A/N: Sorry. T_T

Again, please point out any inconsistencies. :D

Chapter V: Declining Apple Pie

It was already around six thirty in the evening when we decided to call it a day. I would have to take my shift at eight and I wanted to make sure she was safe in her hotel with someone on patrol should a Volturi guard slip through our defenses.

I was calculating the amount of time it would take for me to drive back to Emily's, eat dinner and head back to run the perimeter of the hotel when a shrill ring had me snapping my head around to the passenger side of the car.

"Sorry," she smiled sheepishly, pulling out her phone from the water-proof pouch on her lap. "I forgot to turn it down after we left the beach."

"S'okay," I turned my attention back on the road as she answered her phone.

"Hey, Ronnie," I don't mean to eavesdrop. Really. Damn my enhanced hearing, it was as if the person she was talking with was right here in the truck with us. "How's my baby girl doing? Enjoying La Push?"

"Hi, Dan," I can feel her smile as she greeted the guy on the phone who I assumed was her brother Dante. Dan was short for Dante, right? "Swell's amazing, but too cold for me. I can't stay in the water for too long."

"You can head back home any time," he told her. I prayed with all my might that she would want to stay a little longer. "I'll be due to fly back in a week."

"I said it was cold, not that it wasn't fun." she chuckled into the mouth piece. "The swell is good for another two weeks, I'm staying until then. Besides, I met a couple of great people to hang out with."

"Oh, really?" his tone turned suspicious. I didn't know if he was teasing her or warning her. "Please tell me none of them are boys."

"Dan!" She scolded, looking at me as if she knew I was listening. "I'm actually with one of them, he's driving me back to my hotel."

"He?" I can practically see her brother raising a disapproving eyebrow. "A boy?"

"Yes," she turned away from me, whispering fiercely into the phone. "Dante, I promise he's really nice."

"Baby girl, I'm a guy," he reminded her. "I have it on good authority that most guys are like that at first just to get laid."

I felt slightly offended at that. But it was the truth; most guys are nice at first when they want to get into a girl's pants. But I haven't even thought of that, I just wanted to get to know her. Well, for now. Jeez, I so wanted to hit my head against the steering wheel. But I really should at least try not to listen anymore. It isn't my business what she and her brother was talking about.

"Well, I don't think he's like most guys," she said in my defense.

"I just don't want you hurt," I heard him sigh.

"I know, I'll be careful," she promised.

"Can I at least talk to him?"

"Alright, one sec," I stiffened in my seat as she handed me the phone. "Dante wants to talk to you."

"Uhm, okay," I hesitantly pulled over and took the phone from her hands. I wasn't sure why but I was scared out of my mind as I held the phone to my ear. I was supposed to be some super powered mythical creature here! I shouldn't be afraid of talking to someone over the phone. But maybe it was more about getting his approval rather than whatever bodily harm he can do to me. Which I doubt he could, considering he's miles away and that I am, as I have said, a super powered mythical creature. "Hello?"

"What is your name, boy?" Came a stern voice through the ear piece.

Really? Boy? How much older did he think he was? Veronica was eighteen and she told me Dante was eight years older than her. That would make him only twenty-six. Boy, if he knew I was really twenty-nine and knew what I looked like, he wouldn't be calling me a boy.

"Embry Call, sir," I answered, summoning all my confidence. But my voice came out a little strained.

"I'm assuming you already know who I am, Embry," I can already imagine the sharp, green eyes glaring at me, measuring me. Veronica told me earlier today that she and her brother looked very much alike, that he was a male version of her, albeit he had blonde hair inherited from their mother. "My wants in life are simple and keeping my sister safe and happy is at the top of my list. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir." I nodded dumbly, stopping mid motion when I realized he couldn't see me.

"Good," his voice suddenly changed, suddenly became friendly. What the heck is up with these sibs? One minute they seem like they're ready to behead you, the next they're all peaches and cream. "I hope Ronnie's judgment of you isn't misled."

"I assure you, sir," I straightened in my seat. I didn't know why, but I had the urge to be like one of those sophisticated dudes in suits even if he couldn't really see me. "It's not."

"Alright then," I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief. It was barely audible but I swear I heard him chuckle. "And call me, Dante or Dan. I'm her brother, not her father."

"Sure, Dan," I said awkwardly, smiling a little.

"I'm glad I had a chance to speak to you," his tone was relaxed now.

"Me too," I said honestly. Then saying "Good bye" quickly, I passed the phone back to her as I pulled the truck back onto the asphalt and drove carefully towards her hotel. It went better than I thought. I half expected him to threaten me but he didn't.

I listened still as Veronica told her brother that she loved and missed him, her tone longing. After she bid him her own "Good bye," she held the phone in both hands and turned to me.

"Sorry," she smiled apologetically. "He's a bit protective."

"It's cool," I grinned. "Seth and Jake are the same with their sisters."

"I had a great time," she told me as we pulled up in front of the hotel.

"I'm glad," I returned her smile, opening my door and headed to the back seat to help her with her stuff.

"Claire and Leah invited me for a get together at the beach tomorrow night," she said as I handed her surfboard and backpack to a bellhop. "They said friends only."

