I everyone! Hope you're doing well. I know I'm a little bit late but had a lot of exams lately. However, here I am with another chapter. Enjoy!
We turned toward that voice as it caught us completely off guard. Paul was right on the threshold of the porch, staring at us with a stern expression on his face. His strong facial features were only accentuated by his role as the Alpha's second in command.
He approached with a firm stride, taking Embry by the arm and moving a few feet away with him. -What the hell is wrong with you, huh?
-What are you talking about? - Embry retorted. Paul took a quick glance at me and then looked back at him.
-Don't be an idiot. – he hissed.
I could not hear the follow-up because Paul yanked him farther away, whispering things that I could not catch. I scratched my head, looking around. Perhaps the alcohol was starting to take too much effect, I could not understand what was going on, and I was beginning to question my perception of reality. Embry entered the house and Paul approached me as he seemed more relaxed.
-Does Billy know you're here? - he asked me.
-Yes, I-I told him. - I replied, feeling that I was beginning to struggle to utter a sentence without getting lost, I had drunk far too much than I was used to.
-Come on, if you stay out here you'll catch a cold. - his hand was behind my back, gently pushing me toward the entrance of the house. -Jake is coming.
-But I'm hot right now. - I mumbled. Paul followed me inside, closing the door behind him.
-That's precisely why you shouldn't stay outside. - he sat me down at the kitchen table, handing me a glass of water he had previously filled at the kitchen sink. -Drink this, it will get better.
I did as he told me, then I rested my arms on the table, hiding my face under them. I thought back to what had happened just before, to Embry's breath so close to mine, to his dark eyes penetrating mines, to the strange feeling in my belly as he stood so close to me. A series of thoughts jumbled haphazardly in my mind: the image of Jacob and Bella together, Quil's voice waking me from my thoughts just before, Embry's laughter. Without me realizing it, I was slowly falling asleep, carried along by the music in the background.
-Aylen. - Paul called me, touching my shoulder. I raised my head, feeling bewildered. I didn't have the strength to open my eyes; I really felt so tired. I did not understand much of what happened next. I felt a warm grip lift me from the waist and Paul exchange a few words with Jacob. Shortly afterwards the chill night air hit me full in the face as I felt myself leaning back in a car seat. Sleep took over.
The cessation of engine noise woke me slightly. Silence reigned in the car. A few moments later I felt Jacob's hand rest on my cheek, leaving a hot imprint on my skin.
-Honey. - I heard him call in a low whisper. I did not want to wake up; I was too comfortable like this, with his hand on my cheek. He stroked it with his thumb, causing me to slowly open my eyes spontaneously, finding his tender gaze. I settled better in my seat, letting a yawn escape. I was still dizzy, I could feel it.
-Hey. - I murmured back.
-Good thing Paul showed up, huh?
I frowned, confused. -What...
-You've been drinking a lot. I'm surprised you haven't thrown up yet. - he told me. -How many fingers are these? - he showed me what looked like his index and middle finger.
-Two? - I answered, uncertain. Jacob shook his head. -I don't know, Jake, I-I-I'm tired.
-Were you with Embry? - he asked me, after a few moments of silence. I shrugged as I thought back to that strange moment between us. -Is he the one who made you drink? - this time his tone was more insistent, almost inquisitive. These words had the power to wake me from my torpor, making me nervous.
-No, how you come up with that? - I retorted, that question was absurd. -I can handle myself, Jake.
-I saw how you were able to handle yourself. - he replied as he started to lose his cool. -I didn't even know what you were doing on the porch earlier.
-What could you possibly care? - I blurted out. My head was spinning dangerously, nervousness not helping. Him of all people was asking me that question? -I'm the one who should know what you were doing for all those hours with Swan, you even didn't pick up when I called!
That question caught him off guard for a moment. -What does that mean? It has nothing to do with this, we ended up having lunch together, then we watched a movie and Sam called me.
I shook my head, chuckling bitterly as I decided I had to get out of that car. I abruptly opened the door, getting out with difficulty. -Sure, sure. – I muttered, slamming the door. He was so engrossed in Bella Swan that he had literally forgotten about me and letting me know something.
