#hotheadshewolf

Continuing on from Part One

Embry

Too fast… why the fuck was time moving so fast? Leah was already making her way further and further from the group. I could see it in her posture, her eyes, even before she started to walk away. There was anger, boiling in my chest. And it wanted me to snatch Jake by the front of his shirt and scream at him. What the fuck was he playing at… forcing both of us to be here and then scheduling Leah to run the second the stories were finished?

This was a fucking test. The only thing that stopped me was watching the new couple sit next to Brady as he played guitar and the freshly imprinted pup tried to teach his new girlfriend how to play along on a hand drum. It was their night… Also, if Jake was still testing us… I wasn’t about to fail and let Leah down more than I already have. The beer in my hand was warm… but I drank it anyway, watching as Leah and Quil made their way up the beach, a few pups trailing after them. The conversation between Leah and my roommate reinforced the idea that had been brewing in my head after weeks of me blocking his questions and suggestions; he was shifting his focus to Leah. He had balls… I had to give him that at least. He was alone on his mission. I wasn’t sure what his goal was… but I wondered; was he the only other person besides us… who wanted there to be an us?

As soon as she was gone from view, I felt her absence keenly. The sharp sensation had me dropping my gaze to the sand. I was being watched tonight, and not just by Jake. I knew there would be more talk if they saw me watching her as she left.

I grabbed another cold beer, dropping the empty into the bucket for recycling. I could have left… I did what was expected of me… I could go home… I could go to my mom’s… I could sit in my jeep at the outskirts of the reservation until I inevitably turn around and come back.

 I walked away from the group and sat on the sand, halfway between the fire and the water, facing the waves… listening to the chatter and music behind me. I didn’t focus on any of the conversations; I just tried to tune them down to low background noise…

It wasn’t a bad sound…. The ocean, the chatter and the laughter. Sounds of happiness. It was… nice, even if I was here and they were there. It didn’t take long before I heard familiar footsteps. A shadow fell over me, then someone dropped to sit on the sand next to me. ‘Not feeling very social tonight?’ Sam asked.

I didn’t answer… he didn’t seem to expect me to either. He sat there for a few minutes silently. ‘How long are you going to keep punishing them, Embry?’ He asked, and I felt his eyes locked on the side of my face… this one, he expected an answer to. I laughed darkly.

“If protecting my own peace is a punishment to them, then they aren’t really good friends,” I said quietly. If they felt like I was punishing them, it was probably manifesting from their guilt for acting so poorly.

‘Protecting your peace? Is that why you closed the door in my face?’ He pressed.

“Amongst other things… yes,” I admitted. That might have been a lie… There was no peace that night, but at the time I closed the door… maybe I believed I could find some in solitude.

‘Look… I know that you are pissed, 'Bry. But this wasn’t going to end well, surely you knew that.’ He sighed.

“I’m not you, Sam, and Leah has grown a lot since back then… We knew the risks. And that’s all I’m going to say about it. Tonight is about the pups and the girls.” I said, and Sam sighed again.

‘Leah and I are still close, you know that, right? You think you know her better than me? Even though we had major roles in each other's lives long before you came along?’

I shook my head. “You aren’t still close, Sam. You are close again, after you iced her out for what… a year? Two? Then realised what an arsehole you were. And yes… I’m there at things you know better than me… but I know there are other ways that I know her, that no one else does… or ever will.”

‘Oh… so, I was the only arsehole in the scenario? It’s funny how people can rewrite history.’ He shook his head now, and his knuckles went white on the bottle he held.

“I haven’t rewritten a thing, Sam… I know what I did. What we all did… to her. I know I had a part in it, and that part wasn’t small. I didn’t forget, neither did Leah. But she never punished me for it. Or weaponised it against me.” Was that last part a jab?

Absolutely.

Sam was quiet after that for a few long minutes. ‘Well… your brothers need you, Embry… so try not to wallow for too much longer.’ He stood up to leave.

My throat closed up fast at that one. “I need my brothers, Sam… Where are they?” The group at the fire went quiet.

‘I’m right here, Embry…’ He shrugged. I scoffed… Did he really think that standing there telling me to get over it was being here?

‘Sam…’ Brady had broken away from the group. ‘I think Emily is getting tired.’ I could hear the deference to his Alpha in his tone.

‘We’re in the middle of a conversation, Fuller. I’ll be there in a moment.’ Sam said, and I kept my gaze on the shoreline.

Brady stepped closer to us. ‘Respectfully… Alpha.’ A little defiance in his tone. ‘Emily is very tired.’

I tried to hide my smile… this kid… he had found a way to tell his alpha to fuck off, without saying it at all. I was a little shocked that Sam left… but he did, and Brady sat next to me and held out two bottles… Irish whiskey and a vodka bottle that I knew did not contain vodka. ‘What’s your poison?’ He asked. I chuckled and took both.

I stuck the bootleg moonshine into the sand out of his reach. “No way I am letting you drink moonshine around the new girl. Let’s give her a little time to adjust before she experiences that version of you.” I teased.

We sat sharing the bottle of whiskey… and slowly the joyful chatter built up again amongst the group. Brady was about as good at being quiet as I used to be, so he talked about anything, about everything… He really was one of the best of us.

Leah

When the night sky began to turn pink, I knew our time on this run was coming to its end. I’d sent Quil off hours ago, because he really didn’t need to finish this current circle with me. I know this land as well as I knew the land of my people.

The Cullen’s had forests deep and dark, the mouth of their river ran faster and higher tonight too. The rain had begun to spit out of the clouds, breaking the silence of the run. We were done for the night, however the four large paws hitting the wet ground weren’t stopping. Not until we arrived in the clearing where memories came to assault our emotions.

We were alone. Just the two of us, well and the spirits who watched over us tonight too. But they knew what this ground had been a witness to. The land here spoke a different language to ours, and yet in its own way it spoke to me in an indirect manner. Telling me it remembered that night Embry and I’d had spent here. It reminded us of the laughter, the teasing, the words and the slightest hint of sarcasm we shared. It seems to have become a distant memory sure, but some parts of it still felt fresh as the morning air.

She was incredibly calm even as she relived the night with vivid images and colour. Her voice was singing to the spirits, hoping their ears will hear her prayer for strength, for the ability to gain confidence to more effectively and to heal. But we knew it would be a long road, one we couldn’t let anyone bear witness too. This was our darkness to live; we didn’t need anyone else to see the truth under the mask we wore.

“I will carry the weight; you are so fearful to let go.” I told her as I guided her paws away from where we stood. “I will be our strength until you are ready to face it. I will be whatever you need me to be. I will not hesitate to be what is needed of me.”

Promises she needed to hear, just so that she could hear me clearly.

Embry

I had no idea how long Brady sat with me, but it was late when we rejoined the group. Tonight was about his best friend. I didn’t have the heart to keep him from the others. I knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t leave me sitting here alone, even if that was what I wanted right now. The pups had started to play music again… and maybe I cracked open that bottle of moonshine when Brady played a song that he dedicated from Collin to his new love.

(Music: Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran (Joseph Vincent Cover) - https://youtu.be/eTvXWZogUcA?si=gHr-mc7nokI0Qmo3 )

The new girl clapped for him when he was done until her pup leaned in and whispered to her. We all knew about the kids' performance anxiety. With just the pack, he was fine… but he still shut down a little when he was praised for his talent.

The conversations still weren’t natural… I was hoping it was just me who was feeling that. Feeling out on the edge… looking in. There were times in my life I had felt like that… the only Makah kid at school and all that came along with it. But I had Quil and Jake… and with these guys… this wasn’t a place I would have ever felt like I was… other. I wasn’t sure how deep into the moonshine I was when Jake kicked my foot gently.

‘C’mon, Bry… since when are you not leading the charge with entertainment?’ He smiled, and I think he was trying to bridge the gap between the otherness I was feeling and the rest of the guys. But maybe it was the moonshine or my mood… but it pissed me off. I was fully aware that this reaction was irrational. But… here it was regardless.

‘Yeah… sing us something like that night at the bar!’ Collin perked up.

‘Can you believe he told us all these years he couldn’t sing!’ One of the young ones piped up, and they all started asking me to play or sing… or both.

I tried to politely tell them to keep going. I was happy to listen tonight.

‘Wait…’ Seth smirked, a beer in hand. ‘Haven’t you heard that Embry doesn’t play anymore? Doesn’t even listen to music these days… right?’

Was he calling me out for the visceral reactions I had been having to music… in front of both the packs? The only place he would have seen this was in Quil’s mind. He was using Quil’s worries and concerns for me as a weapon.

I grinned and took a swig from the bottle. “Go get my guitar from the jeep, will you, pup?” I asked Brady. This wasn’t going to fly with me tonight.

‘You can just play mine…’ He started to offer.

“Nah, you can play with me… It’s a party after all... isn’t it?” He did it, looking between Seth and me since I hadn’t looked away from the man since he’d spoken.

By the time Brady had come back, I had given the boys a basic beat to help out on the drums. I could see that this already had Renesmee’s ears pricked. She gave me a look as if to say… ‘What the hell are you playing at?’

When Brady handed me my guitar, I thanked him. “You know this one kid, so play along.” I played out the first few notes.

Then Nessie was on her feet. ‘Embry…’ She hissed under her breath.

(Music: Benson Boone - Cry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i828eLpviiY&t=30s )

And I sang: “I really hate the way you think that you can get away

By blaming all your stupid problems on your mental state”

Brady played with me, and the boys hit their drums. I knew they liked this song.

“I'm tired of burnt-out lies,

You think you know me, but you hardly even know yourself.”

‘Embry… don’t.’ Nessie said low enough that only the Spirit Warriors here, would hear over the music and singing.

Jake was trying to find out what was wrong with her as the song continued. She didn’t answer, so I started to walk around the fire. Nessie could recall every lyric the moment she recognised a song. She knew what was coming.

“And I'm tired of letting someone get the best of me, so go ahead and Cry, Cry

Go ahead and ruin someone else's life

Cry, cry

Go bug somebody else, so I can sleep at night.”

The drums fell away a little at a time.

“Mmm, you're more narcissistic than anybody in Hollywood

You're not a misfit, don't keep sayin' you're misunderstood”

I was just a few feet from Seth now, and I let my voice fade to almost speaking the words, strumming the guitar with quick, simple strokes.

“And maybe you're the honest type

And it's been me the whole damn time

I should really try to calm my mind and see things from your side

Or, maybe you can”

Brady stopped playing now, too. The girls were silent, and the new girl was confused. It didn’t stop me. I threw my very limited vocal ability into the chorus.

“Cry, cry

Go ahead and ruin someone else's life

Cry, cry

Go bug somebody else so I can sleep at night

Cry, cry

Go ahead and ruin someone else's life!”

 I ended the song there, eye to eye with Seth. His grip on the bottle was white knuckled ‘Feel better?’ He asked. His heart rate gave it away that he wasn’t as unaffected as he wanted us to think.

“Me?” I smirked. I was feeling better than I had in a while… was that petty? Probably. But fuck it. “I’m fan-fucking-tastic.” I dropped my guitar and snatched the bottle of moonshine from where I had left it.

‘I think you’ve had enough of that for tonight.’ Jake reached for the bottle, and I pulled it out of his reach.

“You’re my Alpha, Jake… not my dad. I never had one of those. Remember?” I tossed my keys to one of the pups. I knew I could rely on them to bring the Jeep home and put my guitar somewhere safe. There wasn’t much that could make it unsafe for me to drive… but I had every intention of completely draining this bottle.

I just about remembered to grab my boots before I left the beach.

The dull, fuzzy heat of the moonshine in my veins was the only thing that seemed to push my pain back… I tried not to think about how temporary that would be. I kept as close to the centre of the village as I could while I walked in my untied boots and continued to drain the bottle in my hand. I didn’t want to draw the attention of the pack on duty tonight.

I wasn’t sure how or when I had ended up where I was sitting by the time the sun was coming up. But here I was, with an empty bottle at Harry Clearwater’s grave… telling him how I had failed her. How had I believed I could make her happy… even though there was nothing… no reason that someone like me could ever be that person… not for her, not for anyone. How I tried…

“I really fucking tried, Uncle…” My throat was tight. “I don’t know why I thought that this could only ever be good… I was so fucking happy… she was too… wasn’t she?  I think she was. I just… I just want to be okay… for her, like I promised. But I’m…” I looked at the empty bottle. “I’m not okay… I’m not… this isn’t okay. This isn’t how this was supposed to end. Is that stupid? It is ridiculous to think that there wasn’t supposed to be an end… I can hardly picture what next week looks like, never mind forever. If a man like you couldn’t get forever, then what fucking hope do I have?” Forever… it was the first time I had used that word out loud.

“I don’t feel… I know…” I staggered over the words; it might be the moonshine, or just me… “I know that I’m not… enough…  but I never would have stopped trying to be… not for a second. It was one morning… just one. And I know… I know I messed up. I know I took it all for granted. But is this really the price? This can’t be it…” My words faded… the sky brightened, and I dragged my hands over my face. I didn’t even dare to check my phone for the time, but I knew that after the story night, Sue visited her late husband.

“I let her down… I let you down. Sorry won’t ever be enough. But it’s all I have left.” I said softly before I left.

I made the long walk back to my mom’s. I knew my house would be full of people tonight… And I wasn’t in any condition to face them. I knew the walk would sober me up… but even sober, I just wanted to be alone and try to sleep, if that was at all possible.

Leah

4 months later….

Sometimes it felt better to allow my body to work on autopilot, by disengaging my brain, letting her sleep where the memories blared their existence, so that we could make it another day… week… month… Because how else would it be possible?

After my runs, my routine had changed somewhat. The house I once cherished for its peace and silence cried out for the sound of words… laughter… music. But there was nothing but a defining taciturnity nobody could detach.

My movements were soulless. I did it all without considering my actions. It was the safest of paths to take with a list in my mind which had to be checked off.

Unlock the door.

B.    Take off boots.

3.    Turn on lights.

D.   Take a cold shower.

5.    Make something to eat.

F.     Eat said meal by the sink (Remember not to look at the table. Or the counter tops)

7.    Make my makeshift bed under the open window in the living room.

H.   Try to sleep.

I hadn’t slept a full night ever since he left. Walking with the spirits had turned darker due to the unwillingness I had, to open myself up to them. I wanted to hide the pain, the anger, the guilt of my actions from those who I knew had borne witness to it all.  

The world thought I’d moved on, they saw the Leah that made them feel happier with their life. The woman they were used to. And that is exactly what I gave them. The only difference… It killed a part of my soul each day. Each time I had to spend living for them. It took away the light she and I had grown with his help. And the darkness becoming harder to carry alone.

I wasn’t willing to fail again, so I’d learnt new tricks to keep my mask in place. That was until it was time for me to come home again… Here… in this defining quietness, my soul asked me to justify my decisions. But I had nothing to give as I spent it all in the day when I was surrounded by so many people, and yet once again I found myself alone in my mind and heart.

Meals at my Ma’s were spent listening to how she was doing, pretending to have healed from something she and the kid would never be able to understand. Acting as thousands of thoughts were lost to me now, because I’d locked that side of myself away. And no-one was any wiser.

Turning on my side, my eyes found the outline of the Gibson. It was still sitting safe and sound on the armchair. He hadn’t come for it or asked for it. ‘Should I have taken it to him?’ The thought pushed forward even though it was unwanted.

‘Maybe he is missing it. Of course he was. It’s a piece of his Nana. His connection to her.’ But I was being selfish. I wasn’t so lost to my turmoil, not to understand that some part of me held on to the only thing I had to prove to me it had happened… we had happened…

But now we’d been apart for longer than we had been together, he’d healed. Moved forward. Grown walls. That new tattoo I’d seen in the mind of the pups was proof of it. His castle… over his heart… Something he’d always wanted to build, to show himself his strength. He’d done it. And I… she …. We were proud of him.

But…

We… had to act… Not lie… But… Not show this world the truth behind the mask.

These thoughts moved around in circles as the sound of my alarm told me it was time to get up again. As I turned the buzzing alarm off, another new ritual I had grown to adapt… I opened my text messages. Looking at the two-letter word in the chat box….

From Embry: [Hi]

My fingers hovered over the keypad, and still, I couldn’t make myself reply. I told myself every day this was better. For him… it was best I kept my distance.

Sitting up, I pulled my hair over the top of my head, it was time…. Another morning had come, another night without sleep. Another day filled with opportunities to show the world… The Leah Clearwater, who was made for their eyes only.

Embry

I woke up from a fitful sleep to my mom’s alarmed gasp. In a flash, I was out of bed and I the hallway where she clutched her hand over her heart and Quil gushed apologies. 

‘You know you are welcome here anytime, sweetie… but please let me know when you are staying over…’ She was catching her breath. ‘And maybe wear some PJs.” She rolled her eyes and turned to me… we were both in just underwear. ‘Both of you.’ 

Quil flushed and looked up at me as Mom headed to the kitchen. ‘This is why you should just let me sleep on your floor…’ Quil rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

“Or… you could sleep in your own bed… You know, in the house that you pay for!” I smirked back. I didn’t want him to know I wasn’t sleeping… that I didn’t dream any more… at least not like I used to. Now it was just that night…. Over and over. Watching myself let my whole fucking world fall apart, again and again and again.

‘Right back at you.’ He stuttered so Mom couldn’t overhear. 

This was the third night this week that Quil had stayed here. Any night he wasn’t running or had Claire visiting. I didn’t have a comeback because he was right… But it was so fucking exhausting pretending like I was fine. When inside, I was ash and ice.

He pulled on shorts and a tank top. ‘I’m gonna go make Mama T some breakfast… It's the least I can do after scaring her half to…’ He stopped and dropped his eyes. I knew why he wouldn’t finish the thought. It was strange how the everyday things that people say in passing can begin to feel like bad omens. 

Mom already had the coffee brewing when I came into the kitchen, just grabbing a t-shirt… from the bag Quil had dropped next to the couch. We ate breakfast like this was a normal family thing… it wasn’t totally out of the ordinary, Quil would stop by for a meal randomly, even if I wasn’t her. My Mom was basically a second mom to him.  The way he poured her a cup of her special tea from a painted porcelain teapot and matching cup and saucer he had spotted at a swap meet and bought for her was just one on a long list of things that proved this bond between them. And handed her her medication box, with each day pre-organised for her. 

It wasn’t me who did it this week, I hadn’t been here when it needed refilling. Was it Leah? I hadn’t caught her scent in the house, so it was probably Sue. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply… trying not to spiral. 

When Quil was done eating, he kissed my mom on the top of her head like any son would to any parent. ‘Text me if you need anything from the store, Mama T. I can drop it off after work, okay?’ 

‘You filled the pantry yesterday.’ She laughed softly. ‘I’ll be just fine… but if I think of anything, I will let you know.’ 

He messed my hair on the way out the door, and I laughed… a real laugh. He was still able to get some of those out of me occasionally. I slapped him away. “Arsehole.” I teased. 

‘Love you too!!’ he called, already out the door. I looked back to see Mom glaring, then her eyes darted to the swear jar. I huffed. 

“I’ll get it after my coffee…” I sighed. She had put the old swear jar back on top of the fridge now that Jake, Quil and I were spending so much time here. 

‘That’s the oldest one in the book… go, go, go…’ She shooed me, and of course, I caved, shuffling to the hallway to grab a dollar from my jacket pocket and stuffed it in the half-full jar. She hadn’t brought up my going back home in a few weeks… or the fact that I had more clothes here now than at the house I still paid rent for. I could tell by her easy demeanour that she wasn't going to today.

‘What are your plans for the day?’ she asked. 

“I have another training session with the kids at the community centre,” I told her honestly. 

‘I’m so proud of those boys for sticking to it… they are dedicated.’ She smiled at me. ‘Just like you. You really make such an effort for those kids.’ 

The group had grown from two boys to ten kids, now, and two girls. “I still think I need to find a real trainer for them… I’m not exactly qualified. Especially with the girls.’ I held up a hand to stop Mom. “Not because they shouldn’t be lifting, but they are built differently, and I don’t want to teach them something they should have a different technique for.”

‘Well, everyone from the centre is saying you are doing a wonderful job.’ Mom added, sipping her tea. I waited, but she didn’t suggest I ask Leah for advice on the girls. 

I headed to my room to grab my bag, and trainers… There it was… sat on the bedside table. The beeper is haunting my every step. Making it impossible to appreciate even the morning like this, where mom was feeling well and happy. It was a sword over our heads… only this sword was palm-sized and plastic. But it was my phone that pulled my gaze… the open window seemed to whisper about it. Words I couldn’t hear, but somehow, I knew I needed to say them. These unknown… unknowable words.

I picked it up and hit the voice note key… I knew there was no way to say whatever the hell I was about to say in a text. The little bars that moved when you spoke stayed flat for a few seconds until finally. 

“Leah…” I said… fuck! Her name was like a prayer. “I know you’re there… I don’t know how. But I just…” I sighed… my hand dragging through my hair. Her status didn’t say 'online'… it never did, she had her privacy setting set not to, it meant she had no idea I had this chat open either… unless I was right, and then she’d see a microphone logo in the bottom corner telling her I was recording. “I just know. I know you can’t respond, and that’s okay, I need you to know that.” I paused. “Fuck… this is so… I don’t know how to say it without it sounding fucking weird. But I need you to know… I know you're there.” My throat constricted. “You don’t need to say anything… because I just know. You’re here, you’re…” I couldn’t say mine; it had meant something different to us when we used that word. Had that changed? “Um… anyway… I gotta go. The kids from the carwash are getting their money’s worth out of me.” I laughed a little, it was genuine because those kids… they were cheeky shits… they were good kids. “I’m gonna have to start charging a membership.” I chuckled, a stupid attempt at normalcy. Another pause. 

“We’re here.” I swallowed. “We are still… here. I’m here. I can still hear you in your silence. They can’t take that away from us.” I rubbed my hand across my unshaven jaw and cleared my throat. I didn’t say goodbye… that word haunted me. 

With that word, I had given up on something I was not sure I would ever be whole without. I released the record button and hit send instantly… Then I did what she would want me to do. Took a moment, tried to pack away the chaos that was wide awake inside us now. Then I stood up, grabbed my gym bag and headed out to the centre to train with the kids like I had promised.

Leah

My home came to life with his voice, it breathed a sigh of relief, joy, something more I couldn’t define as his voice spoke out in the silent world within these walls. I didn’t know how, but he knew when I had his text message open. The last message he’d sent me still there. 

Closing my eyes I rested my head back to take a few moments to take it in. His real voice, not the one put on. Put the one that was his before I took it way. 

My nose prickled as she filled in the unspoken gaps. Her hope for more when we deserved nothing at all. 

My eyes flew open when the sound of a car pulling up out front jolted us free from the bless we were absorbing from the house. The door to the vehicle opened and closed, the footsteps of my Ma wondered around. I could hear her gathering things from the trunk. As I pulled myself up on my feet making my way to the front of the house. She had her key in the door turning it to let herself in. 

‘Oh… by the spirits, Usdi! you scared me.’ She exclaimed as we can face to face. (Well my chest to her face.) 

“I scared you? Ma you just let yourself into my house.” Her face winced at the last word, but she didn’t say anything.  ‘Yes, well don’t just stand there. Help you mother.’ She pushed the bags she had balanced into my hands before pushing past inside. 

“Ma?” I questioned looking outside once before closing the door. But not before waving my hand towards the curtain twitching next door.  Setting the bags down in the hallway, a frown on my forehead I followed her to my living room. Coming to a stop when I saw her bending down to fold away the remnants of my makeshift bed. Ma knew I’d been sleeping out here; she hadn’t asked any questions. Given any advise, she I guessed just hoped one day she’d come over to find it was gone. 

‘It’s time…’ she side folding a sheet before setting it on the table. 

“Time for what?” I questioned watching her carefully. 

‘Time to restock your freezer. I’ve been cooking over this week.’ Her chin popped towards me and I guessed the bags I’d set down. ‘There’s a few things I knew you’d like to have.’ 

As she spoke, I went back to pick the bags up, looking into to find cartons upon cartons. “Ma you don’t need to cook for me. You know I can feed myself.” 

She was carrying my bedding into the hallway closet to pack them away, while I went to the kitchen to unpack her hard work. 

‘Moms are allowed to do things for their daughters.’ She spoke in her normal tone knowing I’d pick it up. ‘And….’ She was stood behind me now. I tuned my head to glance back. ‘And I like to feed myself children.’  She smiled, but it still didn’t quite reach her eyes. She still had sadness in there when she came here. I noticed the way her eyes always seemed to glide over each surface she passed, as though she were trying to picture the world Embry and I had once created for ourselves. (Or was it my imagination. Who knew.) 

She moved to take over the task of unpacking and then repacking my fridge and freezer, speaking about her work, the pack, what future she had for work that needed to be done around town. Ma filled my house with sound, care, comfort. 

But it wasn’t the same.

The house, the spirits, they were glad to see her, to have her here. But… it wasn’t the same. 

Ma handed me a foiled plate and a fork. She glanced at the table but didn’t tell me to sit on it. She’d clearly seen more than I ever intended to show her. ‘Eat up.’ Uncovering breakfast before she took out my large pan setting it on the hob. 

I did as I was told, watching her getting to work on a soup. Her voice like a soothing balm to my ears. Something about them being so alike and yet so different. 

‘Ma and Embry… they are our people.’  She whispered. But we’d lost the right to call him ours. I wasn’t going to remind her of that now. She was coming out, watching Ma, feeling the calm. 

Embry

I felt it… like the heat of her palm on my cheek… over my heart, she was right there. She was there… I know it sounds crazy. But I just knew. I smiled... I smiled the way I smiled when she turned around in the mornings as she made breakfast but let me lean in the doorway watching her like she didn’t know I was there. Just like I let her slip out of bed without fully waking up so that she could have her few moments alone after the intense closeness we shared the whole evening and night before.

Those few moments of peace… of connection. I felt her, I felt the tether that bound us, the twin cords of our human and warrior selves. Just because they could keep us apart, but they could never sever the bond… but… could she? After enough time. Could I? Would we eventually have no choice?

It seemed like the only logical outcome to this… but at the same time… that tether… felt unbreakable. I couldn’t talk about that with anyone. Because there was no one in my life who would see anything that wasn’t an imprint as unbreakable. They would never understand, and worse than that… they wouldn’t try to.

Then I had that same feeling, the one I had when I left her home in the morning, and we left our shared bubble. She was starting her day too, something inside me told me she was conflicted. Glad… but still… well, whatever the hell this was we were sharing. 

My mother had a bag of snacks for the kids that she now called my “Class”, ready and waiting in the hall table. I grinned and called my goodbyes before I headed out. I left the radio off as I drove. The silence allowed my near-perfect memory of sound to flare to life: her voice, her heartbeat, her soft breathing when she truly slept. Was she sleeping now? Was the great wolf taking her nights and filling them with lessons? Was that how this was always supposed to be? Had I held her back from the lessons that were keeping her from stepping into her destined role? 

This was a thought that comforted me… that she would one day be my Alpha. And there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her pack… her people… all people. At the community centre, there was an unusual amount of activity for seven in the morning… the docks weren’t far… and there were usually distant noises of fishing, boating and tour boats readying for the day’s journey. 

It was a few guys who had been in high school with me, though none of whom I was close with. ‘Call… long time no see!’ A guy I thought was called Tadi. 

“You trying to suggest I’m getting old?” I teased, covering the fact that I wasn’t totally sure of his name, but implying recognition. 

‘Somethings never change.’ He chuckled and patted my arm.  ‘Anyway, I heard about what you were doing here, and I had an old weight bench that I don’t use anymore, and I thought it might get used here, instead of wasting away in my shed.’ He motioned to the guys around his truck. ‘I rounded up some help to bring it in.’

I took a look in the back of the truck and saw it. The leather was a little cracked in places, and there was some chipped paint, but it looked sound, and I was sure a little paint and patching would have it looking good without a lot of work. 

“Thanks… this will really help the kid step up their game.” I smiled at him. “Wanna help me carry it in?” I didn’t need it… But I had to keep up with the whole human thing. 

‘Sure thing…’ he unhitched the tailgate and hopped up into the truck, to slide it to the ledge. The others were moving in to help with the weight when I could do it faster alone. ‘So… I gotta ask.’ Maybe-Tad said, grunting a little with effort. The tone in his voice made both my wolf and me bristle. ‘Is it true… You and the Clearwater girl?’ I grabbed the opposite end of the bench and let one end hit the ground. I clenched my jaw. 

‘Because… damn… that girl is fine! How the hell did you get…’ I cut him off as he stepped out of the truck bed. One hand on the tailgate, blocking him between me, the bench and his own truck. His buddies all stood nearby. I didn’t hide the tightness that flooded my muscles, showing the clear definition of my arms and shoulders in just a gym tank.

“Really didn’t think you were that type of guy, Tad.” Taking a chance, I remembered his name correctly. He made a confused sound and leaned back, uncomfortable. “Gossiping like little old ladies… should I bring you some tea and cookies, and we can have a nice long chat about all the latest gossip. Or should we get this equipment inside and help the kids of this community have something better to do than spread rumours about other people’s business?” My voice was cool, yet firm. His friends all chuckled as I put him in his place.

‘Sorry… let’s just… um…’ He squeezed out between me and the bench, and I allowed him just enough space. ‘Let’s get this inside.’ 

Together we carried it in, and his conversation shifted to talk of how I ended up teaching a class at the centre. 

“It’s not a class, I just show the kids how to lift weights without getting hurt or trying to bench without a spotter,” I explained. 

‘You know the kids have posters up at the high school saying there’s a weightlifting club in the centre on Mondays before school, right?’ He answered, and I rolled my eyes. 

“Well, that explains why it started as a one-time deal with two kids, and now they just keep showing up.” I pretended to struggle as we tilted the bench through the door and finally set it in the room we’d been using. The extra hands made it a much harder job. We placed it out of the way, with enough space on either side for the kids to move around.

A couple of the guys were already there, and I talked about our new equipment and that they were going to have to help fix it up. And to wait until I showed them proper technique. Then I walked my high school acquaintances out… He still hadn’t corrected me about his name, so I assumed I got it right. The others climbed into the truck. Before Tadi got in, I shook his hand. “Thanks so much… I’m sure the kids will get a lot of use out of this.” Then I pulled him in like I was about to hug a friend. “And next time you call Leah Clearwater a girl I’ll make sure she hears all about it, and she can show you exactly why that word is entirely inadequate to describe her,” I whispered into his ear. It was well known in the village how she handled troublemakers in the bar. 

He nodded and swallowed hard; his heart rate spiked. ‘Right, sure… Sorry. That was disrespectful.’ He stammered. I patted his shoulder and stepped back. 

“Well, none of us is perfect… right?” I grinned.

‘Hey…’ He seemed to relax when I backed off. ‘You going to be doing the open mic in the HWH again soon… I was there that night you sang; you were good.’

“That was just a bet I lost… I don’t sing.” I shrugged.

‘I heard you, dude… You can sing!’ He smiled.

“I never said I can’t… I just… don’t.” I answered flatly. Unless it was for her… and the bonfire. But that one… that song… that was for me. It wasn’t to gut-punch Seth; it wasn’t to defend Leah or even what Leah and I had. It was me… making myself heard. And maybe Being a little dramatic, but it had nothing on Seth’s tantrum.

‘Well… just so you know, you were a hell of an MC too, and the mic night is… well, there are fewer people… fewer performers.’ He paused. ‘There’s not a lot of good things in the village… like your little club here… the live music.  I’d hate to see it all… stop. You know…’

Shit! I could fix that…. Maybe Tony could MC. But me… I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to Leah. “Maybe…” I looked away… “I gotta go, I can’t leave those kids unsupervised for too long.” 

On my way back inside, I took out my phone and typed a text. 

[Hey Mac, can you call me when you have a chance. . . Just have a quick question. Thanks.] 

Then I went back inside and started the morning training.

Leah

Standing with my eyes closed, hair pulled out of the way, mind open, lungs taking in deep calming breaths with my ear buds in I let the sound of his voice wash over us. She wanted me to re-play his message again. Now that we were outside of our house, she wanted to see if his words had the same effect on the two of us…

“Stop holding your metaphorical breath...” I whispered to her, we knew the answer before his rich, like the texture of crushed velvet voice resonated in our ears. It was going to feel the same… there was no way it couldn’t.

‘ʟᴇᴀʜ… ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ… ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʜᴏᴡ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ… ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ.

ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇꜱᴘᴏɴᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’ꜱ ᴏᴋᴀʏ, ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ.

ꜰᴜᴄᴋ… ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ꜱᴏ…

ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʜᴏᴡ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀʏ ɪᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴡᴇɪʀᴅ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ… ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ.

ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀʏ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ… ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ.

ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ, ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ…

ᴡᴇ’ʀᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ…  

ᴡᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ… ʜᴇʀᴇ.

ɪ’ᴍ ʜᴇʀᴇ…

ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʜᴇᴀʀ ʏᴏᴜ ɪɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ.

ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴜꜱ.’

It shouldn’t have been so calming to hear those words from him. It should have hurt; it should have cut. But instead, they filled the hollow that had been open in my chest.

The one I couldn’t identify, nor did I know how to fill. But hearing him was like a soothing balm.

Hitting play on my playlist next, I pushed it into its holder wrapped around my forearm as my feet set off. The sound of Noelle Johnson accompanied us.

The cold wind gave us the illusion of freedom, when our soul was far from free. Being outdoors gave us the space we needed to push and stretch even if it was to remain in human form for now.

(Music: Always Remember Us This Way · Noelle Johnson - https://youtu.be/r5i123onKOQ?si=sBi8odUQOLn2vGCr )

We didn’t care where our feet would lead us, as long as we didn’t run out of ground for our trainer clad feet to hit.

I wasn’t paying attention to the faces we passed, even if she showed me the reaction we got as we ran by. The older women looked with dis trust, the younger with glares, the men… well… I didn’t need to place words to the way their eyes followed. It was like I’d stepped back in time, the only difference now, I was no longer a young twenty something who was intimidated by any of them. The only saving grace to be had was that these reactions weren’t as many as I’d had 6 months ago.

‘Leah? Wait… Slow down…’ Her voice came from behind as well as the scent of her perfume mixed with the scent of her pup. Still running I popped out my earbuds to look over my shoulder before turning to see the red-faced woman running to catch up with me. Further behind her two of the pup’s half waved in my direction, watching to see if they were welcome to continue towards me. The truth was… I didn’t know… the alone time and space was now my comfort again which would be lost if I let them in.

‘Hey…’ She huffed half bending over as she cautiously gazed up from behind her glasses. ‘I didn’t know if you could hear me... Or if you even wanted to stop.’ She smiled, making the beauty mark above her lip prominent to my eyes. Tapping my ear, still running on the spot as I replied.

“Super hearing remember. Even with music in my ears, I still hear what’s happening unless I want to drown it out.”

‘Yeah, I should remember that…’ She nods her head. ‘Would you mind if we joined you? the guys thought you’d want to run alone as we would slow you down. But…’ She was doing that cute rambling thing she only did around me and the pup. If you stepped foot in her practice, this woman was a confident wildfire.

Glancing back to the two pups who were giving me sheepish looks. “So, you send the Nerd first to soften the request?” The two of them straightened up.

‘It’s not like you’d tell the cute one to fuck off.’ Brady chuckled his answer, as the goofball dropped his head. Wishing I bet that the ground would open and swallow his best friend up.

“Well… I’ve not got all day… and I’m cooling down. Move it!” I growled at them to hurry up.

The sweet sound of laughter brought my attention back to the woman beside me. ‘I still cannot get used to how you are talking here, and them all the way over there can hear you clear as day… And…’ She turned to watch as the men came to us. ‘How growly you are towards them all.’ I think I gave her a glare, because she laughed louder now, when her pup pulled her into his side handing her a bottle of water. 

‘Thanks, handsome.’ Taking it from him, she took a mouthful before holding out in offer to me. Shaking my head in No, we all started to run again The Vet, and Brady took the front places setting the pace we would run. With the Goofball running beside me. ‘Sorry for crashing your run.’ He started. ‘She saw you running alone and wanted to join in.’

“Hmm…” The two running in front of us were talking too much to be getting a workout from this. “I’m shocked you wanted to share your time with her.” Saying it in a low tone. I knew that she worked damn hard see and long hours. So, when she had down time, I was certain the two would have wanted to be alone. ‘She’s not like that. She called Brady to see if he wanted to join her in a run. I was the afterthought.’ This made me smirk.

“You got a good one there.” She could clearly see her pup and his best friend needed some time too.

‘Leah, what do you think.’ She turned to face me while still running. To be met with three protective growls of protests. The goofball helping to turn her back in the correct direction. ‘Okay… I get it… Watch where I am going.’

Shaking my head as I watched the three of them interacting… they had this natural but loving interaction between them. I didn’t know what the question was, and clearly, they had moved on to talking about road safety with the human. Just then the wind picked up, not around the others but just around me… telling me… he was here, he was watching, and he thought I needed to have these three souls in my eyesight right now. 

“Okay… I get it…” Internally whispering it the great spirit watching over all of us. He sent them to show me the next steps… and it had to start with me…

Four more blocks were where we parted ways, the Nerd had to get back to her work, and the guys were her protection. It wasn’t until she shared a look with her pup, who said his goodbyes dragging his friend away with him before she spoke to me.

Leaning in she whispered in my ear. ‘Happy Birthday Leah. I know it’s a day early. And I know no one will see you tomorrow. But know we are thinking of you...’ She placed a kiss to my cheek. Being the only person other than my Ma, or MsC to do so.  She pushed play on my phone before waving and running to join her pup. Leaving me standing there frozen in the spot watching her go.

‘What in the name of the spirits have they found, in this one?’ she asked.

“I don’t know…” I whispered back.

(Music: The Chordline - Start with Yourself - https://youtube.com/watch?v=f14DiXAnc8o&si=NL1FgNpapkfNktkj)

Embry

I sat on the bed with the laptop I had borrowed from Nessie; I didn’t even need to connect it to my phone hotspot. (Wi-Fi was one of the first bills my mom and I cut when she got sick.) Ness’s hard drive was packed with music… and it was… painful… searching out all those songs. Trying to cling to to the message I wanted to send to Leah with each song I loaded onto the circa 2005 iPod shuffle I had found in a drawer in my room at Mom’s. It had been a Christmas gift from my grandfather which made it even more meaningful for this to be the way I reminded her that just because the world wasn’t ours anymore… it didn’t erase what we had.

“Ceol agus Creideamh” (ky-ohl ag-us KREH-juv)

The engraving in the back is “Music and Faith”, the words that my half Irish-Catholic, half Makah Grandfather chose as the message to pass on to me in the stolen native tongue of his father from an entire ocean away.

I made myself listen to each song, remembering that night, the anticipation… the fear, the joy, the acceptance… the excitement and the sheer awe when she whispered the words. ‘I’m yours’ and forever altered my universe. I hadn’t listened to music since… that night.

Not unless I really couldn’t avoid it… work, working out with the kids, the few times I spent time at the sanctuary to appease the others before slipping out to squeeze into my ridiculously small single bed at my mother's house. I seemed to shrink each day… but it was le less space to feel empty. I wanted them to fill me with that joy again, with the excitement of the new adventure, but the darkness inside just reminded me, track after track, that this was lost forever.

She didn’t need to know that… she just needed to know that I wouldn’t ever forget… as each track played, I remembered her voice… how her heart would beat as she listened to the tapping as she chose the next track.  My grandfather's gift, sound, music, things that would never leave me.

When I was done, I unplugged the tiny, ancient device and plugged in a pair of earbuds… I had no idea if this thing still worked. But my grandfather gave to me… it wasn’t something I would part with without a good reason. The only reason I still live my life. Because I promised her. I promised. I tried.

The music played, the quality was nothing like I was used to… but it kind of added to the charm. Then I searched my room for something waterproof to put it in… failing, I headed to the kitchen. When she heard me rummaging, Mom came to find me with and old thermos in my hand and a sharpie in the other, scrawling “Leah” on the stainless steel.

‘What are you doing?’ She peered curiously at the iPod and the tiny charging dock sat on the counter, the folded note under it. She lifted the music player and ran her thumb across the words etched into the back and smiled. ‘In my day, this would have been a high-tech mix tape.’ Because of course she knew. She didn’t try to read the note. “I’m mine it’s as low tech as you can get.” I chuckled. “I just need something waterproof to leave it in.”

Her brows stitched together. ‘Or you could just… give it to her.’

I shook my head. “I can’t do that. This…” I motioned to it all. “Is probably too much. But I can’t…”

Mom leaned her head on my arm, pressed a kiss to my bicep where the short arse could reach. ‘I know, sweetheart.’ Then she smiled up at me. ‘Give me one sec.’ She made her way to her bedroom. When she came back, she had a wooden box with a familiar image of a tree on the lid.

“Mom… you love this jewellery box,” I told her.

'Harry and Sue gave it to me when I finished my night school. I always wanted to give to Leah eventually.’ She rummaged in a drawer and pulled out a zip lock back. She slipped everything inside and sealed it tightly. Nestling the bag inside the carved box.  The note paper with only the word Trouble written on the outside sat perfectly on top. ‘Just promise me you’ll get it to her… somehow.’

I nodded, unable to speak now. She patted my arm and went back to the living room.

It was still daylight when I stopped my bike at the graveyard, knowing it was early enough that my scent should be long gone before she arrived here, the rain was still holding off, and I hoped it would stay that way. I had swapped shifts, feeling like I was on the Rez tonight that maybe… just maybe she might need me. It was foolish. Leah needed no one; she was the one people needed.

“Sorry, Harry,” I said, allowing as I approached the grave. “I don’t have your favourite beer today… but I do have some proper Irish whiskey.” I pulled the shoulder on Jameson out of my jacket pocket, tipping some out before taking a swig. “Slainte.” I held the bottle up, then I crouched. “One more year that your miracle has been on this earth. I know that you’d wish she’d spend her night differently… but I need a favour…” I the box at the base of the grave marker. “Make sure she finds this… I don’t know if this will help her hurt her. But it's everything… this is the first time she takes down those walls instead of me bulldozing my way in. I don’t want a single second of that to be lost.”

The Note: “Even with the world between us, they can't ever take away what we had. Don't let the bad erase the good memories. Those will always be ours and untouched. We're Still Here”

(Music Playlist: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNxg6cPuqWL8CNg2wW-bta3kvEp0h_aR3)

Leah

‘There you are, I wasn’t sure if you’d be stopping in today or not.’ I stepped up to the side of the van pushing my hands deep into the pockets of my jacket.

“It’s been a full-on day… But I’m happy to wait if you had to give my order away?” I asked the old man who has been making the best fish fry on La Push since before my Da was born.

‘No… no… I know you like it fresh, so I put it in the minute I heard that beautiful bike of yours coming up the street.’ He gave me a kind wink and a wave to wait as he got to work. Today had gotten away from me. With cleaning and setting the day up at the bar, two runs I covered for Jay and Paul, and then running some errands to forks for the chief... I was here as the sky was trying to turn from the dark grey into the setting sun which was hiding up there somewhere. Lucky for me I had a standing order here, so I knew no matter what there would be at least one portion waiting for me.

‘Here you go.’ He sat the paper bag on the open window, and I took out my money to exchange it with him.

“Siqwil …” (Thank you) taking the bag I steps back towards my baby. ‘Gvlieliga udohiyu..’ (You are very welcome) he called out from behind as I set off.

———

The darkness in the sky felt heavy on my shoulders as I parked up, making my way up the hill to the only person I wanted to see tonight, my mind was pulling blanks as to what I would tell him. With the last time I was here still setting on my conscience. I should be doing everything in my power for his soul to rest, for him to be proud of the woman I had become, but now…

My feet stilled, I moved the two bags from one arm to the other, tilting my head to the side. ‘What is that?’ She asked

“I don’t… know…” from this distance we could both see that something was out of place. We were used to people coming to see Da… they came to talk to him, to seek moments alone with him… but… “Spirits…” as we came up to the side of Da’s resting place we saw the wooden hand caved jewellery box. One we’d seen in the past. “Was MsC here?” I asked her.

‘I can’t scent her.’ Nor could I.

Setting the bags down I kelt down on my knees, one hand moving to touch the ground first.  “Oonugwito Da.” (Hello Dad.) closing my eyes waiting to feel that warmth in my chest I’d lost over six months ago. But nothing could fill the hole. “Who left this here for you?” I asked.

When I saw the note.. with one word written front and Center…

‘Trouble”

Only one person called me that… and no one called my Da trouble…

Did Embry come “To see you?” I asked him as a cooling breeze turned my hair to fly into my eyes.

Everything sat nestled in a Ziplock bag. ‘Are you going to open it? It’s clearly for you.’ She asked me. As my free hand moved to do just that, once the note and the box were out, my fingers to trace the carved tree.

“Didn’t you make this for MsC when she finished school? Did you piss her off and she came to dump it back on your head?” The corner of my lips twitched hearing him rolling his eyes at me.

My heart was pounding, while the note remained folded, unread, I couldn’t know what he’d said something about Schrodinger's cat came to mind…

‘Please read the note… open it.’ She whispered, so I did…

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥. 𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦.

‘We’re still here…’ she whispered… they’d said that to us before... they were both speaking to the both of us… she was seen… as was I….

I hadn’t released a breath until I’ve opened his mom’s jewellery box to find a iPod shuffle… from the 2000s?

“Is this…” I took it out and turned it to see the back and the engraving was there… I’d seen this device in his mind before… in the hive mind… when shifting was new and my mind was open to the pack... his grandfather had gifted it to him. And now… I was holding it. With a note telling me to remember the good memories… and his mom’s box settled safely on my lap.

