Show Your True Colors

Embry sat at his worktable, staring down at the large wall-hanging he was working on of an aquatic scene. He had barely gotten any work done on it, unable to push aside a nervous energy that had settled on him as soon as he woke up that morning.

It had been a few days since Freja's mother warned them about Sven. As far as they were aware, Sven hadn't picked up on anything, though Embry was of the mind he was just good at hiding his suspicions. But for the time being, the Havsfru continued on with his clueless act.

And had not mentioned anything about leaving. Which was now driving all of them crazy, though they were careful about showing it. Well, mostly. Freja had gotten onto Embry about it yesterday, so he wasn't planning to go over today, despite his insistence that he didn't want to leave her alone with Sven. She had then reminded him that her grandparents were always there, so they wouldn't actually be alone. While it wasn't enough for Embry, she had made it fairly clear that unless he could keep his snide comments in check, it was best that he take a breather.

Maybe that's why Embry was so unsettled. Not being around Freja. That had to be it. At least, he had spent all day telling himself that that was it and this wasn't some sort of bad premonition. What he would give for Alice Cullen to be able see the future where the wolves were involved. At the very least to give him a heads up.

But then again, maybe her skills didn't work on Havsfru either. Embry made a mental note to ask Carlisle Cullen about at some point.

"Stuck again?"

Embry looked over, seeing Gramps walk into the workshop and over to his table. He bent over, looking down at the piece.

"Yea," Embry said, looking down at it as well. Gramps then looked over at the sketch book he had open next to the piece, several versions of it drawn out.

"Don't see why. You've got a lot of great ideas to work with," the old man said, straightening up as he turned to Embry. "Though, I guess we both know this isn't about inspiration."

Embry sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I'm beginning to think that he's going to move in and we'll never be rid of him," he complained, a scowl coming over his face. "But Freja swears that would never happen, since he's next in line to take over the clan. And before you say it, no, I'm not jealous."

Old Quil chuckled and shook his head as Embry directed his scowl at him.

"This isn't funny, Gramps. We have a good idea why he's here and we can't trust him," he nearly shouted, though managed to keep his tone down. He wasn't sure if there were any customers outside.

"Freja?" Gramps offered, his mirth slipping away. Embry nodded. "But you know you don't have to worry about that-"

"I know," Embry growled as he jumped up from his stool and began pacing around the space like a caged animal. "I know that she won't go willingly, but who's to say he doesn't try and force her?"

"You said yourself that she would gladly give up her Havsfru form to stay," Gramps said gently, knowing he had to be careful.

Embry had only gotten more on edge the longer this dragged on. And he knew the others were concerned this was going to be a repeat of when he first started phasing. While Embry was certain he wouldn't get to that point, he had been going on runs far more often lately. Runs that often took him by Freja's house.

"Yea, but… there are other ways. His dad forced Freja's mom to leave with him before. He threatened to kill Freja if she didn't," Embry said, still pacing. "What if Sven does the same? Threatens to kill her grandparents?"

"Or you," Gramps said solemnly. Embry stopped pacing and looked over at the old man, snorting.

"I'd like to see him try," he replied, a dangerous edge to his voice. Gramps sighed and sat down on the stool.

"Careful, Embry. We don't know what he's fully capable of," he warned. "Yes, Freja doesn't affect you, but that's because of your imprint. She's affected the others in the packs. And she's only half. This Sven could do some serious damage."

Embry stared at him, not wanting to admit that Gramps was right. While they had tested what Freja could do and now knew that Embry was immune to her - or at least she couldn't control him - she could affect the others in the pack, though not as much as humans.

But Sven had never sang in the entire time he had been here.

A chill ran down his spine as Embry worried for a moment just what exactly Havsfru could really do. So far, Freja had only manipulated emotions, not wanting to push things. And she was only half, meaning her gift wasn't as strong. Sven was full Havsfru and had been raised in a clan with a ruthless father. For all Embry knew, the dude could sing a tune that would have him leaping off a cliff to his death. Or drowning in the ocean like Freja's father.

