First off, someone mentioned in a review that all I did was put up an Author's Note last time, but I'm going to warn you that before that I actually put up a chapter as well, so if you haven't read that you might want to before you read this.
I would also like to thank my reviewers by the way- rosegold1996... guests... Landis... wildanimal1... wolfgirlheart... and maddie.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight whatsoever, or its original characters. The only thing that I own is my own invention of characters and their background. So please don't sue me Stephanie Meyer. I don't have any money anyway lol. :-)
"I'll protect you. I'll
stand by you if
anything happens."
- Fuyumi Soryo
+Guard Dog+
Still June 25th, 2008… Wednesday
Amber's P.O.V
After we got back to the house with the dog, Taylor managed to set up all the things he would need. However, I didn't realize until now that she had intended to make him an inside dog. Hearing her say that only made me regret ever letting her adopt him. I mean, I could already foresee the future messes I would have to clean up.
At just that thought, I shuddered at the visual images I had in my head. I could already see myself cleaning up after one of his accidents... and it wasn't pretty.
"Okay, the puppy's all set up," Taylor announced as she walked back into the kitchen where Alice and I sat.
Currently I was chowing down on a turkey sandwich and a can of Diet Dr. Pepper for lunch. I knew I had to hurry since I was due back at work soon, so therefore I lost whatever manners I may have possessed at that moment. This of course earned me disapproving looks from my two friends.
"You know, you're starting to look like Hunter," Taylor laughed, as I swiftly gave her a rude hand gesture, before going back to gobbling down the rest of my sandwich.
"She's not kidding, Amber. You need to slow down, before you choke," Alice giggled, right as there was a knock upon our front door.
"COME IN," Taylor screamed at the top of her lungs, but I'm not sure if even that was loud enough. This house didn't really echo like you would assume it would.
However, Jasper shocked Taylor and me as he showed up in the kitchen minutes later.
"Alright, so what is this big surprise you just had to text me about," he asked, while staring pointedly at Alice.
"They got a dog," Alice replied, before continuing almost sadly, "But it doesn't like me."
"Oh, darlin'," Jasper cooed as he came over to wrap her up in his arms.
Seeing the affection, I turned my head away. Things like that just brought up to many painful memories lately.
Jasper must have realized something was off about me though, because the next thing I knew he'd let his wife go. Instead he took a seat on the bar stool in front of me, and started a conversation, "So, how was your first day of work?"
"I'll tell you when it's over. I'm due back there in about twenty minutes," I mumbled through the last of my sandwich.
"Eww! Seriously Amber! Remember your manners. You're not your cousin," Tay groaned, as I gave a very noticeable eye roll.
About that time our 'dog,' came bounding into the kitchen. However, at the site of Jasper, he immediately froze. Growls instantly crawled up the back of his throat, as the hair on the back of his neck bristled.
Seeing what was about to happen, I called out, "NO! Bad dog!"
Hearing my words, he automatically calmed himself, as his tail quite literally tucked itself between his legs. Then, he simply hung his head, and whined, before trotting on over to rub his nose against my thigh.
"See, it doesn't like me…or you apparently. It really only listens to her," Alice replied, as I reached down and ran my hand through its silky fur.
"I guess he just knows who his master is. Dogs are usual good judges of character," Jasper shrugged, before asking, "So, what did you name him."
Sipping on my Dr. Pepper, I answered, "We haven't."
"Isn't that supposed to be one of the first things you should do," Jasper asked, as the wolf walked over into the sunroom to look out at the now rainy day
'Guess Taylor was wrong about the forecast this morning,' I thought with a chuckle as the wolf gave a soft whine, and began clawing at the window sadly.
"Yeah, it is. Though so far nothing's came to mind," I shrugged.
"I already told you…Fluffy," Taylor smiled.
"And I already told you… your crazy," I snorted, as the dog howled loudly from behind me. I tensed a little, but otherwise I was doing better than what I thought I would have.
"He really seems to like the rain," Jasper noted, as he absently drew circles on the island's marble countertop.
I guess Jasper was right, though. He really did seem to like the rain. In fact I already caught him licking the window as a raindrop slid down on the outside of the glass.
Then it seemed to hit me like a ton of bricks!
"Rain!"
"What about rain," Alice asked with a curious expression. However, Jasper seemed to catch on much faster than his wife.
"It's not bad. I mean, it's simple, but it's better than Fluffy," he snorted, as Taylor sent him a glare, as she exclaimed, "You can't name him, Rain!"
"Why not," I argued.
"Because it's a weird name!"
"It's better than Balto," I chuckled before calling out, "Rain! Come here boy."
The wolf's ears instantly picked up, and his head turned in my direction. His tail immediately began wagging, and his tongue lolled out of his mouth happily. Without another thought, he ran out of the sun room, and over to my feet.
"See, he answers to it," I said proudly, as I reached down to rub his belly.
"Yeah, but he comes to you anyway," Taylor griped, before calling out, "Rain!"
His ears perked up once again, before he dashed over to Taylor excitedly.
"See, he likes the name. So, Rain it is," I grinned smugly, before finishing up the rest of my Dr. Pepper. Crushing the rest of the can, I got ready to aim for the bin when Jasper suddenly jerked it out of my hands.
"Hey, what was that for," I blustered.
"I'm saving you the embarrassment," he teased, before tossing the can into the air. With a dramatic swish, it fell neatly into the trashcan by the fridge.
I simply gave Jasper a glare, as I growled, "Showoff."
In return, he merely just gave me a smug smile.
Rolling my eyes at his large ego, I announced, "Well, who's going to take me back to work. I'm due back there in…oh shit, I think I'm late!"
