❝ And we would have found a way! ❞
Running had never been an option for him and he still couldn’t believe it’d been one for Derek. They’d endured so much already.. but then again there’s always a straw which breaks the camel’s back. The druids had been Derek’s. And he hated that. Hated that Derek chose to leave instead of staying and letting them find another way.
He nearly choked back a sob the moment those fingers were wrapping around his wrist. How long had it been since his mate had touched him? The years seemed to blur with the slightest warmth from the other seeping in to his skin, making his heart ache. He wanted to yank his hand away, but couldn’t seem to muster up doing so.
❝ We would’ve found another way.. ❞
The wolf repeated, his eyes closing a moment and head hanging. Derek being so close, that scent filling his nostrils, was almost too much. He just wanted to collapse against him.
❝ I needed you.. Derek. ——— I still do. ❞
"To what end?"
Chest tight and expression bordering on something wounded, far too vulnerable really, Derek wonders if maybe he should draw back. Perhaps he should run. Perhaps he should ignore the wound. Just as he had for countless years despite the ache in his chest. Because he had been weak and Scott deserved better. The Alpha deserved someone strong, someone who could fight whatever came their way.
"You know there was no other choice. It would have ended in your death or in mine. Do you think that was what I wanted?"
It is akin to denying himself air, being so close to his mate now. Where they touch burns and knots twist further within the curve of his gut. How he fights against the pull, yet in the end his head bows in closer. Noses brush and Derek tastes those last three words on the curve of his mouth. Once more he feels conflicted as he stands there breathing in the warmth and taste of his mate.
"Do you think I ever stopped needing you?"











