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Title<\/b>: Intangible, Untamed, and Wild <\/p>\n Derek eyed his uncle as he parked the Camaro. Peter had been on edge since they\u2019d met back at the townhouse, telling Derek that the man they\u2019d met in the preserve had been correct. Talia had sold almost all their territory in Beacon Hills, barring a few businesses, the old house, and some of the surrounding property that it was on.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out Peter,\u201d Derek said, reaching across the seats to clasp his shoulder. \u201cThat\u2019s what our pack does. This isn\u2019t what we expected and it\u2019s not ideal, but let\u2019s not going into this thinking the worst just yet. Boyd and I went around town and people here seem receptive to having us in the area. They have good memories of most of the family and that means something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt helps that Talia didn\u2019t return,\u201d Peter admitted, turning to meet Derek\u2019s eyes, but his expression softened just a touch. \u201cI was able to make my way to some of the others I remembered from before and let them know that you were the alpha and the bare bones of what had happened.\u201d He gave a commiserating smile at Derek\u2019s grimace. \u201cI didn\u2019t go into any more detail than was necessary, just letting them know that we didn\u2019t have any affiliation with Talia\u2019s pack – that even our basic family ties had been cut in our world. We\u2019ll be watched with caution, but I get the feeling we\u2019ll be judged on our own merit here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m also getting the feeling that Talia didn\u2019t engender a lot of good faith in the community here before she left,\u201d Derek frowned. He turned away, popping his door open and climbing out. He took in the innocuous office building and wondered at the choice of meeting place. \u201cI thought that she was well loved and respected when we left – in both communities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was my belief as well,\u201d Peter replied, snapping his door shut. \u201cShe must have done something here that soured that relationship quickly and thoroughly. This new guardian might know.\u201d Peter rolled his shoulder in a half shrug. \u201cWhether he\u2019ll tell us or not-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d Derek hadn\u2019t been able to get any information around town or when they\u2019d gone back to the house. Neither he nor Boyd had been able to trace the nemeton when they\u2019d attempted it, and both had felt uneasy enough in the preserve that they\u2019d given it up and headed home when the sky had darkened with the sudden storm.<\/p>\n \u201cMalia wants us to find out more about the sheriffs son,\u201d Peter said, amused as they walked up to the door, smoothly changing topics to something innocuous for the moment. \u201cSeems they connected on the subject of shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShoes?\u201d Derek frowned, cutting his uncle a look before knocking on the door that read Fletcher\u2019s Apothecary and Mysteries. So maybe it wasn\u2019t the office he\u2019d thought it was. Derek checked the number at the door again and sighed when it matched what he\u2019d been given.<\/p>\n \u201cThey both hate them,\u201d Peter chuckled. \u201cThe man was in the preserve in a shirt and jeans, but completely barefoot. Malia was absolutely enchanted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course she was,\u201d Hisashi said as he opened the door, catching Peter\u2019s words. \u201cStiles is a delight.\u201d He smiled warmly at Peter, not offering his hand but gesturing them both in.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know shifter protocol,\u201d Peter observed, eyes roving over the other man.<\/p>\n Derek fought not to roll his eyes. He\u2019d recognize the signs of his uncle\u2019s immediate interest anywhere, even if he couldn\u2019t smell it. Irritation sizzled along his nerves, and Derek drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. He trusted that his uncle wouldn\u2019t let anything get in the way of the pack\u2019s protection. Peter had never given Derek any reason to doubt him, and Derek wasn\u2019t going to start now just because he was feeling on edge about this meeting.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Hisashi bowed his head slightly to both of them. \u201cWe may not have a pack in the area, but the Ito pack isn\u2019t that far out of the way, and we\u2019ve had a few dealings with them when things made it unavoidable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInteresting,\u201d Peter said, nodding as they moved into the room and Hisashi shut the door behind them. \u201cI\u2019m Peter Hale, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d He replied. \u201cYou may call me Hisashi.\u201d<\/p>\n He smirked at Peter and led them further into the darkened shop navigating around shelves filled with books and other assorted items. Derek could make out a bar off to one side with dozens of shelves and drawers behind it. A large mirror in the center of that backdrop reflected their shadows in the dim light from the front windows as they passed by.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is an honest to god apothecary set up,\u201d Peter said with something like awe in his voice. \u201cHow do you manage in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe get by,\u201d Hisashi said, amusement coloring his tone. \u201cMost of the town find us amusing and we do sell a lot of bath and beauty type of products. Our sugar scrubs are very popular. Those that need us for our specialty items know what to ask for or how to ask for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSugar scrubs<\/i>.\u201d Peter sounded almost offended now.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s waiting for us back in the room we do our other work in, it\u2019ll be more comfortable for this meeting and out of the sight of prying eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek felt a smirk curve his lips when Peter turned to him and mouthed \u2018sugar scrubs\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n \u201cEveryone needs to pay their rent somehow,\u201d Derek said, shrugging and following Hisashi through the passthrough behind the bar and then through a door into the back of the shop. \u201cI\u2019m more surprised that they\u2019ve set up in what looks like an office block instead of someplace more commercially oriented.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he\u2019ll tell you that story someday,\u201d Hisashi said over his shoulder, holding the door open for them.<\/p>\n Derek blinked at the sudden light when he entered the room. Then he caught his first look at the guardian of the territory – the role his mother had all but thrown away when she\u2019d left – then severed completely along with her connection to the land later. The man was tall, broad-shouldered, and well built. He was dressed casually in dark jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. When he turned to face them, Derek’s gaze was caught by his. Eyes that were the color of the caramels that Derek loved and seemed to hold secrets that he found himself wanting to discover.<\/p>\n \u201cAlpha Hale, Beta Hale,\u201d The man said, dipping his head in a shallow bow before he gestured to the setup of comfortable-looking chairs in front of them. \u201cHave a seat and we\u2019ll get started.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know who we are,\u201d Derek said after they were seated, his gaze drifting back to meet the other man\u2019s. There was something familiar about him, but Derek couldn\u2019t place him. He was most likely someone they\u2019d known from before the fire, and he wondered if Peter knew him from his connections with the other community. \u201cWhat should we call you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Stiles Stilinski,\u201d Stiles said, smiling at them sitting back in his chair, crossing one foot over a knee. \u201cYou\u2019re both looking better than the last time I saw you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably shouldn\u2019t bring that up first thing,\u201d Hisashi murmured from where he lounged crosswise in the chair next to Stiles, legs thrown over one arm body slouched seemingly without a care, if not for the alertness of his gaze as he watched Derek and Peter.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm.\u201d Stiles tilted his head slightly to one side, watching Derek. \u201cI think it\u2019s better to get it out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you say so. You\u2019re the guardian<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek saw Hisashi flip a hand in Stiles\u2019 direction out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen did you last see us?\u201d Peter put in smoothly, making Derek hold back a sigh of relief. Stiles and Hisashi were obviously close, and he didn\u2019t know how long the two would have gone on before he would haven\u2019t gotten an answer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe night of the fire.\u201d Stiles didn\u2019t have to elaborate on which fire. There could only be one that he was referencing. \u201cI was the one that called for help that night and then made sure that you all got out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sat with me afterwards,\u201d Derek said quietly after a moment of stunned silence.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were just a kid,\u201d Peter said. When Derek glanced over at him, his eyes were wide and assessing.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d Stiles nodded at Derek. He leaned forward, putting both his feet on the floor, resting his elbows on his knees, and clasping his hands together. \u201cI was fourteen though, so I guess you could have called me a kid.\u201d He waggled his head a little, glancing over towards Peter before looking back at Derek, those brown eyes catching his once again. \u201cBut not for very much longer. When you cleared out there wasn\u2019t anyone left that was qualified or able enough to step in and fill the role of guardian here. We weren\u2019t about to let someone come in and take over when it became clear that Talia Hale had abandoned the territory. So here we are.\u201d He spread his hands slightly before clasping them again.<\/p>\n \u201cHere we are,\u201d Derek said faintly. The old familiar feeling of shame crawled along his skin. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Stiles tilted his head to one side.<\/p>\n \u201cKate was-\u201d Derek choked on the words, just like he did every time it came up.<\/p>\n \u201cKate was not your fault,\u201d Peter said, fierce in his denial. \u201cDerek wasn\u2019t at fault for Argent\u2019s attack or Talia\u2019s fucked response to it. Despite his need to take responsibility for it, he isn\u2019t at fault.\u201d Peter wasn\u2019t yelling, but his words were firm and heavy as they echoed around the room.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had no intention of blaming Alpha Derek<\/i> Hale for Alpha Talia<\/i> Hale\u2019s choices or her mistakes,\u201d Stiles said simply, not even flinching at Peter\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n \u201cI was dating Kate, she got the secrets to our pack from me and that\u2019s why she attacked us,\u201d Derek blurted out, wincing at the aggravated look Peter sent his way and suddenly feeling sixteen all over again. He dropped his face into his hands and just barely held back a groan. This was not how he\u2019d wanted this meeting to go.<\/p>\n \u201cMan, you know she was an Argent?<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n Derek lifted his head and nodded at Stiles, glancing over at Hisashi when the other man chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cShe didn\u2019t need your secrets and I wouldn\u2019t call what you were doing dating,<\/i>\u201d Stiles said, his lip curling in a sneer at the end of his words.<\/p>\n Derek barely held back a flinch, even as he felt his temper start to rise. Peter let out a growl, leaning forward in his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck, man, that\u2019s not what I meant.\u201d Stiles sighed, running both hands through his hair. He exchanged a look with Hisashi and turned back to Derek. \u201cKate Argent targeted you and preyed on you. If you don\u2019t know that, I don\u2019t know what to tell you.\u201d He rolled his shoulders, obviously uneasy with the turn the conversation had taken.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re aware of that,\u201d Peter replied for Derek, who was stunned at Stiles\u2019 response. \u201cHow is it that you know this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy dad is the sheriff, so his files were easy to access,\u201d Stiles said, gesturing between Hisashi and himself before setting his hands on the arms of the chair. \u201cAnd we did our own investigation into things, later on, it was important for us to know what exactly happened with the way the Talia Hale abandoned the territory.\u201d Stiles\u2019 hands gripped the arms of the chair tightly, and his eyes flared almost shifter-like as his scent sharpened with anger and contempt.<\/p>\n \u201cWe discovered that Talia attempted to destroy the nemeton with the help of her druid,\u201d Hisashi said blandly, but his eyes were sharp when Derek turned to look at him. \u201cHer failure to protect her pack – her son – from an attack by Kate Argent and her hunters and then her attempt to destroy the very heart of this territory, followed by her abandonment-\u201d Hisashi shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cTalia Hale will never be accepted back into the Beacon Hills territory,\u201d Stiles said, his hands clasped tight as he leaned forward once again, elbows rested on his knees. His eyes were intent as he spoke. \u201cThe lack of responsibility and awareness shown in the situation with Kate Argent alone would have been enough for her to be questioned, but the utter breaking of her oaths that her attack on the nemeton was-\u201d Stiles shook his head. \u201cNo. Talia Hale will never be welcomed here. You need to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s not part of our pack,\u201d Derek replied, firmly meeting Stiles\u2019 gaze steadily. \u201cAnd none of us are part of her pack. We never will be again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve heard,\u201d Stiles acknowledged. \u201cBut I had to make the situation here clear. You are not being held responsible for anything that happened before. Some of your pack members might be watched a little harder, simply because of the positions they were known to have.\u201d He nodded in Peter\u2019s direction. \u201cBut everyone is pretty much of the opinion that those you\u2019ve brought with you are innocent of the crimes that Talia perpetuated here and the abandonment that she\u2019s also guilty of.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone of us knew about the destruction of the nemeton. Not until after it was supposed to already have happened,\u201d Peter said. \u201cShe was furious when they couldn\u2019t find it. It did cause her to give a few of us lost memories back as they tried to find someone who could lead them to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe nemeton had already found another protector by that point,\u201d Hisashi said, smirking when Derek turned to look at him. He nodded to Stiles. \u201cThe tree isn\u2019t exactly sentient, but-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClose enough that I have to wonder at times,\u201d Stiles said, nodding his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know why I got drafted, but I wasn\u2019t going to let someone else come in at that point. Later on, when Talia cut off her ties to this area it was just a natural progression to take it on completely and then we pooled all our resources to buy up all the property that she put up for sale.