Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

148. Chapter 148

Chapter 148

It was quite a remarkable shift. Ever since she'd become a wolf, Heather and Embry being friendly and only friendly was completely effortless. It wasn't as though there was no attraction. If anything it was more intense than before. But with Heather and Embry completely on the same page, it was easier for them to keep things tame. And no one was opposed to her moods improving tenfold and being back to normal again.

As promised, Embry remained in Washington until January before returning to New York. He promised he'd come back for Heather's birthday and any other day he could but he wouldn't stay in Washington for an extended period again until Christmas. From there, life went on. Heather finished off her Junior year and come Senior year, that was when she really buckled down and started thinking about what she wanted to do for college. Meanwhile Evalynn continued studying. She shifted her focus onto the MCAT deciding that she wanted her MD first and foremost since it would take the longest and then once she had her MD she would move on to her Law Degree. With her family's support, she was all set to graduate high school at 17 just as she'd wanted and when she started her final year of high school, she started preparing for her entry essay, studying for the MCAT and putting together her recommendations and records of her internship with the hospital. By December 1968, she had her essay and references and referrals all ready and was getting them prepared to send after she took the MCAT in the spring.

"What if they don't accept me?" Evalynn asked Kyle while he was helping her put together her entries.

"I wouldn't worry about that," Kyle smiled at her. "You might not have saved a man's life or gotten a foot in the door thanks to your brother, but you did something better: you worked your ass off and earned it for your own merits. That's more than your uncle and I did." Evalynn smiled a little.

"Thanks, daddy," Evalynn said. "I guess if they don't accept me, I can try Harvard."

"You won't have to; I'm sure of it," Kyle said. "All that'll be left is for you to take the MCAT and after all the studying and preparing you've done, you'll get through that test like nothing."

"Don't boost my ego too much, daddy. God forbid I get a big head and I fail because I was cocky."

"I just don't want you working yourself into a worry either," Kyle said.

"Do you think I should force myself to shift?" Evalynn asked rather out of nowhere. "I mean, Heather did it and she's a lot better for it. What happens if I don't get it over with now and it screws me later?"

"If you want to, I can ask the pack about it and we'll help you," Kyle answered and patted Evalynn's shoulder. She smiled back at him but something began to weigh on her mind. "What's the matter, Evalynn?" Kyle asked when he noticed her mood change.

"When you shift, there are no secrets?"

"I'm afraid not. So if you've done anything, I'll know about it," Kyle joked. When Evalynn didn't smile, he pulled his chair a little closer. "What's wrong, Evalynn?" She didn't answer at first. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure they were alone and when she was sure, she took a deep breath. Her heart was pounding and she felt a little light headed.

"You love me no matter what right?"

"Of course I do," Kyle said, "but if you murdered someone, you may want to have this talk with your uncle." Evalynn finally started giggling a little, the tension relieved just a little.

"I haven't killed anyone, daddy. I promise," Evalynn said. "It's just that…." Kyle stayed quiet and allowed Evalynn to work up the courage to tell him what she wanted to. "I think…or….no. I know," Evalynn said, "I've known for a long time."

"What's that?" Kyle encouraged.

"I'm not….into guys," she finally said. Kyle didn't respond, so she continued. "I like girls. I'm a lesbian." She finally looked at Kyle and his face hadn't really changed. "Are you mad?"

"Course not," Kyle smiled reassuringly. "I admit I suspected but you know, I shouldn't assume and I wouldn't read your mind."

"Will mom be angry?"

"No, she won't be angry," Kyle said. "I don't know if she'll 'get it' but she won't be angry with you." Evalynn's shoulders slumped a little. "Hey, don't do that. You have nothing to worry about. The pack won't judge you; you know that. Neither will the rest of the family. If you ever want to talk to someone, Travis will know exactly what you're going through."

"Being Gay and being a Lesbian are different things," Evalynn said.

"Are you treated any different by society?" Kyle asked and Evalynn shrugged, giving Kyle his answer. "If I'm concerned about anything, it's making sure you stay safe. Both in an intimate sense and in day to day life. I won't lie to you and tell you that you have nothing to worry about once you go to the east coast. All I can recommend is keep this to as few people as possible. Trust me, I know that's not fair but I don't want anything to happen to you."

"It's okay, daddy. I can take care of myself," Evalynn said.

"You're still my little girl, Evalynn. I'll never stop worrying about you," Kyle smiled. "It'll help to have you off campus I think. Maybe we can get you a little townhouse for you nearby."

"Daddy, I can't afford a townhome," Evalynn said.

"We'll take care of it," Kyle said. "Take it from me; you'll be exhausted from all your school work and internships. The last thing you need to worry about is working on top of that."

"I'll be okay, daddy," Evalynn said. "If I can manage going to school, studying for the MCAT and my internship, I can manage a part time job." Kyle smiled at Evalynn and hugged her.

"You truly are my daughter," Kyle said and patted her back before releasing her. "Just don't overwork yourself. I know that's rich coming from me, but I mean it. Don't forget to enjoy life and have some fun."

"I won't daddy, I promise," Evalynn said and then glanced down at her hands nervously. "Can we put off telling mom for now?"

"It's your preference to share," Kyle reassured.

"Thank you," Evalynn said.

As promised, Kyle kept Evalynn's sexuality to himself. He knew Evalina wouldn't be angry, but he knew she'd have a reaction of some nature more likely pertaining to not wanting Evalynn alone on the east coast. Kyle was inclined to agree, but there would be time to have that talk later after they knew she was accepted. After their talk, Evalynn started making a concerted effort to shift and within weeks of her efforts, she awoke to her wolf: a grey and white long haired wolf. While she'd already had quite the growth spurt, shifting to a wolf made it go further until she was 5'10" towering over Heather by two inches. She loved it, though. Despite her tender age, she felt like a woman that could concur the world. Come spring of '69, she walked into the auditorium that was hosting the MCAT test with her head held high and on cloud nine. She couldn't help notice that the other applicants, almost exclusively men, looked at her like she intimidated them.

"You should have seen them, Heather," Evalynn said after she'd completed the test and came to the donut shop. She'd waited for Heather to take her break and the two of them shared a chocolate donut. "The lot of them looked like they were scared of me."

"You are extremely imposing," Heather smiled. "Honestly, if I were in court with you, I might shit my pants too."

"Good to know," Evalynn said and stretched out a bit. "I hope I did well."

"Did you know the answer to every question?"

"Most of them I knew positively, but there were some I wasn't completely certain."

"Don't worry; I'm sure you did great," Heather smiled.

"What about you? Have you decided where you want to go?"

"I'm just going to a junior college," Heather said. "I haven't decided for sure what I want to do and I'd rather get my prerequisites out of the way so that I can focus once I finally do know what I want. Worst case scenario, I get an Associate's Degree and get a full time job after that."

"Make being with Embry a lot easier a lot sooner, eh?" Evalynn said with a knowing smile that Heather returned.

"Maybe," Heather said. "We're still staying friendly. When he visited for my 18th birthday, he just took me to a movie, we got dinner and that was the end of it. We didn't even kiss."

"You don't sound too heartbroken about it."

Heather shrugged, "There's no rush. He did hold my hand, though."

"You let him hold your hand? You hussy," Evalynn joked and Heather laughed. "Do you think he'd give you a bracelet any time soon?"

"I don't think so," Heather said. "I think he'll wait until I've finished college before we seriously consider getting married. Hell, I'm not sure we'll even seriously date until after that."

"Is he almost done building the house for Mr. Heidelberg?"

"Almost," Heather said. "Last we spoke, he said they were getting done installing all the appliances. It'll be live in ready by the summer. Uncle Alphonse is already planning his house warming party."

"Will there be a band playing an Austrian Waltz and finger sandwiches?"

"More than you can possible stomach," Heather giggled. "And macaroons I imagine. He likes macaroons."

"Well, that's understandable," Evalynn said. "I wish we were going. I kind of want to see this place now."

"I'm sure he won't mind if I invite you to come," Heather said.

"No, that's alright. Assuming I get accepted, I'd rather use the summer to get settled in that town house daddy keeps saying he's going to rent for me."

"Will you be too busy for a visit from me?"

"I'm never too busy for a visit from you," Evalynn promised.

Within a few weeks, the results from Evalynn's test came in. When Kyle handed her the envelope, she couldn't think of another time she'd ever been so nervous in her life. But she opened the envelop pulling out the notice and read through it until she got the news she'd been waiting for. She almost screamed but she was able to refrain and instead turned to look at Kyle, Evalina and Caleb who was even bracing for the results now.

"Just one off," she said.

"Oh, Evalynn," Evalina started in lamentation, but Evalynn interrupted her.

"Just one off from a perfect score!" Evalynn exclaimed with a big smile. Evalina cheered and grabbed Evalynn in a tight hug with Kyle and Caleb not far behind. "I did it, daddy," Evalynn was practically crying, "I passed."

"I knew you would," Kyle said. "Now we just need to wait for your acceptance letter to Yale."

Evalynn laughed and didn't even bother putting doubt in her mind. They finally sent in her results as the final installment of her application. They held off on a full celebration until they received their reply from the University. In the meantime, Evalynn did her best to stay calm and remember that even if she didn't get accepted, it wasn't the end of the world and there were plenty of Ivey League schools she could apply to and was already prepared to apply to if Yale didn't work out. Yet she couldn't fight sadness at the possibility.

"We're going to be busy this year," Kevin said to Levi Sr. while the two of them were on Levi's back porch watching the twins play with Lee. Nadeshka , who by now had grown quite a bit and appeared as a young teenager, stood outside watching them and making sure they weren't getting into trouble.

"Oh, I know," Levi said.

"Apparently Emma Leigh is getting ready to apply for Beauty School. No one's surprised."

"I wouldn't be," Levi said. "I just can't believe how quickly they grew. I remember when Amber was growing up. It seemed like she was taller every day we saw her."

