Guidance

Chapter Eight

The song later seen in the chapter is called "Heart of Mine"; the one I'm listening to says it's by The Peter Malick Group feat. Norah Jones.

My senses came back slowly, one at a time. I registered the warmth enveloping my right hand before I heard the panicked, worried, grieving murmurs of a male voice. I felt the crisp air, cold on my face, and felt the cotton covers on my bare legs and arms as I shifted slightly. My eyes were still closed, but I registered some light reaching through my lids.

"Jani?"

My eyes fluttered open drowsily. What was that—that sad and remorseful voice calling my name?

"Jani, please…"

My vision came into focus slowly. Colors sharpened and details popped out at me. And soon I saw a tan, muscled, bare-chested Embry, looking disheveled and worried, yet relieved once he saw me.

"Damn, Jani…" he murmured, and before I knew it, his forehead was resting on mine, his eyes closed. "I'm so sorry… What happened? Are you okay? What can I do to make it better?"

It was like I was on sensory overload. It was just too much at once—his warm breath washing over me, the heat of his body, his proximity—and I couldn't handle it. I started hyperventilating and I covered my face, backing away from Embry and into the pillow behind me. I was so confused. Not only was I completely lost as to the situation, why he was there, where I was, and so on, but he was assaulting me with his good looks, his emotions, and my emotions. My heart was beating against my chest furiously, and I was sure he would be able to hear it. I felt scorching, gentle hands pry my own hands from my face, and I opened my eyes. I peered through my fingers out at Embry's hurt expression. He looked confused, too. But I was more confused.

"What's going on?" I managed to ask. I allowed him to lower my hands to my lap. One of his warm, strong hands took my chin gently and titled my face so he could see me better. He placed that hand on the side of my face, and I instinctively placed a hand over his.

"You were out cold," he said detachedly. "For two days."

"What?" I yelled with a start, and Embry winced. I sat back and stared off into space. Two days? Why? What happened? I might have been tired, but I didn't think I could've been that tired… I looked out the window of my room. It was night, like early morning. The sun was just starting rise. "What are you doing here?" I asked more quietly.

"What are you talking about?" I looked at him. He looked slightly incredulous, if not insulted. "Why wouldn't I be with you when you've been out cold for two days straight?" I flinched at the sharp tone of his voice. Embry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. I noticed he only wore cutoff shorts, and had a leaf in his hair.

"I meant," I said, bringing my legs under me and kneeling on the bed so I was directly in front of him and only inches away, "why aren't you training for your big battle or something?" My voice came out a teeny bit harsher than I wanted. Embry's expression blanked slightly, before he scowled angrily and looked away, his hands tensed on the bed next to him now.

"So you know about that, huh?" he muttered. I sat back on my haunches, a little disoriented. It was quiet for a few moments before Embry broke the silence. "Yes, I went. I just got back before you woke up."

"Why?" I didn't even know why I'd asked it; it just seemed appropriate.

"Why?" He scowled, and still refused to look at me, though I stared at him directly. All of a sudden, he clenched his fists and tightened his jaw, shaking ever so slightly. My eyes widened. "WHY? Why do you have to know everything? Why do you have to be involved with everything? Why?"

"E-Embry?" I stuttered, my hand quivering as I reached for his shoulder. A thousand knives struck my heart when I had heard Embry's angry—no, furious—tone, and I felt two inches tall, six feet under. Embry glanced at me for a moment, and in that glimpse he changed. His mad expression fell completely, he stopped shaking, and he looked like he was in incredible pain. He raised a hand slowly, cupping my cheek softly.

"I'm sorry." He caressed my face, my cheek. He did so in a way that make me understand he wasn't angry at me, specifically. "I just don't want you to get involved—to get hurt," Embry amended. "I don't know what I'd do if…" He trailed off. I frowned.

"You wouldn't let me get killed," I said. He looked up at me, straight into my eyes. I saw the doubt in them. "You won't." I sat up on my haunches again, resting an arm around his shoulders and my forehead on his. "Embry, you're my teenage werewolf"—he smiled ruefully and scoffed lightly—"I'm serious! And I know you'll do anything and everything you can to protect me…" I placed my palm on the side of his face. "I know you will. You're amazing, Embry."

