Six Hours Later.

The moon was just a sliver in the sky and the stars were so clear. The headlights cut through the night ahead of them and they hadn't seen another car in the last twenty minutes. It was as if the rest of the world didn't exist. They were forty miles from the park entrance and the dashboard clock read 1:37 am. Malia had her window rolled down and was enjoying the feeling of the wind in her hair. The mix-tape warbled through the radio. Stiles drove with one hand on the wheel and the other on her knee. Malia absentmindedly played with his fingers enjoying the quiet drive with him. She could feel the warm weight of his eyes on her again. She bit her lip repressing a grin, keeping her eyes fixed on their entwined hands. They had been shooting each other smiles and lingering looks since they had started driving over an hour ago. It was like a game.

Malia drew the edge of her thumb along his knuckles softly. His hands were one of her major weaknesses. They were always so warm. When she had first been turned back to human she was freezing all the time. But it wasn't just the cold she was feeling…she felt numb. Her instincts were all mixed up. There were too many smells. Too many people in her space. Too many things she didn't know how to say. All of her repressed feelings were boiling over. She was like a wounded animal, always snarling and ready for a fight. One angry outburst at the mall and two thousand dollars of property damage later landed her in Eichen House.

They said it was a hospital. But Eichen House was just a whitewashed cage, nothing more. She had been locked up there for a month of assessment. Eichen reeked of industrial chemicals and she could barely hear herself think over the constant echoes. She paced the halls at night like a caged animal, plotting her escape.

She had been in the middle of gauging a weakness in the perimeter fence when this stupid boy had invaded her space...so she had promptly knocked him out of it. Except it hadn't worked. He just got back up. Then somehow he talked her into helping him.

She had endured weeks of being analysed, group therapy sessions and listening to counselors spout psychobabble. And in all that time she had kept herself apart. Never really allowing herself to connect. But somehow in less than seventy-two hours Stiles had gotten to her.

She could blame it on simple attraction. But deep down she knew it wasn't the unruly dark hair and good-looks that got to her. It was the understanding in his eyes. He knew what it was like to have a monster lurking beneath his skin. To live in the fear that it was only a matter of time before it would claw its way out again. He understood what it was like to be a prisoner in his own body.

She hadn't really been touched in years. So when he took her hands in that dark basement it startled her. She was the feral girl found in the woods and she had done her best to make people keep their distance. Doctors, nurses, social workers and the other patients they knew better than to invade her space. They were afraid to touch her and that suited her just fine, she wasn't planning to stick around long anyway. Then he touched her and the heat from his hands skated up her spine and fanned out across her skin chasing away the numbness. And for the first time since she had been found she wanted to move closer to somebody. To lean in. To bury her face in the warmth he offered. So she stole a kiss. In the wild if you hesitate you will never catch your prey, and Malia always caught her prey.

When she pulled away she was satisfied to find a spark in his clever brown eyes. He asked if he could kiss her again, and then suddenly they were sharing the same space. Her hands were fisted in his shirt and his mouth was slanting against hers. The way his heart drummed against her palm had her feeling powerful in a way she had never really felt before.

It probably never should have happened. And the last place it should have happened was in the dank basement of a mental hospital, on that ratty old couch. But she didn't regret it. She would never regret anything to do with him.

Malia smiled to herself at the memory and brought his hand up to her mouth, pressing a lingering kiss to the back of it. Stiles gave a huff of quiet laughter from beside her, but managed to keep his eyes on the road. Malia nuzzled the back of hand before releasing it. Stiles flexed his fingers before bringing his other hand back to the wheel. She could tell by the uptake in his heartbeat that his hand must be tingling. She grinned smugly. Your move, Stilinski.

As the Jeep crested a hill they spotted a brightly lit twenty-four hour gas station. She watched him as his eyes darted to the fuel gauge.

"We should probably fill up." He said as he changed lanes and turned off the highway.

They rolled through the desolate parking lot and pulled up to the closet pump. Stiles cut the engine with a tired sigh and brought a hand up to knead at his shoulder. Malia stretched bringing her arms up over her head. The night air wafting through her window felt warm and silky against her skin. The parking lot lights hummed with electricity and crickets and frogs were singing in the ditch nearby.

"You need anything?" Stiles asked as he opened his door. Malia yawned shaking her head in reply as a cute little sound escaped from her. Stiles smirked at the noise as he reached out and playfully tapped her beneath her chin. Malia rolled her eyes at him. She refused to believe she was cute. Tough. Beautiful. Sweet. Those she could live with but Malia Tate was absolutely not cute.

