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written-within-the-stars · 1 year

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You Are Not Alone! - Together - Part 1

❁ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ!

❁ ᵂⁱᵗʰ: @NotAPupAnymore

❁ ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ: https://twitter.com/UptightVet/status/1611862710404136960?s=20

“𝐿𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽.”

– 𝒰𝓃𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌𝓃.

❁ Harper ❁

This moment could go in so many directions, fear, confusion, loss of all common sense… However, I could not afford the time. So, I gave myself the count to five. That was all.

5….

4….

3….

2….

1….

I flew into action.

There was no way that the wolf would survive with the loss of blood visible to my naked eyes, or could there? Did I have time to wait around to find out? No. No I did not. Once I saw the dripping red, stains on the white fur of the wolf’s body which automatically pushed my need to help and support the voiceless animal into action, there was no stopping me.

Dragging the wolf wasn’t necessary as she stood up with a little help from me to hold the door open. She didn’t whimper or cry out from the pain I knew she had to be in. She walked proudly until she could no longer.

Once the wolf was inside, my eyes moved around the outside to ensure no one had been watching. It was all clear. My head spun to the course of action that would be needed, while my heart thud so hard into my chest bone. Could I even help with this?

Doubting myself was not going to help matters here. So, closing the door softly my hand reached out for my go bag. Leah was in the apartment, her wolves tall muscular body slumped onto the floor as I rushed to her side. Before touching her, I began as I would any treatment.

“Leah… I need to examine you. See what the damage is. Is it okay for me to do so?”

She moved her head telling me to go ahead.

Rushing to wash my hands, the towels from my bathroom on the coffee table that I pushed out the way so that I could fall to my knees beside the giant wolf, to stop the blood and see where the majority of the damage was.

“It would help me to know what happened.” She moved her head away from me, part of me knew it was important for her to remain still. When the damaged artery was found I went to work. Holding my nerves together while suturing the wound had been easy. My mind remained on the job at hand and not on the Why’s and the How’s of this happening.

As I worked my eyes moved over the area I had completed, and my hands stopped stitching. I could see the muscle knitting together before my eyes and couldn’t believe it. Until now my mind was blank, the only things that I would allow myself to think of was the list of tasks I needed to complete.

Find the damage.

Stop the bleeding.

Pack the gash.

Put the muscle and the skin back together.

Think about what will happen if Leah the wolf became Leah the woman while I worked on her.

However, now I could hear the voice while seeing a flashback to the moment when Collin cut himself before my eyes to show how fast he could heal. His skin came together without any additional support, stopping the bleeding, and then the thin pale line had been the only proof that something have happened to him. And that too had vanished shortly after.

“This changes the impact.” Using the back of my hand to wipe my hair out of my way before continuing the job at hand. Because blood had been lost. So, even if the wolf on the floor before my eyes healed by herself. Could she survive the blood loss?

❁ Collin ❁

❁ ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ: https://twitter.com/NotAPupAnymore/status/1631305708258963458?s=20

I had just arrived back at my stash of clothes and my truck keys when I felt it again; that deep sense of something wrong… it rippled through the pack and amplified as I did. #Jared, my Beta let rip a howl and I whirled to run back to my pack as a burst of pain shot through the hive mind. Not Harper. That was the first thing I thought… our connection didn’t work mind-to-mind like that. It’s not Harper.

But then there was dread… Who? Whose pain was that? Before I even reached my pack again Most of the #BlackPack had phased and #Jake instantly echoed ‘Leah!’ Everyone went silent…. Both Alphas absorbed the information from those that felt the first wave. Almost all of the active wolves were here now and another single howl from #Sam would have the others phasing as soon as they possibly could, even if it meant walking out of work or waking neighbours to babysit.

We felt another burst of fear… no… yes… but Leah wasn’t fearing for herself, we were needed. But where? And what was happening?

‘Why isn’t she talking?’ #Jay asked.

‘She must be too far away.’ #Sam’s thought rebounded… Shock rippled. Why would she be that far away from us? We weren’t supposed to patrol alone, we were pack animals. #SethClearwater was shockingly calm considering this was his sister and he hadn’t been running with the pack regularly for a long time now. But he fell easily in line like the rest of us.

#Jake turned to #EmbryCall. ‘Can you pinpoint where it’s coming from?’

Embry had an uncanny sense of direction, he could tell you exactly where any wolf connected to the mind map was and the quickest route to get there, in seconds… less normally. But even with an open channel between both packs, he seemed to be taking a few seconds with this one. The process of his mind was visible to us all.

I was running before he even clarified it was Port Angeles and showed us a six-block radius. It was the best he could do.

‘Littlesea!’ My alpha snapped into my head. I felt the tug like a leash pulling taut, but it wasn’t enough to stop me. Not when my imprint could be with #Leah as we spoke.

‘Harper is in Port.’ #Jay supplied to the others as I ran. There was no time for fear. No time for panic or thinking about what might be wrong. The presence of an imprint at a source of pain and a distress signal from a wolf changed everything. #Seth was hot on my heels as the alpha’s delegated while running. The entire #BlackPack came with #Sam, #Paul and me. Other than #Embry, he had the best people skills, so he went to get #Kenzi and #Sue… If Leah was hurt, her mom would need to be there. And Harper might need her sister… #Kenz and Leah were basically sisters now too.

I ran and ran. The waves were getting stronger with every single mile. I knew that we were still close enough to the others that those more intense waves were reaching the hive mind through us.

Behind us, lines fortified to protect the Reservation, along our route other wolves that hadn’t reached the line before we set out, waited and watched the road crossings we would need to make; letting us see through their eyes. Showing when and where was safe for more than a half dozen seven-foot wolves to run across the roads at lightning speeds.

But once off Tribal land, we would be on our own. Embry’s mental map stayed at the forefront of my vision. My singular focus was; to get there. Get there. Get there.

Once I got Harper’s scent, I would easily find her.

‘We won’t need that, Cousin.’ #Jake had read the direction of my thoughts. ‘When we get close enough Leah will tell us everything that happened.’

But the blasts of emotion seemed to be coming slower and slower. They were stronger when they happened, but they were happening less and less. #Seth’s mind refused to linger on the thought. That was his sister on the other side of that pain… on the other side of the ebbing and flowing darkness. But this was #LeahClearwater. She was unstoppable.

‘If she was unconscious, she would phase back, right?’ He asked, we never stopped running. All of our communication happened while paws pounded the earth and propelled us forward.

‘Not if Harper is nearby and there’s still a threat.’ #Sam said. Not liking this answer almost as much as me.

Leah’s mind became clearer and clearer the closer we got. It was strange… I had never seen the colours of her mind before. She showed us the body of a vampire she’d killed… Panic tried to pierce my heart when I saw Harper fading in and out of her field of vision. #Sam took some of the younger wolves and went to take care of the body. Leah hadn’t shifted because she was still worried there was someone or something else in the area.

She showed us, Harper, in the carpark in the dead of night. Why was she following her? Why would she have come here to watch her and not told me? Should I have been here? Did I make the wrong call taking my run when Harper was out of town? Did Leah think I couldn’t protect my imprint? Was I a failu…

‘Littlesea! Focus!’ My alpha ordered even from halfway across town and I did… I had no choice. He’d not forced his order when I started to run because he knew there was no leaving me behind when Harper was here, her hands covered in our sister's blood. #Seth cringed but stayed strong. I bolstered myself like he had, shaped my mind to match his.

The rest of the vision #Leah had shown us was #Juan offering to follow Harper home. #Paul had already taken another wolf to follow his scent. If there was something else after Leah or Harper and his scent was near them, he was in danger. They would post guard until the town was swept.

More flashes of pain and Harper with bloody hands came as we circled the apartment using alleys for cover… the smaller of us, like me, used dumpsters and trucks. Exposure wasn’t the goal, but right now Leah and Harper were the priority. The Alphas assessed risk continually through our open channels.

‘Seth, Go.’ #Jake commanded, there was no need to clarify what he was to do. He was to go to his sister and his imprints found sister.

‘Collin?’ #Seth’s questioning burned the back of my mind.

‘Collin will protect his imprint while she does her job.’ #Jake answered for me.

I was glad… as badly as I wanted to be at her side, even more than that I wanted to know this line was solid and nothing could get past us to Harper or Leah. The link of the hive mind made an imperfect circle around the apartment. #Jake pressed the image into #Leah’s mind the moment a human #Seth came into view through our wounded sister’s hazy eyes.

‘Leah. Stand down. Heal. That’s an order.” #Jake’s Alpha tone made even my ears prick up a little and he wasn’t even my Alpha.

‘The brotherhood is on guard.’ #Sam and #Jake said in unison. ‘Heal!’

❁ Harper ❁

Leah wouldn’t settle down, or… at least the giant white wolf stood in my living room wouldn’t. She stood with all four paws on my ground, her eyes on the door after doing a full circle of the apartment. She kept moving me as I tried to work until the final stich had been placed. Never had I done such a job in such a way.

The wolf’s growl rumbled in her chest, and it reverberated through me. “Please remind me never to get on your bad side.” I only whispered it, however the side eye given to me by those beautiful eyes, the ones with the light browns, highlighted the hazel flecks in those irises, were enough to silence the dead.

It wasn’t until the door opened and we saw the tall and broad shadow cased over the room, the bear chested #Seth stood before us taking in the scene did her legs shake and she let out a deeper growl. She was fighting the pull of something.

‘Sis, we are here, we are here.’ He took two steps to clear the room and take the wolves face in one hand, while the other one wrapped around me so tight that it was only then did I realise that I was shaking, with tears running down my cheeks. He kissed the wolves forehead and only them did she allow her legs to blend and sit until her was lay down banting.

‘Thank you, Harper. Thank you so much. You looked after her when I couldn’t. You don’t know how much this means to me. thank you.’ #Seth kissed my forehead, still holding me to him. ‘Shh… we are here… Collin is here. We are all here.’ He whispered into my ears as I counted to five in my mind and then nodded my head.

“I… I don’t know what happened. I just… I… Leah…. Here…” Now I let the fear of it all sink in. “I was making a drink and then she was at my door.”

‘Was there anyone else out there when Leah came?’ He asked as we both moved to her side. I was on my knees now, checking the blood she’d lost.

“I looked outside. It was just her… the wol… Leah.” Squeezing his hand. “Seth who did this to her? How did she know where to find me?”

‘We are finding out. We are going to get to the bottom of it.’ He looked at me with worry. ‘Please don’t be upset with sis. She’s been coming to see if you are okay here. She was worried about you… about Kenzi…’ His voice trailed off at hearing something outside? But I couldn't hear anything at all.

❁ Collin ❁

#Jared had sent two of the wolves to a halfway point between home and Port. While we could only hear the others back home as echoes through the two pups; it strengthened the amount of communication back and forth. The Rez was secure. That was the only reason that Jay would have spared the paws on the ground to fortify communication.

Two. Because we weren’t supposed to patrol alone. Why was Leah here alone?

We were passed a message that #Embry was told to come ahead with the girls. Apparently, Kenzie had given him an earful when he had pulled over to the side of the road waiting on word from #Sam that the route to the apartment was clear. There was no chance he would bring an Elder and an imprint into a situation where there was potentially a vampire… even a wounded wolf could be a risk to them. It was clear why #Embry was chosen… if anyone could remain calm while dealing with an enraged imprint; it was him.

‘Collin… you can go now. Get in there before Kenzi arrives, make sure #Seth knows that she will be here in a few minutes.’ #Jake told me. He wasn’t my alpha, but #Sam allowed me to differ to him while he dealt with the body in the middle of town. Knowing that my brothers were here… that they had swept the area and secured it against outside threats, I was able to phase… letting my anxiety go by leaning into the drive to be close to Harper. When I was on two legs again all I had was the shorts tied onto my hind leg…. Or left leg now that I only had two again.

I headed inside, trying to keep out of sight while still keeping my eyes sharp… a half-naked guy on a street would attract attention in these parts. The scent of the blood and the sight of Leah stitched and bloodied, hit me hard.

Seeing Harper wrapped under #Seth’s arm only struck me with such force because of the fact that there were tears on her face. I would trust him and any of the pack with her life and safety. My heart thundered and I raced to her side. #Seth was already whispering to her. ‘Collin is here, look…’

He slipped his arm away as mine came around her. She smelled of blood and tears. “Harper.” I breathed and pulled her into and deep embrace. “Are you okay?” I asked her, pressing a kiss to her hair and inhaling deeply the scent that was still her, but something more too. Something tainted with violence.

Still holding her, I looked to #Seth. “Kenzi and Auntie will be here any second.” I told him. Then I broke all the rules and reached out to lay my hand on Leah’s blood-streaked fur, her body heat had already dried most of it. But the blood on Harper was still wet and rapidly cooling. I pulled back enough to see her face and cupped her cheek gently. “You are… um… thank you for saving her… Is there anything else you need to do for her? Or can we get you cleaned up before your sister gets here?”

❁ Harper ❁

All my thoughts were disordered. The perfectionist in me took a back seat for the time being as there was nothing more for me to do. The haze grew in my eyes making me shift my glasses to wipe at them as I felt another set of arms coming around me.

#Seth’s voice felt so far away, like a fog horn trying to find it’s way out of the mist. But then I knew the comfort of the one who held me. While #Seth moved to place himself on the floor beside the white wolve…

Leah… Leah… LEAH!! I screamed her name repeatedly. This wasn’t an unknown person or being before me. My hands had been working only moments ago to keep her alive. She was…. Leah! And remembering her name would be the only way to stop me from falling apart.

“I… I… She was bleeding so much…. But she wouldn’t lay down to let me help…. She is running so hot… But….” But I recalled a whisper of a voice that belonged to the man now holding me, telling me that they ran hotter. “And… her heart… her heart was…tachycardic.” My eyes did not leave her. “The blood… it… it.. I stopped it, however without knowing what happened or where she was coming from. I… I don’t know if I did enough.” Was I repeating myself? maybe. However, I needed to hear myself say the words to believe this was real.

‘You did more than we could have hoped for. Collin is right… Thank you Harper, we cannot say it enough.’ #Seth had her head in his lap and whispered into her fur. ‘Leah she isn’t alone, I am in here, look Collin is here too holding her; you can take the time to heal… just please... Ma is coming… Ma will be here soon.’

When Collin reached out. #Leah in her wolf form snapped her teeth. But there hadn’t been any force behind it. ‘Sis. Play nice with the pup.’ #Seth attempted to do what he always did best, lighten the mood. However, it was clear this moment couldn’t be lighten. ‘Collin the bathroom is back there, please take Harper. Clean her up.’

But I pulled out from the arms holding me. “No, I cannot leave her like this. She blew her stitches twice before….” I could see her flesh pushing together around my work. “Before her skin… it began to pull together.” My voice now sounding so far away as my eyes glanced down to my bloody hands. I knew that I needed to clean up. After any surgery it was important for the patient to be placed in a sterile environment. “We need to move Leah. To… Sheets? Maybe placing some sheets under her?” Because there was no way we could move her into the bedroom, I wasn’t even certain she would fit in the door.

‘We will take care of it all. You need to clean up too. Listen to Collin. Ma and Kenzi will be here soon….’ His eyes moved over me. I was wearing the blood of his sister, and the cooling of it was making me shiver.

“Okay. Okay. Yes. Yes. I will clean up. But please…”

‘We will call you out if anything is needed. I promise.’ #Seth motioned to Collin. ‘Pup… take her in there.’

❁ Collin ❁

I looked to #Seth when Harper said she was running hot, and he nodded. I brushed a hand over Harper’s cheek.

“We are hotter in wolf form than we are in human form… It could be her body's accelerated healing. We just need to give her a little time to heal, okay?”

It wasn’t a lie… but by Seth’s expression, I could tell her temperature was more than what we would expect. “If the bleeding stopped then it had to be something you did, or she started to heal on her own. She’s seven feet tall and almost nine feet long… she has a lot more blood in her body than any animals you’ve ever worked with.”

I pulled my hand back and shook my head when Leah snapped at me. “Well, at least some things never change.” I tried to joke… but nothing that was happening here was funny. “I can protect her Leah.” I told her, but I knew she didn’t believe that. If she did, she wouldn’t have been here alone… and Harper might have been killed. I should have been here. My heart constricted.

“I will protect her… please heal. The packs need you.”

When #Seth told me to take Harper and clean her up; it felt almost like it had when #Jake told me to come inside. Not an order… but he was senior to me… and he was right. I nodded and lifted Harper to her feet.

“C’mon.” I said to her softly. “Seth will call you if she so much as twitches. We’ll just be in the next room.” I guided her slowly to the bathroom with a gentle arm around her shoulders and closed the door only halfway. I really hoped that someone thought to grab clothes… there was some blood on my bare, scarred chest from holding her close to me in her blood-stained clothing. I closed the lid of the toilet seat and ushered Harper to sit down. She was shaking.

“Hey.” I touched her cheek, there was a streak of Leah’s blood from where she must have touched her face. “Look at me.” I said with my voice steady, even… “Everything is going to be okay.” I pushed the plug into the sink and filled it with warm water. I wet a washcloth and rubbed a little soap onto it. “I’m just going to clean you up, then we can get you some clean clothes before #Sue and #Kenzi get here, okay?” I heard familiar voices whispering and the scent of two of the young pups entering the apartment. They were all shuffling furniture and putting Harper’s idea into motion, placing clean sheets under and around our injured sister.

I cleaned the blood from her cheek and rinsed out the cloth. Then I started on her arms working my way down to her hands. “You did so amazing helping her Harper… I always knew you were brave… but this is next level.” I smiled at her. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here... I should have come with you this weekend. I should have been here when you needed me.”

❁ Harper ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

My teeth missed the pup by an inch or two, what was he thinking? Touching me like he was at a petting zoo looking at something cute and fluffy. Clearly the madness of the night had messed with his brain cells. What other reason had him crossing the line I had set up for years?

‘Sis, rest please. I don’t know what is happening inside of you. But I need you. Ma needs you.’ #TheKid’s face buried into me, his tears dampening my fur where he held me close to him. But I couldn’t let go, I couldn’t let my body heal the way it needed to just yet.

As I lay on the floor of this small apartment watching #Sam and his pack through #Jake’s open hive mind. He knew I needed to see this hunt to it’s end. Closing my eyes I watched as they set the body parts alight all the while checking the surrounding area for anything that could have been missed. The pups were thorough in the way they tackled the task. Each one of them worked with their Alpha in such a way that nothing would be left behind.

‘Leah!’ #Jake’s voice rang in my ears this time the command of my Alpha was not holding back. ‘Would you let your body Heal!’ A man who in normal circumstances couldn’t be quiet, now was a man of few words when it came to my wellbeing. And it now registered why he had taken the tone with me.

The burning inside had been there since the fight with the vampire, however it was only now that I could see all the packs taking up their positions that I allowed myself to feel anything. Pain coursed through my veins burning its way deeper and deeper into me. The vampire venom attempted to take a hold of my human body and the spirit of my wolf.

‘Fight child, fight with everything you believe in.’ His presence made clear by the gust of wind that blew in from the open door and then I was engulfed by the scent of incense, the forest, the ocean and all the things that I called ℍ𝕆𝕄𝔼. #TheGreatWolf came with all his mightiness and cocooned the strength of my spirit warrior keeping her close to my soul and my body.

Biting down the pain that tried to rip and shred me from the inside, I held on to my warrior for dear life. I wasn’t ready to give her up, and she wasn’t planning on letting me go. We kept ourselves awake, watching and fighting the enemy within.

Knowing that #Seth and I were no longer alone made it harder. His arms tightened around me as I felt them move me. Even when I didn’t want to be touched by them, not because of anything other than the fact that I didn’t want my blood to tarnish their hands.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤 』

“Everything will be okay.” Repeating the words however, unable to feel the sentiment which should engage an emotion from within.

This was not the first time I had to work on someone I cared for, and it wasn’t my first case of working with the unknown. However, it was the first time in my life that I knew that the wolf I had my hands inside of only moments ago, would turn into a beautiful woman any moment now. And the unknown and the lack of knowledge and understanding of what it would do to her healing was weighting down on me.

The warm wash cloth made me close my eyes. Listening to the drumming of my heart beat as I sat on the cool toilet seat. With my eyes dropped down to my shaking hands in my lap I found my voice again. “I do not feel brave, Collin. I do not feel amazing. Not knowing if my intervention could actually help or hinder Leah…” My voice cracked. “I’ve never…” lost again with the realisation of everything just dawned on me.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. You know I wouldn’t have allowed you to come with me. You cannot place your life on hold just to be next to me.” My eyes finally lift to meet his. “And I wasn’t the one who needed protection.” Pointing to the door. “Leah did. She is the one who was attacked. I’m just so thankful she found me, that I could try... to try—” my voice cut off as a gust of wind blew the door of the bathroom open making it bang into the tiled wall. “What’s going on?”

There was an unexplainable calm that washed over me in that moment, all the fear, the unknow and the loss that I wasn’t even aware of was gone, and in its place, I felt love, protection, and comfort. Strength, the will to heal, and the want to survive. I felt as if we were safe with Collin here, with Seth too. And Leah… She was the catalyst of it all. “What is going on?” I whispered to him again.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart broke for Seth, I couldn’t help but think about how I would feel if it was my sister so badly hurt… It didn’t bare thinking about and hearing the fear in his voice… he was such a pure soul, it hurt to think of him in pain in this way.

Between that, my shaking soulmate and the disconnect from the pack outside my nerves were being stretched. But my priority was Harper… and not only because she was my imprint… she was also, very clearly Leah’s best hope for recovery. Taking care of her was the best way to keep them both safe.

Harper was repeating the same words over and over, it hurt me that I didn’t know her well enough to know if this was how she coped with stress or if she was spinning out. All our time together had been happy… fun… magical.

The night I had told her what I was different… but everything else… I have nothing to measure this situation with. No way of knowing what was best for her. I looked up from where I knelt in front of her. “No one ever feels brave in a moment where it's truly needed, Harper. Brave is feeling afraid and doing the right thing… the hard thing, anyway.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. Relief flooded me, she was here, she was safe. Then guilt….

Leah was here too… and she was not okay. Did it make me selfish to feel this relief when one of our Warriors was fighting for her life in the next room?

I shook my head. “Honestly… Harper, I felt like my life was on hold because we were so far apart…” I exhaled. “I know how this sounds… but… that’s a conversation we should probably have after… After Leah heals.” I could tell by the scents and sounds from the living room that she wasn’t getting better.

I straighten up and gently gripped her arms. “It’s okay… It’s some of the pack, they are just making space and laying out clean sheets for Leah like you said to. You’re safe, you’re both safe. There are six of us outside. No one we don’t trust is getting passed them. With four more sweeping the town.” I reached up and cupped her cheek, I promised her no more secrets. “There’s still so much about this world you don’t know yet. So much we haven’t had time to talk about. But I promised no more secrets… So, I’ll tell you.” I took a breath. “Leah was attacked by a Cold One… a vampire… is what you would call them.” My thumbs brushed her cheek. “The creatures our wolf form evolved to protect humanity from. And from what we could tell… it was after you. And that’s why Leah attacked it alone. She killed it, but we can’t be sure if it was just one or if it had a companion… Leah’s thoughts aren’t… They’re patchy… but we aren’t in the same pack, so I don’t know what she normally sounds like.”

The footsteps and murmurs went as swiftly as they came, the guys needing to get back on the line around the apartment, while Port Angeles was swept. And likely knowing that was how #Leah would be more comfortable with fewer people near her.

I heard a familiar truck… My truck. “Kenzi and Sue just arrived.” I dropped the washcloth into the sink and fished out the plug. “Do you want to change before you see them?” I motioned to her shirt; it was stained with blood, too.

“The others have left, it's just Leah and Seth inside. Kenz and Sue are on the way in with another pack member called Embry.” I wanted to make sure she knew exactly what was going on in her surroundings… in as much detail as possible so she would feel whatever tiny amount of security was possible for her right now.

❁ Harper ❁

Silence engulfed its way around my mind and being, there were words. His words. Attempting to borrow their way into my head so that I could somehow make some sense of the information Collin shared. Maybe if it were another person, I would have broken away from him and run. Once again fighting that urge, however in the next breath I found the invisible yank towards him. The one I’d felt so often and now somewhat comprehended the meaning of.

I knew that I could spiral out of control. To demand clarification of what he meant by a cold one? A vampire? After me? Here in Port Angeles, Washington? However, the point that held my attention. “Leah was here to protect me? I am the reason she is fighting for her life?” How? Why? What…?

We didn’t have the time if #Sue and #Kenzi were here. “Kenzi came too?” whispering the words softly I worked my hands in my lap before closing my eyes. “I need to change. Sue cannot see me like this.” It wasn’t the thing to do to a mother. Having her see her daughters blood on me… “I will go and change.” This is one of the most important things we were taught in school, and it was true for all forms of sorrow. There is a reason a doctor never goes to meet the families of their patients right away from the O.R. They always had to change and even shower if it was needed. Only when they are clean could they go to see and update the next of kin. You never saw that on TV shows or in movies.

Moving my glasses and giving my eyes a wipe with the back of my hand I sheepishly stood on shaky legs and chastised myself. #Kenzi was on her way, and my best friend had the heart as soft as they came. She would be broken once she sees her future sister-in-law in so much discomfort. And then… if we combined the state I am in right now into the mix. It would break her heart.

Stopping myself from overly contemplating, my eyes found Collin, “We are not done. There is so much that we need to discuss, however like you said, now is not the time. We need to be in there with Leah, be there for Sue, Seth, and Kenz. However, Colling Littlesea. We are not done.” Reaching out I took his hand in mine squeezing it once before slipping out of the bathroom.

My eyes were drawn to the living room the moment I stepped into the small space that most would call a hallway. Seeing the floor where blood and gauzes had been discarded before, it was now clean with the scent of bleach in the air. I saw the back of #Seth curled over, and around the top end of the wolf that had the soul of a warrior and his sister in it.

Noticing the shaking of the wolves body I rushed into the door right beside me into the bedroom, pulling the blanket off the bed and rushed back to give it to Collin. “Please could you cover Leah, shock is setting in. I will be there right away. I will be right there.” I said again. Once again repeating myself.

Handing the blanket off I ran back into the room, pulling the sleeping shirt I had been wearing up and over my head, discarding it into the bin, before dressing into some fresh bottoms and a new shirt.

❁ Collin ❁

She seemed so overwhelmed, I wasn’t sure if maybe I had given her too much information, but that would be breaking my promise of not keeping anything from her. “We think so… nothing else makes any sense.”

“Of course, we sent someone to bring them… and keep them safe. She’s here for you, and #Leah and #Seth.” I answered her next question and then nodded when she told me we still had more to talk about. “I know.” I nodded. “I know, I promise.”

I watched her leave the room and then quickly rinsed out the sink and threw away the bloody washcloth, in case #Sue or #Kenzi came in here. I walked to the door and then Harper was back again with a blanket. “Of course, I will.” I let my fingers brush hers as I took it. She was off again, and I made my way to the living room… the guys had made plenty of space. The room smelled of cleaning solution and the floor was covered in clean sheets.

I placed one knee on the floor next to the massive white wolf. “Harper says you need this. Please don’t take my hand off.” I said quietly as I unfolded the blanket. There were footsteps and a large hand on my shoulder.

‘I got it, pup.’ #Embry’s voice came from above me as he took the blanket and handed me a backpack. It was mine; the one I kept in the back of my truck. ‘Go and wait for Harper.’ I took the bag and nodded. Heading back down the hallway, pulling a t-shirt out of the bag and tugged it over my head. I wasn’t like the other guys… I didn’t walk around shirtless unless I was home alone. I didn’t like to remind the others I was the weak link in the pack. Not that they would ever agree with me about that.

I waited for Harper in the hall outside the room while Embry whispered to Leah in the living room. ‘Damn, Trouble… you look terrible.’ I heard the rustle of fabric. ‘Your mom is here. The Rez is secure. The guys are posted at the vet clinic and Port is almost swept. When the ladies come in we need you to stay put, okay?

They’re shaken up. So, play nice and rest. Don’t try to get up. They are worried… think of them and try to heal, please.’

Then louder he called out that it was all clear and I heard much smaller feet rushing into the apartment. I stayed here, waiting for Harper.

❁ Harper ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

#Seth’s gaze moved from #Emby to me and then back again. He sat still and took everything in as the blanket was laid over my shaking form. The burning made it hard for me to concentrate on something for too long. The pain of the fire in my veins had my willingness to fight pushed to it’s limits.

‘Don’t you dare think that way.’ #Sam’s voice rolled into my mind in the back somewhere. ‘You never give up, and Spirits be damned you aren’t doing it here tonight. You are going to face this challenge as you do everything.’

And then the scent of Ma and my brother’s imprint brought my fight back with an all-mighty impulse.

What in the name of the spirits were they thinking bringing Ma and Kenz to Port? Embry off all people had to have known that I would kick his arse from here to the ends of the lands for it. Had they not seen what I had killed here? And the human. There was something happening here that wasn’t right.

My wolf pulled her muzzle back to show her canines at him. The pup wouldn’t lose a finger or a hand, but Embry Call?

‘Beta stand down.’ The voice of my alpha rang out loudly. ‘You know as well as I do there is no way Sue Clearwater was going to stay behind in La Push when she found out her only daughter was injured.’ Okay fine, I knew my mother wouldn’t take no for an answer, but still. I showed him #Kenzi’s face and he sighed. ‘That one… The Kid’s imprint was chosen well by the spirits. She was born to be a part of the Clearwater bloodline for a reason. The might of that small one… It made me glad that I wasn’t the one driving her here.’

Their scents took over the room before they even stepped foot in the apartment, and then the air in the room was sucked out from around me when they stood frozen in the door, both of their brown eyes locked on me. Tears flowed down McKenzie’s cheeks as her hands shot up to cover her mouth so not to let the sound of her gasps travel too far, however it was heard by everyone.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤 』

My foot steps stalled as soon as I walked out the door of my room. The sight before me compelled my heart to break into a million shards.

Sue sat beside her son and the wolf form of her daughter, her hands brushing the fur while she whispered words of what felt like comfort to Leah. She did not allow tears to cloud her eyes, and held her shoulders straight, even if the strain in them could be seen by those moving their eyes away to give the family some form of privacy. #Seth now had one arm around his fiancé and the other still held onto his sister. And #Kenzi.. she sat crying, repeatedly saying. ‘I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry... I shouldn’t have asked you…. I shouldn’t….’

My hands reached out in search of Collin’s, curling my fingers into his for a moment as I felt like he was the one who could ground me right now. I still believe that this nightmare could come to an end, and I will wake to none of this night being true.

Collin had been stood where I had left him however, Leah had already been covered by the blanket I’d given him. He now also had a top on. The t shirt covered his chest and the scars that I’d seen through the fog of adrenaline coursing it’s way around my veins. Those were on my list of things we had to talk about. I wanted to know how he had been hurt, what had caused them, was it from his illness as a child, or was it something like what had taken place to Leah tonight?

Just as I plucked up the courage to take a step forward, to share with #Sue what I had done to her daughter, #Seth began by gently breaking the night down. He spoke of what #Leah had been doing here, how she had come around and found the vampire who had followed me, how she had fought him off alone. And how she had managed to send the others in the pack a message for an SOS as she came to my door. He spoke and told it all as though he had a first-hand account of the night... no… nights… that she had been here. Talking about a night when Rosa and I had been out at a restaurant, how something or someone had been following me there. the picture he painted sent shivers down my spine.

‘I am so sorry Ma... this is all my fault.’ #Kenz cried, causing my feet to carry me forward to her side. ‘I was the one who asked sis to look after Harper….’ I placed a hand on her shoulder causing her to look up to me and cry even more. ‘I knew you were sad Harps… I knew you would feel lost… I didn’t want to leave you alone… I’m sorry.’

#Sue reached a hand over and touched #Kenzi’s leg. ‘Shh… Usdi wouldn’t have had it any other way. she would have come even if you hadn’t have asked her. This is what my daughter is like… she wouldn’t have it any other way. Please do not be upset with her Harper, this is how Leah shows people she cares. She wasn’t spying on you. She just wanted to protect you. Please forgive her. ’

My eyes now filled with tears, seeing this woman whom I loved and respected asking me of all people, to forgive her daughter for saving my life.

“No… please… Sue… please don’t break my heart. I know I am new to all of this, however I’m intelligent enough to know that without Leah here tonight. I would not be alive.” Lowering myself to my knees I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. “Please forgive me… I am the reason your child is so hurt.”

#Leah shifted and spasmed making everyone move back away a little to give her space, I didn’t move back, I moved into her. ‘It’s okay. I’ve got you Leah.’ #Embry said, the only other person who hadn’t moved away, not caring that she could hurt him without meaning to.

“Please hold onto Leah’s head.” I asked him. Then I called for #Seth and Collin. “Could you both hold her sides? We need to keep her tongue from rolling back and keep her airways free.”

❁ Collin ❁

I thought that #Embry would have joined the others outside once he’d cleared the room before letting #Kenzi and #Sue inside. But he stayed… we’re they worried that Leah might lose control when she was in pain? It was certainly possible… for anyone else but Leah? I just couldn’t see it happening. He whispered something to #Seth then, telling him he was doing good…

He was here for us, for #Seth… and me, to a lesser extent. Or he was the only one with the balls the tell Leah to stay down other than #Jake… and he needed to lead the defensive line. As Alpha, he had to stay in wolf form.

Harper came out of her room and my heart rate slowed… like a closed door between us had stolen all sense I had that she was safe, and seeing her gave me that same rush of relief I felt when I first saw her tonight. I followed Harper into the living room where. #Kenzi was sobbing her words with #Seth’s arm around her… my heart broke and #Seth’s gaze met mine… He’d heard my internal tirade the entire run here… he seemed as shocked by the revelation as me.

Harper’s hand found mine and I squeezed her fingers gently, turning my gaze to hers. “It’s going to be okay.” I whispered to her.

I kept her hand in mine as she spoke to #Sue, my eyes moving from them to Leah as she explained what she had done so far, but I stayed quiet and stroked the back of her hand with my thumb. Telling her over and over I was here, I was here now. Even if I had let her down tonight.

#Seth went next… leaving out how I had disobeyed when he ordered me to stop running. Hopefully, that titbit would never make it to the ears of the elders. My heart broke for #Kenzi when she was blaming herself. “It should have been me.” I whispered.

‘Pup.’ #Embry gave a barely perceptible shake of his head and flicked his eyes to Harper. ‘Not now.’

I shared a look with #Seth; he understood. He was probably the only one that could.

I flinched internally when Harper said it was her fault… I couldn’t bare to think of her shouldering that guilt. But Leah’s body started to twitch. Embry comforting us was not unusual by any stretch… but Leah… that was new. Then again, I’d never known of a moment where Leah needed comfort…so I suppose that was why it had never occurred before now.

#Embry took #Seth’s place, with Kenz glued to his side, it made sense, he sat so her head rested on his knee… I couldn’t help but think he was going to pay for that later. I released Harper’s hand to do as she asked.

‘She doesn’t smell right, Harper… There’s a chance she’s been poisoned.’ #Embry told her, he seemed unsure of how to explain it; so I did.

“There could be venom in her system, we don’t know how it affects us… but in humans the only way to reverse it is to remove all the contaminated blood.” I knew that wasn’t an option… she’d lost so much already.

‘I can help her keep still, just tell us what you need.’ #Embry told her. ‘Anything that you don’t have here… equipment… drugs… we can get it.’ He looked at Seth and I. ‘#Ness is on standby.’ I assumed that he meant with Dr Cullen’s medical equipment.

His attention moved back to Leah. ‘Hey… Keep still and let the Doc do her thing, okay? Don’t give the Pups a hard time. They’re just doing as they’re told. Just pay attention to me.’ Then he started to recite what sounded like a poem. No… it was a song… I knew the song but I couldn’t remember from where or who sang it, he just spoke the lyrics from memory.

‘Like a small boat, On the ocean. Sending big waves. Into motion. Like how a single word. Can make a heart open…’

❁ Harper ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕂𝕖𝕟𝕫𝕚𝕖 ℂ𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕝 』

Sorrow, pain, guilt… only some of the emotions but to name a few in the melting pot that was my heart. Even with the kind and loving arms of #Seth enveloping me I couldn’t seem to stop shaking now that I was here and witnessing everything with my own eyes.

#Seth and #Leah had told me stories of their past, of their history and that of those who were Spirit Warriors before them. However, this is the first time I am witnessing the history coming to life with my very own eyes.

“This wasn’t meant to be… She is here because of me.” Inaudible and still he heard and understood me.

‘Shh.. baby.. no… don’t. You know this is not on you. This is on the one that attacked. And only that being.’ His arms came around me and we were moved back when Leah’s wolf frame shifted on the floor. She was trying to get up, to leave.

‘Sis… please.. stay.’ #Seth’s voice broke seeing his sister this way.

“She isn’t losing control; she is trying to leave?” Why would #Leah want to leave?

‘Even now Leah is trying to protect us. She thinks she needs to get away.’ #Sue’s voice cracks.

‘Poisoned?’ Harpers voice pulled my attention as I wipe my eyes, taking in the conversation that Collin and Embry were having with her. Her hands shook. ‘With no antidote, or antivenom…’ Her mind worked a million miles an hour. I could see it in her eyes. I… I cannot do this… I…’

#EmbryCall moved to rest a hand on her shoulder. ‘You’ve got this doc. But…’ he made her look him in his eyes. ‘If you tell me right now, you can’t… then I will pick her up and find another way.’

#Sue’s eyes now had tears. We were pushed back and behind Seth and a few of the other younger boys who arrived at the small apartment without being told their help was needed.

“Harper… please… I know you can do this… please help Sis.” I cry out to her, my burning eyes watching the wolf on the ground fighting an invisible enemy from within.

Harper’s frown deepened her eyes never once leaving #Leah. ‘We cannot remove her blood, she has lost too much… blood transfusion? It may work… We pump clean blood into her… push the effected out? No… No…’

“Why Not?” I asked.

‘What do I give her? Which blood would work? I don’t have human blood… How will what I am doing impact her?’ Harper was shaking again. And yet again.. I told myself. This is all on me..

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕎𝕖𝕖𝕜𝕤 𝔸𝕘𝕠 』

‘Kenz, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I am happy to go and tell Harper I will be looking out for her in Port. But to go behind her back? It’s not my style.’

My heart leaps out of my chest, “No… No… Sis… please…. Harper will think I don’t trust her, or that I am trying to control her. I just know… I know what she is like, I know she is hurting right now. And she won’t care about how amazing this is for her. She will run… she will run and by the time she thinks it all through, it will be too late.’ I was not embarrassed by my actions, I would go on my knees and beg if needed. ‘Sis, this is an remarkable and astonishing moment in my best friends life. And my actions are shadowing everything for her. I will never forgive myself if Harper loses her true love, her soulmate, her home, and the life I know she will have here with Collin, because of me.’

#Leah wasn’t one to hug, hold or show any form of emotion in the normal ways. It is always in her actions towards those who she loves where her care shines.

‘Has your time with my kid taught you nothing? Have some faith in the Spirits Kenz, in Collin and his bond with your sister. With her… Have faith in Harper. I’ve seen the change in her since she’s been here.’ She sighed biting the inside of her cheek. ‘Fine. I’ll talk to Jake and work out how best to do this. Happy?’

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around the tall, strong, and beautiful woman who had become my sister too. “Thank you Sis… Thank you.”

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕕𝕒𝕪 』

Harper worked so hard and fast; I couldn’t help but feel a warmth of pride while observing. She called out for things that were needed and everyone listened. She asked for a call to be placed with #RenesmeeCullen, and it was done. The soft voice of the woman I slowly had began to know spoke so fast at first, a sense of fear and worry in her voice, until someone on the other end told her to slow down and breathe.

Harper asked questions, lots of them and #Renesmee... #Ness answered them all as best she could, until she couldn’t. Then another call had been connected, followed by a smooth male voice I had never heard before.

‘Good morning, Doctor Jenkins, my name is Carlisle Cullen. I am Renesmee’s grandfather, and Leah’s doctor. Please, if you will allow me to be of assistance to you, I believe that I could help.’ The phone called turned into a video chat, with #Embry holding the phone where ever he is guided and asked to.

Blood bags arrived from somewhere, I have no idea where from. And Harper’s hands moved like never before. This is the woman I knew… The one who never gave up, always questioned herself, however, never lost focus! She is amazing and She is my best friend.

❁ Collin ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝔼𝕞𝕓𝕣𝕪 ℂ𝕒𝕝𝕝 』

Hearing #Kenzi’s words struck a deep chord, I felt like I had known this woman for years and years but if you added up all the hours, I had been in her company it would probably be less than a full day.

But I needed to focus, there were bigger things at stake, and she was here with #Seth. I needed to make sure that Leah had her head in the fight and that Harper stayed focused. But by the look on the young imprint's face; that wouldn’t be a problem. Even though her heart was thundering she had heard everything.

“She isn’t going anywhere.” I said but my eyes were locked on Leah. “Otherwise, how is she going to kick my arse for sitting here with her head on my lap.” It was a knee... and barely... but enough to warrant an arse-kicking by Leah’s terms.

Then the Doc started to talk.... and doubt crept in... I knew that saying I would carry Leah out of here and find some way to help was going to earn me a bigger kick... or five. But I meant every word.

Harper tried to puzzle out the blood problem and Collin spoke. ‘I’ve had blood transfusions... it was before I changed, but I still had the same genetic anomaly?’

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕒』

Things started to move so fast when Harper was connected with #Nessie. When blood and equipment arrived as fast as it did; I was beginning to wonder if Ness was pilfering a local hospital and not her grandfather’s house. I only let myself feel bad for a second... If it was the case, there was a very large anonymous donation already being deposited into the hospital's accounts.

Before I knew it Leah was hooked up to an IV and all I could think about was how strange it was to see such a thin tube feeding into a limb thicker than a human arm. That was likely a side effect of seeing a cannula fixed into my skinny, pre-warrior arm.

I would rest my hand on her shoulder or her back anytime she stayed in the same place for more than a few seconds, and when I wasn’t going to be in her way or hindering her. Her heart seemed to slow when she had the support of a doctor that had studied us, even though he wasn’t in the room, so I wanted her to know she was supported in the room too.

When the flurry of activity passed and #Embry was still holding the phone to give #DrCullen a look at the scene I turned back to Harper.

“Is there anything else you need? What do we do now?”

❁ Harper ❁

‘Sis is going to kick your arse from here all the way to first beach and back again.’ #Seth kept his arms tightly around #Keniz, attempting to lighten the mood. ‘But don’t worry, ‘Bry. I’m sure she will give you a count of ten for a head start.’

The room had become a blur for the majority of the time while #DoctorCullen steered me throughout the steps to be taken. He had taken time to analysis, to develop, and enhance his knowledge to the point that I could be certain that he knew the way #Leah’s body worked in both wolf form and human form.

Tranquillity embraced me whenever I experienced apprehension rising from within. A smallest of touch, a whisper, an awareness that I would not be alone in the events unfolding. Collin would give the space needed for me to be myself, however when required he would place a touch to encourage me to go on.

“How can I ensure that the damage and the scaring is to a minimum when Leah is human?” I asked while working.

His voice, so gentle and sweet. The sound of a lullaby to my ears. ‘You have nothing to fear when it come to scaring with Leah, she is always highly upset when the healing is complete, and her injuries disappear as thought they were never there.’

“How often does Leah need help like this?” my voice steady, with #Nessie helping to past over tools and guild me with the doctor. However, he was not the one to asker.

‘My daughter came very close to dying once. It was then that Carlisle had to learn fast how to help my usdi and Jacob. Since then, the three of them, and Seth too have been learning as much as they can.’ This explained some of the questions churning in my mind. However, opened up another can of wombs too.

When I had done all, I could, I shifted the weight of my body back onto my toes feeling the soreness in my knees now. I hadn’t gotten off them since #Leah took a turn for the worse.

Squeezing Collin’s hand, I shook my head. The wolf stilled, with her chest moving slower, the bleeding under control, and the thrashing subsided. “No, there is nothing more I can do here.” My eyes on the screen #Embry still held. Questions the doctor.

‘You have don’t stupendously Dr Jenkins, now all we can do is wait and see if we had achieved enough to help Leah with her healing.’

Shifting once again, I sat down on my ground taking the gloves off and wiping my forehead with the back of my hand. “Please Leah… please keep fighting… please.” I whispered.

❁ Collin ❁

I barely paid attention to #Seth and #Embry. I knew what ‘Bry was trying to do and what he always did, lighten the mood and keep us focused. But all I needed to focus on was Harper. It wasn’t a purely selfish thing… Yes, Harper would always be my priority but she was the best hope for Leah right now too. Making sure she was okay was best for everyone.

It shocked me when Harper wanted to know how to keep the wounds from scarring. My hand brushed against my ribs where I had been cut two weeks before my change to treat my collapsed lungs… I wasn’t even a warrior ye and I had no scar there. I had never given any thought to scars that might happen after our change. I had spent my life in hospitals, but what happened here tonight before my eyes were hardly comprehensible.

I took Harper’s hand and rested my hand on her back, supporting her as her body trembled. She had to be aching after that long on her knees. “Okay. Let’s give her some time to heal and rest… and you too.” I slipped my arm under her and picked her up. Carrying her a few short feet to the couch to sit down. I grabbed my backpack and pulled out a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Please just go with me on this okay? She’s stable. And she might need you again so you need to look after yourself.” I looked up at the blood bags currently connected to the giant white wolf. “We’ll let the clean blood work its way through her system. And see if she changes back.” I reached into the backpack again and pulled out some protein bars.

‘The pup is a boy scout.’ #Embry scoffed and I tossed him one and two to #Seth.

I knelt on the floor next the Harper and handed her one, looking up at her tired, worried and still beautiful face in complete awe of everything she’d accomplished. “Almond butter and chocolate.” I smiled at her resting my other hand on her knee. “You need to eat, you’ve been working hard. You’re a miracle Harper Lee Jenkins… that we’ve all been waiting for, not just me.”

Ness delivered three large glasses of water to the others in the room… too fast… sometimes she forgot to restrain herself. ‘I’m going to go find food for the boys outside. Shout if you need me.’ Ness said and a second later she was out the door.

❁ Harper ❁

Ankles, knees, back, neck. It all hurt at once when I tried to stand. However, one simple movement from Collin and I found myself off my feet and being carried across the room to be gently set down on the couch.

My eyes darted around the room; however, no one paid the action any attention at all. That is no one but #Kenzi who just smiled through her tear-soaked face.

“Collin...”

I began however there was a bottle in my hands and all my attention focused from Leah to his face. That pull in my chest tugging me to listen to him, to understand and to think about what he was saying and what he was doing right now.

Taking the bottle and the protein bar my heart skipped as he spoke to me.

I had people in my life who loved me, who cared for me. However, even then I felt alone. With him, the way he held me, gave me the facts, and asked me to think of myself. My heart skipped again.

And then my attention was pulled like a rug pulled out from underneath my standing feet. But I was sitting.

“I’m tired.” I told myself when I glanced at the others. Waiting for them to react to what I had just seen. “Maybe I’m…” what was I? Hallucinating?

Pointing my finger to the blur who ran out of the door. “She…. Her… Nessie?” My dry throat hurt too, and lips stuck together. Was I seeing things? In which case I wasn’t someone who could be trusted to help Leah if she needed more assistance.

“I’m seeing things.” I whispered to Collin, however #Seth and #Embry and one of the other boys all looked towards me at the same time.

❁ Collin ❁

My eyes followed Harper’s to #Kenzi; she looked like she had been crying for days… not just the few hours she was here. But before I needed to get up #Embry crouched next to them and whispered to #Seth. ‘We should let Kenz get comfortable for a little while too, brother.’ It was his way of asking his permission to move her from his hold. ‘What do you think?’ He asked Kenzi. ‘Do you wanna get off the floor for a few minutes?’ Because for a guy with a reputation like his, he had a surprising respect for women. #Seth kissed Kenzie’s cheek and told her to go and sit on the sofa, the get comfortable.

Embry guided her to the couch and Kenzi stepped under his arm like he was someone she’d known and trusted all her life. The instinct of an imprint to trust another warrior. #Seth let her go telling her everything was going to be fine.

My heart squeezed when Harper said she was tired. I sat next to her on the sofa, shifting from my knees in front of her. My arm moved around her shoulders, and I kissed her temple and rested my cheek against her hair. “I know, honey.” I whispered. “I know. I’m gonna take care of you.” I kissed the side of her head again. I meant it… because I had no clue how long this respite would last before I had to ask the impossible of her again. I could hear her voice cracking a little and encouraged her to take a drink.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. #Embry said ‘Ness… can you at least pretend to be human for a minute?’ so low only the non-humans in the room would hear.

“You aren’t hallucinating, Harper. #Ness… Is… Well, she’s special. She’s an imprint too, #Jacob’s imprint. Like you and #Kenzi.” I smiled at her as ‘Bry settled her onto the couch next to Harper. “But she isn’t human… not entirely… Her mother was human, and her father is a vampire… but he isn’t like the one that attacked Leah. Nessie has… warm skin that can’t be pierced, a heartbeat… she’s incredibly fast and strong. And she’s… Well…” How could I explain the age of this fully grown woman she had spent the last few hours with basically; performing surgery?

“Jake Imprinted on her when she was a new-born… that was ten years ago.” I explained and liked on cue she sauntered back in, at human speed this time. She smelled faintly of rabbit, and I was certain the boys weren’t enjoying the meals she’d found for them… very few of us enjoyed eating in wolf form.

‘You flatter me, Collin… But you forgot beautiful and talented.’ She smiled at Harper. ‘It's great to meet you, Doc… I wish it was under better circumstances… But Leah here prefers to enforce the rules rather than follow them.’ She sank to the floor next to the huge white wolf in a move that was both sullen and graceful. She rested her tiny hand on Leah’s huge paw, unafraid, without hesitation knowing she was protected by virtue of just being #Ness… never mind being an imprint. I wondered what she was showing Leah… and if or how to explain her gifts to Harper.

I held Harper closer, my hand rubbing up and down her arm. “I still have so many stories to tell you.”

❁ Harper ❁

Collin’s arm around me and holding my close to his warmth helped to ground me in my moment of dismay. Some part of me still not believing what I was being told and them other parts of my mind clicking things into place.

#DoctorCullen, had introduced himself as the young woman’s grandfather when he too looked close to my age. Maybe a little older. So, how was that even possible? Yes, I would have questioned this information in the time, however there wasn’t the time. She looked mine and #Kenzi’s age? However, hadn’t I just been told by Collin that the chiefs son had imprinted on her ten years ago when she was a baby? This beautiful woman was not ten years old! No!

Someone took the bottle from my hand opening it, before placing it back to guide it to my lips. ‘Drink a little Harps.’ It was #Kenz now sat beside me. She’d done the same with the bar, unwrapping it before breaking off a little to place it on my lips for me to eat. ‘You always get so hungry after you work.’ She knew me too well.

My best friend moved to the far side of the couch we were all sat on, however reaching out my hand I caught hers and squeezed it for dear life. My eyes finding hers and telling her to please not go. “I’m so sorry… I wasn’t there for you. I saw you needed someone. But after only trying once or twice I didn’t ask… I didn’t check in with you.. I knew you were happy, and I….”

#Kenz threw herself at me, it was awkward, Collin had an arm around me, Kenz to my other side clinging on and crying into my shoulder. ‘I couldn’t tell you Harps.. I’m so sorry… I couldn’t break his trust…’

“Shh…” still holding her to me. “It wasn’t your secret to tell. But I once again left you to deal with it all without supporting you.”

She pulled back to look at me. “Seth isn’t Jimmy, you cannot keep blaming yourself for my past mistakes. I am here because of you. I found the love of my life because of you. You were the one who threw us all together in the car and drove… you were the one who brought us to Forks… if you hadn’t…. I wouldn’t have found this amazing family. A family you are apart of too…”

My eye stung with tears, when Ness came back into the apartment, teasing Collin. ‘I know it’s a lot. But Ness is amazing, and as much as I know you want to hide or run… Please… please… please don’t do it… You are home here, you just need to give it time.’

Collin’s hand moved up and down my arm, making me look back to him. “We have time. I want to hear all of the stories.”

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

The burning slowed in my veins; relief washed it’s way over the scorching skin. The song of the spirits guided my way out, a way to out run this pain, but I couldn’t do that. Some part of me knew that no warrior of the tribe would leave it’s formed to fight this battle alone, she wouldn’t leave me. And I wouldn’t leave her.

They sang, their prayed filling my mind, and their percents helped to take me to a place where my warrior and I were at peace for the most parts of it. They showed me my path, and how it wasn’t to stop here. ‘You have more to do. This is not where you leave those who love you.’ They hummed into the air around me.

The sounds and vision of my world went by in a blur with pain stealing me from my mind from time to time. Only the voice of my Alpha keeping me connected and the touches and whispers in my ear. Until a hand placed on my warrior paw began to show me everything as though I was seeing it through my own eyes.

Port in the dead of night, the other warriors in formation, working as one they took control of the town and managed to clear the threat. They weren’t standing down, they had it in hand. The imaged then turned to #Sam and #Jake, the two of them as warriors showing me that there was nothing else here for now. And then I saw her. #Ness smiling at me, whispering that I could let go. To do as I would want them to do if they were in my place. ‘Let go, Leah.’

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤 』

Something changed in the air around us, both #Kenzi and I turned our eyes towards the floor where Leah’s giant white wolf lay still as the night sky began to lift. Those sounds… the soft voices, I could hear the song in the wind that came from nowhere, and before our eyes we witnessed the wolf’s form and shape begin to shift and move. The blood covered fur began to vanish, and the soft almond colours skin replaced it until there she was.

“Leah…” I exclaimed.

She lay on the ground, so still that I wasn’t certain I could see even her chest moving. And then it hit me. She lay there curled up in her bare skin…. Naked!

❁ Collin ❁

I watched the exchange between the two women… best friends… sisters… bound to one another before they were ever bound to #Seth and I… brought to us by our Ancestors and Fate. When #Kenzi threw herself at Harper I still couldn’t bring myself to let go of her… she was in pain and not just her aching body, I knew that she was used to that with her long hours. It was clear by the way they clung to one another that there was nothing I could do to interfere with the moment.

I found #Kenzi’s hand in the tangle of female limbs and squeezed it softly… we shared a smile, hers was watery, but true.

The name Jimmy made my wolf stir. Perhaps Harper had stories of her own to tell me too. But now wasn’t the time.

I wanted to tell Kenzi that Harper and I had talked and she had no plans to run… but that wasn’t my story to tell. My heart lurched when Her eyes met mine again. “All the time we could ever want.” I smiled at her. “And you still have plenty to tell me too. We can make a few new ones in between.”

The smell of rot had been slowly fading… but now… it was draining out of the air at a greater pace. Leah’s body was fighting the poison, her enhanced healing was becoming more and more effective as the venom was cleansed from her system. #Seth and #Embry were already leaning in closer to Leah’s wolf form. Embry had knowingly placed himself between Leah and #Sue… A shifting wolf was unpredictable at the best of times, but with vampire venom in their system? There was no precedent for this, and Leah couldn’t be faulted if she lashed out during the change. I sat forward on the couch too, uncurling my arm from around Harper and reaching it out in front of the two women next to me. My muscles tensed and primed, ready to protect them in case anything went wrong. The sound of popping bones filled the space.

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕖𝕖 ℂ𝕦𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕟 』

I watched the transformation happening in front of me, bones changing, fur fading away to skin, limbs shortening, toes lengthening to fingers that I laced mine through. “That’s it Leah, come back to us.” I whispered softly. “Let your Spirit Warrior rest and heal with her ancestors. Come back and heal with your brothers and sisters.”

Skin… nudity… it wasn’t something that had ever really shocked me, we were all just people beneath the fabric. I reached over and folded the sheet that lay under her over the human form now laid out before me. Mostly for the sake of the guys, her mom, Harper and Kenzi… I didn’t think Leah was in any state to worry about modesty. And worried little about it in her daily life.

I moved aside to allow #Sue to take her daughter's hand. #Sue murmured softly to her daughter in her mother tongue and brushed her hair out of her face. After a long moment, she looked up at the boys and said. ‘We should move her off of the floor.’

A moment of hesitation flashed in #Seth’s eyes… He knew that as soon as Leah was able, whoever scooped her up off of this floor would earn a smack. But #Embry didn’t hesitate. He tucked her arm that was linked to the IV bags gently over her chest and slid his arms under her and the sheet she was now swaddled in. ‘Don’t worry kid. I already have it coming to me… I might as well take this one.’ He lifted her so carefully, #Sue stayed close and fixed the sheet anytime it shifted. I followed them to the bedroom, carrying the stand holding the IV bags. As soon as she was laid on the bed I shooed the boys.

‘Okay, go let us clean her up and dress her. Send in Harper and Kenzi.’ I said as I laid out the hospital gown and #Sue poured water into a bowl and said a blessing over it. It was what we would use to clean her. She handed Seth a hand-carved bowl and sage and told him to teach the girls how to cleanse themselves.

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖��𝕖𝕒 』

I helped Harper up and held out a hand for Kenzi to take. I heard everything that was happening in the room and heard the match spark as #Seth lit the sage. No one would deny #Sue this added protection for her daughter, just as no one had ever denied it to my mother at my hospital door.

“The smoke will cleanse away any negative Spirits that may be clinging to you. Any negative wish that people have made for you in your past will break free and leave you unburdened.” I explained to the girls as I led them to the room that was now the domain of our Guardians. Leah may be our pack brother, (regardless of gender) but she was theirs to protect now.

#Embry passed us, telling us that he was going to relieve #Jake of command and let him in. But he could not cross the threshold until the mothers, sisters and daughters granted him access.

I stood in front of Seth, he nodded to me, letting me know that I could finish telling the girl’s how to complete the rite. “You hold the smoke in your hands and guide it towards you, to burn away anything destructive clinging to your soul.” I moved my hand towards me and waved the smoke to fill the space around me.

#Kenzi stepped up and copied me. “Let go of all your burdens, release them all into the smoke… anything that weighs you down. Picture them breaking free and rising with the smoke. Any fears or worries can be carried away to the ancestors. Bring only healing into that room.” My eyes were on Harper even as I talked Kenzi through it all, knowing that she would be next. Her very first tribal ceremony… it was simple and informal… and it was just #Seth #Kenzi and I here with her to see her through it.

❁ Harper ❁

I stood before my sister, my brother-in-law to be, and the man who I gave my heart to willingly. The scent of smoking sage filled the room as all their eyes turned to me. This wasn’t the first time I been asked to use sage, however this was the first time I was to take part in something that had true meaning for Collin and #Seth.

‘Here you go.’ #Kenzi held the burning sage up before me and nodded her head slowly to guide me on.

“How many times should I do it for?” I asked.

‘Four.’ #Seth said. ‘It’s for the Dawn to the east; Midday to the south; Evening Twilight to the west, and Night to the north. He moved his hands over and around his body to show me the way. ‘But really, you do what feels right to you in your heart.’ He tried to smile, glancing back over his shoulder to the door of the room his mother, and sister were in now.

I waved my hands in half moon circles, gathering the smoke of the sage and bringing it to myself. beginning at my head, my hair, my face, my chest, and heart, and then I followed the guidance #Seth had provided. East, South, West, and ending at North.

Collins instructions were fresh in my mind, while straining so hard to release the negative standpoints. The fear I felt when I thought I could let them all down by not being able to help #Leah. Then I had to free the questions I needed answers too. Because for now, it was more important for me to follow the needs of a worried mother, as her daughter lay fighting for her life.

When I was done, my eyes found Collins. He was my grounding focus as I would be his… And then I froze… My mind brought forth a memory of a dream, one I had the night after Collin began to tell me some of the stories of this tribe. A dream of Leah, and Collin as spirit warriors, of them leaving their bodies behind to fight those who would harm the tribes people. I had been there, stay beside and protecting the lifeless body of the man I called mine. Waiting for his return. For him to open his beautiful eyes and smile up at me.

‘Harper?’ #Kenzi rested a hand on my arm. ‘We should go in.’

I asked her to go ahead, taking a moment before to hand Collin the sage back. “Thank you for guiding me I this moment. Please forgive me if I did anything incorrectly.”

‘How is she?’ This time it was the Chiefs son stood in the door, voice making me turn to rush into my bedroom, leaving the men to explain it all to him.

I closed the door behind me, taking in the sight before my eyes. The three women had placed themselves around the bed, each with a small damp towel cleaning #Leah’s body with care. ‘Come join us.’ #Sue’s voice was still calm as she held out a towel. Of course, I took it without questioning the reasons why they would want me here right now.

She said words which felt like a pray her in her togue, before repeating them for the rest of us to understand.

‘Great Sprits or the warriors, whose voice we hear up on the wind, and whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear our pray, help your warrior here tonight, she calls for your strength and for your wisdom. Show her the path to follow to heal, guide her to the world of her ancestors, help her to understand the things that you have taught us, so that she can fight her way back to those who love her.’

‘Harper, please may we borrow your hands?’ #Sue held her had out across the bed to me, I placed mine I hers. ‘Great Spirit, bless this kid, her hands that healed my usdi. Show her, her path here tonight too.’ Taking my hand, she placed it over the heart of #Leah, with #Kenz, and #Ness placing their hands over ours.

Once the prayer was completed, #Sue took out some clothes from the bag by the foot of the bed. We all helps to dress #Leah and braid her hair out of the way before we were told to let the others know it had bee done. The other two walked out, however I remained in the room, checking the I.V. As the last drops emptied from the bag, I witnessed the needle push out of #Leah’s arm, with her skie healing before my eyes.

‘Wado, Equa Didanvdo… Thank you, great spirits!’ #Sue whispered kissing her daughters forehead.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her, her face sombre…. Harper was concentrating; truly pouring herself into the experience. I smiled at her when she turned to look at me. I was filled with such a sense of pride for her; for everything she had accomplished tonight, and awe at the fact that not once did I think that maybe this situation was impossible, I knew that she could do this. And gratitude that our ancestors crossed our paths at this stage of our lives, that they thought I was worthy enough of this, incredible, intelligent, determined woman. They had big plans for us. I just knew it.

I didn’t touch her because I hadn’t saved myself yet… and I might not even be invited into that room tonight. “You did perfectly, Harper. Your intention is always what matters the most. The Spirits will always know what is in your heart.”

Then Jake was standing with us as the girls disappeared inside. I stepped back and allowed #Seth to tell #Jake what had happened and what the current situation was. ‘She phased back and we moved her… Harper has stayed with her every step of the way… she purged the venom from her system #Jake…’ He was clearly astonished that she had done it. ‘It’s incredible. It was like the venom was keeping her from phasing back.’

‘No.’ #Jake shook his head. “No it wasn’t the venom, or at least not just the venom. She refused to let go until she knew Port Angeles was clear. She thinks the Vampire wasn’t alone, and possibly was in the company of a human. #Charlie is keeping an eye out for missing person reports and #Alice already hacked the hospital records, there’s been no admissions that could potentially be a vampire attack.’

They had really covered every angle… I couldn’t lie. It was strange to have been disconnected from all of that. Something in my body language must have tipped them off because #Jake’s hand came down on my shoulder. ‘You’ll get used to it cuz…’ The Alpha told me. ‘Sometimes we have to take that step back for when they need us.’

“Oh, I know… I don’t mind… I would never want to leave her alone during something like that.” The words all came out in a rush.

‘We know.’ #Seth chuckled. ‘But it’s still okay to feel strange being disconnected from your brothers, Pup. But you had your priorities straight. You did really good. Now, we need to make sure we look after Harper too. She must be exhausted.’ Of course, #Seth would be standing here moments after his sister almost died and still thinking of others. He was the best of us.

We heard the commotion in the room and then #Nessie and #Kenzi appeared in the door. ‘Sue is ready for you, baby.” #Nessie said and took the bowl of sage from #Seth, she struck another match to get it smouldering again. Then she turned to #Kenzi and smiled. ‘Why don’t you do it?’ she asked with such enthusiasm that it probably baffled her. #Ness was good at keeping a positive attitude in a bad situation. ‘Shouldn’t you….’ #Kenzi looked at #Jake. ‘You’ve done this before.’

‘It doesn’t matter which one of us does it.’ #Nessie smiled and glanced at me. ‘It's all about intention.’ She leaned in close and whispered to #Kenz. ‘Just let him smudge himself then invite him inside. The Spirit Warriors have to be invited after we take charge of the wounded.’

#Kenzi seemed to brighten just a little at the word we, she was going to thrive as part of this group of women. But there was still an edge to her that I understood, Leah was still very sick.

#Jake looked proudly at his imprint and moved through the ritual slowly, whiled #Kenzi held out the sage and doused him in the smoke… he never rushed it, he always set an example for the rest of us. ‘P-please come inside Jacob.’ #Kenzi looked to #Seth to see if she had done it right and he nodded. She smiled briefly again.

#Jake, still shirtless disappeared into the room. Harper was really going to understand what I meant by the guys rarely wearing shirts after tonight.

#Seth stepped in front of his imprint but #Nessie held up a hand. ‘I know you want to get in there, she’s your sister… But just give him a minute to do his Alpha thing.’ She was sweet, and kind. #Seth nodded. ‘Why don’t you make some coffee for the ladies, Pup?’ She turned that kind smile on me. ‘It’s gonna be a long night. Harper is okay, and it will only take a minute.’

I nodded. “Tell her I’m right here… and I will be right back.” Nessie promised, so I turned and went to find a coffee maker in the unfamiliar kitchen.

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 -𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕠𝕓 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 』

The sight in the room was jarring, #Sue was standing over her daughter, her expression was indescribable. I knew she would pay any price to trade their places even though her children were stronger, physically than she could ever hope to be. #Leah’s skin was dull, which was made even stranger and more terrifying by the thin film of sweat that glistened on the places I could see her skin; it made her pale and shiny at the same time. The smell of vampire venom was slight, but enough to bring me right back to the night #Renesmee was born.

Back to the moment, I watched my best friend die.

She had died… the fact that it was temporary didn’t ease the devastation I felt in that instant, not even now.

A tiny warm hand slipped into mine and squeezed it, lips pressed to my shoulder, and I turned my head to see her, those gorgeous eyes and erratic heartbeat. ‘Leave it all outside, my love.’ She whispered. ‘Later.’ She promised. She was never one to pause her emotions until later. She only had room for one feeling at a time in her body and she felt them all until they were resolved or petered out. Despite it being so against her nature she understood the need for an alpha to put away certain things. But, she always made me deal with them later, even if I didn’t want to… especially if I didn’t want to.

Harper was on the other side of the bed checking all of the tubes connected to my Beta. I hadn’t seen anything like this since the last time my cousin was sick. And now his soulmate was standing here having saved the life of a warrior. I smiled at her when she looked up, sensing her gaze and then I went to stand next to Leah. “What on earth were you thinking, Clearwater?” I asked quietly. She barely stirred.

‘Jacob Black, mind your manners. You can tell her off another day.’ #Sue reprimanded. ‘But not before I get my shot.’

“Yes, Auntie.” I nodded and turned to Harper. “Dr Jenkins, We… I… can never express our gratitude for what you’ve done for us tonight. What you did… Only one person that we know of has ever survived a vampire bite, we didn’t believe it was even possible. Not medically... not like this. It's simply astounding.”

‘Yeah, sure…’ A voice croaked; it sounded as though someone had poured scalding water down her throat. ‘Give her all the credit, I’m only here fighting for my life.’ Leah coughed and Sue was there in an instant, dabbing a clean wet cloth to her daughter's lips.

‘Hush now, usdi. And stop teasing, the Spirits have blessed us tonight. At least pretend to be humble.’ She cajoled her eldest child.

‘I was keeping Harper humble. Jacob was going to inflate her ego.’ She licked her lips and tried to hide the next cough. Leah’s fingers flexed and I saw the muscles in her arms tensing, but they lacked the strength to lift her arm; it was a distressing sight. I didn’t let it show. I reached out for Harper’s hand, (because I knew there was only one thing Leah would be reaching for right now) and drew it slowly to Leah’s. ‘Thank you.’ She said in a whisper to Harper. ‘Are you okay? Were you hurt?’

❁ Harper ❁

If the ground could come free from under my feet, this would be that moment when it would make sense. #Leah’s hand felt clammy to the touch with her skin looking pale and yellowing. She’s gone through a battle in herself and came out fighting. There was one thought in my mind right now. ‘I want to be like her when I grow up.’

“Me? You are asking me if I am, okay? If I am hurt? Leah…” My voice splintered with tears gathering making it hard to see clearly. “Leah…” I couldn’t hear my voice, however somehow it felt as though she could. “Leah… you could have died… You… were…” The tears rolled over my cheeks, there were no words I could say to share with her how I felt in the moment.

#Sue, #JacobBlack, and #Renesmee all took a step back from the bed. With the room being so small, the tall man in here made the walls come in on themselves somehow. However, my glazed eyes were on #Leah as she took my hands bringing me in to her. I stepped around the I.V, leaning down until she guided me to sit on the bed beside her.

‘Harper.�� #Leah’s voice felt harsh to my ears, I could tell talking would be difficult and there would be no stopping her. ‘Are you okay?’ She asked once again.

