Thanks for waiting for the next chapter :) I'd like to tell you that this chapter will not contain the conflict introduced in the previous chapter. That will occur later. Anyways, enjoy this one. Thank you for the support and reviews. There are some consistent reviewers and I do read and enjoy your comments. There is also a consistent anonymous reviewer, I thank you as well. :D

Ch 11

This was going to be a cute, romantic trip for the new couple; an outing commonly known as meeting the parent(s) and now, it wasn't. Derek and Chloe had gotten home from their date and told Simon and Tori their plans. After a mild debate on what was going on, they all went to bed stressed and decided they'd decide the next morning.

So now, bright and early Chloe could hear a "But Chloe, I want to see my Dad too! It makes sense if we all go."

"One big road trip?" Chloe asked skeptically, "And you don't think we'll all kill each other if we drive down together?"

Simon shook his head, "We live together, I'm sure a road trip won't change us. It can't be any worse than we are now." he reasoned.

Chloe thought over Simon's explanation and knew this trip was a recipe for disaster but none the less agreed. "Yeah, sure, fine. Let's all go." The blonde conceded. She lifted her hand up to her forehead and sighed.

Chloe pulled a blonde strand away from her face and tucked it behind her ear nervously. "Derek?" she asked. Tori and Simon seemed to be too engulfed in their argument to pay Derek and Chloe any mind. "Are you okay with them coming? I mean, I don't mind-"

"I don't mind either." he sighed.

Chloe reached for his hand and rubbed small soothing circles on his knuckles. She gave his hand a small peck and said "Good," and released it. "You're ready to talk to your father right? I'm not pushing you to do this. I just wanted you to get some peace of mind. Let your father know and understand why you two left so quickly."

Derek stared down at where she had kissed and somehow felt jealous of his own hand. He made the tiniest pout and ripped his gaze away from his flesh. "No, I think this is a good idea. I want to."

She stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Then, I'm glad." She moved in towards his lips finding it more alluring than usual with his pursed lips still fresh in her mind. His mouth parted and waited for the ecstasy of kisses he would soon receive.

Chloe pressed her mouth to his and they seemed to mold perfectly into one another. A soft hum in the back of her throat resonated in Derek's ears like music. He returned her enthusiasm with a content shaky breath that was heard as they parted. He kissed along her jawline peppering her with slow pecks until a "AH HEM." broke through their now very public display.

Chloe blushed and buried her face into Derek's chest as if it would hide what they had done mere meter away from his siblings.

"You two go pack… away from us." Tori instructed.

They nodded. It was only going to be one night so just a simple change of clothes, pajamas and toiletries were necessary.

"Finished." Derek said as he folded the last article of clothing.

Chloe stared at her bed, laying out all her outfit options. "Derek, I can't pick. Should I go for the dress or the classic t-shirt and jeans?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Because I'll be meeting your father, that's why." Chloe huffed and placed her hands on her hip.

"He wouldn't care Chloe. Wear whatever you want."

Chloe looked back at her options, "Maybe I'll go for the dress then. Formal is always better." She then moved over to the bathroom mirror to check her current outfit and sighed, "What about the one I'm wearing right now?"

Derek watched as she checked herself out. Chloe twisted her waist in different direction to see whether she looked good at all angles and readjusted her hair in different styles, making different faces playfully.

The wolf tried to hold back his laughter but did not succeed. "You're too much." he cried. He walked over to her and scooped her up in one motion. She let out a small yelp and clutched her chest, "Don't scare me like that."

"Sorry." he murmured into a small kiss.

She felt the smile on his lips and kissed deeper as she wrapped her hands around his neck. They stood there for who knows how long and they had become more intensely intimate. Her fingers raked through his hair and small whispers of his name and approval left her lips.

Derek carried her over to the bed for a more comfortable position and she sat on his lap finding it ten times better. Chloe flushed as she wiggled in place.

"Why are you embarrassed?" he asked as he kissed along the crook of her neck.

"I just-I-" she breathed.

"You're adorable, you know?"

