Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Stiles looked at the long line and sighed as Scott rang up another person. He really hated the lunch rush. Who the hell needed coffee in the afternoon? Really. Wouldn't it mess up their sleep schedule later that night? Well… at least it would mess up his. But coffee affected Stiles a little differently than some people because of his ADHD.

He took the receipt from Scott and looked at it. “Another Caramel Macchiato? They know that this isn't Starbucks, right?”

Scott shrugged. “Sorry, man. I mean, we know how to make them, right? Let’s just do it so we don't have to hear them complain about it.”

Stiles sighed and grumbled his displeasure under his breath. He really hated dealing with the people and their special drinks, but that was why he wasn't working the register. Stiles would rather make the coffee than deal with people. At least, not the people that wanted a million things done to their coffee rather than taking it black, regular, or at least some kinda cold brew that wasn't too crazy.

He’d learned more about coffee than he ever thought he would have over the last few months. And he really needed this job, because he was taking a year (or two) off before he was going to college because he needed the money for his tuition.

Thankfully his dad said he could stay at home while he worked on saving money for school, so he didn't have to pay rent or worry about bills — which meant all his money was going into savings. Unfortunately, Stiles didn't really make that much making coffee. It was better than minimum wage, but at this rate, he might have to take a few years off before he enrolled at the local university.

He finished a few coffees and called a few names, setting the cups on the counter for people to pick up. It was done all on autopilot, which was how Stiles’ day went most of the time. After heating up and handing another customer a sandwich, he turned around to look out into the space, seeing that the line had died down and their lunch rush was over.

Which meant he could check out the hot dude that had come in almost every day for the last week.

Mr. Honey-Almondmilk-Flat-White-with-Whipcream.

He was the only person that Stiles wanted to ring up at the register because it was really the only time that Stiles ever got to talk to him. Stiles melted when the dude smiled or even looked at him with those pretty hazel eyes, which were always different colors each time Stiles had seen him come in the last week.

Scott always poked fun at him when their shift was over because of his crush and he really wished sometimes that he didn't work with his best friend. Scott was never going to let him live it down when Stiles’ crush went nowhere and the dude ended up not coming back at some point.

Over the week, Stiles noticed that he’d met with several people a day, and with enough eavesdropping, he’d learned that he was interviewing people for a live-in nanny position that came with not only a budget but a nice salary.

The kids were four-year-old twins and Stiles wondered what happened to their mother since he hadn't heard anything about a second parent during his eavesdropping sessions.

He cleaned the counter and sanitized a few pitchers before leaning against the counter and pointedly ignoring Scott who was trying to poke fun at him for watching the latest disaster of an interview.

The woman left and the dude looked defeated, which Stiles hated. He grabbed a pitcher and poured almond milk in it, whipping up a honey almond milk flat white with little effort and poured it into a cup before putting a lid on it.

Stiles shook his head and pushed Scott’s hand away when Scott tried to stop him. He really tried to make it casual, but there was no way that the dude wouldn't know that Stiles had been watching because of what he was about to do, especially since Stiles had memorized his drink.

“Hey,” Stiles said carefully, smiling when those eyes he wanted to lose himself in looked up at him.

“I figured you needed a pick me up after that last one.” He handed him the cup and when Mr. Honey-Almondmilk-Flat-White-with-Whipcream took the drink, Stiles sat across from him in the cushy chair he usually took his break in.

The dude sniffed it and then took a sip. “You know my order…”

“Well, yeah. You’ve been ordering it for like, the last week when you’ve been in here.” Stiles smiled and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’m Stiles.”

“Derek,” came the short response. Derek put his coffee down on a small table next to him. “Thank you for the drink. Is there something I can do for you, Stiles?”

There were several things Stiles wanted Derek to do to him, but he managed to refrain from offering since that wasn't the reason he was over here. Any other day though, Stiles would be jumping at the opportunity to get into Derek’s pants.

“You have a position open for a nanny…” Stiles watched Derek carefully and Derek’s features were schooled, but Stiles could tell he was curious because his eyes spoke more than he must realize. “And I wanted to interview for it.”

“You… be a nanny.” Derek’s words sounded disbelieving, yet amused at the same time. But it wasn't a question.

“Yeah, why not?” Stiles shrugged and smiled, hoping that he was giving off what smelled like confidence and trust, especially since he knew that Derek was a werewolf. One of the many things he’d learned during his eavesdropping sessions.

“You’re, what? Seventeen?” Derek sighed and leaned back in his chair, resting the ankle of one leg on his knee and gripping it, his eyes focused on Stiles.

“Uh, no. I’m 19. But I’ll be 20 soon.” Stiles rubbed his hands together. “I’m taking some time off before I go to college. Kinda saving up money for tuition in the meantime.”

And Derek looked almost desperate at this point. Stiles didn't know why any of the people Derek interviewed didn't make the cut, but he figured Derek would need someone soon for his kids and Stiles hated his job. He liked coffee and he was good at making drinks, but that was the extent of what he liked about working at the coffee shop.

Derek sighed, raising his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose then dropped his hand. “Why not.”

Stiles tried not to vibrate with excitement at the chance to get out of this hellhole and make more money to save for school. Taking care of two kids shouldn't be too hard, right?

“What experience do you have with children?”

“Well, I volunteer down at the recreation center and help out with the children’s activities. I can get some references from there if you’d like.” And that was the extent of Stiles’ experience with kids. He liked them, but none of his friends or family had any.

“That’s a start.” Derek’s eyes were focused on Stiles, looking as if he were unsure of what to make of him. “If you’ve been listening in, then you know the kids are werewolves and they’re four.”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, I heard that part, too.” Nerves started fluttering in Stiles’ stomach as he studied Derek, wondering what Derek thought about the whole thing.

Stiles knew that he wouldn't trust anyone that had been watching him for a week, but he also didn't have supernatural senses, either. There was no way that Derek hadn't at least known he’d been watching him for some amount of time at this point. Even if he’d just caught Stiles checking him out the few times he’d looked in his direction.

Derek didn't say anything as he watched Stiles as if he were waiting for Stiles to continue, raising his brows and motioning with his head like ‘and?’

“And one of my best friends is a werewolf?” Stiles offered. “I haven't been around a lot of children that are werewolves, but I helped Scott through his first change and it’s been a learning curve ever since.”

After a beat, Derek sighed and set a notepad down in front of Stiles. “Write down your information, including your social security so I can run a background check… you’ll have to go in to get fingerprinted also with the company I use. And then, after that, we can do a trial run to see if you have what it takes to take care of two four-year-old werewolves.”

Stiles grabbed the pad of paper and the pen Derek handed him, scribbling his information down, but making sure to write the numbers clearly. Stiles handed them back to Derek, saying, “Uh, Stiles is a nickname, but for the background check you’ll have to use the name I listed.”

Derek took the pen and pad, looking down at the name. He frowned at it. “I’m not even going to attempt to say that.”

“It’s okay, most people can't.” Stiles shrugged and rubbed his hands together again.

“So… you’ll call me?” He hated how unsure he sounded like he was begging Derek to call him and follow up with the interview. Or if he wasn't going to hire him, at least call him so they could possibly hook up sometime.

“I’ll run your information and submit it, then call you so you can go in and do your fingerprints. And we’ll go from there. Sound fair?” Derek twisted the cap back onto his heavy, fancy pen and slid it and the paper pad into a leather messenger bag he had sitting next to his chair.

So, Derek had money. Obviously. Because he had enough to pay for a live-in nanny for two kids that also came with a budget to care for those kids.

“Yeah, sounds good.” Stiles stood, offering his hand to Derek.

When Derek stood and took his hand, Stiles almost melted at his touch. His hand was so warm and his skin was softer than Sitle thought it might be. He wondered if his beard was just as soft and how that would feel rubbing against his body.

Stiles didn't let go of Derek’s hand right away when Derek tried to pull it away, but when Derek paused, that jolted Stiles out of his haze and he hoped Derek didn't smell any arousal coming off of him because that would be a bad first impression.

“Thank you,” Stiles added, releasing Derek’s hand and stepping back as Derek grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

“I’ll see you around, Stiles. Thank you again for the coffee.” Derek picked up his coffee from the side table and left.

