A massive thank you to 2021, Twin68, CrackHeadBlonde, BooksEnPointe and Seraphona987 for the reviews they were so appreciated!
As always if you have any questions I will answer them, but just letting me know all your thoughts and opinions is amazing. Although I am sorry about the delay in posting this chapter, I had an awful migraine which was not only a pain but also made it near impossible to write.
This chapter is one I will definitely come back to edit in the future, but for now I wanted to get it out there to continue on with this story.
Two days later my smile still remained firmly fixed in place, having spent an entire 48 hours in uninterrupted bliss and happiness.
The entire pack had gone berserk when we broke the news that we were engaged the following day. Despite having all been in on the secret, they still showed ample enthusiasm as they each dropped by separately to both offer their congratulations and introduce themselves to my parents.
Hell, mum and Emily had hugged like they were long lost relatives. They have always got on well of course, often Emily taking over the conversation entirely when we spoke on Facetime to my mum, but I never expected that level of excitement from either of them.
"I am glad you have so many friends, Gem" Dan had nodded with a smile, before lowering his voice as Sam stepped into the house to introduce himself "although you could have warned me they're all built like brick shithouses."
I had to cover my mouth with my hand to hide my smile at that comment, knowing that no matter how low he kept his voice Sam would definitely hear. And by the quick wink he shot me when no one else was looking, it's clear that he did.
"I'd have thought you'd be pleased I'm well protected" I teased back "no one dares mess with me when they're around."
"I am" he assured me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders "I just never thought I'd feel like the totally redundant big brother."
"Awh Dan you could never be" I rolled my eyes at his sad tone "Just think of them as my friends who will look after me when you are 5,000 miles away."
Thankfully this seemed to appease him somewhat, and we spent the entirety of that day as a family once more. It was an odd experience for me, having the pack and my blood relatives mixing so casually. They were always careful about what was said of course, for the sake of protecting their secret, however it didn't take long for either party to become comfortable around the other.
Then again who could ever feel uncomfortable around Emily? That girl is the picture of the perfect hostess, laidback friend and kind neighbour all rolled into once. I am pretty sure that after just a few hours spent together my mum is completely in love with her. She may as well be adopting another daughter at this rate.
Come the following day, Paul had to pop over to the garage and to my shock had taken both Dad and Dan with him. Apparently both men had shown an interest over dinner the first evening and so Paul, always keen to build up some kind of relationship with my family, had offered to show them around.
Although I am nearly certain that Dan wants to spend all day tinkering with cars. Despite being a doctor he has the stereotypical interest in anything to do with motors. As for my Dad, I think he is interested in finally seeing what I had put so much work into over Christmas.
I also have a sneaking suspicion he is still testing Paul somewhat, to assess just how much he truly loves and wants to care for me. I know my dad too well at this point, with a lifetime of experience under my belt. At the end of the day he can be protective, as most fathers are with their youngest children.
Yet I have absolutely no doubt he will come back this evening happy to have Paul as the newest member of our family.
However with the men deciding to spend their day that way, this left my mum and me an entire day to do with as we pleased. Which of course in our world automatically meant one thing – a drive up to Port Angeles to shop until we drop.
We decided to make an early start of it, which is probably why Emily was shocked I answered the phone sounding pretty awake and cheery at only 8am during my holiday.
"Hey!"
"Hey babe, would you be able to pop over at some point today?" Emily asked, a nervous edge to her voice that I haven't heard in quite some time "I've got some wedding stuff I need to run by you."
"Yeah course" I replied around a mouthful of toothpaste, rinsing the sink quickly "but I am taking my mum to Port Angeles today to show her around and do a bit of shopping. Can it wait until this afternoon?"
"Yes of course!" she immediately replied "have you enjoyed spending time with them?"
"It has been amazing" I gushed "I can't believe how much I missed them. I didn't like to think about it too hard, but then suddenly they were literally stood right in front of me and it became way too much."
"I know, I could tell you still hadn't quite got your head around the shock when we dropped by yesterday" she giggled "I did tell Paul it would be a lot for you to take in, but he was determined."
"Honestly, I have never been more shocked" I dropped my voice despite Paul having gone to quickly tidy the shop, meaning there was no one else in the house "The fact that he had the nerve to do that for me… it's not something I will ever forget, Em."
"I know hun" she replied happily "and I am so pleased that it all worked out for you both. Anyway I have to run as Sam is burning the toast, but come over later?"
"Sure. Love you."
"Love you too!"
