No, I can't take one more step toward you

Cause all that's waiting is regret

Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore

You lost the love I loved the most

...

And it took so long just to feel alright

Remember how to put back the light in my eyes

I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed

Cause you broke all your promises

And now your back

Looking to get me back

"Should heal pretty quickly, and she seems fine other than the arm, so she is free to go" The young nurse smiled kindly at us, but the look of pity in her eyes was screaming at me. I had this all night, nurses and doctors smiling kindly and treating me like a kid.

"Thanks" I mumbled back before grabbing Gracie and leaving the room.

I walked down the corridor toward the family waiting room, it had been taken over by the guys during the night. It was about 5am now. I was seriously lagging, my eyes were fighting to stay open and I felt like I hadn't slept for days. The babies still hadn't made an appearance, but the situation was better, she was struggling less and the babies were calmer. So I suppose that was good.

I rounded the corner to the waiting room, Paul was stood outside the door with Rachel, they were kissing. My stomach went light, my mind went straight to Embry. I wanted Embry to kiss me like that.

"Ewwww Unca Pauly being silly" Gracie cried out slightly and the two broke apart, looking around at us, I smirked slightly.

"Busted" I winked at them before walking past and into the room.

My eyes instantly darted to Embry, his head snapped up and he let out a long sigh.

"She ok?" He sounded a little relieved and he stood up, walking to us in two quick strides.

My stomach clenched again, my feelings for him had definitely intensified. A new feeling of comfort had settled over me, he cared about me, he would never hurt me, and he would keep me safe.

I smiled up at him; he was staring, waiting for my answer.

"Yeah, it's broke but she will be ok"

"Son of a"

"BRADY!" Kim screeched at him as he slipped out the last word.

"NAUGHTY WORD!" Gracie popped up in her own little screech.

"You tell him Gracie" Embry smiled and leant toward me, taking Gracie and cuddling her tightly.

My stomach flipped, he was so good with her.

Brady stood up and walked over, his own posture less tense and relief washed his face.

Embry handed Gracie to him and he took her tightly and sat down, kissing her little cheek over and over. I smiled; she would always be safe with him.

"And you?" Embry's husky voice sent chills through my spine, I shivered and looked back at him.

"And me what?" I frowned now, what did he mean?

"Are you ok? Did they check you over?" He looked over me nervously again, a little anger flashed his eyes.

"I'm fine, nothing I've not had before"

I realised quickly this was the wrong thing to say, every male in the room growled softly. Shooting angry glares at the walls around them.

"Yeah" Embry winced and ran his hand through his hair.

"Sorry, I meant that I don't need to be checked over, I am fine just a little achy" I reached out, touching his arm slightly.

He looked up, his dark eyes searching mine. His expression softened.

"I need to talk to you" He was tense again, frowning slightly.

Before I could answer the door burst open, Paul and Rachel ran in frantically, everyone jumped up from their seats.

"SHE HAD A GIRL AND A BOY!" Rachel screeched and the room erupted in cheers. I was pulled from Embry's side by Sue Clearwater who was jumping around and clapping.

"Are they ok?" I turned to Rachel, she smiled wider.

"Yeah mother and babies are fine, she wants to see you, we can't all go in so we are heading back to the house to fix up the mess it got left in, then we will see them when they get home"

"Brady can you take Gracie home, get her in some new clothes and brush her teeth, give her some coco pops or something" I turned to look at Brady, he was still clutching her, he smiled and nodded.

"I will stay with you, drive you home" Embry spoke up behind me, his breath tickling my neck.

I shivered and nodded before smiling to everyone and leaving the room, walking to the maternity ward.

Embry stayed silent the whole way, just following me. I found the room and knocked.

The door opened, a nurse smiled and hurried out, leaving the door open for us. I peeked in, Sam was in the chair beside Emily, a little bundle wrapped in his arms, Emily was led in bed, she looked a little pale and tired, but she was beaming down at the bundle in her arms.

"Uh hum" I spoke quietly but they both looked up, smiling at Embry and me.