His eyes were dancing with laughter as he shifted away. "I'll be back in five." But when he moved to slide out of the Jeep he stiffened and let out an involuntary hiss. Malia reached out to him, feeling the tension in the muscles of his shoulder.

"You're hurt." Malia accused running her hand along his stiff shoulder. Stiles groaned closing his eyes as he leaned into her touch like a big cat. Malia scooted closer to him and gently started massaging his shoulder. "Is this from falling in the river?" During the struggle with the Black Dog Stiles had been knocked off the Foundry Bridge.

"Uh-huh." Stiles grunted as she worked her hands along his sore shoulder.

"We should have stayed home." Malia said feeling guilty. Once they managed to capture the Black Dog and deliver it to Eichen House, she and Stiles had headed back to garage. After he had showered the river and turpentine from his skin, he had caught her staring longingly at her backpack.

It was already late and he must have been tired but he grinned shouldering her bag and grabbing his keys anyway. Last weekend when she had been swamped with work Stiles had gone ahead to purchase their camp permit and set up their campsite. So it didn't matter how late they got to the camp ground.

"Hey, it's nothing I just tweaked my shoulder." He insisted opening his eyes.

"No. You're hurt we should have iced your shoulder and gone to bed."

Stiles straightened in his seat, catching her eyes as he did so, "I wanted to be here with you." His eyes were unwavering and his heartbeat steady as he told her so. She scented the air, despite showering his scent was still saturated with turpentine. That must have been how she'd missed the subtle traces of pain and the tang of blood in the air.

Malia's eyes trailed over him searching for injury. She reached out and brushed his unruly brown hair off of his forehead. She frowned finding a shallow cut in his hairline and dried blood.

She licked her thumb and wiped at the smudge of blood. "I should have checked you out better before we left."

"Well to be fair, you've been checking me out the whole way here." He teased flirtatiously.

"Yeah, but that wasn't for medical purposes." She argued as she pulled back, reaching under the seat grabbing the first aid kit. Spying the red bag in her hand Stiles shook his head.

"Malia, leave it. I'm fine."

"Stiles, it's just a band aid. It's not like I'm drawing blood." She said as she tore open an alcohol swab and reached out for his face.

Stiles dodged her chuckling, "I'm sexier when I'm wounded."

"You got me. Head injuries are so hot." She replied sarcastically. Stiles started to slide out of the open Jeep door when she flashed her eyes at him and her voice lost its playful edge. "Sit." She commanded.

Stiles sat back down throwing up his hands in exasperation. "Wild animal," he grumbled.

Malia smirked impishly after getting her way. She touched his jaw lightly, angling his head so she could see the cut. It wasn't deep or long but with the bacteria living in that river it could easily get infected. Stiles screwed up his eyes and grimaced, as she started cleaning the wound.

"Feelin' sexy now, Stilinski?" she teased.

"Ow…oww… owww." He whined unnecessarily, trying to twist his head away.

"Stiles, it's like a pinprick." She chided.

His eyes shot open and he arched an eyebrow, "Then why do you keep feeling the need to fix it?" he challenged, "It's working for you, admit it. You just can't keep your hands off me." He told her with a smirk.

Malia had a pithy reply ready but it died on her lips when she realized her position. She was half crawled in his lap, with his head in her hands and he had all of her attention, all of this with only a modicum of effort on his part. He shot her a crooked grin and waggled his eyebrows.

Score one point for, Stilinski.

Malia bit her lip choosing to subtly slide out of his lap and discard the alcohol swab rather than admit he might have a point. She tore open a bandage and avoiding his eyes she leaned back into his space, smoothing it over the cut. Stiles watched her his grin slipping as he noticed the serious look she wore as her thumb lingered over the bandage. Reaching out Stiles caught her hand, and squeezed it.

"Hey, I'm OK." he assured.

"I know." She whispered, sliding her other hand into the short hairs at the nape of his neck. His eyes fluttered closed as her fingers began kneading the back of his neck. Malia tilted his head forward and laid a soft kiss to the skin beneath his bandage. He leaned into her kiss his warm breath ghosting against the skin of her neck. She subtly tightened her hold on his neck and black cords suddenly appeared on her arm as she stole his pain. She gasped softly as his pain dissolved into her skin. When she pulled back his breathing was ragged and his big brown eyes were locked on hers.

"Thanks," he rasped, his eyes drifting down to her lips, then back up to her eyes. He stole into her space his breath grazing her lips as he leaned in for a kiss. But at the last moment he dodged her mouth.

"We'd better go. Before you start something we can't finish." He whispered against her ear before pulling away with obvious effort. Malia smiled impishly.

Score another point for, Tate.

