Wolves

Chapter Three: Getting to the Bottom of Things

After my hand was taken care of, Emily offered me some food. I ate gratefully, still avoiding eye contact with Sam and Embry. My eyes couldn't help but wander to the other side of the room however, as I could feel someone watching me. When I look up I lock eyes with the man I've heard addressed as Paul before. I felt like the wind was knocked out of my lungs upon locking eyes with him. His eyes were so beautiful. Such a warm brown that I felt I could drown in them forever. He was such a handsome man, that's for sure.

I am brought out of my trance as Embry clears his throat, my eyes snapping to Embry's. He offers a sheepish and rather awkward shrug. I frown and my eyes are drawn back to where Paul was, only to see Sam leading him outside. The house was rather quiet and filled with an awkward feeling, but thank the heavens for Jared as he broke the silence.

"So, you're Alexandria then?" He smiles over at me.

"Yeah." I nod.

"Well, what do you tend to do for fun?" He chuckles, in an attempt to lighten the mood.

This caused me to grin, "I like to run, play card games, board games, soccer, and I like to swim although I'm rather shit at it."

"Up for a game of Phase 10 then?" Jared grins, "Or are you too afraid to lose to me?"

"Lose to you? You sure you're alright? Maybe we should take you to an insane asylum." I smirk, "You're on!"

***Later that day***

"Thank you, Sam. I still don't trust you or your cult, but thank you for letting me spend these last few hours with Embry. I will find out what happened to him one way or another though. So, don't think you can continue to hide whatever is going on from me for much longer. I'm pretty persistent." I smiled kindly at Sam, still not willing to let everything go, but wielding a grateful heart now.

"You really should let this all go. I hope your hand heals quickly." Sam frowned, still not pleased with the events of the day.

"I don't give up easily. Goodbye for now." I wave with a smile, heading back to my jeep. Once I get home I begin to head to my room, hoping to sneak right past my father. Luck was not on my side however, as my dad stops me as I go to pass him in the hallway.

"Whoa! What happened to your hand kiddo?! Did someone hurt you?" He gently begins to inspect my hand.

"Dad, no, I'm fine. It was an accident. It's just a broken hand. It'll heal soon enough." I sigh, not wanting to talk about punching Embry in the face. I know how my father is, and he'd blame Embry for my behavior. I'd rather not have my father furious at my friend when I'm trying to get him back.

Sadly, the argument went on and on until I had to give in and tell him what happened; From arriving at Sam and Emily's house until I got home. My dad was not happy to say the least. I was told to go to my room and that I was grounded for putting myself in that situation, but that he is going to have a "talk" with the boys. This probably won't end well for me.

***Alexandria's Father's P.O.V.***

I marched over to Sam Uley's house as soon as Alex had shut her door. I told Billy I didn't want my daughter involved in any of this. Yes, I want her safe, and I knew she'd be safe with our tribe, but that was before I knew the vampires were back and a pack had been established. I just want my little girl safe and happy. She's all I have left of her mother. She has to stop looking into this. I can't lose her. As much as I know they would try to keep her safe, being involved with a pack automatically puts a target on her back.

Once I pulled up to Sam's home, I got out of my truck and knocked on his door. It opened softly, revealing the scarred face of Emily Young. This is exactly what I worry about. They can't always control their anger and their presence can breed violence because of the stupid bloodsuckers, I should know. She's bound to get involved somehow if she's involved with the pack, she's never been one to just sit by and watch when bad things happen.

"Hello! Could I help you?" Emily asks sweetly, making me frown. She reminds me of my daughter before our family fell apart. Just so happy and carefree. I will not let my daughter be tainted any further by the supernatural world. Not anymore.

"Is Sam here? I'm Lucas Hunt." I sigh.

"Yes, come on in!"

"Lucas, at this point, we can't help it if she sticks close to the pack. I'm trying to put distance between her and the others, but what do you expect me to do if she's been imprinted on?! I can't keep him away from her forever. That's wrong and will hurt both of them, you and I both know that all too well." Sam huffs irritably.

"Well, what do you expect me to do?! My daughter is all that is left of my wife, my best friend, my soulmate, my imprint! I know what it is like to never see your imprint again and while I don't wish that pain on this boy, I refuse to just allow Alexandria to get involved in the world that took her mother from me!" I shout. Why can't he just understand that I can't allow my little girl who looks just like her beautiful mother get involved in our world. She will not end up with the same fate as her mother. I will not let her.

"Listen to me Frank, I understand your concern, I really do, but I swear that we will not allow anything to happen to her. You know that our most sacred law is that the imprints are not to be harmed. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through, but if you take her away from her imprint you are not just harming him you are harming your daughter as well. She was already beginning to feel the pull to her imprint today, that much was obvious, if you pull her back now, she will be so lost. I know you don't want that for her." Sam sighs.

"No, I don't."

"Then let her see him. I swear we will protect her with our lives. Not just because she is one of the imprints now, but because she's also all that is remaining of your imprint. We will protect her."

"Okay."