Twenty

SCOTT LOST CONTROL.

That's the only way Sierra could describe the sight before her.

She had joined him after rescuing Lori, acknowledging the new assassins appearing at their every side. From the thick smoke still wafting throughout the warehouse, Sierra didn't see the one sneaking up behind her.

Too focused on the three men in front, she blasted their guns out of their hands and launched two of the men clear across the room. The other tried to swing, but missed as she ducked. He collapsed on the floor after she swiftly kicked him in the jaw, spitting up blood.

Scott, though, noticed as soon as the assassin pointed the laser at Sierra's back.

"Sierra!"

His scream made her whirl around, just as the shot rang out. The copper-covered steel ripped through her flesh within seconds, her eyes widening from the sudden pain.

The impact caused her to legs to give out beneath her as Scott's fierce roar shook the walls.

Scott, without hesitation, tackled the assassin to the ground. He didn't give time for him to even breathe as he ferociously swiped at the man's bulletproof vest. Red clouded his vision, anger being the only emotion pulsing through his veins.

Lifting the man up onto the table, Scott then slammed his head onto the wood again and again. Scott threw his helmet off, his fangs barred in aggravation. He didn't pay attention to how many times his claws tore the skin or shredded clothes. He wanted this man to suffer.

No one attacked Sierra and got away with it.

No one.

She saw everything.

From where she collapsed, she forced herself to sit up. Blood coated her hand as she placed pressure on the wound, knowing her back was exposed from the bullet going through. Her face contorted in pain, but the second she laid eyes on Scott, her focus changed.

Instead of crying for help, Sierra screamed at Scott to stop. He was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.

His face morphed with every swing he swung, growing darker as he lost control.

"Scott, stop!" Sierra cried out, tears flowing down her sudden pale cheeks.

"Scott!"

Her voice rung in his ears.

And right as he was about to deliver the fatal blow to the neck, right as he was about to turn into the monster he didn't want to be, Scott stopped.

His clawed hand stayed poised in the air, his normal True Alpha eyes returning as he blinked. He glanced up, seeing Sierra on the ground, staring at him with begging eyes.

Then, a sudden buzz changed everything. The assassin's phones, one by one, started to go off. The men still alive retreated, the warehouse falling silent as they disappeared. No longer did the sound of bullets echo across the open area, nor did anyone else fall to the concrete to breathe their last breath.

Confused as to what was occurring, Scott glanced down at the man he attacked. He heard his phone go off, leading Scott to grab it out of the vest pocket with his claws still sprouted from his fingertips.

A message from the Benefactor flashed across the screen.

ALL CONTRACTS TERMINATED.

Finally, after an exhausting fight, the battle was over.

"Sierra, what the hell happened?" Jemma rushed over to her sister's side once the air cleared, blood dripping down from a cut on her head.

"Well, I learned I don't like getting shot," Sierra joked as Scott approached her other side. Though she quickly realized that was a bad idea as another wave of pain struck her. "Okay, note: don't make me laugh. It hurts like hell."

"Are you healing?" Scott worriedly asked her, kneeling down as she sat up with Jemma's assistance.

"I think so, yeah," Sierra breathed, her eyelids fluttering closed from exhaustion.

Jemma squeezed her sister's shoulder, making her open her eyes again. "Don't even think about it," she warned her. "This might take an hour or so to fully heal; the bullet went straight through you."

"Ha!" Sierra scoffed, "The loser had one chance to kill me and he still blew it!"

Scott smiled at his best friend, happy to see her being herself despite the war they just fought. He helped Jemma get Sierra to her feet, supporting her weight by throwing one of her arms over his shoulder. They walked slowly, rejoining everyone.

"Are you alright?" Kira asked Sierra with wide eyes once she saw her.

Sierra held up her thumb, "Just peachy. A little bummed about my romper getting ruined though. Why? How are you doing?"

Kira looked at Scott in confusion, and he sighed. "She lost some blood from getting shot," he explained. "She's going to be fine though."

"Thank God for that," Sierra expressed, leaning her head on Scott's shoulder. "Stiles would've killed me if I died."

Her two friends chuckled at her dramatic words, but knew in their hearts her statement held true. "Maybe you should heal before you tell him you got shot in the gut," Scott suggested and she nodded, a yawn slipping from her lips.

"Yeah, you're probably right."

