Chapter Eleven
Derek, Dani, and Cora were at the living room when Dani brought up a subject that badly irritated Derek.
"Derek, stop being unreasonable! All I want is to help! It's not as if I'm going on 'field work' like you do. As I've said, I'd only be involved in doing research!" Dani was almost raising her voice at Derek. She believes that it's unreasonable for him to keep her from helping in the only way she thinks she can.
She had brought up the topic after dinner that she has been in touch with someone knowledgeable about ancient Mexican practices related to myths (and not-so-myths) about the supernaturals. It's been frustrating Dani that she can't seem to do anything about the situation when it's her daughter's life—and even her grandmother's, Derek's, and everyone else's lives that are at stake.
"You are not in any way getting involved, Dani." Derek said firmly, his jaws clenching in controlled anger.
She crossed her arms. "I am in every way involved in this, Derek. The life of my child is! I just can't sit down, and do nothing, when I can try to find a way how to help." Dani won't back down in this fight with Derek being quite a big bad wolf.
"If you are really concerned about our child, you would leave this matter to us. We've nearly lost Natalia a few weeks ago, in case you've forgotten. I won't take another risk, particularly that there's no certainty in what this friend of yours can bring on the table!"
"Well, this friend of mine certainly knows something, Derek! Your mercenary has hit a dead end. Pursuing new leads is the only logical thing to do. Besides, abuela and I trust-"
"I'd can trust a mercenary, but not a hunter, Dani!" Derek shouted.
"Derek!" Cora stood from where she was seated. She'd let her brother and future sister-in-law (if she can still forgive Derek) say their respective pieces earlier, but Derek's saying too much now. "Stop being such an ass!"
What Derek said nearly brought Dani to tears. A little pride was what she only has for now, and she won't let herself be stripped of it by crying in front of Derek.
It took her a while before she could manage to speak again—when she was sure her voice won't break.
"Of course, Derek. You need not remind me of that. I don't care who you trust though—or who you can't trust. What matters to me is that Natalia could be born into this world without a threat to her life looming around the corner. I can do something about this matter, and I will, regardless of what you say. Don't worry, I won't be putting Natalia in any more danger than she already is in now. As I've said, my involvement's just in going through data my friend can help me with—something I can do from the comforts of this house." Dani's voice was cold, but firm. Her face was void of emotions.
Derek stared at her for a few seconds. Realizing that he can't stop her, he left the room without saying anything else to her.
"Dani…" Worry for her was all over Cora's face.
"It's alright, Cora." She tried to smile at Derek's sister. "I just… feel tired all of a sudden. I'll be in my room."
Dani left the room as soon as Cora nodded in acknowledgment.
x
"What was that back there, Derek?! Do you know how much you've upset Dani? How much of an asshole you were?" Cora stormed into her big brother's study. "I've always thought that you've mastered control, Derek. Apparently though, you have little control over your mouth." Sarcasm was in Cora's voice.
Derek closed his eyes. "Fine. I've realized it too late, Cora. I—It wasn't my intention to hurt or upset Dani. But I hope you both understand how difficult for me it is to just even think of Dani's and Natalia's lives being put in danger again. Yes, Dani's intentions are good, but I can't help the attack of paranoia every single time."
Cora's face softened. "I know you're just worried about the two of them, Derek. Dani's much stronger though than you think she is. How else could she have managed to carry your child in her womb with her condition being so delicate? Or even just go through it after you've broken her heart?"
Derek frowned at this. "Did she tell you that?"
"That you broke her heart? Not explicitly, big brother. That's what I can conclude though based on some bits and pieces Dani's told me." She tilted her head tauntingly.
Derek rolled his eyes. "Right. Dani could talk to you for hours, but she could barely even look at me. Good for you then, little sister."
Cora's face suddenly turned serious. "Contrary to what you believe—"
"Yeah. I made a mistake of driving her away because of my belief that she deceived me—"
"Among other things, Derek. Let me talk, alright?" She glared at her brother.
Derek sighed in frustration, but let her continue anyway.
"You're also mad at Dani because you believed as well that she intended to keep little baby Hale from you from the very start. That's where you're wrong, big brother. Dani was supposed to tell you she was pregnant the very day her doctor confirmed it—only to listen to your crap that you only wanted to seduce the 20-year old virgin into your bed. That your generous offer's over with Braeden back." Cora stared at him accusingly.
Derek remembers clearly, of course. It was their last meeting. He and Daniella hadn't seen each other in over a month, then he finds her in his loft's door. Derek wanted to grab her, kiss her, and keep Dani in his arms forever, but he forced himself to believe that his sense of responsibility toward his family—or what is left of it—is even more important. So he deliberately said harsh words to Dani to drive away the "young, naïve child" (his own words), who was apparently already with his child at that time.
Derek groaned upon the realization. He's beyond an asshole. His sister though was apparently not yet through torturing his poor sould.
