Chapter 1
AN: I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, going on plenty of vacations, and doing plenty of reading. I know I have not posted in a while, but I do have two pretty cool announcements to make for all those that have followed the Choice Series for a while The second announcement is at the end of this story, but here is the first one.
First Announcement: The next three stories…..this one included….are going to be a 3-story arc. This is the first of three stories that will reveal a lot about the direction of the series and of course answer some of those questions that have been burning up my inbox from readers. So please read, review, and as usual, enjoy!
~Emmettroselover
Leah and Rosalie giggled as they stepped off the porch of Leah and Jacob's house. The sounds of their husbands heckling each other in the game room as they played a video game echoed through the house and Leah shook her head with a smile.
"I don't know who is louder when they play, Josh or Jake," said Leah and Rosalie smirked.
"It is a tie for Zach and Em. They are at their worst when they play each other though. I am sure they will both be happy to get back to the island this weekend, so they can play some other people for a change."
"It has not been that long since they last were there. Do you really think they miss the island that much?"
"I do. I mean I miss the family being together more than anything, but there is something very nice and peaceful about our island. Forks has its perks though."
"Yea right," laughed Leah.
"I am serious. You can't beat autumn in Washington State. Look around you," urged Rosalie and Leah smiled as she gazed at the deep coloring of the foliage. Reds, oranges, yellows, and even purples swirled around them amongst the leaves of the forest. It was a rare, dry day in October, but the clouds still hovered over the sky. The cool air created a chilly breeze, bringing out heavier jackets for the humans in the region. Autumn was in full swing and the beauty of the forest during the season was evident.
"There is something very beautiful about the forest in the fall isn't there," agreed Leah as they casually strolled down the driveway. They stopped at the mailbox and Leah perused the mail as Rosalie's senses perked up.
"Someone is headed this way. Are you expecting any visitors," questioned Rosalie.
"No, just you. Josh and Zach shouldn't be home yet. Wait, is that….."
"Yep, Allie, I wonder what she is doing here? Maybe I should go inside."
"No way, Rose, you don't have to hide here, stay," urged Leah and Rosalie nodded as they waited for Sam's daughter to make her way over to them. She was pushing a motorcycle and tapped the kickstand with her foot to park in front of the driveway. Rosalie eyed her curiously, wondering if Allie still had instincts like other Quileutes when vampires were around. There was a deeply rooted instinct inside of them that alerted them to the beings, even for members of the tribe that believed such creatures were myths. Allie's bright smile put Rosalie at ease and she smiled back, along with Leah.
"Hey Allie, what brings you to our neck of the woods," asked Leah and Allie sighed.
"My bike stalled, which I guess shouldn't surprise me. I haven't been on it for a while and it isn't really in the best shape. I should probably take better care of it. Do you think Jake can take a look at it? I know I haven't seen him in a while, but do you think he can do me a favor?"
"Of course he can, but I will do you one better. Rose here knows a lot about cars and bikes, so I am sure she can fix you right up," assured Leah and Rosalie's eyes widened. Allie tilted her head curiously as she eyed Rosalie for a moment.
"Rosalie, Rosalie Cullen right," asked Allie and Rosalie slowly nodded.
"You know who I am," asked Rosalie as she glanced at Leah.
"Yes, you were at Billy's funeral. I didn't get to stay long, but I remember seeing you there."
"Right, yes, that was a very tragic time for everyone. I am sure that is why we have never been properly introduced," explained Rosalie and Leah nodded.
"Rose is just here to visit her….brother, Zach. He is going to school with Josh."
"Oh yea, I heard my boyfriend mention him. He is from Alaska, right?"
"Boyfriend," questioned Leah and Allie blushed as she shyly giggled.
"Yea, um, Drew asked me out last weekend and we have decided to make it official. Don't tell my dad yet please. I am sure he would freak if he found out I was dating a boy from the rez."
"Oh, I am sure he would," mumbled Leah as she crossed her arms and gritted her teeth. She began to curse under her breath, which made Allie frown in confusion. Rosalie quickly changed the subject.
"I am sure you two make a beautiful couple. Anyways, it looks like your bike just needs a tune-up. I am sure Jake can fix that."
"Or you can, Rose. Hey Allie, can you leave it here for a bit? I can give you a ride home if you need one."
"My dad is on his way. I didn't want to call him, but my friends are in Port Angeles. I should have just gone with them, but it was such a beautiful day. I wanted to take my bike out for a spin, big mistake." Rosalie knelt down beside the bike and scanned over it before rolling her eyes at Leah.
