Cyrus Graeme was in the kitchen of his single parent, two-story home pouring himself his favorite nighttime snack. A bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. His mother, Tara, was sitting at the kitchen table going over some case files from the Beacon Hills Police Department. She was a Deputy who never seemed to leave home at work. Cyrus watched as he ate. Things have been a bit different since his dad died. He was also a police officer, a detective, but was killed in the line of duty. Cyrus wanted his mom to quit the force after that, but she insisted that he and Beacon Hills needed her, now more than ever. He didn't completely blame her though. It was pretty much all she knew and the benefits provided were great. He just wished she took some time for herself to at least breathe.

Her police radio blared to life with dispatch on the other end. "Calling all Beacon Hills Department and State Police Officers to Beacon Hills Preserve. We have a 10-54."

Mother and son both looked up understanding the code and what it meant for their night. His mom was going to work again with a possible killer on the loose. Cyrus looked up from his bowl with his mouth half-full. He made sure to swallow it all before asking, "You're not actually going, are you?"

"You know I have to. You know Noah can barely handle this job without me." Tara said as she gathered her files to get ready to leave. Thankfully she never got undressed from work.

"Just make sure he's keeping you safe out there, not the other way around." Cyrus responded. He didn't want her to go, but he trusted that she'd be safe with the whole department with her, but especially Noah Stilinski. He was his best friend's dad and the two surmised that their parents may have had feelings for each other. Cyrus wasn't sure about how he felt about the idea. He loved Stilinski as an uncle, but didn't like the idea of someone replacing his dad. He shook the thought from his head. That wasn't important right now.

"I will, but you need to worry about Stiles. Knowing him he's already planning on getting you and Scott involved with what's going on. Please stay home tonight. Don't let Stiles lead you astray when he's supposed to be following your example." Tara said before heading to the door.

"Yes, ma'am." Cyrus said to get her out of there. Next to his bowl his phone began vibrating to life. They both knew who was calling him.

"I mean it, Cyrus. Stay home." Tara said with pleading eyes as she opened the door.

"I got it, mom. I'll be home and ready for practice tomorrow." Cyrus said as he watched her leave. As soon as she did he answered the phone. "Yeah, I heard. Pick me up before Scott so my mom thinks I'm still home."

---

Cyrus and Stiles pulled up to Scott's house, deciding to park on the street instead of the driveway. Stiles couldn't contain his excitement. "Call Scott so we can beat our parents to the body."

Cyrus looked at him with a guilty expression. "I... left it at home."

"Dude. Why?" Stiles asked, clearly confused.

"My mom tracks it and she told me to stay home."

"Good point."

"But..." Cyrus started to say before reaching into his bag and pulling something out. "I have a flashlight! Anyway, you tried earlier, right? Just go get him, we're already late."

Stiles grumbled to himself about always having to do everything before getting out of the car and climbing atop porch and making too much noise to get his attention.

Ella was sitting in her room. She had just moved to Beacon Hills and she didn’t have a lot to do. She knew high school would be the hardest part. She didn’t know anyone…her brother was somewhere else in the house. She didn’t know where though. She stood up from her chair and moved to her bed, she grabbed her laptop and opened it. She planned on watching the news but when she saw that there was a 10-54 her first instinct was to get up and go investigate. Maybe this place had other werewolves..she didn’t know much. She went around the house looking for her brother, it didn’t take long for her to find him. “Hey Bro, I’m heading out for a bit, I might stop at the store do you need me to pick something up?”

Her brother looked at her, “No, but this doesn't have anything to do with you going out to investigate the 10-54?” They both only knew what it was because they both had pretended to be older at one point and worked in a station. They looked old enough for it so they faked documents. They decided that by moving to Beacon Hills they would stay with their normal files. So they were sticking to their real names and files. “No not at all.” She tried to sound as unsuspicious as possible. She watched him shake his head, he knew what was going on but he chose to remain quiet.

She made her way out the door in all black and took off, she was fast and had forgotten it was a full moon. Her eyes turned yellow as she took off into the woods. She was in control and she used her abilty to smell to track down the body and when she found it…in half… she ran the other way.

