After his brief reunion with Allison, May slipped his schedule into his pocket, mentally cursing the mess that had become Beacon Hills. Mary had arranged everything, as usual, aligning his classes with the pack and the alpha twins. He didn't mind—it made everything easier. He could keep close tabs on his targets without raising suspicion.

His first class was English. He glanced around, the hallways buzzing with chatter. The school itself looked ridiculous. There was something off about this town, something hidden beneath the mundane—like a calm before the storm. Beacon Hills was one of the worst places he'd ever been assigned to. Every step he took felt wrong, as if the air itself was filled with secrets waiting to unravel. For someone like him, used to knowing the ins and outs of every place he set foot in, the uncertainty gnawed at him. It wasn't just the supernatural creatures lurking here—it was the feeling that he couldn't control what was coming. And that, more than anything, unnerved him. He didn't like not being in control.

Pushing the thoughts aside, May scanned the hall for a potential guide to his class. The building was a maze, the rooms blending into one another. Numbers didn't seem to exist on the doors, which only fueled his frustration. He spotted a tall brunette guy leaning against the lockers and decided he would do. Not just for directions, but perhaps for something more to pass the time. There was always a way to make a mission enjoyable. And in May's line of work, some people were often tools—useful, disposable.

Calm and calculated as always, he approached, his mind already weaving possible outcomes. Every move May made was deliberate, a part of the greater plan he crafted in his head. He rarely let anything slip. People were resources—Allison had been one before, though he had enjoyed that mission more than expected, thanks to her. Maybe this guy would be a similar distraction.

"Hey," May said, flashing his well-practiced smile, his voice carrying an easy charm. "I'm new and can't seem to find room 102 for English. No numbers on these doors."

The guy, who had been lost in thought, blinked and then smiled back, clearly taken aback by May's presence. "It's actually on my way. I'll walk you there. I'm Danny, by the way."

The faint skip in Danny's heartbeat wasn't lost on May. His heightened senses picked up the change instantly. He smirked to himself, finding a bit of amusement in how easily people could be swayed with just the right tone or smile. It was effortless. He didn't need to form any real connections—just enough to get what he needed.

"Ryan," May lied smoothly, not missing a beat. "Just transferred in."

Danny nodded, seemingly pleased to help. "Figured you were new. Everyone knows everyone else around here. I'd have remembered you."

May chuckled softly, cocking an eyebrow. "You think so?"

"Oh, I know so," Danny replied, his smirk widening slightly.

By the time they reached the classroom, Danny gestured toward the door with a grin. "Here you go. Room 102. You're welcome, Ryan."

"My knight in shining armor," May said, throwing a quick wink as he nodded goodbye. "See you around."

He watched Danny's reaction carefully—another tool he might use later. A distraction, just like Allison had been. But distractions were useful. They made a mission more bearable, especially when things got complicated. He could already feel this one would.

As May stepped into the room, his eyes immediately locked onto Lydia Martin, who gave him a small, flirtatious wave. He returned it with a casual smirk, though his mind was elsewhere. Besides his interaction with her before—Mary had mentioned her. The girl involved with Peter Hale, whether knowingly or not. A piece in a puzzle much larger than she understood. Peter was always a wildcard, and May still hadn't figured out what his endgame was. The thought unsettled him. Peter Hale was someone he couldn't quite crack, and that made May tread carefully. People like Peter... they didn't play by the rules, and they most probably had their own twisted games to add on.

As May scanned the room, his gaze landed on Allison, who was seated a few seats beside Lydia. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, avoiding eye contact. Typical. The past between them was still fresh for her, but May had long since moved on. She was a pawn in a bigger game, someone who had served her purpose during his last mission. He hadn't cared for her, not really. It wasn't like he had fallen for her—he just enjoyed the game, and she was generally a nice person. Now, she was just another part of the equation.

But the one thing May wasn't expecting—was Scott McCall. The guy sitting next behind Allison with the warm, genuine smile. He cursed himself for the way he reacted to Scott earlier in the bathroom.

