THIRTY-TWO

DINNER PT2

EMBRY

Breaking away from her family, Rebecca slips out the front door, wiping at her eyes and I waste no time following. "Are you okay?" I ask as she steps down from the porch and starts to walk around the yard.

"Yeah, um, I'm just overwhelmed I guess." She gestures wildly, then rubs her fingers against her forehead. "I just blurted it out! I just basically confessed to everyone that I'm leaving Sol," she cups her cheeks and shakes her head from side to side. "I'm freaking out and I don't know why."

I step closer to her, my hands itching to hold her and smell her hair, but I keep my desires in check, stuffing my fists into my front-pockets instead. "It makes things more real when you give them a voice. The power of speech you know, it draws so much emotion."

A hint of a smile pinches her lips and her shoulders drop with a deep breath. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I mean...I know I've told you and my sisters but tonight, it feels so official, like I've really made up my mind. It's going to crush him… I don't think I have enough confidence for that conversation."

"You'll be okay, just say it like you did inside."

"Am I a bad person?"

The way she looks up at me with those sparkling, pleading eyes, does me in. I can't stop myself from dragging her into my chest, gripping her by the natural dip of her curvaceous hips. I love this extra weight she's picked up in all the right places.

"If you're bad, then so am I. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm worse than you."

She swallows loudly and I feel her lightly shiver, even though there's a haze of warmth shrouding her body from mine. "How?"

At her question I step back, reluctantly releasing Rebecca from my hold. We both have our limits, this whole relationship being brand new and all.

"No, I'd rather not say."

"Why not?" she pouts, drawing my eyes to her lips. Lips that I really want to taste, that I've wanted to taste since I was twelve and saw her in a bikini for the first time.

"Because it's not good," I chortle miserably, as that fact was pretty much implied.

"Please Embry, I just want the truth between us."

I restlessly place my hands on my hips and suck my front teeth with my tongue. I take a deep breath and warn her that she might not forgive me.

"I still want to know," she insists, pouting those plum lips yet again.

How can I say no again?

"Okay…well, I'm a bad person because I want you for myself. I don't care that HE's hurting, he blew it and didn't give you what you deserve. I know you're upset now, but I just want to be the one who takes it all away. I want to be yours, and I'm fucking happy he doesn't, because I don't want to forget you again. You've always been the one Rebecca, I didn't need this imprint to know that you are it for me. Since I was twelve years old, I've wanted to be by your side, basking in your smile. I always hated that I was too young to stand a chance. But now, it's MY fucking turn."

I squeeze my eyes shut, and turn away, my breaths coming in quick pants. Any second now Rebecca could explode at my forwardness – at what probably came across as stalker mania or some shit.

Stupid, stupid mouth! I scrub my face with the palms of my hands roughly.

She's going through such a hard time and that's all I can think about? She'd be right to be angry.

I'm such a fucking dweeb!

Maybe she doesn't care or even remember that I loved her before Solomon even knew she existed. For years I watched her from the sidelines, lovesick, wishing I was older so that I'd stand a chance. I took years of teasing from Quil over being too chicken to go up to her and say something cool.

Then one day she met a surfer and picked up and left La Push. It literally broke my heart. I was inconsolable until Quil decided he'd never speak to me again if I didn't buck up. Jake had lost both his sisters, and it really had been insensitive of me to act like the world had ended. But it had.

Over the years I learned to forget her, out of sight out of mind and all that. But having imprinted, my feelings have all flooded back, and I feel that same need to be hers again. Once again she's the sun in my sky, my whole world.

But now, with the imprint I need her in a way that's practically desperation. Now I understand why Jacob's situation was so unfathomable by the other imprinted wolves, because this feeling is not something I can keep at bay.

And that's what bothers me the most, the fact that the imprint might be forcing her to need me too, when I'd prefer that she choose to want me instead.

"I remember, Embry," she answers, and I can hear her heart racing within her chest too.

"What?" I spin around to look at my imprint again, confused.

"The way you used to look at me when we were kids."

I groan in embarrassment and cover my face as Rebecca chuckles.