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t know she\u2019d done that,\u201d Derek said, shaking his head, the shock, and disbelief at what she\u2019d done still baffling him. \u201cI don\u2019t know what we would have done if we had known, but-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour mother is an oath breaker and just this side of being a kin slayer,\u201d Hisashi said, sitting up, his aloof mien fading away. Shadows began to almost drift off him, like a set of scarves floating in the wind. Only there was no breeze.<\/p>\n \u201cHisashi.\u201d Stiles\u2019 tone held a rebuke, but the being didn\u2019t relax even as he flashed Stiles a grin. \u201cWe don\u2019t believe – I don\u2019t believe that you are going to repeat any of what Talia did. That said, I\u2019m not just going to hand the territory over to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek nodded frowning, he\u2019d expected that. As much as he might have hoped to be able to get the territory back, he hadn\u2019t counted on it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou call her oath breaker and kin slayer,\u201d Peter said, leaning forward, even more, eyes focused on Hisashi. \u201cBut you\u2019ve all but rolled out the welcome mat for us, even if you\u2019re being cautious. Even if you say we\u2019re not being held accountable for her mistakes – her crimes. All of that is still a large leap to actually allowing our pack into Beacon Hills – to establish itself here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that is what we intend to do,\u201d Derek said, meeting Stiles\u2019 gaze steadily once more. \u201cWe intend to stay and establish ourselves in both communities and to tie ourselves irrevocably to the territory. It might not be as easily done as we thought when we first came back, but this was our home, and we want it to be that again.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles pressed his fingers to his lips while he stared at Derek, glancing over at Peter briefly before nodding. \u201cI think having a pack here will help immensely. Having the right pack is important and having Hales here once more will make the territory happy as a whole – so long as they\u2019re the right Hales.\u201d Stiles sighed. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t kick you out of the territory unless you were a threat, which you aren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Derek said, feeling disappointed and a little angry. Still, he really hadn\u2019t expected much more, and hopefully, in time, they\u2019d be able to discuss a more permanent tie to the territory. He pushed himself out of the chair.<\/p>\n Stiles huffed. \u201cI think we can do better than that.\u201d He stood up, meeting Derek in the middle of the seating area. \u201cI want you to be alpha of the area here. I can\u2019t give you the territory, its mine for a number of reasons, but there isn\u2019t any reason that I can\u2019t share it with you if we can work together. I believe that you and your pack will be beneficial to Beacon Hills if you give it half a chance – if you\u2019re given half a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the catch?\u201d Derek murmured, his gaze once again caught by Stiles\u2019 eyes. Derek drew in a deep breath to gather his thoughts. Carnations, that unique scent of floral and spice sprinkled with rain and lightning just igniting, flowed across his senses. He felt his eyes widen as he stared at Stiles.<\/p>\n \u201cNo real catch,\u201d Stiles replied, moving even closer until they were less than a foot apart. \u201cJust what we were talking about earlier. Talia Hale isn\u2019t welcome here and neither is her druid, Alan Deaton. Those are the only two who are directly banned from Beacon Hills. Anyone actually connected with Talia Hale\u2019s pack won\u2019t be run out of the area-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut they definitely won\u2019t be welcome here or made to feel comfortable,\u201d Hisashi said from where he still sat. \u201cSo, keep that in mind if you decide to have any family come to visit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019ll be a problem,\u201d Peter said dryly.<\/p>\n Derek heard him getting to his feet behind him, but he didn\u2019t move away from Stiles. He tucked his hands into the pockets of his jacket, his hands aching to touch and mingle their scents. Derek was going to have to exam these impulses later, he hadn\u2019t felt like this in years, and he wasn\u2019t going to risk this alliance on what could be a fleeting attraction.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you say,\u201d Hisashi said. \u201cStiles, you might want to tell them about the other issue now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm?\u201d Stiles tilted his head slightly toward Hisashi without removing his eyes from Derek\u2019s. \u201cIssue?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur other new inhabitants?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAhh, yes, them.\u201d Stiles grimaced, the look in his eyes going smokey and pained. \u201cYou might want to sit back down for this.\u201d He stepped back, reluctantly it seemed to Derek, and sat back down on the edge of his chair. He gestured for Peter and Derek to do the same.<\/p>\n Derek exchanged a glance with Peter, nodding briefly before sitting back down. He rested his hands on his thighs, the barest hint of claw catching on his jeans. His instincts were on high alert, and he could tell that Peter\u2019s were too.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, I\u2019m just going to put this out there,\u201d Stiles said, face set in lines that made him look far older than he was. \u201cWe got word that the Argent\u2019s were back in the area last night-\u201d He held up a hand at Peter\u2019s outbreak of vicious cursing. \u201cThat was our feeling on it as well. I ran into a group of them in the preserve near my home earlier today.\u201d He paused, biting at his lip, and Derek felt his stomach churn with a mixture of fear and protective fury when Stiles looked at him. \u201cThey found me in the small clearing where I was with members of your pack only a few moments before. Gerard Argent was with them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFucking hell,\u201d Peter breathed out as if all the air had been sucked out of his body.<\/p>\n Derek knew they had both realized the same thing. Malia and Melody had both been in that group, and if the hunters had found them, Derek had no doubt about the outcome. Even if the others had passed under the radar, Gerard would have recognized Melody Hale. Derek could be dealing with a near-feral pack instead of this meeting tonight.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Argents have moved back to Beacon Hills?\u201d Derek managed to keep his voice steady, even as his fury thrummed through his words. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be sharing territory with those-\u201d Derek couldn\u2019t think of a word awful enough to describe them other than what they were. \u201cThose murderers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Stiles stated firmly. \u201cAt least not for long. We have to protect ourselves and the communities here, but as soon as they make the slightest move towards anyone, we\u2019re ready to pull the trigger. They trip someone on the sidewalk, and we will have cause.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re setting them up,\u201d Peter said incredulously from next to Derek. He\u2019d reached over and grasped Derek\u2019s arm when Stiles had told them how close the Argents had come to Malia and the others. He hadn\u2019t let go yet. \u201cThat\u2019s a dangerous game to play.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe aren\u2019t playing with them,\u201d Stiles said darkly. The shadows swirled around both him and Hisashi for a moment before settling down. \u201cI\u2019ve been preparing for them to return since the beginning. They\u2019ve been circling us for years now. Now with your pack in the mix.\u201d He slid a glance over to Hisashi before looking back at Derek. \u201cWe\u2019re pretty sure they\u2019ll come for your pack as soon as they clock you, if they haven\u2019t realized you\u2019re here already.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think they followed us here?\u201d Derek frowned, glancing over at Peter when his uncle removed his hand and sat back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose they could have.\u201d Stiles hitched a shoulder in an aborted shrug before leaning forward again to rest his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands in front of him. \u201cBut I\u2019m inclined to think they didn\u2019t follow anyone here, not with how close your arrivals coincided.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve already got a house on Cherry Lane,\u201d Hisashi added. The shadows that had been dancing around him started to drift off him like steam vapor.<\/p>\n Derek didn\u2019t know what Hisashi was, but the more he saw only reinforced his initial impression of how dangerous Hisashi was. Derek would much rather have him on his side than opposing him.<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d Stiles stood and moved to the corner of the room, where Derek noticed a trunk sat. He began to drag it over. \u201cI have some information on that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me help,\u201d Derek said, getting up, and when Stiles didn\u2019t object, he grabbed the other side of the trunk.<\/p>\n At Stiles\u2019 direction, he helped set it down in between the four chairs and then watched Stiles leave the room through a different door than the one they\u2019d entered through. Stiles returned quickly with a laptop tucked under his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cHere is the information I got on them before tonight\u2019s meeting,\u201d Stiles said after he\u2019d set up the laptop. He clicked a few keys, and files began to open. \u201cIt\u2019s not a large contingent of them yet, but it is the main branch.\u201d He tapped the screen. \u201cAllison Argent, twenty six and the current matriarch. Then we have her father Christopher and her grandfather Gerard. I had the dubious pleasure of meeting him today.\u201d Stiles grimaced at that before turning back to the screen, clicking through a few more images, pointing out the photos of those he\u2019d met in the preserve and those that were supposed to be in town.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, it looks like there are a dozen Argent hunters in town right now,\u201d Derek said, finding himself seated on the arm of Stiles\u2019 chair as they studied the laptop.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, Gerard is one of them.\u201d Peter had moved to crouch on the other side of Stiles, and Hisashi was standing behind him, leaning over him to read the screen. \u201cThat could make things ugly, no matter what precautions you\u2019ve taken. He was Kate\u2019s father and he\u2019ll be out for blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re aware of that,\u201d Stiles said, leaning forward again, his arm brushing the outside of Derek\u2019s thigh and sending a rush of heat straight to Derek\u2019s cock.<\/p>\n Derek sucked in a breath and tried to turn his mind to less salacious thoughts. \u201cWhat is the plan then?\u201d He adjusted himself on the arm of the chair, hoping that no one noticed his issue. From the look Peter tipped his way, he figured he would be having an interesting conversation in the car.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing elaborate,\u201d Stiles said, tapping his lips with two fingers. \u201cWe have to wait for them to be the aggressors, or at least for it to seem as if they are if we want to avoid outright retaliation. I just don\u2019t want them to have the chance to do something devastating.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou need to maintain the highroad,\u201d Peter mused. \u201cTake it away from them. It\u2019s the tactic that they and the hunters have been using for decades. You won\u2019t have any trouble in the other community, it\u2019s the mundane world that they move in that you\u2019ll have to be wary of.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s where I plan to hit them first.\u201d Stiles sat back, his arm and shoulder pressed into Derek\u2019s side, a line of heat and scent that filled his senses.<\/p>\n \u201cHow so?\u201d Derek managed to say after he got himself back on track, frowning he glanced over at his uncle. Peter was looking at him, his brow furrowed with worry. Derek hadn\u2019t had this much trouble controlling himself around someone he was attracted to since he\u2019d hit puberty. At least he wasn\u2019t popping his fangs or flashing his eyes. He was just being overwhelmed with Stiles\u2019 scent and proximity, but he also couldn\u2019t make himself move away. So, Derek bit the inside of his cheek and forced himself to clear his head and pay attention. His cock could wait until his pack was safe before Derek figured out what was going on with it.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to wipe out their credibility and their credit in the mundane world as soon as they sneeze in the wrong direction.\u201d Stiles grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I like you Stiles,\u201d Peter said, his voice a purr.<\/p>\n Twin growls echoed in the room, startling Stiles into an upright position, and he looked at Derek and then at Hisashi.<\/p>\n \u201cReally man?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know how I feel Mieczys\u0142aw,\u201d Hisashi sniffed, plucking at his sleeve, not looking at any of them. \u201cWhy the little alpha is joining in, I couldn\u2019t say.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek refused to meet Peter\u2019s eyes, even though he could practically feel them burning into his face. \u201cI apologize.\u201d He said roughly, clearing his throat. He shuffled himself off the arm of the chair, getting to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cUh, no problem, man,\u201d Stiles said, standing and meeting Derek where he\u2019d retreated next to the door. The man seemed to know little of personal space, even if he wasn\u2019t touching Derek. \u201cHisashi gets that reaction from people a lot. He\u2019s not going to attack your uncle or anything.\u201d Stiles paused, his mouth pursing a little as he made a disgusted look that he tossed over his shoulder at the other two. \u201cWell, he won\u2019t attack your uncle in anyway he\u2019d object to.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek raised his brows and looked over Stiles\u2019 shoulder. Sure enough, Peter and Hisashi were talking in hushed tones, leaning into each other\u2019s space even more than Stiles and Derek were. \u201cSo, you and Hisashi?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Stiles looked back at Derek with a grin, shaking his head. \u201cToo much like family at this point to be anything else. He\u2019s definitely got a thing for your uncle though. I think that was him making it known.\u201d Stiles shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot about the supernatural world, but my dad is mundane, and I spent the first part of my life pretty much in that world so I don\u2019t get a lot of the nuance sometimes. Hisashi likes to say I\u2019m just naturally oblivious about these kinds of things, but-\u201d He laughed, shrugging again. \u201cCome on, I don\u2019t think they\u2019re going to kill each other and watching Hisashi flirt is nauseating.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatching Peter do it is the same,\u201d Derek said, leaning to the side and letting Stiles open the door behind him. Derek soaked in the feel of Stiles\u2019 body pressed up against his, however briefly before the other man stepped back and gestured Derek through the door. \u201cI\u2019ve been watching Peter do things like this as long as I can remember, though, so I\u2019m a bit inoculated to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t make it any enjoyable to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Derek said, walking out into the darkened shopfront once more. \u201cBut I can\u2019t begrudge him that.