Allison stays with Scott for his first full moon. He's chained to a radiator in his own home, but he needs more than that. He needs backup. He needs his anchor.

They talk well into the night.

Regan welcomes her granddad with open arms, and a slight hidden apprehension. They've been anticipating this for a while now, but the fact it's happening so soon... it's daunting. But she has been trained on how to keep her thoughts to herself and she does exactly that.

She spends the full moon sitting cross legged on Scott's bed meditating. It's a great exercise in control, especially with another alpha's beta struggling across from her. It's a huge success for her, actually. She manages to stay completely human and does not rip the betas head off when he got too rowdy.

The beta appreciates that.

He and Allison spend as much of the next week together as they can. It's fine when they're just talking, but whenever he smiles at her she has to remind herself why she's doing this. This is for her family, not for her.

School is...fine. At Allison's urging, Scott quits the team. He doesn't need to lose control when the stakes are the lives of dozens of teenagers. He and Stiles argue about her a lot.

Stiles doesn't tell Scott that he's trying to figure out where the Argents came from. The research doesn't yield immediate results, anyway. Instead, he just tells Scott not to get carried away.

With the town cleared of all other werewolves, they get to work trying to track down the alpha. Her parents work on that while Allison works on Scott. When he confides in her, scared and gentle and so worried about what he's capable of, that he thinks he killed the bus driver, Allison tells her parents. She reminds them that alphas are supposed to be able to control their betas. It's not Scott's fault, she's sure of it.

Well. If she's sure.

They tell Regan to investigate, and he and Victoria agree not to tell his father.

Regan can do that. She is a one werewolf investigating machine. She heads over to the crime scene that night. Hopefully, they haven't cleared everything out by now and she can dodge any cops that are still around.

The bus still smells of death- it entices the wolf as much as it disgusts the human. The tape around it is easy enough to cross.

Helpful. No need for werewolf acrobatics tonight.

The smell of death is... a lot. But she needs to put it aside and clear her mind. What else can she smell?

She can identify the scent of werewolves, easily, though distinguishing between them is more difficult. One seems younger, and so it stands out, but she can't tell what the remaining scents might be. If she faced any of them, she would stand a chance of recognizing them, at least.

She recognizes the young wolf as Scott, she's spent enough time with him by now that she can pick him out of a crowd. But she takes the time to fully familiarise herself with the other scents. If she has any chance of catching this alpha, she needs to know them intimately.

Then, into the bus proper. She can't actually remember the last time she was on a school bus.

The bus appears to be a bus. Also there's a liberal coating of dried blood over everything.

Okay, it's likely that the police went over everything already, but they don't have an alpha werewolves senses. She'll spend a bit of time here going over everything just in case.

She can learn a bit more about the victim- fond of spicy food, low on testosterone- but not much else about how he died.

Super helpful. Fine. She jumps out of the bus and takes a deep breath. Any scent tracks or otherwise?

No. A day after the attack, there is nothing left to identify in the open air.

What about normal tracking? Even werewolves can't avoid leaving physical traces of their presence.

She can find something of a trail. The human police, with their inferior senses, must have missed the signs. She can follow it into the woods, but eventually it's muddled as she goes deeper into the preserve. Animal activity.

She can safely assume that this werewolf was headed for downtown, though.

Regan sighs in frustration. She hates coming home empty-handed. They're supposed to protect the humans from the supernatural. This whole thing is a failure on their part. They - she needs to do better.

Home it is! They've started having dinner without her.

Her mother hasn't started eating yet, because she's not an animal, but she's indulgently listening to Gerard and Chris talk about his college days.

"Dad, come on, I don't need to be thinking about that! Just because- oh, hi, Regan! Dad is embarrassing himself and me, as some kind of sick punishment for daring to 'date' someone."

"Is that what we're calling it now?" she teases as she sheds her jacket and sits down at the table.

"I'm allowed to come over all protective. It's in the laws of fatherhood."

"There's no need to meddle in her affairs, Christopher. Every Argent woman knows how to lead a man exactly where she wants him."

"Regan, thank you for joining us. Any progress?"

"Not much. But I have their scent now. Which means I should be doing nightly patrols of the town and the preserve. They can't hide for long."

“Agreed. And the beta?”

"He was there. Which we already knew. Whether he was in control of himself of not, there is no evidence either way. I'm willing to trust Allison's intuition on this. But we can't let this happen again. An alpha without a pack is weak. We need to cut them off from each other."

“Scott is willing to cooperate. I know that werewolves can’t be trusted to control themselves, especially with a murderous alpha, but if we do this right, I think Regan could teach Scott the right way to manage it. We have a chance here to save one of them, for once, instead of just letting them be until they kill.”

“We need to proceed with caution. You haven’t seen what a motivated alpha can make them do, Allison. Even Regan hasn’t seen that.”

