A/N: Embry is walking around La Push; a bus of students in high school coming home from a school trip to Seattle goes by. Embry imprints on a girl asleep with her had against the window. How will Embry get the girl to know him?

Chapter One


Embry walked the La Push streets alone. Jacob had given the pack the day off. And Embry had nothing to do with it. He had no imprint to spend his time with.

Chayce Anderson leaned her head against the window. The bus wouldn’t be arriving home from the senior Class’ trip to Seattle for a while. She was a peculiar girl. Half Makah Indian and Half Caucasian. Her skin was just a bit paler than most against the typical dark brown hair and her eyes were a shocking blue. She closed her eyes and nodded off.

As the bus turned a corner, they were in La Push. Embry saw the sleeping girl and a sudden passion overwhelmed him. He knew that a bus wasn’t going to stop because some random guy fell madly in love with a girl on first sight. That would probably get him put in a mental hospital.

The bus went through a pothole and Chayce jolted awake. “Huh? What?” She asked looking around. She saw Embry through the window. As her eyes met his, she felt a chill run through her body. She didn’t even hear her friend, Alyssa say “We’re pretty close; you may as well stay awake.”

Embry now knew he needed to find out all about this girl with her clear blue eyes and perfect face.

“Chayce? Chayce!” Alyssa tried to bring her friend back down to reality. “What were you staring at?” She tucked a lock of her long blonde hair behind her back. Chayce rolled her eyes, wondering why Alyssa was being so annoying.

But she looked at her friend, with her unnatural blonde hair against her russet skin. “Just a hot guy.” Chayce shrugged. Alyssa shoved her friend aside to see the hot guy she was talking about. Her jaw dropped when she saw Embry, although he couldn’t see her.

The only girl he could see was Chayce. And he didn’t even know her name. He decided this was getting him no where. He went into the forest and phased. He followed the bus at a safe distance and followed the bus. It went right through La Push and Forks too.

When it finally stopped at the high school on the Makah rez, Chayce stepped out and stretched. She waited in the back of the line behind the bus to claim her luggage. When she got her bag, she said goodbye to her friends, Alyssa and Lily and went into her car. Embry took the opportunity and followed it.

As Chayce stepped into her house, her father gave her a hug. “Welcome back, honey.” He told her, “Need help with your bag?” He asked. Chayce shook her head, knowing her dad should probably get back to work, what with being a single dad and all; he didn’t have a whole lot of time on his hands.

“I’m good, thanks, Daddy.” She replied, smiling. She lugged her stuff up to her room and flopped down onto the bed, glad to be back home after a week in the city.

Embry waited impatiently, in human form now, outside. At one point, the girl’s dog came running out and barked at him. Her merely growled at it and it didn’t bother him again. Embry thought it was funny that a dog was afraid of him, what with being a wolf and all.

Chayce decided she wanted to take a walk outside. Embry was about to get the chance he’d waited hours for.

As Chayce entered her back yard and saw the same tall, handsome and muscular boy she’d seen on the ride home. She jumped back. “I have a softball bat inside! Don’t make me get it!” She practically shouted.

Embry didn’t want his imprint to attack him, even if it wouldn’t hurt him. “No, no, I’m not going to hurt you.” He told her, gently, putting both his hands in the air.

“Then what do you want?” She asked suspiciously, her heart still pounding.

“To talk to you.” Embry replied sincerely, then realizing how idiotic that sounded.

“Maybe if I knew a little bit about you, I’d comply.” She said, Embry smiled at her.

“My name’s Embry. Embry Call.” He said, looking into her crystal blue eyes. Her sheer perfection took his breath away. Now he understood all the imprinted wolves’ love of their imprint. He was now able to relate in that way to Sam, Jared, Quil, Paul, and Jacob.

“Is that all I get to know?” Chayce raised an eyebrow. That isn’t fair. Embry thought to himself. Not that she wanted to know more, but that such a beautiful girl would have such a power over him.

“Well, Umm, I’m from La Push . . .” He didn’t want to tell her about his wolf-self just yet. Not until she trusted him completely. He didn’t want to scare her. “And . . . Well, that’s all I can think of at the moment.” Although he desperately wanted to her to know everything about him. Who he was, and most of all, he wanted her to know his undying love for her.

Chayce blushed at how Embry looked at her; as if she were the most precious of gemstones. “Well, Embry Call from La Push Washington, It’s very nice to meet you.” She said politely, wishing she knew so much more about him. Was he single? Was he interested?

“So, who are you anyway?” Embry asked.

“Chayce; Chayce Anderson.” She used the same method of introducing herself as Embry had. “And, as you already figured out, I live on the Makah rez.”

Embry smiled at her. He thought it was ironic her name would sound like ‘chase’ when He’d had to follow her for miles. “Is that all?” He asked teasingly.

“It’s all you gave me. And really, there are a few things I’d like to know, like . . . oh, yeah, what are you doing at my house?” She raised an eyebrow.

