"Can they really find nothing better to talk about?" Mel asked, frustrated. She walked down the hall, with her pack. Hearing the whispers as she passed.

"Afraid not sis. Looks like your little thigh hickey is the news of the century. Especially with how buddy buddy you are with Stiles." Ruby laughed, but they could all tell it was a bit forced. She loved to tease her siblings, but took great offense when others did it.

"I heard a few jackasses say Saint did it." Sapphire spoke in a low tone. Lethal. Ready to pounce on the next one that dared mention the rumor.

"Wait, so the fact I've been flirting none stop with the cute boys doesn't take me out of the suspect pool?" Saint asked.

"Probably saying your bi." Zen said bluntly, before turning down the freshmen wing. Her own ears were opened, waiting for any of her classmates to dare mock her sister.

"Ridiculous." The male wolf sighed. They stopped outside Mel's class. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You gonna be ok sweetie?" Mel couldn't stop the laugh.

"Please. With everything going on, I have enough crap on my plate. This rumor registers a 1 on my Richter scale. Maybe a 2 on its worst day." She rolled her eyes. The words were true enough. Sure it irritated her, but only for the brief moment when her mind forgot the real problems.

"Maybe you should be honest." Ruby advised. The others looked at her. "What? All this assuming is just idle gossip. Take the power away by putting a name on the mark." The warning bell rang and the others hurried off to class. Mel walked into the classroom. She really hoped the snickers and smirks were just her imagination. When she heard mention about how she went home with both Isaac and Stiles, she knew it wasn't. People just loved the new freak show at Beacon Hills. She took her customary seat.

"Dude, just gotta say. Sorry and thank you." Stiles leaned over and whispered.

"For?"

"Some idiot is spreading it around school that we did it on Saturday." He chuckled softly. "According to the rumor mill, I'm not a virgin anymore."

"Whoop dee do for you." She muttered sarcastically. The humor fell from the boy's face as he leaned in.

"Really sorry. Is there anything me or Scott could do?"

"Yeah." Mel whispered so low it was almost a growl. "Find me the one who started it. I think I might like a little chat."

The pack rushed to claim one of the empty tables. All falling into their usual spot. Isaac sat at one head. On his right was, Stiles, Mel , Ruby, and Saint. On his left was Scott, Hana, Sapphire, and Zen. Erica sat at the other head. Boyd was out sick, so they didn't need to steal another chair like they normally did. Never knowing what ears were listening, they kept the conversation light.

"Why's Boyd out again?" Stiles asked.

"Training gone bad." Isaac answered. "Accidently flipped over a fence. Cut him up real bad. He fell in a flower box, and guess what flower was rubbing against his open wounds?"

"Wolfs bane." Stiles and Scott said in unison. Isaac nodded, taking a bite out of his pizza. The conversation halted as they heard the heavy footsteps approach. It was several of the other lacrosse players. Seniors and considered big men on campus. One draped his arm over the female alpha's shoulder.

"Hey Mel." He said in the friendliest tone. "Why don't you come have lunch with your teammates?" Mel shrugged the arm off. He just placed it on the table, leaning between her and Saint.

"I thought that was what I was doing." She answered as sweetly as she could manage.

"Come on, I mean the real team." He laughed. Mel raised her eyebrows.

"Really? I thought a co-captain and two of the best attackers constituted a good part of the real team." The table snickered. The guy leaned in closer.

"Ok. Well let me be honest. Me and the boys heard about how adventurous you are and just thought you might want a few more replacements to put on the field." He smiled in what she guessed to be a seductive fashion. It was a horrible failure. Or maybe she was just biased after seeing how professionals pulled it off.

"Please tell me you did not just try to pick me up with a lame lacrosse reference." She retorted. "Saint, they could have done better right?"

"I would have gone for something more along the lines of wanting to guard your goal. Not as in your face as referencing scoring, but not to subtle to where you miss the meaning." He answered, leaning back. The table laughed again, along with a few of the surrounding ones that caught the conversation. Anger crossed the jocks' faces.

"I would have gone with something like, I wanna be your attacker. I don't know though. Sounds a tad bit rapey. Though I guess that might be pretty accurate." Mel gave her own offer, eliciting more laughter.