"Ah, yeah," I recalled Emily organizing that party a week ago since it's been a while we did so. It was also for Renesmee. She's been away for almost eight years now, her family having moved to Alaska when she was growing up too fast. She and her parents would visit at least once a year, mostly around her birthday in September until Christmas. "A friend is here for a visit so Emily decided to throw a party."

"Won't I be intruding?"

"No!" I told her quickly, causing her to giggle. "You're more than welcome, as my guest."

"It was Claire and Leah who invited me." She teased as we walked towards the lobby. "You never mentioned it."

"Well, must've slipped my mind. I was kinda distracted," I embarrassedly scratched the back of my head before turning to her with a huge grin. "I'm inviting you now."

"I'll be there," she laughed, taking the keys the girl at the front desk handed her. "See you tomorrow then? I'll be going around town for souvenirs."

"Sure," I waved a bit as she made her way towards the elevator. "I'll pick you up at nine?"

"Okay."

My brothers were staring at me with amazed expressions as I devoured my dinner as fast as I could that night. I wanted to be out there as soon as I can.

"You need to breathe sometime, Em," Quil reminded, taking another bite of the slice of homemade pizza.

"I'm on patrol tonight," I said. I took a deep breath before heaving another slice to my mouth, my sixth one. Having swallowed, I stood up and made a beeline towards the door, but not before thanking Emily.

"Dessert?" Kim offered, standing by the threshold between the kitchen and the living room. She was holding a saucer with vanilla ice cream and apple pie that she had baked for the pack.

"I'm good," I nodded at her direction before exiting. "Thanks!"

"The fuck was that?" I heard Jared exclaim as I closed the door behind me. "Embry? Declining apple pie?"

It was a well known fact that apple pie was my absolute favorite dessert. But I had no time for pie. There were vampires after my imprint and I had to make sure not one of them gets close.

I phased, my mind linking with Paul and Sam who were still on patrol. I know Quil, Jacob, Seth and I are supposed to run together but Quil wanted to wait until the two are back from the Cullens' before leaving but I couldn't wait any longer.

You're alone, Paul said through our link.

Thank you, Captain Obvious, I snorted, running in the direction towards her hotel.

Don't get smart with me, punk, he threatened, growling through our minds.

Stop, Sam ordered. Why are you alone, Embry? Where are the others?

Jake and Seth aren't back from the Cullens' and Quil is waiting for them back at your place, I replied, my sights already catching the lights of her hotel. I couldn't wait anymore. I trust Jacob already told you about the Volturi I saw today.

He did. Sam fell in step with me as I neared the end of the tree line surrounding Ocean Resort. There's no sign of them for now. Go back until the others are ready, Paul and I have it covered.

I won't take any chances, I stopped, sticking my nose in the air in search of her unique scent. I followed it around the back of the hotel, her room at the top most floor first window from the right. It was a small hotel, but the best in La Push. Considering her family's wealth, it was an obvious choice for her. They're after my imprint.

I felt Sam's sigh as he turned to towards the border. I'm going to check the border again. Paul, take the mid section.

Right, I felt Paul's mental nod and his presence in the area between the hotel and the border. I hope the others get here soon. I smell Rachel's quad cheese lasagna.

It was a good half-hour before Quil, Jake and Seth joined the link before Sam gave his final orders and left with Paul.

Anything? I asked as Quil joined me.

It's getting weirder, man, came Jake's mental head shake. Edward and Bella didn't know a thing so we called Alice to try and get a read on her.

So?

Alice couldn't see her, came Seth's worried reply.

Can't do a prediction on her, you mean, my eyes narrowed suspiciously, wondering what he meant.

No, Jacob's thoughts were just as worried, if not more. As in can't see her. She said it's like not seeing anything around us and Nessie. But unlike with us, she says it's something deliberate, like she's being blocked on purpose.

I stopped in front of her hotel then, looking up. She was sitting by her window in her pajamas, knees tucked close to her chest with a book in hand. There was a plate of fruits sitting at the sill, her hand occasionally digging in for a bite.

She looks pretty normal, Quil offered when my unease became apparent to them.

We look pretty normal, too, when not in wolf. I reasoned. But I knew that was bull. We were huge compared to the normal person, as if we were on steroids. I don't know why, but I was trying to imply that looks can be deceiving.

I don't understand it all. She did look normal, but her scent, the Volturi on her tail and now, deliberately or not, a block on Alice's visions.

Maybe it's like Bella's thing, Seth shrugged. He was running the middle while Jacob was at the borders. You know, how she had this shield thing around her even when she was human?

They were all trying to calm my thoughts. It was in turmoil. I didn't know what to believe. I didn't know what was going on. Everything was supposed to be simple right? I imprint, she accepts me, falls in love with me and happily ever after. Right?

My eyes widened when I saw a blanket float towards her and wrap around her shoulders, enveloping her curled form.

Shit! Thus was the thought that ran through our minds.

A/N: Yes, Veronica is eighteen. I know I mentioned sixteen in the prologue. But I did say around sixteen. So there! :P