Chapter 21
Welcome Home
"Why are we watching this show again?"
Kori opened her eyes to look over at the sofa where Embry and Liz were sitting together. Kori herself was sitting on Seth's lap on the armchair, resting her head on his shoulder. They were all watching 'World's Dumbest Criminals' on TV, but Kori was more dozing off.
"Cause it's funny." Embry answered with a smirk.
"But they're stupid." Liz pointed out. "I mean, who in their right mind runs into a sliding glass door?"
"Who says they're in their right mind?" Kori asked with a small smirk, making Liz stick her tongue out at her.
School had been out for a couple days, meaning Jake had been gone for about two weeks, but Kori avoided thinking about him whenever possible, because it usually resulted in her crying. And Seth hated seeing her cry, so she tried to avoid it for his sake.
There was a knock on the front door, making Kori lift her head off Seth's shoulder, waiting for what she knew would come.
'1, 2,…'
"Kori, can you get that?" her dad called from his bedroom.
Kori sighed and got off her boyfriend's lap. She shuffled her socked feet across the floor to the door. When she opened the door her mouth fell open, and then she shrieked.
Seth, Embry, and Liz ran out of the living room to see Kori hugging a young Quileute woman with long black hair wearing a denim jacket over a black tank top, skinny jeans, and black ankle boots. Kori was taller than her by at least four inches.
"Who is that?" Liz asked quietly as Seth and Embry visibly relaxed, both smiling warmly.
"That's Rachel Black, one of Kori and Jake's older sisters." Embry whispered in her ear, and Liz noticed the resemblance right away. She definitely had the same nose and smile as Kori, with the same eyes as Jake.
Kori pulled away from her sister and looked at her in amazement. "I can't believe it! What are you doing here? Why didn't you call or something?"
Rachel's eyebrows pulled together in confusion. "What are you talking about? I called a few weeks ago and told dad."
Kori looked over her shoulder, having heard her dad wheel himself into the room a few seconds ago. She looked at him in confusion.
"Oh, did I forget to tell you your sister was staying here for a week after she graduated?" Billy asked, pretending to be thoughtful, "Hm, my mistake."
"Dad!" Kori shouted, though she couldn't really be angry. She was too happy her sister was home!
"Nice one dad." Rachel laughed as she moved around her sister to lean over and hug her father. When she pulled back she seemed to have just noticed the others in the room.
"Oh my God. Embry Call? Is that seriously you?"
Embry chuckled at her reaction and pulled her into a one-armed hug. "Yep. It's me."
"You're freaking huge!" Rach exclaimed when she pulled away. "What happened to the scrawny beanpole that I used to baby-sit?"
"We didn't like him so we replaced him. Except this one stinks." Kori put in, smirking teasingly over at Embry, who glared at her.
"You need to quit hanging around Quil and Paul. They're bad influences on you." he retorted, trying to hide a smirk of his own.
"Anyway, Rach, this is my friend Liz and I'm sure you remember Seth." Kori continued.
Rach nodded kindly to Liz before looking at Seth. Her mouth fell open and she looked up at him exaggeratingly.
"Seth Clearwater? Seriously? Is there something in the water here?" she asked her dad, "Cause all the guys who used to be shorter than me are suddenly a foot taller."
Billy chuckled, only the wolves could sense his nervousness at the question.
Kori decided to rescue her dad from an awkward question. "Nope. They just hit a little thing called puberty."
Everyone burst out laughing while Billy gave her a reproachful look.
"Alright, alright. How about we get Rachel's things and put them in her old room?" Billy suggested.
Seth nudged Embry's elbow before saying, "Embry and I could get that, Billy. Give Kor and Rach a chance to catch up and talk with Liz, too."
"You guys don't have to do that all by yourselves." Rachel argued.
"How much do you have?" Kori asked curiously.
"Just a few bags in the back seat. The stuff in the trunk can stay for now."
"See? We can handle it. You girls relax." Seth urged.
"Alright." Kori shrugged as she lead her sister and friend to the living room to sit. As Rachel sat beside her she looked around curiously.
"Hey, where's Jake?"
Kori and Liz froze slightly and glanced nervously at each other. Rachel noticed.
"What? Where is he?" she asked anxiously.
"Um…" Kori tried to think of someway of wording the truth that would sate her sister. "Well, he's not here."
