From the Ashes

From the Ashes: Chapter Thirteen

One Year & Six Months Post Asylum:

The younger kids are all inside the pack house taking afternoon naps. Hayley decided to take one as well even though she doesn't usually. This leaves the oldest three–Cora, Stiles and Malia–and the betas who are all lounging around outside.

Jordan has Cora in his lap as she draws in her sketchpad to add to her portfolio. She's getting more into portraits now and with her brother's encouragement, she isn't afraid to pick up a sketchpad and pencil when the mood strikes.

Malia, Jackson and Theo started off wrestling in their wolf forms but then sort of flopped on the ground in a pile of limbs and haven't moved since.

Amelia, Vira, Harley and Helix are sparring lightly just working on blocking right now. The twins, Harley and Helix are on top so far, but Amelia and Vira always make a comeback.

Little Felix is the only little one not napping inside, instead curled up on the blanket between Peter and Claudia. It makes Stiles smile to see his parents so relaxed.

Kira and Isaac are speaking in hushed tones over by the oak tree but not even his fox ears can pick up what they're saying. Not like he plans to listen though. He's not that nosey...most of the time.

His eyes close as his head lolls back, just basking the warmth of the sun on his face. Sometimes he sits outside for hours because after nearly six years without the cool breeze rustling his hair and without feeling the sun's warmth, he makes sure to spend as much time as possible relishing in what he missed.

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He doesn't remember falling asleep, but he's also not surprised that he did. It's just one of those days when he doesn't have a care in the world. The spark is happy, safe, loved and most of all he's home.

"Hey angel," a voice he'll never get tired of hearing whispers next to his ear.

A smile forms on his face as he turns his head, his lips searching for their match without opening his eyes. "Hey," he whispers against his mate's lips before trading soft kisses for a few minutes.

When they part his eyes slowly flutter open and Isaac's breath catches. "You're beautiful."

"Am not," Stiles mumbles, his cheeks flushing deep red.

Isaac boops his nose with a finger. "Are too, you adorable humble mate of mine."

"Staaaahp!" the spark groans with a reluctant smile. "M'not adorable."

"Agree to disagree, my angel."

Stiles huffs preening at his mate's praise then tilts his head. "Why did you wake me up? I mean I don't mind but was it just to compliment me?"

The wolf grins mischievously. "No. I'll save that for next time. I uh–" he hesitates and glances at Kira who nods and then looks back at his mate. "I was wondering–I was uh hoping that–That is to say I thought we could–Fuck!"

"Well, I mean we can do that, but I have a feeling that's not what you're asking to do," Stiles teases.

"Shush you. That's for later." Isaac's cheeks are dark red now and Stiles giggles.

"Maybe I should call you my tomato bee or my honey tomato!" he squeals, laughing and rolling around clutching his stomach.

Isaac huffs and growls playfully. "I prefer, honey bee."

Stiles wipes the tears that are on his cheeks from how hard he was laughing. "Ah. I needed that. All right!" He sits up and gives his mate a soft smile. "Try again. What were you wondering, hoping and thinking?"