Chapter 7 – The Night Game

Jasper's POV

I'm lounging on the couch with my Alice in my arms when Rosalie floats in through the front door. She's practically euphoric and it's very contagious. I think even without my empathic ability I would be able to feel it. I can't help but let the feeling wash over the entire house as I sigh in contentment and bring Alice further into me.

After everyone gets settled into the living room Rosalie begins to relay yesterday's progress with her mate.

Everyone was overjoyed that Rosalie seemed to be making so much progress with her mate.

The women in the family turned into giggling school girls as Rosalie went into detail about her evening with Amber not to mention at the mention how chivalrous and kind she was. The guys and I were just happy that Amber showed signs that she would cherish and protect Rose.

I hold Alice just a little closer to me as the conversation continues when I feel her tense up. We all wait patiently while she has her vision. I look at Edward who is in the recliner with Bella in his lap when I feel his concentration and slight confusing from reading Alice's vision. When Alice comes out of her vision the only thing she said was "hockey" in a very confused voice.

Esme is the one to speak first trying to get clarification by saying "What about hockey sweetheart?" Alice replies "I don't know, all I know is that we were at the Hockey game at Eastern Washington University's Rec Center. I feel like we need to be there."

Emmett always the practical one, pulls out his phone and starts searching for anything hockey related pertaining to Eastern Washington University. After a few minutes he finds a newsletter announcing a practice game between the University's hockey team vs. The Fairchild AFB Varsity Team in two days. Puzzled, but not wanting to bet against Alice we all agree that we need to attend the game.

Which is where we were currently that Thursday night. The stands had a decent amount of people but it wasn't crowded by any means. We all decided to sit in a higher secluded section so that we can see everything going on trying to spot why we might need be here. Shortly before the second period buzzer the reason became obvious when we all saw Amber and Mike walk up to a group of people on the opposite side of the arena as us. We watched as Amber heavily and exhaustedly threw herself into a seat. The sight had Rosalie instantly concerned for her mate.

Rosalie finally sees her opportunity to "accidentally run" into her mate about 6 minutes before the last period started is when she sees Amber get up after telling her friends that she was going to the restroom.

Rosalie leaves shortly after and makes her way out into the outer area of the arena.

The family not wanting to waste an opportunity to not only watch the next episode that is in the "Rosalie and Amber Saga" all decided to walk after Rosalie at a much more leisurely pace.

We can hear Rosalie explaining to Amber that the family decided to check out the game since it's a sport loved by everyone in the family.

When we finally turn the corner I can feel Emmett's joy and excitement at seeing Amber as he rushed forward to wrap Amber up into a bear hug. I also picked up on the family's happiness at seeing the budding best friend relationship obvious on both Emmett and Amber's faces.

Once back on her feet Amber notices the rest of us as we approach at a slower pace. Amber greets everyone with a smile and a wave.

Esme practically floats towards Amber and embraces her. Amber was confused but embraced Esme in the hug that she couldn't help but give to her future daughter in law.

After our mother releases Amber which the bashful embarrassment that is very apparent to everyone looking on at the display. It was quite amusing to watch as Amber turned a shade of reddish pink as she rubbed the back of her neck and hair. It was pretty adorable. When I glanced at Rosalie I realized that that feeling was mostly coming from her.

Esme jumped right into apologizing to Amber for her forwardness. Amber gave an easy grin and replies "Hugs are always a good thing, so don't worry about it."

Esme couldn't help but beam at her and said "It's hard to not want to hug you after all do you feel like part of the family. I feel like I know you so well with the way that my husband and children talk about you."

Amber still had that half smile on her face as she looked at the family and said "Oh they talk about? Well I'm sorry, but I hope that we can be friends anyway."

