My friend is my Beta and she has children.

So updates will be spars because when she has free time she proof reads my work.

Enjoy/

Chapter 2: Know your worth

Know your worth by Khalid

Embry POV

The hotel was nice or as nice as forks could get. We were hidden opposite side of the street in the bushes as wolves. Keeping surveillance on the Hill pack.

'I don't get why Sam wants us to watch them. Aren't they supposed to be our allies?' Quil asked itching his neck with his chocolate furred leg.

'Not yet they are. They're in our territory. Stop itching the hickey won't go away if you keep doing that.'

'How you know it's a hickey?' Quil thought surprised.

'You smell like Paul.' I sent him a mental image of myself grinning.

'Shut up. Look there's movement.'

The door opened to the leader's grandson Alaric room. He was shirtless escorting a woman out to leave, but not before she turned around to make out with him. He slapped her on her ass as she walked away to her car.

'Great' Quil drawled out rolling his wolf eyes.

'He's a playboy. Been watching this guy all week, different girl each night. What's he trying to do, go through ever girl in forks? Glad they're leaving tomorrow he would have ran out.'

I couldn't agree more with what Quil said. It nerved me that someone with his lineage would act in such a way. He was attractive, wealthy, and the grandson of his packs Alpha. It was disgraceful.

'Pity'

'Awe come on Embry he's just having some fun. You remember what that's like right?'

'Not the fun you're suggesting.' I groaned.

'What saving yourself for mating?' Quil joked.

But in all honesty he was right I was saving myself for my imprint. I didn't want to give myself to just anyone. I wanted a father for my pups. Something I never had. One thing I hated about being a shifter, was our thoughts were all connected when we were wolves. Quil whined nudging his body into mine.

'Hey you know I'm just pulling your leg. I think it's really smart what you're doing.' I rolled my eyes towards Quil amused.

'Really? Then why don't you follow suit and quit screwing Paul?'

'Hey I said you were smart. I never said I was.'

We both laughed the light heartiness returning. We stood guard for another hour before we saw movement again.

Alaric had stepped out of the hotel room meeting up with a few of his pack mates in the parking lot. They laughed, pushing each other around as pack mates did. Then he pulled out a carton of cigarettes lighting one in his mouth.

Another strike against him from me.

'Ew'

"Really with our healing ability you probably wouldn't get cancer."

Quil teased me, yet my sense of smell could pick up the cigarette chemical from a mile away.

'But the smell, it doesn't smell natural.' I turned my nose away trying to inhale through my mouth instead.

'I agree hurts the nose.' We heard laughter and turned to look across the road at the Hill pack.

They were pushing each other around laughing obnoxiously at something one of them said. Quil was drooling at them.

'Ugh look at them, their pack of hotties. Big muscles, tall, you could bounce quarters off that one guy's ass. A gang of studs. Wonder what his grandfather does to make all that money.'

'Who knows?" I shrugged.

We continued to ogle the Hill pack, but what Quil said reminded me of something.

"Wait didn't you say they do business in Vancouver a lot?'

'Yeah Paul said Jared told him that. Why?' Quil said eyeing me suspiciously.

'Vancouver has a few gangs. The Police have been having trouble lately. Big drug bust up last week.' I replied in my matter of fact voice.

'What how do you know that?' he asked surprised.

'It was on the news channel. The shipment was meant for Seattle but it was a going to make a stop in Port Angeles to transport. There was a big police bust at the loading docks.'

'Well now that you mentioned that I got to look.'

Quil quickly phased back into his human form untying his pants from his leg. I kept my eyes on the Hill pack who were still smoking in the parking lot laughing loudly. One guy apparently challenged the other to push ups. God, does our pack look this obnoxious to other people?

Quil scrolled through his phone until he found what he was looking for.

"So when you said the news did you mean local? Wait I found it. Wow. You won't believe this 'according to witness reports they heard loud noises coming from that area of the ship yard like someone was dropping containers. When police investigated the scene after the arrest, they found metal carts filled with paraphernalia damaged. The police believe this happened during the raid or a gang member lost control during transportation damaging their own product.'"

