Filler Episode - Chapter 5

The first bit of snow stopped around lunch. There wasn't much accumulation, but still plenty for a few snowballs. Practice was canceled, there were two wrecks, and the bottled water shelf in the grocery store was picked clean. The forecast showed a blizzard, not just light flurries, that was making its way down from Canada.

Peter hadn't cared much for meteorology. Being a werewolf meant that he was comfortable in pretty much anything. Aside from humidity, that was horrible no matter what you were. He could see the signs of a supernatural storm. It didn't follow any sort of pressure system, whatever that meant, and traveled around without losing strength. The blizzard had meandered across Canada and was now headed for the Washington State. It would hit there within the next few days if its behavior stayed consistent. More importantly, the blizzard followed behind the flurries, like the one today. Something was on its way, and he couldn't muster enough optimism to think it was just passing through.

He plucked his phone from the table. Currently there are four numbers: Derek, Scott, the vet where Scott worked, and a bookstore that carried interesting tomes. He dialed Derek.

"Yes?" Derek answered.

"Nightly patrols of the preserve," Peter said. "Starting tonight."

"Done," Derek replied. "Anything else?"

"Did you remember to pick up those snore strips?" Peter asked with the same severity.

"Funny," Derek hung up.

~

The snow had started up again. It wasn't as bad as the blizzard they had forecasted, but it was close. School was out, practice had been canceled, and there was little else to do.

"Halloween is coming up," Allison said.

"I call Dracula," Stiles raised his hand in the air as the trio walked through the mall.

"Sexy nurse," Lydia had a buffer of Allison and Scott between her and Stiles. Jackson had opted for more gym time.

"I was thinking Red Riding Hood," Allison bit her lips as she gave Scott a look.

Scott blushed, "I could be the woodsman."

"Not the big bad wolf?" Allison wove her fingers in with his.

"You could be the wolf from Into the Woods," Stiles offered.

"I haven't seen that," Allison said.

"Dress shirt, vest, tight pants, fedora, and wolf make-up," Stiles offered. "They canceled school tomorrow. We could Netflix it. Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrik, and that dude from a couple of Doctor Who episodes. It' a musical."

"Of course it is," Lydia sighed. "I'll pass."

"Sounds fun," Allison squeezed Scott's hand. "I'll bring the red-vines if you provide the popcorn."

"Scott," Stiles stopped in place. "Hold onto her. I think I'm falling in love."

Scott froze. A scent plucked at his nose. The sharp tang of fear, underlying grit of anger, the faint iron of blood, and an overpowering musk of desperation. He followed the smell to a young man flipping through a book nearby.

"I think I know that guy," Scott nodded to the young man.

"Isaac," Stiles offered. "He's on the team, the quiet guy who runs a lot of laps. Pretty sure his dad is the assistant coach. Or the swim team coach. Both. He works at the graveyard."

"Weird," Lydia had her phone out taking selfies with Allison.

"Landscaping," Stiles cut in. "He does good work."

"I'll be right back," Scott slipped his hand from Allison's grip.

Isaac turned to face him as he got closer. The scent of fear and desperation grew stronger with every step.

"Hey," Scott came to a stop out of arms reach.

"Hey," Isaac put the book back on the shelf.

"What are you reading?" Scott tried to sound casual.

"It's a book," Isaac blurted.

"Yeah, we're in a bookstore," Scott nodded.

"Fantasy," he mumbled.

"Cool," Scott brightened. "Have you checked out American Gods?"

"Yeah," the tension in his shoulders eased. "That's a good one."

"Are you okay?" Scott took a step closer.

"Yeah?" Isaac said the word slowly.

"Isaac," Scott dropped his voice to a whisper and took another step. "Something is going on. We haven't talked much, but we've both sat on the bench for a while. Trust me."

"Nothing is going on," Isaac looked away. Desperation and anger came off him in waves.

Scott closed the final step between them. He put his hand on Isaac's shoulder. Stiles was right, the guy was tall.

"We're having a movie night since they canceled school," Scott said. "Come over. We'll have popcorn, red vines, and three different kinds of soda."

