Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫. The trio, including Cora, had made the decision to leave Beacon Hills for a while after everything that had gone down, but they hadn't ventured too far before Cora chose to head off on her own path. It was a bittersweet moment, watching her get into her car and drive away from the little motel where they were temporarily staying, waiting for something more permanent to come along. Even though it stung, Cora reassured them that she would always keep in touch.
The motel was just a stopover for them, a place to regroup after the chaos, and he was grateful for the time they had spent together. Cora's promise to call made it a little easier to bear, knowing that their bond wouldn't fade just because they were apart. It was a comfort to Derek, who had been through so much already, and he hoped that Cora would find her own way in the world.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere between Morgan and Derek was a bit different. They hadn't exchanged many words since the werewolves had reunited, but that didn't mean their feelings had diminished in any way. Instead, they found solace in each other's presence, often wrapped up in each other's arms or stealing soft kisses while they lounged on the small couch in their room. It was a quiet intimacy that spoke volumes, a reminder that sometimes, love doesn't need grand gestures or constant chatter to thrive.
They both felt a sense of wholeness, but Morgan was acutely aware that they couldn't avoid discussing the past forever. She figured the perfect moment to bring it up would be right after they finished their takeout dinner. As they lounged on the motel bed, Morgan nestled against Derek, her arms wrapped around his torso while he gently caressed her growing belly. The atmosphere was cozy, but the weight of their unspoken history lingered in the air.
"Derek, my love, we really need to talk about what happened," Morgan murmured, gazing up into his eyes. Derek was already focused on her, but he hesitated, not wanting to let anger surface as they delved into the events of the past. With a sigh, he sat up, carefully disentangling himself from her embrace, knowing that this conversation was unavoidable and necessary for both of them.
"We don't have to go into detail about the night I was bitten, but I need to understand what happened during all those years I was out of it and where we stand now," Morgan urged, her voice tinged with urgency. The questions had been swirling in her mind ever since she realized she was finally safe. She was desperate to know what had become of her family and what Derek had experienced during their time apart. Most importantly, she needed clarity on their future together.
Morgan couldn't shake the feeling that Derek had moved on with his life. The idea that he might have gotten married and started a family without her was unsettling. It gnawed at her, and she could see that Derek was aware of her turmoil, especially when he noticed a flicker of something in her eyes that hinted at the weight of unspoken truths.
"When I thought you were gone, it felt like a part of me vanished too," Derek confessed, his gaze drifting away from Morgan as he struggled to find the right words. "I couldn't bear to look at anyone else; it just felt wrong. So, I chose to isolate myself, thinking it would help. But then the fire at the house changed everything. It took so many lives, and I was left with just a few survivors—Peter, Cora, Laura, and me. When your parents disappeared without a word, it shattered whatever trust I had left in people."
Derek had been avoiding this conversation for far too long, knowing that Morgan was unaware of the tragic events surrounding the Hale house fire. It was a painful chapter that claimed the lives of many, including those who were dear to Morgan. He felt the weight of his silence pressing down on him, realizing that it was time to share the truth, no matter how difficult it might be for both of them.
"But when I saw you come out of that nemeton, I knew I would do anything for you and our baby. It felt like I could finally see the light again, like my world wasn't crumbling in front of me anymore," Derek found himself pouring out his heart to the brunette, something he had never done before. Morgan had this incredible ability to draw out his deepest fears and insecurities, but instead of feeling weighed down by them, he felt lighter, as if she was transforming his vulnerabilities into strengths.
"Morgan, I can't bear the thought of losing you again. I want to create a life with you and our baby," Derek confessed, his voice filled with urgency. "I know we never officially ended things, but I need you to be mine again, and I want that more than anything." It was a side of him that most people would never recognize, especially given his usual brooding demeanor. But in that moment, he felt a profound trust in Morgan, a willingness to show her the softer side of himself. The tears that had once filled her eyes were gone, replaced by a radiant smile that lit up her face, and that made everything he said feel worthwhile.
"Of course, I'll be yours," she replied, her excitement bubbling over as Derek carefully lifted her onto his lap. He placed a gentle hand on her belly, which had noticeably grown since their last encounter. She looked like she was well into her pregnancy, and while she joked about it being due to Derek's constant pampering and care, there was a warmth in that moment that spoke volumes.
Derek couldn't help but smile at his pregnant girlfriend, and in a moment that felt like a long time coming, he finally pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was soft and tender, lacking any urgency or forcefulness. It took them both back to their teenage years, recalling that first secret kiss they had shared in their favorite old warehouse. Their lips lingered together for just a few fleeting seconds before they pulled away, resting their foreheads against each other, lost in the warmth of the moment.
"I love you, Derek Hale," Morgan whispered, planting another sweet kiss on his lips. The sound of her voice made Derek's heart swell with happiness, and he couldn't help but let out a low, satisfied growl in response. He mirrored her affection, his voice steady as he replied, "I love you too, Morgan Matthews." It was a simple exchange, but it carried the weight of their shared experiences and the promise of their future together.
With a heart full of love and Derek's strong arm wrapped around her waist, Morgan drifted off to sleep, feeling a deep sense of contentment. She knew that both her baby and her boyfriend were safe by her side. Even though she was still in the dark about her parents and brother, she felt reassured knowing that Derek would have told her if anything was wrong. In that peaceful moment, everything felt right in her world.
But when the brunette opened her eyes that morning, she was taken aback to find the bed beside her empty. For the past few days, Derek had been her constant companion upon waking, so the absence felt unusual. However, the familiar scent of him still hung in the air, which eased her mind a bit. She figured he had just stepped out to handle the motel's bill, something he had mentioned needing to do a few days prior.
As Morgan got up and headed to the mini-fridge for a scoop of ice cream—indulging her cravings rather than her own desires—she remained blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding just downstairs. In that moment, Derek was in a dire situation, having been kidnapped while he went to settle the bill. Meanwhile, his uncle was also caught up in the nightmare, both of them enduring a harrowing experience while Morgan happily dug into her ice cream, completely oblivious to the danger her boyfriend was facing.