May felt Scott's gaze land on him, and something unfamiliar stirred inside him. His usual calm, collected exterior wavered, if only for a second. The warmth in Scott's eyes, that strange, almost innocent sincerity—May didn't know how to deal with it. And for someone who prided himself on control, on being untouchable, it shook him. He felt his own heartbeat stutter, a betrayal of his emotions, and he silently cursed himself for the reaction. Why did Scott, of all people, get under his skin?

He forced a smile in return, hating the fact that he'd even allowed a crack to show.

He wasn't here for Scott. Scott wasn't part of the mission. But that stupid, kind smile was starting to irritate him more than he wanted to admit. Scott wasn't like Allison, wasn't someone May could just manipulate and use. Scott... seemed different. May didn't know why, and it bothered him. He despised the way Scott made him feel in the last hour, like his perfectly constructed facade might fall apart.

Once seated, May felt his phone buzz.

Riri
Braeden saved Isaac from the alpha pack
They had quite THE encounter with the twins
Apparently they merge into one big wolf???
Isaac doesn't remember a thing though
I'm with Stilinski in the hospital with Braeden and Isaac
I'm trying to let Braeden go away without them questioning the amount of weapons she has

May sighed, fingers flying across the keyboard as he responded.

May
Of course they wiped his memory
But why let Isaac out before Boyd and the others?
Also wdym they merge into one big wolf??? what the fuck am I supposed to do against THAT
How's Braeden?

Riri
To send a message to derek? What else would they let him go? I'd do the same tbh if i was delulu or whatever his name is
Also
Use your powers May
You're literally stronger than all of them COMBINED
They literally have nothing on you
Braeden's okay btw

May
That would defeat the whole point of being "on the low"
Keep me updated with the whole braeden isaac hospital thing though

Riri
it's fine if they know what you are as long as you keep the mission going without them knowing it's a mission???
Thats THE whole point
WORKING on the low
Who cares if they find out you're a dog who can do much more than just a dog

May
YOU out of EVERYONE know why i cant let anyone know????

Riri
You have me AND the entire Organization behind your back
We wouldn't let anything happen
*I* wouldn't let anything happen
Besides
I have it covered up
Just don't overdo it and you're good

May
Ughhhhh
Whatever
I have to go anyway
Class is about to start

As he deleted the messages, the teacher walked in, immediately making eye contact with May. He felt something strange in her gaze—an intensity he couldn't quite place. There was something wrong with this woman. May made a mental note to figure out who she was and what her role was in Beacon Hills' twisted undercurrent.

He was here to find answers, but with every step, this town became more tangled, more dangerous. He's forced to turn off the phone, muttering a curse when he realized he wouldn't be able to receive any updates from Mary.

The secrets of Beacon Hills were vast, and for the first time in a long time, May wasn't sure if he could break through them all. The uncertainty gnawed at him, even though he'd never admit it. Maybe this place was more than just another mission—maybe it was a game where he wasn't sure he knew the rules.

What caught May's attention was when the principal slipped into the room, his entrance quiet but with an air of importance. He leaned in to whisper something to Ms. Blake, the teacher. Without missing a beat, May listened in, honing his senses to catch every word exchanged between them. Scott McCall was being called out of class—by his mother.

That could only mean one thing: something had happened at the hospital.

Shit.

May's mind immediately went to Isaac and the others. If Scott was headed there, it meant something serious was going down, and he wasn't about to sit back while it unfolded. He quickly turned his phone on, checking for any updates from Mary. His fingers itched to text her first, but before he could, the messages arrived.

Riri
One of the alphas is here
Her name's Kali
She attacked Isaac
I'm handling things on this end but I need you to keep your eye on Scott's friends
Isaac told Melissa to call Scott

May's lips pressed into a tight line as he scanned the message. Things were unraveling faster than expected.

May
You sure you don't want me to come?