"I can fix it, but I just figured maybe Allie would want someone that she knows to work on it," informed Rosalie as she gave Leah a look. The rumbling of Sam's pickup truck caught their ears and Leah glared at Sam as he drove up to the house.
"Speak of the devil," muttered Leah and Rosalie shook her head at her friend as Sam got out of the truck. He looked at Leah curiously, noticing the way she stared him down.
"Leah, you okay," he questioned and she smirked.
"Peachy," she said in a clipped tone that even had Rosalie confused. Sam glanced at her one more time before turning his attention to his daughter.
"You okay," he asked as he gave her a hug and she nodded.
"I am fine, dad. I am capable of taking care of myself, but I knew you would want to be the one to pick me up. I still want to take care of my bike on my own, which is why I came here to see if Jake could help me out. It turns out Rosalie knows about bikes too." Sam slowly nodded as he glanced at Rosalie.
"Yes, she does, but we don't want to impose. I am sure you have other things you would rather be doing than fixing this clunker of a thing, Rose," said Sam. Before Rosalie could answer, Leah stepped in.
"Oh no, she would love to help. Besides, the boys won't be home for a bit. It will give us something to do," assured Leah as she quirked an eyebrow at Sam. Allie clapped happily.
"Great, so I can just leave it here with you, Rosalie," asked Allie and Rosalie gulped when she sensed Sam's hesitation. She knew that he was not fond of his daughter being around them, which is why she was just meeting the girl, but she could also sense Leah's defiance against the notion. She glanced back and forth between the two wolves, Leah wearing a challenging grin and Sam scowling back at her. Allie noticed their exchange as well, but was simply confused by it all. Rosalie laughed nervously.
"Um, yea, sure, I should be able to fix it in no time," assured Rosalie and Allie beamed with happiness. Rosalie, Leah, and Sam all were surprised when Allie embraced Rosalie in a big hug as she giggled.
"You are awesome, Rosalie. It isn't every day I meet a woman that is handy around bikes. Thank you so much. I will come by to pick it up later," said Allie before hopping into the truck and turning on the radio.
"She is friendly," whispered Rosalie, so low that Allie could not hear her. Sam smirked.
"She doesn't have a reason not to be. After all, you are Leah's friend. That is all she needs to know about you. Nothing else, Rose, got it," he whispered back quickly.
"It isn't my secret to tell. As far as she knows, I am just here visiting my….brother, Zach."
"Brother," Sam said with a chuckle and Rosalie rolled her eyes.
"Yes well for humans we look quite similar but too close in age to be mother and son. I have my own secrets to worry about, Sam, so don't worry. I will not reveal yours," assured Rosalie and Sam smirked as he looked at Leah one last time before heading back toward the truck.
"Trust me, you aren't the one I am worried about," grumbled Sam. He gave them each a curt nod before driving off with Allie and Rosalie turned to glare at Leah, who tried to give an innocent smile.
"What," asked Leah and Rosalie huffed.
"Don't what me, what is up with you? You practically forced me to fix her bike and you know Sam doesn't want her around us."
"Yes, Sam seems to be doing everything in his power to make sure Allie doesn't find out his dirty little secret, but that doesn't mean we have to help," explained Leah as she pushed the bike up the driveway.
"We, there is no we in this equation, Leah. She isn't my kid and it is none of my business."
"Don't you see what he is doing?"
"Not really and I don't really care," informed Rosalie as she pulled the bike from Leah and parked it in front of the house.
"Oh come on Rose, how messed up is it that Sam is trying to create some warped arrangement between Drew and Allie just so he can keep his eye on her?"
"What are you talking about? Allie just said that Sam doesn't know about Drew dating her."
"And you believe that? You believe that the alpha doesn't know what his beta is doing?" Rosalie thought for a moment and frowned.
"Wait, so you are saying that he put Drew up to it? Sam wouldn't do that."
"Yes he would and I know him a bit better than you do. This is just like him. He would do anything to make sure Allie doesn't find out his secret, so he is using Drew to make sure he knows if Allie is getting too close and Drew can now run interference. The only reason Allie thinks Sam would freak is because he wants her to think that. She would never go for her dad setting her up."
"That sounds very dramatic and like way too much information for me. Since you forced my hand, I am going to fix her bike and get it running smoothly, but that is it, Leah."
"But Rose….."
"No buts, it doesn't concern me or you for that matter. Now, will you please go get me Jake's toolbox so I can fix this thing," asked Rosalie and Leah huffed as she stomped inside. Rosalie shook her head as she began to tinker with the bike and Leah plopped the toolbox on the ground by Rosalie before pouting on the porch steps.