Stiles wished he’d stay, but damn he liked watching him go as he checked out Derek’s ass.

It was going to be torture waiting for Derek to call him.

Stiles hoped he called sooner rather than later. He couldn't wait to get outta here.

***

It had only taken a few days for Stiles to get everything done that Derek had asked of him, but it had taken two weeks for them to get the background check back.

Stiles was glad he’d never been charged for anything that he’d done as a teen, but it helped that his dad was the Sheriff in Beacon Hills. Which meant that his background check was clear and Derek wanted him to come in for a trial run for the day.

He was exhausted, though, because Stiles had to be there before the sun came up so Derek could get to work on time. He wasn't even sure what Derek did for a living and Stiles hadn't asked. As long as he got paid and was able to save for college, he really didn't care.

Stiles parked the Jeep in front of a large, one-story ranch-style house. It looked nice. Not too showy, not too plain. His house was two-story, but this one was likely around the same size when it came to floor space. It looked newer and nicer than his home, though.

He clambered out of the Jeep and closed the door behind him, twirling his keys on his finger and sticking them into his pocket.

Stiles started up the path to the front door, but it opened before he reached it. Of course, Derek was there waiting for him. Damn werewolf hearing. He really should be annoyed by it, but Stiles was used to it because his friends were supernatural and he was the only human of the lot.

“Hey,” Stiles said quietly around a yawn.

Derek nodded at him, motioning with his head to come in. “The kids are still asleep. Come in.”

“Oh, okay.” Stiles stepped through the threshold and he was pleasantly surprised with what he found inside. It was… normal.

The living room was cozy and looked warm and lived in, with throw blankets over the chairs and couches, and toys strewn across the floor in various places. With how much Derek was paying him and the budget he had to take care of the kids per week, Stiles imagined the house would be different.

Derek was quiet as Stiles followed him into the kitchen.

“Here’s a list of numbers, in case you need to call anyone. Mine is here too and so are the rest of the pack’s.” Derek picked up a set of keys from the counter and held them out to Stiles. “For the SUV in the garage and the keys to the house. In case you need to take them anywhere, run any errands for the household today, or there’s an emergency.”

Stiles looked at the keys in Derek’s hand, still in disbelief, but he reached out and took the keys from him. When their fingers brushed, Stiles swallowed the thickness in his throat.

“We’ll probably just stay here, but I’ll hold onto them.” He pushed the keys into his pocket as Derek pulled his wallet out and fished a card from it, and handed it to Stiles.

“Whatever you need for the kids, you can put it on this.” Derek held the card out to him and Stiles stared at it for a moment before taking the card from Derek too.

“So if all this works out, then I guess I’ll be moving in with you guys.” And that shouldn't make him nervous, but Stiles was suddenly thinking about seeing Derek in his boxers around the house at some point, either on accident or because that’s how he imagined Derek slept.

“We’ll talk about that when I get home. But, yes. You’ll have your own space. I can show it to you later, but I need to get going.” Derek seemed hesitant as he stood there, watching Stiles like he didn’t want to leave.

“I won't let anything happen to them,” Stiles promised, trying to reassure Derek that his kids would be safe with him. “They’ll be okay while you’re gone.”

Derek nodded and took a deep breath. “I’ll call around lunchtime. I might have time to stop by and have lunch with you and the kids.”

“Anything you want me to make for lunch?” Stiles asked, smiling.

“Surprise me. But make it something healthy.” Derek had a tiny smile tugging at the corner of his lips and Stiles found himself wanting to see more of that.

“Right, including vegetables. Check.” He smirked and leaned his hip against the counter. “I’ll see you at lunch… maybe. Either way, we'll be here.”

“Thank you, Stiles.” Derek hesitantly reached out and clasped Stiles’ arm, giving in a gentle squeeze, which had Stiles’ arm feeling like it was on fire.

“Anytime.” They stood there staring at each other for moments that felt longer than they were before Derek finally left Stiles alone with the kids. He reached up and rubbed his arm, chasing the feeling of Derek’s hand.

Stiles knew that touch was important for werewolves and he wondered how long it would take him to get used to Derek touching him so casually. He sighed and ran his hand over his face, taking the list and looking it over.

He might as well get breakfast started before the kids woke up. Stiles had a feeling that it was going to be a long day. At least, until the kids got used to him.

***

Screams and giggles came from the living room, which had Derek smiling as he closed the door and locked it behind him. He headed toward the noise, knowing that Caleb and Leah likely had Stiles playing a game where he was their willing victim.

It had been six months since Stiles moved in with them.

Six months of living together.

It was hard at first, learning how to share his space with someone other than the kids or his pack, but having Stiles around all the time quickly grew on Derek. Especially because he was so good with Caleb and Leah.

Caleb and Leah.

Derek still remembered when he’d found them during his run one full moon; pups yipping and howling, barely old enough to leave the den.

Then he’d found their parents, both born wolves, slaughtered nearby. Derek couldn't leave them there, knowing that whatever hunters were near would come back for them if they found out they’d left wolves behind. So he’d taken them with him and claimed them as his, promising to raise them as his own.

That was four years ago.

Thankfully they never asked where their mother was and Derek didn't offer that he wasn't their biological father. They knew that he turned into a wolf and so could they and that seemed like it was enough for them. Plus, being surrounded by his pack (Isaac, Boyd, and Erica) made sure that the kids were showered with love all the time.

Now they had Stiles, too.

Stiles, who was standing on the couch with a broom in his hand, using it like a sword, and a massive blanket fort was strewn across the living room.

Caleb and Leah were growling and jumping at Stiles, shifted into their beta form, giggling each time Stiles pretended to use the broom to hack them away.

“You’ll never get me!” Stiles shouted and right then, Leah pounced with all her kid werewolf strength and landed on Stiles, knocking him onto the couch, soon followed by Caleb. Stiles screamed like he was being mauled, but Leah just rubbed her cheek on Stiles and he wrapped his arms around her and Caleb when the boy joined them.

They had been doing that more often, marking Stiles with their scent, and Derek wondered if Stiles really knew what it meant. He knew Scott and Stiles’ other friends never scent-marked him because he never carried anyone's scent but his own, and the kids’ now.

Derek cleared his throat and two little heads peeked over the blanket fort, then happy squeals of, “Daddy!” filled the room as they lept off of Stiles and ran over to Derek. He knelt down to hug both of them, even as Caleb and Leah clung to him like they were little monkeys instead of little werewolves.

“It looks like you two were having a great time with Stiles. How long did it take you to make this blanket fort?” Derek rubbed his cheek against the top of Leah’s head, then against Caleb’s.

Caleb and Leah talked at the same time, practically yelling at him about how they’d made the blanket fort and dragged all the blankets out of everyone’s room so they could have enough to cover all the chairs and loveseats.

Derek chuckled and glanced at Stiles, who was smiling and leaning on his elbow where he was laying on the couch. And Stiles looking like that, laid out on the couch all disheveled, really shouldn't make Derek feel the way he was feeling.

“We’ll clean it up, I promise.” Stiles stood up then, moving over to them and rubbing his hands along Caleb and Leah’s backs while Derek held them. “I made dinner.”

“Whatever you made smells delicious.” Derek held onto Caleb and Leah instead of putting them down and reaching out for Stiles like he wanted to. With Caleb and Leah’s scents all over Stiles, Derek wanted to mark him too with his scent.

His wolf growled with the thought of marking Stiles and making him smell like pack. Like family. Like home.

Stiles gave Derek one of those smirks that had Derek thinking about other things. It always looked more mischievous than he thought Stiles meant it to be.

“I made pot roast, with those red potatoes and carrots that you like,” Stiles said, stepping away and turning to head into the kitchen, Derek following close behind him with Caleb and Leah still in his arms.

“That sounds great,” Derek replied, walking over to the table and sitting first Caleb and then Leah in their high chairs.

“How were they today?” Derek crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter, watching as Stiles moved around the kitchen like he belonged there. Then again, he’d been living there for the past six months. At this point, it was as much as Stiles’ kitchen as it was theirs. And Derek liked the way Stiles looked, comfortable with himself in their space. Like he wanted to be there with them.

