the movie legally blonde was quite influential to my personality.

[ no episode relation ]

The day of Willow's eighteenth birthday had certainly started out interesting — or maybe traumatizing was the correct word.

Boyd and Cora were taken to Derek's loft so that they could rest and heal. And after Willow insisted Derek go with them, he did. Not only did he need to rest, but he had to talk to his sister that he thought was dead less than twenty-four hours ago. Willow promised to come and see him later that afternoon.

After the fiasco at the school, Willow went home to get a few hours of sleep. But she was woken up at ten by her father and Lydia, as they did every year. The three of them always sat on Willow's bed and ate breakfast together on her birthday, and not even being trapped in a boiler room with two out-of-control werewolves would change that.

"I'll be here a few more hours to help with decorations," Warren said, finishing off his omelet. "But then I'll be out of your hair until tomorrow. I'll be out with Natalie."

Over the summer, their parents had officially started dating, and the girls couldn't be more thrilled.

"And will you be with her all night?" Lydia asked, a mischievous look in her eyes. Willow giggled as Warren rolled his eyes.

"I believe that's absolutely none of your business Lydia," he stated.

"That means yes," Willow whispered to Lydia. She fed a piece of bacon to Scribbles, who was curled up into her side and enjoying the morning snuggles and treats.

"Just so you know, if the police are called like at Lydia's birthday, I will be taking your car keys," he said, giving Willow a stern look. "And you know to keep the second floor off-limits."

"I know, Daddy," she said, smiling. "Isaac's gonna be the bouncer for the night."

"He's a little lean for a bouncer," Warren muttered.

Lydia and Willow shared a look. He didn't know just how strong Isaac really was. And if anyone caused a problem, Scott and Derek would be there as well.

And even if Derek didn't make it, Willow wouldn't be upset. She was just happy that his sister was alive and back in his life. He needed more family than just Peter, who he didn't exactly like. Willow made it very clear that it was alright if he wanted to stay at the loft and spend time with Cora.

☽︎

Because of that, Willow was a little hesitant as she walked to Derek's loft. She was worried that maybe he or Cora were asleep and didn't want to wake them. But Derek had asked her to swing by before she started getting ready with Allison and Lydia, so that's what she did. Instead of rudely letting herself in like everyone else seemed to do, she knocked on the door.

And when she heard a commotion on the other side of the door, Willow couldn't help but giggle.

"Cora, stop pushing me!"

"I'm getting the door—"

"No, you're not. I am. Sit back — ow!"

There was a little more bickering as the recently reunited siblings fought to get to the door first. And as it slid open, Willow was met with a small dark-haired girl around her age instead of Derek, who was scowling at her and rubbing his arm.

"Oh, hi. Cora Hale, right? I'm Willow," she introduced, smiling sweetly. Cora had a calculating look in her eyes as her gaze swept over Willow, taking her in. "It looks like you're feeling better. That's great!"

"I know who you are," Cora said, tilting her head.

"I already told her about you," Derek said.

"Oh, you were the first thing he talked about once we cleared up the both of us didn't die in the fire thing," she muttered, snorting. "But I mean I know you from when I was a kid. I was on the youth volleyball team in the fourth grade. You did cheerleading and were at some of the games."

"Oh yeah," Willow recalled. Though she had never spoken to Cora, she remembered how the Hale girl had broken a girl's nose with the ball on the opposing team one game. "You had a really strong serve for a kid — guess I know why now."

"Do you still cheer?"

"I do! I'm the captain of the varsity squad. And you know, if you ever decide to come back to school, I'd love to cheer for you again on the volleyball team," she said. There was no telling what Cora would do now that she was back.

"School's not really my thing," she told her, shaking her head.

"Well, are parties your thing?" Willow asked, sounding hopeful. She had been holding a spare invitation behind her back and showed it to Cora. "I get it if you don't want to or are still tired. But I just came from giving Boyd his, and he'll be there. So you'll at least know someone if you'd like to come."

