Hey ya'll! Sorry you haven't heard from me in a while…been a little busy. Anyways, I've decided that I'm not going to put up pictures of what I think Karen looks like…wait I am…no…okay so I haven't decided yet, but if they aren't up then don't get too disappointed mmmkay? ;)

Embry POV

I pushed my paws as fast as I could go, then I pushed faster. I felt each pebble between my toes. The wind pushed its way through my coat, tangling and twisting the hair into knots. That'll be fun to brush out. I was supposed to get my hair cut last week, but I decided to sleep instead.

I had acquired deep purple circles under my eyes. If I wasn't so hot, and my skin wasn't so brown, I'd start to think I was a bloodsucker.

Geez Embry. You'd think that you couldn't get any more depressing. Leah said.

Yea you'd know. I retaliated, but I instantly knew I'd gone too far. Sorry, that was crossing the line.

Yea sure. Great. I'd upset her.

Really, Leah, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. Remember who you're talking too? I barked out a laugh trying to lighten the mood.

It's alright Em. I'm just in a pissy mood today. Ignore me. I felt her emotions through the bond between us.

What's wrong, sis? I asked, concerned.

Oh, just….everything. Ya know? It's like life just decides to slap you in the face sometimes. She tries to explain. I do know about that. Everyone in the pack so far had imprinted. Everyone except Leah and me, that is. Jared on Kim, Quil on Claire, Sam on Emily, Jacob on Renesme (Ah…spelling? Just ignore that ;)), Paul on Rachel, and even some of the newer members of the pack have found their 'other half'. I was beginning to think that I was meant to be alone.

Ah. You're suffering too. Leah sympathized. Sorry, kid. I guess we're meant to be alone. She scoffed, well, what was the equivalent of scoffing.

Well at least you have a reason. I'm just naturally unappealing to fate. The pack had a theory that Leah hasn't imprinted yet because there has never been a female werewolf before. And the imprint was originally supposed to be just to pass on the werewolf gene, so unless Leah imprinted on a girl, she was basically screwed.

Oh c'mon dude. Not cool. And you have to keep your chin up! I'm sure she'll come along…I wouldn't hold your breath though. She winked at me.

Thanks, Leah. Can I ask a question?

I'm being nice because finally someone knows how I feel. Left behind. She phased then and there, put her clothes back on, and ran home.

Left behind? Is that what I was?

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. For a moment I was suspended in time and space in my happy place. I was with a faceless girl with no name. I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt Quil join me.

Hey Quil. How's Claire?

She's great! She had her first day of school today.

That's awesome. How old is she again?

Five.

Three years huh?

Time has gone by fast, huh?

You got that right. You think I'll ever…? I went over the conversation with Leah in my head for him to hear.

Sounds like someone's lonely. Have you ever tried dating? It is possible you know.

I've thought of that. What girl wants to stick around with some guy that can only hang out at four in the morning, when he's lucky? And then he has to lie horribly to her face every time she asked for answers? How's that for a relationship?

Okay, okay. I get the idea. Sorry, man.

No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't dump all this on you. I'll just see you later, okay? I phased before he could say anything.

I could feel how strong Quil and Claire's bond was. I wish I had that.

I jogged the short distance to Sam's house. I sniffed the air, Emily was baking…Score!

"Hey Emily. Smells good!" I gave her a quick hug, and then sat down at the table hungrily.

"I knew you'd show up here sooner or later. I made your favorite, lasagna. Thought it would cheer you up." She said facing the oven.

"Wow, thanks Emily. Are any others showing up?" I said as I chowed down on my giant portion of lasagna.

"Umm…Jake said he'd stop by later and I think Brady is coming. Sam'll be home later of course."

"Mmm," I acknowledged.

"Hey you guys!" Jake shouted, bursting into the house.

"Hugh," I said through my lasagna.

"Embry! Just the man I was looking for. This Friday some off-rez kids are comin' to First Beach, wanna tell some scary stories?" he wiggled his eyebrows.

I swallowed my food, "Yea why not?" Scaring the off-rez kids was a real kick.

"Cool. I'll pick you up at five, okay? I gotta go though, Reneesme is expecting me." He walked out the door.

"Well he didn't even have any of my lasagna! I think the apocalypse is close." She laughed and sat down to start eating her own meal.