A/N: This chapter isn't good. I don't like it at all. My apologies in advance. Thank you for the reviews, and do R/R :D


VII.

Oh my holy God, don't you do that to me, Leah. Stop fucking straddling me, because if you but move your hips--Oh, oh. That feels soo goood. Shit, If you don't stop I swear something bad will happen--

Busy much, Embry?

JESUS! I skidded to a halt and withdrew the tongue that had dangled involuntarily out of my snout. You have got to be kidding me! There wasn't supposed to be anyone else on patrol tonight! Why in the name of the Lord was Jacob Black even awake? Sam gave his damn word! I hate Saaam. Is it too late to say you were just imagining me imagining those kinda Quil stuff?

Wow Em. You seriously eat your tongue when you lie. You don't even make sense, dude.

Maybe you were just over-imagining things, Jake.

You think I was imagining you imagining making out with Leah? Sure sure. Jake was chuckling, still trying to enjoy the rest of my fading imagination. Thank God I was a wolf, because if I was human, I was probably going to be beetroot red from head to toe.

Oh carry on, Jake mocked. Just pretend I'm not here.

Like I can when you're on my head snickering away. What are you doing out anyway?

I just wanted to check on Bella. There was still that hint of amusement in his voice that sent me beyond mortification. I wanted to phase back to my human form and avoid him for the rest of my life; there was something about being caught off-guard having that sultry thought that was overly demoralizing.

Oh come on! Since when were you the president of the drama club? Besides, like I don't know the sick positions you imagine. We even used to take the twins' Barbie and Ken dolls and twist them 'round each other!

That revived my confidence. I did remember, and there were lots of those times. But hey, my positions are creative.

No use without a girl, Jake reminded me. He gave a sigh of commiseration which, when loosely translated meant we're no-laid losers.

I agreed. We should start a club. Jared's definitely in.

How's it going with Leah anyway?

Her name sent my ears perking up and my legs trembling. The thoughts began again, and I had a funny feeling that Jake was horrified seeing Leah beneath him. Jacob grumbled; he hated the feeling of lusting after someone other than the vampire girl--Fine, Jake. Bella Swan it is. Oh and you had good control today. Bella held herself hostage at the Blacks' frontdoor a few hours ago in a desperate bid to beckon Jacob back to her arms. As if that'll work. Sam was an automated alpha injuction machine. It didn't end well of course, and Bella's temper sky rocketed.

I'll take over after I round this up with Bella, Jake thought. You better check on Leah and then get some sleep before school.

You coming today?

Nope, Sam said I can't yet. I can handle it from here.

Thanks Jake, And do you mind passing by Quil's too? I miss him.

His remaining laughter drained. I know. I'll be on my way...but only if there isn't any senior in his room.

Quil had this huge thing on older, out of his league girls. Fortunately, although he used to set his eyes on Leah, he never had the chance to pursue her like he did the others; Sam had that taken care of. And now, I didn't think he would even dare go near Leah. I was pretty sure she would claw his eyes out. And if she wouldn't, I would.

Just give me a live commentary, I cheeked.

Eewww.

I laughed uproariously with Jacob, relishing in the friendship that I missed most after Sam decided it was best to ignore them. I couldn't wait until Quil phased. Frankly, I couldn't wait to delve into Quil's mind. That should be interesting. Besides, I had a bet with Paul that Quil would be rather pleased about being a werewolf. It was always down to the muscle compartment for him, and what else would naturally enhance his biceps except werewolf-ism?

My monologue was cut off when I suddenly noticed that Jake was now prawling outside Bella's window, thoughts betraying his intent on something more than just checking. Jake what are you doing? Sam said no!

You'll find out soon enough. Gotta go do this.

Jake...

I have a plan in mind, okay? Trust me.

I weighed the options and decided it was Jacob's neck anyway. 'kay. Good luck then. But if it goes wrong...I'm here okay?

I know, thanks bro.

When Jake finally phased, I followed suit. As was routine, I clambered into my window, threw myself on the bed and fell asleep even before my head hit the pillow. According to the throbbing muscles that seemed to dominate my body, I had a restless sleep before my eyes realised it was looking at the digital numbers of 4:32. Without my werewolf healing, I would probably still be in process of recovery. At least I was almost back to normal now--and working with Leah at the pits was sure stronger than any medical cure.