"I admit I'm glad we didn't have to go through that with the kids," Kevin said. "Frustrating as they could be, I wouldn't trade those early years for anything."

"You shouldn't," Levi smiled. Tristan ran over suddenly appearing frustrated.

"Opa! Can you help us find a four leaf clover? Nadeshka said there's one in the back yard but we can't find it," Tristan said. Kevin and Levi almost laughed out loud, but Levi stood from his chair with a smile.

"I don't know why you think my old eyes can spot something you can't, but I'll try," Levi said and started following Tristan into the yard to help him search.

They spent tens of minutes looking in the backyard but couldn't find a four leaf clover. Nadeshka, however, kept insisting there was one and they just needed to look hard enough. It was an ingenious way to keep the kids distracted. He wished he'd thought of it before. Tristan took a hold of Levi's hand guiding him somewhere else in the yard and for a moment, Levi was still smiling at his grandson following him, but then Levi stopped and stared at his left arm. He opened and closed his fist and shook his arm a little trying to alleviate a pain that started.

"You alright, Levi?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah," Levi said. "Just a pain in my arm. It's passed now." Levi then continued to follow Tristan who'd run to the other side of the yard.

"We haven't checked here, Opa!" Tristan said and was waving his arms for Levi to join him. He'd been following but soon he stopped again.

"Levi?" Kevin started but then Levi bent over a little grabbing a hold of his chest.

"Opa?" Tristan said and ran to Levi who then fell to his knees.

"Amber, call an ambulance!" Kevin yelled from the backyard and ran to Levi. Amber picked up the phone and dialed as she was looking outside but when she saw Levi on the ground, she dropped the phone.

"Papa?!" Amber screamed.

"Amber, get an ambulance!" Kevin yelled again and Amber went back to the phone while Anna came outside and ran to Levi's side.

"Levi!" Anna screamed and came to Levi's side. He seemed like he was losing consciousness but Anna kept trying to get him to respond as she was crying.

"Daddy, what's wrong?" Lilliana asked innocently.

"Stay back, Lilli," Kevin ordered and kept Levi's head elevated. Amber finally came outside and went to Levi.

"Papa," Amber cried. "Bleib bei mir, Papa. Ein Krankenwagen ist unterwegs." (Stay with me, daddy. An ambulance is on the way) Amber pleaded with Levi but he seemed to continue fading. They heard an ambulance approaching but it wasn't fast enough.

"Ich liebe dich, Amber," (I love you, Amber) Levi began. "Bitte. Sagen Sie Levi, dass ich-" (Please. Tell Levi that I).

"Bitte, Papa, versuche nicht zu sprechen. Bleib einfach bei mir," (Please, daddy, don't try to speak. Just stay with me) Amber pleaded but despite his efforts, Levi completely lost consciousness. "Papa!" Amber screamed and finally the paramedics got into the backyard.

"Get back!" the paramedic ordered and they got Levi on a gurney and to the car. Anna came in after just as they'd ripped open his shirt and started trying to resuscitate Levi. They then started rushing to the nearest hospital and got a doctor. Nadeshka was asked to keep an eye on the kids while Amber and Kevin rushed to the hospital. Kevin took care of calling the family but when he came out, a doctor was there instead of Amber.

"Where's Amber?" Kevin asked, fearing the worst.

"You're her husband?"

"Yes," Kevin answered.

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Black, but your father-in-law has passed away," the doctor said as kindly as he could. "I'm afraid the paramedics couldn't resuscitate him and by the time we was at the hospital, it was too late. Your wife is with her mother right now." Kevin was still a moment, unable to believe it. The first one he thought of was his son, Levi. He couldn't even begin to think how they were going to tell him. "I can take you to them if you like, sir."

"Yes, thank you," Kevin mumbled and followed the doctor. Kevin offered Amber any comfort he could, but there was no way to make her feel better and he could only let her cry. They eventually left the hospital and returned home where Levi Jr. and Heather had returned to after Nadeshka had called them.

"Is Opa okay? Where is he?" At Levi's question, Anna broke down into tears again completely inconsolable. Amber held her close to comfort her mother as well as herself while Kevin approached Levi.

"I'm sorry, Levi. Opa's dead. He passed away before we could get him to the hospital," Kevin said to Levi.

Heather began crying and went to her mother and grandma to hold them while Levi just stared at Kevin. When it really sank in, Levi got closer to Kevin and started crying. Kevin hugged Levi close and just swayed him back and forth like when he was a baby. Kevin took over anything pertaining to the funeral arrangements and Levi's will. Levi had made a will years before when he'd retired and had made all his instructions clear with Kevin's assistance, so Kevin was able to ensure everything was done without needing to force Anna to deal with anything. She was severely depressed and was a constant companion at their home after the incident, so Kevin didn't want her caught up while she was trying to grieve her husband's loss. Their immediate family came into the city to check on them after they'd heard the news with food and their condolences. When it was time for the funeral, there wasn't a dry eye there. Embry had come in for the funeral and sat close to the front so he could be near Heather and offer whatever consonances he could from the pew behind her. Levi was given a Jewish funeral just as he'd wanted and Amber, Kevin, and their children sat up front with Anna with all their family and congregants that knew and loved him in attendance to say goodbye. Levi Jr. of course, was one of the pallbearers and before they closed his casket, he put one of his cracker jack toys in Levi Sr.'s casket as a final goodbye.

"Auf Wiedersehen, Opa," (goodbye, grandpa) Levi said and then the casket was closed and they brought it to the Hearse so it could be brought to the cemetery. Kevin held Levi by the shoulder while the Rabi gave the final parting words and when they returned to the Synagogue to have a lunch provided by the Synagogue, it was the first time Levi really talked to anyone.

"I'm really sorry, Levi," Caleb said once he was finally able to approach and gave him a hug. Sergei came over and gave him a hug afterwards.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Levi," Sergei said.

"Thanks, guys," Levi managed and rubbed his eyes. "We're trying to convince Oma to move in with us. I don't want her all alone in that big house."

"Give her time," Sergei said. "How long have they been married?"

"I think they married 1907," Levi said, "So 62 years."

"Yeah, she'll need time," Caleb said. "We're here for you if you need us; you got it?"

"Yeah, I know," Levi nodded.

Following Levi Sr.'s funeral, Kevin handled all remaining details pertaining to the Will. It left everything to Anna and a number of different bonds to Heather, Levi Jr. and the twins. For the twins, Kevin decided himself to put the bonds away for when they got older. For Heather and Levi, he asked them what they wanted to do with their bonds. Heather asked to put it aside in savings while Levi did the same saying he'd use it to buy his grandpa's car from Anna after he got his license that summer. However Anna would not accept any money, insisting that Levi Jr. knew full well his grandpa would have happily given him that car as a gift. Levi tried to protest, but Anna would not be dissuaded, so it was agreed once Levi turned 16 and got his license, Anna would sign over the car to him and Levi was to save the money for college. Not long after Levi Sr.'s passing, Evalynn received notice from Yale: she'd been accepted. She'd hesitated to tell Heather at first with her grandpa's death still fresh on her mind, but Heather insisted there was no need and that she was ecstatic for her. All that was left was to arrange for a townhouse to rent for Evalynn.

Evalynn did eventually talk to Evalina, wanting to get everything off her chest. Evalina, though not angry at Evalynn, was very surprised by the news. Then surprise turned to concern that, if anyone found out while she was away, it could cause her problems or even physical harm. With that possibility weighing heavily on her mind, Evalina refused to allow Evalynn to be on the east coast alone and placed a call to her father, who'd been residing in Rome. From there, he reached out to Dimitri and Heidi who agreed they'd be happy to stay with Evalynn while she was at school. Sadly, leading up to summer was not proving to be much easier. Levi was exhibiting signs he would shift soon. So were Caleb, Jae Sun, Mae Sun and even Eun So. Then near the end of the school year, Kevin received a call from Jacob that Seth had passed away. He'd died asleep in his bed and Charlene woke to him dead.

"I don't know if I can stand another funeral," Kevin said to Jacob when they'd arrived at the tribe for the funeral pyre. Things were still getting set up while Uileila was holding her mother comfortingly. Henry was hugging their daughter, Ashley, while she cried as well. Embry and Kevin had made a point to procure an American flag so he could have a proper veteran's funeral.

"I know what you mean," Jacob said. "Thank you for bringing that flag."

"He's a veteran; he deserves to be recognized as one," Kevin said. "We'll fold it and give it to Uileila before we light the pyre."

Jacob only nodded and when the funeral finally began, the tribe took their spots on the beach behind the immediate family while Kyle gave Seth his final goodbye. Before lighting the pyre, Kevin and Embry came up to fold the flag in the traditional manner and Kevin handed it to Uileila. Then they lit the pyre and everyone looked on as it burned. Ashley was particularly quiet through the ceremony and was holding her grandmother's hand comfortingly. As was tradition, Seth's immediate family (his daughter, wife, son-in-law and granddaughter) remained near the pyre until it finished burning and the ashes could blow away, taking them to the afterlife.

Shortly after Seth's funeral – just days later – the pack officially welcomed six more wolves to their pack: Levi, Caleb, Jae Sun, Mae Sun, Eun So and (unexpectedly) Ashley. After Ashley shifted, she immediately turned back, shocked by the occurrence and not ready for what being a part of the pack would entail. She was already determining she would relinquish her wolf. Jacob let her know that, if that is what she wanted, all she would need to do is never shift again and her wolf would leave on its own. The others, however, spent all those couple of days acclimating to the pack. There would, of course, be loads of wiggle room for their new wolves. The size of their pack was such that a very generous rotation could be in place and the boys could focus on school wile going on patrol only on a Friday or Saturday. Monday after all the boys had shifted for the first time, they returned to school as usual.

"Где ты был четыре дня?" (Gde ty byl chetyre dnya? / Where were you for four days?) Sergei asked Caleb when the two of them met up at their lockers at school.