“That...” He began, “is a long story. One I’ll gladly tell you later.” He would only tell her the day he explained he was a wolf, “But, in the meantime, would you like to take a walk with me?” He asked.

“Well, I don’t see a reason why not.” She gave him a tentative smile. She took a step towards him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t bite.” I’m not a bloodsucker. He added in his mind. Chayce looked up at the tall boy beside her, wondering how it was that he seemed so interested in her and why he looked at her like she was the rarest, most beautiful gemstone ever to be found.

“One question though . . . Embry,” she said.

“Ask me anything.” He said, and, unless the question was ‘are you a giant wolf?’ it was true.

“When you look at me, what do you see?” She wanted to know what was behind that intense, loving gaze he always gave her, the same gaze that sent chills down her spine.

“Well, I see shiny black hair, perfect skin, nice figure and eyes that put every star in the universe to shame.” Embry said. Chayce felt herself blush once more. “So, I guess I may as well return the question.” He added.

Since Embry had been honest, Chayce decided she owed him that much as they walked through the forest. “I see really great muscles, a friendly, warm smile and eyes that give me such a mysterious gaze that I’m drawn in like a moth to a flame.” She said.

Embry felt his heart skip a beat. Hearing that come from Chayce, his beautiful, sweet, shy, perfect-in-every-possible-way Chayce, made him feel like an entirely different person. He felt like someone in love, truly and entirely for the first time in his life.
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Chapter Two


“So, how long have you lived here?” Embry asked as they walked close together, close enough so Embry’s increased body heat kept Chayce warm in the chilly air, but not touching, so she wouldn’t become suspicious as to why he felt so warm. There was no way he’d get out of that predicament without either, A) having her drag him to a doctor, or B) have to explain that he had the ability to transform into a large, gray wolf.

“All my life,” Chayce sighed. Ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamt of going to New York and seeing the city that never sleeps. “But I’ve always wished I could travel; to New York, mostly.” She explained to him.

“I’ve lived in La Push all mine, too.” He said, “I wanted to go away before, but now there’s so much tying me down. He wasn’t going to tell her his “tie” was her.

“Like what?” She asked, her blue eyes meeting his. Embry thought of an excuse, lame or not.

“Stuff.” He replied, wanting to kick himself for hearing how dumb that sounded. Of course Stuff. Now Chayce probably thought he had something to hide. And it hurt him more to know she’d be right.

Chayce laughed as Embry’s face reddened at her question. “You don’t have to tell me. If it’ personal, I won’t pry.” It was official. He now felt like declaring Chayce Anderson an angel.

And, in a distance, too far for human ears to hear, Embry heard a long, commanding howl. Jacob no doubt. He swore under his breath.

“What is it?” she asked, wondering what had soured his happy, kind look so suddenly.

“Stuff; I have to go.” He replied. Chayce wondered if it was the “stuff” that he said was tying him down. And she really wasn’t far off, at least, in the meantime, she wasn’t.

“When will I see you again?” She asked, somewhat eagerly. A very good question, Embry thought. He certainly had to see her again, what wolf would possibly go so long with no imprint beside him?

“Could I call you and arrange it?” He asked, knowing that may be the simplest, and way with the least stalking involved. He didn’t want to be a stalker to her.

“Sure!” said Chayce as she dug around in her pocket and found a piece of scrap paper and an ink pen. She scribbled a small circle to see then pen worked and quickly jotted down a number, with a message.

<3Embry,
Call me soon.
Love.
Chayce<3

“Bye! Call me!” She said to him as he took the small bit of paper into his hands. His heart skipped a beat as he saw the little hearts she’d drawn in and the word “love” written in her curly script. After he was sure he was out of her sight, Embry took off his clothes, tied him around his ankle, and let his wolf side overwhelm him. He was now the skinny, gray wolf with dark spots along his back the size of a bear, and with hair so shaggy, he looked like a huge Irish Wolf hound.

What, Jake? Embry said, his thoughts a little whiny. He really wanted to go back to his imprint. Jacob was cursing quite openly in his thoughts.

Oh boy, what’s ticked him off this time? Leah joked from her wolf form next to Embry.

The Cullens are expecting a visitor. Jacob snarled a bit. Embry rolled his eyes. Obviously, this “Visitor” was male and he was afraid his half-human, half-vampire imprint, Renesmee, A.k.a. Nessie or Ness was going to be attracted to him. Embry could tell it all through the mental connection they shared while in wolf form.

I’m not gonna go spy on or hurt someone just because you’re jealous Ness might like him. Embry thought. He wasn’t looking for a fight, like always. He was one of the less aggressive wolves, but a fierce fighter when needed.

Since when are you so pissy? Leah thought, both annoyed and impressed. His thoughts drifted to Chayce and her stunning beauty. Ooo, Embry’s got a girl friend! Leah teased.

What’s her name? Seth prodded.

Embry didn’t feel like spilling it all to his friends. Ch- He cut off, mid-thought and started singing a random song in his head.

