Stiles woke to Derek's mouth tracing over his body, licking and kissing different points and he moaned, his cock already awake and ready for his mate.
"I've decided this one is my favorite," Derek said casually, nipping a spot near his belly button.
"Favorite what?" Stiles smiled at him.
"Favorite mole. They are all beautiful and quite tasty, but when I do this," he sucked lightly at the area, causing Stiles' muscles to twitch. "You give the sweetest little gasp and your belly jumps. It's quite sexy." His tone was conversational.
Stiles gave said gasp and bucked his hips up at the delicious sensation. "Alpha," he whispered. He couldn't help but spread his legs in invitation. Making love was his new favorite past time. Derek had woken him several times the night before and shown him how much he wanted him.
Derek surprised him by grabbing his legs and raising them until his ankles sat on the alpha's shoulders. He grinned down at Stiles and, holding him still, slid into him with a satisfied groan.
"My sweet, sweet mate. You are so beautiful and so fucking tight," Derek couldn't stop the growl that escaped him. Mating with Stiles seemed to drag his wolf to the surface and he didn't feel like fighting with himself. He knew his wolf adored Stiles as much as he did so he didn't worry that the wolf would fully come through, he just wanted to get as close to their mate as possible. He heard Stiles muttering and leaned down a bit and grinned, his chest puffing out in pride.
Stiles was chanting a mixture of "So big, so good, my alpha, so big…" He wasn't paying attention to whatever was coming out of him. All he could concentrate on was the feeling of Derek thrusting in and out of him, pumping harder and faster. "Want to please you, alpha."
Derek grit his teeth against his impending orgasm. "You do please me, mate, my omega. You are perfection. Your tight ass is driving me insane with need. I want you to come for me, sweet one." He felt like he was a teenager, he had practically no stamina when it came to the magical feel of Stiles' welcoming body. He was so tight and hot, it felt like his cock was being choked by heaven and it just made him want more.
"Yes, alpha," Stiles responded automatically. Pleasure gathered quickly in his groin and within moments, he was crying out as he spilled across his stomach and chest. Over their short time together, he found that orgasms were the most amazing sensations, but when he was ordered to come by his Alpha mate, the feelings were magnified a thousand-fold.
Derek groaned at the sight and leaned down to lick up some of the mess, humming at the taste. He lifted his head and kissed his mate, sharing the flavor before grunting as his orgasm was punched from him. He took a moment, their foreheads resting together as they breathed in unison. He lowered Stiles legs and gently massaged his thighs so he didn't cramp. Looking down, he figured he would have to accept the fact that he would never grow accustomed to the feeling of awe and humility that Stiles was his. He thought he would grow used to it and maybe he would after fifty years. Until then, he would enjoy the renewed feeling of dedication and commitment he felt toward his mate every time he looked at him.
Tracing his fingers down Stiles' pale flesh, his smile faded as he felt the small, round lumps of scar tissue. His blood had been enough to heal the wounds Stiles had, but not enough to heal previous damage.
"Who did this to you, little mate? Who burned you? You had wounds like these both times I healed you and now I find these old scars." Derek didn't want to bring up his mate's painful experiences, but the scars were all so similar it had to be the same person who did it to him. He may not be returning to wreak vengeance upon Beacon Hills yet, but he would and he wanted to begin a list of names to start with. Though, somehow, everyone would pay.
Stiles looked away from him. What should he do? Tell him it was Jackson who'd been tormenting him since the beginning? What if he decided that Stiles deserved what he got and changed his mind about being his mate?
"Stop," Derek ordered, his voice stern. When his mate's eyes snapped up to his in shock, he cupped his trembling chin. "I can see the thoughts running through your head, my mate. I can feel your uncertainty and fear through our bond." Seeing the surprise in his whiskey eyes, he nodded. "It might take you a couple of days, but you will be able to feel my stronger emotions. Including my undying love for you. Nothing you say, nothing you went through, will change my love for you. I want to protect you and I will do so. That begins with you telling me the name of the person who tortured you. Have faith in me and my love. Trust me with these little pieces of yourself and you will find me worthy."
