a/n--- Thanks to my reviewers from last chapter. Much appreciated. We're getting down to the last few chapters now and its getting to be a more intriguing story. Dont hate me for this chapter, it does serve a purpose I promise you.

I have a new fic called "Bastad Child and Lonely wolf" being co authored with LilJenrocks, its an Embry story and you guys should go check it out. With that said.... Thanks mediate89 for betaing and adding flair into this, and I'd like to shout out to Agh, cuz well.. shes cool Lol. Also, my friend is writing a pretty good Jared and Kim story called "Midnight Romeo" Go check it out as well.. her name is crazyapril and she rocks too

Chapter 25

I snuggled into the warmth of something hard and unmoving. I opened my eyes up slowly and blinked a few times, realizing that the warmth beside me was Embry. I wiggled around in his embrace and kissed the tip of his nose. "Embry," I whispered.

Embry stirred slightly beside and yawned. "What's wrong, honey?" he asked softly. I felt his grip on me tighten.

"What are you doing here?" His eyes were bright and shining, even in the dim morning light. "I thought you said you wouldn't be back until you got off of work."

Embry rubbed my spine with one of his hands. "It started raining so I left patrol early. Its only eight o'clock in the morning, Sarah. I don't have to be to work until ten."

I nestled my head down on his arm, breathing in his scent. "Paul should be by soon with Bridget then." It was Monday which meant that Paul would drop Bridget off on his way to work. We'd quickly gotten everything into a schedule after we moved in.

Living with Embry was definitely different than anything else. We'd gotten over any awkwardness we'd had after a week or so. I'd calmed down a bit about leaving Bridget alone with him. Embry would watch Bridget here and there when my work schedule was off and he wasn't working. Embry worked with a contractor now and did some roofing and things like that, making a bit more money, but he also had to go further for the jobs sometimes. We were making it fine alone.

"Good. I hate being here alone with you," Embry joked, propping himself up on his elbow. "Don't you have to get ready for work?"

I shook my head and yawned. "Nope. I only work four days this week," I reminded him. "I wish I could work today though. I could use the money." I sighed. Money. I hated it when I only got four days a week in at the hospital. I felt guilty that Embry was contributing more to the bills than I was. It was great to have someone taking care of me and Bridget, but it still made me feel uncomfortable when I was broke and had to ask Embry for gas or diaper money.

Embry tugged the blankets back off of my body. "Paul's here. I heard him pull up."

I groaned, stretching in the bed before I slowly rolled onto the floor. "I didn't see your ears perk up," I teased, before grabbing my fuzzy robe and slipping it on over my shorts and tank top. Embry laughed.

I padded down the hallway to the small living room and opened the door just as Paul was about to knock. "Hey Princess," I greeted Bridget, holding my arms out for her. Paul's black eyes flashed to me. "She keeps asking me for 'Em-bee'," he complained. "I can't even take her for the weekend without her wanting Embry."

I shot Paul a look while kissing Bridget's cheeks. "She likes Embry. Don't be so irritable."

Paul followed me in, bringing the car seat and Bridget's over night bag. "Yeah, well I don't. Its not like she asks you for Rachel."

I doubted if Bridget ever would ask for Rachel. Bridget didn't seem to care for her dad's new fiancé anymore than I did. "Its different," I shot back. "Embry helps me take care of her, and he's the one paying for the house we live in." I sat Bridget down on the grund and pointed down the hall to the bedroom. "Embry's right down there, Princess." Bridget squealed and toddled off as fast as she could in that direction.

Paul huffed and sat the diaper bag on the floor. I rolled my eyes at his childish pout.

"Goodbye, Paul. Thanks for keeping Bridget."

Paul nodded and waved good-bye, walking back out of the house and shutting the door behind him. I walked off to mine and Embry's room where Bridget's shrieks of laughter were coming. Embry was tickling her tummy while she giggled and kicked her feet. He was enjoying himself just as much as she was.

The following Saturday Embry got called to help Sam with a job for the construction company he was working for. Embry didn't complain as he rolled out bed still sleepy from patrol the night before and got dressed. I went ahead and got up with him. Saturday was usually our lounge day, but if Embry was up and about I might as well be too.

"You going anywhere today?" Embry asked while he tied his boots.

I shrugged, watching him while I leaned against the counter. "I doubt it. Not unless its over to my Mom's house or something. I don't have any money to go anywhere else."

Embry didn't say anything as he stood up and came over to me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I leaned into him, smiling when he nuzzled my neck with his face. "Here," he said tossing a few bills onto the counter. "I'll be back later. Just text me if you leave, okay?"

I nodded before turning and grabbing his face with my hands. "Thanks. I love you." I planted a soft kiss on his full lips and smiled.

"Love you too, honey." We pulled away and he slipped out of the back door, heading toward his blazer.