Malia was feeling utterly pleased with herself as they hopped out of the Jeep. Stiles unscrewed the gas cap and clicked a few buttons on the pump before lifting the nozzle. Hitting the trigger he started filling the tank. Malia purposely brushed against his back as she reached to grab the squeegee from the bucket. As she started washing the windshield she could feel him watching her, so she threw a look his way, he cleared his throat and dropped his eyes. Malia chuckled. She moved back toward him, dropping the squeegee in the bucket, and propping herself against the Jeep beside him.

"You so aren't playing fair." He complained. Malia reached out to straighten the top button on his plaid shirt.

"When have I ever played fair?" she asked, as she dropped her hand. Stiles tilted his head considering this.

"Yeah, good point." He conceded, as he rocked forward pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. The nozzle clicked between them and Stiles drew back from her. He hung the nozzle back in its holster and screwed the fuel cap back on. Snapping closed the fuel door he straightened up and reached for his wallet.

"I'll be back in a few. Try and stay out of trouble for that long." He sassed as he rounded the Jeep heading for the convenience store. Her eyes lingered on him appreciatively as he strode away. He was one of the few guys she had ever met who was good-looking and completely unaware of it. Stiles had been boyishly cute when they met but in the last few years he had grown up filling out in all the right ways.

She shook her head at herself and played with the ring on her necklace. It felt right there. His mom's ring hanging over her heart next to her mother's St. Jude's medal. St. Jude was the patron saint of lost causes. Her mom had been a paramedic and always wore the medal as a reminder to never give up on people. That nothing was ever a lost cause if you were willing to keep fighting. She and Stiles could have easily been a pair of lost causes if a few good people hadn't been willing to fight to save them. She could never have imagined when they found her in the woods how much each of them would end up meaning to her.

Werecoyotes aren't known for being trusting creatures so they very rarely form packs. So it's surprising that Malia joined a pack at all. But maybe not so surprising when you consider she joined a pack of misfits rather than werewolves. Werecoyotes are also known to be fiercely independent so they often clash with alpha werewolves. But Scott wasn't just an alpha to Malia, he was one of her best friends.

Scott taught her how to tap into her coyote senses. To find the power within herself that had done nothing but scare her most of her life, and to channel it toward something good. Scott always saw the best in her. He would always put himself between her and danger, even when she didn't need him to. Scott introduced her to all of her favorite bands. He took her to her first concert. Scott helped her learn how to play guitar, shoot pool and cheat at poker. He was the brother she never had but always wanted growing up.

Lydia helped her survive math class. She scared off the bratty girls who tried to bully Malia on her first day. She helped her get dressed up for her first date. Lydia was the first person to give her a travel book. The first person to really ask her what she wanted to do with her life. They spent so many nights up on the roof of Oldcastle, where Lydia pointed out the constellations and told her the ancient stories behind each one. They backpacked through Greece together the summer after college. Malia cannot think of that trip without remembering Lydia chasing after that mule who ran off carrying a bag full of her shoes. Most importantly Lydia taught her that being independent didn't mean you had to be alone.

Malia was pulled from her thoughts when she heard the bell chime on the convenience store door. Looking up she smiled as she saw Stiles walking towards her.

Then there was Stiles. When they first met he had a broken smile and haunted eyes, but he still left his window open for her every night. His room was the safe place she could always run to whenever she got scared. He didn't judge. Didn't expect her to talk. He was the one person she never had to explain herself to. Stiles taught her how to skateboard, to drive stick and he always helped her with her homework. He made her watch all the Star wars movies and got her hooked on cheesy old sci-fi novels. He pushed her to talk to her dad. Whenever things got scary or confusing he was right there with her. He made her laugh like a little kid. He gave her a weakness for plaid shirts, brown eyes and for boys who hid their good hearts beneath layers of sarcasm. He taught her how to be a friend. To stand by people even when every instinct inside you was screaming for you to run. He taught her how to love.

Stiles watched her curiously as approached the Jeep. "What?" he asked as he pulled open the passenger side door for her. Malia realized she must have been staring and blinked.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive?" she asked smoothly switching the subject. Stiles rolled his eyes at her.

"I'm fine." He grumbled, "Do you need me to prove it?"

"That depends," she said letting her eyes track over him greedily, "What are you suggesting?"

Stiles lifted his eyebrow at her before releasing the door and walking a few feet away from her. Turning back towards her Stiles comically tapped his nose with his finger and started walking in a straight line back towards her mimicking a sobriety test.

"Zee-Wy-Ex-Double-u-Vee-U-Tee-Ess-Ar-Cue Pee-O-En-Em," he recited flawlessly while he smirked edging closer to her. When he was within reach Malia started walking her fingers down the front of his shirt breaking his focus. "Uh…Aitch."