“Da??? What do I do?” I asked with my voice breaking. And the whispers told me to listen… to give him the chance to remind me of the moments that would shatter my frozen heart.

So, I did… I set myself on the ground. Giving my Da his fish fry and beer first. Then laying down on my back next to him. Hitting play and closing my eyes I let the music make itself feed over me and I felt the warmth... I was warm again.

Embry

The text just kept coming. I was finally… finally listening to music and feeling what I felt that night. I felt the heat… the pounding heart rate, the weirdly exciting fear. Even with my phone on silent, the screen lighting up was enough to alert me to the messages, even with my eyes closed.

[Come home, Bry.]

[Seth isn’t here.]

[The guys are worried about you.]

[You know she disappears on this day… what are you doing? Waiting for her? To do what?]

[You shouldn’t be alone.]

[One beer?]

[For fuck’s sake, Call… Please.]

“Fuck…” I muttered, swiping my hand over my face. Quil really knew how to get under my skin.

Then Brady.

[Heading to yours… I found that whiskey you like in a stout version. Have you tried it? Anyway… we’ll try it when I get there.]

[I thought you too the night off? Where are you?]

[Ateara says Mama T is okay… are you?]

[Wait, are you with… Nevermind.]

[If you are… I think that’s great.]

“Shit!” I muttered a little louder. He thought I was with Leah. That meant he thought we could still be seeing each other, and if he thought that, it wouldn’t take long for that thought to occur to others.

Then others… in the group chat, a few just to me, asking where I was and when I would be there.

As the song “Certain Things” played in my ears for a third time tonight, I sat up. Pulled on my jeans. Pocketed the beeper and stuffed my feet into my boots. I could hear Mom flipping the pages of her book in bed, so I let her know I was going to hang out with the guys, and I may or may not be back tonight. She smiled, telling me she was glad I was spending time with friends.

I passed on the jacket and helmet… There would be no tribal police between here and the Sanctuary. I didn’t even bother with a jacket; I just mounted my bike and headed to the place that didn’t feel like home anymore. There were a few cars outside when I arrived. But the voices coming from inside suggested most of these cars arrived full. There was a cheer when I walked in and a few shouts of “Finally, we can get the party started.”

Nobody… and I mean nobody, mentioned Leah. Brady poured me a glass of the whiskey he’d bought, and we shared a drink. The sound bar had been reattached to the wall, and any sign of damage was patched and painted. Music was playing, I knew it was all the latest social media trends… not that it wasn’t good music… but the lyrics “I’m over my head just wondering why…” had me swigging the whole glass of whiskey and pouring another. Some of the guys were playing the Xbox… I looked around, taking in scents of the guys and Pups that had come and gone tonight… Seth hadn’t been here at all. He always spent her birthday here… I used to even feel bad for him that his sister vanished on her birthday and didn’t let her family celebrate it… even if I did understand her side and how that day must have made her feel too. It was a situation that no matter how it changed, someone was going to be hurt. Quil came to lean against the counter next to Brady and me.

‘Glad to be home?’ He asked.

“Sure.” I lied. Because what good would the truth do… I had given Leah nothing but the truth, every single facet of it… the spoken and unspeakable truth and now what was left… nothing but the burden of keeping my darkest, most shameful secrets with none of the beautiful comfort, compassion and passion we had shared to balance the load. She would have to carry that now… alone. And she already carried too much.

‘Liar.’ He scoffed and swigged his beer.

He wouldn’t talk about how long it’s been, and that I needed to start living my life again. That I could still grieve what I had lost and be part of the world. But to be perfectly honest… the only thing I felt like living for right now was my mother and my duty to the pack. But I tried, I made conversation, played a few games with the guys, drank a lot of whiskey… not that whiskey alone could really get me drunk… not while a near-endless supply of pizza and chips were passed around the room. Until we heard a familiar truck pull up, and everything but the music and the game went silent. Familiar footsteps approached and mounted the porch. I stood up… passing the controller in my hand to the pup next to me as the door opened and Seth stepped in.

He dropped his keys in the bowl with everyone else’s. All eyes moved from me to him. After a few painfully long seconds, he sighed and asked me directly. ‘I hope it’s okay that I’m here.’ His voice was low, like he was seeking pity… is that what he had done on her birthday all these years? I walked over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. He stiffened at first, then relaxed when he realised I had no intention of harming him. I wouldn’t do that to Leah.

“Anyone from the packs is welcome here, Seth,” I told him. And without meeting his eyes, I headed for the front door.

‘How long is this going to go on, Bry?’ He turned towards the door.

I shrugged. “I don’t know Seth. I asked you for time… you haven’t given me any… So, until that time starts… there’s no way to tell.”

I opened the door and stepped outside, glad that I hadn’t stopped to take off my boots as the habit I had gotten into… before. Maybe I was subconsciously ready to leave at a moment's notice.

My feet hit the worn dirt driveway when there were steps behind me… the scents were muddled because the guys all stepped out onto the porch frequently to cool off. A dozen or so Spirit Warriors in one room at a time made it hot as hell pretty fast. I turned to see who followed me… “Brady…” I sighed. “I’m sorry… I just need…” I stopped when he tossed me the keys to my bike.

‘I know… I get it.’ He looked back at the house. ‘But… I think things will be okay again… after some time. Just… have faith.’

I smiled, and sometimes I wished I had a direct line to this kid's mind. When we ran together, he was always very open to the Black pack hive mind. But without a conscious effort, a full, deep connection didn’t just happen. I knew enough to know that he didn’t understand why Leah and I couldn’t be… Leah and I. And often tried to puzzle out why we’d kept it secret but ultimately respected that it was our choice. “You’re starting to sound like the Goofball,” I told him.

‘Well, as long as you don’t tell him that.’ He teased. And I swung my leg over my bike and laughed. There was a certain kind of magic to this kid.

“How are you doing with that? I know it's an adjustment when your best friend is suddenly spending so much time with their imprint.” I was different from my best friends, who had imprinted on babies… so spending time with them and their imprint wasn’t an invasion, because the relationships were brotherly and nothing more.

‘Honestly… I’m just so happy for him, his biggest dream came through, and sometimes… when he is with her, I almost feel his joy.’ He rubbed his chest like he could locate the feeling physically in his body. ‘I miss him sometimes, but The Nerd is cool… she invites me to hang with them and go jogging. She’s very… considerate.’

I smiled because I knew why he’d chosen that word. And because I knew how hard it would be for those boys to run at her pace… even with that long stride of hers, she was still human. Those two weren’t like the other imprints. Where possessiveness and obsession dominated the beginning of their relationships. It was about as slow burning as an imprint could possibly be. They were a new generation.

“You’re a good friend, Brady.” I smiled; I wasn’t talking about to his non-kin twin. He was like me in so many ways. His two-spirit soul most likely meant there was no predestined soul mate out there. At least not in the way the old stories told us… but I couldn’t help but wonder now if maybe he had a Trouble out there too. A bond that didn’t follow the singular path we’d been taught, the unknowable amounts of knowledge that were lost through the ages and atrocities.

I kick-started my bike and drove home. Sleep was the farthest thing from my mind, so I sat on the porch, in the rocking chair that mom used to drink her tea on the mornings the weather was nice. And for the first time since that night, other than creating that playlist for Leah, I pulled out my earbuds, twisted the cap off a beer and pressed shuffle, letting the Spirits choose for me.

(Music: I GUESS I'M IN LOVE Mix - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=5LMqtzgXaRQ)

The deep raspy voice of the opening and the simple acoustic piano track were instantly recognisable, and I resisted the urge to hit skip. I let their message in, the hundreds of ways that this could be interpreted flooded my mind, and I stopped them all, sinking into the music. Remembering the feelings, remembering the feeling the artist was singing about. I knew my voice would crack if I tried to speak with the lump that formed and the pricking at the corners of my eyes as I watched the road.

I knew this wasn’t her path home. Not even close, she wouldn’t leave her vigil until the sun rose… but maybe… maybe she wasn’t all alone this time. She had the little pieces of me that lived in her now, and the music would wake them up. I didn’t know what I was waiting for, but with each verse the road brightened, and the moon showed itself through the clouds. I raised my bottle, toasting Grandmother Moon’s appearance. The song was laced with joy and pain… and I let myself feel them both. Because I didn’t regret a single second of either one.

Leah

≋ ≋ ≋ Sue Clearwater’s POV ≋ ≋ ≋

I could hear him downstairs trying to be silent, something I knew he could do if he genuinely wanted to. However, the fact that I could hear the rattling from my kitchen meant my son wanted company.

Taking my reading glasses off, I set the book in my hands and spectacles down on my side table, before sitting up.

My ears were not as sharp as his, however a mother’s intuition had its own magical powers. Even if my powers were not as strong as I prayed to the spirits for. This night was not easy on anyone in the Clearwater house, even if after all this time we had come to accept the actions as something we could not change. No matter how much every 365 days I hoped for a different outcome…

But the more I sat in my bed tonight thinking, the more it occurred to me that maybe... just maybe… last year this time something had evolved, that this night had not felt so deeply broken, and my prayers for healing had finally been heard.

As I stepped down my stairs, the sounds of movement in the kitchen became louder, the mumbling more pronounced, even light rumbling of soft cursing under the breath. So, when I stopped in the doorway to find my son leaning down, with his head in my fridge I wanted to smile. Because at least one of my babies had come home.

“If you wanted to speak with me, all you have to do is ask little one.” His tall body straightened, but he did not turn to face me.

‘Sorry Ma… I… I just wanted some coco. And you always have the good stuff here.’ It was the sound of his voice that made me straighten before taking the few steps to place my hand on his shoulder. He may be taller than me, however I knew when my baby needed his mama.

“Seth… baby… here… why don’t you take a seat baby, and I’ll make the coco.”

‘No… Ma… I can –’ my hand squeeze on his arm was his answer. I was awake. I would make this for him.

He took his seat around our kitchen table, his eyes dropped to his hands, his leg shaking, his shoulders slumped. I knew my boy was hurting. I knew it was for his father, his sister… but this was different to any other times he came looking for comfort.

I worked in silence, giving Seth the time he needed to pull his thoughts into order, for him to say what he needed to share. I was willing to wait all night if that was what he needed of me. But by the time I set the large cup down before him, taking the seat beside him, I could see my son wiping his fist over his eyes and cheeks.

“Seth… Baby…” Reaching over I rubbed his forearm. “It is not long now… the night will break on a new day. Have faith darling.” He placed his shaking hand over mine shaking his head.

‘No Ma, I don’t think it ever will.’ His voice cracked before he began to tell me about his night. Where he’d come from, and the words he and Embry had shared.

I sat back, listening, not interrupting him at all. He needed to lighten the weight on his chest, and I would allow him the time he needed to do so. When he was finally done, taking a sip of his coco, looking down at his hands holding the cup. I took in another deep slowing breath before speaking. “He is right…” Are the first words that came out in a faint voice. Seth’s head shot up as though I had slapped him.

‘Ma? No!’ He looked heartbroken.

“I am not going to lie to you, my son. I have kept quiet all this time because of Tiffany; we both thought the three of you would work this out. That you would see the truth, and they would step up… But here we are.” Sitting up I reached out, setting my cup down. “Embry asked you for space, he told you what he needed, and yet if I hear it correctly you haven’t given it to him…”

‘I did, Ma… It’s bee__ ’

Holding my finger up, placing them on my lips. “I listened to you. It’s now time you listen.” He sat back dropping his head again. “What has changed for you since you did all this?” I asked, not expecting an answer.

“Nothing. You are still living as you were. You have no changes in your pack, you are working the way you were before, you even showed up to Embry’s home tonight of all nights with no considerations on how he may need his friends, home and support tonight too. But have you thought about the impact your actions have on him at all? How about on your sister?”

His eyes did not come to meet mine.

“Hadn’t you been the one who told me how open Leah has become? How happier she was, she was joining in more, not staying on the outskirts of life. Didn’t you point out to me how Embry had become calmer in the best way, the way he was wanting more from life, how he was not seeing himself as an outsider in his own world and village?

Since this all blew up, have you taken a moment to consider those things all occurred in the time that those two were together, trying to make something good for themselves. Never in all her life has my daughter been selfish, when we know she deserves it. She deserves to think about herself first…

But the one time she dared to do so… her baby brother blew her private world up for all to see.” My voice did not go up; there was no anger here. Only facts. “Shall I point out to you how my daughter’s life has changed?”

Again, I did not wait for a reply.

“She sleeps on the ground in her living room because her brother broke her trust in her home… her sanctuary. She has been relegated and pushed out of her own pack once again… and again it’s due to the actions of a man… even if he is her brother… She is working shifts all hours of the day and night to make it up to you… She… Is… making… it … up... to… you!” This time my voice cracked a little with the emotions I’ve been holding back for so long.

“And don’t make me point out how this village has been gossiping about her again. How Rachel has been treating my daughter… How Jake has given her space so that she felt lost and alone once again… So… Seth… I ask you… While you are going to your pack brothers to feel their love… Why did you take the one man who my daughter allowed in to love her? Why is it that everyone in this tribe has the right to happiness, but my Usdi does not?”

Tears flowed down both our cheeks now.

“Why did you do this Seth? What have you achieved by blowing up the little happiness Embry and Leah found for themselves? Are there your Insecurities, or are you afraid? If so, what of? Is it that you think Embry isn’t good enough? In which case I’d ask why? Because he is good enough to be your brother in arms… but not to love Leah?”

Shaking my head

“Or… My heart breaks to ask… but baby… Is it your ego? Do you feel less than adequate if she is happy?”

No mother would want to ask these questions, but every mother should have the willpower to step up when their children fall off the right track.

“I’m not trying to make this difficult… I just want to understand… Why…”

A brother refusing to let his sister date his friends is not about one clean reason, it is usually a mix of instincts, beliefs, and sometimes… ego. There is a layer of protectiveness…

At its core, a lot of brothers carry this quiet responsibility.

“I know how men think, so I don’t trust them with you.”

It’s not always fair, and it can be wildly hypocritical, but it comes from exposure. He has seen his friends at their worst, how they talk, how they behave when women are not around. So, in his mind, he is not rejecting the idea of Leah dating… he is rejecting those specific men. But hadn’t I brought my son up better than that?

Our chests moved heavily as silence took hold once again. He was thinking… not reacting… Ironically this was something his sister had taught him over the years.

‘Why?’ he stopped to search for words, his eyes sparkling with tears threatening to fall again after he had wiped them away. Taking a slow deep breath as my hand rubbed the back of his arm. I did not want to hurt him; however, I needed to know what he had been thinking for all this time.

He began again, ‘Why is he allowed to have a part of her that she has not given me? I am her brother… her baby… her Kid… But why hasn’t she shown me the side of her that he has gotten to see? I love Embry… I do… But it hurts, Ma… It hurts to know that there is this part of sis that she chose not to give me… this part of her she did not trust to show me… this part of her… that he got so easily.’

So… it was loss of control and role confusion. Seth’s mind was thinking he exists in two clean boxes: As a brother his

role means protector, someone who is an insider, while Friend would equal, peer… But Embry is more than that. If Leah dated his friend, those boxes collapse. Suddenly his friend becomes… something else. His friend has emotional and physical access to his sister. That can feel invasive, even if he cannot articulate it. It disrupts his sense of order. My mind had not found a real reason to my son’s actions yet. Until now…

“Oh baby…” Pulling him close I hugged him the best I could. “Just because she showed Embry this side of her does not mean she does not love you. It is how things are.”

Bringing his forehead down so I could kiss it.

“I love your father so much, and he loves me too. There was a part of us that no one else got to witness, it was a part of us that only belonged to the other. We love you and your sister, however even you could not step into the space we had for each other. It doesn’t lessen our love for you... it’s just a different kind of love.”

Seth cried into my shoulder, bending down in a way that couldn’t be comfortable for him. ‘Love?’ He asked softly. ‘Do you think they love one another? But Leah doesn’t like that word.’

“Hmm… But what do her actions tell you baby? She may not tell you or use those words… but her actions….”

‘Embry said that…’ he said after a while.

“What did he say?” I asked ‘That Leah shows people she loves them… she doesn’t tell them… Spirits Ma… I messed up…. I really messed up, didn’t I? I ruined my sister’s happiness.’ He sobbed letting it all out.

“Baby…” I was not going to excuse his actions, because the truth was… he had.

Embry

The music seeped into my soul… but it was different… It wasn't that music always brought me comfort. Music was meant to stir up emotions, all of them - sorrow, joy, contentment, anger… rage… Heartbreak. And everything is beneath.

(Music: Love and Hate · Camylio  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LueXfLIlGmQ)

‘How can we go on like strangers?’ The lyrics tore the breath out of my lungs so quickly I gasped… the feeling was so deeply familiar. I stood and walked to the porch railing… I stared at my bike and gripped the keys in my hands… hard… easing off before I mangled them. ‘Leah…’ I whispered into the night air… she was hurting. I wanted to go to her. I needed to. even if it was just to stand by while she grieved.

The wind whipped up… the scent on the air… it sent me spiralling back in time. Not Leah… she was hurting, of course… tonight of all nights, her agony was always quieter. But this. The phantom scent of lilac smoke. That day, the battle of the newborns. The moment Jacob found out Bella had accepted Cullen’s proposal, the heartbreak ripped through the pack. Only Sam could pull us back to focus on the fight before they were on us.

One of my boys was hurting… did they all feel it? I sucked in a deep breath, and I hit repeat on the track. Trying to understand. When I lifted my head, there she was again… her shifting form in a shaft of moonlight. She only had two faces tonight, Sue and her daughter… the sight twisted my gut. “What do you want? Why are you doing this to me?” I said to the apparition on my mother's lawn. The form shifted, a younger Sue Clearwater, cradled a swaddled bundle in a hand-woven blanket and then shifted to a girl… A girl I knew as well as my own reflection.

There was no way that I could remember what a five-year-old Leah Clearwater looked like, but there she was… tenderly, and expertly cradling a swaddled newborn like no child her age should have been able to do; the baby looked much larger in her arms. A strange, strangled sound escaped me as I watched the form grow up… clapping when her brother crawled, reaching out to catch him when he stumbled after taking his first steps, and on and on.

“Seth…” I shook my head. Seth’s heart was breaking. And I couldn’t help the thought that it was about fucking time. After everything he had done to his sister… I pulled out the earbuds. Is this what happened to Leah when the great wolf fed her a direct line to the pain of the others? “His pain… isn’t my problem… it can’t be.” Grandmother Moon returned to her shifting from faces known and unknown, of all ages, all the women of the tribe she protected, past, present and future. She said nothing, just stood there… making me look like a madman speaking to phantoms, should anyone peer out their window. “It’s not fair. You can’t expect me to fix this.”

‘So, you are prepared to lose your brother forever?’ She spoke, each word in a different voice.

“Yes!” I said too loudly… too falsely. The word rang hollow… but the fury was back. Why? Why me?

‘Because you have been chosen.’ She answered the question I hadn’t asked.

“I’m just a Third… It's not my job to manage him.” Right now, I am considering asking Jake to make Quil his third. But I knew Leah was chosen for blood and skill, I was chosen as third because I was unattached… I had no imprint to fear in a crisis. Quil… Quil’s soulmate was the most vulnerable of us all.

‘Not the wanning Alpha’s chosen.’ The Spirit whispered, and I heard it like she was next to me. ‘Our chosen… Just as Grandfather chose Leah. Change is coming… whether there is unity or not. Those wheels cannot be unturned, and the winds cannot be redirected. Evolution, my boy. It is upon us. Only once before has Moon chosen a man to walk the earth for her and the Sun: a woman. It ended in tragedy… We do not make the same mistake twice. This time, we chose those who could be parted by no earthly means. Like the turning wheels and the blowing winds… what was chosen cannot be unchosen, not anymore. Twin souls, cleaved apart - the flames will dwindle but never extinguish.’

Then she was gone… of course she was. Of course, she would say these words that I had no way to decipher and vanish… abandoning me yet again. I slumped back into Mom’s chair, it tipped back, and I let it all in. Seth’s pain… tears escaped my cheeks, and the guilt, regret and sadness flowed and things I didn’t understand, rejection, jealousy, isolation… anger and shame all mixed up together. This channel had opened between us for a reason. Did it go both ways? Could Leah feel it? The pack?

I grabbed my phone and stuffed my earbuds back in, then selected a song.  If he could feel this… I could show him what he destroyed.

(Music: Body Like A Back Road · Sam Hunt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsRB2QLndPs)

I remembered that night… the flutter in my stomach when she snapped her teeth at me, the way it felt… the shift in me… how it felt to feel the weight of her sleeping form against my side. Sitting across the table from her… making our rules. I smiled. I laughed… I cried, I ached for her. I soared with the honour of being granted access to be with her in her pain and sorrow… even though I couldn’t make it better. The contentment of her fingers beneath mine as I showed her how to make different chords on Nana’s guitar. The joy of watching her in the kitchen in the morning, the way she rolled her eyes when I tried to distract her to prolong the time we had before I stepped outside our bubble.

The betrayal of that night, the feeling of being sliced down the centre as I walked away from the greatest thing I had ever been part of in my life. The one place where everything I was enough… more than enough… shattering like a glass house in a storm. The sorrow of scrolling through a text message thread where we had shared so much, and all traces of it were erased.

Twin souls… where had I heard that before?

Not the legends?... but somewhere…

And then…

(Music: It's Always Been You · Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cApkf-mOc3M)

I stretched out my arm… the song that inspired my new tattoo.

“You are the voice that calms the storm inside me.

Castle walls that stand around me

All this time, my guardian was You.”

I traced the castle walls perched on top of the inked heart… Leah… the castle that guarded my heart. The walls She claimed I’d broken down… but in reality, she’d had the courage to unlock the doors… and me… well, I dared to open the doors and step through, locking each one behind me so that neither of us could run. ‘What was chosen cannot be unchosen.’ Is this what grandmother meant? The heart seemed to beat as I tensed and released my fist.

I remembered Nessie inking this on my arm with Sharpie when I explained the vision to her poorly… knowing what I shared would be only between us. But when I played the song… she knew… music was her favourite language. Old Quil was opening the door in the night like he was expecting me and transforming the sketch into a permanent mark without any questions with a copper needle.

(Music: Perfectly Broken · BANNERS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W_YMuTTTzE)

I leaned forward in the chair, it tipped on the rockers with the motion, my elbows on my knees, and my face buried in my hands as I whispered. “I’m so tired.” Tired of missing her, tired of the anger I couldn’t shake, tired of the talk, the whispers and the looks, tired of missing her when she was so often in my reach, tired of feeling like half a person, tired of craving the heat, tired of never having those hypnotic eyes speak to me in ways words never could. Tired of leaving her alone against all the same… Tired of letting her down, tired of breaking my promise every single day.

So…

Fucking…

Tired!

Leah

I ran like the wind was carrying me away from the pain, just as fast as it had brought me to my Ma’s home. At the time I’d felt my heart breaking like a mirror into a million shards, and each of those pieces were digging deep into my soul. It came out of nowhere, intense, and all-consuming in a way that I’d only felt once before.

The day we had lost our matriarch; the fear and emotions of my family and the world of the spirits had paralysed me in such a way that I couldn’t help those I cared for. That day had been the deepest sin I carried, so when I felt that pain tonight, I ran from beside my Da on two feet carrying the box in my hands. I couldn’t leave it there with the sky threatening to unleash down upon the earth. Which meant I couldn’t shift onto four legs, I should have climbed onto the back of my baby, but I only had one thought ringing in my head. ‘My blood is hurting!’

Little did I know that nothing happened without the hand of the spirits guiding. I had to arrive unseen, without sound, even the air changed the direction it blew as Ma’s house had come into site. All so that I could stand in the darkness before my childhood home to listen to my kid’s heartbreaking.

I’d been moments away from rushing into the house, to beg for his forgiveness, to tell him that I would do better, hide better, to… to… to… To stop my life from impacting his. That was until I heard my Ma’s voice. Hearing what she’d seen, what she was thinking. The way her heart was breaking too.

My legs were trying to give out from beneath me as the realisation hit me of how my mother had been seeing me for the last year without me knowing. That the Kid and she had spoken of the changes they witnessed not just in me, but in Embry too. And that everything I’d been fighting to keep hidden hadn’t been just a dream. It was true. Embry had been a lifeline for me, and to some extent I’d been one for him too? And I’d walked away from it… From Him…

“What Have I done?” dropping my head back, I screamed up into the sky.

‘It’s not too late.’ He was running beside me, when I thought I was all alone. ‘He’s never let you go, just as in your heart and soul you haven’t let him go.’ The Great Wolf shifted the wind, making my feet move in a different direction.

‘The wooden box in your hand which belongs to his mother, is proof of it. The fact that the boy left it with your father, is proof. The fact that you were with your father... is proof. The fact that you heard your Ma and brother lift the mask you are wearing is proof too. So, I ask you Leah Angeni Clearwater, daughter of Harry Clearwater, Granddaughter of Peter Clearwater, child of my blood… What more do you need to see?’

Lightening cracked above me, the sky parted as sheets of rain came crashing down. I stopped to shrug off my jacket to safely wrap the box to protect it. This small box felt as though it could become my salvation. I couldn’t let the elements of this night destroy it. Holding it to my chest, as I heaved in lungs full of air. I closed my eyes lifting my face letting the rain wash away the tears I could feel making themselves known.

‘What are you waiting for?’ I could feel him circling me as I stood here. ‘Your twin soul is waiting for his missing half. He is waiting for the Love he deserves.’

Love! That word had been something I ran from, because anyone I loved… dyed… “It’s too late.” Whispering my fear into the dark night.

‘If something is going to die, it’s going to die no matter what you do to save it. But…. If you are killing that something, just because someday it may die…. You’re the killer now with the blood on your hands, the pain on your doorstep, and you are the reason for all those broken hearts. So… I ask you again… Why are you allowing this love you feel for this boy to die?’

“I’m too late… He…” This time she was the one to answer. Not with her own words. She used his….

“Even with the world between us, they can't ever take away what we had. Don't let the bad erase the good memories. Those will always be ours and untouched. We're Still Here”

Then on a loop she repeated, “We're Still Here”

Embry was still there; he was still waiting for me to find my way back to him. I fell to my knees as the spirits cried. They were in turmoil once again, the hole in my chest burnt deeply with another gust of pain and this time it wasn’t coming from behind me, I faced the direction in which it was calling from.

“Embry…”

As his name left my lips, I found my footing to stand again and I ran. I ran as though there was a world lost to me, that I needed to find, as though there was a soul calling me to join it, that significant part of me which had been lost… “Is now found...” The last three words came out of my lips as I came to a stop. I’d arrived at a home I knew so well, one in which two people I cared for resided within. I paused across the road. Before I could change my mind, slowly my feet moved up the pathway towards him, the hole in my chest which had been open for months now healing with each footstep I took. The spirits knew where I could find Embry and here, I stood watching him sitting on the porch with is head held in his hands. The pain digging into my chest radiating from him.

“Embry...”

Finally, I came to a stop waiting for him to look up as I drowned in the rain washing my soul. When his glance lifted to find me stood before him, I took in a sharp breath clasping the bundle in my hands so close to my chest I could feel it digging into my skin through my wet shirt. Because it was like the final missing piece of me had returned.

“Embry…”

Saying his name a plea for forgiveness laced within. could I say it aloud? I had to, there was no other way. He deserved this, he deserved so much more. 

“I’m so tired…” The sound of my tormented voice cracking on the last word. 

(Music: One and only – Adel - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dJg4_rL9h7Q&si=xn86kfqT2WvGS7DT)

Continued from Part 2 (Here)

(Part 1 Here)

∞ Embry Call ∞

Her touch didn’t feel like any other I’d gotten from her… or did it? I flashed back to that moment in my mother’s kitchen. When she put her hand on my shoulder just as I was about to fall apart. Her arms around me now were keeping me from flying apart into a million pieces. Even now… when I knew she was filled with so much pain, possibly anger too… shame… how deeply her private world had been violated; she was holding me together.

This was why I could only ever be a moment in Leah Clearwater’s life.

We had spent so much time listing our commonalities we had forgotten another important part. The differences. When things got hard… I shut down… Leah rallied every ounce of strength she had. I had almost lost my mother's house… Leah rescued it, single-handedly in a week while I fought back tears at her table next to a stack of papers that had me completely defeated.

No… I was not this woman’s forever… if she was destined to have one, it couldn’t be me.

Suddenly being just, a single moment in her symphony, wasn’t enough.

The sound of her voice gave me chills like we had been silent in this clearing for hours and her voice was the first to break the quiet, but I knew it had really only been seconds.

“It’s you and your brothers, against the world.”

I fought it so hard, but I knew that a pained sound still escaped me…  I might have managed to muffle it, but it was there all the same.

Fuck! How could I have been so stupid!? Of course, it couldn’t be me and her against the world. Not after everything she’d already endured. I wouldn’t be another Sam for her. I wouldn’t allow it; I would find a way to move forward… bury my desires like I had the darkest parts of my past.

This wasn’t going to haunt her; I refused to let that happen. I took a breath… it was long, and it shook no matter how hard I tried to keep it steady. I locked my gaze with hers… I drew strength from her… and from the beautiful wolf that lived deep inside of her soul, from the incredible woman who had shared her whole self with me for as long as I was privileged to stand in her light.

There was a reason the sun and the moon could only share the same space for a few fleeting moments. This had been our eclipse, our orbit crossed, and it was beautiful… but now… now it was time her light shone on the world and not just me, in secret. I had to move, and let the sun come out.

I took my arms from around her and I rested my hand over her racing heart. Not even her amazing self-control could stop that. “You have a beautiful heart, Leah.” I wanted to tell her to stop hiding it away… but Leah had proven she could show more of herself to the pack when she chose to. “And you’ll never truly know what it meant to me that you let me into it so completely. You are the future of everything we stand for, and you will always, always have my loyalty and my respect. Every step of the way. Even if…” My throat all but closed before I could say, even if I can’t walk the path with you. “Always, Leah.” I kissed her forehead and touched my own to the same spot.

I rallied all my strength, everything I had learned from her. I drew from my wolf… because I knew my only hope of making it through this night was to let that part of me lead. But he was as shattered as me. I took a breath, slipped my hand into her hair for the last time and cradled the back of her head.

“Goodbye, Trouble,” I whispered.

The words we’d agreed not to use until the end, because I couldn’t let her carry this.

Then I stepped away slowly, sliding my hand out of her hair, the soft coolness of it… and even now with all this heartache I was still fascinated at the simple fact that she let me touch her like that. My eyes met hers again and all of the doubts rushed in, urging me not to do this. That this was wrong. Before I could lose my nerve and do something selfish; I turned and headed for the closest trees.

With every step, my mind screamed that this was wrong, and the noise came rushing in again. I was thrown back in time. Back to the times in my life when I lost friends… the desolation of being told I needed to cut Quil and Jacob out of my life… the agony of Jacob ripping himself from our pack and taking a piece of my soul with him.

Was I losing a best friend tonight too?

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

I stood rooted to the land of our spirits with my newly gained freedom crashing down around me. What more could someone say? Especially when words weren’t a strong suit in the first place.  He had promised his loyalty to me before we could call ourselves friends. And now as he steps away from me, he does it again.

Telling me he remembered seeing the parts of me, the rest of the world wasn’t privy to, made something sharp stab me in the heart he thought I owned. Even though I’ve never willingly allotted feelings to it, even going as far as saying it was stone. But his faith in me remained.

My nails were digging into my palms. Any harder and I knew I would draw blood. I felt the chill of the night creep in as soon as Embry stepped away, his hands dropping from my head, his kiss leaving an invisible mark on my forehead like a phantom imprint. The gravity and the significance of this moment weren’t lost on me or on my warrior. She reached out for him, her soul burning from the unfairness of this situation, until I reminded her. The world wasn’t meant to be fair, for those of us who were born to sacrifice.

My gaze locked on to his shadowed form walking away from me… from us... The darkness wasn’t unknown to us. That was until Grandmother Moon came out from behind the thick clouds to light his way. Her actions showing me that she has him… She would protect him, and light his path as he began the next stage of his evolution. Embry belonged to her, and she was, after all, his guardian.

Grandmother moon… I lifted my chin, letting my head fall back, my eyes on her to show her that her promise to protect this man, was the reason I could walk away. The burning in my chest and eyes was likely to ignite like gunpowder if I didn’t keep myself in check. My warrior screamed to the skies, fighting to be free, to run until we couldn’t run any more. She wanted me to go after him, to stop him. She cried, telling me his ‘Goodbye’ couldn’t be real. But we both knew better. I let one lone tear slip, feeling its path down my temple, disappearing into my dark hair. By the time I looked back at the circle on the ground I knew. It was time.

Without glancing in the direction he took, I turned… Pulling my hands free, squeezing the pain out of them. Part of me craved the reminder of my humanity, but I knew better. Now wasn’t the time for any feelings. It was time to act, to close off, and to walk the path I had set for myself.

Long strides meant I had myself sitting on my bike, kicking him off his stand, and pulling out of the forest with my mindset to go home. If I let myself think too long, I knew I would leave. Leave these lands until I was far enough away to scream out like she wanted me to. But tonight was not our time. I sat low, keeping the weight on my bike even, kicking up the gears as fast as I could. The need to at least feel as though I was running, even if the reality of it was far from it.

The world flew by us, while I kept my eyes from wandering into the forest I was speeding by, not wanting to see the pity in the brown glowing eyes looking back. I wanted to drown out the sounds of the howling, and the hums of the spirits. They all needed to let me be. Just for tonight.

≋ ≋ ≋ ≋

I only slowed as I rode up my street, because of the scent in the air. Closing my eyes wishing that it was old, but I knew better than that. When I came to a stop in my driveway, he was sitting there on my front step, with his arms crossed over his knees. Dread filled my stomach because some part of me knew this was coming. But I’d hoped he would at least give me tonight to deal with myself. Pulling my bike up on his stand, I turned to face him without getting off. The two of us breathed slow deep breaths, both waiting for the other to speak first. Until I saw it in his eyes. He would wait all night if I didn’t break first. “Have you come to tell me, to step down from being your Beta?”

My throat felt dry. As though it hadn’t been used for years. Because of course, he knew, news like this spread in this rez faster than wildfire.

 Jacob Black stood up slowly, with his hands resting on his knees as he pushed up. And shook his head, nodding to my door.

My eyes darted around the neighbourhood; his imprint wasn’t with him. Not that he ever brought her here the times he has shown up on my doorstep. But then again, he’d never shown up here without sending me a message to warn me first.

‘She isn’t here. It’s just me.’ He waited patiently reading my mind.

But the question was, did I want my Alpha to step inside of my house? He raised his eyebrow, in answer telling me, he could wait all night. Slowly I got off my bike and walked up the path to unlock the door. All the while we didn’t share a word. He closed my front door with a gentle hand, took his boots off beside me, and his jacket hanging it up next to mine. The lamp light showed the evidence of what had happened here earlier in the night, constricting my chest again.

A flash in the moment takes me back to it. Reminding me how the disgust on Seth’s face looked. The disappointment in my ma’s eyes. And the bond I broke within the pack. When I dared to look up beside me, I could see flashes of emotion in Jake’s eyes. The man had always worn his feelings openly. He wasn’t even trying to hide them from me.

Without saying a word, he stepped into my living room, going to the guitar case discarded by the wall. Opening it up, he placed it on the couch. Coming to a stop while his eyes travelled the length of it, before he turned carefully, collecting the beautiful white guitar with the two doves on the face of it, placing it into the case before closing it. Some part of me feared that he would take it. He knew that instrument well and knew who it belonged to. But all he did was place it in the armchair beside the window. I stood there waiting for him to tell me he was disappointed, that I couldn’t be his beta, that I’d betrayed him. That I broke his pack, and more so that I was fucking his best friend under his nose… The words were coming crashing so hard and fast that I didn’t realise he was before me until he held the sheet out to me.

‘Why don’t you go and change your sheets, put a wash on. And I’ll start by cleaning up out here.’ He half smiled, tilting his head. ‘Leah?’ he questioned. ‘I know, I know, I’ll do a crap job, and you’ll have to do it again. But that’s half the fun.’

He took my hand slowly like he was speaking to a wounded animal, placing the sheet inside before closing my fingers around the fabric.

‘You take your bedroom; I’ll take the living room. Half the job, half the time.’

Nodding my head once, I folded the sheet in my hands, stepping around him to walk down the quiet, dark hallway. I stopped to look back once, asking her, why was he there. But she didn’t answer, and I didn’t expend too much energy on the thought. Instead, I made my way into my bedroom letting my mind drift to the morning…

The morning… only hours ago… We had been happy, laughing, joking, humming to music... Talking about the day, and what we had to look forward to.

If only we knew…

When we said to dream a little dream, it would result in a nightmare.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I felt like I was being pulled in every direction at once, there were a thousand screaming thoughts in my head, and I couldn’t decipher a single one. Not even Grandmother’s light could dampen the sounds. I wanted to lift my head and scream… to demand an answer… to ask why she’d left us both alone in this, why she was withholding her guidance. I wanted to know why she was punishing me… punishing us… all because I reigned in my urges so that Leah’s day could go how she had planned. So that all her hard work and dedication would go off without a hitch.

So, the hard work of both of our moms planning this event, and the people that gave up their weekends to make it a success. I knew I messed up; I knew that taking it for granted that we would have an after, a later… more time… was an ungrateful way to view it. But was THIS the only way she could have taught me the lesson? Could destroying this path she’d put us on really be what we deserved because of a few misguided thoughts?

I fought the urge, running into the trees on bare human feet because I wasn’t ready for the noise of the pack to be added to the cacophony inside my head. I tried to outrun her light as it filtered through the leaves. My pain, sadness, and loss… it all ran together, mingling with the too-loud sounds in my head, they merged and twisted into anger. And I directed it at her… the only thing that kept me from screaming all of this to the night sky was knowing that Leah was still close enough to hear and I promised her I would be okay if… or when this happened.

I felt him clawing at my skin to be free and I let him free with one condition.

Hurricane – I Prevail

The track filled my head and blocked out anything else… well as much as I could. I heard a whimper or a howl or two from a few of the young ones when the pain I was unable to hold; slammed into them. I felt the winces and the caught breaths from the others who were better able to restrain themselves. I felt them trying to penetrate the shield of music I had thrown up. I was aware of Quil as he came up just to my left, half a stride behind my shoulder. I knew it was him who held back the chorus of my name as the pups tried to find a way into a mind that usually, welcomed them openly.

Not tonight.

I couldn’t deal with that and stick to our rules. I had broken too many already.

Family first, pack second…. I would finish this shift and then I would find a way to keep my promise, to be okay… to… be… okay…

It seemed like an impossible task. Just two more hours…  then I would figure out what the hell I was supposed to do next. I drown out the thoughts of finding Leah, for two hours. I stopped myself from tracking Seth down, for two hours. I planned how I could apologise to Sue for all of this, for two hours. I failed… for two hours to stick to our simple rules and put the pack and the tribe first. Quil made it too easy for me to take a back seat.

➶➶➶➶➶➶➶

What seemed like an entire night later before I was back in my Jeep… to say I was feeling numb seemed right… but since when could numbness feel so… excruciating? The cold that seemed to seep into my bones since I had walked away from her… that could be called numb… right?

I had a white-knuckle grip on the wheel. I didn’t stop the silent tears that slipped free in their own time, and I didn’t try and force my breath into an easy, smooth rhythm. There was no one to put on a show for, I just needed to be somewhere quiet until I could single out a train of thought and try to pull myself together.

“Fuck!” as I drove along Mom’s street, that was Sam’s truck parked a few doors down from my mother’s house. What the hell had Seth done now? I felt a little stab of guilt… it was unfair to assume it was him… but I was pissed… so yeah, it was just a little twinge of the sensation. I drove past him, pulling into Mom’s driveway. Sam got out of his truck like this was exactly what he expected and walked towards me.

I dug Mom’s key out of my glove box. So glad that Quil promised to hold my phone for the night. I didn’t want access to the group chat tonight.

‘Embry… we should speak.’ He said as though he was talking to someone right next to him, so he didn’t disturb the neighbours.

“No… we really don’t,” I said, getting out and closing the door softly.

‘You can’t ignore this… you know it’s go—’ He started, I cut him off.

“Not you Sam… not with you,” I said heading up the path.

‘Embry… it's not like that. You know that Leah and I…’

“I don’t care Sam… This isn’t about you. It's about me and Leah.” He was going to tell me about how fine they were and how the past was behind them… but none of that had anything to do with what was happening here. I knew exactly what his lecture would be about… but his story was not my story. I wasn’t going to let anyone make any part of what Leah and I had about anyone but the two of us. All we had left now were our feelings and our memories. And they were ours and ours alone.

‘It's about two pack members also… I’m an Alpha of this tribe, ‘Bry.’ He wasn’t pulling rank; he was stating a simple fact. Just like I was when I shoved the key in the lock and said.

“No offence… but you’re not mine.” Before I disappeared inside and closed the door. I knew Sam would respect this boundary. This was my mother's house, and he knew she would be here sleeping.

Closing the door on a man I considered a brother should have made me feel something… but immediately all I could think of was Leah… where was she? What was she doing? Was she alone? Was she hurting? Would she open her door if I showed up outside of it?

“𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗯𝗶𝗴, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁…“            - 𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻.

Previously: Storyline 21...

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

People say you need to worry when you feel you’re settling into a routine. But I don’t understand why.

Would I say Embry and I had begun to live a life of routine? No, not really… or had we? Maybe some part of us did a little?

It was the fact that Waking up to the sound of the spirits on the wind, and the soft breathing or mumbling of Embry asleep had become something I looked forward to. (As much as I wouldn’t admit it to the Wisearse on the best of days.)

Those quiet moments, before the world pulled us towards the day and our commitments, they were ones to cherish. And this morning was no different.

We’d fallen asleep curled up once again, skin to skin, his hands always reaching out to find me if I stayed away, and now I found myself always coming back to him even in my sleep as though he were a magnet.

As my mind came around this morning, my sleep-filled eyes opened to see the sun had come out. The perfect weather for what my day had planned for me. But it was difficult to think past the bubble when the sunlight shone a bright stream into my bedroom. It kissed his cheeks like a dream coming true.

I could hear the murmuring of his voice while he slept. This was a sign I’d become aware of. When Embry dreamt deeply, sometimes he lived them, he felt them, and it made me smile.

I often told him to dream a little dream for me. Because I couldn’t remember a time when I could dream for myself. Embry on the other hand dreamed vividly. So, listening to him telling me the stories his mind conjured up was beginning to become a highlight of our mornings together. I didn’t ask him to share them all. Just when he felt he wanted to. They were enough to keep me going.

Leaning in I placed three softest of kisses on his lips while he slept, before slipping out of bed, pulling his shirt over my head, and leaving him to sleep in.

Embry had been working at Glamor last night before that his day had been full. Mine had begun with my run with the pups and Jake, followed by a last-minute errand ensuring the bar and Ma had everything needed for today’s festivities.  Seth, Mac, and Charlie have worked long into the night after closing to set up the bar and the parking lot for today. Everyone had been working hard for a long time to make sure nothing happened that hadn’t been planned.

With my hair pulled up into my signature messy bun on the top of my head, I made my way into the kitchen. I wanted to cook us a good breakfast. But before anything could commence the first thing I had to do was switch on the radio. Smiling as the song began to play. It felt perfect for the occasion.

Music: Dream a Little Dream of Me – Amber Leigh Irish - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z0dLdOmbnA&si=me6wkxoz5L2fIN8z

Humming to myself, I set to turning on the coffee maker, gathering the ingredients for a Spanish omelette, while I now sang alone in a whisper.

“Stars shining bright above you

Night breezes seem to whisper…

Birds singing in the sycamore trees

Dream a little dream of me.

Say ‘Night-ie- night; and kiss me

Just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me

While I’m alone and blue as can be

Dream a little dream of me.”

∞ Embry Call ∞

⃝ There were noises from inside the house, and I knew it made no sense because the only other person here; was Leah. I could feel her, the heat of her skin, her scent filling the space even with the window I knew she always left open. Her skin against mine… the next sound I heard came from me. The soft hum of contentment. While the house was alive with something I could never identify… no matter how deeply I dreamt.

She was waking up, as it always did, Leah was a force and when she was awake, she charged the world in her immediate vicinity that could only be called: Get-shit-done energy. I wasn’t ready to let go of this half-dreaming state. Not until I figured out that strange presence was… that sound… Was it laughing?

Three kisses… they said everything and nothing, reinforcing everything she’d ever made me feel; deeply enough that there was never any room for doubt. Then she was gone, and I clung to this moment, still too deep in this world of half-waking. But it was okay, the only loss I felt was her skin on mine. But there was an unbreakable connection between us now, one I felt no matter how far away she was.

She was cooking… I smiled… we had established some kind of routine… but wasn’t what I thought it would be… routines were boring… but Leah brought a different sort of energy to it. Then the music floated to me through the haze of that lingering dream. The phantom tingle of three kisses was still on my lips as I smiled at the light trickling in the window. Just what we needed today. ⃝

I was awake now, trying to string together the pieces of the dream… I pulled the pillow from her side of the bed towards me. Burying my face into it and inhaling her scent deeply, was there any other way to start the day?  I waited for a moment… listening to her singing along in the kitchen.

Leah was a woman used to her space, and this home… this was where she let her walls down. So, I had taken to staying in bed and giving her a few moments to herself in the morning. But even in those moments, she was sharing one of the most important things in her life. Her home.

