MERRY CHRISTMAS! TO FIT THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY, I BASED THIS CHAPTER THE DAY AFTER THEIR FIRST KISS. I WASN'T PLANNING TO, BUT MY BETA POINTED SOMETHING OUT AND I FEEL THAT IT WOULD FIT JUST RIGHT WITH THE STORY!
Christmas day
"Merry Christmas Bells!" Emmett handed Bella a medium sized box badly wrapped red and white striped paper. She ripped it open and laughed.
"It's a radio shaped like a chocolate bar!" the Swan family chuckled. Christmas day, the Swans played the classics of holiday music in the parents' warm house, joking around and opening presents they got each other. Bella handed her brother his gift, a thin rectangle neatly wrapped in blue paper with snowflakes dancing across the beryl background. He ripped off the paper and childishly whooped.
"Season of witch; cool movie!" the two siblings gave their parents the gift they had picked out together-two tickets to the Colorado buffalo football game. They were ecstatic! After a big breakfast of Renee's cinnamon rolls, Emmett and Bella went on their way home, both of them having many other plans on the holiday. Emmett sighed. Bella had been out of it all day-though she managed to keep up with what was going on at their parents' house, her eyes would glaze over and she would zone out until someone said her name.
Bella kissed her brothers cheek where he was leaning against the kitchen counter, munching on some cold turkey.
"I'm going to see James and a few other people. Are you going to be with Victoria?" he nodded in response before swallowing his mouthful of turkey to speak.
"I'm going to see her mother."
"Alright. Text me if you need anything." The young woman turned to depart into the cold embrace of the Colorado air.
"Bella wait!" she stopped in her tracks on the porch. She looked at her brother, who had a tint of pink on his cheeks.
"I need to know something." Emmett pulled Bella back into the house with one swift jerk of his arm.
"Okay…" She said slowly. Emmett grasped her shoulders, desperate to find something out.
"Did Embry do something to you last night?" Bella scrunched up her nose in confusion.
"I'm not following your question." Emmett bit his lip-a habit in the swan family.
"Did he…you know do anything you didn't like…?" Bella's eyes widened when she realized where his mind was going. She wanted to be angry, but she understood why he was being protective.
"No. He was very sweet."
"But he did something different than usual." Bella sighed. There was no point to try and hide it.
"Yes. He kissed me." Emmett's cheeks darkened. He knew that day was coming-he was surprised it hadn't come sooner actually.
"He wasn't forceful or anything?" His little sister shook her head, a light shade of crimson on her face. He sighed in relief.
"Okay. But tell him that if he hurts you, there will be a very angry brother coming after him." Bella laughed lightly.
"I'll pass on the message. Bye Emmett-have a nice day with Victoria and her mother." Bella left the house fully this time and headed to Embry's apartment, the snow fluttering around her in the wind. Emmett slammed his head into the door-being a big brother was exhausting.
Xx
"What the hell, Leah?" Embry bellowed. The pregnant woman smirked triumphantly.
"I'm guessing you found the mistletoe?" The scarred man blushed as memories of the other night flood his head. He flicked Leah's forehead and then gave her a hug. She pulled back surprised.
"What were those things for?"
"For setting up the mistletoe!" Leah giggled-Embry was flustered.
"You're welcome. Sounds like things went well!" Embry huffed. Leah looked at her watch.
"I should get going. Jacob's going to have a cow if I'm not at my dad's when he gets back from his sister-Brees' house." She waved goodbye and left. Embry sighed. He went to the bathroom to start his shower. The hot water loosened the muscles in his back- the steam made the air thick. Leah was a headache sometimes; but what could he do? He heard the distant sound of knocking and realized it's his door. He turned the water off, slipped into some jeans and speed walked to the door.
Bella stood in her winter wear, blushing when she realized Embry wasn't wearing a shirt-exposing his long scars on his chest. His hair was dripping wet, his jeans sagging so the rim of his gray boxers show. Bella looked down. She wasn't exactly expecting THAT when she knocked on his door! Embry tenderly pulled her into his apartment, cutting off the cold air that had been flowing into his home. He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face in his sight. He held a sweet smile on his face that made his eyes glow with something new.