Not to mention, Embry knew not to be fooled by his lean frame. Freja was stronger than she looked, meaning Sven would be the same.

Yea, it probably was a good thing that he wasn't spending time with them today.

"I know this is frustrating. And that you're worried about Freja. But… you gotta be patient and follow her lead," Gramps said, his brow furrowed. "The last thing I want to see is either one of you getting hurt… or worse."

Embry took a deep breath and slowly let it out, attempting to reel in his anger. Gramps was right. His being mad and antagonistic wasn't helping anyone. Especially himself. As hard as it might be, he needed to try and relax.

"Maybe you and Quil should go for a run," Gramps suggested, still studying him closely. "It might help with the anxiety and separation. Get your mind off things."

"We went last night," Embry said with a sigh. It had helped. At least enough that he managed to get some sleep, but it had obviously already worn off.

"I'm thinking you should go out again. We're not busy. I can handle the shop. And you're obviously not about to get any work done on this," Gramps said, pushing up from the stool. "I can call up Sam. See if he'd give Jacob some time off to go along."

"It's fine. He needs the work. He's trying to save up for some new parts," Embry said, already walking towards the front. "And we should only be gone a couple hours."

"Be careful!" Gramps shouted out.

"We will!"

OOOO

Embry pushed himself faster as he and Quil streaked through the forest. It felt good to get out. To run. To get out of his head and stop worrying about everything. Already he felt the tension leaving his body. He would have to remind himself to thank Gramps later.

Quil let out a cheerful yip at his side, that Embry returned with a wolfy grin.

Onward they continued until Embry slid to a stop, the anxiety suddenly and unexpectedly spiking.

What is it? Quil asked.

Embry turned his head in a few different directions, sniffing at the air. He then stopped and stared in one direction, fear seizing his heart. He then took off speeding through the forest much faster than they had been going before.

EMBRY!

It's Freja! She's in danger! I can feel it!

OOOO

Freja sat at the kitchen table, focusing on the flute that she was cleaning, though she glanced towards the living room every so often, hearing Sven laughing at whatever was on TV. She was grateful he had taken to that part of life on the land - whether it was fake or real. It gave her some precious time with her own thoughts and made it easier to get work done.

She would have preferred to leave him on his own and go into the shop where she could trade stories with her grandfather or listen to his jazz music while she worked, but all involved thought it best to keep Sven away from any humans, unsure of just what his motives were for being here. Or, well, more like because of those suspicions. Freja's grandmother was just upstairs, though likely keeping a keen ear on downstairs, which Freja found slightly ridiculous.

If Sven was going to attack her or attempt to drag her off, he probably wasn't going to do it in the middle of the day with her grandparents around.

Sighing, Freja looked out the window, putting the flute down as she wished Embry was there. True, she was the one who told him to stay away if he couldn't control his temper, but she felt his absence even though he wasn't that far away. It weighed heavy on her chest and she knew the only thing that would alleviate it was being near him.

Gods, she hoped this ordeal was over with soon. She wanted to get on with life.

"Freja."

She jumped and turned, finding Sven leaning against the archway between the kitchen and living room, an amused smile on his face as his eyes lit up at the embarrassing squeak she made.

"Sven. Did you need something?" she asked, standing quickly and looking towards the kitchen.

"You do not need to get me anything. I was just enjoying watching you. What were you thinking about?" he asked, stepping towards her.

Freja's eyes widened as she looked back at him. Just how long had he been standing there watching her? Christ, he was a creep. How did she not see this before?

"Your face is rather expressive, you know," he continued, his hands behind his back as he continued to close the distance between them.

"I… hadn't noticed," she said, taking a step back and glancing into the kitchen again.

Tea. She would make some tea. Yes, that would give her something to do rather than stand there like an idiot while he invaded her personal space. She quickly walked over and grabbed the kettle off the stove.

