Feather

*Harlow*

Everything seemed to be perfect in my world. I had fallen for a guy that I thought was a total jack ass, only to find out how sweet and amazing he was. My best friend was in love, though I doubt Neveah would go as far as to say that, so I will for her. School was eh, nothing special about that. I was the top student in my acting class, and was studying for the school play. Like I said, everything seemed to be perfect in my world. Plus my mom and Rich had a fight! Score!

Alright, don't get me wrong, I want my mom to find someone and be happy and all that jazz. It's just Rich creeped me out. He never said or did anything to me, he just gave off this weird vibe. Neveah agreed with me, the first time she met him, she clung to my arm and stayed in back of me, not even muttering hello. Rich was a big shot lawyer that my mom had met one day in the library. After that they started going out for coffee and dinner, and soon he was here every weekend. I told my mom that I didn't like him, but she told me I was overreacting and told me to be nice to him.

Well two nights ago I had bailed out on my mom's family dinner with him, choosing instead to go hang around at Veah's. When I came home she was sitting at the table, looking furious. She told me that her and Rich had an argument, and get this, it was over me! Rich had said I was cold and moody, well mom chewed him out and told him to get the hell out of her house! See, now everything really is perfect.

There was one thing that had me confused. Brady held my hand at school, and hung out with me when he could, even kissed me a couple of more times. But did this mean I was his girlfriend? And if so, then why hadn't we been on an official date yet? It was all so confusing.

"So I was thinking," I dropped my books on the library table, and dropped into my seat, "Me and you need a girls night out."

Neveah gave me a look, "We spend every weekend, day, and sometimes nights with each other."

I waved the thought away, "I mean, something to take my mind off of everything," trippy how the girl bragging how perfect her world is, was in need for time away from it.

"Like what then?" Veah asked, putting her book down and looked at me.

I thought for a second, "How about dinner, and a late movie?"

"Are you picking the movie?" Neveah gave me a look.

"I'll pick something we both like!" I snapped. Supposedly I had the tendency to pick violent and disturbing movies. All hail Night of the Living Dead!

"Ok," Neveah smiled slightly and immersed herself back into reading. After that I was bored, I didn't feel like doing homework, I also didn't feel like reading. What I wanted to do was go walk around. But I couldn't. Study hall was my seventh period class, meaning I had to stay here until the final bell rang.

I stood and went to the random teacher watching over us kiddos, "May I go to my locker? I forgot my biology book."

"Sure," Mr. Wilson I think his name was, handed me a pass and I skipped out of the library. I took my time, slowing to a walk and going all the way around the building before finally walking into the hall, line with grey lockers.

"Harlow!" Brady smiled as he came around the corner.

I smiled too, I really did like Brady. Especially his smile, at first it was just because he was so damn hot. But if you really looked at him, his smile was his best feature.

"I forgot my biology book," I rolled my eyes, pulling it out of the locker as he leaned on his side, still smiling at me.

"So I was wondering," Brady began casually, "what are you doing tonight?"

Oh now he asks! I bit my lip, "I'm going to the movies with Neveah," his face fell and I wrapped my arms around his waist. I thought for half a second and looked up at him, "Why don't you meet me there?"

Though he smiled, it fell a second later, "You're going with Neveah. She'd probably feel weird."

Damn. Why did people always have to complicate my plans? "Well…bring Embry!" oh very good idea Harlow, very good indeed! I was so smart! "They like each other, so we might as well give them a push in the right direction."

Brady laughed and bent to kiss me. As always it was like lightening, hot and earth shaking, "Alright, I bet he'll be thrilled."

"Well it's my idea, of course he'll be thrilled!" I tossed my hair over my shoulder, "Don't tell him though, I want it to be a surprise."

"Whatever you say boss," Brady saluted and I laughed.

"I have to go, they're probably sending out a squad of people looking for me," I went on tip toe and brushed my lips to his. Oh this was addicting. Smiling I waved to him and walked away.

This was an excellent idea. I would finally get my official first date with Brady, and hopefully Embry and Neveah would finally start going out. This all seemed like a great idea, well that was until I saw Neveah sitting there by herself, still reading. It was then I realized how petrified she was going to be when Embry just "happened" to be going to the same movie as us. I really need to start thinking these things through.

(4 O'clock)

Everything had been arranged, I picked a movie (one that Neveah did not want to see), picked where to eat, and called Brady to give him the details. The hard part was getting Neveah to change out of her old jeans and t-shirt.

