Scott sighed and flopped down onto his bed, relieved to finally have some time to himself. This was Scott's first chance to be alone with his thoughts all day.

He, Isaac, and Stiles had spent the afternoon strategizing. A main topic of discussion concerned how to approach Derek. They also debated the best methods for discovering more about the alpha pack.

They decided Stiles and Isaac would begin their research into the alpha pack by combing police records. Scott would attempt to track down more background about alphas and this particular pack by talking to Deaton. Scott had the feeling his boss could shed some light on the situation; he just wasn't sure how much of his knowledge the vet would divulge.

As for Derek, they hadn't come to a consensus. Scott wanted to take the direct approach and assure Derek they hadn't meant anything by it. He felt Derek was their best chance at finding out the truth about the alpha pack. While Deaton may know a lot, there could be insights werewolves kept hidden from even the most trusted human. Scott also had no desire to burn any more bridges between himself and the younger Hale. Plus, it didn't hurt to have an ally if trouble really was headed their way. Scott figured he'd rather throw in with the devil he knew than simply hope for the best.

Isaac thought the best tactic was to say nothing until Derek broached the subject. Stiles took this idea one step further by suggesting they avoid Derek altogether.

His thoughts turned to his Other.

Scott wasn't sure he was ready to share his experiences in the forest with Isaac. It felt wrong to tell him before Stiles, anyway. Especially given Stiles's jealousy that Isaac enjoyed baiting.

But he was unsure how Stiles would react to the news that Scott was moving closer to the part of himself that had caused their brief rift in the first place. He hadn't told Stiles anything about what happened when he meditated. Stiles, for his part, hadn't asked. Although Stiles had acted like his usual self this afternoon, Scott could tell his friend was going through the motions and pretending everything was normal.

His reverie was interrupted by the sound of his mom coming up the stairs. And she wasn't alone. Scott leaped to his feet. When his mom knocked and opened the door to his bedroom, his senses were on high-alert.

"Scott? You have a visitor."

He didn't reply. His mom stepped back, a confused look on her face. The intruder stepped forward and Scott's expression became a mirror of his mom's.

"Derek?"

Derek took one step over the threshold. Scott's mom gave her son a concerned glance. He was pretty sure she recognized Derek from the night at the police station when Matt took them all hostage. Her acceptance of Scott's dual nature didn't necessarily extend to strange werewolves she knew only from a police station brawl.

"It's ok," he assured her. She hesitated, and then turned to leave.

"I'll be downstairs. You call me if you need anything." She shot Derek a menacing mom-glare and went back into the hall. "Anything."

"We need to talk," Derek said. He took another step forward and shut the door behind him. In his severe leather jacket, the dour young man looked out of place in the friendly comfort of the room.

Scott waited until he heard his mom turn the TV on in the den before he spoke.

"You used the door." He couldn't keep the surprise out his voice. Usually Derek's visits began with his ambushing Scott in his own room or by his entrances via window. Today, the how of his arrival trumped the why.

Derek rolled his eyes.

"I know how to use a door, Scott."

"Well, now I realize that. So, you're here because you found out about the deer."

"Yes."

"It was an accident. You see…"

Scott braced himself, preparing for the inevitable wall-slam Derek preferred when posing questions.

"I know."

"You do?"

Scott straightened, surprised. Derek didn't seem angry. Something was wrong. Why wasn't Derek angry?

The wolf inside him raised his hackles. Derek arched an eyebrow. Scott could smell the other werewolf's curiosity. He took a step forward, refusing to give ground and speak first.

Derek pursed his lips, annoyed by Scott's defiance. Especially when the teen was behaving more like an Alpha than the omega he was. Derek wanted nothing more than to shift and prove to Scott that he didn't have what it took to rule a pack, much less steal Derek's.

Derek balled his hands into fists, swallowing his pride. He broke the silence.

"There's something more important we need to discuss."

For a brief moment Scott felt triumphant. Then he realized that Derek's brushing over the deer incident could only mean one thing.

"There is an alpha pack."

"Yes. And they're dangerous."

"Of course they are," Scott sighed. "So what do you want from me?"

"I want to train you. You need to be prepared for what's coming."

"Thanks, but I don't need you smashing anymore of my cell phones or chasing me through dark parking garages."

"Ok, maybe I deserve that." Derek tilted his head in acknowledgement of his past teaching attempts. "But, it won't be like before. We'll do things differently this time."

Scott eyed the other werewolf suspiciously. He'd never given Scott information without a price. He wondered what Derek wanted in return for his generosity. The Other raised his hackles once more.

"And why would you help me?"

"Because." Aside from Allison, Derek realized there was another important motivator for Scott he overlooked before. One he hoped would override Scott's heightened suspicion. "If they come for me, Isaac's going to need help."

"What about Peter?"

"You and I both know that's not an option. Isaac doesn't trust Peter."

"And he shouldn't," Scott said.

"But as your little hunt proved, Isaac trusts you. It's my duty to keep him safe. I think you would protect him, but if you hope to succeed, you need greater control. And I can teach you that much."

Scott mulled this over. On the surface, it didn't make sense that Derek would rely on him over his own flesh and blood. But Peter had killed Derek's sister simply to become Alpha. A betrayal like that would make anyone think twice before trusting the man with the life of someone they wanted to protect.

Scott wasn't sure he was getting the full story but he didn't detect any hint of deception. Derek was sincere. His Other relaxed and he made his decision.

"Ok. I accept. When do we start?"

"Tomorrow. Sunrise. Meet me at the Beacon Hills' Preserve east entrance," said Derek. He moved towards the door, but turned back before he opened it. "Thank you."

With that, he silently slipped out of the room and headed to the front door.

Scott sat back down on the bed. He had to admit that regardless of all the mistakes Derek had made as Alpha, he had done so with the intention of safeguarding his pack. Even if he only cared about Isaac's safety, anything Derek taught Scott would help him protect his mom and his other friends. Still, Scott resolved to keep his guard up and listen to his instincts. The wolf in the night forest had taught him that much.

Danger was coming, and he meant to be ready for it. But he couldn't face it alone.