"I'll take those keys now." She said with satisfaction.

Stiles brushed her hand off his chest, "All that proves is that you're really distracting." He dismissed, ignoring her request and climbing into the driver's seat. Malia was laughing as she climbed into the Jeep next to him. Stiles was grumbling something unintelligible under his breath about coyotes when he pulled something out of his pocket. He threw Malia a package of her favorite gum. Malia grinned and popped a piece into her mouth. Stiles started up the Jeep, and pulled back out onto the highway. Malia blew a big gum bubble, then snapped it obnoxiously. Stiles rolled his eyes in her direction, Malia just grinned innocently and threw a wink his way.

The camp ground was quiet as they drove in, campfire smoke and the crisp smell of rushing water filled the air. Malia felt her heart leap in excitement. She loved this campground. She and Stiles had discovered it back in their senior year of high school and they had been coming here ever since. They always camped up in the interior sites that you had to hike to get to. They were on the cheaper side because you had to hike to get to them. That first time Stiles had complained about hiking, until they got to their site and saw how beautiful it was. After that it was always him insisting they pick that site in particular. They drove down a windy road and parked off to the side of it, near Malia's favorite waterfall.

Malia bounded out of the Jeep grinning. They grabbed their backpacks and water bottles silently agreeing to come back for the rest in the morning. Malia crossed the road and stood at the water's edge, dropping her bag by her feet. The mist of the waterfall kissed her skin, and all she could hear was the rush of the water. It was one of the few sounds that could eclipse even her supernatural hearing. She closed her eyes and breathed it the scent and touch of the water.

Arms wrapped around her and Malia leaned back into them, humming contentedly. All she could hear was the rush of the falls, all she could feel was his heartbeat steady against her back, and his lips trailing down the slope of her neck. His downy hair grazed her cheek. Malia reached back gripping the back of his head, threading her fingers in his hair.

"So this is where you were going to…" she trailed off, momentarily distracted by his lips on her skin.

Stiles brushed his lips against her ear, "Yeah. That was the plan." Malia lightly grazed his scalp with her blunt human nails. Smirking to herself when she felt his lips falter against her skin. Stiles nipped at her ear in retaliation, forcing a gasp from her. Malia tugged gently on the roots of his hair, angling him back toward her lips. She was half spun towards him when she rose up on her toes and captured his mouth in a searing kiss. Stiles banded one arm around her shoulders and the other around her lower back, drawing her up closer to him.

He moaned when she broke the connection. She nudging his nose with her own immensely pleased with his flushed cheeks, rumpled hair and dark eyes. It made her feel two parts weak and two parts powerful when he looked at her like this. She smirked brushing her lips lightly against his as they both caught their breath.

"One day alone with you isn't going to be enough time." She said gripping the collar of his shirt a little possessively. Even in the dark Malia could see the blush creeping up his neck.

Stiles chuckled, "I'm not the one who invited the whole youth center."

"Don't remind me," Malia groaned. "I might just have to sneak into your tent this weekend."

His eyes were half-lidded and he was staring at her mouth as he rocked forward to capture her lips in a soft kiss. When Malia tried to deepen the kiss, Stiles suddenly pulled away, cocking an eyebrow.

"Wait. What? We're not sharing a tent?" he asks disgruntled.

"Did I forget to mention that?"

"Uh…yeah!"

"Oops." She said innocently, "I guess you and I are going to have some sneaking around to do." She slipped one hand up his neck and into his hair threading her fingers in the ends of it. She nuzzled against the rough underside of his chin and nipped his pulse point, drawing a hiss from him. Wrapping her arms around him she drew him closer to her. Kissing along his jaw before stopping to nuzzle beneath his ear. The action was both affectionate and never failed to drive Stiles crazy. When she pulled away he was a little breathless and slightly mollified.

Malia smiled wickedly as she stepped back, "Race you to the tent, Stilinski." She said, as she ducked down to grab her backpack and started sprinting down the beach.

"Seriously?" he called after her. "It's like two in the morning where do you get the energy for this?"

Malia stopped, turning back to face him once she reached the edge of sand near the base of the trail leading to their campsite.

"How about you catch me and find out?" She challenges lifting an eyebrow at him. Stiles wrestled a flashlight out of his backpack before he started jogging after her. Malia grinned and disappeared into the darkness of the woods. She dashed through the forest leaping over rocks and roots. Running had always been one of the things that made her feel most alive. Her whole body was practically singing as she sprinted up the trail.

