**Beta by Danielle...

Chapter 34: The Engagement

Amelia's POV

"How about this one?" Catlyn asked, showing me the tenth outfit she had tried on. We were getting ready for the party at Sam's house—well, she was as I was already fully dressed.

"Cat, everything you have put on looks good," I said impatiently. I had been in Cat's house since two hours ago, two long hours without Kaleb. "I liked the second dress you tried on better. Yellow makes your skin glow."

"You think?" she asked, eyeing herself in the long mirror. I nodded, and after a while she went to change into the yellow dress.

While she changed, my cell phone went off and it was Luke. He called to ask me how long until we arrived at his house, almost everyone was already there. "We'll be there as soon as Cat finishes getting ready. I swear she's already hormonal," I said with a smirk. Cat came into the bedroom in that exact moment, giving me a glare as she had heard the hormonal part.

"Okay, well, don't pressure her too much or she might start crying," Luke said, and I could literally hear the sarcasm. "I have to go; Sophie is starting to cry, but hurry up. Kaleb has been driving Tommy crazy with his moping."

"Yeah, she's already dressed. All that's left is some makeup and to do her hair, which she usually does fast," I said, giving her a smile as she was now looking at the makeup like she didn't know what to do with them. "And tell Kaleb to pick us up like in fifteen minutes."

Luke said "okay" and hung up as I could hear Sophie crying really loud. Claire always whined that Luke spent too much time with her daughter, but when she started crying like this, she didn't mind giving her to Luke.

"Who was that, your man toy?" Catlyn asked, starting to put the makeup on.

"No, it was Luke. Apparently, most of the guests are already over there and he was asking how much longer until you got ready," I responded, picking up my shoes and putting them on.

"Oh...umm do I really look good on this?" Cat asked me again.

"Cat, why are you so nervous? You already know most of the people who are going to be there," I said, standing up so she could hurry up.

"I guess knowing your boyfriend and all your friends are werewolves, makes me nervous. Also, the ones you refer to as the old pack are Embry's friends since forever and I'm afraid of what they might think of me. You know, I was Luke's girlfriend first," she said really fast without breathing. I chuckled and shook my head from side to side.

"Come on; nothing bad is going to happen. They're all really nice and, like I said, you already know most of them, at least by face as they were in the gathering."

She breathed deeply and calmed herself a little. She continued to put on her makeup and fix her hair, which in the end, she let lose. Ten minutes later, we were getting in Kaleb's truck and heading to Sam's house—my old house. All the members of the old pack and their families were attending this "party". It wasn't only for Embry and Cat, but also for us, the new pack—a way of wishing us good luck for the upcoming battle.

We got there and the house was already full of people, bunch of kids running around the front yard. We headed inside, greeting the ones we found in our way. Cat was immediately taken away by Embry, who covered her with small kisses while his big hands rested on her belly, even though there was still no trace of her pregnancy.

"You look beautiful, did I tell you that?" Kaleb asked, bringing my attention back to him. He was eyeing me from head to foot with lustful eyes. I was wearing one of the dresses Alice had given me. It was made of cotton, light purple, and had a v-neck in the front. The back was nonexistent and the bottom was loose. As always, I was wearing flats, because I didn't want to be taller than Kaleb, and had some light makeup and my hair was unfastened with a pin in one side, holding it out of my face.

"Thank you," I said, giving him a small peck on the lips.

"Mmm...I like this," he said as he placed his hand on my bare back, stroking it. It sent shivers all over my body. If he wouldn't have been holding me, it would look like I was convulsing. I lifted my face and kissed him sweetly, he on the other hand, wanted more. By placing his hand on my lower back, he brought me closer and intensified the kiss, biting my bottom lip. I swear he forgot we were at Sam's house surrounded by a bunch of spectators.

"Oh, come on…no smooching or groping tonight. I don't want to puke all the food I just ate," Cody said, making us laugh a little. He was the new addition after Matthew. He was only ten years old and was Brady's oldest son.

Brady was proud that his son turned into a shape-shifter, but like Kim and Jared, he was worried of the battle. We had agreed that they both were going to stay behind, but between Jacob and me, we decided that if they were needed, they had to go and fight. They went yesterday to Seattle with Jake to get accustomed to the Cullens scent and learn some quick moves and defenses. Even Taylor was helping them get accustomed to the wolf's body, even if it was difficult since they couldn't hear him.

"Cody, the same thing Thomas used to say and now he can't keep his hands to himself. The day a beautiful girl steals your heart, I'm going to be watching closely to see if you won't even kiss her," I said, messing up his now short hair. He used to have it really long, around the middle of his back, and when we told him it was better to cut it, he almost cried.

"Eww, I'm only ten, woman. My body hasn't developed in that kind of way yet," he said, shaking his head so I would stop messing his hair. It was funny how he said his age, but looked around the age of sixteen. Both he and Matt were not as tall as the rest of us, but every day they gained more muscles and height. It was a little painful for them to grow so much in so short time. It was not like our case in which we grew gradually until we turned.