I picked up the money and counted it. Maybe I'd go somewhere now. Maybe I'd get Bridget up and go to Port Angeles or something. I slid the money into my purse, grateful yet again for Embry and the way he took care of us. He was more than I could have asked for.

Bridget was still sleeping, so I spent the rest of the morning straightening up the house. Cleaning wasn't a priority during the week when Embry and I both worked, so I usually spent part of the weekend getting everything back into shape. I was running the vacuum over the carpet when I heard a knock at the door. I pulled the cord and walked to the kitchen. I wasn't expecting to see Paul when I opened the door and focused on the figure in front of me.

"Oh. Hey," I greeted, pushing my bangs out of my eyes.

"Is Bridget here? he asked. His hair was dishevled and his skin was pale. I'd never seen him look so wrecked.

"She's asleep. Why?" I wondered, backing away cautiously.

"Well, I want to see her." Taking in my wary experession he added, "Please."

I bit my lip wondering if it was really such a good idea to allow Bridget around Paul while he was in such a state, but I didn't argue. I turned and walked down the hall to Bridget's room. I lifted the sleeping baby from her crib and held her over my shoulder, keeping her in her blanket. Paul could hold her while she slept.

Paul was sitting on the couch when I returned, leaning over with his head resting in his hands. He looked up as soon as I entered the room and held out his arms. I gave him the baby and sat down on the cushion beside him.

"Paul, what's wrong?" I asked softly as he kissed Bridget's forehead. Paul shut his eyes and inhaled Bri's clean baby scent. He swallowed loudly before answering.

"Rachel, she... she," he paused and took a shaky breath. I placed my hand on his knee and he continued. "She was pregnant." I gasped and he glanced at me. "Four and a half months. Eighteen weeks."

I was too shocked to speak. No one had ever told me that Paul was expecting a baby with Rachel. Four months. Why hadn't anyone told me? He must have seen the betrayal in my eyes because he looked away and said, "We were sort of keeping it quiet. She... Rachel wasn't too excited about it. Just got out of school and stuff, you know."

That was no excuse; he should have told me. But that wasn't the big issue right now.

"So..."

"So she had an abortion, Sarah," he spat.

I felt my jaw drop.

He sniffed and rolled his eyes. "Today. I came home... I didn't even know she was gonna do it. I mean, I knew she was unhappy about it all, but... "

"That's awful," I breathed.

He nodded and looked down at Bridget's peaceful expression. Bridget. I couldn't help but remember how he'd wanted me to have an abortion when I told him I was pregnant with Bridget. What was so different this time? It must have been the imprint. Either that or Bridget had softened him. Whatever the reason, Paul was very upset and I wanted to help him.

"I'm sorry." I rubbed my hand back and forth across his jeans. Paul sniffed again and reached into his back pocket, careful not to disturb the sleeping infant in his arms.

"I have pictures." He drew out a little leather wallet and flipped open the top. Inside I saw a small black and white sonogram photo. I could easily make out a head, legs and little feet. "That's him," Paul explained, nodding toward the picture. "I'm pretty sure it was a boy."

I smiled sadly. That part hadn't changed.

"Paul, why didn't you tell me?"

Paul opened his mouth but before he could answer Bridget started to stir. He quickly abandoned his wallet and turned his attention to the groggy baby. "Hey, Princess." Bridget smiled up at him and he repositioned her so that she was standing and they were face-to-face. He kissed her on the nose.

"Daa," Bridget greeted. She placed her chubby hand on his cheek, probably just as surprised to see him as I was.

"Yep, it's daddy." Paul kissed her again. "And daddy loves you."

It didn't take Bridget long to sense his melancholy mood and her face became solemn. She leaned down and settled her head gently against his chest in an act of comfort. She looked back up at Paul after a moment with curious eyes. She couldn't understand what was wrong, but it didn't matter to her what it was, she only wanted to make it better.

Paul smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head. "Thanks, Princess. That makes daddy feel loads better." Bridget returned her head to his chest and kept it there until her lids became heavy and she fell asleep.

"You can put her back in her crib now," Paul told me. "I just needed to hold her."

I nodded and took Bridget from him. After she was back in her bedroom, I sat back down beside Paul and drew my knees up under my chin.

"Thank you, by the way... for having her." I turned my head and looked at Paul. "I know I was a jerk when I found out you were pregnant. You didn't deserve any of that and I'm so sorry." He scooted closer to me. "It would have been so easy for you to..." he paused and I leaned against him. He draped an arm over my shoulder and continued, his voice a little stronger. "To end it like I wanted you to. But you were strong and I'm so grateful for that."

"It's okay Paul," I said softly.

We sat and talked for a little while and I let Paul have a good cry. I felt awful for him, being betrayed by the one person that was supposed to love him the most.

Paul eventually wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry you had to see me like this."

"I didn't mind. It's been awhile since we've talked," I reassured him. "I'm always so busy with Bridget I don't have time to have real conversations, and Embry's always so busy... I don't like to bother him."

