#EmberlyCall

[whenthetablesareturned]

Will You Share Your Heart with Me? -  A story by Emberly Call and Lee Clearwater- Storyline Four

      ᴡɪᴛʜ: @TheMakahWolf

      ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: La Push, Washington

◄ Lee ►

When you promise the most beautiful woman in your life a date night, you better be willing to step up and make it happen. We aren’t talking cheap beer and pizza, not this time. If I wasn’t willing to take it seriously, then I shouldn’t be doing it at all. (At least that was the advice from my Ma and baby brother.)

The two of them have been bombarding me with questions, suggestions, and were willing to discuss with deep details why I had to get this date right! I am not ashamed to say I left for my run that night with sweating armpits and palms.

But when I met up with #Jake, he laughed slabbed me on my back, and told me clearly.

‘Just do what feels right for you and Emmy. She will love the fact that you were doing this for her.’ Being one of my girlfriends best friends, I was inclined to agree with him. Which brought us to the big night. The night I wanted to take my first girlfriend out.

With wet hair, a towel around my waist, my cell in my hand I texted her.

[Work is over, beautiful. I’m running on time. I can’t wait to see you tonight.]

Hitting send, I threw the cell on the bed beside the clothes the kid pulled out for me. The boy wanted to help, his excitement became contagious, and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing with him.

‘You’re going to be the man Bro.’ He said smiling.

◄ Emmy ►

My phone buzzed and I leaned forward to grab it from the small desk I used to study on and now… it was basically filled with books and music. Occasionally I cleared enough space to place a mirror there and do my hair and makeup. “Shit!” I grumbled reading Lee’s text… I was so not on time! “OW! Mom!” I turned to the woman behind me who had just yanked on my hair.

‘I told you to hold still!’ She laughed and grabbed my head turned it back to the mirror. I could have stopped her… but she still had a grip on the extensions she was clipping into my  hair, so I behaved. I held my phone high and shot off a text to #Rachel.

[Help!]

The reply was almost instant.

[Please Darling!! We’re 2 minutes away.]

I smiled to myself. Mom had seen the message. ‘Did you think they were going to let you go off on this date without a prep team?’ She laughed her musical laugh. ‘They know how excited you are.’

They…. WE…. Damn… Who the hell was on their way to my house?

‘You know Lee likes your hair short, don’t you? You really don’t need to wear your extensions.’ Mom told me  and I laughed.

“I know… But he promised me to dance, and you know how much I love a dramatic hair swoop!” I smirked at her through the mirror.

Mom rested her hand above her heart and smiled. ‘That’s my girl. As long as you’re doing it for you.’

I heard a car pull up outside  and Mom pinned in the last one. I cycled through who it could be… but it sounded like #Quil’s car. I knew there was no way he was coming over to help me get ready for a date with the group of unknown we’s.

But then…. That was him… laughing with #Ness and  #Rachel… And #Kim’s quiet footsteps.

They let themselves in and #Quil took the stairs three at a time and burst into my room like a hurricane. ‘Your make-up artist has arrived!’ The last word went high as #Ness jumped on his back lemur style.

‘Not a chance in hell! That beautiful face is all mine!’ She hopped down. My Mom kissed the top of my head and left me to my friends' capable hands, but not before gripping #Nessie’s face. ‘Try not to break my house, you beautiful little weirdo.’ She teased her… It sounded harsh. But coming from Mom  that was a compliment. Everyone laughed at the reference to a time Ness broke a chair in Mom’s kitchen. There was still an odd chair at the table that was famously known as Nessie’s chair.

Rachel brought wine and curlers, which she and #Kim tag teamed my (and not my) hair   into perfect waves while Ness sat on the table in front of me and helped… let’s face it did my make-up… something I was never good at. For a girl that never wore makeup, she was insanely talented. But she was always good at everything she tried. We laughed and primped  while Quil sat on my bed and chimed in when he got a chance.

I picked up my phone and text Lee when it looked like I was going to be on time after all… with a little help from my friends.

[I would never keep you waiting. See you soon, boyfriend.]

I wasn’t even blushing typing that word… it never got old.

◄ Lee ►

I was rolling up the sleeves of my shirt, when I heard the car pulling up outside. “Hey Kid, can you get the door?” Calling out, and then hearing the toilet flush. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it.”

Chuckling at the ‘thanks, bro.’ I took two steps at a time, combing my fingers through my hair when I opened the door.

“Hey Jake, what are you doing here?” He kicked the door of his car close with both hands full with flowers. Arching my brows while watching him walking up the path to our door.

He watched me, giving me a wolf whistle and an eyebrow dance. ‘Don’t you scrub up well. Give me a twirl Clearwater.’ I gave him a middle finger with a chuckle.

‘Prince Charming for Emmy, and a dickhead for me? Nice! Anyway… Your mom didn’t want you to be late. And she knew you would have ordered these to collect on your way over to Emmy’s so, she asked me to rescue you.’

This got him an eye roll. “I never run late, and you both know it.” Stepping to the side to let him in. He pushed the flowers into my arms heading to the kitchen, when he reappeared there was a bottle of beer in his hand.

“Sure Jake, come on in, Make yourself at home.” Laughing while I set the flowers down on the table. He knew was always welcome, what was ours was his, as it was with the rest of the packs too.

‘It’s thirsty work you know. Picking up flowers.’ Kicking his shoes off he fell into the couch.

“You best have picked some up for Ness while you were there.” I warned with a chuckle.

‘Picked them up, delivered them before she left to help your date get ready.’ He chuckled too.

My fucking heart did something to draw Jake’s eyes to me. He shook his head grinning. ‘Are you nervous about tonight?’ He asked drinking his beer.

“Me? Hmm… maybe I am. I hadn’t considered it. But…. Yeah maybe. She means a lot. I don’t want to mess up. You know?”

The Kid made his way down, clapping Jake on the shoulder and falling down next to him. ‘You’re overthinking it bro, you want this, Emmy wants it too, just chill and let the night unfold.’ That was easy for him to say.

“Yeah, sure.” The two of them laughed.

‘Kid are you forgetting who you’re talking to here? Lee doesn’t know how not to overthink.’ #Jake joked.

“Not true… I’m easy and laid back. I know how to go with the flow.” Now I needed a beer, but I didn’t have time. My phone buzzed and I smiled reading her text.

[Good to know. I am coming for you, girlfriend. I’ll be the handsome one on your doorstep.]

As soon as I hit send, all the built-up tension disappeared in an instant.

“But for now. I have a date waiting for me. So… laters suckers.”

Pushing my wallet into my back pocket, my keys in my hand, the flowers were next. The boys followed me to my truck while shouting. out words of wisdom. Until I reminded Jake, he hadn’t been on a first date since secondary school, and the kid needed to be reminded I was the one who taught him his moves.

◄ ◄ ◄

The drive over to the Call house wasn’t long, I had the windows down and the music loud.

Those nerves showing themselves again as I turned down their street, turning the music off before pulling up behind the cars telling me with the scents, I could pick up who had shown up for Emmy.

◄ Emmy ►

I closed the last button and stood in front of the mirror. “I haven’t worn heels in over a year.” I said twisting to the side… “But damn… they make my arse look good.”

‘Walk to me.’ #Kim said from across the room. And I did… navigating the heels expertly. ‘Spirits damn  your perfect coordination Emberly Call.’ She laughed.

“I was a dancer before I was a Warrior, Kaya.” I teased her. “Heels are easy. I’ll give you a lesson… just not tonight.” I took #Kim’s hands when I reached her.

‘Are you nervous Emmy?’ She asked and I pulled my hands back… they were a little clammy.

“No!” I rolled my eyes… #Nessie arched a single brow like she could represent the country in the eyebrow Olympics. She had heard my heart skip. “Maybe… Yes.” I sat on the bed next to #Quil and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

‘That’s a good thing, Emmy… It means this is a big deal. This is important to you.’ He grinned and lifted his hand the muss my hair. He was stopped by a chorus of shouts which had him and I laughing far too hard. ‘You deserve to be a big deal.’ #Quil’s head snapped up to the sound of a truck pulling up outside.

#Nessie started clapping and the girls rushed to the window. “Really!!” I huffed “You ladies have zero chill… You know that right?” They waved me off and started chattering about how good he was going to look and complaining that he hadn’t gotten out of the car.

I huffed again, but it was hiding a laugh at the faces crowding the window like school girls. I wondered what it would look like from outside the house. “I’m going to answer the door.”

‘Nope!!!’ #Quil jumped up… ‘That’s the big brother’s job!’ hadn’t gotten out of the car.

I huffed again, but it was hiding a laugh at the faces crowding the window like school girls. I wondered what it would look like from outside the house. “I’m going to answer the door.”

‘Nope!!!’ #Quil jumped up… ‘That’s the big brother’s job!’ spend far too much time with those boys!’ She propped her tiny fists on her hips, and I tried to look chastened, but a chuckle rumbled in my throat.

I headed for the door. ‘No… you need to wait here and walk down the stairs when Lee is inside!’ #Kimberly insisted. ‘It would be so cute!’

I shook my head violently. “No way… No, no, no.” I wasn’t turning this into a scene from a teen rom-com. I placated them with a top-up of the clear, lightly gold-tinted lip-gloss they had painted me with. I had to admit. #Nessie’s job on my makeup was flawless and the barely their gold sheen made me want to kiss myself. So, it was an easy compromise. I headed to the stairs and saw #Quil and Mom standing waiting to open the door.

Mom beamed. ‘Oh, my darling! Aren’t you a vision? I love this outfit on you so much.’ I looked at the clock behind her.

“Wait… Am I actually ready on time?” I said in utter shock. #Quil laughed.

‘Like this prep team would ever let you down.’ He winked at the women descending the stairs behind me. I knew that Lee was right outside, and my heart was already starting to race.

◄ Lee ►

‘Would someone let the man in, you know he is on the other side of the door listening to every word.’

Hearing the conversation had a hundred-watt grin plastered on my face. Seeing and feeling the eyes on me as I’d walked up the path to the house didn’t phase me. The girls always wanted a front row view whenever they could. However, this one was different. It felt so to me anyway, maybe because this was my first date where I felt like I had something to lose maybe?

Wiping my hands on my black trousers, my Wolf chastised me. And yeah, I knew we had this in our stride. But still.

Combing my fingers through my black curly hair, I checked the button on my jacket. Held the flowers in my hands, hoping she felt the same as I did.

I wanted to see what they had down for Emmy, she was beautiful without being pampered, so the spirits would only know what my heart was going to do when I landed my gaze on her.

Lifting my hand to knock on the door once again in case they really had forgotten I was here for her. The door opened slowly leaving me standing there with my fist made to knock.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, how are we all tonight? ” Correcting myself I smiled my eyes searching her out.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and #Quil finally opened the door, my heart literally stopped only for a few seconds… but, there was a definite pause. He looked… “Wow…” Wait… I heard that. Did I…? The girls giggled and I knew, yes, I had said it out loud. “Um… Hi.” I came down the last two steps of the stairs while #Nessie unhelpfully filled in the others about how my heart had skipped a beat and set off another round of giggles.

I ran my gaze over him once… twice… settling on his face and breaking into a wide smile. I felt #Quil’s gaze on me every second.

‘Okay…’ He said, opening the door the wider. ‘That’s good enough for me.’ He clapped his hand on Lee’s shoulder. ‘Keep making my best friend smile like that and I’m all for this…’

I stepped forward, never taking my eyes off of him. As he asked how we were I noticed the arm full of flowers and smiled even wider. He was here… I was on time… everything was… Perfect. This was going to be a life-changing night.

◄ Lee ►

She was…. Stunning… stood up on the stairs I’d walked up and down so often, never once had I stopped to look at Emmy the way I was now.

Everything and everyone faded out of my vision, all I saw was her. Her hair, lips, eyes, the clothes she’d picked out just for tonight. My gaze returned and fell on those lips, glossy and plump, so sweet and kissable.

Slowly the world came back into focus and reluctantly I answered #Quil. “I fully attend to make her smile for as long as she wants me.” I didn’t break my eyes away from her. Taking a step forward towards her. Once again, I forgot about the audience.

“Hey, baby. You look extremely sexy.” Holding the flowers out towards her. “These flowers are falling short before your beauty. However, I hope you don’t mind I bought them for you.”

◄ Emmy ►

He was looking at me in that way of his, the way only he ever looked at me. The way that made me feel seen like never before, understood… and beautiful. Not in the usual only-girl-in-the-room way I was used to. Not like the best friend… not like the girl-in-the-club-that-I-want-to-take-home way.

Just… Beautiful.

I bit the corner of my lip. #Quil stepped back into the living room doorway, letting Lee come forward. Only when he mentioned them did I let my eyes pull to the flowers in his hands. I smiled even wider and   reached for them, leaning in to inhale the scents, starting with the lilacs… Did he know that this was my all-time favourite scent? And probably flower, really … It wasn’t something I had ever given much thought to. That was probably what I got for being best friends with all boys.

“They’re gorgeous. Thank you so much.” I reached out and brushed my hand down along his lapel. He was… ravishing. “And aren’t you… handsome.” I smiled… I was certain I had never had occasion to use that word and mean it.

I instinctively rolled up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, Even if my heels brought me a few inches closer… knowing if my lips met his my heart would go even crazier than it was already.

‘Let me take those sweethearts, I’ll put them in water and leave them on your vanity for you.’ Mom said. It was my desk… but tonight I supposed it was my vanity. ‘You two get going now and have a good night. You both deserve a good time.”

◄ Lee ►

Each flower in the arrangement was picked with her in mine. From the early bloom of the daffodils which brought joy and brightness at the start of spring, to the lilacs, peonies, and wild flowers which I identified with an element of her personality. If she were flowers, this would be how I imagined her to look, smell, and be.

I placed a hand on her lower back when she came in to kiss my cheek. An overwhelming urge to kiss her pushed, but I knew the meaning of control. I wasn’t someone who loved an audience, nor did I hide. But this was different. Hard to explain.

“Thank you.” I kissed the top of her head and then I moved to kiss her mom’s cheek as she ushered us out the door. Thanking her too.

‘Eleven pm, we want her home by eleven!’ The girls all giggled trying to set some boundaries. “Sure… sure… Eleven pm tomorrow it is.” My eyes were on Emmy tucked into my side when we stepped out into the cool breeze.

“Are you okay little minx?” Her heart had done those telling skips and jumps. And she hadn’t said as much as she would have usually. Guiding her towards my truck I opened the door, at once hearing the outburst of ‘ahh…’ from behind us.

“Together those three are going to expect and play by play of the whole night. So, you best take notes.”

◄ Emmy ►

I glared at the girls. I had told #Quil not to pull any of his Big Brother moves… but apparently, he wasn’t the one I needed to worry about.

But I was smiling again instantly when he kissed Mom. Then she leaned in and kissed mine too. Whispering ‘I love you, have fun.’ In her native tongue. The language was so close to Quileute that I knew they would all understand it.

I fit neatly against his side, even though the truck was a few steps away I leaned into him, taking in a deeper breath of scent now… savouring each and every moment with this man.

I smiled, wrapping my hand around the one he had over my shoulder. “I’m excited…” I smiled. “And a little nervous… but in a good way. You know? And no one has ever bought me flowers before.” I chuckled and pressed a kiss to that same hand. I glanced back at the door, hearing the muttering behind it… but I was more focused on Lee.

“They’ll hear what I deem shareable… but there’s so much of you I plan on keeping all to myself.” I beamed and heard #Nessie scoff behind the closed door so loud that no matter what I was focused on it couldn’t be missed.

◄ Lee ►

“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” Ushering Emmy and myself into the truck, I waved towards the living room windows. The curtains twitched telling me exactly where they had all rushed off towards.

It made me smile, she was loved and cared for. It’s a gift we were both blessed with.

“They care, however I like the feeling that we can keep some of us, to just us… you know.” Turning the key, my hand moved to the gear. But then I stopped to look at her again.

“You’re breathtaking little minx.” Reaching over placed my finger under her chin and kissed her once. “Now. Let’s take my girlfriend on our first date.” Winking at her, a grin on my mouth.

“You asked for dinner, music and me baby, let’s see if we can tick your list off.” I was the list man in this relationship. But I liked going off the beaten track with her.

I pulled out of the parking spot driving towards Forks and then to Port.

◄ Emmy ►

I nodded. That smile of his made my heart skip. I rested my hand against his chest and slid it down… just a little, I was aware of the audience. “I know.” I smiled. “You look amazing. It should probably be illegal for a couple to look this incredible together. It’s hardly fair to the rest of the human race.��� I gave a soft laugh.

“Yes... Boyfriend.” I smirked without a hint of shame. I was starting to adore that word. “Let's see if you can tick all of my boxes.” I smiled, I had no doubts that he would succeed. Because time with him would make this perfect.

He drove and I watched the trees flit by… and his stunning side profile. It made me want to bite that fucking perfect jawline. I cleared my throat and reached for the stereo… Nope! We could not start down that road while he was driving. I selected a song… “You are in for a treat Clearwater. I have the best road trip playlist ever.”

(Music: Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine)

◄ Lee ►

Sweet child of mine’s intro hit, and my grin grown. “Fucking love this song!”

Reaching over I placed my hand on her knee and squeezed it gently before turning my palm up for her hand. Bringing it up to my lips placing soft kissing on the back of it. “I have no doubt that if anyone we know is going to have killer playlists… you’re going to be the one.” Stealing glimpses of her while keeping my eyes on the road ahead.

I had to slow down with it the town lines of Forks, speeding wasn’t going to help our night start the way I wanted, but as soon as we hit the road out of town, I put my foot down.

And then I began to sing along, still holding her hand to my mouth kissing it with our fingers laced. “So, the team showed up to help you get ready. And you didn’t kick them out?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and slipped my hand into his when he rested his hand on my knee. “Good! Because not liking this song is a deal breaker.” I said unapologetically. “Everybody likes this song. As they should.”

I brushed my thumb against the side of his hand, holding it lightly so he  could let go to shift gears when he needed to. He wasn’t in a rush… I smiled because there was nothing about this that I wanted to rush either. My heart gave a few loud thuds when he kissed my hand, interrupting his car karaoke for a short moment.

I grinned as I watched him sing along. His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, he was a fine specimen of a human… man, woman everyone in between… no one compared, no one set my mind, heart, body, and soul on fire like he did. And I knew that no one else ever would. Then I joined in for the second verse.

“She’s got eyes of the bluest skies,

As if they thought of rain.

I’d hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain.”

We sang our way through the whole song, hand-in-hand, all dressed up in our best clothes… but acting like teenagers on a road trip. I laughed, beaming ear to ear when the song ended. “Spirits I love that fucking song!” I smirked.

◄ Lee ►

Her voice… it took you on a journey with a one-way ticket, it wasn’t new to me I know it. But something changed, now I heard it in a different language and feeling in tow. Now I heard it the way the pups did when they were crashing on this incredibly beautiful creature.

“You say it how it is woman; I’ll back you up if anyone disagrees. Not that they would dare to say it to your face unless they want to die.” Ok she wouldn’t kill them per-say. But fuck me they would wish they were dead when she was done with them.

Watching her out the side of my eyes, I took the road to port and put my foot down.

“You’re going to need the truck DJ whenever we are driving. It’s a done deal. Even when you hit shuffle, the music spirits are on your side. It’s so unfair!”

Joking and not all at once. Because it was kinda true.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled. “I’m just glad I was there for a lot of the little pups… guiding their journey for musical discovery. I might have needed to kick a few arses.”

“Yeah, the music gods are  good to me.” I smiled. I shifted in the seat, turning towards him a little. I could hear  Rachel in my head telling me I was wrinkling my jacket. But just because I loved to get dressed up on occasion… some things were never going to change. My need to move being one of them.

“So… are you going to tell me where we’re going or is it a surprise?” I asked, it was  clear we were heading towards Port Angeles. But… was that the final destination? Was it in town or somewhere nearby? There were far more options here than at home, or even in Forks. But each mile marker we passed had giddy excitement bubbling in my chest. And the want to  touch him building… not necessarily in a sexual way… there would be plenty of time for that. I reached out and rested my hand on his to sate the urge; as the next song played. My fingers tapped out the chords on the back of his hand and my own knee.

(Music: The Killers - Mr. Brightside)

◄ Lee ►

The killers blasted from my truck, and it wasn’t the first time. I’d knew our taste in music had been similar, but just how close, now slowly came to light.

“Tell you? I mean I’m shocked you don’t know already with the way things work on the Rez.”

Smiling because in reality I didn’t mind. People in a small community like ours were tight knit. We all looked out for one another, and we took care of business within ourselves too.

“I thought dinner at Casetas in port? They turn the place into a salsa bar after, so... food, music, dancing, maybe a little drinking? How’s that sound?”

I didn’t want to keep anything from her.  I’d chosen the small family run Mexican restaurant, as Seth and I had done some work for them. Seeing firsthand how much love they put into the restaurant, and the food they served making it the perfect spot to bring someone you cared for.

So far, I hadn’t made it back here since our work completed.

◄ Emmy ►

I beamed; I hadn’t been there, yet… but I had heard about it from #Tallie. As soon as they put in the dance floor it became their favourite date night spot. Although… Part of me hoped tonight was not one of those nights. I wanted to have him all to myself, without prying  eyes.

“All of that sounds amazing…” I smiled. “Mexican food… salsa…” I quirked a brow. “Do you know how to salsa?” I asked. My heart kicking up a notch. Fuck! Just thinking about dancing with Lee… but salsa… My face flushed.

The fast music didn’t help with the surge I  felt at the thought. “I have to say… It’s probably a good thing you planned our first date.” I scraped my teeth over my lip, tasting the gloss painted there.

Then the music seeped into my bones. Even just talking about dancing made me want to move.

“But she's touching his  chest now.

He takes off her dress now.

Let me go.

'Cause I just can't look, it's killing me.

And taking control.”

◄ Lee ►

Fuck. So maybe I hadn’t thought this through before booking a table. However, my mind had been on making this a perfect night for my little minx.

“Uhmm I’ve tried it once or twice and didn’t hate it.” Glancing over at her. Her face laced with shadows as we drove on the unlit roads. This being where I thanked my warrior wolf for his senses and sight, because I saw her perfectly.

“I was hoping you would teach me? But also…” I added quickly “there are lots of people there who know what they are doing. So, you will always find someone who will match your skill.”

The thought of her dancing with someone else didn’t bother me, I knew how much she loved to dance. Seeing her in her element would make this even better.

Dammit! I caught her chewing on her lips, the glittering shimmering to them telling me she had something on them.

“Fuck.” The growl came out the minute her scent changed and floated to my nostrils.

“I swear Emberly Whitney Call... if you keep that up, there will be a repeat of the last time on the side of the road. And I’m trying to be a gentleman here.”

My hands squeezed her knee, and I didn’t dare sliding it up her pant leg the way I wanted too.

No woman had ever had this effect on me. Sure, I had a healthy appetite for sexual pleasure, but being with this woman made me feel like a starving man who had lived without until she kissed me! “Spirits give me strength!” Muttering under my breath.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled at the nervousness that crept in when he started to think about salsa dancing with me. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.” I teased. Every mile marker we passed had anticipation building in here like a child on their way to Disney World. “I’ll teach you a few steps… You’re a Spirit Warrior, you’ll pick it up fast. Salsa is all about your passion for your partner… you won’t have any problems there.” I brushed my fingers along the back of his hand that rested on my knee. “And don’t want to dance with anyone but you… tonight is  about you and me. I expect all of your attention… so you’ll have all of mine too.”

I watched the lights of passing cars move across his features, casting shadows and light, to the light of the moon… the angles and planes of his face. This man’s beauty was enhanced by all I  knew about him. He was a walking enigma; Strong and gentle, sarcastic, and kind, funny, and authentic, structured and free. I smiled, independent…. And all fucking mine!

His body tensed and I knew he scented me. “I can’t help it if I wear my emotions on my sleeve!” I laughed.

◄ Lee ►

“I didn’t say I don’t love it that way. Just saying….” Taking my eyes off the road to look at her “tonight I want to show you off to the world as mine.”

Winking before my gaze returned forward, I noted the change in her. Or it was the way I saw her? “You know you have all of me, little minx. It kinda goes without saying, as much as I love reminding you of it too.”

Turning my hand to lace her fingers into mine. Squeezing once to say. ‘I’m right here with you.’ The next song came on and again I smiled. The soundtrack to this journey wasn’t disappointing.

(Music: Backseat boogi – Airborne)

I drove until the lights of Port came on shining in the darkness ahead of me. Giving me a small glimpse of the world out here and how different it was to ours. Once in town, I dropped the speed. I didn’t want this night beginning either a ticket.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled. “You know… I had the exact same thought.” I laughed. “I’ve been looking forward to getting you all dressed up and showing you off. The way his fingers laced through mine gave me shivers along my spine, every single time and in the best possible way. There was a deep  kind of intimacy that came from the touch, and despite my scent filling the truck… it was an emotional intimacy, not sexual. But we had buckets of both kinds.

I grinned a little cheekily… and a whole lot of cockiness. “Oh, I know.” I fixed my gaze on that side profile in  the fading light. By the Spirits! How was I going to make it through the night without tearing his clothes off before we got behind closed doors. “I did tend to hold attention.” I laughed softly… but it was all him. He didn’t hide it, the attention he gave me didn’t need to be fought for, he gave it freely and openly.

The next song that came on made my grin wider. “This is just what we need… a little classic rock before a night of Latin sensations.”

◄ Lee ►

Because of Emmy and her ability to make any situation better I couldn’t take the grin off my face. Her deep earth brown eyes were taking me in, and I didn’t stop it from happening.

We didn’t just talk with ours words, our bodies and scents did a lot of talking too. And my truck of need to be off bounds for a few days after tonight. I wasn’t going to let anyone scent this conversation.

Shifting my eyes to her, and then back to the road. Singing badly to annoy her and as a joke maybe. I pulled up into the full parking lot. “I hope you like this place. I haven’t seen it since we worked on it. But hear good things.” Bringing her hand to my mouth, kissing it before I set her free to park up.

“Welcome to our first official date night, beautiful.”

◄ Emmy ►

I tilted my head; he was having some kind of internal conversation with himself. He was grinning but a hint of seriousness shone in his eyes. “What on Earth are you thinking?” I asked with a smile.

I loved watching him sing along with the radio, with no pretence or ego… just the love of good lyrics and perfect composition. When he pulled up, I gasped. “Oh my…” I turned to the window. “It's like stepping into another country!” I beamed. “Did you…” I scanned the architecture. “Did you and #Seth do this? The exterior I mean?” He mentioned he had  worked on the place, and I knew they were incredible… but this… this was like a whole new world.

“It's amazing…” Then… then the scents hit me. “Oh wow!” And the music! A sound that might have been a girlish squeal from someone else escaped my lips. When his lips brushed  my hand, it snapped me out of my daze. “Let’s go! I can’t wait to see the inside of this place!” I tugged on his hand, still holding mine, like I was going to pull him out of the car on my side.

◄ Lee ►

“Thinking? Right now?” Waggling my brows still teasing her. “I’m think I need to stop giving people rides in my truck for a few days. I don’t want them scenting you the way I do.” Honest and sincere I wasn’t going to hide it from her.

Watching Emmy with all my attention drawn to her at the reactions from the first sight of the restaurant. “Uhm… yeah. The kid and I worked hard to meet the client’s needs. The mom wanted this please to give the feel of her village down in Mexico. And this is what we came up with together with a lot of reaching.” Looking up and the building before us.

All the vibrant colours, the shapes we chose and the way they came together told a story of this family over their relationship with food and their want to become a place to share their culture with the world.

Laughing I winked. “Wait here.” I told her.

Kissing her hand again before letting go. Jumping out of the truck, I straighten out walking around the front to her side and opened the door. Holding my hand out as the air around me brought the night breeze, the sounds of people having fun, food and good times beating down.

“Let’s go beautiful.” Smiling from ear to ear, my eyes were on her now.

Taking her hand in mine, helping her out of the truck, not because she needed the help. But because I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone, and of course I wanted to touch her and walk step in step with her.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed… but he was right… we hadn’t even kissed each other on this ride and the truck was filled with my scent. “I can’t help it…” I shrugged, feigning innocence. “It’s not my fault you’re so attractive… You should really work on that.” I grinned.

I beamed at him when he said that they had completed the exterior work on the building. “It’s incredible…” I told him. “I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life.”

My hand stilled on the door latch when he asked me to wait… remembering my mother telling me to let him open the doors  for me. That it wasn’t about girls and boys, and who should fill what role. It was about Lee and me… it was about the man his father had raised him to be and how I was in a unique position (because everyone knew that Lee and I didn’t do the couple thing) to let him connect with that part of himself. So, I waited, smiling as he climbed out of the truck, my eyes tracking him as he walked around to my door.

I took his hand, my dark gaze locked on his as I stepped down. Actually, using the step below the door, I had lost a few too many pairs of shoes by forgetting my own strength and these were my favourite. My heart gave an extra loud thud. Mom was right… it was a moment, for Lee and I… nothing else.

Even in heels, he still towered over me. I laced my fingers between his and walked with him to the door. Stopping to admire the details of the building that were lost even to Spirit Warrior eyes from a distance. I knew that they were talented… but this… “This place is unbelievable Lee, you and your brother…”

Then the door opened, and a couple walked out… the scents and music from  inside hit me harder than before. “Wow!” It was out before I could stop it… “By the Spirits that smells good!”

◄ Lee ►

With each step we took my eyes were on her. Trusting my wolf, her and her wolf. And my keen sense not to make a fool of myself. But I couldn’t help myself.

The red of her suit, her shoes, her makeup they were all incredible of course. But the women behind it all, the beautiful heart which sounded loud for me. The eyes appreciating the time and hard work the kid and I put into this place. My heart belonged to her.

“Thank you, we try our best to give our clients what they dream of. And they had pictures on the walls inside… it’s their home away from home.”

Chuckling I opened the door to the restaurant, letting the sounds, and the smells consume the two of us.

“It’s really going to boo your mind. This place is a mix of generations coming together. Truly amazing people working hard.” Stepping inside transported the customer to a different time and experience. My eyes wondered taking in how our work has held up so far.

‘Lee? Lee! It’s you! Hola mi chico! Cómo estás?’ Mr Miguel greeted me.

“Estoy muy bien señor Miguel ¿y usted?”

‘Better now I see you my boy… come come…’ his eyes moved to Emmy, and out joined hands. ‘Who is this beautiful young lady?’ He stepped forward with his hand reached out to her after shaking my hand.

“Emmy, this is Mr Miguel. He is the owner of this fine restaurant.”

◄ Emmy ►

I felt his eyes on me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the artwork that adorned the doorway… because that is what it was; art. Not décor, pure talent, and art. “I love it. I really feel like I've stepped into another world. The building, the sounds the smells!” My senses were soaking up all the sensations around us.

The closer we got the better everything smelled. I had eaten just enough to keep my stomach from growling before I started to get ready… I knew there was no chance I would spoil my appetite. I didn’t think that it was possible for a Spirit Warrior. And it wasn’t exactly the sexiest of sounds… and sexy was what I was going for tonight. I wasn’t the kind of girl that needed to show skin to ooze sex appeal. Especially not around Lee.

As soon as we stepped inside, he was greeted, and about all I understood was Hello and the pure joy at seeing him. This man was clearly overjoyed at seeing him, it made me bristle with pride to be on the arm of a man who was greeted so warmly by a former client.

I beamed a smile at him when he turned his attention to me, and I took his hand…  which he lifted to kiss, very lightly, very respectfully… but right where Lee had kissed me in the truck, and it made my cheeks heat. “Hola, Senor Migeul.” He seemed very pleased at (as far as he could tell) making that hint of pink fill my cheeks.

‘¿Habla español?’ he asked… and that one I knew too.

“That is probably the extent of what I remember from high school.” I said a little sheepishly. He nodded; I was sure he got that answer a lot. “This is a beautiful place…” I looked around… almost gaping. The old-world style with modern  hints mixed in and the music… Spirits… the music. It called to me. I slipped my hand around Lee’s powerful biceps…

“But… that…” I motioned around the room in a way that could only mean the music that was coming from everywhere… but the sound system was clearly well hidden to preserve the feel of the place. “That is a language I speak fluently.”

◄ Lee ►

‘In which case, you will have the best seat at the table. Where the laughter is plenty, and the music of our souls loud.’ #MrHugoMiguel was a man of charm, even if he were a man in his sixties, he knew how to make women blush.

Seeing the effect, he had on Emmy made me smile, and she thought she couldn’t be charmed off her feet! I couldn’t help it, leaning in to kiss the top of her hair I took in her sweet scent. Having Emmy by my side, taking in the work my brother and I did, it was kinda a moment of relief when she liked it, and I didn’t know I cared.

#MrMiguel stole Emmy from my arm, and the minute he did something felt lost from me. My Wolf stirred growling, until I calmly followed the two before me though the restaurant.

‘Wait until you taste our food señorita, they are a mix of my mother’s recipes, my wife’s mothers, and hers of course, too.’ Walking us to a table for two, lost behind green plants making the table feel it had a sense of privacy.

He pulled the chair out for Emmy, beckoning for her to sit. I waited until he was done.

◄ Emmy ►

I beamed a smile at the man, “That sounds perfect.” Flushing even more at the kiss to the top of my head. This place smelled divine! I was going to have to restrain myself from trying to taste everything on the menu.

#MrMiguel slid his arm into mine and stole me away from Lee. I looked up at my boyfriend with a smile that said 𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕟 and I let him lead me… but my gaze moved all over the restaurant. Taking in #Seth and Lee’s work. It was incredible. “This place is so beautiful.” I said, glancing fondly at Lee.

‘Si… Thanks to this young  man and his little brother. Very talented boys who made our dream come true, they never told us it was too much or not possible. They found a way to make everything we wanted to happen.’

I looked over my shoulder at Lee. “Yeah, those boys have a way of making dreams come  true.”

When #MrMiguel mentioned the food, I grinned. “I cannot wait to try it, what do you recommend? And don’t hold back, I might look tiny… but I can eat.” I slid into the chair he held out for me and thanked him. “A girl could get used to being spoiled like this by two handsome men.”

◄ Lee ►

‘You speak to my heart señorita. Leave your order to me. You will enjoy it very much.’ With a flurry he kissed Emmy’s hands again before rushing off to welcome another table in his way to the kitchens.

“Well…” unbuttoning my jacket to sit down with my attention returned  to my beautiful girlfriend. “I think he likes you.” Grinning with a wink, my hand finding hers again. I needed to touch her again,

“He doesn’t welcome everyone like that, and nor does he take away the ordering process from them too.” Shaking my head because I knew the magic of Emmy Call on people.

Before I could say anything else, a waiter came over with two bottles of beer, and cocktails too. Setting them down on the table.

◄ Emmy ►

I thanked the man as he walked away and smiled across the table at Lee. I laughed softly. “I think I like him too. Señorita…” I tried to imitate #MrMiguel’s accent, and I was pleasantly surprised… I guess the voice lessons paid off. “I could get used to that.” I winked at  him… but deep down nothing would beat him calling me Baby… or Little Minx. I smiled at the thought.

I laced my fingers through his… and no number of kisses from the sweetest restaurant owner I’d ever met, could compare to the feeling of holding Lee Clearwater’s hand. I  smiled at him when the waiter set down cocktails and beer. “Wow… they really do know you here.” I smiled. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you took dates here regularly.” But he didn’t… I flushed again… just me.

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow at her comment, up until that point all I wanted to know was, ‘what is she thinking?’ But that comment about bringing others here. It kinda stung. “This is my first visit since the place opened in the summer. I’ve been meaning to come. Just hasn’t happened until now.”

We both had a past, but out of the two of us, she was the one with a normal ish dating life. My past had brought me up in front of her older brother, and our moms telling me I wasn’t their first choice for her.

Taking a chest full of air, I let it out. “The beers are a foresight for sure. But those.” Lifting my chin to the cocktails. I think he is trying to impress you with those choices.”

I could scent the tequila in the concoction while my dark face fell to our laced hands.

◄ Emmy ►

Something darkened in his eyes and I instinctively tightened my hand; laced with his. As impressive as those cocktails were... I focused on him. “I know you haven’t brought any dates here. I was just teasing. I’m sorry if it was a step too far.” I never wanted to hurt him, not even if it was only for a moment. I lifted our hands and pressed a light kiss to his knuckles. He was plenty tall enough that his powerful arm reached across the table. “I’m glad you see it again for the first time with me…” I smiled. “So you can see how amazing your work  here is through my eyes.

His gaze was on our linked hands mine only broke from his face long enough to note where his lay. “Tell me what you’re thinking, baby?”

◄ Lee ►

“I know… of course I know.” With my free hand I rubbed the back of my neck and shook my mind out of it. It was then, in that moment I got it. My wolf and I we both feeling things for the first time. And the reactions were mess up.

Seeing her bringing my hand to her lips made my smile. A full of heart kinda of a smile too. She calmed him and me all at once.

“This is all new.” I started because I wasn’t going to lie. “Things which didn’t course discomfort before, now all of a sudden sting. I know you’re joking; you knew if the tables were turned, I’d make the same joke.” Now I had to laugh. “Little minx, you’re turning my head and heart into a million bucks worth of a scrap heap, and I’m here for it.”

Glancing her direction with a fetish, grin. “Still want to know what I’m thinking, beautiful?”

◄ Emmy ►

The tension eased… I could see it in his eyes. There was so much going on in our heads and hearts. Falling for Lee Clearwater was like a second, highly adult puberty. I returned his bright smile, keeping hold of his hand. “It’s a rollercoaster, right?” I pressed a kiss to his  knuckles again, longer this time. “I want you, Lee. Exactly as you are. There’s nothing in your past I would change because then you wouldn’t be the same man. I don’t want who you were, or who you could be… I want you, as you are moment-to-moment, who you are right now.”

Then I grinned. “But I will always tease you.” Maybe a little more carefully, but teasing was a speciality of mine.

I eyed him; freeing his hand and picking up the cocktail, sipping it. They had not held back on the tequila… I made an approving sound. “Only if it’s not  gonna make me crawl over this table and into your lap… because these drinks are too good to waste.” Of course, I wanted to know. But that look he was giving me already had my heart speeding up.

◄ Lee ►

“More like a rollercoaster on steroids if you ask me.” Emmy got it, of course she did. We were riding this journey together after all.

Each kiss my little minx planted on my hand made me grin and easy more into the moment again. “I don’t want you to stop. You’re teasing, the joking, the banter, and foreplay… all of it. I want you as you are. I don’t want to change you or stop you from being you.” All true without a doubt. “Any now you have me imagining you on your all fours crawling over this table.” Clearly my throat, my eyes flashing with mischief, adding a growl and a wink.

She drank the cocktail; I squeezed her hand and then took the drink from her hand giving it a try too. “That’s… actually good.” My gaze back in her listening to the song of her heart. “You realise I can hear you, even in this busy restaurant. All I hear is your heart.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly and sipped on the cocktail again. “Always trying to one-up me.” I squeezed his hand. I beamed because everything that he said I knew to be true. But I did love to hear him say it too. I pressed my thighs together, my teeth catching my lower lip. I visualised  myself crawling to him.. thinking about what he would do to me if I did.

I released the drink to let him taste it… it was too good not to share. My heart continued its erratic beating. “I know…” I smiled. “And it's probably one of my favourite things about you. You know what I feel before I say it.” I was well known for being open about how I felt… and I was with him too. But he could read me… my body… my reactions… my scent… Spirits… even my eyes. He saw it all before I could even take a breath to say the words. “And I’m glad that’s  all you hear… It means that I have your complete attention. Which is exactly what I want tonight.

◄ Lee ►

The drink tasted great, not being a cocktail guy, I couldn’t tell you want was in it. Other than the tequila of course. But I knew a good thing when I tasted it, and this was it. “I don’t want to one up you. It’s not my intention at all. Just making it clear how you are making me feel.” Returning the glass to sit before her. Because I wasn’t letting her hand go. Not just yet.

“Don’t know little minx, you’ve been reading me like an open book since our first kiss. And you’ve been matching every step with your own. I’m gonna say it’s a two-way street.” Her beauty glowing worth her teasing smile, the fact we were here speaking by so openly, holding nothing back. I liked it.

“There’s nothing more beautiful than you, nothing more interesting than you, I have to desire to share my attention. You are the sole owner of it all tonight, beautiful.” Her hand in mine, shifting forward I kissed her knuckles one at a time.

◄ Emmy ►

I quirked a brow… “You’ve never hidden how you feel.” A shudder ran through me… thinking about the things he could make me feel. “Except for maybe before that very first kiss. But looking back now… knowing how much and how passionately you feel… I have no idea how you managed it. It's proof that you were the perfect choice for second.” I didn’t want to use words like Beta here, not when all my attention was on him and a waiter could pass by at any moment.

Each kiss made my skin sing. By the Spirits! The way this man made me feel! Like the  centre of the universe. “When I’m with you, just you and me… it feels like the rush I got from being on stage. Not like a performance…” I wasn’t sure how to put it into words. “It’s the atmosphere… like the world stops and is laser-focused on us. We own those moments and live in them minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour. We can put other things aside and just be Lee and Emmy.” A smile took over my whole face. “It’s thrilling.”

Then the scents in the restaurant changed and I could see #MrMiguel and another waiter… No… The uniform… Chef. It was  the Chef carrying platters to our table. My mouth watered and I squeezed his hand. “You must be a very important guest here.” I smiled at my boyfriend… MY BOYFRIEND! “To be personally served by the Chef!”

◄ Lee ►

“I know the feeling, beautiful. It’s been something I’ve been trying to place for a while now. But the spirits haven’t been keen to help.” No… they had wanted us to find this path together without outside interferences.

It had to be insanity; no other word could describe it. The mixture of all of this which shouldn’t mean much when spoken together, and yet. I understood what she was attempting to share. The world, how it melted down into a nothing when I was in her company. Emmy felt that sentiment too.

“The chef?” I asked arching my brow. I heard the footsteps coming up from behind me, the scents in the air, and then the clearing of that throat. My lips curled up into a wide grin when I set Emmy’s hand down on the table gently with a squeeze. Pushing back from the table and standing.

‘Well, I’ll be dammed… Paps wasn’t lying about the company you keep Clearwater. Going up in the world now, huh?’ #EduardoMiguel beamed a smile with his arms flying open to engulf me the best he could. He wasn’t short, 5”11 was a respectable height. He just happened to be friends with a Warrior who towered over him.

We flung our arms around one another again, patting each other’s backs before stepping back to grin at the other. “Finally found the right woman who can take me places you could only dream of Eduardo.” Reaching my hand across the table. “Emmy, I’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Miguel.”

‘My son and our very talented chef.” His father #HugoMiguel proudly chimed in setting food down on the table.

◄ Emmy ►

I bit the corner of my lip every word he said sinking in. #Jake, #Quil and I rarely disagreed on things… but never in my life have I been so completely on the same page as someone as I was with Lee.

I curled my fingers against his palm as he let go of my hand, but I let him go to greet his friend. I grinned to myself when Lee hugged him. This boy was bloody tall! But next to him? I knew in my heels he would tower over me like Lee towered over him. I waited for him to set the dishes down before I stood and offered my hand. Tearing my attention away from the food was an effort… But I channelled my mom and put manners over the mouth-watering scents.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I smiled and he took my hand.

‘And you are too.’ #Eduardo shook my hand and gave a pointed look between Lee and I; clearly noting the height  difference. ‘Aren’t you a dainty little thing?’

I smiled with a wicked glance at Lee. I could take this man apart in a matter of seconds. Even in these heels. I was used the conclusion… Especially when I dressed like I did tonight. Not that I dressed intentionally to  hide my strength. ‘May I ask how long you’ve been making all this guy's dreams come true?’ He continued.

I laughed softly. “Well, we’ve actually known each other our whole lives… but the last few months…” I smiled and took Lee’s hand, turning my gaze up to him. “Tonight is  our first date.”

#MrMigel smiled. ‘That’s wonderful… all the best relationships should include friendship.’

◄ Lee ►

“Don’t be fools by this beautiful woman’s height. She’ll have your begging for mercy in under two seconds if she wanted to.” And that was a fucking turn on to say with a chest filled with pride. Taking her hand in mine again, grinning and nodding my head in agreement.

“Friendship is the best place to start. I agree fully, it makes the rest of it feel so much more.” The father and son both nodded too. ‘Please enjoy your first date, we will leave you to get back to it. If you need anything at all.

Please. Lee… Miss Emmy… do not hesitate to ask for it. Enjoy your food.’ #Eduardo patted my shoulder seeing my hand was full, taking his father bat towards the kitchen with him. Greeting a few more tables on their way back.

Sitting down again, smiling. “Are you ready to eat baby? I can see your mouth watering you know.” Winking at her.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned at the way he spoke about me and then gave the father and son standing before us a look that said it was true. I could he straightened, how those words made him proud to be standing next to me. I laced my fingers through him when he agreed that friendship was key.

When he turned back to me and asked if I was ready to eat, I sighed heavily. “By the Spirits, Yes!!” I slid back into my seat. “You have no idea how hard it was not to just excuse myself and bury my face in one of these plates!” I chuckled. My wolf was awake and starving! I  took another sip of that glorious cocktail and surveyed the feast on our table. It looked like mostly share-platters instead of individual portions.

“I’m guessing they’ve seen you and #Seth eats before; judging by the sheer amount of food here.” I grinned at him. It was far  from a complaint. “Where should we start?” I asked but I was already reaching for what I assumed was a chicken taco, stuffed to the brim and I added a scoop of avocado salsa on top. I  took a huge bite and looked to him for his answer… as though I hadn’t just answered it myself.

◄ Lee ►

Laughter erupted from my chest before I could or would want to stop it. “So, fucking sexy.” And I fucking meant it too.

Leaning my elbow on the table (I know my Ma would kill me.) I held my chin watching her instead of answering. Because she didn’t need me too. Just watching her making her taco up the way she enjoyed it and taking that first bite. I wanted to witness her pleasure. (Of course, this being a completely different experience than the one in my bedroom. But it was as sexy!)

“You went exactly where I would go to start with.” I finally answer when those eyes deemed to be mine again. Nodding my head, I followed her lead taking the other of the tacos adding lime on my Avo and sour cream too.

“Oh yeah, they know how the kid and I eat. They would test out the menu items and we were…. Let’s say always willing to help with the feedback.” Taking that first bite with a hum of gratitude as soon as all the spices, the freshness, and the taste all exploded in my mouth. “Damn… I missed these flavours.”

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned because he meant it when he said it was sexy to think of me making a pig of myself. He would sit back and watch and then call for more food… because I didn’t need to censor myself around him. I had no experience with it… but there wasn’t a doubt in my mind if I ate  my fill on a date with any other man they would be horrified. Lee, however, for him it was a challenge, or a turn on… maybe both.

I smiled when he started to assemble his taco, but a groan of pleasure left me at the first bite. My plan to devour this thing in two bites  went out the window. I closed my eyes and chewed slowly, savouring every single flavour. “Oh wow…” I finally glanced around, just in case that sex noise I had made was loud enough for anyone else to hear. But all the other patrons were intently focused on their own meals and  company.

“Is this what tacos are supposed to taste like?” I beamed at him. “This is nothing like what I’ve tried before.” This one didn’t have a lot of heat… but so much spice and so much flavour. “If they ever need a new taster I totally volunteer.” I took a sip of the  cocktail and followed that with another bite. My eye went right to his… saying all the things I couldn’t with a mouthful of food. At least, not without bringing shame on my mother… a rule of hers that I would abide by for tonight.

“I have no idea how you stayed away  knowing what this food tastes like.” I said after I swallowed my bite. And examined the feast before us. “Okay… what next?” I smiled, actually waiting to follow his lead this time.

◄ Lee ►

“I know what you mean, once you eat the real deal it’s hard to go back to the fake stuff.” And this was hundred percent the real deal.

“Don’t you go and try to steal mine and Seth’s side gif out from under us.” Teasing her about the side hustle we #TheKid and I had been tricked into when we were working on site.

“Honestly, this family is as bad as my Ma. The moment they see you have a free hand; they fill it with food. So, there is enough to go around.”

Two bites, it’s all it took for my taco to vanish. However, the taste explosion remained for a while. A sip from the cold bottle of beer helped to elevate in a way I didn’t know possible. It had all been so well thought out.

Wiping my hands on the napkins I pushed the small plate of stuffed jalapeños towards my beautiful girlfriend.

“Those. They are next. They aren’t hot.” Trying to explain. “There is heat, but it’s sweet with the queso blanco, and with...” rubbing my fingers together to find the correct way to describe it. “Well, it’s a welcome heat. Like the way I make you feel when I suck on your neck.” A fools grin on my face

“Try them… the Chiles Rellenos. If you don’t like them. You don’t have to eat any others.”

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled. “Hey… it’s a testament to your self-control that they had enough food left to open the place.” I examined the dishes he pointed to, and I focused my senses; inhaling the scent of them and trying to block out the rest… but when everything smelled so tasty, it wasn’t  like tracking. There was no need to deny myself these pleasures… so I didn’t! “I probably would have eaten them out of business.”

I picked up a fork… wait was it socially acceptable to eat a taco with your hands… I mean…. How could you eat one with a knife and fork? Damn, Mom and her insistence on table manners. I speared one of the cheesy jalapeños, savouring the scent before taking a small bite… mostly to save my suit from my not-so-impressive table manners. For someone with as much dance training as I had… I was severely lacking in  grace at the dinner table.

I let out a hum of pleasure, once again there were so many flavours filling my senses, then he mentioned the things he did to my neck and my gaze locked onto his mouth, my knees pressed together, and my heart skipped loudly like a traitor. I swallowed… there it was… that heat! Was it the food or was it his words pulling up that memory?

I quirked a brow. “Oh really?” I played nonchalantly, letting my gaze drift over his insanely handsome features until it settled on his eyes. “Are you sure? We might need to  try it later, just so I can compare…. You know, while the memory is fresh.” I finished the forkful, never faltering from his stare.

◄ Lee ►

“Trust me, it wasn’t easy to stop. And we kept warming them. Even Ma told them the kid and I could eat them out of house and home.”

Wiping my mouth and beard, always taking care not to leave anything behind for later in there. The music and the voice of the people all around our table still sounding like a distant future. They all still remained blended into the background, and she shone like the warriors star in the night sky.

Arched brow my head jerking up into her direction. Her scent overwhelmed over the food and the people. The sound of her heat out of its normal rhythm perked my hearing. And the glint in my eyes mirrored the look on her beautiful face.

“I see… my little minx needs a trip down memory line? Or.” Licking my bottom lip, when my mouth waters not because of the food in front of us. But more importantly the flashing memory of her with her legs spread open to me. Fuck! My wolf opened his eyes. And that shout of him in mine was dangerous.

“If you don’t take my mind off those nights with you. We... are going to have a sharp exit before the night is over. Just to refresh your mind.” We growled grinning at her like a hungry wolf who hadn’t had his stomach full for weeks. And of course, Emmy was dinner.

Sitting back, shifting in the chair to adjust the tightness in my pants before picking up the next taco with my hand. Never once taking my darkened gaze away from her. “What do you think.” Lifting my chin to her plate. “Is it good?” Noticing the deep low edge to my voice.

◄ Emmy ►

I saw it, the way his eyes darkened, and his attention zeroed in on me. Which was astonishing on its own because he had given all of his attention to me, but now it was laser focused. I raised a single eyebrow. “Wants… needs… all of the above,” I smirked and speared another  jalapeño with my fork, but before it reached my lips I bit down on it, hard. His was there, prowling behind his dark enticing eyes. His scent shifted too.

I chuckled. And extended my arm across the table to him, loaded fork in hand. Food was always the best… or only way to distract a Spirit Warrior, I knew that from experience. “This music is incredible,” I said, giving in to the request to change the direction of both our thoughts. I let the music seep into my bones, knowing it would settle the scent I knew I was putting out… but all I could  focus on was his. And the subtle way he leaned back… I had to flick my eyes away.

“Of the food?” It took my mind a moment to process the question. “It's really good… so many flavours, that it's almost impossible to describe.” I turned my attention to the second dish he pointed out and tasted that too… I closed my eyes and hummed. Everything was so delicious, fresh and packed with flavour.

◄ Lee ►

“The music?” The change in subject was apparent and appreciated. I wanted to give Emmy the night she deserved. The food was only step one. The music and the dance were the main reason for me bringing her after dinner.

Turning my head a little to listen to it, and she was right of course. “You’ve got a good ear for it, and I’d expect nothing less from you.” She was talented.

I like the way you can hear the traditional and modern twist. It makes you want to enjoy yourself.

Listening to it for a few more minutes before returning to our conversation. “It’s a good sign for his things switch up here after the dinner rush.” At a glance you could see how some people moved in their chair while still eating. Feeling the music too.

Taking another mouthful, I could stop another grin. “We don’t need to have the words to describe everything. Ma once told me, we sometimes need to feel and let it be enough to know. And I have to say. Food feels like one of those things.”

(Music: Baila Baila Baila (Remix) · Ozuna · Daddy Yankee )

◄ Emmy ►

“It’s been a long time since I danced to music like this.” I smiled, feeling the beat through my shoulders to my hips. I could tell that a huge part of the appeal of this place, was the music for him. He knew I’d be perfectly happy with the pizza truck on the way into Port for food.

I grinned at him. “You did promise me dancing,” I remembered him asking me what I would like for our first date… Food, dancing, and him were my only requests. I glanced around us and took another bite that elicited a moan just soft enough for only him to hear. I  smiled at him and gestured up to where the music was coming from with my fork. “That…” I paused, taking in the Latin fusion music. “That… describes this food perfectly.” I felt it in my bones again.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how you move to music Clearwater.” I arched  a single brow like a pro. “See if there’s any skills I can put to use in other places.” Then I remembered his request to change the direction of the conversation… “I mean training of course. Brute strength is sexy… but there’s something to say about flexibility and elegance too.” I gave a wicked grin and pulled another plate towards me. Finishing the cocktail next to me.

◄ Lee ►

Wishing a word being spoken a waiter stood beside our table with a tray with another cocktail and beer. Removing the empty and replacing them. My eyes moved only out of respect to acknowledge the man before returning to my beautiful date for the night.

Listening to the music my head moved with the tempo and the rhythm of the song. “You know, I never thought of the music and the food in that way before.” My glaze melted when I turned my eyes back to take her in. Seeing her enjoying herself. It was all I wanted for tonight.

She worked so hard, with her job and the pack. She deserved this. Growling at her, because it was too late her innuendo had landed. I wiped my mouth with the napkin before speaking after my bite.

“Have you ever seen a man at my height and weight do anything with the elegance of a dancer? Don’t put your hopes up. I can move, but I’m no Usher.” Best to set the expectations before the dance floor opened up.

“But then again, I’m always willing to learn sweetheart.”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at the waiter, thanking him politely… but briefly, because I couldn’t keep my eyes off my boyfriend for more than a couple of seconds. My heart quickened when his eyes came back to mine in the same amount of time.

I grinned and examined the new dishes… were they smelling better with each course? “Life imitates art, baby.” I sipped on the cocktail. “I think we all see the world through our art… and I love to dance, I love performing… but music… singing, playing, listening… its life to me, it's an epic soundtrack. We all have a medium.”

I thought about it… filtering out the memories of the way he moved, the sleek lines of the fucking beautiful wolf, as they ran in formation, always in the lead, how the Spirits intended when they gifted him with that speed. The way his tall, muscled body moved  through the world of people, despite his size he had the innate grace that came with strength, perfect balance, and unparalleled reflexes. But dancing was a little different… mostly because it was intimidating, I knew this from teaching some of the boys for dates or prom.

Nothing fancy but, I was in their heads after and dancing with a trained dancer when you aren’t one was the thing that made them nervous. I knew there was nothing this man could do on a dance floor that I wouldn’t love.

Then of course… sweetheart… Spirits that gave me  goosebumps!

“All I want is you and me… moving to music.” I never let my gaze falter from him. “You think I’ll be remembering any steps with all six and a half feet of you pressed up against me?” I sipped on the cocktail… eyes always on him. “And a few of these in me?” I  smiled.

All I wanted was him, to be where he was, to share his space and his time, to share my love of dance and music with him in a way I hadn’t yet. I had sung to him… for him, it was my purest expression. One I couldn’t and wouldn’t ever hold back. But tonight dance… and then we have shared everything that matters most to me after the people in my life.

◄ Lee ►

The beautiful woman in front of me was being kind. She forgot how I saw her lessons with the pups through their memories.

How watching her give her time to teach them something she excelled at and had a passion for would give anyone else a sense of accomplishment when she praised them. And she did it often. Never once laughing at or making them feel silly when a mistake happened.

I witnessed the joy it gave her to help, to share something she loved. But more so. I witnessed how she moved.

Going out with her in the past was different, I didn’t pay attention in the same way. Other than to acknowledge her presence and movement with music. But now, tonight. This was next level.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Teasing with a wink. “My medium comes from colour, from life, from my experience with the world through my eyes. But yours… it’s passion, and—” Rubbing my fingers together in the air trying to find the right way to get my point across.

“— And a feeling.” Touching my heart. “It’s a beautiful thing that makes you see you belong to the sounds of this world.” Shaking my head. Because I couldn’t help myself, expressing myself so she saw how I see her.

“I’m talking out of my arse. Or at least it feels like I am.” Shaking my head again.

More food had been set on the table; we were being treated like royalty. I made a note to thank the men of this family for their hospitality personally.

“The drinks and the food, help most definitely.”

My eyes were still on her, even though the sounds of conversation, laughter, and people having a good time engulfed us now. Taking another taco from the table and biting into it.

◄ Emmy ►

He was looking at me in that way of his again. In a way that no one else could.  In that way only someone who had known me for years, but recently began to know me in a whole new light could. In that way, he looked at me and saw all of me.

I smiled at him, seeing the slight flaring of his pupils and the seeping thought when he thought of the things that gave him joy. And it was so sexy. “No, you’re not. You’re pouring your heart out, and no matter what books and TV lead us to believe; it’s never poetic in real life. But… it is real. And it’s  extremely attractive.” I smiled, taking another sip of the beer on the table. “Well, you’ve seen me in my element.” I quirked a brow and followed his lead picking up a taco. “Do I get to watch you work?” I asked with a crooked smile.

I smiled at the man who had laid yet more food on the table. They loved him here. This was my boyfriend… the kind of man who treated people with such respect and kindness that they returned it in a way like this. Boyfriend… it still thrilled me… and still some weird logical instinct in me felt like it should be scary or intimidating… I had been a girlfriend once and even though I hadn’t really chosen it, I did it. And I royally screwed it up. But I had a feeling no matter what… I couldn’t screw up with Lee. Because I could talk to him… I knew that there was nothing that I couldn’t tell him… even if I knew he wouldn’t like it or agree, he wouldn’t judge or tell me my thoughts or feelings were invalid or wrong. He would talk to me, hear me. I was a dreamer and follow-my heart kinda girl, but I wasn’t naive. I knew that we would probably fight on occasion… but it didn’t worry me. Because we’d be fighting for each other…

Boyfriend. I smiled. Not scary… exciting, challenging… safe. And it felt fucking amazing.

“I should warn you though… The only time I’ve held a paintbrush in my life was when #Jake helped me  paint my room black one day when my mom wasn’t home.” I chuckled. #Quil had been too scared of my mom’s wrath and bailed on us. “It was an emo phase.” I explained.

◄ Lee ►

“Why can’t it be both? Poetic and Real at the same time? Hidden moments with both sides of passion shining through? It’s not a lot to ask for. Or is it?” Asking with even more food being set down before us.

This time it was a mix of a light and dark Molay, with homemade chips, pico de gallo on the side. My mouth watered.

Lifting a spoon, I served Emmy first, a few spoonful’s of each thing for her to test and try, before pouring some into my own. Laugher once again gave me a reason to sit back to observe her. She had shown me her love for  performance, without holding back.

A burst of laughter came from me again. “I can’t see how Jake had the balls to face your mama. And touching her home? It’s why he is our alpha.” Laughing again. “I remember that Emo chick phase.” Shaking my head. “Ma used to say you were expressing yourself, finding you soul. I guess she was right.”

“You want to watch me work?” Arching my brow. Not sure she understood the ramifications of it. “You do know most people don’t do elaborate works like the Miguel’s here.” Lifting my chin to the intricate walls #Seth and I had painted. “It would be a lot of waiting around watching walls dry.”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at him. “It can be… and coming from you; it usually is. But rambling is cute too… and it is the intention that matters the most.” My eyes never left him, he was just so gorgeous and so open… and that combination? Fuck! It was sexy.

Then, of course, he blew that  thought out of the water by making me a plate of food. So caring, attentive, and so kind in a way that just flowed from him like it would never occur to him to be any other way.

I flashed my black painted nails. “And some things just never change.” I grinned, looking over the plate he’d put together for me… very neat and even… he was kind of a nerd under all that hotness. But I knew I could eat five more plates like this, and Lee wouldn’t look at me any differently. “It was about following the music for me…” I made my way around the plate, tasting each thing one at a time.

One corner of my mouth curled up. “Who said I would be watching the walls?” I smirked; I definitely wasn’t thinking of him painting with his shirt off. “What about the new space in the community centre that your mom has been fundraising for?

Bet I could find a way to raise a little more for supplies…” I raised a brow. “We could convince them to give you a wall… do something awesome for the kids.”

I was trying really hard not to get distracted by the flavours on my plate, but everything was really good. Another  quiet sound of pleasure left my lips as I bit into a chip loaded with anything I could fit on it really.

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow, I finished my mouthful before wiping it. “If I didn’t know any better, I’m say your flirting with me Miss Call.”

Smiling warmly at the black nails. “I wouldn’t want to see you any other Emmy, you always remain true to yourself. Which is extremely rare and sexy in its own rights.”

Sitting back with my drink I took a gulp watching her eat. She tried it all, not once turning her nose up. And the sounds she made?

“Fuck!” Muttering the word to myself. I outstretched my long legs on either side of hers. Whispering. “You’re trying to kill me here.” Reaching over to serve her a better position of everything I saw her enjoying. “With you watching me work, not sure I would keep my time lines. Because body painting is something I’m now very interested in doing.”

Picking up a chip and chewing on it, I considered her question. “The community centres? The work our moms are doing for the kids of the Rez?” Nodding my head once. “The kid and I said we would go in and paint for them. But…” now she has me really thinking. “Are you thinking something like this?” Pointing to the walls. “Or something like a mural wall or something?”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at him… a little bit warm and a whole lot cheeky. “You know, I think you might be right Mister Clearwater. But I guess you’ll find out at the end of the night.”

His next words sank straight into my soul. I was always a strange kid… outside of #Jake and #Quil. I was the Makah girl… the girl with no dad, too much of a tomboy for the girls, too much a of girl for the boys; other than the best friends I was blessed to have. But through it all, it never dawned on me to be more like… well, anyone really. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe that.” This man saw me. And not just because he had inside access to my mind and how it worked.

Also… he was too fucking tall. Even though we're sat here in a restaurant… knowing he had his legs on either side of mine had an erotic charge humming just below my  surface. “I could say the exact same about you… and that having my body painted suddenly sounds like a dream come true.” I moved my knee, so it brushed against his.

Then he started to think about helping with the community centre and got deep into thought. “This is  beautiful.” I motioned around the elegant room we were sitting in. “But it might be a little too sophisticated for the average teenage mind, a mural maybe… something representing the tribe, give a little pride in where they came from.”

◄ Lee ►

Fuck! In the name of all that spirits showed us. They didn’t show me how thing would unfold this evening. Conversations with Emmy were always interesting. You never knew where they would take you.

Sometimes she was a girl with a mission, and other times one of the guys, giving as hard as she got.

But lately, with me, with us… it was a fucking rollercoaster ride. One minute she said something which made my pants tighten. And the next minute it was something enlightening and profound.

Tonight… it was all the above.

Shifting in my chair to ease the pressure, my mind went to my ‘cool shit, down’ thought. Standing up with a hard on, in a family restaurant, before the night begins. Wasn’t the look I was aiming for.

“Yeah.” Choosing the safe topic. “Maybe something a little modern, that pays homage to the  past and our history?” Nodding my head slowly thinking it over. “I think we could come up with something. Or better…” thinking as I speak. “Let the young ones come up with a few ideas we could implement?”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled; I knew what that little seat shuffle meant. I raised my fork to my lips again and told myself I needed to let him cool down… Unlike me… and with what he was packing in those trousers, there was no way he could hide the arousal I was scenting. For me and with only humans around… only Lee could tell how turned on I was.

I nodded and tilted my head… “That’s a really great idea. Getting the kids involved in their own space… it would give them a sense of ownership, and pride. Get them digging into history to find a good pitch…” My  mind was racing now. “I’ll say it to #Jacob…. He was always a history buff, I bet he could help them out.”

Then I smiled and did what I knew would help him switch up the direction of his blood flow. “We should run all this by the real bosses first though.” I took the last sip of my cocktail. Damn, these were good. “We can’t go making plans before we ask the moms for opinions… This project is their baby after all.” I dug back into my rapidly diminishing plate.

