Chapter Twenty Four: The Journey

(Derek's POV)

Two months had passed since the battle with Deucalion. During that time, we had all healed and regrouped, and tried to make sense of everything that had happened.

The biggest question on everyone's mind was how Lyra managed to shift from her half-woman, half-wolf form into an actual wolf. Even Deaton wasn't too sure how this could have occurred, saying that the power that Lyra possessed could have easily taken over and either have killed her or made her lose herself entirely.

It was Abigail who pointed out what her sister had said after her first transformation into a full wolf. Abby said Lyra claimed it was her choice not to become to the monster, but to become a wolf, and perhaps that was all she needed to make that final change.

Lyra didn't make any additional remarks to her sister's theory, stating she was only grateful that she had finally regained control over something that had had her living in fear for so long.

Ryan, Pierce, and Sam had returned to their home several days ago, but not before saying good bye to all of us. Lyra thanked them for their help, and sent them on their way, with both her and Scott saying that they were welcomed back at any time.

Even Matt had left, but unlike the others, he left without saying anything. He only left a note for Lyra, which told her that he was going off on his own for a while. When I had asked Lyra how she felt about that, she had smiled and said that as long as Matt was happy and safe, she was fine with his leaving.

But I hadn't missed the odd look in her eyes when she spoke of leaving. When I asked her about it, Lyra had waved me off before going off to visit Allison then Scott.

Lyra and Allison had grown closer after everything that had happened. As usual, Lyra adopted a big sister role towards Allison, and to an extent, Lydia. Lyra would sometimes bring Abigail with her, and I noticed that her younger sister got along with the other girls well. However, Abby grew the closest to my own sister, brought together by a hard past.

A few days ago, Lyra had invited all of them over to her cottage. Her and her sister spent the morning cooking and baking, getting the little house ready for everyone. I stayed in the living room, after Lyra had kicked me out of the kitchen for trying to sneak bites of whatever they were making.

Allison and Lydia arrived first, along with Chris Argent, and were followed by Melissa, Scott, and Stiles. Isaac arrived later with Cora, and even the twins came. Deaton was the last to show up, claiming he had been held up at the clinic.

Lyra had set up the backyard to accommodate the large number of people, and ushered everyone outside once the long table had been set and the food had been laid out. When she was done, she leaned against me, smiling at everyone.

"So, Lyra, do you think you'll go back to Colorado?" Melissa had asked after some time had passed.

Lyra had stilled. "I… I don't know."

Even now, I wondered if Lyra was still mulling over Melissa's question. She had been quieter since that afternoon, and as I watched her sit by the stream, I wanted to ask her if she wanted to go back.

We had almost made that journey a while back, but had been interrupted by Deucalion and by Matt's sudden return. But now seemed like the ideal time to make the trip, now that everything had calmed.

I walked over to Lyra and sat down next to her, leaning back on my hands.

Her gaze stayed focused on the stream, as she was lost in her thoughts.

"Lyra?" I asked quietly.

She blinked, her bluish eyes meeting mine. "Oh hey, Alpha Derek."

I reached out, taking her hand in mine. "Are you okay?"

Lyra smiled and nodded. "I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind, I guess."

My eyes drifted over her. Her hair was now several inches shorter, the underpart dyed brown. I saw that she was wearing the necklace I had given her, along with the bracelet Allison and Lydia had weaved for her. Her body was long, lean, and more muscular than it had been before. She walked with the grace and stealth of a wolf, each step radiating with the strength she possessed.

The new tattoos contrasted sharply with her golden skin, inky black on her forearm and upper thigh. The triskelion was slightly larger than the one I had between my shoulders, and was angled on the side of her thigh. I couldn't see the other one on her forearm, but I knew the words well, and how they suited her.

"For those I love, I will sacrifice."

Then she fell back, lying down against the soft ground. Her purple eyes looked up towards the sky. I studied them and I laid down as well.

When I looked at her again, I felt the words stick inside my throat. Then she smiled, her eyes still gazing upwards, and she whispered, "I know."

"How?" I managed to ask.

She turned a little to eye me. "Because I can feel it every time you look at me. Because I feel it every time I look at you."

