Chapter 24

                                    

                                          
Stiles' grip on the wheel tightened, his knuckles turning white. He took in a shaky breath, biting down on his tongue as he calmed himself. "Do you think this has to do with the animals?" Stiles asked quietly, Emma releasing a sigh of relief. She had never seen Stiles that quiet in a long time, unless he was sleeping. Derek made a noise between a groan and a sigh, Emma's eyes finding him in the review mirror. He was rubbing his forehead as the stress was getting to him.
                          
"Yeah. Yeah I think it's directly related. I also think it has to do with the alpha pack coming to town" Derek mentioned, Emma shivering at that thought. "You know what? Let's focus on finding Erica and Boyd. Take it one step at a time" Derek said, trying to take his mind off of the impending danger. Emma watched as Stiles' eyes became watery for the imminent loss of his friend. She wasn't found dead yet, but Stiles wasn't stupid. Emma lifted his hand and kissed it, leaving it to rest in her lap where she ran her thumbs over his knuckles.
                          
The rest of the car ride was quiet, tension and fear in the air. Derek could practically smell it. They were all relieved when they had arrived at the Animal Clinic. Emma took a nervous breath as they approached the building, smoothing out her dress. Emma pushed through the door, instantly enclosed in Isaac arms. 
                          
"I missed you" Isaac murmured, his voice muffled by Emma's shoulder. Emma smiled as she stood on her tip toes, allowing her to see over his shoulder. They rocked back and forth, her hand rubbing circles on his back. 
                          
"I heard about your night mares. I'm sorry I wasn't there" Emma spoke softly, leaning her head against his. Isaac pulled away, hands resting on her shoulders as he stared into her eyes, a smile on his face.
                          
"I'm just glad you're okay" he smiled, squeezing her shoulders. Emma nodded, watching his nervous eyes flick around the room. She could now see how nervous he was for this; this act of sacrifice for his pack members. Emma looked down as Isaac grabbed onto her hand, squeezing tightly. Scott joined them, patting Emma on the back as they walked into the back room, Isaac gulping as he saw the bucket full of ice. His hand tightened on Emma's, her thumb slowly running over his knuckles. 
                          
"You don't have to do this if you don't want to" Emma reminded him, Isaac nodding as he took a deep breath.
                          
"I know, but I have to. It's the only way to save them" He nodded before pulling of his shirt, letting go of her hand as he stood over the bucket. Deaton placed Emma, Stiles, Derek and Scott around the bucket, preparing them for what they would have to do. 
                          
"You guys have to push him under water. When he gets into the state close to death, I will ask him questions. But only me. Too many voices will confuse him. Understand?" Deaton instructed, everyone nodding with tense expressions. 
                          
Isaac took in a deep breath as he stepped into the ice bucket, slowly lowering himself down. He began to shake as he became submerged, letting out deep, shaky breaths. He looked up at Emma, his eyes glimmering with fear. She gave him a tight smile, nodding with the promise that he'd be okay. "Now" Deaton said, the four pushing Isaac under the icy water. Isaac thrashed around, reaching up as he tried to get up. He shook from side to side, water sloshing over the sides of the bucket. 
                          
Emma clenched her eyes shut, unable to watch Isaac fight for air. His freezing body stilled under her hand, her brown eyes going wide. Everyone slowly drew back their hands, watching as Isaac floated to the surface, his calm face resurfacing.
                          
"Isaac, can you hear me?" Deaton asked in a calm and quiet tone. Everyone was silent, the air tense with suspense. 
                          
"Yes" Isaac whispered, his lips purple. "I can hear you"
                          
"This is Dr. Deaton. I'd like to ask you a few questions, is that alright?" Deaton asked, looking around at the nervous faces that stared down at Isaac.