeing as no one can really bother anybody there. But when Stiles showed up with a bag of a donut and a bagel, along with the same coffee she was certain she’d posted a picture of on her instagram, she was surprised, to say the least.

“What… is this?” She asked, hesitantly taking the items, hoping he wouldn’t sit at the table with her.

“Breakfast, duh” Stiles played dumb, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her.

“Oh… you’re sitting” She sighed quietly to herself.

“Most important meal of the day you know. Wasn’t sure if you liked bagels or donuts so picked one of each”

(y/n) nodded, peeking in the bag and if she was being honest, both sounded great right about now.

“Where’s yours then?” She asked, quirking a brow at his lack of a meal.

“Oh, I ate at home” Stiles said simply.

“As in you ate, went out, bought me breakfast, stalked me to find a coffee-”

“I did not!”

“-and then came into my space- again- to give me the breakfast you creepily bought for me?” Stiles looked like a deer caught in headlights. She stared at him impatiently for his response.

“I mean- I’m trying to be nice, we’re going to friends here on out so-”

“No” (y/n) shook her head. “We aren’t friends, Stiles. You think that you owe me, and you’re trying to make it up with food”

“What-”

“Stiles. You don’t have to do that” She spoke like it irritated her. “In fact, please just repay me by letting me have my peace and quiet back, please” She asked him this carefully, hoping he’d just take the hint and leave her alone unless she was needed. The boy sighed, standing up from his seat.

“Fine” He grumbled. “But my number is on the receipt in the bag. You’ll probably need it for werewolf stuff” She nodded, waiting for him to head off. He hesitated for a moment, but turned to leave.

As soon as she thought she was going to be alone to have this breakfast, he turned back around.

“But you know what- yeah I’m trying to pay off my debt, but you don’t have to shut everyone out of your life just because you’re trying to stay a badass. You can kick ass and still have friends. We do it all the time. So maybe learn to just suck it up, and make friends for the time being?”

She didn’t say anything, just stared at him in surprise with her hands wrapped around the plastic coffee cup.

“I’m tracing their steps tonight with Malia,” He informed her. “If you decide you want to come, you have the number”

And then he left.

She wasn’t exactly sure what that was all about, but enjoyed the breakfast nonetheless. It was kind of sweet after all.

part two coming soon :)

taglist: @the-crime-fighting-spider @socially-awkward-nerd @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone @lovelynerdytraveler @writings-and-stuff @jurassicpork @black-tights-black-heart @piper-x-lee @catcrown21 @anabundanceoftrash @dylxnob @barryallenplease for those whose tags won’t work, message me to figure out the issue

xoxo ~ jordie

#teen wolf #teen wolf imagine #teen wolf x reader #teen wolf scenario #teen wolf fanfiction #stiles stilinski #stiles Stilinski x reader #stiles Stilinski imagine #stiles Stilinski fanfiction #stiles Stilinski scenario #dylan #dylan o'brien #dylan o'brien fanfiction #dylan o'brien scenario #dylan o'brien imagine #Dylan o'brien x reader

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formerprincess · 6 years ago

Text

A tale written with fangs and claws || Chapter 53

Chapters: 53/? Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken, Corey Bryant/Mason Hewitt Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant, Nolan (Teen Wolf) Additional Tags: Alpha Liam Dunbar, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Dunbar Pack, Bisexual Liam Dunbar, Werewolf Theo Raeken, Alpha Theo Raeken, Canon-Typical Violence, Smut, Mates, Liam and Theo are mates, Top Theo Raeken, Bottom Theo Raeken, Top Liam, Bottom Liam Dunbar Series: Part 1 of Morning Dew Pack

Liam feels sad at their current situation and is in desperate need of some good news. And then a mysterious letter arrives...

_____________________________________________________________

Liam was having a headache. He had sat down at the dining table to get some reading done for his classes and he finished a large part but now his eyes were burning, too tired from the small font and the bright color of his highlighter. He groaned and rubbed his eyes. When a can of Coke was placed next to him, he jumped. “You look like you’re about to pass out. I’ve never seen you so pale,” Brett explained his action. “Drink.” Liam blinked against the dots dancing in front of his eyes from rubbing them too hard and opened the can to take a sip. “Just having a headache,” he murmured once he swallowed. “You’re all at sea, don’t even try to deny it. Sleeping on that couch is killing you.” Brett pulled a chair towards him and straddled it reversed. He braced his arms on the backrest and watched Liam. “The couch is not the problem. It’s just a bit much lately.” Liam was trying to take Mason’s words to heart and be more open about how he felt and such. “Don’t tell me. It fucking sucks. I’d love to be alone with Nolan for a little while so we can sort out if we are together or not but we just don’t have the opportunity when we’re home. We both don’t want to do it somewhere else, it’s a private matter.” "I feel you, Brett, I feel you.” Liam yawned and sipped his Coke. Brett narrowed his eyes. “You’re still looking pale as fuck. Theo kills me if you faint right now. Go and lay down.” “I am fine,” Liam affirmed. “Just tired. The Coke needs a few moments to work but it will help.” He drank another sip.

His phone beeped and he grabbed it to check the message he received. Lana had sent him a picture of Landon and Zack smiling brightly in the camera, arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders. Since the two boys met they had become best friends and were inseparable. It was great to see Landon having a great best friend by his side and be the happy child he should be. The young Alpha smiled and turned the phone to show Brett the picture. Brett smiled as well. He was just as glad his cousin and his aunt were happy and didn’t live in an oppressive pack anymore. "I’m happy I didn’t bring him back to Seattle. To think where a child would sleep currently, what a nightmare,” Liam muttered and placed his phone on the table again. “Everything happens for a reason. At the lake, he is happy at least. Although he keeps asking when we move again and he can come to visit me.” “You miss him, hm?” Brett put his chin on his arms and studied Liam. Liam hummed. “Yeah.”