I blinked, letting what she just said sink in.

She smiled again and linked our hands together firmly, running her thumb over mine. "You're mine, remember?" she asked teasingly.

That got me to smile.

Ooo0ooO

(Lyra's POV)

I stared at Derek and smiled. "You're mine, remember?"

He smiled back.

I shifted slightly so I could fold my hands over his chest, then rested my chin on top of them. My eyes half-closed when I felt him playing with my hair, teasing the blonde and brown strands.

"Do you think we'll be able to say it?"

I blinked at him again. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean."

"Does it need saying?" I asked.

Derek just stared at me.

I smiled softly, reaching out to touch his cheek. I took a deep breath. "Alpha Derek, I-,"

"Hey, Lyra!"

Derek's eyes narrowed dangerously at the sound of Stiles' voice.

I sat up and saw Stiles and Scott running towards us. They were followed by Isaac and Abigail. Shifting away from Derek, I leaned back and lifted a brow at them.

Stiles stumbled to a stop, breathing hard.

Scott stood next to his friend, looking as though he had strolled over here rather than sprinted. "What are you doing?"

"Having a picnic," I replied sarcastically.

Abby laughed and sat down next to me, bumping our shoulders. "If only, I'm hungry."

Isaac eyed my sister. "We just ate," he pointed out.

"So what? I'm a growing woman!"

Stiles flopped down on the other side of me, while Isaac and Scott sat side by side close to Derek. I didn't miss the annoyed look in the latter's eyes.

I sighed softly.

"So I was thinking," Stiles began after clearing his throat.

"No, we were thinking!" Abby interrupted, glaring at the teenager.

"All right, we were thinking that maybe you need a vacation. You know, get out town, let down your hair…"

"What Stiles is trying to say is we think you should go to Colorado, Lyra," Scott said, giving his best friend a look.

"What?" I asked, shocked.

Abby nodded. "We think it would be good for you."

I looked at my younger sister. "But what about you?"

"Oh, I'll go too, eventually." Then she smiled, but it was a little sad. "I think someone needs to go back and rebuild." Then she met my gaze. "But your home is here, Ly."

I stared at all of them. "But-,"

"No buts, Lyra," Isaac said calmly. "You deserve a vacation. Besides… You need this."

I looked down briefly before meeting his pale blue gaze again. I reached out and took his hand, then my sister's hand with my free one. I squeezed them both. "You're right. Thank you."

"We'll hold down the fort, of course," Stiles commented.

"I'm sure Beacon Hills will be in good hands," I teased, letting Isaac and Abby's hands go to wrap my arm around his neck before rubbing my hand over his hair.

"Wait, Lyra, no! Stop!" he complained, struggling.

The boys left after an hour, and so did my sister a little while after that.

Derek remained quiet as he sat staring across the stream at the line of trees.

Standing, I offered him my hand. "C'mon, let's go back."

He looked up at me before taking my hand so I could help him to his feet.

We walked back to the cottage slowly, both of us lost in our own thoughts.

I glanced over at him. "Will you come with me?"

Derek paused. "Do you want me to?"

I smiled. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close. "Of course I do," I told him before kissing him softly.

His hands rested against my hips and he sighed. "All right."

Ooo0ooO

(Derek's POV)

We left two days later.

Lyra was dozing in the passenger seat about an hour into the drive. Her feet were bare and resting on the dashboard, her hands folded over her stomach, and her head reclined slightly back. I could see her eyelids flickering as her chest rose and fell rhythmically.

The radio was playing, and I could hear the smooth, quiet lyrics of the song playing. I tapped my fingers along with the acoustic sounds.

"Now run, run away from the boys in the blue,
Oh, my car smells like chocolate
Hey, now I think about what to do, I think about what to say, I think about how to think
Pause it, play it, pause it, play it, pause it…"

I remembered how the last time Lyra and I took a weekend trip she ended up singing along with the radio. She had a strong, confident voice, just like the rest of her.

This time she continued to doze quietly, and I knew she was still tired from everything that had happened.

I glanced over at her, watching how the breeze from her open car window made her hair dance around her face. Her lips were curved upwards slightly, as if she was lost in a pleasant dream or memory. Then, as if she knew I was looking at her, her eyes opened. They were drowsy, a deep indigo color.

