curling back to expose a double row of teeth, it opens its jaws and unleashes an INHUMAN SHRIEK.

Everyone takes a step back as the creature darts across the roof and leaps off.

In a flash it's escaped to the other side of the house, disappearing into the darkness.

Derek turns to Boyd and nods to Isaac and Erica "Get them out of here"

As he retreats back to race off in pursuit, the front door clicks open. Lydia steps out.

"Would someone please tell me... what... the hell... is going on?"

Shocked, Derek stares at the innocent girl he nearly had killed. But he's not the only one surprised.

The five teenagers all turn to the open door of the house, peering in with the knowledge that one of their friends is still unaccounted for...

"Jackson"

"Do we have to save him?"

[...]

Gabriella was now running, desperately trying to find the Kanima as she approached the industrial sector. The sounds of gunshots rang through the air, sharp and alarming, fueling her determination. She pushed herself harder, her instincts on high alert.

As she rounded a corner, she skidded to a halt, her heart sinking at the sight before her. Her uncle lay on the ground, bullets spent, clearly out of options. The Kanima stood over him, its fierce, reptilian eyes locked onto the vulnerable figure of her uncle.

She glowed her eyes red and ran infront of her uncle making a barrier between him and the kanima.

She was ready to attack but the kanima just looked at her not wanting to hurt her before he ran away.

Without a second thought, Gabriella's eyes glowed bright red, her supernatural aura flaring to life. She rushed forward, positioning herself between her uncle and the Kanima, ready to protect him at all costs. Her muscles tensed, prepared for an attack.

But to her surprise, the Kanima halted. It gazed at her with a mixture of confusion and fear, its body tense but not aggressive. Gabriella's heart raced as she sensed its hesitation. It didn't want to hurt her.

In a split second, the Kanima turned and darted away into the shadows, disappearing from view. Gabriella blinked in disbelief, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She quickly turned to her uncle, who was trying to get up.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face as she knelt beside him.

"I'm fine," he said, wincing slightly but managing a weak smile which didn't last long when he saw gerard coming out of the car looking at the werewolf

Isabella gives a momentary glance to the quietly pleased Gerard and then Charges forward in pursuit of the kanima leaving the son and father alone.

[...]

Turning a corner, Gabriella slid into the alleyway behind a nightclub, her senses heightened as she heard the familiar voices of Lucas, Stiles, and Scott. They were huddled together, clearly in the middle of a discussion, their expressions tense.

"I'm guessing Jackson is in there?" Gabriella said, startling them as she approached.

Stiles jumped, nearly dropping his phone. "Oh my God, where did you come from?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise. "You can't just sneak up on people like that!"

Lucas shook his head, letting out a small laugh. "You should be used to this by now, Stiles."

Gabriella crossed her arms, eyeing the club's back entrance. "So, Jackson?"

Lucas nodded. "Yeah, he's inside. We're just trying to figure out how to approach him without setting him off."

Stiles rubbed his forehead, already stressed. "He's not exactly the most cooperative person on a good day, and now, with the whole Kanima thing... who knows what's going on with him?"

"Well it's not like it's Jackson's doing its whose ever controlling him" Gabriella said as she breaks the lock of the backdoor so they can get in.

As they hurry in they walk around under the pulsing boom of house music and the flash of LASER LIGHTS.

They try to blend in. Looking around, however, Scott begins to notice something.

"Um... Everyone in here is a dude. I think this is a gay club."

He looks to Stiles who stands between two very tall DRAG QUEENS. "Nothing gets past those keen werewolf senses, does it?"

Gabriella laughed at Stiles before turning to face lucas "you should feel at home here then"

Lucas looked at her suprised "how did you?"

"You've been eye fucking boyd ever since you found out who he is" Gabriella teased

Lucas chuckled, trying to play it off, but his face flushed slightly. "You're really going to bring that up now?"

Gabriella grinned, enjoying the moment. "What? I'm just saying, this place should feel pretty comfortable for you."

Stiles looked between them, clearly confused but too focused on the task at hand. "Okay, can we save the banter for later? We need to find Jackson before things get worse."

