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Stiles loved his job. He hadn’t imagined settling down in a little town after high school and joining the tiny staff at the local bookstore, Alpha Books, but as soon as he had walked in and that dainty little bell had jingled, it had been home.
And he wasn’t the only one to adore the place. Alpha Books may be up against the big book chains but the community knew it was special, like it contained some sort of magic. You could find even the rarest of books amongst the shelves and sometimes customers had sworn the deserted aisles had whispered recommendations.
Stiles couldn’t confirm if there really were well-read ghosts haunting the store but he could offer his own suggestions. That had actually been how he came across Alpha Books to begin with.
He’d always been a major bookworm in high school, reading anything and everything he could get his hands on. No book or series was ever turned away, each special in their own way. His room was lined with bookcases, his dad wholeheartedly supporting and funding the growing collection. His dad had often teased that the more time Stiles had his nose in a book, the less time he had to get into trouble.
Since graduating, Stiles had started up his book reviewing blog, A Spark of Inspiration. The blog had taken off, each review gaining more ‘likes’ than the last. He was honest about his opinion but knew that not every book was meant for him, and only the really special novels in his reading career gained the Stiles Stamp of Approval.
Danny and Ethan, the couple and co-owners of Alpha Books had loved the idea of the blog and splashed the reviews all over the store and amongst the shelves. They knew a smart business opportunity when they saw it.
So now Stiles had two jobs, a book clerk by day and book reviewer at night. His very own Batman parallel, minus the wealth and villains dressing up like Antarctic birds. Although he also liked to offer suggestions to customers in store too…
~1~
It was a quiet Tuesday afternoon at Alpha Books, Stiles the only staff on while the bosses were away on their 2 year anniversary trip. He was happily humming along to the radio, reshelving when the bell jingled announcing a new customer.
Stiles popped his head out of the aisle and smiled, “Welcome to Alpha Books, can I help you find anything today?” The new customer was a girl, maybe a few years younger than him and small in stature but her whole presence radiated Tough, with a capital T.
“What do you get your older idiot brother to distract him from the ridiculousness of his life?”
Stiles tried not to grin at the exasperated tone but it must not have worked because the girl’s eyebrows crinkled into a judgemental frown.
“Sorry,” He offered in apology before completely stepping out of the aisle. “What does your brother like to read?”
She huffed out an annoyed sound but Stiles wasn’t completely convinced it was aimed at him. “I have no bloody clue. How do you work out someone’s tastes?”
“Well, what’s he like? Maybe we can work it out together?” Stiles was getting excited now, he loved a good book hunt.
She nodded, taking a moment to think. “He’s one of those crazy morning people who actually enjoys jogging before 7am. But it also means he’s in bed like an old grandma by sundown. He doesn’t like anything too horror-y or gore-y. I guess maybe some kind of adventure series?”
Stiles lit up with excitement, this brother sounded like he may enjoy one of Stiles’ personal favourite series. “Has he ever read the Bean and Pennywise series?”
The girl frowned again, “Been what?”
Stiles held up his hand and ducked down another aisle, returning in a flurry with the first book in the series in hand. He offered it to the girl and gave her time to inspect both front and back covers, including the blurb.
“This Bean guy sounds just like his type.” She gave a small smile and Stiles had a feeling it was a rare sight he was beholding.
He also had to fight against the blush that was probably forming when he realised he was about to admit that he related way too much to Bean. This girl was super pretty, if not also intimidating, and Stiles was sure her brother would be too. And based on her description, her brother sounded like someone Stiles would swoon over. Stating he was like the lead character in the novel who was apparently her brother's type was way too forward.
“Awesome! I’ll ring it up for you.” Stiles took the book back and headed over to the counter, slipping the store’s bookmark that doubled as marketing for his blog inside the front cover.
~2~
“So you don’t actually want any books?” Stiles frowned again. He had met a variety of different characters over his time at Alpha Books but never had he encountered a customer who didn’t actually want to be a customer.
“Precisely. I am simply reviewing the landscape.” The man smirked as he wandered further around the bookstore.
