Enigmatical

By wired2damoon

Chapter 19: Displaying Ignorance And Demanding Proof

Part 1

A/N: THIS CHAPTER IS SPLIT INTO PART ONE AND PART TWO and is dedicated to Mindy Ann, thank you for your very kind reviews! Hope you like this!

NOTE, PLEASE READ: Up until now, you may have noticed that my story has mostly a light-hearted, comic relief sort of feel to it. I would just like to say that for the next few chapters, well, a great chunk of the story actually, isn't going to quite like that. There is serious development in genres coming up, with angst and various other more serious topics. But hopefully, if I do it right, it will flow with the natural feel of the story…either way, it is a necessity for my particular plot. I'm a little nervous about it, but anxiously hope you'll like it.

Just a word of warning, there is very mild "mature-ness" (yes, I'm aware it's not a word LOL) in this chapter, in the form of Quil's imagination. I feel that I should develop his feelings for Claire (up until now we've only seen the innocent thoughts he has about her, yet we've seen Claire's more 'smutty' ones for him…cough…SHOWER SCENE…cough) in a not-so-innocent form. I just hope it works out! Well, I'll shut up now! Enjoy! ~wired2damoon~ x

- Erin's POV -

I blinked. Had he just said what I think he said?

"What…what do you mean they're all true?" I asked, surprising myself that I could actually talk. I was already extremely busy going through scenarios in my head, was Embry psychotic? Was he just joking around? Or was he delusional, as in he actually believed in old myths and legends?

He nodded slightly, looking as if he were trying to convince himself of something in his head, "I-I mean, everything you heard tonight…all those legends…are based on fact," he replied, sounding a little more determined. "Werewolves…vampires…they-they exist…" he murmured, so lowly in fact, that I had to lean forward slightly to hear him.

I bit my lip, half tempted to laugh at the seriousness of his tone (and of course at what he just said), but something, I'm not quite sure what, made me not laugh. I just really didn't think it would be a wise thing to do. Instead, I merely stared at him, trying to decipher what exactly was going on in that brain of his.

"Is…is this a joke?" I asked, feeling a little uneasy, perhaps Embry was too good to be true and he was just messing me around. My heart panged heavily in my chest at that thought, I really, really hoped not. I could not get hurt again…

He shook his head violently, "no, no its not a joke Erin, I-I know it's a lot to take in, just-just please, please hear me out okay? Let me explain what I mean and then…then if you still think I'm crazy or I'm kidding or something then I fully understand if you don't want to…be with me anymore. Okay?"

I nodded slowly, letting out a breath. I'd give him an opportunity to explain himself, I did like him after all. But if I found out this was just some sick joke, this guy will live to regret the day he ever met me.

That's a promise.

--

- Claire's POV -

I sighed as I glanced out of my bedroom window. Nessie and Jake were downstairs with my mom, talking about the bonfire. My eyes flickered to Embry's car where I could vaguely see Erin sitting in the passenger seat, staring at Embry as he talked.

More than likely, he was telling her that the legends she heard tonight were real. I winced as I knew that she would probably freak out and think he's a complete lunatic, but then again, that's why Jake and Nessie stuck around, to help her believe I guess.

I knew that Nessie wasn't terribly over-joyed at Erin being told of vampires just yet, (she thought the existence of werewolves was enough for her to take in for one day) but Embry thought differently. He seemed to believe she could take it, and dear god I hope he's right.

It of course, has crossed my mind that Erin is not going to be here forever. I'm not sure if this realisation has hit Embry yet (or if he's just choosing to ignore it) but I have thought about it. Erin was only staying until December 22nd after all, and it was already October 3rd. What exactly was going to happen then?

As I thought about it, its hard to believe she's only been here a month, I feel like I've known her forever, I'll really miss her when she leaves. I can only imagine how Embry's going to take it. Maybe I should mention something to Jake? Although…I'm sure he's already thought about it…

I ran a hand over my face tiredly, walking away from the window and plonking down on my bed heavily. It was just a waiting game at the moment, and I'm sure I'll hear Erin enter the house as she'll probably be accompanied by her own loud voice (calling Embry a psycho or something) followed by Embry's soft pleas. It's all too predictable, that is basically what has happened with most imprints so far, why should Erin be any different?

I rolled my eyes and lay down on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Just talking about imprints and shape-shifters and their weird love made me think about the one thing I've blocked from my mind the past two days.

Quil.

