Just Breathe

Chapter 14

"Derek" Stiles called as they entered the loft. Erica's cries of distress rang through the air as Emma hesitantly walked forward, her stomach in knots. 

"Over here! Come help me hold her down" Derek ordered, Scott, Stiles and Emma rushing over to where Isaac was struggling to hold Erica down. Erica was convulsing violently, Scott moving next to Isaac to hold her down. Emma reached out, grabbing her trembling hand. Erica looked up at her with furrowed brows, confused by this act of comfort after she had been so terrible to Emma. She only offered Erica a warm smile.

"This is going to hurt. I have to bleed out the venom" Derek sighed, staring down at Erica with pitiful eyes. He took a breath and with that Derek twisted Erica's arm, the skin ripping, allowing blood to pour down her skin. A scream ripped through Erica's throat as she she clamped down on Emma's hand, her bones snapping. She began to thrash around, trying to break free. Derek twisted harder, the blood flow increasing. 

"Almost done" Emma soothed a couple minutes later, ignoring the agony spreading through her hand. A pool of blood gathered around Erica, more blood dripping out. Stiles winced as he watched Erica's hand clamp down harder on Emma, her face contorting in pain. Derek kept squeezing as the venom was now almost completely gone from her body. Derek's grip on her arm began to weaken, Erica going still.

"Done" Derek announced, releasing Erica's arm. Her arm immediately began to heal again, the skin coming back together. Scott and Isaac got up, groaning as they moved to the couch. They collapsed down next to each other with a sigh, utterly exhausted. Emma groaned as Erica released her hand, allowing Emma to lumber to her feet. She offered her unbroken hand, Erica accepting it. Emma pulled Erica up, placing her hand on her back as she guided her to the couch. They sat down next to each other, Erica offering a thankful glance.

"Thanks" Erica murmured, tired and aching. Emma smiled, patting Erica's knee. It was through that gesture that their past disputes were put behind them. 

"So what are you guys here for?" Derek asked as he kneeled down, wiping up the puddle of blood. Everyone shared an uncomfortable stare, an undeniable tension in the air. "What?" Derek asked, his eyebrows raised as he noticed everyones tense expressions. Emma stood up, taking a deep breath as she straightened her shirt out.

"It's about me" Emma admitted sheepishly, staring down at her feet. "My powers, they're-they're changing" Emma stuttered, her words trembling with fear. Derek released a sigh, closing his eyes as he ran his hand over his face. "What? You don't look surprised" Emma pointed out, her forehead creased in confusion. She looked to Stiles who offered an equally as confused shrug. 

"What happened? What did you do?" Derek questioned, ignoring Emma's observation. Emma sighed, pursing her lips as she twisted the ring on her finger nervously. 

"Um let's see. My hands have been-been glowing green, I saved Stiles by unintentionally creating a force field and I set off the sprinklers with my mind them. And then I almost passed out" Emma blurted out clearly nervous to see Derek's reaction. Derek chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Wow your learning fast" Derek smirked, Emma's eyes going wide with surprise. The shock quickly morphed to annoyance, a scowl coming over her face as she placed her hands on her hips.

"You know what I am? You know what's going on? And you didn't tell me?!" her voice became louder and louder with each question. The greenish glow began to appear around  her hands, the air filled with tension. Stiles quickly stood up, moving next to her where he gently took her hand in his. The green flickered away, Emma exhaling heavily.

"Yes I knew what you were. I didn't tell you because not every one has the same powers. I didn't want you to worry" Derek sighed, sitting down as he placed his head in his hands.