The three turned as Satomi's pack started to appear out of the shadows, worn out and bruised but alive.

Derek, Jemma, Braeden and Argent helped the werewolves to the door, but Brett stopped when he passed Sierra. Lori gripped onto his hand tightly as he looked her straight in the eye. "Thank you," he told her sincerely. "For saving my baby sister."

Sierra offered him a warm smile, "You're welcome."

Lori spoke up from behind him, her eyes locked on Sierra's stomach. Even though she was healing, blood still coated her romper. "Are you going to be okay?"

Sierra's face softened as she looked down at the younger girl. "I'm going to be perfectly fine," she promised. "Pinky swear."

Lori's eyes lit up at Sierra holding up her pinky for her to promise, and accepted the gesture with a smile.

"It's over right?" Brett clarified, catching Sierra's attention next. "Like, completely over?"

She exchanged glances with Scott, before both of them nodded. "Yeah," Scott confirmed with a relieved sigh.

"It's over."

*^*^*^*^*

The police station bustled with its average activity when Stiles and Sierra walked in, hand in hand. Deputies filling out paperwork sat at the desks, the phone ringing as if it was a normal office. Some smiled at the couple, because knowing the two since childhood brought ideas of them ending up together.

Stiles took a deep breath at the sight, happy to see all of them alive and well.

It had been a few days since the deadpool ended and life seemed to fall back into place.

Sierra chuckled at him after they greeted the officer at the front desk, moving past her. He glanced down at her curiously, his lips quirking upwards in amusement. "What?"

"Do you feel better knowing that this whole mess is over with?" Sierra questioned him instead. "Because you look better."

"I can truly say I don't feel any worse," Stiles answered honestly, coming to a stand still outside the sheriff's office. He turned to face her as he shrugged his shoulders. "Didn't make my dad any better," Stiles referenced the sling Noah had to wear.

Sierra reminded him, "Just remember that you're not going through this alone." She squeezed his hand as she playfully narrowed her eyes. "So the next time you decide to risk your life, hopefully not being against a serial-killing orderly, remember that there's someone who loves you and is worried sick."

"Says the girl who got shot in the gut," Stiles retorted and gripped her hand tighter. She went to protest but he just smiled softly at her, resting his hands on her forearms. "I understand that someone loves me and is worried sick," he swore with a nod. Sierra returned his gesture, her smile widening until he continued, "It's Scott. He'd die without me, I know it."

Sierra rolled her eyes at him and went to step away, but Stiles reacted quicker. "I kid, I kid," he assured her with a chuckle, watching the grin fighting to overtake her lips.

Holding onto her wrist, he imitated her bringing a punch to his face. "Oh, but I love you!" He mimicked the sound effects, and took another swing at himself to make her laugh. "Ahh!"

"You two kids ready to go?"

Noah's voice made them turn around, seeing his smile as he stepped out of the office. Stiles furrowed his brows as he asked, "Go where?"

They had been told they needed to answer some more questions about Meredith and the whole incident during their free period.

"To lunch," Noah answered brightly. "Whatever you want."

Sierra and Stiles exchanged surprised glances. Stiles looked more nervous and he stepped closer to his father, lowering his voice so no one else could hear them. "Dad, I don't think a man of your debts should be treating anyone to anything."

"Well, there is one debt we no longer have to worry about," Noah appreciated his son's concern. He held up a notice he received in the mail earlier that day, and handed to Stiles.

"What is this?" Sierra asked him, looking over Stiles's shoulder as he pulled out a piece of paper.

"A letter of apology from Eichen House," Noah explained, genuine gratitude in his words. "Apparently, they've decided to forgive out debt due to...well, Stiles and Lydia almost getting murdered."

"They can do that?"

Noah smiled at her, "They can and they did."

Stiles's face lit up as his eyes flickered between Sierra and his dad. "I have never been so happy to have almost been murdered!" he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his mouth.

"We're not out of it yet," Noah reminded him on a more serious note. "But we're going to be okay." He brought the conversation full circle as he motioned to them. "And at least for the moment, I can afford to take my son and his girlfriend out to lunch."

"Sierra," Noah focused on her. "What's your favorite food?"

"Wait, what?" Sierra was taken aback, but Stiles smiled at her to show she was okay. Sierra blew a breath through her lips as she expressed, "I haven't had pizza in forever."