He leaned his head against his chair and sipped his Coke again. His head still hurt. From the look Brett was giving him, he seemingly still looked as if he was about to pass out. “I’m fine,” he growled. Brett just scoffed. Theo came home at that moment, alongside Sadie and Maya, and Brett pointed at Liam. “Great timing, now you can make sure your boyfriend is not falling off his chair.” “Why would he fall off his chair?” Theo questioned and put his bag down. Maya glanced at Liam. “Jeez, you’re white as a wall, what’s up with you?” “I am fine!” Liam hated the scrutinizing looks from his Betas. “It’s just a headache. I already have something to drink.” He raised his can. Theo came over and gently grabbed Liam’s chin. “She’s right, you are pale. Sure it’s just a headache?” “Yeah. Why do you worry?” “Because you are the love of my life,” Theo replied and kissed Liam softly. It was a really sweet gesture and it gave Liam a kick to know they could have those little moments despite the chaos their life currently was. “I love you too,” he muttered against Theo’s lips. The older smiled. “I know,” he answered and nudged Liam’s nose with his.

****** The referee ended the game and Liam pulled off his helmet, let it dangle from his fingers. A curse fell from his lips and he huffed loudly. They had lost. Despite being positive and having faith in his team, the other team had been better and beat them fair and square. It sucked. “Chin, up, Liam! It was a good game,” Rod called over to his captain. Liam scoffed. “We were not good enough,” he stated heatedly. “No, hey, you did very well, the others were simply better today. Doesn’t mean you were not good.” “It’s just...” Liam ran a hand through his sweaty hair and looked at his lacrosse coach. “I really hoped we would have this one in the bag, you know? Something positive as a sign life’s on it’s way up again. But I guess karma just hates my ass or something.” “I can tell you are frustrated but don’t give up hope, okay? Good things happen to good people.” Rod gave him a friendly pat on the back. “At this point, I’m in the need for a miracle. But miracles only happen in Hollywood movies and internet stories. My life is neither a movie nor a fanfiction, so I can’t really hope on a miracle.” Liam made a face. “I wouldn’t say that. Good things happen to those who deserve it and I would testify you’re one of those people.” “Hm.” Liam stubbornly shook his head. He really could not believe this anymore. “That’s some Disney crap right there and I’m everything but a Disney Prince.” “I wouldn’t say that. You’re my Disney Prince.” Theo had appeared next to Liam. The young Alpha glared at him. “Stop making fun of me!” “I’m not making fun of you. Just trying to make you feel better.” He pulled Liam in a hug. “Sorry that you lost.” Liam grumbled but briefly hugged Theo back. It wasn’t his boyfriend’s fault that yet another thing failed. “I need to hit the showers. See you in a bit.”

He stepped back and made his way to the locker room. On his way, he slung his arms around Sadie’s and Caden’s shoulders. Both looked as done as Liam felt. “Losing sucks!” Sadie complained loudly. “Tell me about it.” Caden was just as frustrated and disappointed as the other two. “I was so confident we would win this time. I don’t know what happened.” “Fate hates me and I was on the field with you, that’s what happened,” Liam grumbled with a stormy look on his face. Sadie stopped walking and pushed her palm against his chest. “Okay, first of all, you are a great guy, I can’t see how anyone would hate you. Second of all, if fate hates anybody, it’s all of us because we all played.” Liam just gave her a tired look. “Leave it, Sads, I’m really not in the mood for another pep talk.” And he just dragged Caden in the locker room with him, Sadie’s indignant huff behind him ignored.

****** “Am I feeling sorry for myself?” Liam asked. He sat on the ground and leaned against the wall of Isaac’s apartment outside on the balcony. “Yeah,” Isaac agreed and took a sip from his beer. He sat next to Liam and had his legs stretched out in front of him. “But that is allowed. Your currently not the luckiest guy.” “I feel like I should do more, you know?” Liam sipped on his own beer. It was just slightly laced with wolfsbane, nearly not enough to get him drunk but it was more the sentiment. “To help my pack gain money and find a new home.” “What else do you want to do? Liam, you are doing everything you can. It is freaking hard to go on when you hit rock bottom, take it from someone who knows that more than well, and sometimes the only success you have is not giving up. You’re not giving up. That’s what matters.” “I’m still unemployed and my boyfriend works his ass off in a sleazy Diner.” Isaac sighed and pointed his bottle at Liam. “You know when things go south? When one of you starts turning tricks. Theo’s job is not good, we both agree on that one, but he’s also not seeling his ass. Neither are you or any of your Betas. And you’re all alive. As someone from Beacon Hills, that should put you in a positive mood.” “Oh, so the newest standard for how bad things are is prostitution? That’s constructive, Zac.” He sipped his beer again and ignored the look Isaac gave him. “Look, Liam, you asked if you feel sorry for yourself. Yes, you all do. It is actually important that you do. Because this is grief and grief has several stages. It’s not always caused by someone dying but by traumatic experiences. Only if you grief properly, you can heal. So, feel sorry for yourself, but then pick yourself up when time’s right and tackle life.” “I am drinking beer in the middle of the day. I’m not sure if this counts as picking myself up.” But it had been one of those days, one of the worst. He had lost an argument in class, had gotten in a discussion with one of his Professors, spilled coffee over himself, and had gotten yet another decline from a job he had applied to. Isaac had taken one look at Liam when the younger dragged himself back to the apartment and fell on the couch before he had offered the beer to Liam. “Hm, some days this is allowed.” Isaac drank again. He swallowed and was quiet for a while. “When I was in France, I felt lost. Not only because I had never been to France before but because of everything that happened. It was never real grief though, always simmering underneath. I thought that was how it would be. I wasn’t and I’m still not overly good with feelings so it kind of worked for me. And then one day it hit me. I woke up and I couldn’t go on. Getting out of bed was hard. How I managed it in the end, I had no idea. All I could think about was Allison, the remaining pack in Beacon Hills, how it would never be the same, how I would never see her again. It crashed over me like an avalanche and there was nothing I could do about it. I hit rock bottom. That night, I got so fucking drunk, I have no idea what happened. The last thing I know was that I grabbed my bottle of I think it was wolfsbane-vodka and staggered through the streets bawling my eyes out. Next morning I woke up in a park. I was reeking like a tavern, my clothes were dirty, and my head hurt, but despite all this, I felt better. Not because of the alcohol but because for one night, I let go and allowed myself to break down. It took a while longer after that but I continuously got better.”

