Derek looks honestly confused when I ask about Kate and not like he's hiding something or humoring or trying to very gently keep from hurting my feelings and, very slowly, I let out a breath I didn't even realized I'd been holding.

Swallowing, I give a quick nod. "No, uh. No, I've definitely noticed," I tell him, quickly hiding the constant flush of my cheeks behind another sip of beer. As fast as I'm drinking this one, I'll probably be a lot closer to drunk soon than I'd really intended. "I like that, though. She really says what's on her mind." Even if it's all embarrassing. "Anyway, uhm... thanks for saying that. That's really nice of you."

Because it is and I can't just ignore it. Even if Derek only means it as an alpha looking out for his pack, it's nice to hear. I'm not stupid enough to try convincing myself I'll be able to not dwell on him saying that one singular phrase over and over for the next few weeks.