Chapter 9

"Annie."

"Anna, honey."

"Annie?" A warm hand on her cheek.

"Annie, please?"

"Please, honey. Please?"

"Please, wake up. Please?"

"Please Anna. For me? I need to see those beautiful eyes."

"Brady," She whispered dryly, "Shut up and let me sleep."

There were loud barking laughs and she was forced to open her eyes. It was dark in her room. The curtains were closed and the heavy claps of thunder could be heard outside. Carlisle, Brady, Seth, and Emmett were standing around her bed. Emmett and Seth were still laughing and even Carlisle was smiling. On her right, Brady was grinning foolishly and she couldn't help but smile too. She attempted to sit up but was left with what appeared to be rushing water in her head. She blinked and sat back against her pillows.

"You should take it easy for a while," Carlisle warned, "You've lost quite a lot of blood."

"Where's Cam?" She asked worriedly.

"She woke up a half hour ago," Seth told me, "Allie is sitting with her now."

"Allie's back!" Anna grinned, "Can I see her?"

"You heard the doc!" Brady said hurriedly, "Rest!"

"But I haven't seen her in weeks!" She protested.

"I can send her in as soon as she's through with Camilla," Carlisle soothed.

Anna huffed impatiently, "Fine."

"Esmè has left you some orange juice and cookies," Carlisle smiled and motioned to the bedside table.

"Thanks," Anna smiled.

"Why don't we give them some privacy?" Carlisle suggested and shooed Seth and Emmett outside.

"Wear a condom!" Emmett called and the door swung shut.

Blushing slightly, Brady sat down beside Anna and handed her the glass of orange juice. She smiled at him and accepted it.

"I'm sorry that-" he began.

"If you say 'didn't protect you", I'll dump my OJ on you," Anna grinned.

"But I didn't pro-" He argued.

"I need my strength Brady," Anna warned, "Are you trying to make me waste my OJ?"

"Anna, I love you," He promised.

"I know," She smiled softly, blushing lightly, "I love you too."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before."

"You didn't have to. I already knew."

He grinned at her and carefully kissed her.

"I'm not made of glass," She whispered against his lips.

"I don't want to hurt you even more," He answered.

"You won't."

"I won't."


"ALLIE CALL!" Anna screamed at the top of her lungs.

Allie stood up from the couch and grinned at Anna. She held her arms out as Anna came barreling down the stairs with the force of a hurricane and into her arms. Holding on tightly, Anna couldn't help the tears pouring down her cheeks.

"Are you okay? Are you safe now?" Anna asked.

"I'm fine honey," Allie promised, "The Madrisee wolves have been eliminated as a factor."

"How?"

Allie explained to Anna about her friend that helped them escape. He had cut down a good set of the pack before being killed himself. He fought like a hero and saved the lives of not just Allie, Leah, and Celia. He saved the Quillette pack as well. That left them enough time to rescue Anna and Cam. Allie took her time explaining all the events and then gestured to Celia. The small, quiet girl left a remarkable impact on Anna. It must have been her gentle manner that had made Anna love her on sight.

"She is going to stay with us," Allie told Anna.

"Awesome! We can share my room," Anna promised the quiet girl.

"I don't think that will be necessary," Allie said smoothly.

"Why?"

"I believe we have a room available," Allie told her pointedly.

"I thought that Ryan and Kevin were taking that room," Anna furrowed her eyebrows.

"I-I...," Allie faltered and looked confused on how to clarify, "Let me explain everything later. We should be catching up now!"

Anna was in no way satisfied with her answer but, let it pass. She was happily engaging her new housemate in conversation when Ryan, Kevin, and Brady trooped into the living room. Anna smiled at them and allowed Brady to kiss her cheek. Ryan and Kevin took the seats adjacent to the couch.

"Celia, this is my imprint Brady," Anna introduced and Celia smiled politely, "And these two are Ryan and Kevin."

Celia turned to look at Ryan and Kevin. Kevin grinned kindly and continued to type on his phone. Ryan on the other hand gaped openly at Celia. His bottle green eyes went wide with adoration. Celia in turn stared openly; her careful posture slipping and her heart rate picking up.

