Disclaimer: If I owned Twilight, why would I be writing fan fiction?
"So, I heard you met the guys yesterday." Kim grinned at Liz as she refilled her cup. Pulling up a chair, she plopped down at the table and glanced around the coffee shop. The morning rush was over, and only a few patrons remained—mostly regulars who, like Liz, took advantage of the free WiFi and bottomless refills.
"I did. They were great—Jake refused to charge me for the repairs."
"Told you they were the best." Kim poured sugar into her own cup of coffee and stirred. "What did you think of Embry?"
Liz felt her cheeks flush. "Uh, Embry? He, uh, he was nice." She averted her eyes and took a long sip from her mug, willing the caffeine to circulate through her body. She hadn't slept well—Marble was up all night barking at something in the woods. Living in the middle of a national forest was going to take some getting used to, she decided.
Clearing her throat, Kim looked impatient. "Just nice?"
"Why are you asking?"
"No reason … just, rumor has it you made quite an impression on him."
"Wow, rumors get started quickly around here."
Kim laughed. "Sorry. It's just that Jared is good friends with those two, so he heard about your visit yesterday. They're all still drooling over your truck. Well—Emb might be drooling for another reason."
In actual fact, Liz was all anyone could talk about, thanks to Embry's uncontrolled thoughts and the pack gossip mill.
After dropping her off, he'd driven back to the shop, then phased and run back to her house, his wolf compelled to stand guard. In spite of his efforts to be inconspicuous, his presence in the pack mind alerted Paul and Seth, out on their regular patrol. Curious, they jogged his way. What's up, man? Seth asked. Something going on?
Embry made every attempt to shut out his thoughts, but the harder he tried, the louder they blared.
Paul let out a barking laugh. Dude, you IMPRINTED? Holy shit. Never thought I'd live to see the day.
Shut it, asswipe. Embry growled, circling 'round Liz's house. He could hear Marble barking inside. Moving deeper into the forest but careful to keep her backyard in sight, he lay down. He knew he should go home—but he couldn't bring himself to do so.
She's pretty, man. I'm happy for you. Always the tactful one, Seth chuffed in appreciation as images of Liz filled their minds, along with the gamut of Embry's emotions.
Jesus, you're such a pussy. What're you hanging around outside for? Go knock on her door and get you some.
Rearing back with a snarl, Embry visualized ripping Paul's throat out. The gesture worked—Paul kept his mouth shut for the rest of his shift, but that didn't stop him from calling Jared the moment he phased back, eager to gossip like a little old lady. And since Sam and Emily were at Jared and Kim's finishing up a late dinner, they got the full scoop as well.
Loyal to Embry, Seth had every intention of keeping the secret to himself, but it took all of five minutes for Leah to pull it out of him when they switched off patrol. Jacob felt it was only fair to share the news with Quil, and Claire immediately called Brady and Colin's imprints to talk about it.
By morning, everyone knew that Embry Call imprinted on Liz Turner. Kim was ecstatic—she really liked Liz and was thrilled at the prospect of her joining their little family. Something of a gossip herself, she couldn't wait to pump her for info.
"Jake and Embry seem like really nice guys," Liz said, taking another sip of her coffee.
"They are—they're the best. Embry in particular is a real sweetheart. I hear he's gonna show you around town?"
Alarmed, Liz widened her eyes. "How did you know that?"
Kim laughed. "Girl, I told you. The guys talk. Don't worry, you're in good hands. Emb knows this place like the back of his hand—he and the others roamed all over these forests growing up."
"Does he have a lot of family around here?"
"Not really," Kim said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "It's just him and his mom, and she moved back to Neah Bay a few years ago. They don't talk much. He had it pretty rough growing up—had to work in high school to help pay the bills. Actually, that's how he got started working on cars. He took a job in a garage."
Her heart breaking at the sad story, Liz frowned. "When did he and Jake open their own shop?"
"A few years ago, with their friend Quil. I'm sure you'll meet him soon. Those guys grew up together—they're thick as thieves."
"I could tell those two went way back when I met them yesterday."
"They've got some great stories. And they've done really well for themselves. More customers than they know what to do with, thanks in large part to Embry. He's a great businessman."
Liz nodded. She wanted to know more, but was too shy to ask. It made no sense why she felt so drawn to a man she barely knew.
"What's got you quiet all of a sudden?" Kim asked, breaking Liz out of her thoughts.
"Nothing, I'm just … Kim, can I be honest with you about something?"
"Of course."
"Embry … I know this sounds totally ridiculous, but … there was something THERE yesterday. An energy, I can't explain it."
"I don't think that sounds ridiculous at all." Kim smiled. "I told you—it sounds like Embry feels the same way."
"The thing is," Liz continued, "it scared me. I don't know if …"
"If you're what?"
"If I'm ready to get involved with anyone right now. I'm … I just … "
Kim flashed her an encouraging smile.
"I just got out of a relationship—an engagement, actually." Exhaling, Liz played with the sugar packets on the table.
"Ah … is that why you moved to Forks?"
"Partially, yes. I mean, my aunt passing away and leaving me her house was just strange, coincidental timing. But it also gave me an escape, you know? I needed to get away—be out on my own, see what kind of life I could forge for myself. And although I think Embry is great, and we have this weird connection ... I guess I'm just second-guessing our date—if you want to call it that."
Kim tipped her head in a sympathetic nod. "It's just a hike."
"I know it's just a hike, and I know I'm probably reading too much into this whole thing. But when I took him up on his offer, the look on his face …" She sighed. "It just felt like more."
"Liz, look." Kim reached forward, taking her hand. "There's no need to pressure yourself about anything, okay? Let tomorrow be nothing more than what it is—a hike with a new friend. I'm sure Embry wants to get to know you better, but I can also promise he'll respect your boundaries. He'll be whatever you need him to be right now, even if that's just a friend."
"I just want to be fair to him … and to me."
Kim squeezed her hand, then looked up to see a customer waiting at the counter. "I need to take care of this guy," she said, "but I'm always here if you need to talk. Don't overthink it, okay? Just have fun."
Liz nodded as she watched Kim walk away. She's right. Don't overthink it.
Making up her mind to follow her new friend's advice, she opened her computer and got back to work.
A/N: That Kim, full of good advice.
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