Riri
Yes
Stay put
You cover school and I'll take care of the rest

May exhaled sharply, tension already creeping into his posture. Staying in class felt wrong when the real action was unfolding elsewhere, but he trusted Mary's judgment. Reluctantly, he deleted the messages, making sure no trace remained. The minutes dragged by, and May could feel the boredom tugging at his patience. He hated this—sitting still, waiting while the situation outside escalated.

But then, he overheard the conversation between Stiles and Lydia, the two sitting a couple of desks over. Stiles' voice cut through the monotony of the classroom, and May honed in.

"...And then the deer just crashed into us. Out of nowhere," Stiles said to Lydia, his tone laced with disbelief.

May's mind immediately clicked into gear. The deer incident was already strange, a red flag for any supernatural interference. Mary had mentioned the accident the night before, but now it was more than just a coincidence. Animal behavior, especially erratic like this, was a precursor to supernatural events. He'd seen it happen before—first, the animals, then the chaos.

What really caught his attention, though, was Lydia's next comment.

"Prada bit me this morning," she said quietly, as if she couldn't quite believe it herself.

That sent alarm bells ringing in May's head. A deer accident, now a dog biting its own owner? The signs were all there. It was too much for it to be random. The presence of the alpha pack was likely disturbing the natural order, but even then, this felt... off. The disturbances were too obvious, too aggressive. Usually, shifts in nature were more subtle when alphas were around. This felt like something else entirely.

His thoughts spiraled, analyzing the possibilities.

Was it just the alpha pack, or was there something more at play here?

May's mission was already becoming more tangled than expected, and for the first time in a while, he found himself questioning whether he'd be able to get through this one unscathed.

Then it happened.

A sudden thud against the window snapped him out of his thoughts. A pigeon had slammed directly into the glass, the sound echoing through the classroom.

His eyes narrowed.

Before he could even process the oddity, another bird hit the window. Then another. And another. May felt a chill creep down his spine as the sky outside seemed to darken, hundreds of birds hurtling toward the building. The glass broke, cracking under the force of the relentless impact. It wasn't just one bird—it was a swarm.

The next moment, the glass shattered, and the birds flooded in, a storm of feathers, blood, and chaos.

May's calm exterior crumbled, just like the window. His usual control, the carefully constructed mask he wore, shattered under the onslaught. The birds came at him in a frenzy, their claws and beaks tearing at his skin. He dove under a desk near Stiles and Lydia, trying to keep himself together, but it was difficult. The pain was sharp, searing as he forced his body not to heal, to prevent any of the others from seeing what he really was. He couldn't let his secret slip, not here, not now.

But the injuries were brutal, worse than anything he had anticipated. Each scratch felt like it was carving into his very soul, and despite his best efforts, his heartbeat slipped out of its usual controlled rhythm. He cursed under his breath, feeling the birds swarm over him. His mind screamed at him to fight back, to use his strength and push them away, but he knew better. He had to stay hidden.

He let out a scream when more birds attacked him, the panic real for the first time in years. He was losing control.

When the attack finally stopped, the room was left in a disarray of feathers, broken glass, and blood. The students stood in stunned silence, taking in the wreckage around them. May dragged himself to his feet, every movement calculated to appear as weak as possible. He needed to sell the injuries, the pain. The last thing he needed was for someone like Stiles or Allison to get suspicious. He glanced at his reflection in a shard of glass—unhealed bruises marred his face. He swore silently, realizing he hadn't been able to heal some of them in time.

He approached Stiles, Lydia, and Allison, his steps uneven as he pretended to stumble. "You guys okay?" he asked, his voice strained. His eyes lingered on Allison a beat too long. He wasn't sure why, but seeing her still affected him.

Allison swallowed, clearly shaken. "Yeah. I think so."

Stiles, ever the suspicious one, squinted at him. "Hey, you're new, right?"

May nodded.

Stiles didn't miss a beat. "Those birds seemed to have something against you. You're covered in bruises, man. More than any of us."

May forced a chuckle, despite the pain. "They seemed to have something against all of us." He gestured to the room. "Does this kind of thing normally happen here?"

