Hey, hey, my Lovelies!

Thanks to all of you who reviewed the last chapter! It means a lot :)

Matt, your wait is over :P

It's shorter than I wanted it to be but at least it's an update and it's the moment you've all been waiting for :D

Disclaimer: I don't own twilight! Unfortunately...D:

Without further ado...Enjoy!

Chapter 20

Trigger

Chris' Point of View

"Hey, so erm...Diane wanted me to invite you over for dinner tonight." Embry mentioned after a long bout of silence in the garage after school. Some of the guys were working quietly around us as we worked on the Quad again. It wasn't very busy today so Jake said we could.

Seth was nearby, working on Bella's truck since Jake was too busy with paper work to get it done. My head lifted from what I was doing as Embry spoke and I watched him speculatively. He didn't meet my gaze, something that had become increasingly easier for us in the last few days, so I knew something about is statement didn't quite sit well with him. I shrugged nonchalantly when he glanced at me and looked back down at the quad.

"Did she now?" was all I could reply with. I couldn't figure out whether he wanted me to be there or not. Shit, did I even want to go? Embry cleared his throat.

"Yeah, she wanted to, uh, get to know my brother." he replied, nervously. The word 'brother' still sat uneasy with me but I didn't call him out on the usage.

"I'm sure she knows Sam well enough." I replied; I couldn't resist. Out the corner of my eye, I saw Embry's shoulders sag slightly and instantly felt like shit for my comment. We may still have some issues between us but we had gotten closer in the last couple of days what with the shop having next to no business coming in. I could see that the 'brother' comments got to him whenever they were made.

I sighed and straightened. His back was to me now. "When was she thinking?" I asked, reluctantly. Embry's head whipped around so fast I thought he might have snapped it. His grin was hesitant and I could see the hope in his eyes.

"Erm, tomorrow night, if you could make it. About half six." he informed me, nervously. I shrugged.

"Who'll be there?" I asked, looking down at the quad again. I knew that I'd have to decline if anyone from his immediate family was going to be there, aka Sam or Josh.

"Oh, just me, Di and Hector, of course. You could, erm, bring Seth too, if you feel you'll be more comfortable." he offered, glancing behind me. I knew he was looking over at us, well, me. I could feel his eyes on the back of my head. It was funny how I was so much more aware of him now, after that night we decided to see where 'us' would go.

"I dunno...he might have plans." I hedged. I felt Seth come closer and he wound an arm around my waist, kissing my shoulder. I almost blushed at the PDA we were showing the guys but I just thought 'screw 'em' and wrapped my arms around his waist in return. He beamed at me before looking at Em.

"No plans for me. They would have probably been with you anyway. I wouldn't mind going." Seth said, glancing between us. I could see the encouragement in his eyes and I sighed. Embry still had that air of nervous hope about him as I looked at him.

"I, uh, guess we could make it. Six thirty, you said?" I double checked. Embry beamed larger than I thought possible and nodded excitedly. I nodded. "Okay."

"Yeah?" he asked, grinning. I nodded. "Awesome, I'll just go phone Di and tell her so she can get anything she needs."

I nodded and watched as he rushed off, grin still in place. Seth chuckled beside me and my gaze moved to him. He smiled at me, up at me slightly, looking proud. "I'm glad you accepted. This could be good for the both of you." he said. I nodded with a half shrug.

"Yeah, s'pose. To be honest, I probably wouldn't have gone if you weren't coming." I admitted. He chuckled.

"Well then it's a good job I am then, huh?" he replied, leaning up to peck my cheek.

I nodded and caught his cheek as he turned away from me. I pulled him until I could plant a soft, chaste kiss on his lips. He seemed surprised, though pleasantly so, after I pulled away. I smiled slightly and he beamed, moving away to Bella's truck again with a spring in his step. I glanced around the shop and caught Paul's eye. He winked at me and then I was unable to stop the blush. He chuckled silently and I threw him the bird, which he returned with much affection.