I shook my head, sniffling back more tears. Who was I becoming? I wasn’t known to be so tearful, however in the last weeks my eyes weren’t letting go of this emotional outpouring. “No.. No.. Leah I am not okay. How can I be okay with you in so much pain?”

I could feel a brash of air on my skin, when I glanced up behind the bed seeing that someone had opened the windows in the room at some stage.

‘I need to know…’ she said, and I nodded my head slowly.

Something drew me in, a wrench to my chest. It mimicked the sensation Collin brought to me. like this invisible line from my heart to his. This one was somewhat similar… and not, at the same time. It had a connection from me to #Leah as she fought to keep her dull brown eyes open. She remained as still as she could, and I found myself leaning down to place my forehead to hers, our noses touching.

‘It’s new to you.’ She whispered to me in a raspy voice. ‘But we are connected by the spirits, by our souls….’ I squeezed my eyes closed. As she slowly continued. ‘O’wili disqualvdodi nanahi atsilv nasgisgini nigesvna Nihi.’ I could feel her warm breath on my face.

It was #Sue who translated her daughters words to me. ‘I will run into the fire instead of you.’

“You did Leah... And I didn’t even know it. I’m so, so, so sorry that I did this to you…” Because it was my fault. “I love you Leah...” Whispering I kissed her cheek. “You are my sister... you have been from the first moment you came to Thompson…. We just didn’t know it.” My tears fell onto her face, and her eyes closed, she still held onto my hand however the soft grip loosened.

‘Usdi?’ #Sue’s voice broke.

“She’s sleeping. she is just sleeping.” I assured a worried mother.

The bed moved however I didn’t break away. I felt her arm around me as #Kenzi climbs into bed on the other side of Leah holding her and me. Once again there was movement, this time with #Renesmee sitting by #Leah’s head.

She softly combed #Leahs hair back from her sticky forehead. ‘You know, Leah dislikes all this attention. She will be plotting her pay back.’ The sweet and soft voice sounding like a song.

‘Ness…’ #JacobBlack’s voice broke in quickly, making his other half pull her hand away. ‘She doesn’t like anyone touching her hair.’ His voice sounding softer now. ‘She also doesn’t like anyone hugging her and using the L word. So, seems like a night of firsts.’

Sitting up I glanced back to the half open door. #Seth stood on the other side, but there was no Collin. I felt my heart drop.

'He is in the kitchen; said he will be here soon.' I was told by #Renesmee.

❁ Collin ❁

『 Point of View - Jacob Black 』

I watched the interaction between the two women… and the moment in Harper’s eyes when she realised her connection wasn’t just to Collin, it was to us all; to the pack. To her new family, new tribe. My heart hurt that he wasn’t here… but deep down I knew that if one of us witnessed a moment we all did to some extent.

I felt #Nessie’s arm snake around mine and we stood aside and let the moment unfold. I put my arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. “You did good tonight, baby.” I whispered to her. “The hospital?”

Her sweet voice pressed into my mind. ‘There are anonymous donations on the way and Emily is organising the other imprints to make blood donations to replace what we took.’

I smiled. Of course, she had this all-in hand. As soon as #Leah slipped back into sleep I was at #Sue’s side, hearing the fear in her voice. I whispered in her ear that I could hear her daughter's heart beating strongly. Then I joined my imprint and tried my best to contain her affection, she was a tactile creature, always expressing herself through touch and oh-so-many thoughts and words. It was something I loved about her and something I knew to be a little challenging for Leah.

『Point of View – Collin Littlesea 』

I heard Harper’s voice cracking from where I stood in the kitchen pouring the coffee. All I wanted was to run to her, but I knew that she needed a moment with Leah. I had no clue why hearing Harper tell #Leah, she loved her made my heart beat faster but, it did.

I made my way back to the bedroom door and set the tray of coffees on the side table where the sage still smoked just enough for me to cleanse myself. I took my time, and breathed in deeply, moving through the ritual as easily as I did my morning shower. But with far greater and deeper intentions. Letting go of what I had seen in Leah’s mind on the run here, seeing her torn open like that, and watching Harper doubt herself was harder than anything I’d had to release to my ancestors.

But when I finally could… I felt lighter, and just like I told Harper and #Kenzi; I brought nothing but healing into that room.

Healing, coffee, and the bottles of water I’d placed on the tray too; because it could be a long night.

Inside the room, I saw the three young women surrounding #Leah and #Sue nearby watching them all. I set the tray on a dresser and smiled at Harper. I picked a up cup, and I was about to hand it to Sue (our elders were always to be served first) but #Jake took it and flicked his eyes towards my soulmate, he took the cup from me and brought it to #Sue himself. His silent message to go to her was heard loud and clear.

I picked up two more mugs and made my way to Harper and #Kenzi, where they sat side-by-side next to Leah. I handed #Kenzi the cup and smiled. “I took a wild guess that you take yours with a lot of cream and sugar. You strike me as a vanilla latte kinda girl, but this was the best I could do tonight.”

Then I stooped next to the bed in front of Harper and handed her the other. “It’s not hot chocolate… but I figured you needed the caffeine more than the sweetness tonight and just a little sugar.” I smiled and reached up to cup her cheek and wiped away the tear tracks streaking down her face.

I fixed my gaze on her and I was flooded with all the emotions I could see in her eyes. “Are you okay?” I asked her and my voice broke…. And my worry for her and everyone else in the room, especially Harper and #Leah rushed in at once and pushed the air out of my lungs.

❁ Harper ❁

My attention moved towards the door the moment he came into site. Silently witnessing the cleansing ritual from where I sat on the bed beside my two soul sisters. I observed the difficulty as he began, the tightness in his body couldn’t be overlooked. Followed by the progression once he had completed his ritual. The buoyancy and the comfort in which he stepped into the room. Without words saying, ‘I only bring healing with me.’ It ought to have felt invasive, however in reality witnessing this moment, built the sense of partaking within me.

This journey we were embarking on would be one of learning, of testing me and him too, and one of bringing us and our worlds together. This strength I experienced tonight, it came from within me of course, however Collin and the others here had amplified it somehow. Making the fact that I had questioned myself and my ability to help non-relevant.

#Kenz stood from beside me to take the cup Collin handed to her. Her small frame blocking a little of my view. Somehow this man had a sense of attention to detail, not only did he listen and remember things told to him, he also picked up on things and elements without needing to be told?

#Kenz went to curl into the side of her fiancé who welcomed her with his arm around her waist. Whispering a few words into her ear making her nod her head.

“Coffee is just fine, thank you…” a whisper of a voice as I spoke to him. Taking the cup that he offered I half smiled as a ‘Thank you’ too, he came to kneel before me.

‘Are you okay?’

Three small and simple words on a normal day would not have happened to have the reaction they do tonight. However, when his voice broke. My heart broke too. In such a short time I had begun to feel so much for him.

With our gazes joined with one another, I did not want to lie to him. But I also did not want to be the reason of anyone else hurting because of me tonight. “I…” I couldn’t lie to him... “I am not… however, I am on the road to being.” It was nothing but the whole truth. “Thank you for coming, for giving me your support ensuring I wouldn’t give up on her.”

His touch to my cheek helped as did clasping the cup in both my hands, allowing the heat from it to penetrate to my core where there was a sense of ice settling in. I could tell the adrenalin had begun to dissipate now.

“How are you? The others outside? Is there anyone else who needs me to look over them?” I knew that Leah had faced danger, but had anyone else?

❁ Collin ❁

I did my best not to listen in on #Seth and #Kenzi, it was hard to give people privacy when I was so on guard. But I trusted my brothers outside to keep everything inside this apartment safe. I had to so I could support her right now.

Before I stopped to think whether or not it was okay, I placed my hand on her knee and squeeze gently in the hopes of comforting her. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here… It took me too long to get to you… I should have been here… maybe if I was #Leah wouldn’t have…” I glanced to the side at the wounded Warrior. I wouldn’t let the burning behind my eyes win because I knew #Leah would tell me to be strong. “I should have been with you.”

I had the sense of #Kenz burrowing into the side of #Seth somewhere in the room, and #Sue shifted closer to her daughter on the bed.

Was all of this my fault? If I had been with Harper, #Leah wouldn’t have needed to follow her here. If Harper’s scent had have been masked by mine, then the attack never would have happened. The Vampire might have moved on… I might have caught its scent and called in the cavalry if it had chosen to hang around and hunt.

‘No one else was hurt, #Leah killed it before she found her way back to you.’ #Jake answered her question when I didn’t. He’d been out there more recently than me, anyway. So, he had a better picture of the guy's current situation than I did. ‘But… after seeing what you can do… We would love a chance to talk to you about learning what you can about us… in case… well…” He didn’t need to elaborate, not now, not in this room. ‘But not tonight…’

My breathing became shallow… This was my fault. My heart started to race as fast as Leah’s was. ‘Go get #Sam.’ I heard my cousin whisper to his imprint, low enough that only #Seth, #Ness and I would hear. Did he think I was so bad at self-control that I needed my Alpha?

Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. ‘Pup. Don’t.’ #Jake said gently. ‘What ifs don’t help anyone.’

“I could have stopped this.” My voice shook. I never looked away from Harper.

‘No, Collin… you can’t know that. Just focus on Harper… listen to her heart. She’s your centre.’

He hadn’t stepped between us, so I knew now; he wasn’t afraid I would break. But I could feel my wolf stirring uneasily in my chest, an anger that we had failed her. We didn’t protect her. I hadn’t lost control of my wolf since I was fourteen and I wouldn’t lose it now either. But that burning in my eyes was building.

❁ Harper ❁

The world around us was no more, some part of me at the back of my mind knew I needed to be there for the unconscious #Leah, however I also had the awareness that the room had enough eyes on her, and they wouldn’t think twice to bring me back to my senses. Right now, all I could see were these pain filled unfathomable brown eyes looking deep into my soul through my own eyes. And as I set the cup in my hand down to the side, I saw nothing and no one else.

He was breaking my heart into a million pieces with the way he spoke about his shortcomings. I could make out how the chief’s son #Jacob attempted to ease the pain he suffered. However, it wasn’t enough.

“I… I will be happy to help in anyway… however, right now… would you excuse us?” There was no request in my response, I wasn’t being rude.

When I placed my hand over Collin’s on my knee. Squeezing softly before I stood up bringing him up with me.

“Come with me… please….” Once again, I didn’t wait for an answer, I did not let his hand go, I didn’t even look at another person because my mind, heart and soul were All crying out.

‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’ #Jacob said softly.

“Please have faith in me… in us.” My voice cracked with emotion, he looked over my shoulder to where #Sue now sat beside her daughter and then stepped aside.

I didn’t stop until we were in the bathroom, it was the only other room in this apartment where I could close the door, enough to give us the illusion of privacy at least.

I moved to the side guiding him into the room to face me. My hand still holding on to his, the other moved to cup his face. “I need you to stop… stop everything you are feeling because you know it deep down in your heart, I wouldn’t have let you come. I would have thought you were trying to…. I don’t know….” Because even I couldn’t finish the thought. “No one knows what would have happened on any given day, I know you want to protect me…. But I want to protect you too….”

I couldn’t believe I was about to say what was coming….

“I love Leah…. I love her so much…. I’m broken over seeing her this way…. But Collin…. If that had been you…. I would have died….” The tears came flowing all by themselves as my heart fell to my stomach at the images in my mind of me opening that door to find him the way I found #Leah.

“Please…. Please…. Please…. Collin….” I pleaded. “We cannot change the past…. But…. I will die…” placing my hand over my chest I beat it once, twice, three times. “In here… it’s…. Excruciating… and it’s not stopping…. And you want to be the one on that bed?”

Never had I felt the loss of someone, even my parents… The way I just felt the loss of him wanting to take up the space of #Leah.

❁ Collin ❁

I gave Jake a quick nod, telling him that I was okay. I had this, and I was confident that nothing she might say or do would push my limits. I let myself be led out into the hallway and to the bathroom.

The moment she said she wouldn’t have let me come I knew it was true. I knew why, it was exactly the same reason I fought all my natural instincts to ask her if I could come with her… I didn’t want her to think I was controlling, or obsessive. Or even just clingy. I wanted to act like a boyfriend and not an imprinted Spirit Warrior. When I should have explained to her exactly why we feel the need to stay close so strongly instead.

Tears broke free from my eyes when they fell from her, I couldn’t stop it. “No, Harper.” I moved her hand gently from her chest before I put my arms around her, so it wouldn't be trapped between us and held her against my chest. “No. I would never want to hurt you like that. Not ever. That isn't what I meant at all. I'm sorry.”

I rested my hand on the back of her head and stroked her hair as I pressed a kiss to her temple. I held her like that for a moment. “I didn't mean to make you cry, sweetheart. It's okay, we are all safe now. I promise you.” I said, my heart breaking open. My wolf leaned full spirited into the hug. After a few more long, deep breaths; holding her close, I explained.

“I wasn't trying to say that I would have been one fighting if I came with you ... Just that there might not have been one at all were I with you. We smell different to vampires, it's a defence mechanism it allows us to mask the scent of humans. Vampires are picky... Unless they've not fed in along time... there's a chance it might have moved on if it hadn't liked how you smelled. If I had been with you even an hour before... It never would have caught your scent.”

#Sam was in the bedroom; #Jake was muttering updates to him. I knew they were listening and as much of an invasion as it was, I loved them for it. That they would protect her... Even from me, that was all that would want.

“I should have just come to you and told you that idea of being that far away from you terrified me.” I pulled back to see her face, cradling her cheek. “I shouldn't have been so wrapped in trying not to look like something I'm not. I'm not possessive or controlling, I don't want to come between you and your work or anything else in your life. And I will always, always heed you when you say no. But I hated it, Harper. I hated knowing how long it would take me to get to you if I needed to. I sent Nova to sleep at my mom's in case I needed to run out in the middle of the night. I kept telling myself it was paranoia, and the bond making me worry, but then when I was running here... I'm so sorry, Harper. I truly believed I was doing what was fair to you. I thought I… I don’t want to bulldoze into every part of your life.” My voice grew softer, and more tears came. “This is all so new, and I thought I knew what I was doing… I’ve seen all the guys go through this… but you and I are different, all of the others are too. I have no clue what I’m doing, but I do know that too much distance between us makes me ache.”

❁ Harper ❁

Seeing his tears made the emotions within heave. I had done this to him. I had been so bull headed with him, with Kenzi, and even Sue and Leah… How could they ever forgive me for all of this?

My arms curved their way around him laying flat on his back, holding him so tightly, the notion of being this close and how it would make the pain react hadn’t crossed my mind. (But then again. Who of us was thinking clearly right now?)

‘She’s your centre.’ Jacob’s voice still resonated with me. I was meant to be his grounding force, his reason for being, his protector.

Closing my eyes, turning my face to bury it into the crook of his neck. The one soft kiss to my temple felt like a much-needed soothing balm.

Listening to Collin’s clarification should have worked, the logical part of my brain understood. I knew that animals protected their young with different scents, some would even place their babies in another’s nest so that they have a greater chance to survive. However, getting to grips of Vampires? Vampires? It’s where I had come stuck. And this coming from a woman who’d witnessed her new boyfriend becoming a wolf? However, all of that became a moot point. It was the thought of Collin coming in harms way that I couldn’t live with now.

Pulling back, our eyes met giving me an ease to stand still in the moment. “I… Never wanted that for you.. for us.. Learning that you were fighting your true self breaks me.” Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks without permission. “I thought we were going to be ourselves, no hiding, no pretending.” The thought occurred to me, and I closed my eyes letting my chin dip. “And I allowed it to come between us. I’ve always done things in my own way, without considering the importance of those around me and how my actions would impact them…” What had #Jenna and Dad said to me about the aftermath of my decisions? How hadn’t I stopped to think about them?

“I…” my voice overwhelmed with this realisation. “I’m not good for you, Collin… If being with me made you become something, you are not... just to keep me happy… I’m not… good for you…. And Nova…” The poor baby.. how hadn’t I thought of her once since seeing Collin? How had I not questioned where she was, if she was safe and looked after…

‘I shouldn't have been so wrapped in trying not to look like something I'm not.’ Those words gripped the core of me, and it stung.

“You shouldn’t have felt the need to portray yourself as anything other than who you are… It’s why I…”

Biting my lips, I shook my head unable to look him in his eyes from the shame of the reality of what I’d learnt.

“No one is perfect Collin Littlesea, it’s an unrealistic goal to thrive for… however if the person you care for makes you feel you need to be… Then… you need to know… you are perfect as you are… And they do not deserve you... I don’t deserve you.”

❁ Collin ❁

There was so much turmoil inside of me. She was hurting… her body for the work of keeping Leah alive, her heart from seeing her friend in such a state and now this… now I was hurting her. Her own soulmate.

Even with all of that; her head on my shoulder and her nose against my neck calmed me. Somewhat.

“I know, Harper… Spirits… I know. And I wasn’t pretending… truly… I’m not overbearing or controlling and it's my own fault for thinking that letting those wolf instincts show might make you think I am. Because honestly... Right now, I just want to be with you all the time. I've never felt like this before, with anyone.”

My heart was breaking, but I would fight that feeling and fix it so she wouldn’t have to feel it too. “No Harper, please don’t say that. You are my dreams come true… And I mean that literally and figuratively.” My arms coiled around her rubbing up and down her back, pressing kiss after kiss to her hair, temple… wherever my lips would reach without putting any space between us.

“You are perfect for us, Harper. No ifs or buts. And I promise I’ll express myself better… but can you promise to tell me if I’m acting crazy? I don’t ever want you to feel like I’m trying you or taking over your life?” That last one sounded like a question, though it truly wasn't.

I pulled back a little now and tilted her face up so, so gently. “We deserve each other, Harper. The Spirits didn’t bring us together across a country on a whim, we were always, always being drawn and pulled together. Waiting until the right time. And the second, I saw you, and knew I was yours…” I smiled with tears on my cheeks. “I knew… I knew that we would be insanely happy. Hallmark movie happy. I knew through hard times and easy times we would find strength together. And I knew… that me… a sickly, small boy the somehow was chosen to be a protector… wasn’t a mistake. Because the Spirits and the ancestors believed I was worthy enough to be your soulmate. I will make sure every single day that I deserve you, Harper. I’ll never give up on us. And I’m so, so sorry I wasn’t more open. Can you forgive me?”

❁ Harper ❁

With a barrage of loving kisses, he asked for Forgiveness? This beautiful, kind, thoughtful man holding me to his warmth asked for me to forgive him? Why could he not see that it should be I who begged for this from him.

Kissing his neck again, it helped to ground me. To remind me that this all happened in real time, and it wasn’t all a nightmare coming to life.

There were soft sounds of whispers coming from the other side of the door, however no one knocked or asked us to come out. And I thanked whoever looked over us for this time. As much as it hadn’t been ideal. It was the slow release of all these emotions we both clearly had built up over the night, which needed to be released as we spoke openly of our trepidations.

Never once in my time with him would I have said that he was a man who could be overbearing, and/ or controlling. “You’ve never been either of those things to me, or anyone else when I have been witness to your exchange with others.” Speaking into his neck as I still wanted to hold on and not let go of him. “I know how our emotions undergo a sense of dread when those we care for are in danger, I myself have stood on the same precipice.”

I shook my head a little from side to side. Something deep within always hurt me when he told me about his childhood. About his illness. I didn’t pity him, I just wished a kind soul such as his, hadn’t been through so much, so young.

‘You are perfect for us.’

Collin still saw me as a part of an ‘us’. Myself, Collin, and Nova… her puppies… His willingness to see and move past this night. It made fresh tears well in my eyes. No one other than my dad, Kenzi, and Jenna had been there for me like this. Then when his hands moved like a comforter over me, words found a way to express some of my thoughts.

“I am far from a dream for anyone, I’m not perfect, I’m really just who I am. The mess, the fact base nerd who loves Hallmark movies and nut butters.”

Just the smallest of laughs escaped then because being with him gave me a sense of belonging like never before. Looking up to meet his eyes as he pulled back to see me, his face made me smile through the tears, reaching up I wiped his cheeks with my thumbs. He was willing to fight, to not give up, to face whatever this was together. So why couldn’t I do the same for him?

“Together, Collin… together we will do everything possible to see where your spirits are taking us, together we will see what they have written into the stars for us through this….” Biting my lip’s because the word that was about to slip out couldn’t have been the correct one, could it?

Leaning up to place two soft kissed, one of each kiss. “I cannot promise happiness, or being perfect… however, what I can promise is that I will fight for you, with you, and alongside you Collin.”

❁ Collin ❁

As her words sank in; it really just drove home to me that I should have just told her everything I had been feeling… because she saw me. Of course, she did… this was Harper, she saw into the heart of people, and I knew that sometimes that meant seeing some ugly, unpleasant things. I knew I wasn’t perfect… but at my core, I was a good person. So I hoped that was what she saw when she looked at me.

“You know… #Kenzi told me that imprinting was like being a teenager all over again, I had no idea how completely she meant it.” I knew she’d meant the hormones and impulse control issues... but the self-doubt and lack of ability to communicate effectively had taken me by surprise.

That tiny laugh made my heart ache lessen substantially. There were fresh tears on her cheeks when she looked at me too, that didn’t shatter it all over again. She truly was my sunshine… even here and now. I closed my eyes and soaked in the feeling of having her wipe away my tears and then I found her eyes again and did the same for her. Wiping away the streaks the painful tears had left, with the new hopeful ones. “Oh, but you are.” I set my warm brown gaze on hers. “Remember on the beach when I told you about my perfect day? Cooking with my soulmate… and I could never remember what she looked like when I woke up… but I always remembered the kitchen… green curtains over the sink… It’s your kitchen, Harper. I’ve been dreaming of you since I was a kid. So you are my dreams come to life.”

I smiled at her promises and at the promises that she didn’t make.. because, like me, she knew that one person shouldn’t and couldn’t be solely responsible for another's happiness. It wasn’t a burden that one person should shoulder.

“Side-by-side, sweetheart. We’ll fight for each other and probably with each other too. Because even the stories written in the stars have plot twists.” I laughed softly. “But I will always make sure we never run out of nut butter, that’s one promise I can always keep. And as for my Spirits… they’ve already taken you into the scope of their protection… that means at any stage they will very happily and with great honour be claimed as yours too. You weren’t chosen solely to be my Guardian… you were chosen to be part of everything we stand for. The pack… the tribe… the Nation… the lineage of our ancestors… all of it. It’s yours anything you want to reach out and take it. Look at everything that happened tonight… It’s proof… Without you, there could be a gaping hole in our lives, our tribe… a pack could’ve lost its beta, a sister and daughter lost… you were always meant to be here, right now, right at this moment. You belong here. The hard moments are the ones that shape history and show us destiny’s path. You are part of our history now.”

❁ Harper ❁

This is something I’d observed with my own eyes, when it came to #Seth and #Kenzi with the way they would act when they thought no one saw or witnessed them. They reached out for the other. Always touching, holding, or even being drawn towards one another. At the time #Jenna and I thought it to be sweet, and normal for those who were newly in love. However, it hadn’t lessened over time. On the contrary it grew stronger as time passed. The blush in #Kenzi’s cheeks and her bed hair in the middle of the day. Things #Jenna would tease her about. Then again, she and #Dan were no different, however there was a difference. And in this new light, my mind saw the significance of it all. My eyes widened as the realisations dawned, how I hadn’t seen it before is astonishing.

“Being young, lost in all the changes within, the emotions and desires. The ability to know one’s intelligence, and still being unable to articulate those feelings into words!” Hadn’t this been the case for me? The times I found myself stuttering and stumbling over my words. Unable to communicate the simplest of feelings when Collin and I were with one another. It hadn’t happened to me before.

My eyes closed, and my head tilted into his touch. The gentle manor in which Collin wiped my cheeks felt like a new beginning. Not just between the two of us, but more, so much more that ‘til now remained unseen and felt by me.

“I do recall you mentioning your dreams, how could I not?” My voice trailed off as he continued to speak. Another sentiment engulfed me, and I brought him closer. “He was dreaming of me… before he even knew who I was?” The sound of my voice so soft that my ears wouldn’t hear the words, as I soaked in the realisations of was he said.

Cooking, dancing, laughing, and knowing he belonged. With the clue being the kitchen and those green curtains… Green Curtains… The ones my friends bought for me to make me feel at home here in La Push. None of us understanding how our choices bought me into the arms of this compassionate man, who left me speechless once again.

His promises elevated me as they sank in, he didn’t vow to give me unending happiness, the stars, or the moon. However, he promised me things that were in his power to give. Which meant even more to me. I never reached for the stars. I wanted to reach for the sensation of belonging, something I found with him, my work, and my friends. He wasn’t and couldn’t be the only reason I had begun to come out from where I’d spent my life, hiding. However, Collin had to be given credit for allowing me the time to grow and shine on my own.

Right then another memory came to flood my mind. “The day…” I began as I put the memories in order. “I almost ran over the cliff; the energy, or the entity I sensed. Char said I had imagined it. That in a moment of shock and the adrenaline…” Was I over thinking this? “I’m sure it wasn’t anything… Char was right. He had to be.” But dismissing the thought now with everything I had learnt and seen would be a mistake.

“They are mine if I want them?” Yet again, a choice for me to make. Do I want to be here, do I want to be part of this life?

What had #Leah said to me before? ‘Every step you take must be a choice you make, nerd. You are the only one with the power over your own life.’ Now Collin stood here with the same offer. This was my choice…

Everything had happened without moments pause or thought, from the second my door opened to find #Leah there in pain and injured, there were no doubts as to the steps needed. My natural instincts kicked into action, and this is where they brought me.

“Yes, sure. Leah wouldn’t have received the help she needed. However, I think you are forgetting the vital part of this night if it weren’t for me being here. If I weren’t here. Leah would not have been here too. She wouldn’t have been in danger, if—”

A soft knock on the door cut my words short, however the way my eyes dropped from Collins must have been enough. For him to know how much I regret the night and what occurred. ‘Harps… Collin… I’m sorry to disturb you.’ It was #Kenzi. I squeezed Collin’s arm before stepping back reluctantly opening the door.

“Is Leah, okay? Does she need something?” the words coming out strained.

‘She is fine, drifting in and out actually.’ She worked her fingers, which I reached out to hold and squeeze. ‘It’s just Seth and Jacob are both talking about moving her. They are saying that day is about to break, and people will start to wake. The boys are all hidden outside, however…’

“Someone somewhere will stumble over a big wolf. It would be hard to explain things?” finishing off for her. We both looked at Collin. “I’m not sure we should move her just yet. Not unless we know she is past the worst of it.”

#Renesmee came up behind #Kenzi, ‘We understand, however we have a better chance in helping Leah back home. We can take her to my grandparents’ home. We have a medical room set up and waiting.’

“You do?” I was too tired to hide the astonishment from my voice.

‘Yes.’ Her sweet and kind smile made it hard for me not to half smile back. ‘May I?’ She reached her hand out stopping inches from my cheek. I jolted back a little out of habit with the approach, and she waited patiently.

‘Ness will show you Harps, trust me it’s okay.’ #Kenzi whispered, as my hand darted back to find Collin. ‘Just breathe.’

#RenesmeeCullen placed her hand on my cheek, the vision before my eyes changed, she transported me somewhere? The motion making my stomach feel like it dropped.

But where were we? Looking I saw that it was a grand room, with wood accents, floor to ceiling glass windows to one side, and bookshelves filled to the brim on the other. A dark slate ground beneath my feet. I wasn’t breathing, until I saw… turning a full 360 degrees. The room was equipped with everything a surgeon could wish for.

‘Take a breath Harper.’ #Renesmee’s sweet voice penetrated the vision.

“Astounding!” It felt like my world was turned upside down when she removed her hand from my face.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her reasoning about our so-called second puberty. I hadn’t really experienced my first, I was propelled into adulthood… The maturation process was a little slower for #Brady and I, probably because we’d been so young. But as soon as it happened, we were training for a war… we didn’t exactly have time to figure it all out. Let alone explore or crushes.

“The first one kinda sucked… but at least we can work out this second one together, right?” I gave a soft smile. She was speaking her thoughts out loud and it made my heart skip, maybe that was the trick.. not to filter my thoughts and let it all out… But I already rambled quite a lot… that might be a little too much for anyone to put up with.

“I was.” I whispered and brushed my nose against hers, answering her question about my dreams that wasn’t really a question. The closeness between us was easing the stresses of the day. She was here, she wasn’t hurt. She was safe… she might not be okay right now, but she was holding onto me… holding onto us. Fighting for us, fighting for Leah.

My stomach dropped to the floor when she mentioned her experience on the cliff, I pulled her closer, like the action would reach back through time and protect her in that moment. “No… you didn’t imagine anything, Harper. The first time I saw you I knew you had been touched by the Spirits. I thought it was your healing gift… but clearly it was so much more than that. And you can make this choice in your own time. Or never, they’ll protect you anyway because you heal those they protect, and I don’t mean Leah.” I was talking about all the creatures she cared for.

I didn’t have a chance to tell her that; no… that wasn’t how it worked. That our ancestors and our Spirits could only guide us onto paths, the path that vampire was on was beyond their control. Maybe it wouldn’t have been Leah… maybe it would have been another one of us… maybe none of us, but I doubted that. Maybe a human would have died tonight instead… the thought horrified me. What #Kenz and #Ness had to say was a more pressing issue, I could tell her all of this when things were settled.

The guilt that flooded her made my heart ache, none of this was her fault. It made me wish I had been the one to end that vampire's un-life.

My heart started to race when #Nessie told Harper about bringing #Leah to the #Cullen’s. “I can’t go there.” The words a fearful, breathy rush… The #UleyPack left the land around the Cullen’s home to be protected by the #BlackPack, out of respect for the bond they shared with their family and the treaty between us. The thoughts of being separated from Harper right now were panic inducing.

‘Yes, you can.’ #Nessie said quickly. ‘#Sam already consented; you belong at her side.’ She quelled that panic before it took hold. This woman was truly an angel.

This was clearly a conversation I had completely missed having given my full attention to my imprint.

I clutched Harper’s hand when she reached for me as #Ness reached for her and set my hand on her waist too. “It’s okay… it’s actually kinda cool.” I stepped closer to her, knowing from first-hand experience how disorienting it can be to come out of one of #Renessmee’s thought projections. “I’ve got you.”

I laughed softly at her reaction. “Just wait until she shows you something really cool.”

Ness looked up at me and smiled… ‘We’re going to need your truck.’

I nodded and told her #Embry had left the keys in my backpack. “How close can you get it to the door?” I asked her and she just grinned.

‘C’mon, Littlesea… you know me well enough to not need to ask that.’ She replied.

❁ Harper ❁

“Cool … is an understatement if you ask me.” Willing myself to still the sway in my stance, Collin’s arms were supporting me, and the small laughter from him broke the concern growing within.

“You’re correct. There really is so, much to understand and uncover.” Once we both found the correct amount of time we would have the conversation I was sure about this.

When Collin spoke, it triggered my mind. I let go of his hand as #Ness guided him to help with the plan they had masterminded. My eyes were stinging from the tiredness and the lack of sleep. I could tell that I was crashing from the heightened rush of the night slowly now.

As I began to glimpse changes came to light in the apartment. Things were back in order. The couch had need pushed away when #Leah fell to the ground, now it had been pushed back into the correct placement. A burst of fresh cleaning products scent hit my senses.

“Who did all of this?” The question came out as a flurry of movement began to take place. #Seth’s arm came out, gently guiding his fiancé and I to the side.

‘We have it under control. Don’t worry.’ He kissed #Kenzie on her cheek, then me on my head. ‘We got you.’ Then he was gone.

“I cannot leave.” Whispering it to #Kenzie while she followed #Seth’s movements around the apartment.

‘What, why?’ She questioned.

“I still have another shift to complete here at Little Paws.” Frustration, making me rub the back of my hand over my forehead frowning. I darted a glance over to the bedroom door, where #Jacob, #Seth and #Sue were all huddled together. Then to the door where #Ness and #Collin where talking.

#Kenzie placed a hand on my arm, the way she always did when she believes me to be spinning in my thoughts. However, the necessity of the action felt unnecessary. With Collin’s calming prospect on everything we were living though right now, something told me to remain calm and collected.

‘They will not leave you here alone, and Leah.. What if she needs you?’ Whispering so low under her breath that I had no choice but to lean into her.

“I.. I know… I just… I ….” It was happening again, the nerves and the uncertainty of the choices before me were beginning to grow.

Rushing over the kitchen countertop for my phone which had been charging overnight, I scrolled until I found the number I needed and hit ‘call’… It was answered before the second ring.

‘What’s up buttercup?’ relief flooded my senses. ‘It’s a little early for you to be calling me.’

“Juan… I hope I’m not disturbing you. I need your help.”

It felt like relaxation and carelessness in his voice had vanished when he spoke again. ‘No, I’m still at practice finishing the reports from the last call out. What’s going on?’

“I... I hate to ask… And I promise to make it up… you don’t have to do your shift at La push next week, I will cover it—”

He cut me off. ‘Harper, can you stop, breathe, and tell me what is happening. Do you need me to come to the apartment? I’ll be right there.’

“NO!” The word made #Kenzi jump beside me, and #Juan fell silent. “Sorry, I mean no.. I am fine here. There is a family emergency and I need to go back to La Push right now. Please—”

He cut me off again. Any other day I would feel put out from not being heard. However, right now I was thankful. ‘Go, don’t second guess it. Just go. Family always comes first. I’ll cover things here. And I will be in La Push to help Jessica with this there.’

My eyes filled with hot tears, with my heart swelling with hope. “Thank you, Juan. Thank you so much.” Once we were done, I ended the call before telling #Kenz what had happened.

‘He is such a nice guy.’ She smiled hugging me.

“I hadn’t expected it from him. He never ceases to amaze me, that’s for sure.” Saying so as I crossed the small apartment to check on #Leah before they carried her out.

❁ Collin ❁

As #Nessie led me away I let my hand trail off of Harper’s waist, keeping my gaze on her and whispering that I wouldn’t go far. I could see the exhaustion setting in and I hoped that once we got to the Cullen’s and Leah was settled, she could sleep or nap, at least. I was already practising a convincing speech in my head to explain that I would be right there listening to everything and promising to wake her if there was anything she needed to know.

I was sure that #Ness was responsible for most of the cleaning that had happened while Harper and I were sequestered in the bathroom. On two legs she was faster than all of us and she had the best eye for detail, but the guys had clearly helped out a lot if she had been making this plan with the others.

I was standing at the door guiding #Ness as she reversed the truck as close to the front door as she could when I heard Harper say she couldn’t leave yet. “Shit!” I muttered to myself, to which a few of the guys snapped their heads towards me. I wasn’t well known for having a foul mouth. Why hadn’t I thought about the fact she was still on call!? Damn! I had been far too distracted to think this through… and I had just promised her that I didn’t want anything between us to affect her career or feel like I was taking over her whole life. Her job was important, and not just because it was important to her. It was important to the world and the animals that she healed and cared for.

I was about to head over to her as #Nessie cut the engine, but by then she was fumbling with her phone and making a call. I could hear both sides of the conversation and it felt like such a violation… but in such a heightened state, with a pack member wounded, a potential vampire in the area, two imprints and an Elder in the centre of the danger zone… it was impossible to tune things out for fear of missing a simple sound that could give the edge in an attack.

#Juan was being impatient, and I tried not to let it irk my temper, making myself imagine what I might feel if I received a phone call like that at this hour… and He had clearly been on call too. He came through for her in the end. I made a mental note to push fixing those cupboards he’d mentioned that needed a little work in the support housing higher up on my priority list. It really drove home that my dislike of him was completely irrational… but it wasn’t as though I was unaware of this from the first time, I’d felt it. Although. I couldn’t help but feel a stab of jealousy when she told #Kenzi he amazed her. #Seth’s hand was instantly on my shoulder. ‘Don’t let the hormones ruin all the growth between the two of you tonight.’ He whispered and I nodded. ‘Do you believe everything she told you tonight is true?’ He asked.

“I know it is, I would never doubt her.” I was a little defensive about it and #Seth smiled then.

‘Then nothing else matters.’ He moved passed me with a thick duvet under his arms and he pulled open the canopy and lay the blanket in an attempt to make the bed of the truck more comfortable. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy ride. I heard #Jake and #Embry going back and forth about who should move her.

‘Just trust me, bro’… It’s better if I’m the one to move her. You rally the boys and figure out who is running home and who is driving. I’ll move her and lead the run home if you want. And don’t forget about Harper’s car either, someone needs to follow us in that. Harper should stay with Leah and Littlesea.’ I heard him say and #Jake seemed reluctant to agree… but he did with a tight nod. And #Embry came back into the freshly scrubbed apartment.

I followed him back to the room where Harper was checking on #Leah. ‘We’re ready to move her whenever you say it’s okay, Doc.’ #Embry said with the kindness he reserved solely for the imprints. ‘Just let me know how we should do this.’

I stepped to her side and whispered in her ear. “I am so sorry I never stopped to think about the fact you still had a shift to work.” I sighed, disappointed in myself. “There’s so much going on… I wasn’t thinking straight…. but I should have, I’m sorry.”

(Music: See Me Again · Matthew Mole - )

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❁ Harper ❁

#Leah’s eyes flickered open and closed. She was still fighting to stay awake when she needed to sleep. Of course, I had no idea how her body differed from that of a wolf, or of a human, and that scientific side of me wanted to ask so many questions, however, now was not the correct time for it. Certain that later, when I could think clearly (and if this truly wasn’t a dream), someone… maybe Collin could humour me for a while?

Peering back over my shoulder the man who had carried Leah into the room spoke to me, I half smiled setting her I.V on the bed beside her. “We just need to be careful of her wounds and the I.V bag. I’ll ride with her I am hoping. So, I will hold it up to the correct level to keep the fluids moving.” I told him. before stepping back out of the way.

This was when I felt him before I could see him. The atmosphere around transformed into something sweet. I could taste it, without seeing it. I could feel the scent of it in my nose, when my mind told me that the apartment had been covered in bleach. I contemplated for a moment before my hand found his. “Shh… Please do not worry about this. You are remorseful when you have no reason to be.” Moving another step back as #Jake came into the room too. “Collin, none of us are thinking straight, nor should we be. Someone we all love is hurt; she is our priority—”

My thoughts and words came to an abrupt halt.

‘If you touch me… I will break every bone in your body.’ Her voice broke. My hand flew up to cover my mouth horrified at the sight before me. #Leah had pulled herself upright in the bed, blood on her top as she attempted to stand up alone and without any support.

‘Usdi, no, do not get up. Please allow the boys to help you.’ #Sue had been sitting on the other side of the bed with her daughter.

‘Every Bone… Every single one of them.’ She roared, however her breathing caught. This woman even now, wanted to leave this apartment on her own two feet, however that really wasn’t going to be possible.

‘Leah, Stop!’ #Jake’s voice boomed in the room.

It felt as though the world went stationary. Again, I knew this was all in my head. It was a manifestation of some kind. It had to be.

❁ Collin ❁

Point of View – Embry Call

I smiled at the new imprint and nodded. “Don’t Worry Doc… I’ve gotten pretty good at moving patients recently.” Granted… none of those patients had been chewed on by a vampire!

I kept my gaze on Leah’s shakily rising chest while Collin whispered apologies to his newly found soulmate… it was a pointless attempt at giving them a little privacy.

He was a good kid, maybe not the greatest in a crisis. But I had a feeling #Sam would be working on that with all his young ones soon. It wasn’t unforgivable… He had shown incredible self-control while his imprint was in danger. So, he earned major points for that.

I almost laughed at Leah’s out-of-the-blue threat… but I saw how it affected #Sue and it stopped seeming funny really fast. Her voice rose. I automatically stepped past the new couple and moved our elder back with gentle hands. I knew Leah would never hurt her; I wasn’t even sure if she could right now, but my wolf drew me forward with a protective urge.

Leah fell silent when #Jake made his command, and I couldn’t help the glare I shot at him… He never used his rank to silence us. I crouched next to the bed, pulling my narrowed gaze away from the Alpha… this would be a conversation later.

I crouched next to the bed as Littlesea took #Sue under his arm and muttered comforts to the Auntie. I leaned on the bed and touched the back of #Leah’s tracing a figure eight against it; concealing the action with the angle of my body. “Look at me, Clearwater.” I said calmly. “We need to get you to the Cullen’s. The sun is going to come out for real today and #Nessie needs to get inside.” She didn’t sparkle like her parents, but she was… glowy?

“And the humans need to sleep. Once we get you there and inside the house, no one will move you again until you can move yourself.” I smiled at her. “Then you can break all my bones… it’ll give the doc an excuse to practice. I’ve got you.” Added the last with probably a touch too much gentleness. I would have asked if we had a deal… but I was pretty sure she would say no, so I left it at that.

Point of View – Collin Littlesea

My heart ached when Harper tried to say that #Leah was our priority, but Leah spoke before I could tell her that; yes, she was… to all of us… but to me, Harper would always be the highest priority.

I didn’t leave Harper’s side for more than a second when I retrieved #Sue from Embry after he pulled her back. We could never be too safe when it came to humans in proximity to injured Warriors. “It’s okay, Auntie.” I whispered. “She’s already healing. She’s going to be fine. She just needs time.”

She sobbed softly and I could see her struggle to maintain a calm exterior. When I returned to Harper’s side #Sue reached across and clasped Harper’s hand. I stayed with them until Embry carefully and bravely scooped #Leah up and then I moved to hold the I.V. bags in the air… Not sure it was a good idea to let Harper close to Leah when she clearly did not want to be touched.

The Black Pack third prattled on the whole time about songs that were perfect for beginners to learn on the guitar, and I just shook my head… he was clearly trying to distract the patient. I’d seen memories of him using music to make his mother feel better too.

Maybe he was the right man for this job after all.

#Nessie was waiting in the bed of my truck, only feet from the door. She would have been the safe option to move Leah. Her status as an imprint made her bones off limits for breaking… But, despite being strong enough to lift her… Leah was probably a foot taller than her, so there was no way the hybrid could have carefully manoeuvred her through the doors and hallway with her injuries. When #Embry lay her down #Nessie took her shoulders and moved her back into the covered cab.

I went right to the passenger side as soon as Nessie took the IV bags and made her lap a pillow for the wounded warrior. I grabbed a coat I kept in the truck… solely for the purposes of passing for a human, it was sheepskin-lined denim. I gave it to Harper and held it up for her to slide her arms in. “It’s going to be cold back here.” I smiled at her. “I’ll drive as carefully as I can, but you should stay on your knees and reach for Nessie if you feel unsteady. She’s really strong she can hold you and herself without breaking a sweat.” Did vampire/human hybrids sweat? This was not the time to ask.

“So, don’t hesitate. If you need to tell me something, I’ll be able to hear you and Ness will be able to hear me.” I touched her cheek and kissed her forehead. “You should grab whatever you need to take with you. Someone is going to drive your car back too. They can take any bags you have.”

‘That’s gonna be me.’ #Seth walked up, #Kenzi clinging to his arm. There was no way she was ready for him to rejoin the pack and make the run home. ‘If that’s okay with you, Harper?’

❁ Harper ❁

Point of View Leah Clearwater

My Alpha nearly never exuded his power over me or any of the others in the pack. He always had a strong belief that we would grow by making mistakes and by holding ourselves responsible for them. However, tonight, he’d done it twice.

My guilt grew from the fact that I had placed him in the position where he’d seen no other way to have me comprehend what was at stake here. Thinking straight had left me hours ago, however I should know better. I was the Beta of his pack, I was the protector, the one who had to ensure their safety. And I’d failed them all. My Alpha, my pack, the imprints.

“Spirits Forgive me!” I let the request out on the air without words. My body stiffened at the command placed upon me. The urge to fight it tore from within like a volcano building with magma. Which I prayed to the spirits to guide me away from. The moment the prayer exited into a meditation, Embry Call was there, uttering softly as his fingers wrote another secret, in a figure eight…

Closing my eyes to hear what that meant, what he told me without words. And I understood. When I opened my eyes again, I saw what I had done to those in this room and heard the whispers from those outside who had been listening too. I’d taken to being a protector, when right now I was the liability. I was the one endangering everyone here, our pack and our tribes’ secrets. My Ma was being protected from me, and not by me. That itself felt like the ground from beneath me had detonated.

Nodding my head slowly once I closed my eyes, giving into my fate. Until #Embry’s plan became evident. Music. He told me we would work on a new song, that it was time I upped my intensity. Something about how I couldn’t sail on by, mediocre was not an option, how I had to work harder to become better.

Point of View – Harper Lee Jenkins

A hand took a hold of mine, allowing me to wipe my face with my free one, before turning to see #Sue in need of support. Collins’ attempt to help had been so kind and sweet. “She is stable right now Sue, this is the best time to move her from here.” Hoping to comfort a mother in pain. Situating myself closer to #Sue, curling my arms around to hold her to me.

‘We are all going to take as good care of her, as she does us.’ She whispered while we stood there.

The cosmos had a plan, or at least I could sense the intent of it. #Leah allowed #Embry to hold her, as they moved past me, I could see that she had closed her eyes. Had that meant that she had closed herself off from the world? Would this influence her after? Was I projecting my fears from the past onto her? Tears rolled down my cheeks, with the memories of an attack that I hadn’t allowed myself to think about came rushing in. However, this was certainly not the appropriate time for it.

We moved to follow behind the others, until #Sue kisses me on my cheek. ‘Thank you, thank you so much.’ Then one of the boys took her from me.

My attention moved back to the orange truck before me, shaking from the cool of the early dawn about to break. However, his kiss to my forehead while he explained what would happen next warmed me. It’s when I understood, all those times when I had been close to him. Collin had always been the one to keep me warm!

“I won’t hesitate, I promise.” I told him before turning to face #Seth and #Kenz. I stepped into the two of them hugging them both together as we had many times before. “Of course, it is okay for you to drive her. You will find the keys in the kitchen, also please take Sue with you. She needs you all to stay together.”

#Seth smiled holding out a bag. ‘I packed your things from in there, Seth and I will follow shortly, we just want to take one final look around in case your colleagues from here come to visit.’ #Kenz attempted to smile.

“They don’t really come here; I think they rented it after Juan was given a place to stay on the Rez. but thank you. We will see you on the other side.” I was given a hand by #Seth to lift me up to join #Leah and #Ness in the back on the flat bed of Collin’s truck.

I took the jacket offered by Collin, slipping it on over my t-shirt, and PJ bottoms. The cool denim was a contrast to the sheepskin inner lining which I knew would warm quickly with my body heat. ‘Don’t worry Collin, I will look after her.’ #Nessie smiled reaching out a hand for me to join her.

I took the I.V bag and held it up. “We will be just fine. I promise.” I told them all. , but my eyes remained on Collin. Wanting to reach over and kiss him.

❁ Collin ❁

I leaned into the truck bed, taking her free hand, and pressing a kiss to her fingers. I felt so wrong leaving her back here, I knew it was necessary. I knew it had to be Harper back here, and I was too big to sit in the bed of the truck with them, even if I was one of the smallest guys in the pack. “I’ll only be a few feet away.” I whispered to her and #Jake stepped up, closing the tailgate. He knew I couldn’t be the one to shut her away.

‘Keep them safe, baby.’ The alpha winked at his mate.

‘Always, baby.’ She replied before they were closed into the back.

“Damn!” I said. “It will be pitch dark in there.”

‘Ness has it covered.’ Jake replied and something inside the covered cab lit up but barely any light leaked out of the tinted windows. I sighed in relief. I was not on my game today at all.

‘Do you need me to drive?’ He asked.

“No…” I shook my head. “It has to be me.” I needed some sense of control of what was happening to Harper. Next to #Sam, I was probably the safest driver out of the lot of us.

‘I understand… but there’s someone here for you.’ Jake patted my arm as #Brady broke through the gathered guys and made a beeline for me. I hugged him and he held me tight.

“You’re meant to be on the line on the Rez.” I said into his shoulder… I was so happy to see him.

‘Nah… I’m meant to be right here bro’.’ He said. ‘I checked on your Ma’s house… I could hear Nova snoring in your parents' room… she’s fine… but all those babies' heartbeats!!’ He beamed a grin. ‘That’s hectic man… so cool.’

#Sam nodded in our direction. It was time to go. The rest of the guys bolted around the flats and into alleys to get to the woods. ‘Let's go.’ #Brady climbed into the passenger seat and I took the driver’s seat.

Getting out of Port Angeles at this hour was easy. The hard part was the utterly consuming wrongness I felt at having those women locked away in the back of the truck. I selected each street carefully; to avoid speed bumps and any roads I knew to have potholes.

When we hit the highway I was relieved, long, flat roads with a few gentle curves. I picked up speed, checking in with #Nessie as I gradually increased the speed until she said the vibrations were too high and it was causing pain for Leah. I eased back and kept that speed. Getting home would be slower… but if Leah started to bleed again this was all for nothing. She gave me frequent updates about Harper before I even had to ask most of the time.

I knew the packs were in the trees guarding our path all the way.

‘She’s a good egg.’ #Brady beamed proudly.

The roads in Forks weren’t in as good a condition as Port… I had to slow even more to stop the uneven roads jostling the truck. The speed limitations had already added twenty minutes to this journey. Getting to the Cullen’s would be even slower again.

‘It’s okay, Brother.’ #Brady comforted me when he saw my frustration. ‘They are okay. Uncomfortable but okay.’ I appreciated his realism… it wasn’t his usual go-to… but now… with Harper involved. He would tell me how it was.

It was like hours and hours had passed before we turned onto the unpaved road to the Cullen’s. “It's gonna get rocky here girls.” I spoke. “I’m so sorry!” I heard #Ness pass on my message.

Relief hit me in a wave when I finally stopped the truck in from of the huge house, #Jake, #Embry and a few others were there already waiting on our arrival. That feeling was rivalled only by how it felt to see Harper when I got the apartment in Port.

❁ Harper ❁

The back of the truck opened to allow the morning light to stream in. I had to cover my eyes a little, there was a sharpness from having a torch light turn into real brightness of the early morning.

Sounds of voices were chattering all around us, and I saw Jake right away taking #Ness’s hand to help her down from the back. They both spoke in low tones with one another as I adjusted myself. My back, shoulders, arms, and knees were all screaming out.

‘You should get out of here too nerd. That wasn’t a comfortable ride for you. ’ #Leah’s voice sounded dry, making me reach out for the bottle of water #Ness had given me. Opening it I helped #Leah’s head up for her to have a few sips.

“You haven’t seen my normal working conditions.” Saying it with a lightness in my voice. “I’m staying right here until they take you out.” Slowing the amount of water, she drank. “I’m sorry, I can only give you small amounts right now. You caused yourself some damage in Port, and I need to see what the journey may have added too.”

Her dull eyes found mine, and I saw the clamminess of her usually vibrant skin woeful now. ‘I have.’ She said, making my furrow my eyebrow not completely understanding. ‘Seen your normal working conditions.’ She added. ‘When you moved to the Rez.’ She winced trying to turn towards me. ‘I used to watch you when I was on patrol. Kenzi was worried about you being all alone. And when she found out you hadn’t seek Ma or me out. She really got upset.’ I swallowed as the realisation came to light.

“All those times I felt like I was being watched?” my voice was a whisper.

‘You were being protected by a warrior.’ She said deadpan. ‘Spirits. That sounds stalker like. But it wasn’t. Kenzi is an Imprint. My brothers soulmate. I would do anything for her to be happy. Just like I would for you. We all would, Harper.’

Before I could say anything to her. #Embry climbed into the back. ‘How’s the patient been?’ I didn’t answer. Just guided him to lift #Leah out of the back of the truck while I sat here on my knees looking at the door in dismal.

This trip to Port hadn’t been the first time #Leah has watched over me and protected me? Had she ever been in harms away because of me before?

❁ Collin ❁

I climbed out of the truck, listening to the conversation in the back. But the smell of food from inside the house flooded my senses. It smelled like… a bakery… sweet and buttery.

‘I called ahead.’ Jake said as he spotted me scenting the air, I made my way right to the back of the truck. ‘You be surprised what you can make happen in this town when you drop the name Vanessa Wolfe.’ He already had his arms around his imprint and was completely unphased by the journey.

The second I laid eyes on Harper I was an impossible mixture of relieved and frantic, she was okay in the grand sense… but it was so painfully clear that she was stiff and sore. The bed of the truck dipped when #Embry stepped up. I reached out for Harper to take my hand. “Hey, sweetheart.” I smiled at her. I wasn’t sure how Call found it so easy to pick Leah up the way he did… like he feared no consequences. But then again… he rarely thought things all the way through to the end. I helped Harper down and Kept my arm around her as #Brady took the IV Bags Harper had still been holding.

“Thanks” I whispered to him. And he followed Embry inside the house. I spied what looked like a hospital bed in the entry hall… I am sure that was to save Leah from being carried through the house. There was no way she was comfortable with that level of physical contact from her pack brothers.

I ran my hands over Harper’s back and arms. “Are you okay? You must be so exhausted and hurting… but I didn’t think you’d be happy with me if I stopped to let you stretch your legs.” I would only keep her a second… I knew she’d want to race after Leah and make sure she was okay.

‘I’ll be booking all three of these lovely humans in for a spa day as soon as Leah is feeling better.’ Ness said, already heading inside with #Jake; a quick glance in her direction showed me that only #Sam, #Brady and I were here from the #UleyPack.

My hand lifted to her cheek, and I kissed her forehead again. “You must be exhausted.” I whispered, my arms around her holding her against me almost lifting her off her feet… anything to take her weight and let the heat of my body soothe her aches and pains for a moment. “You’re amazing Harper… I have no idea how you're still standing after the night you’ve had.”

My chest ached just knowing she was feeling the effects of the hard night.

❁ Harper ❁

“Hey.. handsome..” Half smiling to hide the various thoughts running through my head, I reached out and took the offered hand Collin held out to help me off the back of his truck.

“Who is Vanessa Wolfe?” I asked straightening myself.

#Brady’s brown eyes gave me a conscious once over had his hands took a hold of the empty IV bags and the new one I had set to go next. He ran after #Leah and #Embry catching them up in two strides and then they were all inside.

My aching body stiffened and the discomfort ceased a hold of my legs, neck, and shoulders as my eyes traveled over the beautiful modern house we stood before. Hiding in the heart of a woodland, no one would accidentally come upon this place.

“No, you made the correct decision, there is no time to waste when it comes to taking care of someone injured as Leah is. I’m fine. Please do not worry about me. I’m used to working like this.” I reminded him. Even if it were his strong arms holding me up right now. Holding on to him gave me the time needed to allow the blood to flow back into the right places before I needed to stand in my own two feet.

I shook my head in the direction of #Ness, however before I could explain there was no need for a spa day. Not for this. Not for helping #Leah, she and #Jake had disappeared in side of the glass door.

Turning my attention to Collin, I closed my eyes which stung from the lack of sleep, when his warm hands touched my cold cheeks, his lips kissed my forehead. And that seemed to help with the tension in my back and shoulders.

“I…” chewing on my bottom lip, lifting my head to meet his eyes. “I will be fine. Nothing lost here that I cannot gain in a few days. Everyone here is in the same boat as me.”

My hands moved around his chest, and back needed to hold him. To just hug him and tell myself feel this was all real. Kissing his neck I slowly shook my head. I didn’t want to tell him yet again this was normal, because the truth of the matter was nothing about tonight had been.

“Anyone in my shoes would have done the same. Leah… would have done the same if the tables were turned.”

Another minute I told myself before I would pull away. “We should head inside, just to make sure Leah hasn’t killed Embry.” Trying to make a joke, however it fell flat on my own ears.

That was when I heard another car coming up the driveway. Looking over my shoulder I saw it was my bug with Seth hunched in the driver seat, #Sue beside him and #Kenz in the back.

I had been unaware of tension that had been present within me, until I saw them with my own eyes. “They are here. They are safe.” Letting my arms drop from around Collin so I could face them.

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed, even now… even here standing on the territory of the people I had once considered enemies; she made me blush. “Oh…” I chuckled and looked after #Ness and #Jake. “Um… That’s another long story. Nessie doesn’t have a birth certificate… she has quite a few aliases, her real name isn’t safe for her to use… legally, at least.” Maybe it wasn’t so long… but I supposed that the reason why her name wasn’t safe was an even longer story again. “But I think I should let Nessie show you that one, when she’s ready to.” I realised then I had said show… not tell. “Or tell you… if you’d prefer. Sometimes she forgets humans like personal space, but she isn’t offended when you ask for it.”

It was going to be different with Harper and #Kenzi when it came to Nessie… The other imprints, even #Claire had gotten used to her overly affectionate ways when she looked rather young. They knew her only as this fully grown woman… despite her intelligence and emotional maturity she still only had ten years on this planet.

I leaned in and whispered. “Is it a bad time to tell you that your dedication to efficiency is hot?” my face burned beet red, but it was a price I was willing to pay to try, lighten her mood and make her smile.

“I know you will be…” That kiss to my neck had me shivering in the best way. She smelled like me after spending so long wrapped up in my jacket, but there was an incredible scent that was unique to her. One I could pick out even in a crowd of vampires. I held onto her, burying my face into her hair. “But that’s not exactly true. Most people here could go three days with no sleep and then pick up your car and carry it from here to La Push. It might take three of us for my truck.”

I laughed again. How on earth did this woman have the ability or energy to make a joke right now? She was truly a force to be reckoned with. “I can still hear his heart beating. He’s okay.” I chuckled, it was true, though... it was a little fast. But his Beta had just been chewed on by a vampire. So, I guess that was to be expected. “And she’s in the bed now.”

I let Harper ease back down onto her feet when her car came into view. “Everyone is safe now Harper. There are five of us here, plus #Ness and another ten in the woods –“ As if on call a howl went up from the trees. Of course, it did… as soon as I promised safety.

In seconds, I had Harper next to #Sue and #Kenzi. #Seth and I stood shielding them from the tree line knowing the guys in the house would have their backs. But it was only one howl… no more came. ‘Incoming.’ Seth said but his eyes were still sharp until they seemed to light up a few seconds later.

The scent hit me and couldn’t help it… It had been so long. I gagged. I had smelled it on Leah, but this was different this was… three. Three blurred figures skidded to a stop on the gravel and my heart started to race.

‘BELLA!!’ Seth called out and ran to hug her.

I knew there wasn’t an enemy here, but my wolf clawed at my chest. I stepped backwards… moving Harper back, somehow having the focus to make sure she didn’t fall.

‘Sam!’ #Nessie’s dad called out… but he was tackled by Ness as she ran from the house to hug her father.

I was sucking in deep breaths. ‘No! No, no!’ I was screaming at my wolf, but he was pure animal instinct right now!

‘Is this Kenzi?’ #Bella was asking now; after hugging her daughter who easily looked two years older than her. She was stepping closer and #Edward grabbed her wrist.

‘Bella…New imprint. Don’t.’ All three of them flash backwards before my knee hit the gravel and I was trying to force air into my lungs, fighting the pulsing in my muscles and the stretching in my bones.

‘There’s no enemy here!’ I told him.

‘That’s right Collin.’ #Edward said from the trees.

‘Harper you should step back.’ #Sam was there then. He knelt in front of me and clamped one hand firmly on the back of my neck and the other on my chest. ‘Breathe!’ He commanded. ‘Just like me.’ I rested my hand over his heart like he used to do when we were still pups. I imitated his breathing, willing my heart into a matching rhythm. I heard #Seth call #Harper away. Fuck! They were protecting my own imprint from me. I was never going to prove to any of them I couldn’t keep her safe if I kept this up.

‘That’s not true, Collin. Everyone knows you’d do anything to protect Harper.’ #Edward called out again.

‘Fucking mind reader!’ My wolf growled.

I heard a laugh. Had I said that out loud?

‘Brother… I love you. But shut the fuck up.’ It was the big one speaking now… all still standing on the edge of the driveway.

❁ Harper ❁

I would have to wait for the woman herself to share her story. Yet another reason why I liked this man so much, he didn’t believe in gossip, or to share a story which wasn’t his to share. Liked didn’t seem to be the correct word… respected fit better.

“You and I both are well aware that people here do not believe in personal spare. And Leah is not included in the list.” It hadn’t been meant with malice; it was a fact. Since coming to La Push, I’d leant everyone loved to hug, hold, or touch you. In thanks, or just to say hello. Add to the fact he had me held close to him, and I had just kissed his neck with so many people watching.

Pulling back a little, my could feel my cheeks heating with a blush. Until I saw his face. Placing my cold hand on his cheek to let him know I saw him; however, I wouldn’t say anything to embarrass him here. “Hot? Not a way I would describe myself. however, thank you.”

I turned my attention to the house behind us, where #Leah and #Embry and some of the others had gone. “You can hear his heart beating!” I would never get used to this, would I? the sensitive hearing? The strength, and the magic of this land.

In the blink of an eye everything transformed without warning. I had been moved off my feet being placed beside #Sue and #Kenzi who held on to me with one hand, and her other hand fisted up the back of #Seth’s shirt. Fear made her shake and I let her hand go, curled my arm around her shoulders. “Kenz, what’s happening?” I whispered to her.

She shook her head telling me to not talk. To watch and to be on guard. I couldn’t believe what I was being told. Which was nothing. #Collin’s body covered mine and #Sue, and #Seth covered #Kenzi and crossed over his mom. From behind I could tell they were really for a fight. But a fight with who? Or should I ask what?

I reached out, placing my hand in between his shoulder blades when I hear the sound he made in discomfort. And my heart stopped. What I just imagined it? I blinked and the space before the tree line had been clear, and then I blinked again to find three individuals stood still as statues.

Fine, porcelain skin, they looked different and similar all at once. Two of them holding hands, while the bigger of the three stopped when his eyes landed on Collin. This awakened a fight or flight instinct. However, I knew. I want to the kind to pick flight. Not when people I cared for were… Well… as I glanced around the tension had dissipated. #Seth had rushed over to hug the girl, #Sue too had began to walk over, with Kenzi’s hand in her soon to be mother in-laws, I let her go.

Collin stepped back into me, protectively and by instinct I knew to mirror his steps moving with him without falling to tripping. And that was the moment the world fell away, my eyes only seeing the back of Collin as my mind and eyes focused on him alone. His sounded lost, fearful, angry. All the things that should have frightened me to move away. Everyone was telling me to. I could hear my hear my name being called, however I didn’t move away from him.

I don’t know what it had been, I couldn’t put any of this into words. I just knew. I was safest here by him.

My mind pushed me back to converge with the now. The beautiful girl moved to cup #Kenzi’ cheek before she had been stopped and moved away.

‘Not Kenzi. I am talking about the tall one covered in #Leah’s and the young one’s scent. His spoke in a soft tone, drawing those of us stood here in. ‘Harper, isn’t it?’ He asked, but I could tell he knew so as he’d spoken to Collin about me... All their eyes turned to me, and I froze. Lifting my hand slowly I gave one wave. What else could I have done?

All my attention shifted back to Collin, that string from my heart pulling me towards him. My eyes began to burn when I saw him falling to the ground, with #Sam moving before my boyfriend.

‘Harper, please. Please step away.’ This time it was #Sue calling out.

‘Spirits. How the tables have turned.’ #Jake stood on the top step before the main entrance, watching the scene unfold before us. ‘Remember the time Bells kicked my arse. Now maybe the pup will get to show his teeth.’ His laughter bounced off the surrounding trees. Making me frown, what was funny about this situation? Collin seemed to be in pain, and they all thought this to be hilarious? Are they kidding me?

‘Funny Jacob, still want to marry my daughter?’ The young boy with the Auburn coloured hair called out. Marry his daughter? His eyes kept returning to me, and now he smiled. And the lack of sleep must have been muddling my mind. Because were his teeth sparkling?

‘Edward… Jake…. Stop it.’ The beauty in the tight jeans, and leather jacket said rolling her eyes at the two of them.

‘When you are all done, I want to go into our home and see our friend who is still bleeding from the scent in the air.’ The big bear like one finally spoke again. His eyes moved over everyone, stopping at a point behind us.

This had to have been the first time since I’d known him, that I saw the aggression in Collin’s demeanour, and the fallacy in his person. Add to the mix the foul language? “What is going on?” I muttered. This was blowing my mind. The only person I cared to speak with was on his knees and I wanted to cry.

The air around us changed, it became heavy and sticky. Warning of a storm coming. However, there weren’t. The sound came from my heart. The song that I dreamed of when I saw Collin. Something he’d said to me came to the forefront.

‘You are my soul, my protector, my everything Harper. And I am yours. If you’ll have me… I’m yours..’

“If you’ll have me… I am yours…” The words spilled from my lips, as I removed my glasses pushing them into the pocket of his jacket which I wore.

#Sam’s worried eyes shot up to meet mine, and without a word being exchanged, he tentatively with hesitation, slowly stood clearing the path for me to replace him. I sat on my knees before Collin, my hands steady as could be, cupped his face lifting his eyes to meet mine. “Collin, I’m here. I am safe. You aren’t alone. All your family are here. You… you are here with me.” I whispered to him. Hoping he heard me.

“I am your soul, your protector, your everything, Collin. And you are mine… I want you… I want you and only you…” Taking his hand in mine, I brought them to my lips, kissing them one at a time all the while keeping our eyes locked.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart was starting to settle, muscles ached and trembled still. But my bones no longer felt like they were about to break and reshape. My wolf was fighting his instinct now too. #Sam’s heart was steady, #Jake was cracking jokes… No one was dragging me away into the trees and away from the humans I could hurt or kill.

‘They believe in you, Collin.’ #EdwardCullen spoke again, and I heard a crack. The big one… Was it #Emmett? Laughed boisterously.

‘Nice one, Bells.’ I heard him say.

Then she was there. She wasn’t afraid of us. She wasn’t leaving us. She was coming closer… touching us. She was saying the words I had told her the night I showed her what we were. #Sam stepped away… that meant he believed I would not hurt her. She may be my imprint… but anyone of these guys would put me down before letting me hurt her. Just like I would throw myself between any other wolf and their imprint if I ever needed to.

She was safe, she was here. She was… everything. My whole world in this perfect, beautiful, compassionate, intelligent, brave-to-a-fault package. She kissed my hands and it was over. “Harper.” I whispered, a little raspy while my body caught up with the calm flooding my mind. “We’re yours. Only yours.” I pulled her into a hug, my arms slipping around her; beneath her (my) jacket, burying my face in her neck. “We’re sorry… we would never hurt you... I would never hurt you.” I remembered her words in the circles…. Assuring me that I wasn't a monster. “I’m sorry. We couldn’t… He didn’t mean to… everything was just…” I had no idea how to finish any of my thoughts.

I rested my chin on her shoulder and looked over at the Cullen’s. “I’m so sorry… This is your home and I… can’t apologise enough.”

‘It’s been a trying day, Collin. We understand.’ #Bella said. Then she moved inside at a human pace, probably to not scare Harper. #Edward and #Emmett - I was sure that was his name now followed her.

‘Isn’t that the little one that had a crush on #Leah?’ He asked #Edward as they passed. The shorter vampire elbowed him in and brotherly fashion.

I stood up then, Not wanting Harper to be kneeling on the gravel after she’d been on her knees in the truck bed for so long. I pulled back to see her face, her brave, confused, pained face. My struggle was reflected in her eyes. Spirits I loved this woman so much! But today, here… that wasn’t the place. The first time I told her those words they would be about nothing else but her, for no one else’s ears but hers. “You are remarkable, Dr Jenkins. Truly remarkable. Can I ask too much of you again and ask you to forgive us?”

❁ Harper ❁

I saw the change, the moment when he came back to me. By transferring my weight forward onto my knees, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding him closer still . “I know… I know… I know you both wouldn’t harm me.” I whispered into his ear.

He lifted me up from where we crouched, while the three new faces gracefully strolled past. The shorter boy with the reddish, auburn hair, kept his amber eyes on me. He was beautiful in some ways, however, nothing compared to the beauty I saw in Collin’s dark chocolate eyes. As these thoughts make their way into my mind. He smiled and nodded his head in an unspoken understanding.

Maybe on another day, when so much hadn’t taken place, I would have smiled, and teased Collin about the comment the taller, and broader chested boy had made. But not right now.

Slowly the others began to step away towards the house, #Kenzi hesitant until her fiancé whispered something into her ear. I could see that #Sam and #Seth lingered at the foot of the steps leading up to the main door, attempting to give Collin and I some form of privacy. So, I turned my attention back to the man in my arms.

“You have nothing to ask forgiveness for, Collin. I may not fully understand what just took place, however I do understand that at no point did I feel endangered by you. On the contrary, I felt nothing but safeguarded.” Pulling back just enough that he could see my eyes. “Please believe me, you have nothing to ask clemency for.”

The sound of a throat clearing came asking to be heard. ‘Guy’s I’m sorry to do this. But can we move you inside? Right now, Leah is going crazy wanting to see you both. She knows pup... she knows you didn’t lose your shit. She’s kinda proud. But she is bleeding again.’ It was #Sam, his brows pulled together; however, the strain he had on his features before had dissipated to a point.

I looked back to Collin, Kissing his cheek. “We should go in. I want to make sure she is okay.” My hands moved up to cup his face. He was mine…. I heard what he’d said. He and his spirit warrior. They were mine.