Cora took the invite, holding off a smile. Willow had written her name on the invite to personalize it. The paper was pink, and Cora's nose picked up on a strawberry scent before even raising it to her nose.

"Pink, scented paper?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The movie Legally Blonde was quite influential to my personality," Willow admitted sheepishly.

"You're far too adorable for my brother," Cora said, making Derek scoff behind her.

"Surprisingly, you're not the first to say that," Willow said, laughing.

"I, um, I'll try to make it," Cora decided, looking back down at the invite.

"Yay," she cheered. Then she turned and set her sights on Derek, her smile softening as she walked over to him. "Hi."

"Hi, Birthday Girl," he said, kissing the top of her head.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Willow asked, looking him over for injuries. But the sleeveless tank top he wore showed his perfectly uninjured arms. All the gashes had healed. "I don't want you there if you're still hurting or tired."

"I promise you that I'm fine. Alpha perks include healing quickly," he reminded her. "Besides, all I've heard for weeks from everyone is that this is the party of the year for Beacon Hills. And I know how excited you are. No way am I missing it."

"Only if you're sure," she said, a smile on her face. "Also, Scott filled me in about Ms. Blake seeing them last night. Maybe you should go and make sure she's not going to tell anyone — but not in a scary, threatening, mob boss-esque way."

"Mob boss-esque?" he questioned, amused by the phrase. "And actually I was already planning on it. Scott thought it was best if someone who wasn't her student talked to her."

"Great. Plus, who knows? Maybe you'll make friends with her," Willow said, shrugging. He didn't exactly have friends his own age, even if she was a few years older than him.

"You want me to be friends with your English teacher?"

"Oh, my mistake. No English teacher would want a friendship with someone who can't read."

"I can read!" Derek said, scoffing. His sister was laughing from the side.

"I don't think you can prove that," Cora said, hands on her hips.

"Shut up, Cora," Derek told her.

Willow laughed as they bickered, thinking that it was nice to see Derek act like an older, annoyed brother. "Look, I can't stay super long. I'm meeting Lydia and Allison back at my place. We'll get ready while waiting for the rest of the deliveries. You know, the food and kegs and stuff."

Derek's eyebrows shot up. "Kegs? You don't drink."

"I drink a little on my birthday," she said, shrugging. "And everyone else does all the time. Jackson used to start the party off with a keg stand every year, but this year Danny's carrying on the tradition. It took two weeks to teach him how to do it."

"You know how to do a keg stand?" he asked, just as surprised.

"Der, I do backflips off the top of human pyramids. Of course, I can do a simple handstand on top of a keg," she said, chuckling. Though she didn't do the drinking of the beer herself, it was easy to teach Danny the motions.

"A fair point," he admitted. "Let me know if you want me there earlier to move said heavy kegs. Or anything else heavy."

"You're the sweetest," she cooed, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek.

"Yeah, Der, you're the sweetest," Cora said in a mockingly sweet tone before snickering.

"Shut up, Cora," Derek said, rolling his eyes.

"Don't be a meanie to your sister," Willow said, pouting.

"Yeah, Der, don't be a meanie," Cora said in the same teasing tone.

"Stop glaring at her!"

"I can't believe you're taking her side!"

It had been less than a day, and already, Cora knew that making fun of Derek while Willow was around would become her favorite pastime.

☽︎

"Oh, that is the one," Lydia said as Willow came out of her bathroom in her third dress option.

"She's right. You look so cute," Allison added.

Both of them were in Willow's bedroom, laying on her bed as Willow did a fashion show. She had gotten many new outfits for her birthday and was deciding on what to wear for the party.

"You think?" Willow asked, looking down at the dress.

It was a light pink color and made of silk. But there was a layer of sparkly tulle over the short skirt with short sleeves made of the same material. The top was tighter while the skirt flared out. Willow thought it made her feel like a Barbie doll — in a good way.

"Totally," Lydia said, nodding. "And I'm thinking those white platform sneakers with it. Maybe for once, Derek won't have to hunch over to kiss you."

"He doesn't hunch over," Willow said, chuckling.

