Just want you to know I'm still working on it.

(Un-beta'd chapter. All mistakes are mine)

Chapter 6: Social Plans in Beacon Hills.

Stiles was tired, so exhausted he could barely stay awake.

He'd not been able to sleep properly for weeks due to all the information his brain had soaked up. Lately, the pack had been able to take a step back from all supernatural problems since the witch incident. Lydia had used that time to re-enforce her rule as a queen, while Kira had been acting odd. The Kitsune had been suspiciously secretive since their trip to Mexico. Stiles hadn't approached her or told anyone of what he knew.

Oh, just to be clear, Stiles had by no means been stalking his best friend's girlfriend.

He just happened to be walking by Mr Yukimura's classroom and over heard some things. He may not be a werecreature but his very human ears did hear the words 'Moving back to New York'.

A coincidence really.

"Stiles!"

He jolted from his self-induced ponderings and turned with wide eyes to the caller of his name.

"Waah! Scott! Dude don't sneak up on people! Sheesh!" he grumbled.

Scott stared at Stiles with wide eyes that grew concerned. The pale skinned boy was sporting dark rings beneath his eyes and reeked of exhaustion to his enhanced nose. He wanted to ask what was wrong, worried that something supernatural had happened. Scott could never forget the effects the Nogitsune's possession had on Stiles- still had even now. The fear and frustration he'd felt at the time was unforgettable. If they hadn't managed to separate the Nogitsune from Stiles he would have had to-

Scott refused to finish that thought.

They had won.

Stiles was saved.

Scott focused back on the present and ignored the dark thoughts in his head.

"I've been trying to get your attention for a while now."

Stiles rapidly shook his head in attempt to wake up a bit more. He was lucky it was just Scott and not Lydia or Malia. No doubt the two girls would be less forgiving. He focused on swapping out his books and prepping for their next class, hopefully he could sneak in a nap.

"Is everything alright?" Scott asked.

Stiles took one look at Scott and wanted to tell him everything. He always did when Scott would look at him, puppy eyes and all. The effect of the look only increased after Peter turned him into a literal dog.

He wouldn't though- couldn't tell Scott why he was so tired. Scott would only tell him he's overthinking things. Paranoid. It's just- Stiles refused to fall into a state of ease just because they'd had a couple days to be teens. He wanted to be ready; able to face whatever creature would come after them- because there would be another.

It's not like he was the only one.

Malia had been doing the same; investigating all things that dealt with the 'Desert Wolf'. She was still disappointed that asking Derek didn't give them much help.

But Malia had Stiles and he would help her best he could.

"I'm fine man, just been having problems sleeping," he weakly assured.

"You're not having nightmares again, are you?"

He knew they were just worried, but did they have to be so obvious? Stiles was possessed once by a dark trickster fox spirit, and suddenly he needed to be handled with care. He shut his locker door with a slam and put on his best smile.

"Dude. I'm good, just spent too long on the net. I'll take a nap next period and be back to normal."

Scott listened closely, trying to hear the lie. He sensed nothing and so he let it go. If Stiles said so then he must be fine.

"Cool. Anyway, I was trying to let you know that there's going to be a pack meeting tonight."

Stiles whipped around quicker than Scott expected.

"Why!? Did something happen? Was anyone hurt?"

Scott quickly tried to placate his frazzled friend.

Maybe he should have eased Stiles into it?

"Uh No? Calm down dude. Nothing's wrong, I was just talking with Kira and she mentioned how Liam's been after the whole Cindy thing. She suggested we maybe cheer him up a bit. Lydia suggested we just hold a pack meeting and you know, chill with each other," Scott elaborated.

Stiles relaxed and could feel the tension ease out of him. A pack meeting was good- GREAT news actually. He could probably bully Derek into giving them some training and maybe share his research with the pack. He ignored the small voice that reminded him Derek would probably be a grumpy wolf.

"Sounds great bud. I'll let Malia know if Kira hasn't already told her. The both of us will need to make a stop home. It's my dad's night off so he'll probably want to have the house to himself anyway. "

"Great! So we all meet at Derek's place at seven."