“Ok…” Stiles nodded and decided he would just leave the man to his mission. He still had to finish his work at the counter anyway. He could keep an eye on the man and also keep his distance. Not that the man would be hard to spot in a crowd.
The man was dressed in a rather dapper long coat and leather shoes. He had obviously no way to confirm his assumption, but Stiles had a gut feeling the man had a very fancy car parked around the back, perhaps a Bentley?
“If I did need a novel recommendation, what name would I call out?” the man asked, pausing his walk at the end of an aisle.
“Oh, I’m Stiles.”
The man nodded and continued on his walk.
Stiles went back to his tidying up. He had been creating some new signs for the store’s street windows to entice new customers to venture inside and meet their true love - a book.
The man strolled down the aisles, leisurely draping his fingertips across the book spines. Stiles felt himself form a little smile. The man may not want to buy a book but Stiles could tell he was enjoying just being surrounded by novels. Stiles could appreciate that.
An orchestral tune chimed through the store, a mobile ringtone. The man glanced down at his phone and smirked.
“Why if it isn’t Mr Argent. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” the man answered. He nodded as whoever had phoned explained the reason for their call. Stiles could not hear the reply but this Mr Argent definitely had a raised voice and there was a lot of commotion in the background.
“And so you require my assistance in this urgent matter, hmm? Or is this just an elaborate excuse to be in my presence?” the man teased.
Stiles didn’t mean to listen in on the one-sided conversation but he did have to admit that the man was pretty funny. The sarcastic aura surrounding the man was practically visible.
“Oh, Christopher, you make me blush. I shall be there promptly to save the day but I do expect a reward at our next private engagement.” The man hung up the call and while Stiles still couldn’t hear the reply, he sensed the caller had been somewhat flustered by that last statement. It had, afterall, sounded quite seductive.
“Well, Stiles, it appears our meeting is coming to an unexpected end. I thank you for your hospitality.” The man inclined his head as a farewell.
“Ah, sure. If you ever want a book, you know where the store is.” Stiles gave a salute.
The man gave what Stiles believed to be a genuine smile as he exited the store.
~3~
“Yes, Lyds, I am walking into the store, right now.” A police officer was chatting on his mobile as he entered Alpha Books.
While a police officer wasn’t quite the usual clientele for the store, Stiles wasn’t too surprised to see the officer. He had walked past the parked police car on his way to opening up the store. The officer had been on the phone and Stiles hoped he hadn’t been waiting long.
Practically manning the store solo meant he had been working long hours and had accidentally slept through his first alarm that morning. He couldn’t wait for Danny and Ethan to get back so he could finally take some days off. His xbox had been particularly cross at him as it collected dust in his living room.
“I’ll grab the book and will then be on my way to you. Did you want to meet me out front so we can go and interrogate our suspect together?” The officer was grinning as he heard the reply and pocketed his phone. He looked over at Stiles. “Sorry for the rude introduction. I was wondering if you may be able to help out a sleep-deprived cop in search of the second novel in the Bean and Pennywise series? A friend of mine has become quite hooked on it after he received the first as a gift.”
“I know all about lacking sleep so can definitely help. Let me grab it for you. Was there anything else you were wanting?” Stiles wandered over to the appropriate shelf.
“Actually, I'd love to know a bit about the series. My friend has complained a bit about the relationships displayed in the first book. Apparently Bean and the princess have zero romantic chemistry?” the officer said tentatively, obviously he didn't want to offend anyone in the store.
There were some girls huddled in the corner stacking their arms with their own collection of novel choices but they were far too engrossed in their journey to pay attention to the officer.
Stiles grinned, rounding the counter to begin ringing up the order. “Well your friend is 100% correct. Bean and the princess are strictly a platonic couple in my eyes. I think Bean’s true soulmate is the mysterious Wandering Shadow. I mean, who wouldn't fall for a strong and handsome man with a heart of gold? I know he’s my type.” Stiles winked.
The officer’s returning smile was ridiculously sweet and although he wasn't quite Stiles’ type, he preferred darker hair, he could see many would swoon over that face, understandably.
