Chapter Text
Why had he agreed to this? Derek was stood in his loft leaning against one of the wooden pillars, music pounding in his ears. He could feel the beat reverberate through his entire body. Closing his eyes he tried to regulate his hearing, but it was no use the music was just too loud. He let out a heavy sigh and tried to seek out the familiar faces of his pack.
Derek was surrounded by unfamiliar, loud and over excited teenagers. Most were jumping around, he assumed dancing to the music, but he would hardly call it dancing or music for that matter. Some were making out in darker corners and others right in the middle of the mass of dancing bodies. He felt another sigh and eye roll on its way but just shook his head instead.
It was Stiles’ 18th birthday and when he’d agreed to this he’d had no idea Stiles knew so many people. He thought it would be the pack and maybe a pizza or two. He was even prepared to let them have a few beers seeing as they were all 18 now, well Scott was almost there and would be 18 soon enough. Derek assumed all these random people must have been Lydia’s doing.
Derek had known it was going to be bad when the twins turned up earlier that day with speakers bigger than he’d ever seen and there was a guy trailing behind them carrying what he now understood to be decks. The new face had oversized headphones hanging around his scrawny neck and called Derek ‘bro’ a lot, but he wasn’t even related to him in anyway.
Derek recalled being laughed at by Isaac at his reactions to the transformation of his loft into a nightclub. There were flashing lights and smoke machines as well as the ridiculous sound system. He knew it was bad though when even Isaac was laughing at him. He’s not even that old, but it was all making him feel very old and disconnected. It had never bothered him before, being a loner, but now he had a pack it was different.
He would never tell any of them, but he desperately wanted to feel part of a family again. Scott had given him that family and Derek was fast realising he would do anything for his new pack. He would do anything for Scott and Stiles was his best friend so here he was, standing in the middle of chaos in his own home for the benefit of an 18 year old boy. This time he couldn’t hold back another sigh.
His eyes scanned the many faces until they settled on Scott and Stiles. He found it oddly settling and decided to just watch them for a bit. Stiles was looking around at all the people with a similar level of disbelief that he felt and it made Derek’s lips twitch into a brief smile. Stiles looked young for 18, his eyes wide and innocent, he felt strangely protective of him.
Then there was Scott, he looked relaxed and content as he placed a hand on Stiles’ shoulder and squeezed. He comfortably left his hand there as he spoke. Derek chose not to listen in on their conversation, but instead enjoyed watching their animated faces. Derek felt his heart swell and he narrowed his focus until the rest of the party pleasantly faded into the background.
Derek felt mesmerised as he watched the lights play off of the two boys across the loft. He suddenly felt pinned to the spot and he couldn’t take his eyes off of the pair. His wolf stirred, which had Derek standing up away from where he was leaning. His senses were being overwhelmed and he tried to calm his wolf, reassuring him that all was as it should be.
A banging at the door drew his attention. There was no way anyone but the wolves would have heard it. He settled back against the wooden post and watched Scott as he made his way with Stiles to the door. Scott had hold of Stiles’ hand as he practically dragged him through the many gyrating bodies. Stiles took a tumble at one point, but Scott just gripped his hand tighter and used his strength to keep him standing and moving towards the door.
Derek admired the ease with which Scott slid open the heavy loft door. He’d never noticed before how Scott had filled out as he’d gotten older, it probably also had something to do with him becoming a true alpha. Derek’s wolf seemed to perk up again at the thought. Derek felt more comfortable with his new role, he still sometimes felt the strength he used to posses as alpha but he was more content now he didn't have the pressures of being a leader.
Derek was happy to follow Scott, he was a good leader who always followed his heart. Scott would do anything to protect the people he loved and he admired that. There had always been something about Scott that drew Derek to him. He would give his life for him, even more so now he was his alpha.
The knocking was Allison and Lydia arriving fashionably late to the party, of course. Stiles was instantly pulled into a hug as was Scott. Scott’s emotions where readable from all the way across a room filled with horny teenagers. He obviously still had feelings for Allison. Stiles was also enjoying the embrace, his feelings for Lydia no secret.
Derek’s eyes flashed blue unexpectedly and he blinked rapidly. Confusion was his overriding emotion, but somewhere underneath that there was something else. He couldn’t help the odd feeling that was boiling up within him. He felt it all the way down to his toes.
He felt a growl begin to rumble in the back of his throat and it sounded possessive. His vision narrowed and all he could see was Allison with her arms around Scott, face pressed into his neck. Scott’s hand was cradling the back of her head, hand gently stroking her hair. Then he lowered his head to inhaled her scent.
That was all he could take, he shoved off of the wooden post he’d been leaning against and started making his way toward the pair. It took everything he had not to leap and instantly close the distance between them. Instead he pushed through the crowd shoving people out of his way, uncaring of the looks he was getting.
Isaac suddenly appeared in front of him, the twins either side.
