Derek finally wrapped up in his private study, feeling exhausted from a long day of political negotiations and his official speech to the werewolves. Desperate for a bit of hydration, he made his way down the stairs to the kitchen to take some water.
He grabbed a cold bottle from the fridge, intending to head straight back upstairs to get some sleep, when a sudden sliver of brightness caught his attention. One of the secondary studies down the hall still had its light on.
Curiosity overrode his fatigue. He walked quietly towards the half-open door, peered inside, and found Kira inside, seated at the desk, staring intently at the computer in front of her, several books fanned open around her.
She was so completely absorbed that she didn't so much as glance up when he appeared in the doorway. Derek stood there a while, just watching her. The little crease between her brows when she concentrated, the way she chewed absently on the end of a pen.
