Falling Leaves and Fading Whispers

Dry leaves crunch under their feet, the soft padding of footfalls reverberating gently throughout the trees. They have been rooming the woods for a few hours now in search of where Kate might be hanging out, the woods weren't the only places being searched but it was the designated area assigned to Derek and Lydia. Everyone had split up into groups of two; and although more ground could definitely have been covered had they gone individually they all had agreed that a one on one encounter with the hunter turned were jaguar was not in anyone's best interest. So here she is spending more time with Derek Hale in one day than she has in an entire year.

Derek isn't exactly what Lydia would call good company; he hasn't spoken to her other than to give directions as to where they are headed. She doesn't bother trying to get him to talk either, they are on a job and she assumes it is probably for the best that they concentrate on the task at hand and not small talk.

The sun is in the beginnings of setting, sky filtered an off pink and orange color. The air temperature dropping as the chill of night sets in bringing a slight breeze that cools her body after a long afternoon of scouting, "We should rest for five minutes. Take a breather and drink some water, I am not carrying you if you pass out from dehydration." Derek says as he approaches a large bolder and sits down with an exhale.

Lydia can't help but let out a relieved smile, her feet aching painfully and lungs burning for more oxygen. She drops her pack unceremoniously after extracting her water from it; she doesn't sit immediately taking a few moments to just walk around the patch of trees he chose to stop at.

"I am giving you five minutes Lydia. Don't you think you should use them and take a seat?" His eyebrow lifting challengingly, "Your feet must be killing you."

Having had her back turned to him she shifted on soles and winced slightly, proving that she really was quite sore, "Actually yes, they are. But if you must know, Derek, you are not supposed to sit down directly after long or intense bouts of exercise. It is not good for you, blood clots and all that. I am just being cautious." His gaze changed then, strange almost, it was like he was trying to solve some intricate puzzle and it put her nerves on edge. The feeling of being sized up and she tried to squash down the feeling that she needed to impress him.

She turned away from his inquisitive stare to observe her surroundings; they were deep into the woods by now, up in the mountains far from civilization. The trees and wildlife where different up here, a vibrant and untamed kind of beauty.

A small cluster of purple plants she had never seen before lay in her line of vision, a small resemblance to the wolfs bane she once used at her birthday party. A shiver ran through her at the memory. Wanting to get a closer look at it she neared over to the plant, bending down on knees examine the delicate flower. It was a combination of things that alerted her to the mistake, the first was the plants petals turning a brighter shade of purple almost taking on luminescent quality. The second was Derek's loud yell, "Lydia! No!" it echoes throughout the forest with an incredible amount of power.

Unfortunately it was too late for Lydia to move by the time her brain even registered the threat the flower sprayed a yellow substance through the air; although the flower was relatively tiny it projected a good meter out. The tail end of it hitting Derek's arm and a portion of his shoulder, as the limb had been extended towards Lydia in an attempt to pull her away.

And suddenly everything clouds and a strange sensation looms over her, she can't narrow it down exactly but she is now incredibly conscious of the heat radiating off Derek's body. A magnetic energy that is mesmerizing and she is unconsciously drawn to it, it sizzles and burns bright, an irresistible ache that lurks beneath her skin. It is hypnotic and she almost gives into it and jumps him there, she would have if her mind hadn't been hell bent on remembering the yell that had moments ago pierced the air. The logical side of her brain telling her that something very wrong had happened, she just could not figure out what.

The pull towards his body is nearly unbearable; her mind is foggy and muddled.

She clears it long enough to get out a question, "Derek. What was that?" Her eyes are blown wide with fear and confusion. The uncertainty only heightens when she realizes he is avidly avoiding eye contact, looking anywhere but at her. The dread pools low in her belly and even though there is no visible imminent signs of threat nearby she doesn't need him to tell her something is most certainly wrong.