Lydia, ever composed, gave him a knowing look. "Something like that."

May's phone buzzed. He checked it discreetly.

Riri
Ennis and Kali attacked Isaac but Derek and Scott showed up
They got him back

May let out a breath of relief, but he couldn't shake the growing unease gnawing at him. Something was very, very wrong with Beacon Hills. This mission wasn't like the others. This town was hiding something far more sinister than even he had anticipated, and for the first time in a long while, he wasn't sure if he could untangle the web of secrets it held.

The classroom had mostly calmed down when the police—and Mary—arrived. She rushed to him, wrapping him in a tight hug. May hugged her back, grateful for the brief comfort.

When they pulled apart, Mary cupped his face, her eyes scanning the bruises. "What the hell happened?" she whispered urgently.

"I'm fine," May replied, his voice steady despite the chaos still coursing through him. "The birds just... came out of nowhere. They came right for me."

Mary's expression darkened. "We'll figure it out. We always do."

Their conversation was cut short as Chris Argent approached, his presence as imposing as ever. May's muscles tensed instinctively. He respected the man's adherence to the hunter's code, but he knew better than to let his guard down around him. Chris was smart, and if he ever learned the truth about May, things would get dangerous—fast.

Chris Argent's greeting cut through the tension of the room. "Rose," he said, his voice familiar but layered with disbelief. "I couldn't believe it when I heard your voice."

Mary, ever composed, responded with a smile—though to May, it looked rehearsed, as if she'd perfected the art of masking her true feelings. "Chris! It's been too long." Her expression softened into what seemed like genuine sympathy. "I'm so sorry about Victoria. I just found out recently. I meant to call, but," she gestured to her uniform and the sheriff standing nearby, "work has kept me tied up."

Chris nodded, his features tightening briefly at the mention of his late wife. "It's okay.. I get it." He looked at Mary again, shifting the topic. "They called you out here?"

Mary hummed in response, the exchange between the two carrying a weight of unspoken history. "It's good to see you too," Chris said, turning toward May. "Ryan? How are you settling in here?"

It was honestly a rhetorical question, seeing the circumstances they were in.

First day of the mission, and shit had been already happening.

May gave a nonchalant shrug, hoping to cut the conversation short. "Like you can see," he replied flatly, his guard raised. He didn't want to get involved with Chris Argent, especially knowing who he really was—what he represented. The less interaction, the better.

As they spoke, May noticed Stiles and his father, Sheriff Noah Stilinski, watching their interaction closely. Stiles, in particular, had that inquisitive gleam in his eyes, the one that screamed suspicion. May could literally smell the weight of Stiles' curiosity pressing in on him.

Noah approached, his eyes shifting between Mary, Chris, and May. "You all know each other?"

Chris nodded. "Yeah, we were neighbors. Back in San Francisco."

Mary, quick on her feet, wrapped an arm around May, her smile widening as she turned to Noah. "Sheriff, this is my brother, Ryan."

Noah chuckled, despite the situation, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, the delinquent brother I've heard so much about. And this," He gestured toward Stiles, "is my delinquent son."

The boys exchanged silent, awkward nods, but May couldn't shake the feeling that Stiles was watching him even more closely now. The kid's suspicion was growing, and May had a sinking feeling it wouldn't take long before he dug up something he wasn't supposed to.

Noah turned back to Chris, his tone more serious. "Mr. Argent, you wouldn't have any idea about this... situation, would you?"

Chris looked puzzled and taken back. "Me?"

Noah gestured to the broken window, the mess of feathers, and glass. "This... animal attack. It's bizarre. I figured, with your background, you must've seen something like this before."

May's interest rose. He wondered what the Argents' story was in this town. Were they really laying low, or were they still hunting behind the scenes?

Chris shook his head. "I'm not sure why I would or why you'd think that."

"I'm sorry," Noah sighed, clearly frustrated. "It's just — I could've sworn I overheard my son mentioning you were some kind of experienced hunter."