"Listen slut. The whole school's talking about your little wild ride Saturday, and the hickey in a very secretive place." He snickered. "Guess it wasn't secret enough." Saint and Isaac leaned forward, low growls in their throat. The guy cringed slightly, an unnamed fear settling into his stomach. There was something off about this table. Mel held her hand up, and the two resumed their normal sitting position. She kept a smile on her face.. She kept her tone low and pleasant. So at odds with her words.

"Listen dickweed; let me explain this as clearly as possible. The thought of your rancid dick being anywhere near my body makes me want to puke. Literally. I think I might have actually thrown up a bit in my mouth just saying the words. "

"You bitch. You fucking-"

"Kindly shut the fuck up when I'm talking." Mel interrupted his insult. "I'm still trying to work through your logic here. A bunch of no life nitwits start talking about my sex life, and suddenly you think that entitles you to a piece of the action. Does that make sense to you guys?"

"Not even a little." Saint chuckled.

"Good. I just thought I was missing something." Mel snickered. They had more to discuss, and now she just wanted the intruders gone. She rolled her eyes. "Honestly I'm still trying to figure out why you are so pissed about being rejected. Granted, I can understand not being thrilled about not getting any and maybe we were a little harsh about your little attempted pick up line. But damn. Your acting like me not happily prancing around at the thought of you prying my legs open is offensive. You know, maybe the rumors are true. Maybe I had an insane weekend threesome with Isaac and Stiles. That still doesn't concern you. You made your attempt. I wholeheartedly rejected it. Now please get the hell out of here and let us talk in peace."

"Listen skank, you should be flattered we would even talk to you." He hissed, wrapping a hand tightly around her arm. She gazed down. A human might have thought the hold was painful. To her it was just annoying. She looked back up at the guy. A smug grin was on his face.

"Let go before I break it off." She said calmly, making the threat all the more apparent. The air seemed to grow heavy and the guy let go. "I was actually trying to play nice. But apparently that isn't going to work. You roided up assholes barge in and interrupt a very fascinating conversation. You insist on staying, even after I've made clear there is no interest in swapping fluids with you. I was trying to be polite, but I'm pretty sure I'm out of your league." The surrounding tables were silent, eagerly watching the scene that unfolded. A few people snickered at her insults, but the rest strained to hear the conversation.

"Bitch please. I have a hundred girls way hotter than you practically begging to suck my dick."

"And I'm sure they will be very pleased with their parting gift of herpes." Mel kept her tone even, slightly amused at the way the guy was quickly becoming flustered. Especially at the round of chuckles echoing across the room. She would have let him off the hook if he walked away, might have even let his words slide. But he insisted on staying. A very idiotic choice.

"Shut up slut." He jeered. A tiny smile tugged at her lips at the pathetic attempt at a retort.

"I'm getting a little tired of you constantly using that word. Perhaps you could switch it up. You could say harlot, strumpet, tart, hussy, trollop. Oh, I always thought jezebel had a nice little ring to it." She offered. His nostrils flared and she could hear the spike in his heart rate. She shrugged. "Call me what you want. Spread whatever stupid crap your tiny brain can think up. It really doesn't bother me. The only effect is making you look petty and pathetic."

"Fuck you slut."

"I already said no, and I believe I just gave you a wonderful new list of words to choose from. It gets so boring hearing the same one constantly repeated."

"Shut the fuck up already. I can make your life hell." He seethed. She cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Oh really? And pray tell, what exactly could you do?"

"Wha…What?" He obviously hadn't expected to be called on his threat.

"Yes what. I'm curious as what damage you think you could possibly cause." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "You can't really mean lacrosse since that would require you to be fast enough to catch me."

"I could spread the word about your skanky ways." He snickered. She raised her eyebrows again.

"You mean like what has already been happening for the past few weeks. What pretty much led to this conversation here?" She shook her head. "I really don't know why you people assume your words have so much power over me. It's fucking high school. Very little of what happens in these halls actually matter. I have far bigger concerns then what some stupid little high school twats are saying. Hell, spread a million rumors. Tell the whole town I blew off the team before a game or something. The people that actually matter aren't going to believe it anyway."

"What?" The word slipped out and Mel couldn't help but laugh.

"My grandfather doesn't even pay attention to the crap people say. My friends know better than to believe it." A random thought occurred to her. Ruby's words. "And it's not like my fiancé would leave over some stupid rumor mill bullshit."

"Fiancé?" One of the other jocks finally said a word. Mel turned towards him.