The smaller man could see the sincere intent in his alpha's eyes. He needed to work on his trust and he would, starting now. "His name is Jackson Whittemore." Just saying his name brought fear and he began shaking. Derek quickly pulled him up and into his arms.
"You are safe, Stiles, I promise you," he swore.
"He, um, liked to heat up this round ring he wore and press it to my skin," Stiles said, his breath stuttering as he tried not to cry. "It would take a long time to get it hot enough so he and his cronies would hit me and kick me, spit on me, whatever they wanted until the next burn. He used the same flip lighter and he would stand there, flipping it open and closed. I had nightmares about the sound of it. Anyway, that's what happened." He went quiet, still shaking, burying his head in Derek's neck, breathing in the comforting scent that represented love and safety.
Derek was glad his mate was hiding his head so he didn't see the bright red Alpha eyes and fangs that punched through his gums. He could feel coarse hair growing on his face and swallowed hard so the waiting growl didn't come out. It took everything in him and the feeling of his mate wrapped in his arms to keep him from shifting and running back to that town. He would find this Jackson Whittemore and he would strip every layer of skin from his body before roasting him on a giant spit over a fire. He would still be alive when Derek began digging his organs out through his mouth.
He had to do something or he would go back now. Stiles needed him here. He pulled the wolf back in and lay his mate down on the bed. He covered him with his body, needing to use his body as protection. Derek pulled one of Stiles legs up and pushed his hard cock into Stiles always-ready body, hearing that beautiful gasp of delight. This was more of a claiming than lovemaking. This was him marking his mate again so that anyone who came across Stiles would know he was the omega of a strong alpha, an alpha who would kill to protect him. The need to mark him was so strong, he came quickly with a loud growl. He wished it was the time of the full moon so his knot would form. Though he had never experienced a knot before – it only happened during full moons when an alpha was mated –, he knew from biology class that he would produce much more sperm than usual. He wished he could do that now. He wanted to cover his mate from head to toe in his come so he could be protected that much more.
Stiles was worried about Derek. He was quiet and hadn't said a word, usually he was quite talkative when they were making love. Was he upset at Stiles? His hard-on began to wilt from worry until Derek pulled out of him and leaned down to take him into his mouth. He gave a loud whimper and held himself still from thrusting up into the hot, wet mouth of his alpha. Derek moaned and grabbed his hips, encouraging him to move. Slowly, Stiles obeyed, pumping into Derek's willing mouth. Derek growled around him and the vibration on his cock made him cry out and slam his cock as deep as it could go before coming so hard the room blinked in and out of view.
When he came back to awareness, he was snuggled up to his mate, his head on Derek's chest. He sighed happily.
"I'm not upset with you, my mate. I was feeling a little over protective and had to claim you," Derek told him, gently rubbing his back. "You might want to get used to that. I have a feeling it will happen often."
His mate didn't sound the least bit sorry. "I can definitely get used to that," he whispered.
When they were ready to check out, the innkeepers grinned at them knowingly and Derek chuckled when Stiles turned bright red and rushed out to the truck. They spent the day driving, Stiles content to listen to Derek talk about his job and the pack he had adopted in New York. He said that after living there so long, the friends he had became closer than his family ever had. They were all the family each other had and it filled that hole in them when they spent time together. During times of stress and under the full moon, they would go out to Central Park and run together.
"What if they don't like me?" Stiles asked quietly, fearful of the answer.
Derek, who had been holding his hand, squeezed it tightly. "First off, that isn't possible. We're out of Beacon Hills, people in other cities don't think like those assholes. Second, they will be happy that I am happy and third, if they dared to say anything against you, I would kick their asses."
Stiles' eyes were wide. "You would?"
"My sweet omega, what do you think mates are? They aren't like human couples that can forget their bond with some harsh words or a little bit of strife. Mates fight for each other, protect each other, put each other first in every area of their lives. I would never push you aside just because a friend had a problem with you. You are my mate. You take precedence over anyone else. In any situation. Do you understand me?" Derek looked at him intently as he gazed back and forth between him and the road. "You are my mate. That means something to me."
