Never Let Me Go || Young Derek Hale

EIGHT

Scarlett POV

I sighed, hesitating outside the entrance to the gym. A weeks ago, Derek had told me to come and watch some of his basketball practices. He was good and he knew it. But I hadn't gotten around to it until now, and if i just suddenly showed up like this, after, how would he react?

I bit my lip and pushed my way through the double doors. Wednesdays were the practice days, and sure enough, the basketball team was running around on the court tossing the ball to each other. But as I took a seat on the bleachers, I realized that Derek was nowhere to be found.

"Hey!" a kid yelled from the court, "Scarlett! What are you doing here?"

"Oh, hi, Mark. Um... I'm looking for Derek, actually. Is he here?" I inquired.

Mark nodded and pointed in the direction of the locker rooms, "Yeah, he said he wasn't feeling well like fifteen minutes ago. He went into the locker room."

"Thanks," I replied, getting down from the bleachers.

As I made me way toward the locker room, I heard another player say, "You can't go in there!" But I ignored him and walked right in, noticing that the lights were off.

"Derek?" I called,

"You in here?" There was no answer; only silence.

"It's me, Scar. I came to watch you practice and they said you were in here. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." This time, I heard a noise, like a locker being hit or slammed. I jumped, a little startled, "Hello? Is someone in here?" A low growling noise emanated from somewhere in the dark locker room.

"Derek, is that you?" I asked, you heart pounding. I took a couple steps in the direction of the noise. There was a shuffling noise, and I i'm sure that something had just run behind me, but when I turned around, there was nothing there. "Is this a joke? Because if it is, it really isn't funny! You're scaring me."

"Go away." The words seem to come from in between the fourth and fifth rows of lockers.

"Derek?" It was him, you were sure of it, "Are you alright?"

He inhaled loudly and painfully, "No, no. I'm not alright, and I need you to leave right now. Please."

"Why? What is it? What's wrong?" I increased the speed of your steps, trying to get to him as quickly as possible, "Should I get the coach? Should I call an ambulance?"

"No!" Derek snarled, "Just get out!" As he said this, you rounded the corner, and there he was. Or at least, there was the thing that was speaking with his voice, crouched on the floor. I  screamed, and it stared up at you with glowing blue eyes. "I told you to leave!" it shouted, but despite its forcefulness, its voice sounded sharp as if it were in pain. It had pointed ears, a weird snout, fangs, claws, and fur.

"Derek... What are you?" I gasped, stumbling backwards.

It growled, advancing towards you. Then it stopped. "Please, you have to go. I can't control it much longer... I thought I could, but it's too strong."

I turned on your heel and ran, but before you could make it to the door, it was there, cornering you against a wall. "I'm sorry," it growled, "I can't control it. I'm—I'm a monster." I could feel its claws digging into my arms.

"You're not going to hurt me, Derek." I stated, staring right into his eyes, "I know you won't."

"You don't understand! I have to! I don't have a choice! I want to!" I could feel him shaking, struggling to keep himself in check.

"Derek, listen to me. I have no idea what's going on, and I am terrified. Okay? I'm scared. I am really, really scared. But I know you aren't going to hurt me. You are strong and you can do it."

He shook his head, "I can't, I can't! I should've listened to my mother! I should've stayed home!"

I closed my eyes, "No, Derek. Just listen to the sound of my voice. You need to calm down, okay? You're freaking out right now, and I have no idea what's happening, but losing your shit obviously isn't going to help. You can do this. I trust you. I'm gonna count to five, and you're going to be okay. One... two... three... four... five." Suddenly, the sharp pain from his claws was gone. He was still clutching my arms, but I didn't feel the claws. I opened my eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. The fur, the fangs, everything was gone. He was back to normal. His skin was covered in a layer of sweat, and he looked exhausted.

"I'm sorry..." he mumbled, "I am so, so sorry..."

"Hey, you tried to kill me, it happens. Just... Don't do it again... And remember. You have a lot of explaining to do." I replied, laughing weakly.

__________

Hope you enjoy :)