I snapped my eyes shut as his face began to form behind my eyelids. Almost subconsciously, I felt myself drifting back to Wednesday night where I lay on his living room floor, him practically on top of me. I sighed contently as I clearly remembered how my skin tingled when his hand cupped my cheek, how my heart sped up as he drew ever so closer to me…how I desperately wanted him to close the small gap between us and let his lips grace mine…

But was that really what would of happened if that stupid parrot didn't start singing and scare the bejesus out of me? Would Quil Ateara, my best friend in the entire universe, kiss me, Claire Young, a girl he's known forever and treats like his little sister?

The sheer thought of it almost made me snort with laughter. Except, of course, that that the more I thought about it, about how he looked at me and how he slowly drew his face closer to mine and applied feather-soft touches to my face, the more I was convinced that he was actually going to kiss me.

But that was ridiculous wasn't it? Surely, he wouldn't want to kiss me? Surely he wasn't the type to fall in love with his best friend and had tonnes of other women lined up? Surely…

Although, I knew that he didn't have a line of women. Hell, I practically had to force him to go on a date with Courtney (who I haven't heard a whisper of since then, I might add) and I've never seen him date anyone else…

But could that mean something? Did that particularly mean that he wanted to kiss me that night? I mean for all I know, he was going to whisper in my ear, tease me about falling over, or was just wiping something off my face.

Was it just my love-sick, teenage mind overplaying it for something it wasn't? I mean, I know I'm not exactly a romanticist (despite what my star sign says) but could I just be deluding myself into thinking that Quil actually thought of me in a 'romantic' way or was I just being hopeful as I had recently come to conclusion that I was exceptionally, unconditionally, irrevocably in love with him?

Yes. That had to be it.

Suddenly, I felt extremely foolish for practically ignoring him for the last few days. Of course I shouldn't feel weird around him, he wasn't going to kiss me, I realise that now. God, how could I be so stupid? There is no way that he'd be ever interested in me, I mean, hell, he probably sees me as still a child! He watched me grow up for God's sake! There's no way he'd have romantic feelings for me, I don't know why I ever let myself believe that there ever would be a possibility, wishful thinking I suppose. I should know better than to fall for a werewolf who could imprint on anyone at any time. That was one of the main reasons I broke up with Cody after all, well, that and the fact that he's not Quil…

Damn it! I really have to stop obsessing over this! I always told myself I would not be one of those gushing girls whose entire universe revolves around a guy that they have absolutely no chance with! I'm a strong, independent, smart young woman, I don't need a boyfriend to be happy. Wow…even as I thought that I had an answer prepared. I may not need a boyfriend, but I do need Quil. He's my family, my best friend. My best friend I happen to have extra feelings for. Why the hell am I torturing myself so much!?! This is getting painful at this point…

Rolling over onto my stomach, I punched my pillow roughly, before shoving my face into it. I was just about driving myself crazy, I actually regret the day I found out that I was in love with my best friend. It is true what they say…

Ignorance is bliss.

Before I had time to further contemplate my impending (and certainly inevitable) insanity however, I heard the front door slam. Not as loudly as I thought it would mind you, but still, I had to go investigate. Jumping off my bed, I swiftly raced out of my room, and down the stairs, my steps softening along the way.

Odd. There were no raised voices. No screaming obscenities. No stamping feet. Or door being slammed off their hinges. Humm… that is very odd.

With my brow furrowed, I tip-toed towards the kitchen, were I could plainly hear a murmur of voices. Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepared myself for what was sure to be a gruelling event.

Here goes.

Softly, I pushed open the door and slipped quietly in, my eyes focused on the inhabitants in the middle of the room. It seemed that no one, bar Nessie (who threw me a worried glance), had noticed my arrival. Everyone was too busy staring at Erin and Embry as they in turn stared at one another.

"What…?" Embry asked, obviously answering the question I had failed to hear.

I hardly dared to breathe, neither did Jake by the looks of him, and if I'm not mistaken I'm pretty Nessie actually has stopped breathing. It was deathly quiet for a number of seconds, before Erin shook her head, put her hands on her hips and glared up at Embry, a determined look on her face.

"You heard me wolf-boy. Prove it."

My mouth dropped open. This, I was not expecting. Erin really is a weird girl…then again, she is Embry's imprint, so I guess that's a given…

--

- Erin's POV -

I was pretty sure that everyone in the room were gawking at me as if I had lost my mind, which I found a little funny considering I wasn't the one claiming to be a werewolf, but I continued to glare up at the young man in front of me, ignoring everyone else.

The past half-hour kept whirling around in my brain as I remembered what he had said to me in the car. I had really begun to think he had escaped from a mental institution and was suffering from severe head-injuries or something but there was something that was holding me back from voicing these particular thoughts.

