CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Derek paced the silent house. His bare feet making gently suction noises on the polished wood in the hall. He hadn't been able to sleep, which wasn't all that surprising during a full moon. In fact none of them were. Glancing toward the living room he saw Scott and Isaac stretched out on the floor watching TV. Peter was slouching in a chair his fingers tightly gripping a book, his head rolled back onto the cushions, his gaze laser focused. Alex was stretched out on the couch behind the boys, her eyes flickering between the screen and the ceiling. Her hand playing aimlessly weaving through Isaac's mass of blond curls. He could sense all their bodies silently humming as the moon pulled at their instincts. Scott had a death grip on the scarf Derek could smell belonged to Allison. Ever since Deucalion had messed with his head, made him more open to his instincts Scott had clung even tighter to his anchor. Derek knew Scott feared what would happen when Allison left town to head off to college and had tried his best to reasure him that he'd find away through. Isaac didn't have the same concerns; his anchor wasn't so much a person as the pack itself. As long as he was close to them, he was in control.
Derek inhaled deeply at the scent of his pack, trying to share Isaac's feeling of peace. Desperate to find something that gave him back that feeling of control he seemed to have lost. Ever since the moon had risen he'd felt uneasy, restless, irritable. - Worst of all he felt dangerous. Closing his eyes he tried to focus, tried to reach for the anchor that had served him well for so long, but it wasn't there. He wasn't that angry broken person he'd been when he'd returned to Beacon Hills three years ago. He wasn't haunted by his past, by the faces of those he'd loved. He'd put those ghosts to rest slowly over the years. But he had nothing to replace that anger with.
His nose flared as a scent caught his attention, faint beneath the stronger smells of the pack. He turned his nose towards it, inhaling deeply again and again. His feet taking him where it lead. He probably should have realised what the scent was the moment he smelt it, but his mind wasn't focused like it usually was. It was a jumble of feelings and fears, and anxiety. So it was a surprised when he found himself in Leah's bedroom, reaching for a large red blanket. He brought it to his nose and instantly felt his whole body relax, his racing heartbeat slow, and the humming beneath his skin easy as he buried his face in the fabric while lowering himself down on the small bed his daughter was absent from.
~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~
"Red Riding Hood." said the wolf, his eyes heavy as he stared. "take off your cloak and hood and get into bed, that I may talk to you."
Stiles watched the wolf warily, even as he pulled at the ties of his cloak, letting it fall to the floor. His feet carrying him closer to the bed. The moonlight steamed through the large window to illuminate the wolf tone naked body. His dark hair highlighted with silver as he watched Stiles moved closer and closer. In the dim moonlit room a glow of red.
Pulling back the covers Stiles carefully climbed into the bed. It was warm. Impossibly, irresistibly warm. Drawing him in. He settled back against the pillow on his side, staring at the wolf's face. The strong shadowed jaw, heavy lidded eyes and defined cheekbones. "What great eyes you have got." Stiles murmured; staring into the red orbs and feeling his heart skip with a mixture of fear and excitement.
"All the better to see you with." the wolf said softly.
Stiles swallowed. "What great arms you have got." his eyes scanning the solid muscle of the wolf's bare shoulders and biceps.
"All the better to fold you in, my love." the wolf murmured; tightening his arms around Stiles. Pulling him tight against the bare and chiselled chest.
Stiles ran his hands over the heated skin, dragging his nails to leave a trail of red. "What great ears you have." he laughed with a smirk. Lifting himself to run his teeth against the shell.
"All the better to hear your sweet voice with, my dear." The wolf moaned. Inhaling sharply. His hands tightening around Stiles hips, pulling them tight together to pull a groan of delight from Stiles as arousal met arousal.
"What a long nose." Stiles whispered, as the wolf dragged it up the column of his neck. Drawing in his scent.
"All the better to smell you." the wolf hummed.
Stiles heart pounded in his chest as he drew back to meet the wolf's darkened heavy gaze. His own dropping to the man's lips. "What a large mouth you have."
"All the better to kiss you with, my dear." the wolf growled, crashing his mouth against Stiles.
