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Chapter Twelve
Embry sat on Brady's worn couch, a local haven for his wayward soul and lost thoughts. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting warm patterns over the fabric, occasionally illuminating the dust motes that danced in the air.
The scent of herbs and sizzling oil wafted in from the kitchen, where Brady was cooking. Brady knew that Embry was going through something but Brady was oblivious to how high the level of chaos swirling in Embry's mind was.
Embry let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair, fingers trembling slightly. His thoughts were consumed by Nicky. Just a few days ago, he had laid on the Paul's couch with Nicky in his arms, her scent filled up his nostrils as strong as the smell of fauna in a greenhouse.
Her brown hair glinted in the moonlight, and for that moment, it felt like the world had paused. Her scent ravaged his mind, wrapping around him like a veil, tugging at his senses and igniting a yearning he had fought hard to suppress.
It was wrong. He knew that. She was still in high school, navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, while he was supposed to be an anchor, a guiding force, an adult. But the moment she smiled, those dimples carving into her cheeks, something within him twisted—an ache that simmered beneath his skin.
Guilt gnawed at him like a hungry predator. He was too old for this. The weight of his past loomed over him, dark and oppressive. He had made more than his fair share of mistakes, still did, and Nicky was far too innocent to be caught in his web of turmoil.
He had seen the scars life had etched upon her—her fierce resilience and the shadows that hinted at a rough childhood. She didn't deserve to navigate the storm he carried too.
As Brady stirred a pot, Embry's thoughts spiraled further into the depths of what he craved. He imagined tracing the contours of Nicky's skin, exploring the way sunlight danced on her cheeks, the softness of her laughter beneath his fingertips.
The idea of holding her, of feeling her safe in his embrace, filled him with longing. But every fantasy came crashing down against the reality of their age difference, the risk that loomed over him like a nightmarish cloud.
The good thing was that Embry wouldn't physically stop aging past his mid or late twenties until he decided to stop phasing. But waiting for and watching Nicky age to an adult would be hell for him while he felt such lust around her.
Brady called out from the kitchen, breaking the spell that bound him in dark reverie. "Hey, you okay over there? You look like you just saw a ghost."
Embry forced a smile. "Yeah, just lost in thought." But as he replied, his mind flashed back to Nicky, her wide eyes filled with dreams and hopes. She was everything he had lost and everything he could never have-right now he reminded himself. He couldn't have her the way he wanted for now.
"I made your favorite, bro." Brady announced, setting a plate of steaming pasta on the coffee table. The comfort of food grounded Embry momentarily, but the turmoil remained, a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Each bite felt heavy, laden with the weight of what he yearned for but could never reach.
The afternoon wore on, and Embry found himself glancing at his phone, half-expecting a notification from Nicky. They had exchanged numbers ages ago and since he moved out he'd been expecting a text or a call.
But she hadn't called or reached out yet. But he knew he had to tread lightly, to create a safe distance, even as his heart urged him to pull closer.
Nicky had just found out that she was his imprint, he had to take his time- he had to give her time. Brady settled on the couch beside him, a knowing look in his eye.
"You sure you're alright? You can talk about anything, you know."
Brady was younger than Embry and Paul by a lot. He'd go out to the club with them, get girls with them and drink with them, although he wasn't as dark and twisted as Paul or Embry had gotten without family or an imprint.
Perhaps it was his youth that still kept him somewhat together, or maybe it was the fact that he actually still had family in LaPush, his mom.
Embry met his Brady's gaze, searching for an anchor in the storm. But he couldn't share this. The weight of his desires, wrapped in guilt and longing, was a burden too heavy to place on anyone else. So he nodded, forcing a chuckle, burying his thoughts deep beneath the surface, even as they clawed to be free.
But as the sun began to set, painting the room with shades of orange and purple, Embry could feel the boundary between right and wrong blur like a forgotten dream. He had a decision to make—a choice that would shape not just his future, but Nicky's as well.
And in that moment of contemplation, he realized that some paths were meant to be untraveled, considering how alluring the journey might seem-if Nicky felt the same, he might not be able to say no to anything.
But that was eons away. Their friendship still had to grow, their relationship needed time to form to a place where she felt completely safe, happy and fulfilled with him, and by then perhaps she'd be an adult and grow to feel the same lust. They were only a few years apart of course.
He could care for her and protect her, from a distance or from her side. Because being close to Nicky, despite the burning desire, also meant nurturing the shadows of her past, and if she needed that, he'd be that. If only he could find a way to carry his feelings without acting on them. He took a deep breath, hoping to find clarity while the weight of his choices pressed firmly against his chest.
For now, he'd just take it day by day, and go at Nicky's desired pace.
Just then, his phone buzzed, shaking him from his reverie. He glanced at the screen, his heart racing—Nicky. He answered it, curiosity piqued.
"Hey, Embry. It's me," her voice came through, a lilting sound that sent another thrill coursing through him.
"I... I can't sleep. I haven't slept well for days, and the last time I really slept was beside you." There was a vulnerability in her tone, a soft tremor that pulled at his heartstrings.
