#sterekfestsfall2023

He gave himself one more once over and grabbed his phone to check the time. It was almost 7 p.m., which meant that Derek would show up soon to pick him up. Stiles had never been so nervous in his life to go out on a date. Then again, he’d never been out with anyone as hot as Derek, either.

The doorbell rang and Stiles jumped, hurrying down the stairs.

“I got it, I got it!” he assured his parents as he shoved his phone into his pocket. He made sure he had his keys and his wallet too, before rushing to the door and opening it.

Stiles grinned, feeling his cheeks flush. “Uh, hi.” He was so awkward sometimes and he hated it.

“Hey,” Derek replied, his smile almost blinding. “You ready?”

“Uh, yeah—yeah.” Stiles gave a spastic wave to his parents and walked out of the door before they could come over and grill Derek for all the information that Stiles didn't even have himself yet. He closed the door behind himself, which caused Stiles to press closer to Derek, invading his space. Derek didn't seem to mind, though. “Did you want me to drive?”

Derek didn't move away, if anything, he seemed to step closer to Stiles. “Yeah, sure. Since you did pick the date location, after all.” Derek’s eyes seemed to twinkle as he gave Stiles another one of those smiles that made Stiles weak in the knees.

“Hopefully you like it…” Stiles pressed closer to Derek, forcing Derek to step back so they could move off of the porch and away from the door. Derek let Stiles walk ahead of him and followed him toward the Jeep.

“Do I get any hints at where we’re going?” Derek asked, pushing his hands into his pockets, and walking close to Stiles.

Stiles swore he could almost feel the heat of Derek’s body against his, even though they weren't touching as they walked. “Well, it’s supposed to be a surprise and if I give you hints then you might guess what it is.”

Derek chuckled and Stiles smiled, letting that sound settle him. He really wanted to hear Derek laugh more. He liked how happy Derek looked when he laughed, especially when it reached his eyes.

“Fair.” Derek’s smile was soft and he followed Stiles over to the driver's side of the Jeep. Stiles paused and glanced at Derek, brows furrowed.

“What? I can't open your door for you because you’re driving?” Derek asked, reaching for the door handle without waiting for Stiles’ response.

“I didn't say anything,” Stiles replied, trying not to smirk as Derek opened his door for him. “Thank you,” he added before climbing into the Jeep.

Derek closed the door and quickly rounded the Jeep to hop into the passenger seat. “Next time I’ll let you open my door,” he said with a teasing tone that made Stiles laugh.

“For sure,” Stiles agreed. “Can't let you make all of the romantic moves around here.”

“Definitely not,” Derek agreed and buckled up.

Stiles started up the Jeep and buckled up, taking a deep breath, and headed off toward his chosen date spot. He really hoped that Derek liked where he was taking him.

They chatted about mundane things as Stiles drove, like their favorite colors and foods, where they’d gone to high school and a little about what their childhoods were like. Nothing too deep yet, but Stiles was happy to learn as much as he could about Derek, even if they were just little things like the name of Derek’s childhood pet. Which was a tree frog named Trevor.

Stiles pulled into a parking lot, littered with other cars and people, and the fragrant scents of baked goods. He parked and killed the engine, looking over to Derek. “Well, this is it.”

Derek looked around, taking in the place. “Are we at the Fall Festival?”

Stiles blushed and ran a hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah. I thought maybe we could hit up one of the haunted houses and see what else they had going on here. My friend Lydia said they had some great caramel apples at one of the food stands.”

Derek seemed to bristle. “Haunted house?”

“Yeah, they have one here. Umm…” Stiles paused, studying Derek. He didn't seem excited about the prospect of visiting a haunted house. “It’s not like a real one, it’s just one where people jump out at you. No real ghosts.”

Derek chuckled nervously. “I might prefer the actual ghosts.” He cleared his voice. “I, uh—when I was a kid I had a bad experience at a haunted house and I haven't been in one since.”