There was something in me, that badly wanted to believe him. I scoffed at that thought. Maybe I am the crazy one? I mean, how many girls can there be exactly that want to be with a guy who claims he's a 'werewolf'? My ex was right, I am a freak.

So, I decided to do something drastic, I asked him to prove it. Prove to me that he is a werewolf, at least, that way, I can see that he's delusional, except it and get over it. Erin O' Connell will not be made a fool of.

"You…you want me to prove that I'm a werewolf?" he asked softly, utter fear lacing his tone. I almost smirked in satisfaction, I was going to make a fool out of him, not the other way around.

"Yeah, so go on…uh…oh what's it called again?…Oh yeah, phase. Go on."

I watched as he shot a look at Jake, who seemed to be silently communicating with him with just his facial expressions. I rolled my eyes, why the hell wasn't everyone finding this extremely weird? Why wasn't everyone looking at Embry like he had gone completely la-la? Were they just humouring him?

I took this opportunity to glance at my fellow female companions in the room. Claire, Nessie and Lana's faces all held the same expression, which confused me even more. Anticipation.

Shaking my head, I glanced back at Embry who was no longer looking at Jake, but staring right at me. "All right," he said, looking a little strained, "all right, I'll-I'll show you…but there's a few things we have to go over first."

I frowned. Okay, that was not the reply I was expecting…

- Quil's POV -

I pulled my shirt over my head roughly as I stormed into my bedroom. I felt so agitated that I could hardly keep still as I underdressed to take a shower. I removed the rest of my clothes in a hurry as I entered the bathroom and turned the faucet. Little spurts of water drizzled down the wall before I turned the knobs and stepped into the shower. I tilted my head up and let the water run down my neck and back, taking deep, calming breaths as I rested my palm against the wall, my head now bent lowly.

Tonight had been extremely tough on me. Listening to the old legends had practically been torture to me with Claire in such proximity but not actually sitting beside me. I couldn't take the fact that there was this…awkwardness between us. I thought it was bad when I saw her kiss Cody, but the aftermath from when we nearly kissed…that was a whole other story.

These last few days have just been a nightmare for me. Suddenly, it's as if I can't keep my hormones in check. My dreams have been…ahem…well, lets just say I've taken a lot of cold showers in the last two and a half days, and every time I even think of Claire, I…well…my mind goes into over-drive. This, I suppose, is a natural development in our relationship, but still, that doesn't take away the shock-factor or complete…unease I feel when I think of her in that manner.

It's the near kiss that sparked all this of course, I'm sure of it. I can't remember a time when I've ever felt this…frustrated around her. In one way I'd give my right arm for her to be beside me at all times, and yet, there's another part of me that wishes I could stay away from her so I wouldn't feel so, teased, taunted.

As I ran my hands through my hair, I shut my eyes and let my mind wander back to Wednesday night when Claire and I were lying on my living room floor. I bit my lip as I remembered how close our bodies were, how flushed Claire's skin was…how I could hear her heart beating a mile a minute as her chest heaved heavily…

I groaned as I pictured her. My God, I feel worse than any hormonal teenager. I could plainly see the image of Claire as she had been in my latest dream, flancing about behind my eyelids. She always looked the same, heavenly, dressed in a flowing, cream, summer dress (something I'd highly doubt she'd ever actually wear in reality), her dark hair flowing about her shoulders, her odd, crystal eyes gleaming in the sunlight…her luscious, pink lips begging me to kiss her senseless.

I felt myself tense up again, the blood rapidly flowing to my lower regions as I let my mind wander, and I imagined the soft, delicate skin just above her breasts…NO! No Quil! I scolded myself, banging my fist against the wall (causing a deep crack to form), my teeth clamped and jaw set. Damn this new-found lust! Just when I thought being innocently in love with her was complicated enough, now I had to go and…well…find her sexually attractive.

And there's that word again! God, there really is no escaping it, is there? I mean geez, don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude, (well, Claire seems to think I am, but just because I don't announce every single dirty thought that I have, like she does, does not make me prudish) but sometimes I really do shudder a little when I find myself drifting off to my own personal daydreams more often than some may define as 'healthy'.

I knew I was only fooling myself when I say that these new feelings have only showed up in the last few days. In fact, if I'm completely honest with myself, I've been feeling like this ever since that night at the beach when we went swimming, a few weeks after her sixteenth birthday, nearly a year ago now…

I found myself smirking as I remembered that night. Claire had had the bright idea to go swimming at like eleven on a Saturday night and I, being the love-struck fool that I suddenly found myself as, did as she wished and brought her to the beach. But nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for the sight that was the suddenly womanly-looking Claire in a (modest, one-piece that somehow still managed to be alluring) black bathing suit.