Rosalie tried to focus on the bike, but Leah's dramatic sighs were not helping. She rolled her eyes as Leah grumbled under her breath about Rosalie not understanding, but Rosalie continued to try to ignore her friend. After one more clip of her tongue and a loud sigh later, Rosalie had enough.
"Okay fine, what is the big deal," exclaimed Rosalie as she dropped the wrench and turned to face Leah. Leah smiled smugly at her.
"I knew you couldn't ignore me for long," teased Leah.
"Oh I can ignore you. I ignore Alice all the time and have years of practice, but this is obviously upsetting you, so tell me why it is any of your concern or mine."
"He isn't just keeping this huge secret from her anymore. He is scheming and plotting against her and it isn't right."
"It is his daughter and his choice."
"No, it isn't. It is her choice. She should get the facts and get to decide what she does with them, especially if she is going to be around a so-called boyfriend that happens to be in her father's pack. Not to mention that if she doesn't know about Drew's wolf side, she could accidentally trigger it."
"You know Sam would never allow that. I think that is one of the reasons why he chose Drew, if what you say is true. He can control Drew and in some ways he is keeping her safe at the same time. I am sure it gives Sam some peace of mind to know that a wolf who happens to be his beta is by his daughter's side to protect her when he isn't around. Let's face it, this region is known to attract trouble. I am sure Sam is just covering his bases."
"I just feel bad for her, Rose. Everyone around her is keeping all these secrets and she knows that. Besides, keeping this particular secret never helped anyone in the long run." Rosalie nodded her understanding.
"You want to protect her in your own way by making sure she knows what she is up against," said Rosalie and Leah sighed.
"My father is dead because no one was willing to tell me about the pack. I wasn't prepared. He wasn't prepared. We had no warning and it killed him."
"I get that. Really Leah, I do. I just think the situation is different with Allie. She isn't a wolf and she has been back for a while now and still hasn't changed. She didn't even hesitate to hug me and I am pretty sure no one on the verge of phasing would embrace a vampire like that, golden eyes or not."
"I know and you are probably right, if she was going to be a wolf, she already would be, but crazier things have happened on the rez. Either way, I just think if she is going to be here, she shouldn't be kept in the dark about such a huge part of her father's life."
"Well, if you are right and Sam is using Drew to keep her in the dark, it isn't going to last long. A secret of this magnitude can't stay hidden for long, even with a muzzle on the pup acting as her boyfriend. These things have a way of coming out. Give it time. Now, since you got me into this, care to help me with the bike?" Leah grinned and nodded as she grabbed the wrench and knelt beside the bike with Rosalie.
Josh fanned his essay in front of Zach's face as the boys exited their last class of the day. Zach grinned mischievously when he saw the grade on his friend's assignment.
"Ninety-eight percent, not bad, J," commended Zach and Josh pumped his fist.
"That's right read it and weep, sucker!"
"Sucker, really J?"
"Aw come on, I didn't mean it like that….but since you brought it up. Read it and weep, sucker," he exclaimed with a laugh and Zach rolled his eyes.
"Well that is an awesome grade and usually I would just say good job, every dog has its day….but not today! One hundred percent and a smiley face by my name," announced Zach and Josh guffawed as he yanked Zach's paper from him to look it over.
"Seriously, a smiley face, we are seniors, who draws a smiley face?"
"Someone that is in awe of my greatness as a writer of course."
"Nope, this totally doesn't count and this proves it. Miss Lewis has a thing for you. Now I am sure of it. That is the only reason you got a higher grade than me. You used those dimples and she was a goner. This doesn't count. I demand a do-over!"
"You are such a sore loser," laughed Zach. Courtney waved at them as they passed her locker and she quickly handed each of them an orange flier.
"Halloween party at my place this weekend, what do you say," asked Courtney and Josh smiled charmingly at her.
"Thanks Courtney, this sounds awesome, but we are going camping with our families this weekend. It has been a while since we got to hang out with them and Zach's parents are coming down for the weekend. Maybe another time though, we all know you throw stellar parties," praised Josh. She bit her lip as she looked Zach up and down.
"Your family is coming so, does that mean your girlfriend is here too," she questioned and Zach gulped.
"No, her parents wouldn't let her come, but we still talk every day," assured Zach. Josh had to hide his smile as Courtney stepped closer to Zach.
"You must love her a lot to stay so faithful. Doesn't the loneliness ever get to you," she asked.