❁ Collin ❁

She had so much faith in me… was it too much? What if I lost control next time? My wolf recoiled from the idea… No. Her face… her voice. It would always bring us back. I knew she didn’t understand… She only found out vampires existed last night, and I had no time to tell her anything about them. To tell her they were our natural enemies. She hadn’t been to a story night yet, to hear the legends from the elders.

Then #Sam spoke before I could even start to at least explain my reaction. Leah! Fuck! Whether she was kinda proud or not… I was going to get a clip around the ear for this. But if she was bleeding… Harper needed to get in there. I mirrored her gesture, and stroked my thumb along her cheek, touching her forehead to mine. “How did I ever get so lucky?” I whispered. “I swear I’ll tell you everything as soon as we have time…” I promised her. “But only after you get some sleep.”

I kissed her forehead and turned to #Sam. He gave me a nod, a smile… a serious smile… but I had known #Sam a long time and it was definitely a smile. I wrapped my arm around her waist and walked up the steps with her.

‘You did good cuz.’ #Jake smiled and held his arm out just in time for #Nessie to tuck herself against his side.

“That hasn’t happened to me since I was fourteen.” I laughed awkwardly my free hand rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. We walked inside the house… I had never been here before, but I just followed the voices. Working hard to maintain a polite expression with the scent of the vampires.

‘Learning to control your shift at fourteen was incredible Collin… unheard of.’ #Jake was always encouraging.

‘Because he’s a control freak!’ Brady appeared and gave me a one-armed hug, so he didn’t dislodge Harper from my side. ‘I have to go, twinnie…’ He smirked at the nickname. ‘If you need me… howl. You did good.’ I knew he wouldn’t be able to stay. #Sam would want to respect the Cullens’ property by minimising the #UleyPack members that were here. Then #Brady turns to Harper and flashed a huge smile. ‘And you, Doc… Are badass!’ He chortled. ‘A little reckless… but a whole lot badass.’

Then he was gone. And #Sam was telling us (for Harper’s benefit) that Leah was just in the next room.

“You don’t need to be afraid of them.” I told Harper before we went inside. “My reaction out that… it was… animalistic… not logical. They are allies.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Twinnie?” Yup, another question for later for now I followed the way #Sam showed, even though I knew where I was meant to be. I’d seen this path so clearly in the… vision? (The best way I could explain it right now).

As much as all of this night had been extraordinary, with so many missing jigsaw pieces. Somethings couldn’t be unobserved. They were all fearful when Collin reacted out in the drive way, Even #Sue who had the upmost faith in everyone, had stepped away and asked me to do the same. However, they all were filled with pride for this man now too… Yet more questions that would have to wait.

Collin guided me into the tall doors which I knew so well, even though this was the first time I had come into this home. It was a surreal sensation. Until my eyes took in the scene before me.

#Leah’s bed had been lifted so that she wasn’t laying down. As much as a bad move this would have been for her injuries, I could see her not allowing anyone to actually set her flat in the bed.

#Embry stood to her left beside her head, watching the new comers closely. From the way his arms were crossed I could see tension in his body and the clenching of his jaw spoke volumes too.

The taller of the new comers, #Emmett I believed they called him, stood to #Leah’s right, His arms crossed too. ‘Hot Head, this is not the way to get my attention. If you were missing me, you just needed to call.’ She punched him in the arm, but there was no force behind it.

‘Em, don’t tease Leah, she will take it as a challenge.’ The beautiful young girl who resembled #Ness said. ‘And we all know how those things end between the two of you.’ #Leah rolled her eyes and everyone else laughed a little.

‘I don’t know, I thought Hot Head was the only badarse in this state. But the new chick is giving her a run for her money. Did you see the way she stood up to the wolf? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that before.’ #Emmett said clapping #Seth on his shoulder, who stood next to him with #Kenzi curled into his side.

‘I’ve never seen anything like it either.’ #Seth said looking to #Leah, who turned to glance at her mom.

#Sue sat beside the bed to the far side, holding her daughters hand gently speaking in a low tone. ‘The imprints are always told to step away, to never cross a warrior at a time of uncertainty. However, Harper… she was the one to bring him down. She connected with the warrior, and he listened to her. Add to it the way Collin came back too… I could see the phase coming, he was so close… so… close…’ She sounded astonished.

‘I told you.’ #Leah’s eyes lifted to meet mine. ‘Harper Lee Jenkins is one hell of a woman and doc. No-one can stop this woman when she knows what she wants. We’ve all seen how she stands up to bullies with our own eyes.’ My glance swung to #Kenzi who was looking at me with an uncomfortable movement. As #Leah continued. ‘It just takes her a minute to work her crap out.’ She winked at me. ‘And the goofball…’ her eyes moved to my boyfriend. ‘He’s growing up… making his alpha proud.’ Something in the way her eyes moved over Collin told me she felt the pride too.

Then I saw him. The shorter of the boys. #Edward? He had his sleeves rolled up and stepped out from the far side with a suture kit. He opened it up, on the sanitised metal table beside the bed. At first, I thought he was taking the initiative to set up for me. This is when I saw that #Leah was in nothing but a sports bra, with her wounds uncovered, medical gauze resting on her stomach. He wore the gloves one at a time, sitting down on the stool beside the bed.

“What are you doing?” Rushing out of Collin’s arms I jogged forward. “You cannot do that.” I held my hands up in the air waving for him to stop.

‘Harper Stop, don’t come any closer… wait… wait…!’ #Leah held her hand up to still me. ‘Edd knows what he is doing. He is a doctor too. Just wait there…’ It was then I noticed the way in which she glanced behind me. ‘Pup… Are you going to be okay with this?’ I looked confused at her and then back toward Collin. Why would Collin be a reason for me not to do the only thing I was here to do?

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled, hearing the confused question. “Maybe we should make a list of all the things I need to explain later.”

When we looked inside the room I could see #Embry was still uncomfortable around the #Cullen’s, normally he did better with #Nessie around. But He hovered next to #Leah, now. It made sense… he was the Third for the Black Pack. But he was clearly uncomfortable with the banter between #Emmett and #Leah.

I moved my hand to rest on Harper’s back. She had been so trusting, so brave. She believed in me, in us… our bond. Her faith that she would be able to bring me back from the brink was exactly what I needed.

My greatest fear about imprinting on a woman from another tribe was that she would think I was a monster, and that she would be afraid of me. But, the one and only time I had given her cause to be truly afraid… she had nothing but confidence and understanding. I had no idea how I had been blessed with a woman as brave as The Third Wife. I saw #Edward’s lips turn up into an almost smile. I was never going to get used to having every thought broadcast when I was on two legs.

#Sue was right… I had felt the stretching in my bones, the pricking of fur beneath my skin, the boiling heat in my blood. Without Harper, I might not have been able to stop it. I saw how #Leah’s eyes moved to the ladies when she used the word bullies, that she didn’t mean me… it was an inside joke. Maybe I needed to make a list of questions I needed answers to later also.

I held my breath when #Leah turned her attention to me… I know #Sam said she was proud… but I also knew that I messed up. #Sam would wait until after the crisis to be over before he addressed the cause. But #Leah shocked me… I smiled, shuffling from foot to foot. I knew it was a phenomenal feat to stop my shift like that… but losing control to that point with three imprints and an Elder in the strike zone was unacceptable in the first place. #Edward grimaced and whispered to Leah… ‘He doesn’t cut himself any slack either.’ As he worked over a small table that looked like it was straight out of a scene from Grey’s Anatomy. Then Harper was rushing forward, and I managed to somehow release her from my hold, but I matched each step forward that she took with one of my own.

I froze… they were all on edge. Damn! Sure, they were all proud and telling me it was amazing that together with Harper managed to reverse my shift. But they were waiting for me to lose control now. “It’s okay…” I told the room at large first. “I know that I messed up… I almost lost it… but I swear I’m okay. Please just let me stay with her.” A sudden irrational fear that they would ask me to leave so Harper could finish treating Leah overwhelmed me.

‘No one is going to ask you to leave Collin. The only person here with that right is Harper.” #Sam assured me.

Then I turned my attention to Harper’s confused expression. “The Cullen’s are vampires, Harper.” I explained taking her hands gently. “But they aren’t like the one that hurt Leah.” I avoided the issue that it had been trying to hurt her. That wasn’t where my focus needed to be right now. “They don’t hurt people… the way I reacted outside… it was… out of line. I was on edge and taken by surprise, and with everything that had happened, I just lost control. There was a time when the Quileute pack's purpose was to kill vampires, but those days are in the past and we know now that they aren’t all killers… It was the first time since I met you that there were vampires around and my reaction was… primal. But it’s no excuse, they came to help Leah. They won’t hurt you. Or anyone else. You don’t need to be afraid of them. They are our allies.” I smiled at the Cullen’s as sincerely as I could. “I’m truly sorry, I had no right to behave like that in your home. I won’t make excuses, but I’m grateful for your understanding and allowing me to stay here with Harper.”

❁ Harper ❁

“However, we came here knowing they are vampires?” I asked the question to Collin, but the room was open for them all to hear.

Collin kept up with me, his warm body radiating towards me and giving me the willpower to stand with him. I don’t know why, however everything he aforesaid just fell into place on the jigsaw in my imagination. The attack on #Leah in Port, the vampire there who had been looking for me? And now here… Good people… vampires… Family of Ness… they were family? Did this mean they bit Ness to turn her? I shook that thought out of my head.

‘Please, stop apologising for caring for your soul mate. There is no person in this room who doesn’t understand you and your actions, Collin.’ My eyes moved around the room as they spoke, landing back on Collin each time. ‘We are more than just allies. Maybe someday you will see and believe it just as Leah and Seth do.’ #Bella smiled keeping her distance because #Edward had asked her too. In someway I could see how the three of them worked to stand in formation, each of them protecting the other.

‘We have been through a lot together, some good, some not so good.’ #Emmett smiled looking like a big friendly giant. The moment I thought it, #Edward laughed a little unphased as he began to work on cleaning #Leah.

Another question for the list, why did it feel like this boy was reading my mind?

‘Because I am…’ his amber eyes met mine. ‘Harper is wondering if I can read her mind.’ He told the room. ‘Some of my family have special skills.’ He added to the next unsaid question. ‘And no, we did not bite our daughter. Renesmee was born just as you were, Bella was human when we conceived her. You can add the questions to the list you have, we will happily take the time to answer.’

I turned to face Collin, my eyes meeting his as he held me close to him. I wished he could see through my eyes. So, that he could see how not afraid of him I was. Thinking it towards #Edward. ‘No, I cannot show him how you see him. However, I find that words can help you when you aren’t trying to take in so much information.’

‘Doesn’t she kind of remind you of Bella in her human days? Jumping head first into danger.’ #Emmett asked of no-one in the room in particular. ‘The lad just told her she is in a room of Wolfs, and vampires, and her concern is the wolf and Leah? I told you… B.A.D.A.R.S.E!’

#Leah told him to shut up, her eyes not leaving me once. ‘Pup, I didn’t ask if you were okay because I don’t trust you. I asked the question out of respect. You and Harper are new to this. Your bond is new, the smallest of things can trigger you, not because of anything you or she will do. It’s just uneven ground until you learn to understand one another. It’s not messing up, it’s called learning. Something you should have been able to do without the threat over your head or over Harpers. I’m sorry… I am the one who failed you both.’

“Leah…” This time I moved forward slowly, my hand finding Collin’s and bringing him forwards with me. “Please… you and Collin need to stop being so remorseful.” I smiled a little looking from her to Collin again.

❁ Collin ❁

“They haven’t lived here for a little while… It's just been #Nessie. I was… Taken by surprise. But it's still no excuse.” I explained it to her. I opened my mouth to say something to #Bella and hesitated once, twice… three times.

“I do, Bella. I really do. If my cousin trusts you all… I do. I just…” I was cut off by my alpha.

‘Newly imprinted wolves often experience a sort of regression. Overly protective behaviour…. Hormonal changes, especially when both parties are… of age.’ He said the last part with an awkward flick of his eyes between Harper and me.

‘You believe there are changes on a biological level?’ Edward asked a looked at me… ‘After we get this one back on her feet would you mind giving me a blood sample for Carlisle? He would be fascinated.’

I looked to #Sam for any sign of objection; he nodded… “Um, yeah… sure.” I owed Dr. Cullen a lot. He had hidden my blood samples in the hospital after my miracle recovery from pneumonia and a collapsed lung to protect the tribe when they suspected I was beginning my change.

Then #Edward explained so many things; he was reading her mind, answering all the questions that he knew she had, and I could only suspect. He could see into her mind and ease her concerns when that was supposed to be my job. I took a breath, quelling the territorial urge before it fully formed. ‘He really is good at this.’ #Edward smiled at #Leah.

I wanted to know what it was that #Edward was talking about, what did she want to show me? But #Emmett’s comment made me smile. “He’s right you know; you are a true Guardian. As tough as all the women I’ve told you stories about.”

Harper pulled me forward with her. No one stopped us this time, I agreed with everything she told Leah… though I had never been great at cutting myself any slack.

Now that I thought about it; I had that in common with #Leah. I’d never drawn a parallel between her and I before. ‘These two have a whole lot in common, Harper. They expect nothing but the best from themselves, yet they can understand when others make mistakes or need help. These two, however… they hold themselves to a much higher standard.’

#Embry burst out laughing. ‘Damn!! How did I not see this before?’ He braced a hand on the edge of Leah’s bed. Careful not to touch her now that it wasn’t absolutely essential. ‘The pup is a junior version of Leah!’ He cracked up… causing #Seth to laugh too and Leah punched ‘Bry’s arm… but there was no force in it. It didn’t seem like that was because she was too weak… Leah never went easy on any of us… but she never tried to hurt anyone either. Not even in training.

I cleared my throat… “I think that #Leah and I probably have a few things we need to talk about, but they can wait… other than…” I turned my attention only to her. “Thank you… I know you hate that. But I need to say it… You protected her...” I stopped myself saying when I didn’t. “And I know you always will… But I will always be grateful. No matter how hard you wish I wouldn’t be. Maybe even more… because of that exact reason.” I squeezed Harper’s hand lightly, not letting myself imagine what could have happened if Leah hadn’t been there.

❁ Harper ❁

‘It's just been #Nessie….’ This actually made some form of sense to me. If the #Cullen family hadn’t meant to be here. I could see how their arrival would have set off alarm bells. However, #Sam’s eyes and the uncomfortable shift as he spoke of a biological change taking place. It had me intrigued when I should have been worried about what it meant for us.

I had noticed the resemblance between the two of them, however when #Leah waved Collin’s thanks off; it became even more apparent. The dismissal hadn’t been to disregard Collin in any way. It was more the fact that... She couldn’t understand how to take the words and do something with them. (Or it felt to me at least.)

#Bella began asking everyone to make themselves at home, she spoke to #Sue softly offering to take her upstairs for a cup of tea, maybe something to eat. Telling the concerned mother, she missed the scent of her chocolate chip cookies. Which of course brought another question to mind.

‘Just because you cannot eat something, does not mean you cannot appreciate the aroma.’ #Edward asked still smiling.

‘If you guys eat food?’ #Leah asked getting a single nod of the head. ‘Zoop.. Bella… still remembers how it was to eat normal food, and let’s face it… who in their right mind will forget my Ma’s cooking?’ Some colour returned to her cheeks; however, she winced while modifying her position on the bed.

#Seth and #Kenzi both were reluctant to leave at first, this was until #Leah promised to call them down right away if she needed anything. #Sam, #Jacob, and #nessie were speaking in low tones with #Bella as they left. The whispers were inaudible, leaving me dumfounded as to how they could understand one another?

The room was left with just a few people. #Embry and #Emmett beside #Leahs head, with #Edward working to repair what had come undone. ‘Your rapid repair work truly is a thing of beauty Doctor Jenkins. I can see if Leah here had behave for long enough your work would have been seamless.’ He gesticulated for me and Collin to come closer. ‘Here, come look at how fast your hard work has supported the healing in our Miss Clearwater. If only she could for once become someone who listened.’ This made #Leah roll her eyes; however, she took the feedback, laying her head back on the bed to rest a little. Even if her fist were telling at how unrelaxed she truly had been.

I glanced between all the faces before my eyes found Collin’s. “Would you mind if I watched Edward work?”

❁ Collin ❁

The way #Leah waved off my words might have been seen as dismissive. But I knew it was the best she could do, that allowed me to say what I needed to say without telling me Spirit Warriors don’t do what we do, to receive thanks. It might not have been an acceptance… maybe just an acceptance of my right to verbalise the thought. And that was okay by me, I knew she wouldn’t want or need gratitude from me.

Why was it so hard to know that #Edward was in Harper’s head? Hearing her innermost thoughts... thoughts that she might never verbalize… I knew it was probably mostly because they were the fleeting thoughts that ran through everyone's minds and they weren’t the kinds of thoughts that needed to be said… but they were hers, and he could hear them… but not me. I knew he couldn’t turn it off. But it still sparked jealousy in me, it was petty and ridiculous. It wasn’t the jealousy a person feels towards a romantic rival, it was just his ability to know and anticipate her needs and wants before I could. But it was undeniably jealousy, and it was there at the forefront of my mind. #Edward met my eyes for a second but thankfully said nothing, I tried my best to convey an apology with my eyes, then remembered all I had to do was think it. It was then that I noticed the others were moving to the door… but not #Embry… it stunned me momentarily… but it shouldn’t have.

He was always the one who stayed with the pup that had sick family members. He was the one who never locked his doors so we all (no matter what pack we chose) had a place to go where we were welcome, and heard. Even if it was just because we didn’t want to be alone… or wake whoever was sleeping when coming home from a patrol.

I beamed proudly when #Edward praised Harper’s work. “Some of it might have been the drive back. As much as I love my truck it is certainly not a good alternative to an ambulance.” I half-joked… maybe defending #Leah a little, the thirteen-year-old who thought she could do no wrong might have been making a reappearance after everything she risked for Harper.

‘Keep your voice down cub.’ #Emmett chuckled in his deep rumbling way. ‘Last thing we need is #Nessie thinking that borrowing an ambulance is a good idea next time one of you gets hurt.’

So, I had been right #Nessie pilfered the local hospital for blood. ‘Don’t worry the hospital will be more than compensated and she would never leave them with less than they need to function.’ #Edward said.

“I have no doubts…” I assured him. “And I hear the ladies on the reservation are already pulling together a blood drive.” In a week the blood Nessie borrowed would be replaced tenfold.

I smiled at Harper. Even though I knew that this was her understanding of my needs and how I had felt when there was a potential danger to her, it still stung that I had put her in a position where she needed to worry more about me than about helping #Leah. That was why we were all here after all. To help #Leah heal.

I lifted one hand to brush her cheek. “Of course, you should learn everything you can, Edward and his father know more about our physiology than even we do ourselves.” I said softly, I released her hand slowly, in a way that told her I would be right here, whether her fingers were laced through mine or not. “I’m not going anywhere.”

❁ Harper ❁

Leaning into Collin’s touch I smiled a little too. “Good, I don’t want you to go.” And in the moment, I knew this yawning to be close to him, it came from within my soul, it was something unfathomable and couldn’t be portrayed by something so simple as words.

‘Get a room. And I don’t mean this one.’ The big one chuckled with his arms crossed over his chest.

‘Emmett don’t be a jerk.’ #Leah punched him without any power in it. It seemed to be weaker than the last one she’d attempted, or was that all in my mind?

‘This is unfortunately how Emmett shows he cares. He tells everyone to get a room.’ #Bella came to stand in the door with a tray of food, hot and cold drinks. ‘I know the food can taste bad if we touch it, so Sue made it all. I’m just touching the tray.’ She set it down on the side before coming to stand beside her husband. The two of them exchanged looks with unsaid words, and I was certain #Edward nodded his head a little before returning his eyes to me.

Once again, I found myself considering the conversations taking place around me. How had Collin heard about a blood drive? When had there been time to organise an event only hours after the fact that #Leah had been injured? This time when I allowed myself to look at #Edward, he did not answer any of my unspoken questions. Instead, he continued with the work at hand.

“So, you all just steal whatever you need in the hopes that it won’t impact someone who may also be in need?” I held no judgement in my tone when asking the question, however had it come out too blunt?

‘It’s not the way we like doing things, Harper no.’ #Leah’s eyes were closed still as she spoke. ‘We are Spirit Warriors, our reason for being here is to protect lives. It would be against our beliefs to cause harm on anyone.’

Then #Edward took over. ‘We’ve always kept our needs to a minimum, never really needed to gather supplies until I met Bella.’ His topaz eyes glinted, and his lips curved up into a smile when saying her name. ‘My little fragile lamb needed a lot of attention at the time from our father.’ #Emmett chuckled, murmuring something under his breath I couldn’t hear.

When my gaze returned to #Edwards hands, I saw how he had been working meticulously, I couldn’t even tell if his hands were moving.

‘It’s been a long time since I was that fragile, thank you.’ #Bella placed a hand on his shoulder lovingly.

“Do you… well… Vampires…” they all shook their heads together.

‘No… Not at all. We don’t steal blood from the hospital for feeding.’ #Edwards started.

‘We are… you can call us the sexy vegetarians of our world.’ #Emmett continued. ‘We hunt animals and feed from them.’ This made me stiffen a little, however I couldn’t understand.

“Is that even possible? If you are vegetarians, then why did that vampire want to attack?”

Now it was #Bella who spoke. ‘They aren’t many like us Harper. The one who attacked, wanted to kill to feed.’ She didn’t use the one key word. You. But the small nod from #Edward told me the truth.

My heart sped up at the thought of it. How close had I come to becoming Vampire dinner? ‘That’s a good question.’ The mind reader enquired with #Leah next, asking her for all the details of what had occurred.

As she retold the story, this time I was listening to it without my adrenaline pounding in my ears, my blood chilled. #Edward had asked me to help him, sitting me down on the stool he vacated, I cleaned up the other wounds covering them until the story came to the point when she arrived at my door. Then all the eyes turned to me.

I glanced over to Collin as I spoke, keeping him in my sight line gave me an impression of ease, reminding me how safe I felt close to him, as I repeated the events of the night. I knew there were parts I missed, so much had happened, however this was as best as I could recall them.

Telling them how the Shaggy haired white wolf had been easy for me to treat, and then how she became #Leah again. How there was poison, the thickening of her blood, and how it had made things difficult.

When I moved my eyes away from Collin to glance around the room, I was astonished as how still they stood as they listened, so I shifted to keep my eyes down. Until there was nothing more for me to do. “That’s when everyone else arrived and here we are.” I ended, finally lifting my gaze once again.

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed… heat rising up the back of my neck and #Emmett’s comment only made it worse, staining the tip of my ears red. #Edward shot a furtive glance #Embry’s way at #Leah’s comment, clearly the vampire had marked him as the protector of the packs in #Jake and #Sam’s absence…. I supposed he was the highest rank here with #Leah out of commission. Not that I would ever say that out loud. #Edward chuckled.

It was freaky. Although, I couldn’t help but admire the way he kept other's thoughts to himself. Picking and choosing which ones were appropriate to answer. I hoped that They understood the purity of Harper’s questions… I knew that the Cullens were highly opposed to stealing in any form… Ness lived more by a code of helping whoever was most in need at the time. And she always made up for it ten-fold.

“We have to weigh the balance of who is in the most need right now. But it's very rare that we need medical attention.” I told her; as though I was promising that we didn’t make a habit of stealing medical supplies.

I tried not to think of the stories of Bella drinking blood bags when she was pregnant. I knew a mother would do anything to protect her child… but that was next-level dedication. #Edward turned to #Leah and whispered. ‘This one might have more in common with your brother than you.’ He smiled.

My heart raced a little when #Bella explained to Harper that the vampire #Leah had killed tonight, would have killed and feed on her. Harper’s increasing heart rate wasn’t helping. #Embry came around the table. ‘It’s okay pup. Take a breath… Why don’t you get something to eat or drink… distract yourself?’ He suggested. But I was already bringing myself under control. I nodded and moved to the tray #Bella had brought, thanking her. I lifted the coffee pot to pour a cup. ‘That might not be the best choice today, Pup.’ #Sam said quietly, coming up next to me.

“I think I’ll stick to juice today…” I chuckled and brought the mug of coffee to Harper. “I think this should be your last one until you’ve had a little sleep… I know you’re used to long nights… but this is next level.”

I listened to Leah’s story… my heart rate heightened the whole way through, but it was steady enough that the other warriors in the room weren’t showing concern for me. Harper’s story was mostly known to me other than the moments before we got there. But now doubt crept in as I wondered if I should have gone directly to her or stayed with the pack like I had. But #Sam had ordered it… he would never issue an order he didn’t believe entirely necessary.

“Harper was incredible she did everything #DrCullen said and so much more… She just has an amazing instinct for healing.” I smiled at my soulmate. “Even with a species she’s never seen before.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Thank you.” Removing the gloves from my hands before taking the cup from Collin, my cheeks blustered a deep red. The compliments felt so out of place. “I should have been able to do much more. If I knew or understood what I was working against.” I wanted to ask if they had any milk in the house. I knew Collin wasn’t enthusiastic about store bought juices.

Shaking my head, then pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose, taking a sip of the much-needed hit of caffeine, I noticed the way the tips of Collin’s ears had turned red too. Some part of me wanted to smile, kiss his neck and cheeks, then tell him how cute he was when this happened. The clearing of a throat made my heart jump when I glanced back to see #Edwards eyes watching me, deepening the crimson in my cheeks.

‘You did more than I could have hoped for. I wasn’t going to come; I was going to wait… But my warrior… she – ’ #Leah winced frowning a little, her dark gaze moved to the tall glass windows and then she closed her eyes again. Her sentence remained unfinished.

#Bella noticed it too, she moved by #Leah’s side and whispers something into her ear, before standing. ‘If it wasn’t for you doctor Jenkins, and your quick thinking, Leah could have been much worse off.’ #Bella added.

However, it was #Sam stood with his muscular arms crossed before him who pulled my attention away. He was watching me intently. Not saying much, however I knew he saw everything. What was he thinking right now? The dismay in his vision towards me... Of course, I wouldn’t hold it against him at all. I had been the reason for this night ending the way it had.

‘This isn’t the most comfortable of places to sleep, maybe we should move a bed in here?’ #Emmett asked dropping his arms. ‘I can carry one of the—’ he was cut off by the way everyone looked at him. ‘What? I know she never stops, but when she does. She likes to sleep. I don’t want her phasing off this thin thing. Do you?’

#Edward stood up telling his brother they could use a new bed from the cottage, making to walk out of the room with him, however the Big Giant came to stand before me. A gleeful smirk on his face, and a twinkle in his eyes. ‘You know what Doc. I could carry three or four beds all alone in one arm, Ed is only coming to make sure I don’t find his and Bella’s sexy dungeon.’ With a wink he was gone in a blur leaving me sat there in shock, my face alite, totally speechless.

‘One of these days I will stop apologising for him, and just watch as someone crashes him.’ #Bella took the stool next to me. ‘Collin, on the top floor there are rooms. The clean, there are bathrooms with fresh towels.’ Her eyes wondered over to me, as though she was trying to speak to him without words.

“Oh… I…” I saw myself through her eyes. I had fresh blood on me. “Is the blood uncomfortable for you?”

#Sam chuckled. ‘It is, but not for the reasons you think.’

❁ Collin ❁

Harper blushed and her heart gave a few skips. What was she thinking that would make her cheeks flush like that? It was so cute… I wanted to lean in and kiss those cheeks… place my hand over her heart and try to decipher all of its nuances. Learn its language.

I was completely wrapped up in those thoughts until Leah spoke… her voice was filled with emotion. It wasn’t like her… not when she was speaking about herself. She was normally stoic when it came to herself, and expressive about others.

When Emmett started talking about beds my eyes darted to #Leah… I knew that she was more comfortable around the Cullen’s than most… With #Jake and #Seth taking the lead in that race. But a bed that smelled of vampires? Would she be able to rest? But #Edward was already talking about a new one… It could work.

Then his behemoth of a brother was making jokes about sex dungeons and vanishing leaving not just my neck and ears flaming, but my cheeks heated now too. I snapped myself out of it when Bella spoke and followed the flick of her eyes to Harper… finding her just as red-faced as I was.

I set down the glass that I had hardly touched and returned to Harper’s side instantly. “I can explain what he means.” I told her, when #Sam started to explain about the blood. “Would you like to go and get cleaned up? I think you’ve done as much as you can for Leah right now.” Also, I would rather not talk about how the Cullen’s smelled in front of them… I knew there was nowhere in this house I wouldn't be heard, but at least it was a small amount of respect.

‘I’ve left some clothes up their Harper.’ #Ness reappeared with another tray, and I tried to hide my relief that It would be Nessie’s clean clothes. I knew it was an unkind thought, but it flooded in uninvited anyway. ‘Dad asked me to bring you this.’ She smiled and handed me a glass of milk. The act prompted me to pat her on the head like we used to when she was little. She swatted me away.

‘You two should go and get freshened up, maybe even pop out onto the balcony for some air. I will come get you the second this one start misbehaving.’ #Ness was speaking to Harper now and moving to her mother’s side.

❁ Harper ❁

The cup from my hands disappointed and a light touch to my lower back had my feet moving towards the door.

“I…” #Nessie winked with a kind smile.

‘If anything changed at all, I promise. I will be by your side telling you in seconds.’ And I believed her. My eyes were on #Leah one last time before I walked through the door and glanced up and the tall glass windows and the stairs.

An oversized crucifix and a wall full of…. “Are those… graduation caps?” Whispering my question to Collin stopping half way up. Uncomfortable and awkward, uncertain where I was to go, and following the sound of muffled conversations when I came to the first landing.

‘Hey Harper.’ #Jake pointed to the next set of stairs. ‘Keep going, Ness set you and Collin up there.’

He came over to hand Collin a plate of food. ‘Sue’s been keeping busy. If you both need more, there’s enough to feed the pack ten times.’

He pointed again, this time I reached a hand out and stopped, Collin had his milk and the food to carry. So I worked my fingers taking the steps to the next landing.

“Do you know where we are meant to go?”

❁ Collin ❁

I walked through the house with Harper. It was strange. I had never been inside of it before, but I knew it like I had been here… From the memories of my cousin and #Seth… and a few random flashes of #Embry checking out townie girls at some kind of party, I was too distracted to really dwell on.

“Oh yeah…” I chuckled. Taking in the wall of mortarboards, I had only seen it in memories. It was far better in reality. “The Cullen’s don’t age so they move a lot… and when they do, they have to start over. Like high school… over and over again.

Except #Nessie, she… let’s just say she was home-schooled.”

Then #Jake appeared, and I smiled… he had food! My stomach rumbled loudly, and I flushed. “Thanks, Cuz.” I beamed taking the food and Jake continued down the stairs, no doubt straight to #Renessme’s side. #Harper and I headed up one more flight. And I was lost… but at least I was lost with her. “Um, sure…” I fibbed and sniffed the air… but the food and the scent of Harper filled my senses. I was hungry and starting to feel safe so my senses weren’t as heightened until I focused.

Plus #Nessie’s scent was all over the place… finding the most recent would be hard. “Would you hold this for a second?” I held out the food to her. “I’ll show you something really cool.” I stepped away and scented the air again. “I just can’t focus on anything else when all I can smell is you.”

I found #Ness’ freshest scent and opened the door where it came from, taking one more whiff. “This is where Ness was last.” I told her and took the tray back; opening the door wide to reveal a room filled with all-white fresh flowers, large windows opened wide, and towels piled at the end of a plush four-poster bed that instantly made me blush, until I saw the couch against the back wall with a pillow and a blanket folded on it.

The blanket smelled a little like #Jake. He truly was the greatest cousin. I didn’t think Harper would sleep, but if she wanted to, I didn’t want her to feel awkward about it.

The was a door in the corner next to the couch. “I think the bathroom must be back there or would you like to eat something first?”

❁ Harper ❁

Dropping my head to the side, I held the tray with both hands. Witnessing firsthand how Collin searched and sensed his way towards the correct room assigned to us.

His nose twisted like a puppy looking for their first treat. His eyes narrowed wistfully as he concentrated. And to me, the world had disappeared once again, with Collin taking centre stage of my universe.

Once the door opened, I took a few steps in. Following the outline of the room at first. It was so well appointed, everything in its rightful place. Welcoming and inviting not to show homey, however still something that could be on the cover of AD.

Then I saw the four-poster bed with the towels waiting to be used. At first nothing seemed wrong, until my eyes moved up to the pillows, the covers, the way romantic getaway piped into my mind and then I felt the blush heating my flustered cheeks.

What was wrong with me? With my body? How could I react in this way, right now? “This is what sleep deprivation looks like.” Muttering it to myself.

His voice startled me. “Oh… nothing… I mean….” Crap crap crap!!! He hadn’t asking me what I was thinking about! Telling myself to get a grip…

“Uhm… dinner… food….” My tummy answered for me just as I had planned to decline and shower first.

“I guess eating first is better.” My eyes on the try fully of two bowls of soup, sandwiches, fruit slices and a jug of water. “Jake was not exaggerating. There is a lot of good food.”

Walking to the door Collin pointed towards. I turned to light on, eyes wondering until I found the sink to wash up before reemerging. “This house is truly beautiful, so well together. Everything has been planned and placed is the most perfect way.”

❁ Collin ❁

I could feel her watching me, it made me grin… and feel a little confident showing off my enhanced senses. Sniffing the air like a dog probably wasn’t really a flex… but it had been a long night.

When Harper entered the room, she looked impressed but then her scent changed and my heart raced, blood heating. Thank the Spirits for the many scents and voices that prevented me from allowing those feelings to snowball.

I smiled at her whisper and wondered if now the time was to tell her I could scent those changes in her… but decided I should wait until there wasn’t a mind reader in the vicinity. Then thought Sorry Edward. But I knew he’d understand.

Then her tummy growled, and I smiled. “#Sue knows all about how to feed a house full of Spirit warriors.” I chuckled. When she disappeared to wash up I set the food on the small table on the balcony like #Nessie had suggested, moving the two intricately designed seats next to each other so I could keep her warm.

“It really is…” I said, holding out the chair for her. “Mrs. Cullen… Esme…” She had told us all so many times to call her that. “She has a flare for interior design. I guess when you live that long finding a passion in an industry that’s in constant flux makes sense."

❁ Harper ❁

My gaze caught Collin as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, the small tentative wall towards the darkness of the balcony being kissed with the light of the day breaking somewhere on the other side of the trees surrounding us followed me with the chill of the air.

Hugging myself I joined him. “Thank you.” Taking the beautiful chair, rubbing my arms before the warmth began to radiate from Collin.

My back ached, feet throbbed, my eyes were heavy and still I found myself with a second, or third wind. A mix of the unknown with elements of adrenaline still rushing through me if I were to guess.

“I agree, Sue has always welcomed me with open arms, and a table full of food. Now I understand a little as to why.”

Taking a slice of apple, playing with it a little. When I dared to meet his eyes, I kept my voice low as I glanced at the view and then him again.

“Mrs Cullen is Edward and Emmett’s mom?” Trying to decipher the relationship. I couldn’t believe she gave birth to them? Or could she? Didn’t they say Bella has given birth to Jake’s girlfriend, Nessie?

“She must have an artistic sense to be able to create such a wonderful home for her family.” Finally taking a bite of the fruit in my fingers.

Talking in the attempt to find a solution or an atmosphere to where the discomfort would disparate a fraction.

❁ Collin ❁

I knew she would warm up soon next to me, I put my arm around her and leaned in… rubbing my hands up and down her arms when I saw her trying to warm herself up. “I thought you’d like a little fresh air, after being stuck inside and in the truck bed all night... But if it is too cold, we can move inside.” I smiled… maybe I wanted the excuse to be close to her.

My hands brushed up over her shoulders, willing my heat into her exhausted muscles… exhausted and… tense. Really tense. I ran my hand from one shoulder to the other. She had to be aching. Instinctively I started to gently rub her shoulders, skimming my fingers against the back of her neck… I was suddenly very aware of my strength, even though it was never something I worried about with her. But I hoped that at least the heat of my skin would sooth some of the aches and pains.

“For all intents and purposes, she is.” I answered her question about Mrs Cullen. “But she can hardly be older than late twenties… at least when she stopped ageing. But she and Dr Cullen, are the heads of their family, one-by-one the others found them, or Dr Cullen changed them… but only because it was that or… true death. He doesn’t turn humans he can heal with modern medicine.”

I couldn’t help but admire the Doctor… he had protected our tribe and pack in many ways… even before the new treaty. Even if that was by tampering with blood samples when it was clear my recovery in Forks Hospital wasn’t strictly human. “Other them #Ness and her parents none of them are related by blood. But they are as much a family as anyone else’s… probably even more so… because they’ve been a family for many lifetimes.” The graduation caps were the evidence of those lifetimes.

“They are very open, well, most of them one… of the sisters, #Rosalie… she’s a little…” I tried to think of a kind word. “Guarded. She’s married to #Emmett. But if you have any questions, I don’t know about they’ll happily answer. We try to understand each other as best we can, now that the ancestors have told us not all Cold Ones are our enemies.” As I explained all of this, I kept rubbing my hands over her shoulders and upper back, I wouldn’t call it a massage… touching her like this, knowing she was in pain made me overly conscious of my strength. My wolf stirred, telling me we couldn’t ever hurt her. I knew he was right, but did it hurt to be careful with her after the night she’d just had?

❁ Harper ❁

“No…” The word rushed itself free before I could comprehend the sound of my tone. “Sorry…” shaking my head a little my eyes closed before my tired gaze hovered back to find him.

“The fresh air feels good about now. I don’t like thinking about the facts of a night when I am working or not sleeping. I will make up for it later when I can.”

His hands, more the heat radiating from them soon took the shivers away. There weren’t any feelings of anything more than relief from my sore muscles. Thinking beyond the moment was impossible. Taking a bite from the apple slice in my hand listening to the family dynamics I could understand what Collin had meant by it not being the easiest thing to explain, then again there couldn’t be one single thing in this situation we could say was ‘Easy.’

My mind kept coming back to his hands. The more attention I attempted to give to other things, the sky, the food, the fact I was sat in the balcony of a house belong to vampires, with a boyfriend who becomes a wolf… however all I could think about was his touch, the miracle healing of them. The way my muscles hummed in a dull ache from the throbbing pain only seconds before.

“Aren’t all people guarded to a point? And we all deserve to keep ourselves at a limit where we feel comfortable after all.” Sharing a small smile. “Especially if you’re seen as an enemy or an outsider. Saying that… if feels like you are all cohabiting fairly well?”

I wouldn’t ask any more questions about the Cullen’s relationship. This wasn’t me trying to gossip, I just wanted to comprehend what I had stumbled into. “Everyone deserves their right to privacy. And I don’t wish to pry in any way.”

Popping what was left of the apple into my mouth and chewing.

“You should eat something too.” My body melted so sweetly into his touch now. “You know...” The most ridiculous thought freed itself.

“You are wasting a talent… you should be a masseuse.” The moment it was said, my face flashed. “I know… crazy idea…”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her… I felt like I had finally managed to make one tiny choice, right. I promised from now on I wouldn’t screw up the big ones too. “I’ll keep you warm.” I whispered and immediately felt heat crawl up the back of my neck until it reached the tips of my ears.

“I guess so… and we all have the right to do what we need to protect ourselves and set our boundaries.” I agreed with her. When she mentioned food, I realised how distracted I had been. I picked up some of the sliced apples and took a bite… I followed it up with a butter croissant too… even though white flour wasn’t something I normally ate; I knew it would make me feel full. Or as full as a Spirit Warrior could feel.

Thinking about it the way that she was describing it… it made more sense. We had started as enemies… rivals… then a tentative treaty. “I haven’t really interacted with the Cullen’s much. Other than #Carlisle… he worked in the hospital… so I saw him a lot before I knew…” I shrugged. “Any of this, I suppose. And most of the communication after that, was through #Jacob’s pack and #Sam.

This is the longest time I’ve been around them on two legs.”

I chuckled a little at her final observation. “Okay, now I know you need a nap.” I wiped my mouth with a delicately folded napkin from the tray and kissed her temple. “I think I would rather save that skill for you alone.” I smiled and showed her my hand, palm up. “Another gift from my wolf. A carpenter with soft hands… no callouses because of the healing… and even though thirteen-year-old me did a lot of carving… I never had any before I changed.” Every time I got to share something like that with her it made the bond deepen somehow. Like it was another piece of me given over to her completely.

❁ Harper ❁

“It’s kind of like a pack hierarchy in a way.” #Sam and #Jake were the leaders from what Collin had told me and what I’d picked up tonight. So it would make sense they would keep others from the pack away where danger was possible.

“Dr. Cullen seems nice, and knowledgeable. His ability to guide me over the phone, not being in the same room and still having known the pitfalls I would encounter, and to have the solution ready to go.” Now I had to the time to think it over, it was astonishing.

The comment about keeping his massage skills for me alone, was not missed, however the next thing said intrigued my mind too much to allow myself to fluster. (Which I will when I replay this conversation at a later date.)

Wiping my hands before I took a hold of his. “How have I missed this.” Whispering it to myself and maybe him too.

“Your work… your hands they should be hard and rough to the touch, however they aren’t.”

Examining his palm, my fingertips trailing the lines and the muscles. Noticing the way his skin felt, and how I hadn’t noticed the softness of them.

Turning it around in my own hand to glaze over his nails, and the lack of marks of cuts. His hands were perfect.

I placed my cold, dry one next to his. You could tell the winter weather, the cold nights on farms, and the constant need to wash, had taken its toll on my skin. Things such as animal scratch’s, bites, littered mine.

“You heal at a greater rate than… others… Leah is proof of it. However, what you just said about before your change.” It would explain his body. “How is it that some things are healed, and others aren’t?”

❁ Collin ❁

“It is…” I grinned. “It’s not the same as a wild wolf pack; with an alpha pair. Probably because we only knew of males joining the pack until Leah. But we have our Alpha. The role is dependent on bloodlines, the closest bloodline to the Great Wolf claims the role. #Sam was the first, so he was Alpha, he’s a descendant of the Great Wolf, but #Jacob is a direct descendant. There were four pack members by the time he phased. And he yielded the position to #Sam when he offered to step aside for the Chief’s son. I’ll tell you all about how we became two packs after we’ve both had a little more sleep.” I chuckled but it was dark. It was a dark moment in our history. One none of proud of, one we all remembered every time we saw #Nessie smile or snarl or heard her music…

“So, we have an Alpha, and they chose a second. #Sam’s second is #Jared; you haven’t met him yet, #Leah is #Jacob’s and #Embry… the only one with a death wish so big he picked #Leah up twice…” I laughed. “Is his third. Sam’s is #Paul.” She would remember him from the night in the bar and the day #Rachel rushed Nova to the clinic and half the pack showed up.

I chuckled. “Yeah… every day after work they heal… I’ve broken most of my fingers… gotten all sorts of cuts and splinters and by dinner time…” I shrugged. “They’re all gone. It’s kinda hard to explain to human coworkers.”

I had wondered the and half the pack showed up.

I had wondered the same things for a long time. “I think it’s to remind us of our lives before, that we are human too, that’s why our souls are bonded to humans, so we don’t forget that our stalled ageing isn’t meant to give us immortality. The magic in our blood is what is eternal, our souls and our bonds are eternal, but our bodies… We keep our old scars, so we remember they were born of flesh and blood they are, they hurt and heal and pass the magic to a new generation, then eventually fade until we meet our ancestors.”

❁ Harper ❁

The chief’s son… an image of #BillyBlack flashed before my vision. The older man, with long dark salt and pepper hair, almond skin with aged winks, eyes which saw all the world had to offer, and a kind yet stern smile. He was the father of #JacobBlack. He also was Collin’s uncle too. “You are a direct descendent too?”

Of course, I understood the psychology of most animals. A pack of wolves were territorial and loyal to the death, they were faithful to their alpha. Only a deep rift with the powerful dynamics of the hierarchy became the reason for a strong pack to split. However, I would let Collin tell me in his own time.

Right now, I attempted to hold on to the information being shared, the names and the roles, how they were divided between the people I had met, and some I had yet to meet.

My ears perked up. “Stalled ageing? Immortality?” Did we discuss this before? I wondered. Because it had been said with such certainty that I questioned my own judgment of the words. “I’m sorry. How old are you, Collin?” This was a question I’d not asked. Never needing a reason to do so.

❁ Collin ❁

She listened and took everything in. I hoped I wasn’t overwhelming her, she had to be exhausted. I had promised I would tell her everything. But there was no rush… especially when she needed rest after the night she’d had. We had our whole lives to learn everything about each other.

“I am… but I’m not an Alpha.” I could be and we all knew it, but not while Jacob was part of a pack, this was a fact that had comforted me for a long time. I was so young when I phased that no one ever had that expectation of me, anyway. “That would pass to Jake’s kids before me… or maybe even Rachel’s. For generations, it was believed it was passed from Father to son, but my dad isn’t part of any known Warrior Bloodline. I got it from my mom.” There was no longing in me to ever be named Alpha, #Sam and #Jake was born to lead, and it was an honour to be led by them. Both of them, not only #Sam. We still weren’t sure if the split in the bloodlines would continue through the generations.

I had told her how fast my body had matured after my change… but had I told her that I hadn’t aged a day since then? I smiled a little; I was curious… did she think I was much older than I looked? I mean she wasn’t wrong to wonder… I could be forty and still look like I do now. “How old do you think I am?” I asked with a (hopefully) cheeky smile. But She’d had a very long night, so I saved her from having to guess. “I’m twenty-three Harper. But how I look now… other than my hair and maybe a little muscle mass… I’ve looked like this since I was fourteen. The phase accelerated my growth until I reached what was considered full-grown. #Brady and I look younger than the others… We were the youngest at the time we phased. But younger kids joined later… the youngest guy to join the pack is twenty now and he looks about our age too.” I kept my gaze on her…

“I’m sorry… am I throwing too much information at you? I promised I would tell you everything. But we have time… And you must be so tired?” It sounded like a question… but it wasn’t one. Just concern for her, and the lingering knowledge that we might need her still to care for Leah. I wanted her to rest as much as possible when she had the chance because I had no idea when we might have to ask the impossible of her again.

❁ Harper ❁

“No… I… I didn’t mean if you would become an alpha… I’m … well trying to place the relationships between everyone.” You didn’t have to lead to be a leader. This man had a lot to offer the world. And I felt it from the bottom of my heart.

Taking a drink before setting it down my hands resting on my lap, I worked them trying to dig myself out of this hole I had somehow managed to fall into.

“I…. Uhm…. You…” tongue tied once again by his ability to turn a question back on me. We had to be honest, I had to be honest. Guessing people’s age wasn’t a game I ever came out of without offending them, so I tended not to play.

Just as i dredged up the courage to say I thought he was the same age as me. From the way he held himself, he had to be. However, he spoke first. This was when I saw the smile he shared. He wasn’t testing, just teasing.

Rubbing the back of my hand over my eyes sitting back a little again. “Please don’t apologise for telling the truth. I’ve been the one who is asking so many questions. You are just trying to enlighten me.”

A yawn broke free, my hand covering my mouth as I slowly stood up. “Are you sure it is okay to sleep here? I feel as though I should be close to Leah just in case.”

My eyes were on Collin, however also drifting towards the invitation of the comfortable looking bed, with an ocean of pillows, and the softest throw, dropped stylishly on the foot of it.

❁ Collin ❁

“I know it's hard… it has been generations and so much was lost in the last few, people assuming the stories are just myths… so many descendants moving away and never coming home. We have no idea how much of our history was lost.”

I chuckled softly; she was so cute when she was all flustered. “I know, I promise to answer everything as fully as I can and with complete honesty. But…” I paused. “We don’t have to talk about every detail today. We have all the time we want to learn about each other.”

I followed her gaze to the bed and nodded. “I’m sure, I would love to tell you I could take you home… and I will if you ask me to. But I had a feeling you’d prefer to be here and… like you said… #Leah might need you again.” I wiped my hands and pushed my chair back. It was going to be weird for her… sleeping in a house full of strangers, but we were low on options. “I’ll be right here the whole time.” It was a promise to her and me. I knew I couldn’t leave her alone. It wasn’t because we were in a house full of vampires, but that didn’t help, friends or not. She could have died last night and the idea of her being so much as in the next room made my wolf and I restless.

With a slightly playful grin, I scooped her up off her chair and carried her back inside. She wasn’t so exhausted that she couldn’t walk… but my desire to ease her exhaustion and pain was so intense I would do every little thing that was within my power.

If she wanted to be alone, of course, that’s what we would do… but I hoped... we hoped… “I mean…” I cleared my throat, setting her down on the bed. The mattress was so soft it dipped where I put her down, and she was just a slight little thing. “Unless you… I um...” Oh no… the stammering was back! “If you… eh… I…” I waited for a voice somewhere in the house to mock me… but they must have been trying really hard not to listen in. “W-would you rather if I… uh…” I motioned to the door. Unable to say ‘waited outside’ because if she wanted to be left alone in the room that is exactly where I would be. Right outside that door.

❁ Harper ❁

The sound escaping wasn’t like any I’d made before. The high-pitched squeal at being swept off my feet, sent my tummy into a fluster, my cheeks flushed, and my heart race rampant.

My arms quickly went around his neck and then I saw him. He carried me without a care insight. Like I was a feather. How… stopping myself from asking yet another question. My gazed reminded in his face.

So close, I could feel the heat off his body, his strong arms holding me, the determination in his stride, and then the gentleness in his touch. Lord, please have mercy on me!

Speak! I told myself to speak, to say something, to stop staring at Collin. Still keeping my voice low, exhaustion taking a hold with every step we came closer to the bed. “You are correct, I wouldn’t want to go far from Leah, not while she is this way. And I…. Will… I’ve slept in barns, on hay bales, and even cold floors. This… feels extravagant for me.”

As soon as he sat me down, I heard the uncertainty in his manor, the way he spoke, which feed into me feeling the same way. So, I reached out and took his hand in mine.

“Please…. If… Uhm… if you don’t mine...” My face flushed hot once again. “Please… would you… stay… here… Uhm... with me?” Now I felt uncomfortable in asking such a thing.

“I mean… if you want…. If you aren’t needed downstairs…. I…Uhm… I….” My eyes moved from him to the door, and then to the bed I sat on. “I don’t want to be alone.”

❁ Collin ❁

I felt, scented… sensed all the changes in her. But that little squeak when I picked her up… Even now that made me smile. And the way she latched onto my neck… she would learn in time I could comfortably carry her around all day every day; if she wanted me to.

She wasn’t wrong about the bed… this thing probably cost… I couldn’t even guess. I crouched in front of her next to the bed and reached up to brush her cheek. “Harper, I’m here for you. No other reason.” I smiled. “And you’ll realise very soon that given the choice… I will always… always choose to be wherever you are.” I brushed my thumb over the still pink apple of her cheek, flushed from my method of moving her to the bed.

I pulled my hand back and knelt on the thick, pure white carpet, lifted her foot, and rested it on my thigh as I untied her boot and slid it off. “That’s why honesty is so important to me… I might need your help with knowing when I’m being overbearing or…Well…” I was brutally honest. “Clingy. And in the spirit of honesty… there’ll be times when I tell you I’m staying close anyway… Like today.” I chuckled because I never voiced my plan to stand guard at the door if she wanted privacy.

I started on her other boot. “The last thing I want right now is for you to be out of my sight. Even here with a house full of Warriors and powerful allies… I just… I…” I shook my head and rested my hands on her knees… I looked up at her from where I knelt. “When we realised the distress signal was coming from Port Angeles and I knew you were there… I…” Guilt hit me, but I finally let it out. “I was so scared something happened to you…” I knew Leah wouldn’t hold it against me. None of them would. “I knew Leah was hurt, but all I could think about was whether or not you were okay… I was terrified you were hurt… or that I could lose you. I even disobeyed an order from my Alpha to get to you and that shouldn’t be possible.”

I leaned up to my full kneeling height, eye-to-eye with her. I could feel my eyes start to sting. “So… the last thing I want is to leave you alone, Harper.” I leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead; I pulled the sheets down as far as I could. “Get some rest, sweetheart. I’ll be right here the whole time.” I would never presume to climb into bed with her, but I would happily sit here next to it for as long as she needed to sleep.

❁ Harper ❁

The world melted away when he took to his knees before me, removing my boots freeing them from the strain of the night. Chewing on my lips had been all I could do, not to crumble seeing him so raw open with me. The level of honesty in his actions, kindness, and what was being said, came only second to the glint of moisture I witnessed in his eyes.

My heart sank, my hands shaking as I couldn’t believe that someone had ever seen something in me to do and say something so openly. I really didn’t deserve it after the way I had backed away and locked myself in my work so not to face the consequences of what I had been shown.

Collin, Kenz, Seth, Leah…. All the faces whom I was yet to learn the names of… who had jumped into action because I hadn’t understood the danger I had placed on Leah. I closed my eyes pushing myself back into the bed when Collin dressed it down for me. I took my glasses off, closing them slowly before setting the frame to the side. Dropping my head so that the few tears which had fallen free by their own accord, were hidden I turned away to curl up into the fatal position hugging myself from the cold chill consuming me now. So many emotions, thoughts, and realisations bombarded me all at once.

He was asking me to tell him when he became overbearing. Clingy is the word Collin used? I should have been the one grovelling to them all. It shouldn’t be this way around.

However, what could I say? How could I show my gratitude, to show Collin what his, Leah’s… The sacrifice made by everyone in this house meant to me.

The fear in #Sue’s eyes when she saw her daughter, and #Seth too as seeing his sister. How #Kenz had cried… and then Collin, that look in his eyes when he first set his beautiful brown gaze on me… my heart sank. I had been the cause of all those fears.

“I’m so… so… so… sorry.” My voice trembled so I stopped before attempting once more.

“I will do my upmost to ensure no one in your family will ever be hurt because of me. That I will not frighten you like tonight again. I’m not.. not.. sure how, however I will endeavour to make it happen.” Promises being made that I hoped amongst all hope I could live up to.

❁ Collin ❁

She turned away with tears in her eyes… my heart shattered. My wolf stirred and growled in the back of my mind for upsetting her. I rested the hand she had just been examining, like it was a miracle, a few moments ago on her arm. “Harper,” I said softly. “You have nothing to apologise for.”

I moved around the bed so I could see her face, where she’d curled up. The bed was obnoxiously large, so I had to lean across it to crook a finger beneath her chin and tilt her tear-stained face up. My heart gave another lurch, and my wolf pushed us to climb onto the bed completely, gather her up in our arms until the tears stopped.

But how could I take a liberty like that after making her cry? …. AGAIN.

“You did nothing wrong Harper,” I said again to drive it home. “That vampire would have been in Port Angeles last night whether you were or not. Most likely a Nomad passing through. But… Leah was there because you were there. It should have been me… but that doesn’t change the fact that he was hunting… he was going to kill someone, maybe more than one person. The only reason no one died last night was because he chose you and Leah was protecting you.” I paused, wiping those tears away. “Everything that happened was awful, painful, and terrifying… but at least one human life was spared and every single life that vampire would have taken over decades… centuries.” That might have been dramatic… but we knew there were vampires at least a thousand years old. More.

“He is the only one who was wrong last night, he was the one who decided to end lives. No one else is at fault.” I actually felt my lower lip tremble. I knew there was blamed to be placed on me. Leah was hurt because of my failings. Harper could have died because of me. “Please believe that sweetheart. Leah saved an untold number of lives tonight and you saved her. That is what happened. That is what we need to focus on.”

My heart tightened like it was being squeezed. “I should have been there… I’m the one that should be sorry.” I knew it… I knew something was wrong and I doubted my instincts. I told myself that I was overreacting; it was the anxiety of a new imprint being so far away. I had to trust my instincts, I had to trust my wolf. It was that thought that pushed me over the edge.

Trust him.

So I did. I followed his instincts and climbed up; leaving my boots tucked neatly near the foot of the bed. I scooted over the wide mattress… and if I thought it dipped a lot when I set Harper down… it had nothing on how it sank with my weight. I gathered Harper up as she almost rolled into the centre of the bed with the depression I made. I scooped her up, blanket and all and rested against the headboard, nestling her on my lap.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to keep you safe.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I should have been there for you. It should have been--” I halted the moment I said it. I imagined Harper having to endure being covered in mine and my wolf’s blood. “It should have been different… I should have been there for you when you needed me.”

❁ Harper ❁

I heard Collin loud and clear, and being an intelligent woman of science I of course knew it all to be true. I knew the facts, and with him laying them out before me in a precise line as he had, made them sink in further more. However, since things progressed with Collin, this emotional aspect had begun to show itself. The need to be, to protect, to feel deeper and stronger than I had before. The word ‘𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴’ now had meaning behind it.

Guilt had to be the reasoning behind my decision and emotions now. It had to be. Now that I had a moment to think, to feel, to let things from the night replay and sink in. To progress through everything. (Even it was with a foggy mind.)

“I know and understand everything. The logical conclusion is of course standard with you and everything you’re saying.” My hand moved to my chest with I could feel an earthquake of pain. “Something so strange is telling me… I failed.”

Any other time, I would have laughed, I would have squealed and giggled at the way my body rolled to the middle of the bed, to the way his weight pulled us together, how I was all legs and limbs when he scooped me up and then settled us at the top of the bed. However, not tonight.

Closing my burning eyes, from the exhaustion, the crying, from the comfort washing over me the minute his strong arms engulfed me. I felt myself relaxing, and then I stilled.

Collin blamed himself. He’d said it before and it had registered somewhere in the back of my mind, but this.

“No…” shaking my head, I pushed back cupping his cheek and bringing his eyes to meet mine. My heart sank at seeing the glistening tears in his eyes.

“No… Collin…” my heart stopped and then raced, anxious feeling taking over while I looked at him.

“No..” his unfinished sentence had been said before too. And I still felt the same way. “If you were there… if you had been the one at my door…” fresh tears slipped freely down my cheeks. “I… I… I couldn’t…”

I could imagine it, as much as I hope I would have jumped into action the question was still unanswered. Would I have been able to help him as I did Leah? Or would I have been so devastated that I would have frozen?

“I froze when Leah was at the door.” I try to speak over the lump in my throat. “I have trained all my life to jump into action, to block away everything, but the situation before me…. And I froze!” Sniffling as I spoke. “If it were you…” no... I still couldn’t finish the sentence. Because I didn’t want to put that sentiment out into the ether.

So, I kissed him. Softly, slowly. I kissed him with my chest beating so hard. With my mind pushing me to see him on my floor with all the injuries from Leah’s body on his. I sobbed into the kiss because I felt helpless. And in that moment, it felt like a switch had been flipped.

I found a strange strength in being in his arms. Of surviving. Of the good we all had done. And I knew in this moment. My world had changed. Because I accepted this world as mine.

Resting my forehead to his, my eyes closed again. My breathing ragged. “We learn from tonight. We learn and we grow, we find the next step, and we take it.” It was the making of a plan, a list of tasks, a way for us to move forward.

“Leah is going to fight; she is going to be okay.” I said it as it was a fact. Because she was strong. “And you…won’t blame yourself. You… won’t wish it were you there… because I need you here, like this… with me.”

❁ Collin ❁

I held her gently, my hands rubbing her arms. I kissed her hair and whispered. “That feeling is probably coming from your sense of duty to the pack. Even if #Leah isn’t in ours… that divide doesn’t seem to change anything for any of the imprints. You’re still new to it… you haven’t had any practice filtering it all. But you didn’t fail, Harper. You saved our sister, my sister in so many ways… I couldn’t imagine the pain if…” I swallowed hard. I couldn’t go there. “She will heal so fast you’ll be shocked; I promise you.”

The fear and pain on her face, when she moved to see mine, made me stop… and I knew then I would never wish my place traded with #Leah’s again… not even in my own head. I didn’t explain it would have been different, that if I had been there, I probably would have been with her in the car and my scent alone would have turned the vampire in a different direction.

I was about to tell her that no one ever trained to perform surgery or a blood transfusion on a seven-foot-tall wolf, but when she kissed me the train of thought was lost. I returned her kiss her quiet sobs brought tears to my closed eyes again.

Then our foreheads pressed together, and I heard every word she said. If that was what she needed, then I would do everything in my power to forgive myself for even of the last… By the Spirit’s… had really only been hours? “Okay.” I whispered and pressed one more kiss to her lips, I could taste her tears there. “And I will always try my very best not to end up with any kind of injury that might need help beyond what my wolf can heal. So, I can spare you that pain.”

I wiped her cheeks tenderly. “Get some sleep, sweetheart.” I kissed where my fingers had just been. “We need you rested while you can. I’ll be right here with you.” I didn’t move, I just loosened my hold on her to allow her to get comfortable and rested her head on my shoulder. “Everyone is safe and I’m not going anywhere, Harper.” I pressed one more kiss to her to the top of her head.

Continued...

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memyselfandi-12 · 3 years

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#twilight renaissance #twilight #twilight saga #charlie swan #bella swan #edward cullen #sueclearwater #twilight stuff

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whenthetablesareturned · 3 years

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Introduction to Lee Peter Clearwater – A story by Lee Clearwater

Lσƈαƚισɳ: 𝙻𝚊 𝙿𝚞𝚜𝚑, 𝚆𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚘𝚗 Wԋҽɳ: 𝚃𝚎𝚗 𝚈𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙳𝚊𝚠𝚗 We are all told stories as we grow up. Some are bedtimes stories, others are tales we are told when we step out of line, and then there are the ones that turned out to be true. For my people and my tribe, our history and all that our ancestors taught us had been stories until they became so much more. My father #HarryClearwater and mother #SueClearwater had shared these same stories with me and my kid brother #Seth. We were taught that our family were one of a few who were blessed to be apart of the Elder council. That we were one of a handful who were here to be the protectors of our people. But like you, I always assumed that meant we were to grow up and support the community. Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers were needed. Boys and girls were told to study hard, because as we were apart of the Quileute tribe, we would be treated differently then those with pale skin. And as much as we would like to believe that in todays day and age this could not be true. I ask you to sit and think hard, think about the number of Quileute’s you may know, how much of our history do you understand? How much of our hardships can you relate too? And only then will you start to understand 0.002% of what we as a people have been through. But I digress. My Name is Lee Peter Clearwater. I am the eldest son of Harry and Sue Clearwater; I have one younger brother Seth Clearwater who is the apple of his mother and brothers’ eyes. Our Father passed some ten years ago of a heart attack weeks after Seth and my life turned upside down. But before he left us, our father managed to instil in us the true meaning of our birth right. Seth and I are Spirit Warriors, we are protectors of our tribe, and our people. We are not the only ones who will stand tall, with the help of our packs, our Alphas we all stand up to keep danger away from those who are innocent. And this is a look into my life. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙?

#LeeClearwater #LeahClearwater #GenderSwapped #Twilight #TwilightRP #TwiRP #AU #Stories #Solo

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bronson · 5 years

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hopping on the bandwagon bc i’m enjoying all these lovely messages and tags so i decided to spread the happy!

2018 was an absolute dumpsterfire. i had multiple breakdowns. i basically realized that i almost for sure have an anxiety disorder. my grades suffered. my extracurriculars suffered. i saved 0 money. i watched friends move away and cried myself to sleep multiple times missing the here out of them. i had identity crises and quarter-life crises and employment crises.

but 2018 was absolutely amazing. i realized i could take care of a living being and love him with all my heart. i chopped my hair off and demanded my stylist give me bangs and i look awesome. i excelled in the one internship i’ve ever cared about. i took on a new city and loved (almost) every minute of it. i learned about long distance love. i made new friends that changed my life for the absolute better (hi @athelwood and @adriata). i realized what time management and self care really are. i developed a completely new artistic and profitable skill that honestly has saved my life. ariana grande released sweetener. twilight is back bench.

we’re carrying the loving energy to 2019. we’re rediscovering ourselves. we’re realizing shirt people!!!! as greg serrano would say, 2018 was a shirt show. so as ariana grande would say, thank u, next.

so here’s my follow forever. hopefully you all can go to these blogs and discover the joy i’ve derived from them! i love u all.

a-c

@aarcherons, @aelin-godkiller, @adriata, @athelwood, @archeronnestas, @amraen, @aloohomora, @ao3tagoftheday, @aelingalathynuis, @alicemcullen, @bellkaties, @blackgirlslit, @blueegansey, @blackhtorns, @cozycullens, @carstairsjames, @catastrophicallyinlovewithbooks, @cockmcstuffins, @cresswcrth

d-g

@denalis, @everythingfox, @elucien, @everdreems, @emmilinne, @elainarcharon, @festiveminyard, @faeson, @faeriequeenofthewest, @fireflyangelxx, @foxboylucien, @gensaquilla, @ginhy, @galathynius, @grishae

h-k

@helenstroy, @helloetherealsunshine, @histheria, @highladyofdreamcourt, @highfaedaily, @highladyoftomes, @harpstringhum, @highfaenesta, @imgayfortwilight, @isildur, @illyrianrhys, @itsdraco, @jediknightrey, @jamesscarstairs, @jakeblck, @kazualbrekker, @kazrietvield

l-p

@larasjaen, @lantsohv, @lady-therion, @larissorry, @ladyvanserra, @ladyhavilliard, @lila-bard, @longbottomneville, @mindfulelys, @mariamuses, @marabarrow, @mabandmora, @meabhd, @motionpicturesource, @ninazzenlk, @nestasbucket, @nuala-a, @nephelle-warrior-scribe, @nooreae, @nhczerny, @odysscy, @ovtlanders, @polydeuce, @patrocluo, @pclyxena, @prithian, @prythianme, @perranth, @pack-runt, @pauljpeg

q-z

@queen-of-nothings, @rayonfrozenwings, @raconteurwitch, @red-hoods, @rrrhysand, @rhysand-darling, @radientwings, @rosecobalte, @runesandfaes, @sueclearwater, @sannasketches, @sassyreads, @sncinder, @shutupstark, @tirelintes, @tthesan, @tidesmakers, @towerofdawn, @tonysstcrk, @tywinlcnnister, @vlctorvale, @velarxs, @wylanvanek, @wylans, @zastraea,

#this is not in alphabetical order within the letters LMAO #so #sorry about that #bye #prev. fck-tamlin #2018 follow forever

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blazingtheway · 9 months

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Walk in Your Own Footsteps – Leah Solo

“Always walk in your own footsteps. Because all the others are taken.” – Elizabeth Clearwater

‘Didn’t you say you were going to be in and out of the bar today? So, why are you still sat here in the office looking over the invoices?’ #Mac stood with his shoulder leaning on the office door frame, sipping on a cup of coffee.

“I did no such thing, that was Ma who called to say I best be in and out.” Nodding my chin over towards him. And what about you? Drinking coffee and not offering me any? Where is that chivalrous man I see making the townies swoon all over him in the evening?”

He smiled his sweet, crooked smile, padding himself across the office to hold his cup out to me. ‘Don’t ever say I don’t share.’

“I only speak the truth and you know it …” Taking the cup from him I sat back in the chair drinking a few sips after blowing on it. It wasn’t hot enough to burn me, but the human before me didn’t need to know that.

‘Slow down Lee, it’s hot.’ Waving him off, I gave the cup another blow. He flopped down into the other chair rolling his eyes at me. ‘So?’ pointing over his shoulder to the door behind him, ‘Why aren’t you rushing out of here?’

“Hmm….” I took another sip of the warm dark liquid in the cup. “Elizabeth Clearwater is coming onto the rez.” His eyes widened just enough, telling me he understood what this meant.

‘It’s been years since she came to visit, right?’ #Mac sat forward in the chair. I just nodded my head in reply. ‘But you’ve been to visit her in LA, haven’t you?’ I nodded again. ‘So, why are you hiding out here?’

How could I explain the whirlwind that was Elizabeth Clearwater to him? Everyone knew their own version of the story; but the truth wasn’t something they cared to learn.

Elizabeth Clearwater… Izzy to those who she chose to care for… was the youngest of three siblings. She had two overly protective older brothers in Michael and my Da Harry. They always said that they would do anything for her, however she was born to walk her own path. Strong minded, to the point of stubbornness, she never backed down from a fight. But most of all, she was determined to make something of herself.

Izzy never married, this didn’t mean she didn’t fall madly in love, that “Love” just never seemed to last long. She knocked the men to the curb as fast as she fell for them, and there was never a way back for them. She’d tell a younger me. “Never read a book backwards Leah, they were written to move on to the next chapter with a dancing step of the ancestors.” And as a child I never really understood what that meant. The moving forward made sense of course. But the dancing steps of the ancestors? Didn’t that really mean that she was to a point looking back?

Izzy left the rez when I was young, at the time it had been kept hush, hush. Which is where all the rumour mill picked up speed. Everything from she had become pregnant with the baby of a townie, to she had fallen into bad habits with drugs. Because no one back then could imagine a woman wanting to leave to better herself.

Elizabeth had moved out to L.A to follow a dream, one no one had faith in. No-one other than my Da and Ma. He had driven his baby sister to the California coastline and helped her set up in a small apartment. She had a talent and Harry didn’t want to see her not try to make something of it for herself. Of course, her life hadn’t been perfect from the jump. She had to work hard, put in her blood, sweat and tears. But she got her break, when the head of a small indie movie studio, saw a local adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, where Izzy had single handily designed and created all the costumes on her own. He hired her there and then, and she began to live her dream.