Stiles made his way to his next class; his head full of so many thoughts. It wasn't fair that Derek always let Scott do whatever at his loft. Whenever he wanted to call a pack meeting or something at the loft Derek would argue with him. The small amount of energy he used to get to class seeped out of him. The drowsy sensation of sleep overcame him and his eyes slowly drifted close.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

Derek stared down at his phone with disbelief.

Received: Scott

4:46 pm: Pack meeting loft. 7:00pm tonight.

No asking for permission just a text to let him know what's happening.

Derek felt a headache start to form and pocketed his phone not bothering to reply. There couldn't possibly be anything to worry about, especially since he'd been doing patrols since their encounter with the witch.

Scott probably just wanted to talk or something.

Scott may be the Alpha, but Derek was still an adult. He scoffed at the amusement his wolf felt towards the whole situation. It's not that his wolf didn't acknowledge Scott as an Alpha; just that he didn't consider the teen their Alpha.

Derek and his wolf had always been separate in mind after puberty. He remembered wondering if it was normal and asking his mother. While his late mother had seemed shocked she hadn't been much help; all she said was 'every werewolf shares a connection with their wolf, pup'.

After the fire Laura and he had come across a group of wandering rogues. They'd asked him why his wolf was different from theirs but Laura and he had no idea what they meant. Laura had just laughed it off and Derek had glared until they backed off.

Laura….

Derek forced himself to think of something else.

He hated not having anything to do. All it ever did was leave him open to dark musings and memories he'd rather not remember. He heaved out a loud sigh and grabbed his keys. If there was going to be a pack meeting he'd have to stock up on snacks. A pack meeting of mostly teens would mean hungry teens. He took note of what needed to be re-stocked, locked up and then drove to the nearest grocery store.

He'd grabbed a basket and made his way through the aisles. He did his best to ignore the looks people gave him. It was hard, but he should be used to it. The pungent smell of lust and jealousy made his nose itch, and he quickly scowled as he gave the area around him a quick scan. The smell quickly shifted to that of intimidation and apprehension.

Good.

Sometimes, it really was a burden to look as good as he did.

"Now that wasn't very nice of you," a soft voice tittered with amusement.

Derek immediately tensed, caught off guard. The packet of Reese peanut butter cups clenched tightly in his grip. It doesn't take him long to spot her. She was leaning against the shelf next to the oreo's and chocolate chip cookies. It only took him a second or two to place her.

It was the strange girl he'd met at the cinema.

Derek felt his wolf perk up with interest and frowned. He'd almost forgotten about her. He gave her a quick scan and noted the half-filled basket in her hand. It was probably just a coincidence…seriously what were the chances?

"You going to stand there all day Green Eyes or are you going to put that height to good use?" she teased.

Derek's frown turned into a glower, with one last huff he reached for the box of oreo's she pointed at.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

Araiya didn't believe in luck.

Not really.

Still… as she watched the green eyed man's form stretch; she found herself reconsidering her beliefs.

There was something about the way he had dressed. Despite, the leather jacket and jeans- somehow he seemed more approachable compared to last time. When he turned to her with a dark glare and practically shoved the oreo packet into her arms, she couldn't help but snicker. She really shouldn't think the scowl on his lips and the glare of his eyes made him look cute.

"Can't reach?"

He was teasing her but others might have called it irritation. She smirked and made a show of putting the packet into her basket. He quirked a brow to convey how unimpressed he was but the twitch of his lips told her otherwise.

"I figured someone better make use of that height of yours," she said with a shrug.

It had been a long time since Araiya had ever felt comfortable enough to socialise with a stranger. After everything with Beth and finding Peter, she just couldn't help but embrace it. This green eyed stranger was fun; all of her enjoyed his company. It was strange, unexplainable and just on the rise of being suspicious. Araiya felt her other selves chase the rising thought away. They insisted that she not close herself off and distance herself from this potential friend.

It was strange, but Araiya rarely ever questioned her selves.

Perhaps, she was a fool not to.