Liam tilted his face towards the sun and closed his eyes. “Basically, your advice is to get wasted and cry my eyes out before sleeping in a park.” Isaac sighed deeply. “Seriously, comments like that make me see that you’re Theo’s boyfriend. Same cynicism.” “Well, his cynicism as you called it, is one of the things I felt drawn to.” Liam snickered. “That and his abs. And his ass. And his spirit. How great he was in fights. How he managed to get under my skin. Did I already mention his ass?” Liam sighed internally. Speaking of all the qualities his boyfriend possessed reminded him how long it was since Theo and he had been alone for a while. A shame. The twenty-year-old sighed and got to his feet. “I will go for a run now. And then I’ll take a shower, preferably a cold one. Mason and Maya declared themselves in charge for dinner tonight.” “As long as Theo doesn’t bring what he calls food from his workplace again, I’m fine with everything.” “It’s funny how everybody hates their food and they still make money with it.” Liam snickered when he slipped inside the apartment to change into workout clothes. He really hoped his run would help him feel a little bit better about himself.

Turned out, the run didn’t really help to lift Liam’s spirits but when he returned back to the apartment he found Theo sitting in one of the leather seats in the entrance hall. “Hey,” the older greeted when he spotted Liam. “Hey. What are you doing down here?” Liam asked curiously. Theo shrugged. “Needed to get out of the apartment for a while. Gotten a little crowded.” Oh, how Liam could understand that. “We really need a new place to stay.” “We do,” Theo agreed and held out a chocolate bar for Liam. “Here, got this for you.” “Why does everybody feel the need to give me food or drinks recently? Do I look like I need feeding?” “It’s with coconut. You like coconut and chocolate makes people happy. Is not much but maybe it helps you a little bit.” “Aw.” Liam doubted it would help but Theo had tried and therefore, Liam leaned down and kissed his mate. “I love you.” “I love you too. Are you going to the apartment?” “Yeah, I need a shower.” Liam avoided sniffing at himself, what he already smelled was enough. Theo got to his feet and slung his arm around Liam’s shoulders. “I’ll accompany you.” “If you’d rather stay down here, it’s fine, you know?” “No, I had a little break, that’s enough. I love the pack, is not like I want to avoid them.”

The couple stepped into an elevator and Theo pressed the button for Isaac's floor. His other arm stayed around Liam’s shoulders and his thumb stroked the naked skin on Liam’s shoulder. Liam dressed in a tank top helped him immensely with that. “I got another negative answer for a job,” Liam filled his mate in while they rode the elevator up. “They really don’t know what they’re missing. Their loss. You will find a job where people appreciate you and want to work with you. Meanwhile, we all appreciate you, Alpha.” “Thanks, T.” Liam pecked Theo’s cheek and wrapped his arms around the older man’s waist. “You know this means a lot to me, yeah? That you always support me and try to make me feel better.” “Well, doesn’t take a mindreader to see you’re not happy. Can’t blame you and I want to help you. What happened wasn’t your fault, Liam.” “I know that.” Liam squeezed Theo shortly then he let him go and pushed his hands in the pockets of his running shorts. “I’m just so fucking pissed. The hyenas destroyed our home and now they’re gone. If they had come to fight at least, I could have ripped them apart, but I was left with nothing. Fucking cowards.” “I’m pretty sure every single member of this pack, even Tim and Corey, are ready to rip those bastards apart. If they ever step foot in Seattle again, they’re history.” There laid the problem. The cowardy shifters had run away after they caused havoc with no intention to fight the pack. Liam didn’t think they would ever come back to Seattle.

They arrived at their floor and made their way to the apartment. Once they stepped in, both Alphas were happily greeted by most of their pack. “Hey, guys.” Liam waved at his Betas. “I need a shower. Mase, Maya, after that, I can help you with dinner.” “Na, we’re fine. Take a shower and just relax or do your homework or whatever it is you want to do. We got it covered,” Mason called after him while Liam grabbed his spare clothes and then disappeared in the bathroom. It was an actual miracle how so many people could live together and yet have such a clean bathroom. Then again, no matter how chaotic some of the pack members were, no one wanted a dirty bathroom so they all had an unspoken agreement to keep it clean. That and the kitchen, also that was more Liam’s rule than anything else. Theo found it highly amusing that Liam always kept the kitchen clean but was hopelessly chaotic when it came to everything else. Liam always defended himself in saying being chaotic wasn’t the same as being dirty. It was one of those talks where they both said the same thing but with different words and Theo got his amusement out of it by pretending he was not understanding what Liam was expressing. He was an asshole and Liam loved every part of him and would never let him go.

Liam stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower. He only used a little bit of the warm water and used mostly cold water. Somehow Liam liked cold showers, especially during the summer. Mason once had the misfortune to use the shower after Liam and had shrieked at the temperature of the water when he just turned it on. Corey had doubled over with laughter when his husband literally jumped out of the shower and yelled profanities in Liam’s direction. It had been funny but then again proved how used they all had gotten to the house. The Alpha couple had their own bathroom and Theo was used to Liam’s cold showers. Now that they all had to share one bathroom, problems were bound to arise. Even though Liam was quite proud of how his pack handled them and that there were not many fights involving the bathroom use.

