A/N: All of your reviews make me so happy, thank you for sticking with me on this journey. I plan for this story to be very long even after we resolve the issues with the plot. I have so many ideas and romantic moments planned for Kagome and the pack. And the smut, oh god ya'll are not ready, I swear to god. Also, I have a headcanon that Kagome and the Inuyasha gang often sang folk songs or songs from her time period as they traveled because what else would you do going across feudal japan collecting jewel shards? Anyway, here's another one!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight nor Inuyasha. Both belong to their respective owners and not me. But please, please no flames and if you have nothing better to say, say nothing at all.
Chapter 17 – Beach Day
A few days had passed since the chaos of Riley's attack and the weighty meeting with the Cullen's. The tension still lingered like a low fog, but today wasn't meant for dwelling on it.
Kagome stood in her makeshift bedroom, sunlight pouring through the window like golden syrup, casting warm light over the chaos around her. Clothing was strewn across the bed in a disheveled heap—sweaters, jeans, sundresses, even a couple of cardigans. But not a single swimsuit in sight.
Of course, of all the days Forks decided to bless them with warm, cloudless skies. The kind of weather that felt like a miracle in the country's rain capital, she had nothing remotely beach appropriate.
It had started over dinner the night before, when Seth casually suggested a beach day. A full-blown BBQ and swim day down at Second Beach. No patrols. Just the pack, food, volleyball, and sunshine. A rare chance to breathe. Naturally, the idea had caught fire, and now it was happening.
Quil had stayed just last night, as per their usual routine now, especially with the threat of Victoria still hanging in the air. No one in the pack liked the idea of Kagome being alone despite her protests, and Charlie had been spending more time in La Push thanks to Billy and Sue's quiet maneuvering.
The Cullen's had taken their scheduled patrol the night before; Emmett and Alice kept watch, giving the pack a needed break. But today, it was just her and the pack, like most days. With Charlie off on a fishing trip, there was a bit of peace in the quiet morning, a small window to breathe without immediate worry. Still, that peace only went so far. The weight of what lingered beyond the horizon never fully left her shoulders.
Now here she was, staring down a pile of useless clothes.
She groaned and flopped face-first onto the bed. "I don't even own a swimsuit."
A knock sounded before her door creaked open. Bella peeked her head in, then raised an eyebrow at the scene. "Swimsuit crisis?"
Kagome rolled onto her back and flung an arm across her eyes. "I packed for eternal rain, not sudden tropical paradise."
Bella chuckled, stepping further into the room. "Surprisingly enough, I think I have something that might work."
Kagome peeked at her through her fingers. "You own a swimsuit?"
"Don't sound so surprised," Bella muttered, disappearing down the hall. She returned moments later with a bundle of delicate sky-blue fabric in hand.
Kagome sat up slowly, accepting the bikini with both curiosity and a healthy dose of skepticism. It was tiny. The triangle-cut top had delicate strings to tie behind the neck and back. The matching bottoms tied at the sides, equally daring. A soft, sheer sarong accompanied it, gauzy and dark colored. It was a stark contrast to the bikini but matched very well.
"Bella," Kagome breathed. "This is really pretty. But…it's also kind of small. Where did you even get this?"
Bella shrugged, dropping onto the edge of the bed. "Jessica gave it to me last year when we talked about going to La Push. It was a gift but I never wore it, had no plans too anyway, but you? You'll look amazing in it. I mean, you're definitely more…blessed up top, very uh…busty goddess but I doubt the pack will mind."
Kagome let out a scandalized gasp, grabbing the nearest pillow and smacking Bella with it. "Excuse you! I'm barely a C-cup, not some busty goddess!"
Bella just laughed, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Please. Compared to me? I've got blueberries."
They locked eyes and dissolved into laughter, collapsing back onto the bed in a tangle of giggles and wheezed breaths.
Once the laughter died down, Bella sat up, brushing hair from her face with a smirk. "All jokes aside…that bikini? It's going to knock them stupid."
"You're terrible." Kagome shook her head, though a smile tugged at her lips. She traced the hem of the sarong between her fingers, her voice softening. "I just…I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard. And with my bruises and scars…"
The words hung there. Heavy. Her fingers grazed her collarbone, where the bruise on her neck had begun to fade into that mottled, purplish hue. Her back still ached, a dim reminder of everything she'd endured. And the older scars…those told a story she wasn't ready to share.
"I know they've seen them," she whispered, "but it still makes me feel…exposed. Not pretty. Just…ugly and marked."
Bella didn't say anything at first. She simply reached over and took her hand, squeezing gently.
"I don't know the pack as well as you probably do," she said quietly, "but I've seen how they look at you. Like you hung the moon. They don't care about your scars, Kagome. If anything, they probably love you more for them. They see strength, not damage."
Kagome blinked back a sudden rush of warmth in her chest. Bella smiled softly, bumping her shoulder.
"And besides," she added playfully, "they'll all be shirtless. Seems fair if you show them up."
Kagome laughed, leaning in to hug her. "Thanks, Bella. You make a convincing argument."
There was a moment of quiet before Bella's voice dropped, softer than usual. gentler and more cautious.
"Kagome…are you really okay?"
The question lingered, delicate in its sincerity. Kagome stared down at the swimsuit in her hands, fingers curling into the soft blue fabric.
"I will be," she said after a pause. "It's just…it's been a lot. The last few weeks, I mean."
Bella nodded, her expression unreadable but her gaze steady. "I know you mentioned the priestess thing. And I believe you, I do. But it feels like there's more that you're not saying. I'm scared for you." Her voice caught slightly. "You put on this brave face, but I know you. You'd take on the world for someone you love, even if it kills you."
Kagome swallowed hard.
"I know it's been a while since we were really close," Bella continued, "but for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. I'm just…sorry you got dragged into my mess. I didn't realize how big this would get—the Volturi, Victoria, all of it."
"It's not your fault." Kagome shook her head. "Honestly, I think you and I have more in common than you realize, especially with all this supernatural stuff."
Bella raised a brow at that, but didn't push. Kagome hesitated, searching for words.
"It's…complicated. I don't know how to explain it in a way that makes sense. Not yet."
"I get it, it's…a lot," Bella offered gently.
Kagome huffed a laugh and nodded. "Yeah. That about sums it up."
Bella leaned back on her hands. "So…are you, like, a superhuman or something? I tried researching priestesses, but all I found were myths and a bunch of half-baked internet theories."
"Because that's all that's left," Kagome said quietly. "What I am–what I can do, it's not something you'll find in textbooks. The history was buried a long time ago, written off as folklore. But it's real."
Bella's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So you can...purify...things? Like uh, some kind of spiritual power?"
Kagome nodded. "A priestess draws power from spiritual purity which is in life all around us. It's hard to put it into words but we can sense evil, expel it. We see things others can't and cleanse things that are corrupted. That's the simplest way I can explain it."
"Cleanse as in…demons and stuff?"
Kagome blinked in surprise, but Bella gave her a sheepish shrug. "I did some reading. Carlisle has quite a few books on it, actually. Japan has all these legends about youkai and monsters. It's hard to think they're…real."
"They are," Kagome murmured. "Or…they were. There aren't many left these days, but they exist. I haven't sensed a demon in years. Most of them have faded out of this world."
A quiet settled between them again, thoughtful and heavy with unspoken things. Kagome felt a familiar ache bloom in her chest, wistful and distant. Once, in a time that felt like another life, she'd imagined a future with a silver-haired half-demon. A future shaped by loyalty, sacrifice, and the war-torn remnants of a different world.