Stiles' eyes were filled with tears. "I have so much fear inside, Alpha. I don't know how to make it go away. Please be patient with me," he pleaded.
"Always, little mate. I will always be patient and I will always be ready to remind you how much I love you," Derek assured him.
"Thank you," Stiles whispered. His heart fluttered happily when Derek took his hand, squeezing it gently.
. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .
"Peter, I almost lost it. The fucking dick-worm burned him all over his body. He had freaking nightmares of the sound of a flip lighter opening and closing. Years he put up with this! It's amazing there is anything left of him. And that he would forgive me," Derek choked over the phone while Stiles was using the bathroom.
"Calm yourself, nephew. He did forgive you and you have to forgive yourself. Besides, you not showing up didn't give this 'dick-worm' as you call him, permission to beat the shit out of Stiles. Now, concentrate on your mate, enjoy your cross country trip. I'm your left hand for a reason. We'll work it out. Your mate will be avenged, I promise," his uncle said.
In their makeshift pack, Boyd was Derek's right hand, taking care of everyday problems, helping with training if someone needed it. Peter was the left hand. While he hadn't been needed in that capacity yet, if there was a darker need, something not quite legal or acceptable, Peter was more than willing to handle it.
"Thanks, Peter. I'm glad I have you," Derek said sincerely. He knew his uncle was unpredictable at times, but there was no doubt in his mind that he could completely count on him and that he would always have Derek's back.
"And you as well, nephew. Have a good trip. Tell Stiles I look forward to meeting him. Also, you might want to figure out what you want for your claiming ceremony. The girls are eager to get started with planning. Not to mention the protection it brings you will come in handy when we make our triumphant return to Beacon Hills," Peter's voice was filled with malicious excitement.
"Good point. I'll talk to Stiles and get back to you when we're done driving for the night. Speaking of, here he comes. Thanks again, Peter," Derek said and they hung up.
Peter smiled grimly as he looked at an aerial map of Beacon Hills, California on one computer screen. Doing a quick search on his other computer, he found a picture of the dick-worm and committed his pathetic features to memory. Finally, he would get his revenge and he would be able to help his beloved nephew at the same time. He grinned as he began planning. This was going to be fun.
. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .
"So, my beautiful mate, what would like in a claiming ceremony? I want to let my pack plan it for us and have it as soon as possible," Derek said as they were driving. They had taken several detours on their drive, showing Stiles the Grand Canyon and other beautiful sights. Now they were in the middle of nowhere and had been talking for hours. "It can be as small or as grand as you'd like, it's up to you."
Stiles gave him a now familiar worried glance. "Um, the smaller the better. After the ceremony my family had planned for us, I can't imagine going through that again."
Derek squeezed his hand. "That sounds good to me. It's actually what I would prefer too. Anything specific you do want?"
"Anything?" Stiles clarified.
"Of course," Derek was interested in what his mate could want. He couldn't help but find every detail of his mate fascinating.
"Can we have curly fries?" His mate's eyes were wide with hope.
Derek couldn't help but laugh. "I will have a crate full of curly fries delivered for after the ceremony. I love them myself."
Stiles grinned. "You're awesome, mate-wolf."
"Thank you, adorable wolf," Derek said, enjoying this lighter side of his mate.
"Can I ask a question?" At Derek's nod, Stiles took a deep breath and plunged forward. "I, um, was wondering why we have to have a claiming ceremony if we already claimed one another. The bites and all, doesn't that do the same thing? It's just…"
Derek held up a hand. "I get it, I do. It's uncomfortable and you don't like being around a lot of people." He saw the surprise on his mate's beautiful face. "I listen, you know," he said with a wink. "There are several reasons for it. It's another level of commitment, like human marriage. It will also be registered with the government and helps when it comes to insurance and wills and such. The most important reason to me is it will give me official and legal ways of protecting you, up to and including the right to issue and win a Death Challenge. They may not be done much these days, but I am more than willing to issue one should the need arise and this would protect me."
