Sleepless Nights

"Pass it to me!" Seth called out, waving his hands around in the air. He was signalling to Collin.

The youngest pack member saw Seth and kicked the ball straight in his direction. However, before Seth could receive it, Paul came out of nowhere and intercepted it.

"No!" Seth screamed as he chased after Paul who was laughing his head off.

Paul managed to weave around his opponents, smirking as he did, and aimed for the goal. With one powerful kick, the ball passed by Quil, scoring a point.

"Yes!" Paul cheered as he fist-pumped the air. Jared slapped his back in support.

Embry walked up to a frowning Quil and nudged him. "Let's get the next one." He grinned with determination which instantly lifted Quil's spirit as they prepared for the next round.

I let out a sigh from the sidelines. I was sitting on the ground of First Beach with Kim and Leah as we watched the pack play soccer. It was Paul, Jared, Sam and Brady Vs Embry, Quil, Seth and Collin. This was the pack's way of preparing for the battle tomorrow. Everyone was nervous and this was how they blew off steam. We were even skipping school.

Emily was preparing a feast for tonight so the boys could eat and get energy before the fight. Jacob was already at the battlefield preparing with the Cullens, something about Bella's blood to lead them.

"So you got to see his wolf up close?" Kim questioned with a smirk. We were discussing what happened last night.

"Yeah." I answered with an embarrassed smile and a small nod. I looked up at the sky. Dark as usual. Although I object it, I've come to realise the Embry and the boys will fight no matter what. Not even their imprints' objections is enough to stop them. Guess that is because they are protecting us. And for that, they will risk their life.

I turned my head to Leah. "You guys really are huge." I stated seriously.

Leah scoffed. Kim agreed with me. "They really are. When I first saw Jared's wolf form I screamed and passed out." I laughed at her story while Leah had a small, but visible, smirk but it vanished as quickly as it came.

"Yeah, well our wolves were built to kill bloodsuckers so they need to be powerful." Leah commented as she stood up.

"Where are you going." I asked with a tilt of my head.

"Home." She said flatly. "I've had enough 'girl talk' for a day."

"Are you coming to Emily's for dinner?" Kim asked innocently.

I saw Leah flinch and glance at the boys. I followed her sight to Sam. "No." She answered before leaving. Kim and I watched as we saw her figure retreating until she was gone. Guess being around Sam and Emily was still too much for her. It's understandable why.

I was drawn out of my thoughts as I felt arms wrap around my torso and I was lifted into the air. I let out a small squeal from the unexpected event. I turned my head to see Embry grinning at me. "Hey, you." I grinned back.

Embry lowered me to the ground again as I stood on my feet. "We are heading back to Em's for dinner now." Embry explained.

I looked around to see the boys playfully pushing each other as the made their way back to the house. Kim was happily holding hands with Jared as they walked.

"Come on." I stated as I grabbed Embry's hand. "Let's race back and beat everyone." I laughed as I began to run forwards.

I could feel Embry being dragged along behind me. He wasn't acting like an anchor but I know he can run faster than he is since he's a shapeshifter. I turned back to look at him curiously as to what was wrong. My eyes widened slightly. Embry was just looking fondly at me. He had a soft smile and eyes full of love.

I returned the gesture with a small smile. "Keep running like that and we won't beat everyone there." I joked playfully.

Embry snapped out of his trance, his smile turning determined. He suddenly started running faster, overtaking me so that now I was the one being dragged behind. Even then, he was still holding back, refusing to release my hand even if it meant running slower.

As we ran, we overtook the pack, laughing as we took the lead. Confusion covered their faces. "Slow pokes!" I called out to them.

They finally caught on. "Oh, we will see about that." Paul stated, taking up the challenge.

"Yeah, right, Paul." Seth teased. You could see the heat radiating off the two as the stared, silently challenging each other.

"I'll beat you all." Quil jabbed at them as he started running ahead.

It wasn't long until the pack kicked it into high gear as they ran, overtaking Embry and I. Brady and Collin weren't as sure what was going on but followed behind the boys anyway, still managing to keep up.

"Let's go, Jared." Kim called happily as she began lightly running. Jared was more than happy to jog alongside her.

Sam didn't join in with the intense race but he jogged to keep up with us who couldn't run as fast as the pack. Simply put, Kim and I.

I glanced around as we all ran. I looked behind us to see Kim and Jared running side by side, still holding hands. She let out a happy laugh as she ran while Jared smiled fondly at her.

