#harperleejenkins

[written-within-the-stars]

❁ Harper ❁

“Thank you..  Thank you..” soft whispers were all that could be heard from me.  I hadn’t meant to push my fears upon his shoulders. However, here we were. His tears mixed with mine, over our soft kisses as sleep took a hold of me with both hands.

❁ ❁ On the Other Side of Sleep ❁ ❁

My dreams were a mishmash of so much. The nightmares came first, and they were full of scary faces coming after me, of people with sharp teeth, and blood-soaked mouths. Then came the dreams, of warmth, love, care, safety.

I was surrounded by the golden light of the sun; it seeped into my cold bones and left me feeling fulfilled.

I felt myself sinking into the welcoming waters of my inner shell, however at the same time knowing I did not wish to remain in there alone. I wanted to make space… but for whom? Then came the brown eyes, the kind smile, the crinkled eyes, and beautiful voice, and the four-legged heart with white and black fur.

Turning in my sleep, I stirred, smiling, as I watched myself engulfed in his arms. And then I was awake. “Collin?” Bolting upright but I couldn’t.

The mattress enforced my position, and I gave up the fight. My easy breathing now felt ragged. “How long have I been out.” I asked the body beside me. These strong arms still holding my sweaty flushed body close. The conversation from before I’d fallen asleep came back in drips and drabs, he’d thanked me for saving #Leah, he had promised me to stay safe. He had kissed me back and told me he would stay until I woke up. And here Collin lay.

“Did you manage to sleep at all?” I asked rubbing my eyes, still burning, still tired. Still restless.

❁ Collin ❁

“Sleep, sweetheart.” I whispered. The exhaustion and the heat of my body were taking hold. I stroked my thumb against her waist and her arm where I was holding her. I thought my heart would be racing, lying in bed with Harper but it wasn’t… in fact, it was steadily slowing.

I  could hear the changes in her heart and breathing as she drifted off, her heart slowing as she sank deeper and deeper into rest. That was until the trembling and soft noises started. I pushed the covers away as much as I could without disturbing her, hoping she would cool off a little. I kissed her hair and whispered to her that she was safe. After a few moments, she settled. I smiled… maybe I was better at this boyfriend thing than I had been giving myself credit for lately.

I tried to stay awake, I fought it… but the comforting weight of of Harper laying on my chest… the sound of her heart and steady breathing was like a lullaby. It tried to pull me under. I needed to stay awake, I needed to protect her. The house became very silent on the floors beneath us. The tell-tale sounds of people were all I could make out. I opened my eyes.

When had I closed them? I had to stay awake. I had to make sure she was safe… But I had really good hearing. I could protect her while resting my eyes, right?

Next thing I knew Harper was turning in the circle of my arms and I was wide awake in a second. I was careful not to jerk upright or shift my body suddenly and hurt her by accident. I looked around for a clock or something... Damn, vampires and their lack of need to keep track of time. I looked to the still-open balcony door… Thank the spirits for that at least  that would have helped keep her cool. The sky was as bright as could be expected for a Forks Day. I shifted gently, sitting up a little and letting Harper go, though she was still on my lap. The bedside table was stocked with rows of water, and I picked up a bottle and opened it before I handed it to her.

“It looks like it’s just past noon.” I had hoped she’d sleep longer, but I was just glad she slept. “Drink some water… Sharing a bed with a Spirit warrior is thirsty work.” I flushed immediately. She was exhausted; she didn’t need dehydration on top of everything else.

“I must have…” I chuckled. “I tried to stay awake... but I just…” How could I explain it to her? How her body sang to me just by merely existing nearby, how the rhythm of her breath soothed me into… I actually felt like I’d slept a solid eight  hours, maybe more, just holding her had given me the best sleep I’d had in ages. “I guess I was just too comfortable.” I smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

❁ Harper ❁

Sleepy eyes, croaky voice, certain my hair would be a mess. The realisation occurred as soon as I took the bottle of water and liquid dampened my dry lips and mouth. We’d spend the night together, with me in his arms and lap. And we both slept.

This shouldn’t have been comforting, for doe this amount of time for anyone to hold another human being. “Thank you. I feel like I need the water too.” Taking the bottle from his hand, grateful it had been opened for me.

Before I knew it the bottle had been partially  drained, and my first have yet to be quenched. “I’m glad you slept too.” Speaking midway before drinking some more. “I hadn’t planned to sleep for so long. And…” My eyes found their way to his face. “And not like this. I’m not sure how you are supposed to find  this comfortable.”

However, to see this man in the morning, without those dull dark grey clouds shadowing my view. The sound of his chuckles, all made me want to remain here.

“How am I feeling?” Reiterating his question. Where to begin? “I’m… still processing.”

Neck, shoulders, back, and knees were all still intact. “Actually, I’m not feeling too badly. I still have a way to go. However, I’d expected… not sure what, but more than this?” A question as I’d been uncertain what exactly I expected.

“How is the patient? Were there any issues while I slept at all?”

With my free hand I couldn’t help but stroke his cheek, a light stubble coating there. Glancing into his eyes, my mouth curled up into a soft smile.

“Good morning.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled as she took a long drink, I found myself wondering if sharing a bed with me was something she could ever see herself doing on a regular basis (someday)… I knew the answer. There were plenty of imprinted couples to look to fill in the blanks of that question. Yet, I couldn’t stop myself from wondering… I couldn’t imagine it was the most comfortable of experiences… not after a while, at least.

“It’s the 108-degree body temperature…” I shrugged like it was perfectly normal… because for me, it was. “Me obviously.” I gave an awkward  laugh. “Not you.”

I laughed a lot less awkwardly at her next comment, I was at a semi-reclined angle against the headboard. "Oh… I’ve slept in a wolf pile, in a field, in the snow… So, this… this is luxury.” My gaze settled on her. “And with you…” I had no idea how to  finish that sentence.

When she asked about Leah, I trained my ears on the house. Nothing had pulled my attention through the night… or early morning.

I turned into the touch and then leaned in to kiss the corner of her mouth. “Good morning, sweetheart. Let’s find out…”

I could hear #Leah murmuring downstairs. “#Clearwater?” I asked a little louder than how I had been speaking, just to get their attention. “How are you feeling?”

‘Fine!’ She sounded annoyed. I was taking it as a good sign. ‘Now can you and your girlfriend get down here so  she can tell these fuss buckets to let me out of bed.’

I laughed.

‘She’s fine, her temperature fluctuated between 104 and 110 but she remained stable.’ It was #Seth this time. ‘And She is staying in bed!’ I could sense the glare in his tone.

“She wants to get out of bed…  She was stable through the night but her temperature went up and down between 104 and 110.” I told Harper. “I don’t think they need you urgently if you want to shower first or…”

The moment I said it her scent hit me. By the Spirits! A whole night with me and the scent that was innately Harper had multiplied… and it was mixed up and twisted with mine. My heart raced. I reached out and lifted a lock of her hair, leaning in and inhaling… My eyes closed and a soft sound escaped from me. “You smell like me?” I whispered without meaning to and certainly not intending it to sound like a question.

‘Oh geez…’ Came from the floor below us. ‘Tell her to take a human moment… then come and bust me out of here.’

That broke me out of my trance. “Leah said you should look after yourself first and then come and spring her.” I chuckled. I was certain there was no chance of that. “You’ll have your hands full with that one.”

❁ Harper ❁

“We know that the Grey wolves ‘Run Hot’… hotter than other wolves that is. With a body temperature of somewhere between 104-105 degrees Fahrenheit… We are told they also possess two distinct and very thick layers of fur. Which is deemed partly to be the reason for the rise of temperature.”

It didn’t need much for my mind to kick into its Nerd gear, before I could stop myself. With flustered cheeks, partly from the moment of realisation, and partly due to my sleeping partner. - “I… uhm….” Rubbing my forehead with my hand I hit the empty bottle into myself.

“Ouch!” Setting it onto the covers before rubbing my forehead again. “Here we go again.” Whispering under my breath. I became a hot mess with Collin around.  “I guess we both had some  interesting experiences with sleeping quarters.” Blushing again. “I mean… Uhm… well… you know…. I mean… the wolf piles…” pointing to him. “The hay bales.” Pointing to myself. Then I gave up and closed my mouth. Because what could I say to the unfinished sentence he let hang in the air?

My cheeks flushed again, something I could acknowledge now in the light of day. The reaction my heart gave each time he called me ‘Sweetheart.’ The rush of heat to my face, the excitement, the longing to belong. It made me smile.

“Let’s.” I had been about  to move when Collin called out to #Leah, or had it been #Seth? #Leah.. it was #Leah he spoke too. However, the distance between us shouldn’t have made it possible.

“You are speaking to Leah right now? On the lower floor? And you can hear and understand her?” Astonished as a speak. Shaking my head and taking in the silence, knowing he heard something I could not.

When he told me about the temperature. “That could be from an infection, we transfused and mended her on an apartment floor last nig—“

My words cut short, the world melted away leaving Collin and I in the centre of the daze I found myself entering.

His fingers curled around a strand of my hair, he inhaled, and my breath stilled. The slow motion in which his eyes closed, the whispered statement telling me I smelt like him? His sense of smell heightened of course with everything else. Then in a blink everything came into focus, and we were back.

“I… uhm… yes… yes of course.” What was I agreeing to? The freshening up, or the jail break for #LeahClearwater? Right now, it didn’t much matter.

❁ Collin ❁

There she was… my incredible nerd. I smiled and stroked her flushed cheek… By the Spirits, she’s beautiful. I winced at the soft thud of the bottle and took her gently by the wrist. “Careful.” I whispered and kissed the place where she bumped. “You can tell me all about your  hay bail nights someday… and I’ll tell you about the wolf piles. But let's look after you first.”

I grinned at how she reacted to the conversation happening with the floor below. “Clear as a bell.” I told her. “You’ll get used to it.” I smiled. “It’s a blessing and a curse. But it's not like we have all that many secrets from the pack anyway.”

I watched her mind work… in seconds. Finally snapping back to the reality of the situation.  “I don’t think you need to worry about infection. At least not the usual kind. My wolf cured bacterial  pneumonia before I even phased for the first time… But the venom… and we’ve never had a Warrior need blood before…” I stopped because I knew that this was something that Harper would need to work out with #Edward or #DrCullen… The biology and science of what we were was  never something I spent much time thinking about. I just thanked the Spirits for the gifts and honoured them in the best way I could.

“Okay…” I shuffled to the edge of the bed, my arms slipping beneath Harper to take her with me, the soft mattress shifting beneath us. “A  hot shower is exactly what you need for those sore muscles. Then we’ll go and see your patient.” I sat Harper on the bed instead of my lap… trying to ignore the absence of her body so close to mine as I lifted the towels and clothes that Nessie had left for her last night, carried them into the bathroom and set them on wooden hamper that looked like cost more than my couch and turned on the water for her, the fixtures were so gleaming clean they looked like showroom models.

❁ Harper ❁

I reached out for my glasses when Collin sat me down on the edge of the bed. Things were being filled away for future reference such as how the wolf cured bacterial pneumonia, and how standard infection controls weren’t relevant. Also, what impact the vampire’s venom had to this situation with #Leah.

While my mind came to terms with the night I’d had with Collin and his extended family, meeting vampires, and werewolves… no… not werewolves… warriors of their people… what was the difference? These were things we had spoken about and still it felt surreal.

Standing at the foot of the bed before I found myself following the sound of the water. The sounds of Collin moving around the ensuite he’d vanished into. When I glanced in the room looked to have become bigger in the light of day, with some sleep clearing my vision.

Pushing the rim of my glasses up the bridge of my nose, I felt the warmth of the steam building behind the glass shower door in my mind. The anticipation of how the water would feel had been enough for me not to fight back and ask to see #Leah first.

“Thank you, for this.” He had set the shower to warm for me, even though the steam rising told me it wasn’t a water system that needs time to warm up. “And it’s a good idea. It will help to clear my mind up.”

Taking a few steps into the bathroom I stood looking around uncomfortably. This wasn’t my house, not my towels or my clothes. However, it was kind of Ness to make certain I had what I needed.

❁ Collin ❁

I casually wondered about how well Harper could see without her glasses. It didn’t seem to affect her much when she wasn’t wearing them… but her first instinct was always to reach for them. Habit or need? I wondered, but I could ask that question later.

She followed me into  the bathroom, and I smiled when she thanked me. She never needed to thank me for looking after her… even these simple tasks I knew she was perfectly capable of doing for herself. But I was filled with a driving need to do something. I felt like nothing more than an observer. The only useful things I did here were to drive the truck and take care of Harper while she slept. The need to be useful was building up in me.

I cupped her cheek. “Thank you.” I smiled. “For letting me fuss over you.” I chuckled and kissed her forehead. “And if it makes you  feel any better, I’m pretty sure these clothes have never been worn…” I looked at the jeans and the sweater #Nessie had left, she was more of a shorts and t-shirt kinda girl. She never really made the effort to blend in with humans, beyond hiding her gifts. “One of Nessie’s Aunts is a bit of a shopaholic. I’ll be in the bedroom. Take your time… I’ll knock if anything urgent comes up.”

And with a last light kiss on her lips, this time, I left her in the bathroom and closed the door behind with a click. I knew right away that Jake was at the door, he didn’t knock so he didn’t disturb Harper. When I opened the door, he handed me two cups of steaming coffee and he had clean clothes for me.

‘Brady dropped these off.’ He whispered. My phone was sitting on top of a folded shirt, and I grabbed it before anything else…  Nova is fine, Rachel picked her up from Auntie Connie this morning and took her to the beach, she sent videos.’ He said and I paused my frantic scrolling through messages to look for updates to thank him and then I took the clothes.

#Jake knew I wasn’t going to shower here; I wouldn’t let Harper out of my care for long enough… not here… not after… I watched the video of Nova licking #Rachel’s face in the front seat of her car, the orange light outside the window showing the sun had only been rising. I couldn’t think about how close I’d come to  losing her. I changed swiftly, and pulled my hair back as neatly as I could. Then I drank half of the coffee and watched Nova running on the beach while I sat on the edge of the bed, my ears trained on the bathroom.

❁ Harper ❁

He left me in the bathroom with reddened cheeks from the embarrassment of being so stuck in my ways. I hadn’t thought about it the clothes had been worn before. It was just… they weren’t mine. Of course, I felt grateful, and knew the kindness being shown. And I appreciated it dearly.

Pushing the thought out of my mind, because if I continued mulling it over, I’d find myself overwhelmed by how could have offended someone being sweet to me. Undressing, folding, I set the clothes I wore on the side before setting my glasses on the sink, and then climbing onto the shower I closed the doors to stand beneath the rainfall head. A sigh of relief curled up from within, letting my muscles relax and my body calm down from all the tightening and discomfort from the night before.

I wasn’t sure how much  time had passed, when I’d turned the water off, cleaned the shower down and dried myself off. A towel wrapped around my head, as I dressed in the room with the steam disappearing so fast that the mirrors were clear by the time I stood before it, patting my long dark hair down.

The clothes fit as well as they could. There were height differences, and body type differences too. However, the kindness of #Ness out weighted it all.

When I opened the door with a click, I saw the back of Collin, sounds of a woman baby talking played from somewhere, so I cleared my throat. “Would you like to use the bathroom next?” I asked from where I stood.

❁ Collin ❁

I listened to her moving around as I texted my mom and told her everything was okay and thanked her for looking after Nova. I was sure #Sue was keeping all the pack moms updated about #Leah. Then as I heard clothing rustle I replied to #Rachel thanking her and letting her know  Harper was okay, since most of her questions were about her… at least the ones she sent me. I was certain #Jake’s thread with #Rachel had #Leah’s name as often as mine had Harper’s.

I smiled at Harper when she stepped out of the bathroom. She looked more at ease and less  stiff in her movements. I stood and moved towards her with the still-hot coffee in my hand and offered it to her. My first instinct was to say no… but there were still other needs that needed seeing to. “I will.” I told her. “But first… I thought you would like these.” I  showed her the videos of Nova with Rachel and on the beach. Then after that…

“There’s also a ton of messages for you too… from the guys… from the other imprints. All thanking you for what you did, would you like to read them? Or would you rather wait until later?”

❁ Harper ❁

Taking the cup of hot coffee, I smiled. “Thank you, this is going to help today.”

I knew we hadn’t slept much, and my dreams had been shattered with images of what could have been only described as back renditions of Hollywood movies. Then seeing the videos play one after the other. #Rachel playing with #Nova, her little waggle became more distinct as she ran and then needed to rest. “She’s getting close now.” Sipping on the coffee to watch the next clip played for me. My heart leapt with joy at seeing  the fur mommy happy with her auntie.

“For me?” I asked shaking my head. “No… no... it’s okay.” I wouldn’t read his message. “You can share the ones you feel comfortable with later.” Because how could all these people who didn’t know me, feel the need to ask after me?

As that thought crossed my mind, #Kenzi’s words replaced them. After a visit to La Push to see #Seth’s family. She had come back saying she had Been embraced by everyone she had met. How she felt like she belonged to this group of people who were now family.

And now, because of Collin. I too have people who are asking after me. Tucking my wet hair behind my ears I questioned my own thoughts. So much to take in and understand in so little time.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, there hadn’t been much chance for smiling in the last twenty-four hours or so. “I think so… she has that waddle going on.” I chuckled. She looked so happy to see #Nova on the beach that I couldn’t help but feel pride swell in my chest… there were still a lot of  tough things to tackle today. But I was glad I could give her that moment.

I nodded about the messages and tossed the phone on top of the neatly folded pile of my dirty clothes. “I’m sure it’s strange… but they all feel like they’ve met you already, at least the guys do, and  the girls can’t wait to meet you.”

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m going to go clean up a little. Enjoy your coffee and after you see your patient, I’ll find us some food.” I smiled at her before stepping away and heading into the bathroom to take care of a few pressing needs.

I washed my hands… still certain I had dirt and #Leah’s blood under my fingernails despite having scrubbed them thoroughly before I ever left Port Angeles. So, I washed them again, scrubbing my nails and splashing cool water on my face. I needed to shave, but I really didn’t want to take that much time in here. A quick glance in the cabinet showed it had been well stocked for a guy and a girl to stay in this room. New toothbrushes and various products I knew vampires had no use for… or hybrids for that matter. I cleaned up quickly, just running the tap in the sink and brushing my teeth. Brushing my hair which was just a little damp from running wet hands through it to get it tied messily at the nape of my neck.

Then I stepped back out into the room and asked. “Do you need anything else before  we go downstairs?"

❁ Harper ❁

As soon as the door to the bathroom closed, i set the cup of half-drunk coffee down. Moving over to make the bed the best I could. Tidying up the tray of food from last night, and opening the balcony door to allow the cool, crisp air in.

When the room temperature dropped, I rubbed my arms to warm myself up,  before my hands moved around my discarded clothes. I was sure my phone has been in there somewhere.

“There you are.” Frowning when I saw it was living on two percent of battery life. “Of course, you are.” Muttering under my breath. Would it be enough to make one call? I had to try.

Pressing call on #Jessica’s name I waited only for half a ring before her voice sing songs on the other end.

“Hey Jess.” I cut her off before she could ask a million questions. “I’m back in town today, so I’ll take the on-call emergency if anything comes up. With any appointments. Could you tell me if anything is urgent, please?”

‘Harper, what do you mean? You know Dr Diaz is here at the practice.’ Then she whispered. ‘The senior one. He is so handsome!’

My mouth dropped open and then closed, thinking thoughts at a million miles a minute. “What? Henry Diaz? Is here in La Push?” I asked flabbergasted.

Sounds of muffled conversation came next and then came a deep, calm, and collected voice.

‘Good morning, Dr. Jenkins, I hope you don’t mind, my brother and I have made ourselves at home in your Patrice today.’ It was him. he was here… ‘Juan told Rosa and I about your family emergency, and we wanted to support you. Don’t worry about the practice and your patients, here. We will manage it until you are back.’

My eyes began to prickle with the heat of tears. I felt overwhelmed with the support I’d been lucky enough to find since moving here.

“Thank you, Henry. Your support and kindness is appreciated… ready…”

‘Don’t worry. We have this in control. Go be with your family.’ He reassured me.

I heard Collin’s voice from behind, tuning to show him I was on the phone.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I will keep you updated on the situation.” We said our good byes.

As soon as I ended the end my phone beeped indicating it  had nothing left to give.

“That was Henry. He is here with Juan. They are looking after the practice for today.” Wiping my eyes, underneath my glasses, and pushed them back up the bridge of my nose. Giving Collin a small smile.

He looked so much better than I did I was  certain of it. With his hair pulled back, his overnight stubble. (Which I’d never seen before.)“Just a phone charger.” Holding my phone up. “However, my spare is at home. I’ll do without.” Hoping the practice would not need to call me. Lifting my chin to the door. “Shall we?”

Walking over to stand before Collin, pushing my phone into a pocket, smiling up at him. I began walking towards the leftover tray to pick it up and take it down with us.

❁ Collin ❁

I heard her entire conversation, including some of the words from the other end of the line, even as I brushed my teeth. When I stepped out, I smiled at her, seeing the gleam in her eyes. I came to step in front of her, cupping her cheek. “Looks like you found yourself another great group of people there.” I was going to have to think kinder thoughts about #Juan after this. Even if I was always aware that my unkind ones were utterly unfounded, the only thing he had done was walk through a door at the same time as Harper.

I brushed my thumb over  her cheek, I knew this was overwhelming for her. This woman, who had such a small, yet vital circle for her whole life, now she had an entire village. “We will all get through this together, Harper. We’ll get Leah through this; I just know it.”

When she picked up the tray, I  held out my hands. “I can take that; you just go and focus on #Leah.”

As we headed down the stairs #Bella was already on the way up reaching out to take the tray from me. I kept my gaze on Harper, I knew it had to be strange being in a house where everyone was three steps ahead of you.

‘Good morning you two. And Harper, Nessie has a phone charger for you in the medical suite. Just in case your work needs you.” Then she turned amber eyes on me and smiled. “#Carlisle and #Esme are on the way; he wants to see #Leah with his own eyes. They arrive  in a few hours.’

I nodded. I knew she was warning me specifically so I wouldn’t be surprised by the new arrivals like I was last night. Bella disappeared and I explained. “#Carlisle is the dad of the family, for all intents and purposes and #Esme is their mom. He was my doctor for the last two years before… well… before I stopped seeing doctors.”

I led her back to the room we were in last night, with everything so heightened I knew it was possible to get lost in this house easily. #Jake was still here. #Sam’s scent lingered but there was no sight or sound of him. He had probably gone home to check on #Emily… or keep her from making the trip here. #Jake and #Ness were cuddling in an armchair far too small for two humans let alone an Alpha and his long-limbed imprint. #Emmett and #Embry still stood sentry next  to #Leah’s bed… Though the tension seemed to have dissipated.

I stayed right next to Harper.

❁ Harper ❁

“Super hearing.” Whispering to myself as a reminder. With fear her eyes, and a mind in a better state than it had been the night before, in the new light of day. Understanding came rushing in.

Nothing we had spoken of, or shared since this all began had been privileged too just us. Everyone in our vicinity knew. My fears, my concerns, my feelings. Nothing reminded mine.

And even as we walked down the two sets of stairs, with Collin explaining the importance of Dr Cullen and his wife to everyone in this house, I understood everyone but #Sue and #Kenzi heard it too. So, I just acknowledged with a small nod of my head.

The house seemed different with the dark daytime sky, in the dead of night with the dawn rising I hadn’t thoroughly appreciated the thought and energy placed into making  everything just so… perfect. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have said it is a house which jumped off the pages of the AD magazine.

And now I stood in the door way of the room where we had spent the majority of our night, ensure I hadn’t missed anything when it came to #Leah. ‘Good morning, Harper.’ #Ness Gracefully dismounted the leap of her boyfriend, standing before in the blink of an eye. Without hesitation I jerked back a few steps, and she held her hands up.

‘I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to frighten you.’ Her voice angelic, her smile genuine. ‘Sorry Harper…’ she said again apologetically.

“No… no… I’m sorry. It’s okay. I’m fine.” Her eyes dropped to my chest, telling me she too could hear the way my heart thundered.

‘If you give me your cell phone. I can set it to charge over there on the desk.’ Without questioning I willingly gave it up. Seeing the chief’s son smiling from the place he remained seated.

#Edward wasn’t in the room when my gaze turned to take the rest of the room in.

My hand found Collins, giving a quick squeeze before stepping inside fully, across the space to go and sit on the still beside #Leah.

“Good morning.” Speaking softly with a smile. “How are you feeling?”

She seemed to be lost in her thoughts, her skin ashamed, paleness taking over her normally beautiful almond skin. A light film of sweat covering  her top lip.

‘I hate to speak for Lee. So, all I will say is she’s been quiet. By Edward said everything looks good.’ The big one... #Emmett said.

‘Sprite, big guy. You’re brave.’ #Jacob chuckled from behind. ‘She has your throat for that when she is up.’ The two bantered  back and forth. While my glance fell to kind man who smiled at me last night.

His eyes not moving away from #Leah until he too felt me looking. ‘How did you sleep Doc?’ He asked, I was sure to distract me from whatever I thought I saw.

“Very well thank you.” Smiling back.

‘Sure, you did. The pup is like a man size hot water bottle.’ He winked to me and then I guessed Collin behind me.

I reached my hand out to take #Leah’s wrist. “I’m just going to check your pulse.” I told her placing the tips of my fingers over the sensitive surface. Feeling a strong, too fast beating. They were faster, their body temperature increased, they healed exponentially, and their hearts beat stronger and faster too. So much to learn!

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her comment. “You’ll get used to it,” I whispered to her. “You’ve sort of been tossed into the deep end.” I could see how fascinated she was by the house and I had to stop my mind running away with itself.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦? 𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦? 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦... 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦... 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦. 𝘚𝘛𝘖𝘗!

This was not the time.

𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙐𝙎 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚...

“You’ll get used to her too,” I whispered when #Ness startled her. “She sucks at pretending to be human.” I was teasing #Ness, resting my hand on Harper’s shoulder, lightly. The little hybrid stuck her tongue out at  me as she flitted away (Slower now) to charge Harper’s phone for her. I returned the gesture… Old habits die hard! I grew up with this kid… albeit a little slower than her.

My heart staggered in my chest when Harper reached for my hand. #Emmett and #Embry both smirked when they heard it and then turned solemn again when they realised, they both had the same reaction… Now it was my turn to smirk. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they were growing on each other.

I listened to #Emmett and I worried. It was only minutes ago Leah was awake and  talking to me upstairs… and now she was… sleeping? Or unconscious? Was there a way to tell the difference?

Of course, #Embry was the first one to ask Harper how she was… and much my ears burned all at once. If #Leah had been awake she probably would have beaten him to it. ‘I can be your guinea pig if you need a baseline for shifter heart rates, Doc.’ #Embry offered, nodding toward me… this one’s heart is hammering like a five-year-old that just got a drum set for his birthday.’

I flushed…. #Jake burst out laughing… ‘Yeah… Auntie Connie still gives Dad a hard time about that.’

I glared at both of them as if to say: 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴!

❁ Harper ❁

“Together.” We would get used to it all together. I mouthed the word to Collin, he had been so attentive to my needs, my concerns, and my desires to this point. I wouldn’t judge without knowing what I could do to help him and his family here.

Of course, I took Embry up on his offer. Seeing the difference in his hearts performance would help me to set a guild line for Leah’s. Even if there could be a slight difference between the two.

Thanking him as I set to work, counting the beats at the same time as listening to the conversation  around me.

“Collin can play the drums. Is there anything he cannot do?” Smiling at the men as they teased my boyfriend who brought me into this conversation.

‘Yeah, he can’t play it cool.’ Finally, #Leah was in the room again.

“I know agree, he is really cool in my eyes.” Resting my hands on her forehead and squeezing it a little. “Hey, how are you feeling? You had me a little worried there.”

She rolled her eyes. ‘Yeah, there is a lot more of that rose colours glasses thing to come.’ She lowered her voice. ‘But he will do anything for you.’ Her lips curling up into a half smile.  Her discomfort apparent to me, but she hid it in a blink of the eye. ‘So… When are you and Edward going to let me go home?’ She glanced up at the men behind her. ‘Would you both move your arses. Before I kick them out of my space.’

They exchanged looks, taking two steps back in synchronisation. Until it became clear what they had done. #Jacob laughed from behind.

‘Why don’t I ever have my phone with me when things like this happen?’

‘Because you run around half naked. Now can you go get me something to eat. I’m starving.’ She snapped.

“You have your appetite; this is a good sign.” I told her. Looking over my shoulder to find Collin again.

❁ Collin ❁

Harper pressed her fingers to #Embry’s wrist, and I was glad it was him… no matter his reputation he always doted on all the imprints like they were his little sisters. Even the ones that were older. Everyone chuckled and shook their heads. ‘Nah… #AuntieConnie donated that  thing to the community centre the second this one picked up a camera and never looked back.’ #Jake clapped me on the shoulder.

Harper made me blush… this woman has been through so much and yet here she stood teasing me and having my back all at once. Even with my cheeks and ears burning bright red; she made me feel a type of safe that I never knew was missing from my life. Leah spoke and so much tension seemed to dissipate from the room. Even I let out a relieved breath, as silently as possible so I didn’t draw her attention to it.

#Embry and  #Emmett mirrored each other again… and my brows knit… they were… hovering… Was It over each other or over Leah? #Embry hadn’t left the Black’s when Jake was hurt either… other than patrol he was right there… and it was #Paul that #Emmett had beef with in the past not #Embry.

I saw #Embry roll his eyes at his Alpha but there was no denying what we had seen. I smirked and stayed focused on Harper and the wounded Warrior on the bed next to her. #Jake stood up, carrying his tiny little imprint with him, and setting her back on her feet.

‘I’ll go get her some food.’ #Jake offered and turned to Harper. ‘Anything in particular she should stay away from right now?’ He asked. When it came to food, we all pretty much ate everything. But with all the drugs Leah was on I had no idea what she should eat either.

“Maybe we should start with a little toast and juice?” I suggested. “That’s what mom always brought me when I wasn’t well.”

❁ Harper ❁

Once again without a thought my hand reached out towards Collin and then I stopped myself. I couldn’t keep reaching out for him, to hold and touch him! What was wrong with me? However, I couldn’t place a finger on the urge to do just that.

“Juice is good with the sugar helping to give some energy, and the toast is good to test Leah’s stomach. Maybe also some high protein-based soup too? With her… your metabolism, the toast won’t be enough?”

This was all new to me. I felt like a duck out of water trying to find my land legs. ‘I’m on it.’ The big tanned skinned son of the chief said leaving the room with his girls into. They were sharing a conversation; however, I couldn’t hear even a word of it.

‘I have to say, you’re taking all this stuff well.’ #Leah winced, sitting up a little. ‘I thought   I’d have to go running after you by this point.’ She lifted her chin to Collin. ‘Or at least sent him after you across state lines.’

This in turn made me shrink into myself. “I…. Uhm….” Biting on my lips, feeling embarrassment engulfing me.

“I am… well…. I’m learning  the value of not choosing… to leave… when I find myself lost.” My voice had dropped a few octaves as I spoke.

The two men behind #Leah chose to look away, to give my embarrassment a place to rest if it were possible in this room open to all in this house.

‘Sometimes…  finding your grounding force can do that to a person.’ She glanced at Collin again. And I nodded.

“I’m meant to be looking after you. Not the other way around.” I told her, and with no hesitation she replied.

‘You are. It doesn’t mean I stop doing the same for you. You are family woman.’

And there it was. Collin had been right. I had found more family since being here in La Push, than my life before. Thinking how dad would have really loved to meet all these people, if only he had the chance.

❁ Collin ❁

I saw the way her hand twitched, and I knew what she wanted, I had the same urge. I wondered if she was trying to understand these new feelings, after spending the night in my arms her longing for that affection had probably grown just as much as mine. I placed my hand halfway up her back, giving her that contact and letting her work all at once.

#Jake and #Nessie left the room and I wondered where #Sue was. I doubted she would go home, and her scent was faint but still lingering, so she was here, and silent… sleeping maybe? Then I had a thought…  What most of the guys thought a breakfast was for the Warriors. “That doesn’t mean fried meats, #Jacob. Maybe some eggs.” I called after him… but not really because he would have heard me whisper… but a human habit was to glance in the direction of the person you were calling out to and that was just what I did too.

#Leah’s teasing made me smile. “As soon as you are back on your feet, I’ll take her across as many state lines as she wants.” Then I smiled at Harper. “But I have a feeling she would turn right back around just to check in on you. And leaving isn’t always a bad thing… sometimes home is a place you need to find, not where you’ve always been.” And as much as I hoped that this was true for Harper, at least for a while… my home was where she was now… and that simple fact filled my life with new possibilities.

I gave #Leah a look that said, Please, just this once. Let her look after you. I knew how important it was to Harper for Leah to heal, but this was uncharted territory. I wanted to suggest that Harper ate too… but I knew I  was fussing, and I should let her finish her checks first. Then I could find her some food too. And for me… as if on cue my stomach growled and #Embry laughed, despite his earlier attempt at trying to mind his own business… but he was never very good at that… not in a  gossipy way… just… concerned.

I gave him a look that said I wasn’t leaving this room without Harper. ‘Don’t worry, Pup,’ He grinned. ‘We got you.’ That was when I smelled the food getting closer to the door by the second.

❁ Harper ❁

He knew me better than someone at this stage of dating should. Right? Sometime just clicked and I somehow found my soulmate? Here was a story book coming to life!

Collin��s gentle touch came with an unspoken understanding. One i knew to be filled with a safe and trusting  environment. Allowing me to give my full attention to the patient before me.

The conversations continued around me; however, I fell into one of my zones upon seeing #Leah’s bandages stained. Asking her permission of course before I gloved up my hands and began changing them  If I hadn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed the level of healing which had taken place while I slept. “This is incredible.” Whispering to myself as I used a gentle touch to clean the wound.

‘It’s a miracle. She whispered to me. ‘How the spirits help us, heal us, and protect us.’ Sitting back however, I could tell he didn’t miss anything.

“I wouldn’t say you had been injured over a week ago. But...” Finding myself lost for words.

It was still an angry injury, like something was fighting the healing process. And still somehow #Leah joked with a roll of her eyes.

‘It better leave a scar. I need to remember this one.’ The way she said it… it wasn’t out of pride. Befit I could ask her to elaborate. She moved on. ‘If you and Edward keep it up, I’ll be right as rain in no time.’ I could see she was hurting. And maybe… it wasn’t a joke after all.

She turned her attention back to the men in the room. Listening to them speaking, while I set to place a new bandage.

❁ Collin ❁

We all tried to look away; #Embry, #Emmett and I… but the scent of venom and blood.. the blood of someone we cared about, trained with, fought with and grown up with (I mean #Leah was grown before I joined the pack.. but I sure wasn’t). It was impossible not to be drawn to the source of that scent. I knew how much #Leah valued her privacy. But my eyes locked on the wound, and sure it was far better than last night… but… My eyes darted away, quiet panic filling them as I looked for #Sam first… He was not here… #Jake… Making breakfast…  #Embry… ‘Bry was here. I locked gazes with his. As soon as he pulled his eyes from the wound too.

‘It’s okay, pup.’ He reassured me, reading my expression. But… was it? I had seen a Warrior’s bones take longer than this to heal… but flesh and skin? I had seen some gruesome wounds and they vanished overnight… maybe less… This…

It was better. I told myself again and again.

Better.

But vanished? Not even close. My heart raced… I had been so torn last night between worry for Leah and worry for Harper… but now… The reality of what  this recovery could entail was sinking in and #Leah was making jokes about scars.

‘Littlesea…’ #Embry pulled my attention. ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before… #Leah’s got this.’

“I can still smell the venom,” I said and #Emmett nodded to indicate he could too. #Jake brought in food setting a tray on a table near #Leah and #Ness set another against the wall. I wasn’t hungry anymore. For the first time ever. A hand clamped down on my shoulder and my cousin nodded for me to step aside, was he hearing the chain reaction happening in my  body? I gathered up a handful of Harper’s borrowed shirt and squeezed before taking just one step away. Still within arm’s reach of her.

‘Take a breath, Cuz.’ He said and I did, nodding. I shook myself and pulled myself together. ‘Harper, Edward, and Doc Cullen when he gets  here will figure this out. Our job now is to give them anything they need to do their jobs.’ I nodded and cleared my throat. ‘Good… so back to work… you were always a better patient. Now you know what it’s like being next to the hospital bed and not in it. You got this kid.’

I forced a smile and stepped back. My hand went right to the same spot-on Harper’s back as she changed Leah’s dressing. I needed that connection, she grounded me. ‘Relax, Pup… I’ll be running rings around all you fool in a day or so. Have faith…’ #Leah almost smiled at me. ‘You always had enough of that for all of us.’

❁ Harper ❁

I felt an emptiness when Collin stepped away. This was silly! He stood only a foot or two away, and yet I felt hollow in my heart.

Concerned by the reactions, my nerves began to fray. My dark eyes moved over each and every one of the faces in the room  It was #Ness and Collin who were the most transparent.

Here I sit this was a good sign, the way the skin had begun its process to knit together. But it was the way #Ness’s nose crinkled up. Like the smell…

“What do all of you smell exactly?” Looking to #Leah. “I’m sorry to do this.” Slowly pulled the tab from one side away to view the injury again. I couldn’t smell anything too out of the ordinary.

#Embry and #Emmett exchanged a look. It was #Jake who spoke. ‘It smells like rotten meat.’ Now I removed all the bandages, before standing up after that feeling in my chest retreated before of Collin.

“Could you please help me?” I asked them all not caring who it was. “I need you to move a little closer to the wound, please don’t touch it. I just need someone to point to where the smell is potent.” Looking over my shoulder as to where Edward had gone.

‘Dad and mom went for something to eat. They will be back soon.’ #Ness read my expression.

‘Here…’ #Jake pointed to the central edge. “And here too.’  This time pointing to the side. He’s moved in closer.

‘Why don’t you jump in!’ #Leah snapped at him.

‘Keep your kinks to yourself, Clearwater. I’m an engaged man.’ #Jake winked.

‘Yeah, and I feel sorry for her!’ This time she attempted to punch him, but by the way #Embry and #Jake exchanged another look. Something wasn’t. right there too.

Leaning back into Collin, I whispered to him.

“I think we need Edward. The smell means infection, I don’t know how bad it is by just looking. To me it feels like she is healing. But if her body heals with the inflammation and antibodies still living…” shaking my head. I felt so ill prepared right now.

‘Harper..’ this time it was #Leah. ‘Breath. You got this. If I was a wolf on your table. What would you do?’

I closed my eyes thinking through the list of checks, the items I would want to have full knowledge of. And then I set to work.

Checking her temperature, it was higher than it had been before hitting 115! The skin around her wound was hot, but her body temperature was always higher…. What to do… what to do????

“May I have that light please?” I hadn’t even pointed to it, and it was there.

The big guy gave me a smirk. ‘Told you I was faster than the pups.’ His chuckles were heartwarming. However, I was in my trouble shooting mode. ‘Tough audience.’ He nudged his niece.

“There… look… her skin… it’s inflamed around the wound. That wasn’t there last night.” Holding my hand out doing the ‘give me motion.

“May I have a pen?” One was placed in my hand in a flash before I finished asking for it.

“I’m going to draw on you Leah. Just to keep an eye on how much this redness here grows or subsides.”

She muttered something about getting another tattoo. But again, I was too engrossed in what I was doing to truly understand the whisper. And then she went silent one more.

❁ Collin ❁

I was so glad that #Jake was the one that got in close. #Emmett stepped away and flashed a reluctant side eye to #Embry. I couldn’t quite place what it was between them. But it seemed like Cullen was trying to make space, so his scent didn’t make it harder to pinpoint the  source.

I froze for a moment…. #Leah missed. #Leah didn’t miss… No one was faster than #Leah… not even #Edward and he was the fastest vampire we had ever encountered. I rested both hands on Harper’s sides when she leaned back against me. I instinctively leaned closer, letting her shoulder rest back onto my chest, and offered a little support against the exhaustion she must be feeling despite having had a little sleep. “Do you think the venom could suppress our immune systems?“ I asked her, I was about to ask #Jake if we should fetch Edward… watching a vampire hunt wasn’t something most of us wanted to see, but the Black Pack had gotten more comfortable with it because #Ness hunted. But Leah cut off the thought before I could voice it.

My eyebrows almost vanished into my hairline… “Tattoo…” I  muttered. Did she mean her Pack mark? Or did she have more? #Embry cleared his throat and gave a barely noticeable shake of his head… Right. Privacy. Respect.

Then an idea hit me… “The blood… Harper gave her blood. Could the clean blood be working its way out of her  system? Like the morphine when #Jake was hurt?”

‘#Carlisle has some data on one of the off-network computers on vampire venom.’ #Ness offered. ‘I can start reading through it and try to narrow down anything that might be relevant while #DrJenkins works.’ She looked to Harper  to see if she thought that would be helpful. My heart did a weird thump as she used my girlfriend's title. #Embry and #Emmett chuckled in unison… Again.

❁ Harper ❁

Had I imagined it? Or could I feel Collin’s chest expand behind my back? It hadn’t gone unnoticed by me that having him in my vicinity allowed the longing to subside within me, giving me the opportunity to clear my mind to consider what might have been happening inside of #Leah.

I wished #Ness’s dad wet here, the man had answers to questions I hadn’t even considered.

“The morphine would burn out of your body due to the speed of your metabolism. Which would explain some aspects, however not all.”

My eyebrows pulled together as I concentrated on what was visible. Making a list mentality checking them off. Pushing myself off my heels, where I had unintentionally been leaning back on Collin.

“Ness… yes please. If you do not mind, any data we have on how the venom works would…..” I cut off as I spoke. The venom… in her blood… in the blood of the others here. I pulled myself free from my thoughts. “Yes please Ness, and while you do so, I’m going to take a look at Leah’s blood.”

I didn’t need to take any more, #Edward had taken a few vials of blood when we were cleaning her up.

‘What are you thinking?’ She asked me, following me to the far side of the room where surgical equipment had been placed.

Glancing back over my shoulder to smile at her, Jake who was right behind her, and Collin too, whose eyes I found no matter where I went in the room.

“Process of Elimination… I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. Your dad most likely did, it’s why he wanted the blood. At least I’m guessing. We look at Leah’s blood, however it’s been tainted with the new blood supply we transfused into. So, then I would want to look at a virgin blood sample.”

Glancing to Embry who was been kind enough to offer his.

“Collin explained to me you and your family.” Glancing to #Emmett too as I spoke “Are not like the… person who attacked in port, however if you have the same venom. I could see the reaction on the new blood sample.”

#Ness placed a hand on her chest. ‘I don’t have any venom. It’s the whole half human, half vampire.’ She gave an apologetic shrug of her shoulder.

‘I do.’ #Emmett stepped up, but his eyes went to Collin before speaking again. ‘I’ve seen how Carlisle and Edward extract the venom for experiments. I think I could help. I want to help.’ His eyes filled with want to do something for his friend.

❁ Collin ❁

#Ness looked like she was about to bolt for the computer in the room; but halted like a paused cartoon character when she heard Harper halt mid-thought. This girl was almost always in motion… sometimes I forgot how capable she was of a vampire's utter stillness.

When #Ness and Harper moved, #Jake and I moved. #Leah had her two chosen protectors, one from each species. #Ness was the closest thing to a scientist in the room next to Harper… purely because of how she was raised and the curiosity that went with being ten years old with the maturity  and intelligence of a grown woman, the combination made for an unstoppable thirst for knowledge.

Despite the heaviness of the conversation between the two women, we all looked at each other and fought back a laugh when she used the word 𝓋𝒾𝓇𝑔𝒾𝓃 and looked at #Embry. Well… other than the Vampire, he wouldn’t know his reputation. And #Ness who, apparently, was the only other grownup in the room other than Harper, despite her ten short years on this Earth.

And #Leah… but she wasn’t exactly on top of her game right now and who could blame her?

‘Can we be grown-ups?’ #Call shrugged and looked around.

The two imprints in the room were talking about venom and then all our childish snickers stopped as soon as they mentioned extracting same. The room fell eerily silent and #Emmett’s gaze was still on me. I knew  if I told him not to… he wouldn’t… But it wasn’t my call. Harper was a grown, intelligent, independent woman. I would never draw a line for her, but I wouldn’t let her make a choice like that without all the information.

“Wait, wait, wait… Harper. Sweetheart.” I looked at  Leah but tenderly took Harper’s arm. I wanted to take her outside for this conversation, even though it would still just be the illusion of privacy. I knew she wouldn’t want to stray that far from her patient, so we would have to have the talk here. #Seth and #Kenzi reappeared now… and I knew #Seth had heard. He nodded to me, encouraging me to explain. He looked as afraid as I felt. #Embry had squared his shoulders, almost but not quite stepping in front of #Emmett like a human shield. To his credit... #Cullen let him. Jake was stepping up to #Ness.

“Handling vampire venom isn’t a straight-forward lab test. If you get exposed…” I stopped… I both did and didn’t want to frighten her. “You… you’ll die…” I turned to #Emmett. “No offence.”

‘None taken… I am dead… or my human self is…’ He shrugged.

He really is an easy-going guy.

“You could become a vampire… and we don’t know…” Spirits… I swallowed hard, was this a selfish thing to say?

‘It could break the imprint bond.’ #Leah said for me. #Kenzi gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. ‘But we don’t know that for sure… either way… It’s too much of a risk #Harper.’

“You’re human Harper and the venom eats through almost anything it touches… Even the smallest drop… you would become a vampire.” My gaze locked on hers, pleading with her to really think about this.

‘#Nessie… we don’t know what would happen to you either. You have a heartbeat… you can bleed… Just not easily… I know you and Carlisle played around with samples, but this is different.’ #Jake said softly.

‘I’m probably immune… and we need this to help Leah.’ #Ness said to her soulmate.

❁ Harper ❁

I clearly missed the joke they all shared by the looks being shared. Or was it something I said? Frowning I set the thought aside for now, we had more important things to work over right now.

#Mr.Calls request for maturity gave me an indication my thoughts were correct. So, something had passed between them that had gone over my head?

‘Nerd’s don’t see it all.’ #Jena’s voice told me in my mind. And fine, I agreed I wasn’t always aware of my surroundings or the double meaning in things I said. However, I was learning.

I became stationary at the concerned voice of my new boyfriend. My eyes moved to the hand on my arm asking for my attention, which he had always. It wasn’t something I could stop myself from doing.

And ‘Sweetheart’! Why did my heart flutter like a butterfly’s wings whenever he called me  ‘Sweetheart’?

A blush clawed up my cheeks at how my body reacted to him, stepping into his hold, coming close to ease the tug in my chest. I hadn’t even noticed #Kenzi and #Seth’s return to the room until now.

#Kenz’s worried expression eased into a small smile. An unspoken exchange telling me she understood me, and the barrage of emotions and sensations I felt. I knew we would need to talk, she would give me everything I needed to better understand my feelings.

The atmosphere in the room had changed, some unexpected tension palpable, thrumming through the still people. Still.. but one. #EmbryCall had changed his position, from being stood behind #Leah, he now stood just to the side of, and two steps before #EmmettCullen. They all then seemed to be giving Collin and I space.

But why? My gaze set upon him giving him my full attention, listening to his concerns. My heart dropped at the fear I found in his beautiful dark eyes. He was so Worried. For me. My heart speed up like a runaway train, veering off the tracked as what he said sunk in.

“I wouldn’t say I know, Collin. However, I didn’t have inkling that Vampire venom, plus a human, would equal to bad things happening. Very bad things.” Not I took both his hands into mine. Squeezing them I spoke in a soft tone.

“I know how to deal with controlled substances, in my line of work, we are tough to keep ourselves safe. To protect our own health and environment before we take any action.” Titling my head to the side.

‘This is a hundred times more dangerous, Dr Jenkins.’ A voice came from the door. When i took my eyes off Collin to follow it, #Edward and #Bella was stood in the doorway.

‘I was gone for one hour. One hour, Emmett.’ He spoke to his brother and then his daughter. ‘And all of you are turning into Dr Frankenstein?’

He was a look in his eyes that gave me a shiver. However, his wife smiled and winked at me, taking some of the tension away.

They moved slowly into the room as #Bella spoke to her daughter. ‘We may believe you are immune, Little Nudger.’ She stepped around #Jake. But there is a very good reason we never tested the theory out. And let’s not start today, when your dad is here, and your grandpa is on his way too.’

#Bella kissed the forehead of her daughter, who smiled whispering something to her mom.

❁ Collin ❁

Even in my near-panicking state, I noted that flutter in her heart. There was nothing about her I wasn’t fully tuned into. Apart from her thoughts… which were steering toward handling the substance that very nearly killed #Leah.

“I know you do… but… this is… you can’t use  a normal needle or syringe for this…. And…” My Heart raced faster. “I wish I’d had more time to tell you everything I know about this world. I kept thinking we had so much time…”

I knew she had training, and I knew she handled dangerous medicines all day… but I was pretty sure that none of those were so corrosive they dissolved plastic and stainless steel.

Then #Edward was back, and I was relieved, a complete turnaround from when they showed up yesterday. I instantly felt defensive when he implied the idea was akin to Frankenstein.

“No...” I blurted out. “It’s a good idea… I mean we need to… What Harper wants to examine makes perfect sense. I just think it would be better if the vampires… non-hybrid vampires…” I looked at #Bella and #Ness. “Handled the venom… the people we know it won’t hurt. You both need  to know how this all interacts right?… and Dr Cullen too…”

I looked around the room. #Embry still placing himself between the largest Cullen and #Leah. #Ness Between her mom and #Jake. “This is another one of those moments… right? Like when #Nessie was born… a test… from the ancestors. Leah is one of a kind just like she is. Neither side can fix this alone. Shapeshifters… vampires…” I looked at #Ness, #Kenzi and then my beautiful, clever soulmate and touched her cheek. “And our fierce Guardians.” I smiled just for her. “We need to rely on each other to get through this… That means not endangering anyone and trusting each other.”

#Leah eased herself back into the bed and smiled to herself. #Embry grinned. ‘You're right, Clearwater. The pup really does have enough faith for all of us.”

❁ Harper ❁

My heart swelled with… With… well with Pride and something so much more I wasn’t willing to unpack here in a room full of strangers. My eyes stinging with a sense of tears prickling. The inside of my nose. I had to sniffle like a three-year-old! I had to get a grip!

When I felt eyes on me and caught them, I wasn’t surprised to find #Seth smiling at me. It felt as though this chest had grown with pride too, however one very different from what I felt in the moment. He brought his hand up to his lips, with #Kenzi’s small fingers entwined for a kiss. They both spoke in a language of their own. And my attention returned to Collin.

My boyfriend who had been against my idea at first, and now when it was brought to question, he had defended me profusely. It felt as though He fault for me, for my corner, for me to have my say. All things I knew I could do for myself, however, to have this unconventional approach of supporting something so unique. He did it without question!

Voices from behind us brought me back from my thoughts. However, my eyes were stuck on him.

‘Collin, I am not disagreeing with anything Dr Jenkins is saying. On the contrary. I agree with everything you are both deeming to begin the next steps. And I do believe we are both in agreement too about who should and should not involve themselves with the venom.’ #Edwards Amber eyes glistening with the light shining off them, filled with kindness as he held his hands in an open gesture.

‘Pup, your faith is what is going to be needed for the coming days. Don’t let this moment, and what you feel right now disappear.’ I hadn’t even noticed when #Sam came to sand in the doorway again. His hair mustered, no shirt, only wearing cut out shorts.

If all I found my voice again, addressing Collin. “We do have time. This isn’t the end of the story, it’s the beginning. You promised me an adventure, and you’re giving me one.”

‘I knew I’d like this one.’ The big guy muttered behind me, making #Leah chuckled a cough. I didn’t know if #Edward spoke of me or Collin. Really it didn’t matter. I knew I would like this man stood in front of me, and that’s all I cared about now.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart crashed against my ribs when I heard Harper’s reaction to what I said, And I wanted to pull her close and tell her I would always have her back. It was the truth… but I owed her honesty as well as support, so I had to tell her how I felt about her handling a  potentially deadly substance like vampire venom… I could tell she was feeling a little self-conscious, actually now that I looked around the room; I was too. Everyone was looking at either both or one of us. I swallowed hard and decided not to hug her close like we (My wolf  and I) wanted and instead, I set my gaze on Harper and hoped to convey all of my support and faith in her with a smile, giving her a light squeeze where my hands were on her arms, my thumbs brushing affectionately over her borrowed sweater.

I wasn’t shocked #Edward agreed with me, he couldn’t very well suggest Harper handle it and not allow his daughter to do the same, especially when there was a far greater chance, she was immune and zero chance that Harper was.

“You’ll talk her through it though, won’t you? I mean I hope it never happens  but…” I started and #Edward read my mind. What if something like this happened again and the #Cullens weren’t close by? I hated it but it may be our only option someday.

‘Of course, we’ll teach her everything we know and learn a lot of things we don’t yet. We can never really know what the future holds… We must all be as prepared as possible.”

“#Sam!” I smiled; my attention redirected immediately. Sam was back… the relief I felt was only overshadowed by the fact that Harper was by my side. I had always admired #Sam, I even chose him over  my own cousin.… but I couldn’t remember the last time I had been so glad to see him. “Your back.”

‘I wasn’t going to leave you all at the mercy of this one without backup.’ He teased and jerked his chin towards #Leah. ‘Has she tried to escape yet?’

‘Nah.’ It was #Embry who answered or… lied (kind of), no longer obstructing #Emmett now that the talk of handled vampire venom had been diverted from the imprints. ‘She’s been a model patient.’

I was flushing at #Emmett's words despite the fact he was clearly talking about Harper.

‘Perhaps we should all focus back on the patient.” #Bella said, her voice was shockingly smooth, and her brows pulled together. I had a vividly clear memory of a V appearing there when she made that expression, that wasn’t there anymore… No… It was… I looked around and found #Jake. It  was a memory from Jake’s mind. Then My eyes moved to Edward who was reading my mind.

Well, this was awkward. Luckily #Bella had continued  ‘#Edward, what do you need for the venom extraction?’

❁ Harper ❁

I could kiss #BellaCullen the moment she diverted everyone’s attention back to #Leah and the situation of her care, all eyes which begun to weigh on me moved away.

I stood there with Collin’s hands on my arms. My borrowed clothes, and messy hair in tow. I didn’t really  consider the way I must look, in my day-to-day life, when you’ve been working for the number of hours I did, it all just seemed unnecessary and unimportant. And today was no different.

‘I have the tray set up; I knew we’d need to have some bloods ready to go for when Carlisle arrives.’ #Edward was already stood across the room. Leaving me and #Kenzi astonishingly quiet taking it in.

#Emmett must have noted, because he smiled to me, and then his eyes moved so I knew #Kenzi got the same too. A little comfort, a lot of cheek, and  some reassurance.

‘That’s why I am here. Rose told the pups to let us know that Esme and Carlisle will be landing in a few hours. They are still picking up scents. The human element is causing some confusion.’ #Sam spoke freely, no whispers of hidden conversations. He wanted everyone to hear.

Now when I took the man in, I felt the leadership in him. The conditions of meeting him weren’t ideal, so getting to know him by his ethics and protection of those around him gave great insight into the person himself. I couldn’t help some part of me shaking, trying to understand the intensity of what we were now living. It was when I felt a soft hand slip into mine, did I turn to see #Kenzi holding it. Her small frame half turned into #Seth, and half into me. With Collin on my other side.

“It’s okay.” I told her. “This too shall pass.” Smiling and winking at her. It got the correct response from my sister.

‘Okay Tom Hanks. If you believe. I too will believe it.’ I squeezed her hand.

‘Harper?’ The delicate voice of #Edward beckoning me forward.

‘Would you like to see how we find it most effective to take blood from the pack?’

“Yes, of course. Thank you.” But then I stopped.

Glancing at #Seth and #Kenzi, asking her if she was okay with me doing this. She let my hand go nodding. Then I turned back to Collin.

“I promise to be safe, and not to do anything Edward isn’t happy for me to do.” Trying to give him some reinsurances.

#Kenzi knew me, she knew how I got in my head until I had my mind around a problem. I needed to resolve it. However, Collin and I were catapulted past that getting to know you phase when it came to things like this.

This would all be a learning experience for the two of us. For me to learn his way around situations too.

❁ Collin ❁

The speed with which the vampires moved unnerved me when I was on two legs… So, I knew that it had to freak Harper out a lot… #Kenzi too, she was used to life with a wolf but not vampires. #Sam confirmed that there was a human with the vampire. I made a mental note to tell Harper to be careful with strangers… which would be hard because her job required her to make house calls and see people all day.

I wasn't used to being disconnected from the hive mind… I was never the wolf with a human in the firing line… I was always where the pups are  now. So getting the information like this still felt like I was missing out on much of it. But one look at #Harper… and I knew there was nowhere else I could possibly be right now.

When Edward offered to show her how they took blood samples from us my heart raced and that alone was enough to tell me that it couldn’t be me. My body was going crazy when without all of the added anxiety. But #Harper’s words soothed me. She told me everything that I needed to hear. “I know you will, sweetheart.” I squeezed her arm gently once more. “I’m going to keep out of your way and let all you science nerds do your thing… but I’m not going anywhere. I will be right here, okay?”

‘That's your cue #Call.’ I heard #Jake says. But he exchanged looks with both #Sam and #Jake. It was like he was waiting for one of them to take his place as #Leah’s sentry.

‘I don’t need a bodyguard.’ #Leah rolled her eyes.

‘No… but you do need someone to….’ #Embry rethought what he was about to say. ‘Encourage you to follow the Doctor’s orders.’ I smirked… he had a point.

‘He isn’t wrong.’ Emmett said to #Leah.

And #Jake took #Embry’s place with a long exhale.

I kissed #Harper’s cheek quickly and whispered. “Go be a genius, I’m here if you need me.” Then I let go of her but didn’t step away.

Then #Embry stood next to us and rubbed his hands together. ‘Okay… where do you want me?’

#Edward pointed to a seat that belonged in a doctor's office and asked him to sit down.

❁ Harper ❁

Emotions, sentiments, all combined with the invisible draw in my chest once again. I didn’t know words had the power to make you feel flutters in your tummy, the way Collin’s words did. 

‘Sweetheart’.

One word.

Said with care and earnestness leaving nothing to question  about its intention or meaning. Even when you were surrounded by fear and concern for the health of a loved one. And #Leah was loved by those who stood in this room.

From the way #Kenzi’s eyes were on her sister-in-law to be, to #Emmett, and #Embry standing watch. To #Ness and her parents hovering and helping, to #Jake stepping up to stand watch over her now too. However, for me. I needed to push my personal emotions aside, they weren’t to distract me from what I had to do.

Excusing myself from where I stood with #Kenzi, #Seth, and Collin, I crossed the room to sanitize my hands. Slipping on the gloves offered to me by #Edward. There was a thickness to the air in the room, and sure a part of me knew this mostly came from me and my anxiety about what needed to be done.

“How may I help?” I asked in a calm manner, ready to learn. My gaze falling on the tall man sitting himself down before us while rubbing his hands together.

‘For now, watch. Take it in, and then ask all the questions to your heart’s desire.’ #Edward set the tray down with his amber eyes on  #Embry  too. ‘Ready?’

‘You know, I was born ready. Let’s do this.’ He replied without even stopping to think. I wished I had a small percentage of his confidence.

#Embry’s smile influenced in a warm way. I couldn’t help but notice the way he had understood what was needed here and why. Without questioning, he stepped up and did it with no uncertainties.

I couldn’t help myself, as much as I knew I had to push everything out of my mind, I was only human. Turning my head just enough to see Collin’s shadow and frame still stood where I left him. Shaking myself back into what I needed to accomplish.

I came to stand beside #Edward who worked as a maestro. I could tell he was slowing down, explaining each step to Embry and I, before he actioned it.

‘The most common syringe type you may know  to us for humans is 20- gauge. However, that won’t work here with the strength in the wolves…’ #Edward was cut off by #Leah’s voice.

‘Spirit Warriors!’ She growled making the vampire doctor chuckle.

‘As I was saying... the 20g needles will not work on the… Spirit Warriors.’ Giving #Leah a ‘Are you happy?’ look. From the way she turned her eyes back to the man in the chair, I guessed #Edwards too was happy to continue. ‘With the warriors Carlisle has found the 3/4-inch x 38gs.’

#Emmett snorted a chuckle. ‘Same as  you would use on a Rhino.’

#Edward gave his brother a look, and then went back to taking blood from #Embry’s arm. ‘Do you know the Push and Pull technique?’ he asked, and I nodded.

“Yes, it’s a technique we use too. It ensures an increased to the pre-sample blood volume. Equivalent to three times the volume of the dead space in the catheter. By pushing and pulling the syringe it reinfused into the patient. This process is repeated a few times. A maximum of five to be exact.”

This was the easy part for me. Science, theory, knowledge. This I knew.

‘Yes. Good. Exactly. Taking what you know into account, now we add the fact that the Warrior’s healing process is expeditious. So…’

“By Pushing and pulling, we ensure that the flow of blood is continuous.” I finished for him, making him smile and nod.

‘You’re a quick learner Doctor Jenkins.’

He smiled while taking four vials full before removing the needle.

‘Thank you, Embry. This should do for now.’

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her closely as she drove in to help. I couldn’t help but be nervous… but so far all they were doing was taking Embry’s blood, which was completely safe. When Edward started the talk about the needle they used on the pack it made me think that Harper probably had an  advantage there… they were using a veterinary standard needle after all. I caught #Embry’s eyes as Harper leaned close to see what #Edward was doing. He gave me a reassuring smile; it comforted me knowing she was close to another Warrior. No matter what pack you belonged to protecting the imprints was every pack member's first instinct.

We all had a little laugh at #Leah’s correction. Most of us were okay with Wolves, Spirit Warriors, Protectors, or whatever word was used to describe us… as long as it wasn’t gang or troublemaker .

‘Rhino?’ #Embry’s eyebrow vanished under his mop of hair that was clearly the worst for wear after the long night before. ‘There are worse animals I’ve been compared to.’ He joked… of course he did… It was kind of his thing.

I saw #Emmett wrinkles up his nose at the scent of the blood. Our blood must smell worse than we did to them… The vampire wasn’t being rude, He’d been here with pack members all night but the potency of the blood… then another idea occurred to me.

“Hey… #Emmett…” My attention on him while Edward worked. “Our blood… smells worse to you than we do, right?”

‘Yeah... It’s more… concentrated, intense. Why?’ He asked.

I turned to #Sam. “I don’t think it’s just the human element confusing the scent… that vampire would have been covered in #Leah’s blood…”

‘That’s a good point…’ #Sam looked proud.

‘We need to send Rose and the pack anything with Leah’s blood on it, so they track that scent.’ Jake said... ‘Wait… she wasn’t wearing anything. She was in wolf form.’

“No, but Harper was covered in Leah’s blood by the time we got there,” I explained and then continued… “But that's not all… Leah’s wound was deep… do we know what happens to vampires that ingest our blood? If their venom doesn’t turn us… what does our blood do to them?”

#Nessie's Attention shifted between #Edward’s lesson and us.

‘He could be sick…. Or even dying.’

‘That’s just one more theory we can’t test though.’ #Jacob said. ‘It’s great thinking kid, especially about the scent. But we can’t feed a vampire some of our blood to see what might happen.’

He was right of course. It was just a theory and a one that was untestable.

‘We can’t test it… but... it opens up more search areas… If I was compromised like that I wouldn’t be hunting. I would hold somewhere away from humans, so I didn’t run into any other vampires on the hunt.’ #Emmett said, looking towards  #Edward.

‘I’ll call Rose and have them change up the search pattern.’ Emmett pulled out a cell phone and headed to the door.

The doctors were finished with Embry… and he stood up. ‘No problem… It’s not like you can put a needle in any of these other guys without their  other halves getting anxious.’

❁ Harper ❁

The theories being presented weren’t difficult to follow, I could see the difference between the two ways we had planned to test, and the new path coming to light by Collin.

What, however, did cause a barrier for me is the possibility of being unable to prove or disprove the hypothesis. I couldn’t follow the evidence as I did not have any to see.

While the others spoke, I continued to watch #Edward and #Emmett. The first being a true professional in his works, and the latter trying his best not to react.

Scent… something Emmett mentioned before too, but I’d distinguished no such thing. Of course, I wasn’t going around sniffing all the men. However, Collin… falling asleep in his arms… his aroma had been divine. It felt like home. As though there were better fragrance in this world for me.

So, what could the vampire sense? Another question to add to my ever-growing collection.

When we were done, I took the tray with the blood samples to the lab area set up, as #Edward turned his attention to the patient.

‘Leah, would it be okay if I took a fresh sample from you?’ She agreed. Of course she did. And I had acted without being asked. Returning to their side with a fresh tray with needles ready to go.

“I know I shouldn’t…” I started. Because I knew what #Embry said about doing this to Collin would break me.

Even the slightest thought of causing him pain. It made my stomach drop, and I felt nauseous.

‘You wanna go, huh? Sure, go ahead.’ #Leah finished lifting her arm towards me.

#Edward paused for a moment, he looked around and then nodded. ‘It’s going to feel hard to  penetrate the first derma layer. Just do not stop, keep going.’

“Like thick skinned ani….” I couldn’t finish the sentence. To me calling someone an animal wasn’t derogatory. However, I recalled Collin asking me if I thought he was a monster. And I just….

‘Yes, correct.’ He must have seen or heard my mind working, because he didn’t need me to speak my thoughts out. ‘I am here every step of the way.’

#Leah’s dull eyes found mine. ‘I have faith in you Harper. You so got this.’

As I began the procedure, I could hear  the conversation taking place. The need for my clothes, this name Rose, coming up again. And then I felt him before I saw him. #Embry was taking his place beside #Leah. But he wasn’t really there too.

#Leah closed her eyes, no discomfort whatsoever evident as I pulled three samples from her.

‘Perfect! You’re a natural’ #Edward’s voice was cool and collected. ‘Now, let’s allow Leah to rest.’ His wife was beside the bed as we moved away.

“Now, for the venom?” I asked the just like that. The sounds of voices around me went quiet, and I could feel all the eyes on my back. “I’m not going to touch it. I promise.” I said quickly.

❁ Collin ❁

They moved over towards #Leah. I stayed close, but still out of the way. Then Embry asked. ‘Should we really be taking more blood if you needed to give her a transfusion?’

‘The rate you all replace your blood volume it wouldn’t be a problem. Leah’s Blood pressure is levelling out, it’s a sign she’s replenished any blood she’s lost; between her own healing and the transfusion.’ Edward explained.

I could see no trace of the pinprick on #Embry’s arm already. As he passed #Kenzi I saw her reach out and run a finger over the spot where the blood had  been drawn. She pulled back fast and blushed. ‘Sorry, it still fascinates me. How fast you guys... and girl heal.’

#Embry smiled at her. ‘It’s fine… I can show you something cooler if the Docs wanna lend me a scalpel.’

“No!” Several voices in the room said, all at once. Mine and #Leah’s among them.