"I don't know," Isaac mumbled.

"You're right," Scott said softly. "You hardly know us."

He watched as Isaac's shoulders slumped.

"Come on," Scott motioned with his head to his friends. "We're killing time. You're coming along."

"But-"

"Stiles," Scott called before Isaac could say another word. "Isaac has read American Gods."

Stiles perked up. He bounce-stepped to join the pair as they got closer.

"Have you read the Percy Jackson series?" Stiles asked. "It's a little young, but it's still good if you're into mythology. I couldn't get into The Red Pyramid, which sucks because it covers the Egyptian Gods, but I can never make it through chapter two."

"I'll have to check it out," Isaac offered with a look to Scott.

Scott smiled and continued to guide the tall, quiet guy over to the group.

"If you're a fairy tale fan you should check out The Book of Lost things," Stiles kept on. "It's really good. Set during World War Two in England. The main character is like thirteen, but it isn't a kid's book. There is also a section in the back that goes through all the references and inspiration. It's awesome. I can lend you my copy. It's fine if you don't return it, it's good enough to buy again."

~

Peter could smell the boy before the group pulled into the driveway. Allison, the hunter's daughter, Stiles, Scott, and the wounded boy. He was taller than the others but seemed smaller. Every step was taken with care. His eyes scanned the area as he willed himself to be unnoticed. Peter had seen the very same actions on the full moon when he chased rabbits for fun. This boy lived in fear, not only of some predator, but of other people discovering the truth.

Scott looked up at the window above the garage. Peter gave a small nod as their gaze met.

~

Scott felt a rush of relief. Peter knew why he had brought Isaac and agreed. He led the group into the house. His mother was at work and would be until the early morning.

"I'll do the tech stuff," Stiles slipped upstairs.

"I've got the red vines and soda," Allison held up the shopping bag. She set the groceries on the counter before she headed into the living room.

"That puts us on popcorn and dish duty," Scott pulled Isaac into the kitchen. "The bowls are in this cabinet," he tapped one of the doors. "I'll get the popcorn started."

"Thanks for inviting me," Isaac softly as he grabbed a stack of bowls.

"You don't have to talk about it," Scott replied without missing a beat. He took three packages of popcorn out and placed them on the counter. "I know there is something you're hiding. I can smell it."

"What?" Isaac scrunched his up his eyebrows as he turned away from Scott.

"You smell like blood," Scott sniffed. "And a stale fridge."

Isaac froze. He put the bowl in his hands down to try to hide the fact that his hands were shaking.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Isaac whispered.

"I can offer you something," Scott stayed where he was and tried to pour as much concern into his voice. "Friends. Protection. Strength."

"How can you do that?" Isaac's shoulders slumped. He leaned heavily on the counter. "I tried to talk to councilors, but my dad works at the school. I can't go to the police, that takes too long. How can you help me?"

"Turn around," Scott said softly.

Isaac did.

"I'm going to show you something," Scott kept his voice even. "I need you to trust me. Don't freak out."

"Okay," Isaac nodded. "I've seen worse."

Scott smiled. His eyes flashed gold. A moment later he shifted into his beta-wolf. Isaac froze. His hands gripped the counter tightly.

"Scott," Stiles spoke from the doorway. "What are you doing?"

"You... you know about this?" Isaac stuttered.

Stiles nodded.

"So do I," Allison called from the living room. "I've claimed the love-seat by right of taking off my shoes."

Isaac looked back at Scott. Stiles and Allison weren't freaking out. Scott didn't make a move, but an aura of power and strength surrounded him. Isaac looked into the gold eyes. Scott shuddered slightly as he returned to his human state.

"I'm a werewolf," Scott said simply. "You could be one too. You would have a pack. People care about you. Protect you."

Isaac didn't say anything.

"There is a catch. If you don't turn, you will die," Scott said. "I can't tell what the outcome would be. It's up to you."

Isaac jumped as the backdoor opened. A tall man, handsome aside from the scar along the side of his face, strode into the room. The same aura of strength came from him.