\u201d He gestured back the way they\u2019d come.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Stiles agreed, flipping on the lights behind the counter, surrounding the mirror. It wasn\u2019t much light, but it drove off the darkness of the counter area. \u201cI guess I don\u2019t normally get such a front row seat to Hisashi on the prowl is all.\u201d He tilted his head just a touch as he turned. \u201cYou want to know what he is, don\u2019t you? What we both are?\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles leaned against the counter next to one of the old-fashioned registers, crossing his arms. The way his shirt stretched across his chest and shoulders caused Derek’s mouth to go dry, and he had to swallow a few times to answer him.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course we do,\u201d Derek admitted. \u201cBut that\u2019s yours to tell whenever you decide to. Unless it\u2019s going to be a danger to my pack.\u201d He grimaced at the qualifier. \u201cWe don\u2019t have a right to force that information out of you or demand it from either one of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut that isn\u2019t going to stop you from trying to figure it out.\u201d Stiles smirked at him, and Derek felt a sudden urge to kiss it off the other man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it isn\u2019t,\u201d Derek felt his lips curve into a smirk of their own. He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms, and he didn\u2019t miss the way Stiles\u2019 eyes slid over his body appreciatively, warming him in more ways than one. He also didn\u2019t miss the way that Stiles\u2019 gaze lingered at his crotch. He cleared his throat and smirked wider when Stiles\u2019 gaze snapped back up to his. If Derek wasn’t mistaken, a faint pink flush colored his cheeks. \u201cJust like you\u2019ve looked into our background before this meeting, and you\u2019ll probably check us out even more after tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe.\u201d Stiles shrugged with one shoulder. \u201cHisashi is a shadow kitsune. He\u2019s been called a void kitsune and that would probably be accurate, but he doesn\u2019t care for the term so don\u2019t use it around him unless you want to piss him off. His magic is chaos based, he\u2019ll explain more if he wants to about that.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek nodded. It gave them a start for their research, but even he knew with terms like that what they found would probably be biased against Hisashi. \u201cHe seems – well, I wouldn\u2019t call him safe, but a good ally.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s my friend – my brother in all but blood,\u201d Stiles said firmly, lips pressed together after he finished speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a spark,\u201d Stiles said. He nodded when Derek coughed in shock.<\/p>\n \u201cThat explains some things,\u201d Derek said.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a bit more to it,\u201d Stiles replied with a wry twist of his lips before he sighed and pushed off the counter and began to pull out jars and vials from the shelves and drawers. He\u2019s buzzing with nervous energy that Derek can feel from a foot away.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to tell me.\u201d Even though he wants to know everything there is to know about Stiles, he doesn\u2019t know what to make of this jittery version of the man he\u2019s just really coming to know. He glances back at the door leading to the room they just left, wondering how long they’d have before they were interrupted.<\/p>\n \u201cOur house backed up against the preserve and my mom liked to hang the laundry outside to dry. She said it smelled like best that way, sunshine and forest,\u201d Stiles said, laying items out on the counter and beginning to grind some herbs in a mortar. \u201cShe was a week from her due date. My dad made her promise to wait until he got home before she brought it in that day.\u201d He paused, dumping the herbs into a bowl before pouring in some kind of fragrant oil. \u201cA sudden storm came up, a lot like today only worse. They say it was the worst storm to hit our area in the last fifty years.\u201d Stiles shrugged, looking up and grinning at Derek. \u201cI don\u2019t know how much truth there is in that, but it was a pretty brutal storm. The damage was intense. My mom didn\u2019t know that though, she only noticed the rain coming on and her good linen out on the line.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I see where this is going.\u201d Derek did wonder what this had to do with Stiles\u2019 spark, though.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d Stiles laughed. \u201cSo heavily pregnant woman, struggling in the wind and rain with her linens. She was stubbornly determined to get it off the line and she went into labor. I was told that it came on sudden and hard, she wasn\u2019t able to get back to the house. I was born amongst the storm at the edge of the preserve. Touched by the storm winds and rains almost before my mom\u2019s hands. My mom said I was born glowing with my spark, the only bright thing in our yard outside the flashes of lightning and that my cries were louder than the thunder.\u201d He titled his head slightly as he mixed herbs and oils before siphoning them into decorative glass vials. \u201cThe last bit could just be a romantic addition though. My dad arrived home at the very end and got my mom to the hospital pretty soon afterward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, you were born a spark.\u201d Derek sucked in a sharp breath as he said it.<\/p>\n Sparks weren\u2019t exactly rare. They were usually powerful in their chosen field of magic. All sparks were born with the ability, but they had their magic awakened by ritual or the unlucky by sudden supernatural trauma to access it. Sparks that were born with active magic were rare, so rare as to be practically a myth.<\/p>\n \u201cHisashi likes to call me Stormbringer.\u201d Stiles wrinkled his nose, capping each of the vials and then beginning to clean up the counter. \u201cI have an affinity for storms and with the wind. My mom must have had a bit of something, I don\u2019t know. She had knowledge anyway. She taught me enough control to help me blend in and hide myself. My dad is as mundane as they come. Until I was born, he had no idea of this whole other world and he\u2019d really rather not know about it now.\u201d Stiles shrugged at Derek\u2019s look. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t hate me or anything, he just struggles with the grey area I have to traverse sometimes when it comes to certain things. He gets it, he just really doesn\u2019t like it. He helps keep the world hidden, but it\u2019s always best to keep him out of it when we can.\u201d He met Derek\u2019s eyes, face serious. \u201cAnd don\u2019t ever try to bribe him or anyone in the sheriff\u2019s department here, that won\u2019t go over well if it gets back to him, and it will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Derek agreed without a qualm. He knew that he would have to deal with the politics of his position in both communities, so having a sheriff in the know, even if he wasn\u2019t thrilled about it, was helpful. At least the sheriff didn\u2019t hate them and wasn\u2019t hunter-affiliated. \u201cWe never knew about you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Stiles said. He waggled his head side to side a bit. \u201cI might have said something when I got older, but my mom died and then the fire happened and everything went to shit, so-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed Kate!\u201d Derek felt his eyes widen as things clicked into place.<\/p>\n Stiles raised his brows at Derek, \u201cWell she was going to shoot you guys as you were leaving the house after I broke the ash line, so it seemed appropriate. I\u2019d called the storm to quell the fire already. I have to admit that killing her was not exactly what I\u2019d planned though. I\u2019d meant to scare her and make her drop the gun, but I\u2019m not exactly sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither am I,\u201d Derek reassured him. \u201cBut you know the Argents have never believed that it was an accidental death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably because it wasn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow would they know that though?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause they\u2019re paranoid bastards,\u201d Peter said, coming through the door. \u201cSo, storms, chaos and a sundered pack. Beacon Hills is going to be an interesting territory for the next couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek looked at his uncle and raised a brow at his swollen lips and mussed clothing and hair. Peter smirked at him and winked. Derek had to wonder if Hisashi and Peter had discussed anything after he\u2019d left the room or if Peter had caught the end of their conversation and was just adding his two cents.<\/p>\n \u201cChaos isn\u2019t so bad if it\u2019s done right,\u201d Hisashi said, coming around Peter. He trailed a hand down his arm and winked at him, a sly smile on his face. \u201cI\u2019ll show you later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think that\u2019s all for tonight,\u201d Stiles said, sighing loudly. He exchanged a look with Derek that had made Derek grin. \u201cLet me give you my number and address.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek dug his phone out of his jeans and handed it over a lot more eagerly than was probably appropriate and waited for Stiles to input his information. When he took his phone back, the text notification went off. He looked down and saw an address with Stiles\u2019 name attached.<\/p>\n \u201cI sent a text to my number,\u201d Stiles said, waggling his phone. \u201cThat way we can keep in touch. I\u2019m not going to ask for where you\u2019re staying-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou already know,\u201d Derek said, utterly sure of that information. It would be one of the first things he\u2019d find out about someone coming into his territory.<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Stiles huffed, running a hand through his hair and tugging at it. \u201cYeah, but I wasn\u2019t going to admit it. That wouldn\u2019t have been polite.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek laughed. \u2018It\u2019s fine. We\u2019ll have to get together later and figure out a more concrete plan about the Argents once we have a better idea of their movements.\u201d He took a breath and reined in his alpha a touch. \u201cIf that works with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think that works just fine.\u201d He smiled brightly.<\/p>\n \u201cWorks fine with me too, in case you were worried about my schedule,\u201d Hisashi said before he turned and headed towards the door to the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cMy schedule is open as well,\u201d Peter replied, following behind Hisashi. \u201cI\u2019m sure you we\u2019re about to ask though.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles and Derek sighed in unison before looking at each other and laughing. They made their way around the counter after Stiles put away the rest of his supplies and tucked the vials of whatever he\u2019d made.<\/p>\n \u201cYour cousin? Malia,\u201d Stiles said, looking at Derek. When he nodded, Stiles continued, \u201cShe adorable, I\u2019m not sure if I should apologize about the shoe thing though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShoes?\u201d Derek found himself looking down, and sure enough, Stiles\u2019 feet were bare. A bolt of lust shot through Derek so sudden, he felt dizzy. Why the sight of Stiles\u2019 bare feet were the sexiest thing he could ever remember seeing, he had no idea, but Derek knew he needed to go now before he threw the man down on the floor of the shop before he’d even taken him out on a date. \u201cOh, well she\u2019s always hated shoes. I don\u2019t think you made if any worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell shoes are the worst.\u201d Stiles lifted a foot and wiggled his toes briefly before walking again. \u201cI\u2019ve hated them all my life, they get between me and my connection with the earth. I don\u2019t know whether that\u2019s a spark thing or just a me thing, but-\u201d He shrugged and walked through the door that Hisashi was holding open.<\/p>\n Derek swallowed at the sight of Stiles\u2019 bare feet in the moonlight, trying to get the image of the pale toes and the slim foot out of his head. Trying not to think of what it would look like in the air with his leg bare, with the rest of this body laid out naked beneath Derek.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should get back home,\u201d Peter said, and Derek could hear the laughter in his voice. \u201cThe others will be waiting to hear how this meeting went and we don\u2019t want to keep them waiting any longer than necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight,\u201d Stiles said, still looking at Derek. \u201cDon\u2019t forget to call me so we can set up a time to meet then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Derek said. His ears were hot, and he knew they were bright red. He could only hope that it was dark enough to hide them. \u201cIt was nice meeting you. Again, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d Stiles smiled. He made an abortive gesture to offer his hand before seeming to remember that he wasn\u2019t supposed to do that.<\/p>\n Derek wanted that though, he stuck his hand out before Stiles could pull back completely and grasped his hand. He marveled at Stiles\u2019 hands and wanted to smack himself. First, the man\u2019s feet and now his hands, but they were large and the palms lightly calloused. Derek suppressed a shiver as he imagined how they would feel.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re more than allies I think, if not quite friends,\u201d Derek said, his voice a little hoarse. He smirked when Stiles shivered, and the scent of arousal rose higher in the air. At least he knew he wasn\u2019t alone in this attraction.<\/p>\n \u201cRight, yeah,\u201d Stiles said, a little wide-eyed for a moment before his eyes narrowed. \u201cWe\u2019re definitely something.\u201d He stepped into Derek\u2019s space, not releasing his hand. He searched Derek\u2019s face before smirking. \u201cDefinitely something.\u201d He stepped back, releasing Derek\u2019s hand and slowly sliding his palm and fingers away. \u201cI\u2019ll see you later Alpha.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSame to you Stiles,\u201d Derek said, swallowing, but this time letting the heat pool in his abdomen. He flashed just a hint of red from his eyes and enjoyed the way that Stiles shivered when he did. He turned and ignored Peter\u2019s raised eyebrows as he went to the car, unlocking it and getting in. \u201cNot a word,\u201d He said to Peter when his uncle got in and shut his door.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t go to say anything,\u201d Peter said, sounding affronted as Derek pulled out of the lot. \u201cStiles is an interesting man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut. Up.\u201d Derek gripped the steering wheel tightly. He wasn\u2019t angry so much as he didn\u2019t want to pick apart his attraction to Stiles with his uncle just yet. \u201cOr I\u2019m going to start in on the kitsune with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, we can start in on him any time you want.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot tonight, Peter, please,\u201d Derek said, glancing over at Peter.<\/p>\n Peter was quiet for a moment, \u201cReally Derek?