A/N: Because you've all been so patient, supportive and loving, here's a chapter early. Enjoy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Stiles strolled slowly back into the living room with Leah still hanging around his neck. She refusing to let him go even for a second, and he realised with a warm buzz that she was scared of losing him too. Heading straight to the couch and Derek, he perched them both on the edge and looked up at Alex expectantly. Shifting Leah onto his lap. "So? What they say?"

"That she'd be here in a few hours." Alex said, looking at him with concern and sympathy.

"She?"

"Aeryn Monroe. Derek worked at her bar back in New York. That's how we met." she informed him.

"Derek worked in a bar? What kind of bar? - It was a strip club wasn't it?" he joked, trying desperately to lighten the suffocating mood, his eyes flickering to the now completely unconscious alpha. "I bet it was a strip club."

"It wasn't a strip club." Alex rolled her eyes, laughing a little. "It was just a bar." she sent Chris a nervous look. "Anyway, she'll be here soon."

"What is she?" Scott asked with a frown. "An emissary?"

Alex shook her head, once more flickering her gaze to Chris. "No."

"It's fine." Stiles said. "We've got an agreement. She's coming as a friend of the pack, which means she's under our protection. Seriously, didn't Derek tell you about our….extended family." he chuckled, grinning at Chris.

"No."

Stiles rolled his eyes. "Typical. So what is she?"

"An alpha." Alex murmured, still unsure of the hunter in their mists.

"Great. That's all we need." Stiles huffed. "Well this one better not be insane and power hungry. You hearing me Wolfman."

"Aeryn's a good woman. She kinda took Derek under her wing when him and Laura were in New York."

Stiles heart skipped at the new information. Derek had never told him little about his life before Beacon Hills. So much for them being friends. - Let alone more.

"She did say that we need to get him to the pack house. His own bed. - And we have to gather the pack."

Stiles nodded understandingly. "Of course. Pack feels and shit."

"Bad 'iles." Leah murmured sleepily.

"Whoops, sorry Lee. My bad." he smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple, before turning to Scott's mom. "Any chance we can get that dinner to go?"

Melissa nodded, and dragged his dad back into the kitchen to help her gather everything.

Getting to his feet, arms wrapped tight around Leah. He looked around at the pack. "Okay, lets get this done. Peter, Scott, you guys get Derek into the car. I don't care whose."

Peter grumbled as he got to his feet and marched over to help Scott drag the dead-weight alpha off the couch. But Stiles didn't miss the spark of concern and fear in the werewolf's eyes as he looked at his nephew.

"Allison, call Lydia, demand her presents. She's probably wanting an excuse to get out of dinner with her mom and step dad." Allison nodded, already pulling out the phone.

"Isaac…"

"On it." he nodded, grabbing his own cell to call Danny.

Stiles looked around as Scott and Peter vanished outside. "I think that's everything. - You two…" Stiles looked back at Alex who was stood watching him with a strange look of awe on her face, while Chris stood with his arms folded defensively. "…coming?"

"I'm not his pack Stiles?" Chris snapped.

"Maybe not, but Allison's going to be with us for the rest of….well, however long, because she is pack, and I figure you'd rather spend Christmas with her at the pack house over not at all. So you coming?"

Chris huffed indignantly, before marching out of the room.

"Is he always like that?" Alex asked approaching slowly.

"Pretty much. As much as he's been helping us for years he'll never allow anyone to even hint at the fact that he's part of this whacked out dysfunctional family. - So we all pretend he isn't." he laughed. "He's really not that bad, actually. Despite the whole throwing me into doors. But then, everyone seems to enjoy doing that. - Derek especially."

Alex smirked knowingly at him.

Stiles ignored it, strolling to the front door. "You should see it when him and Peter really lay into each other. Man it makes Jerry Springer look like a high school debate. - And add Derek and Lydia to the mix, it's hilarious. - Your picturing it aren't you?"

Alex chuckled, once more staring at Stiles with a look of admiration.

"I'm going to miss this?" he said almost to himself, glancing down at Leah only to find her asleep on his shoulder.

"You going somewhere?" Alex asked, stopping beside his dad's cruiser.

"College is calling."

"And you plan on answering that call?"

Stiles shrugged. "Its not like I've got anything to stay for."