“They were great, like always. I mean there were a few breakdowns but nothing serious. Just, you know, kid things.” Stiles grabbed plates and set them on the counter, then walked over to the oven and pulled out a pan that smelled absolutely divine.

One of the best things about Stiles moving in (other than how he was with the kids) was the cooking. Derek could feed them all, but Stiles could actually cook. More than just something that would feed them and sustain them. Derek had enjoyed the last six months of home-cooked meals. If Stiles decided he never wanted to be a nanny again, Derek was tempted just to hire him on as their live-in chef.

The twins would be going to school next year when they turned five and Derek wasn't sure how that would work with Stiles as a live-in nanny still. The kids needed to be picked up and cared for after school, but wouldn't be there during the day.

Unless Derek decided to homeschool them, which was something he was thinking about if they couldn't control their wolves by the time they went to school. They lost control every now and then when they had their little breakdowns over things like not sharing crayons and who had whose bear.

“Good. I’m glad,” Derek replied as Stiles started filling the plates with pot roast, potatoes, and baby carrots.

Stiles filled two smaller plates with the same as theirs, but he shredded the meat and squished the potatoes, and cut the carrots. Derek wondered why he bothered since the kids would have no problem devouring anything put in front of them because they ate more than a horse. But he understood that sometimes Stiles treated them like human children, being overly cautious with them. Like when he cut grapes in half.

When Stiles handed Derek the two smaller plates, Derek took them with a smile and walked to the table, putting them in front of Caleb and Leah. “Remember, we eat with our forks and spoons and not with our hands.”

“Yes, Daddy,” came the combined chorus. Caleb picked up a spoon and Leah picked up a fork and Derek watched as they started slowly eating their dinner. Sometimes it was hard for them to be in human form because they’d spent a lot of their childhood as baby wolves when he’d first found them. They often still shifted and stayed that way throughout the day.

At least until Stiles started living with them six months ago. Now they tried to stay human because Stiles was human. Derek was both thankful and concerned about the whole thing, but it helped them learn how to be more human so they could hopefully go to school next year.

Derek ran his hand over each of their heads before he turned back to Stiles and took the plate Stiles handed to him. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Stiles smiled at Derek and they sat at the table with the kids.

“Caleb, hold it like this.” Stiles reached out to help Caleb hold his spoon so it would be easier for Caleb to scoop up the mashed potatoes and baby carrots.

Caleb took the spoon back from Stiles and held it as Stiles directed, carefully scooping more potatoes up and eating them quietly, nodding at his success and Stiles chuckled at that.

Everyone ate in comfortable silence, the kids chattering here and there about their day with Stiles and Derek going about their usual small talk. They were always mostly focused on the kids, so Derek never really had time to talk to Stiles alone like he wanted to.

When they were done with dinner and had the dishes piled into the dishwasher, Stiles, Derek, and the kids crawled into the blanket fort with the front flap thrown up so they could see out of it.

“Alright, so are we watching Wall-E or The Avengers?” Stiles asked, taking the controller as Derek handed it to him.

“Wall-E!” the twins shouted, followed by a chorus of, “Wall-E, Wall-E, Wall-E!”

Stiles laughed and Derek had a small smile that was reserved just for them, his kids and Stiles. Stiles, who wrapped his arms around Leah when she crawled into his lap and opened the menu on the TV to choose Wall-E from the list.

It made Derek’s heart melt and he knew then that without even having meant to, he’d fallen for Stiles in the last six months.

Caleb tucking himself against Derek’s side drew him from his thoughts as Caleb nuzzled against him and Derek held him close.

The movie started and they watched as Wall-E cleaned the Earth of trash as much as he could, found life in a refrigerator, and fell in love with Eva.

Before the robots made it to space, the kids were already asleep. Derek carefully scooted out of the blanket fort with Caleb in his arms and stood, then helped Stiles up as Stiles held Leah against his chest.

They quietly took the kids to their shared room and tucked them into their beds before creeping out and closing the door behind them. They waited to see if either of the twins woke and when they didn't hear anything, they headed back to the living room and started picking up the blanket fort.

“Sorry for the mess,” Stiles said as he picked up another blanket and a few stuffed animals, sitting the toys on the couch.

“It’s perfectly fine. Nothing we can't clean up…” Derek folded one blanket and set it aside before grabbing another one, careful not to look at Stiles too long. He didn't want to make Stiles uncomfortable.

“Time just got away from us.” Stiles smiled when Derek looked up, tossing another toy onto the couch, and grabbed a random blanket from the other loveseat. “I promise they had lunch on time and a snack before dinner.”

Derek chuckled. “If they didn't I’m sure I would’ve heard about it non-stop how meanie Stiles didn't give them snacks.”

Stiles laughed softly, tossing the blanket onto the stack next to Derek.

“I learned my lesson after that first week. Scheduled snacks are a must.” Stiles stood there awkwardly, and Derek put his blanket down before looking up.

“So…” Derek crossed his arms over his chest like he had earlier, not trusting himself enough not to reach out for Stiles like he wanted to.

“Yeah…” Stiles’ eyes drifted across Derek’s face, pausing on what might have been his lips if Derek didn't know better. “Goodnight, Derek.”

“Goodnight, Stiles.” Derek chanced a deeper breath when Stiles turned away and started across the house to his suite, letting Stiles’ scent wash over him. It calmed Derek and he watched until Stiles disappeared from his sight before turning and going to his room.

Maybe one day he’d find a mate, and even if he wanted it to be Stiles, Derek knew it would never happen.

Derek had his pack and his kids. That would have to be enough. He loved them all so much.

The last thing Derek thought about before drifting off to sleep were amber-colored eyes and moles dotted across pale skin. And how much he wished one day that Stiles would love him.

***

The next six months went by so quickly and slowly at the same time. Stiles’ days were about the same every day, other than whatever moods the kids were in. They had breakfast, played until lunchtime, ate lunch, then Stiles taught them how to read and count numbers until Derek got home. Most days, at least. Sometimes the reading and the playtime were flipped, but the kids did well on the schedule Stiles had for them.

Today was one of the days that the kids were baby wolves most of the day instead of humans. Then again, it was close to the full moon so those days were always up in the air when it came to their schedule.

It had been twelve months since Stiles moved in and became part of the Hale family. He wasn't technically part of the pack, even though Stiles thought he might want to be. That wasn't the reason he was here. He was here to help with the kids. It was his job and what he got paid for.

But it was more than that to Stiles. Stiles loved Caleb and Leah and he found himself wanting to be part of their lives permanently. He didn't know what he was going to do if Derek decided he didn't need a nanny anymore once the kids were in school. He’d miss the money, sure, because he had a nice savings going for school, but Stiles knew that he’d miss the kids more than anything. They’d been his life for the last year.

He’d taken them to meet his dad one day, then spent the rest of the day at the park with the kids both as humans and wolves until he’d brought them home tuckered out and in need of a nap.

Today was one of those days. Where they spent most of their time outside, trying to work off all the extra energy the kids had because of the upcoming full moon. They’d had their afternoon nap after lunch and ran around the yard playing so hard that Stiles was surprised they were awake enough to eat dinner when Derek got home.

Derek was reading to the kids after they’d tucked them in and Stiles was in the kitchen cleaning up the dishes, a song playing on his phone that sat on the counter, the volume low so the kids wouldn't wake up if they’d already fallen asleep.

All Stiles could do was think about Derek as he washed the dishes, setting them on the other side of the double sink when he finished one and then another.

Derek being a good father did things to Stiles, and then he was thinking about Derek’s eyes and how he sometimes thought Derek was looking at him just a little too long.

And Derek’s lips… his smile, one of those that made his eyes crinkle at the corners… Derek’s hands and how Stiles wanted to feel them on his skin, gripping him so tight against Derek’s body and Derek pressing him up against the nearest flat surface.

Stiles took a deep, shuddering breath. He really shouldn't be thinking about Derek like that. But it was so hard not to because anyone could see how attractive Derek was and Stiles had wanted him since the first day he’d seen him walk into the coffee shop.

