Through Thick and Thin

Embry frowned as he stood on the beach and found Freja's clothes lying in a pile. He then looked out at the water and sighed. It seemed she was far more upset about the events of the afternoon than he had originally thought. Upset enough that she had to go for a swim to calm down.

Which meant he was going to have to do a lot more groveling than he originally thought when she finally got back to shore.

He sat down on a log and pulled his phone out, settling in to wait and yet again grateful that wolves ran a bit warmer, otherwise he'd end up freezing to death waiting. He texted Jacob and Quil to let them know where he was and ask them to keep an eye on Sven for him. He had a feeling Freja might be upset with him for abandoning the Havsfru, but honestly, Embry felt like a conversation between just them was overdue at this point. They hardly got any time just the two of them since Sven arrived.

And it wasn't like Sven was alone. The others were still at the house.

Glancing up, he saw no sign of Freja yet, so looked back at his phone and started going through his social media.

Today was supposed to be about making an effort. Showing Freja that he could play along and help with Sven. And then it had all gone to shit. Even though Embry knew it wasn't his fault - Quil and Jacob confirmed they had seen Sven trip him - he knew he might have to swallow his pride and take the blame in order to keep the peace. Surely it would only be for a few more days and then Sven would finally go back to the ocean.

But in the meantime, he would watch Sven more closely and find a way to show Freja his true colors. Prove that he was hiding something.

"Embry!"

He looked up, his eyes wide as he saw a wet and naked Freja running up the beach to him. Even though this wasn't the first time he had been around when she emerged from the ocean after transforming, his cheeks still heated up as he fought to keep his eyes fixed on her face. Why did Havsfru have to be completely naked when they transformed?

Embry stood, sliding his phone back into his pocket as Freja threw her arms around him and buried her face in his chest.

"Thank gods you're okay," she said, her voice muffled. Embry frowned, unsure of why she would be concerned about his well-being as he rested his hands on her waist. "I'm so sorry. I should have believed you."

"What are you talking about, Freja?" Embry asked. She looked up at him, her eyes wide.

"About Sven. You're right. We can't trust him," she said quickly.

"What? How… what happened out there?" Embry asked.

Though he was happy with her turnaround, he was confused at how Freja came to this conclusion. She hadn't been out in the ocean that long, he didn't think. Had she met up with the halflings and they told her something? Or maybe just had just come to this realization on her own.

She let go of him and turned, quickly grabbing articles of clothing and yanking them on, getting them damp and sandy.

"You're never going to believe who I saw," she said, her voice taking on an excited, frantic tone. "I came out here to calm down and all and then I heard it. It was crazy! I thought for sure my ears were playing tricks on me… but then I went out and she was there."

"Um, heard what?" Embry asked, struggling to follow Freja. He wasn't exactly sure just where all this frenetic energy was coming from.

She straightened up, her eyes bright as she grinned, tucking wet hair behind her ears.

"My mother's lullaby," she said. "Embry, my mom is alive."

Embry's mouth dropped open as he finally caught up to her. Her mother was alive? And here. In La Push. And she had her Havsfru form. He had no words to respond to this revelation, but a ton of questions were already starting up in his head. How was she alive? Where had she been this whole time?

And what really happened that morning she supposedly killed Freja's father?

"I know," Freja continued, turning to grab her coat from the ground and pull it on. "Apparently she didn't kill my father. Michael - Sven's father - did. And then he threatened to kill me if she didn't go with him. He sent her to some far sea or something. But she came back. To warn me about Sven." She turned to face Embry. "You were right - he's not as clueless as he's letting on. He's been to the land before. We need to talk to my grandparents."

Embry's mind was reeling, but he somehow managed to pull himself together. He couldn't help but feel happy. Finally, Freja believed him. Granted it was because her mother told her to, but still. It was a win. And he had been right. Sven definitely knew more about this world.

"How do we do that without alerting Sven? He kind of lives there," he said.

"We go now. The wolves can watch Sven a bit, right?" Freja said.