"You're staring," she teased in a raspy voice. "We might crash."

I just smiled before looking back towards the road.

Lyra grew quiet again as she drifted off.

As the hours rolled by, I continued listening to the radio while lost in my thoughts. But one song in particular stood out to me, and had me glancing at the woman asleep beside me.

"Where are our lives?
If there is no dream
Where is our home?

We don't know how
There will be a way
Out of the storm
We will find home

And her soul walks beside her
An army stands behind her
Lyra…

And her face full of grace
Two worlds collide around her
The truth lies deep inside her
Lyra… Lyra..

And the stars look down upon her
As darkness settles on her
Lyra… Lyra…

Who's to know what's in the future
But we hope we will be with her
We have all our love to give her
Oh Lyra… Lyra…

And her soul walks beside her
An army stands behind her
Lyra…"

Ooo0ooO

(Lyra's POV)

I took over driving once we had passed the state line into Nevada. Derek and I both agreed to keep driving until we reached Utah, where we would stop for the night.

I changed the radio station he had been listening to, humming to myself.

"I will hear every story

Take hold of my own dream

Be as strong as the seas are stormy

And proud as an eagle's scream,

I will ride, I will fly

Chase the wind and touch the sky…"

I turned the nob further, keeping my gaze on the road.

"How could a heart like yours

Ever love a heart like mine?

How could I live before?

How could I have been so blind?

You opened up my eyes

You opened up my eyes…"

With a final twist, I settled on a station and kept humming.

"You belong among the wildflowers

You belong in a boat out at sea

You belong with your love on your arm

You belong somewhere you feel free,

Run away, go find a lover

Run away, let your heart be your guide…"

I glanced over at Derek, who was sleeping in the passenger seat. His brow was still furrowed, as though he was deep in thought even in his dreams.

Reaching over, I took his hand in mine, and kissed the back of his hand.

I thought back to the moment we had had at the stream, right before we had been interrupted.

"Do you think we'll be able to say it?"

"Does it need saying?"

My hand tightened around Derek's.

I do, though, I thought to myself.

I looked back over at him briefly.

I love you.

Ooo0ooO

(Derek's POV)

When we reached Utah, Lyra found us a small hotel to stay at so we could rest before heading out again. She took our bags out of the car while I checked in.

She suggested eating at the local diner that was a few blocks back, which we had driven by. We walked together, and she surprised me by taking my hand and leaning against my side.

Her eyes were that soft blue-purple color, reflecting her contentment.

Lyra suggested splurging on burgers, fries, and shakes once we found a booth to sit down in. She laughed when I stared at her as she dipped her fries in her shake, claiming I shouldn't knock the idea before I tried it myself.

"Tell me about your home," I said after a couple of minutes.

Lyra's gaze lowered as she dipped a fry in her shake again. "It was tucked in the foothills by the Rockies," she began. "We lived in the outskirts of a small town, near a lake. It was hidden away from any humans, and we had people assigned to keep an eye on our borders to make sure no one got too close."

Her eyes seemed to cloud over as she thought back.

"I lived in the main house with my parents and with Abby. We also lived with the pack Beta and his family, Matt's family. There were many of us, and we were all so close. I had cousins, since my mother's brother was a part of the pack. They were younger than I was, since I was the first of the new generation, along with Matt. We would all play together, learn together. My father would help train me and Matt, since we went through our transformation long before the others did."

Then she frowned.

"After that, my mother began making long trips to see the other Alphas. She even met your mother, but she never spoke her name. That's when I first heard of Deucalion…"

Lyra shook her head before eating some more.

"It was a tradition on our family to bury our dead amongst the trees, so that one day they would return to nature. It was our belief that long ago, the werewolf was born from a spirit of a man and the body of a wolf, and when the man passed on, the wolf's body needed to be return to the earth."

Then she drew in a deep breath.

"I think… I think I would like to plant some trees there. It only seems right."

I reached out, taking her hand in mine.

Her gaze lifted and she smiled softly.

"You do whatever you need to do," I told her. "And I'll help."

"Thank you," Lyra murmured, lifting our joined hands so my knuckles skimmed her cheek.

