"Hey I'm going to meet up with Scott. He's at Allison's aunt's funeral... Do, you uh, wanna come. With me. To see Scott."

"I... uh, have to see my grandma."

"She's in the hospital, isn't she?"

"Yeah."

"Is she... okay?"

"She compares herself to a piece of paper that's been crumpled by life and then worn over time."

"That's poetical."

"She likes to think she's Yoda."

Violeta noted his reaction to the Star Wars reference. A ghost of a smile can on her face but she kept it away, knowing this decision would change a lot of things. She could go and then show interest in these people's lives. That she cared for their wellbeing and looked out for them and thus associate herself to them as a friend. Or she could stay in the safe confines of being a recluse.

"Well, uh, if you change your mind..." Stiles said. "Or not. I know family is important."

"Yeah. It is." A beat. "Best luck finding Lydia and tell Allison not to listen to the haters."

Then she walked off and didn't give Stiles the chance to say anything after her.

-

When she arrived at the hospital room, Derek Hale was there.

"Abuela." She greeted upon seeing her grandma in the usual bed, a werewolf sitting in the chair Violeta usually occupied. Hale stood up upon her entry and looked at her grandma.

"Her? This is your protegida?" Derek asked, the disbelief clear. Violeta squared her shoulders and pulled her hoodie back, hoping to reveal her face and show the tense glare she had for him in regards to his words. The Hale family were a well-known family in the supernatural community, comparable to being the werewolf equivalent of the Mikaelsons. However, being a Rodriguez, the Spanish blood... that was another story. They were the overarching superiors, the ones who kept the balance and thus, had the power to rule over all. But they weren't like that. They were about peace and love and everything else abuela Maria was.

And everything Violeta wasn't.

"You ask for help. Help you want not mine to give. Power moves, responsibility moves." Abuela said with a warm smile that the werewolf was not having.

"She's a child." Derek seethed.

"A child who knows more than you do." Violeta finally spoke up. "Last I checked, you're an alpha without a pack and is alone fumbling in the dark."

"I have a pack." Derek retorted.

"So you turned Isaac, then."

This caused the werewolf to do a double take. Violeta allowed herself the satisfaction of smirking, fuelling the fact that she had just one upped this werewolf. She didn't know much about Derek; only seeing him and his interactions in the supernatural going ons in Beacon Hills. She knew he killed Peter and thus, was now the alpha.

"How did you know about that?"

"It was a hunch. Stiles Stilinski comes asking me about Isaac and it was the first inclination that he was about to pulled into your soberdenatural business. It was only a matter of guessing how. Being turned by an alpha looking for a pack seemed most likely."

"Really? And why is that?"

"Strength in numbers. You need a pack but you can't go turning random reckless individuals. So you go to the lost souls, telling them you'll provide a path, a purpose." Violeta crossed her arms. "You call me a little girl but you forget that I have this running in my blood."

"So do I."

"You're a mere wolf, boy." Violeta said. "Don't forget your place and whom it is you are standing before." She finally moved across the room to come and sit by her grandmother's side. Abuela's hand shook as she reached for Violeta's. She engulfed her abuela's hand in both of hers and placed a chaste kiss to it.

Derek exhaled and Violeta sensed the tension leave him. He pulled up a chair to the foot of the bed and sat down. He leaned forward, his elbows to his knees as he pressed his palms together and heavily exhaled.

"Jackson is rejecting the bite." Derek said. "I visited him and there was black liquid coming out of his ears." Violeta took in this information, her mind whirling at the possibilities of what could cause this. However, she didn't say anything because abuela was here and abuela was the Elder and she wasn't.

"I have already declared that I am not of chief service." Abuela said.

"Maria, look, I know I ignored you before but I need you now. You." Derek said, putting emphasis on the last part, glancing at Violeta momentarily. "I need someone I can trust."

"Alas, you said you trust me." Maria said. "So trust my judgement when I say you must put your faith in Violeta. I do."

Derek stood up, a fit of rage coming upon him. Violeta rolled her eyes and was ready to snap at him when she felt her grandma squeeze her hand. Violeta gave her a small smile then turned to the back of Derek, the werewolf who was glaring at the hospital wall.

