Mason couldn't help but invite Derek, though he knew that it was taking a huge risk. His family finding out. Worse, the Hales finding out. No, both were pretty bad. The risk though was worth seeing Derek again.

So he'd prowled the edge of the woods, listening to the laughter and the playfulness. He knew the others would look for him eventually but, for now, they were caught up in themselves and beer. Mason was caught up in trying to catch a scent over the burning wood and leaves.

Yet he did catch it, circling the woods and coming up on Derek louder than he had to, just for warning.

"Hale," he called out, half whisper, just letting him know who it was.