"Stop looking because I found him" Scott said looking at the ceiling

They followed his gaze to see the kanima moves like a spider across the ceiling, stealthily making its way toward the dance floor.

And toward Danny

Gabriella turns to lucas " you and stiles get Danny"

"What are you going to do?" Lucas questions

Gabriella flicks open her fist, unsheathing her CLAWS.

"Works for me"

Scott and gabriella steps into the crowd. The pounding MUSIC intensifies, bodies twisting toward him while the Kanima creeps amid the light fixtures above.

The smoke machine fills up the room making the two werewolves lose sight of the kanima

Scott whips his head around the club " do you see him"

"No" gabriella glances about the ceiling, searching every corner but they can't find it

The crowd packs tighter, moving faster and faster with the beat of the music.

STROBING LIGHTS create an almost nightmare quality to the dancing bodies as--THE KANIMA'S FACE appears, teeth bared. And then is gone just as quickly.

They whip around, trying to find it again

In a FLASH of LIGHT they sees Danny. And with another FLASH - the Kanima, right near him.

IN ANOTHER FLASH - Derek appears, RED EYES blazing and fangs bared.

"Seriously" Gabriella sighed fed up with Derek

Gabriella tried to take a step closer to him But he was gone in the next flash.

As the Fog starts clearing, people begin dropping.

Bodies fall paralyzed to the floor in a path leading right toward Danny.

Danny's head snaps forward.

He falls. Blinking, not knowing what's happening to his body as he collapses to the floor.

The Kanima rises, baring its fangs--

"Jackson" Gabriella whispered to the creature making it blink, hearing its name under the pulsing music.

For a brief second, its EYES return to those of Jackson's HUMAN EYES, gazing on Gabriella in confusion.

Scott notices Derek coming from beside Jackson ready to attack "No--don't!"

But he swipes out with his claws, delivering a RUTHLESS SLASH to the creature's throat.

Staggering back, its hands clasp over its throat as BLACK BLOOD spills across its fingers.

People stop dancing amid the prostrate bodies on the floor.

The music stops. Witnesses look about, confused, shouts of panic rising over the crowd.

In the escalating panic, they can no longer see the Kanima or Derek.

But they do find DROPS OF GLISTENING BLOOD on the dance floor, leading to an open EXIT DOOR.

Racing into the parking lot, Scott and gabriella follows the shimmering BLOOD DROPS on the ground.

Behind a row of cars and SUV's they spot A FIGURE collapsing to the pavement.

It's Jackson, returned to his human self. Slipping into unconsciousness, the wounds across his throat appear to be healing, but there are puddles of blood all around him.

"Crap...he's healing"

"Gabby for the love of god-"

[...]

Stiles, Lucas, and Gabriella sat in the cramped confines of Stiles's Jeep, the tension between them palpable.

In the backseat, Jackson lay unconscious, his breathing steady but deep, completely unaware of the awkwardness filling the small space.

The silence was only broken by the low hum of the engine as Scott had left to speak with Danny, hoping to find some new lead.

Stiles tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on the road ahead but clearly uncomfortable.

Lucas shifted in his seat, glancing between the two of them, clearly aware of the awkward vibe.

He cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. "So... uh, not to make things weirder, but... does anyone have a plan for what we're going to do with Jackson when he wakes up?"

Gabriella leaned back in her seat, her arms crossed as she stared out the window. "We keep him unconscious as long as possible," she replied, her tone flat, avoiding looking at Stiles. "He's dangerous, especially since we still don't know who's controlling him."

Stiles finally glanced at her, his voice quieter than usual. "Yeah, that sounds like a good plan." He hesitated, the weight of unsaid things between them hanging in the air. "So, um... how are you?"

Gabriella turned to him, surprised by the question. It wasn't about the Kanima or the latest supernatural disaster. It was just... normal. She blinked, unsure how to answer for a moment. "I'm... I'm fine. You?"

"Same," Stiles muttered, nodding slightly, his fingers still tapping a nervous rhythm on the wheel. "You know... just dealing with the usual craziness."