"Я стал волком. Я думаю, вы могли бы сказать, что я тренировался," (YA stal volkom. YA dumayu, vy mogli by skazat', chto ya trenirovalsya / I became a wolf. I guess you could say I was training) Caleb said.

"О верно. Я забыл, что ваши люди могут сделать это. Значит, ты теперь часть этого пакета?" (O verno. YA zabyl, chto vashi lyudi mogut sdelat' eto. Znachit, ty teper' chast' etogo paketa? / Oh, right. I had forgot your people can do that. So you're a part of that pack thing now?)

"да," (da / yes) Caleb answered with a small smile. In the time leading up to shifting for the first time, he'd started getting much taller and he was filling out more, no longer a scrawny boy. Same could be said for all his cousins. Now that they'd shifted, they'd go through an even greater growth spurt. Since shifting, all of them had already grown to six feet tall. "Школа все еще находится в центре нашего внимания, но по ночам выходных я, скорее всего, буду на патруле." (Shkola vse yeshche nakhoditsya v tsentre nashego vnimaniya, no po nocham vykhodnykh ya, skoreye vsego, budu na patrule / School is still our focus, but the nights of weekends I will likely be on patrol).

"До свидания, чтобы спать ночью," (Do svidaniya, chtoby spat' noch'yu / Goodbye to your night's sleep) Sergei laughed and slapped Caleb's back. "Мне нужно идти в класс. Увидимся позже в биологии." (Mne nuzhno idti v klass. Uvidimsya pozzhe v biologii / I need to go to class. I'll see you in Biology later).

"До позже," (Do pozzhe / Until later) Caleb answered and waved goodbye to him.

Caleb took another moment to find the notebook he needed before closing his locker. Once he had, he glanced to his right seeing Ashley further down the hall getting what she needed out of her locker. Caleb had known the girl nearly his whole life. They'd gone to the same school, been in the same classes here and there, but they'd never really spoken to each other. When he heard she'd shifted and decided she didn't want to be part of the pack, Caleb thought nothing of it. Given her all too recent loss, no one could blame her for not wanting to have to deal with being a part of the pack. Regardless of desire to be part of the pack, she'd felt the effects of the wolf. She'd shot up in height to 5'8", she seemed to age from a 16 year old girl to a woman in her twenties (by appearances) and she had an air about her that exuded an unwavering strength. After years of hardly saying a few words to each other, Caleb found himself staring at her now. He felt drawn to her suddenly and he couldn't explain why.

Ashley grabbed her textbook out of her locker and closed it, snapping Caleb out of the trance, but as soon as she glanced in his direction, they both fell under the same spell when their eyes locked. Caleb was taken immediately with her deep, dark brown eyes and she was taken with his lighter brown. They both had a moment wondering how they'd never noticed one another before, but now in the hallway of the school, their centers of gravity felt as though it had shifted and the other was now seemingly the only person in the room. They both snapped out of it suddenly when the loud bell sounded indicating any students not in class yet had five minutes to get to class. Ashley glanced at him once more before rushing to her first class. Caleb eventually did the same, narrowly managing to get to his math class in time.

After arriving at his class, Ashley was all he was thinking about. He wondered if she'd had the same reaction to him that he'd had to her. Then he remembered they had the same 2nd period class in which there wasn't assigned seating. His hope was to sit next to her so that they could talk before and after class, even if only for a few minutes. After the bell sounded ending first period for the junior and high school age kids at the school, Caleb bolted from his first period class to his 2nd period English class and found a seat at the back of the class. He felt really nervous as he waited for Ashley to get to class. Thankfully, she arrived not long after him and their eyes met again. That same spark flashed between them and this time Ashley smiled nervously at him and he did the same.

"The seat next to me is free," Caleb said. She smiled a little more and walked to the back of the class and took a seat next to him. But then once she was sitting beside him, he realized he didn't know what to say. "How are you feeling?" he finally asked.

"I'm alright," she answered and then an awkward silence passed. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," Caleb answered, now feeling extremely embarrassed and internally scolding himself. He racked his brain for anything to say when the teacher stepped into the class indicating they were running out of time. "Do you want to sit together at lunch?" he finally asked.

"Sure," Ashley answered nervously and just like that, the bell rang indicating the start of class.

The two of them kept glancing at one another throughout class barely paying attention to their teacher. Caleb still felt really stupid for their lack of real communication and started writing a note to her. That turned into at least 10 discarded pages in his notebook before he just gave up, told himself to man up and stop being a coward and when class ended, he took a deep breath and stood up from his desk so he was looking right at Ashley.

"What are you-" they both went at the same time and then stopped. "No," Caleb continued, "you go ahead."

"Um," Ashley began, glanced down at her toes and then back up at Caleb, "What are you doing after school?"

"Nothing," Caleb answered eagerly. "Do you want to do something? Maybe we can go into town? Or I guess we can go to the library together and get our homework done."

"I'd love to," Ashley smiled. "So, uh," she continued, "I'll see you at lunch?"

"Yeah, I'll see you then," Caleb smiled and waved his hand to her as she walked away and she waved back. With renewed confidence bolstering him on, Caleb went to his third period biology class and got to the group desk. Sergei was already at the table with another part of their team when Caleb quickly got into his seat startling Sergei out of whatever conversation he'd been having with their other science partner. "Я сегодня обедаю с Эшли!" (YA segodnya obedayu s Eshli! / I'm having lunch with Ashley today!)

"Кто?" (kto / who?) Sergei asked.

"Ashley," Caleb repeated.

"Я не знаю кто такая Эшли," (YA ne znayu kto takaya Eshli / I don't know who Ashley is) Sergei said.

"What's going on?" their science partner asked.

"Caleb's going on about having lunch with someone named Ashley," Sergei answered.

"You mean Seth Jagger's granddaughter?" the science partner asked.

"Oh, her?" Sergei asked. "Since when were you interested in her?"

"It's a recent development," Caleb answered. "Point is she and I are sitting together at lunch hour. Whether it's with her friends or with us will be determined come lunch hour."

"Okay," Sergei answered, staring at Caleb weirdly.

Shortly thereafter, class started and Caleb made sure to focus, but his thoughts kept wondering back to Ashley. He had one more class before lunch hour but once the whole school was given the hour to eat, Caleb went to the cafeteria prepared to look for Ashley, but she was already at the entrance to the cafeteria when Caleb approached. Once she noticed him, she smiled and waved at him so he would approach her. They greeted one another, but once they were standing together, they were both quiet a moment nervously trying to figure out what to say.

"Let's eat at one of the benches outside," Caleb finally suggested.

"But it's raining," Ashley said.

"We'll still be under cover," Caleb promised and held out a hand to her. She accepted bashfully and the two of them walked to the outdoor area near the cafeteria. It was covered but the rain left fewer students outside. That was fine by Caleb. They found a table that was available close to the outdoors so they could listen to the rain.

"This is actually really nice," Ashley said once they were seated. "Who'd have thought sitting out in the rain could be so romantic."

"Good, that was the intent," Caleb managed and Ashley giggled a little.

"So it's not just me?" Ashley asked.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Caleb answered and then scratched the back of his head. "I promise I'm not usually this awkward."

"Yeah, I'm usually more articulate myself," Ashley said with a blush. "So…..I know I didn't really stick around for the training you and the others underwent. Did…did I miss anything important?"

"Not really: just bite off vampire's head, throw in fire and you're done," Caleb joked, "So long as they aren't family. I promise, my grandparents aren't so bad."

Ashley smiled and glanced down at her lunch then back at Caleb. "I guess I should apologize to all of you. This whole thing can't be easy on you guys either and here I am just backing out."

"Hey, it's fine," Caleb said quickly. "You've gone through enough lately." There was a brief silence between them before he continued, "How are you feeling since…you know?"

"I'm alright," Ashley said and then took a breath, "I'll be alright. Grandma is moving in with us. She misses grandpa so much. They'd been together so long that she just isn't ready to be alone."

"Yeah," Caleb nodded awkwardly.

"It was Levi's grandpa that passed away recently, right?"

"Yeah," Caleb said. "He's hanging in there, but he and his grandpa were really close. Trust me: no one blames you for not really wanting to be part of the pack."

"I mean….I guess I just need a little time before I really get in there with the rest of you," Ashley said. "Do you think your grandpa would be alright with that?"

"I'm sure Grandpa Jacob will be happy to have you as part of the pack," Caleb smiled. "The pack is enormous, so us younger wolves are more backup than anything. We can faze on weekends if they need us and for the week, we're free to do as we please."

"I guess it's a lot more lenient than I had thought," Ashley smiled. "Grandpa Seth never became a wolf, but he told me about how when he was a kid, it was just your grandpa Jacob, Grandpa Quil and Embry Sr. but now it's…God, how many are there now?"

"Well, with me, JJ's kids and Levi joining, then my sister and cousin, our dads.." Caleb proceeded to do the math in his head including in that number their far less frequent wolves until he got the number, "32? Hell, I'm sure I'm forgetting some in that count. So yeah, no worries. There are more wolves in the pack than grandpa knows what to do with."

Ashley smiled, "I guess we'll just make that 33 to include me. I'm not the only girl in the pack right?"

"No," Caleb said. "Heather, my sister, Nesia, Aunt Natalie, Ivory, Jaedynn; I think Aidetzi and Lulu are involved passively. Same with Embry's sisters. So that would bring the pack size closer to 37 give or take. I do know they're stormy weather pack members and would only shift in the event of a tribe threatening emergency."

"God forbid," Ashley said with a gentle smile. "So….we imprinted on each other right? I'm not crazy?"

"No, we're both a little crazy, but I'm not complaining. I'm just glad we imprinted on each other rather than a one way street."

"That would be awkward wouldn't it?" Ashley said.

"I don't know, I think we've managed pretty good on that so far," Caleb joked and made Ashley laugh.

"I guess we should work on that," Ashley replied. They looked at one another a moment just admiring one another. "So we're studying together after school?"