Scott’s plan was to spend the night at home. His mom had gone to work for the night so he was home alone. When he turned on the news and heard the reports of someone missing and a body found in the woods he knew full well Stiles and Cyrus would be over. He did his best not to think about this as he went upstairs. He heard a noise coming from downstairs and he grabbed his bat as he walked down to the porch. It wasn’t long before Stiles was leaning off the roof upside looking at him. “Stiles! What are you doing here?” Stiles shook his head as he laughed, “Let’s go, we have something to investigate. Cyrus is waiting for us.” Scott shook his head and sighed as he followed Stiles…time to most likely get themselves in more trouble, something they could not afford.

The trio arrived at the Beacon Hills Preserve faster than they should have due to Stiles driving like a bat out of Hell. His excuse was, “No cops on the road to worry about with them all heading there.”

They got out and searched the woods, Cyrus and Stiles having flashlights while Scott came ill-prepared due to him being rushed. Their search only just began when they saw the police in the woods across the way. Cyrus and Stiles turned off their flashlights once they started running, but Stiles was caught while Scott managed to hide behind a tree and Cyrus was able to blend in with some leaves on the ground with his dark camouflage hoodie.

“Hold on. This little delinquent's mine.” Sheriff Stilinski said with a sigh. “Do you listen to all of my phone calls?”

“Only the interesting ones,” Stiles answered with a cheeky smile.

“Where's Cyrus? I know he's out here with you, when I told him not to be!” Deputy Graeme said before only yelling the last part to make sure her son heard it if he was out there hiding.

“Cyrus? He's at home. He told me he couldn't risk causing you trouble. But me? I'm a born schemer.” Stiles responded, hoping she'd buy it.

“Right… Cyrus, Scott, if you two are out there you better get home before your mom and I do.” Deputy Graeme said before she and the officers walked Stiles back to his car.

Once they were out of earshot Cyrus got up from his leaves and ran up to Scott. “Dude. That was so close.” They started to walk again, Cyrus intent on finding the body to at least tell Stiles about it for taking one for the team. He turned on his flashlight and led the way. They both stopped once they reached a clearing feeling like they heard something. Cyrus pointed his light towards the source and saw a deer, no, a stampede of deer. He pushed Scott to the ground to protect him from the oncoming assault. Thankfully they weren't trampled but they lost Scott's inhaler in the chaos.

They got up and started to search for it with Cyrus's flashlight but they found the other thing they were looking for instead. It was a young woman's body. Well, the top half. The surprise caused them both to trip and stumble down a hill.

They got up and dusted themselves off. “We found the body, now let’s get out of here. I'm getting a bad feeling.” Cyrus said, looking around.

“You should. We just saw a dead girl's body!” Scott yelled in a whispered tone.

“Why are you whispering?” Cyrus asked.

“Just in case who or whatever did that is still out here.” Scott replied.

“True, but I wonder what happened. I know her. It's been six years, but that was Laura Hale. She used to babysit me and her sister.” Cyrus said. He hadn't seen her or her family since their house and family were victims of arson six years ago.

They should've ran when they had the chance. A growl was heard causing them both to turn and look at the source. It was some kind of beast. It tackled Scott. Scott tried to turn his body and run, but it bit him. But just as it did Cyrus kicked it in the head allowing Scott to free himself. The two started to run for their lives but the beast specifically charged for Cyrus after the stunt he just pulled. The beast bit his leg causing him to fall to the ground. The beast was on him and stared into the depths of his soul with its dark, glowing red eyes. All Cyrus could see was death, but the beast stopped as if it recognized him. It got up and ran off.

Cyrus was confused but took this as the blessing that it was. He thanked God before Scott helped him up and the two ran for the road, almost getting run over by a minivan in the process. They couldn't believe what just happened.

After almost getting run over Scott managed to look over to the side, he saw someone running and whoever it was looked like a female. “Cyrus, did you see that?” Scott looked at him, and Cyrus shook his head. “I could have sworn I saw someone running away from the body…it looked like a human…a female most likely. You truly didn’t see anything?”

Cyrus shook his head again, he was still shocked. “I’m sorry man but I saw nothing. I was focused on getting away, not paying attention to my surroundings.”

Scott nodded, “That makes sense, maybe I’m just seeing things.” They both shook their heads as they walked off.