It was mid-afternoon by the time we finally got back, having shopped until we literally couldn't carry any more. Mum had really gone to town on the entire day, to the point that we had even gone to get our nails done. She had gushed the entire time to anyone who would listen about my engagement and the wedding planning, to the extent that if I wasn't so high on life right now I may be mortified.
But as it stands I am beyond happy and nothing can take that away from me this week…even if I did notice Jared and Embry stalking us all day at a distance slightly too close to be subtle. Mum didn't notice, but I definitely did.
It appears that after what happened the pack are still on full alert. And as part of that, I seem to have picked up two personal bodyguards who follow me everywhere.
But I suppose as much as I don't like to admit it, it does put my mind at ease. Anything that wants to come back and attack me has to get through two wolves first.
Yet still, after a few hours of solid shopping, a manicure and light lunch we eventually made our way back home, exhausted. We absolutely made the most of the day though, given it isn't often we have them anymore. They were getting few and far between when I was working in London, let alone having moved across the world.
Despite our leisurely attitude towards the whole day, the men still hadn't made a reappearance when I dropped mum back at where they were staying, with the promise that we would meet up in the evening for dinner. So I assumed that they would be taking their time fixing some engine or another and decided to leave them to it, ditching my car on the drive and instead choosing to run down to Emily's.
I may have had a busy day so far but that is no reason to stop my exercise… I have a wedding dress to fit into soon, after all.
"Hey" I called into my friend's kitchen as I let myself in "anyone home?"
"Hey!" my friend yelled from upstairs, quickly followed by footsteps as she rushed down "it's just me, the boys are at school and Sam's at work."
"Other than the two stalking me" I muttered lowly, before flashing a smile as my friend entered the room "How's things?"
"They're good. Do you want a coffee?" Em asked as she looked at me expectantly, clearly considering her question to be a redundant one. She was surprised however when I wrinkled my nose in mild disgust, instead opting for water.
"Sorry, who are you and where is my caffeine addicted best friend?" she asked in shock, pouring me a glass anyway. I could only shrug.
"I don't know. Not sure when it came about but it's probably just a phase."
"It better be" she rolled her eyes, before sitting down in front of me with a serious expression "anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Yes!" I hummed "are you okay? What's up?"
"You'll call me mad…and I guess maybe I am, I wouldn't even blame you." She bit her lip nervously, to the point where I put the glass down in concern.
"Em you can tell me anything, what's up?"
"I want to marry Sam. And so we did something crazy. We booked a date with the council to take our vows."
"Oh Emily that's fabulous!" I immediately gushed with a massive smile "why on earth were you nervous about telling me?"
"Because… here's the thing…." Emily stumbled over her words, before finishing the sentence in a rush "theweddingisnextweekend"
"Huh?"
"The wedding is next weekend!" she blurted, expression caught between excited and nervous as her hands landed on top of mine "next Saturday, to be specific."
"Oh my god!" I squealed as I leapt up, throwing my arms around my best friend in excitement "are you serious?"
"Yes!" she hugged me back before pulling away, hiding her face in her hands "I can't believe we went and did it but honestly Gem, I know I have made the right decision."
"I know you have but I still can't believe it…" I trailed off in my shock "next week, that's incredible. Hell we have so much to fit in before then!"
"I know. But it's fine, I have already got in contact with my brother and he is coming" she told me with a sparkle in her eyes "plus the pack…we are going to get married on the beach and Billy is officiating. I was just hoping that you would help out with the food? Thought we could have a barbeque?"
"Of course" I sputtered "but there is no 'we' about it! I will sort everything for you, I have more than enough hands to help me out after all."
"Really?" Emily looked at me excitably "I didn't want to put much pressure on you and obviously we'll pay for it all, but-"
"Em" I cut off her rambling "it would be an honour."
"Thank you" she huffed in relief "but don't worry we already have the cake on order so you don't need to worry about that… I think all I really need to sort is flowers and dresses."
"Oh Em, I am so excited for you!"
"Me too! In just 10 days I'll be Mrs Uley!" she almost shouted in a sing-song voice as we spun around her kitchen. I can't believe it! There's going to be a wedding in under two weeks!
Gosh they really do move quickly, these imprinted wolves… I guarantee this was all Sam's idea after all. And I won't be surprised if they announce a pregnancy within the following months.
Hell, Em may be pregnant already. But I guess that is just something I'll have to wait for her to tell me about, should she need to.
The smiles literally tumbled off both of our faces however, when a low and smooth voice cut through our excitable bubble.