"Yeah," Caleb said, "At least…we should do that for an hour or so. I figure after that we can go for a walk along the beach assuming the rain clears or we can go to my house, your house – I'm open to anything."

"Me too," Ashley said. "I guess we'll get our homework done and then see where the afternoon takes us from there?"

"Yeah! That would be great," Caleb agreed eagerly. Ashley smiled back at him and the two proceeded with the rest of their lunch break until the bell rang indicating it was time to return to class.

They both eagerly awaited the end of the school day and when it finally came, the two of them met at the school library just as they'd agreed and did their homework together. Their homework took roughly an hour and a half to finish, but they stayed in the library for several more hours until they were officially kicked out and told to go home. Caleb insisted on walking Ashley home and they walked together hand in hand. Even though it was getting dark, the two of them took their time walking slowly, but they did eventually reach Ashley's house.

"Thanks for studying with me. You made doing our homework a little less dull," Ashley said.

"Thanks for spending time with me," Caleb replied. He glanced at their intertwined fingers desperately tempted to lift her hand so he could kiss it. He lifted her hand slowly in case she didn't want him to and when she'd not stopped him or pulled away, he pressed his lips against the back of her hand to give it a kiss. "So aside from the obvious seeing you again in English tomorrow, when else can I see you again?"

"I assume we'll have homework again tomorrow, so we can do that together after school," Ashley suggested. "If you're free this weekend, why don't we go to the beach together? We can go swimming or maybe just walk along the beach."

"I would love that," Caleb smiled. The two looked at each other a moment and Caleb averted his eyes just a moment. "Can…um….can I give you a kiss?"

Ashley's answer was to smile before lifting her head up to Caleb's so their lips met in a kiss. It was a tender kiss; very tame but it wasn't hesitant. When their lips pressed together, any timid feelings had passed and all that was left was the spark. They might have kissed much longer were they not interrupted by the sound of the front door to Ashley's house opening. They parted to look towards the house and Henry was looking at them surprised.

"Caleb?"

"Evening, sir," Caleb smiled.

"Ashley, why are you so late?" Henry asked.

"I'm sorry, daddy. Caleb and I stayed after school to do our homework and once it was done we just stayed in the library for a while."

"Well, get inside and have some dinner," Henry said and waited at the door for her. Ashley looked at Caleb with a smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

"I'll see you tomorrow," Caleb said, kissed her hand again and then started walking away. Ashley lingered a moment and the two waved goodbye to each other briefly.

"Ashley Jagger, get inside; your mother and I were worried sick about you," Henry ordered and Ashley finally came inside. "Since when are you and Caleb Black seeing each other?"

"Since today," Ashley said.

"Where were you?" Uileila asked once Ashley was inside.

"I stayed after school with Caleb to do our homework together," Ashley said.

"Caleb Black; Dr. Black's son?" Uileila asked and Ashley's answer was a nod.

"I think I'll join the pack after all," Ashley said. "Caleb and I…you know…imprinted on one another."

"Beg pardon?" Henry asked, stunned.

"I imprinted on him and he imprinted on me," Ashley said with a smile. "I'm staying after school with him again tomorrow to do our homework and this weekend we're going to the beach."

"At least make sure you're back by dinner tomorrow," Henry said firmly. "Imprint or no, I don't want you out all ours of the night least of all without telling us."

"I'm sorry, I'll be home by dinner tomorrow," Ashley agreed, but she was still smiling a silly, distant smile despite getting in trouble for being so late. It was definitely worth it.

When Caleb returned home, Kyle was still at the hospital but Evalina and Evalynn were home. When asked why he was late, her told them about Ashley and what they'd done that day. Then, for the remainder of the week, Caleb and Ashley always sat together during their English class and their lunch hour trading between Caleb's group of friends and Ashley's group of friends and then doing their homework together in the school library after school but ensuring they were both home by dinner. When it was the weekend, Caleb walked to her house to pick her up at the time they'd agreed prepared to go to the beach with her, but she asked that they stop by Jacob's and Renesmee's house so she could talk to Jacob about her place in the pack. As Caleb had said, she could be as involved as she wanted – permitted to come on patrol when she was able or wanted to. It was encouraged as often as possible to keep her sharp, but the only time her involvement would be absolutely required would be in the event of an emergency. Since the weather was really nice that day, there were a bunch of people along the beach either surfing, relaxing on the rocks and a group had brought a grill to the beach and were cooking burgers and letting other members of the tribe use it assuming they brought their own stuff.

"So Ashley," Caleb said when they were on the beach relaxing after splashing around in the water together for a while.

"Yeah, Caleb?" Ashley asked and turned to her side so she was looking at him.

"I hope you don't think this is silly of me, but would you be my girlfriend?" Caleb asked and Ashley smiled.

"It's not silly at all," she said. "I would love to be your girlfriend. So long as you'll be my boyfriend."

"I'd love to be your boyfriend," Caleb played along and the two of them couldn't help but laugh just a little and then shared a kiss.

When the school year ended, Kyle and Jacob arranged a giant barbecue on the beach that effectively everyone was invited to in Evalynn's honor to see her off to Yale. Kyle and Evalina would be joining her in Connecticut for a week before she started her school year to help her get situated in apartment she'd be staying at. She insisted she wanted to help pay the rent on the apartment and Kyle assured he'd be happy to work with her once she had a part time job but made clear there was no rush. Heather would be staying at home since she was attending a local junior college and she would be keeping her part time job at the donut shop.

That summer, Alphonse's home was finally finished with construction and fully furnished with all the custom furniture he'd ordered. Alphonse toured the house looking it up and down while Embry was close by. He'd never been so nervous before as he was watching Alphonse go through the house with a fine tooth comb. Every panel, every piece of furniture, every room was put under a microscope while Embry stayed silent. After a full tour, they arrived back in the entryway and Alphonse, as he'd been through the whole tour, was stone faced.

"Is it to your satisfaction, Alphonse?" Embry finally asked. Alphonse took one more look around and finally showed a crack of a smile.

"It's perfect," Alphonse smiled. "Like being on vacation in Gaal again."

Embry finally released a breath he'd been holding and smiled, "I'm thrilled you like it."

"It's everything I asked for," Alphonse said. "I will be putting the penthouse on the market as soon as we're back in the city. I can think of no better way to start retirement."

"It's deserved, sir," Embry said.

"Indeed it is," Alphonse said. "You have a gift, Mr. Call. I look forward to any future work you do."

"Thank you very much for saying, sir," Embry answered. "So when are you hosting your house warming party?"

"As soon as possible," Alphonse answered. "I just need to collect as many people as possible. Any of your family that wants to come is more than welcome."

"Absolutely," Embry smiled.

Alphonse had the penthouse on the market by Monday and was already having any remaining necessities moved into his house in The Hamptons. As promised, he invited every person he could think of and Kevin, naturally, was one of them as were any of his family that wished to come. Kyle and Evalina declined, but Caleb (hoping to have a small vacation together) asked to go and requested Ashley be able to go. Her parents agreed under the agreement that Uileila would be joining them on this trip. They'd only be gone for a four day weekend anyway. Evalynn agreed she'd go as did Heather, eager to see this project Embry had spent years working on. Sergei decided he wanted to go and since the twins would be coming, Lee wanted to come too. Once it was approaching the time for Alphonse's party, Kevin made the arrangements for everyone that was coming and they would all stay at the apartment in the city. It was a little cramp but everyone had a place to stay. Then on Saturday, they took a few cars to The Hamptons.

"Oh wow," Ashley said when they were in front of the house.

"Embry really outdid himself," Evalynn agreed and took a deep breath. "Whatever he did for catering, I can't smell it."

"I wouldn't think so," Kevin said.

They all went inside where they were greeted by a man that was accepting coats if necessary and acting as director to where everyone needed to go. There were two maids that they say as they were passing by and outside there were numerous standing tables for people to eat at. There were people all over that were handing out drinks and food and the backyard was packed with people some of whom Kevin recognized as clients and others as friends or miscellaneous.

"This feels really stuffy," Ashley said when they were all outside.

"Everything Uncle Alphonse does he does it with high class," Levi said.

"Kevin!" Alphonse called and approached them. He hugged Kevin briefly to welcome him. "It's good to see you. What do you think of your friend's handy work?"

"It's amazing," Kevin said.

"Heather? Levi?" Alphonse asked, looking at the two before him that looked vaguely familiar and they nodded. "My God, the two of you grew up. How long has it been since I've seen you?"

"Last we came to New York, I think," Heather said and went to give Alphonse a hug. "The house is beautiful, Uncle Alphonse. I'm glad Embry could give you your dream house."

"So am I," Alphonse said.

"Speaking of; where is Embry?" Kevin asked.

"He's somewhere," Alphonse said. "I think a few friends of ours have him occupied at the moment. I know of 2 already that are interested in Embry's expertise."

"That's fantastic!" Heather said. "I'll see if I can find him. Evalynn, are you coming with?"

"No, I'll leave you be," Evalynn said and Heather walked away.

"So Evalynn," Alphonse spoke up, "I'm to understand you've been accepted to Yale?"

"Yes sir," Evalynn smiled.

"Excellent," Alphonse said, "for Law I assume?"

"That will be later. I'm starting with getting my MD and then I'll shift to my Law Degree so I can be a Malpractice attorney."

"A malpractice attorney?" Alphonse asked, his brow raising obviously impressed. "That's very good money. If I may ask, what inspired you to pursue malpractice?"

"I love medicine but I don't want to be a doctor. This seemed like a good alternative," Evalynn said. "So I'll be in school for a very long time."

"It'll be worth it in the end," Alphonse said. "Congratulation, my dear. I've heard from Kevin how hard you've worked and I commend you. Beware, though: you are coming head on into a man's industry."

"I'll make room for myself," Evalynn smiled challengingly and Alphonse chuckled.

"Good answer, Evalynn," Alphonse said. "Keep up that fighting spirit."