“Derek, what’s going on man? You’re eyes are glowing blue. Someone’s gonna notice,” Isaac’s voice was low, his eyes shifty.
Derek’s eyes settled over Isaac who was now standing between him and Scott. Derek shot an arm out with a speed that surprised them all and wrapped his hand tightly around Isaac’s neck. Isaac looked shocked and tried to speak but he could only produce a gurgle.
In unison the twins grabbed at his arm from either side causing Derek to growl and tighten his grip with an effort to keep hold.
“Derek.”
His fingers loosened and his arm dropped immediately at the sound of his name. He looked up to see Scott appear behind Isaac who fell to the floor clutching at his throat, coughing. Scott’s eyes flashed red once, which had the twins both instinctively taking a step back. Derek held his ground but found himself tilting his head slightly, baring his neck for Scott.
Scott ignored the gesture, probably not understanding its significance, and instead placed a hand on Derek’s arm. He looked down at it and back up to Scott.
“What’s going on with you?” Scott said with a mixture of confusion and concern.
Derek shook his head, trying to clear the haze he felt was trying to consume him.
“I’ll never get used to you guys being able to move so damn fast,” Stiles spluttered out sounding out of breath. He caught at Scott’s shirt sleeve to steady himself before continuing, “what the hell man? We could see your eyes glowing from across the room!”
Derek looked between Scott and Stiles, still feeling dazed. He wasn’t sure he had an answer or at least one that he was comfortable with.
“Derek?” Scott said and squeezed his arm before releasing him.
Derek felt the warmth of Scott’s touch even as the hand was taken away. Unconsciously he brought his own hand up to cover the spot where Scott’s had been.
“I-” Derek began but had no idea what to say.
Allison and Lydia had made their way over as well now and Derek couldn’t help but scowl at them. He’d had enough of this party and enough of the weird feelings that were making his wolf uneasy.
“Well, hello to you too,” Lydia said as she flicked her hair over her shoulder, “let's leave Mr. weird and broody here to his scowling and enjoy this party!” Lydia practically shouted to be heard over the music.
The sound grated against Derek’s ears, his senses felt heightened and entirely overwhelmed. Lydia grabbed Stiles and spun him into the sea of moving bodies. He twisted and nearly tripped over his own feet before disappearing off into the crowd.
“Just go,” Derek managed, inclining his head in the direction Lydia had gone.
Scott gave him a concerned look but allowed himself to be led away by Allison, he looked back a few times which gave Derek the feeling of butterflies in his stomach. Isaac had recovered by now and stood back in front of Derek. He looked downtrodden and sorry for himself. He wouldn’t have looked out of place if he literally had a tail between his legs.
“What was that for?”
Isaac was rubbing his neck even though the bruising and pain would no longer be there. Derek was losing patience with this entire situation. He darted his head in Isaac’s direction and growled. He wasn’t his alpha anymore but it still had the desired effect. Isaac took one last sideways glance before letting out a small whimper and scurrying off.
The twins hadn’t budged though and it irritated him. Derek had no sway over the two former alphas. Derek just folded his arms across his chest and waited, they obviously had something they wanted to say.
Barely above a whisper, knowing he would be heard just fine, Aiden said, “it’s Scott isn’t it?”
Derek’s head snapped around. Just hearing Scott’s name had his heart racing. It wasn’t something he was comfortable with and he knew that even over the music the twins would have heard the spike in his heart rate.
Aiden smiled knowingly and Derek wanted to punch him in his smug little face. Instead he pushed past the two of them and made his way over to his sofa, grateful that they chose not to follow. He needed to sit down.
“Off,” he said to the group of kids who were crammed on it, “off!”
The kids all looked up at him, stunned, as his voice boomed over the music. They remained still for a split second before all very quickly jumping up and scurrying off.
Derek sat down heavily spreading both arms out resting them on the back of the sofa. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. The music was thudding through his skull and the warm bodies all around him were becoming too much. He preferred the solitude and the quiet of his own company. Even his pack, who he loved dearly, he saw rarely these days.
The evening dragged on and he spent it trying to stop himself from seeking Scott out and scowling at anyone who tried to join him on the sofa. Derek seemed to have his scent marked out, aware of where he was at all times. It was driving him crazy and it made no sense to him why all of a sudden his wolf would be reacting this way to Scott.
He could feel the twins keeping a close eye on him all night, they were never too far away. Isaac was cowering in a corner, Derek felt bad for making him feel that way. Isaac didn’t deserve that. He just couldn’t take seeing Allison with her hands all over Scott and that thought alone made him shake his head.
Scott was his alpha now, maybe that’s what this was all about. His wolf was being protective of his alpha. Derek hadn’t had an alpha in so long, Peter didn’t really count because he was crazy and out of control. Scott, on the other hand, was someone he was willing to follow and obey. His wolf was practically nodding in agreement.
