A/N: I wrote this during math and social studies. Home you all like it! I wasn't sure about the DPOV so I went back to CPOV.

I don't own Darkest Powers!

Chapter 4

CPOV

Derek looked like he was trying to figure out what to tell me. I wish he would just tell me everything. It'd be easier on him, probably.

I was glad when he hugged me back. The fact that he's thinking about how much to tell me and that he hugged me back says how much closer we had gotten.

"I can't tell you because you'll get upset and run away." Derek said sadly.

"I won't run away. Just tell me." I ordered softly. I don't know why he always thinks I'll run, or anyone else will for that matter. I'm not afraid of him. I'm pretty sure he'd never hurt me.

"Are you sure?" He sad stalling.

"Yes. I promise I won't run." I said reassuringly.

"Fine. What do you want to know?" He said resigned.

"What was the fight about?" I replied.

"It was about...um...you..." he mumbled.

"Me?! Why?" I was stunned. Why would they be fighting over me?

"Well...Di was going to...annoy you. I didn't want that to happen. He said, getting my hopes up. Maybe he did like me after all. "I wouldn't want Simon to go through that."

He's seriously bringing Simon into this.

"What'd he say that you're worried about Simon? And me?" I said.

"Well, to start with, he asked if you were 'available.' Derek commented annoyed. I hope he was annoyed with Di and not me.

"Okay. I am though." I said. I wasn't dating anyone and only liked the guy that wouldn't ever like me. Figures.

Derek growled, something he'd been doing quite a bit. He then mumbled something I couldn't really hear.

"What was that?" I asked, curious.

"Nothing. I'll just tell you what else happen.

"Fine. Go ahead."

"I told him to back off and he said he wasn't willing to do that."

"Why do you care so much? There has to be more to it than Simon."

"I care about you. I don't want you to be hurt." He said. "Even if it's by me." He added in a mumble.

This startled me. He'd never really shown that he cared that much. He was usually so closed off.

"Really?" I asked, unsure.

"Of course." He answered. "We've been through a ton together."

"Why do you think you'll hurt me? Especially after everything that's happened." I asked.

"Because...I'm a werewolf. I lose my temper quickly. Do you remember what happened with that kid at Lyle House? I don't want that to happen again." He said seriously.

"But you won't do that to me. I'm not that kid. you've saved me a lot already. Besides, I'm sure you like me more than that kid already, right?" I tried to reassure him.

"No." He said loudly.

"What?" I was startled by his bluntness. I thought he just said he cared about me. How could he-

"I love you." He said. Or at least I think he said that. He was talking too quietly for me to be sure.

"What was that?" I asked, hoping I heard right.

"I love you." He repeated a little louder.

"I-I l-l-love you too." I said in response, cursing my stutter once again.

"You don't have to lie to me. You're a horrible liar." He said sadly.

"I'm not lying. I do love you!" I responded adamantly.

"Sure." He said sarcastically.

I couldn't think of a way to get him to believe me. Obviously, he won't believe me when I say it. How else can I convince him? Then it came to me. Duh. It was the most obvious thing.

I reached up and grabbed his shirt by the collar. He looked distinctly confused. I pulled him closer to me, standing on my tip toes.

"Chloe, wh-" Was all he got out before I pressed my lips to his. He froze beneath my lips, probably startled by the suddenness. It wasn't long before I felt his chapped lips moving against mine. He was surprisingly gentle while we kissed. I attempted to pour the love I felt for him into the kiss.

I wrapped my arms around his neck while he wrapped his around my waist. I pulled him by his neck, trying to get closer to him. I opened my mouth so I could lick his lip with my tongue only having a little bit of pressure to his mouth.

"Derek! Chloe! Are you guys out here?" I heard Simon calling us. Unfortunately, we had to break apart.

"Yeah! We'll be back in in a minute!" I replied, trying to cover how much I was panting while I answered.

"Okay." He called back.

"Do we really have to go in?" Derek said disappointed.

"Unfortunately, yes. It'd look suspicious if we didn't." I replied softly. "Do you believe that I love you too now?"

"Yeah. I do." He murmured quietly. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips before pulling away and grabbing my hand. We started walking back to the safe house, talking quietly about random things. I gave him another peck before we left the trees. When we reached the back door, he released my hand and we headed inside to face the others.

A/N: Once again, Jamie Kay helped with this, which I appreciate since I didn't know what I was going to do for it anyway. Thanks to her.

R&R please.

Msoms