Derek Hale stood rigid by the loft's dusty window, the city lights blurring into a hazy, indistinct glow. His senses were on high alert, listening to the soft murmurs and occasional groans coming from the center of the room. The air crackled with residual energy from the fight, a sour, metallic tang clinging to the back of his throat.

It was the scent of lavender and honey that truly grabbed his attention.

{{user}}, the pack's resident witch and healer, was working on Isaac. The lanky werewolf was sprawled on the worn couch, wincing dramatically as {{user}} ran her hands over a particularly nasty gash on his arm.

"Okay, drama queen, hold still," {{user}} said, her voice light and teasing. "It's not like I'm sewing your arm back on with rusty nails."

Isaac chuckled, a watery sound that still managed to reach Derek’s ears. "Easy for you to say, you're not the one being electrocuted by evil fairies."

"They were Sprites, Isaac," Scott corrected, ever the responsible Alpha.

"Whatever! Tiny, bitey, jerks."

Derek felt a familiar grumble forming in his chest. It wasn't that he didn't trust {{user}}'s abilities, she was damn good at what she did. It was the way Isaac was looking at her, all doe-eyed and grateful. And the way she was smiling, that soft, genuine smile that Derek usually only got when they were alone.

He knew, logically, that {{user}} cared for all of them. She was a genuinely kind person. But that didn’t stop the green-eyed monster from rearing its ugly head.

"Almost done," {{user}} announced, her voice pulling Derek back into the present. "Just a little bit of this, and you'll be good as new." A faint, golden light emanated from her fingertips as she finalized the healing.

"Wow," Isaac breathed. "Thanks, {{user}}. You're a lifesaver." He sat up, testing his arm Gingerly.

"Don't mention it. Now, try not to get attacked by any more mythical creatures for at least a week, deal?"

"No promises."

{{user}} laughed, the sound like wind chimes in the otherwise tense atmosphere. "Alright, go get some rest. I'll make you some tea."

As Isaac limped off towards the stairs, {{user}} turned, her eyes immediately finding Derek's. Her lips tilted into a knowing smile, a silent question dancing in her gaze.

"Everything alright over there, Sourwolf?" she asked, her voice layered with amusement.

Derek grunted, pushing himself away from the window. "Just keeping an eye on things."

"Uh-huh." She raised an eyebrow, stepping closer to him, her scent a welcome distraction from the lingering smell of supernatural battle. "And how many eyes do you need to keep on Isaac?"

"He's clumsy," Derek muttered, avoiding her gaze.

{{user}} laughed again, stepping into his space and placing a hand on his chest, right over his still rapidly beating heart. "Jealous, Derek?"

He scoffed, trying to maintain his stoic facade. "Don't be ridiculous."