"Yes fiancé. As in, the only guy I let touch me. The one that gave me the little love bite you people seem to obsess over." A thoughtful look crossed her face. "Speaking of that, I wonder what he's going to think about your pathetic attempt to proposition me with a damn lacrosse joke. Maybe he'll be angry. Or maybe like me he'll just pity you." She could see and hear the reactions. Fear and anger interlocked at her words. The leader's face had a touch of uncertainty. Possibly wondering about his chances against the mystery fiancé. She tired of the game. "As I said before, we were having a rather nice conversation. If you are done being dumbasses, please stop tainting the air with your stupidity." The guy's nostrils flared worse, and it seemed anger was becoming the dominant emotion. Saint stood up, towering over the trespassers. Reminding them of his gargantuan presence. Mel could take care of herself. Physically and verbally. But he still preferred to be the one entering the altercations. Especially when his mere presence sometimes made the opponent rethink their actions. The air was completely still, silence reigning over the area.

"I'll sit with you guys." The silence was broken, and the table looked at the one who spoke. Erica. She stood up and walked the few steps to them. Slipping by the giant. "This table was getting a little boring for my taste anyway."

"At least one of you chicks knows how to appreciate us." The lead jock said offering his arm. Erica grabbed it and walked away, laughing at some inane joke the guy said. Saint took his seat, glaring at the girl as she wandered away.

"That was unexpected." Stiles joked, trying to break the tension. Then he noticed the complete silence of the table. All were looking at Mel. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly.

"Come on sis, relax." Saint whispered gently.

"I can't. She's one of mine and I just let her walk right into that trap." She hissed.

"What do you mean one of yours? I thought she was in Derek's pack?" Scott asked. Mel shook her head.

"After mating the two packs join. It's honestly the only time you will see two alphas in a pack. But we haven't really been enforcing." She explained, trying to calm herself down.

"So…fiancé?" Stiles interjected, knowing the topic needed changing. After a few more words of encouragement, she relaxed enough and looked up.

"I could say spouse. It's technically correct, but I honestly worry some bored jackass will go through city hall records to see if the marriage was registered. There's no record for engagements. Not as permanent as marriage but sounds stronger than just boyfriend." The table nodded at her reasoning. The bell rang, and for a moment Mel cursed the jackasses that had stolen part of their lunch. She glanced over at the table. Erica laughed at something that was said, even giggled when one of the guys slapped her ass. Mel shook her head. The girl was like a freaking rebellious teenager. She'd leave it to Derek. With how the girl acted towards her, there wasn't much of a choice.

Sweat dripped down Derek's bare back as he did his customary workout. He decided to double the numbers today, to release some pent up energy. He really didn't feel like masturbating today. His mind flashed back to his little mate, nestled against him. Naked. The image was very pleasant, and he felt the familiar stirrings. He forced his mind to go blank and got back to work. Trying to get rid of the tension of his body. So much energy went into keeping his mind blank; he missed the initial feint creaking. Like someone on the stairs. He heard the second one and jumped up. Random bundles dropped down the top of the steps, smoke pouring from them. He caught a quick glimpse of a black leather covered hand as it dropped another bundle. Staring in confusion, he caught a whiff of smoke. Instantly he coughed and gagged, his body trying to expel the toxin. He covered his mouth as more of the stuff was thrown in. He tried to run, but it felt like the world was spinning. He could barely manage a slow walk. Even then, every footstep was agony. He tried to move towards the train car. If he could get in and close the car, maybe it would buy him enough time for the smoke to fade. He shuffled painfully, but just as he reached the doors, he felt his body give way. Too much poison had gotten into his system. Collapsing to the floor, he could do nothing but lay there. The smoke wasn't as thick at ground level, and he managed a few ragged breaths. The smoke began to drop, and he could do nothing as it cascaded down his now paralyzed body.

Mel stared blankly at the chalkboard, nibbling absentmindedly on her pencil. Economics part two. Taught by Coach Finstock. The guy was hilariously frazzled and she normally enjoyed the class. But not today. She was worried about the little rebellious pup. About how the planning was going. Hell she was even a tad bit worried about the upcoming lacrosse game.

