A/N: Sorry for the long wait! This is a long chapter to, hopefully, make up for it!

"Ok, Amelia, we have to leave. Pack stuff." I didn't even get chance to respond as I was scooped up in Embry's arms and not fifty seconds later we were at Emily's.

"I didn't even say goodbye to Ed, my new friend." I shoved against his chest, desperate for him to put me down before I got too comfortable. He doesn't want you, my inner voice chided.

Embry put me down. As soon as my feet touched the ground I ran inside the house. I have no idea where this energy came from. Ah, being around Embry. The bond and all can cause pain when we're not together and retracts it when we are.

In my distraction I crashed into a tiny pale face, sending her flying across the ground. Jacob quickly rushed to her side asking if she was alright. He whipped around and glared at me.

I went over to the pair and Jacob growled at me lowly. Embry appeared next to me with a snarl directed at Jake.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you there." I placed my hand on Jake's arm and my eyes told him of my sincerity. I then offered a hand out to the girl to help her to her feet.

She glared at my hands, lingering on the one that lay on Jacob's arm then turned the glare to my face. I could understand if she was mad, I did send her flying across the room.

Suddenly, the girl clutched her face and a single tear fell from her eye. She softened her gaze, turning to look in Jake's eyes. He immediately yanked his arm away from me and gathered the girl before inspecting her face. It was mostly unmarked, only a tiny red mark was on her cheek where she hit her face on the wood flooring.

My eyes fell onto a few of the pack members. Quil was smirking at me and sent me discreet thumbs up. Paul gave me an odd smile, almost in thanks.

I backed away from Jacob and his angry demeanour towards the other wolves. Embry remained stood where I left him, so I took the opportunity to pull Quil aside.

"Who's that girl?" I whispered lowly, trying to make sure that the only wolf who heard me was Quil.

"Bella Swan." Quil muttered darkly. "Jake's got a massive crush on her and thinks he's in love with her, but she just uses him. She is dating the leech Edward Cullen yet she still wants Jacob to fawn over her. Even Emily hates the girl."

"Emily hates her? That is the first I've heard of Emily hating someone. And I saw Seth sort of looking angry at her; I don't think I've seen him angry before. I don't even understand how such a cheerful boy could be angry enough to phase." I admitted with a glance to Seth's unusually unhappy face.

Quil simply nodded before hastily leaving the house along with Seth.

Jacob and Bella were muttering to one another. Jake's eyes were filled with adoration, but Bella's own eyes held no emotion. She was on the edge of boredom.

Bella, with Jacob's arm between hers and her body, bounded over to me.

"I believe you owe me an apology." Bella stated loudly.

"I've already said that I was sorry." I didn't understand her hostility. I felt the presence of a wolf not far behind me due to the heat radiating from him, but it was Paul not Embry. Embry must have left with Quil and Seth.

At this moment Emily came into the living where we all stood, and sat on her couch with her body tilted towards Paul and me.

"I do not think that could surpass as a real apology." Bella raised her eyebrow at me, her eyes raking over my body.

"What else would you like me to do? Bow at your feet?" I snorted, real ladylike, as the others watched on.

"No, I just want an apology." She cowered into Jacob slightly and her cheeks flushed.

He actually fell for it.

"No, you want to cause a scene. I suggest you watch your tongue before regarding me with your disrespect." My voice was clear and low. The authority in it even made Emily shiver.

"I never meant to. Why are you being horrible to me?" Bella sniffled which caused Jake to stare at me with hard eyes then wrap his arm around Bella's shoulder.

"Of course you didn't." I muttered sarcastically. I barged past them and into the kitchen, raiding Emily's fridge.

I threw a chunk of cheese behind me, knowing that whatever wolf had followed me would catch it.

"I'm not a fan of Algae Cheese. Nor am I a fan of Bella." Leah's said. She placed the cheese back in the fridge then smiled at me.