Chloe laughed. "Derek you're terribly embarrassing."

The blonde moved in towards his chest closing the gap. She rested her forehead on his and her breath fanned over his lips.

"I beg to differ." he said with a smile as he captured her full attention with their next kiss.

It was hungrier and hotter and certainly uncharacteristic to what she had ever experienced. His hands sat under her shirt, finding purchase on her hip.

Chloe was glad she had met Derek, glad that she coaxed him away from the edge of that roof. She was so happy right now, happier than she could ever remember being.

"Derek?" She asked as they parted briefly.

"Yes?"

"Will you meet my father?" she asked innocently, "Oh, and my Aunt too." she added.

Derek paused. He pulled further from her and furrowed his brows.

"What? You don't want to?" Chloe said slightly hurt.

"Rather than that, it's more, would they want to? I don't think they'd like me." he told her.

"Well if I like you," she paused, "then they will respect that and like you too." the blonde said as she bopped his nose playfully. She rested her now stray hand onto his cheek and pressed for another kiss.

The werewolf chuckled. He reached for her hand and turned to kiss it lightly.

An intrusive knock was heard causing them to part and cool down.

"Did you guys finish packing or are you just making out?" Tori said irritably.

"I'll have you know that we did indeed finish packing." Chloe responded.

Chloe got off Derek and moved away from him to retrieve their bags. She carried both until Derek swiftly took them away as he walked towards the door.

"What a gentleman." she teased as he opened the door for her to top it off.

Tori stood there, waiting, her foot tapping impatiently against the floor.

"I wanna go to Dad's as quick as possible. You guys can suck faces later, I wanna have as much time with Dad as I can get."

"Didn't know you missed Dad so much." Derek mumbled.

Tori glared and pointed her finger in his direction, "You and Simon always hog him. Now that you have Chloe, it'll be easy to get Dad's attention." she said triumphantly.

Derek shook his head lightly thinking it was quite entertaining to see her like this.

Simon approached them and he was laughing, a hardy and obnoxious laugh meant to irritate his sister.

"Yeah right, because he has Chloe, Dad will give him all the attention." He had said it like it were obvious, like he was calling her dumb.

Tori fumed, "Nuh uh!"

"Times ticking." Chloe noted as she tugged Derek away from their sibling fight over their relationship and the non existent one between the couple and the Bae family's father.

They reached the bottom floor and walked to the car to pack the small bags. As Derek shut the trunk he rested against it.

Chloe leaned against his body and he wrapped his arms around her, resting his hands on her lower back. The blonde stared up and nuzzled closer to him, her ear resting against his heart.

"Ewwwwww!" whined Tori as she opened up the front door to witness her brother and best friend 'cuddling'.

"I think I'm right. Dad will leave you two alone and I'll get him. I don't see why he'd want to interrupt you two." she laughed.

Simon sighed, "Whatever." seeing that she did indeed have a point.

The road trip was interesting. It mainly consisted of Simon and Tori trying to kill each other in such a confined space. They all took turns driving and after a half an hour long argument on what music to listen to, they unanimously agreed on 'no music'.

"I have to pee." Tori announced.

"Tori, are you kidding me? We just passed the exit leading to a pit stop." Simon groaned.

"Well my bad, I only had to pee at this exact and very specific moment." she seethed.

Tori began a series of sighs until her brother finally had enough. Simon pulled over.

"Then go pee." he said as he pointed towards the roadside forest and unlocked the car doors.

"Excuse me?" she gasped.

Chloe could smell the burning ball of electricity starting to form in her hand that would soon fry the car.

"Okay let's calm down guys. I think I should drive."

"Gladly." Simon growled as he got out of the car to switch. Chloe crawled between the space at the back towards the front seat and Derek helped steady her as she did. "Thanks Derek." she said and she settled into the front.

Tori rolled her eyes and Chloe patted her shoulder. "We can go at the next stop." Chloe reassured.

Chloe drove to the nearest town on the next exit off the highway and brought them to a mcdonalds.