"We're going to Tony's for pizza and then to a movie. Just me and you! Why should I have to change?" Neveah snapped as I stood out of her bedroom.

"Because you'll look so much cuter!" I argued, "What if some guy happens to notice you and decides to talk to you. Wouldn't you rather look cute?"

"Are you saying I dress badly?" Neveah asked.

"No!" I snapped, "I mean, the whole starving artist thing is ok and everything."

"Starving artist?" Neveah laughed as she opened the door.

"I was right, you look cuter," I gave her my best come hither look and she smacked my hand away from her. She had changed into skinny jeans, a coral/pink tank top, a dark grey boyfriend cardigan, and dark grey ballet flats. Her hair was wavy and floated beautifully around her shoulders and face. Around her neck was a necklace with a black heart on the end.

"I don't know whether to be curious, or worried," Sheryl poked her head into the room, "You both look lovely by the way."

"Thanks Ms. C!" I hugged the older woman and posed as she held a camera out, Neveah ducking behind her bed.

I wore dark faded skinny jeans, a turquoise tank top with cute detailing in the back, black flats with studs on the toes, and a black biker jacket. My hair was left down and straight, just the ends curled slightly. Also, I wore a pretty blue ring which I had stolen from my mother about a year ago.

"Thank you Harlow for being a good sport," Sheryl gave her daughter a look, "I'm going to the art store. Do you need anything?"

"New charcoal pencils, and a bigger sketch pad," Neveah didn't even think about it. When it came to art, she knew exactly what she wanted. Sheryl nodded and left a second later.

"Well I do think we can go eat dinner now!" I laced an arm through Veah's and pulled her to the car.

It took maybe ten minutes to get to the restaurant. The whole way I blasted music and sang along to every song, Neveah screaming and covering her ears. By the time we got to Tony's, she had enough and jumped out of the car and into the building as I skipped behind her. We grabbed our usual booth, not even bothering to order. We had been coming here for three years, these guys freaking new our birthdays!

"Jace told me you and Brady are getting pretty close," Neveah said as she played with the end of her hair.

I smiled and sighed dreamily, "Yeah. He's everything I could ever ask for."

Neveah smiled too and looked back down.

"So you been talking to Embry?" I asked an she shrugged.

"Kinda. Mostly just in English. He stayed after school Tuesday and watched me draw," Neveah answered and I motioned for her to continue, "It's just sorta..awkward."

I raised an eyebrow, "How so?"

"I don't know," Neveah sighed, "It's just like he's constantly there. Like he knows what I'm feeling. And the way I feel when I see him…it's overwhelming."

"I get the same around Brady," I admitted, "Almost like you have to be with that person. Something inside me just comes alive whenever I'm with Brady."

"But you can express that. I'm scared to even be sitting next to Embry."

"I don't think you're scared. I think you're nervous and excited."

"What?"

"I think you're nervous that you could really love this guy, and therefore that makes you scared to feel something like that, for a boy you have just started to get to know. And you're excited, because you know you love him, and want nothing but him."

Neveah digested my words, staying quiet until we got our pizza. She took a bite and looked at me, "Is it wrong to love somebody I just got to know?"

I smiled. Finally, she was admitting it aloud, "No. I love Brady, in my heart I know I love him. I had all these thoughts that he was this player and jerk, but he's so sweet and kind to me. And he's changed. So has Embry."

"Ok," was all Neveah said as we finished eating.

Again I started my signing torture, Neveah trying to block me out. When we got to the theater I shut up, already scanning faces for Brady's. When I saw him I smiled. He was wearing dark jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black jacket. Embry stood next to him and I pulled Neveah into a crowd before she caught sight of him. He wore dark jeans, a grey v-neck t-shirt, and no jacket. Was he crazy?

"Two please!" I sang to the person behind the glass. What are those people called? Ticket takers?

"You didn't have to pay for me Har. I have money," Neveah said as I started casually walking us towards Brady.

"Nonsense! You gave me poptarts this morning!" I smiled brightly at her.

"I'm never letting you pick another fucking movie again!" I heard Embry snap and Brady laugh.

"Oh my god! Brady is that you!" I yelled. He turned and pretended to look shocked to see me.

Embry had a fist raised to hit him, but the moment he saw Neveah, the hand was dropped and shoved into his pocket. He smiled at Neveah as she looked down at the ground.

"What a surprise seeing you here!" Brady continued with the charade and put an arm around my shoulders, "What movie are you seeing?"

"Blood Wars!" I pretended to sound excited, I loved these gory, bloody, scary movies.

