Author's note: hey guys im back sorry it took so long to update I can like NEVER STOP BEING SORRY IVE FELT SO BAD FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS BUT IT IS HERE! Teen wolf last night was amazing XD lol so not a long authors note because I have school but as always I hope you enjoy read and review the next chapter of in the end "pick your poison"

Where are you?" Derek stared absently at the text he'd sent to Scott ten minutes ago, the very

moment he and Stiles figured out this was Jackson's doing. Literally. He was in the middle of the street sending the text, nearly hitting a turkey but it wobbled its way out of the road just after Derek started to panic. Of course. Damn bird. He mentally racked his brain, trying to soothe the rising hysteria on Scott's current state. He answered his phone right away…most of the time, he scolded himself. Something simple could have happened. It could have died. Scott could have shut it off. Maybe he couldn't reach it, maybe Jackson took it from him. Besides, Stiles just called about five minutes ago saying it rang. It had to be on still. Ten minutes wasn't anything to worry too much about. Yet. And that was when he sent it the first time. He blinked and quickly hit the center button illuminating the screen of his sleek new iphone. The last time he'd forwarded it had been... he clicked the back button. Four minutes ago. He stared at the screen for a long moment before calling him. He put the phone to his ear listening as it rang one, two, three times… it didn't go to voicemail until six rings, he told himself just as Scott's voice, mumbling, filled his ear. He was ok. Oh god thank god he was ok. He ran his hands through his hair taking a deep breath to unleash a flurry of questions, where the heck was he-

"Give me my phone, I hate you, you know that?" Scott's laughter filled his ears, followed by his own voice, laughing with him.

"you got to get it, your callers are better entertained this way-" his voice was light and teasing cut off by more laughter a loud thump and more fumbling noises before it was Scott again.

"You're such an ass," Scott muttered under his breath and he heard himself chuckle, a soft kissing sound following short after, and another laugh from Scott, protesting he was trying to record a voicemail message. Derek listened intently as his vision clouded and his heart began to ache, his hand trembling.

"You're lucky I love you," Scott muttered halfheartedly, but he remembered the moment, Scott laying on top of him on the couch, their legs tangled loosely together, watching him with that amazing kid-on Christmas-morning smile he loved on his face. It always made him look so young, so happy and stress free. It was one of his favorite moments he got with him the ones he waited for. He always would crush him into a tight hug and kiss him somewhere, his nose or forehead or whatever was closest. He waited for the next part one, two, three… he smiled ruefully as he heard the soft rumbling sound come in right on time, closer to the speaker than it was supposed to be.

"ha, I told you you purr you can't deny you just purred like a little kitten, the people who call me are gonna hear it too when they call me, you did it right into the speaker!" he heard himself snort, picturing as Scott rolled his eyes at him, a smug smile on his face, like he just caught a robber in a bank heist singlehandedly.

"I didn't purr, especially not like a kitten" he insisted, a soft growl with different meaning this time and he smirked as playful bickering insued between them.

"Would it make you feel better if I said you sounded like a magnificent lion?"

"Actually yes, but I did not-"

" Ha, you just admitted to it-"

"I did not I said I liked it better than being compared to a kitten-"

"Nope I'm sticking by my story, I win,"

"You're delusional,"

"No, you are,"

"I rest my case,"

"Shut up Derek," there was a slight pause, before Scott spoke again.

"How do I explain there was a werewolf purring on my-" his voice was muffled along with the speaker, but he could still hear him loud and clear.

"You nitwit don't say that, people hear this message when they call you-"

"I am not a nitwit!"

"So it's perfectly normal for people to record voice messages of themselves talking to themselves about werewolves purring into their phone?"

"So they'll just think I'm a nut- you know what shut up Derek," he heard himself laugh quietly as Scott took his hand off the speaker.

"Umm, yeah…so my mom let me get a, uh, kitten, so that was you heard..not a werewolf obviously…" he listened as he heard himself mutter something under his breath before letting out a grunt of pain as Scott mocked punched in the shoulder and the phone fumbled again.

"so yea, well like I said only kidding obviously so I gotta go before Derek eats me…gets me I mean, like chases me or something…anyway yeah…bye!"

"You're such an idiot sometimes, you know that?" he heard himself laughing though and Scott laughter following shortly after a tickling match insued before the phone clicked off. He clenched the phone tighter, shutting his eyes for a moment, trying to hold back tears before the screech of a car's wheels brought him back to reality. An annoyed beep followed soon after and Derek growled low in his throat, exhaling slowly as he gingerly released his death grip on the phone. He turned it over, running a finger over the four claw shaped indents on the back. He sighed softly, and rubbed his face. Yep, Jackson definitely grabbed it from him, the little shit. Where in the world had Jackson taken him? He still knew how to find him, a fool proof way. Scent. He was gonna kill that little brat. No matter how much Scott protested. He was gonna kill him, and he'd better pray Derek didn't find him. The boy was an idiot if he thought he would get away with this. His eyes flashed crimson but changed back abruptly as another car came screeching past him, and he hit the brakes hard, narrowly missing the other driver, who unceremoniously flipped him off as it went by. He glanced around, realizing he sat in the middle of an intersection, and carefully turned the car down Scott's road. He let his breath out slowly and sighed again. The anxiety was definitely getting to him. He needed to relax. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, remembering how Laura had dealt with the fire, how she managed to cope and remain strong. Calm, focused… and accepting. He screwed up. He screwed up big time and now Scott was in danger. He felt his claws digging into the steering wheel but he willed them to retract. He lifted a hand to his face opening his eyes, now a normal greenish gray again he noticed as he glanced into the front mirror. He raised an eyebrow, slightly smug and surprised he managed to stay on the road and not end up on someone's front lawn. He sighed again and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel glancing back at his phone for a long moment, which remained silent. He shook his head slightly and looked back to the road as he began to get back to the speed limit. Now he had to accept the inevitable. It was only way to keep him safe. He sighed and ran his hands through his hair, his eyes tearing up again as his heart began to pound like it might explode. But for now, he needed to focus and find Scott. Later he would worry about the next step. He had to keep Scott safe…no matter what the cost, or how much it hurt them both. He couldn't lose him too. He had to stay strong. Laura would. He took a deep breath feeling the tears he'd been holding back silently slipping down before wiping his eyes to focus at the task at hand. Think calming thoughts, he told himself, letting his mind wander to a moment when Scott was half asleep after their short catnap in the woods…

A high pitched sound beeped merrily into the silence and Derek growled loudly in annoyance, reaching into Scott's sweatshirt pocket and pulling out his phone, waking him. Scott let out a soft groan as he propped himself up on his elbows, rubbing his eyes. He glanced at Derek, whose eyes were narrowed, glaring at his phone's screen, his mouth in a tight line. He twisted his neck to peer at the name displayed and rolled his eyes. Stiles. Of course it was stiles. What he did to him the other day could be considered, cruel, if you were soft, but pretty hilarious on the other end of the spectrum. Poor stiles was probably running around like a beheaded chicken trying to find out what was going on with his apparently girl and guy loving werewolf best friend. He'd be confused and freaked out a bit too, especially of it was Derek, before they started getting along (and more). So he could sympathize. A little. But not today. Today he didn't really care 'cause, well, it was Valentine's Day and it was supposed to be about him and Derek. So he could understand why Derek was glaring angrily at the phone in his hand, royally pissed by the fact stiles dared to interrupt their day. Possessive much. He laughed softly, trying to picture how this might have gone if stiles were here in person. Derek clearly did not know stiles, because if he did he would know that stiles clearly did not understand the concept of "alone time". He did however think it might have been taken a little too far as his phone squeaked in protest at Derek's death grip. He stretched his arm out towards Derek's hand, worming up his chest, and Derek laughed softly, nuzzling his neck affectionately, his other arm wrapping around his waist, effectively halting Scott in his tracks and Scott huffed.

