Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea

Embry frowned as he sat in the chair, watching Freja. It had been a week since her party. A week since she collapsed, and she had yet to come out of the comatose-like state that she had fallen into, though she would often murmur things when she wasn't thrashing around in pain or screaming.

None of them were sure what was happening - if she was taking to The Change or if it was killing her.

He had practically moved into the house, often sleeping on a cot in her room or next to her if she was still. Gramps had thankfully understood and allowed him the time off, though he had had to come up with a believable excuse for his mom that didn't involve mythical creatures. He finally said something about a business trip to pick up some items for the shop. As long as he called to check in every so often, she didn't seem to worry or suspect anything. Quil or Jacob - or sometimes both - usually popped by once a day for an update to take back to the packs, which was about the only time he left her room, even though her grandparents had tried to get him to rest more.

Embry found he couldn't be far from her, growing accustomed to her needs even though she couldn't say anything and he wasn't completely sure if any of it was helping. He was always there, trying to feed her soup or waking up in the middle of the night to wipe her brow or give her a saltwater bath, which seemed to help with the pain. Enough that she would usually settle down for a few hours.

At least her fever had finally broken, though each time they gave her a bath, more of her skin seemed to schlep off, leaving large, raw patches all over her body. Usually twice a day Astrid would send him out so she could fully bathe Freja and see to her skin, taking care to wrap her in soft bandages, hiding the worst of it.

She had just finished up another with Embry carrying Freja back to bed, her hair still damp. Freja took a shuddery breath, her hand reaching out as she began to shiver.

"Em…bry," she murmured, her breathing labored.

"I'm here," he said, immediately standing and moving to sit next to her on the bed. He took her hand, finding it ice cold. Frowning, he reached out, feeling her cheeks and finding them cold as well.

He quickly threw her comforter off, pulling her close to him as he wrapped his arms around her, trying to warm her with his body heat as he pulled the comforter over them again. He was practically a walking furnace so knew it was the best way to bring up her body temperature, but he worried what this new development meant.

Carlisle Cullen was set to show up soon. He had been every day to see after her, but even this was beyond him. He hoped to have something to tell them after taking a few more blood and tissue samples last time, planning to study them at home.

Freja shivered again, moving closer to him and burying her face in his chest.

"It's okay, Freja," he whispered into her hair. "I'm here."

He looked over, hearing footsteps coming to the door. There was a knock.

"Come in," he called out.

He watched as Astrid walked in, a worried look on her face, followed by Oscar and Carlisle.

"Has anything changed?" the vampire asked, his sickly sweet scent filling the room.

"She's ice cold," Embry said. "I'm trying to warm her up."

Carlisle nodded, his brow furrowed at the news.

"Have you found anything?" Oscar asked, looking to the doctor.

Astrid had been against allowing the vampire into the house at first, but Oscar had managed to convince her that it was the best chance they had at helping Freja. They couldn't take her to a normal hospital or ask a normal doctor.

"Best I can tell, Freja is changing at the molecular level. Similar to how vampires change, without the dying," he said solemnly. "Even her DNA. I can't be sure without running scans, but I'm fairly certain her very bone structure and musculature is changing as well."

"Doesn't tell us much of anything," Embry said, fighting to keep his frustration in check. He had already gathered that much between what Freja had told him before and the pain she was obviously in. "Have you at least found something that will help?"

Carlisle shook his head.

"But I'm limited in what I can do. If you would allow me to take her to my house, I have a full clinic set up. I could run some more tests-"

"She is not a science experiment," Astrid said, scowling at Carlisle.

"And I don't think that, Mrs. Larssen. I assure you. All I want to do is help," Carlisle said.

"She cannot be away from the water," Astrid said, still obstinate that Freja wouldn't leave.

"It wouldn't take long. Just a couple hours-"

"No," Embry said, siding with Astrid.

While he knew next to nothing about all of this, he felt like her grandmother had the right idea. If The Change was coming to its end, they needed to be near the ocean. Moving her farther away could mean the difference between life and death.

Carlisle sighed and nodded.

"Very well. If you would allow, I can exam her again. See if there is anything else I can do to help in the meantime," he said, his expression calm and the desire to help clear in his eyes.

Embry nodded and got out of the bed, though Freja whimpered in her sleep, her hands reaching for him.

"I'll be right outside," he said softly, kissing her head.

