EMOTION

by Qmagic

Seth has always loved Jacob, but after he finally confesses; Jacob rejects him and the pack turns on him. Will Seth fall into despair or will his dreams come true? Follow the story of Seth, Jacob and the Quileute wolf pack as they struggle to learn the meaning of love and forgiveness while coping with dark secrets that may very well lie deep beneath the La Push reservation grounds.

4. Hope or Pain

AUTHOR'S NOTE

You know what, my ever slow updating pace is getting a bit ridiculous, don't you think? Hahaha Its almost just embarrassing posting again after so long, especially since I made you wait like since October, right? Please forgive me. Real world life keeps me kind of busy and after I write something and take a break…I tend to lapse too much and before I know it five months have gone by. Hahaha. But I hope you guys will still want to read this story and I hope you can enjoy this update because I worked very hard on it. I originally wanted to update last month but my job gets extremely busy around the holidays (valentines) so I was determined to at least make a post this week. However I have a treat for you as an apology for the long wait. Two chappies! Chapter four and five have been posted simultaneously for your viewing pleasure and I really hope it is okay. I proof read this like….three times and I just know I still missed something so please bear with me here. I'm really not the best writer, still trying to hone my craft…but I gave this my all and hopefully it shows in the material.

As always, I want to thank you all for reading this story, Personal thanks and love goes out to all of you who read and reviewed the last chapter. Thank you to (the upward glance, Bigdogz09, GoinnGaGa, .Taylor, SoRinnegan, KiTkAtIsLoVeLy14, inuokamilove16, Anonymousblack, chaserno1, Wolfpacklover, AliceCullenJustGotLaid, Loveisalwaystherex3, Douglas Smith, bla338, Valerie the Cheerio lover, SG1493, Leiann, SilverEars, happyhippy). I love you all and your words and comments really support and encourage me. If I missed anyone, I sincerely apologize, love and hugs to you.

WARNING: This story contains graphic material of an adult nature including sexual content as well as adult language. If you are underage or if you are offended by such material, please turn back now. Thank you.

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CHAPTER 4

Seth walked along the old and yet familiar beaten path to Jacob's house through the woods, kicking up pebbles and rocks as he went along. The distance between their houses wasn't long as Seth could have rode his bike to Jacob's in a matter of minutes however he wanted to take the long way for once to gather his thoughts. Last night he heard Leah come in late which means she was probably out running her patrols alone again. Seth sighed as he remembered that both Jacob and Sam especially did not like this idea at all, but had decided that after three years there was really no use in fighting with her anymore, especially since she didn't even adhere to pack commands and very rarely went to the pack meetings if not any at all.

But that was not all that kept Seth awake last night, and filled his heart with hope. The whole situation with Leah and Sam and what drove them apart….Seth stayed up all night thinking what if something like that happened between him and Jacob. But inside Seth felt reassured because he knew in his heart the kind of man Jacob was. Jacob was strong and stubborn and had openly voiced his displeasure with the idea of imprinting, so Seth knew that if he and Jacob ever got together, regardless of an imprint on another; Jacob would fight it at all costs. But then Seth stopped in his tracks and laughed bitterly to himself. Who was he to entertain the idea that Jacob would even want to be with him in that way?

Seeing the old worn and weathered red painted house up ahead as he made it through the thicket of forest, Seth decided for the moment to banish all thoughts on the possibilities or impossibilities of his and Jacob's future. Seth sprinted to a run to get to the house faster, mentally berating himself as he ran. Seth loved Jacob so much that he would gladly give up everything he had, even his own life to make sure his best friend was happy, loved and safe. But still a selfish part of him wanted to be the one to love Jacob, to make him happy and to keep him safe.

"Is this wrong though? To be this selfish? What…right do I have?" Seth mentally questioned himself.

Walking up the front steps Seth wiped the tears that he felt stinging the back of his eyes. He wasn't going to cry at a time like this. He would be happy. After all, Jacob was finally home from school for the summer and he had been looking forward to this day since last year when Jacob left. All Seth wanted was to use this time wisely and spend as much of it with Jacob as he could. Smiling with renewed hope, Seth knocked on the door, but saw that it was slightly ajar. Growing curious Seth poked his head inside to see merely an empty kitchen. In most neighborhoods and places in the world Seth knew this type of behavior would be deemed as breaking and entering but in La push it was simply called making yourself at home. It was just something that was done since mostly everybody on the rez knew each other and if you didn't then you at least knew someone who knew someone else who might know of your family, so by extension everyone was family in a warped way.

"Jacob?" Seth called out softly as he stepped through the kitchen and made his way into the empty living room. He took off his jean jacket and sat on the couch, relishing in all the memories that surfaced of him and Jacob playing in this room as kids. Smiling, Seth reached over to pick up a small picture frame on the coffee table. It was laden with many pictures. Mostly of Jacob and his sisters growing up but Seth had noticed one of himself and Jacob. Jacob was so cute with his big grin and messy spiked hair. Seth smiled, remembering that as a child Jacob was always so happy and then he saw Jacob's arms wrapped proudly around a camera shy Seth. They were sitting at the lake, by the old tire swing. Then Seth remembered this picture was taken by Jacob's mom when she took them both out for a picnic during the summer. Seth's heart clenched with warmth at the memory. "How could I forget something like this?" Seth said to himself. Placing the picture back on the coffee table Seth stood up to leave, deciding that no one was home. But then he heard a noise that caught his attention. It was like the squeaking springs of an old mattress. Seth giggled; thinking Jacob probably partied too hard with the pack last night and was trying to catch up on some sleep but then he saw something through the window of the living room. Something outside he didn't notice at all before. A rusty red truck.

"Bella's truck? Is she here?" Seth whispered. And as if on cue, Seth's heart dropped right down to the pit of his stomach when he finally realized what exactly was going on.

"God yes." A feminine voice cried out in an exhausted ecstasy, confirming Seth's fears. Seth felt his heart shatter as his eyes stung with the onset of fresh tears. Here Seth was foolishly hoping to spend the day with Jacob, but Jacob apparently had better plans. Seth knew of this….heck everyone knew that Jacob and Bella had always had a thing going on behind closed doors ever since the war…ever since Jacob made Bella see that she truly did want him. But it was one of those fickle and sticky subjects that only had a place amongst the cruel and crude conversations the pack shared behind Jacob's back. Now whether Bella's fiancé Edward Cullen knew of this sexual tryst was left unknown to everyone.

"So fucking sexy." A deep husky voice grunted….Jacob's voice. Seth gripped at his chest, clutching the silver dream catcher necklace that Jacob had just gotten him upon his return home. Seth couldn't stop the tears from falling as he stepped closer to the source of the sounds, making his way softly out of the living room and down the hall to Jacob's bedroom. The sounds of sex and sweaty skin slapping against skin and bodies moving together with fevered purpose filling the room and suffocating Seth. He knew he shouldn't see…he shouldn't…but he couldn't stop himself…he had to see this pain with his own eyes. The noises were getting louder, almost deafening to Seth's sensitive ears and even more sensitive heart as he heard Jacob grunting wildly in a deep voice, panting as if involved in some heavy labor. Seth could hear Bella's high pitched moans and groans as Jacob groaned with her, the sound of the bed shifting and the mattress springs contracting adding a most horrific background to the excruciating soundtrack that played in Seth's ears. But just when Seth was at the door, he saw that it was ajar enough to see inside and what Seth saw tore him in two.

Jacob's strong and thickly built body was settled in-between Bella's legs. Jacob gripped at Bella's pale white thighs as he sank his cock inside of her pink entrance repeatedly. Jacob's broad shoulders and arms moved with haste, as a glistening sheen of sweat formed on his back and all over his perfect body and his muscles flexed and contracted at his fevered movements. While Jacob rested in-between Bella's legs, he held himself up by his arms on either side of Bella's head, Bella's legs wrapped tightly around Jacob's waist as he pounded mercilessly into her, her dark brown hair curtaining her face as she writhed and moaned and cried out as Jacob drove into her continuously. Jacob reached down and took Bella's lips in a hot kiss and from a distance Seth could see the proud smirk on Jacob's face as the man fucked the girl on the bed. Seth…who watched all this cried silently. It was like they were bragging…showing him how foolish he was for hoping and dreaming….

"Oh God...J…Jake." Bella screamed with a hoarse cry as Jacob took her hands and held them tightly above her head, thrusting his hips into her, his massive cock clearly visible in stretching her vaginal walls and both milking their bodily fluids.

"Your pussy is so fucking hot." Jacob grunted, as he continued to slam into Bella as if his life depended on it. Sitting up, Jacob pulled Bella up from her missionary position and pulled her onto his lap, slamming her back down on his engorged dick, as he began thrusting upward into her causing her to scream even louder. From the doorway Seth could see both were sweating either from Jacob's warm body temperature combined with the lustful actions they were engaging in and by their sound she could tell they were close to their limits. Seth couldn't watch anymore. He turned his eyes away just as he heard Bella scream out nonsensical gibberish.

"Fuck!" Jacob shouted in a loud and powerful tone that made the house seem to rumble and Seth fell to his knees at the sound knowing how much pleasure Jacob and Bella must have shared together. It was like they were laughing at him…and he knew he was being stupid. Seth knew he had no claim over Jacob but try telling that to his bleeding heart. He couldn't stop the tears and they must have heard because the next thing he knew he heard them stop.

Back in the bedroom, Jacob and Bella panicked at the shuffling sound and they both immediately jumped off the bed. Jacob threw Bella's hoodie to her as he scrambled to pull up his jeans.

"Shit Jacob, I thought you said your dad was out with Charlie." Bella accused as she tried to pull on her panties over the mess that Jacob had left in-between her legs.