“Oh.” Well. That was a bust, then. Stiles drummed his fingers on his door and then shrugged. “Okay, then let’s do something else. There’s plenty to do here. We can check out a few games and see what they have to eat. I’m sure we can find something.”

Derek seemed to relax and that made Stiles feel a little more at ease. The last thing he wanted Derek to do was to hate their first date.

“Yeah, that sounds a lot better,” Derek replied and gave Stiles a shy smile. “Thanks…”

“Of course. I want this to be a great night for both of us. The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable. A haunted house isn't that important to me…” Stiles let the unsaid ‘unlike you are’ hang there between them.

Derek blushed and Stiles gave him a small smile before getting out of the Jeep and rounding to the passenger side. He opened the door for Derek, trying not to grin but he couldn't help himself.

“So, I guess it’s my turn to open your door.” Derek’s chuckle echoed Stiles’ as Stiles stepped aside and Derek climbed out of the Jeep.

“Thank you. You’re such a gentleman.” Derek’s tone was light and teasing as he stepped into Stiles’ space and Stiles closed the Jeep door. It made Stiles nervous and excited at the same time.

“Come on…let’s see what trouble we can get into,” Stiles replied, nodding his head toward the festival.

“After you.” Derek motioned with his hand and Stiles took the lead as they walked through the Fall Festival.

There were games, tents and stands with food and produce for sale, live music playing, a pumpkin village that Stiles was way too excited to visit, and a few gardening workshops that Stiles dragged Derek to despite Derek’s faked reluctance.

All in all, it was a nice night. And Stiles tried to focus on winning this game so he could get Derek a prize. He held the fake gun loosely, trying to stay relaxed, and when the bell rang he squeezed the trigger. The balloon in front of him grew and grew until it couldn't anymore and another bell rang. Derek was laughing and clapping behind Stiles and Stiles pumped his fist in the air. “Which one do you want?” Stiles asked, face bright with the largest smile he’d had in a long time.

“Uhhh, let’s do the frog,” Derek replied, pointing.

“We’d like the frog, please. That one,” Stiles told the game attendant. They handed the frog over and Stiles turned to proudly present an overly large frog to Derek. If he could beat his chest without it being cheesy, he would.

Derek laughed and took the frog, its limbs flailing everywhere as he tried to hold it without looking ridiculous. “I love it. Thank you.”

Stiles was so high on winning the frog that he took a chance to step forward and captured Derek’s lips in a kiss. When Derek didn't pull away, Stiles leaned into it, one of his hands moving to cup Derek’s bearded cheek as they kissed, soft and slow, taking their time and enjoying the moment.

As they parted, Derek was smiling against Stiles’ lips as he said, “Wow. That was—”

“Yeah…” It was something Stiles hadn't expected to feel. A warmth in his chest and his heart fluttering at kissing Derek. He smoothed his thumb along Derek’s cheek, stepping back only a bit. “Did you want to get something to eat?”

What was he supposed to say after a kiss like that? Let’s go to my Jeep so you can fuck me? Stiles would totally be okay with that, but this was more important. Derek was special, not some random hookup that he’d never see again. He wanted something more with Derek, even if this was only their first date.

“Turkey leg? Or maybe we can get some pie,” Derek offered, his hand moving to take Stiles’ hand in his and threading their fingers together. “We might have to take the frog back to the Jeep, though. I don't want him to get damaged while we lug him around the festival.”

“What are you going to name him?” Stiles asked as they began to walk.

“Trevor, of course. In memory of my pet frog.” Derek chuckled and hefted Trevor onto his shoulder as they walked hand in hand through the festival.

It might not have been the date the Stiles originally planned, but it was still magical. Perfect, even. In its own way.

“I’m home!” Stiles called into the house, locking the door behind him with one hand and gripping a grocery bag in the other.

Several little feet came trampling down the stairs before Hailey was yelling, “Daddy!” and Scarlett and James were shouting, “Uncle Stiles!”

