A/N: Thanks for the review! I love reading them.
Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns it all. I simply play with it in my free time.
When I got down stairs, I could see them circling each other. They both were growling at one another loudly. Embry was snapping at Edward while Edward was in a crouching stance.
"See Bella, this mutt can't even hold his shape together. He will hurt you." Embry growled and launched himself at Edward. Edward side stepped him. They continued to circle.
"Stop! Please. Guys really, just stop fighting. Edward stop harassing him."
"I'll stop as soon as he stops thinking of you naked in bed with him."
"Embry! Stop thinking of that!" He let a small whine. "I am with you Embry, you don't have to rub it in his face." I could see him calming down. He wasn't shaking as bad as he was before.
"Don't you think she'll get bored living on that pathetic place you call a reservation? Bella deserves better than that, I can give her anything she wants. What can you give her? Fleas? GO back to La Push and leave Bella to be taken care of by a real man." Embry gave an odd wolf snort. But I could also see his anger was flaring again. "You will keep her down, hold her back. Think of all she will have to sacrifice to be with you. Not going far away for college. Never seeing the world. Living poor and simple." Embry looked over at me with sad eyes. I knew what Edward was doing. He was playing off of Embry's own worries and doubts.
"Don't listen to him Embry. We've talked about this. I love you no matter what. I am not going anywhere. He's just messing with you. He's grasping at straws; he has nothing, certainly not my friendship, not anymore." I looked over at Edward. "It won't work. So just go Edward. I thought you wanted to be friends but I guess I was misinformed up there in my room. And besides there is two things that Embry can give me that you never could. To keep my family, Charlie and Rene, and my friends. And even bigger than that. Embry can give me a baby. Lots of babies."
"No I can't do those things, Love, but You didn't honestly think I would give up on you so easily? I thought you knew me better. I will fight for you. We could always adopt like Esme. You will see what a mistake the dog is and come to your senses about who you belong with. I am just trying to save us some time lost Bella."
"No! I don't want you Edward. I never will again. I want Embry, forever!"
"Then I guess I will just have to take out the problem." What?
Just then Edward pounced onto Embry's back. Embry gave out a yelp, and then he threw Edward off. Embry grabbed a hold of one of Edward's arms, but Edward used his other to hit Embry, sending him flying into a tree. I could hear the crunch of some bones upon the impact. Embry quickly got up and shot himself at Edward. He bit down on Edward's leg while Edward was reaching for neck.
"No!" I ran towards them. But a flash beat me there.
"Edward stop! You will only hurt Bella doing this. You will lose her forever if you hurt him." Alice was pulling Edward away. Where on Earth are the rest of the wolves? I can't believe that none of them were here to help Embry. Unless none of them are phased because they are still with Sue and the kids.
I rushed to Embry's side as soon as Alice had Edward away. Edward had a slight limp as he walked away. Embry shifted back to human form. He groaned a little. Thank goodness I don't have any neighbors close enough to see Animal Planet going on in my backyard. Stupid boys! I started to look over him for any injuries seen that could be seen by the eye. He looked to be in one piece, for the most part. A couple of scratches and some swelling over his ribs looked to be all the damage.
"I'm fine Bella; don't even start your worrying. Just a couple of broke ribs is all. They'll be healed by morning. Could you grab some shorts for me from your room?" I looked over at Edward. He appeared to have some scratches as well. He was still leaning on the other leg as well. I guess Embry got him pretty good there. Good. He deserves it after that stunt he pulled.
"Sure. Be right back." Dating a werewolf and having another one as a best friend, I had learned quickly that having a few pairs of extra shorts at my house and in my truck was always a good thing. Well as long as Charlie never sees them. That might create the need for another incredibly embarrassing conversation for us.
I got up stairs and went to look for his shorts. I remember him leaving a pair over by the computer chair. They weren't there. That's when I noticed my room looked a little clean. All the dirty clothes were off the floor. Where did my blue top go? It was hanging on the back of the rocking chair. Maybe Alice cleaned up, though the clothes aren't in the basket. Where would she have put them? I kept searching until I found a different pair of athletic shorts in a drawer.
When I came back down, Embry was standing on one side of the yard and Edward on the other. Alice was standing between them, trying to keep the peace I assumed. I walked over to Embry and handed him the shorts. He quickly and silently put them on, never taking his eyes off of Edward.
"I'm sorry Bella. He told me that he was going to be good coming over here. I didn't see your friend showing up, so I didn't see this happening."
"Then why are you here Alice?"
"Oh well I did have a vision. But not concerning the fight. Our friends from Denali are coming to Forks for a visit. But I found that odd seeing as they don't even know that we are here visiting. I can't see why they are coming, just that they are. I thought I should tell Edward and see what he thought on the matter."
"I am not sure what to think. Maybe Rose called them. She seems like she's in the mood to call people with news lately."
"No, I don't think so."
"Great more leeches. Are they like you?"
"Yes they are vegetarians like our family. You have no worries from them." Alice told him.
"When are they coming, do you know?"