"Absolutely," Evalynn said.

Further in the yard, Heather was looking for Embry and when she finally found him, he was speaking with an older gentleman she didn't recognize. Just in case, she approached rather slowly not wanting to interrupt. But when Embry noticed her, he smiled and waved for her to come over.

"Do you mind if we talk more on Monday, Mr. Reeves?"

"That's just fine, Mr. Call," the man said and pulled out a business card. Embry reciprocated and the man walked away.

"Perspective client?" Heather asked.

"Yeah," Embry said. "It's not a house to build from scratch, but he has a winter lodge in Colorado that he'd love to have remodeled and he asked if I'd be able to do it."

"Do you think you will?"

"I'll give him some quotes and we'll see," Embry said. "From what he's told me, he'll want the kitchen and master bedroom remodeled, so that shouldn't take more than a few weeks with a dedicated team."

"That's great," Heather smiled. "The house is gorgeous, Embry. You did an amazing job."

"Thanks, Heather," Embry smiled. "So are you excited for school?"

"I'm nervous, but I think I'll be alright. I'd ask if you're happy to return home but if all goes well with this guy, I suspect you'll be away a little longer."

"We'll see," Embry said, "But I'd come home before that project. I've already warned the landlord I'll be breaking my lease on the apartment."

"He's not mad?"

"Nah," Embry shrugged. "He's a good guy. I've been keeping him in the loop about this project and he's not giving me too big a financial penalty for the break. He's already putting the place back up for lease so he'll have new bodies in there right after I leave."

"Okay, that's good," Heather said. She glanced down at her hands feeling slightly embarrassed. "I'm tempted to ask if you'd mind letting me see it, but I guess that might be too much."

"I'd feel better checking with Kevin that he's alright with it," Embry said. "Of course, I don't mind telling you this party's a little boring and I'd far rather take you out somewhere."

Heather smiled, "I'd be open to that. Alphonse won't be upset that you're leaving?"

"No, I've already talked to everyone that's insisted on it and they have my business cards. I've been here for the past three hours."

"Shit."

"Yeah," Embry smiled.

They located Alphonse who was still talking to Kevin and let them both know they were going to leave. Kevin affirmed it was fine for Heather to leave with him and only reminded Heather they were leaving for the airport Sunday afternoon and to be home before then, giving Heather and Embry plenty of time to do whatever. Once outside, it took a moment to find Embry's truck but once they had, they got in and drove away into town to a restaurant Embry had started frequenting since living there. It was a restaurant that was near the shoreline and had an amazing view especially on the patio seats where the hostess brought Heather and Embry.

"This is amazing," Heather smiled, looking out on the water. "So what do you recommend?"

"Their clam chowder is the best," Embry said. "They have a clam bake that I like to get from time to time, but their fish and chips is another favorite." Heather kept looking through the menu at all the other options.

"Their catch of the day looks amazing," Heather said.

"You mean the swordfish? Yeah, it does," Embry said. A waitress walked over to get their orders. Heather asked for a glass of wine while Embry got a beer and they ordered what they wanted for dinner. Once they were alone, Heather put her purse back to the side.

"Didn't even card me," Heather smiled and shrugged. "I won't complain."

"Just don't go overboard," Embry said. "Drunk is fun to a point but once you pass that point, it's awful."

"I'm sure I'll learn the hard way one way or another," Heather said. "Can I be forward and ask about us?"

"Us?"

Heather nodded, "You know: seeing each other romantically. I mean….I'm 18 now. You've finished your project here and you'll be home soon. I'll be in Washington still. I guess I was hoping we can finally stop forcing ourselves to be just friends?"

"Ah," Embry replied and sat up a little straighter, "I guess that depends. It seems soon to get married-"

Heather shook her head, "I'm not asking about marriage. I don't want to get married right now. I'd like to be able to date for a while first and everything that goes along with it. I'm not really interested in being a virgin on my wedding that; that's for sure."

"Thanks for the heads up," Embry answered with a small laugh. "Truthfully, I think if we slept together, Kevin would still skin me alive."

"If we're dating, what you and I do in the privacy of your house is our business, now isn't it?" Heather smiled.

"I doubt Kevin will appreciate that answer," Embry said.

"Embry," Heather started and once she had his attention, she leaned forward a little, "I don't want you to be scared of daddy. Imprinting on me hasn't ruined your friendship. The two of us being together won't ruin it either."

"I guess you're right," Embry said.

"I mean, daddy only said to be back in New York by tomorrow morning. Do you think he's so naïve to think there isn't a possibility something would happen between us?"

"He's trusting us, Heather," Embry said. "We shouldn't take advantage of that trust."

Heather tilted her head a little with a longing smile. "Are you saying you aren't tempted?" The waitress came by with their drinks, so Embry waited until she was gone. By then, Heather had been giving him the same smile for several seconds.

"You know better than that," Embry finally answered. "You're certainly making it harder on me."

"In a bad way or a good way?"

"Depends on how you look at it," Embry said. Heather continued to smile at him and lifted her foot so she could rub it up and down Embry's ankle in an affectionate manner.

"The way I see it, I like to think it's a good thing," Heather said. Embry smiled and leaned forward to take her hand in his. Then he glanced at her wrist and noticed something.

"What's this?" Embry asked, twisting her hand so her left wrist was in view as well as the three numbers.

"This is grandpa's number," she said, pointing at the number at the top, "this is grandma's number," pointing at the one in the middle, "and this is mom's number," pointing at the one on the bottom. "I got it after Opa died. Levi took down grandpa's number saying he wanted to get it tattooed on his wrist when he was old enough. When I asked him why, he said 'to prove they survived'. I really loved that sentiment and decided I wanted all their numbers. So I drove up to Port Angeles and asked Salem to let me get them on my wrist."

"Do Kevin and Amber know about this?"

"Yes," Heather said. "Mom wasn't thrilled when she found out but when I explained why I did it, she appreciated it a little more. She's still not happy with it, but she's not as mad as she'd been before."

"I can't believe I'm only now finding out about it," Embry said and laced his fingers through hers.

"I didn't make a really big deal about it," Heather shrugged. "It's more of a sentimental thing for me. Levi's planning to do the same once he's 18. He really wanted to get grandpa's number right away, but daddy said he needed to wait."

"He may as well," Embry shrugged and rubbed her hand with his thumb. The two of them were quiet for a bit looking at one another.

"I love you," Heather said gently and with a smile.

"I love you too," Embry answered.

When the waitress came by with their orders, Embry and Heather released each other's hands and continued to talk as they normally would. However, Heather continued pocking her foot forward to rub Embry's ankle. He didn't acknowledge it outside a smile from time to time. After they finished, Embry paid the tab and the two of them walked out to his truck.

"I'm sure Alphonse's party is still going on," Embry said.

"So? I don't really want to go back."

"You don't want to get a proper tour of the house?" Embry asked.

"I saw the outside and the entryway. That was a sight in itself. Besides, I'd wager you're sick and tired of staring at that house."

"Perhaps a little," Embry said and leaned back a little in his seat. "So where do you want to go?"

"How about your place?"

"It's nothing special," Embry said. "It's a little shoebox I rented to keep a roof over my head until I can leave."

"I'm sure you couldn't help making it just a little bit your own since living there," Heather smiled.

"It holds a bunch of my stuff if that's what you mean," Embry chuckled. "Really, it's not much. Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do, Heather."

"And what am I doing?" Heather challenged with the same teasing smile.

"You're trying to seduce me," Embry said.

"No I'm not," Heather feigned offense. "I'm just wanting to see where you've been staying the past five years instead of the apartment in the city that daddy so graciously offered."

Embry laughed, "Guilt tripping me now are we?"

"Perhaps a little," Heather said. "Regardless of where we go, I just don't want to go back to Uncle Alphonse's party. I'd rather spend the day with you."

"I'll agree to that," Embry smiled and then finally shrugged. "I guess there's no harm going back to my place." Heather smiled and scooted across the seat to sit beside Embry so she could rest her head on his shoulder and wrap her arms around his.

"Sounds like fun," Heather said. Embry just laughed a little before starting the car and making the quick drive to the complex where his apartment was located. Heather followed him up to the apartment and inside once he unlocked the door. He'd been right to say it wasn't much. It was one bedroom with a tiny little living room and tiny kitchen and teeny tiny bathroom. The place smelled like him, though, and that made it more homey. "I don't know if I'd call it a shoebox, but it's certainly smaller than your house back home."

"I wasn't about to waste money on a house, especially in The Hamptons. I swear to Christ, even when I toyed with the idea all the houses were way to expensive."

"That's New York for you: not a lot of space given how much you're paying for it," Heather said. "I think the beach house in California is less expensive than the apartment in Manhattan."

"I think you might be right," Embry said. "This place? 30 bucks a month. Hell, I think that might even be a bit much for what you get, but what can you do?"

"How much is it to break the lease?"

"Usually three month's rent, but he's cutting me a deal and just asking me to pay for two," Embry said.

"How do you like your neighbors?" Heather asked as she was meandering around the small space.

"Mostly inoffensive," Embry answered and made Heather giggle.

"Mostly?"

"There was a neighbor that moved in last year that was unsavory. He played his music really loud all hours of the night and it constantly wreaked of marijuana. Honestly, if he'd just shared the damn stuff I might not have been so mad about it, but the other neighbors weren't too happy with him either. He only lived in the unit for the year and I suspect it's because the landlord refused to let him renew the lease."

Heather shrugged, "Weed's not all that much. A few people at my school either over exaggerated its effects or I just 'did it wrong' I guess."

Embry rose a brow, "Anna Heather Renesmee, when did you smoke pot?"

"Oh, relax," Heather said, "it was once at a friend's birthday. I took a few puffs but I didn't see things, nothing was moving; I just felt relaxed. Honestly, I'd say that's all the more it needs to do. Seriously, I was so relaxed, someone could have stolen my car and I wouldn't have given a shit until morning. I haven't done it again since. Scout's honor."