"You better not issue a Death Challenge, crazy-wolf!" Stiles cried.
Chuckling at his spunk, Derek looked at his mate. "And why is that?"
"Do you want me to worry to death? I'd have to issue my own challenge if you got hurt. And since you're all badass-wolf and would win, then I'd have to challenge a corpse, which could start the zombie apocalypse!" Stiles ranted. "Do you want to be responsible for the zombie apocalypse?"
Derek couldn't help the full bellied laugh he let out. His mate was too funny and so damn sweet, he could just kiss him into oblivion. "I love you, my mate."
Stiles grinned. "Love you, too, zombie-wolf."
. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .
Derek called Lydia who said that she, Erica, and Isaac would be happy to handle the ceremony details, including the crate of curly fries Stiles wanted. The alpha had a couple other ideas he wanted for his mate and the girls giggled with joy over his obvious love sickness.
It took three more days of long hours driving to get to New York. Derek kept in touch with his pack so the ceremony could take place when they got there. He'd wondered about waiting a couple of days so they could rest from the trip, but seeing the stress in Stiles' eyes, he agreed to have it when they arrived. He promised his mate that it would only take a few minutes, they would sign the paperwork, and then they could eat. That made him smile, his porcelain skin glowing with relief. Derek noticed his mate's appetite was growing day by day, which made him want to howl for joy. He was becoming healthier with every mile they put between them and Beacon Hills. They even spent several afternoons hunting together as wolves, Stiles growing more in touch with his wolf than he'd ever been. It was a beautiful sight.
His mate grew quieter as they got close to Derek's house. He knew he was nervous about meeting everyone, but he knew there was nothing to worry about. It was proved when they pulled up and saw the sign hanging from the porch.
WELCOME HOME STILES AND DEREK!
The whole pack was standing there, waving and smiling at them. Derek came around and pulled his shy mate from the truck, kissing him and causing a cheer to rise from the porch.
"You can do this, they are going to love you," he assured him.
"Okay," Stiles whispered.
He couldn't help but walk slightly behind Derek as they approached the porch, instinctively seeking protection behind his body. Derek realized it quickly and pulled his body into his own larger frame, keeping him tucked close.
"Everyone, this is my Stiles," Derek announced proudly, keeping his arm around his omega.
"Hi Stiles!" Everyone called.
"Come on, let's get you two inside so you can rest a bit and the introductions can be made," an authoritative voice said.
Stiles saw a short but voluptuous redhead move forward and start ushering people into the house. She was beautiful. Come to think of it, Stiles realized everyone here was beautiful. As he was introduced to each person, they all welcomed him and he did his best to memorize their faces and names. Boyd, Derek's right hand, and his mate, the blonde Erica were very friendly. Erica commented on his Batman shirt and mentioned they would have to discuss comics later. Lydia and her mate Parrish seemed to be the caretakers of the group, making sure everyone had what they needed. Isaac and Liam were an adorable new couple. Apparently they'd spent almost a year staring at each other from across the room before Erica couldn't take it and locked them in the bathroom until they finally shared their hearts with each other. Kira was the newest member of the pack, a kitsune from Seattle who had the coolest sword Stiles had ever seen and promptly geeked out on.
"I hear my nephew and newest nephew are back," a man said, coming into the room.
Stiles immediately knew it was Peter, Derek's uncle and the one he was the most nervous about meeting. This was as close to Derek's family as he was going to get and he wanted to make a good impression.
"Mr. Hale, it's an honor to meet you," he said softly, offering his hand to the tall man with the piercing blue eyes.
Peter stared at him for a moment before taking his hand and gently shaking it. "You are so freaking adorable. If my nephew wouldn't kill me, I'd be tempted to tuck you in my pocket and just carry you around all day." His charming smile made Stiles blush and grin.
"I'd rather be in Derek's," he said and then turned a deeper red when everyone gave suggestive whoops and catcalls. "His pocket, you bunch of pervy-wolves!" he groaned again and giggled when they continued to tease him about being in Derek's pants.