"But… he's going to know something is up," Embry replied, a little worried. The way this was looking, Sven was a bigger threat than he had assumed.

Honestly, Embry thought the Havsfru prince had shown up just to flirt with Freja, maybe try to convince her to leave with him. But when she turned him down, he'd leave and that would be the end of it. But if Freja's mother had risked her life to warn her about Sven, then he was a lot more dangerous than any of them had thought.

"Maybe, but we have to tell them now and without Sven around," Freja said, nearly shouting. "I don't know… we can come up with something. Tell them we got caught up arguing or something and then… made up."

She said the last part in a way that had Embry's face going a bit red. But he shook it off. He needed to stay focused right now.

"Okay, yea. Let's go."

OOOO

Freja's grandparents sat silently for a very long time after she relayed her story to them. Embry was starting to get a bit worried as he glanced over at Freja, finding her watching them closely, her brow furrowed in concern.

But at the same time, it was a lot to take in. They had just found out the daughter they thought was dead had been alive all along. And that she hadn't accidentally killed her husband. Nope, he had been murdered by the clan leader who exiled them to the land and took their true form. The same clan leader who threatened to kill Freja if Ingrid didn't go with him.

Finally, Astrid looked at her husband, her eyes teeming with tears as she reached out and took his hand.

"She's alive. All these years… our Ingrid has been alive," she whispered.

Oscar pulled her to him and the two embraced as Astrid began to cry softly. She then looked over at Freja, who immediately walked over to them, joining the embrace as her own tears began to fall.

Embry looked away, feeling as though he was intruding even though all of them had made it abundantly clear that he was now considered part of their family. He was shocked to hear that Freja's mother had been alive all these years, but it was likely nothing compared to what they were feeling. They had known her.

For a moment, he wondered what it would have been like if his father showed up out of the blue - not dead. Gulping, he decided it was best not to think of that. It would have been a horrible, messy situation and nothing like what was going on with Freja.

He looked back over at them, finding Astrid smiling brightly at Freja. But then the smile faded as anger came over her features.

"I knew that we could not trust him," she stated. Freja sighed and stepped away.

"I know, okay? I should have listened, but… I wanted to think that perhaps he really was here for good reasons," she said, frowning. "He never did or said anything when I was with the clan that made me think he was capable of… I don't know…"

"I think the better thing to focus on right now is why he's here," Embry said, stepping into the conversation. He looked at Freja. "And I think it has to do with you."

"Me?" Freja asked, seeming shocked.

"I think Embry is correct," Astrid said, wiping her cheeks. "It is the only thing that makes sense. Like father, like son." Freja looked over at her. "Michael wanted Ingrid for his own. When she refused him, he did what he could to make sure that no one could have her. And to punish her for not choosing him. He is cruel and vicious. No doubt Sven is the very same."

"You don't honestly think that Sven would… that he's capable of that?" she asked, almost sounding as though she didn't believe it.

But at the same time, Embry could hear it in her voice. It wasn't a matter of not believing. She didn't want to believe it. But the look in her eyes told him that she was starting to.

"You heard from your own mother what Michael did," Astrid said seriously, the anger still clear in her eyes. "Sven is likely the same. And he will not stop at anything to get what he wants. You."

Freja looked away, frowning.

"I don't know why I did not consider this before," Astrid continued. "Of course he would come for you…"

Freja shot her grandmother another look that clearly read that she didn't think Sven would come here just for her. But Embry knew. Freja was more precious to him than anything. He would do anything to protect her. And he was sure that Sven would do just about anything to convince her to go with him.

"Freja, when you're not around… Sven is different," he ventured to say, hoping she would listen to him this time. She looked over at him. "He's not all happy, bubbly whatever. I've seen this… coldness in his eyes when you aren't looking. And I know you don't want to believe it, but he did trip me during the game. Jacob and Quil saw it too."