I groaned and shifted to a more comfortable position, listening to the bed springs complain, before my ears danced to the sound of of splashing water and passionate cussing.

"Aww, shit!"

Oh that sweet, angelic voice. What?

I sprang from where I lay across the bed and dashed to fling my window open. The rain attacked my face almost as immediately, blinding me for some time. But it didn't matter; because my sense of smell worked to my favour, and although weakened, it relished in the fact that it just came across the scent it most yearned for. That lemony, exotic scent that could only be...

"Leah?"

"Sssh, Embry. Why do you have a fucking quicksand pit under your window?"

I peered my head out to see her half-buried in the ground. Her black, glinting hair wet against her face looked like she had just sprinted through the forest. She even had this out of place leaf in her hair, accentuating her Goddess-like beauty and taking my breath away with it. My heart was too busy skipping with joy at her presence to notice anything other than her striking perfection. On the other hand, all my vacuus head could think about was Leah. In my room. At night. With me. Goooood.

"Leah."

"Any day now, Embry."

I inhaled her scent, letting it overwhelm me. I extended my hand towards her to lift her up, but she smacked them away, almost as though she disliked the idea of someone physically touching her. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I let her go grudgingly. "Sorry."

Leah's jaw dropped. Mine soon followed. Then she repeated her question, looking annoyed but still so heavenly. "What are you doing?"

Something in me snapped, which consequently ruined my mood. Maybe it was because you really should not disturb a man in his sleep. Well, a werewolf in his direly needed four hour sleep. It did not take a lot of time to remember it was Leah. My Leah. Screw sleep, anything for Leah. I wasn't annoyed at her of course; I was terribly irritated at myself. I couldn't pin point exactly what it was she wanted, or what she wanted me to do. It was frustrating.

"I pull you out of the ground and you push me away. I do nothing and you still bark at me. Will you tell me what you want me to do Leah?"

"What, are you hormonal? If you're confused, how do you think I feel seeing you call me and then get angry when I show up?"

Obviously, there was something extremely absurd going on, but my mind was focused solely on the fact that Leah was shivering from cold and was wet and was half-buried in God knows what, while I was safe and warm inside my room. It felt so aside, I pushed everything away and drew my arms out to reach her.

"I was calling you?" I asked, bewildered. Leah stubbornly refused to take my waiting hand. I inched it closer so she would hopefully realise it was in her best interest to take it. And to touch me.

"You were moaning my name, you asshole," she growled, her nose flaring. Her hands balled into fists and was raised as though she intended to hit me. Cute! "I came to stuff your freakin' mouth. Shit, if you were dreaming of me like that Embry, I will set you on fire."

I was speechless, with my tongue lolling in and around my mouth like a jell-o, partly because of the astounding perfection that always threatened to render me insane. The other part was due to the fact that I was guilty as charged. What the hell am I supposed to do now? Admit it?

In a disgraceful bid to revive my shrivelling pride, I just shut my mouth around my tongue and kept stretching my arms out to her. Take it! Take it please! I beg you! Pleaaaaaase take my hand...

"Are you going to take it or should I dig you out myself?" I finally challenged, after what seemed like eternity of me extending my arms as far as was physically possible, while Leah leaned back away from my hand as far as her back would allow. I would not have minded waiting another forever, other than the fact that I was concerned Leah was going to have back pains.

"Hmmp."

She tutted, but took my hand nonetheless. As I pulled her out of the muddy ground, I could not help but focus on our entwined hands. I never wanted to let go. I could just sit there and wait for death if I was given the luxury of holding her wonderfully warm hands...

My mind drifted away as Leah finally landed on solid ground with a thud. She had snatched her hand back...or was attempting to. I had to blink and give a dumb "Oh!" before realising that I was smiling like a freak and was clutching her hand to my chest. I looked more solemn than the freaking Pope. Regretfully, I let go of the hand I was gripping possessively, turned to face her in the dark and, before my Y chromosome could prevent otherwise, blushed.

She might have noticed. I was sincerely praying she would simply ignore the rush of blood on my cheeks or at least dismiss the fact because that if she didn't, if Leah ever dwelt on the fact that Embry Call just blushed, it would be unquestionably, inevitably and totally degrading.

"Did you just blush?"