"Don't worry. I'll drive you," Jasper replied, before taking my hand and helping me get to my feet.
Immediately I was swarmed by various emotions all at once. My head instantly became dizzy, and my eyes all at once went unfocused. The world began spinning, and it was all I could do to stay upright.
Then, it suddenly stopped.
Almost right after Jasper removed his hand.
"Whoa! You alright there," Jasper asked in a concerned voice as he began to steady me by my shoulders.
"Yeah, I just… I just had a weird moment I guess," I mumbled, not wanting to truly answer what had happened.
I don't know why I kept feeling all these weird emotions from people; let alone why only Jasper made me feel like this? My only answer for what was going on was to simply keep my mouth shut for now; unless I was willing to end up in a psych-ward or on display for some scientists.
"Are you sure you're okay? I could have Alice call in sick for you," Jasper insisted, as his bright amber eyes met mine.
"I'm sure. I just got lightheaded for a moment, I guess. There's no need to call in sick on my first day on the job," I replied, as I simply waved him away.
"Okay, but only if you're sure…"
"I'm sure," I answered quickly, before grabbing my purse off the counter, "Let's just get going. I'm already late enough."
The group shared a worried look, before Jasper finally gave a reluctant nod. With that, he ushered me out of the kitchen, and out the front door to his…was that a Porsche?
"How…in the hell… did you get one of those," I exclaimed, as he opened the passenger door for me.
"Um, let's just say my family does well with stocks," he chuckled nervously, before shutting the door.
Within just a mere second he rounded around the car, and jumped into the driver's side next to me.
"Actually, this is Alice's car. I borrowed it from her while she's using Edward's Volvo," he commented, as he gave a gesture with his head over to the car next to his.
"Oh… well tell Alice I love her car then," I smiled, as Jasper revved the engine.
"I'm sure she already knows," he answered simply, without explaining. With those words we pulled out of the driveway to head on down the road.
Within minutes of Jasper's extreme driving, we arrived at the bookstore surprisingly still intact. True, I was still ten minutes late, but it could have been much worse if it hadn't been for my friend. Thankfully though, he wasn't as bad as Alice.
"I'll see you later, I guess," I replied, as I reached to open the car door. However, Jasper leaned over and stopped me.
I turned back to look at him, and saw the curious expression in his eyes, before he asked, "If there was something wrong with you…anything at all… you would tell someone right?"
I looked at him with my lips slightly parted in a somewhat shocked expression. I even tried grasping for some words to say to him, but nothing seemed to come out. So, instead, I simply just nodded my head.
His expression looked crestfallen as I gave him my simple answer. However he didn't press any further. Instead, he just commented, "You know, if you ever need a friend to talk to, you'll always have my number. Don't be scared to speak to me, even if you think I won't believe you."
My eyes continued to roam over his, but it was as if he'd shut down his emotions completely. Instead of that friendly look that I often saw, he now wore nothing but a blank expression.
"I will," I mumbled, as I attempted to open the car door once again.
This time however, Jasper didn't stop me as I got out, and ran over to the bookstore's entrance. Though, I could still feel his eyes on me; burning into the back of my head with a searing intensity.
Within moments of entering into the store, I heard the Porsche peel out, and him zoom on down the road.
"Your late," Latisha sang from the front desk.
"I'm aware. I lost track of time, but it won't happen again," and with those words I immediately set back to work; giving it my all to try to earn myself back into Mr. Mallory's good graces.
Three and a half hours later…
"Well, the store looks about right again," Mr. Mallory smiled, as he put away the vacuum cleaner back into the utility closet.
"That's only because I convinced you to dust the top of the shelves," I chuckled, while handing him the Pledge bottle and dishrag.
"That may be true sadly," he laughed, as he finished placing the rest of the cleaning items away.
Once everything was in its right place, he stepped on out, and locked the door behind him.
"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, Amber," he replied, as he ushered me up to the front where Latisha was currently reading the new Equinox book, "Oh, and before I forget. I need that sheet I gave you yesterday to put on file."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that," I exclaimed, before rushing behind the desk to rummage through my purse.
Within seconds I had it in my hand, and was placing it in his.
Mr. Mallory went over it briefly, before stating, "Well, everything looks about right. I guess I will see you tomorrow then."
"Alright, and I promise not to be late," I answered sheepishly, but Mr. Mallory just waved the comment away with this hand.
"Don't worry about it. Latisha has done it a thousand times."
"Hey! I usually have a good reason for it," his granddaughter cried from the corner of the store.
"That's what you always say, but I haven't heard a good one yet," Mr. Mallory snorted, before informing us, "Oh, and I won't be in tomorrow. My wife Midge will be manning the store, so be on your best behavior. She tends to be a little…"
"…bossy, over-controlling, or were you trying to say she's She-Devil in disguise," Latisha finished for him snidely, while popping her hot pink bubblegum.
"I was going to say 'a little eccentric,' but she pretty much covered it," Mr. Mallory guffawed.
"Alright, I'll be sure to be on my best behavior then," I offered, before grabbing my purse and keys. With my things in hand I made my way toward the door, and called out, "I'll see you Friday then, Mr. Mallory. Bye Latisha."
The only farewell I got from the brat was a snort, and with that I made my way out towards the car.
"Oh, hey…Amber was it? How was the first day," came a voice from the other side of my car.
Looking over, I found Mike casually reclining upon his beat up Cadillac. Instantly his baby blue eyes moved away from his current texting as they met mine.
"It was good. I mean… I guess it could have been better without IT walking around, and screwing me up, but otherwise I liked it," I smiled, as he took the hint to my reference.
"Well that's good, and don't worry about her. She'll come around eventually," he shrugged, as he made his way over to my car, "So, what's your plans for this weekend?"