But there had been no indication that Derek even liked dudes, much less him, like that. Stiles knew he was just imagining all the times he thought he might’ve caught Derek staring at him. It was his imagination because of how much he wanted Derek.

He was just a nanny. No matter how much sometimes he wished that the twins were his just as much as they were Derek’s. When Derek told him about the twins and how he’d found them with their murdered parents, all Stiles did was hold them close all night and they’d had a camp out in the living room blanket fort that they made at least once a week for movie nights.

Stiles looked up when Derek came into the kitchen, giving him a soft smile. “Hey. They fall asleep?”

“Before the book was done. I read it all to them, though, and waited to see if they were going to wake up before I made my grand escape.” Derek crossed his arms like he always did when they were alone together and leaned against the counter behind Stiles.

“Good. I’m surprised they didn't wake up asking for one more story.” They did that sometimes when Derek or Stiles tried to leave; they’d wake up just as they were climbing out of the bed and ask for one more story, which neither of them were able to deny them.

“Not tonight… you really wore them out today.” Derek smiled one of those smiles that filled Stiles with warmth, the little crinkles at the corners of Derek’s eyes a tell-tell sign that it was a real smile. Where Derek showed his teeth and Stiles always wanted to tease him about how the gray was coming in in his beard.

“That was my goal. Get all their baby-were energy out so they wouldn't be waking us up in the middle of the night for more stories.” Stiles chuckled and put the last dish in the double sink, then drained the one he’d had filled with soapy water.

Derek moved to stand next to him and grabbed a kitchen towel, taking the dishes as Stiles rinsed them and Derek dried them off. They were quiet as they worked through the dishes, then put them away with the same comfortable silence.

When Stiles turned around after putting up a plate, he bumped right into Derek and Derek didn't move away as Stiles laughed nervously. “Sorry… I didn't realize you were so close.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” Derek replied, almost in a whisper.

Stiles’ heart started rabbiting in his chest, the heat of Derek’s body against his winning against his better judgment. But Derek stepped away then, his hand reaching down to take Stiles’.

“Dance with me?” Derek asked, sounding uncertain to Stiles’ ears.

“What?” Stiles asked, gripping Derek’s hand when Derek pulled him further into the open space of the kitchen. “Here?”

Was this really happening? Did he fucking fall asleep and the twins were loose somewhere getting into trouble while he was dreaming about Derek? Fuck.

It had to be. But Stiles didn't wake up.

“It’s good as any other place.” Derek drew Stiles’ hand to his chest, placing it there and covering it with his hand as his other hand moved to Stiles’ hip and pulled him in close.

Stiles had lost his fucking mind if he was dreaming about dancing in the kitchen with Derek. But Derek’s hand moved around to his lower back as a quiet song played on his phone where it sat on the kitchen counter.

The heat of Derek’s body against his grounded Stiles and he finally stepped into Derek’s embrace, his free hand moving up to circle around the back of Derek’s neck.

Stiles was afraid to speak, worried that he’d scare Derek away and they’d lose this quiet moment they had to themselves. They swayed, pressed together with no space between them and Stiles wanted to lean in and kiss Derek as he stared into Derek’s eyes as if he’d find answers there.

Derek just smiled softly at him and that wormed its way right into his heart. Just like Derek had over the past year.

“Derek—”

“Don't. Just stay with me.”

Stiles didn't miss the way Derek’s gray-green eyes dropped to his lips and Stiles’ stomach squirmed with excitement and nervousness. He closed his eyes and sighed, giving himself over to the moment and what he was feeling.

He thought Derek might kiss him. Instead, he felt Derek’s forehead press against his and Derek’s breath playing against his lips. Stiles’ fingers played along the back of Derek’s neck and Derek rumbled with one of those happy sounds he often made.

Stiles didn't even know what song was playing as the soft tunes filled the kitchen, barely loud enough for him to hear. He stayed with Derek though, letting himself live in the moment for once.

When the song stopped and it skipped to the next song on his playlist, Stiles didn't let go. He just wanted to hold onto Derek and ask him to make him his. That wouldn't be too crazy, right? After living together for a year?

Before he could say anything he felt Derek’s face draw back and Stiles opened his eyes, the softest look on Derek’s face filled with so much emotion that Stiles didn't know what to say.

“Thank you, for the dance,” Derek said quietly, his words sounding fragile to Stiles’ ears.

“Anytime…” He wasn't sure what the smile on his face looked like to Derek, but Stiles imagined it was shy and maybe a little awkward, especially since they were still holding each other standing in the middle of the kitchen.

When Derek let him go, Stiles hesitantly removed his hands from Derek’s chest and neck, instantly missing the contact.

“Goodnight, Stiles.”

“Yeah, goodnight.” Stiles leaned against the kitchen island, his eyes locked with Derek in the most intense gaze Stiles had ever held with anyone. He felt something between them and he wondered if Derek felt the same thing.

Derek didn't say anything else as he left the kitchen and Stiles dropped his head forward, running his hands over his face. Did that really happen? What did it mean? If anything. Fuck.

Well. He guessed that might answer some questions Stiles had. It definitely wasn't a platonic dance which meant that Derek was definitely into dudes. Or at least him.

Now Stiles didn't know what to fucking do with himself, but he’d have to figure it out at some point.

He shook his head and grabbed the kitchen towel from the counter and hung it under the cabinets, then grabbed his phone. He’d figure it out later.

Stiles turned off his playlist and headed to his room, resolving that at some point he’d talk to Derek about it when the kids or his pack weren't around. Which meant that it was going to be a few days before he’d be able to do that.

But maybe, just maybe… maybe Derek felt something too.

For the first time, Stiles let himself hope.

***

The full moon came and went and Derek spent the majority of it shifted into a wolf. It was the only way that he could control himself around Stiles. He’d taken Caleb, Leah, and the pack out to the preserve where they spent the last three days running and hunting and letting the moonlight fill them.

He’d stopped by each night to check in on Stiles, little to Stiles’ knowledge, but he still stopped by the house to make sure everything was fine and Stiles was safe inside. Not that Derek expected anything to hurt Stiles, but it made him feel better knowing that Stiles was okay when he was away for so long.

They hadn't gotten a chance to talk about what had happened a few nights ago.

In the kitchen.

Derek didn't know what came over him. He wanted to blame the full moon, but he knew full well what he was doing when he did it. He’d just wanted to be closer to Stiles and he couldn't deny himself that anymore.

Thankfully Stiles was receptive to his offer to dance in the kitchen but it was more than a dance to Derek. It was the first time he’d let himself have anything since the fire, the one that took his life because some hunters thought all werewolves should die just because of how they’d been born into lycanthropy.

His family hadn't known any of them, and the last thing he saw was Laura, his sister, fighting to keep him safe before she’d made him leave her. Derek had run as far as he could away from Beacon Hills and he hadn't returned until he’d found Caleb and Leah.

They needed a home and this was Derek’s home. The home that had been taken away from him all those years ago from no fault of his own. So he’d built a pack and their lives revolved around the kids most days. At least Derek’s did.

But now there was Stiles and Derek’s wolf wanted him more than Derek had wanted anything ever before in his life. Stiles smelled of home, safety, and like his mate. A mate that he thought he’d never have.

He didn't know how he was going to talk to Stiles about it though, especially if Stiles didn't know anything about mates. But with how much Stiles knew of the supernatural and things that stalked in it, he had hope that Stiles might know what mates were.

Derek let himself into the back door, dressed in nothing but the sweats he’d taken with him when he’d left and Caleb and Leah rushed through the door through his legs and off to their rooms to play. They were still shifted into their wolf form, but it would take them some time to learn how to shift back and forth easily.

They still had a hard time shifting back into human children unless they were around Stiles because they knew they couldn't talk to Stiles unless they were children and not wolves.

Derek closed the door behind him and locked it, then stepped into the living room. It was quiet other than the little growls and tinny howls he could hear in the twins’ bedroom.

He heard Stiles before he saw him and Derek stood there staring at Stiles. He missed him more than he’d realized, not having seen him for days with his human eyes.