I was hopeless.

I hadn't even started recovering from the trauma when Leah pulled another surprise on me. She swept past gracefully and with a swing of her hand, turned my lamp on. I nearly passed out. Turned my flipping lamp on? The same lamp passed on to me by grandpa? No one turns my lamp on! Even the legendary Jacob Black couldn't do it (not that he tried his best) and then Leah shows up and turns that ancient light source to life like it was so damn easy to do? Quil himself tried to find the switch once he found the lamp itself, but to no avail. But Leah...damn, I love her.

"Ho--howd--how did you kn--know?" I stuttered.

I could see her perfect forehead crease with confusion. "Don't you baby talk me."

"How'd you know?" I repeated.

"I know how to turn on lamps."

"Not mine..."

And like pieces of jigsaw puzzles, the insignifcant surprises all fit together.

"Have you been here before, Leah?"

She turned her back on me, completely blocking her face from any of my surveying gazes. It was frustrating how my gut kept telling me my suspicion was right, but I couldn't support it with a stronger evidence--not when it was her back facing me. Her hair played in the wind as she digressed from my question. "Stop whispering into the night, Embry."

My voice was hoarse. "You've been here before, haven't you, Leah? You've been in my room before."

When she spun around to give me that loathing glare, the features of her face--the way her mouth was distinctly pursed to one side, her eyes sparkling with something I have seen before--was relaying something that I could not yet put a finger on. It was like I have seen it before, recently at best. "Are you accusing me?"

"No. I'm asking."

"I haven't. Satisfied?"

I shortened the gap between us, my breath becoming gasps. My mind was trying to decipher that mysterious look that painted her face. I was positive I had seen it before, and recognised the meaning it relayed. I know this. Why was the thought escaping me when I needed it most? Come on, Embry. Think.

"Then tell me, how did you know where my lamp is? It's not very visible."

"I am not blind," she glowered.

"I'm not saying you are. I just--I just really want to know how even Jake and Quil couldn't put their heads around it, but you just did."

She snorted loudly, then flung her arms to dismiss me. "Oh well of course! Your friends with inflated skulls and under-developed brains?"

I was made to reply, but my mouth hung limp. The classic lightbulb moment happened so quickly its implications nearly knocked me off my feet. Leah gave me another of those looks at the exact same time my mother coughed from her room. That was when it hit me, like a ton of bricks stewn on my head, to connect Leah and mum. That was it. Leah's half-peeved, half-vexed expression was the exact same look mum had when I asked her whether or not Leah had been around for my shirt. And just as I was sanguine that mum had bitten her tongue lying that day; I was more than doubtless Leah was doing the exact same thing tonight.

"It was that day, wasn't it? That day when you left me a shirt and a bottle of water."

Reminiscing that special moment lifted my lips. Excitement flooded my chest; my heart too, started dancing in agreement. My eyes, on the contrary, were glued to studying the change in Leah's expression. She was surprised for a moment, self-conscious the next second, and then resumed that blank expression once more.

"Are you talking to yourself? Because you sure as hell don't make sense to me."

"Detention? At the library? My shirt--" I help up the short I have been sleeping beside to jog her memory. "--this shirt. And a bottle of water--" Where was that holy water? "--ah this one. I kept it."

"I didn't leave you anything."

"But Leah--"

"I said I did not leave you anything!" she snarled.

"Fine," I sighed. "I believe you." If she insisted, there was nothing I could do. In fact, if she really insisted, I would hands down believe whatever it was she told me. "I'm sorry."

"Ow--kay," she muttered slowly, as if my submission was too good to believe. She added a very audible "idiot" in the hopes of withdrawing any amiability she might have displayed. I gave her a coy smile, one she almost reciprocated, if only she hadn't withdrawn it so quickly.

It was true that if Leah did insist that she hadn't been in my room at all, I would believe what she said. I knew I would deem it as the truth and disregard the clear signs I have collected--her unique scent predominantly--as merely a banter from my imagination. It did not exist if Leah insisted that it did not exist.

But since Leah did not insisit too much, I thought of this brilliant plan.

See, there were three massive wardrobe spaces in Embry Call's room, reducing its already small size to something inhabitable. However, only one of those wardrobe spaces was a real wardrobe containing what was left of my clothings, those which weren't shredded on my first week of phasing. Hence, if Leah had been here for my shirt, then she would know which among the three was my real wardrobe, right? Where else could she have taken the shirt she left me?