◄ Lee ►

The one word which could wake me out of all madness was deployed by Emmy. “Moms… right… yeah. Hundred percent we need their buy into this plan.”

Lifting the bottle of beer to my mouth to wash down the… well… you know.

Clearly my thought before proceeding with the conversation, I could see/ scent how much the little minx needed help too. Being a gentleman, I continued.

“Jake’s always had a good head for the history and how it has developed within the tribe. I think it could become another project for him.”

Our friend and Alpha had  always put the youth of the tribe first. The pups had rules to protect their education needs, as well as any other youngster who needed the guidance.

“What about you? Are you going to offer up you’re dancing and musical talents to the youth centre too? I know you have a lot on your plate. But…” I couldn’t see her turning down any opportunity to spend the love of music.

There… a safe topic for the both of us. One I really wanted to discuss with me too.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned. I knew that would be the equivalent of a cold shower. Would a cold shower work on him with his body temperature? The shower we shared was steamy, and it hadn’t held him back in any way. The train of thought abruptly cut off when Lee said the M-word. I would have to thank him for that later.

“I’ll have to talk to him about it… I know he has a lot going on. On the note of teaching… I’ve never tried to teach anyone music… I’m not sure I could… I learned to read music when I learned to read… I wouldn’t even know where to start. Dance  I could help with. When I stopped performing, I helped with the choreography for the theatre group. I think having a few events for that age group each week would be good… but Mom and I thought it was important not to schedule every minute, you know. So they have a safe space to hang out without structure and a little freedom. A mix of both should be good.”

I smile at him. “I think I can manage it, my shift pattern is pretty regular so making plans is easy enough. And it still leaves me plenty of time to be utterly spoiled by my brand spanking new boyfriend… maybe even spoil him once in a while.” I waggled my eyebrows and picked up the beer and took a sip. Everything they had set on this table was perfect, all the flavours enhanced the others, even the beer.

◄ Lee ►

The grin stayed in place while I drank from the bottle, my eyes and brows doing the talking for me.

I couldn’t help it. Fuck she was beautiful. So, listen and watching, and not missing a thing that came from her wasn’t difficult at all. I had no interest in anything else. >

Hearing her speak about growing up with music was the same as #Seth and I growing up with painting. Sure, we painted walls, and she made magic with her talents. But the point was… I got it.

“I didn’t think of that. How offering too much could have the opposite effect of what we are trying to achieve.” Setting the bottle down on the table. I sat forward a little.

“You and your mom have been thinking about it all for a while huh? Knowing what to expect and how best to prepare the kiddos. We are lucky… the women in our life have a better handle in it all.”

◄ Emmy ►

Being the centre of attention was something I greatly enjoyed… not that I was spoiled, (Okay maybe a little!) or an attention seeker. It happened when I performed or played… I didn’t seek it out. But when it happened, I basked a little… that wasn’t a crime, was it?

But Lee… when his attention was all on me it was better than any stage or spotlight. It took my breath away. And that was saying something considering I was trained in how to breathe while I sang.

“I was thinking about the things #Jake, #Quil and I did… sneaking beers… avoiding the community centre and village. Just the constant feeling of being watched or told what we should do… you know. It was okay for us… we had each other, and we never really took the misbehaving too far.” I paused. “But so many didn’t stop there… We watched too many of our class take it too far. Just because they wanted somewhere to be. They just need a place to be with their friends where they can be away from those influences.”

He leaned forward and he was the centre of my whole world, my eyes on his… food, drinks, conversation… Was this dating? Because honestly… imagining this with a stranger just had no oomph to it, no… this was beyond dating. “It's all mom and #Sue really. They just asked me about the things I might have responded to when I was younger… Honestly, it was harder than I thought to think like my fifteen-year-old self… and it wasn’t all that long ago.”

◄ Lee ►

“But at the same time, it still feels like a life time ago, too.” Agreeing with her. “You world changed so much, and so quickly. Let alone the norms of living a teenagers life on the Rez.”

See this was it, what and how I found myself opening up and talking with this woman. I just couldn’t with another. And in all seriousness being a part of this great world of the spirit warrior wasn’t the main reason. It was Her! How she made me feel.

“It’s who is there to support at those junctions in a young person’s life. It could be a passing comment, conversation, or a life time of reflection. It counts when you feel like you’ve been heard, right?”

Tilting my head, keeping my eyes on her. I didn’t want her to stop. I wanted to hear more. I wanted insight into her thoughts that didn’t come from the hive mind sharing.

“Did you ever feel like this town was too small for you? We all at some point may have thoughts about leaving. Did you?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and held out my bottle to clink it to his. “Hear, hear. I couldn’t have said it better.” I know he was older but not so much that he didn’t get it either. We all face the same struggles on the Rez… not that everyone didn’t have their own story.

“I think I was lucky… I always had the guys… but there were parts of my life they couldn’t really get, you know? It wasn’t their fault, they weren’t girls… they weren’t two-spirit… but I was lucky to have #Tallie to talk to as well.” I chuckled when he mentioned a passing comment. “You know it was a passing comment that solidified my friendship with that weirdo.” I used the word lovingly. “They walked up to me after rehearsal one night and told me how fine one of the alumni volunteers was. They just looked at me and knew… it was…” I smiled… remembering  how it felt to be seen clearly like that for the first time. “Like an obstacle was just shoved aside.”

He was right. It really was that easy to change a life.

Then his next question pulled up all those old dreams. “Sure, I wanted to leave… but it was never about getting away.” Everyone knew New York was my dream, one I set aside to fulfil my calling. “It was about chasing a dream. I never planned on leaving forever. I know that a lot of aspiring performers on the Rez felt like they were stifled, there weren’t a lot of chances to learn or  perform. But I always just made the most of what I could. I had Mom and my grandparents, between the piano lessons and Nana’s vocal coaching… I always felt like I had an edge. I guess I just accepted early on that I would need to leave… but it was never about just leaving. It was New York,” I said it like that answered all his questions. “It was busking until I was under the stage lights. It was my name in a program. It was my family in the front row on opening night. It was… taking a bow to the sold-out theatre.”

I was smiling like a fool  thinking about it. It never happened… but there was a thrill in thinking about it. No one could ever tell me I didn’t dream big. “What about you? Did you ever have a plan?”

◄ Lee ►

Bottles clinking, I sat there watching her with my gaze taking every moment and expression in. The joy, the thrill, the dream came to life as she spoke about it. She was glowing under the lights of the picture she told.

I’d seen all this and heard it too from others, #Quil always said he would be so proud when she saw her name up in lights, and #Jake said he wanted her to live her dreams, but it wasn’t to be. But hearing it from her lips now, seeing the want of that dream in her eyes as they sparked. Fuck. I felt like giving her everything and more.

But I couldn’t. I couldn’t make her dreams come true.

Shaking my head, I rubbed the back of my neck taking another pull from the now empty bottle, setting her down.

“Me? No.” My eyes dropped to the table. “I never had big dreams like yours. I’ve always been happy with being in La Push, to take over Da’s business and take it even further.

The Kid. Now he wanted the one who wanted to travel. To see the world, to go to the Great Barrier Reef and swim with sharks. He wanted to climb to the top of Machu Picchu and see the Taj Mahal. Me….” Shaking my head. “I was happy watching him dream and work hard to make those dreams come true.”

Letting my eyes find hers. “I’ve not been able to help him live his dreams yet. But I will. Some day. Soon. That is my dream.” I knew it wasn’t anything like hers, and maybe I should have been more careful about sharing it. But I wanted to be open and honest, and transparent with her.

When the waiter came back to clear away the dishes, he set another bottle of beer before me and Emmy too.

◄ Emmy ►

See this was the thing about Lee… I could see for a moment that he wished I’d had all of those opportunities. He knew I made my choice and while I would never say I didn’t miss it, the stage, the rush of throwing myself into a performance… I was happy with my choice. Because as much as I missed the stage… It was nothing compared to how much I would miss my Wolf. I couldn’t imagine severing my soul, not even for the thrill of applause.

He didn’t pity me for it, even if he wished for a moment that I had the choice to have both.

I smiled when he talked about all of #Seth’s dreams, rather than his own. I watched him across the table and took a sip from the fresh, cold beer. “You know… I always believed that people that dream for others have the biggest dreams of all.” And now all I could think of was kissing him… this man… He was so devoted to his family.

“Not all big dreams mean leaving home. Finding a way to stay is often just as hard as leaving.” My gaze locked on his and I took him in… this man who gave all of himself for everyone else and I marvelled at the fact that he was mine… he was still a brother, a son… an uncle… mentor, and so much more. But he was mine too.

“You just keep on surprising me, Clearwater.” I smiled. “Every day… you show me something new.”

◄ Lee ►

“It definitely does.” Agreeing with her was easy because I knew it was true.

“Sometimes everyone expects the first born to leave, to build a life for those who are going to follow. But not Ma. She wasn’t someone who pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to.”  Her eyes were beautiful and becoming my new favourite place to became lost. Tonight was no different.

“This time I wasn’t even trying.” I told her honestly. I spoke from the heart; at no point did I want to surprise her. Taking another drink of the bottle, my mouth curved up into a grin. “But I’ll take it, can’t go knocking a gift down.” Chucking.

Before I could ask her another question the waitress came on by. With a try full of small desserts. Everything from Flans, Churros, and Dulce de Leche brownies.

“Damn, we should have asked for dessert to be served first.” With a sweet tooth, it was a sure thing. I’d be trying them all. Pushing the plates before her first. “Ladies always go first here, sweetheart.” Winking at her.

◄ Emmy ►

“Well… I didn’t get to grow up with my big brother from the start… but #Seth was lucky to have you to hero worship.�� Then I thought of his parents. “They wanted you to be who you were born to be and nothing else… it’s beautiful.” I smiled.

I loved #Sue’s relationship with  her boys. She had no qualms about shoving them off a path that led them too far astray… but she still let them make their mistakes and let them fix it… My mom was a fixer… I had to remind her to back off and let me grow up sometimes… but it was just a different way to love.

I tilted my head and smiled. “I know… and that’s the best part,” I told him just as honestly.

When I saw the tray of sweet things… my heart might have skipped the way it did when Lee walked into the room… Just once. “Wait… that was an option?” I asked, grinning.

My eyes flicked to the waitress. She laughed. ‘Well, if you want anything packed up to take home just let me know.’ She offered and I laughed now.

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll find room. Thank you so much.” My full attention was back on Lee.

I couldn’t stop the low-down flutter… it wasn’t the first time I heard him say ladies first, in far different circumstances. “You might regret that.” I flashed a wicked grin and reached for a churro first. Taking a huge bite. I closed my eyes and made 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕… I couldn’t help myself! I had a sweet tooth!

◄ Lee ►

My thoughts went into the past for a flash. Thinking of my dad, how he watched #Seth and I grow. How he taught us to be kind boys, and then men.

How the look in those eyes changed once #Sam shifted, he knew something was coming, but he couldn’t tell us until it had arrived. And then, how every day after until his heart attack he guided us, taught us, and showed us how to navigate through this maze life had thrust us into.

It was Emmy’s conversation with the waitress to bring me back, seeing the way people were drawn to her, line a knew soul finding joy in the company of each and every one who crossed her path.

When I heard her heart, I had no choice but to laugh. “Now I’m jealous of these.” Pointing to the small plates. Shaking my head, with an arched brow. My tongue licked my bottom lip watching her every movement, and that sound! Fuck! I closed my eyes, shifting on the chair.

“You can eat it all, beautiful. I won’t bad an eye.” Opening my eyes to find her. “But making that sound isn’t a good idea here.”

Reaching out my hand, I wiped some powdered sugar from the side of her plump lips, and then glanced over my shoulder at the people eating around us.

◄ Emmy ►

I gave him a cheeky smile. “Trust me… by the end of this night… you’ll forget all about your churro envy.” I teased. Then his reaction… I laughed softly. “Sorry,” I muttered, swallowing the bite. But I was only the tiniest little bit sorry. “We have to enjoy the little things in life as well as the…” I found his foot under the table and slid mine up the inside of his leg, just a little. “𝓑𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 things too.”

He reached across the table… another benefit to have a boyfriend this tall. The affectionate brush of his thumb had me wiping my hand on the napkin by my plate. I rested my hand on his, keeping him from pulling back. I pressed a kiss to his fingertips. I followed his gaze; no one was watching us… other than the usual way people took in their surroundings. “Looking for anything in particular, baby?” I asked, seizing the opportunity to know the innermost workings of this man’s mind. Taking in the comfort and gratitude for how completely he’d opened himself up to me.

◄ Lee ►

“Are you telling me churro envy is a thing?” Leaning over the table I half locked my hand on the table to stop from getting up to kiss her.

Her foot played, leaving me twitching where I sat and made me laugh to cover up the groan. This woman knew how to tease the life out of me in public, and I was here for it.

“Oh... baby… I know just how well you are capable of handling my big gifts. You mouth and hand coordination is top-notch.” Arching a brow and laughing again.

The rumble of laughter made me sit back in my chair before I did finally stand and lean over the table. My thumb under her chin I lifted it and kissed her before sitting down. “So sweet.”

Letting my tongue lick my bottom lip. “That is what I was looking for, darling.” The music’s tempo became louder, and the lights dimmed. “I think it’s time to see what moves everyone brings out tonight.”

I loved the way her hair danced over her shoulders, the red from her jacket, glittering with her skin tone. She was… beautiful! And mine!

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and covered my mouth, of course, he waited until I took another bite to say this. “Oh yeah.” I swallowed. “There are many kinds… The very basic.. 𝐻𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓈 𝒶 𝒸𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓇𝑜, 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝒶 𝒸𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓇𝑜... That is the most common then there’s the  𝒟𝒶𝓂𝓃, 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓇𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑒'𝓈 𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔. Far more complex and a little rarer.” I tried to think of a third. “Okay… maybe there are only two kinds.”

I sucked on my bottom lip and pressed my thighs together at the thought of the teasing! Fuck! Okay, I deserved that. “That was….” I look up at him through lowered lashes. “Fair turnaround,” I admitted. “But I’m still going to make you pay later.”

I smiled before he even leaned over the table, lifting out of my seat a little to meet his lips. I closed my eyes and kissed him back with the taste of sugar on my lips. It took a minute for me to realise that the music was actually louder, and the light had really dipped. It wasn’t just me seeing nothing only him.

I kept his hand in mine as I was finally able to look around… taking my  eyes off of him was always an exercise in self-control. My fingers slipped between his over the table. “Well then… This should be fun.” I smiled watching a few of the braver couples starting to rise from their tables… being the first on a dance floor was intimidating to some people, or so I had heard. It wasn’t something I had ever experienced. But I did love to people-watch… so it was interesting to observe.

◄ Lee ►

Shaking my head grinning, I wiped my mouth with my hand sitting back.

“No.. there is a third.” Leaning forward, I lowered my voice deep and raspy for her ears. “I want her to be that churro, with the salted caramel, so I can devour her.” Tilting my head to the side, giving her a wink to sit back again.

Fuck! That did something inside of me.

“There you go promising me a good time again.” Licking my bottle lip. “We will have to see, who ends up paying for what later, little minx.”

My glance dropped to our hands, taking in the view before me. How our hands looked together. The reality of how she was mine, and I was hers. I didn’t give a shit about our past, because this here. Her. She was my now.

Lifting my eyes to take Emmy in, she watched the world around us, and I witnessed the moment when she heard the music, the way her gorgeous brown eyes followed people. And I smiled.

Looking around I frowned a little trying to gain the attention of the wait staff, but they were all busy. So, I sat back joining her, as she enjoyed herself.

I felt someone watching me, I heard their footsteps even with the rhythm of the music beating in my chest. It was the waiter who had been taking care of us. He placed a note in my free hand, then slipped away.

Unfolding it I read:

𝒟𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶𝓈𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝒾𝓁𝓁. 𝒥𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓅, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓈𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓊𝓁 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒.

Glancing around I caught my friend’s eyes. Eduardo winked before disappearing back into his kitchen. Oh, I would find a way to make this up to the Miguel’s.

Clearing my throat, I pushed the note into my jacket pocket and stood up.

“May I have this dance with you Miss Call?” Still holding her hand in mine. Giving her the choice as to if she were ready to take the floor.

◄ Emmy ►

I pressed my thighs together harder… biting my lip to keep a whimpering from escaping. “You can eat caramel off of me any time you like, baby…” I whispered. Because if he could flip it so could I.

I watched a middle-aged couple sway almost in place to the music… arms around one another and eyes only for each other, not dancers but clearly very happy. Not that there was a lack of talent on the floor. There was a couple that must have been in their sixties though she looked much younger, whether she liked older men or just took good care of herself I wasn’t sure. I smiled when I noticed she held her elbow high… I tilted my head and pondered, “Former competitor?” I hadn’t meant to mutter the words. They moved confidently; each step flowed like muscle memory from them both.

Then Lee cleared his throat, and my attention was back on him as he asked me to dance. I gave him a demure smile that would have fooled a human as to how my heart raced with excitement. But not my boyfriend. “I would love to Mr. Clearwater.” I rose to my feet and dropped my napkin next to my place setting.

I walked with him to the floors, brushing my long-for-now hair back over my shoulders. I smiled up at him when I turned the face him. I was still amused that he was this much taller than me even in heels. I reached up and placed my hand on his shoulder. “Just me and you, baby.” I whispered. “No one else.”

◄ Lee ►

Total Grace! The first thought to occur as I walked her towards the dance floor. The hair flip wasn’t missed by me of my wolf, and it did something in the pits of our stomach.

The smile on my face show like a man winning the lottery, because the sound of my girlfriends heart told me she felt the same way about being here as I did.

“Just you.. and Me baby.”

It wasn’t hard to block the world out when you stood before your dream coming true. And a damn dream you didn’t even see for yourself! Being surrounded by madly happy  couples made it impossible to not believe in these feeling I felt for Emmy. But I hadn’t thought I would feel it.

My thumb brushed her cheek. As the lighting changed, it felt like her eyes did too. A glance of the brown shines with the tone of the reflection in which I see myself.

“I’ll need you to give me trips.” Whispering with a grin on my face.

I moved one hand to hold her waist, and the other to gently rest on her back. Bringing her in close to me. In this time the world melted away. The sounds of laughter and conversations gone. All I sound, felt, scented… was Emmy!

I began to move. One step to the side and then back. Back then forward then back. Side and back… moving her with me for now. It wasn’t fancy... it wasn’t award winning. But it was with her!

◄ Emmy ►

I bit the corner of my lip when he brushed my cheek… sliding my hand over his shoulder and up to the column of his neck, my fingers sweeping up to feel the heat of his skin and toy with the ends of curls at the nape of his neck.  Then returning to his shoulder before the temptation of burying my fingers completely in those blissfully soft curls became too overwhelming.

He pulled me in closer and I felt my breath catch, the whole world became only him, I left the room only to hear where the other dancers were on the floor. Waiting for him to move was a natural thing… even though I had danced with another person like this in class and contests. Sure I had danced with people recreationally… but never like this and never with someone who set my soul on fire like he did. Never with someone who made me feel like I was the centre of the universe, or who I had given my all to, and who had given their all to me. I stepped with him… smiled wide as soon as we were moving.

“Confidence, Clearwater.” I winked. “The most important tip in every dancer's pocket.” He had much longer legs than me… but it wasn’t hard for me to match him step-to-step, letting him lead. I smiled, “Well that and don’t look at your feet.” I laughed. “But you have something far more interesting to look at right here.” I lowered my lashes and peered up at him. “You are doing just fine,

Lee. You and me… moving to the music.” I was reminded of the only things that mattered. I moved closer to him, my eyes on him, One ear on the floor and the other trained on the sound of his heart. But he was a protector, so I wasn’t shocked at how he reacted when another dancing pair was nearby, effortlessly redirecting us… almost gracefully. Warrior reflexes… they had so many added perks.

◄ Lee ►

“Confidence I was born with Little Call, but you got seconds in your bucket when the spirits were handing them out.”

My little Minx made me look and feel good. The way her body moved with mine made it feel flawless. Good thing, I knew not to ever dim the shining light of a woman’s soul. I was taught to step back and let them blind the world.

“You know how to keep my feet moving in the right direction.” Leaning down to whisper in her ear. “And you do it looking like a vision, Emmy.”

Lifting my arm about her head I spun her around in our spot, only when I knew we were clear of the others dancing around her did I twirl her out and then bucked my arm to bring her right back to me.

Once again, her face, her eyes, the way she bit her lips. Fuck. How did I get so lucky? The music changed around us, picking up the tempo again. I knew when I was in deep waters. But with Emmy in my arms, I was willing to see how far I could go without making a fool of myself. And then, I’d push it even more.

◄ Emmy ►

When he leaned down to whisper in my ear I broke my ballroom instructor's biggest pet peeve and stood on my toes, leaning into him. His hot breath on my skin sent a shiver down my spine. Then he twirled me away and I laughed with sheer glee. This… was a move I could execute on my toes without breaking protocol, my hair fanning out around me as my feet took the momentum without hesitation. (Loose hair was another thing my instructor would cluck at… but tonight… I was just Emmy)

I smiled wide as I spun back to him. Closer than before, my chest brushing his… but not bumping into him. “You look pretty good on a dance floor too, baby,” I whispered. “Definitely my most handsome dance partner.”

The next song was faster, and I saw the moment he realised this too. “You can do it, Clearwater.” I encouraged. I was close enough to him now for him to feel the way my hips moved. “Short, quick steps… work the hips.” I flashed a cheeky smirk and let my hand slide down his arm… “The Spirits didn’t give you this spectacular arse for you not to use it.”

Then I leaned in, kissed him quickly and spun away a few steps… Noticing briefly the floor had many more dancers now, not just couples... before and gave him a full view of me dancing right back into his arms. A group of girlfriends had noticed Lee… which wasn’t a shock, he towered over everyone on the floor and then once you set your eyes on him it was impossible to look away.

(Music: Alvaro Soler La Cintura Letra/Lyrics English Translation)

◄ Lee ►

Bending over backwards I laughed hard! “Thanks for the compliment and the trust in my ability, beautiful.”

The woman was a siren on the dance floor. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she moved. Those hips, her feet, her hands, shoulders and even her eyes danced like nothing else mattered, and I fucking loved it! We always had so much we did for others, seeing this side to Emmy, her love for music and dance. This was what I didn’t notice before now. This was an insight only someone who was in my position now got to witness.

“Come here!” My big hands cupped her face when she was back engulfed by my body. Coming down to kiss her deeply. I didn’t give a shit who saw, or what they thought.

My mouth moved with hers, tasting a mixture of Emmy, cocktails, beer, and sweetness from the sugar.

“Fuck!” Placing small kisses on her mouth, speaking through them. “How did I get so lucky?”

Now I was following the directions of the music like she said. And her too. My hands moved down her back to her hips, feeling the sensation of them gliding in the air before me. This is when I got it. Got what I was told about Latin music and dance. It was sexual, drawing out your inhibitions to the point you were lost in your partner.

◄ Emmy ►

Back in his arms, I leaned up onto my toes again, claiming his lips just like he claimed mine. The heat of his hands against my cheek made me want to be closer. He tasted like dessert… cocktail and… Lee… He stole my breath. The kiss… gave me butterflies like the very first time we kissed. When he broke the kiss to speak, I licked my lips to taste him again.

It didn’t matter that it was barely for a second. I needed more of him.

“Probably the same way I did.” My hand locked onto the back of his neck, and I nipped lightly on his lip. “If I figure  it out first, I promise to tell you,” I whispered… not because I didn’t want anyone to hear… just because I was breathless.

And then he started to move differently with me held against him… Oh yeah, he was trying to steal all the air from my lungs.

The music changed and  I smiled.

(Music: Sofia Reyes, Becky G - Mal de Amores)

I kissed him one more time. “See… there it is.” I bit my lip and let the music sink into my bones. “This music… it’s universal… it soaks into your soul and makes you want to move.”

I spun inside his arms and leaned back into his chest; every move sensual… graceful. I  reached up to wrap my hand around the back of his neck and made sure he felt every sway and swirl of my hips.

◄ Lee ►

My hands slide around her waist, over her hips and then rested on her stomach. Leaning into her hold of me, I pressed her back against my chest. Resting my chin on her head to move in a way that complimented her.

I thanked the ancestors and my wolf, because the slick movement came that’s to them.

Dancing her around the floor, without taking her eyes from her. We didn’t hit another soul on the dance floor.

She knew how to keep herself fluid, following the song change with ease and Grace. And she made me look good too. I could hear whispers of voices, talking about her, her graceful dancing and her beauty. It filled me with pride. Because she picked me. And I picked her.

Then I heard the words of the song, grinning to myself. Moving myself to go cheek to cheek for a moment. “You’re stealing hearts Little Minx.”

◄ Emmy ►

I had done a lot of dancing in my day… but this? Dancing with Lee… with him touching me like this? I had to fight back a whimper. I tipped my head back, knowing he had to lean down to rest his chin, on the top of my head, made me and distracted me enough to not make the  noises he was struggling with tonight.

I smiled at his words, laughing softly. Unaware that anyone else existed right now. “I turned back to face him, placing both my hands on the back of his neck and still, keeping my body in contact with him as I danced. “Oh please… I stole your heart and your Warriors a long time ago baby.” I smiled and leaned up to kiss him again.

The song ended and a slightly faster tune played. I peered up at him and whispered. “Let’s get a drink?” I asked. “I don’t want to overwork you on your very first date.” I  smiled and looked around, noticing a few glances in our direction. Even Mr Miguel was watching us as he worked with a proud smile on his face.

◄ Lee ►

The first thing to note is the way she turned in my arms, how her hair flew around her face framing it.

Fuck! ‘Her hair framing her face’? That’s what we noticed now? My wolf and I were grinning like fools. It was a thing. And we were noticing it all tonight! “If that’s what you want beautiful. But if you want to dance. We keep dancing.”

Did the speed of the next song send shivers of panic in me? Sure. But my wolf and I were up to any challenge!

My finger under her chin lifting her eyes to mine. My mouth on hers for a kiss. (These kisses weren’t going to get old!)

“Come on. Let’s get you a drink.” The tables around the dance floor area had been cleaned and pushed back slightly, giving more people the opportunity to shake their thing. I curled her hand into mine. Bringing her in front of  me and pointed in the direction of the bar. “We are going there.” Then I let Emmy lead the way.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled seeing that grin on his face. Definitely worth letting Mom tug on my hair for an hour. “Oh, trust me, we aren’t done… I just want to keep you hydrated… and lightly buzzed. Like any good girlfriend would.” I shrugged… I assumed. I hadn’t much experience to go on.

It seemed my body was instinctively reacting to that touch beneath my chin by rolling up onto my toes to get closer to his lips. My heart and stomach both leapt and danced at the kisses. “Spirits,” I muttered breathlessly. I smiled looking around the transformed room, following  him to the bar. “They aren’t just passionate about food here, are they?” I looked at all the space they had dedicated to dancing with a smile.

At the bar, I slide up onto a stool, even with my few extra inches I had to put my hand onto the seat to lift myself up like the polite lady my mom would expect me to be.

◄ Lee ►

“Thank you for keeping my hydration in mind, Little Minx!” The laughter boomed freely for me, with my gaze moving down her profile, I bit on my lip, stopping myself from smacking her fine arse in those red pants. My wolf made a sound, and I let it out, we could appreciate the view and respect the woman before us.

Grinning as we followed her across the room, watching her hips sway from side to side. Groaning to ourselves, “In the name of the spirits!” Being with Emmy tonight… now… Damn it caused a reaction, making me clear my throat.

Coming to a stop, I stood beside her, holding the back of the stool until she was situated. Once again, I shook my head. She was such a small creature with such mighty strength, with a wolf inside that could and would kick my arse, and I would let it happen!

Listening to her speaking, I turned my attention to the bar tender for a moment, giving him a nod so he knew we were here and would wait for service.

“They are passionate about life, baby. They, told the kid and I, ‘To live, you need good food, music, laughter, dancing, and passion’, which is what they wanted this place to represent.”

It had been the family’s way to describe their vision for this place. “And it looks like everyone in here understands the sentiment, wouldn’t you agree?”

Seeing the bartender making his way towards us I leant down a little to kiss the top of her head. “What are you feeling this time?” I asked as she’d tried all the cocktails before, and I was curious on what she would like to try now.

◄ Emmy ►

“Trust me… its purely selfish… I need your stamina at peak performance later on.” I said quietly enough for only him to hear… not that anyone here seemed inclined to listen in.

I heard him checking me out and I definitely played up to it. My hand found the arm he steadied  my chair with and slid up to his shoulder, I couldn’t help but see that flash of my father looking back at me through his eyes when he made those gestures. I smiled at him, a silent sign of gratitude.

“Well, no one looking around here tonight would deny the truth in that  statement.” I scanned the room again. Even the staff looked like they were loving every second. I could see this same sentiment on Lee’s handsome face too. And the fact it wasn’t a new sight to me made my heart swell. It was always a privilege to witness someone’s joy… but there was something infinitely special about being a large fraction of the causes of Lee Clearwater’s joy.

It wasn’t boastful to believe this. He made sure I was well aware of the happiness I brought him, just like I made the same clear to him.

I nodded in answer to his  question. “I do agree… this place… it’s so alive. Everything from the walls to the people. It’s full of passion and energy.” I picked up the cocktail menu at his next question.

I loved a nice cold beer… but while I was here, I wanted to try a little of everything. I scanned the Spanish and English on the menu, a cute touch I could really appreciate even without speaking a word of Spanish. “Hmm… I don’t think it would be right to leave without trying the house special margarita.” I smiled at the bartender.

‘Are you sure… It’s a strong one, senorita?’ He smiled at me, politely.

“Challenge accepted. One for the big guy too… and two beers. Whatever you recommend.” He gave me a nod… Impressed by the order. Most people were when they saw me drink… They related size with how much alcohol someone could  handle… Okay, I was one of those people too. But for obvious reasons, those standards didn’t apply to me.

◄ Lee ►

“Of course you do, you want me fighting fit for the dance floor once you are done with your break.” Chuckling and offering her the arm she held onto.

I couldn’t help blocking out the mayhem occurring around us as I lost myself in the kind smile Emmy offered in thanks. She didn’t need to thank me for such things. But you could see elements of her mom and herself in moments like this.

I stood listening to the sound of her voice over the laughter and music as she gave her take on the decor of the restaurant, and more so the mission of the Miguel family. Knowing they would be overjoyed if they heard Emmy now. This got it… she understood what went into a work you were passionate about. For my brother and I were so proud with our small part in bringing this place to life.

Shaking my head with a grin plastered on my face, her banter with the man behind the bar made me laugh and so proud of her. Yup, she was my date tonight! And she wasn’t letting the side down.

“Are you trying to get me drunk Miss Call? So I worry about what may come of my virtue by the end of the night?” Arching my brow, with a shit eating grin on my face.

She knew I was joking. We do wouldn’t be drunk. The alcohol would burn out of her blood stream before we called it a night. But… like I said … teasing this beautiful woman, whose hair I curled around my finger. Was fun!

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled at him, “At least we’re both on the same page!” I teased.  When he asked if I was trying to get him drunk, I grinned at him. “You see right through me Mr Clearwater. And not too drunk… I want you to remember every second, but I also want to keep you in the dancing mood.” Not that I could ever get him that drunk… maybe with enough moonshine…. But… Then I leaned in closer to him and whispered my next answer. “As for your virtue?” My hand slid up along his impressively muscled arm. “We can have a discussion all about that a little later.”

The bartender returned with the cocktail in a lavishly decorated glass with a lime slice propped onto to rim and a deep red liquid that smelled divine. Then he sat two bottles of ice-cold beer onto the bar too and said. ‘Salud.’ Giving us both a polite smile.

I picked up the cocktail and inhaled its scent, Cointreau and Tequila filled my senses. I turned my gaze back to my incredible date. My boyfriend. My Lee.

“So, what should we toast to?” I asked him, a smile on my face… this night was already so perfect. The more time we had, the more of this preposterously flawless memory we would have to look back on. I was in no rush… even if talk of his virtue had a fire sparked deep in my belly.

◄ Lee ►

Sliding a note to the bartender, my eyes return to Emmy. The silly grin I’d been wearing most of the night still in place.

“I had no doubt in my mind baby, you and me. We somehow made it easy to find the middle ground. Without any effort.” Something no one would miss. Even when I disagreed with her, I would a way to see her point too.

Emmy made me laugh again. “Please. Don’t give up trying. Ply me with all that you have to offer.” Leaning down into whisper into her ear. “I’m all yours to do with what you want.” Placing a small kiss under her ear before standing up to my full height again.

I took the lime off the side of my glass, setting it into the drink to float. Before picking it up. Thinking about her question on the toast. “To never giving up, to… having faith in things that feel right... to... beautiful company... and to your smile... because it steals my heart whenever it comes to play.”

Laughing I shook my head. “Was that too corny?” I asked feeling myself a little self-conscious about the fact, I didn’t want to hide anything from Emmy. When I felt it, I wanted to share it… because that’s the kinda person she was.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at him… “Sometimes I think it all happened at once and then other times I have a clear view of a slow but intense burn, that all came to a head when I kissed you.” I smiled at him remembering that day. “Spirits that was a hell of a kiss,” I whispered under my breath.

I knew he would be the only person capable of hearing me.

I sipped on my cocktails and hummed in approval. “That is a lot of tequila!” I noticed the bartender grin out of the corner of my eye. It would look good for our ruse of being human. “Don’t worry… I’ve never been a quitter.” I chuckled.

The kiss he placed had my pulse and my lashes fluttering. The things this man could do to me with the simplest action… I loved them all. My eyes never left his as he made his toast, and my smile got wider… how had the Spirits led me to this man? “No…” I shook my head gazing at him with more fondness than before. “That was exactly corny enough… Boyfriend.” I smirked and clinked my glass to his.

I took a bigger mouthful this time, the flavours playing on my tongue and my hand drifting to the spot beneath my ear that  was still tingling from his kiss. “You know what?” I said with a grin, looking around for a second before turning my attention back to him. “I think for two novices we are rather excellent at this first date thing.” I laughed softly. But I had declared this night a success the moment I was ready on time, for a change. There wasn’t that could have made it less than that in my mind once Lee and were together. I saw #MrMigeul approaching us, I knew there was no need to mention this to Lee.

‘I hope that our special guests for the night are  enjoying themselves?’ It wasn’t really a question, but he made it sound like one.

“Oh yes, everything is wonderful… the food, the music, the drinks.” I took another sip. “And your staff are incredible.”

‘I’m so glad to hear it.. and Señorita,’ He smiled at me. ‘You may not speak Spanish, but you certainly speak another of our languages.’ He nodded towards the dancefloor.

I smiled and looked down for a second, “Oh… yes. I love to dance.”

‘You have… practised?’ He tested the question to see if it was prying too deeply. I smiled and nodded.

“When I was younger yes, I took Latin ballroom classes.” I also took, classic, contemporary and tap but there was no need to go into that.

He turned to Lee now. ‘A beautiful woman who can dance… Never let this one go, mi chico.’ I smiled. I didn’t need to speak Spanish to know that this was a term of endearment.

◄ Lee ►

Shaking my head looking into the glass I held after taking a mouthful. I knew this has been a free pour. Emmy’s charming personality hit the ball out the park again, with the people she met. They were drawn to her like bees to honey.

My Ma always said it was because of her soul. Also, because She was so kind and welcoming. Taking another drink, when I went eyes on us. But I didn’t move knowing who was coming towards us. Standing beside Emmy I listened to the two conversing. It was clear for everyone to see #MrMiguel was impressed with my girlfriend. Some part of me felt proud at how he acknowledged her presence, her hard work, and her talent. And this was after he saw her dancing with me. I wasn’t the worst by any means, but she is dancing and moving skills were of a different calibre.

Which is why when his attention turned to me, I grinned nodding my head. “No te preocupes, tío. no lo haré.”

The elder chuckles looking up at me, reaching high to tap my shoulder. ‘Bueno escuchar.’ His eyes and smile told anyone watching he was being honest.

‘My Maria loves to dance too. Oh… if you had seen the way she told to the dancing. Her legs. Her hips.’ #MrMiguel was far away thinking of times past. ‘I could believe she loved a foolish boy like me. And look at us now.’

My eyes moved to Emmy, taking her in. Nudging her a little to get her to look at me and then I winked at her. I placed one hand to her lower back. Thankful she agreed to let me take her on a real date.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at the two men as they spoke, my lips pressed together. Why was it so hot hearing him speak a language I didn’t even understand? I could tell by their smiles that it was all good things… or maybe it was their very obvious kind souls. I smiled, I had always been very lucky to find myself surrounded by kind-hearted people.

I beamed even more when he spoke about his wife, he was clearly so in love. It made me turn to gaze at Lee again as he towered over me…  the wink made me smile even wider. “You know, Uncle… I think I know exactly how  you feel. I wondered what he saw in a wildling like me.” I grinned at Lee, and patted the lapel of his jacket to ensure he knew he had cleared that question right up.

#MrMiguel laughed. ‘No, no, no… I do not doubt that it’s quite the opposite.’

I sipped my drink again. “Well Lee here is just a little older than me… and when I was younger this one,” I nodded to Lee. “He was a cool kid around town… All the girls wanted to date him; all the boys wanted to be his best friend. And was…” I tilted my head… “A quirky drama geek.” I laughed.  “But look at us now.”

The older man smiled. ‘Well, if your love of drama led you to dance you followed the right path. It clearly gives you joy.’ He gave a smile that proved to me in an instant that this man was a great father. He valued happiness above accomplishments.

“It all started with music,” I told him. “My mom would sit at the piano with me since I was a newborn… I think I learned to read music at the same time I learned to read English.”

‘A musician and a dancer?’ He looked impressed and I felt a swell of pride.

“Musician, vocalist, dancer… and if you ever need your car fixed… I’m your girl.” I boasted, sure I like to be the center of attention, but this fatherly approval of my talents was addictive.

He looked a Lee and said something in Spanish with a serious, and mildly cheeky expression then back to me. ‘Well, I won’t steal any more of your precious time together. Señorita… It has been an honour to meet you and I do so hope we will meet again.’ He took my hand in both his and patted the back of mine with a smile again. ‘If you need anything…’

I nodded politely.

“I’ll know exactly who to call. Thank you so much, we’re having a wonderful time… and it's truly been an honour to meet you.”

He said a few more words to Lee and headed off to greet a group at the other end of the bar, fondly. Then I looked up and Lee with hooded eyes. “What did he say to you?”

◄ Lee ►

In the name of all our spirits! Was there anyone on this earth, who this woman couldn’t flatter or charm? #MrMiguel was enthralled by her talents and accomplishments, as was I.

The Call women had always been able to make you feel like you were the only person who could make them happy when they spoke to you. And right now, I was witnessing it all first hand as her boyfriend. And boy! She made me grin and swell with pride.

I had to laugh because #MrMiguel didn’t mince his words. Telling me to lock her down! Which makes me gulp my drink. I did tell the man this was our first official date. But he just rolled his eyes at me, the kind which would make my Ma proud. I had to feel for #Eduardo and for #Sara on the other hand they were lucky like me to have a father who supported their dreams. However, on the other hand.

The man missed nothing!

Shaking my head at the final words the man said before his left. Ordering me to take my beautiful date to the dance floor.

I took another gulp from the glass my eyes moved to meet Emmy’s. Of course she would ask what the elder had said. “Hmm… should I make you work for the answer.” Kissing her on the top of her head. Finishing my drink, I set the glass down. “But… you’re lucky you’re so sexy… he told me to get you back on the dance floor right away.”

Both my arms engulfed her pulling her in. “Once you’re ready that is.”

I wasn’t planning  to rush her, to. It was nice to stand her and see her enjoying herself. The food, the people, the drinks and the music. It was all worth the time we took to wait to make tonight about us.

◄ Emmy ►

I didn’t miss the hard swallow. Something the older man had said had made him nervous… in a good way, but it still made me smirk. I narrowed my eyes at him when he translated for me. “Mhm…” I said with all the sass. “Sure… that’s 𝓪𝓵𝓵 he said.” I sipped on my cocktail and  let him keep it all to himself, knowing he’d come clean at the right time. I trusted him to pick that time.

I smiled. “I never doubted that you would leave me with only that one adventure onto the floor. But these drinks are far too tasty to abandon.” I sipped again, whatever tequila was in here was clearly top shelf. “We can drink… and people watch. And talk about you being a dark horse on the dance floor.” I grinned. “You seemed nervous but you have moves, Clearwater. I was impressed.” I leaned up from my seat to kiss his jaw… and might have sneakily squeezed that fine arse now that we were alone enough to get away with it.

“You looked happy out there… and that is what dance should be all about.” I looked at him knowing that I would be happy with him absolutely anywhere, but he had planned this night  thinking of only me and all the things that I love the most. He always made sure that I knew he was thinking of me and that he knew me. He saw me. And I… we… felt like we never had with anyone else.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to top this for our next date… But I’m gonna  try.” I teased, there had really never been any competition with us. But I still wanted to do for him that he had done for me tonight. But that planning would come later. Right now, I wanted to appreciate everything he had done for me.

◄ Lee ►

Shifting under her scrutiny, but not uncomfortably. More the case is I didn’t know how she would take hearing what the elder had teased me with. And it wasn’t that I didn’t trust her, of course I did. Otherwise, we never would have made it this far. It was just a matter for another time. Or was it?

My wolf huffed at me; he knew maybe I had in a second overthought the whole situation. But the spirit in my soul trusted me with this. For now, at least.

Reaching out for one or the two beers, I felt the couple sat behind me most and up and move. So, I pulled one of the stools with my foot towards me and sat down facing my date.

“We aren’t in any hurry darling, if you want to still and talk. It’s what we will do.” Taking a pull from the cold Mexican beer bottle, the wedge of lime in the neck of the bottle elevating the taste and my sense of smell.

“I am happy whenever there is music and a good time to be had. And so we are clear. I never said I couldn’t dance. Just said I wasn’t up to the standards you’re used too.” Taking her freehand in mine, I wanted.. no needed to keep  touching this girl.

“You know how the ancestors have blessed us. Agility , speed, even being soft footed. Comes from the spirits.” And then it occurred to me.

“I don’t really think any of us are back dancers?” My brows knit together.

“Well. Jay and Paul maybe. Those two have heavy stances at times.”

My gaze was always on her, the rest of the place melted away. I knew my wolf would be on lookout for me tonight.

“What do you mean? You don’t need to top a thing. You are my only desire, baby.” My hand moved up, so my thumb could stroke her heated cheek.

Fuck… she was perfect for me tonight. It was a reoccurring thought constant returning to the forefront of my mind.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled swivelling on the stool to fully face him as he settled himself on the one next to me. “No rush.” I smiled. “I want to treasure all of our firsts.” I propped my elbow on the bar… it was clean enough that you could almost forget it was actually… a bar. My chin propped on my palm and I watched him. Taking in all that was this incredible, sexy man before me. And I could feel the eyes in the room that agreed… but they would never know… never see all that I saw.

All they saw was the surface. But Lee Clearwater had depths and I still had  many left to explore. There might have been a woman or two in here who gained insight into him if they noticed how he looked at me, how he spoke to #MrMiguel and how he treated the staff. But even those women couldn’t dream of scratching the surface of the man that was my boyfriend.

I smiled… He had me there. “It’s not like I’m a pro, I just learned what I could when I had the chance to. And when it comes to dancing for the simple act of dancing with someone there are no standards. Only that you are together and loving each moment.”

He wasn’t wrong… The warriors had an upper hand. There was no denying that all my instructors noticed a marked improvement in my skills when I phased. “It really does help…” I chuckled. “I remember my mom telling me how even my tantrums were more graceful after I joined the  pack.” She had a way of finding a silver lining. Even if I hated that she called them tantrums… it was hard. As much as I love my wolf, learning to manage her emotions was no easy task.

I smiled at him. “Okay… so not trying to top anything… how about… another first? Just  because it’s a second date doesn’t mean it can’t be a first in its own right… right?” I finished the cocktail and felt my eyes flutter closed at the gentle touch. My tongue slipped across my bottom lip. No one ever touched me the way he did… I turned into him and kissed his palm.

I turned my gaze to his. “Every time you do that, I get butterflies.” The admission was easy and comfortable… it didn’t even feel like vulnerability because there was no such thing with him.

◄ Lee ►

“But that’s what makes it even better, little minx. You’re so good at it, but you make anyone dancing with you feel like they know their shit. When next to you.” She had to know what a talent it was.

“Anyone can make themselves look good. You on the other hand. You’re making. your partner looks good too.” The grin was back in place, my feet on the ground, facing her head on. This was a first. It had been so long since I’d been on a date, wanted to spend time getting to know someone, and not want it all to stop.

“Tantrums!” Now I was laughing, not to mention recalling those times in the past. “We all had those tantrums, but you know... yours sincerely were a lot more graceful. Da and Ma had to replace so much broken furniture with the kid and me having those ‘tantrums’, at the same time.”

Leaning in so I knew she couldn’t see anything but the truth in my eyes. “First thing is… you’re thinking about our second date while we are on our first. What happened to your living in the moment speech I’ve heard over and over again?”

Of course I was teasing her, but I wanted her to not overthink the next step before we were done with this whole night. “Second. You know how to make a guy feel comfortable with his choices. Something must be going well for you to want to do it all again. I’ll take it as a win.”

Nodding my head in agreement. “I want to have all our firsts. And to remember them and enjoy them to the fullest.” Fuck! That kiss on my palm. It was so sweet and charged with electricity all at once.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled. “I think I know a few pups that would disagree with you.” But I was glad that he felt that way. “It’s so different from performing and classes, you just live it with someone you care about… It feels right. And the love of it… that’s what makes you look good.” I nodded to the older but not elderly couple on the floor, clearly practised dancers… who had slowed down due to age or just not dancing as much. They were beaming, talking, missing steps and laughing. The husband stole cheeky squeezes of her arse and got himself a swat on the shoulder.

“Like them… they don’t need the big moves and flashy footwork… they look incredible just because they feel incredible together.” I smiled and turned all my attention back to Lee. It was what I had told the pups when they wanted to impress a girl… all she would care about was the fact he cared. That they wanted to spend time doing something she loved with her.

“She always called it a tantrum… because it stopped me being mad about whatever it was, and I got mad at being accused of having a tantrum… and that inevitably led to my laughing because I was sixteen and essentially… having a tantrum.” I laughed. “It was a rather genius and slightly risky solution… but mostly it worked.”

He leaned in and all I wanted to do was kiss him. But he made me smile again. “Okay, you are right… Besides, I can’t  give away anything before I even ask you out. So I will save my plotting until a later date.”

There was that look in his eyes again. The one that made me feel like I was home. No matter where I was… those deep, warm eyes… they were home. “I don’t want to miss a single  thing with you… every step… every first and journey.” I laughed softly. “Even if we are making up all of our own steps.”

I held up my bottle. “Another toast… to exploration and a shared adventure with you.”

To Be Continued....

[whenthetablesareturned]

First Step into Being with you – Storyline with Emmy Call & Lee Clearwater - Part Two

◄ Emmy ►

He was so much better at self-control than I was. We had come here to show the others that this was our choice... But we'd been met with more acceptance than we ever expected.  It wasn't needed... but it did feel really good.

It proved that these boys loved us both and even if this was strange for them, and I knew they would have questions about how it might affect our runs. But we would show them quickly that wouldn't change.  I pulled back, and somehow without conscious thought or decision, my fingers were lacing through his. and I tugged him towards the door.  I tossed #Seth my keys.

"Can you make sure my baby gets home safe?"

◄ Lee ►

The kid caught the keys without a problem, and his face lit up.

‘Yeah sure, I can do that.’ He beamed, while the other pups looked on with excitement. One of them getting a good deal was like them all winning the lotto.

“Someone is in a good mood.” Pushing my free hand though My hair to stop me from smacking her arse. Because that wasn’t happening here, no matter how fine it looks moving from side to side in front of me.

“Good night, all.” Waving as we pushed our way out into the fresh night air.

Taking in a couple of slow and deep breaths. I stopped my feet and her abruptly, curling my arms around her and picking her up off the ground bridal style.

“Well, that went better than expected.” My mouth found hers for a light brush. “You were amazing in there.”

◄ Emmy ►

I stopped my feet and her abruptly, curling my arms around her and picking her up off the ground bridal style.

“Well, that went better than expected.” My mouth found hers for a light brush. “You were amazing in there.” I stopped my feet and her abruptly, curling my arms around her and picking her up off the ground bridal style.

“Well, that went better than expected.” My mouth found hers for a light brush. “You were amazing in there.” I stopped my feet and her abruptly, curling my arms around her and picking her up off the ground bridal style.

“Well, that went better than expected.” My mouth found hers for a light brush. “You were amazing in there.” The details of my amazing-ness."

◄ Lee ►

Laughter rumbled freely from me. She wasn’t going to let it pass with the little I say!

“I should have known, you need a full break down of all the elements of your amazing-nessssssssss”

Walking my way over to my truck, I sat her down on the hood. Making my neck bend so that I had to look up to her now.

“Where to begin Little Minx? How about the way you treat my family like yours. Or the way you give as hard as you get with all of us? And there is the possibility that your voice is blessed by our spirits, because when you sing…. I fucking lose Myself? Or….”

Cupping her face, I bought it down to mine. “Or the fact you were willing to fight for us… for this… it’s all a beautiful package deal Emmy. And you are… amazing.” My voice turned low at the end, brushing my nose with hers, and with our forehead together.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed... not giggled... never giggled... as he carried me to the truck. I licked my lips... I did love it when he had to look at me, it made his eyes light up and his ridiculously long lashes look even longer.

My heart sped up as he spoke, and I was.... speechless? That was a first. I rested my forehead to his and rested my hands on his shoulders when he cupped my cheeks. at first. I rested my forehead to his and rested my hands on his shoulders when he cupped my cheeks. things."

I kissed the tip of his nose. "Always."

◄ Lee ►

Fire officially began in me. Here she sat doing it again. I knew what those things meant  to her. Our values in life were aligned. It’s why this was so perfect.

“And I will too beautiful. Ma and Seth, you and your mom. Me…” what the hell was I trying to say?

“I want us to be happy, good, or bad. I will be there for you.” My grins grew with that kiss of hers.

“You missed my lips.” I caught hers. Sliding my hands into her hair I brought her mouth to mine, kissing her slow, deep, and fully immersed myself into her.

◄ Emmy ►

“I know you will… that why all of this is so easy and so natural.” I smiled, sweeping my hands up his shoulders and neck to his jaw.

I took in every word he said. “Sounds like a plan to me.” I made a soft sound when he kissed me and I cupped his face and leaned forward, into the kiss and into him.

“You have no idea how right you are about that.” I kissed him again, wanting to wrap my legs around him but… we were outside the bar… so I settled for pressing my knees into his hips.

◄ Lee ►

“I’m always right.” Kissing those perfect lips once, twice, and a third time.

“I best get you home before we are caught out here.” Kissing her again, my arms wrapped around to lift her down from the truck. Setting her down on her feet, my arm moved to her lower back Walking her around to her side of the truck.

“It’s been a good night.” I said to her opening the door for her.

◄ Emmy ►

I knew what those short, consecutive kisses meant... he was keeping himself under control. Because it was what I did when I wanted to kiss him but was moments away from pulling his clothes off and couldn't.

I stepped up into the truck, smiling at him. "You know... I could get used to being treated like a lady." I smirked.

"But if you tell anyone I said that I'll deny it." I teased him, but we both knew I wouldn't. "It was a great night... But #Ness and #Jake owes us a rematch... but next time it's you and me together."

◄ Lee ►

Once she was seated, I kissed her again and closed the door. “She giggles, likes being treated like a lady, what’s next?”

Walking around I climbed into my side, shouting the door and pulling the belt on. “You know your secrets are safe with me.”

Laughing while I reversed out of the parking lot. “Yeah, those two have no self-control.” Grinning my eyes turning to her. “You want to team up? I thought you liked playing against me?”

◄ Emmy ►

“Hey!” I pointed a stern finger at him but couldn’t keep a straight face. “I do not giggle.”

I tried not to roll my eyes because I couldn’t talk. Him whispering into my ear almost had my core heating in there. “Oh I will! Just not with those two on opposing teams. We’ll teach  them a lesson and then it’s right back to kicking your fine arse, Clearwater.”

I quirked a brow and bit my lip as the fine arse slide into the seat next to me.

◄ Lee ►

Snapping my teeth with a deep-set growl at her finger, I caught the tip of it and sucked with a sexy arse moan just for her. “Fine, I like that sound of this plan. You know I love a good challenge. And you on my side is a bonus in my eyes.”

Laughing a full belly Laughter again, I moved to sit back with my eyes on the road. “They won’t see us coming.”

◄ Emmy ►

I bit my lip harder… my thighs pressing together at that sound he made. He was playing dirty. I reach up nd free my hair from its ponytail… just to have something to do with my hands that wasn’t tearing his clothes off. My phone buzzed and I ignored it for now.

“You’ll soon Learn all my plans are good one.” I teased him and pulled out my phone when were out of sight of the bar.

I laughed hard just like Lee head. “Ness says… We can hear you. Get a room…. and then after that #Seth says not his.”

◄ Lee ►

Out of my peripheral vision I could see her hair fall free. The dark lush, straight sheets of silk fell just shy of her shoulders, brushing over her top as she laughed.

“That there, it’s a fucking perfect sound.” Saying it to myself.

“Ness can talk. I’ve walked in of her and Jake one too many times.” Laughing with her, one hand Moved to squeeze her knee. “Think we need to teach the kid a lesson, but his room is a step too far.”

Coming to a stop at the junction my eyes were on her. Not making any assumptions. “Where am I taking you?”

◄ Emmy ►

I bit my lip and my cheeks heated. I had heard a lot of compliments in my life... and that was a fact, not a flex. But had anyone ever said that about hearing me laugh? Absolutely not. My cheek heated and new, soft warmth spread out across my chest.

"You are exactly the kind  of person my mom wanted me to end up with." I smiled. "Even if she did bet on #Seth years ago."

I chuckled then. "If you walk  into a room and those two are making sandwiches you feel like you're talking in on something."

"He's just kidding, he knows you'd never do that."

I laced my fingers between his and locked my deep brown eyes on his. "Wherever you're gonna be."

◄ Lee ►

“With Jake and Ness? Yeah that’s a true fact. Who knew making sandwiches could be sexy and a turn on.”

She made my heart do something new, something it hadn’t done before. I bought our hands up to my mouth and kissed hers. Once, twice, three times. Thinking about what she Said.

“Feels wrong to go over to yours without your mom’s invitation now. I can’t explain why… I’ve grown up running in and out. But___”

Turning the wheel I kept her hand to my lips, heading over to mine. “I’m keeping you to myself.” The roads were clear as we passed by.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly. “It's cute though... Like they fall in love all over again every day... No matter how long it's been.”

I knew what he meant... Having time with just him and I Mom’s house would be strange. Spending their together, with Mom... That seemed perfectly natural. “Maybe I should have gotten my own place when I finally got a grown-up job.” I chuckled. But with me on rotating shifts, then patrols and mom with a 9-5 we had plenty of space when we needed it. Plus living with your best friend was pretty easy.

Heat climbed up my arm from his kisses. “I'm yours to keep.” I smiled when I realised where he was taking us.

◄ Lee ►

“No, you shouldn’t have.” Looking out the side of my eyes at her. “Seth and I needed to move out we needed the space and the storage.”

We had built a storage shed in the back to keep all our tools and products out the way and safe.

“Add to the fact our sizes. Two of us  with Ma’s work too. We were getting under her feet. You and you mom, it’s not the same.”

When we came up to the turning to go home, I changed my mind. “You know what. Let’s go for a drive to the cove. I’ve got a blanket in the back.” I really wasn’t ready for the night to end.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at him because he was... Incredible. There was not a single thing about me or my life that he would so much as tweak, let alone change.

“Are you saying that should stay at home because I’m pocket-sized?” increased him... Because that was what we did.

“So spontaneous.” I beamed at him. “Let's do it!”

I leaned forward and pulled my phone into the stereo AUX and blindly hit shuffle. I grinned at the song that played. “That's one way to set the mood.” I laughed.

(Music: Body Talks · The Struts - https://youtu.be/BGpPR-IN0us)

◄ Lee ►

“Did I say it? No! Did you? Yes! Will I agree with you? Of course, because I’m not a foolish man to disagree.”

My grin widened turning the volume up and putting my window down. My hands tapped on the wheel. “Spontaneous is a must with a fire cracker like you in the mix Little Minx.” I started singing along.

ᴡʜᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰʟɪᴄᴋ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴀɪʀ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴀꜱᴋɪɴɢ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪ'ᴍ ꜰʀᴏᴍᴛʜᴀᴛ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ʀᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ʙᴀʙʏ ʏᴏᴜ'ᴠᴇ ᴀʟʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ᴡᴏɴ…

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and leaned my elbow on the window ledge resting my cheek on my palm I watched him. He started singing along, and even pulled off the British accent... damn... that was sexy. I bite my lip.

Then I sang along with him for the chorus.

𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌, 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌, 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌

𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹, 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹, 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹?

𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒, 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒, 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒?

'𝒞𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝐼'𝓂 𝑔𝑜𝓃𝓃𝒶 𝒷𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

◄ Lee ►

My eyes darting to watch her and the road at the same time. Fuck me she was everything I needed and liked and wanted in one.

I stopped singing (badly) to listen to her perfect voice. Grinning as we drove north of the Rez passing the signed to the local tribal education centre.

During the day this side of the Rez was off limits to the pack, too many people of the tribe, tourists, and townies walked here. However, now in the middle of the night. It was quite and just what we could do with after the evening in the bar.

◄ Emmy ►

He caught my attention when he stopped singing. I laughed and smiled at the way he watched me and the road all a once. “You know I’m not the only one allowed to sing right?” I teased. “Everyone should sing in the car… even if they’re bad at it.” I smiled and ran my fingers through  my loose hair.

“Actually… especially if they bad at it.”

My gaze drifted to the roads he was taking. Roads we only took at night. Just when you start to think a night was perfect, Lee Clearwater worked his magic.

◄ Lee ►

“Hey! I know you’re telling the truth, but damn woman. At least try to butter it up and pour some sugar on it.”

Coughing to clear my throat. “I’m not that bad…” I was. I really was. “Ok. Ok.. I’m not as bad as Pauly!”

Reaching out I rested my hand on her lap. Just wanting  to touch her. The winding roads were like second nature even in the dead of night.

Taking the turn, I took my truck to the far side of the parking lot. Reversing it onto a parking spot even when it was just us here now.

◄ Emmy ►

The minute he said it the Def Leppard song played in my head at full volume. I rested my hand on his... loving every second of contact we shared. I was always an affectionate person, never afraid to hug the guys... at least not when I was fully dressed as opposed in shorts and  a sports bra...

But with him I carved a connection, his hand on my

knee... or mine on his shoulder... pressed up against him and everything in between. My heart raced and Bit my lip, composing myself.

"Show off!" I teased him when the reversed parked in an empty lot.

◄ Lee ►

“You love it when I do that.”

Tuning my hand over to lace my fingers into hers. Bringing it up to my mouth to place kisses on the back of her hand. Slowing kissing my way over the tips of her fingers and Biting her thumb.

“Let’s get out of here and onto the beach?” I didn’t mind if she wanted to sit here, as long as it was time with her. But under the stars was better when you could see them.

I always had my pack in the back of the truck, so we wouldn’t be sitting on the rocks or the sand.

Kissing her hand one more and then climbing out.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and slide my gaze sideway at him. My breath slowed as he kissed each of my fingers, clearly, he craved contact just as much as I did.

“Do I?” I narrowed my eyes playfully. I did. I really did. My drifted to the window and up at the sky… it was only semi-clouded  tonight

“Let’s.” I agreed, I let my hands slip free off his, the feeling of his kiss lingering on the back of my hand. I climbed out of the truck and watched him head to the back. Holding my hand out to him with a smile when he returned.

◄ Lee ►

“That wasn’t a denial there Little Minx. Therefore, I will hold on to my original position. You LOVE it when I do it.”

Winking before I opened the back, pulling the backpack out and throwing it over one shoulder. When I made my way around to her, I looked up to follow her Line of sight. “It’s not perfect, but we can make it work.”

Taking her hand in mine, noting how her fingers looked smaller, but knowing the power this half pint held within. Fuck! She was perfect.

“The cool breeze is welcoming after being indoors all evening.”

◄ Emmy ►

“I’m not denying anything.” I smirked at him. “But I’m not confirming anything either.” I chuckled.

The heat raced up my arm when her took my hand and I looked from him to the beach, the ocean… and partially ossicles moon. “It looks pretty perfect to me. Water, stars, the  moon…” I let my eyes drift from his head to his toes. Checking out every inch of him before I added. “And me, of course.”

◄ Lee ►

“Oh…oh… oh!” Halting in my steps.

“Those are some fighting words, at least from where I stand.”

The teasing grin came to life before I pulled her in by the hand i held her by. Letting it go before picking her up and throwing her over the free shoulder.

“Want to try Try again?”

Smacking her fine arse, walking down towards the beach. My gaze moved up when the moon came out from behind the clouds.

“Do you think grandma moon approves of the cave man approach. Knowing you could take me down if you wanted?”

Not letting her down.

◄ Emmy ►

I was pulled to a stop when Lee stopped walking and drew me towards him. I hardly had a chance to react before he was hoisting me up over his shoulder and I was laughing like only did with him.

As soon as I was over his shoulder I spanked his arse, almost at the same time he swatted mine.

"Now, here's the view I wanted! " I chuckled.

“Oh don't worry.“ l assured him. "Grandma knows I'll keep you in line if I have to... But so far she completely approves of your behaviour.” I smiled at the absurdity and playfulness of just letting him carry me down the beach. So... I spanked that fine arse again.

◄ Lee ►

Growling and snapping my teeth at her.

“Keep that up and he will bust out of me.” He wouldn’t but damn he wanted too. “You think she approves of me on two legs, she will never come out of the four legs are let out to play.”

Damn this woman, there it was. Even Her playing Gave me a hard on!

Dropping the bag off my shoulder over by fire pit I held her with both hands and started running fast towards the cold water.

“I think I need to cool you down.” Laughing as the sound of the crashing waves came closer and closer.

◄ Emmy ►

I couldn't see it.... but I heard the snap and my core clenched. "One day we will have him all you ourselves too." I smirked. I had promised the other part of my soul just as much. But, for now, it was our time.

Before I could tell him, he could do with cooling off too he was  running. I laughed... possibly squealed. I braced myself on his shoulders and managed to straighten up enough in his hold enough to wrap my leg around his mid-chest. He was broad, so I just barely managed to lock my ankles and secure my hold.

"If I'm going down, you're coming  with me, Clearwater!" I called over the rushing waves. laughing every step.

◄ Lee ►

Damn that laugh. The sound so sweet and welcoming. I always thought Emmy had the best laugh. But now the sound brought to me. And I fucking loved it.

“Like I would let you have all the fun?” My hands kept around her while she manoeuvred her way around me.  Those strong thighs holding on, with my legs picking up speed.

“You’re going in first!” Laughing like I never had before. I’d never been with someone where all my walls were down, and I was so open, and true to myself.

The cold water hit my legs as I went bouncing into the sea fully dressed, with my girlfriend wrapped around my like a baby lemur.

◄ Emmy ►

He had, in fact, let me have all the fun on several occasions. And that that had my centre heating, even as he splashed into the sea threatening to dunk me and I laughed with him.

“Actually, I’m still bone dry…” I laughed my legs were wrapped so high on his chest and he was  tall that I had hardly even been splashed.

“But if I’m going down…” I interlocked my hands on the back of his neck and secured my legs tightly. “You’re coming with me” I said, right before I threw ounce of of body weight arching backwards tipping him off centre so we both fell into the spray of an incoming wave.

◄ Lee ►

No time to reply to her, my legs pushed up off the bath and we both went crashing into the sea. The cold salty water welcomed us with open arms, this here were the waters of our ancestors. They smiled I was sure down at this madness and childishness. Because it was the Innocence of the amusement we were sharing.

My arms stayed wrapped around her torso keeping her close to me. The black waters took us down with the waves and then pushed us right back up with the momentum.

“Fuck!” Water filled my eyes and face, my dark think and curly hair Felt into my face as I opened my eyes to see her beautiful face right there before me.

◄ Emmy ►

I released my death grip around his middle when we hit the water, but my hands stayed around his neck. I wasn't about to let go of him... not when he was still holding fast to me. I and tried to shake my soaked hair from my face... making it so much worse.

I leaned in and  kissed his neck, getting mostly my own hair in my mouth.

I freed one hand finally and scraped away the hair on my face and in my eyes, only to find his face inches from mine, smiling and laughing with me.

◄ Lee ►

“Hi!” The clouds moved right when she moved her wet hair out of her own face. The light glowed and reflected off the water and onto her.

“Just beautiful.” Whispering the words while I held her chest to chest close to me, the sea keeping us moving. My eyes moved over Her facial features stopping at the lips I wanted so badly to kiss.