“Excellent! When will my friend get to meet this Shadow guy?”
Stiles gave a teasing shrug. “I guess he might just have to take a chance and turn the next page.”
The officer nodded in agreement. “My wife is always trying to convince him to take a leap of faith.”
“Hopefully Bean and Shadow will be the perfect guiding light,” Stiles said, passing the book over.
“Thank you for all your help…” the officer trailed off, obviously wanting Stiles to fill in the blank.
“Stiles. And no worries at all. The Bean series is my absolute favourite so if your friend ever wants to chat about the books, he knows where to find me.”
The officer put out his hand. “Officer Jordan Parrish. I will gladly pass on your kind offer.”
Stiles felt himself raise an eyebrow at the statement. While it was genuine, there seemed to be some kind of hidden message underneath that he couldn't quite decipher. He shook the officer’s hand, and waved him out as Officer Parrish exited the store.
Stiles had a feeling that his dad, the sheriff in his hometown of Beacon Hills would like Officer Parrish quite a lot.
~4~
Stiles was just finishing up a display for some New Releases the next day when a couple entered the store. The woman scanned her eyes around the room before narrowing them as she zoned in on Stiles. Her lips decorated in a bright shade of red curled into a predatory smirk. She bee-lined over to Stiles, her high-heeled boots affirming her air of confidence as her blonde curls bounced along. Her companion, a gorgeous specimen himself, diligently followed behind.
“Can I help–”
“Oh I approve,” She interjected as if Stiles hadn’t been trying to provide exemplary customer service.
“I’m sorry?” Stiles asked in total confusion.
“Nothing to apologise for, hun.” She winked at him. “You’re a snack. Isn’t he, babe?” She turned to her companion, seeming to seek his approval of this rather odd exchange. The man didn’t voice his opinion but the corner of his mouth did an uptick which was apparently all the confirmation the blonde needed as she snickered.
Stiles placed the final book on the display mound and waited for some sort of explanation.
“We need to get a friend the next book in the–Babe, what’s the name again?” The woman regarded her partner.
“Bean and Pennywise series,” he said in a deep smooth voice.
Now books Stiles could do. “Oh sure, which one do you need?”
“He’s just finished the second one so whatever comes next.” The woman smiled and although she still gave Stiles predatory vibes, he could almost sense an underlying sweetness.
“I’ll go grab it.” Stiles offered and headed to the right aisle, feeling eyes glued to his ass. Ok, so maybe that sweetness was buried deep .
It was only when Stiles was placing the standard bookmark inside the cover at the counter that the woman spoke again.
“You single?”
Stiles fumbled with the paper bag and squawked, “No. I mean, yes. Yes, but I’m not really interested in…” He faded off in an attempt to gather his thoughts. How does one gently let down an extremely attractive woman who apparently thought Stiles looked edible?
The woman cackled a laugh which was both beautiful and terrifying. “Not me, you gorgeous dork. We’re asking for…” She seemed to take time to choose her next words.
“Our friend,” the man offered, gesturing to the book in Stiles’ hand.
“Our male friend,” the blonde articulated.
“Oh, ok, sure. Well then, yes I am single but–” Stiles halted his response as he watched them leave without another word, book tucked securely under the man's arm. How did they move so fast? The man did glance back at the door, locked eyes with Stiles and gave a nod of approval. Only the bell’s jingle brought Stiles out of his daze. Huh. Well, that had been an experience.
While Stiles had not expected that interaction, he was also a-okay that a couple of models had thought he was a snack. He was going to mark that down as resume material.
~5~
“Have a great day and enjoy the read,” Stiles said as he handed over the bagged books a customer had just purchased. The elderly woman smiled as she toddled towards the door which was being held open by a guy, roughly Stiles’ age he would guess, who had just entered. Nice to know chivalry wasn’t dead in this economy.
“Good afternoon, welcome to Alpha Books. Is there anything I can help with today?” Stiles greeted, rounding the counter. It was then that he noticed a petite girl, again around the same vintage as Stiles, had appeared from behind the guy.