"I don't deserve you," he said abruptly, closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around me, bringing me into his chest. I felt a little fatigued, but ignored it because I really wanted Embry's attention right now. "I don't deserve an imprint as amazing as you."

"Amazing?" I repeated. "Troublesome, you mean." He smiled.

"That too," he murmured against my cheek. With a sudden rush of adrenaline, I brushed my lips over his lightly, hesitantly. Embry's grasp on me tightened momentarily, and he returned the kiss, pressing his lips to mine. My heart was about to burst out of my chest. My hands reached up to tangle in his thick, black hair, and he pulled me flush against his body. There was a strange, detached thought where I doubted this was actually happening, but the warmth surrounding me was proof enough. Embry's lips were warm and gentle against my own. He was like a drug to me—at that point, I wanted nothing more than to get as close as I could, to get as much of Embry's kisses as possible.

I don't remember at what time I fell asleep that night, in Embry's arms. I remember he said something about how I should rest and that he would be there when I woke up. He was. I recall waking up and trying to remain as perfectly falsely asleep as possible so we wouldn't have to move, so I could spend some more blissful moments in his arms. He caught me, though. He was awake, playing with my hair. I smiled and cuddled into his side, burying my face in his chest.

"Jani…" he sighed. I looked up at him and he grinned. His caramel brown eyes were luring me in again. Embry's smile was breathtaking. He was just amazing. He pecked me on the lips lightly, wrapping his arms around me more securely, and breathed in my scent at the base of my neck. I almost shivered. One nagging thought buzzed around my mind, refusing to leave.

"Embry…"

"Mm?" he murmured into my collarbone. I felt heat creep up my neck and face. Blushing. Oh, joy.

"Er… What…exactly…are we…now?"

There was a pause before Embry pulled back and gazed into my eyes with such intensity that I almost melted. I was putty in his hands. He couldn't stop the smile that spread over his face as he lowered his lips onto mine again, sweetly and tenderly. Again I felt the thousands of butterflies in my stomach, as well as the fluttering of my heart's wings.

"So…" I began, slightly out of breath when Embry pulled away. He smirked triumphantly and kissed the side of my neck.

"Maybe I forgot to ask…" Embry started, "but, would you like to be my girlfriend?" I simpered at his words.

"No." His face fell in a quick second. "But," I added before he could say anything, "it'll have to do for now." Embry exhaled and shook his head in disbelief.

"What does that mean?" he asked, but the smile was back.

"That means," I said, leaning up to place a chaste kiss on his lips, "that I prefer the term soul mates to boyfriend and girlfriend. But it'll do—for now." I winked at him, suddenly feeling bold. Embry growled playfully, grabbing me and flipping us so that I was on top of him, straddling his lap as he pulled me into his body. I raked my nails across his chiseled abs, relishing in the moment as he groaned and crushed his lips to mine once more. This time, his tongue prodded my lips tentatively, and I granted him permission. Before long, we were battling for dominance, and Embry took control as he started tracing circles in the flesh of my midsection exposed when my shirt rode up. I groaned into the kiss and ran my hands through his hair and down his jaw and shoulders to his biceps.

After a moment of that heavy make-out session, Embry leaned his forehead against mine, his breathing ragged and his eyes clouded with lust. I placed one of my hands on the side of his face and smiled.

"You know, I think I just might like you, Embry Call."

He chuckled and kissed me again. And again. And again.

"Embry—Embry! Stop it," I protested, laughing as he trailed kisses down my neck. "Em!" Embry pouted but obeyed.

"You know, I've been waiting for a day like this all my life," he said abruptly, "I just didn't know it before." Embry grinned and kissed the top of my head, gazing at me lovingly. I blushed.

"Sure you have," I said noncommittally.

"No, I have," he insisted, taking my hand, intertwining our fingers. "See how perfectly we match?" Embry pecked my cheek. "I was made for you, and you for me." I sat there in silence for a short moment, staring at our clasped hands. Perfect fit. It seemed almost too good to be true.

"Soul mates, huh?" He nodded jubilantly.

