𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕪 //𝐿𝒾𝒶𝓂 𝒟𝓊𝓃𝒷𝒶𝓇

Chapter 9

In the gym, Liam, Mason, and Rose were present, but only Liam was actively engaged in physical activity. Mason, on the other hand, was engrossed in a conversation about Garret and Viola, expressing his skepticism about their claims of wealth. Rose, growing tired of Mason's chatter, rolled her eyes in an attempt to silence him.

Meanwhile, Liam's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of change. The transformation into a werewolf was no easy feat, especially when the girl he had liked for five years, who he's pretty sure he doesn't anymore, was so close to him in her bedroom.

Mason, oblivious to Liam's internal struggles, turned his attention to another individual. "And then there's this other guy, man..." Mason glanced at Liam, who seemed disinterested in their conversation. Ignoring Liam's lack of response, Mason continued, "He's been acting really strange lately - running to school for no reason, disappearing at parties... He used to be my best friend..."

Liam, finally paying attention, began adding more weight to his workout. Before Rose could interject, Mason blurted out, "...And, he's apparently on steroids..."

Mason's statement left Liam perplexed. He looked at his best friend, seeking clarification. "What are you talking about?" Liam questioned, turning to Rose for assistance.

Rose felt sympathy for both boys. One was unaware of the other's struggles, leaving him feeling left behind, while the other was grappling with internal turmoil. Trying to divert Liam's attention, Rose raised her eyebrows and warned, "You're not actually going to lift that, are you? No ordinary person could handle that weight without getting hurt."

Finally understanding Rose's concern, Liam relaxed his body and sat down, abandoning his attempt to lift the heavy weights.

Mason, sensing Liam's distraction, asked gently, "Are you worried about the game tonight?"

Rose frowned, realizing the connection between Brett's arrival and the upcoming game against Devenford Prep. Liam's expulsion from his previous school due to damaging a teacher's car had been relayed to Rose through Stiles and Scott, so she was clueless of the extent of Brett and Liam's relationship.

Liam, oblivious to the significance of the game, responded cluelessly, "Why would I be? It's just a scrimmage."

Rose interjected, informing him, "We're playing against Devenford Prep, Liam."

££

After their biology class, Rose dragged Liam to help her open her locker, as she was struggling to do so herself.

"How can you not open it? Did you enter the code?" Liam rolled his eyes, but Rose hurriedly tried to speed up the process. Suddenly, someone pulled Rose into a nearby room, leaving Liam unable to see her.

"Rose? What the... Rose!" Liam called out as he entered the room, only to find her missing. Instead, he encountered a man with blue eyes holding his lacrosse stick.

Derek smirked, holding up the broken stick. "Is this yours?" he taunted, changing his eyes to their werewolf form. Rose gasped in shock.

Liam's concern for the stick quickly faded as he focused on finding Rose. Growling, he demanded, "Where is she?" His claws emerged, ready for a fight. Derek, feeling slightly threatened by Liam's anger despite being told they hated eachother, released Rose and slammed Liam against the wall.

"Derek! Are you crazy?" Rose's eyes turned blue, indicating her anger. Just then, Scott emerged from the shadows.

"Liam," Scott revealed himself, causing Derek to smile. "You're right. He is angry."

Scott held up Liam's stick, trying to reassure him. However, Liam remained unconvinced, his attention fixed on Rose, who was still on the ground. Derek had unintentionally hurt her, causing a wound on the back of her head that she had during the fight with Kate.