Please note: The story's rating was changed to M

The Truth

It's said that once you've lived with someone you understand them better. And if it isn't an expression, it probably should be. Hermione had learned more about the Black family than she probably should have during her five day stay at their home and felt closer to them than she'd expected to be.

Billy was a somber, composed man that was stricken with diabetes which eventually took away the use of his legs. He was a widower with three children: twin girls and a boy. Jacob was the youngest and still lived at home. He had one more year of high school left. The twins were named Rachel and Rebecca. Rachel was the eldest twin and had recently graduated from Washington State. Rebecca was the middle child by fifteen minutes, married and lived in Hawaii.

Hermione hadn't met the girls - seeing how they had left home as soon as they were able - but the men of the family were full of life and love and it warmed her heart. While Hermione understood loss, she didn't understand how the two girls could be so selfish as to abandon their father. On the other hand, she tried desperately not to be judgmental. The girls had their reasons and felt justified in their actions. Billy spoke well of his children as a proud father would. Jacob had been asleep during most of her stay, but she felt she learned a lot about him from his father.

The witch was due to leave that morning. Rachel was coming home and would want her room. Hermione went through the bedroom ensuring she had all of her belongings as well as giving it a thorough cleaning.

Billy was nervously straightening up in the living room for the third time since he awoke that morning. Jacob was still fast asleep and apparently uncaring of his sister's impending arrival. The healer checked up on her patient and was pleased to note he was in perfect health.

Hermione stopped in the doorway and didn't try to hide her amusement. "Billy, if you keep beating that pillow the fluff will be all over the living room."

The man stilled and stared at the pillow in his hands for a moment. He looked up at her with such imploring eyes that Hermione went to him immediately, took the pillow from his hands and laid it back on the couch. She then took his hand in hers and calmed him the best she could with a platitude, "Things will be fine."

"She doesn't know…" Billy's eyes flitted towards the direction of Jacob's bedroom and back to the witch. He didn't have to say who 'she' was or what it was that she didn't know. Hermione understood. Billy wasn't a 'touchy feely' kind of guy, but he didn't try to take his hand back instead his grip tightened. "I can't tell her. It's against the tribe laws. Only the Elders, the pack and their imprintee are allowed to know. How can I keep this from her with her living under my roof?"

"I'm sorry. That's a difficult burden for you two to bear. I can only imagine how hard this will be for you both. In the wizarding world, we are allowed to tell our immediately family: parents, siblings, spouses, and children." Hermione gave his hand a gently squeeze, "But I wasn't allowed to tell my grandparents and I had visited with them occasionally during school holidays. They'd ask questions about classes or friends and I had to adjust everything I told them."

"At least your parents knew." Billy started saying, but stopped when she flinched, "Hermione?"

"They knew I was a witch," Hermione looked at their hands. Hers was so small and pale in his. She sighed, "But I never told them about the civil war. They would have pulled me from school."

"Did you tell them once it was over?"

A single tear escaped and fled down her cheek. She swiped it away and shook her head. "No. They died before I could. They knew I was pulling away from them, that I was hiding something. They asked me a number of times to talk to them. I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

"Billy, I know it's against tribe laws, but secrets can eat at a person. They drive an uncomfortable wedge between people and I wouldn't want that for you and your children. You're a good man. I can't tell you to go against the tribe, but she deserves to know what's going on with her family." She sniffed, "That's just my opinion."

A tissue suddenly appeared at her shoulder and she looked up to see Jacob standing there. Hermione took it gratefully and released Billy's hand to blot her face. "Thanks."

Jacob sat on the coffee table, strategically placing himself within the small circle created by the other two in the room. "Dad, I think Hermione's right. We don't have to tell Rachel right away, but we should tell her. What do I say when I have to go on patrol? I can only use the excuse of being a punk teenager going off to do my own thing so many times before she throws a fit."