But her music always drew me out to her. I grinned as I made my way barefoot and in nothing but my boxers (it wasn’t my fault she took my t-shirt… ignoring the fact there was a drawer with a few folded far too neatly) to the bathroom to brush my teeth before I went to find her.

She was standing at the stove those too-sexy-to-be-legal legs bare from where my shirt skimmed the top of her thighs. The cover of one of my mother’s favourite songs playing and her whispering along with the lyrics. I made my way across the cool tiles and rested my hands on her hips, pressing a light kiss to her shoulder. The last verse played, and I sang quietly into her ear.

“Sweet dreams, till sunbeams find you

Gotta keep dreaming leave all worries behind you

But in your dreams whatever they be

You gotta make me promise, promise to me

You’ll dream, dream a little of me.”

I kissed her temple then and smiled.

“Morning, Trouble.”

Arms sliding around her and holding her tightly against my chest for just a moment. Today she had big plans so I wasn’t going to disrupt her schedule like I would try (and fail) to any other day. I stepped away to grab mugs... the scent mingled with what she was cooking telling me that the coffee was already made. I poured two mugs and smirked, thinking to myself that I had plenty of mornings coming, to distract her from her tasks.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

The moment I heard the bed move I set the toast on and set the table. Then the running water in the bathroom gave me a gauge of the time it would take him to walk into the kitchen.

I couldn’t help the smile growing on my lips as I continued to sing, something I’d never have done in the presence of another person before him.

When his arms curled around me, when he placed that kiss, listening to the sound of his voice singing the final verse of the song, I couldn’t help but feel the warmth in my chest rising, as the spirits sounded their joy at us being here and listening to him sing too.

Leaning myself into his chest I closed my eyes for a breath. Just for the count of two before I was back. In bed, on the sofa, or here beside the cooker. His arms always seemed to feel perfectly welcoming.

Add to the fact that, his scent mingling with that of the food as he stepped back now felt so normal. Something I’d begun to miss when he didn’t stay over.

By the spirits! What had Embry Call done to me? A question I asked him often and he would reply. ‘The same as what you did to me.’ Which wasn’t a lie.

“Good morning, Dimples. How did you sleep?” I asked as I curled the edge of the omelette over.

The lack of him attempting to distract me wasn’t lost on me. But I knew it, he understood how important it was for today to go smoothly and without any hiccups. Which made me smile again.

The next song began to play. The shuffle gods were playing some good ones this morning. Dermot Kennedy started singing.

Kiss Me (Guitar) – Dermot Kennedy

Looking over my shoulder at the man, finally in the space in my kitchen.

His hair showed evidence of the night's sleep, his skin showed no signs of what occurred before sleep stole us away, and when he turned away to pour the coffee, his arse looked perfect in those boxers! I wasn’t blind. And I knew if the tables were turned… he’d so check me out and bite those perfect lips of his.

∞ Embry Call ∞

“Oh, you know me.” I grinned. “I sleep in vivid colour, lately. Especially here…” Even when I was at home, I still dreamt of her… those ones were normally a little more graphic… but they got me through the night.  I felt her eyes on me when the song changed, and I may have spent a little longer than necessary with my back to her while I poured us both a mug of coffee. It wasn’t like she could let on she was enjoying the show this afternoon, she might as well look her fill now.

“I can hear you checking me out, you know…” I grinned and turned back to her. Setting her coffee next to the stove so she could reach it while she finished cooking. “You could just go all in and grab a handful.” I chuckled, my free hand brushing up the middle of her back over the age softened fabric of my shirt on her toned, hot… fucking perfect… Nope! If I started down that road we would never get out of this house on schedule. I cleared my throat and pretended like my heart hadn’t just kicked up a gear. “But if you do I accept no responsibility if your plans for the day are delayed.”

I glanced at the table, and she had already set everything out. “Anything I can do to help? Seems like you are even more on the ball than normal…” I sipped my coffee. “And I gotta tell you… That’s kinda scary.” I teased.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

“I’m glad my home can help you with your technicolour dreams.” Giving him a side glance as my hands continued working, my eyes returning to the hob.

The music didn’t distract me away from the way his heart told on him. It made me smile and continue as though nothing happened at all.

A cool breeze moved from the open windows through the kitchen as I thanked him for the coffee he set beside me with a smile.

“Don’t act like you’re the only one here with super sensitive hearing. Neither of us is the kid, but even I can hear what’s up in your chest, Dimples.” Flipping the cooked omelette onto one of the plates. Taking a sip from the coffee mug, I begin to make the next one.

“I’m fully aware of my surroundings and what I could do. But I’m in control of my actions. My list is made, and we aren’t deviating from it today. So… what I am saying is… I know full well where my groping you, would make us end up… and we don’t have time today for it.” Coughing with a grin. “If …. the ladies win today. Then you may get lucky tonight.”

Just as he asked to help, the toaster popped out two thick, nicely toasted slices of a bloomer.

“You could grab those and sit down. This one is nearly ready too.” Edging my chin to the pan.

∞ Embry Call ∞

My heart had betrayed me when I got distracted… let’s be honest I never tried to control it anymore. Not here… it was hard enough with our families and at the bar. Here I could be free about how my body reacted to anything she did. “Hey, I never said I didn’t want to grope… or be groped for that matter. I’m just trying to behave myself and not throw off your meticulous plans.” I teased.

I headed for the toaster as she started to ask me to grab it, I set it all on a plate and took it to the table with my coffee. Then I gasped and clutched at my imaginary pearls. “Are you trying to blackmail me into throwing the bet? Leah Clearwater! So, unlike you to cheat.”

I slid into the seat… my seat…  at her kitchen table. “And if you think I’ll be going easy on you because you made me breakfast… you are wr…” My stomach growled loudly, and I smirked. “… Probably onto something.” I laughed and glanced down at my impressive abs and whispered. “Traitor.”

But no matter how impressive they were it was going to depend on who decided to visit us today. Wet, soapy women were hard to compete with! And a lot of these women I thought of as sisters… I wasn’t sure how the guys would react to them getting checked out by others.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

Okay, this got him an eye roll.

“Meticulous plans? There is no such thing with you and the pups in the mix. Let’s face it, you will have something up your sleeve to test me and the spirits today.”

I turned the hob off, before walking the two plates over to the kitchen table. “Do I look like someone who needs to Blackmail you? It hadn’t even crossed my mind.”

Returning to the counter for my mug of coffee, I took a sip. “I have faith in the ladies. They won’t need to pull any tricks to make the most money. They also know how much I dislike giving rides on my baby. So, the pup is in for some disappointing times today.”

Sitting down I couldn’t help but smirk at him across from me. “The ladies have this in the bag. I need you, Embry Call, to set your expectations low for your side.”

Setting my mug down, I jumped up again to grab the hot sauce from the fridge. The sound of his stomach giving him away made me laugh.

By the time I sat back down, the music had stopped playing, making me hum ‘Dream a little dream of me.’ My eyes warm with my body relaxed.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I laughed… “No such thing and yet you keep trying,” I smirked and sipped on my coffee.

“Yeah, yeah… we just need to make sure the boys are distracted. They don’t react well when people check out the girls.” I pinched my brows and grinned at her. “Neither do you, even if you are… quieter about it.”

I thanked her when she set the plate on the table in front of me. It should have been almost normal at this stage… I had lost count of the number of times she had cooked for me in the morning. But every single time I was stunned, not that her food was so good… which was proven by the sound I made when I chewed a forkful of the omelette… still each time I was amazed that I was in Leah Clearwater’s kitchen, eating a breakfast she’d cooked for me.

“We aren’t out of this race yet.” I boasted. “As long as your girls don’t cheat and try to distract our weak links.” Of course, the imprinted boys weren’t actually weak links… but they were definitely easily distracted by their girlfriends, fiancés and wives.

I couldn’t help but sit back and watch her… listening to her humming. She was truly mastering this living-in-the-moment thing… I knew if she’d woken up alone today, she would already be out the door getting her day started. She was relaxed… happy. And a little bit of that was because of me… And that was even harder to believe than the fact I was sitting here eating breakfast with her.

“You know… I’m starting to see the benefit of these lists and schedules and things.” I grinned and took another bite. “If having your day plotted out to the minute, has you this relaxed… It goes right into the pro column for me.”

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

Scoffing with a mouthful I crossed my long legs under the table, hitting my nails on the wood because his words made me growl a little.

“No one is ‘checking’ the women out. They have all been told, I’ll put them in a bloody burka if needed.” Shaking my head at the thought. “It’s a community event, with the Aunties and the uncles of those women bringing their cars over to HwH for a clean, some music, some BBQ, a drink. Nice and clean.” That was the plan at least.

Continuing to eat, my eyes moved over my kitchen table and the man sat across from me at ease as a walk to the spirits. He had made himself at home, giving this home of mine, and me something different and unexpected to look forward to.

“Paul is your problem today. I’m not even going to smack him up the side of the head.” Let’s face it, he was the first name to come to anyone’s mind when it came to being distracted by his wife. They were still like teenagers in their honeymoon period, even after all this time.

Now he had my eyebrows raised, this time with the crunch of the toast in my mouth. I had to sip on my coffee before replying to him this time around. “By the name of the spirits. Who are you and where is Embry Call? I never knew those words could spill from your lips.” And yes, my eyes lingered on his lips as I spoke.

My own lips curled up into a broad smile, giving him a wink.

“The first lesson of having a list... Is to stick to the time slots…. It’s where all the relaxation comes from. Knowing you can take the time to enjoy breakfast before everything kicks off.”

Setting the cup down, I continued with another forkful of the omelette. “Hey, how is your mom feeling? Do you think she will be up for a visit to the event?”

Our moms had worked so hard to organise everything that was needed today. The car wash was only one of the many things they did for the community. All the proceeds from today were going to redecorate the community centre and to make it more teenager friendly.

“I really want her to be there to see what it all looks like in full swing.”

I added, knowing it may not be possible. And I had a backup plan if she did miss it.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I shook my head with a mouth full of food as I piled butter onto a slice of toast. I swallowed my food and laughed. “Trouble… you know what townies expect at a charity car wash right?” I grinned and bit into the toast. Even bread tasted better here.

“I can handle Lahote…” I shuddered a little… “Not hands on flesh handle… I already told Rachel to take a pair of scissors to the mankini. Plus, I think the bragging rights of being let on your bike, for a ride is far too good of a prize to pass up. If you can manage to keep Rachel from cheating, we should be good…” I thought about it… “I’m 74% positive.”

I laughed again; we both knew those lists would only work for me in the bubble. My smirk grew cheeky. “Wait…” I sipped my coffee. “So, what I’m hearing is… you scheduled time to have breakfast with me?” The cheeky smirk became wicked. “So, this is kinda like a date?” I teased. My heart lurched. Traitorous letch.

I knew how badly she wanted Mom to see the fruit of her labour. And Mom wanted to be there too. “As of last night, she was feeling up for it. I told Quil that I had to help set up this morning; so, he said he’ll pick Mom up and take Little Bear with him. He’ll text me as soon as he gets there. She won’t miss this though.” The last part was pure hope, I knew how excited she was.

“She’s been looking forward to it for a long time. And there is nothing like a visit from Claire to give you a burst of energy.” That is true. Even I was excited to see her… It had been two weeks since her last visit. I missed the little sass machine when she wasn't around to give me a hard time. I took another mouthful of coffee… the food on my plate rapidly dwindling. “Spirits Trouble… you really can cook.” I flashed her that smile over the table. That one that is only for her.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

Swallowing the food in my mouth.

“Dimples… It’s a good thing I don’t give a crap what the townies actually want.” I choked a little frowning. “It’s also a good thing that I trust the ladies of La Push to have my back, while I’m working. They will do their best to keep you boys in line while they win this bet for me.” Biting on the inside of my cheeks, wondering if I should’ve helped them out with a car wash too.

My gaze settled on his face, with the sound of his laughing echoing from the walls, it made me smile again. A Reminder of how far the two of us had come.

“He wasn’t joking about the mankini? He’d been in HwH talking about it. But I put it down to jokes.” Shaking my head, “I should have really known better.”

Pointing my fork to the window. “And I’m not sure Rachel would destroy it. Sometimes that woman likes seeing the disapproval on my face too much.”

I heard his heart, unsure what caused the change in it and then I was laughing too. “No… I made time for my own breakfast, you just happen to be here, Wisearse.” He was so asking for a kick on the arse. If only we weren’t eating!

When the eggs were gone from my plate, I buttered my toast and sat back. Listening to Embry’s plan for his mom today.

“If you need some help let me know. We’ll have a seating arrangement set up for all the elders who want to stop by. That way, she won’t feel like we are babying her.” Tiffany Call was a proud woman and someone I look up to.

“And we all know, Bear will Mother Ma and Ms C. She likes telling them both what to do.” And they adored the kiddo so much, that they didn’t complain.

I took another bite from my slice of toast rolling my eyes at the man across from me.

“I will remind you. Tell anyone about this.” My hand moved over the table. “And you will be ten feet underground.”

Narrowing my eyes to emphasise the point I’m making.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I laughed because we all knew it was the truth. Leah didn’t put on a show for anyone else, so it meant she didn’t really care what others thought... she did what she thought was right and best, then dealt with the consequences of those actions; the good and the bad. And she had always done that alone.

She was doing that thing… biting her cheek like she did when she was thinking and making those perfect cheekbones completely irresistible. Making me want to bite that cheek and kiss those dimples. She wasn't making this easy. “As long as it's unfindable today… I don’t care what she does with it.” I chuckled again. “I made sure to remind her that Claire was gonna be there… A lot.” I stressed the last part.

“Oh right…” I smiled and sipped my coffee. When she claimed that I was just coincidental to her planning, if I wasn’t part of her plan… I wouldn’t be here. “My mistake.” But the smugness was impossible to hide.

 I knew she meant that, which was why it meant so much. “It's all covered… I can make plans too. But if anything falls through then you’ll be the first person I come to. I told her she should sit back and enjoy… the Masterminds like her and Sue make the plans then sit back and delegate. I’m hoping she listens… with everyone around… I know that they look out for her. She’ll have a good day.”

I laughed again, almost choking on another mouthful of coffee. “Even if I did tell… no one would believe that I was sat in Leah Clearwater’s kitchen, at the crack of dawn… eating breakfast with her in my boxers.” I finished my toast too and leaned back, stretching out a long leg to find her foot beneath the table.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

There it was again, the sound my home craved so much. Gone were the silent mornings, they were replaced by his laughter, his beating heart, and of course music.

I closed my eyes for a moment to shake the thoughts which kept coming, no matter how often he spent the night. I should be used to it by now. But I wasn’t. And it wasn’t a bad thing to feel this way.

“Hmm….” Right then the image of Paul flashed before my eyes, making me push them out as fast as it came. “Spirits… No…” shaking my head “Nope… Not even touching that with a barge pole. And if he doesn’t show up with nothing but a Mankini, he can be the one to explain to Emily why her little niece was made to witness his stupidity.” Safe to say, I’ll have kicked his arse by then.

“Oh… moms… the elders… they will keep Paul in line too. Maybe I won’t ever need to get my foot dirty after all.” Smirking at the new image of Ma and Ms C smacking Paul upside the head came to life. (Of course, the man was fully dressed in this image.)

His foot found its way to mine under the table, making my eyes lock on his with a perfectly raised eyebrow. “Are you turning into a Footsie player now Embry Call?” My foot stroked the curve of his.

By the spirits! What was this man doing to me? Clearing my throat, I moved to stand up before my mind went to places, we didn’t have time for this morning. Taking my dishes over to the sink.

“Do you want more coffee?” I asked over my shoulder towards him sitting at the table.

∞ Embry Call ∞

She truly was 100% here right now, even with us talking about the car wash… she was still all ours. I bit my lip when her foot grazed mine. Laughing at her reaction… “He will keep it family friendly. He might be all talk but when he sees the Aunties and Nieces and Nephews it’ll change his mind.”

Paul was the kinda guy you had to trust to read the room… He was always going to talk big, but when push came to shove, he would behave himself when it was needed. “I’m turning into an anything-it-takes-to-touch-you player, Trouble.” I smiled watching her move across the room…

“And it was clearly effective if you had to jump up to avoid temptation…” I teased, my foot still tingling where hers had stroked. But I didn’t need to point that out, right?

As badly as I wanted to say yes to that second coffee, I didn’t. There was plenty of time for morning coffees with her. “I should probably take a shower and head out… The boys will be on the move around the village early today.” I smiled. I didn’t say I needed to not smell like her before I left, we both knew that already… My jeep was in the village centre car park, and I wasn’t planning on going home before heading to the bar to help with the set-up. “They are all very keen to impress the Clearwater women today.” I teased. They did want to make Leah proud, Sue too… But with Leah spending more time with them outside of patrol and training… they were eager to prove themselves in this way too.

I stood up and took her my dishes. I set them next to the sink and grabbed a dish towel… the little routine we had established where she washed, and I dried made me smile. In Mom’s house, the cook didn’t clean… But Leah seemed to like her process; so, I just found a way to fit myself into it and make myself useful.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

“Shut it, Dimples. Like I said. We have a plan to keep up with.” That small touch of his foot had bolts of electrical energy shooting all over my nerves. But we didn’t need to give him a big headfirst thing.

“Jake and Sam have changed today’s runs up a little, giving all the guy’s time to come enjoy the show, and participate too.” Filling the sink with soap and hot water, I began to wash, handing the clean dishes off to Embry for drying.

“Ma and the elders will be impressed with anything the pups will do; they are good kids. Even if I still like kicking their arses.”

Speaking to them, spending time with them off runs, and opening myself up had given me the opportunity to learn so much more. Like Brady … and his stage presence and shyness. I didn’t know the pup could perform the way he did at the open mic night.

Handing off another dish, I smiled. Yet another moment that felt so familiar and open between us right now.

“Why don’t you go jump in the shower now? I can finish these off?” He was right about the pups being up and raring to go as soon as possible today. “I don’t want you bumping into anyone... don’t want you to find excuses or tell lies.”

I didn’t do it. I wasn’t going to put him in a position to need to do it too.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I chuckled and played dumb. “That is exactly what I have been doing… I have been on my very best behaviour, thank you very much!” I nodded when she mentioned the runs. “He told me yesterday that I won’t be running because Mom would wonder where I went. But I told him I’ll sub in if she goes home early. I don’t want the boys thinking I’m slacking.” I chuckled. I did feel a little guilty about that, but I would be happy to take a spot tonight and let the young ones enjoy a few drinks in celebration. It was the least I could do after a whole day off.

“They’ll work hard… I know they will. And bet or no bet the moms will get their dream budget for the centre. And a little arse kicking is good to keep egos and work ethics in check.” I laughed. “Once it’s balanced with a little praise.” I couldn’t help the grin; Leah had made such a huge stride with the younger ones… And they were responding. There might even be a few budding but innocent crushes forming, not that they would ever act on it. But that is just how these hormone bombs reacted to people they looked up to, it was hard to separate those feelings at that age.

“I can spare five minutes to help clean up since you cooked... It's still weird to be letting you wash up. And if you ever tell Mom that… I’ll tell her you threatened me with bodily harm.” I smirked. I dried the dishes as she passed them to me, setting them into their correct places. “And I wouldn’t need to lie. They rarely hear me tell them to mind their own business, so when I do say it they leave it alone… Probably because they assume they really don’t wanna know if I’m not willing to brag about it. But it gets the desired result in the end.”

I couldn’t say I was 100% opposed to lying. I lied every day to my mom, keeping her in the dark about what I was. I lied when I needed to protect the pack… I lied to the pups about my past… by omission, but it was almost the same thing. But I have managed to never lie about us. I knew how Leah felt about lying, and it wasn’t as though I enjoyed the sensation either. But her honesty was ingrained into the deepest parts of her being. It made lying about something that so profoundly included her at its core; feel like a betrayal.

It was when we finished up the dishes and I hung the dish towel back up that I leaned in and pressed my lips to her forehead for a long moment. My hands (respectfully) on her waist, because anything else would have me breaking the schedule. I kissed the end of her nose and then her lips just once, softly. Telling myself all the while that I had innumerable days ahead to kiss her and touch her as much as I wanted. Then I rested my cheek against her hair and inhaled her scent deeply. I couldn’t get this close to her once I showered, not today. When I was going on patrol, I left my clothes behind and on other mornings I normally went to see Mom or take her to appointments… her human nose couldn’t tell who I had been with beforehand. It was just one day that I needed to show a little restraint. Next time I had her all to myself, I’d find a way to make up for it.

With my lips so close to her ear I couldn’t help but whisper. “Try not to miss me too much today while I’m right in front of you.” I dropped my voice low, knowing those words would sink in.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

I closed my eyes letting his low whispered voice sink in deep. Everything about this morning felt so good, so together, like we had found a rhythm, and the true beat of our hearts and life. Even if the sound of his voice and the heat of his breath on my skin sent a ripple through my nerves. I turned into him, my arms moved to wrap around his neck, and I held him to me. The feel of his breath on my ear, the warmth and strength of his arms and body, the promise of what we had built and how we were on this journey together too.

“You’re only asking me not to miss you, because you know… you’re the one who is going to crack.” Whispering it right back to him.

I kissed him below his ear, the feel of his lips still lingering on mine as I pulled back to look at him. Resting my forehead to his I took a count of five, then glanced at him.

“You need to shower. And then so do I. Chop, chop, Dimples. Before I roll up a towel to spank your arse.”

Thoughts of the pups and all their hard work in the run-up to this car wash are still fresh in my head. I knew what Embry was saying about them trying so hard, I wasn’t blind to it. Maybe I could ease up a little on them the rest of the week. Or at least give them a chance to get some fun while we trained?

Letting my arms drop, I kissed Embry once more. Soft, light, gentle before taking a few steps away.

“Are you waiting for me to kick your arse now?” My hands crossed over my chest with a smirk on my lips. Nodding my head towards the hallway. “Get to it Call, we haven’t got all day.”

∞ Embry Call ∞

That intense yet still subtle energy passed through me… over my skin and down my spine like it only ever did when I was near her. I told myself again that we had plenty of time for these moments later. But that thought slipped away when her arms came around me.

I smiled… the kiss on my neck caused a tremor that I knew she felt. “Oh, I have no doubt.” I brushed my nose to the tip of hers. It didn’t cost me a thing to admit that I would crack first… We were built differently and somehow… unbelievably, built to fit together perfectly. It was how the Spirits kept bringing us together. “But… you’ll still let me in. So that counts in my book.”

She was right, I knew she was right. But it felt wrong to step out of this hold, to break the contact between our foreheads. “Threatening me with a good time is not going to get me outta here any faster, Trouble.”

The kiss had that one-last-kiss sort of vibe. So, I lifted my hands to her cheeks and leaned into it. Then I stepped away at the same time as her. “Still threatening me with a good time…” I said, turning on the ball of my foot and grabbing the clothes she cleaned the night before. Thankfully my usual style of black jeans, a band tee or a V-neck meant no one would ever notice if I wore the same thing two days in a row.

In her bathroom, I grinned at my reflection as I grabbed a towel and set my clothes down. When the water was running; I stepped under it and started to sing as I washed away the lingering scent of her from my skin… my wolf grumbled in the back of my mind, but he knew we had to. To keep him at bay I kept singing.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

“By the spirits…” Shaking my head as I walked towards the cupboard with my cleaning supplies in it.  “What has this man done to me.”

The answer was clear for me to see, he had done what the Spirits had guided towards, but more importantly what we both agreed to.

‘His voice is blessed by the ancestors.’ My warrior lazed within the walls of our soul. We both stood still listening to the sound of his singing with the running water and the beating of his heart. We both smiled getting to work.

The day was going to get away from us at some point, of course, I’d planned time in for it too. But it meant the chores around the house couldn’t wait until after my shift at the bar. Walking into the living room, humming along to his voice I began to set the furniture straight, dusting the table and the bookshelf. The TV had a good layer coating it, telling of how little we felt the need to turn it on.

‘He fills our time with more delight than a TV show could provide.’ She wasn’t wrong. ‘And music. Let’s also not forget the facts… He imbues our time with the pleasure of music too.’ Okay, not where I thought that was going. But. Also, true.

I worked around the house, cleaning and tidying while my warrior worked off a list of things which had evolved since the night Embry Call showed up on my doorstep to kiss me. And because she was on a roll, she reminded me of the fact that I’d punched him in the jaw for pleasure, before running across the street to kiss him back.

‘And now…’ She was bloody talkative this morning. ‘…He is a part of our bubble, and we like it this way.’ I rolled my eyes at her. Reminding her that she was the reason Dimples hadn’t been killed ten times over.

She has stopped me in my tracks. When he had said something or done something like he’d said before going into the shower; “Stop threatening me with a good time, my arse.” Rolling my eyes and smiling at the same time as I thought about it.

‘Look, how you have evolved too.’ This deserved a snap of my teeth, but I was too busy hoovering the floor, still feeling the lingering effects of him around the house.

∞ Embry Call ∞

She knew I could hear her, but that just made me smile even more. All those things others would miss… all those things that showed her openness. Her willingness to feel things out loud.

By the time I stepped out of the shower I heard her moving around the house… was she cleaning? By the spirits, it wasn’t even 7:30 yet! Or was it? My phone was still on her bedside table. Regardless, it was too early for chores!

I chuckled as I brushed my hair and shaved… all in the name of putting my best foot forward for the tribe. My mind drifted to the night before. Nope!

I put a stop to that right away. How about the first night we spent together? How well we had both fit together on her couch. I smiled. That one would do. I kept that feeling close, living in that moment as I dried off and dressed then hid away any signs I had been here. But I knew the only people that came here were Seth and Sue… they would be too busy to stop by today. Everything else I needed was in the Jeep waiting for me.

I stepped out of the bathroom and grabbed my phone and the hospital beeper, shoving both into my pocket. I found her in the living room cleaning. I chuckled. “You had housework on your list? Really? At this hour?”

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

The sound of the water in the shower turned off, and I could hear him padding about the bathroom. The thought of how I could tell what he was doing next made me smile again.

This was the unexpected part of this journey. The way this had become my mornings when he stayed the night. Breakfasts, showers, sounds of laughter and teasing.

Shaking my head, I turned to face him. “If I don’t do it now, I will have to do it tonight. And knowing the pack, I have a feeling it’s going to be the last thing I’ll want to do.” Keeping the house and the bar clean and tidy were things I could control. It gave me a sense of security in some ways, to know no one else could control the tasks.

Leaning on the hoover I tilted my head. The overnight growth was gone from his face, his wet hair drying before my eyes, and his freshly laundered clothes giving off the fragrance of clothes softener.

My gaze lingered on his lips a bit too long. Especially when I knew that o couldn’t walk over to him, and I definitely couldn’t kiss him now.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I grinned… leaning against the doorway… not daring to step all the way into the living room… not while she was looking at my mouth like that. Any other day? I chuckled. “Oh… right… of course. How silly of me to forget that the world would start spinning in the opposite direction if you skipped a day of dusting.” I teased her.

“They’re gonna work hard today. We need to let them celebrate afterwards.” I knew she would, she was starting to see the other sides of the guys, understanding the need to blow off a little steam with everything else they had going on.

I looked at the lightening day outside her window. “Looks like the weather is on our side today.” I gave her that smile, the one that was only hers. “I told you today would be perfect. But… Time continues to be a cruel mistress.” I straightened up and stepped back from the doorway. “I should get going… The Jeep is in the village. Gotta have the boys test their skills on a real beauty.” I winked at her.

I checked the group chat. “Seth is on his way…” I laughed. “Littlesea is threatening to climb through Fuller’s window because he deadbolted the door and won’t answer it.” The pup had clearly seen the messages, is status read ‘online’. It was perfect timing. If I was the first to arrive it would raise eyebrows. Early mornings weren’t an issue for me… but being on time? I could probably try a little harder. “Looks like I’m right on time!”

I headed down her hallway and slid my feet into my boots by her door. “See you soon, Trouble,” I said, sticking to our rule.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

I wasn’t OCD by any means when it came to cleaning. But when the majority of your time was spent rolling and running in, weeds, and mud in a forest, wanting the comfort of your home to remain in some form of order had become a necessity.

In the early days of moving in it had also been a ritual for me to calm that temper of mine. And now. It was a habit. One which helped when I needed time to think.

“Hey. I have fully given in to the fact that all of you need your time to celebrate any achievements. Now tonight unfortunately is going to be licking of wounds for you guys.”

Trash talk was all a part of the fun of the day, and it didn’t hurt to start now.

“Just make sure they don’t cut themselves on that rust bucket. We don’t need the pups showing off their healing skills to the rest of the tribe or townies as a sideshow.” I knew they wouldn’t, but didn’t hurt to remind the ringleader of Trouble of the dangers of showing off, right?

My eyes were on the sky past the windows, the storm from last night had passed leaving the day fresh.

His phone began to come to life, making me turn to face him again. Watching as he made his way to his boots and the front door.

“See you soon, Dimples. Have a good time today.”

Giving him the answer to that smile, with one of my own backs. His rule to never say ‘goodbye’, still going strong. As soon as he closed the door to my home, I began to replace parts of my wall. Today was going to be a test for both of us.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I knew that her cleaning was all about routine… she liked to do things a certain way… it was one thing in the vast number of details that made up Leah Clearwater. Something I thought I knew before our evolution. But honestly… it was exactly and nothing like what I thought I knew back then. And I had a feeling that my view of it would probably be a little different at some stage. Because this woman was constantly growing before my eyes.

“Oh!” I smirked. “Are you going to lick my wounds personally? … that might be worth throwing the game entirely.” I laughed. “Hey!! My baby doesn’t have a spot of rust on her…” Then I added. “Anymore.”

I flashed her that smile… My hand was on her door. “You too, Trouble. And please… feel free to think about me in the shower.”  I said before I slipped out and closed the door. Damn! I wanted to kiss her!

But the door was closed, and my feet were moving. There was no turning back. I needed to get into the village before more of the Pups hit the streets to get their jobs started for the day. As I walked, I texted the group and told Seth I would meet him at the parking lot in fifteen minutes. Then Brady to tell him if he wasn’t out of bed in five minutes; I was going to send Paul over.

And right on cue Lahote texts back. With: [Can I leave marks?] Followed by Brady: [I’m up! Leave me alone!]

I grinned to myself. “Mission accomplished.” I reached my Jeep and climbed in. “Showtime!”

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

The house was silent once again. The sounds of life were waking outside, but here in these four walls, things were different.

I couldn’t help but glance towards the small hallway and then my front door. How could one man make all my senses feel so much? My feet took me to my speaker, turning it towards the heart of my home. Before hitting play on shuffle.

Take It From Me (Stripped) – Jordan Davis

“Of course!” Biting the inside of my cheeks, I continued to smile, then went back to work, singing along to the song. My playlist shuffled from song to song, each one growing in tempo, leading to the perfect tune to set me up for the rest of the day.

Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard

The song played low so my neighbours wouldn’t be disturbed, but to me, the sound was crisp and just what I needed. The shuffle gods were moving me along.

With most of the cleaning, I gazed at the time. “Spirits! I need to get a move on.”

Running into my room, I slipped out of the t-shirt I’d slept in, leaving it on the made bed. I knew I should change the bedding, but I’d run out of time. And then again, my warrior reminded me, he wouldn’t be back tonight. The pups would want to celebrate, and they deserved it.

“I’ll change it later tonight, before I sleep.” It was a good plan. So, I pushed the thoughts out of my head. “By the spirits! What is that man doing to me!” Shaking my head I ran into the bathroom to shower and dress.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I connected my phone to the sound system and hit shuffle on the playlist I had put together for the day. I smirked and started the engine with a little love tap on the gas… She purred to life. “That’s my girl!” I stroked the wheel affectionately and pulled out of the car park a little quickly… but it was empty, so it was fine.

Imagine Dragons | Symphony (Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles Version) | Coke Studio

I sang along as I drove through the village, tempted to crank the volume and wake people up to get them to the car wash. But I decided to behave for now.

“So, tell my mom I love her, call my baby sister…

Should’ve hug and kissed her…

‘Cause life is just a mystery.”

I pulled into the bar’s parking lot, and I wasn’t shocked to see people there already.  Seth was laying out cones for the different lanes.  Sue was setting up a table with the cash box and all kinds of community centre pamphlets.  Nessie was setting up a sound system. She was the closest to me, so I stopped the Jeep and called out the window. “Hey… where’s your lesser half?” I asked.

She didn’t even blink at the joke. ‘He’s picking up the meat for the barbeque.  Sam didn’t want it in his car. The smell of raw meat makes Emily nauseous.’ She spoke. I instantly thought we needed a spot for her away from the cooking area, but Ness continued. ‘Text me the link to your playlist. I’ll add it to the mix.’ She said as she stripped a wire with just her fingernails and disappeared behind a speaker that was big enough for her to hide inside. I chuckled and told her I would send it.

“It’s gonna be a party.” I laughed and pulled over to the other side of the lot close to Seth.

I jumped and header to see where we were in the setup. I wasn’t surprised to see Mac come out from behind the bar. He waved and I waved back…   Seth looked me up and down. “See something you like kid?” I teased.

‘You wish!’ He teased back, and it was all kinds of gross considering I just climbed out of his sister’s shower. I covered by shoving him playfully. ‘Seriously though… are you going to wash cars in jeans and motorcycle boots?’

“Is that a bad idea?” I looked at myself with a perfectly straight face, then back at him. “I thought I looked good.”

Seth looked at me like he thought I was serious. “Kidding!!! Dude, I have shorts and trainers in the Jeep.”

He laughed and shook his head. ‘Sorry… haven’t had my coffee yet.’

“You should have said… The twins are on the way I’ll get them to pick it up.” I pulled out my phone.

‘No, Mom and I drove by, and Gemma was only arriving, they aren’t open…’ He started. But I already had my phone to my ear.

“Hey Gem!... How is my absolute favourite waitress?”  Seth just rolled his eyes.

Gemma was happy to help us out with our charitable endeavours today. I gave her all the coffee orders, teas to the mom and one of those weird, iced milk drinks with a tiny bit of coffee for Claire. I’d tell Quil it was decaf… but she could have a treat. I was sure she’d earn it. And texted the Pups to pick them up along the way.

“Okay!” I stuffed my phone into my pocket. “Where do you need me Pup?”

He tossed a traffic cone at me, and I caught it, laughing… Then we got stuck in.   

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

The call to feel the wind in my wet hair was too strong this morning. Rushing to leave the house once I was showered and dressed meant I got my wish.

As soon as I received a text message from Michael telling me my order was ready, meant I had no time to waste. The cloud cast over the sun for a little while, but it didn’t take away from the pleasure of ridding my baby down the still quiet streets.

Those who were up, waved a hand as I rode by. I knew Ma would be told once again; her daughter was racing the streets of the Rez without her helmet on.

So much for wishing people would mind their own business. The less they knew about me, the more they were intrigued to learn. But as much as I allowed it to annoy me in the past, now it just made me nod my head and smirk.

Kicking up a gear, I went into the speed and the call of Grandfather as he sang my name telling me to take in his light and let it shine bright. Words danced on my lips, a song unheard, forming into something I’d never felt before. I could feel it deep inside my soul, and it made me want to live this day with all its beauty and strength.

As I came to the parking lot before the bakery, I could hear the conversation between June and her daughter Jessica inside.

June may be a Clearwater by marriage; however, she had the blood of a warrior, and the heart of a mother rolled up in one. Most of the time she was kind, sweet, and easy-going. Until someone crossed her with the wrong intentions. She must have seen me through the window parking my baby, because the next thing I heard made me groan.

‘Let’s see what your cousin has to say about this. Why can’t you be more like her? Look how she carries herself.’ The words no girl wanted to hear from the lips of her mother.

‘Mom! Stop… Leah doesn’t need to hear about this.’  Jessica moaned, defeated.

I walked across the lot, acting as though I heard none of what was taking place inside.

‘We are family. She will want to know.’

Really. No. I didn’t want any part of this conversation. Pushing the door open, the chiming sound from the bell over the top sang, and their heads turned at once towards me.

“Hach Chii.” (Good morning.) I said stepping inside.

‘I’m so glad you are here Leah. Hach Chii.’ My auntie moved to come around the counter.

“Hmm… your husband messaged to say my order is ready.” Hoping if I reminded her, I had to go, she would back down. ‘Sure… Sure…. But I need your opinion on a situation first…’ she didn’t wait for my response and continued. ‘Your cousin is planning to wear this today at the charity event. Tell her how inappropriate it is, it will make the aunties talk, and what will the uncles think?’

Jessica shrivelled up her shoulders and looked so uncomfortable as her mom held up a short cut tank for a top and ripped tiny shorts.

The first thing I thought was she would freeze! The sun was out today sure, but it was still spring. With the water spraying all over the place. She would be hypothermic before the morning was out. But it’s not what I said.

“What’s wrong with it?” This time I didn’t wait for a reply. “She isn’t a baby; Jessica is a young lady with her head on the right way. You can’t expect her to live her life in fear of what people will say. Or think. If this is something you are happy to wear Jess. Then fine. As long as you are wearing it for yourself.” As much as Embry’s words about the Rez girls bugged me. I would never stop them from their choices. I would just punch anyone who looked at them inappropriately in the face.

No…. Spirits! Apparently, my warrior told me evolution meant, using my words and not my hands first!

‘Leah… you know how they all—‘ June started, I knew where she was taking the conversation, and from the look on her daughter’s face, she knew too. But June was cut off. ‘That’s enough!’  Michael came out from the back with four bags full of buns and doughnuts. ‘This topic is over. We have work to do.’ He smiled warmly at his daughter and then me.

My heart stopped, his side profile was the same as his brother, my father! But he was taller, a little more rounded, a little more worn in his face. The first thought I had was about my Da. And if he would have the same look about him if he were here today?

‘Hach Chii, this is your order, I’ve doubled checked, and everything you paid for, is in these bags.’ Setting them down on the counter. ‘And Jessy is meant to be packing the things we are planning to donate.’ He turned to his daughter. ‘Jessy will set it all up for sale. And when the Bakery closes, I will come by with more to help. Your mom works so hard for the community, this is our way to help too.’

“Thank you.” I said gratefully. “But I’m not sure how I will take all this.” I should have known to bring a car and not my baby.” I told him. I hadn’t expected the extra boxes they had set aside.  

‘It’s okay. I’ll bring it all with me now.’  Jessica told me, she’d taken the morning off from the practice to help. Her boss would be joining us a little later once today’s appointments over.

∞ Embry Call ∞

Seth and I finished laying out the lanes… making sure they were wide enough to accommodate trucks and still let people move around them. I watched as more people trickled in. Sue gave them jobs and then tried to do three jobs by herself. A light breeze came around us in circles. Sue scrambled to keep her flyers from scattering across the lot, weighing them down with little wooden carvings and totems… because of course, she came prepared. I knew this little whispering wind meant Leah was on the move. Watching Sue I realised how much of her mother she had in her, despite being entirely unique… “Clearwater women.” I laughed and shook my head.

‘Huh?’  Seth said from behind.

“Just noticing how well prepared the Clearwater women are and wondering what the hell happened with you,” I teased him.

‘Shut up.’ He laughed and shoved me. ‘I’m surprised Leah isn’t here yet.’ He took out his phone like he was checking for a text.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s off doing something that no one else has thought about.” I looked up and saw Littlesea’s truck pull in; with a hungover-looking  Brady in the passenger seat.  Seth made a beeline for them, craving his caffeine fix.

‘You got Gemma to open early?’ The Pup asked getting out with the tray of drinks, while Fuller passed one out of the window to Seth, then climbed out with more. ‘You know she already works ten-hour days, right?’

“Not open early… Just help us out with the early start. I’ll make it up to her.” I told him and Brady slapped my back. ‘I bet you will!’

I rolled my eyes. “She’s a baby… don’t be gross.” Gemma was a pretty girl, but I remembered when she sat in the corner of the diner, colouring pictures for her favourite regulars. She always preferred Jake… I never knew why.

‘She’s like… nineteen…’  Brady said like that wasn’t what I just said. The three of them started debating whether she was eighteen or nineteen.

“Guys!” I called to get their attention. “Can you continue this debate after I get my coffee, please!” And Littlesea handed me mine. “Thank you! Besides… if you’re all so concerned with Gemma… maybe one of you should take her out and treat her.”

‘Maybe I will.’  Brady waggled his brows.

‘What would your date from last night think about that?’  Collin asked.

‘Who?’ He asked and Collin proceeded to fill us in on the details of the half-naked guy in Brady’s house this morning.

I left them to it and took Sue her tea, setting a green tea down for Mom when she got here. ‘Thank you… Well, aren’t they all rowdy this morning?’ Sue laughed.

“Just getting them energised for the big day.” I smiled at her.

‘Well… Let’s stick to one coffee each. Shall we?’ She suggested as someone called out to Ness to remember to act human… She’d crossed the lot a little quickly… and apparently the irony of what they said and how loudly they said it, was lost on them.

“Good idea… Excuse me while I go crack some heads.” I said and by the way Sue nodded I knew she’d heard it too.

Crossing back to the guys gathered around the truck, they each got a swift slap upside the head (apart from Ness). Then I promptly reminded them all that we were in civilian mode (including Ness). And that Mac was still here, and other humans could show up any minute.

A few more texts came into the groups saying that people were on the way. Then Collin looked at me and said. ‘Hey, ’Bry… are you really going to wash cars in that.’ He pointed to what I was wearing.

“Why is everyone so obsessed with what I’m wearing today?” I grumbled.

‘Honestly…’  Nessie chimed. ‘I’m just glad you didn’t show up in a thong.’

‘Please don’t give him ideas!’  Seth groaned and I smirked at them all like it might just happen. They all cracked up.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞      

The scent of the pups was in the air as I turned the corner and began the straight run towards HwH. Nothing could prepare me for what the day held. ‘You will thrive today. We are helping Ma and the tribe. The young who will become our future.’ I knew she was right, but I also knew I had to ready myself for it too.

I never really did well in a crowd, I wasn’t a bloody wallflower in any way. But I knew my limits on how much craziness I could take too. ‘Well… today is a test.’ She sounded so happy and ready to dive into the depths of the madness!

Turning into the parking lot of our bar, I slowed down seeing two of the younger pups trying to put the big banner up on the road. They joked and teased until they heard the purring of my baby. They knew the sound, so I wasn’t shocked by the wave and the call of my name. Stopping I winked at them. “That banner needs to be straightened out pups.” Pointing to the side which had been dropped.

‘Sure, Leah. Right away.’ One of them said, while the other smiled his eyes coveted my baby.

I shook my head smirking. “You got to win the bet first pup, daydreaming about riding on the back of my boy… isn’t going to happen by itself.”

‘Sorry… he is just so beautiful…. and the sound….’

I knew what he felt so well. The rumble vibrated in our chests, the speed made you feel as though you were flying, and the revving of the engine… It was spectacular! Reaching out my hand, messing his hair up. “Get back to work. I’m sure there will be some breakfast waiting for you when you head back.”

Kicking off, I rode nice and slow. Taking in the sound, sights, and smells of the surrounding area. Everyone had put in a lot of hard work. My bike stopped behind the table and cover set up for Ma, as she worked on the flyers. She saw me coming and gave me her heart-filled smile. ‘Good morning, Usdi, how were your uncle and auntie?’

Parking up, my long leg flew over the top of my baby, before I stood up. “Nothing new there. Michael said he is coming over after they close later.” Walking over, leaning down I kissed her forehead. “And June…” Shaking my head. “I wish she would stop using me as an example for her daughter.”

She listened to me as I explained the situation I found myself in before. Her brows pulled together, head nodding. ‘It’s not her fault, Usdi.  We were brought up to be unseen. Because it was safer that way. I’ll speak with her.’ She squeezed my arm.

‘Finally! I’ve been waiting for you.’  Mac came up from the back of the bar. ‘The delivery came in last night as you planned. I don’t know what’s for today, and what we need to keep for stock.’

Ma smiled patting my arm. ‘I think the boys have everything in hand out here.’ Her way to give me leave to get to work.

Shrugging out of my jacket, I raised my eyebrow seeing the group standing around the orange truck we all knew belonged to the Littlesea Pup. Embry in the middle, as a king holding court with my kid stood right beside him.

“Work. Doesn’t happen by standing around. You gonna move those arses!” I said, walking away from the madness.

‘But it’s such a fine arse, Lee!!’ Ness replied without missing a beat, making me smirk.

“Keep it up little Cullen, we’ll see where that lands you.” She giggled; it sounded like sweet bells chiming in the wind.

‘I lo… L… LIKE YOU TOO!’ She sang over the sound of the music. Followed by a mutter from a pup. ‘Wow, Ness didn’t even get a snap for that one?’

Another voice added. ‘Don’t push your luck.’ Making me smirk. The sound of Jessica’s car engine came down the street as I made my way inside to see what Mac needed my help with.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I gave a quick glance to acknowledge Leah’s arrival… no one could ignore the beautiful bike… the sound of the engine. If I did… it would look like I was hiding something if I acted like I hadn’t heard her ride up.

I laughed at Ness and Leah’s banter. “Should I toss your coffee too then and Mac can just have his?” I called across the lot (just for the sake of the human) to her with a smirk. I handed two cups to Seth and told him to take them to his sister. I could see the minute he took them he was confused. “Cappuccino for Mac and Mocha for Leah,” I told him.

‘Since when does Leah drink Mocha’s?’ He chuckled and headed over like he knew she was going to send it right back.