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I don\u2019t know what it is, but yeah. Let\u2019s deal with the Argents and getting settled first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you going to stay away from him until then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably not, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n Peter scoffed.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s dangerous in a way that we need to worry for the pack right now,\u201d Derek corrected himself, pulling up in front of the townhomes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might be right,\u201d Peter agreed. \u201cI\u2019ll reserve my comments or interference as your advisor and council then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Derek said sincerely.<\/p>\n \u201cReady to face the mob?\u201d<\/p>\n At least they had good news concerning the territory. Even if it was tempered by the fact that the Argents were in town.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stiles looked up from his book and frowned at the brunette that had taken the chair across from him without invitation. It had been a week since their meeting in the woods, and while he\u2019d acquired quite a bit of information on the Argent contingent in town, they had yet to make a move that would allow him to unleash his plan to get them out of his territory.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been spending a lot of time with Derek Hale,\u201d Allison Argent said without preamble, flipping her hair over her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cYour point?\u201d Stiles didn\u2019t bother being polite. He wasn\u2019t in the preserve, and he didn\u2019t have the need to hide anything anymore. He knew what backup she currently had, and they knew precisely how many Argents were in town.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a dangerous man,\u201d She pressed, leaning forward, her chair sliding on the floor. Her gaze was intense, burning into his as if to convince him with that alone.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm.\u201d Stiles marked his place with an old receipt and shut his book. Most of his books were electronic these days, but he enjoyed the occasional paperback now and again when he sat in the cafe for lunch before returning to the shop. He did not like being interrupted. \u201cWell, the way he kisses makes me forget what time of day it is and I\u2019m really looking forward to how he wields his cock, but I wouldn\u2019t call that dangerous. We\u2019ve had all the important relationship talks in that regards, not that it\u2019s your business.\u201d Stiles raised a brow as Allison turned red and spluttered, sitting back in her chair with a thump.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re dating<\/i> him,\u201d She hissed as if it was dreadful news that he wanted kept secret. It probably was – to her.<\/i><\/p>\n \u201cYes, I\u2019m dating Derek Hale,\u201d Stiles said in a normal tone of voice, amused, despite himself.<\/p>\n \u201cGood on you,\u201d Maggie said from behind the counter as she filled a coffee order. \u201cThat boy is one fine piece of ass, nice as pie too. Helped me carry my groceries to the car the other day when I bought those bags of dog food for my Bunky.\u201d Maggie Lawry was at least seventy and had owned the cafe as long as Stiles could remember. He was pretty sure that Bunky, her golden retriever, was his age. She bought his food in fifty-pound bags, three at a time. Then she waited until she could get someone to load them into her car for her, follow her home and unload them. It was well known around town. Nobody in town turned Maggie down.<\/p>\n \u201cSee,\u201d Stiles said, gesturing to Maggie with his free hand. \u201cNice as pie, helping young ladies with their groceries and everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, hush you,\u201d Maggie said before turning back to her customers.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are things about him that you don\u2019t know,\u201d Allison insisted, her voice hushed as she looked around the cafe. Her shoulders relaxed when she seemed to notice that the lunch crowd was thinning out. She eyed the counter and waited until Maggie disappeared into the back before she turned back to Stiles. \u201cYou need to stay away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d He reached over and took his cup. Finishing his coffee, he stood up. Setting his book and the table, he swung his jacket on, slipping his arms in the sleeves. He picked his book up and looked at Allison. \u201cI would say it was nice to see you, but-\u201d He shrugged and started for the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWait!\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles heard the chair scrape the floor and the click of her boots as she hurried after him. He sighed as he opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. He turned to head towards the office block that held the shop. Sasha was watching the counter while he was on lunch, but she was supposed to leave at one today. He glanced at the time on his phone. That gave him fifteen minutes to get back.<\/p>\n \u201cStiles, I said wait!\u201d Allison hurried up beside him, she wasn\u2019t out of breath, but Stiles wouldn\u2019t expect her to be with the training she\u2019d no doubt undergone.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have anything else to talk to you about Allison,\u201d Stiles said, arching a brow at her when she grabbed his arm, stopping him from walking away. \u201cI need to get back to my shop, please let me go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to help you,\u201d she said. Her eyes were wide and shiny. She leaned forward, pressing into him. \u201cI\u2019m worried for you. Derek has a bad reputation outside of Beacon Hills. He\u2019s done some really horrible things.\u201d She bit her bottom lip and looked up at him from under her lashes. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to tell you this, but I see that keeping it from you is wrong. Stiles, he killed a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally.\u201d Stiles looked down at her incredulously. \u201cSo, you took lessons from Kate then.\u201d Allison jerked back as if Stiles had struck her. \u201cI suppose I should be grateful you\u2019re not targeting underage boys at least.\u201d He let out a sigh and shook her off his arm. \u201cI\u2019m not interested in whatever game you\u2019re trying to play here, but I am disgusted by it and you.\u201d He felt his lip curl as he tucked his book into the inner pocket of his jacket and brushed off the arm where she\u2019d touched him. \u201cYou should remember that it was an Argent that tried to commit mass murder in this town, not a Hale and definitely not Derek Hale. Goodbye Allison.\u201d He turned to leave.<\/p>\n \u201cStiles,\u201d Allison called quietly.<\/p>\n Stiles looked back over his shoulder at her. The disgust he felt for her was firmly stamped on his face, he was sure.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t stay away from Derek Hale and his-\u201d She paused, pursing her lips. \u201cHis family, you\u2019re going to regret it in more ways than I can say.\u201d This time she turned to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAllison,\u201d Stiles said and waited for her to turn around. He allowed a smile to cross his lips, aware that it was the one that Hisashi called his crocodile grin. All teeth and no humor. \u201cI appreciate the warning, but here\u2019s one for you. If anyone touches the Hales, a storm will rain down on them the likes of which they have never seen before and whether they survive it will be up to the gods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStiles?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave a good day.\u201d He turned back and continued to the shop. He\u2019d probably overplayed his hand, but the Argents had been a thorn in the supernatural communities\u2019 side for too long. They were making those in his territory too uneasy, which was bleeding over onto him. He was also becoming very intertwined with Derek, even more than just as guardian and alpha.<\/p>\n Stiles smirked as he rounded the corner to the office block, thinking about the last time he and Derek had been together. Derek had shoved him up against the wall and proceeded to kiss him quite senseless, with one of those wonderfully thick thighs in between his own. Stiles shivered to remember it. They\u2019d barely managed to get their cocks out before they came all over each other. Stiles hadn\u2019t felt this connected to anyone – he paused at the door to the shop – ever, he\u2019d never felt like this.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Sasha,\u201d He called out, shrugging out of his jacket, barely needed in the cool spring weather, unneeded inside the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Bossman,\u201d Sasha said, popping up from behind the counter. Stiles had met her during a night out at the Jungle years ago and later discovered that she was the only child of a Leshy and a Kikimora. She looked more or less human, if taller and thinner than most. She sported long moss green curls and a sharp-featured face. She was a good friend and a great employee. \u201cReady to take over? Ty\u2019s first doctor\u2019s appointment is today, and I don\u2019t want to be late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I am, get out of here.\u201d Stiles waved her off. Sasha\u2019s partner was finally pregnant, and Stiles was not going to get in the way of Sasha making today\u2019s appointment. \u201cHave fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will,\u201d She called over her shoulder, grabbing her bag and making a beeline for the door.<\/p>\n Stiles smiled after her before walking through the shop and straightening up a few things. The Tea Cake pumpkin butter was getting low. Stiles made a note to have the minions make up a new batch over the weekend.<\/p>\n He still found it amusing that he ran a bath and beauty business with soaps, lotions, and perfume oils as a cover for his supernatural work and that it had taken off so well. He wasn\u2019t going to outdo any of the top brands in the market, but he did well enough to cover the utilities and mortgage on the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cStiles?\u201d Derek called out as he burst in, his voice edged with hints of panic. He strode across the shop to Stiles, eyes wide as he glanced around. \u201cErica saw Allison stop you near the shop. I know you\u2019re okay, but-\u201d He ran a hand down his face, growling low in his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cYou needed to check on me?\u201d Stiles said both amused and touched. He was used to this kind of reaction from Hisashi, and as long as Derek didn\u2019t try to shove him in a box or treat him like he couldn\u2019t handle himself, he didn\u2019t mind. \u201cI\u2019m fine. She wanted to warn me off of you. You\u2019re very dangerous, apparently.\u201d Stiles waggled his brows and licked his bottom lip. He reached out and grabbed Derek by his jacket, bringing him in for a kiss. Pressing his lips to Derek\u2019s, he slid his hands up the other man\u2019s chest to cup his jaw. He slid his tongue past his lips, brushing over Derek\u2019s losing himself in the taste of the other man. He felt Derek\u2019s hand slide around and then up the back of his shirt, a hot press of skin on skin. Stiles moaned into the kiss. Derek growled; his free hand came to cup the back of Stiles\u2019 head, and he took control of the kiss.<\/p>\n Stiles pulled back for a quick breath, Derek following him, biting at his jawline and then nipping at his ear. He tilted his head back to give him better access when Derek began to suck at the juncture of his neck and shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI can smell the hint of a hunter on you,\u201d Derek growled, pulling Stiles in even closer and dragging the roughened skin of his jaw over Stiles\u2019 cheek. \u201cI fucking hate it.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles pulled back and looked at Derek. He realized at that moment that he\u2019d do anything to wipe the conflicted and pained look off Derek\u2019s face. He dropped his hands from where they\u2019d migrated into Derek\u2019s hair and set them over his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I do?\u201d Stiles leaned in, brushing his lips softly over Derek\u2019s, offering comfort rather than passion.<\/p>\n Derek closed his eyes and leaned his head against Stiles\u2019. \u201cI don\u2019t know, it\u2019s not like you have a shower here, and you\u2019ve got to get back to work anyway. I\u2019ll deal with it.\u201d he shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, fuck that,\u201d Stiles said. He thought for a moment, flipping through his internal calendar. He didn\u2019t have any appointments today, and he\u2019d lose little by closing a few hours early. There might be some gossip around town, but they knew how to get in touch with him if anyone needed him. He stepped back from Derek and moved to the counter. Leaning over, he grabbed the keys from the hook under the register. Then he headed to the door in a few quick strides, took up the chalk from the table under the coat rack, he grabbed the sign hanging on the door. He scribbled a message for anyone who came by and hung it back up. Grabbing his jacket, he looked over his shoulder at Derek, who hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you bring the Camaro? I had Hisashi drop me today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Derek said cocking his head to the side for just a second before he began to walk towards Stiles. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a nice large shower at my place,\u201d He smiled at the wide-eyed look Derek gave him as understanding began to dawn. \u201cUnless you have other plans today, I thought you should make sure to get all of the hunter off of me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm.\u201d Derek\u2019s lips slowly curved into a smirk. The frustrated, annoyed, and unsure man of moments before disappearing as suddenly as he\u2019d appeared. \u201cI don\u2019t have any plans. Let me text the pack. Are you sure it\u2019s alright to close up the shop like this?\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles shrugged, flipping off the lights, \u201cThere aren\u2019t any clients on the schedule today and there aren\u2019t any customers right now. Besides, now that I think more on it, I feel desperately in need of a shower after that encounter. I feel contaminated after that and since I touched you, you\u2019ll have to take one too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose we should take one together to conserve water then?\u201d Derek looked at him, his tone dry.<\/p>\n Stiles ushered him out of the shop laughing. \u201cThat line is so bad that I refuse to use it. If I have to resort to something like that to get you into the shower with me then it might be best if I shower alone.\u201d He glanced over his shoulder and winked at Derek. Derek looked unimpressed except for the slightest uptick at the corner of his mouth when Stiles looked closer.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do I like you so much?\u201d Derek\u2019s hands wrapped around Stiles\u2019 hips as he grinned.<\/p>\n The question was obviously meant to be playful, but Stiles found himself pausing as he slipped the keys into his jacket. He looked up at Derek, sucking his bottom lip into his mouth, chewing on it as he thought.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Stiles said finally. \u201cI\u2019ve never connected with anyone like this outside of Hisashi and – well-\u201d He laughed, scrubbing a hand into his hair before dropping it and putting his hands on Derek\u2019s forearms. \u201cThat was not<\/i> anything like this<\/i>.\u201d He gestured between them, indicating the few inches that separated them. \u201cI don\u2019t really care though, not unless you do. I want to see where this goes. You\u2019re hot as fuck, yeah.