Need

Chapter 11

Stiles

After getting everything sorted out with Maliki, much glaring from Cora's end of things, and a good nights rest paired with a somewhat hearty breakfast provided by the motel, we decided we should drive the rest of the way to Prescott. Derek and I argued a little because he wanted to drive. I didn't think it was a good idea because he could flash and crash the car, but he argued that he hadn't in days so it should be fine. Eventually, I gave in partially because I was tired of driving--though I hadn't in days, I didn't want to. I think Derek could tell-- and also because I really didn't want to fight with Derek. But I did tell him that he had to hold my hand if he even started to feel a little woozy because I "didn't want to die,"  To be honest, I just wanted to hold his hand. Maliki joined us and sat in the backseat of my Jeep. 

"Get buckled," Derek ordered to the kid. I thought Maliki was funny, and he reminded me a bit of Scott when he was human. 

"I'm in the back it's fine," He retorted. Derek glared.

"Put it on," He commanded. Maliki rolled his eyes and pulled the belt across his chest. I chuckled. 

"Derek your acting like such a dad," I laughed. He turned and flared his eyes at me, but I could see him holding back a smile. Behind me, I saw Maliki unbuckle himself, but I didn't say anything because I thought it would be fine. I think Derek noticed too, but didn't say anything just to prove he wasn't being a dad. He sighed. "So Maliki, what's your story?" I questioned. Derek smirked. "What?" Derek shook his head and ran a hand through his hair then rested it on the center console. I slid my hand into his. He gave me a surprised look, then pulled his eyes back to the road.

"I feel fine," He told me. I shrugged.

"I am aware, Sourwolf," I teased. Behind us, Maliki scoffed. I forgot I had asked him a question. "Are you laughing at me, Maliki? You never answered my question, by the way," I said.

"No not laughing. My story isn't that interesting. The only interesting thing about me is my brother, Nathan. We grew up in Prescott with my aunt. My parents passed away when we were young, and my dad was a Werewolf, and my brother caught the gene. I didn't but my aunt knew about this sort of thing, from my father, so she helped Nathan. But then Zeke found Nathan one day on a full moon. Nathan was fighting some of his men, and Zeke caught him by surprise, and tested his nasty hybrid experiment on him. I got into his headquarters, only to watch fro the vents, my brother die from the stuff. That happened last year. Since then I've been looking to find people to help me avenge his death," He told us, hanging his head.

"I'm so sorry," I told him. I didn't know what else to say. 

"It's fine. I do want to know some of you guy's story though...how long have you two been together?" He asked. My face turned the color of my hoodie (My flannel had eventually gotten dirty enough that it needed to be cleaned, but there were no washing machines in the motel, so I resorted to my red hoodie that I wore constantly in high school. I loved it back then, and I had forgotten I had brought it until now. It was a little tight but I loved it, still)

"We aren't together," Derek said at the same time I said:

"Why does everyone think that?" Derek gave me a look.

"Who else thought that?"

"Jhene, when I first met her she said we were a cute couple and-" I faded off, not wanting to mention how she could smell the pheromones coming off of us. Derek looked at me expectantly. 

"And...?" He asked.

"That was all," I told him.

"Your lying,"