"Rachel and Leah teased me about it sometimes, and once they dared me to kiss you but I chickened out at the last minute. I told them that if you were older I'd definitely have asked you out."

"Seriously?" I can't help the way my face breaks out in a stupid grin.

"Yeah, seriously."

"So - I wasn't creepy?" The fact that she noticed me back then makes me want to whoop and holler.

Rebecca laughs and nods her head. "You definitely were creepy with the staring sometimes, but honestly, it's because of those memories that I know you were being sincere earlier, what you said."

I can feel the heat in my cheeks, and nod my head, unable to look at her full on.

"You made me feel so self-conscious, back then. It made me feel like you could see inside of my soul, how sad I was, after Mom died. If you were just older Embry, I would have wanted your comfort. And it baffled me how you could look at me that way…but now, I guess it all makes sense."

I draw a deep breath, my heart feeling as if it could burst in my chest. I remember a few times, just hanging around the Black house hoping that maybe she'd want a hug or something. Those days when it was Auntie Sarah's birthday or an anniversary, were the hardest. On all of us.

"I would come over to keep Jake's company so he wouldn't be sad and alone, or you and Rachel. But truly, some days I just wanted to be there because I was sad too. I had lost my Aunt Sarah, you know, she was a second mother to me. She took care of me like I was her son too."

Rebecca nods and I can see the tears shining in her eyes. My own sting the back of my eyeballs, causing me to blink a few times.

"Yeah, you're right…And I should have tried to comfort you too, I'm sorry."

"No! Please don't apologize. I was just glad to be there during that rough time. I can't help but feel like you coming back was fate, so that I could be here now, while you're going through everything with Finau."

Rebecca shrugs, but a soft smile indicates that she might agree.

"I hope you know that I'm not going anywhere. I meant it back there when I said that I'd be whatever you need."

Rebecca steps closer and I'm shocked when I feel her cool fingers cup my jaw. I look down and behold the woman that is my entire universe, staring up at me, with the most open and vulnerable expression on her face. The air catches in my throat when she tip-toes and places a gentle kiss on my cheek and inadvertently nuzzles my skin with her nose.

"Thank you, Embry…" Rebecca whispers, before turning and disappearing back inside.

The air around me is perfumed with cinnamon and citrus and my cheek tingles from the touch of her skin against mine. Reverently stroking the spot where she kissed me, I dizzily head back inside. If she never speaks to me again, at least I'll have this one moment of truth between us. At least I said my piece, and now she knows.

SETH

"How are you feeling?" I pull Nessie to the side of the room near the front door where Embry and Rebecca have gone.

She looks up at me with glassy eyes and sniffles lightly. "I'm good, really good. I just hope that this means that everything will be alright now."

She gestures to the Chief who is gripping the hand of his son tightly in his own. Rachel brings over some napkins and hands it to them, furiously wiping her own face. Mom and Leah shift away, talking in hushed voices.

"I hope so too," I whisper, shoving my hands into my pockets and leaning against the door frame.

"Thanks for being here with me tonight, Seth. I hope you know how much I value you being there for me through everything recently."

My lips twitch and I nod twice. "Yeah I know, and you don't need to keep thanking me Ness. I told you, I'm more than glad to be there for whatever you need."

"I just can't help myself okay? Sheesh! Can't a girl be gracious?" she rolls her eyes playfully and I chuckle.

"Yes, she can." I wink, and move aside as a red-faced Rebecca comes racing through the doorway without a glance nor word. I look back to see Embry staring after her, a dazed look on his face as he fingers his cheek. I hope that whatever just happened was a good thing. They only just reconnected and already Embry is ready to pledge his undying love for her. I hope Rebecca doesn't freak out and bolt back to Hawaii.

"So they're imprinted huh?" Nessie remarks, following my train of thought.

"Yeap."

"I can't imagine how hard it must for Rebecca, given that she's married."

"Yeah, but like she said herself, it wasn't working out. They probably would have split either way. I'm just glad they found each other. Em's been really unhappy not finding his mate. And he's had a crush on her since we were little kids. I can't help but see it as fate."

