Chapter 7: Ly o Lay a Le Loya
As I approached the door, I could hear Cara's frantic heartbeat from the other side as she attempted to gather things for Mrs. Greer. The middle aged woman chuckled throatily as she took the papers that Cara had taken such care to write out.
"Darling, you forget that I've taken care of Mary much longer than you have." I could nearly hear the smile in the graying blonde's voice as I climbed the stairs. "She is in good hands."
"Right, right..." I peered through the window to see Cara nod her head as she leaned back against the counter, placing a hand on her rounding stomach. "I'm sorry... it's been... a long time since I've done this."
"Well, I can assure you that Mr. Call is a fine young man. Very respectful, gentle... you don't find many like him nowadays." She placed a hand on Cara's shoulder. "Enjoy it, relax... everything will be just fine here."
"Just be careful... Grandma has been getting violent lately..."
"I've dealt with much worse, darling. I will manage."
She nodded and I took that as direction to knock on the door. As the large door swung open, I was assaulted with orange blossoms and white tea and sighed happily as I closed my eyes for a moment. The familiar scent was enough to calm my wolf and I opened my eyes to drink her in. She wasn't dressed particularly special, just a pair of jeans with a black long sleeve, and a deep red sweater that looked warm enough to keep even a winter drift at bay. She could have been wearing a paper bag and I would have still found her the most miraculous creature on this planet.
Even though I wasn't ready to introduce her into my world, Jacob and Sam still allowed me to bring her to the bonfire. It was tradition to bring our "mates" to this specific bonfire, reiterating tradition and legends while welcoming these new partners into our lives. Even though it wasn't plainly put, those that were aware of imprinting and what it signified respected this tradition and participated. It felt a bit wrong, bringing Cara into this without giving her full disclosure of what it meant... but I had hope for the future. Joseph instructed me to beat down my ego and trust my intuition. What was the saying? Anxiety screams and intuition whispers. Even though my ego was screaming that this was a bad idea, a small little voice was there saying 'go for it'.
I drove us to First Beach, monitoring her reaction and swelling at her smile when I reached for her hand. She intertwined our fingers, smiling softly as she glanced downward, then back out the windshield. Everything was very new and she acted so shy, but it only served to further pull me in. I glanced down at the small roundness of her stomach and I wanted to reach out and place my hand on it. I refrained, having yet to learn what her boundaries were in this aspect. It was still so early and I knew I had plenty of time to enjoy the pregnancy alongside her, but I couldn't help the desire to be attached to her hip. Even though it wasn't so, I could already feel the attachment as if the child was mine. I wanted to protect the both of them with my life, and I wanted Cara to know this. I didn't want to be a silent sentinel any longer than I had to. For now... her hand in mine was enough.
As we approached, there was already the beginnings of a fire happening behind the bodies arranging a banquet of food on the picnic tables. Cara slipped out of the truck before I could make it around to open the door for her and stepped forward hesitantly and a hand upon her stomach. I could hear her stomach rumble as the smell of various meats over the fire pit wafted toward us. I smiled softly, refraining from laughing at the sound as I stepped next to her. She looked up at me with a slight fear in her doe eyes and I knew she had to be nervous... she hadn't officially met anyone else on the Reservation, aside from myself and my mom for a brief moment. I scooped up her hand in mine and she squeezed it tightly as she turned her attention back to the small crowd, following me as I set the pace for our stride.
Naturally, those that could see and hear turned their eyes up as we approached. Kim and Rachel helped Emily assemble the feast, noting the hand holding between Cara and I. Rachel's eyes drew down to the hand Cara had against her stomach and leaned in to whisper into Kim's ear, curious how Cara would finally take knowing when she had another life to consider. Emily was quick to nudge, as if I hadn't already heard, and the two women continued to help set up. Emily smiled warmly as we approached and she was the first to step forward with an extended hand.
"You must be Cara." She greeted warmly, "It's so nice to finally put a face to the name."
Cara glanced up at me and I turned my eyes up toward the sky, attempting to hide my embarrassment. Emily giggled at me as I could feel Cara's cheeks flare with warmth. "I wish I could say the same. Embry hasn't told me much about anyone just yet."
"Well, it's all still fresh. In any regard, we are happy to have you here."
Cara nodded, her hair billowing in the wind as she remained attentive to Emily. "Would you like some help?"
"Oh, that would be great!" Cara's hand detached from mine and I felt the void... did she? "You can help me set up the desserts."
I shoved my hands into my jeans, glancing back every so often as I stepped toward Sam and Paul, picking up a piece of wood to toss into the flames. Sam noticed this and smiled as Cara mentioned how much food their was with such disbelief. Paul continued to man the main course over the pit, stirring contents of cast irons and flipping pieces of meat. Sam stood beside me, watching both his imprint and mine as they continued to converse and lay out food.
"I know what you're going to ask, and the answer is 'no'."
