A chapter for my fantastic beta, who begged to know what's going on in Embry and Maddie's relationship. Thanks for all the pre-reading and correcting you do, as well as your input. Hope you enjoy this.

Embry and Sam booked inside the house to collect their girls, and get out of there before Jacob and Bella ended up putting on a show that none of them needed to see. Crossing the room quickly, Embry pulled his girl into a hug. "Come on, you don't want to be here right now." He glanced down at her with a knowing knowing look in his eyes. "Trust me."

A look of understanding flashed across her face and her eyes widened. "Uh, yeah. Let's go. Now". She was grinning at him in that silly way he loved so much, and he couldn't help but throw her over his shoulder and run her out the door. "Embry! What are you doing!" She smacked him on the back. "I can walk, you know."

"Faster this way, babe", he told her, amusement laced in his voice.

"Embry, wait!", she protested. "Where are you going? I need my car."

"No you don't", he laughed. "I'll carry you anywhere you want to go. Just consider me your own personal mode of transportation."

"Ugh!" Little fists beat on his back, even though she knew he barely felt it. "You are impossible."

Embry grinned, but slid her slowly down his chest. Looking down at her pretty face, he admired every detail, each long lash, her plump red lips, and shining emerald eyes. "Nope. Not impossible. Just crazy about you."

Maddie giggled and stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his warm lips. Embry was crazy, impulsive, but thoughtful and kind. Unlike any man she'd met before, and he was everything she'd ever wanted. There was no way that this couldn't be love. Maybe, just maybe she'd get the courage to say it to him soon. After all, he'd made no secret about the way he felt. It was just that she was cautious. In her life, love was a fleeting thing, easily stolen away. She'd tried for so long to be careful with her heart, but now it was finally time to give it away. Soon, she thought to herself. Soon.

He reached for her hand and they began the slow walk to Embry's place. They had gotten all of ten feet when it suddenly occurred to her that she didn't grab her coat, and it was pretty cold out. "Wait, I need to go back and get my jacket." Maddie tried to turn away, but he held her firmly to his side, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Baby, I don't think you want to do that. They need some privacy, and they're not going to wait. I'll keep you warm."

"I suppose you're right", she conceded. "It's not like I'm going to be gone all that late."

Embry stopped in his tracks. "Maddie, you're not going back there tonight."

"What? Why not?" she was confused. "I have to. All of my things are there. Embry, it's not like you gave me time to pack a bag."

He reached up a hand and nervously scratched his neck. Embry wasn't sure how much Bella had told her, if anything, about the claiming ritual. "Um, that's the thing. I don't think that you're going to be going back for a few days. At least not until Jacob is ready for you to."

Maddie's eyes were as big as saucers, and she was blushing. "Wait, a sec. Are you trying to tell me that they're going to be holed up there for days- having sex?"

Embry blew out a long breath. "That's exactly what I'm telling you. Look, Maddie, I'll drive you into town and you can get whatever you need. I know that I've been staying at the house with you girls while Jake was gone, but if you're not comfortable, I'm sure that Leah wouldn't mind if you stayed with her."

"No, it's fine", she assured him. "I'm just a little surprised, that's all. I just didn't expect to hear that my best friend would be having a sex-a-thon for days on end. Too much information, I guess". Quite frankly she was more than shocked. She and Embry hadn't taken that step in their relationship yet, and if this was any indication of werewolf stamina..., well she was a bit intimidated. She was no shrinking violet, and she'd been with men before, but the wolves were more than men. They were all big, and so strong. Apparently they were all damn good in bed too. At least that's what she'd heard from the other girls. Maddie figured out pretty quickly there were no secrets in the pack. It was just plain impossible.

"Well, it's kind of complicated. There's some things I need to tell you about. More freaky werewolf shit." he explained.

"What, you mean there's something freakier than you all sprouting fur?" she joked. Then seeing his crestfallen face, quickly apologized. "Em, look I'm sorry. I was only kidding. You know I don't see it that way, right?"

"I know you don't", he softly replied, tightening the arm he had around her shoulder. "It's just that sometimes I wish that we could have a normal relationship. No supernatural stuff involved. Just you and me."

They walked in silence for awhile, before Embry gathered the courage he needed to tell her everything. "Maddie, you know that Jake and Bella's imprint was different than ours, that it wasn't complete yet?"

"Yeah, of course. Why?" she asked.

"Jacob's the alpha now. Sam finally submitted to him."

Maddie was thoughtful for a moment. "Well, that's a good thing, right? I mean, that was what you were all hoping for."

"Yeah, it was", he agreed. But, there's more. When he looked at Bella today, the imprint completed itself."

"oh. Oh!" she exclaimed. "So, you're telling me that he's claiming her? Thank God!" She was so relieved. Now they could get married without all the imprint nonsense hanging over their heads.

Embry looked at her in surprise. Clearly she was in the loop. "So, you know, then?" he asked shyly. "You already know what it means?"

