Detouring at the last minute, I stopped outside Old Quil's cabin, slid my shorts back on, and knocked loudly. I had questions and I had a feeling Quil had secrets.

BELLA POV

As I stumbled back to my truck, I felt oddly…invigorated, yet incomplete. Like I was missing something vital. I shook it off and headed back to my house, needing to get my mind off of what just happened. My inner monologue had changed a lot in the last few days, but the constant stream of PAUL PAUL PAUL PAUL going through my mind was definitely throwing me off.

I had every intention of jumping in the shower when I got home, but I just couldn't. the thought of washing Paul off of me made me feel wrong. So, I went up to put some fresh clothes on; that would have to do.

I went downstairs to figure out what to make my dad for dinner when there was a knock on the door. I went to see who it was and was shocked. "Sam?" I was genuinely confused, I'm pretty sure the only time Sam has had anything to do with me was when he found me in the woods.

"Hi Bella. I stopped by to invite you to…" he didn't finish, as his nose flared and his eyes darkened.

"WHAT DID HE DO?"

EMBRY POV

I can't do this. I've seen Bella around and I keep avoiding her. Something can't be right. All I want is Emily. She is all I've wanted since I was 12 and saw her while visiting Makah, how could I want someone else all of a sudden? There's no way my sweet girl is made to be with Sam.

I found myself walking over to Sam cabin. Emily had been staying here, the 2 of them trying to understand their imprint. I knew it wasn't working. Just like it wasn't working for me and Bella; it was definitely not working for Paul and Leah. How did Jared get lucky enough to imprint on the girl he has been in love with for years?

I walked up and knocked on the door, and there she was. "Emily."

"Embry. You shouldn't be here. We promised we wouldn't do this again. You know what the council said. I'm supposed to be Sam's soulmate." Just looking in her eyes I could tell she didn't believe it any more than I did.

I walked in and gently reached for her hand. "Tell me you don't feel it Emily. Tell me you can't see that we were made for each other. We have loved each other for so long, there's no way we have been wrong this whole time."

Finally, finally I saw the moment she gave in to it. She pulled my face to hers and kissed me, slowly, carefully. I felt it. The completeness, the feeling of being whole I only got when I had her in my arms. I pulled her closer to me by the hips and deepened the kiss. At that, she jumped up and wrapped her legs around my waist.

"Make love to me Embry. It only feels right when you are with me. I can't do this anymore. I only want you." She sighed into my lips, and my heart leapt.

I carried her out the door, then stopped. "Where is Sam? I'm afraid I'm going to have to fight him for you, and id rather that not be right now."

Emily beamed, "he said he was going to run some errands, and he wouldn't be back until later. I think he said something about stopping in to see Bella, to invite her to a bonfire, I think? Either way, we're free and clear."

I whooped in joy and carried her back towards my house, thankful my mom was visiting family this weekend. I thought I saw a flash of silver out of the corner of my eye as I passed near Quil's place, but when I looked, I didn't see anything. That's all I need, Paul seeing us and ratting us out to Sam.

As I walked into my house, I started kissing down her neck and running my hands over her thighs. God I had missed her so much. "Emmy, I need you. Can I have you please?"

She moaned and kissed me again. "Yes Emb, I need you now." I laid her down on the couch and stood back up, kicking my shoes off as I did. Emily sat up and took her shirt off, throwing it across the room. I leaned down to kiss her again. I grabbed her hand and started walking.

"I need you in my bed. I need your scent everywhere. It's been too long and I can't smell you in my room anymore."

PAUL POV

Old Quil opened the door, a flash of surprise on his face before melding back to his usual disinterest. "What can I do for you, protector?"

"You can tell me what it is you are hiding about imprinting. I know the council is keeping information from us. Why? Don't you think we should be given all the information?"

Quil paled, then backed up. "I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about. I'm quite busy right now, and I don't have time for this." He tried to close the door quickly, but I stuck my foot in the way and followed him in.

"Tell me why I imprinted on Leah when my wolf and hers are completely incompatible. Tell me why Sam, our Alpha, imprinted on timid Emily, losing the strength of Leah and the wolf alpha couple. Why can almost all of us not stand the thought of being with our imprints physically."

Quil visibly deflated. "Have none of you marked your imprints yet?"

I sat at the table and glared at him. "We have no interest in marking them, except Jared. He and Kim are waiting until they can move in together next month before he marks her."

"All I have read says the imprints are tied to their protectors. That their mate will mark them when the time is right, and the imprint will help protect the tribe." Old Quil rubbed his forehead before standing up and leaving the room, coming back a few minutes later with several old journals for us to look at together.

I grabbed a journal from him, and we sat down. I had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

EMILY POV

Embry was hovering over me, sliding into me, massaging me from the inside out. "I love you Emb. I will always love you."

He groaned and lifted me, sitting me on his lap. I started riding him, the friction bringing me closer and closer to the edge. "Embry, I'm going to cum. I need you to go with me, please!"

He swept my hair to one side and pulled me down onto him hard, causing me to scream out and start shaking. As I felt his hot seed release inside me, his teeth clamped down on my shoulder. Even more confusing, I bit his shoulder immediately after, the tang of copper hitting my tongue.

As soon as we pulled our teeth out of each other I jumped up and ran outside, Embry hot on my heels. "Emily, are you leaving? Now?"

But I wasn't leaving. I just had the incredible urge to be in the forest right now. As I hit the tree line I fell to my knees, my bones stretching within me.