Liam finished his shower lost in thoughts. He knew Isaac had no problem with them staying here but they could not live like that much longer. And maybe Nolan’s mom was right and they had to accept living together was not an option at the moment. Maybe they got lucky and could get dorm rooms in close vicinity.

He got dressed and then dried his hair with a towel before he exited the bathroom again and made his way into the kitchen. Most of the pack was gathered there and currently wrapped in a discussion. Isaac was currently speaking. “Of course, there will be insurance but since Mike brought the house with his parent’s money, the insurance money will go to his parents as well. We already covered that. I can’t think of any way you will get access to that money, especially since Mike’s bank account is still frozen by his parents.” “But can’t we like lie or something?” Corey inquired. Theo snorted. “I’m pretty sure that would be insurance fraud. Technically, Mike’s parents bought the house. It’s only fair in terms of law they get the insurance money.” “You care about law and Mike’s parents getting what’s fair?” Mason could not believe his ears. Theo shrugged. “I can scam people but insurance fraud is not my strength. Besides, what is this? Ocean’s Eleven? Are you already planning a heist?” Liam cut in before Mason could even start to delve into that fantasy. “We are not getting money by any criminal action. Also, not by prostitution.” His Betas stared at him dumbfounded. “When was prostitution ever on the table?” Maya asked hesitantly. “I mean,” Sadie played with the tips of her ponytail. “People surely would pay money for you, Liam, but when was this considered?” Theo flashed his eyes. “It wasn’t! That’s not even on the table! Like ever!” “Yeah, that’s what I said.” Liam gently reached out and ran his fingers over Theo’s hand.”Calm down.” “Sorry but my wolf goes crazy just even imagining somebody else touching my mate like that. No! Nope! Not going there!” He vehemently shook his head.

There was a knock on the door and Ever waved her hand to telekinetically open it. Caden strolled in, followed by Lori and Brett. All three were happily greeted by everyone else. Even though some of the Betas slept at Caden’s dorm room, it was nice to have everyone gather at Isaac’s apartment and be together for a few hours per day. Lori carried the mail she had gotten from the house and sorted through it while he stepped into the kitchen. “Most is just flyers and ads but there is one letter for you, Liam. Looks important.” She handed the cream-colored envelope over and Liam frowned. He didn’t expect any letters and he surely did not expect such expensive looking letters. There was a blue logo with silver writing on the left upper corner of the envelope. “Ebstein and McArvey? Sounds like lawyers. No idea who they are.” Mike looked up from his phone. “They are lawyers. High-profile ones. My parents’ company used to work with them.” Liam visibly paled at that and Theo gave him a sharp look. “What did you do that requires a lawyer?” He asked suspiciously. Liam shook his head. “I didn’t do anything!” He glanced at Mason. “What we did at the junkyard was legal, right?” “Of course it was,” Mason hurried to confirm. He paused, then he added: “Also, those guys won’t hire a lawyer, they would send somebody.” Corey sighed. “That was the most unsettling sentence you said in a long time.” He shook his head when Mason glared at him. “Way to go, baby, way to go.”

Liam meanwhile opened the letter with shaking hands. He had done nothing wrong, why would a lawyer write a letter to him? He had tried to be good so badly, had done his best to not turn into the Liam he once was, the one destroying things in his rage, and now such a letter. It scared the shit out of him and his heart beat furiously against his ribcage. What if he was getting sued? How was he supposed to handle this financially? Inside the envelope was a letter written on the same paper as the envelope itself and with the law firm’s logo right on top of the page. “Do you want one of us to read it?” Ever offered empathetically when she saw how bad Liam was shaking. Brett reached out and put a hand on Liam’s shoulder, gave it a squeeze. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just read it aloud.” Liam grimaced. He felt like he was going to throw up at any moment. He took a shaky breath and unfolded the letter completely. Then he began to read:

“Dear Mr. Dunbar,

we are contacting you on behalf of one of our clients. Our client tasked us with organizing a meeting between him and you in our office here in Washington D.C. to discuss some business matters. Please understand that for now, we will honor our client’s privacy and you can only contact us but be assured all correspondence will be forwarded to the client.

Accommodation and travel costs will be taken care of; if you confirm the meeting a train ticket and a booking confirmation for a hotel will be sent to you immediately.

Since this is a business meeting and you haven’t reached the age of twenty-one yet, we also invited your mother Ilona to the meeting. Her hotel and travel costs will also be taken care of.

To confirm the meeting, please send me an email with your phone number in case of any questions. For further questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Cordelia Apscort Personal Assistant George Ebstein [email protected]”

Then came the date when the meeting should take place, her phone number, and the address. Liam blinked. What? “That is a trap! I know a trap when I see one!” Sadie pointed at the letter. “Surely, those hyenas are behind that. They want to lure you in and then attack! It has to be a trap!” “Why does it have to?” Maya asked. “The law firm exists, it could also be legit. I don’t think those cowards would go such lengths to lure Liam out of town.” “Liam, do you know anybody who could work with this law firm?” Isaac questioned. Liam shrugged his shoulders. “I’m drawing a blank here. I also don’t know what business anyone could talk about with me. Theo’s majoring in business, not me. But it also doesn’t feel like a trap to me. I’m confused. That doesn’t make any sense.”