Stiles could instantly tell she was a sweetheart. Her smile was warm and shy as she gave a small wave in the form of hello.
“If I am being dragged along on this stupid venture, I’m not going to also be the spokesperson,” the guy grumbled and Stiles wondered how someone who had just held a door open in a polite manner for a stranger could also be so grumpy.
“Always such a gentleman, Jacks.” The girl rolled her eyes affectionately as she took a step forward. “We have a friend who is currently reading the Bean and Pennywise series and we wanted to gift him the next book in the series,” she explained.
“Oh! That’s my favourite series ever! What book are they up to?” Stiles began the trek over to the shelf that held the series, feeling true delight to meet another fan of the series, be it through a proxy.
“Oh, um, that’s a good question. Sorry, I don’t know the names myself,” the girl apologised.
“How is my sister-in-law such a dork?” The guy – Jacks? – pulled a piece of paper from the girl’s back pocket and waved it in front of her face.
“Oh! That’s right! I wrote it down. Um,” the girl glanced down. “he just finished book three.”
Stiles halted the hand he currently had outstretched towards the series books. Oh. This fan was exactly like him. He turned fully back to the pair.
“I’m sorry to disappoint but the author is still working on the fourth and final book of the series. A release date hasn’t actually been confirmed yet, so I can’t even give you an indication. It has left us fans in quite a state of longing.” Stiles draped his hand across his forehead in a dramatic replica of a damsel in distress.
The girl giggled. The guy rolled his eyes, fully judgemental.
“That’s a shame,” the girl said, “I guess he’ll have to wait for the opportune moment himself then.”
Stiles crinkled his eyebrows in confusion. Was that a metaphor for something else?
The guy let out a bark of laughter before he strode back over to the entrance in arrogant style. He looked back at the girl and Stiles. “Kira, come on. We’re gonna be late for pack–I mean, movie night if we don’t leave now. And I will not be subjected to Lydia’s lecture about punctuality or her punishment of watching Legally Blonde, again.”
The girl smiled at Stiles one last time before she scurried over to the guy.
“Ha! As if you find that to be a punishment. We both know you adore that movie, maybe even more than Lydia.”
The guy gently pushed the girl out of the bookstore, as he had again been holding the door open. Huh, displaying his manners again, even if he was being sassy about it. Stiles internally gave him a nod of approval. He could accept the sarcasm as he had a feeling the guy, Jacks, may actually be a nice one under the facade of a typical college jock.
“If you ever repeat that to anyone, especially Malia–” the rest of the playful banter was cut off as the door swung closed.
Stiles couldn’t help the grin that had appeared on his face as he walked back to the counter. Jacks and Kira may have been an unlikely pair but Stiles could tell there was a lot of affection between them. A sibling-type dynamic and Stiles was happy that he had been able to be a part of it, even if just for a moment.
He looked back at the Bean and Pennywise book series and let out a sigh. He just wanted to see Bean find his happily-ever-after and the wait was slowly killing him.
“I hope the happy ending isn’t too far away.”
~+1~
“I am so glad you guys are back!” Stiles cheered, abandoning his duties at the counter to throw his arms around Danny and Ethan. The owners of Alpha Books laughed, their suitcases falling chaotically to the floor so they could return the hug.
“You're just happy we are back so you don't have to work the early shift anymore,” Danny teased.
Stiles nodded enthusiastically.
“So how has the week been?” Ethan asked, easily lifting the heavy bags and striding to the door behind the counter that led to the couples’ upstairs apartment. Stiles admired the obvious display of strength for a moment before he was brought back to the present by Danny clicking his fingers in front of Stiles’ face.
“Sorry, I was just appreciating the scenery,” Stiles admitted.
“Well once you are done ogling my husband, give us a summary of what we missed,” Danny laughed.
Ethan returned and dumped himself down into one of the store's plush armchairs, pulling Danny down into his lap none too gently which made Danny affectionately roll his eyes. He shifted to make himself more comfortable and draped Ethan’s arm securely around his waist.
