บท 23: Chapter 23: Between Truths and Games

The evening was cool, and Beacon Hills was tinged with a golden glow as the sun dipped below the horizon. Scott, dressed simply but with an effortless charm, pulled up outside Allison's house to pick her up for their date. She stepped out of her front door, a radiant smile lighting up her face, and Scott's heart skipped a beat. Tonight, he'd promised to make this night memorable, with no interruptions—just him and Allison.

They drove to a quiet, secluded spot Scott had found overlooking the twinkling lights of Beacon Hills. A cozy blanket was spread out on the grass, with a picnic of all Allison's favorite snacks, each chosen with care. She noticed the little touches and smiled warmly, touched by his thoughtfulness. As they shared stories and laughter, Scott felt a rare calm settle over him, savoring every moment, Allison's laughter blending with the gentle rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

Halfway through, Scott reached for her hand, looking deep into her eyes with a sincerity that made Allison's heart flutter. "Allison, I just want you to know how much you mean to me," he murmured, his voice low and warm. "Being here with you… it makes everything else just disappear."

Allison's face softened, a soft pink blush warming her cheeks as she squeezed his hand. "Scott, I feel the same," she whispered.

In the quiet of the moment, they shared a deep, lingering kiss, a kiss that felt like it held every unsaid word between them. As they pulled back, Allison blushed and shyly hid her face in Scott's chest, laughing softly. Scott wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, his heart pounding with happiness.

For the rest of the night, they talked about dreams, their future, and even silly what-ifs, imagining the lives they'd lead. When Scott finally drove Allison back to her house, he couldn't shake the happiness and deep sense of peace he felt. It was a night that would linger in both their hearts, a memory they'd treasure forever.

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When they arrived, Scott opened the car door for her, walking her up the steps to her door. But as he was about to say goodnight, the door opened, and there stood Victoria Argent, her face warm but clearly scrutinizing.

"Oh, Scott, thank you for bringing Allison home," Victoria said with a polite smile. "Why don't you come in for a bit? We were just about to sit down for dinner."

Scott sensed the challenge, but he met it head-on with a friendly smile. "Sure, Mrs. Argent," he replied confidently, walking in without hesitation. To Victoria's surprise, Scott didn't linger by the door but went straight to the kitchen, where he saw her preparing the final touches for dinner. "Can I help you with anything?" he asked, already grabbing some plates to set the table.

Victoria looked slightly taken aback but nodded, appreciating his initiative. "Well, thank you, Scott. It's rare to see such… manners."

Scott winked playfully. "My mom taught me well."

As they worked, Victoria's expression softened slightly, surprised by his natural charisma. They'd just set the table when a voice from behind made Scott's stomach tighten.

"Well, well, look who we have here. Allison's new boyfriend… and a cute one, too," Kate Argent's voice drawled, her gaze lingering on him with an intensity that made Allison visibly uncomfortable. "Maybe I should compete with Allison for you."

Scott didn't miss a beat, giving her a polite but firm nod. "Nice to meet you, Auntie Kate," he said, his voice laced with mock respect, "but I'm not really into older women."

Allison stifled a giggle, and Kate's amused expression faltered momentarily. She managed a forced smile. "That's… rude, Scott."

Scott shrugged, nonchalant. "Maybe, but is flirting with your niece's boyfriend in front of her not a bit rude, too?"

Allison broke into laughter, and even Victoria smirked a little. Kate, however, was clearly unamused and, after an eye roll, sat down at the table. Scott took his seat next to Allison, who looked at him with a mix of admiration and amusement, clearly enjoying the exchange.

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Dinner began pleasantly, with Victoria serving her homemade dishes. Scott took his first bite and looked up at her, genuine appreciation shining in his eyes. "Mrs. Argent, this is incredible."

Victoria raised an eyebrow, a hint of pride showing. "Thank you, Scott. It's nice to have someone notice."

Chris Argent, however, wasn't as charmed. His gaze was cool as he watched Scott, and, after a few moments, he cleared his throat, glancing at Scott with a measured look. "Scott, would you like a drink?" Chris asked, gesturing to the bottle of whiskey he was pouring for himself.