"You're right," she said with a smirk. "He lifts you by your thighs and sits you on top of the counter."

Willow's cheeks heated up as she grew embarrassed. "W - well, you should've made more noise coming into the kitchen."

"He's a werewolf, Will," Allison reminded her. "He should've heard her."

"That just means our Willow is such a good kisser that it renders his senses useless," Lydia said, smiling proudly. "Speaking of, just tell me now. Will I be hearing stories of birthday sex tomorrow morning?"

Allison giggled as Willow groaned. She never could go more than a few weeks before hearing Lydia's plea for her to lose her virginity. And it didn't really matter if Willow was ready — okay, maybe she was ready, but she couldn't admit that to Lydia or she'd lose her mind. Or worse. Given the fact that Lydia had no filter, she'd have no problem telling Derek to his face that Willow wanted him to fuck her.

And Willow would never survive that embarrassment.

"Lydia, if we ever, you know, have — stop giggling! Obviously, I will tell you when it happens," Willow said, shaking her head.

"Fine," she said, throwing her hands up in defeat. "But there are condoms in the nightstand should you need them tonight. I can also kidnap Scribbles if you'd like."

"Why would you need to kidnap the cat?" Allison asked, scratching behind said cat's ear who was also on the bed.

"Clearly, you've never tried to get it on in this house with the cat around," Lydia muttered. "It's like he has powers and can sense when two people want to be alone. Then bam! He's there and killing the mood."

"It's true," Willow said, nodding. "That's why he gets to come to the party — to stop people from doing it in the house."

"Something tells me that my dad would love a Scribbles for our place," Allison joked.

Then the doorbell rang, yet another delivery arriving.

"That's the cupcakes," Lydia said, jumping up. "I'll get them. You stay and let Allison start on your hair."

"Yes ma'am," Willow said, saluting her playfully.

With Lydia gone, Allison dragged a chair in the bathroom for Willow to sit on. As the curling iron and straightener were heating up, Willow pulled out a pack of white butterfly clips that Scott gifted her, thinking it'd look good with the outfit.

"I may or may not have asked Lydia to find an excuse to leave us alone," Allison admitted sheepishly, leaning against the counter.

"What for?" Willow asked. Getting the cupcakes would only take a minute, but it seemed Lydia wouldn't be back right away.

"So that we could talk. Or, well, I could talk and you, hopefully, listen, even if I don't deserve you listening."

"Allison, you - you already apologized for the... police station," Willow said, looking at her freshly painted fingertips instead of Allison.

"But not enough," she said, her throat feeling tight. "Nothing, not even Gerard's manipulation, can excuse the things I did. I let my pain and anger over my mother's death keep me from helping you and being there for you after what Matt did to you. And it also doesn't excuse my treatment toward you about Derek."

"Scott - Scott finally told me what happened that night," Allison went on. "I thought that - that Derek just bit her as an attack on my family. I didn't know she tried to kill Scott first. And even with how horrible I've been, you still kept that to yourself so that I wouldn't think less of her."

"I didn't deserve that kindness or any other kindness you've shown me," she said, her eyes tearing up. "I haven't deserved you forgiving me or buying me clothes or letting me come to your birthday party or even your friendship. But you gave all that anyway. Willingly. You're far too good a friend for the way I've been behaving. And I just - I'm so sorry, Willow. I'll never stop being sorry."

Willow waited a minute to let Allison's words sink in and to also make sure she was finished. Then she grabbed her shaking hands to get Allison to look at her.

"Allison, I forgive you," Willow said softly. "I won't lie and say that it wasn't difficult to trust you again — and in some ways, I'm still struggling with it. Or that it didn't hurt. But I can see you trying to make up for it every day. And no matter how many bitter comments Derek or Stiles make, all that matters is that I do forgive you. And I don't want you walking around with so much guilt on your shoulders."

Maybe it would be a long time before Willow felt like she could fully trust Allison again. Maybe it'd be a while before she felt safe with the archer. And maybe they never would be quite as close as they had been before everything with Matt went down. But for now, forgiveness was something that Willow could give Allison.