Hermione giggled. She didn't mean to, but the idea that Jacob or any of the pack boys could be accused of being selfish, bratty teens just struck her as funny. She waved a hand as if to dismiss her antics, "Sorry, sorry. It's just you boys aren't… you're all so… I can't imagine…" Okay maybe Paul was bratty and definitely Sam… Hermione broke down into peals of laughter as the two males watched her in open amusement. Once she caught her breath she gasped out, "I'm sorry. Apparently everything is simply hilarious to me right now."

Billy gave her a crooked grin, "Apparently."

"Right," Hermione smiled more calmly, "Anyone for some tea?"

"Coffee?"

She wrinkled her nose, but acquiesced all the same, "Fine, but it smells better than it tastes. And you, young man, need to eat."

Jacob snorted, "Yes, ma'am."

Hermione went to the kitchen to make tea and coffee. Jacob followed her a few minutes later and opened the refrigerator. He stood staring inside the appliance as if the contents would magically tell him what he wanted to eat. Once the water was put to boil, she watched the boy as he watched the food. "Just a friendly warning, if the food starts speaking to you it's past time to throw it out."

"Funny." Jacob brought out a pound of bacon, a dozen eggs and a stick of butter that he placed on the counter.

Billy chuckled when he heard Hermione's comment. He had just come into the kitchen and settled himself at his usual place at the kitchen table. Hermione flicked her wand and two mugs went to the man at the table. He plucked them one by one from the air and set them on the table. Her use of magic around the Black home became commonplace during her stay. While Billy had grown accustomed to it, Jacob was still startled to see it displayed so openly. Since he woke up, Jacob noticed the subtle changes around the house (wider door frames, enlarged rooms, a standing shower instead of only a bathtub, and a longer bed for him). He hadn't asked how long it would last choosing to enjoy it while it was around.

Hermione set up the coffee press and dropped tea leaves in her mug. Jacob whipped up the eggs while the bacon cooked. Billy read the newspaper as he waited. Hermione put some bread in the toaster and pulled out an assortment of jams that she laid on the table.

When the toast was done, Hermione put a few more slices of bread in and began buttering the toast. Jacob set the crisp bacon on a paper towel and began cooking the eggs. Billy began reading random bits of articles out loud to the pair. Hermione grabbed three plates and set out bacon on each before setting them out on the table. She then flicked her wand at the drawer; it slid open to allow forks and knives to land at each table setting. By the time the utensils settled, she was buttering more toast.

The kettle boiled as the two worked together on brunch. Billy began reading another article aloud. Hermione poured water into the press and over the tea leaves before she set her wand for four minutes. Jacob put the scrambled eggs in a bowl and set it on the table before grabbing a piece of bacon from his plate and eating it. The witch poured orange juice in a tall glass for Jacob. The shapeshifter made sure the toast was on the table with the rest of the food and sat down.

After her alarm went off Hermione pressed the coffee before she poured for Billy. He gave her a quick grin, "Thank you."

Before Billy folded the newspaper over to continue reading, he pulled the sports section for Jacob and the crossword puzzle for Hermione. After fifteen minutes, Jacob's head snapped up and he squinted towards the doorway, but he didn't comment before going back to reading. The three were content with their comfortable silence while enjoying each other's company along with their tasty meal.

That was until a voice broke through the silence, "Well, isn't this cozy?"

Of the three at the table, only two looked up: one was stunned silent, one was inquisitively so. Hermione would have greeted the newcomer, but the young woman looked angry… petulantly so. She looked very much like Billy - thankfully more feminine, but the frown was very reminiscent of Jacob - as she stood at the doorway with her arms crossed. "Who is she?"

Hermione's eyebrow rose at her blunt rudeness, but refused to rise to the bait. Billy's joy at seeing her turned to annoyance. "Rachel, that isn't how we treat guests in my house."

"Guest? She looks pretty cozy as a guest. Are those her things in my room?"

"No," Hermione spoke up before Billy had to defend her again. "I have no personal items in your room."

"Then who does all that stuff in there belong to?"

"Your father wanted to make you feel welcome by having your room decorated before your arrival. If you're not pleased with my efforts, I can easily get rid of things." Hermione still hadn't given Rachel her name.

