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Chapter 2.
By the time I made my way to Sam's house everyone else was there. I inhaled deeply and let it all out as I grabbed the door knob. As soon as I walked into the kitchen I stumbled into, what I affectionately call, the Den Mother's nest. I knew what was coming.
"Oh Embry…" Emily, Tala, Rachel, Kim and Ashley came rushing to me and all smothered me in a Den Mother's group hug.
"Oh come on girls," I whined from the middle of the mass of estrogen surrounding me. They always turned into overbearing, over protective, mother hens to those of us who haven't imprinted. As if I didn't have my own mother to deal with. "Normally this would be an ideal situation for me, being smothered in boobs and all, but I don't need the pity." I expectedly received a couple slaps in the head for the perverted comment.
As the group hug broke up Kim was the first one to speak. "We're not pitying you, we're happy for you."
"Happy? I can't have her." I scowled.
"Em, I will say that Miss Abby is one of the sweetest people I know. Vanessa loves her and I believe she's one of the favorite teachers at her daycare."
"How is this supposed to help?" I asked. I felt defeated. I didn't necessarily want to give up, but I didn't know what I needed to do to make this situation better.
"Well, I just wanted to let you know that I approve, not that you needed my approval. She is a great pick and a great match, but I have a theory," Tala said with a small, reassuring smile. "Come on, let's get this meeting started.
********
For the third time that day I verbally explained my story. I could feel my chest clench with an emotion I wasn't entirely familiar with. I knew I had that dazed and confused look on my face because each lady in my audience looked at me with watery eyes and goofy smiles of their own. A couple of them made swooning noises.
After I was finished talking I threw my head back with a frustrated groan. The crowded room fell quiet. It was obvious no one else knew what to do either.
Our leader, our alpha, Sam was the first to speak. "It's clear that you have imprinted. Jared, Brady and Paul confirmed it as they watched it replay in your mind earlier. We all know what happened with me and Leah. Maybe it works the other way around. Maybe Abigail will feel so strongly she'll leave him for you."
"I don't want to break up a marriage, Sam." I snapped.
"Maybe it's one that needs broken up," Seth chimed in. "Her husband's name is Craig Reece. That guy is a real piece of work. I don't know what it is that he does for a living, but he was talking down to me on the phone like I wasn't worthy of his phone call."
"What am I supposed to do, walk right up to her and say 'excuse me Mrs. Reece, you're husband's a real asshole so will you divorce him and marry me instead…a complete stranger…'cause I imprinted on you'?" My hands flew up to my face and I rubbed the palms of my hands into my eyes.
"I have a theory," my cousin Tala piped in. "It's not really the same type of thing, but it's similar. When Seth and I met I was going out with someone. Although Matt was my boyfriend my heart hadn't been into the relationship for a long time. I think that's what allowed Seth to imprint on me because I was willing to accept it."
"So what are you trying to say?" I asked. I think I knew what she was getting at. Tala was very insightful and never blurted out just any useless bullshit.
"What I'm trying to say, Embry, is I think she was willing on her end of the imprint. Maybe her heart's not into the marriage anymore. Maybe she's thinking about calling things off. From the way you guys talk about what a jerk her husband is, I wouldn't be surprised if he's that way towards her too."
A slow growl curled up from my chest. I couldn't bear to think of him talking to my Abigail that way.
"Hey!" Tala said forcefully, but she grabbed my hand gently trying to calm me down. "I'm not positive he's treating her that way, but you never know. People don't usually turn that type of behavior off and on like that."
"Just don't go losing your temper around him because it's possible you think he's being a jerk towards her. You'll need to get some sort of evidence first," Seth added. "Plus, he's our customer, so you'll have to see him sooner or later."
"Maybe it would help if you got to know her," Emily chimed in while she carried a plate of snacks into the room. "It couldn't hurt to talk to her and maybe you'll find some things out that will help you feel better."