Everyone chuckles. Esme always the mother can't help but tell Amber that she's going to have dinner with us this weekend. Everyone noticed that she told her, she didn't ask her. She paused for a second or two and ask "You don't have to work, right dear?" This time Amber is the one to chuckle, but doesn't hesitate to agree and says "No ma'am, and I would love to. What should I bring?" Esme beams and tells her that she only needs to bring herself.

That's when Emmett decides to interject into the conversation and says "It's a good thing that you'll be coming over to the house. That way you can finally get your shirt back." Amber is confused for a few seconds then she remembers that she had lent Rosalie her shirt a few days ago.

Edward decided to join in on the teasing and adds "I think you'll have a fight on your hands, because I don't know if Rosalie wants to give up her cuddle buddy." That earned smacks to the backs of both Emmett and Edward's heads. And a smack to the back of my head after I laughed.

Rosalie's POV –

Thankfully Amber didn't seem to hear my brothers teasing. She seemed too preoccupied with a group of people headed towards our direction. I didn't understand why Amber seemed so concerned with the group of chatting people especially since the group didn't seem to heading towards us specifically. The reason for Amber's sudden stiff demeanor became apparent when the group was about to pass us and a girl towards the back of the group held up her hand at Amber and gave a tentative smile. Amber gave a grimace smile and a brief wave of her own. As my love and this mystery girl held eye contact I couldn't help my protective instincts go into overdrive as I realized that this woman made my mate uncomfortable.

The mystery woman told her friends to go on ahead and that she will catch up. I tensed up as I heard my mate politely excuse herself and watched her walk the 20 or so feet to the woman that she obviously had a history with. I know that I shouldn't be jealous of what was obviously an ex since I had a couple of those myself. I mean it's hard not to when you've lived for over a hundred years. Granted I had only been on a few dates with them and nothing really happened. It was more out of loneliness than an actual relationship on those few occasions.

We all watched and listened intently as we see the pair give an awkward embrace. I can't help but growl lowly at seeing the lingering of familiarity that they embrace with.

"It's nice to see you, Mattie" "It's good to see you Amber" Amber and the mystery girl who apparently named Mattie spoke simultaneously after they take a few steps out of their embrace. Amber almost immediately sticks her hands into her pockets and shuffles her feet. If I wasn't so concerned I would find this side of Amber so endearing.

Mattie puts her hand gently on Amber's bicep as she smiles and slides her thumb over it and says "You look good"

Amber gives a tense smile and "Says thanks, you haven't changed much at all" Mattie laughs and asks "Is that a good thing?" "Pretty much" Amber replies as she gives a small smile and a shrug.

"Tina told me about Spain. You know, the Santiago de Compostela train derailment and about how you jumped into the fray to try and pull people out. I wouldn't expect any less from you. I mean I would have been more surprised to find out that you didn't."

Amber confusedly asked "How on Earth did you find out about that? I can literally count on 3 hands the amount of people that know."

Mattie giggles as she says "Have you forgotten that Tony and Tina use to be a thing?" Realization dawns on Amber's face as she sighs.

Mattie curiously adds "From what I heard you should have been given a medal."

Amber gives Mattie a shrug and a small smile as she says "Well I guess people would have to stick around for those. I did what needed to be done and then left when the emergency crews had it under control."

Mattie chuckles and said "Well I'm glad to see that you haven't changed." A bit of darkness clouded Amber's eyes for a moment or two before she replies "Nope. I'm who I've always been."

Mattie sighs as she takes a step away from Amber finally releasing her arm. "I can tell. It was never you that I hated. It was your life." Amber shakes her head and takes a deep breath as she seems to be about to repeat an old argument that the two have had more than a few times. "I can't change who I am. The same reasons why you fell in love with me are the same reasons why I joined up and they were the same reasons why I ran to that train."

Mattie dejectedly says "I know. That doesn't make your lifestyle any easier. I hope that you find someone that is able to deal with both."

After a minute of silence Mattie seems to debate with herself before saying "I heard about Clay. I'm sorry."

Amber sadly says "Me too."