‘Stop trying to outshine me will you and go eat something?’ Leah told him and he grabbed a huge croissant off the tray of food and took his post again. Saying he was just fine where he was.

But I did take a slice of what looked like thick, toasted nut bread. I smeared it with a little honey and took a massive bite. I instantly tasted the avocado and made a satisfying sound. “Wow…” I was shocked. “This is incredible.”

‘Thank you.’ Edward smiled, after he coached #Bella through the extraction of the blood sample. ‘I’ll give you the recipe if you like… You like to bake, don’t you?’ I was stunned… He baked? But he couldn’t eat? How was this possible? He chuckled. Presumably at my thoughts

Heart rates all around the room increased, when talk to turned to venom… at least for anyone with a heart rate. I took a deep breath… glad I had finished that slice of toast because I suddenly didn’t feel like eating again.

‘That’s my cue…’ #Emmett was back, he took the seat #Call had vacated. He flopped into the chair and made a metal clanging that shook the instrument on the tray next to it, causing an echo around the room.

‘Please try not to break the equipment brother.’ #Edward scolded but he was half grinning. Sometimes I forgot he was frozen at seventeen and occasionally it showed, mostly with this particular brother… although for the most part, he was very mature and serious.

‘So, contrary to popular belief vampire venom isn’t produced in our fangs.’ #Edward continued. And Emmet sat back as Edward pressed a pedal on the floor that lay the chair back; like one in the dentist's  office. The biggest Cullen opened his mouth. As you can see our teeth resemble a human’s since we are frozen at the time of our change. But they are infinitely sharper and harder than a human. The venom, we believe is produced in what was formerly the salivary glands. But we cannot confirm this as X-rays won’t penetrate our skin. But we do know venom enters the mouth through the parotid ducts in the back of the mouth and the submandibular duct underneath the tongue…’

My head spun from the words he was using… I wasn’t sure we learned this stuff in Biology class in school. But I knew Harper was following every word.

❁ Harper ❁

“It’s like an Amphibian worm. They hold their venom in their mouth and saliva too.” Thinking out loud.

‘Ha! I maybe a rhino, but you’re a worm.’ #Embry said in jest to #Emmett.

“But it’s Extraordinary!” The word slipped free as I bent over the two brothers watching with enthusiasm. Once again astonished at how Edward’s hands moved with precise precision.

‘Oh, you’ve seen nothing yet doc. I have so much more to give’ the giant winked.

A growl came from the woman in the bed. ‘Keep it up Em, and I won’t stop the pup from ripping a  chunk of you.’ #Leah still had an air of ‘don’t mess with me.’ About her.

‘What? She said it. Not me.’ He teased his friend.

‘Brother!’ #Edward chastised. ‘Mouth open, no words. I’m trying to show Dr Jenkins here something extraordinary.’ He was teasing too.

The way these people all spoke, acted from one moment to the next, would give a girl whiplash. However, I found myself looking back to #Kenzi. She had a look on her face I knew I shared with her. This was all… Extraordinary! (I had to stop using this word!)

‘Harper.’ It was #Seth this time. ‘Could I please ask you to take a step back as Ed extracts to venom.’ He quickly added. ‘I’m hundred percent certain it will be done with perfection…’

‘I understand Seth. If it were Bella in her human life, or Nessie  now I would react in the same way.’ The young doctor gave me a smile.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to get so close.”

Clasping my hands i wanted to touch them and their skin, to understand what X-rays would r Ben able to penetrate them? However; it would be rude. So, taking a few steps back, realising how close I had been.

‘Harper has always been hands on. She learns the best by watching and doing. Ever since we were kids.’ The warm smile #Kenzi gave me showed, we were both thinking of our childhood at the same time.

“Yeah. I need to learn to slow down.” The feel of a blush creeping up into my cheeks had me searching out Collin. Smiling when I saw him.

Behind him I noticed a shadow looming in the door, tilting my head to the side for a better look. I saw her.

#Sue stood clasping a tray in her hands full of cups. Her eyes taking in the view in front of her. Her eyes were rimed with red, and she chewed on her lips. Her gaze met someone behind me, and when he turned to leave without saying anything. I knew it must have been her daughter.

‘I’ll go.’ #Kenzi had caught my eyes and see the exchange too. She kissed #Seth’s cheek before extricating her hand from his. Rushing out of the room after her mother-in-law to be.

❁ Collin ❁

I couldn’t help but smirk at #Embry, this man had zero concept of comedic timing… but he sure knew how to cut through tension with highly inappropriate humour. I didn’t know if it was #Emmett’s word or the wink that had my shoulders squaring and my chest expanding. But #Sam’s hand was instantly on my shoulder, reeling it all back in.

#Leah’s words too… By the Spirits was it this difficult for everyone? Basic self-control… I had been in the guy's head… but I never imagined it was like this.

‘Don’t worry Collin.’ #Edward said, not looking away  from his task once. ‘You are far better at regulating your emotions than… oh… say… Your cousin over there.’ He’d read my thoughts again… I supposed he couldn’t really help it.

#Jacob laughed and shrugged. ‘I wish I could argue the point… but… he speaks the truth.’ And honestly… it helped.

“In that case… maybe it’s time to stop calling me Pup?” I tested the room.

“Never.” Every wolf in the room said in unison.

I rolled my eyes… #Sam patted my shoulder and chuckled. ‘Nice try, Pup.’

I had been slowly inching closer to Harper without  realising. But then, #Seth asked Harper to move back… and I released a breath of tension. There was no way I could have survived the last twelve hours without my brothers… Spirits had it really only been that long? Closer to sixteen maybe? But either way…

I moved closer to her when she looked for me in the room and I was done standing back. I stepped up behind her. I wanted to put my arm around her, but I didn’t want to hold her back from accomplishing her goals here. So I leaned in and whispered in that tone that I knew all the wolves would  know meant it was private. “No, sweetheart… we need to learn to catch up.” I meant it too… no matter how I wanted to take her away from this substance that could cause me to lose her.

I witnessed #Sue’s entry… she looked so tired… And who could blame her? Then she was gone again and #Kenzi went after her. #Edward stepped away from #Emmett with a metal and glass syringe that looked like it belonged in a sci-fi movie.

‘We could give her something to help her rest.’ #Edward said looking from #Seth to #Leah.

‘She wouldn’t take it.’ #Seth  said shaking his head. ‘But thank you.’ And #Edward gave a look that suggested maybe he could do it anyway.

‘Well, just let us know… Perhaps Carlisle can convince her to sleep when he arrives. He has a far superior bedside manner to me.’ He was taking the sample to the counter. There was a microscope and a large monitor set up there… along with everything else you needed to start a career as a mad scientist. #Edward chuckled and I blushed. Bloody mind reader!

❁ Harper ❁

‘Go…’ #Leah wasn’t speaking to me, I noticed how divided #Seth looked when his gaze found his sister. ‘Tell her I’m fine. This is nothing. The spirits are watching over me.’

He crossed the room to kiss his sister on the forehead. But stopped when he was close, then I could see his eyes on her again. He whispered something, before finishing off his reason for being next to her.  They both closed their eyes before she told him to get his arse moving, and his tall, muscular frame run out of the room.

I stepped back into the warm embrace of my boyfriend. The feel of his chest against my back comforting and welcoming.

“You will never have any problems catching up.” I whispered. Because he had given me faith to hold onto. Trust to grow together, and kindness like I hadn’t felt from a partner before. “It’s a partnership, we won’t be leaving anything behind.” And I truly believed.

I heard a ‘Aww…’ and then a shift. Followed by; ‘sorry… sorry… I didn’t mean to listen.’ The sweet voice I knew belonged to #Nessie. However, I didn’t look to confirm my suspicions.

‘It’s okay darling. We all know you didn’t.’ This time I saw #Jacob draws her into his arms and kiss her temple.

#Edward clearly wanted to pull us all back on track. ‘Doctor Jenkins…’ he started.

“Please, call me Harper.” Certain I’d asked him before to use my given name.

‘Of course, Harper.’ Motioning towards the monitor. ‘Feel free to watch the screen here. If You can see here, I’m about to add a sample of Embry’s blood first.’

I could see the action he was taking underneath the statoscope a a few drops of saline solution.

“Is it okay for me to step closer to the screen?” I asked. He nodded his head.

‘Yes, of course.’ So, I did. This time my hand now free of gloves laced into Collin’s asking him to come with me.

I stood watching the screen at the images became clear. The room fell silent, until I brought it.

“Oh… wow.” My eyes were glued as he adjusted the scop from 40 x mag all the way to 1000 x. “That’s not what is expected to see at all.”

‘What do you mean?’ #Jacob questioned.

‘What D… Miss Harper is shocked to see here is the fact that venom in normal blood cells begins to clot. Thicken so that it stops moving, causing the persons to die.’ #Edward explains.

“And that was the first reaction. The venom hit the red blood cells and then began to come together, however then. When the white blood cells began to fight back, the opposite reaction started. To the point that the cells began sink, deform and eventually broke apart….”

‘And then they should begin to regenerate. But that will take time with their healing.’ He finished off.

“And that is what is happening with Leah now? But it’s taking longer? Longer than you all thought?”

‘Yes… it is taking longer.’

❁ Collin ❁

I watched #Seth go to comfort his Mom… It might have been the first time in my life I knew how #Leah was feeling. How many times in my life had I watched my mother leave a room to gather herself? Or so I wouldn’t see her cry? I smiled at the beta of the Black Pack and said, “Don’t worry… as soon as you're well; she’ll go right back to giving you a hard time. It's like a Mom thing, they just reset after each crisis so they are ready for the next one.”

Feeling Harper close again was exactly what I needed after seeing an Auntie so upset. I  chuckled at Nessie… it was impossible to be upset with her. “You’re showing your age again, #Nessie.” She stuck her tongue out and grinned. Even a vampire hybrid couldn’t learn all the human social cues you needed in ten years… advanced algebra though… that she could  handle. “Go be a nerd,” I whispered to Harper when #Edward called to her. Kissing her cheek, preparing to let her step away.

I had never been someone that liked public displays of affection… not that it bothered me when others did it… I was surrounded by deliriously happy couples all my life. It just never felt right for me to personally initiate… but apparently… things changed. There was no analysis needed… no overwrought processing, we just… matched. Always seeming to meet effortlessly in the middle.

But her fingers slipped between mine before she stepped away and I smiled… Spirits, was it wrong to smile this much when #Leah was so sick and #Sue was upset somewhere in this house? I didn’t search them out… allowing as much privacy for the mother and son as a Spirit Warrior could. I went with her; keeping my hand in hers as they showed images that looked like they were from one of Mom's medical dramas that always made her cry.

The way Edward and Harper spoke was far too familiar to me. “There are drugs you can use… for that isn’t there? To increase her white cell, count and prevent clotting… would they work on a Warrior.” Learning my lesson not to say wolf in front of Leah. I knew it was true for the white blood cells… I had been there far too many times.

‘Shouldn’t we be careful with drugs… Look at how the venom reacted to the morphine we gave #Bella… we have no idea how it could react to something else.’ #Emmett was back at his post by #Leah, I shook my head noticing Embry had eaten half a tray of breakfast pastries after his croissant.

❁ Harper ❁

‘I know, pup. The Kid has it in hand.’ Leah’s eyes were still on the open door.

Listening to Collin, reminded me of his childhood, the medical impact to his body, and i acknowledged for him to know this information. He had to have taken in the conversations taking place around him at the time. I didn’t feel sorry for him, however I squeezed his hand in mine. Because the thought of him being in pain. It broke my heart.

My gazed moved over those who spoke, confused as to what they meant with regards to Bella and her needing Morphine. She must have seen it on my face because the Auburn-haired beauty came to stand beside us.

‘I was human when Edward and I conceived Renesmee.’ She summarised the changes she underwent for the life she felt she was meant to live. From the way Edward stiffened, and Emmett  stepped forwards towards his brother, and even Jacob’s stance changed. There was a lot more to the story that the girl shared.

“Okay… so no testing medications on Leah until we are fully aware of the side effects she could undergo.” It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. Right?

‘We need to understand it’s a good recommendation from Collin to try, and the medicine he is speaking of wouldn’t inhibit Leah in the same ways the morphine did for Bella.’ #Edward’s Amber gaze moved from the screen to #Leah.

‘It’s your call.’

Emmett and Embry both scoffed at the same time. Embry stopped chewing whatever he had bitten into. Both turning their eyes to Leah in synchronicity.

‘I think the pup makes a good point. Also, when are we next going to have the opportunity to test something like this out?’ Her gaze moved to Collin, giving him a look that seemed to speak volumes without a word being uttered.

❁ Collin ❁

When Bella explained her situation to Harper, I remembered how much I still had to explain to her. But when #Edward turned to #Leah and told her it was her choice I panicked a little… only on the inside. I mean yes it was my idea but #Emmett had a point. Wasn’t that why we said things out; loud to discuss them… to see how viable they were, talk about the consequences? But before I could say anything #Embry spoke.

‘Wait… stop… Think… ’ He was speaking to #Leah. ‘I hate to admit it… but the big guy has a point. We have no idea how the venom will react to this stuff… You’re already wounded.’

‘We can start off, with very small doses and watch closely for reactions.’ Edward said. ‘But only if #Leah consents.’

‘Fine… if it’s that easy then do it to me.’ #Embry added as though he was offering something as simple as a blood sample.

Edward shook his head. ‘No I’m sorry… we can’t…’

#Jake stepped forward and asked. “What in the name of the Spirits is this meathead thinking?”

‘He’s thinking that Edward doses him with venom and tests the drugs on him. And it’s not happening.’ #Leah said like she was the mind reader. Like she was the Alpha.

‘Not happening you bloody idiot.’ #Jake said.

‘#Jake… it makes sense.  I’m the only one here without an imprint that would suffer too, and maybe you all haven’t noticed, but I haven’t been ripped open and stitched back  together recently.’ I hated to admit it but he had a point… Not that I was agreeing with him. That was obviously not his best idea, even if the theory seemed solid… well semi-solid… maybe.

‘Fine…’ #Sam said and I could tell by the look on his face he was in that mentor  mode of his. ‘Let’s get #Brady back here then… or any of the pups.’ He was calling #Embry’s bluff.

#Embry seemed to know that the argument was over. ‘That’s not the same thing and you know it.’ But his argument couldn’t hold up if he wasn’t willing to allow any of the others to try the same thing.

‘Can’t you test the drugs on the samples and see what happens?’ #Jake asked.

‘We could but that would only give us a read on initial reactions… as it spreads through her system the interaction with the venom and the drug would be vastly  whispered. “We can’t break an Alpha’s order, no matter how badly we might want to, there’s no way around it.” But hadn’t I done it? Or at least stretched it.

❁ Harper ❁

My head moved back and forth like a tennis ball in a volley. The conversation took a turn which felt uncomfortable and awkward for an outsider like myself to be witnessing.

I couldn’t pick up on any malice or pride between those speaking. Just worry and concern for a friend. Except however, for the thunderous look #Leah gave in the direction of #Embry. Unsure if anyone else has noticed the way she stiffened, her hands fisted the blanket covering her, followed by her attempt to get out of bed.

The only one who had seen kept his eyes on the men talking but placed a calming hand on her shoulder moving her back towards the bed to lay down. And then #Emmett dropped the hand away as if it hadn’t been there at all.

Collin’s explanation did not compute. They couldn’t break their Alpha’s order? In the animal world. breaking the rules, or disrespecting the alpha would have consequences, such as being shunned from the pack, or even banishment. Would it be the same here with them?

Before I could think any better of it, my lips parted.

“I think we all need to take a step back.” All eyes turned in unison towards me. In any other situation I would go in fighting. I wouldn’t let them all scare me. I knew what I was doing… well…. In my world I did at least. But the logic would be the same right?

“How about we don’t use anyone as a test subject  just now.” Pointing to #Embry. “As kind as the offer is, it’s not what we need for the person who is in that bed.” I turned to #Leah, #Edward and then to #Ness. Speaking to the latter first. “Please could you begin searching your grandfathers archives? You said he had information in there which could help us while we wait for him to arrive?”

Then I turned to #Edward. “I know I’m the outsider here, and the only none-fairytale, magical person…. However, coming from a scientifical standpoint. We are taught to test before actioning. So, doesn’t it make sense to test the samples we have extracted for the preliminary results. Giving us a slight indication of what we could expect to begin with?”

Frowning at all or nothing approach they seem to want. “I know I’m only human. And maybe this is why I need to say it… If things go wrong. The outcome is death. And I for one am not willing to pay this price. Not for anyone who is under my care!”

My breathing was out of control, as though I’d been running a marathon. Because I didn’t stop to take in air to my lungs while I told them all to back off in my own way.

❁ Collin ❁

I held onto Harper as the exchange happened, my free arm moving around her, my thumb brushing the back of her hand reassuringly. But as soon as Harper spoke I felt a pride swell, not that she had spoken up, I never doubted she would, she was just taking in everything they  said… but at how they all stopped and paid attention. The respect they had shown her.

She was getting more and more assertive with every single word and… By the Spirits! No, no, no… I was almost as breathless as she was by the time she was done. That was… My mouth went dry…

‘Yes, I think this has taken a rather drastic tangent… We should regroup...’ #Edward cleared his throat, which had to mean something that I couldn’t figure out right now because vampires didn’t need to clear their throats. ‘𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 and come at this from a new angle. Ness will search the computer.’

I barely heard what he said because all my focus was on keeping myself from spinning Harper around and kissing her right here in a room full of people… including her current patient.

‘Pup… Harper… Why don’t you two grab a little fresh air?… you’ve not gotten outside since we got here.’ #Embry’s words were very pointed, and I swear I could feel his eyes on me, but the only way to confirm that was the take my eyes off her… and that was not an option.

‘Collin.’ #Sam’s voice broke through… ‘Take a break, we’ll call you both back if you’re needed.’

I leaned in close to Harper and whispered. “Will you come with me, sweetheart?” Damn… my voice had never sounded like that before… Oh hell… she smelled good. Did she always smell like that? “Just for a moment… Please.” What the… what was that tone… like a current running through the words. This was… new.

❁ Harper ❁

At first it felt as though my words were breaking through to those gathered, however soon I began to feel as though they were dismissing me. Frowning I wanted to step forward to demand they not play with Leah’s life in this manner. That we needed more than just regrouping. Tell them Their dismissal of my sound option couldn’t be brushed under the rug without further consideration. However, it wasn’t me they were aiming their comments towards when asking Collin and I to leave.

His hand rested over mine before me, I had felt this light touch of his thumb telling me that I wasn’t standing here in this room alone. I could gage the fact that Collin had been here for me no matter what the outcome would be. Giving me the overwhelming impression of true partnership.

I half turned my head hearing Collin’s voice in my ear, the burning gazes of the others in the room, and the way #Sam finally asked us to leave.

Had I over stepped?

Hadn’t they asked for my help?

Didn’t they want me to give my opinion? Did my lack of understanding of the world here make me a liability?

To an extent, yes. I guessed it did. However, my thoughts all came crashing to a stop when he called me, ‘Sweetheart’. That word shouldn’t cause my tummy to fill with butterflies right now when someone needed our help, and still, it did.

“Of… course… of course I will come with you.” It wasn’t even a question. #Leah was stable, we had no clear plan for next steps. Right now, it was a waiting game until there was some data to analyse. Most of all, I could feel his need to leave somehow too.

Shifting myself to turn around fully in his arms to face him, I couldn’t explain the look he gave me. It was intense, and brooding, and… Well… I was about to find out, I guessed.

“After you?” As I had no way of knowing where we were to go for said ‘Fresh Air.’

❁ Collin ❁

I kept her hand in mine, and I led her out of the room… I knew I owed her an explanation… but in front of all these people? Where could they all still hear us? No, I needed to get her alone and explain. We passed #Seth and #Kenzi.

‘Hey… Where…’ He reached out towards me but  #Kenz pushed his arm down.

‘I recognise that look. Sush.’ She whispered to him, and I heard Seth laugh softly.

As soon as we got outside, I helped Harper into my truck… “I promise I’ll explain everything… just not where they can hear us.”

I hear #Call inside chuckling ‘It’s always the quiet ones.’ And then a slap… followed by a second louder one that made him grunt.

I drove down the long lane leading to the Cullen’s house until I couldn’t hear them anymore. My phone was in my back pocket if we were needed, they would let me know. Trying to keep my mind on the task of just driving. My heart was racing the entire time. And despite the fact that everyone in that room probably knew exactly what I was thinking; my body hadn’t seemed to have realised that, because my skin wasn’t flushing the bright red it normally did.

I didn’t even pull the truck over to the side of the road. I just hopped down, left the door open and sprinted to her side of the truck, all human pretence had left me. But the moment I opened the door, everything slowed down… I had her all to myself now.

“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t do this with all of them watching.” I leaned in and brushed my fingers along her cheek, the arch of her perfect lips and kissed her, holding back my wolf, convinced that she would be freaked out by all of this… She didn’t need me jumping on her like a wild animal.

By the Spirits she smelled so good…

My arms moved around her, and I lifted her out of the truck with ease, holding her body against mine. She felt so good. I deepened the kiss, sweeping my tongue along her lower lip. “Remember.” I breathed into the kiss, setting her on  her feet. “How I told you that imprinting… at first… it's like puberty all over again?” My hand moved to her waist, her hips, up her back and back to her waist again… my mouth was still on hers, with only the slightest tilt of my head.

“Have I ever told you how hot it is that you’re practically as tall as me?…” I laughed and tried to shake that thought away… getting side-tracked wasn’t going to help right now. I rested my forehead against hers and breathed in deeply.

“Apparently… that wasn’t even close to a strong enough description.” One hand came up to cradle her cheek… “Never in my life would I have believed the need to kiss someone this badly could take over my entire mind and body.” I kissed her again. “You… Are… Incredible.” Each word was punctuated with a kiss.

❁ Harper ❁

I did not say a word as Collin took my hand, showing me the way out of the room, and then the house itself. I could feel all the eyes turning to glance anywhere but at us. Even #Kenz and #Seth did not stop us to question where or why we were leaving.

I didn’t even question Collin when I could clearly see that we were heading to his orange truck. Any other day, any other time, and I would have been trying to remember everything about this moment, however… My first ride in Collin’s truck had been marked by the nightmares of the night before.  

Sitting in the passenger seat, I worked my hands in my lap. Trying to gather my thoughts, because when I glanced over to Collin, his features were gravely incensed. Had what I articulated in the room to the others, been so out of line? I thought about apologising,  However, I hadn’t said anything that were not facts and the truth. So, why would they expect me to? But… It was Collin. This kind man who had cared for me and shown me respect and even stood by me. If saying sorry to those who he loved, would help… I could do it….

I wasn’t sure how far we had driven when he stopped. I turned to face him, however before I could say anything he was gone. The driver side door left wide open! Following his progress around the truck, I felt my heart trying to leap out of my chest. Nerves becoming unbearably high. I couldn’t explain the experience of these mixed emotions flooding all in the moment.

Not fearful, no. I felt safe in his presence, there was something else charging the atmosphere here however I couldn’t place it.  

All these thoughts were beginning to take over, and then…. He pulled my door open. Before I could say anything at all, Collin stepped into my side, holding me to him and kissed me, pulling me free from the seat!!!

Pure molten laver poured from my core pulsing with electricity, up to my stomach, through my chest, up my neck, and over my cheeks and ears! I lost the power to stand, all of a sudden grateful for the arms he placed around my body to hold me close. Because the jelly like sensation in my legs told me, that if Collin hadn’t held me, I would require help to be lifted from the ground!

My hands wrapped themselves around Collin’s neck holding myself upright in front of him. I wasn’t aware of the world surrounding us right now. All I saw and felt, were the high levels of the heat radiating between him and me. Words were so lost, thoughts absent. His closeness, his lips, his hands consumed me solely.

Our noses crashed together; my glasses pushed into the bridge of my nose making me wince. But he tasted like nothing I had savoured before, the way he kissed me, it wasn’t like any of the sweet kisses we had shared with one another to date. This was… Well…. hallucinatory! Because this couldn’t be real? Or Could it? His words rang from afar however, I had my arms wrapped tightly around him. The chimes ringing in my ears, where identifiable as my trouncing heart.

I moved to cup his face with my hands now, drawing his lips back to mine. Kissing him with enthusiasm like never before. I could not stop myself, I needed more of him, more of this closeness. More… Just More…

My tongue roaming freely over his lips. Tasting my boyfriend, connecting with a part of me I hadn’t even known existed within this body of mine. I felt every bump, groove, and curl of his lips. The nights  growth on his face prickling me until I was out of breath, and my lips began to tingle slightly.  

“Puberty.” Whispering breathlessly. The first word to leave my lips. Attempting to understand where it had  come from, in the first place.

❁ Collin ❁

Her scent deepened, my skin burned… my wolf prowled, urging me forward. Shivers ran through her as she wrapped her arms around me and kissed me back with just as much eagerness.

By the Spirit’s… That scent.

I held her tightly against me… certain that she wouldn’t stay upright if I didn’t. Was that my doing? Was that 𝓌𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓀𝓃𝑒𝑒𝓈 thing real? Not just one of those things you read in books or that people said to make a point. My stomach was swooping with each touch of her lips and her tongue… the taste of her drew up sounds from deep in my chest. She pulled me back to her for more… and it was impossible to deny her. Why would anyone ever stop kissing this woman? I let my tongue sweep in to taste her.

Yup… there it was… the thing with the knees. It only took half a step to the side to  press her against the closed rear passenger door of my truck. It felt like we… my Warrior and I… never needed to modulate our strength for her. I leaned against her, knowing with certainty that we wouldn’t hurt her when we pinned her between me and the truck. The feeling of  her pressed against me set a fire in my veins.

I chuckled breathlessly at the only word she seemed to have grasped. “Definitely not a strong enough word for this.” I listened to the pounding of both of our hearts. “I just couldn’t help it… seeing you take control of that whole room like that… a room full of creatures they make scary movies about and you just…” I drew in a breath and kissed her again. Knowing that she was safely held between me and the truck. I took off her glasses and reached over to set them on the passenger seat through the still-open door. The vibrations of the engine were almost drowned out by our hearts.

“You...” I kissed her again, teasing her top lip with my tongue. “Are… so sexy.” My hand tightened on the waist of her borrowed sweater. “And as much as I enjoy showing off my, sexy… adorable… highly intelligent girlfriend…” I kissed her again, deeply… releasing a sound I was certain I had never made before into her mouth. The kiss was long and slow and made my wolf begs to come to the surface. “This…” I was breathless. “Is only between us.”

❁ Harper ❁

Words? Who was thinking straight enough to find the best way to describe what all this means and how it all came about.

My hands moved down and around his torso as our feet stepped to the side and back. It’s wasn’t until my back met the cold metal of his vehicle that it dawned on me that he had me pinned in.

Our lips moved with a sudden burst of excitement, filling me with even more anticipation of how much I hadn’t expected this to feel so… extraordinary.

When my glasses were removed, I closed my eyes again. There was nothing I wanted more than to see Collin, however, to feel his presence pressed up against me. My feet moved together between his legs with the thrill of feeling his weight press upon me.

“Uhm... help… yourself…” repeating words at random as they made no sense to me, not when the sounds Collin made into my mouth reverberated in my chest! Sending strict message of pleasure to my mind!

My hands fisted up his shirt. Tugging him even close as if it were possible! I parted my lips for him, breathing in his taste, playing with his tongue. Wanting to kiss him like this all day and night.

Then a moment of clarity… and I wondered Why was I burning up? From my curled toes in my boots, to my face… it was all ignited like I was stood before an inferno! Passion came a thought! This had to be what passion felt like with the right person?

Then what he was sharing between those sounds, and kisses I began to understand why he sounded the way he did back at the Cullen house, why he had been trying to get us out of there. Why he didn’t look in my direction until we were here!

“You….” My lips moved to kiss him…

“You weren’t mad or upset with me?” I asked. Pulling him into me again. Biting his bottom lip and tugging on it. “I thought you were going to tell me... you were disappointed in my performance there.” But he thought it was sexy?” Breathlessly I kissed him again, this man was becoming my drug of choice, and I was going to become addicted to him!

❁ Collin ❁

The way her hands moved over my upper body sent a wave of contractions running through each muscle… and made me want to touch her, to pull her closer. But there was no 𝒸𝓁𝑜𝓈𝑒𝓇… there was no space left between us. My hands moved lower; to her hips and my wolf pushed and struggled against my willpower.

I kissed her with every drop of passion and affection I held for her. Her heart quickened and it was music to my ears. I couldn’t comprehend how it could ever be possible to stop kissing her. She bit my lip… and my wolf almost… No, not almost… that was without a doubt a moan… and it was far from soft. She said something…

Words…

She was speaking… ‘Pay attention!’ I told myself, but my whole body was reacting to her now, too. She kissed me again and the scramble in my brain to translate the sounds I heard into words I could understand, slowed down… Not that it mattered because as she pulled me closer the hem of her sweat slipped higher. My fingers brushed against the bare skin just above the waistline of her jeans. All I could think about was all the other places I wanted to kiss her, to feel the softness of her skin. “Harper,” I whispered on her lips, hardly breaking the kiss to do it.

It was the formation of that one word that allowed me to once again comprehend the English language. I pulled back a little, just my face… the rest of me stayed neatly pressed against her. “Mad?” My brows pinched and I thought back… trying and mostly failing to see everything from her point of view. “Spirit’s no…” I kissed her again, nipping at her lip so gently that my wolf protested loudly in my head. “Seeing you stand up for what you thought was best… with Alphas and Spirit Warriors and hundred-year-old Vampires in the room…” The second was more of a tug on her plumped lower lip… making my wolf settle. “And #Leah was intimidating before she ever joined the pack.”

I moved my kissed to her jaw.

“I'm sorry you thought that… I was just trying to keep myself in control until…” My lips trailed down the curve of her neck. Her scent was so strong now. “…We got somewhere… “Damn, you smell so good…” And now my body finally remembered how to feel embarrassed. I tried to continue my sentence like I hadn’t just said that and stammered out. “Th-they couldn’t hear us.”

❁ Harper ❁

The bolt of lightning coursing thought Collin’s touch made my eyes fly open. I couldn’t help the excitement rushing its way over my entire being at the sound I draw forth from within him.

Dropping my head back into the cold metal of his truck, I watched the grey sky above us. My hands remained in place in the fabric of his shirt as I didn’t trust myself from lifting it to feel him as he felt me.

My lips throbbed, the sensation ripping from below my tummy, making my eyes close. Heat bets, pulse drops, explosions of all these what’s and needs all coming to a head together.

My eyes opened hearing my name on his lips. Another wave of blood rushed over filling me with heat and warmth again. How powerful my name sounded when said by Collin. When said  enthralled by passionate touches and kisses.

I could heard him speaking again… Unbelievably I could just about control myself to listen.

My hands moved into his tied by hair, when I hear a soft caress of a whimper…. That had been me? Answering him? His kisses? Those bites! Oh, lord have mercy on me! I wasn’t expecting myself to come apart, however willingly participated too!

“Don’t… please.” I closed my eyes and then opened them, following his lips working their way down over my throat. “Don’t apologise… you did nothing…” and then it connected somewhere. He said I smelled good? As in the shower gel or shampoo I used? Confusion soon forgotten at the understanding.

“You’re…. Turned on… because I … I… spoke up?” Damn this man! He found it sexy that I stood up to his extended family and friends? Not at all the things which had been in my mind…

“Collin!”

Whimpering his name my hands moved over his shoulders fisting the fabric there, because I couldn’t pull him in any closer. There was no space….

Oh!!!!

My eyes opened wide at the sensations of something of his pushed into me. My face burned with the heat  of realising what it was!

❁ Collin ❁

My hand tightened on her hips, the struggle not to grope her was real now. '𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨?' My wolf intoned in the back of my mind. He really wasn’t helping. '𝘞𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴.' Of course, I did… But that didn’t equal consent.

And she had managed to keep her hands… polite up until now… but her fingers in my hair… Spirits. I felt like I could combust. My lips moved against her soft skin. I curled my tongue against her earlobe, testing each and  every reaction of her body, which spots brought out those little noises… and the bigger ones. We… I wanted to learn everything that made her feel good.

All of this also sent me spinning deeper into this haze of, Harper… Harper… “Harper.”

There was nothing in the way she said Don’t… while she pulled me closer and touched my hair, that implied I should stop; so I didn’t. Then it all seemed to dawn on her. With one last nip at her ear, I pulled back to see her face; her wide-eyed expression and… Oh…

I think I turned red from head to toe  now… “Um… Yeah…” Was that a bad thing? “Is that… bad? I… eh… guess that started the spiral I couldn’t really get out of… But… it was…” I struggled for words… and air… Was it hot out here? I’m a Spirit Warrior I should be able to handle the heat! “It was kinda  building… since um… we woke up, really.”

I still hadn’t made any space between us. Should I be making space? My wolf growled a no… I mean it was a little late to hide 𝒾𝓉 from her now. And I had no reason or desire to hide how she made me feel… physically, emotionally… anything.

“But the guys noticed I was… um… struggling so they tried to give us an excuse to slip away.”

❁ Harper ❁

The gasp of pure pleasure freely turned into a moan as his tongue did that thing to my ear! What was it? How did that cause me to feel a growing dampness between my legs?

There was a thrill, a need, a desire to free myself from all the normal of politeness and devour my need  to feel him. Whereas I had to bite my own lips to bring back the sensation he had left there after kissing me. Because he said my name again… and I knew it… I was his for the taking!

“Collin…” his name came out in another moan… My hands moving around his shoulders, up his neck…

But… then… it stopped… he moved his face away from mine…. No… no… no…. Don’t stop I screamed internally! I wanted to keep those feelings alive and wanted to feel him on top of me!

“No….” Shaking my head of my head, with my glasses gone, I couldn’t still see him, but the haze of the light of everything we were feeling make things a little all over the place.

“No… it’s not bad at all… it’s…” trying and failing to find an articular way to explain. And then giving in. “It’s sexy! So sexy when a man loved seeing a woman speak up and shine… green flags…. Nothing but green flags, Collin.”

The fact that his friends could tell this about me, whereas I had missed it all. Said more about me I guessed than them.

My hands moved to his collar and drew him back in. Bringing his nose to nose. I flicked the tip of my tongue to trace his lips.

“I never wanted to you to struggle.”

Kissing his lips I curled my food around his thigh keeping him close to myself. Pushing my hip off the truck and connecting with him and the gift he was keeping up for me. “I didn’t know… I’m sorry…” lips moving to hover over his before I brought mine in kissing him with my all.

❁ Collin ❁

I thought my whole body was going to catch fire when her scent hit me all over again. My wolf couldn’t decide if he wanted to rise up and take control or just enjoy the ride. His mind was as fogged as mine.

She said my name and my knees got that shaky feeling again… not so shaky that I thought they wouldn’t hold me… but still new and strange.

I smiled… Sexy... Green Flags… We could take that. “Good…” My smile had taken over my whole face. “Because this is 𝓃𝑜𝓉 going to be the last time.” She pulled me closer, and it wasn’t a conscious effort to let her. She wanted me closer, and it happened.

I wanted to explain to her that self-control was something we would need to learn together like we were starting at the beginning. But she was hooking her leg around mine and my jeans were suddenly, very, very tight. And that was it, my wolf stretched his influence and my hands moved. I gripped her upper thighs, lifting her, sliding her carefully up along the door to of truck… Avoiding the handle so it didn’t dig into her back. I wrapped her legs around my hips and fixed my stare in those beautiful eyes. “Let me help you out, sweetheart…” I chuckled and kissed her.

Was that… Was I teasing her? The way she pressed herself against me… I knew what she wanted… That was yet another strange feeling… not to be plagued with the doubts of ‘Is this, okay? Is this really what she means? Is it too much? Too soon? Not enough? Too late? How? Why? What if?’… her wants were my wants. And that was all.

Now she had the best seat in the house, and I had no reason to hesitate… I slid my hands from her thighs to her arse and squeezed a little. I groaned on her lips… She was so sexy… perfect. “No more apologies,” I whispered onto her kiss-plumped mouth. Neither of us had anything to be sorry for. “Just kissing.” I brought my lips to hers for the slowest, deepest kiss yet, tasting her tongue, her breath… everything. I never wanted to stop kissing her. My stomach turned over and over, shivers ran through me… moving through my veins until they turned to twitches and throbs.

She felt incredible… the feeling of her wrapped around me… The way her body heat built to match mine. She was a perfect fit… We were a perfect fit. My wolf let out a long, low rumble of pleasure and it took a moment for me to realise that the sound wasn't just in my head.

❁ Harper ❁

That sound he made! Oh… My! Good… Lord! Someone pinch me and tell me I wasn’t dreaming. Because it all felt a little surreal. The way his hands came around to lift me, like I was nothing more than a feather to collect, his touch made every muscle coil in the sweetness way making my legs shake.

Thank goodness he had me pinned otherwise there was no way I would remain in place up here!

The cold metal of his truck gave a sense of relief from the pulsing heat radiating from my skin, and yet I still did not want this to stop.

It took me a while to understand him, to know what we were to each other. However, now it was crystal clear! We were two sides to a coin. We were a flower to a bee… we were…. Harper and Collin… we were met for one another…

The thought came rushing into my mind without any provocation, and I welcomed them. Because in my heart… in my soul… I knew they were true.

“Collin…!” His name came from my lip into his lips. Moaning as he consumed me wholly. My thought belonged to him, my mind was his, my body and now I could see my soul too was his.

My hips curled up once more into him, my jellyfish legs trying to curl my ankles to keep me there. But it was his tongue, his lips, his tastes! I wanted to have it all.

My eyes fluttered open again, my I hand, and my fingers in his hair. This time I managed to find his  hair tie, gently undoing it and pulling it onto my waist. Letting his hair fall open so I could caress it. Curling, stroking, tugging at it I tilted my head. Matching his speed, his want, and my desire to never stop this journey with Collin.

I let out yet another whimpering sound, as my hips curled and moved over his. The sound was of pleasure from the friction caused by what I felt there. Naturally my body repeated the action with the same intensity and reaction again…..

“Collin…. Collin…. Collin…” his name on my lips, in my mind, my heart…. I gasped as a cold gust of wind unleashed the reality of what I was doing and… where!

Gasping again…. I was about to apologise… to say I was sorry… but he has said… no more apologies… “I….” My lips still kissing him, slower and slower… until I  fought myself to rest my forehead to his.

“We...” my heart thundering in my chest cage… my breathing raging for domination over my words.

“We… are on... the side of a road….” I finally managed to say between soft kisses I kept going back for.

Finally managing to open my eyes to look down at him from where he placed me up. I knew if I didn’t say it now… my next instinct would be to lift his shirt up off his back…. Leading to I didn’t know what…

❁ Collin ❁

This heated passion was a part of our bond we hadn’t explored yet. But here we were falling into it, and it was pure magic. She said my name again and my wolf was mindless with pleasure… who was I kidding? We both were. This haze of consuming lust… something I had worried would taint our bond… but it wasn’t, mixed with this passion and affection… it was another string among the dozens that connected us.

By the Spirits, I never wanted this moment to end.

Felt her legs quiver and my hand slipped back to her mid thighs… not because I could better support her there, I could have very easily held her here for hours with one arm. But it would feel more stable for her, she had plenty of time to learn the limits of my strength. The fact that I got a chance to feel up her legs at the same time was a pleasant coincidence.

My hair fell free and her fingers plunged into sending a surge down my spine that had me arching against her with another moan. This, of course, caused an entirely different surge of pleasure. I wanted to devour all of those delicious sounds she made.

I was trying to listen to her… I really was, but until her forehead was pressed to mine her words hadn’t truly processed. Breathing hard, each inhale filling me with her scent; I listened between all of her kisses. My grip tightened slightly on her thighs, fighting the urge the reach up and brush my fingers across her flushed cheek… but wanting her to feel safe and secure would always come first.

“It’s okay, this is all private land… #TheCullens own it, no one comes here but them.” I explained. “No one will be using this road until Dr Cullen and his wife are back. I will hear from anyone long before they get close.” I kissed her again, much softer, much sweeter than the heat and lust of just seconds ago. “I want the whole world to know how I feel about you, Harper,” I whispered. “But I want you to be the only person that sees me like this, and to be the only person who sees you like this.”

I would have never kissed her like this, without absolute surety that we were alone. And certainly not picked her up and pinned her to a vehicle. I don’t believe I had ever envisioned a scenario remotely like this. Then again… I hadn’t envisioned her taking a room full of supernatural creatures to school either and yet here we were. I smiled at my inner monologue. “You are going to keep me on my toes Sweetheart… aren’t you?”

❁ Harper ❁

My core was on fire! There was nothing i could do to help the tension building in the depths beneath my tummy. I found myself shaking from the adrenaline rushing through my body, each time we connected. These whimsical moans becoming more frequent!

My inhibitions were nowhere to be found when I knew he’d somehow managed to think this through. Collin had kept himself together until he knew we would be alone, without any eyes being able to witness this moment which was private. However, most of all he had the same thoughts and concerns as I have. This wasn’t the first time we had both come to the same conclusions. And... it was so Sexy!

“No one…” lips kissing him between words.  “can... see us… or hear us…” nodding my head slowly, each kiss lasting longer, and going a little deeper. “Just you and I!” I couldn’t explain the whole situation of hearing him admit I would be the only person to witness him this way! The way those words made me feel empowered… and confident…. And … belonging…

My conscious worries vanishing with the wind that threatened to bring me back to my senses. I didn’t want that! Not with his hands on me… his strong arms holding me up like I was a bar of candy!

“Oh… I’m not going to… apologise for …. standing my ground… so… yeah… most probably…” I couldn’t help myself. When I became passionate about something, when I cared, when I saw a need. I never backed down.

My lips began to kiss up his jawline. Following the grooves of his sweet face. I tucked his hair behind his ear, and then let my tongue flick and tease before my lips closed around it to suck.

“May I say…. I love it when you call me… Sweetheart!” I had to tell him. My tummy was full of butterflies frantically fluttering over all the other sensations.

Kissing my way down his neck now. My handed moved to find a way between us, tugging on the fabric of his shirt. I couldn’t stop myself from tugging at it until it was free from around his waist when my legs curled around him.

Pulling the hem of his shirt up, my fingers caressed his back. The whole time thinking how much I loved all these little things that we could have together.

❁ Collin ❁

“Not… a… Soul.” I breathed between kisses. I would have explained to her that I drove until I couldn’t hear anyone in the house and then kept going for a count of ten seconds to factor in #Seth’s incredible hearing. But that was a lot of words and less time to kiss her.

“We’re all alone,” I promised her. My senses were still trained on the world around us and yet my attention never deviated from her. She had woken up a side of me I hadn’t known I had. I had always been aware of the world… but now my focus is still between her and our surroundings effortlessly.

“Never apologize for that…” I spoke onto her lips. “In fact, you should do it frequently.” That was another tease. She was drawing out parts of me I had never been confident enough to let out before, each moment with her revealed something new.

Her next comment did make me chuckle… It had started as a little bit of a joke. But honestly, it felt… right, it fit, and I loved how it sounded and how her breath caught just a little every time I said it. “You know… I didn’t expect it to stick… but I like it too.” She was certainly a sweetheart, but she was strong and confident, especially when it came to her patients. And it was so sexy!

My lips hardly left hers, until she moved to start kissing my jaw and I tilted my head, letting her have all the access she wanted. When she started tugging on my shirt the fires were lit anew. Her fingers against my skin raised goosebumps, not just where she touched me… and all the breath rushed out of my lungs with her name on my lips. She moved her kisses, and I tipped my chin up, she could explore anywhere she wanted to. I was hers and hers alone. Her lips on my neck were pure bliss, I closed my eyes and revelled in them.

Another cold breeze blew, and I moved my arms up and around her. “Don’t worry,” I whispered. “I can hold you up. You aren’t going anywhere until you ask.” I wanted to keep her warm… we hadn’t exactly stopped to grab her a jacket on the way out. I wasn’t about to feel guilty for that, I could keep her warm very easily. “I know you don’t like promises that that can’t be kept… but I can promise you with certainty; I will never, ever drop  you.”

❁ Harper ❁

The franticness of the moments whereby words refuse to develop into fully coherent sentences within my mind should have been frustrating. However, this was far from the truth of the matter. Collin spoke, his attempts were unsuccessful until i interrupted myself to from this concentration on how great his tasted, and how my lips were pulsing, or how waved of excitement and adrenaline made themselves known.

I made myself aware of what he was saying….

The promise I believed to be true… I knew we wouldn’t be here.. like this…  if it were untrue….

Not to mention how he thought it was sexy to be myself… and he wanted to see more of it? Well… if he was going to stick around… if I was…. I knew this wouldn’t be the last opportunity for him to witness it…

The nickname… it wasn’t meant  to stay… okay… well… I didn’t want it to go now…

The last thing… it made me pull back, just enough for me to find his eyes. “You can’t hold me?” My chest rising and falling as if I’d run a mile in under a minute! “Now I am impressed.”

My hands moved up his lower  back feeling his skin on the way up. And then I pulled them out from under his shirt and back into his hair, tasselling it back off his face from where the wind had blown it forward.

“Some promises… I somehow know… will not be broken. Somehow… there is this faith…”  I pressed a hand on his chest feeling it as ragged as mine beneath the fabric of his top.

I moved to close the space between us again. Kissing his chin, his jawline, coming back over his cheek with my fingers curling his hair before our lips brushed together,  I kept the movement soft, slow, with each burning sensation within me asking for more… asking me to press my lips to his and breathe him in.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled and nodded lightly. “I can hold you… for hours… days… easily.” My voice grew quieter with each kiss that travelled along my jaw… my face, but that quietness; was nothing that I would call softer by any definition of the word. It was low, like my wolf’s voice only  it was me speaking each and every word.

Her fingers in my hair felt like… I couldn’t find any words… it sent shivers up and down my spine, waking up my senses to every kiss and touch. Her lips moved with mine and my tongue caressed hers with a kind of synchronicity I knew  could only come with a bond like ours. Low breathy sounds came so frequently that time blurred and I was hardly aware of how long had passed. But my phone hadn’t buzzed in my back pocket, so we were fine…

How was I ever meant to stop kissing this woman? My stomach was filled with fluttering creatures, my heart was pounding, skin was electrified. She made me feel things that I never knew possible. The breeze came again carrying a scent of rain. I could keep her warm… but dry was outside of my control. “Rain is coming,” I whispered into our kiss, I teased her lips with the tip of my tongue. Then I touched my forehead to hers again and took in a deep breath. “As much as I would love to stay right here… we should probably head back before you get soaked. You’ve had an exhausting two days…” She had been on call for twenty-four hours before all of this happened too. “The last thing you need is to get drenched and catch a cold,” I smirked then, giving a little chuckle. “On the other hand… could be a good excuse to play doctor.” I laughed. By the Spirits… who was I? How had she brought  out to the side of me, normally I would have blushed just for thinking that and never would have dreamed of voicing it.

Of course, I wouldn’t ever allow her to get sick if I could help it… but it was fun to joke with her… The confidence I felt with her was unlike anything  I had ever felt before.

“Is it wrong to be so happy it’s silly with everything that’s going on?” I pulled back enough to take in all of her face. She was flushed, her lips were luscious and full… begging to be kissed again, so I did… just once so we didn’t get caught up  again and then ended up out in the rain when it arrived. She was beautiful, that incredible soul of hers was shining through stronger and brighter than anyone I had ever seen.  

❁ Harper ❁

It’s felt as though I were floating on a cloud, witting warm beams of sunshine kissing my skin, and the promise of fresh baked banana bread with nut butter sat beside me!

A waking dream? No… this moment felt reminiscent of happy times, memories to match and this one  exceeded it tenfold over.

My eyes reminded closed, aware of the fact that Collin’s eyes were taking me in. However, I wished to lock everything about this time with him down. Just like every other time we were alone… the beach walking with Nova, dinner at his home, making pizzas, laughing and talking, watching movies, or our very first hot chocolate meeting… they all meant something special.

When I finally found his eyes on me, my swollen lips curls into a shy smile. I could only imagine the messy I must look like to him. I was wrapped around his, not concerned about the world. Kissing him as though my life depended on him kissing me back.

“Rain is coming?” His words sunk in, with my gaze moving to the sky above. The shy was grey, but it always seemed to be. “We should go…” I agreed.

“Just…” his kisses even the short soft ones, were making my legs shake. “Give me a moment?”

I whispered with hot cheeks. Playing Doctors and nurses bought back even more flying butterflies, feeling of childish excitement and giddiness at what the game meant, and how it still meant something.

Shaking my head slowly, I found myself kissing his nose. However, I was in conflict with myself. “I’ve been asking myself the same questions ever since last night, Collin. I feel so happy to have you with me, to see you, to touch you, even to worry about you.” Now my fingers lightly combed his hair back out of his face, and I couldn’t help kissing him again.

“I shouldn’t be so sure about this… about you… and I can’t not be true to myself... and right now... I don’t feel the guilt I did last night, or this morning. And I know I should!”

And then it occurred to me. “How do you know rain is coming?”

Had he check the weather app? Glancing up at the sky again, I couldn’t see anything telling me of any changes in the weather. I gathered his hair together, tying it back up with his bobbing from around my waist.

❁ Collin ❁

I kissed her again and again until she said she needed a moment then I resisted… She wasn’t the only one that would need a moment before we got back there… And there was no doubt I was going to need two or three moments.

By the Spirits I wanted to kiss those flushed cheeks!

“You are as astonishingly… lovely.” I flushed… my attempt at finding a word other than beautiful was a little corny… But I did not want it to lose its meaning from overuse; no matter how truly I meant it every time. Her fingers in my hair sent more heated currents of  sensation through me… each one was adding more and more moments I was going to need before I could walk back into that house.

“There’s not a single person in the house that would want you to feel guilty about feeling all of that, Harper. Not even Leah, even though she’s hurt… or #Sue who is worried for her only daughter.” I spoke in a tone that conveyed certainties. “This bond we have is sacred. Even the vampires get it to a degree. I mean Edward has had a front-row seat to it but the others… Vampires have a sort of bond too. They call each other mates. I’ll admit that all of this… the happiness and joy combined with the worry and responsibility is…” What was the word? “Conflicting. But trust me… we are impressing everyone in that room with how focused we are.” I flushed a little.

“Probably why they gave us an easy way to escape for a minute alone.”

I laughed a little when she asked about the rain. “Oh… Um…” Would she think that was weird? “I can smell it. It smells like fresh salt water and damp earth; the clouds are coming in from the coast… it’s probably already  falling in La Push if I can smell it here.” By the time I finished my explanation, she was tying back my hair… my heart started to beat wildly again.

This unbelievably kind, caring woman was my soulmate… this was who the ancestors, the Spirits and the Great Wolf believed I  belonged with. I set her carefully back on her own two feet holding onto her as though I was steadying her, but I wasn’t ready to let her go. When I was certain she was steady though, I brushed my thumb over her cheek.

“How did I get this blessed?”

❁ Harper ❁

Cheeks blushing a deep red at the compliment, I truly love them, and at the same time had no indication of how to describe the feeling of being out of place with them too. I would get better, at least I hoped I would.

As he sat me down, I couldn’t help feeling that bulge once again. Heat curled through, leaving me breathless. Reminding myself to think PG-12 thoughts! And not the R- rated ones now!

My feet may have settled on the ground; however, my legs hadn’t received the message as of yet. They shook like wobbly jelly, with sensations shooting up and down the full length.

“Are you telling me...” My mind still has a glaze of fast blood rushing through my veins. “Those people in the room, your cousin, Leah, Edward, Sam. They all wanted us gone so that we could do this?” Pointing between him and myself. A fresh rush of heat consumed me. How had I missed all those queues?

“Oh boy, so they know what we were doing?” I asked.

My hands moved to straighten down his shirt, because I was fully aware I’d been the one to disrupt his put together looks.

I knew I shouldn’t however I could stop myself from placing my hands on his chest and kissing him. Once… twice… three times. Each kiss giving me strength to be honest about how discovering this side had come at a shocking surprise to me.

“So, what I am hearing is… my boyfriend is a living, walking, and breathing weatherman? Up to date information at my reckon call? Talk about superpowers.” Looking up at the sky, to realise I didn’t have my glasses on.

Dropping my gaze to meet his, I shook my head slowly “You are not the only one who has been blessed, Collin.” My thumbs stroked his cheeks. “Somehow I was blessed too.”

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed, feeling my ears burning with heat. “Um… well… Sort of… They could… People… Even Spirit Warriors, they all smell unique, but the scents shift almost constantly… Some things are easy to pick out like fear, anger, anything hormonal…” It seemed to tell her we  could scent things like pregnancy. “But… um… Arousal… that one is impossible to miss. So, the others… They knew I was… um… Well…” I cleared my throat, she was still pressed against me. Did I need to say it? “And the fact that brand new imprints have a proven history of  lack of control in those… matters.” By the Spirits!! I was a grown-up, why couldn’t I use grown-up words?

I chuckled a little at her embarrassment. “They’ll also know what we weren’t doing… We wouldn’t be back for… 𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈.” I stressed the last word before I even  really realized what I’d said. Spirits!!! Now my cheeks burned too. “I mean… um… sorry… I...” This was not the time or place for this conversation.

Her weatherman comment brought me crashing back, laughing as the momentary panic dissolved. I smiled at her; this was it…  this was what it was like to be paired with your perfect match. Nothing you did or said couldn’t be balanced out by their presence. I turned to press a kiss to her thumb and pulled her in for a tight hug, this time it was nothing like the passionate embrace. It was sweet, bonding and grateful. “There are ways… to give thanks,” I said softly. “I’ll teach you if you want, when everything… settles.” Stepping away was hard… but I could hear the rain now. I handed Harper her glasses back and helped her up into the truck. “Okay, we really will  get wet if we don’t get back into the truck now.”

I ran around to jump into the driver’s seat and reached over to the back seat. I grabbed a grey hoodie and handed it to her. “This smells like #Brady and #Nova…” I explained. I was a little stunned at how difficult it was to  say the next words. “It will help to hide your scent from them. They won’t try to catch your scent… but this will make it harder to pick up just by virtue of breathing.”

I didn’t like it… He was my brother, though… this was stupid.

'𝘐𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘺.' My wolf growled.

❁ Harper ❁

We were back to our normal selves once more. Find words difficult, together. Feeling the colour of embarrassment coating our cheeks… together.

More importantly understanding the importance of being able to express yourself without quite knowing how. Together!!  This was how I knew; I have made the correct decision in dating this man. He not only accepted my quirks, but he also embraced them and then added some of his own too.

Nodding my head, “Yes, please. I truly appreciate it when you take the time to show and teach me something.” The nerd in me loved any learning. But to learn to give thanks, no one should say no to it.

Before I could unpack any of it, the hug, the things Collin shared with me, how the word ‘𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈’, kept repeating itself in my mind. Even when I was attempting to fathom the meaning of everything. He had lifted me up and set me back into his truck.

With my glasses on, and as I sat here, I knew it would be rude, however I had to. Bringing the hoodie up to my nose. Taking in a small sniff first, and then a longer one. I could make out #Nova, and wood, with varnish maybe? As I was about to pull the hoodie on, something stopped me. That invisible sensation in my chest, the telltale beating of my heart, the way my mind….

Thunder clapped so hard that I jumped in my seat my eyes darting to the windshield looking like the sky’s opened letting out a heavy burst of rain coming down fast.

“Wow!” Three letters. One word. All I could say.  I watched as lightning struck, with another clap of thunder. “You... weren’t... lying.”

I set the hoodie down on my lap, pulling my seat belt on again. Making the decision to only put the clothing on once we were closer to the house.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled a little too wide at her eagerness to learn. It was something I was planning to do to honour the ancestors for bringing Harper into my life… but sharing it with her would be even more meaningful. “I’d love to, and doing it with you will mean so much to me.”

I grinned as she lifted the hoodie to her nose… feeling oddly satisfied that she chose just to hold onto it for now. “Don’t worry he didn’t wear it on a date or anything,” I said before remembering that she’d have no way of knowing he was a bit of a serial dater. “But #Nova being  pregnant means she leaves a very strong scent everywhere she goes. Just to protect your privacy.” In all likelihood, it wouldn’t take long before both of us stopped worrying about it.

My hand moved to her thigh when the thunder made her flinch and I chuckled at her comment.

“Real-life weatherman!” I said it like a boast and then I started the truck, popping it in reverse. The camera binged to life but I had always preferred the mirrors as I reversed back up the lane until I found a spot wide enough to turn the truck without much fuss.

I was not in a rush. I needed time to… settle down… before stepping back into that room. “Ready to get back in there?” I asked her. “You were… are incredible you know that? The way you stand your ground for  Leah, for what you believe is best. I know that this… It can’t be anything close to what you are used to doing and you’ve not flinched you just keep going. Its…” I smiled wide. “Astonishing… everything you’ve learned about the world in such a short time, and you are just taking it all in stride.”

I pulled up outside the house and #Bella was waiting for us at the door with a large black umbrella. As I climbed out and rounded the truck to open Harper’s door, she darted over to me and handed over the umbrella. “Thank you.” I smiled but she was gone in a blur.

I opened the door holding the umbrella high to keep the heavy drops soaking her while she was still in the car. “Ready, sweetheart?” I asked offering her my free hand.

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks flushed. “No.. I.. I wasn’t…” shaking my head profusely. “I’m not judging the cleanliness of the garment.” Covering my face with a hand. Then rubbed my cheeks. “I… just…”

What was I going to say?

‘It’s just that I have a feeling deep in my soul not to wear it until it’s absolutely necessary?’ How insane would it sound? I was thinking the whole thing over and it seemed judgy to even me! Thankfully Collin didn’t linger on the subject, so I didn’t rectify any assumptions.

“Yes, I’m ready.” I told him, hope that the irregular heartbeats behind my rib cage would come to a natural rhythm soon.

“I’m no different than anyone else in my position, Collin. Everyone with a heart would do anything in their power to help. All Life comes before trying to get your head around the mayhem. We have time for all the questions, all the answers, and everything we are feeling. But Leah… it’s up to us to decide whether we want to help or not. And... me… I want to help.” Giving him the most honest answer possible.

I placed my hand over his on my lap, noticing the heat radiating  from this small touch in comparison to my cold fingers. Turning his hand around, I laced my fingers into his, just to see how they looked together before I freed his hand so he could drive.

My eyes kept drifting back to watch him, the moment I caught myself staring, I’d shake myself off, chastise my overly active imagination. And smiled. Because I had earned this moment surely?

Our friendship… relationship… had a rocky beginning sure, however we were working together to understand one another’s feelings and worlds. (Even if there  were no self-help books, covering the subject of : ‘My boyfriend becomes a giant wolf.’) We were working on it.

When Collin turned the bend in the road, I saw the house come out of the tree canopy with #Bella waiting for us. “She heard us coming, didn’t she?” I asked taking off my glasses and setting them down. I finally pulled on the hoodie over my head, pushing my arms out of the sleeves. Then I freed my hair, reset my glasses on myself.

Smiling at Collin, who now had an unexpected umbrella in his hands and #Bella was gone? My heart skipped a little at the surprise of it all. But not enough to stop me from climbing out with the oversized garment hanging from me.

“How is my ... Uhm… scent?” Sheepishly asking as the sound of the rain drowns my voice out.

❁ Collin ❁

Was she feeling my hesitation? Or was her instinct telling her she didn’t want to smell like another man either? Was it a male thing? When she put on #Nessie’s clothes I hadn’t felt like this… it was a little strange, but they had mostly smelled of detergent. But Ness was  imprinted… so was that a factor? There were too many theories, and I didn’t really have time for any of them.

“Harper… I believe that people… humans… are mostly good. I really do, and it's something you learn a lot about growing up sick. People, mostly, want to lessen  the suffering of others.” I smiled, glancing over at her. “But if that comes with putting themselves in potential danger or even at a cost… like their time, their energy… they tend to shy away. That doesn’t make them bad people they just have their own priorities. But then there is the rarer person… the nurse who will sit for a whole shift with a six-year-old boy with bacterial pneumonia in horrible plastic, sweaty protective gear, just so he wouldn’t be alone because his parents had a small baby at home and couldn’t risk her getting sick. Or  the vet that will stand in a room full of creatures she never knew existed before now all to help cure her friend from a toxic venom that she also only learned existed.” I paused. “I can tell that you were always this person, willing to give all of yourself to help whoever it  is that needs it the most. But that’s not humanity's default setting. But the fact that it’s yours?… It's one of the greatest qualities a person can have. What you are doing is and will always be incredible to me, Harper.”

I chuckled. “I’m sure she heard us from a half mile away.” I saw her looking for #Bella, who was gone before she stepped down. “Gotta be fast to dodge the raindrops.” I laughed. “Not that the rain would bother a vampire. Temperature doesn’t affect them.”

I inhaled as she pulled on the sweater. “Its…” My mind was a little boggled. “Confusing.” I couldn’t get the scent of her out of my head… I knew I would register that more than the others, but it was enough to just give them the mental jolt to fix their senses elsewhere.

“Confusing it what we’re going for,” I assured her. I closed the truck and wrapped my arm around her waist. “Let’s go, sweetheart.” It was going to get cold out here. I walked her into the house, staying close to her under the umbrella. Even if I would be dry in moments. I closed the umbrella on the porch and dropped it into an ornate stand  inside the door before I led her back to the room.

#Embry was already smirking… and as we passed, he sniffed the air, #Brady's scent catching his attention since he wasn’t here… ‘Did you…’ he chuckled.  ‘You never were like the other boys, Pup.’ He was shocked. #Sam was grinning. They were all amused… may be impressed with the fact Harper was wearing another man's scent… and I wasn’t looking to kill anyone… #Brady might take a punch later… but he wouldn’t mind. He was good like that, he probably wouldn’t even ask why.

The corner of #Edward’s mouth twitched up.

‘So… Harper.’ #Leah spoke now. ‘What’s the plan for getting me out of this bed and back where I belong… kicking these idiot’s arses?’ She seemed to include all the men in the room only.

‘Kinky!’ #Emmett and #Embry teased in unison, prompting them to glare at one another. #Leah looked like she was going to slap them but thought better of it.

❁ Harper ❁

Information overload is a given in my line of work, however when you take work up to the level of your ultimate position. You somewhat thrive on learning as much as you possibly can.

My mentor had always told me to learn to read the room. To understand when information  must be shared, but most of all. Learn when to remain quiet, listen and gather as much knowledge as possible. The walk into the Cullen house had been one of those times.

Listening to Collin, trying to read him with what I knew about him. Fighting this internal battle against the fire he had awoken.

Lord! I needed help when he spoke with such high regard of me. Identifying my personality, and my working ethics just made me more comfortable with him. Building a strong foundation for our new relationship.

Whispering. “I hope you calling  my sweetheart, never wears off.” It was a wish and a pray. I wanted to feel this giddiness for days, weeks, months… dare I think it… years…

I couldn’t help but bring the hem of the hood to my nose, seeing if I could scent what it is he was. But it just seemed… normal  and not so confusing to me.  

When we stepped into the room with #Leah and the others, with everything Collin had shared with me. I saw everyone in here in a new light. Gone were my misunderstandings of them not wanting me here. And in their place were big smiles, dropped eyes (mine mostly). However, most of all. I saw pride, love, and joy with true kindness towards my boyfriend.

My nose senses tingling, and my eyes burning at little with a feeling I couldn’t place. Maybe this is what #Kenzi meant when she returned from her first visit here with #Seth. She felt at home…

When I saw #Edward smiling, shock pulled my free from my thoughts. The only think I wanted was not to share those private moments Collin had fought for us to have to be shared. So the first thing that came to my mind were…

Crocodiles!

‘𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴.

𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 30–40 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 60–70 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴.

𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵-𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 70 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴.’

Until #Leah spoke to me, and I saw #Edward laughs but hide it at the same time; “Sorry? Oh… Uhm.” My eyes flew to Collin, staying closely tucked into his side. His strong arm curled around my waist. “Next steps?” Taking a deep breath, I gathered myself.

Clearing my throat, I pulled my shoulders back, looking to her and no one else. Because she somehow managed to keep me on track. Even with the word; 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝓀𝓎 being batted around the room.

“Where are we with the test results?” I asked.

‘The preliminary results are up on the screen. Edward was just saying his opinion is to give a small dose of the medication  see how things react and then we carry on.’ She told me.

“Looks like we returned just in time.” I replied.

‘We were waiting for you.’ #Edward came to stand beside the bed now. ‘I wanted to make sure you are in agreement with my thoughts.’ He added, and my heart stilled. They were waiting for me?

My shocked gaze moved over the two speaking to me.

‘You really think we would act without you? Not happening nerd.’ #LeahClearwater winked half smiling.

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned hugely at her whisper. Should I tell her that imprinted couples had no such thing as a honeymoon phase? The excitement, the flutters, the adoration, the craving for each other’s company and the giving and taking of affection were a constant… should I tell her that we  wouldn’t ever run out of things to talk about? That we would both sit and listen to the details of each other's day with rapt attention; because we had spent that whole day wondering what the other was doing. Should I tell her that, yes; familiarity, comfort and routine would come with time, but it would come alongside the butterflies and running late just to share one more kiss before we left each other’s company? That we would drive to anywhere the other was even if we knew we would only have five minutes together before one of us had an  obligation to get to…

That 𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽 wasn’t going anywhere…

Nah… Time would let her know all of that. “What if you get tired of it?” I teased her. I think we both knew that this pet name wasn’t going anywhere.

I could tell Harper was concerned about Edward reading her thoughts, but I knew it wasn’t something he could switch off. And In all my time around him I had known him to be respectful… maybe not so much with #Jake in the pre-Nessie days… but that rivalry had been kind of mutual. And he was reading these thoughts right now… Damn!

But he said nothing… because… well, because of that thing I had just thought. The vampire was looking at Harper… mildly amused… what on Earth was she thinking?

Another giant smile took over my features… they had all waited for her opinion before proceeding. #Leah affectionately calls her a nerd… Then worry… that I had kept her away for so long… had Leah been in pain? Had my lack of self-control cost her valuable time? I knew I should, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel guilty or bad about the time I had with Harper. Was it selfish?

‘Don’t worry, Collin. While we haven’t given Leah any experimental medication. We have been managing the pain she is pretending she doesn’t have.’ #Edward was talking to me but looking at #Leah accusingly. ‘Fucking mind reader!’ This time it was #Embry and #Leah at  once but the former was grinning, and the latter was scowling.

I squeezed Harper’s hand, said. “Why don’t you go take a look at the results with Edward and I’ll see what #Nessie has found in the computer?” I wasn’t going to be helpful with the biology stuff… but I could be helpful with guiding Nessie’s focus.

I had noticed how #Jake had stayed by #Leah… he knew he was her biggest distraction. But that wouldn’t be a problem with me.

❁ Harper ❁

I looked between #Embry and #Leah with amusement. These people had a synchronisation not only in the way they worked together, but within their thoughts and their sentiments too. Between them all, I could feel a synergy of a perfectly  formed group of individuals, who were both equally powerful, and capable of making their own decisions, based on their beliefs too.

Andy then there were people like me, human, normal, intelligent beings sure. But we were shadows in comparison. And yet, I couldn’t help but think of the tales Collin had shared with me about their ancestors. Stories? No. Their history!