Now… that world felt impossibly far away. She still kept occasional contact with a few demons from that life, but it had been years since she'd truly reached out. Kagome wanted to put that life behind her, forcing herself to move on from losing almost everything she held dear. Years since she'd dared to look back.
"Anyway, enough with the heavy," Kagome said suddenly, shaking her head. "Today's supposed to be about sun and saltwater and pretending like life isn't trying to crush us. Thanks for the swimsuit, Bella. And wish me luck. I haven't worn something like this…ever."
Bella smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You've got this," she said. "Ten minutes to transform into a full-blown bikini goddess and knock those boys sideways."
Kagome laughed, finally standing. Her nerves hadn't gone away, not really. But there was warmth in her chest where the anxiety used to sit.
Outside, a car horn sounded in two quick bursts. She could feel Jacob's aura, his commanding presence idling in the driveway.
"That'll be Jake," she murmured.
She started toward the bathroom, the bikini in hand. Beach day. Sunshine. BBQ. And seven overprotective wolves who'd likely hover and wouldn't give her an inch.
The low hum of the engine vibrated beneath Jacob's palm as he tapped a restless rhythm against the steering wheel. Sunlight slanted through the windshield in golden beams, warming the cab with a rare brightness Forks seldom offered. For once, the sky wasn't hidden behind its usual veil of gray, it stretched overhead in a brilliant expanse of blue, streaked with wisps of white like brushstrokes on a canvas. The air was warm, brushing the edge of hot, and the breeze drifting in from the coast smelled of pine, salt, and sunbaked asphalt.
It felt like a day made for memory-making. A day that shouldn't be wasted.
Jake adjusted in his seat, glancing toward the Swan house just as the front door creaked open.
And then, there she was.
Kagome stepped outside, sunlight catching in the waves of her dark hair as it moved gently with the breeze. She wore a loose white graphic T-shirt that slipped off one shoulder and a pair of worn denim shorts that bared long, pale legs to the sun. Jake's gaze snagged on the thin, sky-blue bikini strings tied around her neck, faintly visible beneath the cotton of her shirt. He swallowed, hard.
She looked soft and sunlit and impossibly pretty, and all he could think was: I'm not ready for this. Not when she was going to be half-naked all day around a pack of shameless, horny idiots. They'd been talking about it nonstop, and he'd told them to keep it respectful but honestly, could he blame them? The pack mind was usually just filled with sweet day dreams of her but sometimes it got pretty dirty.
Kagome hesitated, steps uncertain, but when her gaze found him, her lips curved into a smile. That small, private smile—the one that always undid him. Jacob's heart kicked, stumbled, and did that ridiculous flip that Seth called "warm fuzzies." He was starting to get what he meant.
He leaned over and rolled down the passenger window.
"Hey, beautiful," he said, the words slipping out with a grin, natural and easy as breathing.
Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she jogged over, clutching a clear plastic container. The moment she climbed inside and shut the door behind her, her scent wrapped around him like something fresh and sweet, tinged with the faintest hint of coconut from her shampoo and something vanilla and undeniably her. It filled the space, curled around his senses, and grounded him like nothing else could.
His gaze flicked to the container in her lap. It smelled amazing, like something savory and homemade and the thought that she'd made it for the pack made his chest ache in that unfamiliar way he was still getting used to. It wasn't love yet, but it was getting there and he was falling slowly day by day.
For the first time all morning, he felt like he could breathe. Jacob was only ever at peace when Kagome was around.
"Thanks for picking me up," she murmured.
Jacob's smile widened. "Of course. Gotta come get my best girl." He set his hand on the gear shift, then added with a teasing glint in his eyes, "You ready for a busy day? The others haven't shut up about you."
Kagome set her beaten yellow backpack on her lap, but Jake reached over and gently took it from her, tossing it into the backseat. That left only the clear container she held carefully in her lap. She ducked her head, a soft flush coloring her cheeks as a quiet smile tugged at her lips. She didn't answer right away, just nodded, her fingers smoothing over the clear container in her lap in a nervous gesture.
Jake caught the look and tapped the lid with a hand. "What's this?" he asked.
Her expression brightened instantly. She popped the top open to reveal a dozen neatly packed rice balls. They were dusted with something dark green, nearly black and paper-thin, shimmering faintly under the morning light like polished sea glass. He caught the scent before anything else: salty, savory, and rich with the aroma of cooked salmon. His stomach growled on instinct.
"It's onigiri," she explained. "Well…these aren't exactly traditional, but they're easy to make in batches. In English, you'd just call them rice balls. Normally they're shaped like triangles and wrapped with a strip of nori, which is dried seaweed. My mom used to make these for me all the time, especially when I had field trips or days out."
She picked one up and held it toward him, her fingers still touching the soft rice. Jake leaned in, letting his lips brush against her fingers as he took a bite. The moment stretched unexpectedly, intimate and quiet. Her eyes flicked to his mouth, and Jake felt a fierce urge to lean in and kiss her properly. Not yet, he reminded himself. Soon…but not yet.
The flavor hit instantly. Warm, seasoned rice with perfectly flaked salmon and a hint of salt from the seaweed.
"Holy shit," he breathed, already reaching for another. "These are so fucking good."
She laughed and batted his hand away, closing the lid with a mock-stern look. "Save some for the beach."
Jake groaned dramatically but leaned over to press a light, affectionate kiss to her cheek. "Fine. But just so you know, this is the best thing I've ever eaten."
She rolled her eyes but smiled, and the way she relaxed in her seat made something settle inside him too.
"Alright," he said, shifting the car into gear. "Let's get out of here."
They drove in easy silence, sunlight filtering through the trees as they left Forks behind. The forest grew thicker, lush green rising on either side of the road. The closer they got to La Push, the more the sound of crashing waves broke through the stillness, faint and rhythmic, like a promise waiting just around the bend.
The rest of the pack had already made the short walk down to Second Beach to get everything set up. The scent of burning charcoal drifted faintly on the breeze, carrying with it the early signs of laughter and the occasional shout from down the trail. Jacob parked in front of Sam's cabin and cut the engine. As they stepped out, he moved to grab her bag from the back seat but paused when he noticed her slow hesitation.
He could almost taste her anxiety in the air, it laced her scent with something sharp and uneasy. Jacob closed the back door with a soft click, his frown deepening as he looked at her. Kagome stood quietly beside the car, her steps hesitant, eyes fixed on the ground. She clutched the container in her hands like it was the only thing keeping her steady.
"You okay?" he asked quietly, circling around to lean against the passenger side.
She nodded, but it was automatic and her eyes didn't lift, the tight line of her mouth gave her away. "Yeah. I just...I need a moment."
Jacob didn't push. He simply nodded and gestured to the porch. When she didn't move, he took her free hand and guided her to sit, pulling her gently into his lap once he settled. He set the container to the side where they had a small little stool for the ashtray. Kagome didn't protest, only leaned into him like she needed something solid to hold onto. The breeze caught at her hair and her shirt, warm and playful, but the tension in her shoulders didn't ease.
His hand slid up and down her back, slow and comforting, until she finally spoke.
"I hate how my body looks right now," she whispered, voice barely above the wind. "The bruises, the scars…I know it's not rational, but I don't want anyone to see them. I feel ugly."
Jacob's chest tightened.
He shifted slightly, cradling her hands in his and lifting her chin with gentle fingers. Her eyes met his, wide and shimmering with something brittle and raw.
"It's not irrational," he said, his voice steady. "And you're not ugly. Not even close."