"Us too!" Brady held his ticket stub up for emphasis.

"What a coincidence! We should sit together then!" I steered Brady into the lobby.

"Coincidence? You set this up!" Neveah muttered angrily to me.

I placed a hand on my chest, "What ever do you mean?" winking I placed my hand in Brady's and allowed him to pull me into the theater.

*Embry*

When Brady had asked if I wanted to go to the movies with him tonight, I had thought, sure, no patrol, might as well get out. Now when we got to the movies, I thought he was going to pick the horror movie that was playing. He did, but he picked the crappy Horror movie, Blood Wars. It was then that I turned to him and said 'Dude, are you gay now?' then we got into a fight about him picking movies. And who should show up right then? None other the Neveah and Harlow. Brady and Harlow made a urge show of being surprised to see each other. Neveah stayed quiet as I tried not to stare at her.

Though we had both admitted we liked each other, that was it. I had talked to Neveah in English, and watched her draw one day after school. But that was it. Nothing more then the occasional smile. I basically felt like I was back at ground zero again.

"I think they set this up," I muttered as Neveah and I followed the two actors into the already dark theater.

"I have to remind myself why I'm friends with Harlow sometimes," Neveah mused and I smiled, "And of course they leave us in the dark so we can't see where they went."

I could see Brady perfectly in the dark. But I could already see his hand snaking around Harlow. Better to avoid that. I placed a hand in the middle of Neveah's back. She only froze for a second, "Let's just sit here," I pushed her gently into the far corner back row seats, both of us falling into the red chairs and sighing as the previews began.

Neveah looked less then happy to be here, her arms were crossed over her stomach as she watched the screen. We said nothing to each other as the movie started, the theater being filled with screaming. It wasn't a scary movie, just the cliché evil bad guy going on a killing spree. It reminded me of the newborns we had once fought. I didn't really pay attention to it though. Having Neveah so close, it was hard to concentrate. I wanted to reach out and hold her hand, or do something. Her scent was driving me crazy.

"God I hate this," Neveah groaned as her head fell back.

"Why?" I started panicking. Did she hate me, or the movie?

"This movie," ok good, "Harlow knows I hate these movies, and she still picks them."

"You wanna go?" I asked. Neveah bit her lip but nodded. We stood and made our way out of the theaters. As we walked down the sidewalk I asked, "If you hate these movies, why did you come?"

"She said she wouldn't pick a movie like that," Neveah answered, "Obviously that was a lie."

I laughed and stuffed my hands in my pockets. We walked in silence, looking anywhere but at each other. Night was starting to get colder, it was going to be an early winter this year, I could feel it. Neveah stopped and looked in a window. I looked over her shoulder. She stared at a leather bracelet with a metal feather on it, on the back of the feather was the pack's tattoo, I rubbed my forearm at the thought of it.

"It's pretty," Neveah said quietly.

"Yeah," I looked at the bracelet and then again at Neveah. Grabbing her hand I pulled her into the store, "Come on."

"What?" Neveah wondered.

"How much is that bracelet in the window?" I asked. The old man turned around and his eyes went wide when he saw me. His eyes lingered on my forearm for a second. He obviously knew what I was.

"For you? Ten dollars," The old man smiled and looked at Neveah then back to me.

"Embry, no it's ok," Neveah held her hands out as a I paid.

"Thanks," I smiled quickly to the old man and pulled Neveah out of the store. I turned her around.

"You didn't have to buy that," Neveah muttered.

I took her hand and fastened the bracelet around her wrist, "I didn't have to, I wanted to."

Neveah said nothing as I laced my hand through hers and started walking again. The look on that old mans face, it was bugging me. And the way he looked at Neveah, like he was shocked to see her. Sure, I could get him being surprised at seeing me, if he really did know what I was. I was going to have to ask Sam about this, Jacob too. Maybe they would know something about this.

"So," I sighed, racking my brains for any intelligent life.

"So," Neveah repeated and I smiled as she looked up at me and then to the street.

We walked in silence again, it wasn't uncomfortable, it was the best silence I have ever walked in. I think the thing with Neveah is, even when she starts feeling comfortable around someone, words fail her. I've heard her have conversations with Jace, Sam, and Harlow, but she's also known them most of her life. That day last week though, the scene of her face under me, how her smile was like my own personal sun, it was stained in my mind. I steered Neveah through the small park, finally stopping as we sat on the edge of a fountain, hands still clasped.

"Can I ask you a question?" Neveah asked, and I nodded, "What happened to you?"