"You—you make me happy, Jani," he admitted, looking away as his cheeks tinged scarlet. I beamed.

"That means a lot to me," I told him softly. My gaze flickered over to the window where the blinds were drawn and shut. What time was it, anyway? I disentangled myself from Embry, much to his disdain. He grabbed my waist and sat me back down onto his lap.

"Mmm…" he purred into my shoulder. I flushed.

"E-Embry!" I slapped his arm lightly and he chuckled. "What time is it?" I paused as slight panic entered me. "Emily and the others don't know I'm awake! They must be so worried!"

"Shh," Embry soothed, rubbing my arms. "Tell them later."

"What? Why?" I felt him pout against my skin.

"I don't wanna share you." I beamed and turned in his arms, pressing my lips to his once more. How easily we'd slipped into that, I thought.

"But, Embry, I've been out for a while," I argued. Just then, my stomach growled uncomfortably, as if to prove my point. Embry groaned.

"Fine, fine, fine," he grumbled, continuing on at a lower volume about having to share me. If I was being honest with myself, I didn't want anyone but Embry to know I was awake—so I could spend more time with him, of course, alone. But I had to see Emily and Sam and—definitely—Cali. And I was hungry.

"You know…you kind of have to let me go if we're going to get me food," I told him. His arms were still locked around me, acting as loving, possessive restraints. Embry grimaced but loosened his hold gradually, and stood up with me. I turned and tried to get to the door, but Embry clung to my waist and walked with me, making for some very clumsy steps. I gave him a look, and he let go—slightly. I sighed but once we were by the door, I opened it quietly and poked my head out into the corridor. No one within hearing distance—unless there was a werewolf in the house.

"Only Emily and Cali," Embry informed me, as if thinking the same thing. "Cali's watching T.V., but Seth's outside so she'll be going to see him once she hears he's there, and Emily's in the kitchen. She's coming over with food for me—which is pretty much normal, seeing as how I never left very much while you were out cold." He kissed my neck and I swatted him away embarrassedly. I stepped out into the hallway and heard Emily's steps, along with the amazingly mouthwatering smell of food. I walked out and called her name quietly.

"Janiya?" she said. Emily came around the corner and placed the food on the floor before running to me and embracing me tightly. She smelled like beef and soup and all kinds of yummy foods. I hugged her back.

"Hey, Emily," I greeted. "I'm hungry." Emily pulled back and laughed.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" she exclaimed. "Here, you can have Embry's food."

"Hey!" Embry whined as Emily rushed over to the tray and handed it to me. Emily gave him a stern look. He smiled sheepishly. "I didn't mean that she should go hungry!" Hungrier, I amended silently. "I was going to go take her out for a bite to eat in Port Angeles." Emily's expression softened and I looked at Embry in surprise.

"When did you decide this?" I inquired, cocking a brow at him.

"Just now." I rolled my eyes and my stomach growled. He frowned. "But if you're hungry now, you should eat… I mean, you—"

"No, no, no," I interrupted. "You said we were going for food in Port Angeles. We have to go now." I handed the tray back to Emily. "I mean, I love your food, Emily, but I wanna get out and see Port Angeles again."

"It's fine," she assured me. Emily was about to say something else when we heard the door open and close.

"Emily?" Sam's voice came. In a moment, he was by her side. He looked up at me and grinned. "You're awake, then, Jani?" I nodded and hugged him tightly. He held me just as tightly. We might not talk very often—there's not much to say—but I do love my cousin. "I'm glad you're fine."

"Yep, I feel perfect…" I trailed off, wondering about the restaurant thing with Embry. "…and I have to go shower," I finished, laughing. Sam chuckled and switched to embracing Emily, though it was a different kind of embrace. Embry's eyes were still trained on me—I'd be lying if I said he didn't look tempting when he was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his bare chest, his jean cutoffs lying low on his hips. I tore my eyes from him after a half-second—I didn't particularly want to be caught ogling him. I brushed past him, subtly touching his arm as I passed. But I slammed the door to my bedroom shut just as he was about to turn and enter.

"Oh, come on!" he whined. I laughed.

"Go away!" I yelled playfully.

