If I'm honest, some part of really did feel like Derek would be okay with it, but I can't deny I've been nervous to ask all the same. Not because he'd be upset at all, but just... just because this sorta things make nervous in general, I guess. I've never been great with confrontation.

But his response is about everything I could've hoped for and I let out a quiet breath and manage a smile. "Hey, now," I tell him with a mocking glare, "I worked hard for a spot in your pack and he just gets to waltz on in and gets one right off the bat?"

I'm not actually upset, of course. If anything, I'm really, really glad. If past history is anything to go by, Darrow is a dangerous place and there's only so much I can do protect Jack if something like that other version of Darrow happens again. It'll be so much better knowing Derek will have his back.