Embry returned and we continued to work through break, talking about shit and absolutely nothing of importance. He threw in a few details about tomorrow night he'd discussed with Diane briefly as well as some of the things Hector had been up to. I had to admit that the tyke was a handful and he couldn't even crawl yet. I could tell as he spoke that Embry was highly proud of his son. I couldn't help but wonder whether Josh would have ever felt that way towards me, had things turned out differently. I shook the thoughts away as they were dangerous. My temper was hanging on by a thread these days and thoughts of him were only going to set me off.

When it was just about time to shut up shop and head home, Seth approached me and wrapped his arms tentatively around my waist from behind, as if I would snap his head off or something. He's become extra cautious around me and I vaguely wondered why. Did he think I would change my mind about us or was it something else entirely? I turned in his arms and wrapped my own around his shoulders. He peered up at me with a soft smile and I couldn't help but lean down and peck him softly. Sure, I was conscious of some of the other guys who were still here looking over but I couldn't find it within me to care right now. Everything seemed to o to a back burner when Seth was in my vicinity.

"You hungry? I could cook us something up at mine if you want, maybe have a few beers and watch the game highlights?" I suggested, despite the fact that I absolutely hated football. Blasphemous for a hot blooded, all American male but what could you do?

Seth grinned and nodded. "Yeah, that sounds great." he agreed before taking my hand and leading me towards the Quad. We rode it here, with him behind me and his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I climbed on first, settling myself before watching behind me as Seth straddled the bike. We both grinned as he wrapped his arms around me again and pressed himself close to me. I could feel his breath on my ear and shivered. "Let's get outta here."

I bit my lip and smiled before looking over at the guys. They all had smirks on their faces and I tried my best not to blush. Jacob waved as did some others as I sped out the lot, heading towards home.

The next night after work, I found myself in Embry's truck on our way to his house. Seth sat beside me, holding my hand in support and I could feel the happy vibe coming off Embry in waves. It was obvious to the both of us that he was thrilled I was coming over. I guess it was a really big step in the right direction. He probably thought he was actually getting somewhere.

Embry's modest two storey house came into view and I noted the few kids toys on the front lawn. Their front door way open and I could almost smell the sweet aromas drifting out of it. Seth shot me an encouraging smile as Embry hopped out the truck and rushed towards the house. He looked like a man on a mission and looked at Seth in question. He chuckled and shook his head slightly, inclining in towards the front door. I hesitated when we came up to it but he just walked right on through.

"Chris, get in here and meet my family, Dude." Embry's voice called out and I sighed heavily, finally walking over the threshold.

Just like the lawn, toys were scattered throughout the house as well. It was by no means untidy. On the contrary, I could smell the cleaning products Diane had probably used earlier in the day and the shelves and such looked very organised. I vaguely wondered whether she was OCD or something. Either way, she seemed to like earth tones and wood floors. I spotted a white carpet and wondered how they kept it clean with a baby in the house.

"Em and Di aren't ones for extravagance. Come on, they're in here." Seth prompted, grabbing my hand with a soft pull. I swallowed hard and nodded, letting him lead me towards Embry's family.

The first person I saw was the man himself, his arms wrapped around a dainty black haired woman who reminded me of Emily, from the little I saw of her around the Reservation. Diane was rather beautiful, just like every other female in this tribe and it was obvious by Em's face that eh was mightily proud of the woman in his arms. Movements from her arms caught my attention and I was presented with Hector, who was looking at me curiously. I guess he would have already met Seth so him being here wasn't so intriguing but he;d never met me, not really. He'd seen me in passing but that was the extent of it.

When he saw that I was watching him, he turned his head into his mother's chest and hid behind her hair. His parents chuckled fondly of the little boy and Diane stepped forward, holding out a hand to me.

"I'm Diane Call, Embry's wife. It's a pleasure to meet Embry's little brother."she greeted with a large, welcoming smile. I sensed the two older males tense either side of us but I brushed off her words.

"Pleasure's all mine, Diane. Embry's said a lot about you." I replied, shaking her hand. She chuckled.

"Oh God...If he annoys you, just tell him to shut the hell up." she advised me and I smiled, nodding once. "Dinner should be ready in about thirty minutes. Why don't you guys go into the living room and I'll get you two some beers."