Sam held his hands up briefly before crossing them back across his chest. "I can respect that... I really wanted to know how you're doing."
I looked to him, even though my eyes wanted to pull back to Cara. "You mean how my 'lessons' are going."
He laughed, shaking his head. "I do care about the pack as a whole, but I'm also your friend, Embry. Are you enjoying it? I know imprinting is something that you've desired for a while... Is it what you had hoped it would be?"
"Yes... and no?" I shrugged, chewing the inside of my cheek for a moment as I gently kicked at the sand. "I thought it would be easier than this."
"Than what? Being in love as a normal human would?" He laughed a little louder this time, drawing the girls' attention for a moment. Cara smiled softly at me, the adoration there filling me enough to tolerate being meters apart just a little longer. "Nobody ever said love was easy. Granted, your situation is a bit more... unique... but I don't believe that we aren't given anything we can't handle. Your path is just a little bit... more than others."
"Story of my life." I chuckled half-heartedly. "I guess you're right. She's still got her own secrets... and I'm sure most, if not all, revolve around that baby. I'm trying to be patient."
"Well, you know from looking on the outside in that the imprint bond is not just one-sided. Even if there may be secrets or other things on her mind... On some level, she does feel this too. You're here with her, romantically... that's more than half of your pack can say. Enjoy it, immerse yourself in it. Forget about the pack and your spiritual journey for a moment and enjoy what it's like to be present in love, not just exist within it."
I turned my attention back to Cara, watching the deep crimson sweater she wore flap in the wind. She constantly attempted to tuck her hair behind her ear, but the wind was adamant that her brunette locks would fly free. Jared passed, handing me a beer before clapping me on the shoulder. My attention flitted back to Cara and I saw the disappointment flicker across her features as she noted the can in my hand. That was enough for me and even I knew that I shouldn't be drinking and then driving her or myself home. She didn't know that the alcohol would burn off in my body almost as soon as it was put there, but that was a conversation we wouldn't be having tonight. I handed the beer back to Jared, declining his offer before joining Cara near the picnic tables.
"You could have drank it." She stated simply, looking up at me with an unreadable expression.
I was careful, shaking my head with a confident smile. "Nah, I'm not in the mood for it tonight. Besides..." I was careful, slow and deliberate as I placed my hand atop of the small bump through her shirt. "it's not safe to drink and drive."
She smiled softly, giving a short, soft chuckle as she glanced down at my hand, then back up at me. "I could have driven back. It's not too far away."
She didn't move my hand away and neither did I, swelling pridefully as I allowed my wolf to stand tall. "You're my date tonight. No 'buts'."
She smiled, nudging me slightly as I clearly won. I laughed, exaggerating my topple before pulling her in for a bear hug. She giggled as I pulled her tight against me without putting much pressure on her stomach. She smiled softly, her hazel eyes studying my face as if she were memorizing every line and adoring each one. I re-tucked her hair behind her ear shortly after she did, fighting against the wind as it blew wildly in protest. I kept my hand there, cupping the side of her head so that portion of her hair was pressed down. She leaned into my palm, her eyes drawing me in further until I could find her soft lips with mine.
The cinnamon toothpaste lingering across her breath sent flames down my throat and engulfed my entire body. There was no sense of time here, no signs of life that may lay beyond our bubble. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Great Spirits... Whatever force brought her to me, I was grateful for it and would be sure to treat her and every day that way. The smell of Frybread, Guava, and fresh rain passed by with a giggle and I knew that Kim had slipped past to the vehicles as another arrived.
"Get a room!" She laughed, to which Cara pulled away.
Her cheeks burned bright enough for the red to be seen past her tanned flesh. I smiled, leaning down to press one more chaste kiss to her lips before standing next to her, taking her hand in mine. Joseph had arrived in his truck and Jacob wasn't too far behind on his motorcycle. Reddish-brown curls peered out from beneath the helmet of Jacob's passenger and I had so been lost in Cara that I had forgotten about Renesmee and her power. I didn't want to seem awkward and leave Cara just to pull the two of them aside for "ground rules". I had been so worried, but I should have known better and considered that Jacob did his part and notified Renesmee that Cara was oblivious to this world just yet.
I held my breath as Jacob strode forward with the half-ling, her features bright and glowing as she bounded next to him.
"Fuck..." Cara breathed quite enough for only those of us with advanced hearing to catch and it was hard not to laugh. "I wish I looked that good when I was twelve..."
She was right, though... For what seemed a twelve year old, Renesmee was almost too perfect. Her angelic features accompanied by blemish-free, fair, skin and deep brown eyes were enough to make anyone do a double take. I smiled, holding back my laughter as the two of them approached. Renesmee held Jacob's arm as she nearly skipped alongside him, a dreamy schoolgirl look in her eyes whenever she looked at him. Her eyes turned to us, pools of milk chocolate studying the woman on my arm and then falling briefly onto the small bump that held a singular, frantic, heartbeat. She tilted her head with a knowing look in her eyes before looking between the two of us with a broad smile.
