Chapter Text
When at work, his coworkers began to decorate the offices with garlands, stars and a diverse variety of Christmas decorations, Derek knew that the countdown had begun and he should start preparing for what is gonna await him in the coming dates. He should have noticed it when Mariah Carey's song: “All I Want for Christmas is You”, started playing on the radio in October.
But he was so focused on his new job's project, that when December rolled around, it fell on his face like the fake snow Erica was trying to place over the entrance to his studio. The supposedly embarrassed face of his secretary told him that she wasn't sorry at all, despite her apology. He sometimes wonders if he's ever going to get any show of respect from the beta, not to mention that he's also her boss.
Brushing the snow off his suit, he tried to keep his composure, it's not as if he had a meeting with an important client, and that it could be excellent news if they agree to contract his architecture firm to take over the project.
"Come on Derek, a little Christmas spirit won't hurt you."
Derek glared at her. "I don't need the Christmas spirit on my clothes or on the houses blueprints."
As expected, Erica rolled her eyes at her boss and alpha. Patience Derek . "Well, you're gonna need it, because you have a lot of missed calls, from your mother, Laura and even from your grandmother."
And there was when Derek realized what was to come. He would definitely need patience this Christmas. Because it's not just about a party which his family love to celebrate all together, as a tradition, no matter where in the world they are each. The whole family will always be together. But it's also his birthday.
32 years. And it was going to be 5 years in which his family expected him to bring someone. Derek will have to arm himself with the greatest patience possible, to endure the looks of his mother, Peter's mocking smiles, and his Nana asking him when the great-grandchildren are coming, so that she can spoil them.
Derek sighed walking into his office. He loves his family and knows that his family also loves and respects him. But they're just a little… intense on the subject. The alpha assumes that being a family of werewolves, the possibility that the pack can always grow and be numerous, is synonymous of celebration and joy. And it doesn't matter that it’s already a large family, the more they are, the better. Which makes their holidays, like Christmas, more chaotic but fun.
Which fills his chest with a warm feeling of nostalgia and happiness. Because the holidays with his family are always moments full of beautiful memories, and satisfies the instinct to be with his pack. Although there was also that anxiety of having to face the disappointed faces of his family. Surely it's because he's the first son of Talia, Nana's first daughter. He is also Alpha as his secondary gender and Alpha as a werewolf, after his mother. There are a lot of expectations placed on him.
But Derek didn't need an omega to be happy and please his family. He has a stable job with an enviable income, his architecture studio is one of the best in New York, it is his pride. He also lives in an ostentatious house, in which he has allowed himself certain luxuries and comforts, perfect for receiving several guests. Like his pack, which is well organized and stable, except for Erica's authority issues, their bonds are deep and strong, Derek considers them part of his family.
And while his family name inspires respect in the community since a long time, Derek has managed to build, alongside his betas, his own path as an alpha werewolf and gain recognition from others packs by his own merits.
Although…he can't deny that a certain part of him feels incomplete. He has all these comforts and luxuries, he could easily stop working and still have a luxurious life without any worries. But what is the use of having all that, if he has no one to share it with? Even though he has his pack, it's not the same.
Derek blames his alpha gender and his werewolf status, that his desire to provide and protect seems to multiply. He sometimes feels a certain shame of his fantasy, of coming from work and finding his omega waiting for him, in the community and safety of their house, with the dinner ready, and to share a quiet and relaxing family moment.
If Laura ever finds out, she would surely make his life miserable. He was lucky that she never found his collection of romance novels, he didn’t need his sister to tease him that he's a hopeless romantic. Perhaps he could blame those books for feeding his fantasies of a happy couple with many children. Or maybe was seeing the happy family that his parents formed, how much they love each other, despite all the differences they had to go through at the time. Derek wanted that, he longed for that "happily ever after" that his parents live.
Although he could justify himself that, with all the bad experiences with previous partners, no one could blame him for wanting, at least once , a "happy ending". Perhaps, all of that dream was born from his heart's desire, to be truly loved for one time in his life, to be loved for who he really is. And not because he's a Hale, a werewolf or because he's an alpha. Although he knows that his attitude and his personality are not the best. The words that Lydia had said to him, after a disastrous date, still echoed in his memories.
