Isaac arrived at Scott's house, and Scott opened the door with a warm smile, inviting him in.
"Come on in." Scott said.
Inside, Scott and Melissa were seated at the dining table, finishing dinner. Scott gestured toward the kitchen. "Grab a plate and join us."
Isaac nodded, grabbed a plate, and sat at the table. Melissa immediately filled his plate with food, giving him a smile. "Eat up."
After dinner, Scott leaned back in his chair, studying Isaac. "So, are you going to tell me what's up with that smell on you?"
Isaac sighed. "Right. Some lizard-looking shapeshifter showed up at my house tonight and tried to attack my dad. Even while I was fighting it, it only focused on him, like it didn't care about me at all."
Melissa's eyes widened in concern. "Is your dad okay?"
Isaac gave her a wistful smile. "Yeah, he's fine."
Scott frowned. "You don't seem too happy about that."
Isaac hesitated before speaking. "Well, after I saved him, he got scared out of his mind and said we should leave Beacon Hills. I told him I wasn't going anywhere, so he packed his bags and ran off, leaving me behind."
Melissa reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Isaac's shoulder. "Scott told me about how your dad treated you. Him leaving might be a blessing in disguise. You can stay with us from now on, Isaac. Tomorrow, I'll start the paperwork to make you my ward, if that's what you want."
Isaac's eyes lit up with gratitude. "I'd appreciate that, Melissa. Thank you."
Scott grinned. "Welcome to the family, Isaac."
Isaac chuckled softly. "Thank you."
Scott leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Now that we've got that out of the way, can you tell me more about the lizard thing?"
Isaac nodded. "It was about my size, with dark green reptilian scales, a long smooth tail, and yellow eyes with slits. Do you know what it is?"
Scott tapped his chin thoughtfully. "When I was reading through the supernatural books, I came across descriptions of creatures like that. It could be a Whowie, like the one we fought before, or maybe a werecrocodile. Can you tell me anything else about it?"
Isaac thought for a moment. "Oh, yeah, when it saw me, I noticed a flicker of recognition and fear in its eyes, but then it immediately turned its focus back to my dad."
Scott asked. "How would you describe the way it looked at your dad? Was it angry, hateful, or... hungry?"
Isaac shook his head. "No, none of those. Its eyes were empty, like it had no emotions at all. I couldn't sense anything from it."
Scott asked. "Like it was sleepwalking or being controlled by something?"
Isaac nodded. "Exactly."
Melissa leaned forward. "Do you know what it is, Scott?"
Scott exhaled and nodded. "I think so. It sounds like a Kanima."
Melissa frowned. "What's a Kanima?"
Scott explained. "The Kanima is a human-animal hybrid, reptilian in nature. It's considered a mutation of the werewolf gene. Like werewolves, its power peaks during the full moon. But instead of seeking a pack, the Kanima seeks a master to serve. It's essentially a weapon of vengeance."
Isaac's eyes widened. "So, someone's controlling that thing that attacked my dad. But why target him? And who is targting him?"
Scott shrugged. "The Kanima is used to carry out its master's grudge. Whoever is behind this probably has a serious vendetta against your dad."
Isaac sighed. "That doesn't narrow it down much. My dad isn't a good man. A lot of people hate him."
Scott tilted his head. "But, you said the Kanima showed fear when it saw you?"
Isaac nodded. "Yeah, and it seemed like it recognized me too."
Scott nodded. "I think I know who it is. It's probably Jackson."
Isaac blinked in surprise. "Jackson Whittemore? Isn't he part of Derek's pack?"
Scott nodded. "Yeah, but he didn't turn into a werewolf after Derek bit him, even Derek doesn't know why. And here's the thing, when someone gets bitten by an Alpha, they either become a supernatural creature, or they die. But Jackson is still alive after two weeks, and this... fits."
Isaac leaned forward. "So, what do we do about him?"
Scott sighed. "First, we tell the pack. Jackson's just a pawn in this; the real problem is whoever's controlling him."
Isaac nodded in agreement. "Alright."
After that, the three of them chatted for a while longer before calling it a night.
The next day, after school, Scott and his pack gathered at his house. Scott rummaged through his supernatural books until he found the one describing the Kanima. He shared its details with everyone, including his suspicion that Jackson was the creature.
Stiles raised an eyebrow. "Wait, so this thing not only has paralytic venom but can also grow wings? That's just unfair."
Boyd crossed his arms. "So, what do we do with Jackson after we confirm he's the Kanima?"
Lydia's face paled. "We're not going to kill him, are we? I mean... I'm not in love with him anymore, but I can't kill him or watch him die. Can't we... help him?"
Scott gave her a reassuring look. "Don't worry, Lydia. Jackson hasn't killed anyone, and even if he had, he's being controlled. We're not going to kill him."
Allison leaned forward. "So, what's the plan? We can't just let him keep hurting people."
Scott nodded. "After tonight, when you guys get through your first full moon, I'll have Lydia handle it."
Lydia blinked in surprise. "Me? How am I supposed to handle it?"
Scott explained. "Jackson's going through an identity crisis. All you need to do is stab him with your claws when he shift into a Kanima to absorb his powers, then call him by his name using your Banshee voice. That should turn him into a regular werewolf. Plus, you'll gain his paralytic venom ability, it's a win-win."
Erica raised a hand. "Why call him by his name, though?"
Scott shrugged. "There's an old myth that says if someone who truly loved a werewolf calls them by name, it can bring them back to their human self. And Lydia loves, or loved Jackson."
Erica tilted her head. "Okay, but is that actually true?"
Scott smirked. "We'll find out, won't we?"
Stiles spoke up. "But what about the person controlling the Kanima? How do we find them?"
Scott's eyes gleamed. "That's the easy part. I'll read Jackson's memories. That should tell us who's behind this."
Stiles slapped his forehead. "Oh, right. I forgot you can do that."
Scott stood and stretched. "Alright, let's head to the woods so you guys can experience your first full moon."
Stiles frowned. "Why can't we just do it here?"
Melissa cut in, crossing her arms. "Because I don't want the neighbors asking me tomorrow if I heard wolves howling and growling in my house. And in case you've forgotten, the wolves we turn into aren't small, and my house isn't exactly spacious. Plus, what if Lydia screams? I've read about Banshees, her voice could destroy the house, and she's not even a normal Banshee."
Stiles scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Okay, fair point. I didn't think about all that."
With that settled, the pack got into their cars and headed for the Beacon Hills Preserve, ready to experience their first full moon together.