"Jani!"

"Go wait in the living room with Emily and Sam—I don't trust you by yourself!"

"That makes two of us," I heard Sam mutter.

"Three," Emily's voice corrected. I giggled as I heard Embry's indignant remarks.

"Just go, the three of you!" I yelled.

"Please?" Embry begged. I wasn't even sure what he was asking for, but I knew I needed to shower and change and I couldn't do that around him.

"No! Go!" I could imagine his pout as he shuffled to the living room, Emily and Sam following behind with muffled laughter. I'd make it up to Embry later. Right now, I was getting ready. I felt revitalized. Those two days of sleep really did wonders, though I doubt I'd be projecting for a while. I was really just running on adrenaline now. Better make the most of it. I grabbed a set of clothes from the closet—just a pair of black straight jeans and a white tank top—and underwear and headed to the bathroom across from my room, sneaking in as quickly as possible to avoid an Embry confrontation.

After I'd showered and changed—adding a black corduroy jacket to the ensemble—I brushed through my wet hair and headed out into the living room. Emily and Sam looked over when I entered, but Embry wasn't there. I felt my heart sink slightly.

"Where's—?"

"We insisted he go change, as well," Emily interjected with a grin. Sam smiled and kissed her.

"She insisted," Sam amended. Emily pouted. "But I guess I took her side." I smiled at my cousin and his fiancée as they kissed, but soon turned away from the sight.

"Well, would you happen to know when he'll be back?" I asked, my mind on my empty, grumbling stomach. I felt almost weak now. The adrenaline was dying down.

"Soon," Emily said, "especially since he probably can't stay away from you. He's been worried the past couple days, and since you woke up he's been so happy." I blushed lightly, and shuffled my feet.

"Right…" I mumbled. "Well, I'll just…go outside…now… Bye, Sam! Bye, Emily!" I scrambled out the front door to the porch, surprised to find Seth sitting with Cali. He looked at me and grinned. Cali followed his gaze when she saw he stopped paying as much attention to her. She jumped up and immediately tackled me.

"Jani! Oh, Jani! You're alright!" she squealed. "Please don't scare me! Don't get sick like that! Please, please, please be okay!" She bawled and I saw Seth begin panicking. I picked her up—this was getting to be difficult—and cooed to her.

"There, there, Cali," I soothed, kissing away her tears. "And I wasn't technically sick." I scowled. "Cali… Sis, no more astral projection, okay? At least not for a while, okay?" Cali cocked her head to the side inquisitively.

"That's why you were asleep?" Comatose, I corrected silently. But I nodded. "But that's…"

"Yeah. So please don't. Not for a while, and only when you go with me—which won't be for a while." I could see Seth looking a mix of relieved and worried, though I couldn't tell why or for whom.

"Fine…" Cali agreed reluctantly. I hugged her more tightly. I set her down and Seth stood up and grabbed me in a brotherly hug, ruffling my damp hair, much to my annoyance.

"Hey," he said into my ear, "don't worry us like that again, got it?" I laughed and nodded. "And, by the way, thanks—keep her away from astral projection or whatever it is, please?"

"I'll try my best," I promised him as I pulled away when Cali began tugging on my jeans. She pointed away from the porch with a smug grin. I followed her gaze and smiled. Embry had managed to borrow Jake's motorcycle again. After I gave Cali a kissy on the forehead and one to Seth—much like the one I gave to Cali—I stepped off the porch and waved. "See you later, guys!"

I didn't hear their goodbyes—I was too focused on Embry, who was beaming. He had gotten off the motorcycle and was leaning against it, arms crossed over chest—like he was earlier, against the wall in Emily's house… He was wearing black jeans and a forest green t-shirt. I couldn't help but notice the bulging muscles in his arms and the sharp, strong contours of his shoulders. As I walked up to him—rather quickly—he stepped forward and pulled me into his chest.

I loved the way his arms wound around me tightly, the way he held onto me like he never wanted to let go. I loved the way I felt wanted, the way I felt like I could do nothing to make him hate me. I loved the utter devotion and kindness and care. I loved how he was funny, how he could make me smile and brighten my day. Most of all, I loved how Embry was exactly my cup of coffee—my brand of heroine.

