I know I didn't update last week. I didn't feel motivated enough to write till NoAccount reviewed and reminded me there are a select few who like my story enough to follow and give me feedback. There are at least 50 of you guys who read my story each time I update...Just a little "good" or "bad" comment would do, something to let me know you have an opinion about the story.

Well enjoy...

- AK

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Chapter Seven

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One moment I was feeling a pressure on my chest and warmth on my mouth, the next I was coughing up water. My throat was on fire. After coughing up what felt like the entire ocean, I looked around. I was on the beach, not in the ocean drowning. I'm alive.

I keep looking around and realise there's someone in front of me. I raised my eyes to meet theirs, wanting to thank him for helping me but the burning in my throat prevents me from saying a word. His eyes widen as he looks into mine. We stare at each other for a few moments and I start feeling an electric current pass through my body, I shiver.

All of sudden, he starts leaning forward and captures my mouth with his. Overcome with equals amounts of shock and relief that I was alive, I kiss him back. I feel as though I'm dreaming, in what world would I get an insanely attractive man like this to make out with me after he rescues me. In the back of my mind I realise it's not a good idea but he initiated the kiss, how rude would I be to not give him what he wanted? Throwing caution to the wind I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him down onto me.

I had no idea how long we'd been kissing, it felt like an eternity. My hands started roaming of their own accord, he was so muscled and toned that I was able to run my fingers in the ridges between his muscles.

He starts kissing down my neck, giving me the chance to regulate my breathing but instead I moan at the feeling he's giving me and feel my breath quicken. I try to survey our surroundings one last time to make sure there wasn't anyone getting a free show and enjoy the fact that we were on the secluded side of the beach.

His hands start moving along my body too now, gently at first then firmer as I push my body up to meet his. In one swift motion, he grabbed my hips and flipped us over so I was on top, not breaking the kiss once. I pulled my knees up on either side of him to give me leverage and the option to move my hands around.

I had no idea how we were going to stop, this felt too amazing. I decide to let myself enjoy kissing a random stranger without thinking about it.

His hands travel further up to the strap of my swimmers, hesitating a moment. I realise I may end up sleeping with him and I have no idea what his name is.

"It's Embry" he breathes as he kisses down my neck.

I must've said that out loud. Considering how distracted I am wi- wait...Did he just say Embry? Crap. I'm making out with a freaking wolf but not just any wolf, Helen's son. That doesn't make me his mate, does it? Double crap.

I quickly jump to my feet, swaying unsteadily for a split second as the blood rushes back to my head. I looked at him completely panicked. I didn't want him to follow me and wondered if I could outrun a shape shifter, deciding I wasn't fast enough, I tried to argue my way back to my things on the other side of the beach.

"What kind of lunatic goes around rescuing girls and then making out with them?" I yelled at him.

He looked at me, raising his eyebrow "What kind of crazy girl goes around making out with their rescuer?" He countered. Touché.

"It was against my will, you had me trapped under your massive body! If you hadn't noticed I got up off of you when you rolled us over". He looked a little offended when I finished talking.

Scuffing his foot on the ground, "I didn't mean to force you into kissing me... you just took me by surprise. I'm sorry." He was quick to apologize.

"You should be! I need to get my things on the other side of the beach. Don't follow me like a creeper."

I took off as fast as I could to the other side of the beach not wasting any time, I grabbed my things and rushed off to Emily's only to find him already there.

Muttering to myself, "are you freaking kidding me?" I made my way down the driveway.

Embry was talking to Sam in hushed whispers on the side of the house, as Emily watched the kids play.

Emily looks up as I approach, "how are you feeling?"

Glaring at Embry one last time, "I'm fine."

More than likely noticing my silent hostility towards Sam and Embry she suggested we head inside so we can talk in private. We head into a small back room at the back of the house designed for the kids to play in and sit in the little children's armrest chairs.

"Okay, what happened at the beach?" Gotta admire her straightforward nature.

"How did you know about that already?" I lower my head.

"You're clothes are both wet and covered in sand not to mention you both rushed over here with similar looks on your faces." I stay quiet. "You do have an explanation, right? Something big happened didn't it? Ooooh tell me please please please!" She begged as she dragged her chair closer to mine.

I realised there was no way out of this. It was either tell her now before she found out Embry's version or drag it out and make it worse for myself.

"He saved me from drowning…" I said quietly, trying to make it hard for her to hear.

"What! Why the heck were you in the water on a day like this?" I shrug my shoulders.