"I don't know if that's a good idea," I mumbled a reply. I would either find out she's very happy with her marriage or she was miserable. Either way, it would suck for me. He could be treating Abigail like a queen and become a big ole softy when it came to her. But I highly doubted it. At least if I knew she was happy I could leave her alone and let her live her life and we could just be friends. This Craig guy was such a big jerk that I couldn't believe Abigail was with him. I didn't know Abigail from Eve, but there's no way I would imprint on someone that I didn't connect with.
"Do you want to pick up Vanessa from daycare again tomorrow?" Tala asked with a smirk on her face.
"Maybe Abby needs a ride home!" Ashley contributed.
"Oh yeah! You are working on her car," Rachel spoke from the other side of the room. I noticed the guys get up from their seats and slowly make their way to the kitchen for dinner. Every one of the females inched closer to me.
And let the meddling begin. I thought.
"Take it easy on him, would ya?" Sam whispered to Emily as he kissed her cheek and then he glanced my way with a sympathetic smirk on his face. And then, I was left alone with the Den Mothers.
********
The day crept by way too slowly. I was anxious for my visit with Abigail, however short that visit may be. I had been working on her shitty Escort all day which wasn't helping me concentrate on the task at hand. Now that I was familiar with her scent it was all I could smell. I would have my head in the engine, but a breeze would come into the garage and waft vanilla and cinnamon my way. Her aroma would dominate the grease and grime smell and drive me crazy.
As planned, I was picking up Vanessa from daycare again. I spent almost two hours during and after dinner the night before strategizing with the women of the pack. They filled me in on what Abigail may be thinking and how I should approach her without sounding creepy.
It so happened that Vanessa's birthday was Sunday. Since I was picking her up on a Friday, V-Bee could celebrate her birthday with her Pre-K class. Emily had the idea of taking cupcakes to daycare to distract the kids, giving me a chance to talk to Miss Abby without Vanessa trying to drag me out the door. Emily and Tala whipped up some cupcakes after dinner. Tala even filled out an extra birthday party invitation for Abigail. I was supposed to use it as an ice breaker. Tala and Seth didn't plan on inviting anyone other than family, but Tala thought it would be an opportune time for me to speak to Abigail again. She even filled out invitations for a couple of V-Bee's friends to make it look less suspicious.
I was still slightly uncomfortable with making a move on a married woman. I couldn't break up her marriage. I wasn't going to be that type of guy. I wouldn't let her be that kind of woman. I wasn't necessarily trying to seduce her; I just wanted to get to know her. I wanted to make sure she was alright and happy. I wanted to at least be her friend. I barely knew her and I was already feeling the anxiety of not being with her constantly.
Tala called me at the shop to let me know she informed the daycare I was picking up Vanessa. She received the 'ok' for the cupcakes as well. She told me that I should be there around 3:00 p.m. to celebrate since that was their snack time and wished me good luck. I took that as my cue to finish up for the day and clean myself up. I wasn't looking my best when I met Abigail the day before. I smelled like Fast Orange cleaner and I'm sure I had grease under my fingernails. Since I usually wait to change until I get home, I had on a greasy t-shirt with multiple holes in it. I made it a point to bring clean and better smelling clothes with me to the shop and threw a few personal hygiene products in the bag. I felt the need to impress her, but if I truly did imprint it wouldn't matter. The primping made me feel better.
I yelled at Seth and Collin to tell them I was leaving. I heard some inaudible shouts back letting me know they heard me.
With cupcakes and the birthday invitations in hand I made my way inside the daycare center. I buzzed the door bell and they let me in. Everything seemed so small. I had to duck my head into the main doorway. There were toddlers playing in the main room, climbing on the soft structures. A couple of the kids looked up at me with wide eyes. I smiled at them and gave them both a little wave. One swiftly turned around and took off towards the teacher and started crying. I looked at the teacher and gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry," I mouthed. The teacher just looked at me and silently laughed.