"I've seen enough." She pauses. "May Allison and I be excused? I think we have a lot to talk about before we make any decisions."

"Of course you may," she says

at the same time as their grandfather.

"...be sure to come back and finish your dinner when you're done."

"Save us some dessert too." And upstairs they go. She takes a seat on her own bed and waits for Allison to close the door. "How long have you been holding onto this?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've obviously put a lot of thought into this. Me teaching the beta. Being responsible for him."

"It's just an idea. I think it's the best way to stick to the code. You know that mom can be rash when it comes to protecting the community, and you know that dad cares too much about honor; he'll say we should give mercy and she'll ask for swift justice and I don't want to be pulled between two extremes just so granddad can act while I'm taking too long to decide. He doesn't respect us as leaders, Regan. We need to prove we can do this right."

"Why are you so sure this is right? There are so many ways this could go wrong. So much on the line. People have already died. This risk - and it is a risk - could hurt so many more. Us included. Why should we do that? He was there at the bus. He could have killed all those people. Are you willing to take responsibility for someone like that? Bring a murderer into this family, one that doesn't have control over himself."

"You think what we do isn't murder? It's necessary, but if a single ordinary person heard about what they were doing, do you think they'd be wrong to be afraid of us? We have one chance with a beta who doesn't have to go the way of every other beta with a bad alpha, or every other lost omega, and you want me to sacrifice that? 'Nous chassons ceux qui nous chassent'- that boy is not a hunter, Regan. He needs us."

"They should be afraid. Afraid of what's out there. We protect them for the evils of this world. It's a sacrifice." She pauses. "If we do this. Take this beta into our family - because that is what you're suggesting - you need to understand what you're choosing, of the consequences. If he hurts anyone. If I hurt anyone. Are you willing to put us down? Step between us and the people you have sworn to protect and put a bullet in our brains."

"If he hurts anyone? Yes. That's what we do. If you hurt someone, we'll come after you like we would any hunter. I'm not the naïve little girl mom thinks I am. If I didn't think I could marry a man and kill him when needed, I would leave this house right now and never come back."

"Good. Okay. I'm willing to back you on this. It's dangerous, but if you think it's worth it and you understand... our parents and Gerard aren't going to be around forever. We need to be ready for that. And we need to understand where we stand. If this is what you really want, then we should do it."

"It is. Scott...he didn't even turn willingly. If someone chooses to become a werewolf, then I'll admit there's usually no saving them. But for people like Scott, good people caught up in something that we didn't prepare them for? I can't let them down."

She stands and hugs her sister.

"I guess... I'm just worried this will backfire on us and -- I don't want you to hate me. If this doesn't work out and I have to kill him. I will do it. It's everything I've been training to do. I just don't want to lose you."

Sigh. Hug.

"I know. I just want one win where we don't have to bury someone's loved one, you know. Just once."

"Guess there's a first time for everything. Well, second. I am apparently a shining example. Hopefully I can live up it."

"C'mon, let's focus on something else. Do you have time for a run?"

"Two legs or four?"

"Use whatever natural advantages you have. I'll still win."

She won't, but the real challenge is learning how she could cheat.

"You say that now. Guess we're going to the preserve then."

"Guess so!"

They head out, having achieved at least a temporary reprieve in having to think about weighty issues of morality. Instead, they get to run.

Moments like these are important for Regan. It's close to what she imagines having a pack would feel like. She wonders if it will feel the same with the beta - Scott. No - she pushes that thought away for now and puts all her anxiety and nervous energy into the run.

Eventually, they head home and end their night among family.

The next day, Allison meets Scott in the school parking lot. They talk. She looks like she doesn't have a care in the world.

She's a good actress. Regan is very proud.

"Hey, Scott. You've formally been invited over for dinner. Tonight."

"Really!? Okay, uh, what should I do? What should I wear?"

"You don't need to worry. My family just wants to meet you."

"Do they know about...full moon stuff?"

You shouldn't call it 'full moon stuff' if you're trying to be subtle, thank god most of the people who can overhear them will assume it's a show or movie or they’re Wiccans or something.

"They know a little bit...it's not our secret to tell."

"No shorts or flip flops. Or shirts with stupid graphics."

"Okay. What else should I know?"

"You're very sweet. My mom will see that as a sign of weakness."

"You haven't really told me a lot about your parents. What are they like?"

"Dad is an arms dealer. It's a little above my paygrade. He can act tough, but he's really a big softie."

"Mom is mostly a homemaker. But does have a teaching degree and sometimes masquerades as a principal. She's the one you really need to impress."

"She used to work as a buyer for a boutique before we moved here. I'd say dress as well as you can."

"Okay. I'll ask my mom for help."

She really hopes she doesn't have to kill him.

"Okay! So, let's talk about what you're going to say..."

And everyone attends classes, because high school continues to be a thing.