-What are you doing? You are not able to walk like that. - he got out of the car, joining me on the passenger side.
I spread my arms, warning him not to get closer. -Leave me alone, Jacob. I can handle it myself.
I took a few steps, faltering, but stumbled in the mud, and if not for him I would have fallen to the ground. He grabbed me by the hips, pulling me closer to him.
-Stop it. Look at me. - and turned me toward him, seeking my gaze.
-I don't want to look at you, I want to go inside. I'm tired of you checking me out. - I began to push him away by the chest without results. He was too strong. -What do you care what I do when I go out?
He sighed quietly, trying to keep me still. -I am worried, you're only seventeen. - he finally said. That's what the problem was in the end. He literally saw me as a child, and the kicker was that he was only a year older than me. That statement was merely the straw that broke the camel's back. -And besides, it is not prudent to be around what happened last night.
At yet another shove, this time more firmly, I pushed him away.
-I may still seem like a little girl to you Jacob, but until proven otherwise I don't feel like I'm in any danger with Embry. I do what I like, I date who I like. - and this time with a firmer stride I walked toward the front door, slamming it behind me. He always brought everything back to my age, that was always and only the problem, and I was beginning to get fed up with it.
It had been at least a minute since I had been wrestling with a rather tendinous piece of meat with a fork and knife, which was fueling my daily nervousness. Since Saturday night I had carefully avoided Jacob, always finding an excuse to study or hang out with Leah. This was fine with me; I was beginning to being tired of with his protective ways.
The high school cafeteria, like every Monday, was totally full and the noise of the crowd in the background louder than usual.
-Do you want help? - Leah mumbled with her mouth full, watching my fight with the food.
-I got it, don't worry.
With a firm movement I managed to cut the meat, scratching the plate with my fork.
-Mh... - Kim complained, bringing her hands to her ears.
-Sorry...
-What time are you finishing today? - she continued, helping herself to the water.
-3 p.m., thank God. I had chemistry with Webster but she is sick. - Leah replied.
-I finish at 5:00 p.m. - I said, in a bored tone.
-How about going to the movies tonight? There's a horror movie at 7:00 p.m., if you have to go home early it's the perfect time.
-Who's going to see a horror movie? - a voice behind us interrupted our chat. Jared popped up behind Kim and blew her a kiss on the cheek, grabbing a chair and sitting next to her. Quil and Embry joined him and did the same. I had managed to avoid him as well, with more ease. Now that I saw him sitting next to me, for the first time among my friends I suddenly felt uncomfortable. I could feel the heat emanating from him, and the memory of his lips one step away from mines came back in my mind.
-We would like to go there. - Kim answered him, asking us for confirmation with her gaze.
-We could come too, if you don't want to have a girls' night out. - Jared proposed. I felt Embry's gaze on me, but did not dare to look at him.
-Or would you feel that we are in the way? - Quil chimed in, casting a suspiciously mischievous glance at me. I quickly realized that Quil knew. After all, one should not be surprised; he and Embry were thick as thieves, and from what I knew they had been on patrol together the previous day. Jared gave him a confused look; he probably didn't know anything about it. The girls looked at each other, questioningly.
It was too much. I stood up a little too quickly from the table, making my chair screech against the floor. -I'm going to go to the bathroom for a minute. - I informed them, moving away quickly. Why was I reacting like this? Wasn't I the one who said I'm free, that I didn't care what anyone might think?
I dashed into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I walked over to one of the sinks, refreshing my wrists with the cold water. I had to take it easy. Embry probably didn't mind what happened. So why did I act like a little girl when he approached? I've known him for years, this was the same Embry who used to play mud towers with me, the same Embry who used to call me a tomboy.
I turned off the tap and breathed deeply a couple of times, wiping my hands with paper. I looked at myself in the mirror and tried to pull myself together by smoothing my purple blouse over my belly. I exited the bathroom, determined to control my emotions like a strong woman. My resolutions were short-lived. I bumped into a broad chest, slightly hurting my head. I looked up, bewildered, meeting Embry's gaze.