'Oh god! Here we go,' I winced, as he pulled out all his big guns; like for instance that whole I-look-like-a-cute-puppy expression he was wearing currently.
Resisting rolling my eyes, I answered, "Hanging out with my friends."
"Oh, well I was just wondering if…"
"Mike, no."
He gave me the best puppy-dog look he could, before asking sadly, "Why?"
"Well, for one there's my boss's daughter who likes you, and then there's the fact that I don't date…at least anymore," I said whispering the last part.
Mike simply nodded, but he still had enough gall to ask, "If those weren't factors, would you still…"
"No. I'm sorry, but you're just not my type. Honestly, I'd rather just be your friend. You seem like you would be a great one," I said forcing a smile.
Mike gave me a bright grin in what I hope was understanding, before he answered, "Sure, friends. I got it."
With that, he gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder, before walking over to his car. After he had backed out and left, I turned my eyes over to the window to see Latisha's cold eyes glaring at me. Yeah, this definitely wasn't over.
'Dear lord! This is exactly what I don't need,' I groaned, before hopping into my own car to head home.
When I finally arrived home, tired and grumpy from the day that I'd had, it was only to find my parking space taken up by an old beat up 1986 red Volkswagen. I mean, there it sat, just mocking me, reminding me that I no longer lived in the beautiful Smokey Mountains, but instead in this constant monsoon of a town. So, I'm not going to sit here and lie by saying it didn't bug me even in the slightest…because it did. It was like these idiots knew that I had to park my car further away from the house, like they purposely did it just so I'd have to get drenched by the rain!
So, I guess it was safe to say that I was not even the slightest bit happy with Hunter's coworkers dropping him off. However, with a simple sigh, I parked my car next to theirs, and got out into the rain reluctantly.
"Hey, how was your first day," a voice called from my right; only infuriating me even further. Now, not only did they want to take MY parking spot, they also wanted to make me stand here in the rain, and possibly catch a cold.
Turning around, I saw all three of Hunter's friends looking at me expectantly. However, my eyes only zeroed in on one in particular.
Embry.
Almost instantly my anger ebbed away until it was barely a blimp on my radar; like it had never been there in first place.
All because of him?
It was beginning to bug me that my body and mind always seemed to react like that when he was around. I mean, what was so special about this average Native American man? I couldn't see anything special about him.
'Well except his eyes…oh and those high cheekbones…and the strong arms… and….oh dear lord I'm going insane.'
"Um, it was good," I answered, still standing there stupidly in the rain as my eyes remained glued on him.
"We also heard you got a dog," one of the lankier boys asked from the passenger seat; this managed to finally snap me out of my trance.
Shaking my head, to rid myself of such vulgar thoughts, I answered, "Yeah, we did… um…hey, I'd love to continue this conversation, but I'm getting wet so…."
"Oh sorry, we'll talk later then," the boy chuckled, before I finally managed to high-tail it to porch.
However, just as I went to put my foot down on the first step, my heel slipped on a wet puddle that was coating it. Within seconds I felt myself falling backwards, and I could already hear the hollers from Hunter's coworkers.
…but I didn't fall.
Once again, someone had caught me before I managed to bust my head open. Only this time, it wasn't one of the bronze gods. Nope, instead it was a freezing cold, icy pale white hand, and with their touch I managed to feel that jolt of emotions once again.
... Worry… Fear… Care…
"You okay," Alice exclaimed as she hauled me up to stand.
"Yeah, I'm good. I guess it could have been worse if you hadn't of been here," I chuckled, as I heard squishy footsteps approaching us.
"Hey, are you alright," a gentle voice asked, as the speaker placed a scorching hot hand onto my shirt-covered shoulder.
Turning around I found, of all the people I knew, Embry standing behind me with a worried look. Even as I stood there I could feel my mind shutting down, and refusing to process what he was saying. Instead, I was to busy watching the rain trickle down his hair and soaking into his white t-shirt. I could only imagine what body lay beneath that flimsy thing.
'Definitely god-like,' I gulped, before coming to the realization that he'd been speaking…only not to me this time.
"Why are you here," Embry growled at Alice.
"I'm her friend," Alice hissed, before asking heatedly, "Why are you here?"
"Hey, hey, hey, let's not be stupid," came a new voice from behind Embry. Within seconds his two friends were flanking him.
"Come on Em, let's just go," the lankier one coaxed, before adding, "We'll deal with it later tonight."
Through his tightened jaw, Embry slowly nodded before carefully backing away; all the while his eyes stayed trained angrily on Alice.
By the time they'd gotten him in the car, and left, Alice was already ushering me inside.
"So, what was that about," I asked curiously, as Rain came to meet us in the foyer.
"Oh it's nothing. Just those mu-guys, being prejudice," she answered with a shrug, before commenting, "You should get out of those wet clothes. You're going to get sick."
"Yeah, I probably should," I answered absently, as Alice led me up the stairs with Rain right behind us.
"Oh, I forgot to ask, but what are you still doing here. Not that I really mind, but…"
"I was still visiting with Taylor, but I was just getting ready to leave when you tripped. It was a good thing I walked out when I did. You probably would have cracked your head open," she chastised, before adding, "No offense, but I don't think you should ever wear those boots again. At least while you live here in Forks."
"Yeah, I probably shouldn't," I laughed, as we reached my room.
I walked over to my sitting area near the window, and took a seat on my baby-blue chaise lounge. Once I made myself comfortable, I proceeded to yank off the boots, and throw them over into the corner along with my socks.
Rain, the moment he saw the boots leave my feet, immediately shot forward to grab one of them within his teeth.
