8 Heart Monitor

Scott and I were just finishing up the grocery shopping. We both had our hands full as we were walking through the parking garage trying to remember where we parked. "Click the alarm, it will be faster than walking in circles."

Scott nods then gently puts the bags on the ground pulling out the keys and setting the car alarm off. While listening for the beep, a bottle of milk rolled out of one of the bags, moving under a car. 

Scott sighs then kneels to grab the milk, feeling blindly under the car. Before he finds anything, the bottle rolls back as milk spurts on the pavement from punctured holes in its side. 

The bottle slowly stops as Scott gets off the ground and makes eye contact with me. "RUN"

I drop the bags and run, Scott and I moving in different directions. I am so happy I didn't wear heels... After a couple of minutes of running I pause behind a parked SUV. I look through the windows trying to see if it's following me, or if I can find Scott. 

I can feel my heart pounding but can't see or hear anything else. I slowly lean around the car and quietly move around the parking garage keeping a lookout for anything dangerous. 

I then start hearing the sound of multiple car alarms. I take off running again, trying to find Scott. I know he has to be close to the cars but far enough away where he won't be found. 

As I run in the direction of the cars, I can just make out the sound of a cell phone ringing. I turn the corner just in time to see Derek reach down and pull my brother out of his hiding spot. 

I take a deep breath as I throw my head back and slowly walk over to them. As I approach, Scott is brushing Derek's hands off of his jacket, "What the hell was that?" Scott is angry.

"Yeah, I would kinda like to know that too," Both boys turn to me.

Then Derek answers, "I said I was going to teach you. I didn't say when."

"You scared the crap out of us."

Derek sniffs the air, "Not yet" he deadpans.

I try to hide a smile, "Was that a joke?"

They both ignore me as Scott continues, "Well, I was fast, right?"

"Not fast enough."

"But the car alarms. That was smart, right?"

"Until your phone rang."

"Look on the bright side, your phone ringing distracted him from me." I brightly smile.

Scott sighs, "Would you just stop? Please?"

Derek then pauses and turns to face my brother, waiting for him to speak. "What happened the other night... Stiles's dad getting hurt. It was my fault. I should have been there to do something. I need you to teach me how to control this."

"I'm what I am because of birth. You were bitten. Teaching someone who was bitten takes time. I'm not even sure I can teach you."

Scott takes a breath, "What do I have to do?"

"Get rid of distractions" Derek grabs Scott, pulling out his phone and turns it around to show the display that says there is a missed call from Allison. "This is why I caught you. You want me to teach you? Get rid of her."

Scott looks shocked and angry, "What? Just because of her family?"

Derek then throws the phone, breaking it. My jaw drops as I look on in shock. "Getting angry? That's your first lesson. Do you want to learn how to control this? How to shift? You do it through anger. By tapping into a primal, animal rage. You can't do that with her around."

Scott has his teeth clenched as he speaks, "I can get angry."

"Not angry enough. This is the only way I can teach you. Can you stay away from her at least until after the full moon?"

"If that's what it takes,"

Derek interrupts him, "Do you want to live? Do you want to protect your friends," He glances at me, "your family? Yes or no?"

"Yes. If you can teach me, I can stay away from her."

I nod, "I'll keep an eye on him."

*_*_*_*_*_*

I was in my room texting Nate when I heard Scott's door slam shut and not even a minute later he screamed. I quickly stood up and rushed through our bathroom and into his room just in time to hear him tell Derek, "You seriously need to stop doing that."

"What happened? Did he talk to you?"

"Woah what? The Alpha? How do you know it's a guy?"

They both ignored me, only sparing me a quick glance. I rolled my eyes, though I should be used to being ignored by now. "Yeah, we had a nice conversation about the weather."

I move out of the bathroom door to sit on Scott's bed as he continues, "No. He didn't talk."

"Did you get anything off of him? An impression?"

"What do you mean?"

"Pretty sure he's talking about your other senses. I mean they are heightened now, use them to your advantage." I state.

Derek nods, "Communication doesn't have to be spoken. What kind of feeling did you get from him?"

Scott pauses to think, "Anger."

"Focused on you?"

"Not me. But definitely anger. I could feel it. Especially when he drew the spiral."

"He drew a spiral?" I questioned, knitting my eyebrows together.

I looked at Derek trying to read his reaction as Scott spoke, "Yeah. In the condensation. What? You have this look like you know what it means."

"It's nothing." Derek brushes off.

Derek goes to open the door. I scoff, "That face says otherwise. You know, you can't ask us to trust you and then just keep things to yourself. Trust is a two-way street."

Derek is adamant, "It doesn't mean anything."

Scott prompts, "You buried your sister under a spiral. What does it mean?"