Araiya turned and continued to shop, leaving the unspoken invitation to join her, hang in the air. Derek only considered it for a few seconds before allowing himself to follow after. They didn't converse for the first few minutes, each attending to their own chore. They didn't notice how people would pass by and smile; lost to envy, adoration and amusement towards the two who they thought to be a young couple.

She waited until they doubled back to the fruit section to break the silence between them.

"If you're going to be following me, you might as well ask," she smirked while checking over some banana bunches.

She could feel his glowering glare on the side of her face and only snickered. Deciding on a bunch, she placed it in her basket and tilted her head addressing him teasingly.

"You're pretty easy to get a read on. I suppose there's just something about you're presence that speaks to me."

She noticed how he tensed and she widened her smirk into a smile. Araiya wondered just what he would do next, her selves bubbled with excitement. It had been a long time since they'd played this game. She was flirting, something she'd not done in years. When she saw his shoulders relax, she inwardly crowed with smugness. Despite the years, she was rather proud to see she still had the talent.

"You were right. She was using him," he roughly mumbled.

They continued on towards the strawberries, the both of them taking the time to check the punnets over for rotten or over ripe pieces. Only after they'd both placed their chosen punnets into their baskets, did he follow up his previous sentence.

"How did you know?"

Araiya turned to face him directly, privately contemplating just how much she wanted to tell him. He was staring at her quite intensely. The green of his eyes distracting in a way she never thought she'd be victim to. The blend of blue and brownish yellow around the ring turning into a bright hazel green could easily be summed in one word.

Beautiful.

"Are you familiar with the Art of Deduction?"

The surprise and interest in his eyes thrilled her and she knew with certainty, she made the right decision.

"You mean assumption," he countered only to have her shake her head.

"No, I mean Deduction."

"What's the difference?" He huffed with slight annoyance.

"Well, logical reasoning for one and offensive conclusions."

She deliberately continued to walk on, which forced him to follow after. The glare on his face made her grin and she continued to explain as they walked.

"Let's say, you see a woman driving a car that has a child's car seat inside. Now, a child seat must mean a child is present in her life. Even if the child's not in the seat at the time, you can safely deduce she has one. Later, you discover she's actually just the childfree aunt, borrowing her married sister's car for the day."

Araiya eyed Derek from the corner of her eye, checking to see if he was following her explanation. The concentrated expression he wore amused her more than it probably should have.

"On the other hand, you see a woman over 30 wearing a wedding band and assume she has a child. Why would you assume such a thing? What about the wedding band told you she had a baby? You most definitely just offended her by coming to such conclusions."

They were now in the bakery section and fell into silence once more. Only after Araiya had grabbed a packet of red velvet cupcakes, did Derek speak again.

"So you deduced that she was using Liam?"

The emphasis he put on 'deduced' made her arch a brow.

"Don't believe me Green Eyes?"

Derek eyed her intently before placing some bread in his basket. He arched a brow of his own and smirked down at her with slight mockery.

"Of course not."

Araiya's grin stretched wider at feeling how her stomach fluttered. The excited cheers of her other selves, loud in her mind. The fact the man before her was willing to play her flirting game left them excited.

A perfect source of relief from the chaos of their life.

"Did everything work out in the end?" she asked after a short laughing fest.

Derek didn't say anything, only nodded his head in brisk confirmation. It didn't offend her, unlike some girls, Araiya was fine to simply share silence than continue to force small talk. They continued to shop together, no longer sharing words but quirked brows and teasing glances filled with mockery.

To Derek, she was a liberating change from his usual company. Despite being unable to catch her scent, she appeared and acted perfectly human. It took him by surprise, as rather than pushing, she simply dropped all conversation regarding Liam. He might not deem her as a threat, but still wouldn't put his pack at risk. After all, Derek has learned plenty from the mistakes of his past.

Eventually, they both reached the end of their shopping lists. It only took a questioning tilt of her head, and a short nod of his, for them both to approach the counter. Araiya cheekily grinned and motioned like a gentleman would a lady, for Derek to go first. He gave her what was probably his ninth glare for the day and walked through. If his lips twitched, he doubted anyone would have the courage to point it out.

"Getting snacks for a party?" the cashier smiled.