"Did you taste something funny when you bit him?" Violeta finally spoke. When she did, the Spanish accent became more prominent. Derek turned around to look at her, slowly, the change in accent not lost on him.

"No."

"Has he shown any forms of aggression, extra strength or any of the enhanced abilities?"

"I... I don't think so. Nothing out of the ordinary. From what I've seen." Violeta stood up and went to her school bag. There, she pulled out a worn book and saw Derek approach her in the corner of her eye.

"Is that Bestiary."

"Of sorts."

"Of sorts?"

"Who are we?" Derek was silenced at her question. "It's both a bestiary and grimoire."

"Is this your family's?" Derek said, looking at her grandma, Maria, at the bed who had now closed her eyes. He knew she wasn't asleep but she looked so peaceful he wondered why she was even here. With how she looked, he couldn't imagine her to be in any pain.

"It's mine." Violeta said, completely surprising Derek. He glanced at the leather covered book that looked well worn but he finally noted the clean crisp pages. It had stuff falling out and there were pen marks over the back but it was undeniably new. Just like a notebook someone had bought a few weeks ago and had not let out of their sight since first purchasing it. However, what was most surprising was how full it was. That's what made him think it was her grandma's, the sheer fact that it was already so... full.

There really wasn't any way to describe the book. Sans the leather cord, Derek doubted it would've closed. For the first time, he felt a tiny ounce of reassurance by how much effort this girl had put into research.

"The bite must trigger something. It's impossible for a person to be bitten and not suffer some affects of supernatural nature." Violeta told Derek as she flicked through the pages of the notebook. "You need to keep a closer eye on Jackson. I will too at school but let me know if you see anything."

"You know what he might be." It was a question yet Derek said as a statement. These people always had an inclination which, usually, was correct.

"Yes."

"And you're not going to tell me until you confirm it."

"Yes."

Derek let out a dry laugh, suddenly remembering why he had avoided these people for so long. However, he was an alpha now and whilst they would never serve as a personal druid to an alpha... it would be his interest to have amicable affiliations with some pure-bloods. Even though Violeta Rodriguez was new to the game, there was no denying her vast knowledge. And she was new. She was new and her Book already looked like this. Yes, as an alpha it was in his best interests. Especially since druids were mere humans who studied after the philosophies of Violeta and her grandma alike.

This was why Derek said, "Okay," to the commands given to him by a sixteen year old girl about the supernatural.

-

"Someone killed Isaac's dad and it wasn't Isaac."

"I'm not going to even ask how you got my phone number." Violeta said with a dry droll, entering her lock combination. She threw in some books, took out some others and turned around to see the world frozen.

Alas, Lydia Martin had come back to school.

"This is serious."

"Beats me why it is since Isaac's dad used to literally beat his son." Violeta said, knowing all too well that Derek too, knew all too well this little known fact. "And hold on." Violeta cleared her throat and then,

"DID THE WORLD STOP FUCKING MOVING?" Everyone turned to look at her and she gave her worst glares to a few who caught her eyes. Within three seconds, the student body at Beacon Hills resumed it's progression of the morning flurry of students. Violeta caught Allison's eyes who gave her a smile of gratitude. Violeta flipped her off, hoping to keep the fact that they were not friends pretty clear between them. Lydia Martin caught the interaction and pulled her best friend to the side, probably to demand answers. Violeta scoffed and resumed her conversation with the alpha.

"You may now continue."

"The fact that you're not taking this seriously makes me doubt your skills and knowledge." Derek said, displeasure all too clear in his voice.

"Let me remind you that it was you who came to us."

"I came to your grandmother." He said in way of clarification. "Not you."

She hung up on him and slammed her locker door with slightly more force than needed. She stared at the slight dent and rolled her eyes. Scott McCall had literally broken Jackson's locker and no one had bat an eye lash. With a huff, she pull the usual habitual move of reaching bag to pull her hoodie up. It was in that moment that she regretted her choice of clothing and dropped her hand back down with another huff. The Biggie inspired Cosby sweater, baggy jeans and Timberlands seemed like a good idea upon noting the nice weather. However, now, Derek had pissed her off and she wished for some black clothing to hide under in her way of teenage angst.