“You’re home…” Stiles shifted where he stood from foot to foot, rubbing the back of his neck and averting his eyes.

“Yeah… sorry we were gone so long. I just—the twins wanted to stay out for the full moon so we did.” It was a white lie, one that Derek had to tell so he wouldn't tell Stiles the truth. That he wouldn't have been able to keep his hands off of his mate during the full moon.

“I just—I guess I didn't know what to do with myself without you guys around.” Stiles licked his lips and that drew Derek’s attention to them before his gaze met Stiles’. “I missed you guys…”

Damnit. All Derek wanted to do was cross the room and wrap his arms around Stiles, hold him close, and reassure him that they’d all missed him too.

Instead, he said, “We missed you too. All of us.”

Stiles’ brows furrowed and he looked like he was deep in thought, one of his many questions about to escape his mouth. Sure enough, Stiles said, “You can talk to each other when you’re shifted into wolves? Like, magical mind talk?”

Derek laughed at that. It wasn't what he’d expected, but most things that came out of Stiles’ mouth were things he didn't expect. “Um, no. I just know. The kids love you and I—” Derek couldn't say that. “I missed you too…”

A silence hung between them and Derek wished he knew what he could say to make things better. They were awkward and they had been since they’d danced in the kitchen. He really needed to talk to Stiles about everything.

“Stiles—”

“I’ll make you guys something to eat.” Stiles’ eyes dropped to Derek’s chest and Derek looked down at himself. Right. He was just wearing sweats. “If you wanna take a shower it’ll be done by the time you’re out. I should probably bathe the kids too.”

“I’ll take care of it. Whatever you want to make is fine.” Derek hesitated, his focus solely on Stiles instead of the twins he could hear playing in their bedroom with god knows what toy.

“Okay…” Stiles looked like he wanted to say something else, but headed into the kitchen instead.

Derek sighed and scrubbed a hand over his face. He really needed to learn how to use his words better when it came to his feelings. But he’d never felt this way about anyone before.

He hurried off to shower and then took care of bathing and dressing the kids before corralling them into the kitchen. They both promptly shouted, “Stiles!” and squeezed Stiles’ legs in unison.

“Hey, kiddos.” Stiles smiled at them and reached to down rub his hand over each of their heads and down their backs.

They didn't let go of Stiles as he made what looked like grilled cheese sandwiches on the stove. Derek noticed Stiles had been scent-marking the kids more often now and he wondered if Stiles even noticed what he was doing.

“Come on. Let’s get in our chairs so Stiles can make your grilled cheese sandwiches.” Derek said, walking over to them and detaching his children from Stiles’ leg like they were barnacles on a boat hull.

They protested but Derek managed and got the kids into their seats, giving them each a sandwich as Stiles finished them and handed them over. “Here you go,” he told them.

“Do you want tomato soup? I made some just in case you wanted some too,” Stiles asked as he poured one bowl of soup.

“Yeah, that sounds great.” Derek walked back over to Stiles, standing next to him as he poured another bowl of tomato soup and set it on Derek’s plate next to his grilled cheese.

Derek dared to reach out and rest his hand on the back of Stiles’ neck. And Stiles leaned into his touch, closing his eyes and dropping his head forward like he’d been needing to feel Derek’s hand on him for days.

Guilt ate away at Derek as he gave Stiles’ neck a gentle squeeze then ran his hand down Stiles’ back gently. “Later… after the kids are asleep… we’ll talk.”

Stiles raised his head and met Derek’s eyes and it took everything Derek had in him not to just lean forward and kiss Stiles right there in the kitchen, children, grilled cheese, and tomato soup be damned. But he couldn't do that.

“Okay,” Stiles breathed and looked down at the plate in front of him. He picked it up and handed it to Derek. “There’s more soup if you want more after you’re done with that.”

“Sounds good.” Derek took his plate, Stiles following him to the table with his own, and they sat on either end of the table with the kids between them.

They ate and the kids chattered about their time with the pack and the full moon, telling Stiles things that they remembered when they were shifted into wolves. Sometimes they didn't remember everything, but that was something that would be easier the older they became and gained more control over their shift.

Derek finished first, then listened to the kids and Stiles talk, reminding the twins that they needed to finish their food so they could get ready for their bedtime story. That refocused them and he watched as they devoured the rest of their food.

Stiles picked up all of the dishes and Derek gathered the kids in his arms.

“Come on, my little wolves,” Derek teased and the kids giggled, rubbing their cheeks against him as they held onto him. “Time to put you to bed.”

“And we get a story!” Caleb practically cheered.

“I want Goodnight Moon,” Leah chipped in.

“I want The Cat in the Hat!” Caleb added.

“Noooo, we read the one last time,” Leah huffed. “We read Goodnight Moon before that!” Caleb retorted.

“How about we read both of them,” Derek offered as he jiggled them in his arms to distract them. They agreed and Derek glanced at Stiles. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

Stiles nodded and smiled at them as Derek took the kids to their rooms, tucked them in, and read them not only two, but three books because they wanted another story. And Derek couldn't tell them no. Of course he couldn't. They might not be his by blood but they were his. His pack. His family. His. Just like he wanted Stiles to be his too.

Derek looked up to see Stiles leaning against the doorframe watching him. He raised his hand to his lips so Stiles wouldn't say anything and he carefully untangled himself from Caleb and Leah’s arms, setting the book in his hands on their nightstand.

Once he was free, Derek crept as quietly as he could out of their room and closed the door behind him, Stiles moving into the hall with him.

“Sorry,” Derek whispered. “They wanted another story, so, you know.”

“It’s okay,” Stiles replied and walked with Derek back into the living room.

Derek motioned to the couch but Stiles just stood there in the middle of the living room just staring at him. Derek could feel his eyes burning into him like Stiles was trying to ask him a question without words that Derek didn't understand.

He reached out for Stiles’ hand and without Derek saying anything, Stiles melted into his arms. It took Derek by surprise, but his arms wrapped around Stiles, holding him close.

When Stiles’ lips pressed against his, Derek didn't hesitate, kissing Stiles deeply, one hand moving to cup Stiles’ face as he kissed him. And Stiles’ hands—Stiles’ hands were gripping and clawing at his chest like he couldn't get close enough to him.

“Mm, Stiles—Stiles—” Derek reluctantly broke the kiss.

“Don't stop,” Stiles breathed, looking at Derek with pleading eyes.

“We should talk first, but I want you to know that I don't want to stop…I promise, okay?” This was the worst part. Having to stop so he could do the right thing, no matter how much he wanted to drag Stiles off to his bed to claim him and mate him.

Stiles looked deflated and Derek hated that look on his face, so he leaned in and kissed Stiles, softer this time instead of desperately. It was gentle and exploring as Stiles pressed against him, smoothing his hand into Derek’s hair and sighing into the kiss.

When they parted, Derek pressed his forehead against Stiles’ their breath heavy between them.

“So, we’re supposed to talk?” Stiles asked, sounding dazed.

Right. Right. They were supposed to talk. Derek couldn't strip Stiles and take him to his bedroom. They had to talk first. If Derek could even get his brain to work past StilesMateStilesStiles.

“Let’s sit down…” Derek guided Stiles over to the couch and sat down, carefully pulling Stiles down next to him. He held Stiles’ hand in his, brushing this thumb over Stiles’ skin, unable to stop touching him now that he’d started.

“Okay…so…talk. What’s going on, Derek?” Stiles placed his hand over Derek’s that was atop his with an expectant look, waiting for Derek to say something.

And it all came tumbling out. Derek couldn't keep anything from Stiles, not now, not anymore. He told Stiles about how he felt, about Stiles being his mate, about how hard it was to stay away from him once he knew Stiles was his mate, and how much he and the wanted Stiles to be part of their pack. Part of their family, officially.

Whenever Stiles was ready. Derek would do it now if Stiles said yes, but he knew that Stiles would likely need time to process everything because it was a lot to take in and think about.

“Are you okay?” Derek asked cautiously, worried that he’d said too much.

“Yeah, yeah—just, it’s a lot.” Stiles didn't let go of Derek’s hand though, holding it even tighter.