Allison lets Lydia bother her during class, during lunch, and at the lockers.

Jackson flirts with his girlfriend's new best friend.

She flirts back.

She wouldn't mind killing this one, but he's probably human.

Regan leaves them to it, attends all her classes and a Yearbook meeting. Look at her being a responsible and social student.

The other students in Yearbook appreciate this. One of them waves at her when she comes in.

Regan takes that as an invitation for introductions.

"You're the infamous Daehler, right?"

"Am I infamous? Should my ears be burning?"

"Jackson gave you a letter of recommendation. It was very flattering."

"Jackson Whittemore, who has said barely four words to me in the past decade? I'm more flabbergasted than flattered. I still don't have your name."

"I'm Regan. He said you were good looking, artistic and not boring. I guess he's been paying more attention than you realise."

"Guess so. You decided to check out Yearbook on that recommendation alone?"

"Recommendation was for my sister, but she apparently decided to make her own choices and is now dating Scott McCall. I'm here because I got caught taking pictures of the JROTC and instead of telling me off they sent me here. Lucky for you."

"I don't believe in luck. Any idea what you want to work on? We could always use more people on photography or layout."

She takes out her camera from her bag. "I'm photography girl. But I also don't mind trying my hand at layout. I haven't done it before, but I'm a quicker learner."

"We can both take pictures. Let the rest of them handle layout."

The rest of Yearbook would like to introduce themselves as well. They explain to Regan what they've done so far- not much- and what kind of things she's supposed to take pictures of.

Regan is very enthusiastic and ready to take as many pictures as they need. She also offers access to her other photography equipment and editing software.

Matt has a lot to say after that. He wants to know how she picked it out, how long she's been into photography, which school activities does she want to photograph...

She tells him about her previous cameras and why she decided to change, how she went about picking her next model. She's been into photography pretty much ever since she could hold a camera. She has a really great memory, but actually having physical evidence of a moment means a lot to her. This way her memory can never distort it or lie to her. She's interested in photographing moments of physicality. Lacrosse, gymnastics, more of the JROTC. She's really into capturing movement right now.

"If you don't mind, I'd love to see some of your pictures."

"Only if you show me yours. I can bring my portfolio to the next meeting?"

"Sure. I look forward to it."

And thus goes Yearbook.

Regan enjoys it a lot. She doesn't often get involved in clubs or team sports, too often they're moving before she can really get fully invested and she stopped trying after a while. But this was fun.

Eventually she waits for Allison at her locker at the end of the day. Tonight is going to be interesting.

Allison is not nervous. It’s just dinner with a beta and her family. She’s not invested in how it turns out. It’s an experiment; they live by a code, and that means not hurting werewolves who can control themselves. She doesn’t look nervous at all to anyone but her sister.

”Don’t gloat too much if it goes badly.”

"I'll keep it to myself. That's all I can promise."

They go home. There’s some time before dinner, but only really enough to finish her homework and worry. She does that.

Their grandfather is home, of course, reading a book.

Their mother is preparing the home for entertaining guests.

Their father heads out to investigate the recent murder case.

Regan does her homework and is so very tempted to go with her dad. But this is her and Allison's plan. She can't just bail. That's not how this works.

Victoria expects both of her daughters to set the table.

They do.

“I hope your little project doesn’t find my prescience distracting, Allison. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

“He knows who to expect. I didn’t want there to be too many surprises.”

“How very thoughtful. You make an exquisite host, Allison. Do you think your mother needs help in the kitchen?”

“Oh, yes, of course. Sorry, granddad.”

She goes to the kitchen to hover uselessly.

She finishes setting the table. "You seem to be having fun," she says to her granddad.

"When any outcome is a good one, you're playing the right sort of game. What about you, Regan? Do you intend to win tonight?"

"I would never enter a game where I could lose."

"This boy could be a valuable resource for our family. He could also be a liability. He might, as most people unfortunately tend to, serve as both. Will you-"

He swallows whatever he was about to say next at the knock.

"Victoria, dear, I hope you're ready. We have a guest."

"I can handle both," she says at a lower volume and sits next to her granddad. "Allison wants to forge a new path. This is her way. Doesn't mean our way is incompatible."

She sits up straight and waits for Allison to bring in their guest.

Allison brings in their guest. There's a brief, whispered conversation by the door.

Regan can hear it, of course.

"You look great. Thanks for doing this."

"Thanks. I wasn't sure about the tie. It doesn't look stupid? I don't really know a lot about fashion."

"It's not about fashion, it's style. My dad would just nod severely and secretly be impressed, but my mom might actually compliment you. Come on."

And she leads their guest in.

Victoria starts bringing the food over.

"Scott, thank you for joining us. I apologize if it seems a little sudden."

"We're glad you could make it, son."

"Thank you, Mrs. Argent. It's nice to meet both of you."