At first, she hadn’t come to visit at all. Harry and Sue had taken short breaks to meet her in L.A, or they would meet up at a half way mark. But when she did finally come to visit, she been a whirlwind. The woman I’d known as a baby had grown even more beautiful, her confidence made her walk into a room and heads turned. Which of course meant she had been made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome by the women of the rez, worried about how their “men”, where drawn to Izzy. But my auntie wanted nothing to do with any of them.

The last time she visited… had been for my Da’s funeral. She had been a shadow of the woman I’d met before. Or it may have been the fact that at that time I was the shadow? Who really knew. She had left after having a fight with her older brother Michael, and without saying goodbye. And then I hadn’t heard a word from her. Not until I was set to leave for L.A to follow #RachelBlack.

Ma had given me Izzy’s address, telling me she was expecting to see me. She had helped #Rachel find her job in the music studios there, so would be the best person to help me find the right time to see the runaway imprint. This was when a lost relationship with my auntie had been rekindled. Now a grown woman myself, things from Lizzy’s life began to make sense. I could understand her choices, even if they weren’t choices I would make. But I could respect her and the life she’d made there.

Ma had told me when I returned from that trip that she and Da had a strong belief that Elizabeth Clearwater had been born to become a strong Imprint in her own right. But, unlike my ma and da…. Izzy hadn’t found her wolf soul mate, even if he hadn’t been called upon by the ancestors.

‘Lee? Earth to Lee? Come In Lee… Where did I lose you?’ #Mac clicked his fingers and waved his hands from across the desk.

“Hmm…” Shaking my head. “I’m not hiding. I am trying to give the sisters-in-law a little time to reminisce.” Pushing the chair back to stand, I set the cup down as I came around the desk. “Come on, make the most of having me here today. Let’s get the bar ready for opening.”

‘Sure, because I couldn’t do it on my own.’ he huffed joining me. ‘By the way there is a case of expensive Californian wine on todays delivery. A Malbec, and I’m guessing it’s for Auntie Izzy.’ He wasn’t wrong, I didn’t have to reply, the two of us just got back to work.

#LeahClearwater #SueClearwater #HarryClearwater #SethClearwater #ElizabethClearwater #TwilightRP #TwiRP #Solo #AUWorld #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead

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blazingtheway · 11 months

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A Mothers Blood Will Never Flow Without Pain – Storyline 14 – Together - Part Two

•- Embry Call -•

I looked down at my phone reading her message as I slide the rest of the lasagne back into the oven. The only reason I left any; was so mom would have food when she came home.

[Thanks for looking out for her too. Let Mom help you, you know how much she likes to feel needed. And I never do… Everything is going to be fine, Leah.]

I cleaned my plate and glass and scrawled;

Thanks Mom, I love you.

On the back of the note that she had written for me.... because I was just as bad at the texting thing as she was.

I climbed into my Jeep and pulled out my phone again to text Leah... now that texting was on my mind.

[And get some sleep, Trouble. Seth can handle the night shift. Sleep… Your mom is going to need you and that means you need to be fed, watered, and rested. Trust me… I’ve burnt out, and it ends badly for everyone. The Kid has got this.]

Then I started the engine and made my way to the club.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘Who is that?’ #TheKid asked as my phone went off again. He wasn’t used to hearing the sound of my phone, which remined me to set it too silent.

“Call, I told him were keeping his mom for the night.” He nodded handing me a cup of coffee before coming to sit on the floor of the living room beside me. We sat there drinking our coffee’s before he spoke.

‘Aren’t you going to reply to ‘Bry?’ Pushing my phone towards me.

“Do I need to?” I asked with my eyes on the cup in my hands.

‘Sis…’ He could feel his eyes burning into me. Picking up my phone I replied.

[Ms C is helping more than you can imagine. And you are only getting this reply because the Kid is making me. Now get to work. I am fine. -L]

“Happy?” I pushed my phone to the far side out of the way. He turned himself around, laying down with his head in my lap.

‘I was so scared sis.’ He finally said. One hand moved to stroke his hair, listening to him. ‘When I came here, and the scent of the blood…. The… sight of it… it wasn’t so much… but… it… it was… hers….’ I felt his tears fall into my lap and soak into my jeans. ‘I… I couldn’t think… I was….’ I knew what he was trying to say.

•- Embry Call -•

One Republic blared through my stereo as I drove to Forks. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and I figured it was Leah. I didn’t try to reach for it while I drove. I’d reply when I got to work.

I pulled into the staff-only car park behind the club and spotted #JoeWalker’s car… he wasn’t supposed to be here today at all after swapping shifts with me yesterday. The sight distracted me enough that I didn’t stop to check the text message on my phone before I went inside to see what was going on. I found him inside chatting up one of the bartenders. But he excused himself the second he saw me.

“I didn’t think you’d be here today.” I said, stuffing my keys into my pocket.

‘I just wanted to pop in and see if everything was okay.’ Joe replied. ‘What happened?’

I explained to him that my Auntie hurt herself and ended up in the hospital overnight I was helping out her kids. That ended with me needing to explain to him that on the Rez most elders were Auntie and Uncle and the Chief was Uncle or Grandfather depending on your age. I told him that everything was going to be okay and that it was Mom, but she was with the family now helping out. This made Joe chuckle.

‘She’s some woman.” He said as though he knew her well. “Sick herself and still lending a hand to a friend in need.’

“That’s my Mom… I have a feeling she’ll be spending the night there.” We walked to the office together and I cocked in.

‘Will she be okay? Doesn’t she have meds to take?’ He asked.

“She’ll be fine Leah will make sure she has everything she needs.” I realised my slip immediately. I had only given him vague details, adding in just enough small ones to discourage too many questions.

‘Oh… This is Leah’s mother then? The lady that got hurt?’ He gave me a knowing smirk. ‘The knight in shining armour routine. Why didn’t you just tell me that on the phone.’

I shook my head and laughed. “It wasn’t like that… her brother and I are close friends, he called me asking for help so I helped.”

‘So, she didn’t call you, the bother did?’ He tutted shaking his head. ‘You have so much work to do on that one, Call.’

“You’re an arsehole.” I laughed and elbowed him. “Now fuck off, it's supposed to be your night off.”

Joe finished up a few things that really could have waited until tomorrow while I started the fire check. After checking the last door, I remembered my phone. I replied to Leah:

[𝙰𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. 𝙷𝚎'𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚔𝚒𝚍... 𝚂𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙, 𝙲𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛.]

Then I text Seth. [𝙼𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚋𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚜𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙. 𝚃𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝙹𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝙷𝚎'𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍]

I had no guilt volunteering Jake’s time just like he would none volunteering mine. I would have offered up #Quil’s too if it wasn’t his night with #Bear.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The house was quiet, the light out. The windows in the living room opened by the kid because he knew the song of the spirits would help to settle me. I didn’t need to ask, or say anything. He had just gotten up, opened them and then curled back down with his jeans on my lap.

My phone flashed on the floor beside me, with Embry’s name and message. And then #TheKid’s phone buzzed next to mine with his name and message on it. Embry Call was in his way looking out for the Clearwaters. Slowly I shifted #TheKids head off my lap, and onto a pillow under him. Slipping out of the living room, listening to the two breathing waves from upstairs.

It was the best sound I could hear. Ma, #MsC and #TheKid fast sleep.

Looking at the time I went into the kitchen looking at the pain meds for Ma, taking the ones she needed to take, and then I looked over the med bag for #MsC. Two glasses of water in a tray, the meds I went up softly waking them for them and then letting them go back to sleep.

I didn’t know how they did it, but this wasn’t the first time they had slept like this. It mostly happened when #MsC had bad nights. With Embry working night at the club, Ma would find reasons to stay over. Even if they lived close.

When I made my way back downstairs, I scented them outside in the back. Opening the back door, to walk to the back of Ma’s yard with my hands pushed into my back pocket.

To anyone looking at me they would think I was talking to the trees, but hidden in there stood a dark, ashy-brown furred wolf. And a reddish-brown patch work furred wolf.

“She is okay pups, you shouldn’t be here. Your petrol is due to the far side of the cliffs tonight.” They whimpered and I knew why. “You can come see her tomorrow, she is asleep right now.” Theirs brown eyes moved to the top floor of Ma’s home. To her window, before they both nodded, stepping back into the woods.

•- Embry Call -•

The hours dragged by… I mean, slow nights happened but tonight I felt like I needed to be somewhere else. It was even longer. I knew that I couldn't drag her to bed with me so that she would finally sleep, so the heat and heartbeats or whatever it was when we were together could lull her into a real sleep. But even if I could just... be there... It wouldn't be suspicious. I always made myself annoyingly present when shit like this happened.

On my break a replied to a few texts from the pups telling that had dropped by and that Leah told them Auntie Sue was okay. I replied to them all saying the best thing they could do for the Clearwaters right now was to fulfil their duties and be ready to help if they were needed.

Because I couldn't help myself I text Leah while I was sitting on the loading dock getting some sir before I had to go back inside.

[𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜?]

Then added

[𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙸'𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚙𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐]

I laughed at myself. "Way send mixed signals, Call." I swigged the last of my beer and chucked my pizza box into the dumpster nearby before heading back inside to take up my least favourite post, Joe's usual role... manning the door.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I was sat on the back porch looking up at the overcast sky when I heard his foot steps.

“Why are you awake?”

He held out my phone to me, with a small frown. ‘Why is Embry texting you this late?”

Raising my eyebrow, my chin dropped to glance at him.

“I just meant it really late.” He was back tracking now. He knew the rules. And saw walls had been coming down, but some were still up and in place. Taking my phone I opened the text and read it. Showing #TheKid the first one.

[𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜?]

“He is checking in your mom, and his mom who I kept here tonight.”

He winced as he read the message. “That is the first and last time you are seeing any messages on my phone.” My voice told him I wasn’t kidding here.

‘So—‘ cutting him off. “If you are about to say sorry, stop. If you used your brain to think. You wouldn’t have needed to over step.” It wasn’t deflection, this was fact. No man was going to get away with talking to me that way. No even my baby brother.

“Go to sleep, I’ve got this watch.” I told him and watched him go back inside before closing my eyes and breathing. Going into my phones settings I turned off message preview before replying.

[𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑 𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛 𝚖𝚎.]

•- Embry Call -•

The night hadn't picked up much... but considering this as the one and only nightclub in Forks and the only place open after midnight; a slow night was almost at capacity and a slight queue at the door... just to lure people in. There was room inside to let these folks in with breaking fire codes... but the line outside was a hook. And one I kept moving enough to stop people from giving up and going home.

I pulled out my phone smiling and tucked it back into my pocket. There was a good chance #Seth was keeping a close eye on her sister, hoping for the chance that just once she might let him look after her even if all that it entailed was staying awake s she could sleep... Maybe, someday she would let the Kid have that. Or it was possible the guys who could get away like #Jay, #Sam or #Jake would stop by. If I was texting her all night, it would be a giveaway.

Plus... I knew without a doubt that even now... with everything that was happening with Everything happening between us... she still was not even a little worried about m being mad at her or not. I smiled again at the thought.

One of the turn-offs of relationships for me had always been the dependency... the idea that someone's day, week or life would hinge on whether or not another was mad at them or missing them. But Leah would never be like that, she was her own compass.

I wondered then if that was why it was so easy to talk to her... I wasn't worried That my sadness or stress would drag her down... or talking about a good day would be seen as self-involved because she had a bad one. She just heard me out... and then if she was so inclined... shared a little something too.

I wasn't sure how long I had been lost in those thoughts, so I allowed in the next group of people. Some nights... manning the door really wasn't that bad.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

When I finally came back inside to my spot in the living room. Sitting on the flood, with my back against Ma’s couch, and with my legs outstretched. #TheKid took his place too. His head in my lap and he turned to fact me.

He used to do it when he was much younger. Hide his face in my stomach and close his eyes. Then tell me a secret or share something that had happened to him.

Now the conversation from outside, gone. My eyes in a book that I try to read. My fingers Playing with his hair. Stoking it like I did back then, not needing to think of my action until a thought came to life. I missed his hair. His long silky dark hair. He never let it grow back now. Some of the others in the pack grew theirs out a little. I had grown mine out completely. But not #TheKid.

‘Sis?’ Arms curled around a cushion as he spoke.

“Hmm?”

‘Are you alone?’

Still reading I answer “No, I’m with you.”

He sighed. ‘No. Wait. It’s not what I mean.’

“Okay.”

There was silence again for a while as I turned the page. ‘Are you lonely?’ His voice is a soft whisper.

“No, I have you and Ma.” Turning the page again.

‘You know that’s not what I mean. I know you don’t like talking about … well…’

“Kid. Do you really want to hear about my sex life?”

He shuddered and shifted to sit up. Taking the book out of my hands. And then he sat crossed legged facing me.

‘1. No. And B. Not what I meant. People can be surrounded all their lives, with thousands of people , and still be lonely. Are you lonely?’ His light brown eyes were watching me.

“No. I’m not lonely. People are lonely when they can’t be happy with themselves. When they can’t have happiness in being… just being… I am not that kind of person. I am happiest when I am with my own thoughts. Why are you asking this?” He’d never asked me it before.

‘Just…’ he shifted his tall body to lay his head back down where it was.

•- Embry Call -•

The night went smoothly, most nights went off with a hitch, and fights weren't common. Most of the time people were thrown out for being too drunk or too wasted. Tonight, it was the usual few drunks tossed and no big hassles.

Lock-up seemed to take as long as the rest of the shift and I knew that it was because I was wondering how things were at the Clearwater's... and not just about #Sue and Mom. I wished I knew how #Seth and #Leah was too. They had both been so shaken in very different ways.

I wasn't naive enough to fool myself that my concern for Leah wasn't any different than it would have been a few months ago. Then I would have thought she was fine, that she was rationalising everything and coping by managing the situation and being her usually responsible self. But now I knew better.

And yes, everything I would have thought then was true and sill was now, but there was more. So much more. She would be wrecked with guilt, thinking she should have been able to stop the accident, that if she had anticipated her mother's needs better maybe she wouldn't have even gone to the shed, to begin with. All of these things were outside her control... and even if I could be with Leah now, I couldn't convince her of that.

Not that I would try to... but there it was. The reason I wished I could be with her. She knew I wouldn't try and convince her not to punish herself for this... So she would voice all of it, let those thoughts run free in the world and maybe... just maybe it would make things a little bit lighter. Maybe if she lay next to me with all those sounds and scents that accompanied us being together she would sleep.

Maybe.

But I knew that wasn't an option. I told myself she was fine... she was with #Seth and even though most people looked at him like he was one that needed taking care of... he was good at looking after others. He just wasn't afraid to need people too.

That train of thought kept m company the whole way home.

I resisted the urge to text either of the Clearwater siblings on the way inside. The house smelled like #Bear and popcorn. there was a book on the couch that I picked up and opened to the bookmarked page...

I cringed... Some dude covered in bandages getting busy on a couch... not fourteen-year-old reading material. But I could deal with that in the morning.

I grabbed a beer and a guitar and headed out to the back porch where I sat on the back step and swigged from the beer.

It was cold and dry... the clouds weren't too thick, and the house was close enough to the beach to smell the salt in the air but not quite hear the waves. Home was the sound of trees and the smell of the sea for me.

I picked up the guitar and played... for the Clearwater's, for #Sue to heal quickly and for #Seth and #Leah to know that they weren't alone in this.

(Music: Leave A Light On - Tom Walker (Guitar arrangement) )

youtube

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The house was quite once again, with the moms fast asleep upstairs. (I knew because I never stopped listening to their breathing and hearts.) And #TheKid was now fast asleep with his head still in my lap.

Allowing myself to close my eyes after watching my baby brother for a long while, try to understand where his questioning came from tonight. But it didn’t make any sense to me. Somethings were never solved, I guessed this would be one for tonight.

They started to dance, and then they sang. The flurry of the wind came in from the windows I’d opened in the living too. And I knew without a doubt what and who had caused it. Embry was home, and he was playing.

It was something I started to notice since Seattle, the fact that their joy was connected to our joy, and their sadness was too. They had been a soft hum all day today, the sound of the spirits praying and calling for protection over Ma. But now it had changed a little. They still prayed for her, but they also danced in the spirit of the Warrior who played in his back yard without know what reaction he cased in them.

Reaching out and shooting over a text.

[Get some sleep, it’s been a long day and night for you. -L]

•- Embry Call -•

I picked up the phone on the step beside me and chuckled at her message, she always knew.

[𝙸'𝚖 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎, 𝙸 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞? 𝚂𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙... 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢'𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚔𝚊𝚢.]

I didn't like this feeling, I felt like I needed to be there the feeling of being in the wrong place at the wrong time was undeniable.

[𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚍𝚘, 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.]

I hit send, knowing that was a message were would both need to delete too. I picked up the beer to take a swig. I knew I would have to get to bed soon... but I couldn't help but want to be next to her so I knew that she was at least trying to sleep. Part of me had no doubt that she would sleep, we both would... if we were together.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I knew when I saw my phone flash that he was still aware, even if the spirits had slowly died down outside. I also knew the need to unwind after work. I couldn’t just go home and crash. And I had learnt he was the same.

[𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘. 𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖..]

The sleeping sounds from upstairs and from the kid with his head in my lap, I could tell that we were on the way out of this nightmare.

And yet Sleep still couldn’t take a hold of me When I noted the time, I knew that the moms would soon need their meds again. And then after an hour of two they would need feeding. So really, was there any point to sleeping now? I could do it later? Or at least I thought it was possible.

•- Embry Call -•

I set the guitar aside and took another mouthful of beer before I replied to her.

[𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚘𝚖'𝚜 𝙸'𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝, 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜. 𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑...]

I paused and took a breath because I wasn't sure how to say what I wanted to say.

[𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝, 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘... 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘. 𝙸'𝚖 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙸 𝚍𝚘. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚟𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜.]

I hit send wondering if that was the right way to say what I was trying to say. I went back inside to take a quick shower... maybe it would make me feel a little more prepared for sleep... but that was when I noticed Claire wasn't there.

I knocked and Quil's door and he explained she was sleeping at Emily's... I wanted to know more but I let him go back to sleep and I could find our tomorrow.

I took the quickest shower ever.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

It took a long moment for unpack the meaning behind what Embry was trying to say when I read the replies. I hadn’t known him to be someone who hadn’t the words to say how he felt, and yet here we are.

Sitting here I looked over the screen feeling the reply and then I began to form my own words.

[𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎?]

I wasn’t one to ask questions, however this path meant I couldn’t wait. I was learning to step up at times like this. Hitting send before there was time to rethink or changed my mind about this conversation. It would have been one of those we’d have shared in the bubble. But this was different.

•- Embry Call -•

Standing in my room in a towel I read her message.. and I had absolutely no idea how to answer that question.

I pulled on a pair a boxers and climbed into bed, picking up my phone again.

[𝙸'𝚖 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎... 𝙽𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝙸 𝚐𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘. 𝙸 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐. 𝚁𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞... 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖.]

I chuckled when I hit send and followed it up with...

[𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚖 𝙸 𝚔𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐? 𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗... 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎... 𝚒𝚏 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚊 𝚖𝚒𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛.]

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I’d made it back into the kitchen, this time a fresh pot of coffee had been put on and I was looked in the freezer as to what I could cook everyone for breakfast in a few hours.

Finding a fresh loaf of bread, I set the oven on to bake it, knowing the rest would be easy. Ma has some rolled oats soaking, bacon and eggs. Some muffins. It wouldn’t be a bad start at all.

When the texts came in, I had to lean on the counter to read them, hearing his low voice in my mind as the words registers. What could I say to that? He felt like he wasn’t where he should be? But he had to be there. #Quil and #Bear needed him. He wanted to make sure I slept. We both knew that wouldn’t happen, not here, not tonight. Not while I still felt like I failed to be there when Ma needed me.

I stood watching the screen, trying to find the words for all that I was feeling. But I couldn’t. I wished sometimes that I could put all that was in my head into letters and words. But that wasn’t who I was or would ever be.

[𝚆𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚐𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜. 𝚆𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚖 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜.]

I didn’t say anything about him wanted to see me at peace. Because what would that even look like?

•- Embry Call -•

With my headphones in and music playing I read her reply and smiled.

[𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙼𝚘𝚖 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎. 𝙸'𝚖 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞... 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎? 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸'𝚖 𝚜𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛... 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘.]

I closed my eyes, leaving my phone on the bed next to me. I knew she would understand if I fell asleep before she replied. I turned it over and over in my head, I knew that Leah was blaming herself for all of this. #Seth... hopefully sleeping but I knew that he had not only his mother’s wellbeing on his mind... but then his worry for his sister that he had expressed to me earlier as well.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Sipping on the cup of coffee in my hand I shook my head. I knew what he had been trying to tell me. What he had openly told me. That he was here for me, that he wanted to be in the same room as me. And it was something new. That he would want that? No. But that I could see him sat across the kitchen table from me right now. Yes.

And that realisation was….

‘Sis? Did you sleep at all?’ #Seth came out of the living room, with his heavy feet padding on the wooden floor. He made a point to walk in Ma’s house with heavy footing so that she could hear him coming. ‘Why are you cooking breakfast. You know after the day we all had yesterday there is no way the moms will be up at the crack of dawn.’

I pocketed my phone before turning to look at him stood in the door. “Just wanted something to do.” I told him as he came to still beside me, taking my cup of coffee and drinking from it.

‘I know you won’t believe me. But you need to sleep too. come on.’ Setting the cup down he curled his fingers around mine standing and making me follow him to the couch. ‘You sleep, I will take the next watch. I will give them their meds when they wake up and I will keep my ears on them at all times.’

Setting me down, he pulled the throw over my legs and kissed my forehead. ‘Please. Sleep.’

Giving his hand a squeeze, I turned to free my hair from under myself before curling my legs to fit on Ma’s couch. Thinking of Embry’s words.

‘𝙸'𝚖 not 𝚜𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛... 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘.’

Taking my phone out I sent a quick short message hoping he will see it in the morning after he had slept.

[If only you knew what having your close by has done for me.]

•- Embry Call -•

My alarm blared... well... not really because my phone was permanently on vibrate. But my head ached from the lack of sleep, so the buzzing was the most irritating noise I had ever heard right now.

My phone was still next to me, I lifted it and cancelled the alarm. Snooze was never something I needed; it was one of those things that people found shocking about me... they assumed my laid-back approach to life meant I liked to stay in bed. But I was a morning person.

I read her text and smiled. Because I could imagine... If it was even half of what she did for me? Well... that would be something for sure.

I knew it was true and knew that it wasn't easy for her to say even that much. I knew she could never ask me to be there for her... but maybe that was exactly why the ancestor steered our paths this way. I never needed to be asked or invited, I was really good at just showing up anyway.

[𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝... 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔... 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎? 𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚊 𝚋𝚊𝚐, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛... 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚊 𝚗𝚊𝚙.]

My patrol would be finished at about that time and I could spend a few hours with her if she could ta herself away... but this was Leah. The chances of her putting her needs first were slim. But I would just keep trying.

I got up and headed out to the main room of the house... it was only when I saw #Quil, up and dressed that I realised the house smelled of coffee and bacon.

I looked around the room... "What the hell? What's wrong? Why are you up?" It was normally my waking him up... but breakfast was a bowl of cereal... not... I followed the smell. It was making my stomach growl.

'Littlesea dropped off breakfast... he figured we all had a day yesterday.' #Quil stuffed his face with a sausage. 'Damn that pup can cook!'

I laughed. It was true. But was a greasy fry-up... not his usual healthy version. "He's a great kid... I never even heard his truck."

'He walked up from down the road; he didn't want to wake you up because you had been working.' #Quil explained.

"Of course, he did." I laughed and made myself a plate from the food wrapped in tin foil on the counter.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The sound of the truck wasn’t new to my ear. I knew that sound anywhere. #TheKid was walking towards the front of the house before the wheel had turned into Ma’s drive way.

‘Did I wake you?’ the soft voice whispered.

‘No, not at all. I was just in the shower.’ The scent of soup was in the air. Not that #TheKid would lie.

‘Good, I made you all some breakfast. I wanted to make sure you all had some down time this morning.

#TheKid laughed. ‘Sis made breakfast at the crack of dawn. But you know we will never say no to your food Pup. Come on in.’

I sat up on the couch, pulling my hair up into a messy bun before standing and stretching my body out.

‘Good morning, Leah, did you sleep at all?’ #Collin smiled from the living room door.

“Is that your way of saying I look bad?” I asked narrowing my eyes at him.

‘Uhm… no… n… No… not at all…’ his face and ears were turning red.

“So, now you are checking me out while you are standing in my Ma’s house?”

‘NO! NO… I promise you….’ The pup moved from foot to foot pulling on the collar of his shirt.

‘Sis, would you stop messing with the pup. He brought us all food.’ #Seth placed a protective arm around the pups shoulder and squeezed him. ‘She’s always in a bad mood when she doesn’t sleep. It’s why I put her to sleep.’

The pup’s eyes moved from my brother and then to me and back again. ‘I should go.’

“No... No, you shouldn’t. get your arse in the kitchen and eat some breakfast with us, and then I promised you, and Fuller that you could see Ma today.” Looking out at the street and the other Pup made his way up the path. “Speaking of.”

Letting the boys set up breakfast I went to brush my teeth and clean up, seeing the missed text from this morning from Embry. I knew he was right, but I also knew myself. And I wasn’t going to be able to leave Ma, not while she was hurting.

[I can’t make promises I have no plans to keep. I know I should, but I can’t leave her like this.]

•- Embry Call -•

#Quil and I ate, and I had the mid-morning run. For #Quil, it was time with his imprint, and I would probably go to see Mom for a while before I spent a little with Bear too... before she had to go home.

I waited for #Quil to go to the bathroom before I took out my phone and smiled at my phone.

[𝙸 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎... 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗, 𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍. 𝙶𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙼𝚘𝚖 𝚊 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚙. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚂𝚞𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚏𝚊𝚋𝚞𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚎.]

I felt the need for a Shower... but i didn’t see the point. would just grab one at Jake's after my patrol and save myself a trip home.

I finished eating and washed the dishes. by the time #Quil was done in the shower, we made short work of tidying up and putting the leftover food in the fridge. There was enough left for both of us to get a decent dinner. That young pup always planned ahead.

"I'll tell Mom and Sue you said hello." I told #Quil before we got into separate vehicles.

'You know there's no way Claire will leave with seeing Sue and Momma T... tell them we'll drop by for a visit. We won't stay long so they can get their rest.'

I just smiled and promised I would before I pulled out.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The Mom’s both awoke to a house full of worried people. I helped Ma to shower and change before #TheKidd carried her down the stairs. ‘It’s my arm not my feet that is damaged.’ Ma said still not quite herself yet.

‘I don’t care, I’m carrying down and that’s that.’ He laughed.

Then came a soft laughter of #MsC and her giggles. ‘Put me down young man.’ Someone had taken a hold of her too?

‘Nope, you are both being carried like the goodness of the Rez.’ #Brady was following the lead of #TheKid.

‘You’re listening to what’s happening inside.’ #Sam was beside me holding the door of the shed open. While I checked over everything that was in there. All the tools were backed away safely, and it was clean in here, however still Ma had injured herself.

“I like to keep an ear out.” #Sam stepping in to grab some clippers and move them to their rightful place.

‘Yeah, I know. But no sleep, thinking it’s all on your shoulders, not asking for help. Leah it’s all going to come to a head.’ Turning my head as my hands reset my Da’s tool box.

“And yet here you all are. At the hospital, now, so do I need to ask for help?” His wife could be seen from the kitchen window, the sound of laughter coming from the house that had too many people in there which was why I made myself useful out here.

‘And you’re out here hiding from them all.’ #Sam finished off.

“I don’t hide. Just…” he shook his head as I spoke.

‘Sure, sure. You came out here to investigate, how Sue was hurt, and how it can never happen again. Things happen Leah, we can’t watch over them all the time.’ There was some truth in his words, I knew it. But some part of me still couldn’t let go. ‘Come on, Emily brought some food with her. And the Pup did well with the food he brought too. We should show them some love by eating it.’

I threw a car wash sponge at his head. ‘Hey, I know you can eat too.’ of course he caught it.

“How about you get your arse in the kitchen and let you wife sit down.” Snapping my teeth at him that just made him laugh.

‘Have you forgotten I’m banned from ever going close to her or anyone’s kitchen?’ He was laughing.

“Stop blowing up the toasters and they will let you back in.”

‘Leah, Sam. Come in lunch is ready.’ Emily opened the door and called out. We both looked to the house, knowing that Emily had only done that because #MsC was there.

#Sam rushed off inside giving me a moment of alone time. Stepping back my eyes evaluated the changed I’d made in here. Bringing tools Ma was likely to come looking for lower and to the front, meaning she wouldn’t have to go hunting.

When I finally read the message Embry sent I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead, making my way inside. I watched the people inside trying to make space and still over taking the kitchen. It was an extended family that was all here to help look out for my Ma.

Walking around Emily and Sam, I went to wash my hands before Kissing Ma and then MsC on the head and sitting down to my bowl of soup and grilled cheese. “Your son has been checking in all night. He thinks I’d have you out all night dancing by the way he has been acting.”

‘He is a good boy.’ She spoke smiling. ‘And he knows you would take good care of me.’ Squeezing my arm.

‘Speaking of.’ #Emily held out two bags making my frown. ‘You and Seth need to go home, we have the day shift covered.’ I shook my head. ‘Leah, trust in us.’ she added giving Seth his bag. ‘Take your sister with you. I will call if anything changes of if we need you. But as much as I know you will say you don’t need to sleep. You do.’

“When did you become so forceful?” I asked my cousin.

‘The day she gave birth.’ #Sam replied earning himself a slap from his wife. ‘Hey! You know it’s true, beautiful. He kissed her cheek and then went to sit beside #MsC.

#MsC watched every moment between us as she took it all in, her hand reached out and she stroked #Sam’s cheek gently like a mother. ‘You are so luck to have such a beautiful wife who loves you so much. Make sure you never take a moment with her for granted.’ She smiled that warm smile that the Calls kept for those they cared for.

‘I promise Mama T, I will never do that. Ever.’ He kissed her forehead placing an arm around her shoulder to keep her close. He had noticed the same shiver that I had, and he knew too, that #TiffenyCall did like to be ‘handled’ due to her illness.

‘Time to got Leah.’ #Emily told me. ‘I have an over night bag and #Seth has remade his bed for me. I’ll be here.’ Because she knew that I would say that she should be taking it easy and resting too. ‘The ladies and I will be going up for a nap soon anyway, and then we have some shop talk to do.’ Winking at the two Moms who nodded their heads in unison.

“Why do I feel like it’s a conspiracy going on here?” I asked crossing my arms looking between them all.

In the end it was Ma and #MsC who had told us to go rest, and not to worry. I knew MsC was here to help her friend and sister. But it didn’t feel right to leave them. And in that moment, I understood now what Embry had been feeling last night. Feeling like you are in the wrong place… it was a strange sentiment.

•- Embry Call -•

When I arrived at the Black’s house to pass off Mom’s beeper to Billy for my run… once I arrived, I had been questioned about where I hadn’t swapped my run after the day I’d had yesterday. “The pups need their day to see that #Sue is okay. And I know the young ones really wanted the check on Seth too.” I said right as a message came into the group chat. #CollinLittlesea sent a picture of #BradyFuller and Seth on the stairs, fireman-carrying #Sue and my mom down the stairs. I laughed and showed #Billy.

‘Wow… They are really hunkering down over there.’ He chuckled.

I replied saying: [Tell Fuller to stop flirting with my mother!]

A reply from another pup not at the Clearwater house shot in.

[He always had a thing for older women! Better watch out Call!]

The exhaustion I was feeling left my body when I made it to the small grove behind the Black's house. My wolf lurched into being and brought with him an abundance of energy. As soon as the other's minds linked with mine that were asking what was happening and how #Sue as I blocked out the conversation, I had with Leah that night by showing them all the image of the moms getting the royal treatment.

"They're okay, Sue has recovery ahead of her, but she'll be well looked after." I assured them all, and I got them all back on track. We had a job to do and #Sue would not be impressed if we didn't do it to the best of our abilities.

Today that was the only motivator I needed to get them on track today.

After my run, I showered at Billy's place, and read through the conversation that had occurred in the group chat in my absence. Laughing at the back-and-forth banter about who I was going to thump for flirting with my mother.

Instead of replying to them, I text Leah.

[Finished my run... is everyone still at your Mom's place?]

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Standing under the water I closed my eyes. Visions of my Ma in the hospital flashed on a loop. The scent of her blood remained in my nose, the memory of the way I found her made my heart stop. “I should have been there.” I told myself.

Keeping my hands flat pushed against the wall was the only way to keep the younger Leah from breaking out.

‘No, you need to understand that accidents happen. You where there when you were meant to be.’ My wolf spoke to me softly, trying to talk me down from the ledge I’d been climbing onto.

By the time I was done, with a towel wrapped around my steaming body, another in my hands drying my hair. I stepped out of the bathroom, walking my way back into my bedroom. The sound of my phone going off brought me to the phone charging on the side.

I hadn’t replied to his last text, knowing he would be on his run and his phone wouldn’t have been with him.

[How was the run? Do they need me out there? I can take the next run. No, no one is there. Emily kicked everyone out. She wanted the moms to rest.]

Hitting send, I went to stand before my closet. Thinking, maybe I should head out for a run? The others had picked up my slack, and I hated it..

•- Embry Call -•

I stole a razor from under the sink and shaved… I notice that my hair was at that awkward length where I either needed to cut it or deal with it falling into my face for another few weeks. I swept it back off of my face while it was wet and pretended as if it might just stay there after it dried. It wasn’t going to happen.

I read Leah's message and shook my head. “Of course, she did.” I chuckled to myself quietly. I had really wanted to see Mom before work today… but I still had an afternoon to kill before my shift. I could let the moms have a nap and see them later… I was sure they had to be exhausted.

[They’re in good hands… Wait? Does that mean she managed to kick you out too?]

I sent back… not really believing it. She had to have meant that she kicked everyone else out and not her too. I mean… #EmilyUley was a formidable woman, but would she really have talked Leah out of her mother’s house? Even if it was for her own good. I made my way out to the kitchen and poured myself a coffee.

‘I thought you would be racing off to see your mom.’ Billy said from behind a copy of The Talking Raven.

“Apparently, she has been sequestered away by Emily.” I chuckled and took a sip. “I’ll wait a while; I’m sure I’ll get a chance to see her before my shift starts.”

‘Yes, yes…. Working late nights is no problem for the young and energetic.’ Then he examined me. “Although… you aren’t looking particularly energetic right now.’ He added.

“I didn’t sleep great… fretting about Sue, she was still really pale last time I saw her.” I admitted, and it was true… but Leah and Seth had been on my mind too.

‘You should have just stayed there last night. Sleeping on a floor is a better night's rest than tossing and turning in a bed.’ He folded one corner of the tribal publication.

“I’m not so sure Leah would have stood for that… It was a miracle Seth talked his way into staying.” I chuckled.

‘Ah… yes. Leah… I find with that one… sometimes. Asking for permission isn’t nearly as effective as just doing what it is you feel you need to.’ He smiled.

“Well… not all of us are her elders.” I smiled back.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Rolling my eyes when his message flashed up onto the screen.

[Have you tried to flight a prego woman? Add to it when she is an imprint of an Alpha who is taking her side, and she has both the moms emotionally blackmailing too? I know Em will take care of the moms. And if by leaving for a few hours it given them three a sense of peace of mind. I will do it. -L]

Just how stubborn did he think I was exactly? Sure, I was hard headed and sure it was kind of killing me not hearing the beating heart of my Ma, however I could respect someone’s need for space. And their need to feel like they are achieving something too. And both the moms where so alike in some ways. Ms T wanted to feel like she was helping, and I know E would be there to keep things in check.

I found myself standing in the kitchen as my mind worried over everything I need to do to pay back the time all the others have put in to pick up after the Kid and I. Both in the pack and with the bar. Turning in a full circle I ended up filling a glass of water to take over to the couch. Could I eat? Yeah of course, but I wasn’t feeling the pull towards cooking. So, grabbing a banana I ate it disgracing the peel before sitting now and hitting play on my phone. Something needed to calm the uncertainty I could feel building,

A small smirk escaped my lips when I heard the song the shuffle gods had picked for me. “Of course.”

(Music: Sam Hunt – Outskirts)

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Lifting my feet up off the floor I shifted my butt, laying down outstretched on the couch, listening to the music, the words, with my eyes closed and my arm dawned over my eyes to close them with a little darkness.

•- Embry Call -•

I sipped my coffee and read her reply… once… twice… three times. ‘You know I’ve found that no matter many times you read something the words never change.' #Billy raised his cup to me.

I smirked. "No... but our understanding of them can."

He gave me that look like I had exceeded his expectation and laughed. 'Touche, my boy. Touche.'

I took another big gulp of the coffee and then stood up pouring the end of the cup into the sink and and setting it on the side.

'So, now you're in a rush?' #Billy chuckled. 'Where are you off to?'

"Somewhere else I don't have permission to be." I grinned at him. "Mind if I leave the Jeep here for a while?"

'You should... even my old ears can hear that old girl coming a mile away.' #Billy picked up his paper again.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Uncle." I called to him already heading down the hallway to the front door. I heard the floorboards squeak as he wheeled himself to the kitchen door.

'It's been a long time since called me that, Embry.' He said with a small tremble in his voice. I knew why... but the second the word slipped out; I had felt a catch in my own throat.

"Far too long." I smiled back at him.

'Let's not leave it so long next time, shall we?' The chief nodded.

"You got it." I tried to hold back a smile.

'Get outta here will you... I'm a busy man.' He showed me with his paper, and I laughed. Head ing out and making my way where I wanted to be.

The walk from here was a little longer, but with music in my years but really it was just five songs. I smiled, my mother often measured time in song lengths.

But there it was... five songs later and I was knocking on Leah Clearwater's door.

And instantly remembered I hadn't texted her back. "Damn it!" I laughed at myself and pulled out my phone to turn off my music.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I must have drifted off to sleep, not sure how long had passed when the spirits came to life and began to sing, they kissed my skin with the air with a scent of….

“Embry?”

His name slipped from my lips, as Brothers Osborne’s were singing Stay a Little Longer now.

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But it was the spirits I honed in on. They were talking about him, and his scent hit my sleepily mind, making me wake up with a shock Reaching out I checked my phone, there were no messages or missed calls on it.

I heard the sound of his footsteps, the whisper of his music. Making me Jump up from the couch, I was across the living room and up the small hallway to the door just as his knocked.

The door hadn’t even fully opened when I asked.

“What happened? Are the Mom’s, okay?”

Only then did I notice the smile on his lips. He was smiling? That had to mean they were fine, right?

My eyes moved past him to the street, but there was no jeep, no bike, no one else.

“What’s going on?” Asking with confusion in my eyes.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and rolled my eyes at her. "Every once in a while, they sneak up on me before I get my shoes on to run."

I smiled when she invited me in... even if it was to stop her neighbours peeking out their windows. "Oh, I know you 𝕔𝕒𝕟 look after yourself, Leah." I said and slipped out of my boots next to the front door before I followed her.

"I just also know you won't when you feel like someone else needs you."

I stood next to her at the fridge. "Hey... you don't need to be a hostess right now. I just wanted to see how you were doing. Are you okay?"

(Music: Dean Lewis – A Place We Knew )

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•- Leah Clearwater -•

Freezing with my fingers curled around the handle of a jug, the other resting on the door of the fridge. Times like this the need and want to lie was strong in me, but it didn’t happen often as people never questioned me so directly. Except for Embry, of course.

Continuing to pull the jug out I closed the door holding it up. “The Goofball came with some stuff. And Em sent me off with this.” The red liquid looked vibrant and delicious. “Watermelon juice.”

Moving to take our two glasses, I poured thinking of how to answer his question.

‘Are you okay?’

“No…” finally saying it I set the jar down and flattened my hands on the top of the kitchen counter. Shaking my head slowly from side to side. “I’m not okay… but I will be… I….”

The waterfall of emotions that I had been bottled up were pushed at me and I pushed back.

•- Embry Call -•

I breathed a sigh of relief when she said she wasn’t okay. I know that might seem callous but when it came to Leah, it was a good thing that she was admitting her feelings. It was the better option than bottling them up like she normally did. I watched the way she braced herself on the counter and I stepped up behind her; wrapping one arm around her. The other slid slowly down her arm. “I know.” I whispered, leaning my cheek against the side of her head. My fingers brushed over the back of her hand, and her fingers, waiting for her to release the tension in her hands and let it all out.

“I’m not okay either, I hardly ever remember seeing #Sue look tired. Seeing her in that bed was…” I shook my head. Closing my eyes, trying to push away the image. “I know what that’s like… and I wouldn’t want anyone to feel that.”

I kissed her temple, still holding onto her from behind. “Don’t hide from it, Leah. Just for a moment… fall into the feeling. I’ll catch you.” Then I whispered too softly in her ear. “I’m here, I’ve got you."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Of course, if anyone understood everything fighting inside of me right now it was Embry. With everything his mom and he were fighting in a daily battle, the good days and the bad ones. The hospital visits and the dialysis… And I couldn’t hold it together with this?

My hands fisted so tight that my nails bit into my palms. But I didn’t flinch or stop myself.

I closed my eyes when I felt his support, his touch and then his words. Because they really mean something to me. To have someone who understood the importance of the relationship between my mom and I, because he had the same with his own mom.

“It… it’s not easy to do that. It feels too vulnerable.” Once again, I was being honest with him and myself. I wasn’t used to showing this side of me. Showing how lost I felt… this was new that he was able to witness it.

I’ll catch you…

I’m Here…

I’ve got you…

All words… word that had no emphasis on my life… Before Embry Call.

Now….

Now I leant back into his hold. I swallowed back the emotions still trying to free themselves. I stood in his arms.

“I shouldn’t be this way… not when you deal with so much more everyday...” but he felt it too. “She… they... they’re so fragile Embry... both of them… Billy too… Spirits… I can’t…”

•- Embry Call -•

“I know it does,” I whispered. I forced my finger between hers when she clenched her fists. Finding the other hand too and doing the same. She might dig her fingernails into her own skin, but she wouldn't do it to me, or anyone else. Even if that person would heal in moments.

I kept hold of her hands wrapping my arms around her and her own as well. “But there's some vulnerability that no one ever tells you.” I kissed her hair again, feeling her lean back into me. “Without it there is no such thing as bravery. So be brave, for your mom.”

I flashed back to moments ago, the look on Billy’s face when I called him Uncle. #Sue, smiling though all her pain. Mom, curled up on the couch with one of her fevers. #Harry… already lost to next world. She was right they were. And we couldn’t ignore that fact. “I know, I know they are. And you can, Leah. Let me show you how.” I let it hit me then all at once, and let the tears come. Squeezing her hands, a little.

“Everybody is safe, recovering… taken care of. Now we can cry… or scream or hit things, we can be afraid. We can’t hide from it or bottle it up because they still need us. And holding it in eats away at us. We can’t afford that because we need to be strong when they need us again.” I took a long shuddering breath. All those faces in my mind. “They did it for us all our lives, now we do it for them. We hold it in… until the right time. Then we let out all that pain.”

(Music: Save Me · Noah Kahan)

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•- Leah Clearwater -•

My hands unclenched the second he placed his in them. I wouldn’t… I couldn’t bring harm to him. My heart stopped and didn’t start for a few best while I pushed harder and hard while he told me off this ledge, I had brought myself too.

Until now I could have drowned myself in something, work, dealing with the pack, or the imprints, or even fixing my baby until I could stop thinking of whatever it was, I wasn’t ready to face.

But Embry was making me face it, here and now There was no hiding when you were being told you aren’t alone.

My breath caught in my throat, thinking of times when I looked up to the strength of my elders, and then came a day when I passed them. I… we…. Now were the stronger ones…

I closed my eyes trying to fill my lungs with air, but then I heard the crack in his voice, and it broke me. His hands held me to him, his body curled around me. But he was crying… and my stone heart broke.

“We’ve got this…” the tears Came at last, flowing down my cheeks. The harder I tried the more they fell.

I turned myself around in his arms. I didn’t tell him it will all be okay; I didn’t wipe his tears away. I hugged myself to him, my forehead touching his and I let it all flow free with him, because he was right... this was our time… our time to be there for our elders.

•- Embry Call -•

I felt the tension leaving her hands as the subtle message sank in through touch alone. She was leaning into feelings and not letting them burn away beneath the surface and bearing them all alone.

She was leaning in and opening up and allowing the pain of the last two days to be felt. I unlaced our fingers as she spun inside of my arms, resting my forehead against hers. “We’ve got this.” I returned the sentiment that meant so much to both of us. I didn’t expect tears or sobs… even if anyone else in her position would be fully allowed the scream, cry… whatever it took. Spirits know I did when they put my mother on the transplant list. But she wasn’t me… and she didn’t need to feel in any way other than what came naturally.

“I’ve got you.” I whispered. “And that means all of it… all of this. Your mom… #Seth.” I pressed a kiss to her cheek and closed my eyes. “All of you. I’ll take it all exactly as you are.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Closing my eyes I let the time pass. Allowing his words to sink in, because here in my kitchen, a place where many people left me to be. Embry Call pushed in at first, then he became comfortable, and now I looked forward to seeing him on my doorstep.

But now… crap! By the Spirits I had to let my wolf listen and replay his words again and again..

‘I’ve got you. And that means all of it… all of this. Your mom… Seth. All of you. I’ll take it all exactly as you are.’

It wasn’t that I needed anyone to hold me or my family together. It wasn’t that I wanted anyone else to be around to hold the walls up. It was the fact that he said it knowing me. Knowing that it came straight from the depths of his heart.

‘I’ll take it all exactly as you are.’

Exactly… as… you… are…! He didn’t want to change me, to adapt me. His lips felt warm on my cheek. Making my arms close tighter around his shoulders.

The words Thank You, seemed underwhelming. Saying anything in this moment felt wrong. I didn’t have words; I very rarely did. But I knew he understood me. Even if at times, the words helped.

So I moved my head to rest on his shoulders, my arms moved around his waist and I held him. Not hiding, not holding back, trying to tell him, his offer was understood, and I was grateful for him choosing to be here when he could be anywhere else.

•- Embry Call -•

I stood there with her, silently. Holding onto her, and her holding onto me. I didn’t say anything else, there was nothing else that was needed. For years and years Leah had been left alone in this kind of pain, I wasn’t about to let that happen again not for as long as she wanted me here. And from the way she lay her head on my shoulder and hugged me close… Then I was all in.

If she didn’t want this, I would ensure that she knew I was and let her feel this in her own way. We stood there for several long moments, my fingers painting circles on her back where they rested, these tiny things were what helped me be still in moments like this. But, with Leah… the unease and restlessness never seemed to build. She helped me feel at ease in silence and stillness.

I finally lifted one hand to her cheek, and tilted her face to mine, pressing a kiss to her forehead before I took her hand from around my waist and laced my fingers between hers, leading her out of the kitchen and into the hallway towards her bedroom. As we walked, I set a two-hour timer on my phone and when I sat her down on the bed, I showed it to her before I set on her bedside table.

l Lifted her legs up onto the bed and sat next to her, still never uttering a word…. I really was learning from her.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Time seemed to still, the hum of the spirits growing silent while I stood in his arms. The tension in my body slowly easing to the point I stopped clenching my jaw.

There were still spurts of anger at myself. I knew mentally how wrong it was to think I could have stopped my Ma from hurting herself by doing someone as simple as wanting to put up a new picture on the wall. I knew that telling her what to do, wasn’t an option. Spirits, I was her daughter! But still… When my feet began to follow, my mind still felt full of a whirlwind of thoughts. All trying to push out at once. But his kiss silenced them.

He had learnt my language, the one were words said nothing but your action screamed from the rooftops.

I could have pulled my hand free, stopped walking, shook my head to say “No I can’t.” But I trusted him. I trusted him enough to give him this. When my head rested on the pillow, I turned towards the side table. My eyes on the phone sat on top of it. The two hours on the clock giving me the permission and knowledge that this sleep wouldn’t take me away from my responsibilities. And yet my eyes still wouldn’t close.

In that moment the energy in the room changed and I heard the voice whispering.

‘Galvdi Ayoli, Uha Gohiyudi Nasgi asgaya.’ (Sleep child, have faith in him.)

But I did, I had faith in him. It was why I lay my head to rest. Reaching out I placed my hand on his lap. Just a small touch. My way to say, “thank you.” As my eyes closed finally.

•- Embry Call -•

I hadn’t actually believed that she would surrender and rest, but I had hoped. And the worst-case scenario… she knew that I tried… I cared, and she would do whatever she was going to regardless.

But with next to no objection, she was laying down, I brushed my fingers over her cheek. It was strange, being here like this… tucking her in as I reached for the blanket at the foot of her bed and pulled it up to her shoulder. She didn’t need it… none of us did, but it was a comfort, a human desire that never seemed to fade.

But the strangeness of looking after her was a welcome one… even if I wasn’t naive enough to believe she needed me to. She was more than capable of looking after herself, it was the trust she was putting in me more than anything that made that new kind of warmth spread across my chest.

I pulled my legs up and lay down next to her, resting my hand on her cheek and pressing a kiss to her forehead. Watching the features of her face relax, slowly. I listened to her heart as it became steady, and her breath grow softer.

One more kiss to her forehead, telling her I was here… and there was no where else I would rather be right now.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Sleep… for the world the meaning was simple;

‘A condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the eyes are closed, the postural muscles relaxed, the activity of the brain altered, and consciousness of the surroundings practically suspended.’

A place where the;

‘Consciousness of the surroundings practically suspended.’

And at this time is when a person, dreams or has nightmares. When their body rests l, and their mind takes the time to process the events of the day.

It wasn’t the same for me.

I didn’t dream, my nightmares came to life in the waking world. My body rested sure, but my mind never stilled as it traveled the night with the spirits. Learning and listening to the lessons of our ancestors, and that of #TheGreatWolf himself.

Only a handful of times do I recall being able to wake with the knowledge that I had dreamt in the night, I could count them on one hand. And now, the spirits were allowing it again.

They eased me into a sleep, with the touch of the man who I cared for keeping watch over me.

My heart began to beat out of rhythm as the images of the day flashed through. How it all had started, where it had gone, and then the deep brown earthy eyes that looked down at me before I closed mine to drift.

Each vision told its own truth, the fact that destiny was defined before the act even took place.

That I had lost faith in those who had sworn to protect the peoples of our land. Of which my Ma was one. That when I was told her time hadn’t come, I had still taken on the guilt of what had happened. And that no matter what they said, they knew that this part of me wasn’t going to change.

‘The path of a great warrior is not and easy one. Making a mistake is not what holds you back. It’s not learning and repeating the same mistake over again that does.’ Their voices sang to me.

The cold darkness I came to expect from my heart when sleep came had now been replaced with warmth, light, and a touch that told me ‘I’ve got you.’ In which I knew my faith was unconditional.

Not sure how much time had passed; my eyes slowly began opening as sleep let its fingers uncurl from around my body. I didn’t speak, I didn’t move, I just slowly opened my eyes feeling the heat radiating into my side. And I knew he hadn’t left me. He had stayed with me.

= The End =

#LeahClearwater #EmbryCall #TwilightRP #TwiRP #AUWorld #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead #BabBoyEmbryCall #sueclearwater #tiffanycall #Youtube

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blazingtheway · 11 months

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A Mothers Blood Will Never Flow Without Pain – Storyline 14 – Together - Part One

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Smirking to myself. I took in the mix of his scent with my shower gel and shampoo. I could get used to it.

“I thought you might say that.”

A shape intake, after his word had me lost. Even though we were close there was something in the sweet kiss that did more to me then I cared to admit right now.

My eyes closed by themselves, and for a moment too long I was without words.

“See you soon Dimples.” I whispered, before finally stepping back from him. My brow eyes on him.

•- Embry Call -•

I let my nose brush against her as I stepped away, my fingers and trailed off of her cheek. Her reaction made me smile, and it was the only acknowledgement that I needed that she felt the same.

“By good.” I winked and made my way from her room. At the door, I grabbed my jacket and slipped my feet into my boots.

“Text me later when you start to miss me.” I said back to her, knowing she'd hear me without raising my voice. “I can send you selfies from work... I know how much like me in my uniform.” I chuckled as I pulled open the door and stepped out in the cool morning air.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I stayed where I was, watching him step away. The first thing I noted was the heat, from his touch, his body. And then his scent. It was still in the air, but there was something missing when he was walking away and out of the house.

“Don’t hold your breath. You may suffocate.” I crossed my hands over my chest before I started towards my bedroom door.

“Get a larger T-shirt you himbo.” Laughing now, he wasn’t going to. The size of those things were like that for a reason.

•- Embry Call -•

I rolled my eyes and stepped back out into the world outside of our bubble.

“Never!!!” I called back… not loud enough to bring the neighbours to the windows. I had my headphone in my ears by the time I crossed the street, and Picture This played as I blindly hit shuffle.

The difference was immediate, the absence of her heat and her scent of all but gone, by the time I made it made all that would be left was a smell of her shampoo.

But even with those things gone… the sense calm and ease I had around her lingered and I knew that would last most of the day. It was a combination of the effect she had on me and how well I slept when we were together.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I stood looking at my bedroom door longer than I should have. There was a swift change in the atmosphere of these four walls the moment he wasn’t there.

‘Are you missing him?’ My wolf woke up and stretched herself.

“NO!” I shot back, combing my fingers through my hair and pulling it to one side. “don’t be ridiculous.” I continued.

Stepping out of my room, at the sound of the wash being over I went to put it out.

‘Okay, that was a little too fast for someone who likes to think things through won’t you agree?’ She was goading me.

“Why are you up now anyway?”

She just laughed and clicked her tongue. “Well, I miss him. You are half tolerable when he is about. You let your masks down long enough for someone to see the real Leah.’

I set to pulling the wash out of the Machine and headed out the door. Stopping at the sound of my phone ringing from its charging point.

‘Ma?’ She said, and I thought at the same time. It was her ring tone.

•- Embry Call -•

By the time I made it home that feeling still hadn't faded. I heard the sounds of the shower from the front porch Which meant I had time to change... it was unlikely Quil would smell Leah on me after the walk home, especially considering I just showered before I left.

"Honey I'm home!" I called from the front door.

'Fuck you!' #Quil laughed through the bathroom door.

I changed and gathered up any laundry littered around my room, then I gathered up Quil's which was Actually in a hamper, even though he rarely did laundry. But he did almost all of the other chores happily.

'So, you gonna tell me her name yet?' he asked as I loaded the washer, coming out of the bathroom in a towel.

"How do you know it's her?" I asked, brows raised.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘Usdi?’ Ma said and I knew something was wrong.

“What happened and where are you?”

My wolf and I contemplating if I need to jump on my baby, or run out the back door and into the wood for my four legs to get me to her.

‘I am at home. And —‘ I cut her off.

“I am coming.” The washing forgotten, a friend deep on my forehead. I was in the back door and running to the front pushing my feet into my boots and grabbing my keys.. “what happened.”

‘Usdi!’ She was going to argue with me.

“Ma, stop. I can hear it in your voice.” Her normally calm and easy voice was set to a higher pitch, and there was pain rattling in there too. I was out the door with my legs flying over my baby, the phone held between my shoulder and chin.

‘Ride safely.’ She said as I reluctantly put the phone down before pulling my baby off his kick stand and setting off at top speed down the street.

•- Embry Call -•

#Quil laughed. ‘Hey you can cheat on me with women all you want. But another man!?’ He clutched at his imaginary pearls. ‘That's just a low blow Call!’

I laughed and hit the start button. “What are you doing today? You aren't working, right? Wanna hang with me at Mom’s?”

‘Way to change the subject!’ he teased and poured himself a cup of coffee, then one for me. ‘I have a run this afternoon. But I could use a dose of Momma T. She's good for the soul.’ He smiled fondly. ‘When are you leaving?’

“As soon as you’re ready. I’m not in a rush, I don't have a run today so I’m free until work.” I grinned and sipped on the coffee he gave me.

‘Awesome I’ll go and get dressed.’ he took his coffee and went to his room. While I got grabbed what I would need to change for work if the day got away from me and I was with mom until I needed to run to work.

#Quil turned to me and grinned. 'So... Are you ever going to tell me where you're spending your nights lately?' he asked, there was no judgement, just curiosity.

I laughed and shook my head. "C'mon you know me." I kept my eyes on the roads. "I don't even get names half the times I hook up."

He shook his head and laughed. 'See you think you're slick... but that wasn't an answer. I know she's on the Rez.. and that's not like you. So spill!' He nudged my bicep with his elbow. I shook my head. I couldn't lie... not when it was about Leah, I knew how she felt about lying.

"I want to keep this one to myself..." I glanced sideways at him. "It's... important."

#Quil leaned back in his seat and examined me. Realising that I had meant it. 'Okay... I get it.' He ran his hand over his face like he didn't really. 'You've been happier lately.. you know not as stressed even though you'd never admit that. You've been around more with the pups instead of chasing girls. As long as whatever to whoever it is... is making you happy...' He trailed off.

"Okay... spill it. There's something bugging you?" I huffed. "Don't take it personally #Quil it's just..."

'No, it's not that you want to keep it to yourself... it's just why you...' He took a breath like he always did when he was about to get real. 'Please tell me she isn't marri-'

"I'm not sleeping with a married woman! Fuck!" I snapped, squeezing the steering wheel a little too hard. "That happened once and she fucking lied to me about her age and name and everything. If that happened to any one of the guys you'd all be defending him."

#Quil threw his hands up. 'Okay, okay... your right. I just... I don't want you to get played like that bro', it's not like you to be this private. I just want to know it's for the right reasons. You seem happier lately and I just don't it ending badly for you. That's all.'

I took a breath... he was looking out for me? I laughed... of course he was.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I rode low on my baby, his speed hitting faster than I knew Ma would be happy with. But this wasn’t a debate I would entertain.

Right know my wolf and I needed to set eyes in her. And slowing down wasn’t an option.

My jaw was clenching tighter and tighter until we were pulling up to her house.

Eyes scanning the front of the house, nose taking in the scents, ears listening for all the sounds and searching for that tell tail sound of her heart.

‘Can you smell that?’ My wolf and I ran around the outside of the house and into Ma’s yard. Coming to a stop at Da’s tool shed and growling at the sight and smell of her blood.

‘What was she doing out here?’ Our own heart was beating with anger.

We rushed into the back door and found Ma holding her hand up over the sink. Her hair a mess, and she was leaning off one foot.

“Spirits Ma! What happened?” Rushing over to her, we undid the towel around her arm we now saw, where blood was pooled.

‘It is nothing.’ Her words were slurred, and she looked pale faces.

“Just please, for once tell me what in the name of the spirits happened.” I’d slowly walked her over to the table. Sitting her down, and then started to check her over.

‘I needed some tools. I bought that painting I told you I fell in love with.’

I was growling, bending down on my knees I held her foot in my hands and slowly rotated it. “And you couldn’t wait for the Kid or me to come and help you?”

She didn’t give me an eye roll. That was telling.

‘I don’t need help to look after my own home. I just tripped and took a shelf down with me.’

I brushed her hair off her face and saw the ballooning bump growing on her forehead.

“Ma. That’s not what I was saying.” She winced. “Sorry… It’s not broken. But. I think you need to go to the hospital. Your arm needs stitches, this foot needs an X-ray at least. And that bump on your forehead. You could have a concussion.”

‘No, it’s fine. You’re overly protective.’

I frown, shifting to old the towel around her arm. “Ma, see. We. Are. Going!”

I looked around before lifting her up into my arms.

‘Leah Angeni Clearwater put me down.’ Moving her over a little so I didn’t bang her head on the door frames. I grabbed her jacket in my hand and kept walking.

“saying my full name won’t make me stop. Act like a kid, and I will carry you like one.” My heart was pumping so hard. But I was in control.

•- Embry Call -•

I was quiet for a moment, contemplating the irony of how someone looking out for you could also feel like a judgement.

But #Quil... he never lied to me. Even when he was calling me out on my shit. 'I won't ask again.' he said after a beat. 'I believe you. And as long as I know this newfound... calm that you seem to have isn't something that ends badly for you. Then...' He shrugged. 'That's all I need to know.'

"You don't need to worry about me. I'm doing good. Really good... all things considered."

I pulled into the empty driveway. Mom's car being gone was always a sign that things weren't as good as they used to be. But her waves of sickness and dizziness could come with hardly any warning, it made no sense to keep her car sitting there.

#Quil barely waited for the car to stop before jumping out to bound inside. 'Momma T!! Your favourite son is home!!' He yelled before walking in."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My hands were tight around the wheel, my eyes darting from the road to Ma who sat in the passenger seat drifting.

“Ma. Keep your eyes open.” I told her placing a hand over her lap and squeezing softly.

‘Usdi. I am…’ I cut her off.

“If you say you are fine. I swear to the great wolf. I will go apex Predator on you.”

She chuckled ever so softly and winced again. The drive to the hospital didn’t take long. As much as I hated being in four wheels, I still knew how to Use them to my advantage.

I wanted to carry Ma in.

‘You cannot usdi. People will question how you could do it.’ She tapped my shoulders for me to put her down.

As much as I hated it, I know she make a valid point.

“Stay here. I’ll get some help.”

At the front entrance I found someone who gave me a wheelchair. So that I could roll ma inside.

•- Embry Call -•

I was sitting at the kitchen table, mo had handed me a coffee and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and cut it into triangles like she used to when I was little... and the same for #Quil. Only when we were little we had milk instead of coffee.

My phone buzzed on the table and # Seth's big goofy grin appeared on the screen... He never called me unless it was pack business. he was all about texting. I rubbed my hands on my jeans and mom slapped me on the bicep... lightly she had learned many years ago that even a light slap hurt her. I looked to #Quil and he started distracting Mom so I could slip out the back door and take the call.

"Hey kid, what's up?" I pulled the door closed with a light click. 'Um...' His voice was strange. 'I'm... um I'm not sure.'

I took a few steps from the door. "#Seth take a breath and tell me what's going on."

'I'm at Mom's... her car is gone and Leah's bike is here but they're gone...' He was talking too fast for that to be all.

"That's not unusual #Seth why are you panicked." I pressed.

'I can smell blood but Leah didn't answer her phone. and mom's is still here.'

"Okay, we're coming kid. Stay there, Call the Rez Clinic and see if she went there." I went back inside and mouthed to the Mom and #Quil. that we needed to go. "Wait for us right there."

He promised he would and then I explained everything to mom and #Quil as she gathers her things and we all piled into the jeep.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘Leah? My dear what are you doing he… oh Sue!’ I was so thankful to see #Deb working the front desk at the ER.

The woman knew so much and most of all, knew how to get things done. Some part of me missed seeing #DrCullen here at times like this.

‘It—‘ I came to a stop and frowned down at Ma.

“Ma is going to tell you it’s nothing.” I told her trying to keep a check on the anger bubbling within me. I didn’t let those younger years out bursts rule me anymore. But it didn’t Mean I didn’t feel it from time to time.

‘Sue, we can all clearly see that there is something. Leah wouldn’t bypass the Rez and bring you here if it weren’t. Leah, dear. Could you roll your mom in and I will have her seen too.’ This was the no nonsense woman I needed to see.

“Yes, ma’am.” This time a little relief washed into my words.

Ma was quite now, which in itself was saying a lot. She didn’t fight the young doctor when he came in to examine her. She didn’t even Notice his ring less finger and start the questioning as to why he wasn’t married.

‘Your daughter is correct in bring you Mrs Clearwater.’ He said as he worked in stitching her arm up. ‘You needed some help with these injuries.’

The two kept talking and I could see what he was doing. His fingers working fast, and precisely. Trying to leave the a clean line in his wake.

I stood by the wall, arms crossed frowning.

‘Don’t look so worried. You did the right thing.’ He Smiled up at me, I wasn’t sure I could reply without saying something sarcastic. So I just nodded.

‘We are going to take your mom for some X-rays now. Would you like to wait—‘

“I’m coming with her.” He just smiled wider.

‘Sure, why don’t I take you instead of waiting for a porter.’

Ma and he started to talk as we left the ER. And I reached into my back pocket for my phone. I needed to tell #TheKid

“Crap.” Biting down on the inside of my cheek. Glancing back.

‘Usdi!’ Ma tapped my leg as I walked next to her.

‘Everything okay?’ He asked. Looking up at me.

“Sorry. Yeah. I just can’t find my phone.”

•- Embry Call -•

#Seth was making his way to the ar before I even pulled up by the curb and he climbed into the back of the Jeep. ‘The colonic said that Mom hadn’t been there today.’ He told us and I was already turning the the car around.

‘So Leah took her to the hospital.’ #Quil explained in that perfectly logical way of his and put his hand on the kids shoulder.

‘He’s right #Seth, I’m sure we’ll find them there. Your sister just took her to fix whatever happened.’ Mom twisted in her seat, looking back at him. ‘Everything will be okay, sweetie. You’ll see.’

Mom didn't lecture me for driving too fast, but u was still holding back because she was in the car.

I parked the jeep and #Seth made a beeline for the hospital and #Quil ran with him so I could walk with Mom.

By the time we got to the emergency room reception a nurse I recognised was telling #Seth that his mom was taken to x-ray and she would let us know when she came back up.

“Come on, Kid.” I put my hand on his shoulder and pulled gom back when he looked like he was going to press for more information.

“We will take a seat and Deb will your mom and Leah know that we are here, right?” I smile at the nurse.

‘Of course, they took her right down. It shouldn't be long.’ She smiled encouragingly at #Seth. ‘The doctor is with her, she’s in good hands. I promise.’ she closed the chart in her hands and made her way through the double doors.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘Here you go, you can us this.’

I was stood by the wall, my back leaning on it and my arms crossed over my chest. Biting the inside of my cheeks as I waited for Ma to come out of X-ray room.

The young doctor had raved off, if assumed to an emergency, however he was stood in front of me now with a phone.

‘You said you have some calls you wanted to make. And couldn’t find your phone. I had to run to my locker to get this.’

He raised the phone up between us. “You didn’t need to do this.” My eyes not leaving his face.

‘I don’t mind. Make your calls, I will go and check you mom is done in there.’ He smiled warmly, this time I took the phone.

“I’ll only make one call.” The woman now willing to take the help from a stranger ( also thinking how to pay it back. ) whereas a year ago this wouldn’t have happened.

I knew the number off by heart, I didn’t even need to glance at the screen as I tabbed it in. Waiting for the answer ‘Hello?’ His voice was wrong, and I guessed he knew.

“Kid—“

‘Lee!!! Where are you? Where is ma? Is she okay? I went to the house… the bloody… there was blood… Ma’s blood….’

“Kid. Shhh… I am on someone’s phone. So, listen. I’m at Forks Hospital. Ma hurt herself and I made the call she needed to come here. She is having some X-rays. Have had to have ten stitches in her arm. She is okay. Just weak.” I wasn’t going to tell him any more untold I knew myself.

We know. We guessed this is where you would be. I’m in the ER. I’m coming up.’

‘We?’ My eyebrows pulled together.

‘Yeah. Mama T, Quil and Bry are here too, they drove me here.’ His voice shook and I knew what this would do to him. Seeing Ma’s house and not knowing would have killed the kid.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you before.” I told him.

•- Embry Call -•

'It's okay, Lee.' #Seth said. 'You did what you had to in the moment.' he repeated almost exactly what I had told him on the drive here. It had happened to me so many times before we got Mom's condition under control. I would find her in agony or with a burning fever... I would get her to the hospital and then call someone. Someone always came.

#Sue always came.

#Quil was already texting the group chat and telling them what he heard from Leah's end of the phone. 'I'm gonna come up.' #Seth said again. His voice shook but with something like relief. Not the terror of his first call. as soon as he hung up I was next to him, clamping a hand on his shoulder.

"She's gonna be okay, kid." I said. 'When you see her you'll feel better, I promise.' #Seth looked passed me to my Mom and I knew what he was thinking... He was remembering the times I wasn't there when Mom was rushed to hospital and I was the one in his place. He nodded.

'I'm sorry... sorry I fell apart.' He said quietly.

"No... you didn't #Seth. You didn't know what to do so you asked for help. Leah... she knew what to do and she did it. Neither of those were bad choices. I've been through it... I've done both and I've done the wrong thing." I explained to him. He looked at me like he wanted to ask... "Freezing... doing nothing. That's the only wrong thing to do. You do something or you get help. Nothing else matters"

Then, I sent him to go she his mom and sister.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The doctor came out of the room and closed the door behind him. I held his phone out to him.

“Thank you for this.” I glanced over his shoulder at where my Ma should have been.

‘If you need to make other….’ I shook my head.

“No. Thank you. Just the one call to my kid was all I needed.” His face dropped and he looked me up and down. Until it clicked. “My kid brother.” His mouth turned into an ‘O’, and he smiled.

“Where is my Ma?” I asked

‘Right, your mom. There is Nothing to fear.’ He started my my heart sank and beat harder all at once.

“Why do people say that before giving bad news?” I was frowning, holding it together.

‘You were right to think that your mom was concussed. With the blood lose, and the concussion would like to keep her overnight. Just to be certain.’ I rubbed my temple thinking over what I needed to do. ‘We have found her a bed, and they are taking her to level four room 404. You can make your way up.