"Obviously." Rachel scoffed.
Kori rolled her eyes. She should've expected that with the answer she gave. "He's…Jake went on a trip."
"When's he coming back?" Rach asked worriedly.
"We're not sure." she answered quietly. "He left about two weeks ago, and we have limited options when it comes to communicating with him. He's going through a rough time right now, Rach. He just needed the space."
"Did something happen that I should know about?" Rach asked gently.
Kori thought for a moment before asking, "Do you remember Bella Swan?"
Rach looked surprised by this question. "Charlie's daughter? Yeah, I remember her. Why?"
"Well, she moved back about two years ago to live with her dad. Jake developed a huge crush on her. Then, long story short, her boyfriend abandoned her and she started using Jake to make herself feel better, making him fall in love with her in the process. Then her boyfriend came back and she ditched Jake to go back to him. And a few weeks ago Jake got their wedding invitation in the mail."
Rachel's mouth dropped open. "Does she know Jake has feelings for her?"
"No, she just asks all her friends to basically make out with her." Kori retorted sarcastically. Rachel's mouth dropped even further, if that was possible.
"So, because of all that, Jake basically ran away?" Rachel summed up.
"Yeah, pretty much."
Embry and Seth came in at that moment from Rachel's old room, probably done putting her things away. Seth sat on the couch on Kori's other side and Embry sat on the arm of the armchair, where Liz was sitting.
"So, besides everything with Jake, have I missed anything exciting while I was gone?" Rachel asked lightly.
Everyone thought for a while before Rachel sighed in exasperation.
"So, Seth, anything new with your family?" Rachel decided to narrow down the choices to help them out. "How's your parents and Leah?"
Kori flinched slightly and felt Seth stiffen. She glanced over at him and grabbed his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. He squeezed hers back and took a deep breath.
"Um…my dad passed away from a heart attack a couple months ago." he murmured quietly.
Rach gasped quietly. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Seth. I had no idea." she whispered sadly, not knowing what else to say.
Seth attempted a sad smile, which broke Kori's heart to see. "It's fine. Other than that, we're doing fine. My mom became a member of the counsel in my dad's place, and Leah graduated this year, so that's good."
Rach nodded. "So, is Leah still with Sam?" she asked curiously.
Everyone grimaced, and Rachel looked at all of them.
"I'm guessing something happened there, too."
"Um, long story short, they…broke up, and now Sam's engaged to Emily Young…our cousin." Seth answered quietly.
"Don't you dare judge them." Kori pointed a finger at her sister upon seeing the shock flash in her eyes.
Rach blinked and looked down slightly. "Sorry. I'll try not to. How's Leah holding up?"
Seth rolled his eyes and Kori elbowed him in the ribs. He sighed. "She's turned into a bitter bi-" Kori elbowed him again, glaring at him. "Okay, okay. She's…well she obviously didn't take that well, and then when our dad died…she's just really angry all the time. If you see her at all while you're here, good luck seeing her smile or anything even close to that."
Rachel grimaced in sympathy. "Sorry to hear that." she cleared her throat after a moment. "So, anything else of significance that I should know about?"
"Someone got a boyfriend." Liz answered, looking teasingly at Kori, who blushed bright red and glared over at her.
"Kori Susanah Black, is there something I need to know?" Rach demanded, a smile spreading across her face.
Kori groaned and buried her face in her hands. Seth's warm hand brushed over her shoulder blades.
"So? Do I get a name or something?" Rachel urged, trying to get an answer.
Kori sighed loudly to show her distaste for the attention that was being forced on her.
"I'll give you a clue," she finally spoke, "He's in this room."
Rachel glanced up at Embry and he shook his head, mouthing, 'Not me! Not me!' Rachel smirked and looked over at Seth, who blushed and looked down under her knowing gaze.
"Well, well, well. Kori Black and Seth Clearwater a couple? What does dad think about that?" she asked teasingly.
Kori smirked as she remembered telling her dad that she and Seth were imprints. He'd gotten the biggest smile she'd ever seen on his face. Of course that memory was turned slightly bitter by the fact it was the same day she'd basically disowned Jake as her older brother. But she couldn't really tell Rachel any of that.
"Happy would be an understatement." she finally answered, earning laughs from everyone in the room.
"Sounds right." Rach agreed, knowing her father all too well.
As if by magic, Billy rolled into the room at that moment.
