Chapter 5:

"Dad," Stiles started, but the Sheriff cut him off.

"She must have told that story three times a day. It was one of your favorites. One day when she told that story, you asked her what the eye colors meant. She said that all Alphas have red eyes, and most betas have gold eyes. But a beta with blue eyes meant they had killed someone who was not actively trying to kill them—a reflection of their guilt. Stiles, you have blue eyes."

Stiles couldn't meet his dad's eyes. His whole body was shaking. "I know why, kid. I know what you did. I knew when you did it. You did what I couldn't. All I'm asking is if Scott knows what you did."

"You knew?" Stiles asked, looking up before he could stop himself.

The Sheriff nodded. "Of course I knew, Stiles. I'm your dad. And before you get yourself worked up, I wasn't mad then, and I'm not mad now. It's what she wanted; I just couldn't do it." His father's voice was fierce. He gripped Stiles' shoulder with all the strength he could muster and took a steadying breath. "Now, I know it's hard, but focus on the question. Does Scott know what the blue eyes mean?"

"Allison told him it was the mark of a killer."

"Allison is an Argent. They hunt werewolves, right?" Stiles nodded. "And Scott doesn't see a problem with getting his information from them?" Noah ran his free hand over his face. "All right. Next question: does Derek know the details?"

Stiles frowned. "He doesn't know, but only because he hasn't asked. Not that we've really had time to break all this down." Stiles shrugged. The Sheriff finally let his hand fall back to the table.

"Two more questions, then I'm going to bed and you're going to school. First, where the hell is Hale staying? And don't even think about lying." He pointed an accusing finger at his son.

"Uh, Derek's sorta been camping out in his old house. I told him he needed somewhere that's not a condemned building, but he doesn't listen to me."

"Next time you see him, you tell him he's either moving into one of our guest rooms or a holding cell until he can get himself a permanent place that meets all my legal and personal standards. Last question, for now: is he planning on biting more kids?"

"Not like Peter did. I can't say he's not planning on building his pack, because he is and he needs to, but I know for a fact that he's not gonna bite anyone who doesn't want it. And, if I can convince him to listen to me, anyone who gets the offer is also gonna get a crash course in 'Crap Hunters Pull' from yours truly." Stiles folded his arms across his chest with a huff.

The Sheriff chuckled. "All right, kid. Calm down. I'm sure I'll have more questions later, but that'll do for now. I want you to promise me that you'll tell me what's happening from now on. No more lying."

"No more lying. I promise."

"Now get to school." Noah rose from the table but paused at the bottom of the stairs. "I love you, kid."

"Love you too, Dad." Stiles watched his father disappear up the stairs before grabbing his backpack and keys and heading to school.