"Hey." He murmured. She squeaked and tried to look down, but Embry made sure she couldn't.
"Hi." She whispered. She kneaded her hands together in an attempt to calm her nerves. Embry pressed his lips to her forehead in a warm greeting. He was completely un-aware of how him being half naked was affecting Bella. He pulled back a little, the smile still on his face.
"You can take off your coat you know." He said teasingly. He left Bella in the living room to his bedroom and put on a shirt. Bella removed her winter wear and sat on the couch. Everything seemed different in their relationship; she saw Embry differently than she did when she met him. He was still sweet as can be and shy, but he was more confident about their affectionate moments. A now fully clothed Embry plopped down next to her, making her jump. He wrapped and arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck. Bella purred a little. She wished she could control it-but it was no use. Embry kissed her cheek with a sigh. He hadn't expected Bella to visit since it was Christmas-he was glad she did though.
"What do I owe this pleasure?" he murmured in her ear. She giggled-his breath tickled her ear.
"Well…last night at the event they had an ice rink and we never got to skate. So I thought you would like to come with me to the rink. We haven't done it just for fun yet." Embry considered. It would be nice; the rink would be empty and just the two of them could joke around. He tugged her closer into his arms.
"Sounds good. Are we going now or later?"
"Is now okay?" she mumbled. He nodded and released her so he could change into his jacket. He stepped into his boots, gloves and the thickest jacket he could find. He grasped Bella's gloved hand as they left the apartment. The snow was falling slightly faster, so they rushed through the white flakes towards to the recreation center. Bella scurried ahead of him playfully. He chuckled and gave chase, catching her by the waist right before she pushed against the doors to the rink. She shrieked as Embry twisted her around so he faced her and kissed her nose, her face hidden by his hood. Bella grinned and pushed the hood off.
They walked into the empty, chilly room and slipped on their skates. Embry was a little nervous-he may have broken his fear but he hadn't fully just gone onto the ice and enjoyed himself. But it looked like he was doing that now. He joined Bella on the ice when he tied the last loop on his skates. She was already twisting and twirling around.
She grabbed his hand, dragging him in the middle of the ovular sheet of ice. He glided with her, feeling a surge of comfort being on the ice again. They held hands; the only sound in the rink was the light scraping of their skates on the ice. They separated as Bella did some sort of move that Embry didn't recognize.
Embry watched her in amazement, but nearly did the splits when his legs start to spread against his will. He flailed his arms around to balance. She giggled. Embry glided back towards her. They glided smoothly together, spinning and twirling in sync. They stopped in attempt to catch their breaths from the thin air in the rink. Embry squeezed her hips and pressed his lips against hers. Bella wrapped her arms around his neck, somehow pulling herself closer. They started a rhythm that was different from last night, moving their lips with a little more vigor. Bella started to purr, making Embry smile into the kiss. He pulled back just enough to speak, but his lips still ghosting over hers.
"My kitten." He whispered. Bella purred even more and tugged on his hair to show she wasn't done. He chuckled and went back to kissing her. The ice was forgotten-even though they were standing on it. Embry's mind started to fog up the longer he kissed Bella, finding himself against the fence of the ice. Bella's hands were firmly against his chest.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" an all too familiar voice called not too far away. The new couple separated in surprise. Embry heaved himself off the wall, wrapping an arm around Bella's waist again. He stiffened when he saw who spoke.
Sam and the entire team were standing just ten feet away.
He stood in front of Bella in a protective stance. Paul (who was standing in the back) secretly waved at Bella. She smiled at him. She clutched Embry's shoulders in support and fear. Sam's gaze gave him the once over, the team behind him. Quil was whispering to Tyler, giving Bella the eyes. She recoiled behind Embry more. Finally Sam spoke.
"Long time no see Embry." The scarred man grunted-his face blank and his eyes holding hatred. Sam crossed his arms.
"So, how have you been?" Sam asked in a far too chirpy voice.