“I know… and you can take as much time as you need if you want to think about what I said. If you want to be a part of this… or if you don't.” And god, Derek really hoped Stiles didn't decide he didn't want to be part of their lives anymore, because that would end with him suffering the rest of his days without his mate and Derek knew it would be a miserable and pointless existence.

“Okay…” Stiles replied quietly, nodding and looking down at their hands. He breathe deeply and looked up at Derek. “Can I sleep with you tonight? I don't care what bed we sleep in, or if it’s the couch. I just want to be close to you.”

“Of course. Anything you want.” Derek had no problem giving Stiles that, giving him anything that was in his power to give him. “Whatever you want…all you have to do is ask me, Stiles. And I promise if I can do it, I will.”

Derek meant every word, his wolf wanting to provide and please Stiles in any way that it could.

“Let’s start with sleep,” Stiles replied with a small smile, that blotchy color spotting his cheeks when he was nervous and embarrassed about something.

“Sleep sounds good.” Derek stood up and tugged Stiles to stand with him. Instead of leading Stiles down the hallway, he swept him into his arms bridal style which had Stiles laughing and throwing his head back, his arms wrapping around Derek’s arms.

Then he sobered and covered his mouth like they were about to get caught, snorting another laugh through his hand.

“Oops,” Stiles whispered. “Hopefully I didn't wake the kids up.”

Derek walked through the hallway toward his bedroom, listening and shaking his head. “They’re still asleep,” he responded, but a smile was spread across his face.

“Good,” Stiles chuckled. “‘Cause I think if I have to read Goodnight Moon one more time I might lose my mind. We really should get the kids more books.”

Derek walked through his bedroom door, closing it behind him with his foot, and took Stiles to his bed, laying him out on it. And fuck, Stiles looked good in his bed. But Derek had to control himself. Stiles just asked for them to sleep together, not to have sex.

“I think if we buy them more books they’re still going to want to read Goodnight Moon at least three times a week,” Derek teased as he crawled into bed next to Stiles.

Stiles didn't hesitate as he rolled over and cuddled up against Derek’s side. Derek wrapped an arm around him, holding him close and resting his head atop Stiles’.

“Goodnight, Stiles,” Derek said softly, pulling a blanket over them.

“Goodnight, Derek.”

With Stiles’ scent wrapped around him and Stiles pressed warm against his side, sleep pulled Derek under quickly, his wolf content with his mate at his side.

***

The next two weeks flew by in a flash and Stiles wasn't really sure what to do with himself between taking care of the twins and planning their birthday party. They had just turned five and not only had they had the pack over, but Derek had invited neighboring packs to the twins’ party also. Something about alliances and treaties and how Beacon Hills was Hale territory.

Stiles didn't really understand it all yet, but he trusted in whatever Derek was doing. He wouldn't do something that hurt any of them.

He walked around the backyard and picked up random streamers and decorations the kids had strewn across the place, shaking his head and hoping that the birds didn't eat anything that could kill them.

Then there was Derek… which Stiles’ mind drifted to often lately. The last two weeks he’d slept in Derek’s bed, or Derek had crawled into his and they always fell asleep holding each other.

Nothing else. No sex, some kissing.

Stiles wasn't sure if Derek was waiting for Stiles to initiate something more, or if Derek just wasn't interested in that right now.

It made a little sense, with kids in the house, anyway. Stiles had never had to think about that before, dealing with little ears that could hear them, especially with werewolf hearing.

Stiles made a note to ask about that soundproofing that Issac mentioned to him earlier. The pack was well aware of how much they smelled like each other, but also that there hadn't been much else between them yet.

Of course, that meant that Erica had to ask him all sorts of inappropriate questions for a five-year-old’s birthday party. He couldn't promise that people hadn't overheard with how pushy she’d been with some of the questions. But there were just questions Stiles didn't have the answers to, so he couldn't give them to her.

Plus, he doubted Derek would appreciate it if he had the answers and gave them to Erica.

Stiles shoved more decorations into the trashbag he was holding, trying to clean up while Derek said goodbye to the rest of the packs and Erica, Boyd, and Issac ran around with the twins. He was glad that they were taking the twins for the night for a slumber party at Erica and Boyd’s place.

Which meant that he and Derek would be alone in the house for once. Together. With no kids around.

The implications had Stiles’ stomach twisting in anticipation and excitement. He wondered if they could… if Derek would… if Stiles wanted to. It hadn't been something they’d talked about yet, but Stiles didn't see why they wouldn't.

Derek told him how he felt for him, that he’d wanted to claim him as his mate and make him part of his pack. The thought of all those things sent a warmth through Stiles’ chest and he raised his hand to rub over his heart, as if Derek were there, buried inside of his chest, making him whole.

They’d lived together for over a year now. It wouldn't be too crazy, right? And Stiles hadn't told Derek yet, but he was pretty sure that Derek knew that he returned his feelings. How couldn't he know? Stiles practically fell into Derek’s arms the first time he’d touched him after their kitchen dance.

Stiles finished the area he was cleaning and tied the bag, walking back over to the porch and tossing it to the side so he could take it out to the trash in the morning. Squeals and shrieks sounded behind him from the twins, along with pleas for Isaac and Boyd to save both of them from Erica.

He leaned against the railing, watching them play with the pack. His pack. Or, well, they would be his pack soon enough. At least, Stiles hoped they would be.

“Hey,” Derek said, walking up beside Stiles.

Stiles did his best not to jump, he really did, but he still flinched and shook his head. “I swear you should really wear a bell all the time.”

Derek chuckled and Stiles’ eyes dropped down to his lips before returning to his eyes. And damn, Stiles really wanted to lean over and kiss Derek right now. To feel Derek’s hands on his skin, pressing under his shirt—and he really had to get his thoughts under control or he was going to have an inappropriate boner right here.

Instead, Stiles reached over and took Derek’s hand into his, giving it a squeeze.

“Sorry if I startled you,” Derek said, turning Stiles’ hand over and brushing his fingers over it with his other hand.

“It’s okay… I should be used to it by now. I mean, we’ve been living together for over a year now.” Stiles smiled and Derek laughed softly at that.

Derek nodded, looking thoughtful.

“We have…” Derek paused and looked out into the yard where Erica, Boyd, Isaac, and the kids were strewn about the grass, laying in the sun. “I packed the twins’ bags already… they’ll be leaving soon. Erica said she’d send us text updates because she knows that we’ll be worried while they’re away. She promised to keep them alive, though.”

Stiles glared at Derek but Derek chuckled and shrugged.

“They’ll be fine,” Derek assured him. “She hasn't killed them yet,” he joked, “and they’re werewolves, so they’re almost indestructible. For children, anyway.”

“That doesn't make me feel any better,” Stiles replied, shaking his head. Now he was going to worry about them more, wondering what they were getting into the second the pack took their eyes off of them.

“Three adult werewolves against two four-year-old werewolves. I think the twins might take over the world and defeat the apocalypse at this rate.” Derek’s tone was teasing and Stiles still wasn't having any of it.

“Ha-ha-ha. Don't tempt fate. I know the reputation this town has, let’s not ask bad things to happen just because we’re making a joke about it.” Stiles hated to think that anything terrible might happen to any of them for real.

Derek pulled Stiles into his chest, wrapping his arms around him and pressing a kiss to his temple. “We’ll be fine… they’ll be fine. I promise. Nothing’s going to happen.”

Stiles believed him. Things had been quiet since he was a kid in Beacon Hills. Thankfully whatever Hellmouth that seemed to be here all those years ago must have closed up on its own. Life was relatively normal and Stiles was grateful that nothing was coming for his found family.

His pack. He was going to be part of the pack, officially. Soon.

Stiles wanted that so much. He’d been surprised about everything Derek had told him two weeks ago, about being mates and everything that entailed. Stiles knew about werewolf mates because his best friend had one and from what research they’d gathered. But he never thought he’d have his own mate, much less an Alpha mate with two kids and a whole pack that would also become his once they made it official.

“Thank you,” Stiles said softly and rubbed his cheek against Derek’s chest. “For everything.”