"Hey Leah. So, how many of the pack hate her?"

"All but one. Jake 'loves' her." Leah even did the air quotes with her fingers.

"I mean, I already said sorry for knocking her down. It was an accident and I said sorry straight after it happened. I didn't laugh like I usually would've done." I shrugged and pulled out two slices of chicken meat, handing one to Leah before devouring the other myself.

"I guess that pushing her down didn't knock any sense into her, that's a shame." Leah ate the chicken in one then smirked. "Maybe I should try it."

"Leah, don't get me wrong, you're a bitch but I like you so I don't want you to die. Edward would kill you and then Jake would," I laughed. "But that really isn't a bad idea, despite you being a wolf that could snap her neck simply by poking it."

"Thanks for your concern Amelia; I can handle myself just fine though," I knew Leah was joking around from the glint in her eyes and small smile on her lips.

"I believe that you and I need to catch up soon, I have some stuff I need to talk to you about. Away from this lot." I gestured to Paul as he walked past us to the cupboards.

"Aw, I really wanted to be in on this girly gossip. Am I not pretty enough to be in this club?" He came back towards us with his hands on either side of his face.

"Oh, Paul, you're beautiful, but you just aren't sassy enough. You're not even fabulous." I playfully pouted at him and reached up, patting his head. "Anyway, so Bella is leading Jake on. Isn't she happy with Ed?"

"Well, the entire clan left Forks and Bella turned to Jacob who was overjoyed for her company. The Cullen's scent came back and as soon as she realised they were back she left Jake in the dust and went back to Edward. Bearing in mind she turned into a zombie immediately after his departure." Paul filled me in.

"I'm guessing this was before Embry told me about you guys because I don't remember being involved in this." They both nodded, slightly sad. "Oh, you know how I was bleeding and went to the Cullen house to be fixed? Well, I was high off the meds and spoke to Edward too; once you get past the whole vampire thing he's ok."

"You were drugged? Near vampires?" Leah asked.

"Embry was there." I rolled my eyes at their expressions. "Anyway, Leah, are you free tomorrow night? We can order takeout and talk."

"I still don't get why I'm not invited." Paul crossed his arms over his chest. Whether that was to look menacing or not, it didn't work.

"You want to talk about girly stuff with us?" I carefully watched as his expression faltered a little.

"I'll do your patrol, Leah." Paul murmured and then disappeared.

"Well, that's that sorted then. Why am I here? Embry said something about wanting everyone here while the pack did something."

"It's just you and Emily for now. Kim is visiting her aunt at the Neha Res and Claire is with her parents on the Makah Res." Leah rolled her eyes. "I don't know what's going on but it'll be vampire related, I know that much. Stay here until we get back. Do not leave until one of the wolves comes back."

With that Leah disappeared just as fast as the other boys did.

"Hey, Amelia, come on in here and we'll watch a movie." Emily called to me softly.

I walked back into the living room and sat with her. "Is it always this bad?"

Emily knew what I was talking about and nodded her head sadly. "Always. I don't show it to Sam though; I wouldn't want him to be distracted if he knew I was upset. They need to keep their heads when fighting so I don't cry in front of him before he leaves."

"I can only imagine how much worse it is for you, seeing as you're engaged to your wolf."

"It is probably equal to your own pain, just that we don't know how much the other can handle."

I decided to change the subject then. "Quil said you hated Bella. I didn't think you had it in you to hate anyone."

"Amelia, I know that you've heard what she did to Jacob." I nodded. "I see the boys as my family, my sons, because they are all I have left. I hate her because she is stringing Jake along and he'll end up heartbroken when she's finished with him. Nothing that she does is for anyone but herself. We all see it, Jake, however, does not. He believes her to be perfect, selfless which is not true."

"I don't like her either, Em. Did you hear what she was saying to me earlier? I mean, yes I did knock her over but I immediately apologised. She acted like she owned me and this place." I muttered.