Derek hesitates, thinking about telling us then answers, "You don't want to know." He then leaves the room as Scott and I glance at each other. I slowly stand up then head back to my room.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I was at lunch talking with Allison and Lydia. Allison was telling us about her history project and The Beast of Gevaudan. "The what of who?" Lydia questions, clearly confused.

"The Beast of Gevaudan. Listen..." Allison then flips through the pages of one of her books and reads, 

"A quadrupled wolf-like monster prowling the Auvergne and South Dordogne areas of France during the years 1764 to 1767. La Bete killed over 100 people, becoming so infamous that the king, Louis XV, sent one of his best hunters to try to kill it."

"Boring" Lydia states.

"I think it's kinda interesting, but it is obviously fiction. I mean c'mon. A wolf-like monster."

Allison continues reading, "Even the Church eventually declared the monster a messenger of Satan."

"Still boring," Lydia pipes up.

"Cryptozoologists believe it may have been a sub-species of a hoofed predator, possibly Mesonychid,"

"Slipping into a coma bored," I gently elbow Lydia and she purses her lips in response.

"While others believe it was a powerful sorcerer who could shapeshift into a man-eating monster."

"Any of this have anything to do with your family?" Lydia asks.

"Yeah, I'm confused too. Didn't you say this was for your history class?"

Allison smiles then continues to read, "It is believed La Bete was finally trapped and killed by a renowned hunter who claimed his wife and four children were the first to fall prey to the creature. The hunter's name was Argent."

Lydia speaks, unimpressed, "Your ancestors killed a big wolf. So what?"

"Not just a big wolf. Look at this picture. What's it look like to you?"

Allison flips the page, revealing a drawing of the monster to Lydia and me. The beast stands on two legs, enshrouded in mist, with red eyes and sharp claws. The bodies of women and children lie at its feet, looks of pure terror are etched on their faces.

As we study the picture Lydia finally answers Allison's question, "It looks. Like a big. Wolf. See you in History." She then gets up and walks away without another word.

Allison looks at me, "Do you think it looks like just a big wolf?"

I glance at the picture again and sigh, "It looks like a classic werewolf. But Allison, it was obviously just a big wolf, or something similar. I mean these mythological creatures come from our history. Take mermaids, for example, they are really just manatees and dugongs. It's how they got their scientific name Sirenia."

Allison nods, "Yeah, I know. But it's still cool to think that my family had a part in a classic myth like this."

She then goes back to reading her book as I stand up to throw away my unwanted food.

*_*_*_*_*_*

As I was making my way to the library I heard my name get called out. I stopped and looked over my shoulder to see Nate jogging to catch up with me. I smile, "Hey, sorry I haven't been able to spend more time with you. Scott's been going through some stuff and I've been helping him."

"Really? Is it just Scott?"

"Well, Lydia too. With that whole thing with her and Jackson. I've been wanting to make sure she was okay."

"So just Scott and Lydia?"

"Um, yeah?" I raise my eyebrow, "Why? Should there be anything else?"

"I don't know. You tell me." Nate sounds accusing like I did something wrong. 

I stop to think about what I have done in the last few days to see if there is a reason why he would be angry at me, "I'm not following... Did I do something wrong?" 

"Well, I've seen you with a guy that I don't know, twice here at the school." I knit my eyebrows together unsure who he's talking about. "I think he's older. The first time I saw you two together you were both getting into Stiles' jeep. The second time he was talking to you by your locker."

I sigh in realization, "That's nothing, he's Stiles' cousin. I've only seen him a few times, always with other people. Except for that time in the hallway. Wait, are you accusing me of cheating?"

"Well, what did you expect? You're hanging around a guy that I don't know and you're not telling me about it. On top of that, you're being secretive. We haven't hung out in days."

I scoff, "What do I expect? I expect you to trust me! I know I've been M.I.A. the past few days but I just explained why to you. I didn't tell you about Stiles' cousin because he's not important. Don't you dare accuse me of cheating! I would never do that, the thought wouldn't even cross my mind."

I turn to walk away but before I make it far Nate's hand is tugging on my wrist, "Babe, I'm sor--"

I cut him off, "Don't. I don't want to even look at you right now." I yank my hand out of his grasp. After a few steps, I turn back around, "And an 'I'm sorry' isn't going to cut it. For you to even think I would do that..." I trail off as I shake my head then continue down the hall. 

*_*_*_*_*_*

I walk into econ and head to my usual seat beside Stiles. As the other students enter the room coach starts talking, "Sit down. Sit, sit, sit. Lots to cover."

As Scott sits in his usual seat and watches as Stiles goes to sit in between us he speaks up, "No Stiles. Take the seat behind me. Stiles,"

He gets cut off as Allison takes the empty seat behind him. She then leans over to talk to Scott, "Hey, I haven't seen you all day."