"You ok?" The feint whisper came from right next to her. Hana. She had switched around a few classes to get moved into this one. They didn't want her being alone after the rumors seemed to go viral. Especially about the new mystery fiancé. The kids at this school really seemed to have no life. She threw the girl a questioning look. "Your heart rate is through the roof." Mel listened, and was surprised to find the girl right. She was plenty worried, but not particularly nervous at the moment. Her heart had been just fine a minute ago. She felt her heart go faster, and a feint scent invaded her nostrils. A sickly sweet scent that made her want to gag. Wolfs bane. Before she could ask if the other wolves smelled it, the scent vanished. For a second she worried it had been her imagination. But the scent flooded her senses again. Stronger this time. And there was a feint growl in the distance. She felt her stomach drop and stood up.

"Yes Rajjin?" Finstock questioned the student that stood up in the middle of his lecture. Was normally one of the most courteous.

"Coach. I…I…" Before she would complete her sentence, she feinted. Hana caught her, preventing her from hitting the ground.

"What in the hell was that?" Finstock stared in shock.

"Woman troubles sir." Hana explained. "It makes her anemic sometimes." Finstock's jaw dropped, and he waved his hands in dismissal.

"Ok. No more explanation. Take her to the nurse's office. The old bag is on vacation but the door's unlocked and the beds not destroyed yet."

"Do you mind if I stay with her, so I can call our grandpa to pick her up?" She asked worriedly. Finstock nodded. "Can Scott help? I'm not strong enough to carry her."

"McCall, take them to the nurses." Finstock ordered, anxious to get the period to get one of his star players care. Scott picked Mel up and followed the other female wolf down the hall. She moved fast and Scott had to tap into a bit of wolf speed to keep up. She took a left turn.

"Um, the nurse's office is the other way." She ignored his words and kept moving. They walked through a pair of double doors.

"No classrooms face this way. Coast is clear." Hana said. Scott got the feeling she wasn't talking to him. Not a moment later, Mel leapt out of his arms. Body no longer a rag doll. "I hope you have a good reason for making us ditch."

"Derek's in trouble." She answered, taking off. The other female went after her. Scott had a million questions racing through his mind. But they weren't going to be answered here. So he sprinted after the female wolves. They ran for what had to be miles, the scenery changing from houses to industrial centers. They slowed down at a very familiar neighborhood.

"What's that smell?" Scott complained, holding his nose.

"Rare type of wolfs bane." Mel replied. "I have to go alone. Just be ready when I get back." With that she took off towards the smell.

"Be ready for what?" Scott called out to the retreating form. He looked at the girl next to him. One of the more silent sisters. She looked back and shrugged. Even she didn't know what her leader was up to.

Mel held her breath as she entered the lair. Smoke filled the air. Sickly sweet if she dared to breathe it in. She halted, trying to locate his heartbeat. It was feint, but there. Following the sound, she raced down the steps. She didn't have a lot of time and needed to get it right the first try. The acoustics where different down here, distorting the sound. Twice she ran into something, tearing her clothes. Her lungs felt like they were going to explode, but she fought the urge to take a breath. Even one and they would both die in the rusted crypt. Tears ran down her face, trying to sooth some of the sting in her eyes. Finally her foot brushed up against something solid. She touched it. Denim. She scooped the unconscious wolf up quickly, and fled the smoky tomb. She allowed her first breath of fresh air the moment she was out of the danger radius. Her pace slowed to a jog. It still had the disgusting taste, but there wasn't enough of the toxin to be harmful.

"He's not looking so good." Hana observed. "What do we do?"

"Grandpa's out on that research mission. Scott, you know anywhere we can take him." Scott stared at the limp form. For once, he wasn't intimidating. "SCOTT!" The desperate plea shook him out of the thought.

"Yeah. The vet clinic where I work." The two girls stared at him. "No really. My boss is kind of like his advisor." Hana looked at her leader. Mel gave her approval and the three ran for all they were worth. They burst into the building. "Dr. Deaton!" Scott yelled into the office. He repeated it twice more.

"All right, Scott. Don't have a cow. Shouldn't you still be in scho-" He cut himself off when he saw the group. "What happened?" He motioned them to bring the young alpha in, holding the door open.

"Wolfs bane poison. Inhaled it from smoke." Mel answered, laying the limp body on the examination desk. Alan grabbed his stethoscope. He moved it to different spots.

"Good news and bad news." He announced to no one in particular.

"What's the good news?" Scott asked.

"He didn't inhale as much as I feared. His lungs are already healing."

"And the bad news?" Mel inquired fearfully.

"His heart is basically stopping." The three looked at him.

