Author's Note: Ok so here's the next chapter! The first part is in Leah's POV and the second part is back to Embry's. I stayed up really late because I had nothing better to do and I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking about it. Be aware that there's a little TMI at some parts. Reviews are appreciated. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, New Moon or anything related to the series. *sigh*
"You were always my favorite cousin . . ."
Chapter 2
Leah's POV
"How freaking dare you!" Sam's deep voice boomed from the darkness. I could faintly make out his quivering silhouette. Emily, I could see because she stood in a small slant of moonlight that reached through the thick trees. She had the same horrified look that was probably frozen on my face as well. I felt Embry quaking too and I grabbed his arm at the same time Emily grabbed Sam's. I'm sure Emily had seen werewolves fight before but I was terrified of what I imagined it to be from hearing all the old legends. I didn't want that to happen to Embry—not when I'd just gotten him.
"Sam, this isn't how I wanted you to find out," Embry said, more quiet than Sam but still booming in my ears since he was so close. "I couldn't help it Sam and you know just as damn well as I do that it's not our decision who we imprint on!"
"Well you should have told me first so I at least had a freakin' forewarning that you were in love with that!" Sam pointed at me the look on his face was pure disgust. I thought I heard my jaw hit the ground. My heart literally stuttered and I felt as if he'd punched, hard, through my chest breaking everything and ripping my heart out when he pulled his hand back.
"DON'T YOU TALK ABOUT LEAH LIKE THAT!" Embry bellowed back. Even though he meant for his voice to be fierce, he softened just a little bit when he said my name. My heart kicked with a sudden passion and I was now just as angry as he was—well not exactly. Embry was now shaking so violently that I struggled to keep a grip on his arm, and I noticed that Emily was having the same trouble with Sam. I did a double take looking at my cousin again examining the faint red scars on the beautiful face I once knew. With a sudden tightening in my chest it finally sunk in how her once astonishing face was ruined . . . it was Sam.
Emily must have noticed me staring at her horrified as I realized what had happened to her almost a year ago, because she met my gaze and gave me that 'don't-worry-about-it' look. I only mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' as a wave of guilt washed through me. I'd ignored her because I felt betrayed that she took Sam away but I had never known the full story and I had resented her. She looked at me worry lines creasing her forehead as she mouthed the words 'Be careful' and I couldn't take it anymore. But before I could say anything I heard a deep husky voice that belonged to neither Sam nor Embry.
"Stop." I looked over to the source of the voice and was surprised when I saw Jacob Black walk slowly from the darkness behind Sam and Emily.
"Shut up, Jake. This doesn't concern you," Embry said firmly.
Jacob ignored him and continued. "You guys are acting ridiculous." It was then that I saw Jake wasn't alone. Quil, Jared, and Paul were right behind him. The four of them stepped into the moonlight and walked to the empty space between Embry and Sam, but never directly in their path. We were now in an awkward triangle and all of us were looking at Jacob. I realized that he was just about as big as Sam and just as muscular. Why were he and Sam so much bigger than the other boys? He seemed to have a deeper voice than Sam too and I was surprised when both he and Embry stopped shaking violently at once.
"Sam, I know you're our leader but this had better stop now. You're acting like Paul did when I brought Bella to explain about the bloodsucker that's been hanging around here," Jacob said shaking his head. Paul obviously was irritated that Jake had brought him into this but probably didn't want to upset Jake too so he just stuck his tongue out at him behind his back. I had to pretend like I was coughing to hide my laugh because I knew they would all think I wasn't taking this seriously.
I looked down at Embry who was still hunched over in a defensive crouch. I grabbed his arm again, gently this time, and he straightened. His hands were still quivering when I took one of them. "Deep breaths," I said as soothingly as I could manage. I watched his face while he closed his eyes as I tried sooth him. I didn't take my eyes off him and waited until he opened them again. His expression was apologetic but I merely shook my head and smiled timidly as he looked into my eyes.
I had to force myself to tear my eyes from his gaze and look to Sam and Emily who were also hand in hand. Sam had relaxed from his defensive crouch as well and was looking into Emily's eyes with a sorrowful expression. She simply smiled up at him encouragingly and nodded.
Sam then turned to Embry and me, his face expressionless.
"I think we need to have a meeting," Jacob said in a firm almost chief-like voice switching his gaze between Embry and Sam quickly as if they were both a ticking time bomb. I looked up at Embry's face just in time to catch a glimpse of guilt flicker across it before his too was an expressionless mask. I was surprised at how much that irritated me. Embry had no reason to feel guilty or even sorry. Anger flared inside me, Sam was the one that needed to apologize and I wanted that apology right now.
"Sam, what the he--," but I was cut off when Embry put a single finger over my lips to silence me. He then pulled me into a tight hug and whispered in my ear.