It sparked a vivid argument between the whole pack about the letter and what it could mean, if it was a scheme to hurt Liam, what he should do about it. “Can I say something?” Mike suddenly questioned. Liam glanced at him and gave a curt nod. “Those lawyers are great at what they do and they are expensive as hell. Their clients are rich, companies making millions per year, CEOS, stockbrokers, you get the idea. I don’t think those hyenas are rich enough to actually get these lawyers to set up a trap. Even if they had the money, I don’t think the law firm would put their reputation on the line like that. It doesn’t make sense to me.” “I hear what you’re saying and I concede it is logical but I also don’t know anybody rich enough to hire them. I just don’t. So either this is a trap or somebody is actually suing me for something.” Liam put his elbows on the counter and buried his face in his hands. “Maybe I’m going to jail.” “If you were going to jail the police would have shown up here. Also, there would have been a trial. You’re not going to jail.” Bless Theo and his logical mind.

Liam peeked between his fingers. Then he pushed himself up. “Where’s my phone?” “On the table.” Tim hurried over to the dining table and gathered the device before bringing it to Liam. “What are you doing?” “Calling my mom. They invited her too, after all,” Liam explained and dialed Ilona’s number. It took five rings and she picked up. “Liam, sweetie, I was about to call you.” “Is it because of the letter from those lawyers.” Liam was not even asking. He didn’t have to. “Yes. What is going on, baby?” “I have absolutely no idea. I got this letter today and it makes absolutely no sense to me. I hoped you could help me figure it out.” “Sorry, Liam, I’m afraid I can’t help you with this. They mention a business meeting but I have no idea what this could entail.” “Huh.” Liam worried his lower lip. So far, they knew absolutely nothing and it was hard making a decision. Sure, he was curious, but he had also paid for curiosity in the past and it had made him wary. “Only one way to find it out, I guess.” “You’re actually considering this?” Ilona and Theo asked at the same time. Theo was shocked, Ilona merely surprised. “Yeah, I mean, what else can I do? To find out what this is about, I have to travel to D.C. and attend the meeting.” Theo raised both shoulders. “Okay, I’m coming with you then.” “No, you’re staying here,” Liam stated. Instantly their mating bond tensed and Theo got a stormy look on his face. “The fuck I’m staying.” Liam ignored his boyfriend for now. “Mom, what do you think?” “I think given what you’re usually against it is risky. But I will also be the first person to support you and accompany you to a real business meeting. It could go both ways, but I will be there, baby.” “Great. I will call you later, okay? For now, I have to settle this because Dore looks seconds away from sending me to Eichen House. Love you.” He hung up and returned Theo’s stormy glare with a raised eyebrow of his own. “What?” “If you believe I’m letting you travel to D.C. alone, then yes, you belong to Eichen House.” Theo snapped. “I’m totally on Theo’s side this time,” Mason declared.

Liam pushed away from the counter and wandered into the living room area. He turned around again to face his pack. “It could be a trap aimed at making us split up. If one part of the pack comes with me, the hyenas could attack the other part staying here. You’re stronger if you all stay together.” “And if they attack you?” Nolan questioned. “I’m the Alpha, that is a risk I have to take.” He saw how absolutely not okay his friends were with this and hurried to explain his reasons. “Look, you are right, I could walk right into a trap and a potentially deadly fight. But it could also leave my pack in danger if we split. I’m the Alpha and maybe because of the Alpha spark, those thoughts pop into my head. I can’t shake them. Try to see things from my perspective, okay? How am I supposed to decide who comes with me? Do I take the strongest Betas and leave the others behind? This is not me rating you, you all have your strengths and weaknesses, but what am I supposed to do? Do I take Sadie and Mike, the strongest ones? Do I take Ever who can cast spells and make everything go up in flames or do I let her stay in Seattle for protection and defense? Do I take Theo, so if something happens this pack has no Alpha anymore? I’m aware you all are confident and can survive on your own, this is not what this is about. And then, of course, is always the possibility of this being really just a business meeting.I’m sure the lawyers will love me walking in there accompanied by a hunter carrying several weapons with him.” All his reasoning proved popular with his friends and they nodded hesitantly. “But can’t you at least call some from the lake? Not to accompany you but to be around when shit hist the fan? Backup? You and your mom all alone in D.C. make me anxious,” Theo pleaded. It was strange to see and hear him do so but Liam got it. Still, he wasn’t sure if he should. "I don’t want to put them in danger.” “I swear to god, Liam Emerson!” Theo threw his hands up in frustration. “Maybe you should talk about this later, when your emotions are not running so high and everything has settled a little bit,” Caden suddenly suggested. “And, this could always be something entirely normal. A business opportunity. Maybe a sponsor. Liam, didn’t you say yourself you needed a miracle?” “Miracles don’t happen in real life, Caden.” Liam scrunched his nose.

****** In the end, Liam had confirmed the meeting and traveled to D.C. on his own. He would meet Ilona at the hotel and they would spend a pleasant evening, grab a bite to eat and then talk some before they would have the meeting the other day. If he was honest, Liam was anxious. He still suspected to get sued but for the life of him could not recall something he did recently that was worthy of suing him for.

His farewell to his Betas had been kind of hard. It was strange to leave them, even for one night. Theo had hugged Liam especially tight and didn't let go for a while. “Please, come home to me,” he had whispered in his Alpha’s ear and Liam had hugged him tighter. They had kissed after that and then Liam had to go on the train. The whole ride he had spent running his fingers over the bracelet around his wrist or play with his pendant. He would return to Seattle tomorrow, it was plain ridiculous to act like that and yet Liam could not help himself. The last couple of weeks had been an emotional rollercoaster and their situation was still not getting better. And now he was on a way to a mysterious meeting. What happened to his normal werwolf college life from a year ago?