"Damn it. Hold on a sec." Jacob cursed as he managed to get on a wife-beater shirt and shove his bare feet into his Nike sneakers. Jacob roughly ran a hand through his short spiked hair as he swallowed hard. He truthfully didn't care if his father had heard them, but he didn't want to be lectured again about taking advantage of an engaged woman, especially since the wolves of la push were finally at peace with the Cullens. Stepping out of his bedroom while Bella struggled to dress and compose herself he looked down just to see Seth curled up into a fetal position on the hallway floor. Seth's head was down so he didn't see Jacob until the older man called to him.

"Seth?" Jacob asked with concern as he bent down to Seth. Jacob felt relief that it wasn't his father but just Seth who had come in the house, but his heart clenched at seeing Seth like this. He looked so hurt and broken and lost...Jacob reached out his arms to wrap around Seth who felt embarrassed and ashamed at being caught crying in such a manner on Jacob's hallway floor.

"Oh..um..uh..Jake…I…uh…." Seth stuttered, trying to wipe his tears away and compose himself. "I'm sorry…I…" Seth tried to stutter out a reasonable answer, but was cut off by Jacob who reached his large and warm hand up to cup Seth's check and wipe his tears with the pad of his thumb. Seth blushed profusely at the mere kindness that Jacob was showing him…the kindness he always showed him. He looked up nervously to look at Jacob. "Is he mad at me…did I interrupt them?" Seth asked himself, but found his answer in Jacob's eyes that were filled with warmth and love.

"Seth, are you okay? What's wrong?" Jacob asked with concern, pulling Seth up into his arms. Seth tried to step away and maintain some space but Jacob wouldn't release him from his embrace.

"I'm sorry…I just…I didn't know If you were home or not and…the door was unlocked and so I….." Seth tried to explain.

"Don't worry about it Seth, but…what's the matter? Why are you crying?" Jacob asked.

"Oh..um..nothing." Seth said keeping his head down.

"Seth, you're crying. Something's wrong. Just tell me, please." Jacob pleaded pulling Seth closer to him. Seth could feel the warmth of Jacob's massive body radiating off of him and Jacob could feel his blood boil with arousal, flooding down to harden his cock merely at holding Seth in this way but he felt terrible at seeing Seth so broken and sad and wanted to know what made him feel that way. Just then their moment was broken by Bella who had just stepped out of the bedroom and into the hall.

"Hey Jake I was going to….oh, hey Seth, what's up?" Bella greeted awkwardly as she realized she walked in on a private conversation, noticing the intimate way that Jacob was holding up Seth. Seth nervously turned away from Jacob and managed to step away from the older man's grasp.

"Oh...H...hi Bella." Seth replied shyly, not able to look at Bella after just seeing her and his best friend engaged in their previous lustful act. But upon closer inspection, Bella could see that there were tears drying on the young man's cheeks and he looked flustered and depressed.

"My god, Seth, what's wrong?" Bella said, walking up to Seth and placing a comforting hand on his arm. Jacob just sighed sadly.

"That's what I just asked him." Jacob said.

"Seth you can talk to us. We're you're friends." Bella encouraged with a smile. Seth smiled warmly at them both, hoping to make them let go of their questioning. After all, how was he to explain that he was crying because he was heartbroken at seeing his best friend fuck the living day lights out of some spoiled girl who didn't deserve love?

"You guys, I'm fine. Don't worry about me, I just….am having one of those migraines you know...the kind that hurts so bad you could um...cry?" Seth lied, hoping Jacob and Bella believed him. Seth waited nervously as Jacob's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"What migraine does that?" Jacob asked confused. Bella smiled, rolling her eyes at Jacob.

"Seth, I know exactly what you're talking about. Do you want an aspirin? Hold on a sec, I'll be right back. I think I have one in my bag." Bella said as she went back into the bedroom to fetch her book bag. When they were alone again, Jacob turned back to Seth.

"Are you…sure you're okay Seth?" Jacob asked again, looking on Seth with a solemn expression.

"For the last time, yes Jake. I'm fine." Seth said, smiling warmly to convince Jacob to drop the entire matter.

"Here Seth." Bella said, returning with two aspirin pills.

"Thanks. I'll just be in the bathroom." Seth answered, disappearing down the hall and into the restroom.

When Jacob and Bella were left standing in the hallway alone they both exchanged glances before bursting into a fit of giggles and chuckles at the relief that sank in; both dreading if it had been anyone other than Seth to have walked in on what they were doing.

"Gosh, that was a close one I guess." Bella said, cheeks turning red at the smoldering look Jacob was giving her as she absentmindedly ran her hands to smooth out her wild bed hair, hoping little Seth had not noticed it.

"Yeah, I guess." Jacob chuckled.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow night, right?" Bella asked, grabbing her book bag.

"You bet." Jacob answered with a devious smirk. "Come here." Jacob said taking Bella roughly by the waist, and pulling her into his arms for a kiss but Bella turned her head away sharply refusing to let his lips touch hers.

"Jake….please…no kissing, remember?" Bella reprimanded softly. Jacob's face contorted into frustration and disgust as he let go of her as if she were something infectious.

"Whatever." Jacob said rolling his eyes at the rules of the arrangement they had made, turning away from Bella. Bella's face fell into pity as she came to rest a hand on Jacob's large shoulder but he just shook her off.

"Jake….come on, don't be like that." Bella pleaded.

"Look, I'll see you later; I have to check on Seth." Jacob said walking away from her and down the hall to the bathroom to find Seth.

"Okay, I'll see you then." Bella replied. Bella just shrugged and made her way out of the house to go back to her own home.

Listening to her leave, Jacob cursed to himself at the pointless stupidity of the entire thing. He loved Bella and cared for her deeply, he really did. But he didn't know how much longer he could take this. They had been keeping this affair up ever since the war out of his own insistence to be with her and her own indecisiveness about marrying Edward. But somehow things escalated to just unemotional lust and passion and sex filled nights followed by bitter arguments as each of them seemed to take the frustrations of their own lives out on each other. He wanted more with Bella and always remained vocal about that however he was resigned to just quick meaningless fucks with her and while Jacob was not complaining in the least about at least getting that, at the end of the day he grew bored with it and wanted something more. Something like what was on the other side of the bathroom door. If Jacob were honest with himself, he knew that just being with Seth…holding the younger man in a simple hug, turned him on more than Bella or any other female's body ever could.

"Fuck, pull yourself together Black" Jacob cursed to himself. He tried so desperately to ignore the heinous thoughts that filled him whenever Seth was near but all he had to do was look at that tanned lithe body of Seth's and that cute adorable face and it was enough to arouse Jacob to the point of orgasm without even touching himself. But it was much more than that. It was who Seth was inside…his inner beauty, he was kind beyond compare and he was totally selfless. Seth always put others happiness before himself, something which made Jacob fall in love with the younger boy even when they were just kids. Jacob knew all too well that Seth would be much different than Bella. In bed Bella was unemotional and detached, only caring about the carnal pleasure of the deed and while Jacob enjoyed the wild and rough sex as much as anyone else; he knew it would be much more with Seth. With Seth…it would be making love. He knew Seth would put Jacob's needs and desires first and that thought alone made Jacob's blood boil with excitement as he imagined penetrating the younger man, their bodies both sweaty and soaked as they moved in synchronization…Jacob thrusting his hips roughly into Seth, ramming Seth's tight virgin hole with his cock repeatedly….reaching climax as Seth's tightness milked his dick and made him cum load after load inside the younger man…

Jacob slammed his fist angrily against the wall as he shook himself of these thoughts. This was wrong. He couldn't think like this…he couldn't be a fag. He couldn't be. He would not let this happen. He wanted to be angry at Seth for doing this to him but Seth wasn't to blame. Jacob knew it was himself. He couldn't give in to his feelings and most of all; he couldn't corrupt innocent Seth with his perverse desires. Hearing something clatter in fall in the bathroom Jacob chuckled knowing he must have startled Seth with his outburst. Tearing away from his inner thoughts, he turned to the bathroom door to check on Seth.

"Hey, Sethy, you okay?" Jacob asked knocking on the door gently. Jacob turned the knob to find it unlocked. Seth was washing his face with cold water. Just as he finished drying his face with the towel he turned around to find Jacob standing there with a cocky smirk looking over his Seth, but Seth just giggled to himself.

"Sethy?" Seth questioned the way Jacob had turned his simple and short name into a cute pet name. Jacob just smiled warmly back at Seth. Seeing Seth's large brown eyes and his gorgeous white smile…a smile he always felt was meant only for him...Jacob couldn't blame this boy…his boy. He wrapped his large muscled arms around Seth's tiny waist and pulled them closer until their chests were touching. Seth blushed and kept his head down but Jacob wouldn't tolerate it. Using his hand, Jacob tilted Seth's chin up to force the younger man to look up at him.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Jacob asked with concern.

"I'm…I'm fine…..I…" Seth muttered nervously with a smile.

"Seth what is it?" Jacob questioned.

"I owe you an apology Jake." Seth answered, trying to step out of Jacob's arms but Jacob wouldn't let him go.

"An apology? What for?" Jacob asked, laughing at Seth's cute and shy behavior.

"I…..I'm sorry I…. walked in the house and um…..heard you guys. I'm really sorry." Seth apologized.

"Oh, you uh…you heard that?" Jacob asked with a nervous chuckle, looking off to the side as he let go of Seth; feeling uncomfortable touching Seth while speaking about Bella.

"I'm really sorry Jake." Seth repeated.

"Seth, just forget about it. No worries. It was just sex. Not like Bella and I haven't done it plenty of times before." Jacob said with a nonchalant attitude.

"Um…oh…but um…Bella and Edward…aren't they serious?" Seth inquired.

"I guess…I don't really care. What he doesn't know won't hurt him. It's not like they're married yet which means she's still fair game. Besides, we're not all that serious. We're just fucking." Jacob replied.

"But…don't you…want more than that from her?" Seth asked.

"I do, but what's the fucking point? She obviously thinks she's better off with that blood-fucker." Jacob answered. Seth sighed and looked away.

"Um….It's getting late. I should probably get home." Seth said glancing at his wrist watch.

