The weekend passed quickly as Jacob and his family and friends spent it watching the new animals in Serendell.
Today was Monday.
Jacob wore his nano mask, adjusting his appearance to look older, and drove Melissa to San Francisco in his Camaro for a date. He glanced at her as she sang along with the radio, clearly in a good mood. He smiled and thought, 'System, sign in.'
[Daily Sign-In Successful. Rewards Obtained:
- 15,000 coins
- 1 Liter Mineral Water Bottle x100
- An Original 1800 Baker Flintlock Rifle x2]
Jacob read through the list. "Nice. Two original flintlock rifles. I'll ask Cogman to put them in a glass display case and hang them in my gaming room."
---
Meanwhile, at school, Allison, Lydia, Malia, and Erica were heading to the cafeteria for lunch when Scott and Tracy came running toward them.
"We have a problem," Scott said.
"What's going on?" Allison asked.
Tracy spoke quickly. "Derek just called me. He said Isaac got arrested for killing his father. Tonight's the full moon, so you can imagine what'll happen if the cops lock him up tonight."
Lydia looked at Scott. "You just need to tell Noah that Isaac's a werewolf. He'll take care of it. Where's the problem?"
Stiles jogged up to them. "That's not the real problem."
Tracy blinked. "It isn't?"
"No. I just talked to my dad. He said Isaac didn't kill his father, so he'll be released after answering a few questions."
"How does he know that?" Tracy asked.
"He asked Isaac to show him his wolf eyes. They were glowing yellow."
"So?"
Stiles stared at her. "Seriously? Derek didn't tell you?"
Lydia gave Scott a pointed look. "Forget about Derek. Why didn't you tell her?"
Scott scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I forgot. I finally have a girlfriend—my entire focus has been on her."
Tracy smiled and kissed him. "Okay, that's sweet. But can you tell me now what they're talking about?"
"When a werewolf kills someone, their eyes turn blue," Scott explained. "Unless they're an Alpha—then their eyes stay red."
"Oh. Good to know."
"Anyway," Stiles cut in, "the real problem is that something's killing people in town again, and we need to find it."
Allison said, "Then go ask Cogman for help. But ask him during the day—he said he's busy tonight."
"Busy with what?"
"He's going to have fun with the Laurents and the Zimas."
Stiles nodded. "Then, I'll ask him when he's done." He looked around. "Where's Jacob? I'll give him a call and tell him what's going on."
He pulled out his phone, but Lydia stopped him. "Don't."
"Why not?"
"He and Melissa drove to San Francisco to spend the day there. Don't ruin their date. Wait until he comes back tonight."
Stiles pocketed his phone. "Fine."
With that, the group headed to the cafeteria for lunch.
---
After school, Allison and the others gathered at the gate.
Tracy kissed Scott goodbye. "Alright, I need to go."
"I can teach you how to control yourself during the full moon, if you want."
"No thanks. Derek's my Alpha—he'll teach me. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. Be careful. Call me if you need help."
Tracy smiled and left, meeting up with Boyd before both of them got into Derek's car. Derek gave Scott a smile, then drove off.
Allison turned to Scott. "You didn't tell her you're an Alpha yet, did you?"
"No. Not yet."
"You don't trust her?" Malia asked.
"We just started dating. And she trusts Derek too much. Honestly? I don't really like that."
Erica blinked. "Wait, you're an Alpha? When did that happen?"
Scott snorted. "Quit acting. I know Stiles already told you everything."
Erica grinned. "Okay, yeah, he did. And I still can't believe you got so emotionally uncomfortable after you saw your mom kissing Jacob that you became an Alpha. That's hilarious." She burst out laughing.
Scott growled at her.
Erica quickly hid behind Stiles. "Okay, okay, I'll shut up!" she said, still giggling.
Scott glared at Stiles. "You talk too much."
Stiles scratched the back of his head. "Unlike you, I trust my girlfriend, and she's not gonna tell anyone. Besides, you're strong now. You don't need to worry even if people find out you're an Alpha."
Just then, Cogman pulled up in the Rolls-Royce. Allison, Lydia, and Malia walked toward him.
Erica kissed Stiles quickly. "I'm going with Allison and the others. I don't lose control during the full moon, but I don't want to risk hurting my parents. I'll see you at Jacob's place."
"Alright. See you later."
After the girls left, Stiles got into Scott's car—his Jeep was still at the mechanic. As Scott drove toward his house, he asked, "Did you tell Erica what Jacob is?"
"Nope," Stiles said. "I don't know if he wants people knowing what he is."
"Aren't you going to ask him to let Erica come to Serendell?"
Stiles was quiet for a moment. "He already let me and my dad live there. You know that's like giving us an extra life. He also made me way stronger than an Alpha werewolf, and he gave my dad a strength potion and a fire spell. He gave me things that make me owe him for the rest of my life, Scott."
He exhaled slowly. "I can never ask him to let Erica live in Serendell. No matter how much I love her. I need to protect her myself. If one day he decides to let her in, I'll be grateful. And if he doesn't? I'm still grateful for everything he's already given me. I'll never blame him—not even if Erica gets hurt. I'll only blame myself for not protecting her."