The wolf advanced, surging forward to force Stiles onto his back. His legs falling either side of the wolf's hips, allowing the more muscled and stronger man to grind down into him. His teeth nipping at Stiles lips and neck. Stiles released a pathetic groan as he met each of the wolf's downward thrusts. Stiles nails clawing at the tight muscle, breaking the swirl of black with lines of red. Causing the wolf to whimper and growl all at once.
Stiles panted into the wolf's neck, his legs rising to wrap around the man's waist. "What a big di….."
"Shut up Stiles." the wolf growled into his ear while pressing his erection into the teenager.
"Anything for you Wolfman."
They continued to rut and kiss. Hand pawing at one another. Teeth nipping at skin. Hearts racing at the feel of each others excitement. Stiles fingers combing though the wolf's dark hair. Clinging onto each strand as if it were a life line. Until his whole body felt like it was on fire, engulfed by the heat of the man above him.
"Uh…Oh…." he panted. His thighs tightened on the wolf's hips as his name was ripped from Stiles throat. "De…..re….k!"
Stiles eyes shot open as a heavy weight slammed into him. It took him a few minutes for his mind to clear and for him to realise that the weight was not his orgasm. He bucked unconsciously to dislodge the little girl and gasped as his too sensitive dick caught on the mattress. He buried his face into his pillow and forced himself to calm down and breath. Trying to stake the dream that seemed to want to cling to his memory with sharp nails.
After a few more minutes of Leah bouncing on his back, he twisting his head he met her bright green eyes so like the ones in his dream. "L-Lee? Stop."
She froze, staring at him as if she knew the discomfort he was in. Which of course she did not. She was far to young to understand the concept of morning wood and wet-dreams. "Pancakes!" she demanded finally.
Stiles rolled his eyes, laughing. "Okay but your gonna need to get off me." sighing with relief when she slipped off his back and he was finally able to release the pressure on his dick. Clearing his throat he met her eyes. His body still turned away from her view. That was a discussion for another day. One for another….person. "Why don't you go play in your room till I'm up and ready."
She stared at him suspiciously for the longest moment in history before smiling brightly and nodding. Stiles watched her as she ran out of his room and towards her own.
Flipping himself onto his back to stare at the ceiling and try to shake the arousal that still lingered from his dream. He really had to wean Lee off the whole Red Riding Hood thing. He draped an arm over his eyes and inhaled deeply. Brief glimpses of his dream flickering behind his eyelids, reawakening his arousal. Glancing down at the bedcovers Stiles groaned before throwing back the covers and sitting up. Forcing away the thoughts of Derek, the big bad wolves, and Red hoods. Running a hand though his hair, he took a few more deep breaths. His tongue sweeping over his dry lips, wishing he could actually taste the wolf from his dream.
"'iles. Ready?" Leah called from her room, making the teenager smile.
"Yeah, squirt!" He called back, pushing himself off the bed thankful his body was back under control. He snatched up his sweat pants and staggered to the door, pausing to glance back at the bed and the soiled sheets, just as Leah skidded to a halt in front of him. He'd sort them out later. Thankfully it had been a long time since Leah had been forced to share his bed. "So, pancakes huh?"
Leah nodded enthusiastically. Crouching down Stiles lifted the girl into his arms and padded towards the stairs.
His dad was sat at kitchen table cradling a mug of coffee, looking up as the pair strolled in.
"Shewiff, we gonna have pancakes!" she squealed, wiggling to free herself from Stiles arms
He lowered her to the ground, watching her rush over to his dad and climb into his lap, wrinkling her nose at the coffee smell, while Stiles headed for the cabinets and fridge. "I don't see your breakfast bowl dad."
"It's in the dishwasher." he called over his shoulder.
Stiles looked at him disbelievingly before yanking the door of the machine open to find a bowl inside. Lifting it out, he examined it. Smirking when he found no sign of actual breakfast sticking to the sides. "Seriously dad. You know I'm your son right? I know how to look at a crime scene."
His dad looked over at him with an innocent face. "I don't know what you mean."
Stiles narrowed his eyes. "Really. I'm the teenager, you're the parent. I'm the one who's supposed to lie about this stuff."