She was young. Perhaps a recent 20 year old, with dyed hair and slim lips that stood out thanks to the dark red shade of her lipstick. The standard uniform she wore was neatly arranged and she smiled wide like all workers undoubtedly were told to.

Araiya watched as Green Eyes offered a half smirk in reply before lowly mumbling his response.

"Something like that…"

She was amused to see the slow crawling flush of embarrassment on the cashier's neck to cheeks. She easily felt the raw emotions oozing from the younger girl and choked down the snort building in her throat. It wasn't until Green Eyes removed the bar separating their shopping that her amusement faded.

"Hey!"

"These too please," Derek motioned with a toothy smile.

Araiya was dumbstruck for a second at the peeking of cute bunny teeth. The cashier stumbled and hit her elbow before laughing awkwardly. Araiya shook her brief admiration off and attempted to grab the bar in his hands.

"What are you doing!? You can't seriously want to pay for my shopping!?"

The cashier startled at Araiya's grumbling, as if only noticing her presence as well. Araiya could feel the heavy disagreement of her other selves within her mind. She chose to ignore them.

"Might as well," Derek shrugged.

The tone he spoke with was teasing, daring and playful even. At this point the cashier was now gaping at the both of them. A single glance clued Araiya into his reasons and she slightly widened her eyes with disbelief.

Derek gave her a lopsided grin that was way too innocent to be remotely true.

Araiya didn't believe in luck.

She did however, acknowledge the possibility of coincidences.

This Green Eyed man amused her, he had an odd way of igniting the spark of childish daring she'd thought to be dead. After everything she'd gone through so far in her life, the feeling of pure mischief she felt returning was a miracle. It was an easy choice for her to make.

With a wiggle of her brows and a small growing smirk, Araiya decided to play along with Derek's game.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

Derek wouldn't dare voice it out loud, but he was having fun.

The strange girl narrowed her eyes in challenge before schooling her expression. He felt a swooping of excitement grow in his gut, curious as to what she planned to do. At the back of his mind, he felt his wolf perk with interest, something that was rather rare.

Araiya tipped her head back, adjusting the fedora on her head so her face was more visible. The cashier watched the both of them intently with blatant fascination. When Araiya softened her eyes and stared up at Derek with a 'bashfully pleased' expression she stunned all who watched.

The simple change of expression; the shift in her stance, all aided in making her seem completely different. Suddenly, Derek was drawn to the plump fullness of her lips. He was distracted by the thickness of her lashes and the lure of her honey brown eyes. If he hadn't been a werewolf, he would have missed the breathy purr she gave as she spoke.

"You know Green Eyes….If I had known you'd considered us familiar enough to share groceries. I would have put a few more things in my basket."

Derek arched a brow, silently expressing with the action slight mockery. Is that all she had to offer? When she arched her own brow and tipped the corner of her lips upwards with tease, his curiosity returned. She trailed her fingers along the edge of the oreo's he'd gotten for her; twisting and circling her pointer in a way that seemed suggestive. The smile on her lips turned impish as she stared directly into his eyes.

"You're lucky I don't mind my cookies crumbled."

The line was ridiculous and Derek blankly stared at her with shock. By the satisfied glint in her eyes, he knew she was rather proud of herself. Slowly his shock wore off and he struggled to swallow the laugh building in his throat. The squeak of disbelief the cashier gave only made things worse.

They both turned to see the young cashier turning a tomato shade of red.

He allowed himself to chuckle. He couldn't let her get the last laugh and so winked at her suggestively. He leaned closely to her and whispered just loud enough for the young cashier to hear.

"Maybe later, I'll show you the best way to enjoy it."

In this moment, Derek finally felt human- normal. A voice in his head warned him that it could still be a lie. This voice pushed him to remember all the other women in his life who gave him this same feeling. The voice was only silenced by the snarl of his wolf. When the last of the groceries were scanned and packed, they both made their way to leave, wearing smirks and grins at leaving behind a red faced cashier with wide eyes to stare after them.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

Araiya turned to Derek with a pointed glare and motioned for her shopping bags.