And that, I am ashamed to say, is an image that has stayed with me to this day (and visiting mostly at night)…something I am less than ecstatic about, I might add. Sometimes I feel downright disgusted with myself, sometimes I found myself wishing that my feelings never changed for her and we'd be the first imprint and shape-shifter whose relationship didn't turn romantic.

But, in my defence, knowing that this was inevitable, I find that it is better this way, rather than actually acting on my feelings. I'd sooner let a vampire rip me limb from limb than make Claire in any way uncomfortable(…huh, it's just a pity I didn't think of that on Wednesday night…), so, (however sick I may find it) my own imagination is the alternative. I just, I wish I wasn't as -'angsty-teenager' about it, it was rather embarrassing sometimes and was getting beyond difficult to hide it from the guys whenever I phased.

Heaving a deep sigh, I rinsed the last trace of suds out of my hair, turned off the faucets, opened the shower door and reached out to grab a towel.

Only to have one handed to me.

"WHAT THE-" I yelled, snatching the towel from a dark-toned hand, tying it around my waist and jumping out of the shower in a matter of milliseconds, glancing wildly around me.

A high-pitched giggle pierced my over-sensitive ears (the same ears that should have alerted me of an intruder, but then again I was pretty deep in my own thoughts) and I winced deeply, recognising that irritating shrill anywhere.

"Have a nice shower, Quil?" she asked sweetly, as I shifted uncomfortably under her scrutinising gaze that was running up and down my body with quiet contemplation, her eyes bulging with what I certainly hoped wasn't what I thought it was. Lust and greed. Oh please, don't let her have seen me naked. Please GOD don't let her have seen me NAKED!!!

"What the hell are you doing here, Suzie?" I demanded loudly, walking passed her, out of the bathroom, without waiting to see if she was following me. Undoubtedly, she was. Humm…lap-dog much?

"Oh…you know…I haven't been in your apartment in sooo long…I just, had to check it out," she replied in that same tone that made me sick to my stomach, practically running to keep up with me as I stormed around my room desperately looking for some clothes. Oh god, why oh why does TODAY have to be laundry day?!?

"Uh, well, it's the same apartment as always," I muttered distractedly, almost yelling with frustration as I realised I only had suitable boxers in my room, all appropriate clothes were in various places around said apartment.

She merely stared at me as I stood there, frowning at the underwear in my hand. "They're boxer shorts Quil," she murmured teasingly, "you know, you put them on to cover your-"

"-I know what they are Suzie! Do you mind, you know…" I ushered towards the door, for her to leave as I got dressed. She merely smirked at me in response, shrugged her shoulders and turned around where she stood.

"I meant leave the room Susannah," I almost spat, having to grit my teeth now to keep my temper under control. Ugh! The nerve of this girl!

"Oh don't worry Quil baby, I won't peek," she said softly, and I actually shuddered at the sound of pure…mischief and seduction in her sultry tone. She really lays it on thick…

I could practically see her smug grin even with her back turned to me, as I sighed heavily and began drying myself with another towel, (keeping a firm hold on the one around my waist, obviously).

"How the hell did you get in anyway?" I asked, swiftly pulling on my underwear and walking out of the room before she could even notice I was done. Unfortunately, she noticed far too quickly, I barely made it to the kitchen before she was hot on my heels once more, and again, I was painfully reminded of my lack of clothing. Boxers or no boxers, towel or no towel, I was still practically naked in the company of my imprint's older, scarily-'seductive' sister. This, above all, made me extremely nervous.

You might think it sounds stupid, a 6ft 7", 225 pound werewolf was 'afraid' or 'intimidated' by a 5ft 6" barely over 110 pounds human girl. But you would be the stupid ones to think there was nothing to be afraid or intimated of because you seriously do not know Susannah Mae Young.

She was like a demon child growing up. Seriously, that kid from the Omen, Damien, got nothing on her. I wouldn't be surprised if she has a 666 birthmark etched somewhere on that tanned skin of hers. And when she started getting the hots for me? Well, its safe to say that that was some of the most scariest years of my life. I almost cried with joy when she left for college…I'm not kidding.

"Oh…well…I remembered where your spare key is," she replied quickly and innocently, a little too innocently if you ask me. I was beginning to get even more wary. "Is there any particular reason you're here Susannah? You know, apart from, wanting to see if my apartment was still the same?" I asked tiredly, not caring if I sounded rude or not. After all, Claire would have just kicked her ass out by now…I am the polite one in that equation.