"Oh, sorry? I've been super busy."

They continue talking for a little bit as Stiles leans over to tell me about their test with coaches' heart monitor during their free period. Coach then smacks a book on his desk to get the class's attention. My head snaps to the front of the room as the coach begins.

"All right, settle down. Let's start with a quick summary of last night's reading. Greenberg, put your hand down. Everybody knows you did the reading. How about..." His eyes search the room and land on my brother, "McCall."

I quickly ask, "Which one?" knowing that Scott didn't do the reading. Coach glances at me almost like he forgot I was in this class.

"Uh, Scott. Summarize last night's reading."

Scott hesitates, "I forgot." He looks uncomfortable. 

"Okay, then. Nice work. Because it's not like you're averaging a D in this class. You do know that I can't keep you on the team with a D, McCall?"

He waits for Scott to say something as a few of the students giggle. I turn in my seat throwing a glare over my shoulder at the students. 

Coach continues when there is no answer, "How about you summarize the previous night's reading? No? How about the night before? How about you summarize anything you've ever read? In your entire life."

Scott is getting flustered, I look towards Stiles who has coach's phone out, tracking Scott's heart rate. It's continuing to rise and my only thought is that this is not going to end well. 

"Anything at all. A blog? The back of a cereal box? The adults-only warning on your favorite website." When he still gets no answer the coach continues in disappointment, "Thank you, McCall. Thank you for extinguishing every last flicker of hope I have for your generation. Next practice you start with suicide runs."

The class laughs as Stiles and I keep our eyes locked on the phone. Quickly, Scott's heart rate starts dropping back to normal. Stiles and I glance at each other then look towards Scott to see Allison holding his hand under the desks. 

*_*_*_*_*_*

After class, Stiles and I quickly rush after Scott. When we catch up Stiles speaks, "It's her."

"What do you mean?"

I explain for Stiles, "It's Allison. Do you remember what you told us about the night of the full moon? You were thinking about her. About protecting her."

Scott nods along, still unsure of what we are trying to say.

Stiles continues where I left off, "So remember the first lacrosse game? You said you could hear her voice out on the field."

"Yeah. I did." He nods again.

I take over, explaining, "That's what brought you back so you could score. And then in the locker room, you didn't kill her. At least not like you were trying to kill Stiles that one time. She brings you back."

Scott pauses as he thinks, "But it's not always true. Because literally every time I'm kissing her or touching her,"

Stiles cuts him off, "That's not the same. When you're doing that you're just another hormonal teenager thinking about sex. See, you're thinking about sex right now. Aren't you?"

I instantly start shaking my head and rolling my eyes at Scott's dazed expression. He snaps back into reality and apologizes as Stiles continues, "Now when she was holding your hand in class, it was different. I don't think she makes you weak..."

I finish, "We think she actually gives you control. Think of her as an anchor."

Scott nods in understanding, "You mean because I love her."

My eyes slightly widen at his words. Scott himself looks surprised that he said it out loud. "Did I just say that?"

"You just said that," I confirm.

"I love her."

I smile along with Scott though Stiles ruins the moment, "That's great. Moving on," before he can continue Scott speaks up again.

"No, I do. I really do. I think I'm totally in love with her."

"And that's beautiful. Before you go off and write a sonnet can we figure this out? Because you obviously can't be around her all the time."

Finally, Scott focuses, "Okay, what do I do?"

Stiles starts pacing as he thinks. "You're getting an idea, aren't you?" I ask.

"Yeah."

"Could this idea get me in trouble?" Scott asks.

"Maybe."

"Is this idea going to cause me physical pain?"

"Definitely."

I bite my lip already hating this idea, even though I don't actually know what it is. Scott and I follow Stiles outside to the parking lot. Nearby is a group of seniors, laughing and smoking by their trucks. 

Stiles pulls Scott to a certain spot, "Over here."

"What are we doing?" I ask, my voice laced with concern.

"You'll see. Stand right here, Scott. Do you have your keys?" Scott takes out his keys, showing Stiles, "Hold them up. Now, whatever happens I want you to think about Allison. Find her voice like you did at the game? Got it?"

Scott nods as I realize what Stiles' plan is. I take a deep breath and let my head fall into my hands. Stiles continues speaking, "Good. Keep holding the keys."

Stiles then walks over to the Senior's truck, takes out his own car keys and drags them along the truck, effectively scratching the paint. Once he finishes and puts his keys away he loudly yells at Scott, "Dude. What do you think you're doing to that truck?"

The seniors turn around to see Scott holding his keys. Scott steps back and tries to hide his keys but fails miserably as the seniors start to make their way over to him. They quickly start beating him up as my hand flies to my mouth and Stiles and I watch the heart monitor. 

