Here come's another new pack member...

The Argents live in one of the larger houses in Beacon Hills. Derek remembered that an old friend from high school used to live here and the basement was extensive. Joey used to have a home cinema, and they were constantly using it as their place, their favourite hangout. Joey's dad had a home bar there, which he kept well stocked, and he was one of those parents who constantly turned a blind eye to the activities of his son, which included underage drinking, massive parties, and one time a high school orgy that Derek's memories of were hazy at best.

Hunters will have turned it into a weapon range, or a training room, something horrific to dull the good times that Derek had in that basement.

'I remember this place.' Laura said from the back seat. David was driving, leaving Derek to gaze out the window. Perhaps he shouldn't have let Stiles take the car this morning but he holds firm that he needs to trust Stiles with the important things, needs to cut him some slack. Needs to be a better boyfriend, a better mate.

'Me too. I remember a drunken pup hanging over that wall there.' David said as he cut the engine.

'I was seventeen.' Derek defended himself.

'And drunk. It's not easy to get a werewolf drunk.' David argued. Laura made a sound in the backseat. 'I wonder exactly how much you had that night…'

'Why don't we just head inside and quit bickering.' Derek advised. Laura met his eyes in the mirror and they got out of the car, heading to the front door. David knocked then stood aside, letting Derek take the lead. A woman with severe red hair and an angry look in her eyes greeted them.

'Chris.' She called pointedly not inviting them inside. Chris Argent padded around the corner, wiping his hands on a rag.

'Can I help you…people.' He said. Derek didn't miss the note of sarcasm in his voice. Apparently Argent thought himself a comedian.

'Yes, we just wanted a quick word about some business we may have to do in future.' Derek said.

'You bring an Alpha in Training to all your confrontations.' Chris addressed David, not Derek.

'Nope.' David said. 'I brought my Alpha.' He tucked his hands in his pockets and nodded at Derek.

Chris nodded, looking Derek up and down. 'And the woman?'

'My sister.' Derek answered before Laura could. She was behaving herself behind him, and he was impressed.

'An Alpha and his most trusted betas, his grandfather and his sister. That's the two you choose to bring to a meeting like this, an old man and a woman?' Chris shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. 'Poor Derek, poor.'

'If I was coming here to do damage, then yes, probably the wrong people to bring, if I wanted to do damage I'd bring a couple of teenagers, let them loose.' Derek said. 'I brought my grandfather and my sister because I'm not here to fight, I just want to talk.' this told him something important, Argent underestimated all three of them.

'A werewolf who wants to talk. You Hales always were eccentric.' Chris said. 'Pity, if you weren't infected you'd make good hunters.'

'You know, you're not the only guy monitoring the situation around here, and you're not the only one willing to kill an out of control wolf.' Derek said. He balled his hands into fists in his jacket for a second to regain control of his temper, thought of something calming. His date, one date, with Stiles. He needed to take him on another one, soon. Tonight, he'd take him for dinner.

Surprisingly thinking of Stiles calmed him enough to listen to Argent.

'I will kill any monster I come across who is trying to do harm to a human.' Chris said but Derek was picking up on something else. Blood was in the air, and it was on the rag Argent was holding, on his hands, under his fingernails. A wolfs blood.

'What's going on here?' Derek asked stepping forward into the hallway.

'I haven't invited you inside my home. This is trespass.' Chris said putting a hand on the middle of Derek's chest. Derek ignored him, listening carefully to the house. He could hear a faint whimper coming from the basement. Derek shouldered past Argent and bound forward to the stairway.

'You can't go down there!' Argents wife was shouting but Derek ignored him, the tangy smell of blood covering his senses. For a moment he was overwhelmed with anger, if it was Stiles Derek wouldn't be responsible, but it wasn't.

It was a teenage boy, around Stiles's age. He was hanging from what looked like some sort of wheel, rusty shackles biting into his skin. A woman Derek recognised from his past was standing with a knife. Derek knocked Kate to the side and reached a hand up to tug the chain. It broke easily in his hand.

The boy fell into Derek's arms and he held him up, hooking a hand around his waist. 'Derek.' Kate muttered but Derek ignored her, hauling the boy up the stairs.

'He's killed!' Chris was shouting.