"Huh? Why?" Jacob asked in a disappointed tone. Seth looked up to see disappointment etched in Jacob's features but Seth knew better than to get his hopes up high and believe that Jacob actually would want to waste his time with him.

"Oh, I just ought to help my sis with dinner tonight. Mom is supposed to have Charlie and Billy over for dinner later so…" Seth tried to explain as he began to move to make his departure but Jacob quickly cut Seth off by grabbing the younger man gently by the arm and turning him back around.

"Seth, you can ditch them just this once. Besides, I was going to order a pizza. You don't want me to eat all by myself do you?" Jacob asked in a teasing manner, pulling Seth back into his arms as he gave Seth his best puppy dog pout.

"Well…." Seth tried to think of a way out of this predicament but he couldn't even think with Jacob's heated skin pressed against him and his face merely centimeters apart from Jacob's.

"Come on, stay with me. Don't you love me anymore?" Jacob teased jokingly, sloppily licking Seth's cheek affectionately like a puppy and making a whimpering dog sound. Seth just burst out laughing.

"Jake! That's gross!" Seth giggled, playfully hitting Jacob on the shoulder although to Seth it really was not gross at all but he had to say something.

"Yeah but you liked it." Jacob grinned cheekily, slinging his arm around Seth's shoulders.

"I tell you what; I'll call the guys over. We'll make it a party, how about that?" Jacob compromised.

"That's cool." Seth answered as Jacob made his way downstairs; dialing on his cell phone. As Seth followed Jacob downstairs to the living room he could hear Jacob's continuous slur of curses and Seth guessed Jacob must be talking to Quil or Jared...or any one of them actually. Seth was thrilled that he and Jacob would get to spend more time together rut not so thrilled about the idea of Jacob inviting some of the other pack members. It wasn't that Seth disliked them. Seth loved and cared for all of them actually and wished he could spend more time with them….but he always got the feeling they didn't like him too much as they always teased him every time Jacob wasn't around to protect him.

"Shit. I have to run to the store right quick." Jacob said, grabbing his keys and running to the front door.

"What for?" Seth asked.

"Quil and Embry and some of the other guys are coming over in a few minutes, which means I'm probably going to need some more beer in the house." Jacob said with a mischievous grin.

"Quil and Embry?" Seth asked.

"Yeah...oh, um...did you want to invite Collin over? I'm going to go pick up some pizza and beer. I'll be back in a few." Jacob said as he headed to the door but stopped to pause before quickly heading over to Seth and pulling the younger man into a gentle hug.

"You want to come?" Jacob asked hopefully. Jacob didn't know why….but he just felt more at ease whenever Seth was by his side.

"Um….it's okay...I'll just chill here till you get back." Seth answered sadly, trying to smile and reassure Jacob.

"Alright. See you in a few." Jacob said with a sweet smile before exiting the house. Seth walked to the window and saw Jacob jump in his truck and back out of the drive way. Before pulling off, Jacob blew the horn and waved to Seth. Seth smiled and waved back and Jacob pulled off finally. Seth couldn't help but wonder if the future could ever be like this….both of them happily married and living together, hugging and kissing each other goodbye in the morning as Jacob headed off to work. But Seth sighed knowing that was just a dream. It could never happen.

Throwing himself onto the couch. Seth reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone and began dialing Collin's number. It took about two rings before the line picked up and Seth heard Collin's bright and cheery voice on the other end.

"Hey Seth! What's up?" Collin greeted.

"Hey …" Seth stalled. He truly was happy to speak to his dear friend but then everything that had recently happened replayed in his head.

"You okay man?" Collin asked with concern, hearing Seth's uncertainty.

"Yeah, I'm cool. I just wanted to let you know I'm at Jacob's and he said he was getting some pizzas cause Quil and Embry would be over." Seth answered.

"Embry is coming?" Collin almost screamed into the phone, forcing Seth to pull it away from his ear for fear of losing his hearing.

"Yeah, I thought you might want to be here for that. So get your but over here." Seth said with a slight giggle.

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Seth. I'll be right there." Collin practically squealed before hanging up. Closing his phone. Seth sank back on the couch and pondered if staying for the party was such a good idea. Seth figured it was already too late though since he had already invited Collin and the younger man was on his way now. Feeling exhaustion overtake him, Seth leaned back on the couch to rest his eyes for a few minutes while he waited for Collin and Jacob.

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A loud banging at the front door abruptly woke Seth who found himself with his face buried in the pillows of the couch and a bit of drool running down his mouth. Seth giggled to himself to realize he had fallen asleep for much longer than he intended. He looked at the clock. It had been thirty minutes. Where was Jacob? What was keeping him? Seth figured Jacob would have been back long before now. But the door banging continued and Seth figured he ought to go see who it was. Maybe Jacob forgot his key.

Upon leaving the living room and making his way to the kitchen, he could see through the windowed door Collin waving maniacally from the other side. Seth laughed to himself before rushing over to open the door. Before he could fully open the door, Collin had leapt through and greeted Seth with a tight hug.

"Hey buddy!" Collin said happily, taking Seth by surprise.

"Hey Collin, how are you?" Seth said blushing slightly at Collin's over affectionate behavior.

"I'm okay. Penny was being a nuisance but I escaped. I talked her into spending the night at her best friend's house since Dad would be working late. Sorry I took so long getting here, but I had to help her pack her overnight bag and walk her over to Lavender's." Collin explained, reflecting back on his little sister and the trouble she could be at times, but deep down he loved her to bits. Seth merely laughed along with Collin at the story but upon closer observation, Collin noticed Seth's quiet nature….well….more quiet than usual. There was sadness in his eyes and face although the older boy was trying his best to conceal it.

"Seth…um…. did something happen? Is something wrong?" Collin asked, leading Seth by the hand to the living room to sit down.

"Why is everyone asking me that? I am fine." Seth said with exasperation. But Collin merely gave him the "are you serious or stupid?" look and Seth's face fell into one of apology.

"Well…this may sound weird but…I kind of…when I came over earlier, I sort of walked in on them." Seth admitted.

"Them who?" Collin inquired.

"Jacob and Bella….doing it." Seth replied. Instantly Collin gasped as he just imagined what that must have been like for Seth. Collin had liked Embry for just as long as Seth has liked Jacob and if Collin ever walked in on Embry doing something with anyone he didn't know what he would do.

"Oh my god, Seth…I...I'm so sorry." Collin wrapped his arms around Seth as Seth leaned into the younger boy and began crying softly. Seth didn't want to be so weak…especially around Collin. Seth felt like since he was older than Collin, he should be strong for Collin's sake but he couldn't help the quiet tremors of sadness that shook him to the core. Collin merely held him protectively, rocking back and forth and rubbing his back comfortingly.

"No, it's okay…I…I mean, I know they've slept together before. Hell, everyone knows they have. I just…" Seth reasoned, understanding how foolish he was for entertaining the idea that Jacob was still pure.

"It was different actually hearing it, actually being here and seeing it with your own eyes…wasn't it?" Collin finished Seth's thought. Pulling himself up to wipe his eyes, Seth looked Collin in the face before nodding in agreement.

"Yes….I… I'm so stupid." Seth muttered darkly.

"No you're not Seth. Don't say that." Collin reprimanded.

"And the way he said it, he said it was just sex and that they've been going at it like this plenty of times behind Edward's back." Seth said, furiously wiping at his never ending tears.

"What makes me think I could ever compare to her…she's so beautiful and she makes him happy and…" Seth cried but Collin hugged the older boy again to cut off his self deprecating rant. Seth was Collin's best friend and the younger man would not sit here while he beat himself up.

"Stop it Seth. Don't ever compare yourself to her. You're better than that." Collin chastised.

"Come on buddy; let's wash those tears off your face." Collin chirped happily, pulling Seth up to his feet and leading him upstairs to the bathroom.

Once in the confines of the bathroom, Collin led Seth over to the sink where he turned on some cold water and helped Seth lean down to wash his face. Seth began dowsing his face with handfuls of cold refreshing water just as before, hoping to wash away his troubles. He felt bad that Collin had to babysit him so much, but that was why he loved the younger man as much as he did. He was like the brother Seth never had. Suddenly they heard a bang at the door followed by the sound of it being kicked open. Both Seth and Collin jumped at the sound and instantly grabbed on to each other out of fear.

"Hey man, we got the beer!" They heard Paul shout from downstairs. Both of them laughed with relief, believing it to be some kind of burglar which was absurd since both Seth and Collin were shape-shifting wolves and could have easily taken care of themselves against a mere human burglar. Exiting the bathroom, they made their way to the steps to head down to greet the others but when they heard the others talking amongst themselves, Seth stopped suddenly, causing Collin to bump into him.

"Hey, why did you stop so suddenly?" Collin whined with annoyance but Seth just shushed him as they stood motionless at the top of the steps.

Down stairs, Jacob, Paul, Jared, Embry and Quil had filed into the kitchen unloading the boxes of pizza and numerous cases of beer. While the others began digging into the food, Jacob began opening bottles of beer and passing them around, rolling his eyes as Paul snatched one out of his hand without so much as a thank you.

"Dude, where is that little queer at? I though you said he was here." Quil piped up, half swallowing his pizza. Jared and Paul began snickering but Jacob almost dropped his bottle as anger filled his entire body and he felt the tremors of a shift coming on.

"What the hell did you call him?" Jacob asked threateningly, but Quil just shrugged past Jacob as if he was un-phased by Jacob's anger. Paul and Jared exchanged knowing looks at the interaction just now, both just hoping a fight would start to really liven up the night. Thankfully, Embry added his reasonable two cents to try and calm things down….as was usually his job amongst the more foul tempered wolves of the pack.

"Quil shut the fuck up. It hasn't even been five minutes since we got here and you're already acting stupid." Embry retorted, rolling his eyes at Quil's stupid behavior.

"Oh come on. Don't act like you guys have never suspected Seth." Quil said laughing.

