Archive of Our Own ^beta

Children ran through the streets, racing from one house to the next, decorative pumpkins filled to the brim with candy. Laughter echoed through the air, skirting around neighbours and through crowded lawns. The calls of exhausted yet smiling parents ignored as the celebrations carried on in good spirit. The night was young. Costume parties in full swing, haunted houses and mazes lined with visitors, ghost stories over the campfire. Others chose to stay in. Everyone knew of the house down the street with a celebration for two. Lights and decorations adorned the facade, matched only by the colourful array scattered throughout the inside, all the while welcoming trick or treaters to collect from the skeleton: ‘if thou dare’. The young couple lingered within, preparing for a marathon of frights; and this, dear readers, is where our story begins.

~

“In the cupboard.”

“It’s not there!” Liam called back.

“I put it there myself, Liam. It’s on the front shelf.”

“They’re not there!”

With an immense eye roll, he sighed. “You know, there are these things we’re born with. Amazing really. The two coloured balls in your face? They’re called eyes. Oh, and guess what? Turns out, you can see through them as well. Imagine that!”

Liam growled, rummaging through the kitchen. “Do you think I’m stupid, Theo?”

His lips twitched, corners curving into a justifiable smirk. Any sane person would have seen the opportunity presented to him. “Well, now that’s a loaded question.”

Liam’s jaw clenched, the pressure of teeth grinding against one another sending an unnatural groan fracturing outwards. One which threatened to crack bone. “I have looked.”

“Blindfolded doesn’t count.”

“Shut up, Theo.”

“Are you having trouble with your eyesight, Li?” He grinned at the increasing scent of anger drifting out to the lounge where he sat. Riling Liam up was too enjoyable to miss. “It might be time to see a doctor.’

“I’m warning you, Theo.”

“We could always call Melissa-”

“I swear-“

“There’s also Deaton. Who better to check your vision than the local veterinarian? You’ll be good as new in no time.” The punch that followed was, in hindsight, reasonable, which is why he now faced the golden glare of an angry beta once he successfully dodged. “Remind me to ask Deaton for a leash.”

Liam would have attacked, arm raised and in full swing, were it not for the doorbell. Liam swung faster than even he could react, halting centimetres from his face. A hair’s breadth was all that stood between him and another broken nose. Steering well clear of the beta’s fist—and short fuse—he grabbed hold of the bowl of candy, rushing to the front door. It would be rude to keep the children waiting, after all, but it might be better for all involved if he weren’t bleeding. Halloween might be a night of scares, but literal bloodstains . . . That was too far. Liam needed to seek help. This unhealthy obsession with breaking his nose had to stop.

“Trick or treat!” The door was barely opened a crack when the first shouts rose, smiles stretching when he finished unlocking it to reveal him standing there. Three young girls stood on the porch with a woman.

“Who do we have here?” He offered a smile in return.

“I’m a princess!” The smallest girl shouted, smiling brightly and bouncing on her heels. “Mum bought me a tiara. See?” She pointed to where it sat perched perfectly atop her head.

“I do, and it is a beautiful one at that.” He whispered, earning a giggle from the group. “I wanted to wear mine, but I’m afraid it’s in being polished.” Cue another round of laughter. “We have to look our best, after all.”

“You don’t have one.” The smallest girl giggled.

“Oh, but I do. I wore it last week.” Eyebrow raised, his lips twitched. “It’s light gold. There’s even a star on top.” He said with an exaggerated sense of pride. Head held high. When the three girls broke out in yet another round of infectious laughter, his shoulders fell. A dramatic sigh cut the air, his bottom lip jutting out. “You don’t believe me?”

The girls spoke together, screaming, “No!” By now, they were practically vibrating with excitement, feet barely coming into contact with the porch at their renewed and energised jumps.

It was coming harder to hide the urge to let his lips rise. The itch at holding back his own smile growing with every passing moment. “Well, if you do not count me worthy of owning a tiara of my own, may I at least ask your name?”

“Lily,” she beamed.

“Ah, yes, one truly befitting a princess.” Pulling his leg back, hands drawing at the hem of his shirt and knees bent, he slid into a short curtsy. Graceful, if he does say so himself.

“You’re supposed to bow!” Lily said.

Gasping, he threw his hands in the air. “How silly of me! Thank you for the correction, Lily.”

Lowering himself into an elegant bow, he rose to meet the blinding smiles of both mother and daughter alike. “It has been a pleasure to have met you, Your Highness. One I shan’t forget, and your friends?Are they also princesses?”

“No!” The girls laughed.

“They’re witches.” Lily said, matter-of-factly. “Look at their brooms!”

“Of course!” He flailed, shaking his head. “How could I have missed that?! Please forgive my mistake—and your names are?”

Two shouts came at once, with a loud and enthusiastic, “Taylor! Abby!”

“It has been an honour to meet you. I’m Theo.” He broke off with a gasp, wide-eyed and mouth ajar. “Wait. Can you fly?!”

“It’s just pretend!” Abby said.

“We found them in our kitchen.” Taylor chuckled.

“I see. That does make sense.” His smile softened. Theatrics aside, he held out the bowl towards them. “I think you’ve earned your share of candy. Please, take a handful.” Then, with a quick glance around the porch, he leant in, whispering, “If you dare.”

Lily jumped at the chance. He blinked, and there she was, reaching in. Candy fell from her hand at the startled shout rising in sync with the animatronic skeleton jolting forward. The bowl remained still, uncovered once more as the skeleton returned to its original position.

“Cool!” Taylor and Abby squealed, running forward and thrusting a hand in either side, giggling when the skeleton moved once more.

Neither wanted to wait, and instead, both girls bolted for the fence. They were met by their parents, who with a nod prepared for the next house. Lily however, threw herself forward, arms wrapping around his legs. That was one firm grip. Impressive. This little girl was hugging him, and his lips rose. A smile he couldn’t hide. He didn’t want to.

“Thank you.” Lily shrieked, squeezing harder until her mum gently pried her off.

“Sorry, Theo. Lily’s just excited-” She begun.

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind.” In all honesty, he needed it. The warm sensation flooding his chest . . . He’d never grew tired of having anyone want to be near him. “Have a good night. Oh, and Lily.” Watching her eyes brighten, shining under the anticipation, he said, “Enjoy your palace, Your Highness.”

With one last giggle, she turned alongside her mum—who offered another genuine smile—and friends as they made their way back towards the fence.

Letting the door close behind him, he turned around and was met with a soft smile. Liam leant against the wall, gaze locked on his. His brow rose. “What?”

“Shan’t?” Liam smirked.

His cheeks warmed at the comment. “It’s rude to stare, Li.”

“Is that a blush I see?”

His cheeks darkened, heat spreading to his ears and neck. “Shut up.” He huffed, rolling his eyes and pushing passed the beta. “I did have English at school. Same as you.”

Liam followed him to the kitchen, standing at the counter while he opened the cupboard. His hand froze at the gentle kiss on his cheek, arms wrapping around his waist, head resting comfortably on his shoulder. Leaning back, he melted into the embrace. Breathing in the beta’s scent, lips rising naturally. Revelling in the miracle of being chosen. It had been two years since Liam took his arm and pulled him aside at Lydia’s Halloween party. Leading him into an empty room. In the middle of a costume party, on one of the rare occasions they could pretend the world wasn’t a supernatural hunting ground, Liam kissed him. No warning, no context. The now familiar touch embedded in his skin. Normal teenagers for the first time in their lives. Had he not grabbed the beta’s wrist and wrapped Liam in a tight embrace for another kiss, holding on for dear life, Liam would have run. No chance.

“You’re so adorable with children.” Liam whispered.

“I am, aren’t I?”

A snort broke the moment, a hand lightly hitting his arm. Liam shook his head. “I’d say no, but that would be a lie. You were incredible back there.”

“Just don’t start talking about children of our own.” His said, laughing at the way skip in Liam’s heartbeat. “I already have one child to raise.”

It was worth the slap.

“I am not a child. If anyone is the parent in this relationship, it’s me.” Liam huffed.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m the one controlling your murderous urges, reminding you to sleep. If it weren’t for me, you’d have collapsed last year from exhaustion.”

Rolling his eyes, he ignored the truth behind the assertion. Liam was the only reason he was standing here—for more reasons than he could count. It was more than just bringing him back. Without Liam, he would have starved or allowed his body to shut down before he agreed to sleep. The idea of closing his eyes, of rendering himself a hostage to Tara’s mercy . . . Nothing could have made him accept that horror. No promise of power, no offer too great to refuse. Then Liam came along. The beta wormed his way into his heart, burrowing beneath his defences. Providing a shoulder to lean on, the willingness to listen and endless patience—never asking for anything in return. Slowly, Liam chipped away at his resistance. Promising to be there when he fell asleep and when he awoke.

A promise the beta had always kept to this day.

“Maybe, but I’m the one who has to stop you from running off and landing in a hole. Not to mention, how often I have to calm you down before you commit murder.” He grinned, eyebrow rising in a silent challenge. Daring Liam to deny it.

“Says the one who needed a child to tell him he’s supposed to bow.” Liam snorted. “Your Highness.”

Oh, that little shit. “You loved it.” He removed himself from the beta’s hold, pushing back against the cupboard and slid into a perfect curtsy. Let the beta tease him. He had no reason to be ashamed; after all, it was all for the girls. A little laughter from his boyfriend didn’t faze him.

“I did.” Liam said instead.

His smile softened. The sincerity in those two words meant everything. It was proof that even after all this time, Liam still wanted to be with him. Still loved him. He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, lips meeting Liam’s in a gentle kiss.

“When does your tiara arrive?”

The moment was ruined. Pulling back once more, he rolled his eyes. “Never.”

“You’d be beautiful.” The beta said with a smirk. “It would be the perfect accessory for the dress I bought you.”

His eyes narrowed, skin tinged pink. “I thought I made myself clear-”

“Come on. What could be a better than a real designer dress? Lydia recommended the store, and it would look great on you.”

He choked. Taking a sharp breath in, eyes wide. “You asked Lydia?!” The image of the Pack’s banshee knowing there was an expensive dress, any dress currently sitting in their house . . . Heat flooding to the surface, surging underneath his skin and turning his entire face dark red.

“Theo-”

“Liam! Do you know how to keep your mouth shut for five seconds?” How was he going to look her in the eyes at the next Pack meeting? He’d be forced to hide from her again. Yes, again. Long story, and once more a prime example how Liam was always getting him into trouble . . . Even if the beta also protected him. “Why did you have to ask her?”

“I didn’t.” Liam huffed.