Paul smirked a little bit. "Embry doesn't mind it, Sarah. I can see in his mind, you know. He actually thinks that he's hovering over you too much. I tried to tell him that you like the whole over-bearing, over-protective boyfriend thing."

I smacked his chest lightly with my hand. The impact my hand made with his solid muscles made me groan. Paul laughed and grabbed my hand to look at it. "Does it hurt?" he asked tilting it to the side to get a better look.

I knew I shouldn't feel the way I did right now with my hand in his. It was wrong. I had Embry and I loved him. Paul loved Rachel. Still though, our eyes met and we locked gazes. I swallowed hard. My stomach was doing somersaults as I stared into Paul's deep, black irisis. I used to do this every day. I use to touch this hand every day. And he used to look at me the same way he was now.

Paul leaned toward me, hesitating, and then came forward a bit more before he kissed me once softly on the lips. "I'll always love you, Sarah. Not even Rachel can change the way I care about you."

I knew he didn't mean it. I knew he was only saying that because he was upset, and I knew I shouldn't allow myself this moment of weakness, but another part of me knew that this would be my last chance to take advantage.

"How do you love me?" I whispered against his mouth.

Paul pressed his lips to mine again, harder this time and we kissed until we were breathless.

My stomach burned with guilt for betraying Embry, and it fluttered with anticipation at what I might share with Paul. He was kissing me more fiercly now, and his hands were moving up my sides. Embry moved to the back of my mind as I allowed myself to become a source of comfort for Paul.

I ran my fingers along the sharp, defined ridges under his soft cotton t-shirt. A low moan escaped my lips when Paul nipped at the sensitive skin beneath my ear. It wasn't long before we made it to the bedroom. I sat on my bed, the bed I shared with Embry, but before I could get too lost in my thoughts Paul was on top of me again, wearing only a pair of boxers.

"Are you sure you wanna do this?" I breathed. Paul's only response was to lift my shirt over my head.

We didn't waste time any time in coming together. Each thrust brought back a memory of my time with Paul.

He didn't say anything; he just continued to rock his hips back and forth, making me arch with every movement. Sex with him was amazing. I dug my nails into his flesh, bending one leg. Neither of us stopped or muffled the groans and gasps that escaped our lips. Paul kissed my neck, speeding up. I was clutching at him, my eyes still shut.

"Open your eyes," he panted.

I opened them up, looking into his. This was so much different than the last time we'd had sex so long ago. This was more loving even though I knew it would never happen again. I had no idea how long we were enclosed in the room together before we both finally collapsed together. I was catching my breath while Paul stared at the ceiling.

"Sarah... I... I don't know if..." Paul started.

I was in my own state of shock. What in the hell had I just done? I'd just cheated on Embry with Paul. Embry. I wrapped the sheet around myself, feeling nauseous. "I don't know what to do," I whispered, a terrified emotion spreading through me.

Paul hugged me tightly. "Sarah, he'll know. I'm so sorry. I don't know... I don't know what the hell we were thinking."

I wanted to cry. Just like everything else in my life, I'd managed to fuck up the one good thing I had going for me. "Embry's going to leave me," I said shakily. "He'll leave me. Why did we do this? Paul, he cant leave me. I need him."

Paul stroked my hair. "Calm down. I don't think he'll leave you. I mean... Shit! I have to tell Rachel. I don't know what I was thinking. I mean, don't think--"

"No, you don't understand! He's not my imprint. He doesn't have to be with me!" I shouted, grabbing my clothes and jerking them on.

He started putting his own on. "He loves you."

I was panicking. No, I was in hysterics. I needed Embry like I needed air. "That's not enough! You love me. He loves me. Neither of you will want me by the end of the night!"

Paul pulled me in to hug me again but I pushed him away. "Leave. Just leave. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know what to do. I cant lose him. I don't have anywhere to go. No one else is going to take care of me like he does!"

Paul sighed and backed out of the room slowly. "Sarah, if he tells you to leave, call me okay? Just call me. Or go to my mom's house and call me from there. Don't worry about having somewhere to go."

I knew he meant well. "I love him. I cant... I cant..." My emotions were taking over everything. "Go. I need to clean in here."

Paul left quietly. "Don't forget," he repeated before he slipped out of the house.

I stripped the sheets off of the bed along with the comforter and threw everything into the washer. I took a shower next, washing myself over and over. I knew deep down no matter what I did, Embry would know. He would know as soon as he walked through the door. My heart was already hurting from the idea of him leaving me. I hated myself for this. I hated myself for doing something to hurt one of the people I loved the most.

I started dinner next, trying to make everything seem as normal as possible. Bridget was in her highchair eating when I heard the blazer pull up outside. I felt my entire body tense when the front door open and I prepared myself.

Little did I know, nothing could prepare me for the heartbreak I would face for betraying Embry Call.