"We won't be rid of her until Jacob comes to his senses." Emily sighed then handed me the remote.

I realised then that I hadn't spoken to Adam in what seemed like a while. I let Embry absorb my mind which made me forget all about my boyfriend. I was the worst person ever. Adam should be treated with more respect and I shouldn't have allowed myself to become attached to Embry again.

I felt my pockets but didn't find my phone. I had left it at home before being attacked by the vampire. Wow, I can endure a lot it seems. First, I was on the point of death from being clawed by my soul- my wolf friend, then, secondly I was attacked by a vampire that reopened my wounds and fractured my hand. All of this and I still forgot my cell phone.

Emily, despite how strong she was being, had passed out from her emotional fatigue. The film had drifted off with her and I sat in silence until I finally decided I'd had enough.

Carefully, I shifted Emily's body so she was laid flat on her side against the couch. Once she was comfortable I stumbled about the house, cleaning things that were already clean and straightening things that were already perfectly lined.

A full twenty minutes of this happened over and over. The only reason I stopped was because of the howls that sounded from beside the house. Literally right next to the building!

A peek out of one of the windows revealed the wolves had turned back to their human forms. Disgruntled and angered looks adored their faces and postures.

I was about to call out to Emily but she had already awoken, her body aware of their wolf being nearby. We both stood in the kitchen, glancing at one another with slightly worried expressions until the pack came inside. Our faces morphed into different smiles.

"What is it?" I asked immediately. I would not stand for the wolves to tiptoe around telling me what had got them looking like they were.

"Amelia-" Jared slowly began, glancing at Sam whom was encasing Emily in his arms. My heart yearned for that.

"If that is not followed by an explanation of what is the matter then I would save your breath while ahead." I sent him an apologetic smile. I wasn't going to be kept in the dark about this, especially since none of the packs' lips had pulled into their usual smiles or smirks. I also took note that Jacob and Leah had not returned.

"The vampire situation is becoming unhealthy. The Cullen's do pose a threat to the people, that Hale one is a definite hazard." Sam phrased carefully.

"As long as you don't instigate anything with the Cullen's I can nearly agree with you. Jasper is gaining control of his thirst just as the others have. Don't begin a war that will get civilians slaughtered." I knew of all their tactical movements. The way they fought, hunted and scented.

No one said anything for a while. Then the silence was broken by the grumble of Quil's stomach. Everything returned back to normal, well, as normal as we could possibly get. Embry hadn't looked at me once, he didn't come anywhere near me so he didn't even touch me like he had been doing for the time we spent together.

"What game then?" Quil asked Seth as they sat on the floor of the living with a pile of games before them.

"Where are Leah and Jake? Are they on patrol together?" I asked Paul.

When you really took the chance to know Paul, get past the temper and bad mouth that is, he was honestly good at heart. Paul's past made it difficult for him to let people in, in fear that they may abandon him when he becomes emotionally attached. Paul was more like an older brother than Quil was. I think this is because I'm the second imprint to actually attempt to get to know him and forced him out from beneath the façade.

"Yup, Jake is mopping and Leah volunteered, sadly for her, as she didn't know the extent of Jake's sadness." Paul wrapped his arm around my shoulders and squashed me against him.

"At least she has tomorrow off. Thank you for doing that, she really needs girl time seeing as she's always with you guys."

"While I don't like bitchy Leah, I've seen who she was before Sam imprinted, they both slip up when thinking. I want Leah to be what she was like before this whole wolf thing, because then we won't have too much hassle with putting up with her."

"Oh, you know you just want her to be happy really." I teased him and pinched one of his cheeks. "You're such a sweetie, aren't you PawPaw?"

"PawPaw?" Paul shivered as the name came off his tongue.

"Yes, that's you. A mix of your wolf side and your name. PawPaw." I nodded like it made complete sense to a sane person.

"We're missing a wolf." Jared announced now that he had gotten off the phone with Kim.