Not too much later and Mr. Harris comes around the corner breaking up the fight. The seniors take off leaving Stiles and I looking at the heart monitor and Scott bloody and on the ground.

Scott sits up and turns to Stiles and myself as Stiles shows him the phone. Displayed on the screen is a normal, steady heartbeat.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Scott, Stiles and I sit in the empty Chemistry classroom as Mr. Harris grades papers. I can't believe I got detention. I didn't even do anything. I was just standing there!

Scott speaks, breaking the silence, "Excuse me, sir. I know it's detention and all, but I'm supposed to be at work. And I don't want to get fired."

Harris, of course, ignores him, not caring that he has work. 

Scott then leans over to Stiles, talking about what happened. I choose not to listen and instead continue to draw in my notebook and think about the fight I had with Nate earlier. I still can't believe he thought I would cheat on him. I'm so angry and hurt, he better come up with a damn good apology.

After a few more minutes of silence, Harris finally speaks up, "All right, You three can go. Out of here."

We quickly grab our things and head out of the building.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I was with Stiles at his place working on homework. I was laying on his bed while he was working at his desk, I was telling him about my argument with Nate, "Do you think it's stupid, that I'm angry with him?"

"Not at all, I would be angry too if someone accused me of cheating."

I nodded my head and bit my lip, unconvinced that I had a reason to be mad. "I feel stupid for being mad at him. I mean, I'm pissed he jumped to conclusions but I also understand feeling jealous."

"Scar," Stiles sighed. He stood up and walked towards his bed sitting beside me, he slowly placed his hand on my shoulder, "You have the right to be angry that he accused you of cheating. That's more than just being jealous. And anyone who knows you knows that you would never do that. Your feelings are valid." 

I slowly smiled then sat up pulling Stiles into a tight hug. His arms wrapped around my waist as I whispered, "Thanks, you always know what to say."

Before he could say anything back his bedroom door burst open and the two of us sprung apart. 

"Sorry... Am I interrupting something?" Scott asks looking between us.

"Uh no. What do you need?" Stiles gulps, rubbing his hands on his jeans.

*_*_*_*_*_*

As the three of us arrive at the school and get out of the jeep Stiles speaks, "this is a terrible idea."

"Couldn't agree more..." I mumble.

"Are we seriously going to do this?"

"Can either of you think of something better?" Scotts asks with just a small glimmer of hope in his brown eyes.

"Personally, I'm a big fan of ignoring a problem and hoping it goes away," Stiles replies as I just shake my head.

"Just make sure we can get inside."

Stiles then yanks out a pair of bolt cutters just as a pair of headlights approach. Derek's Camaro parks in a nearby space, he kills the engine and steps out from behind the wheel. As the three of us approach him Scott asks, "Where's my boss?"

"In the back." Derek walks over pulling the door open allowing us to look inside. Deaton is bound, gagged, and blindfolded. "Comfy." I deadpan and put my hands on my hips. 

I turn to look at Scott and Stiles, "I'm going to wait out here, the school is creepy at night."

As the two brunettes make their way over to the dark, empty school Derek turns to me, "Where are they going?"

I sigh, "You said that Scott is linked with the Alpha. He wants to see if you're right." I pause, "You'll understand in a minute."

As Derek and I wait outside, standing by his car we hear a very pathetic attempt at a howl ringing over the PA system. Derek slowly moves his eyes away from Deaton and locks them on the school, "You gotta be kidding me..." 

A few moments later a powerful howl blasts through the PA system, my jaw drops, impressed that he could actually do it. Derek looks impressed but definitely not happy. 

He turns to look at me with a clenched jaw as I raise my hands, "Don't look at me"

The moment Scott and Stiles step out of the school Derek speaks, "I'm going to kill the two of you myself. Are you trying to attract the entire state to this school?"

"I didn't know it would be that loud" Scott tries to defend.

"It was loud. And it was awesome." Stiles says, clearly happy with the howl.

"I said it was a bad idea but nobody ever listens to Scarlett," I cross my arms, looking towards the three guys standing in front of me. 

Scott's eyes linger on Derek's car. Derek and I follow his eyes and see that Deaton is now missing, "What did you do with him?"

"We didn't do anything," Derek replies.

He doesn't get the chance to continue because the next moment he jerks forward. Blood spurts from his mouth as he rises into the air, held aloft by something dark and large. 

I am frozen in place looking to my right. Stiles then pulls my hand as we all stumble away from Derek and the Alpha. We watch in horror as Derek's body is thrown and slams into the brick wall of the school.

Tripping over our feet we race to the school. The two boys let me in before them, then they quickly yank the double doors shut. Holding them closed, we try to catch our breath as a shadow with glowing red eyes emerges from where we were just standing.