"Hmm. It looks like they will be coming in 2 weeks. It will be a pretty stormy night."
"I'll inform my Alpha later."
"You should probably mention the scent in my room too." Embry looked at me confused.
"The extra vampire scent in my room. Edward smelt it earlier."
"I guess I missed that. I was too focused on him. I'll check on the scent. Was it anyone you recognized Cullen?"
"No it wasn't."
"Why didn't I see it?" We all turned to Alice who looked both sadden and confused. "I think I am having some major issues with my visions. You wolves are seriously screwing with me."
"Sorry if I don't feel pity for you, seeing as I wouldn't be a werewolf at all if it wasn't for you and your family!"
"So we can simply agree to dislike one another. It's getting late and Charlie will be home soon enough. You boys should be heading on home."
"There is no way in hell I am leaving Bella with him lurking around as well as a unknown vampire loitering around too. I know you wanted your little sleep over, but sorry it will have to wait for another night."
"Embry-" I could see his eyes begging me. I knew how much it would hurt him if I chose Alice over him. I also knew how much he needed to protect me. I couldn't deny him that. Not tonight after so much has occurred. "What about patrol?"
"I am sure once Sam hears about the scent and him being back, he'll be inclined to give me another break. Let me go inside and call him real quick." He headed in the back door. Edward continued to stand still in his spot quietly.
"Alice can we please reschedule our sleepover?"
"Sure. Just call me next time he has night patrol."
"Thanks Alice. Oh and by the way, what did you do with my clothes?"
"Your clothes?
"Yeah, when I left this morning the room was a mess, but when I went to find shorts for Embry, I noticed how clean the floor was. No clothes were lying on it. And my favorite blue blouse was hanging up on the door and it's gone too. So where are they?"
"How would I know Bella? I haven't been in your room since yesterday."
"Then what happened to them?"
"They were clothes that you have recently worn?" I jumped not expecting Edward to speak.
"Yes. I don't typically wear clothes after they have been on the floor."
"You don't have to get smart Bella."
"What was your point?"
"I am thinking that whoever the vampire was might have taken them?"
"You mean a leech took her clothes to have her scent?" I jumped again. I really hated being human and mythical creatures constantly sneaking up on me.
"That's exactly what I mean. Though I don't know why?"
"Obviously the redhead has something to do with this. It would be too much of a coincidence to not be here."
"I already told you I didn't know the scent. It wasn't her."
"And that's not what I said. She has something to do with this. I am sure she can make friends, quite literally, to help her."
"So there is still only one vampire or group of vampires or whatever after me? Not two?"
"The dog has a likely point. Though why didn't she do it herself?"
"Oh I know this one!" They all looked at me. "Laurent said that Victoria sent him to help her look for me. Laurent spent time with the Denali clan. I am sure they told him about your abilities, with both of your families being so close. He probably told Victoria seeing as she is an old friend or ally, whatever. So Victoria then knew how to get around your visions Alice." All three continued to stare at me. "What can the lowly human not come up with a bright idea every once in awhile? It is my neck on the line here, you know."
"I think Bella is right. There is no other explanation as to how Victoria and whoever she sent here, would know how to work around my visions."
"Well this just confirms it." I look at Embry confused. Confirms what?
"I suppose it does. When does he want this to happen? That should be fine. It will give the rest of our family time to get here."
"What are you two talking or thinking about?!" I really hated being so left out.
"Bella, Sam wants to have a met with the Cullen's to sort through everything together. Too much is going on, and none of the pack likes the idea of us not patrolling here. We need to re-evaluate the treaty for your safety. So the pack and the Cullen's will meet tomorrow night. No one is up to it now, not after the funeral today."
"So what time do we meet?"
"There is no we, Bella, it will be dangerous for you there. And it will be late, we meet at midnight. There is no way Charlie would let you out of the house at that time." I had every intention of being there. It was because of me, that this mess was occurring.
"We'll talk more inside." I told him. He just sighed and rolled his eyes, knowing full well I wasn't going down without a fight.
"Well, we will see you tomorrow night then. Or maybe not in your case Bella. Sorry, can't see with the wolves in the picture. Come on Edward, let us go home. We need to call the rest of the family. By the way, you may want to go in alone for a minute; Charlie is only around the corner. You don't need to be caught with a werewolf in your bedroom."
"Thank you for the tip Alice. And I will see you tomorrow. Good night." I heard Embry groan at my side. Alice and Edward went into the woods.
"I'll meet you in your room as soon as the coast appears to be clear from Charlie." I headed inside through the back door at the same time as Charlie entered the front.
"Oh Bells. I thought you would be in bed by now."
"Me too." I muttered, but he couldn't hear me. "I thought I heard a cat outside. I went to check, but I found nothing."
"Well don't be bringing in any strays Bella. I am more of a dog fella myself." I chuckled along with him. If he only knew.
"Me too Dad, me too. I am headed to bed now. You need anything?"
"Nope. I'm just going to go to head up to bed myself. Early morning shift tomorrow."