When he arrived at the hotel in D.C. Liam was surprised by how nice yet humble it looked. He had expected a luxurious hotel, given the law firm’s reputation, and he would have felt way out of place. But this one was a nice white building and the hotel colors were white and dark blue. Upon entering a friendly receptionist beamed at Liam and kindly asked for his name. While she searched on her computer, the young Alpha looked around. White marble floors and dark blue walls, a little seating area with grey armchairs and a round table. He liked it. “There you go, your room is 523 on the fifth floor. Just take the elevator and then to the right.” She handed him his key card and Liam smiled gratefully. “Thank you. Uhm, did my mother already check-in? Ilona Geyer?” She checked with her computer. “She did indeed. Her room is 516 on the same floor as yours. Enjoy your stay.” With a small nod and a wave, Liam grabbed his bag and then ventured for the elevator. He only wanted to put his bag in his room, shoot the pack a quick text and some pictures of the room, and then go visit his mother. He had missed her and needed to see her.

The elevator didn’t take long and soon enough Liam found himself in front of his room. It occurred to him how he spent more times in hotels in the last year than in any other year before. Huh, how about that? But there was not much he could do about it and the aspect of sleeping in a real bed again, excited him. Sure, not sleeping next to Theo would be awful but he would manage this for one night if it meant a real mattress and not a couch. “Oh, this is pretty,” escaped him when he unlocked the door and stepped in. Dark blue carpet and walls, highlighted with some white and stone gray. His way into the room led him past the little bathroom, completely kept in white and just with blue towels, and then right in front of the bed. Two chairs stood in front of the window, a highly polished desk, and the kingsize bed held the same colors as the company logo. Liam pulled out his phone and filmed a 360 of the room before he sent the video to his Betas alongside a small message. Soon enough his phone dinged with messages where his family gushed how pretty this room was. With a smile, Liam pocketed his phone again, grabbed his keycard and then made his way towards his mother’s room.

Ilona opened after the second knock. It took her one look at her son and her warm smiled turned sad. “Oh my baby, the last weeks have been hard for you, hm?” She could always see right through him and with his mother in front of him, Liam broke down. He stepped closer and hugged her while he burrowed his face against her shoulder and began to cry. He had been shaken so badly by almost getting killed, becoming homeless, and with his mother around he could finally let loose. Ilona embraced him after she tossed the door shut. Her hands ran over his back. “It’s okay, baby, I know how tiring always being strong can be. Let it all out. I’m here.” She held him and never wavered, gave her son the shoulder to cry on he needed. Yes, his pack had been there, but they all had to work through the trauma of their house exploding, so Liam had kept back. He was the Alpha, even if he promised Mason to be more open. More open and completely open were two different things.

It took a while until Liam calmed down and pulled away. He wiped his eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just, I now understand what you’ve been through after the divorce and what you did for me. I can never repay you that” “Liam.” She stroked his hair. “Never say sorry for crying and showing your feelings. It makes part of who you are, you don’t have to hide. And what I did back then was something I should have done years earlier. But I did it and I did what I had to do for my family, just like you did what you had to do for your family. You don’t have to repay me anything, just seeing the man you are today, is reward enough.” They settled in the chairs in front of the window. Liam inhaled and exhaled deeply. “It just feels like nothing is going my way right now. I can’t get a job and I don’t know why. Theo is helping me but he is also driving me crazy. The others have days when they are just hopeless because we have no money. I don’t know what to do.” “Are you and Theo fighting?” “No. We did that too but he is doing his best he can to make me feel better. He just has this job in this dirty Diner and it makes me cringe every time I think about it. We rarely talk about this topic cause when we do, we fight.” “You don’t want him working there?” “It’s in a bad neighborhood. He can heal faster but I don’t want to have him around drug deals and robberies.” “And you have told him that?” Ilona nodded. “He is stubborn. No matter what I say, he will continue working there.” Ilona smiled softly. “Maybe that is his way of taking care of you. He’s putting himself in danger so you don’t have to. It’s is debatable if this is a good way but maybe you can see it from his perspective?” Liam groaned. “I’d rather have him somewhere safe,” he sulked. Ilona reached over and patted his hand. “I know you two will find a compromise you both can love with and not fight about.” “Hm, maybe this business meeting turns out real and I get a good opportunity. Who knows?” “Still no idea what this could be about?” Ilona frowned. Liam shook his head. “Your father and I racked our brains but we could not come up with anything. “ “Guess we have to wait until tomorrow to know for sure. Hey, mom, if things go south tomorrow, just know I will get you out, okay? Nothing will happen to you.” His mother took Liam’s hand in hers. “I have no doubt in you wanting to protect me. But I need you to know I can take care of myself. It is my job to protect you.” “But I have the claws and the fangs,” Liam argued back. “And I am a mother protecting her son. You don’t know what we can do in those situations. Don’t test me, sweetie.” Liam chuckled. His mom was as crazy as him because she was absolutely sincere about what she was saying. He got that from her.

“Now, come on, let’s grab something to eat. I’m paying. You keep your money together so don’t even start arguing with your mother, Liam.”

****** The hotel bed was comfy but Liam could not fall asleep. He missed the warm body of his mate next to him, the way Theo’s arms wrapped around him, he missed Theo’heartbeat lulling him to sleep and he missed running his fingers through Theo’s hair. It simply wasn’t the same when the older was not around and now they were miles apart.