"Now that you mention it, he does kind of act like a fag." Jared said, supporting Quil.

"Leave Seth the hell alone. He's not a queer." Jacob said firmly, as he put the remaining beers in the refrigerator; trying to ignore the others guys' comments.

"Dude, you got to admit, it's kind of strange that he's never had a girlfriend before." Paul said between fits of laughter. "I'll even bet that little pretty fucker is still a fucking virgin." Paul added which only caused Quil and Jared to burst out laughing even more. All the while, Jacob kept his head down, his shoulders shaking with anger. He knew his friends were just being stupid pricks as always but why couldn't they leave Seth alone? Anytime he was around Seth for whatever reason they started in on the younger boy, ranting about how gay they believed he was. Jacob didn't want to believe it, Seth couldn't be gay. He couldn't be. That would ruin things for him….for everyone. That would mean he was a fag too…because he cared for him and wanted him so much…..and he was not going to turn into something so low…so disgusting…he would not be made a mockery of, not by the pack, not by his friends…not anyone….

"This is Seth's fucking fault. He's the fucking reason I'm turning into a fucking fag." Jacob voiced to himself. "Isn't he? Isn't he the reason I want him so much?" Jacob continued to question himself while the others went on with their chatter.

"I'm telling you, that kid is a queer. I've always suspected him ever since we were young." Quil explained. Jared and Paul nodded their agreement, however Embry remained silent. The fatherless member of the pack didn't care to start in on Seth because he cared about the younger man and he just found it pointless to gossip about people, especially behind their backs.

"Hey guys. Just drop it okay." Embry tried to reason, shaking his head in annoyance.

"Come on Embry, don't you agree with us on this one? Don't tell me you've never suspected that kid?" Jared inquired.

"Seth's a fag. Always has been. Jake I don't even know why you're such good friends with him. You like fags or something?" Paul questioned.

"I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UPPPPP!" Jacob finally shouted with a deadly tone, his voice carrying the weight of not only his rage but an alpha command as well. Everyone in the room went silent as they looked down to see that in his rage, Jacob had smashed the glass bottle of beer he was holding within the palm of his large hands.

"Okay, Okay. Sheesh." Paul said rolling his eyes as he guzzled down his beer.

"And no I don't like fags and Seth's not one, got it you dumbasses?" Jacob added coldly. Paul just rolled his eyes, Jared, Quil and Embry immediately nodded, none of them meaning or even expecting Jacob to explode like that.

"Man, lighten up. We're just kidding around, you know…having a good time. It's not that serious." Quil reasoned, patting Jacob on the shoulder.

"Jake man, I'm sorry. Look, let's drink and make up, okay. Truce?" Paul said, grabbing a new beer and tossing it towards Jacob who caught it without any thought or much effort other than sheer reflex.

"Fine. Whatever." Jacob replied, keeping his head turned away from the others as he began helping himself to some pizza.

However, at the top of the stairs, Seth and Collin heard everything. Collin looked worriedly to Seth and hugged him tight, knowing that Seth took to heart what the others were saying about him. Seth felt dejected and downright worthless when he heard his pack brothers speak that way about him. He always knew they didn't like him but Seth wanted so badly just to be loved by them, to be cared about…he wanted so badly to fit in and feel like he belonged amongst the pack but there was no chance of that now that he heard what Paul, Jared and Quil really thought of him.

"Don't listen to them." Collin encouraged Seth, but Seth couldn't help but feel his eyes water all over again. Seth nodded his head to try to show Collin that he was listening to him but he couldn't help but not blame the pack. Seth always had known he was different…he just didn't think being different would ever turn out to be so bad.

"We might as well go now." Seth said solemnly. Nodding, Collin followed as Seth tried to fake a small smile and make his way downstairs to the living room.

Back in the kitchen, the others were piling their plates high with pizza, but ever since Jacob's outburst moments before, things had gotten a bit too quiet and awkward.

"Hey Jake, didn't you say Seth and that Collin kid we're here?" Embry asked Jacob, in an attempt to break the awkward silence.

"They're probably just hanging out in my room. I'll go get them and let them know food is here." Jacob answered. But just on cue, Seth and Colin appeared in the doorway. Everyone stopped and exchanged glances, all wondering if maybe the two had heard their conversation earlier. Paul and Jared tried to stifle their snickers, but Jacob gave them a threatening glare.

"Hey guys...um... what's up?" Seth said with a wave of the hand as he and Collin walked into the room.

"Hey." The others said in unison, waving back. Jacob walked over, his hardened face softening at the sight of Seth. Jacob didn't care what the others said about Seth or himself for that matter…because whenever he laid his eyes on his boy, it was like nothing else mattered and his life actually seemed worth living. Slinging his arm around Seth's shoulders, Jacob smiled at Seth sweetly.

"You miss me when I was gone?" Jacob asked cutely, but Seth just shrugged, trying not to show how much he was enjoying the attention; not while everyone's eyes were on them like this.

"Sure, of course." Seth said.

"Hey Jake, took you long enough." Collin piped up. Jacob just smiled at the youngest wolf present, nudging him in greeting. Collin smiled back, scanning the room to have his eyes land on the love of his life, Embry. Embry who was wolfing down a slice of pizza stopped to smile at him, which made Collin blush. Walking over, Embry handed a plate to both Seth and Collin.

"You guys might want to eat up before the pigs finish everything off." Embry said nodding his head accusingly over at Paul, Quil and Jared.

"Hey!" Quil barked back.

"Yeah, you guys something to eat. But no beer for you two, you're still under age." Paul added

"Yeah yeah, whatever we know." Collin said giggling; knowing he and Seth wouldn't be drinking with the other guys.

"Let's go into the living room with the TV. We picked up some scary DVDs. Jared even brought some porn." Quil said excitedly. Paul, Jared, Jacob and Embry all giving wolf howls at the mention of that. Seth and Collin merely shook their heads and started laughing at the others' immaturity.

---

After settling down into the living room to eat, they began watching the movies that Jared had picked up for them. Horror movies to be exact, and despite the wolf pack's pride in being fearless and strong, the seven guys here were still pretty unnerved by what they were watching. Paul, Jared and Embry were relaxing on the large couch, Quil was laying on one of the single recliners, Jacob was sprawled out on the floor in front of the large couch and Seth and Collin lay huddled against the couch together; both playing tug war with a blanket as to hide their eyes and look away.

"Um…what did you say was the name of this movie?" Jared asked nervously, scratching the back of his head.

"Eat the Dead." Paul answered, the only one who looked somewhat bored with the monstrous and cannibalistic behavior displayed on the screen.

"WHOA!" Everyone shouted in unison as the horrific image of a decrepit corpse flashed on the flat screen television, vomiting what appeared to be squirming maggots.

"Um….I think I'm going to be sick. I got to go to the bathroom." Collin muttered lowly as he hurried up from his position on the floor and upstairs to the bathroom. Seth looked up with worry.

"Collin?" Seth called out nervously to his friend.

"I guess he had too much to drink." Jared snickered, causing Paul and Quil to join him in their obnoxious laughter. Seth looked to the others, wondering what was so funny, even Embry was laughing.

"What the fuck did you assholes do?" Jacob asked with a knowing smirk on his face.

"Nothing, just gave the pup his first real taste of alcohol." Paul admitted with a shit eating smirk on his face.

"Yeah, it's about time we got him wasted." Quil laughed.

"You dickheads." Embry said, laughing right along with them, much to Seth's disappointment. He knew Paul, Jared and Quil and even Jacob were capable of pulling harsh pranks like this but he didn't think Embry would find it amusing, especially something done to Collin. He stood up from his place on the floor.

"You guys, that wasn't very nice. Collin has a really weak stomach." Seth said "I'm going to go check on him." But suddenly another horrific scene began on the television screen as zombies began rising from their graves on the movie. Seth hopped back down on the floor and huddled underneath the blanket he was holding.

"Seth, what are you doing all the way over there? Get your ass over here." Jacob called out to Seth. Seth was confused. He didn't know if Jacob was upset at him and he didn't know why, but he didn't disobey. He nervously got up to walk over to Jacob, but he saw a cocky smirk on Jacob's face and the mischief in his eyes. Before he knew it, Jacob had grabbed Seth's wrist roughly and pulled the younger man down on the floor on top of him, holding him tight in a bear hug.

"Aww, aren't they so cute." Quil mocked.

"The Bromance again?" Jared asked in a tired groaned.

"Dude, come on. Can you guys take that gay shit somewhere else?" Paul complained.

"Fuck you!" Jacob retorted coldly. Turning his attention back to Seth. He was holding Seth in-between his legs, his chest to Seth's back, and resting his chin on Seth's shoulder.

"Don't listen to them okay, they're just asses sometimes." Jacob whispered gently into Seth's ear as he squeezed the younger man gently.

"Okay." Seth replied softly.

"Hey, if you were sacred, why didn't you tell me? We could have watched something else." Jacob whispered to Seth.

"No...It's fine. You guys were enjoying it so it's no big deal but I'd better go check on Collin to make sure he's okay." Seth whispered back. Jacob sighed heavily. He really didn't want to let Seth go and deep down it kind of annoyed Jacob the way Seth clung to Collin the way he did. Jacob felt like he was Seth's friend first and should always be first but he dare not voice this to Seth in fear of sounding suspicious and a bit ridiculous. Besides, Jacob knew now was not the time or place for such thoughts. He reluctantly let go of Seth, allowing the young man to leave.

Making his way back upstairs to the bathroom, Seth ran; taking two steps at a time to get to Collin faster. When he arrived at the bathroom door, he saw it was wide open with Collin heaved over the toilet, vomiting out the spiked substance he had consumed.