"Hey, what about me?" Seth protested, pouting. Damn, he;s cute. Embry and I chuckled and I shook my head. Di cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Chris may let you drink beer at his house but I am not risking the wrath of your mother. It seems I'm not as fearless as your boy." she teased, winking at me. I blushed at the endearment but found I liked it. "So you'll be getting a soda and you'll make do."

"But Chris' under-age." Seth protested, throwing me under the bus. I rolled my eyes and pulled him into an affectionate headlock.

"Yes, technically but the difference between us is, I am in charge of myself." I reminded him with a smug grin. He frowned and then pouted, huffing dramatically. I pecked his cheek. "I'll let you have a beer later when we get home."

His frowned flipped instantly and he kissed me quickly in thanks before heading off towards what I assumed was the living room. Embry followed after him, chuckling at the both of us and I followed suit. We chatted and watched whatever the hell was on the TV. It was one of Hector's programs but he seemed absolutely riveted in the weird little blue man who seemed to be obsessively dependant on the freaky red blanket. I wondered if this was what I had to look forward to with Alex and cringed if that was the case. Embry caught my expression and laughed.

"Annoying, huh? It's all he ever watches when Di or I aren't watching anything. He's obsessed." he informed me, smiling fondly at his son.

Hector sudden;y pointed at the TV, giggling incessantly. "Makka makka makka makka!" he squealed, bouncing on the spot. I cocked an eyebrow at Embry in question.

"Makka Pakka. Favourite character. Wait until the Tombliboos come on, you'll be regretting accepting this invite." he laughed, shaking his head in disdain at these said 'tombliboos'.

It was only three minutes later I instantly figured out what he meant. The three little pudgy things were like daggers to my ears but Hector was giggling just as much at them as he was at Makka Pakka. What the fuck? Who comes up with these programs? Thankfully, Diane chose that moment to announce that dinner was ready and I couldn't get up fast enough. Both Embry and Seth laughed at me but followed just as eagerly with Hector.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was relaxed and pleasant. It had to be the most enjoyable dinner I'd ever had that wasn't with Paul or Rachel. The fact that it was in the presence of one of my 'brothers' made it all the more bizarre and a damn right accomplishment. Diane made a delicious lasagne with home-made garlic bread and salad and she made a ton of it. Embry ate as much as all the other guys seemed to eat. Fuck, what did they do when they all got together, rob a grocery store for one sitting?

It was only after the main course that I realised I'd eaten just as much as the other two, if not more. It was also something that they had noticed and exchanged a wary glance over but I paid them no mind.

Then Di brought out the most delicious smelling dessert I'd ever scented. I hadn't had fruit loaf with whipped cream since my Grandmother had been alive and I swallowed hard against the memories. Seth glanced at me frowning but I just smiled and shook my head dismissively.

A few large bites into the delicious dessert, I knew something was wrong. I swallowed, hoping the weird sensation enveloping my throat would wash away but it remained and I frowned. Tentatively, I took another bite but suddenly, I was unable to swallow it. I coughed a time or two, trying to dislodge the lumpy feeling in my throat but nothing I did would alter the fact that something was wrong. I frowned deeper and peered down at the dessert, confused.

Seth's Point of View

I was talking to Em about some of the work that was coming in next week at the garage when Di's slightly panicked, concerned voice asked, "Chris, Sweetie, is something wrong?"

I frowned and spun my head towards Chris at my side. Even at a first glance, something was obviously wrong and my heart began to hammer as I stressed over what. Chris coughed a few times, his face and throat reddening slightly and each one sounded more strangled than the one previous. Panic coursed through me at my mate's obvious distress and I spun to face him completely, my hands flitting over his body for injuries.

"Chris? Chris, what's wrong?" I asked, frantically.

I watched as something passed over Chris' face and his eyes widened. He quickly picked up is spoon and began to smash hos fruit loaf into bits, like he was looking for something. I frowned, watching him and my heart plummeted to my feet when I saw and realised what the problem was. Chris saw at the same time and he shot to his feet, rushing over to the kitchen sink whilst attempting to make himself sick. At this point, Di was absolutely frantic with worry and Embry was frozen, unable to grasp what was happening. I launched my way to Chris' side, feeling helpless and frantic as he gagged and spat into the kitchen sink, unable to dislodge the offending ingredient of his dessert.