"What? You're getting married next week?"
We both turned towards the voice in shock, my gaze immediately flickering between the two cousins. Emily on the other hand looked like she was about to pass out, her entire face draining of colour as she reached out towards the younger girl.
"Leah-"
But Leah had already turned and stormed out of the house, having not said another word. Emily and I immediately turned to look at each other, the silence ringing in our ears in stark contrast to the excitement just a minute beforehand.
"Oh god, what have I done?" Emily sagged into a chair, her forehead coming to sit in her hands as she put both elbows on the table "what the hell have I done?"
"Em, you haven't done anything wrong"
"I had no idea she was here. Leah literally never comes here…what if she actually wanted to talk to me? What if I have just ruined everything?"
"Emily, you need to calm down" I placed my hand on her shoulder sympathetically "it's not your fault, you are allowed to get excited over your wedding."
"The wedding which is crushing my cousins heart" Emily sniffed, before looking up at me hopefully "Would you please go and check on her?"
"Em…I don't know-"
"Please? If I tried, she'd probably hit me."
My friend looked so serious in that moment, the worry reflecting in her dark eyes which remained fixated on the door. I can hardly say no to this request, can I?
"Yeah course…"
I sighed and left my half-drunk water on the table before jogging out of Emily's house, taking off down the track in the direction Leah headed.
I mean if she has already phased I don't have a hope in hell of catching her. I just have to pray Sam is actually at work and he hasn't decided to take an unscheduled patrol, there is no way he will want to hear the thoughts which are undoubtedly going through Leah's mind right now.
No doubt they won't be kind towards her cousin in the slightest.
I was surprised however when I found her just around the corner, sat on a fallen tree with her arms folded, scowl sat on her face. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her seating choice… after all if she truly didn't want to be found, she'd be long gone.
"I'd assumed you'd have phased" I stated, almost questionably. Her head snapped up but she didn't leave. Taking that as an almost invitation I sat down next to her, leaving a good foot of space between our bodies.
Leah just snorted.
"I don't know who's currently wolfed out and I like my own space" she bit back pointedly.
"Right" I exhaled heavily through my nose, slapping my hands onto my thighs as I desperately thought about what I ought to say. After all I didn't get that far in my planning, instead choosing to literally run after Leah on Emily's request.
It appears that Leah sees me as the slightly less evil one of the two of us. Emily is right, if she had come she may have ended up with more than a slap.
"What do you want, Gemma?" Leah asked after a couple of seconds pause "because I'm having a shit day and I don't have time for your annoying ass manners."
"Emily didn't mean for you to find out that way. It's a lot to take in, I know."
"Ha. What would you know?" she ran her hand through her hair angrily "They're getting married in a week? Just one week. How come she gets it all? It just isn't fair."
"Life isn't fair" I huffed back a sigh as I looked over to the younger female, who's scowl remained fixed on her face "that's just the way things go."
"Well you seem to be doing alright. With your posh accent, dream job and now your shiny new engagement." She spat back, yet still remained by my side.
I took a second to consider my next words, thinking about how to best get through to a woman as direct as Leah. After all she isn't known for her politeness or manners…maybe being blunt really is the best way to go.
At this point my friendship with her can't get much more non-existent, so I may as well give it a shot.
"It didn't exactly get handed to me. I was just brave enough to take control of my life and move away" I explained thoughtfully "sometimes I think what my life would have been like if I chose to remain in London…and honestly, it disgusts me."
She blinked, as though surprised at my honest approach. Yet within a second her hard exterior was back, as was the ever-present sneer.
"So, what? You think I ought to up and leave? Because I hate to break it to you but the whole turning into a wolf thing kinda fucked that for me."
"No. I think you need to start owning what you have." I tuned towards her firmly "Leah you're drop dead gorgeous and have the personality to match, when you're not intent on hating on your cousin and ex-boyfriend."
She growled at me up I held up one hand, relieved that she actually seemed inclined to listen to what I have to say.
"What happened to you was fucked up. But it happened. Shit happens in life and you've just got to dust yourself off and realise that actually, you want better. Because I am willing to bet the content of my bank account that you loved Sam, but you didn't love the lifestyle Emily now has. No offence I hardly see you as the Martha Stewart type. You crave adventure and excitement. Not running around after the pack constantly."
"So you think I should just sit back and plaster a fucking smile on my face and say I'm glad my ex-boyfriend is now shacked up with my cousin?" she asked incredulously.