"Jake and Leah are on patrol. Everyone else came here, didn't they?" Seth piped up as he mashed buttons on his controller.

"Wait, where'd Emb-" Paul eyebrows had knitted together then came apart again. He shifted himself, removed his arm from around my body, and scooted closer to the corner of the sofa but still pulled me with him.

I heard the front door open, then the sound of chatter and footsteps. Before the door even shut I knew the male voice. How would I be able to ever forget that voice? Embry's marvellously silky voice that laughed out another woman's name. Carla.

Seth seemed to have magically shifted as he was sat on my other side whilst still playing the game. The boys had already heard them, long before I had. They were forming a protective barrier around me.

I wanted to grasp Seth's arm and see his eyes, but I wouldn't act unnatural and disturbing him would come under that category. I noted though that they were playing Call of Duty, it wasn't clear which as I hadn't played them all myself.

They, Embry and Carla, went into the kitchen to Emily and Sam. I could hear them talking, I guess Embry's brought her here before.

"Have you guys met her before?" I whispered.

Seth nodded but Paul and Quil did not. They were probably on patrols or something.

I can't believe that he would bring her here though. I was juvenile enough to believe only I was brought here by Embry. It was a big thing to the wolves though; their alpha meeting their own mates… crushes. Oh, and me, the imprint.

Then, I groaned quietly as I heard lots of footsteps coming to the living room.

"Does she know about you guys?" I asked Paul. He shook his head again.

"Carla, this is Quil Ateara and Paul Lahote." Embry brought Carla to stand right beside the T.V, purposely putting her in my line of sight. Well, I thought it was on purpose.

Carla had long red hair which came down to her shoulders and contrasted with her dark skin. A long nose that was sat with her brown narrow eyes. Her lips were full and perfectly light. She was pretty, I had to admit that.

"And this is Amelia Rivercrest. Everyone, this is Carla Grog." Embry seemed unsure of how he presented me.

My gaze flickered from Embry, I hadn't even realised I was looking at him, to Carla. She glanced over me, staring at my small frame beside the muscled wolves, then her eyes seemed bored as she looked in my eyes. A forced smile came across her lips.

I gave my own sickly sweet smile.

"It is nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you." I said this in my enthusiastic tone, despite her having Embry's heart, I would at least get to know her.

"I haven't heard of you." She replied in a sharp yet remaining 'sweet' voice.

"Oh well, what can I say to that?" I muttered. "How is it that your hair is so… bright?"

"I dyed it yesterday actually. The colour stands out from the boring."

"It looks good." Embry took a section of her hair in his hand and twirled it.

"It would be great if you came to the upcoming bonfire, if Embry hasn't already invited you, that is. You'll have the chance to meet everyone there." I realised then that I was using my hands while talking, something I did only occasionally, usually due to annoyance.

Don't get worked up about it.

I felt like crying, my heartbeat was like a punch to the stomach. I hated this.

"That would be wonderful. Embry, shall we go together?" Carla turned her back to us, placing both her hands on Embry's upper arms. His own arms went to her sides as he hugged her and muttered a yes.

Sharp pains shot through my torso, daggering my heart and stomach. I felt a heat crawling up my body to my face, like I was about to explode.

"Oh crap!" I whisper-yelled. "Emily, I'm so sorry, but could I use your phone? Adam will literally be breaking into my house if he's been unable to reach me."

"Of course, Amelia. It's in the kitchen." She gave me a forced smile, her eyes flying from the couple to me.

I hurried to her phone, stretching my wounds, suppressing the gasp into a cough which made it hurt more.

The phone only rang twice before it was picked up. Adam worried too much. I rolled my eyes at his hurried hello.

"Hi, I'm at a friend's house for today. I probably won't be home until late tonight." In truth, I didn't know what I really was going to do.

"I thought that you were supposed to spend time with your boyfriend?" Adam chuckled.