“Chocolate is NEVER a bad idea.” I laughed… plus… she had made me breakfast, and I could repay it a tiny bit with a sweet treat.

As Jess pulled up noses lifted into the air, subtly enough that I didn’t need to correct them. ‘Is that breakfast?’ Brady groaned. As Jess parked the car, the door open and it was indeed breakfast. The boys almost swarmed her with the boxes in her arms.

“Oi!” I called to them. “Stop.” They did. “Stay!” I smirked and stepped between them to hand Jessica a coffee cup. Patting the youngest pup on the head as I did. “Good boys.”

 Jessica laughed. “Vanilla latte for the lady…” I smiled.

‘How did you…’ She shook her head and took the cup. ‘Thank you.’

I asked her if she’d eaten, and she told me she had and couldn’t eat another bite after all the baking happening this morning. I relieved her of the boxes and grabbed a cup. I walked over to Sue’s table and offered her first choice of food. “Auntie. Tea and first pick?” I smiled. She touched my cheek and smiled. ‘Such a good boy.’ She whispered.

Then I took the food back to the truck and set it on the open tailgate. “Have at it you savages! Save a doughnut for Emily and a cinnamon roll for Rachel.”

‘I see what you are doing Embry Call.’ Jessica wagged her finger at me and sipped her latte.

“And what exactly am I doing?” I asked and bit into a bear claw.

‘You are being all sweet and considerate to the girls to get them on your side today!’ She set a hand on her hip and gave a sassy little pop that made me laugh.

“Am I?” I asked, my expression full of suspicion.

‘Dude!’  Brady slapped my back. ‘That’s genius! Hey, Jessica. You look gorgeous today.’

She clearly flushed but managed to effortlessly look him up and down and say ‘Eww’. Which was received with raucous laughter and the pup faking a heart attack… or a gunshot wound. I shook my head… whatever it was it was very dramatic.

They were all having a good time… it was a good thing. “Okay, eat up and then back to work guys.” The two pups that had been hanging the banner came back and I waved them over. “And save something to eat for Leah and Mac too.”

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

‘Who is tossing coffee?’  Mac questioned as I dropped my jacket in the office and pulled my hair up over the top of my head into a messy bun.

‘Wow… Miss Clearwater!’ Turning to face him with a questioning raise of my eyebrow. ‘Are you trying to steal hearts today?’ This earned Mac an eye roll.

“Are you looking for an arse kicking?” He just laughed and reached a handout towards me. ‘You best save me a dance today. That’s all I’m saying.’

The sound of Seth’s footsteps saves me from replying. ‘So, there is a cappuccino here with your name on its bro. And sis…’ he handed Mac his coffee and then came to place mine down on the bar before me. ‘A mocha… for you?’ Shaking my head. ‘I think Call is trying to butter all the ladies up. He should know better than trying it on with you.’ I didn’t say anything in reply, just got myself to work.

“Less talk and more work. Bring me up to speed while you drink your coffee.”

Both quickly rattled off a progress report as I moved stock around. What was meant for the event today, I placed on a couple of tables in front of the bar, and the other things I set down on the bar themselves.

Once I had most of the boxes in place, straightening up, to take the cup from the bar top, sipped on it. Would I buy one of these for myself? No. But it was nice, and I could tell Gemma had been the one to make it. Her scent lingered in the background of the cup.

Under the sound of the music outside, I could hear the way Embry had taken some form of control over the pups. They were all good kids, but I couldn’t tell the excitement of the morning meant they needed a little nudge to remind them why we were doing this.

“Mac. Why don’t you go grab yourself some breakfast? Jess is out there with some stuff from the bakery.” His eyes widened and he didn’t need to be asked twice. As soon as he was out of the door I turned to The Kid. “What is the plan for the runs today?”

He took the cup from my hand, trying the drink tentatively. From his reaction liking it. ‘Sam, Jake, and Jay have it covered, I’ll slip out later on, so Sam can bring Emily and Kishil down.’

Nodding my head as I listened. “You don’t need to slip out. I’ll do it. Take the late run too so you can kick back with the pups.”

He shook his head now. ‘We’ve got it in hand. So nope. You need to keep all this rowdy bunch in line.” He nudged me in the arm.

“Sure, sure. But it looks like Embry has it in hand.”  Seth stopped sipping from the cup. ‘Wow. Was that praise coming from your lips, Sis?’

∞ Embry Call ∞

It didn’t take long for the boys to start polishing off whatever they had selected for breakfast. And then I assigned the jobs that Seth and I had talked about. Most of the kids were unloading supplies at the end of the temporary lanes. Making sure what we had was evenly distributed and each lane had everything we needed. We had a separate area for anyone willing to pony up a little extra for a full-on polish and buff, with the repaired buffer from the carwash in Port Angeles.

I sent Collin and Brady to organise the hoses, Brady was, in general, a joker… but when it came to making sure everything was safe, those two worked the best together. They would make sure nothing was going to be a tripping hazard for us and anyone stopping by.

‘Someone told me there was food out here!’  Mac came back outside. I told him to help himself and he went to eat with the last kids who were finishing up their food.

I heard a familiar car pulling up and I smiled, already walking across the lot to meet it.  Quil pulled up right next to the table where Sue was still sitting working away with only two bites of her muffin taken. I opened Mom’s door and helped her out.

‘Good morning sweetheart!’ She beamed… she looked good… she was even wearing just a little make-up. She was feeling good today. I was so glad… she’d so looked forward to this.

“Hey, you look great!” I smiled and hugged her. Walking her to the seat set out for her as Claire and Quil climbed out of the car. “Hey, Little Bear!” I turned just in time to catch her as she jumped up for a hug.

‘Look!! Momma T painted my nails!’ She was trying to show me her fingers before I even set her down… each one was a different colour. I looked at Mom and laughed.

‘She couldn’t decide.’ Mom shrugged. ‘I was teaching her that a girl can have everything she wants.’ I grinned… I knew if I asked; what about boys? She’d tell me they grew up in a different world and she was right.

“Hell yeah, they can!” I gave Claire a high five and Quil went to move his car out of the way.

‘So… it’s looking good out there. When will we be up and running?’ Mom was all business.

“I’d say we could start washing cars any time now… I’m not sure if we are supposed to wait on the food and everything, or if all that is for later in the day.” I told her.

‘We can get everything ready, but I don’t think we need to fire up the grill for a while. No one will want a burger at nine AM.’  Sue said.

‘Burgers?’  Quil said walking back… ‘There’s burgers?’ He looked around. The moms laughed.

‘Well, we can’t count these boys… they never stop eating.’ Mom teased. ‘They have to keep those muscles fuelled up.’

Claire complained when we asked her to stay here and help mom and Sue, only agreeing to stay put because we promised she could help with the fun part.

I was about to walk off and get back to work when Mom called out. ‘Sweetheart… are you really going to wash cars in those?’

I rolled my eyes. “Why is everyone so obsessed with my clothes?” I huffed. “I have shorts in the jeep.”

‘What are you waiting for then?’ Mom crossed her arms and popped a brow. There were snickers across the lot.

I surrendered and went to grab my backpack and change behind my jeep.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

‘Oh, my goodness! Leah…. You didn’t tell us there would be a show to watch this morning. I didn’t bring any ones with me!’ The mother, daughter duo who were our cleaning team came shaking their heads, and butts as they shrugged out of their coats. ‘Yeah Leah, I’d have offered to help that one out there with changing!’ The daughter added laughing.

 Seth beelined it out the back with the cooler boxes to fill them with ice. ‘Of course, Embry is putting on a show.’ He was laughing. Because of course, he heard the full conversation taking place outside. ‘He is setting up his dates for tonight.’ Then the sound of the ice machine came to life.

‘Jokes aside, I just told Sue this is such a good idea. And look at the young ones all coming to help out there.’ The mom moved to pick up the hoover.

‘Looks more like a photoshoot for Abercrombie and Fitch if you ask me.’ Her daughter leaned over to look out the windows at the front of the bar. ‘We have some fine-looking boys and girls on our Rez.’ I mean, could we really disagree with her?

“Okay ladies, you know the drill. Could I ask you to give it a once over? And then you’re back tomorrow for a deep clean.” They got themselves to work. Singing around to Nessie’s playlist.

Picking up two cases of beer (even if I could take more. But… humans…) I made my way outside. Stopping at the doorstep to let my glance fall over the view before me. The place was starting to come together.

‘Lealea!!!’  Claire came bounding up from behind the table next to Ma and Ms C. Setting the cases down I caught the teenager before she jumped up, giving her a look. Bringing her to my side and kissing the top of her head.

“You’re growing a mile a minute, Bear. Didn’t we talk about slowing it down on your last visit?” She beamed giving me a full 360 turn. ‘Dada says I’m not allowed to grow. But Mom told him girls grow up too fast.’ A conversation I was sure she wasn’t meant to overhear.

‘We’ve got to make the most of it Usdi.’ The two of us had started to walk up to see the moms. Ms C nodded her head in agreement with her friend.

“Hey beautiful, ready to steal some hearts today?” Leaning down I kissed the top of her head.

‘Oh... stop…’ she blushed smiling up. Her temperature was okay for now, knowing full well the blankets were close by ready in case the wind picked up.

“You know Leo is coming with the Pizza truck. I’m sure he is going to be fighting for both your attention.” I winked at them. Turning my attention to the truck pulling up.

‘And now the party can kick into action.’  Paul was hanging out of the passenger side of his truck while Rach drove, with Kim in the back.

“Here we go!” Giving him the mother of all eye rolls. “Bear, don’t you dare listen to a word that one says.” She giggles running off to meet the girls.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I heard the conversation inside and muttered. “Dammit!” to myself.

‘Really ‘Bry…’  Quil called over. ‘There are bathrooms inside!’

I stuffed my legs into the shorts and pulled them up. I made sure not to look in the direction of the window. You know, acting human and all. “It's not like I got naked! I have boxers on.” My best friend just rolled his eyes, and I walked back towards the others. “Besides! If we have the ladies of the Rez worked up already then, we’re three steps ahead! Wait until the guys all take off their shirts.”

‘I’m not taking off anything!’  Littlesea called out and I waved him off.

‘He’ll change his mind when that sweet new girlfriend of his shows up.’  Quil chuckled. But I wasn't so sure. The pup was confident around his pack brothers… but today? Not that anyone would give him a hard time.

I had to hold back a smile when I heard LittleBear talking to Leah. But Quil’s was on full power, and he watched the two completely unhindered. “She’s in a good mood today,” I noted.

‘Leah?’ He asked me with brows pinched.

“Claire.” I laughed and he joined me. “But Leah too.”

‘Yeah… for at least another week and a half.’ He smirked.

“She’s going through a lot… She’ll be fine.” I slapped his back. “Go do some work, will you? set an example for these layabouts.” I patted Brady on the head as we passed. But he was clearly extremely busy; untangling a length of hose and he stuck out his foot to try to trip me which I side-stepped easily. “Nice try! Better luck next time.”

 Claire was running off to Rachel and Kim, getting great big hugs from them both. I gave both imprints a kiss on the cheek when Claire released them. “Good morning, ladies!”

‘I heard your uncle’s game was on point on Claire’s last visit.’  Kim beamed at me when she was sure Claire was distracted by Paul trying to teach her a ridiculous not-so-secret handshake. I just shook my head.

“Not really… that was the bare minimum effort,” I admitted. “But if you deem it worthy of praise, who am I to deny you the opportunity?”

‘You know… sometimes I think you really would be perfect boyfriend material for someone out there…’ She patted my arm. ‘And then you open your mouth.’

I laughed but tried to look offended as I said. “Rude!’

‘Are you pissing off the girls already? That wasn’t the plan Call!’  Lahote jumped on my back monkey style and messed my hair. Then he jumped back down.

I whistled to the Pup nearest the orange truck and beckoned him over. He came running with coffee and whatever was left of the bakery boxes. “Coffee for the ladies.” I smiled and handed them each their cups. “And I can’t take credit for the breakfast… but only because Leah is right there, and I would like my arse to remain thoroughly un-kicked today.”

They both laughed and Paul gave me a thumbs up. Then I spoke to anyone that was gathered around the table, the moms, Leah and even Claire sipping on her weird cold coffee thing. “We are pretty much ready to go in terms of washing cars… Is there anything else we need to set up before then?”

A few more of Sam’s Pups came into the car park... walking, probably just off the night run.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

I stood behind the two moms with my arms crossed over my chest. Watching, listening, taking in all the conversations, and best of all not reacting to any of them.

People were in their element with the new arrivals being welcomed, and those who were working already stepping closer to the gazebo erected over the mom’s table.

Ma’s hand came to rest on my waist as she sat, when I let my gaze drop down to see her, I found her and Seth sharing a smile and a look. “What are you both up to?”

‘Nothing at all.’ She gave me her hundred-watt smile, sharing something with The Kid for sure.

“Sure, Sure. I’ll believe you, but a full jury of your peers may not, Ma.” The Kid carried the cooler out setting it down beside the table, before going to collect the cases of beers I left beside the door.

All eyes turned to me when Embry asked the question. I just shook my head and dropped my chin down to the two moms. “This is their show… Ma… Ms C… What’s next?” They beamed glancing at one another.

Ma dropped her hand from me, and from my vantage point, I saw her taking Ms C’s hand under the table to squeeze it. ‘I think we should kick start the BBQ?’ Tiffany Call came to life.

‘I know Leah has bacon and sausage in for a breakfast grill. The scent of food will pull the crowd in.’ She pointed out the cars and trucks in the parking lot that belonged to everyone there. ‘Is it okay with Leah, Seth, and Mac’ The two boys straighten up hearing their names. ‘We could park them around the back, leaving space for people who want to spend money to park up front. Also…’ Now she was on a roll. ‘Maybe let’s begin cleaning some of them.’ She pointed at a few which had a foot of mud hanging off the sides. ‘The best adverts are visual. People driving by will notice the signs, however seeing all of you at work will make them pull in.’ 

My lip curled up into a grin. “You heard the lady.” I pointed to the far side of the parking lot.  Mac knew what I was about to say so began running towards his truck to start the parking line.

‘This way guys, If I park in the back, you can all block me in. I’m here until closing tonight.’ I raised my eyebrow at Mac’s statement. We will see about it. He could stay until closing tonight, but he wouldn’t be working all that time.

“Hey, Mac… Hold up…” I turned to follow him before he jumped into his truck. ‘What’s up?’ he asked, pulling the door open. I lowered my voice, aware of all the ears who could hear us. “Take today easy, okay. Have fun, help. But don’t let me catch you trying to keep up with the young ones.” Mac dropped his head a little, kicking his boot into the ground, as he did when he was considering what was being said to him. ‘I’ve got this. I’m doing better these days.’

He knew I would take him at his word. But I would kick his arse if he didn’t take care too.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I gave Sue and Seth a quizzical look when Leah asked them what they were up to… I hadn’t noticed anything. But since when was Leah ever wrong about these things? Maybe today would have an interesting twist.

I was definitely not volunteering to start the grill, cooking for me and Quil was risky enough… but humans? Nope… I couldn’t inflict that on the Reservation.

“Well, I’m not cooking!” I said quickly and I tossed my keys to Fuller. “I’m gonna stick to my strengths...." Which they all knew was attracting attention. “Let’s have the twins move the cars around back. Pull up my Jeep and the goofy one’s truck into the lanes and we can wash those, let people see what they’re in for today.” I swatted Paul on the arm as his imprint laughed to Kim about how she still thought it was weird we called them twins. Which made sense for a real twin. “You with me?” I winked at Paul. The Pups were already moving the vehicles I asked them to.

‘You know it!’ He winked back.

I called across the lot to Ness (for the benefit of the humans.) “Good to go Ness?” She gave me a thumbs up. “You know the one I want! Crank It!” She skimmed the screen of her laptop and laughed before the music changed.

Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town

Paul already stripped his shirt off and tossed it at Rachel, who rolled her eyes. I did the same as I headed back to the lanes and tossed mine at a horrified Seth. Mom and Sue were in hysterics and trying to hide it behind their hands.  Sue shrugged at her son who was holding my shirt between two fingers like it was a smelly sock. ‘At least they kept their shorts on.’ She laughed.

‘For now.’  Rachel watched her man walk across the parking lot fanning herself.  Paul spun and blew her a kiss. I just laughed.

‘Boys are weird.’ I heard Claire say and then Kim… ‘You said it sister.’ Then she asked Claire to help her start getting everything ready for the grill.

I didn’t trust Paul not to mess with the Pup’s truck, but he respected the, so I let him wash mine while I started on the bright orange and perfectly clean truck. The rest of the vehicles in the lot were starting to move around the back. We could drive them back around if we didn’t catch any fish this time around.  Paul was singing along with Phil Lynott as he hosed off my Jeep.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

Listening to Paul’s voice singing ‘Boys Are Back in Town.’ I found myself rubbing my forehead, I dropped my chin to hide the glimmer of laughter making itself known to me. She was smiling too, enjoying what we saw and heard all around us. Nessie was in her element, dancing and singing, with way more energy for this time of the day than anyone should have. 

‘All the packs coming together for one goal. This is how it is meant to be. How our warriors are meant to lead the way forward. Together.’ She was correct. Lifting my gaze, to take all of it in. The ease, the teamwork, the laughter, the teasing. Things I had been blind to for so many years. ‘Well, you see them now. It’s why it’s called evolution.’ She wasn’t wrong.

Our eyes flowed over in the direction of Embry, moving over and then passed him as any other day. He had been the one to pull me down this side of the life I’d left myself out of. There was no question in my mind. Would I have ended up here by myself? Maybe. But it wouldn’t have been for a long time.

‘We want people to spread the word and spend their cash ‘Bry. No one wants you to give out food poisoning.’ Seth laughed throwing the shirt in his fingers over the back of a chair. He pointed towards the pup. ‘Hey goofball, you’re the best of us when it comes to food. Take on the grill this morning? Billy will be here in a while to -- take over.’ Collin Littlesea went beet red in his ears, telltale signs the boy was embarrassed by the compliment.

Turning I left them to it making my way back inside with two Danish pastries wrapped with napkins. “Ladies, breakfast is on the bar when you are ready for it. I’ll put the coffee pot on too. So, help yourself.” They both acknowledged me as they hummed and danced inside the bar.

Shaking my head, I rolled up the sleeves of my button-down, pulled my hair back up again into a messy bun, and began my own jobs indoors.

‘Leah?’ The pup’s voice came from the door, with only his head showing when I turned to follow the sound of his voice. ‘Uhm… well… you…’ I raised my eyebrow, telling him to spit it out. But I didn’t push him. ‘The food… for the grill…’ He finally asked.

 “Hmm… Yeah. Of course.” Nodding my head towards the stock room behind the bar. “It’s in the big fridge back there. Want me to help you take it out?” He slowly moved to stand in the doorway and then slowly ran around the bar.

‘No… no... It’s all good. I got it.’ His red ears were still a beacon.

“Take out only what you need for now. We can always add to the grill later.” I called out behind him.

‘Yes… Sure. We need to serve the food fresh and hot.’ This was why The Kid picked him to work the grill. The pup got it.

“Exactly, pup… Exactly.”

∞ Embry Call ∞

I heard Seth assign the pup to cook and smiled. A glance over confirmed that he had turned red, and I chuckled. He’d do fine and he was even fussier than Leah so any humans eating his food would be safe as houses… like the houses the Pup built for a living… He was going to do just fine.  Brady and some of the younger pups came over and started helping us out.

We took our time with the jeep and the truck since we just wanted to draw people in. It didn’t take long before we had a car pull in. The smell of the food on the grill blew across the lot.  Fuller looked up from where he was scrubbing his best friend's alloys and told me to go ahead and start and he would finish the truck.

The driver stepped out and I knew immediately… I threw the Pup a glare. This was the date… He had showered… but any Spirit Warrior worth his salt could smell the Pup and night’s activities still clinging to him. And Fuller was currently doing everything possible to avoid the guy.

Any other day I would be all for wing-manning his way out of this. But there were bigger fish to fry today. Of course, I talked to him about cleaning his car. I let on I knew none of this, I’d never met the guy after all. “There’s food over by the bar doors… and the lovely ladies over there can tell you all about the event today. Why don’t you help yourself? We’ll get started on the car.”

He just mumbled a ‘Sure thing.’ And handed me the keys. Then seeming to think that might have been rude he gave a more enthusiastic ‘Thank you’, before weaving carefully through the cones.

“Really! You’re just going to act like you don’t know him?” I sprayed the pup with a hose as I passed him.

He tried to play dumb and gave up. ‘He wanted to come today and volunteer… just a little clingy… Not sexy.’

I looked back over at the guy. “He looks good from here,” I smirked. The Pup rolled his eyes. “What did you tell him?”

‘I told him it was private property, and we’d already filed all the names of volunteers with the insurance company.’ He spoke as we each worked on the separate cars.  Paul was now driving my gleaming Jeep around the back.

“That was quick thinking,” I laughed. “But if he is going to hang out for a while you will have to speak to him.”

He groaned. ‘I’ll tell him I’m not out and I’ll text him later.’

“No!”  Paul and I said in unison, as he walked up to help me now. The pup's furrowed brow was all the question I needed to continue.

“I think you’ve forgotten that we had a front-row seat to you coming out, Pup. You can tell him anything you want but you won’t disrespect yourself like that.”  Paul slapped me on the back with a soapy sponge.

‘What he said!’ He agreed and I glared and pulled the sponge out of his hand.

The pup huffed. ‘Fine, I’ll go say hi! I’ll park this first.’ He drove the truck around the back. I glanced over to see Mr Clingy talking to Collin across the grill.

‘Is that how you’re going to react when your previous hookups show up?’  Paul teased.

“They won’t…” I glared…. Teasingly… mostly.

‘Or they will… and you won’t remember them.’ He laughed.

“Shut up and get to work Lahote… it's an actual paying customer this time.” I tossed the sponge at him. Even though there was no doubt that both Collin and I would drop a few bills into the kitty today.

‘Do you think the Pup knows his date is loaded? This car isn’t even a year old, and this model starts at thirty-five grand?’  Paul was looking over at Mr. Clingy.

Then he started to sing along with the next song Nessie played.

Someone To You – The Banners

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

As the Banners blared out of the speakers, I stopped chopping the fruit for the bar. My phone pinged in my pocket; it was Leo’s son letting me know they were on their way. I hadn’t expected them to both come over, as I knew Leo liked to be present at their permanent truck in Port.

Replying to them quickly, giving some extra directions I spoke to The Kid through the havoc taking place outside. “Kid… Leo and his son are on their way. Can you make sure the generator is in a place where we want to park them up?” I didn’t shout or call out. No one but him would know I was talking to him.

Pocketing my phone, I went back to finishing off the morning setup for the bar. No customers would be allowed inside other than to use the restroom until midday. But I wanted to make sure that the place was clean and set to go.

‘Are you planning on coming outside anytime soon?’  Rach stood at the door smiling in my direction.

“Why, are you bored of watching your hubs already?” I volley back.

She rubbed her hands together giggling. ‘Never… that man keeps me wanting more each and every day.’

“Rachel! Stop!” Screwing up my nose. “I’ve told you a million times. Some things need to stay out of my head.

‘Leah Clearwater! Are you imagining my husband in bed?’ She pretended to look shocked.

Not missing a beat, I replied. “Nope… I’m imagining your cum face and hearing your climactic moans!”

She went red in the face and cried laughing as she pulled her small frame up on top of the bar stool. ‘Okay… okay… you win!’ Lifting her hands into the air.

“You should know better by now, woman.” I couldn’t sell alcohol, and I knew she was there for it. So, I turned my back on her, pouring coffee into the takeaway cups we’d bought.

‘The Aunties really did a great job putting all this together.’ She said changing the subject.

“Hmm… You should tell them.”

‘I did, but I wanted to tell you too.’ I raised my eyebrow looking at her through the mirror in front of me.  Rach was watching me work.

“Okay….” Facing her with a tray full of paper cups I crossed to set it down in front of her. “Why does it feel like there is more you’re trying to say?”

She smiled shaking her head. Jumping down to pick up the tray. ‘There isn’t. Other than…. It’s good to see our family all together doing amazing things.’ She started to walk back towards the door. ‘You should come out… we have our first paying customer.’

I called out after her. “Oh, trust me… the first two will be paying too.” It didn’t have to be with money. But they were working hard for Ma and Ms C and the children of the Rez.

∞ Embry Call ∞

Another familiar truck drove past from the direction. Jacob was hanging out of the window wolf whistling and catcalling at me, and the guys washing the car. I just laughed… even with her headphones on Nessie heard him… But she managed to react like a human. She waited until he pulled in and ran to him. Almost forgot to take off the headphones attaching her to the decks, she jerked back and slipped them off before sprinting (though it probably felt like walking to her). Jumping up into Jake’s arms before he even had both legs out of the door. He caught her one-armed and laughed about only having seen her two hours ago and still covering her face with kisses.

Brady’s clinger watched the scene with a big goofy smile that made me like him more… even if the pup had a point about the clingy thing.

‘One day someone will be that excited to see you, Call.’  Paul would have sounded like he was teasing anyone else, even in his own pack. But I knew him in ways other people didn’t. He meant it… he meant to tease too… but more.

I just laughed and shook my head. “You think I’m pining?” I scoffed and tossed a chamois at him while I went to get a dry one. “I’m just happy for my friends.” And who knew when we would all be in the same place as this again? I looked over to Mom, the pup was handing her a bacon sandwich. And she was quizzing him about his new girlfriend, he was only too happy to gush about her, which would, of course, make my mom’s day. She loved nothing more than a real-life love story.

And as he walked away, he said, for my benefit. ‘It’s turkey bacon.’ I think they all knew what Mom’s stomach could and couldn’t handle from listening to my internal monologues… no matter what pack they were from.

‘She looks really good today.’ Paul noticed with a goofy grin. ‘I’m glad she made it… she worked so hard… Hey, remember when I used to have a massive crush on your mom when we were kids?’ He whipped me with the cloth he had been using to polish water spots off the chrome finish of this fucking beautiful car… I mean it would be nicer in red… but damn!

I laughed remembering a recent conversation with Leah regarding passed crushes and I tried hard not to look at Rachel, who picked this exact moment to come back outside.

 Brady was talking to Mr. Clingy now, he even leaned in and kissed his cheeks. “Do you know who that guy is?” I asked Paul.

‘Not his name no… he just moved here from Neah Bay. He’s looking after the Fox kids… while their grandmother is recovering.’ He explained.

“Wow… kinda young to be an uncle. There’s what… three kids in that house?”

‘Had to… or they’d have probably been placed with townies. And there’s four… the eldest girl had a baby last year.’  Paul said this like it was a normal thing. And it was around here. We really needed this community project.

Okay… So maybe I liked this guy a little more, now.  Brady needed to make up his mind about this guy before letting it get too far. I’d always told all of them to make the boundaries clear if it was a one-and-done situation.

“Might be a good idea for them to use some of the money made here today for sex-ed,” I muttered.

‘Didn’t you read any of the pamphlets they printed up?’  Paul scoffed and I looked at him as if to say Did you? ‘They want to have sexual health talks and a parenting class. It’s a little bit of a contradiction… but I guess those kids need support too.’

“Wait… Hold up…” I stopped and looked confused. “You can read?” I said it with near-perfect conviction, right before he tried to tackle me around the middle, but I was ready for him, and we tussled a little.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

Giving the ladies inside a helping hand to reach the taller areas, I gave them their cheques for the last month. Thanking them for their hard work and reminding them to help themselves to food outside and to stay or come back depending on what jobs they had going on. I wasn’t surprised to hear they had changed their work plans around a little, so they could hang out and see how the morning pans out here.

Handing two of them sodas I went to give the bar its final wipe down before standing back. My ears heard the song, making me smirk. The girl had been busy finding the right tunes from playlists to set the mood today. This one had to have been pulled from mine.

Car Wash (Remix) – Rose Royce

As soon as the first notes played, I knew the song. It was one Ma and Ms C would appreciate. I heard my name coming - from outside, so I set the cloth in my hands down to the side making my way to the owner of the voice. “What’s up, Jess?” I asked.

My eyes found Jake, giving him a nod, getting one back telling me the run had gone well this morning. And then I saw the reason, Jess called me.

I crossed my arms over my chest at the sound of the bike turning around in the street to come back towards the parking lot. “Is this your doing?” I asked her. My young cousin vehemently denied having anything to do with the new visitor with the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250.

Juan Diaz was the part-time vet on the Rez, and a helping hand to the pup’s new imprint. The man seemed full of himself until you got him alone without an audience to play up to. He had taken care of the Pup’s imprints practice giving heramuch-needed break from working 24/7! Which she had been doing happily alone until my cousin talked the vet into offering Jess a job. Juan’s family had agreed to partner with the practice here on the rez.

He parked his bike, sitting there smiling in our direction. “Have you lost your way?” I called out. “The Practice is about three miles down in the other direction from here.”

Setting his hand on his heart he laughed. ‘You wound me, Miss Clearwater. I saw the sign.’ Pointing his thumb over his shoulder. ‘And wanted to see if you were willing to give this beauty a once over?’ From his direction, I could tell Juan had stayed the night in the shared Rez accommodations Billy had helped to assign the practice, so that they didn’t have to travel back and forth from La Push and Port each visit.

The moms sat up taking notice, and the pups all rushed forward, I could sense them trying to fight one another to get there first. “Hey. Stop!” I called out, they all did. “Take two steps back.” They took three. “I believe the man was asking me the question. This is a competition after all. Just because we gave you guys the first ride; doesn’t mean you get the next.”

Juan sat on his bike smirking, watching it all unfold. ‘Gotta love a woman in charge boys.’ He winked at them.

“Kim, grab my bike kit from the back office?” I called out.

Kim jumped to action, overly excited. ‘I’m on it…’ she told Claire to head back to the Aunties.

“Jess, you can help me,” I called out next.

‘Yes, Leah.’ She ran over to Juan hugging him, the sound of her sweet giggles making my lips curl up into a barely noticeable smirk.

‘Hey, sunshine. Did you miss me?’ He asked her. I turned my head distracted when the wind changed and it brought the scent of the new guy sitting to the side, but it was the mixture of him and…

“Pup?” I called out to Brady who came half running, and half moseying on over. “That’s not going to be a problem today, right?” Raising my eyebrow. Ma didn’t need drama today or any day.

‘Nope…’ Popping the P. ‘Not today…’ He gave me an attempt of a charming smile, which didn’t fool me the slightest.

“Hmm…” Waving the pup off to get back to his tasks. My ears picked up on Ms C’s voice asking Ma who the cute guy on the bike was. And I stopped listening.

‘Here you go, Leah. It’s all here.’ I took the bucket from Kim with a wink.

“Thanks. Now we need a score board. I’m not having the guys accusing us of cheating when we wipe the floor with them.” Kim giggled running over to the gazebo to see if there was something she could use.  Seth met her halfway, telling her he would go grab one of the special chalkboards from inside.

∞ Embry Call ∞

Mine and Paul’s little wrestling match was over fast… mostly because I won. I saw the bike pull in… It was a thing of beauty but still paled in comparison to Leah’s. Until Leah spoke, I wasn’t quite sure who it was, I smirked... this dude liked her… I remembered him trying to flirt with her that same night he realised the Pup’s new girl only had eyes for the Pup. To his credit it wasn't that one girl blew him off and he moved on to the next; he had cast a wide net. Kept his options open… until he laid eyes on Leah. And who could blame him? He had good taste. No chance… but good taste.

‘Oh, I call dibs on that one!’  Paul grinned at the bike.

“I think the girls already called it.” I laughed.

‘Damn! I mean… About time!’ He called across the lot. ‘Leaving us lads out here to do all the dirty work! Get moving ladies!’

I muttered. “You are going to pay for that!”

I refused to let Paul drive the fine car out of the lanes because:

I won the wrestling match.

2. I had the keys.

C.  Didn’t trust him to not take a little joy ride.

Leah was rubbing off on me.

In hindsight, I should have let him, the car was automatic, which was an instant demerit in my book. Also, the second I turned the key something started rolling against the small of my back making me flinch until I found the button that turned it off… So, this thing was nice to look at… but definitely not for me.

I parked the car close to the exit hoping that Mr. Clingy would take a hint and not make the rest of the day awkward for the pup. I headed over to him and gave him back his keys. “That is one good-looking vehicle,” I told him.

‘Thanks…’ He looked at me far too intently. ‘You are really tall!’ I laughed… he was not looking at my height.  Jake came to stand next to me just to make a point. He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled it back fast, brushing off the sleeve of his shirt… ‘Ugh!! You’re wet!’ he groaned… I snorted and just shrugged as if to say… It is what it is.

‘Wow! I guess everything is bigger in La Push.’ He was shameless! And I could appreciate that. I sensed restrained laughter all around me.

“Actually, I’m Makah.” Jake elbowed me and quickly realised I wasn’t just wet but also covered in something a little sticky… bordering on slimy. I was blaming Paul. “And Quileute... but most of my family is from Neah Bay.”

‘Ah! A hybrid… Like me… my mom was from Beecher Bay. But I grew up in Neah Bay. Do you have any family there?’ He asked genuinely interested.

“Other side of the border!” I chuckled. “Not anymore… but a lot of people will still remember the Call’s up there,” I explained.

‘Oh!’ He snapped his fingers. ‘It was after I graduated but... the high school got a new auditorium, and they named it the Call Memorial Hall.’

“The Chenoa Call Memorial Hall… I voiced my complaint about the lazy rhyme, but I was overruled. But yeah... that would be my grandmother. She was very dedicated to all the arts programs in the high school.”

‘DUDE!’  Brady looked shocked. ‘Your Grandma has an auditorium?’

I laughed. “No, they just named it in her memory.”

‘Everybody knows this!’  Claire chimed in and Jake nodded.

I saw Seth re-emerge chalkboard in hand, and I rubbed my hands together. “Oh! If you’ll excuse me… I have a contest to win!” I made a beeline for him to make sure we got our fair shake.

Mom rattled the cash box to me as I passed, kissing the top of her head… ‘This isn’t a charity mister… you had your car cleaned!’

“Yes, it is, and all my cash is in the jeans you bullied me into taking off! I’m good at it… probably!” I teased her and she laughed.

I glanced briefly at Leah; the sight of the specials board reminded me of the bet I lost that prompted me to sing in public.

‘Feeling lucky?’  Seth asked.

I shook my head. “You chose this one on purpose, didn’t you?” He just nodded.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

‘Hey, it’s not my fault the spirits are with my sis when it comes to you trying to bet with her.’ I heard The Kid teasing Embry. When I turned my head back to look in their direction, Seth had placed an arm over Embry’s shoulder and promptly removed it. ‘Yuck, ‘Bry!’ Jumping back away.

‘You have an…. Interesting bunch to keep you company.’  Juan had returned to my side, kneeling with a microfibre cloth in his hand to help.

“Yeah… you know what they say about that...” I said nodding over my shoulder.

‘If you can’t beat them, join them?’ He laughs.

“No…” shaking my head. “Kick their arses until they fall into line,” I smirked.

‘Oh… I like yours better.’ He agreed.

‘You know, you’re not meant to help with the cleaning. It’s the point of a car wash.’ We both glanced at Claire with her hands on her hips standing over us. I felt her coming so wasn’t surprised, but Juan jumped a little unaware we were being watched.

‘Okay…’ he looked at me, but I wasn’t going to help him. ‘I have to get to work soon, so thought I’d help Miss Leah here?’ He added with a shoulder shrug.

Claire was now tapping her foot on the wet ground. ‘You know this is a boys versus girls competition. You are on the wrong side.’ She added.

I pressed my lips together. “So, does that mean you’re going to pick up a cloth and help me Bear?” Asking without looking away from the frame.

She went quiet, shifting on the spot. ‘Oh look… Mama T is calling me.’ Ms C was not. But I let it slide. The teachable moment would come later. I’d let her go for now.

‘Damn… All the girls in this place are ball smashers!’  Juan let out a heavy sigh.

“It’s in the water.” I was amused at the way he handled the interaction with my young imprint. My ears picking up the sounds of another car pulling into the lot.

‘Thanks’ Mom… don’t worry I’ll find a lift home.’ The youngest pup of the pack jumped out from the back seat waving at his mom who drove him. Running towards us all. His mom was turning her car around when she saw Ma and Ms C and decided to park up to go see them before she left.

‘Auntie, would you like us to clean your car while you have some breakfast and coffee?’  Rachel put on her charm. ‘Kim and Jess will do an excellent job for you.’ The keys were exchanged, and the girls jumped around excited to have bagged another vehicle.

“Hey... young one… come here,” I called him over to the bike I was cleaning. His eyes widened with enthusiasm. I wasn’t sure what for exactly. The bike, or that I called him over? Probabilities were high that it was due to the bike.

‘Morning, Leah…’ he acknowledged Juan too. ‘Sorry, I’m late.’ I waved the comment off. “Don’t worry about that. Why is your mom driving you?’ I asked.

‘Oh… Uhm...’ he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Spit it out…” giving him my no-nonsense glare.

‘My kid sister crashed our other run around. She’s still learning, you see… and she didn’t make the turn…’ he shifted on his feet.

“So, your ma came to drop you off after working nights?” I asked. “You didn’t think to call one of us?” Raising my eyebrow. “Next time you need a lift. Call me or Seth. We will make sure you and your siblings get to where you need to go. Let your ma sleep.”

He looked at me with doe eyes. And my heart was locked down, otherwise, it would have dropped.

‘Thanks… thanks Leah… can I help you with the bike?’ He asked.

 “No, go and eat something first.  Littlesea is on the grill.” I sent him off.

‘That was nice of you.’  Juan had remained silent during the exchange.

“We look out for those who are younger than us.” Now my brown eyes were on him. “Not so different from when you let our vet have the time she needed, when she told you she had a family emergency.” I saw him. He may be trying to hide behind this persona he had created. But I saw the good, the bad, and the not so ugly. Just as I did with most people.

Sounds of cheers came from the guys. ‘Leah just spoke to me!’ I smirked hearing the pup telling the others as they clapped him on the back welcoming him.

∞ Embry Call ∞

I laughed at Seth. “It was Paul! And its shampoo… it may be sticky… but it's clean…” I sniffed myself and muttered. “I think.”

‘We’ll hose you off later.’  Seth laughed and somewhere near the grill, I heard Mr Clingy mutter. ‘Oh, I’m definitely sticking around for that.’ Fuller bristled… Maybe he likes this guy more than he lets on.

We were all chuckling at Bear. We all knew she would be helping Quil when the novelty of the contest wore off and she just wanted to spend time with him. I turned to Quil and set my hand on his chest when Juan made his comment about the girls being ball smashers. “Easy brother… it was a joke… she didn’t hear it… and he kinda has a point,” I whispered. He took a breath and calmed quickly, shaking his head and laughing…

‘It’s okay I don’t like that guy either.’ Paul added. I shook my head. We all kept our voices low.

“You don’t like him because the Pup didn’t. He’s over it, you should be too.” It was hard to separate emotions sometimes, which we had all gotten good at… but the Uley Pack had an out-of-the-blue imprint… It was a strong emotion for all of them, the protective instinct and then being bonded with the Pup’s mind too… It was a lot and Paul, for all his bravado, his biggest flaw was he felt too much and covered it with much macho bullshit that no one paid attention to it.

I heard the youngest speaking to Leah and Jake nodded to me, going to speak with Auntie to have it towed to his place.  Quil and I could help with labour and if it wasn’t fixable we could make them a few dollars stripping the parts. He seemed very excited to hear the Goofball was cooking… but who wasn’t? The Pup knew food. I followed him to the grill, not until I confirmed Seth had written up the scores properly. “Hey if you need to take the bike for a few weeks let me know, okay? You know where the keys are.”

‘Yeah, that would be great… but I can’t pick up my sister from school on a bike… Mom would kill me.’ He laughed. ‘But if it's just me… then it would help. Thanks. I’ll look after it,’ He promised.

“I know… but Leah is right. Someone can help you okay. Just ask.”

He nodded and smiled wide… taking a sausage sandwich from Littlesea. ‘Leah said I could call her.’

“Well, Leah never lies. So, you better take her up on that.” I patted his back and grabbed a fork, stealing a sausage off the grill. The pup yelled after me as I fled; that it was not fully cooked yet… but it was close enough in my opinion.

‘The girls are closing the gap! We gotta pick up the pace.’  Quil called out.

I pulled out my phone. “I guess we'll be finding out if this model really is waterproof,” I muttered… it was soaked! I fired off a quick text and got a reply right away.

[10 mins out.]

“Don’t worry guys I have us covered.” I grinned and Mom started scolding me about my phone and told me to leave my phone with her.

∞ Leah Clearwater ∞

‘Earth to Leah, are you okay there?’  Juan leant over the saddle, his arched brow giving me an intense expression.

“Yeah, all good.” Shaking it off.

I froze midway through standing up. Unable to understand what had happened. My intention was to stand up for what I was doing, to go check on Quil, I knew overhearing the conversation  Juan and  Bear had shared and his comment, as innocent as it was, they could provoke the warrior. We all knew if unchecked, it wouldn’t end well for the vet. But before I could make it across the parking lot… No… Before I could even get up from where I was… Embry had stepped in to calm the situation.

Then when I let my gaze move to Embry over the body of the bike, catching the look shared between him and Jake. I knew… I knew what they were doing for the pup and his mom, what I had been thinking before I even had a chance to walk over and speak to Jake. This was proven right by the follow-up conversation between Embry and the pup. He… Embry… Embry Call… picked up where I left off?

‘This is the path you both walk. Now that you have let him in, he sees more than you have shared with another person in a long time.’ She watched from her lounging position. She was completely at ease here. After the initial checks we always did, she curled up to rest. Hers and my sight always returned to the mom’s and the Imprints whenever we took in the scene.

‘Of course…’ she continued. ‘We cannot take away from his own hard work. His learning… his evolution coming to life before our eyes.’ She was right.

‘Oh good…’  Juan had continued the conversation. ‘I thought you were about to go running.’

“Why would I go running? And where?” I had several places I ran, but what did he mean?

‘Far… far... away?’ He whispered. ‘That big one over there.’ Nodding his chin towards Paul. ‘He looks like he wants to eat me alive.’

At this I had to grin, standing up to wipe my brow with the back of my hand. “Don’t worry. His wife will make sure you are dead, cleaned, and cooked before she lets him get his teeth into you. She likes to know where his mouth has been, at all times.”

Winking at him. Of course, at the same time, Paul made a point to walk past snapping his teeth into the air, before offering to help his wife with the car she was cleaning.

“Spirits give me strength,” I murmured.

‘Hey, you gave me the idea!’ His low reply came with a hearty laugh.

“Arsehole!” I batted back.

‘Just, as you like me!’ another laugh.

“That wash still counts as one of ours,” I called out when Rachel handed the sponge over to her husband. “Don’t go getting any ideas.”  Paul just laughed.

‘You are really competitive, aren’t you?’  Juan questioned.

‘Oh. You don’t know the half of it.’  Kim giggled skipping past for what reason I didn’t know.

“Get back to work Kim!” I growled, rolling my eyes. “If you’re going to do something.” This was to Juan. “You do it right, and become the best.” Moving on to cleaning his wheels. Spirits, it was a good-looking Harley. But my baby… he was something else!

Turning my head fully, this time making a point to look at Embry Call with narrowed eyes.

“What are you playing at?” in a low tone, but in a louder one I called out to his mom. “You tell him, beautiful. Your kid is up to no good over there!”

∞ Embry Call ∞

As I was speaking to the pup, I kept glancing back at Quil, but he was standing by the mom’s now, talking with Claire telling her she was too big to get carried around all the time when she was asking for a piggyback. We had talked about how Claire seems to not act her age around him and that he should try and encourage her to be a little more independent.

I knew it wasn’t going to be easy; I knew he would give in… but it was a step in the right direction. My wolf knew that Leah’s eyes were on me, and it was hard not to look over to where she was. I gave her a quick glance and a cheeky wink that no one who saw would believe it was nothing more than an attempt to wind her up.

“Lahote! Stop fraternizing with the enemy!” I called out. “Plan A is rolling in in five minutes!” He flipped me off and Sue immediately reprimanded him.

‘I have no idea what Plan A is!’ He called out, for the sake of the humans.

“It’s the one that comes before plan B!” I laughed.  Rachel batted her eyelashes at her husband, and he got right back to work.

I saw Sam and Emily’s car coming up the street… and I turned to the Pup on the grill. “Give them some time to get settled and then let Sam take over…” I grinned at him. “I’m gonna need your eye for detail.  Luckily the timing was perfect to cover a completely different smirk when the vet noticed Leah’s competitive streak… He really didn’t know the half of it, just like Kim said.

“Me? I’m raising money for the community centre.” I smirked.  “Why what are you doing?” I quirked a brow concealing that smile my wolf and I consistently wanted to flash her.

And right on cue the cavalry rolled up… one van and two cars… The van emblazoned with Raindrops on the windshield and image of four boys driving in the rain printed on both sides. And contact information for the band.

“Nice one ‘Bry!’ A few of the pups called out, many of the of-age Pups met the band when I invited them to gig to make sure the guys had a friendly crowd to play to. They pulled in just after Sam and Emily. I stopped to greet the Alpha who high-fived me and smirked. ‘Well played, Call.’

‘Or cheating!’  Emily pointed to us both then laughed, hand on the belly. She knew it was all for a good cause.

“How are you?” I asked her.

‘Sore, tired, huge… full of joy… I can’t find my ankles and I need to pee.’ She was still beaming a smile.