"Alright, fine, I'll believe you," Embry said. "Does Kevin know about that?"

"Yes, and he's already chewed me a new asshole for it," Heather said. "I think the only reason I didn't get in more trouble is because mom doesn't know. If mom found out, I think dad would have been insufferable."

"I'm shocked he wasn't angrier, otherwise he'd have told me about it," Embry said. "So long as you haven't done it again. Last thing you want is to get in trouble with the law over something small like that."

"I get it 'dad'," Heather said but was smiling just a little. "All that from the man that got upset with a neighbor that wouldn't share."

"Hey," Embry raised his hands defensively, "if he's going to make the whole block smell like skunk, I think the rest of us are entitled to at least get some enjoyment out of it." Heather smiled a little wickedly at him but returned her eyes to the rest of the apartment. It really was extremely bare bones. There was a radio, a tiny TV and a couch but there wasn't a dining table of any kind.

"You really did keep this bare didn't you?"

"Told you it wasn't much," Embry said.

"Next you're going to tell me you've been sleeping on-" she was about to say 'the floor' as she approached his room, but when she saw through the door, it was a lone mattress, an alarm clock and a tiny lamp. "Huh," she said.

"If I'd known you'd insist on seeing the place, I'd have gotten a bed frame delivered; make myself look like less of a squatter," Embry joked and Heather hit his chest with the back of her hand playfully as she turned around.

"It just looks really uncomfortable here," Heather said.

"It worked for how long I needed it for," Embry shrugged. "Most of this stuff I'm planning to give to Goodwill or just put outside for someone to take. I only bought the absolutely necessities. The TV was because it was really cheap and I figured I may as well."

"Makes you miss home a bit I bet," Heather said.

"I miss home, but this apartment never really contributed much to that," Embry said with a gentle, even romantic, smile. She returned his smile and took a step closer so she was looking up at him.

"What did?" Heather asked. He knew exactly what she was doing and the truth of it was it excited him.

He wanted to think of something to say; something clever or funny perhaps, but anything he thought of just seemed stupid to him. What he really wanted was to put caution to the wind and just kiss her, but he hesitated. Heather noticed the hesitation and, rather than push, she smiled and walked past Embry to his kitchen.

"Do you have coffee?"

"Yeah," Embry said and followed her to the kitchen. He pulled out the bag of beans and they started grinding the beans while Heather put a kettle on the stove. "There's some milk in the fridge if you want it." Heather nodded her head and went to the fridge and grabbed the bottle of milk.

"I don't suppose you have vanilla extract and sugar do you?"

"No, I'm afraid I don't," Embry said. "I only keep milk and coffee in the fridge. I think the majority of my money's been spent eating out truthfully."

"We'll fix that once you're back home," Heather said. "Your first night back, I want to make you sauerbraten for you."

"Really?" Embry asked with a light smile. "I can't wait. Can I request potato, though, instead of that…what is it called? Those tiny noodle things?"

"Spätzle," Heather answered. "No problem. Potatoes it is." Once the beans were ground, Embry got the beans in a cloth bag and put it in the boiling water to steep. Taking him by surprise, Heather stepped up behind Embry and wrapped her arms around his waist to hug him and rested her head against his back. He started rubbing her arm going back and forth in a tender and affectionate manner.

Then she pressed a kiss to his shoulder once again taking him by surprise. He looked behind at her and then turned in her arms so he could wrap his arms around her. She had a satisfied smile on her face when she lifted her head to look up at him. They didn't share any words after that. Instead, Heather lifted her head so she could press her lips to his and Embry didn't fight her. Once their lips met, there was no hesitation or shyness. Their hold on one another tightened and their heads tilted to either side to deepen their kiss right away. To get away from the stove, Embry pushed Heather back against the counter on the other side of the tiny kitchen with their lips never parting. Their kiss lasted until they heard the pot on the stove start to whistle.

"The coffee," Heather whispered after pulling her lips away, but Embry kept kissing her chin and down to her neck.

"To hell with the coffee," Embry moaned between kisses and Heather giggled.

Then he lifted her up so she was sitting on the countertop and Heather squealed with excitement and wrapped her arms around his neck once she was situated and Embry hugged her while he nestled close to her. Heather made sure he had easy access to her neck, but soon the whistling of the pot became too annoying to ignore. Embry stepped away from Heather to take the pot off the heat and then took out two mugs so he could pour the coffee. Embry poured some milk into both mugs and then turned to hand Heather one of the mugs. Heather smiled and accepted the mug of coffee while remaining seated atop the counter.

"Thank you," Heather said and breathed in the smell of the coffee then blew on it before taking a sip. "Do you mind terribly if I spend the night?"

"I really should bring you back into the city," Embry said.

"Maybe," Heather said and started batting her eyelashes sweetly. "But do you want to?" Embry gave her a guilty smile and a shrug. "I didn't think so," Heather giggled.

Embry's only answer was to keep smiling at her with that same smile. Eventually, Heather got back on her feet and took a hold of Embry's hand to guide him with her to his living room area. She made him sit on the couch and went to the TV to turn it on hoping it wasn't turned to the news, but of course it was. Of course it was, Heather thought. All he ever watches is the news. She went through the few available channels until she found CBS announcing Hogan's Heroes would be playing next.

"There we go," Heather smiled.

"Ah, Hogan's Heroes. If only the Nazi's had been so incompetent. They would have never made it past their own border," Embry said.

"It's just a comedy, Embry," Heather said and went to the couch to sit beside Embry.

She snuggled up to him and when the TV show came on, the two of them sat back and enjoyed while drinking their coffee. It felt really nice; cozy was the word. Embry even wrapped his arm around her shoulder to allow her to snuggle up closer to him. They sat on the couch together continuing to watch CBS programming following the end of the episode of Hogan's Heroes. It was more news, so Heather asked to change the channel. When they couldn't find anything else, Embry just turned it off.

"Sorry. It's the news hour," Embry smiled. "Usually, I'll watch that until about nine then go to bed."

"What shall we do seeing as you have company?" Heather asked, making Embry smile.

"I don't want to," Embry said, "But I really should drive you back to the city."

Heather's shoulders slumped a little, but she finally said, "Okay," and took hers and Embry's empty coffee mugs to the kitchen to clean. Then she returned to the living area. "Alright; I'm ready when you are."

Embry nodded and went to grab his keys. "At least it's a 1 hour drive," Embry said.

"That's true," Heather smiled then followed him out of the apartment and down to his truck. "It's a little small, but I like your apartment. It's nice and cozy."

"Glad you think so," Embry said and they drove off. They continued to talk all the way back into the city. The traffic alone made navigating nearly impossible and Embry took a few minutes to complain about the traffic stating that was the bulk of the reason he hated staying in New York. Eventually they arrived at the apartment building and Embry put the car in park in a safe area. "I'll let you know if I'll be back in Seattle for good or have another business trip before I come back."

"If it's the latter, would you mind if I visited you?"

"We'll see," Embry said. "With any luck, that next project won't take anywhere near as long. I may be gone two, three months tops."

"I can deal with that," Heather said and glanced out the window. She didn't really want to get out of the car. "Will you call me?"

"Absolutely," Embry promised with a loving smile. "You have the number to the apartment right?" Heather nodded. "Good. Give me a call once you're back in Seattle."

"I will," Heather said. A silence passed between them before she continued, "Can we just cut the shit and kiss now?" Embry burst into laughter and had to rest his head against the wheel of his car. "I'm being serious."

"I know you are. That's why it's funny," Embry said and took a deep breath to stop laughing. Heather started leaning over and when she did, Embry leaned the last bit to meet her in the middle and the two of them shared a kiss. The kiss stayed tender and loving, but there was no less passion behind it than the kiss they shared in Embry's tiny kitchen. Embry was the one to end the kiss and then planted one more on the tip of Heather's nose and then her forehead. "I love you, Heather. I'll be back in Seattle for good before you know it."

"I love you too, Embry," Heather answered and pressed her lips to his one more time before pulling away and getting out of the truck.

Once out, Heather went up to the entrance of the building but before entering, she turned to look at Embry and waved goodbye to him. Embry returned the gesture and stayed outside until Heather was in the building. Before driving off, Embry leaned back in his seat with a small smile on his face. So this is how it feels, Embry thought to himself. This is how it feels to really be in love – not simple attraction, not lust, not affection for someone he'd just happened to be with for longer than the others for one reason or another – in love. He liked it. Finally, Embry got back on the road and drove back to The Hamptons so he could get some much needed sleep. But when he returned to his apartment and plopped onto his mattress, he couldn't get any sleep. He kept thinking about Heather. He found he didn't mind one bit.

That Monday, Embry was officially booked with the two friends of Alphonse that had wanted his services. One was in downtown Manhattan and wanted a kitchen remodel that his wife would oversee and the other wanted updates and remodeling done for his ski lodge in Colorado. It would keep him busy well into the fall, but after that, Embry was going back to Seattle for good and he was happy about it. Then came the beginning of the school year. For Heather it was rather simple: go to the college that was down town and come back home when she was done or go to work on the days she was working. For Evalynn, it started with going to Connecticut with Kyle and Evalina to see the apartment.

"This place is so tiny," Evalina said when they came in. It was a two bedroom apartment (1 room for Evalynn and a room for Dimitri and Heidi), a single bathroom, a living room area and a tiny kitchen. Given Evalynn would be the only one technically making use of everything, that would be fine.

"It's practical for what I need," Evalynn smiled as she looked around. It was so strange: she wasn't even 18 and she was officially out of the house. Granted her grandparents would be staying with her to keep an eye on her, but it still felt nice to be on her own in a sense. "I still can't believe this is happening."

"You earned it, Evalynn," Kyle praised and took his little girl in a hug. "I'm so proud of you. More than you know." Evalynn hugged Kyle back and was even starting to tear up a little. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"I'm just happy," Evalynn said.