I found the "Pre-K" sign for Vanessa's classroom and peeked in. There she was, leading the kids in the goofy Speckled Frog song, my Abigail. She was more beautiful than I remembered. She was wearing her hair differently from the day before. She had it swept up in a messy bun with a pencil holding it in place. It showed off her long neck. Loose pieces of hair were dangling around her face. I could hear her voice dominating the children's voices. It was bell-like and soft and in perfect key. I could feel my chest constricting and I knew there was no way I could be without her. I knew I was in for some angst and pain.
I didn't realize the singing had stopped until I heard Vanessa scream my name. "Uncle Embry!"
I was still gawking at Abigail and her eyes looked up at me through the door window. I probably looked really odd just standing there staring. Frickin' peeping Tom!
Stumbling through the door and forgetting to duck, I nailed my head on the door frame. Trying to act like that didn't just happen; I made my way in peeking glances towards Abigail. She had an amused look on her face.
"Uncle Embry, you pickin' me up again!?" Vanessa asked with her over exaggerated hand gestures and surprised face.
"Yeah! Is that ok?" I tried to copy her movements and the tone of her voice, which received giggles from the rest of the class…including Abigail.
"Can we get ice cream again?" Vanessa gave me an excited look.
"Nope," I replied. Vanessa's face fell a little. "Today, I have cupcakes!" Vanessa's face perked right up.
"Whoo-hoo! Miss Abby, can we have cupcakes please?" Vanessa pleaded, unnecessarily, to Abigail.
"Yes, that's why I haven't given you your snack yet. Your mom says they are for your birthday," Abigail knelt down to talk to Vanessa.
"I'm gonna be five!" Vanessa held up four fingers, then looked at her hand and then stuck her thumb out correcting herself. Abigail laughed and asked the kids to take their seats for snack time.
"Here, let me take those," Abigail said as she approached me. I could feel my heart rate speed up the closer she got to me. When she grabbed the container from me her hand brushed mine. I instantly felt the spark. She must have too because her head jerked up and she looked me in the eyes for a second, letting out a sharp breath. She hurried away from me with the cupcakes. Man, she was afraid of me. I didn't know what to do. I remembered the advice from the Den Mothers and went with the gentleman route.
"Uh, can I help you pass those out?" I nervously blurted out.
"Sure, could you wash your hands first? The sink is over there," she gestured to the short sink outside the bathroom door. The sink was made for 4 year olds. It came to my knees. This was going to be quite the sight. I ended up awkwardly bending down on my knees to reach the sink. I fought with the soap dispenser since it only had drips of soap left in it. I heard a few snickers come from behind me. I glanced behind my back and I noticed the whole class watching me with amusement. Abigail's lips were pressed firmly fighting off a laugh.
"Oh you think it's funny watching a guy my size use a four-foot sink?" I laughed as I gracefully hopped up off my knees onto my feet in one swift movement. Yeah, I was showing off a little bit.
Abigail gave me a sarcastic "no" as the kids continued to giggle.
As we were enjoying our cupcakes Abigail and I kept exchanging quick glances and smiles. My mind was blank and I couldn't come up with anything to say that didn't sound forced. I'm not usually like that with women. I like to think of myself as a pretty smooth guy, but this was different. I couldn't mess this up. Luckily, Abigail spoke up first.
"So Mrs. Clearwater had you pick up Vanessa again today?" she asked shyly. It was an obvious questions and I could tell she was embarrassed after she asked it. She was nervous to talk to me.
"Yeah, she had some birthday party shopping to do and Seth, uh, couldn't get away." I knew that was a lie since I just left him at the shop working on paperwork in the back office. Seth could have just as easily picked up Vanessa. For some reason it hurt to lie to her. I brushed it off.