Stiles' face flushed as the group turned to him. May had to stifle a chuckle. It was almost laughable how bad the Argents' cover was. If this had been any other situation, May might've actually enjoyed watching them try to wriggle out of this. Chris looked at Stiles, his look alone cursing the boy off.

Chris's response was unexpected to May though. "Well," he looked at Allison. "We're not anymore."

May's eyes flicked to Mary, their silent communication instantaneous.

What did that mean? Had the Argents really stopped their hunt? Or was it just another part of another ploy?

May wondered what went through their minds when they killed werewolves. Was it really about preserving some code, or was it just about eliminating anything they didn't understand? May thought back to the Hale fire, to the countless innocents who had died that night. It made him question whether he was any different from the hunters. He killed too, for a mission, for survival. But it wasn't something he ever enjoyed. It was a necessity. A price he had to pay for the ghosts of the past.

Noah nodded slowly, accepting the answer for now, before turning to check on Allison and May. Afterward, they were ushered out into the hallway, where May kept his sharp senses attuned to everything happening around him. Stiles was on the phone, his voice lowered, but May caught enough of the conversation to piece it together.

Scott was at Derek's place. He could only assume Isaac was there too, recovering from whatever had happened at the hospital.

"Scott's at Derek's," May whispered to Mary, tugging her away from the rest of the group.

"I know," she replied coolly.

May blinked, surprised. "You know?"

Mary shrugged as if it were obvious. "Derek and Scott saved Isaac. Of course, they're there trying to help him figure out what happened with the alphas."

May sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right. So, do you want me to follow Stiles? Make sure everything's alright?"

Before Mary could answer, their conversation was interrupted by the sight of Braeden walking into the school, approaching Lydia and Allison.

May's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. What the hell was she doing here? Braeden was a wildcard—smart, skilled, but unpredictable. Her presence in the school at this timing wasn't part of the plan. Not to their information anyway.

"What the fuck is she doing?" May whispered to Mary, but she seemed just as perplexed.

Braeden's calm demeanor cracked slightly as she questioned Lydia and Allison of where Scott McCall is.

May's mind was racing.

Why ask for Scott McCall? Why didn't she just ask him or Mary? Was she also playing her own game?

May honestly begad to question his own role in the game because with every passing minute, he grew more unsure of what this mission really hides.

There were too many twisted games, and he had no idea which one was he part of.

But as May stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold, his gaze darted between Braeden, Lydia, and Allison. He watched as each of Braeden's palms cover the girls' hands. He could feel already feel the new presence of the alpha twins—Ethan and Aiden—lingering just behind them, they closely watched Braeden's interaction with the girls. May's senses tingled, and it became clear to him that the twins were already piecing together what was happening.

This is definitely Braeden's move. She's trying to tip Scott off while simultaneously baiting Deucalion.

He had to admit, she was playing the game smart. Braeden might've given away to the alphas why she really was here, but she still maneuvered it in a way that would ensure her part of the mission is done.

On one hand, she subtly passed information to Derek and Scott about Boyd and the others' location, and on the other, she sent a signal to Deucalion: The alphas aren't as invisible as they think.

May caught on to this the moment he saw the alpha twins' eyes flicker with recognition. Braeden's plan was working—she'd sent a message. The realization made him smirk. He leaned subtly toward Mary, his hand gesturing just enough toward the twins who were edging closer to the group. "Look," he whispered to her. "They've caught on. She's playing them."

Mary followed May's gaze to the twins and gave him a quick nod, her lips barely twitching into a smile. She could see it too. "We'll see how far they can push this before Lydia and Allison figure it all out," Mary muttered, her tone thoughtful. She sighed and looked at her phone. "Stilinski and I need to question Deaton," Mary said, turning to leave.

But May stopped her. "What about Braeden? The alphas were watching her. They know."

Mary's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "How about you handle it?"

May smirked back. He knew what she was implying. She wanted him to use his powers—to intervene without revealing too much. And honestly, the idea thrilled him. It had been too long since he'd last used magic, and he could feel the familiar hum of energy stirring within him.