I felt the excitement and dread wash through my chest.

I would inevitably have to offer her to change into something dry as she had started shivering. Maybe I could even raid my mother's wardrobe to find something that would fit her better. Nevertheless, I started with my own, my plan finally weaving through. "Let me get you some clothes..." I offered, careful not to give a clue on where I could find one. I stealthily followed each of her minuscule reaction until...

She glanced at the right closet.

I didn't know happiness could scald me so astonishingly. It seared through me before my mind could cope and all I wanted to do was sweep Leah into my arms and held her there. Sadly, she wasn't as keen. She shook her head and moved towards the window, pointing at the forest edge.

"Please don't refuse," I insisted. "You're wet and cold, and I hate seeing you like this."

"You look a little too willing to undress me."

"No!" I gasped. "Not undress you, but..." I bit my tongue. Well maybe I do. A bit. "Just get you dry?"

"Oh please. Acting doesn't suit you. Why am I even in here? I only passed by because we have a stupid problem as this wretched rain won't stop. The pits are flooded."

"How do we drain pits?"

She looked at me quizzically. "Do I know? You think I would even bother coming if I knew?Who do think am I, Miss Einstein?"

"You're a world and a moon more attractive," I chuckled.

"What?"

"Nothing."

She wagged a finger in the air. "On the contrary, never mind. I just changed plans. Maybe Will will have to swim," Leah said indifferently, jumping on the window sill without warning. My heart did a somersault. Shit, she'll hurt herself!

She settled lightly on the beam, trying to dodge the loose sand below. My hands automatically flew to help her, but as usual, she pushed them away. "Stop trying to help me!"

"You're in my room," I reminded her.

She looked disgusted. "Fine. I'll get out of your room you possessive moron. Do not attempt to follow me."

Ah so she knew my plans. My tantrum began brewing at the exact second my mind acknowledged her demands. There was just no way I was letting her wander off in the night alone.

"But it's not safe!" I whined.

"Kid, I am going to yell rape if you but set a foot out following me."

"I don't care! I must make sure you reach home safely!"

"What, is mummy Sam coming to scold you?"

I blinked. "Huh--Sam? Uley? Nooo! There's no Sam! I can't let you go alone out there, it's not safe!"

"Are you starting a tantrum?"

"Leaaaah, come on!"

"Fuck off."

Her words bound me. I couldn't simply ignore what she wanted. I had to give in. Maybe she was right; I was probably only being too possessive. Still, I just knew the worry would kill me. She ignored my pause, and twisted her body to ready her jump.

"Wait!" I called. Please don't go, I have a very soft bed.

I couldn't even begin to think how she would react if I ever blurted my thoughts out. She raised her eyebrows as she looked back at me, waiting. I knew my face betrayed the emptiness that was starting to claw at my insides. Leah leaving me, under any circumstance, be it in life or death, heaven, hell or beyond, always sent me hurling into nothingness. It was like my soul was being pulled away from my body, there was nothing but emptiness and desolation. Right now, crying would be a pretty appropriate reaction.

"I'm growing grey hairs here." Leah crossed her arms.

I pointed to where the patch loose sand was. She rolled her eyes in reply. "I'm not stupid."

"I just want to make sure."

Her eyes darting from one end to another, looking bored. "That I'm not stupid?"

"That you'll be safe."

She looked startled for a moment, before she swiftly swivelled her head to finally jump carefully over the edge. I half expected her to look back as she sprinted into the woods, but she never did. Though I thought I might have imagined feeling that self-conscious awareness that accompanied someone spying on me, when I checked, there was no rustle in the woods or signs that anyone (hopefully Leah) was somehow looking at me.

I couldn't go back to sleep. How could I? I had started whimpering like a baby once her footsteps faded. Leah gone. I couldn't get my head around it. All I really wanted to do was to phase, run to Leah's room and see her safe and ware. Every ticking second without her was almost oppressive. I wanted--no, needed-- to know what and how she was doing, where she was, or what she needed every single second.

I winced. I sounded like a stalker. But the compulsion was so forceful; so necessary it before I could retract the desire it sounded reasonable to my ears.