\u201d He felt Derek\u2019s hands tighten on his hips, but he shook his head and gripped Derek\u2019s arms. \u201cYou\u2019re also funny as fuck, with a deadpan sense of humor that has me laughing more than I have in a long time. You\u2019ve shown yourself to be intelligent as we\u2019ve gone over the territory plans and your plans for your-\u201d He glanced around them and shrugged. \u201cYour family, so yes. I want to know where this goes. Do I wonder about why I feel so comfortable with you? Why I was not only instantly attracted to you, but wanted to take you home and feed you dinner? Sure, I do, but I\u2019m not overly bothered by it. It doesn\u2019t feel wrong or manipulative, so I\u2019m going to leave it alone for now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve looked into it?\u201d Derek\u2019s ears were red, and there was a light dusting of pink spreading under the scruff he perpetually wore. \u201cI told Peter to leave it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he\u2019s anything like Hisashi, I doubt he did,\u201d Stiles said grinning, he reached over and traced the curve of Derek\u2019s ear with the tip of his finger, charmed all over by the man. \u201cHisashi put me through the paces the other night, just to make sure everything was on the up and up.\u201d He shrugged at Derek\u2019s look. \u201cI didn\u2019t say anything because everything came back clear. I knew it would, but it made him feel better. If he hasn\u2019t already shared it with Peter, you can tell him to go talk with Hisashi.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Derek said. Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to Stiles\u2019 lips before stepping back. \u201cNow, I believe we have a shower waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed, we do.\u201d Stiles said, entwining their fingers together as they headed for Derek\u2019s car.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ***********<\/p>\n They entered Stiles\u2019 house in a rush, hands divesting each other of their jackets. Derek\u2019s boots hit the floor one after the other in quick succession, next to the front door after it was shut. The sandals that Stiles had worn that day in concession to the cafe\u2019s rules about shoes ended up halfway between the door and the couch.<\/p>\n \u201cGet this off!\u201d Stiles jerked at Derek\u2019s hair to get his head out of his neck so that he could get the blue henley over the man\u2019s head. Stiles trailed his fingers over Derek\u2019s exposed abs and up to his chest, flicking a finger over one taut nipple, grinning when Derek let out a sound somewhere between a groan and a growl. \u201cGet your shirt the rest of the way off and we can do more.\u201d He tugged again at where the shirt was caught just under Derek\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re one to talk,\u201d Derek said, grabbing his shirt by the back and pulling it over his head, throwing it to the side. Then he grabbed Stiles by the shirt and reeled him back in for a biting kiss, sucking his tongue into his mouth briefly before pulling back and lifting Stiles\u2019 shirt in a silent demand.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, sure,\u201d Stiles said, peeling his shirt off and tossing it aside. He popped the button on his jeans and backed up the stairs another couple of steps. \u201cAre we going to make it to that shower?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEventually,\u201d Derek said, grinning, the look in his eyes pure desire and need.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s your hurry?\u201d Stiles couldn\u2019t help but grin back, his whole body sparkling with lust. He didn\u2019t have the same abilities as Derek, but he could practically smell the pheromones in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone,\u201d Derek said, looking at Stiles pointedly. \u201cDecided that they were going to be a cocktease in the car where I couldn\u2019t touch them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot a tease if I planned to follow through,\u201d Stiles said smirking, he eased the zipper of his jeans down, careful of his cock, already hard from his activities in the car and their dance up the stairs. He slid his hand into his jeans, rubbing over his cloth-covered cock. He didn\u2019t break eye contact with Derek.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to kill me,\u201d Derek muttered, closing the distance between them and backing Stiles into the wall at the top of the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m going to enjoy every fucking minute of it, don\u2019t get me wrong, but you are going to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever,\u201d Stiles said, both hands on Derek\u2019s jeans scrambling to get them undone. \u201cAre these things painted on? Get them off, for fuck\u2019s sake. And you call me a tease.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cServes you right.\u201d Derek laughed. He reached between them and popped the button, dragging the zipper down. Stepping back, he slid them down his legs and stood in front of Stiles, completely nude.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are ridiculously unfair,\u201d Stiles said point at him. \u201cI know you wear boxer briefs; you were wearing them the other night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had a date tonight after you got off work. I figured they\u2019d just get in the way,\u201d Derek said a little smugly before his face darkened for a moment. \u201cThings went a little off plan, but it still seems to be working for me. I was going to take the edge off beforehand, but here we are.\u201d He shrugged, standing there loose-limbed and gorgeous.<\/p>\n \u201cYou bastard,\u201d Stiles breathed, lust spiking hard at the thought of Derek taking himself in hand, stroking his cock until he came.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite what brought this about,\u201d Derek said, eyes hot and half-lidded as he dragged them over Stiles. \u201cI\u2019m not objecting to the change in plans.\u201d He met Stiles\u2019 eyes once more. \u201cAre you going to finish getting undressed, or am I going to have to go back to my original plans?\u201d As he finished speaking, he reached down and wrapped a hand around his hardened cock, stroking himself without taking his eyes off Stiles.<\/p>\n Stiles swallowed, his gaze flicking between Derek\u2019s face and his cock. \u201cYou\u2019re evil.\u201d He slipped his thumbs in the waistband of his jeans at the hips and shimmied them down his legs, kicking them away.<\/p>\n Derek let go of his cock, stepping into Stiles\u2019 space, trailing a finger around the waistband of Stiles\u2019 boxer briefs. He pulled it away from Stiles\u2019 waist, brushing the backs of his knuckles over his stomach while his fingers gave the briefest teasing touch to Stiles\u2019 cock.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck,\u201d Stiles moaned, head hitting the wall with a dull thud, his nerves igniting as he fought to keep from closing his eyes. He didn\u2019t want to take his eyes off of Derek.<\/p>\n \u201cThese need to go too,\u201d Derek murmured, leaning in to nip at his ear. \u201cC\u2019mon Stiles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yeah, okay.\u201d Stiles pressed a hand to Derek\u2019s chest, moving the man back a couple of inches. He slipped the underwear off as quickly as possible, stumbling only a little when it got tangled on an ankle. \u201cHappy now?\u201d He tossed them over Derek\u2019s shoulder, down the staircase. He gave a brief thought to Hisashi\u2019s reaction when he finally came home but then quickly forgot about it.<\/p>\n \u201cEcstatic.\u201d Derek moved back in, caging him against the wall. \u201cShower or bed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDepends,\u201d Stiles murmured, sliding his hands up Derek\u2019s chest, tweaking his nipples. He leaned in and pressed an open-mouthed kiss to Derek\u2019s neck before he thought about it and then froze. Derek groaned, his hand shoving into Stiles\u2019 hair and pressing his head into Derek\u2019s throat. Stiles felt his eyes go wide, and then he smirked before he sucked a kiss using teeth, tongue, and mouth. When he pulled back, he admired the mark he\u2019d left behind even as it began to heal.<\/p>\n \u201cFucking hell,\u201d Derek moaned, pulling Stiles\u2019 head back. He kissed him, sucking his tongue into his mouth and pressing their bodies together.<\/p>\n Stiles felt Derek hot, heavy, and hard at his hip. He reached for Derek\u2019s hips and drew the man closer, adjusting them until they were siding against each other just right.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck!\u201d Derek dropped his head on top of Stiles\u2019 shoulder. \u201cDepends on what?\u201d He gasped out between a moan and a scrambled move to grasp Stiles\u2019 hips, stopping their movement.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said shower or bed depends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre we going to need lube?\u201d Stiles tried to arch into Derek and get some of that delicious friction back.<\/p>\n \u201cEventually,\u201d Derek said fervently. \u201cI have plans and they include lube, as long as you\u2019re on board.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles snapped his gaze back to Derek\u2019s, the lust haze in his mind retreating a touch. \u201cAll the way on board. I\u2019m hoisting the fucking anchor, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek raised a brow at that, but Stiles just grinned and grabbed his hand. He pulled him away from the stairs and down the hall to his bedroom.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 ***********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stiles woke to someone\u2019s breath on the back of his neck. Memories of the day before crashed over him, bringing with them a heat that pooled in his abdomen and shivered through his veins.<\/p>\n \u201cYou smell fucking fantastic,\u201d Derek murmured, voice rough with sleep. He pressed a kiss into Stiles\u2019 shoulder, tightening the arm he had slung over his waist. \u201cI\u2019d ask how you\u2019re feeling, but with the way you smell-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel<\/i> fantastic,\u201d Stiles said, shifting to roll over so he could look at Derek. The blankets slid down, barely clinging to his hip, and caught just under the curve of Derek\u2019s ribs. \u201cI don\u2019t have your advantage, but the fact that you\u2019re looking very smug right now tells me that the feeling is mutual.\u201d Stiles laughed, leaning in for a quick brush of the lips.<\/p>\n \u201cI definitely feel fantastic,\u201d Derek said, smiling into the kiss. \u201cWe even managed that shower last night.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles pulled back and laughed again. \u201cWe\u2019ll need another this morning and I\u2019m going to have to play scavenger to find all our clothes.\u201d He frowned, thinking. \u201cI\u2019m not sure but I think all of them ended up near the stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Derek shrugged, the blankets slipping down even more. \u201cWorst comes to worst I can slip into wolf form, and you can drive me home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s your only option?\u201d Stiles gave him an incredulous look. \u201cYou could also just borrow some sweats, they might not be an exact fit, but I don\u2019t think it would be too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat too.\u201d Derek shrugged again before he reached for Stiles. He rolled them until he was leaning over Stiles. \u201cMaybe I just want to show off a little. I can do a full shift you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you now?\u201d Stiles smirked up at him, impressed despite himself. A full-shift werewolf was pretty uncommon. He’d heard rumors about the Hales but had never been sure what to believe.<\/p>\n \u201cImpressed?\u201d Derek leaned down and kissed him, pulling back smiling. His eyes sparkling in the morning light, his dark hair mussed from sleep, and pillow creases on his face. He was just as gorgeous sleep soft and almost boyish teasing this morning as he\u2019d been last night, oozing sex and confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Stiles said, holding back his grin and biting his lip. He looked up at Derek from under his lashes, a move made difficult by their positions. \u201cAre you a big wolf?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAm I-\u201d Derek stared at him for a moment, seeming flatfooted by the question.<\/p>\n Stiles burst out laughing, his whole body shaking with it. Derek stared at him a few seconds longer before he began to laugh as well.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was awful,\u201d Derek said, shoulders shaking as he chuckled. He rolled on his side, propping his head upon his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, but I couldn\u2019t help it,\u201d Stiles said, mirroring his position. \u201cA full shift though?\u201d At Derek\u2019s nod, Stiles shook his head, sighing. \u201cThat\u2019s really cool. I\u2019ve heard that it\u2019s almost impossible to do. Something to do with power and pack strength, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cActually, nobody knows,\u201d Derek said, shrugging. \u201cThere are a lot of theories. It does seem to run in families. The Hale alpha is always able to do it, as far as I know. Nobody thought I would since I\u2019m not a real <\/i>Hale alpha.\u201d He made a face at that. \u201cBut Peter did some research, and what little information he found led me to try.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you did it.\u201d Stiles smiled, reaching over and shoving his shoulder gently.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I did it,\u201d Derek said smiling, pride edging his words. He gazed at Stiles for a moment before shrugging. “Our whole pack can now. Nobody else knows and we’re not precisely sure why we all have the ability, especially since half of us are bitten.”<\/p>\n Stiles stared at Derek, there in his bed, and felt a warmth roll over him. It took him a moment to realize what he was feeling. Stiles was happy. He was content in a way he hadn\u2019t been, not for years. If he thought back, it had probably been since his mom died and his world upended. Stiles hadn\u2019t been miserable all this time, of course, but there had always been a piece missing. Looking at Derek here, laughing and smiling with him. Being goofy and sincere, full of gentle and sensual touches and looks, it felt like something slotting into place. Stiles wasn\u2019t entirely sure how he felt about it, but he did know that he didn\u2019t want to lose it.<\/p>\n \u201cStiles?\u201d Derek sat up. The smile fell from his face. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI really like you,\u201d Stiles said, his tone more accusatory than he meant it to be as he sat up, still staring at Derek. He was sure that he was wide-eyed, and he felt a little light-headed, but he reached for Derek.<\/p>\n \u201cI really fucking like you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so.\u201d Derek laughed softly, reeling him in. \u201cOr dating is going to be really awkward.\u201d He enfolded Stiles in his arms after dragging him into his lap. They were both really too big for this type of cuddling, and their legs were going to go numb soon, but Stiles clung to Derek. \u201cI really fucking like you too, if you didn\u2019t know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, that\u2019s good,\u201d Stiles nodded against Derek\u2019s throat, where he\u2019d mashed his forehead. \u201cYou should, it\u2019s only fair.\u201d Stiles didn\u2019t mention that he was only a few short steps from falling in love with the other man because that was ridiculous. He\u2019d only known Derek for a little over a week. It was too soon for that. Wasn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n \u201cIt isn\u2019t a bad thing, is it?\u201d Derek brushed a hand over Stiles\u2019 hair before pulling him back enough so he could see his face.