"Rain! Put the boot down," I ordered, as he gave me an innocent look before taking off. However, just before he made it out of the door, Alice yanked the boot from his mouth.
"See, I'm faster than you dog," my friend teased, as Rain simple barked unhappily in reply.
Turning back to me, Alice threw me the boot, while explaining, "If I was you, I would began hiding my shoes. He's still in that puppy stage."
"Or I could just lock my door," I shrugged, while watching Rain trot on over to my bed.
Before I could chastise him, he was already on top of it; snuggling deep into the comforter.
"Why do I have a feeling it's going to be harder for you than you think," Alice laughed, as she reached into my dresser rummaging for something.
"Here, you should take a shower, and put these on. It'll stop you from catching a cold," Alice announced as she threw me a pair of jogging sweats and a plain white t-shirt.
"Thanks," I mumbled, as I got up to take off my jewelry.
"Well, I better get going," Alice announced, before reminding me, "Oh, and don't forget our plans for this weekend."
"I won't," I smiled.
"Okay. Well, I'll see you later," she called, as she walked away.
"I'll see you later, too," I called, before making my way to the bathroom to get washed up. Lord only knows I needed a good soaking from the day that I've had.
Embry's P.O.V
"IT was in HER house," I growled, as Jake drove on down road 110; passing La Push's border on the way, "…and IT touched HER!"
"Seriously Em, if Alice hadn't then you're imprint would probably be in the hospital by now. I mean, I don't like her either, but you should at least be thankful she helped her," Jake blazed from the driver's seat.
"Yeah, but dude what if she had cracked her head open? What would the leech have done with all that blood," Quil argued thoughtfully, as he leaned his head against the passenger's window.
"Nothing… I think."
"YOU THINK," I screamed in outrage, as my body began to shake.
"Em, man! Please don't phase in my car," Jacob whined, before adding, "…and yes, I think. I mean, the Cullens have gotten better with the whole control thing; especially from living with Nessie. Even the blonde, Jasper, has made some pretty good improvements."
"I don't care! I don't want them around her," I yelled, before trying to take deep calming breaths to stop myself from phasing.
Man, I was starting to act a little too much like Paul. It had to be the imprinting that did this to me.
"They are her landlords, Embry, and now her friends. Can you honestly deny her friends right now? You'd only hurt her," Jacob reasoned, but I wasn't listening to his 'reasoning.'
"ME! HURT HER! They're the ones who are going to hurt her!"
"Oh thank god, we made it to Sam's," Quil cried from the passenger seat as Emily's and Sam's home came into view.
Jacob parked the car next to Emily's, and before he could shut it off I was already out the door. Shedding my clothes, I headed for the tree-line while calling back to the others, "I need to run for a bit. Ask Emily to save me some dinner."
"Will do," Quil answered, right before I felt my muscles and bones expand. Then in an instant I sprouted fur, and was on all four limbs.
However, I didn't stop the moment I phased. Instead I continued to run even as Collin's and Brady's minds entered my own.
'Whoa dude, what's got your panties in a bunch,' Brady snickered, as he felt the waves of anger mentally rolling off of me.
'One of those fucking leeches was at my imprint's house,' I growled, before showing them a mental image of Alice catching Amber before she fell.
'Oh yeah, I saw them today at the animal shelter being all buddy-buddy. I'm not going to lie though; I about lost it to when she walked in with that bloodsucker. It's like freakin' betrayal,' Collin answered, as he showed me his own mental image of Alice and Amber looking for a dog to adopt.
'To tell you the truth, I honestly don't like her. She's just another fucking leech lover like that chick, Bella, was,' Brady snorted, as he began heading back to Sam's so that Paul could relieve him.
'WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY ABOUT MY IMPRINT,' I screamed, before doubling back to head after him.
'Embry, dude, calm down. Brady's just trying to be an ass like his cousin Leah. You know he can't help himself, or his thoughts,' Collin called, as he instantly abandoned his post, and headed over to stop me.
'I don't care! That pup has no right...'
'Thought you didn't want the leech lover anyway, Em,' Brady taunted with a sneer, as I finally came into view next to him.
I got ready to pounce when Collin suddenly came out of nowhere, and shoved me to the ground. Standing between the two of us, he screamed, 'That's enough! If you two keep it up Sam's going to have us all running extra patrols, and I don't know about you, but I've got a date this weekend. I'd like to actually see my girlfriend if you don't mind!'
'I still doubt the chick's even real,' Brady snickered from behind.
Collin turned his head around, and bared his teeth angrily at his friend, 'Stop being a dick, Brady! I honestly have no clue what's been going on with you, but you need to shut your mouth before someone actually does lay into you.'
Brady rolled his eyes as he tried to block a few of his thoughts from being shared. However, he let slip a mental image of his mom and dad talking in the living room. Whatever that had meant, we could tell from the shared pack mind it hurt him.
'You don't know shit,' Brady snarled at the both of us, before phasing to stop any more onslaught of his memories from entering our minds.
Collin and I watched as Brady untied his cutoffs from the leather strap around his leg, before yanking them on roughly. With a huff, he turned and jogged the rest of the way back to Sam's house without even one glance back at us.
'What's been eating at him,' I asked curiously, as I looked over at Collin for even the slightest hint of an answer.
'Like I just said, Embry... I honestly don't know. However, whatever it may be, it's killing him both mentally and personality wise. He's starting to act more like Leah and Paul everyday. He's even starting to push me away now,' Collin replied sadly, before announcing, 'Come on, we better get back to Sam's too...unless you want to take over my patrol for me?'
I gave a snort, before answering, 'There is nothing upon this earth that would make me run extra patrols.'