I winked at her. “Keep it up!” I teased her. “You’ve never looked better.” I kissed her cheek, and she shuffled off to the bathroom… or so I hoped.

‘You know she really appreciates that right?’  Sam said.

“My backhanded compliments?” I chuckled. They weren’t… but the cheekiness made her smile. I grinned then, watching Collin close the lid of the grill as she walked by. He was a good kid.

‘No, the fact that you always ask about her before the baby.’  Sam said and my brows knit.

“Oh… I mean, yeah… the baby isn’t growing another human…”  Sam just patted me on the shoulder.

‘You just keep on being spectacularly clueless, Embry. It's working for you.’ He said and made his way over to Littlesea. I wasn’t sure what I had done to earn the praise, but I’d take it.

Tony and his bandmates were climbing out of their vehicles now and I started heading across to them. I whistled. “Boys! Let’s get to work!”

Jessica’s head popped up from behind the Auntie’s car and she called out Tony’s name giving him an enthusiastic wave. Claire turned at that and squealed for Tony. She didn’t see him a lot, but she remembered him from when we bought her guitar. She started to run across the parking lot, and I was already too far away to get to her before she stepped into the lanes. All at once fourteen guys and, of course, Leah reacted. Hands were reached out and stops, no’s and wait’s were all called out.  Jake got there just a second before Quil and the only sound for a few seconds was the music.

Ready For The Fire – Valley of Wolves https://youtube.com/watch?v=xNDOhWxAIdc&si=nI9L46k8wmi0gxaN

Claire wasn’t fazed by the reaction however, she had seen this side of the guys all her life, but there were a few people who might think it was weird. Jake explained to her that it wasn’t busy yet, but she couldn’t be running out into the lanes without looking, probably to spare Quil the potential bad mood if she felt like she was told off. I turned back to the band making a fuss about their arrival to deflect from the scene, Jake had Bear; everything was fine. I got loud and fired up to see the band, hugging Tony and lifting him off his feet. I high-fived and fist-bumped the guys. ‘Christ, Embry!!” he rubbed his fingers together and touched his shirt, his nose wrinkled up. ‘What the heck are you covered in?’ “It’s been an exciting morning Tony…” I shrugged and now the guys I had high-fived were taking the wet rags the boys offered to wipe their hands. The Pups came over to get to work. Claire was working her way across the lanes now, watching carefully and I could hear all the raised heartbeats around us. ‘Hi Tony!!’ LittleBear bounced on her toes and proceeded to rattle off all the new chords and songs that she had learnt since the last time she saw him and my friend was all ears. “Okay boys a wash and full detailing on the cars and wash and dry the van carefully, it was only wrapped two weeks ago… be kind.” A couple of the boys mentioned that they had no idea how to use the buffer. “Leave all of that to the twins.” Fuller and Littlesea were making their way to us now that their Alpha had taken over the grill. The drummer of the band looked at them and leaned into me… ‘Wait, they are twins? They don’t even look related…’ He was amazed. “Oh well… that’s because they aren’t really…” I offered no other explanation, it was likely they were very distantly related, but many generations passed.

≡ Embry ≡

“Never trust a bunny with your snake!”

≡ Leah ≡

“I told you bunnies aren’t as sweet as they look.”

≡ Embry ≡

“I didn't disagree!”

≡ Leah ≡

“Oh yeah. I was the one throwing them into you for a laugh.”

≡ Embry ≡

Clutches my non-existent pearls.

“Are saying it was something I did!?”

≡ Leah ≡

Pressing my lips together with a nod. “Spirits yeah. And you know it.”

≡ Embry ≡

Crossing my arms.

"And how exactly did I do this?"

Not sure I wanted to know the answer.

≡ Leah ≡

Mirroring his stand, with my arms crossed over my chest.

“Do you need me to show you a mirror?” Raising my eyebrow in a perfect arch. “Can’t blame the bunnies. They didn’t have a chance in front of a warrior.”

≡ Embry ≡

“Oh!!!! So, I was too sexy… so… my fault?”

Raises a brow.

≡ Leah ≡

“I didn’t say that.” Pointing to him. “You said it. I’m just pointing out facts.”

Tilting my head to the side.

≡ Embry ≡

“Let's get the mirror then and you can point out exactly what you are saying!”

Calling her bluff.

≡ Leah ≡

Narrowing my eyes at him. Biting on the inside of my cheeks.

“Fine… after you.” Nodding in the direction of the bathroom.

≡ Embry ≡

“Is this the part where you lock me in and install a cat flap that you slide my food through while you keep me hostage?”

Follows her anyway.

≡ Leah ≡

Rolling my eyes.

“It’s not a hostage situation if you’re a willing participant, Dimples….. I checked.”

Smirking.

≡ Embry ≡

I tilted my head and smirked... She had a point.

"Well... I suppose I can't deny that... both your point and my..." I waggled my brows. "Willingness."

≡ Leah ≡

Rolling my eyes again. Pushing the door of the bathroom open and stepping to the side.

“I’m always right. You just never listen.”

Motioning for him to go inside.

≡ Embry ≡

"Oh no... My mom raised a gent... Ladies first."

≡ Leah ≡

“My house. My rules. Guests first. Unless they are Chicken.”

≡ Embry ≡

Raises a brow.

"I think the last time that chicken line worked on me I was 11!" I chuckled. "Fine I'll go first... just to be a polite guest!" And because she was way more stubborn than me... I was too curious to wait.

≡ Leah ≡

Shaking my head.

“Nah…. I’ve known that Chicken word to work on you not so long ago, Dimples.”

Resting one shoulder on the door frame waiting for him to step into the bathroom.

“Tick tock… Embry… tick tock.”

≡ Embry ≡

I stepped inside careful not to turn my back on her.

“Always in a rush, Trouble!”

Teases.

≡ Leah ≡

“With you? Never.”

Raising my eyebrow.

“Where is the trust, Dimples?”

≡ Embry ≡

“Oh, I trust you.”

Chuckles.

“I trust you to be about 5 steps ahead of me!!”

≡ Leah ≡

“Five? There you go underestimating me again. Have you learnt nothing?”

Smile a little too sweetly.

≡ Embry ≡

"I said About!!" Sticking out my tongue.

"Could be more! See!" I pointed at her too sweet to be savoury smile... "I knew you were up to something! I'm gonna die in this bathroom." I turned to the mirror to fix my hair.

"At least, I'll still be pretty when I go."

≡ Leah ≡

Shaking my head. “Why are you so paranoid?

Rolling my eyes. “Only if I don’t smash your face in first.” I pulled the door shut. Not locking it, before making my way back to my living room.

“This should give me at least twenty minutes of peace. While you look in the mirror.”

≡ Embry ≡

Thinks about staying here to see what she’d do….

“Nah!” I decided it was more fun to mess with her now. So, I chased her down the hall and caught her around the waist from behind.

≡ Leah ≡

“Spirits!” I heard him before I felt him. My hands moved to rest over his, shaking my head with a smirk. “Really? Not even two minutes? This evolution thing sucks sometimes.”

No, it didn’t. But it was funny to tease.

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed and lifted her off her feet. Kissing her cheek awkwardly from behind. “I just decided there was something even better than me to look at… I thought you called that personal growth…” I smirked.

“You know. Evolution and all.”

≡ Leah ≡

Snapping my teeth at him. My hands holding on to his. “It’s why I said it sucks, Dimples!”

Spirits! My house sounds like a home filled with his laughter!

≡ Embry ≡

“Nah!!” Setting her down.

“We both know we are all for the evolution thing. Especially when it leads to…” I pulled her in. “This.” I leaned in to kiss her once on the lips sweetly. Then kissed her all over her face.

≡ Leah ≡

“Embry! Call!” Growling and laughing at the same time, I didn’t fight the attention. But couldn’t not growl at him… for the fun of it.

Curling my arms around his neck. I snapped my teeth pretending to try to catch his lips to bite them.

“You’re asking for trouble now.”

≡ Embry ≡

I wrapped my arms around her and locked her in (sort of) by grabbing my own wrist.

"I think you'll find I already have trouble, Trouble."

Smirks.

≡ Leah ≡

“Funny…” narrowing my eyes at him with a smirk on my lips. “Okay… I see what you did there.”

Kissing his nose. “Look who is stepping into his trouble now.”

≡ Embry ≡

It was the narrowing of the eyes that did it... I swallowed hard.

"If you promise not to knock me on my arse I'll make you my famous pizza?"

≡ Leah ≡

My foot was moving to curl up around his ankle and pull it out from underneath him. But I stopped.

“Pizza? Now?” I asked setting myself straight in front of him. “Hmm…”

≡ Embry ≡

I knew what she was doing… but I leaned in and dropped my voice the way she liked.

“You know you want to… hot… gooey... Makes you feel so good inside.” I brushed my lips against her ear. “Say yes, Trouble… you know you want to.”

And my stomach growled. It was saying yes first.

≡ Leah ≡

By the spirits! The way he did that! It did something in the core of my being!

Curling my neck I closed my eyes controlling the way my body told on me. Until I heard his stomach, and then I laughed.

“Pizza it is.” Snapping my teeth at him. “You have a way of making it sound amazing.”

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed. “Well… that's gotta be a record... Turning a woman on talking about pizza… do I get a prize?”

Awkwardly shuffling towards the kitchen without letting her go. She couldn't deny it, I could smell it.

≡ Leah ≡

Rolling my eyes at the comment and more so the way he had chosen for us to walk towards the kitchen?

“You know it’s not the pizza, Wisearse.” I wasn’t going to give him a big head by explaining my body's reactions.

“I don’t know… keep trying to mess with me, and No.”

≡ Embry ≡

I smirked and let her go and took her hand to spin her around. "Trust me... I know exactly what it is."

I stepped away and gave her a world-class view of my arse as I headed into the kitchen ahead of her.

"And that was a compliment... so I'll accept that as my prize."

≡ Leah ≡

My hair fell out of its bun, cascading down my back and over my shoulders by the time I faced the other direction.

Raising my one perfectly arched eyebrow, I crossed my arms over my chest taking in the show in front of me.

“You think me, telling you, to take a shower… is a compliment!”

≡ Embry ≡

I was momentarily stunned… like I always was when she took her hair down… It was even better when she didn't do it on purpose.

“Shower??” I scoffed. “All I heard was I turned you on by sweet talking into your ear.”

I found a frozen pizza first and had a thought. “Do you only buy these so there is something here for me to cook when I offer?”

≡ Leah ≡

I noticed that pause. And I also knew what caused it. Even if I didn’t plan it.

Following him into the kitchen. I jumped up to sit myself down on the countertop, watching him move around my kitchen without any hesitation.

Shrugging one shoulder. He knew the answer. I didn’t do frozen pizza. If I wanted to make pizza, I took the time to make the dough, and the sauce, and the toppings. Bring it together.

“Someone once told me it was a good backup plan. And tastes good when it’s pimped up.”

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed... my face buried in the fridge as I rummaged through her leftovers. I lifted out a tub that looked like leftover chicken and grabbed any cheese she had, plus some extra pepperoni too. When I pulled my head out of the fridge I saw her sat there...

"Now you're just trying to tease me." I laughed and put everything on the counter. Then I remembered I should have put on the oven first, to heat up.

"I'm not going to fall for your schemes, Trouble." I tapped my nose and wagged my finger at her. "I'm onto you." Then I tried my best to turn my attention back to my task.

≡ Leah ≡

Frowning a little. “Excuse me… Leah Clearwater does not scheme.” Shaking off the feeling of talking about myself in the third person.

But by the spirits… that sound… his laughter… yeah… so worth it.

“But if you can’t control yourself.” I jumped down from the counter, opening the cabinet behind me, to take out a bag of Doritos.

“I’ll leave you to it and go sit in the living room.” Pulling the bag open, I popped a chip into my mouth.

≡ Embry ≡

“You mean you don't scheme on purpose… it just happens naturally?” I teased and found a cutting board. I opened the chicken and sniffed it… it smelled like it would pair very nicely with pizza.

I scattered it on top and started to grate cheese. I laughed and abandoned my post. “Let’s not do anything hasty!” I chuckled and caught her lightly around the waist.

“This could be a teaching moment, Trouble.” I did the voice thing again. “You really gonna pass that up?”

≡ Leah ≡

“That is not classified as scheming.” I corrected him popping another chip. “It’s called adjusting to needs.”

Oh.. yeah…. That voice caused a reaction! My mouth stopped chewing, with heat crawling up the sides of my neck. By the Spirits! This was…. Becoming a habit.

My eyes dropped to the floor, waiting to see.

“Teachable moment for me or for you, Dimples?”

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled... another smile that only she brought out of me... slow, sexy... hungry. "Me, of course." I let my body brush against hers as I slipped my hands to her arse and lifted her, strong, toned... and lightly flushed form onto the counter again.

"We can call it a lesson in focus and self-control."

I grasped at the last remaining threads of both that I had and used them to step away, then returned to the task of spreading the cheese on top of the frozen pizza and shredded chicken pieces.

≡ Leah ≡

Rolling my eyes to the heavens, counting to five… nope… ten… to bring myself back into a mindful mode of not wanting to kiss his smiling face. And that voice! Why did it heat the depth of my core to life?

It took me a blink of two, shifting myself on the counter, and I was back.

“We all need a refresher now and then. So… sure… no time better than now.”

Remembering the bag of chips in my hand, I took out another popping it into my mouth while watching him make us dinner.

≡ Embry ≡

I watched her out of the corner of my eye. She was... ... as distractable as I was today. I found a cutting board and a knife with ease in her kitchen and started to slice the pepperoni.

"Exactly, I'm still part human... I'm willing to accept that my skills might need a little polishing from time to time." I smiled at her. She knew this smile.

"But with a willing and talented tutor... it hardly feels like work."

Flashes... so many flashes as I watched her propped up on the counter, eating those chips.

≡ Leah ≡

“Wait. Are you admitting to not being perfect? Embry Call! This is growth!”

In the past, we teased, joked, and laughed about things such as being perfect. It became a game, a challenge between us, who could come out on top.

Okay… the image of him being on top… wasn’t what I needed to see right now.

My so helpful warrior decided to show me images of me being on top….

“Spirits!” Shaking my head. “How times have evolved.”

Catching his gaze, and following it to the bag, I held the chips out. “Want some?”

≡ Embry ≡

"Hold up now!" I laughed. "Even perfect specimens might need polishing! The world is constantly moving forward, we gotta work to keep up, is all."

I quirked a brow... something was going on inside her head... and I wanted in on it!

I added more cheese... because... Well, it was cheese!

I slid the tray into the oven and set the timer... With her sitting on the counter like that, it was a sure thing I was going to get distracted.

I returned to her side and grinned helping myself to a chip... "Feel like we've been here before?" I smirked.

≡ Leah ≡

Flipping my hair to the other side, over my shoulder, so I could see him. I just smiled, raising an eyebrow with a small nod of my head.

“Hmm… I’d have to agree.” The image of the last time flashed by. “Feels like a full circle to me.”

Waiting for him to take what he wanted before my hand went into the bag for another chip too.

“Things are different now…” shaking my head. “Who even knew this is where we’d end up?”

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled, reaching up to twirl a strand of her hair around my fingers after she flipped it over to one side. "Hmm..." I stared at the way the silky black strands slid between my rough fingers.

"No denying that... I wouldn't have done this then..." I moved my gaze to her eyes my smile softened, while my heart jolted... every single time. It was funny but it was true.

"But it was the first time the urge to kiss you was almost too hard to resist... at least the first time I knew without a shadow of a doubt I was going to do it," I chuckled. "It was just a matter of when."

I grinned... 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 came pretty soon after that.

≡ Leah ≡

Head tilted to the side; I sat still taking him in. The way he was lost in thought, how his fingers played with the strands of my hair.. and by the spirits… the smile on his lips.

My own lips curled up at the corners, sensing the change in him. Also, at the realization of how I would have hurt him. If he had tried to touch my hair back then. Some walls were coming down, but nowhere enough to save him from a broken finger or two.

“Hmm…” His eyes lifted to meet mine, and I could see the memories playing there.

“Who knew, all it would take is pizza, chips, and a beer.” It wasn’t… it took a shed load more. And he knew it too.

“Wait…” it occurred to me… “The kitchen? When you were making us dinner?” My brows pulled together. “Not the couch?”

≡ Embry ≡

"Oh yeah, just the beer, chips, and pizza... That might be all it takes to get me in the mood..." I winked. "But you... are a far more complex being." I laughed and let her hair slide free.

I did a double-take... "You didn't know?" I laughed; her instincts were normally so on point.

"The kitchen was where I realized that I was done wanting to kiss you, and I was gonna try... As soon as you snapped your teeth at me." I snapped mine at her. "But I was planning to wait... build up to it... But the couch is where I remembered that planning isn't my strong suit."

I tilted my head... "How in the name of the spirits did you miss that one, Trouble... Were you living in the moment by any chance?"

≡ Leah ≡

I laughed with him, taking in the shape of his eyes, the way his features changed when he reminisced, and his far-away look, but at the same time, he was right here too.

“Spirits.” That snap did something, I stilled. Stopped breathing. Cleared my throat. And let out a low hum. Shaking my head slowly.

“I didn’t miss it… I felt… something… a draw… but… I didn’t know what….” Being honest with him.

“I dismissed it as you goofing around.. as…” What did I dismiss it as? “Hmm.. as..” I felt the meaning in my chest but couldn’t put it into words. Shrugging my shoulders.

“Maybe I was just lost in the fact, I was letting someone other than my ma feed me. And talk to me without passing judgment?”

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled... The way that she reacted to looking back on those memories. "It's strange isn't it?" I asked, standing in front of her now. "Looking back and trying to figure out exactly when and how those feelings started?"

I took her hand and placed it low on my stomach. "That night, I felt it right here… sometimes I'm certain it was the first time… other times I know there were a dozen more before that.”

I moved her hand up to my heart. “Later that night it was here; I couldn't remember the last time anyone made my heart race. But the thing that stands out the most is that… there was no end game… no desire for more than just that first kiss… just to know, to feel. All my life I talked about living in the moment, but I was never more focused on just one moment.”

I touched my forehead to hers. “It took me far too long to wake up.” I didn't apologize or justify my past behaviour; she didn't want that, and we’d been through it all. “But I'm wide awake now.”

≡ Leah ≡

Setting the bag of chips down beside me I followed his actions with my eyes, before returning to gaze in his eyes again.

Actions…. I smiled to myself….

I felt my heart returning his call to it, remembering my thoughts.. the moments… the feelings… all and nothing at the same time… okay… ‘nothing,’ wasn’t the right word to describe it… but I knew what I meant.

“So much for not hitting on me…” It was one of the first things he said to me. After I of course told him. “Or… there’s nothing I can see here I’d be interested in.” Paraphrasing. She sat up listening. Because she wanted credit. “She stopped me from punching you in the face.” Recalling the tsunami that took place internally when he kissed me.

Closing my eyes resting my forehead on his. Leaving my hand over his heart.

≡ Embry ≡

I chuckled softly, raising my hand to her cheek, leaving hers to look out for my heart. "Well, I meant it at the time... but the real question is..." I dropped my voice low again without having intended to. "Are you 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕕 now?"

We both knew that was not the word she had used. And that she had meant it at the time too.

"That's because out of the four of us here... she is the cleverest." I did so love to flatter her wolf, and I believed it... she had, after all the arse kicking her counterpart dished out, always protected the face.

≡ Leah ≡

At the way his voice changed, my eyes opened to look at him. Taking in the feel of his warm breath on me, that scent of his…

She was enjoying this conversation, of course, she was… he was charming her as always. But I let her have it.

“Hmm… maybe…” I snapped my teeth at him. “I told you before… watch the actions… not the words.” Brushing my nose with his.

“But… The friendship came first…without letting that door open, I wouldn’t have been there that night… I wouldn’t have let my guard down.”

Turning my head into his touch.

≡ Embry ≡

Her answer was all I needed. I smiled, brushing my thumb across her cheek. “So sexy," I whispered, my stomach doing that thing that we had only just talked about.

"I do so enjoy watching your actions." My smile turned a little more wicked. "The friendship came first." I agreed. "That was a night where we chose a path. Have I mentioned... or..." I paused and chuckled. "Have I shown you lately how glad I am that you picked the same one?"

≡ Leah ≡

Curling my bottom lip to suck it, those muscles in my stomach and even lower all letting me know that his proximity to me was being noticed.

“So sexy..” I agreed, smiling because his one was bloody contagious. Turning my head into his touch again. Before speaking.

“You’re cooking dinner. Isn’t that showing me how glad you are right now?”

My hand was still over his heart, feeling the pressure of each beat as we spoke to each other.

“How else would you show me?” Raising my eyebrow. Okay.. fine. There were lots of ways he’d shown me. And he knew it.

≡ Embry ≡

"I would say that we match..., but a thirty-five and a ten..." I chuckled. "Well, they really can't be compared." I kissed the tip of her nose.

"You make a good point... cooking every twentieth meal we eat together... I'm an absolute keeper, Clearwater." I teased. "But I'm sure I think of something... a song maybe... or serving myself up for dessert... you really did enjoy that."

≡ Leah ≡

“Thirty-Five - Twenty.” I corrected him. “I don’t need to cheat to win with those scores.” Wiggling my nose with that kiss making it tickle a little.

“I don’t keep you for the cooking, Call…” hundred percent truth. “I’m more than capable of feeding myself and you.” Not that anyone outside of the bubble knew this fact. “It’s the love of music, and the songs you sing.. that’s why you’ve not been kicked to the curb.” There were a few other reasons too. But why give him a big head?

≡ Embry ≡

A long exhale escaped from me at those words... 𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕪𝕠𝕦... Fuck! Why did those words make my stomach and my wolf prowl closer to the surface?

"Spirits, I like the sound of that!" I said in a low rumble. And then, of course, she had me laughing. "We both know I play better than I sing." I chuckled. "But I also sing better than I cook... so I think your priorities are well aligned."

The rest of her reasons didn't need to be said, Leah only kept people in her life because she wanted to, and she hadn't hidden her reasons for letting me in, for a very long time.

≡ Leah ≡

She felt him first, by a split second. His warrior was coming closer, making her dream of how we could do this. Wake him up…  “Because it’s the truth, maybe? Or the fact that we are fully honest?”

Now my hands moved up to his hair, combing it back and then tugging on it. “By the Spirits…” a low-pitched hum echoed in my head. There it was.. that sound we both liked to hear from him. Even my home came to life in technicolour when his laughter filled this space.

“Come.. on… you know better... I know where priorities come up the line.” I didn’t fight his comment about his singing. Because he didn’t hear his voice through my ears and heart. So, how was he to know any better?

≡ Embry ≡

She tugged at him... pulling him closer to the surface. I moved my free hand to her hip and pulled her to the edge of the counter, right as she tugged my hair, making me groan. Why was that so fucking hot!?

My thumb brushed the edge of her lip, and my teeth grazed her full lower lip.

Just as my heart rate reached its peak; the timer buzzed aggressively. I couldn't tell if the huff of indignation at the sound was me or my wolf... Who was I kidding; it was both of us.

"Saved by the bell, Trouble," I whispered before summoning every scrap of self-control I had to tear myself away to tend to the oven.

≡ Leah ≡

This time it was me who burst out in laughter. This couldn’t possibly be anything more than perfection.

“Spirits! Buzzers really like bringing us crashing to the ground.”

Not a moment too soon. He had electricity charging throughout my being. From my head all the way down to my toes.

I curled my bottom lip between my teeth, biting down on it to keep myself from wanting more from them.

Embry and his warrior… they pulled us to our awakening, and now it was up to me to push my control back in place.

Combing my fingers through my own hair now.

≡ Embry ≡

“It fast becoming my least favourite sound.” I chuckled and opened the oven. I lifted out the pizza tray. In need of a rather vital adjustment.

I rested and pulled a plate out to slide the pizza onto it. Glancing over at her I smiled… the signs were on her face just as plainly as mine.

“Flustered Clearwater?” I teased her. I found the pizza cutter with ease and ran it across the cheesy masterpiece. I set the plate in the middle of her table and went to the fridge for two beers.

≡ Leah ≡

To give my hands something to do, I slipped down from the counter. Opening the top drawer for a bag clip. Rolling the bag of chips closed and clipped it down.

Slowing the blood rush, the thudding heart, and the heat rising… it was all coming back… slower than expected. “Ahh.. someone in need of a cold shower, dimples?” Not answering his question. Because it was visible.

Once I put the chips away and turned back around. Leaning back on the counter I couldn’t help watching him.

Smiling, with my arms crossed over my chest, I tilted my head; he knew his way around. And sure... I knew this... but... it still made me stop and wonder what happened with us and this path we were both walking?

Shaking my head. “The pizza smells so good.”

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled watching her, the opportunity while she was distracted, and I had my back turned to 𝕗𝕚𝕩 myself. It wouldn't go unseen… but at least it was an attempt at politeness.

“Definitely!” I admitted. “But pizza first!” I laughed. I open the beers and put them on the table. “I'm sure whatever is on the chicken you made will make or break my recipe.” I smiled and slipped my arms around her pulling her away from the counter, kissing her cheeks, her nose, her lips, and her chin between words. “Will you join me for dinner, Ms Clearwater?”

≡ Leah ≡

Shifting my eyes towards the windows to give him some space to.. well… correct himself. I pressed down on my lips trying not to smile.

Good… he was in the same spot as me. Always good to know.

The aroma filling my senses was mouth-watering. Thinking about the leftovers in the fridge, I knew what he’d used. “It’s peri-peri,” I told him and stepped into him.

Now there was no stopping the smiles, who could resist?

“Thank you, Mr. Call. I will join you.” Biting his cheek before I made my way to take a seat.

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled and planted one last kiss on the corner of her mouth. Then I took my seat and rubbed my hands together in anticipation. “Peri-peri chicken and pepperoni pizza? I think we might have a new winning recipe right here!” I chuckled.

“We make a great team when you think about it. All those amazing leftovers you have in the fridge, they really elevate my pizza game.” I grinned and lifted a slice. The cheese was perfectly stringy, just how you wanted.

I could smell the chicken below the layer of melted goodness.

≡ Leah ≡

Raising my eyebrow in a perfect arch. “We make a good team, because of my leftovers?” Watching his jubilation for the cheese pull.

“There’s no other reasons we work, huh?” I asked taking a slice directly opposite from where he had. I had to give credit where credit was due. The pull from the cheese was so good!

The steam rose from the top of the slice, the crust browned perfectly, and the chicken seemed to glow underneath the glossy cheese.

That first bite was a sensation of flavours bursting and coming to life inside of my mouth.

≡ Embry ≡

"So hasty, Trouble!" I smirked. "Who said only?"

I locked my gaze on hers, my teeth pulling on my bottom lip, I watched her... thinking of all the reasons we worked so well. "We could make a list of all the reasons we work well if you like." I smiled. She liked a good list... and I liked... well, anything that made her smile.

I could see the enjoyment on her face when she took a bite, and I couldn't resist anymore. I took a bite and licked some cheese drippings off my pinkie finger. "Mmm... Yes! That is good. Peri-Peri chicken pizza... we'll start a new craze." I grinned and swallowed the bite.

"So... the list. In any particular order or, do we make the list first and then decide where they all rank?"

≡ Leah ≡

The pizza was good, the flavours all came together in my mouth as I chewed and married so well.

“The cheese, it’s always the extra cheese,” I muttered before taking another bite from the slice. Okay, so the chicken was good too. It’s always better the next day.

My eyes flicked over to him at the special word. “List?” My ears perked up, add to that the bloody lip bite!

“Spirits.” Closing my eyes and shaking my head, swallowing my mouthful. “I know what you’re doing. It’s not going to work.”

My eyes were back on him. “Everyone knows. List, then arrange.”

≡ Embry ≡

"You can never go wrong with extra cheese." I smiled and took another bite. "This one just might be my best yet."

I smiled... the sub-text in her body language shifted at the word list... Maybe even excited her, if not turned her on just a bit.

"Okay, fine… just that last bit. I knew the answer... I was showing off a little. Just to prove I was paying attention." I smirked. Like the mention of the entire list thing was to give her that look in her eyes.

"Okay then... I'll start..." I smiled that smiled She knew the one. "Let's start with simple, yet vital... Temperature. We match."[LB3] 

≡ Leah ≡

It’s a good one, top five for sure.” Leaning back in my chair, I moved my legs out from under the table to the side so that I could cross them.

“Look who is taking notes.” He had been listening and paying attention.

I took another bite, the cheese pulled as good as the first one.

Raising my eyebrow. “You’re starting off strong,” I told him covering my mouth as I spoke. “And I would say, that’s the next on the list… strength. We share that too.”

≡ Embry ≡

I winked at her and took another bite into the crispy crust of the slice... "You know... it always turns out so much better when I cook this here... I'm starting to think we need a new oven." I was thinking out loud.

I smiled at her choice... "Not worrying about breaking each other... that is a big one... a potential number one... top three at least." I smiled and lifted another slice.

"How about playlists?" I swigged from my beer, watching her. 

≡ Leah ≡

Chewing over the pizza in my mouth as well as his words. “Hmm… yeah.. when was the last time your oven ever got a deep clean or a service?” For once I wasn’t pulling his leg, it was a genuine question. “Don’t go buying a new one, without seeing if it’s a maintenance issue.”

I always left my crust to the end, enjoying that deep crunchy texture before the next slice.

“Top two. The playlist has to be in the top two.” This was a deal breaker. Music had to be one of our key things. Spirits, it helped me speak with him.

“Riding?” My next offering.

≡ Embry ≡

I stopped chewing and smirked. “Um…. Service? That's a thing? We wipe out the crusty bits…” I thought about it. “As for a real clean? When was the last time #Claire was mad at my wife?”

I grinned at her. “That's a good one. But we still need to get you on a machine built for cruising. We all live for the speed... But you need to try it my way too.”

I took another bite.

“Food… food is something we have in common too.”

≡ Leah ≡

I wasn’t judging them, but I chose to close my eyes and count to ten before saying anything. “The prom thing… I think.” In answer to the last time #Quil was upset enough to have one of his cleaning sprees around their home.

“You need to get that thing serviced!” I groaned after another bite.

He was trying it again, getting me to slow my ride down. “And upset my baby? Betrayal is what it’s called if you ride another bike and like it, Dimples. He would never forgive me.”

Picking up my drink, I took a pull, nodding my head. “Yeah. Food is the answer for all the warriors. We all enjoy food.’

Polishing off half a slice in two bites. “How about old horror?” I asked.

≡ Embry ≡

I chuckled at her reaction... "So... it might have been a while." I chuckled. "But you have a point... I'll make a call."

Now the chuckle was a full-blown laugh. "Okay... but what if... Just hypothetical. There was a sick baby... just out of rehab that needed a little open-road therapy. That would just be community service, right? I'm sure he’d understand."

"Oh!" I clutched at my heart! "Yes! That’s a big one... right there." Then I thought about it. "Climbing...  even if you are still new to it. Or at least new to doing it the human way. You liked it. Something we should do again."

≡ Leah ≡

My eyebrow raised over the bottle as I took a moment to understand the situation he dreamt up for us. Frowning due to the fact the logistics weren’t logical at this point.

“Why would a sick baby out of hospital be trusted to me? No one would say. ‘My sick baby needs a ride. I know. I’ll get Leah Clearwater, with her resting bitch face to give it one.’ It’s not going to happen.”

At this stage, I don’t even want to acknowledge the voice I made up. It was low pitched, and the only thing I could hear coming out.

Setting the bottle down, I picked the half-eaten slice, biting some off.

I hadn’t forgotten about the first date he took me on. The early morning start, the sandwiches and snacks he had ready, the drive to the place he took me rope climbing.

“It’s got to be on the list. It was a good day. The eagle and all.”

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed and shook my head. "Oh please... First of all, that resting bitch face is sexy as fuck... At least, I think it is. It's been a while since I've seen it... Owing to the fact that when you look at me all you're thinking about is when will you be able to take my clothes off." Was I seeing what I wanted to see? It was highly possible.

"But I have a way of taking beat-up old things and making them good as new again." I thought about the jeep and my bike... "Or... almost at least."

I smiled remembering the way we had reached the top... We could have scaled that ledge half a dozen times in the time it took us to do it once. But she did it... each and every step.

"I can't promise you eagles... but I can promise you new and exciting climbs."

≡ Leah ≡

“Wow… wow… wow!” Holding my finger up to stop him.

“What do you mean I don’t have my RBF anymore? I worked damn hard to put the ‘No Entry’ sign on my forehead.” Again, not a lie. “And no, I do not! The majority of the time I’m fighting her, to let me kick your arse.” Huffing, I got the added benefit of him.

My scowl became a smile, because as much as I liked teasing him about it. He was an old soul, drawn towards old things like his jeep and bike.

Raising my eyebrow. “Why does it feel like I should be highly offended by the ‘beat up old things.’ Comment?”

My eyes were back on him, tilting my head to the side, letting my hair fall freely down my shoulders.

“You don’t need to promise me anything. I know it will come to pass when it’s meant to.”

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed...  "Oh, I'm sure it is still there... it just turns me on now instead of making me shield my crotch."

I smirked. "She likes me too much." My wolf agreed, and there was no denying that we had a soft spot for that beautiful creature that lived inside her.

"Oh, please! If you even kinda thought I meant it like that I would be on the floor gasping for air after being throat punched." I winked at her.

"Hey, look another tick for the strength column!" I smiled. "There's another thing we share... No expectations... We just appreciate each other as we are."

I smiled. It was corny... But true. There wasn't a single thing I would change... not that I ever could, Leah was not the type to allow anyone to change her. Another side of her I found sexy as hell.

≡ Leah ≡

Okay, so not so much in the ‘evolution’ column per se, but I couldn’t help myself when I flipped him off.

Even with my heart doing that thing with my core, at the sound of his bloody laughter. Why did that sound so good?

“What can I say? I do like a well-executed throat punch.” She nodded her agreement. I just wasn’t sure if it was to me, or him. They both counted.

“You can’t use this one for the list, it’s too…. Well…. It’s just…” there was no fighting it. “Fine! I’ll let you have it. This time.”

≡ Embry ≡

I couldn't stop myself from touching my throat... even though... to this day I hadn't seen her actually throw one. "You know... I've heard getting punched in the throat can permanently change your voice." I chuckled... it was true and also self-serving. For some reason she liked my voice... which was at best: not unpleasant and on key... because I wasn't sure off-key was something I could do even if I tried. Perfect pitch and all.

I set my slice down for a second and eyed her with pinched brows. "Wait... Are we turning the list into a competition?" I laughed. "I don't remember signing up for that, Trouble."

≡ Leah ≡

“Well, I guess we have another something to add to the list. We both like your voice as it is.”

He had a tenderness to the way his voice sounded when he sang. It was Embry, but then I could also hear the spirits in there too. Because he sang from a pure place in his soul. I stopped chewing, shifting in my chair at the realisation that I did. Swallowing the food in my mouth, I just shrugged my shoulders. As if saying; ‘What did you expect?’

My eyes dropped to my slice, pulling off some of the chicken to eat.

“Not a competition.. not at all.” Looking up at him through my eyelashes, the smile on my lips growing.

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed. She had a point. I mean, if I had to pick between what my voice would be after a throat punch and how it is now, now would win.

I chuckled and then swallowed another bite. She had totally started to keep score. But it made me smile. "Never change, Trouble." I smiled... I was stating the obvious, Leah changed for no one.

"So... what is the score right now?"

≡ Leah ≡

“We never change, Dimples. We evolve on our journey.” Answering him and adding another item to the list.

Shaking my head I took another bite from the crust in my hands. Not really think before replying to Embry.

“It’s five, five with that last one.” Then I stopped chewing and looked up at him over the table. Spirits! He knew it was happening without me even trying or thinking about it.

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled at her... that was our thing... evolution, not change. Never change.

I sucked in a breath. "A tie..." I took another bite and contemplated. "I need to pull out a few good ones to get ahead." I chuckled.

"We both suck at asking for help but in entirely different ways." I laughed; it sounded like a negative but Leah had shown me that awareness of your flaws was all a part of the evolution process.

≡ Leah ≡

Falling back in the chair I clicked my tongue. “But at least we know we are bad at it. So… that’s a good thing, Dimples.”

Turning partly so that I could move my legs out from under the table. Crossing them as I thought about the list.

“Hmm… five.. six…” taking a drink before smiling.

“We both speak the language of eyes. Even if it took you some catching up on it.”

I always believed that the eyes told you what people didn’t see. You just had to learn their language.

“Six… six…”

≡ Embry ≡

I grinned at her. "I'm not quite so sure that was part of the Ancestor's lesson plan when they nudged us down the same road, Trouble." I bit into the crust in my hand and swallowed the mouthful. "They might have wanted us to do a little more than identify our flaws." I chuckled and lifted my beer.

"We both make excellent eye contact even without the conversation... even if it took some catching up on that one," I smirked, turning her words back on her.

≡ Leah ≡

“It’s a lesson, and we are learning. It counts, Dimples.” Smirking as I knew exactly what he meant. And knew #TheGreatWolf would agree with Embry too.

Raising my eyebrow over the rim of my drink, my eyes locked on to his every move.

Tilting my head to the side, my mind slowly considering the facts.

“I’ve never dropped my eyes. Not to any living person. But I know, I made it difficult for them to hold on long enough to hear or see what was there.”

Could it be considered confusion when we both knew it wasn’t a lie or hidden?

≡ Embry ≡

I nodded, chewing another bite. “I know, but it wasn't very often you would seek it out… not unless you were having an important conversation. But now…” I grinned at her. “Even across a crowded room… you look for it. And in private?” my smile grew… we both knew that our gazes met as often as possible.

≡ Leah ≡

Taking a pull of my drink, I set it down. He was right. Of course, he noticed these things now. He always said he missed too much. And had catching up to do.

Shaking my head. But again, with a shrug. “Hmm… it’s different in the bubble.” Setting my elbows on the table. Hearing Ma in my head. Saying to take them off. But instead, I rest my face on my palms watching him, locking my brown eyes onto his.

“You don’t have to look you know.”

≡ Embry ≡

I shook my head and grinned. “It doesn’t matter. The fact is you found a space in your life where you feel open enough.” I stretched one leg out under her table, touching my foot to the side of hers. “And it wasn’t a simple thing for you.”

I bit my lip… watching how she positioned herself with the sole intention of looking at me. Because this was what we did now. My eyes never wavered from hers. “There is never anything I 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 to do when it comes to you, Trouble.” I smiled. It was the truth. I mean… we had our rules, but we created those together.

“Seeking you out isn’t something I think about… it just happens. Like breathing. Like… looking at you is the most natural thing in the world.”

≡ Leah ≡

Curling my lower lip and licking it at the site of that lip bite he always did. Because. Yeah. Finding that attractive was a thing now. Gone were the days when my reaction was to slap him upside the head for doing that!

And then what he was saying sunk in. Making my heart skip, feeling the heat crawling up the side of my neck.

“There you go with your words again.” My eyes were still trained on his. “Showing me how those ‘feels’ we don’t feel, are working out for us.” My voice had become low, soft, and easy. Teasing sure, but reflective too.

≡ Embry ≡

My breath caught in my throat when her heart did that thing… Spirits! What a sound!

“Just the truth, Trouble.” I teased. “Never feels…” I winked. Clearly only one of those statements was true. “So… six-six?” I smirked.

≡ Leah ≡

Pressing my lips together so as not to smile. I pushed back to sit upright once again.

“Hmm…” arching my eyebrow with one nod. “Six… Six… Dimples.” Motioning to tell him it was his turn.

Eyeing the last slice of pizza in the middle of the table. Pushing the plate towards him.

≡ Embry ≡

I knew that look. That was her 𝓘 𝓪𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓘'𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓘 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓭𝓸 look.

“Thank you.” I grinned, for the slice and the win. Sitting up straighter, I thought about it… “Hmm… my turn again.” I laughed then… taking a bit as I mulled this one over.

“We are both wrapped around our mother’s pinkie finger,” I added to the list. “And nothing in the world would ever make us want to change it.”

≡ Leah ≡

My lips parted and then clamped down, working my jaw. By the spirits, he knew this too! I always made it out as though I went along with Ma’s requests. But… yeah… he saw past that all now too.

“Seven… Six…” the only acknowledgement he would get to that one.

Playing with my drink, while thinking about just how unapologetic we both were to put our mom’s desires first. Even to the point I had coffee with one of the doctors they wanted to set me up with.

Shaking my head.

“So... my go?” I asked. Then continued anyway. “Even with the past we lived we both know it’s on us, to make the future better for those following in our footsteps.”

Raising my eyebrow. Waiting to see if he acknowledged his hand in giving the pups the safety blanket to know they had a place to go and be without judgment.

≡ Embry ≡

I grinned because I really thought that I would get just a little push-back on that one.

I finished the slice and wiped my hands on a paper towel. She had nailed it with that one and she knew it. It was why I had opened my home to the pups of both packs for exactly this reason.

“Wow… so we are getting deep now!” I smiled and reached across the table to take her hand. “Seven-Seven… I feel like this is going to end in a tie…” I raised a brow. “How would you and that gorgeous alter ego of yours take that?” I chuckled.

≡ Leah ≡

𝕊𝕙𝕖… about melted into a puddle when he took my hand, speaking about her. This came with an eye roll. Telling her to stop betraying me! She didn’t see it as a betrayal. Not when she used this game of ours as an example of why we were exactly where we were meant to be. “Hmm… not sure I want her to have her say. She’d be okay with letting you win.”

She disagreed because she said I would be a nightmare to live with. Also, true.

Turning my hand to lace my fingers with his. “We both know, doing this our way. Not following the norms is why this is working.” Edging to add another to the list.

I tried… I did… but still… I just couldn’t… smiling at him. Happy for him to end it with one of his own. Waiting to see what he did.

≡ Embry ≡

I saw the light in her eyes, and the shift in her body language… oh yeah… her Spirit Warrior was in her feels… I mirrored the tiny shift. Or He did. Looked like she wasn’t the only one.

“I can’t imagine why.” I laughed. I knew she hadn’t meant for her next comment to be added to the list… but… it was actually perfect for it… I could see the concession in her gaze. She would totally let me take this one. So, I smiled and said, “Hmm… Eight seven.”

Then I let her hand go, took the last mouthful from my beer, and stood up to take the plate and empty bottle to the sink. Because that look from her… That was all I needed. It wasn’t about winning…

“Evolution,” I whispered to myself as I rinsed the plate.

≡ Leah ≡

Falling back into my chair, my heart thumping, I felt like the wind was knocked out of me.

“By the spirits” mouthing it under my breath. His letting go and stepping away gave me a few moments to breathe and gather myself. Telling Her to go to sleep. Before slowly rising from the table to wipe down the counters, and table. Working on our own in a comfortable silence.

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled to myself as her body reacted to my gesture. We had once again proven to ourselves that there was nothing here that was about winning or losing… but that didn’t mean a little playful competition couldn’t be a whole lot of fun.

We worked side-by-side and when we were done, I leaned back against her counter with the ease and comfort I would in my own home. “How about another drink… something a little stronger?” I gave her that smile. Wondering how far we would take the recreation of that very first pizza night.

≡ Leah ≡

After washing my hands, I dried them on the towel, turning to face him when I heard the question. Leaning back on the sink, the towel working over my hands.

“Something stronger?” I asked. My lips just curled at the edges. Nodding my head. “Yeah. Sounds like a solid plan.” Folding the towel in half, before I hung it.

This night was a step into our history. Where it all began… but look at how far we had come since, I told myself.

Crossing the small space, I stepped up in front of him. Toe to toe. Tilting my head as our eyes connect.

“Two fingers or just the one?”

Reaching around him at the top cabinet, where his bottle of Jameson sat beside my bottle of Woodford.

Bringing them down one at a time to sit on the corner to his side. I may have made sure; he felt the caress of my body as I did so.

≡ Embry ≡

I bit my lip, and my body responded to her nearness by setting my hands on her hips. I tilted my head to the side when she reached by me. I ducked lower and pressed a kiss to her jaw… there was no way to resist… my heart skipped… she smelled like heaven.

I smiled 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 smile and met her eyes. My voice was low again. “Let’s start with two and work our way up. Shall we?” With all the implied innuendo in my tone. I slid my hands down lower on her hips and let my nose brush against hers.

≡ Leah ≡

Okay…. That most definitely did something. Biting the inside of my cheek, I had to press my thighs together to calm the plunging pulse down there.

“Hmm… it’s a good idea..” my voice matched his. Then my hands moved to his neck, and up into his hair.

“You’re getting into trouble, Embry Call...” whispering it into his ear. Biting his earlobe for good measure.

I closed my eyes. His warm breath; tested my willpower.

≡ Embry ≡

Fuck! Even before her scent shifted I felt her reaction, and it strengthened the reaction already started in me. The temptation to grab her by that perfect arse, lift her onto the counter and bury my face in the source of that scent… I cleared my throat… It was next to impossible to resist.

“It’s not my fault you are such a bad influence, Trouble.” The huskiness in my voice wasn't optional anymore. I bit my lip when I felt her teeth on my ear. “I…” I couldn’t gather enough air… enough concentration to speak. Her mouth, her voice… her fingers in my hair… Fuck! She smelled too good. “…Still...” I managed, my hands tightening on her hips. “…Owe you that song.”

I remembered our deal from when she was about to kick my arse in the hallway.

≡ Leah ≡

There it was proof we both reached that same space at the same time.

The thunder racing this way over my nerves, the pulsing all over, the sound and scent of him. I wondered if his warrior reacted to this like mine did?

