Thank you for your continued reviews "Guest!" Means a lot to me. We are entering the part of the story where Jace and Phoenix will finally connect and then of course, the bumps in the road will follow, so yes drama up ahead after some much needed fluff. This chapter is the prelude to the next two chapters.

No copyright infringement intended on Stephenie Meyer's work

Chapter 23 – Try

JACE

When I got home from patrol and my brief and awkward meeting with Phoenix, Embry was sitting in the living room with a very pretty young woman whom I recognized to be my Aunt Leanne. I had never had a real auntie before, and I was excited to meet her.

I held out my hand and we shook briefly with almost identical wide smiles. "You look so much like your father it's freaking me out!" she remarked with a giggle.

"Yeah, I know, but I think I got the best of it, personally."

We all laughed at my arrogance and got comfortable on the settee. They asked about patrol and what was going on with the vampire hunt. Embry had filled her in on how tough we had it now with only eight wolves. Patrols needed to be constant and doubled, so we were only getting a few hours break before we had to be back out again in fours. Sammy had been running the southern route with me most of the time. It was hard for me not to let everything that happened with Phoenix slip, but since we were on a hunt, I generally kept my thoughts focused on the environment around me, trying to find that disgusting scent. So the leech was turning out to be a needed distraction from my troubles.

But I was frustrated. This was the part I didn't like, I didn't want to be a wolf all day long. I just wanted to be a regular teenager who hung out with friends and had a girl who wanted him. This was nothing like how I expected my summer to be.

I was miserable.

"Earth to Jace?" I turned sheepishly to my father. "Leanne was saying that she's sorry you and Benji don't get along."

"Well if he didn't like Phoenix in a way that he shouldn't, I think we'd be cool. I dunno, we just didn't hit it off, from the start he decided he didn't like me and I guess the feeling was mutual."

Leanne sat frozen, looking at me with wide eyes. In fact, she seemed a little pale.

"What's wrong?" I asked. I knew she was close with him but I didn't think it was a big deal. She was like double his age or something wasn't she?

Embry cleared his throat. "Annie, relax okay, that doesn't mean anything. Paul would kill Benjamin for even having those sorts of thoughts anyways."

She broke out of her trance and looked at Embry with a hardened expression, now she was pissed. "But if it's not her then what about the next girl or the next? I can't do this anymore! I'm sick and tired of watching him with these stupid airhead college girls! Now Phoenix? REALLY? I knew that what I did would come back to bite me in the ass, Em, but this is just ridiculous! You're lucky this shit never happened to you. Look at your sister, look at your son. Who's fucking happy?" She rose quickly, looking at me apologetically. "It was nice meeting you Jace. Sorry to leave so soon but I gotta go."

Leanne didn't wait for either of us to responded nor did she stop when Embry called out to her and told her she could use the spare bedroom anytime. She just stormed out the front door.

"What the fuck did I say?" I asked, feeling super guilty.

Embry sighed and ran his hand through his dark hair. "Fuck, I don't know if I should even tell you, it's been a secret for so long. No one knows from the new pack."

"What is it? I won't tell anyone."

"You can't let it slip in pack mind, Jace." Embry gave me a look of stern warning.

I grimaced and rolled my eyes, "Out with it old man."

"Look, she imprinted on Benjamin when he was a baby."

"What?" Gross. That was my first thought. Then I felt stupid for not figuring that out on my own, but honestly I just didn't remember that she had been a wolf too. It was weird thinking of females that way, as a big hairy beast.

"Yeah, he doesn't know about the imprint though, obviously. But she wants to tell him now, she's scared he'll reject her, that's what we were talking about before you came home."

"Oh fuck, sorry I messed that up. Phoenix doesn't like him that way though so she has nothing to worry about."

"It's okay, Annie just needs to step up if she wants to win his affection. Paul spoiled that kid and made him more arrogant than he ever had been growing up. Honestly, Ben's head is shoved so far up his ass, that's why he's never noticed her before. And she's too chicken to do something about it."

I nodded, not knowing what else to say. It must be a pretty awkward situation. Quil and Claire worked out, how come Benjamin didn't naturally feel the pull? I found it strange. And yet, it just proved that not every imprintee had to fall for the bond. There was no rule that imprints had to be together at all, and that was a daunting thought for me to have in my current predicament. "She said something about what she did biting her in the ass?"

'Humph, that part I definitely won't spill. Some events are better left in the past. Let's just say she did something bad when she first phased, and thinks that Benji not feeling the pull is her punishment for that."

"Fuck," I whispered. That seemed pretty cruel, so it must have been bad. "Wonder what I did then? Fucked up Chaney's car and his face? Made out with Bethany?" I scoffed and shook my head.