"This is my alpha, our alpha if you want the bite," Scott motioned to Peter.

"You don't have to decide now," Peter had a soothing voice. Softer than Isaac expected. "The offer stands," he turned to Scott. "I smelled red vines."

"Nope, not going to happen," Allison tucked the package behind her back. "These are for movie night."

Peter turned his gaze to her. Isaac waited for the explosion. The display of power. Put her in her place.

"Do you know how hard it is to get the smell of wolf urine off of tires?" Peter grinned.

"About as hard it is to get four scented candles out of an apartment?" Allison asked.

"That's not fair," Peter pouted.

"Mess with the bull, and you get the horns," Allison countered. "Fine," she relented and tossed him a package. "Those puppy-dog eyes are only going to last so long."

Peter caught the package. He slit the plastic with a claw and expertly plucked one from it without looking. Peter popped it into his mouth. He looked at Isaac and winked.

"The puppy-dog eyes don't come with the package," Peter said. "I'm just that good."

Isaac asked for the bite around midnight. Scott and Peter stayed awake all night to make sure he made it.

~

"Do you smell cinnamon?" Isaac looked up at the clouds as he spoke. A steady stream of powder drifted from the fluff.

"Yeah," Scott nodded. "Weird, right?"

Isaac nodded.

"You don't have to go home," Scott said. "We've got an extra room in the house. I'll explain things to my mom."

"The werewolf thing?" He asked.

"No," Scott shook his head quickly. "I'll probably have to do that soon, but I meant the reason you'd be staying with us."

"Oh," Isaac nodded. "I think I'd like that."

"Derek and I will go with you to your house," Scott said. "You haven't met Derek yet."

Derek walked out of the cluster of trees nearby. His hair was a mess, not the carefully tussled look, and there was dirt on his hands. He looked from Scott to Isaac as he crossed the driveway. His eyes scanned Isaac. The younger beta was a couple of inches taller than him. Derek wasn't accustomed to looking up to stare someone down. For his credit, Isaac held the gaze for a few seconds.

"Derek," Scott stepped between them. "This is Isaac. He's part of the pack now."

"I know," Derek didn't bother to look at Scott. He pulled Isaac into a hug, "you're safe."

Scott blinked. His brain tried to process what was happening. Isaac was adorable, he was a puppy in human form even before he took the bite. He had never seen Derek hug anyone, not even his uncle who had come out of a coma. Isaac melted into the hug. Peter was a quiet power, it radiated from him, but it took an attentive mind to find him intimidating. Those with an inflated ego would find it too late that they were vastly out of their depth. Derek, on the other hand, looked like trouble. Network TV good looking and somewhat fashion savvy, but trouble, nonetheless.

"You volunteered me to take him home?" He released Isaac and looked to Scott.

"Both of us," Scott corrected. "For him to get his stuff without any trouble."

Derek didn't say anything, but he understood.

"I'm taking a shower," he started to walk away. "Get some breakfast. We're leaving once I'm ready."

"What was he doing last night?" Isaac asked.

"On patrol," Scott watched the eldest beta go. "Come on, let's get some breakfast. Stiles will be over soon."

"Is Allison coming too?"

Scott heard the increase in heartbeat. He looked at Isaac.

"You like her," Scott scrunched is brow. He opened the back door and let Isaac go first.

"She's nice," Isaac nodded. "I know you two are a thing."

Scott closed the door. They had been a thing, but he wasn't sure what they were anymore. Before the trial they had been romantically inclined. They didn't get far into the physical side of things, but the desire was there. Her stealing a condom from her aunt's bag was clue to that.

But things had changed. He stood by her during the trial. They spent almost every day together playing cards, talking, doing homework, or just hanging out. The atmosphere did not lend itself to make-out sessions. Somewhere along the line they stopped kissing completely.  Their relationship shifted again once he told her that he was a werewolf. They held hands, she kissed him on the cheek, and they were together a lot. She had sat next to him last night during the movies, but they didn't cuddle.