Lucas sighed, rubbing his temple. "You guys need to talk about something else, or this ride is gonna feel like an eternity." He leaned back, adding with a smirk, "Maybe talk about the fact that both erica and you want to get in your pants gabby"

Gabriella gave him a warning look, while Stiles groaned. "Really, Lucas?"

Lucas raised his hands defensively, though the smirk on his face didn't fade. "Just saying, it's not every day you have two people vying for your attention."

Stiles, still gripping the steering wheel, rolled his eyes. "Yeah, thanks for bringing that up, Lucas. Super helpful."

Gabriella sighed, shifting uncomfortably in her seat as she glanced back at the unconscious Jackson. "Can we not?" she muttered, her voice low but firm. "This whole thing is already stressful enough without you making it weird."

Lucas shrugged, but the smirk faded. "Fine, fine. Just trying to cut the tension. You guys were being way too serious."

Stiles turned his head slightly toward Gabriella, his voice softer. "Erica's really been coming after you, huh?"

Gabriella hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her sleeve as she avoided his gaze. "Yeah. It's... complicated. I don't even think she knows what she really wants."

Lucas snorted. "Oh, she knows exactly what she wants."

"Lucas," Gabriella warned again, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice this time.

Stiles glanced at Gabriella from the corner of his eye, a small frown tugging at his lips. "You ever... think about it?" His voice was cautious, unsure of whether he should even be asking.

Gabriella gave him a sideways glance, then sighed. "I don't know. I mean, with everything going on, I don't even have time to think about it. It's just... complicated."

"Yeah," Stiles muttered, turning his attention back to the road. "Complicated sounds about right."

Scott jumps into the passenger side "Couldn't get anything out of Danny"

"Then can we get out of here now before one of my dad's deputies sees me?"

Scott nods making Stiles hits the gas and heads for the exit But a SHERIFF'S CAR swerves in to block them.

As the teenagers stare in horror, the door clicks open and Sheriff Stilinski gets out.

"Could this get any worse?"

Jackson lets out a MOAN from the back, beginning to wake up.

"That was rhetorical!" Stiles yells at Jackson

"Get rid of him" Scott said sounding panicked

"Get rid of him? We're at a crime scene and he's the Sheriff"

"Well, do something"

Stiles jumps out of the Jeep to face his father while the teengers who were left in the car turn to look at the rapidly reviving Jackson.

His head lolled to the side, and he let out a low groan, his eyelids fluttering open.

Scott twisted in his seat, his voice rising in pitch as he faced Gabriella and Lucas. "What do we do? He's waking up!"

Lucas, always quick with a suggestion, didn't miss a beat. "Knock him out again!"

Scott blinked, visibly frazzled. "How are we gonna do that?" His eyes widened as Jackson's fingers twitched, a sign he was close to fully regaining consciousness.

Gabriella shrugged as if the answer were obvious. "Punch him! Just hit him hard enough to knock him out!"

A moment of silence passed before Lucas, ever the eager one, raised his hand slightly and said, "Can I do it?"

Gabriella shot him a look, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "No, I'll do it."

Lucas frowned, his disappointment clear as he leaned back. "Why do you get to do it?" he asked, his voice sulking.

Gabriella sighed wanting to punch the kanima "You need to earn it, Lucas."

Lucas squinted at her, folding his arms defensively. "And you earned it?"

"No one has earned it more than me."

Scott's eyes darted between Jackson, who was stirring more by the second, and the Sheriff approaching the Jeep, his anxiety mounting. "We don't have time to argue!"

Jackson let out another groan, shifting in the backseat, his eyes fluttering open.

Gabriella leaned over the seat, her eyes glowing faintly red. "I said I'll do it,"

Lucas crossed his arms, pouting slightly. "Fine, but next time, it's my turn."

Gabriella smirked as she pulled herself into the backseat. "Deal."

With a swift motion, she landed a precise blow to the side of Jackson's head, enough to knock him out without causing real damage. His body went limp once again, sinking back into unconsciousness.

A moment later, Stiles climbs into the Jeep and sends it hurtling out of the parking lot, right past a DARK SUV where Chris slips into the driver's seat beside Gerard.