"It's disappointing that with all that look, you ruin it with your sour personality." Derek didn't need to be remembered about it again, he had lived with Laura long enough to have someone to point out his personality.
“Well, maybe there's someone out there who likes bitters. Only Derek has to find it and not scare them." Erica teased at that moment. Derek still wonders if it was a good decision to give her the bite.
The alpha massaged his temples, sinking down in his melancholy would be useless. It would be better to distract himself from those thoughts and start doing what he really came to do. Which was to start with the sketches for the new green building project in the city. He was going to need Boyd's help to project all the possible directions the client was requesting, but a sticky note from Erica in his desk distracted him again.
The missed calls from his family.
Derek took a breath and mentally prepared himself to face the claims that he surely was going to hear as soon as he answered the phone. He preferred to start first with who he knew was easier to convince.
"How is my favorite lobito ?" It was the first thing his grandmother said as soon as she answered the call.
"Good morning nana" Derek said with a calm and affectionate tone, always talking to his grandmother makes him smile. "Don't let Laura hear you saying that, she thinks she IS the favorite grandchild."
His nanny clicked her tongue. “I disowned her when she gave me a WALKER for my birthday. Very clearly I told her that I wanted a ‘ Musigny Grand Cru ’ when she went to France ”. Derek couldn't help it and let out a loud laugh when he heard her.
"Nana, remember that Deaton said that it's not recommended that you drink alcoholic beverages" Derek tried to be careful with the words he used, he knew how much it upsets his grandmother to be reminded of her age. His Nana will turn 90 in the coming months, and despite being a werewolf, that doesn’t imply that she is immune to the consequences that the years bring.
“Don't name that cheap vet to me. I never liked him as a druid for our family. Always quiet and acting mysterious”. She started complaining, Derek could only laugh and accept what she said, it wouldn't do any good to argue with his Nana. "Speaking of druids, have you looked for one for your pack yet?"
Here we go . Derek thought, taking a breath.
"No Nana, with Boyd we accepted a job redesigning a park and I've been extremely focused on that."
"Oh mi lobito ¿you know that if you lock yourself up at work, you won't find your mate?" There it is. Derek tried not to sigh so as not to make his grandmother angry, keeping his tone calm as he answered.
“This is an important job, besides…”
"But what about your happiness?" His grandmother interrupted him, Derek bit his cheek. It’s always the same question, he knows that his family cares about him, but they should trust him, that he knows what he is doing. Or maybe he don’t. .. after all his bad experiences.
“I am happy Nana. I have a good job, a home and a stable pack.”
"But I still remember when you were little, when we went to visit Santa at the mall and you told him you wanted an omega who loved you as much as you were going to love him." Derek grunted at the memories his Grandma brought up of him. That was after a lesson that his mother had given him about the relationship between alphas and omegas, how none is superior to the other, but rather they complement each other. Just like when a werewolf finds his mate, it's a relationship of mutual respect, of balance. Just as the triskel, his family crest. And that, to the eyes of a little Derek, was something completely precious, even more when having the living example of his parents. "I'll never forget how your eyes sparkled and how big your smile was when Santa promised you'd find your mate when you're a responsible, respectable adult alpha."
Derek didn't answer.
"I know it's not up to us to say what you have to do with your life, but we want to see you happy."
"I am Nana."
"Okay, I believe you" His grandmother answered with a soft tone, knowing that she shouldn't continue with the subject. "But hey, if you're not going to bring someone home, at least I want a good wine for a Christmas present, so I can get drunk and I don't have to deal with Peter's new obnoxious girlfriend."
That comment made Derek laugh out loud, earning a curious look from Erica, who was peering at him through the glass walls of his office. "New girlfriend?"
“He broke up with that Karen a few days ago. He is now with one who is barely 20 years old. Or brain”. Derek is sure that the last one wasn't called Karen, but he couldn't stop laughing to tell her about it.
The conversation continued with other more trivial topics, his grandmother asking about what he is working on, or if he is eating well and how his betas are. Derek asked her how things were at home, among other things. When the conversation ended, Derek felt in a better mood, even though he knew what was waiting for him in Beacon Hills, when he comes back home for holiday, he also had a little excitement of being with his family again.
