Sent Up the Pole

Embry leaned against his truck as he waited for Freja to show up with Sven. While he had heard some of the Havsfru prince's comments about Forks, he felt like he might like La Push better. The small downtown area where all the shops and such were located was quaint and a bit rustic and had more character than Forks, in his opinion.

It also didn't hurt that the town was closer to the ocean. Perhaps this wouldn't be as painful as Embry was expecting. When the suggestion came out of his mouth last night, he nearly regretted it. But then he saw how Freja's face lit up and he knew that he couldn't take it back.

"Still not here yet?" Quil asked, stepping out of the shop. Embry looked over, frowning at him.

"No, aren't you supposed to be working?" he asked. Quil snorted.

"Have you seen anyone come in yet?" he asked. "Besides, I want to meet Fish Boy."

"His name is Sven. Freja is likely to smack you if she hears that," Embry replied, looking back out at the road. "And she can actually hurt you now." He could hear a car coming, but wasn't sure if it was Freja or someone else.

"I won't say that in front of him," Quil scoffed. "Don't want him to think I've been raised by wolves or anything."

Embry rolled his eyes and looked over at Quil, who was barely containing his laughter. Thankfully, he was spared any more jokes when he turned back to the road and saw Freja pull up to the store and park. As soon as she got out of the car, she bounded over to Quil and tossed her arms around his neck.

"Seems someone missed me," Quil said, winking at Embry.

Freja stepped back and smacked him on the shoulder, a move that had him wincing slightly. Embry just chuckled and shot him a look that clearly said, "I told you so."

"Of course, I have, but don't let it get to your head," she said, before walking over and hugging Embry.

He left a kiss on her cheek as he looked over, seeing Sven making his way around from the other side of the car, studying Quil with avid interest. Embry had loaned Freja one of his old coats for the Havsfru, even though Sven swore he wasn't that cold, and it was a bit large on his lean frame. But it was better than putting him in Oscar's clothes, which tended to be a bit outdated and didn't fit any better.

"Are you all so large?" Sven asked.

"Just the packs," Quil said, puffing his chest out slightly. He then smiled and held his hand out. "I'm Quil."

Sven looked down at it and then seemed excited as he reached out and enthusiastically shook his hand. Quil's eyebrows rose in amusement as he glanced over at Embry. Sensing he was about to make a smart-ass comment, Embry gave a short shake of his head, warning him. Quil then turned back.

"I'm Sven," the Havsfru said, finally releasing his hand and stepping back as he looked around. "What is this place?"

"La Push. Where Embry and Quil live. As well was the rest of the packs," Freja said.

"How many?" Sven asked, appearing to ask Freja even though Quil and Embry were standing there. She looked over at them.

"About 10, right?" she asked.

"There abouts," Embry said.

"Why don't we show you the shop," Quil said brightly, already leading Sven inside. Embry looked over at Freja, who was wearing a hopeful expression.

"It'll be fine," he said, softly, as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She only laughed softly.

"Thanks for doing this," she said. "I really appreciate you trying with Sven."

"Like I said, anything for you."

OOOO

Embry shot Quil another dubious look as Sven happily exclaimed over yet another thing in the shop. While he understood the Havsfru getting excited about french fries, he honestly didn't think wood carvings were that spectacular. But he wasn't about to say anything and ruin the mood. He could tell that Freja found it endearing.

Sven wandered off to another corner of the store while Freja ducked off to use the bathroom before they moved on to lunch at Emily and Sam's house. Embry leaned against the counter and looked over at Sven as he studied the various pieces on display.

"Okay, now I get it," Quil said softly. Embry looked over at him. "Sheesh."

Embry just shrugged, as he pulled his phone out and sent a message to Sam to check on things on their end. Seth, Brady and Colin were in town for the weekend so planned to be there, along with Jacob and Jared. Paul had wanted to drive up from Seattle just to meet the other Havsfru, but Rachel had nixed that by reminding him they had plans.

"So Flicka really finds this all quaint?"

Both Quil and Embry looked over, finding Sven now standing near the counter, looking at a table of small knick-knacks. Embry glanced at Quil who mouthed "Flicka?" with a confused looked. Embry just shrugged before turning to walk over to him.

"Some of it, yea," he replied. "At least the things I make."

Sven looked over at him, his eyebrows raised before he straightened up. Though Embry was still a bit taller, he had the feeling that Sven was looking down his nose at him, his back ramrod straight. The wonder was gone from his expression and an almost smug smile appeared.