“I should be the one thanking you,” Derek replied softly. “You’ve given us so much…”

Before Stiles could answer, he was startled by little bodies slamming into them and soon enough Caleb and Leah were climbing up into both of their arms, Stiles holding Caleb quickly in case he lost his balance.

“You scared me,” Stiles told Caleb and Caleb just cackled with laughter as if it was the funniest thing in the world.

“We wanted to say goodbye!” Leah said and hugged Derek tightly. “Aunt Erica went to get our bags.”

“We figured we should get out of here and let you guys have some peace,” Isaac offered as he came up the porch steps and plucked Caleb out of Stiles’ arms. “Boyd went to get the car. Erica wanted to take them to get ice cream before we head home, even though we told her that was a bad idea.”

Oh, lord. The kids would be up all night if Erica fed them sugar before bedtime. “You realize you guys won't be getting any sleep, right? Because of the ice cream…”

“That’s what I told Erica, but she seems to think it’s fine because she’s designated Boyd and me to be the overnight babysitters.” Isaac looked unamused with that idea. “Which means it will likely just be me. You know Boyd goes wherever Erica is.”

“I heard that!” Erica shouted as she came out of the house with two bags in tow.

“Well, where’s the lie?” Isaac asked her as she bumped her shoulder with Derek’s.

“I see no lies. Only the truth.” Erica smirked with her perfect red lips. “And it’s just the way I like it.” She laughed.

“Can you please make sure to bring my children back to me in one piece…” Derek grumbled, but they all knew he didn't mean it. He played grumpy werewolf when it came to his pack, but really he was just a big softie. Stiles was lucky enough to see that all the time.

“I promised I would, but I made no promises about the other two betas in your pack here.” She shrugged. “Plus, they need to get into a little trouble sometimes. Otherwise, how else are they going to learn?”

Derek sighed and raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. “So when they’re fifteen in the back of a police car, I should tell them to call their aunt Erica?”

Erica laughed harder, looking amused with herself. “Yeah, no. I’ll likely be with them, so we’re going to be calling you to come pick us up.” Erica smirked.

“Actually, make that the three of us and your two pups because you know these two are going to be wherever I am,” Erica added, motioning to Isaac and Boyd.

Boyd looked confused as he joined them again. “What’d I miss?”

“And I’m the one that’s supposed to be the Alpha,” Derek grumbled again and shook his head.

“Well, my dad’s the sheriff, and if he doesn't retire by then, they might be off the hook. Then again, I’ve spent most of my life down at the station, so I could probably get the kids freed of any charges… legally or otherwise.”

“Legally. Everything is going to be legal,” Derek countered.

“Right. What Derek said.” Stiles knew he was supposed to not want the kids to get into trouble, but he remembered how much trouble he’d gotten into when he was a teen and the only reason he didn't have a permanent record was because of his dad.

Derek and Stiles said goodbye to the twins and the pack, watching them pile into Boyd’s SUV and drive off. Stiles felt anxious, both over being alone with Derek and having the kids so far away from him for the first time in a year.

“So… the party was a success,” Stiles said with a chuckle, pushing his hands into his pockets.

“Now they’re five.” Derek nodded and headed back into the house, Stiles following him. “And they’ll be starting kindergarten in the Fall. It’s going to be hard on all of us, but I think they’ll like it at the new supernatural school. They’ll have other kids around them that are just like them.”

“That’s true.” Stiles knew it would be good for them to be around other supernatural kids other than just the pack. It would help them socialize and learn how to be part of the human world. At least, more than Stiles helped them with that. “I’m still gonna miss them during the day, though… I mean, if you’re going to keep me on as their nanny.”

“Stiles…” Derek turned around, pulling Stiles in close and running his hands up and down Stiles’ arms. “You’re much more than that to me now. To us. All of us, even the pack. But if you’re worried about the money, you don't have to worry about that anymore.”

Derek kissed Stiles softly then, even as Stiles’ head was still spinning.

“What?”

Derek couldn't mean what he was thinking Derek meant. Did he?

“If you’re going to be my mate… if you want to be, then what’s mine is yours. I’ll help you pay for school and you can even move the rest of your things in here if you want. I take care of the pack, too, if they need it. And you’re the most important person to me besides the kids.”

“Really?” Stiles asked, confused. He knew that being Derek’s mate would be different, but he never expected—

“Or I can keep paying you like I have been and you can keep saving and paying your own way if you want to earn it. Whatever you want to do Stiles, I’ll help you with it.”

Wow. It was the last thing he’d expected, to be able to afford his college education without struggling to pay for it. “I’ll make sure to take online classes, so I can be home with the kids.”

“Or, you can take classes during the day when they’re at school and pick them up when they’re off,” Derek offered, still holding Stiles close. “We’ll make it work. I know Erica, Boyd, and Issac have some days off classes so if you need to take a longer day on one of those days, they can pick up the twins for me.”

“Okay,” Stiles replied softly. There wasn't much more he could say to that, other than to thank Derek, but his words were failing him right now, which didn't usually happen. “I should probably clean up the blanket fort.”

Derek chuckled and leaned in to kiss Stiles again, slow and sweet. “Leave it,” Derek whispered, as if little ears could still hear them.

“Yeah?” Stiles asked with a grin.

“We’ll be rebels today. We don't have two five-year-olds here to tell us we didn't clean up.” Derek’s smile was radiant and Stiles wanted him to look like that always.

Stiles reached up, playing with Derek’s grown-out beard that he loved so much, and leaned in to kiss him thoroughly.

“Well, I have a few ideas…” Stiles teased, drawing away from Derek and taking his hand, walking with him through the house.

Derek laughed softly. “Oh, do you?”

Before Stiles could answer, Derek picked him up and threw him over his shoulder, which had Stiles laughing as Derek carried them off to the bedroom like a caveman. Stiles couldn't complain though, because Derek’s ass was a perfect view from down here, and he reached down to squeeze his butt as he walked.

When Derek set him on his feet again, they were both laughing.

Stiles wrapped his arms around Derek’s neck as he kissed him deeply and he felt Derek’s hands grip his waist and pull him closer. His hands moved to the hem of Derek’s shirt, pushing it up and pulling it off.

Derek grinned at him, kissing him again as Stiles’ fingers worked on Derek’s jeans, working the button and fly open with deft fingers. Soon enough, Derek was stepping out of them and pushing Stiles closer to the bed, his hands roving Stiles’ body.

“Someone has a little too much clothes on,” Derek said when they reached the bed, sitting down and looking at Stiles with those gorgeous eyes that Stiles swore were made of sin.

“Well, I think you should help me take them off,” Stiles teased, already stripping his shirt as Derek undid his jeans.

Derek leaned in to bury his face against the hair on Stiles’ stomach, breathing him in deeply and rubbing his beard there. Stiles closed his eyes and held back a moan, his fingers moving into Derek’s hair.

He was such a fucking tease, but Stiles couldn't complain when he knew that Derek was marking him with his scent. And his beard felt fucking amazing. He wanted it rubbing all over his body. “Derek—”

Derek didn't wait as he pulled Stiles’ jeans and underwear down, leaving them pooled at Stiles’ feet. He moved down, rubbing his soft beard against Stiles’ dick, burying his face in the dark curls there and breathing deeply.

It made Stiles so fucking hard that he thought might die if Derek didn't touch him soon. He didn't have to ask when Derek’s mouth was suddenly on him and he groaned, unable to hold it back any longer. Derek’s mouth was hot and wet, swallowing him down like he was starving.

“God, your mouth,” Stiles breathed, Derek’s hands gripping his hips and holding him firmly as Derek sucked his dick. Stiles swore he’d have bruises in the morning shaped like Derek's fingers, but he didn't care when Derek’s mouth worked his dick, taking him deep into his throat.

Stiles whined when Derek pulled off, his eyes meeting Derek’s. His mouth looked red and swollen and perfect and Stiles leaned down to kiss him hungrily before Derek could say anything.

“Need to get you naked,” Stiles breathed between kisses, and within two seconds Derek stripped his underwear off, then pulled Stiles into bed with him. That was so fucking hot that it was ridiculous. How Derek could manhandle him with all his werewolf strength, but was still gentle with him.