"So, are you five going to get ready?" he asked expectantly, a glint of teasing in his dark brown eyes.
The four teens and one young adult exchanged confused glances.
"What are you talking about, dad?" Kori finally asked.
"Did I forget to tell you that too?" Billy asked teasingly, meaning he knew all along. "There's going to be a welcome home/graduation party down on the beach for you, Rachel."
"Wait, that party's for Rachel?" Kori repeated in surprise. She'd heard a few people mention the party, she just thought it was another party. "Exactly how many people knew Rachel was coming home?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
Billy looked up, acting thoughtful. "Well, there's me, Sue, Old Quil, Charlie, my sisters: Nora, Emmie, Jennie, and Connie; Sam, Emily, Tiffany Call, and Joy Ateara."
Everyone's mouths fell open. Embry was the first to speak.
"My mom knew? How'd you keep her quiet with a secret like that?" he exclaimed in shock. Everyone burst out laughing.
"Well, I'll just head home and get ready. I'll see you guys later." Liz said as she got up and headed for the door, Embry following right behind her.
"Yeah, I'm gonna head home, too. See you guys in a few hours." he said as he waved at everyone.
Right as they left the phone rang. Kori jumped over the back of the couch to reach it.
"Hello?" she asked into the phone.
"Hey." Paul's rough voice answered her. Kori's gut clenched.
"What's up?" she asked carefully, feeling Seth's eyes burning into her back.
Paul sucked in a breath before he answered. "Sam just got off his shift and he's home with Emily having their…alone time."
Kori shuddered. The whole pack, thanks to their mind link, knew exactly what that meant.
"Yeah?" she urged him on. Paul knew how miserable she was without Jake around, so he'd been trying anything he could to sneak away and contact him. Embry, Quil, and Seth had been trying the same thing. It got to the point Sam threatened that if one more person tried to contact Jake he was going to use the Alpha Command on everyone to stay at least fifty miles away from the Canadian border.
"That leaves me with about a forty-five minute window, maybe an hour if I'm lucky. I'm gonna see if I can make it close enough to the Canadian border to try and reach Jake's mind link. Any ideas as to what could convince him to come home?"
Kori thought for a moment before looking over her shoulder. Her dad, Seth, and Rachel were watching her, though her dad and sister were looking curious while Seth looked anxious, since he could actually hear what was being said on the other end of the line.
Kori turned back around with a smile. "Yeah. Tell him his big sister Rachel is home for a week, and if he doesn't get his tail in gear he won't be able to see her. And who knows when we'll get the chance to see her again?"
Paul was quiet for a moment. "Your sister's home? When did that happen?"
"Just a little bit ago, actually. My dad decided not to tell me." Kori answered as she turned and glared mockingly at her father, who simply shrugged innocently.
"Alright, that might work. I'll see what I can do."
"Alright. You coming to the party on the beach tonight? Apparently it's for Rachel."
"Yeah, I'll be there. I'll tell you what happens with your brother."
"Good luck. You'll need it."
"Tell me about it."
They both hung up and Kori turned back around.
"That was Paul. He's going to try and contact Jake." she answered quietly as she leaned back against the counter. Warm arms were around her instantly and she buried her face in Seth's warm chest, forcing the tears from falling. She couldn't cry. She refused to.
"You think he can do it?" Rachel asked curiously, sounding worried by her sister's reaction.
Kori shrugged, even though her sister probably couldn't see it past Seth. "I don't know. It depends on a lot of things."
"Like?" Rachel urged expectantly.
"For one, on whether or not Jake'll actually listen." Kori answered bitterly.
The room was silent for several moments, Seth's fast-beating heart calming Kori's nerves. Finally, Billy decided to break the silence.
"Well, you three better get ready. You've got a few hours to be ready for the party."
Seth leaned away slightly and rested his palm on Kori's cheek, looking deep into her eyes. "You going to be okay?" he whispered too quietly for anyone else to hear.
Kori smiled up at him and brought her own hand up to rest over his, running her thumb over the back. "Yeah. I'll see you in a few hours." she whispered before kissing his palm.
Seth smiled, gently kissed her forehead, and left. At that moment a car pulled up in front of the house and Sue Clearwater walked up to the house.
"Sue's here." Billy said as he wheeled himself to the door. "I'll be helping out setting everything up. Will you girls be okay getting there on your own?"