"Like you care. Last I checked you dumped me like garbage." Embry's words were clipped, sharp. Sam's eyes looked past him and saw Bella standing behind him.
"Hey you, why don't come out and say hello?" Sam falsely cooed, making the team gag or chuckle.
Paul shook his head towards Bella. She gripped Embry tighter, releasing a whimper. Quil rolled his eyes. The chick was obviously not a girl that swooned over NORMAL people. He walked up to the front until he was nearly in Embry's face.
"C'mon Em; let's meet your girlfriend. Though I'm surprised you even got one with your face." Embry growled and took a step towards Quil. But Bella clutched onto his bicep, whispering his name. He turned his head to look over his shoulder at her. He gave her a small smile to show nothing was going to happen…hopefully. Quil chuckled. This was going to be fun. He pointed his attention to Bella, a disturbing smirk on his face.
"Come on out sweetie. We don't bite…hard." Bella whimpered and buried her face Embry's back. The catty part of her was too afraid as well; when she dealt with Rosalie, there were only two-but at that moment there were five. Well, four minus Paul. They were much larger than anyone else-they could easily hurt her. Quil took a step to the side, only to get his shirt grabbed by Embry. His eyes were wild, his mouth in a snarl.
"Touch her and there will be hell to pay." His voice was filled with venom that made even Quil shudder. He wasn't the shy, yet cocky Embry they knew-he was someone who learned from heartbreak…stronger. Bella screwed her eyes shut and kissed Embry's back to rid some of the tension. Quil ripped his shirt from Embry's grasp, slowly backing away. Sam was disturbed by this; it was almost impossible to scare Quil-but…what just went on…he shook his head and glared at Embry. He was turned around, whispering comforting words to a frightened Bella. The new kid, Alex stepped forward and grabbed Embry's shoulder, jerking him so he could face him.
"What kind of hell, huh tough guy?" he sneered with too much confidence. Embry growled.
"Why don't you learn your place punk?" They were face to face, each of them glaring daggers at the other.
Paul couldn't stand it anymore; Bella was too close if something happened. He scooted away from the team and hissed Bella's name. When she turned her attention to him, he waved towards himself in motion to come toward him. She bit her lip before she slowly made her way to him, trying not to get noticed by anyone from the team. She was almost there when Tyler grabbed her elbow and jerked her into his arms.
"Where you goin' cutie?" She let out a shriek by accident.
"TY!" Paul shouted. Embry tackled Tyler to the ice in a flash-breaking into chaos. Shouting was heard, punches were thrown… it was absolute chaos. In the end Embry was forcefully removed from a badly bruised Tyler. Alex helped him up and Embry took Bella from Paul. She gripped his shirt, whispering her worries. He stroked her arms, trying to calm her down and steady his own self. She shook with relief to see Embry wasn't badly hurt.
"What you did is unacceptable Embry!" Sam roared. This wasn't the same Embry-not by a long shot. His eyes gleamed with anger.
"Go to hell you son of a bitch!" Embry shouted, holding Bella's head to his chest. He had a black eye forming and his right arm had bad scratches that looked like they were going to bleed. Paul stood by Embry in defense, shaking his head with disappointment in the team. He had said 'don't mess with them.' What do they do? Exactly that! And look what it got them; a freaked out Quil and a busted up Tyler. The team started to leave so they could tell Harry what happened. Sam motioned Paul to come along. Paul turned to the couple and smiled his comfort. Embry nodded with his own small smile.
"I'll see you guys later." He whispered and then ran off to join the rest of the team in Sam's truck. Embry flinched when Bells accidentally rubbed against his cuts. She gasped and examined the damage. There were four cuts; each glistening with blood and pink around the edges.
"Em!" her voice was a breathless gasp. He kissed her forehead in consultance, not wanting her to worry any more than she had.
"It's fine kitten. I promise." She frowned. She led him off the ice, removing her skates as Embry did the same. They put on their winter clothes. When Embry walked he had a slight limp. He tried to make it subtle, but Bella noticed. They walked through the cold air back to Embry's apartment so Bella could treat his arm.
