Special shout out to The Dead Stay Dead. For getting me back in here, and for making me giggle a lot. :P Hope you're blood thirsty need for an update has been satisfied. ^_^

Stiles awoke to the tickling sensation against his nose where a patch of wolf fur was rubbing against it. At first, he was too nervous to open his eyes. It was Derek right? He hadn't imagined being saved? He... he hadn't imagined his grandmother being torn to shreds...

He let his eyes open slowly, silently mourning her as he brought his hand up to pet the fur in front of him, noticing how the wolf shifted under his touch. He kept his face hidden in Derek's warmth, not wanting to face the world at the moment. It almost felt like he didn't even have the time to mourn her. Which only made him hate himself all the more. It was his fault she was dead anyway. He'd gotten her involved with the wolves. Those stupid wolves that had murdered his grandmother... Stiles nuzzled in further before whispering, "Derek?" hesitantly, "You awake?"

The wolf grumbled softly in reply.

"Is... it okay now?"

Another low voice from his companion.

Cautiously, Stiles lifted his face, sitting up from his spot in the middle of a circle of wolves. He was startled at first, immediately trying to retreat back to Derek, who had raised his own head to follow Stiles. He nudged Stiles' arm lightly with his snout in an encouraging gesture as some of the others started to stir as well, quietly waking up.

"Are they... the same wolves from last night?"

Stiles stared at Derek expectantly, looking for some sort of notion that this was a different pack. One that he could trust.. but the wolf stared back at him with a pup-type expression. No hint of any help hidden behind his dogish manor. Stiles sighed, shifting the leaves beneath himself noisily. More of the wolves started to wake, some lifting their heads toward him while others licked themselves or scratched behind their ears. It was like a litter of puppies waking up more then fierce pack of wolves.

It didn't take too long before a few of the alphas decided to shift, more for Stiles' benefit then anything else, following Derek's example-as he was the first to do so. Though, Stiles would probably have preferred them to stay wolves, considering that there were now three more naked people approaching Derek. It was like wolves had a desperate need to strip... The last wolf to finally take human form was Tagumik, grumpily joining the mass of comfortably bare werewolves that circled them. Stiles kept his attention on Derek, trying his best not to let himself realize just how awkward the situation was-even if it shouldn't have been. They were probably all used to being naked around one another now that he thought about it. They probably didn't see an issue with it. Stiles however, was having a hard time staying focused on Derek as a girl bounded her way over to where they were sitting, sneakily trying to introduce herself. Derek kept a protective arm wrapped around Stiles, keeping Stiles close to his chest as he did his best to make dry conversation.

The she-wolf frowned before turning in a huff to leave.

"Hale." came the raspy morning voice of Tagumik, who marched up to them, "I wish to discuss our terms this morning."

Derek glared up at him, his grip on Stiles' waist tightening, "No need."

"There is need Hale."

"I won't take up the pack. It's as simple as that." he informed Tagumik, acting as if he couldn't be bothered with him, "I'll be leaving with Stiles as soon as he gets something to eat.."

Tagumik frowned, muscles tensing as he forced himself to keep a hold of his irritation. "There's more Hale."

There were three simultaneous howls as a small group of three wolves started racing through the trees, yipping happily.

Derek scowled as Tagumik continued, "There won't be food until they come back anyhow, so couldn't we calmly take a few moments to talk?"

There were only four others left (excluding Tagumik) and even though Stiles was sure Derek could easily take them, he was still very much uncomfortable. He stayed in Derek's lap, keeping his eyes trained on his chest. He didn't look up until another wolf made his way over to where they were sitting, immediately noting the way Stiles refused to make eye contact.

"Tagumik."

The leader turned, starting a faint conversation with the young man. He had shaggy brown hair, light skin, and piercing green eyes. He didn't exactly look like an alpha to Stiles, but when The boy's eyes shifted from Tagumik to him, he felt himself shiver under the intense stare.

After a short conversation, Tagumik and the boy returned, insisting on Derek's cooperation.

"This is Andrew." he offered, "He'll watch over your mate as we talk. No harm will come to him."

Derek growled up at the stranger before reluctantly lifting Stiles out of his lap, urging him to stand with as he did.

"Hello." Andrew smiled as he extended his hand to Stiles.

"Hi..."

Tagumik forced a smile, "There, now can we get to it!?"

Derek sent Stiles one last glance over his shoulder before nodding.

"Well," Andrew grinned once the two were out of sight, "You want to sit down?"

Stiles was nervous, and when he was nervous he liked to talk, but... he didn't want to talk to anyone here. Not even Andrew. He seemed friendly enough, but there was still a tense atmosphere in the air.

Andrew smiled kindly, "I like your style. You look good too."

Oh... I should compliment him back... umm... ermm...

"Thanks! You do too-" Stiles looked over him quickly, looking for something in return, "I- uhh... I like your muscles!" he blurted out, slamming his forehead into his palm immediately after speaking.

Andrew burst into laughter, earning a half glare from Stiles.

"Sorry..." he chuckled, putting a hand on Stiles' shoulder, "It was just... hmpf.. unexpected?"

"Well... I can't exactly help it ya know. I mean, what else could I comment on!? You're completely naked!" he blubbered.

Stiles felt his face go red when he noticed eyes of a few others directed at him.

Right... wolf hearing...

Andrew only laughed again.

"Shut up!" Stiles warned, pretending to be mad as he punched his arm.

Andrew drew up his hand to rake his thin fingers through locks of his wavy hair, still grinning madly, "You're really something."

"I try." he grinned in reply.

"So, not so shy anymore then?"

Stiles let his grin falter, "Oh.. Well.. I was... nervous."

"Nervous? Why?"

Any trace of a smile vanished all together, turning into a deep scowl, "You murdered my grandmother..."

Andrew wasn't smiling anymore either.