“You just said-”

“Would you relax?” Liam said, rolling his eyes. “I overheard her talking to Malia and decided to have a look myself.”

He stared into Liam’s eyes, searching for a sign, any sign of deception, but the beta never looked away. Liam maintained eye contact and an even heartbeat. No alteration to his chemo-signals. He swallowed. Closing his eyes and willing the heat spreading through his body to disappear. Opening his eyes again, he narrowed his gaze. “You’re an ass.”

“There is no way I’d let them know. This is between you and me.”

“It has nothing to do with us or anyone else because it is not going to happen.” He huffed, opening his eyes fully now to glare at the irritating beta.

“Come on, Theo.” Liam said, voice dropping in volume. Lips morphing into a pout. “You’ll look so beautiful.”

Rolling his eyes, he said, “Your fake pout designed to gain sympathy is useless on me.” A snort escaped, passing his lips easily at his pain in the ass boyfriend’s attempt to deepen the frown. “Nice try.” He felt the corners of his lips rising, a natural response to the irresistible urge bubbling up inside him. How could he pass up the golden opportunity? “I could say the same for you.”

The poor attempt to earn his agreement disappeared. Replaced in a second by a low snarl. “Shut up.”

“What’s wrong, Liam? Don’t like it when I turn it back on you?”

“Do it for me.” Liam said, voice tinged with a quiet plea.

Oh, he was really trying to win him over this time. A string of emotions. Alternating between each one in the blink of an eye.

“In your dreams, Li.” He didn’t falter once in delivering the refusal. Instead, he leant in, smirking at the shiver which ran down the beta’s spine in return. “Next time,” he whispered, “look.” Thrusting his hand into Liam’s chest and forcing him to grab the bag of skittles he’d retrieved from the cupboard.

“When did you-” Liam begun.

“It’s called multitasking.”

Snorting at the beta’s sputtering, the broken string of complaints, he turned to walk passed and towards the newly rung doorbell.

“I- you can’t have- it wasn’t-“ Liam tried, flustered. Words merging into one in little more than an inaudible slew of sounds.

“Eloquent.” With no attempt to hide his rising smirk, “Find me when you can form a complete sentence.” Lips twitching at the snarl. “How long did it take you to come up with that?”

“Why I-“

“Keep thinking.” He smirked at the ensuing growl. “Blunt teeth. I’m terrified.”

Lips softening into an innocent smile, he reached for the door handle. Truth be told, he was relieved to see Liam remain human. He did not want to fend off a vicious beta. He’d been there before, and he was not interested on waiting for his body to restitch itself together . . . again.

“You said it was on the front shelf!” Liam shouted.

Ignoring the comment, he rolled his eyes once before shaking off the facade in favour of greeting the children standing on their porch. Six pre-schoolers held out bags, wide-eyed and virtually begging him to fill them, with an excited ‘trick or treat!’ from each. A light chuckle surfaced, crossing his lips easily. The costumes were incredible. Every detail accurate and thought out. Choices ranging from Dracula and Iron Man to Wednesday Addams.

“Don’t you all look amazing.” He said. “Hey, Liam. We have a Medusa.”

The response was immediate. He was rewarded with the sound of footsteps thumping down the hall, barely stumbling to a stop in time to avoid pushing him through the open door and off the porch. Liam did not, however, stop before elbowing him in the side. Hard. It was lucky they were surrounded by witnesses, or should he say, Liam was lucky. There would be no blood shed. Innocent bystanders did not need to bear such a sight, nor would he risk a call to the Sheriff’s department. Being arrested was far from his idea of pleasant. The Pack may have forgiven him, but the Sheriff . . . Let’s just say, messing with Stiles and nearly killing the man instilled a lasting grudge.

“I love it!” Liam beamed, earning an equally wide smile from the young girl. “It’s perfect. You look just like her! The hair is so lifelike!”

Okay, so maybe his survival instincts weren’t the only reason he refrained from retaliating. There was no denying the beta’s happiness. How could he when Liam was practically oozing praise? It was infectious. His smile grew, lips tilting upwards with enough intensity to rival the cat creature from Alice In Wonderland. What was it? The Cheshire Cat? How Liam convinced him to watch that movie was a mystery. He could do nothing but smile at the display, and yet, the children’s parents remained uncertain, glancing between them and stepping closer to their children.

“My boyfriend’s obsessed with history.” He explained, successfully easing their concerns a little. If they didn’t want to scare them off, Liam needed to dial the excessive reaction down a notch. “Now, seeing as you all have such well thought out and unique costumes,” he begun—and they really were incredibly accurate and detailed—“you’re welcome to collect your candy. Take as much as you like (and are allowed).”

He nodded to the parents who smiled in return, their relief and gratitude palpable. Not surprising, though, when most people hand out candy as though it were apples with no consideration to the parents who were raising these children. Why not, right? It’s just a few sugary confections. One night can’t hurt . . . Easy to say when you live in a different house. They weren’t the ones who’d have to stay up all night monitoring hyperactive children running all over the house. Nor were they responsible for the dental bill. At least, he had finally put their surprise and questions to rest after Liam’s abrupt arrival earlier. He waved good-bye, shepherding Liam inside and away from the giggling children. The door clicked shut behind them.

“I can’t believe the little girl chose Medusa, Theo!” Liam rambled, his excitement getting the better of him. “I’ve never seen a Medusa costume before! The detail was incredible. Do you think it was homemade? I mean, it has to be. An outfit that good can’t have been store bought. The hair! Theo, did you see her hair?!”

“Yes, Li.” He snorted. “I saw the girl standing two feet from me.”

“I’m serious.” Liam huffed, eyes narrowed.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of doubting you.”

“This isn’t a joke!”

He leant back, arms crossed behind his head against the door, relaxed. In return, he was privy to the uncontrollable twitch of Liam’s right eye. “Seems funny to me.” His lips rising, smirk persistent at the deep growl from his increasingly irritated boyfriend. Now, he could stop . . . or he could continue to rile the beta up. There really wasn’t much choice when you considered how much fun pressing Liam’s buttons was. “You’re cute.”

“Theo! If you didn’t know any better, you’d think they were real snakes!”

“I don’t know about you, Li,” he grinned, “but I know the difference between real and pretend.” Ignoring the flared nostrils, he pushed off the door and casually strolled passed with a calmness he couldn’t manufacture. “Oh, and try not to injure me.”

Liam scoffed. “I barely touched you.”

“My ribs would disagree.”

“I can snap them completely if you’d prefer.” Liam challenged, baring a hint of fangs.

Rolling his eyes, he turned the corner towards the kitchen. “I’d rather you didn’t.”

The beta followed shortly after, slow and smug. Chemo-signals revealing every inch of victory pouring off the idiot at that on sentence. He didn’t stop. If Liam wanted to catch up to them, then the beta could work for it.

“Aw. Did I leave you speechless?” Liam laughed.

“You wish. There’s no need to crash into people. She wasn’t going anywhere.”

“Says the man who doesn’t know directions.”

“I told you, Liam, that is the front shelf.”

Another growl ensued, this one tearing through the silence. Hairs rising on the back of his neck. Footsteps stomped across the hall, muffled by the carpet. Closing the distance between them sooner than he had imagined. “How is that the front?!”

“It’s basic spatial awareness, Li.”

“Bullshit.”

“Watch your language.” He smirked, narrowly dodging the well aimed punch and avoiding another broken nose. After having his nose broken three times, experience had taught him the beta’s subtle cues. Preempting said swing had saved him from over a hundred collisions—a disturbing pattern. “I love you, Liam, but you need to control your anger issues. Violence is never the answer.”

“Wipe that grin off your face. Just admit it’s the back.”

Eyebrow raised, he stopped in front of the cupboard, arms crossed. “Liam, meet door.” His hand swept outwards, signalling the closed structure. “Door, meet Liam. Now,” he called with a dramatic flourish, gripping the handle abruptly and yanking it open. “This, Liam, is a shelf. Introduce yourself.” Hands thrust into the air, he shouted, “It’s the front!”

Silence rose. For a moment, neither spoke. His gaze narrowed, scrutinising the beta’s slack expression. The slow motions forming. A gentle twitch of lips, the gleam flooding those gorgeous blue eyes. Liam lost the battle. A smile grew, blindingly bright and with a loud snort, Liam threw his head back, hostage to a fit of laughter. All trace of anger fell away, leaving nothing but uncontrollable hysteria. Once it wore off, Liam breathed out a quiet, “Idiot.”

He might have been offended were it not for the blind trust he had in the beta. There was a time when he would have bought into the idea that Liam meant those words, but now it was impossible to miss the affection underlying that one short word. Smirking once more, he said, “You know I’m right.”

The doorbell rung. Once more silencing the conversation as he searched instead for the abandoned candy bowl, brushing a hand through Liam’s hair, ruffling it—and the beta’s temper—along the way. Dodging the second punch of the night.

“Hey!” The beta’s huffed, pitch rising. “I told you to stop ruffling my hair!”

“Over my dead body.”

“Theo!”

“There will never be a day where I don’t touch those beautiful curls. They are the softest strands in all of existence, and you won’t keep them from me.” His smirk softened, encompassing nothing but the unhidden truth. This was only the beginning. He made his way towards the most recent children. As much as he loved being a part of this, the opportunity to be involved in a Halloween tradition, he’d rather sit down and curl up with Liam for the night. Smiling at the muttered ‘sap’, his lips stretched to their limit, cast warming at the endearment. “Hurry up and finish preparing the food. I’m hungry, and we haven’t even started the marathon.”

When a soft tap hit the back of his head, he froze. His gaze fell to the offending skittle abandoned on the floor; his narrowed glare directed at the retreating figure. Coward. “Do not start a food fight with me, Li. We both know what happened last time.”

“You broke the bed, smart-ass.”

“Only because you threw me into it!”

He was dating a child. Honestly, he shouldn’t be surprised. They’d been dating for two years now, and the beta was still an avid believer in avoiding responsibility. It ends now. He would not be blamed for being assaulted. Liam was the reason they had to sleep on the floor that night. Hard not to, when your bed is shattered at four in the morning. There wasn’t an option. Once stores opened the following morning, he found a replacement—Liam was also forbidden from using it. It was only fair. If Liam couldn’t respect their furniture—or him—then the beta could stay on the hard floor. Both too stubborn to admit defeat. By the end of the seventh day, Liam crawled back, begging for forgiveness. He missed the warmth of having another body pressed close to his, arm wrapped around the beta’s back as much as Liam did. Not that he’d ever admit it.