Tori rushed in and the blonde nearly choked on her laugh as she watched her bossy best friend nearly trip into mcdonalds.

"Simon, be nice to your sister." she scolded when she finally caught her breath.

"I am." he huffed.

"You've got a weird way of showing it."

"Actually, I gotta go too." he said as he walked into the restaurant as casually as possible.

Derek smiled as he watched his brother leave.

"Is that healthy?" Chloe asked as she parked the car into a vacant spot.

"Yeah, it's their normal."

"It must be nice to have siblings." Chloe sighed.

"Well, Tori and you are best friends so you're practically sisters aren't you?"

It was a rather cliche way of thinking but yes, they practically were. A fleeting thought seemed to pass both of them as they thought that if they were married, by law, she could have siblings.

Derek shook the thoughts from his head. "I need some air." he told her as he stepped out.

Chloe followed suit and locked the car doors.

They walked over to the large trees hovering over the car right in front of the parking spot.

They stood underneath for shade.

Chloe stealthily slipped her hand into his and smiled at him.

She lightly swung their connected hands back and forward.

Derek was certainly not the type to over analyze a relationship but at this point in time he thought her figiting must have meant she wanted to move. The werewolf did the only thing that came to mind.

As she swung again he pulled her into a small twirl and when she returned to face him after one rotation she stumbled into him. He released her hand and hugged her closer.

She burst into a fit of bubbling laughter.

"What?" he asked confused.

"Why?" she asked when she was able to muster words through her giggling.

"You kept moving."

Tears welled at the rims of her eyes and she desperately tried to wipe them away, "God, I love you Derek."

Derek's whole face flushed, his ears had even mimicked his cheeks.

He told her he loved her but hearing those very words returned was so enticing, exhilarating and absolutely intoxicating.

"I love you too." he said softly as he rested his cheek on top of her head.

Her uncontrollable laughter halted. Derek lifted his head to look at her.

The necromancer took a deep breath, all jokes left aside, "I love you." she whispered.

She held herself higher on her toes and instigated a kiss. Derek hoisted his girlfriend up to sit on his arm and leveled her.

"Makes things easier." she mused as she played with his hair.

"Naturally." he said as he leaned in.

They had finally arrived to the famous Kit Bae's home.

They all eagerly approached the door, everyone except Chloe who lingered by the car.

"What's wrong Chlo?" Tori asked as she started walking back to her friend's side.

"Nervous." the blonde confessed.

Derek placed his hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, I won't tell Dad we're together right away. I think it's better if he gets to know you as 'Chloe' instead of 'Chloe, Dere's girlfriend'." He reassured.

"For now, 'Chloe, Tori's best friend' will just have to suffice." the witch encouraged with a pat.

Simon knocked vigorously at the front door, "Trying to get a head start." growled Tori as she raced over to the door before her father could finish opening it.

When the tall asian man answered, he nearly keeled over. The man rubbed his eyes briefly, wondering whether he was seeing things.

Tori jumped into her father's arm and yelled, "Daddy!"

"Goddamn it." Simon cursed as he pried his sister off their father, whom they were 'forced' to share.

Simon hugged his father while Derek escorted Chloe up to the house and hugged his father.

Before Derek got the chance to introduce Chloe, Tori cut in, "This is Chloe, my house mate. I know it's been way too long since I've come back to see you but…" Tori thought for a moment, "I'm here for a day now!"

"A day?" their father asked, "all of you?"

"Surprise." Derek said in monotone, "May have forgotten to mention I was coming home with three other people."

Mr. Bae rolled his eyes. "Alright kids, come in."

The three of them stepped in with ease. Chloe on the other hand hesitated. Her palms were slicked with sweat and she felt an immense nervousness even though she wasn't meeting him as a girlfriend.

Tori sighed and dragged her best friend in. "She's just shy." Tori told her father. Chloe took her shoes off and followed closely after Tori.

"So, help yourselves to the fridge kids. Um, Chloe was it?"

She nodded silently.

"Nice to meet you. I've heard about you."

"You have?"

"From my daughter over several phone calls."