‘I could walk you up?’

‘Thank you, Doc. I can walk my sister up there.’ I felt him and smelt him before I saw and heard him. His heart was racing, and I knew he heard it all.

‘Oh. Yes. Sure.’ The doctor stepped to the side as #TheKid came to stand in front of me. He was shaking, and his eyes were full of fire.

“Thank you for everything.” I told the doctor before he left, and I pulled #TheKid into my arms. This was something Ma would do. She would hold him. To whisper It would be okay. To give him what he needed. All I did was open my arms and he did the rest. His forehead on my shoulder, his arms engulfed me, and I felt the warmth of his tears.

“She will be fine.” I whispered to him. His fear had been one I knew, I felt it too. We just reacted in different ways.

‘I.. I.. I thought…’ I placed a hand on the back of his head.

“Shh. I know. I. Know.” The fear of losing out only Parent was crippling for him. ( and me. )

•- Embry Call -•

Mom sat there wringing her hands. I cover both of hers with one of mine, stopping the nervous tic. "You okay?" I asked and that drew #Quil's attention too. He examined her from head to toe for any signs that something was wrong. It was the wolf in him... in all of that did that.

'Oh, I'm fine sweetheart. Just worried about #Sue.' She admitted. I offered her a smile. "Me too. but she'll be fine. I'm sure #Seth will text us soon with an update.

Mom nodded and dropped her gaze to the floor. "What is it, Mom?" I knew when something was bothering her.

'Just... Seth's face. That poor boy was so upset and afraid...' Her voice quavered a little. "I know... but he's a tough kid he'll be fine once he sees her."

'I'm so sorry, Embry...' My brows pinched together. at her words. 'For the number of times I've done that to you.' er glistened a little at the corners.

"No, Mom." I wrapped my a pulled her to my side. "You being sick isn't anything like coming home to find no there and blood all over. It's not the same."

'I suppose so... but it's still frightening.'

"It is... but no more frightening than all my ER trips? Right?" I tried to make her smile. She did... but only humoured me. "Don't worry about me Mom... or, at least... not because of that, okay? Yes, there were bad days... scary days. But you were always right there with me... and I know what to do now." 'Jacob and Nessie are heading to #Sue's to clean up so #Sue doesn't have to see that when she gets back home.' #Quil came to the rescue with a change of subject. 'And #Seth they are taking her to 404... to give them time to settle #Sue in and then we can come up.'

"Okay... let's grab a coffee and give them time. Then we go see them." I stood and held out my hand to help her up. Mom told #Quil to text Jake back and have Nessie make a bag for #Sue... She thought that a woman would know what comfort items to bring... but Nessie... I chuckled at the thought of what she might bring for her.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

As soon as we saw the room #TheKid let go of me and rush into the room. The nurses were still helping Ma into bed and he took over. Charming the nurse into letting him help.

I stood back by the far wall, waiting and watching Ma. She was slow, her skin pale, her arm was wrapped well now and her forehead was bruising out. They placed a pillow under her leg and to her side, which made her wince and my eyebrows pulled together. She had kept that from me! ‘Stay calm, you won’t help by upsetting Ma now.’ My wolf told me as I bit the inside of my cheeks. ‘And stop that! You won’t have a cheek left if you keep it up.’ She chastise me.

‘You had me so worried Ma! Mama T, Quil and Bry are downstairs. And everyone else is asking to come.’ He was kissing her all over her face, trying not to hurt her. But he needed to know she was there.

My chest constricted, he had found time to keep the others informed of everything? And I couldn’t even find my bloody phone!

I shook my head. ‘Usdi. Come here.’ Ma saw me, even with me trying to melt into the background. Her hand was outreaching for me. #TheKid turned to look over.

‘Sis?’ He said and I shook my head, clearing my throat.

“It’s okay. The Kid is here. I’m going to go sort some things out at home.” I told her, my eyes looking and not looking at her all at once. “Kid, do not leave Ma alone.”

Ma dropped her hand and gave me a smile. ‘Usdi—‘ I cut her off.

“Please. Just rest. I will be back ready soon.” Taking out the keys to Ma’s car I set them down on the side, telling #TheKid where I had parked it before I turned to leave.

‘Leah?’ #Debbie called out from behind me as I rushed towards the stairs, I wasn’t going to wait around for the elevator. ‘Is your mom all settled sweetie?’ She smiled.

“Hmm.. yes. Thank you. She is. 404.” I pointed to the door. “Thank you for all your help. I..” she squeezed my arm.

‘Happy to help sweetie.’ By the time she let me go, that feeling in my chest had grown into a chasm. And I couldn’t breath.

I ran down the stairs three at a time. Four flights of stairs where a breeze for me, and not enough to give me what I needed all at once.

•- Embry Call -•

I passed out the cups of coffee as the machine in the lobby spluttered them into the paper cup. Mom had become a bit of a tea snob lately with #Sue and Leah bringing are all of that special tea... so she opted to treat herself to a hot chocolate.

#Quil's phone rang and it was #Jake with all sorts of questions about what to pack. Mom took the phone and just as she was telling Jake that #Sue's slippers would be by the back door if they weren't by her bed.

I saw Leah appear at the bottom of the stairwell. I gave a #Quil a nod and he nodded back, telling me he'd stay with Mom.

"Leah." I said quietly as I approached her. "Where are you headed? #Jake and Ness are at the house packing a bag for you Mom for the night." Even from the whole way across the lobby I could hear Mom say.

'Oh, and her favourite picture of Harry and kids is on her bedside table you should grab that too. No Ness, one change of underwear will be fine for one night.' Sometimes I wondered if there was any human in the woman. "Luckily Mom is walking them through it." I laughed and looked back at her. Extended her the weak excuse for a black coffee. "We have it covered you can head back up."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Spirits!” I said under my breath. Coming to a holt with Embry voice calling me. All I wanted to do was run. To leave. To explode. To let the volcano in my chest free and not care what and who was in the way. But that was the old young and misguided Leah. This Leah had walls, she had masks, and she knew how to lock herself down.

I glanced past Embry as he spoke, the buzzing in my ears and the red in my eyes subsiding enough for me to hear #Ness’s sweet voice, and #Jake’s frantic one asking #MsC a million questions.

#Quil’s eyes met mine, and that boyish smile of his was covering up the concern for my Ma. He placed one hand on his chest and dipped his chin. Telling me I was not in this alone.

Even with her mind on the phone call, I wasn’t sure how #MsC knew. But her eyes searching until then locked onto mine, and she beckoned me over with her hand.

‘Go to her, she will help. She always does.’ My wolf told me. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t risk them all. I couldn’t risk the lobby full of innocent people.

“I..” when I finally looked to him, his smile and that laughter. The hospital coffee we all were used to held out to me. The burning need to run from here, and everything fault against the clam these people brought with them.

“Your Mom knows how to get the best out of people.” I say with the strongest of wills I could pull out and together.

“Thank you.” I told him. My eyes met his and I hoped it was for more than just the cup in my hand now. He was here, he looked after my kid, and now they were all helping in their own way.

Taking the coffee, my eyes darting to the doors and my way out. But my feet slowly started towards where #Quil and #MsC were sat.

She ended the call and reached a hand for me. “She is in room 404. On the fourth floor. They have taken good care of her. And the Kid is with her.” I filled them all in of what I knew. “Maybe she will tell you more than she would me.” I finally told #MsC. “But you should head up there. I’m sure she will kill me if she finds out you are down here and no one had taken you up.” Giving her a half smirk.

She gave the cup in her hand to #Quil, taking my free hand in hers she pulled me down to my knees before her. She cupped my face and really locked those deep brown eyes of her with mine. It was like looking into her sons eyes and my heart tried to react, but I stopped it.

‘We are here. You are not allow. And this is not on you my sweet child. We all know your Ma can be somewhat stubborn when she sets her mind to something.’ Now she whispered and I felt #Quil turn away to give some room. Even if I knew he heard it all. ‘This is not your sin.’

She all but crushed me. She saw me when no one else did. She knew what was hidden under the mask.

I lowered my head and cleared my throat. “Go up. See your sister. She needs you.” I whispered for her to hear.

•- Embry Call -•

Her reaction told me she was probably looking for space. Somewhere to be alone and clear her head. I followed her gaze behind me to Mom. "Yeah, she's always been good at that." I smiled and then turned that smile back to her.

"We will; we were just wanted to give her a little time to catch her breath." I said, following her towards Mom... if anyone could stop Leah from wanting to run it was Mom.

#Quil got up and came to stand, by me, giving them some semblance of privacy. We Heard Mom's words and even though #Quils eyes dropped to the floor, he couldn't have known how fast my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach.

After a too-long moment of silence, I spoke. "Hey, why don't you take Mom up ahead up and I'll follow in a second." I smiled at #Quil then Mom, nodding my head to the elevators. Mom stood and kissed the top of Leah's head, then my shoulder as she passed me and whispered. 'Good boy.' I stepped up next to Leah when they were gone and brushed the back of my knuckles against her arm. "What do you need, Leah?" I said for only her to hear. "Do you need me to cover for you up there for a while? Whatever it is... Just tell me." If she needed time I could make sure she got it. if she needed to hit something... hell she could hit me.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

That kiss to my head from #MsC about crushed me. If I hadn’t have had years of practice in hiding in plain sight, the cracks would have shown to anyone who set their eyes on me.

I stood up when she did, my eyes were on the door once again as she moved to join the guys. With that growing need to get away from anything and everything. I wanted no witnesses to the turmoil rampantly trying to drag itself to the surface. It was the touch from him drew me back. I felt the knee jerk reaction only step away, but his voice, the way he looked to me, wanting to give me support I never expected from anyone.

“Me?” What did I need? No one had asked me that before. Spirits even I hadn’t asked myself that question before. But what did I need?

“I need out of here. And I need to know Ma and the Kid are taken care of. He is soft at heart, this is breaking him.”

The words low for him and only him to hear. “And for me to be his strength. I need out right now. Five. Ten. I will be back. I… I…”

My eyes were on him to read the need to shed the fear I felt when my mind played tricks on me at smelling my Ma’s voice, at wondering what could have cased it and how I wasn’t there with her.

And just like that it hit me. I was telling him. Telling him that I needed right now. In a way, asking for help.

•- Embry Call -•

I watched her, and gave a small nod, my eyes meeting hers. “Okay, go... Get some air.” I smile, filling the expression with understanding. I'd been there... And the only reason I had been able to run (briefly) away was because of Sue. “Your Mom is looked after. And don't worry about the Pup. I’ve got him... And #Quil.”

I took half a step back giving her space but only half because my natural instinct was to go to her and comfort her. But that wasn't how to comfort her.. That was the generic assumption: human contact equals comfort. But people weren’t one size fits all. I prided myself on being able to tell what people needed. At least, for the people I cared about and something time that meant contact even when they thought the didn't need or want it, like when I hugged her in Seattle. Sometimes it meant giving them room to breathe.

Right now... She needs to breathe.

“He did really well understood you know. He didn't panic... He was in shock and couldn't think straight. So he called for help. He asked for help... He did and you Mom proud. He did Harry proud.”

I stepped back again. “You made him proud getting her here so fast. Take all the time you need. I’ll stay with them until you get back, no matter how long... #Quil can take mom home if it gets late.”

I had work, but the was several hours away. And Joe Walker was a lot of things... But when it came to family matters, I knew I could call and tell him I needed to be here. He wouldn't question it. He would cover for me himself if he had to.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I wanted to touch him, just a squeeze of the arm, of a touch of a finger. Tell him 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦. That him stepping up for Ma and the Kid, he got the meaning of Family. It was more than a word to us, and his actions proved it to me each time.

I glanced over him and saw #Quil give me a half smile waiting with #MsC for the elevators. The nod from him said. ‘We got the kid, don’t worry.’ But this also meant that he saw what I looked like right now, and he heard some if not all of what was said.

I took a few steps back away towards the doors. “You got them.. See you soon.” I said before turning around and walking out of those doors without looking back.

The thudding in my heart pushed the fear I felt higher, the pain of seeing my Ma in pain threatened to show itself. I willed myself, as I broke into a run as soon as I was outside. Heading straight for the forest and out of sight of people.

•- Embry Call -•

I could so many unsaid things in her eyes... I acknowledged them all with a small smile and the slightest lowering of my chin.

"We've got them." I added and I turned away when she did... Watching her go would set alarms bells off for #Quil and full-blown sirens for Mom.

But as I walked to the lift to join them, I felt a tug on my left shoulder to just glance back. But I didn't. Her thumping heart didn't make it easy.

Mom looped her arm through mine, and we stepped into the Elevator. 'She will be fine, sweetheart.' She said.

"Leah?" I asked raising a brow. "Of course, she will. She's a Clearwater." I smiled and the lift started to rise. I was tempted to text her and tell her to take as long as she needed. I would be here. But I had told her that I knew she heard me and trusted I would stick to it. Texting her would only make me feel better.

It was what I did with the guys when things happened... keeping in contact, making sure they knew I was there. And for them, it was the best thing to do, the regular reassurance.

Leah didn't work like other people. she had her way... and she would be back when she was ready.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

There was nowhere I could go and not be heard. There was no way I could run all the way back to Ma’s for my bike just for this. And there was NOWAY I would leave to go that far with Ma, in hospital and the Kid in turmoil.

The best I could do for myself was this, staying on two legs I ran, I ran as fast as the spirits blessed me. Ducking and turning from the trees and their branches. Jumping and the fallen logs and rocks.

The pressure building with every stride I took, the air in my lungs not even at its capacity. I was in pain and my body felt nothing. I pushed, and pushed, and pushed some more. Needing to feel something. Anything!

‘STOP! Leah!!!! STOP!’

She halted me at the precipice of the edge, pushing my body back from taking the leap I knew too well that I couldn’t make on two legs.

‘You can’t hurt yourself like that, they need you.’ She growled from within me. ‘You can’t become so blinded with your grief. This isn’t who you are anymore.’

She spoke to the lost girl who tried everything in her power to punish yourself when she killed the only man who loved her.

“I…” I couldn’t think. All I saw right now was where I wanted to be.

So, I took off running to the river’s edge where I knew I could made the crossing.

‘Shift!’ She told me.

“No!” I snapped back.

‘LEAH! SHIFT!’ She pushed to come out. But I held her back.

“NO!!!” I screamed at her, and the took the leap over the Cullen’s treaty line.

I ran as hard and fast as I could before my legs were taken out from under me. I tumbled; my body rolled into a ball as I hit the ground with velocity. And then came to a stop.

My face was in the ground. My breathing harder now, but not where I needed it to feel the burn.

‘Breathe Leah. She is okay, Ma is going to be fine.’ But all I saw was her blood that had been spilled on my watch.

“I should have been there. I should have done.. I should have….”

‘Should have read her mind and known she is as stubborn as you at times, and has ideas of improvement in her home? Leah. Be realistic here.’

But I couldn’t. Not when it came to Ma or the Kid. Their pain. I couldn’t take it. I burst out into a silent scream. One I had perfected over the years. When you lived where every sound was heard. And you were judged. There had to be an outlet that no spirit warrior could hear.

My body tensed and my fists banged into my chest. Making that hurt rush out. My eyes closed as I let out everything that had been building into that volcano that needed to be let free.

She didn’t say anything, she watched. She protective, and held my soul, she cradles me as she had from the moment, I excepted her as mine. My wolf let me have my moment. She Let me be a kid, with the fear riding me She know I couldn’t lose my only Parent. Not like this. Not after what I had taken from my family and this world.

•- Embry Call -•

I was distracted until we got to the room that #Sue was in. I heard Mom whisper something to #Quil about how I hated being here… but that wasn’t exactly true. I felt a lot of things here. I spent a few horrible days and night in the ER here and then the treatment that kept Mom ali— healthy happened here too.

I smiled brightly at the ghostly woman in the bed. She was laying against #Seth’s lanky frame perched awkwardly in the edge of the bed one foot still firmly on the floor. Or it would be awkward for a human. The Kid looked wholly unphased.

“Well, well! Look at you, as beautiful as ever! Worrying us all just for attention, are you?” I lied with beaming smile. #Sue lifted her hand to her cheek like she did when she blushed. But no colour stained her cheeks.

‘Oh stop!!’ she waved me off with a tired laugh. Mom was already at her side adjusting the pillow her injured hand rested on more carefully than I thought I would ever be capable of. #Seth extricated himself, leaving a kiss on the top of his mother’s head. He looked from me to #Quil and the door. ‘She just needed some air.’ #Quil said before I could.

Our attention went back to the women who we heard. ‘You shouldn't have come, Tiffany. You could pick up all kinds of infection that could set you back.’ #Sue was insisting.

‘Nonsense.’ Mom replied. ‘This isn't just like any old appointment, how many emergency trips to the hospital have you made for me?’

I could see the, ‘But this is different’ in #Sue’s eyes, but she would never dare say it. Even though all of us, Mom included were well aware it was different.

But I also knew the value of Mom being here for her dearest friend too. That boost to her would of being the supportive hand she has always been needed too.

“Jacob is bringing you a little sleepover kit so you can spend the night in style.” Just like that my phone rang and I excused myself. After I stepped into the hall and explained it to be Jake, that Leah didn't have her phone, I told him where to find us. He said he could find us, and I didn't need to meet them downstairs.

I took the chance to call #Joe. He answered with his usual. ‘WALKER!’ much louder than necessary.

“Hey, it’s Embry.” Joe was in his words far too busy to check caller ID.

‘What do you need Call?’ anyone that didn't know him would take it as rude. But it was a genuine question.

“I’m at the hospital, I might not make my shift tonight, can you line up #T just in case, and I’ll call you with a solid answer in an hour or two.”

‘Is your mom, okay?’ He asked, abrupt but really wanting to know. I explained the situation with as few details as possible.

‘Okay so I’m gona I just take your place on the floor tonight, and you take my shift tomorrow? It's easier than maybe’s and what ifs.’

I agreed and thanked him. When I stepped back into the room, I knew the wolves in here had heard. ‘Your boss is pretty easy going.’ #Seth stage whispered.

‘I still don't like him.’ #Quil said. #Joe set his wolf’s instincts off... He set off all the wolves' instincts really.

But I was free to stick around as long as I needed to know.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I sat on my knees, kneeling forward over the water with my reflection looking back at me. I was taken back to a day when I last felt this lost and broken.

A younger, 20-year-old me, with her hair cut short, and a newly formed tattoo on her forearm. The pain of what she had done telling her that if he wasn’t on this earth, then she had no right to be too.

I closed my eyes and opened them again. And the vision was of the now. The fact I’d let my mom down

feeding the fear of losing her.

Taking the count to ten, with deep breath I started to lock myself down. When I knew that it was safe again I

opened my eyes.

Splashing some water from the river to cool and watch my face, I straightened up. That was it, the fear, the sadness, the want to punish myself pushed deep down to the point that Even I couldn’t feel it any longer.

‘We, will be fine.’ She told me, and even if I didn’t feel it. I believed it. ‘Where to?’ she asked.

“Back to Ma, and the kid.” I told her.

‘What about the house?’ She played the conversation from the hospital, the part when we were told that #MsC had been talking with #Jake and #Ness.

“After.” I told her. I knew they would take care of things. But I also knew that Ma’s level of clean wouldn’t be

met by anyone.

‘After.’ She repeated as we both started back towards the way we had come. ‘We will go there after and do it the right way.’

•- Embry Call -•

#Jake and #Ness arrived with a bag so large that it made mom and #Sue laugh and make there isn’t that so cute faces to each other. ‘We wanted her to be comfortable.’ #Ness whispered when #Seth, #Quil and I eyed the bag that Mom was already unpacking. Setting a photo of a young #Sue and #Harry on the bedside table.

‘We’ll take home whatever she doesn’t want.’ She insisted and I could see her cheeks flush. Her understanding of human needs wasn’t always quiet right, I draped my arm over her shoulder and kissed the top of her head “You did good little one.” I whispered even though it was pointless, they all heard. All but the two women carefully arranging a hand-woven blanket across the patient's lap, whispering about what good kids we were.

The hybrid beamed and swatted #Jake’s chest. ‘Told you.’ He just rolled his eyes and smiled she pushed past all of us and pulled out an iPad she must have sweet-talked someone into lending her, I knew she didn’t own one. She stood by the bed, keeping a cautious distance. I could see that seeing a human she cared about in such a frail state was getting to her… so many people in her life were indestructible. It was a hard pill to swallow.

‘We brought your book too… but I downloaded the audio version and skipped ahead to where you bookmarked. So, if you aren’t feeling up to it you can listen instead.’ She leaned in conspiratorially and whisper. ‘I downloaded season one of Bridgeton. I hear it's the steamiest.’ She grinned.

I left them to it and turned to Jake asking him about the house. ‘All cleaned and locked up.’ He assured me that when it came to blood Nessie knew how to clean up. It made sense, given that she mostly lived off of it.

When they left, I convinced #Quil to take Mom too. He offered to stay in my place, and I told that was my role as Third. To be here for the kid, and it was true. But mostly it was the promise I had made.

I knew #Seth was worried about his mom… and his sister. His eyes kept moving to the door. “She’s fine, Pup.” I whispered as #Sue dozed off. The wasn’t the truth… so I corrected myself. “Leah will be okay, she’ll be back.”

‘I know, I know.’ He finally stopped chewing on his thumbnail. ‘You don’t have to stay you know… I’ve got this.’

“I know you do… You’ve got her, I’ve got you. I can be here or in the waiting room. It’s your choice.” This wasn’t unusual, this was the role I had taken on… built for myself. It wouldn’t be the first time I hung around a hospital for one of the pups. So, #Seth accepted it easily and we sat there quietly, taking turns fetching coffee and letting the nurses come and go as they performed their tasks around the sleeping woman.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

When I arrived back at the hospital, I kept my eyes forwards and my hands pushed down deep into my jeans. No one at a glance would tell that the broken youngster had come out to show her pain now.

‘Leah!’ I heard my name being called from behind me. Stopping as I saw #Debbie trying to catch up. She wanted to stop me, to tell me that Ma’s room was over flowing with visitors, and that she would go and ask them to leave so that I could go in.

“It’s okay. I can wait.” I told her, even if she gave me that ‘I don’t believe you’, look.

I remained in the lobby, pacing back-and-forth but knowing that Ma was in good hands. Finally, I gave up and went to the cafeteria to buy a selection of sandwiches, and whatever else I could get my hands on before coming out. ‘There you are.’ My Alpha stood in front of me. ‘I’ve been following your scent all over the hospital.’ He pushed his shoulder into my forearm. ‘She is going to be okay Leah.’

I knew this. “Thanks for…” he frowned at me and cut me off.

‘Since when do you thank anyone for doing their duty? This was our duty; we all wanted to be here and do whatever we could for Sue. No thanks needed.’ He told me that they were heading out, that Embry was still with Ma and #TheKid, I looked to the clock on the wall and the time frowning.

Once #Jake was gone, I ran as fast as I could up the stairs. The elevator wasn’t fast enough for me. Rushing and slowing down at the same time when I reached the correct floor, I dived around people to reach Ma’s room.

I wasn’t out of breath, but my heart was pounding in my chest. I saw them both sat there in the room, with Ma on her bed asleep. I spent a moment too long looking her over, listening to her heart and her breathing.

Then I looked around the room. The photo of Ma and Da by her side, and her favourite blanket draped over her bed. Her book, an iPad, and a full bag of things set to the side.

#TheKid was already looking to the door before I came in, his shoulders had been tense, but dropped a little on seeing me.

“Are we moving in?” I muttered under my breath Not waiting for a reply, my eyes found Embry, and I wanted to say so much to him. But I tapped my wrist.

“Call, you’re going to be late for work. You need to head out.” I hadn’t meant to be gone this long. I hadn’t paid attention to the Burden I was placing on his shoulders.

•- Embry Call -•

I knew that #Seth heard the hurried footsteps in the hallway too. It was much quieter than a human would be when they ran, but not out of our hearing range. Especially not #Seth's, he had always had the most sensitive hearing of us all. Something I always thought of as an extension of his kindness.

He gave me a look as if to say, Does, that sound OKAY to you?

'Ness went a little overboard.' #Seth offered his sister a smile. 'The nurses said she's doing fine; her blood pressure is coming back up steadily.'

I watched the way they both looked over #Sue, and my chest tightened. I had been where they are, this was how they all felt when they stood and watched me stand over my own mother's sick bed. I shook that off.

"It's okay." I told her. "I switched shifts with Joe." I added quickly before she could say anything else. "Family first." That was the rule, right? I wasn't losing out on a day's pay; I wasn't letting anyone down. Family and the pack came before work, they had to.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Nodding my head to acknowledge #TheKid, my dark eyes were on the monitors as he gave me Ma’s update. I held myself beside the door, but just inside so that it would close behind me. I also made a note to thank #Ness in my own way, something told me that this visit wouldn’t have been easy on her. I knew that she could speak to #Jake about everything and anything, but still I always gave her to option to have my ear if she needed it.

Embry had me stood looking at him, it was #TheKid clearing his throat. ‘I’m going to go grab us all some coffee.’ He spoke. I held the bag in my hand up telling them both I got whatever food I could from downstairs. #TheKid took it and put it down on the side table before walking past whispering. ‘Don’t be too hard on him please.’ And then the door closed.

Looking to Embry, I didn’t say anything. I just shrugged my jacket off as I walked to my Ma’s bedside and set it down over the back of the chair. Looking down over her, I softly combed so stray hair out of her eyes. She looked peaceful, that pained looked on her forehead gone for now. Only when I was sure she was indeed asleep and pain free, did I step back keeping my voice low as I spoke so that #TheKid didn’t hear me.

“You are playing the rules card at me now? For someone who doesn’t really do rules, you were fast to understand them.” I half smiled but there was too much amiss from it right now. I couldn’t find it in me to mean anything. “I don’t like you owing Walker anything, especially because of me.” What was that man going to ask as Payback for this favour I wondered. “I didn’t mean to mess you about with your work, I –“ I was lost for works, so I took a step back with my eyes locked.

Telling him that I was sorry for putting him in this situation, for placing what was meant to be my responsibility on his shoulder. That I failed my Ma today, and now #TheKid and him too. I wanted him to hear it all, but words never came easily to me.

•- Embry Call -•

My stomach growled when She mentioned she'd brought food. I had been so distracted that I hadn't even smelled it when she walked in.

I didn't say anything to #Seth as he left. I knew he was leaving his Beta and Third-In-Command alone for a moment as much as he was leaving his sister and his friend.

Her smile was half-hearted, and I knew why, she believed this to be her responsibility, her burden to bear alone. But she didn't get to do that... she couldn't tell us that we couldn't be here for a vital supporter of the pack when she needed us, that we couldn't stand her and hold up our brother while he cares for his mom, because she would never look for that kind of support. I knew that she knew that too... her dual natures had to be warring with one another right now.

"It's not about the rules..." I whispered. "Not just, at least... #Seth was... When I picked him up, he was... panicked. I wouldn't have left even if you stayed. You know that."

Then I took a breath and stood in front of her, fighting the urge to touch her arm or her shoulder... any of the normal comforting gestures that wouldn't mean the same thing to her.

I knew if it were my mother in that bed she would lay her hand on my shoulder, because that was what I would need... but this was about what she needed. Not that she would admit to needing anything... but that was okay. "And I don't owe Joe anything... I know he's not exactly a good guy. But when it comes to things like switching shifts, he really doesn't care as he gets Thursday nights off... he's pretty easy going." But I was fairly he'd covered a few Thursdays for me when no one else could.

I looked around the room. "This is what I do... just with most of the time I'm in the car park of the cafeteria waiting on news." There were so many of the kids that it was too hard to explain how were friends with the age difference. But I was close by when accidents and illnesses happened. I'd always felt a little useless as a third... so I made things like this, my responsibility.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

When he told me how he found #TheKid, my bucket of sins grew. I knew I should have been there for my younger brother. The fear he must have felt in the moments that followed when he didn’t know what took place, just that it had been our mothers blood that had been spilt.

“I know…” I gave in because that was Embry. He was the one that always stayed with all the pups and the pack. I didn’t have a bone in my body that could be still long enough. Not as he did. And He was a calming influence too. No matter the reason the pack were in this place, or anywhere. Embry Call somehow knew how to show them a light and the silver lining.

He came to stand before me, and I saw how his fingers twitched. And without the words needed, I knew what he wanted to do, and knew he wouldn’t too.

I rubbed my temples with my index and second finger. I wanted to tell Embry, that I may not know Joe Walker, but I knew men like him very well. That it may seem like he wanted nothing for these things, but someday He would ask for his pound of flesh. And I wouldn’t be able to stand back and let that happen. But now wasn’t the time.

I stepped back to the table the bag of food sat on and slowly and carefully started to remove everything from inside. A mix of a few sandwiches, some bags of chips. A few slices of pies and cake. Really the as a meal it made no sense, it had been what my hands reached for when my heart and mind were elsewhere.

“Will you eat something now?” I asked him over my shoulder. “I know it’s not home cooked, and if Ma wakes up she will have a million reasons why we shouldn’t eat any of this.” I heard the footsteps of #TheKid coming back, and knew he could hear us. “But it’s something, right?” I threw a bag of chips over my head knowing that he would catch them.

•- Embry Call -•

I knew that she was punishing herself. but I couldn't do anything about that right now... maybe not at all. But I could try, when the time was right.

"He did really well... he froze for a second, but instead of giving in to it... he asked for help. He did you proud." I smiled.

I smiled when she asked if I would eat... it wasn't that I hadn't eaten... anytime one of us left the room we came back with something... but her haul was far better than the vending machine fodder that we had settled for.

"Hell yeah, I will," I said with as much enthusiasm possible while still keeping my voice down. "Pie!!!" I whispered-screamed when the slices started to appear from the bag then, I had the lid flipped open on a slice of pie and a bamboo forkful shovelled into my mouth before I could reply.

"This..." I pointed the ridiculously tiny fork at the spread. "Is everything."

"We'll make the kid eat and I'll convince him to go home. He can stay at The Sanctuary." I said this knowing that he would hear me. I gave her a look that said so many things that I couldn't say with the world's most sensitive ears so close by. 'Will you be okay here?' 'I can leave him with #Quil and come back.' I knew she would say no. 'I'll just be a text message away.' 'I really don't want to leave here without hugging you or something similar that will piss the fuck off.'

'You know I heard you talking about me, right?' #Seth snatched the bag out the air and smirked.

"Good." I turned to face him; shovelling in another tiny bite of pie and spoke with food in my mouth. "Because it's happening. You can take my bed... just this once."

'Thank you... But I think I should stay. Just in case, and you know Leah won't leave either.' He insisted.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I rubbed my forehead with the back of my hand and turned away from Embry the moment I heard the kid’s hand on the door.

I heard his unsaid words, but I couldn’t. Not right now. I couldn’t deal with it.

When I turned back my eyes rolled at the sight of Embry’s big hands with that small fork in them. “Spirits.”

I rolled my eyes again smacking the kid upside the head to keep his voice low, ma shifted and winced in her sleep. And my heart stopped, and it stung to see that pain on her face.

“Listen kid, Mac and Charlie have close up, however we need to make sure someone is there for the delivery. We both know Mac will step up. But we won’t do that to him.”

He was about to speak. “Also, we cannot have the three of us missing runs. I know Sam, Paul, Jay, Quil will all step up with Jake. But again. We have a duty to the pups and the packs too. Clearwater’s will not back down.”

His face changed from the son of a mother to a brother of a pack. ‘What about you?’ He took the pie and the fork I handed him.

“What about me? I got this. And you will come once your run is over and then I will take over. We got this Kid.”

He was frowning. When I looked to Embry and then back to him. “You did Ma proud today. We got to keep it up. Go with Call. Get some rest. I got this from here.”

I believed in that for now. Even if I kept telling myself that she shouldn’t have been left to do this to herself.

•- Embry Call -•

My eyes moved between the siblings. After seeing that #Sue had settled I buried the pang in my chest... It was an all too familiar feeling.

"I can rope one of the pups into helping with the delivery before my run tomorrow if you'd like. Mac can do the business end and we can do the heavy lifting." I offered.

"As for runs... we can cover it so you two can be with your mom for a few days. She'll need help at home and you guys will need to take turns at the bar."

I could see the pride on his face. but it quickly flooded with self-doubt, and I resisted the urge to shake the kid. I could talk to him later.

'You need to sleep too, sis. I'll come back in the morning and promise you'll go home and rest?' He was resigned to the fact that she was going to make sure that he got home.

I wanted to insist that Leah sleep too.. but I knew it would be days before that happened. And it wasn't like I could have that conversation with her right now. I Finished the pie and tossed the plastic box into the trash can in the corner, careful not to let the lid slam when I lifted my foot off the pedal.

"Okay come on kid." I pulled out my phone. I'll get Quil to set up the sofa bed for you." I said and started to type.

'Thanks, bro' but I think I really just want to head home.' He was trying to do the independent thing... but he was independent. He had nothing to prove.

"Cool." I said without missing a beat. "I'll sleep on the couch." His jaw twitched to protest and before he spoke. I continue. "Fine, you can sleep on the couch. I'm not gonna turn down a bed when it's on offer." I rested my hand on his shoulder. "One night Pup... just indulge me?" I raised my brows and grinned. #Seth huffed but that smile of his showed through and I knew it was a yes.

I winked at Leah... not a flirtatious wink. My normal the charm offensive wins again wink, and I went to say goodbye to #Sue.

I touched her Forehead lightly and whispered. "Goodnight beautiful." I smiled as she stirred from her light doze. "I'll come to check on you tomorrow."

'Don't worry about me, sweetheart. I'll be just fine.' She said softly.

"Oh, I know. you are tough as nails. But I will just be a wreck if I don't see for myself." I grinned.

‘Oh, you really do have your father’s charm.' she patted my cheek, and I repressed my flinch. It was the painkillers. That was all. #Sue would never...

I kissed her forehead and smiled at her. Giving nothing away.

"Get some sleep, I'm going to take Seth home to rest too. I'll tackle the other one in the morning." I jerked my head to Leah and grinned. When I stepped away #Seth's eyes were the first that I saw as he approached the bed to say goodnight. They were full of apology. I gave the tiniest shake of my head, there was nothing to apologise for.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Now it was my turned to watch the exchange between my kid brother and Embry. It wasn’t unseen, and it wasn’t like we didn’t know how Embry worked his magic. It was more the fact that he took the time to make the other person think they had a say in what was happening. When I knew the truth. This used to be one of those things that I used to roll my eyes at. When I saw him playing someone. But now, now that I’d let him in and seen his full view too. I knew there was no Playing, about it. This was his way to help others.

I didn’t know how I would repay him. I hadn’t expected any of this from him. But this was him... This was Embry Call in his heart and soul.

I arched my eyebrow at him when he gave me that wink, and #TheKid whispered. ‘He still has a death wish, at least he is in the hospital’

I stepped back and whispered to #TheKid when Embry went to say night to Ma. “Don’t you let him take your bed.” Nudging him in the side.

‘Ma, would kill me if I didn’t.’ he nudged right back with a half-smile. He reached out, squeezing a few fingers on the hand closest to him. and I knew what he was trying to do and say to me. I did it right back.

We both watched him and Ma whisper, however it had been a clear conversation to our ears. We both stilled and stiffened. I wanted to reach out and squeeze Embry on the shoulder, tell him that Ma didn’t mean it. That it had to be the meds talking. She would never hurt him in that way. But #TheKid did it with one look.

My eyes found Embry’s, wanting him to know that this all. It meant a lot. That I didn’t even have to ask. He had just been here. And I knew that all of this, seeing Ma this way. It would be testing him too. I knew how I felt when I spent time with #MsC in this place.

“Okay, that’s enough. Get out so Ma and I can have our sleepover.” I stepped backwards and pulled the door open for them both to leave.

•- Embry Call -•

I heard the two of them whispering and grinned. I wasn't going to take the kid's bed... not tonight at least. Any other time, I probably would.

There was a lot unsaid in Leah's eyes and I smiled at her. I knew most of my friend's parents knew who my father was, or at least had their own ideas of who he was. But I didn't want to know... If mom chose to tell me then I would hear her.

I stood next to Leah while #Seth said goodbye. I was close enough to let my arm brush hers for the briefest moment.

It wasn't for her benefit, it was for mine... It was quick𝕀'𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖; even though I was leaving, I wasn't going far.

#Seth came to the door with us and before I could he said 'Text if you need anything.' And gave her a look that said he meant it.

"And Jake said he can come if you need anything, too." I knew she wasn't going to call anyone. And normally this wasn't a shock, but there was a worry building. Because this wasn't work stuff or pack stuff... it was #Sue... and I alone in this... Like was for everything hated to think of her being alone in this like she was with everything else.

Because we had let her down.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Just they were leaving a nurse started towards Ma’s room. ‘It time to go, Mrs Clearwater needs her rest.’ She wasn’t rude about it, and I knew she was just looking out for Ma.

‘Sorry, we are just leaving.’ #TheKid gave me and then Ma one last look before heading out.

My eyes found Embry for a second. There wasn’t anything I could do to tell him how much this meant. That I knew my kid was in good hands. And that… he had known it all.

As the sport closes the nurse Started to adjust Ma. “Here let me help you there.” I told her, going to stand beside the bed, I curled my arms around Ma and slowly lifted her, making it look like it was a team effort. So, that she didn’t question how I did it.

‘He is such a good boy.’ Ma said.

“Yes Ma, Seth is a good boy.” I whispered back kissing her forehead.

‘He is… but I meant Embry.’ She sleepy whispered before curling up the best she could and fell asleep.

“You mom is a little lost on the Pain meds.’ She told me. Then felt. I pulled the chair close to the bed, the door opened, and the nurse was back.

‘I brought you a pillow and a blanket. Just in case.’ She set them to the side and then it was just Ma and I.

•- Embry Call -•

When #Seth spoke to the nurse I caught Leah's eyes. You’ve got this! I hoped my eyes told her. Then they flicked to Seth and back. I’ve got this! I hoped the said now.

It was strange how it felt to leave her in that room. I knew she didn't need me there... but maybe she could want me there? I shook away that thought because, no... she would want me with my mom looking after her... working or with the pack... anything but hanging out in a hospital room just to keep her company Did I want her to want me there? would that be a bad thing? But all of it, it was all new and strange and oddly welcome. All the contradictions and mixed emotions seemed to all fit together somehow, wrapped up neatly the idea that looking out for #seth is what those two strong-willed, completely different, and utterly similar women we had left back would want me to do right now. If they ever needed anything from me, it was this.

'Dude your miles away... what are you are you thinking?' #Seth gave a half-hearted chuckle and I only realised that we were in the lift when we stopped walking.

"Oh... Just don't like the idea of Leah being left here alone when your mom will be out like a light all night." I offered, not a lie.

'That's how she likes it.' I could hear the frustration in his voice, he loved his sister deeply, but I knew he felt like she kept him at a distance sometimes.

"Being alone isn't the same as being lonely, Seth." I said the same thing to him that I had to his sister before.

'I know... But how can we know which when she is if she never shares how she feels?' He was so calm when he said it. It cracked my heart a little. It would have been less heart-breaking if he was pissed off. But this was a deep-rooted concern.

"Ask her." I said simply, my eyes fixed on his side profile as he stared at the crack of the door and laughed. 'Yeah right.' He scoffed, not taking me seriously.

"I mean it Seth." We stepped out and made our way across the nearly empty waiting area to the door.

"Just talk to her, ask her how she feels how she really feels." I continued.

'Like walk right up to her and say, Hey sis, are you lonely?’ He laughed like it sounded ridiculous... and it kind of did but...

"In exactly those words if you want to... Leah appreciates directness." I stuffed the key into the lock of my Jeep and we claimed in. I could tell he wanted to defend against my Point... but instead he pressed his lips together and thought about it.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I sat there watching Ma sleeping now, counting the number of times her chest went up and then came down. Making sure that the monitors weren’t giving the wrong data to the nurse when they came in from time to time to check on her.

They would tell me to sleep, to close my eyes. That Ma wouldn’t be awake until the morning with all the meds pumped into her. And yet I couldn’t. My mind kept telling me that she may need me, that she was in pain, or that I couldn’t just sleep when I should have stopped this from happening I the first place.

Finally, I stood up and walked to the windows. Wishing that I could open them needing to feel the touch of the air, the one that say, ‘You aren’t alone.’ Listening to the whispers of the spirits saying that it would all be okay. But tonight, there was silent and the beeping of the monitors.

I rubbed my face; I blinked away the unsure feelings taking a hold of me. I pulled my hair up into a bun and then took out my phone. Sending one short message to him.

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗�� 𝚢𝚘𝚞 -𝙻

Text To Embry Call - {Thank you. – L}

I knew he would understand the meaning. It was hard for me to leave today, but if I hadn’t, I wasn’t sure what or how I would have managed to hold it together. Not with Ma this way. And even the fact that I was so weak that I needed to leave was filling the balance of my bucket of sins. I should have been stronger.

A light knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts. And when I saw #Pauls head pop in and then his smiled I looked confused.

‘Hey.’ He whispered for the first time ever.

“Hey” I whispered back.

‘Thought you could use some company.’ He was inside, with a box of pizza and a six pack of soda. ‘I know you aren’t all that keen on soda, but tonight I have a feeling all the sugar in the world would help.’ Setting the box and the cans on the side, he went to Ma’s side and kissed her head. ‘You will be fine Aunt. You have to be. OR who is going to control your Hot Head?’ He kissed her head again, and the back of my eyes prickled.

Walking over he took my seat and pointed to the couch. ‘You take that, eat and then you sleep, and I will sit watch.’ I opened my mouth to say no, but he rolled his eyes. ‘She isn’t just your mom Lee. She belongs to us all. Let her sons step up for her too. Now will you give me some food. I’m starving here.’

•- Embry Call -•

#Seth was quite a lot of the way home and I knew that there was a war in his head between worrying about his sister and worrying about his mom.... and then probably a little guilt that he was worried about Leah and #Sue was the one that was hurt. That kid was a pro and at feeling all the things all the time.

"C'mon kid... spill?" I asked him when we finally got back to his place.

'It's nothing really...' Seth sighed before he even finished the sentence because he knew I didn't fall for that shit. 'It's just stupid to worry about Leah when Mom is the one that got hurt.'

"There it is!" I clapped my hands on his shoulder and steered him to the living room. "Go... Sit... I'll make get us a drink."

He started to protest and I called back from the kitchen. "It's not optional." I grabbed us both a beer, knowing he would be fine to drive if he was needed back at the hospital and I sent Leah a text saying that Seth was home.

Then I settled on the couch across from him so we could talk this thing out and I could send him to bed for a little rest.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Slapping #Paul on the back of the head. “I thought the pizza was for me.” He’d downed half of it.

‘No, I said the soda was for you.’ He smirked. ‘And that slap was for free. You know. Because you are so happy to see me.’

Rolling my eyes o gave him another. When I phone pinged. I took it out reading the text before putting it back away.

‘Aren’t you gonna reply?’ He asked with a brow raised.

“Doesn’t need one.” I told him.

We settled in for the night. ‘So, what Happened?’ It was a good question. Rubbing my face my eyes went to Ma and then the soda.

“I wasn’t there.” I told him.

‘I call bull shit.’ He said matter of factly.

“That’s your choice.” I returned in the same tone.

‘All this growth, and you still can’t see it… that you can’t stop us all from making stupid decisions. But you can help us learn from them HotHead. I know. I’m speaking from experience.’

I gave him a look and he just smirked holding the pizza box up.

•- Embry Call -•

#Seth and I talked for a long time. We were both really curious about how her injury actually occurred but I told him there was no point trying to figure that out, we needed to head that from #Sue when she was well enough.

I sent the kid to bed and then I get myself another drink settling on the couch. I scrolled through the group chat. It seemed like all the other were being very careful about flooding the chat with question, there was only a few then and message.

from Jake telling everyone that she should be discharged tomorrow and she was in pain but it was being managed. That was one thing about #Jake he didn’t lie to them, he didn’t tell them everything was fine just assured them that it would be.

It was hard to do it the way he did. In cases like #Sue’s it wasn’t easier, he would heal… but in cases like my Mom’s when she was really sick I had no idea how he kept them all so calm.

Sure it was their mom… Most of them never met her in person… but in so many more important ways they had all met her and loved her through the pack member that were in her life daily and they loved her like we all did.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

#Paul made me rest my head on the couch and took watch if Ma, I couldn’t sleep so he handed me a book and told me to read.

The words were dancing on the page as my eyes kept going to ma when I thought I head her move, shift or moan in pain. But it was all in my head.

At about 3am there was a new scent coming towards us and then #Sam was stood in the room, kissing Ma’s forehead and telling #Paul to go home.

I sat up narrowing my eyes at him.

‘Don’t look at me like that You know this is where I want to be.’

I shook my head. “You need to be at home with your wife and baby boy.”

‘I was, I dropped them off to Neah Bay, she wanted to visit home before she starts showing. So, there is where I need to be.’

He took the seat #Paul vacated. ‘Paul said you weren’t sleeping. Close your eyes, Lee. I’m here for Sue.’

I lay back down, watching him from behind. This was my Ma. She loved people so much, that they were showing up for her now.

•- Embry Call -•

I woke up with my feet hanging off the edge of the couch at five AM and by five thirty I had given up on the possibility of falling back to sleep. I sat up and ran my hand over my face and through my hair, shaking away the remnants of sleep... the soft breathing from the other side of the house told me Seth was still sleeping. Good... but I knew it wouldn't be long.

I text Leah [𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚎? 𝚃𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝙸'𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚢 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙸 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚛. 𝚂𝚎𝚝𝚑 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚑𝚎'𝚜 𝚘𝚔𝚊𝚢. 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚎'𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍.]

I didn't need to ask her how she was. I knew what the answer was and I knew what the answer she would tell me was too. I also had a feeling she knew she'd been on my mind all night too.

I pulled on my jeans but stayed barefoot, wanting to let #Seth sleep as long as his worried mind would allow. His kitchen wasn't a carbon copy of #Sue's Like his sister's was, but it was still tidy and had a semblance of order.

I turned on his coffee maker and poured myself a bowl of cereal just as I heard a car pulling up... but it didn't pull into the driveaway. Then there was a crunching of gravel beneath feet and a hushed reprimand of 'Will you wait in the car... you sound like a baby elephant stomping up the driveway!' I laughed silently.

Emily.

And bacon.

I abandoned my cereal without a second thought and opened the door to find #Sam and #Emily whisper-yelling at one another at the end of the drive. Though, #Sam had a huge goofy grin on his face as he taunted his wife just enough that she didn't quite get mad at him for real.

A dangerous game to play with a pregnant woman. I laughed again when they noticed me and #Seth's bedroom door opened. 'Do I smell bacon?'

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I wasn’t sure what the time was when I made #Sam leave, He could spend all night sat here, and the sun would be out soon, bringing in a new dawn with it.

Ma woke up and with her sleepy eyes gave me a small smile. ‘You didn’t need to stay here Usdi. I’m a big girl now.’ She said as I help her out of bed to the bathroom. She drew the line at letting me help her inside saying. ‘I am the mother here!’ And even though I could given some form of a witty reply, I knew now wasn’t the time.

Leaning on the wall, I took out my phone when it buzzed reading the text on the screen. Something in my stomach twisted as I typed out a reply.

[ Up and telling me she is the mother here. So good sign? Don’t need anything. Ness took care of all of Ma’s needs. I can do the deliveries. It’s okay. But thanks for staying with the kid. He wouldn’t have been okay alone. -L ]

Hitting send I pocketed the phone as I heard the flush go and then the tap turn on. I helped Ma back into bed as I nurse came in with some more meds. ‘Mrs Clearwater, you are looking bright this morning.’ She was full of energy for this time in the morning, However I have to give her credit. The woman was like a wave of lightening looking over Ma, her meds and then telling her to sleep.

•- Embry Call -•

‘We can’t stay, my cousin is in the house with Kishil, he’s still sleeping and #Sam has work.’ Se explained. That meant the #Bear was here, I forgotten she was visiting tonight. #Emily told us there was breakfast and muffins for us and #Leah and few treats for she with some cleverly disguised flaxseeds and oats to give her a boost. Then she was on her way.

#Seth was laying out the food in the basket and I pulled out my phone to reply to #Leah. [Business as usual! Okay… let me Rephrase; I will be helping with the delivery at the bar. If you still want to help the cool, we’ll be done twice as fast, and you can get some sleep. Or you can let Mac and I help out and just get some sleep. It’s up to you.]

I had already texted him to tell him I could out he refused at first, but I convinced him it was a good plan and he agreed easily.

“We should eat and then you need to shower and head to the hospital and try to convince Leah to get a few hours of sleep.”

#Seth agreed and we tucked into our food, Leaving the box for #Leah well wrapped.

Then we both started to get ready Just like it was on cue #Quil showed up with a back pack of clothes and a little hellraiser on his back. ‘Bry!!!!’ She cried and reached out for me to take her before #Quil could even say hello. she was far too big for this, maybe because we never told her she was getting big for it she just never stopped… I mean that was why people stopped picked their kids up like this, right? They got too heavy. But not to us.

I scooped her off my best friends back and hugged her, her leg dangling in the air and she squeezed with all her might. ‘Quil said you needed a Bear hug.’ She whispered and kissed my cheek. ‘“I always need a Bear hug.” I told her and kissed her cheek a half dozen times.

‘Where is mine!?” #Seth called out, coming out of the bathroom fully dressed with wet hair.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

[Lee, we got this. The Bar is covered you don’t need to come of worry about it, just spoke to Seth and Embry too. He is coming to help me.] I re-read the text from #Mac. And I knew that news was spreading. People were slowly starting to wake up and hear that Ma was taken to hospital.

Just as I was about to hit reply. Embry’s reply came in and I rolled my eyes. “These men are trying to gang up.”

Replying to Mac [Thanks, I owe you and will pay up I promise. -L] Hitting send.

Then reply again this time to Embry. [You always have the answers don’t you. Thank you for helping. It means a lot. -L].

This was something new, help… Accepting it and not feeling like I had failed. ‘You are learning on your journey.’ My wolf whispered as she watched Ma with me. She had been awake the whole time keeping me in check.

I sat up and my eyes jumped to the door, the sound and the scent came to me and he was at the door. ‘Is this her way to get out of helping with the event next week?’ The nurse held the door open and then left us to her as Billy took his hat off. ‘How is she?’ He asked with concern in his eyes. ‘Why didn’t you call me last night?’ He gave Ma a once over before turning his chair to me and scolding me for trying to always do things alone.

“I wasn’t alone. The Kid was here, Ms C. Quil, Embry.. Jack and Ness too! And then Paul and Sam came…” I stopped because the door opened and #Jay was stood there.

‘I just got off my run.’ His eyes went from Ma to Billy and then to me. ‘What did I miss?’

•- Embry Call -•

#Bear wriggled and jumped down to run and give #Seth a hug. and she started to bombard him with questions about #Sue. And to his credit with each answer he seemed to relax more, like the act of explaining it all delicately yet honestly was making him start to see that his Mom was really going to be okay.

"I'm sorry man... It completely slipped my mind that #Claire was coming." I whispered to #Quil.

'Don't worry about it. As long we can pick up some slack for Leah and Seth that's all that matters.' He whispered back as #Seth deflected questions about visiting her in the hospital but he told her she was coming home today and we'd have to wait and see how she was feeling.

That was when #Quil decided to rescue him. 'C'mon #ClaireBear. Let's go home and make Auntie #Sue a card or something.'

I waited for a teenage eyeroll and the retort that she was too old for arts and crafts, but she smiled and agreed... because of course she did. This was #Seth got another hug and then it was my turn. 'Are you going to be home later?' #Bear asked.

"Sorry Little Bear I had to change my shift so I could be at the hospital the #Sue, But I'll work things out and make sure I can at least have dinner with you guys. And you can wake up first thing in the morning and we'll do something fun." She beamed... I would have woken up when she did anyway as I always gave up my room for Claire when she stayed. It just made sense since I was the one coming home between two and four in the morning.

After they felt Seth and I finished up I skipped the shower because I was going to need one before work after my run anyway... Though the hospital smell was still lingering. but that was probably in my head because I was so tired of that smell after all the trips with Mom.

I drove #Seth back to his Mom's and get his truck and we went out separate ways with a hug and the promise he would text me if he needs anything. He went inside, probably to make sure that it was tidy for #Sue when she was home. But I turned the Jeep around and went right for the bar. I was already halfway there when I remembered never replied to Leah or told Mac I was on my way.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The morning rounds started with the nurses coming in to check on Ma and how she has slept. They offered her some breakfast which she hadn’t hardly toughed. #Jay and #Billy refused to go home when Ma told them that she would be fine. However, they did go outside when the Doctor finally arrived to check.

He was happy with her sticks, with the sleep she had, he told us his blood count was up, however he also told her that she needed to eat before they would let her go. Ma smiled her trademark smile saying that she would eat something nice and big once she was home and showered. She didn’t like to have her breakfast before she showered. So, I didn’t push. This was when I knew that she would be okay.

The minute the doctor was done with his work, she started to quiz him on why there was no ring on his finger. And I closed my eyes and counted to five before she said. “My daughter Leah, she’s right there behind you. She is single too. She is such an amazing young lady.” And I wanted to ground to open up.

When I opened my eyes, they were both looking at me, and the doctor for once had the look that said. “I get it, my mom does the same to me.”

This time I didn’t even have a go at Ma when he and the nurses left. I didn’t care what she did, as long as she was here, fit and healthy. When #Billy and #Jay returned I asked if they could stay with Ma and make sure she eats her breakfast.

‘Where are you going Usdi?’ Ma asked, I kissed her head.

“I need to go and pay the bill Ma, I will be right back.” Kissing her head again, I left the room. I had only gone a few steps when I hear #Billy calling out my name from behind. Worried something had happened I ran back to him. “What happened? Is…” He held up a leather wallet. “What is this, Billy?” I asked

‘It’s what I have at home. Jake is going to the bank right now and will be back as soon as he has taken out what we have. Together we will pay this bill Lealea.”

I swallowed down that hard lump in my throat again. My hand on the wallet I lowered it to his chest. I knew how hard he and Jake saved. This money would be the reason what Jake would be happy to leave Billy. Knowing that his dad had something to fall back on.

“Billy, you have nothing to worry about. I have the money. The bill won’t be that much.” He gave me that look. He knew what the care in this hospital would put us back. “Have faith in my Billy. I have Ma covered. I have this covered. But…” I bent down on my knees to come eye to eye with him. “Thank you. Thank you for offering.”

•- Embry Call -•

I stepped out when I parked the Jeep at the front of the HWH, I stepped out. I could hear the truck approaching, but only barely SO I pulled out my phone and typed back to Leah:

[𝙰 𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙹𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙷𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚜' 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗.]

Then a second one:

[𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝟸]

I smirked and made my way around to the back of the bar the double door were open and Mac walked out just as got there.

'What are you smirking about?' He asked. 'Good news from the hospital?'

"Yeah... #MrsClearwater is coming home today... but it could be a long few weeks of recovery. But I was just telling Leah she owes a few beers for helping out." I laughed ryly... just in case my expression gave any other ideas.

'How do figure that will work considering she insisted she could be here and she could handle it?' Mas teased as the truck pulled carefully around the building.

"Doesn't matter... Leah hates to think she owes someone. Even is she didn't ask... she still has the reward hard work." I smirked. It was true... she wouldn't really owe me... but it was how she saw things so if a few beers evened the scales I would drink them with gusto!

Mac tossed me a pair of work gloves and I pulled them on just the play human while we worked. "Alright, then boss... tell me where you want these?"

We got stuck in, I moved what the driver unloaded inside where Mac told me to take them while he checked everything off a list.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

From Lucky - [𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚒𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚋𝚘𝚗𝚍. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎, 𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞.]

I read Lucky’s text twice before pocketing my phone and stepping out of the elevator on the admin floor. Feeling useless in this building whenever I came into it. Until I realised that I could help people by taking the pressure off of them when it came to this finally walk to pay the bill.

Then I set Ma’s insurance card down the woman behind the desk gave me a look. I knew what she was thinking. People like me didn’t tend to have insurance, people like me tended not to come off the Rez away from our small doctors clinic. Let alone the shock on her face when I told her I would clear the rest of the bill with my bank card and not a credit card.

‘It’s a lot of money dear.’ She smiled with a patronising tap on the back of my hand when I set the card down Before her. “I know. Funny enough I know how to read, write and count. Now… do your job… and take the payment.” One glare from me has her quaking in her heels. “And I want a full brown down invoice while you are at it….. thanks.”

I was never rude to the staff in hospitals. But women like this one, she thought herself high and mighty because she felt she had power. Little did she know.

My phone buzzes, I took it out and shook my head reading the text from Call.

To Call: [𝙸 𝙲𝚊𝚗 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. -𝙻]

Hitting send I smirked a little. Not telling him what the better would be

•- Embry Call -•

#Mac finished checking off the delivery notice and started helping me move the boxes. I had taken care of the kegs first… they didn’t weight that much more than a case of beer bottles.. but they were more awkward to carry and knew he had an issue with his back already.

“Take your time will you?” I teased him. ‘You’re making me to look bad.” I tried to keep him talking as we worked but he was still lifting two cases at a time.

‘Do you need a little more time in the gym, Call?’ He laughed. ‘I’ll give you some pointers if you want?’ he teased right back.

I responded by lifting three cases and following him into the stock room. “I think I’m good!” I laughed. I felt my phone vibrate but I didn’t want to stop until this was done.

‘Show off!’ He scoffed. ‘I could do that.. but… I’m not as tall as a tree so I wouldn’t see where I’m going.’

“Keep telling yourself that.” I laughed.

And then he started to ask about the open mic night… things like why I never told anyone I could sing… and how shocked he was by Nessie’s voice. He wondered why neither of us ever pursued it as a career…

“Wait like… sing for a living?” I scoffed. “Nope! Were you not there that night? I about shat my pants on that stage!”

‘Only for the singing… I bet you’d get over that.’ He replied. Stopping the gulp down half a bottle of water.

I used the chance to reply to Leah.

To Leah: [𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚍… 𝙷𝚘𝚠’𝚜 𝚂𝚞𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐? 𝙰𝚗𝚢 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚊 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢’𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚒𝚐𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚎𝚝?]

“Nah… what’s that saying about never doing what you love for a living? I think Ness feels the same.”

‘There’s a saying about that?’ Mac seemed to think.

“Isn’t there?” I shrugged. “Feels like there should be.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘How much stuff did Sue need for one night?’ Jay asked the moment the door was opened and I stepped inside.

“Ness.” Is all that had to be said, he smiled as he would knowing the meaning right way. We all knew the imprints so well, especially Ness. We all had spent time with that kid, as she grew up before our eyes. And now we knew how she would react, and this had her stamp all over it. Hadn’t I had this conversation already? I didn’t know it was all becoming one to me right now because my mind was on Ma in that locked bathroom.

‘I’ll take these down to the car and then be back to help.’ He said before lifting the page and heading out.

The sounds coming from the bathroom told me where Ma was, I gave the room a once over before turning to find #Billy right there looking up at me. ‘Well? How much was the bill?’

My eyebrows shot up with a roll of my eyes. “I told you Billy, it’s covered. We are all good.”

This man had been one of the first to pick me up when I came home. I heard the stories from Ma and Da about Aunty Sarah and Billy coming rushing over to decorate our home to welcome. So, he always thought he could read me. And at times he could because I left him a few bread crumbs. But today wasn’t that day.

The door behind him opened with Ma coming out. ‘Fine, but this conversation isn’t over.’ His voice low enough for me to hear but not for Ma.

“Yes, it is.” I muttered before worked my way around him to Ma’s side. “Are you really to go home?”

‘I am, I need a shower to get this hospital smell off me.’ I knew what she meant. It was something I was used to. Once I’d been around the Cullen’s for long enough everything else smelt like roses. ( Not really but yeah. )

‘The doctor said he would be back with some medication, then we can take Sue home.’ Billy told me. The two of them began to talk about something but I tuned it out. Leaning on the back wall I crossed my ankles and arms over my chest to watch them.

When my phone went off, I pulled it out and rolled my eyes.

To Call. [I was talking about lasagne, Wisearse! We are waiting for Ma’s meds and the Doc, should be out and bringing her home before lunch. -L]

Hitting send, I shot off the same ish text to #TheKid, and #Jake too. just letting them know.

•- Embry Call -•

Once we finished putting the boxes away #Mac tossed me a soda and sat at the bar next to me. “It’s weird seeing you on this side of the bar.” I chuckled.

‘Honestly… it’s weird sitting here.’ He admitted with a chuckle. ‘Lee and #Seth are gonna as take this hard.’ He said with a sigh.

“I stayed with #Seth last night, he’s okay. I’d say he’s at the hospital now… they’ll be fine once they do it together.” I assured him.

‘You do that a lot don’t you?’ He asked, brows pinched until a V appeared between them. I gave him a look that said ‘Do what?’

‘Look after people... Without them knowing you're doing it.’ he continued.

“Not really... I don't really do anything I'm just... There. Most of the time people know exactly what they need to do. They just need someone there... So...” I shrugged.

‘That's still more than what a lot of people do... Probably better because you let them figure it out themselves.’ he was thinking out loud... I swigged from the can and pulled out my phone.

[That’s exactly what I had in mind. The bar is sorted. Try to rest when she is settled at home.]

Then I followed it up with another. Knowing we would both need to delete the message immediately. But it said everything that was needed to be said, I was here... No matter what she needed.

[I got you]

‘What about your mom?’ #Mac asked. ‘How is she doing?’

“Oh...” it was a topic I want expecting, which was stupid considering the topic was sick Moms. “I'm... Yeah. She is doing better. I mean the only cure is a new kidney. But the medical grant from the council really took the pressure off and bring less stress out seems to have had a major impact.”

‘Seems to have worked for you too... You hadn't been the guy I was used to seeing around here for the last few months.’ #Mac added with a knowing look.

“Yeah... Trying to keep the bills paid and mom looked after... It was... Hard. But now I can focus on her.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I knew he was coming from the sound of his feet and his scent. Before he was at the door, I opened it and stood back so he saw Ma sitting up in bed laughing with the doctor and #Billy. His heart was hammering in his chest, and I could tell he was trying and failing to control himself.

“She is going to be okay kid.” I said in a low voice as he came to the door and stopped.

Watching him from the side I gave him the time he needed to take her in, to see for himself, because I knew I would have needed to confirm it for myself if I were him too.

‘She’s going to be fine.’ He repeated.

‘Here he is. My baby.’ Ma held her good arm outstretched towards him, beckoning him to come in. When he did, I kept the door open because I could hear #Jay coming too.

‘All set?’ he asked rubbing his hands together. Just as the Doctor gave Ma the sign off to leave.

“Looks like it.”

I took the prescription from the nurse giving it a once over. Letting the guys take Ma as I listened to the instructions of what was needed and when. Being told to keep the bandages dry for at least 72 hours, which meant we would have to be careful when we took her home, and she showered.

Leaving the room behind the others my phone went off and I read the two messages. A rush of calm came over me, and I knew I should delete that last part. Three little words, and it was so much more that I heard from it.

[Sure, you did. Thank you -L]

I didn’t need to say ‘thank you for helping Mac, for stepping in for the Kid and me, so that we could be here for Ma. Thank you for saying you have me. That no matter what, you will be beside me.’ Because he knew it was all inclusive.

Hitting send I rushed down the stairs as the rest went to the elevator. Running down then four steps at a time, I made it to the pharmacy on the ground floor. Showing then the discharge papers and prescriptions. Gathering them just as the others arrived in the lobby.

‘Sis, it may be best to take Ma home in mine, Jay is going to take Billy home, and…’

“I will drive Ma’s car back. It’s a good plan.” The porter rolled Ma out into the waiting area as the Kid came around. Only once they had all left, did I make my way to the parking lot to follow them back to La Push.

•- Embry Call -•

I helped Mac restock the bar… but they seemed to get most of that done after closing. Then I said goodbye to #Mac telling him to text me if he needed anything else.

I headed straight to #Billy’s I knew he wasn’t there but #Nessie’s had offered to stay so she could take my phone and the hospital beeper while I did my run. When I got there she was sitting on the porch at the top of Billy's wheelchair ramp staring out at the road instead of the trees… that is how I knew something was wrong.

I stood next to her and squeezed her shoulders. “What’s on your mind little one?” I asked.

‘I just... it’s…’ she sighed. ‘They’re all going to die.’

I flinched; tact was never her thing. But neither was malice. Her hand flew up to her mouth. ‘Oh my god!’ She stood up in a flash and hugged me. ‘I’m so sorry… I shouldn’t have said that… not to you… I just…’

“It’s okay Ness. You can say these things. I know how you feel.” I hugged her back. “I know it’s hard for you to see them sick or hurt.” Them being the humans she loved. “It makes sense… most of your family is essentially indestructible. But you love harder than anyone i have ever met Little One. And every single human you’ve ever met is better just for knowing you.”

She sniffled now and I squeezed her a little. ‘But what do we do when they’re gone?’

“We hurt… until remembering them doesn’t hurt as much. And we love them anyway. We make them proud to have loved us when they were with us and remember everything, they taught us.”

She sniffled again and pushed me away. ‘I hate you sometimes, you know that.’ She wiped away her tears, but a weak smile broke through I could tell she was breaking through the dark cloud.

“No, you don’t.” I teased her.

‘You should go before you’re late.’ She swiped at her face again.

“Do you need me to call someone to keep you company? #Kim is home today…” I offered but she cut me off.

‘Quil is bringing Claire over… We’re going to make jewellery.’ She laughed and I started to see the optimistic Ness again.

“As long as it's not leather…” I pointed to the cuffs on her wrists. “I think Quil would kill you.”

She shook her head and laughed. ‘No… she had a beading project for school. I said I would teach her since #Emily is so busy.’

“Awesome… Get her to make something pink and sparkle for Leah… she could use the laugh and she can’t say no to that girl.” Then I headed for the trees with the sound of my best friends imprint laughing behind me.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

With Ma settled in bed, I left her with #TheKid to get started on making some dinner. I knew that even one night away from home would had been hard on her. So, it would be best not to make her eat anything from outside. And really, I wanted to cook. Ma had always been in love with cooking, for her it was a art form that she would feed those who she loved with. She never backed down from feeding anyone who stepped foot into her home, or if she found out they were under the weather.

She had a fresh chicken and vegetables in her fridge, which meant I got to work on a soup. The chicken went into the oven to roast with some herbs, onion, garlic, and butter. And the veggies I began to clean and chop.

#TheKid came down some time into the day to take ma up some tea, and then returned to help. ‘Ma’s sleeping. She cannot keep her eyes open.’

“It’s been a lot on her body. Sometimes… I guess we forget just how human she really is.”

We didn’t say anything else. I cooked and he baked. He wanted to make something, anything, it was more about doing something without time, because if we stopped, we would think, and if that happened. Then we would… I didn’t want to think about it.

Two hours later there was a knock on the door, we found #MsC and #Emily came in with a bag filled with food.

‘Leah. You should be sleeping. We have dinner made.’ I could hear the sounds of a kiddo in the bad, and then he was rushed in on the shoulders of #TheKid making my lips curl up into a smirk.

“I needed something to do.” I told them shredding the chicken.

‘Let’s face it. This house is going to be busy for the next few days. It will add be eaten.’ #MsC said as she was about to sit down on the table. I stopped her.

“No. In the living room. Or you can go and climb into bed with Ma. Your choice.” She smiled patting my cheek.

‘With Sue.’ She said. #The Kid handed the kiddo over to me and helped #MsC up to settle her with Ma.

‘Leelee.’ The Kiddo asked.

“Hmm?”

‘Where is Ulisi Sue?’ (Grandmother)

“She’s not feeling well kiddo. She’s resting. You can play with Uncle Seth for now, and then later you can see her. Okay?”

‘They—’ I cut #TheKid off.

“Want tea.” Handing the kiddo back over I let #Emily do, her thing I told her she should be resting. And she said the same back to me. As I got to boiling some water for the tea and finish off the big pot of chicken soup.

•- Embry Call -•

After my run, I spent a few minutes with Claire at the Black's house, with ended with me covered head to toe in glitter and sporting a fabulous new red and black bracelet.

I made my way home to shower and shave (which I really needed). I knew I wouldn't need to leave out food for #Quil, he mostly ate at Emily's when he had #Bear. Then I changed into my uniform and shot off a text to Leah.

To Leah - [Leaving the Jeep home tonight just in case. I know you hate driving, but you can’t exactly get your mom on the back of your bike. You won’t need it. But just in case. You know where the keys are.]

I took my bike to my mom’s, but the house was locked up and there was a note on the fridge - she was just as bad at texting as I was - saying Emily had taken her to #Sue's the help The Kids. I laughed and stuffed that into my pocket because would get a kick out of being called a kid. The note also mentioned a language and specific instructions to reheat it in the oven and not the microwave. So, I naturally put a 𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕖 (half) of it into the microwave for five minutes. How had fifteen minutes to wait for a lasagne?

I poured a glass of milk and sorted through the mail. checking on Mom's pill organisers and checking to see which of her prescription needed to be refilled. Until the timer went off and then I sat at the table to eat with my music as loud as my phone would go.