“That would be really helpful, thank you Collin.” Squeezing his hands right back letting him know how thankful I was to be able share our life in this way as well as… well… the new door that had smashed open a short while ago.

‘Spirits. Who bet on them not cracking? I owe them $10.00. These two have it on lock down.’ #Emmett sulked a little. Was that a pouty lip I saw on the vampire? ‘This way Dr Jenkins.’ #Edward led the way dismissing his brother fun without comment.

“Please. Call me Harper.” I told him again, but he just smiled rolling out two stools. I didn’t miss the fact that he kept them at a greater distance than the one he say on next to #Leah or his wife.

‘Newly imprinted wo… warriors have a little difficultly when anyone is too close to their mate. Even if young Mr Littlesea is showing a great deal of resistance, let’s not tempt fate shall we.’ He explained to me.

I heard the muttering begin behind me, was that money exchanging hands?

To be Continued...

[written-within-the-stars]

You Are Not Alone! - Together - Part 1

❁ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ!

❁ ᵂⁱᵗʰ: @NotAPupAnymore

❁ ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ: https://twitter.com/UptightVet/status/1611862710404136960?s=20

“𝐿𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽.”

– 𝒰𝓃𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌𝓃.

❁ Harper ❁

This moment could go in so many directions, fear, confusion, loss of all common sense… However, I could not afford the time. So, I gave myself the count to five. That was all.

5….

4….

3….

2….

1….

I flew into action.

There was no way that the wolf would survive with the loss of blood visible to my naked eyes, or could there? Did I have time to wait around to find out? No. No I did not.  Once I saw  the dripping red,  stains on the white fur of the wolf’s body which automatically pushed my need to help and support the voiceless animal into action, there was no stopping me.

Dragging the wolf wasn’t necessary as she stood up with a little help from me to hold the door open. She didn’t whimper or cry out from the pain I knew she had to be in. She walked proudly until she could no longer.

Once the wolf was inside, my eyes moved around the outside to ensure no one had been watching. It was all clear. My head spun to the course of action that would be needed, while my heart thud so hard into my chest bone. Could I even help with this?

Doubting myself was not going to help matters here. So, closing the door softly my hand reached out for my go bag. Leah was in the apartment, her wolves tall muscular body slumped onto the floor as I rushed to her side. Before touching her, I began as I would any treatment.

“Leah… I need to examine you. See what the damage is. Is it okay for me to do so?”

She moved her head telling me to go ahead.

Rushing to wash my hands, the towels from my bathroom on the coffee table that I pushed out the way so that I could fall to my knees beside the giant wolf, to stop the blood and see where the majority of the damage was.

“It would help me to know what happened.” She moved her head away from me, part of me knew it was important for her to remain still. When the damaged artery was found I went to work. Holding my nerves together while suturing the wound had been easy. My mind remained on the job at hand and not on the Why’s and the How’s of this happening.

As I worked my eyes  moved over the area I had completed, and my hands stopped stitching. I could see the muscle knitting together before my eyes and couldn’t believe it. Until now my mind was blank, the only things that I would allow myself to think of was the list of tasks I needed to complete.

Find the damage.

Stop the bleeding.

Pack the gash.

Put the muscle and the skin back together.

Think about what will happen if Leah the wolf became Leah the woman while I worked on her.

However, now I could hear the voice while seeing a flashback to the moment when Collin cut himself before my eyes to show how fast he could heal. His skin came together without any additional support, stopping the bleeding, and then the thin pale line had been the only proof that something have happened to him. And that too had vanished shortly after.

“This changes the impact.” Using the back of my hand to wipe my hair out of my way before continuing the job at hand. Because blood had been lost. So, even if the wolf on the floor before my eyes healed by herself. Could she survive the blood loss?

❁ Collin ❁

❁ ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ: https://twitter.com/NotAPupAnymore/status/1631305708258963458?s=20

I had just arrived back at my stash of clothes and my truck keys when I felt it again; that deep sense of something wrong… it rippled through the pack and amplified as I did. #Jared, my Beta let rip a howl and I whirled to run back to my pack as a burst of pain shot through the hive mind. Not Harper. That was the first thing I thought… our connection didn’t work mind-to-mind like that. It’s not Harper.

But then there was dread… Who? Whose pain was that? Before I even reached my pack again Most of the #BlackPack had  phased and #Jake instantly echoed ‘Leah!’ Everyone went silent…. Both Alphas absorbed the information from those that felt the first wave. Almost all of the active wolves were here now and another single howl from #Sam would have the others phasing as soon as they possibly  could, even if it meant walking out of work or waking neighbours to babysit.

We felt another burst of fear… no… yes… but Leah wasn’t fearing for herself, we were needed. But where? And what was happening?

‘Why isn’t she talking?’ #Jay asked.

‘She must be too far away.’ #Sam’s thought rebounded… Shock rippled. Why would she be that far away from us? We weren’t supposed to patrol alone, we were pack animals. #SethClearwater was shockingly calm considering this was his sister and he hadn’t been running with the pack regularly for a long time  now. But he fell easily in line like the rest of us.

#Jake turned to #EmbryCall. ‘Can you pinpoint where it’s coming from?’

Embry had an uncanny sense of direction, he could tell you exactly where any wolf connected to the mind map was and the quickest route to get there, in seconds… less normally. But even with an open channel between both packs, he seemed to be taking a few seconds with this one. The process of his mind was visible to us all.

I was running before he even clarified it was Port Angeles and showed us a six-block radius. It was the best he could do.

‘Littlesea!’ My alpha snapped into my head. I felt the tug like a leash pulling taut, but it wasn’t enough to stop me. Not when my imprint could be with #Leah as we spoke.

‘Harper is in Port.’ #Jay supplied to the others as I ran. There was no time for fear. No time for panic or thinking about what might be wrong. The presence of an imprint at a source of pain and a distress signal from a wolf changed everything. #Seth was hot on my heels as the alpha’s delegated while running. The entire #BlackPack came with  #Sam, #Paul and me. Other than #Embry, he had the best people skills, so he went to get #Kenzi and #Sue… If Leah was hurt, her mom would need to be there. And Harper might need her sister… #Kenz and Leah were basically sisters now too.

I ran and ran. The waves were getting  stronger with every single mile. I knew that we were still close enough to the others that those more intense waves were reaching the hive mind through us.

Behind us, lines fortified to protect the Reservation, along our route other wolves that hadn’t reached the line  before we set out, waited and watched the road crossings we would need to make; letting us see through their eyes. Showing when and where was safe for more than a half dozen seven-foot wolves to run across the roads at lightning speeds.

But once off Tribal land, we would be on our own. Embry’s mental map stayed at the forefront of my vision. My singular focus was; to get there. Get there. Get there.

Once I got Harper’s scent, I would easily find her.

‘We won’t need that, Cousin.’ #Jake had read the direction of my thoughts. ‘When we get close enough Leah will tell us everything that happened.’

But the blasts of emotion seemed to be coming slower and slower. They were stronger when they happened, but they were happening less and less. #Seth’s mind refused to linger on the thought. That was his sister on the other side of that pain… on the other side of the ebbing and flowing darkness. But this was #LeahClearwater. She was unstoppable.

‘If she was unconscious, she would phase back, right?’ He asked, we never stopped running. All of our communication happened while paws pounded the earth and propelled us forward.

‘Not if Harper is nearby and there’s still a threat.’ #Sam said. Not liking this answer almost as much as me.

Leah’s mind became clearer and clearer the closer we got. It was strange… I had never seen the colours of her mind before. She showed us the body of a vampire she’d killed… Panic tried to pierce my heart when I saw Harper fading in and out of her field of vision. #Sam took some of the younger wolves and went to take care of the body. Leah hadn’t shifted because she was still worried there was someone or something else in the area.

She showed us, Harper, in the carpark in the dead of night. Why was she following her? Why would she have come here to watch her and not told me? Should I have been here? Did I make the wrong call taking my run when Harper was out of  town? Did Leah think I couldn’t protect my imprint? Was I a failu…

‘Littlesea! Focus!’ My alpha ordered even from halfway across town and I did… I had no choice. He’d not forced his order when I started to run because he knew there was no leaving me behind when Harper was  here, her hands covered in our sister's blood. #Seth cringed but stayed strong. I bolstered myself like he had, shaped my mind to match his.

The rest of the vision #Leah had shown us was #Juan offering to follow Harper home. #Paul had already taken another wolf to follow his  scent. If there was something else after Leah or Harper and his scent was near them, he was in danger. They would post guard until the town was swept.

More flashes of pain and Harper with bloody hands came as we circled the apartment using alleys for cover… the smaller of  us, like me, used dumpsters and trucks. Exposure wasn’t the goal, but right now Leah and Harper were the priority. The Alphas assessed risk continually through our open channels.

‘Seth, Go.’ #Jake commanded, there was no need to clarify what he was to do. He was to go to his sister and his imprints found sister.

‘Collin?’ #Seth’s questioning burned the back of my mind.

‘Collin will protect his imprint while she does her job.’ #Jake answered for me.

I was glad… as badly as I wanted to be at her side, even more than that I wanted to know  this line was solid and nothing could get past us to Harper or Leah. The link of the hive mind made an imperfect circle around the apartment. #Jake pressed the image into #Leah’s mind the moment a human #Seth came into view through our wounded sister’s hazy eyes.

‘Leah. Stand down. Heal. That’s an order.” #Jake’s Alpha tone made even my ears prick up a little and he wasn’t even my Alpha.

‘The brotherhood is on guard.’ #Sam and #Jake said in unison. ‘Heal!’

❁ Harper ❁

Leah wouldn’t settle down, or… at least the giant white wolf stood in my living room wouldn’t. She stood with all four paws on my ground, her eyes on the door after doing a full circle of the apartment. She kept moving me as I tried to work until the final stich had been placed. Never had I done such a job in such a way.

The wolf’s growl rumbled in her chest, and it reverberated through me. “Please remind me never to get on your bad side.” I only whispered it, however the side eye given to me by those beautiful eyes, the ones with the light browns, highlighted the hazel flecks in those irises, were enough to silence the dead.

It wasn’t until the door opened and we saw the tall and broad shadow cased over the room, the bear chested #Seth stood before us taking in the scene did her legs shake and she let out a deeper growl. She was fighting  the pull of something.

‘Sis, we are here, we are here.’ He took two steps to clear the room and take the wolves face in one hand, while the other one wrapped around me so tight that it was only then did I realise that I was shaking, with tears running down my cheeks. He kissed the wolves forehead and only them did she allow her legs to blend and sit until her was lay down banting.

‘Thank you, Harper. Thank you so much. You looked after her when I couldn’t. You don’t know how much this means to me. thank you.’ #Seth kissed my forehead, still holding me to him. ‘Shh… we are here… Collin is here. We are all here.’ He whispered into my ears as I counted to five in my mind and then nodded my head.

“I… I don’t know what happened. I just… I… Leah…. Here…” Now I let the fear of it all sink in. “I was making a drink and then she was at my door.”

‘Was there anyone else out there when Leah came?’ He asked as we both moved to her side. I was on my knees now, checking the blood she’d lost.

“I looked outside. It was just her… the wol… Leah.” Squeezing his hand. “Seth who did this to her? How did she know where to find me?”

‘We are finding out. We are going to get to the bottom of it.’ He looked at me with worry. ‘Please don’t be upset with sis. She’s been coming to see if you are okay here. She was worried about you… about Kenzi…’ His voice trailed off at hearing something outside? But I couldn't hear anything at all.

❁ Collin ❁

#Jared had sent two of the wolves to a halfway point between home and Port. While we could only hear the others back home as echoes through the two pups; it strengthened the amount of communication back and forth. The Rez was secure. That was  the only reason that Jay would have spared the paws on the ground to fortify communication.

Two. Because we weren’t supposed to patrol alone. Why was Leah here alone?

We were passed a message that #Embry was told to come ahead with the girls. Apparently, Kenzie had given him an earful when he had pulled over to the side of the road waiting on word from #Sam that the route to the apartment was clear. There was no chance he would bring an Elder and an imprint into a situation  where there was potentially a vampire… even a wounded wolf could be a risk to them. It was clear why #Embry was chosen… if anyone could remain calm while dealing with an enraged imprint; it was him.

‘Collin… you can go now. Get in there before  Kenzi arrives, make sure #Seth knows that she will be here in a few minutes.’ #Jake told me. He wasn’t my alpha, but #Sam allowed me to differ to him while he dealt with the body in the middle of town. Knowing that my brothers were here… that they had swept the area and secured it against outside threats, I was able to phase… letting my anxiety go by leaning into the drive to be close to Harper. When I was on two legs again all I had was the shorts tied onto my hind leg…. Or left  leg now that I only had two again.

I headed inside, trying to keep out of sight while still keeping my eyes sharp… a half-naked guy on a street would attract attention in these parts. The scent of the blood and the sight of Leah stitched and bloodied, hit me hard.

Seeing Harper wrapped under #Seth’s arm only struck me with such force because of the fact that there were tears on her face. I would trust him and any of the pack with her life and safety. My heart thundered and I  raced to her side. #Seth was already whispering to her. ‘Collin is here, look…’

He slipped his arm away as mine came around her. She smelled of blood and tears. “Harper.” I breathed and pulled her into and deep embrace. “Are you okay?” I asked  her, pressing a kiss to her hair and inhaling deeply the scent that was still her, but something more too. Something tainted with violence.

Still holding her, I looked to #Seth. “Kenzi and Auntie will be here any second.” I told him. Then I  broke all the rules and reached out to lay my hand on Leah’s blood-streaked fur, her body heat had already dried most of it. But the blood on Harper was still wet and rapidly cooling. I pulled back enough to see her face and cupped her cheek gently. “You are… um… thank you for saving her… Is there anything else you need to do for her? Or can we get you cleaned up before your sister gets here?”

❁ Harper ❁

All my thoughts were disordered. The perfectionist in me took a back seat for the time being as there was nothing more for me to do. The haze grew in my eyes making me shift my glasses to wipe at them as I felt another set of arms coming around me.

#Seth’s voice felt so far away, like a fog horn trying to find it’s way out of the mist. But then I knew the comfort of the one who held me. While #Seth moved to place himself on the floor beside the white wolve…

Leah… Leah… LEAH!! I screamed her name repeatedly. This wasn’t an unknown person or being before me. My hands had been working only moments ago to keep her alive. She was…. Leah! And remembering her name would be the only way to stop me from falling apart.

“I… I… She was bleeding so much…. But she wouldn’t lay down to let me help…. She is running so hot… But….” But I recalled a whisper of a voice that belonged to the man now holding me, telling me that they ran hotter. “And… her heart… her heart was…tachycardic.” My eyes did not leave her. “The blood… it… it.. I stopped it, however without knowing what happened or where she was coming from. I… I don’t know if I did enough.” Was I repeating myself? maybe. However, I needed to hear myself say the words to believe this was real.

‘You did more than we could have hoped for. Collin is right… Thank you Harper, we cannot say it enough.’ #Seth had her head in his lap and whispered into her fur. ‘Leah she isn’t alone, I am in here, look Collin is here too holding her; you can take the time to heal… just please... Ma is coming… Ma will be here soon.’

When Collin reached out. #Leah in her wolf form snapped her teeth. But there hadn’t been any force behind it.  ‘Sis. Play nice with the pup.’ #Seth attempted to do what he always did best, lighten the mood. However, it was clear this moment couldn’t be lighten. ‘Collin the bathroom is back there, please take Harper. Clean her up.’

But I pulled out from the arms holding me. “No, I cannot leave her like this. She blew her stitches twice before….” I could see her flesh pushing together around my work. “Before her skin… it began to pull together.” My voice now sounding so far away as my eyes glanced down to my bloody hands. I knew that I needed to clean up. After any surgery it was important for the patient to be placed in a sterile environment. “We need to move Leah. To… Sheets? Maybe placing some sheets under her?” Because there was no way we could move her into the bedroom, I wasn’t even certain she would fit in the door.

‘We will take care of it all. You need to clean up too. Listen to Collin. Ma and Kenzi will be here soon….’ His eyes moved over me. I was wearing the blood of his sister, and the cooling of it was making me shiver.

“Okay. Okay. Yes. Yes. I will clean up. But please…”

‘We will call you out if anything is needed. I promise.’ #Seth motioned to Collin. ‘Pup… take her in there.’   

❁ Collin ❁

I looked to #Seth when Harper said she was running hot, and he nodded. I brushed a hand over Harper’s cheek.

“We are hotter in wolf form than we are in human form… It could be her body's accelerated healing. We just need to give her a little  time to heal, okay?”

It wasn’t a lie… but by Seth’s expression, I could tell her temperature was more than what we would expect. “If the bleeding stopped then it had to be something you did, or she started to heal on her own. She’s seven feet  tall and almost nine feet long… she has a lot more blood in her body than any animals you’ve ever worked with.”

I pulled my hand back and shook my head when Leah snapped at me. “Well, at least some things never change.” I tried to joke… but  nothing that was happening here was funny. “I can protect her Leah.” I told her, but I knew she didn’t believe that. If she did, she wouldn’t have been here alone… and Harper might have been killed. I should have been here. My heart constricted.

“I will protect her… please heal. The packs need you.”

When #Seth told me to take Harper and clean her up; it felt almost like it had when #Jake told me to come inside. Not an order… but he was senior to me… and he was right. I nodded and  lifted Harper to her feet.

“C’mon.” I said to her softly. “Seth will call you if she so much as twitches. We’ll just be in the next room.” I guided her slowly to the bathroom with a gentle arm around her shoulders and closed the door only  halfway. I really hoped that someone thought to grab clothes… there was some blood on my bare, scarred chest from holding her close to me in her blood-stained clothing. I closed the lid of the toilet seat and ushered Harper to sit down. She was  shaking.

“Hey.” I touched her cheek, there was a streak of Leah’s blood from where she must have touched her face. “Look at me.” I said with my voice steady, even… “Everything is going to be okay.” I pushed the plug into the sink and filled it with warm water. I wet a washcloth and rubbed a little soap onto it. “I’m just going to clean you up, then we can get you some clean clothes before #Sue and #Kenzi get here, okay?” I heard familiar voices whispering and the scent of two of  the young pups entering the apartment. They were all shuffling furniture and putting Harper’s idea into motion, placing clean sheets under and around our injured sister.

I cleaned the blood from her cheek and rinsed out the cloth. Then I  started on her arms working my way down to her hands. “You did so amazing helping her Harper… I always knew you were brave… but this is next level.” I smiled at her. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here... I should have come with you this weekend. I should have been here when you needed me.”

❁ Harper ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟��� 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

My teeth missed the pup by an inch or two, what was he thinking? Touching me like he was at a petting zoo looking at something cute and fluffy. Clearly the madness of the night had messed with his brain cells. What other reason had him crossing the line I had set up for years?

‘Sis, rest please. I don’t know what is happening inside of you. But I need you. Ma needs you.’ #TheKid’s face buried into me, his tears dampening my fur where he held me close to him.  But I couldn’t let go, I couldn’t let my body heal the way it needed to just yet.

As I lay on the floor of this small apartment watching #Sam and his pack through #Jake’s open hive mind. He knew I needed to see this hunt to it’s end. Closing my eyes I watched as they set the body parts alight all the while checking the surrounding area for anything that could have been missed. The pups were thorough in the way they tackled the task. Each one of them worked with their Alpha in such a way that nothing would be left behind.

‘Leah!’ #Jake’s voice rang in my ears this time the command of my Alpha was not holding back. ‘Would you let your body Heal!’ A man who in normal circumstances couldn’t be quiet, now was a man of few words when it came to my wellbeing. And it now registered why he had taken the tone with me.

The burning inside had been there since the fight with the vampire, however it was only now that I could see all the packs taking up their positions that I allowed myself to feel anything. Pain coursed through my veins burning its way deeper and deeper into me. The vampire venom attempted to take a hold of my human body and the spirit of my wolf.

‘Fight child, fight with everything you believe in.’ His presence made clear by the gust of wind that blew in from the open door and then I was engulfed by the scent of incense, the forest, the ocean and all the things that I called ℍ𝕆𝕄𝔼. #TheGreatWolf came with all his mightiness and cocooned the strength of my spirit warrior keeping her close to my soul and my body.

Biting down the pain that tried to rip and shred me from the inside, I held on to my warrior for dear life. I wasn’t ready to give her up, and she wasn’t planning on letting me go. We kept ourselves awake, watching and fighting the enemy within.

Knowing that #Seth and I were no longer alone made it harder. His arms tightened around me as I felt them move me. Even when I didn’t want to be touched by them, not because of anything other than the fact that I didn’t want my blood to tarnish their hands.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤 』

“Everything will be okay.” Repeating the words however, unable to feel the sentiment which should engage an emotion from within.

This was not the first time I had to work on someone I cared for, and it wasn’t my first case of working with the unknown. However, it was the first time in my life that I knew that the wolf I had my hands inside of only moments ago, would turn into a beautiful woman any moment now. And the unknown and the lack of knowledge and understanding of what it would do to her healing was weighting down on me.

The warm wash cloth made me close my eyes. Listening to the drumming of my heart beat as I sat on the cool toilet seat. With my eyes dropped down to my shaking hands in my lap I found my voice again. “I do not feel brave, Collin. I do not feel amazing. Not knowing if my intervention could actually help or hinder Leah…” My voice cracked. “I’ve never…” lost again with the realisation of everything just dawned on me.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. You know I wouldn’t have allowed you to come with me. You cannot place your life on hold just to be next to me.” My eyes finally lift to meet his. “And I wasn’t the one who needed protection.” Pointing to the door. “Leah did. She is the one who was attacked. I’m just so thankful she found me, that I could try... to try—” my voice cut off as a gust of wind blew the door of the bathroom open making it bang into the tiled wall. “What’s going on?”

There was an unexplainable calm that washed over me in that moment, all the fear, the unknow and the loss that I wasn’t even aware of was gone, and in its place, I felt love, protection, and comfort. Strength, the will to heal, and the want to survive. I felt as if we were safe with Collin here, with Seth too. And Leah… She was the catalyst of it all. “What is going on?” I whispered to him again.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart broke for Seth, I couldn’t help but think about how I would feel if it was my sister so badly hurt… It didn’t bare thinking about and hearing the fear in his voice… he was such a pure soul, it hurt to think of him in pain in this way.

Between that, my shaking soulmate and the disconnect from the pack outside my nerves were being stretched. But my priority was Harper… and not only because she was my imprint… she was also, very clearly Leah’s best hope for recovery. Taking  care of her was the best way to keep them both safe.

Harper was repeating the same words over and over, it hurt me that I didn’t know her well enough to know if this was how she coped with stress or if she was spinning out. All our time  together had been happy… fun… magical.

The night I had told her what I was different… but everything else… I have nothing to measure this situation with. No way of knowing what was best for her. I looked up from where I knelt in front of  her. “No one ever feels brave in a moment where it's truly needed, Harper. Brave is feeling afraid and doing the right thing… the hard thing, anyway.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. Relief flooded me, she was here, she was safe. Then guilt….

Leah was here too… and she was not okay. Did it make me selfish to feel this relief when one of our Warriors was fighting for her life in the next room?

I shook my head. “Honestly… Harper, I felt like my life was on hold because we were so far apart…” I exhaled. “I know how this sounds… but… that’s a conversation we should probably have after… After Leah heals.” I could tell by the scents and sounds from the living room that she wasn’t getting better.

I straighten up and gently gripped her arms. “It’s okay… It’s some of the pack, they are just making space and laying out clean sheets for Leah like you said to. You’re safe, you’re both safe. There are six of us outside. No one we don’t trust is getting passed them. With four more sweeping the town.” I reached up and cupped her cheek, I promised her no more secrets. “There’s still so much about this world you don’t know yet. So much we haven’t had time to talk about. But I promised no more secrets… So, I’ll tell you.” I took a breath. “Leah was attacked by a Cold One… a vampire… is what you would call them.” My thumbs brushed her cheek. “The creatures our wolf form evolved to protect humanity from. And from what we could tell… it was after you. And  that’s why Leah attacked it alone. She killed it, but we can’t be sure if it was just one or if it had a companion… Leah’s thoughts aren’t… They’re patchy… but we aren’t in the same pack, so I don’t know what she normally sounds like.”

The footsteps and murmurs went as swiftly as they came, the guys needing to get back on the line around the apartment, while Port Angeles was swept. And likely knowing that was how #Leah would be more comfortable with fewer people near her.

I  heard a familiar truck… My truck. “Kenzi and Sue just arrived.” I dropped the washcloth into the sink and fished out the plug. “Do you want to change before you see them?” I motioned to her shirt; it was stained with blood, too.

“The others have left, it's just Leah and Seth inside. Kenz and Sue are on the way in with another pack member called Embry.” I wanted to make sure she knew exactly what was going on in her surroundings… in as much detail as possible so she would feel  whatever tiny amount of security was possible for her right now.

❁ Harper ❁

Silence engulfed its way around my mind and being, there were words. His words. Attempting to borrow their way into my head so that I could somehow make some sense of the information Collin shared. Maybe if it were another person, I would have broken away from him and run. Once again fighting that urge, however in the next breath I found the invisible yank towards him. The one I’d felt so often and now somewhat comprehended the meaning of.

I knew that I could spiral out of control. To demand clarification of what he meant by a cold one? A vampire? After me? Here in Port Angeles, Washington? However, the point that held my attention. “Leah was here to protect me? I am the reason she is fighting for her life?” How? Why? What…?

We didn’t have the time if #Sue and #Kenzi were here. “Kenzi came too?” whispering the words softly I worked my hands in my lap before closing my eyes. “I need to change. Sue cannot see me like this.” It wasn’t the thing to do to a mother. Having her see her daughters blood on me… “I will go and change.” This is one of the most important things we were taught in school, and it was true for all forms of sorrow. There is a reason a doctor never goes to meet the families of their patients right away from the O.R. They always had to change and even shower if it was needed. Only when they are clean could they go to see and update the next of kin. You never saw that on TV shows or in movies.

Moving my glasses and giving my eyes a wipe with the back of my hand I sheepishly stood on shaky legs and chastised myself. #Kenzi was on her way, and my best friend had the heart as soft as they came. She would be broken once she sees her future  sister-in-law in so much discomfort. And then… if we combined the state I am in right now into the mix. It would break her heart.

Stopping myself from overly contemplating, my eyes found Collin, “We are not done. There is so much that we need to discuss, however like you said, now is not the time. We need to be in there with Leah, be there for Sue, Seth, and Kenz. However, Colling Littlesea. We are not done.” Reaching out I took his hand in mine squeezing it once before slipping out of the bathroom.

My eyes were drawn to the living room the moment I stepped into the small space that most would call a hallway. Seeing the floor where blood and gauzes had been discarded before, it was now clean with the scent of bleach in the air. I saw the back of #Seth curled over, and around the top end of the wolf that had the soul of a warrior and his sister in it.

Noticing the shaking of the wolves body I rushed into the door right beside me into the bedroom, pulling the blanket off the bed and rushed back to give it to Collin. “Please could you cover Leah, shock is setting in. I will be there right away. I will be right there.” I said again. Once again repeating myself.

Handing the blanket off I ran back into the room, pulling the sleeping shirt I had been wearing up and over my head, discarding it into the bin, before dressing into some fresh bottoms and a new shirt.

❁ Collin ❁

She seemed so overwhelmed, I wasn’t sure if maybe I had given her too much information, but that would be breaking my promise of not keeping anything from her. “We think so… nothing else makes any sense.”

“Of course, we sent someone to bring  them… and keep them safe. She’s here for you, and #Leah and #Seth.” I answered her next question and then nodded when she told me we still had more to talk about. “I know.” I nodded. “I know, I promise.”

I watched her leave the room and then  quickly rinsed out the sink and threw away the bloody washcloth, in case #Sue or #Kenzi came in here. I walked to the door and then Harper was back again with a blanket. “Of course, I will.” I let my fingers brush hers as I took it. She was off again, and I made my way to the living room… the guys had made plenty of space. The room smelled of cleaning solution and the floor was covered in clean sheets.

I placed one knee on the floor next to the massive white wolf. “Harper says you need this. Please don’t take my hand off.” I said quietly as I unfolded the blanket. There were footsteps and a large hand on my shoulder.

‘I got it, pup.’ #Embry’s voice came from above me as he took the blanket and handed me a backpack. It  was mine; the one I kept in the back of my truck. ‘Go and wait for Harper.’ I took the bag and nodded. Heading back down the hallway, pulling a t-shirt out of the bag and tugged it over my head. I wasn’t like the other guys… I didn’t walk around shirtless unless I was home alone. I didn’t like to remind the others I was the weak link in the pack. Not that they would ever agree with me about that.

I waited for Harper in the hall outside the room while Embry whispered to Leah in the living room. ‘Damn, Trouble… you look terrible.’ I heard the rustle of fabric. ‘Your mom is here. The Rez is secure. The guys are posted at the vet clinic and Port is almost swept. When the ladies come in we need you to stay put, okay?

They’re shaken up. So, play nice and rest. Don’t try to get up. They are worried… think of them and try to heal, please.’

Then louder he called out that it was all clear and I heard much smaller feet rushing into the apartment. I stayed here, waiting for Harper.

❁ Harper ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

#Seth’s gaze moved from #Emby to me and then back again. He sat still and took everything in as the blanket was laid over my shaking form. The burning made it hard for me to concentrate on something for too long. The pain of the fire in my veins had my willingness to fight pushed to it’s limits.

‘Don’t you dare think that way.’ #Sam’s voice rolled into my mind in the back somewhere. ‘You never give up, and Spirits be damned you aren’t doing it here tonight. You are going to face this challenge as you do everything.’

And then the scent of Ma and my brother’s imprint brought my fight back with an all-mighty impulse.

What in the name of the spirits were they thinking bringing Ma and Kenz to Port? Embry off all people had to have known that I would kick his arse from here to the ends of the lands for it. Had they not seen what I had killed here? And the human. There was something happening here that wasn’t right.

My wolf pulled her muzzle back to show her canines at him. The pup wouldn’t lose a finger or a hand, but Embry Call?

‘Beta stand down.’ The voice of my alpha rang out loudly. ‘You know as well as I do there is no way Sue Clearwater was going to stay behind in La Push when she found out her only daughter was injured.’ Okay fine, I knew my mother wouldn’t take no for an answer, but still. I showed him #Kenzi’s face and he sighed. ‘That one… The Kid’s imprint was chosen well by the spirits. She was born to be a part of the Clearwater bloodline for a reason. The might of that small one… It made me glad that I wasn’t the one driving her here.’

Their scents took over the room before they even stepped foot in the apartment, and then the air in the room was sucked out from around me when they stood frozen in the door, both of their brown eyes locked on me. Tears flowed down McKenzie’s  cheeks as her hands shot up to cover her mouth so not to let the sound of her gasps travel too far, however it was heard by everyone.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤 』

My foot steps stalled as soon as I walked out the door of my room. The sight before me compelled my heart to break into a million shards.

Sue sat beside her son and the wolf form of her daughter, her hands brushing the fur while she whispered words of what felt like comfort to Leah. She did not allow tears to cloud her eyes, and held her shoulders straight, even if the strain in them could be seen by those moving their eyes away to give the family some form of privacy. #Seth now had one arm around his fiancé and the other still held onto his sister.  And #Kenzi.. she sat crying, repeatedly saying. ‘I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry... I shouldn’t have asked you…. I shouldn’t….’

My hands reached out in search of Collin’s, curling my fingers into his for a moment as I felt like he was the one who could ground me right now. I still believe that this nightmare could come to an end, and I will wake to none of this night being true.

Collin had been stood where I had left him however, Leah had already been covered by the blanket I’d given him. He now also had a top on. The t shirt covered his chest and the scars that I’d seen through the fog of adrenaline coursing it’s way around my veins. Those were on my list of things we had to talk about. I wanted to know how he had been hurt, what had caused them, was it from his illness as a child, or was it something like what had taken place to Leah tonight?

Just as I plucked up the courage to take a step forward, to share with #Sue what I had done to her daughter, #Seth began by gently breaking the night down. He spoke of what #Leah had been doing here, how she had come around and found the vampire who had followed me, how she had fought him off alone. And how she had managed to send the others in the pack a message for an SOS as she came to my door. He spoke and told it all as though he had a first-hand account of the night... no… nights… that she had been here. Talking about a night when Rosa and I had been out at a restaurant, how something or someone had been following me there. the picture he painted sent shivers down my spine.

‘I am so sorry Ma... this is all my fault.’ #Kenz cried, causing my feet to carry me forward to her side. ‘I was the one who asked sis to look after Harper….’ I placed a hand on her shoulder causing her to look up to me and cry even more. ‘I knew you were sad Harps… I knew you would feel lost… I didn’t want to leave you alone… I’m sorry.’

#Sue reached a hand over and touched #Kenzi’s leg. ‘Shh… Usdi wouldn’t have had it any other way. she would have come even if you hadn’t have asked her. This is what my daughter is like… she wouldn’t have it any other way. Please do not be upset with her Harper, this is how Leah shows people she cares. She wasn’t spying on you. She just wanted to protect you. Please forgive her. ’

My eyes now filled with tears, seeing this woman whom I loved and respected asking me of all people, to forgive her daughter for saving my life.

“No… please… Sue… please don’t break my heart. I know I am new to all of this, however I’m intelligent enough to know that without Leah here tonight. I would not be alive.” Lowering myself to my knees I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. “Please forgive me… I am the reason your child is so hurt.”

#Leah shifted and spasmed making everyone move back away a little to give her space, I didn’t move back, I moved into her. ‘It’s okay. I’ve got you Leah.’ #Embry said, the only other person who hadn’t moved away, not caring that she could hurt him without meaning to.

���Please hold onto Leah’s head.” I asked him. Then I called for #Seth and Collin. “Could you both hold her sides? We need to keep her tongue from rolling back and keep her airways free.”

❁ Collin ❁

I thought that #Embry would have joined the others outside once he’d cleared the room before letting #Kenzi and #Sue inside. But he stayed… we’re they worried that Leah might lose control when she was in pain? It was certainly possible… for anyone else but Leah? I just  couldn’t see it happening. He whispered something to #Seth then, telling him he was doing good…

He was here for us, for #Seth… and me, to a lesser extent. Or he was the only one with the balls the tell Leah to stay down other than #Jake… and he needed to lead the defensive line. As Alpha, he had to stay in wolf form.

Harper came out of her room and my heart rate slowed… like a closed door between us had stolen all sense I had that she was safe, and seeing her gave me that same rush of relief I felt when I first saw her tonight. I followed Harper into the living room where. #Kenzi was sobbing her words with #Seth’s arm around her… my heart broke and #Seth’s gaze met mine… He’d heard my internal tirade the entire run here… he seemed as shocked by the revelation as me.

Harper’s hand found mine and I  squeezed her fingers gently, turning my gaze to hers. “It’s going to be okay.” I whispered to her.

I kept her hand in mine as she spoke to #Sue, my eyes moving from them to Leah as she explained what she had done so far, but I stayed quiet and stroked the back of her hand  with my thumb. Telling her over and over I was here, I was here now. Even if I had let her down tonight.

#Seth went next… leaving out how I had disobeyed when he ordered me to stop running. Hopefully, that titbit would never make it to the ears of the elders. My heart broke  for #Kenzi when she was blaming herself. “It should have been me.” I whispered.

‘Pup.’ #Embry gave a barely perceptible shake of his head and flicked his eyes to Harper. ‘Not now.’

I shared a look with #Seth; he understood. He was probably the only one that could.

I  flinched internally when Harper said it was her fault… I couldn’t bare to think of her shouldering that guilt. But Leah’s body started to twitch. Embry comforting us was not unusual by any stretch… but Leah… that was new. Then again, I’d never known of a moment where Leah needed comfort…so I suppose that was why it had never occurred before now.

#Embry took #Seth’s place, with Kenz glued to his side, it made sense, he sat so her head rested on his knee… I couldn’t help but think he was going to pay for that later. I released Harper’s hand to do as she asked.

‘She doesn’t smell right, Harper… There’s a chance she’s been poisoned.’ #Embry told her, he seemed unsure of how to explain it; so I did.

“There could be venom in her system, we don’t know how it affects us… but in humans the only way to reverse it is  to remove all the contaminated blood.” I knew that wasn’t an option… she’d lost so much already.

‘I can help her keep still, just tell us what you need.’ #Embry told her. ‘Anything that you don’t have here… equipment… drugs… we can get it.’ He looked at Seth and I. ‘#Ness is on standby.’ I assumed that he meant with Dr Cullen’s medical equipment.

His attention moved back to Leah. ‘Hey… Keep still and let the Doc do her thing, okay? Don’t give the Pups a hard time. They’re just doing as they’re told. Just pay attention to me.’ Then he started to recite what sounded like a poem. No… it was a song… I knew the song but I couldn’t remember from where or who sang it, he just spoke the lyrics from memory.

‘Like a small boat, On the ocean. Sending big waves. Into motion. Like how a single word. Can make a heart open…’

❁ Harper ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕂𝕖𝕟𝕫𝕚𝕖 ℂ𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕝 』

Sorrow, pain, guilt… only some of the emotions but to name a few in the melting pot that was my heart. Even with the kind and loving arms of #Seth enveloping me I couldn’t seem to stop shaking now that I was here and witnessing everything with my own eyes.

#Seth and #Leah had told me stories of their past, of their history and that of those who were Spirit Warriors before them. However, this is the first time I am witnessing the history coming to life with my very own eyes.

“This wasn’t meant to be… She is here because of me.” Inaudible and still he heard and understood me.

‘Shh.. baby.. no… don’t. You know this is not on you. This is on the one that attacked. And only that being.’ His arms came around me and we were moved back when Leah’s wolf frame shifted on the floor. She was trying to get  up, to leave.

‘Sis… please.. stay.’ #Seth’s voice broke seeing his sister this way.

“She isn’t losing control; she is trying to leave?” Why would #Leah want to leave?

‘Even now Leah is trying to protect us. She thinks she needs to get away.’ #Sue’s voice cracks.  

‘Poisoned?’ Harpers voice pulled my attention as I wipe my eyes, taking in the conversation that Collin and Embry were having with her. Her hands shook. ‘With no antidote, or antivenom…’ Her mind worked a million miles an hour. I could see it in her eyes. I… I cannot do this… I…’

#EmbryCall moved to rest a hand on her shoulder. ‘You’ve got this doc. But…’ he made her look him in his eyes. ‘If you tell me right now, you can’t… then I will pick her up and find another way.’

#Sue’s eyes now had tears. We were pushed back and behind Seth and a few of the other younger boys who arrived at the small apartment without being told their help was needed.

“Harper… please… I know you can do this… please help Sis.” I cry out to her, my burning eyes watching the wolf on the ground fighting an invisible enemy from within.

Harper’s frown deepened her eyes never once leaving #Leah. ‘We cannot remove her blood, she has lost too much… blood transfusion? It may work… We pump clean blood into her… push the effected out? No… No…’

“Why Not?” I asked.

‘What do I give her? Which blood would work? I don’t have human blood… How will what I am doing impact her?’ Harper was shaking again. And yet again.. I told myself. This is all on me..

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『  𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕎𝕖𝕖𝕜𝕤 𝔸𝕘𝕠  』

‘Kenz, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I am happy to go and tell Harper I will be looking out for her in Port. But to go behind her back? It’s not my style.’

My heart leaps out of my chest, “No… No… Sis… please…. Harper will think I don’t trust her, or that I am trying to control her. I just know… I know what she is like, I know she is hurting right now. And she won’t care about how amazing this is for her. She will run… she will run and by the time she thinks it all through, it will be too late.’ I was not embarrassed by my actions, I would go on my knees and beg if needed. ‘Sis, this is an remarkable and astonishing moment in my best friends life. And my actions are shadowing everything for her. I will never forgive myself if Harper loses her true love, her soulmate, her home, and the life I know she will have here with Collin, because of me.’

#Leah wasn’t one to hug, hold or show any form of emotion in the normal ways. It is always in her actions towards those who she loves where her care shines.

‘Has your time with my kid taught you nothing? Have some faith in the Spirits Kenz, in Collin and his bond with your sister. With her… Have faith in Harper. I’ve seen the change in her since she’s been here.’ She sighed biting the inside of her cheek. ‘Fine. I’ll talk to Jake and work out how best to do this. Happy?’

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around the tall, strong, and beautiful woman who had become my sister too. “Thank you Sis… Thank you.”  

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕕𝕒𝕪  』

Harper worked so hard and fast; I couldn’t help but feel a warmth of pride while observing. She called out for things that were needed and everyone listened. She asked for a call to be placed with #RenesmeeCullen, and it was done. The soft voice of the woman I slowly had began to know spoke so fast at first, a sense of fear and worry in her voice, until someone on the other end told her to slow down and breathe.

Harper asked questions, lots of them and #Renesmee... #Ness answered them all as best she could, until she couldn’t. Then another call had been connected, followed by a smooth male voice I had never heard before.

‘Good morning, Doctor Jenkins, my name is Carlisle Cullen. I am Renesmee’s grandfather, and Leah’s doctor. Please, if you will allow me to be of assistance to you, I believe that I could help.’ The phone called turned into a video chat, with #Embry holding the phone where ever he is guided and asked to.

Blood bags arrived from somewhere, I have no idea where from. And Harper’s hands moved like never before. This is the woman I knew… The one who never gave up, always questioned herself, however, never lost focus! She is amazing and She is my best friend.

❁ Collin ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝔼𝕞𝕓𝕣𝕪 ℂ𝕒𝕝𝕝  』

Hearing #Kenzi’s words struck a deep chord, I felt like I had known this woman for years and years but if you added up all the hours, I had been in her company it would probably be less than a full day.

But I needed to  focus, there were bigger things at stake, and she was here with #Seth.  I needed to make sure that Leah had her head in the fight and that Harper stayed focused. But by the look on the young imprint's face; that wouldn’t be a problem. Even though her heart was thundering she had heard everything.

“She isn’t going anywhere.” I said but my eyes were locked on Leah. “Otherwise, how is she going to kick my arse for sitting here with her head on my lap.” It was a knee... and barely... but enough to warrant an arse-kicking by Leah’s terms.

Then the Doc started to talk.... and doubt crept in... I knew that saying I would carry Leah out of here and find some way to help was going to earn me a bigger kick... or five. But I meant every word.

Harper tried to puzzle out the blood problem and Collin spoke. ‘I’ve  had blood transfusions... it was before I changed, but I still had the same genetic anomaly?’

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕒』

Things started to move so fast when Harper was connected with #Nessie. When blood and equipment arrived as fast as it did; I was beginning to wonder if Ness was pilfering a local hospital and not her grandfather’s house. I only let myself feel bad for a second... If it was the case, there was a very large anonymous donation already being deposited into the hospital's accounts.

Before I knew  it Leah was hooked up to an IV and all I could think about was how strange it was to see such a thin tube feeding into a limb thicker than a human arm. That was likely a side effect of seeing a cannula fixed into my skinny, pre-warrior arm.

I would rest my hand on her  shoulder or her back anytime she stayed in the same place for more than a few seconds, and when I wasn’t going to be in her way or hindering her. Her heart seemed to slow when she had the support of a doctor that had studied us, even though he wasn’t in the room, so I wanted her to know she was supported in the room too.

When the flurry of activity passed and #Embry was still holding the phone to give #DrCullen a look at the scene I turned back to Harper.

“Is there anything else you need? What do we do now?”

❁ Harper ❁

‘Sis is going to kick your arse from here all the way to first beach and back again.’ #Seth kept his arms tightly around #Keniz, attempting to lighten the mood. ‘But don’t worry, ‘Bry. I’m sure she will give you a count of ten for a head start.’

The room had become a blur for the majority of the time while #DoctorCullen steered me throughout the steps to be taken. He had taken time to analysis, to develop, and enhance his knowledge to the point that I could be certain that he knew the way #Leah’s body  worked in both wolf form and human form.

Tranquillity embraced me whenever I experienced apprehension rising from within. A smallest of touch, a whisper, an awareness that I would not be alone in the events unfolding. Collin would give the space needed for me to be myself, however when required he would place a touch to encourage me to go on.

“How can I ensure that the damage and the scaring is to a minimum when Leah is human?” I asked while working.

His voice, so gentle and sweet. The sound of a lullaby to my ears. ‘You have nothing to fear when it come to scaring with Leah, she is always highly upset when the healing is complete, and her injuries disappear as thought they were never there.’

“How often does Leah need help like this?” my voice steady, with #Nessie helping to past over tools and guild me with the doctor. However, he was not the one to asker.

‘My daughter came very close to dying once. It was then that Carlisle had to learn fast how to help my usdi and Jacob. Since then, the three of them, and Seth too have been learning as much as they can.’ This explained some of the questions churning in my mind. However, opened up another can of wombs too.

When I had done all, I could, I shifted the weight of my body back onto my toes feeling the soreness in my knees now. I hadn’t gotten off them since #Leah took a turn for the worse.

Squeezing Collin’s hand, I shook my head. The wolf stilled, with her chest moving slower, the bleeding under control, and the thrashing subsided. “No, there is nothing more I can do here.” My eyes on the screen #Embry still held. Questions the doctor.

‘You have don’t stupendously Dr Jenkins, now all we can do is wait and see if we had achieved enough to help Leah with her healing.’

Shifting once again, I sat down on my ground taking the gloves off and wiping my forehead with the back of my hand. “Please Leah… please keep fighting… please.” I whispered.

❁ Collin ❁

I barely paid attention to #Seth and #Embry. I knew what ‘Bry was trying to do and what he always did, lighten the mood and keep us focused. But all I needed to focus on was Harper. It wasn’t a purely selfish thing… Yes, Harper would always be my priority but she was the best  hope for Leah right now too. Making sure she was okay was best for everyone.

It shocked me when Harper wanted to know how to keep the wounds from scarring. My hand brushed against my ribs where I had been cut two weeks before my change to treat my collapsed lungs… I wasn’t even a warrior ye and I had no scar there. I had never given any thought to scars that might happen after our change. I had spent my life in hospitals, but what happened here tonight before my eyes were hardly comprehensible.

I took Harper’s hand and rested my hand on her  back, supporting her as her body trembled. She had to be aching after that long on her knees. “Okay. Let’s give her some time to heal and rest… and you too.” I slipped my arm under her and picked her up. Carrying her a few short feet to the couch to sit down. I grabbed my backpack and pulled out a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Please just go with me on this okay? She’s stable. And she might need you again so you need to look after yourself.” I looked up at the blood bags currently connected to the giant white wolf. “We’ll let the clean  blood work its way through her system. And see if she changes back.” I reached into the backpack again and pulled out some protein bars.

‘The pup is a boy scout.’ #Embry scoffed and I tossed him one and two to #Seth.

I knelt on the floor next the Harper and handed her one, looking up at her tired, worried and still beautiful face in complete awe of everything she’d accomplished. “Almond butter and chocolate.” I smiled at her resting my other hand on her knee. “You need to eat, you’ve been working hard. You’re a miracle Harper Lee Jenkins… that we’ve all been waiting for, not just me.”

Ness delivered three large glasses of water to the others in the room… too fast… sometimes she forgot to restrain herself. ‘I’m going to go find food for the boys outside. Shout if you need me.’ Ness said and a second later she was  out the door.

❁ Harper ❁

Ankles, knees, back, neck. It all hurt at once when I tried to stand. However, one simple movement from Collin and I found myself off my feet and being carried across the room to be gently set down on the couch.

My eyes darted around the room; however, no one paid the action  any attention at all. That is no one but #Kenzi who just smiled through her tear-soaked face.

“Collin...”

I began however there was a bottle in my hands and all my attention focused from Leah to his face. That pull in my chest tugging me to listen to him, to understand and to think about what he was saying and what he was doing right now.

Taking the bottle and the protein bar my heart skipped as he spoke to me.

I had people in my life who loved me, who cared for me. However, even then I felt alone. With him, the way he held me, gave me the facts, and asked me to think of myself. My heart skipped again.

And then my attention was pulled like a rug pulled out from underneath my standing feet. But I was sitting.

“I’m tired.” I told myself when I glanced at the others. Waiting for them  to react to what I had just seen. “Maybe I’m…” what was I? Hallucinating?

Pointing my finger to the blur who ran out of the door. “She…. Her… Nessie?” My dry throat hurt too, and lips stuck together. Was I seeing things? In which case I wasn’t someone who could be trusted to help Leah if she needed more assistance.

 “I’m seeing things.” I whispered to Collin, however #Seth and #Embry and one of the other boys  all looked towards me at the same time.

❁ Collin ❁

My eyes followed Harper’s to #Kenzi; she looked like she had been crying for days… not just the few hours she was here. But before I needed to get up #Embry crouched next to them and whispered to #Seth. ‘We should let Kenz get comfortable for a little while too, brother.’ It  was his way of asking his permission to move her from his hold. ‘What do you think?’ He asked Kenzi. ‘Do you wanna get off the floor for a few minutes?’ Because for a guy with a reputation like his, he had a surprising respect for women. #Seth kissed Kenzie’s cheek and told her to go and sit on the sofa, the get comfortable.

Embry guided her to the couch and Kenzi stepped under his arm like he was someone she’d known and trusted all her life. The instinct of an imprint to trust another warrior. #Seth let her go telling her everything was going to be fine.

My heart squeezed when Harper said she was tired. I sat next to her on the sofa, shifting from my knees in front of her. My arm moved around her shoulders, and I kissed her temple and rested my cheek against her hair. “I know, honey.” I whispered. “I know. I’m  gonna take care of you.” I kissed the side of her head again. I meant it… because I had no clue how long this respite would last before I had to ask the impossible of her again. I could hear her voice cracking a little and encouraged her to take a drink.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. #Embry said ‘Ness… can you at least pretend to be human for a minute?’ so low only the non-humans in the room would hear.

“You aren’t hallucinating, Harper. #Ness… Is… Well, she’s special. She’s an imprint too, #Jacob’s imprint. Like you and #Kenzi.” I smiled at  her as ‘Bry settled her onto the couch next to Harper. “But she isn’t human… not entirely… Her mother was human, and her father is a vampire… but he isn’t like the one that attacked Leah. Nessie has… warm skin that can’t be pierced, a heartbeat… she’s incredibly fast and strong. And she’s… Well…” How could I explain the age of this fully grown woman she had spent the last few hours with basically; performing surgery?

“Jake Imprinted on her when she was a new-born… that was ten years ago.” I explained and liked on cue she sauntered back in, at human speed this time. She smelled faintly of rabbit, and I was certain the boys weren’t enjoying the meals she’d found for them… very few of us enjoyed eating in wolf form.

‘You flatter me, Collin… But you forgot beautiful and talented.’ She smiled at Harper. ‘It's  great to meet you, Doc… I wish it was under better circumstances… But Leah here prefers to enforce the rules rather than follow them.’ She sank to the floor next to the huge white wolf in a move that was both sullen and graceful. She rested her tiny hand on Leah’s huge paw, unafraid, without hesitation knowing she was protected by virtue of just being #Ness… never mind being an imprint. I wondered what she was showing Leah… and if or how to explain her gifts to Harper.

I held Harper closer, my hand rubbing up and down her arm. “I still have so many stories to tell you.”

❁ Harper ❁

Collin’s arm around me and holding my close to his warmth helped to ground me in my moment of dismay. Some part of me still not believing what I was being told and them other parts of my mind clicking things into place.

#DoctorCullen, had introduced himself as the young woman’s grandfather when he too looked close to my age. Maybe a little older. So, how was that even possible? Yes, I would have questioned this information in the time, however there wasn’t the time. She looked mine and #Kenzi’s age? However, hadn’t I just been told by Collin that the chiefs son had imprinted on her ten years ago when she was a baby? This beautiful woman was not ten years old! No!

Someone took the bottle from my hand opening it, before placing it back to guide it to my lips. ‘Drink a little Harps.’ It was #Kenz now sat beside me. She’d done the same with the bar, unwrapping it before breaking off a little to place it on my lips for me to eat. ‘You always get so hungry after you work.’ She knew me too well.

My best friend moved to the far side of the couch we were all sat on, however reaching out my hand I caught hers and squeezed it for dear life. My eyes finding hers and telling her to please not go. “I’m so sorry… I wasn’t there for you. I saw you needed someone. But after only trying once or twice I didn’t ask… I didn’t check in with you.. I knew you were happy, and I….”

#Kenz threw herself at me, it was awkward, Collin had an arm around me, Kenz to my other side clinging on and crying into my shoulder. ‘I couldn’t tell you Harps.. I’m so sorry… I couldn’t break his trust…’

“Shh…” still holding her to me. “It wasn’t your secret to  tell. But I once again left you to deal with it all without supporting you.”

She pulled back to look at me. “Seth isn’t Jimmy, you cannot keep blaming yourself for my past mistakes. I am here because of you. I found the love of my life because of you. You were the one who threw us all together in the car and drove… you were the one who brought us to Forks… if you hadn’t…. I wouldn’t have found this amazing family. A family you are apart of too…”

My eye stung with tears, when Ness came back into the apartment, teasing Collin. ‘I know it’s a lot. But Ness is amazing, and as much as I know you want to hide or run… Please… please… please don’t do it… You are home here, you just need to give it time.’

Collin’s hand moved up and down my arm, making me look back to him. “We have time. I want to hear all of the stories.”

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

The burning slowed in my veins; relief washed it’s way over the scorching skin. The song of the spirits guided my way out, a way to out run this pain, but I couldn’t do that. Some part of me knew that no warrior of the tribe would leave it’s formed to fight this battle alone, she wouldn’t leave me. And I wouldn’t leave her.

They sang, their prayed filling my mind, and their percents helped to take me to a place where my warrior and I were at peace for the most parts of it. They showed me my path, and how it wasn’t to stop here. ‘You have more to do. This is not where you leave those who love you.’ They hummed into the air around me.

The sounds and vision of my world went by in a blur with pain stealing me from my mind from time to time. Only the voice of my Alpha keeping me connected and the touches and whispers in my ear. Until a hand placed on my warrior paw began to show me everything as though I was seeing it through my own eyes.

Port in the dead of night, the other warriors in formation, working as one they took control of the town and managed to clear the threat. They weren’t standing down, they had it in hand. The imaged then turned to #Sam and #Jake, the two of them as warriors showing me that there was nothing else here for now. And then I saw her. #Ness smiling at me, whispering that I could let go. To do as I would want them to do if they were in my place. ‘Let go, Leah.’

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤  』

Something changed in the air around us, both #Kenzi and I turned our eyes towards the floor where Leah’s giant white wolf lay still as the night sky began to lift. Those sounds… the soft voices, I could hear the song in the wind that came from nowhere, and before our eyes we witnessed the wolf’s form and shape begin to shift and move. The blood covered fur began to vanish, and the soft almond colours skin replaced it until there she was.

“Leah…” I exclaimed.

She lay on the ground, so still that I wasn’t certain I could see even her chest moving. And then it hit me. She lay there curled up in her bare skin…. Naked!

❁ Collin ❁

I watched the exchange between the two women… best friends… sisters… bound to one another before they were ever bound to #Seth and I… brought to us by our Ancestors and Fate. When #Kenzi threw herself at Harper I still couldn’t bring myself to let go of her… she was in  pain and not just her aching body, I knew that she was used to that with her long hours. It was clear by the way they clung to one another that there was nothing I could do to interfere with the moment.

I found #Kenzi’s hand in the tangle of female limbs and squeezed it softly… we shared a smile, hers was watery, but true.

The name Jimmy made my wolf stir. Perhaps Harper had stories of her own to tell me too. But now wasn’t the time.

I wanted to tell Kenzi that Harper and I had talked and she had no plans to run… but that wasn’t my  story to tell. My heart lurched when Her eyes met mine again. “All the time we could ever want.” I smiled at her. “And you still have plenty to tell me too. We can make a few new ones in between.”

The smell of rot had been slowly fading… but now… it was draining out of the air at a greater pace. Leah’s body was fighting the poison, her enhanced healing was becoming more and more effective as the venom was cleansed from her system. #Seth and #Embry were already leaning in closer to Leah’s wolf form. Embry had knowingly placed himself between Leah and #Sue… A shifting wolf was unpredictable at the best of times, but with vampire venom in their system? There was no precedent for this, and Leah couldn’t be faulted if she lashed out during the change. I sat forward on the couch too, uncurling my arm from around Harper and reaching it out in front of the two women next to me. My muscles tensed and primed, ready to protect them in case anything went wrong. The sound of popping bones filled the space.

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕖𝕖 ℂ𝕦𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕟 』

I watched the  transformation happening in front of me, bones changing, fur fading away to skin, limbs shortening, toes lengthening to fingers that I laced mine through. “That’s it Leah, come back to us.” I whispered softly. “Let your Spirit Warrior rest and heal with her ancestors. Come  back and heal with your brothers and sisters.”

Skin… nudity… it wasn’t something that had ever really shocked me, we were all just people beneath the fabric. I reached over and folded the sheet that lay under her over the human form now laid out before me. Mostly for the  sake of the guys, her mom, Harper and Kenzi… I didn’t think Leah was in any state to worry about modesty. And worried little about it in her daily life.

I moved aside to allow #Sue to take her daughter's hand. #Sue murmured softly to her daughter in her mother tongue and brushed her hair out of her face. After a long moment, she looked up at the boys and said. ‘We should move her off of the floor.’

A moment of hesitation flashed in #Seth’s eyes… He knew that as soon as Leah was able, whoever scooped her up off of this floor would earn a  smack. But #Embry didn’t hesitate. He tucked her arm that was linked to the IV bags gently over her chest and slid his arms under her and the sheet she was now swaddled in. ‘Don’t worry kid. I already have it coming to me… I might as well take this one.’ He lifted her so carefully, #Sue stayed close and fixed the sheet anytime it shifted. I followed them to the bedroom, carrying the stand holding the IV bags. As soon as she was laid on the bed I shooed the boys.

‘Okay, go let us clean her up and dress her. Send in Harper and Kenzi.’ I said as I laid out the hospital gown and #Sue poured water into a bowl and said a blessing over it. It was what we would use to clean her. She handed Seth a hand-carved bowl and sage and told him to teach the girls how to cleanse themselves.

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕒 』

I helped Harper up and held out a hand for Kenzi to take. I heard everything that was happening in the room and heard the match spark as #Seth lit the sage. No one would deny #Sue this added protection for her daughter, just as no one had ever denied it to my mother at my hospital door.

“The smoke will cleanse away any negative Spirits that may be clinging to you. Any negative wish that people have made for you in your past will break free and leave you unburdened.” I explained  to the girls as I led them to the room that was now the domain of our Guardians. Leah may be our pack brother, (regardless of gender) but she was theirs to protect now.

#Embry passed us, telling us that he was going to relieve #Jake of command and let him in. But he could not cross the threshold until the mothers, sisters and daughters granted him access.

I stood in front of Seth, he nodded to me, letting me know that I could finish telling the girl’s how to complete the rite. “You hold the smoke in your hands and guide it towards you, to  burn away anything destructive clinging to your soul.” I moved my hand towards me and waved the smoke to fill the space around me.

#Kenzi stepped up and copied me. “Let go of all your burdens, release them all into the smoke… anything that weighs you down. Picture them breaking free and rising with the smoke. Any fears or worries can be carried away to the ancestors. Bring only healing into that room.” My eyes were on Harper even as I talked Kenzi through it all, knowing that she would be next. Her very first tribal ceremony… it was simple  and informal… and it was just #Seth #Kenzi and I here with her to see her through it.

❁ Harper ❁

I stood before my sister, my brother-in-law to be, and the man who I gave my heart to willingly. The scent of smoking sage filled the room as all their eyes turned to me. This wasn’t the first time I been asked to use sage, however this was the first time I was to take part in something that had true meaning for Collin and #Seth.

‘Here you go.’ #Kenzi held the burning sage up before me and nodded her head slowly to guide me on.

“How many times should I do it for?” I asked.

‘Four.’ #Seth said. ‘It’s for the Dawn to the east; Midday to the south; Evening Twilight to the west, and Night to the north. He moved his hands over and around his body to show me the way. ‘But really, you do what feels right to you in your heart.’ He tried to smile, glancing back over his shoulder to the door of the room his mother, and sister were in now.  

I waved my hands in half moon circles, gathering the smoke of the sage and bringing it to myself. beginning at my head, my hair, my face, my chest, and heart, and then I followed the guidance #Seth had provided. East, South, West, and ending at North. 

Collins instructions were fresh in my mind, while straining so hard to release the negative standpoints. The fear I felt when I thought I could let them all down by not being able to help #Leah. Then I had to free the questions I needed answers too. Because for now, it was more important for me to follow the needs of a worried mother, as her daughter lay fighting for her life.

When I was done, my eyes found Collins. He was my grounding focus as I would be his… And then I froze… My mind brought forth a memory of a dream, one I had the night after Collin began to tell me some of the stories of this tribe. A dream of Leah, and Collin as spirit warriors, of them leaving their bodies behind to fight those who would harm the tribes people. I had been there, stay beside and protecting the lifeless body of the man I called mine. Waiting for his return. For him to open his beautiful eyes and smile up at me.

‘Harper?’ #Kenzi rested a hand on my arm. ‘We should go in.’

I asked her to go ahead, taking a moment before to hand Collin the sage back. “Thank you for guiding me I this moment. Please forgive me if I did anything incorrectly.”

‘How is she?’ This time it was the Chiefs son stood in the door, voice making me turn to rush into my bedroom, leaving the men to explain it all to him.

I closed the door behind me, taking in the sight before my eyes. The three women had placed themselves around the bed, each with a small damp towel cleaning #Leah’s body with care. ‘Come join us.’ #Sue’s voice was still calm as she held out a towel. Of course, I took it without questioning the reasons why they would want me here right now.

She said words which felt like a pray her in her togue, before repeating them for the rest of us to understand.

‘Great Sprits or the warriors, whose voice we hear up on the wind, and whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear our pray, help your warrior here tonight, she calls for your strength and for your wisdom. Show her the path to follow to heal, guide her to the world of her ancestors, help her to understand the things that you have taught us, so that she can fight her way back to those who love her.’

‘Harper, please may we borrow your hands?’ #Sue held her had out across the bed to me, I placed mine I hers. ‘Great Spirit, bless this kid, her hands that healed my usdi. Show her, her path here tonight too.’ Taking my hand, she placed it over the heart of #Leah, with #Kenz, and #Ness placing their hands over ours.

Once the prayer was completed, #Sue took out some clothes from the bag by the foot of the bed. We all helps to dress #Leah and braid her hair out of the way before we were told to let the others know it had bee done. The other two walked out, however I remained in the room, checking the I.V. As the last drops emptied from the bag, I witnessed the needle push out of #Leah’s arm, with her skie healing before my eyes.

‘Wado, Equa Didanvdo… Thank you, great spirits!’ #Sue whispered kissing her daughters forehead.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her, her face sombre…. Harper was concentrating; truly pouring herself into the experience. I smiled at her when she turned to look at me. I was filled with such a sense of pride for her; for everything she had accomplished tonight, and awe at the fact that not once  did I think that maybe this situation was impossible, I knew that she could do this. And gratitude that our ancestors crossed our paths at this stage of our lives, that they thought I was worthy enough of this, incredible, intelligent, determined woman. They had big plans for us. I just knew it.

I didn’t touch her because I hadn’t saved myself yet… and I might not even be invited into that room tonight. “You did perfectly, Harper. Your intention is always what matters the most. The Spirits will always know what is in your heart.”

Then Jake was standing with us as the girls disappeared inside. I stepped back and allowed #Seth to tell #Jake what had happened and what the current situation was. ‘She phased back and we moved her… Harper has stayed with her every step of the way… she purged the venom from her system  #Jake…’ He was clearly astonished that she had done it. ‘It’s incredible. It was like the venom was keeping her from phasing back.’

‘No.’ #Jake shook his head. “No it wasn’t the venom, or at least not just the venom. She refused to let go until she knew Port Angeles was  clear. She thinks the Vampire wasn’t alone, and possibly was in the company of a human. #Charlie is keeping an eye out for missing person reports and #Alice already hacked the hospital records, there’s been no admissions that could potentially be a vampire attack.’

They had  really covered every angle… I couldn’t lie. It was strange to have been disconnected from all of that. Something in my body language must have tipped them off because #Jake’s hand came down on my shoulder. ‘You’ll get used to it cuz…’ The Alpha told me. ‘Sometimes we have  to take that step back for when they need us.’

“Oh, I know… I don’t mind… I would never want to leave her alone during something like that.” The words all came out in a rush.

‘We know.’ #Seth chuckled. ‘But it’s still okay to feel strange being disconnected from your  brothers, Pup. But you had your priorities straight. You did really good. Now, we need to make sure we look after Harper too. She must be exhausted.’ Of course, #Seth would be standing here moments after his sister almost died and still thinking of others. He was the best of  us.

We heard the commotion in the room and then #Nessie and #Kenzi appeared in the door. ‘Sue is ready for you, baby.” #Nessie said and took the bowl of sage from #Seth, she struck another match to get it smouldering again. Then she turned to #Kenzi and smiled. ‘Why don’t  you do it?’ she asked with such enthusiasm that it probably baffled her. #Ness was good at keeping a positive attitude in a bad situation. ‘Shouldn’t you….’ #Kenzi looked at #Jake. ‘You’ve done this before.’

‘It doesn’t matter which one of us does it.’ #Nessie smiled and  glanced at me. ‘It's all about intention.’ She leaned in close and whispered to #Kenz. ‘Just let him smudge himself then invite him inside. The Spirit Warriors have to be invited after we take charge of the wounded.’

#Kenzi seemed to brighten just a little at the word we, she was going to thrive as part of this group of women. But there was still an edge to her that I understood, Leah was still very sick.

#Jake looked proudly at his imprint and moved through the ritual slowly, whiled #Kenzi held out the sage and doused him in the smoke… he never rushed it, he always set an example for the rest of us. ‘P-please come inside Jacob.’ #Kenzi looked to #Seth to see if she had done it right and he nodded. She smiled briefly again.

#Jake, still shirtless disappeared into the room. Harper was really going to  understand what I meant by the guys rarely wearing shirts after tonight.

#Seth stepped in front of his imprint but #Nessie held up a hand. ‘I know you want to get in there, she’s your sister… But just give him a minute to do his Alpha thing.’ She was sweet, and kind. #Seth  nodded. ‘Why don’t you make some coffee for the ladies, Pup?’ She turned that kind smile on me. ‘It’s gonna be a long night. Harper is okay, and it will only take a minute.’

I nodded. “Tell her I’m right here… and I will be right back.” Nessie promised, so I turned and went  to find a coffee maker in the unfamiliar kitchen.

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 -𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕠𝕓 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 』

The sight in the room was jarring, #Sue was standing over her daughter, her expression was indescribable. I knew she would pay any price to trade their places even though her children were stronger, physically than she could ever hope to be. #Leah’s skin was dull, which was made even stranger and more terrifying by the thin film of sweat that glistened on the places I could see her skin; it made her pale and shiny at the same time. The smell of vampire venom was slight, but enough to bring me  right back to the night #Renesmee was born.

Back to the moment, I watched my best friend die.

