Payment (revised)

Chapter 29

Though he had skirted around the answer to the question, what he said was true. He honestly didn't know if The Alphas would help them. No one ever knew if The Alphas would help, it was why simply asking was such a gamble. But whatever they decided, Stiles had done all he could. Derek knew that was the boy's true question hidden within the intricate phrasing.

Whatever happened, Stiles was not to blame. Derek couldn't have asked more of him.

Stiles pressed a soft kiss on Derek's shoulder.

"If they don't join us, then clearly I didn't do enough," Stiles countered, but Derek shut him down.

Self deprecation would only lead Stiles in an infuriating loop. Derek would know, he'd been there often enough.

"Don't, Stiles," Derek said, leading Stiles in a soft turn, "don't torture yourself like that."

"But if they were going to ally themselves with us, don't you think they would have said so?" Stiles continued, blundering over Derek's reassurances.

The Alpha came to a halt. He brought his hand up to cup Stiles's chin, forcing the boy to look at him.

"Not necessarily," Derek said, "Like Deucalion said when they left, it would take time to discuss amongst themselves. They said that they would get back to us in about two days time. That's fair. I have to believe it's fair so that I don't go out of my mind fixating. I won't let you lose yourself to that same affliction."

Derek saw the doubt in Stiles's eyes but continued anyway.

"There was nothing more you could have done. They don't have a type of person they like to help, it's different every time. Sometimes the picture of a strong leader is what appeals to them, sometimes the underdog is their preference. Whatever they decide is on them, and if they choose wrong we'll hunt them down all the same."

Derek didn't let Stiles contradict him as he brought their lips together. Derek was relieved when his boy didn't hesitate to sink into it, and Derek smiled against his lips. They pulled back gently, but stayed close enough together that they were sharing the same breath. Derek started to sway them again.

"I guess I did enjoy playing your equal, your superior even. All that power almost went to my head," Stiles said, coyly.

Derek nipped his lip in retaliation, but truly he was just glad Stiles wasn't drowning in a whirlpool of thoughts anymore.

"If you want the title, it's yours," Derek said, simply.

The Alpha could hear the gears turning in Stiles's head.

"What?"

Derek's thumb began to rub soothing circles on the boy's back.

"You heard me."

"Which is why I have no idea what you're saying."

Derek laughed. Stiles's eyebrows furrowed in answer.

"I'm not kidding," Stiles said, knocking Derek's shoulder.

"Nor am I," the man replied easily, keeping his laughter to himself this time around. Stiles, who was definitely not pouting, waited for Derek to elaborate.

"You didn't pretend to be my equal today, Stiles, you are my equal. If you want to share my title, it's all yours. I would be honored to have you by my side, amore."

Stiles paused, considering Derek's offer. Derek didn't expect an answer straight away, and he read the turmoil in Stiles's eyes well enough to know it could take him a while to reply.

The Alpha knew what he was asking for would be a commitment, a big commitment. One Stiles wouldn't be able to back out of should he step into it. Derek wanted him to make sure he was ready, but he wouldn't deny that the thought of having Stiles by his side for the rest of his days made his stomach flutter.