Anna glanced over to Brady and grinned. He twined his fingers tightly in hers and observed the new couple. Kevin, catching on to the silence looked around and noticed his brother and Celia's exchange. He arched an eyebrow and cursed under his breath.

"Another love struck puppy," Kevin rolled his eyes.

"At least now Mel is all yours," She pointed out.

"She already was," He shrugged.

"Oh, cut it out," Brady sighed, "We all know that she has no interest in you."

Kevin appraised us, "Then why did I imprint on her last week?"

"YOU WHAT?!"

"I imprinted on her last week," He repeated calmly.

"When- how?" She asked confused.

"Remember when you were on lock down and you asked me to pick up lunch for everyone at the diner?" He asked impatiently.

Anna nodded. We had all been tired and in desperate need of a pick-me-up and thought of Melissa since she always delivered.

"And I was late?"

"Yes," She replied recalling her irritation then.

"I told her everything right then and there. Vampires, wolves, everything. Even the whole mission," He shrugged, "I don't know why all of you thought imprinting was so hard. Couldn't have come easier to me."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Brady demanded.

"Things were tense enough without a new imprint," He said nonchalantly.

"Are you saying you did this out of the kindness of your heart?" Ryan asked.

"What can I say? I'm a giver."

INSERT LINE HERE

"And I really can't thank all of you enough," Allie said at the pack meeting.

"You're family honey," Emily smiled, "This is what family does for our wolf brethren."

Allie and Leah beamed. The house was packed and it seemed that everyone was a thousand times happier. Kim had become shy and sweet again after Jared the 'Space Heater' had returned. The boys were playing with Sam and even Rachel was good-naturedly ribbing Leah. Celia was calmly sitting beside Ryan and hanging onto Allie's every word unaware of his starry-eyed gazing at her back.

"Knock Knock," Melissa called from the front door.

"MEL!" Kevin shouted joyously and rushed to hug her.

They took their seats together and waited for the gaping crowd to continue with their business.

"Uh, Melissa," Seth said awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, "I hate to be rude here but, this isn't really the time for a visit."

"Oh," She said dejectedly, "But I thought all imprints were welcome at pack meetings?"

"How do you know-" Paul started.

"I thought it was obvious," She said coyly, "Kevin is my imprint."

"AND WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?" Allie shouted at Kevin harshly.

"When you were- ahem-busy," He said smirking.

"I was here the whole time and I didn't know," Lisa protested.

"It wasn't important at the time," He shrugged.

Melissa rounded on him, her eyes flashing dangerously, "Are you saying that I'm unimportant?"

"Never, my love," He consoled her with a smile, "The situation was grim and needed everyone's full attention."

"Yes, I'm sure," She said her eyes narrowed.

"Oh, yeah," Jake chuckled, "They're definitely imprinted."

"And you think that's the most exciting news of the night," Allie muttered to herself.

"What is?" Quil asked.

"Embry," Allie motioned and reclaimed her position on Seth's lap, "Take it away."

"Now?" He asked nervously, "Are you sure?"

"Now's as good a time as any," Edward noted with a smile.

"Time for what?" Bella asked.

"Ask Embry," Allie pointed to her brother.

"Em?" Leah asked.

He carefully stood up making Leah stand as well because she had been sitting on his lap. He shuffled his feet awkwardly like a nervous school boy about to give his first book report; fearful of ridicule and rejection. Reaching in to his pocket he dropped himself down on one knee. There were several gasps from the ladies including Anna herself.

"Leah Clearwater?" Embry asked producing a ring box from his pocket, "Will you marry me?"

He opened the box revealing a delicate ring with elegant silver band. Leah bit her lip and nodded with a huge smile on her face.

"Yes," She whispered tearily.

Embry let out a huge sigh of relief and removed the elegant ring from it's box. He placed it on her slender finger and the room shuddered with the outbreak of applause. Anna and Brady stood up to cheer for the blushing couple.

"When's the honeymoon?" Emmett called.

"Oh can I plan the wedding?" Alice said bouncing excitedly.

"Why not?" Leah shrugged.