Stiles sat down in the opposite chair, truly delighted that the couple was back. Alpha Books just wasn't quite the same without them.
“Ok so, sales have all been good, nothing unusual about that. Have had some interesting characters walk in these last few days though,” Stiles began.
“Interesting how?” Danny asked.
“None of them actually wanted a book. And now that I think about it, they all wanted books from the same series.”
“But I thought you said they didn't want a book?”
Stiles shook his head. “They were all purchasing for a friend. Huh.”
“What?” Ethan cocked his head to the side.
“Well I actually wonder if they all knew each other and the friend was the same friend? The books that were bought were in order.”
Stiles smiled at the thought. A group of friends slowly purchasing a series for someone was ridiculously sweet. He would feel truly special to be surrounded by a group like that.
“They were all full of personality too,” he mused.
Danny motioned with his hand for Stiles to continue.
“There was a couple who were the definition of models of the Top Deck variety, very pleasing to the eyes. The blonde was a tad intimidating though. Though somehow the short girl with dark hair who I met earlier in the week was even more terrifying. She was reluctantly buying for her brother and while scary, she obviously did love him. There was also the scarily-smooth guy who looked like he had stepped out of a noir film from the 1920s, very dapper. A sweetheart of a cop and then-”
Ethan turned his attention to Danny. “You reckon it's them?”
Danny gave a smile. “Sounds like a stupid and somewhat cute thing they'd do.”
“Who?” Stiles leaned forward.
“Nothing, go on.” Danny seemed to have a hidden motive for the next question, or maybe he just knew too well that Stiles was over being single. “Any of them your type?”
Stiles sighed, slouching back. He gazed up at the ceiling, following the lines of the paint like he had done many times before.
“We all know my type, the Wandering Shadow. Strong, sweet, brave. The ability to keep friends and loved ones safe and has a heart of gold.” He lowered his eyes down as the bell for the front door chimed. “Wouldn’t hurt if he had rippling muscles and a leather jack-”
All words left him as he stared at the newest customer. Cue the magical orchestral music, Stiles thought. The man that had just entered was the definition of what he envisioned a modernised Wandering Shadow would look like.
He was dressed in jeans, boots and of course, a black leather jacket. Stiles felt his throat dry. The man hadn't even spoken yet and he had already caught Stiles, hook, line and sinker.
The man seemed to take a deep breath before he ventured over to the three couch-dwellers.
“Hi-” the man began and dear lord, even his voice was perfect. A deep husky tone but somehow also soft and tender. Stiles was going to melt.
“Well, hey there stranger,” Danny mused, getting up from Ethan's lap and greeting the man. “We were just talking about you.”
Were we? Stiles wondered. Did Stiles’ ramblings bring to life his dream man? That's when the familiarity in Danny's tone brought Stiles back to the present.
“Oh, you guys know each other?” Stiles asked curiously.
“Yeah, we met Derek a while back at a convention, and became friends pretty much straight away,” Danny explained, patting the man's back lightly, “He's a good egg.”
“I'll say,” Stiles confessed before he could stop himself. He cocked his head to the side, did Derek just blush?
“While it was nice seeing you and we should properly catch up soon, I could really use a shower and a nap. Call us down if you need Stiles,” Danny said, holding out his hand that his husband gladly took and the two of them disappeared upstairs without glancing back.
Ethan must have said something that Stiles missed as he passed Derek though, as the man's cheeks seemed to heat up even more.
The two of them were left in the store and that's when Stiles noticed he was still slouched in the chair. He sprung up and extended his hand.
“Hi, I'm Stiles.”
“Derek.”
The man took his hand and the warmth from his palm rippled up Stiles’ arm and spread goosebumps in its wake.
Stiles reluctantly released Derek's hand and tried to ignore how much he wanted to intertwine their fingers. Good grief, Stiles silently chastised himself, he had only just met the man and he already wanted to plan the wedding date. He wasn't sure what was wrong with him.
Sure, the man was stunning but Stiles usually took time to build up this kind of level of affection. But there was just something about him. Stiles felt there was an invisible current pulling him in, telling him it was completely natural to be drawn to the practical stranger.