She stopped and ducked behind a tree tilting her head to listen for him. He was about forty paces behind her, his heart was racing from the chase. He didn't have her night vision so he had stopped running and was tracking her with a flashlight. Malia grinned to herself. He was being careful, he knew her game. Malia would always use her speed as an advantage, then she would hide in the forest and let him overtake her on the trail. Then when he was least expecting it she would pounce on him from behind.

Stiles was tracking her footprints with his flashlight, he wasn't going to let her win so easily this time. Malia flashed a grin toward the trail.

Clever, deputy. But let's see how you do with a little distraction.

Malia kicked off her motorcycle boots and tossed them behind her on the open trail. Malia let her toes sink into the soft earth and enjoyed the cool sensation for a moment. She listened for him again and heard his ragged breathing as he crested the hill twenty paces away. She allowed his flashlight to glance over her for a second, just long enough for him to catch just a glimpse before she dashed away laughing.

"Malia!" he called after her. She felt light headed as she ran off giggling. She knew he would be able to follow the sound of laughter, but she just couldn't contain herself. She was in her favorite place in the world, playing her favorite game with the only guy she ever wanted to play it with.

Where the trail started to narrow she left her belt. A few paces later Malia tossed her work shirt onto an overhanging branch. She ran a few hundred feet more before she ducked off the trail. Finding an outcropping of rocks in the forest Malia propped herself on the ledge of it and waited.

Closing her eyes she reached out for the sound of him in the darkness. He had just found her shirt. She could tell because his heart was doing that funny little thing it did whenever she toyed with him like this. Malia grinned wolfishly, she had him right where she wanted him.

Opening her eyes she drank in the sight and sounds of the forest at night. In the distance she could still make out the rush of the waterfall. A soft wind stirred through the trees, kicking up the spicy scent of cedar and oak. The crickets and tree frogs sang back and forth. Malia wiggled her toes in the soft earth. She could make out a thousand heartbeats, birds, squirrels, raccoons, badgers, deer—and then something much larger.

A chill skated down her spine. Malia straightened up on the rock and scented the air. Whatever it was it didn't give off a scent. Malia stood, straining her ears to lock onto it. Its heartbeat was much too fast and much too powerful to be anything living in these woods. Whatever it was it wasn't natural. Her first instinct was to run for Stiles and get him out of the woods. But if she did she would be leading this thing right to him. Malia's blood suddenly ran cold.

The heartbeat.

It was gone.

Malia couldn't catch its scent she couldn't track its heartbeat, but she could sense its presence, it was out there. She leapt off the rock and raced for the trail, charging in the direction of where she had last heard it. If she could do nothing else she would lead it away from Stiles. As she ran she caught sight of something ahead, a dozen pinpoints of soft glowing light. Curious and wary she slowly made her way towards them. She came to a tree and one of its branches was wrapped in a string of amber colored bulbs. Malia hesitantly reached out and touched one of the small glowing glass balls. The strings of lights cut a path in the night leading toward the familiar clearing of trees ahead, their campsite. She felt a pang in her chest. Stiles had done this, set up these lights for her. Another one of his romantic gestures.

And now whatever was out there was using that to lure them both into a trap. Malia flicked out her claws and let her senses fan out all around her. If she couldn't sense it she would try to sense anything around it. She searched for the skittering heartbeats of the other animals perhaps they also sensed the creature. She tasted the air for the scent of fear. An owl swatted its wings a hundred paces to her left. A colony of ants were rebuilding their hill thirty paces to her right.

She reached the edge of the clearing and let her eyes trace over their campsite. The strings of amber colored lights circled their site. And instead of their usual four season tent, there was a makeshift tent of mosquito netting set-up at the heart of the site. It was billowing softly in the wind.

A twig snapped behind her and Malia swung around lithely, grabbing the intruder by the front of his shirt. Stiles stumbled forward into her grunting in surprise when he was abruptly met with fangs and fierce blue eyes.

"Got you?" he whispered uncertainly. Malia snapped back from him in relief and terror. Stiles had his backpack slung over one shoulder and was carrying her boots, shirt and belt over one arm.

"There's something in our camp." Malia whispered, "Stiles you have to run!" She ordered, pushing him away and back toward the trail.

Stiles dropped her clothes soundlessly and carefully set his backpack down. Reaching behind him he pulled his off-duty weapon from the holster at the small of his back. Straightening up he instinctively flanked her left side, knowing it to be her most vulnerable angle.

"Yeah. There's no way in hell that's happening." He whispered under his breath, as he soundlessly checked the chamber of his gun.

"Stiles!" Malia whisper shouted. Stiles caught movement out of the corner of his eye and trained his gun on it.