"Can I pick your dress?' Allie asked skeptically.

"Sure," Leah smiled and kissed Embry lightly.

"Can I come on the honey moon?" Emmett asked.

"That's where I draw the line," She warned.

Anna laughed heartily and hugged Leah and Embry. She and Brady offered their congratulations and stepped back to allow the others to the same. Brady gripped her hand tightly and smiled down at her. The tired lines had disappeared from his face, Anna noted silently. He was grinning and wolf whistling alongside their pack brothers. The family was happy again. Back at peace with the sisters returned and Anna wondered how they didn't fall apart without immediately without her most high Alpha. With Allie here everything was okay again. Leah was an amazing friend but Allie was a constant force of light in her life. She made everyone around her happy with her sense of humor and kind heart.

"Annie," Brady whispered in her ear, "Allie wants us to get the cake."

Anna glanced up at Allie who was pointedly motioning them to the kitchen. She nodded and tugged Brady's hand along. They slipped into the kitchen unnoticed and sure enough a covered cake was sitting on the counter. Anna hurried over to it while Brady pulled out a knife to cut it.

"Allie is amazing," Anna gasped at the perfectly frosted beauty reading 'Leah and Embry's Engagement Party'.

"She really went all out with the sugar flowers," agreed Brady.

Around the edges of the square cake clusters of blue and white flowers had been placed strategically. Anna nodded hastily and took the platter carefully into her arms. Brady hurried to the door and held it as Anna walked into the living room. Cheers erupted from all sides and Leah and Embry beamed. Anna set the cake down on the coffee table and stepped back as Brady handed Embry the knife.

The cake was cut and divided. Everyone was happily munching on sugar flowers when Seth declared that he wanted to show a home movie in celebration.

"Grab the box off the shelf," Allie told him as we settled ourselves on the couch.

Seth shook his head, "This is a Clearwater Production."

Allie raised an eyebrow and shrugged at him. Seth slipped in an old VHS tape and Collin dimmed the lights. Someone pressed play and all was quiet. A small girl no more than five appeared on screen. She was standing beside a cradle and speaking quietly. The little girl was unmistakably Leah Clearwater.

"And we can go cliff diving, and mountain climbing, and hiking," Leah whispered in a small babyish voice that didn't quite suit her. Anna was far too used to the harsh tones she had acquired after the trials of life.

"Leah honey," Harry Clearwater said entering the room, "Let poor Seth sleep in peace? He can't grow up to do all those things with you if he can't rest."

"When will he bigger Daddy? I want to play now," Leah whined.

"Not for years and years honey," Harry told her taking her small hand in his and gazing at the crib wistfully.

"Who wants to wait for years?" Leah grumbled to herself.

"One day, you two will grow up and find happiness and families of your own," Harry said more to himself than her.

"But I want to stay here," Leah said.

Harry smiled down at her, "You will always be in my heart little princess."

INSERT LINE HERE

Several days later, Anna awoke bright and early. She rolled over and the weak sunlight touched her face.

"ANNA!" Allie shouted, "Let's go!"

It was the morning of Embry and Leah's wedding. The pair had opted for a shotgun wedding; just a quick ceremony and reception. Alice was near hysterics when Leah called it off two days ago after Embry's disastrous bachelor party prank. Anna wasn't entirely sure what had happened considering that she hadn't been around at the time but it was enough to make Leah furious. It took two whole days to console and convince her to marry stupid Embry. The least to say was that Alice was handling the constant changes in plans well. If you considered clearing on entire section of the forest single handed well but, that was free to interpretation.

Anna rolled out of bed and pushed open her window. The summer sunshine fell onto her face and brightened her day. Anna grinned as Brady came strolling out of the woods buttoning his shorts as he did.

"The neighbors may wonder why you're strolling out of the woods half naked," Anna grinned at him.

"Quil's parents are the neighbors," Brady laughed, "All they would wonder is why I'm even wearing pants."

"Did you get all dressed up for me?" Anna teased leaning out the window a bit farther.

"I'm classy if anything," He smirked.

"ANNA!" Allie shouted again.