His phone chimed with an incoming text and Liam reached over to grab it. Theo had messaged him asking if he was still awake and just after Liam replied that yes, he was awake, his phone light up with an upcoming video chat. He accepted and Theo smiled at him. “Hey, baby.” “Hey.” Liam propped himself up on his pillow and waved softly. “Can’t sleep either?” “No, you’re missing.” Theo sat outside on the balcony, the apartment behind him dark. The other seemed to be already sleeping. “I miss you too.” Liam didn’t know how he could express how much he did. “Did you have a nice evening with your mom?” “Yeah, we found a great seafood restaurant, she paid. Would not even let me pay the dessert. Stubborn woman.” “Pot, kettle, you know?” Theo smirked. Then he suddenly turned solemn. “Hey, I know we had our difficulties lately. The situation isn’t easy by any means and I know you don’t like my workplace. I didn’t make things easier for you, even though I certainly tried to. Do you think we could mend that went you get back home? Maybe go on a date or just spend more time together without arguing? I really miss that with you.” Theo had perfectly summarized the feelings Liam had too and he smiled sadly. “I feel the same way. Yes, I’d love to implement date night again. It will be good for both of us. And Theo?” “Hm?” “I know you’re trying. I’m trying too.” His mate smiled lovingly at him. “I know you do. Lee, I cannot tell you enough how much I love you. You are wonderful and I will do everything I can to fight for us and make you smile again.” “I love you so much. Just stay with me and we will find a way to make it all work and be happy again. I just could never be happy without you.” The look Theo gave him was full of love and promise. They would make it work. “If someone can, then we, Lee.” “Yeah.” They just smiled at each other before Theo yawned. “Sorry.” “Nah, it’s okay. It’s late, you should go to sleep. I know you have an early shift tomorrow morning.” “You know my schedule better than I do.” “Yeah, because I need to know when to send the guardian angel watching over you.” “Aww.” Theo scrunched his nose. “Sap.” “Go to sleep, asshole.” Liam grinned and flipped the camera off. Theo blew him a kiss and Liam rolled his eyes but then blew a kiss on his own. “And now it’s getting corny and I’m saying bye now.” They probably hung up simultaneously and Liam put the phone on the nightstand before he snuggled in bed once more.

****** Liam was surprised that it was possible but his anxiety over this meeting had doubled in the morning and now increased tenfold. His mom and he had arrived at the office and the receptionist had led them into a conference room before she told them to wait. And now they sat here and waited for the inevitable. He was far too nervous to look around and take everything, too busy to play with his fingers and not vibrate out of his chair because he was shaking so hard. Ilona squeezed his leg in silent support and gave him a soft smile but that didn’t help.

And then the door opened and two men stepped in. One wore a tailored dark blue suit and held himself incredible straight, the other wore jeans and a sports jacket over a simple shirt. The one in the suit looked in his mid-fifties, the other man was a bit younger than Ilona. Both greeted Liam and his mother with a handshake. “Thank you so much for coming, Mr. Dunbar. Mrs. Geyer, thank you for also accepting the invite. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Chadwick Aurel, this is my lawyer Mr. Ebstein,” the younger man introduced himself and suit guy who nodded with a smile. “Nice to meet you. Uhm, could you call me Liam? Mr. Dunbar doesn’t sound like me at all.” Liam didn’t want to feel any more uncomfortable than he already was. “Sure, no problem. Liam, it is. Please, have a seat and let us talk. I am sure you’re curious about why you were invited here.” “Curious is an understatement,” Liam confessed when he sat down again. Chadwick laughed. “I guess we better get to the point then.”

He sat next to Liam and turned his chair so they were face to face. Mr. Ebstein had grabbed his briefcase and opened it to pull out a notepad and a pen. He gave Mr. Aurel a nod and then the man continued: “Liam, this is actually about your grandfather but since the man died it now comes to you. Do you know my company Aurel Tech?” Liam shook his head and Ilona did too. “Aurel Tech is a large company operating internationally, founded by my father decades ago. My father and your grandfather were friends in college, back then when my father just had this idea of his own company. He had the dream and he worked forward to it but he was missing the money to fulfill his dream. It was your grandfather who helped him out and lent him the missing amount. It wasn’t too much around this time but my father was a humble man and he appreciated every penny. He was so overwhelmed by your grandfather’s gesture he promised he would pay your grandfather back after he made his own money with his own company. Your grandfather was a remarkable man himself and he replied that he knew his friend would pay him back but should first and foremost focus on his success.” Chadwick smiled softly. “My father was also stubborn and when he owed someone something, he was serious about it. To make sure the debt was not forgotten, he marked your grandfather down with 3 percent shares of certain parts of this company.”

“This is all nice,” Ilona said softly, “But why is this important for Liam? His grandfather was an amazing man, yes, but why is this so important right now?” “The company grew over the years and gained more and more reputation and clients. We cover several fields in the technology world today which we are very proud of. My father retired and I took over ten years ago. The reason why we invited you here now is that in his will Liam’s grandfather made Liam sole heir to his belongings and his money. Our company recently accepted a merge from one of our branches and another company. The shares your grandfather held were also affected by it. That means the money from the fusion would originally belong to your grandfather but since he is dead and you’re the heir, it’s your money now.” “We talked to your grandfather’s lawyer and he confirmed with his passing, you inherited the hold on that 3 percent,” Mr. Ebstein chimed in. “It’s even written down in the documents that your grandfather and Mr. Aurel Sr. had made. It’s all perfectly legal.” “Hold up. I didn’t do anything and yet I get money because my grandfather was a nice man?” Liam summed it up and he still could not really believe it. The lawyer’s thin lip twitched in a smile. “That’s how the economy works.” “Okay.” Liam raised both eyebrows. He had never really liked economics in school. “How much are we talking about? Hundred dollars?” Mr. Aurel and Mr. Ebstein laughed wholeheartedly. “The amount we’re talking about is 7.2 million dollars.” Liam felt his mother grab his arm tightly. “How much??” Mother and son asked at the same time, completely shocked by this total. “No, no, that can’t be right. There has to be a mistake. Are you sure you didn’t forget a decimal place or something?” Liam could not believe it. “Young man, the company has the best accountants. No way is there a mistake,” Mr. Ebstein chortled. “Still, this can’t be right.” Liam shook his head. “You can’t give me millions of dollars.” Chadwick braced his arms on his knees and leaned forward. “Liam, I can understand this is a surprise but it’s just the money you deserve. My father had the highest opinion about your grandfather and I met him when I was younger. He talked about you, you know? Said how proud he was of you. What your grandfather did in college helped my father build a life, a fortune. He never got the chance to pay his friend back because your grandfather died years ago and my father last year but this is exactly what both would have wanted.” He smiled warmly. “We’ll give you time to talk about this with your mother. We invited you here, Mrs. Geyer, because Liam is not twenty-one yet. We would need your signature that he is allowed to accept the money.” “Sure, yeah.” Ilona nodded and gently rubbed Liam’s back while the lawyer and CEO left the room.