No one should take themselves so seriously!
With many years ahead to fall in love,
Why would you wish down on my?
I never wanna act my age!
What’s my age again?
What’s my age again? He quoted the Blink-182 song in his mind. Then the name “Chayce” ran through his mind once more. He’s tried so hard to block that for nothing.

Anyway, Embry, don’t make me use my alpha voice. Jake threatened.

God, you’re so pushy, these days, Jake! I-I wish you weren’t my alpha! And suddenly, Embry heard nothing in his mind. Absolutely nothing. Then Embry wondered the same thing Jacob had. No one had known who exactly Embry’s father was and one of the three possibilities was Billy Black. Now Embry knew he must have been Jacob’s half-brother if he was able to split from the pack like that.

He felt relieved, that no one could order him around any more, shocked her had been able to do it, and horrible for abandoning his friend, simply because he didn’t want to take action against an innocent vampire, come to see the Cullens.

Embry wanted to know how he could reverse his switch. He didn’t want this responsibility, and if anyone joined his pack, he’d have to either, deal with it or send them back to their original pack along with himself. And as if on cue, he heard Leah in his mind.

He had just jinxed himself. And now he was in deep. He knew if Leah switched packs, it was with reason. And after what Leah had been through, he couldn’t just tell her to shove off.

Do you know why I’m with you now? Leah asked in her thoughts, Clearly, Embry didn’t. Why would Leah want to follow him of all people? I went to Jacob’s pack to escape how much it hurt to see Sam happy with someone else. And, before Jake’s imprint on Ness when I was in his pack, I started to . . . to fall for him. And now, I have this perfect opportunity right here. You’ve already imprinted so nothing can go on. It’s healthier for me. But, you can always tell me to leave. I get it, I’m always unwanted. Leah mentally shrugged.

Embry couldn’t turn her away now. You can stay, I guess He sighed, wondering what he’d just gotten himself into.

Chayce is a lucky girl, Embry. You’re really nice, you know that? Had Leah just paid him a compliment?

Chapter three


Jacob's grumbling on Embry's split reached Sam in his pack. And, hearing it through Sam, Paul decided that he wasnted to be under Embry's lead, since, according to jacob, Embry wasn't going to force anyone to do anything.

This left Embry with three other wolves. Leah, who'd followed him, Seth, who wanted to follow his sister, and, now, Paul, who seemed always to appear at the worst time possible.

Hey, Seth. Embry and Seth got on well most of the time, so he had no objections to his friend joining him, But PAUL? That's where the problem comes in. Jared, sure. But Paul was different. He seemed to hate just about everyone but his imprint.

Not true! I love my mom! Paul chimed in. Embry rolled his eyes.

Dont care, momma's boy. Embry said. He needed to get away and think about all of this. Just him and Leah was no problem, but now that two others were there, he may be biting off nore than he could chew.

Guys, do whatever you want, just don't kill something. Embry thought as he went human and headed for home. He wanted Jake out of his mind. Unfortunately, Jacob was following him.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Jacob growled.

"Hello to you too, my oh-so non-tempermental friend." Embry said sarcastically. But it wasn't like he'd expected Jake to understand. It was Jacob after, all. And Jacob wasn't the forgiving type. He knew that well.

"Why'd you just SPLIT like that?" He demanded, furious.

"I didn't mean to! If it weren't for Leah, I'd have dragged my sorry ass back to you! I didn't want this!"

"Sure, Sure." Jacob said coldly.

"Trust me, Jake. You know I'm not a liar."

He forced himself calm. "Come on, Em. You and I both know you're not cut out for this. Just give in." He said in a meant-to-be-convicing way. But infuriated Embry. Jacob had always taken control. Always been top dog. Now it was going to be Embry's time to shine.

"You know what? No way in hell!" Embry said with a cold, sharp laugh. He'd show Jake who's boss!

"This isn't over. You know that." Jacob said as he phased and disappeared. Embry was now completely exsausted. He headed home and flopped down onto his couch. Remembering Chayce's note and number, he got up and headed to the phone. He dialed the number.

Chayce laughed as Alyssa squirmed away from the stuff Chayce was trying to put in her hair. When the phone rang, Chayce set down the brush and haair spray. She checked the caller ID. It said "Call." Embry's last name. She picked up.

"Hello?" She asked. Embry's annoyance with his friends seemed to go almost completely away, upon hearing her voice.

"Hey, It's me..." He said.

"Oh, Hi Embry!" She was enthusiastic.

Who's Embry? Alyssa Mouthed.

The hot guy! Chayce mouthed back.

And Alyssa felt the need to chime in. "Do you have a hot friend?!" She yelled into the phone. Embry laughed, Chayce turned a shade of scarlet.

"Ignore her. Please." She shot her friend a glare.

"Anyway, so, as you said, we really should see eachother again tomorrow." He said. Chayce was excited.

"Oh! okay. Well, if you remember where I live, be at my house tomorrow around noon."

"I'll be there right on the hour." He said as he hung up. He felt like he was flying. He would see the girl haunting his mind constantly again.

"Noon, huh? I'll tell my Mom I'm leaving at three!" Alyssa said. She sent her mom a text message.

