What now is Embry Call hiding like the coward he is, at home. A place where I know Suyai can't find me. Not that I don't actually want her to find me, I do. But then, does it follow that because she is my imprint, we'll have to marry, procreate, live happily ever after? I promise you, Prince Charming I am not. But what if that is what she is after? I just can't do that. That's not me. But it would be, wouldn't it? Because I'd do whatever she asks.

I have hardly seen Mom since I returned home. She is always working, or out with some new guy she's started dating. When she is home, she's recovering from her nights out. So still, no more 'who's you daddy' discussions.

Emily has come around once or twice, trying to help or pry, I don't know. I like to think the best of Emily though, so I'll go with help.

There's not much point to trying anything with me though, I lie in bed staring at the roof, or I lie on the couch staring at the TV. Some logical part of me says, 'hey, get a life', on the rare occasion. I beat it down with another packet of chips.

I haven't even gone to sit and watch the water. I can hear it, good old wolf hearing, and I am making do with that. I just feel so crappy that sometimes, living somewhere that rains almost all the time is so appropriate.

Every few days I'll get up, actually start to pull on some clothes, decide I'll go see Suyai, because going so long without looking at her or touching her; it's a physical pain. And then I think about Leah and Nahuel, and I find myself back at square one. I can see how happy they are, the old married couple, their babies, and I almost crap myself in fear.

I remember thinking when I was young I would never have children, never wanted to, because I didn't want to be like my Dad. And that was when I had this glorious image of my dedicated and perfect father who had left us because he had no choice. Yeah. Right. I haven't even asked my Mom if he was really even there to begin with or if it was a fling. I'm not sure I want to know for certain. What does that make me if I was the product of nothing more than some married mans one night stand? Yeah. Exactly.

Another morning (or is it afternoon?), and I am still lying in bed when there is a knock at the door. I seriously consider pretending there is no one at home. Seriously. Then I hear Jacob and Quil yelling random insults through the open front window, and figure I had better let them in before the cops are called. I'm sure Mom would be thrilled to come home from work and find I've been dragged off for disturbing the peace. Or whatever.

I throw open the door and scowl at the two maniacs grinning widely at me.

"Hey, Em! Nice to see you're still alive!"

"Ha, ha Jacob. Can't stop laughing. Oh, ho ho."

"Are you actually going to let us in Embry?"

I consider Quil's request. I'm still considering when the two bastards shove past me and head straight for the kitchen.

"Always know you're going to find some good eating at your place, E." Jacob throws as he rifles through my junk food stash.

"Uh-huh." Quil's mouth is stuffed full of last nights leftovers. "Almways."

"Nice, Quil, nice. Didn't your mother ever tell you a; it's rude to eat other peoples food and b; keep your trap shut while you're eating? I really don't need to see how your digestion system works."

"C'mon, Em. You've turned into a real sour bugger the last few days. Well, at least that's what we hear from Emily, seeing as you never leave the house."

"And? What's it to you?"

My two best friends stare at me blankly. I've never been so...separate from them, not even when we weren't part of the same pack.

"Imprinting."

A questioning look from Quil is closely followed by Jacob's "And...."

"It sucks. Too much....pressure."

Again with the questioning stare, only times two.

"Where's the pressure? I don't get it."

Gee, you wouldn't Quil. You imprinted on a baby. Matter of fact, so did you Jakey boy. I don't bother saying this though. I just glare.

"Look, man. We've both imprinted too. It's really not that bad."

"Yeah. Right."

"And look at Leah and Nahuel. Who would ever have though bitch on wheels could suddenly be so...soft. And hell, I cannot believe I am actually saying that."

"Jacob's right, Em. It's really not that bad. I don't see your problem."

Grr. Not yet you don't. And then, by the time you do, you'll have had years to consider it.

"Look." Jacob is actually starting to look pissed. You. Are. Coming. With. Us. No more of this moping shit. Pull yourself together."

They each grab an arm, pinning them to my sides. I could break away, I know I could. I just don't want to really. Yeah. That's my excuse anyway. They frog march me out my front door, slamming it after us.