Rachel deflated and leaned against the doorframe. She looked at her father, but when she spoke she sounded rather vulnerable. "You did?"

Billy hadn't asked Hermione to do any such thing, but when she was busy with the rest of the house, she made the room she was in a bit more livable as well. The man sighed heavily - not admitting or denying a thing - and motioned the girl forward. Rachel gave a half sob and plowed into her father's open arms.

He quietly murmured to his daughter and rubbed her back. Hermione gave a sad smile as she thought of her own father. Jacob, on the other hand, ignored the whole encounter. His head remained in the sports section and he grumbled something about the Knicks' GM taking over as coach, which was utterly lost on Hermione.

"What is a nick GM?"

"The Knicks is a basketball team. A GM is the general manager of the team."

"Right, sports… I have no interest in anything sport related. Forget I asked," Hermione waved him off to finish her tea before it got too cold.

"Sports are fun. Don't you do anything, but work?"

"Read, vacation, shop-"

"You're such a girl."

"Thank you." Hermione laughed softly when he rolled his eyes. His big goofy grin reminded her so much of Harry and she had her first bout of homesickness.

Rachel reached over and stole a piece of bacon from her father's plate. She looked at Hermione and noted, "You never did tell me your name."

"No," Hermione agreed, "I don't suppose I did."

The bacon was inches from her mouth before she stopped and narrowed her eyes at the witch. "Is there a reason I'm not supposed to know it?"

"Perhaps not," Hermione set her cup down and folded her hands on the table, "Yet I don't feel inclined to tell you when you've been rather rude to me."

"You're a stranger in my home-"

"I'm a friend of your father in his home." Hermione corrected.

"How did you become friends with my father?"

"It was simple. I was introduced to Billy by a mutual acquaintance. We then had a lengthy conversation. While I can't say when it happened exactly, at some time over the past month our relationship went from acquaintances to friends."

At that, Billy grinned at the witch. "I'm glad to hear that."

Hermione hadn't touched her food other than her toast and nudged her plate to Jacob who gladly took it and began eating, still reading the sports page. The witch smiled back at the man, "As am I."

"Yet you won't change your mind about staying."

"Afraid not," Hermione agreed. "I have a job waiting for me to return to. I have two more years in residency and it would be such a hassle to extend my visa."

"You're not even American?" Rachel asked.

"The accent didn't give it away?" Hermione's eyes narrowed on the girl. "I thought Billy said you graduated from university."

"Washington State," Rachel challenged.

Hermione sipped her tea, "Cambridge."

"How the he-"

"Rachel."

"Heck, did a British interior decorator, graduate from Cambridge meet my father? And you still haven't told me your name!"

"Hmm," she set the mug down and pushed back from the table.

"Where are you going?" Rachel challenged.

Billy sighed and Hermione relented on his behalf. "I'm going back to Forks where I'm staying with my cousin. My name is irrelevant as I doubt our paths will cross again. I was introduced to your father as well as the rest of the Elders by Bella Swan. If I wasn't so fond of your family, I'd not have answered a single of your questions."

When the witch stood up, Jacob's head snapped up. "You're leaving?" The teen had been utterly oblivious to his sister's antics. When Hermione nodded, he jumped up and grabbed his keys. "I'll drive you."

Rachel scowled and snapped, "Jacob."

But her brother was having none of it and it was suddenly obvious he wasn't nearly as oblivious to the ongoing around him as he had appeared to be, "Don't 'Jacob' me, Rachel. You came in and upset a nice quiet meal with your stupid drama. You practically accused Hermione of sleeping with Dad. Not to mention you insulted her and Dad and not once did you apologize for being a bitch.

"Hermione's not a British interior decorator, she's a healer. A damn good one and the Elders have tried to get her to take over the clinic here on the reservation. She's smart and nice. She healed me after my accident and stayed here with Dad to help take care of me and him while I couldn't.

"I'm driving Hermione back to the Cullen's house," Jacob let out a rush of air as he calmed from his tirade, "because I'd rather be driving her around than be stuck here with you. Sorry, Dad."