"You do know killing my phone won't kill stiles, right? Only my phone, and I really don't want to have to buy a new one." Derek tilted his head back to look at him, a smile curling up on his lips, his nose brushing Scott's and he gently kissed the tip of it before pulling Scott's head back to his chest, running his fingers through his hair.

"I'll buy you a new one," Derek murmured softly, and Scott rolled his eyes, stretching his arm out again and Derek smirked, lightly tossing the phone behind him and Scott punched him lightly.

"Give me my phone," he whined, his voice muffled against Derek's shirt, and Derek smiled, running a finger down the back of his neck before trailing it back to the edge of his hairline, giving him goosebumps and he laughed quietly.

"Get up and get it, lazy," Derek muttered softly and Scott punched him again, eliciting another laugh from Derek.

"I am lazy. You woke me up," he retorted and Derek kissed the top of his head.

"No Stiles woke you up, not me," he told him, and Scott huffed against his chest.

"Just go get it."

"No." Scott propped himself up on his elbows to glare at him for a moment, before getting up and walking over to the spot it had fallen, muttering under his breath. He came back to Derek, deliberately sitting on his stomach and flipping out the keypad before Derek snatched it again turning it off and nonchalantly placing it in his pocket as Scott groaned in frustration.

"What the hell?!" Scott demanded, rolling over onto his stomach to glare at him and Derek just rolled his eyes.

"No texting Stiles right now," Derek told him and Scott rolled his eyes.

"Possessive," he muttered under his breath, and Derek smirked for a moment before flipping them over suddenly, pinning Scott's wrists to his sides.

"Let me up," Scott whined halfheartedly, laughing despite himself as he tried to squirm out of his hold, to no avail. Derek just watched him, an amused grin on his lips and casually rested his head on Scott's chest, still grinning at him and Scott rolled his eyes again. He grunted as he strained against Derek's grip but gave up after a minute and settled for having a glare-off with Derek. Derek was trying not to laugh of course and sat up slightly to kiss the tip of his nose, a smile breaking out across Scott's face.

"Come on at least let me turn your phone off then if you're gonna shut off mine," Derek shook his head and scott rolled his eyes for a third time, and Derek raised a bushy eyebrow.

"Your eyes will get stuck like that if you do that too much," he murmured softly and Scott snorted in protest making Derek glance down with an amused grin and kiss the tip of his nose, lingering, his eyes closed peacefully as a soft purring sound began to vibrate against his nose.

"Come on it's only fair. My phones off, now turn off yours," he whined and Derek's eyes opened his greenish gray eyes only centimeters from his own brown ones, watching him curiously, or maybe it was suspicion at the lack of purring comments.

"Please?" Scott whispered softly tilting his head back a bit so their foreheads touched before Derek sighed, pulling out his phone and holding down the power button. He grinned and Derek rolled his own eyes at him.

"Happy now?" Derek muttered, and Scott nodded his head eagerly, swinging his arms around Derek's neck and pulling his head down against his, and Derek sighed again but he felt a smiled curled against his cheek as Derek placed a soft kiss there.

"You're lucky I love you to death," he told him halfheartedly and Scott just grinned wider.

"Yeah I know," Derek rolled his eyes again and they were both quiet for a moment until Scott broke the silence.

"Can I lay on you again, please? You're comfy," Derek shot him an exasperated look and Scott just nudged his nose affectionately.

"You know just being cute doesn't mean you'll get everything you want,"

"It has so far," Derek knocked their heads together lightly and Scott whined.

"Owww, that hurt, come on there's a rock sticking into my back and now my head hurts,"

"How do you think I felt sleeping on it, with a hundred forty five pounds of you on me?" Scott pouted and widened his eyes, giving him the doe look. Derek looked away and Scott grinned, taking his chin gently and turning it so he was looking at him and Derek raised an eyebrow.

"Please, please, please, please, please, pleeeeeaaaase?" Scott begged bouncing lightly underneath him. Derek fought a smile for a moment before giving in, wrapping his arms around him and rolling them over, careful to avoid the rock conveniently sticking out of the ground and rolled his eyes as Scott situated himself comfortably on his chest and grinned up at him kissing his lips lightly.

"I love you," Scott murmured softly, his voice a bit more serious now as he pressed his nose into Derek's cheek and Derek rolled his eyes, feeling his cheek grow slightly warmer as Scott blushed, smiling again despite himself before nuzzling him back gently.

"I know you do. I love you too," Derek said gently and kissed him softly, gently nudging him onto his stomach on top of him so they faced each other, deepening the kiss as he gently ran his fingers through his hair and down his back, smiling as he peeked an eye open to see goosebumps on Scott's neck and idly ran a finger up into his hair watching as he shuddered again and more goosebumps raised on his neck at the enticing touches. He smiled, breaking away after a few moments, moving to rest his hands on his lower back, giving Scott's rear a playful tap and Scott glanced up to roll his eyes and kiss his nose before resting his head back in the crook of Derek's neck, closing his eyes. Derek resumed his motions, running his fingers down his head then into the root of his hair, Scott's hands gently but firmly massaging his scalp, his breath evening out. Occasionally Derek let his hand slide down the back of Scott's thigh, brushing his fingers against the inside playfully, watching carefully as he squirmed, his leg occasionally stretching out, arching his toes and pressed further into his throat, trying to repress the soft appreciative whimpers coming out of his mouth as he breath grew slightly ragged.

"Derek, please…stop teasing me so much, either do something or don't," he whined softly, biting his lip as another whimper tried to escape as Derek ran his hands back up to rest on his lower back, rubbing soothing circles near the base of his spine.

"I knew you liked it," he murmured smugly, and Scott whined again, his cheeks turning bright red.

"Derek.." Scott began but Derek placed a placating kiss against the mark on his throat, nuzzling it affectionately and Scott sighed impatiently, bucking his hips ever so slightly and Derek wrapped him into his arms more closely.

"Shhh, just relax ok, hon," Scott glanced up as he said 'hon' questioningly and Derek kissed his forehead, smiling gently and Scott just sighed placing his head down again.

"But you're making me so horny and it sucks," Derek laughed outright and after a moment Scott did too, blushing at his boldness.

"I know ok? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing to you I can feel it," Scott blushed redder and Derek smirked as he leaned towards his ear.

"Lets just say maybe this might be a little warm up for your special surprise later," Derek whispered seductively, running his hands more quickly and roughly down his thighs and Scott whimpered again outright, but didn't say anything but instead watched Derek longingly as he settled back down casually as if nothing happened. He sighed and rested his head back down again for a while before speaking.

"I wish everyday could be like this, you know?" he murmured softly, sleep evident in his voice and Derek nudged into his hair in response.

"Just being able to just do this lay together and goof off and not have a care in the world. Be able to have every waking moment happy and relaxed and no worries, just me and you and our own little world," Derek kissed his forehead softly and gently cupped his chin. For a moment Scott worried. Was everything ok? Did he want that too? God he hoped it wasn't about last night, not thinking he'd be ok not that-

"Hey," Derek's voice broke into his thoughts and a finger brushed the rim of his lower eyelid and he watched him silently, praying everything would be ok. But what he got was everything and more.

"I want nothing more in the world than to spend every waking moment with you Scott. I'll stay as long as you want because I never want to let you go. I love you." Scott just wrapped his arms around his neck and let the tears of joy soak the collar of Derek's shirt.

"I love you too," he choked out and Derek smiled gently as he pressed his lips against his cheek, cradling him protectively.

"Do you wanna leave Beacon Hills Scott, for college? Or would you rather stay here?" Scott glanced up then down at his hands, fiddling with Derek's jacket lapels nervously.

"What do you want?" he asked quietly and Derek kissed his head.

"For you to be happy, it doesn't matter to me as long as I'm with you," he told him gently and Scott sighed.