"I didn't know the weather could change that quickly"

"What else happened?" She grinned cheekily trying to change the topic to something more interesting. My cheeks started flaming red at the memory. She wouldn't believe me if I denied anything now.

"Well...I, uh, must've swallowed a lot of water and he, um, gave me mouth to mouth, you know to save me. Not much else happened" I finished off with a minor lie.

"You liar! I heard him tell Sam something different and you're cheeks wouldn't be that red if nothing else happened!" I scowled, did that giant idiot have to go blabbing to everyone five minutes after it happened? He was like some teenage girl gushing about a first kiss to everyone.

"I don't want to talk about it." I grumbled. "You already know what happened anyway. Why do you have to torture me?"

"Didn't sound like torture to me." She said smugly.

"It was a lapse in judgement, it won't ever happen again" Emily pouted.

"Why not? We could've been sisters"

"Marriage?! Sisters?! How in the world did you get that from a short make out session? You're jumping into too many scenarios that start with me being able to stand that man outside, which I can't."

We heard a loud thump outside, getting up we ran to the front yard. A tree had been knocked over. Right next to Sam and Embry.

"What happened?" Emily asked once she reached them.

Embry looked panicked as he looked at me "Uhh...the tree just fell over...I was just leaning on it and it went smack onto the ground" He explained using hand gestures and clapping them together to shop the tree hitting the ground.

Sam rolled his eyes, "he punched it." Embry's eyes widened.

"Dude" he whispered harshly, thinking I couldn't hear. "Ixnay on the engthstray! She doesn't know about us!" I smirked and interrupted Sam before he could speak.

"You're pretty strong to have knocked that tree down on your own." I gasp. "You're not human, are you?" Pretending to be horrified. It worked.

He panicked looking around at Sam and Emily for help, "uhh, well you see... I'm unnaturally really strong and uh the tree was already on its way down… um... It's a gift you know? I should be in the circus or something" he chuckled nervously.

"You're a shape shifter, aren't you?" I gasped in excitement. Pulling my phone out and keeping it half hidden in my hand, I pretended it was a voice recorder.

"I've found one. I've found a real live shape shifter. My plan is to escort it back to the lab for further information and experimentation." The more I spoke the more horrified Embry seemed to get.

"Although he's not the brightest of the bunch we can still use his blood and DNA. He won't be adequate replacement for #230 but he'll do. We could even attempt to teach him once we have him caged. Maybe once he's smart enough he'll realise how stupid he is for believing me, a total stranger, about this "experiment" nonsense". I ended with a flat voice.

It was entertaining watching him put the pieces together slowly, "She knows?!" turning accusing eyes towards Sam. "You told her?"

This was very entertaining.

Sam backed up, attempting to cover his laughter "Not my fault. You and Jared should have been more careful. Besides, Em's the one who told her!" Finishing off his explanation, he took off into the house calling over his shoulder "I'm on baby duty!"

Emily glared at his retreating figure and turned back to Embry, "she needed to know. I'm not going to keep something like that from her, especially if fate wanted her to find out."

I spoke up, "um...guys, I'm right he-"

"That's not your decision to make!" For a split second Embry looked at me with a softened gaze, which Emily caught.

"Oh my god!" She squealed. "You did it! You imprinted!" She looked completely elated.

Embry, looking panicked once again, was immediately defensive. "I did not!"

Emily's smile was huge, whispering a "yay" she bounced off into the house after Sam.

"Oookaayyy...So I have no idea what just happened but thanks for the entertainment...I'm gonna make like Sam and go watch the kids…" Embry looked like a kicked puppy. "What?"

"I thought that we could talk...I mean, I've only just met you and you're friends with Emily so you'll be around a lot. Why not get to know each other? For Emily of course."

I turned to face him with a glare, "I know all about you, Embry Call. I'd rather not waste my time again." I turned and walked back inside, feeling a little guilty for being so harsh.

"Just perfect. I'm stuck with someone who hates my guts after talking to me twice." I heard him mutter.

What in the world is that supposed to mean? How is he stuck with me? It's not like I was begging him to stay, I barely knew him. Today was giving me a serious headache and it was only eight-thirty in the morning. Why couldn't it be over already? While I was whining to myself, I overheard Emily talking excitedly to someone. Couldn't have been Sam, he's still in the playroom with the kids from what I could hear.

Needing to talk to Emily anyway I headed towards her voice, "He imprinted on her! This is amazing! The best part is that I already love her!" She paused, waiting for a response from whoever was on the other end of the phone.