"What do you mean?" I turned towards her so our knees were touching.

"In eighth grade you were Jacob Black's best friend, and then suddenly you just disappeared off the map, and soon so did Jacob. The La Push gang or whatever," Neveah said, "And then you show up freshmen year with all of them, and are a complete jerk to everyone. You guys verbally harassed Jace, and now you guys are all buddy, buddy. Then you just come up out of nowhere and say you like me. I don't get it."

The girl really did talk a lot when she wanted. I ran my free hand through my hair, "You've been keeping tabs on me or something?" I smirked.

Neveah looked down at our hands in her lap, "I told you that I liked you. I never said I only liked you beginning this year."

I was shocked to hear that. So this whole time, the one girl I would always be with, had liked me from the very start, "For how long?"

"Awhile," Neveah whispered and laughed as I pulled her into my lap and pouted, "Since about sixth grade."

Wow, a really long time. I hugged her tight, "And I was too stupid to realize that."

"So what happened? How did you go from little kid to jerk to this?" Neveah asked again.

I couldn't tell her, not yet. Instead I chose to stay quiet, listening to the sound of her breathing, "It's not something I can tell you about. But I will one day, I promise. I just changed, everything in my life changed two years ago. And the me now? I changed because I finally realized how wonderful you were."

Neveah dropped her head into the crook of my neck and I rested mine on top of hers.

"I just wish you wanted to be more then just the occasional heart to heart," I sighed.

She said nothing as I rocked us back and forth. It was cold out, but I knew with my arms wrapped around her, Neveah wouldn't even register that it was cold out. When I was with Veah, I felt at peace, like I was truly calm. But the moment it was gone, my chest would automatically tighten, and I would be right back to where I was before.

"I do want to be more," Neveah whispered against my neck and I froze, every nerve on my body was suddenly awake, "I'm just scared."

I pulled her away from me, cupping her face in my hands, "What are you afraid of Neveah?"

"That I'll get hurt. Or it won't be like how I imagined, or that I won't be who you thought I was," Neveah placed her hands on my forearms gently.

"Silly girl," I laughed and she gave me a confused look, I pressed my forehead to hers, her eyes closing, thick black lashes dusting her cheeks, "I will never hurt you, never. And if I ever did, I could never forgive myself for that. Whatever you imagined, is wrong," Neveah stiffened, "Because it's going to be infinitely better. I want you the way you are, you will never have to change or be something else for me. I want you the way you are Neveah."

Words obviously couldn't express how she was feeling, because instead her arms snaked around my chest and I pulled her to me, burying my face in her thick hair, inhaling the sweet scent that drove me so wild.

"So please, I'm going to die if I have to keep waiting for you. Just please say you'll be with me, and only me," I begged, the rocking beginning again, "I want to be able to hold you whenever I feel like."

"The kids at school," Neveah mumbled into my chest.

"Screw the kids at school!" I snapped, "Who cares what they think," we both pulled away as I stared into her eyes, "I know that I want you. And that's all that matters. I wont be able to give you everything under the sun like some people, but I wish I could. But what I can give you is my heart and my love."

Neveah smiled and I couldn't help but follow suit, "That all I want. Just promise me this won't end in a nightmare."

"I promise," I kissed her forehead.

We sat there for awhile longer, not a single word spoken as I finally got to hold Neveah. Soon though it was getting late, and I decided we should go back. Neveah talked the entire way back to the theater, about nothing in general, just that she should really keep a close eye on Harlow for now on.

"Can I drive you home?" I asked Neveah as we came to the parking lot.

She stopped in the middle of her rant, "Sure."

Well that was easier then I thought it was going to be. Neveah texted Harlow that she was going home with me and I started driving. Again silence, the most beautiful silence on the face of the planet.

"So," I started and Neveah gave me an amused smile, "Tell me about yourself, enlighten me."

She laughed, "What do you want to know?"

"What's your full name?" I asked and she scrunched her nose up, it was cute.

"Neveah Rose Caden," Veah answered, it fit her.

"Birthday?"

"April sixteenth. Yours?"

"December eighth. Favorite color?"

"Turquoise."

"Umm…hobby?"

"Painting and drawing."

"Book?"

"You're going to make fun of me," Neveah warned.

"No I won't," I flashed her a smile.

"It's Romeo and Juliet," I cracked a smile and she scowled.

"Cute," I leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek, "What about your parents?"

"My dad walked out when I was two," Neveah answered and I felt fire burn my chest.