"Urgh! You're impossible!" Her friend groaned.

"Tell Embry to bring someone for me!"

"Will it shut you up?"

"Yes."

"I'm on it."

Embry thought of ways to tell her who he really was. About his wolf-self. He decided he'd bring Seth along to have him demonstrate, then tell Seth to leave. That way Chayce wouldn't directly fear him.
_____________________________________________
Chapter Four


Embry woke up at eleven thirty, realizing this, he rushed to get a shower, put on clothes and drag Seth with him to use as the 'demonstation' of a phasing wolf. "But I just woke up!" Seth complained as Embry dragged him into the car.

"Good morning. happy?" Seth rolled his eyes. Embry must be in a rush, do to the fact he was not wearing shoes.

"Oh shut up, Mr. Alpha." Seth said, knowing the name would irritate Embry.

"Don't call me that. I'm just Embry." He replied. He didn't wamt to order anyone around and he wasn't going to. He promised himself and his pack that much.

"All right, just Embry." Seth snickered. Embry rolled his eyes.

"Shut up, Seth."

"Shutting!" Embry gave him a glare and Seth stopped. When he pulled into Chayce's driveway, another car was still there. To Embry's worry, her friend must still be there. This could get complicated.

Chayce saw Embry out the window and went to open a door. Seeing seth she, figured that he was proof of Embry's niceness. He'd brought someone for Alyssa.

"Hey!" she said happily. Embry gave her a warm smile.

"Good morning, you look lovely today." Embry said, politely, so he woudln't come on too strong.

"Thanks. Not so bad, yourself!" She blushed a bit. Alyssa came down the stairs, yawning, freshly woken up.

"Morning." She mumbled, then saw Embry and Seth. When Seth saw Alyssa, he forgot all about why he was there/ He had a new reason. her. "Umm... is my bra strap showing?" She said awkwardly, seeing how Seth looked at her.

"No, no, you look fine." He assured.

"I just woke up. How do I not look a mess?"

"You... just.. do."

"Oh, great, two imprinted werewolves." Embry muttered. Seth wasn't going to look away from Alyssa for quite a while.
______________________________________________

Chapter Five

"Wait, did you ust call yourself a werewolf?" Chayce had heard Embry muttering to himself and was deeply confused. Embry didn't seem dangerous. How could he be a viscious, furry killer?

"Ummm, no." He said awakardly, mentally cursing himself for letting that slip. Chayce didn't believe him a bit. His lie was so horrible that it almost sounded sarcastic.

"Right. Then what did you say?" She folded her arms across her chest. Embry thought a moment and couldn't think of anything that could be mistaken for "werewolf" when said out loud.

"All right, just promise you won't tell anyone, or, hold on a second, may as well tel your friend, too. She's got as much to do with it as you." He walked over to where Seth was apparently saying something to Alyssa and trying to impress her. "Quit showing off, Seth so we can actually do what you came to do." Embry rolled his eyes at Seth's dorkiness.

"Uh-uh! I'm not phasing in front of my imprint!" Seth objected.

"Well I'm definately not phasing in front of mine." Said Embry.

"Would someone please tell me what the heck is going on?" Chayce was very confused. What did "phase" mean, anyway? and what did they mean by "imprint"?

"In a minute." Embry told her.

"Why don't we just tell them. I think they can picture a giant wolf pretty clearly." Seth added.

"Giant wolf??" Alyss was beginning to think Seth was crazy. Why was he talking about giant wolves? And why had he called her his imprint?

"Well, now there's no getting out of this..." Embry said and sighed. "As you may have picked up, we're werewolves." He said clearly.

"Whoa, back up a minute, here. You're trying to tell me that every full moon you turn into furry cold-blooded killers?" asked Chayce, her eyes wide in shock and disbelief.

Embry had worried she'd think that. He smiled warmly at her, shook his head and sighed. "No, hollywood's version doesn't match up too well with the real thing. Just like with vampires, but those are a different story."

"Vampires are real too?!" Alyssa gasped. Seth tried not to laugh, but she seemed so cute when she was shocked.

"As Embry said, that's a different story." Seth told her. And Alyssa sort of believed they were telling the truth.

"So, if you guys aren't like ones in movies, then . . . what are you like?" Chayce asked. She'd always been fascinated with fictional creatures, and now that she was talking to a not-so-fictional one, she was filled with wonder.

"For starters, we don't look like those creepy half-human wolf thingies from movies. We basicaly look like a regular old wolf the size of a horse." Seth explained.

"And we don't kill people, and we control when we turn." Embry added, not taking his eyes off of Chayce.

And that was when Alyssa passed out. Seth caught her before she hit the ground, and focussed on only her, mostly leaving Embry and Chayce somewhat alone.

"Why are you telling me all this?" She asked, looking into his dark brown eyes, full of mystery.

"You're my imprint." He said simply.

Chayce didn't know what "imprint" meant, but the way he said it sounded like "soul mate." "What does that mean?" She asked, cocking her head, ever-so-slightly to the side.