"You're a good kid, Phoenix will come around. I promise you."

I shook my head. I didn't want anyone to promise me anything. I'd spent the last four days convincing myself that I didn't need an imprint and I wasn't about to stop. I just couldn't or I'd go crazy. Not even her weird show of concern or attraction for me today I was allowing to convince me otherwise. I couldn't for my own sake.

"Speaking of, Annie said she saw Phoenix earlier. Phoenix kinda figured out that she was his imprinter. Annie has no clue how she did it out though."

"Oh." Crap, Nix probably hadn't told her anything about Benjamin's crush on her, hence why Leanne flipped out. Man, I really had fucked up things for my aunt. I knew firsthand how shitty it felt to have an imprint who wanted someone else. I needed to talk to her soon.

"Phoenix of all people, apparently gave her advice on how to make him notice her," he chuckled and shook his head. I didn't blame him for finding the irony funny, it was weird to think of my imprint talking about something like that.

I didn't want to think about her right now though. I was too tired, and the longer I sat there the heavier my body felt. "I gotta go get some sleep, I'm exhausted."

"Okay son. I'll make some dinner for when you get up. What time should I wake you?"

I looked at the clock on the wall and groaned. "In five hours."

It would never be enough.

PHOENIX

I woke up the next morning to the shrill of my cell ringing. I reached over and saw that it was Benjamin of all people.

"Why so early?" I mumbled.

"Because I need a favor."

"What?"

"Will you come with me to the beach later?"

"Why?" I sat up now, rubbing my eyes with my free hand.

"Because I just want you to come, please? We haven't hung out properly all summer, Nix."

"Ben, you know that nothing can happen between us right?"

"Why? Because you were imprinted on?"

"You know why," I snapped. I really didn't appreciate his tone, he was being a jerk at seven in the morning.

He groaned and I could feel him rolling his eyes. "I promise Nix, it's not a date or anything of that nature, I just want you there."

This just didn't seem right, he was acting too desperate. "Who else is going to be there?"

"Um, well, Leanne?"

No wonder it was a favor. But he wanted me to go out with them when it should be her time to work her imprinter magic on him. Did he have a feeling she wanted him and was weird about it? But if I went Leanne would feel horrible, she'd find out about his "feelings" for me and I didn't want her to think I returned them.

"I don't think that's a good idea. You don't need me there and I think you'll offend her. She's important to you Benji, don't hurt her feelings okay? Just have a good day with her and try to make her happy. What's the problem?"

"There's no problem it just feels weird. I mean, it's Annie."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, she's always been there for me growing up, she's like my big sister."

"And I'm like your little sister Benjamin, we hang out? I'm not following."

"Arrrggh! You just had to go say that didn't you?"

"Well sorry to gross you out, but at least now you get my point!"

"Ugh! Fine, fine, forget I asked, but we're going around one if you change your mind. I think she's gone shopping."

"Alright. Have fun and just relax and enjoy yourself." I hoped she'd take my advice. Benjamin might not be easy to win over after all.

"I will I will, it's not like a blind date or something!"

I chuckled as I ended the call. Oh he had no idea. Obviously he was starting to feel something for her or he would not be weirded out at the idea of going to the beach with her! Or was it that he suspected her feelings for him?

I decided not to get involved with their drama before food. It made no sense going back to sleep, the house would be up anyways and I felt like having a big breakfast. Keeping on my white vest I pulled on one of my kimonos, my favorite which was white with green and yellow bamboo leaves all over it and denim shorts. I brushed my hair out and stuffed it in a messy bun then slipped on some hoop earrings. Auntie Kim said that I needed to make an effort to dress nicely and feel good about myself as part of improving my moods and depressed appearance. I could see her point.

I took a moment to appraise at myself. I looked tired and worn out - Still - But with good reason this time. I had the strangest dream about red eyes last night and me running through the woods.

Honestly, it scared the shit out of me. But I knew it was just my sub-conscious playing with me because of what Daddy said. There was a vampire close by but I knew that it would never get to me. The pack knew what to do to keep us all safe.

There was nothing to worry about.

But my dream made me jittery none the less. Why was the vampire playing games with the wolves?

Gone are the days when us kids knew nothing about the pack – besides Benji. Hmm, him being Leanne's imprint probably explained that part. Strange that they allowed him to know about the wolves from small but with us they waited until we were much older to say something. It was before Sammy and Tuari started to show the signs of phasing.