Noah chuckled and then declared, "Then we will have pizza! You guys head outside while I grab my keys. We can go to that little Italian place downtown before you guys head back to school."

"That sounds perfect."

*^*^*^*^*

"I'm returning the money to Derek."

Sierra and Stiles stopped at Scott's words, turning around in the middle of the busy hallway. They returned to school right after lunch with Noah, promising him to stay the rest of the day. After all, the supernatural crisis caused them to miss more than a few classes. Scott met up with them almost as soon as they arrived, guilt twisting his insides.

He acknowledged their surprised faces, sighing, "I know that's a random bombshell on you all, but I can't deal with it anymore. My mom found the bag under my bed last night."

"What did she say?" Sierra asked him in concern, crossing her arms. "Was she mad?"

Scott shook his head, casting his gaze to the floor. "No, just disappointed...so I was honest with her." Scott adjusted his backpack on his shoulders, Sierra realizing how the shame was weighing him down. "I mean, it's no secret we're struggling a lot," Scott told them, "And I said how even one of those stacks could get us a new roof, pay for your hospital bills and the MRI...and keep her from working a double shift every day."

The couple felt touched that Scott wanted to help them out, but after the whole deadpool incident, the sight of that money made them sick. Exchanging a knowing look with Sierra, Stiles questioned him quietly, "What did she say?"

"We can save people's lives, but we cannot save them from life," Scott quoted Melissa perfectly, a heavy breath escaping his lips. "She said struggle is a part of life and reminded me where the money came from. I was gonna stop by Derek's loft during math."

"Well, I have science in five minutes," Sierra informed the boys, offering an apologetic look to Scott, "and we kind of promised Stiles's dad we wouldn't skip today."

Stiles nodded his agreement. "Sorry, Scott. We would go with you if we could."

Scott understood, a small smile on his face. "It's okay. I think...I think this is something I need to do on my own anyways."

"Are you sure?" Sierra double-checked, frowning.

"I'll be okay, Sierra," Scott chuckled, "I promise."

And with that, he pat Stiles on the back and fist-bumped Sierra before heading towards the front office to sign out. Sierra sighed, watching him leave before Stiles spoke up, "Hey, he'll be okay, Sierra."

"I know, but I still feel bad," Sierra replied,  her lips tugged down in a pout. Glancing down at her watch, she realized she needed to make her way over to Coach Finstock's room. How she ended up with him for two classes a day, blew her mind. "I gotta go."

"Me too," Stiles's eyes caught the time as well. "My engineering class is on the other side of the school."

"But I'll see you after?" she asked him hopefully and he smiled down at her.

"Of course, string bean," Stiles promised and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Meet me by my locker and we can walk together to math."

Sierra grinned, "Deal."

He returned her gesture, squeezing her hand that he had been holding.

They parted ways, Sierra picking up her pace so she wouldn't have to endure Coach's yelling if she was late. A sigh of relief escaped her while she made it through the door as the bell rang. Scurrying to her seat, she saw Malia and Kira taking out their notebooks, Lydia in the row beside them to save Sierra's space.

"Thanks, Lyd," she expressed as she sat down, Lydia removing her purse from the seat. "I didn't think I would make it."

"It's not problem," Lydia assured, fiddling with her pencil. "I'm guessing Stiles wouldn't let you go again?"

Sierra rolled her eyes, feeling a blush rise in her cheeks. "No," she disagreed, setting her backpack on the ground. "Scott needed to tell us something."

"Is everything okay?" Kira asked, concerned at the mention of her boyfriend.

"Everything is great," Malia spoke up, turning at her desk to face them. A wide grin stretched across her lips as she held up a graded test. "You know why? Because we don't have to fight anyone anymore and because I finally passed!"

Sierra matched her excitement from seeing the red score on the right corner of the page. "Malia, that's great!"

"I know!" Malia practically squealed while Kira and Lydia chuckled in amusement. "My science grade is going to go up now, which means I can focus more on math!"

Her celebration was interrupted as Finstock threw another test on her desk, unfortunately one with a lowering score. "Disappointed, Malia," he shook his head, walking down the aisle. "Profoundly disappointed."

Malia sighed, her good mood ruined within seconds. Sierra caught her attention, offering a warm smile. "Hey, don't let one test bring you down. Lydia and I will send you our notes."