"It means that the second I saw you, you were the only girl I could see. I would do anything you asked and be whatever you wanted. I think I cans ay I love you." He told her.

Her eyes widened. "Is that why you followed me home yesterday?"

"I'd follow you anywhere. And Yes."
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Chapter Six


Chayce needed to sit down a moment and take all of this in. She sat down dizzily on the red leather couch. This would take a moment to take in. Embry was a werewolf—livable. But the fact that, according to him, he was madly in love with her was a bit much to chew all at once.

“Are you all right?” She looked a little dizzy. He sat down beside her.

“I’m fine. Just trying to take it all in.” She said.

“True,” Embry agreed, “probably kind of weird to hear that some wolf guy who showed up out of no where is practically addicted to you.” He realized how weird he sounded. Chayce smiled a little. He was still had the same personality he had when he’d met her yesterday, before she knew anything. He was just a funny, sweet guy. She figured if she only saw him as that, it was a lot less dizzying.

“Just . . . answer two questions.” She said.

“Ask away.”

“So . . . even though this imprint thing makes you madly in love with me, is there any way we can just . . . not rush things? Every relationship I’ve been in the past has felt rushed. And one of them went a bit too far.” She didn’t want Embry to be a repeat of the past, which had sucked.

And, being imprinted, Embry was willing. “Of course. Just don’t walk away from me is all I ask.” He smiled. “So, what’s the second question?”

“Why did you imprint on me? I’m so average. Nothing’s really special. I can see why Seth would like Alyssa, though.” She wondered aloud. Embry wondered how in hell it was possible this girl was so blind to all her perfections.

“Well, no one knows why wolves imprint, or reasoning for why they imprint on who they do. But you’re not special, you’re one in a million—no, you’re one of a kind.” Chayce blushed at the intensity of his words, but gathered her courage.

“And I’m guessing there’s stuff you need to know about me, since, I mean, you told me the secret of the century.” She suddenly felt like a bad person for not telling Embry anything about herself earlier.

Embry chuckled to himself. “Well, of course there’s a whole other world of things I want to know, but let’s not frustrate you more. I’m making everything weird.”

“I’ve never been normal. Only slightly less abnormal than some.” Embry smiled at her.

“Well, fortunately, there is a way of giving you a relatively normal-ish life.” He knew it wouldn’t be easy to stop phasing though.

“How?”

“It’d take a while, but I’d stop phasing for good.” He explained.

“Don’t give it up. Normality is overrated. Besides, I like you as you are. You’re really sweet and funny.” Embry felt like his grin was going to get large enough to fall flat off his face.

“You don’t have any clue how good that sounds.”

“Judging by the size of your smile, I’m going to guess I do.” She laughed. And Jake heard a wolf tapping on the window.

“Oh for the love of God, Paul. Why now?” He muttered, angrily. “I’ve got to go. See you later.” He got up, dragged Seth, who’d just waken up Alyssa and left.

“D-d-did Embry’s hot single friend say he was a giant w-wolf?” She stuttered.

“You didn’t hear the half of it.” Chayce smiled and shook her head.
_____________________________________________
Chapter Seven


Embry ran off, hoping what Paul was about to say had nothing to do with some big emergency and lots of people dead.

You might be close. I smell vampire. Paul thought as he led Embry and Seth towards the Cullen place where only Nessie and Jacob now stayed as the other Cullens had moved on two years ago.

And, the scent Paul had picked up was, in fact vampire, but it was only the Cullens, coming to visit Jacob and Nessie. Naturally, Embry was irritated Paul had dragged him away from Chayce and all her beauty only to find that the only vampires that meant no harm were around.

Paul seemed apologetic. Since, unlike Sam had always been, Embry didn’t complain much or try to control, and to be truthful, all wolves under Embry as their alpha were happy. Even Leah was as happy as was possible for her.

And yet all of them, Seth, Paul and Leah had no idea that Embry really wasn’t trying to be a good alpha. Just not controlling. They thought since he was older than Jake and the natural heir to the Black heritage was why he was as he was.

Back on the Makah rez, Chayce had explained to Alyssa about Seth and Embry imprinting before they left. And then Chayce got a call that gave her a sinking feeling. The ID said it was her boyfriend she’d completely forgotten when she met Embry. And she had a feeling Caleb wouldn’t take her deciding to split with him lightly.

But Chayce always faced her problems. She didn’t run from them. So she picked up the phone. “Hello?” She asked nervously.

“Hey, babe.” Caleb was arrogant and blissful as always. And Chayce realized now that she really didn’t like him that much at all. He was pushy, obnoxious, shallow and stupid. The exact opposite of Embry.

“Umm, hi,” She stammered nervously. She really hoped for an excuse not to talk to him, but she wasn’t going to lie.

“So, was thinking, wanna go fool around tonight?” he asked with his repulsive over confidence. She had to remind herself not to gag. Normally, Chayce was up for that, but now the idea seemed about as appealing as hitting herself with a softball bat.

“I’m sick today. Can’t.” She lied.