Once those thoughts had been thought, had run through my mind, I was in a daze. I didn't entirely register getting on the back of Embry's borrowed motorcycle and wrapping my arms around his waist. I don't remember leaving La Push, or what few words Embry and I spoke on the way to Port Angeles. I was in a stunned lockdown. I knew the epiphany had happened, but I'd refused to think it.

Embry parked the motorcycle in front of a restaurant, a semi-upscale one. I let my hold on him fall, and he got off. Noticing I was still on, Embry smiled and offered me a hand. A soft grin spread over my lips as I took his hand and slung my leg over the side, then got off. Embry kissed the back of my hand and, entwining our fingers, led me over to the restaurant. Once inside, the lady at the front desk led us to a table and left menus with us. Embry sat across from me, reluctantly. I smiled at him and he took my hand across the table, longing for at least that little bit of contact.

In a moment, I spaced out, staring at one spot on the menu without really reading or seeing anything. Embry had to call my name multiple times to get my attention. I looked up.

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?" he asked, worried. I sent him a reassuring grin and rubbed my thumb over the back of his hand. My stomach growled.

"Just a bit hungry," I told him. It was kind of difficult to look at him. Every time I did, I never wanted to look away. I was skimming the menu for something to eat when I noticed the song playing in the restaurant. I knew that song. Heart of Mine by Norah Jones.

'Heart of mine,

'Be still.

'You can play with fire,

'But you'll get the bill.

'Don't let him know,

'Don't let him know that you love him.

'Oh, don't be a fool,

'Don't be blind,

'Heart of mine.'

I felt heat creeping up my face and butterflies in my stomach making me dizzy—or maybe it was the lack of food. Either way, Embry noticed a slight change and questioned me about it. I continued with the excuse that I was just hungry. The waitress had come and taken our orders, then returned with water for each of us and left once more.

"What's wrong?" Embry asked, his eyes staring into mine with a slight sadness. I made the mistake of looking directly into his eyes. I was drowning in his golden brown eyes, so filled with warmth and love—even though they held sadness because he probably thought I wasn't enjoying this date, for lack of a better word.

"Hmm?" I mumbled dumbly, forgetting his inquiry as I stared at him, taking in his attractive features. Usually, Embry would have teased me playfully, but he was having none of that distraction right now.

"What's wrong?" Embry repeated, more softly, leaning forward on the table. Subconsciously, I leaned forward, too. I thought about that for a second. Wrong? Was anything really wrong right now? I mean, besides the fact that I was starving—although that need for food had taken a backseat to my ogling Embry.

"Wrong?" A corner of my mouth lifted. "Nothing's wrong." Embry's brows furrowed in confusion—I could almost hear him thinking about how confusing I probably was.

"Then what's—?"

"I'm just thinking." Truthfully, I was thinking—about him. Norah Jones's song was still playing in the background. Embry was only inches away from me—the table wasn't that wide. But he was still across the table and, right now, I was cursing this table for all it was worth. "Can you sit next to me instead of across from me?" I asked, perhaps a bit bluntly. I didn't even get a response—Embry was, in the blink of an eye, already out of his side and next to me. I turned and scooted over to have more room for him, to have him nearer. Immediately, I threw my legs over his lap and cuddled into his side, laying my head on his shoulder. Embry wrapped an arm around my back and held one of my hands. I reached forward a little and kissed his neck, and I heard him sigh. Embry held me closer. Technically, I wasn't seated on his lap, but it would've made little difference.

When Embry leaned down to kiss me on the lips softly, he brushed my dark hair away from my face and whispered softly that the waitress was coming with the food. Neither of us wanted to move, but we had to. Embry shifted over and I moved back to my place. He took my hand, though, delighting in playing with my fingers, kissing each fingertip. The waitress came shortly and, deciding not to comment on the change in seats, placed our food on the table and left after a few words; she wore a knowing smile, though.

I picked at the chicken parmigiana with my fork, but soon began eating it up after seeing Embry devouring his large steak with a side of ravioli. After we'd finished, we had a few moments of quiet to ourselves. Embry stilled played with my hand.