I fucking hated eating alone. Guilt crept in at the thought... what a stupid thing to think after everything that had happened... But I let myself feel it, then reminded myself what was important.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The mom’s ate their dinner in Ma’s room. The two were catching in low whispers the last time I listened to see if they needed anything. It was a little tricky with #MsC here, Ma couldn’t just say she needed some water and then have me or #TheKid show up with a bottle. So, we had to listen and then go up asking if we heard them in need.

‘I cannot believe even Sue’s frozen soups taste this good.’ #Sam said standing from the table. He has arrived here from his run, to check in and then take his wife and son home. However, with dinner on the go. He wasn’t going to leave without eating.

‘No matter what she makes, it’s like eating in the land of the spirits.’ #Emily tasted her husband.

#TheKid glanced up at me from where he stood refilling his and #Sam’s bowl but didn’t say anything to the two. ‘Yeah, The Clearwater’s have magic in their hands.’ He finally said sitting down with the two bowls.

Once dinner was over, Sam said that he would drive #MsC home, however I frowned. Going upstairs to the two. “Hey Beautiful, why don’t you stay here the night? I can make up my bed for you. It would help the Kid and me a lot as your friend here will never listen to us.” Giving her the biggest ‘You would be saving me’ look I could. She had her evening meds with her, and I could drive her back home in the morning in time for her morning ones.

Telling the others of the change of plans, I set my room up for #MsC, giving it a quick dust, changing the covers, and making sure she had everything she needed for a comfortable night. I didn’t know why, But knowing that Embry was working tonight, I just needed these two women where I could see them.

‘I’ll take them up some tea.’ #TheKid told me when I came back down, the house was quite again with the little one gone. Giving me a moment to check my phone. It had buzzed which I was changing the bed.

Glancing over my shoulder, I stood reading his reply once again before replying.

To EMBRY - [If I need it, I will take it. The Kid is here for now, so things should be okay. I am keeping your mom here too. I need them both where I can see them. Don’t work too hard. -L]

Unsure how he would take the fact that I have kidnapped his mom, my eyes were on the back yard and the shed. Slight scent of blood still in the air, however #Jacob and #Ness had done a good job with the clean-up. I knew I would have another go at cleaning in the morning.

‘Hey, are you heading home?’ #TheKid came back into the kitchen with the used cups from the Moms.

“No. I am staying,” I told him.

‘Sis, you were at the hospital last night. Go home, shower, change, sleep. I will be here all night. I am not going anywhere. I got this.’ I knew he did. But I couldn’t leave. I just couldn’t.

To Be Continued in Part Two

#LeahClearwater #EmbryCall #TwilightRP #TwiRP #AUWorld #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead #BabBoyEmbryCall #sueclearwater #tiffanycall

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blazingtheway · 1 year

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For Those Who Can’t be Here - Leah Solo

❝ Just because you do not see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t with you. ❞ — #𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙒𝙤𝙡𝙛

Some days are harder than others, they have memories attached that not everyone is always aware of.

Some are passing days, just a Tuesday or Wednesday to others but with significance to you. And some are big days the whole world actually acknowledges.

Christmas Eve always ends the same way for #TheKid and me, we close up #HwH and drive over to Ma’s.

It’s the one night she stays up no matter how late we arrive, with a table full of snacks made, and Christmas movies lined up for us to pick. She always falls asleep on the couch curled up into #TheKid’s side, and we always carry her upstairs to her bed.

A tradition which began with our Da, no matter where we were, what we were doing, Christmas Eve would be spent together.

Of course, I had been the only one to fight this night as a teenager, wanting to be out with my friends, to be with others my age and not two oldies, and the baby of the family who hung to my every word.

That is my sin now I had to live with. Because if I knew then that the number of Christmas Eves we would have as a family together were limited, I hoped I would have cherished each and every one of them.

Would the teenager Leah, understand the loss she would feel for the rest of her life? Would she stop herself from being such a brat when her Ma and Da asked her to come home early on those days? I knew now what my hope was for that Leah, however with my hand on my heart I didn’t know if she would appreciate that time as the Leah today would.

‘Where are you lost Sis? It’s your turn?’ #TheKid hands me the dice with a smile. Taking them, I messed my fingers into his hair while he laughed, letting me.

“Nowhere, I’m right here Kid. I’m right here with you.”

While he and Ma laughed, they teased and joked, my eyes went to the armchair that was missing a soul. The lump in my throat growing as I rolled my dice and sent a prayer to the spirits, I knew were watching me.

“Tell him, I have them. That I will always be here. That I will be the protector I know he would have been…”

‘I WIN!!!’ #TheKid jumped up with his smile making the room shine bright!

‘Sis you are going down the neck of that snake!!!’ He danced around the living room as I sat back on the floor looking up at him.

“You win kid… you win.” Ma kissed the top of my head, telling him to win Gracefully, making him dance in front of us that much more.

As I watched, smirking up at him. Did he really win? If I had everything, I wanted here in one room with me? Was I not the bigger winner in this moment? Only time would tell. Only time would show me the truth.

(Music: For Those Who Can't Be Here - Tom Walker)

youtube

#LeahClearwater #SueClearwater #HarryClearwater #SethClearwater #TwilightRP #TwiRP #Solo #AUWorld #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead #Youtube

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blazingtheway · 2 years

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In A Mothers Arms – Leah Solo

❝ A mother is one who loves unconditionally, who protects with her all. Ad who will lay her life down for those in her world. ❞

-The Great Wolf

She came into the house with a big smile on her lips, her deep chocolate brown eyes upon me and her arms open. She didn’t reach for me, she waited by the inside of the door, knowing that I needed time and space.

Only when I took a step forward did she do the same. Still and patient are waiting my next move.

“Ma…” my small voice calls her and I finally will my foot to take me towards my mother.

‘Usdi… my love… my darling child.’ She lent down and I saw pain cross those beautiful eyes.

“Ma… ma!!!!” I ran into those still open arms. “Are you in pain?” I bury my face into her chest. and her arms close around me so tightly that I feel my comfort return.

‘Just a little Usdi, nothing your hugs can’t take away from me.’ She kisses the top of my head.

“I will take your pain away Ma. I will keep you safe.” I muffled into her clothes. The sound of her soft and sweet laughter warming my soul like a magic kiss. And her scent that I missed so much.

‘I know you will. You always do my darling.’ She holds me so tightly. This time her voice wasn’t sad. It was full of joy. Her eyes weren’t hiding away as they had been the last time. And yet she was here without…

“Ma..” I ask with a tentative thought. Last time Da said not to ask any questions. That she would tell me in her own time.

‘Hmm?’ Her arms tightened around me.

“Did this baby go to the spirits too?” I found my eyes prickly.

‘No! No… Usdi… this baby didn’t go to the spirits.’ But she was crying now.

“Ma?” I pull back to look up at her. Wiping away the tears rolling down her cheeks.

‘I wanted to see my darling girl, however if you are ready to meet the baby?’ She smiles and it’s warm, not like the last time. This was real, not hiding a terrible hurt.

“YES! Yes! I am ready.” I kiss her cheek, jumping until I remember my mother is in pain and hurting. She has just returned from the hospital after three days.

‘Gvgeyui?’ (My Love) ‘she is ready.’ We both stood as Da came to the door.

He looked like the spirits, the sunlight came out in a dull afternoon in La Push, his arms carrying a bundle wrapped in a blanket, but it was his eyes that told me all I needed.

He was different this time too. Full of joy. Full of happiness. And the spirits didn’t sings to sooth him this time like the last. They sang with joy and happiness as soon as Da came in.

My father laughs seeing Ma still holding me tightly in her arms.

‘Come. Come see your baby brother Usdi.’

Ma took me into the living room, settling me in the couch, then stepping around to sit beside me.

‘Ready?’ She asked again.

And I nod with enthusiasm. Ma kissed my head and then let me go, but I didn’t move I stayed still where I sat. Da came into the house walking to me and bending down placing the blanket into my arms.

“He is so small.” Were the first words I thought and said to Ma and Da. Making them both laugh.

‘He is.’ They both said.

The baby opened his eyes for a second, seeing me and I fell in love. I saw the light of his heart. The love he brought into my home. How Ma and Da were so happy. And I knew. I knew for the way the spirits sang by the windows and the doors. This baby would be loved by me more than I could love anything in the world.

‘Leah. Darling. You remember the names we told you?’ Da asks me. And I nod. Not looking up from the face in my small arms.

‘Well, Da and I would like you to pick one of them for him.’ Ma kissed my head again.

“Me?” I exclaimed

‘Yes. You.’ Da laughed.

Without thinking, I blurted out “Kid… I want to call him Kid… he is my kid.. my baby… KID!” I whisper shout making them both laugh and the body shift in his blanket.

‘How about this, we call him kid at home, just us. For those who love him, and care for him. They are the ones who can use that name. But the world. They need something else.’ Da kisses my head this time.

I sat looking at the baby, and my parents watched me. “Okay…” I finally say. “I am going. To call you kid.” I say to the baby. “But I will let the world have you as…” biting the inside of my cheek I smiled. “Seth…”

Two sets of arms came around #TheKid and I.

‘Hi Seth. Your sister picked a beautiful name my boy.’ Da said.

We sat there watching him. They didn’t take #TheKid from my arms, Da just placed a hand under my arms to support me. Ma whispered in my ear. ‘He is your baby Leah, you are his big sister, his second Ma, you have to protect him.’

Those words were chorused by the spirits. “I will. I will always protect you and love you.” I told the baby… the Kid… Seth!!!

#LeahClearwater #SueClearwater #HarryClearwater #SethClearwater #TwilightRP #TwiRP #Solo #AUWorld #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead

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blazingtheway · 10 months

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The First Steps on a New Path - Storyline 10 – Together ( Part Three)

Continuing on From.....

•- Embry Call -•

“It’s payback for all the times I told you I was just here to look pretty, and you put me to work anyway!” I laughed and loaded the box into the Jeep. #Danni laughed so hard at Leah’s joke that she snorted and turned bright red. She clamped her hand over her mouth. She was trying very hard to impress Leah. It was cute.

“She thinks that she’s hilarious.” I laughed and headed back towards the building with the supplies. “You like old cars?”

‘My dad does… I like going to car shows with him. You’re probably a car geek like him if you’ve kept this going for so long.’ She hefted another box, and I grabbed three.

“Not particularly… I just always believed it was better the fix what you have instead of just replacing it. And I guess I get attached to things. But it’s getting hard to find parts for the old girl.” I looked fondly at my baby and slide in the last of the boxes. I nodded towards Leah. “This one over here prefers two wheels to one.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Listening to the conversation between the two made me smirk some more.

#Danni felt comfortable enough to let herself show her true self with her laughter. It was kind of a cute sound with the added element of her reddened cheeks.

Until the conversation was set back on me and the eyes widened tuning and rounding on me.

‘You ride?’ She asks like an excited child.

“Hmm…” nodding my head once. The girls turning to look at Embry and then back to me. ‘What kind of a bike is it?’

“He…” setting the boxes in my hand down and the banner from under my arm in the back of the jeep. “He is a Rocket X.” She clearly wanted more information from her reaction.

“2,500cc, 4,000 rpm , 2.5 litre engine…. Three-cylinder engine sitting in line with the chassis. When you Open up his throttle… he sings.” If I could take out my phone and take a photo of her, I would have. ‘He sounds amazing. Do you like giving people rides on him?’

My eyes went to Embry as to say. ‘Why the hell did you pull me into this conversation?’

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and shook my head and laughed… “Really?” I gave Leah a deadpan look and then looked at #Danni again. “But he also runs on fossil fuel.” She giggled a little… seeing the irony of Leah knowing all those facts off the top of her head but would only say the Jeep ran on fossil fuel.

“Nah she likes to keep him all to herself… But she makes up for it by sharing her time, wisdom and a healthy dose of sarcasm with all of us every single day.” I was teasing, but I gave Leah a look that said I saw all that she gave to all of us… and that did include sarcasm too.

I closed the tailgate when the last box was in. “It's been an absolute pleasure Danni, and next time I’m in town I will certainly trust you and your guys to detail my beautiful baby.” I tapped the soft top. “Today she’s working hard for the good of the Tribe, she’s earned a spa day.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Facts, Call. It’s all about knowing the fact.”

They would all worry if my levels of sarcasm faulted. And he knew it too.

“Spa day.” Smirking at this little fact. He knew about spa days. An image of him with a face mask on came to light. Making my shake my head now. Reaching my hand out I shook the girls. Thanking her for her time and the help she and her dad were giving my Ma and tribe.

‘If you’re in town in the weekends, maybe bring your bike down. The guys here are great at detailing bike too.’

She was smiling, so I didn’t tell her that I did all those things by myself. Cleaning my baby, and detailing him, it was my way to relax and taking some time to myself.

“I’ll let Call over here lead the way. And… like I said. I will be sure to send business this way.”

Opening the door I slipped into the red jeep, no one could miss this thing coming from the colour to the sound of it. And you could tell it was well cared for by Embry.

“Where to next?” The cloud over us shifted a little, letting the sun glimpse through. Giving me a reason to take my jacket off and place it over my knees.

•- Embry Call -•

I raised an eyebrow at Leah. “Because men can’t know about spa days? That’s very old-fashioned for such a modern woman.” I teased. I knew that Leah would never bring her baby here… tending to him was her meditation.

I took #Danni’s hand gently and smiled at her. “It's been an absolute pleasure, Danni. Be sure to pass the gratitude of our Elders onto your father for us.” I winked and she blushed… I still had it! Even if her eyes did flit immediately to Leah and she lifted her free hand to hide that blush. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you very soon.”

She glanced up when Leah climbed into the driver’s seat. ‘Most guys won’t let anyone drive their vehicles… especially one they work so hard on.’ She said and I knew that anyone really meant women.

“If there’s one thing you should know about me #Danni; it's that I am definitely not most guys.” I chuckled and she swatted my hand out of hers, which I moved so she barely made contact, saving her human hand the pain even a playful strike might cause. We said our goodbyes and I climbed into the passenger seat.

“I do believe that the day is ours now, Trouble.” I smiled at her. “So… home… Unless you have a better idea?” I quirked a brow.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Not at all.” My lips curled up a little. “More the fact that it is you, and of course you know about spa days.” Saying it with a matter-of-fact tone.

Not saying anything more just giving a small nod of my head when #Danni smiled and waved at me. But I did still there listening to the conversation they had. Embry was so much better than me as the building relationships with people. Today he had done so without thinking a number of times. His smile, the Call charm, the way he gave people time too. It was a gift, a skill.

And #Danni has hit the nail on the head at one point. Tiffany Call had brought her boy up in a way that other boys didn’t see. And now that he was a man on his own two feet, I could see his mother in him. Not just those eyes, or the dimples. But in his heart too.

Turning the key his Jeep came to life on the first try. Putting it in gear I slowly eased us out of the lot. “Home? Without Pizza from Leo? Do you want to explain that outcome to my Ma or your mom?”

•- Embry Call -•

“Sometimes I like to spoil myself…” I smirked and her. “And Glamour pays for all of their staff to have a membership at the best gym in town… their sauna is top notch.”

I laughed at Leah reminding me that if we returned without pizza… very specific pizza… there be trouble. “I almost forgot about the pizza… The company of two charming young women can do that to a guy.” I laughed and buckled up. When we pulled out of the car wash I turned to Leah and smirked. “You know… I think our two-spirited friend back there liked me better by the end.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“I’ve told you a million times, you’re too easy to distract. And today it was two women? So much for that warrior within keeping you in line. Maybe I need to have words.”

Keeping my hands on the wheel, and my eyes on the road. Noticing everything happening. The cars, trucks, bikes. The people on the sideway, the kids playing who were likely to run free. Cataloguing it all as I drove.

However, I could still see him out the side of my eye. Appreciating the fact that he put his belt on. It helped my shoulders relax just enough. ‘You’ve got this.’ My warrior whispered to me. Her openness protecting me from myself as she always did.

“Remind me to tell Leo if he is there. Have him made your pizza not so special for payback.” It wasn’t going to happen, that man didn’t know how to make everything that wasn’t perfect in his eyes.

Shaking my head, I turned his jeep onto Main Street, heading back towards the pitch and where the pizza truck lived. My mind going back to the time we spent with #Danni.

“I think she is a free spirit now.” Speaking with the respect the girl deserves. “She doesn’t see the flesh, more that she connects to the soul. Didn’t you see how she was drawn to you?”

It was something I knew about Embry and Seth, my kid. They were so open with their kindness that everyone was pulled into their orbit.

•- Embry Call -•

“Hey… he does all the hard work so I can enjoy life in the moment.” I teased her. I watched her taking everything in… that composed, calm/alert quality in her body language. We had been in the car a lot today… maybe it was wearing on her now.

I rolled my shoulders settling a little into the seat. “We’ve spent a lot of time in the car today… You sure you don’t wanna stop somewhere, before Leo’s…” I lowered my voice and waggled my brows. “We could take one of the hiking trails… get lost in the woods like a couple of townies.” I stressed the word lost. “We could stretch out our legs… get some fresh air.”

I smiled at her again when she talked about #Danni. “Well, whatever shape that girl’s soul is... it’s a good one. She was far more drawn to you at the beginning.” I chuckled. “She’s going to fall in love… a lot…” I laughed a little harder. “And it will be real and heart-breaking every single time until it's forever. #Seth will be the same… Unless…” Well, we both knew what the ‘unless’ could be…

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Hmm…” He hasn’t wrong when it comes to reading people. “She reminds me a little of Littlesea Junior. That girl gives her heart away like it is candy.” And she loved full heartedly each and every time. How? I didn’t know.

Seeing him out of the side of my eye, I began to chew on the inside of my cheek. My wolf stirred telling me the man was clearly a mind reader. As much as I wanted to be done and go home, this had been the most amount of time I’d speat on four wheels in a long while.

“There’s not unless about it.” I finally said turning the jeep south at the next stop sign. “The kid has his soul our there. He just hasn’t met her yet.” I could see my baby brother so clearly, and I could tell that he wasn’t completed yet.

I took the next left taking the jeep towards the Peabody Creek Trailhead. Even a town such as Port, had a few beautiful trails that could make you feel at one with the earth and the forest.

“Stretching our legs, it is… If you think you can keep up with me, that is.” Lifting my chin towards the sign post telling him where we were heading towards.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed. “You know… the guys always thought that she would be imprinted on someday… but I never thought so. She’s a free spirit… Not like #Ness and #Kim; a different kind. I don’t think the Spirits would choose that for her, she needs to fly free… not that being an imprint means you aren’t free…” I laughed. “Maybe I don’t have the right word to describe this for once.”

I nodded when she talked about #Seth. “He does… no doubt… They’ll be tested on the journey to find each other… because that kid will have an epic.”

I wasn’t actually expecting Leah to take my suggestion… but she was herself in the woods… so I suppose I should have. I smirked at her. “I don’t have to keep up with you Leah. I just have to be able to find you.” I chuckled… because that was kind of my thing.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Biting the inside my cheeks I took in what he was trying to say. “No. I actually get it.”

The girl even as a child was free in a way that the spirits loved, she was followed by love and affection. By anyone who saw her. Her family, the tribe, and the spirits. “We all have our callings, she has hers too. It will come to light when it is her time. Until then…” She would mark her place in the world until her path, whatever it was came calling.

Glancing at him from the side of my eye, the sound of his laughter filled the jeep surrounding me. It was then when my shoulders dropped a little and relaxed.

“Hmm… you could find me, but by the time you get there. I’ll be gone again.” These spirits had given him a gift that made sure he was never alone if he wanted to.

In wolf form Embry had an uncanny sense of direction, he could tell where exactly any wolf connected to the mind map was, then without moments wait, the quickest route to get to them.

The scent of the forest called to me, as we left the town behind.

Bypassing the signed to the visitor centre, turning us towards the entrance of one of the longer trails. The townies didn’t use as much, even if sometimes you could never tell.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled a little… “This is why it's so easy to talk to you... you get it. even when I make no sense. I’m sure she does. She’s even better at living in the moment than I am.” I looked at the signs we passed.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever hiked this one… I tend to head more towards Neah Bay when I wanna get into the woods away from home.” I glanced at her and smiled; her whole-body language had changed already. She was more relaxed before she even parked the Jeep. We parked the car, and I climbed out, heading to the back of the Jeep to reach around the backpack I kept there… it just had basics in it. “Just so we don’t look like inexperienced townies.” I chuckled. We already weren’t exactly dressed for hiking.

“You know you really brighten up when you’re in the wood, did you know that? It’s like another part of you comes alive.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The thing was… he made sense to me. I didn’t know how or when it happened, but something clicked into place. And the guy who once annoyed the life out of me with all his positivity, now made sense!

Climbing out of his jeep, it took me less than two minutes to braid my hair. Pulling it back and out of the way.

“Is that because going to Neah Bay takes you closer to your grandparents?” He had a connection to ancestors of two tribes. Joining him at the back, watching him gather his things my eyes moved over the opening, and I knew the way we would enter.

“It will help to blend in.” We really weren’t dressed to hike, but I didn’t really need a dress code. The blending was for the benefit for the people we could pass on the trail. Throwing the keys of his jeep to him. “You best keep those safe.” Pointing to the pathway I began to walk. “The forest was and is my solace, it was the perfect place for me to go before I had my own place. The spirits have greater strength in nature, so it just makes sense.” As soon as I saw it, I pointed it out to Embry. “That there, is the single log entrance to the tail.” He was right, I came into my own when I was out here. But, he had been noticing?

•- Embry Call -•

I nodded and slung the backpack over one shoulder. “I think so… When there’s nowhere else I need to be it’s the direction that makes the most sense to me.” I smiled and caught the keys and tucked them into the front of the backpack and zipped the pouch.

I followed her towards the trailhead. “#Jacob says it is my inner homing beacon tugging me to my other home.” I laughed, but I knew he was right. La Push would always be home, but Neah Bay would always have a piece of my soul too.

I stopped and looked at the log-turned-bridge stretching across the creek. “Oh, I know a certain teenage girl that will get a kick outta this.” I chuckled and snapped a picture to send the Bear later on. This was not the time to field a text storm from her. I didn’t want my attention divided.

When we reached the tree-bridge I motioned to Leah to go first. “Age before beauty.” I waggled my brows because the subtle jibe was less likely to get me pushed into a creek than the saying ladies first.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

While he took the picture, my hand brushed over the inside pocket of my jacket, where the small device now sat, no movement, no sound. It was safe.

It was hard not to hear the meaning behind his words. One in particular.

‘Need…’

Such a small word and it had so many intensions attached to it.

“You know if you need to get away. You aren’t alone…. You have people who will give you what you need. Even if that’s time to leave and answer that call.” My wolf rolled her eyes at me, but she didn’t say what I felt her feel. “We all have that pull in us, more so I feel since the warriors in us awoke.”

That’s how I liked to think of our change now. My wolf and the spirits always spoke about the warriors being in all our people. We were just the lucky ones, who woke up when our people needed us. Of course, in the early days, I called bill shit on this thought process. But the more I lived in my skin, the more I saw this to be true.

“Is the call ever so strong that you feel like you’re in the wrong place?” He’d said before, how something in him always told him where he needed to be.

The sight of the log bridge brought #Bear to his mind. Nodding my head once as I spoke again.

“Hmm… yeah…. You’ll have to bring her up now that you know where it is.”

I knew that Kiddo would be happy to run the miles of forest with the guys. And they would carry her back if she over did it.

Turning to look at him, with my eyebrow raised I shook my head slowly. “How old are you, five?”

Reaching my hand out I smacked him upside the head. Then without any hesitation, with one foot in front of the other, I started over the damp wood without needing to hold the hand rail the locals had added.

“Just say it as it is, you need to see perfection at its best.” Turning my head back over my shoulder, I was smirking now.

‘More like he wants to check your arse out.’ My wolf teased. She was slowly waking up with the call of the forest so strong all around us.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at her.. because, of course, she wanted to make sure I was okay and getting the downtime I needed. “I know… I don’t see the responsibilities I have as a burden. Or I try my best not to… mostly I succeed at that. Looking after Mom… the pack, the pups… the girls… I love being part of it all. And yes…” I admitted. “Sometimes it's hard and I struggle just like anyone else. But lately…” I smiled at her. “Honestly… I know you’ll never let me live it down… but everything just feels… lighter… easier.” I knew that it was because of this thing between her and me.

I felt… happier, supported, in a way I never was before, and I had always been lucky enough to have amazing people to support me and encourage me in my life. And I wasn’t too macho to admit that now… with her… I felt protected from the things that had crept into my life and made me feel like I was constantly at odds with the world. She gave me the space and security I needed to let all of it out and then she was there letting me just be me it that time we had together in our bubble.

“I know where I can go when I need something. I promise… I’m not going to make the mistake of going it alone again. But what #Jake would call my inner compass… lately it's telling me that La Push is where I need to be and where I’m needed too. But I still make the trip out to Neah Bay for a day here and there.”

I thought about her question. Did I ever feel like I was in the wrong place? “No… La Push was never the wrong place, even when I was a kid and it felt like it was. It’s home, Neah Bay is home too. But La Push is where I want to be.”

I tried to dodge the swat, but she was too quick. “Mind the hair!” I laughed and ran my hand through it. I followed her across the log. I was definitely checking out her arse.

“I’ve told you many times, Trouble… You gotta learn to slow down and enjoy the view.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“That wasn’t my meaning… I know you wouldn’t see any of it as a burden, but it doesn’t mean you deal with the bad on your own.” He’d done that once before, and I was still feeling it in my bucket of sins. How I could have missed his drowning while being his Beta. And now… Well… it was even deeper… And to hear him saying that things felt lighter these days, something must be working, right?

“Inner compass?” My lips curled up into a smile. “I like the sound of that. But if you tell Jake.” I did the ‘I will kill you’ motion once I reached the other side and turned to watch him following my lead.

‘See, now we get to enjoy the view. The boy is…’ I mentally snapped my teeth at my wolf. Some things didn’t need to be said to be felt. ‘Fine, but the hair… he is right… lets not mess with perfection.’ She laughed when I rolled my eyes. From the start she’s had a soft spot with Embry Call, and today was no different.

“Who said I’m not stopping to enjoy the view?” Raising my eyebrow, while pushing my hands into my jacket pockets. “Now, are you going to take all the rest of the day on the log? Get a move on.” I’d already turned whist walked away to catch the trail. This one was different to Royal Basin, as more people had walked a deeper path into the ground. But half way in there were off paths that could be taken for those who wanted to test their hiking skills.

•- Embry Call -•

“No… I know that. You of all people would never think that… #Jake gets it… #Quil gets it… But there are some; like the staff at the hospital and people on the Rez that think I’m some kind of amazing son just because I hardly miss an appointment and if I did I’d make sure someone else is there. They tell me how I must give up so much of my time to look after her. All I want to do is roll my eyes at them and tell them it’s the bare minimum.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “My lips are sealed… but honestly… I think you guys overestimate my abilities.”

I paused when she stopped and looked back to check me out now. “I’m just letting you have a really good look. I did… so it's only fair. ” I teased her. “You’re welcome.” I grinned as I hopped off the log. I had to admit the whole idea of crossing a creek on a log gave a sense of whimsy to this little adventure… the railing added to it was easily ignored to maintain the illusion.

I lengthened my stride to catch up with her on the path. “Any secret spots on this hike?” I leaned over closer to her and whispered. I clearly remembered the trip to the Royal Basin and everything that happened there. I still had dreams about it.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Shaking my head as I walked. “That there isn’t a reflection on you, it’s actually the sadness of how some people in this world are alone and without people who care for them.” My eyes moved to find him for a split second as I continued.

“The hospital staff… even some on the Rez… they see people who have the mindset that being there in someone’s time of need is a burden… They see people who weep at not belonging. So, when they see you. It’s something they need to comment on.”

My finger was already up flipping him off before he stopped talking about me checking him out. I mean I knew I had a big head when it came to eyes on me, but Embry Call was in a league of his own.

“You really need to come off your high horse. Unless you want some help with it. I’m happy to kick your arse from time to time.” My eyebrow raised when he asked about secret spots. I guess he knew I liked to find places no one else did so that I could be alone with myself and my wolf.

“It’s not much of a secret, but… every few people know about a spot. Question is do you want to be told… or should it a show and tell?”

•- Embry Call -•

I nodded... she did have a point. “You’re probably right... I always thought that maybe they just didn’t believe they’d have anyone in their lives that would do for them if they were ever in need.”

I laughed at the irony… a woman like Leah showing the slightest amount of interest in someone was the ultimate ego boost and here she was threatening the keep that same ego in check. “That’s probably the most ironic thing I have ever heard, Clearwater.” I smiled at her. “But we both know you won't take me home your mom covered in dirt… So, I’m safe…” I quirked a brow. “For now.”

I tilted my head like I was thinking about her proposition…. “You know I love a surprise. Lead the way.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Okay, he also hit a nail on the head. There were so many who didn’t believe in those around them. Maybe I had been one of those people for the longest time.

‘You used to call yourself a lone wolf while surrounded by two packs.’ She was awake, watching, and of course commenting.

“Who in the name of the spirits is being ironic? I’m telling you out right… my arse is worth the hype. Yours…. Hmmm…” lifting my hand and moving it from side to side.

My lips curled up into a smirk, he really believed I wouldn’t kick his arse before going home to Ma?

‘You know you wouldn’t, she would chew your ear off.’ Spirits, she was annoying when she was right. Rolling my eyes now at her.

“Sometimes, getting your ear chewed off by your Ma is worth the trouble.” Answering them both together.

“Anyway, it would give Ma a reason to feed you and pull your cheeks. You wouldn’t take the joy of doing it from her, would you?” The path curled off to the north, and the east. The northern side slowly growing steeper and the one we take.

“Some surprises, may lead you off the side of a cliff… still want to follow alone, Wisearse?” She huffed. And Fine… I wasn’t going to take him off a cliff. But…. A woman could hope…

•- Embry Call -•

I nudged her with my elbow and laughed. “I’ll remind you of that the next time you grab mine.”

I shook my head again. I knew that wouldn’t but if I kept pushing the issue, she very well may risk the telling-off from #Sue just to prove a point. “And the excuse only your mom needs to dote on me is that I walked through the door.” I smirked, but it was true. #Sue spoiled the packs; she knew that we had a lot of responsibility, and she would lift the pressure as best she could anytime, we were there. Protecting the tribe was a full-time job on top of the full-time jobs or schooling that all of us had too.. because we still had human responsibilities to maintain too.

I laughed then when her words pulled from my thoughts. It was a full belly laugh… the kind that had only become a regular occurrence in my life again in the last few months. “I suppose that would only be fair… But just remember, I got there first.” I turned to grin cheekily at her, laughing the big laugh again.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Lost in that sound. That was the reaction of me and my wolf. We walked slowly watching him so closely that the world melted away. The hum of the spirits peaked in as the wind kissing my skin with a cool breeze.

Spirits… the way his eye lit up, the sound rang sweetly in my ears, and more so, it was something that made me stop my breathing so that it was the only sound I could hear.

“Spirits.” Shaking my head slowly. Pressing my lips together I began chewing on the inside of my cheeks.

My mind gathered the last words he said. “On please, you may have been the first. But I will be the one who does it with style.”

Without anything else side, I started to jog up the incline, the moss full of some dampness as my boots hit the tops of it.

“Here, it’s up this way.” I broke out into a run, nothing too fast. I knew were alone, there were no new or fresh scents in the forest. But it was better to be careful.

•- Embry Call -•

I hadn’t missed her little whisper… she was paying attention to little things that were shocking her. She was always a detail-orientated person… but I was seeing more and more that details she wouldn’t have paid attention to in the past; were now the first thing she noticed.

But I couldn’t lie... the last few months had brought to light so many things about her that I hadn’t ever let myself focus on before.

“Will there be an audience this time? Or will I get the chance to kiss you in the ocean after you do it with style?” I waggled my brows at her.

I stopped to watch her bound up the bank on the side of the trail. “Spirits.” It was my turn to mutter it now. What a view!..... And she was gone, I huffed a laugh because I should have known. She was so quick. I took the rise in two long strides and followed her into the trees and tried the catch up with her. Not that it would particularly matter.. we had just spoken about my knack for finding people. Was she testing the theory?

“Is this the part where you make me think I’m chasing you through the woods, but it ends with me going missing without a trace?” I teased her, I didn’t need to shout, she could hear me easily because I could still hear her moving through the trees.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I left his questions unanswered; my words weren’t needed for them. He knew the truth and well, and if there was a question mark, it would give him pause to think.

My breath stayed as even as another person when they strolled in the park, as I leaped the creek after making sure no one was there to see me.

The trees passed me, while I ducked and dived from the low falling branches. Until the sound of the falling water became clearer and clearer with every passing step taken.

Finally, my direction turned east, with a run up the side of broken overgrown pathway that opened up into a small clearing. It was funny how the journey to this spot was testing for those who weren’t warriors, and then when you came to a stop. It was cleaned out, so those who found it could enjoy it.

“Still as beautiful.” I whispered to the cascading water and the sound of the hum in the air.

•- Embry Call -•

It was a gorgeous run, the trees were like the trees of home, but the earth was harder, dryer… it didn’t rain as much here, and I could tell by the way the soil felt beneath me. I couldn’t lie… the chase made me want to take off my boots and feel the ground against my bare feet. Maybe even let my wolf out to explore here a little more. Expand those comprehensive maps my mind seemed to piece together of its own accord.

She made a sharp turn, and I trailed her, this was her surprise so I could follow her lead. I caught glimpses of her on the terrain where my long stride helped me to compete with her quickness, but I never quite caught up. She was incredible, the way she moved through the trees because she belonged there… she left hardly a trace of her presence behind. Leaving the forest as pristine as it was before she passed through. Her scent and the occasional patch of flattened moss was all that lingered. The sound of cascading water reached my ears.

We came upon a path, and she started to slow and like we were in sync… so did I. I was glad I did because by the time I could see the crashing water she was standing in front of narrow falls, green life encroaching above, around and across the water. The spray that rose from the water caught the light when a breeze parted the branches above and let Grandmother’s light through. It glowed with little spheres of colour all around her. The mist evaporated in the air before it could settle on her skin or clothes, save for a few determined droplets that settled on her hair and glowed in the dim light. Even with her back to me... She was a vision.

“Spirits.” I muttered. Tilting my face up to a gap in the trees. “I got the message.” I whispered to The Old Woman, she was reminding me once again that my fate and hers travelled the same path. I turned my gaze back to her and smiled.

She was a fucking Goddess. “But thanks for the reminder.” I whispered.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I knew, without asking. His words weren’t for me, he was talking to them. And they were signing with joy in their midst. These places were where I came when I felt I needed a clear path to them, and also when I felt the need to just be with them and no one else. And I had come with him today.

They noted the difference in me today, then danced freely towards him. To the naked eye it would look like mist from the falls, but to me it was more. Mother Earth, the spirts of the water and the wind entwined to join, and to welcome him to them.

“He is listening.” I told them, but they knew this already. Because they pointed up to the sky and I saw the light kissing his forehead. “Spirits” Grandmother was kissing Embry Call, giving him her blessing. Was he on her path?

“Spirits.” I said to myself again, with my eyes not daring to leave the view before me.

The true question was, did he know? It wasn’t my place to step up and say anything, this was a personal moment that no one had the right to spoil or stop. So, I took a few steps away to give them the space he needed to have with her. But them his eyes came to find mine and he smiled that smile. The one that stopped my heart in its tracks.

Tilting my head to the side. I took him in. His broad shoulders, the height, the way his hair caught the light, and his eyes. Spirits his eyes sang so loud each and every day. And I wanted to listen to them now that I’d seen them. I smiled back. Because he has become the one person who saw the truth, no matter how often I tried to hide. There was on hiding when Embry Call looked into your eyes.

•- Embry Call -•

She had turned to face me, and if I had thought she was a vision from behind… there were no words for how she looked with a dewy sheen of mist across her face; evaporating and reforming continuously as the spray from the falls fell again and again over her cheeks. I heard her words and knew that they weren’t for me. She was having her own moment. And it was beautiful. I watched it all unfold, enraptured.

I smiled and closed the distance between us, I reached up and touched a loose strand of her hair that the droplet had clung to. Running my fingers over it only served the make the soak into the hair, it fell straight and wet against her cheek. I was breaking oh-so-many rules right now. My ears were trained on the world around us… there was no one here, I would never push those boundaries anywhere that would put our little bubble at risk

My eyes stayed locked on hers. They were dancing with the reflected colours of the light shining on the falls and whatever she was thinking. “Don’t kill me.” I whispered to her. Normally those words were followed by a kiss. But right now I just couldn’t take my eyes off of her.

I lifted my hands to her cheeks, brushing my thumb across the sheen that coated them and watched her skin dry due to her incredible body heat, and then slowly the mist regathered on her face as I cradled it. “Beautiful.” I said, softly… it was the only word. She was truly beautiful all the way down to the centre of her soul.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My heart stilled. My breathing slowed. My mind blocked the sounds of the world around us once I knew we were the only ones here. And I allowed the water, the spirits and his heart beat to become the rhythm of this moment.

He has been touched and blessed by our grandmother, he had listened to her which meant he had heard her.. Goosebumps weren’t something I experienced often, however my skin tinged as they came to form over me.

He has places trust into this path we were walking on. Each of us with our eyes set on what our choices were. And these choices brought us here today. Brought him to a place where he could look beyond the universe and see the light of our ancestors.

I felt like a thousand touches caressed, when his hands were so delicately placed, making me gasp a little. The rules ran through my thoughts, but the spirits sang of touch, of care, of the moment. Which in turn made me smile. (They were most definitely on his side here today.)

Eyes… Spirits his eyes… I couldn’t take mine away from them. It wasn’t from the stubbornness of not being the first to drop them. No… it was from the intrigue and excitement of what I saw in them. That was until my lips curled up, because knew those three small words came with mischief. The kind that would pull off my urge to throttle him. Not this time, my sight dropped to his lips, then slowly followed the line of moisture settling over his features.

The curve of his jaw.

The smooth skin of his face, with just a hint of growth starting to show.

His nose... which I had the urge to bite.

His forehead... with the glow of conversation with his spirits…

“Beautiful.” I replied back to him in a softly whispered voice for his ears only.

And I hoped he understood that it was not just the exterior. I observed the son, the brother, the friend, the mentor, the supporter, the kind soul… the list was endless of what he succeeded in sharing. When anyone viewed this man, they all witnessed something different, I was sure. It had become so clear to me.

This man… Embry Call had many, many, many different facets hidden in those eyes.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled, she was here, only here, in this moment with me. Even if I could mentally hear her reciting the rules in her head. But that was allowed. The rules were for our bubble, after all. And if that meant that, for once… I was the one straddling both worlds; I would do that for her. To allow her these seconds… maybe even minutes of weightless, free-thinking and feeling… then that was exactly what I would do.

With one foot planted in this world of magic and Spirits… and her… And one in the rest of the world with my ears trained on the trees for anything remotely human. To allow her that security… Everything else was hers. She was all I could see, all I could smell, all I could feel. My hands on her cheeks, her hands on mine. I knew the second I felt her touch; this moment would live forever in my mind, and I silently told the Spirits that f I died tomorrow… this was the moment I wanted for my paradise. If I was worthy of such a thing.

“Extraordinary.” I replied to her compliment. “For a woman, so many believe to race through life and never stop too just be… You always take me to the most remarkable, magical places.” I turned to kiss her palm and brought my eyes back to hers immediately. I didn’t want to miss anything. “Will you promise me one thing?” I smiled. I knew how seriously she took promises, but I knew no matter where this path led… no matter what we were to each other at any point in our lives, she could keep this one.

I dropped my voice… so low and soft that not even the Spirits could hear. “Never stop surprising me.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The kiss he placed on my palm lingered with a heat that wasn’t something I felt before. This is where the unspoken outweighed the spoken, and it felt deeper.

I stilled, my eyes burning into his and I held my breathing. He didn’t ask for promises, and the fact that he knew I would take death over a broken word. It had to be something worthy of this moment we were sharing with the universe.

“I…” tilting my head I pressed my lips together. “Hmm…” I let the words sit for a moment. And when I was sure I heard him correctly. I answered. “Never Stop Surprising You?” He wasn’t joking. “This is the promise you want to ask of me?”

As soon as I asked the question, I felt the wind pick up and pelt me on the back of my head.

The message clear. ‘Stop asking questions instead of answering.’ And sure, it was something I disliked doing. But by the Spirits, a woman needs to make sure she understands the importance of a promise before giving her answer.

I wanted to snap my teeth and tell them to back off. But with company. Even I knew Embry would get it. That was going too far for me.

•- Embry Call -•

I saw the moment in her eyes when she realised, I was about to ask her for a promise… I smiled. Because her first reaction wasn’t to run away before I could get the question out.

One corner of my top lip lifted in a smile. She was turning the words over in her head, looking for any loopholes I might have weaved into the request… I didn’t blame her. I found loopholes in our rules all the time. That breeze picked up again and I wasn't sure if the message was for her or me. Was I asking too much?

“That’s all…” I smiled meaning it. I leaned in until our noses and foreheads touched. “The occasional surprise…” I took in a long breath of her scent. “No… is always… will always be, an acceptable answer, Leah. Always.” It was the truth; it wouldn’t mean our path wavered. That one word wouldn’t drop a wall in front of us telling us we had nowhere left to go. I knew that the same was true for her… I could say it to her, and she would hear it, and respect it.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Closing my eyes, I took the moment as it was meant for us. The breeze blew strands of my hair into his face the scent of him filled my senses.

“I know.” I did. “I know I could say No, and that is it. You wouldn’t question it or me.” One of the things I knew about him for a long while.

But this wasn’t a big ask. “I promise Embry, I promise Never to stop surprising you. However big or small it may be.” I could do that because he wasn’t asking me to change. He was asking me to continue being me.

My hands found his, and I laced our fingers together. Pulling back enough to glance over to the falls and then back to his deep dark eyes.

“Who knew you could ask for a promise, especially since neither of us believed in staying put long enough to ask or to be asked.” Spirits, was this the lesson for today?

To gain trust, you had to be willing to trust yourself? But we did, right? We had shown trust in one another time and time again. Before the night he had kissed me.

•- Embry Call -•

I knew that this was essentially me asking her to keep being herself. But it was so much more at the same time, those words, I promise … from her lips it meant a lot. I know what it cost her, the act of the promise itself; was a huge leap of trust that I didn’t take lightly and the smile on my face undoubtedly showed her how deeply I understood that.

She’d given me her trust… so much trust over this entire journey. And today… it was even deeper. She had faith in me.

Those kinds of encounters she was talking about couldn’t compare to a lifetime of history and everything it’s evolved into; she knew that too. But if she needed the heaviness of the moment lightened… well that was kind of my speciality. “Me.” I smiled and flicked my eyes to the falls, the Spirits dancing in the mist that continue the dry and settle on our skin in an endless cycle of blessings. “Them…”

I chuckled now. “I would have… but you hesitated.” It wasn’t a true hesitation… she was giving it serious thought. I lightly bit the end of her nose and flashed her a broad smile.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Hmm… “ He wasn’t wrong. “They know far more than they let on, because we have to make the choices to walk over the path.” Tilting my head, a little to look back at the water. “Not that it would stop them from kicking my arse, if I choice one they weren’t full agreeing with.” My lips curled up into a smirk. Because on those paths too, they wouldn’t stop me. Those were where the lessons were learnt for life to grow.

Rolling my tongue over my teeth, I raised an eyebrow looking back to him. “I did not hesitated, Embry Call. I make sure I had all the information, before making my decision. There’s a difference in the two I’ll have you know, Wisearse.”

I moved out from between his arms, taking a few steps away and them towards the falls. “Embry…” Biting the inside of my cheek I lean onto the wooden fence. “You’ve never said anything about the fact that I see the spirits, that I talk to them.” Turning my head to catch sight of him. “Doesn’t it bother you?” I’d never thought of asking him the question. Mostly because the nights he stays with me, the spirits let me be. I’d only shared spaces like here, and the Royal basin with him and them together like this.

•- Embry Call -•

I let her go when she stepped away, curling my fingers against the fabric of her shirt; just to let her know that I would always keep her closer if I could. I respected the space she made between us and took a moment to appreciate the sight of her backdropped by those gorgeous falls. The urge to take a picture fell over me… I was normally one to appreciate the moment does not ruin it by trying to freeze it in time. But right now I wanted to do both. Instead, I fixed the moment in my memory.

Her question made me exhale… I had a lot of thoughts on this. “Your relationship with the Ancestors and Spirits is sacred, Leah. I don’t ever want to be a roadblock in that connection. But there are a few things that bother me about it.”

I moved closer. Not wanting there to be too much space between us that she would think these things bother me were a deal breaker. “Maybe bother is the wrong word… but don’t understand… Like, why they don’t let you sleep? I know that it's time they use to teach you things… but never?” I shook my head… dropping my gaze for a second. “It seems cruel… and then… I started to think… maybe that’s why they joined our paths… because you seem to sleep when I’m with you. But we can’t spend every night together.”

I leaned on the fence now, within arm’s reach of her. “Keeping you from dreaming… and that night… in the bar, when #Jay and #Kim were having their… crisis. It was like you were in pain… in actual physical pain and I don’t understand why they would do that to you.” I sighed heavily now. “You sacrifice everything for the pack, your family… the tribe. And they seem to take so much from you… I can’t see any reason why… I can’t see how it helps the tribe, or you, or the Protectors. Maybe it isn’t for me to understand, but I wish I could.” I turned to catch her gaze and paused, falling a little deeper into the depths of her eyes. “I would give up all of my dreams just so you could have one night filled with the best dream you’ve ever had.”

I had so many dreamed-filled nights in my life… I could give up the rest of those just so she would understand the depts of dreaming. I had more than enough to hold onto.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

By the name of the Spirits, this I hadn’t seen coming. Questions sure, however such deep filled ones, and the fact that I could tell he really had put some thought into it. I stood glancing at the water for a while. Thinking, listening, and understanding where Embry was coming from. Why he would see it the way he did, and how I could explain it.

This was my life, had I questioned it? Yes, I had, but had I pushed for it to change? No, never, not once I came back from being lost.

“It’s hard for me to put things into words. But let me try?”

I saw the bench behind us, nodding my head towards it. I turned, taking his hand in mine to guide us towards it, hoping to show him that anything he wanted to know, I would find a way to answer. But where should I start? Just by answering his questions maybe? Addressing the things, he was concerned with to start with? Yes.

Sittig down, I let his hand go, crossing my legs before me, I clasped my hands on my thigh.

“Sleep…” I started… “it’s… best if I start with the history of me and my relationship with them?” Nodding my head towards the mist still dancing in the air. “You know that I was born with this.” Moving my hand around me. “Some call it a sight, some a connection, and some call it a madness.” How many times had I heard those whispers…

“As a young kid, I didn’t see a difference in the way I spoke to them… and how I spoke with… say Rachel and Becca.” Finding the two names of those who were closest to me growing up. “They were all as real to me as the other. I learnt as I grew, not understanding the concept of what others saw. But that changed as my youth became older. When the world’s eyes weren’t so forgiving to a young girl with something that was seen as abnormal. I wanted to be like the others, I wanted Friends, I wanted what other girls had. So, I closed myself off. I stopped it all: they kept trying and I pushed back. Until…” My eyes moved to the water again. “Until my change. They no longer were asking to be let in, they kicked the doors down.”

My eyes searched his to see if this was something he had been aware of, or if it was new information. “When I finally stopped fighting and I let them in… it was like opening the floodgates. I was drowning. Until the Great wolf stepped in. He held them back. Letting them step down to speak to me, one at a time… Until I could learn to do it for myself.” Shaking my head. “But, But by then I had grown to resent myself…” Chewing on the inside of my cheek thinking for a breath, and letting Embry soke in what was said.

“My body sleeps, my mind to a point does too. But it’s not the kind of sleep you would expect from someone I guess.” What was I trying to tell him? “The years I had closed myself off had to be pushed into a short space of time. I couldn’t do it in the waking day. Not with everything that was happening…. All our lives were turned upside down… Da…” I pressed my lips together looking back towards the waterfall again. I didn’t need to rehash that time out. It had been there for all to see, and Embry was there too. “I didn’t want an easy path, maybe as a punishment, maybe with the realisation, that I could have seen what had happened coming… if only I hadn’t closed myself off trying to blend in? I could have saved our tribe’s young… maybe the pups wouldn’t have changed so young if I saw it all. They could have changed when it was their rightful time…. Maybe Da….” My throat tightened a little. But I pushed past it. “My bucket of sins had grown so deep, and I didn’t want to go unpunished for my mistakes.”

I didn’t dare pull my eyes away to the dancing spirits who begun to move closer to me, to cocoon me from myself. “Anyway. I gave up my sleep, my dreams so that I could learn. So, that I could gain the most powerful thing at my disposal… Knowledge… As time went on, I made the choice to continue that way. It’s not our spirits who are cruel. This was a choice I made.”

My mind moved back to the situation Embry, addressed next. #Jay and #Kim. How could I explain what took place there? “I have a responsibility to the tribe, to the pack, and to those who came before us. Listening, learning, and sharing…. That is what I was born to do. I for the longest time believed I was…. Born… to sacrifice.” This part I knew was not new to him. We’d spoken to it before. “What happened with a Warrior and their Imprint doesn’t affect me, until it is something I should have seen coming, something I could have helped or supported them with. I had missed something with those two… What occurred wasn’t a punishment on me. It was a visual of what they were feeling….” Was I explaining this correctly at all? “If I were to say to you. Kim was upset. She felt she was aging out past Jay… You may understand. You may have an idea of how she felt. But the spirits… they take a different route with me. Because I can’t see those things. To me age is nothing. Jay will be hers no matter what.” Rubbing my forehead because I knew I couldn’t find the words to explain my shortcoming. “Sometimes for me to understand the pain someone is going through… I need to feel it too.” Scoffing a little as I laughed at myself, shaking my head. How imperfectly perfect could I be? . “Stone hearts, cannot understand those with soft hearts.” Someone had once said that to me. and it came in handy now.

Finally, I turned myself to face him. “I don’t want you to give up on your dreams, Embry. I couldn’t take those away from you. I’m fine with how I am. This is all my choice.”

•- Embry Call -•

I knew that it was difficult for her the find words for her feelings… and this conversation was bound to be full of them. This was her relationship with the Spirits… her ancestors, our ancestors. It’s a pity we weren’t a little further from home or I might try and convince that beautiful Spirit animal of hers to show me all of it. I followed her unquestioningly to the bench… she was really going to answer all of these questions? She knew she could always tell me… this is private… or I’m not ready to share and I would take her hand and walk back to the car just like we’d walked here.

I flinched when she used the word madness... I knew it was a word people had used, about her or to her face. I had never really understood because by the time I was old enough to have remembered to behaviour they were talking about; it was gone… I thought it was just small-town bullshit, the same as I had put up with for being the Makah kid on the Quileute Rez. But I wouldn’t interrupt her when she was sharing something so personal.

My heart broke for her… I knew what it felt like to want to fit in… but I had always had #Jake and #Quil. Other than those few short months when I had to stay away from them for their own safety. “Wait!” I couldn’t stop the breathy gasp… was that why she was the only woman that was called to protect the tribe? She had closed them out and they made the change to find their way back in? No… they wouldn’t… they… Couldn’t… could they?

No… It couldn’t be. She heard them her whole life because she had always been destined to phase. But could the Spirits have predicted that the Cullens would return to Forks when Leah was still just a child?

I knew her body rested, we could last on less sleep than a human, at least once the intense growth spurt and muscle building were over…

After the first change, I had slept almost an entire day to recover from the toll it had taken on my body… I remember the young pups… they had so much growing to do after phasing at just thirteen… for almost a year they slept every second they could. Leah had no problems keeping up with any of us… So you never could have called her sleep deprived… but it just wasn’t the same. Or I suppose it wasn’t to me… But Leah… she had her own way of seeing the world. It was her life… no one else’s. But how can you imagine a world you didn't experience? Asking these questions, I supposed.

My heart wrenched again at the mention of her father. Did she really think she could have changed things with the pups and Harry? The vampires in Seattle and coming after #BellaSwan was what caused the kids to phase and that phasing probably saved one of those kids lives. I know I had used the word cruel… but not implying that the Spirits were cruel… or… not meaning to anyway. But thinking about it now… it did seem like that was what I meant. Maybe somewhere deep down I did… but I never claimed to be perfect.

I chewed on my lip… this wasn’t the first time that I heard her refer to herself as a sacrifice… she had used the word disposable… more than once. But the meaning was much the same. It still baffled me that the Spirits expected her to manage the relationships of the imprinted wolves… the division in the packs made that impossible. I knew that there was nothing she could say to me that would make me feel okay with what I had seen that night in the basement of the HWH. I took in a long breath when she was done and let it out for even longer.

“I know you wouldn’t Leah… And I know it’s not an option. But the simple fact that you would never want anyone to give up a single thing for you is exactly why; if it was possible to give you even one dream… and the cost was the rest of mine. It would be worth it. It has been far too long and far too late for someone to sacrifice just one thing for you for no other reason than you deserve it. I have more than enough dreams to hold onto. But at the same time…” I chuckled. “I couldn’t force it on you. If you choose those nights with the great wolf… who am I to steal even one of those from you.”

I paused for a moment and processed what she’d told me. “I can’t tell you I understand what it was like to have people call you mad and all of the things people said to you. You know that I had my own issues with being judged, but it was always petty prejudices, it was never really about me… it was about ridiculous cultural divides, from people with small minds or people raised by the small-minded. By the time I heard the things people said; you were older, and I just assumed it was all idiotic rumours. I thought… I see this girl all the time at #Jake’s house and she never does that… they have no idea what they’re talking about. I’m sure when you realised that most people didn’t see the world the way you did, it was… Scary. And I couldn’t guess what else… but now… knowing you can still see them like that…” I shook my head and smiled. “It’s amazing… you can see the magic that makes us what we are… hear their songs…” I fell silent… What I wouldn’t give to hear those songs.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“That’s the thing… you don’t have to fully understand everything today… but by me trying to explain… maybe… a little of it may settle into your mind or in your heart….”

Telling your story is never an easy ride, laying your cards out on the table, opening yourself up to the possibility that the person across from you wouldn’t fully grasp what you’re talking about. But I didn’t have that fear to face when it came to this man.

Embry had shown faith in me when he told me his story, and he had stumbled into part of mine in Seattle. Not once did he mention judgment. Today was no different, he listened, he didn’t offer solutions or give opinions. He told me what it looked like from his side of this bench we sat on.

“I’m not perfect… I can’t lie… sometimes I do just myself time to think about what used to be said.” Shaking my head because I was not proud of it.

“But… Someone you know really well once told me… Healing can be hard when your inner child only wants love, your teenage self wants revenge, and your present self just wants peace.” His mom had the best advice.

“I don’t expect anything from those people, I don’t hold it against them anymore either. I am a warrior of our ancestors it is my responsibility to protect and defend them. So… I choose peace over reliving the past…”

My eyes rested on the water before us, watching the presence of light, reflecting off and on to the water falls.

She was listening to me and watching him whenever my eyes would find his face. She smiled as he spoke about giving me his dreams. And she made our chest feel so warm, that I had to place my hand on mine to give it a little rub.

‘He will make sure you do not go back to how you were. Balance… that is what had always been missing from you.’

Once again, she refused to acknowledge that she was right there with me. (Even if we both knew, her fighting me would never have happened.)

“We all can hear them in our own ways, Embry. For some it’s a beautiful dream, for others it’s the emotions they feel from time to time. Or the sound in the air as the wind blows through.”

‘We could show him?’ She whispered. And I shook my head. Not here… not now… this wasn’t the place.

‘No… I mean yes… that too… but sing…. Sing it to him?’ Biting the inside of my cheeks, I listened. To her, to them, to him…. Could I?

‘Yes…’ She whispered, as the spirits began to change the tune. I could hear it as clear as a summers day. He knew I could sing, he had heard me, but this was difficult. I’d never shared their words with another.

‘Because no one has asked you too before.’ She reminded me. And this was true too. No one had asked me to share their songs. Stories of our ancestors sure… but the music? Never.

I closed my eyes, calmed my breathing, the beating of my heart. Opening myself up to them. So, when I looked out to the water fall, I saw them like stars twinkling before me. As they gave me permission, I nodded my head once in understanding. These were his learnings as much as they were mine. He’s stories and his history.

But the song they sang for him now. It wasn’t about the past, it was of finding peace within yourself, and the power that comes from it. “Forgive me if I make a mistake.” I whispered to them, knowing he could hear me too.

(Music Credit - Peace and Power by Joanne Shenandoah - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ip56gP3mQzE&feature=share )

•- Embry Call -•

I nodded. “I’m starting to… understand. And thank you… I know that you know you don't owe me any answers. But you gave them to me anyway.” I lifted one of her hands from her lap and held it. I knew I was breaking a rule.. but there was no one here… we could make this place temporarily our bubble. Right?

I smiled wide… “Oh, the revenge line!” I laughed. “Of course, that was the line I focused on when I was a kid.” My gaze met hers. “You know how much she loves you, don’t you?” I know she wasn’t fond of that word, but she had used it first.

I laughed again, remembering the walk I had with Grandmother. “Or they talk in riddles.” I muttered… still intending for her to hear.

I could tell by how still she was that she was having one of her silent conversations again… but with whom? Her wolf… the Spirits… the Great Wolf? Surely a presence like that would lie heavy in the air. Impossible to miss. Then I heard it.

It was her voice…. Like I had never heard it before. She was singing their songs to me… I hardly took a breath while I listened… she was… it was unearthly. Beautiful… more than I ever imagined. My eyes stayed on the misty falls, drifting from them to her and back the whole time she sang. I could hear them in her voice, the music of the crashing water in the background. I was speechless… I, Embry Call… was speechless. That never happened.

I crocked one finger under her chin and turned her face to mine, bringing her closer until our foreheads touched, and I rested my hand against her cheek. I was breaking all the rules now.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

After I finished, we sat there for I wasn’t sure how long. I squeezed his hand, and my eyes lifted to meet his, how did time bend and compress so greatly when I shared it with him? The question still to this day remained unanswered.

We were both breaking those rules I had been so adamant in creating and placing for us, and our bubble. I closed my eyes now, breathing in this forest around me. It wasn’t home like the forests of La push but having his scent here with me made it somewhat familiar.

“I think she called it the growth speech, so maybe don’t tell her your takeaway is the revenge part.” It was a tease, because I had taken all of her advice to heart, I had thought she was teaching me to keep the world out. But she wasn’t, she had tried to teach and guide me on how to survive with my head held high.

Love… that word…. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. And my breath stops. My battle with it was still raging, just not as strong as it had once been.

“I know she does, she’s never stopped reminding me over the years.” My voice was steady with the years of practice, but my emotions were a riot uninterrupted to the most parts. I may not say the word, but it didn’t mean I didn’t feel the emotion toward those who cared for me.

“Rule breakers…” I whispered… “They are all going out the window today.” Turning my head, I kissed his palm once.

Still unable to believe what I had done.

•- Embry Call -•

Her warm brown eyes found mine and I smiled. She wasn’t pulling away, she was here… all in… breaking all the rules right along with me. “I was a fifteen-year-old werewolf.” I chuckled and cringed at the words we used back then. “Maybe I was a little jaded. But I think that’s understandable, right?”

I felt how that word had made Leah stiffen… but it was the only way that Mom would describe her relationship with Leah. “And she never will.” I chuckled. My grandfather had grown up in a very Catholic home… with very little affection. So, when he made a home and a daughter of his own, he decided to break that cycle and filled his house with I love you’s, hugs, kisses, and music. My Mom raised me (And #Jake and #Quil) the same way.

The press of her lips to my palm made my heart skip. I caught my bottom lip, knowing she heard it. “Well, since the rule book is closed for a moment…” I leaned in and pressed my lips to her forehead. “We should make the most of it.” I kissed the tip of her nose. “That song…” I whispered and pressed my lips to hers… “Was the most beautiful thing I ever heard… and that is saying something coming from me.”

I didn’t thank her, I knew she wouldn’t like that. But there was no way I could ever let this moment pass without acknowledging it.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I wanted to smack him upside the head. We were not werewolves, and I disliked the comparison with a passion. But this wasn’t the time for such a reaction.

“We were all jaded to an extent, I guess. No one can be blamed for how we reacted at that age. It wouldn’t be fair in the slightest.’ I knew he had it harder, making the choice to keep his mom out of the secret of our life hadn’t been an easy one to make. At least #TheKid and I had ma as our backup, our support system in the real world. As much as she tried to be there for Embry, as much as #Billy tried too, some battles were his to fight.

I raised my eyebrow when I heard his heart. It had become my favourite soundtrack, one that gave me calm times to think and be myself. It was also a telltale sign that Embry Call was about to do something which could cause his arse to hit the ground.

But before I could react, my warrior stepped up to stop me. She showed me the moment we were in, she showed me the forest clear of scent and sounds, she showed me the emotion in which this moment was being lived in. So, I closed my eyes, letting him kiss me on my nose, and letting the warmth of his lips touching mine whelm me.

I kissed him back, letting my lips move with his for a few minutes before pulling back to meet his gaze. “We are breaking them all.” I whispered, shaking my head. “You’re a bad influence, Embry Call.” Heat rushed up the side of my neck at the compliment. “It’s their song, I’m just a voice so that it can be heard.” I told him.

•- Embry Call -•

I caught the way her pupils constricted at the word, but back then it was all we knew. “We all had our trials back then, all different… none can be compared or quantified. But we all made it.”

She returned my kiss, not just allowing me to kiss her, this entire time she was here with me. Living in this moment only. Her evolution was happening before my very eyes. Was mine as plain to see for her? “Thank you very much for noticing.” I teased, nipping at her lower lip. “I work hard at it.” I smile, my thumb sweeping against the corner of her mouth. “And we’re mostly bending them.”

My heart was still beating out of time, in a rhythm that couldn't be pinned down. The song still filled my head, only now I could hear it, in the sound of the water, the wind in the trees… even the birds were singing it. How had I missed this? It was everywhere. I closed my eyes, letting her be my eyes for a moment and keep watch to make sure our bubble remained only ours. I tilted my head up and just listened. “I can still hear it.” I whispered. “It's in everything.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Reframing from snapping my teeth as he teased me, I stood in front of him with my hand placed over his chest.

“I see you….” Whispering the words to him? Or was it to his heart? Who really knew at this point.

I didn’t speak after that, it was like watching him play right now, the way he was concentrating. The glimmer in his Earth toned eyes, the way they crinkled when he smiled full heartedly. The way I could tell he wanted to love this time so deeply, that he wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting anything.

By the spirits…. My heart danced at his revelation… he could hear them? Was it just the sound of my voice and singing he was replaying? But something told me no… he had broken through.

“I’ve got you… take that leap… tell them… show them… you have come together finally.” It was happening… “Your heart and mind… they are opening up to hear the truth about our ancestors.” This was the evidence of his evolution.

I stepped into him; my hands moved to cup his face lifting my eyes over to the waterfall I saw then clearly. Dancing, singing, telling him the story again. This time aware that I wasn’t their voice.

“They are the sun and the moon, the water and the earth, they are the birds and the insects, they are the air we breathe. They are all around you, showing you the way, protecting you path, guiding you through whatever you call them in.”

My voice was low, soft, and welcoming. Speaking to the man whose eyes were closed but opened to this new reality all at once.

The light of the day was leaving us, telling me it was coming close to our time to leave. But I wasn’t going to rush him. I would wait until he heard everything he wanted.

= The End =

(Music: Peace and Power – Joanne Shenandoah)

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blazingtheway · 2 years

Text

New Year, With Their Dreams Ignored - Leah Solo

❝Never overlook the kindest of others, not even when you aren’t willing to see them.❞ ~Billy Black

“Why is it that the moment I find the three musketeers in the same place, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and the Spirits go silent?” I stood over the table, their three faces looking up at me with the most innocently sustained features. ( I knew better ).

Ma shifted in her chair, #MsC gave me her best smile ( it was the same one her son gave when trouble was in the making. ) And #Billy?

‘I don’t know what you mean Lealea, we are minding our own business drinking coffee.’ #BillyBlack sat back on his chair trying to look casual. ( Casual being the opposite of how he appeared. )

Don’t get me wrong, it was good to see the three of them out of their homes, especially #MsC. But the way they voices came to a halt the moment my bike pulled up and I came into the diner had been telling.

“Sure, and you forget I wasn’t born yesterday, Billy.” I raised my eyebrow at him.

‘No, I’m sure it wasn’t yesterday. You know as I was right there in the waiting room with your auntie Sarah expecting your arrival.’ He gave me a raised eyebrow right back.

“Oh, so you are going to play that card. The I was there when you were born one?” I crossed my arms over my chest and tapped my foot pointedly.

It would seem tens to anyone witnessing the exchange between the two of us. But from where I stood and #Billy sat; we were both egging the other on.

‘Just saying it how it was Ayoli Saquu! ( Young One )’ he retorted.

‘Usdi, Alewisdodi.’ ( Baby, Stop. ) Ma rolled her deep brown eyes up at me, but her curled lips into a soft smile told that she was in on the joke too.

‘No, let them keep going Sue, maybe we could sneak out without Leah noticing.’ #MsC laughed softly tapping my arm. ‘Or you could come sit down with us and we will tell you what is happening?’ This time the smile she gave me didn’t reach her eyes. Making me frown as I pulled a free chair from the table behind her and turned it to sit front to back on it.

‘Tiffany…’ #Billy warned.

‘She’s going to find out anyway Billy, this young lady of ours has a way of finding things out, so why not just tell her in the first place?’ #MsC brushed #Billy’s warning looks off.

“What’s going on here?” I narrowed my eyes, combing my fingers through my hair and pulling it up into a bun over the top of my head. “What aren’t you telling me?” My eyes moved over all three of them one by one.

They were silent to begin with, and I didn’t push. I sat waiting for them to speak with me.

‘So…’ Ma started and then stopped.

“So?” I repeated.

‘Well…’ #Billy coughed.

“Well?” I repeated after him. ( I hoped this wasn’t going to become a game with them. )

‘You see….’ #MsC said this time.

“I swear in the name of the spirits if one of you doesn’t start spilling your guts…” I snapped my teeth at the three of them.

‘Okay, okay. It’s about the tribal council.’ Ma started and I held in my groan. My eyes drifting towards the door, was it too late to bail?

As Ma continued to speak, I knew it was. She told me how the three of them had been at the meeting this morning, they were hoping to make some progress on the tribal store we had all talked about at the end of last year.

‘They are saying that they can’t give us the grant we applied for as they have been pushing back on the community hall for the last two years.’ Ma told me. ‘And we can understand why it’s important not to let the hall fall into any more disrepair. However, the site for the tribal store will no longer be available if we do not place an offer on the building in the coming weeks.’

Okay, this wasn’t about the council after all. My shoulders loosened as I thought for a moment. “Hold on, isn’t all the events you are planning to do… the Car Wash and stuff for the community hall?” I asked a little confused. “Weren’t we planning on covering all the cost from the fund raising?” I was certain that was the plan.

‘We were/ are.’ #Billy interjected. ‘However, you know what the council is like, they want to pay towards it so that they can say. They helped.’

I gave the mother of all eye rolls, “Of course they do.” I growled. Of course, the group of old men with next to no foresight into the bigger picture would want to put their foot into something #MsC, Ma and #Billy were already working on.

‘The true issue is that if we tell them we don’t want their help with the community hall now Usdi, then it gives them grounds in the future not to help, stating that we could do it ourselves. And it’s going to hurt the children of the tribe. We don’t want that.’ Ma was right. The council would use this to play on. Those useless old men needed an excuse.

‘Unatse wili adanvtesgv Itse sudetiyvda, unatseli gvdodi unatseli disgitisdi adagasesdodi nigesvna adagasesdodi nigesvna asique Lealea!’ ( They will think, this is a New Year, with their dreams ignored again, Leah! ) #Billy’s voice was sadder now, as he spoke of the young generations of the tribe.

“So, why don’t we change it up then? Let the council pay for the community hall, we do all the charity fundraising for the store, and then that way we manage to still get the building you found?” What was I missing here?

‘Because…’ #MsC started, and I rubbed my forehead.

“Because then the council will say the same thing about the store. If we managed to do it all ourselves, then they don’t need to help in the years to come?” They all nodded their head at the same time as the penny dropped for me.

I took a deep breath and felt the light touch of my Ma’s hand squeezing mine. A silent conversation saying ‘No, Usdi… You can’t go and bang their heads together again.’

“I say you still do it. Billy is right the kiddos already feel like they aren’t cared for, and having them hanging out on the streets and in the parks isn’t the right thing for them. They need a safe place to go. They need to know there will be grownups around to listen to them.”

I had seen how Embry and Quil had done this very thing for the pups. But the rest of the tribes children needed the same support too. “Next year we will deal with the council. One thing at a time.” My phone buzzed with a message from #TheKid, asking where lunch was. I sighed. “And you know if I can help, I will.”

Telling them I needed to get back to the bar with everyone’s lunches. I said my good byes. Making a mental note of checking in with them really soon to see if maybe somehow, I could add more money from my Seattle fight to the pot without them questioning where the money came from.