Everything else that followed would depend on the future as Allison made small steps to prepare the damage she'd done — to everyone, not just Willow.

Allison was soon hugging Willow, shoving her face in her neck as a few tears fell. "God, I don't deserve someone as sweet as you in my life."

"As long as you don't go Dark Side again and go back to shooting our werewolf friends, you'll always deserve me," Willow assured her.

"I don't plan on it," Allison promised. Besides, she didn't have much family left to emotionally manipulate her anymore. Then Allison ended the hug and wiped under her eyes. "Alright. I'm thinking twist the sides back with the clips to frame your face and curl the ends."

"Oh, that'll be cute. Can I come back in now?" It was Lydia who asked, her voice drifting through the bathroom door. Clearly, she had been eavesdropping on their moment.

"Yes, Lydia," Willow said, laughing. "You can come back in."

Lydia was in the bathroom before Willow stopped speaking. She had a pleased smile on her lips. "Thank goodness you talked it out. You've been spending all your time with Scott and Stiles, and I miss you."

It was true. Because Allison was always with Lydia, Willow just didn't spend as much time with her.

"Yeah, I love Stiles, but he's getting to be a little much," Willow hesitantly admitted. Especially those first few days after getting the tattoo when he had been almost unbearable. At the end of the day, Willow just needed girl time.

Maybe with her and Allison starting over with a clean slate, she could finally get some.

☽︎

"This is where your girlfriend lives?" Cora asked, looking at the front of the huge house.

"Yup," Derek said. Honestly, her stunned face wasn't too off from his when he came by it the first time.

"She's nice, she's hot, and she's rich," Cora said under her breath. "I think I'm gonna steal your girlfriend."

Derek scoffed and rolled his eyes before shoving her toward the house. "Trust me. You're last in a very long line of people who plan to do that."

"I have no moral qualms about cutting to the front."

"I'm regretting saving you."

"Yeah right."

It didn't take long at all for Derek to realize that Scott and Stiles had been serious when calling it the party of the year. Most of it took place in the backyard, with people dancing around and already getting in the pool. The kitchen and living room were also full, and it was like the entire school and then some were there.

It was the one time of year that the Worthington Estate was full of people.

Cora didn't stick by Derek's side for long. She slipped away, following her nose until she found Boyd. And Derek followed his to Willow.

He couldn't help but smile when he saw her, dancing alongside Lydia and Allison to a One Direction song. Then Danny swooped in and twirled her under his arm, making her laugh before dropping a gift in her waiting hands.

Willow playfully shook the box before opening the present. And she squealed excitedly when she saw a pair of house shoes shaped like a black cat. Shaped like Scribbles.

"Thank you, Danny!" she said, hugging him tightly. "I love them."

"I see you got Demon Cat shoes," Derek said, coming over to them. He also bent down to kiss her quickly. "Happy Birthday."

"Oh, hey Miguel," Danny greeted, seeing his familiar face. "I didn't know you two were dating."

Willow had to bite her lip and hide her face in Derek's chest to keep from laughing, remembering that afternoon very clearly.

"Danny, right?" Derek asked, trying not to glare at Stiles who was across the room. "Nice to see you again."

"You too. I'm sure you want to spend time with the Birthday Girl, so I won't keep you," he said. But before leaving, Danny did whisper a 'Hot' in Willow's ear — which Derek of course heard.

"You look beautiful," Derek told her, placing his hands on her hips.

"And you look exactly what Danny said," she told him, giggling. Then she grabbed Derek's hand and pulled him back to the crowd of dancing people. "Come on, Sour Wolf. It's my birthday and that means you legally can't deny me a dance."

"I wouldn't dream of it," he said, unable to stop smiling at her.

As the night went on, more and more people arrived. Willow spent most of the night by Derek's side but did get pulled away a few times. At one point, she left with Allison to set out more cupcakes and drinks, leaving Derek with Isaac, Scott, and Stiles.