-Why are you avoiding me? - he asked me, smiling with a flash of mischief in his eyes.
-I'm not avoiding you, I had to go to the bathroom. - I immediately felt myself flaring up. I didn't want to show that I was embarrassed. I stepped back automatically, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. He followed my gesture with his gaze.
-Huh huh. - he replied, not at all convinced and slightly amused. He leaned his hand against the wall behind me, bringing his face closer to mines. -So why are you blushing?
-Because you make me uncomfortable. - I managed to murmur, my mouth dry.
-And does it bother you ?
-Embry? Where are you? - Jared's voice rang out from down the hall. Out of Embry's mouth came what sounded like an annoyed growl as he turned away from me. I sighed, feeling my breathing returning to normal.
-What the hell is it now? - he blurted out, not before giving me a quick glance. Jared joined us, a sandwich in hand. He had probably sensed the tension brewing, because he turned a suspicious glance at us.
-What's going on? - he asked, narrowing his eyes.
-Nothing. - I promptly replied.
-Nothing, ah...we were discussing 'cause she didn't give a PS4 game back to me yet. - Embry added, scratching his head.
-Huh huh. - he scrutinized us both for a few moments, then continued, luckily there were more important things to do. -We have to leave, Sam wants us at his house.
-Okay, I'm coming.
-Hurry up. - he pointed at him with his index finger, before turning around and walking back.
Embry watched him walk away and then looked back at me, sighing and putting his hands in his pockets.
-I have to go, too. - I said, taking the opportunity to turn away from him. -I'll see you tonight. - I added, biting his tongue immediately. I didn't know why I had said that, it just came out naturally.
-Count on it.
We were almost halfway through watching the movie, which wasn't really interesting to me. I could not stop thinking about the situation me and Jacob; if in the morning I was just nervous now I was beginning to feel guilty. I did not want things to go that way between them. I had left the house without deigning him a word, for the umpteenth time in two days.
-No, I don't believe it. - Leah hissed, to my right.
-What's going on?
-The popcorn ran out, and I even took the family portion.
-I'll go get it for you. - I offered, it was a good chance to get some air.
-Are you sure?
-Yes, don't worry. I have to go to the bathroom. – she handed me the popcorn bag and I got up from her seat stepping over her, before glancing briefly to my left where Kim, Jared and Embry were staring at the screen. The latter had arrived when the film had been running for at least ten minutes.
I stepped out into the hallway, leaving behind the deafening noises of the room. I walked on the red-carpeted floor and went downstairs, stopping in front of the popcorn machine. A little silence did me no harm; it allowed me to tidy my thoughts quietly and get away from Embry, who for some strange reason had been eliciting unlikely reactions from me since that evening. I inserted the coin into the machine, pressing the "XXL" button and placing the empty bag under the hole. The popcorn, however, did not come out. Why the heck weren't they working? I began to manhandle the little machine, which did not move an inch. It was twice my height and width, what could I expect. I groaned.
-Do you need help here? - a well-familiar voice asked. I sighed, aware that I was forced to communicate with him. We were alone.
-Yes, that damn thing won't give me the popcorn, and I can't even take the coin back.
Embry reached for it, running a hand through his hair. -Put it back under.
He lurched to the side of the machine, and from the height of his six-foot-four height he began to shake it violently. The popcorn took no long in coming down, filling the bag to overflowing.
-Thank you. - I told him, blowing on a strand of hair that had fallen in front of my eyes. I straightened up, meeting his gaze already fixed on me. -Did you have to go to the bathroom? - I asked, hoping hoping that was really the reason-but hoping on the other hand that it wasn't.
-No.
Here. He walked over to me, grabbing two popcorns to toss them in the air and catch them in the with his mouth. A smile drew on his lips as he added: -And you really had to go to the bathroom?
-I just went.
He shook his head, still smiling, and approached me, snatching the bag from my hands. -You're a terrible liar, Aylen. - he placed it on top of the machine. I leaned against the wall, undecided whether to ask him a question that had been on my mind from the beginning.
-How come you were late?
-Why, were you worried?
-Figure. We simply had an appointment.
