An Uneasy Accord

Chapter 48 - Assault

Brooklyn sensed something was off with Derek as they rode in a strained silence. The vet was tied up in the backseat with duct tape strewn across his mouth. He was still unconscious but breathing as the school came into view.

"Derek what is it?"

"Jackson," the werewolf finally turned and looked towards her. "His scent…..It's on you."

"I can explain," she gripped his wrist. "I was at the coffee shop and I turned around and there he was standing right behind me."

"So he followed you," the werewolf's eyes turned to ice.

"Yes," she nodded. "But I hoped to see what he knew about us but…."

"You what? Brook what were you thinking?"

"Hoping to find out anything," she was weak in her defense. "But I saw his neck. The attack didn't happen too long ago."

Derek was silent, still seething over the fact that Jackson couldn't and wouldn't take a hint.

"Derek," Brooklyn's voice lured him back. "Derek, we don't have time to worry about Jackson okay? We need to worry about the Alpha. God, I can't believe you're going to let Scott do it!"

"It's the only way to call him out," Derek huffed.

"Well I'm not liking it! It's like ringing the dinner bell!"

Brooklyn ran her hands angrily over her face as she slammed her open palms on the dash. Derek could hear her heart pounding from the hurricane of emotions that raged through her soul. She felt guilty for even trying to talk to Jackson but she was a hunter! Part of it meant doing the things one didn't like, especially if it meant making nice with the enemy.

Derek caught the pained expression that strained her beautiful features and captured her hand in his. Brooklyn felt the wall crumble at the simple stroke of his thumb.

"I'm sorry," his voice was sincere and quiet. "I'm not angry with you Brook. Please know that."

"I know," she swept the tears away with the back of her wrist.

Stiles and Scott were standing against the Jeep when the Camaro finally rolled into view.

"Bout time," Scott pushed off as Brooklyn and Derek hopped out.

"Where is he?" Scott demanded.

"Right here," Brooklyn gestured to the backseat.

"Oh he looks comfortable," Stiles nodded with sarcasm.

"Not now Stiles," Brooklyn warned him. Scott looked up at the hunter and noticed her eyes were marked with thin crimson streaks. Had she been crying?

"I still don't like this," Brooklyn stared pointedly at Scott. "Apparently you two geniuses never saw the movie Jaws."

"We don't have any choice," Scott grabbed the bolt cutters before he and Stiles hurried towards the doors. Brooklyn exhaled with disappointment in her breath, watching the teens vanish into the building. She went towards the Jeep and leaned comfortably against it, letting her body lean into the rigid frame. Derek could see she was visibly upset and knew it Jackson was the source of her misery.

"He doesn't know when to quit," she shook her head. "I just…."

"Hey," he took her in his arms. "I don't hate you Brook. I'm not mad at you."

She buried her face in his jacket, taking in the hints of dirt, musk, and him. It was comforting mix to the hunter's troubled mind and Derek finally felt her begin to calm down.