As he slipped away, following the scent of the alphas and Braeden, he spotted Braeden entering the boys locker room.

She looked at him, pointing a finger to her mouth to "stay quiet" as she broke a broom to take the wood part of it as a weapon. He nodded and he quickly hid in one of the closets, leaving part of it open to be able to do this.

He whispered a few words under his breath, "Tardus Pulsatio." His heartbeat slowed, almost nonexistent to the raging group entering the room, his breathing became nearly imperceptible. He was invisible to the heightened senses of the werewolves now, just another shadow blending into the background.

He watched as Braeden held her own, her movements precise and calculated. But it wasn't enough. Ennis, fully transformed, pinned her to the wall, his red eyes glowing with rage.

As Ennis roared in Braeden's face, May whispered another spell under his breath, this one directed at the alphas, "Phasmatos Oculacs."

The effect was immediate. Ennis's muscles stiffened, and a low growl escaped his throat as he tried to fight back. But his body wasn't responding. Kali and the twins winced, their eyes flashing with pain as May's spell subtly disrupted their equilibrium, making it harder for them to focus.

Braeden, sharp as ever, noticed the momentary lapse in their defenses and attacked. She drove a broken broomstick into one of the twins' sides, sending him stumbling backward. May had to admire her tenacity—human or not, Braeden was a force to be reckoned with.

But just as he was about to mutter another spell, Kali moved faster than he could react. Her foot connected with Braeden's face, sending her crashing to the ground. Blood pooled around her as her head hit the cold tile floor, and May's stomach twisted.

Damn it, I should've done more.

And then, the air in the room shifted. It grew heavy, dark. May felt it before he saw him—Deucalion. His presence was suffocating, a weight that pressed down on May's chest.

The man entered the locker room, his sunglasses hiding the eyes May knew were far more dangerous than they appeared. He knelt in front of Braeden, his claws tracing her bloodied face with a twisted sort of affection. "You're defiant," he murmured, his voice low and menacing. "Aren't you?"

Braeden, despite the pain, glared up at him. "Because I know something. You're afraid of them."

Deucalion chuckled darkly, his smile filled with malice. "Afraid of teenagers?" He shook his head.

Scott? Or the two kids?

"Afraid of what they'll become."

"I'm aware of potential threats. But then someone once told me of a certain smart way to eliminate threat." His smirk widened. "Let someone else handle it for you."

Braeden's eyes widened, realization dawning on her. "Derek," she whispered, her voice strained.

The weight of Deucalion's words hit May at the same moment.

Derek.

He's planning to use Derek to eliminate the threats. It was a twisted genius. Manipulate the alpha who was already struggling to control his power, to do the dirty work for him. Deucalion wasn't just dangerous; he was ruthless.

May's heart raced, though the Tardus Pulsatio spell still kept his heartbeat masked.

This mission is more dangerous than he thought. He was stuck in the middle of a bloodbath waiting to happen, and he was not sure which side he is on.

His role was supposed to be clear-cut: infiltrate, eliminate threats, survive. But the lines were blurring. With every spell he cast, every move he made, he felt more tangled in a web that he might not escape from.

From his hidden spot, May could see the tense interaction between Braeden and Deucalion. The alpha didn't need to threaten her further. His mere presence was enough to enforce his dominance. But Braeden wasn't a pushover. Even bruised and bloodied, she refused to back down.

Deucalion straightened. "Remember what I said," he murmured. "Let someone else do the work for you. It's cleaner that way." He turned to leave, his alphas following behind like shadowy figures of death. As they exited the room, May knew he had to move quickly.

Braeden slumped against the lockers, her breathing labored. The cut on her face, deep and ugly, bled freely. May stepping out from his hiding spot. But he needed to be cautious. The twins or Kali could return any moment. No more mistakes.

"Viribus Salutis," May whispered, directing his magic toward Braeden. Slowly, her breathing eased, the immediate pain subsiding as the spell worked its way through her injuries, knitting her wounds together, though not fully healing her. He couldn't afford to draw too much attention with obvious healing, but it would be enough to get her back on her feet.

