Teen Wolf: The Alternate Path

Chapter Ten: The Lone Search

As the final whistle blew, signalling our victory, the roar of the crowd felt distant and hollow. The empty spot on the bench where Stiles should have been was a stark reminder of his absence. The cheers and high-fives around me seemed meaningless without him there to share in the moment. I couldn't shake the nagging thought that something was wrong, that he was missing out on this victory he had so eagerly anticipated. The triumph of the game was marred by a gnawing worry that gnawed at the edges of my mind, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Unable to bear the simmering tension between Jackson and Scott any longer, I made a snap decision. I slipped away, careful not to attract my father's protective gaze. Finding Stiles became my singular focus, the need to ensure his safety driving me forward with a sense of urgency I couldn't ignore. Jackson's cruel jibes at Scott only heightened my resolve—Stiles needed me, and I wasn't about to let him face whatever danger lurked alone. My heart pounded in my chest as I searched, each passing minute adding to the weight of my fear.

My search for Stiles went on for what felt like hours, and ultimately proved useless, but strangely, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Something deep within me suddenly knew he wasn't in danger, I still don't know how I knew, but I was certain.

The next morning a mundane school day lay ahead, the gang weren't in any of my classes today, but it was on the way to school that proved most interesting. Jackson sped past me in his Porsche, I followed. I overheard the incident with Jackson's car — a malicious act I immediately knew my father was behind, only to be confirmed when he appeared moments later, closely followed by Stiles' Jeep. What troubled me more was Scott's plain concern for Stiles. It was clear he was privy to some development, some piece of the puzzle I was missing. The realization that I was being kept in the dark about matters concerning Stiles gnawed at me. Scott's concern for Stiles was intense, but I was left grasping at straws, piecing together fragments of a puzzle I wasn't allowed to see. The frustration of being sidelined, of not knowing what was happening to the people I cared about, built up inside me like a storm. I knew then that something had to change. I could no longer be a passive observer in the shadows—I had to step into the light, to make my voice heard, even if it meant revealing the secrets I had kept hidden for so long.

As I'd anticipated, the day passed without incident. Again, everyone had been remarkably absent, only fuelling my theory I was falling further out of the loop. Perhaps it was time to include myself, weather they like it or not? Confess to Allison I already know our families secret, tell her what I know. Tell Scott I know he's a werewolf, and that Stiles had been keeping his secret. Perhaps then I could help. My efforts to find Scott, Stiles, and Allison proved futile. They were nowhere to be found, a fact that left me feeling isolated and disconnected. With a heavy heart, I returned home, resigned to spend another evening alone with my thoughts.

The words I overheard from Kate were like a cold hand gripping my heart. She had found the wolves, and her intentions were clear—this was not a hunt for sport, but a calculated strike. The stakes had never been higher, and the thought of Scott, Stiles, and Allison caught in the crossfire sent a wave of panic through me. In that moment, I knew I had to act, but the choice before me was agonizing. To side with Kate meant betraying my friends, but to do nothing was to risk their lives. My loyalty to my family clashed violently with the unspoken bond I had formed with the others, tearing me apart inside. But if I could be there, I might be able to influence the outcome, to prevent bloodshed. It was a dangerous gamble, but one I was willing to take for the sake of those who mattered most to me.

As I prepared to join Kate on her hunt, my mind raced with possibilities and fears. The night ahead was a step into the unknown, where friend and foe could no longer be easily distinguished. But one thing was certain—I would do whatever it took to protect Stiles, Scott, and Allison, even if it meant standing against my own family. This was a pivotal moment, a test of my loyalty and my resolve. The lines had been drawn, but they were blurred by the shadows of doubt and fear. As I stepped into the darkness, I clung to the hope that somehow, I could bring light to the situation—before it was too late.