'Really? Not even your imprint,' Collin snickered, as we both took off towards Emily's house.
I rolled my eyes, and tried to keep any vulgar names I had for Collin at that moment out of my thoughts. However, he did make a good point.
Would I run more patrols for my imprint? Better yet, just exactly what would I do or not do for Amber?
'I hope I never imprint,' Collin chuckled, as he listened into my thoughts, 'It's turned you into quite the pansy there, Em.'
'It's not all that bad,' I smiled, remembering the way Amber had looked earlier this morning, or better yet, when she had been standing in the rain. I guess there were a few perks to imprinting; one of those being that I got one hot imprint.
'I'll second that,' Collin agreed with a smirk, before phasing out.
Shaking my head at the young kid, I made my way over into the yard where I had dropped my clothes.
A little while later...
We all sat in a large circle around Sam and Emily's table quietly, waiting for our Alpha to voice his opinion on the matter at hand. However, so far he'd only remained quiet as he simply glared at the wooden table in disdain.
It was obvious he wasn't happy with my imprint's affiliation with the bloodsuckers, or how she'd openly defied his request when he'd asked her to distance herself from them. Even furthermore he was upset with the fact that she had willingly put herself in harm's way by actually befriending the leeches, and letting them into her house.
Yet, I think what cemented his annoyance for Amber was when he realized we had no authority to order the Cullen's away from her.
She lived on their land… near their house.
"This is utter bullshit," Quil spoke out first; only igniting the torch to burn brightly for everyone else's anger.
"There has to be some loophole!"
"They can't do this!"
"Those stupid leeches have no right!"
"ENOUGH," Sam yelled over everyone's protests.
The room went instantly silent once again as numerous glares met his own. However, instead of remaining quiet like he had before this all began, he declared, "The treaty states that we have no jurisdiction upon their land; especially near their home. The only way we could forbid the new imprint from speaking with the Cullens is if she lived in La Push... with her mate. However, I don't see that happening in any near future."
The last part was particularly directed toward me, as seemingly everyone's gaze traveled to my own. They all knew I was going to try to reject the imprint, and they knew that by me doing so, I was unwillingly putting my mate in harm's way.
"So, unless anything changes, we can't do anything about her association with the bloodsuckers. However, what we can do is protect her from any other harm that might come her way, and that includes these new vampires we came across…"
"Did you happen to ask Carlisle if they knew anything about them," Jake wondered out loud.
"That's what I was getting to, Jake," Sam seethed, as his eyes burned invisible holes into Jake's skull.
"Well then, what did they say," Jake asked obviously ignoring the anger still rolling off of Sam. It wasn't until Emily walked away from the other two imprints, and placed her hand upon his shoulder, did he finally decide to calm down.
Taking a deep breath he answered, "I called the Cullens earlier today, and tried to explain the delicate situation to them. Though they understand our concern; they have already realized the problem. They said the only reason why they're allowing the three to stay so close to them as of right now, is because the little psychic saw something about one of them in her visions."
"What did she see," I asked curiously.
Any anger that Sam had once possessed earlier, ebbed away quickly as his expression contorted into a pained look. With a sigh, he answered, "She saw one of them changing… becoming one of them."
Gasps and angry protests were heard round the room, before Sam silenced us once again with his raised hand.
However, I barely noticed anything the others did as I sat frozen upon my seat. With a shaky breath I asked, "Which one?"
"Embry I…"
"WHICH ONE," I yelled, as I turned my icy gaze upon him.
Hanging his head somberly, he answered, "She can't tell. All she could see was someone being bitten, and their body going through the change. The psychic's not even sure if it's a boy or girl. She says it's to blurry as of right now."
"So it could be Amber?"
"Yes, it's very likely considering what we learned last night," Sam confirmed, as a new pain in my chest grew larger by the minute; all the while it was becoming much more difficult to swallow.
Even if I wanted to break the imprint, I couldn't imagine my mate becoming one of them. It made me sick just too even put that image in my head.
"However, keep in mind her visions are not always solid. So, this could change. They're only letting them live nearby as a precaution; to watch over them from what Carlisle told me. They want this vision to happen just as little as we do," Sam informed us, even as I fought to hear his words through my pain and worry.
"What did they say about Embry imprinting on Amber," Quil questioned, as the pack once again turned their eyes on Sam.
"They're concerned… for the both of them. They know how we wolves are with our imprints, and the consequences of when the imprint… well when the imprint dies," Sam said as his eyes bore into mine, "They've at least agreed to allow us upon their land to protect her, but there will be no interfering with their relationship with the group. They said they want to be as near as possible if something does go wrong, so that they can help defend them if they must... or if they have to help the newborn into its new life."
"I guess it could be worse. I mean, at least they're watching over them," Emily said speaking for the first time, as she directed her comment mostly at me; trying to comfort her pack brother when he needed it most.
"Yeah, but what if it's one of them that slips up? What if it's one of them that changes one of the three? Haven't they realized they're just as much a threat to the group, as the leeches we came across last night," Paul argued.
"He's right, Sam. What if it is one of them," Jared mumbled, as Kim came around to hand the rambunctious Claire to Quil, before taking a seat on top of her mate's lap.
"It's not," Sam reassured the group; almost as if he knew. It was something that didn't fly past Leah's radar either, as she valiantly perked up in her chair, while squaring her shoulders in a challenging manner. Setting a firm glare in Sam's direction, she leaned further onto the table to meet his eyes. With a bitter sneer, Leah snipped, "How do you know for sure?"
"According to Carlisle, Alice saw the leech in her vision before it attacked. Though it was blurry, she knows it isn't going to be one of them. She believes it's one of vampires we saw last night; one of the girls apparently."