"Part of me… just wants to get away from all the drama here, get so far from all the tension between us and the argents and Jackson… but at the same time I don't want to leave mom or Stiles. I love them both. A lot. They're my family derek." Derek nodded and rested his head on his.

"We can go as far as you want Scott and still be able to visit them like every month. I have the money. I could even afford to help them move with us, give them a jumpstart on a house or apartment or something."

"How?" Scott questioned and Derek smiled mischievously.

"We had an incident once where someone married my great great great grandma for her money and got it when she died, so everyone's will says whoever dies, their money will be divided amongst only blood Hales to prevent another scam."

"It worked?" Scott asked and Derek grinned.

"Her brother was a lawyer. So, now that I'm the only hale, I've inherited everyone's who died in the fires money, plus Laura and peter's so I'm pretty much set for life."

"How much is set for life?"

"Around five hundred fifty million I think. They all had great paying jobs, doctors, lawyers, private investigators, all that stuff."

"WHAT?!" Scott gaped and Derek gently shut his mouth grinning and kissed his cheek.

"I was thinking of maybe renovating the house, but we could do it somewhere else, I have a couple million bucks to spare. I could pay it in full then I bet." Scott just watched him, shell shocked as he talked so casually about this like it was no money at all. He was loaded.

"Well… my mom will be proud to know I'm with a rich kid," he said finally and Derek laughed.

"So where would you wanna go name a place and we can start exploring our options college is in just two years, kiddo," Scott rolled his eyes at the 'kiddo" comment and put his head back down, thinking.

"I bet Salem, Mass would be cool but… I'm betting there's a bunch of hunters and stuff right?" Scott said ruefully. He always kinda wanted to go far away, and New England would be great. He loved the Patriots too.

"The whole Salem witch trial was a joke Scott, none of those people were the real witches. In fact lot people who got them hanged where so the hunters didn't bother. They knows they're supernatural creatures their but they don't care because everyone blends right in. It's a weird enough town. There's only like one or two incidents every hundred years and pretty much everyone agrees it's not worth it to start a war over it. It's pretty peaceful. Demons, vampires, werewolves, everything in between they all coexist peacefully cause they know how judgmental some religious people can be so they don't bother causing trouble. Not worth it. And there's a lot do and pretty affordable colleges... So Salem it is?" Scott's eyes widened. This is really it. It was gonna happen. They were serious. It was really gonna happen!

"Yeah, Salem. God I love you so much Derek. You have no idea how happy I am, no idea," he told him through more happy tears and Derek smiled kissing his head as Scott wrapped his arms tightly around his neck.

"Then it's settled. now go to sleep, sweetie, get some rest you didn't sleep well last night. I Love you."

" I love you too," he put his head down onto his chest and slowly fell asleep as Derek rocked him into a land of dreams. Him and Derek for as long they wanted. Peacefully content together. And to Scott it meant forever.

He hated absolutely hated what he had to do. The next step. More than the argents. More than Jackson. Peter. Kate. Little did Scott know then, his beautiful dream was about to turn into a horrible nightmare. Thunderstorms were always ominous, but now Derek couldn't deny scott was gonna be put through something horrible. He knew Jackson and whoever was hunting Scott had people to do it for them even if Derek ripped them to shreds. It was gonna kill him, both of them but he couldn't back out. If he did Scott would die. This way maybe just maybe he could still have a part of him. If Scott ever forgave him. If he could ever see his face again without shattering inside. But he couldn't let anything hurt him. It was all his fault it all rooted back to that one stupid mistake. And now to save the one person thought he could, that he was going to spend the rest of his life with, the one he could never bear to lose, was the one he had to let go. For good.

***At Scott's House With Stiles***

Stiles bounced impatiently from foot to foot as he waited outside Scott's house for Derek. It had been fifteen minutes. He should be here any minute. He chafed his arms the cool February air gently caressing the back of his neck and arms anything but nice. Demon wind trying to turn him into a delicious stilesicle. He didn't think he would taste good. Dork never seemed to appeal to Lydia or any girls really. Hell even Danny didn't care about him. He liked men, like Scott apparently but was Stiles good enough no. Everyone wanted Abercrombie and Fitch models. Though he couldn't really talk. Damn Lydia was sexy as fuck and smart and sexy and kinda bossy, which for some reason appealed to him…

"Gahhh!" he yelped when he noticed Derek waiting by the curb impatiently his eyes glowing a bright red as they bored into Stiles soul. I'm eat you Stiles they said. And I'm gonna take my sweet ass time if you don't hurry up so we can save my precious Scotty-wotty. He wondered if they had nicknames for each other. Ha, he could just picture Derek being all sweet gooey and a total pansy. He giggled despite himself and saw as Derek was slowly pulling away from the curb. He knew he was gonna come back to eat him later, so to prolong his life, he made a mad dash for the car slipping and whacking his head on the window before opening the door and being yanked into the grip of a very pissed off alpha wolf. Maybe he should season himself with wolfsbane so he would taste even worse. Derek definitely wouldn't eat him then. He was part wolf not part caterpillar. Plants didn't seem in his taste. Carnivore, not herbivore.

"Next time get your ass in the car immediately or I will, 'caterpillar or wolf', eat you and it will not be pleasant." Derek said simply, his expression deadly and Stiles looked at him inquisitively.

"I said that out loud? God I need to work on that… I didn't say anything out loud about Lydia's total hotness, and how her being bossy sounds strangely appealing in ways you wouldn't be interested in, well at least since you had Scott, I didn't know if it was just him as far as guys go or…" Derek's claws were stuck in the steering wheel and he started growling. Loudly.

"Ok, ok shutting up," he said quickly holding his hands up and after a final glare, Derek stopped growling at him. Well at least he thought. He was still growling just as loud, just not looking at him with that predatory look in his eye. He really hoped his nails stayed stuck in the steering wheel.

"so, I can-" he was cut off when Derek pulled a hand out of the steering wheel and put his clawed fingers around his neck, imbedded into the headrest, trapping him.

"Stiles do you ever shut up?! Scott could be dead and all you care about is blabbing on about that stupid girl Lydia who you don't have any shot with and for some reason me too which would never happen because no one cares. Get it? No one loves you Stiles. You're too loud, obnoxious, hyper and a total pain in the ass to everyone Stiles. I'm just the only one who can say it to your face. So shut the fuck up and don't say a word unless it's something really useful to help me find Scott." Stiles could feel himself trembling in the seat so badly, it vibrated through the car, tears rolled down his cheeks and he tried to man up tried to hold them back. be a man Stiles. Your weak pathetic. You let him make you cry. His chest began to tighten and he pulled his legs up to his chest, rocking himself but it wasn't helping it kept getting tighter and tighter…oh god make it stop, make it stop…

"Stiles? Stiles come on stay with me, you need to breath, breath in time with your pulse you can do this come on," Derek's voice was slightly panicked and even more surprisingly, it sounded completely and utterly defeated. Broken beyond repair. He held Stiles wrist gently, placing against his throat. He felt the soft lub-dub of his blood pumping beneath the skin. His thumb was gently stroking the top of hand and he slowly relaxed.

"I'm sorry Stiles, I didn't mean any of that, I'm just…I have to do something I wish I never had to do, but I have to Stiles and I just can't get angry right now. I need to relax so I can do this right. Please Stiles, just try to tone it down, just a little. Please. A lot of people love you. Scott does. He loves you a lot he told me today. Your his family." Tears welled in Stiles eyes at his gentleness and he took a good look at him. Scott had really changed him. But all gooeyness aside it was time to get down to business.

"I tracked Scott's phone like I did when peter was threatening to kill Lydia and most likely eat me to keep his energy high. Maybe he thought I had carbs I don't know. But here's where he is," he held the phone up to Derek a triumphant look on his face. Derek took the phone from his hand and his eyes grew dark and hated filled before handing it back. His knuckles had turned white as he accelerated the car and Stiles jumped at the sudden burst of speed.

