Satan in a V-neck

01

Leaving

Before the Hale Fire

"Stay safe Sourwolf," Ember said, hugging the teen. "Protect your sisters."

"I will," Derek said, hugging the woman. "I'll miss you Em."

"I'm gonna miss you all."

Derek stepped away from her and joined the rest of the family inside, leaving Peter and Ember outside.

Peter couldn't think of anything to say. They had been dating for years, she had even moved in with him and now... she needed to leave? They were engaged for crying out loud. They had no plans for a marriage but knew they were going to be with the other for the rest of their lives.

"Do you have to go?" his voice broke as he spoke. He took in her face, watching as the hair in her ponytail swayed with the wind while her sweet scent of vanilla filled the air. The sun made her brown eyes shine, love being the only emotion he could see.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice cracking as well. She knew the day had to come. She had been pushing it off but the Order had been demanding her rise to a phoenix for years.

Her mother had been one as well as her aunt. Her parents died when she was a kid and her aunt took the mantle, but she couldn't anymore. It wasn't meant for her and she too had died.

Ember had been using her age as an excuse but she was 30 now, Peter still 29.

She hugged Peter, wrapping her arms around his waist. He wrapped his around her shoulder's burying his head in her shoulder.

"Are you really coming back?" he asked into her ear.

"I have some business that my family left behind," she began, pulling away and resting her forehead against his. Her hands rested on either side of his face as she looked at him."I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Don't take too long," Peter closed his eyes, taking in her familiar scent. He could feel his wolf side fighting, wanting her to stay. It was rare, but he had found his mate. She was his and he was hers. She knew about his past before they met but they loved each other deeply.

"I love you," Ember said before pressing her lips to his. The kiss was slow, both trying to memorize the other in their last moments. Neither knew how long she would be gone.

"I love you Emmy."

They shared one more kiss before Ember got into her car and drove away, Peter watching it disappear before going inside.

- - -

Beacon Hills Hospital

6 years later

"Hey Pete," Ember said as she sat in a chair beside Peter's wheelchair. He had been seated facing the window when she entered, ignored and forgotten. "The Order told me that I had to return before the end of the week, but I wanted to stop by before that."

She rested her hand over his and looked at his scared face.

"It's been 6 years since the fire and I heard from the Order that Derek and Laura are moving again, probably coming back."

She froze as a nurse stopped by the room.

Melissa McCall was a kind woman that often stopped by.

"Nice to see you back Miss," the woman greeted. Although the blonde often visited, she had somehow avoided using or saying her name. "Can I help you with anything?"