"Wh-what's wrong? What's wrong with him? Seth?" Diane shouted, rushing over to us.

"Did you put cherries in the fruit loaf?" I asked, trying not to raise my voice to an imprint, despite the fact that my Chris was suffering because of her indirect mistake.

"Oh SHIT!" Embry's screamed penetrated the kitchen and answered my question. He shot up from his chair, knocking it backwards as he stood utterly lost as to what to do.

"Y-yes, why? What did I do?" she asked, tearing up with fright.

"He's allergic to damn cherries. We have to get him to a hospital!" I replied, frenziedly.

"Oh no!" Di cried, clamping her hand over her mouth as her eyes widened. She shook her head. "No, no, I'm sorry. I didn't know!"

We knew she was talking but we didn't hear what she was saying. Our attention was riveted on Chris, who was choking at the sink. Absolute horror coursed through me at the blur he had become. I couldn't see his hands that were clutching the kitchen counter until it splintered and cracked beneath his increasing strength. Everything in the house seemed to freeze as we watched him stumble and stagger across the kitchen, still fighting to breathe as he clutched his throat.

"Oh, for the mother of God, this can't be happening now!" I exclaimed, scrambling over to help him out the back door. His temperature was off the charts – he was burning against me! Embry was right on my heels after he ordered Diane to stay in the house. Then he stormed towards the tree line to phase and hopefully, call the others.

"Chris, Baby, I'm so sorry. You gotta calm down for me, okay? Please, please, just calm down." I pleaded, uselessly.

His throat was constricted so tightly that he could hardly choke words out. He fell unceremoniously to the forest floor. I didn't even realise I carried him that far, to be honest. He was still gagging, forcing his fingers down the back of his throat so he could expel the cherries but it just wasn't happening. I threw myself to the ground beside him but was instantly grabbed and forcefully pulled away from my mate. I protested loudly, kicking and shouting as I watched the others approach him cautiously, careful not to get to close to the imminent explosion. All I could do was scream his name in panic and fright. He was choking; he couldn't breathe! Why weren't they doing anything?

Dire panic and frustration exploded across Chris' face as his air supply was completely cut off due to the constriction of his windpipe. He was on his hands and knees, his head bowed as he blurred even more in his distress. With a strangled, choking scream, his features became undistinguishable and then I wasn't looking at my Chris.

No...choking and vomiting in front of me was the most beautiful white wolf I'd ever seen in my life. For a moment, I was lost in his magnificence, my eyes roaming his powerful limps. His tail whipped and I caught sight of black at the very tip moving to about halfway up his tail. Half of his back leg was also pitch black and he had a splattering of the darkness on his chest and back. He was massive, as big as Sam. I think Jacob was the only one that was bigger now. I felt a rush of pride course through me the longer I watched on.

My brothers phased around me and I knew that I should as well. I would be the best bet to calm him down right now, other than Paul. I quickly stripped my shorts and tee shirt off, phasing on the spot.

What the fuck? You have got to be fucking kidding me. This is a pile of bullshit! Chris bellowed in his anger and panic. We cringed from his volume. Jacob stepped forward.

Chris, I understand that this may be a little confusing for you-

Confusing? Fuck no! I know about your damn legends! I want to know why the fuck it's happening to me! He snarled, viciously.

Joshua Uley, he carried the gene-

Oh, that's just shitting perfect. As if he hasn't ruined my life enough already. I have to say, he's outdone himself with this one! He growled, sarcastically. I whined at his volume and crept closer to him. He growled at me in warning before he realised who I was. Oh, you can't be serious...You're a fucking wolf as well? How long have you kept that shit from me? You know what, fuck this shit! It's been lie after lie throughout my whole damn life. Tell me how to phase back or whatever, I'm done.

Chris, please, just let us explain-

He cut Jacob off again. Explain what exactly? That I phase into this beast because of some voodoo spirit shit that was passed down from that scum I have the displeasure of calling a father. I suppose you're gonna tell me that I have to protect the res from fucking walking corpses as well, is that it? Yeah, I fucking thought so. No all that's cleared up, how the fuck do I change back? He snarled, sarcastic and angry.