"And we can trust them," Brady scoffed, as Jake and Collin sent him a heated glare; hoping it would shut him up. Brady's attitude lately wasn't missed on nobody's part, and from the looks he was getting it seemed the other members of the pack were getting slightly annoyed with it as well; especially Sam.
"I don't think they would have lied about something like this. If they knew it was one of them, they would have left, and never bothered with the group," Jake insisted, as Quil and Seth gave a confirming nod.
"Maybe your right, Jake, but this is my imprint we're talking about. In all retrospect I don't want them near her…"
"Like I told you, Em; you need to trust them. I mean, I don't like this either, but I think they know what they're doing. Besides which, we can't stretch the pack that thin just to be constantly watching over her. We all have jobs and families. Maybe you should just go ahead, and tell her about the pa…"
"No," I bit angrily, before adding, "She's been through enough as it is. I'm not about to add this freaky supernatural world to her life as well."
Jacob simply rolled his eyes at me, but it seemed to only encourage Leah's anger in all of this. With an angry huff she instantly lashed out at him.
"Jake, she's not like Bella, Kim, Emily, Nessie, or Claire. They all pretty much found out the easy way, or through the supernatural way. Hell, even Kim was already in love with Jared before he told her; it was easy for him. However, Amber… well she doesn't even know Embry. How do you honestly think she'll take hearing about him being a shape-shifter? I bet you twenty bucks, she'll think he's psychotic," Leah declared through her spiteful laughter, as everyone else in the room gave nods of agreement.
"Thirty bucks says she runs for the hill," Jared announced, earning a few more chuckles; even a few from me.
"I bet you forty, I can win her over within three weeks," I challenged jokingly, as everyone's brow rose in curiosity.
"I thought you were going to try to break the imprint," Sam wondered warily as he instantly broke through whatever happy mood I'd found.
"I was… but if it means her safety? Damn it Sam, I have to keep an eye on her somehow; even if I don't want to tell her. I mean, I can still watch over her, and not have to tell her, right," I asked, as Emily gave me a proud look from next to her husband.
Sam, however, just seemed to stare me down as his eyes locked on mine with a calm look of understanding. He'd been where I am now. Caught between wanting to protect your imprint, and what was morally right. It was a bloody and messy battle between the two. One he had sadly failed at, as my gaze swept up to glance at the scars on Emily's face.
Would I fail just as he had?
"I guess you could try, but all I have to say is be careful Embry. Once you go down that road there is no returning from it," Sam explained carefully; never once breaking eye contact with me. I knew what he was trying to do. I knew he was trying to make me think of my decision before I made the same mistake he had; before I put my imprint in a dire situation. As much as I wanted to say his technique wasn't working, I'd probably be lying.
Watching the emotions and thoughts drift through my eyes with bated breath, as I carefully took his words to heart, it seemed Sam was now finally sated in his quest to make me see the light. Slowly the seriousness left his eyes, and was replaced by a twinkle of mischief. Without missing a beat, Sam leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and added offhandly, "Besides which, Fifty says you bail out anyway."
The room filled with laughter once again, as Emily smacked the back of his skull playfully. Sam merely gave her a sheepish look, before leaning up to kiss her lips, and then her pregnant belly.
"Alright then, so it's settled now. We can go onto Cullen land to watch out for Embry's imprint, but we can't interfere with the bloodsuckers and their association with her," Quil confirmed for us all.
"Right," Sam answered.
"And it's also settled that Embry isn't going to be ridicules, and try to break this imprint when he now knows it's impossible," Jake also asked, as he gave me a smug look.
"Ummm…I guess," I answered reluctantly.
"Good, because now that we got that all wrapped up, we can finally eat," Quil exclaimed, as Emily rolled her eyes, and demanded, "Haven't you three gone to the store to pick up groceries yet?"
"Nope," came Jake, Quil, and my sheepish reply all at once.
"Dear lord, what are we going to do with the three of you," Kim huffed, before getting to her feet to help Emily with the dinner.
Amber's P.O.V
My feet pounded against the ground mercilessly, as my heart beat grew louder and steadier within my chest. Every step I took seemed to make me all the more aware of the blood pumping through my veins, as the gentle breeze and slow misting of the rain whipped past me.
However, I couldn't hear it as something else kept blaring against my ears; something that seemed to only soothe my soul as I tried to keep my breathing regular.
"…Flames to dust
Lovers to friends
Why do all good things come to an end
Flames to dust
Lovers to friends
Why do all good things come to an end
Come to an end come to an
Why do all good things come to end?
Come to an end come to an
Why do all good things come to an end?
Well the dogs were whistling a new tune
Barking at the new moon
Hoping it would come soon so that they could
Dogs were whistling a new tune
Barking at the new moon
Hoping it would come soon so that they could
Die die die die die…"
I guess you could say that my IPod was my only companion right now, as I jogged down the familiar road leading back to my house.
I had left not long ago with Taylor, but being her normal self, she had declined to run any further than one mile tonight. Apparently she hadn't been feeling up to it.
Pffft!
I think her better answer would have been that she wasn't feeling up to leaving Hunter alone in the house with her sugar cookies. However, I guess I didn't really mind her skipping out on me. At least this way I got some peace and quiet while I jogged. I mean, I wasn't even that worried about being out here alone really, because for once I had remembered to bring along my cell. Though, that had been more of a precaution if I were to suddenly fall ill. I did just wake from a coma not to long ago, and there were bound to be some problems with my health.
Anyway, it felt good to get back to the basics of my life.
Back before the whole coma I would at least jog two miles to keep in shape for softball season; not to mention soccer as well. The jogging also helped to relieve any tension I had, and seemed to calm me down rather than hype me up.