Stiles laughed as they surrounded him and squeezed him tight with all their little werewolf strength.

“Where’s Derek?” he asked as he rubbed each of them with one hand, making sure to scent mark each of them.

“He’s in the kitchen!” Hailey practically screamed at him with glee.

“Making apples!” James put in.

“Not apples,” Scarlett chided her brother. “Apple pie! Like grandma used to make!”

That twisted Stiles’ heart in his chest, knowing that sometimes thoughts of his family weren't the best thing for Derek to relive. But pie had to be a good thing, right? Otherwise, why would Derek be making it?

“Oh, apple pie!” James repeated belatedly while Scarlett shook her head at him.

Hailey grabbed Stiles’ free hand and said, “Come on, Daddy!”

He, of course, couldn't deny her. So Stiles followed Hailey into the kitchen with Scarlett and James following behind him.

When they crossed the threshold into the kitchen, Derek was at the oven with the door open, peering into it.

“I brought the turkey breast for our Thanksgiving trial run,” Stiles teased as he raised the bag in his child-free hand. Derek turned around and closed the oven, casting them all a smile.

“Great. But you know we’ll need a giant turkey for our actual Thanksgiving.” Derek crossed the short space between them to take the bag from Stiles and pressed a kiss to his lips. The kids squealed like they always did when they kissed each other. It still made Stiles chuckle after a year of them being together.

“More like two or three turkeys. We might need one for each werewolf that shows up and then we have these little munchkins.” Stiles fake-growled at them and the kids giggled, running out of the kitchen and back up the stairs. Any other time of day and Stiles would be chasing them, getting them ready for bed, and then tucked in for the night.

But right now he needed Derek. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Derek’s neck and kissed him again. “How many pies do you have cooking?”

“Three,” Derek replied, wrapping one arm around Stiles and holding him close. “One for the kids and two for us.”

Stiles laughed and kissed Derek again, smiling against his lips.

“Good. Maybe we can take one to bed later and have a snack ‘cause I think we might be up a little late tonight.” Stiles brushed his nose against Derek’s, teething his own lip. “I missed you a lot today…and I need you. All of you.”

Derek gave a muffled moan against Stiles’ neck before sighing and raising his head to kiss Stiles again. “Later,” he promised quietly. “I’ll knot you until you pass out.”

“My hero,” Stiles joked and reluctantly pulled away. “You want me to deal with the turkey?”

“It’s okay. I’ll do it. I’m sure the kids would love to show you their blanket fort where they’ve been having tea time. Then maybe you can get them washed up and ready for dinner? That way as soon as they’re done they’re off to bed after a story or two.”

Stiles smirked and gave Derek a once over. And damn, he was fine. Stiles knew he’d always see Derek this way, even when his hair and beard started to gray. “Someone’s thought this through.”

“Maybe just a little,” Derek replied, putting the bag on the counter. “I’ve had all afternoon to come up with a master plan”

Stiles snorted a small laugh and gave Derek a heated look, wanting to do nothing more than to push Derek up against the counter and drop to his knees until Derek was coming down his throat. But he couldn't do that. Not yet anyway. “Okay, I’m gonna go check out the blanket fort and maybe have a tea party too.”

“I’ll call you guys when dinner is done.”

“And we’ll be ready.” With one last look, Stiles turned and headed up the stairs. They’d grown so much during the last year as a family and Stiles couldn't wait for all the adventures that lay ahead of them.

And maybe someday soon he’d ask Derek to marry him. It wasn't as if Stiles hadn't bought the ring already, because some days it felt like it was burning a hole into his pocket. He reached down to feel if the small box was still there, just to make sure, and smiled.

Seeing him like that made Stiles feel like something right was happening in the world when all the darkness threatened to steal away any slice of happiness they had. But it hadn't been like that for at least a year now, even if Stiles felt like he was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. For something or someone to show up and take everything away.