Cyrus looked back at Scott, “Do you know what that was?” Scott shook his head. Cyrus sighed, “Scott that was a werewolf.”

Scott stopped in his tracks. He thought about it, but assured himself that wasn't possible and continued walking. “Werewolves aren't real.”

“I didn't think so either, but I know what I saw and if you really did see a woman out there, maybe she's one, too.” Cyrus rebutted.

“Or she could just be a rambunctious teenager like us.” Scott replied.

“Rambunctious? How old are you?” Cyrus asked before continuing. “You may have a point there, but I know a werewolf almost killed us. Just wait until Stiles hears this. My house is close, I'll drop you off. My mom should still be out there when I get back.”

Ella had at this point been watching from the side trying to remain unseen. Although she had heard them talk about seeing her well, one of them did. She was trying to pick up as much information as she could manage but it wasn't long till she had to return home. School was coming in a few hours and she needed to get some sleep.

When Ella arrived at the house her brother was waiting for her. She knew what was coming, her brother was overly protective and was most likely gonna yell at her. She saw this coming, she couldn't hide it now. She smelled like the woods, her clothes were torn. While she was running she had fallen a few times, she could be clumsy in a rush. But when it came to battle she was always fierce. She was just as protective over her brother as he was to her. They had to bond when they were close, and Ella had been viewed as a mistake by her parents. Ella wasn't supposed to be born. Her brother who had been born 2 years prior, and was now 18 had been there for her. As they grew older they grew closer. She could tell he was upset and in one of his moods. "Before you say anything..." She was cut off by Jacob.

"What were you thinking? Why did I even let you leave? Clearly, you got into some trouble and had to run. What if you were seen? Did you think of that? Not to mention your clothes being torn, which means you had to run. Mind telling me why? Were you seen? Or did you find the body and get scared? Jacob said in a rather overprotective aggressive tone.

Ella looked down...she had to tell him that someone might have seen her...but could she? She sighed as she started to struggle within her own mind. "Fine I MAY have been seen. I don't know. In full honesty, I started running because I found the body. The body was ripped in half, any person in their right mind would run from that. Stop worrying so much, I know I have to be careful. I've been a wolf since I was little, I know how to control myself." She said this slightly upset. Why was he questioning her? Oh right, it was a full moon...he got more protective and aggressive when a full moon was out. They both did.

Jacob sighed as he tried to calm himself down. "It's a full moon, and YOU decided to go outside. For what? To find a stupid body, that as you stated was scary enough that you ran from it. Will you ever learn to just let things go?" He was making a slight jab at her flashbacks. He was praying she didn't notice...but she was wrong.

Jacob's comment about letting things go was enough to set her off. She felt her anger building and took deep breaths to control it. This was normal of them, while they cared for each other they tended to argue just as much as they were nice to each other. "This is enough, I'm going to bed. Next time you want to make regret something don't tell me to let things go. I can't control my flashbacks.". With this, she stormed upstairs and slammed her door before going to sleep.

---

Ella upon waking up in the morning got a shower, she always woke up before her brother because she had more of a routine. As she had to put multiple earrings in, she had her typical ones but she was changing it this time. So she had to be up early, she was only wearing new ones since she was in a new place. She was changing her style slightly too. As much as she hated to have her tattoos out she also wanted to make a good impression, she while not caring what other people thought still sometimes cared about what they thought of her. She was putting her hair up today too, something she normally didn't do. As an hour passed she was finally ready, she was wearing black leggings, and she decided instead of wearing her hoodie she would wear a crop top. She didn't want to appear, vulnerable or weak. Her bottom earrings were a pair, one was a wolf the other a full moon, only people who looked closely could tell it was more than a wolf. She never had this problem when wearing them so she felt she was safe to wear them to school. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, her back tattoo was also slightly visible. She had a jacket in case she got dress codded, she doubted she would but she still wanted to be sure.

Ella moved downstairs and let her brother take the upstairs area. They would be leaving in an hour, and her brother didn't take long to get ready. Well after is 15 or 20-minute shower he didn't. They both woke up early, well her brother slightly early, just to make sure they were ready on time. She started making breakfast, a quick breakfast of eggs and bacon, which was typical for them. She looked up as her brother walked into the kitchen she made him a plate before starting her apology.