I moved my gaze slightly ahead of them to Sam. He was the leader of the pack. He made a good alpha. He wasn't racing to prove he was the fastest. He wasn't trying to show he was number one. Instead he was back here with us. Watching out for all his pack members. But I could tell on his face he just wanted to get back to Emily.

I scanned ahead to see the rest of the pack. Paul, Seth and Quil racing each other. Putting all their strength into running. Brady and Collin were trying their best to keep up. They were still new and were doing a good job to keep up. They were all competing but they still seemed happy.

Lastly, I looked to Embry who was leading me as we held hands and ran. He continuously looked back at me, barely watching where he was going. As if the most important thing for him at the moment was to look at my face. He wore a grin that never faltered.

I grinned back at Embry as we all continued to run to Emily's.

This was my life. I had a best friend who I can have plenty of fun with. Friends who let me into the pack, who treated me like family, like a little sister. A boyfriend who I love and who loves me back. I was happy.

The whole pack was spending the night at Emily's. Leah refused to stay the night but Sam knew she was reliable and would arrive here when she needed to. They planned to leave in the early morning, before the sun rose so that they could be on the battlefield in the morning. Brady and Collin were the exception. They would wake up at the same time but they were staying here, protecting La Push, just in case there were any stray vampires from the fight.

Currently, the pack were all spread out on the couches and mattresses on the floor. Sam and Emily slept in their own bed like they usually did while Jared and Kim got the spare bed.

I was laying on a mattress with Embry in the lounge room. Brady and Collin shared another mattress while Paul, Quil and Seth took the couches.

I could tell all six of them were asleep. Someone was even snoring, but I couldn't tell who it was.

It was amazing how they could sleep knowing that in a few hours they would be in a battle fighting for their lives. But I guess it was for that reason that they were asleep. So they were ready for the battle.

I wouldn't be able to do it. Hence, why I am awake. I haven't slept at all and I'm not going to wake Embry up because of it. I want him to rest before the fight.

I rolled over onto my side to face him. He was sleeping on his side facing me also. I stared at the sleeping boy. I still didn't want him to go. All I could do now is hope for his safe return along with the rest of the pack.

I gingerly raised my hand and placed it on his cheek. His face was hot, normal since he was a werewolf.

As I cupped his face, he suddenly lifted his hand, placing it on my own. My eyes went wide, I had woken him up.

I was about to apologise when I realised he was actually still asleep. His eyes were still closed and his breathing even. "Maddi." He said barely a whisper. He was talking in his sleep.

A small smile crept on my face as my eyes softened. I carefully moved my hand from his face to the space in between us. His hand remained on mine as we stayed like that the rest of the night.

I don't know how much time passed. Hours I would assume. I never fell asleep. I tried but it was futile. But now, I could hear movement in the kitchen.

I carefully stood up, trying not to wake the boys and walked out the room to find Emily in the kitchen. "Sorry. Did I wake you?" She asked when she saw me.

I shook my head. "No. I was already awake." I eased her worry before questioning the girl. "What are you doing?"

Emily gave me a grin. "Well, it's almost time for the boys to head off so I'm making something for them to quickly eat before they leave." She was rushing around the kitchen, preparing the food. "Can't have them fight on an empty stomach."

I nodded my head in understanding as I sat down on one of the chairs. I watched as Emily cooked. Neither of us talked in fear of waking the boys.

It wasn't long before the aroma of Emily's cooking was beginning to flood the room. Emily looked at the clock. "Any second now Sam should be waking the boys." She mumbled so that I could hear.

Sam was organised so it wouldn't surprise me if he set a specific time to wake the boys. It also wouldn't surprise me if Emily set an earlier time to prepare the food.

Suddenly, Sam's voice rang throughout the house. "Everyone up!" He shouted, most likely from the hallway. I could hear groans and mumbling. Guess it worked.

There was a slight pause until Paul's excited voice called out. "I smell food."

There was a loud noise before heavy footsteps could be heard. Along with Seth's voice. "Wait up, Paul!"

There were some cries of frustration. "Hey! Watch where you're stepping!" I think that was Brady.

Next there were loud crashes and banging. I could only imagine the boys were accidently stepping and tripping on each other. They probably looked like overgrown puppies trying to get to the food. It kind of made me worry.

"Idiots." An annoyed voice said from behind me. I turned to see Leah walking through the door.