Liam hung his head and ran both hands down his face. “This is insane!” Ilona still tried to calm her son. “It is but, baby, aren’t you a little bit proud?” “Proud? Proud??” Liam jumped to his feet and stared at his mother like she had grown a second head. “Are you insane? I don’t deserve this money!” He began pacing back and forth on one side of the table. “I can’t have 7 million dollars in my bank account. I..No, just no! I don’t deserve to have this much money.” “Why not?” Ilona questioned and straightened a wrinkle in her dress. “I am a boy from a small town in California, I am a college student living in Seattle. How exactly am I fit for such an absurd amount of money?” Ilona stood up and walked over to her son. Liam was busy freaking out and pacing back and forth. He only had to stop when his mother put both hands on his biceps and gave him an open look. “Liam. You and your pack are homeless. You are homeless because some people decided they didn’t like their stand in the world and had to destroy your home. You had people trying to kill you, simply for who you are and your place in this world. You saw your friends dying and yes, they came back, but you saw what you saw. You had somebody hurt you when you were the most defenseless, a child. You’re saying you don’t deserve this money because you did not do manual labor every single day? It is right, you didn’t do manual labor but, baby, you worked for it. And if this is life’s way of paying you back, I cannot think of anybody more deserving than you.” Ilona’s voice was calm but firm.

Liam could still not be convinced. “Other people have it worse than me and they don’t get this kind of compensation.” “Other people don’t have Theo either.” “What does that have to do with anything?” “It is a perfect example. You cannot always compare what you have and what others don’t have. Other people don’t have Theo but that doesn’t stop you from being happy with him. If you would want everybody to have what you have, you would need to share Theo with everyone and I’m sure you won’t like that.” Liam shook his head. “But Theo is not 7.2 million dollars. What am I supposed to do with this money? How can you trust me to be responsible for it?” Ilona laughed and shook her head. “Another reason you deserve this money is that you’re so adamant you don’t deserve it. Sweetie, I raised you. I raised a humble, responsible young man. You’re not a little kid running loose in the candy store with 20 dollars to spare. I know you can have this money transferred to you and you would buy some things right now but even if I called you in a year, you would still have some of it saved. The same in two years. Three years. For your kids, if you ever want to have any.” “But don’t you think this is unreal? Things like this only happen in Hollywood movies.” Liam was skeptical. “This is probably just a dream and I will wake up and we go here and I will get sued.” “Liam Emerson, stop that! Those things sometimes happen in real life. There is this family that one the lottery thrice. The guy who held shares on Facebook and became rich overnight. The internet loves story like this and while a lot is fake, some people get insanely lucky. You deserve to be one of them and if your grandfather was here right now, he would tell you the same. He always said you’ll get everything he owns. This is his legacy, Liam. You said he was your guardian angel once and maybe your guardian angel saw how much you were struggling and sent you this. I certainly know nobody better for that money than you and I will be gladly put my signature on the line so you can claim it.”

She smiled and reached up to wipe Liam’s tears away. He had not noticed he had been crying and now he let out a watery laugh. “This is insane. I always said miracles don’t happen.” He glanced at the sky. “Grandpa, you really pulled a number here.” His mother had known exactly what to say to make Liam realize what he could do with the money. it was a lot and made his head spin but he was homeless and he and his pack needed money. Maybe this was a miracle. Ilona laughed and hugged her son, kissed his cheek. “He would be so proud of you. I certainly am. But, honey, listen, we don't have to tell anybody about this. I mean, your father will ask what this meeting was about, so will your pack, but it is your decision who knows.” He snickered. “You can tell dad, it’s okay. I will tell the pack, of course. This is huge, I cannot hide it. But nobody else. Certainly not my aunts and uncles.” “God no.” Ilona grimaced and shook her head. “Only the people you trust.”

They hugged again and the door opened. Chadwick peeked inside. “Have you come to a decision?” Liam moved away from his mother and nodded happily. “Yeah. I’ll accept the money.” “Wonderful.” Chadwick clapped his hands once. “We will contact your bank to inform them the transaction is correctly and soon you will find the money in your account. Mr. Ebstein’s assistant already got the papers next door, you just need to sign. Would you like a glass of champagne to celebrate? Just one, I know you’re not twenty-one yet.” “No champagne, thanks,” Liam declined. He was about to follow Chadwick when he suddenly got an idea. “How long will it take for the money to be transferred?” The CEO gave him an amused and somewhat curious look. “Is there already something you’re planning to buy?” “Yes.” Liam nodded. “There is something I need to buy immediately.” “We will try to get the money transferred as fast as possible but that shouldn’t be a problem.” “Okay, good. Thanks.” And for the first time in weeks, Liam could smile without much trouble.

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Liam's becoming self-aware, how about that? I have to admit, it was interesting to write the usual so optimistic Alpha puppy as hopeless and somber. It was certainly a change. The pack deserved some good news. That certainly was something, huh? I admit I am anxious about what you will say about this chapter. Took my sweet time with that because I had to find another job and all the stress blocked my creativity but today felt like a good day to finish the chapter. But I'm always anxious at uploading a chapter after a break. I hope you guys like it. Let me know what you think. Have a great day! ♥

#A tale written with fangs and claws #thiam #My writing #Morning Dew Pack series #alpha!liam

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