Amber glances back at us then looks back at Mattie. Mattie seems to get the hint and says that her friends are waiting on her and that she probably should go.

Amber gives another tense smile and after another awkward hug, at least on Amber's part. Mattie walks away towards where her friends went.

Amber hesitates as she watches Mattie walk away. After she gives a sad sigh, she slowly makes her way back towards us.

That's when I realize how tired she actually looks. My worry for her returns ten fold.

Bella is the first one to speak "So I take it she wasn't a friend."

Amber gives Bella a 'no shit' look and says "It's a lot more complicated than that…. So I hate to cut this short but I'm exhausted and I need to catch some Z's."

Esme ever the compassionate one asks "Will you be alright to drive home dear?"

Amber is quick to reassure everyone that she's alright. "I'm fine. We just had a really long day at the schoolhouse."

Everyone turns when they hear Amber's name being shouted down the hall. Amber waves and the group heads towards them.

There were 3 guys, 2 of which Rosalie recognized as other sere specialists, and 3 women. Kathleen walked right up to Amber and put her arms around Amber's waist and Amber automatically pulled her into her side and kissed the top of her head.

I could feel and hear my families tense body's ready to grab me all while trying to calm me down with their words, thinking that I would become blind with possessive jealousy. They were surprised when I didn't react besides a small discreet smile. The only one that seemed to not be shocked was Jasper. Given his ability, he is the only one that was able to tell that I wasn't feeling jealousy, I was only feeling love for my mate and for Kathleen. Not that I particularly liked Kat since I hardly know her, but I knew that she was my mate's sister in almost everyway. That in turn made her important to me.

Kat looked at Amber's tired face and told her "You really should go home. The guys would understand. Besides you did see most of the game."

Mike agreeably said "Yeah Am, besides if you leave now you'll be able to get at least 6 hours of sleep before work tomorrow."

Alice's concern was plain as day when she asked why Amber had to work again tomorrow after pulling doubles and 3 days of triples every day this week.

The group of friends laugh and say "Because it's the military" all at the same time.

Emmett asks Amber "Want me to walk you to your truck?"

Amber quickly agrees having been missing her bonding time with Emmett as she's been working long hours.

I watch as Amber waves goodbye to everyone and her and Emmett walk back towards the parking lot.

That's when everyone hears the buzzer signaling the end of the game.

Everyone says goodnight and the family and I start making our way to our vehicles.

That's when we see Emmett leaning against my BMW.

There is no question that he will be riding with me so that he is able to fill me in on any information that he has gained about my mate.

By the time that we reached the house. I found out that Mattie and Amber did date. It almost broke me when he told me that Amber had thought that she might have been the one, but thankfully they didn't last. I was shocked to learn that they dated for well over a year and what I wasn't expecting was the reason behind their brake up. Apparently it was, because of Amber's military career. Mattie didn't want to deal with the long hours, the sudden deployments, and the many other factors of being with a military member. It brought back the conversation that Emmett told me about when he and Amber were drinking and hanging out not to long ago. Amber's job and her past relationship with this Mattie are some of the of the main reasons why she doesn't want to date.

When Amber finally becomes mine I know without a doubt that I would never let her go, especially over something as insignificant as her job. Though I'm dreading any of the complications and distance that her job brings I know that she's worth it.

I was shocked to hear that the reason Amber came to the game even though she really should have been in bed was because she was on the Fairchild Hockey team awhile back, and she wanted to show her support for her former teammates.

As I parked my car and I slowly made my way into the house as I wondered if my mate had any of her old jerseys. Maybe I would be able to wear one someday.

Just the thought of wearing more of my mate's clothes, being surrounded by her scent made my body shiver with delicious anticipation. Not to mention Amber's jersey would have her name on them and the idea of being claimed in such a primal and public way made me want to melt.

I just didn't realize that I would soon be wearing her old jersey and hardly anything else.