It was a near complete change, which Embry thought was pretty ballsy considering Freja could walk back in at any minute. Or that Embry could tell her, though he figured Sven was arrogant enough to think that Freja wouldn't believe him.

"Charming," he said boredly before walking over to look at a bench that Embry had carved.

Embry looked back at Quil, jerking his thumb towards Sven as if to signal that this was what he was talking about. But before anything more could happen, Freja reappeared, a smile on her face.

"Ready?" she asked. Embry looked back at Sven, finding the bright, innocent smile had now returned.

"Of course, I'm eager to see more," he exclaimed happily. Freja nodded and turned to Quil.

"Catch you later at Sam's?" she asked.

"Yea… I'll be there when I get off in a couple hours," Quil said, still a bit perplexed as he watched Sven.

"See you then!" Freja said as she led Sven out of the shop with Embry just behind them.

"Your car or mine?" Embry asked.

"Yours," Freja said, already walking to the truck.

The drive to Sam and Emily's was short, but not quiet, with Sven domineering Freja's complete attention by asking tons of questions about everything. Embry found himself paying closer attention, noticing that Sven asked a few questions that he swore Freja had already asked a few times before, though he wasn't completely sure. After seeing how easily Sven had dropped the act at the shop, he now knew more than anything that something was up.

When they pulled up, Emily and Sam stepped out onto the porch, their four year old and three year old on either side of them, bouncing on their toes. As soon as Freja got out both of the girls ran up to her, shouting and jumping. Freja chuckled as she bent down to give them both hugs.

"I want you two to meet a friend of mine," she said, watching as the two little girls' eyes lit up. She then turned and motioned Sven over. "This is Sven. He's like me."

"You mean you're a mermaid too?" Tori, the oldest asked, both of them with eyes as big as saucers. Embry noticed the slight wrinkling of his nose.

"Well, technically he wouldn't be a mermaid," Freja said with a chuckle. "It would be a merman."

"We prefer Havsfru," Sven said, though he now had a charming smile on his face.

"This is Tori and Maggie," Freja said, introducing the little girls.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Sven said, bending down to take first Tori's hand and kissing it then doing the same with Maggie. The two giggled madly before Maggie walked over to Freja and held her arms up.

"Someone's missed me," Freja said, as she lifted the small girl up into her arms and started twirling around.

Embry couldn't help but get caught up in watching her and Maggie. There was something fascinating to him in watching Freja interact with Emily and Sam's girls. While he knew it definitely wasn't ready for kids or even having that conversation with her, he liked the idea that someday in the (far) future, he would be watching her play with their kids.

Freja looked over, catching his look and grinned, causing his heart to skip a beat. As she turned and started towards the porch with Maggie on her hip, her arm out to hug first Emily and then Sam, Embry couldn't help but glance over at Sven. He nearly jumped, not expecting the ferocious look on the Havsfru face directed at him. Embry immediately returned it, before Sven turned and followed Freja, suddenly the picture of warmth and friendliness. It changed so quickly that Embry felt like he had mental whiplash.

"The others are inside," Emily said. She then looked to Sven. "It's nice to meet you, Sven."

Sven took her hand, kissing it as well. Embry watched Sam closely, but the alpha made no outward appearance of being annoyed or perturbed. Embry waited patiently, certain that Sven was going to say something about Emily's scars, but he must have been heeding Freja's warning about learning to have a filter, because he was nothing but charm, Emily now blushing slightly at his compliments.

Sighing, Embry shook his head and followed everyone inside, deciding for now he would only watch and wait before he mentioned anything to Freja.

OOOO

"Go easy on him! He's still learning the rules!" Freja shouted with a laugh, though the warning was clear in her voice.

Embry glanced over at her and nodded as Quil, Jacob, Jared and Sven gathered around him.

"He'll be fine!" he shouted back, though Freja only rolled her eyes and then turned to Emily, leaning over to talk to her.

After a lunch where Sven had proclaimed Emily the best cook he had ever met and then launched into question after question directed towards the wolves, the guys wanted to blow off a bit of steam and decided an impromptu touch football match was in need. They were set up in Sam and Emily's side yard and had just finished giving Sven a rundown of the game. While Embry had expected him to plop down next to Freja and watch, the prince surprisingly had asked if he could play. The packs had complied, though Embry had caught the mischievous look that passed among Seth, Colin and Brady, which made him think he was going to have to run some interference.

He still wasn't sure if he was relieved or not that Sven was on his team. Part of him had hoped he'd take Sam's just so he'd have a chance to "accidentally" tackle him. But at the same time, he knew that would land him in hot water with Freja.