"Is it just me, or are a lot of teenage boys glaring at me?" Derek couldn't help but ask. A tall, scrawny boy had just passed, not hiding the fact that he clearly didn't like Derek.

"Ah, yeah, that's cause you're dating Willow," Stiles said over the music. "No one but us really knew she wasn't single before you showed up tonight."

Suddenly, Derek didn't mind the glares. In fact, he felt a little smug.

"There does seem to be some confusion on your name, though," Isaac said, frowning. "People are calling you Derek, but some people seem to think your name is Miguel."

Stiles suddenly found the cup in his hand very interesting, avoiding the annoyed look that Derek was giving him. "M - maybe someone just misheard because of the music," he mumbled.

"I'm gonna kill you, Stiles," Derek declared. "In your sleep."

"That's actually really considerate because then I wouldn't be awake to be scared, and it also might not hurt as much," he rambled. "Will is making you soft."

"Do you not remember him almost breaking your hand last night?" Scott asked, raising an eyebrow.

Stiles winced and rubbed his hand, the memory very clear. "Right. I'll shut up. And also tell Danny your name isn't Miguel and you're not my cousin so that he can stop telling people that."

"I don't even want to know," Isaac mumbled, shaking his head. But then smirked. "Actually, no. I do wanna know. Because in what world would you two ever pass for any kind of related?"

"Rude," Stiles said under his breath.

Eventually, Willow made her way back to Derek, his hand wrapping around hers as soon as she was close enough. "Sorry that took so long," she said. "Rachel Cooper gave me a really cute blanket and I ran it up to my room so that nothing would spill on it."

"It's your party, Willow. You don't have to apologize for spending time with all your friends and receiving gifts," he said, leaning against the wall.

The others had moved away, leaving them alone and unbothered in the corner.

"Speaking of gifts," Derek said, a nervous smile making its way onto his face. "Can I give you mine?"

"Of course," she beamed, bouncing on her toes excitedly.

Derek pulled a small box out of his pocket, one small enough for something like jewelry. It was yellow with a pink bow on it, and Willow thought it was sweet that he took the time to add the ribbon.

Willow carefully unwrapped it. Sitting inside was a beautiful golden necklace. The pendant was a circle, but a portion of it was carved out to be shallower in the shape of a crescent moon.

"Oh, Derek, it's beautiful," she said softly, still admiring it.

"It, um, it was my mother's given to her by my father," he revealed, surprising her. "It's one of the few things to survive the fire."

Tears welled in Willow's eyes, unable to believe he gave her something with so much sentimental value. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. 

"I love it," she whispered. "And you."

"I love you too," he said, kissing her forehead.

"Will you help me put it on?" Willow asked, wanting to wear it and never take it off.

Derek nodded and took the box, carefully removing the necklace. Willow turned and brushed her hair to the side so that he could get it around her neck. As he fastened the clasp, he bent down to kiss the back of her neck, sending a chill down her spine.

"I really do love it," Willow said, turning back around and touching the moon pendant. "Funny thing is, it matches my tattoo."

"Really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Willow still hadn't spoken a word about what tattoo she had gotten. But it was the outline of a crescent moon and the ends were connected by a thinner, curved line, which turned it into a full moon. 

"Yeah. I mean, I was planning on getting a heart or a flower or something. But when we got there, I saw the art on the wall, and it made me think of you," she admitted shyly. "Does it - does it bother you that I got a tattoo for you?"

"No," he said, shaking his head. Derek moved toward her until her back was pressed up against the wall. With his hands placed on the wall on either side of her head, he leaned down to brush his nose against her jaw, taking in her scent. "God, no. It doesn't bother me. That drives me crazy."

"Do you wanna know where it's at?" Willow asked before biting her lip. The action drew Derek's darkened eyes to them as he nodded.

If Lydia knew that Willow was doing something so bold, she'd combust. But Lydia wasn't there in the dimly-lit corner with Derek's frame hiding Willow away from the rest of the party.

