Simple Joys | Hale [7.5] OPEN

The 'Mikael' Talk Part 1

Lexi paces the length of the old Argent apartment. The old hunter had given it to Lexi years ago for whenever she needed. She kept it as a last resort.

Derek stands in the living room, watching his wife. "What if they're hurt?" she asks. "Or taken by hunters?"

"Hunters know not to come to Beacon Hills. Not after what we did to Monroe and her goons," Derek replies. "They probably went to explore."

"Without a note?" Lexi's expression is pure fear.

The door to the apartment creaks opens. Both parents rush to the hall to see Cora walk in. "Look who I found at Maya's." Teddy and Stella sheepishly walk in.

Lexi's expression crumples. She runs at both of them, wrapping her arms around their bodies. She squeezes, kissing their cheeks. "You scared me," she whimpers. She pulls back, her expression hardening. Tears line her eyes, but she does not let them fall in front of her kids. "You cannot do that. Both of you are grounded."

"Why were you at Maya's?" Derek demands. His arms are crossed, and angry expression on his face. Teddy shrinks back.

Stella, on the other hand, snaps, "Why does it matter? We're fine."

Derek looks at Cora. "They met with Peter," the wolf answers.

Stella spins around, glaring at her aunt. When she turns back to her parents to explain, her resolve almost crumples. Her mother's eyes are wide in shock, her lips parted. Her father could not look angrier.

"I'm gonna kill him," Derek states, his eyes flashing blue.

"I contacted him," Stella says. Derek's eyes fade.

"You what?" Lexi breathes. "Why—Why would you do that?"

"Because you don't tell me anything!" She yells. "You tell Teddy everything because he's the oldest. I'm left out. I'm not a baby anymore!"

Lexi's throat bobs. "Thank you, Cora. We'll talk in the morning."

Cora nods. She sends a pitying look to Teddy before walking out of the apartment. Teddy sighs, locking the door behind his aunt.

"Stella, let's talk in here." Derek motions to the study. The girl rolls her eyes and follows Derek.

"Thank you for going with her," Lexi tells Teddy. "I appreciate it."

Teddy nods. "Mom, I don't like him."

Lexi sighs. She fails to relieve the tension in her muscles. "I know." She presses a kiss to his forehead, full of love and care. "We're going to talk for a while, so I'll meet you in your room later, ok?"

Teddy smiles and nods. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you, too."

Teddy moves past the study and into the room he shares with Stella: the room a young Argent once called her own. Lexi takes a deep breath before walking into the study, closing the door behind her.

Stella sits in one of the big chairs before the large desk. Derek sits behind the desk, leaning against it. Lexi takes up the extra chair next to Stella.

"Stella, you cannot trust Peter," Derek says. "He takes the truth and manipulates it so he can gain your trust."

"He seemed more open than you two." Stella crosses her arms, a glare resting on her face. "He gave me answers. You give me more questions."

"Stella, darling, when you were born, Peter made a deal with us," Lexi explains. "He wouldn't contact you or interact with you."

"Which is unfair!" Stella exclaims. "You're keeping me from my family."