He's quite for a long time, no sound except our footsteps on the pavement and the crunch of snow here and there. He doesn't let go of my hand either, and actually squeezes it once and I squeeze back. It feels nice. It feels, so so nice, even if he's only doing it because it's cold and I'm drunk and he's afraid I'll fall down.

When he speaks again, his voice is quiet and I look over at him, frowning slightly.

"There were some, uh... extenuating circumstances back then," I remind him, rubbing my thumb along his finger in what I hope is a soothing gesture. "Here it's. Well, your pack are mostly human and you haven't turned any of us. We're your pack because we want to be and because we know that, without question, you'll look out for us. You've proven it."

I go quiet myself then, chewing at my bottom lip before squeezing his hand again. "I know I've said it to almost everyone since it all happened, but I don't know if you know how grateful I am that you looked out for me in that other Darrow. I know you keep sayin' I wouldn't've been there at all if not for you, but I still say that's bullshit. And, even if it is true, it still doesn't change the fact that I'm alive because of you. Don't think I'm ever likely to forget that either. You're... I'm proud to call you my alpha, Derek. I'm proud to have you as a boss and a friend and... and anything else I might be able to call you." It only occurs to me after the words are out how that might sound and I can only hope he doesn't push it, squeezing his hand again and adding quickly, "I'm just so, so glad I met you. You've been amazing since the day I met you."