"Hi, Embry!" Renesmee beamed, then held her free hand out to Cara. "I'm Renesmee."
Cara blinked a few times, definitely caught off guard at the child's formality, but extended her hand for a handshake regardless. "Cara."
"Cara... I like your name."
Cara chuckled, breaking the tension as she smiled, "Thank you. I like yours as well. It's very unique."
"It's an amalgamation of my grandmothers' names."
Cara blinked a few times again, processing this "pubescent" child's vocabulary and the fact that she could possibly even know such a word when not many did.
I leaned down into Cara's ear. "Home schooled." I assured her, pressing a kiss into her hair in a calming gesture.
Renesmee had obviously heard and pursed her lips tightly, processing what to say next. I had seen her act like this around Charlie, careful not to show how far she was mentally developed as opposed to her physical body. She was studying Cara, learning what her boundaries were. She had been to this bonfire before and was able to communicate freely, powers and all, but now she was restricted and she had to adjust accordingly. It was obvious that Jacob had forewarned her Cara's non-involvement in this world, but she still slipped every now and again like she did with Charlie.
"I like your sweater!" Renesmee continued to smile, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness that had fallen over everybody.
"Oh, thank you!" Cara looked down at herself, lifting the edges of the sweater, only to let it fall again. "You know, I've probably had this sweater since I was just a little older than you. I just can't seem to let it go."
Joseph motioned for me from his truck and I was quick to dismiss myself to help. As I did so, Renesmee had released Jacob and was now arm and arm with Cara, asking her questions about fashion and makeup, attempting to come across as a normal preteen girl. I helped my mentor exit his truck and walked with him toward the rest of the group. He commented on Cara's beauty and the way she seemed to meld so seamlessly into this life. I liked to believe that, to hold hope that she will accept the true reasoning behind this and us, the way Kim did with Jared. I didn't like lying and keeping my own secrets from Cara, but now wasn't the right time. With her stomach growing bigger and bigger everyday and the worsening of Ms. Siler... would any time be the right one?
Nobody hid how much they ate and neither did Cara. She enjoyed every bite she took and absorbed every detail of the legends as she could as Joseph told them. He spoke of the imprints, the "soulmates", and the counterclockwise circle dance. Even though she was an imprint and half Quileute, these were a part of her heritage and it was obvious she wanted to learn more. I could have sworn I noted a dreamy smile across her lips as Joseph explained imprints, how the bond worked and how it was the tribe's version of "true love". Even elders such as Joseph didn't fully understand if it was meant for reproduction or just because our souls were somehow bonded. I supposed we wouldn't truly know until Jacob and Renesmee ever decided to at least attempt conceiving in the distant future.
Campfire stories soon gave way to general conversation and someone had started music on a Bluetooth speaker. Quil and Claire had been mostly by the ocean this evening until it began to grow dark. The five year old obviously didn't want to leave as was doing everything in her power to keep herself awake. Quil couldn't help himself and indulged her, playing tag, and now dancing together. It was hard not to follow suit, and that's just what Sam and Emily did, accompanied by Jared and Kim. Paul and Rachel had broken away for a walk down the beach and Renesmee and Jacob were caught up in their own conversation. I watched Cara as she nibbled at her cinnamon coated Frybread, longingly studying those dancing. Much like Quil, I obliged with the silent request and stood, holding my hand out for her. She seemed taken aback and became shy, blushing as she covered her mouth to finish chewing and swallow.
I smiled, noting everything, every expression, what actions brought out which reactions... She was shy. Even though she may non-verbally indicate that she desires something, when I pick up on it and present her with it, she becomes shy. As if she had been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to. She clearly has her own thoughts and internal opinions, that much can be seen in her expressions. What I wouldn't give to trade places with Edward for a day, or at least have his ability to read minds. I wanted to know every single thought she had, and seeing the unspoken words so clearly written out for me was damn near unbearable with the way she kept to herself. I admired her introverted spirit, but I cursed it at the same time.
She allowed me to dance with her, guiding her in a small circle across the sand, but never straying our bodies too far from one another. To my surprise, she led. It wasn't in a forceful manner, but I did so without hesitation. She fluidly held the control and I melted into her vibrations as my hands found her hips, and then her waist, and then her hips again, then her thighs, and then her hands before she guided them to press to her cheeks. I leaned my forehead against hers, inhaling her intoxicating aroma as she swayed us here.
A quick flash of lightning was enough to break up the party. She didn't seem to either notice or at least mind some of the differences she had witnessed tonight, or if she did... it was clearly pushed to the back of her mind as she curled into my side on the drive home. Even if she hadn't voiced it, her body gave into exhaustion. Asleep, melded to my side, and content as I drove.