He shifted when Derek came back and sat down behind him, blanket in hand.

“You know that you keep me warm enough and we have a fire, right?” Stiles asked with a chuckle.

“Well, you never know. I know you’ve been cold lately and I want to make sure you don't get sick. I still wish you’d get the bite, sometimes,” Derek replied as he scooted up behind Stiles, while Stiles settled between Derek’s legs and leaned back against him.

“Maybe someday. And you know I’ll only get it from you, right?” Stiles wouldn't have it any other way. He didn't trust anyone else to give him the bite and Stiles didn't want to be bound to anyone other than Derek, ever.

“I know. And I wouldn't want it any other way.” Derek opened the blanket and laid it over Stiles, tucking it around them. Stiles knew that soon enough he would be boiling under the blanket with Derek’s heat radiating off of him like it always did.

Stiles smiled, closing his eyes, and breathed deeply. He smoothed his hands over Derek’s arms as Derek hugged him close to his chest. He relished moments like this, feeling Derek’s love through their matebond. If they could stay locked away from the rest of the world forever, Stiles would do just that. It felt like they had over the last year.

“Beautiful night,” Derek said quietly as if he were afraid to break the fragileness of the moment.

“Not more beautiful than you,” Stiles teased as he opened his eyes and leaned sideways enough to look at Derek. He loved seeing Derek’s cheeks flush at something so simple as calling him beautiful.

“The full moon is soon,” Derek added, but Stiles wouldn't let him change the subject that easily.

“And you’ll be beautiful then too when you’re in full-shift running under the moonlight.” The tips of Derek’s ears were red and Stiles knew it wasn't from the cold. He really didn't know how to take a compliment, even if they were mated and practically married at this point.

“You really think that?” Derek asked softly.

“Of course. Why wouldn't I think that? You know I love your wolf. I love you in all of your forms.” Stiles leaned up to kiss Derek on the cheek, turning his head as Derek buried his face against Stiles’ neck with one of those happy rumbles that Stiles always teased Derek about because it sounded like he was purring.

“Thank you, for everything,” came Derek’s voice, muffled against Stiles’ neck.

They were words that Stiles had heard on more than one occasion and he kept reminding Derek he had nothing to thank him for, but he knew where Derek was coming from. And without each other, Stiles didn't think he’d have anything to be thankful for either.

“I love you.” Stiles’ hand moved out from under the blanket and threaded through Derek’s hair, scratching gently at his scalp. “Forever. You know that, right?”

“I know… and I’ll love you the same. Forever. Remember, that’s the whole point.” Derek pressed a kiss against Stiles’ mating bite and it sent warmth radiating through his chest as he felt the truth of Derek’s words there.

“Yeah, it is.” It wasn't the first time they’d made that promise, but Stiles knew they both needed the reminder sometimes. And he was more than happy to give it to Derek whenever either of them needed it.

Sometimes Stiles thought about what their lives might be like if it wasn't just the two of them. If they’d ever have kids or get married officially. He was happy with how things were now and he had no wants or needs that were being unmet, but he felt that they had so much love to share that he wanted more.

It was selfish, he knew, but Stiles couldn't help but want. “Do you ever think of having kids?”

The question would likely seem abrupt to Derek, but Stiles didn't think it would be an issue talking about it. Derek hmm’d against his neck and drew away to press a kiss to Stiles’ temple.

“I guess that was something I never thought about… after everything, I didn't think that was in the cards for me. But I never thought I’d have you either. Have this. Be happy.” Derek’s words sunk inside of Stiles and he wished more than once he could erase Derek’s past and take away all his pain. It was easier now, but he knew it was still painful.

“But now?” Stiles prompted, wondering if there was more.

“Now…” Derek was quiet as he pressed his lips against Stiles’ temple again, breathing deeply and running his nose through Stiles’ hair.