"You still haven't told me what you were thinking about," Sven said, now leaning against the island as he watched her. Freja could feel his eyes sliding up and down her body even though her back was turned.

"It's kind of rude to ask people that, you know," she said, her brow furrowed as she watched the kettle fill up with water. Sven chuckled softly.

"But we're not people, Flicka. We're Havsfru," he said lightly.

"I'm half-human," she shot back, frowning slightly as she looked over her shoulder at him.

"As you keep reminding me," Sven muttered so softly she almost didn't hear.

Freja turned the water off and walked over to the stove, turning it on so the water could boil before walking over to a cabinet and opening it. She looked up, frowning to see that her favorite calming tea was on the top shelf. Who the hell put it up there?

Huffing, she then went up on her toes, struggling to reach it, her fingers barely brushing the box as she grunted in frustration.

"Forgive me. What I meant to say is… there's no one like you," Sven said, his voice soft and now in her ear, one hand resting on her waist, though he gripped it slightly to keep her from jumping away, as he reached up and grabbed the box.

Freja jerked, attempting to step out of his grip, but he had a firm hold on her as he stared down into her shocked eyes, a small smile still on his face. She gulped as he held out the box of tea bags to her.

"I've been to a lot of places, Freja, met many of our kind, but you… you are fascinating," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Freja felt her stomach churn. She knew to expect this. Everyone else suspected this was why he was here, after all. But it was still a shock to have him suddenly come onto her. While he had been affectionate during his time there, he had never done or said anything that she would have interpreted as him hitting on her.

"I… thanks," she said, attempting to walk around him back to the stove, but Sven stopped her, his other hand now gripping her waist and holding her in place.

"Sing for me? You haven't sang once since I've arrived," he crooned.

"Well… I haven't… there's no need," Freja said, taking a step back, though Sven pulled her right back towards him, his nose nearly touching hers as he bent down.

"I haven't gotten it out of my head - that song you sang… not since you left," he said, his eyes swirling in colors before settling on a dark green. "Again… you are like no one I've ever met…"

"I'm sure there are others who are better than me," she said, once again attempting to step out of his arms, though she was beginning to get angry.

"Trust me. There isn't," Sven said, pulling her right back to him. He continued to stare deep into her eyes, causing Freja to feel twitchy. And a bit threatened. She could clearly see the heat burning in his own eyes. "I want you, Flicka."

Freja gulped and looked away, her cheeks blazing.

"Of every other female I've met, there is no one like you. I can feel it. You are my mate. My perfect mate," he continued. "Come back with me."

"No, thank you," Freja said, looking back at him as she put the box down on the counter and reached down, prying his hands off her. "I'm happy here. This is my home."

Sven's eyes began shifting color again, darkening yet again, though this time clearly not out of lust as he nearly sneered, but then seemed to catch himself. Instead, a warm smile spread across his lips, though Freja could see the tension in it.

"I think you'll find the ocean can be home too," he said, starting to lean down towards her.

"No," Freja said firmly, pushing him away. Sven frowned. "God, I've told you. This is my home. And Embry is my boyfriend."

"A minor distraction," Sven replied easily, once again leaning down to her, though this time he was more aggressive, grabbing her waist in a much firmer grip and roughly yanking her so that she crashed into his chest.

"Sv-"

Freja was cut off as Sven's lips then crashed into hers and he wrapped his arms around her, forcing her flush against him. Her shouts became muffled as she hit him a few times and then attempted to push him away.

Finally, he leaned back, frowning down at her as Freja continued to struggle in his vice-like grip.

"Just, give in already! You can't keep fighting this," he said vehemently before pressing his lips to hers again.

Fury began pouring through Freja as her eyes flashed. This was going way too far. She could feel her fingers shifting into claws that she dug into his chest before shoving him away with a shout. He stared at her in shock for a moment before a wicked smile came over his face.

"So that's how it is," he said, advancing on her again.

