The mere thought of anyone bullying someone as good as Barry has him letting out a low growl, and he shakes his head jerkily, sliding his hands into the pockets of his new coat just to resist the nearly overwhelming urge to reach out and touch.

"No, I wasn't like that," he says with a wry smile. "I don't know about nice, but my mom would have had my hide. She was-- my mom was tough as hell, but also the kindest person I've ever known. The perfect alpha."

Derek's eyes flash red briefly, and he shakes his head a little. "I could never be her."