Chloe laughed nervously, "I hope they were nice things."

He gave a small chuckle, "You should relax Chloe. No need to be so anxious around an old man."

Chloe chewed at her lower lip, "Thanks." she said with a small smile.

"Anyone want water?" Derek asked as he got up.

"Me." She called as she bolted to Derek's side.

They left into the kitchen and Chloe released a breath she didn't know she was even holding.

"I'm so scared." she whined quietly.

Derek leaned down and pecked her cheek, "Don't be. Just be you. Loosen up."

Chloe nodded and leaned up against her boyfriend. She sighed and closed her eyes trying to visualize a strategy to win over.

Footsteps approached but the two love birds hadn't even bothered to move, "I thought you weren't gonna tell Dad yet, if you two act like that then it'll give it away." he advised them casually.

"Right." she said as she moved away.

Derek's face scrunched up, clearly regretting what he had said before. Chloe grabbed his wrist and tugged it lower to move his face closer to hers. With a swift kiss, she parted, "Water please." she said.

He handed her a bottle.

Chloe walked back into the living room where and Tori were chatting away.

Chloe eased into the conversation and when brought out pictures, Chloe's nervousness had flown out the roof.

"OMG, you're adorable." squeaked Chloe as she pointed at a sixteen year old Derek."

"Thanks?" he tried.

"And Tori, who's this?" the blonde asked as her finger hovered over a girl in the picture standing next to Tori. She had black hair, clearly dyed.

"An old friend, that black hair dye was the worst mistake of her life, so we took a selfie to commemorate it."

Chloe then flipped through more and," Simon you dyed your hair?"

"Yeah, it was stupid."

"For a girl." Tori chimed in.

"A cute girl." he corrected.

"Poor Hailey, if she had known how much of a-"Simon silenced his sister with a hand over her mouth.

"Let's show Chloe around town." Simon suggested as a means to avoid anymore banter in front of their father.

"I'd love to." she said as her features softened.

"Race ya." Simon challenged as he bolted towards the front door. Both ran quickly away and Chloe giggled as she watched the two of them.

"I hope they aren't too much trouble at home." said as he slumped into the couch in front of Derek.

"Their not. And by the way, thank you for letting us all stay unexpectedly. Especially me." she said with a smile.

"Anything for family." he told her. turned to his son in hopes to rekindle what gap had grown in a span of about a week.

She nodded and turned to Derek briefly, "Good luck." she mouthed from behind his father as she blew him a kiss and walked away.

Tori and Simon had graciously decided to give her a tour of the town they grew up in and told her all their favourite spots.

"Was it hard to get up and leave, Simon?" Chloe asked after seeing their excitement over various spots.

"To be honest, no. People in this town aren't exactly friendly."

"Just by talking to us makes you an outcast." Tori explained.

Chloe looked around and could feel the eyes of others on her back. "I can see that. So I assume I won't be going into any of these places you guys liked."

Simon nodded, "I hope you don't mind. We were never really well liked, but now, after the incident, even less so."

Chloe stopped to listen to some passing conversation. A snide remark about a family of monsters and when supernaturals like them lived out in a mundane environment, they always seemed to be the monsters, the murderers or psychopaths.

Chloe sighed.

A group of women around Chloe and Tori's age approached.

"It's the Bae siblings." The tall copper skinned girl hummed.

"Rachelle." Tori said with venom in acknowledgment.

"What brings a bunch of nobodies back?" Her gaze shot to Chloe who seemed more than confused. "Who's this?" Rachelle asked.

"A friend." Simon stated.

"What's it to you." snapped Tori. She stood in front of Chloe protectively.

"Whatever." she said as she rolled her eyes, "By the way, where's your psycho of a brother."

"Psycho?" Chloe repeated.

"Derek. Their big brother." she said, each word tainted with disgust.

Chloe nodded her head softly, "Oh, he isn't with us right now."

Rachelle chuckled, "Well, if I were him, I'd never show my face here again."

"And why is that?"

"Because the hottest guy in town nearly killed someone. It's such a shame."