She had died… the fact that it was temporary didn’t ease the devastation I felt in that instant, not even now.

A tiny warm hand slipped into mine and squeezed it, lips pressed to  my shoulder, and I turned my head to see her, those gorgeous eyes and erratic heartbeat. ‘Leave it all outside, my love.’ She whispered. ‘Later.’ She promised. She was never one to pause her emotions until later. She only had room for one feeling at a time in her body and she  felt them all until they were resolved or petered out. Despite it being so against her nature she understood the need for an alpha to put away certain things. But, she always made me deal with them later, even if I didn’t want to… especially if I didn’t want to.

Harper was on the other side of the bed checking all of the tubes connected to my Beta. I hadn’t seen anything like this since the last time my cousin was sick. And now his soulmate was standing here having saved the life of a warrior. I smiled at her when she looked up, sensing her gaze and then I went to stand next to Leah. “What on earth were you thinking, Clearwater?” I asked quietly. She barely stirred.

‘Jacob Black, mind your manners. You can tell her off another day.’ #Sue reprimanded. ‘But not before I get my shot.’

“Yes, Auntie.” I nodded and  turned to Harper. “Dr Jenkins, We… I… can never express our gratitude for what you’ve done for us tonight. What you did… Only one person that we know of has ever survived a vampire bite, we didn’t believe it was even possible. Not medically... not like this. It's simply astounding.”

‘Yeah, sure…’ A voice croaked; it sounded as though someone had poured scalding water down her throat. ‘Give her all the credit, I’m only here fighting for my life.’ Leah coughed and Sue was there in an instant, dabbing a clean wet cloth to her daughter's  lips.

‘Hush now, usdi. And stop teasing, the Spirits have blessed us tonight. At least pretend to be humble.’ She cajoled her eldest child.

‘I was keeping Harper humble. Jacob was going to inflate her ego.’ She licked her lips and tried to hide the next cough. Leah’s  fingers flexed and I saw the muscles in her arms tensing, but they lacked the strength to lift her arm; it was a distressing sight. I didn’t let it show. I reached out for Harper’s hand, (because I knew there was only one thing Leah would be reaching for right now) and drew  it slowly to Leah’s. ‘Thank you.’ She said in a whisper to Harper. ‘Are you okay? Were you hurt?’

❁ Harper ❁

If the ground could come free from under my feet, this would be that moment when it would make sense. #Leah’s hand felt clammy to the touch with her skin looking pale and yellowing. She’s gone through a battle in herself and came out fighting. There was one thought in my mind right now. ‘I want to be like her when I grow up.’  

“Me? You are asking me if I am, okay? If I am hurt? Leah…” My voice splintered with tears gathering making it hard to see clearly. “Leah…” I couldn’t hear my voice, however somehow it felt as though she could. “Leah… you could have died… You… were…” The tears rolled over my cheeks, there were no words I could say to share with her how I felt in the moment.

#Sue, #JacobBlack, and #Renesmee all took a step back from the bed. With the room being so small, the tall man in here made the walls come in on themselves somehow. However, my glazed eyes were on #Leah as she took my hands bringing me in to her. I stepped around the I.V, leaning down until she guided me to sit on the bed beside her.

‘Harper.’ #Leah’s voice felt harsh to my ears, I could tell talking would be difficult and there would be no stopping her. ‘Are you okay?’ She asked once again.

I shook my head, sniffling back more tears. Who was I becoming? I wasn’t known to be so tearful, however in the last weeks my eyes weren’t letting go of this emotional outpouring. “No.. No.. Leah I am not okay. How can I be okay with you in so much pain?”

I could feel a brash of air on my skin, when I glanced up behind the bed seeing that someone had opened the windows in the room at some stage.

‘I need to know…’ she said, and I nodded my head slowly.

Something drew me in, a wrench to my chest. It mimicked the sensation Collin brought to me. like this invisible line from my heart to his. This one was somewhat similar… and not, at the same time. It had a connection from me to #Leah as she fought to keep her dull brown eyes open. She remained as still as she could, and I found myself leaning down to place my forehead to hers, our noses touching.   

‘It’s new to you.’ She whispered to me in a raspy voice. ‘But we are connected by the spirits, by our souls….’ I squeezed my eyes closed. As she slowly continued. ‘O’wili disqualvdodi nanahi atsilv nasgisgini nigesvna Nihi.’ I could feel her warm breath on my face.

It was #Sue who translated her daughters words to me. ‘I will run into the fire instead of you.’

“You did Leah... And I didn’t even know it. I’m so, so, so sorry that I did this to you…” Because it was my fault.  “I love you Leah...” Whispering I kissed her cheek.  “You are my sister... you have been from the first moment you came to Thompson…. We just didn’t know it.” My tears fell onto her face, and her eyes closed, she still held onto my hand however the soft grip loosened.   

‘Usdi?’ #Sue’s voice broke.

“She’s sleeping. she is just sleeping.” I assured a worried mother.  

The bed moved however I didn’t break away. I felt her arm around me as #Kenzi climbs into bed on the other side of Leah holding her and me. Once again there was movement, this time with #Renesmee sitting by #Leah’s head.

She softly combed #Leahs hair back from her sticky forehead. ‘You know, Leah dislikes all this attention. She will be plotting her pay back.’ The sweet and soft voice sounding like a song.

‘Ness…’ #JacobBlack’s voice broke in quickly, making his other half pull her hand away. ‘She doesn’t like anyone touching her hair.’ His voice sounding softer now. ‘She also doesn’t like anyone hugging her and using the L word. So, seems like a night of firsts.’

Sitting up I glanced back to the half open door. #Seth stood on the other side, but there was no Collin. I felt my heart drop.

'He is in the kitchen; said he will be here soon.' I was told by #Renesmee.

❁ Collin ❁

『 Point of View - Jacob Black 』

I watched the interaction between the two women… and the moment in Harper’s eyes when she realised her connection wasn’t just to Collin, it was to us all; to the pack. To her new family, new tribe. My heart hurt that he  wasn’t here… but deep down I knew that if one of us witnessed a moment we all did to some extent.

I felt #Nessie’s arm snake around mine and we stood aside and let the moment unfold. I put my arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. “You did good tonight, baby.” I  whispered to her. “The hospital?”

Her sweet voice pressed into my mind. ‘There are anonymous donations on the way and Emily is organising the other imprints to make blood donations to replace what we took.’

I smiled. Of course, she had this all-in hand. As soon as #Leah slipped back into sleep I was at #Sue’s side, hearing the fear in her voice. I whispered in her ear that I could hear her daughter's heart beating strongly. Then I joined my imprint and tried my best to contain her affection, she was a tactile creature, always expressing  herself through touch and oh-so-many thoughts and words. It was something I loved about her and something I knew to be a little challenging for Leah.

『Point of View – Collin Littlesea 』

I heard Harper’s voice cracking from where I stood in the kitchen pouring the coffee. All I wanted was to run to her, but I knew that she needed a moment with Leah. I had no clue why hearing Harper tell #Leah, she loved her made my heart beat faster but, it did.

I made my way back to the bedroom door and set the tray of coffees on the side table where the sage still smoked just enough for me to cleanse myself. I took my time, and breathed in deeply, moving through the ritual as easily as I did my morning shower. But with far greater and deeper intentions. Letting go of what I had seen in Leah’s mind  on the run here, seeing her torn open like that, and watching Harper doubt herself was harder than anything I’d had to release to my ancestors.

But when I finally could… I felt lighter, and just like I told Harper and #Kenzi; I brought nothing but healing into that room.

Healing, coffee, and the bottles of water I’d placed on the tray too; because it could be a long night.

Inside the room, I saw the three young women surrounding #Leah and #Sue nearby watching them all. I set the tray on a dresser and smiled at Harper. I picked a up cup, and I  was about to hand it to Sue (our elders were always to be served first) but #Jake took it and flicked his eyes towards my soulmate, he took the cup from me and brought it to #Sue himself. His silent message to go to her was heard loud and clear.

I picked up two more mugs and made my  way to Harper and #Kenzi, where they sat side-by-side next to Leah. I handed #Kenzi the cup and smiled. “I took a wild guess that you take yours with a lot of cream and sugar. You strike me as a vanilla latte kinda girl, but this was the best I could do tonight.”

Then I stooped next to the bed in front of Harper and handed her the other. “It’s not hot chocolate… but I figured you needed the caffeine more than the sweetness tonight and just a little sugar.” I smiled and reached up to cup her cheek and wiped away the tear tracks streaking down her face.

I fixed my gaze on her and I was flooded with all the emotions I could see in her eyes. “Are you okay?” I asked her and my voice broke…. And my worry for her and everyone else in the room, especially Harper and #Leah rushed in at once and pushed the air out  of my lungs.

❁ Harper ❁

My attention moved towards the door the moment he came into site. Silently witnessing the cleansing ritual from where I sat on the bed beside my two soul sisters. I observed the difficulty as he began, the tightness in his body couldn’t be overlooked. Followed by the progression once he had completed his ritual. The buoyancy and the comfort in which he stepped into the room. Without words saying, ‘I only bring healing with me.’ It ought to have felt invasive, however in reality witnessing this moment, built the sense of partaking within me.

This journey we were embarking on would be one of learning, of testing me and him too, and one of bringing us and our worlds together. This strength I experienced tonight, it came from within me of course, however Collin and the others here had amplified it somehow. Making the fact that I had questioned myself and my ability to help non-relevant.

#Kenz stood from beside me to take the cup Collin handed to her. Her small frame blocking a little of my view. Somehow this man had a sense of attention to detail, not only did he listen and remember things told to him, he also picked up on things and elements without needing to be told?

#Kenz went to curl into the side of her fiancé who welcomed her with his arm around her waist. Whispering a few words into her ear making her nod her head.

“Coffee is just fine, thank you…” a whisper of a voice as I spoke to him. Taking the cup that he offered I half smiled as a ‘Thank you’ too, he came to kneel before me.

‘Are you okay?’

Three small and simple words on a normal day would not have happened to have the reaction they do tonight. However, when his voice broke. My heart broke too. In such a short time I had begun to feel so much for him.

With our gazes joined with one another, I did not want to lie to him. But I also did not want to be the reason of anyone else hurting because of me tonight. “I…” I couldn’t lie to him... “I am not… however, I am on the road to being.” It was nothing but the whole truth. “Thank you for coming, for giving me your support ensuring I wouldn’t give up on her.”

His touch to my cheek helped as did clasping the cup in both my hands, allowing the heat from it to penetrate to my core where there was a sense of ice settling in. I could tell the adrenalin had begun to dissipate now.

“How are you? The others outside? Is there anyone else who needs me to look over them?” I knew that Leah had faced danger, but had anyone else?

❁ Collin ❁

I did my best not to listen in on #Seth and #Kenzi, it was hard to give people privacy when I was so on guard. But I trusted my brothers outside to keep everything inside this apartment safe. I had to so I could support her right now.

Before I stopped to think whether or not  it was okay, I placed my hand on her knee and squeeze gently in the hopes of comforting her. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here… It took me too long to get to you… I should have been here… maybe if I was #Leah wouldn’t have…” I glanced to the side at the wounded Warrior. I  wouldn’t let the burning behind my eyes win because I knew #Leah would tell me to be strong. “I should have been with you.”

I had the sense of #Kenz burrowing into the side of #Seth somewhere in the room, and #Sue shifted closer to her daughter on the bed.

Was all of this my fault? If I had been with Harper, #Leah wouldn’t have needed to follow her here. If Harper’s scent had have been masked by mine, then the attack never would have happened. The Vampire might have moved on… I might have caught its scent and called in the cavalry if it had chosen to  hang around and hunt.

‘No one else was hurt, #Leah killed it before she found her way back to you.’ #Jake answered her question when I didn’t. He’d been out there more recently than me, anyway. So, he had a better picture of the guy's current situation than I did. ‘But… after seeing what you can do… We would love a chance to talk to you about learning what you can about us… in case… well…” He didn’t need to elaborate, not now, not in this room. ‘But not tonight…’

My breathing became shallow… This was my fault. My heart started to race as fast as Leah’s was. ‘Go get #Sam.’ I heard my cousin whisper to his imprint, low enough that only #Seth, #Ness and I would hear. Did he think I was so bad at self-control that I needed my Alpha?

Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. ‘Pup. Don’t.’ #Jake said gently. ‘What ifs don’t help anyone.’

“I could have stopped this.” My voice shook. I never looked away from Harper.

‘No, Collin… you can’t know that. Just focus on Harper… listen to her heart. She’s your centre.’

He hadn’t stepped between us, so I knew now; he wasn’t afraid I would break. But I could feel my wolf stirring uneasily in my chest, an anger that we had failed her. We didn’t protect her. I hadn’t lost control of my wolf since I was fourteen and I wouldn’t lose it now either. But that burning in my eyes was building.

❁ Harper ❁

The world around us was no more, some part of me at the back of my mind knew I needed to be there for the unconscious #Leah, however I also had the awareness that the room had enough eyes on her, and they wouldn’t think twice to bring me back to my senses. Right now, all I could see were these pain filled unfathomable brown eyes looking deep into my soul through my own eyes. And as I set the cup in my hand down to the side, I saw nothing and no one else.

He was breaking my heart into a million pieces with the way he spoke about  his shortcomings. I could make out how the chief’s son #Jacob attempted to ease the pain he suffered. However, it wasn’t enough.

“I… I will be happy to help in anyway… however, right now… would you excuse us?” There was no request in my response, I wasn’t being rude.

When I placed my hand over Collin’s on my knee. Squeezing softly before I stood up bringing  him up with me.

 “Come with me… please….” Once again, I didn’t wait for an answer, I did not let his hand go, I didn’t even look  at another person because my mind, heart and soul  were All crying out.

‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’ #Jacob said softly.

“Please have faith in me… in us.” My voice cracked with emotion, he looked over my shoulder to where #Sue now sat beside her daughter and then stepped aside.

I didn’t stop until we were in the  bathroom, it was the only other room in this apartment where I could close the door, enough to give us the illusion of privacy at least.

I moved to the side guiding him into the room to face me. My hand still holding on to his, the other moved to cup his face. “I need you to stop… stop everything you are feeling because you know it deep down in your heart, I wouldn’t have let you come. I would have thought you were trying to…. I don’t know….” Because even I couldn’t finish the thought.  “No one knows what would have happened on any given day, I know you want to protect me…. But I want to protect you too….”

I couldn’t believe I was about to say what was coming….

“I love Leah…. I love her so much…. I’m broken over seeing her this way…. But Collin…. If that had been you…. I would have died….” The tears came flowing all by themselves as my heart fell to my stomach at the images in my mind of me opening that door to find him the way I found #Leah.

“Please…. Please…. Please…. Collin….” I pleaded. “We cannot change the past…. But…. I will die…” placing my hand over my chest I beat it once, twice, three times. “In here… it’s…. Excruciating… and it’s not stopping…. And you want to be the one on that bed?”

Never had I felt the loss of someone, even my parents…  The way I just felt the loss of him wanting to take up the space of #Leah.

❁ Collin ❁

I gave Jake a quick nod, telling him that I was okay. I had this, and I was confident that nothing she might say or do would push my limits. I let myself be led out into the hallway and to the bathroom.

The moment she said she wouldn’t have let me come I knew it was true. I  knew why, it was exactly the same reason I fought all my natural instincts to ask her if I could come with her… I didn’t want her to think I was controlling, or obsessive. Or even just clingy. I wanted to act like a boyfriend and not an imprinted Spirit Warrior. When I should have explained to her exactly why we feel the need to stay close so strongly instead.

Tears broke free from my eyes when they fell from her, I couldn’t stop it. “No, Harper.” I moved her hand gently from her chest before I put my arms around her, so it wouldn't be  trapped between us and held her against my chest. “No. I would never want to hurt you like that. Not ever. That isn't what I meant at all. I'm sorry.”

I rested my hand on the back of her head and stroked her hair as I pressed a kiss to her temple.  I held her like that for a moment. “I didn't mean to make you cry, sweetheart. It's okay, we are all safe now. I promise you.” I said, my heart breaking open. My wolf leaned full spirited into the hug. After a few more long, deep breaths; holding her close, I explained.

“I wasn't trying to say that I  would have been one fighting if I came with you ... Just that there might not have been one at all were I with you. We smell different to vampires, it's a defence mechanism it allows us to mask the scent of humans. Vampires are picky... Unless they've not fed in along  time... there's a chance it might have moved on if it hadn't liked how you smelled. If I had been with you even an hour before... It never would have caught your scent.”

#Sam was in the bedroom; #Jake was muttering updates to him. I knew they were listening and as much of an invasion as it was, I loved them for it. That they would protect her... Even from me, that was all that would want.

“I should have just come to you and told you that idea of being that  far away from you terrified me.” I pulled back to see her face, cradling her cheek. “I shouldn't have been so wrapped in trying not to look like something I'm not. I'm not possessive or controlling, I don't want to come between you and your work or anything else in your life. And I will always, always heed you when you say no. But I hated it, Harper. I  hated knowing how long it would take me to get to you if I needed to. I sent Nova to sleep at my mom's in case I needed to run out in the middle of the night. I kept telling myself it was paranoia, and the bond making me worry, but then when I was running here... I'm so  sorry, Harper. I truly believed I was doing what was fair to you. I thought I… I don’t want to bulldoze into every part of your life.” My voice grew softer, and more tears came. “This is all so new, and I thought I knew what I was doing… I’ve seen all the guys go through this… but you and I are different, all of the others are too. I have no clue what I’m doing, but I do know that too much distance between us makes me ache.”

❁ Harper ❁

Seeing his tears made the emotions within heave. I had done this to him. I had been so bull headed with him, with Kenzi, and even Sue and Leah… How could they ever forgive me for all of this?

My arms curved their way around him laying flat on his back, holding him so tightly, the notion of being this close and how it would make the pain react hadn’t crossed my mind. (But then again. Who of us was thinking clearly right now?)

‘She’s your centre.’ Jacob’s voice still resonated with me. I was meant to be his grounding force, his reason for being, his protector.

Closing my eyes, turning my face to bury it into the crook of his neck. The one soft kiss to my temple felt like a much-needed soothing balm.

Listening to Collin’s clarification should have worked, the logical part of my brain understood. I knew that animals protected their young with different scents, some would even place their babies in another’s nest so that they have a greater chance to survive. However, getting to grips of Vampires? Vampires? It’s where I had come stuck. And this coming from a woman who’d witnessed her new boyfriend becoming a wolf? However, all of that became a moot point. It was the thought of Collin coming in harms way that I couldn’t live with now.

Pulling back, our eyes met giving me an ease to stand still in the moment. “I… Never wanted that for you.. for us.. Learning that you were fighting your true self breaks me.” Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks without permission. “I thought we were going to be ourselves, no hiding, no pretending.” The thought occurred to me, and I closed my eyes letting my chin dip. “And I allowed it to come between us. I’ve always done things in my own way, without considering the importance of those around me and how my actions would impact them…” What had #Jenna and Dad said to me about the aftermath of my decisions? How hadn’t I stopped to think about them?

“I…” my voice overwhelmed with this realisation. “I’m not good for you, Collin… If being with me made you become something, you are not... just to keep me happy… I’m not… good for you…. And Nova…” The poor baby.. how hadn’t I thought of her once since seeing Collin? How had I not questioned where she was, if she was safe and looked after…

‘I shouldn't have been so wrapped in trying not to look like something I'm not.’ Those words gripped the core of me, and it stung.

“You shouldn’t have felt the need to portray yourself as anything other than who you are… It’s why I…”

Biting my lips, I shook my head unable to look him in his eyes from the shame of the reality of what I’d learnt.

“No one is perfect Collin Littlesea, it’s an unrealistic goal to thrive for… however if the person you care for makes you feel you need to be… Then… you need to know… you are perfect as you are… And they do not deserve you... I don’t deserve you.”  

❁ Collin ❁

There was so much turmoil inside of me. She was hurting… her body for the work of keeping Leah alive, her heart from seeing her friend in such a state and now this… now I was hurting her. Her own soulmate.

Even with all of that; her head on my shoulder and her nose against my neck calmed me. Somewhat.

“I know, Harper… Spirits… I know. And I wasn’t pretending… truly… I’m not overbearing or controlling and it's my own fault for thinking that letting those wolf instincts show might make you think I am. Because honestly... Right now, I just want to be with you all the time. I've never felt like this before, with anyone.”

My heart was breaking, but I would fight that feeling and fix it so she wouldn’t have to feel it too. “No Harper, please don’t say that. You are my dreams come true… And I mean that literally and figuratively.” My arms coiled around her rubbing up and down her back, pressing kiss after kiss to her hair, temple… wherever my lips would reach without putting any space between us.

“You are perfect for us, Harper. No ifs or buts. And I promise I’ll express myself better… but can you promise to tell me if I’m acting crazy? I don’t ever want you to feel like I’m trying you or taking over your life?” That last one sounded like a question, though it truly wasn't.

I pulled back a little now and tilted her face up so, so gently. “We deserve each other, Harper. The Spirits didn’t bring us together across a country on a whim, we were always, always being drawn and pulled together. Waiting until the right time. And the second, I saw you, and knew I was yours…” I smiled with tears on my cheeks. “I knew… I knew that we would be insanely happy. Hallmark movie happy. I knew through hard times and easy times we would find strength together. And I knew… that me… a sickly, small boy the somehow was chosen to be a protector… wasn’t a mistake. Because the Spirits and the ancestors believed I was worthy enough to be your soulmate. I will make sure every single day that I deserve you, Harper. I’ll never give up on us. And I’m so, so sorry I wasn’t more open. Can you forgive me?”

❁ Harper ❁

With a barrage of loving kisses, he asked for Forgiveness? This beautiful, kind, thoughtful man holding me to his warmth asked for me to forgive him? Why could he not see that it should be I who begged for this from him.

Kissing his neck again, it helped to ground me. To remind me that this all happened in real time, and it wasn’t all a nightmare coming to life.

There were soft sounds of whispers coming from the other side of the door, however no one knocked or asked us to come out. And I thanked whoever looked over us for this time. As much as it hadn’t been ideal. It was the slow release of all these emotions we both clearly had built up over the night, which needed to be released as we spoke openly of our trepidations.  

Never once in my time with him would I have said that he was a man who could be overbearing, and/ or controlling. “You’ve never been either of those things to me, or anyone else when I have been witness to your exchange with others.” Speaking into his neck as I still wanted to hold on and not let go of him. “I know how our emotions undergo a sense of dread when those we care for are in danger, I myself have stood on the same precipice.”  

I shook my head a little from side to side. Something deep within always hurt me when he told me about his childhood. About his illness. I didn’t pity him, I just wished a kind soul such as his, hadn’t been through so much, so young.

‘You are perfect for us.’

Collin still saw me as a part of an ‘us’.  Myself, Collin, and Nova… her puppies… His willingness to see and move past this night. It made fresh tears well in my eyes. No one other than my dad, Kenzi, and Jenna had been there for me like this. Then when his hands moved like a comforter over me, words found a way to express some of my thoughts.

“I am far from a dream for anyone, I’m not perfect, I’m really just who I am. The mess, the fact base nerd who loves Hallmark movies and nut butters.”

Just the smallest of laughs escaped then because being with him gave me a sense of belonging like never before. Looking up to meet his eyes as he pulled back to see me, his face made me smile through the tears, reaching up I wiped his cheeks with my thumbs. He was willing to fight, to not give up, to face whatever this was together. So why couldn’t I do the same for him?

“Together, Collin… together we will do everything possible to see where your spirits are taking us, together we will see what they have written into the stars for us through this….” Biting my lip’s because the word that was about to slip out couldn’t have been the correct one, could it?

Leaning up to place two soft kissed, one of each kiss. “I cannot promise happiness, or being perfect… however, what I can promise is that I will fight for you, with you, and alongside you Collin.”

❁ Collin ❁

As her words sank in; it really just drove home to me that I should have just told her everything I had been feeling… because she saw me. Of course, she did… this was Harper, she saw into the heart of people, and I knew that sometimes that meant seeing some ugly, unpleasant things. I knew I wasn’t perfect… but at my core, I was a good person. So I hoped that was what she saw when she looked at me.

“You know… #Kenzi told me that imprinting was like being a teenager all over again, I had no idea how completely she meant it.” I knew she’d meant  the hormones and impulse control issues... but the self-doubt and lack of ability to communicate effectively had taken me by surprise.

That tiny laugh made my heart ache lessen substantially. There were fresh tears on her cheeks when she looked at me too, that didn’t shatter  it all over again. She truly was my sunshine… even here and now. I closed my eyes and soaked in the feeling of having her wipe away my tears and then I found her eyes again and did the same for her. Wiping away the streaks the painful tears had left, with the new hopeful ones. “Oh, but you are.” I set my warm brown gaze on hers. “Remember on the beach when I told you about my perfect day? Cooking with my soulmate… and I could never remember what she looked like when I woke up… but I always remembered the kitchen… green curtains over the  sink… It’s your kitchen, Harper. I’ve been dreaming of you since I was a kid. So you are my dreams come to life.”

I smiled at her promises and at the promises that she didn’t make.. because, like me, she knew that one person shouldn’t and couldn’t be solely responsible for another's happiness. It wasn’t a burden that one person should shoulder.

“Side-by-side, sweetheart. We’ll fight for each other and probably with each other too. Because even the stories written in the stars have plot twists.” I laughed softly. “But I will always make sure we never run out of nut butter, that’s one promise I can always keep. And as for my Spirits… they’ve already taken you into the scope of their protection… that means at any stage they will very happily and with great honour be claimed as yours too. You weren’t chosen solely  to be my Guardian… you were chosen to be part of everything we stand for. The pack… the tribe… the Nation… the lineage of our ancestors… all of it. It’s yours anything you want to reach out and take it. Look at everything that happened tonight… It’s proof… Without you, there could be a gaping hole in our lives, our tribe… a pack could’ve lost its beta, a sister and daughter lost… you were always meant to be here, right now, right at this moment. You belong here. The hard moments are the ones that shape history and show us destiny’s path. You are part of our history now.”

❁ Harper ❁

This is something I’d observed with my own eyes, when it came to #Seth and #Kenzi with the way they would act when they thought no one saw or witnessed them. They reached out for the other. Always touching, holding, or even being drawn towards one another. At the time #Jenna and I thought it to be sweet, and normal for those who were newly in love. However, it hadn’t lessened over time. On the contrary it grew stronger as time passed. The blush in #Kenzi’s cheeks and her bed hair in the middle of the day. Things #Jenna would tease her about. Then again, she and #Dan were no different, however there was a difference.  And in this new light, my mind saw the significance of it all. My eyes widened as the realisations dawned, how I hadn’t seen it before is astonishing.

“Being young, lost in all the changes within, the emotions and desires. The ability to know one’s intelligence, and still being unable to articulate those feelings into words!” Hadn’t this been the case for me? The times I found myself stuttering and stumbling over my words. Unable to communicate the simplest of feelings when Collin and I were with one another. It hadn’t happened to me before.

My eyes closed, and my head tilted into his touch. The gentle manor in which Collin wiped my cheeks felt like a new beginning. Not just between the two of us, but more, so much more that ‘til now remained unseen and felt by me.

“I do recall you mentioning your dreams, how could I not?” My voice trailed off as he continued to speak. Another sentiment engulfed me, and I brought him closer. “He was dreaming of me… before he even knew who I was?” The sound of my voice so soft that my ears wouldn’t hear the words, as I soaked in the realisations of was he said.

Cooking, dancing, laughing, and knowing he belonged. With the clue being the kitchen and those green curtains… Green Curtains… The ones my friends bought for me to make me feel at home here in La Push. None of us understanding how our choices bought me into the arms of this compassionate man, who left me speechless once again.

His promises elevated me as they sank in, he didn’t vow to give me unending happiness, the stars, or the moon. However, he promised me things that were in his power to give. Which meant even more to me. I never reached for the stars. I wanted to reach for the sensation of belonging, something I found with him, my work, and my friends. He wasn’t and couldn’t be the only reason I had begun to come out from where I’d spent my life, hiding. However, Collin had to be given credit for allowing me the time to grow and shine on my own.

Right then another memory came to flood my mind. “The day…” I began as I put the memories in order. “I almost ran over the cliff; the energy, or the entity I sensed. Char said I had imagined it. That in a moment of shock and the adrenaline…” Was I over thinking this? “I’m sure it wasn’t anything… Char was right. He had to be.” But dismissing the thought now with everything I had learnt and seen would be a mistake.

“They are mine if I want them?” Yet again, a choice for me to make. Do I want to be here, do I want to be part of this life?

What had #Leah said to me before? ‘Every step you take must be a choice you make, nerd. You are the only one with the power over your own life.’ Now Collin stood here with the same offer. This was my choice…

Everything had happened without moments pause or thought, from the second my door opened to find #Leah there in pain and injured, there were no doubts as to the steps needed. My natural instincts kicked into action, and this is where they brought me.

“Yes, sure. Leah wouldn’t have received the help she needed. However, I think you are forgetting the vital part of this night if it weren’t for me being here. If I weren’t here. Leah would not have been here too. She wouldn’t have been in danger, if—”

A soft knock on the door cut my words short, however the way my eyes dropped from Collins must have been enough. For him to know how much I regret the night and what occurred. ‘Harps… Collin… I’m sorry to disturb you.’ It was #Kenzi. I squeezed Collin’s arm before stepping back reluctantly opening the door.

“Is Leah, okay? Does she need something?” the words coming out strained. 

‘She is fine, drifting in and out actually.’ She worked her fingers, which I reached out to hold and squeeze. ‘It’s just Seth and Jacob are both talking about moving her. They are saying that day is about to break, and people will start to wake. The boys are all hidden outside, however…’

“Someone somewhere will stumble over a big wolf. It would be hard to explain things?” finishing off for her. We both looked at Collin. “I’m not sure we should move her just yet. Not unless we know she is past the worst of it.”

#Renesmee came up behind #Kenzi, ‘We understand, however we have a better chance in helping Leah back home. We can take her to my grandparents’ home. We have a medical room set up and waiting.’ 

“You do?” I was too tired to hide the astonishment from my voice.

‘Yes.’ Her sweet and kind smile made it hard for me not to half smile back. ‘May I?’ She reached her hand out stopping inches from my cheek. I jolted back a little out of habit with the approach, and she waited patiently.

‘Ness will show you Harps, trust me it’s okay.’ #Kenzi whispered, as my hand darted back to find Collin. ‘Just breathe.’

#RenesmeeCullen placed her hand on my cheek, the vision before my eyes changed, she transported me somewhere? The motion making my stomach feel like it dropped.

But where were we? Looking I saw that it was a grand room, with wood accents, floor to ceiling glass windows to one side, and bookshelves filled to the brim on the other. A dark slate ground beneath my feet. I wasn’t breathing, until I saw… turning a full 360 degrees. The room was equipped with everything a surgeon could wish for.

‘Take a breath Harper.’ #Renesmee’s sweet voice penetrated the vision.

“Astounding!” It felt like my world was turned upside down when she removed her hand from my face.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her reasoning about our so-called second puberty. I hadn’t really experienced my first, I was propelled into adulthood… The maturation process was a little slower for #Brady and I, probably because we’d been so young. But as soon as it happened, we were training for  a war… we didn’t exactly have time to figure it all out. Let alone explore  or crushes.

“The first one kinda sucked… but at least we can work out this second one together, right?” I gave a soft smile. She was speaking her thoughts out loud and it made my heart skip, maybe that was the trick.. not to filter my thoughts and let it all out… But I already rambled quite a lot… that might be a little too much for anyone to put up with.

“I was.” I whispered and brushed my nose against hers, answering her question about my dreams that wasn’t really a question. The closeness between us was easing the stresses of the day. She was here, she wasn’t hurt. She was safe… she might not be okay right now, but she was holding onto me… holding onto us. Fighting for us, fighting for Leah.

My stomach dropped to the floor when she mentioned her experience on the cliff, I pulled her closer, like the action would reach back through time and protect her in that moment. “No… you didn’t imagine anything, Harper. The first time I saw you I knew you had been touched by the Spirits. I thought it was your  healing gift… but clearly it was so much more than that. And you can make this choice in your own time. Or never, they’ll protect you anyway because you heal those they protect, and I don’t mean Leah.” I was talking about all the creatures she cared for.

I didn’t have a chance to tell her that; no… that wasn’t how it worked. That our ancestors and our Spirits could only guide us onto paths, the path that vampire was on was beyond their control. Maybe it wouldn’t have been Leah… maybe it would have been another one of us… maybe none of us, but I doubted that. Maybe a human would have died tonight instead… the thought horrified me. What #Kenz and #Ness had to say was a more pressing issue, I could tell her all of this when things were settled.

The guilt that flooded her made my heart ache, none of this was her fault. It made me wish I had been the one to end that vampire's un-life.

My heart started to race when #Nessie told Harper about bringing #Leah to the #Cullen’s. “I can’t go there.” The words a fearful, breathy rush… The #UleyPack left the land around the Cullen’s  home to be protected by the #BlackPack, out of respect for the bond they shared with their family and the treaty between us. The thoughts of being separated from Harper right now were panic inducing.

‘Yes, you can.’ #Nessie said quickly. ‘#Sam already consented; you belong at her side.’ She quelled that panic before it took hold. This woman was truly an angel.

This was clearly a conversation I had completely missed having given my full attention to my imprint.

I clutched Harper’s hand when she reached for me as #Ness reached for her and set  my hand on her waist too. “It’s okay… it’s actually kinda cool.” I stepped closer to her, knowing from first-hand experience how disorienting it can be to come out of one of #Renessmee’s thought projections. “I’ve got you.”

I laughed softly at her reaction. “Just wait  until she shows you something really cool.”

Ness looked up at me and smiled… ‘We’re going to need your truck.’

I nodded and told her #Embry had left the keys in my backpack. “How close can you get it to the door?” I asked her and she just grinned.

‘C’mon, Littlesea… you know me well enough to not need to ask that.’ She replied.

❁ Harper ❁

“Cool … is an understatement if you ask me.” Willing myself to still the sway in my stance, Collin’s arms were supporting me, and the small laughter from him broke the concern growing within.

“You’re correct. There really is so, much to understand and uncover.” Once we both found the correct amount of time we would have the conversation I was sure about this.

When Collin spoke, it triggered my mind. I let go of his hand as #Ness guided him to help with the plan they had masterminded. My eyes were stinging from the tiredness and the lack of sleep. I could tell that I was crashing from the heightened rush of the night slowly now.

As I began to glimpse changes came to light in the apartment. Things were back in order. The couch had need pushed away when #Leah fell to the ground, now it had been pushed back into the correct placement. A burst of fresh cleaning products scent hit my senses.

“Who did all of this?” The question came out as a flurry of movement began to take place. #Seth’s arm came out, gently guiding his fiancé and I to the side.

‘We have it under control. Don’t worry.’ He kissed #Kenzie  on her cheek, then me on my head. ‘We got you.’ Then he was gone.

“I cannot leave.” Whispering it to #Kenzie  while she followed #Seth’s movements around the apartment.

‘What, why?’ She questioned.

“I still have another shift to complete here at Little Paws.” Frustration, making me rub the back of my hand over my forehead frowning. I darted a glance over to the bedroom door, where #Jacob, #Seth and #Sue were all huddled together. Then to the door where #Ness and #Collin where talking.

#Kenzie placed a hand on my arm, the way she always did when she believes me to be spinning in my thoughts. However, the necessity of the action felt unnecessary. With Collin’s calming prospect on everything we were living though right now, something told me to remain calm and collected. 

‘They will not leave you here alone, and Leah.. What if she needs you?’ Whispering so low under her breath that I had no choice but to lean into her.

“I.. I know… I just… I ….” It was happening again, the nerves and the uncertainty of the choices before me were beginning to grow.

Rushing over the kitchen countertop for my phone which had been charging overnight, I scrolled until I found the number I needed and hit ‘call’… It was answered before the second ring.

‘What’s up buttercup?’ relief flooded my senses. ‘It’s a little early for you to be calling me.’

“Juan… I hope I’m not disturbing you. I need your help.”

It felt like relaxation and carelessness in his voice had vanished when he spoke again.  ‘No, I’m still at practice finishing the reports from the last call out. What’s going on?’

“I... I hate to ask… And I promise to make it up… you don’t have to do your shift at La push next week, I will cover it—”

He cut me off. ‘Harper, can you stop, breathe, and tell me what is happening. Do you need me to come to the apartment? I’ll be right there.’

“NO!” The word made #Kenzi jump beside me, and #Juan fell silent. “Sorry, I mean no.. I am fine here. There is a family emergency and I need to go back to La Push right now. Please—”

He cut me off again. Any other day I would feel put out from not being heard. However, right now I was thankful. ‘Go, don’t second guess it. Just go. Family always comes first. I’ll cover things here. And I will be in La Push to help Jessica with this there.’

My eyes filled with hot tears, with my heart swelling with hope. “Thank you, Juan. Thank you so much.” Once we were done, I ended the call before telling #Kenz what had happened.

‘He is such a nice guy.’ She smiled hugging me.

“I hadn’t expected it from him. He never ceases to amaze me, that’s for sure.” Saying so as I crossed the small apartment to check on #Leah before they carried her out.

❁ Collin ❁

As #Nessie led me away I let my hand trail off of Harper’s waist, keeping my gaze on her and whispering that I wouldn’t go far. I could see the exhaustion setting in and I hoped that once we got to the Cullen’s and Leah was settled, she could sleep or nap, at least. I was  already practising a convincing speech in my head to explain that I would be right there listening to everything and promising to wake her if there was anything she needed to know.

I was sure that #Ness was responsible for most of the cleaning that had happened while Harper  and I were sequestered in the bathroom. On two legs she was faster than all of us and she had the best eye for detail, but the guys had clearly helped out a lot if she had been making this plan with the others.

I was standing at the door guiding #Ness as she reversed the truck as close to the front door as she could when I heard Harper say she couldn’t leave yet. “Shit!” I muttered to myself, to which a few of the guys snapped their heads towards me. I wasn’t well known for having a foul mouth. Why hadn’t I thought about the fact she was  still on call!? Damn! I had been far too distracted to think this through… and I had just promised her that I didn’t want anything between us to affect her career or feel like I was taking over her whole life. Her job was important, and not just because it was important to  her. It was important to the world and the animals that she healed and cared for.

I was about to head over to her as #Nessie cut the engine, but by then she was fumbling with her phone and making a call. I could hear both sides of the conversation and it felt like such a  violation… but in such a heightened state, with a pack member wounded, a potential vampire in the area, two imprints and an Elder in the centre of the danger zone… it was impossible to tune things out for fear of missing a simple sound that could give the edge in an attack.

#Juan was being impatient, and I tried not to let it irk my temper, making myself imagine what I might feel if I received a phone call like that at this hour… and He had clearly been on call too. He came through for her in the end. I made a mental note to push fixing  those cupboards he’d mentioned that needed a little work in the support housing higher up on my priority list. It really drove home that my dislike of him was completely irrational… but it wasn’t as though I was unaware of this from the first time, I’d felt it. Although. I  couldn’t help but feel a stab of jealousy when she told #Kenzi he amazed her. #Seth’s hand was instantly on my shoulder. ‘Don’t let the hormones ruin all the growth between the two of you tonight.’ He whispered and I nodded. ‘Do you believe everything she told you tonight is true?’ He asked.

“I know it is, I would never doubt her.” I was a little defensive about it and #Seth smiled then.

‘Then nothing else matters.’ He moved passed me with a thick duvet under his arms and he pulled open the canopy and lay the blanket in an attempt to make the  bed of the truck more comfortable. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy ride. I heard #Jake and #Embry going back and forth about who should move her.

‘Just trust me, bro’… It’s better if I’m the one to move her. You rally the boys and figure out who is running home and who  is driving. I’ll move her and lead the run home if you want. And don’t forget about Harper’s car either, someone needs to follow us in that. Harper should stay with Leah and Littlesea.’ I heard him say and #Jake seemed reluctant to agree… but he did with a tight nod. And  #Embry came back into the freshly scrubbed apartment.

I followed him back to the room where Harper was checking on #Leah. ‘We’re ready to move her whenever you say it’s okay, Doc.’ #Embry said with the kindness he reserved solely for the imprints. ‘Just let me know how we  should do this.’

I stepped to her side and whispered in her ear. “I am so sorry I never stopped to think about the fact you still had a shift to work.” I sighed, disappointed in myself. “There’s so much going on… I wasn’t thinking straight…. but I should have, I’m sorry.”

(Music: See Me Again · Matthew Mole - )

❁ Harper ❁

#Leah’s eyes flickered open and closed. She was still fighting to stay awake when she needed to sleep. Of course, I had no idea how her body differed from that of a wolf, or of a human, and that scientific side of me wanted to ask so many questions, however, now was not the correct time for it. Certain that later, when I could think clearly  (and if this truly wasn’t a dream), someone… maybe Collin could humour me for a while?

Peering back over my shoulder the man who had carried Leah into the room spoke to me, I half smiled setting her I.V on the bed beside her. “We just need to be careful of her wounds and the I.V bag. I’ll ride with her I am hoping. So, I will hold it up to the correct level to keep the fluids moving.” I told him. before stepping back out of the way.

This was when I felt him before I could see him. The atmosphere around transformed into something sweet. I could taste it, without seeing it. I could feel the scent of it in my nose, when my mind told me that the apartment had been covered in bleach. I contemplated for a moment before my hand found his. “Shh… Please do not worry about this. You are remorseful when you have no reason to be.” Moving another step back as #Jake came into the room too. “Collin, none of us are thinking straight, nor should we be. Someone we all love is hurt; she is our priority—”

My thoughts and words came to an abrupt halt.

‘If you touch me… I will break every bone in your body.’ Her voice broke. My hand flew up to cover my mouth horrified at the sight before me. #Leah had pulled herself upright in the bed, blood on her top as she attempted to stand up alone and without any support.

‘Usdi, no, do not get up. Please allow the boys to help you.’ #Sue had been sitting on the other side of the bed with her daughter.

‘Every Bone… Every single one of them.’ She roared, however her breathing caught. This woman even now, wanted to leave this apartment on her own two feet, however that really wasn’t going to be possible.

‘Leah, Stop!’ #Jake’s voice boomed in the room.

It felt as though the world went stationary. Again, I knew this was all in my head. It was a manifestation of some kind. It had to be.

❁ Collin ❁

Point of View – Embry Call

I smiled at the new imprint and nodded. “Don’t Worry Doc… I’ve gotten pretty good at moving patients recently.” Granted… none of those patients had been chewed on by a vampire!

I kept my gaze on Leah’s shakily rising chest  while Collin whispered apologies to his newly found soulmate… it was a pointless attempt at giving them a little privacy.

He was a good kid, maybe not the greatest in a crisis. But I had a feeling #Sam would be working on that with all his young ones soon. It wasn’t unforgivable… He had shown incredible self-control while his imprint was in danger. So, he earned major points for that.

I almost laughed at Leah’s out-of-the-blue threat… but I saw how it affected #Sue and it stopped seeming funny really fast. Her voice rose. I  automatically stepped past the new couple and moved our elder back with gentle hands. I knew Leah would never hurt her; I wasn’t even sure if she could right now, but my wolf drew me forward with a protective urge.

Leah fell silent when #Jake made his command, and I couldn’t help the glare I shot at him… He never used his rank to silence us. I crouched next to the bed, pulling my narrowed gaze away from the Alpha… this would be a conversation later.

I crouched next to the bed as Littlesea took #Sue under his arm and muttered comforts to the  Auntie. I leaned on the bed and touched the back of #Leah’s tracing a figure eight against it; concealing the action with the angle of my body. “Look at me, Clearwater.” I said calmly. “We need to get you to the Cullen’s. The sun is going to come out for real today and #Nessie needs to get inside.” She didn’t sparkle like her parents, but she was… glowy?

“And the humans need to sleep. Once we get you there and inside the house, no one will move you again until you can move yourself.” I smiled at her. “Then you can break all my bones… it’ll give the doc an excuse to practice. I’ve got you.” Added the last with probably a touch too much gentleness. I would have asked if we had a deal… but I was pretty sure she would say no, so I left it at that.

Point of View – Collin Littlesea

My heart ached when Harper tried to say that #Leah was our priority, but Leah spoke before I could tell her that; yes, she was… to all of us… but to me, Harper would always be the highest priority.

I didn’t leave Harper’s side for more than a second when I retrieved #Sue from Embry after he pulled her back. We could never be too safe when it came to humans in proximity to injured Warriors. “It’s okay, Auntie.” I whispered. “She’s already healing. She’s going to be fine. She just needs time.”

She sobbed softly and I could see her struggle to maintain a calm exterior. When I returned to Harper’s side #Sue reached across and clasped Harper’s hand. I stayed with them until Embry carefully and bravely scooped #Leah up and then I moved to hold the I.V. bags in the air… Not sure it was a good idea to let Harper close to Leah when she clearly did not want to be touched.

The Black Pack third prattled on the whole time about songs that were perfect for beginners to learn on the guitar, and I just shook my head… he was clearly trying to distract the patient. I’d seen memories of him using music to make his mother feel better too.

Maybe he was the right man for this job after all.

#Nessie was waiting in the bed of my truck, only feet from the door. She would have been the safe option to move Leah. Her status as an imprint made her bones off limits for breaking… But, despite being strong enough to lift her… Leah was probably a foot taller than her, so there was no way the hybrid could have carefully manoeuvred her through the doors and hallway with her injuries. When  #Embry lay her down #Nessie took her shoulders and moved her back into the covered cab.

I went right to the passenger side as soon as Nessie took the IV bags and made her lap a pillow for the wounded warrior. I grabbed a coat I kept in the truck… solely for the purposes of  passing for a human, it was sheepskin-lined denim. I gave it to Harper and held it up for her to slide her arms in. “It’s going to be cold back here.” I smiled at her. “I’ll drive as carefully as I can, but you should stay on your knees and reach for Nessie if you feel  unsteady. She’s really strong she can hold you and herself without breaking a sweat.” Did vampire/human hybrids sweat? This was not the time to ask. 

“So, don’t hesitate. If you need to tell me something, I’ll be able to hear you and Ness will be able to hear me.” I touched  her cheek and kissed her forehead. “You should grab whatever you need to take with you. Someone is going to drive your car back too. They can take any bags you have.”

‘That’s gonna be me.’ #Seth walked up, #Kenzi clinging to his arm. There was no way she was ready for him to rejoin the pack and make the run home. ‘If that’s okay with you, Harper?’

❁ Harper ❁

Point of View Leah Clearwater 

My Alpha nearly never exuded his power over me or any of the others in the pack. He always had a strong belief that we would grow by making mistakes and by holding ourselves responsible for them. However, tonight, he’d done it twice. 

My guilt grew from the fact that I had placed him in the position where he’d seen no other way to have me comprehend what was at stake here. Thinking straight had left me hours ago, however I should know better. I was the Beta of his pack, I was the protector, the one who had to ensure their safety. And I’d failed them all. My Alpha, my pack, the imprints. 

“Spirits Forgive me!” I let the request out on the air without words. My body stiffened at the command placed upon me. The urge to fight it tore from within like a volcano building with magma. Which I prayed to the spirits to guide me away from. The moment the prayer exited into a meditation, Embry Call was there, uttering softly as his fingers wrote another secret, in a figure eight… 

Closing my eyes to hear what that meant, what he told me without words. And I understood. When I opened my eyes again, I saw what I had done to those in this room and heard the whispers from those outside who had been listening too. I’d taken to being a protector, when right now I was the liability. I was the one endangering everyone here, our pack and our tribes’ secrets. My Ma was being protected from me, and not by me. That itself felt like the ground from beneath me had detonated. 

Nodding my head slowly once I closed my eyes, giving into my fate. Until #Embry’s plan became evident. Music. He told me we would work on a new song, that it was time I upped my intensity. Something about how I couldn’t sail on by, mediocre was not an option, how I had to work harder to become better. 

Point of View – Harper Lee Jenkins 

A hand took a hold of mine, allowing me to wipe my face with my free one, before turning to see #Sue in need of support. Collins’ attempt to help had been so kind and sweet. “She is stable right now Sue, this is the best time to move her from here.” Hoping to comfort a mother in pain. Situating myself closer to #Sue, curling my arms around to hold her to me. 

‘We are all going to take as good care of her, as she does us.’ She whispered while we stood there. 

The cosmos had a plan, or at least I could sense the intent of it. #Leah allowed #Embry to hold her, as they moved past me, I could see that she had closed her eyes. Had that meant that she had closed herself off from the world? Would this influence her after? Was I projecting my fears from the past onto her? Tears rolled down my cheeks, with the memories of an attack that I hadn’t allowed myself to think about came rushing in. However, this was certainly not the appropriate time for it. 

We moved to follow behind the others, until #Sue kisses me on my cheek. ‘Thank you, thank you so much.’ Then one of the boys took her from me. 

My attention moved back to the orange truck before me, shaking from the cool of the early dawn about to break. However, his kiss to my forehead while he explained what would happen next warmed me. It’s when I understood, all those times when I had been close to him. Collin had always been the one to keep me warm! 

“I won’t hesitate, I promise.” I told him before turning to face #Seth and #Kenz. I stepped into the two of them hugging them both together as we had many times before. “Of course, it is okay for you to drive her. You will find the keys in the kitchen, also please take Sue with you. She needs you all to stay together.” 

#Seth smiled holding out a bag. ‘I packed your things from in there, Seth and I will follow shortly, we just want to take one final look around in case your colleagues from here come to visit.’ #Kenz attempted to smile. 

“They don’t really come here; I think they rented it after Juan was given a place to stay on the Rez. but thank you. We will see you on the other side.” I was given a hand by #Seth to lift me up to join #Leah and #Ness in the back on the flat bed of Collin’s truck. 

I took the jacket offered by Collin, slipping it on over my t-shirt, and PJ bottoms. The cool denim was a contrast to the sheepskin inner lining which I knew would warm quickly with my body heat. ‘Don’t worry Collin, I will look after her.’ #Nessie smiled reaching out a hand for me to join her. 

I took the I.V bag and held it up. “We will be just fine. I promise.” I told them all. , but my eyes remained on Collin. Wanting to reach over and kiss him.

❁ Collin ❁

I leaned into the truck bed, taking her free hand, and pressing a kiss to her fingers. I felt so wrong leaving her back here, I knew it was necessary. I knew it had to be Harper back here, and I was too big to sit in the bed of the truck with them, even if I was one of the  smallest guys in the pack. “I’ll only be a few feet away.” I whispered to her and #Jake stepped up, closing the tailgate. He knew I couldn’t be the one to shut her away.

‘Keep them safe, baby.’ The alpha winked at his mate.

‘Always, baby.’ She replied before they were  closed into the back.

“Damn!” I said. “It will be pitch dark in there.”

‘Ness has it covered.’ Jake replied and something inside the covered cab lit up but barely any light leaked out of the tinted windows. I sighed in relief. I was not on my game today at all.

‘Do you  need me to drive?’ He asked.

“No…” I shook my head. “It has to be me.” I needed some sense of control of what was happening to Harper. Next to #Sam, I was probably the safest driver out of the lot of us.

‘I understand… but there’s someone here for you.’ Jake patted my arm  as #Brady broke through the gathered guys and made a beeline for me. I hugged him and he held me tight.

“You’re meant to be on the line on the Rez.” I said into his shoulder… I was so happy to see him.

‘Nah… I’m meant to be right here bro’.’ He said. ‘I checked on your Ma’s house… I could hear Nova snoring in your parents' room… she’s fine… but all those babies' heartbeats!!’ He beamed a grin. ‘That’s hectic man… so cool.’

#Sam nodded in our direction. It was time to go. The rest of the guys bolted around the flats and into alleys to  get to the woods. ‘Let's go.’ #Brady climbed into the passenger seat and I took the driver’s seat.

Getting out of Port Angeles at this hour was easy. The hard part was the utterly consuming wrongness I felt at having those women locked away in the back of the truck. I  selected each street carefully; to avoid speed bumps and any roads I knew to have potholes.

When we hit the highway I was relieved, long, flat roads with a few gentle curves. I picked up speed, checking in with #Nessie as I gradually increased the speed until she said the vibrations were too high and it was causing pain for Leah. I eased back and kept that speed. Getting home would be slower… but if Leah started to bleed again this was all for nothing. She gave me frequent updates about Harper before I even had to ask most of the time.

I knew the packs were in the trees guarding our path all the way.

‘She’s a good egg.’ #Brady beamed proudly.

The roads in Forks weren’t in as good a condition as Port… I had to slow even more to stop the uneven roads jostling the truck. The speed limitations had already added twenty minutes to this journey. Getting to the Cullen’s would be even slower again.

‘It’s okay, Brother.’ #Brady comforted me when he saw my frustration. ‘They are okay. Uncomfortable but okay.’ I appreciated his realism… it wasn’t his usual go-to… but now… with  Harper involved. He would tell me how it was.

It was like hours and hours had passed before we turned onto the unpaved road to the Cullen’s. “It's gonna get rocky here girls.” I spoke. “I’m so sorry!” I heard #Ness pass on my message.

Relief hit me in a wave when I finally  stopped the truck in from of the huge house, #Jake, #Embry and a few others were there already waiting on our arrival. That feeling was rivalled only by how it felt to see Harper when I got the apartment in Port.

❁ Harper ❁

The back of the truck opened to allow the morning light to stream in. I had to cover my eyes a little, there was a sharpness from having a torch light turn into real brightness of the early morning.

Sounds of voices were chattering all around us, and I saw Jake right away taking #Ness’s hand to help her down from the back. They both spoke in low tones with one another as I adjusted myself. My back, shoulders, arms, and knees were all screaming out.

‘You should get out of here too nerd. That wasn’t a comfortable ride for you. ’ #Leah’s voice sounded dry, making me reach out for the bottle of water #Ness had given me. Opening it I helped #Leah’s head up for her to have a few sips.

“You haven’t seen my normal working conditions.” Saying it with a lightness in my voice.  “I’m staying right here until they take you out.” Slowing the amount of water, she drank. “I’m sorry, I can only give you small amounts right now. You caused yourself some damage in Port, and I need to see what the journey may have added too.”

Her dull eyes found mine, and I saw the clamminess of her usually vibrant skin woeful now. ‘I have.’ She said, making my furrow my eyebrow not completely understanding. ‘Seen your normal working conditions.’ She added. ‘When you moved to the Rez.’ She winced trying to turn towards me. ‘I used to watch you when I was on patrol. Kenzi was worried about you being all alone. And when she found out you hadn’t seek Ma or me out. She really got upset.’ I swallowed as the realisation came to light.

“All those times I felt like I was being watched?” my voice was a whisper.

‘You were being protected by a warrior.’ She said deadpan. ‘Spirits. That sounds stalker like. But it wasn’t. Kenzi is an Imprint. My brothers soulmate. I would do anything for her to be happy. Just like I would for you. We all would, Harper.’

Before I could say anything to her. #Embry climbed into the back. ‘How’s the patient been?’ I didn’t answer. Just guided him to lift #Leah out of the back of the truck while I sat here on my knees looking at the door in dismal.

This trip to Port hadn’t been the first time #Leah has watched over me and protected me? Had she ever been in harms away because of me before?

❁ Collin ❁

I climbed out of the truck, listening to the conversation in the back. But the smell of food from inside the house flooded my senses. It smelled like… a bakery… sweet and buttery.

‘I called ahead.’ Jake said as he spotted me scenting the air, I made my way right to the back   of the truck. ‘You be surprised what you can make happen in this town when you drop the name Vanessa Wolfe.’ He already had his arms around his imprint and was completely unphased by the journey.

The second I laid eyes on Harper I was an impossible mixture of relieved and  frantic, she was okay in the grand sense… but it was so painfully clear that she was stiff and sore. The bed of the truck dipped when #Embry stepped up. I reached out for Harper to take my hand. “Hey, sweetheart.” I smiled at her. I wasn’t sure how Call found it so easy to  pick Leah up the way he did… like he feared no consequences. But then again… he rarely thought things all the way through to the end. I helped Harper down and Kept my arm around her as #Brady took the IV Bags Harper had still been holding.

“Thanks” I whispered to him. And  he followed Embry inside the house. I spied what looked like a hospital bed in the entry hall… I am sure that was to save Leah from being carried through the house. There was no way she was comfortable with that level of physical contact from her pack brothers.

I ran my  hands over Harper’s back and arms. “Are you okay? You must be so exhausted and hurting… but I didn’t think you’d be happy with me if I stopped to let you stretch your legs.” I would only keep her a second… I knew she’d want to race after Leah and make sure she was okay.

‘I’ll be booking all three of these lovely humans in for a spa day as soon as Leah is feeling better.’ Ness said, already heading inside with #Jake; a quick glance in her direction showed me that only #Sam, #Brady and I were here from the #UleyPack.

My hand lifted to her cheek, and I kissed her forehead again. “You must be exhausted.” I whispered, my arms around her holding her against me almost lifting her off her feet… anything to take her weight and let the heat of my body soothe her aches and pains for a moment. “You’re amazing Harper… I have no idea how you're still standing after the night you’ve had.”

My chest ached just knowing she was feeling the effects of the hard night.

❁ Harper ❁

“Hey.. handsome..” Half smiling to hide the various thoughts running through my head, I reached out and took the offered hand Collin held out to help me off the back of his truck.

“Who is Vanessa Wolfe?” I asked straightening myself.

#Brady’s brown eyes gave me a conscious once over had his hands took a hold of the empty IV bags and the new one I had set to go next. He ran after #Leah and #Embry catching them up in two strides and then they were all inside.

My aching body stiffened and the discomfort ceased a hold of my legs, neck, and shoulders as my eyes traveled over the beautiful modern house we stood before. Hiding in the heart of a woodland, no one would accidentally come upon this place.

“No, you made the correct decision, there is no time to waste when it comes to taking care of someone injured as Leah is. I’m fine. Please do not worry about me. I’m used to working like this.” I reminded him.  Even if it were his strong arms holding me up right now. Holding on to him gave me the time needed to allow the blood to flow back into the right places before I needed to stand in my own two feet.

I shook my head in the direction of #Ness, however before I could explain there was no need for a spa day. Not for this. Not for helping #Leah, she and #Jake had disappeared in side of the glass door.

Turning my attention to Collin, I closed my eyes which stung from the lack of sleep, when his warm hands touched my cold cheeks, his lips kissed my forehead. And that seemed to help with the tension in my back and shoulders.

“I…” chewing on my bottom lip, lifting my head to meet his eyes. “I will be fine. Nothing lost here that I cannot gain in a few days. Everyone here is in the same boat as me.”

My hands moved around his chest, and back needed to hold him. To just hug him and tell myself feel this was all real. Kissing his neck I slowly shook my head. I didn’t want to tell him yet again this was normal, because the truth of the matter was nothing about tonight had been.

 “Anyone in my shoes would have done the same. Leah… would have done the same if the tables were turned.”

Another minute I told myself before I would pull away. “We should head inside, just to make sure Leah hasn’t killed Embry.” Trying to make a joke, however it fell flat on my own ears.

That was when I heard another car coming up the driveway. Looking over my shoulder I saw it was my bug with Seth hunched in the driver seat, #Sue beside him and #Kenz in the back.

I had been unaware of tension that had been present within me, until I saw them with my own eyes. “They are here. They are safe.” Letting my arms drop from around Collin so I could face them.

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed, even now… even here standing on the territory of the people I had once considered enemies; she made me blush. “Oh…” I chuckled and looked after #Ness and #Jake. “Um… That’s another long story. Nessie doesn’t have a birth certificate… she has quite a few aliases, her real name isn’t safe for her to use… legally, at least.” Maybe it wasn’t so long… but I supposed that the reason why her name wasn’t safe was an even longer story again. “But I think I should let Nessie show you that one, when she’s ready to.” I realised then I had said show… not tell. “Or tell you… if you’d prefer. Sometimes she forgets humans like personal space, but she isn’t offended when you ask for it.”

It was going to be different with Harper and #Kenzi when it came to Nessie… The other imprints, even #Claire had gotten used to  her overly affectionate ways when she looked rather young. They knew her only as this fully grown woman… despite her intelligence and emotional maturity she still only had ten years on this planet.

I leaned in and whispered. “Is it a bad time to tell you that your dedication to efficiency is hot?” my face burned beet red, but it was a price I was willing to pay to try, lighten her mood and make her smile.

“I know you will be…” That kiss to my neck had me shivering in the best way. She smelled like me after spending so long wrapped  up in my jacket, but there was an incredible scent that was unique to her. One I could pick out even in a crowd of vampires. I held onto her, burying my face into her hair. “But that’s not exactly true. Most people here could go three days with no sleep and then pick up your  car and carry it from here to La Push. It might take three of us for my truck.”

I laughed again. How on earth did this woman have the ability or energy to make a joke right now? She was truly a force to be reckoned with. “I can still hear his heart beating. He’s okay.” I  chuckled, it was true, though... it was a little fast. But his Beta had just been chewed on by a vampire. So, I guess that was to be expected. “And she’s in the bed now.”

I let Harper ease back down onto her feet when her car came into view. “Everyone is safe now Harper. There are five of us here, plus #Ness and another ten in the woods –“ As if on call a howl went up from the trees. Of course, it did… as soon as I promised safety.

In seconds, I had Harper next to #Sue and #Kenzi. #Seth and I stood shielding them from the tree line knowing the guys in the house would have their backs. But it was only one howl… no more came. ‘Incoming.’ Seth said but his eyes were still sharp until they seemed to light up a few seconds later.

The scent hit me and couldn’t help it… It had been so long. I gagged. I had smelled  it on Leah, but this was different this was… three. Three blurred figures skidded to a stop on the gravel and my heart started to race.

‘BELLA!!’ Seth called out and ran to hug her.

I knew there wasn’t an enemy here, but my wolf clawed at my chest. I stepped backwards…  moving Harper back, somehow having the focus to make sure she didn’t fall.

‘Sam!’ #Nessie’s dad called out… but he was tackled by Ness as she ran from the house to hug her father.

I was sucking in deep breaths. ‘No! No, no!’ I was screaming at my wolf, but he was pure  animal instinct right now!

‘Is this Kenzi?’ #Bella was asking now; after hugging her daughter who easily looked two years older than her. She was stepping closer and #Edward grabbed her wrist.

‘Bella…New imprint. Don’t.’ All three of them flash backwards before my knee hit  the gravel and I was trying to force air into my lungs, fighting the pulsing in my muscles and the stretching in my bones.

‘There’s no enemy here!’ I told him.

‘That’s right Collin.’ #Edward said from the trees.

‘Harper you should step back.’ #Sam was  there then. He knelt in front of me and clamped one hand firmly on the back of my neck and the other on my chest. ‘Breathe!’ He commanded. ‘Just like me.’ I rested my hand over his heart like he used to do when we were still pups. I imitated his breathing, willing my heart  into a matching rhythm. I heard #Seth call #Harper away. Fuck! They were protecting my own imprint from me. I was never going to prove to any of them I couldn’t keep her safe if I kept this up.

‘That’s not true, Collin. Everyone knows you’d do anything to protect Harper.’ #Edward called out again.

‘Fucking mind reader!’ My wolf growled.

I heard a laugh. Had I said that out loud?

‘Brother… I love you. But shut the fuck up.’ It was the big one speaking now… all still standing on the edge of the driveway.

❁ Harper ❁

I would have to wait for the woman herself to share her story. Yet another reason why I liked this man so much, he didn’t believe in gossip, or to share a story which wasn’t his to share. Liked didn’t seem to be the correct word… respected fit better.

“You and I both are well aware that people here do not believe in personal spare. And Leah is not included in the list.” It hadn’t been meant with malice; it was a fact. Since coming to La Push, I’d leant everyone loved to hug, hold, or touch you. In thanks, or just to say hello. Add to the fact he had me held close to him, and I had just kissed his neck with so many people watching.

Pulling back a little, my could feel my cheeks heating with a blush. Until I saw his face. Placing my cold hand on his cheek to let him know I saw him; however, I wouldn’t say anything to embarrass him here. “Hot? Not a way I would describe myself. however, thank you.”

I turned my attention to the house behind us, where #Leah and #Embry and some of the others had gone. “You can hear his heart beating!” I would never get used to this, would I? the sensitive hearing? The strength, and the magic of this land.

In the blink of an eye everything transformed without warning. I had been moved off my feet being placed beside #Sue and #Kenzi  who held on to me with one hand, and her other hand fisted up the back of #Seth’s shirt. Fear made her shake and I let her hand go, curled my arm around her shoulders. “Kenz, what’s happening?” I whispered to her.

She shook her head telling me to not talk. To watch and to be on guard. I couldn’t believe what I was being told. Which was nothing. #Collin’s body covered mine and #Sue, and #Seth covered #Kenzi and crossed over his mom. From behind I could tell they were really for a fight. But a fight with who? Or should I ask what? 

I reached out, placing my hand in between his shoulder blades when I hear the sound he made in discomfort. And my heart stopped. What I just imagined it? I blinked and the space before the tree line had been clear, and then I blinked again to find three individuals stood still as statues.

Fine, porcelain skin, they looked different and similar all at once. Two of them holding hands, while the bigger of the three stopped when his eyes landed on Collin. This awakened a fight or flight instinct. However, I knew. I want to the kind to pick flight. Not when people I cared for were… Well… as I glanced around the tension had dissipated. #Seth had rushed over to hug the girl, #Sue too had began to walk over, with Kenzi’s hand in her soon to be mother in-laws, I let her go.

Collin stepped back into me, protectively and by instinct I knew to mirror his steps moving with him without falling to tripping. And that was the moment the world fell away, my eyes only seeing the back of Collin  as my mind and eyes focused on him alone. His sounded lost, fearful, angry. All the things that should have frightened me to move away. Everyone was telling me to. I could hear my hear my name being called, however I didn’t move away from him.

I don’t know what it had been, I couldn’t put any of this into words. I just knew. I was safest here by him.

My mind pushed me back to converge with the now. The beautiful girl moved to cup #Kenzi’ cheek before she had been stopped and moved away.

‘Not Kenzi. I am talking about the tall one covered in #Leah’s and the young one’s scent. His spoke in a soft tone, drawing those of us stood here in. ‘Harper, isn’t it?’ He asked, but I could tell he knew so as he’d spoken to Collin about me... All their eyes turned to me, and I froze. Lifting my hand slowly I gave one wave. What else could I have done?

All my attention shifted back to Collin, that string from my heart pulling me towards him. My eyes began to burn when I saw him falling to the ground, with #Sam moving before my boyfriend.

‘Harper, please. Please step away.’ This time it was #Sue calling out.

‘Spirits. How the tables have turned.’ #Jake stood on the top step before the main entrance, watching the scene unfold before us. ‘Remember the time Bells kicked my arse. Now maybe the pup will get to show his teeth.’ His laughter bounced off the surrounding trees. Making me frown, what was funny about this situation? Collin seemed to be in pain, and they all thought this to be hilarious? Are they kidding me?

‘Funny Jacob, still want to marry my daughter?’ The young boy with the Auburn coloured hair called out. Marry his daughter? His eyes kept returning to me, and now he smiled. And the lack of sleep must have been muddling my mind. Because were his teeth sparkling?