"I'm going to ask your grandmother for advice to help me get rid of the grumpy face you wear every day." Erica commented from the door, who had been waiting for him to end the call
"Maybe if my secretary/beta ever showed me respect... I wouldn't be so grumpy". He replied with a serious face, but his tone was light, without heat. He already knew that he can't change Erica. And he never would, despite her attitude, her loyalty and commitment to the pack is unwavering.
Erica just rolled her eyes, but her smile was bright. "Boyd has arrived and he is ready for the sketches to be reviewed." Derek just nodded, arranging his desk but seeing that Erica still hadn't left, he raised his eyebrows waiting for her to speak. “You know, I have seen that just a few people make you laugh like that, with all your heart. Your family…and Scott's sweet friend: Stiles.” She finished saying that with a mischievous smile on her face. And that wasn’t any good.
Derek tried to keep his reaction as neutral as possible, even though he felt the tips of his ears burn with his blush. He watched as Erica subtly sniffed the air, hoping to catch some signals with her senses. It was definitely dangerous that she was a werewolf.
“I think you should offer him the bite…or a date. I’m pretty sure that he will say yes to both of them.” She commented, with a full toothy smile, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Derek sighed, trying not to think about how his teeth would feel on Stiles' pale skin.
“Erica, Stiles is comfortable with his hyperactive humanity. Also ¿Do you remember his fervent anger with Alphas? If you don’t have anything more to report to me, tell Boyd to come into my office."
But as expected, Erica didn't obey him. What he didn't like was to see how her smile grew. " So you thought about it ." She said with a tone full of satisfaction but at the same time full of malice. Shit . He bit his tongue as he realized he sold himself. “Offering him the bite, or inviting him on a date. Or maybe both. I knew Stiles was your type."
"Erica, please don't make me fire you." Derek growled, hiding his face in his hands.
"That's not going to take me out of your life, honey," she chanted as she walked away, leaving Derek alone with his embarrassment.
And she was right. Derek has thought about offering Stiles the bite. As well as invite him on a date. And many other things. With graphic details. Again, he didn't have to be carried away by his thoughts, he didn't need Boyd to come along and smell his sexual frustration. Derek didn't need his judgmental silence either.
He thought his attraction to the omega wasn't that obvious, though he shouldn't take Erica's perception lightly. It's too late to deny it anyway. Ever since he accepted Scott into his pack, a beta who had been bitten by a feral alpha, it was as if Stiles had invited himself.
And the first pack meetings, the omega made Derek lose his temper. In every sense. He was chaotic, always full of energy and never stopped talking. But he also was too smart and loyal. He is not at all the stereotype of omega that society wants. He is full of sarcasm, with little respect for the rules and with too much curiosity for his own good.
He didn't expect Stiles to fit in so well with the pack, although it may also be because they share the same age and almost the same interests. Or maybe it was that Stiles was the one who argued with Derek, when they were planning how the pack was going to deal with some feral wendigos in the area. Erica was delighted that Stiles had made Derek speechless, the alpha didn't need another beta who didn't respect them. Though if he needed someone with Stiles' cunning and intelligence. Derek is often more to take action at the moment. Stiles, on the other hand, is calculating and always thinking of a plan in advance. Without being a werewolf, he found a place for himself in the pack.
The only problem was that Stiles hates alphas. Pretty often, at the pack meeting, he has commented on his bad luck on dating. “ I can treat you well ” Derek thought as he listened as Stiles told Erica about how disrespectful an alpha was to him. Even so, Derek felt some pride when Stiles told him that he defended himself against that alpha, kicking him in the balls. Though, it was clear that the omega no longer wanted anything to do with the alphas.
"Whenever they open their mouths, it's to talk about them or just to give orders." The human had complained on one of their movie nights, while they were preparing the table.
"What about Derek?" Erica asked mischievously, side looking at said alpha "He barely talks and knows how to cook". At that moment Derek arrived with the pizzas in his hands, wearing the apron that his betas gave him. Stiles tried to hold back his laugh as he read the stamped legend: " No bitchin in my kitchen. "
"Just threats and growls." Stiles teased, helping him with the pizzas. Derek wanted to say something, but he was distracted by the small blush that was on the omega's cheeks. "Besides, it's enough that he puts up with me in his pack, I'm sure that on a date he would get fed up with me talking so much."