"If that wasn't enough, Derek, you had the gall to bring Braeden here for Dani to see. Seriously, have you realized that it could've reminded Dani everything that you've done and said to her months ago when all she wanted to tell you was she's having your baby? My, you're lucky bringing Braeden here didn't drive her—and my niece away the second time around." Derek may be the head of their family, but Cora certainly has the power over him this time.
The room fell silent. "If I'd known that you'd be bossing me around like this, I would've ran away with Dani months ago, instead of choosing to baby sit you, little sister." Choosing his family over Dani is the most difficult decision Derek had to make. He used all the control he could muster to not seek Dani out again. Obviously though, life has other plans for him. He's grateful for Natalia, not just because he'll soon become a father; but also because she binds him and her mother together. If not for Natalia, he doubts if Dani would ever speak to him again—after all that he did and said to her.
Cora rolled her eyes. She then walked to her brother and hugged him. "Really, Derek. I'm grateful that you look after me—and Malia, but I've always known that Dani is the woman for you, despite her being a Calavera. She and soon enough, Natalia will be your life, Derek. And that will make me immensely happy." Cora said sincerely.
Derek ruffled her hair. "Thank you, Cora." After a while, "You're not my baby anymore." He teased.
Cora frowned, then pouted at the realization. She raised her head. "I will always be your baby, Derek. You'll just have a new one—your real baby."
The sour wolf grinned. "Right. Seriously, I can't wait to hold Natalia in my arms. I just hope Dani forgives me soon enough."
x
At around midnight, Derek went to Dani's room—like he always does every night, unknown to Dani, and possibly even Cora. He'd spend hours watching over Dani, just looking at her serene face. He'd always place his hand over Dani's who always protectively covers her tummy—their baby. He leaves Dani's room only about two hours before the sunrise—and before he does so every single time, he'd plant soft kisses in Dani's forehead and her tummy—kisses for the mother and child.
x
After breakfast the following morning, the three of them had been busy preparing for their activities that day. Derek, as usual, is headed to checking case leads. Cora, who's usually just at home staying with Dani, was headed for her own errands that day. Dani took the chance to be out of the house as well, though with werewolf friends to keep her company.
Dani accepted Lydia's invitation to go shopping (the resident banshee promised it won't be very tiring)—which was fine with Derek. They'll be joined by Scott and his beta, Liam, Kira, and Stiles.
Just as Dani stepped out of her room, she saw Derek also stepping out of the locked bedroom. Among the rooms in Derek's house, it's only one that she and Cora don't have access to. She is admittedly curious to find out what's behind the door that Derek keeps locked, but she lets the "what-you-don't-won't-hurt-you 'principle' rule her.
When their eyes met, Dani just nodded at Derek. She doesn't think they should be talking as they'll more or less end up arguing.
"You look lovely."
She was surprised with Derek's behavior. Why, they were almost shouting at the top of their lungs last night, and now, he's giving her a complement? Nevertheless, she politely acknowledged him.
"Thanks." It was too polite—even cold.
She then headed for the stairs, with Derek just behind her. By the time they reached the foot of the stairs, Derek spoke again.
"Dani, about last night—"
"Your trust issues?" She raised her brow. Seriously, what made Derek think she'd be interested to talk about it again?
He was quick to deny it though. "It's not about that. What I'm—"
They were interrupted by the buzz of the doorbell.
Derek gave her one last glance, before he headed for the front door.
"Hey, Derek. Is Dani ready?" Dani heard Lydia's voice.
"She is. Where are you going, by the way?" Derek asked.
Lydia mentioned the mall they were supposed to go to.
"Hi, Lydia."
"Oh my. Hi, yourself, too, pretty pregnant lady."
Dani's glad at Lydia's appreciation for her dress.
She laughed. "Thanks. You look ready for the runway." Dani pointed at the younger woman's outfit.
Lydia pouted, and smiled proudly. "Let's go?" Dani nodded.
"We're going now." Of course, she had to be civil still to Derek.
"Take care. Text me if you'll need anything, okay?" Her baby daddy is again his usual paranoid self.
"'Kay."
"Bye, Derek. Don't worry too much about Dani and baby Hale." Lydia said cheerily before they finally stepped out of the house.
x
"We still have a couple of hours to kill shopping before we meet your friend, Dani. Let's have fun for now." Lydia smiled at her.
"Thank you so much, Lydia. Sorry, if I have to drag you into this." Dani's extremely grateful at Lydia—not just for today, but for their recently formed friendship. It turns out that Lydia has heard so much about her from Allison, just the same as she seems to have known Lydia so well even before she has met her through the photos and texts that Allison sent her while she was still in England—before she had met Derek Hale.
Lydia playfully glared at her. "C'mon, Dani. It's nothing, really. Glad to be of help."