He follows Allison's lead, and sits near the middle of the table, across from Regan.

Regan introduces Scott to their mom and granddad. "Dad couldn't make it. He got called out for work. But at least this way you're not so outnumbered."

"You don't have any dietary restrictions, do you? I'm sure Allison would have mentioned it if you did, but we'll accommodate you the best that we can."

"No, whatever you made should be fine. It smells good."

"Thank you, Scott. Allison, why don't you go check on the pie?"

"...okay."

She puts her hand on Scott's shoulder briefly as she stands up, and then she's gone.

"Scott, Allison tells me you're a star lacrosse player. Are you going to keep that up when you get to college?"

"I just quit the team recently. I don't think it really fits into my life right now."

"What does fit in your life right now?"

"School, my mom, my friends, and work."

"Allison didn't tell us you work. What do you do?"

"I work at the local veterinary clinic after school most days."

"You plan to go to veterinary school."

"I'm not completely sure," he admits.

"I volunteer at the hospital a little, but I like working with animals."

"If that's what you like, far be it from us to tell you otherwise. There's nothing wrong with liking animals. They're very different than people, though, and it's important to know the difference."

Allison returns.

"It needs five more minutes. Let's get started so it won't have a chance to get cold."

Regan gets started and hands her granddad the potatoes.

"You mentioned your mom. What's she like?"

"She works really hard at the hospital. She's a nurse, and she has to take a lot of night shifts. It's been hard on her since she left my dad, but we manage."

"You didn't mention his parents were divorced, Allison."

"I didn't think it was relevant, mother."

"Maybe you and her can spend some time together, mom. Get to know each other."

That way she can be judged fairly.

"It would be lovely to meet your mother, Scott. I hope we can arrange that."

"I'll talk to her about it. That would be nice."

Food.

Food.

Gerard eats very slowly, giving him plenty of time to ask Scott questions about what his family situation is like, what he thinks about the house, and other things which make Scott somewhat uncomfortable.

Regan pipes up with random questions too; about Stiles, about his dad, what his grades are like. Is it just Stiles and his mom that he's especially close with?

Scott conspicuously avoids talking about his dad when he can help it. He talks about his grandmother, his cousins, and his aunts and uncles, but not his dad. He compliments the house generally. His knowledge of what makes a good house lasts long enough to give the compliment. His grades have been good (mostly A's, until this semester- that's part of why he quit lacrosse).

When he's directly asked about his dad, he says, "It's been a while since I've seen him."

"What does he do for work?"

"He's a law enforcement officer."

That nervousness isn't something she's reading from his face. It's clear from his heartbeat.

"How admirable. Two noble professions that you come from, Scott. Are you sure you'll be satisfied working as a veterinarian?"

"Scott will figure out what he's going to do eventually, grandad. He doesn't need our help."

"I'm only trying to offer the boy a little guidance, sweetheart. Every man needs a strong, male role model in his life to show him the ropes."

Well, obviously something is up with this. She ignores the goings on of her granddad and sister - she'll likely hear more about it later - and presses on.

"What kind of law enforcement?"

"It's- uh, well, he works for the FBI."

That's just inconvenient.

"Guess you had to get your curiosity somewhere."

"That's mostly Stiles. I don't really get a lot from my dad, except my name."

Regan hums and tucks that away for later. "Do you have any questions for us?"

"Allison said you guys came from San Francisco. Do you miss it?"

"I like having more time with my girls. I kept busy before we moved here, but my priority is family."

"There was a big art scene in San Francisco and I was attending a few classes. I miss that. But... nothing much else. We move around enough that you tend not to linger of those sorts of feelings."

“I had gymnastics, and an archery club, but I can do that here.”

Conversation continues in this vein. Gerard asks a few more questions to throw the boy off guard, but he recovers quickly enough. Promising.

Scott asks Allison about archery and Regan about art. When he can move the topic of discussion away from himself, he does.

He can hold a conversation around intimidating people. A skill that Regan is actually impressed by.

"We should plan for another dinner like this. Dad will feel left out otherwise."

“We should. He’ll be sorry he missed it.”

“Yes, it was a lovely evening. It’s a shame Victoria couldn’t make her special recipe today. She makes a mean pot roast.”

“I only make that for special occasions,” she says coolly. The special ingredient in that dish is wolfsbane, so she doesn’t much like bringing it out too often.

“Yeah, this was nice. Thanks for having me.”

He doesn’t get up from the table until someone else does.

Victoria is first. She begins to clear the table, and naturally, expects Allison and Regan to join her.

Regan stands and starts clearing. "Do you need a lift home? I could drive you."

“That’s okay. I have a ride.”

“Follow me. I’ll walk you out.”

He glances at Allison and Regan, who are busy clearing.

”Okay.”

Follow.

Regan waves, heads into the kitchen and leans against the counter to listen in on their conversation. She doesn't really bother hiding this fact from her mom or sister.