"Which will look better now that they're not written in code," Lydia agreed with a nod, making them all chuckle.

"Now, everyone, listen up!" Finstock ended their conversation, making his way to the front of the room. "If you haven't written down what's on the board, hurry up before I erase it!"

Lydia went to start her notes, but her pencil couldn't even etch a letter once she read the title on the chalkboard. Sierra shifted uncomfortably in her seat as well, reading the words, Net-worth At Time Of Death Adjusted For Inflation.

Kira noticed their uneasiness and whispered to them. "It's over," she reminded. "The computers are off. No more assassins. No more murders. No one's dying."

Malia leaned over as well, except what she said ruined the comfort and mood set in the classroom. "Should I tell him that these notes are for his economics class or just let it go?"

Sierra stifled a laugh, Lydia cracking a grin as well, while Malia just tilted her head.

"What?"

*^*^*^*^*

Arriving at Derek's loft, Scott didn't hide his fear well.

His fingers tapped impatiently against his jeans. His knee bounced and his heart beat could be heard miles away by any werewolf as he stood in front of Derek.

Derek, on the other hand, sat perfectly still when Scott revealed the duffel bag of cash. He remained calm, barely batting an eye until Scott finished talking. Scott waited for him to reply, wringing his hands together.

"Okay."

Derek's response was simple, making Scott furrow his eyebrows in confusion. "Don't you wanna know why it took so long to return it?" he asked him.

"How much do you make at the animal clinic, Scott?"

Scott answered honestly, "Minimum wage."

"That's why." Derek understood his want to hold onto the cash. "Everyone can be tempted, Scott. Even a true alpha."

"You're not angry?" Scott couldn't believe his ears.

"It's not even mine," Derek reminded him. "It belongs to Peter."

"Where's your money?"

"You're standing on it."

Scott didn't follow Derek's words, looking to the ground. Raising his head back up, his brown eyes widened. He questioned him, completely bewildered. "There's another vault?"

"No," Derek stifled a laugh before he explained. "I own the building. And I own my own bank accounts." Scott looked at him, impressed, as Derek told him all the money from the vault was Peter's. Derek raised to his feet, closing the duffel bag and stating, "I think we'd actually be better off if the rest never came back."

Derek started to zip up the flap, but paused at the concern filling Scott's eyes. Scott let out a sigh, revealing, "I know Lydia was here last night."

Derek pursed his lips.

What Scott said was true; Lydia did appear in the loft the night before. It was early morning and Jemma was sleeping peacefully beside him until the alarm went off. They had both crept over to the door, Derek holding onto his gun when Jemma opened it. Lydia just stood there, dripping wet from the storm.

And then she screamed, solidifying every fear in Derek that his life was about to end.

But Scott didn't bring it up to bring him down.

"Deaton is still working on figuring out what Kate did to you," Scott informed him optimistically. "If anyone can find an answer, it's him."

Derek didn't respond.

Scott sighed once more, taking it as a cue to leave. "I gotta head back to school, but if Deaton finds anything, I'll let you know."

"Scott?"

The teenager turned back around. "Yeah?"

"Thanks," Derek stated sincerely. "I know that it looks like I don't care, but the truth is I don't like when people worry. Especially Jemma, you or Sierra."

Scott offered him a small smile, "It's okay. Sierra and I know you have a heart underneath your sour wolf persona--at least that's what she calls it."

"Of course she does," Derek snorted, rolling his eyes.

Acknowledging the only other empath he knew, Scott asked, "Where is Jemma anyways? I thought you two were attached at the hip."

"Ha ha, very funny," Derek deadpanned, crossing his arms. "But she's at work pulling a double shift. She has to make up for everything she's missed. Tomorrow she has the same schedule, but I'm going to steal her on her break."

"So tomorrow night you won't be here?" Scott read between the lines, a plan starting to formulate in his head.

Derek scrunched up his face, but nodded. "Yeah, why?"

"What would I have to do to let you let me have a date here?"

*^*^*^*^*

Right after science, just like she promised, Sierra went to meet Stiles at his locker. However, since his engineering class occurred at the other end of the building, she ended up having to wait for him. She rested her back against the lockers, pulling out her phone to keep herself occupied.

When Stiles saw her from down the hall, his face brightened. Quickening his pace, he was by her side within seconds. It hadn't even been an hour since they parted ways, but he wanted to make up for the time lost when Sierra wanted space. "Hey, string bean," he greeted happily.