"Okay, so you remember what you're supposed to do?" Quil asked, looking at Sven.

The Havsfru wore a rather serious expression, though there was a slight hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Catch the ball and run to the other side without getting caught? Or try to get the ball, but do not injure the other player?" he said. Quil nodded and smiled.

"That's good enough. Let's go!" he shouted, breaking the huddle.

He then showed Sven where to stand and took his position next to Embry.

"This should be interesting," he muttered softly, causing Embry to snort.

"Go, baby!" Kimmie shouted from the sidelines, causing Jared to wink at her before he turned back to the game.

"Ready… hut, hut, hike!" he shouted.

Everyone was in action, with Sven shooting to the other side of the clearing with a speed that no one was really expecting. Embry nearly didn't have time to be impressed as Jared threw the ball to him and he backed up, keeping Sven in his sights. He then launched the ball down the field before Colin reached him. He watched as Sven locked in on the ball, reaching for it. But then at the last second, he shifted slightly and the football collided with his head, knocking him to the ground.

The game stopped as Seth and Brady didn't bother to hide their laughter. Embry coughed slightly, but knew better to show any amusement, seeing Freja jump up from her seat, worry set in her expression.

"You know, I could have sworn that he was about to catch that," Jacob said, stepping up to Embry's side.

"Same," Quil added.

"I am fine!" Sven shouted as he hopped to his feet, a grin on his face. He looked down at the ball in his hand. "This is an interesting game."

Embry just gave both Jacob and Quil a look before they set up again. As everyone settled into the game, he couldn't help but think that Sven seemed to be picking it up rather quickly for someone who had never heard of football or held one before. After his first unfortunate run-in, he caught every pass, making some impressive touchdowns for their team. Though the Havsfru was quick to surmise it must be beginner's luck. After they were ahead by a lot, Seth shouted out that he wanted to change teams. After a back and forth, they mixed things up, with Seth now happily on the same team as Sven and Embry taking Seth's place on Sam's.

As they set up, Quil shot Embry a knowing wink, which he ignored. He was still trying to stay on Freja's good side. No amount of being annoyed with Sven or not trusting him would tempt him to tackle the Havsfru. But as he got ready, he looked over, finding Sven studying him with a cold and calculating look. Shaking his head, Embry looked to the ground and then back up, finding Sven now focused on Jared.

He snapped the ball to Jacob, who then passed to Quil. Embry started towards him, but then Quil then took aim and threw the ball to Sven, who caught it with ease. Embry focused on him, knowing the Havsfru was fast. He was about to give up when suddenly, Sven slowed down, and discreetly put his foot out, causing Embry to trip and collide with him, the two tumbling to the ground hard.

The air rushed out of Embry's lungs upon impact, but once they had stopped tumbling, he quickly rolled off Sven, grimacing slightly. The Havsfru was far more solid than he was expecting. Glancing over, he saw Freja running towards them.

"I'm fine-"

Embry was cut off as Freja dropped to the ground next to Sven, who was still lying there, groaning in pain. Embry frowned. He hadn't hit him that hard. Not to mention, Sven had been the one to trip him.

"Are you hurt?" Freja asked, looking him over.

"My wrist," Sven said, holding his arm up weakly. Embry snorted without thinking, earning a glare from Freja.

"Come on. I'll look you over inside," she said, returning her attention to Sven as she helped him up. Shooting one more glare at Embry, the two then started towards the house.

Embry gaped after them, wondering just what had happened as Sven glanced over his shoulder at Embry, shooting him a grin. Immediately Embry was on his feet, starting after them.

"Hold on, there," Jacob said, stopping him.

"You saw what happened," Embry said, still glaring after Sven.

"Yea, but let's cool down first," Jacob said rationally, though he too was frowning after Freja and Sven.

"I told you. We can't trust him," Embry said, looking at Jacob.

"Yea, I think I'm seeing it now…"

OOOO

Freja frowned as she felt around Sven's wrist, causing him to hiss in pain. Looking up at him, her expressions softened.

"Does it hurt that bad?" she asked.

"I should be fine. We heal fast," he said, plastering a brave smile on his face. "Those wolves, far more solid than I thought."

Freja chuckled as she reached for an ace bandage that Emily had pulled out from their first aid kit for her and then began to wrap up Sven's wrist.

"Yea. Sometimes I think they still don't understand their own strength," she replied. She caught Sven begin to frown slightly out of the corner of her eye. She stopped for a moment and looked up. "What is it Sven?"