"I know exactly where that is," Derek muttered tightly, looking straight ahead. Stiles gulped loudly before opening his mouth again.

"and you'll never guess his new username and password," he said lightly, and Derek rolled his eyes but peered at the phone he held out again and for just a moment, he looked so broken again, but quickly forced a bittersweet smile into its place.

"Yeah. Cute," he murmured softly looking off into space, deep in thought.

"Alright lets go get him then. " Stiles said firmly and they accelerated forward into the night.

***Kate's old apartment***

Scott sat quietly enclosed in a small circle, only about ten or fifteen feet wide, his chin resting in his hand as he watched his phone going off the charts. The circle was made of mountain ash and his phone of course had been placed outside of the circle by Jackson. Annoying little shit. Of all times to be smart it had to be now. He rubbed his eyes, still groggy from whatever Jackson had drugged him with. His hand moved to rub absently at the spot it had been injected and he sighed. His phone stopped ringing for a moment to instead vibrate, indicating a text message from Derek. This was not gonna end well, he already knew. Derek was gonna try and kill Jackson, but he couldn't let him, no matter what Jackson had done. He understood why he wanted the bite. Being adopted made him feel like he had to impress everyone it seemed. His anger, jealousy and hate towards Scott was so prominent it practically made the air feel heavier when they were near each other. Scott had never meant to take the lacrosse position from him. He hadn't even taken it really just forced Jackson to share the position of captain and made them both co captains much to Jackson's dislike. But that was aside from the point. He never wanted the bite. Peter just happened to turn him because he was there. It could've been Stiles or a police officer there that night, he never asked for the bite. It just happened. Being a werewolf did have its perks, like say incredible hearing, endurance, healing, strength and oh yeah being able to be with Derek. He already treated him like he was human sometimes. But as of right now it was just stressful and hadn't really brought that many amazing add ons with the monthly extra facial hair and desire to eat anything that moved. Except Derek. He wondered what he was going through his mind right now. He was obviously panicking of course, and Scott was confident he'd get him out of this mess, but what he was really worried about was the after. What was he gonna say? Derek? Where would they go next? How in the world was he gonna stop Derek from blaming it all on himself? His stomach tightened at the thought. He cautiously moved over to the edge of the circle and tentatively tested the barrier, moving his hand towards his phone carefully and groaned in frustration when it stopped short and refused to budge, like when two magnets would repel each other. He put his hand down in his lap and stared absently at his sneakers before his eyes lit up and he grinned. He carefully slipped off his sneaker, placing it aside before stripping off his sock in one swift movement. He tied a knot at the end of it glancing towards the door for a moment listening. Jackson and bobby were arguing again down in another room, and where being too loud to hear the monitor near them that picked up all of Scott's sounds. Thank you Jackson for being a pain. He carefully whipped the knotted end of the sock at the fine gray powder, slowly but sure wiping away some of the mountain ash. It was working! He worked at it for a few more minutes, nearly halfway through before freezing as a new scent entered the apartment and the door clicked softly shut. His scent was vaguely familiar, like Derek's and peter's. Part of him wanted to call out and see if they'd help him, but decided better of it. They could be an enemy. Amusement came off the new person in waves as Jackson and bobby seemed oblivious to him entering, still bickering and Scott listened intently.

"Jackson, I don't care about how bad you want to make him suffer right now, we are in an apartment building someone might call the police! Or better yet, Derek will literally rip your head off-"

"It's not my fault you decided to pick an apartment complex-"

"Yes it is, because if you hadn't complained, we could've done it in guest house on your property since your parents are away for the week-"

"And how would we have cleaned it up? Look I've asked Derek a million times to change me, so now I'm gonna make him pay for taking so long-" a soft laugh made them both stop short as the newcomer spoke up.

"You two bicker like an old married couple. Look kid, if people hear you'll be in deep shit with the cops and if you hurt…what's his name again, bobby?" his voice was soft and laidback, making Scott uneasy.

"Scott,"

"Scott, then Derek will kill you, no joke. When werewolves first started popping up, there was no name for an omega wolf, the one that's most timid and abused by their alphas, physically, sexually, emotionally you name it they hurt them just for the fun of it. That's why omegas are normally loners, to get away from the abuse. Anyway though, back then they were just really badly treated betas, so normally betas banded together and the older ones protected the younger ones and took the worst of it. It's pretty much been bred into betas to be protective of each other, hereditary, so before Derek killed his old alpha, he was already instinctually very protective of Scott. He would take a bullet for the kid because he's younger. Young are very important to wolves. Scott's just a baby in our world," Scott's eyes widened in time with Jacksons gasp as the realization hit both of them. He was a werewolf too. Was he trying to help him or them? This could be bad. Of course it's bad you dumb fuck a voice in his head shouted at him but he just shook his head and focused on what he was saying.

"-and when you add on the fact that Derek's an alpha now, he's even more protective of Scott 'cause alphas have urges to protect their packs. Some are just, well how do I put this to a wannabe pup… Sadist bastards would work I think," he chuckled darkly, and Scott shuddered.

"Are you an alpha?" Jackson asked and Scott rolled his eyes. The boy laughed again darkly before making a response that made his and Jacksons hearts stop.

"There are a lot of alphas in the world kid and trust me, you do not want me to be yours." Bobby sighed before cutting in to the conversation.

"Ok enough fun Jake, let's get down to business. If something gets screwed up, like the cops show or we just can't handle Derek, you don't step in until Gerard can't do anything. We only need you if a hunter can't do it." His voice was firm and Jake was quiet for a while.

"Special request or regular?" he murmured softly after a moment. Special or regular? What does that mean? Scott thought and froze up as someone began playing with door knob down the hall.

"Special," bobby said after a moment.

"So where is he, let me go see him so I can learn his name and scent, say hello to Derek's little puppy," the dark humor was back in his voice, and the door opened, footsteps drawing closer as bobby and Jake spoke softly to one another. Scott scrambled to put on his sock and shoe, just barely making it as a figure popped in the doorframe. Bobby came in first, holding a pistol and examining the barrier around Scott. Jackson smirked at him, and Scott growled menacingly but stopped for a moment as Jake laughed, and stooped down in front of him.

"Awww, this one's got some spunk in him. He's cute," Jake said, a dark smile playing on his lips. His voice was oddly sweet, like he was talking to a small child, but there was something in his voice that was mocking and set Scott on edge. He backed over to the end of the barrier, letting out a softer warning growl and Jake laughed again. Scott to a moment to study him as Jake watched him curiously. He looked about Derek's age maybe a year older. His eyes were a striking blue, like ice. His hair was a dark ash brown slightly lighter than his own and styled messily, similar to Derek's hair, his skin bronzed and even. He wore dark fitted jeans and a gray hoodie and watched Scott glare warily back at him with an amused grin.

"Open the barrier a little bobby, I wanna get closer to him," bobby glanced to Jake then Scott and shook his head.

"Jake-"

"Look I can keep him in here easily, just let me have a little fun with him, it'll shut your brat up for a minute," Jackson scoffed and Jake smiled up at bobby, who sighed and took a moment to glare down at Scott.

"Don't try anything kid," he told him sharply and Scott rolled his eyes and tensed, ready to pounce the moment it opened. Jake gave him a knowing smile and raised an eyebrow as bobby wiped away a small section in front of Jake and Scott paused for a moment, waiting to see what Jake would do. He turned away to say something to bobby and Scott lunged forward.

"See I can handle him fine," Jake told bobby grinning and quickly stuck out an arm catching Scott around the stomach. Scott faltered losing his balance and in seconds Jake turned him around curling his arm around his waist, making Scott's head land in his lap and a clawed hand began caressing his hair, dragging dangerously against his scalp and down behind his ear to his throat, trailing his clawed finger lightly across the delicate exposed skin. Scott growled warningly at him, but didn't dare resist knowing jake had the upper hand. Jake looked down at him with an amused smile.