"Is there anything you can do?" Hana asked, looking wearily at her sister. Terrified at what might happen. Alan shook his head sadly.

"I'm afraid there's nothing." He murmured, hating to admit defeat. His eyes glued to the floor. They stood in silence a few moments.

"Nothing you can do." Mel repeated the words softly. She looked up eyes hard. "But maybe there's something I can." She walked to the exam table. Lifting Derek up slightly, she cradled his head against her heart.

"What are you doing?" Scott looked at the strange scene. Mel ignored the looks, and question.

"Please, please let this work." She hoped the stories hadn't been just that. She took a deep breath and steadied her heart beat. Then whispered down at the unconscious form. "We are one. My heart is yours, your heart is mine. Let my heart beat for you. Pace it with mine."

"You can't be serious?" Scott couldn't help but gawk. Alan watched in fascination, moving closer. He brought the stethoscope to his ears. A look of disbelief crossed his face.

"It's working." He murmured. "It's actually working." He laughed.

"Really?" Mel asked.

"It's falling again." Alan said with panic.

"Oh shit." Mel cursed, forcing herself to refocus. She couldn't help but smile.

"How did you know that would work?" Alan questioned. Mel shook her head.

"I didn't. It was a hunch." She muttered, trying to concentrate. Alan grabbed her one of his seats. It gave her enough height to maintain her position, without having to stand. They didn't know how long this would take. He then ushered the other two out. It took a lot of focus, and he didn't want to give her any distractions. They sat in the waiting room.

"So anyone going to tell me what happened there?" Scott ventured.

"It's the bond." Hana answered. He looked at her, uncomprehending. "When werewolves mate it's a primal link that binds them together. It's so powerful, it's like their bodies are one. Feeling what the other feels, experiencing reactions that aren't theirs."

"But I thought this was just a power thing?"

"Doesn't matter." Alan interrupted. "It's the animal side that connects. Regardless of what the human part thinks."

"And that's why it's so dangerous." Hana murmured, burying her face in her hands. She looked up to see the young wolf watching expectantly and sighed. "You can't get that kind of link without consequences."

"Yeah, it binds them for life."

"And many wolves do that anyway. They pair up for life, but never actually mate." Hana felt exasperated and exhausted. "To have that kind of bond, to literally share your very selves. You can't recover from that type of link being severed."

"Severed?"

"Death kid." She sighed deeply, feeling the strange urge to yell. She had already witnessed what happened when mates were separated like that. But that one had ended somewhat happy. But the circumstances of that were not likely to be repeated. Her sister was in danger because that stupid boy didn't know how to look out for himself. She took a deep breath and forced herself to be calm. No use snapping at the curious pup. "Even if it was done for trivial reasons, the bond is the same for all wolves. To lose your mate is to feel like you aren't whole anymore. That a piece of you was ripped away and can't be gotten back. Most wolves don't do it because to lose your mate causes insanity. Almost all the cases on record of a werewolf killing humans were because they lost their mate. The pain was so unbearable, neither the beast nor human could handle it and went mad."

"Is that true?" The young male asked, turning to the vet.

"Afraid so Scott. You get some really nice benefits but at a very high price. The fact ones that young took on such a commitment worries me."

"Necessity." Hana repeated the word she had heard too many times in the past week. It was sickening. She launched into the topic of the upcoming battle, and voiced her concerns on the one that may already be here.

Pain seared his lungs and it felt like a tank was on his chest. He distracted himself by focusing on the lovely melody in his ears.

Under the stars

Away in time

The mermaid had nine lives

And I had mine

I saw her on the rock

Sunning one day

I gave her a smile

And she jumped through the waves

He listened to the song, focusing on each word as he slowly pulled his way out of the darkness. With great difficulty, he managed to open his eyes. There she was. More beautiful than anything he had ever seen.

"Derek?" The word fell from her lips, and he was a bit disappointed that the singing had stopped. She helped him sit up, and it took everything he had not to protest the loss of his soft warm pillow.

"I guess." He answered. She smiled at him. "So what exactly happened? I feel like I was hit by a ton of bricks." He slid down until his feet touched the floor. On wobbly legs he stood up. Feeling dizzy, he leaned against the table.

"Someone attacked you. Set fire to bundles of wolfs bane and tossed them into your lair." She informed him. "Oh, Isaac brought you some fresh clothes. They are in the corner."

"Wait, the idiot went willingly into that crap?"