Without another word, Jacob grabbed his plates, glass and utensils to put them in the sink. Hermione didn't suppress the smile of gratitude and followed suit. She intended to turn on the water when Billy spoke softly, "Leave the dishes, Hermione. You've done so much for us already."

Hermione turned to her friend, "Are you sure? It won't take but a moment."

"I'm sure. Thank you again for everything."

"You've already thanked me, Billy." Hermione walked over to the man and planted a kiss on his head. "Take care of yourself. Call me if you need me."

Ignoring Rachel entirely, Hermione and Jacob left the Black home.

Alice stilled, her sweater dangled in her unmoving hands. Jasper looked up from his book. He recognized the far off expression of his mate and kept quiet until she was ready to talk to him about what she saw. The pixie sized vampire smiled before she tossed her sweater onto the bed and began sorting through her clothing again. Purging the closet of winter and spring clothing was long overdue. Alice spoke in a soft voice and told anyone listening, "Hermione's on her way."

"Does she know about the imprint?" Regardless of his love of history books, Jasper had read that one a number of times and easily set it aside to focus his full attention on Alice.

"I don't know." Alice looked at Jasper with clear concern showing in her golden eyes, "Do we tell her?"

"No," Jasper answered.

"She should know."

"Yes, but it isn't our secret to tell. The shapeshifter should tell her."

"The pack knows. We know. It isn't exactly a secret." Alice paused folding the winter white jeans in her hand and frowned at her mate, "She'll be hurt and angry when she finds out that we all knew and didn't tell her."

"Telling her might influence her decision whether to stay or go. Is that why-"

"No." Alice cut him off. "That's not why we should tell her. Hermione has the right to know something this big. Sure, I'd love my cousin to stay in Forks or even La Push, but I wouldn't try to stop her from going back home. It isn't as if we can't afford to fly over and visit with her. It's usually pretty overcast in England and it rains a lot there. A lot like here. We should be safe."

"You're right. We should be safe to visit England," Jasper wrapped his arms around her waist and propped his chin on the top of her head. She relaxed back into him with her back against his chest. "I shouldn't have jumped to that conclusion. I'm sorry."

"Can I talk to you about something?"

The pair had only made it to the garage before the conversation began. Hermione was taken by surprise by his willingness to speak with her about anything personal enough to upset him. On the other hand, Hermione wasn't directly involved with the politics on either side of the border between Forks and La Push even if her cousin was. The witch set down her bag and motioned him to continue, "Of course."

"This thing with Bella," Jacob frowned and leaned back against the fender of his rabbit. He crossed his ankles and propped his hands on the hood of his car, tapping a finger as he sorted his thoughts. He rambled aloud to Hermione as a sounding board, "It's not just that she's marrying a blood… sorry, vampire, but Bella wants to be changed.

"I get why. Well, no I don't, but… I mean, if you're marrying someone that's immortal, don't you want to stay young with them forever? Then there's the issue with the pack. If he changes her, it breaks the treaty between the pack and the coven."

"What does the treaty say exactly?"

"The vamps can't hurt any human - by feeding or changing - or come on our land. In return, we don't tell anyone about their secret."

"That was rather short sighted of Carlisle to agree to such an arrangement."

"What do you mean?"

"He had one unmated 'son'. He obviously didn't think about finding him a mate or he assumed he'd find someone already changed." Hermione elaborated.

"It was all fine. We had peace for years, before Bella that is."

"Exactly," Hermione agreed. "This change is requested by Bella and demanded by the Volturi, which I will never understand. You can just get a witch or wizard to erase the memory of the vampires from any muggle. Why do they insist she be killed or changed?"

"I forgot about that."

"You're solely focused on how this affects your pack, which is understandable."

"The Bella thing is tearing the pack apart." Jacob sighed heavily and ran fingers through his black hair. "Some of us think she should have the right to decide, the rest are ready for war."

"What about Charlie?"

"Charlie?"

Hermione nodded, "I feel for the man. Charlie is going to be quite hurt when she changes. Seeing how he has no idea of the repercussions of what marrying a Cullen holds."