Nessie smiles then looks down at her feet for a few seconds, with a deep breath she sets her eyes on mine once again. They're sad, just like her smile.

"Please tell me what's wrong?" I immediately worry that this has to do with Jacob and Leah's announcement.

"Nothing's really wrong. I just have some things on my mind, but it's not important."

"What is it?"

"Seth," she admonishes gently. "Let's not do this here, right now, okay?" she jerks her head in the direction of the room behind us and I nod, realizing that Lahote's keenly watching us from over in the kitchen.

"Alright."

"Let's sit down for dinner!" Rachel announces loudly and I silently cheer in relief. I could eat a horse.

We move to the backyard where lights have been strung to give an ambient glow to the long table of food. I pull out a chair for Renesmee who shakes her head at me with a grin, then take the one next to her. Mom is on my other side, next to the Chief at the head. Rebecca sits on Nessie's right side next to Paul at the other end of the table, while Rachel, Embry, Leah and Jacob take the seats across from us.

The chief blesses the food in a traditional Quileute prayer and then we all dig in, rather enthusiastically. Platters are passed back and forth, followed by compliments to the chefs – the twins. I smile at Nessie, who seems so at ease beside me, even as she eagerly observes the people she has longed to know for years.

As I admire how familiar her presence beside me has become, it dawns on me that soon she'll be gone again, and this will be over. I grimace at the thought of it. This feels right, her being here, and I don't want her to leave. She's pack. I feel it just like Jacob does. I know that Leah does too, though she's reluctant to admit it. Embry still has to get to know her, but I know he'll feel it too, just like we all feel it for Rebecca and Claire.

"So Leah, when is the baby due?" Rachel asks daringly.

Leah looks up like a deer caught in headlights, and her eyes immediately go to Renesmee. I look to my right and see her smile and nod back to my sister encouragingly.

It's a very strange interaction and I'm curious. Nessie didn't want to talk about the conversation they had at the cottage, but had reassured me that all would be well with her and Leah. I can see that they have definitely formed some kind of truce, and it's weirdly unnerving, being on the outside. I don't like the idea of more secrets in our pack.

And it's not that I don't trust Leah, it's just…I can't help but feel protective over the person my sister has "secretly" despised for years. It will definitely take some getting used to – them being cordial, or even dare I say it – friends. But hey, it would be the ideal thing for our pack, and our Alpha, if we are a real, complete family this time.

"Winter, late January."

"We might be birthday twins, who know?" Jacob smiles goofily at Leah who smiles back but rolls her eyes. My sister, who can never be too soft to the world and those she loves.

And yet, I can see it in her eyes that she's already given him everything she has, and with him, she's stronger. There's an aura around them, a vibe that I hadn't really noticed til this very second. Their position as the heads of our pack – of our tribe – is inevitable. It's glaringly obvious that Leah is Jacob's true mate, she is HIS. The force of that fact seems to hit me like a physical shield, as if I repelling me from getting too close.

Jacob looks up at me, with a questioning gaze but I shake my head and bow to my plate of food, embarrassed. It's gotta be their combined Alpha hormones.

"Do you think you'll home birth or go to Forks?" Rachel continues, and I'm glad for something else to focus on.

Leah pauses again, trying to take another bite of food. "Oh um, I hadn't thought about it, but home sounds like something I'd prefer."

"You'll have two nurses here to watch over you, and Feather Rock's granddaughter knows everything about midwifery," Mom assures her.

"Dawn-Marie taught everything to Pearl before she passed, we trust her with the wisdom of our ancestors," Billy says quietly as his eyes remain focused on his meal.

Leah looks over at him, thrown off by his contribution to the conversation, and returns to her plate, blushing.

"Pearl was great with me, Emily and Kim. We consider her our pack doula, you'll like her," Rachel added.

"She certainly has a lot of patience," Paul mutters, to which Jacob scoffs.

"She'll need it," Jake whispers back (but not so low that we didn't catch it).

The glare my sister gives her mate causes the table to erupt in a roar of laughter. Even Billy chuckles and shakes his head at his son.