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not a bad thing,\u201d Stiles said sighing, he waved his hands in the air, barely missing Derek\u2019s face. He winced an apology. \u201cI didn\u2019t mind – I don\u2019t mind how fast everything is moving between us – not really. It just-\u201d Stiles mimed his head exploding. \u201cAll of a sudden, it hit me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as you don\u2019t want to stop this we won\u2019t,\u201d Derek said, eyes serious as he brushed the back of his fingers down the side of Stiles\u2019 face. \u201cI have my moments. It\u2019s only been a little over a week. It\u2019s been a very intense week and that-\u201d He huffed. \u201cI\u2019m not always good with words, but I\u2019ve never connected to anyone on so many levels. We definitely have sexual chemistry.\u201d He gestured to the bed and Stiles laughed. \u201cBut we always have a lot in common when it comes to what we want with this territory for the future. At least from the discussions we\u2019ve had. That\u2019s the other thing, I\u2019m not great with words but I can talk with you about anything. I to spend time with you all the time. I want you to spend time with my pack and I want you to like them. I want them to like you.\u201d He leaned in and clasped Stiles\u2019 hands, lifting them to his mouth, kissing the palms before bringing them to his chest and holding them there. Stiles felt his stomach swoop. \u201cI want to give this everything Stiles. I want to fall in love with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles choked on a breath. \u201cHow can you just say<\/i> that?\u201d<\/p>\n Derek laughed softly, lifting his hands and kissing them again. Stiles felt his stomach flutter again at the gesture. \u201cMy uncle made me get a lot of therapy. I still have my own issues, but in this instance, I know what I want and I\u2019m not going to lose out on it because I\u2019m afraid to say it. When we first met, I had no idea what I was going to do with this instant attraction and pull I felt to you. It wasn\u2019t like anything I\u2019d felt before and it felt so complicated, especially with everything going on. Even with the way that night ended I wasn\u2019t sure what I was going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat changed your mind?\u201d Stiles frowned, nibbling his lip. \u201cOr I guess, what made up your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI slept on it,\u201d Derek said, looking directly into Stiles\u2019 eyes. \u201cI dreamed of your eyes and your scent all night long. When I woke up, the first thing I did was get myself off to that.\u201d He smirked unapologetically, and Stiles shrugged. It’s not like Stiles hadn\u2019t done the same thing the night he\u2019s come home from the meeting. \u201cBut after that, I started thinking about watching you talk about the territory during the meeting, watching you mix those herbs and oils together while telling me about your birth. I realized I wanted to know more.\u201d Derek shrugged, pulling Stiles in and kissing him quickly. \u201cAnd that was that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Stiles murmured against Derek\u2019s lips before pulling back. \u201cI get it. I\u2019m not quite so put together when it comes to that. But as I said, I\u2019m going all in on this, which includes all of that.\u201d He gestured a little wildly, ignoring Derek\u2019s laughter. He got out of the bed and strode to the door of his room\u2019s en-suite. \u201cI\u2019ll get better at it, I know I will, but-\u201d Stiles glanced back over his shoulder, frowning, a little pissed at himself for bringing down the mood of the morning.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll deal with it,\u201d Derek said, following him to the bathroom. \u201cAs great as things are, neither one of us are perfect. We just have to want to work at this though and try not to be the worst kind of assholes to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe worst kind of assholes?\u201d Stiles flipped on the lights before he started the shower.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know exactly what I mean,\u201d Derek said, giving Stiles a tap on his ass before slipping by him to get into the shower stall.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose I do,\u201d Stiles agreed, pouring some body wash out and beginning to lather it up. \u201cWhat are your plans for today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErica wants to finish finalizing the plans for the demolition of the house.\u201d Derek grimaced, and Stiles laid a soapy hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. \u201cI think Peter is getting Malia registered into the private school here today, he won\u2019t need me for the paperwork, but he\u2019ll want me there for the tour of the building.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn alpha thing?\u201d Stiles switched positions with Derek so he could rinse off and watched Derek scrub shampoo into his hair.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Derek said before they did the dance again, and Derek shoved his head under the water. \u201cIt usually isn\u2019t a big deal with Peter, but this is about Malia so it\u2019s a lot harder to curb those instincts. I don\u2019t mind, but it makes for a long day today. Especially since both Cora and Isaac start work today and want me to stop in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are they working at again?\u201d Stiles didn\u2019t object when Derek reached for him and began to wash his hair. Stiles wasn\u2019t going to turn down that kind of pampering.<\/p>\n \u201cCora is working at the library in the archives, filling in at the circulation desk when the need it,\u201d Derek said, scraping his nails gently over his scalp. \u201cShe\u2019s pretty thrilled, I guess Beacon Hills has some historical significance and their archives are a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we get researchers and writers coming through every now and then,\u201d Stiles said. His knees felt a little weak as he leaned back into Derek\u2019s hands. \u201cThe college\u2019s around here love to try and get us to donate our collection to them, but no dice. Librarians are vicious though man. It gets heated every couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell Cora\u2019s happy to put her degree to work anyway,\u201d Derek laughed. \u201cI\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be delighted to go to war for the library and the archives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what I\u2019ve seen I have no doubt.\u201d Stiles hummed. \u201cSo busy today then. I don\u2019t even need to hear anymore to know that you probably have the day planned down to the minute to meet up with everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToday is going to be a lot of running around,\u201d He agreed. \u201cClose your eyes.\u201d Derek rinsed his hair before he slicked conditioner through it. \u201cIsaac promised to feed me at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he was working at the school?\u201d Stiles kept his eyes closed, but he frowned, trying to remember.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is, but he wants me to meet him after he gets off work to go over the day. Rinsing,\u201d Derek said, tilting Stiles back under the water, keeping his face covered. \u201cHe just needs to get out the first day anxiety one on one I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm.\u201d Stiles stood back up when Derek let him go and turned the shower off. He wiped the water off his face and slicked his hair back, watching the other man. \u201cYou\u2019re a good alpha.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Derek said over his shoulder, stepping out of the shower snagging a towel he dried off quickly before wrapping it around his waist. Grabbing another off the rack, he slung it around Stiles and pulled him in. \u201cI\u2019m trying to be, but it\u2019s a work in progress. I have a good pack, so that helps.\u201d<\/p>\n Stiles took the towel from Derek and dried himself off before looping it around his neck and walking back into his bedroom to get dressed. He offered Derek a pair of sweats, which the other man eyed doubtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not that much bigger than I am,\u201d Stiles said, laughing. \u201cYour thighs might be an issue, but those should be loose enough to get you home anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek slid them up his legs, and they did fit – snugly – but they did fit. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I could go anywhere in public in these,\u201d he said, looking down.<\/p>\n \u201cThey aren\u2019t any tighter than your jeans,\u201d Stiles replied, enjoying the view. The dark blue sweatpants cradled Derek\u2019s thighs and ass perfectly, showing them off like the works of art they were. The material was just loose enough that around the crotch framing his cock, drawing the eye to the tantalizing bulge. \u201cThe material is just a little more – sculpting.\u201d He finally settled on.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to go now,\u201d Derek said blandly, but his lips curved into a smile when he pulled Stiles in for a kiss. \u201cI\u2019ll grab my things on the way out. I think we managed to pile most of them up at the table last night when we got something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure your shoes and jacket are still next to the door,\u201d Stiles pulled his shirt on and led the way out the door and down the stairs.<\/p>\n Sure enough, their clothes were piled on the table. Stiles dug around until he found his phone and checked his messages.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like Hisashi stayed with your pack last night,\u201d he said, looking over at Derek, watching the other man slip his shirt on.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not surprised. They\u2019ve been all over each other even more than we have.\u201d Derek picked up his jeans, eyeing them briefly before shucking the sweats off and pulling them on.<\/p>\n \u201cSpoilsport.\u201d Stiles laughed before he turned and started setting up the coffee pot.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be my luck to break down on the way home and have to walk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be so modest.\u201d Stiles turned and leaned back against the counter.<\/p>\n \u201cNot modest, I just don\u2019t think those sweats are decent on me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you say so,\u201d Stiles said, smirking. \u201cI think you looked hot as fuck.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, you did,\u201d Derek said, prowling closer, snagging Stiles by a belt loop. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll wear them again for you some time.\u201d He lifted his free hand to cradle Stiles\u2019 face and leaned in, kissing him softly. \u201cI\u2019ve really got to go, but I\u2019ll call you later?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be in the shop after eleven until we close at six,\u201d Stiles said, leaning in for another kiss, hands sliding down to grip Derek\u2019s hips. \u201cI should be home by seven at the latest tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek hummed against his lips before reluctantly pulling back. \u201cI\u2019ll try to come by, but I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll be free tonight. I\u2019ll call you,\u201d he said, brushing his fingers over Stiles\u2019 cheek. \u201cYou could come over to the townhouse tonight if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like that,\u201d Stiles said immediately. \u201cIf it\u2019s okay with the rest of them. I\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have to keep it down, though,\u201d Derek smirked, leaning in and nipping gently at Stiles\u2019 ear.<\/p>\n \u201cAsshole,\u201d Stiles laughed, even as a shiver went down his spine. \u201cI\u2019m not the once that was growling last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Derek murmured, nibbling down Stiles’ ear to his jaw and then breathing deeply at his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou need to stop that if you\u2019re going to leave anytime soon,\u201d Stiles warned, but he tilted his head to give Derek better access.<\/p>\n Derek sighed into Stiles\u2019 skin and pulled away. \u201cI know. I do have to go.\u201d He stepped away from Stiles, dragging his fingers slowly down his bare arms before letting him go. \u201cI better go before I end up staying here all morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t complain,\u201d Stiles said, grinning. \u201cBut your pack would have something to say about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertain members especially,\u201d Derek agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll walk you out,\u201d Stiles said. \u201cHopefully your jacket and shoes are where we think they are. Although I don\u2019t think your shoes are necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI happen to like my boots.\u201d Derek bent to pick up one of them as they reached the hallway. He took the other when Stiles handed it to him and slipped his feet into them. Derek just tucked the laces in, planning to put on socks once he got home anyway.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd here\u2019s your jacket,\u201d Stiles said, holding it up. He shook it, and they heard a muffled jingle. \u201cSounds like your keys are in the pocket as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank fuck.\u201d Derek sighed, and he laughed at Stiles when he held out the jacket to help him into it. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to have to search the yard for them if I\u2019d dropped them on the way in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were preoccupied yesterday,\u201d Stiles said smugly, stepping back once Derek had his leather jacket on. \u201cPreoccupied with my ass, but nobody would blame you. It\u2019s a fantastic ass.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt really is and regret nothing,\u201d Derek said, stepping out onto the porch.<\/p>\n \u201cDrive safe,\u201d Stiles said, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll let you know when I\u2019m free,\u201d Derek said, backing down the steps. \u201cBut you can come by the house anytime after work if you want. Nobody is going to have a problem with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll call and let you know,\u201d Stiles said. He figured Derek knew his pack. \u201cI need to touch base with Hisashi at some point today too. If he doesn\u2019t come by the shop, I might need to hunt him down this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d Derek nodded; he smiled at Stiles, lifting his hand to wave, and then turned to finish the walk to his car.<\/p>\n Stiles grinned, looking at the Camaro parked off-center in his driveway, and was a little thankful that Hisashi hadn\u2019t come home with the jeep last night. He wasn’t sure if there would have been room to squeeze it in next to the Camaro with the way it was parked. Stiles watched Derek pull out of the driveway before heading back inside to finish getting ready for the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are ridiculous,\u201d Cora said, not even looking up from her computer screen. \u201cIt\u2019s only been – what?\u201d She paused, and Derek imagined she was reading the time off the screen. \u201cSeven or eight hours since you last saw him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething like that,\u201d Derek said reluctantly. \u201cI really do need to leave though Cora.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you do.\u201d She finally looked at him over the top of her glasses. She didn\u2019t need them, but she\u2019d told him that she enjoyed the aesthetic. \u201cI like him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d He looked at her bemused. Derek moved away from the bookshelf where he\u2019d chosen to lean since she’d taken the only chair in the immediate area.