Not once had he imagined becoming so tactile. Growing up, he hated touch. Who could blame him? Physical contact only ever entailed pain. A method of torture and punishments. Now though . . . it was different. Liam was different. He no longer associated touch with claws and scalpels. The gentle press of hands along his body no longer elicited a sharp flinch. Held close between two strong, powerful arms wasn’t a threat.

Touch. It was no longer about restraining him, but rather comfort, affection . . . love.

He blinked. Drawn back to the present by a familiar chiming. He remained frozen in the middle of the hallway. Right. The trick-or-treaters.

“Theo?” Liam stood in the kitchen doorway, brows furrowed and frowning. “You alright?”

Lips twitching, he settled into an easy smile. The usual concern warming his heart. Two years and he still wasn’t over this sensation. The idea he was truly wanted. “I’m fine.” There was no other way to explain,; no accurate way to describe how much it meant. “Just . . . thinking of the past and how lucky I am to have you.”

Liam snorted. “You really are a sap.”

“That, Liam, was uncalled for.” He couldn’t fight the smile though. It remained fixed and visible, the natural ease of which was undeniable. Even he knew his cold exterior had melted, replaced by a much lighter, calmer attitude. This smile, though, only Liam knew. One reserved solely for him. As the beta slipped back through the door in search of more food, he shook his head with a sigh. Quietly reaching for the handle, cool night air cast through the opening. Cheers rising in sync, arms holding out pumpkins ready to be filled. He shivered. The cold chill travelling down his spine, chilling him to his core. Why . . . It wasn’t that cold. Nor was it windy. There was an odd quality to the chill . . . He just wanted to getback inside. A second group of children appeared as the first were leaving, and an even share of candy later, he was left standing alone against the door, eyes closed. Silence comforting. Inhaling deeply, he released the breath and allowed himself a moment to revel in the lack of socialising—and away from the unsettling moment—if only for a few seconds. The aggressive ‘Theo!’ shattered the fragile peace. Sighing, he opened his eyes . . . and was greeted with a deadly scowl.

“What now, Li?”

“Did you eat my chocolate?” Liam’s voice bordered on inhuman, more snarl than an audible sentence. Blue eyes hardened, provoked by his silence. “Don’t ignore me, Theo.”

Idiot. As lucky as he was to be with Liam, he was dating a literal child. What was he supposed to say to that? Keeping his thoughts to himself would serve the beta right for such a ridiculous question, but he wasn’t particularly interested in fighting off his feral boyfriend. “Do I look like I have a death wish?”

The only answer he received was more growling. This was too much even for him. If he’d wanted an animal, he would have adopted one of Scott’s many dogs. Dating one was definitely off the list. Five minute of staring later—he refused to respond to such primitive sounds—and Liam finally spoke. “Answer me.”

“No, Liam.” He huffed, rolling his eyes. “I did not eat your precious chocolate.”

“It’s not there.”

“And?”

“You’re the only other person here.” Liam snapped.

“Well, maybe you should learn to pace yourself. Ever heard of portion control?”

He levelled Liam with a dry look when he heard another growl. This was not a wild animal’s nest. If he could be mature about his boyfriend’s obsession and paranoia, then Liam could be civilised and act like the human he is—or claims to be.

“Don’t take it out on me because you forgot you finished them.”

“You really want to insult me by calling me stupid and denying the crime you committed?” Gold seeped into blue, irises glowing as fangs pierced the surface.

“If the shoe fits . . .” He rolled his eyes as the beta’s nails grew, sharp and lethal. “Pull it together, Li.”

“You’re lying. Just admit you took them!”

“And you, Liam, are unstable. Speak to your dad about your obvious hormonal imbalance.”

One word could be used to describe Liam’s reaction: feral. An arm swung at him, and he ducked. Avoiding to punch to his nose . . . only to stand and receive a sharp slice across his cheek. Hissing, he allowed his own bright yellow to bleed into his irises. The scent of his blood dripping from Liam’s claws forcing him to control his heart rate. “You did not just attack me.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

“Maul me and you’re sleeping outside tonight.” His voice hardened. He would not be threatened or subjected to Liam’s irrational anger or sweet tooth. This entire argument was borderline psychotic.

“Then stop lying, and admit you took them.”

“You’re so deluded.” He huffed, rolling his eyes when Liam growled—again. “If you want me to drop the animal comparisons, quit acting like one. You have a voice, use it.”

Fangs bared, Liam clenched his fists. “How could you?”

Oh, that does it. “I did not eat your precious chocolate!” How many times did he have to say it?

“I made that mistake once, once, at the beginning of our relationship. I nearly lost an eye to your psychotic break. I know better than to mess with your killer sweet tooth, Li.”

“Well, someone had to. There’s only two of us here, Theo. If iI didn’t move it, and it’s not on the counter where I left it , then it must have been you.” Liam snapped, claws cutting through skin. Blood pooling underneath his nails, palm coated in the suubstance.

His gaze narrowed. This better not be what he thought it was. Storming passed Liam, he made his way towards the kitchen. Ignoring the beta’s persuit and the shouted ‘where are you going’, he placed his palm flat against the door. “You better hope I’m wrong, Liam.” Bang! The door hit th wall behind with the force used, his gaze honed in on the countertop. Narrowing a second later, nostrils flared. “You idiot, Dunbar!”

“What?” Liam hissed, arms crossed and standing in the entrance. The perfect reprsentation of a child mid-tantrum.

“This!” He screamed, ripping the full packet off the open bench. Barely concealed by a bowl of fruit. “I thought I told you to look?!”

Instant. The only way to describe the change in Liam’s expression was instantaneous. The loss of tension in both shoulders, fangs receding and claws drawn back beneath the surface. Irises returning to their usual blue. Body drained of anger. The assertion he was at fault fell away, replaced now by the sharp scent of regret. Suffocatingly potent . . . Until it shifted soon after, merging into a defensive energy.

“Simple misunderstanding.”

Disregarding his own comments, he growled. This called for primal instinct. “I’m going to kill you.” Of course, everything changes when it’s Liam to blame. Perfectly reasonable. “You were ready to rip my head off!” He snarled. “I was prepared to fight; no, I was prepared to run, but that’s not important. Is it? When I’m the culprit, it’s the end of the world, but when you’re in the wrong, it’s all a misunderstanding.”

“It was an honest mistake.” Liam dismissed. “It could happen to anyone.”

“No, Liam! It doesn’t!” His nostrils flared, arms thrown wide at the assertion. How were they having this conversation? Was a simple apology too much to ask for? “The packet was right there! It’s practically the only item on the bench!” He could have stopped at the sign of remorse flickering through Liam’s gaze, but instead he kept pushing. “How could you miss it?!”

“Theo-”

“Did you even try to find them?”

The room filled with the undeniable wave of embarrassment, a tinge of red coating the beta’s cheeks. If he were nice, he’d let it go. Move on. In any other situation, he’d have at least considered walking away. Pretending this never happened. Unfortunately for Liam, he wasn’t in the forgiving mood.

“I didn’t-” Liam tried.

“What is the point in having eyes if you refuse to use them?!” He snapped, unconcerned with the dip in chemo-signals with every barbed insult. “Did you even think to look,” he said, increasingly frustrated with every word, “‘or was your first thought I know what would be fun. Why not blame Theo?’”

Liam shrunk at the final assertion. Embarrassment intensified by the accusation, overpowering his senses. Suffocating in its intensity. He could have left Liam to stew in his own stupidity. Maybe he should. After all, it was Liam who caused this mess to begin with. That pout though. . . The red cheeks, blurred gaze, inability to meet his eyes . . . Liam was the epitome of a kicked puppy. He might be pissed, but he wasn’t heartless—not anymore.

Sighing, his expression eased. His scowl softening into a slight frown. “Come here.” Holding an arm out, Liam slipped forward into his hold without so much as a word. Leaning in as he wrapped his arms around the beta’’s waist. Liam had never been this quiet. In the entire time hee’d known th other wolf, silence did not exist. There was always noise. If Liam was present, then no matter how small, you were privy to either a slew of speech, music or a symphony of sounds from around the house. Now though, Liam wouldn’t even meet his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Liam nuzzled against the corner of his neck, scenting him and seeking approval. This wasn’t how they interacted. They had long since stopped hating each other and intentionally causing pain or fear. Even when they would inevitably wind up in an other argument, it was never this bad. It was more . . . their way of flirting. Their love language. (Please don’t let Lydia hear that. She would be relentless.) Stroking a hand through Liam’s hair, gentle and (hopefully) soothing, he remained still, arms looped tighter around the beta.

“I should have looked more.” Liam mumbled.

His heart broke a little more at the defeated edge to the beta’s voice. “It’s not that bad.”

“Theo, I threatened you. I attacked you.” A moment of silence rose bfore Liam whispered a pitiful, “I scared you.”

He sighed, holding tigher. “You didn’t scare me, Li. I just . . . When I said I was prepared to fight, to run, I meant my survival instinct. A means of protection. It wasn’t fear.”

“That’s just as bad! You shouldn’t need to protect yourself from me. I’m supposed to be the one protcting you from others, not causing you to need it.”

“Well,” He said, cautiously testing the waters before adding, “it is, after all, one of the reasons I fell in love with you. Your incomparable anger issues.” His lips twitched, rising in a small smile at the watery laugh. A quiet snort at the light smack to the outside of his arm.

“I’m sorry, T. I never should have blamed you.”

He couldn’t deny that, but Liam never saw reason when it came to his sweet tooth. It was all primal anger and defensiveness. Leaning forward, he placed a gentle, lingring kiss atop Liam’s head. A hand on the beta’s chin, guiding those blue eyes to meet his own, kissing Liam’s forehead, nose—earning a child-like giggle—and finally, connecting their lips. The physical sign that he understood. He wasn’t going anywhere. They stayed there like that, entwined in one another’s arms until they had no choice but to seperate for a much needed breath. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.” Liam muttered, voicee wavering. “I messed up.”

He wanted to rip his own head off right now. “Please, don’t cry.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m the one who should be apologising to you. Can you forgive me?”

“This isn’t your fault, Theo.” Liam insisted, shaky. “You were right to be angry.”

Liam clearly had no intention of ever shifting in his firm belief (mistake). There had to be a way to make it up to Liam, to make him see that it was him in the wrong. Sure, Liam could have looked more before accusing him, but he went too far. Way too far. He needed to see his boyfriend smile—now. There had to be . . . He cringed. There was only one way to fix this. He had sworn to himself this day would never come, but . . . What choice did he have? He would do anything to make it up to Liam. Untangling his arms, he flinched at the ensuing whine. The pained whimper that passd Liam’s lips. “I’ll be right back. I promise. Just . . . wait here. Okay?”