They spent the next moments chatting happily, from the nerdy to the trendy stuff.
x
It was almost 5 in the afternoon when they parted. Scott went ahead with Liam as they were supposed to go somewhere else, so Kira drove home alone. She and Lydia though were off to their own little project.
Just as when Lydia was about to start her car's engine, they were startled by knocks on her car's window.
"Stiles! You startled us!" Lydia clearly doesn't look pleased at Stiles appearing out of nowhere.
Stiles pointed to the backseat—he wants to go with them. She and Lydia exchanged glances.
Lydia frowned, then bit her lip. "I knew he's being suspicious of us."
"If we don't bring him along, he'll alert Derek." She winced.
"And you may not be able to meet your friend."
She nodded at Lydia—in agreement, and in signal that she could open the door for Stiles.
"I knew you were up to something." Stiles exclaimed as soon as he got in Lydia's car. Then excitedly, "So where are we going?"
Dani bit her lip. "I'm beginning to worry about Alexis. He hasn't been answering my last messages and even calls. He hasn't confirmed his arrival in Beacon Hills." Alexis is the lead she's been talking about to Derek and Cora. He's an archeologist who's been working on European and South American sites, particularly in Mexico, that are related to ancient practices and supernatural-related legends and myths. She called him a few days ago to ask if he knew anything about shapeshifters and related sort of stuff in the Mexican region—and he actually did. He's flown all the way from England to meet her, but now, she couldn't reach his phone.
"It's a he?" Lydia asked, her eyes wide in surprise.
Dani nodded hesitantly. "Uh, would that be a problem?"
"Well, to us no, but to Daddy Derek, possibly. Don't we all know just how possessive he is of his baby mommy?" Stiles remarked drily.
She frowned at this, then remembered her primary concern.
"Don't worry too much, Dani. For all we know, his flight may just have been delayed." Lydia tried to comfort her.
She shook her head. "When Alexis called before he left England, he told me he felt like someone's following him. He wouldn't have said anything like that if he wasn't serious."
x
"We're here at your meeting place, Dani."
They got off the car to check inside the café. There was no sign of Alexis. They asked around and no one saw anyone who fits her description of Alexis.
Dani's growing even more worried.
"Hey." Stiles gently tapped her shoulder. "I can alert my dad." He gave her a reassuring smile.
"Please. Thank you, Stiles." She smiled gratefully to him.
Dear lord, but she hopes Alexis didn't get into trouble because of her. "Lydia. Can I ask another favor?"
Lydia grabbed her hand and pressed it tightly. "Anything."
The bashee started the engine after she told them where they were going: the animal clinic.
x
"I'll just wait for the two of you here," Lydia told her and Stiles before they got off the car.
"Uhm, Dani, how do we get inside the clinic if Doc's not in? Sadly, Scott didn't give me duplicates." Stiles had a worried, at the same time puzzled frown on his forehead.
"I know how to pick locks. It should work." She then brought out a clip from her pocket.
She tried to tinker with the clinic's lock, and in less than a minute, she's opened it.
"Yes!" Stiles shouted. "Oh god, you should teach me that trick."
Dani giggled. "I will, one of these days." Then she turned serious again. "Let's go."
When she first arrived in Beacon Hills, she asked the doctor to keep some of her 'stuff' which include a bow, cross bow, a gun, sais, and a few more flashbombs.
The clinic was silent, but she and Stiles were still careful not to make any noise.
Stiles had to be the one to bend, and try to reach for her black bag, as it's now difficult for her to bend too much given her condition.
"Got it, Dani." Stiles brought out her medium-sized bag of weapons—all of which she was trained to use (though her abuela doesn't know she studied Asian martial arts and shooting).
They were about to leave when they heard a loud thud from the examination room. Its doors were closed… So they weren't sure if they were really alone.
She stepped forward—toward the door.
"Dani, no!" Stiles said in whisper, panic in his voice.
Before she could slide the door open though, someone opened it from the other end.
Stiles screamed, but she was able to hold her breath.
"Uncle Chris!"
"Dani!"
They uttered each other's name at the same time.
Chris was about to fully block her line of sight, when she quickly made her way inside the examination room as her eyes caught someone familiar.
"Alexis!" She's sure her eyes were wide in shock.
His hands were chained to the metal rail attached on the wall, while his mouth was covered by Braeden's hand.
"Oh god, are you alright? What did they do to you?" Dani was horrified at the sight of Alexis. While he wasn't a total bloody mess, she saw dried up blood on the left side of his head. His wrists were starting to bruise as well from perhaps struggling.
Braeden removed her hand from covering Alexis' mouth.
"Hey, Ellie. My apologies for not making it to our meeting," Alexis tried to greet her casually.
Her eyes moved to the man on the British archeologist's right: Derek Hale.
She wasn't able to help herself. In her British accent she eventually acquired from years of studying in England—and in an accusing tone, "You bloody bastard!" Dani gave Derek dagger looks.