“Maybe… I think there’s a lot of stuff we’d have to do to have kids. We’d have to get a bigger house, for one,” Derek added with a chuckle. “But someday. If we’re adopting it’ll be a long process. Years.”

Years. Stiles had never thought about that. But he guessed Derek was right. They couldn't just pick up an abandoned werewolf kid somewhere and claim them as theirs. They still lived in the human world where laws ruled everything. There were legal things they’d have to do in order to have kids.

“Maybe we can get someone to have a baby for us. Like a surrogate. I wouldn't care if it were you or me that were the biological father.” It was something that Stiles hadn’t really thought of before…getting someone to have a child for him, but whatever got them a child that was theirs, he would be all for it.

“Maybe…” Derek replied and nuzzled the side of Stiles’ head. “We could look into companies that facilitate those services unless you have someone in mind.”

Stiles thought about the women in his life…Lydia and Allison. He wasn't sure that either of them would want to birth a kid for them but he supposed he wouldn’t know until he asked. “We should look into the services, I think. Just so we know what we’re getting into and how much it’s going to cost.”

“Cost isn’t an issue. If that’s what you want and what we decide to do as a couple, then I’ll pay for it,” Derek replied, running his hands along Stiles’ arms as he held him.

Stiles always forgot about Derek’s inheritance, or maybe neither of them wanted to think about it because it always seemed like it was blood money. Thankfully Derek made his own money renting out space in his building.

Money was something they’d never have to worry about even without Derek’s inheritance. Stiles tried to tell himself that he shouldn't feel bad about the money. Derek had always told him whatever was his, was also Stiles’ because they were mates.

“Something to think about,” Stiles replied softly, turning his head enough to kiss Derek gently, then nuzzling against him more.

“Yeah… we have time.”

It was something that Stiles never thought they’d have. Time.

Time together, time to grow, and time to have a future.

He smiled and closed his eyes, letting the moonlight shine down upon them and the fire warm his skin as he rested in Derek’s arms.

"Alright, come on. Admit it. They're good, right?" Stiles asked with his mouth full. It was more endearing than it should be. Then again, this was Stiles, and Derek absolutely loved and adored everything about him.

Derek rubbed his thumb in circles on Stiles's shoulder as they cuddled up on the couch, eating their faux s'mores, which were Nutella and marshmallow fluff spread over graham crackers. And Derek had to agree, they were pretty damn good.

He took another bite of one, savoring the rich chocolatey flavor that exploded on his tongue. The sweetness of the marshmallow fluff perfectly contrasted with the creamy Nutella. He looked over at Stiles who appeared to be eagerly waiting for his reaction.

"Well," Derek chuckled, wiping off some marshmallow fluff from the corner of his mouth, "I have to concede. They're not just good—they're delicious."

Stiles beamed at the compliment, looking immensely satisfied with himself.

"And you thought I was crazy when I suggested it," he teased, stealing another graham cracker and assembling another faux s'more for himself, clearly delighted with Derek's approval. "At least this way, we don't have to sit out in the cold by a fire."

The temperature was starting to drop at night, and while it didn't bother Derek, thanks to being a werewolf and running warmer, Stiles was human. The last thing Derek wanted was for him to get sick. Besides, he preferred being happily tucked away inside, under a warm blanket with Stiles by his side.

The crackling fire from the television screen filled the room with a cozy ambiance, making it the perfect setting to enjoy their indoor s'mores. Stiles handed Derek another one, his eyes shining with mischief.

"I've got more culinary surprises up my sleeve," Stiles retorted, biting into his s'more with a satisfied hum.

"Well, you've definitely earned some points tonight," Derek admitted, laughter in his eyes. He bit into the s'more, sitting up when the Nutella began to drip down his chin.

Stiles chuckled and instead of wiping the chocolate away or handing Derek a napkin, he leaned over, licking the droplet of Nutella from Derek's chin to the corner of his lips.