Rach put her hands on her hips. "Dad, I may have been gone for a while, but I think I remember how to get to First Beach, thank you very much."
Billy chuckled. "Okay, okay. Just checking. The party starts at six, so be there by then please."
"Yes dad." the two sisters answered in chorus, smirking at each other.
When their dad left Rach turned and began shoving Kori in the direction of her bedroom. Kori could've easily resisted, but she decided to humor herself and allow her sister to push her.
Both sisters took quick showers before meeting back up in Kori's bedroom to get ready. Kori was wearing sweats and an old T-shirt while looking through her nice clothes. Rachel was helping when there was a knock on the front door. They both answered to see Liz standing there was a couple plastic bags.
"I need help." she pleaded, holding up the bags, which Kori could tell were full of clothes and hair stuff.
Kori smirked and opened the door wider, leading her sister and best friend to her bedroom.
"I don't have a clue what to wear. I want to look nice, but I don't want to go overboard, you know?" she continued when she sat on Kori's bed, her bags sprawled out around her.
"Haven't you ever been to a beach party before?" Rach asked as she began looking through her own clothes.
"Of course I have. But this is different!" Liz insisted.
"How?" Kori asked with a small smile, even though she had an idea.
Liz blushed an looked at her lap, opening and closing her mouth like a fish. Finally a single name came out as a whisper. "Embry."
Rach looked up in surprise. "Wait…Are you two a couple?"
Liz shook her head slowly, as if reluctant. "No…It's complicated. We've been friends for a while, but when we met I was in a relationship with someone else. After a while I broke up with my boyfriend, because it was a pretty…restricting relationship. Since then Embry and I've been getting even closer and now…well, a few weeks ago I promised I'd tell him when I was ready…For another relationship, I mean."
Kori's grin grew. "So tonight's the night?" she guessed happily. Liz blushed darker and nodded. Kori couldn't contain it any longer and squealed, rushing to hug her friend tightly.
"Okay, okay, calm down." Liz protested when Kori tackled her on the bed. They both sat up quickly. "Help me." she pleaded again, pointing to the bags of clothes.
"Okay. Okay." Kori peaked in a couple of the bags, trying to see if there was anything she knew Embry would like, but still something good to wear to the beach.
"And…what should I do with my hair?" Liz asked weakly as she picked at a section of her long, black hair.
Kori looked at her hair, examining it for a moment. "Do you have the stuff you'll need for the beach waves-hair you sometimes do?"
Liz thought for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. Why?"
Kori smirked teasingly. "Because Embry really likes your hair in beach waves."
Liz blushed. "He does?"
Kori nodded slowly. "Ooohh yeah."
"Wait-how would you know that?" Rachel asked, turning around to look at her sister, a pink top in her hands.
Kori smirked again. "I'm in the know."
Rach rolled her eyes and turned back around.
Kori and Liz met eyes and Liz pointed her own head, mouthing, 'Pack mind?'
Kori nodded.
XXX
"Alright. We're here." Rach announced as she parked her car. Kori and Liz climbed out of the back seat and looked across the beach, trying to find their wolves. Kori's eyes fell on a trio of familiar figures and her heartbeat picked up, making her tug self-consciously on the hem of her top.
Kori was wearing a loose white top that went off one shoulder and showed about an inch of her tan belly, with sleeves that went to her elbows. She was also wearing short jean shorts and black slip on Vans, and she had her hair natural with slight waves.
She saw the back of Seth's head raise slightly before he turned around at the same moment Embry turned and looked over at the trio of girls.
Kori heard Liz's heartbeat pick up. Embry's reaction was about the same as Seth's. Both their eyes widened while their jaws dropped. Seth looked Kori up and down, making her blush as she looked at the ground, following her sister and friend down the beach to them.
"I swear you two are like sisters." Kori looked up and looked at Rachel in confusion. She was looking over her shoulder between Liz and Kori. The two friends glanced at each other, mirroring their confusion. "The way you two react to being checked out by boys, it's like you've never been looked at like that before." Rachel explained.
Both friends blushed.
"Well, I haven't." Kori mumbled, hoping her sister didn't hear her.
"I have, but it's different with Embry." Liz whispered. Kori saw Embry smile slightly, and she knew he heard.
Kori met Seth's eyes and couldn't stand it any longer. She picked up her pace and ran down the beach to him, leaping into his arms and burying her face in the crook of his neck. His nose nuzzled into her hair, his warm breath brushing over her neck.
"I missed you." he breathed into her ear, making her shudder.
"Missed you too." she whispered back, breathing in his scent like oxygen.
"You're so beautiful." he whispered, his hands rubbing her back, spreading burning heat where they touched.
"Dude! That's my cousin! Get a room!" Collin protested, reminding Kori that they weren't alone. She pulled away slowly, her cheeks on fire. Liz, Rachel, Embry, and Collin were all staring at the couple in amusement, while Collin was also pretending to be disgusted.
"Aw, you two are so cute!" Rachel teased, earning a few laughs from everyone else.
"Rachel!" everyone looked over to see Billy waving her over. He was standing with Sue, Leah, and Emily by a large table of food.
"I'll have to catch up with you guys later." Rach said as she walked off.
"Yeah, we'll talk to you guys later, too." Embry added as he took Liz's hand and walked toward the water.
"Wow, okay. Everyone just ditched us. Do we smell or something?" Collin asked rhetorically. Seth and Kori laughed at him.
"I don't know about us, but," Kori paused to sniff her little cousin, "when was the last time you took a shower, Col?" she asked as she plugged her nose. Collin stuck his tongue out at her.
"How old are you three?" a voice teased. Jared walked over to them with Kim and Quil, who was holding Claire.
"Kowi!" she yelled, reaching her arms out excitedly. Kori took Claire from Quil and hugged her close.
"Hi Claire-Bear! What have you been up to all day?" Kori asked happily.
"Qwilly and I pwayed tea pawty!" she squealed excitedly. Jared and Seth burst out laughing. Kim smacked Jared on the back of his head, but then hid her hand behind her back as she shook off the slight pain.
"Dude, seriously? Tea party? What-she was out of dress-up clothes?" Jared teased.
Kori half expected Quil to glare at him. Or at least stick his tongue out in some immature 'Quil' move. But he just shrugged and smiled at the little girl in her arms.
"Wow, you're such a whooped puppy." a new voice added.
"Puppy!" Claire squealed, looking around in search of a puppy.
Everyone looked up as Paul approached, wearing his signature sarcastic smirk, but it was strained.
Kori grew serious as a lump formed in her throat.
"Well?" she asked expectantly.
Paul looked at her and his façade dropped. He sighed and looked at the ground between his bare feet. "Don't be surprise if the next time you try to head to Canada you find that you physically can't."
Kori's heart sank into her stomach. "Sam used the Alpha Command." it was a statement, not a question.
Paul nodded slowly. "Yeah. I was almost there, I could just hear Jake's thoughts, when Sam phased in, saw what I was doing, and Alpha Commanded me, and everyone else, to stay away from the Canadian border. I'm sorry, Kor, I really did try."
Kori swallowed. "It's-It's fine. You did what you could. Thank you, for that, Paul."
Quil took Claire from her and Seth pulled her into his chest. Kori breathed deeply a few times, trying to control herself.
"Hey, is everything okay?"
Kori pulled away and wiped her face in case any tears managed to fall before she crossed her arms and smiled at her older sister.
"Yeah, we're fine. What'd dad want?" Kori asked, forcing a little curiosity into her voice.
Rachel looked over her face for a moment before answering, "He just wanted me to talk to Sue and Leah for a bit and introduce me to Emily. For the record, being in the same space as Leah and Emily is a little awkward. You weren't kidding, Seth."
Seth shrugged with an apologetic smile.
"Oh, Rach, these are some of our friends. You should obviously remember our cousin Collin." Kori began introductions.
"Yea, of course. And seriously?! Again with people being taller than me!" Rachel complained lightly as she hugged her younger cousin. Kori rolled her eyes while the guys all chuckled to themselves.
"Hey Rach! My mom really wants to talk to you soon." Collin said happily as they pulled away.
"Yeah, I'll have to talk to her tonight or something." Rachel agreed.
"Anyway, this is Jared and Kim." Kori continued, gesturing to the couple, who greeted Rachel with waves and quiet 'hi's. "And I'm sure you remember Quil."
"Yeah, Quil's kinda hard to forget." Rachel teased. "And who's this?" she asked, smiling at the little girl in Quil's arms. Claire smiled shyly up at her before burying her face in Quil's shoulder.
"This is Claire Young, Emily's niece." he answered, smiling warmly down at her. "I tend to baby-sit her a lot."
"And, finally, this is Paul." Kori finished with a smile.
Rachel turned to greet the last person in the group…and the whole world stopped.
Kori looked between her sister and pack brother. They were staring at each other, eyes wide, mouths open. Kori had seen that look before. Quil looked at Claire like that for the first time a few weeks ago. Seth looked at Kori like that, and she knew she looked at Seth like that, too.
Paul Lahote imprinted on Rachel Black!
Rachel blinked and snapped out of her trance-like state. She cleared her throat and smiled.
"So, you're the Paul that called our house a few hours ago?" she checked.
Paul closed his mouth and nodded slowly, unable to say anything for once.
"Kori talks about you a lot. I also heard how you helped her a lot. Thank you for that." Rachel added gratefully.
Paul's cheeks darkened. Jared had to do a double take. Yep. Paul Lahote blushed!
"Well, I'm gonna go around and see who else is here. I'll see you guys around." Rachel waved and smiled as she walked off down the beach.
Everyone watched her walk off before turning to look at Paul. He was staring after her, his eyes full of love, shock, and amazement. Seth looked beside him and looked at Kori's face.
Her eyes were wide and she was staring at Paul in complete shock.
"Dude!" Jared finally burst. "I can't believe it! You imprinted! On Rachel Black no less! Imagine what Jake's gonna do to you when he comes home!"
"Forget Jake." Quil spoke up, looking over at his pack sister. "What's Kori going to do?"
Jared, Kim, and Collin looked over at her before Paul managed to force his gaze away from Rach to Kori. Worry and apology immediately filled his dark brown eyes when he saw her face.
"Kori, I…I'm sorry I…you know we can't control it…" his voice trailed off, unable to find something to say.
"Is she mad, or what?" Jared asked curiously. Kori hadn't even blinked, just stared at Paul with the same expression.
Seth rubbed her back gently, his eyes fixed on her face, trying to figure out what she was feeling.
Kori finally blinked once. "You…imprinted…on my sister?" she finally whispered, her voice monotone, almost like a robot.
Paul swallowed and stuffed his fists in his jean-shorts pockets, bracing himself for her wrath before he nodded slowly.
Kori sucked in a deep breath through her nose, causing Seth to wrap his arm around her waist and pull her into his side.
"How do you feel about that?" Seth whispered, sick of not knowing how his imprint was feeling.
"I'm…not sure." she finally answered uncertainly.
"Mad? Happy? Worried about patrolling with Paul while he's thinking about your sister? Oh God! I have patrol with him tomorrow afternoon!" Collin exclaimed in horror and disgust. Most members of the pack hated patrolling with Paul, especially after he got finished with his latest…conquest with a girl from his class.
Kori sighed heavily, leaning on Seth for support. "Well…I don't know, I mean…Well, imprinting is the best thing to ever happen to me, and I'd love for my sister to have that, too."
"But I'm not good enough." Paul finished glumly, his shoulders slumping slightly.
Kori glared at him. "I did not say that, Paul."
"But it's true." he argued.
Kori rolled her eyes. "I'm pretty certain every wolf thinks that about their imprint at some point, right?" Jared, Quil, and Seth all nodded. "That doesn't make it true."
"But just look at her." Paul urged as he looked back across the beach, finding Rachel easily in the crowd talking to their Aunt Connie, Kevin's mom. "She's so…perfect. She could do way better than me."
Kori growled. "I think that every single day about Seth. But I also know that the imprint bond makes it so that you're equally good for each other, no matter what." she argued, feeling Seth tighten his grip on her waist. "But, there's one problem. Rachel's only staying here for a week and then she's leaving."
Paul's face dropped as he continued to watch his imprint through the crowd.
"Is there any way to get her to stay?" Jared asked worriedly, since his best friend clearly wasn't in the mood to ask the question.
Kori thought for a moment before her eyes seemed to light up. "I…think I've got a bit of a plan. It's not much, but it's just a thought."
Paul looked back at her, his eyes hopeful and worried at the same time.
Kori swallowed as she second-guessed her idea, but forced herself to voice it any way. "Well, obviously you want her to stay here, and I want her to stay here. It'd be nice to have my sister back at home and all. And I know you'd make her happy, being her imprint, but first you need to tell her everything. And I know my sister better than anyone except Becca, obviously. So…maybe I could help you with how to tell her?" Kori finished weakly in a question, unsure of how stupid her plan sounded.
Paul smiled in relief. "Really?" he breathed, "You'd help me?"
Kori smiled back at him and nodded. "Of course I would. She's my sister and you're my brother. I want you guys to be happy. Wait! That sounds weird. She's my sister and you're my pack brother…you get the point!" the group laughed at how flustered Kori was getting, even Paul relaxed as he laughed at her confused expression.
"Thanks Kor. So, any advice?" Paul asked, sounding surprisingly timid and nervous.
"Well, for one, lose the scaredy-cat front, cause Rach likes guys who are confident. And two…I think you should just focus on getting to know her and everything for at least today and tomorrow before you tell her everything. She's more likely to believe you if she knows you pretty well."
"Alright, so no talk about legends and wolves and stuff tonight and tomorrow." Paul summed up.
Kori nodded. "Yep."
Paul nodded slowly as he thought for a moment. Then he pulled himself up and sucked in a breath. "Alright. Well, I'll talk to you guys later." he smiled as he headed down the beach toward Rachel.
Quil laughed suddenly. "Wow. Of all the guys…and of all the girls he could've imprinted on! Man, I kinda can't wait 'til Jake hears about this."
Everyone laughed at that thought. Jake was going to freak out, that's for sure.
Music started playing from the large boom box down the beach and Jared lead Kim away to dance. The others headed out, leaving Kori and Seth alone.
Seth looked back down at her face, his arm still tight around her waist.
"How're you doing?" he asked gently.
Kori sighed, leaning the side of her head against his chest. "I don't know." she whispered. "I honestly hope everything works out between Paul and my sister. They could both use each other, you know?"
Seth nodded, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
Then, he took both her hands in his two hands, gently pulling her down the beach to where couples were dancing to the slow music. He turned Kori to face him, placing his hands on her hips while she wrapped hers around his neck.
Seth ducked his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "I love you." he breathed against her lips.
"Love you, too." she whispered.
XXX
Embry lead Liz down the beach to a couple rocks near the waters edge. They sat together side by side.
"You're really beautiful." he told her with a warm smile.
She was wearing a white, lacy spaghetti strapped dress that went to her knees with a blue denim jacket and golden-colored sandals. Her hair was in beach waves like Kori suggested.
"Thanks." she whispered back, her cheeks darkening with a blush.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Embry asked curiously. Liz had texted him saying that there was something important she wanted to tell him at the beach.
Liz looked at the sand below her feet, chewing her lip nervously. "Um…remember when we talked a couple weeks ago? About the whole wolf and imprinting thing?" Embry nodded. "And, you know how you said you'd wait until I was ready?"
Embry blinked in surprise before nodding slowly.
Liz swallowed the nervousness in her throat before lifting her head and meeting Embry's dark chocolate eyes with her own.
"I'm ready."
Embry's eyes widened and his mouth fell open as he registered what she said. Liz misunderstood his expression.
"Unless you changed your mind, which I totally understand, I mean what was I thinking? I don't know why-"
Liz was cut off by two scorching hot hands one either side of her face. A second later a set of warm, soft lips pressed firmly to hers. Instinctively, one of Liz's hands came up to rest on one of his wrists while her other hand went to the back of his neck.
It only lasted a few seconds, but it was probably the best few seconds of Liz's life. When Embry pulled away he looked down into Liz's eyes, his thumb stroking her cheek. Liz licked her lips and smiled happily up at him.
"So…does this make us a couple?" she asked quietly, almost afraid she was dreaming.
Embry chuckled breathily. "If you want that, then definitely."
Liz felt her eyes water as she snuggled into his chest, wrapping her arms around his middle.
"You wanna dance?" Embry asked quietly, afraid to break the peace of the moment.
"With you? Absolutely." Liz whispered happily.
"Then up you go." Embry said, grabbing both Liz's hands to pull her to her feet. They walked down the beach happily hand in hand.
XXX
Sorry this chapter took so much longer to put up than the others, but it's been a pretty hectic week with homecoming stuff, senior pictures, work, and the fact that this chapter was so long. Hopefully the length helped make up for its lateness.
Thank you for your patience wonderful readers!