But I shook it off. Tilting my face to find him. Kissing him once. Even with his grip on my hips. I knew the moment I took that step back. His hands would drop.

“Hmm…” blinking myself away from where we were headed. Licking my bottom lip as I pushed free. “And I have two drinks to pour. We wouldn’t want the bad influence to stop.”

Straightening myself out, my fingers moved up into my hair, combing it back and then over my shoulder.

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled, loosening my hold on her hips as she slipped away. Letting my fingers trail off. I instantly missed her heat. She was right there, and I missed her, craved to bite the bottom lip she licked.

But that would surely send me down a path that would keep me from following through with my promise.

“We wouldn't want that at all,” I smirked. My gaze lingered on her side profile as she busied herself. Then I not-so-subtly checked her out as I pushed off the counter and headed to the living room, where my Nana’s Gibson lived.

≡ Leah ≡

Oh, we knew, we didn’t miss a thing when it came to this man. We felt the way his eyes lingered those extra moments. Taking us in.

She smirked, turned and lay down to rest.

“You’re always so agreeable, Dimples.”

It felt strange now feeling the warmth of his touch. To be so close and far at the same time. And yet, the distance between us never felt like a chasm.

Shaking my head, I set the bottles back on the counter in case we wanted a refill. But I didn’t follow him all the way. Lingering at the opening of the living room, watching him.

≡ Embry ≡

“Good… Because it compliments your tenacity just perfectly.” I said as I moved across the living room. “Don’t you think?” We both knew I was asking her wolf. And we both knew her wolf agreed (Not that Leah would ever admit that).

I heard her approaching and I started to strum, confident she had it perfectly in tune… She always did. And I wonder if she checked it even when she wasn't practising. This one was in a key I wasn't normally comfortable with… but my Grandfather’s gift would see me through it… right?

≡ Leah ≡

“Tenacity?” Arching my eyebrow. “Is that the word of the day?”

Fine… she was agreeing but not showing me. But by the spirits, she knew when he spoke to her. So, I gave another eye roll, at how perfectly he managed to share moments with her. I had yet to speak with his warrior in the same way.

Leaning my shoulder on the frame beside me, I stood there making sure his Nani’s guitar was as he expected it to be. Before listening to his choice of song. Listening to where his heart, and mind were right now.

Smiling at the choice, I crossed the room setting his glass down on the coffee table, and sitting back on the couch with mine.

≡ Embry ≡

I would have told her that it was a polite way of saying 𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕓𝕓𝕠𝕣𝕟… but honestly… stubbornness was as much an asset as it could be a flaw. But I was already busy singing… plus, she was hot when she drew her line in the sand… and sometimes she rubbed it out and drew a new one… so it didn’t really fit into the flaw category.

I made a point to be looking right at her when I sang:

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗜'𝗺 𝗮-𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻' 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗮

𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱

𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻' 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲

And looked her right into those deep, always-thinking eyes.

≡ Leah ≡

My fingers combed through my now open hair pushing it back and then over one shoulder. Bringing my long legs up off the ground, I crossed them under myself sitting back and sipping on the delicious amber liquor in the glass.

The heat of it penetrates its way down, smooth and raw.

Thinking about the word… Tenacity…

I had no problems with it. Sometimes in life, we all need some resemblance of the trait. Hard decisions, tough reactions, and to stand one’s ground. I was used to being called the ‘stubborn bitch.’ So… Tenacity was a kinder way to say the same thing.

His eyes locked onto mine as my thoughts processed. I’m lost in the song for a minute. But I was back. Listening. Hearing. Processing.

≡ Embry ≡

I watched her intently… the way her hair slipped through her fingers. Her eyes were on me… making me feel all the things that only she could ever make me feel.

She had this way of paying attention to a person that made them feel seen… all my details and nuances were on display to her… not because I let them show. I hid very little in general… it was because she chose to pay attention. To see the things that meant the most to me and include them in our time inside the bubble. Like music… the way she always wanted to see what I would choose.

I finished the song and smiled at her. “I’ll have to teach you that one.” I chuckled, reaching for the drink she’d brought me. “You seemed to enjoy it.” She always did, always appreciated what I played or sang, because it came from a place inside my mind.

≡ Leah ≡

I’d been following the cords as he played. The upbeat rhythm of the song, and the way he chose to play, it all spoke to how he felt at that moment.

I was watching him over the rim of my glass when the song came to an end. The way he held the guitar even when he wasn’t playing also gave me insight.

“Hmm… I’d like that. It’s a good song to hear and try to learn.” Of course, me playing it wouldn’t sound anywhere as good as him. But we gotta start somewhere.

Guitar lessons within the bubble were our thing too. Learning to place my fingers just so, picking up the pieces of a song before putting it all together.

I was rubbing my fingers to see if any of my indents remained in place, but of course with my healing, my fingertips felt as perfect as they did the day before.

≡ Embry ≡

The guitar sat against my lap, and I watched her, watching me. I smiled. “If I can do it, you can do it.” I meant it, Leah was smart, coordinated and focused. She was already learning songs. It took me a while to get used to it and I had the advantage of knowing how to read music already.” Then I gave her 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 smile… she knew the one.

“But you have the advantage of looking three times sexier holding a guitar than I ever did.” I took another sip and set the glass down, nestling the Gibson in a place of honour on the armchair while I moved next to her. I brushed my calloused fingertips against her soft ones. “I have a feeling you’ll be like the Pup… the callouses might not come… but…” I grinned. “You can still outpace him with enough practice.” I knew it wasn’t about that for her.

I didn’t think it was even about obtaining excellence… which she did at everything she tried. It was just about making music and spending time… My heart skipped… because that time… it was with me. It was about exploring and learning, about being together and creating something that was incredibly and deeply important to us both.

It was about music.

≡ Leah ≡

“I don’t doubt I can, but I’m not in a rush with this.” Turning our hands over so now I stroked the soft tips of my fingers over his.

I tested the marble of his skin, told its own story of life, his passion, be it his, or one that came from being a Call. I found it fascinating.

Shaking my head, with my eyes still on his hand. “The pup and you are in a different league, and I’m not in a hurry to join you guys. I’ll get to where I am happy, and then keep going until I know I can.”

Thinking of the pup and his voice, his way of playing, and becoming something more when he was lost in his mind.

“Yeah... I don’t think music was born to leave a mark on me. Well… you know what I mean.” Of course, music left a mark, if it didn’t. I wouldn’t be having this conversation.

Lifting my gaze to his.

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled, that was exactly what I wanted to hear from her. I wanted this new journey to be slow and steady and something she did for the love of it and nothing more. My skin tingled where she touched my hands, tracing the marks music had left on me since I was a small child.

“That is exactly what I wanted to hear.” I smiled, speaking softly… like the bubble was so delicate now a loud sound could break it. “It has left a mark on you… on all of us…” I reached up and touched her cheek, stroking just beneath her eyes. “Yours just come and go… in your eyes when music touches you…” I moved my fingers to the curve of her neck and trailed them down her collarbone. “The way your skin flushes…” I rested my hand on her arm. “You get goosebumps…” I leaned in and kissed her. “Music has marked you, Trouble… in many ways.”

≡ Leah ≡

Each statement is a fact, one which would only be noted by someone who truly saw you, who didn’t just move their gaze away at the first sign of something they didn’t like.

I kept my eyes fixed on him, allowing my warrior and mind to follow the journey of his touches.

When his lips kissed mine, even for a brief moment I could pick up the taste of him with a blend of his whiskey.

“Hmm…” The soft hum was a sign of my agreement. “Things you weren’t supposed to see,” I told him in the same low tone he was using.

“But here we are.” He saw so much.

≡ Embry ≡

I smiled at her… my whole-body tingling from the kiss. I swear I had no idea what it was that this woman did to me… but I wanted more. Always more.

“Music isn’t just heard and these little things… They are all part of your album, Trouble. And missing out on that…” My smile grew. “That would be a tragedy. Our skin can be misunderstood… callouses… scars… they could be from a dozen different things… but chemical reactions? That’s pure… and you wear yours proudly.”

≡ Leah ≡

“I do?” The question took me by surprise. Because I worked so hard all my life to make sure nothing was visible to anyone else but my mirror.

But then she reminds me, there are no masks inside the bubble. Nowhere to hide. No need to feel like I had to show him anything different than the truth.

As it was, Embry Call had a knack for showing up at times when I had No way to hide my truths from him. And I didn’t lie about it either.

≡ Embry ≡

I chuckled. “Don’t worry. You are still a mystery to most… and me in many other ways.” I grinned. “But even in the bubble you still don’t do anything for show, your reactions are all yours, natural and untainted and you never put anything on for my benefit.”

I touched her cheek. “And that is why you wear them proudly. Because it is all 100% yours.”

≡ Leah ≡

My eyebrows pulled together, even if I moved into his touch.

“It never even occurred to me to put a show on. Not in here.” This was my safe space. “It’s why I didn’t know what to do with you the first time you showed up at my door… I wasn’t going to turn you away. But…”

But I didn’t know what it meant for me and the security I safeguarded in these four walls.

≡ Embry ≡

I wasn’t about to bring up other women inside our bubble… but women had a habit of telling me what they thought I wanted to hear… and I was sure men told her all the same things. It was likely the reason why neither of us ever saw most of them again.

Leah never spoke a word that wasn’t true and meant everything she said.

It was sexy as all hell!

I shrugged. “I like to keep you on your toes.” I took a breath… Remembering that day. “I never know if I regret my reaction or if it was all part of the path. But I do know that it wasn’t really anger that I felt that day. It was shame… shame that I didn’t step up for my mom and you had to do it for us.”

≡ Leah ≡

“Embry…” My eyebrows pulled together. Shifting to sit up and face him.

“You had the right to be pissed at me. I was set to face you, to let you react, whatever you needed. But… I wasn’t sorry for helping.”

I’d seen it in his eyes that night. It hit me so hard how he felt betrayed by me. And spirits it hurt.

“They send us the help we need. When we need it. That day. It was meant to be. Even if I get it. Understand your point. I wouldn’t change a thing I/we did.”

≡ Embry ≡

I wasn't sure about the having a right to be angry part... but I knew she understood why I had been. "Maybe... But I didn't have the right to show up like that and yell at you. But in some ways, I'm glad I did... It's weird... trying to sort out emotions from that day."

It was like I watched that day from a perspective outside of myself. Like someone caught it all on camera and I was watching the playback.

"Who knows what would have happened if we skipped that step." It wasn't a question. "And you don't have anything to be sorry for. Mom is doing  so much better with less stress... and." This pained me to admit. "If you'd come to me about it first; I would have said no. We both know that much."

≡ Leah ≡

By the spirits did I get it? If only he could have seen the internal dilemma I lived back when I knew I had no choice left. The feelings I knew I’d have to live with, to stand in front of those people. And ask them to do the right thing.

But. No one but her and I needed to know that part.

“Things happen for a reason. And that's all. Like I said. I’d do it again. And I won’t apologise for it. And yeah. I knew what you were going to say. It’s why I was waiting to see what you did.”

Shaking my head slowly. “But. You know. You like to surprise me.”

≡ Embry ≡

I shifted closer and leaned in to kiss her… because I knew she wouldn’t want to hear a thank you for what she had done. “I guess you aren’t the only one with a tenacious streak.” I chuckled; my lips still so close to hers that the sound rumbled against her mouth. I pulled back just enough to lock gazes with her.

“But I will always be grateful for the time I have with her now… time that isn’t sorting through stacks of bills. Hearing her play again.” I smiled. “And you say that like you haven’t ever surprised me." I laughed, setting my hand on her knee and sliding it up her thigh slowly. “Amongst other things, of course.”

≡ Leah ≡

Knowing this was true, made my heart do that stop/start thing. Understanding the situation and the pressure it must have put both of them under. And now. They could breathe. Take solace in their time together.

 “It was all worth it in the end.”

My lips parted at the bolt of lightning shooting its way up and down my leg. All thanks to his kiss and something as simple as a touch.

My eyes didn’t move from his face. Feeling his warm breath kiss mine as we sat here.

And once again I had to remember this wasn’t the first time he kissed me.

≡ Embry ≡

“There is so much about this…” my hand curved to the outside of her thigh. “That is… as natural as breathing… and so much that are lessons… I know that people say that nothing worth doing is easy. But I don’t think that it’s that black and white. I think it’s the easiest thing ever… and the hardest… and everything between the two.”

I kissed the corner of her mouth.  Those winged creatures took flight again in my stomach. “And other lessons that are far less deep… but just as important.” I chuckled. “Like the fact that butterflies aren’t just in movies and books.”

≡ Leah ≡

“Hmm…” he wasn’t wrong. Nothing was ever so simple. The grey areas in life were where the true lessons came from.

Reaching out I set my glass down on the table, before placing my palm on his chest, moving Embry to sit back into my couch. My long leg slid over his lap to straddle him.

“Tell me about those butterflies?”

Whispering as I sat on his lap on my heels. Keeping our eyes connected. I could feel the fabric of his jeans under my thighs, my shorts riding up just a little while I made myself comfortable.

≡ Embry ≡

I didn’t know why but I held my breath as she slipped onto my lap. It wasn’t the first nor would it be the last time, but every time… the thrill; it was just as intense as the first.

My hands slipped up along her thighs, my fingers tucking just underneath the hem of her shorts. Her hot skin was soft, but covering hard, toned muscle that drove those butterflies she was asking about even wilder.

One hand lifted and pressed against her stomach. “Well…” I smiled; gazes locked. “They start here…” I trailed my hand lower, firmly pressing against the strength that met my touch. “Then they move. Lower… faster… it’s like… cliff diving without the fall, trying to catch a breath against the rushing wind, without the wind. And when they finally get what they want… say a kiss.” I leaned in and kissed her.

“It’s like the plunge into the cold water, only full of heat.”

≡ Leah ≡

Heat crawled up the side of my neck listening and feeling his hand. My lips parted slightly to take in a gasp of air.

The realisation of the sensations I always feel in my stomach, the roiled muscles, the feel of something coming alive, the way that thirst is quenched only when we are together. Spirits… he knew that feeling too.

My lips brushed his. Barely a kiss, because.. come on.. teasing was fun too. I moved my hands over his shoulders, bringing them together on his neck. Enjoying the feel of his muscles beneath them.

Keeping my eyes open, I asked.

“Where does that feeling go… once it has what it was looking for? Does it just stop?”

I could imagine the rush of a jump and the excitement that comes with it too.

≡ Embry ≡

Spirits!! This woman! Every muscle in her body could express how she was feeling. And Fuck!!! She didn’t hold back. Just as I was wishing that sexy as-hell gasp had happened against my lips, she was leaning in; the heat of her breath, filling that craving. My shoulders relaxed and I rolled my neck against her touch, those hypnotic eyes of hers locking mine in. She searched it out as much as I did now. And every time it did something to me. That something ranged from a smile, to a racing heart, or a full-blown hard-on. Speaking of… I shifted under her just a little.

I shook my head… my gaze dipping to her lips. “No… after that… there’s the sensation of coming up for air again, taking in that first breath with your adrenaline pumping, the excitement… the tingling skin… the water clinging to your eyelashes that makes everything seem to glow a little.” I continued the metaphor so easily that I knew this was the best way to describe it.

“After that… sometimes it rises to your skin like an electric current, soothing and stimulating all at once, soft and intimate. And others it settles deep in the pit of your stomach and catches fire, burning deep and hot. Passionate.”

≡ Leah ≡

Swallowing back the next gasp my eyebrow arched up in that perfect way it did, whenever Embry found a way with his words. The man had a gift, that was for sure.

There were feelings, sentiments, and moments I knew this all first-hand. And I knew he wasn’t just talking about diving off the side of a cliff now. But for me… it was just those feelings and sensations I could put into words as beautifully as he did.

“Tell me more…” I’d moved in closer, my lips brushing the curve of his ear. Letting the warm breath of my mouth create its own warmth to tell him I was here… close… and still not.

Keeping a millimetre or two between my lips and his skin I moved down to his neck, letting the tip of my nose touch the spot under his ear.

≡ Embry ≡

Oh yeah… that was a whimper that had just, shamelessly, left my lips. My eyes closed now, to focus all my senses on the way her breath danced on my skin, the fact her voice sent a shot of pleasure straight to the hardness straining into the leg of my jeans.

My hand tightened on her thigh, I was greeted with the hard muscle and fucking perfect curves of her leg. “Fuck!” I hadn’t meant to say it. But I wasn’t about to start censoring my reactions to her now, not in the bubble.

The other hand slipped beneath her shirt. “Leah.” The word was almost a gasp as I ran my hand up her toned stomach. She was so fucking sexy I could hardly process her words. Just as my fingers reached the underside of her breast. My thumbs swiped the perfect swell hard enough to make her react… to want more. I slipped my arm around her back and crushed her against my chest in a flurry. “Next is the craving for pressure.” I could have pinned her to the couch for this… but she climbed on top of me. And if Leah wanted to be on top… then that was exactly what she was going to get.

“The need to feel the weight of your body against mine.” All metaphors were gone now because my mind was now flooded with Leah, Leah, Leah!

“To get closer than possible, they tangle our bodies together as deeply and intricately or souls are tangled together. We know we never will, we know that we can never touch each other that deeply with hands or lips. But it feels so fucking good to try. And the butterflies… they don't want to stop, so we hold on. We kiss, touch, and make each other moan, pull each other closer and closer… because the butterflies…” I smiled now. Turning into her neck, not kissing... Just like she did. “They demand satisfaction.”

Fuck! I was like a horny teenager around this woman. A horny teenage drama club nerd… fuck! I hadn't seen that guy in a long time.

≡ Leah ≡

That sound… spirits I craved hearing it now. He didn’t hide it from me, he didn’t hold back in some alphahole way. This was genuine, unassuming behaviour and reaction. And I wanted it all.

My eyes closed and then flew open as I felt how my closeness had him growing for me. This was enough for me to bite the soft skin on his neck teasingly. Then I sat back on my knees. Making sure my body lowered down into his lap at the perfect angle to give us both a jolt of pleasure.

My name on his lips made me instantly pulse, growing into a constant throbbing.

“Embry!” I gasped out his name, the electronic shock his fingers had made my nipples erect, pushing out the fabric of my bra. The feeling of them rippling the perfect brown circle of skin around them.

The scent of our desires mixed together before I inhaled it deeply with my mouth dropping open. And then he shocked me out of my stupor by pulling me in chest to chest.

Right… a moment of clarity… he was speaking… because I’d asked a question…

Nodding my head very slowly, my hands moved back up into his hair. “It feels like you are setting us a challenge…” of course that’s where my mind goes.

Because let’s face it. I wanted it. I wanted it all. What he said… The feeling of Embry’s weight holding me down. Knowing I could free myself in a move or two, but still wanting to stay. To be so enthusiastically entwined in each other, that you don’t know where one started, and the other stopped!

≡ Embry ≡

I groaned… biting my lip as she pressed against me perfectly. I knew by her scent, that if I touched her now… she would be just as turned on as I was. Just the way she said my name made me moan and throb in my too-tight jeans. I could not ignore the surge of desire that flooded me when she mentioned a challenge.

Because there were only a few unexplored ways for us to fill the 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓮𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 feeling… at least physically. “The only challenge right now…” I scraped my teeth along the shell of her ear… still not kissing her, even as I tugged on her earlobe. “…Is resisting the urge to tear off your clothes and taste the source of that fucking glorious scent.”

While I knew the path we were on was exactly where I wanted to be with her… There was no sense in denying the fact that I wanted her, I wanted to taste her, touch her, feel her shudder and come apart for me. I wanted it all… but I wanted it all at the right moment. And that was what always won… but that didn’t mean we couldn’t take each other to the brink… because it felt so fucking good.

≡ Leah ≡

I wanted him to devour me with that mouth of his, wanting that closeness which somehow never felt close enough. And yet I knew, this was the hunger for him speaking. The logical parts of my head weren’t answering the call right now. But still. Still, that part of me knew why we did things our way. Not carrying the pressure of the world on our shoulders inside our bubble. And we would get there. We would know. And we would be ready for what came with that act.

My nipples strained against my top, as my hands hooked around his neck. Letting my head fall forward and then I turned my lips to hover in the crook of his neck.

It was when my mind began racing, thoughts bombarding me with images of him doing the things he said. “Spirits… Embry!” The feel of him between my legs, the scent of him, they all spoke volumes too.

Slowly, my hips began moving. Small circles, a little pressure, a teasing touch just enough to make both of us want more.

≡ Embry ≡

Her name seemed to be the only thing I could say from the moment she started moving her hips against me like that. My hands moved, one to her arse and the other to her hip. I didn’t guide her movements, I let her move in her own way, but I needed to feel the way her muscles rolled and tightened… She was so strong… and yet she could move with a slowness and grace that blew my mind.

I pressed a kiss to her jaw now, the sensation building to a level that broke my train of thought. I trailed my kisses all the way to the hollow beneath her chin, tilting her face up. This made her piqued nipples press into me even through her shirt and mine. The hand on her hip travelled up, beneath her shirt, finding the swell of her breast. I groaned. I finally found more words than only her name. “Happy to see me?” I teased, biting her bottom lip at the same time as I rolled a calloused thumb over the hardened tip.  Like I could talk with the bulge I was sporting.

≡ Leah ≡

“Hmm…” as if there were any doubts in the question. I’d given up trying to stop my body from telling on me when it came to how much I wanted to see and feel him. Because within these walls, I didn’t hide.

I was still mystified by how my warrior, and I hummed together at the knowledge of how we made him come alive too.

“About the same as you by the feel of it.” That bite and the touch of my blossomed breast made all the muscles in my body judder, with a bolt of energy shooting to my core.

I pushed down into the thick, hard, delicious sensation caused by our bodies' connection, letting the soft moans of his name marry with the chanting of my name by him.

My tongue flicked a lick of his top lip, my teeth brushing the plumpness of his bottom one next, and then my lips were on his, hot and heavy needing to taste him.

≡ Embry ≡

I pushed my hips up in answer to her, like the word 𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 even came close to how I felt. The way her whole body reacted to a simple roll of my thumb over the piqued skin made a blot race through me, she was completely unguarded, completely free, deep diving into this moment alone… It wasn’t the first time… it wasn’t the tenth time… I had lost count she’d opened herself so completely for so long now that it shouldn’t have amazed me like this anymore.

But here I was. Amazed. Enraptured.

My name was like a song on her lips. And then those lips were on mine, I groaned into her mouth, cupping her breast completely, toying and squeezing. My head tilted up, opening for her,  feeding on her heat and her passion. Pouring every ounce of mine back into her. My other arm wrapped around her, pulling her tight against it. Closer. It was impossible… but FUCK!!! That was never going to keep me from trying.

≡ Leah ≡

These were moments you lived and sometimes, when you woke up… it all felt like a dream… Dreams I didn’t have.. but felt the best way about when it occurred to me that this was ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝.

My back arched into his chest, the friction between us making my eyes open wide and then flutter closed again.

The scent mingled with the heat we radiated filling the living space of my home, raising bumps over my skin.

Gasping for air I broke our kiss, looking down at Embry, my hands moved to comb his hair back out of his face.

My hips worked in tandem with his. I let the tip of my tongue trace his mouth, keeping my eyes open to take him in.

Spirits! I moaned at the tingling sensation his day's growth gave my tongue.

≡ Embry ≡

This woman knew exactly how to set my blood on fire… and fuck!! I burned for her, and I never wanted to stop. The way she arched told me she was thinking the same thing: 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕣, 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕣, 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕣! “Spirits!” I gasped… that scent… my wolf prowled under the surface. He was hungry for her… starving for them.

My eyes stayed locked on her when she swept my hair away, she moved in ways I never even thought a woman could move. It made perfect sense… she was always an overachiever. The brief thought made me smirk… of course, she was in a league of her own. There wasn’t another like her in this world.  My lips parted for her, letting her feel the heat of my moans and gasps. I arched my neck until my mouth was right by her ear. “When we finally taste you, Trouble.” Both my hands were on her hips now… not stopping her, not changing her rhythm. Just to feel the way she moved…

“This…” My hands tightened. “Is what we went to feel. Make us work for every moan… every scream.”

≡ Leah ≡

She flashed to life in my eyes. We felt the moment his warrior came to the surface, and yet stayed back too. It wasn’t the first time we felt them with us, making this a very real possibility that the four of us wanted the same fate all at once!

His hands tightened, and the statement, well… it made something come to life deep within my core.

“Nothing worth having…. Is given easily, dimples.” My voice was heavy with a deep want to feel every inch of him.

My hands moved to the head of the couch, keeping the both of us together. Making it harder for us not to feel the bodily responses from the other.

Closing my eyes, breathing from my mouth now. I dropped my head to his shoulder, still enjoying the feel of his breath against my ear.

≡ Embry ≡

Her reaction to my words was clear in her body, her heart, her breath… her scent! Fuck! Her wolf reached out to mine and mine to hers while they left us our own control and our own actions. I was pinned between her and the couch now and it was exactly where I wanted to be.

I was throbbing in my too-tight jeans… I really needed to rethink my clothing around this woman. I smiled wickedly thinking about just shedding layers after I crossed her threshold. I felt her drop her head onto my shoulder and I was reminded that these heated, passionate moments with her were also, always filled with the deepest intimacy I had ever felt in my life. The -only- intimacy I had ever felt in my life. The thought struck me, and I inhaled deeply.

“You…” I whispered breathlessly. “Always take my breath away, Trouble.”

≡ Leah ≡

She roiled below my skin; her graceful movements took us to our destination when we tightened our legs around his lap.

Keeping ourselves upright at a time when we wanted nothing more than to give in to this pull we felt towards Embry and his warrior.

I was biting my lips, trying to recreate the presence of his lips against ours without letting go of my control fully at this moment.

“Me?” My voice didn’t sound like mine. “What… about you?” I asked him. Did he really believe he didn’t do that very same thing to me?

My hair had fallen over my face, hiding us from the breeze from the windows of the living room. But we still felt the freshness of it kissing our heated skin.

“Spirits!” Moaning softly into his ear, as it turned into a hum when a tremor strike hit at the connection we made. I felt the dampness grow.

≡ Embry ≡

I chuckled; it was a deep, heated sound. “There you go changing the subject, Trouble.” I teased her. I could hear how her breath caught in her throat too. She knew that I didn’t miss those things about her. “We’re talking about you right now.” I bit her bottom lip and scraped my teeth over the kiss-plumped skin.

Now I did take hold of her, stilling her hips as I surged forward lifting her and twisting us to one side. Holding her only by her hips, knowing she was strong enough to hold her upper body, while I lay her back on her couch. I kneeled between her legs and looked down at her… my heart skipping. “Fuck!” I groaned… she was beautiful. Her skin flushed and raised with goose bumps, the heat and scent rolling off her in waves. Kiss swollen lips… nipples straining against the fabric covering them. Chest rising and falling while she caught that breath she was talking about.

“How on Earth am I supposed to decide on where to start worshipping a goddess like this?” I leaned over her, slowly bringing my lips closer and closer to her until our eyes locked and I paused… because there. In those fucking incredible eyes, lay my answer.

≡ Leah ≡

“Hmm… if you play your cards right. Maybe.” I had to laugh and tease.

Gasping I tightened myself, moving with him until he lay me down on my couch. My chest moved fast; the air was welcomed by my lungs, but my lips missed the pressure of his against them.

Shifting my shoulders to loosen my freed hair out from underneath me, I moved my long, toned legs on either side of him. Not curling them around him just yet, waiting to see what he had planned.

I was smiling, licking my bottom lip with the sensation of his bite still lingering.

Even now I saw his words coming to life in those bourbon-coloured brown eyes of his.

I didn’t answer his question with words. I knew he read my eyes the moment they locked with his.

My heart skipped, those little creatures in my stomach came to life, and my core thrummed from the attention.

≡ Embry ≡

There was a 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 pronounced twitch in my jeans and I couldn’t take it anymore… even if her comment made it the world’s worst timing on my part…. I tugged the top button of my jeans open and slid the zipper down. She trusted me enough to know how far I would take it. The relief was instant… and the craving for exactly what she had teased me about sprung to life in me just as fast. Knowing what we both wanted still didn’t change the fact we were wildly attracted to one another and craved that release we weren’t quite ready for. Our hormones and wolves both thought differently.

I sat back on my heels… looking down at the glorious woman before me. My hand reached out to her, dropping to my sides where her feet rested on either side of me, my rough hands curled around her ankles. Then they slowly made their way up the defined calf muscles. When I reached the back of her knees, I smiled at her. “Legs like these… are a very powerful weapon…” I lifted one… Lowering my head until I could press a kiss to the soft almond skin just below her knee. My eyes never left hers. “In every possible meaning of the words.” I kissed her knee, then just inside of it… and higher…. Higher. My teeth scraped against her thigh… and with one last kiss, I set her leg back to my side and turned the same attention to the other side.

≡ Leah ≡

Not once did my trust in him shake. I knew what his fingers worked to free and why. And in the moment when the cool air brought his scent to me, I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from moaning.

I also had to fist my hands onto the couch. Because I knew then to let myself tease him by touching him.

“Embry!”

My lips fell apart, eyes widened as my leg easily lifted to the point where he could kiss the back of my knee. But it was the feeling of his calloused fingers on my tight skin followed by his kisses and teeth, which had my mind freefalling.

“These weapons are always ready to strike. So… be… careful.”

My hands moved into his hair. Raking my fingers through it, trying to stop my hips from arching up to meet his kisses.

≡ Embry ≡

I smirked when I saw her cheek dimple like that… and not the illusive dimples she had when she smiled or laughed. “Don’t take your frustrations out on the couch.” I teased her. Trailing my kisses along her other thigh now. Getting low.. closer and closer to the source of the mouthwatering scent. I exhaled heavily when her fingers raked through my hair, and I gave myself a second to gather together what was left of my self-control while my lungs weren’t filled with her intoxicating scent.

“If you can’t take the teasing I could always stop.” I had no intention of stopping… It was an empty threat. Just as I said this I rested her leg back where I had found it, and I was sliding her shirt higher and pressing kisses beneath her navel. The toned muscles had jolts of heat shooting through me… suddenly my open jeans were not spacious enough. “So… Trouble. Tell me… what do you want?”

≡ Leah ≡

I closed my eyes, the sweet sensations of pleasure making their way in waves of the ocean over me. My chest rose and fell quicker, telling me I wasn’t holding back from showing him my reactions to him.

I pressed my lips tightly together, the sounds of his kisses on my skin joining the rapid-fire of this discovery method Embry used on me.

“Hmm… Embry…” his name… it sounded so good to my ears.

Letting go of the couch, with a short burst of laughter. Because. He was right. I liked this couch. It was kind of the beginning of this story we were writing.

Opening my eyes, with my fingertips still playing with his hair. It was getting longer again.

“These…” As he moved up my body, my abdominal muscles clenched. Tugging at the fabric of his shirt. “I want this off…” my voice was coated with something uniquely feminine.

≡ Embry ≡

My next kiss was placed above her navel… one hand still sliding her shirt higher and higher, the other gripping her thigh and dragging up until I reached the sensuous curve of her arse and squeezed. I noted her chuckle and the fact she released her death grip on the couch cushions, with a victorious flick of my tongue between the lines of defined abs.

She lifted herself… not sitting up… just…. “Fuck!” She was tugging at my clothes… just when I thought there was nothing sexier than this woman running her fingers through my hair…. Fuck!! But let’s face it, whatever she did would send me right down this rabbit hole again. The sexiest thing Leah did, was always the most recent thing she did!

I was tempted to tear the shirt off WWE style… But decided to save that for a day we could both literally rip off each other’s clothes. “As you wish,” I said in the sexiest voice I could manage with all the breath stolen from my lungs. Then I straightened up, out of easy reach of her… I slowly peeled the shirt up over my head and dropped it next to the couch.

≡ Leah ≡

“Spirits!” Chewing on my lower lip, my brown eyes followed the hem of his shirt as it lifted higher, and higher over his body.

“So.. worth it…” I meant the loss of his hands, mouth and body pressing into mine.

I didn’t squirm. Nope. But I would forgive anyone watching for thinking, that was what I just did!

My hands traced the lines low and close to my hips. Each defined muscle, the thin line of hair disappearing below his pants.

Gasping, with a dry mouth at how he felt to my touch. Wanting to lick him, taste him, tease him…

Reaching up, I brought my hands around his neck to lower him back down with me.

“Come here…” my lips brushed over his. Slow and gentle, flicking the tip of my tongue.

≡ Embry ≡

I smirked… Damn!! I 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 liked it when she squirmed like that… but I knew pointing it out would make her stop. The trail of her fingers made each muscle jump, and the reaction spread lower. My open jeans were still not roomy enough. Then her hands were moving again and before she reached my neck and pulled me down I was moving, her gaze pulling me in telling me she wanted me closer.

Her kiss was slow, and still, I felt it all over, my heart raced and my skin tingled. There it was, that intimacy again. My hand slipped up her sides and over the gentle curve of her breasts, over her collarbone and all the way up to her hair. I exhaled, and our breath mingled. I kissed her, it was deep and slow, passionate. Intimate. Something only, she ever made me feel. “Still  Real,” I mumbled against her lips.

≡ Leah ≡

Letting my fingers travel down his chest, under his arms until my nails lightly raked his back. This was it…

“Real.” Mumbling back into his kiss.

Feeling the weight of him pressing me down onto the couch. Fully aware I could get out if I wanted to. But that was the key. I didn’t want to! I liked this. Only with him. Feeling him on top of me!

My legs curled around his waist, bringing him down even closer. Pulsating bursts of energy hit my core as my tongue entered his mouth, teasing, playing, deepening to pull those sweet sounds free. My eyes flew open the moment I felt the way his body responded to me. The girth of it, the feel of it rubbing in that perfect spot.

“Embry” His name was a prayer.

I moved my fingers down his back until it was stopped at the band of his jeans. Waiting for him to make the next move.

≡ Embry ≡

I drew in a deep breath, the hot air from her mouth setting fire to my nerves. My tongue swept in, tasting her, claiming her mouth, letting her claim mine. I moaned, the sound pulling from deep in my stomach. I let more and more of my weight down against her, not because she couldn’t take it all at once… she could take it and then some. This was all about teasing… she wanted that feeling, the fullness of my weight holding her down, and the knowing that one swift move on her part would turn the tables and she could have me pinned to the floor. Fuck!!! It was sexy.

My knees shifted, bringing me into perfect alignment with her. Just as my name on her lips had me throbbing again. Her hands stopped moving and I bit her lip, tugging just a little. “I’m yours to do with as you please, Trouble.” My fingers twisted into her hair. “If you want more clothes gone just say the word.” It occurred to me I should be stripping hers and not just pinning her with my body, so I had no access to removing anything. But… Fuck!!! The way her curves fit against me… Spirits it felt… extraordinary.  I kissed her where I had bitten and sucked in her lip again, scraping my teeth against the plumped skin.

≡ Leah ≡

She liked hearing that. It didn’t shock the two of us or stop us in our tracks hearing him tell us he was ours. But it still took my heart beat up a level and made her smug.

My body shook from the pressure of him pushing down, the biting, kissing, the sting on my skin. I knew all evidence would be gone. But it was a fact that it was there now.

I pushed his open jeans down. “I know… but…” I was still responsible to check I wasn’t pushing him too far.

“Spirits!” Making the best of how we were on my couch, two warriors fondling like teenagers! Both trying to make themselves feel the other up, without going too far! The thought made me laugh.

“Okay… this isn’t working!” I couldn’t push his jeans down much with our bodies pinned together.

≡ Embry ≡

“You say that like I can’t scent you, Trouble.” I groaned against her mouth. Fully aware that it wasn’t what she was talking about at all. “This is definitely working for you.” I ground against her and fuck!! She felt so… damn… good!

“Bedroom.” The word was hardly audible as I claimed her mouth again in a deep kiss. I swiftly pulled her up as I straightened, not worried about her ability to hold on. I set her on her feet and ran my gaze over her… her skin flushed, her lips full from the hard kisses.. hair and clothes dishevelled from the heavy make-out session like we were no better than two sixteen-year-olds. “Fuck! You look… edible!” I almost growled, then I gripped her waist and smiled evilly. “Don’t kill me,” I whispered before I swept her up and tossed her over my shoulder fireman style.

I was a dead man… but at least I would die happy and horny as fuck.

≡ Leah ≡

Gasping and growling all at once as my body lifted and my hair went flying, I landed over his shoulder. I knew what was coming as soon as he asked me not to kill him!

“Embry…. Fucking…. Call!!!” Laughing at how long it had been since he gave me a reason to use his name in that way!

Aware that the source of the scent he spoke of was right. So close to his nose…. I shook my head. My hands smacked his arse, with his half-hanging jeans.

“I can use my two feet!” And now I was laughing. Because she fucking enjoyed it when he took control.

She danced, prowling, excited, wanting so much more.

Upside down the world was a different place. With stone arms holding me, a muscled body carrying me.

Spirits! This so worked for me! The wetness I felt told me and him that. It’s how my body always betrayed me to him from the first time he kissed me.

By the SPIRITS! When did this become a turn-on?

≡ Embry ≡

I laughed when I realised she was not going to use those long, perfect legs to level a kick to my balls for picking her up like this. I knew it was a risk when I couldn’t distract her with my eyes. She slapped my arse, and I turned to bite her hip through her shorts and laughed. I shoved out of my jeans because there was no way I was shuffling down the hallway to her room with them caught around my thighs.

“But this is so much more fun!” I chuckled. “You can’t even try to deny it.”

My hands ran up the back of her thighs… “Fuck… Leah … That scent.” I bit her hip again as I crossed the threshold of her room and pushed the door closed with my foot. At the end of her bed, I tipped forward and let her fall back onto the neatly made covers. That was about to change. Even knowing she could easily drop back on her own my body reacted on instinct and my hand slipped up along her back as she settled, supporting her… or maybe I was just feeling her up.

≡ Leah ≡

“Stop making a mess of my home!” And then moaned! By the spirits! I moaned at the way his bite sent fire bolts through my core. Igniting so fast it was like a forest fire spreading its way across me.

“I’m not denying a thing.”

My body came in contact with the cool sheets, his arms coming around to slowly guide me down. My brown eyes found his right away because even if we both knew it wasn’t necessary. He had done it. Embry had taken a moment to support me.

“Spirits.” His laughter filled my ears. It filled my home. And mine was right there with it too. What was this man doing to me?

I pulled him down with me, making sure to free my hair before it got caught under the two of us.

My warm fingers brushed against his torso. Then my hands began to explore him. Lingering in places like the side of his midriff, the line defining his muscular grooves, and the inner parts of his arms. Lingering lower to feel the outlines of his tattoos.

≡ Embry ≡

I chuckled a little darkly… my lips finding that pulsating spot in her throat, I kissed her, sucking just hard enough to leave a mark that would only last moments while her hands roamed over my body. Each touch made me shiver and twitch far more freely now that my jeans were abandoned on her living room floor. “Do you want me to stop… Pick them up… fold them neatly and then…” My kisses trailed to her earlobe, and I tugged it between my teeth. “Come back and give you all the attention you deserve.”

I let my hand slide out from underneath her, down her sides to the hem of her shirt and started to push it up again. Slowly. Licking my lips as I watched each inch of perfect skin revealed. All the while every brush of her fingers gave me butterflies or goosebumps… or both.

≡ Leah ≡

By the spirits! The sweet sting made me clench my thighs together. I felt the way his mouth moved. I knew from the moment he sucked. I was marked.

“Yes…” my hands moved into his hair. The softness, and silkiness of it had my fingers playing. “… yes I want you to do all that.” Wait... “No!”

What was I thinking and saying?

“Embry!” Moaning his name my back arched up to meet him. My mouth dropped open gasping at the tension his actions were building up.

My nails moved through his hair and down his neck. Until I made them work around his shoulders. My hooded eyes witnessed him as his hands worked my top up. The lick of his lips, the way he took me in. Spirits. Just watching him was intoxicating.

≡ Embry ≡

I pushed her shirt up over the swell of her breast, engulfing her with my hand. A guttural sound escaped me as her hard nipple pressed up against my palm. Far too lost in her… how she felt… how she smelled, the way she moved under me… to have acted on her words before she took them back.

My voice dipped low. “In that case.” I planted my knees on either side of the thighs she was squeezing together, trapping them there… at least until she decided otherwise. I tore my eyes away from the pink and purple mark, barely visible on her throat and pulled her shirt up and over her head. With one hand on the back of her neck, easing her back down onto the bed, the other swept her hair over her shoulder.

“Fuck, Trouble…” I took in the sight of her. Dark hair spilling over one shoulder, that perfect dark, piqued nub poking through the strands. Her waist and abdomen… flattened and creased by solid muscles. I wanted to run my tongue through each and every groove. But first. I ducked my head and wrapped my lips around that sensitive nub. I moaned and my back bowed down bringing my chest against her bare skin.

“Beautiful.”

≡ Leah ≡

It was a good thing I wasn’t shy when it came to my body. Because when Embry Call was being so attentive to its needs, he was like a pilgrim paying tribute to his temple!

He shocked me into silence, taking those small steps people missed but I felt and saw. The way he held my head, gathered my hair, made sure I was at ease and comfortable. The way he paid attention to my reactions, and then gave me more of what he saw I enjoyed.

My body moved like a wave, first my hips lifted to meet his. Being held down I couldn’t move too far,  then it was my back that arched off the sheets. Pressing myself up into him to feel his skin on mine.

My lips dropped open, gasping for air when his lips closed around my sensitive nipple, sending sensations of fire through my nerves. The hum of the air, mixed with the heat we both created, with the fire he caused in my belly.

“Embry….” His name was whispered into a moan. Because that thing he did with his mouth, it sent shockwaves.

≡ Embry ≡

Her body arched and fuck!!! I wanted to ravage her! She could have broken free and made the contact she was clearly craving, but she stayed put… just because she wanted to. Her skin on mine was pure blissful heat. My teeth scraped the raised, rippled skin… each reaction she gave me feeding my desire.

I kissed my way back up to her collarbone, rough hand slipping between us to take over the task my mouth had started. My lips skimmed across the sweet dip at the base of her neck… all along her rapid pulse, her jaw… chin and finally her mouth in a deep, fiery kiss. I tasted her tongue, her breath, her lips… Swallowing the way she moaned my name.

“You…” I moaned between kisses. “Are addictive, Trouble."

≡ Leah ≡

Addiction had a new name in my world. Just as it clearly had in his. And this coming from a woman like me who didn’t give in to them. At. All!

My hands are in his hair, tugging a little at the length of it as our tongues dance a fast, heated dance. I felt the way his fingers played and teased, continuing the work his mouth left off, but keeping the pleasure flowing just the same.

My legs stretched out with his knees locking them in place, but even with the knowledge of how I could have him on his back in three moves. I didn’t want this to stop. Spirits! Why did it feel as though he was going to be the death of me? From simple looks, the way he sang for me, to the fires we set ablaze in our wake. I wasn’t sure what to answer.

My hands moved down the side of his torso, once again following the direction of his body with my lips catching his tongue. Sucking at it, playing, teasing with my fingers moving past the band of his boxers, digging my nails into the firm skin of his arse cheeks.

≡ Embry ≡

“Fuck!” Or at least that was what I had tried to say… the sound that came out didn’t resemble the word. Her hands were everywhere, and electric tingles sparked to life everywhere she touched.

I arched my back as her touch trailed lower and beneath the band of my boxers… every muscle clenched. The hardness in my boxers met the hard planes of her abs and I swear that was a growl. Was that me? Fuck… who knew! When she released my tongue I slid my hands down her waist, holding her against me instead of pressing her down into the mattress.

“See what you do to me?” I groaned; it wasn’t really a question. I began to kiss a trail back down her neck, not breaking the contact until I had to so I could continue my path down between her breasts.

≡ Leah ≡

He growled at me? She was awake and, Spirits! Did we like the way that sound riled our body, mind, and soul up?

She/ we growled right back at the connection between us. The moment his arm held us in place, we sensed the way his thickness felt on our stomach.

“Embry!” I was breathless, and hot, and of course, excited! Now wishing I had the freedom to move my legs around him.

But she stopped me. We liked showing him the trust we had in him. Because that is what this was.

“Still… Real!” My mouth dropped open, eyes closed, hands falling to the sheets fisting them to keep myself from doing anything to break the unspoken promise we had in place.

≡ Embry ≡

No one in my life had ever made my name sexy…. But of course, Leah managed to. My trail of kisses eventually meant I had to free her legs so I could continue the line down her stomach. Dipp my tongue into the defined lines between her abs, passed her navel…

She smelled like so… fucking… good. I ached to taste her… to feel her. And then her words grounded me. “Real…” I breathed into the curve of her hip. Scraping my teeth against her hipbone and groaning. “Still… very real.” My tongue traced the curve that vanished into her shorts, and I tucked my fingertips into her waistband.

“How do you always manage to have more clothes on than me?”

≡ Leah ≡

He got it. The understanding we never really needed to discuss and somehow fell into place.

I opened my eyes looking down the length of my body, seeing my chest heaving, the sound of our hearts in the perfect rhythm, the scent… Spirits!

Biting on the inside of my cheeks one of my hands combed his hair back. The muscles he licked and kissed vibrated underneath his attention.

“Because….” Breathing the word out… “I’m not just… a pretty face, Dimples.”

This time I made myself watch him, to continue following his actions with my eyes. But I had to smirk. Because he wasn’t wrong. I did somehow always manage to keep more clothes on, for much longer.

A memory flashed in my head. Embry, taking his work tee off at #HwH, throwing it at me. For me to bat it off to his fan club.