"Mrs. Clearwater said something on the phone about the party," Abigail slowly licked pink frosting off her lip and my mind turned to mush. I could feel my own tongue sliding out to mimic hers. Once I realized I was gawking with my mouth open my eyes met hers and she quickly looked away. I could hear her heart speed up. I either creeped her out or she had some sort of feelings for me. I was hoping for the latter.
I suddenly remembered the invitation in my back pocket.
"Oh, here!" I grabbed the small envelopes and pushed them towards her. "There's an invitation for you to the birthday party," I dropped my voice to a whisper, "and one for Grace and Sarah too." I didn't want the whole class to know that only a couple of them were invited.
"One for me? Well, thanks. Tell Mrs. Clearwater 'thank you' for me," she seemed surprised. I watched as she placed the invitation in her back pack. She didn't even look at it. Maybe she didn't plan on coming at all. She placed the other two invitations in the girls' cubbies.
"I'm sure Tala wouldn't mind if you called her Tala instead of Mrs. Clearwater. It makes her sound old. She can't be that much older than you. She's only, like thirty" I was trying to get more information out of her without asking her twenty questions.
"I guess she's not. I'm twenty-six, but it's a formality thing for me. Unless she asks me herself, I'll probably continue to call her that. I have to respect my elders you know," she had a teasing glint in her eye.
"Elders," I snorted. "I'm only thirty-two…still a spring chicken!"
"You're not a chicken, Uncle Embry, you're a wolf," Vanessa's pink frosting-covered mouth blurted out. The pack was used to the young children of the family revealing too much. We knew how to cover ourselves.
"That's right," I replied quickly, "a young spring-lone-wolf." I glanced at Vanessa and gave her a warning glare. She just giggled at me. So much for the big bad wolf glare.
"You mean like a puppy?" Abigail continued to tease as she started to clean up the cupcake mess.
I started to help clean up while Abigail sent the kids to the sink to wash their faces.
"Do you think you and your…husband," it was hard to blurt out that word, "will make it to the birthday party on Sunday?" Abigail gave me a withdrawn look. "You know, so I can let Tala know if she's expecting a couple more mouths to feed." I'm pretty sure I failed at being indifferent with my question.
"It's Sunday?" she asked. I nodded, trying not to look too eager for her answer. "I'm not sure. I have church until one o'clock."
"It's not until four."
"Oh, well, I probably could make it. I'll have to check to see if I can," she seemed uncertain. Does she have to ask him for permission?
"You don't know if you can?" I could feel my body tense up with anger and I think it came out in my tone. Abigail looked up at me a little startled.
"Hey," Vanessa's tiny voice scolded as she smacked the back of my knee. Just like her mother. I instantly relaxed remembering where I was.
Abigail answered quietly, "Yeah, I'll have to check because I don't have a car." Oh yeah, duh. I felt embarrassed for getting worked up.
"The Escort? I'm working on that," I started to tease. "You really need to get another one. I told your…husband," it was still hard to say that word, "that he needed to get you something else. I'm not sure I can fix it."
Abigail's face immediately fell and turned away from me. It felt as though I brought up a sore subject so I dropped it. I had to keep my thoughts from the conversation I had with Craig so that I wouldn't lose it again. I couldn't think about the way he talked about her.
Parents were starting to arrive to pick up their children so I knew my visit was coming to an end. I had been there for an hour making small talk with Abigail and I didn't want to leave. Some of the conversation was awkward and I really didn't get a lot of information out of her. I needed to spend more time with her.
"Speaking of your car," I asked Abigail as I loaded up Vanessa's things, "do you need a ride home? It wouldn't be a problem to drop you off if you needed a ride."
"Oh no, I couldn't ask you to do that. I'm fine…really." Abigail looked surprise by my offer.
"Are you sure? Really, I don't mind. Vanessa won't mind taking a detour." I made sure to mention Vanessa so Abigail knew it wouldn't just be her and I.