"Hottest?" Chloe asked with small smile.

"But it's too bad." Rachelle quickly added.

"Yeah, it is too bad." Chloe said, acting as if she were on Rae's side.

Tori rose an eyebrow, examining her friend.

"It's such a shame that people will never get to see how amazing he is. It's a shame there are too many ignorant people in this town to fathom the difference between truth and rumour."

Rachelle burned a dark red. Her anger surprising even Tori.

Rachelled pulled Chloe in so fast that no one had time to think until Derek boomed out a "Hey!" from the distance, an angry and very loud holler.

Rachelle let the blonde go, her arms in a surrender as Derek approached from the distance. He delicately placed his hand on Chloe shoulder as he examined her making sure she had no injuries.

"Don't worry, wouldn't wanna cripple her so carelessly."

Chloe watched Derek finch. His gaze stuck on her blue orbs begging her to save him. He was afraid and hurt and Chloe could only think of one sure fire way to fix it. She held his hand, shifting closer to him whispering reassuring praises into his ear. She reminded him of her love for him, reminded him of how happy he made her.

The wolf seemed to ease into her touch. The fear seeping out of his green eyes like a fountain.

Rachelle's jaw dropped, "Who are you?" she asked.

"His girlfriend." Chloe snapped. A fierce glare plastered over her dainty features.

"Oh, that's just perfect. I always loved Beauty and The Beast." she cackled.

Chloe felt something in her snap. She wasn't entirely sure how, but it did.

Tori waited in anticipation for what Chloe would say. A smile already stuck to her lips.

Finally, after a deep breath, Chloe spoke. Her words icy, "Rachelle, jealousy doesn't suit you." She said as she pulled at Derek's collar and tugged him into a kiss. It was far too aggressive at first but as seconds passed, Derek soothed her. She loosened her grip and her lashes fluttered as she enjoyed more from him.

She could hear the woman sputter denial after denial.

"Why would I even want him?" she asked as she stormed off.

Chloe pulled away leaving Derek breathless.

"I really do love you." she reminded him.

Derek wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. She giggled as she attempted to get away from his tight grasp.

Tori slow clapped. Her mouth slightly ajar. "I never liked her. That was awesome Chloe. You officially get the bestest friend award."

Simon ruffled her hair, "That was cool of you." he told her.

Chloe felt like she was a child as she was being praised like this but she somehow didn't mind.

They made it back to the house and Derek and Chloe insisted they make dinner for everyone. Kit obeyed their wishes and admired how the two worked so well in the kitchen together. It seemed as though they had a rhythm down pat. They served the delicious food and they honestly enjoyed each other's company over a meal as a family. Chloe blended in perfectly and it surprised Kit.

The doorbell rung and Simon jumped up to check on it.

There, on the porch of the Bae family's home stood an old friend, Andrew. Simon and Derek hadn't really seen Andrew in a long time. They last saw him in their teen years. Simon hugged the man and asked how he was and what he was doing here.

"Since the incident, I've been visiting kit." he said.

Derek listened from the dining room. He stiffened.

Chloe tugged his arm. "What's wrong?" she whispered.

The thing that was wrong seemed to walk into the room. The older man seemed to observe each member in the room. His gaze soft until it reached Derek.

He had eyes that judged; eyes that condemned. Chloe reached for his hand underneath the table. She rubbed the back of his hand and inched closer to him. His gaze flicked to her and then back to his food.

"Have you eaten?" Chloe asked Andrew to try and ease the tension.

"Not yet." He told her.

"We cooked, there's plenty. Would you like some?" she offered.

"Yes please, thank you miss-?" he said as he waited for her to fill the gap.

"Chloe." Tori finished for her friend.

Chloe got up and served him food. He sat beside Kit and that night, Derek's half finished plate stayed unfinished.

Derek insisted he'd go on a run after dinner and Chloe held onto his arm. "Are you sure? Want me to join?"

"I'll be fine."

"Promise?" she asked him with her pinky out.

Derek smiled, "Promise." he said as he hooked his pinky with hers.