Alex grinned, looking around at everyone busying themselves, following Stiles orders. "I don't know. I can think of at least two things." she said, looking directly at Leah.

"She's not mine." he sighed sadly.

"Isn't she." Alex replied turning on her heels and marching towards the Volvo parked across the driveway.

~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~

It didn't taken them long to settle Derek in his bed, stripped down to his underwear, care of Mrs McCall when Alex flat out refused to do it, instead taking Leah from Stiles arms and carrying her to her own bed. Which had surprised and confused the teenager. He hovered nervously around, pretending not to watch the clothes being removed. Feigning interest in the countless objects on Derek's dresser, none of which were Alex's. Which only added to Stiles confusion. Was Derek that territorial that he refused even his mate space on the set of drawers?

"All done." Melissa announced.

Stiles turned to see Derek settled beneath the covers, Melissa escaping through the door, leaving the pair alone.

"So…." Stiles murmured, taking a few steps towards the bed. "Thanks for ruining everyone's Christmas. You don't half know how to pick the perfect gift." he scoffed. "I…" he chew his lips. "Am I going to have to start researching werewolf illnesses now? Cause if this whole comatose thing is going to become a habit, then well I should really be prepare. Though I guess that's Scott job right. I mean I'm going off to college in the fall, so…." he exhaled slowly. "Except I maybe, kinda…." Stiles wandered aimlessly over to the window, staring out over the trees. "I was…." he huffed. "I'll let you sleep. Not that you've got much of a choice in that. Comas tend to do that to yah. - But just so you know, if your alpha friend tells me to cut off a body part, I'm not even going to hesitate this time. You have been warned. I have a gut of steel now. I laugh in the face of blood, muscle and bones." he paused on the threshold, watching Derek. Waiting to the familiar 'shut up stiles'. Only it never came.

Reluctantly he turned away from the room and headed for the stairs, just as Alex opened the door at the end of the hall. It wasn't Leah's room. He knew that. The woman met his gaze with a smile.

"Just had to change." she said. "Those jeans were killing me." she chuckled. "These are much more suitable for a lazy Christmas afternoon with the pack." gesturing to her grey baggy sweatpants.

"That's your room?" he asked as a cog slid into place.

"Yeah."

"You don't share Derek's room?"

"Nope."

Stiles stared at Alex, as she stared at him. Waiting. Though he didn't know for what.

"Congratulations on the baby by the way." he said finally.

"Thanks." Alex paused for a long second. "I have to say, I'm kinda hoping its Derek."

"Huh?" Stiles frowned, staring into her mischievous eyes. "Why wouldn't it be Derek? I mean your…."

"How was it Derek put it? Oh, yeah. I was slutting around New York."

"Derek said that? - But…."

"Look kid, me and Derek….well, it was fun while it lasted. - And it lasted the whole of…" she glanced dramatically down at her invisible watch. "….three hours. - All together. Over the space of three years. I mean yeah, we slept together in New York, which is how this happened…" she rested her hand on her still flat stomach. "…but well….I knew then that he wasn't really into it. I was…kinda worse for wear and on a self-destruct kick. It didn't mean anything to either of us. - And I'm pretty sure he was…how should I put it…" she chewed on her lips. "…trying to flush someone out of his system." Alex stepped past him, taking the stairs only to pause mid-way down. "I don't think it worked." with that revelation she jogged away, leaving Stiles in shocked silent.

He stared back at the bedroom door, his head spinning once more. Things slotting into place, his heart beginning to race again.

"Stiles? Stiles?"

He turned to stare down at Scott who was staring up at him with worry. "I'm cool dude. Not a panic-attack. Promise."

Scott frowned at him for a few moments before nodding. "You coming to grab some food?"

Stiles inhaled slowly, nodded and slowly began to make his way down to the dining room.

~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~

Stiles sat staring at his food. Usually you couldn't keep him from stuffing Melissa's turkey into his mouth. He was like a starving man any other year, but now he didn't have the appetite. He pushed at the food with his folk. Occasionally glancing up at the ceiling, wishing he had werewolf abilities.

"He's still out." Scott whispered when he noted his friend's gaze drifting. "I'll tell you if anything changed."

Stiles nodded and went back to not eating his meal. He wasn't the only one unable to enjoy their food. Everyone's plate was still mostly full a good half hour after sitting down to eat. Everyone sharing his anxiety. Stiles finally gave up and pushed the plate away. "Sorry Mrs McCall." he murmured.