She blinked, frowning, but he went on.
"None of us care about the bruises or scars. If anything, they show what you've survived. You're strong, Kagome. You've been through hell and you're still standing. That makes you even more beautiful to me."
A breath hitched in her throat, and she looked away, but Jacob caught her gaze again and gave her a soft smile.
"Seriously, you have no idea how crazy you make us. We're all a little obsessed. You're not just beautiful—you're everything."
She exhaled a quiet, shaky breath and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss beneath her jaw, hoping some part of his words had reached the place she needed them most.
Jacob tilted his head toward the path leading down to the beach. "I'll head down, give you a minute. Take your time, okay? When you're ready, just follow the trail. You'll hear us long before you see us."
He pressed another kiss to her bare shoulder, lingering just a moment, before standing and giving her knee a reassuring squeeze. Then he took the container with rice balls along with her yellow backpack and jogged off toward the trail, the sound of the pack's raucous voices rising louder as he disappeared between the trees.
When Jacob finally made it down the winding trail and onto the warm stretch of Second Beach, the scent of salt and smoke filled the air. The late morning sun blazed high above, casting golden rays that shimmered on the ocean's surface and warmed the soft sand underfoot. The pack had already taken over their usual spot near the edge of the tree line, where the shade offered some relief from the growing heat.
Sam was manning the grill, a small wall of smoke wafting up from where the coals were burning steady. He had a solid fire going and the scent of seasoned meat already hung heavy in the air. Nearby, Jared and Embry were working together to secure the big pop-up tent, unfolding a massive blanket underneath it, one they laid out mostly for Kagome's benefit. A few towels were folded neatly and off to the side, two large coolers sat nestled in the shade, stocked with drinks, ice, and various cold foods.
Further down the beach but still within earshot, Quil and Paul were caught up in a heated volleyball match, sand flying around their feet as they leapt and dove like oversized, overly competitive children. Seth stood nearby with a whistle around his neck, somehow acquired from god knows where, calling out exaggerated fouls and laughing at their dramatics.
Embry was the first to notice. He glanced toward the trail, his brow pinching as he caught sight of Jacob arriving solo.
"Where's Kagome?" he asked, brushing sand from his palms.
Jacob exhaled slowly as he placed the container on the foldout table already stacked with food for the grill, then dropped Kagome's backpack onto the blanket they'd laid out earlier. His gaze flicked toward the trail that wound back up to Sam's cabin.
"She's still up there," he said quietly. "Needed a moment to herself."
Sam looked up from the grill, eyes narrowing slightly as he paused to adjust the lid. Jared, who was slicing up fruit on a nearby cooler, stilled mid-cut.
Jacob ran a hand through his hair. "She's nervous. About the bruises…her scars. Thinks we'll see her differently once she's…y'know, more exposed. She doesn't feel good about how she looks right now."
Sam's jaw tightened, a flicker of emotion crossing his usually unreadable face. Jared swore under his breath and shook his head.
"That's–"
"–completely valid," Sam finished, tone firm. He shot Jared a look before returning to the grill, flipping a piece of chicken with more force than necessary.
Jared sighed, muttering as he went back to slicing. "I just wish she'd realize we don't give a damn about any of that. Scars and bruises be damned, her body's beautiful. She's beautiful. We worship the ground she walks on."
"I don't think it's really about what we think," Embry added quietly, kneeling down to adjust a corner of the tent. "It's the vulnerability. It's not easy showing that much of yourself when you've been through…a lot."
There was a beat of silence that followed, and Jacob saw something flicker in Embry's gaze. Old shadows he didn't talk about much. Growing up, Jacob had seen firsthand how Embry sometimes flinched from touch, how he'd come by the Black residence more than once in silence but covered in bruises, needing a place to crash when his mom's boyfriend got violent again. It had taken years for him to rebuild his sense of self-worth.
Embry didn't need to say anything, his silence spoke volumes. Experience had carved empathy into his bones, and the quiet look in his eyes said more than words ever could.
Over by the volleyball net, the game had grown more intense than playful. Paul slammed the ball a little too hard, sending it careening into the sand just out of reach. Quil dove for it but missed, hitting the ground with a grunt as sand sprayed around him.
"What the hell, man?" Quil barked, pushing to his feet and brushing himself off.
Paul exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. "Relax. My hand slipped."
Seth jogged over to retrieve the ball and handed it back, but Paul barely noticed. His gaze was fixed on the trail behind them, expression tight with something more than just frustration. "She's still beating herself up over the way she looks," he muttered, his voice low but laced with heat. "I get it. I do. But it sucks knowing she doesn't see what we see. If it takes the rest of our lives reminding her how perfect she is, I'll do it."
Quil blew out a slow breath. "She could show up wrapped in duct tape and polka dots, and she'd still be the most beautiful girl on this damn beach."
"Facts," Seth added, settling into a chair with his makeshift referee whistle dangling around his neck. "We've just gotta be patient until she believes it, too."
Jacob gave Seth a small nod of approval, then glanced over at Embry, who was sitting still, unusually quiet. Concern etched into his features. He reached out and bumped his shoulder gently, wordlessly asking if he was okay.
Embry just gave him a lopsided smile. It didn't reach his eyes but he could tell it was the best he could give right now. "We just need to make sure she always knows she's safe with us."
Just then, the soft crunch of approaching footsteps broke through the easy sound of waves and chatter. Jared, mid-bite into a slice of pineapple, dropped it straight onto the sand. His mouth hung open, eyes fixed on the path behind Jacob.
Embry went rigid beside him. Even Sam, who rarely showed any outward emotion, froze where he stood by the grill, tongs in hand.
Jacob turned slowly, and the second Kagome's scent hit him—soft and sweet with a hint of salt, his heartbeat kicked up, sharp and visceral. Then he saw her, and his breath caught.
She walked barefoot across the sand, sunlight catching in her dark hair, the ocean breeze toying with the loose strands that framed her face. The bikini she wore was a soft sky blue that complimented the brilliant hue of her eyes. The triangle top hugged her chest just right, the strings tied behind her neck and back. He'd always kind of assumed she was a little busty up top for her size but her breasts were shoved in those small, tiny things and left a lot to the imagination. The bottoms sat low on her hips, the ties delicate and enticing. It covered enough of her modesty but good grief they were tiny.
The curve of her waist was accentuated, her stomach smooth and toned. A faint, angry scar cut across her right hip, ending just above the sarong she wore slung low around her waist. The bruise on her neck was still visible, but they didn't dull her glow. If anything, they made her look like something holy, survivor and storm wrapped in sunlight.
Jacob swallowed hard.
"Fucking hell," Jared muttered. "I was not ready."
"So beautiful it's painful," Jacob agreed, eyes still glued to her.
Embry stood up without a word, a slow grin spreading across his face as he strode toward her.
"You look amazing," he breathed, wrapping her up in his arms. Kagome squeaked in surprise as he spun her once, laughter spilling from her lips. His hands landed gently on her waist when he set her down, and she didn't pull away.
That small laugh was everything. Then someone, he wasn't sure who, let out a sharp breath, followed by a low groan. Taha Aki, have mercy. The bikini bottoms clung to her ass just right, curving over her cheeks in a way that revealed a whole lot more than anyone had expected.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jacob saw Sam hiss a curse and jerk his hand away from the grill, clearly burned, clearly distracted. Jared smirked, and Sam shot him a glare that only made it worse. Not that anyone could blame him. Bruise or not, the view was pure divinity.