"That was a wonderful performance you put on in there."

"...I'm sorry, sir?"

"My daughter hasn't said much about you, Scott, but I know that you're a teenage boy who jumped on my granddaughter the day after she arrived in this town. Proceed very carefully. I remember being a teenage boy. I know what they're after."

"You don't have to worry about how I'll treat Allison, sir. I could never hurt her."

"I hope so, for all of our sakes. I think I'll wait with you for your ride."

They wait.

...she did expect this. And it shouldn't actually bother her. The beta should learn how to handle situations like this. But. It makes her uncomfortable now. She doesn't know why though.

"Allison, go outside. I'll finish our chores."

"...Okay."

She looks at Victoria, who nods.

Regan takes over washing the dishes. After a few moments she looks over at her mom.

"I think I like him. The beta. He's... nice." She doesn't sound happy about this.

"As long as you remember your priorities, you can feel however you like. He seems too naive by half, and worse, he means well. I hope Allison knows what she's doing."

"She says she does. Whether or not that's true in practice...." Regan will be there to compensate.

"I trust both of you in theory. In practice...I'm glad we have you, Regan. You're the only other sensible person in this family."

There's some conversation outside as Scott gets picked up, but she can't hear it after he closes the Jeep's door.

Stiles drives off. Allison and their grandfather rejoin them.

"Well, that was an interesting evening. I'm glad I was in town for this!"

Gladder that Kate wasn't. He hopes she doesn't fight him on this.

"And nobody was killed. I would say that was a success, but we are Argents."

"It won't be a success until we bring him into the fold or kill him. It did make me hopeful that it could be the former."

"Regan, how was his heartbeat?"

"Steady. Healthy. Only unusual responses happened when his dad was brought up. He's hiding something."

"I doubt he's hiding anything truly incriminating. The boy's major weakness is his lack of sense."

"I'm most concerned about the connection to the FBI. Otherwise, I doubt he's a threat."

"Do we have connections there? If not this could potentially be an in."

"That's what I'm thinking. I think if we play our cards right, Scott might be one of the luckiest possible finds for a future Argent."

"Guess you'll just have to find out what's up with his dad then."

"I guess I will."

"Allison, why don't you sit with me for a while so we can brainstorm next steps?"

Regan takes the cue. "I was thinking about going to catch up with dad, see if he needs any help. Granddad, wanna go on a field trip?"

"You know that I'm always ready for a bit of a hunt."

She hugs her mom and sister. "Don't wait up. Will call you if anything exciting happens."

They go.

"She's perilously close to the edge with this boy. I hoped Victoria's child would be less of a romantic."

"She is pushing it. But my job is to be there to catch her."

"It isn't your only role, Regan. Understand what Allison is asking of you, because one day, she might need you to do too much to save her. Be ready to make the right choice."

She's silent for a long moment. She knows what he wants from her. What they've been planning ever since - no, even before he got sick. She knows this plan has been at the back of his mind ever since he took her from that hospital. She owes him for that. She knows she does. Without him, she would never have had this family. Never truly have known what she is, how to control it. Harness it. She can't just ignore his words. They have meaning and truth and - the end justifies the means. Everyone makes their choices. Including Allison.

"I'll be ready."

Good. Gerard calls Chris, letting him know that they'll be meeting up with him.

He asks Regan a few questions (photography is the only hobby he can remember, but he does ask her generally about school in case any other interests shake out).

Regan answers his questions and gives him a rundown of the latest goings-on at school. She knows what is expected of her, so she will provide. Even if all she wants to do is go home and eat cookies and milk with her mom and hug her sister tight.

Gerard pulls up into the parking lot. They'll be walking the rest of the way.

He's quieter now. Not as quiet as Regan can be, perhaps, but quieter than most humans. Each step as they make their way into the woods is precise and carefully chosen.

Regan follows behind him, watching his back and the perimeter. She can feel the wolf taking notice, heightening her senses even more. Along with it brings intense emotions, but Regan does not let them control her. The wolf is strong, but she is stronger.

She is. Besides, she's with family. Regan hears Chris before he arrives, but not long before. Her father knows how to hide from a werewolf's senses- as well as any human can, anyway.

"Any results?"

"No evidence of suspicious newcomers to town." Not counting them, anyway.

"I managed to get my hands on the case file for the bus driver's murder, but details there are next to useless. We already know it was an alpha. My guess, though, is that we're dealing with something more than hunger. This was a targeted kill."

"Who was he? This bus driver. Did he have any family? Enemies?"

"He's survived by his wife. No children. As far as I can tell, no enemies. I'm going to look further into his background, but I don't expect to find anything soon."

"Then why, Christopher, are we here?"

"We don't know how many people this werewolf plans to kill, but I'm betting it's more than one. Regan is our best tracker."