“Oh. ‘s that all?” She asked as if he didn’t care.

“No, it isn’t.” Chayce gave herself some more confidence. Embry was in her mind. “There’s more.” She thought of the best wording and came up with something bold. “We’re through, jackass.” She hung up her phone and felt immediately better.


Little did she know Caleb wasn’t taking that for an answer.

Now, if you’re done freaking over harmless vampires, I’ll be going. Embry thought. He didn’t want to show up and bother Chayce without telling her first, so he walked alone for a while. A young guy, about eighteen yelling caught his attention.

“Screw the b*tch, Caleb! She shouldn’t say stuff like that!” one of them said.

“Chayce isn’t like that. She’s probably PMSing. She learned the hard way you don’t mess with Caleb Fox.” The other guy said. And that enraged Embry, hearing Chayce’s name brought up like that. But how could he be sure it was his Chayce that was in question, not some other girl?

Chapter Eight

Embry wanted to know if the Chayce in question really was his Chayce. So he stayed out of sight where he was to hear more. “I’m gonna see what the hell is wrong with that idiot girl.” The muscular, angry looking boy in his late teens muttered as he pulled a phone out of his pocket and dialed a number.

Embry’s worry was confirmed when his advanced wolf-hearing heard the sound of the other line’s answering machine. The light, happy voice sounded almost an exact match to the real thing. “Hey, you’ve reached Chayce Anderson; I can’t get your call right now, sorry. Leave your name, number if needed and a message. I’ll get back to you later!” Embry heard the other line have the tone to leave a message.

Caleb hung up the phone and swore loudly. “God, that coward won’t even talk for herself!” He spat. He wasn’t going to march over to her house right that second. He was a bit smarter than that. “Always thought she was a little whore. Probably effing some other guy right now. I mean, what other reason would a girl want to dump me for?” he said to his friend.

Oh, because you’re a pig who needs to get his head out of his ass. Embry could already tell that much. What sort of pigheaded moron would treat Chayce that way anyhow? Embry also wondered what the guy had meant when he said “She learned the hard way you don’t mess with Caleb Fox,” and he didn’t really want to know.

The one thing he did know—he was going to try and stay very close to his imprint. He wasn’t going to risk this guy hurting her. He also internally debated hurting Caleb right then and there. He’d teach him a lesson werewolf-style.

But Embry just didn’t have it in him to hurt a human unless that human had it coming. And, as he was arguing with himself, he didn’t notice Paul was still in wolf form through all that.

You’re really gonna just let him do that? In Paul’s mind, if a guy threatened his imprint, that guy was dog food. Embry knew Paul did have a point though.

No, I’m not going to let him. I’m just going to wait for the right moment. When Chayce really needs the protection. Embry decided, speaking more to himself than to Paul now. Paul sighed to himself, not quite agreeing still.

But what are you going to do? Stalk her like a Cullen? He barked out a laugh and Embry rolled his eyes. Hey, I’m just saying, which sounds more logical? Solve it now and not have to worry later, or are you gonna wait until that ass actually does [/i]do something to her?[/i]

And to Embry’s horror, Paul was right. Wow, he’d never thought that was going to happen.

Ha ha, so funny. His thoughts were sarcastic. So seriously, what are you gonna do? and for the first time since Embry had known him, Paul wasn’t mocking, or joking, or insulting, or really that sarcastic. Hey! I’m not a complete ass hole, y’know!

I never thought I’d see the day. Embry said, chuckling to himself.

Oh, whatever. You’re just jealous.

Of what?

Me! Who else?

Oh yeah, I’m really jealous of you. Paul was starting to remind Embry of a non-bossy Jacob. Kind of an odd friendship when one thought of it. The quiet wolf made an alpha and a loudmouth jerk who for some reason respected him.

Please, don’t lump me in with Jacob. I thought I was cool.
_____________________________________________
Chapter Nine

Chayce sighed and lay down on her bed, thinking of Embry, Caleb and trying to think of what to do. She still had the three bruises—one on her left side on the rib cage, one on her back and one on her stomach from when Caleb had hit her when she’d tried to break up with him two weeks ago.

And even though she figured that with Embry being a werewolf, he’d be stronger than Caleb, she didn’t to throw Embry into all of this. Well, at least it Friday had been the last day of school, so she wouldn’t need to worry about Caleb there. But she knew it wasn’t over.

Embry went back to his house, to call Chayce, probably not tell her what he’d heard, but just to know she was safe and keep her company. All he wanted was for her to want him near and he’d feel good.

And at the moment she wanted nothing more than him by her side. She sat, staring out her window, her knees pulled up to her chest. ’I’d follow you anywhere. And yes.’ He’d told her. She wondered if she left and took Embry with her if Caleb would give up then. She had a feeling it wasn’t going to be that easy. She wasn’t going to just leave, anyhow.

She had her Father, who she wasn’t going to walk out on, especially since her Mother had left when she was very small, she wouldn’t leave her dad all by himself. And she would miss Alyssa, who was the best friend Chayce could ask for. So that brought her right back to the place she was already at—with no idea of what to do.