"well this is quite the situation you got yourself into, huh, buddy?" he said playfully, pressing a nail against his jugular and Scott tried to tuck his chin, but Jake gently tilted it back up, and rested his hand on his throat, occasionally sweeping his thumb over his pulse. He cocked an eyebrow a small smirk turning up on his lips and Scott watched him confused for a moment before he swept his thumb over the small bite mark on his throat. His cheeks flushed and Jake laughed softly, pulling his head up so their faces were only inches apart. Scott let out a low growl as Jake leaned down and brushed his nose up his neck, and he shuddered despite himself. Jake rested his lips against his neck and he grinned against him.

"Awww look, he's got a little love bite from Derek, isn't that cute? Derek is gonna be pissed when he finds you guys," he chuckled softly and Jackson scoffed behind him.

"Who says he'll find us?" Jackson muttered softly and Jake turned to look at him an incredulous look on his face before shaking his head laughing quietly. He looked back down at Scott, his fingers running through his hair and trailing down the back of his neck. Scott squirmed trying to twist his head as Jake spoke again.

"Wow kid you really don't know what you signed up for do ya? Kid this isn't like you're asking for a game or a little nerf gun or something, Derek can and will kill you. He can track Scott by scent, he can track you by scent we can track anyone we've been in direct contact with. Clothing or something of their helps. He probably has a lot of Scott's stuff so tracking him will be a breeze," he said quietly not looking up at him as he trailed his finger back up Scott's neck. Scott exhaled shakily as he tried to move his head away and Jake watched him amused.

"I'm surprised he hasn't claimed you as his yet," Jake murmured softly, almost to himself and glanced down as Scott blushed and grinned devilishly. He grabbed one of Scott's hands interlacing their fingers and Scott felt his cheeks flush as anger surged through him. He resisted the urge to sink his claws into his hand , staring him down as jake propped him up so they were more at eyelevel. Scott was practically sitting in his lap as he pulled Scott's hand behind his neck holding it there and he leaned forward their foreheads touching. Scott tried to pull back shocked as a sudden nervousness filled his stomach and Jake smiled at him, a darkly amused smile as he leaned towards his ear.

"Which means you're still up for grabs," he whispered softly against him and brushed his lips against the spot Derek made and sunk his fangs into his neck, gently cupping the back of Scott's head in one hand. Scott gasped, his hand stilled pinned against the back of jakes neck and he strained to grab some of his hair and tug him back. Jake smirked taking it as encouragement and a soft growl rumbled into Scotts throat and Scott shivered involuntarily. Jake chuckled softly against his throat before a searing pain ripped through scotts neck, and he yelped out in pain despite himself clutching the wound on his throat, pulling his hand away to see a bloody mess on his hand. He glanced up to see jake on the ground, a younger looking man standing in front of him. What the hell? He though quietly, backing away to the edge of his inclosure, watching the new arrival unsurely as jake stared him down with an oddly calm demenure as the other stalked up to him.

"what the hell are you doing?" the boy yelled at him, a suprising distressed tone in his voice gesturing towards scott, who flinched despite himself. The new arrival noticed and glanced towards him quickly, guilt in his brown eyes as they softened for a moment, his rigid posture relaxing slightly as he took a cautious step towards him.

"hey kid, its ok, relax I wont hurt you-" he murmured softly, reaching a hand towards him and scott watched him unsurely.

"I thought jeremy was watching you," jake said quietly, his smirk disappearing as his face set into a scowl, stepping towards them and scott jerked back. The new boy glanced up at jake and shook his head in digust as he stood up before a new head popped around the corner.

"Alex what are you doing-" he stopped short as he locked eyes with jake, who was watching him with a predatory stare, his eyes glowing red. The older man, probably in his late twenties or early thirties, large and muscular, dipped his head submissively.

"he ran off, jake I tried to-" jake cut him off with a dismissive shake his head, moving towards him and Alex grabbed his shoulder.

"jake it wasn't his fault-" he protested and jake brushed his hand off with a suprising gentleness, pausing.

"im not gonna do anything now Alex, he needs to take you home first, right Jeremy?" he glanced towards Jeremy who nodded his eyes dark as he came forward, taking alexs wrist like a small child, and Alex winced slightly. Scott watched jakes eyes dart to alexs hand then back up to Jeremy, whos face had gone white, and Alex looked up alarmed.

"Jake no don't-" Alex stopped short as jakes hand slashed out slitting Jeremy's throat, who choked softly before his eyes went blank. blood sprayed onto scott's face as he and Alex watched with a horrified look.

"jake, why did you do that it-" jake cut him off with a stroke of his hair, blood smearing across his forehead as he gently pushed him away, Alex's expression agonized, torn between hate and something else he couldn't identify, tears welling in his eyes.

"go home, Alex, i'll be back in a little while,' he murmured softly, reaching into his pocket, pulling out a set of keys and pressing them into his hand. Alex jerked away anger forming on his face.

"what the hell is wrong with you how can you act like this is ok-"

"Alex calm down," jake said softly trying to soothe him as he reached toward him and Alex ducked his head away glaring at him, hatred in his eyes.

"Jake he's just a kid he didn't do anything jeremy didn't do anything-"

"he hurt you-" he said calmly and Alex growled in frustration making Scott jerk back but he didn't notice.

"so what jake, why do you care so much, why do you fucking care?! it wasn't his fault, why do you take it out on them?! it was my fault, jake, take it out on me!" he yelled his voice breaking.

"Hit me please I don't care-"

"Alex. Relax." jake ordered softly and Alex glared at him but quieted seething. He looked down at Scott studying him and back up at jake his eyes tortured.

"he's only a kid-" he pleaded with him and jake sighed.

"Alex I'm handling this. It's a job, one I might not even do unless they can't do it themselves. I just wanted to know his face. Now go home." Alex stared at him for a moment shocked and jake shook his head wordlessly running his hands through his hair.

"Alex please..." alex looked away silent before looking back up at him.

" is it special or a regular one?" he asked softly his voice barely audible even with his increased hearing, he heard the tremble in it and jake stuck his hands in his pockets and exhaled through his nose, quiet.

"it's a special Alex. Now go home. Hale could be here any minute." bobby cut in and Alex's head snapped up at the name his eyes wide.

"hale? Derek hale? Jake wait is this-" he turned to him his eyes accusing and hurt, then down to Scott bewildered. Jake exhaled sharply and he pinched the bridge of his nose closing his eyes.

"Alex it's not what you think-"

"it is isn't it jake it why are you - it wasn't his fault, your hurting a kid over this-"

" no Alex that's not why I'm doing this." he said sharply and Alex drew back for a moment but stood his ground, his expression bashful.

"she isn't the reason. Even though Derek could've prevented it if he wanted to." he said simply his face emotionless.

"but, god jake, he's just a KID!" he said hopelessly a sob catching in his throat and he groaned in frustration. Scott could smell the desperation in his voice, to try and keep him safe, when he didn't even know him and gratitude flowed through him. He hoped he could sense it. Jake watched alex with sympathy but his words showed no empathy.

"we've done this with kids younger than him, why does this one matter so much?" jakes voice was more strained now annoyance evident in his voice. Alex looked at him incredulously, stunned.

" we? We?! We, you mean you, your the one who started this i never wanted any part in this. None of those people deserve to be put trough what they're out through because your a coward! You hid behind all of this-"he stopped short not able to go on, sweat pouring down his face and he clutched head sinking to the ground trying to breathe. Scott stared at him in shock a knot in his throat, surprised by the emotional response to jakes actions. He watched him quietly calm down studying his features. His bronzed skin tone and dark ash brown hair mirrored jakes almost perfectly but the eyes was the real difference. Jakes were a deep icy blue, cold and taunting, where Alex's were a warm golden brown thoughtful and quick to shift between rage and sympathy. He sat quietly for some time before exhaling slowly and lifting his head.