Dropping my head back to look up.

≡ Embry ≡

Fuck! This woman… she was perfection! I slid her shorts down her legs, I had to climb off the bed since we were still at the end of it. I didn’t fold them, but I did at the very least toss them onto the chair in the corner. I looked down at the glorious sight…

“It is one hell of a pretty face though…. And so…. SO much more.” My eyes travelled up and down her form on the bed before me.

I climbed back onto the bed and scooped her up. Clambering on my knees to the head of the bed where I let us both fall onto the pillows. “You and that pretty face better buckle up, Trouble.” I chuckled and pulled the sheets up over both of our heads, hiding us from the world. “We have a long… hot night ahead of us.”

Then we were lost in our very own world.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

 “By the spirits!”

The words a gasp as i turned into him and then out again. My hair falling Free down my shoulders and over my back as he moved us both with the song.

“Embry!” Trying to tell him off for disrespecting me, but I ended up laughing moving in step with him.

•- Embry Call -•

I grinned when she decided to dance with me instead of rolling her eyes and getting back to the task at hand. "Spirits" I muttered and leaned in to brush the tip of my nose against her jaw as we danced. "That sound!" I almost groaned.

It was truly one of the most beautiful sounds in my life. "Look at you living, in the moment like a pro." I teased.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Biting the inside of my cheeks, my eyes closed feeling the small traces of blood rushing at the touch.

My feet moved in time with his with the music.  “Hmm… also not trying to lead… the spirits must be impressed with me, right?”

•- Embry Call -•

My nose reached her ear and I whispered. “I like it when you lead. You can take the lead anytime… I won't tell.” I chuckled and dropped a kiss just below her ear.

“But it is good to balance the two.” I spun her away and brought her back again me. My chest flushed against  back and my arm wrapped around her so completely that all we could do now was sway a little off the beat of the song.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My hair flew around me, leaning against his back as it fell softly over my shoulders and down my back. “It’s about finding that perfect balance” I agreed. Listing to how our heartbeat sounded with music.

Swaying with him my eyes moved to the hob. “We need to get back to work.”

•- Embry Call -•

I breathed in and smell of her hair. My world and I both ruffled at the sensation it gave.  “The Spirit had a plan when they led down the same path” I planted a kiss on her shoulder and nodded.

“We really should. Plenty of time for dancing after food.” I smiled and stepped back. “What can I do to help?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Drinks? I’ll check the food.” It was fine, I could tell for the aroma in the kitchen. Everything was cooking to perfection.

Once he stepped back, I stepped forward watching his reflection in the mirror as I worked.

•- Embry Call -•

I nodded and went the fridge lifting out two more beers, downing the last if the one I left on the counters before tossing it into the recycling. A jug of water already sat in the table.

I uncapped the bottle and set them on either side in the table. “Damn that all smell good!” I almost groaned as my stomach rumbled impatiently.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“It should, I made it.” Brushing off the non-existent lint on my shoulders. Winking at him as I plated the food. Watching him as he walked pass behind me.

Finishing off the drink he’d giving me before, I carried the food to the tables and took my seat. “This is becoming a habit now.” Sitting back, I pulled my hair up into a messy bun.

•- Embry Call -•

“Boasting is a good look on you!” I Grinned. She was always confident, but never really bragged… not seriously anyway. And even now that wasn’t what she was doing.

I paused. My hand was halfway to my fork, watching as each inch of that very kissable neck was exposed. “If you mean you teasing me across the kitchen table until I want to let the food, go cold and do very bad things to you?” I smirked, finally lifting my fork. “Yes…. Yes, it is becoming a habit.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Raising my eyebrow in a perfect arch I shook my head.

“Our ancestors would be mortified to learn you’re willing to pass over food for a woman. What is the world coming to?”

With the fork in hand, I went in for the veggie cooked to perfection. The first bite made the world  come to life with the flavour burst and crunch as I chewed.

“Eat up, the deliciously bad things come after.” Waggling my eyebrows at him with a smirk.

•- Embry Call -•

"The ancestors will more than understand when it comes to this particular woman." I smiled and speared a forkful of veg and sliced into the chicken. 

I took and bite and her next words had me stopping with my mouthful... Damn, this is good! "Is that a promise or a threat?" I raised a brow and lifted the beer to my lips. "Because I'm down for either..." I tilted my head. "Or both."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Rolling my eyes to the heavens, I continued to chew on my mouthful. Leaving him with the prosthetic of what could be, was too good to miss.

Once my mouth was empty, I took a long pull from my beer before speaking. “Think of it as you wish. Only time and your choices will definitely determine which it is.”

Pointedly taking another mouthful of food.

•- Embry Call -•

“Now I’m torn…” I pointed my fork at the plate. “It would be a shame to rush such a delicious meal… but… now I  really wanna see what kind of follow-through you have planned.” I grinned.

Leah Clearwater always had a plan.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Chewing as I consider what he said. “Hmm… never took you for one of those who rushed anything.”

Taking a pull from the bottle before I set it down to pick up my fork again. “Learning new things tonight, Call.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled at her utterly unashamed at how cheesy i was about to be.  “Some people are worth rushing a meal for… even if they’re probably about to kick arse.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Raising my eyebrow, my lips curled up into the perfect smirk. “So… so… so…. Cheesy Embry Call. I’d expected something better from some who had an award for word play.”

Kicking his foot playfully under the table. “I’m only rushing my dinner because of the cheese cake in  the refrigerator.” The look on my face daring him to question my statement. Even if my eyes lingered on his lips a minute too long.

•- Embry Call -•

"You know I always speak my mind, even if it's cheesy." I smiled and took another bite... hell. This was so good. My eyes lit up... "Now you're talking my language." After another bite, I smiled. I noticed her gaze locked on my lips. "Got any ice cream?"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know where I stand with you. Always have. ”Good or bad, this one always gave it how it was. Even if it earned him a slap upside his head. Stabbing my fork into the pasta I raised my eyebrow. “It’s as though you don’t know me. Yeah, I do.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled… she did know… we both we both knew. I groaned at another forkful of the food… damn she could cook!

“I know… rookie move.” I held my hands up in surrender, fork, and all. “I just had a sudden craving.” I smirked now… “remember the last tune we ate ice-cream... In  bed.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Mid chew my mouth stopped with my gaze growing a little darker. Heat crawled its way up my neck and I cleared my throat. Setting my fork down I lifted my drink to my lips to dampen the dry sensation and then nodded my head once.

“Have you known me to forget anything.” Sprits be my guide. I could recall every single second of that last time.

•- Embry Call -•

That memory got her blood rushing, I could tell with the tinge of pink climbing up her elegant neck. I chuckled... but it was a low sound... because the memory was having the same effect on me.

"I still can't believe that you didn't dunk me for kissing you out in the open like that.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Cutting into my meat my gaze back on him. “Oh, trust me I wanted to. But she’s been fighting your corner from the beginning.”

She stirred at the mention of her, I felt the sly smile and the same pride she felt for her choice to bank of him.

‘I told you; we could trust him.’ rolling my eyes I shook my head slightly.

“If it were on me, you would have gone under.” Hundred percent truth.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled around another bite. “Oh, I know.” I teased. “But she had my back.” I winked across the table. “She likes me.” I teased in an almost-sing-sing tone. “And I made sure we were completely alone first.”

My eye stayed on hers,  looking down only to make sure I wasn’t  making a mess with my food. “And you liked it… the wildness…”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Has..” both my warrior and I say at the exact same time. “She has your back.” Correcting the past tense in his statement.

Raising my eyebrow while watching the show he put on. Shaking my head once again, but I was smiling. “Clearly she saw something in you before I slowed down enough to see it.”

This made her send me a scoff. ‘Of course, I did, I’m always the one to see things like this first.’ Now see got an eye roll too.

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it.” Heat flashed up the side of my next at the memory. “And I know you checked first.”

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled. “I know… She has great taste. Not that she needs me to tell her that.”

I smiled at her… my heart giving another few out of rhythm thumps at the memory… the freezing water, the heat of her body, that kiss while the thrill of the fall still coursed through us. “We should do it again sometime…” I smirked. “Maybe off the Rez… just in case.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Look who is learning about restraint?” Sitting back in the chair, setting the fork down to replace it with my drink.

I watched him carefully, my eyes in his face, but my ears… they were listening to his heart casing my lips to curl up into a smirk.

“Do you need anything  more?” Asking as I nod to the hob to the side. “There is more if you want anything.” It always made sense to cook enough food, hunger was never far for a spirit warrior.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed… the fact that was calling that restraint. “Actually… I would call it more… Planning ahead so I don’t need to use restraint.” Then I immediately added. “That did not sound kinky in my head.”

I thought about it for a second. “And fill up before the ice cream?” I  laughed; I didn’t think it was possible for a Warrior to feel full…. Well that’s not entirely true. #Paul and I tested it one time. It was not pretty.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Fork frozen mid-way to my mouth with my eyebrow curled up into a perfect arch. By the Spirits why did that made me squeeze my thighs together?

Shaking my head slowly my lips parted to say something and then I just ate my food. There were no safe words to be used about now.

“Hmm…” the only sound I dared to let out, while this man across the table from me, tested my control. (Or at least that’s how it felt.)

•- Embry Call -•

I froze a second after she did… My wolf and I were entwined so deeply that it was impossible for me not tuned into the scents all around me… especially when I was with Leah. She smelled amazing, and right now…

“Hmm…”I raised a  brow. “Maybe I should intend to be  kinky?” I smiled… the shift in her scent. “Maybe we should change those dessert plans?” Her scent had my mouth watering… and not for ice cream.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The tip of my tongue licked my bottom lip. He wasn’t the only one in the room whose could pick up on things. The body language, scents, the way his warrior wasn’t far too.

“Hmm…” biting on the inside of my cheek. “Why change the plans? Isn’t it better to adapt them?” the idea of his mind going to different directions… Spirits… this man was sent to test me.

•- Embry Call -•

My smile spread slow and wide across my features. She really was just full of excellent ideas…

“So… ice cream in bed again?” I teased. “You know that could get messy… we probably need to shower right after.” I waggled my brows. But then… just to throw her.. and turn her on all at once I picked up her empty plate and smiled.

“We should cleaned up first.” I gave her a knowing smile and headed to the sink.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Sitting up straight, crossing my legs under the table my head following him as he walked to the sink with the dishes in hand.

“You know how to turn a woman on.” He knew I meant the cleaning up comment. (Of course, the thought of eating ice cream in bed and showering too.) SPIRTS. “Talk about breaking all the rules”.

Shaking my head when the throbbing between my legs had been eased, I stood up clearing away the rest of the table before walking over to him bare foot to help dry.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled. "Oh, if you think this is sexy... you should see me mop... It's almost like a floor show." I bit my lip as I ran the tap and scrubbed the plates.

"Spirits." I muttered, that scent... it made me a different kind of hungry. "Or... we can just skip the rest and put these counters to good use right now." My blood heated the scent in the air... Fuck! She smelled so good.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Clocking the lip bit in his side profile I couldn’t help myself. I stepped up to him turning him face towards me and place a soft kiss on his lips. My tongue darting out to free that bite of his, only to replace it with mine.

“I want to bite your lips every time you do that.” I kissed him again before pulling away and picking up a plate.

“We’ve come a long way to leave a job half done.” But my eyes darted over to the counter where he had shown me other ways to enjoy my kitchen.

•- Embry Call -•

I groaned at the flick of her tongue against my lips, I had to restrain myself from squeezing the glass in my hand so tightly it would shatter.

“Every single time I bite you, you can assume it’s an invitation for you to do it instead.” My voice was a whisper, then it deepened. That kid was far too short. “It’s always better when you do it.”

I could resist, three minutes, that all it would take to finish these dishes… then hoist her onto those counters she was eyeing and take as long as wanted just kissing her. Three minutes. I washed faster.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Softly laughing my shoulders with the sound of it. I could see the determination in his posture. He wanted those dishes washed, yesterday!

“If you break my dishes, Embry Call. There will be hell to pay.” I wasn’t attached to them, but we needed to be able to control some  parts of us, right?

‘Wasn’t the point of the bubble, so you didn’t need to?’ She stirred turning her back on us. She never stayed up to watch because she trusted him. (Unless he woke her up. And then there was no stopping her.)

I shook my head drying and packing as I went.

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled. "Hey, I have better self-control than that." I protested, just barely... but that was enough. I held up the perfectly intact glass to prove it.

I set the last clean dish on the rack and dried my hands as she finished up and packed it away. Then I was right there when she turned back from the cupboard. A hand on the counters on either side of her. I dropped my voice low...

"Now what?"

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I heard his feet in the cold kitchen floor. Smiling as I set the last of the dishes away and turned to face him with the tea towel in my hand. The half-moon space he created around me with his arms had my eyebrow raised in a perfect arch.

“Now what?” Licking my bottom lip “Weren’t you talking about dessert?” Tilting my head to the side, letting my hair fall free over my shoulder.

•- Embry Call -•

My stomach rioted; my eyes fixated on the way she licked her lips. Was jealousy right word for thinking that should be me tongue tracing that perfectly plump lip?

“Dessert…” I let every ounce of desire flood my tone and I hoisted up onto the counter with a firm grip on her  hips. Fuck! Was there any part of this woman that wasn’t sexy as hell.

“Let’s start with a taste.” I flicked my tongue right where hers had just been. My fingers dragging down the outside of her impressive thighs. Then I kissed her, diving in, deep and passionate.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

By the Spirits! My stomach turned in a delicious wave of desire pushing it when his strong hands took a hold and with one swiping motion I was off my feet and my arse settled on top of the counter.

A gasp escaped my lips with my hands moving to rest on his shouldered, taking  him in. Before I could say anything, our lips were connected, his tongue and mine entwined, my own hands in his hair.

•- Embry Call -•

I kissed her, pulling her right the edge of the counter where my body was keeping her from slipping off. My hands moved back up her thighs, her waist…. Around her back and up until my hand could tangle in her hair making groan.

The other fisted in the back of her shirt. My caught her hitting lip and tugged until it slipped free. I locked eyes with her. “I’d there anything you don’t do well?” I teased. “Best dessert ever.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I wouldn’t fall, 1 - because he wouldn’t let me. And B - because I wouldn’t let me. He tasted of dinner, and beer, of the Earth of our lands, and of… Embry. A scent and taste I hadn’t had before, and I knew there wouldn’t be one like it again.

My back arch into his direction, chest to chest, when the bust of our scents combined together. A moan pulled free by him sent a blot of electricity straight to my clenched muscles. “If you can’t do it well. Then why try?” Flicking the tip of my tongue over his lips. The throbbing sensation building.

•- Embry Call -•

Her chest pressed into mine and I could feel with all of her.  I moaned her name, but it was swallowed up by the deep kiss. I pressed my hips against her and smirked letting her feel the full effect she had on me. "Well... You get an A plus, Trouble."

Her scent shifted and  new kind of hunger filled me.  "Damn, you smell too fucking good."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“As long as you’re not scoring me on a curve, Dimples.” The end of my sentence went up towards the end at feeling his reaction to our closeness.

“Spirits…” peppering his lips with kisses between my words. “You feel so good.” My arse had been placed at the edge of the  counter by him, and I’d locked my ankles around his waist. I used the two to keep my balance as I rocked to cause some friction between us.

•- Embry Call -•

I moaned softly, her body heat seeping into me. Her warmth was unlike any other I had ever experienced. Her kisses made me smile, made my heart skip with each one. “Can’t grade on curve when there ones only one student.” I breathed. “Only you.”

My hand gripped her hip… then slipped my hand beneath her shirt to feel the hard muscles of her waist and back. “Spirits, Leah…” I wasn’t he only the felt good.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Shivers moved smoothly over my skin being touched by his hands. The proof of his determination to music could be felt with the rough calluses of those hands. His heart and moans sang to me, making me reply in the same way too.

“Only you…” Sprits! This mad man and I were  walking this path in our own way for sure. Because I wasn’t even thinking of running now.

“Embry…” shivering at his touch, tilting my head I deepen the kiss again. Needing more now.

•- Embry Call -•

Every muscle in my body went tight… at first… those first two words, they woke the beast inside and my arms tightened around her, pushing her shirt up her back as I did, closing any possible space between our bodies.

Then those same muscles turned molten when she said my  name like that. Her kiss deepened and I whispered her name back to her, but it was lost in the breaths and whimpers and soft sounds of our kiss. “What have you done to me?” I managed to whisper before I pressed my tongue past her lips again. Joy and gratitude flooded my tone.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

What had I done? Was there any chance we could answer that question to its fullest? No, I didn’t think so.

And it hadn’t been me… it was us… we had done this together. He and I walked this path that brought us here tonight… and we weren’t done.

I didn’t reply with words. I parted my lips to let him in. I shifted and edged into him, feeling his heart pounding next to mine. And I gave him his answer with the way this all felt between us right now.

•- Embry Call -•

The question had been more than rhetorical. It was unanswerable… a statement really… a prayer and please to the spirits the showed us this road and let us follow it. A thank you, to them… not her. Because this… wasn't something we tanked each other for.

We gave and accepted equal measure. Her answer came in closeness, in matched passion and synced heartbeats. She had no answer, she didn't need one or want one… just like me. The kiss slowed and deepened all at once as we clung to one another.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

His heart took over, it’s all I wanted to listen to in this moment. Listening to the message it shared kept me in place in the kitchen counter.

The coolness of the counter top seeping in from below, I moved my hands to cup his face. The days stubble prickly to my fingers. I smiled as I kissed him. Feeling that connection, we shared. Slowly pulling back, I opened my eyes to take him in.

Embry Call, his eyes, his nose, his lips… “Well, this is a new kind of a dessert menu.” Teasing with that smile still on my features.

•- Embry Call -•

A low hum escaped from me, and I pressed my cheek into her palm. Savouring the touch, when I opened my eyes, I found hers flitting from feature to feature on my face.

My hands slide down her back to her waist, still against her bare, heated skin under her shirt. "Still in the  mood for ice cream?" I asked, licking the lingering taste of her from my lips. "Or should continue to fulfil all your cravings."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Still smiling, I snapped my teeth at him. There were so many ways to take this conversation, but for now…. With him and I, this heated embrace. We really needed something to cool off a little.

“The deal was to have ice cream.” Raising my eyebrow at him as I spoke. “We cannot, not have some.” The tips of his fingers lingering under my shirt, add a slight gasp to my words now.

•- Embry Call -•

My stomach twisted in that incredible way, and I bit my lip with a groan. That snap was sexy as all hell. I kissed her, flicking my tongue again her lips Before I whisper. “Who am I to deny you anything, Trouble?”

I slipped my hands from her hips. The heat of her bare skin was  instantly missed.

“Don’t move.” I smirked and stepped away, heading to the freezer, I fished out the first tub I saw and set it on the counter. I gaze locking hers in again as I slipped between her knees. I opened the drawer next to her and pulled out a spoon, without once  looking away from her. Then I scooped out a spoonful and held it out before her with a grin.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Heat rushed up the side of my neck, watching him moving though my kitchen without a question or a doubt. He looked comfortable, like he belonged and wanted to all at the same time.

Licking my bottom lip, smiling at how he strutted over to my freezer, found the tub of frozen ice cream, returned without a misstep, and found a spoon without breaking eye contact.

“That is so sexy!” Raising a perfectly curved eyebrow at him.

Parting my lips for the spoon, I leant towards him closing them around the offering, and letting out the most delicious moan. curling my long legs back around his waist.

“I wasn’t expecting the service.” Letting the ice cream melt on my lips before kissing him so that he could taste it too.

•- Embry Call -•

My lips parted… a light exhale escaping as her kiss plumped lips closed around the spoonful. My skin suddenly felt too tight. And when she caught me around the waist.

“Oh no…” My voice is unexpectedly soft. “That is sexy.” I returned her kiss, tasting her, tasting the ice-cream on her lips. I trace her lip with tongue. “Ice cream never tasted so good before” I smiled.

I scooped out more ice cream and this time I ate it myself. Letting it melt on my tongue.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“It’s a one-of-a-kind flavour…” smirking as I licked my lips. He’d left them tingly again. My hands moved to the side and around his back, drawing gently as my gaze remained on him and his actions. He filled another spoonful, my lips parted and…. “Hey!” Okay so I thought  it was coming to me.

Shaking my head. “Fine… I guess you are allowed to have some too.” Kicking his arse playfully with the heel of my foot around him. “The next spoon is mine.” Snapping my teeth at him.

•- Embry Call -•

I managed a breathy chuckle as my heart lurched watching her lip part expectantly. Fuck!! The places my mind went just thinking about her lips.

“I thought it as only children that were meant to have issues with sharing.” I kissed her, letting her have a taste too. Then I extended another spoonful to her. “You have no idea the depths of my filthy thoughts right now.” I flashed a teasing grin.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

By the Spirits! His cool and then hot lips tasted so good. Sweet and salty, cool and warm. He wasn’t wrong in his assessment. “I don’t share….” Licking my lips pointedly as I watch him refill the spoon.

My fingers moving over his soft skin of their own accord, my lips  parted ready for the next serving, but then a bolt of lightning struck through from my ears to my core.

“Oh…” eyebrow raised in a perfect curve. “Care to share or should I just let my mind wander with the fact you gave me?” This time my lips closed around the spoon slowly.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled. “Of course not.” I teased… and yet here she was legs wrapped me, locking me into, sharing not only her home but her personal space, her heat… her breath. She’d cooked for me, even went so far as the near sacred act of sharing ice cream?

I watched her with parted  lips and bated breathed. Glued to every moment like I was witnessing a miracle. My jeans becoming tighter.

“Like all the things I could do to that exquisite, sarcastic mouth.” I bite my lip as I slid the spoon from between those sinfully perfect lips. I dropped my voice to a  whisper. “All the things you could do to me with that mouth.” A shudder of desire ran through me at my own words.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Of course, my gaze dropped to his bitten lips. The need to feel my teeth on them instead of his. His words making me react by taking a slow and steady breath to fill my lungs, counteracting the heat growing in the pit of my stomach.

I scented the change between us as heat  curled its way up the side of my neck, setting every nerve on edge. Images of the last time we were together flashing through my mind. At the feel of him, the scent of him, and the taste…

“Spirits…” I didn’t even know if said it. Tilting my head from side to side trying to clear my head. But …. It wasn’t possible… not with him filling it.

•- Embry Call -•

My gaze locked on her lips and my mind continued playing through memories.... and imagining what new ones we could make together.

My eyes dropped to her throat when she tilted her head. I couldn't stop myself from leaning in and pressing a kiss to her pulse. Her skin was flushed and slightly warmer than her normal temperature.

"Calling on the Spirits now... you really want to share this ice cream tonight." I teased her. I filled this spoon again and held it up to her. My wicked imagination was running riot. "You know... this is definitely  another first."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“You want me to stop calling on them? You know they’ll find ways to make themselves know if they think I’m blocking them out and not listening. And now—“

His lips on my neck cut the sentence short, sending sensations of pleasure roiling over my skin. “Hmm…” words were never my strong suit anyway.

This time I flicked the ice cream between my lips with the tip of my tongue. But I didn’t eat it. Leaning forward I kissed his neck, dragging a line of melted ice cream from below his ear to the curve of his neck.

“Sharing? Are you sure I am?” Whispering onto his warm skin, I kissed and licked the line I made.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled and shook my head. "Not stop..." I smiled. "Never stop.... just... wait until the ice cream is all gone." I teased. My head tilted instantly to the side, and quick blast of cold before her mouth and mine warmed, the ice cream melting, pulled a deep groan from deep down in my stomach.

"Fuck, Trouble!" I bit my lip hard, dropping the spoon into the tub to grip her waist. "If this is your idea of sharing, I strongly approve."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I couldn’t help myself. Biting his shoulder when he held me. Chuckling a little at his comment of course too. “What do you mean? Wasn’t this your understanding of sharing ice cream too?”

My hands moved over his shoulders letting my nails trace his soft skin as I sat up on the counter top. Locking my ankles around his waist before kissing the spot I bit him. “I’m open to other sharing options, if you have any?” Whispering into the kisses.

•- Embry Call -•

My attempt to answer her wasn't much more a breath and moan. My hand tightened on her waist. I felt her lips over the light bit she gave me... Fingernails against skin... Fuck! Wait... what were we talking about?

Her hold on me tightened... "Sharing?" I whispered and  breathed in her scent... her scent and.... ice cream. We were talking about sharing ice cream.

"Oh, I have so, so many ideas" I whispered arching into every single kiss. I pulled back a little and dipped my finger into the ice cream. "Each one messier than the next," I swiped my finger over the tip of her nose and then quickly licked away the ice cream before the heat of her skin could melt it away.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

He was so lost; I could feel it coming from him. His breathing, the sound of the heart beat I thought of as music now, and of course his inability to reply straight away. Embry Call always had an answer for everything! “Hey! Kinky. Nose licking!” Wiggling my nose as the cool  touch of our dessert tickled. But I didn’t stop him.

Licking my lips, the taste of him still lingered there while I sat still watching him, and taking him in. “Keeping all those thoughts as a surprise, are you?” Finally asking when he didn’t say. “I’m fine with it..”

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled… “You aren’t the only one who can get kinky, Trouble.” I teased her, waggling my brows.

“I always have a surprise or two up my sleeve, you know that.” I grinned offering her another spoonful of ice cream. “But I suppose I can give you one hint…” I dipped my head  and ran tongue up the graceful column of her neck.

“It starts with licking you everywhere… not just your nose.” My voice dropped. “I will lick every single inch of you. And that just to start.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Head falling back once I too the spoonful, letting him kiss my neck with the ice cream melting in my mouth. I was sure he could feel the heat rising up my skin, but I didn’t think too much about how treacherous my body became around him.

“Hmm…” opening my eyes looking up  at the ceiling of my kitchen. My hands graced its way down his arm until the hand with the spoon was felt.

Removing the spoon, I brought his finger still sticky with the ice cream he’d placed on my nose. I bought the finger up to my mouth. Kissing the fingertip, then licking  it with my tongue curling around it before u sucked hard pushing my lips around the length.

Slowly pulling back sucking harder with my tongue curling around the tip before I let it free with a tasting bite. “Licking is…. A good place to start…” I whispered back.

•- Embry Call -•

Spirits! I was addicted to the way her body reacted to me. I kissed the hollow place below her jaw and started to work my way back to her ear. When she slipped the spoon from my hand my full attention returned to her face... watching all those intentions pool in her eyes.

The kiss had me holding my breath. Her tongue had me hardening even more and pressing against her, so she knew it too. I bit my lip and groaned. the pressure of her mouth and the way her tongue swirled. I finally took a breath the only thing racing faster than my heart was my  mind.

"The best place to start!" I whispered, breathlessly.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Biting... high on the list too.” His breathless voice excited me.

I bite down in the tip of his finger before little it goes. Placing both my hands down flat on either side of myself on the counter top. Bracing myself with the jolts of electricity riding me like a wave. All of this caused by his reactions to what is been doing.

Slipping my arse to the edge of the counter again. Circling my hips to meet his thickness. Wondering and imagining all the things I’ve cream tasted good on top of.

Taking the spoon from where I’d place it, this time I held it out filled for him to enjoy the flavour of it too.

•- Embry Call -•

I made a low hum of approval. "Biting..." I repeated because I had apparently lost the ability to form an original thought.

Then she shifted the edge of the counter and pressed against me. I bit my lip, my eyes rolled back, and my hand tightened on her hip. Her body met mine  at the perfect angle.

"Being six-four has a lot of perks." I grinned at her. I leaned in and ran my tongue along the underside of the spoon before I ate the spoonful of ice cream.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Hmm…” this time I watched him consume the ice cream and it was hot and sexy, and…. Such a turn on! But why? I didn’t know the answer. It just was.

“Tall has its perks.” Agreeing. Because the way and the places our bodies met, it only happened because of the height  of him, the height of my cabinets and countertops. And the placement of me.

•- Embry Call -•

My eyes never left her face, I took in each and every reaction, sight sound and scent. I marked every detail. I leaned in and kissed her, while the taste of the ice-cream still lingered. I let my gaze drop to where our bodies met each other and the edge of the counter... I  her a wide smile.

"Oh, the things we do on these counters." I slipped the spoon from her fingers and scooped up more ice cream, holding it out to her.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Don’t give my counter tops a bad name.” Teasing back, leaning in my lips close around the cold delightful treat.

“It’s only witnessed kissing…” Winking back as I mirror his gaze. Taking him in, not missing a beat. Not removing my eyes off his face.

Whispering this time. “The couch has seen and heard a lot more.” The number of nights we spent on it bearing witness to the fact.

•- Embry Call -•

"For now." I flashed her a wicked grin. "These counters are going to see a whole more than kissing and my futile attempts at helping you cook."

My stomach leapt again watching her lips close around the spoon again. "Let's not forget the bed. The fact that thing is still standing is a miracle." I chuckled.

Another low-down twitch had me biting back a groan as I wondered if it would survive when we crossed that final line.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Well…”

My finger dipped into the tub, the cool soft texture making it easier to coat my finger. I had thought of covering his next line, down his Adam’s apple , towards his chest.

“You didn’t burn the toast the last time you offered to make breakfast.” Bringing my finger  to his lips. But then I dropped my gaze, seeing the bobbing of his Adam’s apple, and decided to bring my finger to my lips. Letting the tip of my tongue run over the length of one side. And then the other.

“My poor bed… I really do need to reinforce the fame.” The sounds it made; it was begging for some TLC.

•- Embry Call -•

My smile grew as she lifted her finger. “It’s not burnt if you can scrape on the black bits and sa…” every thought eddied out my head. I swallowed hard watching the slow swipe of her tongue. Fuck! It was like she moved in slow motion and that look in her eyes… Like she’d devour me next. Spirits!!

Beds?? What… why…? I chuckled. My grasp of the conversation slowly returned, and I loosened my grip on her hips… which had apparently tightened as I stared at her. Only with her could let myself act on instinct. Only her could I touch without thought and fear of causing harm.

“That may have to be my job, because I don't think you'll ever get my scent out of that mattress.” Damn! Did it make a domineering arsehole to like the sound of that? That my scent was there even when I wasn't?

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Head tilting the side my eyes glazed into his, but my thoughts went to the strong touch I missed all of a sudden.

By the Spirits… I hadn’t been worried about my strength or his. With all my honesty it was such a turn on when he grabbed me, when he put his full weight down over me. When his fingers dug into my skin. Being held by someone who I trusted to cause me no harm, but at the same time knowing he wouldn’t back down and could face me toe to toe.

Shaking the thoughts away, I pressed my thighs together, but he was in the way. The roiling up of my thoughts had my scent send its own message.

“Spirits!” Sucking my finger clean, raising my eyebrow. Did him like thinking about this? His face lit up. “You like it…. Your scent… in my things?” Did it feel to him as it had for me when he gave me his shirt?

•- Embry Call -•

My breath hitched and my mouth went dry as she sucked her finger clean. “Wouldn't a certain fictional friend of yours call me and Alphahole if I admitted to that?”

Her scent filled my senses, and I knew… I just knew it was that show of strength that stirred her arousal. Never enough to hurt. That wasn't something either of us had an interest in… but enough the woman of her considerable physical prowess could feel it. Enough for her feel my grip on her, that it was more than a touch… but enough that if she were human, it would leave a bruise at  least, maybe worse. But because this was Leah… I could just be Embry. I let go of the worry of causing harm. She wasn't fragile of breakable.

“I like it…” I admitted. “As much as you like it when...” I tightened my grip on her hips pulling her against me again, right the edge of the counter. I bit my lip when that sweet spot ground the hardness meeting her there. “… when you can feel it… really fell it when I touch you. When I can pin you… pick you… when you feel that pressure on your chest when you are under me… or between me and the wall.”

I leaned into her ear, dropping my voice. “When you can pin my wrists over my head a squeeze as hard you want. When you use those teeth and nails and all of these sexy, powerful muscles when they grind against…” I pulled to lock my gaze on hers. “That's how much I like thinking of you scenting me every time you climb into that bed.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Oh…” a mischievous grin formed on my features. Because I’d read that book and made him do the same. And to my surprise what had been a joke turned into us having something more. “She would most definitely call you and Alphahole… and then she would swish her perfectly  formed curvaceous arse off to her room, and pleasure herself while thinking about it….”

My body slide forwards coming to a colliding stop against his muscular chest. My hands curled themselves around his neck, the flats of my palm on the back of his head playing with his hair. “Well….” My core came to life with a burst of energy tightening ever muscle in me. “That … took a turn…” as he would say to me so often.

The way his breath kissed the shell of my ear, the way his voice sounded. My breathing stopped and my heart pounded against  the cage of my ribs. The physical aspect was always such a turn on. But now. Here. Adding the face that he got it. He got me. He understood the assignment and by the spirits he was taking home the A++!

“I should want to kick your arse for admitting this… but instead… It makes me want to knock you flat on your back, pour what’s left in the tub all over, and lick you clean!” Drawing in close, adding a snap of my teeth right beside his earlobe.

•- Embry Call -•

“Oh really?” I grinned at the image in my mind. “Do Alphahole get to watch in the last scenario?” My balls tightened at the thought. Fuck! She claimed I turned the conversation around. I dragged my teeth against her earlobe and before I pulled back and she did the dame. I  groaned.

“Who am I to deny a beautiful woman?” I smirked. “Where do you want me? Table? Bed? Floor? All of the above?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“That…. All… depends on…”

My arms dropped from around him, placing them either side of me I leant back. At the same time unhooking my ankles and bringing my long legs around to the front. They were  between us when I pushed him back and slipped down.

“I don’t know….” Teasing him and picking up the now half eaten tub of dessert and spoon. “I feel like I should leave you to your imagination for a while…” my eyes moved down him; his reaction visibly evident.

Filling a spoon, I put it in my mouth while starting to walk away.

•- Embry Call -•

I watched her, trying to tell myself I was prepared if was about to kick my arse... but as to back my focus drew in on the tempting peaks pressing against her shirt.

As she pushed me back, I let my hands trail off of her thigh. Then she was eyeing me up just as hungrily.

I didn't take my eyes off her. "Are you sure that's a good idea..." I bit my lip. Fuck! Her arse was perfect. "My imagination is vivid... it could get..." I paused. " Messy. If I'm left to my own devices with it in your house."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Walking away from him was as easy as it once used to be. My warrior thought I was crazy; he missed his heat. Even when I reminded her, we had the same temperature. But it wasn’t the same, and by the spirits I knew it.

“Hmm…” sucking on the melting goodness in my mouth. “A good imagination is paid with vivid realities…. Or so I’m told.”

Placing the spoon into the tub, my free hand moved to the hem of my shirt, lifting it as i disappeared around the kitchen opening into the living room.

•- Embry Call -•

I had a brief moment of thinking that losing Leah's heat was the closest thing to cold I could ever feel. But that satisfied hum was I needed to heat my blood again.

I had to make an adjustment down south before following her to lean on the doorway, aware of the fact that adjusted or not my jeans did not hide her effect on me.

"Oh, trust me." I tapped my temple. "I have every second committed to memory, it's excellent fuel for my imagination... and that was doing pretty well even before I'd ever seen you naked."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Narrowing my eyes, he didn’t mean what I thought he meant. He couldn’t have. Because if I’d have found out. His life would have been forfeit.

My shirt was up and over my shoulder, and head, hair cascading freely down my back as I adjusted my hands to set it down (tidily) on the armchair. Not looking back towards where I felt his presence.

“Before you even saw me naked what were you imagining exactly?” Now I set the tub down on the coffee table, undoing the belt and the buttons of my jeans. Pulling them down with a swing of my hips from side to side

•- Embry Call -•

Did the earth just stop spinning? Fuck! She was all muscle. Even her back flexed and rippled with strength as she pulled her shirt up… Who knew someone’s back could be a turn on? Enter Leah Clearwater.

I bit my lip, that dark cascade of silk down her back and over her Shoulders… yeah, I needed a little breathing room. I had to pop open my belt.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” I smirked. what her started on her belt… my heart raced and drifted up her gorgeous body and settle on her mouth for moment before locked onto those deep, dark eyes.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

When I glanced back over my shoulder, there he was. Lost in thoughts I knew the spirits would shy away from. But it made the thunder in my heart want to explode if I hadn’t kept control of myself.

Bending over, I freed one ankle from the leg of my jeans, and then moved on to  the other, as I spoke. “As we aren’t in the business of lying to each other. I’m going to disagree with you.”

Flipping my hair back, as I  stood up straight again. This time I shook my jeans, folding them, and setting them on top of my shirt. Turning around to fact him  in nothing more than my underwear.

“So….”

Licking the sticky remnants of the ice cream from my bottom lip. I pointed a finger to him, with the motion to come closer.

•- Embry Call -•

I was lost for words as I watched her. But always with her, every word she said sunk all the way in. My heart raced with hers... watching her fold her jeans shouldn't be a turn-on. But fuck! it was! Opening my belt was not enough... not even close.

Then the flick of her... Was at least four feet away and still made me groan.

I stepped forward when she beckoned, without question. Taking in the vision before me from my toes, all the way up, sweeping my gaze river each feature of her face and settled on her eyes.

I rested my hands on her waist and smiled at her. "I actually didn't picture you like this until after we... took each other right up to that ledge we like to toy with," I smirked. "But I won't lie... I imagined you in my t-shirt that night after we went climbing A LOT." I stressed the last part.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Alphahole…” the word came with a smirk of course. “Happiness is scenting yourself on me?” I knew it was more.

The day flashed before my eyes, climbing with him like I hadn’t before. Reaching the top, working together, learning from watching him. Seeing him doing something  he enjoyed. But it was sitting at the end, looking down over the horizon, the valley, and the river.

My heart gave one on those telltale signs of where my mind has gone. And I smiled shaking my head.

My hands gathered my hair up, twisting if around before tying it up into messy bun. All as I watched him taking me in, slowing moving towards me. And then there he was. And my heart gave me away again at the smile he openly shared with me.

I bought a finger up to his features, gently tracing the curves of his hairline, his cheek, his jaw.

•- Embry Call -•

"Something like that." I grinned, inching a little closer. I didn't need to explain it was the trust... and sure a little Alphahole satisfaction. But most of all is the utter acceptance in the action. That she'd had time to rationalise the feelings she was having and was choosing to spend the night in my bed.

I bit my lips watching her do that thing with her hair, and then I ducked my head to press a kiss to her now-exposed neck. The out-of-time thump made mine respond in kind. my eyes jumped back to her with a smirk that said I heard that.

Then her touch softened that smirk into a smile only she had ever seen. "What on Earth are you doing to me, Trouble?" My wide smile made it clear I loved every second of it.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“What you asked me to do, Dimples.” Voice soft and at ease. This felt real, and natural. Not forced on any level of the word. His warm lips on my skin had my skin ripping, and I knew he heard my heart speaking to him, just as I heard his.

“Do you want me to stop?”

Fingers trailing down slowly, taking in the well-defined position of each of his muscles. Even over the fabric of his shirt. Not rushing at all towards the goal to remove every inch of tension from those muscles I could feel moving beneath my fingertips.

When reaching the  hem of his shirt. My other hand moved so that I had a hold of both edges of the fabric. “So, now is the time to give consent, Embry Call. Do you trust me? Or… should I stop?” Moving my head back so that we were now eye to eye.

•- Embry Call -•

I was about to tell her that, no… no I most certainly did not want her to stop! But her hands started to move down my chest and my mind emptied out, mouth dry and teeth baring down on my lower lip. The intention in her eyes made my heart rachet up a gear.

Each muscle she  traced tightened and released.

Only when she stopped at the hem of my shirt did the faculties, I needed to speak return. “I trust you.” I had so much meaning behind it. Because I was a trusting guy. I didn't even lock my door for Spirit's sake. But this… Leah… it was different.

I trusted her with parts of myself I had only just discovered. My deepest regrets and shame. The little things I reserved just for me, like the piano, she held them all in her hands. And I felt no doubts or apprehension, no regrets.

In fact, I felt stronger for  it. I felt bolstered, held up by an extra pair of very strong hands. “Trusting you might just the best thing I've ever done.” I smiled.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Every bone in my body froze in its place, the beating of our hearts could be heard. But my mind took a moment to allow what he said to sink in. Trust…. It wasn’t only a question about what I had to answer for. But how I felt about allowing people in. It was a two-way street, a journey we both embraced.

Seeing his eyes, the way he bit his lips. I kissed him in answer. I wouldn’t take his trust lightly. “Trusting me is more importantly the most intelligent thing you’re done.” Teasing? Yes. But I had too.

Curling the fabric into my fingers, I began moving it up. Making sure the tips of my thumb travelled over his skin as I went.  “Hands up, Embry Call. You are seriously overdressed right now.”

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed a little. She teased, but I knew she understood how deep that trust went... and that understood hers too. She didn't take it lightly. "Yeah... I think we can both agree on that, too." I admitted with ease.

Never breaking from her stare, I lifted my arms... "Wow... Two agreements in a matter of minutes. We're on a roll, Trouble."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Rolling my eyes at him with a smile on my lips. “Don’t get cocky… it may never happen again.” Raising my eyebrow into a perfect arch as I spoke.

Even now it sometimes seems unreal at how easy it felt to talk to him, to tease, and play. My hands moved up over his torso slowly. Breaking eye contact with him to view the fine specimen of a man the spirits created.

The scent in the room changed, and I pushed my thighs together to ease the throbbing sensation between them. Really, what was going on with me? Just taking his shirt off did this?

•- Embry Call -•

My tongue pressed into my lower lip, even her eyes tools were a turn on… and that was so dangerous. But I was addicted. A few stray strands of hair feel across my forehead when she freed my shirt. Somewhere between short and too long but not quiet either.

My hands moved to waist slowly slipped down, closer to the source of that scent that made me want to drop to my knees and… I bit down on my lip hard before the urge could take over. Of, course now it was my scent shifting… the pulsing of the blood in veins heating and flowing faster.

“Like what you see, Trouble?”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Yes. I. Do.” Unable to fold his shirt because of the way he held me now. I let the fabric fall on top of my clothes on the armchair beside us.

“As much as you are enjoying yours too.” I could read the room and the changed in it. Even if I hadn’t dropped my eyes, I knew what part of him would be there reaching out towards me.  My breathing hitched as the placement of his hands; I knew the through of him had a full pulse beginning between my legs.

Reaching up my fingertips traced his face. Pushing his hair off his forehead. “It’s letting long again.” I had said it to myself, but to him too. I like his hair, touching it, playing with it, because maybe I knew what it meant to be allowed to be this personal with a person now.

•- Embry Call -•

I chuckled I knew that she would want to fold that t-shirt, but I wasn't going to let go of her. "I would normally say that wasn't possible..." I leaned in and inhaled deeply. "But... I don't think I can this time."

Her finger brushed my against my cheeks and into my hair, and  as soon as my fingers against the hem of her panties at the same time... "Spirits." I felt it in my knees... again the urge to get close and worship her.

"Just wanted to give you something to hold onto." I teased and slipped my hands over her hips to her arse because there  too much temptation on the path they were following.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Are you admitting a weakness, Dimples?” Leaning in to place two soft kisses in each of them.

Teasing him and setting it into a challenge would be the normal routine for us, but my hands were tracing their way down his bare toes. Stopping to admire each chiselled muscle. “Spirits!” Calling them at the same time as he did when my fingers trailed the fine line of his adonis belt! That perfect V-shaped muscle,  running diagonally from his hip bones to his pelvic are.

“What were we talking about?” Feigning confusion because who the hell could think straight? It didn’t take much to find the clasp of his belt, undoing with a single tug. The sound of the metal breaking the silence

“Oh…right… The view we’re both enjoying.” His jeans were undone, my hands moved to feel his skin beneath the fabric as it began falling.

•- Embry Call -•

“If admitting the way, you smell right now is making me want to drop to my knees, put one of your legs over my shoulder and bury my face in between...” my mouth watered... “Is a weakness then… fuck yes!” No hesitation, no doubts. I was literally weak at the knees for her right now and wasn't terrifying it was thrilling.

I bit my lip when her fingers stroked lower, and she lost herself. I wasn't stupid I'd flipped through some of the books on her shelf and I had a few more muscles than most guys in them. I locked my gaze and hers and said, a little my skin heats beneath her touch.

“One hell of a view.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My warriors interest was peaking as she stirred wanting to know more. My breath caught at my impulse to move my hands lower, past the band of his boxers. And she wanted me to tell him to do what he wanted.

My heart felt like it was riding down to my stomach, and I lost my  voice as pure pleasure pluses making me close my thighs at the throbbing there. Pushing his jeans further to the ground, I guided him to step out of them. Picking them up to place them on top of all our clothes.

“You are really letting your mind run free.” It wasn’t the first time. “Who said I would let go taste this delicious delicacy without a few challenges?”

My eyes moved from his face over his bare, and perfect body, down to his toes. “Now… I promised to lay you down on the floor to lick ice cream off your skin.” Pointing to the floor

•- Embry Call -•

I smiled. “Good thing I'm not afraid of a challenge.” I felt the tiny shift, and even without looking away from her eyes I knew she was pressing those sex thighs together and fuck!! I wanted to be the cause of any friction she felt.

I bit my lip, feeling a low-down throbbing  at her words.

“Well, who am I to stand in the way of a promise.” I dipped my head and kissed her pulse point. Then I trailed painfully slow kisses down her neck. Her chest, nipping at her collarbone. Kiss g down the centre of her breasts, slowly easing to my knees. I would her what she wanted. But I would have fun along the ways.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

By the spirits! How had he managed to turn the tables on me? The world plan was to tease him, taste him, play with him! But here I stood with soft moan running free, my hands in his hair as he slowly turns my on like a lighter ignition.