Jacob's gaze shifted back just in time to catch the moment the tension left her shoulders, the way her body finally eased. Jared, abandoning the pineapple he'd been cutting, reached her next and Embry slipped away to let him have his turn. So far, they were making it work without even trying.
Jared scooped her up effortlessly, arms sliding around her thighs as he lifted her off the ground. Kagome burst into laughter, her hair spilling forward like a curtain of black silk as she looked down at him, eyes full of soft affection.
From the makeshift volleyball area, Quil let out a low whistle, the game forgotten. "Goddamn, I want a taste of—"
Seth immediately lobbed the volleyball at his head. "Dude, seriously?"
Quil ducked, laughing, but Seth wasn't much better. His eyes were glued to her, drinking her in like she was water and he'd been crawling through the desert.
Paul was quiet, more controlled, but his gaze never wavered. His jaw was set tight, like he was fighting the urge to say something wild, filthy even—it was written all over his face. And yet, his expression held something gentler too. Something reverent.
Seth's grin widened, all boyish charm. "Damn, sunshine. You're making the rest of us look bad."
Kagome laughed again, and in that moment, the storm behind her eyes finally cleared.
The beach felt brighter, warmer. And it wasn't just the sun. It was her. With all her scars, bruises, and quiet strength, Kagome had become the most radiant thing on that shore.
Embry was pretty sure his heart stopped the moment he caught sight of her coming down the trail. For a few long seconds, everything else just faded as background noise. The waves crashing in the distance, the faint laughter from the others, even the sun warming the sand beneath him. The sunlight hit her hair just right, and the way it kissed her skin made her look almost unreal. Radiant. Ethereal. And yeah, maybe that was dramatic, but he didn't care. He couldn't look away if he tried.
The sky-blue bikini she wore clung to her like it was made for her, delicate ties resting against the curve of her hips and neck. The color made her eyes pop like gemstones, and Embry suddenly forgot how to breathe. He was used to keeping a level head, even when Paul and Quil acted like wild animals, but right now? His heart was thudding like he was some wide-eyed teenager seeing his crush for the first time.
Paul, in typical Paul fashion, didn't hesitate for a second. He marched straight toward her and practically peeled her from Jake's side who'd taken her from Jared without a second thought. Quil muttered something about getting back to the game, but the protest fell on deaf ears. The heat in Quil's gaze as he stared at Kagome said more than words ever could.
Embry should've felt a twinge of jealousy seeing them touch her, laugh with her, but instead, he only felt an odd sense of peace. These were his brothers and they cared for her too.
Paul's hands went to her waist with practiced ease, settling dangerously low as he pulled her flush against him. His thumbs toyed with the side ties of her bikini bottoms, sliding in and out, slow and shameless. Either he didn't realize how intimate the gesture was…or he very much did. Nah, he totally knew what he was doing. It was Paul fucking Lahote, asshole and notorious hot head.
He bent to murmur something against the curve of her neck, his lips barely brushing her skin. "If we were alone…"
Embry snorted just as Quil called out, "But you're not, so too bad," earning a round of laughter from the pack.
Kagome giggled and rolled her eyes, pushing lightly against Paul's chest. "Paul…"
He sighed and stepped back reluctantly, only for Quil to immediately cut in, brows wagging with mischief. Paul tried to shove his face away but he shrugged him off like it didn't bother him. Quil was a lot like a fly sometimes, the moment you get rid of him he comes back with a vengeance.
"Since someone nearly took my head off with his last serve," Quil said, jerking a thumb toward Paul, "you're officially our referee. This guy—" he pointed to Seth, who just shrugged, grinning—"keeps calling fouls every damn second."
"Or I could beat you both at your own game," Kagome challenged, plucking the volleyball from Quil's hands with a playful smirk.
That did it.
Quil and Paul exchanged amused glances while Jared jeered from the sidelines around a mouthful of pineapple. Seth stood from his seat and unhooked the whistle from around his neck, tossing it aside as he came over with an amused smile.
"Is that a challenge I hear?" Quil asked, stepping forward with that gleam in his eye. His hands skimmed the small of her back before resting gently on her hips. Kagome stiffened at the contact, but then Quil leaned in, whispering something that made her shoulders ease. Her smile returned and it was small, but real. Lighter. Less burdened.
God, Embry hoped she knew she was safe here with them.
"Maybe," Kagome said with a coy tilt of her head as Seth slung an arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his side.
"If we're doing teams, I'm with her," he said, his voice easy but firm. Kagome giggled, tucking the volleyball against her hip and damn if she didn't look drop-dead gorgeous doing it.
From beneath the canopy of the pop-up tent, Jake and the others looked on, shaking their heads with fond amusement. Sam shouted something about not going too hard, but it was drowned out by Jared and Paul cracking up at her next words.
"Why? Scared you'll get beat by a girl half your size?"
Quil's smirk turned wicked. "Alright, sweetheart. You asked for it. Show us what you've got."
Her laughter rang out across the beach, clear and sweet, and Embry felt it in his chest like a balm. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so carefree.
As she untied her sarong, Seth grabbed it and handed it off to Jake, who set it aside. Embry swallowed hard. He wasn't sure how he'd make it through this day with her bouncing around in a bikini. If she tried to jump serve, he might actually combust on the spot.
While the pack sorted themselves into teams and argued over who got to be on Kagome's side, it was painfully obvious how drawn they all were to her. Every little movement she made, every smile, every brush of wind through her hair, it was magnetic. She was magnetic.
Jake nudged Embry's shoulder as they sat together in the sand. "She looks better," he said quietly. "More…herself. Still a little unsure, but she's getting there."
Embry let out a breath, eyes never leaving her. "Yeah…I just hope she stays like that."
Still, his gaze lingered on the bruise around her neck and the angry blotch marring the smooth skin of her back. It made his gut twist. Not because he didn't think she couldn't handle herself but because she never should've had to. The claw-shaped scar running diagonally across her back glared at him like a reminder of something unsaid. Something buried. He caught a glimpse of the scar at her hip, one none of them knew the story behind yet—and it chilled him to think what she must've endured to earn it.
Embry's mind flickered, unbidden, to his mother. To the nights he watched her come home with bruises, the slow shift from pain to silence, and the way she learned to hide every scar like it was a secret. The long nights where he'd hide in his bedroom and pray the door stayed locked or sneak out the window to avoid the drunken ramblings of the men who thought dating his mom made them his dad. He hated how familiar that had become, seeing someone he cared about bear the same kind of burden, even if it came from a different place.
But Kagome wasn't helpless. She was a fucking force of nature. She'd taken on two vamps and walked away alive. Still...he couldn't shake the anger bubbling low in his chest. Not at her. Never her. But at the world, at the timing, at every monster that ever laid a hand on someone like her and walked away breathing.
Today wasn't the day for that, though.
Today was about sunshine and crashing waves, grilled food and too much soda, laughter echoing off the water and maybe just maybe, letting Kagome feel normal again.
He'd make damn sure of it.
Kagome felt the burn of self-consciousness creeping over her skin in waves. The bikini wasn't indecent by any stretch, it was normal enough as Bella had insisted it was tasteful. But the exposure made her hyper aware of every inch of her body. And the top may have been just a smidge on the smaller side but it fit her well enough. The bruises, though faded to a purplish hue, were still visible. The scars, however…well, she tried to pretend they weren't there. No man had ever seen her this bare before, and now she was surrounded by seven of them.
But none of the pack commented, at least not on the things she feared. No looks of pity, no whispered discomfort. Only warmth. Only the casual touches, the broad hands that ghosted over her arms, her hips, and her back. as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And maybe it was, in their world.