"where does Derek fit into this? Is he his beta or something?" he asked quietly his voice low and determined and a small smirk graced jakes lips and Alex growled softly in response. Jake scoffed rolling his eyes.

"Alex-"

"Damn it jake just tell me!" he snarled out his eyes flashing a bright scarlet and Scott flinched away. They were both alphas? He thought reflecting on his earlier prediction of jake being his alpha. Jake rolled his eyes at him and looked at Scott smirking and Scott growled quietly.

"no, he's not his beta. This kid-"he patted Scott's head ignoring Scott's fangs snapping at his wrist.

"is his boyfriend, mate to be, lover," he grinned at Scott who's eyes glowed amber and Alex looked down at him shock registering in his features.

"boyfriend? Wait what Derek's gay...?" Scott rolled his eyes despite himself as Alex studied him with a bewildered expression.

"yes Alex apparently he is, that's all he has to do with this. He's his boyfriend and will probably arrive an minute to rip-" he gestured toward Jackson who paled visibly.

"-his throat out. So we are going home." Alex watched him doubtfully the glanced towards Jackson.

"why did you kidnap him?" he questioned, pointing down at Scott. Jackson smirked over at him and Scott bared his fangs.

"so Derek would give me the bite." he said smugly and Alex gave him a "are you a moron" look and shook his head. Jake walked up behind him and put a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, pressing him forward slightly. Alex didn't budge still watching Scott.

"and if he doesn't?" Alex asked quietly a hint of dread in is tone. Jackson smirked.

"then we kill Scott." he stated confidently and Scott snarled at him.

"let's get moving Alex," jake told him sternly as if talking to a child. Alex remained frozen as jake waited before sighing softly and moving towards Scott who immediately stopped growling, his fingers drumming nervously on his upper arm. He glanced back at Alex who stood motionless staring at Scott his expression conflicted, tears threatening to spill.

"look at me Alex," he said softly and Alex did reluctantly as jake sunk to a crouch in front of the broken part of the perimeter.

" we can leave now," he mused softly an odd tone in his voice as he studied his hand. Scott studied him warily, trying to shake off the feelings of dread sending tremors through his body. Something was not right with jake at all he sensed and he silently edged back. Alex watched jake with a look of dread, and they locked eyes.

"or," his claws popped out and he grabbed scott by his shirt and tugged him forward grinning.

"I kill him now. Your choice," he stated still smiling and Scott swallowed his heart beating like it might explode as his claws grazed his collarbone. He glanced pleadingly at Alex who watched them with a tortured look before suddenly punching a nearby wall, his knuckles bloodied as his body visibly shook.

"ok we'll leave, leave him alone please-" he half begged trying to keep the desperation out of his voice. jake smirked at him , letting go of Scott's shirt with a snap and Scott snapped his teeth catching his hand and biting hard. Jake swore and reeled back before landing a hard punch to Scott's cheek. His jaw snapped with a sickening pop in his ears, and whimpered despite himself edging back and Alex grabbed Jakes arm pulling him away. Jake studied his hand for a moment before glancing up at Scott with a chilling smirk.

" I'm gonna have so much fun with this one," he murmured softly ruffling Scott's hair as he stood up studying him for a moment and scott snarled warningly at him, his heart pounding as tears welled in his chuckled softly at his attempt at braveness and took a step forward.

"jake leave him alone please, let's just go-"

"you've got spunk huh kid?" jake ignored him as he rested his toe on Scott's knee smiling.

"hear stop he's just a kid don't-"

Jake ignored him tapping the toe of his shoe on Scott's kneecap before stomping down with a sickening crunch and Scott bit his lip his teeth piercing through as he let out a muffled cry, holding his mouth with his sleeve. Jake smirked, satisfied and began walking towards the door, Alex standing motionless as he watched Scott with wide eyes.

"let's go Alex," jake called over his shoulder not glancing back, and Alex paused, glancing towards jake before moving toward Scott. He tentatively reached his hand through the break in the circle and gently stroked Scott's hair, eleciting a half sob from Scott.

"hey shhh it's ok, I'm not gonna hurt you, you're gonna be fine," he whispered softly and wiped a tear off his cheek. Scott glanced up bewildered and Alex gave him a half smile as a sound of a loud car accelerating screeched in the parking lot and a familiar scent drifted in. Derek. And Stiles?Alex looked up too, and looked at him his eyeswith regret and something he couldn't read, pausing.

"you'll be fine," he said again softly and gently ruffled his hair before jogging out of the room. The room was silent for a moment as an immense wave of rage flooded into the room and Scott quickly wiped his tears away as the room went black. Two red eyes glowed brightly in the darkness and Scott tried to scramble forward.

"Derek-" he called out flinching as a furious snarl echoed through the room and he heard a loud crashing sound, followed by a loud scream that sent his heart into a frenzy.

"Derek stop-" he cried out, searching the room frantically before a bright light filled the room and he groaned softly, covering his eyes slightly as he took in stiles face behind the flashlight. He tested his weight on his shattered kneecap tentatively, and seeing it'd healed, tried to move towards him but wouldn't budge as he remebered the barrier in front of him. Bobby could break it but jake couldn't... Suddenly he got an idea.

"stiles help," he groaned squinting from the brightness and also the white hot pain in his jaw when he tried to speak, pointing down at the gray powder at his feet.

"hey buddy- oh damn what happened to your face..-" stiles blurted put as he scrambled forward and Scott shut him up with a glare and stiles pursed

his lips glancing down at the powder in confusion.

"it's some sort of barrier against werewolves-"

" oh ok right gotcha-" stiles mumbled brushing the dust away, both of them trying to ignore the cries behind them until Scott could step out. He took the flashlight from his friend and shone the room. A dark figure lay on the ground and he moved forward. It was bobby blood pooling underneath him. Scott paled for a moment before picking up a faint heartbeat and he relaxed slightly. Derek's low growl echoed in the room and he swung the flashlight towards him and gasped. Damn it he didn't want anyone to die, he knew this was gonna get out of hand-

"Derek stop put him down-" he choked out as he jogged towards him and stared into Jackson's face. If his eyes weren't blinking out tears he would've thought he was dead. Derek's hand was wrapped tightly around his throat pinning him back against the wall, purple bruises under his claws forming and Jackson choked on a cough. Scott looked st Derek alarmed and noticed his eyes glowed a bright red still and swallowed. The wolf was in complete control. He looked back at Jackson who gave him a pleading look His arms limp by his sides, bent at an odd angle and Scott swallowed dryly.

"Derek put him down please-" he pleaded with him but Derek didn't seem to notice as his dark eyes focused on Jackson shirt. He reached into his pocket, ignoring jacksons panicked struggling and pulled out a syringe half full of a yellow liquid and he studied it idly. He twirled it in his fingers studying it and laughed softly as his eyes settled on a table next to him and he picked up another syringe this one filled with a mysterious substance, smirking.

"hmmm, Jackson this didn't work out quite how you wanted it to did it?" he mused quietly , still smiling, brushing a claw against his Adams apple as it bobbed nervously in his throat. He watched his eyes with a dark amusement and Scott shuddered as the small gestures reminded him of his earlier visitor. He had never seen his cruel streak up close until now, and couldn't seem to look away as Derek lightly pressed the syringe with the darker substance needle against one of Jackson's veins.

" here we have aconitum ferox extract, also known as Indian aconite, considered the most poisonous plant on the world," he stated matter of factly, as if giving a lecture to a student, twirling the needles tip against Jackson's delicate skin.

"lethal to werewolves-" he suddenly pressed down hard the needle, pressing through Jackson's skin with a pop next to his vein, his eyes wide with fear, cringing back as derek rested his finger on the plunger.

