Stay with Me (Stalia)

Chapter 15

Braeden sat listening as Lydia told them all about how she had located Stiles. Braeden interlocked her fingers with Derek and leaned their shoulders together, ever since Derek had “died” she had felt a need to stay connected with him in one way or another. The severity of her feelings for him was something that scared her. When she had thought he died she had lost her mind, he had so quickly became so important to her and she didn’t know what she would do without him. She now knew that he had evolved and was stronger than ever, but that didn’t alleviate the fear that she always felt.

“Lydia do you have any idea where Stiles is being held in the building? Chris asked.

“No, but I may be able to help locate him once I’m inside.”

“No way, we can’t risk taking you in there,” Parrish said, firmly shaking his head.

“Jordan you have too. We can’t waste time finding him, it’s a big building.” Lydia said in a tone that told everyone not to argue with her.

“Do we know how many hunters there are?” Braeden asked. She didn’t feel like they had nearly enough information to be storming the factory. Her mercenary brain told her to wait until she knew more before attacking. Unfortunately, she knew that the rest of them did not see things the same way. They knew that their friend was dying and they would go to any length to save him, the same way that Derek had been willing to sacrifice himself in Mexico to save Scott. They were all so infuriatingly sentimental. Although Braeden had to admit that if it was Derek that was kidnaped she might be less calculating.

“We know  of at least 20 who attacked Dawson, Remy, and Olivia’s old pack. That being said, there may be more than what we know or they may have called in backup. Although some may have died in that attack.” Argent answered her question.

“From what I can tell there are 4 doors. The main entrance, a loading dock in the back, and two exits on the sides. There are 3 floors and a basement.” Remy looked up from his laptop. Braeden wasn’t sure how she felt about the new arrivals, but they certainly had been helpful and their added strength would be extremely useful. Letting them fight this fight with Scott's pack was a risk that they had to take.

“We’ll need to leave someone to guard each door so no one escapes. Then the rest can split into groups to cover each floor.” Braeden offered her plan, strategy was something she excelled in.

“Our number one priority is to find Stiles, we have to try to take down the hunters as quietly as possible,” Argent added nodding at Braeden’s plan.

“Why quietly?” Kira asked.

“Because their first reaction upon being attacked will be to kill Stiles” Argent said plainly, he continued ignoring the horrified gasps from the pack, “They won’t be able to take him with them as they try to escape and they wouldn’t take any chances, they leave no loose ends.” Braeden felt Derek squeeze her hand. She rubbed her thumb against the back of his hand, hoping to sooth him.

“My mom knows to expect Stiles at the hospital...but we have to fill in his dad,” Scott said, “He made me promise to let him know about any plans.” Scott looked uncomfortable about the idea and Braeden figured that it was out of respect for Stiles' wishes. She knew that Stiles would never want his father involved. Scott was choosing to go against what his friend would want. Braeden understood the decision, The Sheriff would be  angrier at not being involved than Stiles would be if he found out his dad was involved. Plus they could really use any help they could get. The Sheriff might be a human, but he knew how to fire a gun.

“It’s alright, the Sheriff can hold his own,” Argent assured the worried boy.

“I’ll let him know,” Scott said pulling out his phone.