Little Wolf (The Youngest Sequel)

Chapter Seize

After Deaton healed them, Derek took Scott and Kylie back to the subway station to discuss their next move.

"I'm saying we need a new plan," Derek said as they walked, Kylie nestled in his arms. "Because, next time, one of us is gonna be too hurt to heal. And that person might just be your sister." His voice held a note of warning, his eyes flicking down to the little girl.

Scott sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I get it. We can't save Jackson."

"We can't seem to kill him either," Derek admitted, his tone laced with frustration. "I've seen a lot of things, Scott, but I've never seen anything like this. Every new moon is just making him stronger."

Scott frowned. "But how do we stop him?"

Derek shook his head, his expression grim. "I don't know. I don't even know if we can."

Scott hesitated, then suggested, "Maybe we should just let the Argents handle it."

Derek's jaw clenched. "I'm the one who bit him. It's my fault," he said, guilt clouding his eyes.

Kylie frowned and laid her head against Derek's chest, sensing his pain and wanting to comfort him. Derek softened just a little at the gesture, his arm tightening around her protectively.

"Yeah, but you didn't turn him into this," Scott said quickly, trying to lift Derek's spirits. "This happened because of something in his past, right?"

Derek shook his head. "That's just a legend in a book. It's not that simple, Scott."

Scott narrowed his eyes, growing frustrated. "What do you mean? What are you not telling me?"

Derek sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Why do you always think I'm keeping something from you?"

"Because you always are!" Scott shot back, his voice rising. "You always keep secrets from me!"

Derek's eyes flashed, his voice turning sharp. "Maybe I do it to protect you and her!" He nodded at Kylie. "In case you forgot, Scott, she's only three years old. She's a child!"

Scott clenched his jaw, the anger giving way to guilt. Before he could respond, Kylie's small voice cut through the tension.

"Stop fighting," she said softly, looking up at them with wide eyes, her gaze flicking between Scott and Derek. She hated it when they fought.

Scott took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He knew Kylie was right. He looked at Derek, his voice softer now. "Doesn't being part of your pack mean no more secrets?"

Derek let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly. He hesitated, then finally handed Kylie back to Scott, his expression weary.

"Go home, Scott," Derek said, his voice carrying a hint of something more—perhaps regret or resignation. "Sleep. Heal. Make sure your friends are safe. Because the full moon's coming. And with the way things are going, I've got a feeling it's gonna be a rough one."

Scott nodded, holding Kylie close, and watched Derek walk away, his heart heavy with uncertainty. The stakes were only getting higher, and they were all running out of time.

The day of Lydia's party, the strawberry blonde decided she would come get Kylie, buy a whole lot of dresses, and head to Allison's to get ready. Lydia entered Allison's room, somehow managing to carry three bags and Kylie in her arms.

"Clear your schedule," Lydia announced, holding up the bags, keeping one arm to balance Kylie. "This could take a while." She added, placing the bags and Kylie gently onto the bed.

"Hi, Allison!" Kylie waved cheerfully.

Allison smiled warmly. "Hi, Kylie." She stood up, her eyes widening at the sight of all the bags, a smile tugging at her lips. "How many dresses do you plan on wearing tonight, Lydia?"