Derek's breath hitched in surprise, his cock twitching as heat pooled in his groin. Fuck. And just like that, he had to have Stiles. Now. He raised a brow in silent challenge, fingers flexing as he lowered his hand to Stiles's hip.

"Oh, is that how it is?" Stiles laughed, turning and straddling Derek's lap before running his hands up Derek's chest. His eyes grew dark with desire, a playful smirk on his lips, his scent spicy-sweet with his arousal.

All Derek could do was grin, his eyes not leaving Stiles's as he thrust up, showing Stiles exactly what he was getting himself into. He whispered into Stiles's ear with a gravelly voice full of hunger and desire. "Are you going to finish what you started?"

Stiles's smirk turned into a cheeky grin at Derek's challenge.

"I always finish what I started," he retorted confidently, his fingers leaving a trail of goosebumps as he drew them down Derek's chest, stopping just above the waistband of his jeans. He locked eyes with Derek, the heat in his gaze only intensifying.

"Well then," Derek retorted, a growl slipping out, causing Stiles to shiver. "By all means."

It became a mess of limbs as they undressed until they were skin on skin and Derek sighed with relief as Stiles settled back on his lap, the tip of his cock dampening Derek's belly. Anticipation coiled in Derek's stomach. The evening had taken an unexpected yet excitingly pleasant turn. It was light, playful, sexy—and tantalizing—the perfect mix of comfort and heated desire.

"How's this?" Stiles asked as if he knew he was killing Derek and was enjoying the torture.

Derek swallowed thickly, running his hands up Stiles's thighs. "Perfect. You're perfect."

And God, he was. Especially when he threw his head back, exposing the long line of his neck.

"Give me your mouth," Derek demanded. If he didn't kiss Stiles right now, he felt like he'd combust.

Stiles nodded, and their playful banter quickly morphed into a slow, passionate dance of lips as Stiles kissed him. It was sweet, flavored with marshmallow fluff and Nutella, and above all else, Stiles.

God, Derek could never get enough of him. He swatted a hand out, feeling for the drawer of the side table, where they kept the lube. Well, one of the bottles. They had them stashed everywhere and anywhere because they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room…it didn't matter.

"Get yourself ready for me," Derek said, coming up victorious as he found the bottle.

Stiles plucked it from his hand, opening and squirting some into his palm before slicking up Derek's cock as he shook his head. "Uh uh, wanna feel you stretch me open."

Derek laughed, the sensation causing him to jerk in Stiles's hand. "Impatient tonight, aren't you?"

"Only for you," Stiles replied with a wink, his hand squeezing Derek's cock, making him gasp. "Now how do you want me?"

Derek growled in response, his hands immediately settling on Stiles's hips. "Ride me."

His heart battered against his chest wall as Stiles's hot, tight body slowly—so damn slowly Derek thought he would die—lowered around him. Stiles was incredible, so fucking perfect.

As soon as Derek was buried to the hilt, he pulled Stiles in by the back of the neck, pressing their foreheads together, his eyes locked on Stiles, heavy with passion and need. He sat there for a moment, breathing heavily before whispering, "I love you."

"I love you too," Stiles replied softly, his hands cradling Derek's face. With a slow grind of his hips, he started moving, riding Derek in a slow, deliberate rhythm. Their bodies moved in a practiced dance, their sighs echoing throughout the living room.

With their eyes still locked, Derek's hands roamed freely over Stiles's back, occasionally dipping lower to feel the curve of his ass as Stiles rode him, setting a pleasurable pace. Stiles clenched tighter with every downward move, making Derek groan, growl, and plea for more.

They went fast and hard, then slow and tender.

Derek wrapped his arms around Stiles, face buried in the crook of Stiles's neck, muttering praises and nonsensical words that only seemed to spur Stiles on more. The way Stiles moved drove Derek wild, especially combined with the sound of their pants, the wet slide of them together.

"Harder, Derek," Stiles begged, his voice was huskier than Derek had ever heard it.