"I'm sorry I went out when I shouldn't have...I can never stay mad at you. I know I should have turned around as soon as I saw it was a full moon. I should have been more careful. I'm sorry okay? I'm sorry for slamming the door too." She smiled slightly at her brother, her mood was a little somber and she didn't want to seem too depressed. So she put a smile on and acted as if she was fine. It wasn't anything she couldn't handle on her own. She had to be independent, well as much as she could be.

Jake looked up at Ella with a sympathetic look, "It's okay, I'm sorry too for making that comment...I could hear your screams last night...I was to mad to come over...I'm sorry I should have come over."

Ella smiled,"It's okay just a small flashback, I'm okay now." She smiled, as well as her brother knew her well and he could tell it was fake. He didn't bother to say anything he didn't want to ruin her mood before they went to school. He motioned for her to sit and start eating herself. She finished her meal decently fast...it was a bad habit of hers.

"Let's get to school lots of new people to meet. And please be careful to not expose anything. I don't need hunters poking around in our business. Jacob said.

"I won't expose us. I've been doing this for years." She smiled as they left for school

Cyrus could barely sleep after he got home. He spent the night tossing and turning. The times he was able to actually sleep he was plagued by terrors of the nightmarish werewolf from the woods and the bisected body of Laura Hale, but in the final dream of the night her body was replaced with his, fearing that the werewolf would come back for him and finish the job. He awoke in sweats, his sheets covered in it. Cyrus slipped out of bed and took his sheets and cover off and threw them in the corner of his room. He'd wash them later. He didn't want his mom asking him any questions. He went to the bathroom to take a shower and begin his morning routine. He sent Ronnie a good morning and happy first day of school text even though it felt anything but. He noticed that his bite was mostly healed, though it kind of looked infected. That's what worried him. If he was infected by a werewolf bite and wasn't feeling sick or like he had rabies then he was going to become one. He was one...

Cyrus decided to wear a Nike Sweatsuit to hide his bite from his mom and anyone at school. The last thing he needed was for his mom knowing he was out there in the woods last night or coach telling him to sit things out until he gets his bite looked at.

"You look like you were hit by a truck." Tara said to her son as he walked into the kitchen. She almost spit her coffee out when she saw him.

Cyrus gave her a sarcastic smile. "Couldn't sleep. Excited for today. Scott's trying for first line this year and Ronnie's going for Captain of the Archery Club." Cyrus was quick with his lies. Growing up with a cop for a mom had him learn fast that the best lies held truths.

"Looks like the crew's leveling up." Tara replied. "That must be why Stiles felt the need to investigate in the woods alone last night."

"I told him not to, but I knew he wouldn't listen. I should've still gone to make sure he was safe." Cyrus replied without losing a beat.

"Hmm. He was safe alright. We made sure he left as soon as we found him. Just in case you didn't listen last night I don't want you and your friends out in the woods or really out late until we figure out what's going on."

Cyrus paused for a moment to think. He hated hiding what he knew from his mom. Would withholding this information put his mom and Stiles's dad in danger? Or would telling them? "Mom, you remember the Hales?"

"Yeah. Laura was an amazing babysitter. It's a shame what happened to their family. Actually, it's strange you ask. Her brother, Derek, is back in town. I shouldn't be telling you this, but I know you and Stiles are going to figure it out anyway and I rather you hear it from me. He came to the station last night saying that he believes the woman we found was Laura. We still haven't been able to confirm that yet."

Cyrus could confirm it, but he wouldn't. It sounds like they didn't find the half he and Scott found yet. His feelings from last night started to show on his face again. "Be careful, mom. Stiles told me he heard a wolf last night near where you found him."

"Huh. That's strange. California hasn't had wolves in years. Must be a group migrating." Tara said. "But yeah, I'll be safe. You be safe too, sweetie. I'll see you later. I have to go back into work." She rushed over to kiss him on the forehead. "And get some sleep tonight. Tell Ronnie I said hi and good luck." She then sprinted out of the door leaving Cyrus alone with his thoughts.

---

"Earth to Cyrus. It's your girlfriend speaking." Ronnie said trying to get her boyfriend's attention. He was way too lost in thought and she didn't understand how he was able to drive without issue.