Annoyingly Lydia's body is still going distractedly haywire, blood pumping hot and pulse racing fast, she's having a really hard time remembering one good reason not to pull his body towards hers. It doesn't help that he still hasn't answered her question. It isn't until their eyes meet that she notices his pupils are dilated and there is a bead of sweat at his hairline. It seems he is having to fight the same levels of lust coating his brain and she is almost relieved that she isn't alone in whatever strange side effect this is.

"The plant we were just sprayed with is a variant of the wolfs bane family, it is a powerful aphrodisiac. It has very strong sexual side effects." He looks away not wanting to keep his eyes on hers, "I should go in the other direction and get as far as possible, because when it hits full affect I don't know if I'll be able to restrain myself entirely."

"That bad?" She frowns. He only nods.

"What if we…?" she implies the point with a slight tilt of her head as she appraises him.

"What. We… You want to, I mean, are you sure?"

She shrugs, "It's been a while, I am horny, and you are handsome. Why not?" She says it so simply, as if everything makes complete sense.

And in that moment she doesn't even care that her impromptu decision might be heavily influenced by the aphrodisiac coursing through her bones or that they are outdoors where anyone could stumble upon them.

Marching over to him in four long strides she pushes herself flush against him and pulls his head down roughly to meet her in an aggressive kiss, the instant their skin connects a scorching desire surges through them and the need to have as much bare flesh pressed against each other overtakes. Derek lets out a groan when she tugs at his hair whilst nipping his lips playfully, his hands roaming the entirety of her body wanting to feel her everywhere. One hand rests on the back of her neck his fingers combing through her red locks meanwhile the other grabs her hips and holds them fiercely as he rolls his bulge against her.

At the contact of the hardness beneath his denim jeans brushing against the front of her skirt and pushing against her pelvis she arches back slightly, eyes rolling back and a pleasurable moan escaping her. His mouth doesn't take long to take advantage of the newly exposed skin, falling to her neck to pepper wet kisses across the cream skin, and it feels sinfully erotic.

Her fingers close around the soft fabric of his leather jacket, pulling him closer forcefully while bringing his lips back up and delving deep in his mouth with her tongue. A chill of anticipation ran through her when he returns the kiss with an equal fervor, an equal frustration.

She feels his pants become tighter with every touch, and doesn't break the kiss until she is forced to by him ushering her dress carefully up and over her head, gently pining her to the tree, now partially naked except for a few scraps of lace covering her more intimate areas.

The newly exposed skin prompting him to explore it with his mouth; Letting out a pleased sigh when she feels his hand slip beneath her bra and brushes her nipple his thumb. She presses her neck harder against his hot mouth, gasping again when he takes the opportunity to work his way up further and nibble her earlobe, sucking on it lightly. She feels completely euphoric. Her mind up in the clouds in total heaven.

She feels Derek's hand attempt to go around her back and undo the clasp but she can see he is struggling with it, sensing his impatience she goes to do it herself but before she can her mind registers the sound of tearing fabric. She can't find it in her to care as she gazes down at his claw elongated fingers, to desperate to have his mouth back on her.

"Jesus, Lydia," He groans at the feeling of her hardened nipples against his chest and the way she is writhing against him.

They continued to kiss for some time, fluctuating between deep and passionate and gentle caresses of the others lips, thoroughly, painstakingly exploring the other.

Not bothering to remove his clothes in the heat of things she unzips his pants and shoves them carelessly down his hips. She releases the grip she had around his shoulders in favor of pulling her underwear down, not wanting him to rip yet another piece of expensive underwear.

Nuzzling at her neck he stops momentarily to look her in the eyes, "Are you sure?"

She looks back at him with complete certainty, and raw passion. "Yes." She lets out a heavy breath, "gods yes, Derek. Less talk more action, buddy."

He wastes little time after her grant of permission, reaching down to grasp himself and moving to rub his length against her aching center, rolling his head up and down the sensitive skin. Her nerves tingling with anticipation and need, at every caress a thrill of desire shots through her and she whimpers slightly. The feel of him using himself to spread her wetness filling her with lust, and further preparing her body for him.