"If I'm the parent why am I answering to you?" The older man said with a raised brow.
"Because it's my duty as a caring, loving son to make sure you live long enough to see your grandchildren."
The Sheriff turned to look at Leah with a warm smile. "Fine. Hand the cardboard and sawdust over." he sighed miserably.
Stiles poured the bowl of cereal and placed it in front of his dad. "Watch him Lee. He's not allowed out of his chair until it's all gone."
Leah lifted her chin proudly and watched the Sheriff as he gingerly lifted a spoon to his lips. Cringing.
Stiles went back to his duty as pancake chef. He hadn't missed the look his father had given Leah, and it made his chest ache. His dad had taken Leah as a kind of surrogate grand-daughter, despite his frustration at the situation in the beginning, because Leah was just that kind of kid. She was just impossible not to love. He glanced over at the table where the pair were sat laughing and his breath caught in his chest. He didn't think he'd ever get used to seeing that. It had been such a long time since his dad was that relaxed and happy. Not since his mom had died and the light in their family had gone out. Stiles had stopped being a kid then. He'd stopped sitting on his dad's lap, joking and talking about nothing and everything all at the same time. Because it was hard to be happy when you were miserable. He suddenly fear putting Leah through that. If his dad was right about their….bond, then his leaving to go to College was going to really hit her. Sure it wasn't like Stiles was dying, and he wouldn't be gone forever. But four years was a long time for a three year old. It may as well be forever. Swallowing hard, Stiles turned back to the pancakes. He'd just have to prepare her. Talk to her. And it wasn't like she was going to be left alone. She'd have her dad….and her mom. She'd have Isaac and Scott. And he knew without a doubt that his dad would be keeping a close eye on her.
"So what you got planned for today?" his dad asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Stiles didn't turn to look at his dad, keeping his attention fixed on the bowl in front of him. "I've got some Christmas shopping to finish. After that…" he shrugged. "Park maybe."
"That's sound fun." the Sheriff said to Leah before turning to his son. "You know I'm pulling a double tonight?"
"Yeah dad. I remember. It's on the calendar." he smirked waving his spatula at the freezer door, where the family calendar was kept, his dad's schedule in black pen, Stiles life in red. - What was it with all the damn red? He asked himself. - Beside it Leah's picture from the previous day.
"Well, I'm off." his dad suddenly announced, getting to his feet.
Stiles turned with a raised questioning brow. "Lee?"
Leah looked between Stiles and his dad, smirking. A look in her eyes that reminded Stiles too much of her uncle Peter. Serious and mischievous in a creepy kinda way. "Finished." she nodded; her back straight like she was giving evidence in court.
His dad grinned down at the little girl, settling her on his chair and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "See ya later sweetheart. Bye son. - Oh…." he paused in the doorway. "…and I don't need socks. - Or aftershave."
Stiles grinned. "What do you want?"
"Be a little imaginative." he rolled his eyes. "It should be all that hard for you."
Stiles laughed as he watched his dad march out of the kitchen.
"'iles!" Leah squealed, pointing behind him.
Stiles head snapped around, the scent of burning filling his nose. "Shit!" he swore, waving his arms around over the pan to disperse the smoke. Leah sat behind him giggling her head off as the smoke alarm suddenly went off and then his dad was running back into the house.
~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~
Derek inhaled deeply, his face turning deeper into the pillow, his arms tightening around the invisible body he held to him. It took him a few minutes to realize he was being watched. His eyes snapping open to take in his surroundings. Leah's room. Leah's bed. Leah's red blanket with Leah and Stiles scent imbedded in its weave.
"Sleep well?"
Derek's head snapped around to stare at Alex. He sat up slowly, his eyes closing once more. Listening to the silence of the house. "Where is everyone?"
"Peter….I have no idea. Isaac said he was heading over to Danny's to study, and I'd guess Scott's out with Allison or maybe meeting Stiles….but it's not like he's going to tell me." she shrugged against the door-jam, her coffee mug cradled between her hands. "So is this going to be a reoccurring thing from now on?" she asked him gently.
"What?" he opened his eyes to meet her gaze.