"Its fine, Stiles." she smiled as he got to his feet.

He couldn't sit still any longer. It was driving him insane. Making his way up the stairs, he paused at the top and looked between Derek's room and Leah's. She was still dozing. Closing his eyes for a moment, he turned towards Leah's room, gently pushing open the door and stepping inside. She was curled up on the covers, a pale yellow blanket draped over her. Stiles settled himself carefully on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers though her hair. "It's gonna be okay Kiddo. - No matter what happens, I'm here." he whispered, his throat tight and his eyes burning.

~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~

Stiles woke to the feeling of someone shifting beside him. He hadn't even realised he'd fallen asleep. Turning his head he smiled as Leah nestled closer to him. Her head resting on his shoulder, her arm draped over his chest. Her eyes sleepily staring up at him. It was still light out, so he couldn't have been a sleep that long. He pressed his lips to her forehead. "Hey."

"Hey." she smiled up at him. "Is Daddy betta?"

Stiles shrugged. "Shell we go see?"

Leah nodded and sat up, holding her arms out to Stiles. Getting to his feet, Stiles stretched out his back before reaching for her. Setting her on his hip he turned and left her room. Making the short trip to Derek's.

Stepping inside he sucked in a breath. Derek was still out cold. The early evening sun lighting his face in shadow. On top of the covers Stiles noticed the square of red fabric that should have been thrown over Leah's bed.

"He still sleepin'" Leah sighed sadly.

"He's probably just tired sqwurt." he murmured. "How about we leave him to get some more rest. Are you hungry?"

Leah looked guilty at her dad while she nodded.

"Come on, we'll get you something." he turned away from the bed.

"Night Daddy." she called over his shoulder, making Stiles stomach clench painfully.

They strolled into the living room to find everyone still gathered. Not that Stiles expected them to have left. His eyes scanned the group. Isaac, Danny, Scott and Allison were sat playing cards in silence. Isaac leaning in close to his 'friend', needing the connection. Peter and Lydia were sat on the chair, wrapped around each other like they usually were. Stiles dad, sat on the large couch with Chris, the pair sending Peter disapproving glances that almost made Stiles laugh, before they turned back to watch an old football game on the TV. There was no sign of Melissa and Alex, so Stiles figured they were in the kitchen. Shifting Leah's weight he turned to head that way.

"Hey, any food for this little one?" Stiles asked as he stepped over the threshold.

Melissa and Alex both looked up, ending the conversation they were having.

"I think I can find something?" Melissa smiled, getting to her feet. "You want anything Stiles?"

That was a loaded question. Stiles wanted so much right then. Had wanted it for months. Things he didn't want to want. Things he was scared to want. - Things he never thought he'd want in a million years. "No thanks." he smiled. Setting Leah down on a chair next to her mom.

"You have a nice sleep?" Alex asked softly.

Leah nodded. "'iles was there with me."

Alex looked up at the teenager. "Yeah."

Stiles released a breath and fell into a chair, glancing at the watch on his wrist. "How long till she gets here?"

"She's flying in from New York. It'll be a while yet." Alex replied.

"Here you go sweetheart." Melissa said, laying a plate in front of the little girl. "You sure you don't want anything Stiles? You really should you know. Keep your strength up. You won't be any use to Derek if your sick too." she scolded as only a mother could.

Leah held out a piece of turkey to him, her eyes telling him refusal wasn't an option. Reluctantly he took the meat and placed it in his mouth and chewed mechanically.

"Happy?" Stiles asked Leah, who simply shook her head and held out another piece. Melissa giggling as she left the room.

Stiles forced down piece after piece, never really tasting it. His eyes flickering between the little girl at his side, and the woman sat across from him.

"What you said earlier?"

"What exactly?" Alex frowned.

"About Derek…getting someone out of his system."

"Yeah." she meet his gaze with sad amusement.

"Who?"

Alex's face went utterly still, her eyes burning into Stiles. "I thought you were smart." she huffed pushing back her chair and walked out of the room, leaving Stiles staring after here. Leah thrusting another slice of Turkey into his face.