She brings her legs up around his waist, locking her ankles together at the small of his back and moving her lips against his in the most desperate kiss she's pretty sure she has ever experienced.

Derek's restrain making a drop of sweat rolls down his forehead, and she can tell the effort to make sure her body is properly ready for the upcoming intrusion is costing him a great deal of control. Finally lining himself up with her he gives an almost imperceptible gasp, gripping her hipbone tighter before he pushes forward. Easily slipping inside her, her wetness betraying her lust as she cries out in surprise. For a second they stills. He loosens his grip and lets her slip further down onto him; she moans at the fullness and the pleasing ache of him.

The look on his face was one she knew she wouldn't be forgetting any time soon, eyes darkened with lust and half-lidded as he took her in completely. Throwing his head back with a groan she watched his ecstasy filled face with a smirk.

She kisses him again, lips moving against his in a hungry kiss and suddenly he is moving fast and hard; thrust after thrust sending spasms throughout her entire body and making her scream without regard for the fact they are out in the open.

His soft grunts and her light mewling fills the air around them, it is frantic, hot and erotic. Lydia's body thrumming with pleasure and she swears to herself this won't be their last time together. It can't be. Because this kind of raw emotion doesn't happen every day.

She can feel the moisture starting to coat his back and she is sure she is sweating a little bit herself, the feel of the tree she is pressed up against prickling into her skin is not entirely comfortable, the bark is rough and punishing but as soon as she feels him push into her again her mind wipes any and all thoughts from her head.

All too soon, the coil of heat in her lower abdomen that had been pulling itself taught snapped and her vision explodes white as she comes, nails dragging down his back, nearly breaking skin and his name leaving her lips in a loud moan. Exhaustion was quick to wrap itself around her, but she fights to stay conscious, kissing and sucking his neck until his thrusts stuttered to a stop, his sack drawn up tight, he shots his seed inside of her, groaning and collapsing against her limp body.

A soft grunt leaving her lips at his weight, his legs collapse from under him sending them sprawling to the ground, her body still having been tangled with his falls on top of his with a complete lack of grace, she feels his muffled groan more than hears it. It is crazy really. They're supposed to be doing serious work, looking for a big threat and trying to prevent innocent deaths, yet all her body seems to be concerned with is staying exactly where she is enjoying the warmth radiating off of him.

Her head rises and falls gently with his breathing, soothing her mind and body, his masculine odor blanketing her as he raises his arm around her torso and rests them on her lower back. Holding her gently muscles to tired for much else, and there's no place she would rather be.

She feels his fingertips graze her back, up and down in soothing motions, occasionally tangling in her hair and playing with the untamed curls. Lydia has never seen him act so gentle and caring, such a stark contrast to the brooding wolf she is so often acquainted with. She finds herself wondering what it must be like for him, constantly having to be on guard with the world after a lifetime of betrayals. It seems like a lot of work to her and for the first time she genuinely feels sorry for him, that the cruelty of the world has sunk so deep beneath his skin.

Even trying to imagine the immense loss he has suffered makes her stomach turn, his family, his pack, and most importantly love. It seems he is almost cursed to be alone, between tragedy and betrayal everyone he loves inevitably leaves. Yet people like Peter live on happily with no remorse, it boils her blood and makes her head spin.

Almost as if sensing her anger, well actually that's probably exactly what he did, he questions, "You okay?" His voice is tinged with caution and nervousness.

Her hair falls forward as she lifts her cheek from where it was resting to look up at him, she lays her chin gently on his chest and her eyes soften at the concerned look marring his face. The fact that he cares if she is feeling okay makes the corner of her lips tip up in a genuine smile, whether it is the afterglow of sex loosening him up or not he is clearly in a better mood than he had been as they'd scoured the trees for the were jaguar.

Not that she blames his sour mood. Searching for you supposed-to-be-dead ex girlfriend, who happened to burn almost your entire family to death and proceeds to torment you at every turn cannot be in the slightest bit fun.