It took a couple of seconds, the beta’s blue eyes cast downward and away from him before he saw the nod. A hesitant agreement. He had a lot of grovelling to do. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. Inhaling deeply, he steeled his nerves before they could fester and he talked himself out of it. He hated leaving Liam standing there without an explanation, but he was counting on the surprise to help his case. The unexpected sight of him turning up dressed in . . . He swallowed, heat flooding his cheeks already. Entering their bedroom, he knelt down beside the bed, pulling out a box hidden beneath—Liam was supposed to return it after the holidays. Hands stilling on the lid. The things he does for the beta. With a trembling hand, he released a shuddering breath and removed the lid. Fingers gripping the material, he stood up and quickly dressed. Slipping his feet in.

“Theo?”

He hated how tentative Liam sounded, even from here. This was it. “Coming.” He took a step forward, ankle buckling and threatening to send him into a hap on the floor. The walk back was anything but easy. The hallway felt longer than usual, and while he didn’t mind the time alone, the actual walking part of the equation was a far greater challenge than anticipated. For once, he was relieved Liam had insisted on laying carpet in the hallway. It muffled his stumbling approach. He stopped at the edge of the kitchen, holding back a fraction out of sight, the full reality of what he was about to do setting in. One step. There was no going back once he turned that corner.

“Theo?” Liam called, no doubt questioning why he was lingering in the hallway.

Mason was right. He was whipped.

Bracing himself as best he could, he took the final step . . . And came face-to-face with his wide-eyed, gaping boyfriend. The silence deafening, it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Never taking those bright blue eyes off him, gaze trailing down his body. Heat flared to life, skin burning. His entire face lit by the raging blush. Liam hadn’t moved once since his return. Playing havic on his nerves, he swallowed, tense. Did Liam really have to stare? Couldn’t he at least pretend to not be obsessed? Then, as though the universe had read his mind and taken the unspoken question as a challenge, the silence was broken by hysterical laughter. Loud and endless.

“I’m doing this for you.” He mumbled, wrapping his arms over his chest in an attempt to hide while willing the heat spreading down his neck to fade. “The least you could do is not laugh.”

“I can’t.” Liam forced through gasps, words muffled by the inability to stop.

“Li, you’re not helping.” He whined, pouting. Clearly, he was not about to receive so much as a drop of sympathy or gratitude for the situation he was in. One he was only in because he wanted to apologise to Liam. What did he get instead? Liam holding a hand to his mouth in a half-assed attempt to conceal the splitting smile. It was useless. Especially when he bore witness to every seecond of Liam’s amusement through the constant skips in his heartbeat and wavering chemo-signals.

“You should see yourself right now.”

“Li-”

“Have I ever mentioned how much I love seeing you blush?” Liam cooed, breaking into a fresh wave of giggles at the increased heat coursing through his body. “So cute.”

Had he wanted Liam to smile? Yes. That was the only reason he agreed to wear the diaster of an outfit in the first place, however, this was not what he had in mind. It may have worked in cheering Liam up, but he did not need this. He did not need to be laughed at. Turning to leave, he made it all of four one step before a hand on his arm stopped him. Locking him in place.

“Don’t go, Theo.” Liam said, reigning in the visible signs of how much the beta enjoyed this, until all that was left was a small, trembling smile. One which was struggling to hold in another laugh.

He had to admit, it was nice that Liam was at least trying to restrain himself now. “It’s not funny, Li.”

“Theo, you’re literally standing in the middle of our kitchen in the exact same red dress you swore to enact revenge on me for even suggesting. You’re even wearing the high heels! How did you expect me to react?!”

Groaning, he tried to break free, twisting against the increased hold. “Please stop.”

“I’m just teasing, Theo.”

“Let me go.” He whined. Instead, he found himself being pulled in closer, strong arms looping around his back to prevent him from escaping. Squirming against the restraints, he pleaded with Liam. “Please. No jokes.”

“I won’t. I promise, Theo. I just . . . What made you change your mind?”

Tucking his head against Liam’s neck, he gave into the reality that he wasn’t going anywhere until Liam allowed him. He did, however, appreciate the change in subject. No matter how small. Steering the conversation away from his immediate embarrassment. “I hate seeing you upset.” He whispered, words muffled by Liam’s shirt. “Particularly when I’m the reason. I thought this would help . . . make up for it.”

“This must be serious.”

“I’m sorry, Li. I never meant to take it that far.” He could still remember the guilt and tears marring the familiar features he loved so much. The moment Liam’s heartbeat and chemo-signals dropped.

“It’s fine. We’ve been through arguments before, and we always come through on the other side in tact. One stupid fight is not going to tear us apart.” Liam said, firm before pulling him away from Liam’s neck to place a soft kiss against his lips.

When they broke apart, he whispered, “So, you like it?”

Liam laughed. “I love it. Thank you.”

For Liam, he would withstand a lifetime of embarrassment. All that mattered was it worked. Besides, a little foolishness between anchors and partners never hurt. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to change.”

He slipped free from the arms holding him, already missing their warmth, and he made his way back to the hallway. His ankle twisted. Shaking his head at the loud snort from behind, he took a deep breath and focused on his stance. Back straight, legs in line and walk. His ankle twisted again. Damn it! One foot up, slow and down . . . He did it! Next foot . . . Yes! Maybe he could make it back to their bedroom without falling on his ass.

“Wait!” Liam shouted.

Rolling his eyes, lips curved into a natural smile, he did. Liam probably wanted to tease him about his inability to walk straight. He turned around . . . and was blinded by a bright flash. Stomach sinking at the resounding snap. The distinct sound of a camera’s shutter. “Liam!” Heat flooded his body, unforgiving in its assualt. His skin in its entirety was on fire. “Delete it!”

“You look so cute.”

“I look stupid.” He couldn’t help the whine overcoming his voice. He was suddenly very aware of how he looked, and he had to question why he ever decided to wear this ridiculous outfit. His sanity left a lot to be desired.

“Oh, you do not. Look.” Liam dismissed, holding the phone up for him to see.

He cringed at the sight of the visible proof. He could have gone his entire life without knowing what he looked like in it. The persistent claim that he was in fact adorable only made it worse. “Not. Helping. Li.”

“Theo-”

“I’m begging you.” He was desperate now. There had to be a way out. When he went in search of the dress, he never imagined anyone else would see him. It was only ever intended for the beta. If the Pack saw . . . “Delete it.”

“I want to remember today.”

“Liam, please.” He swallowed, throat dry and hoarse. The idea of the photo getting out was nausaeting.

“It’s not that bad-”

“Look at me!” He snapped, unable to remain quiet any longer. He shouldn’t have to explain himself. It should be obvious. “Would you want to have a photo circulating your the Pack? I told you before Liam, I don’t want Lydia or the others knowing it’s even in the house, let alone that I actually wore it.”

“Theo-”

“I can’t have them see me like this. No one can know. Please, just . . . Delete the photo.”

Liam took his hand. Fingers intertwined with his own, a firm squeeze. “I’m not planning on showing the Pack, Theo.” Liam said, a soft promise in those eight short words. “I would never do that.”

“It’s on your phone, Liam.” He whined, eyes closed as he took a deep breath in, holding it for a few seconds before releasing it. Exhaling heavily. “It’s not exactly secure. Anyone with the right skill set and determination could hack in. Not to mention those determined to track down a secret. If Stiles even suspects we’re hiding anything, he’ll make it his mission to gain access.”

“My phone will be with me. There is no way he can get to it.”

“It’s Stiles. There’s always a way.”

“T-”

“You can’t have your phone on you at all times. Besides. Doesn’t Stiles have a friend who can hack into any system in the world?” He was certain he’d heard of someone when researching them for the Dread Doctors. If he remembered correctly, Scott and Stiles had even mentioned him at one point.

“Danny. Yeah, but he’s not here. He moved away years ago.”

“And what? You think Stiles isn’t in contact with him? That he can’t track him down?” His cheeks and neck darkened, the image of Stiles seeing the photo . . . If that happened, it would only be a matter of time before the entire Pack saw. “Please, don’t show anyone.”

“I won’t, Theo. I swear.” Liam squeezed harder, his spare hand moving to cup his own cheek. Staring directly at him while whispering, “I really do think you look cute.” Thumb tracing circles against the skin over his jawline. “Lock and key. I promise. I’ll even password protect it. You can pick the code as well. If you let me keep this oon photo, I swear no one else will ever see it.”

It would be nice to give the beta another present after their earlier arguement, and maybe it came with the territory. He made Liam cry almost. “Li . . .”

“Whatever it takes to reassure you. I’ll do it. Just tell me what to do, and I will. There is nothing I won’t do to build your trust and put you at ease.”

He never could say no to Liam. Not when the beta deployed such strong tactics, displaying just how much the beta wanted this. He swallowed—hard. He grimaced, nauseated by the idea of it falling into the wrong hands. Eyes closed, he said, “I swear, Li, if this gets out . . .”

“It won’t.”

He really needed to grow a backbone. Either that or track down his old one. There was once a time where he wouldn’t have asked. How easy it would be to steal the beta’s phone and delete the evidence himself. It was also wrong. Damn morality. Times like these he missed not having a conscience. “Alright, you can keep it, but please be careful.”

Liam shrieked, throwing himself forward and wrapping both arms around his waist. Lips against his. Tension drained from his muscles, his body melting under the touch. Maybe he could live with the risk of exposure if he was rewarded with a mind-shattering kiss every time.

“I love you!”

He smiled, natural. “Good to know.” Snorting at the immediate punch to his arm, he shook his head. “I love you, too, Li.” He did. Even when the little shit requested the right to keep that damn photo. “Now, may I change in peace?”

His heartbeat stuttered at the pout. The dreaded puppy dog eyes. He was powerless to resist that expression, and Liam knew it. How was this fair? “I’m not staying in this death trap all night.”

“One movie?”

“Li, I’m not wearing a dress for two hours.” The blue irises narrowed, lower lip trembled. “I said no, and that’s final.” A drawn-out pitiful ‘please’ and he felt his resolve slipping. “I never agreed to parade around for you. Propped up against the beta in a dress and heels was not his idea of fun. “Li, I won’t be able to even watch the movie. I would like to actually enjoy the plot without being tied down by an uncomfortable material rubbing against me, your wandering eyes and the fact these heels are torture.

“I won’t stare. I promise.”

“This is a bit much.” He was almost out of his limited strength.

“I won’t ask you for anything ever again.” Liam pleaded, voice taking on a desperate whine. “One movie. After that, you can change. I won’t stop you.” A moment of silence passed between them before Liam said, “We never have to talk about this again.”