"and humans," he continued with a smile, and Jackson watched him shaking as he tried to edge back. Derek gave him a scolding look and stilled him with a tap on the plunger as he pulled the other needle in front of Jackson face, letting it dangle between his fingers. Scott watched fearfully and glanced over to stiles, who shared his look ofapprehension. He couldn't let this go on much longer. Derek was only toying with him. He exhaled softly before mouthing something to stiles, who sat confused for a moment before obliging reluctantly his eyes wary on Derek as he pulled his phone out.

"this here-" Derek's voice broke into his thoughts and he glanced up to see his eyes curiously locked on the substance and he glanced back at stiles who held up a hand.

"I don't really know what it is but well, if it can hurt a werewolf it can hurt you too-"

"911 what's your emergency?"

"hi Jess it's stiles can you send my dad down here it's-" Scott tuned him out and turned back to Derek.

"you want the bite fine. I've never seen this form a aconite in someone, but I know it's agonizing-" Scott heard the special emphasis on the last word and looked back at stiles who gave him a thumbs up. Now was his chance.

"so pick your poison Jackson. I'll leave it all up to you. Jackson gets what Jackson wants right?" he grinned maliciously his teeth snapping out as Scott shook him hard by the shoulder.

"the police are on there way Derek. Let him go. He's gonna get enough punishment in jail for attempted murder." his voice was strong but a tremor broke through and Derek looked at him, the anger dissipating but his eyes still red as they took in his condition.

"if you kill him Derek, you'll be charged with murder he'll get away with this. Let him go to jail and we can go home," Scotts voice wavered and Derek's eyes shifted. It was so subtle if he had blinked he would've missed it, the way his eyes melted from raging fire to molten rubies in that one split second. Then just as quickly as it had came his eyes hardened again, and something, something dark and unknown danced in his eyes as he shifted his gaze back to Jackson. His skin had turned a sickly green and his ragged breathing echoed through out the room, as if it were right in Scott's ears and he could barely think and he squeezed his eyes shut as his heart began to race.

"murder huh?" Derek's voice was a soft muse in and the sudden jolt in Jackson's heartbeat made him jump. The mockingly sweet tone in Derek's voice was sickening, leaving a vile taste in his mouth. His eyes felt glued together, as if too disgusted by what his Derek had become. No. No this was not his derek, this was a cruel inner beast shoved in his body that Derek was still learning to control. His Derek was warm and loving, kind and gentle. His Derek was sweet and fiercely protective...suddenly his chest froze and he couldn't breathe, sinking to the ground pulling his knees to his chest. It was as if someone had just ripped open his chest and put a giant boulder on his heart. Derek was gonna freak out, he was gonna blame it all on himself. He shouldn't have tried to follow him Derek promised him he would come home and he just didn't listen, why couldn't he have listened... A sudden brush against his shoulder brought him back to reality as the thing fumbled against his shoulder as and Scott flinched violently.

"Scott relax my dads on his way-" Stiles. Of course it was him, he was toying with Jackson, still too lost in his rage to register anything about Scott aside from the fact that he was still alive. Part of him felt ashamed that he couldn't will hismind to say his name. It wasn't his fault, he felt guilty for letting Scott get hurt, felt furious for not stopping Jackson, felt pain fear anger and just a whirlwind of emotions swirling around Scott and he hated it. None of this is was his fault, no not dereks. Scott was the one at fault, who impatiently went out in the middle of the night searching for Derek despite his reassurances he'd be back, he was the one who couldn't remember what time he would've been back at, he was the one who couldn't see Jackson's attack coming, it was all his fault not Derek's. Now he feared for Jackson's life the scent of fear encompassing him and he prayed Derek wouldn't sense it because he knew he would assume the worst. He always did always he would thin Scott was afraid of him or he let him get scared or something and the sheer thought made Scott's throat tighten and he wanted to beg and plead and cry, cry into Derek's arms and tell him it wasn't his fault by his own. To know he wouldn't go that he would stay another night and know he was ok. He prayed he knew god he prayed he did as tears welled in his eyes.

"it would only make sense then if there was some sort of struggle right, if you were trying to kill him-" Derek's voice interrupted he thoughts and it was so soft so sickeningly sweet so like the voice he used with him when he was comforting him that he felt bile creep up his throat as a soft whimper erupted into a loud cry as a sickening crack echoed through the air and he tried to suppress a sob as a dull thump sounded in his ears. He couldn't lose him because of this not this please-

"Scott...?" a worried voice spoke softly in his ears but he barely heard it as his panic overwhelmed him it was getting too hard to breathe-

"Scott? Scott oh my god Scott hey-" something warm engulfed him in their arms lifted him like he was nothing and crushed him close exhaling raggedly in his ear and he threw his arms around his neck and pulled himself closer so they were flush against each other. He buried his face in his shoulder and inhaled the faint smell of ash in the leather jacket. Derek. God Derek-

"shh shh it's ok now-" he murmured softly into his ear gentle and soothing and Scott opened his mouth to speak but nothing came except a tiny barely audible squeak before it broke into a strangled sob as tears streamed down his cheeks and he sobbed into Derek's shoulder.

"derek don't go p-please-" he whispered into his shoulder his voice unnaturally high pitched and derek just hushed him gentle his nose pressed into his hair as his fingers carded through it and Scott trembled in his arms trying to control it but failing miserably as he tilted his head back to see Derek's face.

"you're gonna be fine Scott everything is ok now, relax-" he murmured against his hair and Scott opened his eyes, his gaze freezing on Derek's face. His eyes were closed creased with worry and his mouth was set in a tight line and Scott let out a tiny whimper of fear, no don't blame yourself please, and Derek's eyes snapped open and they were green thank god they were green and he practically smashed their foreheads together as he pressed their foreheads together and for a tiny moment Derek seemed amused as he quirked an eyebrow kissing his forehead softly. He gently stroked his hair back and Scott leaned against him exhausted as a soft hum vibrated against his forehead sending a shiver through him. It was deep but warm and Scott leaned his head against his cheek as the hum increased in volume, ready to fall asleep and let all his worries escape him before a sudden realization dawned in his mind. It wasn't a hum. No. No no it was Derek's purr that he knew existed Derek's own special werewolf purr and he barely smiled before a searing pain shot up his jaw and he grimaced slightly, wincing. Derek pulled back for a moment studying him with a worried expression and scott nearly had a heart attack before his fingers grazed his jawline and Scott flinched involuntarily. He tilted his head back carefully and Scott swallowed loudly his throat going suddenly dry.

"scott what happened?" Derek asked quietly his thumb gently stroking up his cheekbone and Scott shook his head wordlessly unable to speak. He couldn't tell him there were werewolves involved he just couldn't he would only worry more. A tear slid down his cheek at the thought and Derek swiftly wiped it away and Scott leaned into his touch. A tiny part of him still had a bit of hope it was clinging to but he wasn't counting on it and the thought elicited another tear and Derek carefully stroked away again as he cradled his face in his hands.

"Scott tell me, please" he murmured softly and Scott shook his head again his cheeks flushing. He kept his head down unable to meet his gaze. Derek would know he was keeping something from him. He always did.

"it's nothing I'm ok," he murmured softly and Derek scoffed , gently turning his face studying the slowly fading bruises on his jawline.

"it shouldn't have taken this long to heal though ," he murmured softly almost to himself and he glanced up at Scott for a moment before his head snapped towards the window listening. Scott followed his gaze as the high pitched wailing increased in volume. Police. They were almost here. Derek glanced back at Scott again for a moment studying him intently and shook his head as he sank to the ground cradling him in his lap. Scott rested his head down on his shoulder leaning his head into his neck and Derek exhaled sharply, clutching his head to him with an abrupt fervor and Scott blinked, shocked. Derek stroked his hair back softly and buried his face in his hair softly holding him tightly as he let out a shaky breath.