I knocked lightly on her bedroom door. She turned to look at me with a giant smile on her face.

I whisper, "hey Em, if the offer is still open for me to stay the rest of the weekend, can I?"

"Of course!" she all but shouted at me. "I'll just say bye to Rach and I'll be out soon." Nodding to her, I left to go back to the guest room.

*A/N - There's a snippet of Emily and Rachel's phone conversation that I might upload onto my page, let me know if you're interested!*

I didn't have to wait long for Emily to show up in my room. Two minutes later she came skipping in and started spinning me around with her… Someone really needed to stop feeding her chocolate. Stupid Sam.

We stopped spinning, "guess what!" I eyed her cautiously and tried to get my head to stop spinning.

"What?"

"I'm having everyone over for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow afternoon! Isn't that great? You'll get to meet everyone all at once instead of this one at a time non sense. I really should have thought of it when you first arrived."

"Uhh, do I have to? I'm not great with large groups of people…" Her smile fell for a moment, before her face lit up again as if she'd thought of something brilliant.

"Well then, I'll just have to stay by your side all night won't I? Unless you want me to leave you alone." She paused for a moment. "Oh! I'll drop the kids off to Sam's mothers house for the weekend! I'll be right back."

She literally danced her way out of the room leaving me in peace. I wonder if she'd notice my absence? I'm pretty sure I could leave without her finding out but then again she had Sam. He'd be a little tougher to get past with his super hearing. Sighing to myself I thought better of it. It couldn't be that bad.

Once Emily made the phone call, she packed the children up and left to drop them off to her mother-in-laws. She was only gone for thirty minutes before she was parking the car outside again with Rachel and Kim following behind in their cars. They hurried inside, yelled a quick hi and bye over their shoulders and got to work. Kim was in charge of the decorating while Rachel alternated between helping Kim and Emily with food. I wasn't sure what I should do so I just stood back and waited for orders. I never got any in case you're wondering.

Close to six, Emily rushed over to me and pushed me into the guest room telling me to "fix myself before everyone thought seafood was on the menu" a bit harsh but true. I'd completely forgotten about the incident this morning. Stomping into the bathroom that was in my room, I grumbled under my breath about Emily's pushiness. Pretty confident that Sam would've gone fur ball on my ass if he'd heard.

Finishing up in the shower, I walked into the room to grab some clothes when I noticed that someone had laid an outfit out for me to wear on the bed. This had Emily written all over it.

Not that I didn't like what she chose, I loved it. It was a royal blue, high low dress with a brown belt to go around the waist which matched the brown suede wedges at the foot of my bed. I quickly got dressed and realised that it was a little too short and revealing for comfort.

*A/N - If you want a picture of the dress let me know and I'll upload it to my page*

It stopped well above my knees, taking a closer look at the hem I noticed it looked like someone had shortened it. The chest area was a little too small which meant I couldn't wear a bra. Emily knew my size since she'd made my work uniform when I started so there really wasn't a reason for it to not fit unless she had done this on purpose.

I should've known she'd try something after finding out about Embry and I. I guess this was her way of "matchmaking". Looking at my outfit in the mirror, I felt self conscious. It was too revealing to be considered casual. I needed to find a jumper or cardigan to go on top and fast. There was a knock on my door. Too late.

"Emmie! Are you dressed yet?"

"Yeah!" I called back. "You can come in if you want."

Emily poked her head in then walked in. Her dress was almost exactly the same as mine, except for the fact it was longer and red.

"Why is my dress so much shorter and smaller than yours when we're practically the same size?" I glared at her.

Smirking at me, "because I'm a mother of two whereas you're single and available."

She walked up to me and started playing around with my hair, "also because I may have altered yours. I just couldn't remember how tall you were. Guess you're my height. Oops" She said with a smile.

I groaned, "You're lying to me. You had my measurement from when you made my uniform!"

"I forgot. You won't get mad at me because I forgot, will you?" Giving me huge puppy dog eyes. "Can I do your hair now? I only have twenty minutes left to allocate to you so I have time to do my own"

"Does that mean that no one is even close to arriving yet?" She nodded.

"I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to help you!"

"I don't need help though. I am able to do hair and make-up, I've been doing it for years now." I said dryly.

"Well I'm doing it anyway!" She said while grabbing handfuls of my hair.

"You're lucky I like you", I said laughing. "Where did Rachel and Kim go?"

"Home to get ready too. Now sit still and keep your mouth shut." Bossy.