While we knew for years, now was different. We hadn't had vampire disturbances in La Push for most of my life, so having my brother and Sammy and Uncle Quil in danger made me feel nervous. And then there was Jace. I still cared that he didn't get hurt. I guess Daddy told me because I am an imprint and I have the right to know. I felt like he had actually treated me like a young woman and not his little girl.

I ran down the stairs to hear the sound of dishes clanking and happy conversation. Once I broke into the room my steps faltered as I watched Jace at the table. He looked really tired, but he seemed to be enjoying his breakfast while talking to Ruth. Not only him but Josie was seated next to Tuari.

"Good morning," the room chorused at me.

"Morning everyone," I tried to smile as I took my seat, noting how happy my mother seemed as she was practically beaming at me.

"You look nice!" She chirped.

"Thanks Momma," I said shyly.

"Sleep okay baby girl?" Daddy asked, and for a moment I forgot and started to shake my head before I quickly nodded.

"It was okay, thanks."

"Sure?"

"Yeah Dad, I'm sure." I honestly did NOT want to talk about the nightmare.

I leaned over for the eggs and toast, my hand brushing Jace's as he reached for the same slice of bread. A warm spark flew over my skin upon contact and my heart skipped a beat causing me to drop the bread.

"Sorry," we both chorused at the same time. I felt my face growing super warm as Jace smiled and picked up the bread and handed it to me.

"Thanks," I said shyly and dropped my gaze from embarrassment. Gathering my wits, I cleared my throat and continued serving out my food as if nothing had happened. I could feel everyone's eyes on us and it felt way too uncomfortable. And as much as I tried to act like we were both invisible, I could feel his warmth from across the table, knowing his apart from Tuari's easily. My brother's heat was scorching while Jace's was soothing.

Ugh, no. I shouldn't be thinking like that. Or should I? I was noticing Jace in a totally different way – a good way - and it was freaking me out. I just couldn't relax around him because I was finding him to be quite…attractive.

It couldn't be this easy to start feeling that way, could it? I knew it had to be the imprint taking captive ever since I decided that I would try to hang out with Jace to improve my moods.

I couldn't forget Auntie Kim's voice telling me that Avery was never mine and he never would have imprinted on me. Jace was The One, and he was right in front of me. I needed to accept him, it, everything.

I hardly paid attention to what was said at the table, focusing instead on eating to keep my nerves in check. With Jace in the room I was stoic on the outside but on the inside I couldn't seem to keep it together.

"Hey Nix, wanna come to the beach with us later?" Tuari asked, calling my attention to him. "Dez, Sam and Am are coming too. We can make a party of it." Ari wiggled his eyebrows and turned his puppy eyes on me and I shrugged. I didn't have plans for the day but I really didn't want to ruin Leanne's plans.

"Don't you have patrol?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Me and Sammy got the day off to spend with our imprints, Quil felt sorry for us knowing we weren't getting to see Josie and Amber." I watched my best friend smile lovingly at my brother and the happy/proud way my parents watched them. It made me feel something in the pit of my stomach but I couldn't identify the feeling.

Well maybe I could, it was envy. They had patched things up so easily and now they were so happy.

"What about you Jace?" Momma asked. My eyes darted to his face involuntarily, so that I could witness his reaction.

He wasn't getting to see his imprint either…wait, was that why he was here for breakfast?

"I've got patrol as soon as I'm done here. Actually, I think I'll get going now. Thanks for inviting me Corrie, it was delicious."

I felt like he answered that way to prove to me that he didn't invite himself.

"You're more than welcome honey, I've missed you. I really hate that you have to leave La Push so soon - this month went by so quickly," Momma cooed at him with a sad face.

I froze at her words. He was leaving soon…

Jace nodded and tried to smile but his eyes were way too sad to pull it off. "I know, me too." He mumbled before throwing me the briefest glance as he stood up and went over to the sink. I forced my mouthful down and grabbed my glass of OJ so that I could hide my surprise.

"Maybe you can get someone to swap with you and patrol with us tonight?" Tuari insisted.

"I dunno." It was obvious that he was purposely trying to stay away from the pack and I wondered if it was because of me. Would he not want to go if I was going? I hadn't even said that I was.

"Well be careful out there honey, see you later," Momma got up and gave Jace a hug and a kiss which he awkwardly accepted before she sat back down.

Jace said good-bye to us all and I wished I had the nerve go talk to him. I could feel the stares on me again as he went out the back door. Under the hood of my lashes I peeked around to see Daddy giving me a concerned look, while Ari and Josie were both kinda glaring.

Great. Not this again. I guess they had wanted me to ask him to come.

"I hope Jacey will be okay out there. Is he by himself?" Ruthie asked our father. She seemed genuinely concerned.

Jacey?