"Seven paralyzed. The rumor is drugs. Probably a hallucinogen since witnesses say they saw a demonic monster on the dance floor" Chris said as he closes the car door

Gerard let out a scoff, turning his cold, calculating gaze forward. "Now, who would believe something like that?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, but his tone shifted, colder, more dangerous. "You know what I'm having trouble believing? That my own son could hide from me the fact that my granddaughter was right under my nose this whole time."

Chris tensed, his heart skipping a beat. He knew exactly where this conversation was going, and it terrified him—not for himself, but for Gabriella. He swallowed, his hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter as he turned to face his father. "How was I supposed to know what you'd do when you found out who she is? Or what she is?"

Gerard's smile was sharp, predatory, as he glanced at Chris with a gleam in his eyes. "Come on now, do you really think I'd hurt my own blood?"

Chris didn't flinch, his expression hardened, though his mind raced with memories. The things his father was capable of... the way he'd handled Isabella. His voice was calm, but the accusation was clear in his words. "With what happened to Isabella, I think we both know the answer to that."

Gerard's smile faltered, replaced with something darker, more sinister. He didn't respond immediately, his jaw tightening, but his silence spoke volumes. The past loomed large between them, an unspoken reminder of Gerard's ruthlessness, even towards family.

Chris's heart pounded in his chest. He wasn't sure how long he could keep Gabriella safe from his father's plans, but he knew one thing for certain: Gerard wouldn't hesitate to use her for his own agenda if it suited him.

"She's not like her father," Chris added, his voice lower now, pleading beneath the surface of his words. "Gabriella didn't ask for any of this. She's just trying to survive, just like the rest of us."

Gerard leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable, but there was a dangerous edge to his silence. "We'll see," he said quietly, his voice ominous. "We'll see just what she's capable of."

[...]

Stiles pushes the pedal to the floor while the werewolves keep an eye on the unconscious Jackson.
"What about your house?"

Scott turns to face stiles"Not with my Mom there"

"OK fine Gabriella what about yours"

"Considering that now Gerard knows am a werewolf there no way my house isn't on the hunters radar"

Frustrated, Stiles goes silent. Then looks up "I think I got something"

"Does it involve breaking the law?" Lucas asks

"By now, don't you think that's a given?"

"I was trying to be optimistic"

"Don't bother"

[...]

Gabriella was now at the store looking for some chains to hold Jackson in.

Apparently Stiles genuis plan was chaining Jackson up until he comes up with a better plan

She looked around trying to find the same chains that she used to use during the full moon before she gained control.

As she looked through all of them she heard a sound from behind her " if your planing on hunting I'd prefer using titanium chains but if you want it to hold something it's better to use steel chains"

She turns and sees a familer brunette boy

She recognized him from school, but they had never really spoken

"Steel, huh?" Gabriella asked, raising an eyebrow. "And you're an expert on chains?"

He chuckled lightly, stepping closer to look at the shelves. "Something like that. I know my way around this stuff. You, though... you don't seem like the home improvement type. What's with the heavy-duty chains?"

Gabriella smiled knowing he won't believe what she will till him "oh am planning on kidnapping a lizard and I need somthing to hold him"

The boy raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her answer. "A lizard, huh? Sounds like a pretty intense pet project."

Gabriella chuckled, playing along with his tone. "Yeah, you could say that. This one's a bit... unpredictable, so I need something strong enough to keep him in check."

He nodded, pretending to consider it seriously. "Well, in that case, steel should work fine. Just make sure to get some decent locks to go with it. Wouldn't want your lizard running wild."

Gabriella smiled at his easy-going attitude. "Good call. I'll make sure to keep him in one place."

The boy extended his hand, still grinning. "I'm matt, by the way. You go to Beacon Hills High School is, right?"

"Gabriella," she replied, shaking his hand. "Yeah, I've seen you around."

"Small world," he said, leaning against the shelf. "Well, if you ever need any more chain-related advice, I guess I'm your guy."

"I'll keep that in mind," she replied with a smirk, grabbing the steel chains and heading to the register. Matt waved as she walked away, leaving her to focus back on the real mission at hand—keeping Jackson contained.