I want to inform everyone who reads this that this will be the final one-shot* that is based on instances in the book. I have one more planned after this, but it takes place later on in their lives, so I wanted to get all the thank you's and acknowledgement out of the way.

*Suria17: I didn't plan for the shot you had requested and when i tried writing it, it was a bit too similar to some of the other ones. I might go back and try to do it, but it'll have to be later. Please forgive me!

Firstly, to all the readers, I can honestly not thank you enough for reading these stories. If I didn't have you guys, I wouldn't have had the chance to do any of this. You're all amazing.

Secondly, I'd like to give a big shout out to anyone who has added this story to their favorites list or story alert or had listed me as a favorite author. I swell with pride and childish joy whenever I get an email that notifies me of such things. You guys rock!

Lastly, but certainly not least, the reviewers deserve, in my eyes, so much praise. I don't think that I can properly convey how happy it makes me whenever I get a review, so I think it's only right to thank you all. So, to: xxWarxx, Jacey Pennywise, suzie1811, Amethyst-Blood-Crimson-Tears, SeiyasGirl, werewolf girl8907, ange3noo, Boat Gal, Vicky, not-so-innocent011, xxStarBrightxx, NinjaTurtles909, , derekandchloe4ever, silverymoonxoxo, enosselesueht, Ashtreerose, CrazyNerdyFangirl, fireicegirl16, Emmoria, ChLeReK4ever and Suria17, you guys are seriously the best and brighten my day whenever you review.

I'd also like to really thank those who have been with me from the beginning (I feel really melodramatic, like I've written some long fanfic and I'm thanking everyone who has supported me from way back when the story started :p) You guys got me going.

Now that this ridiculously long author's note is over, we'll move onto the setting. This is-drum roll please-the end of the Reckoning* from our beloved Derek's POV.

*Alasyn, way to read my mind. I've had this written for like three weeks but have just been waiting to post it :p

What I've been waiting for

DPOV

Chloe and I went for our long anticipated walk alone after dinner, strolling hand in hand. The walk through the woods was silent, though not uncomfortable, and gave me time to openly welcome the relief that I felt and the possibilities-more like fantasies, if I was being honest-that were spinning through my mind now that I knew Chloe wasn't going anywhere.

When her aunt had agreed to let her stay so easily, without protestation, I had been surprised, though I still welcomed it with open arms. I had expected more of fight from Lauren, or at the very least, for her to vocalize some hesitation or adamancy at the suggestion that she remain with us.

That was the outcome I had prepared for, had imagined would take place and in turn, rehearsed what I would say. I had been on edge, every nerve in my body tightly wound, when the topic had been broached and ready to jump in with my carefully planned arguments at the first sight of resistance on Lauren's part.

If she thought it would be safer for Chloe to go into hiding, back to "normal society", I'd quickly put an end to such disillusion. There was nowhere safer for Chloe, surrounded by others like her, and under the care of someone with connections and inside sources within the supernatural community. Plus, would she really consider it best to take Chloe away from the only people she could truly related to? And what about the attempts that would have to be made to reintegrate Chloe back into normalcy if she were taken away? Would Lauren feel right putting so much pressure on Chloe to try to pretend to be something she wasn't? I was prepared, at the ready to break down Lauren's resolve if needed and although it was both pleasant and a relief that I hadn't had too, it was still a shame that my flawless argumentation had gone to waste.

When we were far enough away from the motel, safe from all interruptions-finally-I led her into a small patch of woods. I hesitated, suddenly unsure of what to do, of how to proceed. After picturing this much needed alone time with Chloe countless times since we had escaped the lab, it had now become a reality, thrust into my hands to do what I liked with it. Suddenly having so much control after so much time without it presented significant shock value, and I needed a moment to readjust. The result was that I was nervous now- though not of rejection or a rebuff for I knew, just knew, that Chloe and I belonged together-but of the uncertainty.

I didn't know what to do.

We no longer had the fear of impending demise or any sort of time restriction, for that matter, to urge us on, and without that, I suddenly became a shy, inexperienced, teenage boy.

The same was not to be said for Chloe, though.

She confidently stepped in front of me and following her lead, I slid my free hand around her waist, almost naturally, like it was an old habit that was too strong to break.

"So. Seems like you're going to be stuck with me for a while." she said, attempting to control a smirk.

And to hear her say it, to have her confirm it, for it to be out there that she wasn't going anywhere, absolutely elated me. I smiled honestly and carelessly, without worry for the first time in what felt like forever, but what had more likely been four years.

"Good." I said simply, though, really, 'good' didn't-couldn't even-begin to describe how I felt.

I pulled her against me and leaned down, ready to finally indulge in what our relationship had inadvertently and yet undoubtedly been leading up to. Her pulse was racing-I could hear it, feel it thumping wildly in her chest.

When my lips touched hers, I felt that same jolt-the one that awoke every nerve in my body as if they had been dormant for years beforehand-that I had the first time, but she remained tense, as if waiting for another interruption, or for me to pull away.

I pressed her against me more firmly, deciding right then and there that there was to be no more uncertainty from this moment onwards. I wanted to let Chloe know that me pulling away-pushing her away-and any indecision about us would no longer be a possibility, a problem.

Understanding my message and its implications, Chloe relaxed against me and finally responded.

I let instinct take charge.

And all coherent thoughts fell away, no longer possible to form.

All I was capable of was feeling. Feeling Chloe.

Every part of me she touched seared with heat, as if she had a live flame in her hands. All I could smell was Chloe. All I could think about was Chloe.

All I wanted was Chloe.

It was like a sensory overload and I couldn't seem to get enough.

She tightened her arms around my neck and unconsciously, I scooped her up, needing her as close as possible, needing to feel her body against mine, needing as easy access as possible to the girl who was responsible for my joy, my overwhelming emotions.

Dimly, in some faraway part of my mind that was somehow still capable of clear thought, I knew that even if the road ahead was still rocky and uncertain, and that we were still in danger, I could not be happier.

And as long as I had Chloe, I knew I never would be.

Whew! And it's done! Short and sweet and probably the second fluffiest shot here.

*Note how I said SECOND fluffiest. As I said, I have one more planned and for all you Chlerek fans, I think you'll like it ;)

R&R and thank you once again to everyone :)