Willow grabbed Derek's right hand and slowly placed it just above her left knee. His eyebrows shot up as she slowly led his hand up her thigh. She didn't dare break eye contact as his fingers slipped under her dress, still going farther.

Leading his thumb to the junction between her leg and her pelvis, Willow couldn't help but hold her breath. And Derek let out a hardly audible growl as he felt the transition from smooth skin to the mostly-healed tattoo. Then he let his hand move farther, fingertips brushing against the band of her underwear.

Willow let out a quiet whimper as he slid his other hand under her dress and squeezed her thigh, but the sound was quickly silenced by Derek kissing her forcefully. His warm hands stayed under her dress as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer. The feeling of his hips pinning her to the wall had her letting out moans that he continued to stifle.

But the moment which was growing more heated by the second was ruined when Willow's phone rang. Both pulled away, hearing the ringer over the party music. And though Derek wanted nothing more than to ignore it and continue, especially when she could no doubt feel how badly he wanted to continue, the ringtone gave him an idea of who it was. And Willow would never miss a call from him.

"Is Jackson's personalized ringtone Werewolves of London?" Derek asked, clearly amused.

"It was fitting," Willow told him, shrugging innocently. She pulled the phone out of the small pocket in her dress. "I'm gonna go talk to him out front where there's no music. I'll find you when I'm done."

"Don't rush. I know you miss him," he said, stepping back to let her get past him.

"Hey, let me just get away from the music," Willow greeted, moving through the crowd and toward her front door. "Okay, go ahead."

Willow knew exactly what was coming. A very loud and dramatic rendition of the Happy Birthday song. He did it every year, and the distance wouldn't stop him this time around.

By the time he was done, Willow was giggling happily. "Brava. Bravissimo," she praised. "Where is his Grammy?"

"I know. It's totally deserved," he said cockily. "Happy Birthday, Wills. I hope you're having a good day and that you haven't fallen into too deep of a depression because of my absence."

"It really has been hard to get out of bed each morning," she said, going along with his dramatics. "I'm wasting away to nothing without you."

"I'd be offended if you weren't," he said. "So, how did Danny perform as my keg stand king successor?"

"He performed adequately," she informed him. "You'd be so proud."

"And did your gift arrive in the mail yet?" he asked excitedly.

"No, not yet," she said, pouting. "But don't worry. I'll FaceTime you as soon as it comes in so that we can open it together. You always get the best gifts and now you have access to fancy international stores. I can't wait."

"Trust me. You'll love it," he promised.

A few latecomers had passed Willow in the span that she was outside. They simply waved before heading into the house. But when Willow spotted two intimidating twins, she couldn't help but interrupt Jackson.

"Hey, just a sec," she told him before pressing the phone to her shoulder. Then she smiled at the twins, doing her best to hide her nerves. "Hey, guys. Glad you could make it. Ethan, Danny said you told him you weren't sure if you could."

"We had some things shift around last minute," Ethan said.

"Well, snacks are in the kitchen, and drinks are set up in the backyard," she said, expecting them to leave. But she glanced at Aiden and saw a twisted smirk on his lips. "Is - is there something else?"

"We have a little gift," Aiden said.

"Oh, thank you. There's, um, a table inside that you can put it on," she said, still on edge with them around. And it didn't help that they kept moving closer.

"Sorry, Willow," Ethan said. Though he didn't look as if he meant it. "But it's not here. We're just here to deliver you to the gift."

"I'd actually really rather not leave my party — ah!"

☽︎

"Hey, have you seen Willow?" Scott asked, finding Derek in the crowd.

"Um, she went outside to talk with Jackson," he told her, sipping on his beer — which was pointless because he couldn't get drunk. "It's only been a few minutes, and their calls usually take half an hour or longer."

"Okay, I'll let her have her time with—" Scott cut himself off when his own phone rang. And the confused look on his face didn't sit right with Derek.

"What?"

"It's Jackson," Scott said, sounding unsure. He quickly answered, not needing to leave the loud room to hear him. "Jackson?"

"Dude, I think something's wrong with Willow," Jackson said immediately, worry creeping up on him.