-I was with Nancy, we had research to do for school. - he shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets.
I felt slightly annoyed by that answer, especially since I knew full well what kind of girl Nancy was, a classmate of us. -That's why you lost all that confidence of Saturday night. - I threw that dig at him without thinking about it, then immediately called myself an idiot.
-What, are you jealous? - he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
-Me? Of you? Please. I just find your behavior ridiculous.
-And what would be ridiculous? Let's hear it. - he asked me, amused.
-The fact that you don't miss an opportunity to go from one to the other.
He arched an eyebrow, approaching me. -Yes?
I looked away from him, feeling that I was already lowering my confidence just by proximity. -You know what I've been thinking about for hours? - he asked me. I looked back at him, suddenly curious but scared by what he might say.
-Let me guess, what to eat once the movie is over? - I said wrily, crossing my arms over my breast. Embry slowly approached me as an amused grin appeared on his lips.
-Among other things.
Air, I needed air.
-The smell of your scent. - he murmured in a low voice, now so close that he leaned over me, nuzzling my neck. My heart leapt in my chest as a violent shiver ran through my body.
-You were drunk. You didn't even know what you were doing. - I managed to say, trying to control my voice.
-Oh yes I did. - he placed his lips on my neck, causing me to let out a sigh. He began to kiss me slowly, brushing me with the tip of his tongue.
-Embry, don't...-and I stopped, biting my lower lip. I felt myself burning, as a stronger heat slowly expanded in my belly. He looked up, meeting me inches away.
-And did you know it Aylen? - he whispered, as his breath collided on my lips. -Did you know what you were doing?
I didn't know how to answer to that question; all I wanted was to forget Jacob and Embry, for the past few days, had been making it all so, so easy for me. -Yes.
He smiled slightly as I closed my eyes, wanting to close the distance between our mouths. I wanted it at that moment, more than anything else.
At some point the warmth his body gave off vanished, suggesting that he had moved away. I opened my eyes wide: that was how all my expectations fell. A short giggle escaped him, before he became serious again.
-But what happened on Saturday night stays on Saturday night, it's for the best.
What an idiot. What did that sentence mean, all that to say something like that? My pride hurt. I felt humiliated and knew that if I stayed I would cry.
-You are an idiot Embry. - I blurted out sourly, walking up the stairs leading to the hall with heavy footsteps and without bothering to take the popcorn with me.
-Aylen. - I heard him calling.
-Go to hell.
Jared turned off the engine in front of the Black house. I waved goodbye to him, Kim and Leah, who would be dropped off after me, and got out of the car, shivering from the cold.
-Aylen, are you sure everything is all right? - Kim asked, rolling down the window on the passenger side. -You didn't speak for the rest of the evening.
-I'm just tired, but I've been fine, really.
That answer seemed to be enough for her. I saw her roll up the window, then the car started up again and took off. I walked toward the front door and was disappointed when I saw the kitchen light was on. I hoped it was Billy. As I was about to enter the house, I noticed a wolfish silhouette approaching from the edge of the forest. I held my breath; I knew Embry had a shift near the house that night. I squinted, trying to get a better look. When the figure was a few feet away from me, I recognized Paul who was back in human form.
-Ah, hi Paul, did you switch shifts with Embry?
-Yes, I prefer it that way. - he replied, running a hand through his wet hair. I wanted to ask him why, and I especially wanted to know what they had said to each other the other night, but I knew that if he wanted he would tell me. -You'd better go back inside, soon it'll be freezing out there.
I nodded, clasping my arms to my chest and looking over his shoulder. -Did you smell any presences?
Paul did not know whether to answer me; he was silent for a few moments. -Yes, two. - he finally answered. That's why you'd better not go out again for a few evenings. - then he placed his hand on my arm, noticing that I was beginning to get scared. -We do what's necessary, nothing will happen to you, okay?
-Yes, okay. Just be careful.
I closed the door behind me, placing my coat on the coat rack in the hallway. I managed to catch a glimpse of Billy in the living room, he was watching TV. After taking off my shoes, I joined him, placing a kiss on his cheek.
-How did it go, honey? - he asked.