"You sleeping here? - Though I'm not sure Leah would be particularly happy about sharing." she thought for a few seconds. "Actually I take that back. If it keeps you away from me, she'll be overjoyed."
Derek stared at her, clearing his throat as he pushed himself off the small bed. "I was just….."
"I know." Alex said softly, handing him the coffee mug. "I get it."
Derek stared at her as he took the mug, seeing the understanding in her gaze. "Maybe I should…." he trailed off.
"It's your room Derek." she looked over her shoulder at the landing and the other doors. "You've got enough spares."
Derek shook his head. "The other will know."
"Derek, they already know. Isaac, Peter. There not stupid. Hell it doesn't take a genius to know there's nothing going on between us. I mean it's not like the house has been shaking with the cries of my nightly orgasms."
Derek glared at her. "Stiles can't know."
Alex met his gaze warily. "If they were going to tell him, they'd have done it by now."
Derek sipped at the coffee. "If anyone asks…."
"You snore." she smirked, turning on her heels to head toward one of the previously uninhabited bedrooms.
Derek watched her go, unsure if he felt relieved or more stressed than before. He glanced back at Leah's bed, the covers all crumpled and the pillow lying awkwardly to the side. The remnants of his dream flickering briefly across his mind. Red. Moonlight. Skin. Stiles. Shaking his head, he strolled out of the room and towards the kitchen.
~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~
After the disaster that was breakfast, Stiles made quick work of getting Leah washed and dressed, and then they were in the car on their way to the mall. Stiles still had no idea what he was meant to get his dad. They pulled into a parking spot just as his phone began to ring.
"Hey Scotty, what's up?"
"What are you doing?"
"Heading to the mall with Lee. We're going to do some Christmas shopping. Why?"
"Oh. Just wanted to know if you fancied playing video games."
Stiles looked at Leah for a second. "Where's Allison?"
"Father/Daughter day apparently." he sighed miserably.
"Well you could meet me and Lee at the mall, if you like?" there was a silence and Stiles could picture Scott weighing up his other options. He hated the mall. Too many people. Too many scents and sounds to block out. "Its fine Scott. I know you hate the place. Why don't you see if Isaac or Danny's free."
"Isaac said he was going to study with Danny today."
Stiles couldn't help smirking, remembering his so-called 'study sessions' with Danny. "What about….I know this is going to sound…weird, but why don't you see what Derek's doing. Maybe you guys could have some Alpha/Beta bonding."
"Are you being serious right now Stiles? Cause its hard to tell."
"Scott." he sighed, glancing to Leah once more. "Give the guy a break okay. He's just doing what's best for his daughter. - And we've been through this. It was never going to happen. Me and him." he heard the resigned exhale.
"I'll think about it. - But I…"
"Look, I'm pulling into the mall. If you decided to meet up, text me. Otherwise, enjoy your pack day with Derek." Stiles hung up and sighed. "Okay squirt, lets get in there before all the best presents get gone."
Leah grinned and nodded.
Stiles help Leah out of the car. Hold her hand tight in his they headed towards the large building, Leah giving him suggestions about what to get his dad for Christmas. Most of which unsurprisingly involved wolves or 'Shewiff stuff' - Though Stiles was at all sure what she meant by that. - Inside Stiles fought his way though the crowds, lifting Leah into his arms so as not to lose her. Thanking heaven for the years of Lacrosse that had built up his upper body strength. They stopped by a couple of clothing stores where Stiles got his dad a couple of t-shirts and a new pair of jeans because apparently he really didn't have any imagination. He also stopped by the game store to collect the latest Call of Duty he'd ordered for Scott. Then the jewellery store for the earrings for Lydia and Allison. He'd passed more than a few toy shops but it wasn't like he could get Leah's gift with her there. Though he got a pretty good idea what she wanted as she pointed out things.
"You'll have to write to Santa. I'm sure Deaton can get it too him even at this short notice, cause you know Deaton, he's magic." Stiles grinned, because sometimes he really thought the guy was. Leah grinned at him.