~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~

It was almost midnight. Everyone settled silently into the living room watching a movie because there was nothing else to do. Allison's head nestled on Scott's shoulder. Isaac's head in Danny's lap. Peter and Lydia, seemingly unmoved from their place on the armchair. Stiles glanced behind him to see Melissa's head resting on his dad's shoulder, asleep. The pair bookended by Christopher Argent and Alex. Stiles felt his stomach cramp at the sight. A sudden wave of loneliness crashing over him. Silently he got to his feet and slipped out of the room. If anyone noticed they didn't say.

He paused in the hall way and stared up at the stairs, fighting the desire to go up. To sit beside Derek's bed like a mournfully lover. Shaking his head he turned and headed for the study. Turning the handle and slipping inside. He knew Derek would kill him for being in there, but it was the only place he could think to be right then. He pushed the door closed behind him and padded over to the desk. His eyes flickering to the still empty bookshelves. He dropped down into the leather chair and slouching back against the padding, closing his eyes.

When he'd found this room the first time he'd felt a wave of desire. He'd had a vision of filling the shelves with books. Of searching out volumes and slipping them into place. Being able to march into the room and instantly know where to go for what he needed. He'd dreamt in those few seconds of dragging Scott or Derek - mostly Derek. - around antique and second hand book stores. Making Derek pay through the nose. insisting it was for the good of the pack. Of bring them home. He'd imagined vividly, being sat at the desk, a large pile of book open in front of him, researching some new creature they'd all thought was a myth until it wasn't. - Of Derek sat in the chair by the fireplace, a book on his lap, making pointless suggestions, leading Stiles to roll his eyes, shake his head and announce that he should just leave the research to the guy who actually knows what he's looking for. - And in the next second, those fantasies had vanished. Jolted out of his mind by Derek violently throwing him into said shelves.

But over the last few months, those fantasies had found their way into his mind again. Always fleeting. When Leah had arrived, that dream had changed slightly. It hadn't just been him and Derek sat in the library working anymore. Now there was a little girl, sat on the carpet, papers scattered around her. Drawing things she'd seen in their books. Pictures that decorated the world beyond this little space. Those had been lovely dreams. Though he'd never admitted to wanting any of it. Not out loud. Not even to himself. - He'd never allowed himself to dwell on them. - Until now. Now with his eyes closed he let himself linger in that world.

~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~

Derek looked up from the book on his lap. The words meaning nothing to him anymore he'd been staring at them so long. Rubbing his thumb and forefinger along the bridge of his nose, groaning with wariness. Getting to his feet he stretched out his back. Savouring the popping sensation of his spine. He hated research. Hated spending hours in front of books and computer screens when he could quiet easily be out there hunting down what they were looking for. But Stiles insisted. - And what Stiles says, goes. It's the rule. Relaxing his back, he let his gaze drift to the desk and the teenager in question.

Stiles head was bowed low over a large thick book. - The home of which was clear to see on the shelf. - His brows drawn tight together in concentration. The stress of the situation etched into his soft young features. His lip pulled between his teeth. Derek clenched his jaw, fighting to hold back the growl the scene provoked in him. Inhaling slowly, he took measured steps towards the young man. Not wanting to announce his approach. Thankful the boy didn't have werewolf abilities. - Though Derek suspected that when Stiles was that deeply imbedded in his books not even wolf senses would get through to him. - Derek stopped behind him, gazing over his shoulder. He was scribbling down notes on a ratty old pad, his shoulders painfully tense. Gently Derek pressed his palms into the muscle, kneading until he felt them relax, before leaning forward and settling his open mouth to the curve of Stiles neck. Sucking gently. His hands slipping from his shoulders down over his chest. Growling hungrily into the slope of creamy skin.

"Daddy!" whined a familiar young voice.

Derek lifted his head to stare innocently at their little girl; who sat cross legged on the carpet not three feet away. His lips drawing into a wide grin. "Leah!" he whined back, laughing when she crinkled her nose. "Why don't you go find you brother, or Isaac?"

"Isaac's with Danny." she huffed, even as she got to her feet and headed for the door.

"Close the door, Leah!" Derek called after her. Grinning as she huffed again and pulled the door shut.

The moment she vanished, Derek went back to mouthing at his lover's neck.

"I swear you think you're a goddamn vampire instead of a werewolf."

"Wolves bite too you know." Derek murmured, nipping to prove a point.

Stiles moaned, unable to keep from tilting his head back and exposing more of his neck to Derek's human overbite.

