Empath

Report

Noah

I was standing in my living room with Derek sitting on my couch and Amber huddled next to him. I had just asked her if we could take pictures of the electrical burns for the report that I planned on filing. She agreed and we were waiting for Scott's mom to arrive. I could see the sadness on her face at having to do this, but she knew that it was only a matter of time before it had to be done. There was a knock on the door.

"Derek, you go to Stiles' room. It's better if no one knows you're here." Amber sat up and nodded at Derek.

He kissed her head and then did as I asked. Stiles answered the door and Melissa walked up to me.

"Noah? Why couldn't we have done this at the hospital?" I shook my head.

"It's not safe for her to go there. Here we have safeguards against the people who hurt her. I can't risk her safety at the hospital where so many people are coming and going. Here she is safe, and has a support system." Amber stood and smiled at Melissa.

"Thank you for being willing to come here and take the necessary pictures for the report. I wouldn't feel safe at the hospital, especially not after what happened," she smiled at me, "thank you for opening your house to me, Mr. Stilinski. I know this isn't easy."

Melissa looked at me and I nodded, "come on, Sweetheart. Let's go to the guest room."

•••

Moments later Melissa came back out and she was angry. She came over to me.

"Who the hell hurt her," I understood her anger, "her mother drugged her, kidnapped her and her aunt tortured her with electricity."

"Please tell me this was to ensure her safety and you plan on charging them." I nodded.

"I do. I also have the paperwork for becoming her temporary guardian put together. She's not safe at home and I have no plan on letting her back in that house," she smiled at me, "good. I'll bring over some of my old clothes that might fit her. That way she will have clothes that fit her better. I don't see why anyone would hurt her. She's such a sweetheart. I'll get these pictures printed as soon as I get to the hospital and I'll get my end of the report ready. The sooner we get this done the sooner she will be safe."

"Thank you, Melissa. Let me set ground rules for the kiddos and I'll meet you at the hospital." She nodded and left.

I went back to the spare room and found Amber on the bed. Her arms wrapped around her knees. She looked up at me and I could see the unshed tears in her eyes.

"I know that you are going to turn that report in and file for temporary custody of me. I'm okay with that considering what my family did," she looked out the window, "did my father really want me to stay in the same house as my mother and aunt?"

I walked over and knelt down in front of her.

"Amber," she looked down at me, "I'm so sorry you're going through this sweetheart, and you have been so strong. I don't know why he would try to take you back home. He didn't seem to accept or believe that your mother and aunt had hurt you. Are you sure you want me to file these papers?"

She bit her lip as tears finally rolled down her cheeks and nodded. I stood up and sat next to her, wrapping my arms around her in a hug.

"You have done nothing wrong, Amber, and I will never, ever let any of them hurt you again."
She sobbed and started crying into my chest.

I felt a warmth in my chest and kissed her on the head.

"You're safe now, sweetheart. They'll have to go through me first, Amber. No one in your family will ever hurt you again." I felt her nod her head against my chest.

Soon Derek and Stiles were in the room and they both were smiling in our direction. They seemed relieved that she was safe and doing okay considering how the past few days had been.

"I need to head to the hospital and then the station to file these papers. I'll be back as soon as I can. If anyone comes you don't answer that door. Not unless you know who is there. Do you understand?" Amber nodded against my chest.

Derek did the same and Stiles stepped closer, "I promise dad. We'll be extra cautious and I know the combination for the gun safe if we need it."

Amber pulled away and smiled up at me, "thank you for helping me. For risking so much to help keep me safe."

I ruffled her hair, "I may not be your family, but if I had a daughter I'd imagine she'd be a lot like you. Just stay safe," I looked at Stiles, "all of you."

He smiled at me, "I know dad I love you too. Stay safe."

I nodded at my son so proud of the man he had become. I walked to the front door, turning back for a moment to see Amber, Stiles, and Derek talking. Amber looked at me and I felt a warm feeling in my chest.

He is proud of you, just like you are proud of him.

I smiled at her and left.