Seven

Cora and Isaac stepped into the loft at about eleven pm. Cora sniffed at the air, catching something off. She gave Derek and Stiles a smirk. Derek actually looked a little awkward, but Stiles was oblivious.

"Derek really?" Cora asked with a snort.

"Alright we are not having this conversation," Derek told her.

"Why not?" Cora grinned. "Well congratulations on getting laid."

Derek shook his head at her. Isaac looked a little surprised. He sniffed at the air, catching that sure scent of hormones.

"Wait a minute!" Isaac protested. "You and Stiles, you didn't... "

Stiles snaked his arm through Derek's and shot Isaac a challenging smirk.

"What if we did?" he asked deviously, smirk still in place.

Isaac shrugged like he couldn't care less. He turned to Cora and planted a little kiss on her cheek.

"Well I'm gonna go before this conversation gets anymore awkward. I had a good time tonight."

"I had a good time too," Cora smiled at Isaac. "I'd like to do it again."

Isaac gave them all a final wave as he stepped out of the loft. Cora closed the door behind him and turned to Stiles and Derek with a manic grin.

"Oh my god you guys!" she enthused. "You guys totally did it! Derek what is this my nose tells me? Stiles' scent seems to be mingled with yours now. Its almost overpowering."

"Well I did say he was my mate," Derek told her, pulling Stiles against him.

Stiles felt a fresh rush of love for Derek. Cora was happy for them both. Derek was really happy, Cora realized. Her brother was probably the happiest he'd been since the fire.

She'd watched him change over the past weeks. When she'd first seen him again she'd seen a man of pain and lonliness. Then she'd begun to change that. She'd gotten inside his heart again, as only a sibling can.

Oh she could understand perfectly. Derek had thought he'd lost everyone. What a surprise it must have been to him to see her alive. She'd known in her captivity that Derek must still be alive out there.

Derek had always been so strong, in spite of what he might think about himself. Derek was the most like their mother. She knew that he didn't think that, but he was.

"What are you thinking about Cora?" Derek asked suddenly, seeing her deep look of contemplation.

"I'm thinking about you. About family. I'm glad to have you in my life Derek."

Derek smiled at her.

"I'm glad we still have each other Derek," Cora went on. "We're the only ones left. Stiles, I believe this is the start of something. I know that sounds weird. I want to feel like a family again, and I know you play into that. "When I first set eyes on you I saw things between you and Derek, hidden behind the bickering and glances. I saw two people who already loved one another, they just weren't entirely aware of it, or weren't admitting it."

Stiles eyed her strangely. Yes, that's exactly how he'd felt. He'd liked Derek for awhile. It had started somewhere before the pool incident. Something in him didn't want Derek to die, and he couldn't lose him.

"I do," he spoke. "I do love Derek. There have been times I've wondered exactly why. I didn't want to love him at first. Your brother was a total brooding Sourwolf."

"Hey cut a guy some slack," Derek smirked.

"Well you were. I didn't know how to feel. Honestly I felt things for the person I saw beneath. The person you used to keep locked inside. You could slam me into things, and I'd see something more behind your eyes. When you looked at me, looking so angry, you didn't really hate me."

"No," Derek said quietly. "I didn't hate you. I only knew that your scent drove me insane. My wolf really hated it at first, almost like something was challenging it. You do challenge me Stiles. You challenge everyone. You show us that there's hope for the world, for humanity, if everyone were as caring and kind as you Stiles."

Stiles looked at him gently. Derek cupped his cheek.

"That's why I love you. I used to think all humans were bad. Kate destroyed our family. You though, you make me see that there's good left."

Stiles smiled softly and nuzzled his cheek against Derek's hand. He loved the contact, the affection. Derek leaned forward and kissed those lips, feeling that instant rush. The boy's lips always left his feeling tingly when he pulled back.

"I think you really are my mate," Derek said. "Not just because of the triskelion tatooed on your back, but because of what you do to me. You claimed me as yours when we made love. My body is open to you Stiles, all yours, and every inch of me longs for you."

Stiles grinned a little deviously. Who know Derek could actually talk dirty, or that it could sound so sexy? The alpha continued to gaze into him with those blue eyes. He hesitated a long moment before speaking again.

"I think Cora's right Stiles. Family begins with you again. A werewolf's mate is very important. You're important to me Stiles. I ache every second you're not in my life, by my side."

Derek grabbed his arm gently, gaze softening unbelievably.

"I want us to live together Stiles," he whispered. "If you want that."

Stiles felt his heart flutter. He did want that. He really did! What about his dad though?

"I'll talk to my dad Derek," Stiles replied. "Trust me, I think I can win him over."

"I hope so," Derek said. "I don't want your dad coming after me with wolfsbane laced bullets or something."

"Don't worry," Stiles told him, patting his shoulder. "My dad can be reasonable. Well, sometimes... "

Stiles knew Derek was right to worry. His dad could be reasonable if he saw eye to eye with what was being presented. Stiles kinda doubted he'd like this very much.

Well he'd have to start being truthful sooner or later.