"Nope, not at all, um, okay, we have to go, but thanks, Courtney. See you tomorrow," called Zach as he pulled Josh down the hallway. Josh managed to control his laughter until they got into his car. Zach frowned at his friend, who continued to laugh as they left the parking lot.
"Dude, she still wants you so bad," teased Josh and Zach rolled his eyes.
"Yea well, I can't do anything about that. The weekend cannot come soon enough for me, just one more day. I can't wait to be on the island again."
"Dude, you were there last week."
"I know it hasn't been that long but seriously, I miss my room and the water and my video game collection….and my yacht….."
"Okay I get it, you miss home," chuckled Josh.
"Did I mention my yacht, I really miss my…."
"Yea, yea, I know, but hey at least we get to go hang out at the beach with the pack now. It may not be cruising around in a yacht, but a bonfire is pretty cool stuff."
"You are right…..it isn't cruising around in a yacht," teased Zach and the boys laughed as they entered La Push.
Tommy and Owen were constructing the bonfire with Evan as the sun began to set lower and the temperature got cooler. Colton tossed the cooler to the side and dragged another piece of driftwood toward the fire as he heard his friends debating.
"I would take Jason over Freddy any day of the week. He gets to wear a hockey mask and isn't fazed by anything," said Tommy and Owen scoffed.
"Freddy can kill you in your dreams! There is nothing that can defend against that," argued Owen.
"Yea, but Freddy is really creepy and a perv. Jason is just a badass," defended Tommy.
"Well you didn't ask me who I wanted to hang out with, you asked who is the better killer from a horror film and I have to go with Freddy," said Owen in exasperation and Evan shook his head in amusement as Zach and Josh joined them on the beach.
"So this is what you guys do to entertain yourselves? You talk about monsters from horror films," teased Josh and Tommy shrugged.
"Halloween is only a couple of weeks away, just getting into the spirit of things," said Tommy as he grabbed a soda from the cooler. He tossed one to Josh and pretended to scour the cooler in search of something.
"Aw man, did we forget it again? Seriously guys, what did I say? What did I tell you," scolded Tommy with a knowing glance in Zach's direction as he continued to pretend to search in the cooler. Zach rolled his eyes, but chuckled.
"I am guessing no grizzly blood in there for me? Evan, you forgot again," teased Zach and Evan grinned devilishly.
"I got to the store ten minutes too late, they were already out," laughed Evan.
"I told you to check earlier," joked Colton as he tossed Owen a soda. Braden, Daniel, and Drew jogged over with plates wrapped in foil.
"My mom made brisket," announced Daniel as he started handing out the plates and the boys immediately dug in. Drew looked over at Zach and smiled sheepishly.
"I always feel weird eating in front of you since you can't have anything," confessed Drew, but Zach waved him off.
"Are you kidding me? That stuff doesn't even smell appetizing to me. I just had an awesome caribou last night. My mom and dad took me for a hunt in Canada. It was just what I needed."
"So is that what you do at night after Josh, Jake, and Leah go to sleep," asked Braden and Zach nodded.
"That or go wrestle or go to the island. I get to go there more than Josh does. For me, it is an easy trip and I am back by dawn. You should see my place sometime." The boys perked right up at that suggestion and all nodded.
"Totally, it is about time you invited us," laughed Daniel.
"Maybe during the holidays when school is out," suggested Evan and Drew chuckled.
"I will be happy when you are all out of school so we can hang whenever," said Drew.
"Speaking of hanging, where is Sam, I thought he was going to be here tonight to tell us some stories," said Josh and Braden snickered.
"He wanted to give Drew some time to brag about his new girlfriend in peace," teased Braden as he made kissing noises and Drew blushed.
"New girlfriend," asked Zach and Drew smiled triumphantly.
"Yea, Allie is my girlfriend now," announced Drew. Josh nearly choked on his brisket as he looked at Drew in shock.
"Dude, you are dating Sam's daughter? Isn't that like a conflict of interest or something," questioned Josh and Daniel smirked.
"I know right, but Sam was all for it, which to me is just weird. Come on bro, what are you going to do when you are in wolf form and Sam can read your thoughts? I don't even want to read your thoughts about Allie in wolf form and I am your brother," exclaimed Daniel.
"Well Sam doesn't plan on being in wolf form very much anymore. He is giving me more control over the pack and besides, he knows I will treat Allie right. He trusts me," assured Drew and Zach gave him a nod of respect.
"Congrats Drew, I know you have had a crush on Allie for years," said Zach.
"How did you know that," asked Drew and Zach shrugged.