‘Edward… Jake…. Stop it.’ The beauty in the tight jeans, and leather jacket said rolling her eyes at the two of them.

‘When you are all done, I want to go into our home and see our friend who is still bleeding from the scent in the air.’ The big  bear like one finally spoke again. His eyes moved over everyone, stopping at a point behind us.

This had to have been the first time since I’d known him, that I saw the aggression in Collin’s demeanour, and the fallacy in his person. Add to the mix the foul language? “What is going on?” I muttered. This was blowing my mind. The only person I cared to speak with was on his knees and I wanted to cry.

The air around us changed, it became heavy and sticky. Warning of a storm coming. However, there weren’t. The sound came from my heart. The song that I dreamed of when I saw Collin. Something he’d said to me came to the forefront.

‘You are my soul, my protector, my everything Harper. And I am yours. If you’ll have me… I’m yours..’

“If you’ll have me… I am yours…” The words spilled from my lips, as I removed my glasses pushing them into the pocket of his jacket which I wore.

#Sam’s worried eyes shot up to meet mine, and without a word being exchanged, he tentatively with hesitation, slowly stood clearing the path for me to replace him. I sat on my knees before Collin, my hands steady as could be, cupped his face lifting his eyes to meet mine. “Collin, I’m here. I am safe. You aren’t alone. All your family are here. You… you are here with me.” I whispered to him. Hoping he heard me.

“I am your soul, your protector, your everything, Collin. And you are mine… I want you… I want you and only you…” Taking his hand in mine, I brought them to my lips, kissing them one at a time all the while keeping our eyes locked.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart was starting to settle, muscles ached and trembled still. But my bones no longer felt like they were about to break and reshape. My wolf was fighting his instinct now too. #Sam’s heart was steady, #Jake was cracking jokes… No one was dragging me away into the trees  and away from the humans I could hurt or kill.

‘They believe in you, Collin.’ #EdwardCullen spoke again, and I heard a crack. The big one… Was it #Emmett? Laughed boisterously.

‘Nice one, Bells.’ I heard him say.

Then she was there. She wasn’t afraid of us. She wasn’t  leaving us. She was coming closer… touching us. She was saying the words I had told her the night I showed her what we were. #Sam stepped away… that meant he believed I would not hurt her. She may be my imprint… but anyone of these guys would put me down before letting me  hurt her. Just like I would throw myself between any other wolf and their imprint if I ever needed to.

She was safe, she was here. She was… everything. My whole world in this perfect, beautiful, compassionate, intelligent, brave-to-a-fault package. She kissed my hands and it was over. “Harper.” I whispered, a little raspy while my body caught up with the calm flooding my mind. “We’re yours. Only yours.” I pulled her into a hug, my arms slipping around her; beneath her (my) jacket, burying my face in her neck. “We’re sorry… we would never hurt  you... I would never hurt you.” I remembered her words in the circles…. Assuring me that I wasn't a monster. “I’m sorry. We couldn’t… He didn’t mean to… everything was just…” I had no idea how to finish any of my thoughts.

I rested my chin on her shoulder and looked over  at the Cullen’s. “I’m so sorry… This is your home and I… can’t apologise enough.”

‘It’s been a trying day, Collin. We understand.’ #Bella said. Then she moved inside at a human pace, probably to not scare Harper. #Edward and #Emmett - I was sure that was his name now  followed her.

‘Isn’t that the little one that had a crush on #Leah?’ He asked #Edward as they passed. The shorter vampire  elbowed him in and brotherly fashion.

I stood up then, Not wanting Harper to be kneeling on the gravel after she’d been on her knees in the truck bed for  so long. I pulled back to see her face, her brave, confused, pained face. My struggle was reflected in her eyes. Spirits I loved this woman so much! But today, here… that wasn’t the place. The first time I told her those words they would be about nothing else but her, for  no one else’s ears but hers. “You are remarkable, Dr Jenkins. Truly remarkable. Can I ask too much of you again and ask you to forgive us?”

❁ Harper ❁

I saw the change, the moment when he came back to me. By transferring my weight forward onto my knees, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding him closer still . “I know… I know… I know you both wouldn’t harm me.” I whispered into his ear.

He lifted me up from where we crouched, while the three new faces gracefully strolled past. The shorter boy with the reddish, auburn hair, kept his amber eyes on me. He was beautiful in some ways, however, nothing compared to the beauty I saw in Collin’s dark chocolate eyes. As these thoughts make their way into my mind. He smiled and nodded his head in an unspoken understanding.

Maybe on another day, when so much hadn’t taken place, I would have smiled, and teased Collin about the comment the taller, and broader chested boy had made. But not right now.

Slowly the others began to step away towards the house, #Kenzi hesitant until her fiancé whispered something into her ear. I could see that #Sam and #Seth lingered at the foot of the steps leading up to the main door, attempting to give Collin and I some form of privacy. So, I turned my attention back to the man in my arms.  

“You have nothing to ask forgiveness for, Collin. I may not fully understand what just took place, however I do understand that at no point did I feel endangered by you. On the contrary, I felt nothing but safeguarded.” Pulling back just enough that he could see my eyes. “Please believe me, you have nothing to ask clemency for.”

The sound of a throat clearing came asking to be heard. ‘Guy’s I’m sorry to do this. But can we move you inside? Right now, Leah is going crazy wanting to see you both. She knows pup... she knows you didn’t lose your shit. She’s kinda proud. But she is bleeding again.’ It was #Sam, his brows pulled together; however, the strain he had on his features before had dissipated to a point.

I looked back to Collin, Kissing  his cheek. “We should go in. I want to make sure she is okay.” My hands moved up to cup his face. He was mine…. I heard what he’d said. He and his spirit warrior. They were mine.   

❁ Collin ❁

She had so much faith in me… was it too much? What if I lost control next time? My wolf recoiled from the idea… No.  Her face… her voice. It would always bring us back. I knew she didn’t understand… She only found out vampires existed last night, and I had no time to tell  her anything about them. To tell her they were our natural enemies. She hadn’t been to a story night yet, to hear the legends from the elders.

Then #Sam spoke before I could even start to at least explain my reaction. Leah! Fuck! Whether she was kinda proud or not… I was going to get a clip around the ear for this. But if she was bleeding… Harper needed to get in there. I mirrored her gesture, and stroked my thumb along her cheek, touching her forehead to mine. “How did I ever get so lucky?” I whispered. “I swear I’ll tell you everything as soon as we have time…” I promised her. “But only after you get some sleep.”

I kissed her forehead and turned to #Sam. He gave me a nod, a smile… a serious smile… but I had known #Sam a long time and it was definitely a smile. I wrapped my arm around her  waist and walked up the steps with her.

‘You did good cuz.’ #Jake smiled and held his arm out just in time for #Nessie to tuck herself against his side.

“That hasn’t happened to me since I was fourteen.” I laughed awkwardly my free hand rubbing the back of my neck  awkwardly. We walked inside the house… I had never been here before, but I just followed the voices. Working hard to maintain a polite expression with the scent of the vampires.

‘Learning to control your shift at fourteen was incredible Collin… unheard of.’ #Jake was  always encouraging.

‘Because he’s a control freak!’ Brady appeared and gave me a one-armed hug, so he didn’t dislodge Harper from my side. ‘I have to go, twinnie…’ He smirked at the nickname. ‘If you need me… howl. You did good.’ I knew he wouldn’t be able to stay. #Sam  would want to respect the Cullens’ property by minimising the #UleyPack members that were here. Then #Brady turns to Harper and flashed a huge smile. ‘And you, Doc… Are badass!’ He chortled. ‘A little reckless… but a whole lot badass.’

Then he was gone. And #Sam was telling us (for Harper’s benefit) that Leah was just in the next room.

“You don’t need to be afraid of them.” I told Harper before we went inside. “My reaction out that… it was… animalistic… not logical. They are allies.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Twinnie?” Yup, another question for later for now I followed the way #Sam showed, even though I knew where I was meant to be. I’d seen this path so clearly in the… vision? (The best way I could explain it right now).

As much as all of this night had been extraordinary, with so many missing jigsaw pieces. Somethings couldn’t be unobserved. They were all fearful when Collin reacted out in the drive way, Even #Sue who had the upmost faith in everyone, had stepped away and asked me to do the same. However, they all were filled with pride for this man now too… Yet more questions that would have to wait.

Collin guided me into the tall doors which I knew so well, even though this was the first time I had come into this home. It was a surreal sensation. Until my eyes took in the scene before me.

#Leah’s bed had been lifted so that she wasn’t laying down. As much as a bad move this would have been for her injuries, I could see her not allowing anyone to actually set her flat in the bed.

#Embry stood to her left beside her head, watching the new comers closely. From the way his arms were crossed I could see tension in his body and the clenching of his jaw spoke volumes too.

The taller of the new comers, #Emmett I believed they called him, stood to #Leah’s right, His arms crossed too. ‘Hot Head, this is not the way to get my attention. If you were missing me, you just needed to call.’ She punched him in the arm, but there was no force behind it.

‘Em, don’t tease Leah, she will take it as a challenge.’ The beautiful young girl who resembled #Ness said. ‘And we all know how those things end between the two of you.’ #Leah rolled her eyes and everyone else laughed a little.

‘I don’t know, I thought Hot Head was the only badarse in this state. But the new chick is giving her a run for her money. Did you see the way she stood up to the wolf? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that before.’ #Emmett said clapping #Seth on his shoulder, who stood next to him with #Kenzi curled into his side.

‘I’ve never seen anything like it either.’ #Seth said looking to #Leah, who turned to glance at her mom.

#Sue sat beside the bed to the far side, holding her daughters hand gently speaking in a low tone. ‘The imprints are always told to step away, to never cross a warrior at a time of uncertainty. However, Harper… she was the one to bring him down. She connected with the warrior, and  he listened to her. Add to it the way Collin came back too… I could see the phase coming, he was so close… so… close…’ She sounded astonished.

‘I told you.’ #Leah’s eyes lifted to meet mine. ‘Harper Lee Jenkins  is one hell of a woman and doc. No-one can stop this woman when she knows what she wants. We’ve all seen how she stands up to bullies with our own eyes.’ My glance swung to #Kenzi who was looking at me with an uncomfortable movement. As #Leah continued. ‘It just takes her a minute to work her crap out.’ She winked at me. ‘And the goofball…’ her eyes moved to my boyfriend. ‘He’s growing up… making his alpha proud.’ Something in the way her eyes moved over Collin told me she felt the pride too.

Then I saw him. The shorter of the boys. #Edward?  He had his sleeves rolled up and stepped out from the far side with a suture kit. He opened it up, on the sanitised metal table beside the bed. At first, I thought he was taking the initiative to set up for me. This is when I saw that #Leah was in nothing but a sports bra, with her wounds  uncovered, medical gauze resting on her stomach. He wore the gloves one at a time, sitting down on the stool beside the bed.

“What are you doing?” Rushing out of Collin’s arms I jogged forward. “You cannot do that.” I held my hands up in the air waving for him to stop.

‘Harper Stop, don’t come any closer… wait… wait…!’ #Leah held her hand up to still me.  ‘Edd knows what he is doing. He is a doctor too. Just wait there…’ It was then I noticed the way in which she glanced behind me. ‘Pup… Are you going to be okay with this?’ I looked confused at her and then back toward Collin. Why would Collin be a reason for me not to do the only thing I was here to do?

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled, hearing the confused question. “Maybe we should make a list of all the things I need to explain later.”

When we looked inside the room I could see #Embry was still uncomfortable around the #Cullen’s, normally he did better with #Nessie around. But He hovered next  to #Leah, now. It made sense… he was the Third for the Black Pack. But he was clearly uncomfortable with the banter between #Emmett and #Leah.

I moved my hand to rest on Harper’s back. She had been so trusting, so brave. She believed in me, in us… our bond. Her faith that she would be able to bring me back from the brink was exactly what I needed.

My greatest fear about imprinting on a woman from another tribe was that she would think I was a monster, and that she would be afraid of me. But, the one and only time I had given her cause to be  truly afraid… she had nothing but confidence and understanding. I had no idea how I had been blessed with a woman as brave as The Third Wife. I saw #Edward’s lips turn up into an almost smile. I was never going to get used to having every thought broadcast when I was on two legs.

#Sue was right… I had felt the stretching in my bones, the pricking of fur beneath my skin, the boiling heat in my blood. Without Harper, I might not have been able to stop it. I saw how #Leah’s eyes moved to the ladies when she used the word bullies, that she didn’t mean me… it was an inside joke. Maybe I needed to make a list of questions I needed answers to later also.

I held my breath when #Leah turned her attention to me… I know #Sam said she was proud… but I also knew that I messed up. #Sam would wait until after the  crisis to be over before he addressed the cause. But #Leah shocked me… I smiled, shuffling from foot to foot. I knew it was a phenomenal feat to stop my shift like that… but losing control to that point with three imprints and an Elder in the strike zone was unacceptable in the first place. #Edward grimaced and whispered to Leah… ‘He doesn’t cut himself any slack either.’ As he worked over a small table that looked like it was straight out of a scene from Grey’s Anatomy. Then Harper was rushing forward, and I managed to somehow release her from  my hold, but I matched each step forward that she took with one of my own.

I froze… they were all on edge. Damn! Sure, they were all proud and telling me it was amazing that together with Harper managed to reverse my shift. But they were waiting for me to lose control now. “It’s okay…” I told the room at large first. “I know that I messed up… I almost lost it… but I swear I’m okay. Please just let me stay with her.” A sudden irrational fear that they would ask me to leave so Harper could finish treating Leah overwhelmed me.

‘No one is going  to ask you to leave Collin. The only person here with that right is Harper.” #Sam assured me.

Then I turned my attention to Harper’s confused expression. “The Cullen’s are vampires, Harper.” I explained taking her hands gently. “But they aren’t like the one that hurt Leah.” I avoided the issue that it had been trying to hurt her. That wasn’t where my focus needed to be right now. “They don’t hurt people… the way I reacted outside… it was… out of line. I was on edge and taken by surprise, and with everything that had happened, I just lost control. There was a time when the Quileute pack's purpose was to kill vampires, but those days are in the past and we know now that they aren’t all killers… It was the first time since I met you that there were vampires around and my reaction was… primal. But it’s no  excuse, they came to help Leah. They won’t hurt you. Or anyone else. You don’t need to be afraid of them. They are our allies.” I smiled at the Cullen’s as sincerely as I could. “I’m truly sorry, I had no right to behave like that in your home. I won’t make excuses, but I’m  grateful for your understanding and allowing me to stay here with Harper.”

❁ Harper ❁

“However, we came here knowing they are vampires?” I asked the question to Collin, but the room was open for them all to hear.

Collin kept up with me, his warm body radiating towards me and giving me the willpower to stand with him. I don’t know why, however everything he aforesaid just fell into place on the jigsaw in my imagination. The attack on #Leah in Port, the vampire there who had been looking for me? And now here… Good people… vampires… Family of Ness… they were family? Did this mean they bit Ness to turn her? I shook that thought out of my head.

‘Please, stop apologising for caring for your soul mate. There is no person in this room who doesn’t understand you and your actions, Collin.’ My eyes moved around the room as they spoke, landing back on Collin each time. ‘We are more than just allies. Maybe someday you will see and believe it just as Leah and Seth do.’ #Bella smiled keeping her distance because #Edward had asked her too. In someway I could see how the three of them worked to stand in formation, each of them protecting the other.

‘We have been through a lot together, some good, some not so good.’ #Emmett smiled looking like a big friendly giant. The moment I thought it, #Edward laughed a little unphased as he began to work on cleaning #Leah.

Another question for the list, why did it feel like this boy was reading my mind?

‘Because I am…’ his amber eyes met mine. ‘Harper is wondering if I can read her mind.’ He told the room. ‘Some of my family have special skills.’ He added to the next unsaid question. ‘And no, we did not bite our daughter. Renesmee was born just as you were, Bella was human when we conceived her. You can add the questions to the list you have, we will happily take the time to answer.’

I turned to face Collin, my eyes meeting his as he held me close to him. I wished he could see through my eyes. So, that he could see how not afraid of him I was. Thinking it towards #Edward. ‘No, I cannot show him how you see him. However, I find that words can help you when you aren’t trying to take in so much information.’

‘Doesn’t she kind of remind you of Bella in her human days? Jumping head first into danger.’ #Emmett asked of no-one in the room in particular. ‘The lad just told her she is in a room of Wolfs, and vampires, and her concern is the wolf and Leah? I told you… B.A.D.A.R.S.E!’

#Leah told him to shut up, her eyes not leaving me once. ‘Pup, I didn’t ask if you were okay because I don’t trust you. I asked the question out of respect. You and Harper are new to this. Your bond is new, the smallest of things can trigger you, not because of anything you or she will do. It’s just uneven ground until you learn to understand one another. It’s not messing up, it’s called learning. Something you should have been able to do without the threat over your head or over Harpers. I’m sorry… I am the one who failed you both.’

“Leah…” This time I moved forward slowly, my hand finding Collin’s and bringing him forwards with me. “Please… you and Collin need to stop being so remorseful.” I smiled a little looking from her to Collin again.

❁ Collin ❁

“They haven’t lived here for a little while… It's just been #Nessie. I was… Taken by surprise. But it's still no excuse.” I explained it to her. I opened my mouth to say something to #Bella and hesitated once, twice… three times.

“I do, Bella. I really do. If my cousin  trusts you all… I do. I just…” I was cut off by my alpha.

‘Newly imprinted wolves often experience a sort of regression. Overly protective behaviour…. Hormonal changes, especially when both parties are… of age.’ He said the last part with an awkward flick of his eyes  between Harper and me.

‘You believe there are changes on a biological level?’ Edward asked a looked at me… ‘After we get this one back on her feet would you mind giving me a blood sample for Carlisle? He would be fascinated.’

I looked to #Sam for any sign of objection; he  nodded… “Um, yeah… sure.” I owed Dr. Cullen a lot.  He had hidden my blood samples in the hospital after my miracle recovery from pneumonia and a collapsed lung to protect the tribe when they suspected I was beginning my change.

Then #Edward explained so many things; he was reading her mind, answering all the questions that he knew she had, and I could only suspect. He could see into her mind and ease her concerns when that was supposed to be my job. I took a breath, quelling the territorial urge before it fully formed. ‘He really is good at  this.’ #Edward smiled at #Leah.

I wanted to know what it was that #Edward was talking about, what did she want to show me? But #Emmett’s comment made me smile. “He’s right you know; you are a true Guardian. As tough as all the women I’ve told you stories about.”

Harper pulled me forward with her. No one stopped us this time, I agreed with everything she told Leah… though I had never been great at cutting myself any slack.

Now that I thought about it; I had that in common with #Leah. I’d never drawn a parallel between her and I before. ‘These two have a whole lot in common, Harper. They expect nothing but the best from themselves, yet they can understand when others make mistakes or need help. These two, however… they hold themselves to a much higher standard.’

#Embry burst out laughing. ‘Damn!! How did I not see this before?’ He braced a hand on the edge of Leah’s bed. Careful not to touch her now that it wasn’t absolutely essential. ‘The pup is a junior version of Leah!’ He cracked up… causing #Seth to laugh too and Leah punched ‘Bry’s arm… but there was no force in it. It didn’t seem like that was because she was too weak… Leah never went easy on any of us… but she never tried to hurt anyone either. Not even in training.

I cleared my throat… “I think that #Leah and I probably have a few things we need to talk about, but they can wait… other than…” I turned my attention only to her. “Thank you… I know you hate that. But I need to say it… You protected her...” I stopped myself saying when I didn’t. “And I know you always will… But I will always be grateful. No matter how hard you wish I wouldn’t  be. Maybe even more… because of that exact reason.” I squeezed Harper’s hand lightly, not letting myself imagine what could have happened if Leah hadn’t been there.

❁ Harper ❁

‘It's just been #Nessie….’ This actually made some form of sense to me. If the #Cullen family hadn’t meant to be here. I could see how their arrival would have set off alarm bells. However, #Sam’s eyes and the uncomfortable shift as he spoke of a biological change taking place. It had me intrigued when I should have been worried about what it meant for us.

I had noticed the resemblance between the two of them, however when #Leah waved Collin’s thanks off; it became even more apparent. The dismissal hadn’t been to disregard Collin in any way. It was more the fact that... She couldn’t understand how to take the words and do something with them. (Or it felt to me at least.)

#Bella began asking everyone to make themselves at home, she spoke to #Sue softly offering to take her upstairs for a cup of tea, maybe something to eat. Telling the concerned mother, she missed the scent of her chocolate chip cookies. Which of course brought another question to mind.

‘Just because you cannot eat something, does not mean you cannot appreciate the aroma.’ #Edward asked still smiling.

‘If you guys eat food?’ #Leah asked getting a single nod of the head. ‘Zoop.. Bella… still remembers how it was to eat normal food, and let’s face it… who in their right mind will forget my Ma’s cooking?’ Some colour returned to her cheeks; however, she winced while modifying her position on the bed.

#Seth and #Kenzi both were reluctant to leave at first, this was until #Leah promised to call them down right away if she needed anything. #Sam, #Jacob, and #nessie were speaking in low tones with #Bella as they left. The whispers were inaudible, leaving me dumfounded as to how they could understand one another?

The room was left with just a few people. #Embry and #Emmett beside #Leahs head, with #Edward working to repair what had come undone. ‘Your rapid repair work truly is a thing of beauty Doctor Jenkins. I can see if Leah here had behave for long enough your work would have been seamless.’  He gesticulated for me and Collin to come closer. ‘Here, come look at how fast your hard work has supported the healing in our Miss Clearwater. If only she could for once become someone who listened.’ This made #Leah roll her eyes; however, she took the feedback, laying her head back on the bed to rest a little. Even if her fist were telling at how unrelaxed she truly had been.

I glanced between all the faces before my eyes found Collin’s. “Would you mind if I watched Edward work?”

❁ Collin ❁

The way #Leah waved off my words might have been seen as dismissive. But I knew it was the best she could do, that allowed me to say what I needed to say without telling me Spirit Warriors don’t do what we do, to receive thanks. It might not have been an acceptance… maybe just  an acceptance of my right to verbalise the thought. And that was okay by me, I knew she wouldn’t want or need gratitude from me.

Why was it so hard to know that #Edward was in Harper’s head? Hearing her innermost thoughts... thoughts that she might never verbalize… I knew it was probably mostly because they were the fleeting thoughts that ran through everyone's minds and they weren’t the kinds of thoughts that needed to be said… but they were hers, and he could hear them… but not me. I knew he couldn’t turn it off. But it still sparked jealousy in me, it was petty and ridiculous. It wasn’t the jealousy a person feels towards a romantic rival, it was just his ability to know and anticipate her needs and wants before I could. But it was undeniably jealousy, and it was there at the forefront of my mind. #Edward met my eyes for a second but thankfully said nothing, I tried my best to convey an apology with my eyes, then remembered all I had to do was think it. It was then that I noticed the others were moving to the door… but not #Embry… it stunned me momentarily… but it shouldn’t have.

He was always the one who stayed with the pup that had sick family members. He was the one who never locked his doors so we all (no matter what pack we chose) had a place to go where we were welcome, and heard. Even if it was just because we didn’t want to be alone… or wake whoever was  sleeping when coming home from a patrol.

I beamed proudly when #Edward praised Harper’s work. “Some of it might have been the drive back. As much as I love my truck it is certainly not a good alternative to an ambulance.” I half-joked… maybe defending #Leah a little, the thirteen-year-old who thought she could do no wrong might have been making a reappearance after everything she risked for Harper.

‘Keep your voice down cub.’ #Emmett chuckled in his deep rumbling way. ‘Last thing we need is #Nessie thinking that borrowing an ambulance is a good idea next time one of you gets hurt.’

So, I had been right #Nessie pilfered the local hospital for blood. ‘Don’t worry the hospital will be more than compensated and she would never leave them with less than they need to function.’ #Edward said.

“I have no doubts…” I assured him. “And I hear the ladies on the reservation are already pulling together a blood drive.” In a week the blood Nessie borrowed would be replaced tenfold.

I smiled at Harper. Even though I knew that this was her understanding of my needs and  how I had felt when there was a potential danger to her, it still stung that I had put her in a position where she needed to worry more about me than about helping #Leah. That was why we were all here after all. To help #Leah heal.

I lifted one hand to brush her cheek. “Of course, you should learn everything you can, Edward and his father know more about our physiology than even we do ourselves.” I said softly, I released her hand slowly, in a way that told her I would be right here, whether her fingers were laced through mine or not. “I’m not going anywhere.”

❁ Harper ❁

Leaning into Collin’s touch I smiled a little too. “Good, I don’t want you to go.” And in the moment, I knew this yawning to be close to him, it came from within my soul, it was something unfathomable and couldn’t be portrayed by something so simple as words. 

‘Get a room. And I don’t mean this one.’ The big one chuckled with his arms crossed over his chest. 

‘Emmett don’t be a jerk.’ #Leah punched him without any power in it. It seemed to be weaker than the last one she’d attempted, or was that all in my mind? 

‘This is unfortunately how Emmett shows he cares. He tells everyone to get a room.’ #Bella came to stand in the door with a tray of food, hot and cold drinks. ‘I know the food can taste bad if we touch it, so Sue made it all. I’m just touching the tray.’ She set it down on the side before coming to stand beside her husband. The two of them exchanged looks with unsaid words, and I was certain #Edward nodded his head a little before returning his eyes to me. 

Once again, I found myself considering the conversations taking place around me. How had Collin heard about a blood drive? When had there been time to organise an event only hours after the fact that #Leah had been injured? This time when I allowed myself to look at #Edward, he did not answer any of my unspoken questions. Instead, he continued with the work at hand. 

“So, you all just steal whatever you need in the hopes that it won’t impact someone who may also be in need?” I held no judgement in my tone when asking the question, however had it come out too blunt? 

‘It’s not the way we like doing things, Harper no.’ #Leah’s eyes were closed still as she spoke. ‘We are Spirit Warriors, our reason for being here is to protect lives. It would be against our beliefs to cause harm on anyone.’ 

Then #Edward took over. ‘We’ve always kept our needs to a minimum, never really needed to gather supplies until I met Bella.’ His topaz eyes glinted, and his lips curved up into a smile when saying her name. ‘My little fragile lamb needed a lot of attention at the time from our father.’ #Emmett chuckled, murmuring something under his breath I couldn’t hear.

When my gaze returned to #Edwards hands, I saw how he had been working meticulously, I couldn’t even tell if his hands were moving.  

‘It’s been a long time since I was that fragile, thank you.’ #Bella placed a hand on his shoulder lovingly. 

“Do you… well… Vampires…” they all shook their heads together. 

‘No… Not at all. We don’t steal blood from the hospital for feeding.’ #Edwards started. 

‘We are… you can call us the sexy vegetarians of our world.’ #Emmett continued. ‘We hunt animals and feed from them.’ This made me stiffen a little, however I couldn’t understand. 

“Is that even possible? If you are  vegetarians, then why did that vampire want to attack?” 

Now it was #Bella who spoke. ‘They aren’t many like us Harper. The one who attacked, wanted to kill to feed.’ She didn’t use  the one key word. You. But the small nod from #Edward told me the truth. 

My heart sped up at the thought of it. How close had I come to becoming Vampire dinner? ‘That’s a good question.’ The mind reader enquired with #Leah next, asking her for all the details of what had occurred. 

As she retold the story, this time I was listening to it without my adrenaline pounding in my ears, my blood chilled. #Edward had asked me to help him, sitting me down on the stool he vacated, I cleaned up the other wounds covering them until the story came to the point when she arrived at my door. Then all the eyes turned to me. 

I glanced over to Collin as I spoke, keeping him in my sight line gave me an impression of ease, reminding me how safe I felt close to him, as I repeated the events of the night. I knew there were parts I missed, so much had happened, however this was as best as I could recall them.

Telling them how the Shaggy haired white wolf had been easy for me to treat, and then how she became #Leah again. How there was poison, the thickening of her blood, and how it had made things difficult. 

When I moved my eyes away from Collin to glance around the room, I was astonished as how still they stood as they listened, so I shifted to keep my eyes down. Until there was nothing more for me to do. “That’s when everyone else arrived and here we are.” I ended, finally lifting my gaze once again.

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed… heat rising up the back of my neck and #Emmett’s comment only made it worse, staining the tip of my ears red. #Edward shot a furtive glance #Embry’s way at #Leah’s comment, clearly the vampire had marked him as the protector of the packs in #Jake and #Sam’s  absence…. I supposed he was the highest rank here with #Leah out of commission. Not that I would ever say that out loud. #Edward chuckled.

It was freaky. Although, I couldn’t help but admire the way he kept other's thoughts to himself. Picking and choosing which ones were appropriate to answer. I hoped that They understood the purity of Harper’s questions… I knew that the Cullens were highly opposed to stealing in any form… Ness lived more by a code of helping whoever was most in need at the time. And she always made up for it ten-fold.

“We  have to weigh the balance of who is in the most need right now. But it's very rare that we need medical attention.” I told her; as though I was promising that we didn’t make a habit of stealing medical supplies.

I tried not to think of the stories of Bella drinking blood  bags when she was pregnant. I knew a mother would do anything to protect her child… but that was next-level dedication. #Edward turned to #Leah and whispered. ‘This one might have more in common with your brother than you.’ He smiled.

My heart raced a little when #Bella  explained to Harper that the vampire #Leah had killed tonight, would have killed and feed on her. Harper’s increasing heart rate wasn’t helping. #Embry came around the table. ‘It’s okay pup. Take a breath… Why don’t you get something to eat or drink… distract yourself?’ He  suggested. But I was already bringing myself under control. I nodded and moved to the tray #Bella had brought, thanking her. I lifted the coffee pot to pour a cup. ‘That might not be the best choice today, Pup.’ #Sam said quietly, coming up next to me.

“I think I’ll stick to juice today…” I chuckled and brought the mug of coffee to Harper. “I think this should be your last one until you’ve had a little sleep… I know you’re used to long nights… but this is next level.”

I listened to Leah’s story… my heart rate heightened the whole way through, but it was steady enough that the other warriors in the room weren’t showing concern for me. Harper’s story was mostly known to me other than the moments before we got there. But now doubt crept in as I wondered if I should have gone directly to her or stayed with the pack like I had. But #Sam had ordered it… he would never issue an order he didn’t believe entirely necessary.

“Harper was incredible she did everything #DrCullen said and so much more… She just has an amazing instinct for healing.” I smiled at my soulmate. “Even with a species she’s never seen before.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Thank you.” Removing the gloves from my hands before taking the cup from Collin, my cheeks blustered a deep red. The compliments felt so out of place. “I should have been able to do much more. If I knew or understood what I was working against.” I wanted to ask if they had any milk in the house. I knew Collin wasn’t enthusiastic about store bought juices.

Shaking my head, then pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose, taking a sip of the much-needed hit of caffeine, I noticed the way the tips of Collin’s ears had turned red too. Some part of me wanted to smile, kiss his neck and cheeks, then tell him how cute he was when this happened. The clearing of a throat made my heart jump when I glanced back to see #Edwards eyes watching me, deepening the crimson in my cheeks.   

‘You did more than I could have hoped for. I wasn’t going to come; I was going to wait… But my warrior… she – ’ #Leah winced frowning a little, her dark gaze moved to the tall glass windows and then she closed her eyes again. Her sentence remained unfinished.  

#Bella noticed it too, she moved by #Leah’s side and whispers something into her ear, before standing. ‘If it wasn’t for you doctor Jenkins, and your quick thinking, Leah could have been much worse off.’ #Bella added.

However, it was #Sam stood with his muscular arms crossed before him who pulled my attention away. He was watching me intently. Not saying much, however I knew he saw everything. What was he thinking right now? The dismay in his vision towards me... Of course, I wouldn’t hold it against him at all. I had been the reason for this night ending the way it had.

‘This isn’t the most comfortable of places to sleep, maybe we should move a bed in here?’ #Emmett asked dropping his arms. ‘I can carry one of the—’ he was cut off by the way everyone looked at him. ‘What? I know she never stops, but when she does. She likes to sleep. I don’t want her phasing off this thin thing. Do you?’

#Edward stood up telling his brother they could use a new bed from the cottage, making to walk out of the room with him, however the Big Giant came to stand before me. A gleeful smirk on his face, and a twinkle in his eyes. ‘You know what Doc. I could carry three or four beds all alone in one arm, Ed is only coming to make sure I don’t find his and Bella’s sexy dungeon.’ With a wink he was gone in a blur leaving me sat there in shock, my face alite, totally speechless.

‘One of these days I will stop apologising for him, and just watch as someone crashes him.’ #Bella took the stool next to me. ‘Collin, on the top floor there are rooms. The clean, there are bathrooms with fresh towels.’ Her eyes wondered over to me, as though she was trying to speak to him without words.

“Oh… I…” I saw myself through her eyes. I had fresh blood on me. “Is the blood uncomfortable for you?”

#Sam chuckled. ‘It is, but not for the reasons you think.’

❁ Collin ❁

Harper blushed and her heart gave a few skips. What was she thinking that would make her cheeks flush like that? It was so cute… I wanted to lean in and kiss those cheeks… place my hand over her heart and try to decipher all of its nuances. Learn its language.

I was  completely wrapped up in those thoughts until Leah spoke… her voice was filled with emotion. It wasn’t like her… not when she was speaking about herself. She was normally stoic when it came to herself, and expressive about others.

When Emmett started talking about beds my  eyes darted to #Leah… I knew that she was more comfortable around the Cullen’s than most… With #Jake and #Seth taking the lead in that race. But a bed that smelled of vampires? Would she be able to rest? But #Edward was already talking about a new one… It could work.

Then his behemoth of a brother was making jokes about sex dungeons and vanishing leaving not just my neck and ears flaming, but my cheeks heated now too. I snapped myself out of it when Bella spoke and followed the flick of her eyes to Harper… finding her just as red-faced as I was.

I set down the glass that I had hardly touched and returned to Harper’s side instantly. “I can explain what he means.” I told her, when #Sam started to explain about the blood. “Would you like to go and get cleaned up? I think you’ve done as much as you can for Leah right now.” Also, I would rather not talk about how the Cullen’s smelled in front of them… I knew there was nowhere in this house I wouldn't be heard, but at least it was a small amount of respect.

‘I’ve left some clothes up their Harper.’ #Ness reappeared with another tray, and I tried to hide my relief that It would be Nessie’s clean clothes. I knew it was an unkind thought, but it flooded in uninvited anyway. ‘Dad asked me to bring you this.’ She smiled and handed me a glass of milk. The act prompted me to pat her on the head like we used to  when she was little. She swatted me away.

‘You two should go and get freshened up, maybe even pop out onto the balcony for some air. I will come get you the second this one start misbehaving.’ #Ness was speaking to Harper now and moving to her mother’s side.

❁ Harper ❁

The cup from my hands disappointed and a light touch to my lower back had my feet moving towards the door.

“I…” #Nessie winked with a kind smile.

‘If anything changed at all, I promise. I will be by your side telling you in seconds.’ And I believed her. My eyes were on #Leah one last time before I walked through the door and glanced up and the tall glass windows and the stairs.

An oversized crucifix and a wall full of…. “Are those… graduation caps?” Whispering my question to Collin stopping half way up. Uncomfortable and awkward, uncertain where I was to go, and following the sound of muffled conversations when I came to the first landing.

‘Hey Harper.’ #Jake pointed to the next set of stairs. ‘Keep going, Ness set you and Collin up there.’

He came over to hand Collin a plate of food. ‘Sue’s been keeping busy. If you both need more, there’s enough to feed the pack ten times.’

He pointed again, this time I reached a hand out and stopped, Collin had his milk and the food to carry. So I worked my fingers taking the steps to the next landing.

“Do you know where we are meant to go?”

❁ Collin ❁

I walked through the house with Harper. It was strange. I had never been inside of it before, but I knew it like I had been here… From the memories of my cousin and #Seth… and a few random flashes of #Embry checking out townie girls at some kind of party, I was too distracted  to really dwell on.

“Oh yeah…” I chuckled. Taking in the wall of mortarboards, I had only seen it in memories. It was far better in reality. “The Cullen’s don’t age so they move a lot… and when they do, they have to start over. Like high school… over and over again.

Except #Nessie, she… let’s just say she was home-schooled.”

Then #Jake appeared, and I smiled… he had food! My stomach rumbled loudly, and I flushed. “Thanks, Cuz.” I beamed taking the food and Jake continued down the stairs, no doubt straight to #Renessme’s side. #Harper  and I headed up one more flight. And I was lost… but at least I was lost with her. “Um, sure…” I fibbed and sniffed the air… but the food and the scent of Harper filled my senses. I was hungry and starting to feel safe so my senses weren’t as heightened until I focused.

Plus #Nessie’s scent was all over the place… finding the most recent would be hard. “Would you hold this for a second?” I held out the food to her. “I’ll show you something really cool.” I stepped away and scented the air again. “I just can’t focus on anything else when all  I can smell is you.”

I found #Ness’ freshest scent and opened the door where it came from, taking one more whiff. “This is where Ness was last.” I told her and took the tray back; opening the door wide to reveal a room filled with all-white fresh flowers, large windows opened wide, and towels piled at the end of a plush four-poster bed that instantly made me blush, until I saw the couch against the back wall with a pillow and a blanket folded on it.

The blanket smelled a little like #Jake. He truly was the greatest cousin. I didn’t think Harper  would sleep, but if she wanted to, I didn’t want her to feel awkward about it.

The was a door in the corner next to the couch. “I think the bathroom must be back there or would you like to eat something first?”

❁ Harper ❁

Dropping my head to the side, I held the tray with both hands. Witnessing firsthand how Collin searched and sensed his way towards the correct room assigned to us.

His nose twisted like a puppy looking for their first treat. His eyes narrowed wistfully as he concentrated. And to me, the world had disappeared once again, with Collin taking centre stage of my universe.

Once the door opened, I took a few steps in. Following the outline of the room at first. It was so well appointed, everything in its rightful place. Welcoming and inviting not to show homey, however still something that could be on the cover of AD.

Then I saw the four-poster bed with the towels waiting to be used. At first nothing seemed wrong, until my eyes moved up to the pillows, the covers, the way romantic getaway piped into my mind and then I felt the blush heating my flustered cheeks.

What was wrong with me? With my body? How could I react in this way, right now? “This is what sleep deprivation looks like.” Muttering it to myself.

His voice startled me. “Oh… nothing… I mean….” Crap crap crap!!! He hadn’t asking me what I was thinking about! Telling myself to get a grip…

“Uhm… dinner… food….” My tummy answered for me just as I had planned to decline and shower first.

“I guess eating first is better.” My eyes on the try fully of two bowls of soup, sandwiches, fruit slices and a jug of water. “Jake was not exaggerating. There is a lot of good food.”

Walking to the door Collin pointed towards. I turned to light on, eyes wondering until I found the sink to wash up before  reemerging. “This house is truly beautiful, so well together. Everything has been planned and placed is the most perfect way.”

❁ Collin ❁

I could feel her watching me, it made me grin… and feel a little confident showing off my enhanced senses. Sniffing the air like a dog probably wasn’t really a flex… but it had been a long night.

When Harper entered the room, she looked impressed but then her scent changed  and my heart raced, blood heating. Thank the Spirits for the many scents and voices that prevented me from allowing those feelings to snowball.

I smiled at her whisper and wondered if now the time was to tell her I could scent those changes in her… but decided I should wait  until there wasn’t a mind reader in the vicinity. Then thought Sorry Edward. But I knew he’d understand.

Then her tummy growled, and I smiled. “#Sue knows all about how to feed a house full of Spirit warriors.” I chuckled. When she disappeared to wash up I set the food on the small table on the balcony like #Nessie had suggested, moving the two intricately designed seats next to each other so I could keep her warm.

“It really is…” I said, holding out the chair for her. “Mrs. Cullen… Esme…” She had told us all so many times to call  her that. “She has a flare for interior design. I guess when you live that long finding a passion in an industry that’s in constant flux makes sense."

❁ Harper ❁

My gaze caught Collin as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, the small tentative wall towards the darkness of the balcony being kissed with the light of the day breaking somewhere on the other side of the trees surrounding us followed me with the chill of the air.

Hugging myself I joined him. “Thank you.” Taking the beautiful chair, rubbing my arms before the warmth began to radiate from Collin.

My back ached, feet throbbed, my eyes were heavy and still I found myself with a second, or third wind. A mix of the unknown with elements of adrenaline still rushing through me if I were to guess.

“I agree, Sue has always welcomed me with open arms, and a table full of food. Now I understand a little as to why.”

Taking a slice of apple, playing with it a little. When I dared to meet his eyes, I kept my voice low as I glanced at the view and then him again.

“Mrs Cullen is Edward and Emmett’s mom?” Trying to decipher the relationship. I couldn’t believe she gave birth to them? Or could she? Didn’t they say Bella has given birth to Jake’s girlfriend, Nessie?

“She must have an artistic sense to be able to create such a wonderful home for her family.” Finally taking a bite of the fruit in my fingers.

Talking in the attempt to find a solution or an atmosphere to where the discomfort would disparate a fraction.

❁ Collin ❁

I knew she would warm up soon next to me, I put my arm around her and leaned in… rubbing my hands up and down her arms when I saw her trying to warm herself up. “I thought you’d like a little fresh air, after being stuck inside and in the truck bed all night... But if it is  too cold, we can move inside.” I smiled… maybe I wanted the excuse to be close to her.

My hands brushed up over her shoulders, willing my heat into her exhausted muscles… exhausted and… tense. Really tense. I ran my hand from one shoulder to the other. She had to be aching. Instinctively I started to gently rub her shoulders, skimming my fingers against the back of her neck… I was suddenly very aware of my strength, even though it was never something I worried about with her. But I hoped that at least the heat of my skin would sooth some of the aches and pains.

“For all intents and purposes, she is.” I answered her question about Mrs Cullen. “But she can hardly be older than late twenties… at least when she stopped ageing. But she and Dr Cullen, are the heads of their family, one-by-one the others  found them, or Dr Cullen changed them… but only because it was that or… true death. He doesn’t turn humans he can heal with modern medicine.”

I couldn’t help but admire the Doctor… he had protected our tribe and pack in many ways… even before the new treaty. Even if that was by tampering with blood samples when it was clear my recovery in Forks Hospital wasn’t strictly human. “Other them #Ness and her parents none of them are related by blood. But they are as much a family as anyone else’s… probably even more so… because they’ve been a family for many lifetimes.” The graduation caps were the evidence of those lifetimes.

“They are very open, well, most of them one… of the sisters, #Rosalie… she’s a little…” I tried to think of a kind word. “Guarded. She’s married to #Emmett. But if you have any questions,  I don’t know about they’ll happily answer. We try to understand each other as best we can, now that the ancestors have told  us not all Cold Ones are our enemies.” As I explained all of this, I kept rubbing my hands over her shoulders and upper back, I wouldn’t call it a  massage… touching her like this, knowing she was in pain made me overly conscious of my strength. My wolf stirred, telling me we couldn’t ever hurt her. I knew he was right, but did it hurt to be careful with her after the night she’d just had?

❁ Harper ❁

“No…” The word rushed itself free before I could comprehend the sound of my tone. “Sorry…” shaking my head a little my eyes closed before my tired gaze hovered back to find him.

“The fresh air feels good about now. I don’t like thinking about the facts of a night when  I am working or not sleeping. I will make up for it later when I can.”

His hands, more the heat radiating from them soon took the shivers away. There weren’t any feelings of anything more than relief from my sore muscles. Thinking beyond the moment was impossible. Taking a bite from the apple slice in my hand listening to the family dynamics I could understand what Collin had meant by it not being the easiest thing to explain, then again there couldn’t be one single thing in this situation we could say was ‘Easy.’

My mind kept coming  back to his hands. The more attention I attempted to give to other things, the sky, the food, the fact I was sat in the balcony of a house belong to vampires, with a boyfriend who becomes a wolf… however all I could think about was his touch, the miracle healing of them. The way my muscles hummed in a dull ache from the throbbing pain only seconds before.

“Aren’t all people guarded to a point? And we all deserve to keep ourselves at a limit where we feel comfortable after all.” Sharing a small smile. “Especially if you’re seen as an enemy or an outsider. Saying  that… if feels like you are all cohabiting fairly well?”

I wouldn’t ask any more questions about the Cullen’s relationship. This wasn’t me trying to gossip, I just wanted to comprehend what I had stumbled into. “Everyone deserves their right to privacy. And I don’t wish to pry in any way.”

Popping what was left of the apple into my mouth and chewing.

“You should eat something too.” My body melted so sweetly into his touch now. “You know...” The most ridiculous thought freed itself.

“You are wasting a talent… you should be a masseuse.” The moment it was said, my face flashed. “I know… crazy idea…”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her… I felt like I had finally managed to make one tiny choice, right. I promised from now on I wouldn’t screw up the big ones too. “I’ll keep you warm.” I whispered and immediately felt heat crawl up the back of my neck until it reached the tips of my ears.

“I guess so… and we all have the right to do what we need to protect ourselves and set our boundaries.” I agreed with her. When she mentioned food, I realised how distracted I had been. I picked up some of the sliced apples and took a bite… I followed it up with a butter croissant too… even though white flour wasn’t something I normally ate; I knew it would make me feel full. Or as full as a Spirit Warrior could feel.

Thinking about it the way that she was describing it… it made more sense. We had started as enemies… rivals… then a  tentative treaty. “I haven’t really interacted with the Cullen’s much. Other than #Carlisle… he worked in the hospital… so I saw him a lot before I knew…” I shrugged. “Any of this, I suppose. And most of the communication after that, was through #Jacob’s pack and #Sam.

This is the longest time I’ve been around them on two legs.”

I chuckled a little at her final observation. “Okay, now I know you need a nap.” I wiped my mouth with a delicately folded napkin from the tray and kissed her temple. “I think I would rather save that skill for you alone.” I smiled and showed her my hand, palm up. “Another gift from my wolf. A carpenter with soft hands… no callouses because of the healing… and even though thirteen-year-old me did a lot of carving… I never had any before I changed.” Every time I got to share something  like that with her it made the bond deepen somehow. Like it was another piece of me given over to her completely.

❁ Harper ❁

“It’s kind of like a pack hierarchy in a way.” #Sam and #Jake were the leaders from what Collin had told me and what I’d picked up tonight. So it would make sense they would keep others from the pack away where danger was possible.

“Dr. Cullen seems nice, and knowledgeable. His ability to guide me over the phone, not being in the same room and still having known the pitfalls I would encounter, and to have the solution ready to go.” Now I had to the time to think it over, it was astonishing.

The comment about keeping his massage skills for me alone, was not missed, however the next thing said intrigued my mind too much to allow myself to fluster. (Which I will when I replay this conversation at a later date.)

Wiping my hands before I took a hold of his. “How have I missed this.” Whispering it to myself and maybe him too.

“Your work… your hands they should be hard and rough to the touch, however they aren’t.”

Examining his palm, my fingertips trailing the lines and the muscles. Noticing the way his skin felt, and how I hadn’t noticed the softness of them.

Turning it around in my own hand to glaze over his nails, and the lack of marks of cuts. His hands were perfect.

I placed my cold, dry one next to his. You could tell the winter weather, the cold nights on farms, and the constant need to wash, had taken its toll on my skin. Things such as animal scratch’s, bites, littered mine.

“You heal at a greater rate than… others… Leah is proof of it. However, what you just said about before your change.” It would explain his body. “How is it that some things are healed, and others aren’t?”

❁ Collin ❁

“It is…” I grinned. “It’s not the same as a wild wolf pack; with an alpha pair. Probably because we only knew of males joining the pack until Leah. But we have our Alpha. The role is dependent on bloodlines, the closest bloodline to the Great Wolf claims the role. #Sam was the  first, so he was Alpha, he’s a descendant of the Great Wolf, but #Jacob is a direct descendant. There were four pack members by the time he phased. And he yielded the position to #Sam when he offered to step aside for the Chief’s son. I’ll tell you all about how we became two  packs after we’ve both had a little more sleep.” I chuckled but it was dark. It was a dark moment in our history. One none of proud of, one we all remembered every time we saw #Nessie smile or snarl or heard her music…

“So, we have an Alpha, and they chose a second. #Sam’s  second is #Jared; you haven’t met him yet, #Leah is #Jacob’s and #Embry… the only one with a death wish so big he picked #Leah up twice…” I laughed. “Is his third. Sam’s is #Paul.” She would remember him from the night in the bar and the day #Rachel rushed Nova to the clinic  and half the pack showed up.

I chuckled. “Yeah… every day after work they heal… I’ve broken most of my fingers… gotten all sorts of cuts and splinters and by dinner time…” I shrugged. “They’re all gone. It’s kinda hard to explain to human coworkers.”

I had wondered the and half the pack showed up.

I chuckled. “Yeah… every day after work they heal… I’ve broken most of my fingers… gotten all sorts of cuts and splinters and by dinner time…” I shrugged. “They’re all gone. It’s kinda hard to explain to human coworkers.”

I had wondered the same things for a long time. “I think it’s to remind us of our lives before, that we are human too, that’s why our souls are bonded to humans, so we don’t forget that our stalled ageing isn’t meant to give us immortality. The magic in our blood is what is eternal, our souls  and our bonds are eternal, but our bodies… We keep our old scars, so we remember they were born of flesh and blood they are, they hurt and heal and pass the magic to a new generation, then eventually fade until we meet our ancestors.”

❁ Harper ❁

The chief’s son… an image of #BillyBlack flashed before my vision. The older man, with long dark salt and pepper hair, almond skin with aged winks, eyes which saw all the world had to offer, and a kind yet stern smile. He was the father of #JacobBlack. He also was Collin’s uncle too. “You are a direct descendent too?”

Of course, I understood the psychology of most animals. A pack of wolves were territorial and loyal to the death, they were faithful to their alpha. Only a deep rift with the powerful dynamics of the  hierarchy became the reason for a strong pack to split. However, I would let Collin tell me in his own time.

Right now, I attempted to hold on to the information being shared, the names and the roles, how they were divided between the people I had met, and some   I had yet to meet.

My ears perked up. “Stalled ageing? Immortality?” Did we discuss this before? I wondered. Because it had been said with such certainty that I questioned my own judgment of the words. “I’m sorry. How old are you, Collin?” This was a question I’d not asked. Never needing a reason to do so.

❁ Collin ❁

She listened and took everything in. I hoped I wasn’t overwhelming her, she had to be exhausted. I had promised I would tell her everything. But there was no rush… especially when she needed rest after the night she’d had. We had our whole lives to learn everything about each  other.

“I am… but I’m not an Alpha.” I could be and we all knew it, but not while Jacob was part of a pack, this was a fact that had comforted me for a long time. I was so young when I phased that no one ever had that expectation of me, anyway. “That would pass to Jake’s  kids before me… or maybe even Rachel’s. For generations, it was believed it was passed from Father to son, but my dad isn’t part of any known Warrior Bloodline. I got it from my mom.” There was no longing in me to ever be named Alpha, #Sam and #Jake was born to lead, and it was an honour to be led by them. Both of them, not only #Sam. We still weren’t sure if the split in the bloodlines would continue through the generations.

I had told her how fast my body had matured after my change… but had I told her that I hadn’t aged a day since then? I smiled a little; I was curious… did she think I was much older than I looked? I mean she wasn’t wrong to wonder… I could be forty and still look like I do now. “How old do you think I am?” I asked with a (hopefully) cheeky smile. But She’d had a very long night, so I saved her from having to guess. “I’m twenty-three Harper. But how I look now… other than my hair and maybe a little muscle mass… I’ve looked like this since I was fourteen. The phase accelerated my growth until I reached what was considered full-grown. #Brady and I look younger than the others… We were the youngest at the time we phased. But younger kids joined later… the youngest guy to join the pack is twenty now and he looks about our age too.” I kept my gaze on her…

“I’m sorry… am I throwing too much information at you? I promised I would tell you everything. But we have time… And you must be so tired?” It sounded like a question… but it wasn’t one. Just concern for her, and the lingering knowledge that we might need her still to care for Leah. I wanted her to rest as much as possible when she had the chance  because I had no idea when we might have to ask the impossible of her again.

❁ Harper ❁

“No… I… I didn’t mean if you would become an alpha… I’m … well trying to place the relationships between everyone.” You didn’t have to lead to be a leader. This man had a lot to offer the world. And I felt it from the bottom of my heart.

Taking a drink before setting it down my hands resting on my lap, I worked them trying to dig myself out of this hole I had somehow managed to fall into.

“I…. Uhm…. You…” tongue tied once again by his ability to turn a question back on me. We had to be honest, I  had to be honest. Guessing people’s age wasn’t a game I ever came out of without offending them, so I tended not to play.

Just as i dredged up the courage to say I thought he was the same age as me. From the way he held himself, he had to be. However, he spoke first. This was when I saw the smile he shared. He wasn’t testing, just teasing.

Rubbing the back of my hand over my eyes sitting back a little again. “Please don’t apologise for telling the truth. I’ve been the one who is asking so many questions. You are just trying to enlighten me.”

A yawn broke free, my hand covering my mouth as I slowly stood up. “Are you sure it is okay to sleep here? I feel as though I should be close to Leah just in case.”

My eyes were on Collin, however also drifting towards the invitation of the comfortable looking bed, with an ocean of pillows, and the softest throw, dropped stylishly on the foot of it.

❁ Collin ❁

“I know it's hard… it has been generations and so much was lost in the last few, people assuming the stories are just myths… so many descendants moving away and never coming home. We have no idea how much of our history was lost.”

I chuckled softly; she was so cute when she was all flustered. “I know, I promise to answer everything as fully as I can and with complete honesty. But…” I paused. “We don’t have to talk about every detail today. We have all the time we want to learn about each other.”

I followed her gaze to the bed and nodded. “I’m sure, I would love to tell you I could take you home… and I will if you ask me to. But I had a feeling you’d prefer to be here and… like you said… #Leah might need you again.” I wiped my hands and pushed my chair back. It was going to be weird for her… sleeping in a  house full of strangers, but we were low on options. “I’ll be right here the whole time.” It was a promise to her and me. I knew I couldn’t leave her alone. It wasn’t because we were in a house full of vampires, but that didn’t help, friends or not. She could have died last night and the idea of her being so much as in the next room made my wolf and I restless.

With a slightly playful grin, I scooped her up off her chair and carried her back inside. She wasn’t so exhausted that she couldn’t walk… but my desire to ease her exhaustion and  pain was so intense I would do every little thing that was within my power.

If she wanted to be alone, of course, that’s what we would do… but I hoped... we hoped… “I mean…” I cleared my throat, setting her down on the bed. The mattress was so soft it dipped where I put  her down, and she was just a slight little thing. “Unless you… I um...” Oh no… the stammering was back! “If you… eh… I…” I waited for a voice somewhere in the house to mock me… but they must have been trying really hard not to listen in. “W-would you rather if I… uh…”  I motioned to the door. Unable to say ‘waited outside’ because if she wanted to be left alone in the room that is exactly where I would be. Right outside that door.

❁ Harper ❁

The sound escaping wasn’t like any I’d made before. The high-pitched squeal at being swept off my feet, sent my tummy into a fluster, my cheeks flushed, and my heart race rampant.

My arms quickly went around his neck and then I saw him. He carried me without a care insight. Like I was a feather. How… stopping myself from asking yet another question. My gazed reminded in his face.

So close, I could feel the heat off his body, his strong arms holding me, the determination in his stride, and then the gentleness in his touch. Lord, please have mercy on me!

Speak! I told myself to speak, to say something, to stop staring at Collin. Still keeping my voice low, exhaustion taking a hold with every step we came closer to the bed.  “You are correct, I wouldn’t want to go far from Leah, not while she is this way. And I…. Will… I’ve slept in barns, on hay bales, and even cold floors. This… feels extravagant for me.”

As soon as he sat me down, I heard the uncertainty in his manor, the way he spoke, which feed into me feeling the same way. So, I reached out and took his hand in mine.

“Please…. If… Uhm… if you don’t mine...” My face flushed hot once again. “Please… would you… stay… here… Uhm... with me?” Now I felt uncomfortable in asking such a thing.

“I mean… if you want…. If you aren’t needed downstairs…. I…Uhm… I….” My eyes moved from him to the door, and then to the bed I sat on. “I don’t want to be alone.”

❁ Collin ❁

I felt, scented… sensed all the changes in her. But that little squeak when I picked her up… Even now that made me smile. And the way she latched onto my neck… she would learn in time I could comfortably carry her around all day every day; if she wanted me to.

She wasn’t wrong about the bed… this thing probably cost… I couldn’t even guess. I crouched in front of her next to the bed and reached up to brush her cheek. “Harper, I’m here for you. No other reason.” I smiled. “And you’ll realise very soon that given the choice… I will always…  always choose to be wherever you are.” I brushed my thumb over the still pink apple of her cheek, flushed from my method of moving her to the bed.

I pulled my hand back and knelt on the thick, pure white carpet, lifted her foot, and rested it on my thigh as I untied her boot and slid it off.  “That’s why honesty is so important to me… I might need your help with knowing when I’m being overbearing or…Well…” I was brutally honest. “Clingy. And in the spirit of honesty… there’ll be times when I tell you I’m staying close anyway… Like today.” I chuckled because I never voiced my plan to stand guard at the door if she wanted privacy.

I started on her other boot. “The last thing I want right now is for you to be out of my sight. Even here with a house full of Warriors and powerful allies… I just… I…” I shook my head and rested my hands on her knees… I looked up at her from where I knelt. “When we realised the distress signal was coming from Port Angeles and I knew you were there… I…” Guilt hit me, but I finally let it out. “I was so scared something happened to you…” I knew Leah wouldn’t hold it against me. None of them would. “I knew Leah was hurt, but all I could think about was whether or not you were okay… I was terrified you were hurt… or that I could lose you. I even disobeyed an order from my Alpha to get to you and that shouldn’t be  possible.”

I leaned up to my full kneeling height, eye-to-eye with her. I could feel my eyes start to sting. “So… the last thing I want is to leave you alone, Harper.” I leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead; I pulled the sheets down as far as I could. “Get some rest, sweetheart. I’ll be right here the whole time.” I would never presume to climb into bed with her, but I would happily sit here next to it for as long as she needed to sleep.

❁ Harper ❁

The world melted away when he took to his knees before me, removing my boots freeing them from the strain of the night. Chewing on my lips had been all I could do, not to crumble seeing him so raw open with me. The level of honesty in his actions, kindness, and what was being said, came only second to the glint of moisture I witnessed in his eyes.

My heart sank, my hands shaking as I couldn’t believe that someone had ever seen something in me to do and say something so openly. I really didn’t deserve it after the way I  had backed away and locked myself in my work so not to face the consequences of what I had been shown.

Collin, Kenz, Seth, Leah…. All the faces whom I was yet to learn the names of… who had jumped into action because I hadn’t understood the danger I had placed on Leah. I closed my eyes pushing myself back into the bed when Collin dressed it down for me. I took my glasses off, closing them slowly before setting the frame to the side. Dropping my head so that the few tears which had fallen free by their own accord, were hidden I turned away  to curl up into the fatal position hugging myself from the cold chill consuming me now. So many emotions, thoughts, and realisations bombarded me all at once.

He was asking me to tell him when he became overbearing. Clingy is the word Collin used? I should have been  the one grovelling to them all. It shouldn’t be this way around.

However, what could I say? How could I show my gratitude, to show Collin what his, Leah’s… The sacrifice made by everyone in this house meant to me.

The fear in #Sue’s eyes when she saw her daughter, and #Seth too as seeing his sister. How #Kenz had cried… and then Collin, that look in his eyes when he first set his beautiful brown gaze on me… my heart sank. I had been the cause of all those fears.

“I’m so… so… so… sorry.” My voice trembled so I stopped before attempting  once more.

“I will do my upmost to ensure no one in your family will ever be hurt because of me. That I will not frighten you like tonight again. I’m not.. not.. sure how, however I will endeavour to make it happen.” Promises being made that I hoped amongst all hope I could live up to.

❁ Collin ❁

She turned away with tears in her eyes… my heart shattered. My wolf stirred and growled in the back of my mind for upsetting her. I rested the hand she had just been examining, like it was a miracle, a few moments ago on her arm. “Harper,” I said softly. “You have nothing to apologise for.”

I moved around the bed so I could see her face, where she’d curled up. The bed was obnoxiously large, so I had to lean across it to crook a finger beneath her chin and tilt her tear-stained face up. My heart gave another lurch, and my wolf pushed us to climb  onto the bed completely, gather her up in our arms until the tears stopped.

But how could I take a liberty like that after making her cry? …. AGAIN.

“You did nothing wrong Harper,” I said again to drive it home. “That vampire would have been in Port Angeles last night  whether you were or not. Most likely a Nomad passing through. But… Leah was there because you were there. It should have been me… but that doesn’t change the fact that he was hunting… he was going to kill someone, maybe more than one person. The only reason no one died last night was because he chose you and Leah was protecting you.” I paused, wiping those tears away. “Everything that happened was awful, painful, and terrifying… but at least one human life was spared and every single life that vampire would have taken over decades…  centuries.” That might have been dramatic… but we knew there were vampires at least a thousand years old. More.

“He is the only one who was wrong last night, he was the one who decided to end lives. No one else is at fault.” I actually felt my lower lip tremble. I knew there was blamed to be placed on me. Leah was hurt because of my failings. Harper could have died because of me. “Please believe that sweetheart. Leah saved an untold number of lives tonight and you saved her. That is what happened. That is what we need to focus on.”

My  heart tightened like it was being squeezed. “I should have been there… I’m the one that should be sorry.” I knew it… I knew something was wrong and I doubted my instincts. I told myself that I was overreacting; it was the anxiety of a new imprint being so far away. I had to trust my instincts, I had to trust my wolf. It was that thought that pushed me over the edge.

Trust him.

So I did. I followed his instincts and climbed up; leaving my boots tucked neatly near the foot of the bed. I scooted over the wide mattress… and if I thought it dipped  a lot when I set Harper down… it had nothing on how it sank with my weight. I gathered Harper up as she almost rolled into the centre of the bed with the depression I made. I scooped her up, blanket and all and rested against the headboard, nestling her on my lap.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to keep you safe.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I should have been there for you. It should have been--” I halted the moment I said it. I imagined Harper having to endure being covered in mine and my wolf’s blood. “It should have been different… I should have been there for you when you needed me.”

❁ Harper ❁

I heard Collin loud and clear, and being an intelligent woman of science I of course knew it all to be true. I knew the facts, and with him laying them out before me in a precise line as he had, made them sink in further more. However, since things progressed with  Collin, this emotional aspect had begun to show itself. The need to be, to protect, to feel deeper and stronger than I had before. The word ‘𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴’ now had meaning behind it.

Guilt had to be the reasoning behind my decision and emotions now. It had to be. Now that I had a moment to think, to feel, to let things from the night replay and sink in. To progress through everything. (Even it was with a foggy mind.)

“I know and understand everything. The logical conclusion is of course standard with you and everything you’re saying.” My hand moved to my chest with I could feel an earthquake of pain. “Something so strange is telling me… I failed.”

Any other time, I would have laughed, I would have squealed and giggled at the way my body rolled to the middle of the bed, to the way his weight pulled us together, how I was all legs and limbs when he scooped me up and then settled us at the top of the bed. However, not tonight.

Closing my burning eyes, from the exhaustion, the crying, from the comfort washing over me the minute his strong arms engulfed me. I felt myself relaxing, and then I stilled.

Collin blamed himself. He’d said it before and it had registered somewhere in the back of my mind, but this.

“No…” shaking my head, I pushed back cupping his cheek and bringing his eyes to meet mine. My heart sank at seeing the  glistening tears in his eyes.

“No… Collin…” my heart stopped and then raced, anxious feeling taking over while I looked at him.

“No..” his unfinished sentence had been said before too. And I still felt the same way. “If you were there… if you had been the one at my door…” fresh tears slipped freely down my cheeks. “I… I… I couldn’t…”

I could imagine it, as much as I hope I would have jumped into action the question was still unanswered. Would I have been able to help him as I did Leah? Or would I have been so devastated that I would have frozen?

“I froze when Leah was at the door.” I try to speak over the lump in my throat. “I have trained all my life to jump into action, to block away everything, but the situation before me…. And I froze!” Sniffling as I spoke. “If it were you…” no...   I still couldn’t finish the sentence. Because I didn’t want to put that sentiment out into the ether.

So, I kissed him. Softly, slowly. I kissed him with my chest beating so hard. With my mind pushing me to see him on my floor with all the injuries from Leah’s body on his. I sobbed into the kiss because I felt helpless. And in that moment, it felt like a switch had been flipped.

I found a strange strength in being in his arms. Of surviving. Of the good we all had done. And I knew in this moment. My world had changed. Because I accepted this world as mine.

Resting my forehead to his, my eyes closed again. My breathing ragged. “We learn from tonight. We learn and we grow, we find the next step, and we take it.” It was the making of a plan, a list of tasks, a way for us to move forward.

“Leah is going to fight; she is going to be okay.” I said it as it was a fact. Because she was strong. “And you…won’t blame yourself. You… won’t wish it were you there… because I need you here, like this… with me.”

❁ Collin ❁

I held her gently, my hands rubbing her arms. I kissed her hair and whispered. “That feeling is probably coming from your sense of duty to the pack. Even if #Leah isn’t in ours… that divide doesn’t seem to change anything for any of the imprints. You’re still new to it… you  haven’t had any practice filtering it all. But you didn’t fail, Harper. You saved our sister, my sister in so many ways… I couldn’t imagine the pain if…” I swallowed hard. I couldn’t go there. “She will heal so fast you’ll be shocked; I promise you.”

The fear and pain on  her face, when she moved to see mine, made me stop… and I knew then I would never wish my place traded with #Leah’s again… not even in my own head. I didn’t explain it would have been different, that if I had been there, I probably would have been with her in the car and my scent alone would have turned the vampire in a different direction.

I was about to tell her that no one ever trained to perform surgery or a blood transfusion on a seven-foot-tall wolf, but when she kissed me the train of thought was lost. I returned her kiss her quiet sobs  brought tears to my closed eyes again.

Then our foreheads pressed together, and I heard every word she said. If that was what she needed, then I would do everything in my power to forgive myself for even of the last… By the Spirit’s… had really only been hours? “Okay.” I whispered and pressed one more kiss to her lips, I could taste her tears there. “And I will always try my very best not to end up with any kind of injury that might need help beyond what my wolf can heal. So, I can spare you that pain.”

I wiped her cheeks tenderly. “Get some  sleep, sweetheart.” I kissed where my fingers had just been. “We need you rested while you can. I’ll be right here with you.” I didn’t move, I just loosened my hold on her to allow her to get comfortable and rested her head on my shoulder. “Everyone is safe and I’m not going  anywhere, Harper.” I pressed one more kiss to her to the top of her head.

Continued...

[written-within-the-stars]

Three AM… - Solo by Collin

I was patrolling the line closest to town, it wasn’t unusual… When the options were there we always put the dark-coloured wolves closer to the treeline at night and the lighter wolves during the day. It was rare… if ever anyone caught a flash of us in the forest but #Sam  believed we were given everything for a reason, right down to the colour of our fur; and he used those traits to position us in the woods on our runs.