"Aunty Jodie and Uncle Embry, come on in" Sam smiled and stood up as we walked in slowly toward the bed.

"So this is Lyla, and this is Tommy" Emily was smiling widely from her hospital bed, Sam was cuddling little Lyla to him while Emily had Tommy.

I walked forward, they were adorable, so small and tanned and cute and just squidgy.

"It's so squidgy I'm gonna die!" I poked Lyla's little cheek. Sam chuckled and handed her to me.

I cuddled her closely, smiling down, her little brown eyes focused on mine for a split second and my heart melted, she was adorable. I looked up, a huge smile on my face and my eyes met Embry's, he was watching me, a small grin on his plump lips.

He stepped forward, tickling his big finger over her small cheek.

"She's cute" He cooed at her and my stomach flipped again.

"Yeah none of the un-imprinted guys are allowed to look at her until she's 18. Just in case" Sam was smiling but there was an undertone of seriousness there.

"Oh poor kid, over protective dad mode has kicked in already" I rolled my eyes at him as I handed Lyla to Embry and walked to get Tommy.

After hugging Em and getting Tommy securely tucked into my arms I looked around, Embry was rocking Lyla softly, my stomach went light again, butterflies swooped around. Why was he so hot, and so perfect even when all he was doing was holding a baby.

Sam coughed next to me and I looked at him, he was giving a look to Emily, she smirked back before they realised I was watching.

"So, everything sorted now?" Sam looked over at Embry, they both turned serious, slight anger sparked in their eyes.

"Yeah, he's here, needed medical attention. Asshole. Should have killed him" Embry growled slightly, still rocking Lyla.

"Too damn right we should have" Sam snarled back slightly and I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, but Jodie didn't want that. Everyone is fine and he is gone so how about you all move on and let Jodie have some peace" Emily snapped from her bed, I looked back, she looked tired and angry.

"I need to get back to Gracie" It was a lie, she was fine with Brady, but I just wanted to go home. I needed to shower, and to sleep. I handed Tommy back to Emily and kissed her goodbye, then hugged Sam. His hug lingered, tightening on me and he whispered I love you into my ear before letting me go and taking Lyla.

"Ready?" I looked up at Embry and he nodded.

We walked through the hospital in silence.

"Cute kids ey" Embry spoke up first, he seemed a little awkward.

I nodded, but I froze as we rounded the corner, Charlie, Jason and Dave were stood in the hallway, talking to uniformed police officers. Embry had stopped abruptly next to me.

Charlie looked up and spotted me, his face was hard and a little strained. Jason looked up too, he shook his head and ran his hand through his curly short hair. Dave glanced over but looked away.

I walked toward them, Charlie smiled slightly but it was forced. I looked behind the uniformed police officers, the window behind them looked into a small room, and Mark was led in the bed, handcuffed to the bed. He was staring at the ceiling, his face was bruised and swollen, his arm in a bandage and elevated in a sling. His nose had tape over it, it was obviously broken.

"He's been asking for you, wants to talk to you. Won't tell us why. But he's been getting pretty upset, like crying" Charlie spoke softly behind me. I nodded, of course he did.

"You don't have to go in there; we didn't know you were here. We already told him no" Jason reached out and rubbed my arm, smiling kindly.

I stayed silent. Did I want to; I had so much I needed him to know. I stared at him, he was sober, his skin was pale and his eyes were dead but not glazed like they were when he drank. If I told him now, he would be sober enough to actually hear it.

"Jodie" Embry's soft voice sent shivers down my spine, his body heat was pumping down onto mine, I turned, and he was stood close behind me.

I looked up at his face, he looked worried as he stared into my eyes.

"Yeah?" My voice was small, my brain conflicted between staying here with Embry or going to talk to Mark.

"Don't, you don't have to go in there" His voice was on edge, breaking a little.

I looked back to Mark who was staring at the ceiling, tears rolled down his cheeks, the 3 men stood by me had looks of interested concern planted on their own faces.

I needed to tell him, I need him to know. I need closure, to let him know I don't want him. Not now, not ever.