Sierra pretended to be frustrated about waiting for him. "You're late," she stated, the corners of her mouth tugged downwards.

"And you're the most beautiful girl in the world," Stiles replied with a cheeky grin.

Sierra fought back a smile as she stared back up at him, replying, "You're forgiven."

"Yeah, I thought so." Stiles smirked and leaned forward to kiss her cheek before he focused on opening his locker. "How was science?" He made simple conversation, switching out his textbooks.

"Good," Sierra chirped, folding her arms over her chest. "Malia did pretty well on one of our tests, but Coach kind of bummed her out when she failed a different exam."

"She'll be okay," Stiles assured his girlfriend, closing the locker door. He continued as they started to walk down the hallway, intertwining his free hand with hers. "I mean, now that the deadpool is gone she'll have more time to study."

Sierra nodded in agreement, "You do have a point."

"Did you at least get to tell her about the lacrosse game tomorrow?" Stiles brought up one of their previous conversations. "You know, since it's the first one of the season?"

"Awe, crap," Sierra gently smacked herself in the forehead, Stiles stifling a laugh. "I completely forgot."

"Don't stress, Si," Stiles advised as they turned the corner. "We can just tell her in math."

"That's another good point."

They reached their designated classroom, but Sierra paused before going in, her eyes caught on someone down the hallway. "Hey," she pulled Stiles back. "Can you save me a seat?"

Stiles tilted his head, confused. He followed her gaze to see Liam walking with his head down, looking lost in his thoughts. Stiles glanced back at Sierra and nodded, understanding she wanted to check on him. "Of course."

Sierra gave him a grateful smile, squeezing his hand before abandoning his side. The closer she got to Liam, she noticed how he seemed on edge. His shoulders hunched, his heart rate escalated. And Sierra could practically feel his fear when she finally reached him.

"Hey, Liam."

Her words were kind and quiet, but Liam still jumped, only relaxing when his eyes landed on her.

"Hey, Sierra," he mumbled in greeting. "What do you need?"

Sierra furrowed her brows as she answered, "I don't need anything. I just wanted to check up on you."

"I'm fine."

Sierra snorted, "Yeah, 'cause that sounds convincing." He didn't say anything in return, leading her to try again. "How's math going? You know, it's been a while since we studied together. If you wanna meet up, just text me--"

"I don't need your help," Liam interrupted her, his voice sharp. "I said I'm fine, why won't you just believe me?"

"Because I'm someone who knows when you're lying," Sierra was surprised by his tone, but didn't get intimidated. "In case you forgot exactly what I can do." Liam pursed his lips, and Sierra's face softened as she sighed, "Liam, I know something is wrong not only because I'm an empath but because I know you. Ever since the hospital, you've been acting different. Did something happen that Scott and I don't know about?"

"No," Liam rushed quickly, letting Sierra know that something did happen to Liam on the roof. He just refused to tell her what.

"Page!"

The sound of Coach Finstock's voice made them both turn, Sierra forcing a smile. "Coach," she greeted him, continuously glancing at Liam to make sure he didn't leave. "What's up?"

He approached them with a clipboard in his hand, and asked to speak with her. "Do you have a class right now?"

"Yeah, I have math with Ms. Fleming," Sierra answered with a nod. Motioning to Liam, she added, "And I'm kind of in the middle of something--"

"Well, I think you can afford to skip one class," Finstock waved his hand. "I need to go over some stuff with you before the game tomorrow." His eyes landed on Liam. "Dunbar, what're you doing here?"

"I was on my way to the weight room," Liam informed him, adjusting the backpack on his shoulder. "You know, to bulk up for the game."

Coach grinned and pat him on the back. "That's my boy! Why are you still standing here then? Go on!"

Sierra spoke up in irritation, "Actually, I kind of need to talk--"

"Come on, Page," Coach Finstock handed her the clipboard. "Follow me."

Liam didn't say anything to Sierra. He simply turned on his heel and headed towards the weight room like his coach told him too. Sierra narrowed her eyes at his retreating figure, and pulled out her phone from her pocket with her free hand.

She started to follow her teacher down the hall, but pressed the device to her ear. "Scott," she said as soon her best friend answered, keeping her voice low so Coach Finstock couldn't hear. "Are you back from Derek's yet?"