Tonight had started out like any other night… until there was a sudden burst of anxiety in my chest that stopped me in my  tracks. #Brady dug his paws into the dirt to keep from running into me. The feeling faded quickly and was replaced by a deep sense of unease.

#Brady shook his head as if he could shake away the feelings, he was being fed through my connection to the hive mind. ‘Bro… what  the hell… what happened?’

I had no idea… there was nothing off in the forest around us…

“I have no idea… I just have a really bad feeling…” I thought back to... well, everyone.

‘Where’s Harper, tonight?’ #Jared, the beta of the Uley pack came alongside us, while  he simultaneously moved the rest of the pack and #Brady along to continue their routes.

“She’s doing her shift in Port Angeles tonight… do you think something happened?” I asked… but the feeling had almost completely faded now, and I knew the source of all my anxiety was  my own racing imagination.

‘No, I’m sure nothing has at all… this is something you need to get used to. It’s going to happen. You have no idea how many times I raced home only to find out that #Kim saw a spider…’ His low chuckle rumbled through the mind map. ‘Or a mouse… Or a ghost.’ Even in thought his eye roll was implied.  I laughed now too.

‘But I get it Collin… this is all new for you… and when it was me #Sam went easy on me… So, I’m going to tell you to go home. Text her. It will all be fine. You’ll see.’ #Jared told me, and I was  flooded with relief.

So that was exactly what I did.

[written-within-the-stars]

Breakfast Miracles - Together

❁ Collin ❁

Late night text to Harper:

{𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯... 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯}

❁ Harper ❁

Early morning reply

[𝘔𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳 ]

❁ Collin ❁

Smiled reading the message, waking up to a text from her was an amazing feeling.

{𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵．．． 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘻𝘻𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺！ 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦． 𝘏𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶． 𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴，  𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴．．．𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 5 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴． 𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨}

❁ Harper ❁

I burst out laughing so hard that I jumped in bed at the sound in my quite home. Curling back up in the covers and picking my phone up to reply.

[𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.]

Hitting send, and smiling from ear to ear.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart started to beat a little faster. Stealing her heart? By the Spirits, I hoped so!

{Lucky guy! I must ask him for tips! It's not stealing when it's volunteered... plus I'd be a hero showing up in the nick of time with the vet to save  the day. And on top of that, my truck is far safer on those farm roads than your bug, it's simply more practical.}

Then I added quickly.

{I'd happily spend an on-call day with you.}

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling at this reply also, mischievously I form my next message.

[𝘖𝘩, 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘚𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰? 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘔𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘨? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?]

Hitting send, I climb out of bed to make myself some tea.

❁ Collin ❁

I read her text as the water for my shower ran and smiled. This woman was amazing... and actually got my sense of humour.

{𝘏𝘦𝘺... 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘣𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱. 𝘊𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨! 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘨, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘚𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘫𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦... 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘬. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.}

I hit send and stepped into the running water, Nova's nose poking under the bathroom door.

❁ Harper ❁

Hot water had boiled, leaving me to pour is into the tea pot with the tea leaves. “Hmm.. okay.” Muttering as I replied this time.

[𝘍𝘪𝘹𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘣, 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘬. 𝘚𝘰, 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥.]

He had been serous with that last text. He was worried about me? That was cute, wasn’t it?

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, standing in my bathroom with a towel wrapped around me and the steam rising up off my skin.

{𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥... 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘴... 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘱? 😝}

I couldn't help but tease her with the nickname Juan used for her.

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh. No. He did not!”

Surprise and shock covering my features reading that nickname #Juan has giving me being used by my… boyfriend. And he knew it too.

“He did.” Thinking about my reply, sipping on my tea as I walked back towards my bedroom.

[𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵? 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬, 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨? 😏]

“Two can play here..” smiling all proud of myself. Once the message was gone, I went to shower.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed and finished wiping down the bath and the steamed mirror over the sink.

{𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬！ 𝘓𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘋𝘳 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘴}

I had heard my fair share of Cinderella’s carriage jokes about my orange trick.

{𝘏𝘢𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳． 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦．𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴？𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳}

This would be a good way to learn to make her  breakfast the way she likes it.

❁ Harper ❁

My ears and cheeks began to burn reading his reply, he actually understood the reference? He understood, and he had heard it before by the sounds of it.

However, he thought it had been about his truck? It hadn’t. I was calling him a Pumpkin.  I would have to do better.

[ 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬. 𝘐 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. ]

Hitting send, before I sent another.

[𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘸? 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵? ]

Setting my PJ’s on the back of the door, step into the tub to shower quickly.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. Spirits... Even over text, she was cute. I stepped into a pair of boxers and hung my towel on the rail. I typed as I headed to the kitchen to get #Nova her breakfast.

{𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘺. 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴... 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦! #𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘖𝘶𝘵!}

I smirked to myself, feeling smug about my joke. I was way cooler over text.

❁ Harper ❁

My phone pinged as I wrapped my hair in a towel and then one around myself. Stepping out of the tub I sprayed it down, cleaning it and then drying it. Before reading his reply.

“Whip You’re pancakes out?” I laughed shaking my head. Saying it again and laughing some more.

[𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴? 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺? 𝘔𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵?]

Brushing my hair lightly I hung my hair towel to dry, walking and typing.

[𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴? ]

I knew he could, his kitchen skill were top notch.

[𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺. 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. #𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘖𝘶𝘵 ]

Heading to the kitchen still with a towel wrapped tightly around myself, to take out everything I needed, and then checking the fridge for which berries I have. “Perfect.” Blueberries in hand with a fresh lemon, some fresh eggs, and milk, I texted again.

[Here we go..

4¾oz plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp caster sugar

1tsp of black poppy seeds

4½fl oz milk

Zest of a lemon

Juice of half a lemon

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tbsp melted butter

Mix the dry and the wet ingredients in two separate bowls before combining the wet into the dry. Set to the side to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

In a pan, add half a carton of blueberries. Juice of half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Bring to a gentle rolling simmer until the fruit breaks down.]

❁ Collin ❁

I warmed up Nova's pre-cooked chicken and sweet potato while I waited for her replying chopping up a raw carrot and a few chunks of watermelon to mix in.

{𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦! 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱} I replied while she was typing.... and typing... and typing. I smiled and started to pull out the basics that I knew I would need.

When she sent through her list I grabbed the rest... "Poppy seeds?" I smiled to myself... "Well that's new... and kinda genius." I said to #Nova who was ignore me while the pushed her bowl around the floor. I snapped a picture of all the ingredients and sent it to her.

{𝘉𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘱. 𝘓𝘦𝘵'𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴! 𝘹𝘹𝘹} I had to add the kisses to soften the blow of teasing her with Juan's nickname twice.

❁ Harper ❁

Taking my skillet out to set it on the hob to warm, then looking at my phone. “He has all the ingredients in his kitchen? It’s a good sign.”  Taking a snap of my hob I replied

[Don’t forget to place your skillet to warm. Not a hard heat. A soft… soft one.]

Then my cheeks heated. Seeing the next reply.  “Juna!!” Then another heat rushed at seeing the kisses. There were my first text kisses from him?

[I see the nickname is going to stick. xx]

I added and removed the kisses three times, before hitting send with them in there I wanted to send them to him. Popping a blueberry into my mouth I called out “Alexa, play in the Feels playlist please.”

She replied. ‘In the Fells playlist, now playing.”

(Music: Chosen Family (Acoustic) - Rina Sawayama)

❁ Collin ❁

I follow all of her steps, Alexa blasting my kitchen playlist as I moved around the small... But highly efficient space.

I smile at her reply, my ear and the back of my neck flushing pink seeing the kisses returned. When she sent the picture of her pan smiled and sent one right back of the fruit reducing on the stove. Then added the skillet to the next burner to get it warm.

{𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺! 𝘚𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦?}

Sending her pictures while I was standing in the kitchen in my underwear made me feel a little cheeky. Even if the picture was of a pot and not me.

{𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺... 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨}

I added, just so she knew. (Music: Sugar - Maroon 5 )

❁ Harper ❁

[𝘌𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦.]

And yet I couldn’t stop from smiling as I sent that to him.  My fruit on the go, the next thing was the batter. I didn’t need to weigh things out. Image them so much over the years that I went by eye.

His phones came in and I was smiling seeing them. “That looks good” I told myself. The man knew his way around the kitchen.

[𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦.]

The next song came on, reminding me I still had a towel wrapped around me. Covering my bowl with a tea towel, humming along I ran off to put on some clothes.

(Music: Love Me Like You Do -  Ellie Goulding)

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed reading her reply, I stirred the frit mixture around turning the heat down so the syrup only lightly bubbled. That the next cam in... "Oh yeah! Butter... This woman has my head so spun and almost put melted butter back in the fridge, baby girl!" I told Nova as I had just confessed to a crime.

{𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳! 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦! 𝘐 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶.}

Then added in:

{𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭?}

As I tossed Nova a few blueberries.

❁ Harper ❁

Dress on, with my wet hair clippers back. I pushed the rim of my glasses back up my nose.

[𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘧𝘢𝘳.]

Returning to the kitchen, first stirring the fruit.

 [𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘩. 𝘐𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘺𝘳𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭.]

Mine wasn’t there yet.

I took a snap and sent it to him.

[𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘵.]

This was a new experience, sharing this time with someone. And it felt nice.

❁ Collin ❁

I tossed Nova a few more blueberries taking and video as she went from sitting to turning in place, her tail wagging so her little butt wiggled with it too. I sent the video to Harper with the caption.

{𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴}

Before I realised that my bare feet and legs were visible in a few false here and there in the ten-second clip. So I quickly followed it up with a picture of my pot.

{𝘈𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰... 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩... 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳.}

❁ Harper ❁

Watching the video I found myself laughing and smiling, from time to time I could see human feet and legs.

[𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦!!!]

“Is he wearing shorts?” I asked myself looking out of the window to see the rain coming down.

[𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯? 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳?]

Uncovering my bowl, I took a snap of my spoon give it a stir then sent it with.

[𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺. 𝘋𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦.]

The first pancake never came out right. However, I still gave it the same love and attention and the others Testing my skillet before our spooned the batter on.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled seeing her reply, and stirred while the screen showed she was typing.

{𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳．𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯．．．

𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘰．}

I stirred the batter again, a few turns. Scarping the side es on he bowl and gently mixing. I dripped a little bit on better the make sure it was good to go before pouring the very first pancake. The first one never worked out, it was an unwritten rule of pancakes.

❁ Harper ❁

I didn’t read or reply to the next messages right away. My eyes remained on the pancake that was not round, had no bubbles, and just sat there in the pan looking sorry for itself.

“You poor thing.” Then I replied.

[𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺? 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳? 𝘕𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳, 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘯𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.]

Taking another snap I sent it, and then adjusting the heat, the pan, and the batter with a little more milk.

“Now you will be perfect.”

I started by added two circles on the skillet.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled at her reply about Nova. I tried to flip my pancake while I typed my reply. "Oh damn!!" I laughed with the pancake flopped over the edge of the pan and broke...

I snapped a picture and attached it to my next message.

 [𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦. 𝘈 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳... 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰, 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦!! 𝘐 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘬... 𝘐'𝘮 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵]

"Nova... Baby-girl..... I got it bad." I laughed and scraped the pancake off the skillet. #Nova just made those gurgly husky noises back at me.

❁ Harper ❁

Laughter exploded from my lips, while I looked at his pancake number one. Pushing my glasses up my nose with the back of my hand.

I poured out two new circles of the batter, with evening feeling just right this time.

[𝘞𝘩𝘰, 𝘮𝘦? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘰? 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘔𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢.]

String the berries in then once again.

[𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰.]

Hitting send and humming around my kitchen.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled to myself just picturing her reaction to that pancake. I shook it off because the first one was always a wreck. I cleaned off my pan and made sure it was just right for the next one. Then I poured the pancake and read her text.

[𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚜 𝚖𝚎... 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚏𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎, 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞.]

Then I added.

[𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚌.]

❁ Harper ❁

Saying everything would be okay, would make it so, right? Because now that we were sending pictures, and with his artistic one with a camera. I knew his would mouth-watering. Whereas mine. Well. They would taste delicious.

When is text came in my cheeks flushing, smile growing, and everything began to feel light and bright.

[𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘺𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.]

Following up right away.

[𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘺𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.]

Smiling the moment, the first set of bubbles broke free of the pancakes. “Yes! Thank you!” Picking up the spatula I start to jump on the spot.

“Alexa. Play I want to break free.”

(Music: I Want To Break Free – Queen)

❁ Collin ❁

The top of the pancake dimpled. and I smiled. I got ready to flip it when her reply came in. I chuckled and wrote back.

[𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝟷𝟶 𝚐𝚞𝚢𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢]

I flipped the pancake and grinned... that perfect shade of gold.

[𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐! 𝙽𝚘 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑! 𝙸 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚠𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚍.]

I took out a plate and transferred the cooked pancake and started on the next; my kitchen playlist working its magic.

(Music: Missing Piece - Vance Joy)

❁ Harper ❁

The flip of the two cakes had been so perfect. The golden colour with the smooth, soft, and fluffy bounce. Pouring the batter for the next two, I smile seeing his text and reading it.

[𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘶𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘚𝘰. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵.]

And then the next one came as I poured the fruit sauce into a jug.

[𝘕𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬, 𝘔𝘳. 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢. 𝘹𝘰𝘹 ]

And I liked it. I hadn’t had anyone to banter like this with since leaving Thompson and #Dam behind.

(Music: Just You and I – Tom Walker)

❁ Collin ❁

And laughed and flipped the next pancake after reading her message, adjusting the heat a little because this one was a bit darker but still close to perfect.

[𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝙹𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚌𝚊 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢... 𝙹𝚞𝚊𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑... 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚢𝚙𝚎 𝚒𝚜.]

I chuckled... I still wasn't sure it was about that guy... But I wasn't surer about him... I still didn't if it was just my gut reaction when I had  seen him walk into the bar with Harper. But I did know now that my first opinion had been harsh... my second opinion wasn't fully formed yet.

❁ Harper ❁

“Leah.” I said as I read his text. Leah Clearwater was most definitely Juan Diaz’s type.

[𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘑𝘶𝘢𝘯, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵.]

As I hit send, something in my chest tightened and I didn’t know what. It wasn’t like me to feel jealousy in any shape or foam. Shaking it off, before flipping the pancakes over and then reaching for a plate to start my stack on.

❁ Collin ❁

I was still a little wary of #Juan... he was flirty and I knew I would need to control my wolf around him... Though he was trying to flirt with #Leah in plain sight of Harper... So his flirting was probably just banter... Right?

[𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, 𝘋𝘳 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘴. 𝘹𝘹𝘹]

I sent her the message... wondering if that thought had made her feel anything... We still hadn't really talked about the things the imprint could cause for both of us. But at least I had an inside look at those feeling and how to cope with them.

[𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨?]

I sent another right after and added another one to my plate.

❁ Harper ❁

Pls ring the next pancake on top of the other, a little proud of myself. Even without the buttermilk, they look and smell so good. Reading his message my cheeks flair with heat.

[𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘹 ]

Did people do that? Take lessons on flirting?

[𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴. 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?]

❁ Collin ❁

And as if on cue he reared up... not liking the idea of these clearly fictional lessons she was never going to take. Apparently... even my inside insight wasn't enough to give me an edge after all.

[𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦... 𝘖𝘩 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬... 𝘚𝘰, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘵?]

I poured another pancake onto the pan and gave the sauce a little stir to keep it from setting.

❁ Harper ❁

“Two more.” Telling myself while pouring the last of my batter. Then I rushed to take the hot water from the kettle to pour it into cup to make some tea.

Smiling and blushing a crimson shade as I read the reply.

[𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘔𝘳.𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦? 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦? 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦? 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.]

Waiting for the bubbles to pop on my last pancakes.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed at her reply. Adding the last pancake to my little stack and turning off the hob. It was time to make these beauties pop on camera! But first:

[𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵? 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘳. 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘴! 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵? 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺? 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯.]

Nova pawed at my leg looking for more blueberries. I took a handful and popped them into one of her puzzle boards to keep her entertained for a few minutes while I got to work. This was one prize I wanted to win.

❁ Harper ❁

With my cup of tea made, the sauce warm in a small glass jug, my pancakes on the plate I turned off the hob and cleaned up what little mess I had made. Wiping down the counters and washing the dishes. Only the skillet remaining to cool down. His reply made me laugh out loud.

[𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨! 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?]

Hitting send because I needed a minute with the second part of his text. What prize did he have in mind?

[𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯]

Looking at mine with my head tilted to the side. I moved them to stack up. “That looks better, right?” Taking them over the small kitchen table, by the window. For light? Well as much light as the full day would allow. Pouring the sauce over the top a little at a time.

❁ Collin ❁

I certainly didn't go digging in my closet for a light box to take my pictures for a casual, friendly competition between me and my girlfriend... not at all.

Okay... well maybe... but it was a pop-upbow so it only took a moment to set out and stage... there might have been a quick trip to the garden to see what flowers were managing to bloom in this weather.

I added a little sauce to the top to secure a few fresh berries on the top and sliced three lemons before I was happy with one.

"Don't worry!" I told #Nova as though she was judging. "I'll make juice or something, they won't go to waste. I promise." I laughed out loud reading her text and looking at the scene on my kitchen counter... I had flipped one hundred eighty degrees from cook to photographer.

[𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦... 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵.]

 I staged my photo and snapped it. Still using my phone... so that was fair... right?

❁ Harper ❁

Moving the plate from the left to the right, turning around and around. But it looked the same. I knew if he were here, he would know how to present it all to look perfect. And yet. I am still so proud of what I made.

[𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘖𝘩 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳.]

Setting my phone down I pushed my fork into the stack of pancakes, cutting off some and setting the fork down taking the photo on my phone. Sending it to him right always so I don’t overthink it.

[𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳]

❁ Collin ❁

My heart beat harder when I read that she trusted me… it was silly, but… did she know what it did to me when she said things like that?

I smiled at her picture. They looked really good… I looked at mean. Damn they looked tasty too, I was so distracted my process that I  forgotten I can eat them now!

[𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨！ 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰？]

I following the text up with my photo and then grabbed the pancakes and some juice... I was starting all of a sudden.

❁ Harper ❁

The first bite hit like the voice of an Angel in the bright morning sun. A soft moan exploded from my lips, with my eyes closed the best of flavour woke up my tastebuds. Lemon, and tart zinging, sweetness, and pillow soft meal in the mouth. Dancing in my spot, I pushed the rim of my glasses up my nose and then cut into the stack with the side of my fork. Coming to a stop when I opened the message and then saw his creation.

[𝘖𝘩… 𝘞𝘰𝘸! 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨.]

Taking a bite of mine, following up with a sip of tea. I took a good look at the image.

[𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴? 𝘓𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴… 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘧𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘔𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢.]

He truly is a talented man.

[𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴?]

❁ Collin ❁

I set the pancakes on my breakfast bar and sliced the whole stack in half, then quarter and speared one quarter with the fork. I read her reply before I tried them and chuckled.

I took a bite... Those poppy seeds really added a little extra. But the blueberry sauce... I moaned a little. "Nova... your new mommy can cook!" Told her... she was splayed on her side on the tiles. Her round belly protruded, and the cups from her puzzle toy scattered.

[𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦... 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘦? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵! 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦... 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥. 𝘹𝘹𝘹]

Maybe it was a little cringy coming clean like that, but I was feeling really close to her right now. Even though we weren't even in the same part of town.

❁ Harper ❁

My mind wondered back to the past. Weekends when I would spend Sundays with Dad. When we would make breakfast, lunch and dinner together to be in the same place and catch up.

Taking another mouthful, wiping my hands on my napkin to read the message coming in.

[𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘹𝘹𝘹]

Smiling because it is so true. This man has the kindest heart I have ever met.

[𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴.]

Taking a sip from my cup.

[𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘔𝘳. 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦?]

❁ Collin ❁

I froze with another forkful almost in my mouth. It was only pancake but those words... 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴. My heart soared.

I had barely processed it before the second message came through... Another one of her  Father's recipes? First his hot chocolate and now his pancakes.

[𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵... 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺  𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘬𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦.]

I waited a moment for dramatic effect.

[𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶... 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵... 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦... 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘢... 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶  𝘴𝘢𝘺?]

Of course, I had to ask... because winner or not... she could always say no and it wouldn't offend me. And she was the type to be camera shy. But in my experience, the camera-shy types took the most beautiful pictures.

❁ Harper ❁

My eyes kept drifting to the kitchen windows, they sat there framed with the green curtains my two best friends had bought for me and packed into the boxes I came here with.

Collin did this to me, even when we weren’t in the same room, he still made my mind open up to my past. To those who love me, and makes me was to be with them all as well as him too.

Cutting into the pancakes, and reading his reply.

[𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳! 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘩.]

I froze at the prize request. “Oh… no…”

[𝘖𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵.]

The next song on the playlist began to play as I picked up my fork, humming along with it. With memories of  mom with dad dancing in the kitchen came to me.

(Music: My Girl - The Temptations)

❁ Collin ❁

I scrolled back up to the photo That had started this text chain. How could she not see how beautiful she was?

[𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳... 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘙𝘌 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺... 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘈 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰��𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺  𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘵.]

Then to break the intensity of that message I followed it with.

[𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦? 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵... 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰, 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 ��𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴.]

I finished my breakfast and started to clean up while Alexa played the next song... Maybe my kitchen playlists needed a few more grown-up songs.

(Music: Can't Feel My Face · The Weeknd)

❁ Harper ❁

Dishes all washed, and dried. My kitchen wiped down and my job too. Giving the table a wipe when I read his message. Biting on my lips, I stood there looking at the words that somehow spread heat over my entire body. How could he make me blush and feel so warm when he wasn’t even in the same place as me. I didn’t reply right away, giving myself time to think over his offer, and all I kept coming back with is

“I trust him.”

I do trust him. So, my response is simple.

[𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵.]

When I hit send. It didn’t fill me with fear or anxiety. I was smiling.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled so wide seeing her reply... She had said she trusted me earlier and I had felt a swell of pride... but it was nothing like this. That time it was over a playful pancake contest... this was bigger.

And it was something I was so scared  I had lost and was willing to do anything to earn back. But there it was right in front of my face.

[𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥  𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵.]

I hoped that maybe thinking  about this might make her understand #Kenzi's choices a little more. #Seth had told me not to meddle and Kenz had more-or-less said the same. But I hated that there was a rift between them. But it wasn't meddling, right? I mean it was true. That was why #Ananya was never told the secret... carrying something like this would put a strain on her feather-light soul.

❁ Harper ❁

Setting my phone down to reread the reply over and over again. I knew how much had changed; they Collin hadn’t pushed himself into me. That I still had a lot of work out. There was a time I didn’t trust in him or our time. And I had packed my bags ready to run.

However, that wasn’t where our story was meant to end. And now. We were trying to figure out what this all means.

[𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥.]

With the reply sent, I stood up and walked into the living room, taking my medical journals with me for some not so light reading.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her reply. I couldn't believe how well she was processing everything...

[𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩... 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘺 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴... 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘴.]

I hit send and finished the dishes, I had wanted to go for a run today... but so many people had helped me looking after Nova lately. I didn't want to leave her with someone when it was my day off. I looked and Nova was sprawled on the couch now and breathing shallowly... her tongue lolling out of her open mouth.

I laughed.

"Looks like walk is out of the question too, huh baby-girl?" I snapped a pic and sent it to Harper.

[𝘕𝘢𝘱 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.]

❁ Harper ❁

I knew I had planned to read the articles in the journals. However, my eyes kept returning to the photo of #Jenna, #Kenzi and I from Thompson. Memories of the day by the lack with them making me smile.

One of my sisters was miles and Mike away, and the other only a stone’s throw and I’d not seen her in… I stopped myself. I couldn’t do this to myself.

His message made me think and smile. How could I smile at his message and not message #Kenzi? What was wrong with me?

Unsure how long had passed when the photo of Nova napping came in.

[𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘕𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳.]

❁ Collin ❁

I sat on the couch, and gently lifted Nova's head gently and rested it on my bare legs. She huffed and it was half a protest and half a sound of happiness as I scratched her between the eyes.

[𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭?]

I picked up the TV remote and turned it on. I rarely spent a weekend in front of the TV. But if my baby girl needed a rest day then that was what she was going to get.

❁ Harper ❁

Stretching out on my beautiful emerald greens couch with the journals in my laps I opened one to read. The article was interesting and making me think how we could use the processes.

[𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵]

I took a picture and sent them too him.

[𝘖𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴.]

❁ Collin ❁

I blinked once, twice... thrice before I noticed the books in her picture. Those were the books she read on her almost-day-off? And why the hell was that so sexy?

[𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸  𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘵... 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘵.]

Then I added quickly.

[𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.]

In case she thought I was walking around more or less naked for the hell of it.

❁ Harper ❁

About spat my water out when I read his text. Was he trying to put thoughts into my mind? Or was he just teasing me now? Nope. We really weren’t there yet.

[𝘐𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵.]

Then I saw the follow up. And I sat there biting my lips.

[𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.]

I’d always felt so nice and warm with him.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled... And I was blushing! She wasn't even here! A cheeky side of me wanted to see her face when she got that message.

She had seen a lot more than she would have if I sent her a picture right now. I wasn't unaware that I was physically appealing but that was a wolf thing... It wasn't me... The only working out I did was running and my gym time mostly to even out my almost limitless energy.

[𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦  𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴．．． 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮．．． 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 4𝘬 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺． 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱．．． 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 “𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵？ 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘺．．． 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵？“

𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦．𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘐 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵．]

I changed my playlist on Alexa and laughed out loud at the first song. Nova flicked her ears crossly at the  disruption.

(Music: Justin Timberlake · Timbaland)

❁ Harper ❁

[Guys around town walk around without shirts?]

Where and how come I hadn’t seen them? Taking my glasses off I rubbed my eyes. The shock of all I had read not making sense to me. Had I contemplated asking these things? YES! Had I allowed myself the freedom to do so? NO.

I didn’t want Collin to thing I wanted him to become my guinea pig. In any ways shape or form.

However….

[When you say, been tested. Do you mean physically mentally, or both together? And by whom? Who would have the understanding to keep your secrets and test your kind? Would you have the outcomes from the study? Would it be possible for me to see them at all? I promise not to show anyone. It’s just… a scientific mind needs facts. Even when we see things with our eyes. My minds do not always follow along with the light shining on things.]

Hitting send I wondered if I had asked for too much?

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled when her message came in I knew it was only a matter of time before she wanted to know about how we all worked... and what made our existence possible.

[𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨��... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦  𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦? 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶.]

I remembered when Harper and I walked into #Jake's barn when he was pulling on his shirt because he heard her walking up with me.

[𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺... 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘵 #𝘑𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵... 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘕𝘈. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺  𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥.]

Burning bright again I clarified.

[𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥!! 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.]

My awkwardness was seeping into my texting now!

❁ Harper ❁

My mind reeled trying to think back over the time I have lived here. Had men been walking around town shirtless? Also, I knew the fact that my first six months here all I did was work. Until #Jessica told me know hiring her. and then I meant #Char and #Teddy, I reached out to #Sue and Leah… those last two name made my heart stumble and hurt. Another two people I love and hadn’t spoken to since….

Shaking my head. I began to reply. And then read his follow up messages. My face burning like a gaslight.

“Oh… Uhm…”Thankful I wasn’t drinking anything now.

[I… Uhm… yeah… I understand what you mean.] did I? Not without the follow up I did not.

[Thank you for helping me understand all of this.]

It’s all I could say. Just as I was about to send another reply to my work phone rang. I was needed at a farm outside of town.

[Got to go. Work calls. Thanks for having breakfast with me.]

Rushing off to push my boats on, and tie my hair up. I was out the door.

❁ Collin ❁

Her reply took a little longer than the last few to come in but instead of making me worry if I messed up; I pictured her blushing furiously at the unintended double entendre. It made me smile, patting #Nova's head.

[𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦  𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦... 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦... 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭]

By the time I typed and sent that message her next one came in.

[𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘹𝘹𝘹]

As soon I sent it, I picked up my phone and called my cousin. He picked up on the second ring.

"Hey cuz..." I said a little awkwardly. "Remember those blood tests Dr. Cullen did on you after Nessie was born?"

❁ Harper ❁

Reading his reply I smiled before pocketing my phone it was time to work now, I knew he deserved some time to himself and with Nova. I would have to let him know later how much I appreciated the time he was giving me to come around to everything that had transpired between us.

❁ Collin ❁

After arranging with Jake to pick up the file he had from #DrCullen and promising it would not find its way into the wrong hands, I went to get dressed and see what the rest of the guys were doing today.

Otherwise, I would sit at home all day wondering what Harper was doing... It was exciting though... to think I had someone that was just always on my mind in a way that made me smile.

But I knew I needed to distract myself, so I didn't try to call or text her while she was working. Her job was too important. So, I would be patient and wait until her workday was done.

〘 🆄🅽🆃🅸🅻 🅽🅴🆇🆃 🆃🅸🅼🅴 〙

[written-within-the-stars]

All Said and Done – Solo by Collin

“How is Kenz doing?”  I asked #Seth as he took a beer from the fridge and put it right back when he remembered, reaching for the milk instead. I just chuckled. “You’ve been gone too long, my friend.”

‘She’s…’ #Seth was thinking too hard about it. It made me cringe; I knew I  had messed up. I shouldn’t have mentioned them to Harper that night. I should have never mentioned #Seth and #Kenzi that night. It was selfish, at the time I convinced myself was just trying to give Harper  some sense of security. But I had done wrong by her and our   friends. ‘She’ll be okay… those two will work this out.‘ I glanced at the door into #Sue’s living room.

Even though I loved #Sue like family I was glad she wasn’t here, I really wanted to speak to #Kenzi first. Then I would be able to face Sue, I knew I had let her down… even though she wouldn’t ever tell me that.

“Can I talk to her?” I asked him. #Seth wasn’t the possessive type… but this was still his imprint and I had caused her pain.

‘It’s never a good idea to come between sisters, Collin.’ He handed me the pint glass of milk. ‘Even  if you think you’re fixing things.’

“I know.” I nodded. “I promise not to give her any advice at all. I just want to apologise.”

#Seth pointed to the door. ‘She’s in there. Go ahead.’

I took a deep breath and a swig from the glass of milk like I was taking a shot of  whiskey for courage. Then I headed into the living room. She was curled up on the couch with the TV on mute… some dance movie by the looks of it, but not one I could identify. She was wearing one of #Seth’s hoodies, it was like a dress on her and completely concealed the shorts I assumed she was wearing… but it almost reached her knees.

‘Hi, Collin.’ She straightened up a little and gave me what seemed to be her best attempt at a smile. She tucked a strand of messy hair behind her ear. ‘I’m sorry… you’ve caught me at a bad time… I try to  get my wallowing done when Sue isn’t home… She has a way of motivating people no matter their mood.’ Her smile genuinely brightened.

“Yeah.” I chuckled, taking a seat on the other end of the couch. “She has that effect on a lot of people.”

There were a few beats of awkward silence until #Seth cleared his throat in the other room. I knew human ears wouldn’t have heard it. “I’m really sorry Kenzi… I shouldn’t have brought you and Seth into the conversation that night. It wasn’t my secret to tell… I hate that it’s caused a rift between  you too.”

#Kenzi swiped the rolled-up sleeve of her boyfriend's hoodie across her nose and dropped her hands into her lap. She nodded. ‘I did want to be the one to tell her…’ There was a tiny heart-breaking quiver in her voice and I had no idea how #Seth had the  self-control not to run to her when he heard it. ‘And I was mad at you… I still am for a few minutes and there. But… There’s no way to know how it would have been if she found out differently that it would change anything.’

“Is there anything I can do?” I asked her…  that wasn’t breaking the ‘no advice’ rule, right?

‘No… She’s still here… So, I know she’ll talk to me when she’s ready. She hasn’t run… so she’s processing. This needs to come from the two of us you know… Girl stuff.’ She offered up another weak smile. ‘Just make her  happy, okay?’

I smiled, the back of my neck flushing. “I don’t think I can do that.”

She quirked her head to one side, unimpressed with my response. “No not like… I just mean… I don’t think that any one person can be totally responsible for someone else's happiness. Most of that has to come from the person themselves… they have to be open to it. You know? I mean yeah, there are things you do to help the process along… but it’s a lot… uh… To have someone’s happiness completely on your shoulders and I don’t think it's fair to expect  that from anyone… even an imprint… I… um…” I heard Seth laugh through the walls and Kenzi started to laugh softly too. I laughed at myself.

“Anyway... to summarise… I do not doubt that we can be very happy… together. Both of us… Does that make sense?” My ears were burning now.

‘You know… It really does.’ #Kenzi scrutinized me. ‘You are actually perfect for her. Ramblings and all.’ This made me smile. She held up her arms to me. ‘C’mere.’ She motioned me in for a quick hug.

“I’m still really sorry, Kenz.” I whispered and she let  me go.

‘I know you are… you are both going through a lot of new things right now. I just need to try and be patient.’ She said with a frustrated sigh. I could tell she was the kind of person the didn’t do well with problems that couldn’t be fixed immediately with a good  long talk. But she was trying… for her friend. Her sister. ‘Just wait until the second puberty kicks in.’ She waggled her brows at me… making me turn bright red.

‘C’mon, baby! Go easy on the Pup will you!?’ #Seth called in from the kitchen.

(Music: Oasis - A Great Big World )

[written-within-the-stars]

Sisterhood - Solo by Harper

“There is Great Power in knowing, you have a Sisterhood.” -Unknown

New Voice Mails received….  

Voice mail One:

‘Hi…. It’s me… I know you said you need time… I know you feel lost and unsure how to feel. But… I know what you are going through. I love you Harps. I need you back.’

Voice mail Two:

‘It’s me… remember how you said you would forgive any mistake Jenna and I made. I need you to forgive me.’

Voice mail Three:

‘Didn’t we say our sisterhood was deeper than anything in this world? Is it not deeper than this?’

Voice mail Four:

‘Harps…. I …. Miss you… and I love you…’

Voice mail Five:

‘I’m never going to stop trying to make this right. I… I am sorry Harper… I am so sorry.’

Voice mail Six:

‘Harper Lee Fucking Jenkins. I don’t know what McKenzie did to piss you off. But you forgive her right now. You are the glue of this sisterhood of ours. What are we going to do without you to refereeing the two of us. Love you. Just. Fix it Harps. She loves you. WE love you.’

Voice mail Seven:

‘God Harps, I’m sorry Jenna called you. I… I didn’t ask her to. I promise you. I didn’t ask her to. I miss you.’

‘Hey Harper, that was the last of today’s appointments. Would you like me to stay behind and help with the last of the notes?’ #Jessica, stood in the door of my office. Unsure of how much of that she heard I set my phone on my desk face down.

“No, you head home Jess. Thank you for everything you did today. Have a good night.” She didn’t move to start with. Standing there working her hands, the feeling potent that there was more she wasn’t saying and wanted to.

“Good night.” Prompting her to go, and to understand this conversation would not be taking place. And the subject matter had ended before coming to life.

Those around me could tell something had gone amiss. And they weren’t being told the reason behind it, as I’d retracted into my work. With the new year upon us it had made my reasoning for withdrawing from everyone easier and not a lie. Add to that the time I had began to share with the Little Paws, with Big Hearts team in Port Angeles. #Juan had settled into a routine with his time split between the two practices. And now had come the time for me to do the same thing.

So, I had been staying in Port for two nights a week, while #Juan covered the practice here in La Push giving me the time to learn the ways of the Little Paws, with Big Hearts team and practice. Becoming a face, the clients there would begin to recognise.

‘Okay. Well…’ Glancing up from my tablet as I could still feel her eyes on me. ‘I just wanted to say. If you need anything at all Harper. I am here. And dad will have a box of his Danishes here the moment you say you are ready to talk. Good night.’ She closed the door behind her, leaving me sat still with my eyes prickling with tears.

Taking my glasses off to wipe my eyes, and my mind began to race once again. It did that a lot since my world had been turned up and around. So much had happened and I needed time to let my heart catch up with my mind. The logical side of me knew the facts. Understood what had occurred the night we all went out for drinks. And that very same night I found out that the man I had been dating… he wasn’t just a man but something more. That he was a warrior of his tribe. A man who became a wolf…

Stopping myself from falling down that hole once again, and concentrating on my work to give myself a little time.. I would reflect later. Later. Yes Later.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

Have you ever felt like you are being followed and something is out there watching you, however when you turn around. There is no one there at all? More and more I had been feeling this. More and more when I turned to look around, nothing and no one was there.

It is the same feeling I have now, it’s 3 am and I’m leaving the Practice in Port to go back to my rented apartment in the dead of night, however the hairs on the back of my neck told me that I was being watched.

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

I had my keys out in my hands. Holding onto them tightly as I walked towards my car. I could feel my heart beating so hard and fast. As the wind picked up and the rain eased off a little. By the time the door of the bug was opened and then swiftly locked, my hands were shaking. And I couldn’t tell you why. Something just didn’t feel right.

Glancing around the dark and empty car park I jumped out of my skin when someone banged on the driver side window and I found #Juna stood there motioning for me to lower my window.

“Juan! You scared the life out of me. what are you doing jumping out from the middle of nowhere?” hand on my chest with the ears and face heating from the rush of adrenaline.

‘What’s going on? I heard your voice as I was heading out. Are you okay?’ He looked concerned.

“I’m okay. It’s just.” Shaking my head. “Nothing, I’m just tired that’s all. I’m going to head to the apartment.”

‘Want me to come with you?” He asked as the rain began to come down again.

“No, no it’s okay. It’s not far. I’m going straight there.” I told him.

‘Are you sure? I can follow you on the bike.’ But I told him not to that I would be fine.

He waited for me to start my car and pull out of the parking lot before he went to climb into the practice jeeps to head out on call. As I pulled into the main street, I could swear I saw something white flash in my rear view. This had been happening a lot on the nights I was working out here in Port Angeles.

“You are losing your mind.” Something I kept telling myself and yet I didn’t believe it so much.

When I reached the main town junction, there were no other cars on the street but mine. And again, that feeling of being watched came over me. With my eyes darting from side to side, from my rear-view mirror too.

“I am losing my mind!”

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 』

Three weeks I’d been doing this. Jake knew that there was no changing my mind, even if he wished I would listen to him for once. He’s stand on this mess was that we had to leave it to the Pup and the Nerd to work things out. As much as it was hurting her and him. But he wasn’t going home to see #Kenz’s broken heart. Even when she tried to hide her sadness from Ma and me, I saw through the mask.

#TheKid promised his imprint to stay out of the sisters mess ( Yes Sisters. Because their friendship had surpassed anything that I had seen. The spirits could see the deep connections in the three girls, and that meant so could I.) But I had made no such promises. #Kenz had told me that Harper had a hard time when it came to dealing with hard choices, that she and #Jenna had lost so much time with their sister over the years, when she had run when things had become hard.

Well, this time that wasn’t going to happen. I’ve lived through this before. When Jake had run from his hard choices, it had hit us all. But most of all, seeing your Alpha go to such a dark place, so hurt and lost. It wasn’t something that was going to leave me ever. Sure, time had moved on, he had found his imprint, and he had forgotten about that time, because that is what finding his true soul mate did for him. But I remembered it all.

So, here I stood in the depths of urban Port. Thankful that I knew this town like the back of my hand. Sometimes in my human form, and sometimes in my wolf fur. But I was watching over this lost girl who had so many choices and cross roads before her. I wouldn’t let her feel alone. And I wouldn’t let her run from those who cared for her again.  

Harper had been working all the hours day and night. I knew from watching over her, from the day she came to live on the Rez. That this was because of who this woman was deep down to her core. Harpers work came first to her. She worked all day at the practice, and in the evenings, she would make house calls as well as emergency call outs too. Add to that her deal with the vets in Port, and the woman never stopped.

The only thing that she and I hadn’t seen coming was the thing that I had picked up two nights ago.

Harper had been out to dinner with the woman who ran the practice in Port. Rosario Castro-Diaz. The two had been talking about work, the Diaz Twins, and life before Washington for the both of them over a bottle of wine and some pasta. I didn’t listen to their conversation, over the years with the packs I had developed blocking of voices as well as blocking my mind. I saw it as breaking her truth if I eavesdropped. And that wasn’t a line I ever crossed with those I cared for.

The evening went on to late, and the two women took a cab home. Or at least, that had been the plan. Harper had given her taxi to Rosa, as it had arrived first, and she had to return home soon, so that the babysitter could leave. It made me smile as I watched the two of them pushing one another towards the car. Harper being a little taller, and I had a feeling her time at the boxing gym with #Charlie and me was starting to pay off, managed to win. However, instead of waiting for her taxi the nerd began to walk home by herself.

At first the scent was weak. It came down wind, and as my wolf and I picked it up the wind changed on us and then it was gone. We were torn between following Harper to her door, or to go and see where the scent had come from. Of course being a Warrior seeing the imprint of the pack (even if it weren’t my pack) to safety won.

Once the nerd was in her rental, I went hunting. The trail of the scent was faint with the time that we had lost, but it was in the air. We ran the length of the town. In and out of dark streets in the dead of night. Seeing humans at their worst while trying to pick up on what or whomever it was that had been around the ladies.

‘Maybe it was someone Rosa knows?’ She knew it wasn’t.

“This scent…  it’s… off. And you know it.” I told her. But there was nothing to find. It made me even more determined to watch over Harper and her new found friends here in Port.

And now. three days later, I got it. By the time I finished up with my patrols at home, the sun had set, and the dark clouds had begun to open up with rain. Scents and smells around Port had become difficult to sort, so it meant we were going straight to find Harper at the  Little Paws, with Big Hearts Veterinary Practice, after a few circles of the town.

Standing in the rain in my wolf form in the shadows I saw Harper and heard the thudding of her heart. She was scared and uncertain. Calling out to someone who was unseen, but someone I could scent.

‘Not Human’ My wolf and I stood guard. The night had been a mix of smells, but this one, it was one of death and decay. ‘It can’t be.’ My wolf was the one to speak first.

Harper started screaming and we bolted towards her from the other side of the parking lot, until we picked up the scent of #Juan. He was with her, asking her if she was okay. Making us stop in our tracks, but still we moved closer staying in the shadows.

“Harper first and then we go after it.” we agreed. However, the Vampire had other plans.

‘Why do they never follow the plan?’ My wolf growled as our eyes caught the blur that began to run after the emerald, green bug down the dead street at three am in the morning.

“Because we didn’t send them the memo.” I growled right back.

We ran, with the speed the spirits had blessed us with. Keeping out of the view of the car, so not to add to the fear we could hear in Harpers heartbeat.

‘Nomad. It has to be. The Scent is nothing like those who we had come across before. But here? I thought the Cullen’s have made it clear to all of them to stay out?’ She was thinking fast as we were running to catch this thing.  

My fur blew in the wind, my paws hitting the ground hard and fast. And the moment we saw the blur jumping off the top of the building, aiming for the top of the car, we leaped into the air and cut it off. My mouth opened wide to take a hold of its neck between my teeth and I held on hard dragging it out into the darkness and away from Harper.

It screamed and clawed at me. his nails digging into my flank. It pulled and pushed but I closed my mouth around his neck harder as I ran. I knew that I couldn’t fight it in the heart of the town, and I knew I couldn’t let it go. The moment we were into the green of the forest it broke free sending the both of us rolling down the side of an embankment.

Standing up we turned to growl and face one another.  Circling, keeping the other in our eyeline, and making sure that I wasn’t giving it a way to escape from here.

‘A little far for you to be out isn’t it mutt. I thought your kind had nothing to do with all the dinner out here.’ He snarled before leaping into the air.

#Jasper’s voice was in my ears. ‘Never let them take a hold of your centre. They will crush you.’

‘Come, come little wolf… She smells so good. One human is all I want. She’s been leaving her fragrance all over this town. You can’t blame a hungry Vampire for coming in for a closer look.’

But I knew that he wasn’t the one who had been taking a look at Harper. His scent only hit me today. The one that I had been following was a mix of his and…. Human? Was that possible? Was this vampire, who clearly knew of the Spirit Warriors, been working with a human?

I wasn’t about to turn into my human form to talk with him. Right now, he was following an Imprints scent, and he wouldn’t be given the chance to see his plan through.

I ran into him, hitting him with all my strength sending him flying into the heart of a tree that came crashing down. He bounced back like a cat with nine lives biting into my side before I could send him across the embankment again. This time he turned to run, but I was on top of him. My mouth closed around his neck again, this time his body was pinned beneath my wolfs paws and with an almighty pull we ripped his head separating it from his shoulder.

One by one my wolf and I roared hard as we ripped him from limb from limb until there was nothing but a pile of body parts.

‘Never leave them in one piece. They will not show you mercy, so don’t be a fool and show them any.’ I wouldn’t show him any mercy after what he had planned to do tonight.  

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

『 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕚𝕖𝕨 - ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕁𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤  』

That feeling was growing inside of me once again. I couldn’t seem to sleep, so I found myself In the small kitchenet heating myself a cup of milk. Lost in my thoughts while I stood over the hob with the pan, waiting and watching the white liquid begin to boil before pouring it into a cup. The small apartment had everything I needed. A bed, a small couch, a kitchenet with a small bathroom. It wasn’t home, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Something hit the door of the apartment making me jump out of my skin. It was five am. The world was still asleep. The sound came again, this time with a sound that was of an animal?

Setting the cup down on the side table, I slowly made my way to the window facing the front of the apartment, and froze. “What In the name of….” I had to be dreaming, imagining things? But it was the eyes that looked back at me. The size of the white wolf stood before the window staring right back at me unflinching that told me this was real. “Leah?” I mouthed and the wolf fell to the ground.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

To Be Continued...

[written-within-the-stars]

Between the Cusp of Faith and Uncertainty – Together - Cont... Part 2

PART 1

❁ Harper ❁

I kept my eyes on the road, and without thinking my lips curl up into a smile. Because of course Herbie movies are so good to rewatch. When you are unwell, curled up on the couch, with a blanket and the car going bananas on the screen. It’s a bad day, turned good instantly. And of course, Collin agreed. How? How could one man make me feel so many things all at once? I closed my eyes when he said I was strong. That word. It had so much weight on it in my life.

“It’s something a person learns early when they lose a mother at a young age.”

Strong. A word I grew up hearing at each step of my life. ‘She is so strong.” Or “She couldn’t be any stronger if William wanted it.” All the time, I hadn’t felt that way at all. I had felt fragile, lost, broken... not Strong.

When the car came to a stop my fingers tightened around the small wolf in my hand. The pain from clenching it hard gave me the knowledge that this has not been a dream. I didn’t say another word as he turned the car around and then the keys were in my hands. Something in my heart hurt, because he hadn’t said it, however this was yet another way of him trying to show me he was thinking of me.

Closing my eyes, I gave myself and my strength, telling myself life had taken it’s toll on me, and this was just another one of those curve balls. I hadn’t waiting for the shoe to drop, and maybe it was really my own fault? “Ready.” My voice cracked a little bit, however I opened the door letting the cold rush of wind take me in.

My feet were moving, my mind thinking a million things and nothing all at the same time. Some part of #Jenna’s voice in my mind saying, “It’s always the once who call out ‘Hello?’ and walk towards the sound in the forest who die first in the horror movies.” Wasn’t this just that?

The darkness of the night meant that I stumbled as I tried to follow the path Collin has set out. “Have you been here before?” The words and the thought came to me all at once. “Have you brought someone here before?” Why did I even need to know this?

❁ Collin ❁

Was that... did she smile? It was barely there... but... that was a smile, right?

My heart broke for her, her mom... I would never meet the woman who was responsible for half of her creation... not for the woman she had become... of course her  parents played a role. But Harper shaped her own life, her own self, and her own soul. From everything, I knew it was likely most of her indigenous blood came from her mom... that tribal heritage was likely the whole reason that her and Kenzi's tribe had been chosen to strengthen ours. Not that there were any expectations on them... but just their inclusion in the pack dynamics strengthened us all. Even with #Seth and #Kenzi in Thompson we still felt it.

I was shocked at the relieved  sigh that escaped me when she said she was ready. It didn't mean I would have been disappointed if she'd changed her mind... did it? By the Spirits... I couldn’t even tell my own feelings apart anymore. My eyes fixed on Harper, apart from one all-consuming feeling, and it would always be the strongest of anything I felt.

Harper started along the path ahead of me and I lengthened my stride to catch up. Slipping my phone out of my pocket and turning my flashlight to maximum; I held  it out for her to take. I didn't need it. "I've been here before... but no I've never taken anyone here before." I pointed to the first of the painted stones that I had been sure to clear of leaves and debris a few days ago so they were easily  spotted.

"There's the path markings... um... My Alpha made the place so he could show his imprint his wolf form." I explained to her. "And it's basically become the place we all... sh--" I stumbled over my words. "We all use... to let our  families or imprints see... um... Well." Did I need to say it again? "But I've never... other than the pack and the Chief... You'll be the only other person to see him..." I cough... "Me... Us?" What the hell was with me? I sounded like a sociopath with multiple personalities.

We stepped into a shadowy clearing the tall trees were blocking most of the moon's light... though the clouds seemed to have relented. It was like Grandmother knew that rain was not going to help her  blessed children tonight. The path led to the centre of three rings of rocks, none were taller than knee high, but most barely came past your ankle.

"This is it." I told her and made my way to the raised fire pit we had gradually built up  over the years. Next to it was a large weatherproof metal case. I opened it and lifted out the lanterns I had made sure to charge and the fire bag to make this a lot easier. There was wood already in the pit and dry kindling in the box, it took  moment to set it up and strike a match.

"The wood is wet... it always is here... but the fire will catch... just don't get too close in case it sparks... it will take a little while to warm up." I told her as I worked.

That reminded me and  I hurried back to the box, I pulled out the thick, wool-lined camping blanket I had stashed here and a bottle of water. I rubbed the back of my neck as I approached her holding out the blanket and the water in one large hand. Any other day I  would have rest draped it over her shoulders and pulled it tightly around her.

"Are..." I cleared my throat. "Um... in case you get cold?" That was not supposed to sound like a question. "I'm sorry... I know I'm acting strangely... I just..." I  fixed my eyes on hers could I tell her I was terrified? Was that, okay? It was honest... that had to be a good thing, right? Honesty? "I'm just... scared." My eyes burned.

"That you won't look at me the way you did across that pool table or in  the parking lot tonight, ever again." My voice shook, and my wolf scowled at me in the back of my mind.

❁ Harper ❁

The wind picked up sending a tremble all the way down to my bones again. I had warmed up in the car, and now being outside had drained it all away again. I stumbled my feet a few times however, correcting myself before a light came on from the side, then I saw the source of it. “Thank you.” I wasn’t sure if I should accept the phone, however realising that I hadn’t hurt him. And I did not have any intention of doing that. If only I remember to pick my own up before leaving home, then I wouldn’t make him give his away.

For someone who prided herself with being perpendicular and on the straight and narrow, tonight had been scandalous for my ability to do things in the correct manor. Thinking of driving after drinking, no phone, out in the middle of nowhere searching for answers when surely others would have laughed and run. And yet… Yet I still felt calm and collected.

Upon seeing the white rocks, you could imagine the care and forethought that had been given in placing them I the way they lay. Someone knew how and were they set this path. And I was now walking it with Collin. I came to a stop half way down, because now I hear him saying it again.

“Pardon me?” What had he said before. His Pack? I knew wolves are pack animals they could survive alone if they have to, however they would never thrive alone the way they would in a pack. “A pack…. Show their families and imprints?” The words were tumbling out of my lips as the images from my dreams were to form together what I was seeing, what Collin was sharing with me, and the facts of what I have witnessed tonight.

Now the word making it’s way in a loop in my mins was; ‘Him’, so it was a… Him? Collin thought of this… whatever his mind called it… I couldn’t think of it. Even now I didn’t want to believe that this beautiful man I liked could be lying to me. or… maybe he was unwell? My eyes on the phone in my hand. Should I be calling Leah or Seth? Asking them to come and help take him to hospital?

I began to walk again until I was told we were there. The shadows covered every inch of the clearing, the dark sky was met by the tall trees that now stilled, as though they were waiting for us with bated breath. Surprised at the sight of the three rock circles, I couldn’t help but examined them closer. Was there a meaning to the way they were placed? Or was it just the makings of a ritual slaughter that I had willingly walked myself towards?

As I stood with a million thoughts taking flight in my mind, the one which I couldn’t lie about was the calm that had began to take a hold of me. I felt like this place was something I had been waiting for all my life. That this place, these rocks I had seen before? However, I knew this not to be true. I hadn’t been here ever since I came to La Push.

Stood there I watched as he set the fire, slowly helping  a little of the chill to dissipate, however my teeth were still chattering when it was like he read my mind. The water and the blanket. “Thank you.” He was prepared? The wood, the fire, the blanket, the water? All of it… Prepared to bring me here.

And then my heart shattered… Hearing him say those things.

"I'm just... scared. That you won't look at me the way you did across that pool table, or in the parking lot tonight, ever again."

I heard the sob before I knew it came from me. Hugging the blanket tightly to my body I veiled my face with it. Pushing the frame of my glasses so far up my nose, that pain shot through the bridge. I couldn’t lie to him. I just couldn’t.

“I am scared too…” I whispered. “That a dream I had will never come true.” I said finally bringing my eyes up from hiding to see him.

❁ Collin ❁

She was cold… I swallowed hard. A moment with my arms around her was all it would take to warm her up. But… I couldn’t… everything about her right now screamed that she needed space. I waited a moment while she processed the information that  this was the place we used to show our other form to our loved ones. “If you have any questions Harper… I’ll tell you anything. Everything. I promise. There’s nothing you can’t ask me.”

𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝓈𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜𝑜… 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒶 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝑒.

The words threatened to break my heart in two. The only thing that held to together was my bond with her. If that broke… I just knew it would crumble. I would crumble. “I would move mountains to make any dream you have come true, Harper.” I kept my watery gaze on hers. “If you wanted me to be the one to do it.” Something caught in my throat. “Maybe even if you didn’t. I want you to have everything you need to be happy.” I added.

Because there was no walking away for me. It would leave us both broken. I couldn’t ever do that to her. I felt the stab of pain in my chest and reached out; stopping short of resting my palm against her arm. Would she want my comfort? Would  she ever want it again?

After I took a few steadying breaths, I started to feel the heat radiating from the fire, the wood was steaming and starting to catch flame. “Um…” My voice was still strained. “So… I’ll have to go into the tree to phase.” I started to explain. “I’ll hang a lantern on the tree you’ll see me next to when I come back.” I pointed out... to the treeline not too far from here. “I um…” I cleared my throat. “I won’t be able to talk to you. But I’ll understand everything you say. I’ll stay by the trees unless you step into the middle circle.” I staggered over the words and I really hoped she was understanding me. I stepped over the second ring. “If you are here I’ll come out of the trees fully where < you can see me.” I stepped into the outer ring. “And here… I’ll come to the edge of the circle, close enough for you to touch me if you want to. And you step back at any time I will too.” I walked back to the centre again.

I stood close to  her, hoping she would feel the heat of me and maybe soak up a little of that heat. “And of course, you are free to leave at any stage. I won’t follow you unless you as  aren’t up for driving.”

I wasn’t sure how to explain that as soon as I shifted anyone currently on patrol in the woods would be aware that I was here with her and what we were doing. It would be easy to have someone run this way and be ready  to meet her at her car if it came to that.

❁ Harper ❁

Every word from his lips became a blur of sounds. My gaze had locked on to one thing, and one thing alone. The tears glistening is his eyes. Witnessing them there right now, wrenched my heart and stomach out of my body. (Or at least this was how it felt to me.) I wanted to hold him, to kiss him and tell him it was all going to be okay.

I wanted to rewind the night to the parking lot, to making him hot chocolate, to…. And then the dream of how I wanted to stop his tears from forming was broken when I remembered how his eyes had glanced at me over the hot mug, how he told me…

I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand, still holding on to the blanket and the bottle of water. Only now did I start to hear  his words, and the change in his voice registered to me.

This was different, he was different. The man he had been so lost and foolish, the sweetness and the nerdiness. Was it all gone? Because right now all I saw in him was pain and suffering. An anguish I wanted to dispel from him and all he felt.

“𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓂𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝑒, 𝐻𝒶𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓇.”

This make my heart break some more. Because I  still believed this to be true.

“Please… don’t say… that.. please Collin…” my voice so broken that I wasn’t certain I was making any sense in the moment. “Promises like that… when… broken… break people…” I knew first hand. And when I was  with him. I hadn’t felt that way. Maybe I have overlooked things? Because he had began to feel like…

𝐻𝑜𝓂𝑒!

I was lost in what he said… the tree line… the circles…. My eyes moved to things as he pointed. But the rock circle grabbed my attention. The way it sat there, calling to to want in the middle of it. To let him show me. To listen to him, and not be distracted by all the words.

And then I noticed it. The forest became silent. I heard nothing but his voice. And heartless to keep playing a joke in this way?

“The circle…” I continued. Nothing clicked now. Just when I head a grasp of it, it was like sand between my fingers. Dissolving before I could keep it safely by my heart. “I stand in the circle now?” I asked him. “In the middle of it?”

❁ Collin ❁

Hearing her talking about broken promises made me understand the line from books that I had never understood the hiccupping sob novelist wrote about… because that was the only description that fit that sound that slithered up my throat. “I  can’t promise that will be able to make them all come true…” My voice wavered. “But if you let me… Harper…I can promise that I will never stop trying to make them come true no how long it takes and I do … I promise you. There is nothing  in this world that could make me break that promise. Nothing but you telling me to stop.” My voice broke because I didn’t know what happen to us if she did that. “You don’t need to take my word for it because I will prove it to you. Even if I  never convince you, I’ll never stop trying to.”

I cleared my throat, hearing the doubt creep into her tone. “I would show you…” How did I say this? “Everything… but I have to take off my clothes before…”

The change in the forest of palpable and I could smell the #Clearwater’s. #Seth’s scent had long since faded from these woods and scenting him again brought a sense of calm and familiarity. Now I did step forward and set my hand so, so gently on her arms. “Yes, stay in the centre  unless you want me to come closer. But remember you can still speak to me too. And even when you can’t see me I will be able to hear you. You are safe here, okay? No Spirit warrior has ever crossed these stones and we never will. But you are  free to… you are safe in or out of the circle… but you can think of it as a shield. Nothing can hurt you here.” I gingerly pried the blanket from where she had it clutched to her chest and unfolded it, tucking it around her shoulders. “Except  the cold.” I gave her the best smile I could manage. “So stay close to the fire until you are ready. Okay? There’s no rush. The cold won’t affect me. If you don’t want to come out of the first circle at all, that’s okay. We can do this again  another time.”

I dared to lean in and kiss her forehead. “You’re safe, Harper. You are protected here. Always.”

I pulled back with a shaky breath and made sure she was well tucked into her blanket. “Okay… Are you ready?” I grabbed one of the small lanterns and stepped backwards over the ring of rocks again. Was I ready?

❁ Harper ❁

I reached out and took a hold of his hand. He was stepping away after telling me all of that?

“Wait. Just…. Please…” my voice broke… my hand ice cold holding on to his that was a warm hug. “Please… wait…” I could still feel his lips in my  forehead. So I closed my eyes. Leaning in to bring our foreheads in to touch.

All that dread that had been making a home in my now hollow chest evaporated with the way he made those promises. I had told him not to make them, but he had doubled down on them. Telling me that I was safe. And I don’t know why, my yo-yo of emotions now believed him. “Just… give me… give... us… a moment.” I finally said.

My heart pounded beneath my chest plate; the blood that rushed in my  veins felt frozen as it moved around. And I didn’t know if I would stay or run.

Once again it occurred to me at how sincerely silent the forest had gone. Did they know this was taking place? That my heart was breaking for a man I had only  known for a short space of time? Or was it all just in my imagination? I asked myself again. ‘If this is a dream…. A nightmare… please wake up.’ But I was awake.

“Okay…” I finally side. Letting go of his hand. Slowly and carefully, opening my eyes and pulling my forehead away from his. “I am not sure I can’t say I a ready. However, one way or another, this must happen. I need the truth.” Even if it were out of a fictional novel.

The light around me dulled a little as he took one of the lamps, but the crackling fire had begun to shine some light from the ground up, as well as it could. And the heat, it felt different to when he stood or sat close to me.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when she took my hand... All hope I thought I had lost had flooded back when she said 𝕦𝕤. All wasn't last, there truly was a chance. But she was so, so cold.

When she touched her forehead to mine I let out a don't relieved sigh like the sound someone makes when a burn is soothed with cool water. “It’s okay.” I whispered going one step further adn putting my other hand on her back and stepping closer, just not until we were pressed together… even though my wolf was growling at me to make her warm again. Of course, I wanted to but I wasn’t sure I should right now. I wrapped my hand around hers willing my heat into it and letting her soak up as much of it as possible.

The pain, the  tightness and the feeling of not nothing enough air into my lungs vanished. “I’m not going anywhere until you’re… until we’re both ready.” Because there was no way I feel ready for this if she wasn’t. I could hear her heart going wild. I  breathed in her scent, letting it heal all the cracks that had started to form on my heart. She was still here. She still wanted to know.

“I know you do.” I whispered. “You deserve the truth. And I’m sorry I hid it from you for so long. I’ll never do that again.” I resisted to urge to make that a promise. She’d had plenty of those from me tonight and this moment we shared… had given me hope that I would have a chance to make more.

“Don’t be scared, Harper.” I said as I made my way to the trees. “Keep your eye on the light.” Another few yards and I was hanging the lantern on a tree. Of course, the skinny twig I had chosen was too flexible and the thing fell. I just about caught it before it fell to the ground. And  finally hung it successfully on the tree. I glanced back before disappearing. #Seth and #Leah’s scent was strong here they had clearly swept the area. When I was out of sight but could still see her silhouette against the glow of the fire I  started to strip.

I exhaled and let my wolf surge forward. Heat flooded my body and my front paws hit the forest floor. There was silence though… I reach out to the two pinpoints of heat in the mental map of my mind. The Clearwater’s, they  had cleared the forest… taken over so that I could keep this moment just between Harper and me. And it meant everything to me. They had allowed me to be the only voice in my head for tonight.

❁ Harper ❁

“I don’t know how not to be frightened, Collin.” However, it wasn’t the fear he was thinking of? Or was it? I was terrified of losing everything I had seen in his eyes, from the first day I met him.

The precise moment his hands left mine  that calm that had taken me to a surreal place of Tranquillity disappeared. My understanding, my need to understand, all the promises he made became words. And I didn’t know why?

And then I did know… those who loved me, had been few  and far between. But the family I had created for myself had been the centre of my universe. And a strong part of that connection somehow had come from Collin.

So, now. When he disappeared into the darkness of the tall woodland. I was  left standing in the middle of three circle rock formation. With a fire pit burning, and yet the only warmth I craved was the one that I felt from him. However, he was gone now.

I held onto the blanket he had placed around my shoulders, setting the bottle of water down by my feet. Still holding on tightly to the small hand carved wood wolf. “You hold my wishes, my thoughts, my dreams. Don’t let them shatter.” I prayed to my little wolf.

The moment the words left my lips, the wind picked up, blowing the loo strands of my hair around my face. Shivers rolling down my spine as I could hear those whispered voices of the tribal women from times in the past. Their voices singing to help me. I didn’t know how I knew  it… however, I Just knew.

I slowly tried to breathe in shallowly. Not wanting to hyperventilate. but that fear was now creeping its way back in. Like drops of ink spreading in the water, it was tainting the purity as it merged its self.

❁ Collin ❁

Her words rang in my head… I could do nothing, what was I going to say to her? Promise her that I would make her feel safe again? I had made her too many promises tonight… Now I needed to prove that I could keep them.

I felt the Clearwater’s  presence in the back of my mind. But they stayed quiet and let me do this myself. I heard her whispering and I know it was the tiny version of my wolf in her hands. As I walked back towards the tree I hung the lantern on. I wanted to tell her that she could tell me her hopes and dreams and I would always, always keep them safe until they could be a reality.

I was far from the best-looking wolf in the pack, my coat was long and shaggy because I liked to keep my hair long and it was  every shade of brown you could imagine, like a patchwork quilt. Our coat colours reflected our lives and personalities… Mine seemed the reflect all the times I had been taken apart and put back together. The others told me that it was a symbol  of everything I had survived… Sometimes I thought it just made me look dirty. My wolf growled at that thought, but only on the inside, just in case Harper could hear us.

I stepped into the light cast around the tree, my eyes on Harper waiting for her to notice me. She was trembling… I tried to tell myself it wasn’t the cold. That she was still by the fire and holding the blanket around herself. But the only option that left was that she was scared. Neither of those was acceptable to  me, I hated that I was scaring her so much. But I knew I needed to let her see the truth of what I was before I could start trying to make anything else right.

I moved all the way into the light and watched her… waiting for her to spot me and  hoping against hope that she would take those steps forward so she could really and truly see me.

❁ Harper ❁

I was fixated on the dim light of the lantern far in the woods. The place he told me to watch. Blinking my eyes clean of the tears which had finally dried of their own accord. Standing here in the middle of the clearly it felt as though time had stilled. As if it knew what was to come and by allowing itself to run freely it would let out a secret that didn’t belong to it to tell.

Letting out a small sign, I rub my hands over my arms, the blanket still wrapped around me. Blinking had become something I had to time now too. Because would this awful joke be over with me missing the punch line? Even as the thought came to fruition,  I knew that it was a lie. Collin wouldn’t do that; he wouldn’t drag a joke on this far. Not after seeing my tears, my fear, and now this uncertainty that threatened all my dreams.

The small wolf in my hand couldn’t be seen so well, but I still lifted it out into the open. Not caring that it would mean cold fingers. I needed and wanted to see it again. I knew this wolf like I knew myself. Every night I had kissed it, spoken to it, sang and danced in my bedroom with it. The multiple shades of its brown were all known to me. The patch over it’s eye felt by the tips of my fingers. There was a belonging I felt with this wolf. One….

My thoughts all stopped all at once. Because while I had been gathering my thoughts about my wolf. The outline and a shadow had come to fall over where the lantern had been. The shape moved a little out from the darkness, and I stopped breathing. My eyes widened and my heart raced a marathon. I felt a cold sweat break out over my forehead, and my eyes…. I would have rubbed them, but I couldn’t move. I was frozen in time. I was…. “Collin?” No… no… I was seeing things… I had to be seeing things… “Okay… I get it… Funny… Now come out….” My voice wasn’t my own… Wasn’t this a thing of books and movies?

❁ Collin ❁

My breath curled in the air in front of me, and I tuned my ears onto her heart, hearing it quicken as she spotted me. “Don’t be afraid.” Was the mantra in my mind. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid.” I poured  all of my will into the words as if I could make her hear my thoughts like the pack could.

She had the carving held before her… had it really come to mean so much to her? Her voice nearly broke me.. the way she said my name made me want to run to her. #Paul was right… this was a lot harder than I thought it would be. #Seth and #Leah’s steady but silent presence held me back, wordlessly they told me that it wasn’t time to move forward yet. So, I took just two more steps and lowered my head, flattening my ears.