The beta really was an incredible negotiator. How could be pass up the chance to pretend this never happened? “Deal.” But he wasn’t ready to roll over without something in return. “On one condition.” Pausing, he waited until he was certain Liam was listening before adding, “You answer the door. I am not going to be seen by trick-or-treaters.”

“Says the one who joked about having a tiara and knowing how to curtsy.” Liam snorted.

“I don’t care. Take it or leave it.”

“Alright. You keep it on, and I’ll get the door.”

Shaking his head, he turned to leave. Ankle giving out, he stumbled and collapsed against the tiled flooring. Cackling. That’s what he heard. Riotous laughter, echoing through the silence. His cheeks were on fire. Pressing his hands flat against the floor, he pushed up . . . Only to fall again. The same result three more times, each one further fuelling the flush raging through his skin with a vengence. “Don’t just stand there.” He snapped. “Help me.”

“I could . . . or I could leave you there.” Liam grinned.

“Li, please.” There was no way he could get up on his own. “Either you help me up, or I throw these heels in the bin.” Glaring at Liam’s unrelenting smile, he snatched the offered hand and used Liam’s weight to aid him. Legs struggling to find purchase. Leaning against the beta to prevent another fall. “I hate these shoes.” He huffed, finally managing to regain his footing. “How does Lydia survive?”

“She does make it look easy.”

“The Dread Doctors were bad, but these . . . These are downright cruel.” He couldn’t wait any longer. It had to end. Now. “I’m done. I’m taking them off.”

“You promised me a movie.”

“Li, I can’t walk in them.” He whined. “How am I even supposed to reach the couch?”

“I’ll carry you-”

“Don’t even think about it.” Nostrils flaring, ears burning, he glared. “I have been embarrassed enough tonight. I would like to retrain at least a shred of my dignity.”

“In case you forgot, you admitted yourself to needing help with the basic function of standing up. You also said you can’t make it to the couch on your own. The solution is simple: Let me carry you.”

“Or, I take the heels off and incinerate them.”

“Theo-”

“No. Li, please. Don’t.” He really didn’t want to be lifted up and escorted to the other room.

Liam sighed, reaching out for the hem of his shirt, pulling him closer. Wrapping his arms around his waist and catching him when he once again lost balance, his entire weight resting on Liam. If those arms loosened, he’d be face down against the tiles. A soothing kiss on his hair and a whispered, ‘Have it your way.’ Releasing a shaky breath, he felt himself moving. His body slowly being lowered towards the ground, stopping only once he came to rest sitting up and leaning on Liam. “Thank you.” He muttered, pulling the heels off with an immediate, unconscious exhale. Oh, it felt so good to be free of those hard, unforgiving shoes. To have no pressure on his feet.

Liam helped him up and onto his feet, grimacing at the lingering stiffness. Ignoring the tightness in each step, he made his way into the lounge with Liam by his side—who also collected their snacks along the way. He sat down. Oh, how good it felt to sink into the cushions, merging with the source of everything comfortable. To be off his feet. He blinked, and Liam had his legs spread across the couch and on top of the beta himself. Hands kneading and massging the aching muscles in his feet. Eyes closed, he felt his entire body relax, moaning at the pleasurable touch. Those warm, strong hands working out the knots and easing the pain.

How Lydia successfully wore them all day without fail would forever be a mystery.

It was nice to simply watch the movie while Liam atteneded to the countless children making their way from house to house. Of course, it took longer to finish than he had expected, and he just knew Liam had thought of that when they made the agreement. The credits rolled. He was on his feet in seconds, running for their bedroom and ignoring the ensuing laughter. It felt so good to tear the dress off and seek out his usual shirt and pants.

Walking back, he snorted at the disappointment filling those blue eyes. “That is the last time I ever wear anything like that.” Before Liam could finishing open his mouth or con him into caving, manipulative as the little shit could be, he said, “No. I am not going to be tricked into anything. No more, Liam. I mean it.”

“Even if I massage your feet in return?”

“NO!”

“Okay, okay. Relax. I get it. That’s it.”

Exhaling heavily, he shook his head to clear his mind as the doorbell chimed again. Handing out as fast as he could, the same chill from earlier seeping into his bones. He scanned the entire street. No one was there, nothing out of the ordinary. Liam’s eyebrows furrowed when they locked eyes, silently questioning what changed. How was he supposed to explain the air felt wrong? That he was cold? He would sound like an idiot. He wasn’t interested in Liam believing he’d completely lost his mind. “Next movie?” He asked instead, relaasing a breath at the easy agreement, the immediate nod. Liam always understood when he didn’t want to talk. ‘Sleepy Hollow’ begun to play. He leant back against Liam, his head resting on the beta’s chest. Fingers running through his hair, twirling with the individual strands. With each thread, he felt his nerves ease. His shoulders loosening and sinking into the beta’s hold, enveloped in his warmth.

It was late. Children would be home, parents instructing them to prepare for bed. No more interruptions. No more trick-or-treaters. Just him, Liam and that couch. Halfway through the movie, his eyes drooping, he could have fallen asleep right then.

“One of us is going to have to get that.” Liam said.

Blinking, he mumbled, “Get what?” Ding dong! His eyes widened, on alert. Sitting up, he couldn’t imagine who would be at their door now. “What time is it?”

“9:30.” Liam sighed. “I thought they’d all be asleep by now.”

Liam wasn’t worried. Rather, the beta was more concerned with the comfort of their couch and the fact neither of them had move in over an hour. He, on the other hand, didn’t know any child that was allowed out this late.

“These have to be the last ones.” Liam continued.

“I don’t know. I can’t hear anyone.”

“Ding dong ditch, maybe?”

Oh, it had better not be. If he’d been woken by a group of teenagers pranking them, he was going to revert to his murderous tendencies. Standing up, he stormed over to the hallway and picked up the skeleton candy bowl just in case. With a deep breath to compose himself, he pulled the door open . . . and froze. The bowl shattered. Shards littering the floor, the skeleton cracked in half. Pale and heart racing, he slammed the door, stumbling backwards. Tripping in his haste to escape. No. No, this couldn’t be happening.. It couldn’t be.

“Theo!” Liam shouted.

“No, no, no, no.” He said, voice wavering. “ It’s not real. It’s not real.”

Footsteps rose, louder with each step towards him. His eyes never strayed. Locked on the wooden structure, breathing laboured, shallow. He barely registered anything else, even when Liam knelt beside him, cautiously checking him for injuries. The trauma wasn’t visible though. His scars remained hidden beneath skin, tangled in the fibres of his mind. Trapped in the memory. Throat dry, hand trembling and heart pounding, he couldn’t form a response.

“Talk to me.” Liam begged.

He couldn’t breathe. Pressure building in his chest, squeezing. It was too hot. He was too hot. Beads of sweat coated his forehead in a thick film, tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. Not after all this time.

“Theo, you’re scaring me.” Liam whispered, cupping his jaw and forcing him to tear his gaze away from the solid door. “Is this about the trick or treaters?”

A sob ripped free, nausea rising at the image replaying behind his eyes. The darkness, the cold, the abandonment. His gaze darting to the side and back. “It wasn’t- it’s not- there’s no-”

“It wasn’t trick or treaters?” Liam asked, staying close, hand maintaining contact with his.

That touch was all that was holding him together, the only reason he had any sanity left. He needed Liam. Now more than ever. He shook his head. When he heard the quiet ding dong ditch, he shook his head again. Oh, how he wished that was all it were.

Liam glanced between him and the door asking, “Then who was it?”

“No. It- It can’t be . . .”

“It can’t be who? Theo, who’s outside?”

Liam was practically pleading with him to let him in, to explain. Lip trembling and on the verge of a breakdown, he whispered, “Tara.” Immediately, arms were around him. Scooping him up and pulling him to his feet, maintaining contact at all times. Never broken, never alone.

“I’m here.” Liam coaxed him into taking a step back and then another, leading him further away from the door . . .

. . . and his dead sister.

It wasn’t enough. It was never enough. A piece of wood was all that stood between him and the physical embodiment of Tara. There was no security security in the world strong enough to keep her out. It was only a matter of time before she found him. One step, two, three. Liam was beside him the entire way, leading him, guiding him, protecting him.

“I’m here, Theo. I’m not leaving you.” Liam said, anchoring him with his voice alone. “I won’t let her hurt you.”

He wanted so much to believe. He was trying to find the truth to those words, but when he knew she was standing right outside . . .

“Liam!” He screamed. His breath failed him. Knees giving way, Liam held tight. The sole reason he wasn’t sprawled on his back or chest across the floor was the beta’s supporting grip. Clutching at the arm circling his waist. Blunt nails sharpened. Blood seeped from the wounds cut into his skin by Liam’s claws. The low, rumbling growl rose from beside him as Tara hovered mere feet from them in the middle of their hallway. She floated through the door. He blinked against the tears blurring his vision, a firm hand pushing him behind, shielding him.

“Stay back.” Liam warned, gold seeping into the blue irises.

Tara didn’t care. She looked straight passed Liam, paying no attention to the beta’s threat, meeting his over Liam’s shoulder. He whimpered. Burying his head in the material of the beta’s shirt, another growl vibrating through the room.

“I said stay back.”

“Theo.” Tara called.

A shiver ran down his spine. The same discomfort and cold soaking into his skin. It was her. All along, she’d been there. Waiting. His hold on the beta loosened, legs giving out. Without Liam’s support, he slid down, holding on with his face pressed against Liam’s back. Eyes shut, tears streaming down his cheeks, his entire body trembled. Don’t look. He couldn’t bare to see the hatred in her eyes.

“Theo” Tara continued, closer with every breath.

“Don’t touch him.” It was neither a request nor human. Liam was pure primal instinct. “I said stop. I’m warning you- wait, what are you- hey!”

There it was: the truth. Every rushed word, the higher pitch, the broken sentences. Liam couldn’t hold her back. Tara was coming for him, and no one could do anything about it. The temperature dropped. Centralised to where they stood. Almost . . . through them. From Liam’s sharp breath, he wasn’t the only one to notice. For a moment, there was silence. One look. Hands clenched around Liam’s waist, refusing to release the thin fabric, he huddled there. Frozen. He could barely breathe let alone shift enough to see, but it wasn’t optional. She could have done anything. Just one look. He tried, every movemnt hesitant. Just a little further. Another inch and he’d see the hallway. There was . . .

Nothing. It was completely empty. No one lingering in wait, no dead sister haunting him.

“Hi, Little brother.”

Wrenching his arms free, he spun in place and came face-to-face with his worst nightmare. He had never moved so fast. Stumbling passed Liam who had fallen in his haste, he scrambled to get away. The claw marks would never leave the carpet. Permanent reminders. The day had finally arrived when his life was torn from him. This was the moment he lost Liam. Tara hovered closer as his back hit the door, Liam rushing to his aid. Too late. She was already in front of him.