Before he could reach her, Freja swiped out, leaving three angry red lines across his cheek. Sven stumbled away from her, colliding with the island as anger filled his eyes. He brought his hand up, touching his cheek and then looked down at his fingers, seeing the blood there.

"Leave," Freja said, her chest heaving as she glared at him. She pointed towards the door. "You've worn out your welcome."

Sven just stared at her, not moving.

"I said leave!" she shouted.

"This is about him. That mutt," Sven said, acid dripping from his voice.

"He is not a mutt! He is my imprint - MY MATE. And there's not a damn thing you can do to break that connection," Freja said, her eyes blazing. "And he's a far better man than you'll ever be!"

Without thinking, Freja reared back and spit in his face though managed to catch herself before she launched herself at him. She was this close to clawing his eyes out.

The anger in Sven's eyes turned to confusion, but as what she said settled in, his eyes widened before he began glaring at her.

"It's an abomination," he hissed. "Humans, I can maybe understand, but a wolf?! How could you defile yourself in such a way? By binding yourself to him!"

"It's my choice and my choice alone. Now kindly get the fuck out of my house!" Freja shouted. Sven only glared back at her.

Freja growled and pulled her hand back to claw him again, but before she could strike, the back door flew open, nearly breaking the glass. Both the Havsfru turned, seeing Embry bounding into the house, shaking in rage. He stomped over and grabbed Sven by the collar of his shirt, yanking him close.

"Don't you ever think about touching her," he growled.

Freja stood for a moment, her mouth hanging open as her brain struggled to catch up to what was going on. Part of her thought Embry had never looked sexier, his hair slightly damp and going crazy. His bare chest covered in sweat as he glared daggers into Sven. But then she shook her head, now clearly seeing that Embry was barely holding on to control. And the absolute last thing anyone needed was for him to phase in her grandmother's house.

"Embry!" she shouted. He glanced at her, then returned to growling at Sven. "You need to get outside!"

He looked back at her again, seeming confused, but then returned to glaring at Sven as he dragged him towards the door, a large hand clamped around Sven's arm. The Havsfru struggled, but it was obvious that he clearly underestimated Embry's strength.

Freja quickly followed as Embry dragged him down the stairs and then shoved him away, Sven falling to the ground and rolling across the beach. A worried Quil ran up and stopped, taking in the situation.

"Leave and never come back here!" Embry shouted.

Sven quickly jumped up, sneering at Embry.

"You don't deserve her. You're just a filthy mutt!" Sven shouted.

"Stop it! Both of you!" Freja urged, knowing that Sven was baiting Embry. "Get out of here, Sven!"

He glanced at her and then looked back at Embry, a wicked grin filling his face.

"You'll never be worthy of her. She deserves to be with me!" Sven taunted.

"News flash, jackass, she doesn't want you! Those scratches on your face should make that clear enough!" Embry shouted back.

"Oh, for Christ's sake," Freja groaned, running her fingers through her hair. Sven's grin only grew.

"Oh, you think that's what they mean?" he said with a chuckle as his eyes flashed. "You've clearly misread the situation."

Embry glared at him as his chest began heaving again and his entire body began shaking so badly it was almost as though he were going into convulsions.

"Embry…"

"Did you ask her about all the things I taught her when she was with our clan?" Sven continued.

"Oh shit," Freja muttered as she started towards Embry, knowing what was coming. But before she could reach him, he let out a shout that quickly turned into a howl as he leaped forward, phasing in a second and leaving his ripped shorts on the beach.

Sven's eyes widened as he backed up slightly. For someone who had literally poked at an angry wolf, he now seemed to be regretting that decision. Embry snarled at him, his ears leaned back against his head as Sven tripped on his feet and fell, still scrambling back. Embry began to slowly stalk towards him as Quil shouted at him to calm down - shouts that Embry was ignoring, his eyes fixed on Sven.

Freja pushed herself to run faster, sliding in front of Sven with her arms out, her eyes glowing silver.

"Freja! Get out of the way!" Quil shouted.

