Turning Year

Chapter 16: Don't Deny It

When Derek woke up, the sun had just barely come up. Stiles was still asleep, and looked like he would be for a while. 

Last night Derek thought about going back to his village, and he knew what he needed to do.

He carefully untangled himself from Stiles and made his way out of the house.

He was headed towards Michael's mansion, following his scent until he found the giant building.

He wasn't sure if he would be awake, as it was still pretty early, but his question was answered when he saw Michael jogging towards him, shirtless and in gym shorts, clearly he had been running.

"Hello Derek," He said, slightly out of breath. "What can I do for you?"

"Do you mind if we went inside?" Derek asked. Michael frowned, he could tell this was a serious matter.

"Of course." Michael lead him inside and grabbed a shirt before taking a seat in his office, where Derek sat down as well.

"How is Stiles?"

"Good, as far as I can tell. He seems to be running hot, and hungry, but other than that he is fine. I also had to tell him about what happened."

"I see, that's all normal, and I'm glad you did. So what can I help you with?"

"Well I sort of. . . need your opinion."

Michael nodded. "Alright."

"I think I need to go back to my village, but I. . . I don't exactly want to. And Stiles, I don't know how he would react, especially now."

"You want to know what I think, one hundred percent truth?"

"Yes, one hundred percent truth."

"Alright. You need to stay here, I'm not saying that you can't go back for a few days, but you need to stay here." Michael said sternly.

"Why do you say need?"

Michael sighed and ran a hand over his face. "I knew that I would have to tell you at some point, but I was hopping it wouldn't come this soon. . . I don't know much about your species, but I think you all call it bonding? Over the course of the past week or so, and more specifically during his change, you've been. . . how do I explain this. . ." Michael trailed off for a moment, thinking.

"Your animals, tiger and wolf, have been bonding, an emotional bond far more complex than a human could ever imagine. I believe you're familiar with this type of things between two werewolves, yes?"

"Wait. . . like a. . ."

"Mating bond, yes."

"That's impossible." Derek said, shaking his head. Of course this occurred between two werewolves, but with another animal? That couldn't happen.

"Is it?"

Derek swallowed. "He's just a kid, and just. . . no. That's not happening."

"Oh. So you think you can just turn off you subconscious? You haven't found yourself wanting to touch or be close to him? To protect him?"

"But-"

"And he hasn't gravitated towards you? Trusted you with his life? Wanted to be near you-" This time Derek cut Michael off.

"Okay- but that doesn't mean we're bonding. . . I mean, we're just. . . friends." It felt strange coming out of Derek's mouth.

"Why are you denying this? Do you not want to be his mate?" Michael crossed his arms, seemingly upset with the idea.