He took off his jacket, hissing as the fabric touched the tender flesh of his cuts. She shoved him onto the couch and went to the bathroom to see if he had a first aid kit. She came back shortly carrying a small white box with a blue medical cross on the front. She pulled out some cotton-dabbing peroxide on it. She tentatively placed the soaked cotton on the worst looking cut. Embry hissed again as the cleansing medicine sunk into his skin and on the sensitive edges of the scratch. She murmured her apologies and continued, dabbing each cut carefully. Embry grunted as each scratch burned every time.
When they were thoroughly cleaned, Bella wrapped his arm in gauze securely.
"I'm sorry." He said after many minutes of silence. She gave him a look of innocent confusion. She tilted her head to the side; her big brown eyes sparkling in the way that always made his heart skip a beat. "For what happened at the rink." Bella smiled and sat in his lap-straddling him.
"It's not your fault." She murmured while she ran a hand through his hair. Embry grasped her hand, brushing his lips on her palm.
"I shouldn't have gotten angry." Bella shook her head and rested her head on his shoulder.
"You had every right to get mad." He sighed. She was so caring…
"Yeah guess…I just wish that they hadn't gone after you." Bella started making random shapes on his chest. She wanted to tell Embry it wasn't that bad-but it had been. Those men frightened her to a point. She couldn't see Embry spending time with them. Or was he different when he was on the team? Most likely-the Embry she knew was too sweet to hang out with those assholes.
"It's okay Em. It's over. Let's just enjoy the rest of the day…after all it is Christmas." Embry grinned.
"The mistletoe's still up." He said in a sing-songy voice. Bella giggled and twisted her hand in his hair, pulling his face close to hers. Embry chuckled, gripping Bella's waist once again just like he had earlier. He wouldn't say-but he was also mad at the team for interrupting them. They eagerly started the rhythm they had at the rink. Bella immediately started purring. Moments like this seemed to always make her purr easily…Embry would have to remember that. Just as their bubble started to build up, Embry's cell phone rang. He pulled away with a groan.
"God Damnitt!" he cursed. Bella huffed in annoyance to whoever was calling and set her head comfortably on Embry's shoulder. Embry hit the talk button.
"Yes?" he said not at all hiding his irritation.
"Embry Call! What did you do at the ice rink!" Embry blanched when he heard the angry voice of his sister/friend. Bella bit her lip as she looked up at him. He rubbed his hand on her back.
"Nothing horrible." He muttered-already getting distracted with Bella.
"Nothing horrible' doesn't make Sam ape crazy over at my dad's house about YOU attacking one of guys!" Embry rolled his eyes.
"I thought you didn't like them."
"I don't" Leah said matter-of- factually. Embry could just imagine her standing in her mom's kitchen with a hand on her hip, a frustrated frown on her face. She continued. "But I don't exactly like people getting on my dad's back about stuff. What did you do?" Embry licked his lips as he thought.
"I attacked Tyler." He whispered.
"You what!" she gasped.
"He grabbed Bella and I…I just went crazy." He heard Leah scream at someone.
"YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THAT HE GRABBED HER YOU DOUCHEBAG! GOD DAMMITT I HATE YOU!" she must have thrown something because there was a shatter of glass and a voice cursing. There was some rustling and then Jacob was on the phone.
"Em, its Jake. Listen, Leah just started going crazy on Sam. So Seth might be coming by to check on you." Jacob spoke calmly while a loud banging was heard on his line and more screaming. Embry ran hand through Bella's hair, who was starting to drift in and out of sleep.
"Alright." Embry mumbled.
"Look I have to go. Oh, by the way, merry Christmas! Leah that's enough! Your mom will kill you if you dent the cookie tray!" Embry hung up chuckling, shaking Bella a little. She moved but she didn't wake up. Embry adjusted himself so he was lying down with Bella's head on his chest. He felt bad for ruining their time together at the rink, but he just couldn't stand seeing the team. A while ago he would have asked what he did wrong-but now; he wanted to punch each of their faces in! He didn't like how they went after Bella either. She had nothing to do with what was going on and they preyed on her like they did all women.