Each brush of callused fingers made her skin tingle. It was grounding in a way that reminded her what Jacob had said: she was safe. She set the pace. And in that moment, the awareness of their eyes on her transformed into something else that felt empowering. They weren't leering. They were looking at her like she mattered. Like she was beautiful. Kagome was starting to believe they really cared and it made her heart lurch.
"All right, two on two," Quil announced, fiddling with the ball in his hands. "First to four points wins. Easy enough, yeah?"
Kagome smirked, her confidence returning like a slow tide. "Sounds good to me. Hope you're ready to lose."
"Ooooh," came the chorus from the sidelines.
Paul stepped up to the net, smirking in that cocky way of his. "You always talk this big, or is it the bikini talking?"
She tilted her head, tossing him a sly look. "Guess you'll just have to find out."
Seth and Quil both howled like idiots, egging her on with mock jeers and dramatic applause. The game was on.
The sand was tricky and harder to move through than the solid concreate of a court, but she adjusted quickly. Volleyball had been her sport once, and she wasn't about to let a bunch of muscle-bound wolves think they could beat her at it. She was paired with Seth, and together, they squared off against Quil and Paul, who were already arguing about who got to spike first.
"I swear, if you spike it like last time and miss the block again—"
"Oh, shut up. That was one time!"
With the bickering in full swing, Kagome took the opportunity to make her move. She stepped back, tossing the ball into the air, her knees bending in preparation as she jumped to do her serve. Then—smack.
The ball arced high and clean over the net and nailed Paul square in the face.
A sharp thump echoed across the beach as the ball ricocheted off and disappeared into the sand. There was a stunned beat of silence.
Kagome gasped, hands flying to her mouth in horror. "Oh my god!"
Then the pack erupted.
Laughter exploded around them like a firecracker. Quil dropped to his knees, wheezing, while Seth clutched his stomach as if it hurt to laugh. Jacob doubled over, silent-laughing like he couldn't breathe. Embry and Jared were halfway to tears.
Even Sam, normally stoic, had a smirk tugging at his mouth as he turned away to hide it with a shake of his head. He kept his gazed trained on the meat sizzling on the grill but his shoulders hunched like he was struggling to keep his laughter in.
Paul, meanwhile, stood frozen, blinking like he'd just been slapped with divine judgment.
"Paul!" Kagome ran under the net, grabbing his face gently, searching for bruises. "Are you okay?!"
No mark. No swelling. Nothing. She pulled back with a frown, hands on her hips.
"You idiot," Quil gasped between fits of laughter. "You were staring at her chest, weren't you?"
Paul muttered something unintelligible, flipping him the bird. He appeared embarrassed while Kagome gasped, smacking Paul's shoulder.
"Paul!" she huffed, and he smirked, shrugging.
"What can I say, it was a lovely view," he said, and she buried her face in her hands with a shake of her head.
Quil cackled louder. "You couldn't even react!"
"Shut the hell up," Paul growled, shoving his face away though there wasn't much force behind it.
"You're lucky she didn't break your nose, man," Jared chimed in. "That was beautiful. Direct hit."
Kagome glared at him, crossed her arms, half-pouting. "You guys are impossible. I thought I hurt you."
Paul's face softened, eyes locking on hers with mock solemnity. Then, he took her hands in his, raising them to his lips. "I'm sorry, angel. For being a dumbass. Forgive me?"
A round of boos echoed behind them.
"Oh, please," Quil groaned, tossing the volleyball at Paul's head. Paul caught it effortlessly, tossed it back with the same ease.
"You catch that, but not her spike?" Jared called. "Shameless."
"Let's go, already!" Seth shouted from across the net. "Enough of the PDA, some of us came here to win."
Kagome laughed and pulled back from Paul, who sent her a smoldering look that promised all kinds of trouble later.
She slipped back under the net, grinning despite the lingering heat in her cheeks. The wolf whistles that followed her made her shake her head, they were so dramatic sometimes.
"Even your walk is sexy, goddammit!" Quil lamented dramatically, dragging a hand down his face.
"You're gonna kill us out here," Seth added with a smile as he gave her a little fist bump.
She smiled, feeling truly happy for the first time in ages. Every day with the pack was filled with their quiet affection and laughter, it was infectious and chased the bad memories away.
Maybe this wasn't just about a beach day. Maybe this was about reclaiming a little piece of herself and letting the people who cared help her do it.
The game resumed and Kagome seemed to settle into her skin with more confidence as Paul grabbed the ball from Quil and tossed it into the air.
"Hey, princess—this one's for you!" he called out, grinning as he launched into a spike.
Kagome dropped into a ready stance, feet sinking into the sand as she bent her knees wide for balance. The ball shot toward her, but she received it cleanly, deflecting it up into the air. Seth was already in motion, tipping it gently back over the net.
Quil, completely distracted, didn't even move. The ball dropped right in front of him.
There was a beat of silence before Paul turned on him, eyes wide with disbelief. "Quil! What the fuck was that?" he barked, giving him a shove. "It was right in front of you, why the hell didn't you move?!"
Quil blinked, like he was only now registering what had happened. "I—uh—"
The pack lost it.
Seth doubled over wheezing, barely able to breathe from laughing so hard. Kagome giggled behind her hands, and even Sam let out a quiet snort as he shook his head.
Jared leaned back with a smirk. "Already two-nothing. At this rate, you two really are gonna lose."
"Oh really?" Quil snapped, planting his hands on his hips. "Okay, I'd love to see you play a round without being distracted by the busty goddess over there. Seth's lucky, he doesn't have to stare directly at her when she's moving like that! I'm practically blinded!"
The group howled again, and Paul groaned, rubbing his hand down his face. "I'm never living this down, am I?"
Kagome shook her head with a soft laugh, amusement curling at the edge of her smile. They were being so dramatic, it was just a pair of breasts, honestly.
Jared popped another slice of pineapple into his mouth. "Bet you won't." He wiped his fingers and stood. "Alright. Let's make this more interesting—three on three."
Jacob stood up, smirking. "Unless Em or Sam wanna jump in? We'd have enough for a full set."
Sam, still manning the grill, grunted something vaguely noncommittal without looking up.
"C'mon, Sam! Play with us!" Kagome called brightly.
Jacob slung an arm around her shoulders as he joined their side while the others started piling on, trying to persuade their reluctant teammate. Embry dusted his hands free of sand and walked over to join them, already grinning.
Kagome jogged up to the tent. Behind her, someone groaned, "She's gonna kill me doing that," which made her laugh under her breath.
Sam was still tending the grill, stoic as ever.
Kagome walked right up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin against his chest. "Sam," she murmured, "the grill can wait. Come have fun with us?"
He finally looked down, lips twitching at the corners. "You're dangerous when you ask nicely," he murmured, wrapping one strong arm around her waist.
"Yeah, Sammy-wammy, come play with us!" Jared chimed in obnoxiously.
"Don't make me come over there," Sam warned, but Kagome could feel the quiet amusement under his usual calm exterior.
"Just one game," Jacob coaxed, waving him over. "The meat's gotta slow cook anyway."
Sam sighed, clearly relenting. "You're all relentless," he muttered, kissing Kagome's forehead before setting the meat to the side away from the high heat.
The moment he stepped away from the grill, the pack erupted in victory.
Kagome grinned as she laced her fingers through his and led him down to the makeshift court. The teams were chaotic to set, as always, but they finally landed on it: Jacob, Seth, Embry, and Kagome versus Sam, Paul, Quil, and Jared.