"Daniel told me," he revealed and laughed when Drew punched Daniel in the shoulder.
"Ouch that hurt! It wasn't a big secret. Even Sam knew you had a thing for her no matter how hard you tried to hide it. You perked right up when he mentioned that Allie was coming home and even tried to think of reasons to drop by to see her," teased Daniel. Drew stood up and playfully glared at his brother.
"Oh yea, well at least I am not in love with my teacher from high school," taunted Drew. He was ready to phase when he saw Daniel make it to his feet and the two boys phased into wolf form to wrestle and horse around as the others laughed.
"Daniel has a thing for older women," teased Evan.
"You are one to talk. I see how you look at the lunch lady in the cafeteria," joked Owen and the boys phased as well. Soon all of the pack phased and were crashing into each other to see who was the most dominant. Zach nodded over to Josh.
"Why don't you go join them," urged Zach, but Josh shook his head.
"Eating," mumbled Josh with his mouth full and Zach chuckled at his friend. The boys stayed at the bonfire for several hours before Josh and Zach headed home. They were halfway there before Zach asked the question on his mind since he found out about Drew and Allie.
"Would it matter to you if you found someone, but didn't imprint? Drew says he has liked Allie since he was a kid so I guess to him it doesn't matter, but would you be disappointed," asked Zach. Josh was silent as he thought about it for a moment.
"I don't know. I guess a part of me never wants to imprint. I think about it a lot and even if I do imprint, it doesn't mean I have to be with that person forever. Look at my dad and Renesmee. Maybe it would just be better if I never imprinted and had more of a choice for myself. I get what you are saying, but what about if I find someone that I love, someone that I choose for myself, and then I imprint on somebody else? I think that scares me more than not imprinting at all."
"I didn't really think about it like that."
"Maybe that is why I was so quick to date and be with Nina. I liked the idea of choosing her to go out with."
"That's true. Man, I can't believe Sam is okay with Drew dating Allie."
"Me too and I agree with Daniel. That is actually kind of weird. All Sam has to do is phase when Drew is in wolf form and hear all Drew's thoughts about Allie."
"Yea, totally not the ideal situation," laughed Josh.
Sam was sitting on the back porch of his house listening to music and sipping a beer as he relaxed in a lawn chair. He grinned when he heard the backdoor open and Emily walked outside to join him. She sat down on his lap and he chuckled as she took a swig of his beer.
"My favorite kind of beer," she giggled and he winked at her.
"Your favorite kind of beer is one that is mine."
"Pretty much," she teased back.
"Where is Allie off to on a Thursday night? Drew is at the bonfire so I know she isn't going to see him."
"She is going to Mia's house to watch a movie."
"That is good," he said before taking another sip of beer and Emily eyed him curiously.
"So are you going to tell me your plan or keep pretending like everything is okay?"
"Everything is okay, Emily. We are happy. Our daughter is safe….."
"You really think I don't know what you and Drew are up to? You are playing with fire, Sam. If she finds out that the only reason you are allowing them to date is so Drew can spy on her…"
"It isn't like that. Drew really likes her. He has liked Allie for some time now and I think it is a win-win situation."
"For you and Drew, but not Allie. Drew gets a girlfriend. You get to keep an eye on her and her boyfriend, but Allie is still being manipulated and lied to."
"They like each other. Why do you have to make it so sinister?"
"You know this cannot end well for them. Drew did not imprint on her and I, for one, am not fond of my daughter dating a wolf that did not imprint on her. We both saw firsthand what can happen. What if she falls for him and he imprints on someone else?"
"You are looking at this all wrong. The fact that he didn't imprint is a good sign. It means that Allie is not meant to be here. She isn't meant to be around wolves or even on the rez. She will grow bored of doing nothing but hanging with friends and trying to figure out my secret. Everything is still new and she feels at home, but our daughter is meant for more than La Push and she knows that deep down. Allie is adventurous and ambitious. The rez is too small of a world for her."
"Maybe she will see that, but maybe she will not, and that should be her decision, Sam. This is not up to you, even though you keep making it about yourself."
"How can you say that?"
"Because it is true, you keep thinking about your secret and how you feel and what you want for Allie, but what about what she wants? I understand from your perspective why Drew is her perfect match right now. You can control him. You can manipulate the situation, but not forever. Allie is strong-willed and independent. If you try to control her life, you will push her away for good and I am not going to allow that." She stood up, took another sip of his beer, and kissed him sweetly.
"Tread lightly with our daughter, Sam Uley," warned Emily before going back inside and he sighed, silently acknowledging that he was on thin ice with his wife.