"Can you come over? I'd really like to watch a movie."
He hesitated, the weight of his internal battle pressing down upon him. But eventually, he felt the pull of her innocence override his reservations.
"Yeah, sure. I'll be there soon," he managed to reply, his voice steadier than he felt.
When Embry arrived at Nicky's house, she greeted him with that warm smile that always made his heart flutter. The living room was dimly lit, a cozy space filled with soft cushions and a throw blanket scattered across the couch. They settled in, the tension hanging between them like a taut wire, tears of laughter woven into whispered conversations.
As the movie played, Embry tried to focus on the screen, but the moment Nicky rested her head on his arm, something inside him shifted. Her warmth seeped into him, wrapping around his heart like a breath of fresh air. Time seemed to slow, the world around them fading away until there was just Nicky and him, cocooned in their own bubble of comfort.
Nicky's breathing grew soft and rhythmic as the movie played further, her eyelids fluttering and finally closing. Embry could feel the weight of her body against his, and he fought against the urge to wrap his arms around her, to draw her closer and protect her from everything he knew was waiting to invade her world.
But as he sat there, watching her sleep, a part of him found peace for the first time in a long while. In that fragile moment, beneath the flickering light and the soft hum of the movie, Embry realized he didn't want to ruin Nicky's beautiful innocence. Instead, he chose to let her be, to simply be near her and cherish the fleeting moment, for both their sakes.
The turmoil within him eased, and Embry settled deeper into the couch, mindful of the girl asleep against him and the gentle dreams she deserved—a wish for healing in the company of someone who understood the weight of shadows, even if he was fighting his own.
…
The dim light of the morning flooded the living room, casting a warm glow over everything. Nicky stirred slowly, her eyelids fluttering as she took in her surroundings. The soft whir of the music being played in the kitchen filled the air, a familiar tune that tugged at her memories of music her mother used to play for her as a kid. She could smell something savory wafting from the kitchen, an aromatic blend of eggs, bacon, and spices that made her stomach grumble in anticipation.
Looking up, she found herself nestled against Embry's strong arm and warm chest, a sense of security enveloping her. He slept peacefully, his features relaxed, the tension from the chaos of her recent life seemingly absent as she snuggled deeper into him.
Nicky had relied on Embry last night when she couldn't sleep. It hadn't always been this way; Nicky had grown used to being alone, to navigating the tumultuous seas of life without a steady hand to guide her, without someone to rely on, to count on, someone dependable.
But Embry had slipped into her world slowly, calm and steady. While Nicky had struggled in the past to find dependable people, now, two had begun to emerge: Embry, with his unwavering support, and Paul, her older brother, whose protective nature often felt like a shield against the harshness of the world.
With a soft sigh, Nicky pushed herself up, careful not to disturb Embry who slept beside her. She strolled towards the kitchen, the music growing louder with each step. Paul, clad in his usually shirtless atire and a pair of denim shorts, bobbed his head in rhythm with the classic rock blasting from the speakers. His short hair stood on end, a sign of his early morning attempts to wake himself up fully.
"Hey, rock star," Nicky called, her voice still thick with sleep.
Paul turned, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Morning, sis! Want breakfast? I made enough for an army."
"Sure, as long as that army isn't made up of your pancakes," she teased, taking a seat at the kitchen counter.
Paul laughed, his agitation about Embry's presence momentarily forgotten. "I promise, no pancakes this time. Just some good old-fashioned scrambled eggs and bacon."
As he busied himself at the stove, Nicky couldn't shake the lingering tension that had accompanied Embry's overnight stay. Paul's glare from across the room hadn't escaped her notice. She knew he cared about her, deeply, but his protective instincts sometimes blurred the line between care and control, especially when it came to Embry.
"Is everything okay, Paul?" she asked, sensing that the unspoken words hung heavily between them.
He glanced over at her, his expression softening.
"Yeah, just… well, nothings really wrong. I'm just not sure about him staying the night. You know?"
Nicky frowned slightly.
"What do you mean? He's a good guy. You know him. We just fell asleep beside each other. It was harmless."
"I know that. But you have to be careful, Nicky. You've been through a lot, and I just worry that you might get hurt again. Embry wasn't always so good with girls. He's trying now, but you're young and impressionable, I want you to just be careful, okay?"
She appreciated his concern, but it stung a little.
"I can take care of myself, Paul. Embry makes me feel safe." She said.
Paul sighed, running a hand through his hair, frustration evident.
"I know, I know, but my job as an older brother is to look out for you. And, I missed out on so much of your life, I just worry about you. I'll always be protective of you."
Nicky opened her mouth to respond, but just then, Embry appeared in the doorway, his hair tousled and his sleepy smile disarming.
"Is the breakfast brigade ready?" he asked, unaware of the weighty conversation that preceded him.
"Almost," Paul replied, his tone slightly cooler than before.
"Great," Embry said, stepping further into the kitchen.
"It smells amazing, Paul."