"Oh my God, Collin are you okay?" Seth asked with concern as he knelt down to wipe the sheen of sweat from Collin's brow. Collin looked up with dilated eyes and flushed cheeks.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I'm g...g….oh god." Collin chocked out before throwing his head into the toilet once more to release the acidic liquid that burned in his stomach. Seth went to the sink and grabbed one of the spare wash cloths from beside the basin and doused it heavily in ice cold water from the sink's faucet. Seth then brought the damp rag to Collin, placing it gently on the younger man's head, in an attempt to cool the heated temperature of his forehead. Seth gritted his teeth. This was just cruel.

"Its' one thing for them to pick on me…but to pick on Collin is just mean." Seth thought to himself.

"I'll be right back. I'll get you some water to drink." Seth said, patting Collin on the shoulder. As Seth left the bathroom, he noticed that Jacob's bedroom door was open and it was dark inside but he heard Jacob from within. Walking toward s the door, he saw Jacob was sitting on the bed, speaking with someone over his cell phone. Seth wondered who Jacob was speaking with but didn't have to ponder too long as even in the dark; he could see a dark scowl on Jacob's features letting Seth know it could only be Bella on the phone. Only she caused Jacob to become this upset.

"Jake?" Seth called out into the dark bedroom. Jacob looked up from his phone and looked harshly at Seth.

"What do you want?" Jacob asked coldly.

"Oh…um…I was just….well I heard you talking so…I thought something might be wrong and…" Seth tried to answer but Jacob put up a hand to cover the phone, cutting Seth off in mid sentence.

"Not now, I'm busy okay." Jacob said, turning back to the phone and picking up his whispered conversation.

"Who is it?" Seth asked.

"Bella." Jacob mouthed silently, confirming what Seth thought but what upset Seth the most was Jacob's blatant dismissal of him anytime Bella was involved.

"Well, he loves her so of course he would choose her over me." Seth reasoned with himself as he turned to leave.

"Hey, bring me a beer when you get a chance." Jacob called out, not even turning to look at Seth. Seth simply nodded before walking back down the hall and back down stairs to get a water bottle for Collin and a beer for Jacob.

Walking back downstairs, Seth could see that everyone had migrated from the living room and back into the kitchen. Seth stopped short. He could hear the vulgar sounds of Paul, Jared, Quil and Embry engaged in conversation. Paul boasting about the latest trick he nailed last night and the other guys congratulating him. Seth knew if he went in now it would be like walking into the lion's den. Seth just knew the pack always waited until Jacob wasn't around to say something smart to him but he thought maybe if he was quick about it and just ran in and ran out with what he needed, maybe they wouldn't notice him.

Walking quickly in the kitchen, everyone abruptly stopped to notice Seth much to the youngest wolf's disappointment and when he saw Jared and Paul exchange knowing smirks he knew something was wrong.

"Excuse me." Seth said quietly to Embry who was leaning up against the refrigerator.

"Oh shit, sorry Seth. I didn't see you there." Embry said chuckling as he moved out of Seth's way. "Did you need something?" Embry asked.

"Oh, just grabbing water for Collin and a beer for Jake." Seth answered.

Embry smiled and reach into the refrigerator to pull out what Seth needed.

"Here you go man. So Seth, how you been?" Embry asked with a kind smile.

"Oh, I've been okay." Seth answered timidly. Seth always liked Embry and he knew if he didn't already want Jacob, Embry would have been too easy to fall in love with. Not only was Embry beautiful, with his muscled body, tall stature, wide shoulders, dark tanned skin and sharp features, but unlike most of the guys in the pack, Embry was very kind. However, Seth was snapped out of his reverie when Paul's voice rang out rudely.

"Hey, is Collin still puking his brains out?" Paul called out from the other side of the kitchen, laughing; making Embry roll his eyes.

"Um…yes." Seth said, lowering his head sadly.

"Hey, don't get all upset Seth. You know we were just pranking him, right? Tell Collin we didn't mean anything by it." Jared piped up, taking a swig of his beer.

"It's cool...um...speaking of which...I'd better get this water to him." Seth replied shyly, trying to make his exit. In his heart Seth wanted so much to be loved and cared for by these men…those he called his friends and pack brothers, but all they did was treat him as something insignificant. Seth knew if he didn't get away soon they would begin their cruel jokes with him so he tried to break away but before he could step back, Quil was already behind him, blocking his way.

"Nah, hold up there. Can't have you getting away from us too quickly." Quil said with a mischievous smirk.

"Yeah, this is one of the few rare moments when Jake isn't attached to you." Paul said with a sinister glint in his eyes as he and Jared approached Seth.

"What do you mean?" Seth asked.

"Loosen up a bit man, have something to drink. We won't tell your mom." Jared said with mock encouragement. Paul, Jared and Quil were now closely huddled around Seth, the younger man nervous as to why they all looked at him like he was something good to eat…or chew out, however one looked at it. Seth's only comfort was that Embry was still standing right beside him, and the older man noticed the way that Paul, Jared and Quil started sharing small laughs in between them and he knew that they were just trying to corner Seth. Embry sighed heavily. He never understood why his pack mates always did this to people, but then again Embry knew he was guilty too. He always would laugh along with them, never saying anything more and never defending those his pack mates picked on. But he didn't want to see Seth hurt, not now.

"Look guys, stop crowding Seth and give the man some air. Just leave him alone." Embry said trying to stick up for Seth but Paul shot his attempt down.

"Embry, I think Seth can speak for himself. We're not going to hurt him, we just want to talk." Paul said snickering, Jared and Quil laughing as well.

"But…I'd better get this to Collin so…." Seth said, trying to pull away from the group but Quil wrapped his arms around Seth's waist and held him in place to prevent the younger man from leaving.

"Now hold on a sec, don't try to get away from us so fast. Sheesh. Don't you have time to spare for your elder pack brothers?" Quil taunted in Seth's ear. Seth jerked away and the others laughed at his attempt as Jared took the water and beer that the younger man was holding.

"Will you guys lay off him." Embry said with determination, trying to step in front of Seth. This however made the others laugh at him for interrupting their fun.

"Embry, when the fuck have you ever been anything but passive?" Paul accused and Embry instantly felt guilty, knowing they were right. He never defended anyone, he just went along with the crowd.

"Yeah, you don't care anymore about the pups than we do so stop being so damn nice all the time. Sheesh. Why don't you go take that water to Collin so the fag doesn't pass out." Jared said cruelly.

"Don't call him that! Jeeze!" Embry snapped back, grabbing the water out of Jared's hand and storming out of the kitchen to go find and help Collin. Embry knew he probably should have stayed to make sure they don't push Seth to the point of tears this time, but he was so upset at their accusing words he had to get away.

"What the fuck is his problem?" Quil asked with a smirk. Paul just shrugged his shoulders. But Jared's eyes lightened up as if something just came to him.

"Oh, didn't you guys hear? He just broke up with Jasmine." Jared piped up.

"Guys…I…I really should get back upstairs. Jake asked for this." Seth said pointing to the beer that Jared had took from him.

"Yeah, I bet you can't wait to run back to Jake, huh Seth? I bet you're also really happy that Jake is home, right?" Quil asked, looking to Jared and Paul knowingly.

"Yeah...um…I guess." Seth answered.

"Yeah, I'll bet." Jared said with a snicker.

Seth looked in between the three of them, all wearing cocky smirks and sharing knowing looks of amusement as they looked Seth up and down. Things like this made Seth feel so little and he never could understand why he was always the target for their cruel antics. Did they dislike him that much?

"You know, to be honest; I used to always wonder why Jacob hung out with you anyway." Paul said in mock kindness to Seth, who instantly felt like he was punched in the gut. "What does that mean? Did Jacob saying something to them about me?" Seth wondered.

"Yeah, when we were younger, Jacob once told me the only reason he befriended you was cause he felt sorry for you." Quil admitted smartly.

"Man, shut up. That's not cool." Jared said with a chuckle as they noticed Seth's head hanging low. Seth fought with everything he had not to cry there on the spot.

"Sorry but it's true." Quil laughed.

"So Seth, you're finally eighteen now. Gonna finally become a man this summer?" Paul asked, leaning closely to Seth.

"What…What do you mean?" Seth asked quietly, trying to back away.

"Come on Seth, don't be so shy. You know what we mean." Quil said, patting Seth on the back.

"Yeah, when was the last time you got laid?" Jared inquired.

"I think the better question here is when have you ever gotten laid?" Paul chuckled.

"I don't even think I've ever seen you with pussy before." Jared laughed.

"Dude, are you really still a virgin?" Quil asked with a sly and knowing smirk, trying not to burst out laughing at the younger man.

"Um…well…" Seth struggled to find the words but he felt so humiliated and alone, he couldn't even think of what to say.

"Aww Lighten up Seth, we're just fooling with you man. You know us, we never bite too hard." Jared laughed.

"Unless you ask us to." Paul said wagging his eyebrows suggestively as he grabbed at Seth's belt buckle and began unfastening it. Seth panicked and squirmed and Jared laughed at his attempts as Quil continued holding Seth from behind.

"Guys stop…please." Seth pleaded with tears in his eyes as he finally broke out of their grasp.

"Look, I've been wondering about this forever now and I just got to know so I'm going to just ask you straight out and answer me yes or no." Jared said approaching Seth again. "Are you a fag or something?" Jared asked teasingly.

"Huh?" Seth froze, feeling himself breaking into a cold sweat.

"He didn't stutter. He asked are you a fucking homo." Paul clarified with a smirk.

"Um…uh…come on guys, you know I'm not like that." Seth tried to explain.

"Yeah, sure you're not." Jared spoke with sarcasm, rolling his eyes and laughing.

"What do you mean by that?" Seth asked.

"You tell us Seth. Last time I checked, guys didn't give each other jewelry." Quil said reaching to Seth's dream catcher necklace and flicking it carelessly. Seth immediately stepped back and wrapped his hands around the dream catcher protectively.

"It was a birthday gift." Seth answered keeping his head down as his eyes watered.

"Oh watch out man, I think you hit a nerve. He's actually crying." Paul teased.

"Hey man, you don't have to get so defensive. We know you got the hots for Jake." Jared added.