Peter grinned and smacked Derek on the back. "I definitely approve. I like him. He'll grow even more out of his shell and I predict he'll be running this pack with an iron paw within a month."
Derek returned the smack and laughed. "And they will love every second of it, won't they?"
"Indeed," Peter returned.
Lydia suggested they move into the conservatory for the ceremony. Derek had a huge house that Stiles had yet to see and he looked forward to seeing the rest of the beautiful space. The conservatory was beautiful, a large open round room surrounded by windows on all sides. Even as dark as it was outside, he could see trees and decorative shrubs planted everywhere. It was like a breath of nature inside the house. The windows and French doors were opened and the smell of flowers and fresh air was filling the room. A small table sat in the middle with a single piece of paper and pen sitting on it. Candles sat on every other available surface and were quickly lit by the pack, creating a soft, golden glow.
Stiles and Derek moved to the table and took hands, the pack standing in a circle around them. Peter stood across the table, holding a piece of paper.
"Since you two didn't have any vows you wanted to say, I dug out the ones I used with Anna," the man said hoarsely. "I hope that's okay."
Stiles knew about his history and a tear slowly slid down his cheek. "We are honored," he said, his voice soft in the somber moment.
Peter gave him a grateful look and he knew it was the right thing to say. He handed the paper to Derek who turned to Stiles and read the words. They were perfect.
"Stiles, when you fall, I will catch you; when you cry, I will comfort you; when you laugh, I will share your joy. Everything I am and everything I have is yours, from this moment forth and for eternity," Derek said with a loving smile on his face. "I promise to love you forever."
Stiles took the paper for him and looked at the circled verse for him. He knew he was going to cry so he took a deep breath. "Derek, I take you to be my mate, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the wolf you will become and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you forever." He was right, he was crying. From the sounds of sniffles and whimpers, he knew he wasn't the only one in the room doing so. As Derek had predicted, he could feel his mate through their bond and right now, he was sure they both felt the deep love and devotion they felt for one another.
Peter took the paper back and smiled at them, the shine of tears in his eyes. "Derek and Stiles, you have promised and claimed one another as mates. This pack stands around you, ready to support you and uphold you through every trial and joy life brings you. May you be eternally blessed."
"May you be eternally blessed," the pack chorused after him.
"Now, we just need your signatures on the certificate," Peter said and the newly mated pair signed, Stiles happily signing his new name, Stiles Hale. "The final step is a drop of blood from each of you. It is said that the blood signifies a pact between you, a sacrifice showing that you physically give of yourself to the relationship. Claws out, gentlemen," he said with a wink.
Derek let his claws grow and took Stiles hand in his. A gentle prick got a tiny drop of blood to bead up. Stiles dripped it in the circle under his signature. Stiles concentrated and quickly turned red when he couldn't get his claw to come out without fully shifting. Derek whispered a command in his ear and he smiled his gratitude as his claw quickly formed and he held it over Derek's finger. Derek understood and applied pressure against his mate's claw. Blood formed quickly and he dabbed his finger against the certificate.
As soon as his finger lifted from the parchment, a gust of wind went through the room. Lydia, Erica, and Kira's hair flew around them and yet no candle so much as flickered. They all looked at each other and laughed it off. The room erupted into applause as Peter introduced them as Derek and Stiles Hale. Without prompting, the pack lined up and began congratulating them.
Peter was first. "Alpha Hale and Omega Mate Hale," he said and gave a small bow of his head. Omega Mate was the official title of an Alpha's mate, it was a true sign of respect and acceptance to be addressed by the title. Stiles blushed a deep pink, but smiled and thanked his new uncle.
From there, each pack member acknowledged their alpha and his new mate, not realizing what they were doing. The room grew warm, that mysterious wind picking up again. By the time Kira was finished greeting them, the rest of the pack were openly concerned and wondering what the hell was going on.
The moment Kira lifted her head from its small bow, every candle blew out and the windows slammed shut.
Derek drew Stiles to him, as every other pair did. Peter stood in front of Kira even as she drew her sword.
That was when the room began to glow…
. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .