Who to Choose? Seth or Embry? Chapter 25, a twilight fanfic

Here it is! And it's longer so I expect loads of wonderful reviews!

My arms is about to fall off from typing so I'll make this short.

I took a little inspiration in Embry's lines at one point from the BBC Show MERLIN. So if anyone recognizes it a little—I do not own it.

Also I want to thank you awesome reviewers! I felt soooo much love that I know I can't stop this story yet! I appreciate you all, even the guest reviewers who I can't message back to. You guys rock!

I hope ya'll enjoy this. Please forgive any errors 'cuz my arms is falling off.

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CH. 25 August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday)

"You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me
It makes sense when I'm with you
Like everything that's green, girl I need you
But it's more than one and one makes two
So put aside the math and the logic of it
You gotta know you're wanted too
I wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
And never let you forget it
Yeah I, wanna make you feel wanted."

-Hunter Hayes, Wanna Make you Feel Wanted.

I was running. The sky was bright and clear—a beautiful day, but I still ran. Something was following me through the trees. I was moving very fast, but my body wasn't tired. I felt frightened, but I didn't know of what.

My hair flew out behind me like I was on a rollercoaster. Suddenly, I stopped. I froze, completely still and waited. I could hear loud thumping of feet and a heart growing near. Through the pine trees I spied a small pond, peaceful in all it's loneliness. I approached it cautiously, still waiting for something—someone.

When I reached the placid and clear water I leaned over, looking down. I gasped out loud at the sight I beheld. Clearly reflected in the water, was me. I thought it was me—it looked like me. I had long curling hair, and the same face and mouth. But my eyes were not their dark, warm brown. They were red.

I jumped back a few feet and turned, just as the thumping stopped. My devil-colored eyes met those of a wolf. I knew him and his eyes very well. Before I could speak even a syllable, the wolf lunged for me with a growl.

I woke up screaming and sobbing. Someone was holding me and 'shhing' in my ear—Seth. I couldn't stop despite his muttering for many minutes. When I did stop, I looked up into Seth's worried face. He looked tired, so he must've been patrolling earlier.

"I'm sorry," I moaned. "I'm sorry."

Seth held onto me, rubbing my back with soothing circles. "Don't apologize. You can't help having bad dreams."

I sniffed, wiping my face. He looked me in the eyes with a sad expression. "Wanna talk about it?"

Did I want to talk about being a vampire? Um, no! "No, it's nothing," I replied, shaking my head.

"Didn't sound like nothing," Seth spoke. "You nearly gave me and Brady a conniption."

I looked up at him. "You were with Brady at this hour?" 5 a.m.

"Patrol, Nicole," he said, obviously.

"You could hear me on patrol?" I asked, panicky.

"Of course," he said, tapping his ear. "Wolves have good hearing, you know?"

Oh. I didn't respond. My arms were around Seth's neck of their own accord, while his rested around my torso. I blushed at our position, thinking of Embry.

Since I'd found out about imprinting the week before, Embry hadn't kissed me again, though he had plenty of opportunities to. I knew he was waiting on me to make the first move, not wanting to force anything on me. Every time I saw him, my mind flashed back to that moment, and I flushed…like I was right now.

I looked at Seth again. He was watching me, probably waiting for another breakdown. I pulled away, releasing my hold on his neck.

"I'm okay now," I said, leaning back in the bed.

Seth's expression was dubious. "Are you sure? I could get someone to fill in."

I shook my head. "Go on, Seth." I yawned, putting on a show.

Seth stood up, watching me carefully for any sign on hidden distress. He seemed very tall to me, as I lay on the bed. I smiled at him for encouragement.

"Goodnight," he said, giving me a small, unsure grin.

"G'night," I replied, staring until he walked out the door.

He closed it softly and I released a sigh of relief. I didn't hear his foot steps in the hall—no doubt the work of his wolfiness. The bedside lamp was still on and I was in no hurry to turn it off.

My dream was incredibly strange to me. There was no reason for me to fear vampires in La Push, and yet I couldn't escape the vision of myself as one of the Cold Ones. I pushed my nightmare to the back of mind remembering my own problems.

Yesterday, I'd gone over to Billy Black's place to talk to Rachael. Paul was gone out on patrol so I had the rare chance to talk to her openly without him breathing down my neck.

I sat on the counter as Rachael rummaged about the kitchen. She had three pots and a pan on the stove, cooking on high. I wondered when something would start to burn.

"Is there a reason you're cooking for an army?" I questioned, kicking my legs back and forth. They tapped against the cabinets in a steady rhythm.

Rachael's eyes sparkled. "Paul's coming over later." I could hear the adoration in her voice…and it made me nauseous.

"Why Paul? He's an ass," I commented, rudely, getting to the point.

Rachael's affronted face nearly made me go into hysterics. I fought back my wide grin, failing miserably.

"I love him," she declared.

That shut me up quickly. "You hardly know him."

Rachael looked down considering, a small grin upon her face. "I'm his imprint."

I looked at her wide-eyed. "You're serious."

Rachael nodded. "I thought you already knew all about the imprints. At least, I thought that's what Paul meant when he…told me," she finished sheepishly.

"Embry only told me about Emily and Sam," I replied. "There are more, aren't there?"

Rachael looked uncomfortable, but nodded. "Kim and Jared and Quil and Claire."

"Claire?" I yelled. "What the hell?"

"You're thinking about it wrong," she began. "Just because Quil imprinted on Claire doesn't mean he thinks about her how Paul thinks of me. Quil's like her brother or a very convenient baby-sitter."

I sighed in exasperation. "You've gotta be kidding me." Why couldn't I be an imprint?

I'd left Rachael minutes later, not wanting to deal with her annoying happiness. Plus, I was unbelievably jealous. I wanted what she had—not Paul, of course. I wanted the devotion that Sam gave Emily, the adoration that Paul showed Rachael, and the protection that Quil gave Claire.

It was 6:00 when I began contemplating sleep again. My eyes fluttered as my body calmed. It felt like minutes later that I was being shaken awake.

I gasped, sitting up to see who woke me. Sue stood by the bed, a shaken look in her eye. In her hand was the cordless phone. She held it out to me, mutely, and I took it without hesitation. Before I could put the speaker to my ear, Seth flew into the room, looking anxious.

"What is it?" he demanded. His eyes flew over me, trying to assess any damage.

Instead of replying I held the phone to my ear, dreading the worst.

"Hello?" I asked, slowly.

"Nicole Law?" a woman's voice asked. "Daughter of Magdalene Law?"

"This is she," I replied, confused. "Who is this?"

"Nicole, I'm Tammi Jones, a nurse at Forks Hospital," she continued calmly. "Dr. Cullen said I could reach you at this number."

"Is something wrong with my mom?" I demanded, ignoring her comment about Carlisle.

"She's with us, dear, but she's okay," Tammi replied. "You're her next of kin on our records. You need to come down here as soon as possible."

"Yeah, of course…fine," I stuttered out. "I'll be there soon."

I threw the covers off my body, and stumbled around the room. I found the cleanest thing I had and started to change my clothes, before realizing Seth and Sue were watching me—waiting for an explanation.

"My mom," I started. "She's in the hospital."

Sue only nodded, before ushering Seth from the room—he protested, of course. She turned to me and helped me into my clothes. Finally, I was dressed and she grabbed me into a hug.

"She'll be alright, honey," she murmured in my ear.

I sincerely hoped she was right.

I waited silently in my chair. The waiting room at the hospital was calm and quiet, contradicting my restless feelings. Seth and Sue sat across from me, having come for moral support. Leah was on patrol and knew nothing of our predicament.

It was 7:00 when Dr. Gerandy came to talk to me. I stood up on sight, walking forward. The others came behind me to hear the news.

"What's wrong with her? Can I see her? Is she awake?" I questioned in quick succession.

"Calm down, Miss Law," he comforted. "Your mother is okay. We have her stabilized and she'll be waking up in a few hours."

I nodded, gratefully. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"She was at work and her boss called us after she passed out," he replied. "She had also been vomiting at an excessive rate and was choking slightly. That was dangerous because she could've accidentally aspirated vomit into her lungs."

"Okay, thank you, Dr. Gerandy. Can I see her?"

"We're still in the process of pumping her stomach. Once we're done and she wakes up you can see her," he replied.

I nodded in understanding, before the doctor left. I sat in my chair again, waiting and thinking of the worst.

A few hours later, I was still seated in the hospital waiting room. Seth had stepped away for some food—his stomach growls had started to annoy me and I sent him away. I couldn't help but notice the dark circles under his eyes as well, and felt bad for dragging him here with his mother and me.

Sue had stepped away to make a few phone calls on the single payphone in Forks Hospital. I guessed there had been a long line because she'd left me thirty minutes earlier. My head was in my hands, my eyes closed. Every few minutes, feet walked by, heading to some patient's room for a visit.

I thought about my mom—how bad she'd treated me for the past five years (since I turned fifteen). She'd set the house on fire, sold my things to buy beer, and told me I was good for nothing—but none of that mattered now because she was still my mom.

Sitting in the hospital and waiting reminded me of my dad. When he'd gotten sick, I stayed with him in the hospital when I wasn't sleeping or in school. I'd felt helpless and useless like I felt now. Losing Dad had been too much—I couldn't lose her too.

Tears were falling slowly as I contemplated everything. I gasped in surprise when a large hand came to rest on my shoulder. I hadn't heard Seth return (his wolf had silent steps while human, too.) But it wasn't Seth.

Warm arms enveloped me in a tight hug that nearly crushed me—but I didn't care. Embry's embrace held me together as everything around me (my world) fell to pieces. I heard strangled noises that I could not place, until I realized it was me. I sobbed inhumanly, releasing everything onto Embry's broad shoulders. I knew my tears were soaking him, but I couldn't bring myself to care.

"Shh…It's okay, it's okay," Embry whispered in my ear, as I shook violently.

I wanted to answer him, but I words wouldn't form on my lips. Everything came out in a gurgled mess. I gave up and just held onto him, not caring that I was in a public place. My legs collapsed and he held me up, arms around my waist and back.

It felt like hours, but was mere minutes when I calmed down. My eyes were still streaming, but my body no longer shook. My stomach was sore from all the screaming sobs I'd released. I pulled back from Embry, taking a seat and leaving only my hands grasped in his. I squeezed very hard, but he didn't seem to notice. He only had eyes for me.

"Tell me…what happened?" he practically begged.

My voice was terribly hoarse as I answered him. "Alcohol poisoning…but she'll be fine…for now."

"It's a wonder this hasn't happened before," he said, watching me, studiously.

"But it will," I replied, an empty look in my eyes. "I know it will. And one day, I won't be getting a call to fill out hospital paperwork—I'll be getting a call from the morgue to pick out a tombstone."

"You don't know that," Embry chastised softly.

I looked at him, knowingly. "You know what it's like to see your mom drunk, but you've never had to do this. You've never been worried that she'd die because of it."

"I didn't say I did," he started, "But I know what it feels like to be full of fear—fear that she'll just pick up and leave you alone. I was fourteen the first time she didn't come home all night."

I felt bad for assuming things, but didn't say anything in apology. "I remember. That was the night you called me. You were upset and we stayed on the phone all night."

"Yes," he replied. "And do you remember what you told me?"

I thought back to that November night from years ago. "I said everything would be okay and that I'd always be there when you needed me."

"Right, and now I'm going to do the same for you," Embry answered.

I nodded at him, but didn't smile. Happiness felt so far away at the moment.

Embry's hand came and caressed my face gently. "Everything is going to be okay. I'll be there when you need me and…I love you."

I looked at him, considering everything—losing him to someone else, imprinting. I knew I needed him. I thought about him all the time; I cared about him more than anyone—even myself; and I didn't know what I would do if anything ever happened to him.

I thought of a majestic reply, but it just didn't come out that way. "Good."

And it was good. Knowing everything about him and that he loved me made me feel normal—as normal as I could get—human and happy. And that's all I could ever ask for.

Embry's hand slid down and took my hand again, rubbing soothing circles on my wrist. I watched him as he watched me, fascinated that he loved me. I didn't hear anyone walk up to us, until Seth's throat cleared.

My head jerked up at him, taking in everything. In his hand, was a cup of coffee and a muffin. He loomed over Embry and me like a giant—which wasn't too far off—with a tense look in his eye.

(Embry's POV)

Seth watched us like a hawk, taking in the scene before him. I could tell he wasn't pleased, but couldn't bring myself to give a damn. Nicole either had a wonderful poker face, or was just oblivious to Seth's resentful gaze.

"Is that for me?" she asked, smoothly.

Seth's eyebrows furrowed minutely, before he realized she was talking about the muffin and cup of coffee.

"Yeah," his voice was rough.

He handed her the cup and muffin, and she started on it immediately. She must've been starving, and I mentally cursed myself for not considering that before I came to the hospital.

Seth sat in the chair across from her, observing her as she ate. Every few moments his gaze fell on me and I looked straight back at him, refusing to back down. I wondered momentarily if he'd heard us talking earlier, not that it mattered—he knew how I felt about her. We knew each other's every secret and desire. The real mystery was her.

Did she recognize Seth's attentions and pretend not to notice? Did she love him too? I knew it was entirely possible that she had feelings for him—love was very complicated. Look at Sam, Emily and Leah—Hell, even Bella, Jacob and Edward. Love could be a blessing or a curse. At least I knew Nicole loved me.

Just as Nicole was finishing her food, Dr. Carlisle (leech) Cullen walked towards her. Seth's face immediately lifted at the sight of the vampire, while mine tensed. Nicole jumped to her feet ready for some news—any news.

I couldn't bear Nicole being so close to Dr. Fang, so I stood too. I grabbed her hand and pulled her back to my side, letting the leech approach us. The doctor smiled wanly at me, trying to ease my nerves, but it didn't help. I was a wolf and he was a vamp and nothing would change that.

Nicole looked at me strangely, but didn't pull away like I expected. The doctor stopped in front of the three of us, and held out a hand.

"It's a pleasure to see you again," he said to Nicole.

She took his hand (much to my revulsion) and shook it eagerly. "Same here, doc."

Seth grinned shaking his hand as well. "Good to see you, Carlisle."

The vampire nodded. "Hello, Seth. You're looking well."

Seth chuckled. "Oh, you know. It takes a lot to do me in."

I nearly gagged from the vampire's stench, but didn't say a word.

"So how is she?" Nicole asked him, desperately.

"She's doing better," he replied. "Her blood alcohol level has decreased to a tolerable level and her temperature and heart rate have evened out. The stomach pump worked perfectly."

Nicole let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Carlisle—so much."

"That's no problem," Dr. Fang replied, placing a hand on Nicole's free arm.

I immediately tensed up and let out a soft rumble from my chest. Nicole's ears didn't pick it up, but I knew the vamp and Seth's ears did. Carlisle Cullen smiled in an understanding way, before he excused himself to deal with another patient.

Nicole turned to me, a relieved expression on her face. Her arms flew around my neck, holding on tightly. I held her closely, as Seth watched on. His happy expression was completely gone with the vampire.

I whispered in her ear. "I told you everything would be alright."

(Nicole's POV—Thursday—11 a.m.)

Mom's eyes fluttered open at last. She seemed to be searching for something or someone, eyes flying around the room. When she saw me she stopped, staring.

"What happened?" she asked, voice scratchy from the tube down her throat the day before.

I slid to the edge of my chair, next to her bed. "You had a bit too much to drink, Mom. You had alcohol poisoning."

Her expression didn't change as she contemplated my words. "Why are you here?"

I sighed. "I'm here to take care of you. They say you'll probably be able to go home tomorrow afternoon."

"Why would you take care of me? You hate me," she replied, softly.

My eyes pricked. "No," I replied shaking my head. "You're my mother."

I didn't have to say anything more. I suppose she believed my explanation, though I wasn't sure I did. Mom's attitude stayed mild for the rest of the day. She didn't yell at me (her throat was extremely sore) and she did listened to me without argument. It was a nice change, but I was sure it wouldn't last.

I decided to become my mother's caretaker—at least until she could take care of herself again. Embry and Seth were helping Sue move my things into the house I grew up in, while I sat with my mom for today. Sue agreed to help me with her so I could have a break and work my part time job. I was glad about this, because I wasn't sure how much of Magdalene Law I could handle.

Sue walked into the room, Leah trailing in behind her. Leah smirked at me, and nodded. Mom recognized Sue immediately.

"Sue," she said roughly. "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you, too. Only I wish it were under better circumstances, Maggie," Sue replied, chastising sarcastically.

"Sorry, mother," she replied, before eying Leah up. "And who's this Amazon you have with you? She looks taller than the Statue of Liberty."

I chuckled as Leah turned red. "Listen, lady—"

"This," interrupted Sue, "Is Leah, my daughter. You remember her, don't you?"

"I remember a scrawny, anxious preteen by that name, yes," Mom continued. "But not the Bride of Frankenstein."

"Mom!" I yelled, embarrassed.

"I'm way hotter than the Statue of Liberty and the Bride of Frankenstein, so watch it bitch!" Leah screamed.

"Leah!" Sue shrieked.

Then, something happened that I never expected. Mom started laughing. It was slow at first and then built, till she was gasping for breath. I tried to calm her down. She needed to take things easy, not bust a gut laughing.

"I've gotta hand it to you, Sue," Mom said, still chuckling. "You know how to raise 'em. I like this one."

I looked at Leah, curiously. "This is so not what I expected to happen."

Leah looked at me, disbelieving. "You're telling me, 'Dalene."

I furrowed my eyebrows, puzzled. "What?"

"It's your new nickname," Leah replied, simply. "The whole pack thinks it's great."

"You've got to be kidding me," I replied. "I'm gonna kill that idiot." I was of course referring to Embry and his annoying habit of calling me Magdalene.

Leah chuckled. "I doubt that." So Leah new about my conversation with Embry the day before—stupid werewolf mind link.

"So the hospital is releasing you tomorrow," Sue started. "And we've already got Nicole's things at your place so—"

"What are you talking about?" Mom asked.

I walked back over to the bed. "You need somebody to take care of you, Mom. I'm your daughter."

"I'll be just fine on my own," she replied, stiffly.

This was probably the reappearance of the normal Maggie. "No you won't. I'm staying for a few weeks, at least. Dr. Cullen suggested someone be around you in case anything happens."

Mom didn't say anything. Her lips stayed sealed for the rest of the day. When she got upset and didn't get her way, Mom loved to stop talking and sulk. She was doing an awesome job of it, and I wondered how long she would go on.

(Embry's POV—Friday—1 p.m.)

Nicole signed some final papers, as her mother and I waited to leave Forks Hospital. I was glad Nicole would be back in La Push—away from the Cullens. Finally, she was done and we could leave.

Nicole turned and smiled at me. "You ready?"

"Born ready, 'Dalene," I replied, smirking.

Nicole glared at me, before wheeling her mom's wheelchair down the hall. "I'm still not forgiving you for that, Embry Call."

"Hey, at least you're not named Embry," I replied to appease her.

Nicole smiled, shyly. "But I like your name. It fits you. You're special."

"Now that's one thing I'm not," I returned, tagging along beside her.

"Hey, Nikki, stop flirting and pay attention," Maggie grumbled, as Nicole nearly steered her into another patient. "Wheelchair wreck is not the way I wanna go."

Nicole stopped the wheelchair just in time, her face red in embarrassment. I nudged her over gently. "Here let me do that."

She smiled at me and relinquished the chair to me. As we approached Nicole's Jeep, I couldn't help but see the similarities between her and Maggie Law. They both were the exact same height with the same curvy build. Their hair was black and wavy (nearly into curls) and their noses were the same. I remembered from pictures that Nicole had her father's small mouth and intense eyes. Eyes that I wanted to fall into.

Nicole had her mom's anger issues, which caused loads of havoc on the drive home. Nicole drove the speed limit and Maggie told her to speed up. Nicole had the radio on rock and Maggie wanted to listen to country. Nicole told Maggie to shut up and Maggie told Nicole the same.

I sat in silence, listening to their arguments and wondering how they were going to live together again. I was almost positive Nicole would move out tonight. One thing about their fighting, however, was its triviality. They didn't fight about things of great importance, but they both wanted to win the battle of wits as victor.

I wondered when or if they would ever talk about Nicole's dad and everything that happened after his death. It didn't seem likely very soon, but was inevitable nonetheless.

I helped Nicole bring in Maggie—I carried her while Nicole fought to bring in the wheelchair. Dr. Fang said to let Maggie sit for a few days till she got her strength back. I sat Maggie down on the couch in front of the small TV, before taking the wheelchair from Nicole. She didn't protest, obviously knowing her own limitations.

Maggie flipped through the TV, while Nicole ran a bath for her in the back of the house. I didn't think she was really watching the show that was on, but I pretended to watch for her benefit. Finally, Maggie shut the TV off.

I said nothing as she turned her body to face me. She eyed me for a moment before beginning.

"So you're the one, hmm?" she started.

I looked at her confused. "I don't…know what—"

"Of course you know what I'm saying, Embry Call," she said. "Don't act stupid."

I didn't say anything, truly puzzled at her words. She, eventually, became annoyed.

"You're the one Nicole's in love with," she said, obviously.

I took in a deep breath. "Yes, Mrs. Law, I am."

"I knew she looked different—acted different," Maggie muttered to herself, then looked at me again. "And what are your intentions towards my daughter?"

I nearly laughed out loud. "Intentions? With all due respect, Mrs. Law, you don't really have a right to ask me this," I stated, bluntly. "You didn't even speak to your daughter until recently."

Maggie Law eyed me like a hawk. "Then I suppose it's time I made up for that, isn't it?"

I nodded. "I guess so. And just for your information, I love her and she loves me. That's all I know for now."

Maggie nodded, before grabbing the remote. She turned the TV back on just as Nicole walked back into the room.

"You ready, Mom?" she asked, bringing the wheelchair to Maggie.

"Yes, I think so," she replied, getting into the chair.

I stood up, knowing it was time for me to go. Nicole looked at me quickly, probably worried I'd disappear.

"You leaving?" she asked.

I nodded. "I'd better get going. I've got…work."

Nicole nodded quickly in understanding. "Be careful."

"Of course," I replied, walking over to her.

I bent my head down to her level, capturing her lips with my own for a moment. I pulled away, wanting to stay. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she replied, a dazed look in her eye.

I exited the Law residence, still surprised by Maggie's questions. Maybe there was something more to Magdalene Law than I first believed.

-Hunter Hayes, Wanna Make you Feel Wanted.

SO?

What did you think about the dream?

What about how Maggie is acting? Different, no?

Did you like my Embry POVS? What about his cracks against the Cullens? (Who I personally adore, I assure you!)

Did you like the little kissing I threw in at the end?

REVIEW! It makes me HAPPY!)