'Who did he kill? We didn't hear anything?' Laura said.

'Hales don't know everything then do they?' Chris snapped. Laura turned to the two women in the hall.

'Who. Did. He. Kill?' She demanded.

'His father. After he was turned.' Kate snarled. Laura glared at her and she glared back. There was never any love lost between the two of them but now was not the time for one of their confrontations.

Derek pushed out past them and loaded the boy into the back of David's SUV. Laura and David got in the front and pulled away, already heading for home. 'Hey.' The boy said moving softly.

'Shush, don't move.' Derek said. 'You got a name?'

'Isaac. Isaac Lahey.' Isaac muttered.

'Well don't worry Isaac. We're going to take care of you.' Derek promised as David turned onto the lane that led to their home. Derek was furious knowing that the rogue Alpha had bitten and turned someone else. That made four that they knew of, four that survived the bite. 'Hey Laura, could you do me a favour?'

'Yeah?' She asked.

'Check for suspicious deaths attributed to animal attacks.' Derek said. He paused for a moment, thinking. This was something he thought Stiles would enjoy too. 'See if Stiles wants to help you.'

'I think that's a good idea.' David said pulling the car to a stop. Derek wondered if the good idea was checking for the deaths or Stiles helping Laura. Derek didn't think Stiles and Laura spending any more time together than necessary was a good idea but he had no choice, sticking her nose in others peoples business was Laura's thing, and curiosity was Stiles's thing, and to Derek the two went hand in hand. They got out and Linda was already at the car, fussing over the new addition to the Hale pack.

XXX

Leaving Isaac in Linda's care Derek made his way to his father's unused study and fell heavily onto the seat. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. Things seemed to be getting worse, not better, and he wondered at his competence as an Alpha. Perhaps now that his grandfather was back to full strength he should hand the family back to him and spend his time protecting the man.

He made a few calls to Alpha's of other packs his Granddad had built up alliances with over the years, just checking in and making general chit chat. They all knew about the rogue alpha situation of course, but they had enough pack business to attend to without coming to Beacon Hills. It was probably just as well they didn't feel the need because as a new Alpha Derek might have seen it as more of a challenge on his status than a helping hand. When he done that he contacted two packs in Southern California he'd been involved with, and eventually made friends in. Simon Coulter was one of those wolves, probably his best friend if he was being honest. Simon himself was the son of an alpha.

'Son of a bitch.' Simon said when Derek told him about his status now.

'Shut up.' Derek snarled.

'And a mate to boot. I hope she has stamina because you'll have her fucked stupid by breakfast time.' Simon grinned.

'My mate's male actually.'

'Well fuck that shit. More women for me.' Simon said. 'I'll have to get a run up there and see you sometime soon.'

'I'd like that.' Derek admitted. 'Come up anytime.'

'You bet. What about Gemma?' Simon said. Derek could hear fidgeting, he figured Simon was eating.

'That's actually why I called, she's here at the minute but she'll be on her way back to LA soon. Keep an eye on her for me; make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.' Derek said.

'What like pissing in your pool and egging your windows?' Simon teased. Derek snorted, remembering the crazy girl who had tried to stalk him for a while.

'I was thinking more goes off the rails a bit but sure, that'll work too.' Derek said softly.

'What about your house?' Simon asked. Derek heard more fidgeting. His stomach rumbled in response.

'That's a problem for another day. Just keep an eye on it, and don't bring too many girls back to it. You're shit at cleaning up after yourself.' Derek teased. Simon snorted.

'I'll get you a cleaner before you're next down. Just say the word.' Simon promised.

'Asshole.' Derek said. They chatted for a while longer before saying their goodbyes when Derek heard his Camaro in the drive. He made his way to the back door to meet his mate and his sisters. It was only Stiles and Amy, no Judith.

'She had a date with one of the football team, or something. I told her I wasn't happy about her going out after what happened yesterday but apparently I'm not her mom or her alpha so I kept my nose out of her business. If it helps she's going on a group date and Scott will be there. I asked him to keep an eye on her.' Stiles said leaning forward to kiss Derek. Amy dumped her bag in the living room and came back to the kitchen for something to eat just as Derek wrapped his arms around Stiles.