He stepped out of the room, Oscar following him. He intended to wait just outside her room, but Oscar motioned for him to follow him downstairs. The two went to the kitchen and Oscar walked over to a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of amber liquid, then two glasses, which he sat on the counter.

Embry watched in silence as Oscar filled each glass a couple fingers and then handed one to him, though his ears were straining to hear any slight sign of trouble from upstairs.

"Would you step out with me? I find when things are… difficult, being near the water helps," Oscar asked softly. "I may not be what I once was, but the water… it still helps…"

Embry nodded and followed him out to the deck. The old man stood still, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"We cannot lose hope, Embry," he finally said, looking over at him. "Our Freja… she is strong. She will survive this."

Embry took a sip of the liquid, letting it burn down his throat as he looked up towards the balcony outside Freja's room.

"That's all I have. Hope," he said.

"I remember when she was born," Oscar said, looking back out to the ocean. "We were so scared… never had we seen a halfling among our kind. We were not sure how it would… if we might lose both of them. It was a difficult birth."

Embry frowned, watching as he seemed to go back in time.

"For hours, Ingrid was in such pain. She was determined to have Freja here, unsure of how to deal with the human doctors if something should happen… but in the end, we had to rush her to the hospital, praying that we were not too late… there was… so much blood..." he said. "But then… just an hour after we got there… our little Freja was born." A soft smile came across his face. "The doctors… they were not sure at first. She was too small. Too quiet. Too… unusual… And her mother lost a lot of blood, but… then… they were both fighters. And they survived." Oscar looked over, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Embry's shoulder. "That is how I know she will survive this."

"And then what?" Embry asked softly, thinking of what came next.

That there was the chance Freja wouldn't be able to resist the call of the ocean. That she might go off and never come back.

"She will come back to us, Embry," Oscar said, his voice full of conviction. "She has you to anchor her here. She may go off for a time, but love… it is a powerful thing. It will bring her back."

Embry felt his heart clench as he looked out at the ocean. He knew that he cared about Freja. And that this thing between them, it was love. But he had yet to tell her. To actually label it that in his mind. In a way, it seemed too soon. Too fast. But on the other hand, it seemed completely natural.

"I haven't even told her yet," he said softly.

"She knows," Oscar replied, squeezing his shoulder again.

Embry smiled sadly at him and then looked back out to the beach, seeing Quil and Jacob making their way towards them, worried looks on their faces.

Neither moved, waiting for them to walk up to the deck.

"How's she doing?" Quil asked, his brow furrowed.

"About the same," Embry said. "Carlisle is in with her now. But there's not a lot he can do other than state the obvious. That her entire body is changing."

"It is not his fault. He did not know of our kind," Oscar said, tsking slightly. "He wants to help. We are grateful for that much. And he has helped make her more comfortable."

"Well… everyone at La Push is hoping for the best," Jacob said. Oscar nodded his appreciation.

"I will go check on them," he said, walking back into the house and leaving them alone.

"Is it bad?" Quil asked. Embry looked over at his two best friends and sighed heavily.

"That's the thing… I don't know. None of us do," he admitted. "The fever is gone, but… she's ice cold and I can't seem to warm her up…"

"Maybe… that's a good thing?" Jacob offered. Embry frowned at him. "Fish are coldblooded…"

"She's not a fish," Embry scoffed.

"I know, just…" Jacob huffed. "Sorry, I was just trying to help."

Embry looked down at his glass, knowing Jacob hadn't meant any harm by it. He was just trying to help.

"Sorry, I know," he said. "I'm just… tired. And worried. It's been a week and… we're not sure how long this is going to last."

He fell silent, knowing that wasn't completely true. It was Freja's 21st birthday. If something was going to happen - if she was going to pull through or die - today would be the day. He had been buzzing with nervous energy all day. Already he felt the tug of their imprint connection, telling him he had already been away from her side too long. He needed to be next to her at all times.

"Don't give up," Quil said. Embry looked up at him. "She's going to be fine and then you guys will live happily ever after, someday having tons of half mermaid, half wolf children."

Embry frowned slightly, but then felt the corners of his lips tug up. He hadn't really thought that far ahead in their relationship - at this point his focus was on Freja surviving - but he couldn't help but find the thought comforting. Someday having children with her. Granted in the far, far-off future.

"You think they'll have fins or tails?" Quil asked. Embry shot him a look but then chuckled.

"Seriously? Fins or tails?" he asked. Quil shrugged.