"I'm covered, really. But thank you. That's very nice of you," she said as she looked away shyly. "I have another hour or so until I'm off the clock anyway."
I gave up. I didn't want to push anything. "Ok. Hopefully I'll…uh; we'll see you tomorrow at the party." Abigail gave me a small smile as I helped Vanessa with her jacket.
It literally hurt to walk away from Abigail.
********
By the time I left Seth and Tala's house a torrential rain had started. I thought about Abigail and her lack of transportation. I ended up driving by the daycare to make sure Abigail was being truthful and in fact had a ride home. The daycare was dark and I didn't see anyone waiting outside. The rain kept pouring down in sheets. It was hard to see the road in front of me, even with my wolfy senses.
What my senses could pick up was a small dark figure hiding under a low mossy tree on the side of the road. I pulled my car over to see if I could get a better look. I rolled down the window and I saw that it was a woman. I called out to her. When she looked up I saw it was my Abigail drenched. Her hair was darker from the rain and her clothes were clinging to her body. I quickly got out of the car and approached her.
"What are you doing?" I hollered in disbelief over the sound of the rain.
"I'm running home. I didn't know it was suppose to rain," she said loudly over the rain, unaware I could hear her clearly.
"Come on, please let me take you home," I pleaded.
"Ok," she shuddered in defeat as she walked towards my car.
Once I helped her into the car I turned the heat up and grabbed my jacket from the back seat.
"Here," I handed her the jacket.
She glanced at it for a second as if she was debating whether to take it. Her body shuddered again and she finally gave in. I helped her wrap it around her soaked body. I really wanted to wrap my arm around her and share my 108 degree body heat, but knew that would be too much to ask.
"Where am I going?" I finally asked once Abigail was settled.
"Forks…off Olympic," she said as her teeth chattered.
"Forks!?" My voice raised in disbelief. "You were going to run 15 miles?"
"I've done it before," she said defensively. "I run for exercise."
"How long does that take you, like two hours?" I was trying to control my temper again so I sounded a little gruff. I hated the way she was not being taken care of. I would've bought her a reliable car so she wouldn't have to run in the rain!
"No, about an hour and fifteen minutes," she snapped back. Impressive. Although, I could run it in fifteen.
I needed to lighten the mood. I didn't want to freak her out with my temper.
"That's pretty impressive," I forced a smile at her. I was hoping it didn't look forced. It must not have because she gave me a brilliant smile in return.
"I like to run," she looked out the window, but continued to smile. "It helps me think. Clears my mind." My kind of girl.
"Yeah," I nodded in agreement. "Me too."
We drove for a few minutes in comfortable silence. Her vanilla and cinnamon scent was intensified by the dampness of her clothes and skin. I was hoping the smell would linger in my car after she was gone.
The only sounds in the car was the heat rushing from the vents, my humming to the radio, Abigail's fluttering heart beat, and her small voice giving me directions to her home.
Once we arrived to her street, I could see her gather up her things as if she was getting ready to bolt out the car door when I stopped. She anxiously looked towards her house. Once it came into view I could see her relax. The driveway was empty. I pulled in, and just as predicted Abigail blurted out a 'thank you' and quickly opened up her door.
"Hey wait," I gently grabbed her arm. She quickly turned around with an anxious look on her face. I realized I didn't have anything to say to her. So I searched my mind for something. I noticed that her eyes kept were focused on my hand on her arm.
"Maybe I'll see you Sunday?" I relaxed my hand and let her go. Abigail looked up at me and sighed.
"Maybe. Thanks for the ride Embry." My name from her mouth was the sweetest thing I've ever heard.
"You're welcome." I couldn't take my gaze off of her. She swiftly left the car. Left me. The aching in my chest returned as I watched her enter her home.
How do you like Embry? It's hard for me to write in a man's point of view. I had to make myself fall in love with a girl which was not normal for me. If I'm not descriptive enough with Abby, just let me know. :)
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xoxo