And, deciding he shouldn’t let his pack down, Embry phased to see if anything was going on. Leah was in wolf form, thinking to herself.

Hey, Embry. she thought simply.

Hey, Leah. What’s going on? he asked.

You just phased. She said as if that were some big point of information. He laughed.

I think I got that. I meant anything going on with YOU?

Nope. She thought simply.

Embry’s mind flickered to Caleb saying all those things about Chayce. He wondered if he’d hurt her in the past and hoped with all his heart he hadn’t.

Something bugging you? Leah asked, knowing Embry normally wasn’t the type to worry about much.

Yup. He replied, shaking his thoughts off. He didn’t feel like bringing Leah into this.

Care to tell me? she asked, noting his now absence of thought.

Not really. Leah was annoyed that people never told her anything any more.

Fortunately, Chayce got an excuse to leave her room that day in the form of Alyssa having an emergency. She had somehow caused a bottle of hair dye to explode and needed help cleaning it up before her parents got home.

“How the hell did you manage to do that, anyhow?” Chayce asked. Her friend never did cease to amaze her.

“I sort of left it really close to and possibly touching a plugged-in curling iron...” Alyssa smiled sheepishly. Chayce laughed and rolled her eyes.

“All I have to say is wow. Just wow.” She shook her head; Sometimes Alyssa was a little scatterbrained. “You, know, you’re kind of an idiot at times?” She joked.

Alyssa pretended to be offended. “Seth said it was funny!” She scoffed. Chayce shook her head again.

“You met him yesterday and you stalk him already? Don’t you usually wait three days for that?”

“Not when they’re madly in love with me!” Alyssa said in a singsong voice. She twirled around she put away what was left of the cleaning product as the floor was finally clean. “I mean, don’t you stalk Embry?”

“No, I can honestly say I don’t. I kinda wish I did though.” Chayce admitted.

“Ha, I’m right!” Alyssa said, stubborn as ever.

“For once,” Chayce added and then her friend slapped her jokingly. “Well, I’m out of here. Please don’t make anything else explode.” She said as she headed out the door. She walked the three blocks to her house and found a note at the door. She picked it up and read.

Chayce,

Even though it can’t be proven yet, you can tell whoever your cheating on me with to f*ck off because you’re taken. I mean, why else would you leave ME of all people?

And also, you little whore, I’ll find ways of finding out if you did or didn’t. And we’d just hate for you to get in another ‘accident’ now wouldn’t we?

- Caleb

Chayce swallowed hard. Even though Caleb was obviously guessing about Embry, she hated the fact that Caleb was onto her. And worse, possibly onto Embry. She couldn’t tell him about all of this. He’d only overreact. And one overreaction would be all it took to set Caleb off.
_______________________________________________
Chapter Ten



The relation of Seth and Alyssa seemed to be going at a much, much smoother, faster pace then that of Embry and Chayce. Their first kiss had been two weeks prior, on the night of Alyssa and Chayce’s Graduation; whereas Alyssa didn’t know if Chayce had kissed Embry at all yet.

And, in truth, Chayce had, but the small half-second peck on the lips really couldn’t be counted as much of a kiss.

Alyssa sat in her room, waiting for Seth to call back. She looked at the pictures she’d had taped on her wall. Many of them were of herself, and/or Chayce. One of the earliest being both Thirteen; Chayce brace-faced and small, herself tall and with a bad haircut. Both were very smiley and happy.

She looked at the pictures that she’d accumulated over the years. And she noticed that in all of the pictures where Chayce was with Caleb she was either not smiling or barely doing so. Which provided great contrast to the most recent. The picture from graduation. Alyssa stood beside Seth, looking happy and Chayce smiling hugely beside Embry.

It made Alyssa sad knowing Chayce still hadn’t found the courage to tell Embry about Caleb’s hitting her. Or even his refusal to be dumped. But she was distracted from this thought when Seth called.

“Hey, Baby!” She said excitedly. She had plunged straight into the whole ‘imprint’ thing quite happily.

“Hey,” Seth said, sounding happy like himself as usual, but his voice took on a strange sort-of-sad tone that wasn’t much like him.

“Is something wrong?” Alyssa asked, wondering why her boyfriend was talking in such a serious tone rather than his usually Happy-go-lucky love struck one.

“Ugh. Just Embry having a freak attack.” He said. Alyssa wondered what Seth meant by that. Embry didn’t seem like the OCD The-Sky-Is-Falling type.

“Umm, why?” She asked, curiously.

“Uhh All he knows is that Chayce broke her arm in some kind of accident.” He said. That set Alyssa mind working. She knew Caleb was angry when he’d sort of caught on to Embry by guesswork. He must’ve seen a picture of Chayce and Embry together and really hurt her.

“Caleb.” She whispered.

“Who?” Seth was confused. Why was Alyssa talking about some guy named Caleb?

“Look, where’s Embry? I need to talk to him.” Alyssa said urgently. She didn’t care how much Chayce wanted Embry to stay out of things. When her friend had broken a bone because of Caleb, something had to be done.