I had to say, I was surprised by the extent of his knowledge on the tribe's legends, especially when he didn't live here his whole life.

Just think human...think of something that made you happy in the past. Quil explained, tentatively. Chris snorted.

Right, yeah, this may take a while. He scoffed.

We watched as memory after painful memory surged through his brain like a freaking movie. I whimpered at the painful, depressing vibe I got from each of them, flinching at the parts where he got screwed over, again and again. I watched as a five year old Chris was told that his Mom died during childbirth; I felt the wrenching guilt and pain course through him like I was the one that was being told. I saw him getting bullied at school for being an orphan. I saw how he crumpled within himself after his Grandmother's death and then was told that his father didn't want to claim him from the state.

As each memory played, I could feel the building anger in young Chris' heart. That anger, as I saw in his head, caused him to act out, fight back and disobey. We watched as beating after beating left Chris immobile in one of his foster homes. We all whimpered and whined in horror and disgust when that scum touched Chris in ways no one should ever be touched without their consent, especially at that age. The slight relief he felt when he realised the Marvins were nicer than any family he'd met but then the depression and sorrow that came with Molly's death crippled us all, bringing us to our knees.

We watched in horror as he tried to take his own life; the guilt of finding out that Hayley Marvin was the one who found him slashed up and bleeding to death on the bathroom floor.

We began to revel in the liberal feeling he felt when he emancipated himself from the orphanage, his momentary lost feeling when he realised that he was once again, truly on his own. Excitement coursed through the pack mind as we watched Chris buy the bike he still owned, the exhilaration he felt when he rode for the first time. Our eyes drooped as we relived the exhausting journey he undertook one his way over here from Maine. We felt his confusion as to why he was coming here in particular but recognised that draw he seemed to feel, the draw to come home.

The rest we knew from our own memories. He remembered that first meeting with Jacob and I had to chuckle at his initial thoughts of my Alpha, how happy and jolly he constantly was. I frowned at the genuine unease it had made him feel in the beginning. I saw Mom make an impression on him. His confusion as to why Sam and Paul seemed to dislike him. His building relationship with Paul and then Rachel. We felt the genuine love he had for them and a sense of family he's never really had in his life.

His fear over Alex and the pride he had for himself when he conquered the fear. His hesitancy when Embry approached him but his building trust for the man as time continued on.

But through all that, his thoughts were of me; how I made him feel and the confusion he held over me. I shivered as he replayed that first kiss and by extension, what I did to him afterwards. If I was human, I would resemble a tomato right now. Chris' wolf began to calm as his memories of me continued. I relived our day in Port Angeles and every day after that. The memory that finally caused him to shift back though was that night when we decided to just go with the flow; when he conquered his fear over me.

Chris' wolf morphed with a howling scream until human Chris was left panting, butt naked, on the grass. I passed without any real thought and pulled on my shorts. I was only vaguely aware of someone rushing into Embry's house, probably for some shorts for Chris. The majority of my attention was focused on my man, shivering on the floor in front of me. I dropped down next to him and placed my hands on his shoulder and back but he flinched away from me, a scowl fixed on his face. He stumbled to his feet, away from me and I whimpered.

"Chris please, I'm sorry. Just let me help, please?" I begged. I began to worry that he would never forgive me for keeping this from him, despite the fact that he seemed to know all about it anyway. He just shook his head, betrayal deep set on his face. "Chris, Baby, I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you, I did but I couldn't. Please?"

"Don't...don't touch me." he gasped, moving away. He looked dazed and disorientated. I remembered how exhausting the first phase into and out of the wolf was. Brady thrust a pair of shorts into his hand and he pulled them on, stumbling slightly.

"Chris, come back to my house. The elders will need to speak to you-"

"No...no, just leave me alone." he cut Jake off, stumbling around the front of the house. Jacob rubbed his face agitatedly. He wasn't used to such disobedience from any of us. He turned to me.

"Can you please go talk to him?" he requested. I nodded and rushed after my imprint, finding him saddled on his bike. Panic shot through me. He shouldn't be riding, not when he was so tired.