#AUStories #TwilightRp #TwiRP #LeahClearwater #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead #SueClearwater #TiffanyCall #BillyBlack

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blazingtheway · 3 years

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Who Are the Real Monsters? - Leah Solo

» ᴡʜᴏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ?

╚ ꜱᴏʟᴏ

❝We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones. ❞

- Stephen King

My eyes wondered over the main floor of the bar as I came up from the basement with a crate of mixers in my hands. The place was decked up to the nines, in all the spooky webs and decorations.

“You’ve been working overtime.” I muttered to the Kid who was by the stage helping #Tony and the band set up for the night. “I spend all that money on the cleaning crew making sure there is no cobwebs in this place, and tonight you all are putting them up like a fashion accessory.”

He grinned shaking his head. He himself was dressed in a toga and a gold leaf crown. And the band all looked like a bad 60s slasher movie. One I was sure the #TheGoofball and the other pups would really enjoy.

‘Don’t be a humbug sis, come on… you know you can let your hair down, have a little bit of fun tonight…’ Stopping he now was looking at me. ‘Who are you dressed up as? Because I am sure the shirt and the jeans are your normal go to…’ Raising his eyebrow at me from across the room. ‘Wait a minute... You are staying for the party night here, aren’t you? And you are going to dress up, right?’

I had started to fill the fridges under the bar and rolled my eyes even if he couldn’t see them. He would hear it in my voice.

“By the Spirits kid… I’m a bloody Spirit Warrior, I transform into people’s nightmares. I don’t need to dress up. As Stephen King would say We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones.”

And how true that quote was.

“The real question is who are the real monsters here tonight?”

‘Not everything needs to be so….’ He cut off because we both knew what he was about to say. That I took things too seriously, that I needed to have some fun, and as he said before… I needed to let my hair down.

Standing up I dusted off myself, “And on that note I’m done here.” After my run with the pups early in the morning I’d come in to the #HwH to help setup. For the first time I wasn’t needed in the bar on a busy night. With the boys all ready to go, the sound checks on its way. I had time to get out of here and curl up at home. It was the first night in a long while that I had nothing to do but to maybe read while listening to music or, make a horror movie marathon out of my time.

‘Sis…’ Both #Seth and I turned our eyes to the door, the car that had pulled up outside was well known to us both. And then her scent came in the door before she herself followed. It was early to have anyone come in, and she wasn’t the kind of person to arrive early to any party, ( Even if #TheNerd had worked some magic on her time keeping skills. )

Jessica walked in and as my eyes wandered from her toes all the way up to her head, I fought the urge to frown. She was wearing a sexy nurses outfit. Upon seeing my gaze, she halted tugging down at her skirt with a slight shrug and a small smile on her lips for me.

Before I could say anything, she spoke. ‘I know… I know… I should use my mind not my body I know but...’ her eyes wandered over to the stage where Tony was sitting up with his band, all their eyes were on the two of us now. ‘Can’t I do both tonight?’

I rolled my eyes. “If he likes you, he wouldn’t need you to do both.” But it was #Tony, he was one of the good ones. Nodding my head towards the stage. “Just get inside and have a good time.” I narrowed my eyes at the band. “This is my baby cousin… Jessica…” I didn’t need to say anything more, they all straightened up and when my eyes fell on #Tony, even behind the makeup on his face. I could see the redness on his cheeks.

‘LEAH!’ She moaned and huffed, until a penny dropped in her mind.

‘Hey, where are you going?’ I just waved, picking up my jacket, pulling my keys out, and headed out the door.

“Not staying here to witness this craziness tonight.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Showered, I chose to wear my shorts with a tee, letting my damp hair cascade down my back, as I strolled out of the kitchen with a tray full of food left by my Ma, and a few bottles of beer. Humming along to the music as it played low in the background.

I picked up on the sounds outside but blocked them out. My house was dark which meant no one would come knocking at my door. Halloween was my secret guilty pleasure, I may not advertise to everyone, or even show any interest in it, but if I had the time to be home, I would turn out the lights, read a Stephen King, or watch a classic horror movie just as I planned on doing tonight.

As I sat down on the floor with my long legs crossed under me, I turned on the T.V and started to search for what called out to me tonight.

“Hmm... Books of Blood? Isn’t that a book by Clive Barker?” I started to read the outline and it was. “They’ve made a movie out of it… Nice…” This I could do tonight! The movie was directed by Brannon Braga, and I knew that Sci-Fi was his thing. But why not give him a go?

There was a knock on my door, had me rolling my eyes. “What about a dark house says 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘬? come knock?” I dismissed it continuing with my search and the knock was there again. “Spirits!” I frowned jumping up, the control still in my hand, I went to open the door.

“Listen kid…” I stopped at seeing the front of my house dec'ed out. And for a moment it didn’t register. Until I glanced around the street and found Ma and #MsC hiding in her car. “I can see you.” I called out.

I had picked up on their scent, but they had been here in the day to drop off some food which had been waiting for me in the kitchen when I got home. And knowing the two of them always got together to hand out candy at the community hall, if #MsC was having a good day meant I didn’t expect this…

‘Hello Miss Clearwater…’ The little kid in a devils costume said. ‘Thank you for the candy and Happy Halloween.’ He smiled and ran back to his mom and dad.

“You’re welcome kiddo.” I said as another group of kids came running up to my door, and out the side of my eye I saw Ma pulling out of her parking spot driving off down the street.

‘No way… You have full sized treats! Thanks Miss Clearwater.’ They all took one and set them into their bags.

“Great… Now they will expect them every year!” Taking my phone out I text my Ma, sarcastically thanking her and #MsC for the nightmare night I was about to have. To which they sent me a voice memo saying I was welcome.

“Payback.” Is all I said before closing my door. “Happy Halloween to Me!”

(Music: AC/DC - Highway to Hell )

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blazingtheway · 3 years

Text

A Mother Always Knows - Leah Solo

» ᴀ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴋɴᴏᴡꜱ

╚ ꜱᴏʟᴏ

❝ A mother is not a person to lean on, but she is a person who makes leaning unnecessary. ❞ ~Dorothy Canfield Fisher

“Aren’t you meant to cut those back, or are you planning on just staring at them all day?” Sat on my bike I was looking up towards the tree beside Ma’s house. The Kid was half hanging off the ladder making it seem as if he knew what in the name of the spirits he was doing. And yet because I knew him so well, I could see those tell tail signs. The crinkle at the bridge of his nose, the light touch of red on his almond cheeks, and the tips of his ears were red too.

‘I don’t see you up here helping.’ He huffed pointing to a trimmer on the ground. ‘Could you pass that one up to me? this one isn’t really doing the trick.’

I swung my leg over my baby and then pushed myself up to stand. Bending forwards, I gathered my hair up together and twisted it into a messy bun over the top of my head. “I guess I could help a little.”

His eyes brightened, then he started to grin from ear to ear. “Less of that, or I’ll pull the ladder out from under your arse and leave you hanging there.” But it didn’t stop him from grinning like the Cheshire cat.

I shuffled out of my jacket, setting it down over the seat I’d just vacated and rolled up the sleeves of my button down. It was a cool day, with rain threatening to fall, for normal people you would have been able to see them wrapping up warmer, taking their hats and gloves out again. However, for the kid and I, the day was perfect. ( Not that we even felt the cold, but if the sun came out sometimes it was nice to go and push one another off the side of the cliffs. Today wasn’t one of those days. )

Picking the trimmer up I walked over to the tree and stood under him, holding the thing up for him to take. ‘So, what brings you over to Ma’s today? Didn’t you say you were taking the day to head out of town?’ #Seth asked as we swapped trimmers and he got back to work.

“Yeah, that was the plan.” I didn’t take many days to myself. And I definitely didn’t like taking time away from the bar. There was a fine balance to running a family business, and it meant that work always came before Me time. However, on the odd occasions where I could get away, my family knew it meant that I’d climb onto my baby and set out on the road. A long ride, and then a hike, maybe even taking a book and reading in the middle of nowhere until the sun set on me. And then it was time to wait for Grandmother Moon before heading home.

‘It’s unlike you to change your plans, with the bar fully staffed you best get used to having more time for yourself.’ He was teasing, as well as making a point too. ‘You can’t keep putting everything and everyone before your own needs.’ He handed me down a branch from the tree. ‘Live a little sis.’ But I could tell, as he was saying the words, he knew it wasn’t how I worked. If it wasn’t the bar, it was the pack, if not the pack, it was something or someone who needed a helping hand.

“Just…” There was nothing for me to say, because he was right. But then again, my family was used to not getting much information out of me. “Something told me that I was needed here at Ma’s.”

The Kid gave me a look, which told me a story I wasn’t going to like, but he also knew better than to say the words. I could read him, understand his eyes, the way his body language spoke louder than anything he could say with his voice.

‘Well, the spirits clearly knew I needed some supervision here.’ Handing me down another branch to take out of the way. As I turned to face the house, I saw that he had started to build up a pile of branches on the driveway. It looked like he was setting them up for burning later.

‘Usdi!’ Ma called out from the porch, waving her free hand in the air.

‘Unigisv svhiyeyiditlv, Ma.’ ( Good afternoon, Mom ), dusting off my hands I waiting as she came to join us.

‘I thought I hear your baby coming up the road.’ Raising my eyebrow, I rolled my tongue over my teeth.

“Sure, you did, nothing gets past for Clearwater ears.” She held her hand out and I bent my head for her to kiss my forehead.

‘Don’t be so cheeky with your Ma, you only have one.’ Biting my tongue, because I could have told her that she too only has one daughter, so the cheekiness wasn’t going anywhere. But I let it slide. Because to make it clear… I wasn’t cheeky… I was sarcastic. And there was a difference.

‘Here.’ She handed me a drink and then walked over to hand one over to Seth who had climbed down from the ladder now. The Kid asked how much of the tree she would like trimmed back and then we both got right back to work.

‘Are you both still okay with the car wash?’ She asked. ‘I’m going to go see Tiff later, and the two of us are going to work on the final plans.’ She spoke watching us.

‘We told you Ma, just tell us when you want it to happen and we are ready. We have the supplies in for it already, sis placed the order a couple of weeks ago.’

“Except the food.” I reminded the both of them. “That we will have to get in on the day, or the night before. But it’s not hard at all. I was speaking to Alex too. And if it’s in the day he said he would drive his taco truck down here to help.” Ma clapped her hands.

‘That’s a brilliant idea, I didn’t think that anyone else would be willing to help.’ She smiled.

#Seth coughed. ‘You aren’t Leah. They see her and forget how to think straight.’ I wacked him on the arse with a branch. ‘What? You know it’s true!’ he said rubbing his arse.

“Alex isn’t like that; he is one of the good guys.” I told them.

‘Speaking of good guys…’ Ma started to help by sweeping around us. ‘I went to see your Da yesterday.’ I stilled waiting for that gash in my chest, but it didn’t split open as hard now. It was a skip of my heart, one which I knew that the kid heard. But he didn’t comment on it. ‘And Embry was up there. I felt so bad, I was sure I was interrupting them. However, he assured me that they were done….’

On any other day, I wouldn’t have thought twice about hearing this. One of the wolves going to see Da wasn’t something we would bat an eye at. But now? Today as I stood here, as I locked down myself when I felt the memories of his kiss. I had to wonder… What had Embry Call been talking to my Da about? I shook myself free from those thoughts from my mind. Telling myself it was none of my business. And it really was none of my business.

‘… Anyway. So, that’s why I believe we should think about doing it sooner rather than later, don’t you agree Usdi?’ When I glanced down at my Ma, she was staring at me. ‘Are you okay?’ Somehow, she had seen something that I had been hiding. Somehow, I wasn’t sure how… But a mother always knows.

My eyebrows pulled together, and I waved my hand before my face. “I’m fine, just thinking of a few things.” By stopping where I had, I knew Ma would assume those things were about the Charity Car Wash at #HwH

(Music: Better Place · Rachel Platten )

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written-within-the-stars · 3 years

Text

Look What the Spirits Brought Home. – Solo by Harper

"Family is more than just blood.."

I stood leaning on the side of my car looking up at the house before me. Two stories with the wood painted a light grey, with a small white deck porch surrounded by a well-maintained garden. A rose climber snaking its way up the trellis to one side with herbs in the large pots filling the air with a sweet scent. As I stood here I could imagine a young #Seth playing in the garden, laughing and joking, with an older #Leah telling him to behave himself. ‘The Spirits Kid, you are doing my head in.’ I smiled thinking of the happiness this home must have seen before it was taken away and it had all changed for my friend and his family. I wondered how Harry would have felt to know #Kenz. Sue had said that he would have loved her, and I truly did believe it to be true. How could anybody who had met my friend not have fallen in love with her? His son had followed her hundreds of miles after only knowing her for a few hours. That was how special she was.

The door flew open and the sound of it startled me, to the point that I was about to drop the bunch of flowers in my hands.

‘I can’t believe my eyes! Look what the spirits brought home. Well? Are you going to stand there all day, or are you planning on coming in from the cold?’ #LeahClearwater stood leaning on the wooden post, with her arms crossed over her chest. Her long black thick hair cascading down the side as she tilted her head to the side watching me closely.

She didn’t smile, never once had I witnessed it. #Seth had once told me that the world and its darkness had stolen his sisters beautiful smile. But he hoped that some day it would be returned to her because it was truly breath-taking to witness it. He said her smile was the one thing that used to make their Father’s Day. That she had stopped sharing it once he was no more, and that even the Spirits hadn’t been able to make her share it with them now.

‘Who is it Usdi?’ another voice came from inside the house as I pulled myself up off the car and smiled up to the two beautiful women now looking down at me. ‘Harper, is that you?’ #SueClearwater clapped her hands and came rushing out of her house.

‘You aren’t that old Ma, you can see it’s her. The Spirits know you haven’t stopped talking about her for months now.’ #Sue smacked #Leah on her arm as I walked up and stood at the bottom of their porch.

Holding out the flowers I’d brought for her. “Hi, I am so sorry it’s taken me this long to come and see you both.”

‘Hush Usdi, Harper Galutsv Hawinaditlv Ayoli’ (Come inside child) #Sue waved her hand towards the door.

#Leah rolled her eyes, but she was smirking now. ‘Ma she doesn’t— Oh forget it. Harper she’d telling you to get your arse indoors.’ Making us all laugh. #Sue placed her arm into mine and led me into her house and #Leah followed closely behind. ‘One more week Jenkins, that was all you were going to get. Then I was about to break into your office and kidnap you.’

I lowered my eyes. “I am so sorry, I don’t know what happened. One week turned into a month, into two and then.. I just—” I didn’t know how it happened, time just ran away from me before I knew it I hadn’t seen the closest thing to family I had in town at all.

‘We understand Harper dear. You are strong ayoli (child) and wanted to stand on your own two feet.’ #Leah’s lips parted and #Sue gave her a look. ‘She is not that different to you Usdi. You don’t like to ask for help too.’

#Leah pushed her hands into her pockets and shrugged her shoulders. ‘Yeah, sure. But she is here now.’ She nudged my shoulder. ‘Ma has been keeping tabs on you. She knows it all around here. You have been warned.’

I smiled, I had gotten a taste of the small town and the way news spread like wildfire.

‘I have not been keeping tabs.’ #Sue let go of my arm as soon as we stood in the kitchen and started to put the flowers into some water. #Leah moved around me and sat herself down on the dinner table and pushed a chair out for me to take which I did.

‘Harper is family, and it’s my responsibility to make sure she is safe. And I cannot help it if people are telling me how great a job you are doing on the Rez, John was saying you helped with the delivery of his calf and it was so dangerous for the cow.’ She was moving around her kitchen as we spoke. “And then Grace Walker was telling me you helped with their Guinea pig too and Kevin was so impressed with how you helped with Custard. The spirits know, that dog isn’t one to eat things unlike Little Nova.’

My eyes were wide, and my jaw was on the ground. #Leah leant in and closed my mouth. ‘Like I said, keeping tabs from the moment you stepped foot onto the Rez.’ She winked at me before sitting back.

The conversation with the two was so easy, #Sue prepared dinner as we spoke about all that had taken place over the last six months. I sat in her kitchen my eyes moving from Leah to Sue as their spoke and made me feel at home. And in that moment, I couldn’t remember what it had been that had kept me away from them for so long. It had been a foolish error in my judgement, one I never planned on repeating again.

#HarperLeeJenkins #Harper #Harps #SueClearwater #Storyline #TwilightRp #AU #TwiRP #LaPush #Solo #LeahClearwater

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blazingtheway · 2 years

Text

The First Steps on a New Path - Storyline 10 – Together ( Part Two )

Continuing on From.....

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled watching them... #MrsFranco was a very affectionate woman, but Leah seemed to me handling it quite well... Her respect for her elders always won out.

It was insane... But even from where I stood, watching Leah’s finger move across the keys in the space between her and #Tony’s mom... My tongue moved over my lips. “Oh hell...” I whispered soft enough that no one would hear... And hopefully, Leah didn't either.

I wasn't sure how much longer I could appeal like I wasn't staring, so I tucked the stack of music under my arm and began to browse the shop slowly. My focus pulling me back to the wall of guitars.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Aww… Bellissima ( Beautiful)”

#Tony’s mom was easy to place, or it was that she was so tolerating of those who didn’t know their arse from their tits when it came to playing an instrument.

She clapped her hands. “You must learn to play… something… anything… music speaks to you.” She turned her head to find Embry had stepped away.

‘He is a good boy.’ She looked lost in her thoughts as she said it.

But I was saved by the door, so didn’t need to answer. I thanked her for the short lesson, and then she stood to go help the man who came in.

When I turned to look in his direction, something warmed in my chest at how he stood amongst the guitars. He always found his way back to them. Even if I wished I could hear him play the piano once again.

•- Embry Call -•

I stood there with my fingers tapping against my thigh. Sometimes you just couldn't help it, the music would just want out. And you had to give it something. I glance over my shoulder before I made my way toward her again.

“I told you this place was magic.” I smiled at her. “It doesn't matter if you play or sing. Or none of the above... It's a little slice of heaven.” I sat next to her on the bench, daring to let my bicep brush against her. “You’ll have to let me play for you soon. On purpose this time.” I chuckled at the memory of her mom's living room and her confession that she found me in Seattle too.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I caught it all, the way his fingers dancing on this tights, the way he was lost in this slice of heaven for someone like him… and even me.

'Music speaks to you...'

‘𝕄𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕔 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕜𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦…’

#MrsFranco’s words still rang in my ears. If only she knew how much music had helped me in my life.

“You aren’t wrong. This place is something else.” How could anyone not become lost in here.

My hands were stroking the keys but not pressing down on them now. The bush of his arm stilled me and I glanced up at him out the side of my eye.

“Hmm…” hitting my knee into his. Okay so no one saw it so it wasn’t breaking any rules.

“I don’t think you ever will, the only time I hear you playing is when I come on you be chance. When neither of us is expecting it.”

The first time I heard him playing the piano, had been at his mom’s home. And Seattle in the ballroom. And both times he didn’t know I was listening or watching.

“You know there is a keyboard at #HwH. I know it’s not the same…” but it was the only other place with keys for him to hit.

•- Embry Call -•

"Sometimes even when mom is having a terrible day I'll take her here. To be around all of this and #MrsFranco. I always make sure that #Tony is here she can sit in the back and talk music with her friend."

I chuckled, my stomach flipping over when she knocked her kneed in mine. "I have a feeling that you'll keep finding me when I least expect you to." I smiled bumper her knee back... I mean she started it. "But I would like to play for you on purpose at least once... Even if it's a keyboard." I let my fingers kiss the keys without pressing down.

"I have been thinking about getting a keyboard... I've been playing a lot more lately for Mom." I pushed aside the dark feeling that rose up when I remembered all the time I told her no when she asked me to play, for no real reason at all. "It makes me miss it... but even and upright takes up so much space... not to mention impossible to hide... A keyboard would really be the closest I could afford."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

For some reason hearing that made my chest tighten and then correct itself. Knowing that #MsC had a place she liked to come to, where someone like #MrsFranco took the time to spend with her. It was a good feeling. Then again, Embry’s mom was like him in some ways. People couldn’t help but be drawn in by them.

“It’s not like you’ve not been doing the same thing. When I least expect it too.” My brown eyes fell to he keys, seeing how his fingers just sat over then, knowing exactly when, where, and how to play. I wanted to reach out, I saw myself doing it. Picking up my hand, slowly placing it over his, and then gently pressing down until the note sounded. Closing my eyes, I shook that image away. I wouldn’t do that. I couldn’t.

Biting the inside of my cheeks as the plan was there, I just needed form the words. “Why don’t you take the one from the bar? If anyone asks you about it, you can say you are taking care of it for #HwH. As you are also the MC for the open mic, no one would think twice.”

‘The world came out to watch, and I kept my eyes down until I hear your song.’

The words came to life in my mind, I didn’t know where they came from, just that they were there. These words didn't below to a song I knew, or did they? I pushed them to the back down.

•- Embry Call -•

"Finding each other has become a hidden talent of ours hasn't it." I chuckled... Hidden from everyone other than her and me. I smiled when she pressed my fingers down on the keys. I played a few well-matched notes, her hand still resting on mine.

I looked at her, my fingers still moving. "Really? Not a bad idea." I smiled. "I might need to lock my door though. That's a valuable machine." It wasn't like the Pups didn't all know where we kept a key hidden for whenever #Claire was over. I wasn't sure where the notes I played were coming from, but they kept coming.

"Thank you, I would like that."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Hmm….”

I wanted to tell him it was a part of being his Beta. That there was always an energy pulling me towards him and the others to protect. But that would be partly a lie. Sure, there was that need in me. But this… thing with Embry Call. It wasn’t that same thing. At first yes, but when it evolved… I wasn’t certain of that.

My hand remained over his as he pushed gently on a few more keys, my eyes following every one of them. I only broke my gaze away after he spoke.

“I know you and the pups will respect and take care of it.”

I saw how they treated one another, but when it came to the Instruments they could be as fragile as needed. “The door locking thing.” I made a face; he knew what I thought of it.

I took my hand back, straightening to stand. “You are welcome.” I looked towards the back-room door, sounds of footsteps becoming closer.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled when she didn't try and explain it away as the duty of a Beta, or looking out for Mom. She may not have said anything about this newly discover habit of finding one another in our dark moments, but that fact alone says volumes... to me at least.

"I doubt the pups even know that I used to play at all..." I furrowed my brow as I thought back. It was something I had let just gradually fade into my friend's memories... the age gap with the younger pups... no... they wouldn't have ever even heard about it. I wasn't really sure how that made e feel.

Then the heat of her presence was gone, her hand lifting from mine... "Hmm..." I looked up at her, letting her words sink in. "Oh... I think the unlocked door is more symbolic than anything now." I laughed. "They all know that they are welcome... just to chill it a little when #Bear stays."

I saw her eyes flit to the door, and I spoke quietly. "It's just #Tony. They live upstairs." I whispered, the familiar scent making itself known.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Tilting my head, my eyes focused on him even if the rest of my senses were picking up on the surroundings.

I didn’t know how this revelation made me feel. That all this time I had missed so much about him. That he was one of those people who couldn’t keep anything to themselves. His mind on the runs before I locked down was a mess of memories and emotions. And this. Something that was in his blood, in his soul. I didn’t know or pay attention to.

‘If it’s not to do with pack business, I don’t give a crap.’ I’d once told #Jake.

Another thing to throw into my bucket of sin. Fuck. Before long, I would need a quarry to hold my sins.

‘Mom said you were here….’ He stopped dead in his way over as seeing me. ‘Leah!’ His voice went up an opted for two. ‘Hey… You are Here?!?’ My eyebrows pulled together. “Is that a statement or a question? Do you need your eyes tested?”

His ears and face went red. ‘Yeah I’m not dreaming.’ He rubbed his neck awkwardly. His eyes shifting from me to the ground.

I couldn’t help messing with him. “I’m flattered Tony. I didn’t know… you were dreaming of me.” I grin putting my mask fully in place again.

•- Embry Call -•

#Tony had that always happy look on his face. And then it changed to a little panicked when he saw Leah. I stopped myself from chuckling. He was always terrified around good-looking girls... and Leah... She was beyond beautiful.

I rolled my eyes at Leah. She was a tease... and I liked it far too much.

"Leah's mom needed so errands run in town. You know that I can't come to Port without stopping by." I got up from the piano and gave #Tony a hug. "How have you been?" I asked... Wanting to ask him about #Jessica... He knew that we knew what we did. But it would embarrass him, even more, to be asked in front of Leah.

'You know me... I'm never one to complain. How is your mom doing?'

•- Leah Clearwater -•

#Tony hugged Embry back, but his eyes kept moving away from me and then back. As though he thought I would disappear if he didn’t lay his eyes on me. Giving him a wink, I slowly backed away from where the two of them were talking. Of course, with my hearing there was no way not to hear what they were saying. But at least it gave #Tony the illusion of some privacy.

‘Dude, you could have dropped me a text and warned me.’ I heard him whisper right after asking after #MsC. And that was my moment to turn my back on them and head towards the door.

‘Going so soon?’ I heard #MrsFranco’s voice, turning towards it I saw her coming back out from the back, handing a bag to the man she had been serving before saying her good byes.

“I thought I should give Call and Tony some time to catch up. There’s a tea room a few doors up.” I said pointing to the door, and she shook her head.

‘If it’s tea you want bel bambino ( beautiful child ) then you should stop by Herbal Harmony, our Jackie there makes some of the best blends.’ Seeing me smirk she raised her eyebrows. ‘You know her?’ I nodded.

“I’ve just come from there.” I told her and she clapped her hands. Telling me she has some tea in the back I should try. Tugging me by my elbow to follow her.

•- Embry Call -•

"Mom is doing good, everything is stable for now... She feels better and she's in good spirits." I said smiling at him.

'And you?' He looked behind me, seeing that Leah was distracted by his Mom. I nodded and gave him a smile that made him tilt his head he knew this time I was trying to fake the positivity. "I've been a lot better lately... Feeling a little more... in control... of things." I chuckled. #Tony knew that the bills had been piling up... but no more than anyone else, no one knew how bad it was. Just that it was stressful. But it was common sense to know that a prolonged illness like this wasn't cheap.

'I'm guessing you had a little help with that?' He nodded to Leah.

"A lot actually." I smiled. He didn't ask specifics he knew that I wasn't good at talking money. It was something I got from my Mom. She was always determined to raise me without any help... not financially anyway, she would happily take the help offered by the father figures that had stepped up for me... for the guy's moms who watched me after school that helped out when she had to work.

#Tony shuffled from foot to foot. 'Hey... um... can I ask you something about that girl I met in La Push?'

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I stepped into the back room. The door was situated behind the counter, hiding the homely atmosphere that you felt the moment you steeped foot out of the shop.

I recalled Embry saying that they lived upstairs, and now seeing the way the stock area and a small, homely corner was dedicated to a little kitchenette. If I had to guess, it was to keep her in supply of tea and easy lunch preparation without constantly needing to go upstairs again.

‘Have a seat, it won’t take me long to have the tea ready.’ She told me and put a kettle on the electric campfire stove to boil some water.

“I’m happy to help with that.” I told her still stood behind her, now with my hands pushed into the pockets of my jacket.

‘No, no. I like making the tea. It’s a little meditation for me. And Jackie always says—’ I said it for her. “Tea will give you what you put into it. Don’t rush the process. Let it come to life in its own time.”

She laughed sweetly nodding her head. ‘Yes. And it’s true you know.’

“I know.” I moved my feet out a little, grounding myself.

‘Will you sit. I’m worried you will bang your head.’ She brought out a cake and then some plates

The ceiling was low back here, but that was why I’d why don’t my stance to bring my head down a little. But now I listened to her.

‘How long have you and Embry been friends?’ She asked. But I was surprised at the question. However, didn’t let it show on my face.

“I’ve known him all his life.” I replied. she tutted at me and shook her head.

‘Not the question I asked.’ I thought back to the question.

“Hmm. I guess it wasn’t the question.” I didn’t know the answer.

‘And you are skilled in alluding.’

•- Embry Call -•

I quietly explained to #Tony that Leah's cousin might be interested in someone else. And he told he was getting that feeling from her texts. She had casually mentioned that she was only looking for friends right now and her goal was work and college.

"If it makes you feel any better when #Jess says she'd like to be friends she really means it." I squeezed his shoulder as he started tidying shelves that were already perfectly neat.

'They all say that 'Bry. But she's sweet... it's nice talking to her... but if she likes someone else, eventually she'll stop replying.' He wasn't mad or bitter, he was just resigned to it and with his horrible taste in girlfriends, there really wasn't any reason to think otherwise.

"How about you give her the benefit of the doubt, Ton... You've never met anyone like #JessicaClearwater. Just... try the friend's thing. You won't regret it." I raised my brows and smiled.

'Fine... but when she breaks my heart you better show up.' He slapped my arm and winced a little. Flexing his fingers when he thought I wasn't looking.

"I always do." I grinned and leaned on the shelf that he had rearranged.

'What do you think they are talking about in there?' he pointed to the door behind the counter.

"That obvious." I laughed. "Me!" At the same time as he said 'You.' and laughed with me.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

A frown grew on my forehead as I tried not to listen to the conversation taking place out there. I had always been good at blocking out voices. But when it was just three voices in my vicinity. It was harder. So, I turned my attention to #MrsFranco poured the tea into cups.

‘Are you okay?’ She smiled as She set one on the table before me.

“Yes, sorry. Just a little distracted. I’m here now.” The cup was followed closely by a slice of cake. Then she set down some lemon slices and honey making me sit back and smile.

“Jackie would be proud of you.” I told her, making her smile again, wider before she took a seat next to me.

‘She takes such care when blending these for us. It would be a shame to spoil them in the last step.’ I couldn’t agree more. I had seen the difference these teas could make if they were drunk in the correct way.

‘So...’ she looked to the table and then jumped up rushing off. ‘I’ve made tea.’ She called out the door, but before coming back she grabbed a few forks from the side.

“You should eat some cake before those two get here.” Nodding my chin to the door.

‘They are good boys, however…’ She was laughing softly. ‘They Can eat.’

She cut another slice of cake into a small plate and put it in front of herself.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at #MrsFranco when she called to us that tea was ready... and I knew that that also meant CAKE. She never served tea without a slice of cake.

"Thank you. We'll be right in." I called back to her. I waited with #Tony while he rang up the last customer in the store, and we headed into the back room where Tony adjusted the screen with the store cameras so he could watch it from the table.

We took seats and #Lucille poured us a cup of tea, in her proper, tiny tea cups and slid us each a lemon slice. "So ladies... did were miss all the gossip?" I look between them both and smiled that smile of mine... the normal one, not the one reserved just for Leah.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The small cup sat in its saucer, I could have stepped into Ma’s kind and thought how pleasant she would find it to have afternoon tea and cake like this with a friend.

My eyes moved sideways to the door as the two men walked in. Embry towering over #Tony, and he still didn’t look out of place.

I didn’t know it, but the both of us rolled our eyes at him. And spoke at the same time.

‘Ladies do not gossip.’

“We aren’t gossiping!”

Mine with a little growl in it and a snap too.

‘Ladies like us, we discuss matters.’

I was smirking as the two of us now sipped our tea. “I like the way you think.”

Telling her as I took another sip, noting the smile on his face. And I knew, it wasn’t the one I had become accustomed to.

‘I was just wondering why you hadn’t brought this Bella Donna ( beautiful woman ) to see me before?’

Setting the cut down, I picked up the fork. “Because he was scared you would like me better.” I said without missing a best. “It’s the only explanation that makes sense.”

•- Embry Call -•

My eyebrows lifted at the snap in Leah's words. My stomach flipped... it really shouldn't have that effect on me... but it did.

#Tony and I both grinned at the way they bounced off of one another.

It took all my self-control to slice off the corner of the cake with the sie on my fork and take a bite, instead of picking it up in my hand and taking a mouthful. I laughed at #Leah and nodded. I pointed my fork at her.

"You are exactly right! What can I say? I like to be the centre of attention." I chuckled. "And I'm good at sharing the special ladies in my life." I winked at #Lucille and she gave a dismissive wave of her hand.

'Don't try that charm on me, young man! I changed your diapers.' and then she winked back and #Tony covered his mouth and teased me with a 'Buuuuuuurn!'

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The rim of the cup to my lips, and they curled up on the sides. The way she saw Embry and that he was doing. I used to think women were lost to hun when he flashed that smile and those dimples at them.

“Oh. I really like you #MrsFranco. And I don’t like many people.” I was honest with her and from the way she winked at me now, I could tell she appreciated the frankness.

‘You can most definitely call me Lucille. A mind like yours young lady is always welcome here.’ She took a bite of her cake.

“Oh, I will take you up on it. I mean I need the dirt on these two.” Pointing my chin at the two men.

‘Hey, what did I do?’ But #Tony was smiling from ear to ear.

“I like to be prepared, just in case you slip up Ton.” When I winked at him. His face and ears shone a bright red.

•- Embry Call -•

I watched Leah grin at Lucille I knew it was going to happen so I strengthened and shook my head at them. "Now you ladies are just ganging up on me." I teased to stop my heart from skipping a beat at the sight of her smile.

"Guilty by association #Ton." I teased him. "That's what happens when we hang out with the bad boys... you know that."

#Tony just rolled his eyes and laughed. #Lucille leaned across the table and cupped my chin squeezing my face until my lips pucker. 'Yes, yes bambino we all know how big and scary you are.' She teased like she speaking to a baby, me and released my face. But not before I licked her hand and she exclaimed more Italian than I could understand.

'Somethings never change!" she sighed and got up to wash her hands.

'When I pull that on her she slaps me across the back of my head!' #Tony protested.

I shrugged, "She likes me better!" And things deteriorated into a back and forth about whose mother loved who most like we were ten years old again.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I sat back drinking my tea and eating the cake on my small plate. Watching and witnessing this dynamic relationship these three had.

It was clear from the way they fell into a natural rhythm, that this was their norm. And they were letting me view it from the side-lines. At some stage the laughter of the three of them, and the things they were teasing each other with, had me smirking, rolling my eyes and biting the inside of my cheeks all at once.

#Lucille refilled my cup as she sat down a little breathless. ‘I love you both the same amount.’ She declared and then kissed #Tony on his forehead. ‘But you are the light of my life.’

I shifted in my seat and turned my eyes away. The private moment between the mother and son should remind that way, I thought to myself.

•- Embry Call -•

I knew she was watching us all... managing to keep herself on the side-lines in that way of hers. But I saw her now there was no missing it now, as I had for so many years.

'Hey! I'm your one and only son... you should love me the most and I should be the light of your life.' #Tony protested with a big goofy smile on his face.

'But then who would I call when the cupboard doors break... or I need a shelf put up?' #Lucille teased and her son rolled his eyes.

'You need to teach me to use a drill!' #Tony said to me. and Both his Mom and I chorus "No!" At the same time.

#Tony was smart as hell... and strong but, far too clumsy for power tools. "If it makes you feel any better my mom would trade me in for this one any day of the week." I grinned and nodded toward Leah. Smiling at her when my eyes.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Finishing my tea I set the cup down, my hands crossed over my chest as I watch the little telenovela playing out in front of me. A little proud of Call, because I knew that my Da Had spent a lot of time with him, showing him and teaching him. My eyebrows pulled together and then one raised at both of them shouting out a ‘No’, to #Tony’s request.

My eyes were in the man sat to the side now, he looked fine to me. So, I wasn’t sure.. before the thought was over, I recalled #Tony tripping over at the bar. The man was clumsy with his body. Maybe that was the reason?

‘Is it true Leah? Does his mom want to swap you for him?’ #Tony asked as I eyed Call for saying that.

“Hmm… who can blame her, look at him and then me. Who would you rather here?” I asked kicking Call under the table, but not hiding it from the others. The two of them laughing.

“But then again, I’m sure my Ma would take him in too. So, it all comes down to him flashing his dimples at the moms. If you ask me.”

And then I took my eyes back to #Tony, I was smiling. He had turned red again. “Not sure I want to know what you are thinking.” I told him.

•- Embry Call -•

"Hey!" I protested at her kick. "Use your words, Clearwater,' I grinned Leah's answer to #Tony. clearing the last bite of cake from my plate. 'Your dimples are way cuter.' #Tony blurted out and then turned beet red. 'I mean... um...' He started to ramble.

I stood up with my plate and messed #Tony's hair. "I always knew you thought I was cute bro!" I teased him. Stopping him from embarrassing himself even more. I kissed the top of his head with a dramatic sound. "And I think you are just darling too!" I went to set my plate into the little sink on the countertop.

'I certain it was talking about the lovely Ms. Clearwater.' #Lucille pointed out.

"No, no, no... he said that she was cuter meaning I'm cute... just not as cute as her. And I can completely accept that."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Pressing my lips together, I stopped myself from replying. The smile on his mom’s face and then add to it the colour of his neck, ears and cheeks. It was clear #Tony was downing more damage for letting his words blurt out than I could. And honestly, I didn’t want to. He wasn’t one of those leaching sort of a guy. He just was awkward around women. Which, I could see being endearing to some women.

‘Embry!’ #Tony batted him away, his eyes falling all over but on me again.

“It’s okay, Call needs to feel like the centre of attention. And I’m fine with it.” I told #Lucille.

“Anyway. You think I’m catch. That’s all the attention I need. However, I feel it’s only right, to tell you. I’ve been working on stealing MsC for the last 10 Ish years.” Smirking at the sound of the woman who was #Tony’s mom laughed.

•- Embry Call -•

"Hey!!" I feigned hurt. "I do not 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 to be the centre of attention." I laughed. "It just happens a lot and by a happy accident... I quite enjoy it."

'Until you're on stage.' #Tony grinned.

'Oh yes! I never thought that you would have stage fright." #Lucille smiled at me, and I knew what was coming before she even said it. 'Anytime I saw you perform you were always so...'

'Mama.' #Tony whispered and #Lucille stopped talking.

"It's okay guys. Leah knows I still play." I said, smiling at them all.

'Good!!' Lucille clapped her hands together. "It's about time! So, Leah mia care (My dear) what do you think of our boy's talent?'

•- Leah Clearwater -•

It kind of warmed my heart when #Tony tried to stop his mom from letting Embry’s secret out.

But then his reaction…. #Tony’s eyes widened before he could school his thoughts. ( That man really was an open book ). At the new revelation.

However, his mom #Lucille took it in her stride.

All of their eyes turned on me, and if I weren’t sat on this table. And if they weren’t them… It would have been a dirty look they would have gotten back.

‘Yes, but we are evolving remember.’ My wolf enjoyed pointing out.

‘Leah?’ #Lucille prompted me again. Sitting back in my chair, I shifted my legs, the space too small for me to cross them without knocking the table.

“He is talented.” I started. “It comes so naturally to him... he has a way… people forget themselves while he forgets himself in those moments.” I said honestly. Because that was what it was like for me. When he played, I was transported.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled when she did that thing again, that silent conversation in her head. It was something I never had; I knew a lot of the pack did. But my wolf spoke through urges and feelings, he was everything I was, and I was everything he was... our thoughts and opinions didn't differ. Well mostly... the animal in me definitely fought for more on the night I spent with Leah.

"Until she makes me get on stage and sing." I teased, but my foot nudged her under the table subtly. Playing music when it was just the two of us... hell, listening to music when it was just the two of us... It had become an almost spiritual experience.

'So, he is capable of modesty?' #MrsFranco teased.

I just laughed and picked up my plate and cup. "It has been a treat seeing you both. But we need to get moving. we still have to run some errands for Leah's mom."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“I didn’t Make him do anything. There was a bar full of witnesses, for the most part to testify on how badly you lost that bet. Not my fault.” I rolled my eyes smirking as I stood to take my cup and plate to the sink. How we #Tony was up and taking them for me.

‘You are welcome back anytime Leah. And you.’ #Tony and I laughs as his mom pulled Embry’s cheeks. ‘Next time you need to not leave it so long.’

“Thank you for the tea, cake and your wisdom.” I told her. I stepped out into the store, glancing at the guitars on the wall before giving them time for their good byes.

•- Embry Call -•

"Really? That's how you want to play this?" I scoffed and #Tony gave me the side eye.

'You mean with the truth?' He laughed. 'Oh yeah! That's below the belt!' He teased and it was such a good one I had to high-five him. I pulled him into a hug and then #MrsFranco was squeezing my cheeks.

I kissed the top of her head when she released me. "I'll do my very best." I answered when she told me the try and visit more and I meant it.

"Thank you for the food. You tell me what you really think of this troublemaker next time. I winked at her dramatically and she swatted my arm lightly as she walked us out into the store.

I swept my gaze around one last time before stepping out into the street with Leah and saying one last goodbye before we left.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I wasn’t the kind of person who glanced back. Moving forward had become my thing in later years, and I had my own reasons for that rule.

But when the wind picked up, the whispers sang in my ears and over my soft skin. I came to a stop before crossing the busy street and glanced back over my shoulder.

#Tony and his mom stood, and they both waved at me in the exact some way, the same smile on their faces and those eyes of their shining brightly.

“Those are good people.” I told Embry when he stood beside me. I let the comment about me and my evaluation pass for now. I sure couldn’t kick his arse with his witnesses watching out every move.

“I can see where Tony gets some part of him. She is something else.” I have them a small sharp nod before looking forward and crossing the street.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled and ‘Leah and waved back at them. “They are… #Tony is a great guy. When I first joined the pack; I kind of cut him out… Just not really knowing ow to act or where my life was going… you know. Then i just showed up one day and he acted like everything was as it had always been. “

I chuckled. “#MrsFranco cracked me across the back of my head though…. And then did the same as #Tony.”

I nodded and crossed the street with her, heading back towards the park with her. There was still a little music in the air, but not as much. “I think #Tony has a lot of is father in him… at least, how his father was before his drinking became a problem. He had been a decent guy.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The smirk on my lips grew, imagining them both getting a smack over the back of their heads.

“I knew there was a reason I liked this woman.” And that was saying a lot, considering I didn’t like very many people on this Earth. My eyebrows pulled together at the mention of #Ton’s father. I hadn’t thought to ask about him. Knowing that if we’re something I needed to know, I would be told.

“Did you know Tony’s father?” Not mentioning the drinking problem, because let’s face it. We in the tribe have a number of addiction problems we were all trying to fight.

The sounds of some music playing called to me, it wasn’t as full of performers as when we first arrived. However, there were still some. Without really thinking about it, I started the way we came.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and rubbed the back of my head; as if feeling the phantom slap again. "I deserved it... I mean I know it was a lot for any teenager to go through, and I stopped giving myself a hard time about it a long time ago. But a few text messages wouldn't have killed me. " We entered the park again. My second favourite place away from home.

"Not as well as his mom, he worked a lot. But, I knew him well enough to see the changes happening. The nights when I was over dinner. The trips to Seattle for our grading performances were the most telling. he used to take us out to diners really late and make us promise not to tell our moms he let us stay out so late. But then he would start leaving us in the hotel room and nothing coming until after we were asleep... At the time we thought it was cool..."

I shrugged, I knew there was nothing we could have done at the time, and it was something we all witnessed growing up on the Rez. Depression that led to self-medicating... that, in turn, led to so much worse.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Yeah you deserved it. But then again, it was a learning curve for us all. If one of the pups did that now. I’d smack them upside the head. Tell them to hold on to the ones who care for them. Friends or family. It counts.”

I learnt that lesson the hard way. My eyebrows pulled together, I bit the inside of my cheeks as I listened and walked. I hadn’t known any of this, then again, I could see how teen boys would think it was cool.

I didn’t judge #Ton’s father, I didn’t know him. Didn’t understand what took him to his darkness. But as a grown man, he should have known better than that.

“What happened to him? Is he still in their lives?” I finally asked as I pushed both my hands into my pockets.

•- Embry Call -•

I couldn’t help but laugh, Leah always agreed with the mom’s especially the ones that slapped me.

I dragged my hand through my hair and took in a long breath when she asked what happened to #MrFranco. “He died in a car crash when #Tony was thirteen. He was drunk… Mom still never told me the whole story but as far as I know he was drunk and tried to leave in the car. #Lucille tried to take his keys… but she couldn’t. He lost control on the 101… No one else was hurt.” We headed through the park, was just following her lead, lost in the memory of that time.

“#Tony took it really hard. His mom decided to tell him the truth… I guess she thought it would stop him doing the same thing. He refused to believe it for a long time.” I shook my head again… “It was the first funeral i ever went to, I remember thinking how strange the Catholic mass was. I think every single member of the church showed up.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Pushing my hands deeper into my pocketed, I stopped hearing the music now. All I heard was the tragedy that feel on the door of this family.

There was nothing they could have done to stop it, however if they were anything like me…. I put a stop to those thoughts. “He’s a good guy, despite his loss.” I finally said. Working out that #Tony would have been still feeling the loss of his father when Embry went MIA because of the change.

I looked to my side, my vision on him walking in step with me. His eyes and mine lost to the past. “It’s not that different to ours. The tribe will pay their respects. In their way before the family is left to guide the soul to the spirits.”

This is why our traditions were so important to me. We had to send those we cared for in the correct way. Making sure they found their rest until it was time for them to move on.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled. "He really is... He's everything his father could have been in a different life... if he could have gotten help... or... I don't know. These things are never black and white." I dropped my hand and tapped out the notes of the nearest performer's song against my leg as we walked.

"I know... it was kind of beautiful really. There was singing and music... and they presented his favourite things during the service." I shook off the topic. I wasn't sure if I missed the man sometimes too or if I just felt the loss my friend experienced... Maybe it was both and that was okay too. "I still text #Tony every year on his Dad's birthday and Christmas."

I pulled out my phone where I had the text from #Sue of the things she wanted me (now us) to do here. "Okay... We should hit the car wash next for the supplies and then the printers for the banner." I scratched the back of my head. "Or should we go to the printers first in case they messed it up... your mom asked me to make sure they were good before I left with it?" I was partly asking her and partly thinking out loud when another thread of musically notes tried to tug on my attention.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The sad things was that I knew what he meant. I had witnessed the madness that came with addiction. Be it alcohol, drugs or gambling. It broke the person with it, and the life’s around them too.

Out of the side of my eye, I saw his hand drop. I took a beat in my step just to fall back a step to see what his finders were doing. My ears with my Spirit Warriors hearing, tuning into the performance he was listening too.

‘Interesting’ she purred. And I rolled my eyes at her.

He took his phone out next, and I moved my eyes away. I didn’t wasn’t to pry on his privacy.

“Hmm? Oh.” I didn’t need long to think this out. “The printers first. If they messed anything up, we have time for them to fix it before they close.”

And they would fix it. Otherwise, I would have words. Well. A look to give them that said it all for me.

“Then the supplies. What they don’t have we can I’m sure find somewhere else too.” I saw him being pulled by the music. This was his home away from home. Just as Seattle had become mine for very different reasons.

“Or, you could go grab Ton, do something around here with him. And I can walk over to the printers. It won’t take me long.”

These jobs really were my responsibility. And I would have words with Ma about this later.

•- Embry Call -•

She always listened so intently. Absorbing all the information offered and I could see the understanding in her face. I was lucky enough that I hadn’t witnessed anyone I loved dearly to struggle with addiction… but classmates, their parents… so many of the tribe. We had all seen it and felt it.

“The printers it is.” I grinned at her. My smile grew wider the more she said. “Whatever they don’t have ready I will sweet talk them into donating anyway.” I laughed. It was a skill, and it wasn’t just effective on the ladies.

I glanced back over my shoulder when she mentioned #Tony. “No, we’ll go together. I told your Mom I wanted to help out with this event… and I plan on impressing the hell out of her. These are my errands... you are just along for the ride, Trouble.” I swerved as we walked and bumped her arm with mine. “Don’t try to steal my glory.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Are you joking? Me? Steal your glory? When it comes to my Ma? Like that is even possible.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“Let’s face facts, you, and any of the moms. None in f us have a chance.” His gift of the gab ( or the art of his conversation as I put it.) won over all the women of the Rez and then some. I pulled my hands out of my pockets, combing one though my hair before turning to glance at him.

“You do know that Ma appreciates the time you give. Whenever you can.” She knew too well that Call had been working hard and then looking out for Ms T. So, she didn’t push him to help with her millions of events.

Then at the same time, she would never say no if he could help too. It was a fine line. And somehow, Ma knew how to walk it.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and stuffed my phone back into my pocket. My fingers brushed against the hospital beeper, and I quickly yanked my hand back out of my pocket. "All it takes is being a good listener... or a good distraction. Depending on the situation." I smirked and that I was good at, reading a room.

"I know she does." I glanced at her as we walked. "It's one of the things I love most about her. She wears her emotions on her sleeve, and always voices them." I turned my head to her know. "Not that there isn't a pull to the mystery of those that don't do that." I smiled that new just-for-her smile.

I did like the search, watching her eyes and her reactions... filling the non-verbal communication we seemed to be fluent in with no practice.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The movement was so fast, that it would have been missed by another. But my eyebrows pulled together as we walked and I listened to him talk about my Ma, knowing what sat in that pocket of his.

“Call.” I finally said when he glanced over at me. I said his name, surprised that the sound came out the way it did when he showed up on my doorstep, the night he found out what I had done by going to the tribal council.

He was laughing, but I saw past it. So, I stepped in front of him, facing him. My hand reached out between us, palm up. “Let me help, just for now?” It was his choice.

I would never take it away from him. But I would offer to hold and be the guardian of that precious alarm call, telling us that we needed to move and get his mom to the hospital. All other conversations were forgotten, my hands remained outstretched, and my brown eyes locked with his.

Telling him that no matter his choice, he wasn’t alone in this. That even with the beautiful smile of his, the one I only saw shared with me. I saw the fear hidden too, and I was here for both. With or without this thing blossoming between us. I am here.

•- Embry Call -•

The second she used my name I knew she'd seen it. She never missed a trick. She stepped into my path, and I stopped, locking dark brown eyes on hers, brows raised and a different kind of smile on my lips now.

I reached into my pocket and slipped the tiny, offending machine out. I weighed it in my palm for a second, my gaze only drifting from hers for a second before I reached out and tipped it into her outstretched hand. I rested my palm over hers for a second.

"Thank you." I didn't say it because I thought she wanted to be thanked, I said it because it was what my mother would want me to do when someone took such a huge burden to give me time out from being under the weight of it. "That bloody thing is heavier than it looks." To anyone else, it would sound like a joke but there weren't many people that understood how very true the statement was. Leah was one of that very small handful of people.

And now I really wanted to kiss her, just one light touch of my mouth against hers. Damn... it was... new... and I liked it.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

It wasn’t in me to read into anything. But this I knew meant so much that there had to bed a element of faith, or at least a small amount of trust.

In this moment, I didn’t care if it was in his Beta, or if it was in Leah. The fact was he had taken out the device and had dropped it into the palm of my hand, with his resting over it.

Our eyes were locked again, and I swallowed hard when he thanked me. I knew better Than to tell him not to. Because this man right here. He was his mom’s son.

“I know it’s heavy, I got it. I got you.” To anyone it was just a small plastic device that weighted nothing. But then this device brought a mix of life for someone you cared for, and death for a soul you never knew. The weight of that, it sat heavy of the person carrying it.

My eyes meat his when I looked back from the device now in my hand. And I read what his eyes were saying. Clearing my throat, I said; “We should get going.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled, and slipped my hand away from hers, my gaze still on hers. "That's a lot of strange new sensation." I chuckled and we both I was not talking about the freeing feeling of not carrying that thing.

It had become such a normal part of my day that I only remembered how hard it was when I passed it on to someone else. But this time there was something more to it now.

I didn't thank her again, I just started to walk along the path again, back towards the Jeep. "Let's go..." I grinned and changed. "Are you glad you came along? Running errands can still be a great day off if you do it right."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

We walk down a short while in silence, after I placed the device in my inside jacket pocket and then zipped the two sides up half way. There was no way I was losing or damaging it.

“Hmm…” I thought about his question as the music in the park started to grow distract and we came to the far exit closest to #Jackies’s store and his jeep.

“Actually I am.” There would have been a time I was be in distress sharing this much time with another. But now. Not so much.

“And you’re still alive. That’s saying something about evolution, right?” Smirking as I stopped at the edge of the street, checking the traffic before stepping out and crossing.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at her following across the street, giving on a quick glance, relying on my hearing more than anything else. I had seen her zipping the beeper into her pocket.

"And you're still standing here with me..." I grinned. "That says a lot about yours."

I chuckled when we reached the Jeep and fished out the keys. "If in doubt... go see Mrs. Franco. She can win anyone's heart." jiggled the keys in her direction. "Wanna drive?" I asked, knowing that drive here took a lot of faith on her behalf.

I wasn't defensive over who drove my baby, If the keys were on the hook in the house then they were welcome to them. They all knew to be gentle with her.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Don’t read too much into it, I could easily still kill you and hide the body.”

Rolling my eyes at him I chewed the inside of my cheeks, the Wisearse kind of had a point. I was still here, I wasn’t threatening him as much as I would normally, and he didn’t annoy me as much.

“Spirits.” I groaned.

The Call thing his Mom did was rubbing off on him too? How else was this possible?

‘Maybe because you are seeing the truth behind his so-called open book, which we now know, isn’t at open?’

My wolf stirred, then turned her back on me before falling asleep once again. I held my hand up for the keys, catch them and making my way around the driver side.

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” I needed to be in control of his rust bucket if it was going to take me down. “Printers, right?”

Closing the door, the keys in the ignition. His Red Jeep started the first time around. “That I didn’t expect.” I told the Jeep, not Call.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed. "Nah... it would go against your self-imposed moral code." I smirked. "And I haven't broken any rules... Yet." I quirked a brow at the word Yet.

I saw it in her eyes when she realised the Call Magic was working on her. "Thank you, Granddad." I whispered to myself.

I tossed her the keys when she held her hand out for the keys and we switched sides. and I climbed in. "Printers it is." I smiled and watched her doubt my poor baby.

"I will have you know that this baby has never let down. She starts first time, every time." Then I quickly added. "I mean... other than the times she doesn't, but a quick tune up and boom... back in business!"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Yet.” I repeated knowing what that meant full well.

Rolling my eyes at him for show. I control what my heart and body did. How they reacted to the sound of the Engine coming to life with me sat in here. The saving Grace for me had to be that it was bigger than Ma’s car.

Looking in the mirror before I reversed the jeep out of its spot and drove onto the street and then off we went.

“Even your jeep knows how to speak to you. It’s all about the bloody words with you and she.”

I liked giving him crap about his jeep, but I respected his passion for these old things. His Jeep, his bike. His mom was right when she said, ‘My son was born with an old soul.’

I kept both hands on the wheel and didn’t relax the way I did on my baby. As I drove us out to the far end of town.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled when she repeated the word yet. "Hey, it's an old vehicle.. if you want the vintage charm you have to put in the effort and accept the flaws."

I didn't talk much, I even managed not to connect my phone to the sound system. She wasn't fond of enclosed vehicles. I looked up and wondered if taking the top down would make a difference. My brows knit together. It was a bit of an ordeal getting it down... but I would have to try it one day.

The jeep was steady the whole journey. I gave her a smug smile when we were almost there. "I told you that my girl was reliable, didn't I?"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“I never said anything about flaws. There I beauty of those things which are imperfect. ”They didn’t come more imperfect that life. We didn’t speak for a long time, my eyes were on the road, on the jeep and on the oncoming traffic. I made myself sit still the impatience I once had, the uncomfortable sensations, my heart trying to beat freely, all things I hide well.

He waited until we are a block of two out, before speaking again. “You’re faith in her paid off.” I told him. “She’s got something that keeps her ticking.” I told him. The store in my sights, I searched to find somewhere to pull up and park his Jeep.

“Can I ask you something?” I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know or not, but Spirits. Why not? “How do you do it? The open house, throwing the keys to your baby to anyone?” It wasn’t that I didn’t like to share. It was the knowing I could Go home and be alone. Or If I needed to leave. My baby was my way out. He had none of that.

“I know you’ve told me why you do it. But. It’s not something you need to think about, is it?” His Jeep was parked in a bay, correctly and I had pulled the keys out and held them out for him to take.

•- Embry Call -•

"I'm glad that we agree." I smiled, glancing sideways ways at her. I shifted in my seat; was she always this sexy when she focused?

I smiled and patted the dashboard. "See baby, I told you that she liked you, really." I whispered.

"I mean... I didn't always..." I dragged my hand through my hair. "But when I was... when things were bad at home and I started..." I paused. She knew. "I closed doors between me and pack and the worse things got I even started shutting out #Jake and #Quil. I stopped playing music... I..." I took a breath, remembering how it felt.

"After that, it got really easy to just... get deeper and deeper into all the shit I was doing. So when I finally woke up I guess I just wanted to make sure it didn't happen to the young ones. I didn't want them to feel like it would be easy to make bad choices because there was no one left to disappoint. One night one of the pups showed up at the door, he had nowhere to go and #Kishil was still tiny, he didn't want to wake up #Sam and #Emily so he came to our place. He kissed a boy at a party and his father found out... he freaked and screamed at him to get out." I stopped abruptly. "Don't get angry yet... it gets better." I chuckled softly.

"We talked for about an hour before his father called and apologised, begging him to come home. Saying he was an idiot. I told him he should go, and that the door would be unlocked for him. He could come back anytime and history was made. The door is only locked now when #Bear is home. But, they know they can still come anytime, just that they have to behave. It just never felt... wrong. I did a lot of things that never sat right... but this always felt like the right thing. I love those guys like family, I trust them. #Quil feels the same way, it just... happened. I don't think I was always the type of person that would do that... But I don't think I ever changed either... not really. It's hard to explain."

I paused and a smile crept slowly across my face. "Evolution, I suppose."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I had started to see the unseen and underrated things he did and said. Things I wouldn’t have paid attention to before. Because let’s face it, my oh walls and the need to stay hidden hadn’t giving me the time to slow down enough to see him. ( or be seen by him or anyone else. )

The way he racked his fingers though his hair, the silky smooth hair locks fell back to fame his face. That side thought; ‘he needs a hair cut.’ Came before I could stop it. And then the fact that he was about to tell me something he may not have had time to consider or formulate followed after.

And the moment he started to speak I knew and understood why. That had been a bad time for him. For his and his mom.

A time when he felt the only way out was to fall into the arms of #JoeWalker. The dealing and the…. I stopped the thought because they brought a whirlwind of emotions with them. The first being I wanted to punch #Walker in the face. ( Even if I believed we cannot blame others for our own actions and decisions. )

My eyes were not trained in the direction far in front of us. I watched a family of five walking across the street as I listened and took in what Embry said.

Chewing on the inside of my cheeks, I clasped my hands on my lap frowning as I let his words sink in.

Hearing about the pup. The anger in my chest growing to the point that my wolf was sat upright and she wanted out. My heart was steady, my thoughts not so much.

My eyes darting to him the moment he read me and my reaction. And it put a kind of a dampener on it.

‘How… how did he do that?’ My wolf looked to him with the same confusion as I did. But we didn’t speak. We listened.

When he was finally done, I didn’t want to go and find the pups dad and kick his arse ( much ), but a side note was tucked away. Just in case I had the opportunity to remind the difference in the belief of our people v those of the pale faces We didn’t hold one’s true souls ransom. Our ancestors and spirits told us to Care open and freely. They told us Our souls connect. Not the minds of Society, and intolerance.

“And here I thought it was because you wanted to always feel young and hip.” Said with my face dead pan, and no smile.

I knew there was more to it. But again. In the tribe the complaints had been that their house was a “party house”. If only the idiots of the council knew.

“Evolution…” There it was once again, the word that had become our companion in this journey we were undertaking.

•- Embry Call -•

I had known what she was thinking, and I had the same reaction myself, but the Pup and his dad managed to bury that hatchet. At the end of the day that was all that mattered. It hadn't been an easy road for them, and I know that many guys had loud opinions on the situation. I wasn't going to add to it with my own.

I laughed softly at her reply. "Well... I mean that was the main motivation, everything else was a side bonus. But honestly... having them come to ours to party and all of that... I liked that too, it meant they weren't out on the beach or getting into trouble."

I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened the door but then I stopped myself. "Do you need to vent about that story before we go inside, and you give a poor printer's assistant the fright of his life?"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Embry and #Quil had taken care of those pups more than I could have ever. And that thought didn’t sting, it came with pride. We were a pack; we all had our strengths. And people weren’t one of mine. I would kick their arses into action. Whereas #Jake, Embry, #Quil and the #TheKid. The pups knew they could go to them. Undoing the bucket, I stopped looking to Embry with, ‘Ha fucking haha eyes.’

“Why are you always the Wisearse. I know I’m a bitch, but even I wouldn’t go off on someone, because I’m pissed at someone else.” I was out the jeep. My hand moved over the pocket with the device in it before I pocketed my hands and started to cross the street.

“Step to it Embry Call. We’ve got placed to be, and people to see.”

•- Embry Call -•

I grinned at her when she gave me that epic eye roll. I reached out and took her wrist lightly. Just enough to stop her from climbing out of the Jeep. "You're not a bitch Leah. I'm sure you have your moments just like anyone else, but in general, you aren't a bitch."

I let go and stepped out of the Jeep and followed her to the door of the printer. I told the young guy behind the counter that I wanted to pick up and order for #SueClearwater and he disappeared into the back.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I walked in silence to the door and stepped inside. Letting Embry take the lead as this was his show, and I was here for the ride. ( A conversation I would have with my Ma when the moment was right. )

I crossed my arms, feeling the device in my pocket as I watched him from behind. His words, did he know what he had said? Because it was a a well feed image that I never created, but when it was set, I feed into it.

And now…

I shook my head as the kid came out from the back of the store and opened the rolled up posters, and set the box of flyers on the counter.

•- Embry Call -•

I took one end of the long banner as the guy unrolled it and compared it to the picture that Sue had sent me. I double-checked the spelling in each word just Like #Sue asked.

I passed my phone to Leah. "Looks like what your mom wanted right?" I showed her the picture she had sent me. And I set it down the have a look in the box of the flyers.

'We made everything to Mrs Clearwater's instructions.' The young guy said.

"I'm sure you did, we just want to make sure the lady is happy, she works so hard for our community. We have to do our part too." I lashed him a smile and scanned the flyers again/

'I understand.' He smiled back. 'So, this events like a bikini car wash but with guys?' His eyes moved from me to Leah like he wasn't sure who he would prefer to see in a bikini... I left Leah to answer that one.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Taking the phone out of Embry’s hands I glanced the image over from bottom to top, and then right to left. The best way to proof read was to do it backwards.

“The banner is good.” I told them both. I didn’t need to see the face of the young guy to feel his eyes on me.

At first I paid him no attention, it wasn’t unlike any other day in the life of a woman.

But then when he made the comment about the bikinis, and then his eyes wondered over me. I placed my free hand in the table between us and gave him a deadly look.

“If you want to see me in a bikini, I’ll strip down right now. But the moment I do it, you will be naked on your arse running down the street for everyone in town to see. So, eyes down. And do your job.”

I set the flyer down on the table and pointed to the top. “It’s meant to say 𝕌𝕝𝕚𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕕𝕚 (Welcome) on the top of the flyers. Why does this only say Wellcome?”

He fumbled, close to pissing his pants. Just what I thought. The kid needed to learn some manners.

‘Oh, we thought it was a typo.’ He finally said. “It’s the oldest language in this state. It’s been around longer than your language. And yet you could not even spell welcome correctly? Your word… WELCOME only has one ‘L’, in it. And this has two.”

My voice was cool and collected, and that sometimes ( most of the time ), was worse than shouting. The menace in the tone said it all.

•- Embry Call -•

I skimmed over the flyer, but I was quickly distracted when Leah leaned in the examine them. She smelled really, really good.

I tried not to laugh at her comments about the bikini. I looked up at the guy when he said that the Quileute words were typos... I had never learned much of the language, but I had respected it as Quileute heritage, I just disassociated that part of myself for much my young life. A decision I regretted now. I looked at him and my eyes told him it was time to run.

Leah's voice did those low lethal low things and where it had given me a chill before this time it heated my blood, I considered trying the sorting the intense yet calm bow she'd dealt the boy, but when I thought about what I should say I couldn't think of anything that said it any better than she had.

The boy started to ramble and I flipped over the incorrect poster and scribbled my number on the back with a pen taped to a string on the counter, as I spoke. "Next time... pick up the phone and ask. Mrs Clearwater would have been happy to educate you. This is my number." I slide him the piece of paper and smiled at him. "I'm sure it won't be a problem to have this rushed through today, right?"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘ Absolutely, it will be done in two hours.’ The young guy said.

“Try in One hour, and you are taking off 20% from the final payment for our time wasted too.” I didn’t take my eyes off him. And I saw him squirm under the pressure of it.

‘I.. I cann—’ he started and I cut him off.

“Unless you are about to call the store owner and explain how you messed up. How you called my language a typo…”

‘One hour ma’am, and 30% off.’ His voice cracked.

I stepped back from the counter. “I said 20% and that what I mean.” I knew the business would absorb the amount I asked for. Anything over that would hit his pay cheque. And sure, after the way he acted. It would be a lesson. But I wasn’t that much of a bitch.

“One hour.” I told him and glanced over to Embry, to see if he wanted to add anything more.

•- Embry Call -•

I was about to tell the guy that two hours were fine but then Leah corrected I'm and I stopped myself... I wasn't how someone could be this calm and still have that much fury in her eyes. After that, all I could think about was how fucking she was when she was determined.

Then her eyes were on me, and I smiled. Fuck!

Those eyes.

"I think the lady pretty much covered it." I was still only looking at her. We left the shop and started back towards the car. "You are so sexy when you get the determined look in your eyes, you know that?" I grinned at her.

"But we probably could have given the guy the extra hour." I added with a raised brow.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My hands were pushed into my pockets and I pressing the tip of my thumb into the tip of every finger. Stilling the anger, calming it, and reminding myself that I wasn’t the girl who blew up when people took the piss out of my heritage and culture.

I had grown, learnt and…. My head jerked up to the side where Embry walked step to step with me and my eyebrows pulled into frown.

“Not the reaction I expected from you. Aren’t you going to give me the ‘use your words better, Leah.’ But no.”

I couldn’t roll my eyes, my concentration was on making sure each fingertip touched my thumb.

“And we aren’t going back for one and half hours. That kid needs to learn a lesson.” I told him, stopping beside his red jeep.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and automatically walked to the passenger side of the Jeep. 'You did use your words... You just didn't take any prisoners. And I get it... It's not like this is the first bit of business these guys have had from the Reservation.

So, if they had doubts, they should have called your mother." I shrugged and tried to ignore the tiny movements that made tell-tale twitches in the muscles of her forearm... Was she counting her fingers? Or maybe clenching and unclenching her fist? I let it go without a word. She had no doubt seen my own nervous habit in the par and had let it slide too.

"I still think we could have given him the extra though... sometimes you be surprised what letting people think is a small win can do for their work ethic."

I reached out for the passenger door... partially to stop myself from reaching out and touching her arm or should... I licked my bottom lip; maybe her cheek. Then I could run my thumb along that perfect lower lip and...

Shit! Nope. Not here! I cleared my throat.

"Did you want to go to the car wash first or get some lunch first while we wait?" The second the L word was out of my mouth my stomach growled... Not that I was starving...

just that the mention of food always made me want it more.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

He did it again. I stood looking at him. Everything stopped for me for a moment as what he was saying sunk in.

I thought back on the situation and how I played things, and then I took into account what Embry was suggesting we/ I should have done. And I could see the reasoning behind taking those steps. I just couldn’t in the moment understand why I should need to sugar coat anything for that young guy. And yet… I saw the other side with his suggestion too.

“You should have said something in there.” I told him. “If you thought I was taking the wrong stand.” The door open to the jeep I climbed in.

“I think your stomach just make the decision for us. Good food first.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at her. "I would have... but you weren't unreasonable either. I would have if I felt you were being unfair." I climbed into the cheek. "I just think in these situations you can't undo or unsee the wrong that was done. But you change things for the next person to come along... Point out the mistakes and the errors in judgement..." I tilted my head... "And the everyday racism... but also show a small amount of forgiveness, not because they deserve it... But the next person might not get treated like that if they feel their actions were corrected and forgiven. It carries forward. Plus... we can't be sure that it was him that changed the typography."

I buckled up and patted my stomach. "Settle down, boy! We're going for food?" I turned the face her. "What are you in the mood for?"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Paving a clear I g path for those who may follow.”

Okay, so I liked the way he saw another side of this situation. He was starting to make me think of a bigger picture that I would have picked up on, but much later down the line.

“Let’s hope they learn and put some thought into it before messing up again.”

Waiting for him to buckle up, I started the jeep. Once again my eyebrow raising at the soft sound of the way the engine turned. The old girl still had some tricks up her sleeve.

Checking the road and the traffic I pulled out Rolling my eyes at the way he was speaking to his stomach.

“Two choices.” I tell him. “One. Is Leo’s, but it’s back at the start of town. And B… is the brewery at the waterfront. It’s good old fashioned pub food.” My eyes were on the road, and both my hands on the wheel. “You get to pick. And so you know. You will be judged on your choice.”