<\/p>\n \u201cI like him,\u201d She repeated, pushing back from the table, picking up the book she\u2019d been looking through when he\u2019d first arrived. \u201cI didn\u2019t know what to think of him when we met him in the preserve and when you told us that Stiles was the guardian.\u201d She made a face, her nose wrinkling. \u201cWell, I figured this could only end in disaster.\u201d She pointed the book at him before moving to the bookshelf. \u201cEspecially after you started dating<\/i> him. But I like him, and he seems good for you.\u201d She slotted the book onto the shelf and turned to face him. \u201cIf we could just get the fucking Argents out of the area, I would be a lot happier about being here though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and me both,\u201d Derek said, sighing. He stepped in and drew her into a hug, subtly scenting her. \u201cWe\u2019re working on it. I don\u2019t think it will be too much longer. They approached Stiles yesterday, even if it was just to warn him off.\u201d He shrugged at her look. \u201cIt was something and more active than they\u2019ve been since Stiles saw them in the preserve when they first arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d Cora sighed. She pulled another book from the shelf and went back to the table. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at home tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be there,\u201d Derek assured her. \u201cStiles might be there too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine.\u201d She nodded. \u201cIf things are going the way I think they are, we\u2019ll all have to get used to each other.\u201d She grinned at him when he huffed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you later. Call if you want need anything,\u201d he said, heading to the door. \u201cIf anything happens don\u2019t try to tackle it on your own, please.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry big brother,\u201d She said, already tapping away at her keyboard. \u201cI know how to pick my battles. I have no intention of go after the Argents on my own, no matter how much I\u2019d like to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLove you, see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLove you too.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek checked the time on his phone, wondering if Stiles would mind if he stopped by the shop for a few minutes before he had to go to see Isaac. He was unlocking his phone to call when it rang.<\/p>\n \u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle alpha,\u201d Hisashi\u2019s voice commanded attention over the crackling line. \u201cDo you know where Mieczys\u0142aw is?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t seen him since this morning.\u201d Derek swallowed, something heavy taking root in the pit of his stomach. \u201cWhere are you? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. That\u2019s unfortunate.\u201d The line crackled again before it went silent.<\/p>\n \u201cHisashi!\u201d Derek pulled the phone away from his ear, looking at it, only to see that the call had been dropped. He immediately tried redialing the man as he hurried towards his car. It went to voicemail. \u201cFuck.\u201d<\/p>\n He felt fear coat his throat and tried to talk himself down from panicking. Stiles was probably at the shop. Hisashi had just had lousy reception wherever he was at. This was nothing more than a series of poorly timed coincidences.<\/p>\n None of that stopped Derek from throwing his car into gear and making his way to Stiles\u2019 shop as fast as he could get away with. His phone rang again, and he managed to get it on speaker with some fumbling.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDerek, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn my way to Stiles\u2019 shop,\u201d He said, zipping through a yellow light before turning down the street to the office complex.<\/p>\n \u201cGood, I could use your help,\u201d Peter said, voice tense. \u201cStiles is gone and Hisashi is furious. I\u2019ve got Malia and Mel with me, so I can\u2019t go running off looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFuck, you think this is the Argents?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt smells like them.\u201d Something crashed on Peter\u2019s end, and the line began to crackle. \u201cYou pull that back in your fucking ass. We can\u2019t afford to break another phone. We need to be able to contact people!\u201d Peter was yelling as Derek swerved into the lot, something Derek had only rarely heard him resort to.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Derek said, ending the call. He parked haphazardly, barely turning the car off before he was out the door and rushing up the walk and into the shop.<\/p>\n The damage to the shop wasn\u2019t noticeable from outside, but as soon as Derek entered, he sucked in a breath. The shop was a wreck. Shelves were upended, products were broken and rolling over the floor. The mirror behind the counter was shattered, along with a large portion of the shelving and drawers. Almost as if someone had been flung into it.<\/p>\n \u201cDerek!\u201d Malia hit him with enough force to cut off his breath, her face pressed into his body.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a fine mess,\u201d Mel said, walking across the floor glass and debris crunching under her high heels with each step. \u201cIn more ways than one. Any idea why they\u2019d take him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnless it\u2019s to draw me out, no.\u201d Derek wrapped an arm around Malia, meeting Mel\u2019s darkly serious eyes. \u201cHisashi doesn\u2019t have any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s furious and not very communicative right now,\u201d Mel responded dryly. \u201cPeter has him in the backroom in case someone ignores the closed sign and comes in. Now that you\u2019re here I\u2019m going to lock the door and pull the blinds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStiles has never pulled them in all the time I\u2019ve been here,\u201d Derek said, watching her move across to the doorway. \u201cWon\u2019t someone notice that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter they wonder about that that have them look in and see this.\u201d She gestured at the shop. She locked the door with a set of keys she\u2019d dug up somewhere, and then, shaking out the looped cord, she began to pull the blinds down. \u201cI\u2019m going to take Malia home after this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me call Boyd and Erica,\u201d Derek said, already fishing his phone back out of his pocket. \u201cI don\u2019t want anyone out alone. I\u2019ll get him to drop Erica with Isaac and have them pick up Cora. Then he can pick you up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think that they should go to the safe-house,\u201d Peter said from the doorway to the back room. Hisashi was nowhere in sight, and Derek hoped the other man was pulling himself together. \u201cAt least Malia and Erica, if not the rest of the pack.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek felt his mouth pinch. Erica hadn\u2019t told them yet, but both Peter and he were aware that she was in the beginning stages of pregnancy. They knew that she wouldn\u2019t care for their coddling, but he also knew he wasn\u2019t going to risk her on the frontline against the Argents, and he had a feeling that\u2019s where this was going to end up.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to go,\u201d Malia said, lifting her tear-streaked face to look at Derek and then over her shoulder towards her dad. \u201cI want to stay here with you and Derek.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMalia,\u201d Peter began, rubbing his forehead. Derek had a feeling he\u2019d already had this discussion with her.<\/p>\n \u201cMalia, you\u2019re going with Mel and Boyd to the safe house,\u201d Derek said, allowing his eyes to bleed red. He set his hands on her shoulders and put a little distance between them while still maintaining a connection. \u201cRemember the talk we had when we first became a pack about our responsibilities as a pack and that sometimes it might be hard to do our duty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes alpha.\u201d She sniffled, her eyes flaring gold. \u201cI have to be a good beta and daughter now, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh kitten,\u201d Peter said, crossing to her, placing his hand on her head. \u201cYou\u2019re always a good daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd an excellent beta,\u201d Derek added, smiling gently at her. \u201cBut Peter and I have to do our duty as the alpha and the left-hand. To do that, we need to know that you and others are safe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike me and Erica.\u201d She sniffled again, wiping her face with the back of her arm. She glanced over at Mel. \u201cAnd Auntie Mel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and Auntie Mel,\u201d Mel agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go.\u201d Malia sucked in a shaky breath and firmed her chin. She hugged Derek quickly before turning into her dad\u2019s embrace. \u201cYou better be safe and get Stiles back though. I like him and he\u2019s been teaching me how to make cool things in his shop.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to wait out here for Boyd, you make your phone calls and then go talk with Hisashi. Hopefully he can tell you something,\u201d Mel said when Malia pulled away from Peter.<\/p>\n \u201cOne can hope,\u201d Peter said, sighing, glancing over his shoulder. Peter leaned down and kissed the top of Malia\u2019s head. \u201cBe good for Aunt Mel and Erica. I love you kitten.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLove you too,\u201d She said, smacking a kiss on his cheek before turning around and letting him direct her to Mel. \u201cLove you.\u201d She glanced at Derek before clinging to Mel.<\/p>\n \u201cLove you too,\u201d Derek said, nodding at both of them. \u201cBoth of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about us,\u201d Mel said and then grimaced as if realizing what a futile thing that was to say.<\/p>\n Derek just nodded again and followed Peter through the mess of the shop into the back room where Hisashi was pacing with Peter\u2019s cellphone to his ear. His shadows were whipping around him like the beginning of a storm. Or a nightmare.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he had some sort of ability to track Stiles?\u201d Derek murmured, texting Cora and Isaac to stay where they were and wait for backup, giving them the outline of what was going on. He got a reply almost immediately after texting Boyd and felt the tension in his shoulders ease just a touch.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been blocked,\u201d Peter said, faced set with worry. Shoulders tense. \u201cOr at least, he says the ability is fuzzy and he can\u2019t get a direction. He only knows that he hasn\u2019t left the territory yet and that he\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n The room tilted for a moment at Peter\u2019s words. Derek hadn\u2019t even considered that Stiles was anything other than alive. He couldn\u2019t consider it a possibility. He was reasonably sure he would lose his mind more than Hisashi was if he did.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck you Domani,\u201d Hisashi said sighing, the shadows around him smoothed out and began to retreat. \u201cThank you, let the coven know to keep watch. If they know who Stiles is, they aren\u2019t going to have a problem with going after anyone else in the community.\u201d He glanced over at Derek and raised a brow. Guessing what he wanted, Derek nodded. \u201cAlpha Hale is here and will be out front on this.\u201d He listened a moment before giving a humorless chuckle. \u201cI don\u2019t think anyone could stop him, even if Stiles hadn\u2019t given him probationary second in the hierarchy. Does anyone have an issue with that?\u201d Hisashi listened again, nodding. \u201cWell, get the word out then. I\u2019ll be in touch.\u201d He hung up and tossed the phone to Peter, who snatched it out of the air with a huff.<\/p>\n \u201cSo,\u201d Peter said as he slipped the phone into his pocket. \u201cWhat did Domani say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTheir scrying spells agree with what I\u2019m getting,\u201d Hisashi said, flipping his hair over his shoulder and leaning back against the large circular table that had taken up residence in the room since the night they\u2019d all met. \u201cHe\u2019s still alive and they managed to narrow it down to the preserve and Beacon Hills proper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s still a lot of area to cover.\u201d Derek sighed through his nose, rubbing a hand over his face. \u201cThe shop smells of Argents, but do we know that they\u2019re responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Hisashi said darkly, his eyes swirling a shadowed silver briefly. Derek refused to look away even as the sight set his instincts on edge. \u201cNone of them had reason to be here and there isn\u2019t any indication of anyone else that would have caused Stiles to react in a way that would have left that kind of damage. Plus, we have witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek thought about the broken mirror and the scorched marks along the countertop, the scent of ozone under the smell of the wolfsbane, gunpowder, ash, and iron mixture unique to the Argents. \u201cHe used his abilities then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did something.\u201d Hisashi nodded, waving a hand towards the front of the shop. \u201cAnd Stiles never uses his abilities like that unless it\u2019s a last resort. He definitely wouldn\u2019t have brought them out for the Argents to see if he\u2019d felt he had any other option. Something went seriously wrong here today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think they went after him because of us, do you?\u201d Peter stood next to Hisashi and tapped his finger on the table. \u201cYou think they figured something out about him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do,\u201d Hisashi replied, closing his eyes and sighing.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think they know about Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n Hisashi looked at Derek, \u201cI think he\u2019d already be dead if they did. I think they\u2019ve figured out he\u2019d not entirely human, but I don\u2019t think they realize just who they have yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven with what happened out there?\u201d Peter gestured towards the front of the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cEven with that,\u201d Hisashi agreed. \u201cA lot of what he does isn\u2019t unusual until they start to look closer, or he gets out of control.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you think they might know something more,\u201d Derek said, watching Hisashi, or more accurately the shadows that he wasn\u2019t doing anything to curtail as the tendrils drifted out to caress Peter\u2019s shoulder. He immediately decided to ignore that for now unless Peter said something about it.<\/p>\n \u201cMalia and Melody where here when they came in,\u201d Hisashi replied, meeting his eyes. Derek snapped his gaze over to Peter, who just nodded at him before turning back to some papers on the table. \u201cMelody tried to get to Stiles, but they got to him before she could do more than hide Malia in the room here. Stiles did something to keep them out, but they could hear everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s why Malia is so upset,\u201d Peter said quietly. \u201cI should have warned you, but I had my hands full here and I wasn\u2019t sure if we could count on them staying away. She made it out in time to see them throw a powder of some kind in his face and then knock him over the head. They pretty much ignored Melody, telling her to stay out of their way or they\u2019d come back for her.