I shrugged my shoulders it was an interesting story but I didn't see the big deal on some gang banger messing up. Quil brought a picture up on his phone to my eye level.

"Does that look like a forklift did that?"

The image was of a metal crate looking ripped open from the outside. Jagged edges revealing four long scratches on them. Too ragged to be a forklift. It was almost as if… No way. Quil quickly changed back to communicate with me.

'You don't think?' I nodded my head. If our suspicions were true we needed to tell our alpha.

'We need to tell Sam. Before the potluck tonight.'

'Tell Sam what?'

We both jumped at the sound of crunching wood.

It was Jared he had just walked out of the trees behind us. Quil's heart was pounding in his chest, as was mine.

'You scared the shit out of me!' Quil barked at Jared, who just seemed unimpressed. Annoyed even.

'Well you two morons should be paying attention. Sam charged you with watching the Hill pack until tonight you should be on alert.' I would be blushing with embarrassment if I was in human form.

'We were! Are! We were just doing some investigating.' I said trying to redeem myself.

'Oh really. Do tell.'

Quil and I told Jared what we found online. From us sharing thoughts I could see he was concerned, but was trying to remain neutral.

'What makes you think the Hills have anything to do with it?'

'Didn't you say they go to Vancouver a lot for business?' I pressed.

'Yes they sell to the Vancouver business guy… I don't know. They sell their product to china I think or other places over sea.' I question him more.

'What do they sell?'

'Stuff?'

'What about the scratches in the photo. Those are too small to be a bear or a human.' Quil said as a matter of fact. I agreed with Quil we had to do something.

'This is too much of a coincidence to not tell Sam or Jake.' Jared grumbled at the mention of Jacob.

'Sam's still the Alpha Jake's just…'

'His imprintee and a shifter he's our beta. He gets to be privy to things.' I reminded him. Jared huffed rolling his dark brown eyes.

A few of the members still held a grudge against Jacob for leaving us for the Cullen's. We all understood but Jared wasn't a fan of losing his beta standing, to be second in command. He would have it again though. When Jacob and Sam finally mate he would become the beta again as Jacob would be the Alphas mate.

'Fine I'll go tell Sam see what he says. In the meantime, keep your eyes on the hill pack.'

Jared took off into the bush heading towards the reservation. Quil laid down front paws crossing staring towards the direction Jared had left.

'Wah wah wah. He's been so grouchy lately, he needs to get laid.'

'Or get acknowledged by his imprint.' We both nodded in agreement.

'I can't believe he still hasn't told Seth or even looked him in the eye to see if he feels the same.' Quil thought incredulously.

I laid my grey furred body down on the earth adjacent to Quil. Putting my two cents in I replied.

'Doesn't help that Seth's still in school. Age and all.'

'He's almost done a few more months and he will be graduated.'

'I think it's the age thing Jared wants to wait till he's 18. Out of all of us the Clearwater's are the only ones who want to go to University.' I stopped my train of thought.

My ears twitched picking up the sound of Alaric's voice detailing his night with a girl. Probably the one who left the hotel room today.

Such a stand-up guy. Quil brought me out of my distaste with his own thoughts.

'Why he wants to be a teacher I have no idea. Why go back to school if you just go out!'

We both laughed at the statement Seth was such a do gooder. Cared about people too much. He would make a great teacher.

A comfortable silence befell us until it was close to the time for the party to start.

The Hill pack climbed into their SUV taking off towards the reservation. We follow behind the SUV at a safe distance not changing until they have arrived at Billy's house and gone in. I had set aside some 'nice' clothes to change into in the forest earlier that day. Everyone was there. Quil and I were the last to arrive.

Scanning across Billy's back yard I could see all the attendees.

Alaric was chatting with Sam and a few of his pack mates, Jared at Sam's side. Jake was with the elders helping place the food out. I somehow ended over to Leah and Seth who were whispering to each other by the fire. Seth greeted me first.

'Hey Embry maybe you can settle this. Who do you think is hotter Duncan, Bruce, Gary or Alaric?'

'Why you asking?' I asked curiously. Seth grinned nudging Leah's in the ribs at his reply.