'Are you two going to make out?' She asked.

'What do you know about making out?' Derek asked her. She shrugged.

'Girls talk.' Amy said choosing a piece of fruit.

'Too much.' Derek said looking at his watch. They were meeting the realtor in fifteen minutes. 'So are you coming with us to see this house?' He said. He had a million other things to do what with Isaac and another bitten wolf, but he was eager to find a space of his own. He also needed to talk to his pack as soon as possible.

'I wouldn't be surprised if mom's bought it or something already so you cant.' Amy said.

'Neither would I.' Derek agreed following her out the door. Stiles handed him the Camaro key. 'Nah, you drive. I'm tired from today.' Derek said slipping into the passenger seat.

Stiles couldn't stop smiling the whole mile journey to the house. Derek watched him, could barely take his eyes off him. His heart lurched again at the memory of finding Isaac, at the thought that someone could do that to his family. He'd kill them before he'd let them away with anything like that.

XXX

The house was massive, with plenty of room inside and out. Stiles had already found his favourite place, by the large windows overlooking the lake. It was quiet and peaceful and in dire need of Stiles living there to liven it up. He pictured how they would decorate it, arguing between Derek wanting to paint everything black and Stiles longing to tack Batman posters to the walls. Clearly they had a few important discussions ahead of them.

There were three levels, ground floor with garage and office space, first floor with living space, kitchen, and diner and another study and third level with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, master en-suite. Stiles found Derek in the first floor study. 'Hey.' Derek said settling his arm around Stiles shoulders. 'Think Granddads library will fit in here or downstairs?'

'I want it here. The den's next door so while you do boring werewolf stuff I can be playing Batman on my Xbox and know you're there.' Stiles said.

'Got it all figured out have you?'

'Of course.' Stiles said. 'I can't believe I'm planning a life here with you today and last week I didn't even know you other than star quarterback whose put everyone to shame since. They favour lacrosse over football because no one can better your performances.'

'I was good.' Derek said.

'And modest.' Stiles teased. They heard Amy's feet trotting down the stairs.

'I've picked my room.' She said with a bright face.

'You're only a mile from home. You don't need a room here.' Derek said. Amy pouted beautifully. Stiles knew she would probably need her own room; she chased Derek more than her parents. He reached an arm out and pulled her into a hug.

'You have to help me. If he has his way he'll be tarring the ceiling black.' Stiles said. Amy giggled and snuggled against him.

'We'll keep him under control.' She said.

'Well Derek what do you think?' The agent they met came in. She was a leggy brunette who remembered Derek from school. Derek admitted they had a thing and Stiles wondered why no one had told him his mate was such a whore.

'Do you want your deposit in cash?' Derek asked. She smiled one of those cheesy winning smiles.

'So you're taking it then. Wonderful. We'll get the paperwork sorted out this afternoon.'

Amy let out a whoop of delight. 'Now all we have to do is tell mom.' She said dancing out of the room.

XXX

'Do you want to come for dinner with us squirt?' Derek asked from his new favourite place in his car, shotgun. Amy scoffed at him from the backseat.

'No because I don't want to be stuck between you making kissy faces.' She said with a twist of her face.

'Your loss.' Derek muttered. They dropped her off then headed to a Chinese restaurant. Stiles rambled the whole way there about the house and decorating, mostly his idea of a games room, with mini fridges, lazy boy chairs and enough sockets to power Time Square. By the time they ordered Derek realised that he hadn't spoken at all because Stiles even ordered his food for him so he did what any self-respecting boyfriend who suddenly found himself drowning in words does, he leaned across the table and catches Stiles in a brief kiss.

Stiles shut up, understandably because Derek uses just a touch of tongue, and then he's back in his seat, his fingers tangled with Stiles's on the table top. Stiles blushes and looks out the window but Derek allowed his gaze to roam over the room after a moment. There was a little girl pointing at them, and two guys sharing a meal who looked a lot less uncomfortable, and an older couple who looked like there was more lemon juice in their meal than they could handle. He looked back at their joined fingers and tugged slightly. Stiles looked at him, and he was smiling.