Derek wanted to oblige—every part of him yearned to give Stiles exactly what he wanted. So with his grip tightening around Stiles's hips, Derek lost himself to the pleasure.

Stiles worked himself on Derek's cock, his fingers digging into Derek's shoulder. The sensation was overwhelming, and when Stiles leaned over, pressing a searing kiss to Derek's lips, Derek's knot began to swell.

"Oh fuck. Yes," Stiles moaned, his body shaking. "I need to come. Please. Fuck. Touch me. Make me come."

Derek pumped his hips, reaching between them to stroke Stiles's leaking cock, groaning as Stiles clenched tightly around him. And that was it. That was all it took before Derek's knot locked them together, his orgasm crashing over him.

Stiles threw his head back on a shout. The long column of his throat was beautiful as he cried out with pleasure, the warmth of his release spilling between them as his body convulsed in apparent pleasure. Derek's gums tingled, and as soon as his fangs dropped, he bit into the mark on Stiles's neck—claiming him once more.

Sweating and gasping for air, they rode out the waves of their orgasms together.

"We should...have s'mores...more often," Derek panted, the words slurred around his fangs.

Stiles laughed rather breathlessly, lowering his head onto Derek's chest as Derek raised an arm to hold him tightly.

"Very funny," Stiles mocked, though he sounded more pleased than annoyed. "Don't think we need s'mores in order to do this again."

Derek chuckled, idly stroking Stiles's hair with his other hand. No, they definitely didn't. Not with the affection they felt for each other and the unspoken desire that always seemed to hang heavy in the air. "Agreed."

"Also, now we're all sticky." Stiles chuckled, nuzzling into the crook of Derek's neck, a soft sigh slipping past his lips as his body relaxed atop Derek's. His heartbeat was a soothing metronome against Derek's chest. "Mmm…we should shower. When your knot goes down."

"Yeah," agreed Derek, gently running his hand up and down Stiles's back, the calm exhaustion an intimate comfort.

Stiles's breath evened out, and the steady rise and fall of his chest lulled Derek into a peaceful state, his fangs retracting. He wrapped his arm tighter around Stiles, losing himself in the feel of Stiles right there against him.

"Are you sure you want to go in there?" Derek asked a visibly apprehensive Stiles, who clung to Derek's arm, his breath hitching every time the wind howled. Just because it was close to Halloween didn't mean they had to visit any haunted attractions, but Stiles had insisted they come here ever since Erica mentioned going with Boyd last weekend. She'd said it was spooky 'in all the best ways.'

Derek had difficulty believing that as he looked up at the massive, ominous structure better known as the infamous haunted house of Beacon Hills. It was neither infamous nor haunted at any other time of year, but whoever ran this place definitely went all out for Halloween with a distinct taste for the macabre. Cobwebs hung heavy from the pointed roof and jack-o-lanterns with grotesque faces leered from each window. Tombstones littered the front yard, eerily glowing in the dark. Sinister (and slightly over-the-top) sound effects are playing in the background. The air reeked of candy corn and a peculiar, damp smell that permeated the entire area—a scent Derek attributed somewhat dubiously to the atmosphere.

"Are you sure?" he asked again, ready to turn around if Stiles said no.

But Stiles nodded, so Derek straightened his jacket and stepped forward. The crunch of fallen leaves under his boots amplified the eeriness around them. As they entered the house, the atmosphere intensified. Stiles's grip on Derek's arm tightened as a ghostly fog rolled in, shrouding the haunted house in an ethereal mystery.

"God, the music just makes everything so much worse," Stiles muttered, jumping when a sudden shriek pierced the air. It was quickly followed by a round of eerie laughter. Meanwhile, ghoulish figures darted in and out of sight, their movements deliberately swift and unpredictable to maintain a sense of dread.