"Her most high and mighty alpha calls," Anna sighed.

"Don't keep her waiting," Brady smiled and started walking to the backdoor.

"See you soon," Anna laughed.

"The separation will kill me," He said putting a hand to his heart.

Anna laughed again and pulled her head back inside. She dressed hurriedly and stampeded downstairs. Brady and Seth were already seated at the table when she entered. Grinning at her, Brady helped himself to more pancakes and motioned for her to sit.

"Good morning Annie," Allie smiled and flipped a smiley face pancake into the air.

"Morning everyone," Anna smiled.

"Alice will kill us if we're late," Seth told Allie.

"So we should leave in another ten minutes," Allie nodded as she consulted the clock on the wall behind her.

"Morning," Ryan said as he and Kevin came into the kitchen.

"Hey guys," Anna smiled and helped herself to a good portion of pancakes.

"Leave some for the rest of us," Kevin whined.

"I have more here," Allie said cutting off Anna's retort.

"Thanks Al," Ryan grinned and scooped himself nearly all of them.

"Hey!" Kevin argued.

"Hush boys," Seth smirked rubbing his full tummy.

"Allie," Kevin whined, "I didn't get any breakfast. Can I have some pancakes?"

"Sorry sweetie," Allie grinned teasingly, pulling off her apron, "There's no time. The chef has left the building."

"That's so unfair," He whined.

"Don't make me be clichéd," Allie rolled her eyes and grabbed her purse.

"Ready to go?" Seth asked picking up his plate and putting it in the sink.

"Yep," They all replied(except Kevin who was still grumbling)

They hurried over to Embry and Leah's place where the house was packed. There was hardly room to breath. This house was for the bride and her bridesmaids, Allie and Cam but, it was packed with all the wolf girls and Cullen women. Alice was barking orders in the living room and Anna carefully stood behind Allie and tried to look small and insignificant. Brady pecked her cheek quickly and quit the house to go to Billy's where all the guys were getting dressed.

"Allie you need to get to Embry's old room!" Alice spouted hurriedly, "Cam has been here for an hour! Where the hell have you been?"

"We had to eat Alice," Allie rolled her eyes, "Human needs and all that."

"How inconvenient! I forgot to pencil in 'human needs'!" Alice snarled sarcastically.

"I'll be there soon," Allie smirked and winked at Anna leaving her alone with Alice.

"Anna you need to meet Lisa in Carrie's old bedroom," Alice ordered, "Get dressed and I'll be in to do your makeup in ten minutes. Photos in an hour!"

"Yes ma'am!" Anna saluted and hurried into the mango orange room.

Lisa and Melissa were already inside pulling on their dresses. Lisa was wearing a pale yellow sundress that complemented her petite frame. Melissa in a sultry emerald green number was sure to turn heads. The pair took turns checking their outfits and noticed Anna in the mirror.

"Looking good ladies," Anna teased.

"Thanks," Lisa grinned and went over to the closet.

"Yeah, Annie," Melissa beamed, "Thanks for boosting my self esteem."

"You need to get dressed before Alice has a meltdown," Lisa warned, handing Anna a garment bag, "She already threatened to put Camilla in solitary confinement for cuddling with Quil when she was supposed to be dressing."

"Really?" Anna snorted and looked to Melissa for confirmation.

"Yup, It was pretty funny. Camilla threatened not to let Alice plan her wedding as soon as Quil proposes."

"That must have shut Alice up fast," Anna laughed.

"Oh yeah," Lisa grinned wickedly.

Anna, still chuckling, unzipped the garment bag to reveal Alice's choice in her clothing for tonight. It was beautiful. The dress was a smooth, steely gray. Anna held it out and examined the silky material of the dress. Alice must have paid a fortune for it and just the label said enough. The crushed velvet tag on the inside of the dress read a simple J. Kepler.

Anna stripped down and pulled on the dress in front of the mirror. The neckline was a simple cowlick and the hem ended just above her knees. There was a long scooped back exposing quite a lot of skin and emphasizing her long legs. Anna's eyes widened. She looked...well, not to sound conceited but, hot as hell! She was obviously no Rosalie but, she was at least decent to her and that was something that Anna could never have said before. She turned several times in the mirror examining herself from a series of angles. It was nice that she could finally have a pleasing appearance.

