Chapter Four

Gerard finally stretched out on the hotel bed, closing his eyes with a content smile on his face. He'd won. Derek Hale would most likely be dead by morning. He sincerely and truly looked forward to that news. Sure his master plan had been thwarted, but that didn't matter. If Kate's ex was dead he could die of cancer a fairly happy man.

"Care to test that theory Gerard?"

His eyes shot open and his face turned sidelong, taking in Peter Hale. The ex-alpha had an amused smirk on his face. Gerard's fearful expression only made the look more gleeful.

"Its been a long time hasn't it?" Peter asked, his voice casual enough, but something dangerous in his smile. "You know we can't read emotions perfectly, but I could have sworn I caught something... you being content to die knowing Derek was dead too. Hm?"

Gerard's lip trembled and his expression turned angry. He jumped up, reaching for his gun on the nightstand, but Peter was faster. The older wolf grabbed his wrist, twisting it only slightly, but with enough strength to bend steel. Peter's grin became more cruel and ruthless as Gerard cried out in pain.

"You should have ran Gerard," Peter taunted him, licking his lips hungrily. "You've obviously forgotten something about my family... Hale family values. We stick together. You hurt my nephew, you hurt me."

Gerard's wrist gave a nasty crack as Peter twisted it in a complete circle. The old man was now groaning with pain at the top of his lungs. Peter placed his hands on the sides of Gerard's face, the wolf giving the old man an amused look.

"Look on the bright side Gerard," he whispered with a nasty grin. "This way it won't be cancer."

Then he popped the old man's neck out of joint, killing him instantly. Peter looked at the corpse, his eyes burning without an ounce of pity. The monster who'd been behind the massacre of he and Derek's family was finally dead.

ooOoo

Stiles remained by Derek's side, now able to get a little sleep himself, knowing the alpha was going to be ok. Someone shook him awake.

"Huh?" he mumbled sleepily.

His best friend's face came into focus.

"Stiles its three o'clock. Derek's awake."

Sure enough, Derek's bed had been raised to help him sit up. He was eating. The Sourwolf gave him a strange glance and continued nibbling at the food, every once in awhile giving a disgusted look.

"Hospital food sucks," he remarked grumpily.

"Nice to hear you back to your old self," Stiles said with a playful smile.

"Thanks," Derek told him with a smirk. "You too. I don't know what I'd do without your wisecracks and sarcasm to get me through my day."

Scott seemed to realize he should give them some privacy.

"I need to go find my mom," he said. "For somethin..."

Derek and Stiles watched the door close behind him, turning their gazes to each other. Stiles opened his mouth to speak, but Derek beat him to it.

"Stiles... I haven't been entirely truthful with you. Lousy friend doesn't even begin to express it. Truth is... the reason why I brush you off... "

Derek was finding it hard to express himself. Stiles understood and gave him a gentle smile.

"You don't have to force it Derek. What you did last night said it all. I mean everything."

"You know what I was going to say last night then?" Derek asked. "That you're my... "

He grimaced, still finding it so foreign to be open.

"I'm your what Derek?"

Stiles gave him an expectant look. Derek wasn't getting off on that one. The alpha sighed, deciding to word this another way. He wanted to be open about this and not beat around the bush all evening.

"Stiles what I'm trying to say is I have... feelings."

Did Derek think he was going to reject him?

"Didn't you hear what I said last night?" Stiles asked him. "Any of it?"

"I heard bits and pieces of it," Derek admitted. "I think I was drifting in and out, always coming close to waking up. It was your voice that had the most effect on me. Stiles... did you mean what you said?"

"Can you be specific Derek? I said a lot."

"What you said about needing me," Derek whispered. "About wanting me in your life?"

Stiles seemed to be in thought, his eyes looking into Derek's with anxiety and confusion. He was still a teenager with questions about his sexuality. Sure he'd kissed Derek last night, but was he ready for something serious? Then he realized he'd meant those words, every bit of them. He did need Derek. He did want him in his life.

"Yes Derek," he said gently. "I meant it."

The alpha's expression became curious and considering. Stiles was almost sure he was about to be rejected. Derek had just had a weird moment last night when he'd wanted to kiss him. He was straight right? He probably just had really strong feelings of friendship or brotherhood. Stiles was quite wrong...

"Stiles I want that for us," Derek whispered, giving him gentle and soulful eyes. "I can't believe that you're like... her. She said those same things to me, but she lied. She didn't mean a word... "

"Derek no," Stiles insisted, shaking his head. "I could never do that. I... I love you."

His breath hitched. Those words had quite literally slipped out. Derek's gaze was even more thoughtful. He knew that Stiles really meant it, giving the boy a hint of a smile.

"Love you too."

Stiles smiled and stood from the chair, leaning over Derek's bed again. His face hovered above the alpha's, asking him for permission. Derek looked back, the expectation in his eyes obvious as his lips parted a little. Stiles leaned down, connecting their lips. This time Derek had enough strength to kiss back, the two of them sharing a few gentle pecks before Stiles pulled away with a hint of blush to his cheeks. The wolf raised his fingers to gently stroke the teen's cheek.

"God Stiles... "

The boy was just that amazing.