“Embry….” My eyes widened as he went to his knees before me. This action took my mind away by shocking it. It wasn’t something I could say I wanted, but I didn’t know if he knew the meaning of it to me.

To go down on my knees… I’d told the world I would do that for any man. Even my Alpha knew, not that he would abuse his power and position like that. Her voice whispered ‘This isn’t the same thing. This is trust. It’s openness, and willingness to accept.’

•- Embry Call -•

I was already struggling with my urges to slide her panties down as my knees touched the floor... her breathing my name like that almost undid me. My teeth grasped the elastic and tugged a little and just before I pulled back I squeezed her arse and slid my hands to her knees, just a little press against the back of the drop her into my lap. I didn't reach up to keep her from toppling backwards, she could keep herself centred easily.

I shifted my legs out from under me, the motion causing delicious friction right where we both wanted it now that she was straddling my lap.

"I'm at your mercy, Trouble." I smiled at her, heart racing with anticipation. Sat on the floor now, just where she'd wanted me... almost. But just like catching herself... she could fix that too.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Let’s not pretend this isn’t exactly where you wanted to be.” He’d brought us both down and I didn’t fight him. My hands moved to cup his face with our bodies shifting to settle on the floor of my living room.

Bringing myself down to kiss his lips, slow, soft, and teasing  while tasting him all at once. Where our bodies joined, jolts of lightening zipped making my pulse quicken.

I moved the weight of myself into him now, holding the back of his head my tongue entwined with him as I took him down to lay flat with me hovering over him.

“Now. What were you saying about mercy?”  Teasing bites over his lips. Without looking, my hand reached out for the tub of soft semi melted ice cream.

•- Embry Call -•

I moaned into her kiss, she moved with me every moment. We had learned to read the silent language of each other's body.

My stomach rioted, my heart raced, my breath was still rapid. Our tongues met and danced, even as the corners of my mouth curled up when she cradled the back of my head. For someone who frequently hid her tenderness... she certainly didn't inside our bubble. "Mercy?" I asked, confused for a second until I could think clearly enough to remember what I said only a moment ago.

"Oh... about showing me none?" I teased biting my  bottom lip.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I couldn’t help but laugh into the night. Only one lamp lite the room, with shadows dancing over his face as I drew up to sit over him. The tub sitting on the floor beside him. I pulled my hair up into my signature bun all the while watching him. My long torso stretching out, and I Tutt my tongue.

“We’ll see how you feel about that.” Teasing right back.

My hands slipping down from my hair, slow and gentle I felt the heat of my skin rising, and I felt him tightening under me. Picking up only the spoon, I licked the back of it. Keeping my eyes locked onto his. The next dip of the spoon, I held it over his chest. Listening to him, enjoying the moments where his reactions come.

“Now try to stay still. I don’t want ice cream melting on my floor.” Trails of the sweet goodness dripped over his nipples one at a time.

•- Embry Call -•

I bit my lip hard; she was doing that thing with her hair again. Fuck!! it was sexy as hell. “Still feeling pretty good about it.” I said, as she licked the back of the spoon, making me twitch, thinking of all the things that tongue could do.

I chuckled… she asked me not to move like it was just that easy.

I melted ice wasn’t as cold… but still enough for a jolt of pleasure. “You know still isn't my stronger suit, right?” slide my hands over hips and along her thighs. My body already aching for what came next.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My placement straddling him, made it so I felt his twitch making me push down and rotate my hips for the friction.

“If it was easy on you… was the fun?”

His hands moved over my hot skin, sending bolts of excitement through me. The spoon dropped a line of ice cream Down the middle of his torso before I set it back inside the tub.

“Let’s see how far you can make it?” Shifting the way, I sat over him. Leaning down my tongue started to lick teasingly up the middle of his torso, letting small bite mark as I cleaned up the mess, I came over him.

•- Embry Call -•

I bit my lip hard to try (and fail) to stifle a moan at the way she wriggled her hips. "You really aren't going to make this easy, are you?"

I hardly finished the sentence before she lowered herself and... "Fuck!" I breathed and dug my fingers into her toned thighs. The trickle  of melted ice cream down the side of my ribs told me I wasn't staying as still as I thought I was.

Why was this so fucking how? Okay sure, she was running her tongue all over me... Clearly sexy... But no, the biggest turn-on was the fact she was licking ice-cream off of me. "Is there a prize if I make it all the way?" I panted between breaths. Like I needed on... I looked down watching her make her way up my torso... I was winning already.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“A prize?” Asking as I chased the free running trails down his ribs. Biting when I missed the drops falling on the ground next to him.

“You’re not staying putt, Dimples. So I don’t know if a prize should be offered.” Licking with the tip of my tongue in the circle my  left a reddish mark on his flesh.

Sitting back up I took another spoonful. “But I’m all for giving second chances. So, let’s see if you win this time.” Drops falling around his chest this time, concentrating at not letting anything fall or run down his sides.

When I set the spoon down, I could help but smile. Seeing him lying there, all that power in his body, and he was concentrating on being still. This time when I went down my tongue traced his nipples one at a time. Tasting the delicious sweet with a mixture of him too.

•- Embry Call -•

She and I both knew that was as still as I got… but the was without the sexiest woman I had ever met straddling my arousal and sweet, perfect heat… my hips moved on their own again.

Okay, maybe not on their own… but fuck!! Who wouldn't? I grow at the bite, fingers pressing into her thighs, leaving a mark of my own.

There was a look of concentration on her face that made me grin through the jaw-clenching sensations skittering from every place I felt that cool touch. “Over achiever much?” I teased, gasping the last word when her tongue circled my nipple.

I only realised I had arched my back when it touched the floor again. “Fuck!” I moaned through my bitten lip.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

The sweet pinch of his fingers into my skin let me know how much this was worth the time. I should have started this earlier for sure!

He drew a moan free from me too, my scent filled the air around us telling him my secrets. That hungry heat was trying to break my concentration, But I wasn’t done.

“Tutt Tutt Embry Call. You just lost your prize.” My eyes moved to take him in. His chest came up to meet me before settling on the floor again.

“And I was willing to let you pick your prize too.”

More ice cream in the spoon, but this time I shifted down him, letting droplets made a path down to his navel. And over the small scar where his appendix once lived.

•- Embry Call -•

Fuck!! That sound... I felt it travel me, throbbing and pulsing where her body met mine. "I thought I wasn't getting one?" I panted out the words.

I groaned... a prize of my choosing... My mind couldn't fathom the answer while trailed the cold droplets to the scar low down on my stomach.

"My choice?" I breathed. sliding my hands firmly up her thighs to her hips. "That's brave." I teased.

We both knew it had nothing to do with bravery, it was all trust.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Shh…” setting the spoon to the side again. This time I took a hold of his hands. “These are distracting me from my fun.” The sharp sting from his hold was going to leave a mark, but I knew it would be gone before I could see them.

“Think about it… see how far your mind can travel.” Tilting my head to the side. I moved to hover over him. Moving myself down to sit over his thighs between my legs now.  My tongue working in long slow motion to lick him clean this time.

•- Embry Call -•

I bit my lip, twisting my hands, and lacing my fingers with hers. She moved lower… every muscle in my torso tightened in anticipation. But as soon as I thought to gather my self-control with the loss of friction… her tongue was on my skin.

“Spirits!” I sucked in a breath, trying to keep my upper body still. “Can't expect a man to think straight while you do that.”

I squeezed her hands. Fuck!! I wanted to touch her.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Squeezing his hand right back, my lips curled up into a mischievous smile. I didn’t reply to him right away way, because I found myself following the lines of his muscles now and not the ice cream.

There was the taste of Embry, with drops of the sweet treat. His heat, with the melting dessert.

“It wouldn’t be a challenge if it was easy, Dimples.” Biting his hip my eyes moved to glance up at him.

My mouth moved to follow the pool of cream along the groove of his boxer elastic. Biting the fabric with my teeth as the scent of him filled my senses.

•- Embry Call -•

Fuck! That sexy little smirk...  She was so hot it should be illegal. I watched her move down my body, every swirl and flick of her tongue sending electricity over my skin. I still struggled to keep still.

“You do like to challenge me.” I breathed. Never taking my eyes off her. “Spirits!” I bit my lip and pressed my hips against floor hard… anything the keep for arching right off the flow or.

“Fuck, Trouble.” Everything was tight throbbing, begging for friction. “Guess I'm not only one that likes what they see.” I teased her, panting. Longing  kiss those perfect lips… no wanting her to stop her slow, teasing trail either.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Think we were past my hiding the things he knew. The scent in the air, the way my body reacted to his, the ripped skin around my nipples hiding, but the fact that they were erect pushing the light fabric of my bra, was not.

Seeing him fighting the urge his body feed him shouldn’t turn me on so much. But here we were.

“I’m not denying it. At least not right now.” Making a point to flick my tongue over his skin and closing my eyes. The moan wasn’t planned. But the sound of it was intoxicating to me!

I squeezed his hands before freeing one. “Think I need some more ice cream.” Reaching for the spoon.

•- Embry Call -•

Her scent deepened and I wished I was the one with my lips pressed low against me abdomen. Muscles tightened and the seam along the front rubbed again a sensitive spot when she made that bloody delicious sound.

I glanced down her body when she lifted up to reach for the spoon giving me a perfect of the straining fabric covering her breasts.

My newly freed hand lifted to brush against her hair, careful not to loosen it from the artful twist shd fashioned it into. Although letting it fall free could mean if obligated to take her to the shower to the sticky mess from the dark locks.

A slightly evil smirk spread across my features.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Nothing good could be cooking in that mind of yours.” I saw that look. The one which came over him just before he did something I would want to kill him for.

Even if the last few times, it had ended with us entangled naked never making it to my bed. The spoon full again  I brought it down to his navel. Trailing a line from there down. Glancing up towards him when I felt his hand over my hair. It made the muscles in my stomach clench and then twitch.

“Embry!” His name came out in another soft moan, with the release of control I kept over myself.  This time let it drip freely bending down to catch them with the tip of my tongue.

•- Embry Call -•

There was just as hunger in her eyes. The way my body reacted to her gave her physical pleasure, not just the satisfaction of knowing she the cause of my pleasure. It was deeper than that for us.

“I supposed that depends on your definition of good.” I grinned, still shivering with bliss and sensation. I stopped my mind calling up the images of her soaking wet, skin gleaming, hair slicked my abs dripping water, tiny drops in those long lashes. Well, I tried to…

“So, fucking beautiful…” The words were out before the ice cream touched her skilful  tongue.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

His words stopped me in my tracks. I freed the hand he’d been holding, to sit up a little. Raising my eyebrow in a perfect arch smirking down at him, the evidence of his presence palpable.

“Is the same definition as you have. And you know exactly what I mean.” Or what he meant   siting up over his thighs, I held the dripping spoon over his midriff.

With my eyes taking in the man underneath me, I knew there was so much more to this thing with him. He wasn’t just any guy. He wasn’t meat. It was Embry. By the spirits! It was Embry Frank Call! My fingers curled into the hem of his boxers. Tugging them to show off the muscles hiding under the fabric. But I didn’t expose him. The dip of his skin now covered in the sweet wet cream.

•- Embry Call -•

I grinned. Looking from her to me and the sticky mess. “I was thinking about who sad it be…” The cool ice cream rolling between the grooves of my muscles made me groan just thinking about her lapping it up with her talented mouth.

“If this beautiful hair got tangled up in this mess.”

A small gasp escaped; I knew how far she would go. I saw her desire and how it was for all of me, nothing was hidden in those amazing eyes. “I would have to take you to the shower and make sure every last strand was cleaned.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My ears were taking him in, listening, smirking and I couldn’t help but dig my nails into the sides of his thighs.

This time my lips did the trick, kissing and sucking up the sweet substance off of him. Small, soft, hard, then teasing kisses. Leave small “O” marks wherever lifted from.

Finally, when I was satisfied there wouldn’t be any mess my eyes could move to meet his.

“There is a bridge we have crossed.” My hair, the shower, the trust to know we had our control intact. And my hair… I hadn’t had another person do something so intimate.

•- Embry Call -•

I closed my eyes, dropping my head back to the floor again. Just writhing beneath her with each kiss and suck, knowing skin was showing proof of her trail. Nails and lips and tongues, everything felt so, so good.

“We have worlds and worlds of firsts still open to us, Trouble.”  I whispered.

Remembering that only once had we crossed into complete nakedness together… holding her until the sun came up with nothing beneath her and mine had been one of those firsts. “Because we wrote our own timeline.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

We had done it. Written our own rule books, set our own guidelines and standards, and most of all we ensured they worked for the two of us. It wasn’t written in stone, it was fluid like the oceans, the air, the stars, and the spirits who protected us. But most of all. It was ours.

“When did you find the ability to think.” Biting the skin over his hip bone. “I thought you didn’t have it to multi task.” A line of kisses went down the low edge of the fabric of his boxers, and my tongue traced a line all the way to the other side too.

•- Embry Call -•

A light chuckle was cut off by a moan that had me straining to keep my hips on the floor. “I’m evolving.” I managed to get out, both hands reaching for her. Teaching the curve of her shoulders and onto her back and the back of her neck.

The need to touch her was intense. I  still picturing her under a stream of warm water, my hands running over all her sensitive parts. “Fuck!” I throbbed… her kisses dragging me back again to this moment only. “Trying to kill me, Trouble.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

His reaction visible right away, pushing up against his boxers, and into the curve below my neck. Insensible I knew it. But a flash of the first time I saw him in his full glory came rushing in.

“Hmm…” telling myself to behave! “Evolution is teaching you and me so much. More than we could have imagined.”

Where his hands touched, my skin prickled with pleasure. Slowly I began my descent to his thighs. Bypassing the place I knew I couldn’t tease, even it was bulging out asking for a touch.

Stopping, I smiled. Grazing my chin over the length from the base all the way down towards the tip. Pushing my warriors limits to leave me and him to enjoy this time.

•- Embry Call -•

“Spirits!” the word was hardly recognizable. “I take it back… now you're trying to kill.” Sense memory flooded back, remembering what it was like to almost have her mouth on me.

My eyes connected with hers and hunger flashed in those deep, dark eyes. “There is.” the words were out without me ever deciding to say them. My other inner self rising up to greet his deepest desire. That beautiful silky white beast that prowled beneath her flawless, impossibly soft skin.

Then they retreated, no doubt that was Leah’s doing. I wanted her all to myself. Sure they designed their moments… but Leah and weren't done, this was our journey. They were ready to jump ten steps ahead. But there were firsts we still had left... Moment to build. Things to learn.

“All mine, Trouble.” I smiled. “For now… one day they will get to play.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

This was all she needed for now. Being seen, seeing him, and understanding we wouldn’t stop from forever. Just not right now.

She didn’t turn her back on us, but she did close her eyes. The excitement was too strong for her to sleep, but we were getting better at the space thing in the bubble when Embry or I pushed limits to tease and / or play.

Another line of the melted mess left at the bottom of the tub, telling me this game was coming to its end. Seeing him tonight like this,  was enough to show how much he had evolved. We both had. I placed hard kisses over soft bites on his thighs. Placing my knees inside his legs and spreading them open. Giving him an image to remember.

•- Embry Call -•

I would have chuckled if she let me catch my breath. But she knew exactly how to keep right on that cusp... exactly where she wanted me... and damn it was fucking sexy. That wolf of hers... unlike Leah, she wasn't one to step back and watch, she wanted to see. She like her attention. Something she and I had in common.

My eyes flared wide taking in that sight before me. how in the name of the Spirits did I end up here. With the most incredibly beautiful woman between my thighs. This was a view I was never going to forget.

There was no resisting her hand pressing against my thighs. Okay... maybe a little just to remind her of the strength that could close in around her where she'd place herself. But her tongue against my skin... those muscles turned to jelly.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My tongue followed the line of each of his muscles. Carving out the journey for him to in his imagination.

Letting my nails tenderly trace his skin, the feel of his body giving me that telling tightening  in my stomach and the sensation of pulsing in my core.

It was hard not to take notice of the twitching beneath his boxers. The scent poured freely around us.

Sitting a little, I gravely stretched out the knot in my back, just at my hair fell loosely and cascaded down my shoulders.

•- Embry Call -•

Fuck! I could see where her eyes kept darting to. She was better a self-control but that didn’t mean her desires and urges were any different from mine… It just meant she worked harder to control it.

Her scent overwhelmed my senses, and it raised self onto one elbow to take her in all her glory.

I reached out and swept her hair back over her shoulder before it brushed through the sticky mess. As much I would like the excuse to carry her to the shower… Her hair was just too beautiful.

My fingers slipped into her hair, lacing my fingers through to keep it from falling forward. And using that position to guide her back up my body my lips were craving the feel of hers.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

This was as much for him as it was for me. Some would say it was all for him, but I would disagree. Seeing him this way, in the most trustworthy position giving himself up to me. It was for us both. So, when his fingers came to save my hair, I knew he was thinking about me as much as I was him.

His hands guided me up again, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t going to make it nice and slow.Lips, tongue, mouth, teeth… it was a journey of pleasure back up the way I had come down, until I sat straddling his hips. Lowering myself over him with my damp panties slipping down the length of his bulging boxers.

When I can face to face my eyes locked onto his. Seeing myself reflected back. I saw the way he saw me.

•- Embry Call -•

She looked at me the way only she did, like she saw every thought and attention in my head. Like she knew exactly what I wanted. The look in her eyes told me she would give me what I wanted... in her own damn time and Fuck! I bit my lip... that as hot.

All pretences of staying still were finished with.

I ached and groaned and tightened my hold on her hair. My hips rolled with a deep moan from the bottom of my soul when that wetness settled and glided over all the right places.

My eyes locked on hers... nothing hidden, nothing held back. It made race even faster than what she was doing to my body. "Kiss me, Trouble." I whispered.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

With his grip on my hair, the reaction of snapping my teeth at him came without thought. My body arched and moved to slide over him again.

My ears ringing with the beating of his heart a rhythm i could live with when we were so open with each other. His eyes weren’t letting mine go, (not that I wanted to be free of him). Added to the mix his lip biting! “I used to get so annoyed when you bite your lips like that.”

But now I knew those bites were for me. And the throbbing pulse reaction told me I didn’t feel the same way now. this was the second time he acted, didn’t push, didn’t force his way. He asked me.

Straightening up I was close to him. Our lips only a hairs width apart. I could feel his hot breath on my face, my lips I knew covered with the sweetness of the mess I made on his body.

•- Embry Call -•

The snap sent a pulse right through me, one I was sure she felt too. I smiled then, freeing my lip. “I have old you it was hot.” My voice low. “About time you caught up.”

My fingers loosened when her lips came so close I thought she was about kiss me. But she was determined to tease me to death today. Even if I was loving every second of it, I wasn't about to tell her that. I had my own weapons too. “You know it’s.” I let my voice soften and my hand slide up her bare back. The other moving through her hair. “How you can literally be kissing me all over and I still crave your lips on mine.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

A ripple of pleasure moved up my skin from his touch, not to under play how his voice played a role in the sensations I felt too. My smooth skin filled with small kisses from the spirits (goosebumps), making my jaw twitch and my breathing uncontrollably uneven.

“Are you choosing this moment to tell me I am slow on the up take?” Raising my eyebrow in that tell tail perfect arch.

“Because I will so kick your arse, and I don’t care how naked or covered in ice cream you are.” My dark gaze fell to his lips as I pulled back teasing again. Then back into him, letting the tip tongue trace his lip line. Spirits! My hips moved down into him, the sensation of pleasure coursing through my body as I circled.

•- Embry Call -•

"Oh, you definitely care." The words rushed to put on a breath. "... About the ice cream." I teased. My heart and breathing completely off kilter, my hand still gliding down her back feeling what I was doing to her in return. "I can tell..." That was a whisper, and I had no idea if it was because I decided to whisper or because it was all I had breath for... I had no idea.

My tongue slipped across my lips when her eyes settled there. But she was far too good at teasing to fall for it. I felt the roll and clench of every muscle she moved on me. I couldn't stop my hips from bucking up against her, my hand moving to her arse... just feeling the way she moved that strong firm body. "Spirits!" I moaned, biting my lip... still carving her kiss like it was oxygen.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Maybe… a little…” I wouldn’t lie, the idea of kicking his arse down the street wasn’t as palatable, as it once was. Some, part of me didn’t want anyone to share in this thing we had between us.

My eyes followed the pull of his teeth on his lips, masking my heartbeat or the scent wasn’t even worth its trouble at this stage.

Pressing my chest into his, my peeked, firm nipples pressed up against his chest. My lips kissed his nose, then his cheeks, tracing up his jawline.

“So…. What did you want now?”

•- Embry Call -•

I couldn't tell her heartbeat from mine anymore. They pounded, erratically, as one. I groaned again, the pressing of those tight nipples against my skin. Oh, I had so many things for when she was done teasing me to death.

 Her lips on my nose and cheeks... Fuck! My back arched and I moaned. "Kiss me already, Trouble." The word rushed out in a plea.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My lips curled up into a smile. I wasn’t going to make him ask again. The fact that he had controlled himself this much up until now showed so much.

Whispering into his ear. “With pleasure, Dimples.” And my lips tracing soft kisses from his ear all the way down his jaw and finally, set upon his lips.

•- Embry Call -•

She was incredible, every move and kiss and whisper of breath added to the intensity and pleasure. My finger glided through her hair… knowing his much trust it took just fur her to allow that touch. Simple to many… but i know what it meant to her.

Just those words my ear cause a ripple through me, sexual pleasure heavily laced with the deep, unparalleled intimacy I only very shared with her.

The moment her lips touch mine… Bliss. Soft and warm and tasting of ice cream. I kissed her back slow, soft, not in a rush though would be in after her relentless teasing. I kissed her like I had all the time in the world.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

“Mmm…” the soft sound came so naturally more often from me these days. With no walls up, no need to hold myself back, or hide who I am. Embry brought trust into the bubble.

His lips moved in sync with mine. His fingers moving into my hair sending kind waves of energy into my soul. (Or, it’s how I felt it.)

But the kiss… it was another kind of trust. My hands moved around his shoulders, holding him close. Chest to chest. Only the thin fabric of my bra coming between us.

I closed my eyes, listening to his lips, his heart and mine. Kissing him!

•- Embry Call -•

My fingertips reached the end of her hair and wrapped big arms around her live, lean body... Wanting to wrap up every inch of her I possibly could.

I felt her kiss everywhere, every nerve sang with nothing more than a kiss. Just kissing someone hadn't ever felt like this until I kissed Leah.

At least, after I realised, he wasn't going to kill me for it. I nipped at her lip, squeezing her a little. "Still real." I whispered... it was our thing... in these moments that felt so far out of this world, the thing that reminded us, we were here. We were locked in this bewildering kiss. It was real, it was ours.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I felt his all-consuming presents and it didn’t put my guard up. The trust has grown greatly since we came together in our bubble.

If two words could make me smile, these were them. “I’ve got you.” We knew the truth of our time together, the reminders we set in place to show us the way. And not. “Spirits.” I felt him all over.

My hands moved up the back of his neck, into his silky black hair, our tongue entwined together in a deeper kiss. I felt him holding me, the tightening of his arms around me, and I gave him the same in return too.

•- Embry Call -•

My response to her was a low hum onto her lips. The kiss somehow deepened, everything you felt you reached the depths of it; with one suckle of her tongue or nip of her lip… we fell further. Sharing breath, souls and bodies tangling.

I could stay like this for days. Her fingers in my hair made me smile.   I had no idea how long we stayed like that before I whispered. “This would normally be the part where I carry you to bed… but I know you aren't letting a sticky mess like me between those sheets.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Biting his lip before I rolled off to lay myself down on the floor beside him. Curling my hair up before to move it out of the way I let it fall to the side away from the sticky mess that was Embry Call.

“Hmm… should I be worried you know me so well?” My skin hummed with the energy of what we had been doing, making me take slow and calming deep breaths to bring my heart back down to a normal rhythm.

“You aren’t getting under my sheets. That’s for sure.” Pointing to the hallway leading to my bedroom and bathroom.

•- Embry Call -•

"Oh, you should be worried, Trouble," I smirked, my body protesting against the loss of her heat and her weight on my chest.

"I plan on using my knowledge of all kinds of evil things... like where to touch you to make you scream my name. You know... things like that."

I knew we needed space the let our self-control reset. So, I reached out and found her hand entwining our fingers. Then I laughed. "Really! You're gonna make me clean up your mess!?" I teased. "So, unlike you!"

"Just gimme a minute to let the blood flow return to my brain so I don't faint when I stand up."

•- Leah Clearwater -•

My lips were curled up in a smile. One of those true ones which he brought to life.

I didn’t move my glance to him, just listened and then laughed at his attempt to draw me in. And most nights, I would be right there. But I needed that moment too.

“I didn’t know you were game to play the damsel in need card, Embry Call.”

Finally turning my attention fully on him. “I’m happy to walk your to the back yard and hose your arse down. If you prefer that instead?”

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed as hard as I could give that I was still pretty breathless. “Sounds like a good show for your curtain-twitching neighbour.” I teased. “We could add a little music… charge admission?” I chuckled.

I smiled when turned to look at me finding her eyes and locking them in. My fingers tightened on her instantaneously.

“Maybe I'll stick to a cold shower… or the whole village will be talking about us.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Squeezing his hand back I smiled thinking of #BettyHill and the way her face would scrunch up if she saw him playing a show in my yard. “Go, shower. We aren’t going to put any shows on. Something…. They are for my eyes only.” Raising one of my eyebrows in a perfect arch.

“Unless you’d rather the side hustle? I wouldn’t want to hinder your career aspirations.”

•- Embry Call -•

I bit my lip, definitely not thinking about kissing her… we were cooling off. Not heating up again… yet. A wicked glint entered my eyes.

There was something about her not wanting to share that sent a thrill through my spine. “In that case I'll leave the door unlocked…” I lifted her hand to lips and kissed her knuckles. Sating my wolf who was still fixated on kissing her. “In case you want a show.”

I slipped my hand from hers and dragged myself to my feet.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

We didn’t miss the look in his eyes. She got excited at the meaning behind it, and I knew that trouble wasn’t far off.

She reached out, letting me feel her deep desire to touch his warrior, and i allowed it to wash over me. My skin rippled with sensation of that same excitement sitting up as he walked away, I pulled my open hair into a bun at the top of my head. Pulling my knees up to my chest, my eyes following him until I couldn’t see anymore.

“Remember it’s a cold shower for a reason.” Even if I was biting through inside of my cheeks.

•- Embry Call -•

I glanced back to where sat. “Spirit’s she is beautiful!” The words were out before I knew it. I chuckled at her comment. At home my showers were hot and… well… But here? Typically, cold. To cool off after…

“Maybe I’ll leave the door unlocked then.” Even though I was fairly certain I never did… there no need. It was always just us here. But teasing was fun.

“In case you feel like another show.” I called back… and let the door click, but not lock behind me.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Lips pressed to fight the smile. Still, I found it hard to deal with compliments. Thinking back to a time where he earned slaps over the side of his head for saying something nice to me. And now…

Shaking my head, standing I bent down to pick up the tub of ice cream. The melted dregs weren’t worth saving. And the spoon too.

“Oh, I’m sure the show you set off in my warriors mind is going to be far more interesting.”

She smirked but said nothing.

“But… Sure... Leave my opinion open.” Speaking in a normal tone.

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed, turning on the water. Not grinning to myself that she had the temperature turned up. I knew that meant she was thinking about the last time she was in here.

"See... you not dream... but day dreaming counts." I grinned. "And apparently Leah Clearwater daydreams about me!" I boasted and stepped into the water.

I kept talking as if I was speaking to myself now. "I wonder what Leah thinks about in the shower... with the temperature cranked all the way up? Strange really since people like to take any chance we can to cool off?" I stuck my under the stream and let the cool water redirect my blood flow... while my thoughts tried to send it rushing int the opposite direction.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I was pottering in the kitchen, washing the spoon, my hands, even splashed some water over my face listening to him speaking to me from the shower.

“Do I look like someone who has time to day dream?” Taking two bottles of water out of the fridge before I made my way around the house tidying up as I closed down for the night. Did he have a point? Is that what I was doing? With the hot water?

Setting the waters down on the side tables first in my bedroom, I then walked past the bathroom to drop our clothes into the washer. Glancing over at the door.

“Do you still cool down? Or is it all about the heat still?” He’d told me before how his showers at home were hot. But was it still?

•- Embry Call -•

I laughed and rinsed the ice cream away. I had heard her moving around her room, from one side of the bed to the other... I didn't need to scrub the scent of her from my skin. One of the rare acts my wolf and I disagree on... he was surprisingly possessive... and honest. I kinda liked it. But the bubble was worth protecting, and he knew that deep down.

"I do... after a patrol... or... you know... here. When I need to get a grip." I smirked; pun intended... "But when I haven't seen you... or I dream about you... miss you... it's all about the heat..."

These weren't the kind of questions she would like to answer... but I listened for her reactions. That was what answered them for me.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Once the washer was on I froze in my spot bent over in front of it. My eyes flew over to the bathroom door, my heart stopped dead.

By the Spirits! Why did this man find it so easy to say the thinks I couldn’t even come out and convince myself were true? Here was Embry, words flowing like rain storms!

Standing up I felt blood rushing up the side of my neck. With my warriors about pushed me to step towards the door... pushing me towards him… or more that she wanted close to his soul… his warrior.

So, this was how it felt? When someone told you they missed you?

•- Embry Call -•

Everything stopped but the sound of the water… and there it was. Her answer to same question. Everything I needed to know was in her stillness and those missed heartbeats. I smiled and started to wash my hair.

“I mean that hot water isn't really the same… but it makes me closer to you… it's as close as possible to your skin on mine.” I listened for reactions, shampoo bubbles washing over the places her mouth had been…. And places it hadn't.

“I find myself craving that heat… it's funny considering the lengths we all go to cool off.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

His voice always made me feel things that I didn’t allow myself before our bubble. But this… this sensation engulfed me in a way I hadn’t thought possible. I didn’t want to run, I didn’t want to lock him out, I was processing… my heart... it slipped again at his statement which I knew was true. We ran hot. So, it was natural to want to cool down where possible.

I opened the back door, the one he had come over uninvited to fix. When my eyes fell to the small back porch. I recalled sitting there with him. Drinking a beer and talking! Using my words… when home was where I had always been silent.

“Hmm…” it’s all the sound I could make before stepping outside, sitting myself on the first step looking up at grandmother.

‘He is a part of her, you know.’ My warriors whispered. I told her I knew.

•- Embry Call -•

I heard the door and her silence. I smiled as I conditioned my hair... locks as irresistible as mine didn't happen by accident.

She was standing in the night air... like I was standing under this cool stream. Silent but for that light hum... no doubt that magnificent creature inside her as whispering to her.

I finished my shower silently and turned off the water... Now I smelled Leah in a very different way, her shampoo... soap... the scent I remembered from tribal councils and pack meetings, mixed with salt air and the forest from her ride to  get where she was going.

I dried off a little... knowing it wouldn't take long for my body heat to finish the job. In her room, there was a drawer... A place in Leah's home for my things, I slung a towel around my hips, even though I knew she was still at the back door and from that sacred (to me), secret place I pulled out a pair of shorts and stepped into them. Using the towel to tousle my hair until the length stopped dripping.

I sat on the edge of her bed, leaving her to her silent moment until she was ready to join me here.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

It wasn’t hard to follow Embry around the house. His bare feet padding over the floor boards, his hands opening and closing the drawers in my bedroom. The show of the elastic snapping into place around his waist.

All of that over the sound of the laundry on a quick spin. I finally stood up off the stepped, I needed to work myself under the cold water before bed too. And spending all night sat out here, would only slow the progress down.

I closed the door softly, walking across the hall into the bathroom and closed the door. Removing my bra and underwear before reaching in to turn the water on.

I kept my hair tied up and out of the way stepping under the running cold water. With my eyes closed my face up letting the water stream down doing its job.

•- Embry Call -•

I tried not to let myself picture Leah naked… soapy… wet…  fuck! A few minutes after the water started, I knew she'd decided cold shower was needed too. I smirked.

Hot water smelled different, even from the next room.

I distracted myself by plugging in my phone and the hospital beeper. Taking a moment to glance out the open window… it sees what was she’d been fascinated by earlier. A nearly full moon hung heavy overhead… the clouds slowing her space to shine down. I felt her pressing in around me… no tugging or pulling. Because I was exactly where she wanted me to be.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Humming to myself, steeping out of the showers I reached for a clean towel. Tapping my body dry, I wrapped it around myself folding it under to keep it in place.

The mirror hadn’t steamed, so I stood looking at my reflection as I brushed my teeth. Even with the humming I could hear him moving around the room. Each sound had its own distinct identity. And once again (as I thought it each time he stayed), Embry’s presence wasn’t alien as it used to feel. It felt….

‘In harmony…’ she helped me find the words. And yeah, it was true.

By the  time I came out of the bathroom the laundry had finished his quick clean, so I placed them into the dryer. They would be clean and dry by morning for him to use. Before stepped into the bedroom, I stood at the door looking into the view before me, he was looking out.

“Hey.”

•- Embry Call -•

I smile to myself still… hearing her head the two kitchens again to put the clothes into the dryer… it hadn’t even dawned on me when the heard the washer stop. Which was strange because I was the one that did the laundry at home.

I wondered silently to myself; would it too  easy to fall into a pattern of taking this for granted? The way she took care of me under this roof… I scented her before I heard her soft Hey.

The sight of her had nothing on the view out the window. My heart skipped; my stomach swooped… my smiled took over my whole  face.

There was my answer.

No. I would never take this woman for granted. “Hey.” I said back. Moving back across the room and find her favourite, formerly-mine t-shirt. She didn't even keep this one with the clothes I left here.

“Allow me.” I smiled and stepped around behind her. Pressing a kiss to her shoulder as I freed the towel… warm from the heat of her skin. I pulled the shirt over her head… then my fingers trailed (shakily for some reason) down her arms until I took her hands lifted them though the arms one at a time.

There were goosebumps raised my arms. The moment felt heavy, poignant.

… I slid my hand down the faded tour dates on her back, then wrapped my arms around her. Pulling her back against my chest and kissing her softly beneath her ear. “I see you, Leah.” I whispered. tiny and tremendous things she did for the people she cared about.

That was why I knew I would take her for granted. My eyes were open now… and fixed on her. Always.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

It’s felt as though something had snapped into place. The willingness to stand still, to allow his to remit my towel and dress in me into my new favourite sleeping attire. Considering I slept naked before the bubble was formed around us.

My breathing was very slow, the sound of his heart speaking to me. While i kept my eyes on the dark sky.

Biting the inside of my cheeks when the fabric fell just below the curve of my bottom. I now closed my eyes stepping gently back into his strong chest.

Placing my hands over his around my stomach.

“I know.” whispering it for his ears only. “I’m not hiding.” I’d told him this before. Just as he told me how much he saw.

•- Embry Call -•

I rested my cheek against her, my nose just rushing her jaw.  Her hands placed above mine told me a hundred different things.

“You haven't in a long time…” At least it left like a long time, I'm moment like this I could hardly remember what it was like to be shut out of Leah’s world.

“And I'm not blinded anymore,” I whispered. “I won't be closing my eyes anytime soon.”  I smile and kiss her hair. “Not literally though…” I chuckled softly.

•- Leah Clearwater -•

I held my breath and opened my eyes, living in the moment just as he’d asked me too. It wasn’t hard as it once had been.

Squeezing his hands I turned around to face him. Kissing the tip of his nose before pulling away. Keeping our hands links I walked backwards towards the bed.

“For now… let’s close your eyes for the night. When they open again, my walls will still be down.” Slowly stepping back until I felt my bed, and then climbed onto it only then letting his hand down.

•- Embry Call -•

Smiling like a fool as she leads me backwards towards the bed… Spirits this woman was so beautiful.

Instead of walking around the bed, I climbed over her to my side. My smile was a smirk momentarily… My Side. Pausing, half straddling her to lean in and press a kiss to her throat. “If you insist. But I owe you a very sticky... Yet tasty, night on your living room floor.”

Then an a more serious note I whispered. “I stopped expecting them to come back up a long time ago. Sleep, Trouble. You have a big day ahead of you.”

•- Leah Clearwater -•

Rolling my eyes. A snap of my teeth. All with a smile for him, and only him.  “I know.” I whispered back.

Falling into my pillow, turning my face to face him once we were settled.  “Sleep tight, Dimples. Let’s grandmother watch over your dreams.”

Taking in one slow breath I knew things were going to be good. We were going to be good. My walls were down, and I wasn’t even trying to bring them up.

“Sweet dreams.” I whispered closing my eyes.

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)

     ❝The Family Is One Mature’s Master Pieces.❞ - Geroge Santayana

The week had gotten away from me. I had to wear so many hats, that my own hat… Leah… had been lost in the fray of it all.

I didn’t mind, it was my responsibility to carry it all. I had to be the Spirit Warrior, the Beta, the sister, the daughter, the friend, the bar owner, the one to hold the world of Spirits accountable for their actions. And I did each role with pride. I just hadn’t realised until today, that Leah needed a moment. Just a moment to sit and watch the world go by.

As soon as my opening shift at the bar was done, I climbed up onto the back of my baby. Kicked him to life, and rode the 101 down to the coast.

I could have gone miles; I could have kept riding until the wind blew in my face for so long that I would feel like I was flying.

But that wasn’t the goal. Today’s goal was to watch Grandfather Sun go down and watch him leave a clear path for Grandmother moon to shine down on us.

There was a longing, to see them both today. One I didn’t feel often enough. But when they called, I always answered. And today wasn’t going to change that. Once sat in the rocky beach, I faced the Horizon my lips letting out a small prayer of thanks as the sun started to set. I closed my eyes and let the last of its rays kiss my skin.

I heard the sound of his truck first coming down the road. Then his scent, and then the sound of his footsteps crunching on the small rocks.

He could have been so much quieter if he wanted to. He could have kept himself downwind to hide from me. But tonight #TheKid wanted me to see him coming.

‘May I join you?’ He asked, not moving until I nodded once, and he came to sit shoulder to shoulder.

‘I thought I’d find you here.’ He kept his voice low as not to disturb nature as it set off into its ways of sleep. The day would soon be fast asleep, and the night would come to life.

“Did you need me?” I asked back.

‘No. Just wanted…. To be here… with you.’

“Hmm…” we sat there in total silence as the sky started to turn red, orange, and dark blue as far as we could see.

‘Are you coming to Ma’s for dinner?’ #TheKid finally asked.

I shook my head. I wasn’t going to bring down  their moods. “I’m not good company tonight. You should go. She will be waiting.”

He shifted unconsciously telling me there were words he wanted to say. “Spit it out Kid. What’s up?”

This time I did look towards my Warrior brother.

‘Why do you do this?’ He frowned.

“Do what?” I frowned back.

‘You think we couldn’t handle your bad days? Sis we all have them, and when we do. You are the one who picks us up. So, why. Can’t we do the same for you?’

My eyebrow raised. “Spirits, don’t hold back Kid, say what you are thinking.”

He sighed, dropping his head before looking to me.

‘Just come home when you are ready Sis, I will leave a light on. You will always find your way back to Ma and me.’ He squeezed my shoulder, his eyes on the red sky as the sun set before us.

Gracefully lifting himself off the rocky ground. ‘You’ve never been alone. Even when the world turned on you. Ma never did. Me—’ his voice cracked a little. ‘I was a foolish kid, who wanted out from under his big sister shadows.

When all that time, she was trying to protect that foolish kid.’ He turned and started walking away, but I didn’t dare to turn and look in his direction. ‘I love you Sis, and I know you don’t want me to say the “L” or the “S” word.

And now I know, I’ve learnt, I need to show you. Not tell you. And I will. I promise you that.’ His voice was a whisper, but to my ears I heard it as clear as day. ‘Come home to us…’

(Music: Leave a Light On (Acoustic) - Tom Walker)

❝ When you open your eyes and see the stars, they will whisper my secrets to you.❞ 

                     -Mother Earth

Eternally there are stories. Those which teach us and help us to grow. You may have heard over your years of living, that  behind every woman who is known, there is also an unknown fable. These women may live next door to you, or they may have passed before you were even born. But there will always be a tail that will be shared whenever their names are brought up in the minds of those who are left behind.

My story maybe one that is shared for a year or two, or I may be forgotten as soon as death wraps me into its arms, and the spirits of our ancestors welcome me to their realm.  When my fire goes out.. my name may become lost. But I know that the stars will still show my path, and the spirits will sing of my journey. You will need to listen, to seek my truth, to question my existence. And when you do, I will help guide you.

The Stories in the Stars.

‘Are you no longer wishing to ask any questions of us?’ He sat in his human spirit form tonight before me, and not that of his giant midnight blue wolf.

“Are you going to answer them?” my eyebrow raised at the soft chuckle and the smile he gave me as his reply. “So, them what is the point of me coming here?” I crossed my arms, even if I knew it didn’t give as much of a dramatic effect in the spirit world without my body and skin.

‘That is for you to tell us. Itsula nudvnelv nasgi nigesvna uyanvdv nihi wagalisv ayoli aquatseli atsvsdv!’

( We did not call you tonight, stubborn child of our light! )

“Yeah, well… I’m not letting you off the hook.” I fell back into the tree, passing through it before sitting back up again.

‘You are bodyless ayoli saquu ( young one ), be careful.’ He wasn’t even hiding his laughter now.

“I knew that.” I did. I just sometimes had a habit of forgetting when trying to make a point with him. The wind whipped up around me and smacked me on the back of my head.  “Ouch! Hey!” It didn’t hurt, but I did feel it.

‘I am still your ancestor. I know what you are thinking, even if you are not saying it aloud.’

Spirits! I knew this to be true. He always read me like an open book. I had come to the decision, it had to be his stalking skills. ‘Now ask what it is that you want to know.’ This time his voice had some depth of thought in it.

For once there was something I knew that I wanted to hear about again. It was by the re-telling of stories that our past become known, and someday I knew that I too would have to become the voice of our past for our future generations to succeed.

“I want to learn of Mother Earth’s sacrifice. She is the one that is always silent, and yet she carries the most weight of us all.”

His eyes turned from the yellow that broke through the dead of night, to a brilliant light brown, with specks of gold, a colour to match mine when the sun shone on it in the early hours of the bright mornings.

‘Mother of all mothers, the one who gave herself over so that we could grow and become strong. She is…. Formidable. However, you know of her tale. I have told you it before.’

“I know, but… I want to hear it again.” I told him. Each time #TheGreatWolf told me a story, I still found a new lesson from it.

‘Unitsi Elohi…’ ( Mother Earth… ) He began.

The flames of the fire before us came to life, they reached up high towards the sky. I saw the stars come to greet them, welcome them with open arms to share the knowledge they kept safely guarded until it was required.

When the story began the flames before me inaugurated to take shape, their forms mirroring the words of #TheGreatWolf’s story. Shining bright for us to see them come to life.

‘The earth is our mother, and on her bosom we shall repose. To understand her story, you must travel long ago before we even existed.  To a time when The Creator sat alone in darkness thinking, and with his thoughts he formed Mother Earth.

He covered her with plants and trees, birds, and animals, and many crawling insects, but He became lonely. So, from the soil of the Earth he formed two companions, a man, and a woman. This is how Earth became the Mother of our people.

Upon creating the two beings, The Creator knew they would require assistance. So, beside the man he placed a bow and arrow, and a fish line. This was to show that the man was to be the protector and provider of food from Mother Earth and the Spirits of the sea.

Beside the woman he placed a birch bark basket filled with seeds and a dagger. The basket and seeds represented the natural resources given to our people from the earth herself. And the dagger a symbol to show that the woman will be given the power to protect too.

Then the Creator blew life into the woman first. Only when she was filled with the spirit of Mother Earth, did he blow life into the man.

When he blew life into the woman, and she arose, she picked up the dagger first. Showing the Creator that he did not make a mistake. She would not be a burden on Mother Earth, that she would protect all that is important. Then she gathered the birch bark basket full of seeds, showing that she would grow and provide.

When the Creator blew life into the man, the man picked up the fish lining, and then bow and arrow, accepting his responsibility to protect and provide food.

However, the Creator wouldn’t allow them to leave before agreeing to one rule. "You are to take care of Mother Earth, and  in return she will take care of you. Don't become greedy. Only take what you need and remember to thank her before you take."

The man and the woman lived their life and grew their family. They taught the one rule to their descendants. However, as time passed by, the story and the rule became forgotten.’

This was the part of the story that always frustrated me. “How we always forget to give thanks to the ones who are silent.” I growled. #TheGreatWolf nodded in agreement.

‘How does it make you feel?’ He asked without glancing to me.

“The way Mother Earth gave all she is to them, and in time they just lost themselves and their knowledge… frustrated.” He knew I wouldn’t lie.

‘This is why we tell stories; this is why our people share. Without these words, we will forget where we came from, and where we will end our journey.’   

His voice came across soft, sweet, and melodious… The echo of a tribes vocals rang all around us, while the flames danced in step with the words he sang.

‘The earth is our mother,

we must take care of her.

Hey yanna, ho yanna, hey yan yan.

Her sacred ground we walk upon,

with every step we take.

The earth is our mother,

she will take care of us.’

The flames came back down when the stars let them go, the sparks of light dying down towards the earth, a sign of respect for the story that had just been told.