Derek slipped a hoodie on and bolted out of the house.

Chloe may not have known Andrew but she already didn't quite like him or the way he looked at Derek. The blonde sighed.

She had gossipped with Tori for a while until her throat itched for a drink to quench it.

She wandered through the halls of the house and caught a brief conversation around the corner in the kitchen.

Andrew was speaking to Kit about something. She slipped in and pointed at the fridge. "Mind if I get some water?"

"Oh, I don't think I have any left. I'll go get a pack from the basement." Kit told her as he waltzed away leaving her with this stranger.

Chloe casually leaned against the counter as she waited. "Hi." she said.

"Hello Miss Chloe."

Silence grew stale in the room and Chloe stared at the time on the oven.

"So, I was wondering, how long have you known the Bae family?" Andrew finally said.

"I've known Tori for a really long time. Several years."

"And the rest?"

"Simon and Derek for a little over a week. Why?" she said suspicious.

"I was wondering how much you really knew about Derek."

"Derek? Why?" she asked as she narrowed her eyes.

"Oh, please don't take offense. I just meant to tell you to be careful around him."

"What's that suppose to mean?" she said as her voice rose.

"Nothing. Just letting you know. I know Kit raised him to be a good man but-"

Chloe interrupted him, "But what? There's nothing more to say. Kit raised him to be a perfectly fine man. I know exactly what you're getting at and I beg to disagree Sir. Derek is the most amazing man I've ever met. I-" she stopped herself before she admitted to their relationship. She cleared her throat. "I'm gunna go get some air."

"Chloe, I just meant that developing a relationship with a wolf is-"

"Really Andrew? You're gonna bring in his race?" she yelled.

By now, their conversation was way past private.

"No matter what Derek is I wouldn't care. No matter what he did, I wouldn't care either. You know why? Because Derek is Derek no matter what."

She shook her head and slipped a jacket on before storming out of the house.

Chloe had no idea where she was headed but all she knew was that she couldn't stand another minute in the same house as Andrew. Had taking Derek home been a mistake? Was this all her fault? Did Derek feel as shitty as she did?

Chloe found herself in front of a small book store. She entered and seemed to like the wafting smell of bound paper back novels.

The store clerk welcomed her warmly and she tried to smile back, attempting not to let her sour mood seep out.

She skimmed over several books idly then sat by the window to read a book to calm herself as suggested by the clerk who noticed her mood.

The chime of the store door opening echoed. She turned to see who had entered and stared at the beautiful, tall man entering. "Derek." she breathed.

"What's up? Why are you here by yourself?"

"How'd you find me?"

"Dad told me you got into an argument with Andrew and insisted that I immediately find you."

"Shit." she swore. Chloe chewed at her lower lip nervously. Worry creased her brows.

"It's fine." He laughed.

"It's not fine. I made a huge scene. God, Derek. Your Dad is gonna hate me!" she whined.

"He definitely doesn't. He told me over the phone that he was really impressed."

"Really?" she said excitedly.

"Yeah. He said you were defending me. I'm pretty sure he thinks you're in love with me." he laughed.

"Well then, your father is a smart man because," she paused and looked around the store to make sure no one would hear them, She moved her hands to her mouth, cupping it, "I do." she whispered with a small wink and a huge grin.

"Let's go back. Okay?"

Derek held his out to her. She took it, "Alright. But what about Andrew?"

"Dad kinda kicked him out." Derek said as he rubbed the back of his neck."

"Phew." she breathed out.

They walked back in the dimly lit streets. "You know, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"Derek, I hope you know that I don't think I'll ever find anyone else as spectacular as you. It wasn't some random coincidence that I fell for you. I'm here with you becuase you were you, this wasn't pity or settling or anything. I'm happy because I met you and you are truly amazing."

"You shouldn't say that." he mumbled.

"And why not?"

"You'll make me love you more than I already do and I didn't think that was even possible."

"You're a sap." she said as she slapped his arm. She gazed up at him. One second she was enjoying the view and the next she was drunk on his kisses.