She started to walk towards me then, slowly but with determination. I stared down at her and my immediate response was to step backwards, away from her, but soon found the backs of my legs were already touching the armchair. I almost groaned with annoyance as I noticed she had halted a mere foot from me, her head angled to the side, as she stared up at me, a look of what I supposed was supposed to be coyness, etched upon her face.

She would just have to take one more step, before my knees buckled and I sat down on the chair behind me. Smirking evilly, she seemed to notice this too and slowly raised her foot and placed it almost on top of mine, causing me to lean back, and as I suspected, fall down onto the armchair. I barely had time to collect myself (fix my towel etc.) before I felt a hand touch my shoulder.

My head snapped up and I saw Suzie standing above me with the oddest look of…triumph and excitement on her face. I opened my mouth to ask her why she was looking at me so weirdly but found I was stunned into silence when she suddenly bent down and straddled me, sitting in my lap, her knees on either side of my waist.

"What-" I began to hiss but she covered my mouth with her manicured fingernails. "Shhh Quil baby, this is not a time for talking…" she cooed softly, her other hand tracing circles across my bare chest. My eyes bulged as she leaned forward and began kissing and biting my neck. WHAT THE HELL!?!

I wanted to badly jump up and throw her as far from me as I could possibly manage, but I knew that she would not appreciate it and neither would Lana, whom I'm sure Suzie would go running to if I ever did such a thing, and I for one did not want to end up in that woman's bad books. She was Claire's mother after all, and did take my imprinting on her youngest daughter pretty well, so, I certainly didn't want to do anything to upset Suzie, because God only knows what she'd do to fuck up my already complicated relationship with Claire…

"S-Suzie, look I-I'm not, I c-can't," I tried mumbling as I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her off me. She pouted down at me, obviously not getting why I was interrupting her. "But Quil baby, I-I thought you wanted this…wanted me…we've known each other a long time now and, well, I'm not a little girl anymore…" she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "and don't try argue with me, why else would you hang around me all these years, other than just waiting for me to grow up so we can…you know…" she trailed off, throwing me a seductive wink.

Well, doesn't that just make me sound like a paedophile!? This girl actually thinks I've been hanging around her since she was four years old just so I could make a move on her when she got older? Is she that deranged?! I knew we should of told her the truth about me and Claire as soon as she got older, but Lana always said that she wouldn't take it well…

Then again, how the hell do you explain to the girl that's been crushing on you for a solid six years that you're actually destined for her younger sister? Don't worry, it was a rhetorical question…

I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand as I stared up at her. She was still sitting on my lap, her knees digging into me (so tightly that it may have been painful to an ordinary human guy), her arms locking around my neck.

I couldn't help but sigh as I looked up at her. It would be a lot easier if I'd just imprinted on her, she was totally less complicated than Claire…but God, didn't I love how complicated she is? They say the best things in life don't come easy, but damn, sometimes I wish that things were as complicated between me and Claire as they are between me and Suzie, which is virtually non-existent.

But, deep down, I know that a girl like Suzie needs a simple guy, a guy that can put up with her, a guy that could actually love her…and that guy just ain't me.

"No Suzie, we can't do this, I'm sorry," I mumbled, although I did sound more curt this time, "c'mon I'll take you home…" I finished, making a movement to sit up.

"NO!" she yelled suddenly, gripping me tighter with her arms and legs. "I refuse to take your pathetic excuses Quil! I know you like me, I KNOW you do!" I almost snorted at her childish ways and stood up, not caring that she still had her arms and legs firmly locked around me, and began walking to the door.

"No, I don't Suzie, I'm sorry," I told her gently, lightly putting my hand on her waist to stop her from falling on her ass (I'm not that mean, I don't want her to hurt herself) as I reached forward to open my door. I planned on just letting her down there, where she could wait until I threw some clothes on.

Her arms fell from my shoulders then, and I almost laughed as she folded them across her chest, an angry glare on her face now. "Well then, why the hell did you bother hanging around all this time then huh!? It sure as hell wasn't for the scenery…"

I tilted my head back and regarded her, not wanting to give her such a straight forward answer. When nothing came to mind, I just shook my head, mumbled incoherently and threw open the door.

"Now you can wait-"

My voice died in my throat as I looked out into the hallway. Suzie seemed to freeze too, (her legs still wrapped around my waist, one of her hands resting on my shoulder), as she saw what I was looking at.

There, standing right outside my apartment door, was a familiar teenage girl, her hand raised, obviously about to knock on the door, but now stood frozen in shock, her mouth hanging open as she saw the two of us.

I was the first one to recover and took a deep breath before biting the bullet.

"Hey…what's up Claire-bear?"

END OF PART ONE! PART TWO WILL BE UP IN A LITTLE UNDER AN HOUR