"Come on; where are the rest of the guys?" I asked, eyeing all the people that were in the house. Most were outside, where Emily and Sam had placed tables and chairs and were preparing food in a barbecue. In one of the tables was sitting Thomas with Andy, Luke carrying a giggly Sophie, and Matthew, who was clearly still pissed off at how I attacked him that first day and because he really wanted to fight in the battle to prove he was strong enough. From all of us, he was now the one with the least control. Dad and Seth joked that he was a young and small version of Paul. He had spent most of the time in wolf form because he kept exploding from his clothes and Kim screamed at him that he better stay as a wolf or he was going to have to be around naked. Cody, on the other hand, was very sweet and funny. He always had a smart remark for whatever we said to tease him.

After saying hi to almost everyone, Kaleb and I went to sit at the new pack's table, as the old pack called us. I snorted at how Thomas was tangled in Andy's arms and they were kissing passionately. Matthew had a disgusted face and stood up and left as we sat. I saw in last night's patrol that Thomas had told Andy about the battle and after calming her down, they ended up having passionate sex in a secluded area of the beach. It was funny how he couldn't stop thinking about how good sex was. He never imagined of feeling so much pleasure. Now he couldn't stop touching her, something we immediately remind him he didn't like of me and Kaleb.

The night went well, in general. We ate a lot, joked and heard attentive to what the old ones had to say about battle formations and techniques. Most of it I had already heard since I had spent a lot of time with Sam and Jacob receiving pointers on how to fight and think as one in the battle. They knew I was scared, even if I didn't show it. That was why they assured me that as long as we kept formation and our senses sharp, there was nothing to worry about.

We congratulated Embry and Catlyn throughout the whole night, which they relieved with big smiles and in Cat's case with silent, happy tears. Things got sad when everyone gave us encouraging words and wished us good luck. I saw it in their eyes that they were really worried of what might happen. Especially those related to us, like Sam and Emily, Paul and Rachel, Brady and his wife Elena, Kim and Jared and even Dad, who was acting tough but I could see it in his eyes and feel it in his hugs that he was worried about me.

Even though I was enjoying myself, I kept feeling the pang of dread in my heart, like it was trying to tell me that something horrible was going to happen. Kaleb, of course, noticed my behavior and kept distracting me by kissing me softly or making me laugh, but I kept having the feeling of sadness and loss.

It was almost midnight and people where beginning to leave. The only ones left were the new ones, Sam and Emily and, of course, Paul, Brady, Collin, Embry, Cat, Jacob, Taylor and Dad. The women had left with the kids to put them to bed and others just to rest. We were laughing at something funny Collin had said when a feral snarl broke the silent air. I looked back and Matt was in wolf form rounding Taylor, who was almost laughing.

"Shit, what happened now?" I heard Jacob mutter under his breath. "Taylor, what did you do?"

"Why do I have to do something for him to explode?" he responded with a smirk that said otherwise. He was still looking intently at Matt and every time Matt would strike, he avoided him swiftly. I left to the shadow of the trees, got undressed, and phased.

I'm going to rip him…fucking mutant, Matt snarled in his head.

No you're not, I said very calmly.

Then order me not to, he defied me. I felt mad but knew better than to lose control. He knew I didn't like taking the will of a member of my pack and was testing me.

You know I'm not going to order you, but please don't ruin the night, I said as I heard Jacob still asking his son what he did.

"Dad, I didn't do anything." Taylor hesitated and Matt hit him on the side, sending him flying. Very swiftly, Taylor got out of his shirt and exploded into the massive wolf. He was even bigger than me, almost like Jacob, who also phased and stood on my side. That action made my hair stand on end and a growl rolled out of my mouth. The feeling of having to protect my pack from him was always around us, but we learned how to control it, but having him so close in wolf form made me feel overprotective again.

CONTROL IT! he only said as I snarled at him. I got closer to Matt and continued to try to calm him, while Jacob dealt with Taylor.

Tell me what he said for you to lose control? I asked Matt. He showed me how Taylor was making fun at how small he was in human form and in wolf from. You know that was a stupid thing, why do you give him the pleasure of losing control?

He gets on my nerves, the way he acts like he's better than all of us. You should have heard the things he said about Kaleb and you. I got tired of his big mouth, Matt said, trying to get around me to attack Taylor. I felt glad that he was mad because Taylor had been talking badly about me and Kaleb. I might act like I don't like you, but you're okay and a good Alpha. So, now let me take a chunk out of that mutant.

I saw through Matt's eyes how Taylor distracted Jacob and when I looked back, I saw him running towards us with a lot of speed. Taylor, being part vampire was a good asset, but in this case not that good. I stood in front of Matt and released a loud growl making the windows vibrate. Kaleb, Thomas and Cody came into my mind and they immediately took their positions—Kaleb on my right, Thomas on my left and Cody behind me next to Matt. Jacob also reacted fast and tried to grab Taylor from behind but he avoided him again, making Jacob crash into me.

The restraint I was fighting got lose and without thinking, I sank my teeth into Jacob's side. He buckled and made me release him. I could hear the guys screaming in my head what was going on, but the wanting to attack Jacob was too much.