Stiles crawled on top of Derek, straddling his hips as Derek wrapped his arms around him, their lips crushing together. Stiles groaned when he felt Derek’s fingers slip between his ass cheeks and rub over his hole. It made his dick pulse with precome, smearing over Derek’s skin as rocked against him.

“I want you in me. I want to feel you inside of me.” Stiles pressed his ass against Derek’s hand, kissing him again as Derek massaged his hole. “Please tell me you have lube,” he mumbled between kisses.

“Of course I do,” Derek replied with a chuckle. “If I can reach it…”

Stiles laughed then. “Where is it?”

“Top drawer in the nightstand on my side of the bed.” Derek gripped and squeezed Stiles’ ass in his large hands, kissing over Stiles’ chest and rubbing his beard there.

“God, I’m never gonna be able to get it if you keep that up,” came Stiles’ teasing words, but he really couldn’t move away from Derek’s hands and mouth, and fuck Derek was going to fuck him soon.

Derek gave a dissatisfied sound, smacked Stiles on the ass gently, and nodded with his head toward the drawer.

Stiles didn't waste any time crawling over the bed to grab the lube out of the top drawer, Derek’s hands never leaving his body, smoothing over his ass and massaging a finger over his hole. He raised the bottle of lube in victory, “Got it!”

“Not yet,” Derek replied, voice low and commanding. “I wanna lick you out first.”

Stiles moaned at that thought and god, he was gonna come all over himself at this rate if Derek kept talking like that.

“How—how do you want me?” Stiles already knew he’d do whatever Derek wanted, however Derek wanted him.

“Like this is good… come back over here and get comfortable,” Derek replied, his hands still touching Stiles’ skin, one of his fingers ever present on Stiles’ hole that fluttered against his touch.

Stiles groaned and dropped his head forward. Yeah, he could do that. He moved more back onto the bed, settling on the pillows with his ass raised for Derek in perfect presentation.

“Fuck, you look so hot, showing your ass to me like this… you don't know how hard it is for me not to shift and breed you right now,” Derek growled and Stiles moaned.

God, Stiles wanted that so much too. But then Derek’s mouth was on him and he groaned, unable to concentrate on anything other than Derek’s mouth giving his hole a sloppy, wet kiss as he pressed his face between Stiles’ cheeks.

Derek’s tongue was relentless until his body gave in to Derek, letting Derek’s tongue slip inside of him, which had Derek giving one of those growls that sounded more like a rumbling purr and the vibrations shot straight to Stiles’ dick.

“Derek—” Stiles begged, but he wanted so much that he wasn't even sure what to beg for first. He wanted everything all at once.

Derek seemed to understand, though, because Stiles felt Derek’s thick fingers pushing into him right along with his tongue fucking him. Stiles whined, pressing back against Derek’s face, taking his fingers in deeper as Derek pressed down against his prostate as he licked and sucked at Stiles’ hole.

“God, I’m gonna come,” Stiles panted, but Derek didn't stop, sliding another finger into Stiles which had Stiles groaning and stretching around three of Derek’s fingers that were so much thicker than his. He couldn't hold back any longer as Derek pressed and massaged against Stiles’ prostate, growling again as slipped his tongue inside of Stiles—and fuck—Stiles was coming, clenching down on Derek’s fingers and tongue as he shot all over the bed.

“Ohhhhfuckfuckfuck.” Stiles groaned and suddenly Derek’s fingers and tongue were out of him, which left Stiles feeling empty. But then Derek flipped him over and he was on his back, Derek’s mouth closing over his dick, leaving Stiles whimpering and arching into his mouth.

“Derek—” Stiles breathed.

Derek released his cock with a filthy, wet sound, then his arms were around Derek as Derek kissed him, Stiles moaning into the kiss at the taste of himself on Derek.

“I’m here,” Derek promised him between kisses. Stiles could feel Derek’s cock, hard and leaking against his hip which left him hungry for more.

“Get the lube.” Stiles kissed Derek anywhere he could reach as Derek fumbled with the lube, uncapped it, squeezed some onto his hand, and slicked his dick.

Which Stiles was totally sucking later cause fuck his dick looked so fucking gorgeous that Stiles could spend days drinking down Derek’s come.

“How do you want me?” Stiles asked, breath heavy between them.

“Just like this,” Derek breathed, kissing Stiles deeply as Derek gripped his dick and pressed it against Stiles’ hole, teasing them both. “I want to see you when you come… when I mark you and claim you as my mate.”

Stiles wanted that so much and he was about to say as much, but then Derek pushed into him, and fuck he was so thick inside of him that Stiles gave a long drawn-out moan, arching against Derek to take him in deeper.

He clutched Derek’s shoulders, pulling him close as Derek bottomed out, kissing him when Derek’s lips found his.

Stiles felt so full with Derek inside of him, complete, even. It was something he couldn't explain completely like he’d needed Derek all along and hadn't known it until now.

“I love you,” Derek breathed against Stiles’ lips and Stiles opened his eyes to stare into Derek’s, seeing nothing but love and truth there. It was something that he hadn't expected Derek to say, but some part of him knew.

“I love you too,” Stiles replied softly, his hands moving to cup Derek’s face between them. When he kissed Derek, it was tender and loving, without the need to rush. Derek’s hand smoothed against his thigh, guiding it around his waist as he started moving.

And god, Stiles felt everything… Derek’s dick pressing deep into him with long, slow thrusts, Derek’s mouth on his skin, kissing and sucking marks along his pale flesh, Derek’s lips closing over his nipple, which made Stiles whimper, even as Derek gave his other nipple the same attention. He was surrounded by Derek, all his senses focused on him as they moved together.

It was more perfect than Stiles thought it could be.

His cock was already hard again between them, sliding along Derek’s abs and marking Derek with his scent. Stiles mewled, which was a sound he’d never heard himself make before as he hooked his other leg behind Derek’s thigh, trying to drag Derek deeper into him as Derek rubbed his beard over Stiles’ neck.

“Stiles, I need—” Derek started, sounding broken with his need and Stiles couldn't deny him anything.

“Do it,” Stiles breathed against Derek’s skin, wrapping arms and legs around him. “Claim me, Derek.”

Derek groaned against Stiles’ neck. “Mine. Just mine.”

“Fuck yeah—always. Just yours, Derek. Please—”

Then Derek’s teeth were piercing Stiles’ skin as he clutched him close, the feeling of Derek’s knot swelling inside of him quickly.

Stiles felt something far away, yet so close that he couldn't put his finger on it, but then Stiles was trembling under Derek and coming as Derek’s knot locked them together.

He could feel Derek’s knot pulsating inside of him, Derek’s dick jerking and filling him with his come as Stiles shot hot white streaks across his stomach and chest. Stiles whimpered into Derek’s mouth as his mate kissed him, his toes curled, arms and legs still wrapped around Derek tightly.

“God, Stiles—” Derek murmured, licking and sucking the bite on Stiles’ shoulder.

“I love you,” Stiles whispered, kissing across Derek’s shoulder and nuzzling his neck. “So much, Derek.”

He felt that Derek needed to know, needed reassurance and Stiles had no problem reassuring him of that for the rest of their lives.

Stiles was answered with a rumbling purr that made him unashamedly give a giggle as he felt Derek’s growl through his dick. Then he gasped and groaned when Derek shifted and his knot rubbed Stiles perfectly, pushing him into another orgasm.

“Fuck, I can get used to this,” Stiles teased.

Derek chuckled against his neck where he was nursing Stiles’ mating bite before raising his head and staring down into Stiles’ eyes. “Good, because I’m going to spend the rest of our lives making sure you know just how much you mean to me.”

Stiles kissed Derek, then laughed when Derek held him close and rolled them over so Stiles’ was straddling Derek. “Oh, I think I like this better,” Stiles teased as he kissed Derek, rocking and grinding against Derek’s knot, making Derek groan and grip his hips tightly.

Yeah, Stiles could spend the rest of his days doing this. Making sure Derek knew how much he loved him, more than anything.

How much he loved their family, their pack, and the future they would build together.

A future filled with love, family, and hope.

Yeah, Stiles could do that.

Forever.