Derek would hate it, except it made Stiles cling to him even tighter. An unexpected thrill coursed through him; there was something strangely reassuring about being the one Stiles relied on for comfort. Even amidst the staged horror and low ambient lighting, Derek could see the trust in Stiles's eyes intertwined with the fear.

"Focus on me, not the house, alright?" Derek whispered just before another frightful scream echoed through the corridors, followed by hasty footsteps, eliciting a high-pitched yelp from Stiles.

If he didn't have his keen werewolf senses, Derek would probably be scared too. The chilling whispers of the wind, the ominous creaking of the wooden floors, and the distant sound of rattling chains...every element was perfectly designed to instill a deep-seated fear. But thanks to his supernatural abilities, he could hear the whir of mechanics from the animatronics set up in the house, the muttered instructions of workers hidden from sight, and the giggles of other visitors not too far ahead of them.

"Remember, it's all fake. None of this can hurt you," Derek reassured Stiles, even as a headless figure suddenly lunged towards them, causing Stiles to yelp and bury his face in Derek's jacket.

"I know it's all fake, but I feel like my heart's going to beat right out of my chest." Stiles's words were muffled into Derek's jacket. His heart was pounding fast, his pulse seeping through Derek's shirt.

With a smirk, Derek gently patted Stiles's back as they advanced deeper into the heart of the haunted house—past the spider webs and blood-smeared walls.

"Maybe next year we stick to corn mazes and pumpkin patches," he suggested, his voice echoed hauntingly by the eerie soundtrack playing in the house.

Stiles shook his head despite clinging to Derek all the tighter. "Where's the fun in that?"

"This is fun?" he asked, but Stiles silenced him with a vigorous nod.

"Best adrenaline rush ever." Then Stiles screamed as a vampire animatronic jumped out of a coffin.

If Stiles wanted an adrenaline rush, Derek could think of a few better things they could do than visit a haunted house. Something that would benefit both of them, like a night in the woods, under the moon and the starlit sky, with Derek chasing Stiles as if he were the most delicious prey.

Derek's pulse pounded just thinking about it, his every instinct responding to the thought. Unlike the artificial thrill of fear from these dubious props and jump scares, this was a thrill of genuine, primal excitement.

Stiles's eyes snapped to his, a curious look in his gaze. "Well, something's got you all worked up…"

Derek told him the idea and smiled at the rush of anticipation that radiated through their bond, the sudden expectancy evident in Stiles's widened eyes and the excited pounding of his heartbeat.

"But only if you're up for it," Derek added, raising a brow challengingly at Stiles, a daring glint in his eyes.

"I don't know… A scary, haunted house or being chased by a real-life werewolf…" Stiles's words were teasing, and it looked as if he were going to say more, but then a skeleton fell from the ceiling, and he screamed. "Okay, definitely being chased by you. At least that would be more like foreplay."

Fuck.

And now all Derek could think about was this game of their own, a primal chase between predator and prey. Catching Stiles and having his way with him. The wild images played out in Derek's mind—Stiles sprawled out on a bed of leaves, panting and flushed under the veil of moonlight while Derek prowled over him. No haunted house or fabricated horror could compete with the thrill that came from that anticipation, the genuine adrenalin surge.

After all, werewolves loved a good hunt.

"You're already thinking about it, aren't you?" Stiles asked, breaking Derek from his reverie. The knowing smirk on his face somehow looked even more appealing in the gloom of the haunted house.

"Maybe..." Derek allowed the word to hang in the air, raising a brow in response to the anticipation sparking in Stiles's eyes. Even though they were surrounded by artificial horror, it was drowned out by the real, tangible excitement growing between them.

Before either of them could say anything else, another animatronic figure abruptly jumped out of a coffin beside them, its hollow screams echoing through the haunted corridors.

Stiles responded with another loud yelp, clenching Derek's jacket even tighter. "Okay, let's just get through the house, then we'll negotiate terms for this werewolf chase of yours."

"Deal," Derek answered fervently, pulling Stiles closer as they ventured onward.