Through the years

32.

Beacon Hills - 2023

"Okay, something's been bothering me." Liam broke the silence, catching the attention for himself. "How is it that none of the three of you know where this book is? Aren't you supposed to know? It doesn't make sense."

Liam wasn't the only one to ask himself this question. It had been bothering more than one pack member but with all the questioning that had been going on, some of them had figured it was something that could wait. They knew it was most likely annoying and tiring for Derek, Peter and Cora to answer all their questions like that.

But it seemed Liam had been more bothered by it than the others and couldn't hold back from asking them anyway. And of course, Derek, Peter and Cora understood why they all had so many questions, but they couldn't deny that it was a bit overwhelming. They weren't the type of people to talk much about their lives and much less their past. 

It was a bit difficult for them to open up so much about themselves and the relatives that couldn't say anything anymore. They wanted to make sure that they weren't forgotten. And with Stiles travelling in time and meeting every single one of the Hales, now they knew that there was at least someone who knew about them and would remember. 

"My dear sister was smarter than you think." Peter told him. "She knew the importance of the book. It attracted the interest of many people and some of which didn't have good intentions. Those people would kill to get their hands on it. Those kind of people don't care if those who they torture are children or not. Talia knew no matter how much a child tries, they are bound to break under torture. So she kept everything to herself. And the only other person who knew about it was her husband."

"Why wouldn't she tell you then?" Corey asked this time and it was Derek who spoke.

"As we already pointed out earlier," he said with a smirk in his uncle's direction. "Peter wasn't a dickhead all his life." he said, watching in amusement as Peter grumbled a few insults under his breath. "He and my mother were very close. They held a lot of love towards each other and if it came down to it and Peter was to be tortured for the book, she didn't want him to have the guilt of betraying his sister. If he didn't know, then everything would be fine. That's what she believed."

"Then why would she tell her husband?" Malia pointed out and Derek sighed. 

"They were mated." he replied, his voice oddly sounding strained. It was as if he was forcing something down his throat and even though they all took notice of it, they decided best not to comment on it for now. "You don't hide things from your mate." Derek told them and this time, his voice was colder than usual. 

"It depends on what you're hiding from your mate, Derek. Sometimes, you don't have a choice." Peter couldn't hold back from saying and he watched his nephew nod in return. 

"I know, I know." 

"What about Stiles then?" Chris asked and for a moment, Derek was confused as to why Stiles' name was mentioned. "Why would she tell him so easily, I mean." he clarified. "Especially if a lot of strangers wanted the book for themselves. Why would Stiles be any different in her eyes?"

"Stiles belongs to my pack." Derek said and they all seemed to notice the hint of pride in his voice but once again, no comment was made. "She felt it. She felt the bond and she recognised my scent on him. She could smell Cora and Peter too. My mother knew from the very beginning that Stiles was different. Time travel is dangerous and she knew that I would never put a pack member in danger like that if it wasn't absolutely necessary." 

"What if he comes back without the book?" Allison dared to ask and everyone seemed to be worried. None of them had thought about that possibility. "I can only assume he won't be keeping the book on him 24/7."