I loved it.
However, Taylor was totally against it. I mean, sure she tried to keep in shape by eating right and exercising in her spare time, but beyond that she wasn't really the sporty kind of person. In fact, she despised sports. Taylor was more so the cheerleader at the games rather than the player, I guess.
You'd never really find her getting down and dirty in the mud, because God forbid she'd find a bug or a frog while doing so.
It was a well known fact that Tay was extremely afraid of all things related in the bug aspect; especially spiders. However, one thing she did withhold from most people when she first met them was the fact that she was afraid of frogs. Something about the tiny amphibious creatures just seemed to poke her the wrong way.
I remember once, when we were younger, we'd been visiting one of our friends down in Morgan County. We'd just be relaxing by the lake side in a local park, when out hops this frog onto Taylor's foot.
I swear you could have heard her screams from the next state over. She had this almost banshee like tone that just seemed to pierce through the air like a butter knife.
However, her screams weren't the only funniest part of the incident. It was even more hilarious when she'd lost her balance on the dock and went tumbling into the water face first. I couldn't stop laughing for days after that; especially when Hunter decided to tease her mercilessly about it non-stop. I don't think she's ever quite forgiven him or Ashlynn for the incident. According to her, she believes they could have prevented her from taking a midday bath.
Anyway, it was nice not having to hear Taylor moaning and groaning the whole jog back for once. At least while she was gone I could think over everything that's happened… even on Jacob.
Out here, in the middle of nowhere, I didn't really have to worry about keeping it together. I could just think of him, and let the tears flow for once; without worry that someone was going to ask the million dollar question, 'Are you okay?'
I hated those three words.
They honestly made me sick. Every time I heard them I just wanted to punch the person who'd said them in his or her face. I mean, I know they were just looking out for me, but can't they honestly see I'm not alright. To me, it just seemed like it showed their stupidity when they would bring it up. Didn't they know by now that I was probably just going to lie, and tell them everything's fine?
Fine…
It was such a neutral word with so many hidden meanings; just a one worded answer you could use when you felt you could no longer elaborate your feelings. However, it was rarely accepted as an answer anymore. Whenever someone heard it they almost instantly knew there was nothing 'fine,' about you.
Jacob always knew the truth behind that word. He even knew it when I was using other small answers like, 'I'm good,' or, 'That's nice.'
Jake had always been able to see right past my exterior, and straight into my soul almost every time. Even the first date we'd gone on he had been able to tell I was nervous.
"So, I picked this nice Italian place to eat at; you know, since it's your favorite," Jake explained, as his friend pulled away from my house.
"That's nice," I answered, while twiddling my thumbs next to him.
"Oh, and it's in Pigeon Forge to. That way we can go ride go-karts afterwards," he said with a bright smile, as he looked over at me; waiting patiently for my answer.
"That sounds good," I replied, forcing a reluctantly smile.
However, Jacob saw right through my demeanor as his grin almost instantly disappeared. With a calm expression, he asked, "You're nervous this isn't going to work out, aren't you?"
I gave a mere nod, and he took hold of my hand; ignoring the couple up front that were listening intently into our conversation.
"Amber, I promise you, if this doesn't work out I won't let it change anything between us. This is just a test run; not the end of the world. Just remember, you're not going to lose me as a friend; no matter the end result," Jacob persuaded me reassuringly.
"You promise," I whispered as I turned my wide doe eyes onto him.
"I promise," he breathed, while nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck.
Even though I now knew he hadn't been able to keep that promise in the end, I still couldn't regret letting him convince me. That first date had been incredible with him, and only led to many more.
With Jacob I had felt free and untouchable. He had made me feel invincible to any worry or fear I may have had, just from a simple reassuring word and look.
Jacob had been my friend… not just my boyfriend.
"Have a good run," someone yelled over my music, as I came up onto the porch.
I winced slightly in pain before pulling out one of the ear phones to answer, "I don't have it that loud, Hunter. You didn't have to scream to get my attention."
"Sorry, you were spacing out," Hunter shrugged as he lazily swung back and forth on the porch swing.
"So, have you checked out your 'Study,' yet? I just took a glimpse in there, and all I can say is if you don't use it, I'm taking it," Hunter chuckled, as I rolled my eyes to reply, "Nope, I haven't really checked inside yet. I've had a lot on my mind. However, that doesn't mean it's yours to use."
"Damn," Hunter groaned, before adding, "I was hoping to turn it into a game room."
"Nuh-uh, that room is for reading and relaxing only," I warned him with a stern shake of my finger.
"Playing video games is relaxing," Hunter scoffed, as he began dribbling the basketball he'd been playing with earlier.
"No, they only get your blood pumping. I've seen the hissy fits you throw when you don't win. There's nothing about you screaming, 'I HATE YOU COCK SUCKING HALO INVENTORS,' that seems relaxing to me," I chuckled, as he simply gave a roll of his eyes.
"That's because you're a girl! You wouldn't understand…"
"I've played enough video games to understand they're not the least bit relaxing. Now, if you don't mind, I'm gonna go get washed up for dinner," I said opening the front door. However, Hunter stopped me as he felt the need to remind me, "You shouldn't jog this late anymore, Amber; at least when it's getting dark. Remember there are wild wolves around here?"
"Oh…yeah… I forgot. Don't worry though, I promise I'll go jogging earlier next time," I reassured him, as he just gave me a simple nod in return.
With that conversation over, I headed on into the house to take a nice relaxing shower, again.
A little while later…
After dinner, I decided to finally go check in on my 'Heavenly Room,' and see how it turned out with the new furniture.