They were heading back to the entrance when Stiles caught sight of the portrait place and his mind went spinning. He looked at Leah, his eyes raking over her clothes. He could fix that. He glanced around for a clothes store, seeing one directly opposite. Before going to buy her something really nice to wear he headed for the photographers, there would be no point buying her a new dress if they weren't able to fit him in. As it turned out the place was pretty empty. The old man behind the counter smiled warmly at Stiles as he asked about have a photo done of Leah as a Christmas gift.
"I'm sure I can fit such a pretty little girl in." the man smiled. "People usually order these things months in advance."
"Oh…" Stiles frowned. "Will it take a long time?"
"No. I should have it ready next week."
Grinned manically, Stiles looked at Leah. "What you think?" she nodded up at him. "Awesome…." Stiles looked back at the man. "I just gotta get her something really nice to wear. Can you give us a few?"
"Of course.
Stiles left the shop and raced across the mall. Dropping Leah down in front of a rack of dresses. "So which one you wanna wear for your picture?"
Leah chewed her lip, looking at all the pretty colourful dresses. "Hmmmm. - That one." she pointed to a black and white thing, with a large fluffy skirt.
"You sure? You don't want something….brighter? Maybe red or green? You know Christmas-y?"
Leah looked at the dress again before shaking her head. "Daddy likes black."
Stiles laughed suddenly. "Yeah, he sure does. Alright. Black and White it is." he pulled the dress of the rack, then rushed to the checkout.
He arrived back at the portrait shop after taking Leah to the changing rooms. Then it was just a case of standing back while Mr Roberts, as he'd introduced himself, took a few photos of her in different poses.
"'iles?"
"Yeah squirt?"
"You and me." she waved her hand at him to join her. "For Grandpa Shewiff!"
Stiles smiled. "Awesome idea." he nodded. "Do you mind?"
Mr Roberts shook his head, waving a had at the chair Leah was sat on. Stiles dropped his bags and rushed over to join her. Lifting her off the seat, sitting down and resting her on his lap. He smiled at the camera, his brown eyes shining and his arms wrapped possessively around Leah's middle.
Ten minutes later the pair were leaving the shop with a collection slip and bright smiles on their lips. Smiles that quickly faded. - Or at least Leah's did.
"Stiles!"
He turned at the call of his name to see Ray walking towards him. "Hey."
She pressed a kiss to his lips. "Christmas shopping?" she asked, looking down at his bags.
"What gave it away? You too?"
"Nah, just meeting with my cousin."
"Oh." Stiles smiled.
Ray looked down to see Leah. "Oh, hey."
"Oh, right. Hey Lee, you remember Ray-Ann right?" he looked between them. Leah was glaring again. "Uh, Ray, this is Derek's daughter Leah."
"Derek's daughter?" she said quietly, her brow raised.
"Huh, yeah. I'm….babysitting for a few days."
Ray stared at him. Confusion mixed with amusement. "Really?"
"It's….complicated."
"I not a baby!" Leah snapped, yanking her hand from Stiles and folding her arms over her chest in a total Hale-manner.
Ray dropped down into a crouch. "Of course not." she smiled warmly. "He's so silly calling you a baby." she rolled her eyes with a warm smile.
"Hey, I didn't call her a baby." Stiles protested.
Leah continued to glare not impressed by Ray's friendly attempt at girl bonding. And there it was again, that weird growling noise that made Stiles heart begin to race. He hated to think what it would be like if she was actually a werewolf. He could almost imagine her throwing Ray across the food court, all gold eyes flashing and teeth snapping. The windows shaking from her almighty werewolf growl. Thank you God for making her human.
Ray got to her feet and looked at Stiles.
"She watches a lot of….she really likes wolves." he said as if that explained everything.
"Huh." Ray huffed, still awkward and confused. "So…how long do you….are you taking care of her?"
"Till Monday. I'll be dropping her off at school."
"Oh." Ray looked disappointed.
"But you know….maybe you could come over tonight. We're watching movies. I mean if you don't mind Disney." Stiles grinned, ignoring the now ever present growl coming from beside him. She was worse than her father. Hell she was boardering Peter Hale territory. He was totally going to have to keep an eye on that. - No. Derek. Derek was going to have to keep an eye on that. He chewed his lip for a second, fighting to ignore the sudden pounding of his heard and the sick feeling clawing at his gut. Clearing his throat he forced a smile.