'I'm trying to settle a debate with Leah on who's hotter. She says none of them but I think Alaric is a ten out of ten.'

It was crazy to think this was the same kid who once couldn't even look at any of us directly in the eye. Now he was a hormonal teenager who Leah had a trouble keeping an eye on. Although it is hard to watch someone if your hundreds of miles away at university.

With Leah not hounding him twenty four seven Seth branched out socially. He attended more gatherings on the reservation and even went to a couple house parties in Forks. One of which I attended, and was surprised to find out how good he was at beer pong. Unfortunately I did end up having to take him home a few times but it had been happening less and less, since he discovered his limit.

With our healing factor we could consume twice as much alcohol, due to our metabolism, but we still had our limits as Seth had found out. His mother wasn't impressed and had to have a long talk with him, but Sue Clearwater had a good hold on Seth. He was top of his class and as long as he checked in with her, and not get too intoxicated. She was fine with him going to parties even to start dating.

Which he took full advantage of, detailing every moment to the pack. It seemed every Friday night he had some hot date, much to Jared's objection. I couldn't understand how open Seth could be with his desires.

I looked over at the Alphas grandson tall muscular, dark hair wolfish features. His lips were full and his tongue would peek out to wet them. Honestly he was the type of wolf a mate would dream about. If you took away the fact that he was an arrogant slut, but that was none of my business.

Quil was right I should stop being so judgmental.

He must have felt us staring because he turned to look directly at us. Hopefully we turned around in time.

"Well?" Seth questioned.

"Yeah you're right he's pretty." I replied swiftly blushing.

"Dude he's hot! Did you see his arms?" Seth spoke enthusiastically, arms waving around animatedly.

"Yeah he's got nice lips." My face was on fire from all this blushing. God someone make this conversation end.

"Am I interrupting something?"

I turned around startled. The object to which we had been discussing was right behind me. Please whatever gods are out there let him not have heard any of that.

"No not at all just saying we can't wait for dinner." Smooth Seth Smooth.

If he thought we were lying he didn't show it. He just went on with the topic.

"Yes I can't wait. I heard Councillor Clearwater's fish is legendary around here."

His voices was deep and velvety, like those 1-800 hotlines Jake, Quil, and I would call as kids for a laugh. It was all fun and games until our parents go the bill.

"Yes it's amazing. We would know, she's our mom."

"You don't say."

He was talking to Seth but looking at Leah. I rolled my eyes.

Right. Playboy.

I ended up walking away to help Jacob with the food. Assisting with the plate he looked over at me appreciatively.

"Thanks Embry."

I smiled at him replying.

"It's quite the feast."

It was true a few green salads, bunch of breads, fried rice, Billy's Mac'n cheese, and Sue's famous baked fish. The long table was filled with food.

"Just wait until we sign the treaty. That will be an actual feast." Said Sam walking by with the water pitchers. As he walked farther from us I heard Jacob say "if we get to that."

Confused I questioned him.

'What do you mean Jake?'

"Nothing" he signed.

I place my hand on his should gently squeezing. I discovered at a young age he responded well to that, it always calmed him down. Sam told me his mom use to do that to him when he was upset or hiding something. He would immediately lower his guard and start talking. Sam joked I had the magic touch, the motherly touch able to make people feel safe with me. He was right, it always worked with Jake.

"Okay I got your message from Jared and we talked about it Sam and me. He decided to ignore the photo. But I sent the article to the Cullen's, Bella is having Jasper investigate. I just hope it's not another new born army incident, we almost didn't make it out of that."

"Maybe it's all just a coincidence." I told him optimistically.

I honestly did hope. This opportunity is too good for the tribe to miss.

Jacob smirked at me nodding his head.

Soon enough Billy invited everyone to the meal and gave a toast to a fruitful relationship. I noticed Alaric sat next to Leah both chatting away. She didn't seem to mind the attention. Jacob and Sam noticed too, both not liking the way Alaric was openly flirting with her.

"So what do you do in Vancouver Alfred?" Jacob asked cutting into his fish.

Alfred was a few seats down from him, but with our shifter senses he could still hear Jake Clearly.