"What?" Seth gasped. He felt like his heart froze. He wasn't ashamed of who he was…but he knew that the pack and his tribe condemned people like himself and therefore he never wanted it to get out.

"So how long have you been sucking cock anyway?" Paul inquired with a dark smile.

"What? Why...why would you say that to me…? I don't…I've never…" Seth tried to get the words out but was cut off by Quil.

"See, I told you guys he was still wet behind the ears." Quil said cruelly, punching Seth lightly on the shoulder.

"If you're really curious Seth, I'll let you suck me. But it's going to cost you." Paul said darkly as he approached Seth and teasingly grabbed at his belt buckle again.

"Stop it!" Seth shouted with fright, his eyes wide with hurt that his pack brothers would tease him this way. But Quil and Jared both grabbed Seth by the arms to hold him in place as Paul unbuckled the boy's pants. Seth began crying and Paul, Quil and Jared only laughed at him.

"Calm the fuck down, we're just playing with you, sheesh." Jared said grabbing Seth from behind and pulling the younger man back into his hips make Seth feel his hard on. "Fuck, you must be gay if you can get me that hard." Jared teased, Paul and Quil laughing cruelly.

"I bet he's just upset cause he really wants to suck you off." Jared said to Paul, pushing Seth roughly at Paul who grabbed the younger man in his strong arms into a crushing hold and bit roughly at Seth's ear.

"How about it fag, you want it?" Paul mocked, taking a hold of Seth's slim waist and grinding himself into the younger man as he rubbed his lips across Seth's. Seth was scared, he could feel Paul's hardness through his denim jeans and a part of him wondered was this really happening.

"Stop it!" Seth cried, as Paul proceed to push Seth violently into Quil's arms who pushed the younger man back to Jared. The three older men began pushing Seth roughly in between them as Seth began crying, pleading for them to leave him alone.

"Stop being such a pussy about it." Quil said, grabbing Seth as he tried to get away and pushing him back into the corner where they could keep pushing him around.

"Seth where the hell have you been? I've been waiting forever for you to bring me my beer." Jacob asked with annoyance as he entered the kitchen. At the sound of Jacob's voice, everyone stopped and stepped away from Seth, who was left looking stupid with tear stained cheeks and hurt written clearly on his face.

"Oh...um...uh…I'm Sorry." Seth apologized timidly, as he tried to avoid eye contact with Jacob. However, Jacob saw the tears and Seth's pain and his heart clenched with worry and anger for whatever caused Seth to cry.

"Seth, what's wrong?" Jacob asked walking up to Seth.

"Uh...uhm nothing I just need to get some air." Seth muttered anxiously as he left, tears threatening to spill forth at any moment. As soon as Seth left the room, Paul, Jared and Quil burst into a fit of raucous laughter and bellows.

"Oh my god, did you see his face?" Quil said laughing. Jacob instantly knew what had happened. Jacob only left Seth alone for a few minutes, and that's all it took for his idiot pack brothers to attack the younger boy.

"What the fuck did you guys say to him?" Jacob shouted at the three other men, who all blinked a few times at Jacob's outburst before laughing at him.

"Chill out Jacob, we were just messing around with him." Paul said with a satisfied smirk.

"Yeah, you don't have to take it so seriously." Quil added. Jacob only slammed his hand angrily on the kitchen counter, causing it to shake.

"What the fuck did you assholes say to him?" Jacob asked angrily.

"We didn't say anything to him. We wanted to just know if your so called best friend is a fag or not." Paul snapped back.

"I told you fuckers to leave Seth alone!" Jacob shouted jumping in Paul's face, knowing the older man was the main antagonist out of all of them.

"Hey back off Jake, Seth is just a fag. Why are you even friends with him?" Quil inquired, pulling Jacob away from Paul who just smirked at Jacob, wanting nothing more than to engage the alpha in a fight.

"Seth is not a fucking fag you dumbass!" Jacob replied hotly, jerking his arm out of Quil's hold.

"Stop defending that queer Jake. Seth's a fag. If I asked to push my cock in his ass he would bend over faster than my last bitch." Paul spat cruelly with a laugh. At those words, all Jacob could do was lunge forward and push hard at Paul's chest causing the older man to stumble backwards before catching himself.

"YOU MOTHER FUCKER! Don't you ever fucking talk about him like that!" Jacob shouted as he balled up his fist and made ready to punch Paul's head clean off his shoulders. Jacob didn't know what infuriated him more, how Paul was talking about Seth or the image of Paul fucking Seth; but before Jacob could land his anger filled attack on Paul he was pulled away from said man by Quil and Jared.

"Whoa! Time out!" Quil said, struggling to keep a hold on Jacob.

"Dude, chill. Damn it! Jake, we were just playing with him. Lighten up." Jared added. No one was laughing anymore. Things had gotten serious. Most times the pack's antics never got to the heated level of them actually fighting amongst themselves. Paul just stood there, shocked. He would never back down from a fight, but he really didn't want to start drama with Jacob over something like this.

"Jake look, come on man, I'm just playing, okay You know us. . We were all just having some fun. It's nothing to get excited about." Paul said in a serious tone.

"Yeah man. No harm, no foul." Jared added, patting Jacob on his back to calm Jacob, whose shoulders were trembling, itching to phase into his wolf form.

"Look, we won't mess with him anymore okay, deal?" Quil reasoned as he finally let go of Jacob.

"You better not." Jacob said, turning away from them to leave the kitchen. As he made it to the door, he looked over his shoulder back to the three of them.

"And another thing, keep your God damn hands off of him." Jacob warned threateningly before leaving the room.

Paul, Jared and Quil all stood there a bit dumbfounded at what had just occurred.

"Jeeze, what the fuck is his problem?" Paul asked hotly.

"You know I liked him a lot better before he started going to college." Jared added, all of them nodding their heads in agreement.

---

Outside, Seth was sitting on Jacob's porch looking out into the dark night. The sun had gone long ago and the only sound in the darkness was the street lights and the noise of crickets in the thicket of woods behind Jacob's house and up ahead surrounding the main road. Wiping his eyes dry, Seth felt downright stupid and worthless. He thought today would be such a good day, he tried his best to stay positive but it was as if one thing lead to another. What hurt the most was knowing that he couldn't run to Jacob and tell him how he really felt about the entire thing.

"If only Jake was gay…none of this would be happening. We could be together…and be strong together." Seth thought to himself. Seth knew either way it might not be easy with the expectations of their pack, their families and their tribe…but at least he wouldn't feel so alone in this. Suddenly the front door to the house creaked open, waking Seth up from his mental conflict. Turning around, Seth saw Jacob walk through the door and approach him, an apologetic look of sincerity on his face.

"Hey man, you okay?" Jacob asked as he took a seat next to Seth.

"Me? Oh...umm…yeah...of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Seth replied with a gentle smile, trying to mask the hurt he felt. Jacob sighed.

"Seth, you know...you can talk to me if something is bothering you." Jacob said taking Seth by the shoulders and turning the younger man to face him. Jacob looked over the younger man and felt his stomach fill with butterflies and his heart swell. Seeing the pale moonlight shining on Seth's beautiful and youthful face…Jacob saw how beautiful Seth was…his Seth, and he wanted nothing more than to take the younger man in his arms and kiss and hold him and make Seth his. He just wanted to show Seth that he would love him and make everything okay…but most of all show the younger man that he wasn't alone.

"I'm fine Jake. I just…um…I just got a call from Leah is all. She said it's time for me to come home so…." Seth lied, looking down as to avoid eye contact. He knew if he looked Jacob in the eyes than he couldn't lie to him.

"What? But why?" Jacob asked.

"Well…um…I kind of…uh...promised mom I would be back by dinner." Seth made up quickly.

"Well….alright then…let's go." Jacob took Seth's hand in his larger one and pulled the younger man up with him. Seth's eyes went t wide. He hoped to just lie and make his escape quickly but he never thought Jacob would try to follow him home…but then again when did Jacob ever let Seth get his own way.

"Jake, no…you don't have to. I'll be alright on my own." Seth said, trying to pull his hand free.

"You really think I'm going to let you walk out here by yourself?" Jacob asked with annoyance.

"But Jake…" Seth tried to reason with him, but Jacob quickly cut him off.

"Just shut up and come on." Jacob said, pulling Seth along by the arm against his will.

"Wait! I have to go get Colin. I have to make sure he's okay and take him home." Seth said suddenly, remembering that Embry went to check on Collin. Jacob smiled at Seth encouragingly.

"Don't worry, Embry will take care of it. I'll see to it. Now come on." Jacob assured Seth.

Taking Seth by the hand Jacob led Seth down the main road as they began walking to Seth's house, which wasn't that far from where they currently were. Seth looked over to observe their joined hands and entwined fingers. Seth smiled to himself, feeling the butterflies fluttering in the pit of his stomach and feeling light as air. He blushed when he looked up to see Jacob watching him. The older man smiled warmly, his dark and intense eyes boring into Seth's. Seth couldn't help but lean into Jacob, who happily took Seth in his arms. Wrapping his arm around Seth, Jacob held the younger man close as they continued down the road in silence. Seth couldn't get over how right this felt…how perfect this was as they continued on in the summer night, the moonlight guiding their way.

"Look Seth, don't listen to them, okay." Jacob said all of a sudden, breaking the silence.

"Who?" Seth questioned, looking up.

"You know how the pack is. They can be assholes sometimes." Jacob said with amusement; chuckling darkly. Seth looked down sadly, remembering what had happened back at Jacob's house.

"Oh….yeah, it's okay…I just…feel kind of bad about Collin. I should've walked him home." Seth replied, feeling guilty for leaving without Collin. Jacob just pulled Seth closer, rubbing his large hands on Seth's back comfortingly.

"Don't worry. Before we left the house, I saw Embry taking care of him. Embry is a good guy; he'll make sure Collin gets home safely." Jacob assured Seth.

"Thanks." Seth said in a whisper as he glanced up to look at Jacob.