He turned on the TV at a low volume, being careful not to disturb Bella. He was watching some reality show that made his head hurt when a strong knocking was heard. Embry dropped his head on the arm rest before he slowly lifted Bella off of him and back onto the couch, being sure not to tousle her much.
Seth stood in front of Embry's door anxiously. When Sam had barged into his parents' home yelling about how Embry attacked Tyler, he knew there was more to it, and got his answer when Leah screamed at them and started beating them with a cookie tray. She was dangerous when she wanted to be. Embry answered; his hair was everywhere, a black eye, and gauze on his arm. Seth showed his teeth and inhaled.
"Yikes!" Embry leaned against the door with a small smile.
"I know." Seth was speechless. Embry jerked his head towards the living room as a sign for Seth to come in. the twenty-two year old stepped into the apartment, seeing Bella sound asleep on the couch. He could tell Embry was being sure not to wake her, because he slowly shut the door so there was only a barely inaudible 'click' Seth smirked at the scarred man. Embry punched his arm.
"I see why Leah wanted me to check up on you." Seth ran a hand through his hair. Embry shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. He felt like crap at the moment; his head was throbbing and his arm was still had a bad twinge. He was looking at Bella with concern, who was waking up. She opened her eyes and let out a noise. Embry walked over to give her kiss on the forehead.
"Hey." He murmured. She smiled sleepily at him. She jumped a little when she saw Seth behind him. He waved.
"Hey Bella, I'm Seth Clearwater. Leah's brother." They shook each other's hands.
"It's nice to meet you Seth." Bella smiled before she got up to use the bathroom.
"You too." Seth pulled something out of his pocket and handed to Embry.
"I better get going. Someone has to be there to clean up Leah's mess. Knowing Jake he'll be holding back a possessed Leah. I'll catch you later Em. Take good care of that arm…and that girlfriend!" He ran off laughing before Embry could throw anything at him. When he heard the door shut, he fell back on the couch groaning. He closed his eyes as a headache started it rise.
He felt something on his arm and looked to see Bella holding his arm, two pills in her hand. She gave him the white pills. He swallowed them and rubbed Bella's upper arm. He started to feel drowsy-the medicine taking affect.
"Bella…you're so pretty." He muttered as her ran a finger over her cheek. Bella blushed a deep crimson.
"Get some rest Em." She kissed him meaning for it to comfort him, but he kept her head there and moved his lips against hers. She smiled but pulled back, making him groan.
"Em you need to rest. The medicine is making you sleepy." She put a hand on his chest and made him lie down with her on the little couch. She snuggled into his warm neck. Embry's started to droop and soon she could hear his steady breathing, showing he was asleep. Bella wiggled her phone out of her pocket to send Emmett a text. She kissed Embry's forehead and watched his chest rise and fall, his scarred face holding no more frown lines from earlier. She hummed in contentment and let herself relax against Embry's chest.
OKAY, ANOTHER CHAPTER. I REALIZED THAT EMBRY'S STORY IS VERY VAGUE AND THAT I'M MOST LIKELY CONFUSING YOU SO, I'M GOING TO TELL HIS STORY SUPER QUICKLY.
EMBRY CALL WAS BORN INTO A BROKEN FAMILY. HIS PARENTS HAD MET IN NEW MEXICO WHEN HIS MOTHER WAS ON VACATION. WHEN THEY FELL IN LOVE SHE MOVED THERE. HIS FATHER LEFT HIS MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIM AT 19. BROKEN HEARTED SHE MOVED BACK TO HER HOME STATE COLORADO AND TRIED TO GIVE EMBRY WHAT HE NEEDED, BUT FOUND HERESLF CRACKING UNDER THE PRESSURE OF BEING A SINGLE MOM.