"Lord, if she's anything like me, my daughter will bring down the angels with her wrath. Jacob, you better start doing your hand exercises from now," Mom chuckles.

"Oh, hell yeah! It's not even a joke. And always have the ice chips and hand towel ready to wipe her face," Paul pipes up.

"Can we please stop talking about me like I'm not here!" Leah demands. "For your information I plan to have this baby like a pro. I'm a wolf, it won't be like it is for a regular woman, I can handle the pain. I fought vampires for crying out loud." Leah sticks her nose higher in the air and sniffs indignantly.

Basically, the other women at the table all burst out laughing again, except for Nessie, who just smiles and giggles quietly to herself. Rachel laughs the loudest, clutching her middle, almost tipping the chair backwards as she struggles to breathe. Paul deftly catches the chair with one hand, shaking his head adoringly at his rowdy wife.

"You enjoying these crazy people?" I whisper over to Nessie, nudging her shoulder. She's got on this pretty gauzy white dress that makes her seem so ethereal and fairy-like in the soft glow of the hanging lanterns. If I look for too long, I get lost in memorizing every little detail of her face and hair.

"I love it. It's like one big family."

"Well the Quileute are one family. We all have the same blood and origin. It's just always been that way, for us to view ourselves as one unit, as we live in unity with our ancestors and the land. The only thing different about this scene before you, is that Sam and Harry aren't here. But now with Leah and Jake, and Becca and Embry, our bonds are even stronger. This is going to be the new normal, with the addition of your grandfather."

I still can't really believe that Charlie is basically my step-dad. I know that means that he and Mom would see my relationship with Nessie as more family than "friends with the potential for more." They'd be right, of course a part of me knows that. But the other part of me…well…sometimes I feel like I just don't care.

Nessie looks up at me, her eyes glassy again. "It's great. I'm glad I came to witness Jacob's people."

"Hey, you're one of us too, Ness, you know that right? Your seat at this table will always be here."

Jacob grunts from across the table, and I realize that he had been listening to us, even though there is lively chatter going on around us otherwise (about what I don't know). He looks at his imprint and nods to her, a small smile pulling at his lips in agreement. Nessie beams back at him and then at me.

"Thank you," she whispers. I reach across the table and take her hand, giving it a brief, firm squeeze in response. I turn back to my dinner and try to keep myself in check as the chatter continues around us.

"How's the job hunt going for you Seth?" Billy calls out to me, bringing me out of my private thoughts.

I shrug. "I guess it hasn't really started yet. After the party I'll get right on it for sure."

"Good. Be sure to stay focused on taking these good opportunities you've been offered."

"I will," I bow my head with filial reverence.

"Opportunities?" Leah asks, staring at me from across the table with a quizzical arch in her brow.

I swallow and take a sip of my beer, then sit back in the chair, waving my hand nonchalantly. "Just Sam and the moving project."

"He offered you a job?" Mom asks next. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrug my shoulders while looking at both women. "He called this morning and we talked for a bit, that's all."

"Congratulations, bro, if that's what you wanna do," Embry flashes me a grin and I thank him, ignoring my mother flinching beside me.

"Thanks. I haven't accepted it yet, I just…have to see what else is out there first." I can feel Nessie's eyes on me and look to my right, happy to see that she is still relaxed and having a good time.

"Helping your tribe in this move is certainly a good thing to have on your resume, Seth. It will show your sense of pride and your diligence," Billy tells me, and I know he's trying to put it across that really, it shouldn't be something I have to think about.

"It's not so bad," Paul pipes up. He's part of the labor team but he's also the supervisor of that aspect. Most of Sam's pack except for Colin and Brady work on the project already, supplying the best labor the tribe could possibly want. The pay isn't bad from what I've heard.

Feeling the heat radiating across the table, I glance over at Jacob, and sure enough he doesn't seem to thrilled by the idea. He catches my curious stare and forces a smile that's more of a grimace. "That's great Seth. If you don't find anything else at least you won't be stuck."

Leah looks over at him with a scowl and then back at me, but she says nothing, thankfully.