As they walked in silence again, they came to the thicket of woods that had the shortcut Seth had taken to get here. Seth trembled slightly. At night, the woods looked frightful but their enhanced wolf senses allowed them to see perfectly.

"Don't worry. I won't let the big bad wolf get you." Jacob said with a chuckle, holding Seth tightly as they continued through the path in the woods. Seth just giggled and held on to the older man, following him and enjoying the comfortable silence between them both. When they made it out of the woods, they came to a street where Seth's house was.

"So…what's up with you? And be honest with me." Jacob asked sincerely.

"What do you mean?" Seth replied. Jacob just smiled knowingly at Seth as they kept walking.

"I mean, are you going to tell me what's really been bothering you since I've been back?" Jacob asked.

"Jake….." Seth began, not wanting to get into it. Seth knew that Jacob felt like he was keeping something from the older man since he returned home from college but Seth knew that if Jacob knew the truth…Seth sighed deeply. He always carried this love for Jacob…but lately the sadness of knowing that they could never be became harder and harder to conceal; making Jacob suspicious as to what Seth was keeping from him. But how was Seth supposed to tell Jacob he was gay and in love with him.

"Seth, why can't you just tell me? I'm your best friend…at least I'm supposed to be. It's like ever since you started hanging out with Collin, you don't tell me anything anymore." Jacob said with a mixture of stinging coldness and hurt as he brought them to a stop right in front of the Clearwater house.

"That's not true Jacob! I…Collin has just been a good friend to me since you left, that's all." Seth cried his eyes stinging with hurt.

"Oh Shit, Seth...I didn't mean to make you cry or anything." Jacob said wearily, taking Seth by the waist and pulling the younger man back into his arms.

"Seth…come on man, you know I don't mean anything by it. You know how my temper gets sometimes…I'm sorry buddy, I just….just….I just don't like having secrets between us like this." Jacob said, his hand cupping Seth's cheek; and wiping the younger man's tears away with his thumb.

"Seth." Jacob gently grabbed Seth's chin, forcing the younger man to look up at him. Seth's heart rate accelerated and for a moment he felt like Jacob was going to kiss him, but the older man just smiled and hugged him tightly.

"Jacob…do you think that…there's something wrong with me?" Seth asked in almost a whisper.

"What? What are you talking about?" Jacob replied with a deep chuckle, pulling back to look Seth in the eyes. Seth looked to the side, not knowing how to voice his thoughts.

"Well…you know, sometimes people….I guess people see me differently than you do…some people think I'm different…I don't know how to say it." Seth struggled to find the words. Jacob took a hold of Seth's chin and turned the younger man's face back to look at him.

"Seth, listen to me. There's nothing different or wrong with you. Well, you are special of course but….you've always been special Seth. That's just who you are." Jacob assured Seth.

"You really think that?" Seth asked hopefully. Jacob pressed their foreheads together and closed his eyes. Jacob wanted to laugh to himself. Holding his Seth like this in the night…it all just felt too right, it felt too perfect. "Why can't this be real?" Jacob asked himself. He smiled, knowing he was wrong for feeling this way for Seth. But it was such a sweet sin that Jacob struggled to keep himself in check. Jacob knew he could never be gay…..he couldn't be a freak, but he knew he couldn't stop caring for his Seth, and it was times like this when it was just the two of them that it became more and more clear.

"Of course I do Seth, you know I do." Jacob asked with love in his eyes. "Now it's time for me to ask you a question." Jacob added slyly.

"Um….sure." Seth replied nervously.

"You're not scared of me are you?" Jacob asked seductively with a confident smirk.

"Wh…what…of course not Jacob…you're my best friend." Seth stuttered out, breaking into a sweat under Jacob's smoldering gaze. Jacob let out a deep chuckle, amused at how easily he could make Seth so nervous and unsure.

"Look Seth, I just…I ask cause I don't want you to be…afraid to come to me. You know you can always come to me for anything, right Seth?" Jacob said with a smile.

"I know that Jacob…I know." Seth said, resting his head on Jacob's hard chest. Jacob tightened his arms around Seth…his Seth. Looking down on the younger, shorter man, Jacob noticed Seth wearing the silver dream catcher necklace he gave him several nights ago upon his return to the rez.

"You look really good in that. I'm glad you're wearing it tonight." Jacob complemented Seth, touching the dream catcher necklace that hung from around Seth's neck, feeling the cool metal against his hot skin. Seth wrapped his hands around Jacob's as they both stood there holding the dream catcher.

"Thanks. I'm glad you gave it to me." Seth said shyly.

"So, you'll come back over tomorrow, won't you?" Jacob asked raising his eyebrows in pleading.

"Oh yeah…uh…sure." Seth agreed.

"I wish you could just stay the night." Jacob said with a childish pout.

"You'll have your hands full enough in the morning with a hung-over wolf pack in your house." Seth countered giggling.

"You forget our super healing makes it almost impossible to suffer from a hangover." Jacob reminded Seth.

"Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow." Seth said stepping back but Jacob caught Seth by his slender wrist and pulled the younger man back into his strong chest.

"Promise?" Jacob asked.

"Promise." Seth assured, blushing.

"Good night Seth." Jacob said in a quiet and yet powerful whisper.

"Bye." Seth replied. Both Jacob and Seth stood like that for some time, just in each other's arms before they noticed that it had started sprinkling rain from the sky, forcing them let go.

"It's raining." Seth stated the obvious.

"Yeahp." Jacob agreed looking up to the sky with a smile. "It's like…magic…I think you made this magic Seth." Jacob confessed. Seth looked down and blushed.

"Well…with a little help from you." Seth answered. "Will you be okay going back?" Seth asked.

"Of course. I'm just going to shift and run back." Jacob answered. Seth just nodded his head. The younger man walked up to his house, and turned back around when he opened the door to see Jacob still standing there, waving at him from the yard. Seth smiled and waved back before going into the house, his heart beat never slowing down for a minute.

---

Not too far away, someone else was being taken home. Embry and Collin sat quietly in Embry's truck as the older man drove through the light sprinkling rain that seemed to come out of nowhere. Since Collin had gotten sick, Embry felt really bad for the younger man so he took it upon himself to care for the young wolf while he recovered. As wolves, their bodies and immune systems were super fast healing machines therefore it was usually impossible for them to get sick however because of the heavy contents they put in Collin's drink, it caused his body not to become intoxicated but become feverish in trying to dispel of the harmful alcoholic liquids, not to mention the fact that Collin normally had a weak stomach in his human form.

Embry helped Collin clean up and recover, he even ran to the drug store to buy Collin a toothbrush to cleanse his mouth after all the vomiting. Afterward, Embry offered to drive him home, still feeling guilty for being a part of the prank. In actuality Embry didn't have anything to do with it, it was mainly Paul, Jared and Quil who started pouring things into Collin's cup before giving it to him but Embry saw and he didn't put a stop to it. This plagued Embry's conscious and he remembered what the others accused him of earlier tonight.

"Embry, since when have you been anything but passive." Embry heard Paul's voice in his head, remembering what was said to him. Embry tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he became frustrated with it all. Was he really such a follower? Embry knew he never spoke out or defended those who the pack liked to pick on even though he never directly did any of the cruel things they did. But didn't that make him just as guilty if not worse? Embry looked over at Collin who looked much better from his wolf healing ability. The younger man was leaning against the window with a sad expression on his face and the guilt punched Embry in the gut like an iron javelin.

They continued to ride in silence until Embry pulled up to Collin's house at the end of the lane.

"Um…thanks for bringing me home." Collin said quietly as he unbuckled his seat belt without looking up at Embry. Collin felt so happy that Embry was the one who came to take care of him, as he remembered the touch and feel of those large and soft hands on him, rubbing soothing circles on his back, pulling his hair back out of his face as he finished his vomiting fit, brining him a tooth brush and helping him wash up. Collin was nervous as it was one of the few times that he ever was this close to Embry alone. He felt nervous, and scared and excited all at once…but the thought that Embry might have been involved in the prank made him feel insecure, reminding him that Embry thought of him as nothing. He was nothing to the man he loved.

"No problem…And um….sorry about that whole….spiked drink thing. Paul and Quil can be assholes sometimes but I'm….really sorry." Embry apologized, looking over at Collin.

"It's fine. Thanks for taking care of me back there." Collin replied with a shy laugh, thinking back on his humiliation.

"Collin, it's no problem." Embry encouraged, smiling at the younger man. When Collin looked up to Embry he was taken with him all over again. That beautiful smile, that dark tanned russet skin, those kind eyes….and then Collin realized….Embry had just called him Collin. Not kid…not little pup…but by his real name and he began to giggle to himself. Embry seeing this smirked at him and cocked his head to the side in curiosity.

"What's so funny?" Embry asked with amusement, noticing how cute Collin looked as he laughed.

"Um…you…you remembered my name." Collin answered timidly.

"Oh…um…..Why wouldn't I?" Embry asked with confusion. Collin's smile faltered at the truth behind that question as he looked to the side.

"Um…no reason really it's just…well…..we….we don't ever really get to be around to each other…and…it always just seemed like you couldn't remember my name or you didn't really know who I was." Collin spoke, embarrassment overtaking him at voicing what he felt. Embry chuckled at the statement.

"Hey, you think it's easy to tell you all apart? All you little pups start to look the same after awhile, especially since wolves are popping out of the woodwork like rabbits." Embry said laughing a little. At these words, Collin felt his heart drop and the realization that he was of no consequence or importance to Embry or anyone came back to him.

"Guess so…anyway, see you around." Collin muttered quietly, desperate to escape. He bid farewell as he quickly got out of the car. Embry turned to stare after Collin's retreating form. He sat there for a minute before he cursed to himself realizing what he had just said to Collin, understanding now that it probably made Collin feel insignificant.

"Did I just….. hurt his feelings?" Embry wondered as he watched Collin walk up to his front porch. Embry got out of his truck and followed Collin up to his porch and grabbed the younger man by the arm, turning him back around.