"Oh, Anna," Lisa gasped, "You look amazing."

"Brady's going to die!" Melissa gushed.

"The shoes! The shoes!" Lisa bounced and Melissa grabbed a pair of matching silver peep toe pumps with a large black bow attached to the front.

"Did it occur to Alice that with these shoes I'll be taller than most men?" Anna groaned pulling them on.

Lisa shrugged, "But, not taller than Brady."

"True," Anna sighed dejectedly.

"Well, she clearly forgot that most of us don't have inhuman balance and can't walk in heels this high on the beach," Melissa griped and eyed her matching emerald heels in a mix of adoration and loathing.

"Have Kevin carry you," Anna smirked.

"That could be interesting," Melissa laughed.

"ENOUGH LAUGHING!"

Alice stood glowering at the trio from the door with a terrified Bella behind her. The tiny whirlwind speeded into the room and forced each of them to sit down on the bed as she pulled out a series of lethal looking tools. As Alice did that, Bella spread out kits of makeup on the bureau with careful deliberation as if one missed brush would result in death.

"Lisa first," Alice told Bella and tugged Lisa to stand by the makeshift makeup table.

Rosalie floated into the room in a gorgeous shade of mint green. It proved to Anna that even in this dress, there was no competing with Rosalie Cullen. Her Majesty herself set about pulling Melissa's platinum blonde hair into an elegantly twisted knot at the back of her neck and complementing her as she did.

"My mother had the exact shade," Rosalie smiled, "and my youngest brother Walter had precisely the same shade of light blue as your eyes. My own as a human were a darker blue but his were very light."

"My grandmother had dark blue eyes," Melissa smiled, "My grandpa used to call them bluebells."

"Okay Anna," Alice said releasing Lisa, "You're up."

I plucked myself off the bed and stood beside Alice and Bella. She appraised me with narrowed eyes and then looked down at the makeup pallets.

"That dress is perfect on you," Alice noted, "As I expected. I'm thinking steely, smoky, eyes and vivacious lips. I better make sure Brady has a bib because he's going to be drooling all over himself."

"Thanks guys," I rolled my eyes.

"Stop staling and let's get started."


Brady met Anna at the entrance a few feet from the ceremony where people were already filing into their seats.

"Thank God!" Anna sighed, "You took longer to get dressed than I did. Let's hurry and get down there I want to get a seat near the aisle."

Anna began to walk over but, a sudden tug at her hand left her standing there. Brady remained rooted to the spot, a glassy look in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Anna asked with an arched eyebrow but, he remained silent.

"Hello?" Anna asked waving her program in his face.

"You- you- so," Brady stammered.

"Form sentences man!" Jake called from a few feet away.

"So- an- be- mar-," Brady continued.

"I got this," Rachel declared and shoved her purse into Paul's arms. She tugged her strapless dress up and steeled herself. She drew her hand back and with a good smack to Brady's face, resolved the stammering.

"So beautiful," He said breathlessly.

"Thanks," Anna smiled.

"Anytime," Rachel smirked and returned to Paul's side.

"I meant Brady," Anna said pointedly, "but, you too."

"You look amazing," Brady said staring openly at every inch of her.

"Stop staring at Anna," Alice demanded her skin sparkling in the sunshine as she pulled out of the trees to push them to the ceremony, "Go watch the ceremony or I'll murder both of you."

"I would if my legs didn't feel like jelly," Brady told her, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Young love," Esmè sighed the trees making a shadow across her face.

"It never lasts," Rosalie finished smirking.

"I think we're an exception," Anna and Brady said together.

The pair stumbled to the ceremony and Brady terrified poor Ryan out of his seat so that Anna could sit near the aisle and watch the parade pass. They sat patiently holding hands and waiting for the music to start. Brady seemed thoughtful and every so often opened his mouth to say something but then closed it. Anna didn't comment on his strange behavior and instead contented herself with watching Embry shivering at the alter. Jake, his best man was laughing at his friend's discomfort and making funny faces for Nessie's amusement.