"Uncle Quil is going to be out there too, so don't worry. He'll watch over him."

I dunno why but Daddy's words comforted me even though they were directed at a ten-year-old.

"Hey Nix, can I talk to you when you're done eating?"

"Uh, sure."

Josie's request instantly made me nervous. I didn't want to fight with her but I felt as though one was coming.

I got up and took my wares to the sink, and started collecting all the empty plates around the table so that I could load the dishwasher. Momma hated doing too much dishes, she had grown up doing it as a teenager for a large family and had proclaimed that her slave days were over. She got this dishwasher from Japan because it used less water than most brands – she still wanted to conserve even though we used the thing about twice or three times a day.

Afterwards I led Josie up to my room and sat on the bed while she kinda hovered around.

"You took down the pictures," she commented.

"Uh, yeah…"

"How come?"

I took a big breath and let it out, not knowing how to answer. "I….just needed a break from the memories."

She bobbed her head a few times and folded her arms. "You look a little better, I hope that means you've been really trying to move on."

"I'm just trying to take it day by day without crying or shutting myself in this room. Auntie Kim has been helping me, and I've been trying to follow the steps to come out of my funk."

"That's a good start Nix, I'm glad to hear it. So what about Jace? When are you going to start adding him to your daily routine?"

I sighed in exasperation and gave her the easiest answer: "I dunno." She really needed to stop pushing me. I should sic Auntie Kim on her for this bad habit. Maybe she needed counselling too.

"He's leaving really soon you know?"

"I'm aware." Wasn't I just at the same table?

"He's your wolf, why don't you get to know him a little better before then?"

I picked at my finger nails then, uncertainty swelling in my chest. "I want to but I don't know what to say to him…I've hurt him too much and he is upset with me."

"He's upset because he wants to spend time with you but he can't because you told him to move on with his life. Ari said he's been really down but determined to give you what you want. He's miserable Nix."

I could easily see that for myself.

"Don't make this harder than it has to be, you are overthinking it, you don't have to say anything in particular just say 'what's up?' and the rest will flow."

Tell that to my nerves whenever I'm around him.

"I'll try to talk to him soon." I managed to say reassuringly. It wasn't as if Josie had to convince me, I wanted the same thing.

"Good. I'm really happy to hear you say that. Trust me, it wasn't until I accepted the imprint that I truly knew what love and happiness felt like, I didn't realize that I was physically hurting without Tuari. You're going to feel much better if you spend time with him a little. And Jace has his own issues, he was pretty messed up before he even phased. He needs you to help him heal too, it's not just about helping you. We have a duty to them as much as they have one to us, we just never understood it that way before."

"What are you talking about?" I couldn't deny that she had caught my attention with that one. And come to think of it, Josie had told me the same thing at the memorial.

"His Mom, things are not good between them. Dad said that Uncle Embry is pissed at Valerie for not paying enough attention to Jace. All she does is work and she doesn't 'mother him' I guess. Jace has this void, I guess you could call it - he doesn't feel like he's important."

"That sucks." We all grew up with our parents and the pack showering us with attention. I couldn't imagine not having the love and support of my parents, even when I didn't want it.

"Yeah…you remember that night I brought him home from the bar?" I nodded. "Well, in the car he told me that you and his Mom don't love him. He said that he wants to make you better and he wants you to make him better. He really needs someone who will be there for him, Nix."

"He said that?"

"Yes, and that was before he even imprinted on you. From the start Jace has only cared about making you feel better. But he needs you too Nix. As much as you don't want to hear it, you need to help each other."

I sighed and rubbed my temples. She was not helping at all, only serving to make me more nervous about approaching him.

"I'm not talking about falling in love and all that. Just talk to him."

I nodded, but had nothing to say in response. I felt worried and anxious at the same time. The imprint was pushing me to talk to Jace but I was scared to try. If I was completely honest with myself I was scared that he'd reject me because I had been so selfish and unkind to him before. And what if I couldn't help him because I was too messed up?

"I hope you will come today though. We're supposed to have good weather."

"Yeah, I guess I'll see you guys later." Honestly, I missed spending time with my friends and being outdoors. I didn't want to stay in my room while they had fun.

Although we were on different levels with the whole imprinting thing now, I hoped that Josie and I could be good again after today. I wanted to just be normal around everybody after shutting myself down for the past year. I wanted everyone to be happy around me. I didn't want a room to tense every time I walked in.

The beach and I weren't friends anymore but today I felt like going for fun was something I needed to do to change the energy around me; that I could move on and do the things we used to love together, but without Avery. I would use today to put my steps of healing into practice.

I would be brave.

I owed it to myself to try and stop finding excuses not to.