"Collin, I didn't mean it like that, okay. That was mean of me to say." Embry confessed to Collin, who stood there with wide eyes and surprised at Embry's consoling words but he knew the older man was only feeling pity for him and nothing else. Collin sighed heavily as he looked away to blink away the onset of tears. "God…I love him so much." Collin thought to himself, but how could he ever have the right to say that when the older man never even would give him the time of day. That's why Collin envied Seth so much. At least Seth actually had Jacob as a friend. All Collin had with Embry were daydreams.

"Embry, um…it's okay. I mean…I know you would never notice me anyway. It's cool." Collin said as he turned away, his eyes watering. Embry's face scrunched up in confusion.

"Notice you? What does that mean?" Embry asked in a serious tone.

"Nothing." Collin responded quickly trying to cut the subject as he tried to use his house key to unlock the door and escape inside his house. "Collin, stop being stupid and shut up. Obviously he thinks you're nothing but a big joke".

"Well obviously it' something if you're being a baby about it." Embry countered harshly, frustrated with Collin's attempt to disregard the whole thing. Embry wanted to know…to push and see just why Collin was so affected by him.

"I am not a baby!" Collin said as he whipped around to face Embry, his eyes watery.

"Dude, calm the fuck down okay. I'm sorry, sheesh. You pups are so hormonal." Embry replied hotly, towering menacingly over Collin making the younger man step back cautiously.

"Well fine, then just leave me alone okay, sorry I bothered you!" Collin apologized before turning back to his front door to open it but before he could push the door open fully, Embry reached around him and grabbed the door knob to pull the door back closed; locking it so Collin had no choice but to stay and talk.

"Look, why are you crying? Cause I didn't know your name, because I don't notice you?" Embry asked unbelievingly, unsure of why Collin was so upset.

"Look, thanks for dropping me off okay, but can we just leave it alone." Collin said as he turned away from Embry to try to unlock his front door again while trying to stifle the quiet tears that were making their way down his cheeks. Growing frustrated, Embry grabbed Colin by his arm and whipped him around, making the younger man's back hit the door.

"Look, what the hell is with you? I did you a favor tonight, didn't I?" Embry scoffed, trying to figure out what in the world Collin was getting so emotional over. But deep inside, Embry was afraid he already knew…..it was becoming more and more obvious. Collin however looked down to hide his tears which had begun to fall gently down his face.

"Damn it Collin, look up and answer me!" Embry shouted at him, placing both of his hands up against the door on either side of Collin's face preventing escape, however when Collin finally looked up, he saw Embry saw the younger man's tear stricken face…he faltered and an overwhelming guilt filled his chest as his face softened.

"You...um…you…never notice me. No matter how many times I say hi to you, or volunteer to run patrols with you…all I wanted was just a chance to be your friend…..I just thought, you were a really cool guy, and I looked up to you a lot….I…I like you a lot…..but I'm just another little pup…just a face in the crowd to you, so why would you ever notice me anyway." Collin explained, lowering his head again for fear of Embry's reaction.

Embry stood back a little at the revelation. He looked at Collin and he wanted to cry. If Embry was honest with himself, he knew the younger man was extremely attractive. He wanted nothing more right now than to comfort him...and touch him, because seeing Collin's youthful beauty ailed with sadness and pain was a hurtful sight. Embry's guilt was overtaking him. All the times that he knew he didn't pay attention to Collin…and to know that Collin was pining for his attention this whole time. Embry just didn't know what to say. But then Embry thought more about what Collin might have really meant by what he just confessed…..

"Collin….do you…do you like me?" Embry questioned nervously.

"Um…" Collin stuttered. "Well...uh…you see…..Embry…I didn't it mean it like that I….." Collin tried to cover up what he said but Embry just rolled his eyes and looked at Collin with a serious expression.

"Don't fucking lie to me. Just come out with it…are you gay or something?" Embry asked, already knowing the answer. A part of him always knew...and that's why he always steered clear of the boy.

"….I know you don't look at me that way, just...please don't think I'm disgusting or anything I…." Collin cried.

"So...you like me?" Embry questioned.

"Yes." Collin whispered. The younger man looked up to Embry to see frustration on his face as the older man ran a hand tiredly through his short cut hair.

"Fucking shit." Embry whispered to himself.

"Embry…look...I" Collin began but Embry cut him short quickly.

"Look I'm not gay, okay." Embry said coldly, stepping back. Collin stood there, a pang in his heart at Embry's words and behavior and he felt his eyes stinging with those damn tears again that he hated so much.

"I…I didn't….I didn't say you were I…..I'm not stupid you know. I get it okay. You're straight. I know that and that's why I never really had any hopes that we could ever be friends….. I won't bother you anymore okay. I don't even know why I told you what I think of you…I…" Collin said through his tears and Embry looked down in shame. How could he be so insensitive to Collin? Embry didn't want to have anything to with this….this homosexuality, but he couldn't…he couldn't help be reminded of his own truth….

"What do you really think of me Collin? I mean...you said you liked me." Embry asked uncertainly as he looked back to Collin. Collin looked down and sighed heavily.

"I…. care about you a lot Embry….um…..more than just a lot. I…I love you….." Collin admitted. Collin stood there, anxiety overtaking him as he watched Embry pace back and forth. Embry walked back and forth, running his hand through his hair before shooting a glare at Collin. He knew he shouldn't be, but Embry couldn't help but be frustrated and angry at Collin for this.

"Shit, how come you never said anything before?" Embry spat out before. The older man didn't want to hear this…he didn't need to hear this. All these years…all this time...he tried to ignore what he felt…what he thought of Collin...he tried pushing him away. He tried ignoring him...but in his heart Embry knew what he thought of the younger man. To Embry, Colin was beautiful beyond compare, his small lithe body and delicate features aroused Embry in more ways than he could ever imagine. Even the older man's ex-girlfriend never brought him the satisfaction that he got just from thinking of taking the younger boy. But when he saw Collin from a distance, hanging out with Seth or laughing or talking with others…he grew envious cause he wanted the boy for himself. He wanted to claim him as his own, to win his heart…but Embry didn't want this. He didn't want to be gay. He didn't want to have something else that the pack could tease him for. As much as he was loved and respected by his fellow pack mates, and especially the tribe...he was still sometimes looked at as the bastard of the pack and growing up with that stigma was the worst memory Embry had as a child. Never knowing his father….Embry didn't want to add another load of baggage to make him even more of an outcast…

"How could I tell you? You ignore me anyways, besides how could I approach you when you're always with Jacob or Quil or Paul or Jared. All you guys do is walk around here like you own the damn world and everyone worships you guys. If I would have tried to talk to you, you guys would have just teased me for it." Collin cried out.

"How the fuck do you even know that?" Embry spat out angrily. He didn't mean to snap but he was so frustrated.

"Well the way you guys act, it's obvious you guys know you're god's gift to the rez or something. Just…can we just forget this? I'm sorry I even said anything okay. I…. I've been trying to just get to know you but you guys would just laugh at me." Collin explained, turning away from Embry

"Collin, will you just look at me?" Embry said seriously, trying to reign in his frustration. But then it happened…..in that single moment. As Collin looked to Embry with his wide innocent eyes…his full brown curly locks that fell just past his ears…his delicate pink lips, his light golden skin that shone like amber diamonds….his rosy cheeks and his small petite form that begged to be dominated….everything about Collin that called to Embry and aroused and awakened him shone ten times more…or was it that Embry became even more aware of it than he already had been? Embry couldn't decide but he felt gravity move from beneath his feet...he felt his world shifting…and all of a sudden there was nothing else. Everything in the world seemed black and dark, and cold and meaningless….filled with nothingness but then there was just Collin shining like the sun, forever beautiful and young and innocent and golden and filled with joy and love and….

Embry stepped back, his eyes filled with horror and he saw Collin look at him with fear as well. He knew Collin didn't know what just happened but Embry did and he couldn't believe it. This can't be happening! Embry thought to himself. It was impossible. Embry knew this was impossible…but he knew what indeed just happened. He imprinted…on Collin. Another wolf…a male wolf on top of that. Embry was panicking. He couldn't understand. This went against everything they were taught, the theories of imprinting and the reason behind it….this didn't make sense…and what was worse…Embry felt that this was not wrong at all. He always wanted Collin for himself…he always cared for the boy...and it seemed like the imprint just opened the flood gates for him to see that all this time he did love Collin, just as Collin had loved him.

"Embry? What's wrong?" Collin asked nervously, breaking Embry out of his thoughts. Embry was just backing away from him after he told him how he felt and Collin began to fear the worse. He knew he shouldn't have said anything but how could he not…he had kept it a secret for so long….he didn't know it could end like this…so disastrously...he knew he shouldn't have said anything. And now he was afraid that he had lost the possibility of even becoming Embry's friend….but it was not as if he had that possibility from the start anyway.

Embry stood back from him, a look of horror and confusion and frustration displayed on his features and resonating from his eyes. He couldn't do this...he couldn't walk away from this...Collin was his everything…not just now because of the imprint…but because now he could see that he had always been….but he couldn't do this…he didn't want to be an outcast even more so…he didn't want to be ridiculed…and he didn't want Collin to suffer that either…he had to walk away now…he had to hurt Collin before he changed his mind and stayed.

"Look, I….I don't want any part of this okay. Just….just stay away from me. Just leave me alone." Embry said coldly as he turned from Collin and walked down the steps of the porch and to his car. Collin stood there as he felt his heart sinking. He watched as Embry ran into his truck and took off into the rain that had picked up into a heavy down pour. Collin fell back against the front door of the house and slid down it, feeling his world crumble. What just happened here? Why did this have to end so horribly? Collin stayed like that for awhile, his head in his hands as he cried wishing that he could take back everything he said before he lost the hope he had held on to for all these years.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE - Hope you enjoyed, thank you so much for reading ^_^