"I see. And we, her loyal soldiers. Lead the way, dearest granddaughter."

"Loyal soldiers, minions. Not much difference."

But she takes a deep breath, closes her eyes and forces the wolf to the surface. It's not hard. It wants out.

Her perception shifts and the area around them sharpens with extraordinary detail. She can see so much more. Hear so much more. The earth comes alive in a way that no human can ever experience. She can hear birds up in the trees, worms shifting through the dirt. See and smell the musk of every human that has passed through here in the last few days. Her attention shifts over to her dad and grandfather.

The thrill of the hunt. Excitement, anticipation. Patience. Age. Infirmity. Disease, dissolution, dissipation. The undercurrent of fear that undergirds everything else, which only she could possibly detect.

The drive to push forward, reach further, to stop the monster and save the day. Fear, of a more common kind, tied to what lies behind them.

He's more afraid of leaving his family behind than dying for his own sake.

Regan hates seeing them like this. She feels like she is violating them. Knowing their fears and emotions. The wolf relishes in it. It makes it stronger. Makes Regan stronger.

She forces herself to look away, push them and their disgusting human emotions to the background. She can't ignore them, they're so loud, but she can focus on something else.

The Hunt.

The hunt.

Chris and his father are mostly here to provide additional reinforcements. Without an alpha on their side, they would need a dozen hunters to have a guaranteed win, but with an alpha, a single shot from one of them will turn the tide of battle in their favor.

If they ever find the thing.

She won't find her quarry here, not if it's hunting humans. Last time she smelled it, it was in town, where humans belong. The only place they might stay safe from their teeth.

Nowhere is safe.

She pivots on her heel and starts towards town. She's trained for this, she has control and two of the best hunters on her side. It can wear sheep's clothing, hide among the filth, but she will find it. There is no doubt. There is only the hunt.

She searches the town. She can sketch out some of the other alpha's path, but just as before, her senses fall short. There has been no activity tonight.

She can feel the monster inside her rage, it tears through her skin, angry and hungry and bloodthirsty -- it is weak, fragile and human and useless. Its prey is out there, taunting it. Hiding like a pitiful dying thing. It mocks them.

-- no. She is in control here. It does not belong.

Her palms bleed but the claws are gone. She locks that cage inside her, the beast rages and wants out, but she is strong and she has family and they have plans. She will not lose everything because it is a sore loser.

"Nothing," she says to whoever is listening.

"Another day, then. Thank you, Regan. We appreciate your unique skillset."

Back to their cars.

Chris stays close to his daughter.

"Try not to over-exert yourself. Dealing with the alpha matters more than dealing with it soon."

"And how many people will it kill in the meanwhile? You said it has a target. A plan. We can't afford for it to succeed."

"Your father makes an interesting point. Let's hear him out."

Regan takes that to mean he wants her to let her dad talk and then disregard anything he says. She can do that.

Her dad talks. He is blissfully unaware that he is being disregarded. They part ways when they get back to the cars.

He puts the key in the ignition before asking her.

"What do you recommend, Miss Argent?"

"We need to figure out what it wants and set a trap. It's cautious, knows we're here. But if we have the right bait... it won't be able to resist."

"How do you propose we find that out?"

"The Hales. They'd left town years ago. There was nothing left for them here. Why did she come back? It could have just been a coincidence, an attack of opportunity. She came back to walk down memory lane? I doubt it. No way a lone omega could kill a Hale alpha without something giving them the advantage. Find the connection between the Hale alpha and the bus driver. It could lead us to our next target. Our bait."

"It's not uncommon for werewolves to act opportunistically. If they thought there were no hunters to stop them...but no, you're right. We might want to look for a local emissary that she would have tried to contact, or another pack in the area. You haven't sensed any other werewolves yet, have you?"

"Just McCall. But I'm pretty sure the school counselor is a druid. Could be our emissary."

"During the day, try to get some quality time with your guidance counselor. During the night, the two of us can continue the hunt. I'll work on researching the Hale angle."

She has a fleeting thought of her dad giving his brother a call, but throws out that thought and nods.

"When do we bring the beta into this?"

"When he's most likely to be useful. It could be useful to bring him into the fold before the alpha has been killed, from one perspective. From another...he's new to being a werewolf. A loose cannon is only helpful as long as you stay far away from it, and your enemies do not."

"An alpha with a pack is more powerful. It turned him for a reason. We could use that."

"An alpha without a pack is an omega," he counters.

"Killing him might be the most expedient solution, but it sacrifices a potential resource. If there were a way to protect him from the alpha's influence- there is a theory that I've never quite been in a position to test, but it might put you at risk."

- Regan has enough control over herself that she doesn't flinch from that punch to her status.

"I'm at risk everyday. I can handle it."

"Supposedly, werewolves can leave one pack and join another. I don't know the process, but if you could secure the beta's loyalty by providing him an alternative, we might be able to take away a major resource at a critical juncture."