“So, how can I help today? We have a range of beautiful and magical novels full of fun stories to explore.” Stiles swished his arms around to emphasise the store. “What are you looking for?”
“You.”
Stiles’ arms dropped to his side like someone had cut their puppet strings. “Wha-”
Derek had apparently not expected the answer to leave his lips as his ears shot bright red and he faked a cough to hide his embarrassment. Stiles was going to die. How could a man like this be as adorable as he was sexy?
“Sorry, let me try that again,” Derek apologised. He took a deep breath and straightened his stance. “I wanted to see if you may be interested in a coffee, with me, like-”
“Like a date?” Stiles smiled. The smile must have been what Derek was needing as he seemed to relax a little and gave a small nod.
“We all know I'm going to say yes, obviously, but how did you know I was here? How do you even know who I am?”
Derek took a moment. “It's probably going to sound impossible.”
“Try me.” Stiles winked.
Derek chuckled before he glanced upwards and groaned, “You two are meant to be napping.”
Stiles looked up to the ceiling and then back at Derek with a raised eyebrow.
Derek refocused, staring directly into Stiles’ eyes. He took several steps to be close enough that if Stiles reached out a hand, his fingers would be able to gently caress those strong arms. Stiles felt himself swallow from the intensity. God, he needed a fan and it was the middle of winter.
“I was walking down the street and caught sight of you through the store window. I felt like I had been struck by lightning. Which I am blaming as the reason that I didn't see the lamp post and broke my nose,” Derek mocked himself.
“It doesn't look broken,” Stiles commented as he relented to the fight against his common sense to softly trail his fingertips along the bridge of Derek’s nose.
Derek’s eyes fluttered closed and Stiles just stood there in a state of utter bliss. The mood shifted away from sweetness though once Derek opened his eyes again and all Stiles saw was a burning red.
“This wasn't how I planned to tell you-”
Stiles beat him to the punch. “Alpha does make sense.”
Derek’s eyes widened.
“So, do all of the betas approve of me?”
“What?” Derek squawked, taking a step back, his eyes fading back to their equally beautiful green.
“Everyone that came to visit me were members of your pack right?”
“You-you know-”
“About werewolves?” Stiles huffed. “Of course I do. You met my bosses at a supernatural convention. I work at Alpha Books for an Alpha and his mate. You've seen Ethan, he's the walking definition of wolf-”
Stiles wasn't sure if the alpha before him had registered that he was growling at the statement or not but it did stop Stiles speaking. He was only teasing Derek but the thought that a man like him was jealous sent a ripple of delight down Stiles’ spine.
Stiles took a step forward and tilted his head so that his neck was exposed, a sign of submission that instantly quietened the alpha's threatening growls and instead Derek blinked owlishly.
“You really do know a lot about us,” Derek said, shaking his head as if to remove some mental cobwebs.
“What can I say, I enjoy research and who wouldn't want to know all the secrets of the supernatural.” Stiles smiled. “It all seems perfectly magical to me.”
Derek's face broke into a smile and he held out his hand which Stiles gladly took and was led over to the couch where the two of them sat down. Stiles wasn't quite sure how close they were meant to sit but when Derek held up his arm, there was no fight to reject the invitation. Stiles snuggled in and heard the alpha sigh in contentment.
Stiles hoped his thinking was right but he still needed to hear the answer.
“So, am I your mate?”
Derek shifted and effortlessly lifted him, so that he was sitting in the alpha's lap, knees bent on either side of those strong legs. God, Stiles should have guessed alpha as soon as Derek walked into the store. No beta would ever look like him.
“Yes, you are my mate but we can take things as slow as you like. You might know about werewolves but you don't necessarily know me,” Derek said, his hands gently massaging Stiles's thighs.
“Your wolf might like me but you don't really know me either.” Stiles shrugged. “Maybe you might be disappointed.”
The alpha growled. Stiles grinned. He had been half joking but the confirmation that Derek was already so smitten did melt away his insecurity a little.