-Yeah, we had a good time.
-I'm glad. - he paused, before pointing with his head to the kitchen behind him. -Why don't you two make up, huh? You haven't spoken to each other in two days.
I sighed, not knowing how to tell him that there would probably be more arguments around the same topic. -I don't know, sometimes we just don't understand each other.
-It can happen, we are not perfect. There's one thing I do know, though: there is no problem that can't be solved.
-I'll try, uncle.
I meant it, but I knew that the real problem, the cause of our whole altercation, could never be solved.
I entered the kitchen to find Jacob sitting at the table and eating cereal bowl. As soon as he saw me enter he offered me a faint smile, which I returned. How could I not, when all he had to do was smile to light up the room? His hair was pulled back into a messy bun and he was wearing a black tank top, with this one in particular I always found him irresistible. I headed for the fridge, grabbing the milk carton.
-Did you have a good time?
-Yes, but the movie wasn't really good. - I took a glass from the shelf, pouring myself some milk. I leaned against the countertop, sipping it. I had enjoyed myself until Embry decided to act like an idiot. I was even more confused than before, but I decided from now on that I would act as if what little had happened between them had never existed. It didn't matter. The biggest problem was right in front of me, where that all-muscle boy was looking at me like he was trying to read my mind. -What's the matter?
-Nothing, nothing. You seem down in the dumps. - he got up from the table, placed the glass bowl in the sink and stood beside me, looking me right in the eyes. -You can tell me if there's anything wrong, you know that, right?
-No, there's nothing Jake, I'm just tired. - I merely replied, as I told Kim before. There was nothing more, nothing worth it. I saw his eyes shining.
-This is the first time you call me that since Saturday night. Does that mean we have made up?
-I don't think so. - I crossed my arms over my chest, raising my eyebrows.
-Come on, Aylen, stop it...- he whined, pulling me by the arm and drawing me to him. I could not keep pouting. I let him hug me. As soon as there was that contact, I felt my heart lighten instantly. As angry as he had made me, missing him had overcome everything. And it was at that moment that I felt myself falling back into the abyss. -I have missed you. – he huskily whispered, his face in the crook of my neck. I smiled; I needed to hear those words.
-I've missed you, too.
-I am sorry for ignoring you that day. - he added. That was what I wanted to hear. Knowing that somewhere he understood what had really upset me reassured me and let me know that he cared about me and how I felt.
-It's all right.
Yes, everything was all right now. Even if my Sun one day warmed me from afar, I would try to accept it.
It was now late at night and I had collapsed a couple of hours earlier in the arms of Morpheus. It could be said that absolute silence reigned, if it were not for the rustling of trees stirred by the wind. Suddenly, a series of howls awakened me from my slumber. My body was shot through with shivers as I jerked to her seat, terrified. I was used to hearing howls at night, but not like this. I rushed out of bed as they persisted, darting into the hallway and turning on the light. To my left I saw Jacob throw open the door to his room, looking alarmed. We looked at each other for a few seconds in silence, Jacob's expression was worrying me. If he was not calm, there was indeed cause for concern.
-What's going on Jake? - I asked, my voice trembling. We heard a door open, and Billy peeped out from the ground floor, looking up.
-Jacob! - he thundered, his eyes full of incomprehension and concern. Jacob quickly descended the stairs, without answering. I followed closely behind him, noticing that he was striding toward the door. Instinctively I held him by the arm.
-Jake, stop! What are you doing? - I shouted. I turned him toward me, forcing him to look at me. I was terrified of the situation and the idea of him going out there, not knowing what to expect.
-Aylen, calm down. It's my duty, I have to catch up with them. - a closer howl made him turn his head sharply toward the front door. I let go of his arm, backing toward Billy.
-Jacob, for God's sake be careful! - his father admonished him in what was intended to come across as a stern tone, but only conceded fear.
-You two lock yourselves in, pull down all the blinds, and don't go out under any circumstances. - Jacob ordered, before slamming the front door behind him. I rushed to lock it three turns instead of one, like I usually did.
I exchanged a glance with Billy: both of us were aware that we would not be able to sleep that night.