"That's... might be exactly what we need."

"It is a serious risk. The alpha might notice what we're attempting before you can manage it, and you know what an alpha can do with a beta under their command. Besides that, there's the concern of your mother's reaction to you taking betas. It's never been explicitly discussed, but I imagine Victoria would disapprove."

Regan shifts uncomfortably. She doesn't like the idea of disappointing her mom. She's put so much faith in her already, messing that up...

"Mom trusts me. And we've already accepted that bringing McCall into the family is a good idea. This is just an extension of that."

"If you're sure, and only if you're sure."

Regan sits up straight and makes direct eye contact.

"I can do this. I know I can. Whatever it takes."

"You'll have to explain it to your parents," he chuckles. "Well done, Regan. Finding the right path when there are so many threats is what Argents do best."

She feels a little flush and smiles at him, happy to make him proud.

"I learned from the best, obviously."

He doesn't say much the rest of the ride home, but he's smiling.

Regan spends the rest of the night explaining the plan to her sister and trying to figure out the best approach with their mom. The next day is school as usual. She plans to wander in the direction of the druid's office sometime during the day. Hopefully, she doesn't get a face full of wolfsbane. That would definitely suck a lot.

The druid's office has other purposes, theoretically. Passing it during the day means there might be students and a druid inside.

How do school consolers work, exactly? Does she make an appointment? She directs these comments to the nearest familiar face.

"She probably wants to talk to you and Allison anyway. The counselor usually talks to everyone at the beginning of the year. If you want to meet with her sooner, you'll have to make an appointment."

"Have you spoken to her yet?"

"Not about anything personal. But yeah, once last year and once this September."

"What is she like?"

"I guess she's professional? Her job is helping us figure out what we need, so she does a lot of calmly listening."

Part of the parcel of being an emissary to a pack of werewolves.

"Sounds like someone I wanna meet. I have so much to talk about."

"We can walk down there together and they can set you up."

...this surprises her. She blinks at him.

"You don't really have to. Allison isn't around to be impressed by your kindly manner."

"I'm not nice to impress Allison, that's just- how my mom raised me."

"Oh. Your mom, huh? Okay, I can get behind that. Lead on."

She knows that her mom raised her and Allison with certain principles. Obviously other people's moms would do that too. Not as well, but.

He leads on. Allison and Regan sometimes seem like they're just a bit different from everyone else. At least on Allison, he thinks he likes it. He's not so sure about Regan. It feels like she's always testing him, somehow. Maybe that's just how siblings get.

They arrive at the guidance counselor's office. Regan is greeted by the same strange cocktail of scents.

She hates this for her. But her granddad was very clear. She knocks.

The guidance counselor answers.

"Hello, Scott. I'm glad to see you again. I hope things are still going well?"

"I'm still keeping up with everything."

More or less. His grades have already taken a disappointing dip, but he can probably still turn them around.

"Ms. Morrell, this is Regan. She hasn't gotten a chance to have her advising appointment and I thought she should talk to you."

"Regan Argent. My sister and I are the new girls on the block."

She listens for any reaction to her last name.

"Argent. There was an Argent living in Beacon Hills years ago. I can't say we were close. Kate, I think it was? Is there any relation?"

"My least favorite aunt. Though I only have two. Probably."

"I'm sorry to hear that. We can set you up with an appointment right now, if you like. Is there any particular class you're itching to be excused from?"

"Math is a good choice. Who wants to go to math?"

"Math it is. Did you know," she says as she walks back into her office, "that Argent means 'silver'?"

Regan laughs. She's definitely a druid.

"I never would have guessed."

"Do you mind the smell? I like to use incense to keep my office a neutral space, but I know it can bother some people."

"Kinda makes my nose itch. But I've suffered worse."

"Of course. I'll make sure to make my office more welcoming for our appointment. I'm here to help anyone who walks through those doors. Do you care which day? I would prefer to do this in the next few weeks, before spring break."

"The sooner the better. I have a lot to get off my chest. New school, boy problems, girl problems. There's a whole bunch of problems."

"How does tomorrow sound?"

"Tomorrow is good. Thank you so much." Her mom did teach her some manners.

That seems to be that.

"So how did it go?"

"I have an appointment tomorrow. She's really accommodating." And likely wants to get to know the Argent werewolf on campus.

"I'm glad. She's always been really nice."

Walk. walk, walk.

"You know I'm just being nice, right, I'm not trying to impress you so you'll put in a good word for me or anything."

"I guess? Like, I was never going to put in a good word for you. That's not my way. And I'm pretty sure you know that." She wants to say more, but she pauses.

"See, that's the spirit. I'm going to impress her, though." 

She laughs and roles her eyes. "You better. I don't have another sister in my back pocket."

"I won't let her get hurt."