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At seven-thirty, I heard voices drifting in from outside my room. Emily had left me to finish getting ready herself about twenty minutes ago. I stayed in my room, hoping to escape Emily's notice so she would forget about me. I should've known hope would never go up against her.

Emily came bursting through the door with Rachel in tow. In a matter of seconds, I was being dragged out of the room. I decided to keep my dignity and walk the rest of the way willingly. I didn't need to feel embarrassed in front of everyone.

Rachel leaned close to me and whispered, "It'll be alright. If you're too freaked out, I'll let you hide behind Paul." She grinned as I nodded my head at her suggestion. I couldn't believe how nervous I was. I wanted everyone to like me but how could they if I squeaked my conversations?

As we entered the lounge room, I crossed my fingers, not wanting everyone to turn and face us as we came in. I breathed a sigh of relief, Sam and Paul were the only ones to turn around. I can do this. I just need to tackle them one at a time.

Emily pulled on my arm, "let's go introduce you to Leah, since she's the only one you don't know here." We walk up to a gorgeous, tall girl. "Emelia, this is Leah and Leah this is Emelia. Leah's my cousin and Seth's sister. Emelia runs the day care for me now. You know? In Forks near Embry's shop?"

I wasn't sure why Emily emphasised his name or needed to tell Leah, her cousin, where her centre was. Leah and I both looked at her strangely. I was glad to know I wasn't the only one who thought she was acting weird.

"Uhh...okay? I know where your centre is Em…" Emily looked at her meaningfully and glanced at me quickly. "Oh! Crap, right." She winked at Emily.

Emily just rolled her eyes at her subtleness.

"Hi! I'm Leah." She held her hand out to mine and shook it roughly. Ouch.

"It's nice to meet you. I'd introduce myself but I have a feeling blabber mouth over here has already told you everything about me." We both turned and smirked at Emily.

"Okay, that was mean guys. Very true but mean. For that I'm leaving you here with Leah." She did exactly that, bouncing back over to Sam.

"Someone needs to take away her crazy pills" I muttered. Leah barked out a laugh. Right. She's a shape shifter too.

I looked around awkwardly, "So...uh, what do you do?"

"I study full time in Seattle and work part time at a spa there as well."

"That's really cool. I have half a degree in teaching…" The conversation ended there.

I glanced around the room for an escape, using the bathroom as an excuse since I couldn't make eye contact with Emily and Rachel. After exiting the bathroom I rush over to Emily, grabbing her arm.

"I thought you said you wouldn't leave my side unless I said so?"

"Ehh, you looked fine. Relax."

I knew I was being ridiculous but I couldn't handle it. I may have met everyone before but I barely knew them or how to start a conversation with them. Brady had things to do all day today so I was stuck with Emily.

As the night progressed I realised I didn't have to worry so much. Everyone came up to me one at a time or two at a time in Kim and Jared's case. It was pretty easy talking to everyone which was a first for me.

I ended up talking and laughing with Kim and Jared all the way up until dinner was ready. We all gathered around Emily's giant table at eight thirty. The girls, as usual, served themselves first. Once everyone had their plates full of food, I realised no one was talking. Too nervous to ask, I was going to remind myself to ask Emily later.

Rachel nudged me, "You're probably wondering why it's so quiet. These animals over here can't focus on more than one thing at a time. Last time Jared and Collin tried they nearly choked to death." She sniggered.

There was more than one insulted grunt at the table.

"Also, Kim's banned Jared from speaking at the table. He's choked so many times, it's ridiculously hilarious." Unable to control myself, I started giggling at the thought of little Kim telling Jared not to talk and eat at the table anymore. I mean he could have crushed me with the slap of his hand and here he was being told off by a five foot three girl. There was another grunt at the table, I looked up to find Jared's cheeks tinged with pink.

He mumbled something that I didn't hear then received a kick from someone under the table. Speaking louder this time, 'I'm sorry about last night Emelia. Didn't mean to scare you…" another kick "and I'm a big, furry dog that needs to keep his mouth closed at all times."

Shifting his eyes down and eating his food once again, he got another kick.

"Hey! I said everything you tol-" He started choking.

Kim screamed while Sam walked around to their side of the table and started smacking him on the back. His mouthful came flying onto my plate. Yummy. Rachel, unable or unwilling to control herself, burst into high pitched laughter. Pointing at Jared over and over saying, "See! I told you!" At the same time Kim was yelling at Jared for not listening.

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Aside from Jared's near death incident, the night was going much better than I thought it would. I wondered why I was even worried in the first place.