"Nope" I stood with a sigh "I'm saying it's time to focus less on your past, and more on your future happiness."
She didn't reply but I hesitated anyway, having taken just a step away from the shapeshifter. I suppose if I were in Leah's situation and Paul cut off our engagement and got straight with another girl, I would be pretty pissed too…
In fact who am I kidding I would be livid. If anything I suppose Leah is taking this pretty well. She hasn't yet attempted to murder Emily, as far as I am aware.
It's for this reason I turned back around, dipping my chin to make eye contact.
"Look, I know it's only five but I've had a really long day. So, you want a drink?"
I don't know what I was expecting really, I suppose something along the lines of swearing at me and storming off. But instead to my surprise Leah hesitated in her response, folding her tanned arms over her chest with a huff.
"I can't" she shook her head, before spitting out "I'm only 20."
"Does it look like I care?" I couldn't help but deadpan "If we were in England, you'd have started years back. But if you want I'll go to the store, get some wine and we can go wherever the hell you want."
For a moment she just looked at me, her dark eyes sharp with mistrust as I returned her gaze evenly. After a couple of seconds I dropped it and turned on my heel, striding purposefully off in the direction of the store. I've made the effort after all, I suppose if she doesn't want to take me up on that offer I've done my bit.
"Wait." Her short tone had me grinding to a halt, looking questioningly back at her. To my surprise she also rose to her feet, stalking straight past me "I guess it doesn't sound a bad idea."
I watched her storm past with a quirk of my lip which I quickly hid, instead trailing after her quietly as together we hit the shops.
"You're not that bad, for a prissy English girl" were the first words she spoke as we entered the shop, having stayed silent the entire walk here "I assumed you'd be majorly square. I guess I understand what Paul sees in you."
"I'm a lawyer but I'm not dead" I rolled my eyes "plus you realise I'm only 23 right?"
"No way" she barked a laugh "No offence but I always assumed Paul was like your toyboy or something."
"Urm, thanks?" I couldn't think of a lot to say to that as we strolled towards the store. Although I suppose as things Leah say goes, it's not entirely insulting.
"You just have this air around you I suppose" she shrugged carelessly "you're always so confident and self-assured. So I always assumed you were older."
"Well sorry to disappoint." I stated sarcastically as we stepped into the store "but I'm so glad I come across as a pensioner."
"Nah you're not bad. Just a shame about your taste in friends." She couldn't resist the comment as she rolled her eyes, before stalking off down another aisle "you find the booze. I'm starving."
"Right…" I muttered, watching her go thoughtfully.
Truthfully I am surprised she has opted to spend this much time with me, despite the promise of free booze. I can't help but wonder why she has decided to come along, other than for the obvious reason. I mean realistically this is Leah we are talking about. If she really just wanted the alcohol she would just raid her mums house and be done with it.
No, this is something more.
Not friendship, not even close just yet. But I can't help but consider this to be a momentary alliance, or a truce if you will.
Or she could just be doing it to spite Emily. Realistically that is the more likely option, but I won't think like that for now. Leah is a girl who doesn't have any friends, but through her own volition rather than others being unkind.
Perhaps, just maybe, she is beginning to see that's not what she wants out of life.
"Gemma?" a voice startled me out of the daze I hadn't realised I had sunk into, having me turning on the spot somewhat dramatically.
I really need to start paying better attention to my surroundings. Especially when it comes to making polite conversation in a store with someone you haven't seen in months…as appears to be my current predicament.
This is both unexpected and very random.
"Oh, Justin!" I greeted the kind teacher who I had met at the party last September, greeting him with a friendly albeit is slightly awkward hug "what are you doing here?"
"I came to the beach" he shrugged "sometimes life calls for a walk in the fresh air. And I thought I'd buy something for dinner on the way back."
He paused, holding up his basket with a shrug.
"Oh right. Well how are you? I haven't seen you around in a while!" I cleared my throat as I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. After all we haven't spoken much at all in months. I have run into him around Forks when I have been at work, but only to exchange pleasantries. Plus we have always been surrounded by other people.
Yet even despite our limited conversation and awkward moments, I can still recognise how lovely he is. His entire aura screams calm and sincerity. Refreshing, in this day and age.
"You're one to talk, moving to La Push" he smiled back at me "and am I to assume congratulations are now in order?"
I felt the confused look overtake my face, only clearing when he gestured to my left hand pointedly.