"I would rip your throat out, with my teeth." Derek commented, trying not to hide that he couldn't take his eyes off Stiles' neck.
"Don't threaten me with having a good time" the omega countered with a playful tone. Because that's the way he is, Stiles can't leave someone with the last word. He always has a sarcastic response ready at any time. And that's something Derek likes of him.
Despite the fact that he was joking, that smirk on his face, the jump in Stiles’s heartbeat distracted the alpha again. Making Derek grunt at the thought of Stiles enjoying being bitten and marked by him.
"See? Only growls. If you don't want me dead, no more alphas for Stiles, especially one with fangs and claws." It was the last thing Stiles said, changing the subject.
A knock on the door brought him out of his memories, he never noticed when Boyd arrived. But now he had to concentrate on his work, he couldn't think of an omega that was out of his reach. More than anything, remembering that Stiles secretly commented to Lydia, that he met someone and that person would change his life completely. Derek couldn't blame Stiles for forgetting that most people in the pack have very good ears, but that's what he got for being curious. He who seeks, he finds. It's what they say.
And Derek believed that life it's unfair. Because whenever he decides to give himself a chance to find his happiness, he always ends up getting hurt.
A strong, warm hand on his shoulder woke him from his terrible memories of Kate and Jeniffer. Boyd doesn't say anything, but Derek knew that the look in his eyes was asking if everything was okay. Derek just nodded, deciding it was best to focus on work. He will then return the calls to his mother and Laura.
~O~
The hours passed quickly without him noticing, the new project managed to distract him enough from his thoughts. When they finished, Boyd didn't say anything again but maintained his silent support. Derek is glad to have met him and offered him the bite. Of all his betas, Boyd is the one who is always by Derek's side. To the alpha, he is someone he can blindly trust, the loyalty is mutual. He will be his alpha but Derek sees Boyd as an equal.
While driving back to his house, Derek decided to call his mother, activating the hands-free. The waiting tone rang longer than usual. Assuming that she was busy, the alpha was going to hang up until the call was answered.
"Finally my favorite nephew calls". Peter's voice sounded on the other end of the line.
Derek ended the call.
The alpha wasn't in the mood to deal with Peter. He checked his cell phone in case he had misdialed, but no, the call was to his mother's number. Derek sighed. He was tired after work, it was barely December and he knew that Christmas fever was coming to his family. In addition, he knows very well that of all his family, his uncle is always the one who enjoys asking the questions that make people uncomfortable. And if he answered Talia's phone, it wasn't by chance casual but to take the opportunity to pester.
His cell phone started ringing this time, looking at the identifier, it was Peter's number this time. Knowing how persistent his uncle can be, he decided to attend.
"Is this how you treat your favorite uncle?" Peter answered, the sorrowfull tone in him was completely false.
"What do you want Peter?"
“Not even a: Good afternoon, how are you Peter ? I thought my sister had raised you better."
"My mother taught me not to answer other people's phones."
" Touche . But anyway, your mom is busy buying horrible sweaters for this year's family photo." Derek is glad that Peter can't see his smile. It is a tradition every Christmas. And his mother always insists on choosing the ugliest sweater for Peter. It was the typical sibling rivalry, Derek knew that from having his two sisters: Cora and Laura. Even so, Peter always uses it for the photo. He'll be a jerk sometimes, but at least… It seemed he likes his family. Though, he also enjoys teasing them. Not everything could be perfect.
"I hope the sweater this year also gives you hives." Derek teased, remembering the time Peter looked like it had fleas from how much he scratched himself. Nobody knew how it happened, because it didn't have wolfsbane to cause such an allergic reaction.
“I still don't understand how. My theory is that the fabric was the cheapest and most mediocre that my dear sister could find. But… let's talk about you. What amazing news do you have to share with us ?” He asked with his usual tone of voice where he feigns innocence, but Derek knows well of his malicious intentions behind him.
"I have nothing to tell you." He answered quickly, expecting Peter's fake gasp. Sometimes Derek thinks his uncle has the soul of a gossipy neighbor. Or too much time in his hands.
"Why do you treat me like that? If we haven't talked in so long."
"It's for something, isn't it?"