Ami, stop it. It's not me the one you're supposed to be attacking, Jacob thought with his strong, deep voice. That made me come out of my state a little but Taylor decided to attack again and this time I blocked his way in time. Just as I was going to jump him, he collapsed on the floor, letting out a deep whine. Don't worry, I gave him an order.

Thanks. I turned around and the guys were restraining Matt, he was still growling. Guys, lets phase back. And I don't want to make it an order, I said, looking directly at Matt. He became calmed and let the guys drag him to the trees. I followed them and minutes later we went back in the backyard, where everyone was eyeing us with wide eyes. Matt was only wearing some shorts Luke lent him. Luke hadn't phased because he was just arriving from Quil's house, he was putting Sophie to bed.

"Thank God Kim isn't here, you know how she gets when it comes to her kids," Emily said, probably remembering how she insulted me for hitting her son. Everyone started to murmur amongst themselves and we continued what we were doing before. Jacob had left with Taylor and was probably doing his paternal rights.

"Are you okay?" Kaleb asked me, as always, concerned.

"Yeah, why?"

"It has been a while since you've lost control around Jacob," he said, grabbing my hand and leading me a little away from the crowd.

"I guess it was because he was in my face without warning, or because I'm tense. Every second that passes I'm either thinking of you or the battle. I don't know if I'm good enough to lead this pack," I said very low so only Kaleb could hear me.

He caressed my face for a while before speaking. "Ami, love, you need to stop worrying. We're prepared; we have trained not only physically but also mentally. We also have the vamps on our side, which makes the battle more than even," he said, looking directly in my eyes, making me have to concentrate more.

"I know. I just keep feeling this dread..."

"I feel it, too. Maybe it's just the fact that you're the Alpha and you feel that our lives depend on your decisions. You know what, why don't we go to the beach, I want to discuss something very important with you," he murmured in my ear, making me shiver with his hot breath. I nodded, unable to find my voice. He placed his hand on my lower back and we tried to get away unnoticed, but the place was filled with werewolves and ex-werewolves that were always attentive.

"Where are the two of you going?" Thomas was the one to ask.

"None of your business, kid," Kaleb said, wrapping his arm around my waist and starting to walk again.

"Oh...umm, then have fun," he said, wriggling his eyebrows. Everyone laughed a little and we left.

Once at the beach, we walked barefoot around the shore just holding hands and in silence. There was no necessity in speaking as we were connected beyond words.

"I think this is a perfect place," Kaleb said, stopping abruptly and facing me. I looked around and we were in the open, near some drift woods.

"Why don't we head over to the trees, where it's more private," I said with a purr while kissing his neck. I felt him chuckle. He grabbed my face and made me look at him.

"Silly girl, when I said that I wanted to discuss something important, I wasn't referring to sex," he said, and got on one knee. My heart stopped and so did my breathing.

"Kaleb, no, please..."

"Amelia, I want to do this the right way. I know you don't want to make this official because you don't want to get your hopes up as something bad might happen, but I want to do this so I can have a reason to fight better. Knowing that I'll marry you will make me fight harder. Please, let me do this." He was still on one knee and looking at me with pleading eyes. I gave him a small nod—my heart beating too hard and my eyes moist with tears of excitement.

I watched as he retrieved a small box from his pocket and grabbed my hands. "Amelia, I want to be completely yours and you to be mine for as long as we live. Will you marry me?" He opened the box revealing an antique ring made of silver. It had a big diamond in the center and two small ones on each side.

I hadn't realized he was looking at me with big expectant eyes, waiting for my answer. "Yes!" I said, and in that moment, I understood what Kaleb was referring to—knowing that it was official, us getting married, made me want to get to this battle and fight with all I had.

I watched as Kaleb took the ring with gentle fingers and placed it on my third finger of the left hand. "It was my grandma's. Dad decided to give it to me so I would give it to you. He saw that I'd been looking for one on the internet," he said, still eyeing my hand. When a drop fell on my hand, I realized that I was crying, but not because I was sad, but because I was feeling too overwhelmed. Kaleb was still on his knee, looking at my hand. I grabbed him and made him stand up.

As soon as he was on his two feet, a huge smile spread on his face and his eyes were twinkling on their own. We both reached for each other at the same time and when our lips met, my heart swelled and I could feel it beating in sync with his. Everything else disappeared and it was like the first time I laid eyes on him after we changed, the day we imprinted. As he placed his hand on my lower back to bring me closer and I tangled my fingers in his hair, I heard whooping and whistling. I knew it was the guys from the pack, but we ignored them, our lips still moving as one.

"Come on; you'll have plenty of time to do that," Thomas said, splitting us apart. We growled at him, while the others laughed. I saw they were only wearing shorts, their bodies glistening in the moonlight.

Apparently, they had planned to spend some quality time just the pack before the battle. They were heading to the cliffs when they saw us in the distance and decided to interrupt us.

Even though I was really happy that I was finally engaged, I couldn't put down the feeling that something bad was coming. Instead of freaking out, I decided to put it aside and enjoy the time with my pack.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for all of you who have left me reviews, sorry if I hadn't answered to all of them but I've been busy, but know they mean a lot to me.

You can see pics of Ami's dress and engagement ring at my webs page.