She looked different. It wasn’t the Tara from Hell. This wasn’t the dark, crawling lifeless sister, chest cracked open with a gaping hole where her heart should have been.This was Tara. The real Tara. Was he looking in a mirror? A photo? She was just like she did the last time he’d seen her . . . Before he let her die. “Don’t hurt me.” He choked. When Tara knelt down, gaze locking on his with a smile, he was on the verge of hyperventilating. “I’m not ready to die.”

Arms covered his chest, shielding his heart. Liam. It wasn’t enough though. Tara had proven she could travel through solid objects and people. What was to stop her from reaching through Liam and claiming her prize?

“You can’t have him.” Liam hissed, leaning over and all but straddling him to create a barrier between them. “Leave.”

Nausea pooled in his stomach at the sweet smile lighting her face. She was enjoying this, toying with him. A quick death would be far too merciful.

“I’m not here for Theo’s heart.” Tara said.

No, that . . . that couldn’t be true. Why wlese would she have come “Please, Tara.” He swallowed. “Please, let me go.” He knew that smile. The one she had when they were children, running through the Preserve. Chasing each other around the trees until late at night, giggling all the way home. That was before. Before the Dread Doctors entered the scene and he turned murderous, ruining an innocent life in the process.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone, Theo. You’re safe.”

But . . . If she wasn’t here to kill him, then why haunt him? Unless it was about emotional pain. The loss of his sanity . . . Is that what this was? A way to enact an eternity of revenge? Stalk him and watch him at every turn? Liam must have had the same idea, given the increased pressure on his chest and overpowering chemo-signals.

“You’ve built a home for yourself.” Tara continued.

Did she not remember that the last time they met, he was trapped at her mercy with no more than her taunting call for company? To be having a conversation with her, one without malice or a broken chest was impossible to believe. There had to be a hidden reason for all of this. Right? “Tara-”

“You found a new family.”

A sob tore free, rattling his chest behind Liam’s hold. The implication of having replaced Tara and their parents clear. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Tara.”

“I’m not mad, Theo.”

Her voice never changed. Not once. It remained even and as soft as he remembered from their childhood together. No chilling calls, no resemblence to when she had hunted him through the empty hospital hallways, cornering him at every turn and trapping him in the morgue. No arms thrust his way. No sudden moves or fingers digging through his chest in search of the heart he stole. “You have to be.” Otherwise, it didn’t make sense. He destroyed his first family. He killed them all or had a role in in their deaths, only to then replace them.

“It’s been years.”

“I killed you, Tara.”

“You did.” She voiced, quieter than before, a saddened smile replacing the easy one from before. “A nine-year-old boy subjected to the harassment and threats of three unknown men took them at their word. A boy who felt lost and alone. A boy who was sick and wanted nothing more than an end to his pain.”

Liam reached out to take his hand, squeezing, fingers intertwined. He curled into the beta’s back, head resting on Liam’s shoulder. It all seemed too good to be true. She had tormented him for months in that eternal prison cell. Hand trembling, he stuttered, “You should hate me.”

“I could never hate you. I understand, Theo. You escaped.” She said, hovering closer to him. Urgent and kind. “It’s time you were happy. It’s time you live your life without guilt.”

The bridge loomed before him. Vivid. Almost like the cold night ait had infiltrated their very house. Tara sprawled in the creek below, trapped and begging him for help. The idle silhouette of a boy standing at the railing, motionless as Tara succumbed to the freezing temperatures. “I hurt you.” He sobbed. Liam rubbed his hand, but he couldn’t rid his mind of the sight of Tara laying there. “You were dying, and I just stood there.” Nothing could change that. Oh, how he wished he could go back in time and reverse his actions that night. If he could just change that one decision . . . “I stole your heart. I took away your chance at happiness, your chance to live.” He could never make up for the mistakes he made. ”I ruined everything.”

“Your own heart was ill. You took them at their word. The Dread Doctors manipulated you into thinking they could save you, that they could fix your heart and give you the power, the answer you always wanted. You didn’t know their aim.”

“I wasn’t stupid, Tara.” Turning his head to tuck his face further against Liam’s neck, breathing in the intoxicating scent. The familiarity soothing his heart beat, the constant pressure of arms around him, refusing to let him go preventing him from crumbling.

“Did you understand?”

He glanced up, eyes narrowed and blurred by tears, searching her hardened gaze for a trace of where this was going. “What?”

“When you first saw the Dread Doctors, when you agreed to go with them, did you understand what you were getting into? I man really understand? Did they tell you that you would be used as a mass weapon? Or that you would be strapped down and tormnte for years? Torn apart from the inside out, your entire body altered, your very DNA manipulated? Did you know they would lock you away in a dirty tunnel, alone and forced to do their bidding?”

“No.” He whispered, his voice a fraction of itself.

“So, how are you to blame?” Tara pressed. “You didn’t know, Theo, but you were scared.”

She said it as though that were enough to excuse his past. It didn’t wipe clean the blood he’d shed, nor did it remove the stains etched into the fibres of his skin. He had caused too much damage and pain to be forgiven or have his sins erased. For every step he achived, the past followed him. It clung to him in a way no one could prevent; not even Liam. “I . . .”

“They cornered you. You were trapped in an impossible situation with no good option. They tortured you, Theo; don’t forget that.”

His eyes narrowed, teeth drawing blood from the freshly torn hole in his lower lip. “How did you know that?” There was a moment where nothing happened. Tara paused, hovering silently. His nerves rose, edging on vicious panic. “Tara?”

Voice quiet, tone laced with the unwillingness to speak the words lining her tongue, weight visible. “I saw the experiments.”

His heart stopped. Pale, tears blurring his vision, he swallowed. Tara knew. The worst moments of his life . . . She witnessed them all. There was something in her gaze the way she watched him, the hesitation to tell him, that screamed she knew more. It wasn’t only the initial tests. Tara bore witness to everything, every punishment he’d ever faced. Each time he was cut open and dissected, awake and alert, fully aware of every new test. The examinations and sharp instruments tearing his body apart and altering his DNA; replacing that which was deemed unnecessary or invaluable and adding in new properties. Turning him into a glorified science experiment. Tara heard every scream, watched every sleepless night. She knew about how he feared being sent back. Tears dripped down his cheeks, wetting his skin and leaving his chest tightening at the image of Tara standing by as Liam vowed to use him as bait. When he broke into the vet clinic to carve out the spider crawing underneath his skin or when Schrader electrocuted him . . .

“Why didn’t you stop them?” His voice came out weak, brittle. He hadn’t meant to speak, but the words were out in the open before he could regain control. Fresh tears clouded his vision.Nausea rose at the reminder, threatening to send him over the edge. His eyes squeezed shut, all he could see is Tara standing there, motionless, watching him suffer for all those years.

“T . . .” She whispered.

And that, his nickname . . . That was the final straw. A sob broke free, torn from his chest. It had been so long since he’d been called that—not by her. The first time Liam used it, he’d flinched and shut down. It took an entire hour before he was ready to explain to Liam why, and it took him even longre to convince the beta he liked it. He just needed time to get used to hearing it again, but now . . . Hearing Tara refer to him by the nickname she gave him as a child, almost since birth . . . Even with Liam’s arms tightening around him, pulling him closer, he couldn’t stop shaking.

“There was nothing I could do.” Tara continued.

“You could have stopped them.” He cried, words rendered as useless as the helpless plea for Scott to help him, to not send him down there . . . To save him. “You didn’t have to watch.”

“I wanted to Theo. I did, but I couldn’t intervene. I didn’t know how to.”

“What do you mean?”

“No one could see me.”

Wait, but then . . . “Why now? What changed?”

“You did.” She said, smiling. Her lips stretched wide, a bright gleam in her eyes. “I can’t interact with the physical plane, but I can talk to you. It takes a lot of effort to manipulate solid forms, and I’m always too tired to focus on the world around me.”

“Like the doorbell?” Tara hadn’t actually touched anything else. That explained the gap between each ring and why she’d floated through the door instead of opening it.

“Well,” Tara said, an easy smile settling, “I didn’t want to scare you.”

He laughed, bitter and trembling from the unbroken tears. “So you thought appearing with no warning was better?”

“Unless you would prefer I appear in the middle of your house. I didn’t think you’d like reuniting by walking into your room and finding me-”

“Yes because opening the front door to find my dead sister standing on my doorstep wasn’t terrifying.” He huffed, eyebrowed raised.

“I’ll admit, having the door slammed in my face wasn’t the ideal reunion I had in mind, but there wasn’t really a way to ease into it. It was always going to be a shock.”

He had to agree with that. Including the part about not wanting to run into her randomly inside his own home. It did not, however, make this any less confusing. Thinking back on part of Tara’s explaination in particular, he couldn’t stop going over it in his mind. She said she wasn’t mad, that she didn’t blame him. She said she wanted to help him but couldn’t. He wanted to believe her, to believe this but . . . “If you weren’t mad at me, and you could talk to me, why didn’t you say anything?” He asked. All those years, he never knew. He had always thought he was alone. “I could have used you. Had I known you were still around, that you were okay . . .”

Tara’s smile slipped. “I wanted to, T. I swear. There were just too many barriers.”

“What barriers?”

“At first, it was too hard. More often than not, they were either experimenting on you or sending you on another ‘mission’.”

He remembered. Every assignment remained permanently etched in his mind to this day. Too many questions. He thought about how she knew what the Dread Doctors had made him do, and his stomach turned.

“I tried one day.” She spoke softly.

“You did?” He stared, eyes wide, mouth open.

“A year after you were taken, I found you alone in the tunnels. The Dread Doctors were out, and you were right there. You had returned from another horrifying task—one of the worst I’d seen—and you were hurt. Instead of giving you time to heal, they took you to the lab and-”

“Stop!” His heartbeat spiked, gaze flickering to Liam. Body tense. He hadn’t told Liam much about his time with the Dread Doctors. Only bringing up the basics, most of which the Pack had already known, he steered clear of specific details. It was bad enough Liam knew what he did. He didn’t want to share the gory, horrifying facts of his childhood. The full extent of what he’d been through. “Please, Tara. Stop.” Liam was squeezing a little too tight now, his ribs creaking in protest, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull away. He was willing to risk a few broken bones. If it meant he could feel the beta’s comforting hold, it was worth it.