She knew Derek Hale would never respect her until push came to shove and she proves herself. It was only until then that her life was literally The Godfather in regards to everyone wanting Marlon Brando's advice when Al Pacino had been bestowed as 'The Don.'

Or, at least, that's how Tomei had put it this morning at breakfast.

Violeta had just again told her to stop gossiping with abuela.

However, now, Derek had brought it to her attention that Isaac was now in danger since his father was abusive and his father was now also dead. The justice system had to really be fucked if they were to not question Isaac. Even without Violeta's past and having seen the self-defence-going-too-far story more times than she'd care to count, it was... well, damn near common sense that Isaac would be a suspect.

So Violeta made her way to the boy's locker room.

It was only when she arrived there and she heard the distinct voice of one Stiles Stilinski that she stopped and saw it. She ran a hand through her hair. It was happening. Her little bubble was slowly being broken down and her whole I-don't-care-exterior of the quiet loner was, well, it was going to shit. Look at her, going to the locker room to find Isaac, talking on the phone to Derek Hale and telling every single student at Beacon Hills High to piss off and leave two of the popular girls alone.

Her grandma said the closer she became to being ready, the more involved she'd find herself.

Cue the Spanish curse words flying under her breath as she rubbed a hand over her face. She'd arrived at the boy's locker room and now what? She'd go in and do what? What was the purpose of her being here? There was none. Isaac was in danger— so what? Scott and Stiles were probably scrambling to find answers to questions they don't know how to ask and she was... here.

She was here. She was here for a reason. And while she was not going to go the boy's locker room and try and fix Derek's fuckups, she could just do what she always do and just observe. So, she made her way to the bleachers to watch the morning practice. She knew a few people who watch the morning lacrosse as an excuse to smoke or play some cards. This morning, she found Rico and D-Bo sitting with a few others. She walked up to them and they both greeted her with a dap. Whilst she was both a girl and younger, she had the reputation: and thus, the respect.

"How you going ma?" Rico asked, shuffling some cards while D-Bo was too busy telling the boys a story about a night at a club. All of D-Bo's stories were always about some night at some club where something happened.

"Tired." She answered.

"How's your grandma?"

"She's... coping. I guess." Violeta said.

"Straight shit," someone said called out, "Maria is the fucking bomb! She used to make me cookies n shit. Put choc chip pieces n shit." Violeta gave an awkward smile to the guy whom her grandmother used to bake cookies for. "Tell her I say get well n shit." He added. It was this that triggered Violeta to recall the name Eugene whom everyone referred to as 'UG' because, well, a name like Eugene doesn't get you much on the streets. Violeta knew him because he was the guy who always said "n shit" after everything he said.

A new game of Black Jack started. Violeta opted out, saying she couldn't be bothered. The boys let it go after pestering her twice and she was left to watch the lacrosse boys come out of the locker room. She saw Scott and Stiles, the latter ever so energetic. Her eyes noted Isaac who glanced at her a few times. One time, he stared for too long at the Coach noticed.

"Lahey! What are you staring at?!" Coach followed his line of sight and saw her. Violeta groaned at the Coach's eyes lit up.

"Rodriguez! Is that you!" He asked, calling out and walking over.

"Nah, homie." One of the boys around her called out, causing laughter. One of side of Violeta's mouth turned up in a smile. The Coach came up to the group, not sitting too far away from the bench where the Second Stringers sat. "Who are you?" The Coach asked the boy who had called out, appearing to genuinely not know who he was. "Do you go to school here?"

"Nah he just likes to come and chill n shit." UG added, causing more laughter and a few daps.

"I don't know if you're joking or not." Coach said. He looked at Violeta. "Is he joking?"

"He's joking." She confirmed.

"Look, doesn't matter." The Coach said. His demeanour then changed into one of pleading as he brought his hands together and waved them. "I'm begging you. I'll give you an A in my class."