Scott politely shook his head. "I don't drink alcohol, uncle Chris. Just water is fine."

Victoria took the opportunity to turn the conversation toward Scott's work. "Allison was just telling us that you work for a veterinarian," she said, clearly probing.

Allison jumped in, her tone soft as she grabbed Scott's hand. "He was actually there to take care of the dog I hit. He's been amazing."

Scott nodded. "Yeah, I help out with a lot of animals there."

Chris's eyes narrowed as he took a slow sip of his drink. "And what does your boss think about all the animal attacks around Beacon Hills?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion. "Any theories?"

Scott shrugged, giving him a casual smile. "Everyone's saying it's a mountain lion," he said, voice steady. Then, with a sly grin, he added, "But we both know it's not a mountain lion, don't we, uncle Chris?"

The room fell silent. Allison looked puzzled, but Chris, Victoria, and Kate shot Scott sharp, cold stares. Scott could see the hint of alarm in their eyes, suspecting he was about to reveal more than he should.

Chris's eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't. You. Dare," he said in a low, warning voice.

Scott met Chris's gaze, not backing down for a moment. "Allison deserves to know, uncle Chris. I wouldn't want her going out for a morning run in the woods and stumbling upon something… dangerous." His words were layered, their meaning clear, and Allison turned to him, eyebrows furrowing.

"What are you talking about, Scott?" she asked, a note of concern in her voice.

Scott sighed, giving her a look of sincerity. "A few days ago, I was in the woods with Stiles, and we saw your dad and a few of his… friends," he began. "They were armed—rifles, bows. I guess they were hunting deer or something, and while I was talking to uncle Chris, something came out of the bushes."

"What was it?" Allison's voice was tense, her hand gripping his tightly.

"A boar," Scott replied, watching the way her face twisted with confusion. "But not just any boar—a massive one. Two meters tall with tusks like swords. Your dad and his men couldn't even kill it, and… two of them died. and two were badly injured before me and styles ran for our lives."

Allison gasped, horror dawning on her face. "Are you serious?"

Scott nodded, his expression somber. "Ask your dad. He was there. When I went back for uncle Chris, he and his friends were gone. And the boar was dead. Something had smashed its skull—a skull that had taken bullets like nothing. Whatever killed it wasn't human."

Chris's face went pale. "What? That thing is dead." he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

Allison turned to Chris, her eyes blazing. "Is that true? You were there, and you didn't tell me? And Scott why didn't you tell me either?"

Scott shrugged, looking mildly apologetic. "Your dad would have killed me if i told you anything. But don't worry, Allison—I'm not going to keep things from you again. Not when it's this dangerous."

Allison softened, though her gaze was still sharp with lingering frustration. "Fine. You're forgiven. This time."

Chris started to say something, but Allison cut him off. "I don't want to hear it, Dad. You almost died, and you didn't even think to tell me."

Scott nodded. "That's why I told her, uncle Chris. I didn't want her going into the woods alone. Not while things like that boar and Whatever killed it are out there."

Just then, Scott's phone buzzed. He glanced down, reading a text from Stiles. **"Derek's been shot. He's looking for you."**

Scott read the message and shot back a quick reply: **"Take him to the animal clinic."**

Allison's curiosity sparked again as she watched him. "Who was that?"

Scott slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Stiles. He found an injured dog and needs my help."

He turned to the family with a polite smile. "Thank you all for dinner, but I think I should get going."

Allison walked him to the door, her expression a mixture of amusement and concern. "Are you sure it's just a dog?"

Scott chuckled, squeezing her hand with a reassuring smile. "Yes, it's just a dog," he replied, his tone light but sincere. Then, leaning in, he gave her a gentle kiss on the lips, lingering just a moment as if to promise he'd always come back to her.

As he pulled away, he winked. "I'll see you tomorrow, Allison."

With that, he stepped out into the night, feeling her gaze on him as he headed off, ready for whatever Beacon Hills would throw his way next.

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