"What do you mean?" he asked. Derek was also listening in. "You were just talking with her."

"These two guys came up to her and it sounded like they were going to hurt her. I heard her call some guy Ethan. She sounded really scared. But then the line cut off, and I can't get her to pick up her phone."

Derek moved quickly, not caring about how rude it seemed as he pushed past bodies to get to the front door. Scott was on his heels, hoping they'd find her outside. But they didn't. Instead, they found her phone laying on the porch, screen illuminated by many missed calls from Jackson.

"Jackson, we've gotta go," Scott said, hanging up quickly. Then he looked at Derek. "What are the odds that Ethan and Aiden just stopped by to tell her happy birthday, and Willow just didn't realize she dropped her phone before going inside?"

"I'll search the house. You find the others and ask if they've seen her or the twins," Derek told him, not even entertaining the ridiculous question.

As Scott ran around the party, hunting down every werewolf and their various human friends, Derek tore through the house. It was impressive, really, how fast he checked every single room in the Worthington Estate. But every room was empty, Willow nowhere in sight.

"Where the hell did they take you?" Derek whispered to himself, back outside at the front door and trying to catch a scent.

☽︎

The 'where' wasn't actually that far from Willow's house.

"You know, you don't have to be so rough. It's not like I can fight you off or run away," Willow said quietly.

Ethan and Aiden had each grabbed an arm and dragged her along with them. They took her into the woods behind her house, just far enough away that she couldn't hear the music from her party. No doubt, her arms would have bruises on them, but the two alphas weren't concerned with it.

Though Willow was almost certain that Ethan loosened his grip on her right arm the slightest bit.

"Boys, didn't I tell you to be gentle?" a familiar voice asked.

Willow had to squint to see through the darkness. There were three people waiting for them in the woods, and Willow had seen two of them before. It was the blind man from the school and his driver. There was also a woman who seemed to not be wearing shoes.

"It's so lovely to meet again, Willow," the man said, coming closer. She took in a sharp breath, not wanting him anywhere near her. "Do you know who I am?"

"Deucalion," she took a guess. And it was a correct one.

Deucalion grinned at her. "Smart girl."

"What—" Willow took a deep breath to try and calm her nerves. "What do you want? If this is about Derek, then—"

"Oh, no, no, no," Deucalion interrupted. "No. This is about you, dear Willow. Do you know how long we've been here in this town?"

"Four months," she answered quietly. That was when they took Erica and Boyd. "I know you've been watching Derek and the pack."

"But we've also been watching you," he said, coming even closer. So close that she could almost see his vacant eyes through his sunglasses. Willow trembled as he ran a clawed finger along her cheek. "And you, Miss Worthington, are quite the charmer."

"I've been told as much," she whispered, trying to keep her head held high. But it didn't matter how hard she tried to cover it up — they knew she was terrified. "Is that why you had them drag me out here? So that you could tell me I'm nice and have good manners?"

"Oh, don't you know how to listen, Willow?" Aiden asked, a horrible grin on his face. He released her arm and threw his over her shoulder, pulling her into his side in a painfully tight hold. "We've got a gift."

"That's very generous, but I think I've received enough gifts," Willow mumbled.

"That's why we're only telling you about it — you'll have something to look forward to," Ethan chimed in.

"Wouldn't want to get blood on that pretty party dress," the woman spoke for the first time. Her words made Willow feel sick.

"Now, now, Kali," Deucalion said. "You know I like to keep things nice and clean when I give a bite."

"W - what?" Willow stuttered, the blood rushing from her face. Her veins felt like ice.

Once again, Deucalion touched her face. He roughly grabbed her jaw to ensure she was facing him. "Next time I see you, Willow, I'm going to bite you. And one of three things will happen. You'll turn into a wolf, your body will reject the bite, or — and something tells me this is the one — you'll be something else entirely."

"I don't - I don't understand."

"Surely you've heard the saying what with all that nasty kanima business you went through. Sometimes the shape you take reflects the person that you are."