Freja rolled her eyes at the mention of the game, but then she looked at him, a serious expression coming over her features. Embry could tell that she knew. That she understood. Hell, her mother had risked everything to give her that warning. She wouldn't do that for a mildly infatuated Havsfru. This could get dangerous.

"You have to protect her," Astrid said, turning to Embry. "I cannot let him take her."

Embry met her eyes and nodded solemnly.

"All the packs will look out for her. She's one of us now as well," he said.

"So, what do we do now?" Freja asked. "Kick him out? Let him know that we're onto him?"

"I'm afraid we cannot," Oscar said, finally joining the conversation. "If we slight him, there is no telling what he will do. We must just be careful. Watch him."

"Don't worry," Embry said, smiling slightly. "I'll keep a good eye on him."

Freja sighed again and looked out the window.

"We should probably get back. We've been gone too long," she said.

"Be careful," Astrid said. Freja looked over at her grandmother and smiled.

"I will. I can take care of myself, you know," she said. Astrid just nodded and hugged her again. "See you guys later."

OOOO

Freja could feel Embry watching her as they walked back down the beach, nearly at Sam and Emily's place. They hadn't said much, both of them caught up in their thoughts. And she had a feeling that as long as Sven was in town, Embry was going to be watching her a lot. And it wasn't as though she didn't appreciate it, but she was capable of taking care of herself.

Not to mention, if he was like his father, Sven wouldn't try to hurt her. But he would go after Embry. She was more worried about his safety than hers at the moment.

"I'm not going anywhere, you know," she said, glancing over at him. "I would never willingly go with him."

"I know. Just want to make sure he doesn't try to force you or anything," he replied, his body still tense.

Freja reached over and took his hand, reveling in the warmth of it and the quiet strength that coursed through him. She looked down at their hands, their fingers intertwined and then back up to his eyes.

"I'm serious. You know that I'm not going to leave you," she said, pulling him closer. Embry stopped and sighed then pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her.

"We don't know what he's capable of, Freja," he said, worry filling his eyes.

"Yea, but if he's like his dad, I seriously doubt he'll do anything to hurt me. To be honest, I'm more worried that he'll try to hurt you," she said.

Embry frowned slightly and then snorted, amusement starting to enter his eyes.

"I don't mean to brag, but… you have seen the two of us stand next to each other, right? I really don't think he could make much of a dent on me," Embry replied.

Freja rolled her eyes and then let go of his hands, planting her fists on her hips as she scowled up at him.

"I'm being serious. His father killed mine," she pushed.

"Yea, but I'm not your average human, Freja," Embry countered.

She knew he made a point - the wolves were a lot stronger than your average human, but she still didn't want to take any chances. And she also knew that Havsfru were a lot stronger than they looked. While they were strongest in the water, they still had more strength than your average person on land as well.

"Do not underestimate him, Embry. Just like you don't want to lose me, I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen to you," she said, her tone solemn.

They stared at each other a few moments before Embry reached out for her again and pulled her close before wrapping his arms around her. She felt him nuzzle her head and then breath in her scent.

"Okay. I'll be careful. Just so long as you are as well," he said before kissing the top of her head. "And I don't know about you, but I really wish this asshole would just go home."

Freja chuckled as she stepped back from him and started walking again, keeping a tight hold of his hand.

"Me too," she replied with a sigh.

Truthfully, it was getting tiring. Constantly showing Sven around. Explaining things. Apparently she didn't even need to explain everything, according to her mother and Embry. She wanted to go back to normal life. Working in the music shop. Fixing up instruments. Playing the piano or guitar. Spending her free time with Embry. Finally going on that trip.

But as she was daydreaming, her thoughts were interrupted by her mother.

She was alive.

Just as happiness settled in, there was also pain. Her mother had risked everything to come back and warn her. And she didn't know if she could or would see her again.

"How are you feeling about your mom?" Embry asked. Freja smiled slightly as she looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. He always knew what was on her mind.

"A bit overwhelmed," she admitted. "She's alive, but… she can't be with us." Freja furrowed her brow. "I wish there was a way… But I seriously doubt Michael would listen to me - I'm supposed to think she's dead and all. If I go to him, he'll know she was here… But… surely there's got to be something."

