Whispered promises

Chapter 71

"Derek, give it to me. I can do it," I said, frustration evident in my voice as I reached for the medical supplies he held just out of my reach. I sat on the couch, annoyance flickering across my face as he knelt down in front of me. "No, let me do it," Derek insisted, keeping the supplies away as I tried to grab them from him. "Katrina, you fought dozens of hunters and assassins last night. The least I can do is apply first aid."he concluded.

I sighed, realizing he had a point. Reluctantly, I allowed him to continue tending to my injuries. As he applied the first aid to the cut across my cheek, his gaze met mine, his captivating green eyes holding my attention. I tried to look away, but it was as if his eyes had me in a trance.

"You think Kate's still around?" I asked, attempting to distract myself from the intensity of his gaze. It was those damn green eyes that had always affected me. "No idea. We'll find out," Derek responded, his voice filled with a mix of determination and concern.

I watched as Derek concentrated on his task, placing the gauze on the knife wound on my side. He hadn't noticed that I had been staring at him the whole time , maybe he did but did I really care . I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. Every touch of his hand against my skin felt like fireworks igniting within him, an electric current coursing through his body. He marveled at how one person could make him feel this way especially after everything that had transpired.

The scent of his aftershave enveloped me-sandalwood, pepper, and a hint of sweet vanilla. It was intoxicating, but in the best possible way. "You're all done," Derek said, finally looking up to see that I had been watching him. His adorable forest green eyes met my icy blue ones.

"What?" I asked, puzzled by his smile.
"Nothing," he replied, still smiling like an idiot. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I questioned, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Maybe because I want to," Derek whispered, his words barely audible.

A comfortable silence settled between them as their eyes remained locked on each other. Derek's smile held a mix of affection and vulnerability, and her heart skipped a beat. He was terrified that she only saw him as a friend, which was why he hadn't revealed his feelings. And after Scott told him about her ex jace, he feared that she wasn't ready to move on from him. He knew that no one could replace what Jace and her had. He knew it. Katrina knew the promise she made with Jace in the WCKD cells , she didn't want to move on but , her heart had other things in mind .

"Derek..." I whispered, my words trailing off as he gently placed his finger to my lips. His eyes flickered between my lips and my eyes, and I could sense the unspoken desire that hung in the air. In that moment, Derek made a decision, ready to take the leap, even if it meant risking everything. I was about to speak, but before I could, he pressed his lips against mine.

Fireworks exploded within me as our lips touched. It felt like a thousand sensations lighting up my body. Derek's hand came up to cup my cheek as I hesitated for a moment, questioning the rightness of this moment because of Jace . But it didn't feel wrong-not to me. I should have , but it didn't . I remembered what Lydia had said to me in the car that day, and with a surge of desire, I immediately kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck loosely.

Derek was taken aback by her response. He wasn't sure if she was ready to move on or if she even felt the same way he did towards her . His hands rested on either side of her cheeks, his touch gentle yet firm, as he deepened the kiss. After a moment, they pulled back, our foreheads lightly resting against each other.

"You should get some rest," Derek whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. Lydia was right-the only way to find another love was to let go and move on. But was I ready to move on yet .