The hallway outside the Beacon Hills High locker room is empty, the lights buzzing faintly overhead. It’s late — long after the last student went home.
You shouldn’t be here.
And neither should Theo.
Yet there he is, leaning casually against the wall like he owns the place, arms crossed and that familiar, unreadable smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Following me now?” you ask, stopping a few feet away from him.
Theo tilts his head slightly.
“Pretty bold accusation,” he says smoothly. “What makes you think I was following you?”
You scoff softly.
“Because you’ve been behind me since the parking lot.”
For a moment, he looks impressed.
“Your senses are getting better.”
You cross your arms. “You didn’t answer the question.”
Theo pushes himself off the wall and takes a slow step closer.
“I wanted to talk.”
“Funny,” you mutter. “That usually happens before the stalking part.”
His smirk widens slightly.
“You’re dramatic.”
“And you’re suspicious.”
“Fair.”
Silence hangs between you for a second.
You narrow your eyes at him.
“You know the pack doesn’t trust you.”
Theo shrugs lightly. “I’m aware.”
“So why are you here?”
Another step closer.
“You.”
Your stomach flips slightly at the answer, but you quickly shake it off.
“Yeah, that’s not creepy at all.”
Theo studies your face carefully.
“You’re different from the others.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“That supposed to be a compliment?”
“An observation.”
You sigh.
“You’ve manipulated half the people in this town, Theo. Forgive me if I’m not exactly thrilled you’re suddenly interested in me.”
For once, he doesn’t immediately respond.
Instead, he looks… almost thoughtful.
“You ever notice something strange?” he finally asks.
“Everything about you is strange.”
He ignores the jab.
“You don’t run when you see what I really am.”
You hesitate slightly.
“Maybe I’m just not scared of you.”
Theo’s eyes narrow slightly.
“Or maybe,” he says quietly, “you see something the others don’t.”
You tilt your head.
“And what would that be?”
Theo’s voice drops just a little.
“That I’m not the only one here hiding something.”
Your heart skips.
“…You don’t know anything about me.”
He leans a little closer, voice almost teasing now.
“I know enough.”
You step back slightly.
“And what exactly do you think you know?”
Theo’s eyes glint.
“That whatever secret you’re hiding…”
His gaze meets yours.
“…it’s probably just as dangerous as mine.”
The air between you grows tense.
And neither of you look away