\u201d He paused, sneering. \u201cOr words to that effect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey were in the shop?\u201d Derek couldn\u2019t help glancing back over his shoulder. He heard Boyd entering the shop and knew that he\u2019d join them in a moment.<\/p>\n Hisashi shook his head. \u201cStiles managed to get out into the back lot. He went through the side door behind the bookshelves that led down to the bathrooms,\u201d Hisashi said, answering the unasked question when Derek raised his brow at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDerek.\u201d Boyd came through the door, solid and sure as he always was. \u201cI\u2019ve got most of the others in the SUV.\u201d He frowned around the room. \u201cNone of us are happy about leaving you here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUntil we know exactly what we\u2019re facing with the Argents, it\u2019s better to keep as few of us on the field as possible,\u201d Peter said. \u201cThey didn\u2019t go for Mel and Malia earlier, but nothing to say they won\u2019t change that later on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll keep you up dated Boyd,\u201d Derek said, clasping the larger man on the shoulder. \u201cKeep watch, but make sure to get some rest as well. When the time comes, I have a feeling we\u2019re going to need everyone we can get.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI still don\u2019t like it,\u201d Boyd said, but he nodded. \u201cI take care of them. We\u2019ll stop by the supermarket and pick Isaac and Erica up on our way to the safehouse. After that we\u2019ll wait to hear from you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Derek said, squeezing Boyd\u2019s shoulder before letting the man go. \u201cI\u2019ll give you the full rundown as soon as they finish updating me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAppreciate it.\u201d Boyd nodded around the room before heading out. Derek heard him gathering the others to lead them out to the vehicle, and he breathed a sigh of relief that Malia and Mel would be out of public and under the protective eyes and ears of the rest of the pack.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not the next alpha,\u201d Hisashi said suddenly, bringing Derek\u2019s attention back to him.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Derek said, shoving his hands into his jacket. He nodded to Peter. \u201cUncle Peter is next in line if something were to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot exactly by the book,\u201d Hisashi said, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t exactly give a fuck,\u201d Derek said blandly. \u201cNow you said that Stiles made it out to the back of the building? All the damage I saw seems localized to the room out there. I wouldn\u2019t of even noticed anything until I got into the shop if I hadn\u2019t been able to hear and smell what was going on past the door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe went through the door leading down the hall towards the bathrooms. There\u2019s an emergency exit there. Stiles would have been making for his jeep or the preserve, wherever he thought he could get to easier,\u201d Hisashi said, leading the way out of the backroom.<\/p>\n Derek kicked some of the debris out of his way as he followed Hisashi across the shop and through the archway cleverly set between two bookshelves. When they finally emerged out into the late afternoon light, Derek blinked, letting his eyes adjust from the dimly lit hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cI was out here earlier when Mel called me,\u201d Peter said from behind him. Fury and fear trembled through his scent profile in equal measure. \u201cHisashi tried calling you as soon as we got here and broke his phone before he got himself under control.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek looked around the back lot of the office complex. Trash dumpsters sat snug up against the back doors down most of the block row. The shop\u2019s dumpster, though, was some distance from the building and looked to be severely dented. The large circular lot was empty save for the broken dumpster and Stiles jeep.<\/p>\n Derek began to stride across the lot towards the jeep as soon as he registered the sight. He heard Hisashi call his name and waved him off as he took in a cautious breath to scent the area.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Argent\u2019s scent is heavier out here than in the shop,\u201d He muttered, running his tongue along his teeth. His fangs were itching in his gums, but there was nothing to fight here. \u201cI would\u2019ve thought that it would have dispersed more out here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere were at least a dozen out here according to Mel,\u201d Peter said. \u201cShe and Malia were dropped off by Erica down at the cafe earlier and they walked up this way. Like we said, they were in the shop when the Argents came in. Malia wanted a lotion from Stiles that wasn\u2019t as heavily scented as his normal line, so he was showing her how to mix it. According to Mel, he shoved both of them into the backroom using magic. Then he slammed the door shut just as the hunters burst in weapons already out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot even a play at subtly on anyone’s part then,\u201d Derek said, running his hand over the hood of the jeep, not sure what he was doing. \u201cAre we sure they weren\u2019t after us and just changed their target when Stiles used his magic to protect the others?\u201d Derek frowned at the thought. From the time he\u2019d spent with both Stiles and Hisashi, he knew Stiles didn\u2019t use his magic in the open like that.<\/p>\n \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have used his magic facetiously,\u201d Hisashi said, slipping up beside him. \u201cWhat are you looking for here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know that I\u2019m looking for anything,\u201d Derek said, hitting the hood of the jeep with an echoing slam. \u201cI haven\u2019t rushed out of here for Cherry Lane because I\u2019m not stupid enough to think that I can take them on by myself even if they\u2019ve taken him there. I need a place to start. I can\u2019t – how are you so calm all of a sudden? You were destroying phones and oozing your shadows all over the place earlier.\u201d Derek turned and sagged against the side of the jeep.<\/p>\n Hisashi settled next to him, \u201cI\u2019m furious, but I\u2019ve had my tantrum<\/i> as Peter called it and I\u2019ll save any further outbursts for when we find Mieczys\u0142aw. Whatever his original plans, they\u2019ve forfeited their lives by taking him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t thinking that far ahead yet,\u201d Derek admitted shrugging at the look Hisashi gave him. He looked over at Peter, who was on the phone with someone but didn\u2019t attempt to listen in. Peter would tell him when he found something worth telling. \u201cDon\u2019t give me that look. I\u2019m not going to hold back against anyone who gets in my way, but I\u2019m not go on a vengeance spree until we have Stiles back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t even considered that he might be dead before we get to him, have you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t be,\u201d Derek said simply. He believed that it didn\u2019t calm the buzz of unease under his skin, but he knew that Stiles was going to make it back to him. Derek would accept nothing else. He glanced to the side and noticed something on the ground. He leaned over, kneeling to pick it up.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s his phone.\u201d Hisashi was crouched next to him almost immediately. \u201cIt means we can\u2019t track it.\u201d Frustration bit at his words.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means they don\u2019t have it either,\u201d Derek said, pushing to his feet. He swiped at the screen. It lit up, prompting him to put in the numerical code. \u201cDo you know his pin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere.\u201d Hisashi plucked the phone out of his hand and tapped the screen before handing it back.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck,\u201d Derek breathed, stunned as he stared at the image on the screen. \u201cHe did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe sure as fuck did,\u201d Hisashi said from beside him as they watched the program that Stiles had told them about in detail what it had already done and what it was in the process of doing. \u201cWe need to get to his computer and make sure there isn\u2019t another step to this. He probably has more than one failsafe for the program, but I don\u2019t want to take the risk of this stalling out partway through.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek glanced over at him and then passed him the phone. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to take care of this part. I don\u2019t know enough about what he\u2019s set up to even begin to guess the next steps.\u201d Derek quickly reevaluated his plans. \u201cI\u2019ll send Peter with you, and I\u2019ll go pick up one of the others to help me with a search.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you weren\u2019t going to rush the Argent house,\u201d Hisashi said, but he wasn\u2019t really arguing. He tucked the phone away, and they began to walk towards where Peter had finished his conversations and was leaning against the brick wall of the building.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t plan on rushing anywhere, but a little scouting would be smart and might give us a better idea of where they\u2019re keeping him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve contacted everyone I know, and they\u2019ve all got their ears to the walls and their eyes wide open,\u201d Peter said as they met up with him. \u201cWe should hear something soon. They can\u2019t hide forever, not in Beacon Hills.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot with our guardian,\u201d Hisashi agreed, his vulpine smile spreading, showing his sharp teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully they don\u2019t figure that part out before we get to them,\u201d Derek said, ignoring the way his gut clenched with the thought of what Stiles was going through at the hands of the Argents. \u201cWe found Stiles\u2019 phone. He managed to activate the program he was talking about that first night. It looks like it\u2019s already done some damage in the time it\u2019s been running from what I could make out. Hisashi wants to go by Stiles place and see if there is anything more that needs to be done on that end. I want you to go with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Peter frowned, crossing his arms. \u201cWhat about you?\u201d<\/p>\n Derek narrowed his eyes but stepped around his left hand and walked back into the shop. \u201cI\u2019m going to call Boyd and see if Isaac or Cora want to head out for some scouting.\u201d<\/p>\n Peter hummed behind him, \u201cTake Cora, she\u2019s slightly better at restraining herself than Isaac.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re both good scouts,\u201d Derek said as his footsteps crunching something as he made his way to the front door of the shop. \u201cBut I\u2019ll take Cora if you think she\u2019ll do better for this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither one of them have ever had reason to scout something like this, but she\u2019ll do well enough,\u201d Peter said as they exited the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll keep in touch with you,\u201d Derek said, turning to Peter and Hisashi. \u201cOnce we have something concrete to go on, I\u2019ll give you a call. If you find something text me immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Peter said.<\/p>\n Hisashi nodded next to him. \u201cWe\u2019ll take your car,\u201d He said to Peter. \u201cLet me lock up.\u201d He disappeared back into the shop.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe careful Peter,\u201d Derek said, clasping his uncle on the shoulder. \u201cThey came here in the middle of the day, whether it was for Stiles, or they were following Mel and Malia, they didn\u2019t hesitate to move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey were ready to take down a magic user,\u201d Peter pointed out. \u201cThe powder they used was meant for him.\u201d<\/p>\n Derek nodded. \u201cThen it\u2019s even more important for you to be cautious. You\u2019re headed to his house, and we don\u2019t know what they want from Stiles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think someone might be there?\u201d Peter tilted his head and nodded. \u201cI think you might be right. I\u2019ll talk to Hisashi about it, and we\u2019ll go in with that in mind, but he has a point about going to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI agree,\u201d Derek said, sighing. \u201cJust – be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlways.\u201d Peter smirked, reaching out and pulling Derek in for a hug. Derek took the subtle scenting, returning the gesture, and ended it with a flash of his eyes, which his uncle returned. \u201cYou better get going. I\u2019ll have my phone on me. Stay in touch, stay safe or we\u2019ll be a storming the Argent\u2019s home, whether the guardian of the territory and my alpha want it to happen or not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d expect nothing less.\u201d Derek grinned at his uncle before turning to head to his car. He\u2019d call Cora on his way to the Argent\u2019s part of town and have her meet him there. Starting up the car, he set the phone up and began to dial as he pulled out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Title: Intangible, Untamed, and Wild Author: Sibyl Moon Fandom: Teen Wolf Genre: AU, Romance, Supernatural Relationship: Stiles\/Derek Word Count: 50K Beta: keldjinfae\u00a0 Warnings\/Rating: NC17, Canon-Typical-Violence, Discussion-Torture, Torture, Murder, Explicit Sex Summary: Stiles is a wild thing born of storms and lightning, he\u2019s been the guardian of Beacon Hills since Talia… Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[57,42,9],"tags":[11,60,39,58,62,24,59,46,30,31],"class_list":["post-584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-efrb","category-sterek","category-teen-wolf","tag-au","tag-canon-typical-violence","tag-derek-hale","tag-efrb","tag-explicit-sex","tag-magic-stiles","tag-romance","tag-sterek","tag-stiles-stilinski","tag-teen-wolf"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/584\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sibylmoon.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nAuthor: <\/b>Sibyl Moon
\nFandom<\/b>: Teen Wolf
\nGenre:<\/b> AU, Romance, Supernatural
\nRelationship<\/b>: Stiles\/Derek
\nWord Count: <\/b>50K
\nBeta:<\/b> keldjinfae<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b>
\nWarnings\/Rating<\/b>: NC17, Canon-Typical-Violence, Discussion-Torture, Torture, Murder, Explicit Sex
\nSummary<\/b>: Stiles is a wild thing born of storms and lightning, he\u2019s been the guardian of Beacon Hills since Talia Hale abandoned it with her pack a decade ago. Derek is a newly made alpha returning to Beacon Hills with only the few that chose to follow him and he\u2019s determined to make a home for his small pack..
\nAuthor’s Note:<\/b> Halestrom is a fantastic and lovely artist who created such a wonderful piece of art that inspired me so much. I just adore it.
\nArtist: Halestrom<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sibylmoon.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Chapter-Breaks.jpg?resize=515%2C67&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n<\/h1>\n
Chapter Four<\/b><\/h1>\n
<\/p>\nChapter Five<\/b><\/h1>\n
<\/p>\nChapter Six<\/b><\/h1>\n
Intangible, Untamed, and Wild – 3\/3<\/em><\/a><\/h1>\n
Intangible, Untamed, and Wild – 1\/3<\/em><\/a><\/h1>\n
<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"