Chapter 4: Double Game
1125words
"This is so cool!" Stiles exclaims excitedly, his voice louder than I'd like.
"Stiles," I give him a warning look, "lower your voice."
A week has passed, and I've accepted Beacon Hills' crazy reality. Scott is a bitten werewolf, Derek is a born Alpha, and there's a group of teenage werewolves learning to control their abilities under his leadership. And Stiles, as the only ordinary human, has become my most unexpected ally.
"Sorry," Stiles makes a zipping motion across his mouth, "but seriously, your ability to calm werewolves is amazing. Even Derek doesn't know what's going on."
I stare out the window, seeing Ethan and his brother Aiden walking across the street. Since that full moon night, Ethan has been trying to get close to me, but I've kept my distance. I know he has secrets.
"Derek thinks I might be some special bloodline," I say quietly, "but I need more information. My mother's diary mentioned 'guardians,' but didn't explain in detail."
"Maybe Deaton can help," Stiles suggests, "he's the town's vet, but actually some kind of druid advisor. Scott trusts him."
I nod, but my attention is drawn to the scene outside. Ethan stops, turning his head to look directly at the coffee shop, as if he can sense my presence through the glass. Our eyes meet, and the corner of his mouth turns up slightly.
"What are you looking at?" Stiles turns his head, "Oh, the twins. You know they're part of the Alpha pack, right? Derek doesn't trust them."
"Alpha pack?"
"A group of Alpha werewolves," Stiles explains, "they came here to recruit new members, at least that's what they say. Derek thinks they have other motives."
I ponder this. It explains why Ethan keeps appearing around me. He's not interested in me, but monitoring me, possibly because of my relationship with Scott, or the strange ability I displayed.
"I have to go," I stand up, "family dinner tonight, Rafael wants to 'strengthen our connection.'" I make quotation marks, my tone full of sarcasm.
"Hey," Stiles calls after me, "be careful, okay? We're still not sure what your ability is, or how it might affect you."
I smile, feeling a sense of belonging for the first time since coming to Beacon Hills. "Thanks, Stiles."
Leaving the coffee shop, I deliberately walk toward Ethan. If he wants to play games, I'll let him taste what it feels like to be tracked by a hunter.
"Hi, Valerie," Ethan smiles as if we've met by chance, "alone?"
"Not anymore," I answer, looking into his eyes for any signs of dishonesty, "you seem to always appear around me, Ethan."
"Maybe it's fate," he steps closer, his voice low, "or maybe I'm just attracted to you."
I can smell his scent—pine and something wild. My senses seem to have become more acute, which is both disturbing and exciting.
"I don't believe in fate," I say, "I believe in choices. Like, what's your reason for following me?"
Ethan's smile stiffens slightly, "You're very direct."
"I don't have time for games," I step forward, almost against him, "what do you want from me, Ethan? Is it because of Scott? Or because of my effect on werewolves?"
His pupils dilate, his breathing accelerates. Not from fear of being discovered, but from... interest?
"You're smarter than I thought," he admits, "yes, initially it was because you're Scott's sister. But now..." his gaze falls on my lips, "I am attracted to you."
I know this could be a trap, but I decide to turn the tables. If he wants to use me, then I can also use him to get information.
"Prove it," I challenge, "tonight, the cliff at the forest edge. Nine o'clock. Tell me everything about the Alpha pack, and maybe I'll believe your sincerity."
I turn to leave, feeling his gaze following me. It's a dangerous game, but I've been taught how to dance with danger since childhood.
Dinner is more awkward than expected. Rafael tries to play the role of concerned father, while Scott nervously looks back and forth between us, as if worried I might suddenly reveal his secret.
"So," Rafael clears his throat, "how are you adapting at school?"
"Fine," I answer briefly, "I've made a few friends."
"Really?" Scott looks surprised, "Who?"
"Stiles," I say, seeing Scott relax a bit, "and Lydia and... Ethan."
Scott's fork drops on his plate with a jarring sound. "Ethan? One of the twins?"
"What's wrong?" Rafael asks confusedly, "Is there a problem?"
"No," Scott quickly answers, giving me a warning look, "just... they're new transfer students, I don't know much about them."
After dinner, Scott pulls me aside. "You can't trust Ethan," he says quietly, "they're here for a reason."
"I know," I calmly reply, "that's why I'm meeting him. Information, Scott. I need to understand what I am, and he might have answers."
"It's too dangerous," Scott insists, "let me go with you."
"No," I shake my head, "if you show up, he won't tell the truth. Don't worry, I can protect myself."
At nine o'clock sharp, I stand at the cliff edge, moonlight bathing me. I can feel Ethan approaching, even before seeing him.
"You came," I say, not turning around.
"I promised," Ethan stands beside me, "and I'm curious what you want to know."
"Everything," I turn to him, "why is the Alpha pack in Beacon Hills? What do you want?"
Ethan is silent for a moment, seeming to weigh how much to reveal. "We came here for Deucalion's plan," he finally says, "he wants to build a powerful pack, and Scott... he's special."
"How special?"
"He's a True Alpha," Ethan explains, "not gaining power through killing, but through will and character. This kind of Alpha is extremely rare, and extremely powerful."
I digest this information. "And me? What interest do you have in me?"
Ethan's expression becomes complex, "Initially just because you're Scott's sister, a possible bargaining chip. But that night in the forest... what you did changed everything. Deucalion wants to know what you are."
"And you're here to find answers?"
"Yes," he answers honestly, then adds, "at first."
"At first?"
Ethan steps forward, his eyes flashing red in the moonlight, "But now, I find myself increasingly difficult to follow orders. You... have a strange effect on me."
He reaches out to touch my cheek, and I don't flinch. Instead, I feel energy flowing between us, warm and intoxicating.
Just then, a voice breaks the moment.
"Get away from her!"
Derek Hale walks out from the forest, his eyes flashing dangerous red.