Stiles nudged her with his shoulder, "Malia, ten o'clock." Then out from the darkness the dark silhouette of a giant dog crossed into their camp. Malia stopped breathing. Had the Black Dog tricked them into thinking they had captured it? Did it track them here? Or was this all a hallucination and they had never really left the Foundry Bridge?

Then the great black creature inexplicably cocked its head to the side and flashed its ethereal blue eyes. Malia sucked in a relieved breath. Black Dogs like the one they had fought tonight had glowing green eyes. This wasn't the Black Dog it was just a pain in the ass black werewolf.

"Derek! What the hell, man?" Stiles shouted, as he lowered his weapon. The great black wolf straightened, unhinging his jaws letting his tongue loll to the side in a wolfish imitation of a devious smile. Malia's heart unclenched. She had never been so relieved to see her cousin, but that relief was also at war with a strong desire to kick his ass. As an evolved werewolf Derek could already mask his scent, but he must be learning to hide his heartbeat as well.

"What are you even doing here?" Malia growled at the wolf. Stiles holstered his weapon and shifted on his feet uncomfortably beside her.

"Yeah, I think this one's my fault." Malia swung to face him confused. Stiles shrugged. "I had a sixteen hour shift. So I asked Derek to come check on the campsite on his way out of San Francisco."

"So that's why you pulled Derek over." Malia said thinking aloud. Stiles nodded in agreement before shifting his attention to the wolf.

"Dude, I texted you, told you to forget about it. But I'm guessing you left your phone with your pants." Stiles said with a chuckle. Derek flattened his ears stalking toward Stiles snarling at him with bared teeth. Stiles held up his hands in a surrendering fashion. "Easy—easy a deal is a deal. No more stops, no more tickets. I swear." He promised.

Derek's ears perked up and he stopped growling, his jaws hanging open as if he were laughing at Stiles. The werewolf snorted dismissively at him before it trotted over to Malia. The black wolf, twined around Malia's legs and brushed against her sides, affectionately. Then the werewolf herded her closer to Stiles. Malia smirked as Derek brushed against her one final time before trotting away.

"Hey Derek!" Stiles called out. The black wolf turned back toward them. "Thanks." Stiles said as he gave the werewolf a nod. Derek flashed his eyes at the pair of them before vanishing into the night.

Malia left her backpack abandoned by the side of the trail as she ventured further into the campsite. She found herself in a ring of soft amber light, she reached out to touch the gossamer thin tent as it rippled in the soft summer breeze. It was beautiful. She had been to this campsite over two dozen times but tonight it was transformed into like something out of a fairy tale. And Malia was never one to hope for fairy tails. She turned toward Stiles who was smiling shyly with his hands in his pockets as he watched her eyes trace over what he had built for her. In that moment she knew no matter where she traveled in this world, that this was the most beautiful place she would ever find.

Malia's eyes locked with his and for a moment she just couldn't move, couldn't do anything but look at him. Stiles rubbed the back of his neck and moved towards her, "There was supposed to this meteor shower tonight." Stiles explained gesturing toward the tent. "I thought this way we'd be able to see it. But we kind of missed it."

Malia suddenly regained the use of her tongue, "It doesn't matter. I don't need a meteor shower." she said as she ran her hands up his arms, drawing him closer. Only he did this to her. Only he could make her feel this overwhelmed, this unsure of herself. "You already make me see stars." She told him as she gripped his shirt. A flash of surprise crossed his features, as he reached out to cradle her cheek.

"You know for a total badass," he said as he stroked her cheek, "You're really quite sweet." Malia dropped her eyes suddenly feeling a little shy herself. This only made his grin widen. Stiles pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest. Malia let out a small indignant yelp of surprise. "Now, I think this is right where we were before, Scott called us."

"Actually, we were on the stairs," she corrected, snickering "Where you dropped me." Stiles tickled Malia sides in response. She chuckled and tried to twist away from him.

"Alright, smartass. I'm carrying you back down that hill and I'm throwing you in the lake." He decided as he heaved her over his shoulder.

Malia let out a shout of laughter and thrashing her feet, "NO! No. I'll be good." She promised while still snickering at him. Stiles slung her off his shoulder and back into his arms. He slowly spun her in a circle, before he softly set her down.

Malia leaned up on her tip toes and pecked his lips, walking backwards dragging him with her towards the tent. Her nose touching his, her lips skimming his. She parted the wispy curtain of the mosquito netting and pushed him down onto the makeshift bed. Malia knelt over him feeling like all the love in her heart was welling up in her chest. Stiles stared up at her with those big brown eyes, reaching up to stoke her cheek. As Malia leaned into his touch, her necklace spilled from her shirt, leaving the engagement ring dangling in the air between them. Stiles hooked a finger in her necklace, and gently tugged Malia down into a kiss that was completely worth getting lost in.