"Don't please don't" Embry's voice broke, tears formed in his beautiful deep brown eyes. I ached internally, but Mark's sobs brought me back around. I needed to do this, I needed to go see him.

Embry's pov

She stood in front of me, blood drying down her clothes and across her cheek. Every part of me hurt knowing he had hurt her, I got him pretty good but I still needed more, I needed him to know she was mine.

I stared at him, hatred filled me. He was crying. I felt no pity for him, just anger and hatred. I should have killed him.

She looked back to him, I could feel the heart ache she felt. I was desperate now as she was edging forward slowly, she was actually going.

"Don't please don't" My voice was weak, breaking with each shuffle forward she took. Her head turned, her eyes were red and teary, and her expression was torn.

She stared blankly at me for a second before turning back to him and walking forward. My heart shattered in that moment, she walked further toward him, his sobs died as he saw her. But the lump I dreaded grew in my throat as my own cries flew up through me fiercely. She was going to him.

Charlie's hand came softly to my shoulder, I shoved him off. They all looked at me now, pity in their eyes. She had chosen him.

I stumbled backward, I couldn't watch this. I couldn't watch her go back to the guy who done that to her. I turned, ready to run, shakes rolling through me warning me of the uncontrollable rage that was taking over, pushing me to become my wolf.

Something made me stop; I leaned against the wall of the corridor, the shakes vibrating through me still. I shut my eyes, preparing myself for the words I didn't want to hear.

Jodie pov

I glanced behind me as I walked closer to Mark, Embry was turned away from me, his body shaking violently. My heart was aching, I realised now it wasn't my ache, it was Embry's. He thought I was choosing Mark, he thought I was going back to Mark.

My heart told me to run, to run to Embry. But my head told me I needed to face Mark. Head or Heart, the age old battle. I looked back around, Mark had the same dead look in his eyes as he stared at the ceiling.

Head, I chose head, I needed to do this.

I pushed the door open, Jason came to walk in but I shook my head at him. I needed to be alone.

As the door shut Mark's eyes shot to me.

"Jodie, oh my angel" I shuddered, creep.

"Mark" I stared down at him, he seemed to wince slightly at the acid tone to my voice. I didn't mean it to sound so harsh but it did.

"I don't know what's happened, please forgive me, come home please. I love you so much" The sparkle long gone. His cheeks that used to be full of colour were drained. He looked deadly.

"You don't love me" I spoke stronger now. My stare never leaving his dead one.

"Yes I do, you don't understand, I love you so much. Why do you hate me? This isn't how it was supposed to be" His sobbing was back; a glimpse of actual emotion crossed his eyes as he told me I didn't understand.

"Because you hurt me, you kept hurting me and would not stop no matter how many times I begged you too. You wouldn't stop, why wouldn't you stop?" My voice broke again, the pain in my throat burned as tears stung my eyes again. Embry's pain shot through me again, mixing with my own.

"I don't know, I need you, I need you to help me. Remember we used to go to ball games even though we didn't understand the game; we would sit and eat hot dogs, cheering when everyone else did. Remember, you used to laugh so hard because I tried to act like I understood, remember those days Jodie, we can get those days back if you try, if you help me, you don't understand" His eyes were desperate, he was on his knees, begging me almost. Pity ran through me, he needed help.

"I remember Mark; you used to be the most amazing guy. You had such grace in everything you did, but you left a long time ago, you're not that guy anymore. I held on for all those years, desperate to catch a glimpse of the guy who I went to those ball games with, but he's gone, I held on so tightly to you, praying he would come back but he never did" My voice cracked slightly.

"I haven't gone anywhere. I can change, please what happened to us?" His voice broke, but his eyes were still flat, no life there.

"Nothing happened to us, something happened to you. I'm still me" I was talking with confidence now, my tears fell but my voice stayed strong.

"I love you, and Gracie, bring her home, to her daddy. I love you both, I would never hurt you again please, I will stop"

I felt sick. Lying bastard. He always said this, but he never changed. Daddy? He called himself daddy, he never even held her for more than a minute. What an ass.