First Beach. After Port Angeles, some walking around holding hands and making small talk, he'd taken me to First Beach. The clouds, for once, were heading away from the beach. The sand was refreshingly cool, and the tide was low.

We were so in sync, Embry and I. He smiled, then I would. I laughed, he'd join in. I could barely contain my happiness when he kissed me on the cheek, or wrapped his arms around me, or even just held my hand. I knew I was avoiding the conclusion I had com to, only because I was sure it would end this bliss. If I said it—if I introduced the idea to him—would he be pleased, happy even, or run for the hills? If I admitted it to him to early, would I end up in more pain than joy? Most importantly, would it still exist—would this still exist? Would this turn out to be one of those too-good-to-be-true things?

Either way, I knew it was too late, and it was not a good idea for me to ponder this in his presence. Perhaps later, in my bedroom, alone, I would have the sanity to think of what to do next.

In the meanwhile, I stared at him. He was lying on his back on the sand, arms folded behind his head, looking up at the sky. I laid beside him on my side, not really touching but close enough to him to feel the warmth of his body. The sun had dipped below the horizon just so, and the twilight sky was painted vividly with beautiful reds and oranges and just about every other color of the rainbow—it was like the sky was a rainbow. It was, in a nutshell, romantic. The waves ebbing onto the cliffs nearby and the shore made for pleasant background music.

"Embry?"

I don't know why I said it. I had nothing to say afterward, nothing to ask, and nothing to excuse. But I needed to hear his voice.

"Hmm?" Embry sat up, turning his head to look at me with those amazing brown eyes set in that adoring gaze. I sat up as well, turning my body towards him and crossing my legs under me. He took my hand and smiled that crooked smile at me—the one that left me completely breathless. I couldn't argue with myself at all this time. He looked angelic, the sunset painted behind him only emphasizing that. He was perfect. He was beautiful. In that moment, I knew—no arguments or hesitations.

I was in love with Embry.

I leaned forward on my hands, planting a kiss on his lips sweetly. He returned the action, reaching a hand up to cup the back of my neck and a scorching hot hand trailed down my side, playing with the border of my tank top. The lip-lock continued, and I crawled forward until I was almost directly atop Embry. I didn't even register doing so; I just needed to get close to him, closer than I was. I didn't even notice how Embry was laying back on his elbows and I was straddling his pelvis, still full on kissing him. His tongue prodded my lips for entry, and I granted it. My hands ran down his chest, over his t-shirt, tracing every edge of his abs, teasing when they ran down to the top of his jeans. When I slipped my hands under his shirt, Embry pulled me closer to him than I was already, and he moaned. I didn't notice until afterwards that I'd removed his shirt, that his jeans were unbuttoned and unzipped. Since I was straddling his crotch, I felt the bulge in his jeans against my center, and it only made me kiss him harder.

Up until now, I hadn't been noticing what Embry's hands were doing—I was too focused on other matters. But it's not like I hadn't absolutely loved the feel of his hands on my backside, roaming up my shirt, and leaving a trail of fire in its wake. Yet, he hadn't really gone anywhere personal, like he was respecting me. I was panting and he was panting and our kisses were getting more passionate and fierce. I bit his bottom lip and he growled—which I found was a complete turn-on. I laid my body over his, my chest against his, and kissed him more passionately than before.

And then he stopped and pulled away, looking oh-so very reluctant. Embry's eyes and mine opened, and I saw his pupils were dilated almost completely, his eyes black with lust. He closed his eyes again. We both panted, but didn't move from where we were. The sounds of the waves ebbing and crashing into the cliffs and shore suddenly seemed very loud.

After the first few seconds, lust and adrenaline lost its edge, and panic settled in. Maybe I'd gone too far? Maybe he didn't want me like that? Maybe—maybe—

"You don't want to do this," Embry said huskily, interrupting me from my mental breakdown. He still didn't open his eyes. "It shouldn't happen this way." He was still breathing hard—and, speaking of hard, I was still straddling him.

