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𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝, his gaze had been unwaveringly fixed on her. The trio, which included Cora, had made the decision to temporarily leave Beacon Hills following the recent turmoil they had experienced. However, their journey was cut short when Cora opted to part ways, choosing her own path just a short distance from their departure point.
It was a bittersweet moment for Derek as he watched his sister climb into her car and drive away from the modest motel where he and his girlfriend were staying while searching for a more permanent home. The sight tugged at his heartstrings, but Cora reassured them both with a promise to stay in touch, vowing to call regularly and keep their bond strong despite the distance.
Although the silence between Morgan and Derek had grown since the werewolves had found each other, it was not a reflection of their feelings. Instead, their connection deepened in the quiet moments they shared, filled with gentle embraces and tender kisses exchanged on the small couch in their room. Their love was palpable, thriving in the unspoken understanding that enveloped them, proving that sometimes, words are unnecessary when two hearts are in sync.
Both Morgan and Derek felt a sense of wholeness in each other's presence, yet Morgan was acutely aware that a conversation about their past was inevitable. She believed that the most suitable moment to broach the subject would be right after their takeout dinner. As they lay together on the motel bed, Morgan nestled her arms around Derek's torso, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, while his hands gently caressed her growing belly, a symbol of their shared future.
"Derek, my love, I think we need to discuss what happened," Morgan murmured, her gaze locked onto his. Derek, already attuned to her emotions, met her eyes with a mixture of concern and understanding. He knew that addressing the events of the past could stir up painful memories, so he hesitated before sitting up and carefully disentangling himself from her embrace. The atmosphere shifted, filled with unspoken words and the weight of their shared history, as they prepared to confront the shadows that lingered between them.
"There's no need to dwell on what happened the night I got bitten,but I really want to understand everything that occurred during the years I was gone. And to find out where we're at now." Morgan implored, her voice tinged with urgency. The questions had haunted her since she realized she was finally safe, and she longed to understand the fate of her family and the life Derek had led in her absence. More importantly, she needed to know what the future held for them, as they stood on the precipice of a new chapter in their lives, intertwined yet burdened by the past.
Morgan was left in a whirlwind of emotions, grappling with the unsettling possibility that Derek had moved on with his life. The thought of him marrying someone else and starting a family was a heavy burden on her heart, one that she couldn't shake off easily. The fleeting moment when Derek's gaze met hers revealed a flicker of understanding, as if he sensed the turmoil brewing within her.
Derek took a deep breath, his voice trembling as he began to share the truth that had haunted him for so long. He recounted the day he believed he had lost her, a day that shattered his world and left him feeling hollow. The pain of that loss had driven him into isolation, where he could hardly bear to look at another woman, feeling only a deep sense of betrayal that they were not Morgan. The fire that consumed the Hale house had taken so much from him, leaving only a few survivors, and when her parents vanished without a trace, it pushed him to the brink of despair. He averted his gaze, unable to meet her eyes as tears welled up, knowing how deeply intertwined their lives had been with those who perished.
Yet, everything changed the moment he saw her emerge from the nemeton. In that instant, a flicker of hope ignited within him, illuminating the darkness that had enveloped his heart for far too long. He confessed to Morgan that he was ready to fight for her and their unborn child, feeling as if he had finally found a reason to live again. This newfound vulnerability was unlike anything he had ever experienced, as Morgan's presence seemed to transform his insecurities into a source of strength. In her, he found not just a partner but a beacon of light guiding him back to a life filled with love and possibility.
"Morgan, I can't bear the thought of losing you again. I want to create a life together with you and our child. Although we never officially ended things, I want—no, I need—you to be mine once more." Derek's heartfelt declaration poured out, revealing a side of him that was rarely seen. To anyone else, it might have seemed out of character for the typically brooding werewolf, but in that moment, he felt a profound trust in Morgan. He was willing to shed his tough exterior and embrace the vulnerability that came with expressing his feelings. The tears that once filled Morgan's eyes had disappeared, replaced by a radiant smile that lit up her face.
"Absolutely, I will be yours," she replied with enthusiasm as Derek carefully lifted her onto his lap, his hand resting gently on her belly. It was remarkable how much her stomach had expanded since their reunion; she now appeared to be at least six months along. Morgan playfully attributed her growth to Derek's constant care and attention, as he had been doting on her since they found their way back to each other. The warmth of their connection was palpable, and it was clear that their bond had only deepened during this time apart.
Derek beamed at his expectant girlfriend, and in a moment that felt like a long-awaited dream, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was tender and soft, a stark contrast to the passionate encounters they had shared in the past. It transported them back to their teenage years, to that secret warehouse where they had stolen their first kiss under the stars. Their lips lingered together for just a few precious seconds before they pulled away, resting their foreheads against one another, savoring the intimacy of the moment and the promise of their future together.
Morgan whispered softly, "I love you, Derek Hale," as she pressed another gentle kiss against his lips. The werewolf responded with a low, contented growl, clearly pleased by her affection. With a warm smile, he echoed her sentiment, "I love you too, Morgan Matthews," his voice filled with sincerity and warmth.
With a heart brimming with joy and Derek's strong arm wrapped securely around her waist, Morgan drifted off to sleep, enveloped in a sense of safety and happiness. She felt reassured knowing that both her baby and her boyfriend were by her side. Although she had not received much news about her parents and brother, she trusted that Derek would have informed her if they were in any kind of trouble, allowing her to rest peacefully.
However, when Morgan awoke, she was taken aback to find the bed empty. For the past few days, Derek had always been there beside her when she opened her eyes, so the absence felt unusual. Yet, the familiar scent of him lingered in the air, easing her worries as she assumed he had stepped out to settle the motel bill, a task he had mentioned previously. As she indulged in ice cream from the mini-fridge—fulfilling her baby's cravings—she remained blissfully unaware that Derek had been kidnapped during his brief trip downstairs, leaving him and his uncle in a perilous situation while she savored her treat, oblivious to the danger unfolding just beyond her reach.