"Just business meetings for the company boring stuff really. As soon as I can leave I'm gone, big city life is not my thing. But Alaric here is thriving there, so any chance to visit him I take."

"You live in Vancouver?" Leah said surprised.

"Rick here's got a full ride to university. Or is it an institution?" Gary the shortest of the Hill pack members had said, with his mouth full of food.

The man beside him Duncan I think he was called, slapped him upside the head.

"Dude finish what's in your mouth. They're going to think were animals."

"Sorry everyone. You live like a wolf long enough you behave like one." Gary replied sheepishly.

"Wrong you've always been an animal and your right BCIT is an intuition." Alaric jokingly said.

"Is it hard for you to be so far from your pack?" Seth spoke up from the other side of Leah. Alaric smiled replying to her.

"Sometimes but I remind myself that I'm doing it for them. Take over the business when the time comes."

Gary turned to Seth and in a faux English accent voice.

"Besides when someone asks where he went we say an institution. 'Committed to his education.'"

The tables laughed in an uproar but Alaric had a blush to his cheeks at the attention.

It made him look adorable.

Alfred patted Gary on the back chuckling.

"Micayla would have killed you for that. If only she was here."

"Is Micayla your imprint?" Seth pressed, but Alfred looked confused by the question.

"Imprint? What's an imprint?"

Sam informed them of what our histories and legends have told us about imprinting. By the end of the explanation the Hill pack looked less puzzled.

"So it's like your soulmate." Gary questioned Sam.

Sam nodded gently stroking Jake's hand openly on the table. The act didn't go unnoticed especially by Alfred, who between finishing his salad probed Sam.

"So you and Jacob have started the courting process. Do you have any plans on finishing soon?"

"Grandpa! You can't just ask these things its 2009 not 1969. It's none of your business or ours." Alaric looked embarrassed at his grandfather's question and Alfred took that very defensively.

"Hey you young'uns don't think of this stuff anymore. By the time my grandpa was my age he had great grand kids. You millennial don't wanna breed anymore. Besides I can't offend them there twitter patted."

The table went silent, confused by the last sentence Alfred had spoken. The only noise was Gary's head slamming on the table. Jacob was the first to speak up "were what?"

"Twitter pated. You say Imprint we call it twitter pated." Alfred stated as a matter of fact.

Gary lifted his head in shaking it with vigor.

"No! No we don't you are the only one left who calls it that."

"What's wrong with twitter pated? It just means infatuation, consumed with love." Alfred said waving his hands annoyed.

"To you! To us it sounds different, rhymes to close with masturbated."

"Duncan!" Alaric yelled.

If looks could kill Duncan would have been dead twice over. Yet instead of continued gawkiness the table roared with laughter. What was once awkward silence was now light hearted and warm again. Sam beamed holding Jacobs hand while he address the Hill packs alpha.

"To answer your question no, we don't have any plans yet. Jacob is finishing school and I am busy learning the ropes at the garage. The owner plans on retiring in the next few months so he's left me to run it."

"Well that's very responsible of you. Wish some of that would rub off on these pups." Alfred looked at his four pack members pointedly. A few blushed but Gary just rolled his eyes.

"Pfft we are responsible been taking good care of you so far Alpha."

"Aye you have boy." The Hill's Alpha smiled patting Gary on the back, causing a huge grin to form on the young man's face.

"Have you imprinted Mr. Hill?" Billy asked as he offered Sue some bread. Grinning Alfred responded.

"Years ago on my Mickey, that's who Micayla is named after. Without my grand kids I would have died with her. Micayla is Alaric's younger sister."

That's how the rest of dinner went. Sam and Jake getting to know our Allies, everyone in great spirits, except for me. I had a bad feeling like a bomb was about to drop.

And it did.

We were all spread out in Jacobs's backyard mingling after dinner. I headed into Billy's house to use the bathroom, stopping when I heard a thump. Turning the corner I found Leah and Alaric making out his hands roaming her body. This guy really was a mess. This was there packs future right there grinding up against his new ally. I changed my mind he wasn't the mate every wolf would dream about.

Quickly I left the two to their plans and I head back outside.