"I have to go but I'll be back before you can think about it." Embry pulled away and kissed my forehead before he took off running into the forest. I caught one last glimpse of him following the rest of the boys before they disappeared into the darkness.
I stood there dazed. I was so busy looking into the forest that I'd almost forgotten Emily was still here. "Hey cuz, long time no talk," she said, chuckling as she walked over to me, how could she be laughing? I tore my gaze from the dark trees to look at her. It took me about a whole second before I flung myself into her arms, sobbing. "I know, I know," she said embracing me. "It's a bit overwhelming at first isn't it?"
"You have no idea," I sobbed into her shoulder. "Well, you probably do but . . ." I couldn't choke out another word between the sobs. I just stood there crying into my long lost cousin's shoulder. I couldn't believe the wave of relief and guilt I felt now that I understood the whole reason that everything had happened the way it did in the past year.
"I'm so sorry, Leah," she said patting my hair. "Sam asked me to invite you over to my place for the night so we could explain everything. Bella Swan is coming over too. Would you like to come over?" I couldn't manage words through my sobs so I just nodded. Emily was my best friend and closest cousin before the whole Sam thing and I suddenly realized how desperately I missed her.
As we walked back up the path towards the now closing carnival the sobbing stopped. I was at a loss for words so I didn't say anything and neither did Emily. I had a million questions to ask but I was afraid I might go into hysterics again. When got back to the carnival I stole a glance at Emily who was now completely at ease before I pulled out my cell phone to call my mom. She smiled sweetly as I dialed my home number; despite the scars she was still strikingly beautiful.
"Clearwater residence," my mother said after the third ring.
"Hey, mom" I said huskily. I cleared my throat before I spoke again.
"Leah?"
"Yeah it's, me. Hey, I was wondering if I could crash at Emily's tonight. I'm like exhausted and I don't like driving at night," I said, making up the excuse as I went. "Her house is just around the corner and we can walk."
It was silent for a moment on the other end of the receiver. At first I thought my mom had hung up then she said, "Absolutely. You haven't seen her for a while. I'm glad you two finally made up."
"Yeah I know me too. Thanks, mom," I said suddenly feeling a little bit better. "Love you."
"Love you too. Good night and tell Em I said hey," she replied.
"Sure, sure," I said. "Good night." I snapped my phone closed and looked up to see that we were already at Emily's car. She unlocked it and motioned for me to climb inside.
"I thought that your house was just around the corner?" I asked skeptical as I got into the car.
"Well do you wanna stay awake tonight for the explanations or not?" she said, smiling. "We're stopping at Quil's store to grab some coffee and a few groceries. The boys will be hungry," I laughed lightly comprehending what she meant and smiled back.
"I've missed you . . . a lot," I said. "I'm sorry I've ignored you this past year. I was so hooked on Sam that I just . . ." I broke off, swallowing the lump in my throat trying to force the tears back. I didn't want to talk about what I'd thought was going on and Emily seemed to understand so she didn't probe.
"It's ok. Seriously," she said when I gave her an unconvinced look raising one eyebrow. "I would have acted the exact same. I'm sorry I stole your boyfriend." Her expression made it clear that she was sincere but I could tell that she really did love him.
"Don't apologize, Em," I said softly trying to force the lump in my throat to go away. "I forgive you. Will you forgive me?" I asked, ashamed that I had even acted that way towards my best friend, let alone my own family.
"Hun, I never blamed you for anything." I could tell Emily had missed me too. I sighed with relief and she took my hand. "You were always my favorite cousin," she laughed.
Embry's POV
I couldn't believe Sam was this out of control. The alpha male is supposed to be setting an example, not threatening to tear one of his brother's to pieces. I knew he would be upset when he found out about Leah and I but I didn't think he would take it this far.
All six of us—Sam, Jake, Quil, Paul, Jared, and I were sitting in a circle in the clearing, deep in the woods that we used for meetings. Jacob and Quil were on either side of me and Sam sat across from me, glaring fiercely. I was so angry that I didn't care if he was the stupid alpha. He hurt my girl and I was going to give him a piece of my mind.
We were all in wolf form—so if an innocent bystander happened to be wandering the woods at night, which was a pretty stupid idea by its self even if there wasn't a revenge-thirsty vampire in the area, which there was—they wouldn't be able to hear us. Jacob was the first as always to speak his mind . . . literally.
'Sam, this is ridiculous. You knew there was a possibility that Leah would be imprinted on someday. Why is this such a surprise to you?' Jake knew how to be careful with his words and thought it as nicely as he could manage. He seemed to be on my side and that comforted me.
'Well seeing as he imprinted a week ago he should have told me. I can't believe you didn't come to me first' Sam let out a low snarl letting his 'oh-so-scary' razor sharp teeth glisten in the moonlight. As he heard my thoughts I wasn't surprised when he barked menacingly. I could show just as much anger so I barked back louder than I intended to.