'I've been thinking, and I want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything that's happened, I'm sorry for being a shit to you, I'm sorry for pushing this all onto your shoulders, I'm sorry you got caught up in it, I'm sorry that I can't take some of my words back, that I can't go back in time and change conversations. I'm sorry for my temper too, and I want you to call me out, challenge me. You do, every time you stand up to me and that's one of the reasons that I've fallen in love with you, because I do love you, love you more than I feel is healthy, and I want to share my pack with you, my family. I want you to share my home and my bed and my life, I want you to make it our pack, our family, you'll make the house I bought ours, and it will be our life.' Derek said lifting Stiles's fingers and kissing them.

'What about Gemma?' Stiles asked softly. His mind was swimming with thoughts of being with Derek forever, of being by Derek's side for silly things and important things and Stiles could barely think straight he was so overcome with Derek's words.

'What about her?' Derek asked.

'Well, Carter mentioned a second mate…' Stiles said. He shifted and tried to pull away from Derek, but Derek wouldn't let him.

'Second mate, no such thing. Wolves are monogamous, they can bring other wolves to their bed if they aren't too possessive, but they mate with one person for life.' Derek said.

'It's just that Carter said your grandfather had…'

Derek snorted cutting Stiles off. 'She was a nurse, my grandmother had to have a procedure done and she hung around. I remember the rumours but the news wasn't spread because we didn't want other packs realising that the Alpha's mate was going through a weak patch…too dangerous.'

'Oh. So, what if you want kids?' Stiles asked.

'Then we'll have kids.' Derek said softly. The food arrives and Stiles is distracted by his spicy ribs and spring rolls and they move on to talking about building a little jetty onto the lake for diving in the summer.

XXX

Isaac was sitting at the kitchen table when they got back. Derek had filled Stiles and Amy in on his condition, using meaningful looks with Stiles to substitute words he didn't want to share with his little sister. Stiles slid onto the seat beside him and Isaac lit up at the sight of his partner in biology. 'Hey.' Stiles said softly.

'Hey Stiles. How are you?' Isaac whispered.

'I'm good. Have you seen the new Batman movie yet?' Stiles asked plunging in head first. Isaac shook his head no and Stiles looked to Derek. He didn't want to be forward, but he did want Isaac to trust him. 'How about we go see it sometime this week.'

'I'd like that.' Isaac said glancing over his shoulder. Linda was mixing dough for cookies and Stiles could smell the lemon. It freshened the air around them. 'Do you have the first two?'

'Sure, we could have a movie night.' Stiles said eying Derek.

'That would be nice. It's been a while since the pack sat down all together.' Linda said. Derek shifted on his feet for a second before coming towards the table. He placed his hands on Stiles's shoulders and leaned down to kiss his head.

'I'd love to join you but I have a few things I need to do tonight.' He said.

'Like what?' Stiles asked looking at him upside down. Derek kissed his lips.

'I'm going to head into the woods, make sure nothing's changed recently.' Derek said.

'I don't want you to go alone.' Stiles said with a frown. 'I'll go.'

'I want you here to take care of my pack. I'm going to take my Dad and Carter, like a Hale Boys family outing. Maybe David will join us.'

Stiles snorted at him, he knew that Derek didn't want Stiles to leave Isaac, to spend the evening relaxing with him. Derek disappeared upstairs and Stiles relocated to the living room. Amy and Isaac joined him and they took up a whole couch when Gemma padded into the room. 'Hey.' Stiles said to her. She peered at him sadly for a moment before slumping into an armchair. Isaac looked at Stiles who shrugged.

Derek's boots sounded loud as he reappeared downstairs moments later. He bent to kiss Stiles one last time. 'I'll howl if I need you.' Derek said with a smile, pressing his face into Stiles's neck. 'And if I don't, have the bed warm for me coming home.' Derek's mouth curved into a filthy smirk. Stiles pushed him away with a pretend grimace. Derek laughed as Linda called 'be safe' from the kitchen. Isaac shifted uncomfortably, his eyes fixed on his lap.

'Hey Gemma, you want to watch Batman with us?' Stiles asked. She just rolled her eyes and glared at the wall. Shrugging Stiles prodded Amy until she found the disc and put it on. Relaxing, Stiles slumped against Isaac with Amy half in his lap and waited for the movie to start.