"Oh right, yes. Thank you" I smiled somewhat sheepishly. After all it was only last September he had asked me out. Yet now just under 8 months later I'm engaged to another man. It's almost painful to think how much has changed in such a short period of time. Yet in my eyes Paul and I may as well have been together for decades at this point, in a good way.
I trust him with my life. And I love him with my soul.
"So who's the lucky guy?" he went on conversationally, pushing a hand through his sandy blonde hair "anyone I know?"
"Paul. You did meet him once, at the petrol station" I shot him a semi-apologetic look as understanding overcame his face. Clearly he remembers that awkward moment, as well as my fiancés overprotective nature.
"Ah" he sucked in a breath through his teeth "well I am glad you are happy. He certainly adored you, from my brief encounter with him. I remember that much."
"Thank you" I said softly, suddenly being hit with a wave of sadness that we hadn't remained in better contact "and I understand if you don't want to or you are busy, but I'd love you to come to the wedding. Bring a plus one if you like. If you have a friend, or a girlfriend…"
I trailed off, unsure how to continue. Thankfully Justin laughed good naturedly
"Gemma you don't need to feel nervous or stressed around me" he put a hand on my shoulder just briefly, smiling at me in a way which broke the awkward atmosphere entirely "Don't take this the wrong way but my feelings towards you were extremely short lived. The second you turned me down at the petrol station I knew your heart belonged to Paul. No hard feelings."
"Well that's good to know" I smiled "and I'm sorry for just dropping off the radar and moving away. Life has been…busy."
"I know, I hear you've done very well for yourself at work. I see Jamie from time to time, so we catch up on everything" he supplied.
"I'm happy" I once again reaffirmed "listen, I'm with a friend right now but how do you feel about going for a coffee sometime? You know, for a catch up"
"You sure your fiancé won't mind?" he asked. I almost grimaced at his unsure tone. It appears that Paul has made a bigger impact on him than originally intended.
"Not at all" I didn't miss a beat, my voice instead firm in my resolve "I am sorry for Paul's behaviour the first time you met. I assure you he's not that rude really, I think he was having a bad day."
"Well…" Justin nodded "that would be great. And I suppose I will just have to reintroduce myself to him at your wedding. If the invitation truly stands."
"Of course!" I smiled "absolutely. As soon as I get the invitations done I'll make sure one reaches you."
"Ugh Gemma, hurry up" Leah's voice droned behind me as she approached once more "can we get going? I really need a fucking drink."
"Oh, urm, Justin this is Leah. Leah, this is Justin. I met Justin back in September, we were just having a catch up."
"Lovely to meet you Leah" Justin had completely ignored her rude remark, ever the gentleman, and instead stretched his hand out to shake hers with a smile.
I almost winced as he did so, half of my mind already thinking of some way I can apologise for the way Leah will undoubtedly react next. She is hardly known for being upbeat and cheery after all. Hell, I doubt she'll bother shaking his hand.
Yet it was the younger girl's reaction to Justin which easily takes the biscuit of the most surprising moment of the day. Even more than Emily's announcement just this afternoon.
She didn't ignore him. She didn't say anything rude. Hell, she didn't even sneer…
Leah instead stood, wide eyed and completely transfixed as she half fell towards Justin, her smaller hand clasped around his. He in turn looked a little starstruck, his eyes not leaving hers as his mouth fell open. Like he was trying hard to force the words out yet could think of nothing to say.
For a moment I felt as though I was intruding on a sacred moment. A truly private moment between two individuals, who had known each other for a lifetime. For a moment, I was the complete outsider in our little trio.
It was only then did I realise I have only ever witnessed this once before in my life. This amazing, defining moment in a life where everything changes.
And that was when Paul and I first made eye contact.
The realisation hit me full force.
Wordlessly I handed the bottle of wine to the younger girl, who somehow managed to take it from me with wild, startled eyes.
"I'm going to go" I murmured to them both as I watched Leah's reaction carefully "I think you need this a lot more than I do."
She took it from me with a shaky nod, eyes barely leaving Justin's face as they both murmured their goodbyes. I span on my heel before half running out of the store, trying to sort through my wave of thoughts and emotions which crashed over me at once.
I can't believe what I just witnessed.
Leah imprinted.
I am so excited about their story! Literally since I first wrote about Justin early in the story I knew he was the type Leah would imprint on. I tried to write him as kind and calm and completely laid back...everything Leah needs to really discover herself and move forward with life.
Their story isn't the typical kind either, it is more focused on personal growth and development than anything else. Plus I love their characters and I hope you guys will too.