"Good. You deserve it," Kyle said and kissed the top of her head. Evalina took a hold of Evalynn so she could hug her too.

That time was spent helping Evalynn get herself comfortable in her new apartment, touring the campus to determine where her classes would be and helping Heidi and Dimitri get situated once they had flown in from Italy. When it was just days before her first day of school, Kyle and Evalina wished her all the luck in the world, reminded her they were always just a phone call away and asked Dimitri and Heidi to keep Evalynn safe and out of trouble. They had been made aware of Evalynn's recent revelations to the family and Evalynn was extremely relieved at how accepting and understanding they were about it. Of course that didn't mean Evalynn could bring women to the apartment all hours of the day Dimitri told her; with love of course. When her first day of school finally came, Evalynn was up bright and early ready to make it to her first class. She woke to the smell of fresh coffee, eggs and potatoes being cooked up.

"Good morning, Evalynn," Dimitri said when Evalynn came out of her room. "Are you ready for your first day?"

"I hope so," Evalynn said.

"Get yourself ready. I have breakfast hot and ready for you," Heidi said with an encouraging smile. Evalynn got herself ready and took a seat at the tiny dining table so she could have breakfast. Heidi put everything in front of Evalynn and kissed the top of her head.

"Grandma," Evalynn wined just a little, "I'm starting at Yale, not kindergarten."

"Doesn't mean I can't give you encouragement," Heidi smiled and gave Evalynn a hug. "I know you do very well."

"Thank you, grandma," Evalynn smiled timidly and started eating her breakfast.

She had to force it down; she didn't have much of an appetite. She was getting more and more nervous as the morning went on. When she finally left, Dimitri and Heidi reminded Evalynn again that everything would go great and that she would be great. When she arrived on campus, she was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't the only woman attending the school, though it was still disproportionate. Regardless, she held her head high and walked through campus to her first class. When she stepped into her first class, she nearly felt dizzy. This is it, she thought to herself then continued until she found a seat towards the front of the class. A few brave souls sat up front with her but one person stood out to her. A young man that looked in her age range entered the class that for some reason struck a chord with her. He went up to the back of the class looking to be quickly reading the assignment that was due that day and Evalynn couldn't help laughing just a little under her breath. Then an older man stepped into the classroom and went to the desk up front. He looked to be in his forties from what Evalynn could tell and the man had a very firm air to him.

"Everyone in your seats," the instructor said in a strong voice. Just moments later all the students were in their seats, so their instructor proceeded. "Good morning, everyone. Welcome to your first day of Biochemistry & Genetics. I'll be your instructor Dr. Peter McAlister. Do not get comfortable; this is the only time we'll be in this classroom. Starting Wednesday, we'll be in our permanent lab and that's when all the real fun will begin. Until then, let's go over the assignment for today." Dr. McAlister pulled out a sheet of paper that he glanced at. "Mr. Bordeaux?" Dr. McAlister said and looked into the group for the man he was asking for. "Let's start with the basics. Please explain to the class the difference between Mitosis and Meiosis." A silence passed as the person was clearly not expecting to be called on, but he eventually answered.

"Both are the process of creating new cells, however Mitosis for example is one cell division creating diploid daughter cells while Meiosis division in two successive cells creating four daughter cells."

"A good start," Dr. McAlister said after the young man finished answering then looked at the list again. "Ms. Black, what else differentiates Mitosis and Meiosis?"

"Mitosis is a process that creates cells for all functions of the body with the exception of germ cells. Germ cells are produced through Meiosis."

"Very good," Dr. McAlister said, glanced at the list and then glanced at the list again. "Mr. James, what else differentiates these processes?"

"Mitosis occurs in all organisms while Meiosis is only applicable to animals, plants and fungi," Mr. James answered.

"Ah, but Mitosis doesn't apply to all organisms," Dr. McAlister said. "Can anyone tell me what does not adhere to Mitosis?" Evalynn raised her hand and her instructor pointed at her.

"Mitosis does not occur in viruses," Evalynn answered.

"Excellent," Dr. McAlister said, "Now can you tell the class what Mitosis and Meiosis have in common?"

"Both processes produce diploid parent cells, both consist of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, both include the lining up of the chromosomes at the equator during metaphase, both processes involve separation of the sister chromatids during anaphase and both end in cytokinesis," Evalynn answered. Dr. McAlister nodded approvingly and glanced at the chart again.

"And Mr. Jefferson, please define cytokinesis," Dr. McAlister requested.

"It is the process in which a single eukaryotic cell divides into two daughter cells," he answered. Dr. McAlister continued going from each and every student asking them questions from their reading that had been assigned and once he'd heard from everyone, he looked pleased.

"Excellent; you've all done your homework," Dr. McAlister said, "Or the last of you realized what was happening and got lucky." He chuckled just a little at his joke and looked at his notes. "Now that all of you have displayed knowledge of the basics behind Mitosis and Meiosis, let's start a more in depth look. When we have our lab Wednesday, we'll be looking at actual cells for a more in depth understanding. Sadly, you'll have to make do with my artistic skills for now." The class had a quick, quiet laugh before Dr. McAlister proceeded with drawing out the processes of Mitosis on one side of the chalk board and Meiosis on the other side of the chalk board.

The remaining two of the three hour lecture was spent on that topic in depth utilizing the drawing Dr. McAlister had made for the class and pictures from the textbook. When it was the end of the lecture, their teacher wrote the building and room number that the classes would be held from now on and dismissed everyone. She had four more classes that day, two more of which were three hour labs. The remaining were one hour classes pertaining to Human Behavior that focused broadly on mental disorders and disabilities and the remaining was on immunity. During that day she had a tour hour break between her labs so she was able to get some of her homework done while she had some lunch from the café on campus.

"Hey," she was interrupted while she was studying and when she looked up, it was one of the guys from her first class – specifically the one that had caught her attention that morning who'd been doing the reading minutes before class. "Miss Black, right? From Biochemistry & Genetics?"

"Yeah," Evalynn said. "What was your name?"

"Luke Bordeaux," he answered and held out his hand to shake. She accepted.

"Evalynn," she replied. "So what can I do for you?"

"I noticed we seem to have a bunch of the labs together and I'm hoping you're still in the market for a lab partner," he said.

"I hadn't been searching, but if you're offering and we have the same classes, then I'm alright with it," Evalynn said then gestured to a free seat at the table. "Take a seat and we'll see what classes we're sharing." He nodded and took a seat near her and then pulled out his schedule. They compared and they indeed had several classes together that required a lab partner.

"Okay, good," Luke said. "I don't suppose you're open to forming a study group would you? I'm trying to put one together."

"I would like that," Evalynn said. "I take it you're from out of state too?"

"No, I'm from here," he said. "My family lives nearby. Where are you from originally?"

"Washington state," Evalynn said.

"Oh wow. So you're really far from home," Luke said. "Are you living in the dorms?"

"No, I'm in an apartment a few blocks from the school with my grandparents," Evalynn said. "Do you still live at home or do you have your own place?"

"I live here on campus," Luke said. "I know it must sound silly living on campus when my family's so close but I just needed my own space. Or as much of my own space as I can have with a roommate."

"Better a roommate than your grandparents I guess," Evalynn said humored. Then she glanced at a clock in the café to check how long she had before her next class started. When she saw there was only twenty minutes before class started, she closed her books and got them ready. "My next class starts soon. I'll see you in Microbiology tomorrow."

"I'll see you tomorrow," Luke smiled. "And thanks for your help. Once we have a full on study group, we'll all exchange information – assuming that's alright with you."

"Yeah, that'll be fine," Evalynn said and shook Luke's hand. "And thank you for inviting me to a study group. I haven't been here very long so I haven't had a chance to start making new friends."

"Glad to be of assistance," Luke said.

The two of them parted ways to go to their own classes and saw each other again the following morning during their first lab and brought two more men on their team. Then their instructor passed around a chart so they could all write their names and have permanent record of their team and table assignments for the duration of that class. Thanks to Luke's efforts, she also became a part of a ten person study group that all became very good friends. There was only one other girl in that study group named Samantha but it was an extremely professional feeling environment.

"Evalynn," Heidi grabbed her attention after answering the phone, "Your father's on the phone." Evalynn put down her pen and walked to the kitchen to grab the phone.

"Hey, daddy," Evalynn said.

"Hey, Evalynn. So how has your first week of school been?"

"Great," Evalynn smiled. "I'm part of a study group and we're all hanging out tomorrow to study and get some dinner once we're done."

"Good to hear you're making friends. How do you like your instructors?"

"None of them have claimed syphilis is because of masturbation, so it's promising so far," Evalynn said and get Kyle to laugh a little.

"Yes, if you get that instructor, request a different class," Kyle said. "Well, we all miss you. You don't have to do it often of course, but definitely shift from time to time so we can all visit with you."

"I miss you too," Evalynn said. "I'll shift as soon as I'm able to, but school is definitely looking to limit that quite a bit."

"It's fine, focus on doing well and enjoying yourself. You're going to be there for a very long time, so you should make a point to have some fun in between working. Speaking of, you're not still planning to get a part time job are you?"

"I don't know," Evalynn said, "I feel like I should but-"

"Really, Evalynn, don't worry about it. Your mom and I will take care of it. I just want you focusing on school. If you want to work over the summer at the hospital, I'll happily make your previous interning spot paid, but for now just let your mother and I worry about finances."

"If you say so," Evalynn said hesitantly.

"So what classes are you taking right now?" Kyle asked.

Kyle stayed on the phone with Evalynn for about an hour talking about school and her classes and how everyone's doing at home before Kyle let her get back to working on her homework. Back in Washington, life went on. Embry returned to Washington for good around the fall and started working with his brothers to build smaller housing – apartments and such – on tribal grounds that was easier to afford. Shortly after returning, Embry asked Kevin to go out drinking with him after work one day so they could talk. Once at the bar together, Embry officially asked Kevin for his blessing for him and Heather to start dating officially. Given Heather was still in college, there would be no proposal for quite some time but at least they could be together. Kevin gave his blessing but made a point to tell Embry to take care of Heather which Embry promised he would.