"Alright, pass it over. You've paid for my things but I'm drawing the line at carrying my shopping," she teasingly warned.

Derek grinned and flashed another one of his bunny smiles. Araiya visibly blinked with distraction before chasing away the keening interest her other selves were expressing in her head.

"I thought you wanted me to show you how to best enjoy crumbling cookies," he mocked.

Araiya physically felt herself shiver at the literal amount of charm laced in those words. The unease she felt at the emotion pushed her to grab the bags herself and ignore the comment. The snarling disagreement of her other selves made her wary. She truly felt comfortable with this green eyed man, and she'd not even known him for long. Earlier, it had been quite fun, but Araiya never felt this comfortable around new people.

At least not this quick or easy.

She huffed and absently blurted her thoughts only realising just how suggestive it was after speaking.

"The only show you get to watch is my ass walking away as I go home. Wait! That didn't come out right!"

When he laughed at her, Araiya felt her insides grow warm and heard the purring of her other selves. It was the first time she'd heard him laugh and she found herself liking the sound. It unnerved her and she clutched her shopping tighter. She did her best to get him to stop laughing by intently glaring.

Coincidently, they'd both parked near each other. Araiya trailed an admiring eye over his Camaro, somehow it suited him perfectly. She spotted him doing the same towards her own ride. She couldn't help but perk up with shameless pride. Along with her bike, her car took first place in her heart.

"Nice ride," he praised.

"Thanks. It was a gift from my great Aunt when I turned 15."

Araiya smiled wistfully at the shine of her impala as she remembered the day. She couldn't hide the sad tinge in her words as she spoke.

"When I left, she told me that whenever I returned it'd be right here waiting for me"

She never once thought Aunt Augusta wouldn't be waiting with it.

"Mind if I check out the engine?" he asked.

Araiya felt surprised at the question but it made sense. He wore a leather jacket, had a rocking bod and an unfairly cute smile. Of course he'd know how to work on an engine.

"You a mechanic or something Mobster man?" she joked, earning an eye roll in response.

"Something like that," he muttered.

Araiya didn't answer, instead she hopped into the driver's seat and started the engine. She closed her eyes and savoured the rumbling sound and the vibrations of the engines roar. She heard him approach her lowered window and opened her eyes to see him peering into her car impassively.

She looked up at him and gave a teasing smile of her own.

"Mmh…. You see I would but I don't let just anyone under my hood. Not even if they had gorgeous green eyes like yourself."

He huffed out a chuckle before offering his hand for a shake.

"It's Derek," he introduced.

Araiya eyed him before slipping her hand into his and giving a small shake. She couldn't help but admire how firm his hand was in comparison to her own. She could feel the rough skin of his palms which suggested he was a rather hands on worker. The smirk on her lips widened as her other selves crowed with approval. They always did appreciate a hard worker….. Especially the more hands on type.

"I could see you as a Derek," she mused.

"If I remember right, you promised a name and a number in addition if we ever met again."

Derek grinned at her, once again flashing her a bunny toothed smile. Araiya gave him one last praising look before deciding to share her own name.

"Araiya."

Slowly, they let go of each other's hands, never once letting their gazes falter. Derek found her brazen, while Araiya found him charming. The both of them, hesitant to embrace the possible friendship they could sense in each other. It was Araiya who disrupted the strange spell overwhelming them both.

"Well, if you'll excuse me Derek, I do have other plans to accomplish."

"What! No number?" he scoffed with a frown. It didn't hide the gleaming amusement in his eyes.

Araiya reversed out causing Derek to back away just in case. Before driving off, she cheekily leaned out

her window and winked.

"Check your pockets."

She revved her engines and drove away, unable to stop the smile on her lips from spreading. In her review mirror, she saw how he continued to watch with a similar smile on his face.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

When Araiya arrived back at the mansion, Jeff was already waiting. The elderly human perked up with interest at the rather cheerful way Araiya moved about. Since their repossession of Eichen House, he'd grown concerned that the younger Black was over working herself. It had been a true struggle to get the girl to agree to dinner with the Sheriff and his son. He had vowed to watch over Peter for her in return and swore to call if anything went wrong.

