Fast forward one week. They had gone out everyday, trying to make it seem like they loved each other. They had even gotten accustomed to being touched casually by one another, holding hands was almost not uncomfortable. A lot of the time they spent talking about likes and dislikes, getting to know one another. They didn't talk much about family though, no need to reopen old wounds. This night was a little different, however, they were meeting Lydia and Stiles to go over wedding details.

Allison was sitting on the couch next to her friend who was gushing over the ring. Lydia had a web page open that was showing dresses when Derek and Stiles walked in. Allison lit up when she saw Derek, which she realized was weird. They were barely friends, and they were putting on a fake wedding to save their friend's lives, she shouldn't be that excited to see him. He raised an eyebrow but went to sit next to her, "What are you looking at?"

Lydia answered for her after she placed a small kiss on Stiles' mouth, "Dresses. But I'm re-thinking the kind I want her in after seeing your mom's ring, Derek."

Derek shrugged, "Whatever you say, Lydia. What can I help with that doesn't sound like girl stuff?"

"You and Stiles are going to be in charge of entertainment and food. Band or DJ, buffet or plated meals type stuff," she waved a hand, before sitting back down next to Allison, "Right now Als and I are gonna look for dress ideas, cakes, and flowers." Each group settled into their assigned task.

Allison had decided she wanted a lace, form fitting dress, nothing too sparkly or out there. But Lydia insisted that there were some cute A-lines and mermaid dresses that needed to be considered as well. Saturday they were gonna go try dresses on. The cake was going to be ordered from Allison's favorite bakery, tomorrow her and Derek were gonna go sample cakes and place the order. It was decided that they were gonna do a DJ, only because there weren't any decent bands, and that it was going to be a nice buffet, because it was easier and there weren't going to be a whole lot of people there. Lydia was pleased with the progress, and sent everyone home to rest. Stiles had stayed behind to spend time with Lydia, and Derek and Allison went their separate ways.

Allison went home,showered and was listening to music making herself a snack in the kitchen when she received a text message.

Derek- What are you doing right now? I was just paid a visit from the alphas. I think you're next. I'm coming over, but in case they beat me there, be safe.

Allison- I can handle it. I'm sure I'll be fine.

Derek- I'm 5 minutes out.

She didn't get a chance to reply that he didn't have to bother because in the next second, she was grabbed from behind and restrained while three more wolves appeared. Going against every instinct she had, she didn't fight. She faked a confused face and asked what was wrong.

The leader of the alpha pack, Marcus, spoke to her, "I was told from a trustworthy little bird that you were engaged to Derek Hale. We find that very interesting because your family is infamous for killing the vast majority of the Hale family. It's also interesting because well no one can ever recall seeing or hearing you together, let alone in love."

Allison shrugged as best she could, "Life doesn't always work out the way you planned. As you might be able to guess, we kept it hidden for so long because my father doesn't approve in my choice of men, seeing as my recent track record is filled with werewolves. There was Scott, then Isaac, and then I had a thing with Aiden. Needless to say, he doesn't trust me. He's still not okay with Derek, but I guess you could say I don't care. The heart wants what the hearts want and all."

Marcus didn't look like he believed her at all, "As you know, the Argent family is under our watchful eye, and we're seriously thinking about being rid of the last of you. However, our little birdie informed us that with your marrying Mr. Hale, you will be giving hunting up, and as the sole female left in the immediate bloodline, you are in charge of the matriarchy. We expect that you will pass along the message to your followers."

"Hunting isn't a job, it's a lifestyle. I have lost my vengeful hate for werewolves, but I don't know if I'd go so far as to say that I wouldn't take one out that was abusing the privilege of running free. I will protect the town of Beacon Hills if necessary, and I'm sure my future husband would do the same," Allison spoke honestly.

Just then she heard the door open and Derek walked in, "Marcus, I'm going to have to ask you to let my fiance go."

The foot soldiers growled, but Marcus nodded. The wolf let Allison go and she walked straight over to Derek's side, and took his hand. It seemed pretty couple-y to hold hands in this situation. He squeezed her fingers and she felt a little safer. She knew he didn't come without back-up, and she was fairly sure she knew that the twins were either outside or upstairs, ready to help if needed.

Derek spoke with finality, "You have no business here, we are no threat to you. We just want to get married."

"If you are so in love, kiss her. Right here in front of us."

Derek paused, but Allison didn't. She turned towards Derek, laced her hands behind his neck and kissed him with all she had. She thought it would be weird, and disgusting, but it wasn't. Derek's mouth was soft and demanding, and it left her breathless. When they broke apart, she laid her hand on his chest and her head on his shoulder.

