"Nice." He echoes the word in place of a thanks. Really, how many times can two people say the word nice in the time span of about ten to fifteen seconds? They're off to a great start, the two of them visually feasting on one another while they compliment each other in the most stunted way possible. This is a moment where the actions most certainly speak louder than words.

Oh, Alcide has definitely noticed her. In fact, he'd looked for her the moment he and Zee had arrived and many, many times subsequently after that. His gaze, continually drawn to her like the full moon calls to wolves. He's just an expert at hiding it, at being on the outside looking in and wanting what he's pretty sure he can't have.

He glances over to Derek who's not far away. "Here with Derek?" It makes sense. It's the safer choice. Just like Zee, his closest friend here, is the safer choice for him.