"It must be the reason why you're alone." Derek squeezed hard on the handlebars. He's a grown man and he's not going to let Peter's teasing get to him. “Your grumpiness scares the good omegas. You should follow my example...
“And date someone half my age? I don't want to end up in prison." Derek felt proud when he heard Laura's loud laugh. She was another gossipy soul but he was glad she was listening to mock Peter.
"That's not what I meant dear nephew" Peter’s tone was neutral but the alpha was sure that he had managed to annoy his uncle. "If you follow my advice and learn from my charm, you would already have an omega by your side."
"If I follow your advice, I'm going to end up with three failed marriages." Laura's laugh resonated again. He knows it was a sensitive subject for her uncle, but he asked for it, getting where he shouldn't. Derek took it as a win when Peter didn't answer.
"At least I have someone who loves me." Derek wanted to reply but Peter continued. “Don't you feel lonely Derek? Seeing everyone around you is building a family. I heard your beta Isaac proposed to Alison. And Cora said that she's bringing her boyfriend over for Christmas. What about you Derek?"
The alpha clenched his jaw, his knuckles clutching the steering wheel turning white. He listened as his sister reprimanded Peter. He didn't need to be defended, he knew well that his luck with his partners hadn't been the best. That his personality hasn’t helped much either, but he didn't need to be reminded about it either. It was like they were marking him as he was the problem. He knew that that wasn’t Peter's intention, but sometimes Derek thinks it is. And Peter can be a huge jerk at times who knows how to get people mad. That was why Derek couldn't help but answer:
"Maybe I can't take my partner, because I don't want them to meet you." And he ended the call.
Arriving at his house, the alpha stayed in the car, making no move at all. Replaying the last moments of the conversation. And realizing that he screwed it up. It's obvious that his response was exhaustion from his uncle's taunting, Derek doesn't think Peter doesn't realize that. But even so, if he arrives alone at the family Christmas party, it would be to agree with Peter and give him material for his ridicule. The worst thing is that he does want to spend those festive moments with someone.
Shit .
~O~
Derek didn't speak to anyone else that day. Except, the next morning, a call would come in from Laura after he got back from his morning running. And as expected, she bluntly asked him if it was true if he had someone to bring to the Christmas party. Sometimes he is grateful that his sister knows him so well, but this time he doesn't feel that way. What he didn’t expect was Peter to believe that lie. Laura told him that between Peter’s anger at Derek's taunts, her uncle seemed completely convinced that he would bring someone to the Christmas party and ended up telling everyone in the family about it. Derek cursed himself, he knew he shouldn't have said that.
"Well, you can always try dating someone" Laura offered after her brother's silence when she told her that Talia already knew about his (non-existent) date for Christmas.
“Laura, there are 20 days left until Christmas. It is not enough to know someone. And even that they would be willing to come with me, to a family dinner filled with werewolves capable of picking up a lie. And not forgetting our annoying uncle."
“Come on Derek, can't you wear a smile, make yourself mysterious and offer them that you're going to change their lives? Surely several would fall for you with that trick. Erica told me it worked with her."
“My God…” Derek couldn't believe his beta and his sister were having those types of conversations. He definitely can't let them meet in person.
“I know that my little brother has a smile that wets panties and boxers. Let's see, you're a Hale. You don't have all that physique and charm for nothing."
“ Please stop …” Derek definitely didn’t want to talk about that with his sister.
"Perhaps a beautiful and sweet omega will fall in your arms." Derek sighed, he knows the physical attraction he can provoke. But he would like to meet someone who looks at him beyond his physique or his status. As much as it also terrifies him.
"Omegas don't fall from the sky." He commented to counter her. There was no way he'd find someone in 20 days that he could get along with, and that his family would believe they've known each other much longer. And above all that, Derek would have to convince that person to pretend that they are a couple, in front of a pack of werewolves. Great .
"You never know".
Even so, the conversation ended with Laura warning him that he should be prepared for Talia's call, she would call at any moment. After all, her sister told her mother fairly what happened with Peter, the little argument and the pressure from their uncle. So his mother was going to wait to give Derek time to tell it himself. But they both know what his mother is like and she probably wouldn’t wait that long.