I caught Quil talking, or what Quil considers talking the rest of the world calls it flirting. To Bruce the tallest member of the Hill pack, also the most intimidating in my mind. His dress shirt looked as if it was struggling to contain his broad shoulders and muscular chest. Those long huge arms had the sleeves rolled up exposing his vibrant tattoos. He was leaning over Quil, really into the conversation they were having. It would all have seemed innocent if Bruce hadn't bent down to whisper in Quil's ear close to his scent gland.

I heard a growl from my left and I knew it was Paul. He saw everything and started marching over to Quil and Bruce in a huff.

This wasn't going to end well.

I tried calling his name to distract him or at least alert Sam but it was too late. Paul was snarling in Bruce face to leave Quil alone to which Quil was not happy about.

"Paul your being an idiot! Stop!" Quil cried trying to pull Paul away but Paul wouldn't budge instead stepping into Bruce's space growling.

Bruce started to laugh at Paul's aggressiveness. I suppose finding it funny that he would challenge him.

"You better listen to the little wolf. Wouldn't want you to get hurt."

Well that did it.

Paul lost control and threw the first punch sending Bruce back a step. He was stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered lunging at Paul. The both of them phasing into wolfs.

The party had now come to a halt, everyone was staring at the two giant grey wolfs fighting on the lawn. I had transformed to block the two rolling wolves from smashing into Quil and the Billy's house. Which unfortunately had them rolling over towards Billy, but Alfred blocked there path by phasing. His wolf was white as snow standing proudly. Absolutely beautiful.

If we weren't getting dragged into a fight I would have admired him more.

'Bruce stop this now!' Alfred commanded.

To my surprise Bruce didn't stop he kept fighting. Throwing Paul to the ground with his jaws trying to pin him.

How can that be? An alphas command can never be disobeyed! 'If Bruce wasn't listening it could only mean...' It made sense now Alfred wasn't the alpha. He really was way too old. So it must be…

A howl was heard and I saw a blur of black running past me, tackling both Paul and Bruce sending each other flying in different directions. It was Alaric Hill. The new wolf was dark gray almost black with a whitish under belly, his face black but his muzzle was white. You could feel the power radiating off his body.

Strong and regal looking with his teeth bared at the patchy grey wolf under him.

'Enough. Stand down!'

Bruce didn't move he responded to the alpha command. Standing over Bruce Alaric examined the area. Paul was over by Sam who had shifted as well to control his pack member. Jake was checking on his dad and guarding the rest of the non-shifters.

'What happened?' Alaric darkly spoke.

'He threw the first punch.' Bruce choked out underneath his alpha who had his paw on his throat.

'Is that true?' the question was directed to Sam. Never one to lie he stood in front of Paul with authority he spoke.

'Yes. Paul threw the first punch.'

Alaric threw his head back with a snarl.

'Is this how you treat your allies? Have you no honor!' Removing his paw from Bruce's neck he stalked his way towards Sam.

I don't know what happened but suddenly I was filled with courage. I was not going to let him disrespect my Alpha. Throwing my thoughts towards Alaric I communicated.

'That's rich coming from you. What do you know of honor? You whore yourself around to anything that has a pulse. You've been lying to us this whole time! You're a disgrace to the Alpha name!'

Alaric no longer moved towards Sam and stood eerily still. His back was turned towards me, muscles clenched. The tension was strong in the air.

My instincts were telling me to submit. To bow down and apologize to the Alpha. But something kept me going.

'You're a joke no wonder your grandfather has to pretend to be the Alpha. You're an embarrassment! A mistake!'

'What did you say to me!' He turned to around to face me ready to lunge, but our eyes met.

For the first time he took notice of me and looked directly into my eyes. My world changed forever, gravity wasn't what was keeping me to the earth anymore. It was him. It was Alaric Hill. He was my imprint.

No. No this can't be happening. I couldn't stay here.

I ran. I could hear Sam and Jacob call for me but I kept going.

This couldn't be happening. I had dreamed ever since I phased to imprint on someone.

My Imprint.

My true love.

My soul mate.

It was Alaric Hill.