A few hours later an owl swooping by their tent screeching into the night jolted Malia awake. Her feet were tangled up in blankets and she was pressed up against something solid and warm. Lifting her head she scented the air and listened for any signs of danger. With her ethereal blue eyes she searched their camp. The fire had burned down to smoldering embers. The forest was at peace around them. Peaking over his shoulder she checked on Stiles. His face was buried in his pillow, but even in his sleep he held her hand possessively to his chest.

Satisfied that nothing was trying to eat them, Malia pressed a soft kiss to his shoulder. Settling back down against him, she tucked her face into the back of his neck. Stiles hummed in his throat, tightening his grip on Malia's hand as he shifted in his sleep. Malia lifted her head and set her chin back on his shoulder, looking at him with a crooked smile.

She should let him sleep. He had just worked a double shift, tracked a Black Dog, and driven them seventy miles to get them here. If she was a decent person she would let him sleep. The only problem was that he smelled really good. He was radiating warmth and he was making these little irresistible noises as she nuzzled up against him. The chances of her falling back asleep at this point were slim, and if she stayed she would just end up waking him up. She searched for her backpack in the dark. She had packed her camera and it was nearly dawn. She decided to hike down to the waterfall and get some good shots of the sunrise and leave him to sleep.

She just needed to figure out a way to get her hand back. Malia flexed her fingers testing his grip. Stiles mumbled in his sleep drawing her hand closer to chest. She could feel his heartbeat pick up beneath her palm. Malia huffed a lock of hair out of her eyes and decided to change tactics. He was a deep sleeper, but she couldn't force her hand out of his without waking him.

Malia smirked wickedly as she got an idea. Leaning closer she blew on his ear. Stiles shifted away mumbling in his sleep. Malia bit her lip. She brushed her nose along his neck. Stiles gave a throaty chuckle, loosening his hold on her hand. Malia nuzzled beneath his ear, laying a soft kiss beneath it. That got his attention, he groaned releasing her hand to reach out blindly for her, his hand gripping her leg.

At this point she was home free. She could easily shift out of his grip and sneak out of the tent without waking him up. Except that Stiles was drawing his thumb sleepily along the back of her knee and making those little noises in the back of his throat. She loved the power she had to reduce that smart mouth of his to unintelligible gasps and groans. Malia couldn't resist. With a mischievous grin she bit the sweet spot on his neck. Malia felt his hand twitch on the back of her knee before he suddenly pitched her over his shoulder and onto her back. Stiles rolled on top of her and swiftly pinned her hands to the bed.

"What does a guy have to do to get you to sleep in?" He asked in a gravelly voice. The corner of her mouth quirked up, as she stared up at him. His hair was disheveled and his eyes were sleepy.

"He could quit being so much fun to wake up." She suggested. Stiles grumbled under his breath before releasing her hands and dropping his face into the crook of her neck. Malia squirmed as his hot breath tickled her skin. Stiles relaxed against her laying half on top of her. Malia ran her hands up his back chuckling, as he snuggled into her neck. His breathing was evening out. He could easily fall back asleep. Malia turned her head and brushed her lips against the moles on his cheek.

"Go back to sleep," she whispered, as she started to shift out from under him, "I'm gonna hike down to the waterfall." Stiles shifted, snaking his arms between her and the bed, pulling her closer.

"Stay." He coaxed sleepily, his teeth tugging at her ear. Malia's eyes fluttered closed. He was half asleep he should not have been able to get the upper hand so easily. But he did. She felt him grin against the side of her neck, as she started to give in. Stiles pressed light teasing kisses down her neck and along her collarbone. Malia growled catching his head in her hands tugging him up to her lips. Twining her leg around his she rolled them until he landed on his back, and he was staring up at her with heat in his eyes and the hint of a smirk. Malia lingered over him a breath away from his lips, her hair falling around them like a canopy. He reached up, tracing her lips with his thumb, before Malia swooped down stealing his breath again.

After Stiles fell back asleep Malia snuck soundlessly out of their tent with her camera and his plaid shirt. She buttoned it up over her tank top in the pre-dawn light as she searched for her boots near the mouth of the trail. After she tugged on her boots she tossed a few logs in the pit and stirred up the coals, until it caught. The fire would keep Stiles warm and the smoke would ward off animals while she was gone.