Maddie shrugged. "Bella thought I should know. She figured that it would easier for her to explain it, than to put it on your shoulders. I hope that doesn't bother you."

Nope, he thought. Thank you Bella. He owed her one. Claiming was definitely on the top ten subjects he wanted to avoid talking about, ranking right up there with feminine hygiene products. "No, not at all", he responded. "Just surprised she told you about it."

Maddie shrugged. "We don't hold much back from each other. Sooner or later we tell each other everything. We're pretty much sisters."

They were getting closer to home, and wanted to tell her one more thing before they got there. It was too important not to. "Maddie, you know that I won't do that until you're ready right? I won't lie, I do want to claim you, but I won't do it until you tell you're comfortable with it. I know we haven't slept together yet, but I want you to know that I'm not planning on doing it anytime soon, or even our first time together."

Maddie stopped walking and gazed up at him. "I know you wouldn't. You're right, I'm not ready for that. Someday, but not just yet. Don't worry about it, Okay?"

He nodded his head, relieved she felt that way. "Come on, let's get into town before everything closes."


Maddie was still sound asleep when Embry left for work in the morning. Rolling over she found a note on his pillow.

Madd,

I should be home around 4:30, or a little earlier if I can swing it. Make yourself at home. My keys are the kitchen table, in case you want to go anywhere.

Love you,
Em

Maddie was all smiles as she stretched out in bed. Even if she hadn't said it yet, she was glad he was so free in telling her he loved her.

Wandering around the house that morning, sipping her coffee, she took a good look around. She'd been here before, but they never actually spent time here. It occurred to her that the place definitely needed a woman's touch. It wasn't that the place was spartan, it was more that Embry had tried, but just couldn't get it right. She showered quickly, and headed to Port Angeles. She'd get a few things to spruce it up a little.

Four hours and a mountain of bags later, Maddie collapsed onto the couch, ready for a break. Shopping was her favorite pastime, but she'd gone a little nuts, even for her. Once she had gotten started, it was hard to stop. She just hoped he'd like it, and not be offended that she'd taken matters into her own hands.

She unpacked everything and started in on dinner. A thick itailian sausage ragu that she knew Embry would love. It could sit on the back of the stove all afternoon, giving her time to get a few things done. She spent the afternoon making calls, and getting together a list of the things she had in storage. Everything was in a pod, so all she had to do was have it delivered here. She'd been looking at apartments, and even though she didn't have a job yet, she wasn't planning on living anywhere else. There was no way she could leave Embry, Bella or Jacob and the rest of the pack. This was home now, and they were her family. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was almost four. She got the pasta going, and was just putting the garlic bread into the oven when he came through the door.

"Hey, something smells good." Embry slipped his arms around her waist, and kissed her cheek. It felt so good to come home to somebody for a change, instead of an empty house. "Do I get to sample?"

Maddie giggled at the impish grin on his face. "One little bite mister! That's it!" She held up the spoon, and was more than pleased when he moaned a little bit at the taste. "One more bite? Please?" he begged, giving her his best puppy dog eyes. Maddie giggled but held firm. "Nope. Go get cleaned up, supper's almost ready."

Like a man, Embry didn't notice the new throw pillows or the blanket tossed on the couch. However, he did notice the new bathroom set. "Maddie?" he called. "Can you come here a minute?"

Nervously she walked down the hallway to the bathroom. Please don't be mad, please don't be mad. She chanted the words mentally, as though they were a mantra. Peeking in the doorway, she saw Embry was fingering one of the new bath sheets. She'd gotten those, well, because he was so large. A regular towel wasn't much of a fit for him. "Did you do this?" he asked. His face was giving nothing away. Shit. "Yeah, I hope you don't mind. I went shopping earlier, and well..."

His face was impassive as he stalked over to her. "I love it", and he ducked his head down to kiss her. He captured her mouth in a sweet kiss, and in an instant, all of her fears were laid aside. He cradled her face with his large, warm hands. "Thank you".

Maddie's eyes were dancing with mischief, some hidden secret he hadn't yet discovered. "There's more." She led him back to the living room, and this time he did notice the the small pillows and the patchwork quilt tossed artfully over the back of the couch, as well as the little candles scattered around everywhere. Embry's heart was swelling with love for her. Maddie was doing everything had tried to do, dreamed of and more. She was making his house a home. One he hoped he'd share with her someday soon. "I don't know what to say. This is great!" he laughed.

"Good, I'm glad you like it. I'm not trying to redecorate or anything. I just thought your place needed a few homey touches", she explained.

Embry pulled her into a one armed hug. "You have no idea how happy I am right now."

The oven timer started beeping, pulling her out of his embrace. "Go take a shower. I've got to get the bread out of the oven." Maddie had momentarily forgotten about the bedroom, and didn't remember it until she was putting everything into serving bowls. She was a little nervous about that, although she shouldn't be. Maybe because it's just so intimate, she thought.