"Scott I'm so sorry... I should have never let this happen this all my fault..." Derek whispered softly his voice surprisingly broken. The entire time he'd seemed so calm and composed always the more emotionally stable. It felt as though a knife had just torn through his heart as sympathy ebbed in Scott. And fear. He couldn't have him blame it on himself it was not his fault-

"Derek..." Scott paused, unsure of what to say how to comfort him, pulling back to study Derek's face. It was tragically beautiful his soft green eyes tainted with distress and pain, his jet black hair damp with sweat against his skin. He looked beautiful. He couldn't stop looking at him, god he couldn't, just couldn't lose him...tears began to well in his eyes and Derek's eyes softened with such a sympathy it nearly made him sick. He wanted to bawl the one look had told him everything that he was a broken child, too fragile, too precious for something like him, on the verge of breaking down to the point of no return. And he was in reality, but he couldn't let it show. God Derek would never forgive himself he would always assume the worst... Scott swooped in suddenly and caught Derek in a burning kiss, desperate to hide the pain and just get one more, just one more kiss. Derek pulled back slightly, surprised and Scott nearly sobbed, god he was losing him he just couldn't... Derek paused for a moment as Scott began pulling away ashamed before leaning forward hesitantly and kissing his lips softly gently threading his fingers through his hair and running his fingers through it. They were long and deep but slow too slow. The hope that had sparked in Scott slowly faded to dread as he realized it was not soft but soothing, not slow for passion but for comfort something to hold onto, an apology, a message of love too bittersweet to handle as though his heart was being ripped in half. It was full of regret and sorrow, saying goodbye and he started to cry softly and and Derek kissed him gently, almost reluctantly as he started to pull back and pulled his to his chest.

"baby, I'm sorry..." he whispered softly and Scott sobbed into his chest clutching his shirt desperately. This couldn't be happening, it just couldnt...

"Scott I'm so sorry, l love you so much, you'll be ok..." Derek murmurs softly but his voice was choked and Scott only sobbed harder.

"Derek don't go p-please don-t p-please-" he was pratically begging and didn't even care barely registered the sherriff entering the room gun raised as Derek hushed him softly brushing away the tears apologizing all the while. At one point he thought he was crying but he couldn't be sure as he sat numb in his laps, his tears slowly running out as Derek calmly explained what had happened, and everything sounded too far out of reach...

"Scott come on I'll take you home," Scott blinked in surprise and glanced around. Jackson was being pulled away in handcuffs his back to him, stiles with his father watching him worriedly and bobby being treated on the ground an oxygen mask being place over his face as Derek tugged him to his feet gently, interlacing their fingers as he pulled him down the stairs out to his car and everything was going too fast too quiet and he could barely breath he had to say something convince him it wasn't his fault. He took a deep quivering breath as he went into the passenger side, and Derek started the car, deathly silent. The silence was like poison gas. When you get your first whiff, you begin to get nervous but tell yourself its nothing. As times goes on, it grows overwhelming. You try to fight the paranoia and try holding your breath. It's not so bad at first until it starts to hurt, feels like you might burst from lack of oxygen. Lack of words. Silence. Finally you can't take it.

"Derek-" but when you take that deep breath after, you choke. The poison fills you, no words are spoken, no gas mask to help you breath. And then you hold your breath again. the process restarts. Over. And over. And over again. The mantra repeated over and over in Scott's head like a demon as they pulled into this driveway. it was all going too fast he barely had any time as Derek rounded to his side opening the door and pulling him out gently. He tried again to speak but only air came out as Derek tugged him along up the stairs and he felt so dizzy before he was suddenly in his room and Derek was grabbing his arm as he fell back. His eyes were worried and soft and Scott opened his mouth the words stuck and Derek sighed softly sitting On his bed and patted the spot next to him. Scott sat down next to him reluctantly feeling as though his heart might explode. He had to say something as he took a deep and Derek spoke abruptly cutting him off.

"Scott...you need to understand why I'm doing this. I know you've already figured it out and I'm sorry scott I am and you know that, you know how much I love you know-"

"it's not your fault-" Scott blurted out and Derek just sighed frustrated. He had to convince him-

"Scott you nearly got killed tonight. Because I left you alone, I left you vulnerable-"

"Derek it-"

"Scott!" Derek's vice was surprisingly sharp and hot tears streamed down his cheeks. He couldn't lose him not now not this soon. His chest began to hurt he couldn't breathe. He was gonna lose him, he just knew it he didn't want him to leave not now-

"Scott, please, I'm doing this to protect you," Derek pulled him into his arms protectively and his voice was soft apologetic as Scott buried his face in his chest, confused. He didn't need to be protected he was ok he was alive why did he always blame himself-

"Scott I'm sorry, baby... God I'm so sorry Scott I just don't want you to get hurt..." there was so much pain in his voice it wasn't his fault, why did he always assume it was his fault...

"Scott I just...I don't think it's safe for you to be with me anymore," he said softly slowly and Scott's head snapped up tears streaming down his cheeks, and he felt his chest tightening as Derek leaned down to press a tender kiss to his forehead, and Scott let out a broken sob. it wasn't his fault he was gonna lose him it was all his fault-

"Derek don't g-go p-please, don't p-please-" he sobbed into his chest and Derek's eyes were torn as he gently pulled Scott into his arms rocking him gently and kissing away the tears as Scott bawled against his shirt. He didn't even care anymore he just didn't want to lose him-

" I l-love y-you D-Derek, I love you p-please-" he blubbered softly into his chest and Derek's arms tightened around him and he hushed him gently as he kissed his cheek the air thick with remorse. It made him feel sick.

"Scott I love you too I love you so much..." he murmured softly his voice torn as he gently pulled him back on Scott's bed, pulling the covers up around Scott and tucking them in protectively and rubbing his back as Scott broke down in his arms.

"don't cry anymore...please..." Scott just clutched tighter to him and derek sighed quietly, gently stroking his hair.

"Scott your exhausted go to sleep," he soothed as a sob racked Scott's chest and rubbed his back gently.

"don't leave...p-please..." Scott mumbled against his chest, his voice garbled against his chest and Derek was quiet for a while his expression filled with guilt and Scott pressed his head against his throat and Derek swallowed stroking his hair back. He was so tired so tired of all of this..

"I'll be here when you wake up ok? Go to sleep baby everything will be ok..." Derek whispered soothingly and Scott hiccuped against his chest as he cried himself out not even bothering to attempt to contain his tears... Exhaustion slowly began to take its toll as his eyes dropped and Derek petted his hair... knew he would lose him he just knew it... He felt a soft kiss placed in his hair, listened absently to the murmurs in his ears.. It was too late he couldn't change his mind now...god what the fuck Derek why did he always blame himself

"you'll be ok baby I'm right here...god I love you so much Scott I'm so sorry... I'm so so sorry..."

Scott woke with a start, sweat trickling down his forehead as he turned over under the sheets. The bed felt cold. Empty. He barely had the courage to peek out from under the covers, his warm safe haven to acknowledge his fears. Derek was gone. He let a few tears trickle down his cheeks setting his head down onto the pillow before they became full fledged sobs and he cried. He didn't know how long. Eventually he couldn't cry, he didn't know when just that he was all out of tears for the time being. They'd come back. It was awfully quiet again and it made him uneasy. Some people thought silence was better than words. Quiet. Let's you think, let's you dream of all the ideal situations. But in reality words were more merciful. Painful, but quick, didn't let you hope let you drew only to have those hopes and dreams shot down by a brutal reality. He understood where Derek was coming from. Yes he let him get hurt but it wasn't his fault he never meant for this to happen. It was like he cut him open and when the wound got infected, he was to afraid to stitch it back together. Gave him soothing words an anesthesia to numb the pain, to lull him into a peaceful sleep. But Scott was wide awake when the poison came back in. Yes. Words hurt. But at least it was quick and merciful. The silence was slow and agonizing. Pick your poison.