"No." Mel shook her head, a slight smile on her face. "You've been out almost seven hours. The smokes all clear."

"Seven hours?" Mel nodded. His eyes wondered around the office as his eyes spun.

"I'll leave you to get dressed." She walked to the door.

"Wait." She turned back towards the voice. Derek smiled and patted the table beside him. "Sit a moment please. My brain's still a little hazy." She bit the corner of her lip, turning the offer over in her mind. The smile was friendly, not seductive. One of the reasons she was even considering his request. After a few moments thought, she relented. She took the seat, legs dangling. Every so often her foot would tap against the metal. An attempt to distract from the warmth emanating at her side. Maybe she shouldn't have sat so close to him. Silence filled the room, only broken by the occasional ping as the metal was hit. "You got me out of that deathtrap."

"Yeah." Mel murmured, staring at the floor.

"Then you spent the next seven hours keeping my heart beating." He glanced over and Mel nodded. "One question. How did you know it would work?" A smile grew on the girl's face.

"It was a total guess." She laughed, trying to hide her nerves.

"A guess?"

"Yeah. I was standing there, listening to the doc saying your heart was failing, when I flashed back to my mom. It was the most random thing. We were in the garden. I had just overheard her trying to explain to gramps the bond she had felt with my dad, and she had taken me out there for one of her talks. She tried to explain how it was like two people occupying the same body. Never really understood what she meant by it." Mel let out a small laugh. Derek listened intently as she talked. "But back at school. Out of nowhere my heart started freaking out. I was so oblivious Hana had to point it out. I wasn't nervous though. It was like, the heart was beating in my chest, but it wasn't mine. Then I found you on the floor. I kind of inferred the panicked beat was yours. Then we ended up here, with your heart just shutting down. I was just kind of hoping it could work both ways." She admitted. Derek crossed his arms, foot tapping against the ground.

"Seven hours on a thin hope. Now that's what I call dedication." He chuckled.

"It was better than the alternative." Mel whispered. The male didn't like how tense the atmosphere suddenly got.

"Either way, you saved my life."

"Don't mention it." She smiled. "You saved my life too. That makes us even." A look crossed Derek's face, and he turned. His palms were planted firmly on either side of Mel's hips. She blushed as he leaned in.

"I don't want to be even." He whispered, shaking his head.

"Derek?" She didn't like how her voice broke.

"Being even implies you do a favor expecting one in return." Mel tilted her face downward, eyes glued to the floor. He was so close she could feel his breath wafting across her skin. "Acquaintances do that. So do friends. But not mates."

"What do mates do?" The question jumped out before she could stop it. She squirmed, all too aware of his proximity. Could practically feel the giant smile radiating off his face.

"They just thank each other." She felt her chin being tugged upwards. Her attempts at protest were silenced as his mouth closed on her own. It felt a little strange. His lips were dry and a bit cracked from his afternoon ordeal, yet still felt impossibly soft. Heat trickled into her abdomen as her lips moved of their own accord. Moving in time with his. A strange sense of contentment enveloped her, washing away the previous feelings of annoyance and frustration. Part of her understood this was just her body reacting to the bond, but that didn't make her any less susceptible to its powers. She felt his tongue prodding, demanding entrance. Her natural stubbornness surfaced at the action, and her jaw clamped shut.

Amusement lit his eyes as he saw the defiance shine in hers. He kind of liked the challenge she presented. With ease he tugged her chin down slightly, tongue darting into the sudden opening. He felt her own tongue maneuver around his. It took him a moment to understand she was not showing affection. She was trying to force his tongue out. He smiled at the realization, enjoying their battle for dominance. Then it was over. He moved back, noticed the glistening swollen lips. Admiring his work. Her breathing was heavy as her lungs tried to catch up on all the lost oxygen.

"What did you do that for?" She hissed, shaking herself out of the strong daze. He smirked at her somewhat annoyed face.
"Just letting you thank me for saving your life." He chuckled. She glared at him for a moment, but all it seemed to do was make the smirk grow bigger. Giving up, she dropped her eyes down to her lap.

"Fine. Now that you're done, can you let me up already?"

"No." Her eyes shot up at the word. Narrowing at the very cocky smirk still on his lips. "Who said we were done?"

"I thanked you for saving me." Mel tried to shove him away. His hand wrapped around hers, and he pulled it away from his bare skin. He placed a gentle kiss on her palm. She wanted to kick herself for the skip in her heartbeat.