Braeden's eyes snapped open, locking onto May's. For a moment, her gaze was sharp with confusion, but recognition flickered there too. "May," she rasped, her voice hoarse from pain. "You didn't have to do that."

May crouched beside her, his voice low. "I basically saved your ass. A thank you would be nice. What the hell is going on anyway? This wasn't part of the mission."

Braeden rolled her eyes. "Thank you." She chuckled weakly, though the sound quickly turned into a wince of pain. "Plans change. You know that." She groaned as she tried to sit up. "They're planning something bigger than just targeting Derek. Deucalion—he's playing a long game. He wants to tear apart the entire power structure in Beacon Hills. The alphas are just a means to an end."

May clenched his fists. What have I walked into?

"Why didn't you tell us?" he demanded, his voice barely a whisper but sharp. "Mary and I—if you're working your own angle here, we need to know."

Braeden leaned back against the lockers, her head tilting toward him. "It's not that simple, May. This is bigger than the Organization, bigger than me, you, or even Scott and Derek. The alpha pack—they're just the beginning. They won't be your problem later on. There are more players involved, hidden threats we're not even aware of yet."

May felt a chill crawl up his spine. More players? Just how deep did this go?

He stood up, pacing slightly, his mind racing. He should have seen this coming. He'd always known the Organization didn't tell them everything. But this... this was on a whole new level. May's thoughts churned with growing uncertainty.

If Deucalion is pulling strings, and if Braeden isn't even fully in the loop, then who the hell is really playing this game?

Before May could voice his thoughts, Braeden spoke again, her voice steadier now. "You finally started using your powers again, didn't you? I saw you use them back there, against the alphas and to heal me." She smirked, though the expression was laced with pain. "You're not just some skilled fighter. You're something else."

May tensed. Damn it. He hadn't been careful enough. Using magic again in front of a member in the Organization like Braeden was risky, even if she already operated in the supernatural world. He didn't answer her right away, weighing his options.

"I'm not here to talk about me," he finally said, sidestepping the question. "We need to focus on what's next. The alphas aren't going to back down. They're coming for Scott, Derek, and everyone else. If Deucalion's planning to use Derek—"

"We stop him before he can," Braeden interrupted, her voice growing firmer. "But you're right. We need to play this game smart. You use your powers subtly.
—preferably never when they're around. It will get messy if they even know you're a werewolf." She gave him a hard look, as if warning him to be careful. "The more they know about you, the more dangerous this will get."

May nodded, though a knot of unease settled in his chest. Keep my powers hidden, he repeated to himself. But how long could he do that? If things escalated the way they seemed to be, hiding might not be an option for much longer.

"We need to get out of here," Braeden said, struggling to stand. May quickly reached out, helping her to her feet. "The twins are probably still nearby, and Kali... she doesn't leave things half-finished."

May took Braeden's arm and wrapped it around his shoulder as they moved toward the exit, his mind still racing with possibilities. If Deucalion was manipulating Derek, and if there were hidden threats beyond the alpha pack, then Beacon Hills was about to become ground zero for something much bigger than any of them anticipated.

As they reached the hallway, May muttered under his breath, casting a quick spell to check if anyone else was nearby. "Oculis Aperio." His vision flickered briefly, his senses heightening. He caught the faint aura of the alpha twins nearby, but they were moving in the opposite direction. For now, they were safe.

Braeden glanced at him, her lips curving into a wry smile. "You're useful to have around. I'll give you that."

May rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You're welcome. Let's just hope I don't have to use my powers too much again to save your ass. I don't think we're ready for what happens if I use it too much."

As they left the school, May's mind whirled with everything he had learned. This mission might just be the death of me.

But one thing was certain: whatever Deucalion was planning, May wouldn't be sitting on the sidelines. He'd fight, even if it meant revealing everything he had kept hidden for so long. Even if it meant unraveling the secrets he'd always wished to never be uncovered.