"This time, Kagome isn't serving first!" Quil demanded. "That's cheating!"
Kagome laughed, sticking her tongue out at him.
Paul eyed her, smirking. "Better watch it with that tongue. You don't know what it might get you into."
Sam smacked him upside the head, while the others howled with laughter.
"Dicks down, people," Jacob said dryly as he took the ball from Embry. "Let's get this going."
Kagome settled into the libero position, while Embry lined up as blocker and Seth took the hitter role. Quil would be the main spiker for the opposing side, Paul as setter, Jared playing libero, and Sam joining Quil at the net.
From her side of the net, Kagome eyed the opposing team—four looming, muscle-packed wolves. Compared to them, she was tiny. But that only made her more determined.
"Ready to get wrecked?" Jared hollered, fist-bumping Paul.
"As if," Seth shot back.
Jacob launched the ball with a perfect spike. Paul received it smoothly, passing to Jared, who set it high for Quil. Instead of slamming it, Quil tipped it gently over the net.
Seth cursed, diving for it. He got to it, but it bounced wide out of bounds.
The other team burst into cheers as Quil did a ridiculous victory shimmy in the sand.
"Payback's a bitch!" he called, sharing a fist bump with Paul for good measure.
Seth threw him the bird but he laughed.
The game had officially begun as they pushed on, rotations shifted every few points until the score was nearly even. Despite the fun, it was fierce competition. Kagome's forehead shimmered with sweat, the sun beating down on her skin like a spotlight. Every glance around brought more of the same bronzed skin, glistening muscles, toned torsos. The pack always looked good shirtless, but today…it felt different. Like a scene out of a movie with laughter, heat, and energy crackling in the air.
When her turn to serve came back around, Embry tossed her the ball with a small grin. She caught it easily, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she noticed Quil who was now positioned in the back as libero, groaned loudly.
"Alright, beautiful. Bring it home for us," Jacob called from his spot up by the net, his voice warm with encouragement.
"Bring it, baby!" Jared chimed in with a wide grin, and the pet name wasn't lost on her. Something warm settled in her chest.
Kagome glanced across the makeshift volleyball court and spotted an opening near the back. With a deep breath, she tossed the ball up, bent her knees, and launched into a jump serve. Her arm came down hard, the ball sailing over the net like a bullet.
Sam lunged and managed to keep it up, Jared tipping it back over with a one-handed flick. Jacob met it with ease and passed to Seth, who sent it back with a sharp push. Paul dove to return it, grunting as he barely managed to keep it from hitting the sand. Seth set the next for Embry, who smashed it but Jared and Sam were ready, blocking it clean.
Back and forth it went, a whirlwind of hits, spikes, and scrambles. No one was backing down. It had already gone on for nearly ten minutes when Quil finally shouted, "When the hell is this gonna end?!"
He slammed it over the net out of frustration. Seth popped it up almost lazily, and Kagome saw her moment. She sprinted from the back, caught the timing perfectly, and executed a sharp backhanded spike that slipped just past Paul's reach and hit the sand.
Cheers erupted from their side while the opposing team groaned, dropping like dominos into the sand in exaggerated defeat. Seth whooped and pulled her up from the sand, wrapping his arms around her despite being sweaty. She laughed, breathless but glowing.
"That spike was insane," Seth beamed.
"You're a menace," Jacob added, throwing an arm around her shoulder with a proud smirk. "Where'd you learn that?"
"Used to play a lot back home," she admitted with a shrug, cheeks flushed from more than just exertion.
"You've still got it," Sam said, walking over and lifting her into a brief hug. His voice was soft with praise. "That was a good game. You crushed it."
Meanwhile, Paul and Quil were in full argument mode, pushing at each other as they blamed the loss on everything from sand in their eyes to each other's distracting commentary.
Sam reluctantly released her with a sigh. "Back to the grill for me."
"You gonna come swim later?" Kagome asked hopefully.
Jacob threw an arm over Sam's shoulders, teasing, "Only if someone drags him out of mother hen mode. Otherwise he'll be guarding the grill like it's Fort Knox."
Seth flapped his arms and clucked like a chicken, earning another wave of laughter.
"Mommy Sam!" Jared crowed, only to shut up Sam sent him a warning glare.
Kagome tilted her head. "I will drag you to the water, you know."
Sam exhaled, giving in. "Alright. I'll come. But you better be ready to follow through."
With a victorious grin, she let him go and stepped away just as Jared and Embry tackled Jacob toward the waves, dragging him down the shoreline with shouts and laughter. She laughed, shaking her head, then made her way toward the tent for a drink.
That's when she noticed Sam at the grill, glancing her way with a smirk that said don't even think about offering to help.
She was just about to tease him for it when she felt hands settle on her waist. Paul.
"Why are you over here when you should be swimming with us," he murmured near her ear, his grin unmistakable. There was a glint in his eyes that looked suspiciously like he was up to something.
She turned slowly, suspicion rising. "Paul…don't even think about it."
"What?" he said, all innocence. "Just thinking about how good a swim would feel right now."
"You're thinking about throwing me into freezing water."
Sam snorted. "He's thinking about way more than just swimming…" he muttered.
Kagome's jaw dropped. "Sam!" she gasped, scandalized, and smacked Paul in the chest though he didn't even flinch.
Paul just grinned that slow, smug smirk tugging at his lips. "What can I say?" he drawled.
She narrowed her eyes in mock warning before suddenly bolting away across the sand. "You're impossible!"
She didn't get far.
Paul caught up easily, scooping her up and tossing her over his shoulder like she weighed nothing. Kagome yelped, kicking her legs as he laughed.
"You weren't wrong," he said, patting her thigh with a satisfied grin. "I was thinking about dragging you into the water. And now I've got the perfect excuse."
"Paul! Put me down—don't you dare—!" Kagome shrieked, giggling helplessly as he carried her toward the water.
He hummed in satisfaction, one hand giving her a playful smack on the butt that made her jump and curse at him, though the laughter in her voice gave her away.
"You really thought you could escape me? That's cute. Your sexy ass is getting dunked."
Further down the beach, Quil had Seth in a playful chokehold, trying to avoid his fate. Embry rushed in to help, and the two of them flung Quil into the waves as he screamed betrayal.
"Traitors! You'll regret this!" Quil sputtered, emerging soaked and scowling.
The moment Paul hit the shallows with Kagome slung over his shoulder, the rest of the pack erupted in wild cheers.
"Dunk her! Dunk her!" they chanted, their rowdy voices echoing across the water. Whistles, howls, and splashes filled the air as the boys splashed toward them like overgrown children in the waves.
She couldn't see much from her perch over Paul's shoulder, but knowing the pack, she had a pretty good idea of the chaos unfolding behind her. With a grunt and a smooth motion, Paul shifted her into his arms bridal style. She shot him a glare, lips tugged into a pout, but he only smirked down at her like he'd won something.
"C'mon, Paul! Full send!" Jared called from where he was already waist-deep, grinning like a madman. "No mercy!"
"Bet she gets you back before the day's over," Embry added with a laugh, shielding his eyes against the sun as he watched the spectacle unfold.
"I am absolutely getting you back for this," she promised and he laughed, smirking down at her like he welcomed the challenge.
With a devilish grin, Paul let out a mock war cry and charged the deeper part of the surf, clutching Kagome tightly before he dropped with her beneath the waves. She let out a screech and squealed as the cold water closed over them with a splash. The water was freezing, but the warmth of the sun shone upon them as she came up sputtering and laughing, hair plastered to her cheeks, her skin gleaming under the sun.