Marcus contemplated what he saw, not sure how genuine it was, but ended up leaving with a whispered, "I'll be checking up on you."

Allison was breathing heavy and her cheeks were flushed. When the alphas were long gone, she called for Aiden and Ethan. She left Derek where he stood and ran to Aiden, who she was sort of seeing before the whole fake marriage thing. He wrapped her in hug and kissed the top of her head, "You're gonna be fine Als."

She looked up and whispered , "I'm sorry, Aiden. I really am."

He shook his head, "You're trying to save your friends lives, Allison. I get it. Maybe one day we can try again, but now you need to forget what I told you that night."

"Is that what you want?"

He dipped his head low, pressed one kiss to her lips and said yes. He told her that it wasn't as important as saving everyone. He understood, even if he didn't like it. She nodded and he left with his brother. She acknowledged Derek for the first time since she kissed him, "I- I'm sorry. Lydia set us up a month ago, and Scott's little plan threw a loop in the plans."

Derek shook his head, "It's whatever Allison. I know we aren't getting married because you really love me."

She lowered her head, ashamed at her actions, "You know maybe this was an accident of sorts, but when I kissed you, I definitely felt something. Maybe this won't be the worst thing ever. I promise that as your fiance, I will be faithful. I want to make the best of the situation."

Derek walked over and lifted her chin, "I never thought I'd like kissing another Argent."

Allison fake gagged, "Okay, let's set some ground rules. Rule number one: don't discuss any romantic or sexual involvement you may have had with my aunt or my prior English teacher."

He laughed, "Rule number two: No discussing any 'involvement' you may have had with any of my betas. Scott is included."

"Good start," she said laughing, "On a more serious note, I am sure she would rather have nothing to do with anything, but I'd like Cora to be one of my bridesmaids. She's your family, and that's important to me."

He contemplated, "I would really like that. I just need to tell her I'm getting married first."

The two hung out that night, just talking. They ordered take out and watched some action movie. They fell asleep on her couch, his arm around her waist; her head on his shoulder. It was natural. They woke up just in time to get showers and change into clean clothes before they left for the bakery. Derek had to use some of Aiden's clothes that sat in a duffel bag in her closet, but they fit and he wasn't wearing sweats to the meeting, Lydia would kill him, so the dark jeans and Henley t-shirt would do. Allison had put her hair into a messy to-the-point-of-perfect bun and threw on a white lace dress with her leather jacket. They arrived at the cake store just in time. They sat down, discussed ideas and tasted samples. It was practically fate. Both of them fell in love with the red velvet cake and cream cheese icing. The design wasn't difficult, Lydia already drew up a sketch for a three layered square cake, white fondant covering with black bands at the base of each layer and a single red rose on one corner for each tier. It was simple, yet beautiful.

Even after eating all that cake, when they left the bakery Derek was 'starving'. Allison had laughed at him, but agreed to a late lunch nevertheless. They went to a burger place because, as Allison learned that day, there is nothing better in the world than a good bacon cheese burger. After lunch they drove back to Allison's place, but her father's car was in the driveway, so Derek left to give them some time alone. She thanked him and told him she'd text him later. Chris was sitting on the couch flipping through an old scrapbook. It was pictures of Allison as she grew up. Starting from the day she was born to her first birthday party, her first gymnastics class, first archery lesson, and all other first and lasts in between.

He looked sad when Allison went and sat down next to him and wrapped her father in a hug, "Hi Daddy."

He looked over and smiled, "Hey Als. How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine, really. Derek isn't so bad, everything's gonna be fine, Dad, I promise."

Chris went into a long speech of how bad he felt, and that he was prepared to throw the full force of the hunters into eliminating the new alpha pack. It was her life, and after all he'd watched her accomplish, she was going to marry the one person he knew she hated, at least at one point. Allison reminded him that she got the final say on anything with the hunters, full force or otherwise, and she wasn't going to risk the lives of her friends and family just so she wouldn't have to marry someone. She had come to terms with it, she was even beginning to like Derek as a friend. Chris was meeting up with an old friend, and had to leave. She kissed his cheek, "I love you, Dad."

Allison changed and went to lay in bed, tired after a long day. Before she went to sleep she remembered she'd made a promise to Derek.

Allison- Hey. Super tired, dad just left. Goodnight, Der.

Derek- Night Allison.

She closed her eyes and went to sleep with a smile on her face.