"Yeah, I'm about to walk in right now," he replied, confused. "Why?"

"I need you to do me a favor." Sierra explained Liam's odd behavior and how she got roped into her assistant coach duties. "You think you can swing by the weight room for me?"

Scott agreed instantly. "Of course, Sierra," he nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "I've noticed he's been acting weird too. I gotta go to my locker first, but I'll head there right after."

Sierra let out a relieved sigh, "Thank you."

"Anytime."

Sierra barely had time to say goodbye before Coach Finstock called out to her again. "Page!"

"Geez, Coach, I'm coming!"

*^*^*^*^*

Liam hated being afraid.

And he also hated admitting his fears to other people. Especially to someone who meant a lot to him, like Sierra.

His gut twisted as he remembered her face after he snapped, but he just couldn't tell her the truth. She asked him if he was okay, and he said straightly that he was fine. But that was a lie.

The nightmares and visions he continued to suffer from made him anything but fine.

Ever since the night he faced a Berserker head on with Kira at the hospital, the creatures became engraved in his head. Everywhere he looked, another skull met his gaze and a low growl entered his ears. And the beasts terrified him.

He felt jittery and at risk even in the busy hallways at school, but nothing compared to how he felt in the middle of the night when he was all alone.

Liam would wake up in a cold sweat, his mind playing tricks on him until he screamed himself awake. Never had he felt like this before, and that's why he didn't want to tell anyone.

His parents and Mason wouldn't understand. They didn't know anything about the supernatural world. And Scott and Sierra? Well, in Liam's head, his problem wasn't drastic enough for them to be involved. They had bigger things to worry about. He couldn't burden them just because he was imagining Berserkers everywhere.

No, he could deal with it on his own.

However, his thought process pushed everyone away---Sierra and Mason getting hurt the most.

Even in the weight room, Liam couldn't stop himself from being snarky when Mason was just concerned. "Do you need a spot?" Mason had asked him. "That's a lot of weight."

"No." Liam eyed the dumbbells in Mason's hands and remarked, "Do you?"

"This is my warm-up," Mason defended himself as Liam rested underneath the bench press. "You ass." He set the dumbbells down, moving to stand behind the machine.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, what're you doing?" Liam demanded.

Mason cinched his brows, answering, "I'm spotting you."

"I said I don't need one."

"Are you kidding me?" Mason questioned him, puzzled as he glanced over the weight on the bar. "This is like three hundred pounds. You're gonna kill yourself."

Liam didn't say anything, but leaned back and gripped the bar above him. Taking a deep breath, Liam focused and did one perfect rep, despite the heavy weight.

Mason looked at him in amazement, but his face fell as Liam snapped, "Do I look like I need help?"

Mason shook his head, disappointed, and left the weight room, leaving Liam completely alone. Liam swallowed hard from hearing the door slam, cursing at himself for his attitude. He hated when he let his anger take control. It reminded him of being at his prep school, when he let it destroy everything.

Wanting to distract his mind, Liam positioned himself on the bench press once more. Grunting, he clenched his teeth as he lifted the bar, raising it up and down. The familiar burn in his biceps made him go more than the usual set, his brain finding the perfect opportunity to warp his memory.

Flashbacks of the roof played like a broken record. Liam remembered the Berserker's snarl. The bone knives swung in his direction, and how the creature flung him into the air.

His breaths became rapid and short as he panicked, allowing his fear to worsen. The bar slipped from his grip, slamming down on his chest. Liam's eyes widened. Painful gasps fell from his lips as he tried to lift the bar back up. But he had done too many reps and couldn't find the strength to free himself. His heart pounded in his ears. He started coughing, the heavy weight on his lungs keeping him from crying out for help.

And then, it seemed like the bar raised itself.

Liam quickly sat up, falling to his knees as he tried to regain control of his breathing.

He barely paid attention to Scott, who had set him free and knelt down in front of him worriedly. "Liam," Mason called out from behind Scott, looking at his best friend, scared.

"I'm fine," Liam snapped as he coughed. He moved one hand over his heart, which beat rapidly against his rib cage.

Scott heard the harshness in Liam's voice, and remembered his phone call with Sierra. "If you don't want to be with us, it's okay," Scott whispered to him gently, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"But don't push your friends away too."