"I'm fine. Just… Lost in my own mind." She says smiling shyly.

His face calms and he looks at her with a semblance of understanding, nodding slightly, "I get that. Do it myself sometimes." He murmurs it so softly she would almost think he's just making an observation to himself, his eyes turn inquisitive, "Can I ask what you where lost in thought about?"

"S'nothing… Just thinking about things and stuff."

The chuckled that reverberates through him is light and playful, "Yes, I got that part." Sounding very amused by her answer, when he sees the serious lines of her face his laugh dies down and eyebrows pull together. "What things exactly?"

"You."

A laugh almost escapes her at the complete surprise and shock that flashes over his face, eyes displaying a wide range of emotions. "Me?" he finally chokes out.

"Mhm."

Derek's face turning more and more curios by the second, "You are not allowed to say something like that and then expect me to drop the subject." He mock scowls in disapproval.

"Oh really?" She exclaims. Leaning up on her elbows she nears her face within inches of his and smiles broad and provocatively, "And what prey tell are you going to do about it, ?" Playfully raising her eyebrow whilst pulling her lip between her teeth and biting it.

"Oh, is that how this is going to be?"

Within seconds he flips them so that her back is on the ground and he is towering over her form, his fingers find her ribs and he prods her trying to find a delicate piece of flesh. By the extreme jump as his fingers skim over her third rib he knows hes found the jackpot. Lydia squirms relentlessly in his grasp as he uses his hips to pin her body to the ground beneath him.

Her shrieks slice through the air. High pitched and unrestrained. There is a weightless happiness that covers them, the rest of the world and their troubles slip away until all that is left is them.

"Okay, okay… Okay, you win. I loose. I'll tell you." She gets out between tickles of his fingertips. Her chest rising and falling as she tries to inhale large breaths, restoring air to her lungs. A half hearted scowl presents itself on her face and she mouths cheater. He only smiles at her attempts at anger, knowing very well she enjoyed it as much as he.

Ignoring his cocky smirk she takes a few deep breaths, opening and closing her mouth wondering where to start. He waits indulgently for her to gather her thoughts.

Derek moves to lie beside her, his body turned towards hers, resting his head on his arm that is bent at the elbow. His gaze is still youthful and happy but with a intensity that she is sure wasn't there before, he is looking at her like she is the most captivating thing in the world. And it breaks her heart to see him so open, but knowing the words that are about to come out of her mouth are a sure way to throw his walls back up. Close him off for god knows how long.

"I was trying to imagine what it must be like for you, how hard it must be after everything that has happened. With Paige, Jennifer and Kate, everything." She tries to barrel on and get out what she wants to say before he gets up at possibly storms off, she can see his eyes darkening but not from desire this time. His face turns into a stoic mask and she hopes it is not too late. "You don't have anyone, I mean there is Cora but she isn't here, and then there's this whole Kate not being dead debacle. And I just don't know how you stay so strong. I would be going practically insane by now if I was you."

He turns his body and sits up, elbows resting on his bent knees, the leaves crinkle noisily reminding Lydia where she is. He doesn't say anything for a solid five minutes, and the silence stretches uncomfortably. But she waits quietly, surely the fact he hasn't stomped off is a good sign. A chill is sent up her spine and she isn't sure if it has anything to do with the cold air picking up.

Lydia is surprised when she hears his voice quiet but sure, "You are wrong about two things. I am not alone. I thought I was for a long time, but I have come to realize I do have people who care about me." He pauses and takes a breath. "First of all, you guys all went to Mexico when you thought there was a possibility that I was in danger. Scott. Stiles. Malia. Kira… And you. All of you risked your lives to find me, because you care. I am not alone, Lydia."

His gaze unwavering.

"And second, look at the people you have lost over this last year, Aiden, Allison and even Jackson to a certain extent. Yet you still hold your head up high and go on. I wouldn't worry about your sanity if I was you. You are stronger than you think, Martin."