"I'm working you know?"

"You need a break?"

"That's what I'm looking for." Stiles grumbled. Though he didn't argue as Derek tugged on the chair, making it swivel to face him.

Derek grinned down at him lecherously. His hands slipping beneath Stiles arms and lifting him effortlessly out of the chair to deposit him on the desk.

"These books are hundreds of years old, Derek!" he yelped. "I don't you ruining them because you couldn't take two seconds to..."

Derek stared at him with narrow eyes. Huffing as he reached around the younger man to snatch the books off the desk and not so carefully dropping them onto the chair before shoving it away. "Happy?"

Stiles grinned at him. "I will be." he laughed, reaching out for Derek's shirt, dragging him into a deep hungry kiss.

Their tongues fought for supremacy as Stiles dragged Derek's black shirt up over his head, before throwing it over his shoulder. His hands returning to the alpha's tone hot flesh the instant they were empty. He dragged his nails over the unmarked flesh. Loving the pathetic moan Derek released. Derek fumbled with the teenager's plaid over-shirt, and then his blue t-shirt. Desperately needing to tough more of his creamy skin. Needing to drag his tongue over each and every mole that decorated the subtle toned body that never failed to fill him with desire. Stiles wrapped his legs high and tight around Derek's hips. Panting uncontrollably while he rutted against him. Seeking out the friction and pleasure. Derek used whole body to press Stiles down onto the desk as he continued to franticly kiss the breath out of him. Stiles fingers curling into Derek's hair. Tugging relentlessly. Making him moan and growl.

Derek snaked his hand between them. Dragging his palm over the tight muscle of Stiles stomach, towards his jeans. Blindly he fumbled with the fly and button, allowing his hand to slip beneath. His fingers seeking out the hot steely muscle. Derek tore his mouth from Stiles, dragging it to the curve of the boy's shoulder, sinking his teeth into the muscle. Careful never to break the skin. One day he would though. When Stiles was ready he'd sink his canines so deep into that delicate flesh as he fucked him hard. The thought sent a thrill straight to Derek's dick, making him fully hard instantly.

"I want you." he growled into the teenager's ear. His voice filled with lust and danger.

Stiles grinned, rocking his hips into the man's still moving hand. Moaning an agreement.

Pulling his hand free of Stiles pants, Derek took a step back; just enough to drag Stiles off the desk and turn him. While Stiles bowed, stretching himself out on the desk on his stomach. Derek rushed to unfasten his jeans and push them down to his knees. His fingers taking up their usual places either side of Stiles hips. Gripping possessively as he stepped forward. His dick pressed insistently at the boy's entrance.

Stiles moaned loudly as Derek moved deep within him. Taking everything Stiles was offering and more. Stiles fingers curling over the edge of the desk. His body rocking forwards with each deep, pleasantly violent thrust of Derek's hips. He would never get used to this. Never get tired of this. - Never want anything by this. "D-Der-ek!" he panted. "Ahhh."

"You're mine!" Derek growled against the shell of his ear. "You'll never belong to anyone but me!"

"N-ever!"

"You're my mate!"

"Y-es!"

"You'll n-never l-leave me!"

"N-ahh-e-ever!" Stiles groaned, his head pressed firmly against the polished.

"Don't ever leave me." Derek said. His voice quiet. Distant. Pitiful. - Broken.

~What's Best For Everyone, Isn't What's Easy~

"Stiles?"

Stiles snapped up in the chair, his eyes wide. Sweat coating his forehead. "Huh, Wha…." he looked around the room, expecting to see Derek, only to see nothing but Alex hovering in the doorway. He moved to get to his feet, only to freeze at the realisation he was painfully hard. He slid the chair closer to the desk, resting his elbows on the top nonchalantly as he looked up to meet Alex's smirk.

"Aeryn just called. She'll be here in twenty."

"Oh. Uh, great."

"That should give you plenty of time to…." she grinned. "….make yourself presentable."

"Oh shut up!" Stiles spat embarrassingly. His face burning.

Alex chuckled as she walked away.

"Damn werewolves!" he growled. Huffing at the all too familiar sound of laughing echoing in from the other room. "I hate you all!"

A/N: I'm not sure I'll get another chapter up before Saturday. If I can I will. If not, see you Saturday as usual.