Void (The Youngest, Book 3.B.)

Chapter 四 (B)

Stiles quickly put in a call to Lydia, arranging a meeting. They drove over to the front of Derek's loft, where Lydia was waiting for them. The air outside felt tense, a storm seemingly brewing from everyone's unspoken fears.

"They'll do it," Lydia confirmed as she climbed out of her car, her voice lacking enthusiasm. The weight of the situation was evident in her eyes.

The group approached the large metal door of the loft, sliding it open with a loud creak. Lydia stepped inside, her heels clicking on the concrete floor. She frowned, scanning the empty space.

"Where are they?" Stiles asked, frowning as he stood next to her, Kylie perched securely in his arms.

"They said they'd meet us here." Lydia's eyes darted around, clearly confused and a little wary.

A low growl came from Kylie, making Stiles look down at her. He noticed her eyes starting to shift—golden wolf irises staring at Scott, who remained by the entrance. Something wasn't right.

"Ky?" Stiles asked, his voice laced with concern.

Suddenly, Scott was blindsided. He was struck hard from both sides, and before anyone could react, he was grabbed and thrown forcefully into the center of the room. Stiles and Lydia gasped, looking up to see Ethan and Aiden leaping down with predatory grace. Without hesitation, they began to pummel Scott, fists raining down in a brutal onslaught. Each punch landed with a sickening thud that echoed through the loft.

"Scott!" Lydia called out, her face paling. She took a step forward, but Stiles pulled her back.

Kylie, in Stiles' arms, buried her face in his neck. Stiles shielded her from the worst of it, holding her protectively. He clenched his teeth, his anger bubbling.

The twins finally let Scott fall limply to the ground, his body crumpling like a rag doll. He groaned, rolling onto his side. Bruises were already forming along his face.

Scott looked up, wheezing. "I thought... I thought you guys were going to teach me to roar," he managed between coughs, his voice cracking.

"We are," Aiden snapped. "You do it by giving in."

"Giving in and letting go—that's how Deucalion taught us control," Ethan added, his voice sharp as he yanked Scott roughly back to his feet.

Stiles felt a hot wave of anger. "Hey, you know, that's funny," he said, trying to keep his tone from boiling over. "I actually tried something just like this once with a heart monitor and lacrosse balls, but sure—beating the crap out of him is definitely better."

Scott spat blood onto the floor, wiping his mouth. "So, that's it? You kick my ass until I roar?" he asked, his tone strained.

"You're afraid to turn," Aiden hissed.

Ethan nodded in agreement, moving behind Scott. "We're going to make you turn. Then you kick our ass."

"And then you roar," Aiden taunted, stepping closer. He shifted his eyes to a bright blue glow, the color reflecting off Scott's wide eyes.

"You don't think you can let go with us," Aiden said, voice dripping with mockery.

Ethan pushed Scott forward, the force almost sending him to his knees. "You think you're going to hurt us?"

Aiden shoved him back again, laughing darkly. "C'mon McCall, give it your all."

Scott's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. He swung at Ethan, but his punch lacked power, easily caught in Ethan's hand. Ethan responded with a swift punch to Scott's gut, doubling him over. Aiden followed it with a blow to Scott's face, sending him stumbling backward.