A.S.S.A.S.S.I.N

Chapter 4: Fragile Bonds

The Hale house loomed in the distance as Tori walked beside Derek, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. She could feel the weight of her actions pressing down on her, the tracker she had planted at the warehouse a constant reminder of her duplicity. But she had made her choice, and now she needed to see it through—whatever the cost.

As they reached the house, Derek hesitated at the front steps, his eyes flickering over her with a mix of caution and curiosity. The tension between them was palpable, a live wire strung tight, ready to snap at any moment.

"You can stay the night," Derek said gruffly, breaking the silence. "It's safer here than out there."

Tori looked up at him, surprised by the offer. She had expected him to send her on her way, to shut her out completely now that she had done what she said she would. But instead, he was inviting her in—albeit reluctantly.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice soft, careful not to show too much emotion. She couldn't afford to let him see how much his offer affected her. She needed to stay focused on the mission, to keep her mind sharp and her emotions in check.

Derek nodded, stepping aside to let her enter the house. The familiar scent of wood and earth greeted her as she stepped inside, memories of the past flooding back. It was almost too much, the familiarity of it all, but she forced herself to stay grounded.

The house was quiet, the only sounds coming from the creaking floorboards beneath their feet as Derek led her to a small guest room near the back of the house. The room was simple, with a single bed and a dresser, but it was enough. It felt safe, like a sanctuary in the midst of all the chaos.

"You can sleep here," Derek said, his voice neutral. "I'll be around if you need anything."

Tori nodded, setting her bag down on the bed. "I appreciate it, Derek."

He gave her a curt nod, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, he paused, his hand resting on the frame.

"Tori," he began, his voice hesitant, as if he was searching for the right words. "Why did you really come back?"

Tori's heart skipped a beat, her mind scrambling for an answer. She couldn't tell him the truth—not now, not when she was so close to gaining his trust. But she couldn't lie to him either, not completely.

"I missed you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't the whole truth, but it wasn't a lie either. She had missed him, more than she wanted to admit.

Derek's eyes softened, just for a moment, before he nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.

The next morning, Tori woke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. She sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she tried to shake off the remnants of the dream she had been having—memories of the past, of a time when things had been simpler, when she and Derek had been just two young wolves trying to figure out the world.

But those days were long gone, and she couldn't afford to dwell on them now. She had a job to do, and she needed to stay focused.

After getting dressed, Tori made her way downstairs, following the scent of coffee to the kitchen. Derek was already there, his back to her as he stood at the counter, pouring himself a cup. He looked different in the morning light, softer somehow, less guarded.

"Morning," Tori greeted him, her voice careful as she approached.

Derek glanced over his shoulder at her, his expression neutral. "Morning."