I turned to one side in the small circle of light letting her see the entirety of this form of mine. A whimper escaped me when she started to call for me to come out, the sound sorrowful and a little pathetic. My  heart felt like it was being squeezed because I knew it wasn’t me that she wanted. She wanted a human Collin… and he didn’t exist. No matter what shape I took I was never going to be human. She was scared… I could hear it in her voice. I could  never be the man she was calling out for right now. The pain of that realisation threatened to crush me from the inside.

I searched out her eyes. Willing her to see me. “It’s me.” I longed to say. “I’m Right here.”

❁ Harper ❁

I took a step back without meaning to, some form of ‘fight or flight’ had to be the reason for me to even question this reaction. My heart palpitating under my rib cage, now beads of sweat ran down the side of my temples. ( and please trust me when I say that heat from the fire a flame beside me now had nothing to do with it. ) My foot hit the bottle of water making my stumble back again, and I froze trying to stop myself from falling.

The wolf moved, more of the light giving me a much better look. Every nerve I my body saying;

“FLIGHT… FLIGHT… FLIGHT…”

But now I took a small step forward. The height of this creature, the colour of its fur, the way I which it moved, the turn of it’s tail and ears. The lowering of it head…. The person who loved animals saw something so magnificent before me that I couldn’t look away.

That hum in the air was back. The invisible line that I could feel between Collin and myself… it was here, and present with this… wolf?  What was really wrong with me? Had I lost my mind? There had to have been a nut of two lost I my mid. Because now I found myself lifting the small wolf in my hand. The coat on it, the patches on it’s body and the one over it’s eyes. It was identical to the living, breathing one before me. Even if in the shadows I still couldn’t see all of it.

“Collin?” my voice uncertain of the connections my heart and now my mind had started to formulate. My gaze on the caving again. The memory of the Chief of this tribe giving it to me and telling me to keep an open mind.

“Collin…” This time my voice was more sure… I didn’t know how. But. Lord! This wasn’t a dream. I was alive may was out reaching for him, even if I knew he was too far away for me to touch. I was happening. Collin.. my heart knew those eyes that had found mine, and somehow, I felt the truth in this matter.

❁ Collin ❁

My head drop lower when she stepped back a step, my eyes keenly measured the distance between her and the fire, and another low keening sound slipped out from my throat. My head dropped lower. “Please step into the second ring.” I begged her in my mind, if she could look into my eyes she would know me… wouldn’t she? She’d have to. I couldn’t imagine any world where I could look into her eyes and know her.

I stepped one paw forward when she stumbled back  this time, I whined again… Spirits I would give anything to be able to speak to her right now. My ear shot up again at the sound of my name this time. She recognised us… the was a familiarity in her tone… confusion too… but of course, there was. I dipped my chin and looked back up at her. A wolfy version of a nod and I put my other paw forward. She had moved forward but not much. Her hand reached out from between the folds of the blanket, and I moved a few more steps into the clearing.

Did she want to touch me? I took one small step at a time, but just a few feet to the edge on the light of the lantern… I wouldn’t get closed until they stepped into the next ring or asked me to come closer…

“It’s me… I’m here. Don’t be afraid.” The pressure on my heart eased. I could feel that invisible thread between us pull tight again, I tried to convince myself that it was me and not her urging it to draw us closer. Not until she asked.

Music: Hopeless Romantics · James TW

❁ Harper ❁

I had lost all my thoughts; nothing came to me. Nothing that was said or felt before this moment. It was like a light had been switched on, and everything in this world has disappeared. All I could see was this beautiful creature who had just nodding his head when I called Collin’s name.

“Collin…” I whispered his name again, letting the blanket from around my shoulders fall to the ground as I shook my head. I could see anything… not until my eyes dropped and his words hit me.

“The circles…” I licked my lips. Trying to think what he had said. “Inner… middle… outer… lord! I don’t remember...” I wanted to cry again. Why hadn’t I listened to him? Why had I not taken in what he has tried to share with me.

I  held my small wolf to my chest and closed my eyes and just took a big step forward. I was on the cusp of the middle circle when I opened my eyes. And then my gaze flew to him. To see if I had made the correct decision. There were still  parts of me screaming to run, to get in my car and not stop until I was out of this state.

However, there was a part of me that needed to know more. This string drawing me closer. Telling me that I would be safe. That no harm would come to me. Not here. Not with this wolf. (Even if I knew I had encroached on its territory by steeping forward. Ever lesson I had learnt about animal behaviour had gone out the window.

❁ Collin ❁

I whimpered again hearing my name, putting another paw forward… but then she started talking about the circles I thought that maybe she wanted me to come closer. I stepped forward at the same time that she did. I really wished I could speak to  her right now. I moved closer to the rings now, well out of the shadow of the trees. I stood inside the ring of light the fire cast. I moved slowly and deliberately… and for the first time, even I wished my wolf was smaller. I wasn’t the smallest in the pack… but I was close and I never thought I would wish for this.

I just didn’t want to look intimidating, so I kept my head low, and as I stepped closer her scent came sharply into focus… fear and adrenaline. Was she going to  run? I wouldn’t blame her… I mean she’d heard the stories once and they were coming to life In front of her… I had lived with them all my life and it had been terrifying to me.

I had kept my head low, but now I lifted it. I had promised her  honestly and nothing else hidden. So, I let her see me, my pleading eyes were on hers. “You’re safe… I’m not a monster... You’re safe.” The mantra in my head grew louder and I felt Leah cringe mentally at the word  monster; it made me realise I was projecting my thoughts too loudly. My heart was pounding in my large chest as I continue the internal chant to myself.

The invisible cord between us hadn’t slackened as we drew closer, there was still that  gentle pull, urging me to step closer, to be closer to her. Telling me that everything would be okay if we were closer, the dark pit of fear would be chased away if only she was near enough. But only if she chose it.

She had to be getting  cold now… She had dropped the blanket, the worry made me fidget awkwardly. The earth beneath my feet was damp… and realising this drew my attention to the way I was shifting my paws on the grass, without moving any further forward. My wolf had  let this human tick of mine (which was normally shifting foot to foot or digging the toe of my boot into the ground when I was on two legs) slip through… normally he would clamp down on these idiosyncrasies but today he felt like they might  serve us well. Harper was a detail-orientated person. Would she recognise my nervous habits?

❁ Harper ❁

Of all the voices which could have broken free in my mind. #Jenna’s screamed now. ‘Why do you always run towards danger? Why can’t you just be normal, and run away like most of the world?’ She had screamed it with tears in her eyes when  she saw what had happened to me after I’d run head first into a fight over her with some other kids.

That trait of mine hadn’t lessen as time went on. This here, a perfect example of my lack of self-preservation. The wolf came into the light and all the outlines came into clear fire lite view.

‘Run… Harper… Run!’

My feet shot back and I tripped over the rocks. Shaking to my core with adrenaline rushing through me. My breathing had taking an a ragged pace to the point  I would hyperventilate if it was left uncontrolled.

“Slow…” I whisper to myself. “Slow yourself…” like soothing words to myself would help.

Another voice chimes in, however then I heard my mom. ‘She cannot be stopped when it comes to animals. It’s as though my beautiful girl is here to look after them all.’

However, this creature before me, it... HE… He wasn’t just an animal... he was…. As my bottom hit the cold wet ground I was thrust into the present and reality of my situation couldn’t not have been forced out of mind any longer.

My glasses drop down the bridge of my nose, and as I pushed myself up onto my knees, my dark eyes came in line with his legs. His feet? His paws? And the way they were moving. That nervous tick... the one to make me smile. The one he had when… I let my glaze wonder to his eyes. The first rule of becoming a veterinarian has always been never to look into their eyes. However, these eyes. I knew these eyes so well.

Slowly I scrambled up to my feet, shaking from what, I had no clue any more. However, I stepped forward again. Small steps, my eyes not moving from his. My feet making their way to the outside circle on the ground.

❁ Collin ❁

I heard her heart rate and breathing quickening as I go nearer, and even though I was certain that she was talking to herself I still slowed. But I wasn’t even sure if she knew I could hear her from here when she was whispering. There was no  way to know how much of the story she could recall right now given the shock of everything.

I whimpered when she tripped, the muscles along my sides twitching, wanting to phase so we could run to her and check her when she hit the ground with a thud and wet squelch. The whimper turned almost into a cry and I took another step forward. ‘Collin.’ It was the first time #Leah projected a word into my mind. It was firm but kind, a reminder when I wasn't able to think clearly. I could still feel #Seth and Leah’s concern for Harper and their logical minds telling them that she would be fine, soon she would be warm again.

I dropped my head, my nose almost on the ground… fighting the urge to go to her. She was up again, but  trembling… she was wet now and she had to be even colder… but it didn’t stop her she was moving forward again. She was incredibly brave… my heart was pounding in a new way now as I made my way to the edge of the circle.

I stopped close enough for her to reach out and touch me if she wanted. I was hoping that she could feel the heat coming off of me. She smelled so, so good this close and with my senses at their full power. I locked my eyes on hers and a new sound came out of me that  I hadn’t ever made before and the only way I could explain it was like the sound Nova makes when you rub the right spot on her belly.

She was so, so beautiful. I could see the finer features of her face so much clearer… the patterns in her  iris, even the sound of her heartbeat… Spirit I wished I could speak to her!!

❁ Harper ❁

There was a sound coming from somewhere. It wasn’t the fire, or the wind, or the forest which was eerily silent still. It was a clattering? Oh… it was…. Me? My teeth.. clattering from the cold that had once again taken a sting hold of me.

Even with the adrenaline rushing through my veins, there was still a sense of uncertainty in the air. Something told me even though I felt unsure of my next step, there was still that voice that spoke, that thread pulling me forward telling me I was safe, telling me this was the person… this six-foot ish tall animal unlike anything I had seen in my life, this was the person who made me feel this way.

I said his name again when he moved closed still, holding on to my small wolf with two hands I stood a breath away from this magnificent creature. It’s fir a patch work of colours, and the patch over its eye made me smile and then stop myself. All that fear I felt before dissipating as I stand face to face.

“Please don’t bite me.” I whispered to it. Not even sure if he could understand me. “I’m going to reach out. I’m going to.. well… Uhm… I’m…” shaking my head as my words just wouldn’t come together. “Please don’t bite me”.

I gave the two of us time, I wanted to touch it, to see if it was a figment of my imagination. Even though I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin. Somehow there was a warmth surrounding me in the dead of this cold and wet night.

“Okay.” He was looking at me like we were meeting for the first time. With such intent to learn my every move.

“Okay.” This time I slowly reached one head out. It trembled as I set is gentle on the wolf’s main. “Hi…” I whispered in a shaking voice. “Hi…”

❁ Collin ❁

I turned and shuffled just a little closer… she was freezing now and all I wanted to do was warm her. Her eyes were roaming over me like she was sure if she should be fascinated or terrified… but I know the animal healer in her was curious… she  just needed to let all of this sink in to like those thoughts and feelings flourish… when she was able to trust me again.

But here she was in the outside circle, that was the beginning of trust, wasn’t it? I felt the corners of my mouth curl  up into a simile when She asked me not to bite her… but. quickly remembered what that would look like in my wolf form and stopped myself.

I dropped my head into her hand my eyes still on her when she said ‘Hi…’ My heart skipped and I could get butterflies as a wolf too. I turned into touching my nose to the arm she hadn’t reached out for a second.

I had been so afraid that I wouldn’t be able to be gentle with her like this, but even my wolf seemed to automatically knowing how to  moderate our strength. I tried to make myself look less intimidating but sitting, lowering my butt to the ground like Nova did when she was looking for a treat. It felt strange. In this form, we were full of energy and the need to move. But  with her Harper here that seemed to calm somewhat.

❁ Harper ❁

My heart stopped when he had his teeth at me. Maybe I had rest the moment incorrectly. Maybe I should know better that to reach my hand out towards such a big animal and not expect to lose my hand.

I could hear every instinct in me shouting. my head telling me I was doing this in the incorrect manor.

That I should be the one still and awaiting this beautiful creature to come forward to me. To let me know that it was happy with me being in its space.

However, those eyes, they belong to a man I know. Someone I had hoped to kiss, to call my boyfriend, to make memories with for whatever little time I was here.

And here I stood. “Oh. Hey.” All those thoughts came crashing down the second his nose touched my arm and he sat. “Is this, okay?” My shaking hand slowly, and gently touched the fur over his neck. Droplet of rain dampened my fingers, and it came to me.

“This is really, isn’t it? I’m not dreaming… you weren’t lying… you… it’s… you… it’s really you… l…”

The realisation brought with it  some kind of calm. Some kind of stillness. And I was mesmerised at what I had witnessed. “You are a warrior… of the spirits? With the spirits? In the tribe?”

The Domino’s began to fall and the picture it made was of Collin.

❁ Collin ❁

I could hardly believe that she was still here, her fingers brushing over my fur… the low approving sound in my throat was yet another one I had never made before. I touched the tip of my nose to the hand that still help the tiny wooden wolf in  answer to her question. ‘It’s me… I’m here.’ I wanted to tell her. Then she spoke again and my heart stopped. She was looking at me like this and seeing a Spirit Warrior, not a monster or a demon from books and TV shows. I lifted my head to her eye level locking our gazes. I blinked once. Slowly… one for yes and two for no was a universal thing, wasn’t it?

I leaned in, not too close, and inhaled taking in her scent. It was so much more nuanced in this form and it made my heart skip.

The smell of her perfume mixed with the scent of fresh rain that always lingered on her from the parts of her jobs that took her outside. She smelled like home. And she was seeing me… she knew me, and she wasn’t afraid. Okay, maybe there was a hint of fear in her scent but it clearly wasn’t the first thing she was thinking of.

❁ Harper ❁

My dream came rushing back to me. Calling to his tribe, and then leaving his body on the ground beside me. While he went flying in the sky with the others.

I sat with a knife in my hand, watching for him to return and not allowing anyone to come close to his body. While he was gone, I was his protector, his grounding force, his teasing to coming back.

“You are going to… I am going to…” the words just couldn’t form fully.

The wetness of his black nose touched my hand, and I opened it. The small wooden hand carved wolf sat in the  palm of my hand and this big really wolf stood before me. His body lowered; his head lowered as if he wanted me to know that he wouldn’t harm me.

“I’m safe. I know I am safe.” It was unexpected and unexplainable how I knew. But my heart, that invisible string that connected us. It was still there, however so much stronger now.

“I feel like I am going crazy. This has to be done form of insanity. There is no other explanation for it all.”

Only now did I realise that my other hand had remained in his fur. Slow, small, soft strokes trying to bond with this known and unknown all at once.

❁ Collin ❁

The corners of my mouth pulled up slightly when she worried that I would be cold. “I won’t feel the cold, Harper… I would have to be out here for hours on two legs before it would affect me.��� I explained as mud and grass squelched between my  toes as we walked back to the fire.

My question hung in the air between us while she sat and warmed her hands at the fire. She didn’t say she was afraid… but she didn’t say she wasn’t either… I took that to mean two things. One; she was taking  her time to process all of this… which was understandable and very Harper-esque behaviour, so that was good. Two; at the very least she wasn’t scared enough that she would lie because she was worried the truth would put her in danger from me…  and that was trust. Right?

I sat next to her now. “That’s fair.” I told her. “I can’t imagine the things that must be going through your head right now. And I swear I will answer all of your questions.” So… I took a breath and steady myself.

“I’ve been working up the nerve to tell you for… well really since I met you. But I wanted to tell the legends first. I wanted you to hear the stories of what we are and how we became this. That we were Protectors, not monsters, it was a gift…  not a curse. And tonight… honestly; I was telling myself all night that I would tell you, but I knew how much it meant to you to have your Thompson Family meet the Family you made here so I wanted to wait until you were ready to leave. And when  you called me your boyfriend, I knew I wasn’t being fair to you. You deserved to know exactly who you were …. Saying… that to, you know?”

 I was rambling and yet the words kept coming.

“I told you I never lied to you and that’s the truth… but it… felt like lying… it was dishonest not telling you everything.” I wanted to tell her that having #Seth and #Kenzi here pushed me too. That I thought it would be perfect for her to have a friend who understood what it was like to be an imprint. But there was still so much I needed to say while I had my wits about me.

“I know that you have more questions, and I will answer them… but there’s something else I need to tell you. Or I’ll lose my nerve… I told you that I was a sick kid, right? Well…” I slide the blanket lower showing the scar on my chest shifting to face her. I swallowed hard. “I meant it.” I touched my finger close to it, I never touched those scars. “Two years old,” I told her and lower again to show the one on my stomach. “Six months old.”

I turned to the side and lifted my arm to show the two on my side. “Ten and twelve…” I couldn’t remember which one was which anymore. Then I turned to the other side slightly and ran my fingers along the  pristine skin between two ribs. “And right here… there is one missing… The one that should have killed me.” I swallowed again my voice was shaking. “But they chose me… The Spirits, the ancestors, and my Wolf. They saved me. If I wasn’t what I am  today… I would be walking with them tonight… and.” My eyes burned and swam. “And not you. I've been broken apart and put back together so many times… and that’s why my wolf looks the way he does.”

Music: Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Anson Seabra

❁ Harper ❁

Reeling from all that I had witnessed and what I was still learning with every passing minute with Collin had my mind swimming with thoughts. He was trying to be honest with me, to tell me the truth n matter the cost of it to him.

I knew that he could have lied, hidden all of this from me. He had no reason to come clean and let me see something that I wouldn’t have ever thought true. Except I had been a witness to it here, tonight, with my own eyes.

As Collin continued to share further details, telling me how this is not the making of a monster. I felt my heart leap once again. I had never thought him a monster. I had never imagined telling a boy I liked him, and wanted to be with him, for him to turn into a Werewolf?

My eyes shot up to the sky, there was no full moon. So… I placed that question in the vault of all the others I needed to ask. Hadn’t he explained that to me in the tails of his history. Spirits and Warrior’s coming to together to become one with each other? Yeah. That was it.

Then his word came home to roost.

‘We are Protectors, Not monsters…  It was a Gift…  Not a Curse!’

‘𝓦𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓼, 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼…  𝓘𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽…  𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮!’

“I don’t think you are a monster… I…” I didn’t know what I thought… “Not that.” The word monster dug up a number of emotions that had been buried deep inside of me. However, tonight with a free flow of all these feelings. These ones came rushing out too.

I stood with my arms wrapping around my tors allowing him the time to speak, to allow me the time to take it all in, even if I wasn’t certain I could take any more information. Until he began to speak about his childhood, and I did recall him saying about how protective his mom had been of him.

“Collin…” His name came out with a gasp as I covered my mouth with one hand, the other holding my small wolf to my chest as my gaze moved from scar after scar. I am a Doctor of Animals; however, it was something that made me think factually. Everything was possible if will follow the scientific process. However, that all went out of the window as I found myself stood right in front of him with my cold trembling fingers tracing the scar over the middle of his chest.

“Six months old?” the image of a baby needed to be go through this broke my heart.

“Two years old?” tears formed in my eyes

“Ten  years?” My heart broke into a million shards

“Twelve years?” Tears were free flowing now. He had gone through so much before he had been given the chance to live his life.

Finally, my eyes met his as the tear kept rolling. How was all this coming to life before my eyes? And He was openly sharing it all with me?

“Your wolf is beautiful.” Is what I needed to say, and I did. Because he was Collin, and Colling was him. “He is perfect for you. So, unadulteratedly magnificent.”

❁ Collin ❁

Some of the cracks that had started to show on the surface of my already patched-up heart, sealed over when she said, she didn’t see me as a monster. With one hand still clutching the blanket well closed at my waist, I lifted the other to cup her  cheek. “Good… because I don’t think I could survive if you were scared of me… anything else… I could…” My chest squeezed… I know she didn’t have to love me like I loved her… but that didn’t mean I had to ever stop wishing she would. It didn’t  mean I would ever stop trying. “Anything else would be better than that. There are so many stories and legends… TV shows and movies about werewolves and shapeshifters… but that’s not what we are.”

My skin seemed to soothe from that heat I had become so used to at her touch, my heart beat even faster. The tears on her cheeks made my soul and my wolf cry out to pull her into an embrace. But I just brushed away a tear, smiling softly when she said my wolf was beautiful, but I had a  feeling there were few animals she met and that she believed otherwise.

“I didn’t tell you all of this to make you sad, Harper.” I spoke softly. “I’m not sad about any of it, honestly… I never was, no matter how sick I got. I always just knew I was going to be okay. People said it was because I was positive, always found the silver lining, and always fought. But… I think I just always knew he was there. Even when the only words I had for it were that the Spirits were protecting me. I told you because…”

I took a breath because I had a feeling she knew where this story was going on some level, somewhere in her mind she’d drawn the lines between her feeling and the story. “… I wanted you to know that if it wasn’t for Him for what I am… what we are together… I never would have met you that day in your clinic. I never would have felt the earth move and the whole universe shift and move to put you at its centre, making you my Sun.” I just my forehead against hers now and she wasn’t the only one with tears on her cheeks.

“You are my soul, my protector, my everything Harper. And I am yours.” I didn’t move, I just sat there with her, feeling the cool (but fast-warming) touch of her forehead  on mine. “If you’ll have me… I’m yours.” I held my breath to stop myself from kissing her.

(Music: I Am Yours · Andy Grammar)

TBC....

 

❁ Harper ❁

Why hadn’t I thought of him as a monster? Because I had seen what monsters I our world looked like. And this kind hearted man was not one.

Tears still rolling done my cheeks, even if his fingers whipping them away, I stood before him. The nakedness of the moment (not meaning his lack of clothes), the emotional charge this night had on me, and I was certain him too. It was tremendous amount to process.

I closed my eyes the moment our foreheads touched. It was never without a draw being this close to him. Something always felt like it had been set into motion from that day I the practice when he had come in with #Nova. And it hadn’t stopped.

A moment of seeing him for that coffee that turned into a hot chocolate….

The hours we texted and fell asleep while doing so…..

The conversations we had when we stood in his kitchen making ad cooking pizzas…

One after another all those moments came rushing in at once and I felt like my mind, heart and soul were going to implode all at once.                                                                                                                                                       

I knew that Collin would never lie to me, that he had not told me the integrity of his being as it wasn’t something you would share, right? But now, what was I to do with it all? Had I allowed myself the time to feel, to understand, to determine what this would all mean to us?

“I…” I was once again lost for the vocabulary, there were no words to say what his words caused inside of me.

‘I never would have felt the earth move and the whole universe shift and move to put you at its centre, making you my Sun.’

Why did his words feel like home?

“You are my soul, my protector, my everything Harper. And I am yours. If you’ll have me… I’m yours.."

“I… I…” Slowly I drew back my head from him. I kept my eyes closed trying to determine what all the sensations were attempting to say. My heart said to kiss him.  My mind said to run, to tell him this was all a mistake… And then… My soul… When did my soul have a voice? When did it being to speak to me?

The hum of the song I heard was back. His breach could be felt on my skin, when I slowly began to open my eyes again my heart stopped at seeing his cheeks with tears flowing freely down them. “Collin!” Gently I used the tips of my fingers to cup his face, even while refusing to let go of the small Wolf inn my hands. I kissed keep cheek, kissing those tears away. “These tears are too precious to be lost to the night like this.” I whispered.

 

❁ Collin ❁

Even with the intense energy between us I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered that day, how my heart pounded how my nerves hummed and my whole life changed. I left the practice not knowing anything, would she think I was a weirdo for the way I stared and stammered?… Not knowing what we could ever be… if we could ever be and still… the sky was bluer (well less grey… it was still La Push after all) the air was fresher, the forest was greener, and the world had infinitely more potential.

And Harper was the epicentre of it all.

I felt her pull away… but nothing about her made me feel like she wanted distance. I opened my eye realising I had closed them because it was too hard to see tears on her cheeks. Hers were still closed, and I swiped away the fresh tears with the pad of my thumb. I said nothing; I had said everything I needed to say… Now I had to let her think and feel whatever she needed to.

When she finally did open her eyes; I was astounded. Even filled with glistening tear tears they were still heartbreakingly beautiful. My brow twitched at the way she said my name… like there was something left unsaid behind the word.

Then I felt her fingers on my skin and I almost released the blanket in an urge to rest my hand on the back of hers. But I didn’t.

Felt her leaning in before I saw it, the pull in my chest seemed to release when she decided to lean. A heavy, relieved, elated, nervous, euphoric sigh escaped at the first brush of her lips against my cheek. “You…” I whispered, finally able to swallow that lump in my throat. “Are worth every single one.” I turned my head to catch her lips and dropped my hand from her cheek, so I could wrap it around her waist and draw her closer. I kissed her and I could have sworn the sun was rising early, goose bumps prickled my skin and it was not because I was naked in the cold night air. My lips moved softly against hers and my heart settled into a rhythm with her own. I could have kissed her like this for hours but the fire was shrinking in the pit not far from us and I was still naked in a forest.

I held her close and leaned my cheek against her hair and whispered. “Thank you, for existing… Harper Lee Jenkins.” I pressed a kiss to her the side of her head. “Thank you for walking into my life…. Because I can’t imagine one without you anymore. I never want to.”

❁❁ END ❁❁

❁ ᗷETᗯEEᑎ TᕼE ᑕᑌSᑭ Oᖴ ᖴᗩITᕼ ᗩᑎᗪ ᑌᑎᑕEᖇTᗩIᑎTY Playlist

Indestructible - Welshly Arms - No Place Is Home

The Woods - Hollow Coves

Movement – Hozier - Wasteland, Baby!

Wonder · Shawn Mendes

I Want More - KALEO

Like Real People Do – Hozier

Survivor - Eye of the Tiger

Take It Or Leave It · James Arthur

A closeness - Dermot Kennedy - Doves & Ravens

Man or a Monster (feat. Zayde Wølf) · Sam Tinnesz

Looking At Me Like That · Vance Joy

Hopeless Romantics · James TW

Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Anson Seabra

: I Am Yours · Andy Grammar

[written-within-the-stars]

Hallmark and Ice Cream - Together

❁ Collin ❁

“She may be a nerd… but she’s my favourite nerd!”

❁ Harper ❁

“Who are you declaring this too exactly?”

❁ Collin ❁

“The whole wide world, Sunshine” Smiles. “If that’s okay with you?”

❁ Harper ❁

Eyebrows shooting up.  “Sunshine?” Smiling. “I mean if the sentiment must be shared, it should be with all or nothing.”

❁ Collin ❁

“Oops!! Sorry I forgot you prefer Buttercup.“ cheeky smirk!

❁ Harper ❁

Looking shocked at him.  “I didn’t know you if it in you to be mean.”

❁ Collin ❁

“I am never mean! But if you need a hug I’m happy to help.” Smiles and opens up my arms to her.

❁ Harper ❁

Waiting for my heartbeat to slow. "There is the foolish partner in crime I hopeful for." smiling and stepping into his arms. "Hi."

❁ Collin ❁

Smiling as she came into the circle of my arms. “Hey there.” Wrapping my arms around her. “What crimes have you got planned for us today?”

❁ Harper ❁

Placing my hands on his lower back, leaning back so to see his eyes. “Me? You mean as the master mind of all the crimes? So many. It starts with ice cream.”

❁ Collin ❁

“I like the way you think Dr Jenkins!” pressing a kiss to her forehead and giving her a gentle squeeze before pulling back to take her hand. “Lead the way.”

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling I closed my eyes, feeling those butterflies coming to life in his arms and with the sweet kiss. Squeezing him right back. I pulled back walking backwards, hand in hand. “I didn’t even need to twist your arm Mr Littlesea.”

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled and gave her a smile... My fingers lacing between hers. "You could ask me to muck out stables with you and I would happily tag along... but ice cream? I mean... who could say no?"

❁ Harper ❁

Halting my eyes wild with the possibility. “This is even an option? It would be an abuse of our friendship. At last with the ice cream there is something sweet at the end of the road.” Tugging him to follow me to the small dinner.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed... "See now you're just making me look bad! I use any excuse I could to spend time with you... but here you are being kind and sweet taking me for Ice cream." I narrowed my eyes playfully. "You really are a criminal genius."

❁ Harper ❁

Laughing softly, turning to face the right way around. Walking in step with him now. “See if I were one of those, you would think all this was your plan. Hens I’m just a girl out for some ice cream, with amazing company.”

❁ Collin ❁

Damn... how the hell did I get this lucky. "Oh really? So, mind games are your speciality?" I chuckled. "I'll watch out for that." I knew there wasn't a deceitful bone in this woman's body. "You know you still owe me one of those hallmark movies of you too? Something tells me would pair very well with ice cream." Chancing turning this little encounter into something like a date.

❁ Harper ❁

“Mind games?” Shaking my head, then pushing the frame of my glasses up my nose. “Unless you are willing to remind me what the plan was. Because I kind of forget half way in.” It was why the girls loved playing cards with me. I always got distracted with work thoughts.

Frowning a little. “I do? Oh… I Do!” My free hand darting up to cover my mouth. “Are you sure you wish to do this? Once you are in, there is no way out. Hallmark will hold on to you.” Smiling at the thought is us curled on my Emerald green couch, eating ice cream and watching movies.

❁ Collin ❁

I swallowed, pressing my lips together to try and keep from smiling too wide. It was just too cute when she did that. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? Because the second you see a shark fly out of a tornado you are gonna be hooked too!" I laughed, squeezing her hand gently where it fit into mine.

"So, what do you say? Spontaneous date night, or are you going to feed me ice cream and leave me to wonder about this guilty pleasure of yours? Carefully think Dr Jenkins. What would one of your leading ladies do?" I tapped chin comically

❁ Harper ❁

Letting my head fall forward a little, the soft sound of laughter engulfing as I shook my head and pushed my hair back out of my way.

“How could I possibly say not to it now? I mean we are talking Hallmark and flying sharks.” I remembered that we spoke about our likes and dislikes. His were B movies about a shake.

My eyes dropped of our hands, the way his gentle held mine.

“I believe one of my leading girls would say it was a mistake and run, only to have her best friend at work tell her she was foolish, and she should call the cute guy.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed. "See... You're hooked on my guilt on my guilty pleasure. But don't worry, I promise I won't let you get addicted and forget your Hallmark roots. Though after you're first one... it will become my full-time job to make sure you hold onto your first love." Dammit!!! Why were my only settings stuttering like a fool or rambling like a fool? Where was the happy medium?

I looked over my shoulders like I was looking for someone. "Damn? There's a cute guy? I was hoping to land the lead in this one!" I joked.

❁ Harper ❁

“So sure, of your guilty pleasure? However, what if mine consumes you? We will have to move onto musicals.”

My cheeks flushed, what was wrong with me? Talking to him was so easy, that at times I didn’t think about what I was saying.

Pushing the rim of my frame up my nose. turning to look in the same direction, uncertain what we were looking for, I laughed covering my face.

“Okay, would you like me to lock Teddy up so you have a clean run?”

❁ Collin ❁

"Well, if it does... I guess I'm going to need a good tour guide." I smiled at her, still keeping pace next to her. I gave a small chuckle... "Wow! Offering to rig the game in my favour? Must mean you kinda like me then?"

Crap! that last but wasn't meant to sound like a question.

❁ Harper ❁

I would have stumbled over my feet if I hadn’t stopped walking and turning myself into his warm body.

“I didn’t know that was still a question that needed to be answered? I don’t go allowing just anyone into my Hallmark obsession.”

Had I not made it clear that I liked him?

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled and untwined my fingers from hers to pull open the door of the diner. "There's no harm in making sure every now and again, right? I smiled. "You might have noticed I have a very bad habit of putting my for in my mouth."

❁ Harper ❁

Biting the corner of my lips, I let his hand go.

“You happen to be right, there is absolutely nothing wrong in checking in.”

Bowing my head slightly as a thank you, I stepped into the diner. Making my way to the counter instead of finding us a table this time.

“Now, here is the true question… do you like a pint of the same ice cream, or do you ask for a mix a different flavour?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and whispered for only her to hear when she passed through the door. "I kinda like you too, doctor." but my smile said it was a whole lot more than just kinda.

I chuckled. "That is a trick question!" I wagged my finger at her. "When it's for dessert... it  depends on what you're having for dinner. But when it's ice cream for the sake of ice cream... then you have to get a little of everything."

❁ Harper ❁

My heart fluttered once more. ( it did that a lot these past few weeks. )

Seeing his smile… Hearing his whisper, and then those words registering and then the meaning. I should be running. Bags packed and into my car, half way to Seattle maybe? However, I was here buying ice cream for an unplanned date night.

‘If someone doesn’t marry you soon, I will!’ My head jolted up and towards the sound of the voice. My lips curling up into a deep smile as I saw the older of them waitresses from the diner waiting to see what we came in for.

‘I’m guessing you are both looking for some ice cream to take away?’

She laughed at seeing my blushing cheeks. ‘Oh darling, you are so cute.’ Which made my cheeks burn even more.

❁ Collin ❁

The sound of her heart made mine speed up. But I barely had time to think about it we were both burning bright red. I had no clue who she was talking too. We both got the ‘you are so cute’, look.

We made our way to the counter, and I nodded. "Oh, c'mon now! you wouldn't do that to your best customer? would you?" I chuckled. "You wouldn't try to steal her away from me." I smiled.

She smiled and slipped behind the counter and grinned. 'Two scoops of everything except the pistachio?' she asked.

I nodded and grinned "You know me so well.”

❁ Harper ❁

My eyebrows shout up. “How did you…” I stopped when I saw she was talking to Collin and not me now.

“You don’t like pistachio?” This couldn’t be true. We have the same ‘no no’ in ice cream, could we? I glanced at him and shook my head. He was so kind and sweet as he spoke.

❁ Collin ❁

I tilted my head to Harper... was she about to say said?  I what thought. Most of the staff here would know my order when I was taking a bucket to go... but was it even possible.

"I mean... I have against pistachio in general... but if I want nuts in my ice cream, I'd  rather order a Sunday." I smiled.

"Do you like pistachio?"

❁ Harper ❁

I sat myself down on one of the stools beside the counter, because I was becoming aware of the shake of shock going through me right now.

How could this man be this perfect? How? Combing my hair behind my ear I smiled and then laughed softly.

“I like them, as a nut. however not as a flavour. It doesn’t taste right. And like you say. If you want nuts, you order a sundae.”

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned widely. The diner owner was watching us from the counter at the back.

'How about a large tub and you can share?' She asked and gave me a wink. "That sounds perfect. "Thank you, that would be great."

I heard her whispering herself about how cute it all was.  I leaned on the counter and dug the toe of my boot into the worn bit spotless linoleum. I slid closer to where Harper was sitting and said for only her to hear.

"You, Harper Jenkins..." I brushed my thumb over the back of her hand. "May just be the perfect woman." I smiled.

❁ Harper ❁

My eyes dropped to the slight touch of my hand, it was enough to send a current of electricity down my spine, and heat rushing to my already hot cheeks.

Why did this man made me, so tongue tied? I swear I could speak just fine when I was not around him.

Giving him the lightest of nudges with my shoulder, my gaze moved slowly from my hand. Moving up his side profile until our glance locked.

“I… I…” shaking my head I tried again. “I will have to take your word for it.”

❁ Collin ❁

I wanted to say, "Perfect for me.” But even I knew that was too much. Electricity buzzed along with my hand and up my armrest from the light touch.

"You should." I smiled. "I have a very unique perspective."

I looked back at the owner scooping the ice cream. "You  don't mind sharing, do you? It's a great excuse to have you sitting right next to me." My face burned but I managed to say it without stuttering... the more time I spent with this woman the more my insecurities slipped away.

❁ Harper ❁

I parted my lips right way to say, ‘I don’t share my ice cream.’ However, managed to stop at hearing #Kenzi voice in my mind and seeing #Jenna with her arms crossed and rolling her eyes at me.

Clearing my throat and nodding my head a little. Letting him  know I would share.

“However…” I couldn’t, not warn him. “If we have Spoon Wars half way down into the tub. I’m sorry.”

There… I said it.

Wait… did that sound a little crazy?

I mean, spoon wars?

Lord! What was wrong with me?

Was it too late to back out and run?

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed a deeper red when she let herself get flustered... it made sense... but it's what happened, nonetheless. I laughed soft.

"My mom raised a gentleman. If we resort to spoon wars... I promise to let you win." I smiled wider. "But only the first time... after that all bets are off."

'Can I get you anything else today?' The Diner owner asked. "How about two of those giant marshmallow and chocolate cookies..." I turned to Harper. "What do you think? anything else?" Because would never assume to order for her... but the cookies were too good  to pass up.

❁ Harper ❁

“Remind me to thank you mom someday, I am not against taking a free win if they are on offer.”

There still was some level of ‘please stop talking.’ Or ‘stop blushing Harper.’ Kind of conversations taking place in my mind.

However, upon the diner owner’s question. I smiled, glancing over to the glass jar on the counter. Nodding my head.

“That doesn’t even need to be a question.” I told them both.

And it didn’t go by me that he didn’t make any assumptions.

‘You are my kinda of a young lady.’ He laughed opening the jar.

❁ Collin ❁

My mouth went dry. Did she want to meet my mom? That was a good thing, right? Other than the fact to my mom would talk her ear off and take out the baby albums. Maybe she should meet Ana first?

I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet, sliding my card across the counter. "Since you’re introducing me to a whole new world of cinema magic it only seems right that I buy the snacks."

❁ Harper ❁

My eyebrows jolted.

“I was the one who invited you out for ice cream Collin!” I shook my head as he set his card down on the counter and I did the same. The diner owner watched up as he placed the ice cream and cookies into a larger paper bag.

Then he added a box with something in it too. Winking at me she set the bag down before us. Then with one finger slide my card back towards me.

‘Let the boy do something nice for you. Sometimes it’s the only way these young ones can show how much they care.’ My face flushed, I felt the heat grow.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. “I’ve been coming here longer, she had to take my side.”

‘Long enough for me to clip you around the ear young one.’ She chided right back, and I swallowed hard. Because she would. She winked at Harper then.

“You can return the favour and let me get a taste of your  home cooking next time.” I smiled.

“Leah and Seth keep telling me your food is amazing and they’ve eaten my cooking…” I flashed a bright smile. “I think it’s time I tasted the competition’s food before she goes after my title.”

❁ Harper ❁

I dropped my eyes to the bag before us, slipping my card back away, I knew when I was beaten. And this was two against one. My lips curled back up into a smile when he invited himself over for dinner?

“They have been talking about me?” I tried and failed to look shocked. tilting my head to one side, I stood up.

“I’m not sure I would call myself competition. I’ve tasted your hazelnut butter remember. However, I know my way around the kitchen.” Curling my fingers around the handle of the bag I stood, saying thank you to the lady once again.

❁ Collin ❁

“Only when I pester them restlessly.” I chuckled and stepped away from mam the counter with her as she carried the food. “Mostly they tell me to go and ask you directly.”

I opened to door for her again. Since her hands were full. “Your place or mine Dr. Jenkins.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Do they?”I wasn’t sure why, however knowing that he wanted to know about me. Made me smile.

“ You know you can ask me anything.” Stepping outside I shivered coming from the warm out into a cold air did that. ( Just didn’t stop me from craving ice cream. )

“Where is Nova?” I asked before answering his question.

“Because if she is at home alone, you know we are going to her.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly. “I know I can but it’s only sort of cheating to gather a little intel to appear all insightful and stuff.”

My smile brightened when she asked about #Nova just as I was about to mention I needed to pick her up on the way.  “She’s with my cousin today, I haven’t  been able to leave her on her own since you found out she was pregnant, I know it’s probably overkill… but I can’t help it.”

I loved how she thought of her… because of course she did. #Nova was our little matchmaker. She brought us together. “We can pick her up on the way.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Intel?” I turned to glance up at him. The sound ow him laughing still was something I had to lock down. It was warm and welcoming. And in turn made me laugh too.

“Is this where I am going wrong?” Why had I not thought of calling #Seth and skin about Collin?

“It isn’t overkill. I wouldn’t want her to stay home alone for too long, which is why I will say you are doing the right thing.” Stopping in my tracks because now I really didn’t know where I was going. Pointing up and down the street. “Of course, which way do we go?”

❁ Collin ❁

The back of my neck heated. "You aren't going wrong at all." I stammered a little that time.

"Just take everything Leah says with a pinch of salt, she loves me like family no matter how much denies it." Then my eyes went wide with panic. "And don't tell her I used the  L-word!" I laughed.

"She's still so young... I would rather make sure she's with someone at least for now." I reached out and took her hand. Nodding down the street. "This way." I gently pull guiding her to follow me. It was strange; I didn't need to moderate my strength.

It was basic instinct with her. I smiled at... because that... that was certainly something I could get used to in my life.

❁ Harper ❁

My face lit up with a mixture of enthusiasm and mischief. Nudging my shoulder into the side of him a little as I laughed softly.

“Leah! Yes. I should ask Leah all about you.” However, from what I knew about her. She wouldn’t tell me much. I liked her for this reason. “What? Love? I can’t tell her you said she loves you?” Shaking my head think he was funny at joking like this with me.

My fingers naturally curled around his, and a sensation of a warm river flowing it’s way up my arm gave way to the hiccup of my heart. Why did this feel so right?

“Collin...” I squeezed his hand in mine.

“Really you are doing and thinking the right things. The baby girl is so young, you do not want her over exerting herself, or stressing for any reason.” Shaking my head, I smiled.

“And to think… the first time I met you. I was so mad, and thought you were so irresponsible with her. How wrong I was.”

❁ Collin ❁

"She has a thing about that word." I chuckled. I knew that Harper wouldn't hear about my insane crush on Leah. But it was bound to happen sooner or later.

I felt her hand wrap around mean and heard her heart skip as mine sped up.  "I don't think you were wrong..." I sighed softly. "I feel like it is my fault...I mean, partially at least. I knew I should have taken #Nova with me when I moved out. But I was more concerned about not being the bad guy. That's why I kept paying all of #Nova's bills... insurance and everything."  I squeezed Harper's Hand softly, being near her soothed the way felt about leaving #Nova behind.

"If I'd taken her with me, she wouldn't have to go through this."

❁ Harper ❁

“Noted, I will check myself and that word.” I knew #Leah wasn’t outwardly affectionate, however not liking the word Love? My heart sank, I hadn’t meant for him to feel bad. Or for those though and memories to come to the surface.

“I… I am sorry.” I said in a low voice. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Biting on the corner of my lips I dropped my eyes to watch my feet.

“If it means anything, I think you are amazing with the baby girl. She is so happy and carefree.” I couldn’t and wouldn’t comment on his relationship and decisions.

❁ Collin ❁

I turned and smiled at her, she was such a kind soul. “You've nothing to apologise for. I don't want just to talk about the happy and fun things with you.”

I released her hand and lay my arm over her shoulders, bringing us closer together. “I want to tell you when things aren't all good... Or when I've some something wrong.” I pressed my lips into a line and rubbed the back of my neck, noting how her teeth tugged on her lip.

“Isn't that...” I cleared my throat... She had called me her boyfriend so certainly I could say this, right? “Isn’t  that what... Um... People... Do when their... Dating?”

Damn! My heart was pounding!

❁ Harper ❁

A wild wash of emotions flowed over me. These words he was sharing has such meaning to them.

“I…” my face run to that redness in my cheeks. He drew me into his said and I felt that tug in my chest telling me that I fit perfectly into him.  My eyes flickered from my feet up  to catch his side profile.

I had jumped the gun, or at least I thought I had by outing him as my boyfriend. However now, was he saying it back to me but in a different way?  “People… Uhm… dating…. Yes… they do…” I squeezed my hand tightly around the bag. What was wrong with me?

“Is.. that… what we are doing? Dating?” I had to look at him.

❁ Collin ❁

Her scent was all over the place now and I wasn't sure exactly what she was feeling. Was the boyfriend thing a slip?

I laughed awkwardly... that was a good response right. "I mean... I..." My heart pounded and my hand gestured awkwardly in front of me. "I hope so."

I saw how  her hand tightened around the bag.

"Do you want me to take that?" I asked and started leading her up the path to #Jake's barn where he was working on my truck. "Ready to meet the Chief's son?" I grinned.

❁ Harper ❁

I took a deep breath. Okay… we were? Was he unsure? Was I overthinking this all.  I closed my eyes, took two deeps breath. And parted my lips and stopped.

“The chief’s son?” My glazed fell on our location, and how I hadn’t been looking where we were going.

I had been about to confuse what I had done at #HwH the other night. Apologise for what I said now that he was saying that we were dating. And we both agreed. However now, here. Maybe later?

“Billy’s son? Yes. A hundred percent ready.”  I had been looking forward at meeting him. His sister and father were such nice people.

❁ Collin ❁

I slid the barn door open and of course #Jake was standing there just starting to pull a shirt over his bare chest. "Oh jeez!" I muttered to myself... He must have heard us coming and was a little slow on the uptake. Around the other imprints, he probably wouldn't have bothered because they were used to it. But for Harper... she was still new to it all, so he was trying to be respectful.

"Hey cuz!" I gave him a glare.

'Harper!' he grinned. "It's about time he brought you by! I have heard a lot about you.' he started to wipe the oil and dirt off his hands. 'I mean a lot... maybe even too much. This guy can talk and talk–'

"Jake!" I hissed.

'When he starts to bug you let me know,  can sort him out for you.' He had a goofy grin on his face.

"Spirits!! Jacob!" Could our whole-body blush?

'It's nice to meet you, Harper.' he held out an almost clean hand to her.

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh!” I averted my eyes as fast as I could. The shock of seeing a half naked man inside a barn hit hard. My eyes darted around as I felt the heat travelling up to my cheeks and my heart pulsing from the embarrassment.

I laughed a little uncomfortably, but the laughter really came from the discomfort I could hear in Collin’s voice. I only dared to finally move my chestnut-coloured eyes towards the chief’s when I was sure he was fully dressed.

“I…” smiling the moment I saw that smile on his face. It was Collin’s smile. The very same one that has been in my dreams these past weeks. “Sorry, Uhm… Hi?” He laughed hard looking from Collin to me and then back again. “I… uhm… I’ve heard a lot about you too.” His father spoke highly of him, as did #Sue.

“Seth has told me you can eat a lot of hotdogs and burgers. Something about dares…”

I blushed again as I took his hand in mine. His hand was big, warm just like Collin’s and I could tell he worked with his hands too.

“The pleasure is truly mine Jak… Jacob.” Stumbling on what I should call him and settling on his given name.   

❁ Collin ❁

I didn’t take my hand from around her until Jake was dressed. I mean I got it… but did it have to be constant? When I was alone or with just the I was frequently shirtless… it was more comfortable… but I still knew when to put mine back on.

“Where’s Nova?” I asked and her head popped up in the truck window.

‘She’s been sleeping on your jacket in there for half an hour. Dad‘s been... Worryingly well behaved.’ his brow furrowed. Her dwindling energy levels worried the guys - they were used to her keeping up with them.

“She gets tired in the evenings.” I said opening the door and rubbing her down her side. “Being a mamma is hard work, isn't it baby girl?” I had already spoken to Harper about it, so I wasn't overly concerned... Or at least I wasn't panicking.

‘The truck isn't quite ready yet, I need another hour or so.’ Jake vanished under the hood again.

“That's okay I just wanted to pick up Nova, I'll come back for it later.”  I lifted Nova down and she went right the Harper... But didn't jump up. Just wagged her tail so hard her whole butt wiggled.

❁ Harper ❁

I stood back, giving the two cousins their space to talk. Trying not to listen until Jacob spoke about his concerns about #Nova.

It took all my will power not to rush over to her for a quick look.

I smiled as Jacob glanced at me with a smile while speaking. And then #Nova came over. At first, I looked over her body as she walked. There was a waddle just starting show. Not too much, but a good sign thing were progressing in her pregnancy.

“Hi baby girl.”

Right away I was down on my knees, setting the bag in my hand down out of her reach. My hands patting her head and then I glided them all the way down her spine, sides and then while making it look like I was just giving her a lot of loving, I felt for her babies. Counting them and their feel. Her heart was beating faster, but that was expected with her excitement.

“Such a good girl. You are doing so well.” I told her in her ear only for her to hear. I wasn’t worried. It was pregnancy tiredness the poor baby was suffering from.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, watching Harper with #Nova. The way she looked her over without making her feel like it was anything other than some love and attention.

'Wow.' #Jake grinned... "She's good. You better be careful... she could give you a tick bath and you'd never know it was happening.' He laughed.

Jeez, he was brutal today! "Okay, okay... I think she gets the mock the younger cousin thing." I tried to reel it back in. "Can we move along and be grown-ups now?"

I smiled at Harper again. "How is she doing?"

❁ Harper ❁

My face redded and I laughed softly. “Sorry, it’s hard not to check if those close to her are saying something has changed.” I rubbed #Nova on her back, giving her one more kiss and standing up.

“Hmm… is she eating and drinking her food and water?” I asked, picking up the bag once again.

“I really don’t want to add any supplements to her diet. Too much calcium and / or vitamins may cause problems with Nova’s health and her puppies...” I didn’t want to scare Collin.

“It’s a lot to do with her age as we spoke about before. She’s a young mom, doing the best she can. However, she has all of you to keep an eye on her.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled wider. "That's okay... I'm sure it hard not to when you meet a patient in general." I knew it had to be for her. She was so passionate about her work. "I'll never turn down any help look out for her."

'You wouldn't need help if Jo had taken—' Jake started and I cut him off by clearing my throat loudly.  Bad mouthing Jo wasn't going to change the situation.

None of the guys liked her... and for most of them, it started before we broke up. They tried to keep it from me, but the hive mind wasn't great for secrets.

"She isn't loving her dog food right now, But I've been mixing it with food from all the information Jessica gave me. And she loves all kinds of raw vegetables... water hasn't been a problem, but I give her that solution you gave me at night time."

Jake came up next to me and  whispered for only my ears. 'Not date talk.'

I rolled my eyes. He didn't know Harper like I did. Plus, I had a whole evening with her now. I grabbed Nova's harness and lead. "We should get going before our ice cream turns into soup."

❁ Harper ❁

I shifted from one foot to the other, keeping my head down when the two cousins spoke about Collins ex.

It wasn’t my place, and I had nothing to add to that matter. Anyway, I was lost in watching the baby girl, giving her another Pat on her head as she asked for more attention. which was a good sign.

My brow eyes met Collin’s listening with a slit nod now and then.

“Perfect, we need to ensure her food intake doesn’t lower at this stage. Also, try to keep an eye out. Make sure she is eating and not hiding the food away.”

Smiling at how she walked over with her tail waggling as soon as she heard her lead and harness.

“She is young, so… she could confuse the changes in her. Start hiding food thinking it’s what she needs to do for the puppies.” I remembered the bag in my hand. “Oh. Uhm. Yes.” Taking a step forward I hold out my hand to Jacob Black.

“It was lovely to meet you finally. Please say Hi to your father for me.” Smiling I thought of the little wooden wolf beside my bed that was a gift from the Chief.

❁ Collin ❁

#Jake laughed a little. ‘My cousin is far too much of a clean freak to let her hide food in the house.’ The normally would have made be awkward but I knew know that that was a quality Harper and I shared.

“I’ve been watching her, the only thing she take to her bed and treats carrots… sometimes she takes her time with them, but she always finishes them. But I’ll look out for that.” I looked up at Jake as I buckled nova into the new harness, I had bought for the comfort of the growing belly, and he nodded.

‘I will keep an out when I’m in babysitting duty. And I have the clinics number in my phone if I ever need it.’ He smiled at Harper. ‘It was lovely to meet you. I know we tease this one a lot… but he is a good one. We just want the best for him… seems like he finally found it.’

And there it was… my face burned and stared intently at my boots. I slipped my hand back into Harper’s and held Nova’s lease in the other. “Thanks Jake.”

The tone was both genuine and annoyed, he had looked after Nova for me today… and he was working on my truck.

“See you later.” I called back as I walked out barn with the two of them.

❁ Harper ❁

By now I knew I had to be a beetroot red. The heat in my burning face could I was sure fry a couple of eggs.

Politely saying my good byes. I followed Collin out of the barn. He had #Nova in one hand and had taken my hand in his other.  When we were down the street I finally spoke.

“So, are most the men here in La Push as tall as you guys? Or does it just run in the family?” I had to know. So far, I had seen so many of them cross paths with me. Shirtless, tall, well built, shirtless!!! It was becoming a pattern.

“And…” now I smiled a little as my glasses slipped down my nose.

“I think he likes me.” I couldn’t help myself. The comment about wanting the best for Collin stuck.

❁ Collin ❁

Her question made me want to rub the back of my neck, but I would either have to tug on the leash in one hand or let go of  Harper's hand. I wasn't going to do either.

"I mean... There are a lot of tall guys on the Rez. I think it probably runs in a lot of the families... but we spend a lot of time in the woods and the water. So that probably has a lot to do with how big we tend to get around here... and genetics too, I suppose. I’m sure being descendants of the Chief's give us an edge too though." I added the last part as a joke. I was directly descendant of the Black’s, but the Alpha's still had a few inches on me.

My ear and face burned when she brought up what Jake said. "He does... all my friends do actually. Even the ones that haven't met you yet." I smiled. "They've never really liked anyone I dated before... And they've kind of always been right not to." I really ended up in some terrible relationships. "But they all agree I finally got it right."

❁ Harper ❁

I listened with intent as we walked down the lane. My eyes dropping to watch #Nova who walked full of happiness with the tail wagging. She stopped to smell things, and Collin and her connection was so natural that it made me smile.

“There is so much history in this town. I mean, listening to you, to Billy, Sue, Leah, and Seth. There was always the knowledge that there is something special. However, being here. I see it now.” And I really had started to see it.

I laughed softly shaking my head, sure he had to be kidding with me. His friends who didn’t know me liked me too? However, then I thought of Kenz, Jenna, and Dam. They had started to like him from the way I spoke of him to them.

“Got it right?” I teased a little bit. “Will they be happy to learn that I am a clean freak too, do you think?” But then I lifted my gaze to him, taking in his side profile. “We all make mistakes Collin. My dad said it was the only way to learn what is right and what is wrong for us.” Sighing I moved my eyes ahead. “It’s not like I made the best choices in my past too.” How true was that statement.

❁ Collin ❁

I liked to let #Nova snuffle around as we walked... at least when she wasn't trying to eat stuff she shouldn't. Itwas in her nature after all, so I figured being aware of her surroundings would make her feel safer.

"There really is... I love it here. I know that people think  being from a small town and not dreaming of leaving is a lack of ambition. But my dad said that there a resilience to those that bloom where they're planted. I don't think any place could thrive without the ones that stay." I smiled at her. "And a beautiful, mysterious new  arrivals. The world needs both."

I laughed and turned beet red from head to toe. "Same of them may or not have a bet going that our first fight will be about the proper way to clean something." They, in fact, did... and that thing was a window.

I smiled at her, she wasn't  the type to judge... I mean the fact I walked into her practice with a one pregnant husky and she hadn't  looked at me with disgust was proof of that. "Maybe that's something we can talk about someday." I offered her a smile, it was a little soon right now... "Like I  said... I want to everything about you... not just the good and happy stuff."

❁ Harper ❁

My body stiffened a little. He was so confident in his choice to stay in the town he was born in. He kind of reminded me of #Jenna in that way. “Uhm.. I’ve… never felt like I belong.” I said in a low voice. “I’ve always felt like an outsider, or an imposter.” Wow.. biting my tongue. Was that too much to share?

I shook my head, smiling a little. “I hope they are willing to give me a cut, or at least let me place a bet too.” His friends, the ones I met were lovely. And I was certain the others were lovely too.

“Maybe… someday. Right now. I like the place we are in..” That conversation would need wine, not ice cream.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart cracked a little as her revelation. My thumb brushed across the back of her hand, still joined with mine. “Sometimes the world can be cruel in how it chooses to so show you your true path.”

She seemed surprised that shed let those words slip out. “I hope to make it my personal mission to make you feel like you belong here. And not just for myself... This tribe really needs a talented animal healer. Dr Hill was good, but... You are something else.”

I nodded when she agreed with me. “I completely agree... I believe that we have all the time we could possibly need for all of those conversations. But right now, isn’t the time.”

❁ Harper ❁

I felt his thumb sweep over the back of my hand. He had said he wanted us to be real with one another, however I was hoping to ease him into it. Life felt ease with this man, I felt more like myself than I ever did.

“No… Collin.” I started and then bit my lips. No... I had started so I should say it. “That is too much to ask from one person. It’s not your job to make me feel like I am house. I have to do that for myself. However...” This time I squeezed his hand still in mine. “You make me want to do more, see more and learn more about it.”

As we walked the breeze picked up, sending a chill down my neck and back. There it was again, the feeling that the air was singing to me, and it made me smile.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her shaking my head. "I'm not sure what kind of people you had in your life before... I mean I know your inner circle was amazing. When it comes to guys... I have no clue. But, someone doing everything within their power to make you feel welcome and  wanted... and safe. Is never too much.” I paused realising there were too many and’s  in the sentence. "I know that ultimately it's all up to you. But... you may have noticed I like having you around a lot."

I saw her street just ahead. "You can ask me anything you  want about La Push and the tribe... I'm not an expert on history. But my Mom teaches Tribal History at the elementary school. And my uncle is the chief... so know all the right people."

❁ Harper ❁

My heart for some reason started to beat a little unevenly. I wasn’t sure why, but I was lost for words. What should a girl even say to this? So, finally when I saw my street coming into view I said. “We aren’t talking about ex’s today remember. That conversation is for another day.” The part about him wanting me around. That made my cheeks bush.

“Your mom is a teacher?” Did I know this about her? I was sure not. I knew about his sister, and the way she fell in love so often. “Okay.” I thought for a moment. “Tell me about the Tree Graveyard? They say it is a sight light no other? But no one knows why it is there?” I have planned to go for a drive to see it, however I hadn’t the time yet. One day I told myself. Soon.

 #Nova pushed the wet nose into my hand wanting to see what was in the bag. “It’s not for you baby girl.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and nodded. "Sorry... you're right. But speaking for myself, everything I just said... it's not too much. Especially considering how much I love to be around you." I gave her another nod. "She is... She actually sort of retired? I don't know if that's the right word.

I was born several before her maternity leave... so the school was still looking for a sub. But then mom was so sick after my birth and I was in the hospital for so long... then surgeries and illnesses." I stopped myself. "Anyway... she decided to stay home with me... #Ananya Came along. But long story short. The woman the replaced mom moved away and they asked her to cover for a while. #Ana was a senior in high school so mom went back. Now it's two years later."

I smiled a broad smile, she had that one right on the tip of her tongue. "You read a lot don't you?" I chuckled. "There are a lot of stories about it. Would you like to hear the one Mom told us at bedtime?"

❁ Harper ❁

The twitch to distract myself with a moment or action tugged on me. However, with Collin holding one hand, the other wrapped around a bag. There was no way for me to act upon it.

“Please don’t be sorry, I just…” biting in my lip I didn’t know how to answer the question. How were the men in my life? Dad, Dam, Seth. Dr Harris… there were the men who mattered. “The men who matter, they are amazing.” 

And the other list, it was short, and painful, however as I walk with him. I searched for that pain, the discomfort and I couldn’t find it?

Not sure what it was. But with his hand in mine, it somehow didn’t matter.

My heart spluttered listening to the story of his birth, his mom’s illness. “It must have been hard for her… being a new mom , wanting to be there for you, and your dad.” Recalling how worried  Kevin had been with Mr Custard. To image that man. In a hospital with his wife, his new baby, and to learn they were ill.  My heart cried for a past I wasn’t apart but,  we were here now.

We turned the corner of my street; I could see my bug parked in front of my new home.

“Home.” I whispered.

My eyes caught his and the blush creeped up my cheeks. “I like to read, to know where I am, what is here to understand.” Nodding my head. “If you do not mind sharing something as private as  your moms stories.”

“I don’t remember the stories my  mom told me, as much as I tried to recall them, the further they run.” Once again, I told him something I hadn’t told anyone.”

Squeezing his hand. Then let go of it, fishing out my keys as I continued walking.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled... “The ones I have so far... They really are.”

I nodded, I knew that it had to have been hard. “I’m sure it was... But she's never complained. She says the Spirits tested us to make stronger. And the ancestors protected us.”

I heard her whisper and my heart stuttered. It gave me such joy that she thought of this place like home, I could make anywhere home if I was close to her, but it made me feel lighter to know she had that place of safety.

“Private stories.” I laughed. “Oh no! Connie’s stories are the right stories!” My heart ached at the thought that she had forgotten her mother’s stories. “Whether you remember them or not, they helped to shape you. They are part of you.” I felt the absence of her hand like a mythological Greek hero missed his love on one of his epic quests... Which was obviously ridiculous but all the same the feeling was there.

❁ Harper ❁

I felt there was a truth in what Collin had said. Maybe even if I didn’t recall the bedtime storied my mom told me, there were lessons in those words that must have somehow been built into the woman I grew up to be?

“There is not wrong in having the right stories too.” I was smiling as our feet carried us forwards. #Nova looking a little tired, however she was happy in her own world. “

Before I knew it, we were walking past the bug, and towards the end of our walk. I placed the key in the lock and pushed the door open. “Would you like something to drink?” I asked kicking off my boot and leaving them beside the door.

Rushing off to the kitchen I set the bag down, taking the ice cream out I took it to the fridge. It wasn’t warm outside, however just in case I wanted to be sure there was a little firmness to the dessert. I went about taking out the water bowl I had bought for #Nova, filling it with fresh water I set it down for her, and then I was in the fridge. “Is it okay to give Nova a lamb bone? Or I have a kong in the freezer ready for her?” I called out.

❁ Collin ❁

“According to mom she tells them the right way... I'm inclined to agree.” I laughed. “How about I take you there someday and tell you the story? Or are you too curious to wait?” I smiled at her... Normally I would use any chance I could to make another date with her, but I didn't feel that need anymore.

Every time I saw that car of hers, I was reminded of that bright personality of hers. “Sure, I would love one.” I watched her step out of her boots and wondered if I had missed that about her. Was she the typed that preferred people to take of their  in her home like mom was? It wasn't an issue in my house the pack used any excuse to take of their shoes, not that the bare feet to much of an improvement. I took mine off too just in case. Glad I had showered right after work.

I followed after her and watched her take out  the bowl. She was always prepared for #Nova. “You're the expert I will defer to your superior judgment. She would love either.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Never disagrees with moms, that is a lesson we all learn fast.”

Popping my head over the top of the door, I was smiling now again. “You would go with me? To visit?“ I asked, this time I knew I wouldn’t say no. He had kindly offered so many times to take me site-seeing, however I didn’t have a spare moment to go.

“As much as I would love to hear all about it now.” And I really did. “I can be patient and wait for the visit. It will feel different I am certain hearing all about them, while walk in the midst of it all.”

#Nova made her way to the bowl, lapping up the water. So, I handed Collin the jug. “It’s carrot, ginger and apples today, unless you would like something else?” Pointing towards the cupboard where the glasses live.

“Okay baby girl. Your father says it’s my call. However, I say it’s the mama to be.” Taking the two options out. Holding them at a height. I ask her to sit. Laughing at the excitement in her tail waggling. She knew what was coming.

“Only one. Okay.” I let her sniff at the two. And of course, it was the bone to win. “Good girl.” She barked, waiting as I unwrapped the leg bone and gave it to her. “You enjoy that. It’s all good stuff for you and your babies.”

❁ Collin ❁

"That's survival 101 around here." I chuckled. "Sure, I would, I got there all the time with #Nova. It's so beautiful first thing in the morning, the sea mist makes the lighting really eerie. Perfect for storytelling."

I grinned at her. "Sounds perfect. You’re going to have to give me your weekly juice plans, so I know when to stop by for a visit." When she pointed to the cupboard I had a warm feeling, the way she treated me as a regular guest... as someone that should be comfortable moving around her kitchen. It made my heart stumble a few beats. I  grabbed the glasses. "Do you want some too or do you prefer wine on your spur of the moment date nights?" I teased...and it sounded like a tease, not a stuttering mash-up words. granted my ears and neck burned... but I was proud of that one.

She was so amazing with #Nova. "She really loves you." I smiled.

❁ Harper ❁

#Nova make herself at home, as I watched her to make sure she was okay. I smiled over to Collin. “There is a true photographers eye. Knowing when the lighting is at its natural best.”

Tilting my head to the side as I felt that warmth and the hum of this invisible energy making me feel so proud and wanting to closer to him. I shook my head freeing myself for the moment.

“You sound like Char. He says Teddy is trying to fatten him up. So, he comes to steal my juice when he is drinking by too.” I loved how he had these small comments that felt so familiar, I just couldn’t put my finger on the pulse of why.

A soft laughter escaped my smiling lips. “I may have a glass of wine later. For now, I will have some juice too. You know... For my spur of the moment date.”

My eyes drifted back to #Nova once again. She was growling at the bone for not staying still. “I love her too.” I told him. Before glancing at him.

Clearing my throat, I caught myself staring now. “I put the ice cream in the freezer for a few, just to make sure it’s not milk shake.” My cheeks felt like they were getting hot. “Would you like some chips or popcorn?” I asked.

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned at her. "I can't help it. I'm a sucker for setting a scene." I laughed softly and poured two glasses of juice. "It not fattening him up... it's how he shows love. Though I could be biased I have been told that cooking for people is my love language. #Seth's words, not  "I might even join you with that glass of wine... since it's a special occasion." My heart raced in my chest... she was talking about #Nova and still hearing her say those words... It hit me deeply.

"Can't have a movie without popcorn. So... you have to tell me. Are these movies tear-jerkers? Do I need to mentally prepare myself... and you. Because I'll warn you now... I ugly cry. It's not pretty."

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh no, Teddy had admitted it in the past too.” Trying and feeling really badly to mimic my friends. ‘If I fatten him up, he will never leave me.’ Not that he had anything to worry about. You saw them here; they are both so in love. They have a beautiful love language.” I agreed.

“Cooking is most definitely that. There is something about when someone cooks for you. It’s like magic.” I recall #Kenz and #Jenna saying so to me.

Opening the cupboard by the fridge to take out the popcorn. I stopped and turned my head towards him. “Will you know? Not wanting to see me drinking alone.” Smiling, it was nice that he wanted to join me.

“Uhm… some of them can be, we could try to find one which doesn’t make me… us… cry.”

I took out a pan, setting it on the hob to heat. Then turn to get some butter out of the fridge.

“I don’t believe you. You cannot ugly cry.” And some part of my felt a pang. I didn’t want to see him crying or hurt. It was silly. However, the thought was there.

“Now. Here is a test. Sweet or salty popcorn Mr Littlesea?” I stood giving him my full attention.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed setting out the glass for her when she was done tending to my baby girl. “You know that actually sound like him.” I said, a smile in my voice. “But those two… they’re forever… but they’ll never stop the teasing.”

I smiled at her, I couldn’t help but imagine us  together, sometime in the future, bickering of who got to cook instead of whose should cook. It made my heart spur and my wolf reeled me back in. I glanced over my shoulder at the green curtains… remembering that dream id told her about back when we first met. Did she remember  it?

I grinned. “Uh oh!! That is a controversial topic around here! I should say salty because we have ice cream and cookies… but I have to follow my heart and say half and half.” I pretended to cringe until I found out if I passed.

❁ Harper ❁

I really liked the sound of that. Thinking of a happy future for my friends, in love and together years from now… “they really are forever.”