He certainly seems to mean it.

"She can take care of herself, but backup is always appreciated."

"Count me in."

And then, the students have other things to be doing, like school.

Regan can be doing school too.

After school, she’s free to partake of any activities the school has to offer.

Taking some photos sounds like fun. Plus she has to practice getting in some shots of the JROTC without being seen.

The JROTC run drills. One of the young men does look her way, offering a slight smile for the camera.

She smiles back at him and decides to be a little sneakier in the future for his peace of mind. Eventually, she has enough photos to keep her busy for a few days and moseys her way homeward. Unless Allison is still around?

Their father is there to pick them up at the usual time.

Allison is already in the car. They’re saying something.

She doesn't bother listening in and jumps into the back seat. "What's the what? Are we moving again?"

"Your aunt Kate has decided to come to town."

He leaves the obvious implications of this unstated.

"She just showed up, unannounced."

"She loves a good entrance. And being places she's not welcome."

"Kate is always welcome in our home," he says unconvincingly.

"I don't mind seeing her. It's just- everything going on right now...aunt Kate tends to add fuel to the fire, not put it out."

"Do we think we can keep all of everything a secret from her?"

"We don't keep secrets from each other. Not about this."

"...if mom-"

"Your mother respects your aunt Kate as a hunter. We didn't discuss this specifically, but she's probably telling her right now."

...this pisses her off. She is pissed off. This is her hunt. Her beta. Her alpha to kill. Her prey. What if Kate comes in and takes over? She'll ruin everything.

"Fine," she says instead of baring her teeth. "Family is family."

Allison doesn't complain. Whatever they decide now, it'll be as a family. She and Regan have just lost their only chance-

She doesn't complain. If this is really what their mother thinks is best, it's what they'll do.

They arrive. Their father hugs his sister.

"Regan, Allison, I'm glad you could join us."

"Unfortunately, we still have to attend school. Such terrible torture."

“You could always drop out. I keep telling your dad-“

“Kate.”

“Yeah, yeah. Responsible role model. How’re my favorite nieces?”

"Keeping busy, thinking about delinquency. You'd be proud."

“Dad seems impressed. I’d ask how you did it, but I think I’m over the pathological need for fatherly approval. Allison, your mom was telling me about your little plan. It sounds like fun.”

“Our plan. Regan and I came up with it, and mom signed off on it.”

“Sure. I’m not here to get in your way, kiddo. I just thought it could use some tweaking.”

"Tweaking how?"

“I’d start with your seduction skills. No offense, Allison, but if you’ve learned from watching your parents, they won’t cut it. There’s also the whole werewolf pack insanity, but Victoria told me not to touch that.”

“It’s no business of yours.”

“What, are you going to train me in the art of seduction?”

“Someone has to. Pretty, innocent ingenue works for some boys, but not werewolves.”

"The beta is completely head over heels for her. It's ridiculous how much."

“The difference between a teenage boy and a werewolf is that one thinks in terms of what’ll get him laid, and the other thinks in terms of how much blood he can spill.”

“It’s not the brightest plan I’ve ever heard. It is the one we agreed on.”

“Without consulting the only Argent leader left?”

“The girls are both quite capable, Kate, and Victoria has always been more sensible than you. Should we have accepted your ruling in absentia? Please give it to us in writing, next time.”

"I know Beacon Hills like the back of my hand. You're out of your depth, old man."

"Kate, let me show you to your room."

"Sure. Girls, help me unpack."

Regan doesn't look to any of her guardians for permission or guidance because they're family and this is fine.

She follows Kate up to her room.

"Really like what you've done with the place. Do you keep the weapons in the garage, or the basement?"

"I'll notice if there are any guns missing from my stock, Kate. This is Allison's room. That's Regan's."

He points at the rooms. Perhaps he’s not interested in playing tour guide.

"And where am I sleeping, then?"

"I was hoping the girls could share for a few days. Regan, what do you think? Can you and Allison avoid tearing each other's hair out while your aunt is staying with us?"

"So you're taking over our mission and my room. What next?"

"You can have my room, Aunt Kate. I'll get you set up."

She doesn't give Regan a warning look. This is how it's meant to go, anyway. Allison's the good cop.

"Regan, get started on your homework."

He hovers near Kate as she unpacks.

Regan sits on the bed, a little in the way. It is her house.

"What's the occasion, anyway? Did you Argent-senses start tingling and you just knew you had to come and see us?"

"We get those installed at around sixteen. Your parents haven't given you the talk yet?"

"I think we'll a little past that now. I've got other senses to fall back on, at least."

"Aunt Kate, I'll help you move your stuff..."

"Lucky girl. Some of us don't have those, you know. We have to get by using the skills we were born with, not the ones we took by force."

...Regan laughs. "My cunning and ruthless plan; premeditated murder by being born. I feel like I should get some sort of award for that."