"Scott," his mother stood in the kitchen staring at Isaac. "Who is this?"

She was dressed for bed and wasn't wearing shoes which made Isaac nearly a foot taller than her. A half-buttered bagel rested on the counter before her.

"This is Isaac," Scott stood beside him. "He's a friend of mine from school and he needs a safe place to stay."

Melissa McCall looked at her son. She turned her attention to Isaac. Her eyes looked him up and down.

"I wash my scrubs in a mesh bag," she said. "Anything you put in with it will be bleached. The top shelf of the dishwasher sticks, don't push it, just lift it up and it's fine. No drinking, no drugs, and no parties. If you smoke you're doing it outside and downwind." She looked back at Scott, "I expect a call from the sheriff today."

Scott hugged her, "thank you."

"Thank you," Isaac echoed. "I don't smoke or drink."

"Do you cook?" Melissa asked.

"Not really," he shrugged.

"Then you'll fit in just fine," she smiled at him. "I work a lot," she covered her mouth as she yawned. "And I'm going to bed."

Melissa grabbed the bagel she was preparing and left. Isaac watched her go.

"Your mom is awesome," he looked back at Scott.

Scott smiled. He needed to talk to Allison.

~

Stiles arrived with a police escort. A deputy joined Derek and Isaac on their outing.

"My dad is filling out the paperwork," Stiles muttered as he shambled to the living room. "It's a complicated process normally, but there is a lot of paperwork with his dad being involved in the school."

Scott walked into the room just in time to see his friend curl up on the couch. Stiles mumbled gibberish into the cushion. He was out cold a minute later. Scott draped a blanket over him. The snow had been an off and on thing. Each time lasted longer, and the temperature was dropping steadily. At first, the snow melted quick enough, but now it was starting to accumulate.

He dialed Allison.

"Is everything okay?" Allison answered.

"Yeah," Scott smiled. "I was wondering if you wanted to get together to talk."

"Sure."

"Stiles is asleep on my couch and Isaac is with Derek," Scott added. "It would just be me and you."

"Oh," Allison paused. "Are you hungry?"

"Of course," Scott chuckled. "What are you in the mood for?"

"Number One Chinese," she offered.

"Good choice," he replied. "Sesame Chicken with pork fried rice?"

"Don't forget the hot mustard," she laughed. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"See you then," he ended the call and dialed Number One.

It was a little Chinese food place that had moved into a building that had been a gas station. There were three tables in the lobby, but it was hardly big enough for two. Luckily, they delivered. Scott had introduced her to their magnificent meals during the trial. They recognized his number and had the order in once he confirmed who he was. It paid to tip well.

The food got there before Allison. Scott paid plus a tip, twenty-percent minimum, and waited. She knew better than to leave food unclaimed around a hungry werewolf. He knew the sound of her tires on the road outside. Scott opened the door as she got out.

"Is it here?" Allison asked.

"Yes," Scott waved. "Stiles is asleep on the couch, but the smell might wake him. Hurry."

Allison jogged into the house. She picked a spot at the table and sat. Scott took the seat across from her.

"What's up?" Allison mixed her rice in with the sauce.

"I wanted to talk about us," Scott tried not to make it sound serious and only succeeded in making it awkward.

"What do you mean?" She tried to sound casual.

"Allison, I love you; I think I always will, but this has changed," Scott put down his fork. "Does that make sense?"

"Yeah," Allison sighed. "Somewhere along the line you became my best friend."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Scott smiled.

"Best friend, not boy-friend," she shrugged.

"I get it," he nodded. "You're my best friend too."

"I heard that," Stiles called from the other room. "Is that Number Ones?"

"Maybe," Allison smiled at Scott. "Are we cool?"

"Yeah," Scott nodded. "Friends. I'm totally cool with that."

Stiles stumbled into the dining room. He bumped into a chair, pulled it out, and sat. His eyes scanned the two boxes on the table. He blinked heavily as he began to take inventory.

"I'll let the best friend thing slide if you both agree to give me some rice, a crab rangoon, and two egg-rolls."