When we were done eating, we settled into our room. We fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.

Ooo0ooO

(Lyra's POV)

Near the end of the next day, we reached my old home in Colorado.

I gazed out over the land that was still under my family name, taking in the familiar sights and smells. I felt my heart clench inside my chest as old memories surfaced too.

The long green grass had grown in over the meadows were houses had once stood, and the lake shimmered in the sunlight. The mountains stood tall and proud in the distance, capped with snow.

I could smell the flowers that still grew here- the mountain lilac, the forget-me-nots, the yarrow flowers…

I sighed deeply.

"Are you okay?" Derek asked, standing next to me.

I gazed down at the valley and nodded. "Better than okay," I said softly. "Everyone was right, I did need this."

Then I reached out for his hand, which he took.

"Come on," I said, giving it a tug before we headed down the sloping hill.

Derek gave me some space as I immersed myself in my family's territory once again. I walked through the stretch of aspen trees, and the spruce-firs. I picked some of the forget-me-nots and wove them into my hair, which I had tied back into a loose braid.

Down by the lake, I dipped my hand into the cool water and watch the surface ripple. Then I walked over to the largest meadow, where the main house had once stood. I looked at the tall grass and let it slip between my fingers as I walked to the very spot I had stood so many years ago.

I looked up and thought about my parents. I had watched my father be killed and I had seen my mother's broken body lay a few feet away from where I was now standing.

"I miss you," I whispered to the wide expanse of sky. "I miss you so much."

Derek emerged from the trees, walking over to me slowly.

I met his gaze and met him halfway. Leaning against him, I pressed my lips firmly to his.

Derek leaned down so he could put his arms around me, and I stepped into his embrace, wrapping my own arms around his shoulders. I buried my face into his shoulder and held him close, breathing in his scent.

Then, as gently as a sigh, I felt that tightness around my heart slowly release.

I pulled back and looked into his green eyes.

"What is it?" he asked.

I nearly smiled. "I love you," I said softly.

Derek gazed back at me before reaching up to cup my neck, his thumb grazing along my jaw. His eyes were intent as they held mine. "I love you too."

We kissed again, and it was soft and slow and sweet.

Ooo0ooO

(Derek's POV)

Lyra spent the next few hours showing me her home. She told me her favorite memories of each area, from the meadows to the mountains, to the lake and the forests.

And like she wanted, we planted small trees we had picked up on the way amongst the large, fully grown ones in memory of the family she had lost.

Lyra then surprised me by showing me a baby laurel tree and a Golden Dewdrop, which she planted alongside the other trees.

"For your sister and your mother," she told me before kissing my cheek.

"How?" I asked, staring at the two small plants.

Lyra smiled, leaning her head on my shoulder. "Haven't you learned by now, Alpha Derek, that you shouldn't underestimate me?"

I turned and kissed her forehead softly.

My eyes closed briefly as I breathed her in, along with the smells of the wildflowers.

"Should we go home?" I asked her after a moment.

Lyra shook her head. "Not yet. Will you stay with me?"

I didn't reply, because in truth, she didn't need to ask.

Ooo0ooO

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Wolf.

Author's Note: Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay, I've been busy since I just graduated college and moved.

This chapter featured the songs "Chocolate" by the 1975, "Lyra" by Kate Bush (which was featured in the film The Golden Compass), "Touch the Sky" by Julie Fowlis (featured in the movie Brave), "Heart Like Yours" by Williamette Stone (featured in the movie If I Stay), and "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty (which was featured in the TV show Parks and Rec).

Lyra's tattoo "For those I love, I will sacrifice" is from the song "Hallowed Be Thy Name" by Indecision, but is also well known because of the story of Kyle Hockenberry (which you can google if you're curious).

As for the idea of the laurel and dewdrop tree, I figured both of those plants would be good symbols of Laura and Talia. The name Laura means "laurel" and is often attached to the myth of Apollo and Daphne. As for Talia, her name can mean "dew of heaven" in Hebrew, which made me think of the plant.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I figured we needed some Derek/Lyra fluff after the last few chapters. And did anyone catch onto the Doctor Who reference I made?

Please review!