3.

I stood there for a moment, staring at him with wide, confused eyes. They traveled over his body, remembering everything about him. He looked different, yes, but he seemed familiar. His pale green eyes were still hardened and calculating like they were before, but they were red-rimmed and there were circles under his eyes, as if he hasn't slept in weeks. His raven hair was disheveled, stubble sprouting along his strong jaw, where I noted he was grinding his teeth together. His eyes narrowed slightly, before widening, staring at me like I was a ghost. Which I kind of was. He fingered the cuff of his leather jacket, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Hi." I said casually, shoving my hands into my jacket pocket. I refused to stare at him face on, staring at the detail of the bark of the tree he was leaning slightly on.

Derek's eyebrows rose. "Hi?" He responded, confused. I bit my lip, shrugging, unable to bring myself to say anymore. I originally didn't want him to know I was alive, at least not until I knew everything, but since it was too late, I wanted to keep it clean and simple. I didn't need anymore blood on my hands.

I looked up at the bedroom window where Stiles was hanging halfway out, staring down at us. I shifted my eyes, infuriated with him, snarling at him. Startled, he almost went tumbling out of the window, but Scott grabbed a hold of his flannel, bringing him back into the room. Scott stared down at us for a moment before slamming the window shut.

I looked back at Derek, my eyes shifting back to human. His eyes trailed over my body, his eyebrows rising even more when he saw I had hacked off all my hair, but he didn't comment. Only curling and uncurling his fists. "How are you alive?"

"Seems to be the question of the day," I replied, sarcastically. I crossed my arms, avoiding his gaze.

"What's wrong?" Derek seemed a bit taken aback with my cold attitude, but being the all-time sour wolf, he narrowed his eyes.

"Nothing," I swallowed the emotions that were bubbling up before speaking again. "I, uh, was on my way out. I have a couple things I need to do." I took in account that my voice was cold and guarded.

"Need a ride?" Derek offered, gesturing to his black Camaro sitting in the driveway. I smiled at the car for a moment before shaking my head at him.

"Uh, yeah, um, that's really nice of you to offer, but I want to walk. Being in the ground kind of gives you an appreciation for fresh air." I gave him a small smile before turning on my heels and walking down the path that I had mapped in my mind. My heart panged slightly from the way I was treating Derek, but he was better off without me. I always have been a ticking time bomb.

"I'll walk with you." His voice was rough, telling me there was no way I would be able to stop him. I let out a small sigh as he met me and we walked in sync. Every so often our fingers would brush against each other and I would shiver from the contact. I gritted my teeth, shoving my tingling hands in my jacket pockets.

"So, what have you been up to?" I asked, attempting to get a conversation started. He looked over at me, one eyebrow arched in amusement. I looked at him.

He rolled his eyes slightly and shrugged, "Erica and Boyd are still missing. Isaac and I've been in and out, looking for them for a while now." Derek spoke, his jaw tense. I looked over at him, hungry for more information on my friends, but his gaze was forward. "But that's not what I want to talk about. How are you alive?"

"I have no idea." I shrugged.

Derek rolled his eyes, letting out a low growl before turning abruptly and grabbing a hold of my shoulders. He pushed me into a tree, his hands pressing down on my shoulders. It left warm imprints and continuous shivers down my back. The contact made me want to throw my arms around his neck, but I kept my arms to my side, staring coolly into his eyes. "You're alive." He breathed out. He licked his lips before hungrily pressing them to mine.

That was it for me. Every plan I had of being strong and keeping Derek safe from the Experiment dissolved quickly. I wanted nothing more than Derek, Derek, Derek, Derek. His arms snaked around my waist, bringing my closer. I pressed my lips harder against his, my hands tangled in his messy hair. Our lips moved together as a low moan escaped my lips. Derek responded with a small smirk before moving his hands under my shirt, his hands pressing against my bare back.

I shivered under the contact, bringing my back to reality. "Derek," I gasped out. He didn't respond, only pressing his lips harder against mine. "Derek!" I tried again, but he still wouldn't respond. Unable to think of a different solution, I pressed my hands against his chest and shoved him away. "Derek!" He took a startled step back, his eyes filled with rage.

"What?" He glared.

"We—we can't." I shook my head to rid the thoughts that continued to scream that we can. I crossed my arms over my chest and started to walk away from him.

He caught my waist, pulling me back against him. I let out an irritated sigh and his eyes narrowed even more. "We can't do what?" He snarled out.

"This." I refused to meet his eyes. My heart picked up slightly as it ached. I gritted my teeth. "We can't do this. Ever again."

Derek crossed his arms over his chest, letting me go. I stumbled back slightly. "I'm curious." His nostrils flared in anger. My chest continued to ache as I saw him only get angrier and saw the hurt accumulating in his eyes. "Why not?"

I knew this moment was going to come; I had an answer, but was I ready to rid this relationship? I stared at Derek, remembering how he had protected me in the past, even keeping his feelings at bay so the sensations wouldn't affect us. I bit my lip, ready. I took in a deep breath before speaking. "You make me weak."

I watched as his expression change, his eyes had a slight tint of the Alpha red as he nodded slowly.

"I make you weak." He repeated.

"I'm sorry."

"Okay, if that's what you want, then it's fine." Derek looked away.

"I'm really sorry, I—,"

"I said its fine, Tala. Do you listen?" He snarled out.

I bit my lip, blinking away the tears that were threatening to overflow. "If you want to leave, I understand." I started to walk away, but I caught his eye roll.

"Didn't I say I'll walk with you?"

"I guess," I responded, allowing him to catch up.

Please don't hate Tala too much; she's only trying to protect Derek. Anyway, thank you for reading! If you don't mind taking the time out and reviewing, I'd appreciate it! I'm sorry for the long wait for this chapter, I'm adjusting to college and it's taking most of my time! Anyway, I'll get chapter four up as soon as I can! Stay cute.