"Hey, Leah." I greeted the girl. "Just in time. Food is about to be ready." I gestured to the kitchen. The girl only nodded in return before heading in that direction.

Finally, the pack came tumbling into the dining area, heading straight for the kitchen to eat.

I was distracted as I watched the pack scoff down the food that I didn't notice Embry walk up behind me. I felt his arms wrap around my shoulders. "Morning." He spoke into my ear. "You weren't there when I woke up."

"Sorry." I apologised. "I heard Emily in the kitchen and went to investigate." I explained to the boy.

Embry nodded. "Did you sleep well?" He asked my casually.

"Yeah." I lied trying to hide it through a smile. Embry narrowed his eyes at me but was unsure whether to call my bluff or not. I didn't give him the chance. "You better eat something before it's all gone." I nodded in the direction of the kitchen.

He sighed before reluctantly letting me go and walking to the kitchen. He was joined by Jared who just walked in with Kim.

Kim wandered over to me and sat down alongside me. "Morning." I greeted at the girl who was rubbing her eyes. "Sleep well?"

She shook her head. "No." She muttered. "I kept waking up." She explained before widening her eyes and whispering. "But don't tell Jared. I don't want him to worry."

I gave a sad smile. I know exactly what she was talking about. "Don't worry. I won't say a word." I promised as we smiled at each other.

The pack finished eating before Sam addressed everyone. "Alright. Time to head out." He ordered.

The pack nodded before beginning to file out the house. Embry ran over to me as I stared up at him. "Be careful." I whispered.

"I will." He confirmed. "I'll be back before you know it. Just wait for me." He smiled softly before leaning over.

We rested our foreheads together. "I love you." I told him.

"I love you too." He replied before pulling away. He gave me one more glance before jogging out the door.

I saw Emily and Kim walk over and stand beside me. We all watched on as the pack jogged into the woods leaving us behind, waiting for their return.

The three of us didn't really talk too much today. Our presence was enough. We all understood what each other was feeling. Our imprints were battling and we were worried.

It was past midday. Kim had fallen asleep on one of the couches as we watched TV.

"You should sleep too." I heard Emily quietly say to me.

I looked at her with a questioning expression as I tilted my head. She smiled. "I know you didn't sleep well last night, did you?"

I bit my lip before replying. "I didn't sleep at all."

This seemed to catch her slightly off guard but she didn't seem surprised. "Even more reason you should sleep then." She told before standing and walking to the kitchen, most likely to prepare food for when the pack got back.

I decided to take Emily's advice as I laid down on the couch. Not just because I was tired but because it will pass the time quicker. Embry might even be back when I wake up.

I didn't realise how tired I was until I instantly fell asleep.

It was strange. I glanced around but I wasn't at Emily's. I was in the woods.

It was dark and eerily quiet. The only sound I could hear was the trees being blown in the wind as their leaves rustled. I held onto myself as the cold wind nipped at me. But somehow, I got a feeling. The feeling I wasn't alone.

I heard a snapping noise. Like someone stepping on a stick. I spun around but I couldn't see anyone. "Hello? Embry?" I questioned into the air.

There was no reply. Embry would reply. The pack would reply. I glanced around before slowly turning back to face the other way.

I had to slam my hands over my mouth to stop myself from screaming. In front of me was the silhouette of a person. But most noticeably was their glowing, red eyes. Their mouth opened to reveal fangs with blood dripping onto the ground. It was a vampire.

Instinctively, I took a step back. I could feel myself shaking with fear.

The vampire tilted its head to the side before smirking.

Suddenly, someone lunged out behind a tree at the vampire. The vampire managed to grab them by the throat without even looking. Since it was dark I couldn't tell who it was. The vampire turned its head to the attacker it caught.

I realised it was about to kill them. "No!" I screamed as I ran forwards, arm extended. "JACOB!"

I jolted awake, covered in sweat and breathing heavily. My arm was extended in front of me. I slowly lowered it as I looked around.

I was on Emily's couch where I fell asleep. Kim and Emily were on the other couches asleep.

It was just a dream? But it felt so real.

I carefully stood up and looked at the time. It was getting late. The sun had set and it was dark outside. The pack weren't back yet.

Something wasn't right. I hesitated before quickly put on my jacket and grabbed my phone. I gave one last glance at the sleeping girls before walking out the door.

The cold air hit me and all I could hear were the trees rustling in the wind. A familiar feeling from my dream. I took a deep breath before I followed the path. For some reason, I felt that I had to go to Jacob's.