Scott nodded. "You're right. We owe him a lot." He paused, then added, "And honestly? With how dangerous our world is, I'm glad he fell in love with my mom. I'm still uncomfortable watching them kiss, but I'm happy for her. None the less."
They arrived at Scott's house, grabbed a quick bite, then headed to the animal clinic for his shift. Stiles tagged along.
At the clinic, Stiles and Scott were telling Deaton about Isaac and his father when the door swung open. Chris Argent walked in, accompanied by a few hunters carrying a covered body.
"Scott, Stiles," Chris acknowledged. He turned to Deaton. "Doc, I was wondering if you could give me a medical opinion on what killed one of my men."
Deaton glanced at the door. "I don't know if you saw the sign outside, but this is just an animal clinic."
"Come on, Alan," Chris said. "We both know you're not just a vet."
Scott and Stiles exchanged a look but stayed silent. Deaton studied Chris for a long moment, then exhaled. "Alright. Put him inside."
The hunters placed the body on the examination table. Chris dismissed them, and once they were alone, Deaton uncovered the chest.
The torso was shredded—deep claw marks stretched from abdomen to sternum.
Stiles turned to Chris. "Did you use the bestiary app?"
"I did. It gave me a long list of creatures that could have killed him. Nothing specific."
Scott frowned. "Did you ask Cogman?"
"I sent him pictures. He said he doesn't know either."
Deaton began his examination, methodical and silent. Then he noticed a thin, precise cut at the base of the victim's neck. He turned the stiff head. "Have you seen this?"
Chris leaned in. "I saw it. But that's not what killed him."
"No," Deaton agreed. "But it's more interesting. This cut is precise—close to the spine. If I'm right, its purpose was to disable all motor function."
Stiles blinked. "How? That wound looks shallow."
"If I'm correct," Deaton said, "the creature that killed this man uses a paralytic toxin. Let me run some tests."
He took samples from the wound and began his analysis.
---
At night, Jacob and Melissa returned from San Francisco. He parked the Camaro in front of the mansion and walked her to the door.
Melissa pulled him into a deep kiss. "Thanks. Today was great."
"You're welcome," Jacob murmured against her lips. "Can I get a reward tonight?"
She winked. "I just gave you a thank-you kiss. That's all you get for now."
Jacob smirked. "If a kiss is all I can get… let's kiss some more."
He captured her lips again, slower this time, more intent. His hands began to wander, tracing the curve of her back, pulling her closer. Melissa melted into him, her fingers gripping his jacket.
Neither of them heard the front door open. Allison stepped out and said, "Jay, you're back!"
Jacob finally let go of Melissa, who ran away in a hurry, face flushed. As she passed Allison, she said, "Thank you, Allison. That handsome idiot almost made me take him to my room."
Allison smiled at the blushing Melissa disappearing inside, then turned to Jacob—who was glaring at her.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly.
"Yeah, you should be. I was this close to a major breakthrough." He pulled her into a hug. "You're going to have to compensate me for that."
"Sure," Allison laughed. "But first, go talk to my dad. He's looking for you. Stiles too."
Jacob's expression shifted. "What's going on?"
"Isaac's father was killed by something, and one of my dad's hunters was probably killed by the same thing."
Jacob's mind immediately clicked into place. 'Jackson. And that psychopath, Matt.' His thoughts raced. 'How should I deal with them…'
"Jay?" Allison's voice pulled him back. "What are you thinking?"
"Nothing. Where are they now?"
"My dad took the body to Deaton's clinic. Stiles and Scott are there too."
"Okay. I'll go see what's happening. You want to come?"
"No, the girls and I are binge-watching the first fifteen episodes of season two of Pretty Little Liars. Do you want to join us?"
Jacob made a face. "Ugh, gross. Hard pass." He kissed her forehead. "See you later." Then he teleported.
Allison just shook her head with a smile and went back inside to join the girls, who were already deep in questioning Melissa about her date while watching Pretty Little Liars.
---
Jacob appeared in front of the animal clinic and walked inside.
He found Chris, Scott, Stiles, and Deaton gathered around the dead body in the examination room.
"Hey, guys," Jacob said. "What's up?"
"Jacob, you're back," Stiles said.
"Yeah, I just got back. Allison said you and Chris were looking for me."
Stiles nodded toward the body. "Something's killing people in town again. Can you tell what killed him?"
Jacob looked at the corpse, then at Deaton. "Hello, Doc. I see you're still giving me that weird look—same one you gave me last time we met."
Deaton studied him. "Forgive me. It's just… you're different than the last time I saw you. That day, I could feel a terrifying energy radiating from you. Now? I feel nothing. It's like you're the most ordinary human I've ever met."
Jacob smiled. "I learned to control my aura." He turned his attention to the body. "What did you find?"
Deaton explained the precise cut at the base of the neck and confirmed—after running tests—that the creature had used a paralytic toxin.
Jacob was quiet for a moment. "I know what killed him."
Chris leaned in. "What is it?"
"A Kanima."