My hands moved up her back, lying flat to keep her in place. Leaning in the breaths space between us. “Told you I’d get you wet.” Grinning my mouth claimed hers.

◄ Emmy ►

“Hi.” I whispered back, and soft light cast his feature into sharp relief, the shape of his eyes… that tantalizing curve of his mouth and the strong jaw that did things to my insides I couldn’t describe.

By the Spirits, he was stunning.  “I had complete faith that you  wouldn’t disappoint.” I whispered back and hoisted myself up by the hold I had on his neck and shoulders and kissed him.

The way he held me up in the waist my water made shivers run up and down my spine… He knew I could more than hold my own in the water. But understood his want to hold onto me… because I felt it too. I moved my hands to his shoulders and pulled him closer.

◄ Lee ►

Placing my forehead to hers the smile still working its way out. “It feels like I’m a fucking teenager again.” Chest pounding, my hormones fried, and the control my wolf’s soul had coming to breaking points around her.

“How the fuck didn’t this kick in until now?” A wave Hit us from the side, but I’d moved us in time, so her back was turned to it.

◄ Emmy ►

By the Spirit, why did that touch of his forehead to mine make me feel like our souls were connected right through their centre?

I smiled and ran one hand along his jaw, trailing my fingers through his facial hair. "Because we know what this is now." I said softly. "And everyone that matters knows... so go wherever ever we want and still be US."

I kissed, keeping our foreheads touching. "Plus, you are technically my very first boyfriend... so... teenage antics are to be expected."

◄ Lee ►

“When did you grow into the all-knowing and feeling kinda woman?”

Grinning I kissed her again. Slow, steady, and taking my time. My mouth moved over hers when I bent my legs taking us both under the dark water. In the shadows where I could keep her from the eyes of Grandmother Moon. She is mine in the now.

When we came back up, breaking the water apart steam radiated from us. “I should get you out of the sea. Before we dry it up.”

◄ Emmy ►

“Maybe you’ve only just noticed how all-knowing I am.” I smiled at him, kissing that gorgeous grin of his. We slipped slowly under the water again and the I clung to his shoulders, keeping him close.

The taste of salt and Lee on my lips. The cold held us until he brought us  back up to the surface.

The heat of his body had the water already evaporating off of his broad shoulders. He was…. Fuck! My heart sped up a little.

And I kissed him tasting the salt on his skin again. I glanced at the fire pit. “Let’s go build a fire?”

◄ Lee ►

Nodding once, I waded the water until we were close to the shore. Setting her down on her feet. My hands cupped her cheeks and I kissed her sea salt flavoured lips.

“Let’s get this fire going.” Taking her hand in mine, to guide us out onto the beach before letting it go. In one smooth motion, I pulled the wet shirt clinging to my body off, ringing it to the side as we walked.

Pushing my hair out of my face. Once we were by the fire pit, I set my wet shirt on the rocks facing the pit, opening my bag to take out to large beach towel. Moving to place it around Emmy’s shoulders. Then I took the blanket out and set it down.

The fire pits were always left with the next person in mind, we all cleaned our mess before leaving, so that the next person could get a new fire started without having to worry about Things like clean up.

At first the fire came to life with some trouble, the kindling had been a little damp, but when it took. It set off its heat again the cold night.

◄ Emmy ►

My tongue traced my lower lips where it still tingled from the last sweet kiss. My feet hit the sand beneath the water, and we walked to the beach.

I dragged my hand through my hair, pulling it back out of my face and wringing out the water at the same time. My stomach turned  over watching him peel out of the soaked shirt. My heart skipped and I tried to regain my composure by stripping off my own shirt and squeezing the water out of it and laying it next to his.

I pulled the towel around me, smiling at him... it was wonderfully strange; being  looked after and stranger still that I wanted it. Only because it was coming from him. I kept the towel around me as I slipped out of my boots, not that standing on the beach in my sports bra bothered me, but it hid the curls of steam rising off my shoulders.

When he was done with the fire, I walked over to him and pulled him down to kneel on the blanket. I took the towel from around my shoulder and ran it slowly over his curls. I knew he would be dry in a matter of minutes... but this filled the need I had to look after him like he did me,

◄ Lee ►

Smiling I closed my eyes. It had been years since someone had dried my hair like this. And yeah, sure it was my Ma, but it was the place the act came from that had me wondering how I got this lucky with her.

My arms moved around her waist; I pulled up into straddle me. Bring her chest to chest.

“Thank you.” My hands moved to her arse, holding her to me. “You didn’t need to do that, but I love the fact that you did.”

She was beautiful in every way, but when she had a goal in mind, fuck it was stepped up tenfold.

◄ Emmy ►

I didn't resist it when pulled me close and down onto his lap. Why on earth would I? He pulled me close, and I draped the towel over his head like a hood and grinned.  "I know I didn't." I kissed the tip of his nose. "Just like I love that open door for me, and wrap a towel  around my shoulders when I'm soaking wet." I smiled and kissed his lips this time.  "And the way you treat my mom..."

One more sweet kiss. "And I love that you were so patient with my brother even though he was kind of an arsehole."

◄ Lee ►

With each kiss my heart stopped and then kick started. My smirk grew into a smile and then a grin.

Looking at her with the towel hood over my head. My hands moved to her sides, grazing my fingers tips over her hot steaming skin.

This has been the second of third time She’d mentioned the door thing.

“Emmy.” Placing a finger under her chin to make sure she saw me while I spoke.

“The door opening… When I step out of my truck, or through any other door, and open it for you. It has nothing to do with the fact that I don’t respect your Independence, or your strength, or your will to stand on your own two feet.

The meaning is in the ᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ if you would stop to think about it. The meaning is in the fact that my Ma and yours, both the ladies brought me and #Seth up to respect a strong minded woman. Because as you know, they are independent themselves.

The meaning of this action is not to belittle you, it is me showing you... that you are worth more to me than words can say. That you are worth me stopping, and showing you with my ACTION that I place ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴍᴇ.

When I open a door for you, it’s not because I don’t believe you can’t open it yourself.

It’s me saying with my ACTION… YOU BEFORE ME!”

◄ Emmy ►

My smile was barely a curl at the corner of my lips… I knew he meant every single word. I knew the act of opening a door for me wasn’t one of male superiority. Knowing this man as well as I did, I knew that the complete opposite would be far closer to the truth.

But it was so  more to him. It was deeper than anything that ever dawned on me. I decided in that moment that I would always wait for him to open a door for me from that point forward.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, listening intently to every word lower his make-shift cape to rest shoulders. “And that is exactly why I never believed there anything less that respect in the gesture. And its why I love it when you do… because every time, I know its your way of sharing part of yourself with me.” I kissed him softly. “I don’t ever want you to stop doing  it.” I added in a low whisper.

◄ Lee ►

Taking the towel off, I gestured for her to turn around and face the ocean and the fire. Setting her back close to my chest so to take that same towel to her hair. Except I patted her hair gently. It wasn’t needed, it was partially dry already. But I wanted to take part in the act of it tonight.

“Well. Now you want it, I’m not sure I should spoil you .” Leaning in to kiss her head and then her cheek.

“So, tell me. Is there anything so far in this relationship you don’t like?” It didn’t hurt to check in, right?

◄ Emmy ►

I shifted on his lap... taking care not to knee him where it would hurt. I tilted my head forehead and closed my eyes, savouring the affectionate gesture and that sweet kiss.

I leaned back against him and rested my head on his shoulder. "Honestly..." I said a deeply contented  sigh. "No... we're learning and growing together... I wouldn't do anything differently. As long as I don't have to wait too long for the date you promise me." I chuckled. It was well known that I appreciated instant gratification. "How about you? Is there anything you're not entirely happy with?"

This relationship was a two-way street.

◄ Lee ►

Setting the towel to the side. I wrapped my armed around her looking up at the sky that has cleared. Before moving back to the crackling fire, the embers lighting us.

“Are you saying I am. Or worth the await?” Kissing the top of her head. “I appreciated you Are an advocate of  instant gratification, trust me. When it comes to you. So am i. But this thing between us. I want it to be a slow burn. As in I’m in this for the long run. For as long as you want me.”

Considering the question. “Other that wishing I’ve taken the wet jeans Off before settling in. No. I don’t want to change anything. Each step brought us here.”

◄ Emmy ►

I leaned back into him completely. Now that his hands were free, I took them in mine and wrapped them around my bare stomach. "You are so worth the wait Lee... I waited my whole life just to know that this kind of happy existed." I flushed a little... did that make sense? My  stomach fluttered... and my smile grew. I nuzzled against his neck, kissing him softly and pulling his arm tighter around me.

"Only you could make waiting sound exciting." I knew that controlling my impulses was not my strong suit. "We both know what we want... right?" I whispered. "We both know we each have different strengths and --" I wasn't going to say weaknesses... "Flaws... I want to do this, exactly as you described. Slow burn..." It sounded sexy like the descriptions you see in bookstores in front of bestselling novels.

"But... I know how I get in the heat of the moment. So, I'll need your help. We do this on your timeline." I knew what I was might seem strange... but it was true... everything he described, I wanted. All I was asking for was a little help containing that impulsive side of me."

◄ Lee ►

Arms around her, chin resting on top of her head. I wanted to engulf her small body with mine. And I had to work hard to pull that impulse down. Because that was the warrior in me. The need to protect that we hold dare.

However, Emmy didn’t need this aspect of me. Even if from time to time, it would show itself. So far, she hadn’t kicked my arse for it. Listing to her voice and the meaning of the message intently, my brows lift. “I don’t want to contain you, or to change you. I want you as you come, Emmy. All of it. The feisty minx, the Impulsive artist, the doting daughter, the unlovable friend. I want all of it.”

Grinning at the sensation the kiss she placed on my neck brought to life. It was filled with tenderness. “I’m not saying I have the willpower to keep this thing between us above board.” Laughing At how close I’ve come so many times to beg her to let me in.

“My warrior and I are horny fuckers whenever we think about you.” My hands tighten around her, pulling her even close as though it was even possible. He was here with me. I spoke for us both.

“But we will do this Our way. How we want it to go. This is a two-way ticket for us. And we will work it out together.” One hand flat on her stomach, the other moved to hold her chin, and turned her face to meet mine.

“I’m going to take you on a date on your next night off. You and me baby.”

◄ Emmy ►

Just when I thought it was impossible to get closer to him he found a way to make happen. "I know that you would never do that Lee... I love the sound of everything you described I shifted a little to see him.

Spirits!! The fire cast a glow on all the perfectly chiselled contours of her face. He was a blood god!

"How about..." I thought for a moment... "We remind each other when we think we need to... then we can decide what to do in the moment? Like a horniness safe word?" I laughed.

I smiled when he tilted my face up to his. "I know  how you both feel. But I think it a good to be matched on... Right? I know in movies a lot of couples fight about... I don't know if sex drive is a thing real couples fight about because I'm surrounded by imprints." I laughed again.

I quickly got lost in his deep brown eyes.

◄ Lee ►

She did it again, I laughed out loud holding her too me as I rocked back and forth. “A…. A… A… Horniness safe word? Is it even a thing? If it’s not. Fucking hell, it should be.”

Leaning into her, my mouth found hers kissing her softly. “You pick this word, and we will Use it.” The way this woman kept me on my toes, wasn’t going to get old. She had everything I could have hoped for.

“We know what we want baby, and if you and I do this together. There’s no stopping us.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed. "It sounds crazy when you say it like that. But there's nothing wrong with a little crazy." I smiled up at him as best I could from this angle.

"Well... I think it's obvious... isn't it?" I quirked a brown. Spirits!! There was no angle that was unflattering to this  man.

I leaned up to kiss him again softly. "Slow burn..." I whispered.

◄ Lee ►

Fuck that sound. Joining her I laughed too. Rubbing my cheek against hers, letting my beard tickle her cheek.

“That’s two words. However, I like it.” Pressing my flat hands into her stomach to hug her tightly to my chest before letting go a little.

“Slow burn.” Testing It on my mouth. “Think it’s enough to stop you from devouring me? Because we both know. I’m fucking delicious.”

◄ Emmy ►

I wrinkled up my nose, savouring the rough tickles. Of course, he pointed out that it was two words. "You know me." l laughed, "I never liked to follow convention."

A soft sound of comfort escaped from my chest when he tightened his hold on me. When he held me like this I felt a heady mixture of vulnerable, safe and valued. l didn't want to miss a single second of any of those feelings.

"I'm not sure anything will be strong enough for that but... Strong enough to make me stop and think about the next steps?” I titled my head... "Maybe!"

◄ Lee ►

Tucking her head under my chin, I watch the flames dancing with the back drop of the night sky. Listening to her voice and the crackling of the wood as the heat engulfed it.

“It’s a fair point. With the two of us making sure we do this all right for us. With the spirits helping hand. We will do fine.”

Kissing the top of her head I couldn’t help myself. “And it just means I need to get your sexy arse on that first date before we fold.”

I wanted that for her, and for me. That was something we all deserved to experience and feel. A first date. Right?

I knew she’d dated, I had too. [The term used very loosely on my side. Other than high school ones.] She’d been in relationships, or one that I knew of.

But now, I wasn’t going to miss a thing with her. “So, do you want to tell me.. what you want our first date to be?”

◄ Emmy ►

I closed my eye and soaked in the contact, sitting here with him... my hair brushed between his cheek and his hair spinning almost dry curls around my finger. I only kept them closed for a few seconds. turning my gaze back to the sea and fire, every feature of his face was memorized.

I smiled, still toying with his hair. "It wouldn't be folding... if it's you and me and we both want it... it will be perfect. But yes! We should because I've had four texts from Rachel about shopping already."

I laughed at him... we'd mentioned it in the bar. But now it was just us. "Hmmm..." I pretended to think. "Food. Obviously... dancing... and whatever you want too. It's important to me that we both get everything want out of this."

This was his first date too after all.

◄ Lee ►

Chuckling at the comment. “Perfect?” She was settling high standards for us all. “Yeah. I actually agree.” Grinning like a fool, I kissed her head. “I do love it when you play with my hair. Is that mad?” No one ready had the opportunity to anything like this with me. Now I put right  burst out laughing. “Tell Rach to take it easy, Paul just going to rip is off her as soon as she dressed up for him.”

Remembering Emmy’s panties, the ones I’d ripped in haste to get them off. “Wait a minute, do I get to put in a request for this shopping trip?” Moving My head to look down at her.

“Food, yes. Dancing yes. Music yes. Time with you and I alone. That’s the biggest yes, baby. I want you all to myself.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed... my fingers stilled the feeling in his words. But only for a moment, if he liked it that much, I had no intention of stopping. "Probably about as mad as me loving it when you pick me up." I smiled up at him... because I meant it. Normally, a knee to the ball sack was  my answer to that.

"It's just her way of showing she's happy for me, and that's not how these girls work." I grinned. "This trip will be all about me. If it was pack thing, we'd all be shopping but for dates, anniversaries and things it's all eyes on one person." I  loved  being the centre of attention, but I hated shopping... Although a day with the girls did sound good... assuring the imprints Lee and I were happy would go a long way to comforting the boys.

"A request?" I quirked a brow. "Want to pick you up leopard print boxers? Because I know a place!"

◄ Lee ►

Laughing deeply at the admission I had to roll with it.

“YES! Yes I want a leopard print pair of boxes.” My arms tightened around her lifting her up a little before putting her back on her arse between my legs.

“If that’s how this man can keep his woman happy, I will do it. Is there any other kinks I need to know about? You know while we are on the topic that is.

I didn’t need to add anything on the imprint conversation. I knew these girls, most of them since childhood, spirits I was there the moment #Ness came into this world. I knew their hearts and their souls. And I knew the pack lads would be just fine with imprints seeing the truth between Emmy and I.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed as he lifted me and pulled me closer. It like me mentioning him picking me up made him do it subconsciously... even in the small way.

My spirit animal squirmed, not happy about the idea of cat print on his perfect boy. I rolled my eyes at her. "Oh really! How does  your warrior feel about that?" I quirked a brow. It was easier to turn my head and see him now.

My fingers started the moved in his hair again. I took a deep contented breath. I could stay here forever, the fire, the ocean, Grandmother peeking from behind the clouds to watch  us, The ocean...

The feeling of being held by this man behind me... in every possible way and holding him too... "Lee?" I said with a soft smile, my eyes on the ocean now. "I've never felt this kind of happy before. It's incredible."

◄ Lee ►

The sound of her laughter. I kept thinking it and feeling it. Happiness. Pure joy when that sound filled my ears.

“Oh. My warrior? Uhm. Not going to lie. I’m not giving him the choice.” He wasn’t going to let those on our person. But when he saw her naked. Or scented her. It would change.

She went quite for a little, and I did too. Letting the moment sink in.

“Uhm?” I made the sound at hearing my name. And then my heart stopped. Working my throat at the admission. “I know the feeling beautiful.” Lifting her up and turning her around to Cradle my lap. My fingers moved to push her now dry Ish hair off her fact. Seeing the flames of the fire in those dark eyes, and the shadows trying to take a hold too.

“It’s the same feeling for me too.”

◄ Emmy ►

I wiggled in his arms a little, not because l was uncomfortable... I don't think it was possible for me to be anything other than blissfully comfortable right now. l was mirroring my wolf's playful protest.

I chuckled. "Mine will shred them before they make it past your  thighs.''

I was more than happy to turn around and see that face right next to mine. I cupped his cheeks, his eyes...spirits! You could get lost in those eyes. I leaned into his touch. "And now... We can do this...” I kissed the end of his nose. "Anywhere, any time because  everyone knows." I laughed. "Your all mine. All the time, all the places." I pressed my lips to his. "Coming here was an amazing idea. Thank you for taking me."

◄ Lee ►

Growling playfully, because my warrior was at the way she moved over my lap. I then laughed. Curling my fingers in her hair to play with it as she spoke. The sweet kiss to my noise made my mouth curl up into a smile.

“I don’t ever want to hide. I’m out there for everyone to to see. So, why hide the best thing that happened to me in a long time?”

My free hand moved down her bare back. Tracing the tips of my rough finger tips up and down her lower back. “I’m glad you like it.” My eyes stayed on hers. Leaning in to blush the tip of my nose on hers.

◄ Emmy ►

That growl gave me butterflies, me! Emmy Call, BUTTERFLIES.

But then he made my whole stomach, my whole being light up with his words. My smile was so big it blurred the edges of my vision.

"The best thing that ever happened to you?” I would tease him teased about inflating my ego, but I knew he meant every word he said.

The touch of his hand on my back had me silvering but it certainly wasn't from the cold. I kissed him, it was an almost chaste kiss… sweet and soft.

“I know exactly how you feel, Lee.” I whispered because in that moment I  knew it was true. "This is the greatest thing to happen to me since the day l discovered my warrior. Exciting, a little scary... In the best way... And a whole lot of magic.

◄ Lee ►

My warrior growled that she picked her warrior before me. And I just laughed. Remembering that the two thing were on different terms of my life.

“I never thought I wanted all this. You know.” Kissing her mouth between words. “This boyfriend thing seemed like hard work. I didn’t see it for myself.” Kissing her again and again. Why the fuck could I get enough of her? “But with you. I don’t want this to stop. Nights like this. Even days like ours. Not just the good times, I want the bad too.”

◄ Emmy ►

“Me either…” I chuckled. He knew it had happened to me once but that was… my own fear of hurt a friend letting get trapped in something that intended as one night.

“I was always quit vocal about it… especially about boys” I smiled against his lips each time they pressed to  mine. But this wasn’t a boy… Lee was. Man in every sense of the word. He cared for others, he respected people. He took care of his (numerous) responsibilities and he loved his mother.

“I just want to spend as much time with you as I can.” I chuckled. My lips on his again. “And I’m not afraid to be greedy about it… if it’s on a beautiful beach… all alone, or a couch with half the pack around… as long you’re there.”

I touched my forehead to his. “I’m glad you said that… bad times…” my finger slipped from his hair and down his neck. “Because my job… I love it, I do, and I never want to do anything else. But… when there’s a bad day… it’s… bad.”

I knew, they had all seen it. When we lost a resident. But I would rather lover these people and lose them than try to care for them while being detached. Even if it meant a broken heart every few months.

◄ Lee ►

One hand moved up her back, to the back of her head to keep her where she was.

Our foreheads connected I closed my eyes letting my scenes feed the moment to make this memory of being with her.

“I know right now these are just words. But if you give me the opportunity to prove myself. Baby… I will have your back.” And I meant it. I always had her back. But that was different. It was out of an obligation and a calling. Family friends, and Beta. But now. This. It was deeper.

“I’ve seen you and your mom. I’ve felt your pain. But I wasn’t In the place to help you in any way other than to give you a hug. And sit there if you wanted to share.”

Maybe I should have done more? But she was with #Quil and #Jake. Her best friends. Her shadows. I wasn’t in that inner circle. So, I shook it off.

“Good times… But especially bad times.” I whispered.

◄ Emmy ►

That sweet touch of his forehead to mine... by the Spirits... how did something that seemed so simple affect me like this? "I know you will, Lee... you always have been. Even if it was different then."

There wasn't a doubt in my mind I could rely on him. I had always had  my mom and the guys. They were always support and understanding... quick to hug and take me the light a bonfire and say goodbye our way.

"I Never had to go through any of it alone... but now that I know what it feels like to curl up in your arm and sleep.. Just know what  I'll be craving in those moments."

I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "And that goes both ways... not just for you. Your family too. I'll be there, good or bad."

◄ Lee ►

My fingers curled stands of her hair around them. Nodding my head nice and slow. I knew she meant every word. The kid, my Ma, hers too. They were all special to me and to her too. My mouth touched hers, soft kisses, one after another.

“Do you want to know something crazy? I don’t think I ever thought about needing anyone. Someone who could be my equal. Not in a bad way. But I never felt alone. With all you  guys, with my family.” Pulling back a little to cup her face in my hands. “But when I’m with you. This isn’t something I knew of, but  never understood as clearly.” Taking her eyes in mine. Taking her in. “But I do now. I get it.”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled. I never thought that Lee was distant or closed off... but it still baffled me a little bit at how easily he put is feelings into words. Even my best friends couldn't words like his. #Jake struggled a little more than #Quil and verbalising his feelings.

"If its  crazy..." I returned his sweet short kisses. "I never thought something like this would be on my path. I never felt like I was missing out on anything... It sorts of happened to me once and honestly... I didn't like it... But you've turned my world upside down, Lee Clearwater." I leaned into his touch, running my fingers through his hair. "I have to say... I love the new view... I understand now too... why the mom's wanted this for us. Why people spend their lives searching for this. The search just wasn't in our cards. And that's okay because our discovery... Its explosive. I wouldn't change a thing."

◄ Lee ►

Her kisses made me happy, those soft lips, the warmth of her body which felt different to the sun or the fire crackling beside us.

Carefully placing my arms around her. I shifted my body, turning and bringing her done to lay her back down into the blanket. Resting myself on My side, my elbow holding me up. Behind her the reds, oranges, and yellows of the fire glowing as our backdrop.

Leaning down I kissed her mouth, with my free hand strewn across her stomach lightly drawing lines across her.

“I know you’ve been here before. Toni right? The Girl from you band? I wanted to know. Not for any other reasons than I wanted to know everything she wanted to share. “You guys are still good friends. So, it couldn’t have been a bad relationship?”

◄ Emmy ►

He moved me for easily, it made me smile. He was gentle... he didn't need to be and he wasn't afraid to use that strength with me he made that very clear. But he had moments... where he chose delicate. There was something about he way he did it that never had me wanting to call  him out on it... It wasn't about me, or at least it wasn't because he saw me as weaker... it was for himself as much as me. So much of our lives were about strength... I understood the impulse.

I shook my head... "No. There's no  comparison to this." I smiled. "I always felt  like it was something that happened to me. She made assumptions after one night... And I loved her, she was a good friend and I didn't want to hurt her." I lay next to him, trialling my gaze along his silhouette in the firelight. "As time went on there were things I liked, curling up to watch a movie. Getting a goodnight or good morning text sometimes... So I thought, I could give it a try. But there were things I didn't like. Sharing a bed... lying... Then when it ended it took a long time to get my friend back." I smiled, walking my fingers up his bicep.

All those bad things I spent years avoiding... I wanted to do all of those things I hated with him. "But now it's clear... It was the wrong time... wrong person."

◄ Lee ►

I took in her features at she spoke, listening to what was being said in words, but more so what this beautiful woman was telling me by her body language.

The smile on my lips, telling her I wasn’t judging anything she told me.

“It’s clear there were lessons however, they Have brought you here.” I didn’t mean the beach, but now her mindset.

“And your friendship must have grown stronger because of it all. Learning so much about one another?” I asked. Moving to push a strand of hair out of her face, the. It moved to rest over her stomach again. Everything she said made sense to me. Even if the sharing a bed comment made me grin. Because she’d slept like a baby the night, she spent with me in my bed.

“No wanting to share a bed is a deal breaker for me. Just so we are clear. I don’t want you springing that on me in a Month or so.”

Arching my brow trying to gaze into her eyes without grinning. I was failing. Because if she told me to get out of her bed, or she didn’t want to spend the night in mine. I would honestly not force her. I’d tell her how I felt, but her choice and happiness came first.

“The lying. That’s the part why I never got into relationships. I’ve seen the pups. See how it makes them feel.” Shaking my head.

◄ Emmy ►

I wished I could be confident in what he said... But in truth, I wasn't so sure #Toni would be happy for me. "I hope so." I needed to have faith in my friend. "l guess my next trip to Port Angeles will tell."

Then because this was Lee, he had me laughing again. "You have  nothing to worry about when it comes to that.” I pressed a kiss to lips, softly. "Honestly, the first time I spent the night... That feeling I used to get when I thought about sharing a bed never even entered my mind. I was just happy… content… so relaxed and…” I smirked.

"Did I say happy? I love sharing a bed with you. Falling asleep with you, surrounded by your scent and your heat.”

Pleasant shivers travelled up and down my spine at the memory. I knew the pups he was thinking of... Some of them really struggled with dating and just weren't built for one-night stands. "It almost makes you wish there was an imprint for all of them.”

◄ Lee ►

She was holding something back, but I wasn’t going to pry it out of her. If it was something she wanted to share, Emmy would have said it.

Leaning down I kissed her cheek while she laughed. “Good to know. I didn’t think about it that first night. If you want to know…” winking at her. “It felt so natural, like it was meant to be. I didn’t question any of it. Not what happened, not you are staying.”

Looking across to the fire, I reached out to grab a log and tossed it on. “As much as you wish it was that way for them all. It’s not how the ancestors work. Some of them will need to learn how to juggle the life until they find the one, they want to settle down with.” I wasn’t being harsh; it was a fact.

◄ Emmy ►

"Natural." I smiled, straightening out a stray curl at the nape of his neck and letting it spring back again and again. "That's the perfect word. Like being in the exact right time at the exact right time."

I nodded I agreed. "I know... there's some many ways to find your  soulmate. But I have moments of weakness when I see them get heartbroken and cheated on. But they have their own journey's to make."

I couldn't help it know I tilted my head and locked my gaze on his. "I'm worried but #Toni going to..." I didn't say - have a tantrum – because it was unkind. "React badly when I tell her. It wouldn't change anything for me... well... It might... but between me and her, not us. She can be... intense."

#Quil would use the word Drama Queen.

◄ Lee ►

She made me smile, her fingers playing with my hair giving me a side note to go have a cut. Then again, I liked this moment. Liked her touching me in ways that no one else could.

“Hmm. I know I sound harsh, but it’s not how I mean it. I just know the journey and the lessons they will learn, will make them better men. They will know who they are, and who they want in their life.” Leaning over her I took in the shadows casted by the fire, however I saw her clearly.

“Why do you believe she would take it badly? How long has it been since you both have been over?” As I asked the question I attempted to recall when it was, she was dating her band mate.

“Won’t it make things hard for you and your band?” My eyebrows pulled together at the thought that she would have to deal with something like this because of me.

◄ Emmy ►

“We are proof that a Protector doesn't need to imprint to find their match.” I smiled… Okay, so I had no idea what the future held… but right now mine was filled with him. And that made everything feel all that much easier. I would wake up every morning with a thousand new reasons to smile. Even if I didn’t wake next to him, I would still be his girlfriend. He would still be my boyfriend.

“She can still be a little possessive, mostly about #Quil. But I have a feeling that will shift now.” I thought back to the when it happened. “Spirits it was Halloween after #Nessie‘s fifth birthday. And m not officially in the band I just play with them when I can stay hidden from the camera… I help them rehearse or record… I'm more of a roadie really.”

I sighed… “it was a long time ago and it was over before Mom even put the Christmas decorations up.”

◄ Lee ►

My smile was staying put, let’s face things as they were. I was happy right now. And I wasn’t going to think about the ifs and buts of the future. Now. Right now. Emmy was mine because she wanted to be.

Every muscle in our bodies went tort, the muscle my jaw twitching and eyes narrowing. The word ‘possessive’ had my warrior in high alert.

Counting myself down I clenched my fist over her stomach and then opened it again to rest it palm flat on her skin. Trying to quell the bubble of anger growing beneath my skin.

Finally, I spoke. “Nobody has the right to react that way over you. Not even me.” Gazing into her eyes. “I maybe an arsehole at times and want you all to myself. But promise me you will put me in my place, if you feel like I’d being a possessive cunt.”

My warrior and I thought about her ex. And how we would put her in her place if she ever crossed our path. Would we act on it? Nah. But did it feel good to imagine growling at her to make her shit her pants. Fuck yeah.

◄ Emmy ►

I left how his body reacted and I stroked my fingers along the back of his neck in a slow, soothing pattern. "I know." I whispered. "I let her away with too much for too long... out of guilt maybe. But any true friend would see how happy you make me. So... I want to be hopeful  that she'll put my happiness above ancient history."

I was struggling with that hope but was trying.

 "You may have some possessive traits... but it's different... You want me exactly as I am... You want me to have all the people around me. It's not the same as what you  would normally think when they hear that word. You want to hold me up in all the ways that matter and hold me down in all the ways that are fun." I smirked. "And I just so happen to find your way extremely sexy. But... I still promise to put you in your place occasionally.

◄ Lee ►

“It’s not my place to tell you how to manage your friendships. Just know I am here if you even want support.”

This wasn’t a new offer; it was one I gave them all. Because my support for them all didn’t change with the circumstance. It was unbiased and offered without any strings attached.

Learning down I kissed her forehead. The way her touch grounded me was welcome, I loved feeling her so close, and the shapes her fingers drawn was calming.  “I’m sure you’ll find some way to keep my sexy arse in line. Even if it means pushing me down.”

◄ Emmy ►

I nodded tilting my face up to his. I knew he meant it he would be there. He always had been... This was different. This was someone who could hold me, not just hug me. Someone I could curl up with in bed and talk about it all night.

"I know you are... And it’s so different from now anyone else has ever supported me. I really like it." I smiled. “It's a different kind of safe than I'm used to and it's... Amazing.” That kiss my forehead stole my breath away. "And I will love every second of it too."

◄ Lee ►

“Unconditional baby, don’t ever think anything will happen to change my mind, ok.” I blushed her off her forehead, pushed it behind her ear, letting my sight marry the image of her with the shadows and the heat of the fire, to the cool breeze, until the moonlit sky together.

“Do, you want to know something else?” I asked bringing my mouth down to hers, placing a soft kiss over her lips, the rush of her taste mixed with the sea making me grin. “I’ve never kissed a woman by a fire on the beach.” Waggling her brows I kissed her again, this time parting her lips with mine, deepening the kiss.

◄ Emmy ►

I bit my lip, smiling at him. By the Spirits! How did he give me butterflies by tucking my hair behind my ear... or was it his words? I kissed the end of his nose. "I don't want to say that that means more now...." I tilted my head. "It just... feels different. In a good way."

Then her had me laughing again... at least until his mouth claimed mine again. Without breaking our kissed and pushed on his shoulders, laying him back on the blanket so I was straddling his hips.

"Really?" I smirked. Fuck! He was beautiful in the fire light. "Then we better make the most of the moment." I kissed him again. Running my fingers along his jaw, his beard tickling my palms.

◄ Lee ►

Moving with her was easy, no questions I’d let her know every opportunity I had to remind her if she needed it.

Laying on my back, looking up at this finely crafted woman. The warrior within her. And more importantly the kind soul she encapsulated. I thank the ancestors for opening my eyes to this beautiful woman.

Grinning, I took her in, back lit with the flames of the fire and the darkness, with the sound of her ocean and the beating of our hearts.

My hands moved up the soft skin of her torso. Taking in her body, and her face. Stopping at her eyes. “I am never going to take my time with you for granted, let alone waste it, little minx.” My mouth moved with hers, letting my hands move up her sides.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled; it wouldn't be news to me that Lee liked to make the most of his time. It was something we had in common.

"I know." I whispered. Neither of us were familiar with this boyfriend/girlfriend thing. We were learning all of this together. "I couldn't walk this path with you if I didn't feel the same way." I leaned down and kissed him.

"I'm one of a kind, Lee Clearwater. And I expect to be treated as the rare and precious gem that I am." I kissed him again. I knew this was exactly how I would be treated by him.

"I expect the exact same from myself."

◄ Lee ►

Our mouths kissed, my hands moving up and down her back now smiling like a fool with her declaration of feelings for me.

Emmy didn’t keep her mind or needs hidden, or her emotions too. However, to witness then on a night like this being snared openly. This was welcomed with open arms.

“Is that so? A gem… that how you see me?” Kissing her again. “And you are going to do the same for me?” Kissing her again. “So, I need to know. What gem am I?”

◄ Emmy ►

I titled my head… trying to recall the conversations I had with a crystal-healing, gem-obsessed friend. Then I remembered something. “Sunstone…” I smiled. “It carries a warmth unlike anything else, it's Grandfather’s stone.”

I kissed him again, my smile turning cheeky. “And According to a friend of mine; it cancels out toxic masculinity…” I laughed softly. “It was always something I admired about you. You were never a typical player; you were never a womanizer or a heartbreaker… though I’m sure a lot of women fell hard for you without  any mixed signals from you.”

◄ Lee ►

Grandfather’s stone. This had been her choice for me? Could I see it, yup sure I did. However, for her to have thought it through too.

I didn’t know much about stones and their meanings. Something I’d look up later when I had time. My hands tightened around her waist. “Any lesser man would take offence at being told he wasn’t a heartbreaker you know. It’s a good thing I never aspire to achieve such goals.”

I was proud to say I was one of sons of Sue Clearwater, our mother had no room in her house for masculine toxicity. We brothers were Brought up to respect women, our elders and our tribe.

Which got me to thinking. “You know about these stones and their meanings. I’m curious to know . Which are you?”

◄ Emmy ►

I made an irritated groan... "Guys like that strive for that image are so unattractive." Then I silently thanked the Spirits the Lee wasn't one of them.

"Lucky you never for that category." I chuckled. "Not sure that's something I could ever unsee. “I had to think back and  my friend had once told me...

"Topaz... Apparently." I smiled "But I can't remember why."

◄ Lee ►

“Stop judging people Little Minx, until your name is Edward Cullen, and you can mind read. It’s hard to understand why a person acts the way they do.” My hands slacked her arse gently before coming back to hold waist.

“Topaz? That’s an interesting choice. Do you have Any say in it too? Or it is just something that is ours to keep?” Something I knew little about, but with her I wanted to learn more.

◄ Emmy ►

“You really want to talk about Edward Cullen while I’m on top of you?” I laughed and squeezed my legs around his hips.

I watched the fire dance in his eyes. “I mean I’m sure you do. But try and tell Tallie that.” I chuckled. “Listening to her is whet my highly limited gemstone comes from.”

Talulah Brown (they/them), the most outspoken Two-Spirited dancer teacher on the reservation. We’d been in dance classes together since we could walk.

“I always really liked onyx if I’m honest. But that might have been my goth phase.” I chuckled.

◄ Lee ►

“What? The sparkling young forever, ice cold, blood drinking kind don’t do it for you?” I had to tease, wondering if vampires ears burned when they were spoken around. I’d have to ask him the next time we spoke.

Her act threw Cullen out of my mind faster than it came in. The twitch in my now dry jeans was her answer.

I had to laugh. “Oh, I cannot bring up someone. But we’re talking about Tallie now? They must have burning ears now.”

Grinning my fingers moved up her body until they were tangled in her silky soft, get black hair. “Of course, a black as your beautiful hair. As dark as your eyes under the moonlight, with the flames of the fire dancing in them.”

Bringing her face down to mine. “A mix of topaz and onyx. It’s perfect for you.” Muttering the words against her lips. “Are you going to kiss me now, or what?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly. "I always preferred toasted almond over vanilla. "Okay, so he had a point. "Totally different!" I teased. "Tallie is alive... and hot! You've seen them dance right?"

I felt that twitch and my mind melted. The word kiss was all I could focus on. "Hell yes!" I murmured and kissed him softly first. "I can't even remember what we’re talking about..." I kissed him deeply, pressing my body down onto his. the firelight started the fade, but we had all the heat we needed.

◄ Lee ►

Right now, I didn’t give a shit about anyone other than her. All the names forgotten because no one was as perfect as Emmy in my eyes.

“Shut up… and kiss me…” growling the words and biting her lips. I didn’t want her thinking about how hot someone else was. I’d make sure She forgot about them too.

Arms snaked around her waist, the flats of my warm palms moved up and down her back, touching and feeling their way while my mouth worked and danced with hers.

◄ Emmy ►

I did exactly what he said not stopping for a second to tell him so. I rolled my hips down onto him and groaned. His arms locked me in, and his lips never left mine. I captured his and sucked... Tasting him, feeling the heat of his bare chest.

I knew there was no one around, but we were still on the beach.

I softened the kiss. "Easy, baby... Don't make me tear off the rest of your clothes." I bit his lip lightly. "The rest of you is for my eyes only."

◄ Lee ►

Laughter burst free again. Kissing her mouth again before my arms loosened from around her.

“I heard no one, there are no other scents than you and me, and I wasn’t planning on running naked down the beach, but it’s good to now.”

Huffing out a breath, my dark eyes found hers “So… Little Minx… Do you want to head off before the sun comes up on us here? Maybe get some shut eye while we are at it?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed, kissing his lips, and his chin. both cheeks. “And I wasn’t planning on getting you naked on the beach but here I am…. Fighting the urge to tear off your clothes. You know plans never go smoothly when I’m in the mix.”

I glanced at the horizon… no longer lit with  the blue/white glow of the moons, and deep orange started to stain and blur the line.

“Hmm… Well… I already know what it’s like to wake up all tangled up with you. You up for another first? Or are you too sleepy?” I smiled. Everyone in the pack had seen many sunrises. But I feeling that like me… Lee hadn’t watched one in the arms of a lover.

◄ Lee ►

I was laughing, grinning, and smiling all at fucking once. Her kisses were so Emmy, and yet the emotion behind them felt like a breakthrough for the both of us. My hands resting around her waist, I followed her gaze to the sky. The beautiful change broadcasting the arrival of a new day.

“With you? Sleep seems to be the last thing on my mind. It feels like a ducking waste of time when I could be sharing time with you baby.” Curling my finger into her dry hair. This time I was the one to sit up to meet her mouth and kiss her.

“Emmy… Do you want to see the sunrise with me?” Another first… Lee Clearwater… asking a woman to do something romantic. However, she wasn’t just any woman.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled and kissed him again… “The upside is the waking up part.” There was nothing like the feeling of waking up in a tangle of limbs and heat and seeing the face the moment my eyes opened.

My eyes locked on his for a May and heart betrayed me by racing again. “I thought you’d never ask.” I teased him and kissed him again.

I moved swinging one leg over him so shift to sit between his legs and lean back against his chest. “Another first…” I whispered settling in with my boyfriend…. to watch the sun rise.

I never thought I would end up  here… It unexpected and wonderful.

◄ Lee ►

She said… YES! My wolf huffed at the sight of my inner loss of control. However, he understood the importance of this moment just as much as I did.

“Another First baby.” Kissing the top of her head, my strong muscular arms closed around her perfect warrior frame. With our eyes on the changing landscape and the skyline before us.

“Another, perfect first with you…” I whispered into her hair.

[whenthetablesareturned]

First Step into Being with you – Storyline with Emmy Call & Lee Clearwater - Part One

 

◄ Lee ►

Arching a brow.

“Let me get this right. You want me to sit your sexy arse on the table, rip your pants off and eat you out… while everyone here gets an eye full?”

Coughing hard. “Asking for a friend.”

◄ Emmy ►

Trying to act like that don’t churn my inside and send heat flooding to my core. “Best save that for behind the curtain.”

Tighten my ponytail and crossing my legs tightly. “We wouldn’t want the other guys around here to feel… inadequate… watching you perform.”

◄ Lee ►

Pulling her arse back into me. “Ok. How about if I take you from behind and rub that scent all over your panties. Then rips them off while making you scream?”

Kissing her neck. “Again. Asking for a friend.”

◄ Emmy ►

Reaching back the rest my hand on the back of his neck, giving n enough to have him come closer. “Do you really want the whole world to know how loud I can get?”

Gripping the back of his neck while I sweep his ankle and twist in his hold as he falls backwards.

◄ Lee ►

“Then will___”

I fell my feet going out from under me and I grinned my arms around her waist bringing her down with me.

“Fuck Emmy!” My back hitting the floor hard I kept her body protected by mine.

“Now you’re getting kinky!” Letting my arms drop to the floor.

◄ Emmy ►

Keeping my hand on the back of neck to stop his head from hopping off the floor... Not worrying about myself because I knew that he would catch me, even the fall wouldn't harm me.

“We both know I’m better on top.” winking and stabbing his waist.

◄ Lee ►

Grinning so fucking big when I felt where her hands went. She cared! “We both know I like you on top. It’s where I can see you in all your glory when we’re playing dirty.”

Winking back at her. My hands moving to slide up her thighs.

◄ Emmy ►

I slapped the back of his hands lightly and pulled them away, despite wanting his touch. I pinned them by his side and held them in place it shifting my knees over his forearms. Not hard... Just enough so he could feel it.

“What was that you said covering me on your scent?” Both hands cupped his jaw and caressed their way along his throat.

“I think it might be my turn.”

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow, with a burst of laughter booming in the room. “Now who is all action and demanding?”

And fuck me it was something to watch. To feel that strength in her to keep me down. Letting her have her way, because being in the passenger seat is fine by me. “Oh yeah? What are you planning on that mischievous brain of yours?”

◄ Emmy ►

My fingers traced the curve of his throat and down he defined chest… my mouth water. “I like this technique for pinning you down…” I smirked. “Keeps my hands free.” I dragged my nails over the fabric of his shirt and thought for a moment.

I leaned in really close, lips a hairs breath from his. “I know just the thing.” I cupped his chin and tilted hi head to the side. Licking a sloppy line from his jaw to his forehead.

“Have you heard the phrased ‘I licked it so it’s mine’ yet?” I tried (and failed) not to laugh.

◄ Lee ►

“I’m like this technique more than I thought I would.” Keeping my hands down as he wanted. The grin on my mouth grew to the next level. Things were stirring to life in my jeans thanks to her too. This is until.

“Fuck! Emberly Whitney Call!!!” Taking a hold of her face in both my hands. Wiping the side of my face to the side of hers. Laughing loudly.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed, letting him free his hands. And half-heartedly swatting his chest when he rubbed my own slobber all over me. “You were about to get frisky.” inspired I was doing you a favour!” dropping my eyes to indicate his crotch.

◄ Lee ►

“That’s not going to stop him from coming up for play.” Curling my arms around her to bring her down to me my mouth finding hers with easy. However instead of kissing her I licked her Chin, up her lips, and the tip of her nose.

“MINE!” A booming laugh followed “I like this!”

◄ Emmy ►

I crumpled up my face when he licked me and laughed with him. "That was so hot, Clearwater!" I teased and swatted his chest. "How did I ever resist you for so many years.

I rolled my eyes and rolled off of him. My similar attack was no sexier than his... but I would never  admit that anything I did was less than sexy or full of a dancer's grace... depending on the situation.

◄ Lee ►

"I have no idea. Have you seen what a catch I am? Where have you been hiding all this time?" Rolling onto my side, reaching out for her hand before she got away.

"Where are you going?" Resting my head on my had on my propped-up elbow. "It's going to get cold down here without you.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and lay on my side to face him. “If I stay on top you, we both know clothes will come off… and then I can’t be responsible for my actions.”

My eyes ran the length of him sprawled on the floor next to me… it was crime how hit this man was.

◄ Lee ►

“And yet I hear nothing in there I don’t like?” Giving her my Clearwater signature smile.

“But. Okay. Fine. I get the message. Clothes to remain on. Now what?” Arching my brow while I let her check me out.

◄ Emmy ►

I looked at him like he was crazy and pushed myself up into a sitting position. "Food!” I laughed like it was obvious. "If you're brave enough to eat anything I cook."

I kissed him and jumped up to my feet. “Come on slow coach.”

◄ Lee ►

Kissing her once before falling on my back to the flood. Running my hands up and down my stomach.

“Spirits! I knew there was a reason I liked you.” Then it dawns on me. “Wait a minute.. do you even know how to cook?” Jumping up into my feet in one swift motion, following.

◄ Emmy ►

I didn’t want to look back at him… because knew that would distract. But I did, because of course I did. Just in time to his hands smoothing down his shirt.

“I mean… Technically… Yes. But there’s a reason my Mom always make lasagne when we have people over. Or a roast Chicken… But I’m almost positive you can only mess that up by burning it or not cooking it fully.”

I wanted to slap those hands away from him and replace them with mine… I bit my lip. I nudged his thigh with my toe. “No get up and stop trying to distract me.”

◄ Lee ►

Adjusting myself in my pants. This Emmanuel was causing some problematic reactions for me. “The chicken sets alarm bells off. It’s called salmonella poisoning Emmy.”

Smacking her arse while I followed her. “So, what are we eating,”

◄ Emmy ►

I licked my lower lip watching him… “If you lose the jeans, it could solve your….” My brows quirk “Problem.” It so was NOT a problem.

“Can Spirit Warrior even get Salmonella… I cook for mom, and she’s never gotten sick…” heading into the kitchen to see what the options were.

“Whao guys… like… have real food…” The was fresh vegetables and everything in here.

◄ Lee ►

“If my jeans come off.. you are not cooking. And we both know that.” Lifting my leg as I turned a chair to face her. Watching her fine arse move around wasn’t helping.

“Huh? What? Of course, we have real food, what were you expecting? Frozen pizzas?” Smirking at her.

◄ Emmy ►

I whipped around and stared at him like he had just commit a felony. “And what exactly is wring with frozen pizza?” I asked, one hand on my hip.

“do you have any pizza? That actually sounds good.” He had to have one or two stashed in the freezer even he was acting like A freshly-prepared-food-only kinda guy. I pulled open the freezer to check. Surely, they kept a few for days when they needed something fast.

◄ Lee ►

Leaning into the chair, my elbows resting on it, and my chin on my hands. Grinning like the cat who got the cream. “It’s frozen. And making a fresh one is better?” I only said it to draw a reaction out of her. And fuck.

“You look sexy when you’re mad.” Saying it before laughing.

“Look behind the frozen smoothie mix bags. There are two if I’m not wrong.”

◄ Emmy ►

“I am always sexy, and you know it….” Then I tilted my head. “You know how to make pizza from scratch and your mom still hasn’t managed to marry you off?” I teased.

I searched behind the bags of frozen fruit being just fine, but frozen pizza wasn’t good enough.

I pulled  A pizza and two different blocks of cheese. “This will do nicely.” I said, turning on the oven the heat up.

◄ Lee ►

“Oh, she could marry me off, it’s a good thing I know how to handle her expectations.” Watching her, fighting the urge to squeeze that arse of hers because damn it looks good.

“What are you doing with the cheese?” Curious as to what this process would turn into.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled softly, searching for a pizza tray as he teased. "There's never enough cheese o these... so I let it cook for five minutes, add extra cheese and then pop it back in." I grinned at him because this method was very popular with #Jake and #Quil.

I found what I was for and slide the pizza in... I had seen him checking out my arse and I made a show of leaning over the oven.

"I thought we agreed I was just going to permanently ink my name right above your crotch." I smirked and started to grate cheese. "I think that would make the same  statement, don't you?"

◄ Lee ►

“Wow. Wow. Wow. We did no such thing. And the placement needed to be refined a little for sure if such a conversation is to take place.”

Standing up I went and stood behind her, her height making me grin some more.  “Extra cheese? That’s genius.” Leaning down to kiss the top. Of her head with my hands around her waist.

“Why the five minutes cooking time first?” Again, I knew. But I would use this the next time she told me she doesn’t cook. Because this was classed as cooking.

◄ Emmy ►

 I laughed and tilted my head up to him to when he kissed the top of my head. It was a strange, warm sensation. Like coming home. “No discussion.” I tease. “I have made my decree.” I laughed, still working on the cheese.

“I lit is bake for a bit first or the cheese cooks  faster because it’s not frozen and it get brown on top before the pizza is full cooked.” I tapped my temple.

“Not just a pretty face, Clearwater.” I smirked.

◄ Lee ►

“Hmm, not just a pretty face, Call. But it is pretty. ”Pushing her hair off her shoulder placing soft kissing on her neck.

“Aren’t women good with the multitasking thing.” Keeping one arm wrapped around her Waist.

“So, it’s all about the perfect cheese melt and pull? I like it.”

◄ Emmy ►

“There no denying that!” I boasted. But the breath that rushed out of me when he kissed my neck instantly softened the sarcasm.

“Sure... Let's say that's it and it's not about cramming in as many different types of cheese as I can get my hands on.” I laughed. My body instinctively leaned back against him. His heat and presence always tugging me closer.

◄ Lee ►

Another laugh burst out of me. “There is nothing wrong with wanting all the cheese Little Minx.” Watching her over her shoulder. Placing slow soft kisses on her neck. Because distracting her was a goal now.

◄ Emmy ►

My breath caught in my throat and my hand slowed. Superhuman healing or not... I did not want to grate the skin off my knuckles today.

That shit hurt.

A low hum escaped my lips as my teeth caught it. "Playing dirty, Clearwater." I barely whispered. "Are you afraid that my  frozen pizza will blow your cooking ou of the water?" I chuckled... because it was impossible.

He was surprisingly good.

◄ Lee ►

A deep rumble of a chuckle echoed through my kisses to her neck. My hands stoking the side of her waist. “The spirits gave me the strength and the courage to try. It would be wrong for me not to give it a go.”

She slowed the grating of the cheese telling me it was working. “Do you help there; you seem to have lost some steam in that grating motion?” Biting her soft perfect skin then letting my tongue roam it.

“I’m happy to help you know Little Minx.”

◄ Emmy ►

“Hmm...” my dropped back and I stopped working on the food completely. The sound shaky and breathy. My skin flushed and embers sparked to life low in my stomach. Burning from his touch.

“Your.... Oh!” His tongue training along my neck cut me off. I felt cheese squish between fingers and under my fingernails.

“Dammit!” I laughed, glad it was a cheese hand I clenched and not the one holding the grater. “You are dangerous, Lee Clearwater. Utterly Dangerous.”

◄ Lee ►

Eyes moving to her hands a heartily laughter blowing up out of me. Stopping my temptation to the dark said I stepped back.

“Shit, I didn’t expect that. Fuck Emmy, what of beast was in your hands. You would have killed him!” Eye moving down the growth in my pants, thanks to her.

“Ok. One thing at a time. You.. well we need to eat. Even if the cheese is all mushy now.”

Smacking her fine arse. “Then I feel like some exercise will be necessary.” Waggling my brows with a grin and a chuckle.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed. What else was there to do? And then I exploded into laughter. “Really? That's what you're going with.” I nudged his blue with my arse. Scraping or the bulk of the destroyed cheese. A spun to face him and sucked one finger clean... slowly and deliberately.

“Such a  tracked mind, Lee.” I teased, pretending like I wasn't tempted to let the pizza but while I lay him flat on the kitchen table and... My heart stuttered. Fuck!

I shook myself. I could resist. Couldn't I? “Want a taste?” I smirked holding a cheesy finger to his lips. Because there was no way that could be seen as sexy... Right?

◄ Lee ►

“Don’t go blasting my friend and his name. He sees you to a pleasant night most nights woman. ”Laughing with her because the name was obnoxious. And had been a joke that stuck.

Growling at her, my eyes homing in on the way she licked those fingers.  “Fuck it.”I was beside her side in one stride. Taking her by her wrist and bringing it up to my mouth.

“I want a taste of—"The words cut off with my eyes burrowing into hers. Because the inside told her everything.

Bringing her finger into my mouth, my tongue worked around before Sucking hard to clean the salty cheese from her skin. “Hmm. So worth it.” Taking the next finger and doing the same.

◄ Emmy ►

My stomach came to life and my bit my lip hard. Okay... I was wrong. That was sexy. “By the Spirits.” I whispered; heat pooled in my core. “Nope! We are behaving!” I said breathless my and pushed him back with my elbows.  Since both my hands were covering in cheese that was  melting with my body heat.

“You are a bad influence, Lee Clearwater.” I said, washing my hands and trying to stop myself from imagining ripping his clothes off. “And that.... Nickname?” I smirked. “We need to work on it.”

◄ Lee ►

The scent in the kitchen changed, and with a blink of an eye my wolf was up and stirring. He and I growled at the same time when she pushed me back.

He told me to throw her over my shoulder and carry her upstairs. And I remind him of that thing we call consent. “I am the bad influence here? Really little minx. This is the path you want to take?”

Sniffing the air pointedly to tell her I know what I did to her. And she was thinking the same thing as me. However, I stepped back padding off to the fridge. “I need a beer to cold me down”

◄ Emmy ►

Dried my hand and opened the oven. "Don't change the subject!" I teased him... knowing what I had done me, had my scent dominating the room, even with the cooking food.

"I am determined to cook for you at least once." I grinned and sprinkled the not ruined cheese on the top of the pizza and slid it back into the oven.

I cleaned off the counter. and hopped up onto it. "And when you've tasted the best frozen pizza you've ever eaten... you can thank me any way you see fit." I tilted my head to check him out as he leaned into the fridge.

◄ Lee ►

“Who would dare to change subjects here? Not me?” Feeling her eyes on my arse. Remembering what she did to me. I gave my cheeks a shake and laughed so hard. Pulling out two beers.

“That arse shake thing looks so much better on a woman.” Twisting the caps off, making my way Back to her. Giving her a beer, then pushing her legs open to stand between then.

“Anyway, I want? Are you sure?”  My free hand went around the back of her arse to push her forward. They bulge in my jeans hitting her just right.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned at him and shook my head. "I might need to see it again once or twice before I can agree or disagree with that." I smirked... because damn! That was a final arse.

I locked my legs around him, and leaned in... nipping at his lower lip. "𝔸𝕟𝕪 way you want." I groaned  when he pulled me forwards, the hardness in his pants pressed into the exact right spot.

"If I knew cheese turned you so much, I would have destroyed a whole block of cheese ages ago."

◄ Lee ►

Kissing her mouth once. Twice. And then a third time. “Not happening. It was a one-off performance.” Setting my beer down to the side. My fingers combed her hair off her face.

“Have you not realised the truth yet Emberly Call?” Biting her lips, the same way she did mine. “You are the one that turned me hard. It doesn’t matter what you do. I want you.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly between each kiss... some might even call it a giggle... but I was far too badarse to giggle. I set the bottle he me down so I could fist one hand in the front of his shirt and then let the other slide slowly up his neck into that thick silky hair.

I clenched my thighs around his middle.

"And I thought I was the insatiable one here." I smiled, nipping at his lips and kissing him again. "I know you do... you aren't in the habit of hiding it from me."

◄ Lee ►

Uncomfortable. My pants became that way when her hands moved up my neck and went to my hair. “Why would I hide from you? I want you to see all of me. This is my baby. As I am.”

Kissing her mouth again, this time pushing my tongue past her lips to taste her. My hand moved Down to the back of her arse again. Pushing her flash to my chest.

◄ Emmy ►

I bit my lip as he fidgeted against me. That bulge was growing... I could feel the strain in his jeans. I slid my hand down the back of his neck again.

"So..." My words were cut off but his deep kiss. My tongue danced against his.  Our bodies fit perfectly together.  I wrapped  my arms around his shoulders, pulling him to me tighter. "No..." I said breathlessly between kisses. "Hiding... Got it."

 

◄ Lee ►

My mouth stopped the second I heard her say the word “No.” my mind a fog from the desire clouding my mind. It took a second longer to understand what she was fully saying, and it wasn’t “No” to this. It was “no hiding.”

“Little Minx!” Closing my eyes to rest my forehead on Hers.

“You are going to be the death of me.” The voice low, husky, with the pull from my wolf to feel her mouth again.

“No. Hiding. Ever. Good or bad.” My mouth back on hers, my hands cupping her face to mine as I deepened my kiss on her plumb lips.

◄ Emmy ►

I felt him tense up... but until he said I was going to be the death of him I had no idea why. I laughed softly. He was good... in every possible way. He kissed me again, before I could gather my thoughts enough to put them into words.

"Sorry." I murmured, smiling against his lips. "I thought my legs right around your waist was enough of a yes for you." I nipped at his lower lip.

"I'll choose my words a little more carefully..." I kissed him. I could do that for him... It couldn't be that hard right? "And I promise if I even mean to tell you no... I'll do it with y whole body and my words."

◄ Lee ►

My hands moved to comb her hair back out of her face again. Mouth moving down to her chin and then down her neck. Giving her time for her words to come out.

I knew this. I knew she was strong enough to ouch me back, to kick me away. But she shouldn’t have to.

A no was a no for me, and that was that. “Deal.” My low voice Spoke into her warm skin. “But until then.”

Letting my hands moved down her back to squeeze her arse. “We are good.” If she weren’t, I would hear about it.

◄ Emmy ►

"Thinking before I speak was never a strong suit with me. But I'll work it when it comes to this." I smiled, leaning in so my lips brushed his as they formed the words.

The drop in his had my nipples peaking against his chest and his hands on my arse made my core pulse. My  legs tightened again, seeking friction... but what I received was friction from him and he fucking perfectly placed hardness in his jeans. I gasped at the unplanned shot of pleasure. "Heel yes we are." I groaned and tangled my fingers into his hair, locking his mouth against the sweet spot he'd find on my neck.

Of course, that was the moment the oven timer pinged.

◄ Lee ►

Biting her neck my hands squeezed her arse again. She knew how to use her body to bring out the warrior in me in all the right ways. He was stirring like a predator and wanted to climb every inch of her body for ours.

“Trying. Is all I ask.” The words said into her skin, And I bite her. Sucking on her soft skin just enough to leave a mark for our time together. It would heal before we parted ways.

“Fuck no!” Resting my forehead in the crock of her neck. My breathing uneven from the pleasure and her scent.

“Hold that thought!” Kissing her.

◄ Emmy ►

I groaned... slumping against him. A small laugh escaped, and I tried the gather up the threads of my composure. I might have even clung to him a little... just might. Okay, definitely when I felt the make bloom on my skin. That should have gotten him killed. He was lucky I healed so fast. I returned the favours and three red lines on the back of his neck and a slow only mildly stinging scrape of my fingernails.

We both took a few breaths, and then he kissed me, and I grumbled. "I never thought I would want a man more than my famous pimped-out pizza." I teased, licking my lips for one more taste of him. "I woman maybe..." I chuckled. "But this is a first!"

◄ Lee ►

Stopping with the door of the oven open, the heart wave radiated out and I looked back over my shoulder at her. “Not sure if you just slapped me in the face of complimented me. Telling a guy, you were a pizza and a woman over him. Not how it works.”

Thinking about it. “Actually, telling anyone you want food over them should put a dampener on the moment.”

The oven door closed, and the pizzas tray set on the hob. “Them again. This does smell and look good.” Shifting myself to try to adjust.

◄ Emmy ►

I dropped down from the counter, graceful and silent. Waiting until he set the tray down... Superhuman healing or not I didn't want him to burn himself. My fingers brushed against the tender spot on my neck and I remembered how his lips felt on my skin.

"Oh... poor baby." I  set my hands on his waist and lay my cheek against his back... because his shoulder was out of reach without climbing him like a tree.

"I forgot your brain doesn't have dibs on the blood supply right now." I laughed. "I mean... you... are the only man I have ever wanted MORE than my famous pizza." I pressed a kiss to his shoulder blade.

◄ Lee ►

Reaching over for a knife from the block sat on the counter. I stopped looking back as she came to stand behind me. Grinning as she stood there against my back. Her small but powerful body felt right.

“What? Did you? I sure you were just trying to mess with me.” Cutting the pizza up into equal slices. I turned around keeping her close. My arms curled around her.

“You want to eat it while it’s hot? Or when it’s cold. That’s the true test here.”

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled. "I do love to mess with you but no... I did say there were moments in the past where I might have abandoned pizza for a woman but not a man... until now." I wrapped my arms around his waist.

"I could prove it to you right now." I bit his lightly, teasing. "But... You have to eat at least one slice hot so that you will never doubt the power of the pimped-out pizza again."

◄ Lee ►

“Ouch!” It didn’t hurt. But it was fun to act like it did. Leaning down to kiss the top of her head, I nodded.

“Toni right? That was her name? The girl you were serious about?”

Remembering Jake and Quil teasing her about her date nights, and the time they spent together. “Hmm. Okay one slice hot. But we both know once we start there is no stopping us. You grab your masterpiece. And I’m grabs some drinks. What do you want?”

Kissing her head again, before letting her to and walking to the fridge.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed at the exclamation. "Drama Queen." I teased him. A different sort of heat rose in me when he kissed the top of my head.

I shrugged, stunned he remembered that. picking the knife, the finished slicing the pizza. "A beer... can't beat pizza and beer, right?" I smiled. "Yeah, Antonia, I'd known her my whole life... I'm not sure serious is the right word. I tried... but... She was..." I didn't like to speak badly about her. I loved her, just not the way she wanted me to. "I guess it just wasn't the right time for me to do the relationship thing." I wondered if he knew how that had ended?

Wasn't that something you were meant to tell a boyfriend? Especially when that boyfriend had never done anything like it. "You know I cheated on her, right?" I blurted it out, because transparency... honesty, that was our thing. But he had to know... the whole pack did. I had hated myself for it for weeks until #Quil had held up a mirror to the whole fiasco and showed me that Toni wasn't exactly an angel either.

◄ Lee ►

“Drama King. Thank you so much.” A burst of laughter followed because I had my desired effect, knowing full well she would have some come back to my reaction.

My hand stopped around the neck of a bottle as she spoke from behind me. My finger reached out slowly for a second bottle of beer, the. I closed the door tuning to face her.

“Hmm. I heard something along the lines.” As the Beta of the pack, nothing really got past me. But I didn’t listen to gossip, and I didn’t judge anyone. Glass houses and all.

Twisting the caps off the bottles.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled at him. "Okay, okay... King, it is... besides we all know the Queen really runs the show."

I slide put the pizza on the centre of the table and grabbed us each a plate. "I was a complicated situation... the whole thing was basically over at that point... but..." I bit lip. My heart squeezed in my chest. "I know that kinda thing can be a deal breaker for people... I'm not proud of it but it's the truth... I hadn't made it clear where I stood. I know we said we didn't need to talk about the past and everything... but if I have learned  one thing from movies its that keeping something like that a secret always ends badly."

◄ Lee ►

Setting a bottle before her I sat, the bottle to my mouth listening to everything she wanted to share. I wasn’t in the habit to push people into telling me anything they didn’t want me to know. But something became very clear to me there. Setting the bottle down.

With my fingers clasped, looking her in her eyes.

“We did say the past has not relevance on us, and where we stand. And this is still true. However, I need to ask you somethings. You just made a comment. And it doesn’t sit easy with me.

Saying “ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴡᴀꜱ ʙᴀꜱɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ”.. if it were over. You would have ended it. Told her you are done, and then done what you did.

I’m not judging you. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong. I’m just saying. I hear so many people use that line.

‘It was over in my head.’ Or ‘we were over, he/she just wouldn’t accept it.’ Or ‘I didn’t mean to do it.’ I don’t like that. It’s like they aren’t taking responsibility of their own actions.”

What was the point I was making here?

“Again. I’m not judging you or Toni. I don’t know her other than seeing her about with you. What happened was and is between you and her. You and I. We’ve set our ground rules. I trust you. And in my eyes, that’s what counts.”

◄ Emmy ►

I chewed on my lips, listening to him as I slipped onto one on the chair at the kitchen table.

“I know you aren’t the type to judge and I’m not telling you this to tell you about me and Toni just about me… and what I did. Because the answer is it was over in my head. I  didn’t tell her it was over… I assumed that because had this huge fight she was too.” I looked up at him

“And I know that’s stupid… but I was 19 and she’d told me she loved, and I never said it back. I convinced myself I’d made it clear I was out . In the height of the fight,  we were having. And that’s not me making an excuse it and admission that I made a mistake. The next day I knew that I’d been wrong. I told her everything, I didn’t make any excuses. I took the blame. Sure, we were fighting about other things… but I should have told her  it was over. And ever since then I’ve made a habit of making sure the people, I care about know how I feel. Even if it might hurt them.”