Tara turned. Gaze landing on Liam for a moment before returning to him with a small nod. “I’m sorry, Theo. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

He swallowed, struggling to voice his thoughts. “I just . . . don’t like talking about . . .” He couldn’t bare saying the actual word, the memory enough. He leant into the beta, trembling and nauseous, focusing on Liam’s sweet scent. Clinging to his anchor in a desperate attempt to remain grounded.

“I understand, T.”

“So, uh . . . why don’t I remember?” He asked, searching his memory for glimpse of where Tara may have appeared, but he found nothing. No trace of her in the moment. “I should have noticed you. I would have noticed you.”

“When I saw what they had done, I knew I had to try. You needed someone.” Tara sighed. “I was too late. By the time I got there, you had blocked out the world to cope. I couldn’t reach you.”

He supposed that made sense. He had after all adopted a habit of retreating into his own mind when he was younger. It was the only way he knew how to survive. Of course, it didn’t last. Once the Dread Doctors realised, he was brought back to reality with immense pain. He was taught the consequences of tuning out and becoming unaware of his surroundings. Torturous experiments designed for no other purpose than to hurt. There was no greater reason, no relation to their goals. It was purely to make him learn to pay attention and show him what happened when he didn’t. They had him strapped down to the steel table, pouring unknown substances into his bloodstream and muscles. They severed his ligmaments. Searing pain, burning him from the inside. His throat raw from screaming, pleading with them to relase him, to let him go.

Two months of nothing but agony.

After that, he never zoned out again. He was vividly aware of every minute stimulus. He was terrified of being tied up again and subjected to the same punishment. The last time he did was the night they found him . . . He was eleven.

“Why now?” He croaked. None of this helped. It didn’t explain why she had shown up today.

“I’ve been trying for years. There was never a good time.” Tara whispered. “I wanted to tell you, to speak to you but . . . You were almost always in danger. I couldn’t risk distracting you. When you were imprisoned-”

No. He couldn’t think about that. Their entire conversation had been to prove she wasn’t here to take back her heart, he wasn’t ready to relive his sentence. He couldn’t face what happened down there. Anything but that.

“I would have only made it worse.”

“Tara, please. Don’t.” If he had to think about those months, he might actually be sick. The darkness of the body locker flickered behind his eyes, the morgue’s biting cold penetrating his bones, the phantom touch tearing through flesh. “I can’t do this again.”

Liam slipped a hand into his. Squeezing it once, twice. “You need to leave.”

His breath hitched. “No.” He had only just met her again, and she, by some unknown miracle, was not intent on killing him. He couldn’t lose her now. Tara remained silent, both her gaze and Liam’s lingering on him. He didn’t want her to go. “Stay.”

“Theo-” Liam begun, stopping when he shook his head.

“I’m okay, Li.” He whispered, releasing a shaky breath before pulling back. Meeting Liam’s gaze, he nodded once more, returning the gentle squeeze in reassurance. Setting the beta’s nerves at ease. If only a little. He turned to face Tara without hiding behind anyone, heart thumping in his chest. “Don’t go, Tara.” If she was telling the truth, which he was slowly beginning to trust her, he wanted to give this a chance. He wanted to spend time with his sister. He needed to apologise—truly apologise. “Stay, just . . . not Hell. Please.”

For a moment, all she did was stare. He tensed under the intense scrutiny, the undeniable way she studied him. It was intimidating to say the least. He swallowed, wincing at the slight widening of her gaze.

“You do know it wasn’t me, right?” Tara whispered.

His own gaze fall, muscles tight. Sinking into himself. He knew exactly what she meant, and he didn’t want to think about it. Couldn’t think about it. He remembered what happened. Every horrifying second of it.

“T?”

When he spoke, his voice was almost inaudible. “I saw you.”

“Theo . . .”

“I saw you, Tara.” How could she deny being there? It was her face. Her hand buried deep in his chest, tearing the life from him. She had forced him to watch as his heart was wrenched out, never letting him rest, never letting him go. “I saw you.” His voice broke, the unreleased sob barely held back.

“I would never do that to you.”

Liam placed a hand on his shoulder, glaring at Tara. “Theo has had nightmares ever since I freed him. He has spent years reliving that trauma, and you want to make it worse?”

“I didn’t-”

“Why are you doing this?” The tears spread, pooling in his eyes and dripping down his cheeks. The streaks coating his skin evidence, rising signs of his pain. The memory all too real. Leaning into Liam, his head resting on the closest shoulder.

“I promise, Theo. It wasn’t me.” She insisted. “The Skin-Walkers . . . You know yourself how cruel they can be. They bring a person’s greatest fear to life, using their vulnerability against them. For you, it was me. It was the cause of my death. So, the Skin-Walkers took on my appearance and distorted it.”

Swallowing hard against the lump forming in his throat, the compassion in her tone, the softer edge to her words coaxed his gaze upwards. There was an openness to her stare—one which carried the truth. “Why would they do that?” He didn’t understand. What could they possibly have to gain from it?

“You were trapped in their prison world, Theo. It was a game to them.”

It wasn’t her. Tara had never attacked him. Trembling lightly, light-headed from the revelation, he accepted the increased hold on his back. Liam’s arm wrapped around his waist, steadying him. She wasn’t . . . Wait. If she wasn’t there, then how . . . “You saw?” His voice broke, chest clenching at the thought of Tara standing there. “You knew, and you just watched?”

“No.” Tara frowned. Hovering closer to him, the light in her eyes dimming, overcome with the faint trace of what might have been tears had she been able to form any. “I had never wanted to see you more, but I couldn’t get to you. I tried when I realised what they had done, but I was too late. The Skin-Walkers had you before I could free you from them, and once you were down, there was nothing I could do. Their prison is beyond my reach.”

“I . . .”

“Had I been able to, I would have pulled you out myself. If I had a choice, I never would have left you there.”

Yet she had still seen him. Tara had seen him run through the empty hospital, flea the morgue and his eventual resting place. She had watched him break out of that same body locker over a thousand times. Tara heard his futile pleas for mercy. She witnessed every second of his time down there . . . including the moment he gave up. “It was probably for the best.” He was determined to destroy the Pack at the time. It didn’t matter that it meant hurting them, or that he was threatening everything and everyone they cared about. His needs. That’s all he cared about. He saw only that which he had been promised.

Power.

Control.

His own pack.

Nothing would have stopped him from seeking revenge for their interference. Sending him there, sentencing him to that prison was the only option. “It’s not like I didn’t ask for it.”

Liam stiffened. The silence became suffocating. He turned to face the beta and was met with a broken, devastated gaze. The open mouth spoke volumes. Liam was almost never quiet, and yet here he was. Speechless. Tara didn’t move. Lost.

“Li-”

That snapped the beta out of his stupor, releasing a shallow, unsteady breath. “You did not just say that.”

“It’s true.” As much as it hurt to say, he brought it on himself. It was only fair after everything he had put them through. Justice. Vengeance. How could he deny them that? He wanted the same for costing him his chance at his long awaited power, so why shouldn’t the Pack enact their own revenge?

“We’ve been through this before.”

“I deserved it, Liam.” He shook his head at the continued protests. “You said it yourself. I deserved everything I went through.” The lump in his throat made it harder to talk.

“No one should have to face that type of pain, Theo.” Tara said, whispering.

“See? I told you I was wrong. I apologised for that. I would take it back if I could, but don’t use that as an excuse.” Liam huffed.

It was in fact an old debate. When they originally started dating, he had tiptoed around Liam, terrified of upsetting or angering the beta. Liam had all the power. If he made a mistake . . . He was sure Liam would break up with him and kick him out. Send him back to living in his truck. It took an entire year to really believe it wasn’t true, to trust Liam wouldn’t do that to him, and now he was right back at the start. Trapped in his doubts. “It was the only way-”

“No, it wasn’t.” Liam snapped.

He flinched, biting his lower lip to prevent the whimper threatening to make itself known. Not in front of Tara. Please. He couldn’t meet the beta’s gaze. The hardened stare.

“Aren’t you being a little harsh?” Tara asked, tone firm.

He peered up, slow, cautious. Locking on the glare, those familiar brown irises fixed on Liam . . . who in turn softened, shoulders losing the tension previously filling them and sighing.

“I’m sorry, Theo. I didn’t mean to scare you, but you need to stop blaming yourself. What I said, what we did . . . It was unacceptable.”

“I was dangerous.” That was an undeniable fact. He had proven so on more than one occasion.

“So was every other threat. You were no worse than anyone else.” Liam insisted. “We should never have trapped you there.”

A sob broke free. “Li, you were right.” He shook lightly, breathing shallow. “All of you were.”

“You weren’t in control.” Tara whispered, a sharp tinge of sadness flooding the room. “You were scared and alone. No one blames you, Theo.”

“I do!” He screamed. “I blame myself!” He always had, and honestly, he probably always would. No matter how much he believed otherwise, he would always feel responsible for his role in the devastation. “The entire Pack cursed me to an eternity of Hell as punishment.” Fresh tears streamed down his cheeks, chest heaving. Desperately sucking in air, gasping in shallow breaths. “That has to mean something.”

Liam wrapped both arms around his waist and held him close. His head resting on the beta’s shoulder, he breathed in the calming scent he had grown used to. Tears stained Liam’s shirt, but he couldn’t let go. He wanted to believe Liam. He trusted Liam. He did but . . . Scott was all about second chances. Everything the McCall stood for was based on Scott’s belief that everyone had good in them and deserved an opportunity to be accepted. Yet he was discarded. He may have been welcomed back after struggling to regain their trust, working tirelessly to prove he wasn’t going to betray them again, but he was denied that chance in the beginning. He was sentenced to an eternal punishment. One of endless agony. Didn’t that mean he was the worst offender? Too dangerous to grant mercy on? If it weren’t for Liam deciding he could be useful . . . He would still be there. Two years after Liam saved him from having his heart ripped out in an unbroken loop. A year after he had begun to believe that he wasn’t entirely at fault. Having found the truth in his own words to Stiles years ago when he said he didn’t have a choice. All it took was one hurdle, and he was back at the beginning. The same regrets.

“Mistakes do not equal inescapable punishment.” Tara said, her voice hard. “There is no excuse for what the Pack did to you.”

“Tara’s right, Theo.” Liam agreed. “Kira had no right sending you there. Scott should not have allowed it, and we, I, had no right standing idly by.” Liam insisted, blue eyes gazing back at him.

“The Dread Doctors preyed on an innocent child, turning you into a tool to be used at their discretion.” Tara continued. “Those monsters invaded your home. They used your fears against you and forced you to serve them. It wasn’t your choice, Theo. Had you refused, they would have killed you. You knew that then. A nine-year-old boy made the decision to save himself and trust the promises made to him. It’s time you forgave yourself.”