"He also mentioned that Quil signed on," I admit. I was planning to tell Jake later, but it doesn't matter at this point, because we're all going to hear anyway.

"Seriously?" Rachel asks. "Did you know?" she turns to Paul who just shrugs.

"Haven't heard, must be recent."

Jacob growls lowly, his jaw rippling as he clenches his jaw. "He left the auto-shop. Said he didn't want to work there if I was back. I thought maybe he would have cooled off and still show up on Monday, but I guess not."

Leah reaches over and grasps his hand, squeezing it comfortingly. "Don't be upset," she whispers, but it does little to help.

"We can talk to him together, Jake." Nessie offers. "We can talk to everyone if it will help fix things."

Billy smiles over at Nessie, "That would be good, you should get to know the pack and Council anyway. You and Jacob are the only ones who can fix this mess."

I stiffen and sneak a glance my sister across the table. Leah looks down at her plate, pretending not to have been affected by the comment. I know the Chief probably didn't mean it in a bad way, as his pleasant mood hasn't changed; but it wasn't considerate of Jacob's mate and the Beta of his pack. I know that my sister is more than capable of helping Jacob with this as well. And plus, her pregnancy isn't a mess.

"I will be happy to help Jake and Leah with the pack in any way they need it, before I go. As I said, that's why I am here, beyond wanting to meet all of you finally."

Mom glowers at a clueless Billy then leans into me a little so that she can see Renesmee better. "That would be welcomed, thank you for being so considerate Nessie."

"We'll all help, won't we?" Rebecca asks, looking around at the table. We all nod and murmur consent. "That's why I came too, to set things right. I haven't known for very long about what's been going on with the pack and all of that stuff," she gives her father a side-eye before continuing, "But I know that there shouldn't be any division. We lose ourselves when we separate from one another. It took me a long time to see it, but I'm glad that I've learned that one important lesson."

"Yeah," Rachel agrees. "Me too."

"Sam's the real problem here, not the pack per say," Paul adds. And Embry and I quietly agree, while Jacob continues to sit there, stone-faced, next to an uneasy Leah. "Most of us just want to settle down and give up the wolf – or – just explore life outside of the Res. We should be allowed to decide what we want to do with our lives now, after all these years. We're in control of our wolves, we deserve more trust. Giving the pack the freedom to choose now, in a time of peace, is the only way to solve our problems."

I grunt. "Hear, hear." I raise my beer to him.

"Sam has done a lot for the pack, he has been the brother you each needed when you first phased. I hope that you will give him the respect he deserves from each of you," Billy tells us sternly, looking at each wolf in turn.

Jacob grunts and sits back, folding his bulky arms across his chest. "Sam is of great value to the tribe, and I intend to work with him on those matters, not against him. Since you and him are so tight Dad, maybe you can convince him to step down without there being a fight."

"Step down?" Billy confirms.

"From Alpha."

Billy takes a moment and then sighs. "All I've wanted was for you to take up your birthright Jacob. But don't come back and cause all this fuss if you are not ready for the responsibility."

"I'm here to help my brothers phase out. And I'm here to watch over the ones who remain, and give them my support however they need it. I plan to live a quiet life at my shop and with my family, and do what needs to be done whenever you ask it of me. I am not going to interfere in the political side of things, YOU are still Chief, Dad."

The air of finality in Jacob's words cannot be missed. Once again I'm hit with the strong vibe of authority emanating from him and my sister who sits at his side. I look over at Embry and Paul and they both give me looks that tell me they feel it too.

Whatever it is, Sam won't stand a chance, fighting Jacob for Alpha. Jacob isn't gunning for Chief right now, so hopefully, that will be enough to give us the resolution to all of this that we need.

LEAH

I stay back after everyone has gone home to help the twins clean up the dishes, and to indulge in a bit of girl chat. I wanted to hear their impressions of Nessie, and am not surprised that they love her. The kid is actually growing on me too. As I watched her interact with everyone it really hit home that she seems to be pretty harmless, and genuinely sweet.

"You know…after this whole thing with Embry…I'm kinda amazed that Jacob doesn't feel that way about his own imprint," Rebecca tells me, as we're washing and drying the last stack of dishes.