While still reluctant, she had agreed and that was all he wanted.

Which was why it was so curious to find her rather cheerful.

"A good trip to the store I take it?" he casually prodded.

"Hm… I suppose," she distractedly answered.

It was clear he would be getting nothing more from her. She may not be the young girl he'd known all those years ago, but Jeff knew when not to push.

"Very well, I suggest you start on your cooking then."

Araiya rolled her eyes as she continued to pack away what she had bought.

"Dinner with the Stilinski's isn't till eight, Jeff. I have time to waste."

"If you insist, would you like a hand?"

"No Jeff," she sighed.

Jeff gave a knowing hum and made a show of reading his magazine. Araiya purposely ignored his exaggerated flipping of the pages. Jeff made sure not to look up from the magazine as he next spoke.

"You took longer than I thought, was the store busy at this time?"

Araiya didn't falter and closed the pantry with a toothy smile and eyes of innocence.

"Not really, I was just mixing myself back into the community a bit. Isn't that what you suggested I do?"

Jeff scoffed and lightly shook his head. He let the subject drop and left Araiya to start prepping for cooking. As if he would ever believe such an excuse. Jeff has known the Black family for much too long to be a fool and believe their reasons to be honest.

He had yet to meet a Black that ever listened to what they were told.

He deeply doubted Araiya would be the one to change that.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

Two weeks since the incident with the witch and Beacon Hills had yet to see another supernatural upset. It was a relief for Sheriff Stilinski, as it meant his trouble magnet son wasn't running around the town at night. Instead, Stiles had been safe and sound, glued to his computer just as a normal teen would. Before his awareness of werewolves, Sheriff Stilinski would have limited the teen from his research dives and encouraged him to go out into the world. Now, he would only give a sigh with fondness then check if the teen needed food.

Sheriff Stilinski was by no means foolish enough to discard the few miracles he was blessed with.

A frown settled on the Sheriff's lips as he contemplated the pros and cons of leaving Stiles to his researching. He had no idea just what the teenager was researching but it was clearly keeping him up at night.

He gave a heavy sigh and turned back to the paperwork spread out among his desk. He picked up his pen and did his best to focus, jotting down a few notes of interest as he read. He's not sure how long he'd been at it by the time Holly snapped him out of his trance.

"Sheriff, you have a phone call concerning the FBI," she warily informed him with concern in her eyes.

Sheriff Stilinski sagged at the reminder of another headache inducing feature in his life. Despite leaving town, Agent McCall was still vying to get him fired. He ignored his paperwork in favour of groaning into his hands and thanking Holly for letting him know. He mentally prepared himself best he could before answering the call.

"This is Sheriff Stilinski."

"What's this about an impeachment case against you?"

He felt his eyes widen and unknowingly released a breath of relief. After not seeing or hearing any word about her from the locals, He'd forgotten Araiya Black was back in town. As he grew comfortable, his apprehension regarding Araiya's return resurfaced. She may not have caused any trouble yet, but the Sheriff was no fool. He knew first-hand what trickster trouble making chaos a Black was capable of causing. How could he ever forget? He'd grown up with a Black after all.

"Do I want to know how you came across this information?" he drawled.

"I got a few connections. What do you say? I could have the case swept under the rugs and forgotten faster than they could shout Guilty."

He rolled his eyes at the offer but would be lying if he said he didn't seriously contemplate it.

"Impersonating the FBI is not a joke Araiya," he lightly scolded.

There was no actual anger in his voice and somehow he just knew she was smiling on the other end of the line.

"Doesn't make it any less fun or funny, chief," she snickered.

He relaxed into his chair and took her phone call as a sign from above to take a break.

"Still in town then? I had half a mind to think you skipped town again with how quiet the word is. No officers barging into my office, No reports of public chaos with you in the centre fold. You better be keeping your nose clean; knowing the Sheriff won't help you much if you get arrested this time around."