"I… I just, Adam, this space might be useful. I know that you haven't done your training for racing. Go and do that if your mom says you can." I quietly laughed.

Like I've said before, I'm good at acting. Or lying, whichever you wish to call it. Fooling people has always been a skill of mine.

"Alright. You are right, again. Call me when you get home or if you need me. I'll keep my phone in my pocket. Cya, Melo. Love you."

"Bye Bambi. Right back at ya." I sighed, rolling my eyes yet again at him.

Once the phone was safely back on its stand I returned to Emily's homely living room. I loved how she and Sam had decorated the entire house. It seeped with warmth and love.

My eyes fell upon Embry and Carla. That square, where they stood, was bleak and gray.

"What have I missed then?" I was about to jump over the back of the couch, like I usually did but the burning into my head and stomach stopped me from doing so.

Oh, yes, I keep forgetting the bandages and stitches and stuff.

"Carla was just telling us about herself." Seth smiled politely, his eyes however betrayed him. Maybe I only knew that because of how well I know the boy.

I suppressed the urge to say 'Not a lot then.'

"Oh, details, do continue." I couldn't figure out this girls plan.

The way she glanced over me and had that inferior smile, just something wasn't right. Yes, she's holding your wolf in her arms. Something you'll never do. A voice in my head spoke.

That was probably it. Jealously was the reason.

I tried to keep the interested and not at all moody look on my face, I think it worked too because I didn't receive any filthy looks. Well, from Embry at least.

"That's cool." I gave a small smile in that general direction.

Amelia, just stop. A voice warned.

I was still stood up, behind the couch my hands resting near Seth and Paul almost for moral support.

"I heard that you guys got closer because of your near death experience. I hope you're well now." My voice was in a monotone.

Carla nodded, keeping silent, still clutching Embry. The boys filled what would've been an uncomfortable silence with I don't know what, I wasn't listening.

I don't even know what everyone was doing, my vision was blurry. I prayed that I wasn't crying. A burn was building in my abdomen, creeping up through my body slowly. As it reached my throat, my stomach seemed to explode in pain. My blood seemed to be boiling, my skin getting hotter. My ribs seemed to vibrate, push against the bandages as something dripped from my fingertips.

I found myself in the kitchen, searching through the cupboards until my searching stopped. A box of painkillers was laid open before me and several of the pills clutched in my hand.

"No, no. Amelia, you can only take two." Emily pried my hand open, taking away most of the painkillers leaving only two.

I couldn't form a response. I was stuck on auto-pilot.

As suddenly as it all happened, it ended. "Thanks Emily. I… my hands and stomach just feel weird. Aching sorta."

I took the pills in the same breath, not wanting to prolong the horrible feeling in my stomach.

Emily said nothing in response. Her eyes were flickering from my face, to my body and to the doorway. This woman may be more perceptive than anyone will ever know. This is completely terrifying as she'll know everything about everyone. Actually, that might just be a perk of being the technical alpha female.

Just as I was about to grab her hand and go back to… them, she yanked me into a tight, yet gentle, hug. She was being careful of my wounds.

"Hey, Em, I've just realised something."

"What's that, Amelia?"

"We're going to be matching now. I've stole your thunder." I chuckled and leant away to see her face.

She let out a small giggle then her face became very serious. I didn't want a serious talk about the injuries, hell; I just wanted to pretend it was a Halloween dress up idea.

Before she could even say a word on the matter I carefully moved away, with a small smile, and shuffled back into the living room.

"Sorry, I'm not feeling too well." I apologised to the entire room.

I chose to sit, to ease the pain. Once again, I slid between Seth and Paul whom were in deep conversation with Sam and Embry, nearly speaking in an obvious code.

Carla couldn't look any more bored. I probably couldn't be feeling any worse, how long do painkillers take to work?