He looked away, hesitating slightly. He then took a deep breath and looked at her.

"I didn't want to say anything because I know that he is your friend. I mean, boyfriend," he started.

"Just say it," Freja urged. "You know you can be honest with me."

Sven took a deep breath and let it out.

"He tripped me. I believe he wanted to intentionally hurt me," he said seriously. Freja's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she snorted.

"I highly doubt that," she said, continuing with wrapping Sven's wrist.

"I'm serious, Flicka. I saw it in his eyes before he tackled me. He does not like me and intended harm," he continued.

Freja stopped again, meeting his eyes. He looked rather sincere, but still. That didn't sound like Embry. But then again, he had been acting rather possessive since Sven arrived. Had gone as far as to say that he didn't trust the Havsfru. Would he intentionally hurt Sven?

"I… I'll talk to him," Freja said. "I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding." She looked down at his wrist.

Sven reached out and gently lifted her chin so that she was looking into his eyes again. She startled slightly at the touch, not prepared for him to do something so intimate.

"Are you sure this is who you want to be with?" he asked softly. "Something this violent?"

Freja frowned and shook her head, getting him to drop his hand as she finished wrapping up his wrist.

"Yes," she said firmly. She then stepped back. "There you go. Now, I'll go talk to Embry. Just, stay here and rest up a bit."

Sven smiled in appreciation as Freja turned and walked out of the house. The wolves were still goofing around in the clearing, though Embry was standing off to the side with Jacob and Quil. While she had been annoyed with Embry for tackling Sven, she was sure it had been an accident. They happened often when the group played any sport, but she never worried, knowing the wolves would heal almost instantly. But this was Sven.

"Embry," she said as she neared him.

The three stopped talking, turning to face her and all wearing serious expressions. Quil and Jacob glanced at Embry, giving him knowing looks and then walked off.

"How is he?" he asked, though his expression read that he wasn't completely interested in Sven's well-being. She sighed and shook her head.

"He'll live," she said. She glanced over at the others and then met Embry's gaze. "Just… tell me the truth. Did you tackle him on purpose?"

Embry's eyes widened a moment before he shot a dark look at the house. He muttered something under his breath and ran his fingers through his hair.

"No," he said, looking back at Freja. "I swear. In fact, he did it on purpose. He tripped me."

Freja snorted as she shook her head, looking away from Embry. She had expected him to deny it - and truthfully, she would have believed him - but this was ridiculous.

"And why would he do that? Trip you and intentionally get himself hurt?" she asked, crossing her arms in front of her as she scowled at him.

"I don't know! Maybe to get sympathy out of you? He's been glued to your side the entire time he's been here," Embry shot back.

"Yea, because he doesn't know this place and someone has to show him the ropes," Freja retorted.

"I think he knows more about the land than he's letting on," Embry said, his agitation clear.

"You are being ridiculous. Is this all because of your wolfy jealous tendencies?" Freja snapped. Embry frowned.

"No. This is because I don't trust him, especially when it comes to you," he replied.

"Right," Freja scoffed. "Look, I know I've been spending more time with him lately, but he doesn't know anything about up here and it's only for a little bit. I thought you understood that."

"I do, but-"

"No, Embry. I can see that you really don't get it," Freja snapped, cutting him off, her anger starting to hit a boiling point. "I don't know where you're getting this because you know that I'm with you, but it needs to stop. Now."

"Freja, you're not-"

"NOW, EMBRY!" she shouted, causing everyone around them to go quiet. She glared at him a few moments before turning and starting towards the woods.

"Where are you going?" Embry shouted after her.

"To calm down! DO NOT FOLLOW ME!" she shouted without turning around.

She then continued on, stomping through the woods to the one place that calmed her more than anything.

OOOO

As soon as Freja stepped out onto the beach, she walked over and plopped down on a log, still fuming about Embry. She was a bit of a ways from First Beach, but didn't really care just so long as she was near the water. Near instantly, she felt the anger start to recede though there was a lingering annoyance.

This jealous side of Embry's was something completely new and she wasn't exactly sure how to take it. One thing she did know is that things were going to have to change and quickly. With both Embry and Sven. It was obvious that something was now going on between the two and she was beyond done with it.

"Stupid boys," she muttered under her breath.

Sighing, Freja dropped her head in her hands and closed her eyes, taking long, deep breaths. Each breath helped to further ground her. The roar of the ocean filled her ears. But then just above that, she heard something else. Furrowing her brow, Freja didn't move, concentrating on the sound. It sounded almost like music. Lifting her head, Freja looked around, wondering if she was hearing someone's radio. But there was clearly no one else around.