She laughed and the sound made him smile. Araiya as a 13 year old, had never been particularly light hearty. There had always been something about her that spoke of hardship and darkness. A heavy weight she always seemed to silently carry with her. He was glad to hear her laugh so lightly, as if some of that weight had been lifted. He'd never asked what it was, for he knew she would never tell. A Black always loved to keep their secrets. Still, he was glad and he hoped she hadn't faced too many problems sorting through Augusta's properties.

"You calling me a delinquent chief? Other than the occasional sneeze my nose is the cleanest thing you'll ever come across." She joked.

"I'm still in town. Good ole Jeff Morgan has been helping sort some stuff my Aunt left behind that wasn't making sense."

He frowned and grew suspiciously worried.

"Is the state still trying to lay claim to the house?" he asked.

"Not anymore. It was the first thing I sorted once I heard the word. Imagine the awe I felt at hearing Beacon Hills very own Sheriff Stilinski had been fighting the State all for my shady family's sake. You really are the Black Family's own secret Guardian," she fondly praised.

"Don't mention it kid. Seriously, don't. The Black Family doesn't owe me anything. Augusta was like family. You always gotta take care of family."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence which only broke when Araiya spoke. There was a strange tone in her voice as she spoke. Almost as if there was more behind the meaning of her words than he thought.

"You are Family, always have been, always will. The Black's and Stilinski's share way too deep a history for that not to be true."

Despite the strange tone, he brushed it off. Araiya was a lot like him. If not for those younger years of experience with a Black, he might have asked her what she meant. Sheriff Stilinski had learnt a long time ago that asking a Black to share their secrets was never worth the chaos that followed. He cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"Did you really need to say you were from the FBI?"

"Impersonating the FBI was completely necessary, chief. You have Heather-"

"Holly, her name is HOLLY."

"HEATHER working the desk. I just know she wouldn't have patched me through if she knew it was me."

"She wouldn't do that Araiya, because it's part of her job."

"If you say so chief," she snorted doubtfully.

He rolled his eyes and glared at the ceiling. Augusta must be laughing down at him from the afterlife.

"Anyway chief, I just wanted to let you know I'll be over at eight sharp for dinner. Does your boy have any allergies I need to know of?"

They idly chatted about what to expect for dinner before saying their goodbyes. He listened to the dial tone for a few extra seconds, staring at his wall; silently musing over their conversation.

He was grateful Araiya had been keeping out of trouble. A Black was a lot like an unpredictable storm of wild chaos. There was no telling when, where or what they were going to do. Augusta had been the same, just as he had been.

It was probably a family trait.

He shook himself from any further thoughts about the Black family. He instead turned back to his paperwork and tried to steady the excitement he felt for dinner. As his day continued, the Sheriff was filled with a sense of ease and comfort. Something all the officers noticed and couldn't help but mirror.

(^~^) KEEPER'S KEEP (^~^)

Derek relaxed into his sofa and replayed his encounter with the strange- No, she had given him her name.

Araiya.

Derek relaxed into his seat and replayed his encounter with Araiya.

She amused him- intrigued both him and his wolf.

She was a mystery, something that his curiosity refused to simply ignore.

Derek looked over the piece of paper in his hand. No matter how many times he reflected on their encounter, he couldn't pinpoint when she'd slipped it into his pockets. He smirked and let out a soft chuckle as he read over the shopping list on one side and the set of numbers on the other.

The literal urge to call her right then and there was unusual.

It was the only reason he was wary and hesitant.

The smirk on his lips morphed into a frown as he continued to think it over.

Derek could count the amount of women he once trusted on one hand. On the other hand, he could also count the same amount of times they brought him nothing but pain, despair and betrayal.

He was right to be cautious.

Right?

This time around, his wolf was unusually quiet which only confused him. Every other time, such as with Kate and Jennifer, his wolf had always been loud. Derek wasn't sure what to make of the silence. He contemplated the numbers again, before giving in and putting it into his phone. He saved it under her name. He stared at the screen for a few seconds then grew wary at the pleased purr his wolf gave. It unnerved him so he edited her name and instead left her listed as 'A'.

It was a small change but it made him feel less nervous about the situation.

He relaxed back into his seat and picked up a book to read as he waited for the pack to arrive.

It didn't stop him from feeling the pleased approval his wolf kept giving.