"You never know," he replied.

Before Embry could reply, the door opened and Carlisle stepped out. Immediately, he turned to him, waiting for whatever news he had.

"She's comfortable, for now. Despite her lowered body temperature, her vitals seem strong," he said. "Though, you may need to go back inside to help keep her warm."

Embry heard Quil snort behind him and turned, shooting a dark look that had his smile disappearing.

"I'm going to run a few more tests at home, but if you need me, call," Carlisle said. Embry nodded and held his hand out.

"Thanks, Dr. Cullen," he said, shaking the vampire's hand.

Carlisle nodded and started to turn away. It was then that Embry got the idea. If this was going to kill Freja, there was one potential way to save her. Embry wasn't sure if it would work, or what the consequences would be, but he felt he needed to ask. He shot a look up towards the balcony and then cleared his throat.

"Actually… I have one more question," he said, stopping Carlisle. The vampire turned to look at him, his eyebrows raised. "If… if the worst happens… if The Change… if it's not working out, would it be possible… could you…"

He looked down, unable to finish the question. He could feel the cold stares coming from behind him, but looked back up, knowing he appeared desperate. He had just found Freja. This wasn't enough. If the worst should happen, he wanted to know there might be a way to give them more time together.

"I… I don't know, Embry," Carlisle said. "She is half-human, so one would think that she could be turned. But… with her biological makeup changing the way it is, without knowing how it would affect her Havsfru side… I'm not sure I can answer that question."

"But would you… if her grandparents wanted it… if we discussed it and agreed, would you try?" Embry asked, his voice cracking.

Carlisle stared at him a few moments, thinking it over.

"I think that's a conversation you should have with them first," he said gently. "But I can get here quickly. So if that is what you decide… then just call and I'll do what I can."

"Thanks," Embry said quietly. Carlisle then turned and left.

"Are you fucking serious, Embry?" Quil nearly shouted after the doctor left. "Turn her into one of them?"

"If it means she lives-"

"But is it really living?" Quil shot back.

"Hey now," Jacob said, glaring at him.

"So I should just let her die?!" Embry roared, turning to face his best friends, his entire body starting to shake, before Jacob could say more. "You would rather I let her die than to at least try!?"

"Do you even know if she would want that?" Quil shot back.

"I know she doesn't want to die," Embry shouted. He then threw the glass down, hearing it shatter as he began pacing and running his fingers through his hair. "I mean… god… I don't know what to do. She might be dying and… there's not a goddamn thing I can do! All I know is I don't want to lose her!"

Thankfully both Quil and Jacob remained silent as angry tears pricked at Embry's eyes. It wasn't fair. She was too young. They had just met. Just imprinted. Had an entire life before them - or at least they should. And they were on the verge of losing it all.

"You have to be strong. For her," Jacob said softly.

Embry looked up at him, an angry retort on his lips, though he stopped, seeing his expression.

Right. Jacob knew a bit of something about this. While Nessie hadn't been literally dying at the time or anything, there were a lot of days where they watched her grow at an accelerated rate and wondered if they were about to watch her die before their eyes.

Embry sighed and shook his head.

"I know I have to be strong for her. But sometimes… it's… I feel so useless. I'm supposed to protect her and I can't. Not from this," he said.

Jacob reached out and pulled Embry towards him, hugging him fiercely as the tears started down his cheeks.

"I know this doesn't help, but you really do just have to keep the faith," he said.

Embry didn't reply, just cried on his best friend's shoulder silently a few moments. After he felt like he had gotten himself somewhat under control, he let go, wiping his cheeks.

"Thanks," he said softly. Jacob smiled.

"Anytime. It's what best friends are for," he replied.

"Embry!"

All three looked up to the balcony, seeing a terrified Astrid standing there as a sharp wail pierced the air.

Immediately his heart clenched in fear. He didn't wait to hear more, already tearing through the house and up the stairs. He slid to a stop, seeing Freja convulsing as though she was having a seizure.

"She just started- I…" Oscar said, his eyes wide in fear.

Embry walked over and held her face firmly between his hands as he silently prayed that she wasn't dying.

"Freja? Freja! Focus on my voice," he said firmly. He could hear Astrid start to sob. "Freja!"

Suddenly, she stopped for a moment, her eyes opening and locking on his.

"Embry," she said, her voice hoarse and eyes wide as she struggled to breathe. "Wa… wa… water."