Both Deaton and Chris spoke at once. "A Kanima!"
"Yes. And if you know what a Kanima is, you know it's just a weapon. You don't just need to find it—you need to find who's controlling it."
Stiles raised his hand. "Can someone please explain what a Kanima is?"
Chris answered. "A Kanima is a reptilian shapeshifter—essentially a werewolf transformation gone wrong. Instead of becoming a wolf after being bitten, the individual mutates into a lizard-like creature due to unresolved personal issues or an identity crisis."
Deaton continued, "Unlike werewolves, who seek a pack, a Kanima is a weapon of vengeance that seeks a master to control its actions. Its most dangerous feature is a venom secreted from its claws that can paralyze victims for hours."
Jacob said, "I also know who the Kanima is. But he's an idiot who doesn't even realize what he is. I'm not sure what we should do with him."
"Who is it?" Chris asked.
"Jackson. He got the bite from Peter a while ago. He didn't gain powers, but he didn't die either."
Stiles added, "Last week I saw him bleeding black blood from his nose and ears."
Chris's jaw tightened. "We need to know who's controlling him."
"Then start by finding the connection between Isaac's father and this dead hunter," Jacob said. "That might give you some clues."
Scott spoke up. "What should we do about Jackson?"
Jacob shrugged. "I don't know. Kill him to stop him from killing more people?"
"We should figure out who's controlling him first," Chris said firmly.
"You guys can't be serious," Scott protested. "Jackson doesn't even know what he is. He's being used."
"Then what should we do?" Jacob asked.
Scott met his gaze. "Let's save him—if we can. Do you know how?"
Jacob paused. 'If I kill Jackson, I probably won't get a sign-in event. Let's see if Scott can actually save him.' Aloud, he said, "If you want to save him, you have to help him resolve the internal conflict or identity crisis that caused him to mutate in the first place. Then you break the master's control—by killing the master. After that, you put him in a near-death state and have someone who loves him call out his name. That should turn him back into a werewolf."
Stiles stared. "How do you know all that?"
"It's in the bestiary." Jacob gave him a flat look. "Seriously. Read it."
"I do read it! From time to time. I just haven't gotten to the Kanima part yet."
Jacob turned back to Scott. "You can try to save him. But you also need to know that he might kill more people before you succeed. Can you shoulder that responsibility?"
Scott nodded. "I'll try my best to save him—and keep him from killing anyone else. Stiles will help me."
"I'll figure out who's controlling him," Stiles said. "We'll monitor Jackson and stop him whenever he tries to kill someone."
"Alright," Jacob said. "Jackson is your problem for now. But if he kills again, he becomes Cogman's problem. So you'd better do your best to stop him before that happens."
Scott looked at Chris. "What about you? Do you agree with this?"
Chris exhaled slowly. "I don't care about Jackson—as long as you keep him from killing more people. The one I want is his master."
"We'll tell you as soon as we find out who it is," Stiles promised.
Chris moved aside and began making calls, summoning his hunters to collect the body for burial.
Stiles turned to Jacob. "Hey, are you busy tonight?"
"Nope. The girls are binge-watching some stupid show called Pretty Little Liars. If I go back home, they'll make me watch it with them."
"Then how about you come with us to watch Jackson?"
Jacob gave him a flat look. "That's even worse than watching the stupid show with the girls. In case you forgot, I hate Jackson. If it weren't for Scott wanting to save him, I'd just ask Cogman to kill him and end this drama."
Stiles raised his hands. "Alright, forget I asked."
"See you guys later." Jacob glanced at Deaton, a slow, wicked smirk spreading across his face. Then he let his aura loose—just a fraction, just enough.
Deaton's eyes went wide. His breath caught. His entire body went rigid.
"Jacob, stop that!" Scott snapped. "You're scaring him!"
Jacob laughed, then teleported out of the clinic.
It took Deaton a long moment to regain his composure. He exhaled shakily and looked at Scott. "Seriously… what kind of creature is your friend?"
Scott sighed. "I can't tell you that. All you need to know is… he's not evil."
---
Jacob reappeared at the mansion and found Cogman just stepping out the front door.
"Where to?" Jacob asked.
Cogman's smile was serene—and deeply unsettling. "Hunting the Laurents, sir. They're holed up in a warehouse on the outskirts of the city."
"How many?"
"Twenty-four."
"And the Zimas?"
"Fourteen of them in town, sir. They're staying at a hotel in the center of the city. I can't hunt them there—too public."
Jacob nodded. "What about Gerard? Where is he?"
"After he left the hospital a few days ago, he met with the Zimas and the Laurents, then went to ground at one of the Argent family's safe houses. I'm monitoring his location."
"Keep me updated."
"Of course, sir." Cogman paused. "Would you like to join me tonight?"
Jacob shook his head. "No, thanks. I'd rather play video games."
"As you wish, sir. And if you're hungry, I've already prepared dinner. It's on the table in Serendell."
"Alright. Good hunting."
"Thank you, sir." Cogman turned and walked into the night, humming a cheerful tune.
Jacob watched him go, then headed inside.
To be continued… 😊