“Careful.” Derek leaned in, his eyes bleeding red. “That's my mate you're talking about.” The tone was confident and deep with seduction. Oh yes, Stiles was indeed in trouble.
“While the idea of going slow does sound like the logical approach…” Stiles trailed off, his hands reaching up to thread his fingers in the alpha's dark hair. “I'm all about the reckless choice.”
Derek’s laugh was cut off as Stiles swooped in and kissed him. It was electric and sweet and everything else that authors used to describe the perfect kiss, the perfect lips. Stiles couldn't really form coherent sentences in his brain when he was drowning in the moment.
It was only when gasps filled the room that the two of them broke apart for air. Stiles twisted in his position to see a pair of women standing in the store, one with her mitten-covered hand over her mouth and the other grinning in true delight.
“Oh, ah, hi?” Stiles swallowed down his embarrassment. There was no denying the chemistry between him and Derek, Stiles hadn’t even heard the bell chime. He reluctantly untangled himself from the alpha and prayed to God that the customers didn’t notice things…downstairs. “How can I help?”
“Just wanted to have a look around,” one of the women said.
Stiles didn’t turn around even when he heard Derek call Ethan’s name in a deep voice. God, all Stiles wanted to do was resume their previous activities. Ethan, thankfully, had used his alpha hearing and wandered down the stairs to join the four of them. His boss did make a point of eyeing Stiles with a smirk before turning fully to the customers and offering them assistance.
Stiles swung back to Derek, who had risen from the couch and asked, “how about that coffee?”
Derek smiled and held his arm out ushering Stiles to the door. “After you.”
Which is how Stiles and Derek ended up in the corner booth of the local diner, hidden away from the majority of the clientele.
“So, let me make sure I’m getting this right. In order I’ve met,” Stiles held up a finger each time he listed a name, “Cora, Peter, Jordan, Erica and Boyd, Kira and Jackson.”
Derek confirmed, fondly shaking his head. “You’ll have to get used to the ridiculousness of the pack.”
Stiles munched on another curly fry, pleased he had gotten the names all correct on the first try. The pack sounded like a mismatched bunch of interesting characters. Stiles couldn’t wait to properly get to know them all. There was still one question that hadn’t been answered yet.
“So who is Christopher Argent and how does he fit into all of this?” Stiles asked.
Derek frowned in confusion. “Argent? How do you know that name?” Stiles took a beat. Maybe that one sided conversation he had heard Peter having wasn’t exactly public knowledge yet.
He shrugged. “Just heard someone say the name in passing.”
“Uh huh,” Derek replied, obviously not believing the lie but also not pressing further. “He’s a reformed hunter, an unlikely ally to the pack.”
Stiles nodded in acceptance. There was obviously a lot of untold history in that sentence but it was their first date, they had plenty of time to unravel their backstories in full.
“So, if I’ve passed the test from your betas and I think I can assume your wolf likes me too-” Stiles paused to watch in awe as the alpha’s eyes glowed red for a moment and then blinked back to green. The man was far too good looking for his own good. “What’s next?”
“While I’d like to ask you what you’re doing for the rest of your life,” Derek said, “I think the next step is introducing you to Pack Night which happens to be tonight, if you were interested.”
Stiles popped another curly fry into his mouth, chewing loudly. “I have always been a brave soldier, sign me up Captain!”
Derek huffed playfully as he stole a fry.
“Hey!” Stiles protested but he was far too slow, the fry already snapped away in the alpha’s mouth. Not that Stiles had long to dwell on the stolen fry when the alpha was claiming his lips in a hungry kiss. Oh yes, Stiles could get very used to this.
The two of them did join Pack Night that evening and Stiles was greeted with cheers of delight and welcome, along with a stream of teasing directed at the Alpha and his inability to be smooth. The story of Derek walking into a post because he was distracted by Stiles was in fact, true.
And a year later, it was Stiles’ turn to cheer when Derek presented him with an early and signed copy of the final Bean and Pennywise book, Bean a Long Time Coming. They read it together as part of their anniversary.