Paul surfaced right beside her, breathless with amusement, his hands slipping easily around her waist like it was second nature. "Told you there was no escape," he teased, voice low and playful.
Kagome could barely reply through her laughter as the rest of the boys crowded around them in the water, grinning and splashing like the overgrown wolves they were.
"You alive there, sunshine?" Seth called, floating nearby with a smug smile.
"She took it like a champ," Jared added, tossing an arm around Embry as they watched the two in the center of the chaos.
Kagome wiped water from her eyes, cheeks flushed from the sudden dunk and maybe from all the attention. But for once, it didn't feel overwhelming. It felt like she belonged, like an everyday thing with the pack.
"You look good wet," Paul murmured, brushing hair from her face.
Kagome just splashed him in retaliation, but the warmth in her chest had nothing to do with the sun overhead.
As the day waned, the beach buzzed with laughter and splashes. Most of their time had been spent in the water, and not once was Kagome left alone for long. Whether it was heated hands circling her waist or strong arms pulling her against a sculpted chest, she was constantly caught in the orbit of one of her wolves.
They passed her between them easily and every time she tried to leave the water for a break, someone was there, tugging her right back in with a smirk or a teasing laugh.
She let out a breathless giggle when Embry's arms slipped around her waist near the shallows. His chest pressed against her back as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck, his warmth stark against the cool water.
"Embry! I'm starving," she protested, squirming halfheartedly. "Let go!"
But he just grinned, ignoring her pleas as he dragged her back into deeper water. They dipped below the surface, the sounds of the others jumping and shouting around the rock formation down the shore growing more distant.
When they surfaced, she looped her arms around his neck, breathless and smiling. He guided her legs around his waist, hands resting lightly on her thighs as they floated together in a darker, deeper stretch of the sea. It was quieter here, more intimate. The horizon stretched endlessly behind them, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them.
Embry rested his forehead against hers, gaze dark and steady. His silence held weight. He was always a bit more reserved than the others, more thoughtful in ways he rarely voiced. It was different from Sam, who shared his proclivity for silence. But Kagome always noticed him. Always made a point to draw him close.
"I like this," he said finally, voice low and deliberate. "Being here with you like this."
She blinked at him, her heart skipping. The sincerity in his tone was disarming.
"Before the imprint…I didn't really have much direction," he continued, eyes trained on her. "I still worry about not being able to protect you. I worry that this world is too much, that something will happen and I won't be there in time."
Kagome's fingers found his jaw, tilting his face toward hers.
"You're here with me now," she said gently. "And that's what matters. We'll face whatever comes together, right?"
His answering smile was soft and reverent, curling at the corners with something unspoken.
"Always," he murmured. "You're stuck with me."
He tucked his face into her neck, and she shivered at the contrast of his warm lips brushing against her chilled skin. The sensation sent goosebumps up her arms.
But the peaceful moment didn't last.
"Yo! Embry! Quit hogging her!" came Jared's shout from the boulders. Laughter followed as the others began to chant and holler. "C'mon bro, time to jump!"
"Sorry, babe," Quil added, cupping his hands to his mouth. "We're stealing him. Go keep Mommy Sam company!"
From the shoreline, Sam groaned and shook his head, clearly regretting everything.
Kagome laughed, unwrapping her legs from around his waist. He sighed, reluctant but amused, and let her go.
The moment slipped away like a tide receding. Kagome made her way out of the water, her limbs pleasantly tired, her skin still tingling with Embry's warmth. As she crossed the sand back toward the tent, the laughter behind her carried on, echoing out across the waves like the promise of more good moments to come.
The grill hissed softly beside him, the last of the marinated fish and chicken resting on the top rack to stay warm. Most of the heavier cooking was already finished by this time. Jared had taken over prepping the rest of the food, organizing everything into foil trays and helping pack up plates. Sam stayed close, tidying up as the sun dipped lazily in the sky, turning golden and low. The sound of the ocean was a constant rhythm, but the usual chaos of the pack had quieted for a moment.
The others had wandered down the beach toward the rock formation once or twice and spent a few hours there, where their howls and laughter echoed across the water. It was a temporary lull, and Sam relished the stillness.
He didn't mind being here on his own, it was nice to see his brothers so happy and the way Kagome was slowly but surely letting them in warmed him to his core. Sam didn't show it, but he felt bit by bit that he was falling for her slowly.
Kagome's presence always announced itself softly, she was a bit like a cat in that regard. Small, quiet, but loud and fierce when she wanted to be. She approached dripping wet, grabbing a towel to wipe her face with as her cheeks flushed with sun. Goodness, she was so breathtaking. Sometimes he wondered what he did to deserve this, because he wouldn't have imagined what a turn his life took in a mere amount of weeks.
Sam glanced at her over his shoulder and immediately set the tongs down, his lips tugging into a slow grin.
"Need help?" she asked, bumping him with her hip.
"Nope," he said simply, wiping his hands on a towel before pulling her gently toward him.
Sam slid his hands along her hips, then up to the small of her back, warm and sure. He might've run his fingers over the delicate strings at her hips once or twice, they were incredibly enticing and seductive. Kagome fit perfectly against him, her cheek brushing against his chest as his arms enveloped her. The smell of charcoal and seawater lingered in her hair.
"I'm starting to think you're gonna hide out by the grill all day," she murmured.
Sam smiled and drew back just enough to look at her, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Somebody has to make sure you all get fed."
"You've fed us, now come enjoy it with us," she said, her voice soft but firm, coaxing.
Her fingers found him, lacing them slowly as if giving him a choice but her eyes made it clear she didn't want to go down alone. Sam hesitated, then sighed as he nodded.
"Alright," he said, giving her hand a small squeeze. "I promised you a swim and the food's done anyway."
Kagome's smile was radiant and precious, Sam's heart gave a slow, weighted thud. Something warm and certain settling deep in his chest. He let her tug him along the shoreline, his gaze lingering despite himself. There was hunger there, heat too, simmering just beneath the surface. Did she even realize what she was doing to him? The way her bikini bottoms hugged her hips and dipped just enough to tease, revealing more than they concealed yet somehow still leaving plenty to the imagination. Every sway of her hips pulled at something primal, and he had to clench his jaw to keep himself grounded.
Everyday with her filled his days with purpose.
As the water lapped at their feet by the shoreline, she turned to look up at him over her shoulder. The happiness in her face pulled at something deep in his chest, it always did. Kagome tugged him a little further, until the water kissed their ankles.
"You've been holding out on us," she said, looking up at him through her lashes. "I never see you relax."
"I'm relaxed," Sam said, tone deadpan.
She gave him a skeptical look. "Sam," she whined, and he chuckled.
"…Okay. I'm trying," he amended, and she laughed, bumping his arm with her shoulder.
They stood there for a moment, side by side, watching the waves roll in. Sam slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his side, and pressed a kiss to her temple.
"You're beautiful, you know," he murmured. "I hope you believe it. Scars and all."
She didn't answer right away, just leaned her head against his shoulder, letting the waves speak for them.
Further down the beach, laughter erupted again. Someone had clearly been thrown off the rocks.
"I should probably go rescue someone," Sam muttered, though he made no move to leave.
Kagome smiled against his shoulder, her voice soft and teasing. "Or…we could stay here. Just a little longer. Embry ditched me—are you really going to do the same?"
Sam didn't need much convincing. Kagome could ask him for anything, and he'd do his best to make it happen.