I resorted to pacing, but even that didn't stop my nerves. I only really relaxed when I finally spotted her arriving at school that morning, looking a whole lot better than Aphrodite. I followed her from a safe distance to her first class, where I could have sworn the empty seat beside her had Embry Call sits here written on it. And then Paul had to tow me to my class (I forgot) five minutes late, before Leah's teacher noticed someone gawking at her doorway.

To add to my miserable life, I have gained a new seatmate in the name of Jessica Spencer. This girl just couldn't shut her mouth. In fact, I don't think she was able to even comprehend life where she isn't talking. Paul kept giggling behind me as Jess gushed over and over and bloody over again.

I was really generally a simple, polite guy, but I also happened to prefer nice, tame, non attention seeking girls. I vaguely recalled the time when I still gossiped over them with Quil and Jake. It now seemed a distant past. It was impossible now for me to understand how I had been so infatuated with several girls, and why, why in the world none of them had been Leah. Maybe it was because she was taken then, or simply for the fact that she was too far out of my league that I hadn't seriously considered her as a real prospect.

"Dude, that was some awesome mouth," Paul cheered as we finished our early lunch.

"Yeah, except if you're me."

"I wonder if talkers are good kissers."

I smacked him hard on the shoulders. "If you want to tongue her, I'm not stopping you. And do me a favour? Keep her mouth busy."

I gave him another nudge in the rib as I went against the throng of eager students rushing towards food. Leah wasn't there, so I was on route to the school library where, although I extremely hated that cursed place, my intuition were telling me to head to. Parting the crowd was easy; I just had to stand there and everyone simply avoided me like I was a giant living pillar. I shrugged and trudged down to where I could find my imprint.

I guessed she wasn't in a good mood.

"You motherfucking asshole! You can't do that!"

I tip-toed behind a bookshelf and peeked through the books to hear her informing the entire school she was seriously pissed off. The librarian, I pressume, must be out for a quick lunch or Leah would have been indefinitely banned from the library. Leah was on her feet, clearly agitated on someone cowering in resignation behind her.

"Come on, Lee," a deep tenor voice mumbled. The book I had squished on my hand fell apart. Holy God, who is that?? "See, the weather will be nice. Some of the folks from Florida are coming over and it'll be a blast, I promise!"

"There will be no party because I'm going to end your short life now!"

I didn't want Leah to spend her life in jail with a murder conviction (although I would kill someone to be with her behind bars--preferably Sam), so I showed myself and cleared my throat in the process. They both turned their heads to my direction, Leah fuming, her cousin, William, grateful.

"Why are smiling like a fucking goat?"

"Do goats smile?"

William's laughter boomed at our exchange, while Leah stomped herself to agitation. William sported a very smart, semi-formal shirt that demanded attention, paired with sleek trousers and trendy black shoes which sparkled like a vampire in the sun. His skin was lighter than ours, most of his features varying in about the same extent, but his eyes were exact same copy of Leah's. He stood up, clapped me on the part of my back that he could reach, and commented on Leah's strangeness. "Leah's weird that way. She likes using similes but couldn't usually find the right one. And never when she's mad. So, are you Embry? I'm William, by the way, Leah's cousin."

I beamed. "Nice to meet you, William. Err--how'd you know me?"

"Oh, Leah told me all--" he was cut off by Leah's hand on his mouth, and before I could hear his muffled screams, Leah had wrenched him out of my sight. "Out, William! OUT!"

When he was beyond the library doors, all I heard was Leah threatening to sew his big mouth shut if he ever spoke to me again and William asking her to please not overreact or incriminate herself further, because no matter how much she denied it he was obviously right. I gave a cringe as Leah shut the door and thundered back to me.

"Why do I always have to endure your presence?"

"I wasn't the one who showed up in my room this morning."

She scowled. "What are you doing here, moron?"

"The last time I checked, this was our school library," I intentionally whispered.

"Exactly why I'm wondering why you are gracing your presence here," she whispered back, as a matter of factly. "Is there a coming Tsunami ready to drown us? Is the ground opening up to eat La Push?"

"No."

"Is it finally the long awaited doom's day?"

"Of course not."

"Then what supernatural happening sent your ass here?"

Because I was about to go insane if I didn't see you! "I came here to read?"