"You need some water?" he asked.

Freja shook her head, before her back arched off the bed and a loud, gut-wrenching scream escaped her lips, tears sliding down her cheeks. Her hands clawed at the bed. He looked up and down her body, seeing that the bandages had been removed and what skin remained had taken a sickly green hue. What's more, it looked as though it was rippling.

"Wait… you need to be in the water," he shouted.

Freja nodded, unable to speak. He quickly lifted her up, charging out of the room and passed everyone, not stopping as he then ran out of the house and across the beach.

"Hold on, Freja. Almost there," he said as he plowed into the freezing Pacific Ocean.

He kept going until it was just over his waist, holding her tightly as the waves rocked into him. A piercing, high-pitch shriek left her lips, causing him to wince in pain, but still he held onto her, watching her carefully.

Freja began thrashing, attempting to get out of his arms, but he still held on, worried she would drown herself. He winced again, feeling her nails digging into him as she tried to claw her way free. It grew more difficult to hold on as her skin began peeling off in large chunks.

"Let her go," he heard.

Embry looked over his shoulder, seeing her grandparents making their way towards him.

"Let her go! It will be alright!" Oscar shouted again.

Embry looked back down at Freja, not wanting to do it, but it was getting harder to hold on.

"Let her go…"

Finally, he let her out of his arms as he felt hands pulling him back. He watched in horror as Freja continued to thrash around in the water before completely going under and disappearing from sight. Despite the roar of the ocean loud in his ears, all he could hear was the pounding of his heart as they waited and watched.

"It's been too long," he said. "She's drowning."

"No, she's not," Astrid said, seeming to have gotten control of herself. "Just… wait…"

It felt like they had stood there for an eternity. But then suddenly, she broke through the water's surface, tossing her hair back. Embry's mouth dropped open as he heard her grandmother gasp.

Instead of her pale skin, Freja's entire upper body that was visible was now an iridescent bluish-green hue that seemed to glow from within. Upon closer look, she was covered in tiny scales. Her hands were webbed, each finger pointed in a claw. She hissed at them, revealing sharp, pointed teeth as her eyes glowed silver, a cautious look on her face. Her white-blonde hair was the only thing that remained of the Freja he knew.

She was beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Embry gulped, having no doubt that she could do some serious damage to even him. Already had slashed him open in a few places that were stinging in the saltwater. But at the same time, it was still Freja. His Freja. And he wasn't afraid of her.

He started to move towards her, but felt hands holding him back.

"Wait," Oscar said softly. "She is still adjusting…"

Embry nodded, his eyes still fixed on her. She appeared to be treading water, watching him curiously.

"It's… it's me, Freja. Embry," he shouted, unsure of why he felt the need to do so. She tilted her head to the side, blinking a few times.

She then closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. When she opened them, there was a shift in her eyes as her expression softened.

"Embry," she said. He smiled slightly and nodded.

"Yea, me," he replied.

Freja then smiled, which he was fairly sure if this was any other Havsfru, he would have been pissing himself in fear. But it was Freja.

She started towards him, a long, powerful, deep blue-green tail flipping out of the water behind her. But just as she was about to reach him, she stopped, her head turning to look back into the ocean as though she heard something.

"Freja," he said, holding his hand out to her. She looked back at him, her brow furrowed then towards the ocean again. "Please…"

Faster than Embry thought possible, she swam to him, throwing her arms around him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered into his ear. "I have to do this."

He bit back a sob as he held onto her, knowing what she was about to do.

"I love you," he said.

She then kissed his cheek and turned away, diving underneath the waves again, her tail flipping water up into his face.

Embry stood there, watching in shock, wishing for just one more glance of her. But she must have gone deep beneath the waves.

"She will be back," Oscar said. Embry looked down at him, his brow furrowed. The old man looked up at him and smiled. "She will return to you. To us. We must hope."

He then turned and started back to the shore. Embry looked back out at the ocean again. Every moment she was gone, the pain in his chest grew stronger.

"Come, I will tend to your wounds," Astrid said, gently pulling him with her.

And even though he wanted to resist - to stay in the water until Freja came back - he found himself turning and walking back to shore, glancing over his shoulder every so often.

But still, there was hope. She would come back.

OOOO

Okay, so I'm still not finished with chapter 21, but didn't want to leave anyone in suspense.

Guest - Thanks! I hope it didn't disappoint!

Thanks for reading and following!