We all headed back into the lounge and laughing around a bit more. Before I knew it, it was a few minutes to eleven. I yawned at the same time a howl went off, causing me to jump out of my seat and make a squeaking noise. Jared looked at Sam pointedly, who rolled his eyes and proceeded to march outside with a scowl on his face.

I sat back down while the girls continued talking and laughing as if nothing had happened. Leah on the other hand was still sitting next to Paul and annoying him with "what If" scenarios about Rachel. "What if Rachel had amnesia and forgot all about you then started dating someone else?" He just growled at each one.

The back door slammed open and in came Sam, him and a very bruised Collin (guess he's the one who howled). I couldn't help but enjoy that. Embry walked into the lounge and Leah bounced over to him.

Wrapping her arms around him tightly and kissing him on the cheek she pulled back, "It's about time you got here. I was getting lonely." She didn't look lonely to me...Why was I feeling jealous?

Oh my god. They were dating and he cheated on her with me. What had I done? I had no right to feel any jealousy towards her but I still couldn't shake the feeling. Doing my best to stay calm and composed, I ignored them. I'd feel guilty later.

"Black's a nice look on you Collin!" I called out laughing. I can be normal. I can pretend I don't feel just a little bit hurt.

He grumbled, "shut up Emmie." He walked over to me and started ruffling my hair.

"Hey! Don't touch her hair you dog!" Emily ran over and swatted his hands away. "That took me twenty damn minutes!"

Collin took off to the kitchen to escape the slapping hands.

I felt eyes on me as I laughed along with Kim and Rachel. I glanced up quickly hoping to be unnoticed but Embry was looking directly at me. I feel my cheeks burn and pretend to turn my attention back to the girls as they tease Jared.

Why is he looking at me when his girlfriend is right there? Why didn't Emily tell me he was dating someone? Her cousin no less. I just couldn't believe the situation I was in. I felt sick to my stomach having helped someone cheat on another person. She didn't deserve that, no one did.

I unknowingly glanced at him again and he caught my eye again. I'm an idiot. Noticing our staring contest, Collin bounced over with Embry.

"So Emmie, I hear you ran into Embry at the beach today." He smirked at me.

Kim's eyes widened, "uh excuse me. I have to find Emily." I looked at her panicked but she was already stomping off into the kitchen with Rachel in tow. Crap. Embry nudged Collin.

"Oh uhh yeah, I gotta find Emily too. She hid the food and I'm hungry." Leaving me with him.

The night was going so well before he showed up.

"Hey." He tried looking into my eyes but I somehow avoided him.

"Hi." I said quietly.

The room was suddenly really quiet till a screech came from the kitchen.

"He imprinted and no one thought to tell me?!" Kim yelled. "Jared!"

Embry never took his eyes off me, "do you want to go outside before all hell breaks loose? I need to talk to you." I hesitated. "I promise we'll only talk."

"O-okay."

We got up and walked outside.

"So...I hear you work at the day care for Emily. I think I saw you last week when... when I forgot to pick Caroline up." He ended with a monotone voice. "No wonder you don't want anything to do with me. Your first impression of me wasn't that great."

"I really don't know what you want me to say and I'd really rather get to the point... I'm not okay with what happened this morning, had I known the situation I would never have let it go on or happen at all. I'd rather you keep it a secret so no one gets hurt but I guess that's up to you." He looked so hurt. "I've said what I need to say."

I turned to leave, "You really want nothing to do with me after that? Didn't you feel anything?" He paused. "Can we at least be friends?"

I turned back to face him, "You really think it's a good idea? I'm not that kind of girl. I don't get involved in these kinds of situations. You don't even know me." I sighed. It hurt to hurt him, why? "Can I think about the friends part?"

"Yes! Of course! I'm sorry for pushing."

"Okay, well, I'm going back inside now... Bye." As I walked away I felt the same tugging in my chest that I'd been getting on and off lately. It made me want to run back to Embry and never let go.

Is this what it felt like to meet "the one"? Your soul mate? I guess I'd never know. He was with Leah and I could never do that to someone knowingly. I thought about it a bit more when I got back inside. I didn't want a soul mate like him. He played women. I felt ridiculous now even thinking about him being my soul mate. I knew I deserved better than that.

I didn't see Embry again that night.

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You're probably wondering why she seems okay with the whole shape shifter thing. She's still in shock about it but she's more focused on the strange connection she feels with Embry. Her reaction will come soon enough :)

Review please! Just a (Y) for good or (N) for do better will do.