The music finally started and Cameron appeared on Seth's arm. Cameron was wearing a simple mango colored halter dress and her hair was stylishly curled with an orange hibiscus tucked behind her ear. The pair grinned as they walked down the aisle and when they reached Billy at the alter the old man couldn't help but say, "I don't think this is the right twin for you son."

Allie made a solitary trek down the aisle, dressed similarly to her sister and holding a large bouquet of orange hibiscuses. As the maid of honor, Allie's dress was very slightly different from Cameron; it's hem being just below her knees and the straps of her halter slightly thinner. Seth, who was standing just behind Jake, went wide eyed and Jake reminded him in a carrying whisper to breathe.

The bridal march music started up and Leah appeared on Charlie Swan's arm. The poor man was blushing bright red at the honor and tripped several times on his way down the aisle. Leah was stunning in a simple gown, of a thin, floating material. She glowed brightly and smiled happily at Embry. The groom by now had stopped shaking and was grinning goofily at his bride. Leah took an age to get to Embry but it was well worth the wait.

"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today..." Billy began.

"You look far more beautiful today," A soft voice whispered in Anna's ear. It confused her because it was clearly not Brady's deep, slow voice.

She turned to see Derek Palmer behind her and she heard Brady's low growl. Anna smiled at Derek and mouthed a thank you before returning her attention the ceremony.

It passed in a blur and Anna hardly recollected any part of it other than the I do's. The happy couple shared a kiss a midst the loud cheers. Anna stood with Brady to loudly clap for them. Embry swept Leah up in his arms and carried her down the aisle, beaming at her as they went. The pair was followed out by raucous cheering and it hardly subsided after they were out of sight.

The reception was simple and understated as Leah and Embry had preferred it to be. Everyone danced endlessly and the few that remained at the end of the night (mostly the pack and Cullen's) had to be kicked out. Anna took serious pleasure in being forced to leave by two very large security guards. Or at least they tried to force her out. Brady was so furious that he terrified them by needing to be held back by Jake, Quil, Embry, and Seth. It really was the funniest part of the night.

In the parking lot, Seth and Allie gave Anna their permission to stay out all night with Ryan, Celia, Melissa, Kevin, Lisa, Collin, and Brady. Well Allie did but, she was half asleep when she agreed and Seth was already passed out in the car. However, Anna didn't think that she should waste this opportunity and happily hopped in the car with her boyfriend. The group drove back to the beach and up to the cliffs. Brady parked the car and everyone climbed out. They stripped themselves down to their underwear with no fear that anyone but their imprint would care. The girls teased that this was a better show for the guys than it was for them.

On the horizon, a large mass of black clouds was forming with an ominous glow of electricity cackling. Laughing brightly, they waited for the first droplets of rain to pelt them. Peels of lightning flashed merrily as if the laughter of the teens drove it's energy.

The group stood by the edge of the cliff and grasped each others hands tightly. Anna stood between Brady and Lisa with their hands clinging to hers. The storm seemed to pick up the longer they stood tempting fate exposed to the dangers of the sky. Anna looked up at the curling clouds above her head and was reminded of the mural in her room. These clouds weren't grey but black with the night sky behind it. She grinned and was comforted by the visions of jumping into the surge that she usually had when staring at her ceiling.

"Okay guys," Collin said, "On three. One... Two.."

Anna looked at Brady.

"I love you," She told him.

"I love you," He told he with a tidal wave of passion in his eyes to prove his honesty.

"THREE!"

The group jumped into the surging sea with shouts of excitement. Lisa and Brady squeezed her hands tightly and Anna did the same. They dived into the ocean and resurfaced, hands still intertwined laughing and cheering. That night was arguably the best night of Anna's life due to the love and friendship she felt at that moment. It was a night that they all remembered, even Lisa during her final years of life when she suffered from dementia. It was a source of comfort for them despite the true danger they faced. Honestly, the perilous waters hadn't been the dangerous part. It was Allie's fury the next day when Anna and Brady returned late the next morning still soaking wet.