"Chris, wait, please?"

"For what? For you to finally grow a pair and tell me the truth? Well, it's too late for that now. How could you keep something like this from me? Huh? I've been betrayed by many people in my life, Seth but never, NEVER, did I expect you to become one of them. I goes to show how I should have never opened my heart to you, to any of you. Just leave me alone Seth." he groused, booting of his kickstand and starting the bike.

I stood frozen, mortified by his words as pain and sorrow built up inside of me. Tears collected and brimmed over as I realised I'd hurt my Chris like all the rest. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. Please, just let me explain, let me make this right." I begged, whimpering. My tone made him hesitate and turned his head to me slightly. The hope that built inside me was harshly ripped away as his bike revved and shot out of the driveway, towards his house.

Chris' Point of View

Four days. I haven';t spoken to or seen anyone on this god forsaken reservation in four very long, dark days. My door as were locked. Fuck, my windows were locked. I didn't want to see anyone. I stewed in my anger and resentment of what I'd become. My 'wolf' itched to get out, having been denied for the last 96 hours straight, ever since the first time but I wouldn't let him win. No, I commanded him, not the other way around. I've had enough of people walking all over me in my life. I'll be damned before I let part of myself do it as well.

People have come and gone from my front door, banging incessantly and shouting for entrance but I didn't move from my place on the couch. After all, I was dangerous now, more than ever. I shouldn't be around people. I almost caved when Seth came to my door. I always knew when it was him, not just from the scent he constantly carried but also from the pull in my chest. My wolf whimpered every time he was near, like he craved him. I had to admit that the pull was wearing me down, making it harder to deny Seth every time he came around...which was often. I doubted the he ever left. Some times, I'd catch a glimpse of sandy fur in the tree line. Was that him?

Paul seemed to be the most enthusiastic and relentless visitor. He'd spend at least fifteen minute spewing shit from his mouth, probably hoping to ignite some sort of emotion from me that would make me snap and open the door to clock him in the mouth. The sense of pain and betrayal that coursed through me when I found out he was a wolf as well almost crippled me. He was my brother, or so I thought. I told him everything about me, my most darkest secrets and embarrassments and yet, this was one thing that seemed to be above our 'brotherly bond'. Bullshit. If he was my brother, he would have told me. I had no time for traitors.

By the fifth day, my wolf was crying out for release and Seth. I could sense him circling my house constantly, sleeping outside when he became too exhausted. My arms ached to open the back door, to let him in for a few seconds but my head, the stubborn part of me was still stewing in his betrayal. By the end of the fifth day, Seth's wolf was whining and scratching at my back-door...

By the seventh day, my was practically trembling constantly with the need to phase. My wolf had moved past whining and was outright clawing at my insides for release and Seth. Seth had been at my back door constantly for the last 36 hours and I couldn't get him out of my mind. My whole body ached with the need to see him and I was just about ready to give in.

Jacob had just finished yelling at my door, demanding to be let in and for me to stop acting like a spoiled brat. He should know by now that it was exactly the opposite but I didn't care what he really thought of me anyway. I was in the kitchen, shakily running a glass of water when my back door was booted through and Paul's irate face was glaring at me as he gripped me by the collar.

"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS SHIT!" he bellowed, causing the anger and resentment I'd harboured towards him rise to the surface. I growled in his face and yanked his hands away from me but he didn't back off, shaking ferociously with an imminent phase as he practically threw me out the back door and off the porch. I snarled and the fragile hold I had over my wolf broke, forcing him to the surface until I was him.

He stormed out the house after me, phasing without bothering with his shorts before he lunged at me.

You guys probably hate me but oh well! It wasn't the phase I had in mind for Chris. It kinda wrote itself in this chapter :)

In the next chapter, Chris' about to meet the old Paul before he imprinted and he helps him vent out his anger towards the rest of the world :)

Please review! I need more feedback than I'm getting! Thanks!

Oh, and if you haven't voted on my poll, go do it! :D

Love,
MrsWolfPack
x

PS – I found another photo of Chris' body tatt, It's the back so go check it out on my photobucket :D