She never faltered. He swallowed, meeting her gaze. Not once did she believe him accountable. Tara truely thought he was innocent. He sniffled. “I hurt so many people. I hurt you.”

“And yet you didn’t kill Liam.”

“I could have.”

“But you didn’t. You can claim it’s because the Pack stopped you, but you had every chance to, and you chose not to. You found your way back. You escaped.” Tara said, smiling. “You survived.” Her gaze flickered between him and Liam. “I’ve seen you with your new family, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

If that didn’t knock the air from his lungs, nothing would. Proud. Letting out a watery laugh, he smiled and wiped away the tears blurring his vision, whispering, “I missed you, Tara.”

“I missed you too, T.”

He never imagined this would be possible. To be here talking to Tara after all this time and be on good terms, it was more than he could have ever hoped for. Leaning into Liam, he took a deep breath and released it. Just enjoying the moment.

“So,” Tara mused, hovering closer to Liam, “you’re the boyfriend.”

Rolling his eyes, he snorted. “Are you seriously playing protective sister?”

“Who said anything about pretending?” Tara asked, eyebrow rising. “I’m just getting to know the man who won my brother’s heart.”

He scoffed. Meeting her gaze with his own eye roll. “I thought you said you’ve been watching us? Shouldn’t you already know everything about us?” It was a challenge. One he would win . . . Her lips curved upwards. A slow rise, twitching into a smirk, brimming with an undeniable taste of victory.

“Oh, I have.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Only Liam could convince you to wear such an elegant dress.”

His breath hitched. She just had to see that. Skin coated in a furious blush, it spread from his cheeks and ears to his chest. Groaning, he hid behind his hands. “Tara!” The laughter from beside him did not help. Apparently, Liam thought this was hilarious. Traitor.

“You have to admit, it was sweet. If that didn’t reveal just how in love you are, the fact you allowed him to keep photographic proof does.”

“Don’t forget,” Liam—oh-so helpfully—added, “he agreed to keep it on for a few hours.”

Whining, he hid further in his hands. Face pressed into the depths of his hands, he didn’t need to see their amusement. Nor did he want them to know just how red he was. “Please stop.”

“Theo.” Tara cooed. “I’m just getting started. I have years of embarrassing my little brother to catch up on. Besides, how could I forget about the time you agreed to go on a double date with Stiles and Derek?”

He had not forgotten. It was the most awkward and uncomfortable dinner he’d ever experienced. He still didn’t understand what possessed him to agree to sit down with them. From the very start, he wanted to run. Stiles wouldn’t. stop. talking. Usual for the hyperactive spaz, but he could only listen to rants about Star Wars and ‘the need for an improved surveillence system in Beacon Hills’. Although. Had that been all, it wouldn’t have been so bad. He could have handled that, but Stiles . . . Well. Stiles was an idiot. Skulling his water to avoid making another sarcastic comment—and avoid the threat lingering in Liam’s hand resting between his legs—he nearly choked when Stiles uttered the words ‘safe sex’. Fist clenched on the table as Liam’s own hand tigthened.

“We are not talking about that.” He huffed, peering through his fingers.

Liam and Tara just grinned.

“Don’t be so grumpy.” Liam laughed, taking his hands and pulling them down to reveal his flushed skin. “Stiles may have been able to help you-”

Tugging away, he freed himself from the beta’s hold. “I will punch you, Liam.”

The beta had the nerve to snort. “Keep telling yourself that.”

“Do you want me to break your nose?” He growled. It was becoming increasingly tempting. He did not want to think about Stiles and his sex life in the same sentence. “I’d be happy to introduce you to what it feels like.”

“This from the man who fled.” Liam rolled his eyes. “You were so cute though.”

“I did not-”

“Theo, you literally bolted from the table. You were out of the restaurant in seconds, barely leaving enough time to grab my hand and take me with you.” Liam scoffed. ”I’ve never seen you move that fast.”

“I have.” Tara said, a mischievous glint to her irises, shining with unspoken knowledge. “One word. Cockroach.”

He cringed. “Stop.”

“You remember, don’t you, Theo?” She cooed. “Sitting in the lounge at home, a high-pitched shriek piercing the quiet morning, huddling on the couch for safety.”

Unfortunately, yes. He did. As much as he would love to forget, he knew all too well how he had cowered at the sight of that one cockroach crawling across the floor. “We are not discussing this.”

“I, for one, would love to hear all about it.” Liam teased.

“Shut. Up. Liam.”

“Are you still scared?”

“No.” He huffed at the same time Tara said ‘yes’. Jaw clenching, his cheeks darkened. “He didn’t need to know that, Tara.”

“I disagree. I want to know everything.” Liam grinned, oozing fake innocence. “So, what happens if I find a cockroach and bring it home? Maybe leave it in your bed?”

His heart skipped a beat. “Try it and I kill you.”

“Aw. Don’t be like that.”

“It’s not funny, Li.”

“You sure? It’s a little entertaining if you ask me.”

Grinding his teeth together, his nostrils flared and yellow seeped into his vision. “Say that when you find yourself strapped to a plane seat mid take off.” When Liam paled, he huffed. “Not so entertaining now, is it?”

“Okay.”

The tense silence which ensued broke, courtesy of his sister and her loud snort. He raised an eyebrow, but she just continued to shake her head before finally stopping at his narrowed glare. “I don’t see why you’re laughing, Tara.”

She smirked. “Liam has you wrapped around his finger.”

He flinched. The familiar heat raging beneath his skin betraying him, he muttered, “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is that so?”

Swallowing, he willed the heat to fade—with no success. Liam’s increased grin, almost predatory in nature, did not go unnoticed. “Did I miss the moment we entered your dreams, Dunbar?”

“Still trying to deny the truth, Raeekn?” Liam taunted. “I think Tara might be right.”

“You also fell in two holes. I wouldn’t trust your judgement.”

Liam glared. Lips twitching upwards a moment latere, eyes shining. “Really? Given how many times I’ve saved your ass from both death and embarrassment, everyone can tell that’s a lie.”

The beta would be the death of him. “Li-”

“I wonder . . . Maybe now I could convince you to visit the History Museum with me.”

Yeah, no. Not happening. He was not spending an entire day staring at coins and statues. He couldn’t think of anything more boring. Other than maybe shopping with Lydia . . . or listening to Stiles’ rants about the stupid little facts he’d found online for ten hours. “I’d rather you push me off a cliff.” He huffed, dry and with no room for doubt.

“Do you have to be so rude?” Liam pouted. “It’s historically significant-”

“Had I wanted to be bored senseless, I would have stayed home after Jenna redecorated and watched paint dry.” His lips twitched at Liam’s growl. It was too easy. “Oh, forgive me.” His voice laced with feigned innocence. “Did I offend your delicate sensibilities?”

“Shut up, Theo.”

“Have I disrespected your precious obsession?”

“Me?!” Liam snapped. “You’re the one who won’t stop ranting about science! You don’t see me complaining.”

“I believe the point of this was to establish that I am not your pawn.”

Two narrowed eyes, blue lit by unknown intentions. Knowledge and secrets. He raised an eyebrow in return but received only a wider grin. He glanced over to where Tara hovered, silently asking if she knew what the beta was playing at. She shrugged. Neither he nor Tara had any idea what Liam was so amused by.

“What are you smiling about?” He asked, voice low and cautious.

“Oh, I don’t know, Theo.” Liam mused. “Maybe I should tell Mum you changed your mind about helping her clean the garage.”

His eyes widened. “You wouldn’t.”

“I just so happen to know your plans changed. Or rather, that they never existed.”

“Li-”

“On second thought, I might just tell her you lied to her.”

The colour in his face drained. He stared at Liam, mouth open and swallowing hard. Jenna would be furious. He’d never hear the end of it. If he made it out alive . . . Jenna might very well kill him. “Liam, you cannot tell her I made it all up.” At the blank stare, his stomach clenched. Nausea rushing through him in waves, chest in knots. “Baby, please.”

“Resorting to pet names. You must be desperate.”

“Alright!” He groaned. “I’ll go to the museum with you!”

Liam smirked, victory etched into every line of the beta’s face. “And, that, Theo is why I know you’ll do anything I ask.”

That little shit. He always knew Scott’s precious little beta was a manipulative ass. He would never admit it but . . . Tara and Mason had always been right about him. Now Liam knew as well. The truth was theree was nothing he wouldn’t do for the angry werewolf. His angry werewolf.

“You work well together.” Tara smiled.

Despite the hiccups and competitiveness of their relationship, he had to agree. His expression softened, smile strtching wider at the sight of Liam’s matching one. Liam was his world. He owed everything to the beta.

“Theo deserves to be happy after everything he’s been through.” Liam taking his hand and squeezing.

His smile shifted, turning shy and reserved, a slight blush coating his cheeks. “Shut up, Li.” He muttered, fingers interlaced with the beta’s and unwilling to let go.

“It’s time for me to go.” Tara interrupted.

His gaze flicked from where he now laid his head on Liam’s shoulder to his sister. They both looked, mouth agape and a plea to stay lingering on his tongue. Unvoiced. All he could do was blink, dazed. It only occured to him now just how calm he was. The earlier trembling had eased. It had stopped altogether; his every breath light and unforced. Tara leaving had been his one wish, his only wish when he first saw her, but now . . . He wanted more time. Tara wasn’t angry or vengeful like he had always thought. She didn’t blame him at all. This was his chance to make up for lost time, recconect with his family. He wanted to be together again, but it wasn’t an option.

Tara deserved peace.

“Thank you.” He whispered. There was so much he wished that he could say, but all that mattered right now was that she knew how much he cared. “I love you.”

Her eyes lit with her smile. Brighter and wider than before. The perfect mirror image of her childhood self, illuminated by an unearthly radiance. “This is your chance, Theo. Don’t waste it on guilt.” Then with a glance to the side, facing the beta, she said, “Look after him, Liam.”

“I will.” Liam promised, meeting his eyes.

“Goodbye Theo.”

Just like that, she was gone. No puff of smoke, no slow fade. There was no change in atmosphere or reality. Tara simply . . . disappeared in the blink of an eye. A tear slipped down his cheek, eyes closed. His head remained tucked into the crevice of Liam’s neck, face buried in the soft skin. Freedom. It was a feeling he thought he’d never experience. He was haunted by the memory of what he had done, and as Liam called it, the trauma of his past. Always had been. For so long, it had seemed like he would never escape the depth of everything he had seen. Too great a burden to leave behind, and yet now . . . Tara had set him free.

“Are you okay?” Liam whispered.

“I am.” He breathed out. “For the first time in my life, I’m okay.”