◄ Lee ►

After she was done, moving to sit back, and picking the bottle up. My hand held it from neck so it didn’t warm up. Letting all the information settle, I took a long deep gulp of the cold liquid.

“Okay.” Nodding my head. “So. We are on the same page here? Our past doesn’t mean we are those same people. We learn, we agree to be open and honest. And…”

Pointing to the pizza. “We agree that I can make you forget about food?” Winking, but at the same time giving her to opening to do as she wanted to. If she wanted to talk more about It, I would listen. If she was done, I wouldn’t push. We had talked about this. We both knew where we stand. And I trusted her. That’s all that mattered to me.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled... I still hated thinking about all of that. But I was glad I told him, I knew he wasn't going to hold it against me or trust me less. I had finished for it for too long. But I refused to be labelled a cheater, I know people had the attitude of ‘once a cheater always a  cheater’ but I never let that slide. Yes, I had done a horrible thing. But I was not a horrible person. I laughed softly and weighed from my beer because I didn't need to say that to him.

I leaned over to kiss his cheek. “You’re a pretty good listener for a Beta wolf, you know.”

I said softer. “I never really chose any of that... It just kind of happened. But this... It's different, I'm all in. I choose you and to be yours...” I tilted my head and locked gazes with him, continuing in a serious solemn tone. “You're like... My Pikachu.”

◄ Lee ►

My face wanted to explode in laughter. This woman could give me wipe lash from the way that conversation started, went and how it was ending. Leaning into her, my fingers under her chin to hold her eyes on me.

“I’ll be you Pikachu as long as you will have me.” Planting a Kiss on her mouth. “There’re no take backs in the Clearwater house Call. You picked me. You got me.

◄ Emmy ►

I could see it all in his eyes the restraint, the laugh he was holding in. My eyes brightened when he played along with my joke... I lifted of my chair just enough the swish my hips around until I sat on his lap.

"So no pressure?" I kissed back. "Pikachu might be a bad choice  now that I think about it..."

Then I went on a long tangent about the very first episode of Pokemon and how Ash got stuck with Pikachu instead of choosing one, I just kept talking to see how long he let me ramble before shutting me up with a kiss. My eyes stayed fixed on  his lips the entire time.

◄ Lee ►

Moving my chair back enough for her to climb herself into my lap. My mouth stayed shut  from talking, but I grabs a slice of pizza biting into it. I knew what she was doing. But the home was on her. I had no issues with listening to her ramble on.

She did it a lot, mostly with the others in the pack, but it was hard to miss when she got started. The woman could talk for the world. And again. It was fine by me. “Wait, which one was Ash?” I asked when it felt like she had started to slow down.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed. Grabbing my slice of pizza, unable to resist the melted stingy cheese when he lifted his slice. He called my bluff! “Don't be such a good, Clearwater!” I teased. “Ash is the main character!”

◄ Lee ►

“Oh. The chick with the pink hair?” Replying without missing a beat. Keeping my eyes on her and biting into the hot slice, slowly chewing with a grin on my face.

◄ Emmy ►

I froze with my teeth buried in a slice. Staring  at him like he'd just kicked a puppy. I finished the bite and swallowed. “You are so lucky you're hot.”

I rolled my eyes. “So... What's the verdict on my signature dish?”

◄ Lee ►

Grinning all proud of myself, even if for a moment I could swear she would jump over the table and knock me out. I arched a brow. And nodding a few times.

“This is good. I knew people added to them. But this, they way you made it. It’s not over cooked, and not still Wet and soggy in the middle. I approve.” Winking I took another slice.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned. “See I told! This was I always have at least four types of cheese in the fridge… just for more flavour.”

I took another bite. A little blood on cheese sticking dripping onto my chin. “I’ve tried add pepperoni and things like that but they just get crispy around the  edges. #Jake and #Quil still like it though.” I chuckled. “Not that they are hard to impress.”

◄ Lee ►

Watching her while I eat that gin grew at the cheese that was living rent free on her chin. Leaning across the table with a napkin I wiped it off, and then kissed her before sitting back down.

“You can’t hold it against the guys. They like food. It doesn’t matter what kind. Just feed them. And they will be grateful. As are the kid and I too. But you hit it on the head.

I feel like I let the side down by not having more cheeses here for you. I’ll add them to the list.”

◄ Emmy ►

Something really, really strange happen in my chest when he wiped the cheese from my chin... and flush, rising over my chest.

My heart raced... stupid traitor and I watched every move her made until he kissed me and I tried my hardest to get a grip on myself.

"Yeah.... Food... sure..." What hell were we talking about?  "CHEESE!" I blurted.  "Right... I mean. Considering the great cheese massacre of 2023, it was probably for the best. I'll be prepared for sabotage next time.

◄ Lee ►

Laughter rumbled in my chest, but I didn’t let it out. Knowing full well what that heart of hers sounded lie. The face that she hid nothing from the world, it all added up over time.

“Cheese gate? You’re talking about that? Didn’t you sign an NDA on that topic?

◄ Emmy ►

I swatted at his chest, unapologetically leaving pizza crust crumbs. “Me? Please I never sign anything until my team look it over.”

I twisted in the lap to put my face right in front of his. Brushing my nose against and making my voice a whisper. “You on the other hand… I’ll have to find a way to swear you to secrecy.” I curled my tongue against his top lip. “Can’t let it get out how easily you get me ruffled!” 

‘Please don’t have sex on my kitchen table.’ #Seth’s joking tone came from the door way.

◄ Lee ►

Resting my forehead to hers, TL letting out a deep sigh as I hear the sound of my bother. “Hey, I helped to make this table.”

Scoffing. ‘No, you helped  oil it. Collin and Brady were the ones who made it.’ Okay. He has a point. ‘Is there any of that left for me?’

Arms wrapped around Emmy, I mowed her to cover my lap. My hardness pushing up into her arse. She made it so, now she would have to deal with it.

“Have at it.” Winking at him.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed at the banter between the brothers and tried so, so hard not to think about what was pressing against my arse. But it was hard to ignore something that... well... Fuck.

But it was good to know the table was made by the pups... It probably could survive if we did... Nope. Couldn't go there right now.

"I made it." I grinned at him and saw the instant hesitation on his face. They all knew I wasn't the greatest cook. "Not from scratch!" I added with a chuckle.

'Extra cheese?' he grinned and lifted a slice. 'You too are gonna be as bad as Rachel and Paul... can't even eat lunch without pawing at each other.' He teased but you could see the happiness on his face.

I was glad to see his brother happy... but he was still a dude, so the teasing wasn't optional.

◄ Lee ►

“It’s shockingly really good.” Picking Emmy in the side, telling her I was joking with the surprised sound in my voice.

‘Bro, everyone knows Emmy’s pimped our pizza is good.’

Arching a brow. “So, I’m the only one on his Rez who hasn’t been offered any until now? Well, that’s rude.” Again, I couldn’t help mess with her.

“Nope, we are nothing like Paul and Rachel. We are going to be on a level much greater.” This I said to make my kid brother squirm, and contemplate if he wanted to run.

“What do you think Emmy? Up for the challenge?

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and shock my head. "Not my fault you wouldn't hang out with the young ones... trying like a grown-up and shit."

'Oh right!' Seth froze with the fridge door open. 'I totally forgot he's older than you.'

"Doesn't count." I mumbled around a bit of pizza. "Women  mature faster." I teased, after swallowing the food in my mouth.

I set the slice down and twisted a little in his lap. Making sure that he 𝕗𝕖𝕝𝕥 it, my arm moving around his neck. "Oooo... challenge accepted!" I smirked and snapped my teeth at him.

Seth just chuckled  and took a slice. 'Seriously though... you two look together.'

That sweet warmth that only Seth could make you feel wrapped itself around me. He truly was the best of us all. I mouthed a thank you before his grin turned cheeky.

'Especially when Lee is sitting down because...' He held his pizza high and his hand down by his chest. I scowled jokingly. A blob of cheese landed on his shirt. 'Ah man!!!!' He grumbled.

"Instant Karma!" I burst out laughing.

◄ Lee ►

“Hey, I had things to do. We could all sit about making pizza.” I’d started working with Da in high school, him and Ma wanted me to go to college, but it wasn’t to be.

“Hey! Are you saying I’m immature?” Squeezing her waist keeping her in her sport. After growling her name into her ear. She knew what she was doing when she moved.

“Sit down and eat kid. Ma wouldn’t be impressed with that move.” He picked up his shirt and sucked on the cheese sticking on it.

‘Can’t waste good cheese.’ Sitting down on the table across from us.

‘Also, it’s a Fact you know. What Emmy said. They did studies and stuff on it.’ Biting into his slice he winked at her saying he go her with this.

“Why does if feel like I am being ganged up on here?”

◄ Emmy ►

"No!" I laughed... someone might even call it a giggle if it wasn't for the fact that I never giggled. So I couldn't be that. "But the four years difference put us on equal footing maturity-wise." I tamped down the groan at the way he growled my name so softly it my soul quiver. "And that's a compliment because I normally subtract seven to get a guy's emotional age." I flashed a cheeky grin, full of seriously aroused subtext.

I gave #Seth an approving grin. "Don't worry Kid... you'll be a real grown-up someday." I teased...but he was  there, he had a great job, he had a place and paid his own bills. But he was still a pup to me.

"Oh! Poor Baby..." I squished Lee's cheeks between my thumb and fingers until his lips puckered and I kissed them. "There... All better." I laughed.

It was a fun, light-hearted moment... but something about the newness and comfort of it hit me.

Part of me was worried about the reactions of the pack as a group - not the boys individually - to Lee and me... but Seth had a way of every situation feel full of acceptance.

And Lee had a way of making  me feel like there was no place or situation we didn't belong in together. This... all of this... was going to be incredible.

Even the relentless teasing I was due from how badly I tormented Jay and Paul about being whipped.

◄ Lee ►

Both #TheKid and I exchanged a look at the same time. And without needing to explain we both knew that it was for the same reason and our eyes portrayed it clearly.  

“Did Emberly Call Just Giggle?”

And the undeniable answer is… ‘SPIRITS YES!’

Making #TheKid pay extra attention to his slice finishing it, to grab the last one on the plate. And making my grin without hiding it.

“Hey! I’m not sure I like the sound of the math here.” However, it was all evening said with tongue and cheek. I’d heard It being said all the time. Girls were better at growing up and gals just liked fucking around longer.

So, maybe the four years between us was another way for the spirits to say.

‘You are ready for each other.’?

She pulled on my face, making both Seth and I laugh. ‘There is proof he is in it to stay. There is No way anyone else could do that to you Bro.’

He wasn’t wrong there. So, I kissed her back. And then smiled of my baby brother.

“Don’t you get any ideas, I will kick your arse.” He scoffed telling me I would have to catch him. Before remembering, I was faster than him.

Emmy catch my attention when her body changed on top of me. She was lost in thought, my hand sat flat on her back and I rubbed it up and down slowly. Whispering.

“I’m here. I got you.” She didn’t need me to have her. But I still did.

◄ Emmy ►

The guys shared one of those communicative brotherly looks... I smiled, they had a special bond. I laughed at #Seth.

"If he wasn't in it to stay he never would let me kiss to begin with." I smiled, my cheeks even felt a little flushed... Lee was probably to only person I  Knew that could have possibly thought all of that through that quickly.  But then again... things felt different for a while before that.

'Wait...' #Seth smirked too wide. 'You made the first move?' He shook his head and looked at his brother and I knew what he was  thinking. There was no way the Beta in his big brother would have let him make a move with a very, very clear sign I wanted it... 'Never mind." He continued. 'Of course, you did.'

"You know I always go after what want unapologetically!" I smiled and #Seth gave me a  TMI kinda  look that made me laugh.

◄ Lee ►

When #TheKid looked over to me at Emmy’s revelation, I head him. And my answering look told him the answer.

From asking the question to saying ‘forget about it.’ He had the answer already.

I was the Beta of our pack, the one who promised to protect them with my life. There Was no way I would have crossed that line with her. Not like that. Not without thinking it all through. And I had. We had together.

“You do know I’m sat right here. And what am I a rag doll? I had some say in this you know.” Poking my fingers into her sides and kissing The side of her neck.

“It wasn’t a ‘you are coming with me’ thing.”

‘Sure, sure. You tell yourself that. The rest of us know the truth when it comes to Emmy.’

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and tilted my head when his lips met my neck... Normally the would have my heart pounding and my breath catching in my throat. But this kiss was playful and while definitely made the butterflies wake up, I was well able to control my arousal this time.

"It's not like it was an out-of-the-blue decision..." I smiled at Lee. "It was building for a while and I was pretty sure you were feeling what I was." I looked at Seth.

"And I was fully prepared for you to say no too... I mean... it most people don't see things like I do and I get  that. But... It wasn't a moment I was willing to let pass without taking the risk." 

I turned into him and kissed the side of his head.  "And it paid off in ways I never thought possible."

#Seth was grinning... 'Wow... Bro'you made Emmy get mushy. There should be a medal  for that.'

◄ Lee ►

She wasn’t wrong. “Expect I never planned on acting on it.” I wasn’t even sure what those feeling was until his kissed me and something just fell into place.

Laughing a little my hand on her back still rubbing up and down. “Hmm. She giggles, blushes, moans out my name.” Seth pushed back from the table covering his ear. ‘No! I do not need a repeat of that again. I could hear the two of you with my music up loud that other night. I think I will be having nightmares for years.’

Hearing him teasing because he winked at Emmy afternoon saying it. Made me laugh from my heart again. Seeing our family as happy for us as we were. It was great seeing them this way.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at him. “I know you wouldn’t have…” I run my fingers up and down the back of neck. And it was true… I knew it couldn’t be him, I respected him so I had for that fact. “You might have… if I asked you to kiss me.” I smiled a little wickedly… imagining the hunger that would have flashed in his eyes.

“Hey!” I stopped stroking the back of neck and tugged on a curl of his hair. “Emmy Call does not giggle!!”

I looked at #Seth unapologetically. “Sorry Kidd! I can’t make any promises.”

◄ Lee ►

“I would have thrown you over my shoulder, taken you home and had your arse drug tested.” And then when it came back negative. Then I would have stolen her breath with one kiss.

“Hey! What the…”  my head tugged back a little with her tug of my hair.

‘Fair play, you can’t blame a guy for trying.’ #Seth looked from the two of us to the empty plate on the table.

‘I’m going to head out over to the bar. See what’s going on with the others.’ Pushing up from the table, he took the dish with him to wash and clean.

◄ Emmy ►

I rolled my eyes... imagining myself growling  Kiss Me into his ear... There is no way he would have resisted. Not after our attraction to one another began to form.  I would test the theory later on.

I laughed at his shocked expression. But loved the feeling of his Between my fingers... I could honestly run my fingers through it a thousand times and still want more.

"We should go too... It would be better for the guys to see us together for the first time when they aren't patrolling." I shifted a little in his lap. Making sure he was  presentable enough to stand up without me as a shield. "They can get all the stupid questions out of their systems and then the focus when they patrol."

◄ Lee ►

#TheKid ran up the stairs to change his shirt after his run. And I pulled her back down into my lap. “Come here you. I’m not done.”

Cupping her face, I brought her mouth to mine and kissed her long and hard. Biting her lips grinning after I don’t know how long. Thanks for making the food, for feeding me and the kid. It means a lot to see you making yourself at home here.”

Kissing her again softly and letting her face go.

◄ Emmy ►

I bit my lip, being pulled into his lap... feeling what I had done to him... again. Fuck! It was a turn on! But that kiss... it was deep and passionate, and I melted, letting my tongue sweep in to meet his with a soft moan.

I rested my forehead to his. "You're welcome. It's  easy to feel comfortable here..." I smiled. "I always feel wanted... and not just in the one-track-mind way... not just by you... #Seth too. He's always been the kindest of us all."

◄ Lee ►

Watching her with our foreheads together, my head and heart warm by her reply. “He is the true soul of the spirits. They made him to keep the rest of us true. To show us how to be more than we think is the best.”

Speaking about my brother with pride. Because it was true. “And you are welcome. Not just from a one tracked mind. You are always welcome here Emmy.” #Seth cleared his throat. ‘Are you ready to go?’ He asked from upstairs.

Kissing her mouth and then her forehead. “Really Little Minx?”

◄ Emmy ►

It was amazing how close they were... it made me wish I had grown up knowing #Sam was my brother. But I supposed finding him when I did, made us closer in other ways.

I pressed another quick kiss to Lee lips... it wasn't enough.  So I kissed him again, nipping at his lower  lip. "Ready." I smiled and got up again. Lifting the leftover pizza and slid the plate into the fridge.

◄ Lee ►

Standing to straighten myself out. A little to the side before I could walk. “Ready.” Replying to both. “I’ll drive.”

‘Nope. You’re truck still smells of sex.’ #Thekid took two steps a time to reach the ground floor. ‘If we are going together, we take my truck.’ Could I fight him on it? Sure, however too busy grinning at Emmy remembering her face, her scent and her coming apart for me.

“Fine. You’re truck it is.”

◄ Emmy ►

I restrained my chuckle. I not-so-secretly loved that I had the effect on him. A quick trip to the bathroom more or less mask my reaction to him... For a while at least.

I laughed at the boys. “Hey kid…” I grinned and fished out my keys. “Wanna take the Harley?” He looked  from me to my bike parked in front of the boys trucks.

‘Seriously!?’ I just jingled the keys in response and said. “I really like who his truck smells.”

#Seth took two long strides and took a offered keys he kissed the top of my head and it was nothing like when his brother did it. ‘You are gross. But I love you anyway Emmy!’

He ran off like a child that just got his first big boy bike.

◄ Lee ►

While Emmy went to the bar, i busied me with washing what little we had used for the food and wiped down the kitchen. When she came out, I went in to splash my face.

It wasn’t until I came out and listened to what was happening outside did the laughter escape. “You really know how to make that boy happy.” Coming out behind Emmy, I lift her up with both my arms wrapped around her waist and swirled her around.

‘See you there!’ #Seth didn’t waste time leaving, he wanted to make sure Emmy didn’t change her mind? But we both knew she Wouldn’t. Kissing her cheek, and then rubbing my beard to her soft skin.

“So, you like the scent in my truck?” Nozzle in her neck while walking her to the passenger side of my truck.

◄ Emmy ►

“He's earned it.” I laughed. “He's being so understanding and even primed the Moms for us.”

I made a soft sound like in my throat when he burrowed into my neck like that. Good thing he was a Spirit Warrior or he would get a bad back leaning over to my level all the time. “Well I was the cause of half of it and the source of the other half... Be rude if I didn't, wouldn't it?” I smiled and reached for the door handle.

“It will be good to let the pups make their jokes and teases in a social setting... That way we don't need to reprimand them for  getting distracted or whatever else they thing is funny.”

◄ Lee ►

I knew I shouldn’t. However, the curve of her arse had my name written down on it. My hands moved to squeeze it and I kissed the top of her head letting her get the door. Moving around the truck and climbing into it.

“Hmm.. not too many jokes. They need to have a laugh, fine. But this thing. You and I. It’s not a joke, and they need to learn this.” He keys turned the animal came to life under us. “Let’s get this done, see what the pups have in store for us.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed when he squeezed my arse… but it did slow me from stepping up into the truck.

“Not too many and not too personal.” I smirked and buckled up. “Don't worry I can keep them in line so they won't hurt your feelings.”

◄ Lee ►

The woman was trying to kill me. “My feelings? I’m more worried about how many of them I will need to slap over the head to remind them I am their beta.

◄ Emmy ►

I pulled on the seat belt to give me enough space to lean across the car and kiss him. "Only if I don't get to them first!" I laughed and sat back into my seat. "Let's go before #Seth takes my bike all the way to Seattle... or tries to pick up a girl claiming my pride and joy is his." I laughed because I would be totally fine with that and realistically... it was probably already attempted.

◄ Lee ►

My arm reached out behind her head rest, I put the truck into reverse pulling out into the street and turning it around towards the bar.

“Please, if you knew he was going to pull. You would be there with tips how he should make the best case. Let’s not even pretend.” But I did put my foot down to see if I could catch my kid brother up without putting anyone on the road in any danger.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled, he knew me too well... but with him... that seemed like a good thing. I had never wanted that kind of familiarity before. I bit my lip and turned to admire the tight, defined muscles wrapping up and down his arm. Was to weird to want to find arms this sexy?

"Hey, not  too fast you know my baby is built for cruising and not speed right?" I laughed. "Give the boy a head start."

I was game to test out an high-performance machine to its potential... but it wasn't what I wanted for my day-to-day life. Who doesn't want a thrill sometimes?

◄ Lee ►

Mouth turning up into a wild grin at witnesses the way her eyes roamed over me. Even my wolf didn’t miss it.

‘She so wants us.’ He growled with a chuckle, and I reminded him that Emmy wanted me. Not his hairy arse. Which earns me a growl too.

“Ok. Ok. I’ll slow down. But you do know the point is to beat him.” Pressing my foot on the brakes lightly, I didn’t want to beat the kid. I wanted him to win each time.

“So, are we going to talk about what you like the most about my body? I mean. You have been checking it out since we hit the road.”

◄ Emmy ►

When I heard the chuckle, I knew I was caught, but the thing about me... I never checked out anyone without wanting them to know that I was doing it.

"But... if you let get a head start and he meets a girl and it goes well... no more teasing about the noises a night." I  smirked.

"The most?" I tilted my head like I needed to think about it... I really didn't. "The top of the list is your eyes... just for the mushy reasons... they are incredible eyes. Then your lips... because you so know how to use them." I smiled. "And any other day I  would have said your arse but today..." I licked my lips and reached over, resting my hand on his arm. I traced the corded muscle wrapping around his forearm and then up over that impressive bicep... "I have new found appreciation."

◄ Lee ►

“When did you start the forward thinking, thing? Aren’t you always about living in the now?” However, the woman had a point. If the kid was busy making his own ‘noise’, he wouldn’t be tuned into ours.

I was about to say as much until her list of appreciation began. Each idea she listed warmed my heart, but a red-blooded warrior like me. Couldn’t stop the second reaction in my groin.

“Keep this up and I’ll be looking for another parking spot, which would leave my brother with your bike for a lot longer to impress girls.”

◄ Emmy ►

“A lot of thinking these days is geared forwards when I can get you into bed.” I smirked. But it really wasn’t an exaggeration… even if it was was just to sleep.

“Really?” I said deadpan… like I had no idea what I was doing to him. “Touching your arm turns you one.” My garage dropped to his lap. We both knew it was more than a simple touch.

I licked my lips and pulled my hand away. “You need to behave, or you’ll intimidate the pups!”

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow at her. She knew it wasn’t that simple. “Do I need to spell it out for you, little minx? I thought you were much more attuned to these things.”

It was an Emmy thing to pick up on what was happening around her. Sometimes it was interesting to watch her with  people. It’s why she was so good at her job. Her mom would always talk about her ability to make others feel seen and appreciated with pride.

“Stop looking down there. I’m not just eye candy you know!” Huffing for effect.

◄ Emmy ►

I smirked and rolled my eyes (just a little). “Maybe you distract me.” my brows pinched and gave him a teasing glare. “Maybe.”

I laughed, he was so much more then eye candy. “Not just eye candy... But by the Spirits you're fun to look at.” he was... I had always  know that Lee and most of the boys were objectively on the scale of good-looking to smoking hot, with Lee falling into the last category. But it wasn't because I was attracted to them back then it was just a fact. And sure if fun to have a sneak peek sometimes.

The  attraction was undeniable and powerful, no doubt made stronger by the trust and friends we’d had all along.

I set my hand on top of his on the gear shift. “This is our time.”

◄ Lee ►

Laughter boomed from my chest. Another full belly one that I felt in my soul with his girl. “Now….  I feel like I need to work on the eye candy thing. That answer came way too fast with next to no thought put into it.

I am officially offended. I think. Maybe. Just a little for now.”

Moving my hand to take hers in mine, curling out fingers together I brought it up to my mouth and kissed each of her fingers one at a time. “It’s our time little minx.”

◄ Emmy ►

I gave him the mocking little pout again. “Poor baby so many hurt feelings today... Where should I just to make it better?” I laughed softly as his hand curled around mind.

Of course, he didn't ask where that random thought had come from... He just heard me and accepted the unpredictable paths my mind took me on.

I actually held my breath until he'd kissed my last finger.  How was this so natural to him? To us even... We had never this relationship thing before, not really but we both just knew... Maybe we brought it out in one another. Maybe all it took was finding the person you craved that closeness with.

“You are too good at this boyfriend thing.” I smile and tighten my hand on his. “I'll have to step up my game.”

◄ Lee ►

“It’s not a game.” Seeing her in my peripheral vision. “That’s why this feels right to me.” She had to see it.

“We are being ourselves. The good, the bad and if there is any ugly. We know it already.” Not letting her hand go. “You have nothing to up. Just be you. It’s all I want. You as you come.”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled... He was right, there were no games here. “It does all feel... I don’t know...” I tried to find the words. “Natural I guess... When I take your hand or lean into you and all those other things that I never really did before... It not because I thought ‘oh, this is  what I'm supposed to do’... It's just like. A unique kind of gravity, my mind and body move, it just happens like breathing.” I laughed at myself a little.

“I always looked at couples and thought... That looks like so much work, you know? Like remembering to touch their arm or kiss them on the cheek before you leave the room, taking their hand and all the things that make a person feel noticed.” I smiled even more brightly at him. “But it isn’t... It's just like breathing. I thought that I didn't that... The part someone has that draws them to  another person. Not there I thought there was something missing or wrong with me... But maybe it just wasn't for me.” I lifted his hand so I could kiss it now.

“Turns I just won't settle for less than perfect.”

◄ Lee ►

With my eyes on the road my ears were trained on each and every word she shared with me. Everything falling into place like a jigsaw puzzle.

She spoke of her own experience and mine weren’t so different. “I never felt the need or want to feel this. This gravitational pull. Unlike two magnets and alike too. I couldn’t see myself holding hands with anyone. Let alone wanting to kiss it.

And here I am. Not just wanting to kiss yours. But to hold it and keep you close. Spirits. It’s incredible and insane all at once.”

◄ Emmy ►

"I'm just glad that it's all happening with you..." I smiled and kissed the back of his hand. "I've never wanted to wake up with anyone else... and when wake with you, I know I'm in the exact right place at the exact time."

Up ahead I saw #Seth leaning on my bike talking to a girl from the village. Parked up in front of the bar.

"I told you that thing was a chick magnet." I laughed.

◄ Lee ►

Hearing her gave me hope. This is something we both want, and we both would work to keep.

The grin on my face radiated at the kiss she gave me, and then at the fact my kid brother stood in plain sight with my girlfriends bike as if it is his own. “You are just going to let it happen, aren’t you?”

He waved to us while I park us up in the open space available to us. “Ready to face them all?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed. “Absolutely! But you know he already her it's borrowed. His too honest not to. All he needs is an ice breaker. The heart on his sleeve will do the rest.”

I winked at #Seth. She was a pretty girl... “The really question is; are they ready to face us as an US?”

◄ Lee ►

I knew she was right, my baby brother was the kindest of souls. And just them he pointed to Emmy, telling the girl beside him the owner of the bike was here. I shook my head. My heart swelled with pride.

“Let’s go in and find out.” Reaching over to kiss her temple before climbing out of the truck. The sounds and conversations from inside filled with laughter and excitement.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at the kiss and unbuckled my belt. “Let’s do this.”

I climbed out and Seth held up my keys, asking if I wanted them I shook my head in a tiny motion as a walked around to Lee. “Take the lady for a ride, Seth.” I made an effort not to call him Kid or Pup. “Don’t be  rude.”

I wrapped my arm around Lee’s waist. “I have a ride… give her your jacket though.” I smiled up at Lee and headed in the sounds of the pack and pups have a good rim inside.

◄ Lee ►

My arms moved around Emmy’s shoulder as soon as the girl came to my side. Grinning while washing her and my brothers interacted. The girl next to #Seth became excited at the idea of spending more time with him.

“You’re good to him.” Leaning down kissing the top of her head Pushing the door open.

“The party just went up a level, now that we are here.” Cheers went up before heads turned seeing how Emmy and I entered.

“I knew it.” A pup shouted, others groaned, and money exchanged hands. “Of course, they had bets on.”

◄ Emmy ►

I leaned into him, our very own gravity acting between us like high tide and the shore. “He deserves it.” I said softly and was so true.

The sound of my engine starting was almost drowned out by the sound of excited pups. The was a good sign, right? Money started changing  and I laughed... Had we been that obvious?

“I guess we aren't buying our own drinks tonight.” I patted Lee’s chest and glared at the pups that had profited. A series of agreements rustled and three of them rushed off to be the first to buy a round.

This made me laugh louder, until I was accosted by several imprints pulling me away from Lee into a mass of girlie squeals and hugs! Spirits!! I love these women... But really??

◄ Lee ►

Shook my head and laughed. Nothing stayed quiet within the packs for long. “The news is out, we’ve not moved fast enough. Clearly.”

Squeezing her shoulder and letting her go when the imprints pulled her free from me. “Hey! I want her back soon.” Growling playfully at the ladies. And then the pups engulfed me with bear hugs. I clapped them all on the back one by one. And then there was a glass of bourbon in my hand.

‘It doesn’t feel like a beer night for you.’ The pup said. “No.” My eyes moved back to find her in the heart of the women. “It’s not a beer. Night.” I agreed.

◄ Emmy ►

Of course, he easily surrendered me to my perfume scented fated. I gave him a glare that said… if this lasts long you better come back for me!! But I smiled because I knew he would.

The ladies hugged me. Rachel told me we needed a girls night so she could have details. I think  I might have blushed when I shook my head and said. “Not this time.” My moments with Lee we’re all mine and his. I wanted them all to know we together… that our feeling was deep and stilling growing… but the details were only for us. I had never shied are from sharing a  story of encounters before.

The reasons I was keeping these stories to myself must have been clear on my face when a chorus of “awwws” came up from the girls and I called out to the pups for a drink and had a whiskey promptly delivered into my hand.

◄ Lee ►

None of the pups asked for any information, unlike the third-degree Emmy was getting from what my ears picked up. The imprints wanted the details, and my smile grew hearing she didn’t want to share.

It was how I felt. I’d shared her enough when we told those closest to us how we felt. Now all the others would want to know, but they would only get what we were willing to give. Finding myself watching her from time to time. In the mist of all the imprints. She was beautiful.

◄ Emmy ►

I was hugged by Ness who came in far to excited and I had to protect my whiskey. She asked me how it all happened.

“It’s a long story, but the short answers of I don’t exactly know… I just know that I’m really happy it did.” Another round of squeals went up. I covered my  ears dramatically.

“Okay, okay. I get it!! We’re adorable… can we drink now?”

The pups cheered and raised glasses, letting me slip past the girls and back to Lee. I held up my glass to him and smiled . “Here’s to a new adventure.”

◄ Lee ►

All eyes turned to the imprints at the sound of the squeals. When we knew the reason, we were back to laughing and the glasses and bottles of beers went up into the air.

My arm lifted and moved to open a space I knew would be filled and there she was. Emmy with her glass Joining the rest of ours.

Drinking, I moved to site down on a stool vacated by a pup. Pulling her in between my legs. Whispering into her ear.

“Welcome back beautiful.” Kissing her temple before re-joining the conversation.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled... He’d seen me coming. I moved into the space he’d made and then with him as he sat us both down. I closed my eyes feeling that kiss through my whole being.  I didn’t try to guard against the way my heart reacted, I didn’t need nor want to. I turned into him and brushed my nose along his jaw.

“Happy to be back.” I whispered, but with this many superhuman ears… who knew who heard… but we didn’t need to wait for our families' sake anymore. “Exactly where I want to be.”

◄ Lee ►

‘Who knew Emmy could be a girly, girl?” We were being watched. Of course we were.

‘Forget that, who knew Lee could be a big softy.’ And other asked. Any other day they would get an earful.

“Emmy is exactly who she is. And I am who I am with her. Now. Who is going to Rack the balled up?” One arm moved around her middle.

“This is the only place I want you. Close to me.” Nodding to the table. “Want to play some pool with the pups?”

◄ Emmy ►

I would have glowered at the pups, but Lee was on it. And I knew they would be curious about whether or not things would change now. “Pool?” I smirked. “Sure.” I turned to Ness and winked. “Wanna help me wipe the floor with one’s arse?”

Of course, she did! “Pick a pup, Clearwater. Let’s see what these girlie girls can do, shall we?”

◄ Lee ►

Grinning from ear to ear. This was the girl I wanted to be mine, and she wanted the same thing. That felt good.

“Pup? Why would I a pup?”

Nodding over towards the door where Jack stood smiling like a man in love in need of air. And the face of his imprint was that and more. “Jack and I will take you beautiful ladies.”

He moved though the bar, engulfing Ness. Kissing her. ‘I am in.’ He held on to her.

◄ Emmy ►

I smirked, that smile… on of the pups whispered to another that. Maybe changes wouldn’t change that much at all.

Then my heart stuttered, and I flicked  my tongue at his lips but didn’t touch… because a little tease was never wrong. The second pup whispered. ‘Okay… maybe a little bit.’

I laughed and patted he’s arm as I passed. “Going for the big guns?” I smirked. “Afraid you can’t beat us with one of the ametures?”

But I couldn’t talk Ness had reflexes and eyesight as good as us and a mind like no one else.

◄ Lee ►

Growling at her, while Jack kisses Ness and goes to rack up the balls. “Not when the OGs are in the house. We know it’s time to shake, rattle, and roll.”

Standing up and setting her down on the ground. Stopping myself from slapping her cute arse. Because that was for me and her only. I wasn’t willing to share every detail of her with the world. Not the part that she gave to me, anyway.

◄ Emmy ►

I could see what he was thinking... So I kept my back turned to him while I grabbed #Ness’ wrist more gently than I needed to since was almost unbreakable and tugged her away from #Jake.

“C’mon you horn dog... Get your head in the game.” she made a tiny noise of protest and  her long arm over my shoulders.

‘Head in the game!!’ she pumped herself up. ‘I need a scotch!’ I would have protested but the girl could hold her liquor.

I trailed my finger along the table and batted my lashes at Lee. “I have to say, Clearwater.... I love watching you handle those balls. It’s.... Masterful. Have you done this before?” I bit my lip and leaned on the ledge of the table.

I heard several drinks getting spat and sprayed by the pups. The girls all laughed.

◄ Lee ►

A drink showed up for Ness so fast, and without batting her eye, she took it and set it to the side after a sip or two. With my pool cue in hand I set the chalk down once the tip was covered. Leaning over the table, my elbows resting on the edge. I just grinned enjoying the view she gave me. Who was I to say no?

“I mean, I’m not at talented as some.” Looking at her pointedly, reminding her with a look that I knew what her hands and mouth could do. “But I wouldn’t say I don’t know how amazing my touch is. ”Winking at her, and the buzzing crowd.

◄ Emmy ►

My stomach leapt and twisted and filled with butterflies! Spirits damn those eyes!! I bite my lips and promptly freed them with the tip of my tongue. “Well...” I smiled slowly straightening up. “We can't all be perfect.”

#Ness planted a hot sloppy kiss to my temple. ‘Speak  For yourself.’

I nudged her gently with my elbow. “Ladies first...” I told the boys. And nodded to #Ness. “C’mon little one... Make me proud.” #Ness picked a cue and prepared for her shot. I knew the calculations in her head would take me twice as long as she took... I  just felt mine out.

Ness broke and sunk a red ball in the right corner pocket. The pups murmured their approval of the spread she left on the table.

◄ Lee ►

‘That’s my girl.’ Jack leaned back looking so fucking proud of his imprint.

“Hey, you’re on my team.” I remind him grinning. Because I too was proud of that shout Ness made.

‘Doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the beauty of that skilful shot.’

I just rolled me eyes “Is it too late to find an different partner?”

◄ Emmy ►

I know instantly I made the right choice... Lee might have messed up! I laughed softly. “Too late!” I stuck my tongue out him at him.

‘Don’t be so hasty Emz... We could work this to our advantage.’ Ness smirked.

“So true!!” I look around. “We’ll allow a trade... For #Kim.” I chuckled.

‘Hey!!!’ #Kim protested! ‘Im not that bad.’ #Jared just kissed her temple and said nothing. Because she really was that bad. But she always had fun.

◄ Lee ►

“The things I want to do with that tongue.” Walking behind Emmy to whisper it into her ear before working my way around the table again.

She looks too cute when he stuck her tongue out, when she smiled or laughed.

All things I always saw, but it was in a different light. “Oh. That’s just harsh Call. Don’t talk about Kaya that way.”

#Kim blew me a kiss, being met with a grin and a wink from me. Of Course #Jay growled and laughed for the fun of it.

‘I know how to play.” #Jack stepped up behind #Ness and kissed her cheek. ‘Still your turn baby.’

◄ Emmy ►

“Oh the things you still don’t know I can do with this tongue.” I teased him right back... My tummy still rolling remembering what he could do with his. I set my hand on his chest and looked up at him through thick lashes.

‘Do you two mind?’ #Ness teased. ‘Hard to make a shot  when I wanna throw up from all the cuteness!’ she laughed her tiny musical laugh.

Pups murmured that they had word other 𝕔𝕦𝕥𝕖 for what was happening. But #Ness and #Jake weren't the types to avoid PDA. So maybe to her this was cute. I just laughed and turned to watch her sink two more balls before the third bounced of the corner and stilled. I leaned back against Lee's chest as I watched.

◄ Lee ►

Eyes narrowing on the pups they all coughed or cleared their throats, shifting on their feet to watch #Ness take her shots.

my arm curled about Emmy when she came to me. her back pressed to my chest, the sound of our hearts beating together. I tuned all the others out to listen 'My turn next.' #Jack kissed his imprint before bending over to take his shot. #Ness giggled and squeezed his arse.

"Fowl move!" calling out, but we were all laughing.

'I'd be disappointed if she didn't' #Jack's laughing voice boomed and he sunk two balls, then moved again.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled... that arm around me... the way he silenced the pups. "You're kinda hot when you let out your Beta side." I whispered. Resting one hand his, the other lightly clutching the pool cue.

I chuckled when he called out #Ness for pinching her imprint arse. But we both knew  he would d the same to me.

'A girls got do what a girls gotta do!' she smiled, sweetly. 'Especially when my partner is fraternising with the enemy.'

She eyed us both and I laughed. "Like you can talk!" #Jake sunk one more ball. "On second thought... pinch him again #Ness!"

◄ Lee ►

Leaning in to kiss her below her ear, my voice low still knowing others in here for listen in. "They need to learn fast. it's not one rule for the mated and another for us. We all give the same respect to anyone who brings in a partner. No questions asked. So, why are we any different?

Glaring over at #Ness. "Harsh words for the one who babysat you." She was distracting her imprint again.

"This is going from a game of pool to who can keep up without throwing their other half over their shoulder."

And #Jake missed the next shot. "See!"

◄ Emmy ►

A new ripple ran through the pups, even #Jake and the OGs took a breath at what Lee said...  Making them all understand that this was more than a sexual fling. The boys that could held their imprints close and the girls looked at one another then us with a smile.

Knowing what had happened even though they couldn't possibly have heard.

“They will.” I turned into him, kissing his jaw now that he was bent low wound for me to reach. “I have faith in them.”

Then I patted his cheek, snapped my teeth at him and said. “My turn!” I wriggled out of  arms and went to take my first shot.

◄ Lee ►

My attention remained on the little minx. I didn’t care what the others saw. I had faith in them too. It wasn’t a dig at them, what I said was a reminder. Me letting them know, this was more. And they needed to respect our choice.

“Oh, take your time. If you need to wiggle That arse some more, I’m game.” A hand came up from behind to punch me playfully.

‘Lee Clearwater. Your mother brought you up better.’ #Rachel’s smile killed the sterner part of her comment.

“Yeah, she did. But I’m talking a page out of your husbands books today.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and circled the table. Glanced up at him as I leaned over the table. “And give you an excuse to distract me?” I smiled and made my shot, sinking a ball the middle pocket. ‘Nicely done!’ #Ness placed a hand on my shoulder and used that gift of her to say ; ‘He’s so into you.’

I winked at her and tried not to laugh... Because it seemed clear we were giving Rachel and Paul a run for their money in the desire department.

I potted another ball. Closing the boys lead a little further. But the cue ball stopped near the centre of the table. This was where my height became an issue in this game.

‘Need a step still short stuff?’ #Jake teased like he always did.

◄ Lee ►

“As if I would.” I so wanted to. And I so would do. However, the woman looked so ducking hot spread across the table. Coughing, moving to adjust my jeans I downed my beer before a fresh one showed up replacing the empty.

Jerking my head from side to side, the sounds of Cracking came from my neck. “She doesn’t need any help. Give Call a minute to think it through. She’s one of the resourceful one of us.”

Lifting my chin to the table, waiting to see what she did next.

◄ Emmy ►

I smirked... trying not to let on how much my mouth watered when I saw the effect, I was having on him from across the table.

"So eager to lose, Clearwater?" I smirked and examined the table, lining up my shot. I leaned my hip against the ledge and leaned carefully over the table careful not to touch any of the balls and stretched my body over the table so I could hit the cue balls exactly where I wanted to.

I potted another in the corner pocket. A few impressed murmurs went out and I moved to take one more shot... The ball bounced against rim of the centre pocket and stalled before dropping in. But I was still pleased with three, we had pulled ahead of the boys..... for now.

◄ Lee ►

“If having faith in you means I lose in the end… so be it.” There were gagging wounds from behind as well as slaps and then a chorus is “ahh…” Winking at her we all watched her placement of herself. And then she did it.

I held my hand out and #Jake gave it a hit. No verbalisation needed. He agreed. I won. “Well. Well. Well. Is it finally my turn?” I asked putting my bottle down to the side, rubbing my hand over my beard before standing tall from my stool. “Got any pointers for my little Call?” Waggling my brows at her.

◄ Emmy ►

I shot glares around the room... But this was a good thing. They were moving from uncertainty to teasing. It wasn’t the kind of teasing the imprinted couples got... But that was because it was hard to judge how the boys might react on any given day.

They were wired to be highly protective of that relationship. But this kind of teasing seemed like what you would expect in. Close friend group when two people started to date.

“Your turn.” I agree and lifted my glass to my lips again. I stopped in front and looked up, very deliberately wrapping fingers around the cue he was holding and sliding them down. “Good luck.”

◄ Lee ►

Eyes glued to her and then moved to the finger around my cue. She was indeed a little minx. Not that I would call her by the nickname in here. (It was for us not the world.)

Leaning down to kiss her forehead with a wide grin I went to the table to take my first shot. “Let’s see where this game ends.”

Watching them all while they were playing, I knew the placements on the table.

Leaning over I took the first shot. Pocketing on the far left and lining up another at the same time for Centre right.

“That’s… a shot. Right?” Laughing now.

◄ Emmy ►

Eyes were averted and I heard Jake and Paul just chuckle. Then he kissed my forehead, I smiled at him, the other girls made ‘Aww!’ sounds. If I didn't him well enough id say he was bittering the ladies up by being sweet to make the guys take to our news easier. If the imprints were happy.... The guys were happy.

But this was Lee... That kiss was for me and only me, no matter how many people saw it.

I watched him take his shot, biting my lip. I barely noticed the shot he took. I was mostly watching him. “I suppose it got the job done.” I teased.

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow, my mouth curled into a grin as I took the next shot and then straightened up to see the table at a whole.

“Got the job done? That was masterful.” Laughing I winked at her.

‘No fair, you guys didn’t tell me you were playing.’ The kid walked inside, coming To a stop beside me. My arm flew around his neck and pulled him in, kissing the side of his head.

“You had other plans.” He wrapped his arms around my waist squeezing.

‘Nah, I have plans this weekend.’ He winked at Emmy too. ‘Thanks to a certain bike that’s a chick magnet.’

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed at him using the word I had earlier. "One might even say.... adroit." I smiled at him and one of the ups came to deliver me another drink. Only fair considering he had two money betting on my relationship status.

"Well, this weekend is my weekend off... so if you want the Harley you better start sucking up right now." I smirked.

#Seth shook his head and laughed. 'Not this time... we're going for dinner.'

"Nicely down kid!" I punched his biceps lightly.

◄ Lee ►

Kissing the kids head on the side I let go of him to continue talking to Emmy. “He is a Clearwater. Our Ma raised us right.” Leaning over I pointed to my next ball.

‘Finally, thought you were done playing.’ #Paul moaned.

“Hands off, this is my turn.” Poking the cue into His side I pocketed the ball and then missed the next one.

‘Me… Me… Me…’ #Ness jumped up off the stool. It’s my turn now.

“It is sweetheart. It’s all yours.” Because I knew this girl. It would take a miracle for her not to finish off the table.

◄ Emmy ►

Smiling I watched Lee and his brother. They had such a bond. A chin came to rest on my shoulder and arms came around my waist. I knew it was #Rachel before she was even close. ‘You two look really good together.’ She whispered knowing that her words weren’t secret but letting me know they were meant only for me.

‘Just… be safe. Won’t you? Both of you, don’t get distracted.’ I knew this came from a good place and I was fully prepared to assure them all one at a time that Lee and I wouldn’t have made his choice if we couldn’t separate our relationship from our duty.

“We’ve thought about all of that, talked about it. Together and with Jake. We have the same priorities, and our caking is out first one.” I told her.

‘That’s all I needed to here… I didn’t either of you getting hurt.’ I knew she meant physically. The emotional aspect I would get grilled about with just the girls. Then we both laughed at Nessie’s enthusiasm. It was too easy to get her true age.

“C’mon little one, make me proud!”

◄ Lee ►

Once #Ness moved to take her turn, it was hard not to eves drop into #Rachel and Emmy’s conversation.

Taking the glass of bourbon #Paul handed to me i looked down at it thinking. ‘Hey, stop it. She doesn’t mean anything bad.’ He told me, shoving me in the shoulder. I know you idiot. Your wife is worried I won’t pay your arse as much attention, and you’ll end up on your back in the river again. (It happened way too many times with him.)

‘Excuse me. You are meant to be watching my arse.’ #Jake chimed in.

I shook my head. “Fuck No! That’s Emmy and Quil’s job. I watch your shoulder.”

‘Yeah! You tell him Clearwater.’ #Paul said and then began to twerk his arse. ‘My arse is better anyway.’

◄ Emmy ►

I gave Lee a smile I knew he could hear us, and reassuring the girls was the least we could do... they didn't get to see what happened on patrols. We could show the guys that we could do this... they just wanted assurances. And not just for their partners, but for us two, they loved us two and wanted to know we were safe too.

I walked over to the three guys as #Ness potted a ball. I rolled my eyes at Jake. "Watching your arse isn't all hard... It's easier with a flat surface." I chuckled and smack Lee's as I came to stand beside him.

"This is why we came..." I whispered. So, he knew I was speaking to him only... but there was no fooling the ears in this room. To let people, ask their questions and understand... Right?" I smiled and rested my hands on his chest and looked up through thick lashes the way made his heart race.

◄ Lee ►

“What the…” rubbing the spot the little minx hit me. Not because it hurt, just to tease her.

Bending down to place a kiss on her forehead. “I know. I know.” She is right (not that I’d say it to her right now. It would go to her head. And with the turn the game was taking. She would have a big head soon enough.

“It’s new. I’m learning as I go.”

No one had questioned my life choices before. I was the one with my head one the right way. So, now. Even knowing we were here to show ourselves to them all. And allow them to ask whatever they wanted. Is took some getting used too.

‘My arse is not flat! Is it?’ #Jake turned joking as he looked back over his shoulder. ‘I’ve got myself a Kim K arse thanks.’

A few of the pup and I spat out drinks out. Holding my hand up.

‘The fact you know who Kim K is… we should disown You!’ #Paul took two steps back.

“You are married to his sister. You can’t disown him.” I reminded him, while #Rachel slapped her husband.

My hand went around Emmy’s waist, and I stepped behind her pulling her back when I sat on the stool. “This was a great idea.” Whispering.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled, trying not to laugh at his faked pain. I touched his cheek, his beard pickling my palm. "That's why we're in this together." I smiled.

#Ness proceeded to jump onto Jake's back and kissed his cheek. 'Your butt is iconic baby, but if you keep talking about the Kardashian's I will show all the girls an up-close view of that butt'

Rachel protested vehemently. I leaned back against Lee's chest... as though him stepping around me and pulling close had happened every single day for my whole life. I laughed at the conversation around us and turned my head to get my ear as close to his heart as I could without making it obvious what I was doing.

◄ Lee ►

Laughing a full belly laugh at #Jake, #Ness and #Rachel I watched them and my little minx all at once.

I had a decent amount of time in which to understand how we were going to be when we were together. However, this girl exceeded my expectations every step of the way. “It’s singing your name.”

Leaning down I kissed the top of her head. The security of her body gave me a sense of comfort too.

◄ Emmy ►

My stomach came alive, millions of tiny winged creatures taking flight. By the Spirit that sensation was addictive. I reach up and put my hand on the back of his neck, twisting his hair around my fingers. "I hear it." I whispered back to him.

There was an immovable smile on my face. I heard a pup's voice whispering. 'She looks really happy... like... more than she normally is.'

"Hey, c'mon traitor!" I called to #Ness before things got too soppy. "Are you playing or cuddling with the enemy!?"

#BradyFiller pointed to Lee and I. 'Pot.... meet Kettle.' And we all laughed. And there I was the first crack to break the ice.

◄ Lee ►

With a finger under her chin, I brought her attention back to me while laughing with everyone. Looking her in those beautiful eyes my mouth touched hers.

Without words telling her, I was happy too. Happier than I ever was before.

‘Oh yes. The game!’ #Ness’s face contorted into a look I understood too well. Her mind had gone to alone time with her wolf. She’d aged; however, her expressions had not changed over the years.

“Don’t you dare tell him to take you home without finishing what you started Little one.” Of course, it earned me a pout.

◄ Emmy ►

That kiss… there would have been no way to hide my hearts reaction even if if wanted to. And I didn’t. Why would I need to, it raced. The ensuing smile was for Lee and only Lee.

Then I was laughing again when he teased Ness... That girl had a one-track mind. And I could completely relate. She didn't tire easily... Just like Lee and I. No wonder they vanished so often.

“You know I think I finally understand those two.” I whispered as low as possible as Nessie pouted but still took her shot expertly.

◄ Lee ►

“Yeah. Me too.” I whispered back into my little minx’s ear and kissed her there too.

It all fell into place now. It had before of course. It was hard not to see elements of their life together, even with Jake trying to keep things private. Those things only belonged to Them and only them. This also fell into place for me.

Pulling Emmy even close I asked low. “Are you happy? It’s been a hell of a few days.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly, I knew he would agree… we’d already experienced… difficulties, let’s call them, getting out of bed or the or shower… or off the kitchen table. With stamina like our and Lee’s incredible… recovery time… nothing but hunger could stop us.

I rested my hand on the arm wrapped around me. And the other still toyed with the curling hair at the nape of his neck. I rolled on my toes to press a kiss to his jaw below his chin.

“I am…” I whispered. “In a way I never have been before. I’m so glad that neither ran from this… it’s a new Adventure.”

◄ Lee ►

Grinning like an arsehole who won the lotto.

“So, Miss Emmy Call. Would you let me take you out of a real date? You know the kind where we dress up and I made an actual reservation?”

Never in my life had I done this. And even saying it felt good for her.

“Shut it!” My hand darted out and slapped a pup on the head. Hearing him sniggering made the quick reaction even better.

‘I’m his brother and he hasn’t taken me to a place with reservations.’ the kid scoffed moving way out of my reach.

◄ Emmy ►

My heart practically stopped. #ness missed her shot, the cue skimming the side of the ball in her shock.

I’d been asked on dates, plenty of them. Even #Quil, #Jake and I called it a date when we went out to eat or to a gif sometimes. But… never had I been asked on a date that the immediate answers were an unequivocal yes, it was an actual date. A real date… with Lee Fucking Clearwater.

The sniggering was silence with a slap from Lee and all the imprints a second later.

“I guess that all depends… will you bring my mom flowers? And will there be dancing?”

◄ Lee ►

The bar, the people, the world all melted away when my dark brown eyes held on to her and only her.

I saw the way her chested moved and stopped, I heard the sounds her heart was making. And those beautiful lips. The ones I wanted to touch with my mouth. Fuck! She was killing me “I always buy your mom flowers. And of course there will be dancing. And not in Glamour. I’m thinking Seattle. A nice long drive just for you and I to listen to music, for you to sing for me…. And then we will make sure the night goes the way you want it too.”

Leaning into her “I can’t afford the Four seasons or anything… but I can make what I do have good. So… What do you say?”

◄ Emmy ►

My breath got a little shallow… and a thrill shot through my body in a place that made really hard to control my scent. Fuck!

I smiled at him, there was no bar anymore, now pups, or imprint or weirdly lovable vampire/human hybrids. There was just Lee and those eyes made want fall in and get lost.

“Well,” I said finally. “Who could say no to that?” I stretched up on my toes again and kissed him. “Four Seasons isn’t really my style,” I whispered. “As long as there’s food, music and you… then, yes. Lee Clearwater, You may take me on a real date.”

◄ Lee ►

Setting the cue to the side, my glass on the stool next to me and arms engulfed her, and I stood up bringing her with me.

“You just made me happy. Really happy.” Kissing her mouth over and over again I spun her around the arse we stood.

‘You know what that means…. SHOPPING.’ One of the imprints screams as they all bursts into conversations again.

I didn’t pay any attention to them. I was still lost in her.

“You do know… they can all scent you.” My mouth kissed her harder this time. “And you are making it hard for me not to kidnap you now.”

◄ Emmy ►

The way he kissed me did help me control myself. I turned inside the circle of his arms so I was chest-to-chest with him. "Oh me too..." I murmured between kisses, my heart now beating excitedly in my chest. I was remembering all the things he promised to do to me after our first real date.

I heard the dreaded S word... but... I kinda wanted a little input for Rachel and Ness... Ness was also a good advocate for my unique sense of style, even though it was nothing like mine. She was big on self-expression.

I nipped at his bottom lip and smiled. "I'd say I'm sorry... But it would be a lie." Then I returned his kiss and lay my hands against his chest, but I didn't there move them... feeling the lines of those muscles would have me dragging him out this door.

◄ Lee ►

'Clearwater, It's your round. Get your arse moving, I'm dying of thrust.'  It was #Paul being a spanner in the works.

"Get it yourself I'm busy." Without looking away her as I spoke.

"Stop it Little Call, you're not playing fair." Smiling down at her the sounds of the world around us began to come into life again.

"It was your idea to come out tonight." teasing her my hand squeezed her on the arse and then my arms were being pulled open.

'Ok ok she is ours now. we have some planning to do.' #Kim and #Rachel began to pull my girl free from me.

◄ Emmy ►

I ignored #Paul... it was a skill I had perfected over the years. "I never played fair a day in my life... and it landed me in your arms... So why would change it now?" I smirked cheekily.

I heard and intake on breath from the guys that noticed him squeeze my arse, they were waiting for me to slap him for it... but I had spanked his earlier... So, this time I'd think about letting him off the hook.

Then I was being pulled away and Lee wasn't trying to save me. I pretended to struggle. But I let the girls take me away. Because if I didn’t, I would be dragging Lee to the truck in moments.

'We have to go shopping!' #Kim whispered.

'And girl... the underwear drawer will not cut it. No more boy shorts.' #Rachel added and Kim swatted her arm.  'We can talk her undies later' Kim hissed through her teeth and side-eyed the boy. Thank the Spirits for this girl.

"This round is in me." I called to the bartender. "Apparently I have a free dinner coming my way."

◄ Lee ►

“I thought I was the one who had to keep the cheesy lines incoming Little Call. You’ve got a few of your own too.”

Laughing a full belly laughter, I sat back on the stool following her descent into the crowd. Laughing again at #Rachel trying to take Emmy out of her underwear. And I shook my head.

‘There’s an image I don’t need to think of.’ #Paul pushed me in the side.

“Don’t you dare. I’ll kick your arse.” I pushed right back.

‘Never thought I’d see the day. The two of you… spirits bless us’ he was laughing, and I was watching my… girlfriend from afar.

“Go get your drink. Little Call is paying up for a round.” Looking around the bar I saw #Jake and #Ness had disappeared.

‘We are taking the table. #Seth said with a pup by his side.

◄ Emmy ►

I rolled my eyes at the girls… I happened to know for a fact that Lee had no complaints about my underwear. “I will go shopping… only…” I looked around. My back up was gone. “Where the hell is #Ness!?”

She was essential on a shopping trip with these girls… at least when I was one looking for clothes!

‘#Ness will show up whether she’s invited or not. You know that.’

I slide my debit card across the bar as the drinks were collected and I was thanked and smiled at at. I wasn’t shocked that the other two vanished. “Next time I’ll just team up with you.” I said to Lee from across the bar. Listening to Paul’s conversation with him.

◄ Lee ►

I heard her as clear as if she was whispering in my ear. Grinning and winking at her across the room full of people.

“Yeah? But we don’t even know who won this game? Our so-called partners got themselves other ideas.”

She listened in on my conversation and I did the same too. I wanted to tell her she didn’t need to buy anything new. That she was perfect as she was. Fuck. I’d take her in her scrubs if she’d let me.

Then I saw the joy and excitement in the imprints faces. Shaking my head.

‘Are you even listening to me?’ #Paul asked.

“Nope.”

◄ Emmy ►

"We only with today, Clearwater." I smiled. "Today we're the ones that come out of this day with a win.”

The girl's all rolled their eye's at me. 'Hey, you two can have your mushy conversations and doe eyes later.’ Rachel laughed that sweet laugh of hers. 'You are ours for at least one drink.’

#Kim swatted Rachel's arm. ‘It's not like we can get details with all these noses ears around anyway. ' She smiled, and I think they are just too cute!'

I knew that the details Kim was talking about were much more innocent than the details Rachel was going to be looking for when she got me away from the guy’s.

◄ Lee ►

“Spirits, we are the winners! I agree.” Watching the pup shoot two balls into the pocket, my ears still in Emmy and the imprints. Laughing while I drank my bourbon from the glass in my hands.

“So, what kind of information are you going to share with them little minx? Or should I wait until after to ask.” Shaking my head at #Rachel’s comments. And #Kim as sweet as always. “You hear that. Cute. We made it Little Call.”

◄ Emmy ►

The guys were trying so hard to pretend they weren’t hearing out conversation. They were failing... But bless their sound they were trying... Well other than #Paul.

I turned to let see my face and wink. I would tell them he made me happy in a way I never been before, I would tell them he rocked my world… but not how. I would tell them how when we alone he was mine and only mine, and all of his attention was on me. But the details; the way he touched me the way he’d drop his low and whispered in my ear when orgasmed. The hours we’d spent in bed… ‘So have you actually spent a whole night with him? No sneaking out before dawn?’ Rachel teased.

#Seth snickered; he knew. My cheeks flamed! #Kim squealed.

 ‘Oh my!!!! She’s blushing!! We need to document this!!!’ She pulled out her phone and snapped a selfie of the three of us,  as I tried to hide. The knew I never let myself fall asleep with a guy.

“I guess I’m telling them we had a sleepover.” I muttered and all eye moved to #Seth. But it hadn’t been awkward, he was a kind intuitive boy… he could tell we were happy, and he trusted us to put out duties first without even questioning it.

‘As long it means Lee keeps bringing his A-game when he cooks breakfast… I’m all for it!’ Seth chuckled and took a shot, easily pocketing a ball.

This of course had Kim squealing about him making me breakfast. “I think breakfast puts you in the lead for the cuteness.” I winked at Lee again.

◄ Lee ►

Here is an interaction I never thought I would be a part of. I have always been the teaser, and the one to give the ‘head on right advice’. However, how the tabled has turned.

Grinning, and winking back at the beautiful woman who I had given into, and she had done the same to me Walking around the table, my arm went around my brothers neck pulling him in and kissing the side of his head.

“You will always have first dibs on whatever you want. Unless you don’t show up in time.”

#Seth put an arm around my waist and squeezed tight lifting me up a little. “Sleepover huh? That’s what we are calling it now?”

‘Dude!’ #Paul groaned making me and #Seth laugh.

‘Who knew Paul was a prude?’ A pup joked and ran away fast.

◄ Emmy ►

"Now I'm wondering if that breakfast was just to make up for him coming home and finding us together." I laughed softly.

'You caught them?' One of the pups asked with a laugh. I slapped him across the back of the head.

"Caught implies we were heading." I said. "We weren't, we just took a little time to. explore what this was and not worry about all you idiots." I smirked at them.

'Yeah, they definitely weren't sneaking.' Seth said.

'And I am not a prude!‘ Paul protested. ‘It's just Emmy! Sam's baby sister l can't see her like that!'

◄ Lee ►

Punching #Paul in the shoulders I pointed to #Rachel. “Don’t worry, I got your back here.”

‘Hey!’ I pointed to his wife.

“She was going to do it. I helped.”

I was done being away from her, so walked across the floor to pick her up in my arms from behind. “We weren’t hiding. We needed to see what this meant to us. That was the important part.”

Kissing her cheek. “That was a good hit on the pup.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed when he punched #Paul... Even if I did know that he hadn’t meant it in an insulting way. I was always grateful that #Paul had no attraction to me... Maybe a few start glances before he imprinted. That couldn't be helped... I was stunning, it was hard not to.

Another laugh escaped when he picked me up. “Careful now... I'm not afraid to use that same move on you?”

‘0h damn!’ another pup laughed. ‘Who is Quil going to take to weddings now?’ I slapped him too.

“I think we just found a volunteer!” I smirked. Then fixed my attention back on Lee.

“So you picking me up is going to become a regular thing I take it?”

◄ Lee ►

“Spirits. Yeah! Anytime. What is more sexy than a woman who can life more than her.”

Laughter exploded from my chest as I squeezed her a little. My gaze fell to the pup. Wedding with #Quil?

“Emmy is still going with Quil, why the spirits wouldn’t she.”

The pup smiled as did The imprints. “What did I miss?”

Kissing her cheek. “Do you want me to stop picking you up? Because I’m telling you. It will be hard. But I will.” Lowering my voice to a rumbling in her ear now. “But… it’s a turn on. Throwing you over my shoulders.”

◄ Emmy ►

I smile at Lee. Of course, I would still be #Quil’s plus one at certain events. But when Lee and I were both invited… I want him on my arm. When out friends and family had celebration… I wanted to celebrate them with him, as his  girlfriend.

“There’ll still be things I’ll go with him… like the Neah Bay stuff… but you all consider Lee as my plus one for the foreseeable future.” I clarified.

I snapped my teeth at him. “I’m good with it.” I grinned… “Makes me feel a little spoiled. And I deserve to be spoiled.”

◄ Lee ►

We will need to talk about this. I could tell. Quil and Emmy have been stuck at the hip for so long, I could see feelings getting hurt. It was the last thing I wanted for her and her friend.

The town, the pack, and this Rez wasn’t the kind to live with bad blood. Some part of me once the two of them spoke, thing would clear up. But until then. I was fine with whatever she wanted.

“Spoiling you is something I can do really well. The question is where do we start?”

◄ Emmy ►

I could tell Lee had more to say on the topic. But I knew it was going to be okay... besides... anytime we were all together... we were ALL TOGETHER it wasn't just the couples off together. They stole moments here and there and then mixed with the group.

We could talk about this another time.

'Dude... it's Emmy.' #Seth scoffed. 'The question is where to stop.' He laughed and a familiar voice from the door said.

'And when you think you've gone too far take it one step further. Because she deserves it.' The pups all went silent as #Sam came inside and looked from me to Lee with an apology written all over his face.

◄ Lee ►

My back stiffened up the moment his truck stopped outside the bar. The jovial laughter, teasing and conversations between everyone inside melted away. All I saw was Emmy’s face, then the scent coming in from the outside. When the door opened, my eyes were there already. Waiting to see what he would bring to this moment.

#Sam’s height, broad shoulders, short well-kept hair slicked back and then I saw his eyes.

“Fuck.” Shaking my head, I walked over to meet him, holding out a bottle of beer.

“It’s about time you showed. Jake and Ness Disappeared in the middle of a game and now the pups think they are better than the OGs.” His deep-set eyes moved to his sister, before he took the bottle from my hand.

“Come on now. Let the Pups daydream, it’s the only way they will outsmart us. Because in reality.

◄ Emmy ►

#Sam looked at #Paul when Lee said it was about, he showed up. ‘Well, someone text my wife and strongly suggested I needed a drink.’ He said, Paul just raised his drink and winked.

I made my way over and put one arm around my brother's waist for a hug... Shoulders were... Out of reach, let's say.

He hugged me back and kissed the top of my head. ‘I’m sorry, little sister.’ He said to me in our old tongue.

I smiled at Lee, I could tell #Sam still had concerns, but the apology was genuine and there was acceptance in his gaze. “You better be!” I teased reach, let's say.