"She isn't your little girl, Mark you scare her, she doesn't want you around, I don't want you around"

He shook his head.

"No no, I gave everything I had to you, and to her, everything I had" His voice faltered, more tears fell down his cheek to his pillow.

"You gave me nothing, in the end you gave me nothing but you took everything."

I looked over him, his once vibrant skin and hair was dull now, blood stained his hands, my blood. His nose was broken, his breathing was still heavy and he had the mother of all bruises around his neck from Embry, Sam and Collin's grips. He was shirtless, a bandage wrapped around his torso, his ribs were probably broken too.

"You don't understand damn it!" He yelled now, I jumped slightly startled by his outburst.

The door flew open and Charlie came in, I held a hand up to stop him.

"What? What don't I understand Mark?" My voice was small, still startled from his outburst.

"I gave up everything for you. I should have got Jason's job but I said no, because you wanted a family life, you wanted children and a man who came home every night. I gave you that, I gave you that kid, and I gave you a man who came home each night"

I laughed. Bastard. What an asshole. The anger within me that I had kept bottled up for so long flew up, he didn't understand what he had done.

"Well thank you Mark, thank you for giving up a job promotion. Don't worry about the life I gave up, my family that you wouldn't let me see, friends YOU wouldn't let me see, what about my life that I wasn't allowed to live because of you. I could barely go to work because of the pain you left me in. I couldn't go to my brothers' wedding because you got a little too carried away on my damned face Mark. I couldn't go to Gracie's first day at day-care Matt had to take her because you had one too many the night before and I couldn't stand up. You don't even care do you? You came home each night, but I sure as hell did not want you there. You selfish bastard. You don't realise the shit you put me through because your head is too far into a god dammed whiskey bottle" My voice was venomous. It was all slipping out, my buried hateful words toward him. I was actually standing up for myself. This was a first.

Anger flashed across his eyes, I had pissed him off. The mixture of pain within me got too much and my chest was heavy, I felt faint.

"Shut up, just shut up, you don't know what it was like for me"

"I would have done anything for you Mark, anything and you know that. But I won't do it anymore; I won't go back to that. You're a liar, your apologies are lies, and your words are empty. I don't want you anymore, you don't scare me anymore Mark you need help. I'm not yours, you need to understand that. I don't love you" Silent tears were falling down my face now.

Charlie was smiling at me from the door, I could see Jason behind him, nodding in agreement with my words.

Mark's face turned into anger again.

"Please, I can change, please give me another chance" He pleaded as tears fell.

I took in a long breathe, I did not need him anymore, he couldn't dictate my life.

"Goodbye Mark" My voice was full of relief, I felt free, those simple words.

I turned; Charlie was smiling wider than I had ever seen him smile. I walked shakily toward him. Mark was sobbing behind me. Fake sorrys falling from his lying mouth. I ignored it, walking straight through the door and into the hallway.

My breathe rushed out of me and the faint feeling I had rushed over me, I swayed slightly and Jason caught me.

"You ok Jodie?" He was frantic as he held me tightly. I nodded.

Embry, I needed Embry. He had gone, I had ruined it.

Tears stung my eyes again, I looked around desperately.

My heart stopped, he was stood leaning against the wall, watching me, and his eyes were red and a bit puffy. His sad face broke into a slight smile. He had stayed.


Thank you for all your reviews as always! :D keep them coming :D

Tfcolpitts, I probably won't have the Cullens in it much more as I don't really like to write about them unless it's in passing or to clear stuff up, I brought Carlisle in to help Emily and Nessie is in it anyway with Jacob. And Alice and Edward just helped Nessie get the guys to the house in time etc, so I probably won't bring them in as they haven't ever really met Jodie. Thank you for your support though means a lot :D

And as shown, I wanted Jodie to have the last word, to prove she had changed and let him go and to show how strong she is even though she doesn't see it :D So I hope you like this ;D

She is now free to be Embry's, just gotta wait for him to take his girl :D

Let me know what you all think, thank you truly to each and every reader, reviewer, follows, favourites and Love-evolves-from-friendship who always PM's me with so much support :D xxx