WHEN HE HIT HIS TODDLER YEARS, HIS MOTHER LEFT HIM WITH THE FAMILY FRIENDS THE CLEARWATERS, LEAVING NOTHING TO HIM EXCEPT HIS RING (WHICH WILL BE ON MY PROFILE SOON) WHEN HARRY CLEARWATER FOUND THE LITTLE BOY ON THE PORCH-WAS IMMEDIATELY WAS WELCOMED INTO THE FAMILY. SO THE CLEARWATERS BECAME HIS TRUE FAMILY, CONSIDERING LITTLE SETH AND LEAH AS HIS SIBLINGS-WHEN HE TURNED TEN HE MET PAUL LAHOTE AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AFTER HE HAD TRIPPED ON THE BOY WHO HAD BEEN ON THE FLOOR IN THE HALL FOR PUNISHMENT AND BUILT A FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM THAT AS YOU CAN SEE IS STILL VERY STRONG. THEY WERE VERY MISCHIEVOUS AND HELPED EACH OTHER WITH WILD PRANKS THAT GOT THEM IN VERY MUCH TROUBLE.
AT TWELVE EMBRY WAS EXPLAINED THE STORY OF HIS MOTHER AND THE RING HE HAD FOUND PRECIOUS. THE YOUNG EMBRY WAS DISTRAUGHT BUT STILL SAW THE CLEARWATERS AS HIS FAMILY. HE STILL WORE THE RING BUT SAW IT DIFFERENTLY THAN HE HAD IN THE BEGINNING.
EMBRY FOUND A PASSION IN SKATING ONE WINTER WITH PAUL AT THIRTEEN. THE TWO OF THEM SOON STARTED GOING EVERY OTHER DAY WITH A BAG OF SNACKS AND A RADIO, MAKING IT THEIR HANG OUT SPOT. OVER THE YEARS EMBRY'S SKILLS GREW IN SKATING TO THE POINT HE COULD MAKE A FULL CIRCLE AROUND THE RINK IN EXACTLY ONE MINUTE! THAT WAS ALSO THE YEAR HE WAS TOLD HE NEEDED TO WEAR BRACES. SO AT FOURTEEN EMBRY POUTED FOR 18 MONTHS, AND 12 MORE AS HE DEALT WITH METAL ON HIS TEETH.
AT AGE EIGHTEEN THE LOCAL OBSTACLE SKATING TEAM SAW THE TWO FRIENDS DOING THEIR USUAL RUNS AND OFFERED THEM BOTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY OUT FOR THE TEAM. THEY AGREED AND FOUND THEMSELVES IN VERY GOOD POSITIONS ON THE TEAM-MAKING FRIENDS AND ENJOYING THEMSELVES, MAKING ENOUGH MONEY FOR TO MOVE OUT OF THEIR PARENTS HOMES.
TWO YEARS LATER WHILE COMPETING IN WORLD FINALS, EMBRY FACED AN ACCIDENT THAT BROKE HIS LEG, AND ICE TO CUT HIS SKIN DEEPLY. HE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR TWO WEEKS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. THE ICE HAD LEFT PERMANENT SCARS ON HIS FACE, BACK, AND CHEST. THE IRIS OF HIS LEFT EYE WAS DAMAGED AS WELL, CAUSING DISCOLORATION. HE ALSO BUILT A PHOBIA OF ICE BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, GETTING HIM KICKED OFF THE TEAM WHICH CAUSED A LOT OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. PAUL ALSO CUT CONNECTIONS WITH HIM IN THE PROCESS SO SOON IT WAS ONLY LEAH, JACOB, AND BARELY SETH HE KEPT IN CONTACT WITH. THE NIGHT HE WAS CUT, EMBRY KILLED HIS PRIDE AND DRANK HIMSELF TO SLEEP IN DESPAIR. HE BECAME DISTANT AND COLD, NO LONGER FEELING LIKE HIMSELF.
A FEW YEARS LATER, HE MET BELLA SWAN AT THE LOCAL ICE RINK FROM LEAH BEGGING HIM TO GO. HE LITERALLY RAN INTO THE FGURE SKATER AND HIS LIFE TURN INTO A SPIRAL SLIDE-EVERYTHING GOING FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE. WHICH IS THE ENTIRE REASON THIS STORY WAS CREATED! PHEW! THAT WAS A LOT! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS JUST SEND ME A MESSAGE! FAREWELL!
BETAed BY SOTHE SAGE