I knew she said something back, probably something witty, but somehow I got distracted. She was smelling different this morning; that strange foreign smell overpowered her usually stronger lemon whiff. I didn't pay any particular thoughts to it until I decided to carve her smell in my consciousness. It was a very subtle, yet obvious change. The last time I noticed this change was when...

"Oh, it's the time of the month, isn't it?"

Leah looked murderous.

So I was right. Oh shit. I shouldn't really have said that, right? I gulped, prayed hard, and wished for Quil Ateara. That guy knew almost everything about girls, and seeing Leah stare at me like that, I knew she was already plotting my death. She didn't say anything. She was just as murderous as Hades.

I was officially the most brainless, thickheaded jerk on the planet. Apparently, Leah agreed wholeheartedly.

About a dozen books thundered towards where I stood. In an instant, my head was pelted with book spines and rotting sharp edges, until I wished I simply strangled myself like I intended to, to save Leah the bother. A whole row of humanities book was empty by the time she paused to shot me another glare. She was still murderous. She was too furious to even bother saying anything. Action speaks louder than words. Right.

"I'm sorry! Leah, ouch. Oww--sorry! Ouch! Sorry--oh my--shit."

The last word was the result of the toppling bookshelf that leaned forwards towards where I stood rooted--the very one she had just kicked. Leah had probably grown tired of stoning me to death and proceeded to crush me under the shelf instead, to save time--it worked.

Well yeah, it fucking hurt. It even hurt more when I heard Leah huff and slam the door shut without caring at all. I couldn't let myself not be hurt, because Leah's efforts would have been in vain. In fact, I could have easily dodged the heavy frame or raise an arm to lift it off me, but currently, my heart was busy self-destructing. I had upset her. Again. I was a douchebag, a jerk, and an imbecile in one.

My mind thundered in protest, but despite the wood crushing my limbs, I didn't dare move. If Leah wanted me dead, then so be it. Half wishing I would deteriorate, I lay unmoving.

I heard the library door swing open again, and an audible gasp followed. I wished death would come save me quicker, before that grumpy librarian ever attempted to shriek me to life.

My head spun as the scent hit me like a tidal wave--no, like a tsunami.

Her shaking voice was coated with enough care that could stop the earth from spinning. Just that, and it could never have been more effective. My senses reeled in the tingling sensation. God, even my heart was ressurected back to life. "Embry?"

She was back. For me.

It was like a shock of electricity. Life jolted within me.

"Embry!"

I heard a vague scrambling as I felt the crushing force lift off my body for a split second, before it crashed back even heavier. Leah cursed viciously, her voice high and cracking. I sensed the panic in her tone as she tried to lift the bookshelf again. "Shit! Fucking heavy ancient wood! Embry? Embry!"

I felt her hand find mine and clasped it like a vise. She started tugging at my fingers furiously, trying to get a reaction. "Damn it. Embry? Come on! EMBRY!"

My mind was telling me to just freaking stop pretending and get up like I was comfortably able to. But I was paralysed, unable to do anything but think. My hand gripped hers softly. Her heartrate jolt, and she yelped with relief, her hand tugging, pulling, rubbing my own.

"Embry? Embry can you hear me? Embry CALL!"

When I failed to respond, her hand slipped away, and I started reaching out for her touch. There were running footsteps that echoed around me after she had returned. Her voice was shaking as she stuttered. "I--I didn't, Paul--he--was--look! What kind of guy dies under a falling bookshelf?"

"He's under a bookshelf?" Paul sounded amused.

"Fucking help him!"

"Why should I?"

"PAUL!"

"What incentive do I get?" the asshole asked. He wanted a bribe?

Another scramble erupted, this time what sounded like someone leaping and another, Paul by the sound of it, choking. I heard Leah mumble something angrily, and then something another with a pleading but demanding tone. Paul huffed. "Alright! Alright! Chill!"

I picked up a low grumble from Paul's chest, and then La Push's dim natural light poured over my sight as he lifted the bookshelf easily. He cheerfully peered over to me, but it was Leah who I searched for. I found her behind him, looking pale but relieved. Paul smirked.

"Hey Embry, dude. You can stop acting."


A/N: Told you it isn't good. Sigh. Anyway, since Leah won't phase, I was wondering if Harry has to die. What do you think? :) Reviews will motivate, thanks very much :)