"But why me?" she asked, her eyes watering. She didn't want to be a wolf. She didn't want to be anything. "I don't - don't know what you think makes me so different, but I'm not. So, please, please just leave me out of this."

"But I can't," Deucalion said, shaking his head as if he felt guilty. Of course, he didn't though. "See, I have a hunch and I'm very rarely wrong about these things. And when you inevitably turn—"

"Into what?" she couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, I think it's more fun to let you figure that out on your own," he said, chuckling. "I can't have you figuring it out too soon. But I'll gladly teach you everything once you join my pack."

"I don't know what kind of thing you think will happen to me, but you're wrong. And even so, I'd never join your pack," Willow said, shaking her head.

"Something tells me that Derek will say the same thing when I finally pay him a visit. Perhaps that's why you're so well-matched," he said in a mocking tone. "Don't worry. By the time I'm done in Beacon Hills, neither of you will have any reason to stay. You'll come gladly."

"You don't want me," she said, beginning to cry. Deucalion's words were a clear threat to everyone in her life. "I'm not strong. I cry a lot. You're making a mistake. I'm not powerful."

"My dear," Deucalion said, leaning closer, "you are power. And when you learn control, I'll be there to collect you. Then no one will ever stand against me again — they won't be able to resist."

☽︎

"She's not anywhere," Allison said, running up to the others.

Derek, Scott, Stiles, Isaac, Allison, Lydia, Boyd, and Cora were all gathered, determined to find Willow. Every inch of the house and street had been searched with nothing coming up. They had to devise a plan to find her and soon. They now stood outside where Willow was taken.

"I don't know if there's just too many people, but I haven't been able to catch her scent," Boyd told them.

"It's not the people," Scott said, shaking his head. "I can't smell her either — not even out here where she was last."

"Could the twins have masked her scent somehow?" Stiles asked.

"Hers and theirs," Derek said, clenching his fist. "This is my fault. I brought them here, and now she's gone."

"Do you think it's payback for you saving us?" Cora asked, frowning. She thought it was odd that the Alpha pack took months to execute their first plan only to wait less than a day before making another move.

"I don't know and I don't care!" Derek snapped. "We need to find her. Now!"

"We know, Derek," Scott said. "But we have to be careful. If we make the wrong decision, they could hurt her—"

Scott was cut off by a hissing sound. They looked down to see Scribbles had made his way outside and he didn't look happy.

"I'll take him and lock him in her bedroom," Stiles said, swooping down. "Something tells me that the twins wouldn't mind killing her cat to send a message."

"They're gonna kill her to send a message if we don't find her," Cora said, already assuming that the worst had happened.

"Someone's a Debbie Downer — ah! Scrib!" Stiles exclaimed.

The cat wriggled in his arms until he completely freed himself, biting Stiles' hand for him to let go. As soon as the cat had all four feet on the ground, he shot off like a rocket down the street.

They all watched him for a moment before Scott took off, something telling him to follow him. The others chased after the cat too, as Scribbles never ran off like that. So maybe he was running to something. Someone.

Scribbles led them around the fenced-off area of the house and backyard, running into the woods. He let out a loud yowl before barreling into a crouched-over figure that was leaning against the base of a tree and crying.

"Willow!" Scott shouted, seeing her first.

But Derek was the one to reach her, speeding up as soon as he heard her soft, scared whimpers. But she gasped in relief when she realized they had found her. Derek wrapped his arms around her, almost flinching from how cold she was.

"I didn't - I didn't know which way the house was," she said, burrowing her head in his chest. "They just le - left."

"It was the Alpha pack, wasn't it?" Stiles asked what they already knew.

Willow nodded, not pulling away from Derek. "The twins took me from the porch. They - they were all here waiting."

"Did they hurt you?" Derek asked, holding the side of her face gently as he looked her over for injuries. But there seemed to only be a few bruises and no blood.

"N - not yet," she whispered, more tears falling.

"Yet?" Allison questioned, picking up on the waver in her voice. "What do you mean yet?"

"He's coming back for me."