"Shit."

"This situation impacts more than just that little girl. Her decision to get involved with Edward has greatly impacted many lives."

The pair were quiet for a moment, lost in thought when a voice sounded from the door. "Hey."

The two in the garage looked up as Embry entered. Hermione silently cursed her body when her heart rate jumped at the sight of him. Embry wore a pair of cutoff jean shorts that hung low on his hips and a white sleeveless t-shirt that clung to his broad chest and showed off his muscular tanned arms. The witch simply smiled at Embry not trusting her voice, but Jacob didn't have that issue. He gave his friend a nod, "Hey, what's going on?"

"I was hoping to catch Hermione before you guys left." Embry's eyebrows furrowed, "But if I'm interrupting…"

"Nah," Jacob pushed away from his car. "I just got pissed with Rachel and Hermione was talking me down before I did something reckless on the road to Forks."

Embry gave Jacob a look that plainly stated he didn't believe it, but didn't push the matter. "Hermione…" He started and the witch swallowed audibly, "Can we talk?"

"That seems to be a new trend." Hermione jested, but dropped that line of jocularity when only Jacob laughed, "Never mind. Yes, we can talk. Mind waiting a bit, Jacob?"

"I'll take a walk on the beach to clear my head. You can find me there when you're ready to head back."

She could simply apparate back only the boy was gone before Hermione thought to tell him that. Embry took a step closer to her and then ran fingers through his short hair. "Want to walk or…"

Hermione took a glance around the garage and quickly nodded. It was too enclosed and conveniently remote from the house, they were too alone, he was too tempting. Walking would be good for her. Safer. "A walk is a fine idea."

The two made their way out of the Black family's garage and moved towards the woods that surrounded the property. Embry asked, "Do I want to know what happened with Rachel?"

"Probably not," Hermione admitted, "Besides that is a subject for Jacob to discuss. She isn't too fond of me. For reason I can't fathom, she seems threatened by me."

"You're smart, you're funny, you're beautiful, you're kind hearted-"

"Oh stop. I'm smart, sure, but she began ranting long before I even spoke. I think it had more to do with her insecurities than with me." She waved it off and asked, "How are you feeling? You were rather banged up along with the other boys."

Embry winced at the word 'boy', but didn't comment on it, "I'm fine. We're all fine now that Jacob's up."

They had made it to the woods. The smell of the earth, pine needles, fresh air and the hint of the salt air coming from the surf half a mile away was energizing. The boy stuffed his hands in his pockets and frowned again. Hermione put her hand on his arm, "Embry, what's wrong?"

He stopped walking and looked at her. "I've imprinted."

Her heart seized in her chest and she suddenly found it very difficult to breathe. Hermione felt like such a hypocrite. She practically pushed him to find another girl and now… she let her breath go, a breath she hadn't realized she held until her lungs screamed at her. "Congratulations."

Embry sighed; his shoulders slumped and he looked away. "I haven't told her yet."

The hand that still held his arm squeezed gently and she stepped closer. Hermione couldn't seem to help herself. He was hurting and she just could not stop herself from trying to make him feel better. "What are you waiting for? It can't be that bad can it?"

"She's…" He started, yet he couldn't seem to finish.

He looked at her then and the plea in his eyes for her to understand tore at her. "But they say that she will return your feelings… if not immediately, then eventually. That's a positive, isn't it? You can work something out."

"Hermione," Embry started and stepped closer to her.

She blinked in surprise at his sudden movement and her breath hitched. She took an unsteady step back as he stepped closer still. The further back she went the closer he came until her back was against a tree and he was a breath away. Hermione suddenly felt as if she were back in Hogwarts in Fourth year confronted with Viktor Krum and her first kiss. Her voice whispered between them as she responded, "Yes."

No sooner did the word pass her lips, his mouth was pressed to hers. His hands went to her waist and hers went around his neck pulling him closer. He was so tall that she found herself on tiptoes before his arm around her waist hoisted her up and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist.