He hugged me back and kissed the top of my head. ‘I’m sorry, little sister.’ He said to me in our old tongue.

I smiled at Lee, I could tell #Sam still had concerns, but the apology was genuine and there was acceptance in his gaze. “You better be!” I teased.

◄ Lee ►

#Paul… that asshole! I would kiss him if he weren’t on the other side of the table with the pup playing #Seth. Could everyone else here see the way this sister and brother met. How much she needed #Sam to be okay with all of this? And here he is. My arm automatically goes Around her shoulder pulling her closer. Knowing full well #Sam’s eyes were on us.

Out of respect for her brother I didn’t lean down to kiss her, but my eyes read hers. And replied, ‘yeah you did call it.’ Even if we both know this wasn’t over just yet. This was the first step.

◄ Emmy ►

I took a breath, still baffled and delighted at how Lee reacted to the simple thing of me stepping to his side. Like to magnets drawn together and find the most natural position the nestle against on another.

I turned to kiss his hand, tell him… it was fine to play coy around my brother. But I would put those to what to later to make up for it.

#Sam’s approval was never needed… but he was a my big brother and while it was still something I would never say I needed - because with or without it I was going to be with Lee - I wanted it. I wanted my brother. But I would put those to what to later to make up for it.

#Sam’s approval was never needed… but he was my big brother and while it was still something I would never say I needed - because with or without it I was going to be with Lee - I wanted it. I wanted.

◄ Lee ►

‘My sister, always taking credit.’ #Sam moved around to stand in his sisters other side now. Leaning down to whisper.

‘I’m due on brownie points too you know. At least I hope so.’

This was a different side to the man who looked like he was going to kill me earlier. with the comment about the brownie points. I knew my cousin surely must have a big hand in this change of heart.

“You both can take all the brownies, I’m good with the bourbon.” Bringing the glass to my lips I frowned. “Spirits. It’s out!” Letting my arm drop to head to the bar.

◄ Emmy ►

I shook my head at #Sam. I didn't expect him to become a cheerleader for our relationship overnight. He would ned to see us behaving responsibly in our duties and that was fine, I knew we would prove ourselves to her in both our dedication to each other and to the pack and tribe.

"If there are brownies, I want those AND my whiskey, thank you very much!!" I leaned my shoulder into Lee's side and laughed. Never leaving the circle of his arm around my shoulder.

◄ Lee ►

#Sam and I both laughed. “Let me go get the next round, before Paul starts to complain about going dry.”

‘About time, my beer has been out for two minutes.’ He said over the crowd.

“See.” Rolling my eyes speaking to Emmy and #Sam.  Kissing Emmy’s head. “I’ll get you a Whiskey if it will make you happy.” Winking before letting her go to head over to the bar.

◄ Emmy ►

I drained the end of the whiskey in my hand… I wanted to smack Lee’s arse as he walked away. But out of respect for #Sam I resisted the urge and check him out as he walked away instead.

‘Wow!’ He laughed. ‘You’ve got it baby sister.’ I turned and swatted my brother’s chest.

“Please I’ve seen you check out you wife two minutes after she was leaning over the toilet with morning sickness.” I teased and s ripple of chuckled moved through the group. #Sam just nodded like he’d been caught out.

“I know you have a lot to say still, brother.” I said softly and looked around at the others. The imprints slowly closing in on Lee at the bar. I smiled. “And we will hear you… But not today…”

‘Not today.’ He agreed and gave me a one-armed hug.

◄ Lee ►

Lifting one arm I put it around little Kim. Kissing the top of her head. ‘Oh, so you found time to come see me now?’ She was teasing me of course.

“How about I buy you one of those colourful cocktails to make up for it?” Placing the order to get them all what they wanted. ‘The both of you look happy.” She whispers. Making me squeeze her lightly.

“She makes me happy.” I could hear the conversation Emmy was having, but I locked my ears into every sound but her voice. It was hard but I couldn’t betray her trust.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled, not even trying to act like I wasn’t listening to his conversation with #Kim. He really knew how to butter them up.

#Sam’s arm tightened around my shoulder when he told her I made him happy, and my cheeks heated. But I wasn’t blushing. Blushing was for girlie girls, I chuckled, not even trying to act like I wasn’t listening to his conversation with #Kim. He really knew how to butter them up.

#Sam’s arm tightened around my shoulder when he told her I made him happy, and my cheeks heated. But I wasn’t blushing. Blushing was for girlie girls,

◄ Lee ►

Two trays in the bar before me, but I handed each and every imprint stood by me their drinks first. ‘Suck up!’ #Paul Coughed from by the pool table and I just took a bow.

“Don’t be jealous Lahote, you know I still love ya arse.” Both the trays in my hands I worked around the bar giving the pups drinks first before making my way to the door. It opened with the goofy smirking #Jake and #Ness walking in.

“Damn. You could have taken a shower first!” Their scent permeated the area.

‘Give me my drink.’ He helped himself and then gave #Ness a glass. I stopped before Emmy smiling down at her, her glass in the middle of the tray. “What are you going to sing?”

Because we all knew it wasn’t a question of if, but when.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned at Lee as he passed out the drinks to the imprints their drinks first. He was sweet… why hadn’t I ever noticed how sweet he was with them?

I shrugged. “I don’t have my guitar.”  Smirked and the guys all looked at me like I’d stabbed them. I ignored Lee’s teasing of our alpha and his imprint… because that could easily be us next time.

‘My guitar is in Jake’s truck.’ #Ness offered unhelpfully. A pup was out the door already and I huffed at her but I did like any excuse to sing. And the regulars in the bar knew not to record me after I had made a point on several occasions that my music was about living in moment.

‘There’s three of your guitar’s in my truck…’ #Jake raised a brow.

‘I have three guitars?’ #Ness teased him.

‘She can’t pass a garage sale without stopping… and then she’ll get bored and donate them.’ He said before i could ask why she bought more guitars… I just laughed and took the instrument that the pup returned with.

◄ Lee ►

Taking the stool, I’ve vacated once all the drinks had been handed out. I just sat there and watched.

The conversations, the teasing, waiting for the ultimate moment we my girlfriend would give in (because there was no way she wouldn’t.) and play and sing for us all.

My eyes Moved around the bar, checking to see who was in here. Just in case we needed to go up to anyone to stop them from recording her performance.

When my eyes found her this time. #Ness’s guitar in her hand, my heart did something. It stopped and restarted.

“Welcome to being In love Clearwater.” #Paul of all people was the one to say this. Making me shake my head.

“Stop being a Jackarse. We are still working things out.”

He smirked and shrugged. ‘I see things. People sometimes underestimate me.’ And he was gone, his arms wrapped around his wife.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled and pulled a stool out from the bar a little… It was a little trick I used that allowed the boys to block the view of any townies that might decide to pull out their phone. Also, it put me just a few feet from Lee close to him, but not so close he couldn’t get a full view of me… especially after the way his heart reacted to me just holding the guitar.

The bartender had already shut off the music and winked at me. This wasn’t an unusual occurrence, Ness and I often sang or played for the guys. I smiled at #Paul who pointedly looked at me pointedly dropping that L-Bomb. “Don’t worry Lahote, I still love you. No one can take you place as my most annoying brother.”

I closed my eyes and plucked. And tuned each string… It was not in tune… probably because Ness bought it and forgot about it. Without stopping to think I started to play.

(Music: Haley Klinkhammer - Pompeii | Bastille (cover) - https://youtu.be/JDKku4GXt8w)

◄ Lee ►

The bourbon in my glass hit the spot, even if in my mind I was imagining drinking it odd her body. “Fuck.” Muttering  and shifting to hide the reaction that thought had on me right away. The pups moved into place, and I could just see Emmy from where I sat. It was enough to the bourbon in my glass hit the spot, even if in my mind I was imagining drinking it odd her body.

“Fuck.” Muttering  and shifting to hide the reaction that thought had on me right away. The pups moved into place, and I could just see Emmy from where I sat. It was enough to ‘Not tonight dude.’

The guy backed off when his head fell back so he could look up to look #Seth in the eyes.

My ears listened for any sign of an issue, but most of all. I was listening to the voice that made my heart jump, stop, and start.

◄ Emmy ►

My head tilted to the side, I knew what that small shuffle he did meant. I smiled, where had his mind gone. I would have to make him show later.

 I heard #Seth tell the guy not to record me as I sang. Even though #Seth looked like the rest of the guys, tall, thickly muscled… he was rarely previewed as intimidating. Even townies could just see his goodness and.

I smiled at Lee as I sang. This song telling him and only him that this where I was always going to end up, like my would always knew it and kept it secret from my mind so when it happened… we would collide and explode into this new world of discovery and adventure together.

◄ Lee ►

Her voice was unique, one I could recognise out of a million other voices. When she sang it always made me stop and really listen, now was no different.

Her smile knocked me for a six, as I sat back again on my still those in front of me moved, giving me a better view to see her smiling at me.

Winking, over the top of my glass I drank my drink enjoying the moment we all could share at one, and the moments I had with her that just belonged to us.

◄ Emmy ►

My eyes stayed fixed on Lee, even if I was well aware of the guys all around and the girl huddled together or tucked under the arms of their imprint, like Ness and Jake. Who still had s sting scent.

The song ended the boy all patted my back and shook my shoulders. It was only time I pulled my gaze away from my boyfriend.

They always gave me this a place to sing or play safely, they knew I missed it. Even if you wouldn’t change my life for anything,

◄ Lee ►

Setting my glass down I clapped with all the others, keeping my place so that Emmy and the others in the pack had their moments.

Watching her here and now wasn’t different and was all at once. We always knew how talented this girl was, how music and performance ran in her blood.

And now, all that was true still. But she was now my girlfriend. Pride filled my chest, this feeling was different and I liked it.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at them all another whiskey was pressed into my hand and my eyes met Lee's. It wasn't even close to the first time he'd heard me sing. but now it felt a little different... even here with all my friends... brothers and, sisters - blood or not.

Now when he was near, I smiled at them all another whiskey was pressed into my hand and my eyes met Lee's. It wasn't even close to the first time he'd heard me sing. but now it felt a little different... even here with all my friends... brothers and, sisters - blood or not. Now when he was near, to my lips.

◄ Lee ►

My eyes dropped to the side, and I shook my head with the biggest grin on my face. Sure, we were surrounded with laughter, chatter, and so much more. But this was our conversation. “Whatever you want to tell me… sing it.”

She was breathtakingly beautiful, talented, and she wanted to be mine.  “I’m listening.”

◄ Emmy ►

Even without looking around I knew the guys was grinning and girls were too. “Oh I can think a few things to say.” I chuckled and drained the glass in my hand.

I strummed a single chord. “Let’s starts with…” I licked my lips and strummed again…. sang. “I just want you close…” and fell into the Alicia Keys song like it was as easy as breathing.

My eyes left Lee for a second.

(Music: Haley Klinkhammer - No One | Alicia Keys (cover) - https://youtu.be/6GVnaB05qrs)

◄ Lee ►

“I’m betting on it, little minx.” The stool beside me filled with a knock to my shoulder. #Jake sat there watching and listening to the conversation and the song choice.

‘I’ve not seen this side of her or you before.’ Sounding a little baffled.

“You’ll see it now.” I replied Then became lost in her voice and the choice of song. For Emmy, music and songs spoke to her. It’s something she always told us. So, when she picked something. You had to listen to what she was saying.

And I loved this message.

◄ Emmy ►

My gaze never left Le, I heard his conversation with #Jake even as I sang.

‘When the rain is pouring down.

And my heart is hurting.

You will always be around.

You will always be around.

This I know for certain.’

In my peripheral vision I saw #Kimberly leaning on #Jay's shoulder, oblivious to how much he had the bend at the knees o she could reach. But I knew he wouldn't have it any other way. #Paul had his arms around #Rachel while she was leaning back against his chest. Ness was tormenting the pup while she let Jake and Lee talk.

And this... THIS... what music did. This was what made me love it more and more every time  I sang.

◄ Lee ►

Her voice was like that of the spirits. Setting my glass to the side because I was done with it, I placed my hands before me.

‘How did Mama T and Sue take the news.’ He asked lower now.

My lips curled up into a grin. “You were holding out hope that she would fall for Seth.” My friend and alpha burst out laughing. ‘Yeah, I can see why.’ He is nudging me in the shoulder. ‘She got the right brother; not sure Seth would survive a Call.’

Shaking my head. “I don’t know if that’s a compliment, or if you’re taking the piss outa me.”

◄ Emmy ►

I finished the song just in time to hear the guys talking about the Moms. I hopped off the stool and made my way over to the Alpha and Beta.

“What he means is… they took it very well.” I smirked at Lee. “Bu… they might have been wondering if #Seth’s schoolboy crush would  ever become a reality.” I chuckled and a loud ‘HEY!’ came from further up the bars.

‘I’m not the one with a new girlfriend how did I end up on the chopping block!’ But his cheeks were pink.

A laugh rippled through the group. “Don’t worry Kid, I know you love me in your unique way.”

◄ Lee ►

GIRLFRIEND

This word would never get old for my ears to hear. And being a man who is proud to say that he is a family boy and a mama’s boy… finding a girl who loved my family as much as I loved hers. It couldn’t happen with another.

“Don’t worry Kid, I’ll get you This word would never get old for my ears to hear. And being a man who is proud to say that he is a family boy and a mama’s boy… finding a girl who loved my family as much as I loved hers. It couldn’t happen with another.

“Don’t worry Kid, I’ll get you on her stomach craving the feel of those well-toned muscles.

◄ Emmy ►

I could see the thoughts swirling in his eyes. Those gorgeous eyes that make you want to melt right into them.

I bit my lips as he drew me close, looking up through thick lashes my hands went right to his knees and slid slowly up his thighs.

I exhaled... his breath on my I could see the thoughts swirling in his eyes. Those gorgeous eyes that make you want to melt right into them.

I bit my lips as he drew me close, looking up through thick lashes my hands went right to his knees and slid slowly up his thighs.

I exhaled... his breath on my fingers racked down his thighs, but I couldn't pull away.

◄ Lee ►

“Easy little minx.” A rumbling of laughter came with the words at her reaction.

There in her eyes I saw the unspoken words matching mine. Seeing her in this light, with those who were our family blood or not, it sealed the deal.

I didn’t need anyone approval, but seeing Everyone accepting what they were told, made it so that we didn’t have to fight to be together, especially when it was something I was really for.

“We’re calling it a night.” My eyes on hers as I said it to no one and everyone at the same time. Her fingers making me twitch.

Part Two - To Be Continued

[whenthetablesareturned]

The Light of a New Day - A story by Emberly Call and Lee Clearwater - Storyline Two (Not Suitable for Minors ) - cont... Part 2

◄ Lee ►

She was sat there watching the family… our Family… our moms and the kid.. and US. Her soft smile was little the moon on a dark night. It was a beacon calling me toward her.

Taking her hand again, this time I laced my fingers between hers. Resting our joint hands on my lap as we both continued to eat one handed. This connection with her, I didn’t care if the others saw it. However right now, this little part was just for us.

#TheKid laughed ‘Nice save!’ Which earned him a slap up the side of his head from Ma. ‘What is this? Beat up of baby day?’

 #MsC taking his side, reached over and grabbed his cheeks. ‘I will protect you darling.’ She laughed.

‘Mama T… you aren’t doing a good job of it!’ He laughed letting her steal his cheeks as long as she wanted it.

“Quil just wanted to make sure you are okay. I can’t blame him for it. Spirits, I’d kick his arse if he didn’t look out for you.” They went back to when they were babies. And I wouldn’t step in the middle of what they have.

‘You know there was a time when I thought maybe Quil and Emmy would have been perfect together. Until Bear came to be..’ #MsC said.

And I choked on my mouthful. “Let me get this straight… You keep  flirting with me… but you have dreamt of your girl being with every dude in the pack but me?” I dropped my fork and sat back. “I’m not sure I can take anymore rejection today.” Fighting the grin that was trying to spread over my mouth. ‘That my dear Lee..’ she stood and came around to kiss my cheek. ‘Is because I was hoping you would marry me.’ Her face turned red, making Ma laugh with her.

‘Sit down Tiff… your daughter got there first.’

◄ Emmy ►

I felt his hand wrap around mine I was struck again at how easily these things we never dreamed of wanting came to us. I squeezed my fingers around his and let my thumb stroke the back of his hand.

“Interesting how he’s the baby again when  it suits him, isn’t it?” I turned to Lee and teased. “But when we call him Pup he insists that he is a grown man!” I laughed and took another bite. But then Mom was fawning over him again and he was beaming with pride.

‘He’ll always be my  baby.’ #Sue flashed that mischievous grin of hers. ‘So I will always slap him across the head when he needs it.’ She winked at me and I winked right back.

Mom had known about my teenage crush… She was my best friend back then too, I told her everything. But I had never told her about those few months after I changed… about the possibility that #Quil or #Jake could be my brother. I knew that Lee and #Seth had been on people’s minds too… but I never believed that.

 I had a front  seat to #Harry and #Sue’s marriage and how they treated my mom like no one else on the Rez did. I just knew in my bones it couldn’t be. But the wondering about my best friends… that had killed all of those feelings, but luckily none of our  friendship.

I laughed hard at my Mom. I knew most people would be creeped out. But I knew my Mom too well. Everyone was laughing and joking… this was exactly what I needed right now. “You know you’ll have to stop sexually harassing my  boyfriend at some stage right?” I teased my mother and they all froze a second. I knew why, the smirks started to grow on their faces. Mom kissed my cheek next and teased me. ‘NEVER!’

Seth had his phone out texting furiously, while #Sue scolded him to put it away at the table. ‘Just Letting Jake and Quil know they each owe me thirty dollars!! They bet they wouldn’t use the B or G words for at least three months. I told it would be by the end of the day!’

I still hold onto his hand beneath the table.

◄ Lee ►

Watching her out the side of my eyes, I noted her a little lost in herself. I didn’t want to question her here, so told myself to do it later.

The warmth I felt in this kitchen filled me with joy. Because this was something I didn’t even  know I wanted, and yet now. How could I not? Having a girlfriend who your family adores and who adores them too? It was priceless.

My eyes were on her the minute the word rolled off her tongue. ‘Boyfriend’! Her mind was in the same place as  mine too? I wanted to take the opportunity to remove the pressure from her, because the rest all noticed it all.

“Wow. Don’t listen to your daughter Ms C.. you can sexually harass me all you want.” This got me a slap before she was sat back  down and eating her meal with the rest of us.

My hand in hers wasn’t going to break away. Not even when I set my fork down again and threw a bread roll at #TheKid’s head. “Now you are betting too?”

He caught the roll in his mouth and held  it, making a show of hitting send before pulling a chunk from in. ‘Thirty bucks is thirty bucks bro. That’s pizza for dinner next week.’ He was still watching us and then he dashed his head under the table before laughing. He didn’t say  anything. And I didn’t hide it. Lifting out hands from under the table, I set them on top for all to see.

“Got something to say about me and my girlfriend, Pup?” He shook his head.

‘Not a thing bro. Not a thing.” But our moms. Their eyes were on our hands, and their hands on their chests.

◄ Emmy ►

I knew that he was watching, and it was. strange feeling.. a good one, but unfamiliar. To be seen that way, to know that the questions would come later. But nothing that was happening here was bad. The fact that they were all so happy and  positive about it… I knew that my brother would come around.

Him teasing my mom like she always did… and her teasing right back. I just laughed at #Seth. “I better be included in that pizza night since I helped you win it!” I narrowed my eyes at him, leaning against Lee’s arm as I took another forkful from my plate. Both of our mothers looked so happy. But at least no one had brought up babies… because honestly I was convinced, they would have by now!

I turned into him and pressed a kiss to the top of his shoulder (because even sitting down he was ridiculously tall!) “You were right.” I whispered, saying thank you seemed strange… but he had been right. When I was spiralling in the car earlier. I rested my head on his shoulder and smiled at #Seth… mouthing a thank you to him for masterminding this little get-together. he just winked right back.

We ate and talked, Mom reminded me that I was on the late shift and I should try to get some sleep before work… but she never could wrap her head around how the Spirit Warriors could power through long shifts after patrols and stay standing. As long as they had enough to eat. I told her I would try… but didn’t promise that I would. I knew once I left here with Lee all bets were off! I hated the idea of leaving for work with these new and exciting things growing between us… it was another strange but welcome feeling.

◄ Lee ►

We watched the room, the time flew by so fast that I don’t know how the afternoon had disappeared on us so quickly.

But the fact was after the morning we’d had, this was the perfect afternoon to follow. I was sure things would come up in time. However, right now. Those we loved and who loved us. They were happy. That is all that matters.

I sent the moms off to the living room, #TheKid and I started to clean up. “You need me to drop you home after this don’t you?” I asked  her as #TheKid set some water to boil for tea.

We made easy work of it, both knew how you work around one another even when there was next to no space. Her kisses to my shoulder still played a warmth that felt welcoming.

‘Why don’t you go  now. Drop Emmy off for some sleep and then rest up yourself. I’ve got this.’ He said. It’s just tea now, and maybe some of that peach cobbler.’ My eyes shot up. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll bring some back with me.’

I slapped him on his back warmly, wakes over to Emmy, placing my index finger under her chin to bring it up. “I don’t want to drop you off. But your Ma is right. You need sleep before your shift, beautiful.” Brushing my mouth against hers. Fighting the urge to feeling it and  taste her.

I called out to the moms, telling them that I was going to take Emmy home for some rest. Listening to their chore of ‘see you later’, and ‘take some food too.’ Which was standard Sue Clearwater thing to say.

◄ Emmy ►

The time passed too fast, but still, I wouldn’t have changed a minute of it. We both needed this, for people to see that we wanted this and trust that we could do it. I knew it was possible that it could make dangerous situations on patrols  harder. But neither of us had ever been afraid of hard work and I had no doubts that we wouldn’t be up for the tasks. The tribe first… humans… then our pack brothers’ that was the priority.

I looked up at him… a sensation I was used to (I  had to look up to most people)… but the reaction I had to his smile… then was new. It automatically made me smile. “I really should get an hour or two of sleep, night shifts have been quiet lately we don’t have any residents that are terribly sick right now. Thank the Spirits.”

Then there was the soft, sweet brush of his lips on mine. “Maybe one hour…” I said, my fist twisting into his shirt on either side of his waist, now that the Moms had retired to the sitting room for their  tea. “Do you have a job this afternoon? Or a run?” I smiled. Could I steal him away? I mean… we didn’t need to make a habit of it… but this day one… of other people knowing at least. Surely that allowed us a little extra time, right?

#Seth  cleared his throat loudly.

I bit my lip when he told our Moms we were leaving. Assuming that meant I was getting my way… after all; I was very used to getting what I wanted. We said our goodbyes and headed out to his truck.

I never thought about wrapping up a slice of the peach cobbler to take with me, not even when #Sue told us to.

◄ Lee ►

#TheKid came running out of the house as we climbed in. ‘Ma said Emmy needs to have food to eat on her shift.’ He places a bag on the back seat. ‘Bro! You need to air this truck out!’ He made a face and waved running back into the house. Making me laugh hard.

The scent he was picking up was her. And me. Us. Together. And I wasn’t going to air it out. I wanted more of it.

“Looks like you got your packed dinner/lunch?” The scent of the peach cobbler hit first and my mouth watered. “Seth and I swapped, I’ll take his run tonight. He is taking mine now.” I told her as we pulled out into the street driving towards the Call’s home. “I know I should ask you. But I am going to be selfish.” Telling her as I drove.

“I’m going to take you over to yours first. You can get your things together and then come to mine? Unless…” did she want to stay at hers? “Unless you want to stay at yours? I’m sure I could read while you get some sleep?”

I wasn’t making any assumptions. The way she smiles and looked at me before we left Ma’s was enough to tell me she wasn’t ready to say bye for now. And nor was I.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at #Seth and almost said thank you before I glared at him. “Jealous!” I teased him.

‘Gross! That’s my brother!’ He smirked. ‘Try not to tear the truck apart at the very least!’

Damn, that smelled good! I grinned at Lee. “Yeah, Mom or #Sue normally makes sure I have something to take with me. I always tell them the kitchen staff leave us leftovers but it’s like they don’t believe me.” I laughed softly. A slightly wicked smile crept across my lips “Wait you swapped your run to spend the afternoon with me?” I laughed. “You kind of like me, don’t you?” I teased; we both knew it was so much more.

I listened to his plan… and my heart skipped in my chest like a traitor. “That is so much better than the plan I  had to drag you to my room and hope Mom doesn’t come for a few hours.” I bit my lip…. this was all so new… and my stomach flipped. I was excited by all of these firsts.

“I know today hit a little slump… but overall… it’s been amazing and if  it doesn’t need to end just yet; then that sounds like the best plan. I just need to grab my uniform. And then I’m all your until seven.”

◄ Lee ►

Again, the teasing between the two of them had me shaking my head and laughing at the same time. This was perfect. This mix of our families and now us. Her and me… US. Fuck. I loved the sound of that. And I wasn’t the kinda guy to ever think of this stuff, let alone want it.

“Shut up. You know the answer. Stop fishing.”

My hand reached out to cup her face and bring her in. Careful as I drive, I kissed her and let her go. But that sound of her heart, I wanted to hear it so that more. For me. And only me. However, I mean I’m not going to say no about taking you to your bed. It’s that sneaking around as teens feeling. Who doesn’t have that fantasy on the list?”

Laughing a full belly laughter again as I turned down their street. They didn’t live fear from Ma’s home. As kids I had run this route a million times.

Parking up the truck. I sat back in the seat and held her gaze. “Your choice. Do you want to rest here, or come back with me?” I wanted her. Of course, I did. But I wanted her to be ready for work too. “My ideas are always the best.

◄ Emmy ►

He was smiling and I wondered what it was that he was thinking about. But only for a second… because I realised all that mattered was that it was about us, and it was making him smile.

I laughed at his reply. “Can you blame a girl for wanting to hear you say it?” I teased… but strangely… for someone that was normally very verbal about how I was feeling, just knowing how he felt was all I wanted.

“The idea of getting caught is kinda hot.” I grinned, remembering the  feeling of doing something risky in his truck.

“As tempting as getting caught is…” I smiled and leaned across the truck to kiss him. “I think I just want to have you all to myself for a little while.” I unbuckled my belt and climbed out “I’ll just go grab my uniform and I’ll b be right back… If I get you behind closed doors we definitely won’t make it to your place.” I smiled and winked at him before disappearing inside.

◄ Lee ►

Letting her go I watched that small body move. “How about you move that fast during drills?”

I called out after her. She did, she never backed down when it came to the pack and the pups. But seeing her disappear onto the Call house, while I sat here looking up at it. I couldn’t help myself.

Shifting in my seat, I rested my head back and closed my eyes. All so I could hear her. I followed her footsteps as she gathered her things. I knew where in the house she was, and I could hear where she was doing.

If it were #Thekid here now. He would be able to hear so much more. But this was enough for me.

I had to laugh again. This was crazy, this day had been off the charts. How it started, and where it ended.

Taking my phone out, I looked over a few messages from clients who needed something. And then I heard her coming back.

My truck was on, and I opened the door for her to climb back in, and waited.

◄ Emmy ►

I rolled my eyes. “Then you wouldn’t have the pleasure of staring at my arse as I walk away!” I laughed before disappearing inside. When I reached my room I gathered up my baby pink scrubs and trainers and a jacket (just so I could appear human.) As I moved around my room, I could still smell him on my clothes.

I smiled and shrugged out of my shirt leaving it on my bed… the scent would fade… sure, but there would be a hint of him here when I got back. I grabbed a clean shirt and stuffed a change of clothes for the end of my shift into a backpack. It was nice o have something fresh the change into after a night shift. I heard him laugh and I heart did that weird thing again. I wonder what he was thinking about? I mean… me, of course… but what exactly was he remembering to him laugh to himself like that?

When I stepped outside, he had the door open for me. “Did you really miss me that much into sixty seconds?” I teased; it had been a little more than  that… but teasing was fun. I climbed up into the truck easily and buckled up. “All set!” I told him, eager to get him behind closed doors.

◄ Lee ►

Waiting her come out the house that grin was back on my face.  “You are talking about me missing you? Didn’t your heart just drop a few beats for me?” Teasing her right back.

When she was in the seat, i took her bag and set it on the back seat. Then turning back to her. I place my fingers under her chin and bought her face to mine. “New rule. I need a kiss when you come back. Doesn’t matter it’s a day, an hour, a minute or a second.”

Bending down my mouth touched hers.  “Now I’m ready to go.”

Winking at her that smile back on my face I pulled out into the street and drove home.

My eyes were on the road, but it was hard not to look over to her. How many times had she sat in that seat, and not once had I had these thoughts about her. Because I never let myself. But now. I was grinning with the thoughts of what we had done in this truck. And all the time and conversations we had in these days. “Home.” I say, finally pulling up in our drive way.

Reaching across her I opened and pushed her door open. Then turning back to grab the two bags. “We should put your food in the fridge until tonight.”

◄ Emmy ►

“I never said I didn’t miss you.” I smiled and stretched up onto my toes… even though he still needed to bend down to reach me. “So needy.” I teased and at the same time, I reached up to the back of his neck and held him there for one more  kiss. “But I approve of this rule.”

I laughed at the wink. “You know for someone that hot you can be kind of adorable at times too. I like the dichotomy.”

I was about to reach over and open the door… but Lee was fast… he had always been the fastest of all of us. He reached across me and opened the door. Normally things like this would annoy me but all I could think about was the way his hair smelled, and it made my heart do that thing again.

“Spirits! You're lucky you’re so  distracting.” I laughed softly and unbuckled my belt.

I turned back when I stepped out of the truck, he was reaching for my bags… and even though I should say I could get it why would I? He knew that. Instead, I smiled and waited until he came around the truck. “You know… Mom is right about one thing…” As if I’d been doing it forever, I slipped by hand into his. “You’re Mom raises gentlemen.” I start to tug him towards the house, walking backwards so I could tease him with a sly bit of my lower lip.

◄ Lee ►

Her hand in mine was lost. Small and perfect with the girls hand was. However, I knew the damage these hands could do. As human hands, and also as the paws of a spirit warrior.

“Dichotomy? Someone’s been using their word of the day.” Teasing her, but she was intelligent. Raising my brow, I squeezed her hand in mine and laughed.

“Could you imagine Sue Clearwater’s sons being anything but, we mama’s boys like to listen to what we’re being told. And showing respect to people no matter their sex, it just the right thing to do.”

Stopping when she walked backwards, the curves of her finely set body worked with those female charms of the Call women.

“You are going to be the end of me Emmy.” My eyes flashed with mischief with that bite of her lips.

“Keep that up and our neighbours will have a full on show to watch.”

Letting her hand go, I brought her in under my arm. Holding her into my side and kissing the top of her head.

“Kick back and relax.” I said when we were inside, her bags set down on the table, I let go of her so I could go put her food into the fridge.

“Do you want a drink or anything Little Minx?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and rolled my eyes at him. “Are girls that know big words not sexy?” I teased, knowing there probably wasn’t much I could do that would make him see me as any less sexy considering the things we’d done together so far.

“I’m pretty  sure today proved to #Sue that I definitely approve of her boy's attitudes towards women but telling her I was dating one of them.” I smiled. I saw the way he looked at me… and sure maybe I was deliberately enticing him; but who could blame  me? “So now you want me to put on a show on the lawn too?”

I smiled and turned into him, fitting perfectly into his side as he draped his arm over my shoulder. I lifted my hand to rest on top of his as we. I watched him put the food in the fridge and wondered if he had always been this attentive. “You know I think this 𝕓𝕠𝕪𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 thing suits you, Clearwater.” I smiled. I could have reached past him to grab a bottle of water but I could let him have this one.

“Water  would be great, please.” A smile was still plastered onto my face when I stepped up close to him. “And then…” I smirked. “I wanna take you upstairs and figure out how this… officially dating thing affects your game.”

◄ Lee ►

Taking out two bottles of water, I looked back at her over my shoulder. “You know a woman with a mind of her own is the sexiest thing.” Closing the fridge, I turned to face her.

“This BOYFRINED thing looks good on me, doesn’t it? I mean I know you are  so turned on that you can’t keep your hands off me.” Walking to her, I have to lean down  kiss her mouth. “However, this GIRLFRIEND  thing…” growling at her in approval. “You are making it look fine.” Laughing I kissed her again. “Now. Come on. I promised you a nap. Don’t turn me into a liar.”

Reaching down I slapped her fine, firm arse. Before bending at my knees. Picking her up in with one arm. I let her curl her legs around my waist as I started towards the stairs. Grabbing her bag as I passed it too. “I’m sure you don’t mind this.” Kissing her mouth once before I took her steps two at a time.

“Do you have something to wear to bed? Or do you want something from me? Or. You know. I don’t mind if you nap in nothing at all.”

Waggling my brows at her as we padded into  my room, and I kicked the closed behind me.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed when he said I could hardly keep my hands off of him… because damn… he was right. Just then I realised that not only was holding onto the hand that rested on my shoulder the other was behind his back fisted loosely in the back of  his shirt

But instead of just admitting that; I said. “Says the man with his arm around me like I might try to escape?”

I stretched up on my toes again and kissed “. I can make anything look good.” I smiled… At least until you get tired of  bending ov—-“I squeaked as he slapped my arse and picked me up. He could pay for that one later. I wrapped my legs around his waist… laughing. Or that works too. I kissed him. ”Mind what? Being carried around like a Queen?” I smirked and kissed him again, maybe I was trying to see if he would stumble if I distracted him enough… maybe not, either way, it wasn’t like either of us would be hurt I was (or wasn’t) successful.

Shit. I hadn’t even thought about that when I was grabbing  clothes. I just grabbed what I needed for work… and after. I smiled at him stroking my fingers lightly against the back of his neck. “I wasn’t actually thinking about sleeping when I packed that bag.” I bit my lip and locked eyes with him. “I  mean… eventually maybe… but it wasn’t top of the list.”

◄ Lee ►

It felt good when her fingers worked their way into my hair, neck, and jaw. She felt like home to me, and so did her touch.

Her bag was the first thing I set down on the chair beside me door. Doing it without needed to look down for a second. Because I didn’t want to take my eyes away from hers. Then with the door closed and her wrapped around me, I slipped my feet one at a time out of my boots. Then and only then did my mouth turn up into that cocky grin. What had she said about me not keeping my hands off her? Walking across the room.

“So, what do you suggest we do? We did finish up with the family early so that you could sleep some.” My hands were on her arse, even though I knew if I moved them away. She wouldn’t fall.

“And, you are welcome to borrow one of my shirts.” Leaning my head into the crook of her neck. I placed kisses all the way up to her ear. “Fuck you feel good.” Setting her down on the floor in front of me. My mouth found hers and I kissed her deeply.

My fingers making easy work of removing her top nice and slow, taking my time knowing it would bug her a little. We all needed to tease where we could! Then as I began kissing her shoulders came the time to slowly and easily push her bottoms down. When I pulled back to free her from the fabric. I took the time to enjoy the view of her perfectly strong body, those toned muscles, and then her eyes drew me in.

“Have I told you just how beautiful you are?” Setting her clothing to the side, I cupped her face. The height difference would have made me laugh. But all I saw were those bourbon eyes.

◄ Emmy ►

I watched the expression on his face ease into an expression of satisfaction and comfort more and more with every touch. I couldn’t stop my laugh when he kicked off his boots while still holding me up. It was effortless. “I mean nothing is stopping me from sleeping…. after…” I smirked and purposefully neglected the mention after what. “But I find myself rather…” I leaned down to bite his lip and let my teeth trail off. “Energised.”

I tilted my head up when he brought his lips  to my throat, and I moaned softly. I tightened my legs around him, tilting my head to let him in. Then released my grip to stretch down and touch my toes to the floor. His hands were everywhere; sliding my shirt up and leaving a trail of heat  along my skin, unlike anything I had ever felt before. I tried to take long breaths as he took his sweet time… while parts of me started to wind up, tense as a bowstring, in a good way… the anticipation was thrilling.

I stepped out of my  trousers and let him take his time looking me over, my heart beating too hard and my teeth tugging on my lower lip. “You might have mentioned it.” I smirked and lay my hands flat on his chest.

Fuck! The solid wall of muscle beneath my hands… I wanted to tear every shred of fabric off of him. “Have I told you…” I slipped my hands lower to grab the hem off his shirt ad slid it up… but we bother knew I wasn’t getting it off him without his cooperation.

“That it’s a crime to  cover up this body with clothing.”

◄ Lee ►

“You might have mentioned it.” I smirked right back down at her, Taking the hem of my shirt when I knew she had reached that point where I would have to help, I pulled it up and over my head. Turning my head to the side as I dropped it into the chair over her discarded clothes.

“There was something else I wanted to tell you.” I turned my full attention to her once again, placing my big strong hands over hers. Even if hers were smaller in size. I knew that they could cause some major damage if she wanted to. “Hmm… Let’s think what it was.” Bending down to her height I bit her lips and tugged on them. “Oh yeah. Stop biting my lips. It makes me jealous of not getting to them first.” My hands moved to cup her face, my eyes searching hers, the spirits only know what fore.

I brushed short strands of her hair back off her face. And then started to place my mouth overs hers. “Now that you mention it, I have to agree. I feel a little Energised too.” My hands went down her neck, my thumb gentle rubbing the soft skin of her throat before continuing down her shoulders. Taking the straps of her bra down off, letting them fall over her forearms my eyes moved to those perfectly rounded breasts, they were the right size for a mouthful. And now I felt my jeans tighten thanks to the image in my mind to suck on them. Especially with her hardening nipples just beginning to peek out from under the fabric.

◄ Emmy ►

My mouth watered when his shirt came off. I had seen him shitless probably as much as I had seen him fully dressed… but here? Here, it was something else? was it something I could turn off when I needed to focus? I had no idea… but I was sure  he would kick me into shape if I didn’t.

I rested my hands against his and look up at him, my teeth just trailing off my lip as is bent to take it with his. I moaned so softly… fuck!! Something twisted pleasantly, low in my stomach. How did he have this effect on me so easily? “Well, you were slacking on the job... So, I had to do it for you.” I teased and moved my hands down his chest, solid muscle and perfectly defined grooves and lines, slipped under my touch.

His scent changed as he nudged my bra straps aside. I almost bit my lip again… but when my hands reached the waist of his jeans, I tucked two fingers behind the top button and tugged him back towards the bed as I stepped backwards, gracefully. “We       should do something about that.” I smiled, feeling the bed brush the back of my knees. Then I easily popped op the top button and pulled my hair free of its short ponytail with my other hand.

◄ Lee ►

Stepping forward with her wasn’t hard, there was always the trust that I would have her back I hoped, just as I knew she would have mine.

My hunger filled eyes watched hers move gracefully back in towards my bed and my mouth curled up into a full break out grin. “You know how to make a guy feel like he has it all under control.” Pulling her leg. Because we both knew it wasn’t true.

My eyes darted to the way her fingers curled into my jeans.

“Feels a little constricted if you ask me.” Because by now she could scent me as I could her, and the visual change was unmistakable just below her hand.

The moment her hair came free, my hands were there curling a few stands around my fingers before I bent down to her. My voice low and huskier now.

“You are mine. And I am yours. This is For our eyes only.” Kissing those luscious lips of hers, my arm reached out to pull down the #BehindTheCurtain. #SLPaused

Still in the Making...

[whenthetablesareturned]

Don’t be my Valentine’s – A story by Lee Clearwater

“Are you planning on taking a shower before we leave or what Kid?” Banging my fist on his door before making my way down the stairs and into the kitchen. The morning had been no different to any other weekend start. I woke up at 5 am, worked out, had a quite breakfast, went on the morning run with the pups and now I was home, showered and set to go.

“If you don’t get your arse out of bed, I’m leaving without you.” I didn’t shout, neither of us really did. With our hearing, and #TheKids being ten times better than anyone in the pack. There was no need.

‘I’m up, and I will have you know I am showered too.’ Smirking I rolled my eyes.

“A wash cloth is not a shower! The ladies deserve a little better than a wash cloth this morning Kid.” I retorted. The sounds of his feet running out of his room and into the bathroom made me laugh.

✮ ✮ ✮ ✮

Once #TheKid was ready it didn’t take us long to head out, we made a few stops at all the stores Ma needed us to, as well as a few both #TheKid and I wanted too. One last stop at the diner meant we had food, then we were on our way. Taking my bike was always my go to, however I knew today wasn’t the day for two wheels, so the Kids truck was the vehicle of choice. And the fact that I was in the passenger seat, wasn’t amiss on him.

He drove us towards our destination this morning. “Slow down Kid, Ma may not have our hearing. However, the woman has a knack for knowing when you are driving too fast.” He took his foot off the gas right away.

‘I really don’t want to get myself a smack up the side of my head before she says Hi today.’ We were both laughing when we pulled up in the front of #MsTiffanyCall’s house. Ma’s car was on the drive right behind #MsCalls, and Emmy’s was gone.

‘Looks like we won’t be seeing @TheMakahWolf today, are you ready?’ #TheKid asked as the two of us jumped out, gathering the bags from the back of his truck.

“It depends what shift she is on.” I said looking around. I couldn’t pick up a fresh scent for her. “It’s a good thing, #LittleCall would eat us out of house and home. The Spirits I know we can all pack it away. However, that girl really can eat.” And there was something about that, which made me grin. She was something out of this world on the best of days. I bump my shoulder into his.

“And… Please I was born ready, you are the one who was two weeks late.” Winking at my kid brother. This was a story we were told at the eve of his birthday every year, and it never got old.

‘Not you too!’ #TheKid groaned and then laughed. He liked the story of how Ma and Da had to try things like eating spicy food, sleeping with her legs in the air, and then it was a pineapple! That was the last thing she’d tried, and he decided it was time to make an entrance.

“And you still eat pineapples like they will run out tomorrow, and your life wouldn’t be the same!”

The door opened with only one knock and the beautiful woman to greet us was an older version of her daughter. ‘My boys are here!’ She wrapped her arms around #Seth kissing his cheek, before letting #TheKid in, and then it was my turn. However, I got there first. Setting the bags down by my feet, I picked her up off the ground and twirled her around in the air. ‘Lee Peter Clearwater!’ She laughed with a girlish giggle hidden in there too. ‘Set me down, right this minute.’ But I knew she didn’t want me to. I kissed her cheek and only then did I set her down.

“Don’t go playing all hard to get with me now beautiful. You know you have been waiting for this face all morning.” Teasing her I kissed her cheek and pulled her into my side for proper hug.

‘Oh, I bet you say that to all the ladies.’ Her cheeks were red as she led the way to her kitchen.

The bags in my hands. “I do, but it’s only you and that daughter of yours who play hard to get.” I told her.

‘Lee Peter Clearwater.’ I heard my Ma’s voice making me grin. ‘Don’t you dare say anything about my Emmy, she is my heart.’ The look on Ma’s face made me laugh.

‘Hey! I thought I was your heart!’ #Seth chimed in, but he was teasing. It was a standing joke with the two friends, ( Well they were more like sisters. ). Ma would say she wanted a girl, and #Tiff would say she loved her daughter, but would steal me and #Seth too.

Setting the bags down, I moved over to hug my mother into my arms kissing her cheek. “You love me more, it’s all I care about.” Kissing her cheek again, before I stepped back glancing at the two women.

“As we had breakfast planned with Ma this morning, however she informed me by text her plans had changed.” Pointing over to #TheKid, “And we know you are working on your next big charity. But we all got to eat. So, instead of cancelling we come with food!”

#TheKid had already started to unpack, handing me one of the well-kept jars and took the other himself. He stepped up to Ma and gave her a kiss.

‘Happy Not a Valentines Ma, from the two of us.’

Our mothers’ eyes lit up, as I stepped over to #Tiffany and held out her jar.

‘Happy Not a Valentines beautiful, from the two of us.’

She took it from me as I kissed her cheek.

‘Oh boys, every year without fail.’ She hugged us both as we sat the two ladies down and started to serve them breakfast.

‘Please tell us that you both have plans tomorrow?’ #Tiff asked as we sat to eat. Both #Seth and I choked on our mouthfuls. #TheKid kicked me under the table and grinned. Rolling my eyes at him before replying.

“It’s clear you aren’t going to be my Valentine then?” She hit my arm. “Well, I’m going to have to ask your daughter I guess.” This earned me a hit over the side of my head from my Ma. “What? You keep saying you want her as a daughter!” Winking at her but the two mothers exchanged looks.

‘Now, you’ve done it.’ #TheKid sang popping some bacon in his mouth. ‘You gave them a plan they didn’t have before.’ He joked.

“Excuse me.” I told them all standing up to make like I was heading to the bathroom. It was time for a sharp exit from the kitchen and those eyes.

When I had come into the house, I left a bag to the side of the door, which I grabbed and then wondered off to @TheMakahWolf’s room.

Opening the door, I didn’t step inside. But placed the box with the single flower on it on her table. A Gift for her. It was a glass jar with small lights in it, with three music sheets rolled up and tired by Haley Klinkhammer.

1. Yours

2. Breaking Free

and 3. From Where I’m standing.

With a card reading: 𝒟𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝑀𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈! ( By my forever )

I didn’t want her not to get something from us. #Tiffany and Emmy had always been kind to us. And it meant I’d not go without giving her something today. Closing the door before going to re-joining the others, with a plan to back pedal out of the hole I’d created.

[whenthetablesareturned]

Their passion is more than what others see and feel... ( 21+ only, not suitable for minors )

[whenthetablesareturned]

The Light of a New Day - A story by Emberly Call and Lee Clearwater - Storyline Two (Not Suitable for Minors ) - Part 1

◄ Emmy ►

Even the ride in the crisp mid-morning air wasn't enough to completely wash away the scent of Lee that clung to my skin. We tried, of course, to make it less... obvious. But the shower we'd taken together... well...

I smiled to myself as I pulled up outside #Jacob's just after Lee. I was hoping that Jake had already dropped his father to his office... I hardly knew what to say to my best friend, let alone to a man who had been a surrogate father to me most of my life.

It wasn't that was nervous to tell him about this... it was the fact that I had no idea how to have this conversation. I never had before. I didn't need his approval or blessing. I just wanted it out in the open. I knew what I wanted as long as it was what Lee wanted too... then I wasn't going to walk away. I smiled because that wasn't exactly true... I might even chase him if he walked away. Not like a stalker... but just enough to let him know I wasn't letting go easily.

I smiled at him as we both dismounted and looked at him. "Ready?" I nodded towards the house and started up the ramp, it sounded as though Jake was alone and that was how I wanted it for now. At least until I spoke to #Sam... And mom.

By the Spirits! Mom was going to lose her mind. The thoughts and the plans she and #Sue would concoct!! I'd almost prefer disapproval, I thought with a soft laugh.

I didn't knock on the Black's door; this was like my second home.

"Jake?"

I called into the house, and then I heard movement in the kitchen and started down the hall. Finding him stood making a sandwich.

'In here.' He called back but I was already leaning on the door jamb.

"You might want to make two more of those." I grin and Jake looked over his shoulder revealing two half-assembled sandwiches.

'Way ahead of you.' He grinned turning; he seemed to pause for a moment. I could tell he was scenting the air; did he realise that wasn’t the individual scents of me and Lee ... that the both of us were carrying our mingled scents.

'Should I be worried? A visit this early from my Beta and Third?' I slid two plates down the counter and took a bite of his sandwich.

◄ Lee ►

Ready… That is what she was asking me? And I was. “As ready as I always am.” There was no doubt in my mind of what we had set out to do.

We had thought about it, we had talked it through, and this was the next step. The only thing was that I wanted to do this the right way for Emmy. She deserved it. I told her I would follow her lead, and I would step around and take the lead wherever it was she needed me to. And this was where it had brought us.

There were no nerves on the ride over, there were no second guesses ( not from me. ), this path we’d both jumped onto felt veracious. I knew the hard part was going to make #Jake and #Sam see that this was different for me and for Emmy. This wasn’t like those one-night stands that had come before.

I followed behind Emmy into the Black house, some part of me wishing that #Billy had been here too. He had been a father figure to me and the Kid ever since our Da had passed, and I knew that the moment he saw Emmy and I together… Without me saying a word… He would know the truth… and he would know that this was pure in my eyes.

When #Jake turned to look at us, I didn’t take my eyes off him. “Shouldn’t you be worried any time this short stop shows up at your door?” I moved around Emmy to step closer to the counter, picking up half of the sandwich he’d made and looked at it and then Emmy.

“We have something we need to tell you.” I said, my deep brown eyes taking Emmy in before my gaze was back on my friend, my Alpha, my brother in arms.

He raised a brow, his nose twitched. I had moved in closer to him and I knew what he would be picking up by now. My scent wasn’t just mine. I wasn’t sure how much the shower we took this morning, would have helped, keeping in mind the things I’d done to her in there. The thought made my lips twitch, but I kept the smile off it.

“Spirits…” He muttered rubbing his forehead.

◄ Emmy ►

The look on his face when I asked him if he was ready was all the answer I needed. It told me he wasn't here for permission or a blessing. All that either of us wanted was honesty with our friend and loyalty to our Alpha. #Jacob was a fair leader and even though it was well within his powers as an Alpha to forbid Lee and me from walking this path; I knew that he would never wield his Alpha voice in that way.

I shot him a playful glared that I would have given anyone when he called me shortstop. The knowing smiles and flirtatious looks... those were just for the two of us. But when he spoke again, and his eyes fixed on mine... the cheeky expression eased into a true smile. #Jake's muttered plea to the Spirit's drew my gaze back to him. I even gave a small laugh when Lee moved closer to #Jake and I saw the moment it dawned on him.

"Without going into details..." I started and #Jake seemed slightly relieved by that. "We spent the night together." I wasn't about to clarify how far things had gone physically, that was between Lee and myself. In my mind, the most significant thing that had happened between us was... falling asleep, wrapped tightly around one another. My heart sold me out once again, stuttering a few missed beats as the memory slipped forward in my mind. I paused for a moment too long and #Jacob must have thought I was done.

'Okay so... one and done, right?" He asked. 'Isn't that your guys’ mantra?' I felt a surge of defensiveness... but his tone wasn't judgmental or disparaging. Neither of us had ever denied it before... so what else was he to think. I bit my lip, not dropping my gaze from him. But still… to boil everything that we were experiencing together down to those three words seemed… brutal. But I told myself that he had no way of knowing that yet.

"No, Jake." I shook my head, leaning on the counter and sliding closer to Lee. "Not this time."

#Jake’s brows pulled together even closer as he puzzled out the information. 'Spirits.' He muttered again, rubbing his temples this time.

◄ Lee ►

#Jacob and I both heard Emmy’s heart at the same time. For me it was a welcomed sound, one to tell me we were on the correct path.

She stepped closer to me, and I was thankful. Because hearing those three words from Jacob’s mouth about Emmy… it fucking stung. I knew he didn’t mean it like I took it, but still. I thanked the Spirits for her smile, because right now it was a beacon to me, bringing me to the calm place that was her gravity.

Before I could say anything, Emmy clarified where we stood, we both had spoken about this. We knew where one another stood and how we felt. And I bit the tip of my tongue, reminding myself that no one but #Seth knew. The Kid saw how things had been between us.

“I’m not asking for your permission or your blessing Jake.” My dark eyes turned to Emmy. “I’m not going to speak for Emmy, but I think we are both on the same page.” #Jacob forgot all about the food ( which was a first ), and his attention moved between the two of us.

‘Have you both thought this all through? You know what could happen—‘ he didn’t finish the sentence, and really he didn’t need to.

“Jake we aren’t kids, we aren’t blind.”

‘But you are both going against everything you used to believe?’ He asked.

“Beliefs evolve, we grow, and we learn.”

I didn’t know when I did it. But I curled my arm around Emmy. Resting my hand on the small of her back.

I saw how #Jacob didn’t miss a beat or a move. He may comprehend but did he really understand what this meant to us? Some part of my action and Emmy’s words stunned him.

◄ Emmy ►

My eyes tilted up to watch Lee, as he told #Jake he wasn't asking for permission. I knew that we were on the same page, or at least I believed I had... but hearing it out loud made it an undeniable fact. I smiled at him; he may have said he wasn't speaking for me, but I couldn't have said it better myself.

I fought the urge not to sigh out loud when #Jake spoke about what could happen… what did he think was going to happen? I wasn't blind to the fact that this could end... I wasn't blind to the fact that both of us were putting ourselves in a position to get hurt. It wasn't what of we wanted... this new path was about the exact opposite of causing pain. But even if that did happen; what was #Jake expecting?

Sure, it was likely that things between Lee and I wouldn't return to what it was before this, if it ended. But it wasn't like we'd stop speaking or working together... Our duties to our pack and people were entirely separate from this. Things would be changed, yes... but not in the way #Jake was implying. Before all of these thoughts could spill out in my usual torrent of word vomit; I felt Lee's arm curl around me, and I instantly closed the small space left between us. I pressed my shoulder into his side; his heat instantly washed it all away.

I took Lee's point about beliefs changing... but one thought refused to be contained. "Wait..." I rested my hand on Lee's chest. "#Jake... No one ever said anything about not believing in..." How could I say this without using any bland socially conventional terms? Things with Lee were far from bland or fit into any of those narrow stereotypes. "Anything. Just because neither of us had a connection that made us want to come back for more; doesn't mean we didn't see the value in it for others. We’ve just found that in each other."

I saw a shift in #Jacob instantly. "This is the first time I've felt a connection like this Jake. I'm not asking... I'm only here because you're my alpha and I'm not going to disrespect that. I'd like to speak to my best friend at some stage too." At the last sentence, my gaze hardened on #Jake, reminding him who it was that he was speaking to and showing him that I was serious about this.

#Jake dropped his gaze to the floor for a second and rearranged his features. Then, there he was; my best friend, my brother. 'You really want this?' His tone was still confused but much softer. I smiled at #Jake first and then peered up at Lee again under dark lashes. My cheeks flushed and I nodded, not taking my eyes off of him until #Jake spoke again.

'I'm not going to say it's not weird. I mean we've all known each other for years... and this… It’s… new?’ He shrugged, it sounded like a question, but I knew he didn’t want an answer. He moved closer to us and smiled at Lee. 'Can I borrow her for a minute? I'll give her right back.' He held out his arms to me, I stepped into them and hugged him. 'Okay, as long as you're happy.' He said quietly. 'I know I don’t have to give you guys the alpha lecture, right? Because I can't do this without the two of you.'

"We have our priorities straight.” I stepped back and slapped him across the back of the head. “That's for implying I was something you could borrow.” I tucked myself back under Lee's arm as #Jake rubbed his head and laughed.

'So…' #Jake got awkward again all of a sudden. 'Whose gonna tell #Sam?'

◄ Lee ►

Those eyes of hers, when she tilted her head up towards me it took all my self-control not to lean down and take those perfect plump lips of hers with my mouth. The smile she gave wasn’t helping at all. However, I knew there would be time for all that later.

Hearing Emmy agree with me, to stand up for what she wanted, but more so knowing that she and I both wanted the same, fed the energy and the strength to stand here with my head held high.

It was hard, to stand still and to keep my mouth shut. To keep my thoughts to myself with the two of them talking. There had always been a deeper connection between Emmy, #Jake and #Quil. For a short time, I was certain there was more between her and #Quil then the two of them let on. But I had been wrong. Their friendship was pure, something most of us dreamt of having but never achieving.

When Emmy slipped herself into my side, it was like she was made for me. The way her body curved into mine, her arms, legs, her whole being. She fit perfectly. My wolf snorted at me, drawing my head back to the now and the conversation the to of them were having.

I knew from the first time I kissed Emmy that she didn’t need me to protect her. She was a hurricane when she wanted or needed to be, and I’d witnessed her payback a number of times with the pups. So, I stood there. I listened, I took it all in and then I bursts out laughing hard.

“There, that’s what you get for talking like that about one of the Call women.” I said in jest. “And you know Jake, we aren’t leaving you or the pack high and dry. We are both grownups….” I stopped looking back down at her. I was talking to #Jake, but I needed her to hear me. “I’m not thinking about the what ifs. This is a new journey for us, I want us to have the same experience the rest of the world has. I’m not going to think of endings, not when this is the beginning.”

And then #Jake asked the million-dollar question.

“He will be our next stop. Emmy wanted to tell you first.” My arm was back around her, and this time I held on to her. My action telling her I wasn’t letting her go again. Not even for our Alpha.

◄ Emmy ►

Having his arm around me bolstered my determination... but more than that. It made me feel wanted and safe... but not in the faux macho way guys did, which was also why #Jacob and #Quil were the ones that became my true brothers (before #Sam obviously). #PaulLahote and #JaredCameron were also part of our little group from time to time; though they laid on the chivalryroutine far too thick for my liking. I love them as my pack brothers, of course... and after the battle with the new born army, all doubt over my abilities and strength were firmly laid to rest.

Lee wasn't doing it out of some misguided need to protect the tiny girl. He wasn't trying to protect me or save me from my bad decision and meaningless casual sex like so many had before. My heart stuttered again at the thought that nothing else would feel like it did with him, that so-called meaningless casual sex… could never match the physicality of what we'd shared. Let alone begin to touch what being with him did to my soul.

He towered next to me as he easily tucked me beneath his arm again. I was really starting to wish I wore heels mo--- wait... no. Fuck that. He was pulling me into him because he wanted me close, and I wanted to be close. It wasn't something I'd ever wanted... not like this. I hugged the guys all the time, my mom... But none of that was like this. It was a completely different feeling now.

Hearing him say that he wasn't going to talk about endings touched me somewhere deep inside. His meticulous organization and planning were wavering a little and I was totally going to claim credit for it. "No thinking about endings and what ifs..." I agreed. "This is what we want right now. And the both of us are better for it. This wasn't some chance encounter. The Spirits steered our paths, and we chose the one we walk together. It’s for the ancestors to know what lies ahead. Not us."

I knew that #Jake wouldn't contradict it... And I knew he would see it in our heads the next time we joined the hive mind together.

I exhaled a long breath and laughed, catching my lip with my teeth. "We'll just make sure #Emily is there... I don't think Sam will react badly. I mean if something like this was going to happen to me, I think he'd be happier that it’s with someone he's known his whole life... right? Someone he trusts."

'This...' Jake's brow raised and he swallowed the last bite of his sandwich. 'By This you mean you getting a boyfriend?' The word didn't sit right... it seemed too mundane and ordinary a label for what this was. 'You're such a girl sometimes.' Then in a swift movement, he snatched up the untouched half of my sandwich and smirked. 'Snooze, you lose.'

I responded with an indignant cry and punched him hard(ish) on the arm. But that was the unwritten rule of the pack. Untouched food was fair game but if they'd taken a bite… then Spirit's save you if you snatched up someone else's food.

◄ Lee ►

#Jake and I both gazed at Emmy at the same time, they girl didn’t have it in her to keep anything a secret. The sound of her heart changing hadn’t been missed by either of us, still I was thankful that #Jake didn’t bring it up this time even if we could both tell what had happened.

#Jake knew me and knew what my ways were like. It had been one of the key factors as to why he asked me to become his pack beta. So, now with how Emmy and I were stood before him, he knew that I would be happy to talk about anything with him, as long as it was Emmy who brought it up. I was a private person to a point, however when it came to another person’s life being impacted, I knew to keep my mouth shut.

My eyes were on Emmy. “We will just have to wait and see how he reacts, I’m sure my cousin will step up and set her husband on the right path if he strays.” I maybe joking, but I couldn’t help but wonder just how her brother #Sam would react. “Will you keep my flame burning if he does kill me?” I whispered to her.

‘Good luck… if it were me and the twins… I’d kick your arse Clearwater.’ As he spoke #Jake arched a brow, and mine popped in answer.

“I’m not going to tell you this again, I never crossed that line with the twins.” We had grown up together, the twins were drop dead gorgeous. I wasn’t blind to them… But uncle #Billy and Da had brought us up so close that they were more like sisters.

‘So, you keep saying.’ #Jake rubbed his arm after Emmy punched him. And I could tell that it mightn’t have hurt, but there was a sting to her fist.

“Remind me not to steal your food.” I muttered bending down to kiss the top of her head. “I’m so proud of you short stop.” The look on #Jakes face told me that maybe those words would cost me. Emmy didn’t do that to make me proud, of course not. But by the Spirits and all that was sexy. Her punching other guys like this… it was a turn on.

‘Stop that.’ #Jake clicked his fingers with his mouthful. ‘Whatever you’re thinking right now. Just stop.’ Now it was my turn to grin. I took a deep sniff noticing how the scent in the room changed around us. ‘I said stop it. Spirits, this is going to be maddening.’ He was half joking.

“Welcome to how we feel around you and Ness, and all the other wolves and imprints.” I squeezed Emmy closer. For some reason I wanted her as near to me as I could have her.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed when he asked me about his Flame and shook my head. "I won't need to." I twisted beneath his arm and reached up to rest my hands on his shoulders. I couldn't help it then... I stretched up onto my toes and my hands slid to the back of his neck and pulled him down to kiss him. A soft quick kiss... and then another because I couldn't help myself. "He won’t get anywhere near you." I whispered; my fingers caressed the back of his neck.

'Oh-Kay!!!' Jake turned away from us. 'That...' He made a clicking sound with his tongue and laughed awkwardly. "That's... um... Gonna take some getting used to.'

I laughed... but my cheeks burned. I wasn't the blushing kind of girl.

The two of them were staring at me... not that I was self-conscious... but that normally meant I had said more than I really needed to. When I heard the two boys talking about the twins, I muttered under my breath but loud enough for them to hear. "Me either... but not for the lack of trying." Those girls were beautiful, but they had that big sister energy going when it came to pretty much all of us.

And, of course, #PaulLahote... the arsehole; somehow wound up with #Rachel as an imprint. It made no sense at all... but... when you saw them together; it made perfect sense. It was also, gross, and often uncomfortable.

I laughed again at #Jake and shook my head. I tried to reign in my emotions and combat my portion of that new scent in the room. My fingers twisted into the back of Lee’s shirt where #Jake couldn't see, and I leaned against him. "It's going to be fine with #Sam..." Then tilted my head and thought about it. #Jake's brow quirked. "Eventually..." I added with a little less confidence.

◄ Lee ►

I wasn’t used to being shocked, I could see trouble coming a mile away. However, stood here in the Black kitchen I didn’t see her turning to me and then kissing me in front of #Jake just yet. But here I was, my mouth on hers and I didn’t pull back. My muscled arm curled around her shoulders and drew her closer with every touch of her mouth on mine, and I didn’t give a shit who was watching us.

“Keep that up and we aren’t heading to Uley’s place next.” I growled into her ear, knowing full well that #Jake would hear it too. “Don’t worry Jake, we’ll make sure you see enough of this so that you can feel at home around us.” My mouth curled up into a wild and wicked grin now, and this time I kissed Emmy, deeper, longer and made sure she felt the rumble in my chest at how she made me feel.

I arched a brow at her when she added her comment in about the Black twins. “I can believe it too. I’m sure you gave it your best attempt.” And then I straightened up my deep brown eyes were on my Alphas back. “Are you ever going to face us again, or is your back going to become what I will talk to from now?” Sure, I was teasing him, but he was feeding it with his reaction.

I felt the fabric of my shirt tighten, and I felt her fingers graze my skin. Pressing my mouth close tightly I lay the flat of my palm on her lower back, letting her know I was right here. “Eventually is fine with me. It’s not in our hands to rush people into understanding what we have.”

#Jake turned back to look at me. ‘You guys really have thought this through, haven’t you?’ I wasn’t sure why his tone had that surprise in it.

“Have I ever walked into anything blind, or without thinking?” Okay, that wasn’t a hundred percent true here. These were unchartered waters for Emmy and I. However, we were sure… I was sure… This was something we were meant to let happen.

◄ Emmy ►

I honestly never thought of myself as the type of person to get caught up in public displays of affection. But in that moment, I needed to kiss him... Sure what he said had been a joke, but it was one way to tell him that no matter how long it might take for #Sam to be okay with this... I meant what I told him. I was his... for as long as he was mine.

That growl of his did something to me… I bit down on my lip to stop myself from stretching up on my toes to bite his.

‘Geez, Emmy!’ It wasn’t until #Jake spoke that I realised the scent in the room got stronger… to the point that it was basically all me now.

“Sorry…” I tried to hide my grin… but honestly. I loved that he could do this to me… that I still wanted him… I had dreaded this. Getting attached. Getting invested. But Spirits!! I was a fool. This was incredible. “I’ll get better at that.” I stifled a laugh. I wasn’t sure I had any intention of getting better at hiding these reactions.

But then he kissed me, and I melted. My hands moved to the back of his neck, and I managed to suppress a moan into a low hum of pleasure. Damn… he really wasn’t giving me a chance to get a handle on my self-control. And I didn’t even care!

I pinched him on the side when he teased #Jake… Lee may have given me more consecutive orgasms than I knew was possible… but #Jake was still my best friend. I smirked at Lee and growled. “Be nice.”

I turned back to #Jake. “This is what we want Jake. And what we told you stands for everyone. We aren’t asking permission. This is happening. You… #Sam… the Elders… don’t get a vote.” There was no accusation in my tone, just intent.