If looks could kill, I just shot her right between the eyes. She chuckles and shakes her head at my expression.

"Relax, I was going to say, that he's really strong, and he must really love you if the imprint has no effect on him. You should be comforted by that."

"I wouldn't say it has no effect on him, Becc. He very much cares for her, and he'd defend her with his life without question."

"Well, yeah, you know what I meant, Lee: the romantic part."

I nod. I know what she means but I don't want anyone to think that Jacob doesn't feel his imprinter bond AT ALL. It's something I'm finally learning how to understand and live comfortably with, myself.

"So…does that mean that you're going to accept yours? That you can't fight it?" I ask her, too curious not to.

Rebecca shrugs, but is unable to fight off a smile. "It's too soon, I mean, I've only just made up my mind that I'm going to get a divorce. And I only just met Embry again yesterday. I should take time by myself, right? To get my head sorted?"

"But how do you FEEL? It's good to be practical and independent, but your feelings are valid too."

Becca keeps focus on rinsing a pan, still smirking to herself and I can't help but laugh.

"You LIKE him!" I declare in a hiss so that I'm not overheard by the wolf in question, whom I know is lurking around somewhere. "You like Embry!"

She giggles and shakes her head. "He's really sweet. We've been talking a little, and it was nice. I guess…it feels good to know that I'm not going to be alone, you know? Like, I'm starting over, and I'm stepping away from my life in Hawaii, but I'm not really worried about it. I feel safe with Embry...and I know that he's being genuine, not just because of the imprint."

"He was totally smitten when we were kids, do you remember?" I nudge her shoulder with a wink.

"Yeah. He really had it bad." She chuckles and shakes her head, no doubt at the craziness of it all.

"With or without the imprint, Embry will be good to you, that much I know. He's always been a sweet kid growing up, he's never changed even though he can morph into a huge wolf." Rebecca bites her lip at the mention of the wolf. "Are you still freaking out about that?" I ask.

She nods slowly. "Yeah, a bit. Is it – do you think I could see it?"

"Embry's wolf?" I clarify.

"Yeah."

"If you ask him he'll show you, of course. He'll do anything you want Becca."

"Will it be dangerous? Would it hurt me?" she questions timidly.

"Of course not. We're still ourselves when in wolf form, but the animal instincts are more profound. But he wouldn't shift near to you. And he'd be very careful, I promise. I think it's a good idea for you to see it, just so that you can be assured that it's not something to fear."

"Okay, but I'm just glad he can stop phasing soon. The whole thing creeps me out."

"The wolf is beautiful, you will love it, trust me."

"Whatever you say," Rebecca smiles and hums to herself as she finishes up the wares.

Caught up in our cleaning duty, I get lost in my head, replaying the night's events and all the hard but important conversations that were had. I think of each face around the table and it strikes me in a new way that we're all one family, and we're all in this shit together. The new feeling is parental. It really hits me that Jake and I as the Alphas, are responsible for all of it – all of them.

It's overwhelming, but deep down to my bones, I want to nurture and protect them all. I couldn't turn my back even if I wanted to. I've tried but now I finally understand why I could never really leave La Push behind.

This is my home and my blood. And the hard parts aren't reason enough to say good bye forever. I finally get that now.

We all go through hard changes sometimes: Dad and Aunt Sarah dying, Billy ending up in a wheelchair, Joshua leaving Sam behind…becoming fucking wolves.

Life can really suck. And then on top of all the shit we have no control over, we've got to heal and live our truths. We've got to have difficult conversations face to face with people we care about: Me and Jake, him and Nessie, ME and Nessie…Rebecca and Solomon, Jacob and Sam…Us and the Council. There's so much shit to be resolved to keep us all together and happy!

But again, that's just life. And that's just adulting. And I've got to be strong for them and for my baby who deserves the best life in the world.

There's no more running now, there's no more cowering from old men. The only thing that I (or any of us) can do, is face the coming challenges head on.

AN:Sorry for the lateness. Hope you liked this one. Last minute I omitted Renesmee's POV to develop into a chapter.