Their lips met with need and want. The length of him pressed against her and she wanted him inside. His large hands slid from around her waist, up her torso skimming her ribs and she squirmed. The feeling was so intense that she moaned breathlessly. Her tongue slipped along his lips and he opened for her. Hermione's back was pressed harder against the tree trunk before his thumb ran along the skin under her bra. She took control of the kiss and he followed eagerly. His hips thrust against her and he groaned.

She broke the kiss when the sound registered in her brain, "No."

"Yes."

"We can't."

"Fuck."

"Embry," She moaned his name as his lips moved against her throat, his hand cupped her breast and squeezed gently.

"You taste so good."

"Embry," She squeezed her legs pulling him tighter against her.

"Feel so good. So beautiful," His voice was deep, guttural and filled with desire. "So perfect," His hips thrusted forward again and she gasped. "I need you."

"Embry…" Hermione nipped at his neck on her way to his lips, "Please."

"I want you, Hermione." His hips moved closer, pressing against her, grinding against her. One of her hands was tangled in his hair, the other gripped his shoulder. He nipped at her skin and whispered in her ear, "Teach me to please you."

Teach him… oh God. Embry was a virgin. She couldn't. She shouldn't. No. The… whatever it was they were doing had to stop. It was wrong. It was wrong on so many levels and it was at that moment that reality slapped her in the face.

Hermione's eyes sprung open and she stilled. He wasn't just a virgin, he was a boy! Her stomach churned. Embry was a sixteen year old boy. Hermione panicked. What had she done? What was she about to do? He wasn't just a boy. He was imprinted on some girl and here she was, wanton and writhing like some slut in the woods about to take his virtue. The shame rushed over her and she pushed at his chest. Hermione barely held back the tears of disgust at her own actions, "Stop, Embry or I will be forced to stop you."

Embry stilled. His head dropped to her shoulder. His breathing was ragged, as he tried to calm himself. The hand in her blouse stayed where it was, cupping her pert breast with a taut nipple, but didn't move. It was a good two minutes before Embry was finally able to pull himself together. He watched her as he slid his hand from her bra. Hermione's eyes fluttered and her breath hitched as his fingers brushed her nipple. His voice hoarse and his heartbeat was a fast tattoo against her palm that sat on his chest. "You want me."

Hermione met his gaze and didn't lie to him. Her voice was breathless when she admitted, "Yes, I want you."

He closed his eyes and rested his forehead on hers. "It's my age."

"Yes."

Embry backed away enough to let her feet back fall to the ground. "I can respect that."

"There's also your imprint." Hermione's voice softened to almost a whisper, "She should be your first and-"

"Hermione…"

"Yes?"

"I imprinted on you."

AN: Okay remember the note back in chapter 6 and I told you… I warned you… that 'things' were happening later on and I wasn't about to warn you again? Well, there you go. Things happened, but didn't happen, but dang did they get close and really… I did warn you.

And I hadn't realized just how steamy that chapter was and really I should have made this story a M rating... which I updated after posting last chapter. Granted that's as steamy as the story gets, but honestly I don't want to upset folks.

Noble Korhedron: Edward told Alice last chapter and Embry finally told Hermione in this one: Yes, he did indeed imprint on her.

Myread88: Yes, Hermione is 26 and Embry is 16. At some point in the Twilight books it is said the boys look in their mid-20s, but that doesn't change his actual age so Hermione is really going to have to control herself around that teen.

thatmutegirl33: Sure, Hermione can pop back and forth from La Push to Forks and such, but let's not forget she has a job still waiting for her in London. I don't believe they can just pop across that long of a distance.

Penny is wise: True. I originally thought Hermione was going to save Bree since that is what I had intended all along, but as I wrote that chapter I found that I was mistaken. Silly characters told me no. Hermione's opinion is (weird that I know these things? Yeah, it is how my warped mind works) that she has no business involving herself in vampire politics. She doesn't have to agree with it, but it isn't her place to stop them. It was similar with the Elders. Hermione felt they were idiots for boycotting the hospital, but it was their choice to do so. Think cutting off one's nose to spite their face.