‘What about #Seth?’ #Jake asked plainly, and my face burned.

“He knows… he um…” I bit my lip and tucked my short hair behind my ear. “Came home last night when I was there. But he’s okay with it… a bit awkward but he only ever wants for all of us to be happy. He’ll be fine.” I cleared my throat before #Jake could say anything else. Which is why we should get going to talk to #Sam before #Seth’s run. We don’t want to get swamped with the pack before we get a chance to tell him.”

◄ Lee ►

I couldn’t stop myself from letting the rumble of laughter from inside of me out.

“Never.” I huffed and grinned. “When have I been known to be nice?” I wasn’t going to let #Jake getaway with this without a few jokes. The way he and #Ness have been rolling around the Cullen’s lands and a little bit on the tribes lands too. Why should I hide how I feel about this woman beside me now?

Then realisation hit me, I squeezed Emmy when she apologised, making a note to reel it in when we weren’t alone. I didn’t want her to ever apologise for how she felt about me. Just as I wouldn’t. But at the same time, I had to remember things were different for her with #Jake, #Quil, and the others too.

“The Elders…” I rubbed my hand over my face.

‘Oh… Sue doesn’t know yet? Does Mama T?’ the smirk on #Jakes mouth was telling. The mothers were going to be something else.

‘Seth would take it at face value.’ #Jake said, not surprised, but I made a note to talk to the Kid again when we were alone. I didn’t want him to feel out of place.

‘Okay fine I get the message.’ Jake wiped his hands before he crossed them under his armpits. ‘If you need it, I can come along with the two of you?

I shook my head tugging Emmy back towards the door. “Thanks man, but this is something we need to do alone.” I wasn’t going to hide behind my alpha or my friend. “I’m going to take whatever Sam is handing out like the man my Ma and Da made me into.” I nudged Emmy. “If that doesn’t happen to work. I’m going to push this one at her brother and run.” I winked grinning. Because they both knew I wouldn’t run.

◄ Emmy ►

I shook my head... he was never one to sugar-coat... but I wouldn't go so far as to say he wasn't nice. Unless they deserved it. He was far from a pushover that was for sure. But I didn't want him to be nice... I grinned. It was so much more fun when he was bad.

Shit! My heart did that thing again, but I had my scent under control ( ish ). That was something I wanted only him to know. The thought of it baffled me and made me want to throw more of myself into this unknown territory. Well, at least that one particular scent... there was no hiding my normal (unaroused) scent from the guys... or #Ness. #Jake was grinning.

"Shut up." I huffed under my breath. "Should I do an impression of yours when Ness walks into a room!" I quirked a brow.

'It's not the sa--' he trailed off. 'Wait! It's not.... the same...' his sentence was fractured. ‘Right?’ He sounded a little more confident now as the cogs started to turn.

It wasn’t the same... just like none of the imprints were exactly the same either. I didn't want that... not the same as the imprint, not the same as any of the happy couples in my life. No one else had Lee, no one else had me... not the way we were now. It was all firsts for us, and all unique to us.

"This is just ours, Jake." My smile told him it was exactly how I wanted, unknown and exciting. An adventure. That was cheesy, but also true.

Then #Jake brought up the moms, I leaned in closer to Lee. Not because I was worried about telling them. I knew that they would be overjoyed and would both run away with planning family dinners... and Spirit's!! I really hoped Mom didn't bring up Grandbabies!

I cleared my throat. "If we get to pick; I dibs telling Sue!" I blurted it out like a twelve-year-old calling shotgun.

I walked with Lee towards the door; #Jake was rolling his eyes at my outburst. "Tell the guys to keep it in the pack until we speak to our mom’s, will you?" I knew that both of us had been the talk of the town several times. And I never cared... but this... the thoughts of the gossip queens twisting it up into something it wasn't. I knew that as soon as #Seth took a run he wouldn't be able to stop the thoughts even if he wanted to. I swatted at Lee's chest for his empty threat. "I’d like to see you try!" I scoffed.

I paused and looked back at the kitchen doorway. "This is important to us... and I don't want the rumour mill turning into something..." #Jake cut me off with a raised hand.

'Consider it done... just don't wait too long. For #Seth's sake, you know he hates hiding things from Sue.' He smiled. And started to wash up, he knew he didn't need to tell us to look out for the kid.

When we stepped out into the cool morning air, I took a deep breath but the only scent my brain registered was his. I turned, still under the circle of his well-muscled arm and reached up to curl my fingers over the neckline of his shirt. I tugged him down until his lips met mine, I couldn't have him getting used to me standing on tip-toe for him. "That went well." I grinned and kissed him. The light scratching of his beard against my skin, the heat of his breath...

"This is exactly the right path." I whispered.

◄ Lee ►

Once outside, I checked in on myself. There still was no sign of nerves or uncertainty. Not that I wasn’t sure of this path Emmy, and I had started down. But more so it was the fact that for the first time in my adult life I was ready somehow to share this part of me with another.

I stopped beside her and turned myself to face her. Bending at the waist I lent down and let her guide my mouth to hers. Without thinking or caring, I wrapped my hands around her to bring her in closer. Resting my forehead to hers I closed my eyes. Taking in the light cool air and then there was the scent of her, mixed with the sound in her chest.

“It went better than well.” #Jake had given us a few things to think about too. “But… How are you doing?” my mouth curled up into a big grin. “How is the heart and the rest of you?” taking in a deep inhale, particularly hoping to scent more of what I had inside of the Black house.

‘I can still hear you!’ #Jake called out from inside and something thudded against the now closed door behind me.

“Then stop listening in.” I huffed back, but at the same time I took Emmy’s hand in mine and walked her to my truck. “Climb on in before he throws something at us here too.” Kissing the top of her head I opened her door and then moved to the driver side getting in.

With the two of us on our way off the Black lands, I stopped at the top of the road, leaning over I placed a finger under her chin to bring her beautiful bourbon deep brown eyes to me. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for in them, but I couldn’t stop myself from leaning into her and kissing those sweet lips of hers.

Straightening up, I put the truck into gear and turned out onto the main street before speaking again.

“So..” I arched up my brow now that we were alone. “You think calling dibbs is how this is going to work? And calling dibbs on my Ma? Really Little Call… That scared to tell the beautiful one about us, are you?” I was joking with her. I had no problems telling her mom about us. #TiffanyCall had always treated #Seth and I like hers anyway.

“I hate to say it, but Jake had a point back there. We do need to tell the moms too; the Kid will disappear from now until Ma knows. Because he won’t want to hide the news from her, and at the same time he won’t want to lie to her.” Not that I ever could lie to my mother too. “But what do you think?”

We had started out with a kiss… One when all we were doing was laughing and teasing each other. And now, things had evolved into something that I couldn’t believe we hadn’t seen before.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled when he let me pull him down to my level... not that I couldn't have made him if I wanted to... but it was preferable that he was a willing participant. A soft hum left my lips when our kiss broke. I did roll up onto my toes this time to whisper in his ear, so low that even if #Jake was trying to eavesdrop (which I doubted he was after Lee's warning) he wouldn't hear. "Don't worry, I'll show you exactly how I'm doing when I get you all to myself again." I made sure to let my lips graze his ear as I spoke.

His hand in mine had my heart doing that thing again… Then, that kiss! I smiled; it was so innocent and affectionate. Spirit, what was this man doing to me? But opening the door of the truck had me lifting a brow at him. "How quick the table turns." I teased him and climbed in effortlessly. "Suddenly I'm a girl." I laughed and buckled my seat belt. Not that I had ever minded being one of the guys… at least, not after I phased. It meant a lot fewer awkward interactions with the pack.

I said nothing when he pulled over... my mind going to only one place, and I hoped his was heading in the same direction. The heat of his touch made me draw in a breath, I pulled on my lip with my teeth, until my eyes closed, and his lips touched mine. One hand lifted to the back of his neck and my fingers fanned up into his hair. My eyes met his again... Damn... those eyes. The Spirit's certainly gave him his fair share of blessed genetics.

I laughed and propped my elbow on the window ledge, resting my cheek on my hand and twisting to watch him, laughing softly at his questions. "Oh, more than you know!" I smiled, my eyes moving along his well-muscled arms. "But probably not for the reasons you're thinking."

I straightened up again and thought about it. "I know Mom will be happy." I said with confidence, there wasn't a doubt in my mind. "It's just a matter of how happy." I laughed softly. "But yeah... I agree that #Jake was right. We can't ask #Seth to keep a secret like this... it’s not in his nature." I would never want anything about that kid to change... he was probably the sweetest, purest person I had ever met.

"I definitely want to tell them... if the rumour mills in the village get wind of us before we get to tell them; they'll twist it into something it isn't." I wrinkled up my nose thinking of the rumours there had been in the past and the thought of anything similar to them attached to what I had with Lee? I hated that thought... what we had being seen as dirty or shameful. But I shook that away because no matter what people said it wouldn't change anything. "I just plan and all of that... but Mom...

"I should warn you though... Mom...” I bit my lip and looked out the side window. Just long enough to take a breath. Spirits!! Who had to have this conversation at the beginning of a relationship? "Mom... doesn't know that I can't have kids." I cleared my throat. "I mean I think she knows on some level... but I never told her that it was completely off the table. So, I don’t know if she’s going to make jokes or comments about grandkids..."

I had never been able to bring myself to tell her it was impossible. I was the only kin that Mom had left, she had no brothers or sister... only cousins so far removed it was impossible to trace. I had #Sam, #Kishil and the little soul that was still on its way. I'd never had it in me to tell her that her parents’ line would end with me.

I had come to terms with it... I'd never really wanted kids. I had never given it much thought, until I was told I couldn't. I was never one to be told what I could or couldn't do. But this was the right path for me. Kids, imprints... family, this was what made others step off of their journey with the pack, their exits were clearly mapped on their paths. It was what they should do.

It was what they needed to do, to keep the magic in the blood of the tribe. But that path wasn't mine, that didn't make my path less important or theirs more so. There was a reason I was chosen for this life. And I was happy... I smiled at Lee... even happier now.

◄ Lee ►

Even now I could sense her lips touching my ear, but she was nowhere near it anymore, and the promise of what was to come. If I didn’t have the self-control I was well known for, I’d have turned this truck around and gone straight home to find out right now.

“There is nothing sudden about it, you have always been a girl from the day you were born Little Call. You happen to be a girl who is powerful, strong, independent, and beautiful. That doesn’t mean I forget how my Ma raised me to be.” Watching her out the corner of my eye as I drove, the tenderness of her lips being remembered by my mouth. The kiss was a mistake… Not because I kissed her… But because now I wanted to pull over again and kiss her again!

Taking my eyes off the road I gazed over to see her smiling face, those cheeks, and her lips! I needed to stop thinking about her lips… And on queue I felt a twitch in my jeans. Because of where those lips of hers had been last night. And the amazing things that mouth and tongue of hers could do to me. “Spirits” I growled, huffing in some air as I rolled the window down.

And then she started to speak of our moms, and it was like a bucket of ice being dropped on my lap. It did the trick!

“Ms C will be more than happy; I mean come on and look at me. She’s going to want to steal me away from you…. Or is it that I want to steal her away from you? I can’t remember.” I teased for a minute until she continued and the joking side of me was gone.

“Hmm. I don’t want to put the Kid in any situation where he would have to lie.” I agreed with her with a nod. And the so-called rumour mills in this village of ours. We both had been the centre of their attention a few times in the past, and not for the right reasons. “I don’t want to put you in the position where you feel the need to apologise or defend this.” I told her, I’d thought it in the Black house, so it felt like she needed to hear it too.

Arching my brow, I turned my eyes off the road to glance over at her, and then as I drove, I stopped at the next off road and pulled up. I heard her, I listened without saying anything. She didn’t need my advice; she wasn’t asking for it. But I could be an ear for her.

Seeing her smiling at me now, it made a rush of warmth engulf my chest like I never have felt. “Emmy…” What could I say to her? The truth… Always the truth… that was what she would get from me.

“You are the first of your kind, and I can tell you it is because the Spirits know you are needed for this tribe to be protected. Without you… the Pack wouldn’t be the same… Without you… This all would bound to have something special missing. What the bigger picture is… I don’t know. I don’t know why we are the ones who have been chosen. But I know that you are where you need to be. I’m just surprised that you and your mom haven’t spoken about it. Children I mean… You both tell one another everything…”

I placed my curled fingers under her chin to lift her face up so that we were looking into each other’s eyes now again.

“But Grandbaby jokes?”

Arching my brow, my face as serious as could be. My eyes darted from one to the other of her eyes. I knew I should run at this conversation. Who would be talking about these things? No normal people who had just started out wanting to be together that’s who… However, we weren’t normal. And I liked the fact that we were pulling ourselves along a path no one had walked before us.

“I’m going to tell her out right, the kids are going to have my height, your looks and wit and my charm…” Winking at her my mouth curled up in a smirk. “Can you deal with that?” I wouldn’t let her take it alone, we were doing this together or not at all.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled to myself scenting subtle changes in the air around us... Knowing I had gotten his mind reeling. I laughed at him... "I know... but the last time anyone in the pack ever opened a door for me was when I went to the prom with #Quil; after he imprinted on #Claire." I shook my head at the memory. Normally #Jake, #Quil and I would just go to these things together... but #Jake thought it would be nice for him to have a more normal prom experience after the confusion of his imprint on Claire.

Plus, my crush on #Quil had been very effectively ended when I phased, and my mind was instantly flooded with the short list of potential fathers I could have gotten the gene from. My stomach had turned at the thought I could have been crushing on my half-brother. Even after I found out for sure that it was Joshua Uley... It never resurfaced. In fact, nothing even slightly like it had ever resurfaced.

Then I kissed Lee Clearwater... but even this was nothing like that. This was entirely and wholly new. And I was staring at him again. I trailed my tongue over my lips and felt a low-down tingle when I could still taste him on them. I smiled again… that scent drew my eyes lower.

“Please! I rolled my eyes. Momma T would eat up a player like you for breakfast and freeze the leftovers.” I laughed. But it was a running joke that only Lee had ever made. And after he’d grown up Mom wasn’t shy about reminding him how handsome he was, while blushing (innocently) at his frequent compliments. I remembered apologising for the reactions I had in #Jake’s house.

“I don’t… I won’t apologize for this… I mean I didn’t mean to make Jacob uncomfortable.” I suppose I had spoken before thinking really. “It’s just... So much of my life is shared, you know?” Of course, he did. “And that’s not bothered me… not for years. But… I guess there are certain things that I’d rather keep between us.” I took a deep breath and laughed. I couldn’t believe that I had said those words. “Certain things I’d like to keep exclusively for you.” I almost laughed at the thrill that gave me.

I listened to him talk; it was so easy to believe every word because he so clearly believed it; to his core. My smile softened. “I know… but I’m the only blood she has left. I have Sam and the babies… I just, I don’t want to take away her hope. And I’m okay with it. I wouldn’t give up my wolf for anything... I was handed a destiny and I accepted it because I wanted it. It’s where I want to be… and it’s still throwing me curveballs.”

I laughed and swatted his hand away playfully. “I think I could manage that.” I reach across the truck and put my hand on the back of his neck, pulling him in for another kiss. This one was hotter and heavier than the last time he’d pulled over.

“We should go before I jump on you right here.” I chuckled again and despite my words, my hand stayed on the back of his neck.

◄ Lee ►

I growled playfully at the eye roll. Why was that thing so sexy when she did it?

“Hey, I’m fine with Ms C making anything she likes out of me. I know she would love me no matter what.” Winking because her mom was like my second mom. Our moms called one another sisters, that’s how deep their friendship ran.

“Like any of the pack could feel uncomfortable. We have all learnt how to stay away from certain part of one another’s minds and memories. And when things do slip out, we all know how to respect the sanctity of those relationships. If they feel uncomfortable with this, that is on them to work out. But…” Once again, I knew where I would take my guidance from. “We will do this the way you want too.”

My mouth dropped open at her declaration of wanting to keep some parts of us just between us. “We are in agreement with this. I want to keep this for us. Moments, feelings, jokes… the lot… I want to be selfish when it comes to you.” I wasn’t going to share our private moments with anyone but her.

“Ouch Woman!” I shook my hand as she slapped it away. It didn’t hurt, but why not milk it if you can?

I saw the change in her eyes when she brought me in closer, her hand on my neck guiding me to her mouth. Pushing my seat back as my mouth moved over hers, I slipped my hand under her arse. Pulling her up, around and over to straddle me. I fumbled needing to push the seat back some more, I felt my hand on her arse squeezing, making sure that I didn’t hit the top of her head on the cab roof.

“I need a bigger truck now.” I joked, but as soon as I had her sat on my lap my mouth was back on hers again. This time like she had kissed me, I kissed her hotter, deeper, and heavier than before. However, making sure my hands remained where they were, because I knew if I felt her skin with my fingers. Then I wasn’t going to stop. I brushed her hair back with my free hand, tilting her head to deepen the kiss.

“Too late?” I told her. Feeling her chest pushed up against mine I kissed her again before I pulled back enough to see those beautiful chocolate-coloured eyes of hers.

“Life without curveballs isn’t worth living Emmy, it’s what this life throws at us which makes us who we are. So, if we weren’t tested, what could we teach those who follow in our footsteps?” I kissed her mouth again, the scent in the cab was intoxicating. And her heart was speaking loud to me too.

“Now…” I kissed her again. “We really should go. Otherwise, we will need to air ourselves down before seeing your brother.” But I didn’t move to take her back off my lap, instead I worried a strand of her hair between my fingers.

◄ Emmy ►

I bit the corner of my lip when he growled, I couldn't stop the physical reaction… my thighs pressed together, craving any kind of friction. I laughed again... "Okay... you have a point." We had all learnt how to stay away from certain thoughts. "But I'm not sure I can control my scent when we have to strip before a run." I grinned and fuck!! That was going to be hard! But I would make it happen. I had told him I was all his and I meant it.

I should have said that we would do this whatever way was best for us both, but instead, I looked over him from under dark lashes and said.

"Thank you."

Being the only woman in the pack tended to throw up complications in the strangest places and for the strangest reasons.

‘I want to be selfish when it comes to you.’

Fuck!! Butterflies rioted in my stomach. I really was turning into one of those girls. But then all that existed was him and that kiss. Without even thinking about it I threw my leg over him as he lifted me out of my seat. I didn't even need to think about avoiding the gear shift... he did all of that for me. I laughed breathily against his lips when he struggled to move the seat back. I pressed my hips down and smirked. "For you... maybe." I teased. "I'm just fine." I couldn't straighten up entirely but, I was able to comfortably lean my body against his, and that's exactly what I did.

No one had ever kissed me the way that he was kissing me now, my heart pounded and the new soft whimpering sound, which only happened with him, passed over my lips. Spirits! The taste of him flooded my sense... my tongue danced against his and a much deeper sound bubbled up from my chest. My hands slipped into his hair, and I pressed myself against him, dying for those hands to move... to run over every inch of me.

When he broke the kiss, I had to repress a grunt of protest, but I was sure it showed on my face. Then those eyes found mine and everything softened... for me at least. I just couldn't resist shifting my hips and wriggling on his lap. My fingers relaxed in his hair, trailing down the back of his neck to his shoulders. My teeth caught my lower lip. I didn't take my eyes from his, but I could feel his fingers moving in my hair. The scent in the truck was intoxicating... the both of us mixed together.

My hand slipped lower to rest over his heart... feeling it pounding harder in his chest for a moment. I wasn't even close to ready to get off of his lap... but after we spoke to #Sam... That was one step closer to getting him all to myself again.

“I’m far too easily distracted around you.” I kissed him again. “It’s dangerous.”

But I smiled… It was the exciting kind of danger.

◄ Lee ►

“Don’t act like you never copped a look when we burst out into our Warriors Little Call.” I was back to teasing her for a moment.

I found myself kissing her forehead with a whisper to her skin. “You never need to thank me.” Because I would always want to do right by her. This path we were walking wasn’t like any other we’d taken before. So, it was only right to want to make sure she was protected. Not that she needed me to do it. However, it didn’t stop the essential desire within me.

Because I knew I never looked towards her in those times, there was a respect in the pack I upheld. I wasn’t going to treat her any differently to the others. However, we have to face the truth at the same time. When she was left standing in the forest, about to shift. My eyes always had dropped to the ground, or they were averted.

I knew it was difficult on her, nothing came easily to any of us who shifted before the battle. But it must have been even harder for her, it had to be.

To be the only one, a one of a kind. The first in the history of our tribe… It had to come with hiccups the rest of us never had.

“Spirits Emmy!” Those sweet sounds I never heard her make before me, the way her body reacted to mine. The scent of us combined together, this was meant to be. It had to.

She danced on my lap, and my bulge answered the call. There was a twitch and then my pants felt tighter on me. “You aren’t making any of this easy, are you?” She knew what she was doing, the playfulness in her eyes, the way she bit down on her lip and then there was no mistaking the way her unspoken actions said so much to me.

“So many firsts.” I told myself. Placing my free hand over hers on my chest. I could feel the heat of her touch, and it wasn’t from the warmth of our skin. It was something I hadn’t felt before.

“Dangerous is an understatement, and you are the cause of it all. And we both know… it… too.” I kissed her once more. Shifting under her before I pulled back. “We really need to get moving, I don’t want Emily leaving home before we get there.” It couldn’t be a bad idea to have my cousin there, and I wanted her to know from us and not from Sam or anyone else too.

“You need to stop being so edible.” Snapping my teeth at her before I moved to lift her and put her back down on her seat. Once Emmy was off me, I tugged at my pants and shifted. Thinking of all the things I could come up with to stop the reactions she had started in me.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed, shaking my head so that the tip of my nose brushed against his. "A lady never peeks and tells." I smirked. In reality though, I had always tried not to look... out of the respect they always tried to show me, but mostly because after being around the guys in the pack.... other men paled in comparison... Literally and figuratively. I mean... how many humans had 10-packs? How many townies had the perfect unmarred skin… skin tones ranging from almond to copper to rich, deep brown? There was no denying they were hot. Again, literally, and figuratively.

But the last thing I would give them was the satisfaction of knowing that I had noticed said hotness. Until now... Lee was welcome to that satisfaction.

Especially after last night... heat bloomed in my core at the memory of his tongue... his... Fuck! He was too damned hot! "Dangerous, Lee Clearwater... that barely scratches the surface of what I am." I whispered. “What we could be.”

He kept throwing me curveballs... I'd known this guy all my life, but I was seeing sides of him that I don't think he'd shown anyone. Feeling safe was something I was used to. I could defend myself, I had friends... Family, blood and thicker than blood. I always had someone to hear me out even when I was being a huge bitch. But this... this was a different kind of safe. The kind I never knew I wanted.

I could feel the hardness growing in the tight space between us and it turned my thoughts a lot more feral. When he said the word ‘edible’ I flashed back to him buried between my thighs... "Fuck!" I breathed. Then he snapped his teeth at me... "You might be just as dangerous as I am, Clearwater."

I let him lift me off of him... he was right, I even managed to hold back the grunt of dissatisfaction. Telling myself I’d have him make up for it later. Showing up at my brother’s house smelling of arousal was not on my wish list of things to do today. I ducked my head and twisted to get back into my seat... but I was pretty sure I could go limp, and Lee would still get me seated with ease.

I bit my lip... my eyes dropping to his jeans, my mouth watering. "Need another cold shower before we go see them?" I teased... the last shower he took... we took... really hadn't had the desired effect that a cold shower was meant to.

I rolled down my window and let the cold air hit me. "Okay... Let's do this, and then can just be..." I turned to look at him. "Us..." I smiled because after this... even though we still needed to tell our moms. But that would be completely different the telling the Alphas. Pack dynamics were so much more complicated than family... but when you mixed family and the pack; it was a house of cards.

◄ Lee ►

Starting my truck up, my eyes always finding their way back to the woman sat in my passenger seat. There was a change in between us, making me shift on my own seat as I put my truck into gear and set off. But before the wheels even hit the road I was growling; with a tightly locked jaw I rolled my window down and held my head out for a few moments. Pushing the pedal to the metal I made sure the road was clear before flooring it. I knew these roads like the back of my hand, and my reflexes meant I was always in full control.

“Emmy!” I said her name in a warning.

Her scent blossomed so strongly; it was like a bomb had gone off. It was filling the cab up with an unexpressed conversation, one I couldn’t answer right now because of what we still had to do. “If you keep that up, I am warning you. We won’t even make it back to my bed.” This was going to be something hard to deal with. Scenting her now, I was so much more Intune with her. After spending the night with her, it was like that scent was a wolf call to me. That she wanted and needed me. If this was how it was for me with her. I didn’t care to think about how it would be for the wolves and their imprints. It had been something I had kept out and away from. ( Because who wanted to see that through their brothers -in- arms mind? )

“You know what they say right? It takes one to know one. So, if I’m eyeing you up and telling you I see danger coming with you Little Call. It can only mean that there is an element of it showing or hidden in me too.”

The roads weren’t busy for this time of the morning, but I could see more people were out. I waved to a few people as I drove past them. Some were friends of Ma, and other people who knew me from work. I let the cool air and the will of the spirits unruffle me from the inside out.

“Just us? You trust yourself to keep your hands off my innocent body?” A flash back from last night came rushing in, showing me just how Emmy had my body singing to her tune. Scolding myself for the thoughts I needed to stop before I started off the chain reaction again.

“So…” only when I could trust myself again did, I look towards her again. “How do you want to do this? Do we walk in and hope he picks up on it like Jake?” Some part of me thought that #Sam wouldn’t, but then I knew better than to underestimate anyone let alone another Alpha.

“Or… Do I offer up my arse for him to kick, or do I carry you to stand in front of me protecting said arse?” I asked with my eyes back on the road.

◄ Emmy ►

I ran my fingers through my hair and pulled it back into a messy ponytail, then rethought that plan and pulled down the visor, finger combing my hair and wrestling it into a tidy one this time. Arriving at my brother’s house with the news Lee and I had for him today was going to be tough enough. Me looking like I had just fooled around with him in a truck; was not going to make it any easier.

I laughed and wanted to tease him about having a kink about getting caught... but I wasn't sure that either of us would make it to #Sam and #Emily's if I did. I'd be the one telling him to pull over the truck and prove it to me. "I don't think either of us can predict the trouble coming our way." I laughed, smiling to myself. I was afraid that if I caught a glimpse of that hunger in his dark eyes... I’d cave and give him everything and anything he wanted right now.

"Once #Sam knows I won't have to keep my hands off that oh-so-innocent body of yours." I grinned and dared a glance at him. "Don't worry Clearwater... I'll make sure I corrupt that innocence slowly... so it's not too much of a shock to your system."

I thought about his words for a moment... "I don't think that #Sam will jump to that conclusion. Most men have a blind spot when it comes to the women in their families... But #Emily... she's a different story." I chuckled. "We might not have to say a word... that woman is practically psychic." I had to laugh out loud at the idea of Lee hiding behind anyone, especially me... considering I barely came up to his shoulder... so I wouldn't be much of a shield.

But I honestly wasn't sure how this would go. #Sam wasn't all that okay with my casual lifestyle... I had no idea what he thought of Lee's... But guys tended to get off easier on that side of things. It was one thing I always liked about Lee; he was never judgmental. In fact, he never said anything about it; he just lived his life and let me live mine. Even #Quil and #Jake had made comments in the past... all with the best of intentions, but also assuming that a girl couldn't separate sex and emotions.

"For #Sam... Mixing your reputation and mine... he could take it as a good thing that we are finally seeing things in a new light... or as a recipe for disaster. But I don't think he'll get violent. Mad... Possibly." I looked at him now, taking in that perfectly chiselled side profile. "But he can't know what we do... he can't feel it. So we need to be prepared for him not to be okay with this. But… it won't change anything. He'll still be my brother and we will still be..." I searched for a word. "...Whatever the hell we wanna be." I smiled at him... "I'm starting to understand why people like labelling things." I laughed again. But even if finding ways to describe us was weird... I didn't want to put any limitations on what this could or couldn't be.

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow, I watched her out of the side of my vision, the way she pulled her hair up, and then redid it again. She must have been nervous or thought better of the look she was going for. It was a new light of day for the both of us. Seeing her this way wasn’t the norm’ for me. And I’m sure it was the same for her too.

“Emily?” grinning a little at the mention of my cousin. “Well Sam is your brother, and Em is my cousin. So, we know it goes without saying that she would be the cool one.” Yes, I was joking, because #Sam was known for being fair. He was a true Alpha in his mind, body, and his soul. But that wasn’t who we were going to see right now. We were going to see a brother, and Older Brother who knew his sister could handle herself, but some part of him would want to still protect her too. And could I blame him? Spirits my younger sibling was #Seth and I know how the hairs on the back of my neck stood up if someone looked at him in the wrong way.

“Maybe best not to second guess how things are going to play out. We go there, tell them the truth. Let them see what Jake saw in us and then… Take whatever Sam has to dish out.”

#Sam knew me, he knew what I stood for, and yeah there was a time we didn’t see things in the same way. Like when I found out how my cousin #Emily had been injured. However, he didn’t fight. I remember the day I hit him so hard that the bones in my fist cracked. But he took it. And it was in that moment that I found out that I could never hurt him the way he was hurting himself everyday since.

“Sam is fair…” I told Emmy because I believed it. “He’s never judged me in the past, even if I judged myself. So… I’m sure you are right.”

Emmy knew her brother, I had to have some faith in the path we were on. But hearing her trying to label what this was between the two of us, there was a first. “Who knew we would bee looking to name things like this?” Neither of us ever stuck around long enough to think of it all.

I turned my truck off the main street and started off road up to Sam and Emily’s cabin, knowing that as soon as we were a mile out, Sam would hear us coming. “Are you ready?” I asked her, now taking my eyes off the road long enough to take a good look at her.

◄ Emmy ►

I turned and glared at him… but I couldn’t deny that #Emily was way cooler than my brother. But admitting that would be agreeing with him…. So, Nah! I laughed to myself. “Sure, sure.” I chuckled instead.

I made a note of his ’judging myself’ comment to ask him about it later. But not right now. It made something weird rise up inside me; like I would tear down anyone that dared judge him… even if it was himself. But... I would have to unpack all of that later.

I grinned at him, shaking my head. “As long as we don’t let it set limits on what we could be… I don’t care what we call it.” And I didn’t, a thought that would normally have me turning up my nose… But this thing between us wasn’t going anywhere… so people (us included) were going to give a name eventually. But I wasn’t going to let the words put us in a box. If such a thing was even possible… I mean this thing had crashed into us so unexpectedly, so fast a fierce that there was no stopping it. It was going to guide us to wherever we were meant to go and plough through any obstacles, no matter what.

I smiled when he asked if I was ready. “You know… I think I am…” I laughed. “I was expecting myself to worry more the closer we got... but…” I stopped and listened to my steady heartbeat and searched my mind for any worries… but there was nothing. “Yeah.” I faced him again and caught him looking at me, and my smile grew. “I’m ready.” And I wasn’t just talking about telling my brother. “Are you?”

◄ Lee ►

“We let things come to life on their own accord.” I agreed with her. “We don’t need to rush; we don’t need to follow the world or the path they lay out.” We could do this on our own timeline. As fast or as slow as we wanted it to go. ( Even if last night was proof that going slow wasn’t on our minds. )

Stopping the image of her splayed on my bed for me and stopping myself from hearing the sounds I coaxed from her sweet lips. Because it had taken me all this drive to bring my body into check, and with the cabin coming into view ahead of us, I didn’t need the reactions stirring to come to life.

“We have nothing to worry about.” I told her, because in my heart I believed it to be true. Her laughter told me everything I needed to understand about being here and what we were about to do. The fact that she was taking it in her stride told me I could too.

My mouth curled up into a grin. “I’m ready.” It’s all I needed to say as I pulled up in front of the cabin and heard the madness of small feet coming to the door.

I looked at her one last time. “We are going to be just fine little Call.”

The moment I opened the door to my truck, I heard the door to the cabin open and my beautifully kind cousin Em stood smiling down the path, she wiped her hands on a dish towel as her son came barrelling down the stairs beelining it for me. ‘Unc Lee’ I lent down catching him in my arms and throwing him in the air.

“Hey little man, who’s my favourite nephew?” I asked #Kishil “Osiyo, Gohusdi anadadvni” ( Hello, cousin ) winking up at his mom.

‘Look what the spirits dragged to my door.’ #Emily stood with her arms crossed before herself and her smile in place watching her son being thrown into the air and him asking for more and more.

◄ Emmy ►

He was agreeing with me? Of course, he was! Because our whole world had been turned upside down and so much looked different from where we were stood now... I smiled. Because I liked the way that dust was settling. My new view of my world, our world.

I smiled at him because he was right. The worries I had been anticipating hadn't been about Sam's approval... that wasn't why we were here. But really that; if #Sam had negative things to say about this new... amazing thing between us, I just didn't want to hear them. But the closer we got the more I realised that it didn't matter. It wouldn't change anything.

I shook my head at the nickname... but part of me liked that this little detail remained unchanged.

Not that I would ever tell him that. Some things were just meant to stay unchanged... because evolution means never forgetting where you started. #Emily stepped out onto the porch with a big smile on her face as always. I stepped out of the truck in time to see my nephew barrel into Lee.

"Hey!!" I glared at him and then looked at #Kishil. "And what am I!! Yesterday's news?" I raised a brow at my nephew but didn't question Lee's use on the word. He was Emily's cousin and that made him as good as the child's uncle... without even mentioning at all the boys in the packs viewed the Spirit's Warrior children as their family.

He squealed with laughter when Lee tossed him into the air. I thought briefly about stealing the boy for myself but they both had such joy on their faces I just looked at #Emily and rolled my eyes as if to say.... 'Boys.' and my sister-in-law just beamed.

When they were done, instead of following through on my stealing plan I leaned in planted kisses on the little boy's cheeks, forehead, and nose while he was still in Lee's strong arms... making him look tiny when he was actually rather tall for his age. #Kishil laughed. "Hi, Auntie Em!"

"Hello, my beautiful boy." I smiled and tilted my eyes up to Lee... my smile softening when I realised... or re-realised that family was just as important to him as it was to me. It took all my self-control to pull away from his eyes and control the thump that my heart longed to give, but just for now. Soon I wouldn't need to anymore. That thought was the one that had me turning around and making my way up to #Emily who had her head tilted at me curiously.

Of course, even just one lingering look didn't escape her notice, by the time I made it to the porch #Sam was stepping out, his hair soaked as if he'd just gotten out of the shower. He smiled when he saw me and leaned down to kiss my cheek.

‘Hello, kwodi talopat.’ (Little sister.) I glanced back at Lee, urging him to get up here and back me up before #Sam realised everything on his own.

I wanted him next to me when my brother found out, to show him that we were going to be side-by-side for all of this.

‘Come on in.’ Emily smiled. ‘Would you like some tea?’ She made her way right to the kitchen; I would have offered to do it for her. But #Sam was already on it, and I could tell by the way she stiffened, that she'd had far too much of being looked after today. I tried not to laugh, honestly, it was a line a struggled with too... But at least I had the perspective of being a woman and could read the room better than my poor clueless brother.

"That sounds lovely, Em thank you."

The smell of fresh banana bread filled the house. "Oh wow!!" I took a long inhale and #Emily motioned the fresh loaf on the table.

'Help yourself.' She grinned; three more loaves sat on the counter cooling. She learned a long time ago to bake in bulk. I hopped up onto the kitchen counter and turned to the cupboards, why they insisted on keeping the peanut butter on such a high shelf baffled me. #Sam laughed at me as he set the kettle on the stove and in true little sister fashion, I stuck my tongue at him before I hopped back down.

◄ Lee ►

In that moment when her eyes met mine there was a draw in towards her. I wanted to bend down and tell her that I could hear her. I understood. And yet she hadn’t said a word. Some part of me laughed internally. This woman was going to be the death of me.

Following behind them all making sure that I was always close to Emmy. I knew I had to give them a little space, but at the same time I wouldn’t be far. With the laughing boy in my arms, I threw him up over my shoulders once Emmy had kissed him. She was good with him, the way she gave the kiddo time to be cheeky ( It ran in their family ).

When inside #Sam turned to point at the kettle and I nodded my head, but then stopped when #Emily called out. ‘No, Lee likes cold milk with his banana bread.’ She was stood in front of the open fridge taking out a gallon of milk. ‘Would you please sit-down Lee, before you bump my son’s head.’

Mocking shock, I did as I was told. “When have I ever hurt you little man? Your mom is spreading fake news here.” Bringing #Kishil down from my shoulders and into my lap, I started tickling and laughing with him as he repeated my words.

‘Fake neww mama… Unc Lee again!’ he laughed, and I did as he asked tickling him.

As I played with #Kishil I was fully aware of what was going on in the kitchen across the island. My mouth curled up into a grin as I watched the short stuff climbing up to get a hold of the peanut butter. And I knew that I wanted to make sure I put things up high in the kitchen at home now. Because this was a sight worth watching.

#Emily cleared her throat, jerking my head back to her and giving her a questioning look. ‘I asked if you wanted a big glass.’ She followed my gaze to her husband, and her sister-in-law. And then raised her eyebrows. ‘Lee?’ she said, and I nodded.

“Big glass as always cus. Is it even a debate?” She turned the glass in the middle of the table over and poured the milk into it until it was half full.

“So…” I started. “How was the run this morning, Sam?” We had to start somewhere, right?

‘It went well thanks man. We worked on some training the pups have been begging for, and they are asking if we would take them rock climbing in spring break.’ He spoke as he made the tea in a teapot, and #Emily sat down watching me closely.

“Sounds like a plan to me. We could have two groups. Half of them one day, and then the other half on a different day?” I could see a plan coming to life. “I don’t see why not; I’m sure Jake would be up for it. Right Emmy?”

#Sam came towards the table. ‘Need some help there , kwodi talopat?’ (Little sister.) He was smiling, and I knew he knew that she would have some smartarse reply for him.

“Sam…” I started, looking for Emmy, not sure if she wanted me to say it or if she wanted to tell him herself now.

‘Yeah man?’ He kissed Em on the top of her head and then sat in the chair next to his wife.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned at #Emily when she mentioned that #Lee always liked milk with his banana bread. It was true... not because I knew it was true, but if #Emily said it; had to be true. She knew everything about these guys... and a few things that they didn't even know about themselves.

I bit on my bottom lip when #Emily finally got Lee's attention... His poker face was seriously failing... and I liked it. I was used to getting attention... I wasn’t unaware that I was attractive and not just because of my highly tone body type either. But from Lee... knowing that there was a whole lot more than sexual attraction behind his stare. I freed my lip before my poker face failed. I still planned on milking the sexual attraction thing to death.

I turned to #Sam slightly alarmed. "Rock climbing?" I flashed back to being tethered to #Paul and made to climb the damned river cliff. "Um... yeah... Sure, rock climbing." My eyes darted from #Lee to #Sam. Then I added, "What happened?" Were the pups fighting? That was why #Sam had tied me and Lahote together all those years ago.

'Relax!' he laughed. 'Nothing is wrong, it was good for you guys back in the day so I think it will help them too. I know they are all bonded... but it couldn't hurt. And it will be fun for them too.'

#Lee's eyes found mine again when he called for #Sam's attention; my gaze didn't waver. But before Lee could continue, I moved to where he sat and crouched down in front of him and the gorgeous little boy on his lap.

"Hey, little man... Gamma Twas telling me that she really needs a new picture for her fridge. Why don't you go make her one, hmm?" I smiled brightly at the child and the nickname that stuck even after he learned to say Grandma properly (Thank you, #Jake and #Quil's Bruce Banner jokes).

He ran off excitedly. 'Okay, okay, okay!' He called back as he toddled off at top speed. 'I be right back!' I laughed and shook my head, watching him go. He was the coolest little kid. I turned back to Lee and lay my hand on his knee giving him a lets-do-this smile. After this... we were free to share these looks and moments whenever the mood struck us.

I stood back up and turned to face my brother and sister-in-law, standing next to Lee. I let one of my hands trails across his broad, fucking perfect shoulders, I mean they were shoulders... and still, perfect.

I was doomed!

My hand rested on his opposite shoulder, the other on the nearest as I leaned gently against him. Telling him I was here; I wasn’t going to let anything said here led me from his side.

#Emily sat up straighter, setting her teacup down, a small, concerned sound came out of her and she turned to #Sam with a perturbed look in her eyes. #Sam was utterly confused and unnaturally still. "We came over this morning to tell you something."

◄ Lee ►

Not caring about the conversation about the rock climbing, as it was something we would make work later. I watched as Emmy spoke with the little man, the way she sat herself to his level, the small change in her voice, the way she asked him to make something for her mom. These were all signs on how good she was with the young and the elderly. I knew she was proficient before; she loved her job and I never heard her complain about it. But to witness this now, with the new light that had been made evident to us, it was astounding.

I allowed the little man down from my knees, my brown eyes met hers in a silent conversation, telling her we were going to be fine. Even if there was an element of sitting here in front of her older brother that had the bumptiousness pushed out of sight. Not out of fear of what could happen, but out of respect for the man he was, and that I was sat in his and his wife’s home right now.

Straightening myself up, the moment Emmy stood and then made her position known. Telling so much to someone who knew what they were looking at. Her touches shouldn’t have distracted me, but they did for a blink of an eye. I was always known to have control on myself and the environment I had to situate in. But this here was the first time ever that I was doing something like this. It was the first time I cared for a woman and wanted this thing between us to work, so that we could see where this path steered.

Emily straightened up right away, her eyes were following the way Emmy’s hands lay on my shoulders. My cousin didn’t miss a thing. She knew us better than we knew ourselves at times. She reached over to #Sam who was watching things unfold before his eyes in confusion.

‘Sam, stay calm and listen to them please.’ She told her husband, whose eyes were now locked onto me.

I turned my head to make sure that #Kishil had indeed gone to do what was asked of him.

‘What’s going on?’ Sam’s voice made me turn back to face him. I saw how #Emily had taken his hand, which had become a fist on the table as the sight before him may have started to sink in.

“Sam...” I looked up to Emmy and then back to him. And it was like the realisation set into his eyes. “We wanted to come here and tell you that Emmy and I have decided to see each other. We…” At seeing his lips parting, I carried on before he could cut me off. “…Haven’t jumped into this without thinking about what we want. And we aren’t pups. Us coming here to speak to you and Emily is out of respect. It’s out of the fact that I know you and I want you to know that I’m not playing here.” I knew what they all thought about me playing the field. They all dated and had girlfriends or were imprinted. Emmy and I were the only two who didn’t do the attachment thing.

‘Em?’ He said looking over me towards his sister. ‘You know this is a bad idea. What if he… he… What if he imprints?’ I knew this was going to be something he worried over for his sister.

“What if she imprints and I don’t?” I asked back.

‘It’s not the same Lee and you know it.’ His eyes were locked on me.

‘Sam… darling… please…’ #Emily squeezed his hand.

“Sam… For me… think about it… If I was going to Imprint… wouldn’t it have happen by now? Everyone who did, did right away. It’s been years… And the only one who did imprint last was the goofball.”

I couldn’t help the small smile. The goofball was so happy, but I knew deep in my heart, that this affection I have now, it was the same and not the same altogether. When she was with me, I was filled with an ecstasy I’d never felt before. “You know there is love, passion, partnerships that aren’t made of imprints.”

I placed my hand over Emmy’s on my shoulder, letting her brother see I wasn’t backing away from this beautiful girl.

◄ Emmy ►

Okay so maybe at this moment I was a little nervous, but this thing with Lee... him and I... the way I felt when we were together? Hell... even when we weren't I felt different now. I missed him, and that was new... but even though missing people seemed like something that should feel bad - it didn't, it just reinforced and heightened everything when we were together. I liked that I missed him, which meant something. I liked that I looked forward to the next time I had him all to myself.

The nerves... they weren't about Lee, they weren't even about how #Sam might react, they were about me. I wanted my brother to see that this made me happy; I wanted him to know me enough to see all of that. I hoped he could see the evolution in us both. That wasn't a bad thing, right? I needed my big brother to not let me down. This was important to me. I smiled at Lee because I knew he would see it as I did, I knew that he wouldn't take the way I was feeling and make it anything other than what it was, but he was resolutely looking at my brother. Which was exactly what I expected, his undivided attention would be mine soon enough.

My fingers curled into Lee's shirt when #Sam mentioned imprinting... it might have been a possessive gesture... a subtle but strange one. Something I had never felt before, I had someone now that I didn’t want to lose. It was a feeling I had been avoiding most of my life. But it was an amazing feeling, one that just further affirmed that this was right. Lee answered him first, giving me a chance to sort through the thoughts now racing in my head. It had occurred to me, of course, but I would do exactly what Lee would do if the tables were turned - there was an extremely low chance I would imprint - but I was the first of my kind so we could never say for sure. I would make it as easy as possible for him to be happy on the new path the Spirits chose for him. I would be happy for him, because I had seen what it was like when imprinting worked… the boys became the best possible versions of themselves.

There was a risk that it would really fucking suck. But this path felt right... and maybe it wasn't something I should think about because it was Lee's life too... but I didn't believe it was only right for me, it felt like a true path for him too. Lee had told me without mincing his words that he believed the same. But still, a voice in my head wondered;

Could I be standing between him and something even better than this?

We couldn't be blind, the magic in the Clearwater blood was strong and the Spirits may yet have plans for both of those men. So, my small possessive gesture wasn't really over-the-top... because he hadn't imprinted, and though I selfishly dreaded the thought of it; I wouldn't stand in the way of his destiny. Just like wouldn't stand in the way of mine. Lee's hand came to rest on mine.

'You think you’re in love with her?' A disbelieving curl of his mouth broke across #Sam's features. Of course, he had to fixate on one word out of all the things that Lee had said. I had to control my tone so I didn't snap at him.

"This just started #Sam, and it's like Lee said were here out of respect for you and Em as family and as an Alpha whether you're ours or not. How we feel about each other and how we chose to say it or show it, is going to be up to us." I wasn't going to let anyone else dictate a timeline.

#Emily leaned forward with her hands clasped on the table, and a gentle look on her face. 'You have thought about it, Emmy, right? The what-ifs?' She asked in the big-sister way of hers. She knew me too well... I threw myself into moments, sometimes missing the big picture. I knew that was why she’d specifically asked me… knowing Lee enough to know he had thought about all the angles already.

"I have..." Not a lie... but also probably not as deeply as either of them would have wanted me to. "And it’s worth the risk. I know that there's a chance that it could happen, maybe it’s even likely that one of us could imprint... but the bigger risk is pretending that what we feel now isn't worth chasing." I looked at #Sam now. "So no… I don't know that this is a bad idea. Because right now, everything points to this being exactly where I belong. Where we belong. Nothing about this is bad."

I wanted to tell him that I didn't believe imprinting was in #Lee's path... that he had chosen to walk this one with me and the Spirits wouldn't have offered us this new route if it took him off the road to his true destiny. But that would make me sound like a naïve little girl that couldn't face the truth. 'Em...' Sam shook his head and I cut him off.

"It's no different than the risks he is taking." I interrupted.

'Emmy... we've been to the elders about this. The chances of you finding an together.'

'They can't have thought this through... too much could go wrong.' #Sam spoke to his wife now. ‘And they’ll still be in the same pack.’

"Things will go wrong #Sam... That’s life. I will screw up... Lee will screw up. Just like you do at times... just like #Jake and #Ness... or #Paul. The only thing that's changed is that I finally think that when I do fuck up... it will be okay. Because it's Lee, and he has never tried to fix me, or seen me as a broken little girl in need of rescuing. We have thought this through... Things have been different with Lee and I for a while... long enough for us to know that it isn't going away anytime soon..."

I released my grip on his shirt but left my hand resting on his shoulder beneath his own.

"If he imprints, I will do nothing to stand in the way of their happiness. I will make it as easy as I possibly can for that part of his life to start out full of hope and joy, without a hint of guilt or sadness. I know that he would do the same. I’m not saying it wouldn't hurt... but you and Emily have told me for years that some things are worth risking getting hurt for. So, that's what we're doing. I'm happy... and I'm not afraid of anything that might come. If we get hurt, at least we’ve had something worth hurting for. This is the path we choose."

( Music - All This Time · OneRepublic )

◄ Lee ►

I dropped my head a little, because if I didn’t the flare of anger that had shown itself in my eyes would have been visible. I had control of it, I knew how to take myself out of these situations. However, this wasn’t one I was willing to walk away from.

I worked my jaw when #Sam asked me if I loved his sister. And of course, I should have known that he had missed the point I was making. Trying to show him that my Ma’s and Da’s love story was no less than his and #Emilys just because they imprinted on one another.

I grew up seeing how my parents cared for each other, I saw how they fought, argued, and then made up. I saw the way my Da brought her bloody cherry calla lilies when she had a hard day or week, and I saw how my Ma gave him that hidden squeeze on his shoulder. A language that only they spoke.

That was when I felt Emmy’s fingers twist under my hand into my shirt, feeling a burst of action trying to free itself. A voice telling me to stand up and protect her, a voice telling me she wanted me and no one else in this moment.

It was this voice which made me bounce back and listen to the brother and sister talking, and I made myself stay silent. Emmy was holding her ground, and she was being truthful. That had to stand for something, right?

None of us knew what life had in line for us, but did that mean we should stop loving the life we have now in the hopes of what could be?

‘Lee?’ The soft voice of my cousin drew me to her until our eyes met. ‘What about you? Do you think you could step away from Emmy if she imprinted?’ She asked, worry and something else on her features.

My brows furrowed as I replaced Emmy’s words to her brother.

“You know me, you know how I think and feel. If Emmy came to me tonight and said it happened. I would lay my life on the line to make sure her happiness was never tainted. Just as I would for anyone in the pack.”

All of those words were the truth, I wouldn’t back down from them. But there was a tightening sensation in my chest as I spoke to them. Like I was being told I could do the right thing for her, no matter what it is. No matter the cost to me.

“I’m going to say it again… we aren’t stepping into this blind. I know, you know that I overthink things. So, be sure I have thought the outcomes over. I even tried to fight this thing.” This time my hand squeezed hers.

‘You didn’t fight it hard enough.’ #Sam said with his darkened eyes on me now again.

“Why should we have to? In twenty years from now can you tell me what you would say if we both are just us? If we never imprinted, and we never gave this a chance? At the same time. Your sister may come to you in two weeks and say, it didn’t work out. Neither of those situations give anyone the right to judge.”

This I saw shocked #Sam into sitting back.

‘Lee…’ #Emily asked me to look at her with the way she called me.

“Em… don’t… don’t take sides if you don’t believe in them.”

She shook her head. ‘There are no sides to take. You are all my family; I love you all. All Sam is worried about here is...’

I cut her off, my voice remained even as I spoke.

“I know/ we know. It’s why we came to you. To you both. We wanted you to see first-hand how we are right together. I didn’t think you would think so little of me. To think and believe I set out here with the want to hurt Emmy. And I know you are going to say it’s not the same for guys as it is for girls. But to care for someone and want to see where something with such strong feelings could end up. It would be ridiculous to pass on it.”

My eyes were on Emmy stood beside me. I was talking to them all, however, move so to her now.

“The moment you say it’s over for you. That you don’t want me, that you want out. I won’t fight you. I won’t question you. I will do what you want. That’s my word and my promise.”

(Music - All This Time · OneRepublic )

◄ Emmy ►

I had known that this would be a possibility... so why was it hitting me so hard? How could #Sam not see what it meant to me to be walking this path with Lee? It was one he had always encouraged me to give a real relationship a chance... but he'd never meant with the pack.

How else would it be possible? Did he want me to live a lie with a person I could never be honest with? Short of dating family members of the guys in the packs... and even then, there were very few that knew the whole truth, there really weren’t any other options.

But Lee's hand never left mine, and he didn't jump up to defend me or my choices. He knew I was capable of doing it myself, another example of how he saw me as I was. I knew what his answer would be when Emily asked the question of him next. But it still made my heart jump; I didn't try to cover it up. I didn't need to or want too anymore. I saw #Sam shifts out of the corner of my eye, he had heard the anomaly in my  chest... but my gaze was fixed on Lee's side profile.

My chest tightened when he said he tried to fight it... But of course, he did. The squeeze of my hand told me everything. He was the responsible one... he was my superior in the pack. It  wasn't a negative thing that he'd resisted, just like it wasn’t a negative thing that I had pursued this; when I realized that what was once knowledge of the fact that this was an attractive man became an actual attraction. A draw towards  him, a curiosity, desire, and something else I couldn't understand, but pulled like a cord for the centre of my chest that tried to tether us together. A physical and spiritual longing to be next to him.

I had left attraction before obviously, but I couldn’t lie… for a long time now I had barely been scratching that physical itch, never quite satisfied. But there was so much more with him… Hell… I had slept! Not just the miracle of me falling asleep while in a bed, I had truly slept and woken up feeling  refreshed… because of him.

#Sam's answer to that, however... that hit me hard. Was that his problem here? He didn't think that I was right for Lee? That I wasn't good enough? My heart made a new sound and I sucked in a breath. But it was all pushed aside, and he turned to speak to me.

“I pursued this, Sam… Things between Lee and I started to feel different. And I went for it. No hesitation, no second-guessing.” I wasn’t saying this to lessen the fact that Lee had resisted. We  were different people… if we weren’t this wouldn’t work. “This path has been blessed Sam, if you pay close enough attention, you’ll see that too.”

"I know you won't." I said softly. "We wouldn't be here if I didn't. And I know I don't need to tell you the same thing." The hand that wasn't resting on his shoulder, lifted to his cheek. "Just -" I bit my lip. "Promise me... you won't make that decision for me? You don't get to decide what is best for me and in return... I promise that I will make that decision if I ever need to. It's my choice." I leaned down and kissed his forehead, without letting the thought my brother and sister-in-law were in the room even enter my mind and then I rested my forehead where I’d kissed him. “And I promise not to make that same choice for you.”

I lifted my head and turned back to them. “As we’ve said… we aren’t here for permission. We’ve talked about all of this. We know what we want to do. They only thing you get to decide #Sam… is how you’re going to react, and so far, hados…” (Big brother) My voice shook unexpectedly. “I’m highly disappointed.”

I saw his eyes darken as the words hit him, but I wasn’t sorry. He hadn’t just reacted badly; he had questioned everything we said and never once asked me or Lee how either of us felt.

‘That’s not fair, Emmy.’ #Emily said, still calm and quiet.

“Why isn’t it fair?” I had to control my voice so I wouldn’t snap. “If I was here with someone else, would he talk to us like this. What if it was Seth or Brady stood here with me? Would it be different then?” The look on both their faces was answer enough.

‘Yes, Emmy it would be, you are their superior.’ #Sam was stern now.

“Don’t give me that Beta and third bull… That’s pack business and we know how to draw those lines whether you believe it or not. If you couldn’t bend me to your will, there’s no way Lee could… But at least with him I know he’d never try to.” I instantly  clamped one hand over my mouth, it was a low blow… something I knew still haunted #Sam to this day.

◄ Lee ►

There was a tension building in the room, and I knew the little man was still busy in his bedroom. The sounds of his markers on the paper, and the fact that he spoke to himself when he was concentrating on a task, helped to keep a track of him.

Closing my dark eyes to give myself a moment to breathe was hard with everything happening around me, especially when everything this woman beside me said was hitting the bulls fucking eyes each time. It was the sound of her heart that had me looking at her and nothing else. Up until now, some part of me thought that maybe Emmy hadn’t given this thing her full attention and then again, I also knew that she was the kind of woman who followed her heart and let her mind flow freely too. So, there was no way in the world of the spirits that I would question her. She was her own person, and I respected her for the way she lived.

“Emmy…” My voice didn’t sound right with a lump growing filled with sentiments I didn’t want to be seen here. And for those instants that she spoke directly to me it was like the world around us stopped. I wished that we could have had this conversation when it really was just the two of us. Because the innocence in that one small touch of her beautiful lips to my forehead killed me ten times over. She was making a promise to me just as I did to her, one neither of us asked for, and one that we both knew the other would accept and respect. “I will never make that choice for you. It will always be the two of us. It will always be your wants and needs.” This was something I didn’t even have to think about before saying.

My head slowly turned; it was so hard to draw myself out of the tunnel vision of seeing just her. When she spoke about us being blessed, I felt in my soul, in the heart of my wolf that this was true. And still #Sam was fighting it.

As my gaze fell on him, I saw what was behind his reasoning and the flicker of fear and pain at what his little sister had said to him. And I got it, I too was an older brother who had these worries and talks with my kid brother. In that breath, I really understood.

“Emmy!” Not raising my voice, not acting like her Beta. I was just being myself. “Don’t.” I wasn’t going to be the reason for these siblings to fight. Because I saw in that moment the way #Sam looked to her, the way #Emily’s hand squeezed her husbands. They didn’t think I was good enough for her. I was nothing like the innocence #Seth held and shared, and I was nothing like the pup who had everyone laughing and proud of his wood carving talents. I was a painter; I stepped into peoples homes and changed the walls for them. ( Even if it felt like a little more than just that to me. )

I shook my head; I knew from her reaction she knew she had stepped over the mark. And in the next moment #Sam was off the chair and making his way out of his home. “Sam.” I called and jumped up on my feet before he was out the door.

“What will it take? You know your sister loves you, she respects you, I’m not speaking for her, but I am asking for me. What will it take for you to know that this thing with Emmy isn’t like those others. This is more.”

Without thinking about it, my hand curled around hers that had been on my shoulder, and I kept a hold of her, my body had come part the way around the table.

‘I only want happiness for you Emmy.’ He spoke to her, but he was looking to me. ‘And you Lee, you have never shown me that you have what it takes to stay in a girls life.’ My head dropped because he was right. I worked my jaw, never once dropping my eyes from his.

“Until now… Until now I had no reason to… But you know I am a man of my word… And All I want is a chance.” It was again the truth too.

‘Sam…’ This time it was #Emily who stood up, she made her way to her husbands side. Cupping his face in both her hands, the two of them exchanged a look that felt like a thousand words had passed. My cousin turned when he nodded his head. ‘This is something you both need to work out for yourselves. Just know it could impact those around you. However, like you say… You are grownups, you have thought this out, you know the risks.’

It wasn’t the reaction I expected from her, but in the moment, she wasn’t my cousin Emily. She was the Pack’s mother figure. She was thinking of all the pups, all the imprints and the tribe.

 I swallowed hard looking at her, of course she was right to step up to that role. But I knew just like Emmy, if I had brought any other girl to her doorstep and said I was with her, this wouldn’t have been her reaction. And that was the part that stung right now.

“It’s all we want.” I told her.

◄ Emmy ►

The tension in my chest eased when Lee told me that he wouldn't make any choices for me. If there was one thing I couldn't abide it was people telling me what I wanted... what was best for me. I wasn't a fool... even if I was impulsive at  times. I knew how to think for myself. The tension hadn't been Lee's doing, but all the same... he eased it. I don't even think the tension was #Sam's doing... but my own expectations that my brother would accept this... approval wasn’t  wanted or needed.

But it was clear he wanted this over before it began... but that was what he was failing to realize... Lee and I had more than begun already.

Emily's eyes came to mine for a moment and I knew that she and I needed to  speak alone soon too. "#Sam..." I softened my voice. "I'm happy... okay. I'm not going to tell you that before this I was miserable and that something was missing in my life... because it's not true. I didn’t know what this felt like to be  able to miss it. Things were great... and not just in a comfortable way. I love my job... I have Mom... you and the boys. Kishil... I'm about to be an aunt again. I love working with the community theatre even if I can’t be on the stage..." I couldn’t hide that sting. But there was nothing that could be done about that. "In fact, performing is probably the only thing that is missing from my life." I squeezed Lee's shoulders. "But as good as life was... It's even better now... Something new and exciting… so much that I can’t even start to explain."

'Something you told me your whole life you never wanted.' #Sam replied... his imprint having calmed him down.

"Something you always insisted I was missing out on  too.” I pointed out. “Maybe I was wrong... or maybe this is something entirely new... Lee makes me happier #Sam. This is what I want... it’s what he wants and until those changes for one of us… or both of us; it’s happening." I could hear  #Kishil moving around his room now. "I won't speak for Lee but if you can't accept this, there's nothing I can do about that, but I won't let you get in the way of it."

#Sam opened his mouth to speak but #Emily cut him off. 'Sam... They  have made up their minds. You both need to think this through...' I could tell she meant #Sam and I... this had become as much about me and brother as it was about Lee and me. 'The way you both chose to speak to your sibling, I mean. And talk about this another time.'

My nephew's tiny footsteps had me turning to the doorway before he even got there. I grinned and scooped him up. "Hey there baby boy!!" he held out his picture for me. A series of swirls and colours with no  excitement was infectious.

◄ Lee ►

#Sam and #Emily exchanged another look, but for now this conversation was over. My eyes dropped to their hands, his knuckles showed the restraint he was using. And her hold over his fist showed me how she had him. This was something they had become so good at. When anger tried to take her #Sam from her. #Emily just knew how to touch him, hold him, speak to him or just let him be. She knew her husband.

“That’s awesome.” I turned the picture up the right way round looking at it carefully.

“I’m loving the colours too little man.” I told him and he beamed up at me.

‘Are you both staying for some lunch?’ #Emily asked us before she let go of her husband’s hand to walk around the island.

“I think we should head out.” I told her.

‘No… stay…’ #Kishil whinged throwing his arms around Emmy’s neck and hiding his face in her neck. My eyes found hers, I would follow her lead on this. If she wanted to stay that was fine by me.

“If you want to stay, I can come pick you up later on in the day.” I offered because it was only right as I was her driver for today.

‘I am capable of driving my sister home when she wants to go.’ #Sam said, keeping himself in check and showing his son he wasn’t happy.

“Sam…” I shook my head. “Do you want a hand with the hunting den still? I’m still free to do that with you next weekend.” Changing the subject. I didn’t want to say something that we would both regret at a later date.

‘Yes… yes, he does. I don’t want him out there all day and night Lee. Thank you.’ Once again, my cousin answered. Because we could all see he was going to tell me No.

“Great. I’ll be her bright and early.” I said setting the picture down on the table in front of me.

“Emmy?” I nudged her with my elbow slightly, she was still holding the little man in her arms. And I didn’t want my actions to scare and make him jump.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see #Sam watching us both. Trying to understand maybe what had changed here between his sister and me.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at Lee... I had seen him with the kids before... why hadn't noticed how good he was with them? Was I just more focused on him now? It wasn't a shock that he was sweet with #Kishil... I was only now acknowledging something I had already known and not paid much attention to.

"Oh, baby! I would love to stay with you all day, but I have to go and be a boring grown-up." I pouted and bounced him on my hip. "But I'll be by really soon and we'll do something fun, okay?"

There weren't many males whose puppy dog eyes worked on me... but his! They broke my heart... if I stayed every time, he asked me to I would have to pack my bags and move in. But I did like that Lee was willing, to come back for me later.

Emily had a point though, letting #Sam and I calm down was a good idea... the only conversation we had left to have was about him and I. Mostly him needing to cop on and realise I was a grown arse woman who made her own mind.

I whispered,  "Love you lots, like jelly tots!" to the baby as Lee spoke to #Sam and #Emily. I was bolstered by his determination to not let this affect their friendship. My brother seemed to soften from Lee's reaction too. "Give Uncle Lee a big hug and say bye." I passed the child to him after he nudged me. "And I'll see you tomorrow. I promise." I did manage to see them most days, even if it was just for a cup of coffee or to steal some baked goods to take to work. There were still things I needed to do today... I wasn't sure what Lee wanted to do about our moms... did he want to tell them right away? Or had today been too much already?

After the little boy half jumped to Lee, causing me to laugh softly, I made my way to #Sam and kissed his cheek. "I love you... Arsehole." I whispered, a smile in my voice and not loud enough for easily influenced minds to hear. "I'll see you tomorrow." It wasn't a question. It was a little sister's demand. He gave me a one-armed hug, the other was laced through #Emily's and told me he loved me too in the old language. I kissed the top of her head and whispered to the bump for the baby to behave and let his mom eat without throwing up or peeing every five minutes... not touching or pawing at the woman; she had enough of that... plus I had felt the baby kick once at #Sam's insistence and it kind of freaked me out.

I know pregnancy is the miracle of life and a beautiful thing... but beautiful things can be appreciated from a distance. People growing inside people... No thank you!

I made my way back around the table and slipped my hand into Lee's without thinking. "Ready?" My phone buzzed and the laugh of the minions from Despicable Me played out of my pocket.

#Quil's text tone! Fuck!

 "Dammit!" muttered hoping the child didn't hear. I just knew in my bones #Jake told him... and I loved him for it... but also... did he have to do at this exact moment?

◄ Lee ►

“Easy there… little monkey.” He leaped out of Emmy’s arms and right into my chest. My hands were wrapped around him before he could slip down. He knew by now that all his uncles and his aunt would always catch him.