"Oh okay. Well good night"
"Night."
I went straight to the bathroom and took my shower. After I finished I wrapped a towel around myself and went into my room. I wasn't surprised to find Embry lying on my bed. When he heard me enter he sat up on his elbows. I could see his eyes turn black with desire. Before I could blink, he had his arms around me.
"You are so beautiful." He nuzzled into my neck.
"Well you aren't too bad yourself hot stuff."
He captured my mouth with his own. This kiss was full of raw passion and lust. His hands were roaming all over me, while I ran my own hands over his finely chiseled chest. I reached up into his hair pulling slightly. I heard the growl filter up through his chest. I felt myself fall against the bed, his mouth never leaving mine. After a few minutes I was running dangerously low on oxygen. He must have sensed it because he pulled away enough to attack my neck with zealous kisses. I felt his hands wander to the hem of my shirt. I knew things could get out of hand very quickly if we didn't stop soon. Before long I wouldn't be able to bring to this to a halt.
"Em, we have to stop, Charlie is right through that wall." I didn't want to stop, but I didn't want to face the wrath of Charlie either. I felt Embry pull away. He was wearing a sheepish grin.
"Sorry. I know, I just can't help myself when you're so naked. The inner wolf wants to come out and play. So put some damn clothes on woman!" We both laughed quietly. I got up and put on some sweats and a tee. I crawled into bed curling up to Embry, resting my head on his chest.
"How are Sue and kids doing?"
"Uh…I guess I haven't told you yet."
"Told me what?"
"About Leah and Seth. They both phased."
"What?! But he's just a kid. What is he, 13?"
"Just turned 14. But that's not the shocking part. Leah is."
"Why, she's a year older than me?"
"'Cause she's a girl. It's only suppose to be sons. The elders have no idea what's going on. And to top things off, she's being a complete bitch about it, at least from what I hear from the other guys. I haven't had to endure it myself yet."
"What is she doing, for the guys to say that?"
"Did you know her and Sam were suppose to get married after she graduated last year?" I shook my head. "They were until Leah's cousin came down to visit and changed everything."
"Emily. Sam imprinted on Emily. God that's awful. She lost her fiancée to her own cousin. And she didn't even get to know why, did she?"
"Nope. Leah considered Emily a sister. But she thought they both betrayed her and she hates them both now."
"So how is she being a bitch? I don't understand."
"She keeps thinking of memories she shared with Sam. It hurts him, knowing what they had and how he just abandoned her. With the mind link that hurt is passed on to the rest of the pack. We can tell she's doing on purpose."
"Did you ever think that maybe that is how she is coping? Maybe she does that to cover up her own pain and her own hurt. I know what it feels like to be abandoned with no reason. It sucks! Big time. I barely survived and that was only because I had Jake and then I got you too. But I don't think, no I know that I wouldn't have made it through and healed without you two. And I also don't think I could have handled watching Edward with someone else. Getting my happy ending. Especially if that person, was my own flesh and blood. I would think you and Jacob could relate to the situation. It's pretty similar to what ours was like. I wasn't marrying Jacob or anything, but we know how much he felt for me. At least he got to know why I chose to be with you and why you his best friend went after the girl he loved."
"You're right, as usual. I'll talk to Jake about it and see if we can get the other guys to back off a little while, as she adjusts and accepts things. But if she doesn't let up herself relatively soon, she'll be bringing it upon herself. There won't be anything me and Jake can do to keep the guys from harassing her."
"Maybe I could talk to her about it."
"No! Absolutely not. She does not have very good self control. And if you were to bring up the Emily and Sam thing, it could get bad real quick. And while I know you want to help, Leah most likely would not want help from you, sweetheart. One you got left by a bloodsucker. Leah won't pity that, if anything she'd say you were stupid to be with him in the beginning. Two, you kind of play Sam's part in our own triangle. So she would probably hate you for that alone."
"I guess your right. But I can still talk to her tomorrow night, even if it's not about Sam and Emily."
"No you won't Bella. I don't want you there. And I certainly won't be taking you. Jake won't either so don't even bother asking."
"Yes I will be there, even if I have to ask Alice to come and take me. And you know she will. And I have the Charlie thing worked out too. I will go have a sleep over at Emily's tomorrow night. She'd love to have me, I'm sure. And Charlie will love me spending time with a friend, especially one that isn't you or Jacob. Problems solved."
"And what about the danger at this thing for you? I know you don't like for it to be pointed out, but you are human. You just aren't as durable as the rest of us, baby."
"If anybody is safe at this shindig, it's me. Both sides think of me as family. Neither side will hurt me, the sole purpose of being there is to protect me."
"You're not gonna let me win are you?"
"Nope. You should save yourself a lot of trouble and nod your head yes and say 'I would love to escort you to the meeting Bella.'"
"Fine. I would love to escort you to the potentially dangerous meeting between sworn enemies, Stubborn."
"Close enough. I love you Embry. Good night." He tightened his hold on me and buried his face in my hair.
"Sweet dreams Isabella. I love you. Forever."