"True." He murmured, placing another kiss on her wrist. "But I haven't properly thanked you yet." His eyes swept over her. Focused. Predatory.

"You don't have to-" Her words were cut off by the finger placed on her lips. For a moment, she had the intense urge to bite. Then again, there was always the possibility he was into that kind of thing.

"Nonsense. You rushed into a wolfs bane laced atmosphere to get me. Carried me to an ally and spent seven hours just keeping my heart beating." She cringed a little at the smile. "It's going to take quite a lot to make that up to you." His left hand slipped under her shirt, and played with the mound of flesh still hidden behind her bra. Running his thumb across the soft material, he gave special attention to the quickly hardening peak. Mel blushed from the attention, closing her eyes in an attempt to shut it out. Derek grinned at the challenge. Her sight may have been shut off, but her other senses were very much in play. He took care of her zipper nice and slow, wanting her to hear the clink as the metal unlocked. Nipping at her neck, he traced patterns on the exposed flesh of her thigh. He let his fingers dance across her skin as he went from thigh to stomach. Greatly appreciating her penchant for midriff bearing tops. Agonizingly slow, he let his finger slide down the center of her abdomen. The destination was obvious, but a gasp of surprise fell out of her lips as it touched the soft blue fabric of her boy short style underwear. A shiver ran down her spine as his finger played with the slit still hidden by the blue cotton. He smiled against her neck, his fingers slipped beneath the fabric. Another gasp as his middle finger plunged into the radiating heat. Slowly drawing it out, he repeated the action.

Mel squirmed as she felt the finger inside her. Being thrust in and out. All the while him giving attention to her nipple as he nipped her neck. She didn't like how much she was enjoying the sensations. Derek marveled at how drenched she was. He hadn't known any girl to get this wet, especially not this fast. He moved up from her neck to once again reclaim her lips. Stopping the play on her breast, he pulled the shirt up just enough to expose her chest. His mouth moved from her lips to her jaw, and down her neck. He ran his tongue slowly across the flesh spilling out of her cups. Her shirts apparently did the grave injustice of downplaying her lovely rack. His left hand now unoccupied, he placed it on her shoulder. Gingerly pushing her down. All noises of protest were silenced when his lips assaulted her mouth. The metal was cold against her back, and she felt him tugging at her lower clothes. Distracted by his ministrations, she was surprised to find herself bare from the waist down. He had even managed to take off her shoes and socks. All without his lips ever leaving hers. What was he, some freaking wizard? Another shiver ran through her entire being, the cold of the table contrasting with the heat radiating off his body. Finally their lips parted, and he stood straight up. Still dazed, Mel lay there wondering if he was finished. She guessed not when his hands wondered over her lower body. Brushing across hips, thighs, shins, but never going back to her aching center. She tried to steady her breathing, so completely focused she didn't notice his hands circling around her ankles. Mel yipped as he tugged her down, slamming her waist into his. The blush spread across her body as she felt the bulge of his jeans pressing into her. Another yip escaped when he grabbed her wrists and forced her to sit up. His gaze was intense as their eyes locked. A familiar metal clink was heard and Mel's eyes went wide. He was fumbling with his own zipper. He couldn't actually be thinking about coupling here. Not on an exam table with several people waiting in the next room. Her disbelief grew worse as he gripped her hips firmly, pulling her down.

Mel grimaced in pain as something thick and hard slipped inside, stretching her already damp walls. Damn, Ruby was right. He could break her. Her breath caught in her throat as he thrust. Resting his forehead against hers, their eyes locked as he slid in and out of her passage roughly.

"Wrap your legs around me." He ordered. As if of their own accord, Mel's legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper inside her body. Panting echoed across the room as he continued to thrust. He picked up the pace and Mel bit back her moans. Her face was beet red.