"I'm already averaging on an A." Violeta said with a smirk.

"Yeah, don't you know? Our Violeta is a smart chicka." Rico said, draping an arm around her. "Smart enough that she ain't going to play your lacrosse shit."

"I wasn't asking you." Coach said. "Look, I'm begging, pleading. You want me to get on my hands and knees? I will."

"I'm a girl." She pointed out.

"I know you're a girl but we can move past that. Like, I don't discriminate and everyone thinks you're a boy anyways." As soon as the Coach said it, Rico pulled his arm back from her shoulders and leaned forward, looking Coach up and down.

"Whatchu tryna say?" Rico asked, trying to look intimidating which, to be fair, he did. "You sayin' she ain't pretty."

"I never said that!" The Coach cried back, evidently cautious of how all the boys suddenly stopped looking casual and playing cards and were now glaring at him in silence.

"It's fine." Violeta said, calming them down. "Coach, I really appreciate the offer but I don't like lacrosse. You have a good team anyway."

"Please! You're better than all of them combined!" He said. "Certainly better than Greenburg!"

It was at this time that the aforementioned Greenburg called out, "Coach!"

"Shut it Greenburg! I'm talking here!" Coach called back. Violeta grinned and shook her head.

"You should probably train your team. But hey, if you want my opinion, number 24 should be first string."

"Number 24..." Coach frowned. "You mean—"

"Think about it." She cut him off. "But don't waste anymore time since I won't be joining."

"Damn straight." D-Bo called out. It was at this that Coach gave D-Bo once last confused look before heading back to the field. It was then that training began and, way of Stiles Stilinski, Scott McCall overtook Danny's role and became goalie.

She raised an eyebrow after the first person went to go shoot and McCall dashed out of the goalie net and went around the defence to tackle the oncoming offence. Her unasked question was answered when she saw Scott sniffing his teammate.

Ah.

They were trying to find the new werewolf.

She looked over to where Isaac was to find him jumping up and down on the spot, Stiles obliviously unaware behind him... and looking at her.

"I gotta go." She called out to the boys. She dapped their outstretched hands and grabbed her backpack and left.

-

Violeta finally came round to the Principal's office to see Scott and Stiles sitting outside.

She sighed.

They heard her.

"Ah! Violeta!"

"Stiles." She acknowledged the boy who jumped upon seeing her. "Scott." She looked at the werewolf who was staring at her. "You guys actually in trouble or just want to eavesdrop on the Sheriff?"

"Harris." Was all Stiles said. She made a small 'ah' and nodded understandingly. When she found that she had Chemistry, she laughed and promptly ditched that for the gym. Hence the flushed state of her red cheeks the slight glisten to her dark gold skin. Her hair tie had also snapped after her last set and thus, she had to leave it out, flowing around. She had heard a few whispers on her way here since her hair was usually tucked into her jumper with a hoodie or cap on. Now, it was dangling freely all the way down her back to her waist.

"You, uh, look different." Stiles commented, clearing his throat as he scratched the back of his neck.

She stared at him for a moment, silent. He became even more flustered from the fact that she didn't say anything but stared at him green eyes piercing. However, for Violeta, the silence was just because she really didn't know how to respond to that.

"You know it's funny the kids getting beaten up are usually the ones least deserving of it." The sheriff's words rang through Violeta's ears. She blinked and suddenly she found herself needing to blink several more times to keep potential emotion at bay. There would be nothing brimming. She couldn't- and Stiles and Scott right in front of her.

The sheriff walked out with a fellow officer and Stiles scrambled to hide behind a magazine. Just like that, Violeta snapped out of the sad haze and couldn't help but smile at the boy. All the depressing thoughts and memories that threatened to resurface at the sheriff's words dissipated with one goofy action by Stiles.

"Scott." The sheriff said, exhaling loudly at the obvious presence of his son.

"Hi, sir." He greeted. The sheriff then noticed Violeta standing there and he smiled at her.

"Miss Rodriguez." He nodded and she could tell from the look on his face that Jackson had confirmed everything she had alluded to and everything he, the sheriff, had been suspicious of.