"Embry…" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"I don't want you to do something you'll regret." I couldn't move, for a certain reason, but if I could I would just hug him until all his sadness left. He seemed regretful and sad now, anyway—I hoped it was just because he thought I was mad at him or something, in which case he'd be wrong anyway.

"I wouldn't regret anything with you, Embry," I told him, still staring at him. His eyes flew open, and he stared at me for a moment so intensely that I couldn't look away or even blink. He looked away, muttering something under his breath. I didn't hear most of it, or any of it, except for one part.

"God, I love you." My entire self felt incredibly warm and light after that. I knew I must have made that obvious, because Embry instantly glanced back at me, blushing madly. "Er… I didn't…" he stammered. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I'm not going to say I didn't mean it—because I meant it, with all my heart." Whatever he was going to say melted away once he said that, because Embry continued digressing. "I mean…you're amazing… You're beautiful… You're smart, sweet, sassy… And…God, I love you. You—you don't have to say anything, I mean, I know—"

"Shush," I interrupted, placing a finger on his lips. I bit my lip, looking up at him shyly. "I…love you, too… I mean, I guess, you know, obviously, you're sweet and you're—you—I," I babbled, now finding it hard to admit gooey feelings in front of even Embry. When I confessed that, I watched as Embry's face changed. He looked like a little boy who had a crush on a girl he never thought he could get, but who just told him she liked him back. For a moment, he just gazed at me. Then he captured my lips with his.

"I love you," Embry murmured lovingly, his forehead on mine, his warm breath mingling with mine. "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you." I couldn't help but chuckle quietly. He smiled. I kissed him and smirked as I shifted over his lap and his, once again, raging hard-on. I grinned devilishly as he groaned, both in pleasure and in torture.

"Did I mention I love you, too?" I teased. He sent me a sharp grin and pulled me down on top of him, or, rather, more so than before.

"It's nice to hear," said Embry. He kissed my temple. "Damn. Kiss me, arouse me, tell me you love me, arouse me again… You'll be the death of me, woman!" We laughed, and the movement of both our bodies shaking made me mentally swoon.

"Nah, I'm sure my big bad wolf will survive anything I can dish out at him." I kissed his soft lips again. "And I'll always be around to make it all better." Embry ran his hands down my sides and kissed me breathless.

"You better be around," he panted.

"I'll be around regardless," I told him. "If I'm not, you'll always drag me back to you and knock sense into me." Embry pouted.

"I don't like the sound of that…" he mumbled, then smirked. "I prefer kissing the sense back into you." He did just that.

"Only…one problem…" I whispered against his lips.

"And that would be?" he whispered right back, licking my lips.

"You kiss the sense out of me, Embry," I stated, laughing. Embry rolled us over in a second so that he was hovering over me, kissing along my jaw and my collarbone.

"Eh, I don't see you complaining," he refuted. I sat up and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, once more leaning my forehead on his. His pupils were, yet again, dilated to nearly the brink. I smiled and ran a hand through his hair. Embry closed his eyes in contentment.

"I love you." I could never get tired of saying that. It'd been more or less a few minutes since I'd first said it, since he'd first said it, and I already loved it—loved him—and I was ready to tell him that. I curled a lock of his hair around my finger, vaguely noting that his hair was getting longer and falling onto his forehead. He still looked amazing and beautiful, though. Perfect. "I love you, Embry," I said, staring into his warm eyes, only millimeters away from each other's lips. I loved the feel of his name on my lips, rolling off my tongue. Oh, God, I was so lovesick. But I didn't care.

"I love you, Janiya."

*First of all, I would've updated a bit sooner, but I only just to back from vacation. I thank you all so much for the reviews—they warm my cold heart(: lol.

AAAAW!

I know I wrote it, but I still get all fan-girl-ish and sentimental when I read this chapter! I sincerely believe this is my favorite chapter of all the chapters in this story...thus far, anyway. I'm not sure what other cutesy scenes might arise in later chapters I haven't even dreamt up.

I'm updating when I get to...hmm... I'll say 40 reviews, because I need time to finish writing and proofread (three times), as well as wrap it up. So, yeah, 40. Sorry, love, but that's for...is it arrogant to say "quality" writing? But, well, for the best I can do. ;)

HunnyABee