Cyrus snapped to his senses. "Oh, I'm sorry, Ronnie. I just have a lot on my mind. Something happened last night."

Veronica was starting to get concerned. Both of her parents told her to stay home and especially away from the woods last night. She knew her mom must've been telling her for supernatural reasons, but she didn't understand how her dad knew anything. "Let me guess. You and Stiles heard something on dispatch and went to investigate."

Cyrus turned his head in surprise before turning a bit to keep focused on the road. "I'd ask how you knew, but you know me. Scott was with us, too. But Stiles got caught and Scott and I... You know the Hales, right?"

The Hales? She knew that the Hales were more than the community knew. She learned it during her training and how her family was connected to them. They were werewolves and they were their druids. Cyrus and the others investigating, Cyrus asking about the Hales, and her mom's warning together formed one conclusion. Werewolves were back in Beacon Hills. "Yeah." She finally answered. "Everyone from Beacon Hills knows about them and their tragedy. Why?"

Cyrus was nervous. He trusted Ronnie with his life, but he wasn't sure if she'd believe what he was about to say. "Laura Hale used to babysit me so I'd recognize her anywhere. Scott and I found her body last night. I... Ronnie, I think she was killed by a werewolf."

And there it was. Her confirmation. "A werewolf? Cyrus... I'm not doubting you, but are you sure?"

"I'm sure. It bit my leg and it stared me right in the eyes. I'll never forget that red glow." Cyrus said clenching up around the wheel.

"It... Pull over. Cyrus, please pull over." Ronnie pleaded with worry in her eyes, not for herself but for him.

Cyrus did as she asked and pulled over and placed the car in park. As soon as he did Ronnie unbuckled herself and began to examine him. She checked his forehead for a temperature and looked into his eyes and mouth. She placed her ear against his chest. His heartbeat was faster than normal, but he wasn't experiencing any other symptoms. "So, am I good, doc?"

"Well, you're not dead. So that's a good sign. Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Cyrus, you might become a werewolf and if you do there's something I need to tell you. I come from a family of Druids. My mom, my aunt, and my uncle. I'm one, too."

"Wait. Your uncle? Scott's boss?"

"Yes, but you don't seem all that surprised that I'm a Druid."

"I've always felt you were magical." Cyrus said, looking into her eyes. She was the best thing that's happened to him and if she was a Druid and he was a werewolf or whatever he was glad that he had her to help him through this. He was worried that she'd leave him or hunt him with the police or something. He felt a serious weight off of his shoulder.

Ronnie couldn't help but to kiss Cyrus after that. She was concerned deeply for him, but he seemed like her same old Cyrus. No extra aggression, no fangs, no nothing. "I don't know how my mom will feel about me dating a werewolf, but I'll talk to my uncle after school. Speaking of, did Scott get bit as well?"

Cyrus forgot that Scott was also bitten last night. He hadn't even heard from him yet this morning. His eyes widened in realization. "He did. We need to get to school."

---

Cyrus and Ronnie arrived at school and parked in student parking. When they caught up to Stiles and Scott they were already talking about last night.

"Scott was just telling me how you two got bit last night. Not fair that you two get matching scars and I get grounded." Stiles said when Cyrus and Ronnie approached them.

"Thanks again for falling on the sword for us. But you're actually not going to believe what bit us." Cyrus said while leaning in to keep it between them.

"Scott was already telling me it was a wolf which I was telling him was impossible."

"You're right, because it was a werewolf." Cyrus said with a victorious tone.

"Oh, come on!!!" Stiles exclaimed, catching everyone's attention. "Oh, come on..." He said in a whisper. "You both become werewolves and I'm stuck as your human friend. It's already enough you two are gonna be on the starting line while I'm on the bench. I bet even Ronnie got bit."

Cyrus and Ronnie hated seeing their friend defeated like this. "No. I'm still same old Ronnie." She said trying to comfort him for now. She'd tell him the truth later when they weren't surrounded by a bunch of people.

"And we're all making first line this year. You're not the bench guy anymore, Stiles."

"Yeah, yeah. We'll see. Anyway, homeroom's about to start and I don't need my dad getting a call this early. I'm saving that for gym."

The quartet headed inside the school to begin their new year at Beacon Hills High School.