Malia took the long way down the hill. Meandering through the trees enjoying the spongy feel of the moss beneath her boots. She breathed in the fragrance of wildflowers and the crisp morning air. High up in the trees the birdsongs began to swell as the sun started to break through the trees. Malia broke out into a run. The first rays of dawn lashed the sky setting the clouds on fire. Malia made it to the beach just as the sun crested the hills. The water was crowned with early morning light. Malia grabbed her camera and dropped her bag. Sinking down onto the sand she brought up her camera gripping the lens as she tried to capture the light.

Malia used up nearly all of the film in her vintage Nikon. The rest of her film canisters were back at the site. With only one shot left she decided to hold out in case the perfect opportunity presented itself. Malia climbed up onto the rock ledge near the waterfall. Malia rested her head against the coolness of the rock as she lost herself in the drum of the water. When the sky settled into a breathtaking blue Malia hopped across the river rocks back to the shore. She settled against a familiar log of driftwood. She reached out and traced her hand over a pair of initials carved into the wood.

Malia played with the ring on her necklace. She was never really the kind of girl to daydream about her wedding. One summer in college she had taken a second job as a wedding photographer's assistant. It had been a painful test of her patience and her temper. She only worked a few weddings before she quit from sheer frustration with the whole spectacle. She had no patience for bridezillas who talked down to their grooms. She had even less for obnoxious grooms who were covered in the scent of one of the bridesmaids. She always rolled her eyes whenever one of the brides would refer to their wedding as the most important day of their life.

She only worked one wedding that truly moved her. It was the wedding of a deaf couple and Malia liked them almost instantly. They were so happy and at ease with each other. The way they held each other's eyes spoke volumes. The way they touched each other with warmth and respect gave Malia an appreciation for what a wedding had the potential to be. She took some gorgeous pictures at their wedding. As they signed to each other a friend of the couple interpreted their vows. One of the lines from their vows struck a chord with Malia and it stuck with her. All I want is you.

It was so simple. So sincere. It made her think of Stiles back then, even though they had been broken up at the time. Malia reached up unclasping her necklace and pulled the ring off her chain. She slid the ring back onto her finger and adjusted to the feeling of it on her hand. She was sensitive to things on her skin which is why she never really wore jewelry with the exception of her mom's necklace. It was a beautiful elegant ring but it would take a little getting used to. She let her eyes drift toward the trail.

Alright, Stilinski. I'll wear your ring as long as it means I get to keep you.

As she watched the light dance upon the engagement ring she caught a scent. Looking up she caught sight of a young coyote across the water. It watched her with curious eyes as though recognizing her as one of its kind. Malia flashed her eyes at the creature and it bowed its head in recognition. It dipped its head to lap at the water. Malia reached for her camera bringing it up and adjusting her lens for the distance. Looking through the lens she saw the coyote lift its head and its ears twitch backward.

Stiles lumbered out from behind the trees and down onto the beach across the river from her. The coyote loped away. Malia tracked it with her camera. It would doubtlessly be a flawless shot of the running coyote, but she couldn't bring herself to take the shot. Turning her camera on Stiles she grinned to herself as she spotted him through the lens. He was squinting at the daylight, his hair mussed and his t-shirt rumpled. At the edge of the water he kicked off his shoes and started jumping the river rocks, making his way toward her. Malia spun the focus ring as she watched him through the lens waiting for the perfect moment. When the sun struck his hair in just the right way she took the shot. Without even having developed the film yet, she knew it was going to be one of her favorite pictures of him. Malia lowered her camera and enjoyed the lazy smile he wore as he made his way across the sand toward her.

Stiles leaned down to brush her lips in greeting. He pulled a thermos from his backpack and offered it to her. Dropping his bag on the sand he slid into the space behind her on the log and wrapped his arms around her. Malia leaned back against him and squeezed his arm. She twisted open the thermos and grinned at the rich smell of coffee boiled over the fire. Pouring some into the cup she brought it up to her nose. One of his hands slipped down to toy with the ring on her free hand. Malia drank in the aroma of the coffee, the fragrance of the forest and the intoxicating scent of joy emanating from Stiles.

"Catch any good shots?" he asked after a moment, his voice still rough with sleep. Malia smiled into her cup as she answered.

"At least one."

The End

Thanks everyone for your feedback and encouragement with this story. I will be posting another story that is set in the 'To Save a Life ' Universe later this week. Its called 'Nine Simple Rules' and it chronicles Stiles and Malia's five breakups mentioned in the epilogue. So you will getting to see much more of Oldcastle, the Cameo, Obi and Tate's Garage. And you will meet some of my original characters like Rory Stilinski, Cale Corban, Joe Garrity and Tuck. I hope you guys have as much fun with it as I have. Sincerely, Hurricane.