Meanwhile, Embry showered as fast as only a werewolf could. When he wrapped one of the new towels around his waist, he couldn't help but grin. She'd bought something he didn't think actually existed. A towel that actually covered him up. He was shaking his head and smiling as he walked into the bedroom to get some clothes. Embry stopped dead in his tracks, staring around the room. Maddie had worked her magic and somehow managed to transform his room into a peaceful oasis. The bed and new pillows were covered in warm silvery blues, and hanging from the windows were matching curtains. He couldn't believe his luck. Tiptoeing over to the bed, he lifted a corner of the new comforter, dying to know. Quickly he skimmed his fingers over the sheets beneath. Embry closed his eyes and sighed. They were soft. The sheets were soft. He beat back the overwhelming urge to toss away the blanket and roll around on them. He could not wait to get into bed tonight. Soft sheets, and a beautiful woman next to him? It was going to be the best night's sleep he'd ever had.

Embry dressed and strode out into the kitchen, pulling her into a bear hug. "You are amazing", he told her. "The bedroom is beautiful. Thank you for doing it for me."

She smiled happily, relieved that he liked it. "You don't need to thank me. It was just something I wanted to do. Besides, those sheets were too scratchy to sleep on. I bought an extra set, and I'm going to cut the old one's up for bandages, you know, just in case. That's the other thing, you really need to put together a first aid kit. One for werewolves. You don't even have a band-aid in the medicine cabinet."

Embry seated himself at the table, and dished himself out a heaping portion of pasta. "You're probably right. The kind of injuries Sam got don't happen to us often, but none of us, with the exception of Emily have been very prepared."

"I'll talk to Bella, and figure out what you need. Maybe I can I get Kim to help me stock a kit for everyone in the pack. If anyone gets hurt you should be able to go to the closest house."

Embry swallowed the food in his mouth. "I think that's a great idea. You should give Sue a call. She'll be glad to hear that everyone will have emergency supplies on hand, and let you know you what she needs." He grinned at her. "I'm proud of you, Maddie. Doing something for the pack."

She didn't say anything, but steadily ate her food. She was loading plates into the dishwasher when asked, "So was there anything you wanted to do tonight?"

"No, not really. Did you have something in mind?"

"Kind of", he hedged, not telling her what he was thinking. "I'll finish in here while you get something warm to wear."

"Ok, where are we going?"

"Oh, no. Not telling. It's a surprise. You're going to have to wait and see." Embry looked at her, his eyes twinkling. "My mom's old snow boots are in the coat closet. You're going to need them."


"Too big!" she giggled. Embry moved onto the next tree, which looked like somebody had cut a hole through the side of it. "Come on, get serious! Can't you see the big bald spot here? It's like you never picked out a Christmas tree before", she laughed.

"Hey! I resent that! My Mom always let me pick out the tree", he pouted, sticking out his lower lip in an exaggerated gesture.

She put her hands on her hips and stared him down. "Yeah, and did she give you a choice between three of them or let you run amok through the lot and get whichever one you wanted?" asked Maddie sarcastically. Embry didn't respond. "That's what I thought", she laughed.

It was a beautiful night, crisp and cold, a glittery snow falling from the mid-December sky. Embry watched as Maddie walked through the lot, hunting for the perfect tree. She was so beautiful. Silvery flakes clung to her black hair, her green eyes danced with merriment, and her cherry stained lips were turned up in a wistful smile. He wanted to keep her, now and always. Build a lifetime of memories with her. So, when Maddie asked him what he thought of the spruce she was looking it, he barely spared it a glance. "It's perfect", he responded, the answer having nothing to do with the pine. Smiling, he leaned down, kissing her soft lips, stroking her silky hair.

Maddie looked up at him, her heart pounding out of her chest. This man, this wonderful man, who made no secret of his love for her, stood before her, making her feel like the only woman in the world. Embry was everything she'd ever wanted, everything she'd ever dreamed of and more. Here, in this little Christmas tree lot, with the sharp scent of pine in the air and a gentle snow falling all around them, the words she'd longed to say finally passed over her lips. "I love you", she whispered, gazing up at his adoring face.

Embry closed his eyes, feeling his heart swell with happiness. That simple statement, her admission of love was a melody he had longed to hear. A beautiful smile broke across his face, and he pulled her close, whispering promises of devotion in her ear.

That night, lit by the soft lights of the Christmas tree, they made love beside the warmth and flickering shadows of the fireplace. Their bodies and souls meeting together in a place reserved only for them. For there was nobody else in the world as they joined as one. When they finally made it to bed that night, snuggled down together under the fluffy down of the quilt, their bodies sated, he begged her to stay with him. Making promises of love, happiness, and the start of a life. She found that she couldn't refuse him, not that she ever wanted to.

As Embry Call laid in bed that night, watching the love of his life sleep, he knew that this was just the beginning. The best was yet to come. Thoughts of marriage and children floated through his mind, and he knew this was going to be a Christmas to remember. She'd already agreed to stay there, to live with him, now he just needed to make her his wife. Finally, he fell asleep, resolved to put a ring on her finger soon.