My hands cautiously rubbed over my stomach, careful to not press too hard on the bandages. My eyes flicked up on their own and fell onto Embry's own beautiful pair. I guess imprint instinct and all.

Embry didn't look away despite Carla still clinging to his perfect self. I wondered why he was staring so intently, and why he hadn't yet turned away as he usually would do when Carla was present. I broke it this time.

Why do you do this? An inner voice yelled at me. Stop fantasying and get on with your life.

I suppressed the urge to nod in agreement. Don't need another reason to be called crazy, only this time by real people and not just myself.

"So, Sam, I heard that you're the ring leader. Is that true?" Carla piped up.

That was a strange question. I was sure it was clear that the boys listened to Sam- oh, I knew them as the pack though, but she did not.

"I'm more like the one that keeps them from getting into trouble. There's a lot of them so they'll eventually do something." Sam brushed it off with a chuckle. The boys and Emily joined his laughter.

It was mostly true, the boys are rather mischievous.

"I know this one is a handful." She giggled and patted Embry's arm.

I scoffed a little too loudly. All attention turned to me. Most expressions were of confusion; Paul's face held a cheeky grin and Carla looked to be setting me alight with her eyes.

"Embry can get a little crazy, but I don't believe he's 'a handful' however that may be because I've known him for a long time." I explained. "Unfortunately." I barely moved my lips as the word slipped from my tongue.

An awkward moment of silence lay upon us. I think the wolves heard that last bit. Shoot.

I shrank back impossibly further into the couch cushions. I leaned to the side, resting my uninjured half of my body on Seth. The warmth was comforting but wasn't perfectly right, but I'll take what I can get.

If I hid, I could save myself from more embarrassment and my raising anger. Recently it seemed I was caring less and less, as before I would hold my tongue and consider how my words would affect those around me. That only meant I didn't truly express exactly what I thought and how I felt. Now though, oh man, I was ripping into things at a painful rate.

I don't think the yelling and swearing I did just before my accident had completely sunken in.

Woah, I must have really zoned out. Only I and Sam were in the living room, I could hear the others in the kitchen and from the backyard.

Shaking my head and squinting my eyes, Sam opened his mouth. I had an inkling of thought on what he wanted to speak about. I remained silent.

"I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from swearing." Sam's tone was that of a father. I was not expecting that. "And I'm not going to be able to support you in your decision on your situation with Embry." He was frowning now.

"Ok." I didn't need anyone's support. I needed to leave the supernatural magic stuff in the past, but that will never happen.

Sam was clearly confused, maybe from my blunt answer or expressionless face.

"Thank you though, for putting up with me yelling at you. I'm sorry; it isn't my place to do so. However, I cannot promise it won't happen again."

He simply laughed with a shake of his head. He also offered for me to join the others with him, but I declined and pulled the thick blanket over my body, trying to hide it.

I wondered, for the first I realised, how bad the wounds were. I had flat out refused to acknowledge or even ask how deep they were. I supposed that it wasn't that much as my blood wasn't to be found in Emily's kitchen. However, I remember their panic when I was on the kitchen floor; it must have been awful to see.

How large or noticeable would the scarring be? It would be across my stomach and torso, which I could easily cover given the weather in La Push. My neck and arm would be slightly more difficult to cope with as they'd attract stares. Word spread easily in such a small town, I could bet my house that everyone knew already about the cat attack. Obviously, it was not a mountain lion that hurt me, or even a hunter that saved my life. Embry was the one that nearly took my life, he and his wolf had almost succeeded in killing me. I was technically saved by the rest of the pack. Not a soul outside the pack knew this, only now had I really addressed it. My imprinter had brought me to an inch within deaths reach.

A long sigh came from me; my body slumped to the left in defeat and impossible exhaustion. I knew that I wouldn't sleep.

I don't remember how the rest of the evening went, I don't remember how I got home and into my bed. My sudden realisation of permanent disfiguration seemed to fill every second of my thoughts.

I only know that I did not sleep.