And said and done, it wasn't even hours after talking to Laura, that he received a call from his mother, when he was going to the shelter, where he and the pack helped. It was a lesson that Talia had taught him since he was a child, Christmas is not just about receiving gifts, but also what one gives to the others. And as werewolves, they are always more capable than anyone, so she always encouraged them to participate in charitable activities.
“We will always have the pack, be it our family or our friends, and it is a strong bond that keeps us firm and together. But there are people in the world who have no one to count on. We, who have and can share with others, and that we know how important the company of someone to trust is, we can’t just do nothing about it. The Hales have always protected Beacon Hills from the evils that lurk over our community. And that includes loneliness and necessity.” Those words that his mother said to Derek and his sisters were engraved in Derek's memory.
They were small principles that she taught them in those lessons. But many times, they didn’t want to accompanying their parents. Once they went to an orphanage and Cora began to cry because of how strong the smell of sadness was. Another time, they visited a nursing home in a small town a few trips from their home. Derek didn't know what to do, he just helped the older ones with their handicraft, and even read them a story for a few hours. When they were coming back, his father told him that he was proud, but the little Hale didn't understand why. He hadn't done anything for them, Derek didn't have to fight any wendigo to save them.
His father's laughter was loud at that moment, but he was smiling from ear to ear. “Didn't you notice how happy they were with your company? For you it won't be much, but for them: it was the best Christmas gift, that someone wanted to spend time with them. Sometimes lonely hearts also need to be protected."
By the time, Derek and his sisters learned that they didn't need to fight a manticore to save someone or to make them happy. At their young age, they were always able to help people in many different ways. Likewise with his abilities. It was a teaching that was engraved in Derek’s heart and that he also sought to pass on to his betas.
" Lonely hearts must be protected " Derek whispered when he saw that it was his mother who was calling him. He knows that she only cares about his well-being. After all, she knows that he hasn't had the best relationships, and like every mother, she cares about her son. She surely doesn't want Derek to end up like Peter either.
So he answered the call, preparing for what she was going to ask him, and whether he would need to worry about what was gonna happen at the family dinner. Although hearing her warm voice and words of affection, it was like a soft touch. Even though he was now an alpha with his own pack, Talia had been his alpha for a long time, adding to the fact that she was his own mother. So Derek couldn't stop his own instincts from vibrating with a certain joy to hear her again.
The conversation went as expected, asking first how he was, how his betas were, how he was doing at work. Derek told him that he was on his way to the shelter, they were collecting gifts and food donations. The shelter also called a Santa for the children in the dining room. His mother was completely proud to hear that.
Even so, the alpha knew that this conversation was only the prelude for the topic that his mother wanted to know. Derek wouldn't be surprised if Peter inflated the rumor more of what they talked about. It’s quite possible that he told Talia and her Nana that there would be grandchildren on the way. And maybe Derek was putting the blame on Peter for his own wishes. A new Hale, who can be called his son, made a certain burning sensation in his chest.
Taking the box of donations to the shelter while he chatted with his mother, he noticed at the entrance that there was a person on a very unstable ladder, placing Christmas garlands. He seemed to be a young man, in the distance his scent was familiar but he also smelled of cookies and chocolates. Perhaps because of the elf costume he was wearing. He was surely one of Santa's helpers that the shelter manager hired.
Derek stopped listening to his mother when he saw the balance that the elf was doing to secure the garland. Instead of going down and rearranging the ladder, he was stretching his body on his toes, to reach and fixing the ornament. The alpha didn't need his senses to realize that was going to end very badly. When the unstable ladder began to shake, he decided to take action.
"I'll call you later, I love you" He said quickly, leaving the gift box and his cell phone on the floor to run towards the elf who effectively lost his balance and fell.
The young man's scream was not masculine at all, but Derek is grateful to have his skills. In a second he was waiting for him, easily catching him in his arms, his strength stopping the fall easily. His body felt light and now his scent was much stronger for Derek. And very tempting. Until he saw who he was.
"Uff good catch big guy, for a moment I thought I was going to end up being elf mush" The elf commented, who had quickly clung to Derek's shoulders in fear, one of his hands patting Derek on the chest. The human's heart was beating a thousand times faster, but he was giving off a sweet mix between relief and adrenaline.
"Stiles?"
"D-Derek?" The omega turned red but an honest smile was painted on his face. "I'll have to ask Santa to leave you lots of presents for saving me."