'I knew you'd wring my neck and I wasn't about to let you keep me away from Leah. Now that she knows she's going to be hanging out with us a lot and you'd better get used to me kissing her in front of you.' He snarled again and a low growl was building up in his chest, I ignored him. 'You have Em now so I don't know why you're making a big deal out of this.'
'I'm making a big deal because you know and everybody else knows that I still love her. I love Em too and I will never forgive myself for loosing control. . .' Sam's thoughts strayed back to that day as we all saw the images that washed through his mind. 'I don't want the same fate for Leah.'
I growled fiercely. 'You know damn well I would never let that happen! I love Leah the same way you love Em. You may love her too but it's different for me. I actually imprinted on her and I'm glad I did.' I glared at Sam baring my teeth. He was really starting to piss me off and as he heard my thoughts he snapped. He backed up when I did and was about to spring when Jacob interjected his thoughts again.
'Alright guys. Sam lighten up, Embry calm yourself.' Jake said firmly. Embry knows the possibility of the same thing happening to Leah that happened to Em." I could tell Jake was trying to be careful not to think the words that would set Sam off again. "All of us know the risks of imprinting and we aren't even considering what the girls have to say. They're all well aware of the risks too and I'm damn sure that they're not gonna leave us alone about it 'til we actually believe them. Personally I'm tired of Bella nagging me about being able to handle herself."
'Jake's right,' Jared agreed. 'Kim won't even let me say one word about her not knowing that I could lose control. She's always telling me that if I did it wouldn't change the way she feels about me. Sam, Leah will be fine and she's already caught on to most of our habits. She's been around you when you were angry and I'm sure it doesn't surprise her . . . that much.' I looked over at Jared and he had a huge toothy grin on his muzzle.
'Ugh, Jared do you always have to think about that when we're having a meeting?' Paul made a gagging noise like he was about to cough up a hair ball and whacked Jared with his tale.
'It's not my fault you haven't imprinted yet. Who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky and end up with Bryce Sage,' Jared recoiled from Paul as he took a snap at him. All of us howled with laughter.
'No need to get defensive, Paul. Everyone knows Bryce likes 'em feisty!' I thought and laughed when he turned to snarl at me too. Quil rolled over on his back barking with laughter.
'Alright alright guys,' Sam said suddenly. Everyone straightened up and tried to keep from laughing. 'I'm gonna forget this. Or at least try to. Embry,' I looked at him and he dropped his gaze too look at his paws, ashamed. 'I'm sorry I freaked out about you and Leah. You didn't need that from me and I know you're gonna make her happy so I'll cool it.' I sat there astonished. Did Sam really just apologize to me?
'Holy shit, there is a soft side to you,' I thought. He looked up and shook his head smiling and everyone started laughing again.
'Okay meeting is over,' Jacob thought. We all phased back and grabbed our clothes.
"Well that's one thing Leah's gonna be disappointed about," Jared snorted and looked down.
"What?" I asked confused. Then I realized what everyone was looking down at. "What the hell? Shut up, guys Quil's still got the smallest!" I smacked Jared on the back of the head before I pulled my pants on.
"Whatever," Quil said laughing, pulling on his clothes. "I'm catching up. The only reason why we got the small ones is 'cause we ain't done growing. Just watch," Quil nodded his head grinning.
"Ha true that," I agreed pounding fists with him. We all walked back to Emily's and as soon as we got close enough everyone stopped and sniffed the air.
"Yes! Emily made dinner. Ten bucks to whoever gets there first," Jacob sprinted towards the house and everyone ran after him. I laughed when Sam tackled him and I swiftly jumped over them. I made it to the door the same time Paul did and we accidently slammed into it a little too hard. I scrambled to my feet and shoved Paul over the back of the couch which upturned on him when he tried to grab it before he bounced off. I took three long strides and was in the kitchen first.
"Touchdown," I said smugly, turning around instinctively catching the lamp Paul chucked at me from the living room. "Ha missed."
"The doors broken again," Jake announced when he, Jared, and Sam came in behind me. All three of them pointed at me when Emily turned from the stove and glared angrily putting her hands on her hips.
"Embry did it," Paul beamed as he shoved past me. I smiled sheepishly at Emily before she shook her head trying not to smile.
"Ah, you know you wanna laugh!" I said wiggling my eyebrows at her teasingly. She finally gave up and burst into laughter as Sam walked over and took her face in his hands kissing her gently. I smiled immediately thinking of Leah. "Speaking of lovey dovey, where's my girl?" Emily broke the kiss and looked at me hesitating with a worried expression. I felt my eyes widen and my heart kicked with a sudden jolt.
