Imperfect Perfection; Liam Dunbar

19. Trying For Normal

CHAPTER NINETEEN
TRYING FOR NORMAL

After the abrupt disruption to her sleep by Argent waking her up, Thea was confused about where she was and had reacted without thought, but then Liam's voice had brought her back to herself and she got back in control; noticing her position of pining to hunter to the wall with her claws around his throat.

Sat in between Scott and Liam around the dining room table, Thea looked to Argent who's serious eyes were already focused on her. "So, let's hear this deal then."

Argent watched her for a minute, before having a silent conversation with Melissa just with their eyes. The hunter took a bite from the plate of pancakes in front of him and Thea waited.

Liam was bouncing in his seat, not able to get comfortable. Thea kicked his chair when the betas foot kept hitting her leg as he fidgeted around in his seat like a child.

"Hey." Liam grumbled, shooting Thea a look as if she was the one moving around uncontrollably like an unruly toddler.

Argent still hadn't spoke yet, which caused Thea so much discomfort. She started eating the pancakes that she'd yet to touch, which was apparently the right thing to do when she saw a minute twitch to Argent's lips in what could be a smile.

"So—"

Argent had finally started speaking, but Thea stopped listening when Liam stomped on her foot.

Thea pushed Liam and he nearly fell off the chair. "Stop it. What's the matter with you?"

Liam of course retaliated and pushed her back, probably harder than he needed to and Scott held a hand out; catching Thea before she fell. "It was an accident." Liam said defensively.

Thea rolled her eyes before looking back to Argent expectantly.

Argent gave Liam a weird look and shook his head before turning his attention back onto Thea. "You've made it clear you don't want anybody's help—"

"That's right." Thea said. "I can look after myself."

Liam clearly wanted to argue by the look on his face but thankfully Argent held up a hand and gave the beta a stern look which kept him quiet for the time being.

"Yes, we know you can look after yourself." Argent said.

Trick. He's tricking you. Saying what you want to hear to use it against you.

She tried to stop the negative thoughts from forming, she really did, but Thea's mind was whirling. Humouring them was the best option she decided. "But?" She asked hearing the open ending to the hunters statement.

"But... why risk it while Monroe is still at large?" Argent asked, and it was a reasonable and valid question.

Thea considered what Argent was saying. It was extremely inconvenient for her, having to make sure she's staying in places she could easily escape from if hunters were to discover her, especially after the last time they found her and she got taken to be tortured, leading to her arrest and all that followed afterwards. "What are you saying?" Thea asked bluntly.

"Stay here." Argent said and held up his hand again with an impatient huff as it was this time Thea who prepared herself to argue. "Stay with us until we've dealt with Monroe and then you can do whatever the hell you want to."

"If I do... What's the catch?" Thea asked him, knowing that with anything in life there was always a catch. Nothing ever happened for free.

"No catch." Argent told her, and everything about the man screamed that he was telling the truth which was extremely frustrating.