It was well after midnight when Derek had finally had enough. Scott’s heartbeat stuttered and spiked. Derek had to look, had to make sure he was okay, but he knew Scott wasn’t in trouble. He knew exactly where to look and regretted it immediately.
Scott’s head was framed by Allison’s hands. She had been drinking and let herself give in to temptation. She leaned in and pressed her lips to Scott’s. It didn’t take long before the kiss had become heated. The music changed pace and Allison started dancing, moving against Scott. Their arousal filled Derek’s nostrils and it made him feel sick.
He stood up and strode over the the DJ who had one hand on his headphones and the other flicking switches and who knows what else he was doing.
“Hey, party’s over.”
Nothing, the guy had his head down, bopping away. Now the hand he’d had on his headphones was in the air, Derek watched it wave side to side for a moment before walking around the platform and pulling the plug.
The silence was heavenly and almost deafening at the same time. He closed his eye briefly at the relief. The stunned silence quickly turned into whispers then chatter that gradually started to get louder.
“Out,” Derek shouted and pointed to the door.
People looked dazed and confused, jostling with each other as they made their way towards the door. He caught Scott’s gaze who looked at him with worried eyes. He didn’t like it. Scott’s arm’s fell from around Allison and they moved away from each other, Allison looking slightly embarrassed as she tucked her hair behind her ears.
Lydia strode over and took Allison’s arm, she shot Derek a death glare before pulling Allison away from Scott and out the front door.
“Happy birthday Stiles,” she shouted over her shoulder, even though there was no need to shout, “great party.”
Another sharp look with piercing eyes and she was gone. Scott, Stiles and the twins were the only ones left. Isaac must have made his escape with the masses. Scott didn’t say anything or even look at him. Instead he turned to Stiles, wrapped his arm around his shoulder and made for the door. It was Stiles who glanced back over his shoulder at him.
It hurt that Scott didn’t acknowledge him before he left. He huffed and turned away, staring at the mess that was left. Empty cups and bottles, party streamers and banners with birthday wishes plastered across them. The lights were still flashing and the smoke machines were still going.
Derek walked over to flick his normal lights on before turning the other equipment off. He didn’t really need the light to see, but he did it anyway. He sighed again before flopping back down on his sofa.
“What do you want?” He spoke as he flung an arm over his face covering his eyes.
The twins hadn’t budged and weren’t showing any intention of leaving.
Derek needed some time alone to sort through all that had happened, all of the confusing emotions and new sensations he had been feeling. He wasn’t used to feeling so much having spent years pushing all his emotions down.
“Your an idiot, you know that right?” Aiden offered.
Ethan put a hand on his brother’s chest to signal for him to go easy.
Derek didn’t remove his arm from his face or respond. He just wanted the twins to leave him alone.
“Look, Derek, we think we get what’s going on with you,” Ethan eyed his brother before he continued, “we think you’re wolf has found it’s mate.”
“Err, my what?”
“Your mate, wolves have that one person out there that’s meant for them. It’s like the two are-”
Derek shot Ethan a glare and practically growled, “I know what a mate is.”
“Yeah and it’s so obviously Scott,’’ Aiden blurted out.
Derek groaned. He would rather have continued to be in denial. Deep down he knew what his wolf was trying to tell him, he just wasn’t ready to listen yet. Scott McCall, his mate. He was just getting used to him being his alpha.
“How is that even possible? I've known him since he was 16, why now? Why didn't I feel it before?” Derek felt wrecked emotionally.
“Scott’s an alpha now, a true alpha, and he's coming of age. Nearly 18 right? It makes sense,” Ethan offered.
“None of this makes sense!” Derek snapped.
The twins both flinched and exchanged a look. They were sure they knew the signs.
“Maybe I'm just mixing things up. I mean I've not come across a true alpha before. I have to say my wolf was in awe when we all found out.”
“Yeah we all were,” Aiden agreed.
“You guys, I think I just need some time to figure this out. I know you're right… I know. Just-” Derek sounded pained, “just leave.”
“Yeah sure, Derek,” Ethan said quietly and grabbed his brothers shirt, pulling him away.
Aiden plodded along behind him reluctantly.
“Oh come on, this is fun. Can't we stay,” Aiden said with amusement.
“Come on!” Aiden gripped his twin tighter and dragged him through the door.
Finally Derek was alone. Not that it really helped. His thoughts were running wild. Scott of all people! Scott who was clearly still in love with Allison and clearly not feeling what he was feeling. If he had been then when Scott touched his arm he would have felt it too. They both should have felt it like a bolt of lightning going through them.
He needed to be the grown up here and go and talk it out with him. Figure out what was going on in an adult way. Not by ruining Stiles’ birthday by kicking everyone out of his party. Derek groaned again, he was an arse. He would go apologise to the kid as well. His list of uncomfortable things to do where getting longer.