He whispered in my ear that the picture was for me to take home. And I told him I was planning on it, and that it would be hung on the front of the fridge. He told me there were two more in his room.  One for my Ma and one for his Grandmama T. Promising him that they would reach their destinations, I kissed his forehead. “Be good for your Ma okay. She’s got her hands full.” He promised before I set him down to go get the other two pictures.

Emmy was talking to #Emily’s belly, and it made me smile. She did things like that from time to time, yet the belly scared her too? I tipped my head to the side noticing it for the first time. This was interesting.

#Kishil came back handing me his work of art before Jumping up into his fathers arms. And Emmy placed her hand in mine. But before I could say anything, #Sam, #Emily and I all at the same time called out, “Language!” Making the little man, lock on and start with repeating the word for the fun of it.

‘Dammit… Dammit… Dammit… Dammit.. Dammit.!’ The little monkey said on a loop.

‘Emberly Call!’ #Emily chastised her, and I tried hard not to laugh. When my stare fell on #Sam he was also trying not to laugh and correct his son.

“I’m going to take this as the perfect time to get out of here.” Tugging on her hand towards the door.

‘Next weekend.’ #Emily called after us.

“I’ll be here.” It was going to be me and #Sam, with no refs in the middle. We could have it out however he wanted it.

Once we were outside and the door was close behind us, I glanced down at Emmy. “What’s wrong? I don’t want to pry, but that was some kinda reaction to a text.”

◄ Emmy ►

My hand flew up to cover my mouth when the others corrected me. "No, we shouldn't say that word, Kishil." I bit back a smile because there was no denying that it was funny as hell hearing it from such a cute child. I mouthed sorry over my  shoulder to them as I allowed Lee to rescue me...

Just this once.

Another minion laughs came out of my pocket. He was going to hound me until I replied. A different ring came out as I slipped my phone out of my pocket.

Quil: What the actual fuck!!

Quil: YOU LET JAKE TELL ME!

Quil: Emberly Whitney Call don’t you dare ignore me!

Jake: I wasn’t going to leave him in the dark, we have a run, in 15… call him. #SorryNotSorry.

My hand tightened around his and I remember suddenly that I had slipped mine into his...and he still hadn't let go.

Keeping hold of it I walked towards the truck with him. I knew he wasn't really shocked or pissed off that I'd let #Jake fill him in. "It's #Quil... #Jake told him. He'll be fine. Just..." I tilted my head thinking of the right word. "In  shock."

It was that stupid childish agreement we made after everything with Nessie settled down and kids had stopped joining the pack on a near weekly basis. #Nessie was growing so fast, #Quil was talking about how #Jake would be married  before #Claire was even out of high school.... he hadn't really meant it, of course. I told him not to worry... if he was going to be chronically single for years that I would be too... I was just going to have my fun in the meantime, but I would be his buffer against becoming a perpetual third wheel. #Quil had chosen a more honourable route.

He wouldn't hold me to it, I knew that, but I was still going to hear about it for sure.

Emmy: Just spoke with Sam… Tomorrow?

Quil: Oh shit! After my run?

Emmy: I have the night shift! Tomorrow. Please?

Quil: Breakfast.

Emmy - ( To Jake ) : Really? You couldn’t have given me another hour?

We exchanged the messages in a matter of seconds really and I sighed, leaning back against Lee's truck, and looking up at him. Fuck! He was gorgeous. I smiled...

"That went better than I expected." I laughed... but right now it all seemed... Okay.

I lifted our hands chest high between us and twisted my hand until our fingers laced together. "Thank you." I smiled at him and locked my dark brown gaze on his. "For proving that everything I learned about you recently... is one hundred percent true."

◄ Lee ►

Her phone was going off like it was a nightclub dance floor, but it was the sound of the minions that told me what I needed to know. She had that thing set for her inner circle. I didn’t interrupt her, crossing my arms over my chest as we came to a stop beside my truck. I gave her the time she needed to read and then reply. ( The girls fingers moved like a musician over that screen of hers. )

Arching my brow, I curled my bottom lip in and licked it. “Jake told Quil?” I wasn’t sure how things worked in their group. I was in the pack, but these three were next level close. I never questioned it, I never wanted to be a part of their friendship. It wasn’t my place to push in.

When I saw she was done, I dropped my hands, and she took a hold of one again. “You weren’t expecting me to come out of this alive right?” I joked ( well, partly joked about it. )

Shaking my head, I combed my free hand through my hair. It was getting long, and I knew soon Ma would start making jokes about me being an unwanted son if I didn’t go for a cut.

“Listen… Emmy…” Nodding my chin back towards the cabin, aware that #Sam could be hearing this, but I wasn’t going to say anything I wouldn’t to his face. “Don’t be fooled, your brother is right to be worried. I’ve been a bastard in the past to girls. Sam has witnessed it. So, don’t be too hard on him.” Never once did I mistreat a woman, but at the same time I never gave them a second thought after I was done.

Her deep earthy brown eyes were looking at me with such intent. “I didn’t lie to you, and never said I was a saint. But I am saying that this is new and different.” Sighing at the fact that I had somehow made the brother and sister disagree.

I pulled my phone out of my back pocket to look at the time. “There is still ten minutes before the next run. Do you want me to rush you over to the Blacks to catch Quil? I don’t want him worried about you.”

◄ Emmy ►

I looked up at him like that should have been obvious, but I was often told that outside of the hive mind a lot of what went on between #Quil, #Jake and I was Lost in translation.

"I sure as hell wasn't going to!" I laughed. "We had this ridiculous deal that I'd... stick to my casual  ways until he wasn't the third or fifth or seventh wheel... you know? When it was just the pack getting together, he's fine... but..."

I pinched my brows together. Everyone knew a lot  changed for #Quil when he decided to wait for #Claire for... well everything. None of us really knew how hard it would be for him when he started that road. But he had never wavered. I didn't need to finish that thought; Lee would get it.

"He wouldn't hold me to that though." I added quickly when I realised, I had assumed he knew that. "He'd probably shake me if I ignored something like this." I smiled at him.

"I may have been prepared to jump in and save that fine arse... just in case." I bit my lip when he dragged his hand through his hair. Even though his tone had turned serious... he was fucking sexy... I locked it down. We were still outside #Sam's house. I didn't want to leave that scent around my brother's house.

I let him speak, my eyes glued to his, they held me there... drawing me in. Literally... My chest lightly brushed against his, those pulling me forward. I didn't know when I had pushed away from the truck, but as he spoke, I  had drifted closer. I rested my hand on his chest. "Lee... I'm not going into this blind. I know as much about your past as the rest of them do. I'm no angel... not even close. I've been called a heartbreaker and a whole lot worse." The typical disgusting things that people about girls that owned their sexual experiences. But Heartbreaker was the one that stuck... I never let anyone believe they should fall head-over-heels for me in the space of the few hours that they had  with me.

"I don't want you to be a saint... I want the same guy that I have always known... and sure this is new because we both want something that we never did before now. But that doesn't mean that I want a new version of you... I want this new experience with a man I've known for years and just recently haven't been able to keep my hands off of." I smiled up at him and teasingly slid my hand up along the hard pec under that thin slip of fabric that was his shirt. Just a  slow, subtle tease before I pulled back.

"No, he's fine... I'm going to meet for breakfast after work tomorrow. He's going to be fine..." I smirked at Lee... "When he comes at with the ‘You better not hurt my sis.’ routine... just let him have it. He... He'll probably be rooting for this to be amazing... but he won't " I laughed at the thought of it, I glanced over my shoulder at his truck.

"C'mon... we should give them their home back." What I really wanted to say was; Let's go find somewhere to pull over again.

◄ Lee ►

At first my brow furrowed. What did she mean by she wasn’t going to tell #Quil, they were best friends. But then the rumours had done the rounds a long time back that they had maybe been more. She’d already told me that was all bullshit. But then… That tangled thread of thoughts cut off and now my brow arched I looked down at her in confusion.

“What the fuck? You both have a deal?” That part itself was something to learn. But then my mouth curled up into a wicked grin. “Are you saying this…” Pointing between her short arse and mine. “Isn’t just a casual thing?” Of course, it fucking wasn’t. Who in a ‘Casual fling’, does what we had done? Take someone home after so little time. But this wasn’t normal. And I liked it that way.

“Hmm.. As long as you aren’t going into this blind. I know it’s been a hard start for you all around. The pack, the Spirit Warrior, the daughter, the sister. It’s a lot of hats to wear.” And she did them all so fucking well. “As for those who don’t matter in the larger scale of things. Fuck them.” Even if I wanted to hurt every last one of them.

Leaning down so that my mouth was close to her ear. “Maybe later I’ll shake this arse for you. Then you will thank the spirits, that you didn’t let it become road meat in your brothers hands.” Without saying anything more, I opened the door of my truck and then lift her up and into it. Making sure that her small, strong, and perfectly firm body brushed mine, because in those deep brown eyes of hers. I heard the unsaid parts. “Keep thinking those thoughts Little Call… I dare you.”

This woman was going to be the end of me. Without saying a word, she knew how to help me read her and understand her too.

Rolling my eyes at her now. “If Quil tries that shit, I am not going to break his bones. That’s all I promise.” The wink was the tell here. #Quil had changed as he had grown, with is imprint #Claire being so young, the protector in him had become the most forthright in his wolf. “Fine, maybe I’ll let him get one hit in. But then I can’t help what I will do.” Nothing. It was #Quil. I wouldn’t hurt him.

Closing the door, striding around my truck I climbed inside, not taking long to leave #Sam and #Emily’s place. With the sense of relief. I hadn’t expected it to go this way, but I knew it could have been worse.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” I wasn’t sure if we wanted to tackle the mom’s today or wait until later. We would have to get to them before the gossip did, or we would never live it down.  As I drove I waited for the aftermath of my lifting her into the truck.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed. "We made it at Senior prom. His ex was flaunting her new date in his face... they almost hooked up in the middle of the dance floor, it was gross. Jake was off with that idiot Micah chick after another so-called knockback from Bella... It was a stupid teenage thing." I shook my head. "He just looked so pathetic... And I never saw myself meeting anyone..." I shrugged and smirked at him, that look on his face when he said the word casual.

"You wanna play that card... after the conversation we just had. I'll go back in there right now..." I laughed, unable to finish the empty threat of setting my brother on him.

"You know all that shit is like water off a ducks back to me right? There are very few people whose opinions matter to me. Sam is one of them..." I slapped my hands down on his shoulders. "Also, this isn't hard for me Lee... not in the slightest. How other people react... isn't our burden to bear, it's theirs. We're not doing anything wrong."

 I raised my brows and laughed. "I wouldn't say no to a free show!" The last word was a squeal when he picks me up and slid me onto the seat of the truck. I mean I knew I had to climb a little to get in... but was that entirely necessary? Yet... I smiled right through my inner tirade. "You will pay for that, Clearwater. But Quil won't hit you... he's far too afraid of me for that." I chuckled.

"First off... I'm starving!" I suddenly remembered I hadn't  really eaten anything in #Sam and #Emily's. "And second, that depends... have you had enough of delivering the news to people? I think Seth would have a stroke if he had to try and keep this from your mom. My mom is off today... we might be  able to get them in the same place if you're feeling brave." I was thinking out loud then. "Preferably your mom's place where none on my baby albums live. But we could wait if today has hit your quota of crazy."

This process had to be so much easier for people that hadn't known each other their whole lives, right? Not worried about people crossing paths and the whole village talking.

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow, a deep rumble of a chuckle makes its way out. The shortstop was threatening me over and over again. “Keep promising me a good time Call, I dare you to see it through.” I told her, pushing the button to bring the window on my side down.

Her heat and mine were on the same level, and I knew that feeling the cool air as we drove would have a calming effect on me. There were still words #Sam and #Emily had said that were making a home in my mind. I never doubted myself. I never lacked any form of confidence. But those looks and their words were going to be rolling about in my head for a while.

“Ahh, Good Times. Prom.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m not even sure if anyone really has a good prom. Mine was spent underage drinking.” I told her, but I was beginning to understand now what this deal was and why it was in place.

“Quil is going to not hit me because he is afraid of you? Why the Fuck does that just sound like a turn on in the making?” I put my foot down when we were on the main road heading back into the heart of La Push. “I know you don’t give a shit about what people say. That doesn’t mean they get away with saying it.” This was the Beta in me pushing out. I had always addressed rumours for any of the wolves and the pups. I just didn’t bother when they were about me.

“Starving huh?” nodding my chin to my phone sat on the dash. “Only one place we can be fed and see the moms at the same time.” I told her. “Give them both a call and see where they are. I bet you they are sat in Ma’s kitchen right now working on some money-making idea. I want to tell them, I don’t care about the world, I care about them.”

And I did, Emmy’s mom and mine were as close as sisters, and I wouldn’t want to break any of their hearts by not telling them at the same time as #Jake and #Sam. ( and now #Quil knew too )

Laughing harder. “You do know I’d seen all your baby pictures, right? It’s not like you mom keeps them hidden away.”

◄ Emmy ►

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You mean like I did last night... and again this morning." I smirked. "Twice." I felt a twinge low in my stomach. The man had staying power that was for sure. The rush of cool air blew a strand of hair free from my ponytail and across my face.

I laughed. "Oh, there was plenty of that... It was also when we discovered the Paul wasn't exaggerating about it being impossible to get drunk." Of course, he had been the first to discover it. #Jared was  too strait-laced and #Sam was holding back... setting a good example for all of us, but I was sure he'd figured it out. "I have a feeling yours involved more than underage drinking though, right?" I teased.

I bit my lip and shook my  head... just him talking about being turned on made me think of how that felt when he was pressed up against me. "Fuck me!" I muttered under my breath. I rolled down my window now. little the cool air washed over my face for a moment before I  rolled it up... I would be able to hear mom on the phone over the noise of the open window, but she wouldn't hear me... and cool air still blew in from the driver's side.

I wiggled my phone out of my back pocket making sure to push my chest out as I lifted my arse from the seat. My smile was as innocent as I could make it. Mom answered on the first ring. I heard Whitney Huston playing in the background and cringed remembering #Quil using my middle name in that text.

'Hey sweetheart!' the music was turned down.

"Hey, Mom. Sounds like a party. What are you doing?" I asked, hearing someone moving around in the background.

'#Sue and I are cooking up a storm here.' Mom replied. Instantly Lee's mother was talking, telling  Mom to invite me over.

"Actually, I was just calling to see if you were free for lunch." I smiled. "I'm with Lee right now we can be there in fifteen?"

'Oh, Lee is with her too.' I had a feeling she was talking to #Sue now and two were off chattering again. Then to me. '#Seth is going to be here in an hour so too, he's just finishing up a job. The whole family can get together! It's perfect.' She was speaking fast in her excitement.

"That's great!" I smiled and glanced sideways at Lee. Damn! The man is fine! "Actually... we have one last thing to do, it could be thirty minutes... Okay... see you soon. Love you, Mom."

I set my phone down and reached up to pull my hair free and dragged my hands through it. "Find somewhere to pull over, Clearwater." I said in my ‘take no shit’, voice.

"I have about fifteen minutes to make good on a promise." Referencing his mention of a good time. I licked my lips and moved my hand to the buckle of my seat belt, waiting... letting him know I was ready to pop it the second the truck was parked.

◄ Lee ►

“Spirits.”

It didn’t take much for the reminder of last night and this morning to make that rumble trigger in my chest. I shifted in my seat, trying to constraint on the road ahead. Even if I did look at her out of the side of my eye. I wanted to reach out my hand, to draw that fly away hair out of her face. And the realisation of that thought made something click.  I had never wanted to do that before. Girls hair, their skin, their smiles. All things guys liked. But all things I never thought of. Until now? What the fuck was this girl doing to me?

“Right.” My mouth curled up into a grin. “But that’s not a story I am going to share with you.” Or anyone else. I wasn’t the kind to kiss and tell. Shaking my head recalling the amount of shit #Paul had us drinking over the years before he knew how to make his moonshine. “Paul was trying to kill all of us, let’s face the truth of the matter shall we. If it wasn’t for Rachel stopping his crazy arse ideas. We would likely be in the world of the spirits.” There had to be a point where even the spirits  would turn around and say… ‘You brought this one yourself.’ And leave us to our stupidity.

I shifted in my seat again, there was a change in the air, and her scent hit my nose. Building on the thudding in chest. That primal calling wanting to stop her from doing what she was and take her now. I closed my eyes for a few, shaking my head free of those imaged of her body sprawled for me. “Fuck. Stop that.” I muttered as she sat there beside me pushing her herself out, moving and wiggling. “Fuck.” Rolling her window up only intensified her scent.

The sound of the ring and then the sound of her mom’s voice was like a water bucket of water on the hardening swell in my pants. And she knew too well what the fuck she was doing. Little Call knew how to get a gut to reach for her. Pushing my face out the window before I sat back in my seat, making every attempt to keep my hands on the wheel, and my eyes forward. 

My mouth curled up at the way our mom’s were speaking to her. The sounds of them on the other end were clear for me to hear. And I knew where I was heading. But I turned my head to her. About to ask why and what she needed to do…. “Fucking Hell Call.” Why did her hair coming down make my pants twitch and vibrate to the point it wanted freeing.

“Yes… Ma’am.” Why was it also so fucking hot when she spoke to me like that? She was short in height, but she made up for it in so many ways. I took a sharp turn off the road into a off shoot when I saw it. parking my truck in a way that the cab would be hide beneath the shade of the trees. “This is such a bad idea.” I half growled and yet my buckle was undone, and I pushed my seat back for her. “And I still like the way you are thinking.”

My hand moved to the back of her head, turning her face into towards mine. My eyes found hers and I wanted to dive into the pools of them. Her plump lips were inviting, but I waited. I took her in, took in her scent. “Are you sure.” The words rumbled out of my mouth asking before assuming.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled; Lee was nothing like other men... but some things were universal. I narrowed my eyes at him. "Well, that's no fun." I smirked... pouting wasn't my idea of sexy. I lowered my brows and ran my eyes over him. I didn't mean it; I didn't want to hear about him and other women. Partly because it wasn't any of my business, but also because I didn't want to think of him with anyone else... If I wanted him to talk dirty, he could tell me all the things he wanted to do to me and not what he has done to someone else.

I knew that hearing about him and other girls would make me jealous... and jealousy was never my thing. But part of me was a little excited by that too. I smiled at the thought. "He always made the boys try it first. He said that #Rachel would kill him if he blinded the first female wolf." I laughed softly, she always believed I was the first and never the only, or a freak of nature.

I fought the urge not to laugh when he all but hung his head out the window to calm his nerves. "All the best ideas are... or at least... the most fun one's are." I pushed my thumb down to release my seatbelt, and then his. My heart quickened when his eyes met mine, my hand curled around his strong forearm. "With you..." My teeth pulled on my lower lip. "I'm always sure."

My free hand came to rest on his shoulder, I pulled myself up and swung my leg over the centre console and avoided the gear shift. I settled onto his lap, my stomach  was already flipping and tightening. "You have made me redefine my entire idea of what being sure actually feels like."

The hand on his shoulder moved up along his neck and into his, hair. "We already confronted two alphas’ today..." I  leaned in and nipped at his lower lip. "But this next one... will be the real challenge." I smiled because I knew that our mothers would both be happy. #Sue might be a little pragmatic, she understood pack dynamics better than Mom did. But  telling them... after that all the people we loved the most would be invested in this thing between us.

I kissed him, one hand still in his hair and the other came up resting on his cheek, raking through his facial hair. "I just need a few minutes where you are all mine." I bit his lip again and tugged this time. "But don't worry... I'll make sure you're still presentable when we're done." I kissed him, slow and deep, letting and long, low sound of desire bubble up from my chest. I forgot all about #Sam's words... there was only him and me.

My hands moved down over his broad shoulders and down his heavily muscled chest. Fuck! I relaxed against him; the hard muscles of his body made my skin bun in the best way. His body was insane! My hand moved lower, and I fought the urge to pull off his shirt.

"Fuck!" I groaned and my back arched, pushing my hips down on him. "I might need to rethink that promise."

◄ Lee ►

“I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of Rachel and her anger. That woman is a thunder cracker if you try to cross her.” And I knew her husband and his wolf had a few brain cells to know better. ( Or at least I hoped so.

“Fuck.” It was a groan as I watched the way her strong body moved with that wolf like grace and agility. The way her leg moved over the gear panel, and then she was sat over me. My hands resting on her arse, making me smirk at how normal this felt with her here and now. Whereas before I wouldn’t have thought to look at her in this way, not because she wasn’t beautiful. She was. But it was out of respect for her and her Spirit Warrior.

And now with the flood gates opened, after the conversations we had shared and had with the alphas. We knew what we both wanted. Then again there was something about hearing it from a girl’s lips. That she was sure about wanting you to touch her.

“Little Call. Stop biting those lips.” I could see the blood rushing back into it, and I wanted to kiss her. I wasn’t willing to share her. Not even with herself. Her dark pools of chocolate eyes were sealed with mine, and I never wanted her to look away. Those lips of hers were calling me in, but these eyes. “Fuck.” They were something new and interesting.

I returned the bite of my lip with one for on hers, my fingers danced up her arse and under the hem of her shirt. The calluses of my hands gliding over the softness of her smooth almond coloured skin. I stopped at her lower back, drawing small circles there as I consumed her with my eyes.

“Now is not the time to bring up your bother, Jake or our moms.” To make sure she understood the reasons why, my hands moved to her sides. Still under her shirt I held her bucking up just to show her how the tightness in my jeans meet the warmth between her legs.

My hands travelled up her sides, carful not to take her shirt too far up. I kissed her mouth back. Biting her lips and tasting her, knowing that last night it was this very same taste that drove me wild. 

“On top of that… Now you’re only giving me a few minutes? Doesn’t that shit come down the line when you don’t want to see my face any more?” It was a joke because hello. Who wouldn’t want to see my face.

“You. Should have some reconsideration. I’m all behind this plan. The sound of her heart was open for all to hear. It had been something that made me want to kiss her hard and claim her lips. She didn’t care who heard, she was just being true to herself.

When she arched that back of hers, she pushed her perfectly sized chest into me. Chest to chest I moved to nuzzle her neck. Freeing one hand to comb her hair off her neck so that I could giver her the attention she needed.

◄ Emmy ►

I craved the way he reacted to me. He wasn't just longing for my body, he just wanted me. No... not Just... he wanted all of me. From my body to my sarcasm, my intelligence... every piece of my puzzle.

I barely needed to duck my head  under the roof of the truck. "I would rather you do it for me... but you're slacking, Clearwater." He gazed and lingered on my tingling lips; I slowly swiped my tongue across them. I moaned when he bit my lips, my body arching into him  without my having decided to do it. The heat of his hands on my skin... I wanted to feel more of him against me. I pulled up his shirt, enough to run a fingertip over the ridges of his abs.

Before I could reply to his comment about talking  about the guys and Mom's I moan, the fucking perfect hardness ground into me. I melted against him, trapping my hands between us. "Spirits!" I gasped. He was going all-in... touching me, turning me on, but being careful not to undress me... considering it wasn't impossible for us to be found here. Unlikely... or he wouldn't have chosen this spot.

"The only time I don't want to see your face is when it's between my thighs." I groaned... "And even then... I want to see those eyes." I tilted my head to the side and gave him all the access he needed. My hand slipped under his shirt and moved up over those hard muscles.

I felt overwhelmed like I was exactly where I was supposed to be... Like this was a pitstop on the road to where we were meant to wind up. "This..." I breathed, moving my hand from between us to bury it in his hair... "Is exactly what we needed right now."

◄ Lee ►

All the muscles in me stiffened. “Fuck Emmy.” I growled out into her neck. Shifting back from her, I found her eyes again needing to observe her hunger in them, and she didn’t disappoint me. There it lay, waiting for me to look into her eyes of warm pools, and then it was her voice and the away she spoke. This girl didn’t hide.

“Don’t give me ideas, If I do it. There could be trouble.” My hands wrapped around her hips, pushing her down into my lap, because I was so going to bite those lips of hers until they were plump and even more beautiful. Giving her a small reminder for a little while that I was with her.

I moved my tongue over hers first, parting them. Teasing her and playing with her before biting and sucking on them. The thrill of being here with her was new. I picked the parking spot knowing that no one would set eyes on her, because like I said before. I wasn’t going to share her.

“Yeah…” I kissed her between the words. “We… Really... Did need this.” I wanted to hold her, to feel her, to taste her. “When your heart gave you away at Sam and Em’s. I wanted to do this there.” My mouth took hers again. Kissing her hard and them slow,  softening it. I liked the sensation of this closeness, so much so that her hands stuck between us were missed when she removed them. But she gave me room to place mine on her heart. And then slowly starting to bring it down over her shirt.

◄ Emmy ►

The way he said my name made heat pool in my core, I felt more with him than I did with anyone else. It was more than the hard bulge rubbing against all the right places. It was more I smiled, licking my lips, my eyes glued to his... fuck!! I wanted them... I wanted to kiss them, to feel them against skin... and other places like I'd just mentioned all at once. "I want you to have all the ideas, Lee. Because I plan on putting them all to use." I smiled wickedly. "When we can squeeze the time." I pressed my legs together, squeezing his too.

He gave me what I wanted, his lips on mine, his tongue... the heat and passion of the kiss. My lips stretched into a smile even as they still consumed his and his words. "I  couldn't help it..." I breathed, unable to break the kiss just like he hadn't. "You have an effect on me... and I don't ever want to deny it." My heart pounded against his hand when he rested it on my heart. "And now... I won't ever have to." I couldn't stop myself from pressing against his hand as it moved. Even if his touch was over my clothes all I could think of was the heat of his skin radiating through the fabric of my shirt.

"I want you." I sucked in his lower lip. "And  have no plans to hide it."

◄ Lee ►

“Don’t worry about that little minx. All the ideas aren’t going always, they are locked away in the vault for the right time.”

Her scent filled the space in my truck, my hand turned around, fingered leading the way down over her shirt until there was nowhere to go. “I don’t every want you to deny this.” My mouth found hers and I kissed her. “We aren’t walking this path to deny ourselves. It’s the polar opposite here.”

I kissed her harder this time. Biting her lips and pulling at them. She wasn’t going to do anything to deny herself, it wasn’t Emmys way to do things. She had never been one to hide, it’s one of the thinks that always had her stand out. There was only one of her.

“Now… breathe slowly.” I whispered into her mouth; my fingers worked her panted open. The button first and then the zipper, freeing her a little. I didn’t pull them down; I pushed my fingers down past the band of her wet panties. The scent making my mouth water for a taste.

“So wet little minx. I think you want me…”

I plunged two fingers between her folds, circling them before pulling them out and while my eyes were on hers. I sucked them dry.

My mouth curled up into a knowing grin, I found hers with mine again. Kissing her so she you taste herself on me.

◄ Emmy ►

A shiver ran through my whole body just thinking about all those ideas and how I was willing to let him play them all with me... along with all of mine too.

My heart was pounding as his fingers moved lower... just the thought of him touching  me was enough to my start core quivering. My moan was mostly swallowed up by his hard, all-consuming kiss.

I bit my lip hard when he started undoing my pants, I didn't realise I was holding my breath in anticipation until he told me to  breathe. I did... but my body did not cooperate with the slowly part.

"By the Spirits!" I gasped and my head dropped back. I ground against his hand, and the scent in the car thickened. "You have no idea!" I groaned... because, hell! I wanted him... so badly. Pleasure speared through me, and I whimpered.

My muscles tightened in protest when he pulled his hand away, I squeezed his thighs between mine hard. Damn, he was a tease. I licked my lower lip watching him suck his  fingers. My stomach leapt... and that kiss... the taste of us both hit my senses hard. "I'm starting to understand the appeal of dresses all of a sudden." I teased, not the awkward angle would have bothered him with Spirit Warrior reflexes... but, I could see the convenience right now.

I lifted his hand to my mouth and licked his slowly flashing him a cheeky grin, no way was I the type to flash the needy, longing look girls used to tease. I slowly sucked them into my mouth, closing my eyes and enjoying the sensation.

◄ Lee ►

“Fuck!” My jeans grew tighter seeing those eyes over hers over the fact that she so teasingly sucked in my fingers.

A flash of the night before was right there before I new it. Seeing my hand in her hair as her eyes met mine and her mouth… “Fuck Emmy!” Such a easy gesture by her, and I was ready to forget my rules and take her here and now! But I wouldn’t. My wolf stirred at the thought of another setting their eyes on her body while she was mine. And we both growled.

“I would never tell you what to wear, but. Dresses and skirts, they are fast becoming my favourite.”

I took my hand back, because my mouth wanted to claim hers. I cupped her face and kissed her hard and deep. Slowly and carefully, removing her from my lap.

 “Careful.” I muttered into her mouth as my tongue parted its way in.

I set her down on the passenger seat. With only a few bumps to my own arm and body. Tilting myself to face her, I found the button to drop the seat back slowly. And then I broke free of those beautiful plump lips of hers.

“However, until you decide I deserve the easy access. I will have to find my own ways in.”

That “fuck yeah” grin on my face, with my hands pressing flat on her thigh I parted them open. Moving my mouth to her ear. “I just need to make sure you see the benefits.” I slipped my hand back in passed her pantie band, the wetness welcoming my fingers I felt the clench of her reaction as I slowly and purposefully took my time to plunge into het folds, in and out, in and out, slow and easy.

Spreading her scent and wetness to ready her, as I watched her smiling. Leaning in to kiss her chin and her lips.

“You feel so right, so ready.”  My own desire being heard in my voice.

◄ Emmy ►

My stomach flipped every time he said my name like that, but then just a second later he was making me laugh. "Give me a warning next time you plan on jumping me in the truck." I gasped, knowing it was entirely the opposite story. "I'll see  what I can do?"

I was ready to protest when he lifted me from his lap. But I was so turned in by the fact that he could do it so easily and then I saw that look in his eyes that told me he was nowhere near done with me.

That thought sent a  tremor of anticipation running through me. His lips didn't leave mine and unit I was settled on the other side of the truck. I whimpered and opened my legs a little wider, his fingers brushing against all the right places. I bit my lip hard.  My fingers dove into his hair.

"Stop... talking." I panted the words and dragged his lips back to mine.

◄ Lee ►

“Really?” She knew. And I knew she knew, that I knew. She had been the one to do all the jumping. And it was fucking hot.

“Let’s just go with the promise that whenever you are around me. There will be jumping of bones.” Giving her a pointed look. “You can’t resist the Clearwater charming Little Call.”

My thumb circled slowly and softly at first, easy-going and relaxing her into herself.

Until she became… “So, demanding.” My mouth crashed hers and my thumb picked up pace not letting her off now. Two fingers stroked down the inside of her folds, while she let my tongue into taste her mouth.

“Fuck.” Groaning the word into her mouth.

My own jeans were growing uncomfortably tight, but this was for her. I wanted to see, feel, smell, hear her coming undone because of me again. It was addictive after last night.

◄ Emmy ►

My heart pounded and I hoped he meant that promise, but I couldn't catch my breath enough to tell him so. The only sound that came was a high breathless moan.

I took a long breath, hardly breaking the kiss to mumble the words. "Why would I ever try to resist you?" And honestly... Right now, I couldn't fathom why anyone would. He was fucking gorgeous; I moaned as his thumb rolled against that sweet spot and his fingers delved deeper... the sensations solidifying my thoughts even more. He saw right into the core of me. We both saw the world the way... but now we both wanted more, but only with each other. I kissed him harder, my fingers trailing through his beard.

I swallowed his moan; I knew that no one could take  this much pleasure just from pleasuring another. But his senses were so finely tuned, I knew those sexy as fuck sounds, he was making weren't just for setting a mood.

My hip rocked against my hand seeking more, my core tightening and my hand  moved down, fingernails raking over his shirt but craving the feeling of his skin on mine like last night. "Fuck!" I gasped into his mouth. My hand slid below his belt and ran over the hard bulge in his jeans feeling the shape of him... telling myself not to rush to free him from those restrictive jeans.

◄ Lee ►

“I don’t pretend to know what you think and when.” My husky voice trailing off as I pulled back from kissing her. I wasn’t Ed to witness her coming undone. I wasn’t planning on kissing it before I was distracted by her sounds, her teasing or her… “Fuck Emmy. You are beautiful.”

Seeing the fever of the moment we were sharing in her eyes made my hand still before I picked up where I had left off.

Leaning down my mouth closed over here, and I bit her lips. Then the trail of  kisses down her jaw, her neck and then down to her peaked nipples. Even with her shirt on, they were pushing through for me to enjoy playing with them.

“Little Minx…” this time my voice was pushing the Beta trying to take him place but I fought him back. She was Mine!

“I..” I sucked of her lower lip to pull the bloody into it and see them swell for me. “Want to feel you.” Pulling back my eyes on her, only when I saw that hunger in her did let my fingers delving deep between  her legs, I let them part her folds open, while my thumb circled her nub until I could feel her reaction to me. The slick dampness that filled my nostrils feeding my hunger some more.

“Fuck…” I pushed one finger to the edge of her rim, teasing her opening before I let it push into her tightness. My bulge twitching, wanting to take the place of my other finger when I pushed it in to join the fray.

“Emmy!” It was a half growl. Her hand had found its way to a dangerous  spot. My length had grown so much that it was pushed up against my jeans making sitting her uncomfortable for me. Add to it her teasing touch.

I bit her perked nipple through her shirt, tugging on it. Two could play this game.

◄ Emmy ►

I tried to reply to him, but the words came out sounding like a string of unintelligible moans... so much sure even I wasn't sure what I was trying to say... Besides, talking was the last thing on my mind right now.

Every time he said my name,  I felt heat like never before washing over my skin like he was touching me everywhere at once. I whimpered when he bit my lip, smiling a little at my new nickname.

Blood rushed into my lips, making them tender and sensitive to every kiss and nip. "By the Spirits!" I gasped. "Soon." I breathed I knew he meant more than his hand and fingers.

But tearing his truck apart was not on my to-do list today. Plus... our first time was not going to be in a truck. Not him, not us.

I flatten my palm against the hardness in his jeans, not trusting myself not to clench when he pushed a finger inside of me. When I regained some control and cupped him again before sliding my hand along the outline of him in the thick  fabric until I found the button and skilfully pried it open with one hand. I kissed him, nipping and sucking on his lips when my tongue wasn't diving into his mouth.

I tugged his straining zipper down and captured his bottom lip with my  teeth when I slipped my hand inside, just the thin fabric of his boxer between us now. I dragged my teeth off of his lip and almost growled. "Better?" My finger traced the length of him as my heart and mind raced a million miles a minute.

◄ Lee ►

She was slick, and tight, warm and I wanted to feel more of her. My finger penetrated faster in her, as my thumb rubbed circles the outside. I wanted to see her cone part more than anything now. (Ok. I wanted to taste her more, but this was a close second.)

“Very soon…” it again came out in a dominant growl one I knew she would match. Because she was the perfect match to me. In strength, wittiness, her demands of what this was, and.. her hunger and want of me.

My loose curled up into a grin remembering the low in her eyes, that pride she had at taking me and making me come undone by that sweet, cheeky and sarcastic mouth of hers.

My mouth was by her ear now. I bit her lobe before breathing heavy into her neck. “Come for me baby. I want to hear you come for me and only me.”

I huffed and groaned when I felt her hands moving over me, I twitched for her, that coil in the pit of my stomach twisted and turned. My fingers worked harder and fast. Until she opens my jeans.

When she took my mouth with hers, I kissed her hard, letting her take my lip in her teeth. Why was this so fucking hot?

“Fuck… Yes.” Even with my boxers on, my length tried to push up and free.

“So.. much.. better.” I curled my fingers up inside of her, twisting them and rotating them to add to her friction.

◄ Emmy ►

My core clenched around his fingers and heat began the pool low in my stomach, coiling into a ball. His low growl rumbled over my skin... Fuck!! Why was that so fucking hot!? "Yes!" I gasped, both in reply and from the bliss he was causing.

Him just telling me to come for him almost sent me over the edge... but the defiant streak in me refused to be told. I held back, biting hard on my lip. "Spirits!" I moaned again, feeling the tightening happening beneath my hand. Fuck! I wanted him... so badly. I let my hands slide along the length of him, my pleasure threatening to spill over with a sweep of his thumb and stroke of his fingers, cupped him and stroked as firmly as I dared with my compromising situation... I knew I could break him... but it was a tender area after all.

Then, still against my will, my climax crashed into me. "Lee!" I gasped. My back arching from the seat, driving my hips onto his hand harder. Heat exploded deep  inside of me, every muscle in my body went rigid and rode the waves of lush pleasure before all the tension left my body.

It was all I could do to lift my jelly-like arm and place my hand on his cheek, I was pretty I missed on the first attempt... but then I felt the roughness of his facial hair and guide his face to mine to kiss him. My eyes locked on his. "You..." I whispered... but nothing else came... what was I going to say? Had I even known before I started speaking? My mind was blissfully empty and full all at once.

◄ Lee ►

With my forehead pressed to hers, I growled low with another rumbling shake taking overs. The devilish grin spreading on my mouth when I saw… even now, with the way she was splayed out in my truck, my hand down her panties, my fingers climbing her, teasing her and playing with her. I saw that defiant look. I was trying to pleasure her. Make her fly, but just because I demanded it if her. Fuck me. She wasn’t going to let go so easy. And this.. THIS! Make my bulge twitch for her.

“Emmy.”

I kissed her harder, taking her mouth with mine. Pushing my tongue into hers, letting it play and tease hers too. A reminder of what his mouth of mine could do to her, to break this defiant side. If I wanted to play dirty with her.

I felt and scent the change in her before her legs and arms and the rest of her started to shake.

Pulling back my eyes locked on to hers, kissing her mouth from time to time and my fingers worked sweet circles, and thrust their way into her. She came apart, but my own self half lay over her feeling the pure fucking bliss of her ride.

“I know.” I kissed her, now slowly easing the pace. The nothing and the stillness of her after the build up to her orgasm, was worth even moment I sent with her. “I’m fucking perfect.” I teased her, slipping my fingers out as I kissed her again, pulling back enough to cover her lips and mine with her juices. And then kissed her again. More hunger in it this time.

 “You…” I whispered.

◄ Emmy ►

Even though he protested I knew he was loving the defiance. I had no problem giving him the win.... but I had done that a lot last night. Exploring the boundaries of his staying power was far too intriguing to resist... So today I would make him work a little harder for it today.

He watched me as I climaxed, other than the brief moments when the steadfast lips met my trembling (For all the right reasons), gasping lips. The intimacy of it undid me even further if that were even  possible at this point.

I smiled until the edges of my vision blurred and kissed him again, sucking a little on his lower lip. The slow way he toyed with me before slipping his hand free kept that afterglow alive.

"We'll see." I teased, some of my senses returning. "There are a few things left untested." I bit his kiss swollen lip now. "But I'm a great teacher if you need one." He wouldn't. This was very obvious.

I raked my fingernails through his beard... the hand that had been in his boxer only moments ago... I let my fingers trace his throat and then his chest. I wasn't taking my time. I wanted to feel him. My fingers toyed with the band of his boxers slipped below it, brushing against the slightly  moistened tip. "Tell me you keep condoms in this beast of a truck... can't have you making a mess just yet." I smirked at him. I wouldn't think about why, not yet.

◄ Lee ►

She was too fucking perfect in how she had me on edge moments after her pleasure had released. The trembling lips, the legs, the dampness that I had to fight wanting to taste fully. It was all perfect.

“You hurt me Little Call. Telling a guy, he isn’t perfect after you just had a high?” My voice was gruff, I had to shift, sit back a little so that she had the room to play with what her hands were searching for.

I twitched in her hand. Closing my eyes for a few blinks and then I was watching her again. Arching my brow, I bought her closer, my hand in her hair, and kissed her.

“Glove box.” It wasn’t like I went on the pull every night. But there sat a box in there in case of an emergency.

“What is the beautiful mind of yours thinking now?” I couldn’t stop pushing up into her hand. Letting the friction course, it’s way over me.

◄ Emmy ►

I smirked at him “I never said I didn’t have faith… I just don’t have the solid evidence to back it up yet.” But didn’t I? I mean… This man? Fuck!! He was GOOD! I felt that pulse in my hand just as the thought entered my mind. I bit my lip and the low an aroused hum escaped from my lips.

My hand never stilled; my eyes stayed locked on his. I was going to learn every single thing I could about what he liked, and then discover a few he never even knew he would like.

“Don’t  get too excited, Clearwater.” I smirked Licking my lips as I slowly slide my hand up along his shaft and freed it from his underwear and opened jeans. “Remember what I said about not destroying the truck?” I knew there were no expectations, but it was fun to tease.

I reached for the glove box. I Wasn’t planning on exposing him here, just he hadn’t with me. The chance that someone would come along was very, very slim… But I wouldn’t, we shared enough of ourselves with the pack already. This moment was for us.

I opened the packet and leaned over to kiss him, sucking in his lower lip. When I broke away I peered down and lifted his waist band to slowly slide it on. “I want you to feel that high too.” I tilted my head  back up to kiss him as i took hold of him again and stroked slowly at first. “Because today…” I whispered onto his lips and kissed him again. “Is about us.” I gradually built speed and fought the urges for more… because had all the time that we wanted and needed.

◄ Lee ►

I didn’t dare look away from that beautiful glow on her face. My wolf stirred in my chest, because we knew the reason for it.

The girl had her fingers wrapped about my hardened bulge, and at the same time she joked about her level of faith in me?

“It’s a good thing I know you’re teasing me Little Call, otherwise we would be having other words right now.”

Shifting myself to sit back in my seat, I brushed her hair out of her face. Holding it back when she moved in and I kissed her, chewing on her mouth, her lips and then groaned when she with suck skill unwrapped the condom and rolled it on.

“No expectations. You don’t even need to do this.” I stoked her hair. “You know..” I groaned as her stoked picked up speed and I have in the will to speak.

“Emmy!” I brought my forehead to hers, the tension in my body becoming hard to focus anywhere but her hands.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly... "We've had that conversation." I teased him. "But that doesn't mean that I will ever stop teasing you." I spoke slowly, keeping my voice soft and sweet like I was singing his praises.

His kisses were light and followed by his teeth against my lips, the contrasting sensations had my stomach flipping.

He knew that he didn't need to tell me that... but still, he said it. This thing between us was different from anything other of us had done before. "I beg to  differ." I breathed and took his lower lip between mine. My name slipped from his lips and my core clenched. "That..." I gasped. "That is what I need." I felt him harden in my light grip and I tightened it a little. I shifted forward and buried my face into his neck kissing his throat and nipping at his jaw.

"It's not about returning the favour..." I kissed him deeply, my free hand slipping to the back of his neck. "I want to feel you... come undone. I crave the way you say  my name." I kissed him and took heavy breaths between words, my thumb rolling over his tip as I stroked faster. "The need comes only from my own desire."

 I pulled back to see him and he touched his forehead to mine, and there we stayed. "Let go for me, Lee." My teeth scraped against his pulse.

◄ Lee ►

“Fuck… Emmy!” Her name was the only thing I could think of.

My hands shot up into her hair and I pulled it back off her face. Kissing her back and then when her forehead rested on mine. I locked my hungry dark eyes onto her beautiful whiskey ones. Everything in me was ready to call her name. And I did. If that was what she needed, I was going to give it to her.

Her name came out slow, and breathy. It came out like a prayer; it came out like she was the only person alive. And it came out… It came out like a growl as she picked up her speed.

My balls tightened; my length twitched. That twitch in my lower muscles pulsed and with one final push from her. I kissed her hard and let go of myself into her hand.

“Emmy… Fuck… spirits! You…” I kissed her trying to find my mind, breathing hard and heavy. “You are amazing.” I kissed those plum lips of hers again.

◄ Emmy ►

My fingers tightened on the back of his neck, holding him there where his forehead touched mine, gazes locked. His eyes were filled with hunger. I was breathing as hard as he was, it gave me physical pleasure to just touch him... to make him  feel the way he did right now.

He was so hard in my grip, I felt him throb and swell as he neared his climax, my name kept rolling off his tongue until his lips crashed against mine. I kissed him back, sliding my tongue past his lips to taste him as he came.

I let my fingers run over the length of him, slowly, easing my hold until he stopped twitching. Every kiss stole the breath from my lungs. "I know." I smirked.

"And it only gets better from here." I whisper, kissing him  again softly, easing back the passion between us, allowing both of us to become grounded again. I slipped my hand away out of his boxers and whispered again.

"Take a breath, Clearwater. We still have a stop to make." I smiled, but I wasn't in  a rush for this moment to end.

◄ Lee ►

“Trust me beautiful… i know it only gets better from here.”

Turning my head towards her, I cupped her cheek, my thumb stoked that soft skin of hers, feeling the heat pooled in those.

I let my head fall back into the head rest. The release taking the pressure off me just enough to clear my head. The pleasure of how she took such good care of me made me grin and gave myself the time to do what she said.

“She tells me to breathe? After taking my breath away? What a savage lover  you are Little Minx.”

Fire still working it’s kinks out through my veins.

“It’s hard to do much when all I am seeing is this face of yours, and hearing that sarcastic and beautiful voice.”

Leaning across I bought her mouth back to mine. Kissing her deeply. “Give me a second.” I kissed her again before pulling back.

Rolling the condom off I tied a knot in the top, reaching back behind the passenger seat I threw it into the small bin bag I kept collecting rubbish. I took out  the clean wipe I had back there for when #Kishil needed a lift, thankful I took one out and cleaned myself before slipping myself back into my boxers. Throwing the wipe in the bin too.

And the. My attention was back on her. Lifting her up, I brought her back to struggle my waist. Making sure not to hit her head in the roof of the truck.

“Where were we?” Tucking her hair behind her ears. “Hmm. Yeah. I know we have one more stop. But. Right now. You are important to me. And I’m  not the release and ride away kind of a guy. Unless you are done with me? And only wanted me for my body?”

My mouth found its way to her jaw, placing small hot kisses over that skin tanned beautiful skin of hers.

◄ Emmy ►

My skin tingled when his hand rested against my cheek, the rough skin a sign of his work and dedication.

I smiled, watching him lean back and bask in the aftermath. "I can't have you passing out me just yet." I teased. I laughed at his next  words. "So cheesy." I shook my head and continued. "I know exactly what you me--" The soft words were cut off by his lips. The deep, intense kiss that followed had my stomach doing backflips.

I propped myself onto the laid-back seat; my  elbow on the headrest and chin on my palm. Not giving him even a second of privacy as he set himself right again. "Well, well..." I smirked. "Aren't you a regular boy scout?" I retrieved the empty condom wrapper and dropped that into the bag  as well before he lifted me onto his lap again and all I did was laugh.

How could anything about this be wrong when it was so easy to laugh and let my guard down with him?

I smiled. "If you want to cuddle after all you have to do is say  so, Clearwater." I cupped his chin and leaned in to kiss him, my other hand resting against his chest. "I can't lie... it's one hell of a body..." I whimpered when his lips found my jaw. I fisted his shirt and tilted my chin up, opening myself up to him. My other hand slipped up along his cheek, his facial hair bristled against my palm until my fingers moved into his hair. I brushed it back and ran my tongue over my lips, torn between wanting to kiss him and not him to stop  the barrage of kisses along my neck.

"But I want so much more than that." I managed the breath the words. "No more riding away." I murmured, remembering the countless times I had done that. Now it all made sense, I was just waiting for  something to feel like this.

◄ Lee ►

“I like things to be clean. Don’t judge a Clearwater Call.” I laughed nuzzling my face into her neck.

“I want to cuddle you after Emberly Call. And I’m not ashamed to admit that.”

Saying the words into the crook of her neck, I kissed, licked and even bit her beautiful rustic skin.

She bought her hands into my hair, over my face and then my mouth back to hers. I squeezed her arse, bought her body in closed pressing it against mine and kissed her wholeheartedly. My tongue pushed past her lips, entwined with hers and I deepened the kiss.

Breathing husky, heart throbbing. ( my bulge pulling itself back too) I shook my head resting her forehead to mine.

“No games. Cards on my table. I never thought I would  want this, Emberly. But I do. I want it with you.”

Her name sounded beautiful and devilish on my mouth. And I didn’t give a shit.

My fingers were in her hair. Tugging her head back as I placed hot kisses down her jaw, her neck and down to  the edge of her shirt.

I knew it wasn’t easy for her to say what she did, and I knew it wasn’t something I said too. But I wasn’t lying to her brother and my cousin. I wanted to be better for her. Just her. Her past didn’t come into this, and nor did mine.

“Fresh start.” I muttered into the curve of her breasted. Biting that spot where I had marked her. “Mine… and I am Yours.”

◄ Emmy ►

I bite my lip and tried to look serious. "I would never judge." I fought back a laugh. I would... But right now... I could be putty in his hands if he wanted. "You shouldn't be." I whispered. "I'm not of the messes I plan on making in your  room." I chuckled softly, my breath catching when he nipped and kissed my throat.

When his tongue pushed passed my lips and the taste of him had me moaning again. I should be trying to calm myself... but it was so hard to untangle from someone you just wanted to get lost in.

I kissed him again and again. "Me either... But I won't walk away from something I want unless there's no choice." I whimpered now, his lips trailed along my jaw sending sparks through me. "But we're  both choosing this... So no walking, running or riding away."

My hand fisted in his hair when his teeth gazed that spot, heat sparked again in my veins. I pulled back enough to see his face, dropping one hand to rest on his racing heart.

"And all of this... is ours, And new path. A new day." I kissed him again. "But... There's one last thing to do before we can start that new day." My body protested, needing more time with him. "If we keep doing this they'll think we've gotten lost."

◄ Lee ►

“Oh…” my lips curled up into a smirk. “There will be riding. I’m not taking that one off the table.”

I glowed as both of our moms came to mind and it was like throwing a bucket of ice water over my bulge. I placed my hand over hers. I knew she was right.

“Are you ready to do this?” I asked her to peak her lips again. “Lunch with the moms, and then Spirits know what they will say.”

It wasn’t hard to imagine Ma’s reaction. She loved Emmy, would dote on her when she was younger. Okay with her hair and dress her up. Sometimes I even asked if she wished I was a girl. And she would laugh and speak. “I have Emmy to spoil.” And she did.

Giving her one more kiss I helped her across and back into her seat. Leaning over to kiss her forehead. “This is a pause; it is not over.” Winking at her and lifting myself off the seat. Adjusting myself before zipping and buttoning up.

◄ Emmy ►

"Now that you mention... #Rachel told me about some book she read that head a sex scene on horseback" One brow shot up. "I always wondered if it could be replicated on a bike." I chuckled and nipped at his lip.

That growl had me snapping my  teeth at him. "Aw... poor baby. You can pull through a few hours can't you?" I teased him as my own craving flared to life. Spirits! How was I ever going to get anything done?

I knew it would be more than a few hours... a lot more. I still  had work tonight and I had promised #Quil I would have breakfast with... Maybe I could skip sleeping and rock his world when he had a lunch break from work?

It made sense now why the boys mostly imprinted on humans... they would never leave the bedroom if the girls could keep up with them. Was I becoming as insatiable as them?

"Ready." I nodded. I wanted to be free... Not that we were hiding... I just wanted to be able to pull the car over and kiss him without worrying about  mom finding out about us in a text. After this... there was no more need to hold back. After this... word could spread... or not. I didn't care. Our brothers knew, our moms were about to.

I was certain that Mom knew about Lee's reputation  (And likely mine) but more importantly; I knew that she wasn't one to take that to heart. The gossip mill hadn't ever been kind to her. She added Lee... his always-on charm didn't fool her for a second and she would bask in the flirtation and  the real, genuine kindness. She was going to be thrilled... probably too thrilled.

#Sue loved her boys... but... she'd always looked on me as a niece. Would this be too weird for her? Would she be worried about the pack? The idea of seeing the disappointment in her eyes... It made my mouth go dry.

I was still straddling him when he hoisted his hips to set himself right again and I smirked at him, there was only one way to figure this out. "Let's get going." I leaned in again  to kiss him, my hand resting on his cheeks, my lips just softly pressed to his. I climbed back over to the passenger seat and tidied myself up. Adjusting my askew bra and buttoning my jeans. I finally pulled my hair back into the neatest  finger-combed ponytail I could manage.

◄ Lee ►

“Did I need to know that Rachel reads mommy porn?” Because what else could that book be? But my brow arched. “You want to try it? See if we can perfect the idea?” My mind thinking on how to make it possible. “Wait the bike. Moving or standing still? We could try both.” I winked at her.

“A few hours and that is it, I’m not holding back if they keep us longer.” Laughing “And… Fuck!” That snap of her teeth, it worked like magic. She was setting my bloody a blaze. “Stop that if you want us to get out of here, and not be late for them.” I told her.

I knew that the moms would take all the time they needed, and we would give it to them. Neither of us would just stand up and left. Not until Our Mom’s were done with what they needed to ask. I just hoped it wouldn’t be a repeat of #Sam and #Emily’s place.

I Kissed her back and then my eyes moved over with her, smirking at the way she looked. Watching her this time gathering herself. I reached over and helps with her beast. “Here let me help.” Knowing it would earn me a slap, or some mouth. But I could do this now. I could grope her, and I was sure she would get her pay back.

When she was back to herself and gathered, only them did I start the truck and went back on our way.  My eyes kept wondering back towards her as I drove. Something was off.

“Are you okay?” I asked her. Reaching over I tugged playfully on the ponytail.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed out loud at his question. "Was it ever a secret?" I quirked a brow at him. I pondered the next part scrunching up my nose... not really caring that it probably wasn't all the attractive. "Stationary... and if that goes well..." I  was not hopeful it would. "Then maybe we can give it a go." I knew it was, one hundred percent. a terrible idea.

I laughed again, softer now. "Please... like you would ever leave any of the moms waiting on you." I gave him a withering  look... a teasing one… but still. "Goody-two-shoes."

I would have (should have) slapped him away when he adjusted my breast inside my bra. But the touch electrified me, my nipple peaking as I curse my body's inability to resist him! I would bide my time and repay him soon!

I twisted my head and huffed dramatically at him. Pulling the ponytail out of reach a second too late.

"I'm fine..." I scolded myself internally immediately. That programmed reaction that women were meant to stick to. "I mean... yes I am okay I just. I know how Mom will react. She always thought that me never bringing a date home was because she never let me meet the guys she dated. -" (Not there were many. I knew she was in love  with my father, even now.)

"- She'll be so happy I'm giving something new a chance... and the fact it's you will have her rocketing to the moon. I just don't want Sue to be disappointed or... feel awkward about it... you know. She taught me how the braid my hair... back when I cared about that stuff. But it's Sue... and worrying about all of that is stupid because all she'll care about is what's best for us and this is best. So..."

I laughed... inhaling deeply. "That was a lot of words. So Yes... I'm okay... and also somewhere in the background not completely okay. Make sense?"

I had never been shy about sharing my feelings and I wasn't now either. I wouldn't apologise for them, and I smiled because I knew that he would never expect me to.

◄ Lee ►

“No, it’s not a secret, but there are just some things I like to black out of my head and NEVER think of them again. Like the first night Paul—“ shaking my head and not wanting to bring that image back into my forethought.

“Let’s just say  I’m glad that man somewhat managed to keep their bedroom antics to himself. Unless he’s on the moonshine.”

My dark blazing eyes drifted to her as we drove, and I had to laugh at the cute thing she was doing with her face. “There is a look you  should keep on your face.” Waggling my brows my attention back on the road.

“Fine. Stationary first. Talk about being adventurous. I would have excepted you to say in the first place, who cares if we break a couple of bones.” I wouldn’t let  it happen. There was no part of me that would risk injuring another person for thrills.

Now I laughed again. She was going easy on me, but I was certain it would come to bite me on my fine arse soon enough. “Goody-two-shoes? Really?” Shaking my head.

My brows pulled together at what she said now. And it made me check my mirrors before I slammed down on the brakes pulling the Ram to the side of the road.

“Rule 1. No. We don’t do that. This was the first and last time. ‘I am fine’, is Not an answer that will be accepted between us. Understood?” I hated it when women did that… when Ma did that.... For me it was a slap in the face. It was them saying. ‘I’m in my feels but fuck you. I’m not sharing it.’

“Rule  2. No overthinking. We are doing this the right way. We aren’t hiding it. We are telling those who matter, we are walking this path. And we are telling them we… you and I, need to work this out. I’m not stupid and nor are you, Emmy. If Ma is  worried, I know we will show her like we just did with your brother, that we know we want to try this out.”

I turned this time to look at her full on. “It’s okay, not to be okay. I mean. I’m still expecting one of your family to chop my balls off. And if it wasn’t Sam, and it could be your mom.” The smirk on my mouth told her I didn’t believe it. Her mom loved me. And then it occurred. “Even if she loved me, she could still make me pay for feeling up her daughter.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and shook my head. "Honestly even with all that... #Paul imprinting was one of the best things to happen to me back then." Everyone knew that #Paul and I butted heads a lot. Not that either of us could be blamed... we were both  going through a lot and I wasn't the greatest at controlling my temper. I didn't struggle like #Lahote did... but #Rach helped with all of that so much.

I scoffed at him! "Please!!! I could draw on a moustache and a unibrow every morning  and you would still want to lick from head to t--" I gagged a little, unable to say toe. "Ankle." I finished smoothly.

"Are you calling me a coward, Clearwater?" I laughed, reaching out to trace a finger along his... damn... his fucking  perfect jawline. I bit my lip. What a mommy porn cliche? I thought. "I just don't want to mess up this beautiful face... Not even if it's only for a few days. Also... let's allow our mothers and brothers to get used to this before they have to bail us out for public indecency."

I glanced in all the mirrors for a reason that he might be pulling over again... this road was not a rendezvous-friendly location. I bit my lip for a different reason now. "Oh yeah..." I smiled wide. "This is gonna work out just fine." I leaned over to kiss him.

He caught me... He called me out. He noticed.

"I'm sorry... I wasn't... avoiding. Sometimes the toxic patriarchy shit gets the better of me. You know I don't hide what I'm thinking or feeling. They probably pulled a switch on us. Mom will lecture me about treating you right and Sue will lecture you about me." I laughed... they were so going to tag team us.

◄ Lee ►

“Oh Yeah? Oh…. Yeah?” This girl was going to be the death of me. and right now I didn’t mean in that good way I wanted to die.

“You are fucking lucky that even your touch distracts me from the stupid shit you get up to. Back then with Paul, and now with the “I am fine.” However, I knew she had the massage loud and clear. “We are going to do this out way, so I say fuck the toxic patriarchy shit, if I say of do anything that pissed you off… Tell me… We talk and we fix it.” It was how I saw my Ma and Da doing it. And that was what I wanted to do with her.

I leant into her and kissed her forehead before I pulled us back on to the road.

The road had cleared and the ride home to Ma’s didn’t take us long from the point where I’d stopped. As soon as I tuned into her street, I could smell the scent of home and it made me smile. I wanted our moms to see us. I wondered if we would need to tell them, or would they see us and guess the change in what we had become.

“Really?” I squeezed her leg as I pulled up, and the scent of #TheKid hit me. He came running out of the side of Ma’s house with a ladder and dropped it the moment he saw the truck and I opened the door.

‘Nope… Spirits… No way am I spending the afternoon in ma’s kitchen with your both and that scent.’ It was said just for Emmy and My ears.

“I’ll be right back.” I told her and then dived out of the Ram and ran as fast as I come towards my kid brother. I tackled him to the ground when he was half way back around the house. “Gotta.” I growled in his ear. And squeezed him tightly.

‘Eww… Bro… Let me go… I…” He tried to free himself. “Did you both have to do that before coming here?’ He asked and I burst out laughing.  This was going to be interesting.

◄ Emmy ►

"You mean I'm lucky that you're easy?" I laughed softly. "It never lasts long... it's just a weird impulse. But I always say what I really mean... Just..." I bit my lip and smiled to myself. "Very few guys ever notice."

I saw #Seth and I  spotted the exact second our scent hit him. I laughed and at the same time, my cheeks heated. I wasn't used to this! I wouldn't call it embarrassment... But there was something about the world knowing how I felt about this man that made me  blush. Was there even a word for that?

I watched the brothers wrestle and rolled my eyes as I jumped down from the truck. When they finally broke apart I want to put my arm around #Seth and he stepped back. 'Nope!!!' He teased. 'I know where  those hands have been!' But then he leaned in and kissed my cheek, making a show of keeping the rest of him at a distance. I shoved him playfully. "Arsehole!" I smirked.

Ever the grown-up he stuck out his tongue, and I just laughed. "#Sam, #Jake and #Quil all know." I told him. "After this, you won't need to keep any secrets."

'Good... because I suck at-- ' He stopped and looked between us. 'Wait you're telling them... so you're like together... exclusively? For real?' There  was shock but also a massive grin on the kid's face. 'Wow!! That's... Oh, Spirits!!! They'll have you two walking down the aisle in less than a year!!!' He burst out laughing and punched Lee in the arm. 'Congrats brother!' He teased and  turned to me. 'Do I get to be Maid of Honour? I refuse to wear peach!'

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Hey... just because you're my Maid of honour doesn't mean I won't kick your arse, pup."

He tried to contain his laughter and zipped his  lips, throwing away an imaginary lock. I turned to Lee and smiled. "Want to make this really quick?" I bit my lip and slipped my hand into his, lacing our fingers together. "They're going to know the second we walk in there either way."

'Oh geez! Then I'm going in there first! I'm not missing this.' #Seth disappeared inside, leaving the ladder abandoned in the yard.

◄ Lee ►

I laughed a belly rolling laugh watching them both together. The way they bounced off of one another, the friendship, and the teasing. #TheKid was always good with people, it was his kind soul they were attracted too. And of course, this relationship between the two of them wasn’t new. Emmy had known him from the day he was born.

However, for me, for me to see this change in the Dynamics. Some part of me thinking that maybe he would react in the same way #Sam had. And that  would fucking hurt my heart. My family means the world to me. And sure I wasn’t going to let anyone tell me who I could care for and who not. But this. It made the choice easy.

I watched her closely when the realisation dawned on my Kid  brother. When he saw in my eyes that this wasn’t a fling. That I wanted more from her. And I was and wasn’t shocked at how she reacted. He joked about marriage, but she had before too. And she wasn’t running. Spirits! I wasn’t running.

“What the fuck! You are taking the little minx’s side over your own brother? Who the fuck is going to be my best man now?” He just shook his head as I softly spoke because he was in the house and he could still hear me.

My hand engulfed  hers and I took a moment to look at how it felt and wanted to take it in. Smiling I bent down and kissed those lips.

“Stop biting them, it’s making me hard.” The sound of coughs came from inside and I burst out laughing again. “If you want  them to know as soon as we walk in.”

I scooped her up, cradling her in my arms and started up the steps to Ma’s porch. “Let’s make sure there is no confusion?”

Pushing the door open with my shoulders I could heard the two moms laughing  and talking. The sound of pots and pans, the table being set.

“Ma! We are here.” I called out to a chorus from then both. Asking why it took so long.

‘Mama T, Ma! Why don’t you go bend their ears?’ #TheKid egged them on. And they other  agreed.

‘Do you know what happens to—‘ Ma has started to say and then she and MsC came to a halting comedic stop with the two bumping into one another. Their eyes darting from the scene before them, then one another.

All the time #TheKid stood leaning on the doorframe with his arms crossed and a big grin on his face.

“Are you going to say anything?” I asked. Then to Emmy and #TheKid, do we get a prize for shocking these two into silence for the first time ever?”

◄ Emmy ►

By the Spirits when he laughed like that!! H was stunning... the way his face lit his eyes... the way they crinkled at the sides. How could someone be that sexy and that cute at the same time?

"You can have Jake." I elbowed him in the softly. #Seth gave me a look that said he wanted to know what happened in that conversation... But he didn't ask because he would see it all from all three sides soon enough.

I kissed him back, automatically lifting up onto my toes to get  closer. I heard #Seth laugh, they never saw me do that girlie shit. Not even when I was talking my way out of speeding tickets. His pointed cough doused the rising arousal at Lee's comment before it really started. I smiled at him as our fingers laced and my eyes promised:              Soon.

I muffled the high laugh that rose up when he picked me up... Because I would never hear the end of it from #Seth... and the moms were skittish, they would think something was wrong even though  they were the only breakable people in the house.

But they were moms so that was their prerogative. My arms automatically went around his shoulders. my finger at the nape of his neck brushing against his hair.

They both froze. Mom with a spoon in the air that something unceremoniously dripped off of. #Seth caught the drip in his large hand, lightening reflexes kicking in; then licked his palm. 'Chocolate cake batter!!!' He beamed excitedly!

The two mothers continued to silently stare. My fingers toyed with his hair, and I was fairly certain my heart had stopped beating. “I think we broke them." I whispered to him.

"Mom... Auntie Sue.... we have something to ---" I started, and my own mother cut me off. 'Oh, Sue! I told you! Didn't I tell you it would be Lee and not #Seth? You owe me fifty dollars!" Mom beamed. And stopped halfway through voting into a peeled raw carrot.

‘Tiffany Call!! You know full well that I was the one says it would be Lee she would end up with!' Sue replied and the pair devolved into that too fast chattering that only they could understand. But the gist of it was they had a bet about which #Clearwater boy I would end up and they each claimed they had  chosen Lee and each insisted the other owed them fifty dollars.