"I know it's hard, but… we'll figure something out," Embry vowed softly. Freja looked over at him. "Together."

She smiled up at him, realizing that she didn't have to figure this out on her own. She did have Embry and the others. A family. Together they would find a way to help her mother. To bring her home.

OOOO

"Well, well, well, look who decided to return!"

Freja stopped just as she and Embry walked into the house, finding that everyone was still there and nearly all of them were giving the couple knowing looks. Though, really, she had been expecting something along these lines when they got back.

"Take it you guys made up," Seth shouted, waggling his eyebrows.

Freja's cheeks heated up as Embry walked over and punched him in the shoulder, though he glanced over at Freja and winked. Something that Quil caught and started laughing loudly at.

"Oh, grow up!" Freja shouted, though she was fighting off a smile. Besides, Quil and Jacob knew what she and Embry had really been up to.

She pulled off her coat and started towards the kitchen to hang it up when she saw Sven glowering at Embry. She stopped abruptly, wondering just how she had missed everything. But then again, he probably didn't realize she had seen him. Looking away, she kept on task, not wanting to let on that she saw his expression.

"I really hope you did not fight too much because of me," Sven said softly, causing her to jump. They were alone in the kitchen and she hadn't realized he followed her.

"Oh, we're fine," she said, offering a nervous smile as she turned to face him. "I'm sorry we were gone so long. We had… a few things to talk about."

Sven's eyebrows rose slightly as he seemed to closely study her, his eyes roaming up and down her body. Freja couldn't help but twitch slightly, not wanting to wonder just what he was looking for. Thankfully her hair had dried out, though she had pulled it up into a hasty bun, which probably only added fuel to the fire for the rumors that she and Embry had been making out or otherwise in the woods.

He then sniffed, wrinkling his nose in slightly distaste before smiling at her.

"Good to hear," he replied, stepping back and allowing Freja to step passed him back towards the living room.

Letting out a soft, slow breath, she went back and looked around, finding Embry settled in one the old armchairs near the large windows. He grinned at her, causing Freja's stomach to flip-flop yet again. Unable to help her smile, she walked over, intending to sit on the arm of the chair, but Embry grabbed her, pulling her down onto his lap, refusing to let go.

Freja chuckled as she looked up at him, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Just in case he forgets," he said in her ear, a soft growl in his voice that sent shivers running through her body. Freja covered it with soft laughter.

"Like anyone could forget," she retorted with a grin.

She then turned back to the group, eager to jump into whatever conversation was going on. Sven had wandered over but had then been reeled into some conversation with Seth and Jared, though he continued to glance over at Freja and Embry.

While she had been tempted to glare defiantly at him, she refrained, remembering they weren't supposed to let him know they were onto his little act.

But the slightly tightening of Embry's arms around her reminded Freja that whatever it was, it didn't matter. She had Embry and her family here. The packs. Nothing could ever take her away from them.

OOOO

Okay, so today I focused solely on this story and got three chapters finished (well, one had been partially written, so maybe two and three-quarters) but! I am now three chapters from finishing all the writing and got a fresh breath of inspiration, so putting others aside until I finish this. I might even upload one more chapter tonight just because the next chapter, I was so happy to write. Badass Freja alert.

ReadingRainbow7 - I know, right? Finally. And after this chapter, she's more aware.

.2020 - Thanks so much! And you've been commenting on my stories for a long time and I still haven't figured out why half your screen name just disappears when I post...

CrackHeadBlonde - I know. I had that figured out a long time ago, so it's been torture holding onto that reveal...

Chamberstaneshia69 - Very true, but we have to remember that Freja's been super sheltered. That was her first time being with other Havsfru, so she had no reason not to trust him to an extent. And yea, she should have trusted Embry, but she was a bit conflicted with everything. A lot of firsts happening with Freja...

Thanks everyone for reading and following! Stay tuned for badass Freja...