To say I was shocked at the sudden transformation would be quite the understatement. I mean, if I thought this was my 'Heavenly Room,' before then this had to be something else ethereal entirely.
It was like the walls were painted the color of the sky, and the furniture were the clouds floating around it. Everything, from the love seat, to the couch, was made of white velvet; topped off with a beautiful mahogany desk and coffee table accompanying them.
Heck! Even the big flat screen T.V. on the wall was shamelessly incased in a mahogany frame. No wonder Hunter wanted this room so bad. 'This was probably his dream room once upon a time,' I thought as I eyed the Dell computer sitting atop the desk nearby.
However, what made me specifically giddy was the fact that the mahogany bookshelves nearby were filled almost carelessly with all the books I'd brought from home; along with other knickknacks of mine
"So, I see you finally decided to take a look inside," Taylor answered smugly.
"They did a really good job," I whispered, as I took a seat upon the new couch.
"Yep, we did," she smiled, as I gave her appreciative grin, "So, how much time will you be spending in here?"
"Lots," I answered, as Rain trotted his way on into the room and took a seat at my feet.
"Looks like Rain will be joining you a lot as well," Taylor snickered, as I reached down to rub my hand through his fur.
"Ehh it won't be that bad. Rain here is my little guard dog. If Hunter so much as thinks about stepping into this room, Rain will chew his arm off," I laughed, as Hunter popped his head into the room.
"Rain likes me, so he wouldn't do that," Hunter challenged with a frown.
"Really," I laughed, before turning to look at our dog, "Rain! Go get him boy."
Just like that, Rain took off wagging his tail happily as he chased Hunter on out of the room.
"You don't think Rain would really hurt him, do you," Taylor asked worriedly.
"No, that dog loves us to much," I shrugged, as I laid back into the wonderfully soft cushions.
"Especially you apparently," Taylor answered smugly, before replying, "Guess wolves aren't that bad after all."
"Nope, not as long as they're like him," I said pointedly as Rain returned with Hunter's left shoe.
"YOU EVIL MUTT! BRING ME BACK MY SNEAKER," Hunter cried from somewhere within the house.
Laughing, Taylor and I just shared a knowing look, before taking the shoe from Rain's mouth to hide it under the couch.
Within minutes Hunter came barreling into the room half-shoeless.
"Did he happen to bring my shoe in here," Hunter demanded, as he glared angrily at the dog.
"Nope, I don't think so. Taylor, did you see Rain bring a shoe in here with him," I asked faking concern, with a look in my friend's direction.
"No, I don't believe he did. However, if I was you, I'd check the dinning room table. I found him hiding a pair of my ballet flats under there earlier," Taylor said, trying to hide her amusement.
"Alright, thanks," Hunter huffed, before leaving the room.
Taylor and I immediately burst into laughter, as I pulled the shoe out from its hiding place. Handing it to Rain, I warned him, "You better go give this to him buddy, or he's going to put you outside tonight."
Rain just gave a happy yip, before taking the shoe from my hands. With a swish of his tail, he turned around and trotted on out of the room.
"I swear that dog is to smart for his own good," Taylor joked, before yawning.
"Well, I'm heading off to bed. What about you?"
"I think I'm right behind you," I said, suppressing a yawn as well.
With that we trudge on up to our rooms, and got ready to tuck in.
As I was climbing into my bed for the night, I heard my door creak open almost silently from across the room. Soon this sort of clacking sound quietly approached my bed. I felt myself stiffen in fear upon the sound of the intruder, and slid even further down into my covers. Then, suddenly, I felt the intruder jump up onto my bed bringing forth a rather girlish squeal from me in fright.
However, when I peeked over my covers, it was only to find Rain lying curled up beside me. With a sigh of relief, I reached out and ran my hand calmly through his silky fur.
I guess I really did have a guard dog watching out for me after all.
Awe Amber is starting to like Rain, and Ooo we just found out that someone might get turned by the end of this story. Makes you wonder who doesn't. Either way, that's it for now. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as enjoyed writing it.
The song for this chapter I listened to while writing it and revising it are…
All Good Things (Come to an End)- Nelly Furtado
A preview of the next chapter.
Jasper chuckled at my expense, however noticing my distressed look he whispered, "You're not crazy, Amber. I believe you. In fact I've known all along what you were capable of."
My eyes quickly snapped up to meet his as I suddenly grew wary; wondering silently if he had lost his mind too. "How do you figure," I questioned cautiously, while squirming closer to the end of my seat of the booth.
"Because I'm just like you; I possess the ability of empathy…well, of sorts," he supplied with a harmless shrug. My eyes nearly burst out of their sockets at his words. Things were starting to get creepy way too fast; even for me.
I went to get up and leave, but noticing my oncoming departure he swiftly reached over the table to grab my hand and pull me back down. Almost immediately that all too familiar dizziness returned that seemed only to happen when I was around him. It was like there were emotions everywhere. Some that seemed not even his own.
"Believe me now, as I'm holding your hand here," he wondered, as I finally returned to my seat as the disorientation got much worse. Quickly seeing my declining state he let go, but by that point it was already too late. The food from this morning's meal slowly began to rise, as the feeling of butterflies floating about in my stomach took effect. It almost felt like I had been twirling around the room for an hour, before I'd tried coming to an abrupt stop.
'Oh God, it feels like my stomach's in my throat,' I thought with a groan as I tried to swallow it back down.
"You okay, Amber? Amber ar…" but he never got to finish that sentence, because the next second I was hauling ass back to the diner's bathrooms. Not a second to soon either, as I burst through the stall's door, and bent over the toilet to empty my stomach's contents.
Well, thanks for reading. Remember to review before you leave too if you can. Anyways, have a nice day, and take care.