Nicky caught the way Paul's gaze hardened slightly, an instinctive defensive posture he adopted when he felt challenged.
Nicky couldn't help but smile, at least he cared. Despite the underlying tensions, Embry didn't fade under Paul's scrutiny.
They sat down together, the three of them sharing breakfast amidst laughter, music, and Nicky got to hear a few of Embry and Paul's old stories. Each bite brought a sense of normalcy, but in Nicky's heart, she knew there were still mountains to climb, and vampire battles brewing in their future.
As the morning light filtered through the window, casting fleeting shadows across the table, part of Nicky felt hopeful. She would find a way for Paul to see what she saw in Embry. Stability wasn't just about the people or the safety they offered; it was also about trust,trust that she was ready to extend to both of the important men in her life.
And in that moment, as laughter blended with the carefree essence of the music, Nicky held onto the belief that things could indeed be different this time around. Her home in LaPush would be filled with stability unlike any she'd ever had before.
She smiled at the thought of it.
…
Miles away from LaPush, but a just a quick run away for vampires, James and Victoria, the only two remaining vampires in their group were settled in Seattle making a plan. They were angry, vexed , that the LaPush wolfpack had been able to kill one of them, not that they had cared much for Laurent.
The rain fell in a fine mist, weaving through the shattered windows of the abandoned building in Seattle, creating a soft symphony of droplets that echoed like muted whispers.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of dust and rusting metal, remnants of a once-vibrant structure now surrendered to time and abandonment. An old neon sign flickered outside, casting an eerie blue glow onto the cracked concrete floor, illuminating the two figures standing in the corner.
James leaned against the wall, his pale skin contrasting starkly with the shadowy surroundings. His red eyes glinted with a mix of excitement and hunger, a wild flicker that was both intoxicating and dangerous. Victoria, her long, wavy red hair cascading over her shoulders, paced impatiently, her pale lips twisted into a smirk that barely masked the thrill of their recent hunt.
"Getting to Nicky won't be easy," James said, breaking the silence, his voice low and menacing.
He relished the memories of the night's escapade, the rush of blood pounding against his fangs, the electric thrill of life extinguished beneath his hands.
"The wolfpack has eyes everywhere around LaPush and since my last encounter with her, they've kept her on lockdown there. They're waiting for us." James drawled.
Victoria halted mid-pace and turned to face him, her gaze fierce and unwavering.
"Let them wait. They think they know fear. They have no idea what we're capable of." Her thoughts danced back to the thrill of their kills, the soft gasp of their victims harmonizing with the pulse of life slipping away.
"We used the blood to fuel our strength. It only makes us more powerful. We can crush them."
James pushed off the wall and stepped closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"There's a way to exploit their weaknesses. They underestimate us because we walk among them. They think we hide in the shadows, but we thrive in the chaos."
Victoria's eyes lit with fire.
"You're right. We can stir the pot, let them fight among themselves before we strike. Perhaps we'll create some newborns for them to fight against while we go after Nicky" The idea sparked a fever in her veins and she laughed after her idea came out of her mouth.
"We could use the chaos to create a distraction, draw them out. If we lure Nicky into the open... then we can get her on her own."
"Their arrogance is their downfall," James continued, his smile wide and predatory.
"The pack's been thrown off their game before. If we play it right, we'll get Nicky alone."
"I'll take care of the distractions," James said, rubbing his hands together. "I know how I can distract them to get Nicky alone."
"And I'll keep tabs on Nicky," Victoria added, her voice sultry, imbued with a darkness that matched the unlit corners of the building.
"I can escape the pack so easily. If you can't make a distraction, I'll let you know when she's alone and we'll take the invitation. There have to be times when the pack isn't protecting her."
With the plan set, they shared a moment of silence, contemplating the darkness that lay ahead. The thrill of blood and fear coursed through their veins, a potent mix that ignited their every instinct. The abandoned building, once a forgotten relic, now hummed with the potential of violence and retribution.
"You think about our last kill?" he asked softly, almost reverently.
"The way their warmth left them, the life draining into the night."
Victoria's smile widened again, a devilish light in her eyes.
"I do. It was exquisite. Every drop lingered on my tongue like a promise, a reminder of our power. They served us well."
The air thrummed with anticipation as they finalized their plan, and the night deepened around them, wrapping the city in shadows and secrets. Together, they stood atop their own dark design, ready to orchestrate a sadistic game against the wolfpack. For James and Victoria, it was not just a hunt; it was a declaration of power, a declaration that the world belonged to them.
They wanted to make the pack weak, show that they were the predators to be feared, not hunted against. They were not just blood-drinking monsters, but gods of destruction that thrived on fear and games.
Nicky was oblivious to the pull she had on James's senses. Nothing excited him quite like the music woven into the essence of Nicky's veins. It called to him—a haunting melody that echoed through the silence of the night.
James could feel the pull of her blood beneath his skin, an insistent whisper that urged him to move, to give in to the primal hunger gnawing at his insides. He wanted to taste her, to feel her blood fill him up, consume him.
He wanted Nicky desperately.
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