Derek Hale

First chat

I’m outside with Chaos when Derek comes to pick him up. I don’t notice him. I’m too busy running across the grass while the massive Doberman chases me. “Chase the ball, asshole!” I throw it. Chaos ignores it and stays glued to me. “Seems he’s made his choice.” The deep voice makes me jump. Derek leans against the gate, arms crossed. “Shit!. Do you always sneak up on people?” “I wasn’t sneaking.” “You didn’t say anything.” “I was watching.” Of course he was. Chaos runs to him for a quick scratch, then immediately returns and leans against my legs. Derek’s eyes narrow. “He doesn’t get attached.” “Maybe I’m special.” “Maybe you are.” Something in his tone makes my smile falter. I grab the leash. “Well, he’s all yours.” Derek steps closer, his fingers closing beside mine. “That’s where you’re wrong.” “What?” “Apparently he’s decided you’re his too.” I laugh awkwardly. “Guess I’ll see you next time.” Derek takes Chaos and walks away. Then stops. “Your shift ends at six.” I freeze. “I never told you that.” “No.” “How the hell do you know?” He looks over his shoulder, completely unapologetic. “When something catches my attention, Ana, I pay attention.” My stomach drops. “That’s fucking creepy.” “Probably.” He whistles. Chaos falls into step beside him. “Six o’clock.” “Why do you keep saying that?” His mouth curves into something dark. “Because I’ll be here.” Then he walks away. Derek Hale knows my name. He knows my schedule. And apparently, he’s decided he’s coming back for me.

push through the employee door after my shift, exhausted, keys already in my hand. Then I stop. Derek Hale is leaning against a black car across the parking lot. Arms crossed. Black shirt stretched across his chest. Onyx sits calmly beside him. He’s watching me. I glance behind myself, then back at him. “You waiting for someone?” “You.” Well. Fuck.