Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own anything, not even DerekL

Dinner that night was extremely awkward, as both Simon and Andrew refused to join in any conversation. They wouldn't say a word while Derek and I were in the room. Had I upset them both that much by sticking up for Derek and stating the obvious? We were left with Tori complaining about shopping and how much she hated this place. Even though Tori doesn't like Derek she still agreed with everything I had said, that Derek would never hurt any of us. We had become a family, no a pack to Derek and he would do whatever he could to protect his pack, even Tori. Derek's fever was getting worse, even though he didn't complain I knew it was worse than before. He had began scratching and I could see that his clothes were irritating him. Andrew was throwing nervous and angry glances at him and it just made me dislike him even more.

After dinner Derek and I offered to do the dishes, the look Simon gave us shocked me. I knew he liked me but the look was full of jealousy. I waited till the kitchen was empty to speak.

"Are you ok?" my voice was full of concern

"Its nothing, I'm ok" this didn't convince me one bit. I didn't want to be the first one to brake the silence, then Derek began to speak.

"This time its worse. Its gonna be a full change I can feel it" he stopped what he was doing and turned to look at me

"and I'm scared" he looked me straight in the eye and I could see the fear. I practically ran across the room and flung my arms around him. I wanted him to feel safe and supported. I just couldn't take the look he gave me it brought tears to my eyes.

"Everything will be fine and I will be there every step of the way" at this he relaxed and hugged me back. I don't know how long we stood there hugging but we broke apart when someone cleared their throat. Simon was stood in the door way staring with speculation in his eyes. He was really starting to annoy me. We finished up cleaning the kitchen in silence then went to bed.

No matter how hard I tried I could not sleep, it just didn't feel right for me to be so comfortable while Derek was suffering. What the hell is happening? I seem to be more concerned than usual. Why? your in love could it be. I was about to argue when Derek stumbled into my room looking a little worse for wear. Time to go, I put on my shoes and grabbed my jumper and a blanket. We hurried outside and towards the clearing neither of us said a word.

Once we arrived at the clearing Derek rushed of towards a bush to take off his clothes leaving him in his boxers, which resulted in a huge blush from me as it always did. Before I knew it he was on all fours squirming in pain. I knelt down beside him and placed my hand between his shoulder blades and rubbed his back whilst whispering reassuring words. I don't know if this made him feel better but it just seemed the right thing to do. Hair began to grow and recede all over his body and his face began to change. It was becoming longer then becoming normal again this must have been extremely painful as he continually winced. Then his back began to arch and I could feel and hear the bones cracking and taking on a new shape. The scream that came from Derek told me that this was the most excruciating thing to happen during the change. It made my heart hurt in the most horrible way and I just prayed it would be over soon and he would stop hurting. It was paining me just to see him in this state. Just as quickly as it had started it stopped. Derek was left panting covered in dirt and sweat lay on the ground.

I helped him to sit up and lean against a tree as he was to exhausted to support his body himself. I went to get the blanket and placed it on the ground so we could lie on it. As soon as Derek was lay on the ground I permitted myself to speak as I knew he was safe.

"Are you ok?" I swiftly turned my head to look at him

"I'm feeling better now, thanks" the smile he gave me was dazzling

"You seemed to have cooled off from before" I placed my hand on his face and let it linger there for longer than necessary. He reached up and placed his giant hand over mine, gently he removed it from his face and placed it in between his hands.

"Really im good, better than good, I feel great" again he was smiling, this was not like Derek at all. Without knowing it we were both leaning towards each other. I was lost in his mesmerising emerald eyes.

I began to close my eyes as his face got closer and I could feel his breath on my face. I had never felt this way in my life, my stomach was prickling with anticipation. I was nervous. Then his lips finally touched mine after a life time of waiting. A shock was sent through my body when our lips met, I know he felt this too. His lips were warm and soft against mine making the kiss sweet. Before I knew it we had separated and were both breathing heavy.

Neither of us said a word we stayed there smiling for what felt like forever. After a while I lay my head on |Derek's chest and stared up at the sky. As I was drifting out of consciousness I felt Derek tenderly stroke my face and kiss the top of my head. Then I fell asleep, smiling and began to dream about Derek.