'Wait a minute!' #Seth interrupted. 'What I'm hearing here is no one thinks I could get a girlfriend?'

'Oh baby of course we do... just not Emmy. She would eat you alive.'  #Sue said then turned to me. 'I mean that in the best darling. You're a force to be reckoned with and you need someone up to the reckoning. #Seth needs someone that he can take care of.'

I just laughed because it made perfect sense. 'And that is exactly what I said to you when we made that bet!" My mother insisted with a dramatic but good-natured huff.

#Sue just waved her off because I could already guess that mom was misremembering. 'Lee Peter Clearwater you put that girl  down so I can give her hug!' She swatted at her eldest son with the dish towel in her hand.

◄ Lee ►

“What in the name of the spirits have we started.” Forget about us trying to break our moms. There were now the ones who make me feel like I was broken.

#TheKid like Emmy were clearly enjoying the show being played out before us. But me. My  head and eyes followed the conversation from mom to mom.

“No! I turned my back towards my Ma, which earned the towel hitting my arse. “Ouch! Ma! That hurts!” It really didn’t. But I jumped, keeping Emmy save in my strong arms. (Even if I  knew, it would take one move from her, and she would land on her feet.

“I am not setting her down until one of you admits they bet against me.” I teased my eyes on Emmy, winking at her. This was all her doing.

She was beautiful in every way. I head what Ma said and those were the reasons I wanted to be in her life. “See, I told you they would be happy.” I whispered to her in her ear. “Okay. Okay. Fine I will put the short stuff down.” Slowly bending I set her feet on the  ground first.

Straightening up I turned to face the moms again. But they both one at a time pulled Emmy into a hug, and then me too. I picked the mothers up off the ground. #MsCall giggled and told me. ‘You’re made my day Lee.. my yeah really. , I’ve wanted to see this happen for years now. I hoped. Maybe someday. You would give one another a chance.’

Ma rolled her eyes. ‘No that is what I said to you Tiffany. That Emmy would be amazing for our Lee.’

I just laughed and then when Ma hugged me, she whispered. “Don’t you dare break this girls heart.”

I kissed her forehead. “I will never intentionally hurt her Ma. I promise.” She smiled and then she was off back to Emmy’s side.

#TheKid stood witness to what took place, giving me a smile when he caught me looking his way. I went to stand with him. “Are you happy Kid?”

‘Of course, I am. I can see how happy you are making one another Bro. I want that for you, and for Emmy too.” We bother turned  our attention to the three women in our life’s. ‘But… I can also see that we aren’t going to get any lunch, anytime soon.’

We both laughed, turning our heads back to the kitchen seeing that meal half done. “Well, then you know what we need  to do Kid.”

I wrapped my arm around his neck and pulled him in. Kissing the top of his head and pulling him into the kitchen, getting to work to finish off what the moms had started.

◄ Emmy ►

I couldn't help but laugh, a stunned but ecstatic laugh. The teasing and joking I could deal with disappointment... that would have cracked my soul.

I wrapped my other arm around his neck when he half-spun away from #Sue. Tucking my legs in  a little closer just in case I knocked something... I knew his protective urges would prevent him from bumping off any of the humans in the room.

My laugh was renewed when he winked at me and I managed to brush a kiss to his cheek before he set me down and I whisper, "You were right... This time." I added the last part in a low whisper.

They hugged me and I gave them both a human-friendly squeeze as kisses were pressed to my temple and cheek. 'Oh, that was years ago! They've all grown so much since then.' Mom huffed playfully at her friend and sister.

"If anyone gets hurt it will be both of us and not out of any bad intentions." I smiled at him through all the faces. "We've just realised it's worth the risk for  this."

My Mom beamed a smile, took my hand in hers and patted it. She always said if there was no risk there was nothing to gain I had always known she was right... But I had never felt anything was worth the risk until now.

We all laughed at the two boys taking over the cooking. And I excused myself to go wash up for lunch. Trying not to react to #Seth's hearty agreement even if it was only loud enough for wolf ears. "Arsehole I said quietly when I shut the door and only the guy would hear.

◄ Lee ►

I washed up and walked around to see what we were working with.

‘I’m telling the moms you have such foul language; didn’t you just hear how much they wanted you and me to end up together?’ #TheKid waggled his brows at Emmy, and I rolled my eyes getting to work. Most of it was done, we just played up was in on the go and started to place it on the table.

“Looks like the moms were ready for something today. Fried chicken and salad? For lunch?” I heard #TheKid still teasing Emmy. ‘I mean, I know Bro is fast. But wouldn’t you gather the cuter of the brothers?’ He squeezed my arse, and I batted him way. ‘Yes, his arse is nicer too. But still. Mine will be younger for longer.’ He started to laugh and then stopped.

I frowned looking back at him and Emmy. “What?” My smile dropped seeing his face.

‘Spirits. Does this mean I have to hear you both at it?’ I burst out laughing so hard. I almost dropped the plate in my hand. (Almost)

‘What is so funny?’ Ma asked and I pointed to Emmy and #TheKid.

“Ask them. Now sit down. This all smells amazing.” I kissed her on the top of her head and squeezed her into my side.

‘Tiff and I wanted to do something nice.’

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and listened to the boy's banter while I walked back from the bathroom, smelling a lot less of sex... Thank the Spirits it took more than what we did in the car to make me sweat. Was this why the imprint always carried purses filled with perfumes, brushes and whatever else? They did spend a lot of time around these superior senses.

I laughed to myself and tried not to let the moms see. "Please! I would break you on two and we both know it, Pup." I teased him right  back, only for wolfish ears. He wasn't serious. We all knew it. I felt a soft heat in my chest, his teasing and playing were nothing short of pure acceptance. Would my brother ever get there?

I smiled though and teased #Seth with a wink and nod. Staying quiet with Lee so far had proven impossible. I acted like I had no idea what they were talking about. "I'm innocent here." I held up my hands in surrender. The kiss had me leaning into his side, it all came so naturally... even though I had never done this relationship thing before. I slipped into a chair. I looked at #Seth when #Sue mentioned wanting to do something nice. The kid had taken the seat opposite me, so Lee and I were left to the two seats on the  other side.

"I didn't tell them anything!' He swore. 'I just suggested that A family lunch would be nice.'

I smiled and shook my head this boy was too wise sometimes. "It was a great idea. And this food looks amazing!"

'What's wrong, sweetheart?' Mom asked. 'I can tell there's something on your mind.' She always bloody knew.

I didn't try and brush it away. I knew now that Lee wouldn't let that slide. "#Sam wasn't very happy." I said plainly.

'Don't worry about that.'  Mom patted my hand. 'That boy loves you so much, he'll come around.'

'Of course, he will.' #Sue added. 'Most men need to see proof of actions... When it comes to their family, they need to see them treated right. It might take him a while  until he's seen you together and seen your work together.'

'Just don't punish him for reacting badly, he'll miss you if you stop visiting.' Mom spoke again.

"I wouldn't do that..." I looked between Lee and Seth... Was their relationship so  different from mine and Sam's because there raised together? "And I know that he'll see this the right thing for us... But right now, I just want to be happy that you all are happy for us." I smiled because I did. They saw how stupid-happy  were and that was all they were focusing on.

Mom let go of my hand and smiled. 'Okay everyone, eat up!! I know how hungry you lot get."

◄ Lee ►

I took the seat beside Emmy and sat watching them all as they gave her their advice. Smiling over to the #TheKid when he said it was his suggestion for today. He had a way to make things happen for this family even while being the youngest. And I couldn’t see my life any other way.

My hand squeezed Emmy’s knee under the table when she told her mom and mine about #Sam’s reaction. And Ma’s eyes found mine. In my own way I told her ‘Later.’ And she understood. I would tell her my side later. Emmy didn’t need to hear it again, not them this here was the reaction he hoped she would have from #Sam.

I knew that I needed to do some work there. For Emmy to have what she wanted, Sam and I had to put some old demons to rest. I had thought over the years that had past they were gone. That we had moved on from them. However, now some part of me couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of that and sure some of my rep, that had him so against seeing us together?

“She’s going to see Quil next.” I blunted out while filling my plate. “Think I need to be worried there?” I asked them with a smirk on my face.

‘Yeah, Quil is going to take you down for stealing his best friend.’ #TheKid joked with a roll of his eyes. ‘You will live.’

‘You boys have always had a way to work things out. And then you don’t, Emmy normally finds a way to bring you in line.’ Ma teased.

‘Have you told Jake?’ #MsC asked.

Nodding my head as I cut into my food. “He knew before Emmy, and I even opened out mouths.”

‘I bet he did.’ #TheKid muttered just for warrior ears, and I kicked him under the table. ‘What?’ he was laughing again. I loved that sound and sight. Seeing my baby brother happy. Just gave me a pure form of joy too.

◄ Emmy ►

I felt the touch on my knee... But this was full warmth and not heat. I smiled at him and reached under the table the squeezed his hand. I liked that was showing me he understood and still letting us all take this happy moment.

I chuckled  when he mentioned #Quil. "I'm not worried about Quil." I said taking a bite. "He'll give us a hard time... but it will all be taking the pi-- in good fun." I stopped myself at my mother's prompting glare. I knew that mine and #Quil's  breakfast would be full of deep questions. The ones that #Jake would never ask but would always let me go to him about. But #Quil... he would drag it all out of me. Not the private questions... just the meaningful ones.

I tried not to smile  at #Seth's whisper. But Lee kicked him first, so I decided to give him a break... just this once. My glare at #TheKid told him so too.

Lee looked so at ease sitting here laughing and joking with his family, smiling until his eyes crinkled at  the corners. It made mad plant my elbow on the table and chin on my palm and just watched him watch them.

'See the way they look at each other?' Mom said; she leaned over like she was whispering to #Sue but they were on opposite sides of the table! Sue clasped her hand over her heart.

'Oh, I remember that well!' She said dreamily... and without a hint of sadness and I was amazed at the strength it must take to only remember the good and not the loss too.

"Jake was okay." I tried to change the subject from my blatant staring. "He just did the alpha thing and then I think he was happy... he just wants us to be safe..."

Seth choked on his food.

"ON PATROL!!!" I corrected myself and then swiftly kicked the pup  in the shin under the table.

Follow Part 2!

[whenthetablesareturned]

In a New Light - A story by Lee Clearwater and Emberly Call - Storyline One

ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: 𝙻𝚊 𝙿𝚞𝚜𝚑, 𝚆𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚘𝚗

◄ Lee ►

I woke up feeling her body curled up with mine, for a moment I couldn’t remember what had happened and then all the memories came rushing back like the flood gates had been opened. The way she had come over, how we’d talked and where it all ended up.

We both had delayed a few truths we hadn’t even known about until we were wrapped in the passion of the night. And now she was fast asleep in my bed.

I’d slowly uncurled her from me when I left her in bed. I needed a shower and then padded down stairs in my boxers, stopping on the bottom step when I saw my brother sat on the table eating a bowl of cereal. “Do you want some pancakes?” I asked heading into the kitchen.

‘Really?’ His eyes darted up and then he lowered his voice. ‘Pancakes?’ I shrugged my shoulders moving around the kitchen to make them.

“Yeah, I woke up fancying pancakes.” I told him.

‘And we aren’t going to talk about Emmy? You know Emmy who spent the night in your bed?’ I arched my brow. ‘I know, I know, you don’t talk. But it’s 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝘆.’

I shook my head. “Seth, Pancakes. Yes, or No?” I wasn’t going to talk to him about it. Not yet. I knew who was in my bed, and I knew what the two of us had said to one another. But for now. We needed to work things out. And I knew we didn’t have much time. I would never ask the kid to lie, which would mean the pack, #Jake and #Sam would find out soon.

◄ Emmy ►

I woke surrounded by a familiar scent; I woke up feeling… 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓼 I felt… When was the last time I slept this well? It was like I had slept for a whole day. I hadn’t felt the need to sneak home… I hadn’t wanted to. I didn’t need to be on my guard here, this place was as safe as home. I had surrendered myself completely to sleep. The heat of his body and the steady beat of his heart made it so easy.

I could hear Lee and #Seth talking downstairs… of course the kid had questions… But I wasn’t sure that either of us had answers for him. I sat up in his bed and eyed the open window. A drop from a second storey window was a piece of cake. No. That was stupid! We hadn’t done anything wrong… Just unexpected.

Very, very unexpected.

Oh hell! #Seth was using my name… A lot!

I slipped from the bed. 𝓙𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓬. I told myself. I wasn’t ready to walk away from whatever this pull was. Whatever it was that made me want to be here with him. Whatever had made me want to kiss him and touch him… and well… I smiled and my heart gave a few louder thumps at the memories of last night.

But #Seth… How did I answer any of his questions? Those puppy dog eyes of his were impossible to say no to. I pulled on my jeans quickly and tied a knot in the t-shirt he had given me to sleep in; so it no longer looked like a dress on my short frame.

I padded barefoot down the stairs with my boots in hand; I wasn’t trying to be quiet that would just be stupid with two wolves in the house. I could see him through the open kitchen door. 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓽! He was in his boxers and cooking? Really!?! Who cooked half naked? Fuck, he was hot! 𝓢𝓽𝓸𝓹 𝓲𝓽, 𝓔𝓶𝓶𝔂!! 𝓖𝓮𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻! I couldn’t check him out in front of his little brother. I was starving! And pancakes did sound good.

I knew these guys my whole life. This was just… breakfast. Right? I dropped my boots by the front door and heading to the kitchen. “Morning.” I smiled and slid into the chair across from #Seth who suddenly found his cereal very interesting.

◄ Lee ►

‘So, I know you won’t tell me anything. But have you thought it through? Of course, you’ve thought it through. Who are we kidding. You think every action out a million times.’ #Seth was talking low as I flipped a stack of pancaked into the plate.

I hadn’t, for the first time in my life I’d acted on an impulse without thinking of the repercussions. And that was out of character. And yet it felt so right, more so than all the actions I’d planned for. How in the name of the spirits was that even possible? “There’s nothing for you to worry about here Kid. We are both grown-ups, with the ability to think for ourselves.”

‘Until her big brother finds out, or her best friends. That will make for a fun run.’ He snorted and then both our eyes went up towards the ceiling.

The sound of her heart changed, it made me smile. She was awake and I wondered what she would do. Was this the time for her to run? Or would she step up to the things she’d said to me last night? Spirits did I want her to step up? Since when?

Both #Seth and I listened to her feet on the floor, and then she was making her way down. I turned to look at the Kid, my eyes telling him to ʙᴇʜᴀᴠᴇ himself, which let’s be honest he would. #Seth wasn’t like the other guys on the Rez.

‘Good Morning Emmy… Nice t-shirt there.’ The Kid replied with a little more emphasis on ɢᴏᴏᴅ. ‘Did you sleep well?’ Okay I was going to kill him. Maybe not ᴋɪʟʟ, but he was going to get a head lock for sure. ‘I’m sure you did, my bro and I got those duel foam memory mattresses not so long ago.’ He stretched out his back and rubbed it. ‘So good for the old boners... I mean ʙᴏɴᴇꜱ… Our bones!’ The grin on his face. Yup, our Ma was going to become a mother of ᴏɴᴇ.

I padded over setting the plate full of pancakes down, narrowing my eyes at him. ‘What? Just making conversation.’ He took three pancakes adding butter and syrup to them.

“Good Morning.” I said, arching a brow at her. “Would you like some coffee?” I was asking her if she wanted coffee? A first for sure and not one I’d expected to do.

My eyes moved down her face, looking for any signs that she wanted to run. But I couldn’t find any. She wanted to be here. And then I took in the fact that she looked beautiful in the morning light, add to the fact that she was still wearing my tee.

“That ɪꜱ a nice t-shirt.” I winked at her.

◄ Emmy ►

I could hear everything they were saying… and they knew I could too. So, it was kind of safe to assume that the question of thinking this through was aimed at the two of us. But it wasn’t something #Seth would ever say to me, he was too respectful.

But where would the fun be in that right? Who thought through everything they did beforehand? You have to take twists and turns in your life or you’d die of boredom. Okay sure… Lee was a planner, but he certainly didn’t shy away from getting caught up in the heat of the moment… I mean look at where we ended up last night? Even more shocking… This morning!

Then #Seth mentioned #Sam… That was going to be a tough conversation. But he knows that I’m my own person and I don’t need him to go all big-brother on my behalf, especially when there was no reason to. #Jacob would depend on whether it was Alpha Jake or best friend Jake that reacted in that moment. But it would be better to have the conversation rather than have them read it in #Seth’s mind like it was some dirty little secret.

But with the way Lee was handling the Spanish Inquisition… I knew there was no way I was bolting out that door.

I laughed and glanced down at myself with a confident smirk. “I may have to steal one of yours next time… This thing is practically a dress on me… and we all know dresses aren’t really my thing.” I winked at the kid and he almost choked on his food. He continued to ramble, and I laughed, leaning on the table, and propping my chin on my hand, looking up at Lee from my seat. “I slept great, actually.” Answering #Seth’s question but not looking at him…. I knew how to make a point. “Must be the memory foam.”

I thought about kissing his big brother, but that wasn’t something I ever wanted to do to prove a point. I had done that in the past but Lee wasn’t a random guy. He was someone that had been in my life for most of it. And no matter what happened he would continue to be in my life for…. Well, the rest of it. We ran in a pack together.

Why wasn’t that freaking me out?

“Oh, coffee!!” I smiled, relieved at the distraction and slightly amazed at the normalcy in his tone. “Yes, please! And I wouldn’t say no to some of those pancakes if they’re still on offer?” I slipped in brazenly. I was starving since I woke up to the smell of them.

“Could be a good look for me right?” I grinned and the expression on #Seth’s face caught my attention. He was looking between us both like he’d never seen us have a conversation before. “You’d swear he’s never brought a girl home before by the look on your face #Seth.” I teased him.

◄ Lee ►

I arched my brow and stood watching her closely, but I knew what the kid was doing at all times. I heard everything they were saying, and yet my mind was thinking of the places my mouth had travelled over her body. And now it was hiding under my shirt. ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ꜱʜɪʀᴛ. Now in the morning light, she was sat here teasing my kid brother?

‘You are always welcome to my things Emmy.’ #Seth said.

I shook my head, but something turned in my stomach, I didn’t want to see her in another’s shirt ever. Which was stupid I knew that. When she planted her chin on her hand and her eyes moved to give her full attention to me. My brow arched again knowing what she was doing. “I hear it’s all about the memory foam these days.” Crossing my arms over my chest. Arching my brow again. She was being a smartarse, and it made me grin.

“One coffee and pancakes coming up.” I padded back to the cooker, setting up another stack of pancakes on the flat pan and then pouring her a cup of coffee.

‘It’s because he has never brought anyone home. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining things last night.’ I stopped pouring and growled at him.

“Seth! Don’t you have to get to work, or something?” He didn’t need to tell her these things, even if I had told her, last night myself, hadn’t I?

‘I do, we have the finishing touches to the Gale house.’ He said pushing a fork full of pancakes in his mouth, and I set a cup of coffee before Emmy.

“Need my help with that one?” I offer before going back to the cooker to check the cakes for their bubbles before adding some chocolate chips and blueberries and flipping them.

‘Nah, just tape removing, and touch ups in the dining room and the master. I got it. You have to work on the new quotes today remember.’ I turned looking back at him.

“Those were done. They are in the file on the drive ready to go out. I’ll email them later.” He was looking at Emmy again. What was up with the Kid today? This wasn’t the first time he’d seen Emmy. But it was the first time he had seen her like this.

Setting the plate before her, “Pancakes for you Little Call.” I had a feeling she would want me to stop calling her that. But it was what I’d called her for a really long time.

‘Hey, how comes Emmy gets chips and berries and I didn’t?’ I rolled my eyes before going to make myself a stack.

◄ Emmy ►

I was aware of his eyes on me. Lee wasn’t like other men… neither of the Clearwater men were, despite being completely unlike one another. But some things were universal… and seeing a hot girl in their shirts… none of them could resist it. Unless it was a brother… then they were just annoyed.

I smiled at him, I remembered the sensation of strong arms around me, and the sounds of his heart so close to my ear as I rested my head on his chest. By the Spirits! The calm… The only time I felt such ease was when I was sat in an empty room and my fingers danced over the worn, smooth keys of my grandfather’s piano. I rolled my shoulders a little… damn… I had slept so well.

“Thank you.” I cast my eyes down when he said he would make me breakfast… What the hell was happening? And yet, still not a single vibe that he’d have rather it if I just left. I dropped my hand from my chin and looked a little wide-eyed at #Seth before I reigned in my surprise… “Wait… really?” I laughed; Lee’s snapped reply making me laugh even harder. “Could it be that the notorious reputation of Lee Clearwater is exaggerated?” The question was rhetorical.

I mean he had mentioned it… but never… as in; not even once? I never brought people home either… but on occasion, if Mom was out of town… but not in years and I could count the times on one hand.

I bit my lip to hold back the urge to tell him he just got a whole lot sexier when he handed me that coffee. Listening to the boys talking shop was interesting… I’d always thought working with family was a bad idea. Mom and I worked in the same place, but I worked shifts and she had office hours so we rarely crossed paths at work. But it clearly worked for them.

I gave him that same glare I always did when he called me 𝓛𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓵 but, it was kind of reassuring to know that some things would never change… Like hell was I going to tell him that. The pancakes quickly softened the look. I poured a little syrup on them and cut into the stack. “Wow!” I swallowed the food in my mouth. “You are full of surprises, Clearwater!”

I turned to #Seth and sipped on the coffee, laughing softly. “Well… I could give you details on how I earned the special treatment #Seth. But I doubt the technique would work for you.”

#Seth turned a deep shade of red and stood up gathering his plate and mug. ‘I really should get going.’ He stammered and I grinned, taking another bite of the pancakes as he shuffled to the sink.

◄ Lee ►

I turned quickly and held the spatula out towards the Kid. “Don’t you dare answer that question! You can’t go giving this little troublemaker all my secrets.” He closed his mouth smirking at me.

I could read my brother like an open book, he was going to tell her everything, and may still do it but later on when I wasn’t in the room. After it was done, he’d come to me and just go ahead and tell me what he’d done too. The kid couldn’t keep anything like that from me and Ma. It had been the three of us for so long, and we’d promised one another that we wouldn’t hide anything in our family.

She was biting those pink lips of hers again when I let my eyes settle back to her, and there was an urge to kiss her. But there were some lines I wouldn’t cross. Putting her in that position with the kid here, that wasn’t something I was willing to do to her. ‘She’s still here, that’s telling you something.’ That voice in me said. And it was. Last night, the past few weeks, and now this. Things were definitely evolving around here.

Flipping the pancakes, I was cooking. “You do know that we are the sons of Sue Clearwater, right? Do you really think Ma would let us out in the world without teaching us how to feed ourselves?” Picking up my cup of coffee I took a mouthful. “But then again I do like keeping a few secrets to surprise you all.”

I swallowed the coffee fast, coughing a little. “Emmy!” I growled at her now when she offered to tell #Seth what had conspired between us. Even if I knew she was joking. But still. What was it with the people in this room and not keeping things to themselves.

The kid washed his dishes, filling his travel mug faster than I’d seen him move. I was fighting not to laugh. He stole one of my pancakes ‘Thanks Dinadanvtli ( Brother ).’

“Hey!” But he was gone out the back door. Turning the heat off, padding back to the table to set my plate down and then I leant into her. “So, what were you planning on telling my kid exactly?” I’d lowered my voice, leaning in closer I put my index finger under her chin to lift her face up towards me. “I should get veto power over these conversations you know.” Kissing her lips before I pulled back and sat down next to her.

Pouring some of the syrup on my cakes, I cut into them. Watching her out the corner of my eye. “So, Little Call didn’t jump out of the window this morning?” Teasing her before putting a forkful into my mouth.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed at Lee’s quick flip to #Seth. But even without a warning, I was sure the kid definitely knew better than to try and answer that one. I took another big bite of the stack.

“She taught you well… And my Mom tried to teach me too. I can make the basics… but it's all kinda bland… I know enough to survive when she’s away.” That was by going to #Sam’s and letting #Emily feed me. But in a pinch, I could make myself something decent-ish.”

I choked on a laugh! “Why not?” I called his bluff. “Maybe he could learn a thing or two!” It was even funnier now that I was getting under both of their skins. The fact that the brothers stole each other's food was not surprising.

“You should have given him the chocolate chips.” I smiled in the kids' defence after he vanished out the door. I knew #Seth was still close enough to hear.

I tried to answer him but that touch he used to tilt my head up and… those eyes! By the Spirits those eyes! Mine closed as he leaned in and kissed me. Seth’s footsteps had long faded away now. “I could never really tell him details! But it was clear he wanted some… Not the 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓉𝑒. But the why’s and how’s and when’s? And 𝕨𝕖 don’t even have those answers yet… so…” I grinned smugly. “I teased him. Plus it was fun.”

I cut into the pancakes again and felt the flush in my cheeks. “I thought about it.” I hadn’t really. “I think that would be the thing that makes it weird with #Seth.” I laughed and lifted the fork to my mouth. “I have a feeling you’d take in in stride though. But you didn’t have the sudden urge to take a morning run until I left either.” I sipped in the coffee and ate another bite. My eyes seemed to flick to him often.

“But… you know what is weird?” I fixed my gaze on him now. “That this...” I pointed my fork at him and me… the breakfast on the table. “Isn’t weird at all.” I smiled. Because it wasn’t… I’m sure it was for #Seth… but in a fun way.

It was nice seeing him this early, the memories of the night flash when a hint of a smile showed on his features. The way his voice washed over me when he spoke.

Seeing him first thing in the morning… I really liked it.

◄ Lee ►

Chewing on my mouthful, I picked up the cup and took a gulp of the coffee. “You know I could teach you… If you want to learn that is… Some simple tricks to make your food taste amazing without too much effort.” What in the name of the spirits? Why was I offering to teach her to cook when her mom hadn’t been able to do it? I arched my brow at myself and filled my mouth again.

Then the voice was whispering on my shoulder. ‘Aren’t you past guessing already?’

“He doesn’t even like chips in his morning pancakes. If we have them for lunch or dinner sure. But in the morning. He likes them plain. He only said that to get under my skin.” And to tease me as I knew too well too. “Just be thankful that he didn’t steal your cakes out from under your nose while you were too busy teasing him.” The grin was back over my mouth.

#Seth was gone now, there were no other ears around who could over hear us. leaning one arm on the table the other holding my fork. “Listen Emmy, last night. Today. This.” I gazed to the table and the fact that she was still here. “You know I’m not one to beat around. Who has time for that? However, at the same instant I don’t want you to feel uneasy.”

A grin was playing on my lips. “You thought about jumping out the window? Well. Not sure how I should feel about that.” My eyes were on her again. “I guess if you had done that, my morning run would have been after you. And we all know I would have caught you up.” It was good to be the fastest in the pack, and even more so now that I could joke with her about catching her if she had run.

“We don’t need to explain anything to anyone. We are only just one night into something we both didn’t see coming. They can wait.” And yet as I said the words, I knew it couldn’t wait for too long. Soon enough word would get out. Whenever #Seth or she were running with the pack next, or even me they would find out if they looked.

“What you say weird… I am hoping it’s a good weird and not a bad one?” As I said those words, I knew there was something that had to have lined up in the stars, why else would the two of us? The two in the pack who were known for not waiting around for the next morning. And we were here now?

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled a big, slightly stunned, and highly amused smile. “You want to teach me how to cook?” I asked… far too intrigued by the idea for my liking. “How much clothing are you planning to wear during these lessons…. Because shirtless wouldn’t really help me focus?”

I had to smile… he seemed to know all of his brother's habits. I wondered what it would have been like with #Sam… not growing up together… because we had different mom’s and I wouldn’t trade mine for the world, but even just growing up so close and knowing we were siblings. “Please! None of the pups would dare steal my food.” I grinned. I could mortify or terrify them with a look.

Though the idea of that thing I did, when I leant in close and bit my lip; until their heart raced and their cheeks tinted red, just to make the boys laugh at them was far less appealing now. Not after the way Lee had reacted to the simple action last night. I felt a low-down tingle again as I remembered those growls and groans when he bit it for me.

Was he about to give me the-morning-after talk? No… that wasn’t Lee’s style. My brows crinkled and my fork paused halfway to my mouth. He knew I didn’t mean it about the window. Right? “I’m not uneasy Lee.” I smiled at the idea of him chasing me… it was oddly appealing, both literally and figuratively. “And as fun, as it sounds to have you chase me… I don’t want to play games with you.” I tilted my head. “Well… not mind games. I’m open to a different kind.” I smiled.

“I don’t even know what this is yet… And I like it that way. We don’t need to know.” I took that bite, humming a little with satisfaction. Damn! These were good! “But I do think it would be best if I told #Jake and #Sam… Just that I spent the night here. It wouldn’t be fair on #Seth for them to find out about it on a run. That being said… I don’t plan on explaining myself to them.” My dark brown eyes locked on his. “I want to see what’s around the next bend on this path.”

I leaned forward, elbows on the table and lifting out of the chair a little. I kissed him. “Good, weird.” I whispered. I was starting to question why I was always so keen on avoiding this part… but I knew it wasn’t going to be like this with anyone else. I had nothing to hide from Lee. I didn’t need to pretend to be anything else other than what and who I was.

◄ Lee ►

“I didn’t say ᴡᴀɴᴛ, just that I could. If you wanted to. that’s all. I’m not some male chauvinist pig who believes a woman’s place is in the kitchen. That’s something I cam do for myself, I was just… You know….” Finding a reason to spend time with her? Spirits. I was, wasn’t I? Already looking for a reason to see her again. Rubbing the side of my face with my free hand, I made a note to trim my beard it was getting out of control. But I was making my mind digress now.

Looking down at myself sat at the dinner table in nothing more than my boxers, a smug grin grew on my face. “Are you saying that my fine, strong, muscular body is distracting you right now?” Of course, I knew the answer, but the question was. Would she admit it? “I’m sure I could find a shirt, if that’s a deal breaker.”

Arching my brow as I questioned her, but it was what Emmy was saying now that piqued my interest.

‘ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴀʏ ɢᴀᴍᴇꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ. ᴡᴇʟʟ… ɴᴏᴛ ᴍɪɴᴅ ɢᴀᴍᴇꜱ. ɪ’ᴍ ᴏᴘᴇɴ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴋɪɴᴅ.’

This girl knew me, and I knew her. I remember her as a baby, and I remember her and the Black twins as giggly teens. The first part about not playing games, was what I was always about.

“Mind games don’t interest me Emmy, you know that already. And I know you aren’t into those things.” Nodding my head, I took another bite of the pancakes but then the second part, and my eyes were lifted up taking her in through my lashes. My mouth curling into that smug grin, and with a twitch in my boxers. How could she get that reaction from me with words? “Hmm… And is there a list of these so-called games off the top of your head? I’m simply curious… you know…”

I couldn’t help but lean into the table at the sound of the hum that came from Emmy’s lips at eating the food I’d cooked. Then the sound of #Jake and #Sam’s names, were like a bucket of ice water thrown over a very horny teenager. “When do you want to tell them? I can be there to take the brunt of whatever they have to say.” I had a feeling #Sam would have a lot to say about this. Emmy was his kid sister after all.

As she moved forward and kissed me, the worry melted away, that grin grew on my face. “Good, weird...I like the sound of that.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed at how vehemently he insisted that he didn't 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥 me to know how to cook, or that women didn’t belong in the kitchen. "Chill... Clearwater." I teased him. "If I thought that was what you meant, we'd be testing out the theory of whether or not Spirit Warrior healing includes; regrowing teeth after they've been knocked out.”

But it would be a reason to come over... a reason to keep exploring whatever this was. Because there was something... something I couldn't quite put into words. And it wasn't just a want to take him to bed. Though... last night... well... hell yes, that desire was there! There was so much more, too. I 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 to stay with him, I 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 to feel his heat and heartbeat next to me as I slept. I 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 to stay this morning and see that smile on his face.

It seemed like he wanted all the same things... and as he had just rambled on about... he didn't expect any of it from me.

I grinned, my teeth catching my bottom lip as I followed his gaze down over his bare chest... It wasn't a sight I was unfamiliar with. But knowing what those muscles felt like under my palms, pressed against my bare skin, the firmness of them when I dragged my fingernail over them... Now, seeing him like this did something new to my stomach. The twisting and fluttering flared up.

"Oh no." I flashed a devious smile. "Wearing the shirt during lessons is the deal-breaker. Okay... we can see what happens. But I'm warning you now. I'm not above hitting on my teacher for better grades. And as for the games... I guess you'll have to wait and see."

I smiled when he offered to come with me to talk to the guys. "I think it would be better coming from me. At least with #Sam, he won't pull the big brother crap with me. But #Jake... He is our Alpha... maybe it should be the two of us..." I was thinking out loud now. I chewed on another mouthful of pancakes... Lee was his Beta... If I went to #Jake before he did, it might look like he was avoiding the subject. But #Jake was my best friend... wasn't this the kind of thing you talked to best friends about?

I really needed some female friends, that weren't imprints. But... most girls were annoying. I shook my head and pulled back to the moment. "Yeah... maybe we should give #Jake a heads-up together... He relies on us to help with the pups. It wouldn’t be right for the others to know before him…” The least we owed him was to be upfront.

◄ Lee ►

“Do I not look chilled to you Little Call? You need to take a closer look by the sounds of it.” The teasing tone was back, but the underlining seriousness coated my words too. This wasn’t ɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ. People didn’t spend a night with a girl they knew as well as I knew her, and then talked about breaking the news to her brother and their friends.

Moving back in the chair I picked up the coffee taking a mouthful from it. There were things that were different for us, but I wasn’t willing to do this in a way that would be disrespectful to Emmy in any way. And… That… right there hit me hard. I was thinking about her, and not just in the way that I used to 48 hours ago. This was something else.

“Deal breaker you say? Then we will have to see what can be done.” My eyes hadn’t really left her, she was lost in her mind, thinking, and I wasn’t sure 100% what it was, but I had a good idea. Because Emberly Call didn’t really do the hiding thing.

Pushing the jokes to the side, I shifted forward again. Setting the cup down to the side as I spoke. “It’s…” I wasn’t sure how to say it. “Well, this is new.” Pointing to her and then me. “But neither of us have ever been the kind of people to lie. If you want to go it alone with your brother… Fine…” Even if she was here and that was how my brother had found out. “And yes.” Nodding my head, I rubbed the side of my face. “We can go to Jake together, or have him come here. But… As soon as Jake knows, you know it’s not going to take long for our moms to find out.”

Spirits… The Moms…

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled and set my fork down, my tongue swiping across my lower lip before my teeth pulled it in. "I'm definitely looking pretty close..." I smirked. "And it is 𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 clear that you, Lee Clearwater... are flustered." The smile grew wider and if such a thing were possible... smugger. "Not that I can blame you."

It wasn't really that I wanted to tell #Sam alone... #Jake wasn't going to jump into lecturing us, even if he was talking as our alpha or friend. #Sam... He was a one-woman kind of guy and he'd never really liked the way I chose to conduct my personal life. Not that he judged... just thought that I was setting myself up for heartbreak or a life alone.

But here I was now... making plans that meant Lee and I could keep... this... going. I'd never felt the urge or want to see someone a second time... I'd never been excited by what could happen next. Now, with him, I was... and I wasn't walking away, not when he wanted the same thing. Wasn’t that what Sam had wanted me to feel? Obviously not the sappy romantic way he and #Emily were… but that was never going to be right for me. "If you think it would be best to tell #Sam together we can talk about it." I smiled at him. This was weird... probably the strangest conversation I'd ever had, and I like it. I meant it too; I wanted to hear what he thought. Like he said this was new. "I honestly don't know how these conversations go." I laughed softly. "I just don't want him to do that typical big brother thing you know. Or worse an Alpha lecture when he isn't our Alpha... I mean I love my brother, but he is a pain in my arse most days."

I half smiled at that. He always said He was making up for sixteen years of being an annoying big brother. I choked on the coffee I had lifted to my lips. "By the Spirits! Mom!" I sighed... "You know we'll never hear the end of it from them... #Sue or #Tiff." But I could see them now sitting in that tea shop in Port planning out our future fairy-tale-like it was set in stone.

"Okay..." I set the cup down and turned to face him. "So, we should agree that this new thing..." Seemingly that was what we were calling it. "We don't let outside opinions or pressures affect it. We just... do what feels right... for us." As the words left my mouth, I thought that, that really wasn't how Lee normally operated. Then it hit me… Had I just said that? What was this man doing to me!?

◄ Lee ►

Half choaking on the mouthful of pancakes I hit my chest, dropping my fork and replacing it with the coffee cup. “Flustered? And Me? Little Call do you need an eye test? Because I am not flustered at all.” I was lost for the first time in my life but flustered wasn’t up there at all.

This conversation we were having was a first, it was unlike any I had, had in the past. Sure, you woke up next to a girl once in a while who wanted to turn a one-night stand into breakfast, then lunch and then dinner. But I was surprisingly good at spotting and staying away from them. No amount of sex was worth that hassle. However, this… This new thing with Emmy... Spirits it was unexpected.

My eyes found hers. “I want to do it whatever way you want to. In the perfect normal world, we would have time to figure this out. Just the two of us. However, we aren’t normal and nor do either of us want to be.” Setting the coffee cup down I lent forward pushing the plate to the side and out of the way. “Sam is your brother, if you want to tell him alone, I respect that. If you want to do it together, I respect that too. I know you say he is a pain in your arse. But I have a feeling his knowing… it also means something to you.”

Rubbing the side of my face, I closed my eyes. “Sue Clearwater and Tiffany Call…” those two beautiful women were a force to reckon with at the best of times. “If they invite you out for afternoon tea, say no! Those two are into the whole divide and conquer thing. And they do it so well.”

I reached out and took her hand, tugging her up from her chair. Pushing my chair out from under the table, I pulled her in to sit on my lap. For some reason, hearing her speaking like this. It made me want to have her close.

“I have never been the kind of guy who let the world pressure me in any way.” I placed my index finger under her chin to lift her face so that I was looking into those deep brown eyes. They reminded me of mountain terrain and nature, something subtle, but beautiful in every form and season. “We do this our way, no outside influences at all.” Leaning into her, my mouth curled up into a grin. “Now tell me… when did Little Call become so mature? You do realise that you just put an action plan together and I didn’t even have to ask you for it?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed hard when he choked; then slipped my hand beneath the table, resting it on a strong, muscled thigh… sliding it up slowly. Peering at him through dark lashes, I whispered. "Are you sure about that?"

I smiled at him giving another small laugh. "Wow, so agreeable Clearwater. I hope you aren't trying to protect my delicate girly feelings." I smirked. "Because I ditched the day, they handed those out." He knew this too... but I couldn't pass up the chance to tease him. I nodded to what he said about, #Sam... "It’s not so much about him knowing... more... how he finds out... you know? I mean I know #Seth was kind of shocked... But at least he didn't hear it from anyone else."

I loved my brother; I hated it when gossip about me reached him through other people. And whatever was happening here... I wanted my brother to know it wasn't like anything else he'd heard about me. "This mind-reading thing is kinda inconvenient sometimes." I grinned and sipped my coffee.

I allowed him to pull me from my seat and settle me on his lap, moving one arm around his neck. My eyes met his as he spoke, it was true... and he was never one to scare easily. My stomach did that amazing twisting thing again. By the Spirits! How did he do that?

"I did no such thing!" I teased and leaned in, my fingers moving over the back of his neck. "And if you tell anyone I did..." I was whispering now, my lips brushing feather-light against his as they formed the words. I captured his bottom lip with my teeth then kissed him once. "I'll deny it." The cheeky grin barely had a chance to appear on my lips before I was kissing him again.

◄ Lee ►

“I’ve always been agreeable… When I want to be at least.” Grinning at her. “Protecting your girly feels? Wait a minute… Do you have those?” I gave her a shocked yet amused look.

As much as I wanted to keep this thing between us, I also knew it wasn’t going to happen. And if nothing else, I wasn’t the kinda man to stick my head in the sand and hope for the best. It wasn’t the Spirit Warrior way. Add to the fact that I understood what Emmy meant by being the one to tell her brother what was going on. #Seth had learnt about it from coming home to find Emmy and I in my bedroom. As much as that wasn’t the ideal circumstance, it was better than hearing it through the grapevine.

She knew how to distract me, the touch of her small fingers up my leg had me reacting when I shouldn’t have. And now having her on my lap. “I didn’t think this through.” Or had I? she was right where I wanted her to be. My arms curled around her waist pulling her into me, I let one hand slowly moved down her waist, over the hip and then down her thigh. The minute the fabric of my t shirt on her turned to soft warm skin; my mouth curled up into a grin.

“Your secret is safe with me for now. I make no promises down the line in case I feel this is information potent to a situation.” I was messing with her and having a little too much fun with it of course.

She came in the rest of the way, and her feather light kiss make my muscle harden all over until I deepened the kiss. She tasted sweet, a mix of syrup, pancakes, and coffee. All this I loved to eat.

“Were you always so distracting?” I asked in a husky voice. My hand sat flat against her thigh before I slid it slowly up again. Catching the hem of the shirt she wears as it was riding up too.

◄ Emmy ►

I rolled my eyes at his comment and didn't even dignify it with a response and a deadpan look to his comment was all the answer he needed. "The thing you made me feel last night is as girly as it gonna get." There was a low down fluttering at the thought. But damn! He knew what he was doing! and he really hadn't been in a rush... that alone was a new experience without even unpacking the rest of the facts that I had fallen into to bed with Lee Clearwater... that I had fallen asleep holding onto him and him holding onto me.

It was impossible to hide my reaction to his touch. I didn't care, I have an artist’s soul... it's in my nature to be expressive and there was nothing about any of this that made me want to hide from him. I sucked in a soft, short breath when his hand brushed against bare skin, would I get used to him being as warm as I was? Would I ever get used to the fact that came so easily to asked myself these kinds of questions?

I bit his lower lip when he threatened to blackmail me... it was an empty threat, but there was still no way he was getting away with the implication. "I dare you... I've learned some valuable information about you too." I pointed out. But then his lips were on mine, and I couldn't form a clear enough thought to describe what they were.

A deep hum rolled up and out of my chest, what had we been talking about? I lifted one hand to his cheek, my fingers raking slowly through his beard and the other tangling into his hair, his tongue tasted like coffee and the sweetness of the syrup. I tilted my head to the side, holding my claiming of lips firmly as I shifted in his lap angled my torso to press as much of my body against his as possible. The want and need to feel as much of him as I could was all I could think about.

◄ Lee ►

This was something I didn’t know I wanted, being close to her, talking, laughing and joking as a part of the pack was one thing. Then sitting across the table from her in my Ma’s house, or at her house when our moms wanted to have a meal together was a different thing. But this? In the name of the Great Wolf. This did not compare to anything we shared before.

“I don’t know… last night…” my fingers creeped up her bare thighs, and that voice in me told me how right she felt to my touch. “Some of the things you said, the sounds you made..” I bit her lip and tugged at it. “It was quite a girly thing to do.” Just thinking of those sounds she made last night had me going hard.

Pulling back I arched my brow. “Care to enlighten me on what this information you have is?” We’d talked about so much, I’d said so much more to her as we lay tangled in my bed than I had with any other person.

The hand I had on her back, trailed up, following her spine until it sat on the back of her neck. Brushing her hair out the way, I lent in. Placing hot kisses to her neck below her ear. “You sure you want to dare me?” The hand on her thigh stopped at the point where her underwear would have curled around her waist, but there was nothing there.

“While you don’t have any panties on? You know I could have you making those sounds again right here. Right now.” My fingers played with her soft skin. And my mouth sucked on her earlobe teasing her to question my claim.

◄ Emmy ►

I couldn't help but smile. The bite to my lip pulled a moan up from my fluttering stomach. He wasn't lying; I never had an issue being 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝓊𝓎𝓈... I preferred it, in fact. But last night with Lee... I was 100% a woman in every sense. "That tends to happen when someone is as keen to please as you were."

And the answer to his next question answered both of them. "Just that the player Lee Clearwater is 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 attentive, aims to please... and takes the pleasure of whoever he is with far more seriously than his own." Of course, there was no chance that I would share this information. I hadn't mentioned our conversations... because those words, the thoughts we exchanged… they weren't a bargaining chip, not even in a playful teasing way.

Then his lips were on my neck, I couldn't think straight. His hand moving up along my spine, then into my hair... the other on my thigh, moving higher, my mind was stretched in too many directions. My breath hitched at the myriad of implications to him pointing out I wasn't wearing underwear. My fingers tightened in his hair and I tilted my head up with a long, satisfied exhale. By the Spirits! How could he do this to me with just his lips against my skin?

"Is that a threat, Clearwater?" My voice was breathy, because he'd captured my earlobe. "Or a promise."

By the spirits, let it be the former!

◄ Lee ►

She was making those sounds once again, and this time I couldn’t keep my mouth from curling up into a cocky grin. My tongue curled around her lobe and then my teeth grazed it before I made my way down her neck again. Inching my mouth down her soft skin and again those thoughts were back. She wasn’t cooler than me. She was the same as me!

“I hear nothing there but the fact that I’m a genius and a gentleman. Genius because a well pleasured woman is so much better than a frustrated one. And a Gentleman, because… You know…” Biting the crook of her neck I pulled back a little to watch her. “Ladies first.”

Witnessing the change in her dragged its own kinda response from within me. Seeing how she was trusting me, willing to give herself to me, and tease me in the same breath too? Emmy Call had to be one of the most intriguing girls I knew in my life.

“You are Beautiful Little Call…” The words slipped out of my mouth; however, I didn’t want to stop them. I could scent the change in her, hear her heart, feel the rhythm of it change for me. Leaning in I cupped her cheek, lifting her face and gave her a heated kiss.

When I pulled back, I pushed the chair back from the table, and turned her on my lap to face away from me. I shifted my arse back on the chair pulling her back against my bare chest.

“I don’t make threats Little Call.”

Hearing the way, she sounded aroused me more then I knew possible. My hands moved down her arms, and I lifted them up and back to fall behind my neck and shoulder. “Do you trust me?” I asked her in her ear again with a husky voice that she pulled from my inner depths.

◄ Emmy ►

I whimpered when his tongue teased my ear… Fuck!! That was hot. And his 𝓵𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 policy was one I could definitely get on board with. The heat of him pressed against me was incredible. It still stunned me how warm he was.

My mom always told me that the boys that called you beautiful were the ones that looked at the whole picture. But this was no boy… Lee was all man, even when he was teasing and joking.

I moaned unrestrained into his mouth when he claimed my lips in a deep kiss, my fingers dragged through his hair; my other hand was on the back of his neck to tell him not to stop. An almost whining sound escaped from me when he did pull away.

Then even worse, he turned me to face away from him so I couldn’t even get lost in the deep pools of his eyes. But every instinct in my body told me to trust him just seconds before he asked the question.

I let him lift my arms and leaned back against him. “I trust you, Lee.” I said softly and without any hesitation. The depth of his tone of voice so sexy. “Completely.” I’d fallen asleep wrapped up in the man. I never did that… And there wasn’t a shadow of a doubt.

◄ Lee ►

A deep chuckle built in my chest. “Not so long ago there was no way you would have say yes.” It would have been funny; however, it was true. The pack all had their way to pull crazy shit, even if I stood back and witnessed it.

“I was expecting some kind of retort from you Little Miss Call.” Just my fingers glided down the inside of her arms, following each curl of her muscles. She was so much stronger than any other girl I’d been with. It was something new, something I really liked.

Following the curves of her body my flat hands glided down the side of her torso. “You feel so good.” I rested my cheek to the side of her head, my lips beside her ears. Trailing my hands down to her waist, around the side curve of her arse and I stopped for a moment at the hem of my shirt. “And this shirt looks so much better with you in it.” I had to chuckle at that fact.

I moved her legs by placing my hands under each thigh, lifting them to sit over my own legs. My hands moved to sit on her knees, and now I knew if I moved my legs, hers would move too. “Still trust me?” my voice was lower, hunger making itself known as I started to part my legs open, my hands remained on her knees keeping hers where they were.

◄ Emmy ►

My voice was still soft and breathy... I wasn't used to hearing myself like this. "I always trusted you to have my back... Never trusted you to not be sneaky in training." Even my laugh was soft. "Trusting you like this..." My attention followed his fingers down my arms. "It's new... but it's also the easiest thing I've ever done." Honesty... unfiltered honesty. I was often told it was a blessing and a curse. Right now, I didn't care which it was, the words were the truth and that was all that mattered.

My heart pounded as his hands moved over my body and I couldn't help but hum at the pleasure it gave me. I had never been touched like this before. Sure... since we started this, Lee was not shy about paying attention to my arse and my breasts... but unlike anyone else, he touched me everywhere. Like he was trying to learn every inch of my body... And I was more than happy to oblige him.

"I know." I gasped, in answer to him saying he liked the way I felt. I was breathless with anticipation. I smirked, leaning my head back onto his shoulder. I turned in to press my lips to his throat. "I know that, too." I repeated, a seductive purr in my tone, when he said his shirt looked better on me.

I sucked in sharp breaths... he was trying to kill me. My stomach was rioting now and the suspense of where all this was going had my heart threatening to pound right out of my chest. I could feel what this was doing to him too. My hot breath washed over his skin, and I scraped my teeth against his throat, showing him that it wasn't just me that was trusting him right now. "I trust you, Lee." The words were dripping with need, my finger curling into his hair.

◄ Lee ►

I let my eyes relax and close, listening to those breathless words and sounds from her. It was new and exciting. Her hot lips were on my throat, not missing a beat I lowered my neck and caught her mouth with mine. Too much time has passed since I had kissed her.

“I’m not talking about the pack; I’m not talking about being your Beta. I’m talking about now, here, just you and me and nothing more Emberly.” And she was honest with me, not lying or hiding, just as I knew she wouldn’t. “I know you know the meaning of honesty, and it’s the way this will work. We will just be honest with one another. If you say stop. No matter what and where we are… I will stop… I will back away…”

The flats of my hands sat on the inside of her knees, tenderly guiding their way up her thighs. I kissed her again, hoping she knew that when it came to us, and this thing we were trying to discover. I would follow her lead.

“Don’t loose faith in me Emmy…” my voice was raspy now that my fingers stroked the softness of her inner thighs. The heat between them unquestionably radiating. I was caressing my way up her legs, learning about every inch of her body, and taking pleasure from it at the same time.

◄ Emmy ►

A muffled moan passed from my mouth into his, I kissed him back deeply, closing my eyes and just holding the moment fixed in my mind.

“You and me.” I repeated… liking how it sounded. “I know you will, but if you stop now… I just might kill you.” I whispered. The curiosity and anticipation were building and making me sensitive to every touch. His hands on my thighs made my muscles twitch under his touch. It made me want to squeeze my legs shut for any kind of friction.

He kissed me again and my heart raced. “Never Lee.” I whispered when he asked me to keep my faith in him. I had known him all my life, I knew him enough to know that he wouldn’t do anything that would make me lose faith in him. Shivers ran up and down my spine and I returned his kiss, deeply and let out all the small sounds and moans that bubbled up in my chest. There was nothing I needed to hide from him. “Such a tease I said pressing my legs against his hands lightly, his strength didn’t falter… it was hot.

◄ Lee ►

“You and me.” Repeating the three words again. They had a ring to them that I’d never considered being something I wanted to hear, let alone say. But with Emmy here, with her saying them, and with me now. I knew that I meant then. I didn’t say then for anything in return, there were no strings attached to them. It just felt right in the moment. And that in itself had to be something new. In the moment was a Call thing to do. Not this Clearwater’s thing at all.

“Not, so fast.” I hissed into her ear. Turning my hands flat on her thighs, to keep her legs open. I knew she’d want something more, something to touch her and give her the friction she desired right now. “It’s not teasing if you plan to do something about the itch you cause. I’m not saying never, I’m just saying, let’s see how long you can wait.”

Waiting was a game that told me so much. It wasn’t to make her beg or plead for more. It was to help build her pleasure, so that when she did finally reach that ledge, she would jump off the side without thinking twice about it. “Now, because you tried that. We will start from…” I trailed my hands back down to the bottom of her thighs. “Here.” Biting her earlobe to show her that the wait would be worth it.

◄ Emmy ►

My stomach coiled tighter when I heard him say the words '𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓮.' It was so strange... and so, so right. I exhaled heavily when he resisted my attempt to squeeze my legs together. Fuck, he was a tease! And I seriously loved it. I dropped my head back onto his shoulder again. "I think you're the one causing the itch right now." I breathed the words... and damn! He really was. He had his hands all over me... but so far his touches hadn't been anywhere that should have heat rising in my core. And yet...

I groaned in frustration when he moved his hands further down my legs. He was begging to have his arse kicked. "You know that patience isn't one of my virtues, right?" And it was true. At work sure... but when it came to going after what I wanted; I was relentless.

I untangled my hand from his hair and let it trail down the side of my neck. I bit my lip and ran my fingers down between my breasts. "Or I could take matters into my own hands?" It was an empty threat… because nothing had ever made me feel like it did when Lee touched me. He wasn't too gentle, he didn't treat me like I was breakable, every touch was an exploration and completely unselfish. His only concern being to make me feel pleasure, and he was fucking good at it. My fingers fisted in the front of my shirt… his shirt… and I inched it up, slowly. I pressed myself back against him and his name left my lips like a prayer to the Spirit's.

◄ Lee ►

I growled again and biting back a laugh that was making it’s way out of me. She didn’t like waiting for the things she set her eyes on, it was a known fact about Little Call. However, this wasn’t the same as all those things. “And I told you, I will fix it. But... only when I feel you are ready for it.”

My mouth place hot, soft kisses on the side of her neck and down to her throat. My eyes didn’t stop following her hands. “And now who is teasing?” I spoke into her skin. My own hands were flat on her hot almond soft skin. I squeezed her inner thighs, and then whispered into her ear. “Watching you, taking things into your own hand… It’s on the list of ways I want to see you coming apart. It’s up to you when you cross it off said list.”

The preview to the show she’d just given me had me coiling up, the spring in the pit of my stomach had started to twist all because of her. And I made sure she knew what just thinking about her sat before me, watching her do the things she was alluring to would do to me. Because I was growing in my boxers, and the hardness pushed up into her arse.

“Fuck Emmy… How are you doing this to me?” My voice was heavy as I curled my fingers around her thighs.

◄ Emmy ►

I should want to kick his arse for that, for taking control of what I could feel... but all I could think of was how I felt. How he was making me feel... and it was so much deeper than the heat building in my core. "It's not easing if I follow through." My body arched and fidgeted, unable to stay still under the intensity of his touch.

"I do love to perform." I whispered. The tone of my voice implying so much more than what I hinted at and what Lee had said. "Do you really think you could stand by... not able to touch me?" I knew I couldn't do the same. I wanted to be the cause when he made those sounds like he did last night.

I groaned, feeling him pressed against me, an evil smile slipped across my features. And I rolled my hips back. Biting my lip as I felt every hard inch of him. I dropped my free hand to his thigh; and gripped the powerful muscles there, leveraging myself to shift back against him again. I gasped "You're the one doing things to me right now, Lee." But at the same time, I rolled my hips back onto him. My heart was still racing and the scent of our heightened states had mixed into the most intoxicating blend, making my head swim.

I leaned my head back again to kiss his neck; I closed my eyes and let my body melt against his.

◄ Lee ►

Snapping my teeth at her I bit down on her shoulder. “Little Call.” I growled her name into her skin. The bite wasn’t hard, I didn’t mark her, even if we teased one another about doing it, now wasn’t the time.

My bulge twitched when she pushed back into me, playing this game where she couldn’t wait her turn. I gripped her thighs and pushed my legs open. Leaning back in the chair I brought her back into my chest with me.

“Are you saying you… want to challenge my self-control?“ my tongue flicked her earlobe, and my fingers slowly started a Circular pattern back up towards her body.

I took in a deep breath. “Hmm... that scent. You. Smell good.” The room was full of her scent now. I knew I would need to air the home before my kid brother got back. However, for now.

I wanted to keep it all in here with us.

My husky voice whispered into her ear now. “Just because I am saying I wouldn’t touch you, doesn’t mean I wouldn’t touch myself.” One hand kept moving its way up, under my shirt she was wearing. I set my flat palm on her hot skin and felt my way up under the shirt.

“The question is... will you be able to stop yourself from coming over to me?” The tip of my fingers just grazed her sweet spot, the dampness made my bulge grow. I pushed my hips up so that she could feel what this was doing to me.

“See... do you feel what you are doing to me here?” Catching her mouth with mine. I kissed her deeply. Letting her feel how this wasn’t just a one-way path.

“You may want me to see you to the end. But it’s the journey Emmy… the journey... we take… the road we walk… that’s where we learn how best to make each other happy beautiful.”

I took a hold of her as I stood. This moment was for us, we were finding each other even though we had known one another since we were kids.

- Completed -

[whenthetablesareturned]

Through the Eyes of the Pack - A story by Lee Clearwater

Continuing from:

Lσƈαƚισɳ: 𝙻𝚊 𝙿𝚞𝚜𝚑, 𝚆𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚘𝚗 The run was coming to its end when #Paul jumped me from behind a bolder. He always worked his way around trying to catch us off guard and was yet to make it happen. My wolf and I spied him coming from about half a mile away when the wind shifted, and he took a split second too long to move with it. Add to the fact that #Paul’s wolf had a bad habit of growling his victory before he sealed the deal. ‘Now!’ I told my wolf and his large flat paws pushed off the wet ground and stretched out to catch #Paul’s grey wolf, turning our body we took the weight of #Paul and sent him flying down the clearing, where we knew there was no way for him to be hurt. The howls of laughter came soon after from the pups who were connected to the hive mind as they watched the scene unfold. ‘Spirits Clearwater. HOW?’ He roared with laughter, his wolf twisted in the air and his paws hit the ground sending him bolting back towards me. “You give yourself away, it’s like you are not even trying Lahote.” Grounding our paws, we readied ourselves for his next attempt to take me down. Eyes locked onto him, then we saw him move, seeing which way the wind moved his fur, how his paws hit the ground, which leg he stepped light on, and which was harder. With this knowledge my wolf and I had a pretty good indication where he would plan to strike the next time. “Left flank.” I told my wolf and he agreed with me. Our muzzle pulled back in a friendly glower as he came towards our right, and then made a change on his footing, barrelling towards our left. We ducked out of the way pushing the weight of our large muscular legs out back, making my wolf reach down into the ground so that #Paul went flying over the top of us, not stopping until he slammed into some of the pups who had rushed over to join the fray. “He is all yours.” I laughed hard letting the pups have some fun, but more so the fun was being had by #Paul. The hive mind pulled my attention, I stopped laughing and sat down on my heels watching through the eyes and listening through the ears of the pups on the edge of the forest by the beach. The sight before us wasn’t anything new, but it was something we all liked to witness. #Sam was swinging his 4-year-old son #Kishil and #Bear around in the air down the beach. #Emily’s laughter filled the beach as she moved around everyone taking photos and ‘Making some memories’ as she would say. I laughed seeing the way #Sam dropped to the sand, telling #Bear and #Kishil he was tired. But it was done in such a way that we all could tell he was joking. ‘Wasn’t Claire going home to Neah Bay today?’ One of the pups asked. Bringing my attention to the fact that we were all watching now. ‘Not until the morning, it’s why they are all at the beach now.’ #Paul was the one to answer. My muzzle curled up into a smile when I hear and saw #Bear run up to @TheMakahWolf. The kiddo was squealing her name. ‘𝘌𝘮𝘮𝘺!!! 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵!?’ I knew there was no way that Emmy wouldn’t give #Bear what she asked for. The pup moved his attention toward #Jake and #Quil, however we could hear Emmy’s voice saying ‘𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺?’ By the time the Pups eyes were back of the two. Emmy had sat herself down with her nana’s white Gibson on her lap. Her eyes were on #Bear and then down to the guitar as the sound of her voice, the music and then sea all blended together with #Jake drumming on the drift wood log. Music - Haley Klinkhammer - This Is Me

[whenthetablesareturned]

We are Warriors - A story by Emberly Call

Even as I sat here now, days after coming home with the chocolates and flowers left at work for the staff by grateful family members (more than the staff and residents could eat in weeks), I was thinking of the gift that @BehindMyPack had left in my room. The flowers the Clearwater boys had left for my Mom were a tradition at this point. But #Seth’s scent was nowhere near this. I lifted my fingers to my lips and smiled. ‘Emmy.’ A set of fingers snapped in front of my face. ‘Where’d you go just now?’ #Jake asked, smirking. “Hmm…” I asked. “Oh, nothing… nowhere… Just distracted.” That got #Quil’s attention too. #Sam was taking turn swinging his son and #Claire Bear around; a little way down the beach. #Emily was taking photos. When #Sam dramatically dropped to the sand faking tired with a deep belly laugh. I barely had time to go home and change out of the baby pink scrubs I wore to work; to come and meet them all here before #Claire was going home to Neah Bay first thing in the morning. #Claire ran up to me squealing. ‘Emmy!!! Will you sing it!?’ Before the guys could push further, thankful. Why I hadn’t told them about it I wasn’t sure. ‘Please! Please! Please!’ she begged in a voice far younger than her age. I just laughed and arranged the white Gibson across my lap to play and she fell into #Quil’s lap, with a smug grin, that could have matched mine when I got my own way. He wrapped his arms around her the way you’d expect a big brother to do… at least if you had a brother like #Quil. “You have to sing too, okay?” I smiled, the pre-teen nodded and I played.

𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀 𝐻𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝓎 '𝒞𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝐼'𝓋𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒶𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝑅𝓊𝓃 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝓎 𝒩𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒'𝓁𝓁 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 #Jake drummed the beat on the driftwood log we were seated on then #Claire joined in off-key… but beautiful in her special way. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓂𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒'𝓈 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓊𝓈 𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝓌𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑔𝓁𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 This was where I was happiest, surrounded by people I loved… making music. Seeing #Quil at his happiest when #Claire was here. But my mind drifted to the jar that sat next to my bed now. The rolled-up sheet music from a woman I admired so much… but still… how he known. Why had he sought out those particular songs?

[whenthetablesareturned]

Introduction to Emberly ( Emmy ) Call - A story by Emberly Call

Growing up in La Push and not knowing if I belonged there was a tough gig. Or at least, it was, when I reached middle school and the kids around me started to realize that my Mother being Makah and living on the Quileute Reservation wasn't normal... not without her marrying into the tribe; which of course she didn't. Later on, I knew why she had stayed, why she had told me she'd lost touch with my father before I was born. Mom wanted a little girl from the moment she found out she was carrying me; a girl that could sing like my Nana. Though the whole way through her pregnancy she was certain The Spirits had given her a boy. But I arrived and she was happy... more than happy with our lives here. I was always a tomboy and a bit of a daredevil, preferred dirt over dolls and when I was old enough... tinkering with cars and bikes with my friend Jacob. But above all music, my whole life had always been filled with music. Mom started teaching me the piano the second I was big enough to sit on the bench and play. I learned how to play the guitar... because... well because a piano was hard to move around when I wanted to play and sing. Puberty hit hard! I think it hit all tomboys hard... when you walk into school one day and one of the boys you’d only ever seen as a best friend made your heart stop beating inside your chest. I knew it was crazy. It was hormones (or so I told myself)... and he was there... always. He was there when my Nana passed away and Jake was pining over the Swan girl. Not that #Jake wasn't there just… not in the same way. Then my world imploded I got into a fight in school, they suspended me for three days. The screaming session with my Mom over the suspension sent me tearing out of the house and across the street; there was a small forest trail between the two houses across from us. I couldn't calm down. I was clenching every muscle so hard as I stormed through the trees and up onto the path, that they ached and burned. I couldn't even remember what I was mad about anymore... that stupid bitch at school... the idiot principal? My mom? I heard the boys before they came into view, they stepped out of the trees but from the wrong direction... most of the kids on the street used the short cut to the trail behind the #Lahote's house; but they didn’t go into the forest this far in. That was what the idiot townies did and got lost or hurt… or worse. It was #Paul and #Jared and when they saw me they froze. Paul went ridged and growled at me. 'You okay Call?' Jared stepped closer and there was another growl, but it wasn't Paul... it was me. It had been me that was growling. That was the day I joined the La Push pack. That was the day I realized why my mother stayed here... I had believed that it was because she needed to be far away from who my father was back on the Neah Bay Reservation... it was because I was part Quileute. She could bring my Makah heritage here, and teach me about that half of me... but here was the only place I could learn what it meant to be Quileute too. And to top it all off I was the only female that was ever known to have joined the pack. My father was Quileute, I was a Spirit Warrior, a shapeshifter, a protector... and that fact alone meant there were very few guesses who my father might be... #BillyBlack and #QuilAteara Senior; my best friend’s fathers. #HarryClearwater, my mother’s best friend’s husband... or #JoshuaUley My new alpha's dead beat dad. Was it possible that I had a crush on my half-brother for a few months now? It had to be somebody else! But that's a story for another day.