"Mine too," I turned to face her and Neveah smiled shyly at me, "I'm sorry."

"I never got to know him, so I don't think much about it. Though my mom says I look like him," Neveah shrugged.

"Your mom?" I changed the subject.

Neveah smiled, "I love her a lot. She can only focus on one thing, and does things randomly. She loves pottery, our house and yard are filled with her sculptures.

"So you get your love of art from her then?" I reached over and placed my hand in Neveah's, she turned my hand palm up in hers and traced my hand, sending sparks up my spine.

"Yeah, though I detest pottery and she hates painting. We both love to draw though," Neveah said, "What about you? Enlighten me."

"Well I like the color blue," I looked into her eyes and she smiled, "My favorite book is 'A Thousand Leagues Under the Sea'," She raised a delicate eyebrow as I said that, "Hey, I didn't laugh at you. I really don't do anything but hang out with the guys, they're like my brothers," I left out the, 'my real hobby is turning into a wolf and killing vampires'. I think I should save that for another night.

"And you mom?" Neveah asked.

"We have our problems, but I love her. I definitely should spend some more time with her though," I shrugged and Neveah nodded her head. We both looked up, only to discover we had been parked in front of her house for the last half hour, "Your mom is probably asleep."

"Nope," Neveah answered, "She's going to be in the back shed, trying to finish something new."

I walked around and grabbed Neveah's hand and started walking towards the back gate.

"You want to meet her?" Neveah asked and I agreed right away. Smiling, she opened the gate and led me through a green backyard. Sure enough there were sculptures, all painted beautifully, "She creates them, and then I paint them."

I caught sight of a wolf statue, it was completely grey, a small circle on him. Smirking I kept walking.

"Prepare for the heat," Neveah warned. She opened the shed door and I was hit by a heat wall. Inside a woman, with black hair pulled up into a messy ponytail, was cutting away at a huge block of clay, "Hi mom."

"Oh hi sweetie," Ms. Caden looked up at her daughter and smiled when she saw me, "Who's this?"

"This is Embry Call," Neveah answered slowly, obviously not sure what else to say.

"Oh, are you dating my Neveah Rose?" winked as Neveah hid her face in her hands.

"Something like that," I laughed wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Well thank you for bringing her home. I would talk longer, but I really have to get back to my sculpture," Neveah's mom gave her a look, "We're going to have breakfast tomorrow and talk."

"Oh joy!" Neveah drawled and pulled me out of the shed.

"I like her!" I laughed and Neveah shook her head. I was lead inside. It reminded me of Sam's house actually, very cabin like. But it had an upstairs and there were paintings, sketches, and pottery everywhere.

Neveah was looking though a bag on the table, pulling out a sketch pad and some pencils, "At least she remembered this time."

We both fell into silence as Neveah put her things on a chair and leaned against the couch. I walked over to her and placed my hand son either side of her hips, leaning forwards.

Neveah didn't flinch or freeze this time as I lowered my lips to her jaw, instead angling her head so I could brush the spot better. I trailed my lips up her cheek and to her lips, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. Never had something so small and simple been so amazing. Just brushing my lips over Neveah's set my body on fire. They weren't deep, bruising kisses, they were slow and brushing kisses. I don't know how to describe, but it was amazing.

After we separated, I left my forehead against hers, "Can I see you tomorrow."

Neveah merely nodded, her eyes still closed.

I kissed her again when I heard a howl, "I have to go."

"Ok," Neveah said and I crushed her to me.

With one last smile I left her in the living room.

God, it was about time.

I threw my clothes in a bush after parking the truck somewhere and phased.

"What's up?" I asked as the others connected to my mind.

"Wow, your happy," Jacob taunted as he watched the scene replay in my head, "Congrats bro."

"Thanks Jake, so what's going on?" Brady joined us.

"How was the movie?" Jared asked. Someone going to answer my question?

"I don't know," Brady mentally smirked, "I didn't see much of it. Neither did Embry, him and Neveah bailed just as it started."

I mentally flipped him off.

"Well enough of that later. Seth came across a strange scent," Sam Uley, you know what we'll just call him Pack Sam for right now.

"Was it a vampire?" Collin asked as we began running.

"No," Pack Sam led us to where the scent began, and we each took turns smelling it, "Wolf."

"You mean like us?" Paul guessed and he nodded, "Well who is it?"

"No idea, but I think we should run patrol for the rest of the night, maybe we'll get lucky and find the source of it," Pack Sam ordered.

Great…another night of patrolling.