“Uh, at Chayce’s house with her I think.” Seth responded, “Why?” he added.

“I think I know why she got hurt.” Alyssa hung up her phone, put on her shoes and walked over to Chayce’s house.

“I’m not paralyzed, Embry. I can get up by myself.” Chayce laughed, telling Embry to relax for the thirtieth time. She couldn’t believe the dozens of flowers, the get well card and the chocolates Embry had gotten her either.

That’s when Alyssa burst through the door. “Hey,” Chayce told her friend, wondering why she was in such a rush.

“I need to talk to Embry about... umm...” She decided to use the first thing that came to mind “His socks!” She said loudly. Chayce looked at Alyssa funny, but let her friend through as she went to get a glass of water.

“I’m not wearing socks, just so you know.” Embry laughed as Alyssa went into the room. And, looking down at his sandals, she saw he wasn’t!

“Well maybe I came to tell you that you should be!” She joked and was the only one who laughed at herself. “Wow. Tough crowd... anyway, I know what broke Chayce’s arm.” She said seriously.

“Yeah. She slammed it in a car door, didn’t she?” Embry shrugged at the story Chayce had told him. Alyssa shook her head and sighed. She wondered if Seth were that gullible and hoped not.

“Oh for the love of God, are you really that stupid?” She was exasperated.

“Apparently.” He said.

“Chayce’s ‘ex-’boyfriend, Caleb was known to hit her. Especially the time she tried to break up with him. And isn’t it funny how she ‘mysteriously’ breaks her arm shortly after being seen in public with a guy who’s obviously not Caleb?” She prodded.

Embry began to see it piece together. And he felt like the ground had been pulled out from underneath him. He hadn’t been protective enough to stop the guy from hurting her in the end. “I think I’ve seen the guy.” He began thinking of ways to hurt this asshole like he deserved.

“Umm why do you look like one of those evil revenge-plotting villains from movies?” Chayce asked, walking back in. She hadn’t heard the conversation at all.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I know I could’ve helped.” Embry said. And Chayce took the hint. Alyssa must’ve figured out why her arm had broken and told Embry immediately.

“Because I didn’t want to drag you into it. And I don’t seem to recall telling you either.” She turned to Alyssa.

“It’s not my fault Caleb’s predictable.” Alyssa shrugged.
_____________________________________________

Chapter Eleven



Embry thought a moment for the best solution. After a moment, he decided. “We’ll just let him know I’m not letting go.” He said. Chayce wondered what he meant.

“Umm, please elaborate.” She told him.

“We’ll simply act like he’s just an ex-boyfriend of yours who means nothing,” He explained. Chayce began to understand it.

“So, I’d be yours now, and I’m guessing if Caleb comes near me you’re going to pound him into a pulp?” She smiled up a bit at the though of arrogant, pushy, obnoxious Caleb getting hurt.

“You read my mind.” Embry grinned at her. But Chayce knew that it would be more than a beating. Now that Embry knew about Caleb and his doings, he would phase, and possibly be seen. Chayce’s smile faded.

“Well, I’m going to take off and go meet Seth.” Alyssa said, deciding to leave her friend alone.

“What’s wrong?” Embry asked, taking a step closer to his imprint.

“I don’t want ‘Giant Wolf Attacks Local’ to show up as a headline in the newspaper.” She frowned. Embry laughed at the way she’d said it.

“You’re faith in my control is amazing.” He joked, no iciness in his sarcasm.

“Oh, come on. Do you really think you’d be able to restrain it?” She looked up into his eyes.

He saw the reason in what she’d said. He couldn’t remain calm around the bastard who’d hurt her. He should’ve got him when he had the chance earlier, but he hadn’t and needed to find a way around that now.

“Honestly, no. But I’m not even going to try. The piece of shit deserves it.” He said, stubbornly.

Chayce sighed sadly. “It’s not Caleb’s safety I’m worried about, Embry! He can rot in hell for all I care! But if you get seen in wolf form you’ll end up in a science lab. And worse, even if you’re in human form, you’d get into a bunch of legal crap.” She said.

Embry was a bit shocked at her sudden caring for him. And his heart skipped several beats, but then he recovered himself.

“Okay. I’ll be careful if needed and try to avoid it at all costs.” He looked down at her. “Okay?” He touched his hand gently to her face. And just by the expression on his face she knew he wasn’t lying.

“Thank you,” She said. “And is there anything I can do for you?” She asked, not taking her eyes off his.

Embry didn’t need to think for even a moment. “Just want me.” He said, leaning down to her. He pressed his lips gently to hers, and didn’t pull away this time. She pulled away.

“I believe you.” She whispered softly. Embry hugged her gently.

“Good.”

And neither of them knew Caleb was staking them out and now knew for sure of Chayce’s relationship with Embry.

But he hadn’t heard anything and didn’t know all the danger he was putting himself into. And he still wasn’t giving up.




Sorry it's long! that's all I got so far!