"Relax Embry," Jared said walking back into the kitchen towards the back door. I hadn't even noticed him walk out. "She's in the bathroom puking her guts out. I walked in on her and she looks pretty bad. You should go check on her," Jared said sliding the back door open. I relaxed and turned to walk down the hall to the bathroom. As I passed the front door I heard Bella's ancient truck rumbling to a stop in front of the house. She cut the engine and I heard the door squeak open.
"Jake, your girlfriends here," I called down the hall.
I opened the bathroom door to find Leah sprawled across the tiny linoleum floor. "Leah," I said, worry thick in my voice. I tried to sound more relaxed when she lifted her head off the side of the tub, "I'm so sorry." She smiled weakly and I slid my arms under her and picked her up. I flushed the toilet full of dark green vomit with my foot before I took her to the small living room placing her on the recliner. The couch was still flipped over from Paul so I quickly picked it up before Emily would pitch a fit. I picked her up again and she groaned when I set her down on the couch.
"Get me a bucket before I puke all over the couch," she mumbled. I ran to the kitchen grabbing the trash can and hurried back to the living room. Leah was sitting up with one hand over her mouth and one hand on her stomach. I quickly set the trash can in front of her just in time. She puked continually for about five seconds before she gasped for breath. I pulled her onto my lap and kept the trash can close and just held her.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled again dropping her head slowly to my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile and I kissed her forehead softly.
"It's ok. I know this must all be overwhelming, I'm the one who should apologize," I said. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes, her long lashes brushing my cheek. It was then that I suddenly realized that her forehead was blazing hot. "Babe, you're burning up. Are you okay? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"
"No. I'm fine. What are you talking about? I don't feel hot at all, just sick to my stomach. Why?" She tilted her head up but before I could say anything she collapsed on the couch from exhaustion. At first I thought she'd fainted and ran to get Emily. But when we got back she was curled into a ball snoring lightly. I sighed and gave Emily a small smile and she smiled back shaking her head. I looked down at Leah again and my chest swelled trying to contain my heart as I looked at her peaceful angelic face.
"She must be exhausted," Emily whispered.
"Yeah she is. I'll take the trash out before the smell gets any stronger," I said wrinkling my nose. I had much better smelling than Emily who didn't seem to notice. "Can you get her a blanket?"
"Sure. Just hurry back in case she wakes up." I quickly grabbed the trash can pulling the bag out as I walked through the kitchen, placing the trash back in its place and hauling the vomit filled bag out to the back, holding my breath. When I came back in Emily was setting two huge buffet-sized plates on the table. The guys immediately attacked it like they hadn't eaten in weeks. Bella was leaning against the counter with a small plate of food as she watched the boys—well, just Jake anyway—with a faint smile on her pale face.
"Alright, I'm gonna go crash with Leah on the couch," I replied.
"You're not eating?" Quil asked with disbelief. "That's a first."
"I'm not that hungry," I lied. I actually just wanted to get back to Leah but my stomach seemed to object and growled loudly.
"You need to eat something," Emily said. "Leah will be fine. Just sit down and eat real quick." I sighed but happily grabbed the plate that Bella offered and loaded it with food.
"So are we gonna wake Leah up and explain everything or just wait until tomorrow?" she asked as she sat down at the table next to Jacob.
"We're gonna wait," I said. I felt bad because I didn't mean to say it so rudely and Bella swallowed nervously looking down at the table. I could tell she wasn't used to it here yet and immediately apologized, "Sorry Bells, I just don't want to wake her up."
"It's ok," she mumbled keeping her eyes down as Jacob shot me a dirty look and kicked me under the table. I fought the urge to yell at Jacob because my shin now throbbed in pain but I knew it might wake up Leah and scare the crap out of Bella. Plus the pain would subside in the next three minutes. So, when I was finished I shoved away from the table, theatrically limping as I walked over to the sink to dump my plate. Everyone except Jacob looked at me strangely and since Jake's back was to me I grabbed the wooden spoon Emily cooked with and before she could object I chucked it hard at his head. It bounced off landing at my feet again.
"Ouch! What the hell Embry?" He exclaimed putting one hand on the back of his head and turning around to glare at me. Everyone burst into laughter as I made my puppy dog face and stuck my bottom lip out in a pouty face.
"Payback's a bitch huh?" I said with mock sadness. He just shook his head and mumbled under his breath how pathetic I was. I laughed and picked up the spoon before turning to walk to the living room.
"Alright, night everyone. I'm just gonna crash on the couch with Leah," I said to Emily. She nodded and everyone mumbled good night as I hurried to the living room. I placed the cup of water on the tiny side table and switched off the lamp before climbing over a completely knocked out Leah and lying beside her. I sighed with relief finally noticing how exhausted I was, carefully sliding one arm around her waist and the other under her neck for support since Emily didn't have any extra pillows. It had been a long day, well, night I should say, and I was glad that I got to end it with the girl I loved—even though she didn't even know it—sleeping peacefully in my arms.