"Please stop looking." She begged quietly. His gaze was too intense. Like he was boring into her soul. He was already taking liberties with her body. Only fair to let her keep something to herself. Said gaze hardened, but he still complied. He buried his face on her shoulder, as he picked up the speed further. Sinking into her depths, then pulling out just as quickly. His movements were rough, as his hips slammed into hers. Almost like a punishment. Her blush deepened when she realized how much she liked it. The heat building between her legs contrasted with the cold metal against her skin. A strangely pleasurable torture. He plunged inside again and a whimper slipped out. It was getting more difficult to hold back her sounds of enjoyment. Her juices ran freely, dripping down both their bodies. He grunted loudly as he repeatedly thrust into her hot center. Savagely abusing her body. There was no intention on his part to stifle the noises of their joining. She felt his muscles ripple with every movement. Observed with fascination how they scrunched and bulged just beneath the surface. He tilted her body back slightly, changing the angle. She cried out as he hit something. Whatever it was sent lightening down her body. It only took one more hit and the familiar sensation ripped through her body. She slammed her hand down on her mouth, stifling the screa, as she orgasmed. Walls clenched tightly around his cock, attempting to resist his thrusts. Yet he continued to force himself through. It was almost painful.

"Stop." She whimpered softly, grimacing again as he buried himself to the hilt. A low growl rumbled through his chest. He ignored her, ramming into the sensitive passage at full speed. The pleasure was fading, pain taking over with every thrust. Her body couldn't take much more of the rough treatment. Finally, she felt a familiar throbbing and once again warmth spilled into her. A low groan fell from his lips as his movements ceased. After what seemed an eternity, he pulled out. Mel blushed at the sound his flesh made as it left hers. Without a word, she hopped down off the table. With astonishing speed, she redressed and rushed out the room. Derek watched curiously as she practically fled. With a satisfied smile, he fixed his ajar jeans.

Hana kept her eyes firmly on the magazine in her hand, even when her leader emerged. The entire waiting room had heard the little romp, and she knew the girl was aware of that. The vet had enough common sense and courtesy to act nonchalantly, pretending to read an article in some old sports magazine. But Scott. The young male couldn't seem to help himself and stared at the haphazardly dressed girl. Blushing under the scrutiny of his curious gaze, Mel ran. Vanished out the door. Scott looked at the door a moment, then turned back to the other two.

"Was…Was she barefoot?" He asked.

"Yup." Hana answered, turning the page. She knew where the girl would go. Wanted to give her a few minutes of solitary peace before going to fetch her. The door to the exam room opened, and Derek walked out. He threw the new shirt on over his head. The other male wolf turned to stare at him.

"What the hell did you do?" Derek raised the eyebrow at the impudent omega.

"My mate." He answered with a shrug of his shoulders. Hana sighed and closed the magazine. Without a word, she moved into the exam room. Emerged with Mel's shoes in her hand.

"Asshole." She muttered, pushing past Derek and walking out of the office. It would be very difficult for the pack to contact Mel. Her cell was in her bag, which had been forgotten at school. Hana had already let Saint know so he could remember to bring it home. They were not allowed to howl unless it was an emergency, too dangerous. Still, she wasn't worried. Running to the spot, she picked up the familiar scent. She slowed down, approaching the spot softly. The sound of nature filled her ears. Rushing water, chirping birds, tree faring animals leaping through the branches. The lone figure was on a large rock next to the waterfall. Bare feet dangled into the running water. She moved closer. "Brought your shoes." She said softly. Mel shrugged never taking her eyes off the current. Hana sighed and sat down next to her alpha. Her sister. The girl had been humiliated, and her mate didn't even seem to realize the extent of the damage he caused. Such a jackass. Pushing aside her feelings, she forced the blank look onto her face. There was a reason she was called the brick wall.

"Thank you." Mel said, finally breaking the silence. Hana smiled and handed the leader her shoes. She knew the girl's feet had been torn up by the journey. A few of the deeper cuts not fully healed. The water had already washed away the blood, but Hana knew what to look for. It was a different location, but not the first time she had fled. Hana was always the one to go after her. She was the best tracker, but that wasn't the reason. When Mel went to hide, to be soothed by nature, she needed to hide from others reactions. Hana was the only one that could give her that type of comfort. She handed the towel she had swiped from the clinic. Mel smiled and took the cloth. Dried her feet quickly and slipped on her shoes. Hana stood up. She felt a tug on her wrist, and looked down at the still sitting girl. She seemed to struggle a bit, so Hana helped her up. Her legs seemed oddly unsteady and it worried the beta. Mel's eyes stayed glued to the rock as she spoke. "Promise not to tell Ruby."

"Of course." Hana replied gently. Mel looked at her, a slight blush on her face.

"No, I mean promise me you won't tell Ruby, but." She seemed to hesitate as her eyes dropped again. "I think I might need something for soreness."

"Of course." Hana repeated the words, forcing the smile to stay internal.

Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. :)