She caught both of his hands, tugging him gently toward the shoreline with a mischievous grin, and he let her, following until the cool water lapped at their ankles. Then, with a quiet rumble of amusement, he swept his arms around her waist and pulled her close, walking them deeper into the sea with steady, deliberate strides.
"Yeah," he murmured, his voice low as the water rose around them like silk. "Just a little longer."
The water was cool, but she was warm in his arms like the sun lived in her skin. Or maybe that was just him. Sam lost all concept of the world around him; the sound of the water sloshing faded to a low hum, like background noise.
He settled her against him, her legs wrapped firmly around his waist, the soft drag of her fingertips trailing across his shoulder blades. She leaned into his chest like it was the most natural thing in the world, resting her cheek against him with her arms lazily looped around his neck. It was so intimate that he finally sighed, like he could actually breathe for the first time in days.
God help him, he was hers—body and soul. He really was.
They didn't speak. They didn't need to. There was no chatter to fill the moment, just the soft lull of companionable silence. Kagome sighed against him, and it sounded like happiness. Like contentment. Sam pulled her closer, wanting to keep her there, wanting to hold on to this sliver of peace for as long as she would let him.
He closed his eyes, letting the world fall away. The crashing of waves and distant laughter blurred until it was all gone. All that existed was her heartbeat, and the rhythm of her breath syncing with his.
He tightened his hold around her waist, anchoring her to him.
"I could stay like this forever," he whispered, lips brushing the shell of her ear. "You calm everything inside me, you know that?"
She didn't answer right away, but he felt the way her breath caught. The soft shiver that rolled through her as she pulled back slightly, settling her hands on his chest.
"Is that the imprint?" she asked, voice barely above the lap of the waves.
"No," he said simply, truthfully. "That's just me."
When she smiled this time, it was softer like something delicate, something real. The evening sun glinted off droplets on her lashes, and her blue eyes mirrored the sky and sea. There was salt on her lips and in her hair, but she looked more beautiful in that moment than anything he'd ever seen.
Sam cupped her cheek, brushing a strand of wet hair behind her ear. "You don't ever have to be perfect for us, Kagome," he murmured. "You just have to be here. With me—with us."
Her fingers rose to cup his face, and he turned his head to press a kiss to the center of her palm. Then, gently, he rested his forehead against hers, letting her look into him, blue to brown, steady and sure. He leaned forward, hesitant, and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. Not where he wanted, but enough for now.
She gasped, and he could feel the shiver that went through her as the corner of his lips curved into a smile. Maybe someday soon she'd be ready for more with him–with the pack. When that time came, he'd give her everything he had and kiss her until she was gasping for air.
The water swayed around them, but Sam Uley had never felt more steady in his life.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, streaking the sky with gold and tangerine, the pack had gathered around a slow-burning fire that Paul had started with Embry's help. After a full day spent in the surf, their laughter echoing across the water, even the most energetic of them looked a little sun-drunk and happily worn out.
Kagome and Sam had returned from the shore not long ago, damp and sharing secret smiles in the last stretch of golden daylight. Together, they helped plate up grilled meat, sides, and fruit. Kagome, of course, was always served first. It was an unspoken rule no one ever contested. She looked tired but so beautiful, cheeks flushed with red, her salt-kissed skin glowing softly in the firelight.
They finally got around to tasting the rice balls Kagome had brought, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Something about it tasted different than normal, like it was made with love. And Seth ate his with a smile.
"Sweetheart, you have to make these again. I swear, I could inhale the entire container myself," Quil groaned, stretched out beside the fire on the blanket with a blissed-out look on his face. Kagome, who was currently perched on Jake's lap, smiled in quiet amusement.
"See? I wasn't exaggerating. That stuff is dangerous," Jake added with a grin, rubbing a hand along her thigh.
Kagome rolled her eyes, but the soft smile tugging at her lips gave her away. She looked more than a little pleased as murmurs of agreement circled around the group.
"Yeah, so good that Quil's greedy ass ate the last four," Embry grumbled, still glaring at the now-empty container like he could will it to refill itself.
Kagome let out a quiet laugh and, after a beat, took one from her own plate to offer to Embry.
"Here, you can have some of mine."
Quil gasped dramatically. "Hey! That's not fair!"
"Too damn bad," Sam said, shaking his head with a chuckle. "We divided them evenly, and you scarfed yours down like you were starving."
It was the most relaxed Sam had looked in weeks. The usual weight he carried in his shoulders seemed lighter tonight, the lines of tension around his eyes softer. Seth noticed and he was willing to bet anything that Kagome had something to do with that.
And honestly? He was glad. She was the glue holding all of them together, and nights like this made him believe they were all going to be okay.
Seth watched her with that familiar warmth blooming in his chest. And more than once, his eyes roved over her body with a hunger he saw in more than one pair of eyes. It was dumb, maybe, how often his heart did little flips just watching her laugh. But it was real. He couldn't stop smiling.
His mom liked her too, which was saying something, because he'd never brought anyone home before. Well, he had yet to actually bring her home but it was the same concept. Kagome wasn't just anyone. She was kind, and fierce, and quietly carried more weight than anyone should have to and she still laughed like sunlight.
As the meal wound down and Jake and Paul were heading back for seconds, Kagome stood from Jake's lap and made her way over to him.
Seth blinked, hands reaching for her.
He wasn't like the others, Seth's experience with girls could be counted on one hand. He wasn't clueless, but wasn't always confident in himself. But he was trying, because she never made him feel like anything he did was stupid or dumb.
He barely had time to react before she plopped down into his lap, settling in like it was the most natural thing in the world. His arms instinctively came around her, his hands splayed wide across her hips. She smelled like smoke and salt and sugar. It was dangerously good.
"Hey," he whispered, a little breathless.
"Hey," she returned, that soft little smile tugging at the corners of her lips like she had no idea what she was doing to him.
The radio Jake brought along was playing low, a half-tuned station crackling with some old-school pop song. The pack had sprawled across the large blanket they brought near the firepit, some sitting on driftwood they dragged from the treeline or whatever spare chair they had laying around.
Then Jared stood with a dramatic flair, pointing both fingers like imaginary pistols at Quil.
"Hit it, partner," he said with mock-seriousness.
Quil didn't miss a beat. He jumped up and broke into an exaggerated dance routine—hips swaying, shoulders shimmying. His voice rang out, mostly off-key but loud, as he belted the first verse of the song. The pack roared with laughter.
Then Jared, grinning like a madman, turned an invisible microphone toward Kagome. "Babe, you're up!"
Everyone turned to her, expecting maybe a laugh or a shy refusal.
Kagome appeared surprised for all of two seconds before she took a breath and sang.
The notes soared, clear and powerful, cutting through the air with unexpected richness. Her voice had weight and emotion, tone and control. It wasn't just good. It was stunning.
Even the fire seemed to quiet, the flames flickering under the gaze of the starlit sky.
Seth stared at her, mouth parted slightly in shock, and so did the rest of the pack.
"Holy shit," Paul muttered, genuinely awed.
"Damn," Jared whispered. "I wasn't expecting that."
Kagome finished the chorus with a shy laugh, cheeks flushed, clearly not expecting that kind of reaction.
The pack erupted—whooping, clapping, throwing their hands up.
Kagome buried her face against Seth's shoulder. "Okay, okay! That's enough," she laughed, but he could hear the bashful pride in her tone.
Seth smiled against her temple. "You just keep surprising us, sunshine."
And in that moment with her in his arms, his pack around him, the sky slowly dimming into a violet twilight, he was sure of one thing.
There was nowhere else he'd rather be.