Now that he had Kevin's blessing, Embry invited Heather to join him to a Halloween festival that would be going on downtown. It shaped up to be an event that the bulk of the family wanted to attend and a good chunk of the family joined in the festivities. The couples among them, however, did make a point to enjoy the festival alone. Caleb and Ashley, the moment they arrived at the festival with the large group, wandered away nowhere to be found but it was agreed that everyone that had been part of the large group would meet back closer to the evening to return home. Embry and Heather on the other hand stayed to themselves and didn't worry about meeting back up with anyone since Embry had driven them there himself.

"So what would you like to do first?" Embry asked Heather once they were finally alone.

"Let's get some caramel apples and get on the Ferris Wheel," Heather said and led him with her to a stand that was selling caramel popcorn, caramel apples and hard apple cider made by a local brewery. They got themselves the apples and hard cider then made their way to the Ferris Wheel to get their turn. Once they finally got their turn, they got in the tiny Ferris Wheel cart. "This is a really nice view."

"One of these days, there should be a Ferris Wheel down in Forks. Can you imagine a Ferris Wheel ride where you get to look out into the dense forest?"

"That would be amazing," Heather agreed then took a big bite out of her caramel apple. Some of the caramel got stuck on the corner of her lip so Embry reached over to rub the caramel off her lip. She looked at him once she felt his thumb and smiled at him. Then she leaned over to give Embry a quick kiss on the lips.

"I don't suppose Kevin told you that I talked to him about you and I?" Embry asked.

"No, but when daddy said you and he were going out for drinks, I figured that's what it was about," Heather smiled. "What did you guys discuss specifically?"

"I asked Kevin for his blessing for you and I to start officially dating."

"And what was his answer?"

"He gave his blessing," Embry answered.

"You don't say?" Heather smiled and scooted closer to Embry in the little cart. "So what happens now?"

"We start dating?" Embry answered, unsure what she meant.

Heather giggled and rested her chin on his shoulder, "So will you take me to dinner? Do we spend the weekends together? Do I get to come over to your house and be alone with you for hours on end? Maybe even spend the night?"

"I don't know if we'd get away with that last thing, but the rest is definitely something we'd do," Embry answered. "I had meant for this to be our first real date."

"Our dinner and visit to your apartment was a nice date," Heather said.

"That's true," Embry said. With his free hand, he took a hold of Heathers and leaned over to give her a kiss that she happily reciprocated.

Once they were off the Ferris Wheel, Embry and Heather continued going around the festival for things to do until the sun was going down. Once it was getting dark, Embry and Heather walked to his car. Once in the car, Embry asked where Heather wanted to go now and Heather just said she wanted to go back to Embry's place. He didn't argue and drove them back to his place. Once there, he went to the kitchen to get some coffee started.

"Do you want coffee? I have sugar and vanilla this time," Embry said.

"That would be great," Heather smiled. She went to the kitchen and hoped up onto the opposite counter and watched him get the coffee brewing. "How does it feel to finally be home?"

"It feels great," Embry said. "New York's fine and Colorado was actually a lot of fun, but there's no place like home."

"I wish I could have visited you in Colorado," Heather said.

"Maybe you and I can go together some time," Embry said. "We don't even need to go skiing. There are plenty of other things to do."

"Sounds fun." Heather began gently swaying her legs back and forth staring at them and up at Embry. They were both rather quiet while they waited for their coffee to be ready, though Heather really wasn't interested in coffee and Embry knew it. "Can I ask you something? Now that we're dating."

"Sure," Embry said.

"Have you been with anyone since you imprinted on me?" Heather asked nervously. She knew full well Embry was no virgin but after imprinting on him herself, she couldn't imagine being with anyone else. Even before imprinting on him, she couldn't imagine being with anyone else.

"Since imprinting on you? No, I haven't," Embry answered. "Before imprinting on you, if I'm blunt, I was with whomever when I felt like I needed it. I dating passively I guess throughout my life but no one ever held my attention very long. Hell, my first time was with a prostitute in France for some bread."

"How was that?"

"Empty, hollow and not over nearly fast enough," Embry said and Heather smiled a little.

"I guess I should ask what was the first time you were ever with a woman that wasn't a prostitute and how was that?"

"I don't remember her name; that was decades ago," Embry said. "As to how it was, it was fine I guess."

"Do you remember the best lover you ever had?"

"Name, no," Embry said, "but she was a girl I was with when I'd moved up here to Seattle for that reconstruction program back during the Depression. She was this woman that sold Avon door to door if I remember correctly and she'd come to the neighborhood when we were building that playground. You know which one I'm talking about right?" Heather nodded. "Anyway, she took a break sitting in the park where we were building, she and I hit it off and I took her to the movies, we went to a hotel and the next morning when I woke up, she was gone and left me a note saying, 'you were great, but let's keep this between us – I don't want my husband to find out'." Embry laughed a little to himself. "I admit a good percentage of the women I've been with in my life were married."

"Why?"

"Because I knew nothing would come of the relationship and that's what I wanted at the time," Embry shrugged.

"Why was that?"

"I don't really know," Embry said. "I just wasn't interested in anything long term. I guess I'd spent such a good chunk of my life basically being a parent that I just wanted to have fun and only have fun without there being strings attached."

"I guess that makes sense," Heather said. "I guess it goes without saying that I have nowhere near the experience."

"I would hope not," Embry chuckled. "I've been sexually active since I was 14 or 15, so that's over 50 years."

"True," Heather said. She licked her lips a little and glanced back down at her feet for a moment then looked back up at Embry again with an alluring smile. Then the pot on the stove began to whistle, interrupting the moment. Embry got two mugs filled with coffee and pulled out some sugar, milk and vanilla so Heather could make up her coffee the way she wanted it. Heather hoped down from the counter and started putting together her drink. She took a sip to make sure it was just as she wanted it and then smiled. "Thank you for the coffee. It's delicious."

"Happy to be of service," Embry said. The two of them were looking at one another and Heather began biting at her lip nervously. "Is something wrong?"

"No," Heather shook her head and then chugged her hot coffee. She groaned and pressed her hand to her throat while it burned a little. Embry stepped closer to her but Heather held up her hand. "I'm fine. Sorry, I just wanted that down," Heather said.

"What's the rush?" Embry asked with a small bit of humor.

Heather took a moment to let the burn pass and once it had, she said, "I admit I'm not really interested in having coffee right now."

"No?" Embry asked and Heather gently shook her head.

Finally, Embry put down his untouched coffee and began approaching Heather. She was the one to close the distance completely and wrapped her arms around his neck so she could lift herself up that little bit she needed to press her lips against his. Embry wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back while holding her close. It was such a liberating moment for the two of them and their kiss went from tender to passionate in an instant. They parted their lips so their tongues could meet and taste one another and eventually Embry walked until they were against a wall and Embry pressed her against it to be that much closer to her. When she was against the wall, Heather made an effort to wrap her leg around his hips and when he noticed, Embry leaned down enough to lift her legs around his waist and pressed her more so against the wall in the kitchen. Heather moaned as Embry took his lips from hers so he could start kissing her neck, sucking gently at her skin making her tremble.

"Embry," Heather moaned his name and started running her fingers through his hair.

Embry trailed his hands around her body and then put his hands under her shirt so he could touch her bare skin. The sensation made her shiver again and her head fell back with a breathy moan. Then he carried her back to the counter so he could sit her down allowing him to trail his hands around under her shirt so he was touching her breasts. Her bra was a thinner fabric and he could feel her nipples start to harden against his touch. Heather put her hands down the back of his shirt so she was touching his bare back savoring the feel of the muscle tightening against the graze of her nails. She could feel his erection against her and she couldn't resist trailing a hand down between them so she could touch it. When she did, Embry lifted his head so he could look at her realizing they'd gone a little further than he'd intended.

"Heather," he said in a gentle whisper so she could open her eyes to look at him, "I don't have anything we can use as protection."

"Oh," Heather said and glanced in the direction of her purse a moment, "I don't have anything either." She looked up at him apologetically and Embry smiled lovingly at her.

"It's alright," he said and gave her a kiss that she accepted. "I'll take care of that sometime this week."

"What did you do for protection when you were younger?" Heather asked.

"Condoms – same as we'd use now," Embry said. "It's not a new product; condoms have been around for a long time."

"Oh," Heather answered, feeling a little flustered while she was still trying to recover from their kiss. "I mean….what about pulling out?"

"I've never been able to do that," Embry admitted. "I've tried but when I'm in the heat of the moment I'm not thinking and by the time I realize I need to pull out, I'm already done and it's too late. I'd rather we have protection in place and just enjoy ourselves rather than have to remember to pull out and ruin the moment."

"Okay," Heather nodded gently in agreement. "Should I buy some?"

"I'll take care of it," Embry said. "I know cashiers can be a little judgmental when you're buying things like that."

"Okay," Heather said again and took a few deep breaths. "I guess we won't be doing anything else tonight?"

"Not tonight," Embry said, "but soon. I promise."

Heather smiled longingly at Embry and wrapped her arms around his neck so they could hug. Needing the fresh air, Embry walked Heather home rather than drive her. The two held hands while he walked her home and they talked pleasantly as they went. Once they reached her parents' house, he brought her to the door and before she stepped inside, the two shared a chaste kiss.

"I love you, Heather. Have a good night," Embry said.

"I love you too, Embry," Heather answered. She kept glancing back at him while she went to her door to let herself in. Once she'd closed the door, Heather had a light smile on her face.

"There you are," Kevin said and grabbed her attention. "Where'd you and Embry go after the festival?"

"We just went back to his house and had coffee," Heather answered. "Don't worry, daddy, nothing happened. We just had coffee."

"Alright," Kevin finally said after appearing thoughtful.