•- Embry Call -•

I just smiled and said nothing more about my ideas on conflict resolution... I wouldn't lie. I wasn't going to lie I wasn't always so enlightened and when though it was my general way of thinking; I didn't take that path every single time.

We all had those days when we just couldn't take it anymore and some poor sod paid the cost of a few months or more of townies' ignorance... I was still a Spirit and that still cam it hard to manage anger, even if I didn't wolf out unintentionally anymore.

She would think about and if I'd learned anything about her in the last week, she would adapt to her evolution in a way she saw fit her best. Or not at all if it just wasn't for her.

"That's one of those secret-option-three questions and I am not falling into that trap, Trouble!" I smirked at her s she drove. "I've never been to the brewery so that and say choice! Gotta try it and obviously we're stopping at Leo's on the way home." I gave her a cheeky grin. "Do you think it's my first day?" I teased.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My eyes remain on the road, but I saw him in thought beside me. I didn’t need to fill the space with sounds. My voice wasn’t one I needed to hear either.

There were times where I could go all day without saying a thing. With the only conversation taking place with my wolf, and that was a good day for me. A bloody great day actually.

“Would I trick you like that?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “On second thoughts don’t answer that.”

Seeing that grin of his. “You do know I could punch that grin off your face?” I told him. But taking the right to the water front and not the left that would take us to Leo’s.

“There is no way we are leaving Port and not taking pizza home for the moms. I may like my freedom, but I’m not stupid enough to get my arse disowned.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smirked and kept my eyes on her side profile. "Yes!!" I said emphatically. "Yes, you would! Without hesitation." I laughed hard.

I set my eyes to the front when she made her threat, but I was still grinning. "I know you could. But you wouldn't... not after I just dropped some semi-decent wisdom."

I grinned even wider when she took the turn. "Yeah, the moms would not be impressed. I should probably grab one for #Quil too. How many guys have you taken to this place on the waterfront anyway?" I asked, knowing it was zero. At least in the way I was implying.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I just rolled my eyes and pressed my lips together. He was not on a bloody roll. And I knew there was coming back from it.

As I took the time to drive within the speed limits of Port, my eyes always in the road. Keeping the people on the sidewalk in my check, as well as the mirrors.

“Do I look like the kind of woman who share her eating haunts with dudes?” Spirit! Wasn’t that what I was doing now? “You don’t count.” Why? Why didn’t he count in those I wouldn’t bring?

I shook my head when my wolf laughter. She knew why, but she wasn’t sharing.

“Do you want to go or not? Keep asking me stupid questions and I will let you eat at the gas station.” I say it just as we drive pass one, and I point. “Like there.”

Smiling as he spoke about the moms and then. “Oh, the wife. Can’t forget him.” Because #Quil and #TheKid kind of went without saying. They would be in the mix no matter what.

•- Embry Call -•

I clutched at my non-existent pearls, utterly (and dramatically) aghast! “You wound me, Trouble!!” Then I started to mutter an almost unintelligible string of mumblings about “Not counting” and being “more than just eye candy” and the phrases “make-out monkey” and “man meat” may or may not have been in the mix too.

I zipped my lips when she threatened to leave me at the gas station and burst out laughing almost instantly.

“Hey, if I didn’t feed him he would live on Doritos.” I laughed… I may have been overstating my role in keeping that guy alive, but he was working his ass off so he could help #Bear to college. “You know… it's actually really strange we never spent more time together before…” I chuckled. “We both spend a lot of our time looking after everyone else…” Not that I thought what I did came anywhere close to the things Leah did for all of us. “Imagine if we’d teamed up years ago?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I just rolled my eyes at his comments. “Sure. Without the wife would be a bag of chips himself.” Okay. I could see some part of it being true. But #Quil wasn’t so bad, right?

“You would be dead and walking in the land of the spirits.” I say dead pan as I turned off the Main Street and into sixth avenues parking lot.

“You could have made a move, towards trying to find a place in my way….” Because that would have been how I would have seems it. “..and it would have cost you, your life. We both know I would have been in a place where the only outcome was… you are crawling away without your kneecaps in tacked.”

The jeep parked the keys out. I turned my eyes to look at him. He was always a beam of light. Laughing, joking, smiling.

“Also, we both know… teaming up on four legs was the only way I could stand you.”

This I did say with a smile on my lips.

“Now come on, there are burgers and beer with me name on it.”

And the ocean calling my name too. But that was a conversation for another day.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled… people joked but the way we ran the house worked. I did what passed as the cooking… which was mainly heating up what Sue on Emily gave us, or whatever pies and lasagnes we bought frozen. I did the laundry and #Quil did the rest of the housework… I also had the duty of waking him up in the morning. In general, he was the most level-headed and responsible guy I knew… but he was so not a morning person.

“C’mon now, Clearwater! I know it would have cost me something, but you’d never kill me. “ I smirked like that was some kind of win.

“We always made a pretty good team… the whole pack, I mean… not just us. Especially after Nessie was born. I think it put a lot of things into perspective.” My stomach growled again as soon as I opened the door… it hadn’t even been that long since I ate. “Oh damn… I like this place already and I’ve only smelled the food!” I grinned at her and walked around the jeep, taking long strides. “Get the lead out, Trouble,” I smirked as I passed her for once.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Eyebrow raised I watched him walk around and off towards the brewery entrance. It made me roll my eyes at how cocky he was even now, but then again. So was I. So, could I hold that against him? The answer… Spirits, Yeah, I could.

“They have a smoker out back. That’s what brings people in by their nose.”

It took three of four steps, and I was walking beside him.

“You’re going to be a handful for them in there.” I knew the girls behind the bar. And he was their perfect piece of steak. “And I’m going to kick back and let it happen.” Pushing the door open with my shoulder, the scent of food, meat, barley all combined together. There was an earthy warmth in the place before it really was a working brewery in the back.

Noticing as my eyes wonder over the space, the exits, and the windows. There weren’t as busy as it got in the evenings and weekend, but there was still a fair amount of people in the place.

“Bar and then table?” I asked but I was already walking to place my order. I wasn’t going to waste time sitting down without my food being made.

•- Embry Call -•

I inhaled deeply. “Really? That’s awesome! It smelled amazing.” My brows knit together when she said I was a handful “What do you mean?” I asked and followed her inside. She did that thing again and this time it baffled me… She’d been here before… regularly by the sounds of things. But she still scanned the whole place every time she came here?

It was only when all the scents hit me, my stomach growled again. I nodded to Leah. “Sounds good to me… I wanna try what they brew here.” I smiled at her. “I mean it's a brewery, it would just be rude not to.”

As we approached the bar I understood what she had said outside. the girls behind the bar were gorgeous… and one of them was eyeing me as she pulled a pint of whatever they had on tap. But none of my usual curiosity bubbled up. “I see what you're up to, Trouble. Are you planning to offer me up as bait?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My eyes combed over the bar and all the waiting eyes on him. “I mean most people find it hard to pick what to eat here. You. I have a feeling will dance about the menu, even with it being one page.”

The place did a few things, and spirits they did them well. I pointed up at the board on which they had written what was on the smoker that day. And then beside it a list of three burgers, and sides.

“They keep it simple, and still people find it hard to pick.” I tell him with smirk.

“Bait? Spirits yeah, if it gets me faster service. Like you wouldn’t do the same.”

It was all in jest. There was no way I would use anyone as bait. He kind of did that himself when he walked about in his so called ‘uniform’ from the club.

‘Leah Clearwater! As I live and breathe!’ I knew the voice that came booming from the side. Making me stop for a moment and then turn towards it.

“Jackson. Still alive I see.” He laughed brushing his fingers through his hair.

‘You would miss my concoctions if I weren’t alive woman and you know it.’ He came up and took my extended hand shaking it. ‘Is it time to up the orders to #HWH today?’ He clasped his hands together in a prayer.

Rolling my eyes at him i smirks. “Can’t a woman come in to eat and have a drink without thinking business?” ‘Sure she can, and then she could give me another order? Because I know my brew is magical in her hands. Can’t a man dream here?’ His eyes went over the side of me and he whispered. ‘And for the first time.. she brings a date? I’m intrigued.’

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Are you going to talk crap and waste my time now?” His hands flew up.

‘I kid! I kid!’ He steps around me to take Embry’s hand. ‘A friend is Leah’s is a friend of mine. I’m Jackson Hayes, the owner of this small place we call Bells & Rivers. Welcome.’

•- Embry Call -•

“I could just order one of everything.” I smirked. “That way I don’t need to decide.” I scanned the board she pointed to and instantly my stomach started to growl immediately.

Then I heard a deep male voice from behind us. I watched them interact and noted the difference between how she was here or with #Tony’s mom and in the tea shop, compared to the print shop. Her protectiveness was unyielding.

I grinned and shook his hand, not denying the date thing, but not perpetuating the assumption either “Pleasure to meet you, Mr Hayes.” I smiled. “This is one hell of a place you have here.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘He is polite and charming, it’s a dangerous combination there.’

#Jackson jokes with Embry.

‘I am glad you think so, it’s my life’s proudest moment starting here. Now, I won’t keep you from your food. I know Leah gets a little cranky if we don’t feed her.’

I roll my eyes. “And yet he is still talking.” This makes him laugh even harder.

‘I know deep down you love our back-and-forth Miss Clearwater. Now eat, then give me a call.’

Patting Embry’s shoulder, he says. “The pork is succulent and sweet, and the rib all off the bone. Choose wisely young one.’ Then he walked off, doing the universal sign for ‘call me.’

I knew his beer sold well, and it would mean supporting a small local business. So, I took my phone out, sent a quick message to the #HwH group chat.

TEXT < Let me know it we need more from Jackson Hayes’s. I could do as deal with him.-L >

And hit send before pocketing it. My hand grazed over the other small device making sure it was still safe.

“Ready to try something out?”

I walked the rest of the way to the bar, ordering a taster beer slide, it had six different small glasses on it. With the ribs, fries, mac ‘n’ cheese, and a cheese burger too.

“That’s me, what do you want?” I smirked.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at #MrHayes. “Gotta admirer a man with pride in what he does and a healthy respect for self-care.” There was no denying he was a good-looking man... And not just in a for his age kinda way.

“Trust me... I don't play around when it comes to food.” I chuckled and gave the man a nod when he departed. Then a wide grin at least told her I was indeed ready to eat. No one here seemed to bat an eye at Leah’s order... They must have been used to her orders here. That didn't mean I couldn’t give them. A run for their money.

“Oh... I’ll try that beer taster too... When in Rome and all.” I smiled at the bartender... Slash waitress? “And I’ll have the ribs, a half chicken...” I examined the board and pursed my lips. “A cheeseburger with pulled pork and the fries, slaw and corn on the cob.”

‘Should I put half of that in a doggie bag right away or......’ She smirked. I admired the playful cheek.

“Don't worry... If I can't finish it alone I'm sure this one will help me out.” I smirked right and she gave me an appreciative we’ll see look. She told us to take a seat and she bring it right out.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The moment I sat down at a booth, one of the girls was right there. ‘Two of the new blend. Jackson said there are on the house.’

I shrugged the jacket off, my hand working into the pocket to transfer the small device from it into my back jean’s pocket now. I relaxed back thanking her. “The man knows how to get himself more business.” I muttered to myself looking at the two glasses. It was a rye blend. The colour gave it away right away.

Watching the interaction with Call makes me smirk. “Be careful, they well start to think you are a competitive eater.”

People made assumptions, and I never corrected them. It’s how Half of my reputation was made for me, and I had no issues with it. Picking up one of the glasses, I took in the scent, the look, the feel, and then looked to Embry.

“Tell me what you think of this one.” Pushing the second glass towards him.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at Leah when the waitress set the drinks down, though I felt a brief glance in my direction. “Must be awesome being so gorgeous people just hand you free stuff where ever you go.” I teased her, even though I knew that this was purely a business thing. And I wasn’t a stranger to the act myself… it was becoming more and more common for women to send me drinks. Female empowerment certainly had perks.

I watched her move the beeper from one pocket to another and try noy to let me see her do it… I could have told her that the thing was obnoxiously loud and we would probably hear it even from the Jeep. But she had relieved me of its burden and I was going to enjoy the weightlessness of it, so I pushed it to the back of my mind.

“Yeah, yeah.” I winked at her, keeping up the charade. “Business. Sure.”

I laughed. “Hey, you said they had good food… I’m just testing out a fair sample size of when they offer. And I ordered vegetables” I smirked. “So I’m being good!”

I watched her sniff the beer but not drink it. “You know I don’t have the most discerning taste buds right? Especially not when it comes to alcohol?” I took the glass and took a healthy mouthful. It was good… really good. Way better than anything in a can in my refrigerator. But still… I could why or what made it that way. It was beer… but a whole lot better. “Wow… I mean… This is great.” Then I did what she had and smelled it. “It even smells different from anything I’ve drunk before.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Like you’ve never been sent drinks for free.” Giving him an aimed look.

“Remember where you drink and remember who serves you.”

The pack were always sent drinks from the townies. Another reason why some night, they didn’t need to spend much for a night out. Not that any of us drunk at the bar for anything but to socialise. When we wanted to get drunk. It wasn’t done in public.

“The best thing is to try a little if everything. But then again, when you get something, you like. You’ll know.”

Raising my eyebrow. “Really? Vegetable?” Shaking my head “your idea and mine are very different on this subject.”

Picking up the glass of beer smirking I took a mouthful. Letting it sit before slowly swallowing it.

“You don’t need to know the ins and outs of beer tasting, Embry. I’m asking you as a consumer. If this was offered to you. Would you pay the extra two dollars for a pulled pint and not a bottle or a can.”

My eyebrows lifted at the smooth taste and how it grew after the fact. Holing the glass up to the light. “Jackson has been holding out on me.” I muttered. “The scent is like that because the way he blends it. There is rosemary in this batch.” I could taste it.

Out of the side of my eye, I saw #Jackson watching me with a grin on his face.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and winked at her. We both knew she was right… she hade witnessed it all for herself… and at the club, it was even more frequent… only I got to refuse under the guise of not being allowed to drink on the job… which was true but also not enforced in the slightest.

“I mean corn is a…” I tilted my head, was it a vegetable when it was still on the cob? Or was it a grain no matter what? I needed to google that later. “Um… grey area… but the slaw has vegetables.” I smirked and ignored the fact that it was completely smoothed in mayonnaise.

“For beer... I would for sure.” When I drank beer it was for the enjoyment of it not to get drunk, because that was next to impossible anyway. “In a bar, I always prefer a pint over a bottle. And this stuff…” I took another mouthful and smiled. “Oh yeah… so worth it.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Has No nutritional value, it leaves your body in the same way it goes in because you cannot digest it. And let’s not even mention what it is covered in to made you want it even more. So, again… vegetables?”

Cocking my head to the side I raised my eyebrow. Sitting back my eyes were locked onto him, had I after all these years learn something new about him? “You would prefer a pint over a bottle? But…” I looked at the glass sat before me, and I shook my head. “So, if I gave you this beautiful glass. It would be a go. That’s good to know.”

Lifting the glass to my lips I took a long slow pull, making sure to take my time to let it linger before swallowing. It was a really good brew. Out of the side of my eye I saw our food coming our way.

‘I’ll bring your beers when you are ready.’

The waiter said as he started to set plates down between the two of us like we were sharing.

“Thanks” I said. Waiting until he was gone before correcting his mistake.

“They always think guys can eat more than women. Clearly not met the right kind of woman.”

•- Embry Call -•

“Hey, at least it clears out the pipes as it goes!” I smirked. Not a sexy lunch conversation… but she already knows how hot I’m, so it was all good. I nodded when she was (sort of) all business again.

I laughed at the way they set out the plates, but Leah said nothing… so neither did I. “Oh you are so sharing that Mac ’n’ Cheese… the only reason I didn’t order some is because I plan on tasting yours.” I laughed unapologetically and rubbed my hands together as I surveyed the feast in front of us.

“Where oh where to being?” I grinned, sliced off a corner of the butter cube served with the corn and let it melt over the grill marks. “With the veg…” I ponder, stressing the word, but then I pick up the fork and sink into the meaty part of a rib and just as #MrHayes promise it falls right off the bone and I taste it…

I hardly have the mouthful swallowed before I say… “Damn… This is insanely good!”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I moved the Mac ‘n’ Cheese to the middle of the table. People knew to give me space. They knew one look from me could be devastating for them. But the part they always misjudged (and I let them), was that I was okay with sharing my food.

I had a kid brother, who always liked what was on my plate more that his own. So, it never phased me.

I snapped my teeth from time to time, to keep up the persona and reputation I had gained. (Because it meant those who were in the outside, remained there.) But if someone came for my food. I never stopped them.

As he sliced off the ribs. It would have been a good time to tell him. He didn’t order those. But again. I knew this was just the afternoon snack and pizza would be bought on the way home.

“It is good.” I sliced off a rib from the other side of the rack letting the meat fall off the bone before forking it into my mouth.

“It’s never disappoints here. It’s why I come here.”

•- Embry Call -•

“I have to say…” I smirked at her. “I made a really good choice.” I chuckled as I started to taste a bite of everything. Making a note that she had willing shared the plate of Mac ‘N’ Cheese without a word. Or that snap a lot of the guys got… but none of us got possessive over our food… at least not until it started to run out and even then, it was all in good fun. Maybe a little competition to see who was fast enough.

I tasted the chicken, then the chicken with the slaw… the fries the skin still on… then I bite of the burger that nearly floored me… “Oh wow… How did you find this place? Was it because you placed orders for the bar? Or did you start using them because you already knew it was here?” I asked between bites and swallows; I did attempt not to speak with food in my mouth, but I wasn’t very successful. I continue the sampling making deeply approving sounds before settling on finishing the burger.

“This place really is a gem.” I looked up at her… “Thanks for showing me one of your hideaways.” I smiled because I just knew.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Leaning back in the chair I took him in. Chewing on my mouthful much slower, knowing to take it easy because it was all really good. My lips curled up seeing and hearing his reactions. I knew that feeling well even if I didn’t show it as openly as Embry did. Then again. This was a Embry Call. Wearing his emotions for all to see. Be it over the pack, the pups, the imprints, Our moms, music, the day of the week…. Or food.

Once he had enough time to dig into it all and enjoy the experience I shifted forward, swallowing before speaking unlike some.

“A little of both. This place was going to be ribbed down. No one would rent the old boat factory. No one knew what to do with it. I think they were talking about putting up a strip mall to bring in the money. Until”

I pointed to the man flamboyantly speaking with his customers. “He had an idea. I started to hear about the possibility of him making beers here in site. Called to come check out one of his selections. That’s when I learnt about the second part of his plan.”

Taking another bite my chin moved to all the girls working here. “They are all from the woman’s shelter. All had a hard start to life. And he made this a safe place for them to work. He had the same work ethics the guys and I can relate to. The rest is… well.. history.” the glass I drained my beer. As the taster slider arrived.

“Tell anyone of this place and I will kick you in the balls.”

I said with a dead pan face. This was the second place he had come to that I liked. But the rules hadn’t changed.

•- Embry Call -•

I grinned at her… knowing enough about the texture of pork that was this tender to know not to show teeth after eating as much as I had. No one was hot with meat scraps in their teeth. “Awesome… I love a good phoenix rising from the ashes story.” I smiled. “And barbecue and beer is the perfect combination. He’s made a hell of a go of it.” I turned then to look at the women, chatting happily as they worked, amongst themselves and the few patrons that were dotted around at tables and the bar.

“I didn’t even know there was a shelter around here…” I lowered my voice… these women didn’t need to think they were being talked about. But luckily Leah and I didn’t need to hunch over tables to whisper. “Homeless… or…” I didn’t finish because… well it was pretty obvious.

I nodded and crossed my heart. Your secret is as safe as….” I paused… my secret-keeping wasn’t always the best. Not without the aid of my alpha. “As I can possibly keep it.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Not needing to follow his gaze because why? These women were working hard, making something of an opportunity. It wasn’t a handout. They had to work for their money.

Cutting into my ribs with a mouthful of macaroni, shrugging my shoulders. My voice was low.

“Does it matter. They are working, they know they can trust the people here. That’s all that matters, doesn’t it?”

Really not liking the fact that it felt like I was talking about these women as if they weren’t here.

Nodding my chin to the south west we sat. “There are two. A homeless shelter down off the main streets. And there is…” Now looking across the table.

“A woman’s shelter a little harder to find unless you know where to look. For obvious reasons.”

And those reasons if I ever came across them… would find a fist in their faces. No matter if I was a protector of humans. They weren’t worth protecting. Shoulders felt tight and stiff, and then when I looked down to the fork in my hand.

“Spirits!” Setting my knife down, cleaning the fork, keeping the evidence well hidden from sight, working to straighten out the bends of my fingers from the metal before continuing to eat.

•- Embry Call -•

I turned my gaze back to her and continued to eat. “Well… yeah. Because if it's a different kind of shelter then they need to have daytime security. People… well.. they’re the worst kinds of monsters.” I was still speaking softly. Things could get ugly fast if someone one of these women was hiding from found out about this place. Most bars only had Bouncers working in the late evening and night.

“I guess me not knowing about it means that they are doing their job right.” I nodded in agreement. Seeing what she did to that fork would have been hysterical, if it hadn’t been for the topic.

I knew I couldn’t get it… The culture of violence perpetrated by men against women since the dawn of time. So I didn’t tell her I understood. I didn’t tell her I got how angry she was. It made perfect sense that she felt how she did… but no matter how angry I was… it didn’t come close. I “It’s okay, Trouble… These women… they made it. And today… that is what matters the most.” I kept my eyes on her… letting her know I saw her. and she could let all this out later… if she wanted to!

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Hmm…”

The only reply he would get right now as I continue to control myself. Since being a hot-headed teen, time has taught me some hard lessons, some left a mark for a lifetime. Others lost with the time they had passed on by.

The temptation to act before thinking had gone and had been replaced with an evolution of who sat across from Embry now.

But, growth came with a price, and with a two way path. One moving forward, while the other took you back to the beginning. And I wasn’t ashamed to say. At times the anger still seeped out. I wasn’t perfect, but I was perfectly broken. Just how I liked it.

Keeping my chin up, but my eyes down on the food in front of me, a forkful in my mouth. Chewing slowly before I let my darkened brown eyes meet his. Seeing the unsaid word. Later.

“How’s the burger?” A clear sign to change the subject, picking mine up with one hand. Finding that perfect spot for the first bite I took it.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled and accepted the change of subject. If it was something she wanted to talk about again; she knew she could bring it up in a place where she could mangle as forks as she needed to. I picked up the burger and took another bite. The burger was amazing… not overcooked like ninety per cent of the barbeque I’d eaten in the past. “It's good... I swallowed the last of the food. “Like really, really good.” I nodded. “What about the mac ’n’ cheese?” I scooped up another forkful and got another taste.

I heard a comment from staff, standing by the bar about how 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕒𝕥 as they took in the half-eaten dishes all over the table. I just chuckled and focused on the conversation I was having. “And you have to try this chicken… It's incredible."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“The Mac ‘n’ cheese is always good here. Not as good as Ma’s, but good.”

My lips curled up into a smirk. “How times have changed.” Muttering the words. Because right now I wasn’t even blinking at how welcome he felt to my food.

Speaking as I chew my food and the thought. But putting something I was thinking into words like this. Another first for me.

“You know, before you wouldn’t have dared to touch me food.” Pointing my fork to his. “I’ve never stopped you lot...” the pack. “… from eating off my plate. But… no one other than the Kid of Mac has ever taken that step.”

It had never occurred to me. Even if I knew why.

Eyeing his chicken. “It looks good.”

I didn’t reach for it. Because I just couldn’t. I had never taken food off another person’s plate. Not even as a joke.

Because…

1. I didn’t joke like that.

B. I always knew/ felt they needed it more than me.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled widely. “I mean… it would be cruel to expect anyone to compete with #Sue’s recipes. But other than hers.. this is amazing.” I chuckled. My mom was never an amazing chef… in fact, her lasagne was probably the only thing she ever truly mastered. But still, in my head, her food was the best. And of course, that was the only comment that she ever heard about her cooking from my mouth… and her unofficially adopted sons.

I looked at her… confused. Was that true?

“Really?” I froze… My fork hovering in mid-air ready to scoop up more mac ’n’ cheese. “Are you….” I thought about it… searching back through barbecues, pack gatherings… family dinners when we were invited to the Clearwater’s… “Wow…” That made no sense. “You’re right… but we all… we always just…” We had all just helped ourselves to whatever we wanted. Heads were only ever butted over the last of something and even then, it was just messing around.

“I never even thought about it before…” I couldn’t understand it. “That’s so strange.” Was it another way we had consciously excluded her? another wall all of us had erected to keep her at arm's length?

I nudged the plate of chicken into the centre of the table. “Help yourself,” I said, offering her a smile, instead of placing some of it on her plate when I noticed her hesitation. I would let her reach out herself.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Pushing the bowl of Mac ‘n’ cheese forward, another bite of the burger and it was gone. The meat so tender, the salad so fresh, the mustard and ketchup just the right amount. Spirits it was delicious.

Wiping my hands on the napkin my eyebrow raised seeing the way he moved the chicken towards me. Why was he doing that?

“I’m not complaining… just a realisation that came to me just now. That’s all.”

I pushed his plate back to his side of the table.

“You need it more than me, and this is your first visit.”

My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I didn’t reach for it. Picking up the beer I took the last of it down.

“That hit the spot.”

The mumbling comments made me smirk into the glass. This wasn’t the first time some of the staff had seen me here, but two of us. At the same time, with a table full of food that was being eaten. It was something to witness.

•- Embry Call -•

I swallowed the bite in my mouth. and nodded. “Yeah… me too… I have no idea why.. but then again… there are a lot of things about back then I still can’t understand.” I heard the buzz and noted how she ignored it.

I did lean forward now. “Leah… trust me when I say…” I motioned to all the food on the table. “I’m no in danger of starving… and I’m trying to make a gesture here. So try the damn chicken and help a guy out…” My eyes met hers and I added. Please.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

How eyes reminded me of bourbon, it was the first thought I had to push back, because those eyes… they were loaded, and firing in my direction.

Without breaking contact with his deep earth charged eyes, the fork was lifted. Filling it with a chuckle of the succulent meat, I brought it to my mouth and tried it.

“Spirits.” Chicken wasn’t always the first thing I ordered; most places dried it out. But Bells and Rivers! “Damn it’s good.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled… I could see her searching my eyes the way I always searched hers. I laughed and turned my attention back to my food, because if she kept looking at me like that, I was going to do something crazy like launch across the table to kiss her.

“See, that wasn’t so hard... was it?” I smirked. And damn… I met those eyes again… “You really need to stop doing that.” I muttered with a chuckle, and it was unclear if I was talking to myself or her… maybe it was both of us.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Raising my eyebrow, while pushing the fork into a piece of chicken. ( it really was good, so juicy and delicious. )

Setting the fork down while I chewed and then picked up my empty glass and set it down.

“Stop doing what?” I wasn’t sure if he was talking to me, but that low it had to be one of us.

a waitress was over with the taster half pints, and I thanked her for her timing. That was another thing about this place. They knew how to keep you well feed and watered.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and flicked my eyes back up to her for a moment “Being…” I paused while the waitress place our drinks down and thanked her with a smile that made her lower her lashes. That worked even when I wasn’t trying too?

I looked back at Leah and wondered what words would work in this case… what words could I use to describe her. Being so gorgeous? Impossible to resisted? Kissable? All true but all descriptors to keep in the bubble.

“Being so… Intriguing” I smirked. “It makes it… difficult… to behave myself.” I smiled at her against taking another bite of the chicken. “And I’ve been doing really well so far.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Eyebrow raised over the rim of the glass I sat back drinking the beer slowing but watching him.

The way that women reached to him wasn’t new. It had always made me roll my eyes because he was like a magnet to bunnies.

But now it made me look to see if it was the warrior or was it him. It was the same with all the pack, we all walked into a room and heads turned.

Sure, my heights and stature had a lot to do with it. We all had a demeanour that called to the work. We were spirits warriors after all. Protectors of people. So, they would be a pull for them to come. But they didn’t know what that pull meant. And things lead to… well... you know…

But now I could past it all because I wanted too. Because I wasn’t keeping my walls up around them. And him… more so.

“Intriguing….” I agreed, but I meant him not me. “You have been behaving. What’s your secret?” My lips curled up into a half smile just for a second before the walls were back up again.

•- Embry Call -•

She was watching me now and I wasn't sure why... for signs that I was, in fact, misbehaving? Maybe? But I was being good.... other than the last comment... and that was vague as fuck. So as far as I was concerned, I was golden, thank you very much.

"Oh, the very real threat of an arse whooping is the only thing keeping me in check." I smirked and moved my attention back to the burger. I mean it was mostly true, apart from the 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 part. But Is she didn't think that part of it was also a deep-seated respect... alongside the fact that we both wanted the same thing she wouldn't be here in the first place... so a little exaggeration was fair game.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Before I could reply to him, out of the side of my eye I saw #JacksonHayes making his way across the bar towards us.

‘So, what is the verdict, young man?’

The question had been directed to Embry, with a nod to the empty dishes, as well as his burger before him. The man always like to check in with new customers, gain feedback and took know of what was said.

Internal I smiled, because any feedback I got at #HwH would be met with a look that made the giver know they were only alive, because I didn’t want to put in the effort of hiding a body.

I took the opportunity to check the text messages that came in.

The guys were excited to try something new from the brewery. Telling me that the last order was well received by the townies.

•- Embry Call -•

I swallowed the bite in my mouth before speaking, this man was far too well put together to speak to with a mouth full of burger. “The verdict?” I smiled and pointed to the dishes all either finished or mostly finished. “Are these your recipes? Because if they are… My mom is single… and very pretty.” I chuckled and looked up at him from where we sat.

He laughed. ‘Well, that’s high praise coming from a man your age. Though I’m sure what your Mother would think.’

“Oh, she’d be cool with it.” I chuckled. “She likes cooking. But she like eating a lot more and this food is amazing though… really.” I glanced around the bar-come-restaurant. “It’s a great place, good vibe, good food.” I picked up the beers and swigged. “Great beer too! And that’s a high compliment coming from me… I’m normally a whiskey kinda guy.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

‘If we can gain the thumbs up from a whiskey man. Then I will take it.’

#Jackson turned his dark eyes in me. ‘Feel free to bring this one back again Leah. I like him.’

Rolling my eyes, I pushed my phone back into my pocket.

“Don’t be fooled jury because you finally found someone who wants to call you Daddy, Jackson. He would called anyone who feeds and waters him that.”

The full belly laughter that came from the tall man made me smirk.

‘Is she always this charming..’ he side mouthed Embry. ‘Or do I bring it out of her?’ Rolling my eyes, with the beer in my hand to take a sip of.

“You wouldn’t know what to do with me if I was ever nice to you. I’m saving you a heartache. Trust me.”

He laughed again looking to Embry and then back to me. Nodding his chin to the beer. “Ten…” I told him. “But I need a better price. Right now… only the townies and fools with money are drinking it. I only want to serve items everyone can afford. Especially my locals.”

He shook his head. ‘You don’t even want to digest your food before talking business?’ - Shrugging my shoulders. “Places to be. Things to do. And I’ve finished my food.” Pointing over to Embry. “He is a slow eater.”

Mulling over what I told him. ‘Let me work it out. Enjoy the rest of the beer.’

Winking at Embry. ‘Next time bring your mom with you.’ And then he was gone.

“Ms C would have a field day with you for that.”

•- Embry Call -•

I pointed a thumb towards #Jackson and smiled at Leah… “He likes me.” I said smugly. So far all of the people we had seen today that Leah clearly respected; had liked me. That had to count for something right?

I laughed and looked up at the man standing by the table. “Oh yeah… always was. But she’s got a soft centre in there somewhere just like us all. But she left out the part where I'm highly protective of my Mom….. only the best will do. But a good feeling about you.” Something twinged in me when she said she was saving him heartache.. like she thought that letting him see that side of her would lead to pain. It was a lonely path to walk.

I shook my head and let her talk business. “It's not slow!” I said in my defence. “It’s savouring!”

I waved at him as he left the table. “Trust me… If I keep food like this a secret from my Mom she would have my head.”

“Wasn’t it your day off?” I teased her after #Myhayes took his leave.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“He likes you because he doesn’t know you. Yet.”

Saying it with a dead pan look on my face, and daring him to disagree with me. Because we all knew he would.

Embry Call was born with something that just pulled people towards him, and the more time I spent like this with him, the more I saw it in action first hand.

“You should bring your mom. She would have then all eating out of her hands.” Because she was the person he got his superpower from.

Lost in thought for a moment or two, it had been a day to think over so much today.

Shaking myself out of it, raising my eyebrow at him.

“What do you mean? If course it’s my day off today.”

Pointing to myself and then our surroundings as if it proved the point I was making

•- Embry Call -•

I narrowed my eyes at her and chuckled. But it was a fact that my first impression was my best… My long-term one was where things normally fell apart.

“Well, I figured when you threatened me not to tell anyone you weren’t including my Mom.” I laughed. “And she loves a little intrigue… so she’ll keep your secret too.” I didn’t really mind keeping things from Mom as long as I didn’t have to lie. There were already enough things I had to lie to her about in my life. So when it came to other things … I tended to come clean.

“You making a business deal is technically working right?” I chuckled. “I mean I totally approve of the efficient use of time and all… but call it what it is… working gi—“ I stopped myself “Women.” I grinned and winked at her. I finished the last of my chicken and washed it back with the beer. “Damn this is good stuff!”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Narrowing my eyes at him, it was a good save. But it didn’t stop me from kicking him under the table still.

“I wouldn’t ask you to lie to your mom. I wouldn’t ask you to lie full stop. I don’t do it. So…” why would I ask him to do it.

My heart tightens for a moment when I thought about the bubble. And how he was keeping them from those he cared for. Me.. it was something normal, no one questioned my comings and goings

As much as they all wanted to know it all. But him. They all had a different relationship. And was I keeping him from telling the truth? And was that the same as making him lie?

“Spirits.”

Rubbing my temple I caught #Jackson out the side of me eyes. I showed me two sets of tens on his hands and I understood. He could do me a deal if I bought twenty from him. Sending him back fifteen as the best I could do. He gave me the thumbs up. And the deal was done.

“Right. Are you ready to get out of here?” I asked.

•- Embry Call -•

“I know.” I smiled at her. “You wouldn’t, but not mentioning something isn’t exactly lying though.”

I saw those bright eyes dim a little and I stopped… wondering… what was she thinking that had her calling to the Spirits. I tried the figured it out as she made her deal with #MrHayes. Maybe I would get a chance to ask her later when it was just to two of us.

I nodded and picked up my jacket from the back of my chair. “Ready and almost willing…” I chuckled. This place served great food… I would definitely be back. “Anything else you want to do before heading back to the print shop?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Picking up my jacket, pulling it on as I made my way around the table.

“Hmm?” Shaking my head. “No, I’ve nothing else to do. This was an added bonus as I had no plans to be here until next week.”

Embry had been the one to bring me along with him. “You? Anything you need to do before we head. Ack to the store?”

Moving the small device back to the inside pocket of my jacket. I made my way to the bar and cleared our tab before nodding my goodbyes to the staff and #Jackson.

‘Always a pleasure, Miss Clearwater.’ “So, I’m told by all the fools.” I smirked leaving through the main doors.

•- Embry Call -•

“No… I think we have covered everything… Other than the pizza on the ride home.” I grinned because that was not to be forgotten. I patted my pockets when Leah was saying her goodbyes to Jackson. But then I saw her shift the beeper back into her pocket from her jeans after she stood up… I felt the sense of relief again that made my heart rate stutter a little and draw a deeper breath than normal. It was a freeing… almost weightless feeling. Not to be free of the burden of it…

Mom wasn’t a burden… but to feel 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 kind of support… it tugged on chords that were buried deep.

“Thank you very much, Mr Hayes.” I smiled as we headed out.

‘You are very welcome. I hope we’ll see you again soon.’ He smiled. ‘Don’t let that one walk all over you.’ He winked at me.

“Why not?” I winked back. “That’s the fun part.” He chuckled, shaking his head.

‘Looks like she’s finally met her match.’ He said, but we were almost at the door so I assumed he was talking to himself. I could hear the smile in his voice without looking back.

“You wanna drive again?” I asked her as we stepped out in the salty and smoky air. The combination was strange and highly appealing.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Rolling my eyes at the conversation taking place behind my back. My ears homed in in the change of his heart and then I found myself listening to everything about him. His laughter, his breathing, his heart of course and the way his feet hit the ground. Trying to find a reason for what had occurred. But when I couldn’t find one I turned to look back at him over my should as we walked across the parking lot towards his jeep.

“Sure, I could drive.” I was never one to push for answers or question anyone. But I wanted to know. “Are you okay? You.. hmm.. your heart… it…” he must have heard and felt it himself?

•- Embry Call -•

I tossed her the keys again and smiled, stuffing my hands back into my jacket pockets; drawing her attention. She never missed a trick. The slightest change and she was tuned in. “I’m fine, Trouble.” I chuckled, breathing easy. And while the line was normally a cop out everything on my posture and expression conveyed its truth.

“I was just…” How could I say this in a way that wouldn’t sound like I was thanking her? Because I knew it wasn’t something, she would want thanks for… if anything it was something she would see as her responsibility. It wasn’t of course, but this was Leah. I had learned enough about her to know how she saw these things

She was Beta, I was in her pack and I was struggling with something… something that was beyond anyone else’s control… something she couldn’t fix, or help me fix. So, all that could be done was to ease the situation, so… she was now carrying my mother’s lifeline in her pocket… just so I could take a few deep breaths.

“Taking a moment to appreciate your help today…” My smile grew. “I needed it more than I knew…” I stopped myself from adding Thank You… it was an instinct. Acknowledging or accepting help hadn’t ever been something I struggled with… unless it involved money. “Honestly… The best day off I have had in a while if I’m honest. I’m really glad you’re here.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Catching the keys in the air with on hand, twisting the ring into my fingers as I read the moment. That I hadn’t expected from him, here and now at all. So, I tilted my head to the side and looked at him. 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 looked. Passed that smile, the chuckles, the laughter, and the grins. Again, surprised at seeing… it was the truth. He was telling me the truth.

He knew what I thought of lying, but he also knew I was the queen of misinformation and misdirection. Some of the pack picking up pointers and trying to use my own superpowers on me at times. But this, here. It wasn’t that. They didn’t thank me, who he’s saved me from punching him in the face, but at the same time, I knew what he was trying to say. The weight of what he was feeling hadn’t been missed by me. It was why I had asked to help carry it on my shoulders today, so he could… well.. not have a day off. There were no days off with your family. But just… I didn’t know… I didn’t have his skill with words.

“Keeping this up and people will think I’ve gone soft. Now what will that do for my reputation Embry Call?”

With the hat said, we were in his Jeep, and pulling out of the parking lot, with me glancing at him from time to time. Changing the subject on him. “Do you think I can made that guy cry this time?” As I turned off the Main Street back towards the print store.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed. “No one would ever accuse you of going soft.” I climbed into the Jeep, pulled the seatbelt across my body and murmured. “To your face.” Just low enough for her to hear, then I watched her closely; anticipating a slap or punch in the arm. I flashed her a cheeky smile.

“How about we make it a goal to 𝕟𝕠𝕥 make anyone cry today?” I chuckled. “I know that it’s a wild concept. But let’s try something new… That’s been working well for us lately.”

I knew that a lot of people looked at both of us as the type to spend our days doing exactly what she’d teased… at least people outside of those we cared about. It was an image I had carefully crafted and one that was thrust upon her. But, of course, it wasn’t true. I couldn’t speak to why she let the image stand… she had her own motivations just like I had mine. “And don’t worry about your reputation… I won’t tell a soul… whether there are tears or not.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Reaching out I smacked him upside his head. “I heard that, and you know I did.” The roads were a little busier now, however nothing to cause us any trouble on route back to the printing store.

“Why are you always trying to show me new ways?” Thinking about it. “Use your words, Leah.” I spoke.

“Don’t make anyone cry.” I said without taking my eyes off the road. “Next you will tell me not to keep the pups in line.”

Looking at him from the side of my vision as I drove. His trust in handing me the keys didn’t surprise me. But still I had to think about how he made anything work for him. The day was unplanned, and he made it work. Whereas me? I would need a plan to see it through to the end.

Parking up across the street from the printing store. “So, no tears. Just a big smile?” Giving him a dead pan look, to say ‘yeah right.’

•- Embry Call -•

“Ow!!” I exaggerated, rubbing the back of my head, and running my fingers through my hair. “Don’t mess with the hair. All I can do is show you the paths I know… after that, you can choose to walk one or… do what you normally do and forge your very own.” I smiled, every piece of information that she took in informed her future actions but never changed her way of doing things.

I laughed and looked at her. “Oh well, I never said that! You could make him pee his pants? That would be entertaining for everyone.” I chuckled… “Maybe not for him.”

I climbed out of the Jeep. “I’m sure they’ve gotten everything fixed, then we just head to the car wash and the rest of the day is wide open.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Drama Queen.” Rolling my eyes for about the millionth time, before climbing out. This time I put the keys in my pocket. I wasn’t going to give them back to him. Not yet any way. Which was evolved for me. Normally I would never keep something that belonged to another like this.

“I can be nice. Sometimes. Maybe. Fine. Who am I kidding.”

My head I could imagine seeing #TheGreatWolf shaking his head, telling me I should know better, and then whipping the back of my head with wind hard. Good times! This time I had parked on the correct side of the street, so walking around to the pavement.

My hands pushed into the pockets of my jacket, my eyes on the store front I made my way in.

•- Embry Call -•

“Drama King!! If you don’t mind.” I smirked. I noticed that she’d held onto the keys this time, but I didn’t let on. It hadn’t come to my notice because it bothered me… it made more sense for her to hang onto them. It meant I didn’t need to keep offering them to her, knowing she was more comfortable driving when she needed to be in a car. It just wasn’t her usual behaviour… it was a good thing, she had accepted the fact that she was as welcome to the Jeep as any of the pack was. It was a bigger step than I think even she knew.

I pulled open the door before I realised what I had done, distracted by my inner monologue. She might well kill me for a perceived act of chivalry… “Age before beauty?” I grinned, saving myself with sarcasm… That was likely worth a punch in the arm; as opposed to the kick in the balls opening a door for her might get me. Plus… she was older than me… barely. But still.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“King? Aren’t we a little precious about our title today.” It was sarcasm, of course. Calling him a queen was more fun, because let’s face it. I knew I would get a reaction from it. I froze at the door with my hands dropped out of my pockets ready to push the door open. But this? He thought it was a good idea to act like I was some damsel in distress.

‘You know, some would say it’s out of respect, out of care, out of friendship even. He knows you don’t need a man to hold your door open. But is it so terrible to have a friend, do it?’ She was awake and watching again. And I disliked her having a point, one I wasn’t going to acknowledge now.

And then came the comment. Making her cringe. ‘I take it back.’ She muttered. ‘Maybe I’m wrong about this one.’ She huffed and I smirked internally. Walking past him, I smacked him upside the head. Hard enough that the sound rang in the store and the boy from before, jumped out of his skin. ‘Welcome back Miss Clearwater. Your order is ready for you to sign off.’

•- Embry Call -•

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist…” I teased. “We all know the Queen is really the one in charge.” I watched the look in her eyes change at my joke and laughed… until. “Ow!!” It didn’t hurt, of course, I fixed my hair again. Sticking my foot out to catch her ankle. Just a little.. to make her stumble but not fall.

The look on the printer's face said. 𝒜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒! 𝒫𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝒻𝒻 𝒷𝑒𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝐼 𝓉𝒶𝓁𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝓇. 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝓈 𝒹𝓊𝒹𝑒! After the stunned look from her slap had worn off at least.

I was about to ask to see it before we signed off on anything, but he had addressed Leah and not me. I didn’t want to speak for her. So, I waited to follow her lead.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

One foot caught as the other found the ground making my balance off just enough to be caught and I growled snapping my teeth at him.

“Akanesdi!” (Arsehole!) The word out before I could stop myself.

“Nihi wili aguyvdi nasginai!” ( You will pay for that!) I knew he didn’t understand, and I wanted him to know that I would come for him. “When you won’t see it coming.”

The guy behind the counter took a few steps back as I stepped up to him. ‘I have everything here laid out. I knew you would want to see it all again.’ His shaking hand held out a flyer, and the banner had been rolled out for me to look over.

Taking me time, going half way down into the box of flyers I took a few out to see what was on them. He has fixed, printed, and stacked them all the way they should have been done in the first place.

•- Embry Call -•

I knew that first one very well and I flashed her a grin that let her know that I did. But what she said after it was beyond my highly limited knowledge of the language. Then she made it clear in English… I was going to pay... but I still thought I was better off than if she’d thought I’d opened the door to be chivalrous.

I dragged my hand through my hair tousling it a little and very subtly licked my bottom lip.. just to make her forget she was plotting revenge for a second. I open the picture #Sue sent me again and set my phone on the counter next to the flyers since that was where the problem was the last time. I instinctively started looking for the issues Leah had pointed out, but then checked the rest too in case they foolishly changed something that had previously been right.

I looked up at Leah. “What do you think? Will the Boss be happy?” I smiled at her, clearly meaning her Mom.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Of course. Of course, he would understand the foul language, but the good stuff? Nope. What was it with guys and their ability to pick up of the crap before the good? “May I?”

Taking his phone, I gave it a good look and then over the work we had the young guy redo, then I stepped back content with the outcomes. Setting Calls phone back down, noticing how he was doing the same as me, however with a finer tooth comb. Which I wasn’t sure could be done.

“Hmm… I think she will be.”

Turning the invoice around to see that Ma had paid for the job in advance.

I sighed and shook my head. “I need to talk to her about the hat again.” It wasn’t the first time we had talk on paying a deposit v the full amount.

“Go ahead and pack it all up. We want to take it all with us now.” I told the guy, turning to lean on the side of the counter.

•- Embry Call -•

I nodded to her when she asked if she could take my phone… like my jeep, I wasn’t massively private about my phone. Which was why I had to delete so many of the messages Leah and I shared. I knew that the guys would go into my messages but still, it was a risk, and becoming private about it now would be a giveaway that something was happening.

I chuckled to myself at Leah’s comment about her mom paying up front. I knew she was right… but she used this place a lot by the sounds of it, so I figured she trusted them. Maybe the mix-up today wasn’t a regular occurrence? At least… I hoped not.

The guy behind the counter started boxing everything up. When I thought he wasn’t listing I looked at Leah and waggled my brows. “You are looking forward to the guys on the Rez getting all soapy for the car wash?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My attention reminded on the work that was taking place before my eyes. There wasn’t going to be any letting up until what Ma needed was safely in Embry’s Jeep. Until that is he had to speak. Giving him a sideways glance with a roll of my eyes and then they return to the guy working.

“If you think I’m going to be there, you got another thing coming. I told the Kid, he and Mac help outside. I remain indoors.

I think I see more than enough on a daily basis of them all shirtless.” Saying that, they also saw me running around the woods in my shots and sports bras. But that wasn’t the point. I got my arse dressed they just didn’t bother.

‘All done Miss Clearwater. Everything you need is in the boxes. I’ve added some stickers too. To support the event.’

My face remained dead pan.

‘Let me help carry it to the car for you.’ He was shifting on his feed, looking uncomfortable now.

“1. Thank you for redoing these and fixing the mistakes.

B. It is kind of you to create the stickers, I’m sure they will be used.

And

3. It is fine. I… We… can manage from here.” He looked shocked at me. Nodding he gave me a tentative smile. Asking us to come back if we needed anything more.

•- Embry Call -•

I rolled my eyes. “Please! You know you’ll be out that making sure every car that leaves is pristine, so the Rez keeps its good reputation!”

I tried not to laugh at the guy when he offered to carry the stuff to the car… I knew it was purely to look good to Leah. I stacked to boxes, tucked the rolled-up banner under my arm and lifted the boxes the Leah hadn’t.

“Don’t worry.” I winked at the guy. “I brought muscle along to help with the job.” I nodded to Leah carrying more than what this clearly thought she was capable of.

I shouldered the door and made my way outside holding it open with my foot. “Don’t kill me… neither of us have spare hands right now so it just makes sense!”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“I have cameras in the parking lot. I don’t need to be stood there to know the job is being done.”

Was I that transparent? How was this man seeing past all the walls I built up over the years?

‘Because they are coming down around him.’ My wolf whispered to unasked question. “Shut up.” Rolling my eyes at his killing comment. While walking towards his jeep, I shook my head.

“As if I would kill you in front of witnesses. It’s like you don’t even know the basics rules of getting away with murder.” The balancing act came when the door needed to be opened. Placing everything on one arm, manoeuvring the things I managed to open it and set the boxes inside.

•- Embry Call -•

I rolled my eyes… “Sure, sure! I forgot that sitting on the side-lines was totally your style.” I chuckled, the sarcasm was laid on thick. “It's actually one of your sexiest qualities.”

I watched her with the doors and the boxes, the way she shuffled them around to get them open. “I take it back… that right there is your sexiest quality. The side-line thing just got bumped to second place.” I slid my boxes in after hers and set the rolled-up banner on top of them.

“All we gotta do now is hot the car wash and I will have done Sue proud.” I grinned like I had done it all myself. I headed around the Jeep to hop into the passenger seat.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Stunned into frozen silence while my brown eyes followed him around to the passenger side of the jeep.

“Did you just….” No it wasn’t possible, or was it? This was Embry Call, of course he did.

“I have no idea how to even reply to that.” Moving around to the driver side I climbed in. “I’m not even sure if this should result in you being punched into next month or not.”

Sexy? These were the things he found sexy in a woman, and yes, of course his sarcasm was dripping so heavily that I was sure people would be coming with shovels to mop his crap up.

“You’re going to end up in ocean. Just because I can push you in and stay standing to tell the story.”

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed. “Shock and confusion. I tend to have that effect on women. Along with a few other things.” I winked at her because she was aware of what some of those other things were.

I smiled at her and buckled my seatbelt. “If I remember right… the last time that happened we both ended up in the ocean and a good time was had by all.” I grinned, remembering the rush, the roaring laughter of the pups and the climb back up the side of the cliff.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“It’s not something you should be proud of; the confusion is enough to make me smack you upside your head.”

The other things… I wasn’t thinking of them outside of the bubble. Turning the key in the ignition, with a mother of all rolls of my eyes. “The only reason you lived to tell the story is because of the pups.”

It flashed before my eyes. That moment I pulled my top off and saw the look in his eyes. And then we both went flying.

•- Embry Call -•

I smirked at her expression… she was so much better at controlling her thoughts outside the bubble. But as long as I wasn’t the one to pop it; I considered it a win.

“I’ve never had any complaints…” I grinned and laughed at her comment about the pups.

“The pups are the only reason I had the balls to chance it in the first place, Clearwater.” I chuckled. “I might be a little reckless… but I definitely don’t have a death wish! And without the witnesses?” I smirked. “My outlook could have been in question…”

I double-checked my messages from #Sue even though I knew we only had one thing left to do today. “So just the car wash left and then we’re all set.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Giving him a death look (that somehow didn't have the same amount of 𝔻𝔼𝔸𝕋ℍ in it as it used to. Something of course I’d need to fix in due time. )

"The car wash for the supplies? Has Ma given you a list of that she is expecting from this place?" We hit the road, after I glanced back once to make sure everything, we'd just picked up was safely in place in the back.

The drive really didn't take long, I didn't know if it was because I was driving, or if it had something to do with the distraction Embry had become. Seeing him so at ease in his jeep made me think. I had to figure this thing out. Just not today.

Before I knew it, we were pulling up outside of the car wash who had offered up for free supplies for the event being run on the Rez.

"Is there a name of the person we need to speak with here?"

•- Embry Call -•

I tried to act like the glare didn’t affect me… but my Adam’s apple bobbed as I tried to hide a nervous swallow.

I dove into the subject change. “She said the promised buckets, sponges and cloths… shampoo and wax and things like that, but she didn’t have a list or anything. She said anything they were willing to donate would be a big help. So, she told me to use my charm and see what I could convince them to part with.” I smiled at her. This was the real reason she’d sent me; it wasn’t just women the was good at charming.

I unbuckled my seatbelt when she parked. “The guy we're looking for is called Danny.” I caught her gaze across the car. “Let’s take our time here… we aren’t in a rush, right?” I smirked at her, because I had a plan.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“And now it all falls into place. Of course, Ma would call Embry Call for the charm.”

My voice neutral as I said it. It didn’t matter to me why Ma called him and not me to help today. But it was the not know that bugged me. And now I had my answer.

“She wanted her ace in the hole for this job.”

And she wasn’t going to get that with me. Well, she could. But it would make me want to shower for a week and scrub my skin raw to get the bad taste of being nice for something off me.

Rolling my tongue over my teeth, I sat back to look at him.

“You have the run of this one. I am here to watch and learn.” Okay. Maybe not the learning part. “You want us to take our time at a car wash? Are you planning on getting the jeep cleaned?”

There was that look in his eyes. The one that told me, something was coming together in his mind.

•- Embry Call -•

“Your Mom always picks the right guy for the job. You know that.” I chuckled. I nodded as she mentioned taking our time, the contemplation on her face was exactly what I was going for. Then tilted my head… intrigued at the idea of having the jeep washed. “That might actually be a great plan!” I grinned and looked around, getting the lay of the land.

I spotted three guys starting work on a large crew cab pickup truck. I nodded to Leah to follow me and approach the lads washing the truck, instead of walking into the reception as people would expect.

“Hey, guys.” I said over the sounds of power washers. “I was asked by the tribal council up in La Push to pick up a donation… I was told to ask for Danny?” I stuffed my hands into my pockets.

‘Oh! Yeah, yeah, yeah… #Dani’s up in the office, we set out a bunch of good stuff this morning.’ One guy stepped away from the truck and pointed back up the lot. ‘Right up there… you can’t miss it, brother.’

I knew instantly that this guy’s father’s, sister-in-law’s cousin’s uncle was Native American… so naturally he was too. I expertly held back my cringe. It wasn’t my place to question his family tree and frankly… I didn’t much care.

I headed up to the small building with ‘Reception’, on the door that the guys had called an office. When I stepped inside there was only one person in there and it was not a guy called Danny at all… It was a girl with Dani scrawled prettily on a name label stuck to the front of a fleece sweater. A sweater she started nervously tugging at when she spotted me and then Leah.

‘Welcome! May I help you?’ She said, coming up to the counter between us.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Hmm…” Is all the reply he would get on the comment about my Ma, because we both knew it to be true. She knows how to make people shine, showing them the best parts of themselves. When it came to the Pack, it felt like she knew these boys better than they understood themselves at their low points.

Keeping my distance to give Embry the space he needed to speak to the men, my dark eyes moved around. The gravel to the sides, where the water rolled down showed the uneven surface. The tarmacked lot, where cars and trucks were serviced, gave a good eyeline down the streets and out to the back of the space too. The small building that could do with a little TLC, that looked like the hub of the business had somewhat of a strong structure but wouldn’t take much to bring down. Three windows to the front, the door, from the way the shadows worked, I would have expected another window to the side out of my eyeline.

It was an open area, the building to the left was at a distance, and to the right. Well as it had a “To Let” sign on the window. It could become an issue.

‘There are no scents in the air.’ My wolf on watch with me. She had given up a long time ago from stopping me. These were steps I needed to take, to make me feel ready, to be the protector, and there was no turning it off.

“No Scents.” I agreed before following Embry up past the men working on the truck. Their eyes followed, especially the one who called Embry ‘Brother.’ However, they didn’t act on their thoughts.

‘Not every man.’ my wolf chuckled. What a tag line that had become for our times.

The scent of daisy blossoms, fresh shampoo and chewing gum hit me before I was at the building. As I bent my head a little bit while stepping in behind Embry, coming to a stop with the woman’s eyes on me. It didn’t take me long to look her over, without seeming as I was checking her out. Which made my lips curl up into a smirk.

Dani not Danny

Her hands worked the fabric of her fleece sweater, making me tilt my head to the side. Both my wolf and I thought together; however, she voiced it first.

‘She is two spirited.’ The glint in her eyes at seeing Embry at first sped her heart up, and then when her eyes met mine, she shied away, biting her lips, still working her jumper with a pink glow in on her pale skin.

‘Oh, this will be interesting to see. Where is my popcorn? The girl seems sweet, will his charm work, or… will she run?’ She asked me and I just mentally shrugged. This would be one to watch, so I did. Leaning on the wall, with my hands pushed deep into my jacket pockets. One hand working around the small device in there, the other fisted tightly waiting.

•- Embry Call -•

I knew that Leah was taking in all possible threats… It had to be exhausting to be that hyper-aware all the time. Even with the energy level of a Spirit Warrior. I leaned on the counter and smiled at the unexpected Dani... I was certain that the #Sue had implied was to meet a guy here… But I’m sure she had her reasons. “I have no doubt that you can help us.” I smiled and her eyes darted nervously to me and back to Leah. I straightened up, just in case I was the cause of her nervousness. “We here on behalf of the Quileute Council in La Push. One of our Elders told us, you guys would be able to help us out with our car wash fundraiser?”

She smiled but looked right past me to Leah again, brightening a little. The penny dropped… flirting hadn’t been my plan, but I was nothing if not adaptable. ‘Oh, sure, sure!’ Dani smiled. ‘You must be Ms Sue’s son. Such a sweet lady.’ She reached under the counter and pulled out a set of keys.

I smiled and placed my hand on my chest. “Oh no… But I’m lucky to have had her as my second Mom… But right here.” I turned and held my hand out to Leah. “Is Ms Sue’s only daughter.” Dani came out from behind the counter and squeezed past me to head to the door Leah was leaning next to. The girl's heart sped up a little… hmm… maybe it wasn’t Leah making her fidget.

‘Oh!’ She flushed and tugged on the hem of her sweater and stopped in front of Leah and looked like she might offer her hand but seemed to rethink the action. ‘It's so nice to meet you.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Why don’t you guys come with me and I can show what we’ve gotten laid out for you all?’ She pulled the door open and motioned for Leah to head out in front of her and I gave her a look that said to play nice…

Leah wouldn’t discriminate between men or women… she just didn’t like people doing for her what she could do for her herself.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Chewing the insides of my cheeks to stop from smiling, my head tilted to the side as I took Embry in. What was it with this man, people always mistakenly said he looked like Ma’s son.

‘It’s his kindness. And they don’t know his mom. If they did. There is no way they would have any doubt about who his mom is.’ My wolf makes a good point.

I raised my eyebrow at Call when he gave me that bloody 𝕃𝕠𝕠𝕜 of his. What did he think I would do to this little human? Throw her across the room? This was the moment my wolf showed me what I did to the last persons who opened the door for me.

“Spirits.” I muttered underneath my breath. Telling my wolf, I was evolving. And the look I gave Embry saying…

I Know how to behave Arsehole!

Giving the girl a small nod of my head. “It’s a pleasure.” I didn’t say whose pleasure, so… more growth if you ask me. Taking two long steps I was outside and stepped to the side to let the Dani lead the way.

‘It’s such a good cause, your mom called to tell me all about it. We are so glad to be able to help.’ #Dani was a nervous talker by the looks of it.

“Ma has her way to make sure good is being done all the time. Her and Embry’s mom.” My chin pointed to him. “Ms. Call have been working on this plan for some time now. It’s with support from businesses like yourselves that it is possible.”

My hands remained in the pockets as she looked back to Embry and her cheeks were a deeper red in colour.

Dani walked us to a store room passing the men we had seen before meeting her. ‘Here we go.’ Unlocked the door she pushed it open and turned a light on. ‘Everything we have set out here on the table is yours to take. And if there is anything more, we can do?’

Without missing a best, I asked. “Is there any change we could borrow that portable polish unit? I can see it’s missing a few parts. I’m sure I could have that fixed.”

Her eyes moved around the room to the corner where the small machine sat. ‘Oh. Uhm. I’d have to ask… give me a second, I’ll be right back.’

As soon as she stepped out, I said. “We could charge a little more for a polish finish to the washes, right? And the pups will be able to fix those broken piles?”

•- Embry Call -•

She gave me that death stare of hers only now… it was kinda sexy… before it was a little bit scary. Okay… terrifying.

“Those ladies really work hard for the community. It’s the least we can do to come and help them out.” I greed with Leah when she explained hoe hard our moms worked. I knew that my mom was feeling guilty that she wasn’t helping as much as she used to. But she knew that Sue would never hold it against her… and if the roles were reversed, neither would Mom. They held their friends up, and never let them fall.

My brow raised at Leah… maybe she was better at this negotiating/charm thing than she got credit for. “Thank you, Dani.” I said as she left the room.

“You’re good at this.” I smiled and checked out the unit she’d pointed to. “I think this thing can be saved… if the pups can’t I’m sure Jake or Quil could. If we put Fuller and Littlesea on polishing it would definitely elevate the event… those kids are perfectionists. Do two cars for free and everyone will be lining up for theirs.”

I moved to stand next to Leah and smirked. “You know she was checking you out, right?” I whispered.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“I know I am; how do you think we have top shelf products at #HwH at affordable prices for everyone to enjoy?”

People always seemed to forget that I wasn’t just the muscle at the bar, I had more than one job and I did them all well. “Hmm… Jake and Quil could do it no problems, but if we ask the pups, it will help them see we are going to them first and not just the OGs. Give them a reason to step up and shine. And if you tell them, it’s for MsC and Ma….”

Those kids would do anything for all the moms. They were good kiddos.

I looked around at all the things #Danni had pointed out for us to take. It was a good haul as it was. But if we offered to…. The thought stopped and I rolled my eyes at him. Did he think I was blind. “She was doing the same to you, until she saw me.” Smirking a little. “Who can blame her, have you seen me? I’m a once in a lifetime kind of a woman to taste.”

Smacking him upside his head I walked over to a rolled-up banner. Opening it to find the business name on it.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled and shook my head. “As long as you keep the Irish stuff in stock I won’t complain.”

I gave her a nod. “I agree, let them work it out first, and if they can’t we teach them. Those boys would bend over backwards for those ladies and then thank them for the honour.” I smiled. “You know one the young pups… really young… lives next, can’t tell mom we know each other than being neighbours… he cuts Mom’s lawn every other week and tells her that his mother gives him extra dessert for being neighbourly.” I laughed.

I grinned at her when she confirmed the girl was indeed checking me out too… I hadn’t been sure if I was picking up her nervousness from being around Leah. “Well, that explains why she wanted to know if we were related. She’s clearly got great taste.” I winked.

Danni bustled back into the room with a grin. ‘So… I just spoke to my dad, and he said if you think you guys can fix this thing you can absolutely use it for your event… but he does seem to think it's unsalvageable and he’s been running this place for years and years.’

I just smiled at her. “My friends and I have kept the wrangler running since I was seventeen and it's as old as I am, I’d bet my favourite boots we can get this going with some good old-fashioned tribal engineering.”

Danni flashed me a smile, and then looked to Leah and turned crimson again. “So, this a family business?” I said when her staring became a little much. “Leah here… and her brother… they have a family business of their own too.”

Danni stutter. ‘Oh… wow… really? That’s amazing… My Dad started this place when I was still a baby… I just work here on weekends to pay for college.’

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“As long as you pay for the Irish stuff, it will be there.” That wasn’t totally the truth. I knew that all the pack members over the age of 21 liked to drink and made sure it was kept behind the bar for them. It had been one of the reasons we worked so hard to open #HwH. #TheKid wanted a place under a roof where all the pack could come together, as well as the community too.

I knew about the young pup. He had been the one following my around the clearings offering to help whenever he could, even if it meant being late for school. I’d had to tell him off. Remind him of the packet he had made to his Alpha about attending school and getting good grads. But we all knew he was a good kiddo.

Taking a double take my eyebrow raised like a shot. “Did you just agree with me? Are you unwell? Did you mean to say that out loud? You know the Spirits may just fall over in shock.”

If #Danni hadn’t bustled back into the room with a big grin, I would have kicked Embry on the arse for the fun of it. And then he began speaking to her about #TheKid, the bar and me. What was he doing? Trying to pimp me out to this chick or something?

“Yeah.” I nodded my head. Turning the conversation right back on to the girl. “College? Are you at Seattle?”

She tucked her hair behind her ear nodding shyly before speaking. “I am indeed.” Clapping her hands “Go Redhawks!” she laughed softly now. ‘Do you go there too?’

Pressing my lips together, I shook my head. “I didn’t go to college; it wasn’t the right path for me.” It wasn’t a lie. Did I want to go? Yes, of course I did. I was meant to be the first in the Clearwater’s to go. However, my path had been set on different direction.

“So, listen. I see this banner here with your business name on it. We would like to take this too. We can hang it and let everyone know that you are sponsoring the event.”

#Danni’s eyes moved from me to Embry and then back again. ‘Seriously? That would be awesome. Yes. Please. Yes.’

Pointing over to Embry. “Sure, Embry here likes getting his tool belt out. He will be sure to find a perfect spot for it. Right Embry?” I asked grinning as #Danni gave him her big eyes like they do in the cartoons.

•- Embry Call -•

“We might have different methods with the pups, Leah…” I chuckled. “But we have the same goals. All of the OGs do…” I tilted my head, “Maybe not Paul.” I laughed outright now.

My brows raised at Leah and saw I #Danni’s expression change.

So… even two-spirit girls were turned on by a guy that could fix things. What was that about? “You’re already making me take my shirt off for this event and now you want to add a tool belt? Are you trying to start a riot, Clearwater?” I smirked and #Danni turned beet red.

‘Eh-Excuse me?’ Her eyes darted between us. ‘Wha—um…’

I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. “You fix a single door and all of a sudden you’re the village handyman.” I acted like this was the answer to the questions she couldn’t get out. “But yes, I would gladly hang the banner at the event, Danni. You’ve been so generous.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Rolling my eyes, he would have fitting a smack upside his head. But #Danni stood dumbfounded her gaze moving from Embry, then back to me. Her eyebrows quivered however the redness in her face just made the girl look cute.

I shook my head, if that was all the information he planned to give, and let the girl fill in the blanks for herself. Well then, the outcomes were on him. Embry knew I won that bet fair and square. So, he had no choice but to pay up.

‘Thank you… thank you both.’ #Danni tugged at her sleeve. ‘I know this is for a good cause, so if dad’s business can help of course, we want that. However, he could do with the world of mouth too. Business has been a little slowly for us this year.’

Taking my hands out of my pockets, my eyebrow raised. Taking notes on her comment.

“We will put up the banner, it will help people to see which businesses are happy to be a part of our community.” And I would talk to those I know who travelled into port. Telling them about this place to drum up some support for them too.

Glancing at Embry in that moment. We should load the jeep up.” My arms wrapped around two boxes (which could have been four, however the need to look human was a must with witnesses.)

“I’ll start with the cleaners. I have a feeling all the shirtless lot will want to lather up.” My lips curled up into a grin when I saw #Danni take a step forward to take a box to hide her reflection. As if her scent hadn’t given her away.

‘I can help you with this.’ She said her eyes forward trying to gather herself. However, I still caught her looking from Embry to me and back again.

Looking back over my shoulder. “You take your time here, Call. We got this.”

•- Embry Call -•

I did my best not to laugh or smirk and make this shy girl even shier. I smiled at her… but not my flirty one… I wasn’t sure that #Danni could handle that. It was more like the smile I gave the imprint when I was trying to convince them I was innocent of whatever was going on. “We’re a community that stands by the people who stand by us.”

I chuckled, I wasn’t sure where this idea of getting the guys to strip off for this event came from.. but I was certain it came from a gossiping session with Mom, #Sue and most like #RachelBlack. I laughed at Leah… “Oh, I’m so sorry…” I lifted the broken polisher. “I thought that I was looking at two strong independent women that didn’t need a man to do their heavy lifting.” I laughed; I was so going to pay for that the minute Leah's hands were empty.

‘So cheeky!’ #Danni seemed to come out of her shell, and she packed up all the parts of the polisher that weren't currently attached into a box. “We’ll just have to prove it to you!’ She purposely stepped in front of me and made her way out the door ahead of me, swishing her ponytail… Okay… so this girl had a little spunk in her.

Out at the Jeep, I slid the machine in as far as I could. ‘Wow…’ Danni circled my baby… You weren’t kidding about it being an old Jeep. How does it run?’

“Like a dream!” I smirked… “When she starts.” I teased but most of the time she did start.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“I told you we got this. It’s not my bloody fault you think I’m always being sarcastic.” Kicking him on his arse for the comment.

Once my arms were empty, I turned back to go get some more. Leaving Embry to talk with #Danni. It wasn’t until I returned with three boxes this time that I heard her comment about the keep.

“It runs on fossil fuel.” Saying it under my breath for Embry to hear clearly. Because why would I miss out of teasing him about it? He’d never go easy on me if the table were turned. However, I was impressed a little. The girl seemed to know what she liked and how to appreciate the time and attention it took to keep something as old as the jeep running.

But most of all, I could help but notice the pride in Embry’s persona at being about to share some part of his baby with some who got it too.

TBC in Part Three...

#LeahClearwater #Leah #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead #EmbryCall #Embry #BADBOYEMBRYCALL #Twilight #TwilightRP #TwiRP #AUStories #SL10

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