The singing grew slightly louder and Freja turned her gaze to the ocean, her eyes widening slightly. Surely she wasn't hearing singing coming from the ocean. Slowly she stood as the singing became clearer. Her heart stopped.

It was her mother's lullaby.

Without thinking, Freja immediately began to pull her clothes off before she ran to the water and then dove beneath the waves, smoothly transforming into her Havsfru form and speeding up. The song grew louder and louder, the voice singing it becoming clearer and clearer. Her heart began pounding as she continued forward, moving farther from the shore.

She then came to a stop, looking around frantically as she attempted to locate who was singing. She wasn't exactly sure why she was there, but could only think about finding the source of the song.

Freja…

Abruptly, Freja turned her head, finding the voice both familiar yet unknown. But when she saw the figure just a few feet from her, she froze. There was no way. This must be some sort of apparition. The woman smiled softly, her silver eyes full of love.

You've grown so much… I've missed you…

Freja could only stare at her in shock. She had seen the photos and knew who this was. But there was no way. She was supposed to be dead.

Mama?

The woman smiled and nodded, before holding her arms open. Without another thought, Freja surged forward and wrapped her arms around her. There were a million and a half questions going through her head, but she refused to think about them as her heart soared. Her mother wasn't dead.

She pulled back and looked at her mother, finding she didn't look much older than her photos. It then hit her that she was in her Havsfru form.

But… how? We thought you were dead. And, the clan leader… he took your form…

Ingrid smiled sadly as she placed her hands on the sides of Freja's cheeks.

I will tell you everything, but first, I must warn you. Do not trust Sven. He is not here to understand the land. He has already been there. He has ulterior motives.

Freja's eyes widened as she shook her head. How did her mother know that he was here?

He is just like his father, Freja. Spoiled and arrogant. He will not take no for an answer, Ingrid continued.

But… why should I trust you? You left me! You disappeared, Freja couldn't help but shout.

Ingrid winced and looked away, her eyes full of sorrow. After a few moments, she looked back at Freja.

I'm so sorry I could not be here for you. I had no choice. That day… your father and I were taking an early morning walk along the beach and, it was like any other day… But then, Michael appeared. He was angry that I had refused him. That I married your father. And that I was happy to give up my Havsfru side. He threatened us, but I stood up to him and…

Ingrid looked away again, her features contorting in pain. It was then that Freja understood what had happened that morning.

He killed Dad.

Ingrid looked back at her, nodding and causing her hair to swirl around her.

He then asked me to join him again. And I once again turned him down. I couldn't leave you. It was then that he threatened to kill you if I didn't go with him. He gave me my true form back and then banished me to a far off sea, never to see you again. If he knew I had come here, he would kill me, but I had to warn you, Ingrid said. I can't let what happened to me happen to you...

Freja felt her blood run cold. Her mother was risking her life to come here. Just what was Sven planning? More than that, was he capable of his father's cruelty? Her thoughts immediately turned to Embry. Would Sven attempt to kill him just as Michael had killed her own father? Fear spiked in her chest. She needed to get back to Embry. Now.

Thank you. I… I need to get back. There is someone there that he could hurt, Freja said.

Before she could leave though, she stared at her mother, memorizing her face. A smile spread across her lips. Even though she didn't know if or when she would see her again, her mother was alive.

I love you, Mama.

Ingrid smiled and pulled Freja into her arms again, hugging her fiercely.

Not a day goes by where I don't think of you. I love you so much, Freja.

Freja backed away though held onto her mother's hand.

Will I see you again?

The smile fell from Ingrid's face. She squeezed Freja's hands.

I don't know. But know that I will never stop loving you. And maybe someday… we can be together again.

A sad smile filled Ingrid's face as Freja hugged her again, not wanting to let go, yet knowing that she had to. Finally, she did. Turning, she sped off through the water, heading back to the shore.

Now that the shock of seeing her mother alive was starting to wear off, another thought filled her mind, pushing her forward faster.

She needed to protect Embry from Sven.

OOOO

So... hope you guys aren't reeling too much from the bomb drops in this chapter. But yea, can't trust Sven. Not one bit. Nope.

ReadingRainbow7 - Thanks! I haven't done a lot of writing on it lately, but planning to finish all that up this week so I can get the last few chapters up. ^_^ I'm glad that you're enjoying it!

.2020 - Thanks!

Guest - Thanks! He is fun to write - including his now more devious side, as you can see.

Thanks everyone for reading and following!