Embry growled and snapped his jaws at her, clearly agreeing with Quil.

"No!" Freja shouted, putting as much power in her voice as she could. She could feel her body transforming, though not completely.

Her skin rippled, going back and forth between scales and skin, as her fingers lengthened and claws appeared. Embry growled louder, baring his teeth. Freja took a deep breath and opened her mouth, a long, piercing wail breaking out through her sharp teeth. Embry backed up, cowering down as he whined.

"I'm not going to let you kill him," she said firmly. "Let him go."

She stared Embry down a few moments before he finally woofed, agreeing to back down. Freja then turned to Sven, shooting him a sharp glare as he stared in astonishment.

"As he said, get out of here and don't come back," she ordered.

Without a word, Sven scrambled to his feet and then ran into the water, not stopping until he was deep enough and then diving under the waves, a long, powerful dark green tail flying up behind him.

"Holy shit, that was amazing, Freja," Quil said, turning to her with a grin.

Freja closed her eyes and took a deep breath, smoothly transitioning back into her full human form. She then spun around, finding a now phased-back Embry standing there with a sheepish look on his face as he fidgeted slightly.

"Seriously?! Just what the hell were you planning to do?" she shouted as she marched over, glaring at him the entire time and completely missing the fact that he had shredded his shorts and was therefore completely naked and attempting to cover himself.

"I get why you're mad, but could I go inside and get-"

"No, Embry! WERE YOU TRYING TO KILL HIM?!" she shouted. Embry frowned and stopped hunching over, rising to his full height.

"No, but I should have! He was trying to hurt you, Freja!" he shouted back.

"You don't know that!"

"Uh, it was pretty obvious when I ran in!"

"THEN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OBVIOUS THAT I HAD IT UNDER CONTROL!" Freja screeched. "AND IT WAS NO REASON TO FUCKING KILL HIM!"

"I was only trying to SCARE him!"

"Yea, and stake your wolfy claim on me!"

"Jesus, Freja. WE'RE IMPRINTS! And I'm just as much yours as you're mine!"

"IN THE NAME OF THE GODDESSES AND ALL THINGS HOLY WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING AND WHY THE HELL IS EMBRY NAKED!"

Both Embry and Freja jumped apart, neither realizing just how close they had inched towards each other during their argument and looked back at the house to see an irate Astrid standing on the deck, her hands planted on her hips. From behind her, Freja could hear Quil barely keeping his laughter in.

"I, I'm sorry," Embry stuttered, now back to hunching over slightly and covering himself, a bright red blush coming over his face. "There was a problem with Sven… and… I, I phased." Astrid rolled her eyes and huffed.

"Do not be ashamed. You forget you are not the only creature that transforms as such," she replied. "Is he gone?"

"Yes," Freja said, fighting to keep her eyes on her grandmother and not look over at Embry.

"After Freja kicked his ass," Quil added with a laugh. Astrid's eyes flicked over to him and then back to Freja, a small smile appearing.

"Good. Now get in before you all freeze. Especially you, Embry," she said, turning and walking into the house.

"Okay, that was fucking amazing," Quil said, walking up to the two as Freja turned to Embry.

"I know. I'm sorry. I lost it there for a bit. And you're right," he said before she could speak. Freja's eyes widened slightly as an apologetic smile filled Embry's face. "Forgive me?" She blinked a few times before huffing.

"I guess," she said, a smile pulling at her lips.

"And Quil's right. That was badass," he said. He started to say something else, but stopped, looking at Quil and then to the ground as his blush deepened. "I need clothes," he muttered as he turned away and quickly made his way up to the house.

Freja found herself enjoying the view before Quil cleared his throat next to her, causing her to jump and start blushing on her own.

"Why don't we get inside and you can fill me in," he said, winking at her. Freja rolled her eyes.

"Come on…"

OOOO

As promised, badass Freja. I like showing more of what she can do. And yes, Sven is gone... or is he? Stay tuned...

Thanks everyone for reading and following!