"That sounds…." Ray murmured causiously, glancing at Leah out of the corner of her eye.
"It'll be nice. I promise." Stiles pressed.
"Okay. What time?"
"Eight okay?"
"Sure. Great. I'll see you then." she leaned in to press a kiss to Stiles lips.
"'iles!" Leah yelled. "I wanna go home!" she grabbed his hand and yanked hard, and once again his was thankful she wasn't able to make him face planting the tiles.
"Yeah. Uh….okay. Later. Got to go." he said as Leah dragged him away.
He waited until they were in the Jeep before turning to talk to Leah. "Lee, that was rude!" he said firmly.
Leah pouted at him, slouching into the seat, her arms folded defensively over her chest.
"Leah. Ray is my friend and you were rude to her. - I'm talking to you young lady." oh god when did I turned into my dad? "Maybe I should take you home and let your….."
"NO!" Leah yelled, dropping her arms and looking at him in panic, her eyes watering. "Pweezzz. Sowee."
Stiles exhaled slowly. "Leah, I know….look I know you think that…." god this was hard. "Ray is my friend, okay. And she's really nice; you'll like her if you just give her a chance. Please Lee. Just give her a chance okay. No more growling."
Leah looked at him with wet eyes, which she dropped after a few minutes. "Ok." she sighed, sniffling.
"Thank you." he leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead. "You'll see, its gonna be awesome." he inhaled painfully, not believing his own words for a second.
~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~
He was on the road when he received a message from Derek and pulled over to answer it. Fearful it was an emergency…. Or worse, he wanted Leah back early. He glanced over at the sleeping little girl before opening it.
Inbox: Derek
How is Leah?
Stiles sucked in a breath at the simple question.
Message:
She's good. We're on our way home.
Inbox: Derek.
Where have you been?
Message:
Mall. Christmas shopping.
You're totally going to love your gift.
It's awesome.
Stiles grinned as he hit the send.
Inbox: Derek
You don't need to get me anything.
Message:
I got you something last year.
Inbox: Derek
Socks.
Message:
Well. You need socks.
Werewolf feet are ripe dude.
Inbox: Derek
It's not werewolf feet.
It's just Scott's.
Stiles laughed, pressing his lips together tight when Leah stirred beside him.
Message:
Okay. I'll give you that one.
Is he with you?
He said he might drop by.
Inbox: Derek
Scott? No. Not since last night.
Stiles sighed. That meant his friend was moping at home, probably playing video games alone, eating ice cream and texting Allison every ten seconds to tell her how much he missed her. Stiles feared for the phone bill once Allison left for college, he really did. - Though not as much as he feared for Scott and his codependent werewolf need to be with Allison. - He'd just have to call him and invite him over when he got home, Stiles decided as his thumb moved over the buttons of his cell phone.
Message:
Hey.
I think we're going to need to
talk to Leah.
She was growling at
my girlfriend again.
Stiles stared at the message for a moment before hitting send. It took longer to get a reply and he was chewing through his lower lip when it finally got though.
Inbox: Derek
I'll talk to her.
Do you want me to come get her?
If you have a date its fine.
You should have just said.
I don't want to put you out.
Message:
No! This is my weekend,
your not having her back.
We're fine.
Inbox: Derek
Ok.
I'll call later to speak to her.
If that's alright?
Message:
Of course it alright. Geez.
She's your daughter for god's sake.
Inbox: Derek
Don't roll your eyes at me.
I was just checking.
Stiles laughed.
Message:
Call before eight.
Inbox: Derek
Ok.
Putting his phone away Stiles started the engine again. He meant what he said. They really were going to have to talk to her about….everything. But not this weekend. He wanted to hold on to this. And it might all be for nothing if Leah and Ray got on tonight. Of course Stiles knew he was fooling himself. It seemed to be his default setting.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed my little father/daughter day out and I couldn't resist dropping in the erotic Red Riding Hood dream. Oh and as for Isaac, its your choice who to pair him with. I know a few people are thinking of him and Alex, while I have to admit I'm more drawn to him and Danny.