Closing the cupboard door, so that I didn’t walk into it again. I turned to glance after #Nova. She was still happily. And then his glance towards my window… no... the curtains... my green kitchen. A smile creeping up my lips and into a cheek, I remembered the dream he told me about. I wondered if he had it again. Or if it was gone now?

“9 points. That is the correct answer, even if it is controversial  and a discussion starter.” I set to work, making the soften sugar first and then adding the sea salt flakes. Before the popcorn kernels.

Reaching over for my glass. “Thank you for this.” I told him taking a sip.

❁ Collin ❁

I held a fist up in the air when she said nine points... "Wait... only nine? Nine out of nine, right?" I grinned at her. "Because out of ten that's on ninety percent and that's an A-minus... unacceptable!"  added a dramatic flair to the last part.

I smiled at her. "There's too  many things in life we have to choose between. Sweet and salt doesn't need to be one of them if you asked me."

I followed her gaze to #Nova, still gnawing away on her bone, holding it between her paws like a pro. "She's a clever girl." I chuckled. And then turned back to  Harper, watching her work. "Anything I can do to help... Since I invited myself over, I should make myself useful."

❁ Harper ❁

Laughter exploded from my lips softly. Seeing his reaction, it was sweet and funny and so him. Of course, he knew his Percentages and the equivalent grading. He was such a nerd… he was Perfect!

“No…” I exclaimed. “Nine out of ten... because…” her words came  back to me. “There is always space for improvement.” #Leah had good advice that was for sure.

“And I would agree, this is an easy and the right choice to make. Popcorn is a feel good, no though process.” I told him shaking the pan a little waiting for the heat to start popping the kernels.

“She really is.” #Nova looked so settled it was heart-warming.

“You are welcome to grab some carrots and the cucumbers. Peel and cut them if you want? I have some hummus left over from last night’s dinner we could eat too.” I thought.

“Unless you aren’t much hungry that is.” I liked to think ahead so that if I wanted it, while watching a movie. It was ready to go.

❁ Collin ❁

"Uh oh!!" I smirked. "You sound like #Leah... how much time have you been spending with her? Should I be worried?"

I smiled at her. "Oh, Dr Jenkins... where have you been all my life?" I sighed dreamily. Teasing but also serious. She was perfect and clueless to how true that  was.

I moved to the fridge and took out the vegetables she mentioned. I quick glance at how her kitchen was set up setup and I guessed she kept her cutting boards in the cupboard beneath the counter with the space open space. "You know... I'd bet... that we do spontaneous date nights better than anyone ever has."

❁ Harper ❁

I nudged him with my elbow before he moved away. ( And my mind did not go to how firm his body felt. Not at all. Well. Maybe a little? )

“No if I were to sound like Leah. I would have said ‘room for improvement’, I added my own kick to it. And I cannot help it. She has great advice to give.” The kernels started to pop so I turned my attention to the sound. Listening for when they were done. Gazing back to him.

“You believe so? I’m sure there is room for improvement.” I teased, shaking the pan. My eyebrows lifting at how he found my knives.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed and took set everything on the counter. Taking the carrots and cucumber to the sink to be washed.

“Definitely, I’m taking mental notes. I learn something new about you ever day. So, I can keep stepping up my game as I learn silhar you like.” I smiled, returning to counter to peel the carrots. I heard a hitch in her breath when she nudged me. I tried to hide my smile; the raise of her brows gave a reason to let it out. “Your kitchen is organized logically. Things kept the place closest to where they’ll be used the most.” I smiled and  chopped the carrots into chunky sticks. “I have to say… I’m highly impressed.”

❁ Harper ❁

Clearing my thoughts and my mind I shook my head. That wasn’t a place my mind was used to going. Because who had time with everything I had to do and achieve. But with a little time on my hands now, the ability to say Yes to things like a spontaneous date nights were made possible.

“I’ve never been so great at the being mysterious. If there is something to learn about me, I all but blurt it out in the right company.” If I trusted people, they whole heartedly were given my all.

My lips turned into an ‘O’ when he explains how he knew where to find things. “I don’t really have the time to go hunting for things. Hens, things are placed in where they can be easily found and used.  

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled a little. “Oh, there is definitely a little mystery lurking around you, Harper.” I moved on the cucumber and started to slice it.

“Besides I always thought the concept of ‘mysterious is sexy’ or ‘being  mysterious it makes you more attractive’, is overrated. Because most of the time you solve the mystery only to find there’s not a whole lot there... It was an act to protect themselves or cover insecurities. I think being intriguing is far more important. To catch someone's attention with  something that is 100%, unapologetically you . It's more open, more honest... And considering the world, we live in... Pretty damn brave.”

I arranged the vegetables on the plate in a circle. Leaving space in the centre for the hummus. Then I went to stand next to her. I leaned in, careful not to cause her to burn herself, and kissed her temple. “You intrigue me Harper Jenkins. More than you'll ever know.”

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks burnt, I hadn’t ever imaged myself as being someone who was intriguing.

“That’s my thoughts in a nut shell. It not that I would push my beliefs on others, I just never thought it was something to chase.” Also, #Jenna and #Kenz had their major share of those kinda boys, and I was left picking to the broken hearts.

The popping slowed down a little and I turned the hob off so that the residual heat could finish the job, I could see how the sugar had coated the corn, reaching out for the sea salt I stopped  what Collin came over. I closed my eyes as that invisible tug sang to me from inside, making me smile and feel myself melt into his gentle kiss.

“Are you sure you aren’t thinking of another vet? Maybe it’s Juan?” I teased.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her, the small on the popcorn made my stomach growl loudly. “#Juan seems like a great guy but he’s but exactly my type.” I chuckled. I pulled back, still standing close to her but giving her the space to finish up.

“I'm not sure what he thinks of me though. Still trying to figure me out, I reckon.”

❁ Harper ❁

I finished off the popcorn and poured it in the large bowl I had taken out. Adding sea salt into the layers of the sweetness as I listened.

“Maybe. I’m not sure. I never really ask him about things that aren’t work.” Thinking again. “Then again, he doesn’t shy away from telling me his opinions.” I shook my head, looking back at Collin.

“His opinion doesn’t really count though.” Leaning up a little I kissed his cheek. “Mine does”

I smiled as I went to set the hot pan into the sink, needing it to cool down before I could wash it. “Ready?”

❁ Collin ❁

I followed her out of the kitchen. "Oh really? Not worried that I might take advantage of that little tidbit?"

The sound of teeth on bone was interrupted by another grumble and I laughed. "If only we spoke their language." I grinned at #Nova. "The bone stays on the tiles... we aren’t getting meat juice all over Harper's rug." She didn't even acknowledge that comment she just kept chewing.

I set the plate on the coffee table and then each glass on a coaster. "So have you decided on the perfect introduction, yet?"

❁ Harper ❁

“I cannot believe you are the kind of person who would take advantage of me.” He had an innocent vibe about him. And my heart told me he wouldn’t. “Anyway, not sure there is anything there for you to make out of it.”

I set the bowl of popcorn on the table before going to retrieve the remote.

I laughed softly at the conversation between him and his baby girl. Shaking my head, I spoke up. “That is your dad’s rule baby girl. I said no such thing. It’s only a rug, I can clean it. She’s a good girl.” And she was so engrossed in her treat that she didn’t care what her dad told her.

“Oh, the ice cream? Would you like it now or later?” I asked with a few steps towards the kitchen again. “I’m not sure, I don’t want to scare you away. There are a few I could ease you into.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, she had said that so easily and casually like it was something she’d always known.

“No need to go easy on me.” I said, my eyes on her face, taking in each feature. I brush her hair behind her ear with my now empty hands. “And nothing you could do would scare me off. like I told your friend #Jenna, I want to be thrown in at the deep end. And learn as much about as I can.” I smiled. “I’m not a rush, plus if any will be scared off it will be you when I make you watch Sharktopus versus pteracuda” I smirked unashamedly.

❁ Harper ❁

My heart skipped a beat or two, with a fluffy of butterflies letting me know they felt his touch too.

I tilted my head into his touch; however, this time did not close my eyes. “I believe you.” My voice low and soft. Because I really did. Sometimes he said things and I just knew it was the truth.

“Okay. No going easy on you. And you know I am a vet. Nothing with animals in it will scare me away.” I took his hand in mine leading him to the couch, glancing over my shoulder to #Nova still enjoys her bone, before sitting down.

“Okay, which movie do I make your introduction to Hallmark?” Smiling as I said it, my eyes flickering from the screen to him. Until now I didn’t realise just how many of these movies were about people getting married.

“This one…” it had a wedding in it. However, it was a side line... “It is called Love is a Piece of Cake. Light and easy watching.” I said. Hitting play and sitting back into the couch.

( Movie - Love is a Piece of Cake -  https://youtu.be/nx-b1DyTqh4 )

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at the way she leaned into my touch. The want to kiss her was growing... But it was different t than anything else I had felt before, and not just because of the imprint.

My heart thumped when she took my hand. I sat next to her. My thigh brushed lightly against hers. I tried to like I was watching the tilted of the movies go by, but I knew she’d caught me looking at her. The back of my neck burned red, but I didn't look away.

“Love is a piece of cake?” I mused.  “Is it really? Let’s see if they prove that...” I chuckled and sat back with her.

I leaned in and planted that kiss I had been craving on her cheek. And then nervously draped my arm around her shoulders... Why that made me numerous, when a kiss (even on the cheek) was so much intimate I wasn't sure... But here they were... My nerves.

“Opening with cooking scene!” I smiled through the opening credits. “Off to a very strong start. Great choice Dr Jenkins.”

#Nova appeared now... Instead of her normally bounding leap onto the couch she’d started propping her front paws in the couch first and giving a little hop to get fully seated now. She still wasn't struggling; her belly wasn’t that large yet. But I knew that time would come.

“Traitor” I whispered because shed jumped up next to Harper and not me. And she responded in classic #Nova style by licking Harper’s face and making me laugh.

❁ Harper ❁

“Let’s see.” I answer him. “Cake can really test you; you know. The not knowing if you have the mix of all the ingredients right until it comes out and you can see yourself.” I said matter of factly. When really, I was babbling. My nerves had kicked in with that kiss he placed on my cheek. The heat radiated from them now. And as I curled into his side. It was hard to keep my eyes on the screen and not wondering if I should really be this excited about showing him my guilty pleasure.

As the main character Jessy is shown setting up her bakery however, then when he commented on the food element of the movie I just beamed.

“You know food and animals. They are my Achilles heel.”

“Hi baby girl. How was your snack?” I asked #Nova as she slowly climbs up. I covered my mouth but then laughed softly. “Not sure I should allowing you to talk to a mom-to-be this way Mr Littlesea.” Laughing as as my face was kissed by #Nova.

“She’s only asking you to share.” I pat her head and kiss her face in return. Patti my lap. “Settle. Come on baby girl. Rest.” But she clambered on my side wanting some fussing. She I gave it to her.

This was perfect. #Nova’s warm breath on my face and I could feel her half over one side. And Collin was sat on the other with his arm draped over. This was starting to slowly feel real, and not a dream.

❁ Collin ❁

She was so adorable when she rambled. I could listen to her just talk for hours. A wonderful shiver ran down my spine when she eased into my side like this was something we'd done so many times it was normal.

I watched her with #Nova, a small smile on my lips. She was perfect in every possible way.

But thanks to my superhuman hearing I was able to keep track of the movie too... I watched the pretty lead female notice the bride's brother.

"Oh!!" I grinned when it became clear. "Single dad's always get brownie point, don't they" I glanced at #Nova nuzzling into her side. "Do I get any for the baby-girl?" I chuckled, knowing that with her I definitely did. "And a few extras because I'm about to be a Grandpa?" I rubbed the side of #Nova's neck with the hand across her shoulders.

❁ Harper ❁

I laughed softly as the little girl got her way. Turning my eyes to Collin as he spoke. My deep brown eyes lingered on his lips as they moved.

“I am certain she would make him the brownies.” My hand still slowly rubbing #Nova on her back.

“Should I tell him the truth Nova? That in reality I wanted you? And your dad came as part of our deal?” That was so far from the truth. “Then again. It could be the handsome grandpa vibes pulling me in.” I smiled as the movie progressed, and I’d not expected him to talk about it already. He wasn’t judging me. Just asking questions and trying to see if he could breakdown the plot. ( Which wasn’t hard with these movies. )

“Are you still sure you want to watch? I could put something else on?”

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed at the handsome Grandpa comment and covered it by reaching for the popcorn. #Nova settled and rested her chin on Harper's lap... that was a first considering I had just sat a bowl of fresh popcorn on my lap. She wasn't trying to steal it.

"You have a real calming effect on her."

I popped a small handful of the popcorn into my mouth. "Wow... is there anything you're not good at?" I asked her.

"No way!" I smiled. "I want to see if the carpenter gets the girl that loves to bake in the end." I was beaming now... okay sure I wasn't sure if Harper just liked cooking or if she liked to bake too. But it was a clever pun.

"I could learn some vital tips before this movie ends"

❁ Harper ❁

A warmth crept its way over me once again. #Nova set her chin on my lap, and without thinking my hand was settled in her side, just feeling my way over her body. I knew she was fine, however what #Jake had said about her early just made me want to keep her close.

“She has the same effect on me. After a hard day, this girl is the perfect cuddle partner.” Laughing softly, I elbowed him playfully. “You caught that? What Aiden likes to do?”

Biting the corner of my lip before I turned and kissed his warm cheek. “In which case we will see what comes next.” I took a couple of kernels of popcorn chewing on them. Aiden had somehow made me think of Collin. Because he dreamed of working with his hands. And Collin was doing it. Following his dreams.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. "Attention to detail is kinda part of my trade." I didn't say all the other reasons. Like what was important to her would always be important to me. Even if it was just the movies that she loved.

I leaned in closer to her tucking her in against my side until I could rest my head against hair.

"I'm still taking mental notes. You never know what I could learn. I mean you like these films for a reason." I grinned.

❁ Harper ❁

“Uhm.” I did like them for a reason. However, I hadn’t been in a place to openly admit it to anyone.

These movies always had a happy ending, a girl how was lost and couldn’t find a place she belongs. And then it all came together. And maybe, some part of me knew these movies gave me something I was certain I wouldn’t find in my life time.

“As long as you are learning something new.” I laughed softly resting into his side as the movie progressed.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her reaction. She really did wear her heart on her sleeve. I cheesiness of these movies was not lost on me and it wasn't too unlike the cheesiness in my own favourite genre. There was something to be said about predictability. Not all the time... but when you just wanted to still your mind.

I felt her body relaxing against mine, and my heart raced. #Nova gave a contented huff in her sleep, her head still propped on Harper's lap. I turned into her, brushing my nose against her hair and whispered. "I could get used to this."

❁ Harper ❁

Wow. The way he said those words should not have cases this reaction within me. The skipping of my heart, the smile growing and the way I hid my face into his neck… all the things adding up to being myself with him around.

“Really?” I whisper and kiss his neck before my eyes were back on the screen. “Good, because I could too.” Laughing softly at the dream sound #Nova made. And then she kicked out before resting again. This time I whispered really low. “I think the baby girl agrees too.”

❁ Collin ❁

I held my breath, in a second so much changed. The steady pattern of her heart, a hitch in her breath.... even her scent. A rush of pheromones maybe? I took in a deep breath of her and relaxed against her, that new scent giving me an uncanny sense of calm.

But way she nuzzled against my neck and... Spirits! That kiss! I closed my eyes and a low hum seemed to rise up in my throat as millions of tiny, winged creatures came to life in my stomach. My smile grew so much it threatened the etch itself permanently onto my face.

I laughed softly at #Nova. "A perfect with my two favourite ladies." I whispered, relaxing against Harper in return. Normally I would have taken out my phone to capture this moment. But I had a feeling it was one neither of us would need help remembering and I wasn't about to shatter it.

❁ Harper ❁

“Perfect.” I whispered feeling my cheek heat as a rush of blood turned my skin red. I put some more popcorn into my mouth before I did or said anything silly or nerdy. Even if I knew now that he would never make fun of me. I had to keep something back for him to find.

“Hey, would you like another drink?” I asked looking at the table and the snacks. I hadn’t thought to bring something more than what was left in our glasses out with us.

However, when I saw how comfortable #Nova was. “Not sure I can move” I smiled. She was content with herself

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled; I hadn't stopped smiling. I had never felt anything like this before... This complete and utter certainty of being exactly where I belong, that in this moment... Everything was right in the world.

“We can't disturb the pregnant lady.” I chuckled. “If you make them  move when they are comfortable, you're likely to lose a finger.” I kissed her hair again. “I'll go, what would like? That glass of wine we talked about or more juice?” my fingers stroked back and forward on her arm. My wolf stretched beneath my skin and curled up, more content than I had ever known him to be.

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh please.” My smile grew from ear to ear. This teasing, the easiest way to talk and learn about one another. It had been new, and something I didn’t want to miss.

“Baby girl loves me too much; it would just be a growl.” I turned my head to look up at him.

“The wine please. if you don’t mind. It is in the fridge.” Reluctantly I shifted to give him space to slide out, without disturbing the mummy -to- be.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, it was so easy to make her smile. Finding joy in the little things was a rare quality in a person... and a beautiful one.

I brushed a small kiss to her temple before I uncurled my arm from around her shoulder. "Of course, I'll only be a second.

I slipped away, carefully, disturbing them as little as possible.

At the door I glanced back, it was a beautiful sight. Harper and Nova... my perfect little happy place, right there next to them. My heart thumped a little harder.

❁ Harper ❁

I paused the movie. Unsure if I should or not but went with the safer option. “Thank you.” I whispered softly, not wanting to wake the baby girl up.

She stirred in her sleep when the couch moved, I lent down and kissed the top of her head. Whispering “Sleep, your babies need you to rest.”

Taking my fingers Through her thick fur, Coaxed her back into her sleep. “Such a good girl.” I wouldn’t stop smiling as I watched her.

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned as easily find wine glasses and the bottle in the fridge. I poured two glasses. I rarely drank... but in certain situations... when there was a reason to celebrate or a moment like this I could enjoy wine or something that had a complex flavour, even the occasional  IPA beer.

I loved that she spoke to #Nova like would start speaking back at any moment. When came back to the doorway I was silent on my feet, wanting the watch them both from a distance.

The scene that greeted me was beautiful, there was no way the look on Harper's face.

This time I did take out my phone, holding it low while I cradled both glasses in one large hand.

The soft light of evening coming through the window and the lighten she had in her living were perfect. Her hair and the apples of her smiling cheeks caught the light perfectly. even from my place by the door her eyes were bright. The light and dark contrast of #Nova's coat always photographed well.

I smiled and walked to the couch, taking my seat carefully so didn't disturb the baby-mama... but being six foot tall and solid muscle made that hard. I handed her the wine and held out my phone. "See how beautiful you are?" I smiled at her.

❁ Harper ❁

Sitting up once again, I turned to smile and him when he sat on the couch. The view made the smile warmer. He was sat on an Emerald green velvet couch. And both he and #Nova, they made being here Right.

“Are you talking secret photos of Nova?”

I blanched; my stomach filled with butterflies as I took the phone from him. My eyes couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“This… you… how?” It was me and Nova, however unlike anything I had seen before. “Collin, Jess wasn’t lying. you are so talented.”

Of course, I knew this. I had seen the story wall at his home. However, to see myself in one of them?

Shaking my head, I couldn’t stop looking at it.

❁ Collin ❁

"Sure, let's pretend that's what I was doing." I laughed, like my phone wasn't completely full of picture of her. Of course, she found a way to make how beautiful she looked about me,

"That's just you,  Harper." I smiled. "And it's nothing compared to who I see you. But I'm  not going to you lie... I would love to get you in front of my DSLR." My wolf stirred...

The tips of my ears burned. "Damn... did sound super pervy?" I chuckled... really hoping it didn't. But my heart didn't race like it normally would because deep down I knew she never assumed the worst.

❁ Harper ❁

That smile which loved to live in my lips when I was close to him, made an appearance one again.

The fluttering in my stomach telling me that the heat blooming within, had a glow to it of innocent banter.

“Well, Mr Littlesea. It would depend what your DSLR is?” #Nova shifting her head into the couch took a attention for a moment before I was back to him.

“For all I know you could be asking me to sand in front of a truck.” I giggled, an experience I hadn’t had in a long time, speaking with someone with some teasing. Even if I could imagine. It had something to do with photography. Maybe?

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly. "It's a camera... Let's just say it's a few steps up from an iPhone But I could definitely make posing with a truck work if you want." I grinned... because she was not that kinda woman.

I smiled and dropped my gaze to Nova, she was all curled up next to her. It made me smile. She really had a way with her... Sure Nova loved anyone that gave her belly rubs but there was a real bond with Harper.

"It still amazes me how good you are at what you do." I said... completely off topic. "Sorry." I laughed... "That was random... but look  at her? How easily she feels safe with you? It's incredible."

❁ Harper ❁

“I…” I had nothing to say to that comment. Other than my cheeks flushing red. Not sure how or if I wanted to think about him and the kind of woman who did the truck posing. I had nothing on them.

Thankful for the timing of the subject change, and that also being about #Nova? Yes! I could talk about the baby girl all day and night.

“She is so trusting; she makes it easy.” One hand still brushing her fur “it’s also telling how young she is. Some husky, would become very touchy when being this pregnant.

❁ Collin ❁

I leaned in to kiss her blushing cheeks, one after another before I had realised what I had done. Face neck and face flushing... But I smiled at her.

My eyes met hers when I pulled back and smiled, the world around us fading away again and leaving only her and the baby-girl. “She is a sweet soul she deserves only the best... Just like you.”

My fingers brushed against her jaw, and my heart palpitated. My lips hoover near hers. “We should watch the end only the movie before I get very distracted.” I smiled. “I need to see if this carpenter comes  through in the end.”

❁ Harper ❁

Everything stilled, the sounds of the movie and all around us stilled. I closed my eyes, and didn’t even know I was holding my breath.

It was just him, the baby girl, and me. The sounds of my heart becoming the whispers of my being with each innocent kiss he peppered at first I couldn’t find my voice. So I tried again. The heat palpitating between us. Nodding my head slowly.

“Hmm.. movie… yes..” but my attention remained on his lips, and the warmth of his breath. “We should watch.” I whispered, not pulling away I licked my lips and then shifted a little, my free hand on his chest, and then slowing moving up until I cupped his chin and moved it towards the screen.

“The TV is over there Mr Littlesea.” Honestly needing a reminder myself.

❁ Collin ❁

I heard the breath she took after a short pause. I feel her skin warming at my closeness and I longed to ask her if she liked it, or was too much after being so close for so long. Just like it always had been in the past.

Her gaze fixed on my mouth and the movement of her tongue between her lips drew my attention to hers. The butterflies stirred.

Then she made me laugh when she tilted my head back to the TV just in time to see the baker running up the carpenter's garden path.

“We can't miss this part.” I love the laughed softly. “She looks  mad.” I took a sip from the wine glass and draped my arm over her shoulders again and tucked her into my side.

❁ Harper ❁

“We cannot miss this part.” I repeated tucking myself into his side. The wine glass to my lips for a small sip.

I glanced over to #Nova who lay unaware of all the things exploding in me. The butterflies, the anticipation, the need… the warmth... everything her daddy brought to life, just by being her with me.

“Oh…” we really did not need to miss this part of the movie, I thought to myself. And yet my eyes kept turning up to watch Collin, as he watched the movie.

I couldn’t help feel…. Comfortable, Excited, and… Myself, here with him.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched the story unfold as the fragile bud of a relationship disintegrated on the screen. I instinctively held her tighter, it was silly but it was true to how it made me feel. My fingers drew slow circles on her upper arm as we watched.

I couldn't help but think of us in their places.

But Harper wasn't the type to not let the other person speak. It was understandable though, the woman's dreams had been shattered. Even if it was clear the carpenter had no idea what just happened.

"That's going to be hard to come back from."

❁ Harper ❁

Something changed in the moments, as the tension between the two on the screen intensified. “Hmm.” I said as I felt the hold of Collin’s arm draw me closer.

“If only she would let him explain.” Goosebumps spread over my skin as his fingers drew on it. these were the parts of the movies where I would find myself on the edge. However, with Collin here. It wasn’t the same. I took another sip of my wine.

❁ Collin ❁

My finger continued there sweeping circles on her arm. "Sometimes people aren't ready to hear the other side." I said softly, my eyes still moving to her every few seconds.

"And sometimes people need to allow the that too... I don't think there is always a right and a wrong  side... A lot of the time it's a hard situation that hurts everyone involved."

I took another sip, and a new thought entered my head. "That sweet little girl is going to be very confused."

❁ Harper ❁

Still watching the movie, however I stopped listening to it and started to listen to Collin. What he said really did resonate with me, so I filed it away for myself.

"𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓃'𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒, 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝑜... 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒶 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔  𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒... 𝒜 𝓁𝑜𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓉'𝓈 𝒶 𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓈𝒾𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒾𝓃𝓋𝑜𝓁𝓋𝑒𝒹."

There was such truth in those words.

“Hmm… Although.” I looked to him. “Children are the ones who end up being the voice of reason in the end.”

❁ Collin ❁

"They just see how happy people are together and want them to stay that way... but at a certain point you need more than love, you need dedication and communication."

I gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "They're just working on that last one right now." I chuckled. "Not very  well..." I chuckled and shrugged. "But I'm an optimist."

I was an optimist, but most people called me a realist. But I was both and the realist said told me that the problem on the screen was something that could be solved with clear heads.

❁ Harper ❁

Picking up some popcorn after another sip of my wine. I thought of Collin’s explanation. “Would you say that children are just innocent enough to want people to be together and happy at the end?”

Really, I agreed with his analyzation. I just hadn’t been with someone who saw things the way Collin did. “And I like that you are optimistic. Sometimes life makes us push the pessimistic button in us a little too hard.”

❁ Collin ❁

“Kids are so much quicker to see magic.” I smiled. “And that's what love is really when they see something that pure... We need to pay attention and realise it's worth working for.”

Then I laughed, sipping my wine again. “Sorry, that really wasn't very romantic, was it?” But  to me it was. Loving someone enough that you would reshape your life to make them fit together? Searching for a balance together. And putting that relationship on the very top of all your lists?

Did it get any better than that?

❁ Harper ❁

My ears started to prick as I heard him explain his view on it all. I shifted out of his side so that I could really look at him. Should I tell him? I wonder to myself, and then I do. Because… cards on the table and all.

“Actually, I think it is romantic.” Carefully so not to Wake #Nova I turned to face him and not the tv.

“Out of nowhere, sometimes you feel this connection with another. You have two choices. First- See it through and give it your all. Make them your number one and show them your all. That is how a child would react. Or I believe Anyway. Or Second- hide in the what ifs. Don’t tell them what you feel, and play games. Games which could end up backfiring. Which is how I feel more of the grown-up population of the world, does it.”

I shook my head. “I like the children’s option. This is me. Take me. Or leave Me.” My cheeks filled with a rush of blood. I hadn’t meant to say the last part out loud. However, it was true. So, maybe I had.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled. "You really are perfect." I blurted and turned a bright shade of red. I sipped from the glass again, hoping that it would cover some of the reaction.

But of course, it made sense that even with her love of these highly romanticised movies that she believed that even  if love came naturally and without warning, maybe even beyond your control at times... A relationship was built and tended, it needed time, attention, and effort.

"There really something to be said for nurturing a relationship. You can't just love someone and hope for the best. Just like you said... And I think when kids see the purity of it... it's a sign that it will be so worth it."

❁ Harper ❁

If you place a fish out of water next to my face in this moment, we will look like twins. My mouth opened and closed a few times before I gave up and brought the rim of my wine glass to my lips. Drinks a number of small sips from it.

Shifting again, I turned to look at the TV before Whispering. “You are perfect too Collin.” Another rush of heat engulfed me, and I wished I’d not gone so fast at drinking the wine. It was what had my lips talking so freely? Or was it jus the fact that when I found myself with this man. I felt safe enough to be myself with the knowledge he wouldn’t judge me.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled; my heart was racing quietly in my chest. I took another sip and turned into her. Resting my cheek against her hair, I didn’t kiss her. Just Brushed the tip of my nose against her hair.

What was there for either of us to say now? She was perfect for me, and I hoped and prayed that I could be perfect for her too. I would do what it took to be that for her. I knew any of the other guys would say something silly like I guess that means we are well matched. But I didn’t. I just brushed my fingers against her  arm and nuzzled my cheek against her hair. My eyes flitting from a sleeping #Nova to the TV.

❁ Harper ❁

Closing my eyes for a few moments, I took in a few small deep breaths. His scent was intoxicating and so welcoming. He felt…. Like… home. I smiled opening my eyes, resting into him. The way he is resting into me just fit perfectly.

We both watched the movie now. Miss #Nova stirring from time to time. Kicking the air, or my side making me laugh. She spoke to herself as she dreamt and I placed a hand on her tummy, rubbing. “Shh…you aren’t alone baby girl.” I whispered to her. His fingers writing on the soft skin of my arm comforting

❁ Collin ❁

She stole my breath away when she eased against my side. I was pretty I made some kind of breathy sigh and really hoped she hadn't heard it.

"We should do this again." I whispered. "Really, really soon. " I could do this with her every night for the rest of my life. Nothing had ever felt more like home than this. I had grown up always feeling like I was exactly where it was meant... like I was home. But this was so much more than that.

I set the glass down and reached across Harper to stroke #Nova between her ears. "It's okay, baby girl... This  is a safe place." I smiled her legs batted at the air or against Harper. I kissed the side of Harper's head when the mamma-to-be settled.

"Next time we do this there could be a box full of puppies involved." I laughed softly.

❁ Harper ❁

The way he comforted #Nova sent a sweet warmth to my heart. Once again, I was reminded of my first thought about him when we met, and when I realised #Nova was pregnant. How I thought he was one of those people who wanted to make money from this beautiful girl without a care for her of her health. How wrong had I been? I see just how much He loves her…

“If you still feel this way when the movie is over. However, I taped the side of him. “We still have to even this night out with flying sharks?” My smile prominent in my words. my gaze back in #Nova seeing how she settles to her daddy’s voice and touch.

“Puppy sitting and movies? Sounds perfect.” And it really did. Not sure how much of the movie I would be watching when there were puppies in the room.

❁ Collin ❁

She had this way about her she could be lost in deep thought one second and the next she was teasing me. "They aren't flying sharks!" I scoffed, laughing. They just get sucked up by tornadoes... you'll see... it's all very scientific. You have to see it to believe it." I grinned as I rambled.

It was strange how comfortable I was rambling with her. Because she would listen and then ramble herself. It was a perfect balance. "Sounds chaotic!" I chuckled. "But I think between the two of us we can make it work."

❁ Harper ❁

Sitting up once again, I sipped from my glass of wine. Smiling as I watched and listened to him ramble. It was the cutest thing I have witnessed with him and I really liked it. “I mean, if it is scientific… who am I to point out that shakes out of water in a tornado wouldn’t really love for too long. However… it’s scientific… so, it will be okay.”

Shaking my head, I turned to watch he screen. My heart skipped, and I pulled myself back into his side. “I will have to see it, to believe it.”

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned, far too delighted by her playing along with my silly rouse. “Oh yeah… you and I are gonna get along just fine!” I laughed and kissed her hair again. Her easy, unpretentious sense of humour was just so perfect. She has one of those people that could find fun and  reasons to smile or laugh in the smallest maybe even ridiculous things. And I have a bad habit of being ridiculous… so I took this as a blessing.

“Don’t worry, I won’t keep you in suspense for too long.” I smiled.   turning my attention to the movie again and trying not  to overthink how to ask her when she was free again to make the plan. My wolf grumbled something about at least pretending to play it cool. But Harper didn’t care if I was cool or not… That was a blessing too.

❁ Harper ❁

“I was counting on it Mr Littlesea.” I smiled into the rim of my wine glass. The alcohol in it making my chest, ears and cheeks warm.

We watched the movie continue and I shook my head at the misunderstanding. If only she would let him explain. I thought to myself .“Hmm.. how about this weekend?” I said without thinking. “Juan is back in town and I have my first weekend off since I came to town.”

As soon as the words were out I kicked myself mentally. What if he had plans? What if he didn’t want to see me so soon again? What was I thinking?

“I mean… well… Uhm… if you don’t have plans that is. And it doesn’t have to be this weekend. I’m—“ I put my glass back to my lips to shut my rambling off.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, I could do this with her for days. Longer.

"This weekend..." My heart skittered and those butterflies were routing again. "Yeah... I mean. Since you're free and all. That would be amazing. I do have something Saturday morning..." I had a patrol to run. "But I'll be done by lunch and then I'm all yours." I smiled.

I had to think hard to remember what I heard on the TV because when she was the one talking about our next date I lost all ability to focus.

❁ Harper ❁

Had the butterflies in my tummy multiplied three time over? Because it felt like they had. He wasn’t making up reasons no to meet? He wanted to?

“That.. works.” Smiling, I hadn’t expected him to be free. “gym..” I blurted out. “I mean. I’m meant to be working out with Char in the morning. So lunchtime is perfect actually.”

I saw the screen; I saw the images changing. However, nothing would be caught at the way all I could think about now was that he really did want to see me again.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly at her randomly blurted word. “Ah!” I smile broadly. “I thought you wanted to switch it to a gym date for a second. And I wouldn’t be opposed.” My gaze settled on her blush.

I chuckled at how shocked she looked that was free. “I told you the life of a  tradesmen is a blessed one, all weekends and holidays off.”

I watched the screen as the lead makes sister revealed that the guy at quit the job that swindled the pretty blonde out of her bakery.  “And the plot thickens! I knew he had to be an honest guy!”

❁ Harper ❁

That grabbed my attention. “You would want to put up with a workout as a date?” I mean it had been expected for #Char and I had been doing.. well, friends dates to catch up as both of use worked crazy hours.

“Enjoy it, I say I cannot remember the last weekend I took off.” As I said it, I did. However, dad’s passing didn’t count. I watched at the twist in the story.

 “If only she gave him the time to explain in the first place.”

❁ Collin ❁

"I like the gym... I don't go very often. I get plenty of heavy lifting done at work but in my opinion, you can make anything a date if you make the most of being there with someone." I smiled at her.

Something dark came over her for a moment and mu wrapped my arm around her shoulders again and tightened my hold on her.

"It would have saved a lot of pain... but I don't think it was unforgivable. And I like that he didn't keep showing up to try and have his say." I turned into her brushing my nose against her hair and whispered. "You know I will always hear you out. No matter what you have to say. I'll always listen."

❁ Harper ❁

I hide my face into his side. Closing my eyes and taking in a slow deep breath. The scent of wood, pine, forest, Nova and now my perfume all mixed made a new scent, unlike any other.

“I’m not sure how I feel about it.” I turned my head to watch the movie one again. some part of me wishes that he did show up, to make her listen. To understand.” Thinking for a moment. “And then I feel it’s right to give her the time, to understand that she is so in her feels, that she is missing his.” It was a hard one.

I closed my eyes again. listen to his voice the sound from the tv blurred. ‘Even if I say the wrong thing? Or have to try to make words fit when I don’t know what I am saying.’ I thought, I couldn’t say them out loud.

“It’s a promise?” I turned to look at him. So, close that I felt his breath.

❁ Collin ❁

I had to suppress what knew could only be called a whimper. Something low in my stomach turned over when I heard her taking in that deep, slow breath... Was she memorising my scent? It even with her human senses... She was feeling out intense connection.

I tilted my head, resting my cheek against her hair, thinking about what she said 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕠 𝕚𝕟 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕚𝕤.

“I didn't really think about that... You're right?” I though about for a moment. “But it's a test right? Can he be  understanding to know this bakery was the most important thing in her world. And can she realise that she was wrong not let him speak? If they care enough they'll work on it.” I smiled.

I lifted my head at the same time and turned to look at. I smiled softly and brushed my  fingers against her hair. “Promise.” I whispered. “You could be raving about the great deal you got on eggs at the market, so angry you can hardly talk or making absolutely no sense at all and I will listen to every single word.” I laugh softly. “Especially when you're making  no sense at all... It's kinda like one of my superpowers.”

❁ Harper ❁

“A test…” I hadn’t seen this side of the story. And it occurred to me, I had been thinking one way. And Collin another. And now that we had the other to speak it over with. We saw something new?

This made me smile. Two sides of the same coin, however you need another’s eyes to see it.

“I’m sure they will both see what the other needs. Maybe right now not so much.” The baker really had some evolving to do.

“Gym dates and promises to hear a girl out. All good things Mr Littlesea.” My eyes taking him in, as I felt his finger playing with my hair.

“And now there are superpowers. What are you hiding for me? No one person can be this perfect!” I laughed softly. The movement of me tuning made #Nova wake.

She jumped off the couch and walked off into the kitchen. I leant over to see if she was okay. her head bent down into the bowl of water made me smile too.

❁ Collin ❁

"Not that they are testing each other... I don't think that they are the type of people that play those games. But a test from the universe." I smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her temple. "I'm far from perfect. But every time I make you smile... or laugh... it feels like  a superpower."

❁ Harper ❁

My attention back. “Okay. I like that a little better.” I tell you. Feeling the warmth of her lips on my temples. Those butterflies awake again. Lifting the veggie and the dips and bringing them back to us. I hold them se you can have some.

“It’s a selfish thing I know. however, I like your superpower.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled. "I've known a lot of game players... and I don't those two fits that bill."

I smiled and I turned into her smelling her hair... she always smelled so good. "It's not selfish... Because making you laugh gives me a healthy dose of happiness too." I grinned eyes on the  TV again.

"So, feel free to laugh even when I'm not funny." I watched as the pair made up and agreed to go to the wedding together.  "I think I may be a fan of this genre."

❁ Harper ❁

Carrot stick in my mouth I laughed at his requests. “Deal.” I said before I too turned to watch the tv.

I let out a “ahh.” When the baker came around to talk to him. And the two worked out their differences. More so. They would go to the wedding of his sister together. it gave hope to the hopeless.

“You are? After only one movie.” Chewing on the carrot. “I won’t say I told you so. However,…” #Nova came back from the kitchen and lay herself down by our feet, bully and feet up in the air. “Poor little baby girl.”

❁ Collin ❁

"I mean I know people are all about the convoluted plot twists and wild endings, but sometimes it's nice to just see life as it really could happen. The world needs more optimism and this is good... because it's not blind optimism." I smiled. "You can say I told you so all you  want." I grinned at Nova's belly flop and gently rubbed her round belly with my foot gently, her leg started to kick.

"I think she really starting to feel the extra weight now." But I couldn't help the laugh when her tongue lolled out to the side. "But she still loves the  little things."

❁ Harper ❁

“I told you so!” Laughing softly I turned my attention to him as he took #Nova in now.

“She is going to feel it even more as time goes on. However, she is in good hands. You and your support circle are amazing with her. Your cousins have stepped up to help too. It’s really something positive to see.”

I said and then tapped his leg. “Not with your foot. Those are little balls of precious cargo in there, and the baby girl is even more precious.” And then her leg kicked making that point null and void because she was showing us her pleasure.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled down at #Nova. “My family have really stepped up to help... But I'm going to take a little time off when the puppies are due. I haven't taken any vacation time in a while so my boss is cool with it.”

I chuckled at her when she told me not to use my foot but then #Nova  kicking the air. “I've been doing this since she was smaller than my foot.” I laughed. “I learned how to be gentle very early.”

❁ Harper ❁

Giving the baby girl another glance I laughed softly. She was so content in her space and knew her dad was watching over her. The fact that her feet where in the air, and her belly up told me she felt safe. And it warmed my heart to know this. “You may be genetically playing however; I’m going to still tell you off.” I wasn’t. I knew he wasn’t hurting her of the babies. Collin would never do such a thing.

Taking a small handful of popcorn, I curled my feet back under my bottom and sat to pick up the movie. The wedding was set in a barn  with a hand carved arch the brother made for his sister. “So simple. So pretty.” I smiled pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose as the wedding march plays.

❁ Collin ❁

"Okay, okay!" I smiled and stopped the belly rub, Nova huffed a little but she was clearly far too comfortable to get up to look for more pets. "Since you're the expert I'll give in just once." This may have been a lie... I could imagine there was very little she could tell me off about that I wouldn't give in to.

I leaned forward to set my glass on the table and watched the baby-girls eyes droop closed. I smiled.

Now that she was settled - not on Harper's lap - I could finally pull her closer. She curled her feet under her and I slipped my arm behind her, drawing her against my side and resting my other arm around her waist. As close as I could get to holding her without pulling her into my lap. "It's beautiful." I smiled. I helped make something similar for my cousin's wedding. It wasn't like that one. We made  it to fit on their veranda, and when they were on their honeymoon we added it to the entrance so every time they come home they walk under the arch they were married under."

❁ Harper ❁

He moved me so close, and so easily. Not once thinking about the length of my legs or how to bring me into his side. He just made it feel so right, and like something had been amiss until now.

“You did?” I stopped chewing and my eyes were back on his face as he spoke. how beautiful and so touching. A part of their wedding will always be there as a reminder of the vows they took under it, and then it’s there every day. I love that.”

He was so talented and thoughtful too. “And it must have taken so much time to complete?”

❁ Collin ❁

She gave no signs that she didn’t want to be near me. She fit so perfectly against me… just more proof that we were made for each other. And the way she eased into my side… i warmed my my 108 degree heart even more.

“Brady and I were pretty young at the time, but this was always something we were good at. We didn’t work on it as much as some of the other. But I didn’t take that long. So many people wanted the work on it. And one of the older guy had the idea about making it part or the veranda… He has this thing about doors.” I smiled.

❁ Harper ❁

I felt myself with him, like there was nothing to hide from.

“Brady and you both work well together don’t you?” I recall being told about how they work together full time. Friends and work partners too.

I could help but smile and allow it to grow.

“Now I feel there is a story here to share. A thing about doors? Do elaborate in this for me Mr Littlesea.”

Laughing softly before adding. “Only if you want to and can. I do not mean to pry in anyway.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, keeping my ears trained on #Nova’s sleepy sounds. “Yeah, we always have… we’ve been best friends since…” I laughed. “Probably since before we even knew what best friends were. We balance each other out you know… he’s impulsive… I’m more of a planner. So when we were little he helped me to just be hi with flow sometimes. And I helped him reign it in when it was time to get serious.”

My fingers toyed gently with the fabric of her shirt where the rested at her side.

“When it comes to work... I don't know how... But we both look a  sketch and we can create practically identical pieces. Maybe because we learned together and used the techniques. The Boss calls us Soul Twins.” I chuckled.

I laughed again when she asked about #Embry. “Embry is... A little weird to be honest. In the best way, he takes care  of people without letting them know he is doing it. He never locks his door so that we always have a safe place to be... Even if it's just to play video games or because you don't feel like being alone... And obviously if something is actually wrong. And we look after him by taking him up on the open invitation. He doesn't like to be alone.”

❁ Harper ❁

Watching him told me so much. The way his eyes light up when he speaks of his best friend, their work and how they know each other so well.

It makes me smile even more. Because I knew this feeling. The balancing. The being their and understanding your friends. I had two myself And then #Embry.

“Embry is the guy from the bar? With the red jeep who Leah kicked out from behind her bar area?” Trying to place faces to names.

“He doesn’t lock his door?” It wasn’t unheard of in Thompson Falls to do. However, it hear it how Collin shares the insight makes me wonder.

“He is there for you and you are there for him. That is sweet.”

❁ Collin ❁

The way she looked at me made me smile. I nodded when she remembered him.

“That’s him… He has poor self-preservation skills.” I chuckled. “But he’s a good guy really. We found ourselves part of an unusual group of friends but it’s amazing… Its keeps life fun and interesting.”

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling I turn my eyes back to the screen. “Normal is overrated if you ask me. We all need a little something unique about their group of friends.”

❁ Collin ❁

My heart skipped again. She was… just completely perfect…

I pressed a soft, kiss to her hair breathing in her scent. It woke the butterflies in my stomach one more time. “One more thing we can agree on.” I said with a soft laugh.

❁ Harper ❁

We both sat in silence as the movie came to its conclusion and the end credits began to roll. “Welcome to the Hallmark movie clue.” Saying as I stretched a little. Turning my attention to him. “What do you think?”

❁ Collin ❁

I could have sat here all night like this with her. The way she fit against my side, the feeling of have her in my arms was beyond description. But the ending cam around and made me smile.

“I liked it. It’s nice to see a hopeful story and a happy ending for that little kid needed a little joy in her life for sure.” I smiled.

“And I always love and ending that feels like a beginning, you know?”

❁ Harper ❁

“I do know what you mean. There were so many happy endings in the story, not just the main protagonists.”

I knew I should move, to give him space. However, looking down at #Nova and how comfortable she was, and then how it felt to be next to him. It make me stay in place a beat too long.

“Would you like some of the ice cream?” Finally sitting up to face him.

“Unless you have to go?” These plans had just come about, that I didn’t want to encroach on his evening.

❁ Collin ❁

“The wedding, the new business… actually two of them. The staff being made partners and a new family starting” I smiled and glanced down at #Nova.

I tried to contain the excitement that she was asking me to stay longer… not that I had expected her to suggest I leave the second the credits rolled or anything… but she wanted me to stay and have ice cream with her. She wanted more time together… and that meant more to me than she could know.

“I would love to… my plan was for the evening was to hang out with Nova and let her rest…” I  grinned when her ear twitched at her name and nothing more. “And she is far more relaxed here than she normally is at home.” I brushed my fingers against her cheek. “As long as I’m not overstaying my welcome?”

❁ Harper ❁

My eyes followed his to #Nova and I was smiling once again. That girl was too cute. And I knew she was listening to every word being said. However, seeing her so calmly sleeping, drifting in and out of sleep. It can’t a easy warmth to my heart. My gaze returned to meet his. and my heart missed a beat or two when his warm hand touched my cheek.

“You… are not over staying your welcome.” I reassured him. “We bought ice cream for this reason remember?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, my facing flushing a little. “Good… ice cream it is then.” I slipped my palm beneath hers and curled my fingers around her hand.

“Shall we!” I stood up and gently pulled her up to her feet…#Nova immediately stole the warm spot ona s couch and sprawled out over it.

❁ Harper ❁

My hand in his, he pulled me off the couch in such an easy manner that I giggled like a school girl. And then I laughed softly as #Nova jumped into our vacated spot

“You deserve it baby girl.” I pattered her head. “We shall.” I told her dad before making our way into the kitchen

❁ Collin ❁

That sound she made when she giggled made my heart skip. I laughed softly. “It amazing how she should fit on one cushion but managed to take over the entire couch, isn’t it?” I laughed and walked into the kitchen with her. Retrieving the ice cream from the freezer.

“So now the question remains…” I grinned. “Who does one eat every flavour of ice cream under the sun?” My smiled widened. “And there is a wrong answer!” I added like a playful warning.

❁ Harper ❁

“We ladies need to spread out, it’s kind of needed for us to feel at home.” Looking back over my shoulder to him as I gather a couple of bowls, spoons and the ice cream scoop.

Setting them down on the table I sat down and bite my lips. I knew what I wanted to say. However, I too was fully aware of how people thought me a little out there.

Clearing my throat. “Well, I would eat all of once flavour first and then move on to the mix. Starting with the least favourite.” Closing one eye to wince waiting to be told it is the wrong answer.

❁ Collin ❁

"Oh, so it’s a female thing! And here I thought that it was tiny-creatures-trying-to-look-bigger thing..." I chuckled and peeled off the lid... "But you're tall... so I must be mistaken." I set the tub next to the bowls she had taken out and without thinking I rested my hand her back between her shoulder blades.

"Hmm..." I thought about her answer. "Saving the best for last. I like that... Patience and restraint... Not bad qualities." I smiled, sinking into her warm brown eyes. "The wrong answer was mixing it all in a grey-ish bowl of ice cream  soup."

I deliberately didn't tell her my method hoping she might not ask.

❁ Harper ❁

The scoop in hand his expression made me pause. Of course for animals that is the reason. However, I wasn’t going to say it about #Nova. I was ‘fighting’ her corner here. However, it is the fact that #Kenz just popped into my head. The smallest of our group who always needs the most space in bed.

“I’ve never those about it, as you say. Not something I would with my height” the curve of a smile playing on my lips. The warmth on his touch made my cheeks heat, taking the tub of ice cream from him I began to scoop.

When our eyes met the slight shake of my head telling him I disagree.

“No. I’m not going to agree with you. There is no wrong answer here. We all enjoy things in different ways. I need to eat it my way, it give me pleasure and joy. If you need to eat it another way. That is not wrong Collin.”

smiling I took out a bigger bowl and then placed it before him.

“This one is better to mix in.” Pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose, I kissed his cheek. Whispering in his ear. “I would like to try a little, If you’d share with me?” Something told me it is his method.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her… not able to help but look down the length of her frame. Then I suddenly realised that it probably looked like I was checking her out… but I was just appreciating her height. (And maybe everything else too) Her height was perfect… when I wrapped my arms around her, she fit against me just right. Her lips were only inches from mine, and she could comfortably rest her head on my shoulder. We were… just right, two puzzle pieces.

She wanted to try mixing it all together… it made me laugh. Until I felt her breath on my neck  and against my ear… my own caught in my throat. My heart sped up and I toyed with her hair where it fell down her back. “That….” I whispered back… “Was very convincing.” I chuckled and tried to get a hold of myself. “Let’s do it… I mean we can’t judge if we haven’t tried  it can we.”

❁ Harper ❁

“I’m good at convincing you. Others not so much.” Nodding my head I went back to scooping out the ice cream. Stopping at I placed two in the big bowl and turned my glaze to him.

“Wait, you didn’t actually tell me how you like to eat yours. I’m making an assumption of course however I’m not certain if it’s the correct one.”

My smile grew and I wondered if he was as taken by the closeness between us as I was?

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed, my cheeks flushing already. “You caught that?” I shook my head. “I should have known that you would... Okay. I can reveal my dark secret. But...”

I leaned my hip against the counter. “I want to hear your guess first. I'm too curious now.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh. Now I am being tested?” Laughing I mirror him and rest my hip to the counter at the same time as I make sure we have all the flavours in the bowl.

“Not one by one.” I say, he would have agreed with me. “Not a full mix it up” he called them mad. “Hmm… you take it as it  comes?” That couldn’t be it. From what I knew about Collin, he liked order. However, did he in his food too?

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed and dropped my eyes, flushing again under her careful scrutiny. “No one at a time…” I nodded. “But apparently I have a bad habit of making my way around the bowl in a clockwise direction… I denied this for years… but it’s not exactly untrue.”

My hand trailed to  her arm as she turned to lean against the counter too. My heart  beat a little harder when her eyes met mine. “But I like t mix certain flavours… like chocolate and mint… and strawberry and vanilla.

❁ Harper ❁

His touch awoke the Lepidoptera who had never slept for long in my tummy.

The sound of our laughter reverberating the kitchen. Making #Nova give us a bark. As to say; ‘Do you mind, pregnant girl trying to nap here.’

Placing a finger over my lips to say we need to keep it down “There is nothing wrong in eating your ice cream that way.”

Leaning in I pushed my shoulder against his chest.

 “And some flavours enhance one another, just like some people come into your life and the same life becomes so much more.” I blinked at those words. Had I just said them? However, it was true. He had come into my life, and now it felt like I was living in Technicolor.

❁ Collin ❁

I shook my head at #Nova’s bark. “I think her hormones are kicking in.” I whispered.

I smiled at her “Yeah but you’re just as weird as me so you won’t judge.” I chuckled. “My sister says I have OCD. But she’s too sweet to mean anything be it really.”

Then she said what she said and my heart stopped for a second. “I know exactly how you feel… I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to meet someone as I am that I met you.” And was the biggest understatement of the century.

❁ Harper ❁

“Thank you. I believe this is the kindest thing you have ever said to me. In me eyes being weird is an honour.”

Shaking my head out of the dream like place it always went to when he was close. The song still a whisper as if it is a sound track that will follow us as long as we are together playing. I broke my eyes away feeling my cheeks heat and redden.

“I’m glad you agree with me.” My heart racing a million miles away.

“Come, let’s eat this ice cream before it is milkshake.”

Closing the tub, I returned it to the freezer.

❁ Collin ❁

“I think so too… Being normal is an insult.” I laughed. “But if that is the kindest thing I have said to you I really need to step up my compliment game.”

I smiled when I saw her cheeks flush and peeked back into the leaving room. “Nova still has your couch claimed.” I Chuckled, picking up the bowls as she put the tub back. “Should we eat the table?” I smiled and set them on the tables.

❁ Harper ❁

“You really should. And then I will be left speechless, and it would be a very quiet night for you.”

Shaking my head. I grabbed one of the bowls and his hand. “No. Nova is in there. We can sit on the rug.. if you don’t mind sitting on the floor that is.”

Stopping to look back at him. “I know not everyone likes doing it.” Just because I felt comfortable down there I wouldn’t make him sit on the floor if he didn’t want to.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her… she would rather sit on the floor than disturb Nova or leave her on her own. “You are incredible” The words rushed out and heat flared up the back of my neck to the tips of my ears until I was certain that the was bright red.

I cleared my throat. “Um… Who  Doesn’t love and indoor picnic?” I smiled and slipped my fingers between hers. Letting her lead me back to the living room.

Nova watched us with sleepy eyes and promptly went back to sleep after we settled ourselves onto the rug. “It really doesn’t bother you does it? That  I brought my dog over and she completely took over your house?” I smiled because I knew it was true. Even the guys weren’t that understanding… but with the pregnancy they all mellowed. But still… she didn’t put up with her… she genuinely loved having Nova around

❁ Harper ❁

“You are incredible” Now there were three words a girl did not hear every day. And it made a warm sweet glow rush up inside of me.

I didn’t dare look back at him as he allowed me to lead him into the living room. Before my face I was certain would have been red generally I took two cushions from behind #Nova setting one to his side, before I sat myself cross legged facing him with #Nova on the couch beside us.

Hugging my cushion, leaning into it I sat half filling my spoon before looking over to Collin.

“I’m sorry? What do you mean? Why would having Nova here bother me?”

Reaching my hand out I rubbed her swollen belly.

“She’s giving up her time to be here with me.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled... Spirits she was beautiful when that deep red flooded her cheeks. Okay... she was always beautiful... but sights like this made me wish I could take out my phone and snap a picture. That would be weird though, right?

“Yes,” My wolf grumbled.

"Believe it or not... most people don't normally bring their dog everywhere they go. It's crazy." I nodded dramatically and watched her with Nova... "But apparently it's true."

❁ Harper ❁

Looking over to Collin with curious eyes, the smile on my lips grown when I saw the red in his cheeks and his ears! When he had his hair pulled back. I could see how his ears went red. A tell I loved to see.

“This cannot be true. Why would someone not bring their baby? shaking my head.

“I’m sure we have made it clear, Mr Littlesea. I only agreed to coffee/ hot chocolate with you to spend more time with this beautiful girl.”

Softly laughing my gaze on #Nova now. “If you aren’t welcome somewhere baby girl.. I wouldn’t want to be there.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled her… those gorgeous eyes are shining brightly at me, making heart beat without a rhythm. “I can’t understand it either .” I laughed. “But lately no one complains… they’ve all gone soft now that she’s having puppies.”

I laughed, the smile totally took over my face. “Well… in that case should i just dropping her off with out on your days off…” I gave her a cheeky smirk. “Since Nova is the real prize.”

But she’d made it very clear she enjoyed my company too. But Nova… She was special.

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling and sucking on the spoon while listening to Collin.

“They wouldn’t be mean to a mama to be. And you Mr Littlesea, wouldn’t be able to drop and run. You would suffer from FOMO. With all the fun Nova and I would have on our visits.”

Taking another spoonful. “I would turn Nova into a Hallmark puppy just you wait and see.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and nodded in agreement with her. “They’ve all been really  great with her. Especially helping look after her when I need to work and stuff. But you’re right… I wouldn’t pass up a chance at time with my two favourite ladies.”

I grinned and reached over to pat nova on her back leg.

❁ Harper ❁

Whispering into #Nova’s ear.

“Do you want to tell your auntie and nani what your dad just said? Or shall I? Because there is no way he is upping you and I on his list with his mama bear and baby sister in the mix, right?”

Watching Collin with a big smile on my lips.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled softly.

"Oh don't worry about that." The tips of my ears flushed pink. "They no all about you. Especially Ana... She asks a lot more questions than Mom does."

Mom was the type that let you come to her with information, but Ana; was plain nosey... Lovingly nosey.

❁ Harper ❁

Dropping my spoonful of ice cream into the bowl. Catching it before it bounces out.

“I’m sorry… they… Uhm.. they do? They know about me?”

My eyes widened as my face turned hot.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly scooping up another mouthful of ice cream. “I video chat with my sister almost everyday… she always bows when something new is going on. I couldn’t help myself. I have old her about our hot chocolate date. And Mom would have heard in the diner, so I told her about that before anyone else did.”

Smiled, watching her cheeks flare with colour. “If it makes you feel better they both think you sound amazing and really want to meet you.”

❁ Harper ❁

He was.. is… definitely extraordinary. The tips of his ears were the same colour of red as I felt.

“No… it’s… it’s not about making me feel better..”

Shaking my head, uncertain I could say it correctly.

“I just.. uhm… I didn’t think men spoke about… you know…  I mean… you know Kenzie and Jena know all about you. And for the record they like you a lot. Well…Kenz does”

I teased because Jena was a hard nut and she had been cracked for him.

“You told your Mom and Ana about the hot chocolate date!” I had to smile. I liked that he did

❁ Collin ❁

“Oh…” I chuckled. “I mean I guess it’s probably not a normal thing off the Rez.” My eye moved over her features. That flustered flushed looked my head beat faster.

“And I wouldn’t normally… but I… it wasn’t… just…” I struggled to find the words. “Any other date. You

know… it was with you.” I smiled and took another bite to stall and try compose a full sentence.

“And I was just really nervous. Mom’s always pick up on that. And Ana… well honestly… we talk about that stuff a lot.”

❁ Harper ❁

Moving to sit up on my knees, I set the spoon in the blow and kisses his cheek.

“I like that you told them. That you have such an incredible relationship with them.”

Whispering to him and then kissing his cheek again before sitting back on my bottom again.

I was smiling  ear to ear once again. Picking up my spoon full again, feeling like I was walking on clouds. He wasn’t hiding me from his family. That was… nice.

❁ Collin ❁

I set my spoon into my bowl when she started leaning towards me. I closed my eyes and smiled when she pressed her lips to my cheek. Which of course intently flushed bright red.

"I'm very lucky..." I said softly. "My family are really great. But If I knew talking about them  would earn me kisses I would have done it more often."

I took another spoonful and looked up at her again. "They all want to meet you... if you would like too." My heart thumped now.

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks flushed even more so, my eyes staying down in my bowl as I pushed the rim of my glasses up the bridge of my nose.

My mouth and lips cold with the chill of the ice cream before I kissed his cheek. And then a rush of warmth countered it.

I dropped my spoon again, my eyes shooting up to meet his.

“Meet your family?” I whispered with a shaky breath. What was there to think about here?

“I… Uhm… I would love to.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed a little in disbelief. “Really? You would?”

I beamed, her eyes on mine and my spoon was frozen in mid-air.

“You don't think it's too fast anything?” I really needed to stop listening to the guys. “I’ve been told my timing with things like this is really bad. But I  think it would be brilliant. And you've met Dad already.”

❁ Harper ❁

Pushing my glasses up my nose again. I shifted to rest my back on the couch.

“I know, that was my first thought. However…” placing a hand on my chest. The small tug and the warmth back. “It doesn’t feel wrong… I don’t know. I cannot explain it. And like you say. I know Kevin and Mr Custard already.”

Now wondering if it had been a joke, and I hadn’t picked up on it? Should I have said no? Was there a time thing? Why was I so bad at this dating thing?

“However, maybe you are right? Maybe it’s too soon.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her, I could there being slight issues with us making plans from time to time. It didn't worry me, because we could make it work. "I agree... I never liked the way people lay out set timelines for things. I would really like you to meet the, I don't think that it's too soon... Like you said it just feels right."

My eyes moved over her face and wondered what she was thinking. "I would really love for to you met them all together... How does a family dinner sound? Mom loves to cook for people."

❁ Harper ❁

Without thinking I’d begun to play with the spoon in my blow. And now what ice cream was in there had been mixed into a thick cream like consistency.

My eyes moved back up to meet his, with my cheeks burning with the yo-yo effect in my mind and heart. Add to this my stomach  jumping into knots.

“Family dinner? With all the Littlesea’s?” I slowly nodded. “Maybe you should ask your mom? Are you sure she would be okay with cooking?”

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled, smiling at her fidgeting with the spoon. “I've been told to ask you to dinner twice nor. And to ask if you're vegan or vegetarian and whether it not you have any allergies.” I laughed again.

“I did tell her I knew it you weren't vegetarian but she still told me I  had to ask.”

I shook my head smiling. My mom was a character. “But she had a point about the allergies. I probably should have asked you before I cooked for you.”

❁ Harper ❁

My heart swelled with an unexpected burst of warmth, this was unlike anything I had experienced before, and it wasn’t the same of how Collin made me feel.

It was towards his mom, the care, the thought, the fact that she had wanted to meet me and not just because I was  Mr Custard’s vet.

My eyes prickled a little, and I smiled shaking my head.

“If I were allergic to anything I would have told you before coming to dinner.”

Shaking my head once again. “I would love to visit and meet your family.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled wide... too wide. My heart raced... I knew that this would be amazing. But there was a little conflict too, I knew there would be a little bittersweetness to it for Harper. A family meal... I knew she has her own family... blood or not, but a meal with both parents at the table? I was sure that would bring up a lot of emotions for her.

"You'll love my family, I promise and they will love you. Ananya tried to act tough and protective. But she can't pull it off for more than ten minutes before she her sweet side shows through."

I set my now empty bowl aside and shifted closer to her.

"I can't wait to let them meet you, because life can only get better after meeting you, Dr Jenkins." I pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

❁ Harper ❁

The thought hadn’t even occurred to me until Collin mentioned it.

“ Protective?”  And a conversation from some time ago came to light. He has been very sick as a child. His mom had been worried about him and had been protecting her son.

“Your sister is going to hate me.” Shifting where I sat. “She will feed me to the fishes.” I continued looking down. “She will did a hole and—“ I burst out laughing because I couldn’t hold it back any longer.

“Collin. It will be lovely to keep your family. Your mom and dad have a son like you. They taught  you to be this good person. So, I know they are good people too. As for your sister Ananya… I am sure I can give her time. All the time she needs to protect her big brother.”

He was lucky to have so many people who love him.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her, laughing at the thought of Ana hating anyone. "Trust me... she's not at all capable of hating anyone." I promise her even though it was clear she was teasing me.

"I'm so glad you're excited to meet them." I smiled wide.

"I knew that meeting the parents is something most people are nervous about... but I promise you it won't be like that. They are very welcoming. I just know that you'll all get along. And all Ana cares about is that I'm happy... and she'll see that right away."

❁ Harper ❁

Setting the bowl to the side and shifting off to the side a little to bring my knees up to my chest. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.

“Hey, I am certain your sister will not hate me (I hoped). And I am excited to meet them too.”

Crossing my arms over my knees, it’s felt nice to see Collin like this.

“Are you?” I found myself asking without thinking. “I mean.. are you happy?”

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her... the way she shuffled a little awkwardly and tucked her knees up. Heat flared in my chest when she asked the question. I could feel my neck burn red hot and my heart pounded excitedly.

My eyes met hers and without any hesitation or stuttering, I nodded.

"I am." My smile took over my whole face, crinkling the corners of my vision.

"I mean... I wouldn't say I was unhappy before. I have a good life. I love my job, and I have amazing friends and family. But I had lonely moments... days or nights. But since I met you I don't ever feel alone. Even when I am and it's just Nova and me, I can think about you and I don't feel lonely." I laughed at myself because that was the cheesiest way I could say that. But it was true.

"Sometimes I wish you were there sure... but it makes me happy." Than the  goofy side of me kicked back in when I tried to explain myself.

"Thinking about you makes me happy... not the wishing you were there... okay... well that does too... but not in a..." My wolf stirred, stopping my ramblings and pressed my lips together.

I moved then, sitting next to her. I slipped my arms around her and lifted her gently onto my lap, wrapping her up against me when she was settled. "I'm really happy,  Harper." I said simply. "More than I know how to express." One hand rested on her upper arm and my thumb stroked back and forward.

"Are you happy?" I asked in a whisper.

Because nothing in the world was more important to me than her being happy.

❁ Harper ❁

My hand reached out to Nova in my couch as Collin spoke, because every word he said resonated deep inside. I knew what he attempted to share, in a roundabout way that the two of us often find ourselves.

Some part inside stirred at his acknowledgment of being lonely, something I too understood. Because even when I had been surrounded by people who had loved me, I had still at times felt so alone.

However, my first thought also was that he was lucky. Because he had the pure love that came from Nova. She wanted nothing but attention, and love, and care. She would be there no matter how well or badly his day went.

My eyes widened at the easy in which he put his arms around me and moved my tall frame into his lap. Not once was I resistant to the gesture he shared right now by doing it.

Resting my head on his shoulder, I turned into him. My hand curling around his neck as I embraced his body heat. They invisible string very much there, and so much more than just something I had imagined it to be.

I could feel the sensation of his breath on my skin, filling me all over with  goosebumps. My heart beating a little faster when he told he was happy. Because it meant that I was a part of it? And this knowledge gave me joy.

Nodding my head slowly as I hide my face the best I could in the crook of his neck.

“I am happy Collin.”

My voice as whisper just like his. “I’m not sure how to explain this, however. I am very happy.”

❁ Collin ❁

The way her heartbeat as she curled into me caused shivers to run through my body. I rested my cheek against the top of her head.

"I know the romantic thing to say is that we don't need to explain it... But I have absolutely no doubts that we can't figure out exactly why given enough time."

I laughed softly, still holding her. "The nerds in us would be highly satisfied trying to puzzle that out... we could even take notes."

❁ Harper ❁

My smile grew and I dared to kiss him once on his neck. “Now you are just trying to promise my a good time. Taking notes is teasing me.”

However, I knew we would have the time of our life working this all out. However long it took, we would do it differently and correctly.

❁ Collin ❁

A soft sound moved up my throat when she kissed my neck. I closed my eyes and soaked in the feeling, bunched up the fabric of her shirt.

“A nerd like had to use whatever he can to his advantage.” I chuckled. I turn in to kiss the top of her head and settled my cheek against  her hair. I leaned back against the couch no xt to where nova was still sleeping.

I could sit here with them like this for hours.

❁ Harper ❁

“It’s our superpower.” Smiling as a reminder of a conversation with his best friend, and his cousins husband came to mind.

Taking in a deep breath. I kept my eyes closed. Listening to the sound of his breath, with #Nova’s too and the beating of my heart.

This had been a Hallmark movie, and ice cream unplanned date.

[written-within-the-stars]

Between the Cusp of Faith and Uncertainty – Together - Part 1

“Regardless of your uncertainty, never give up on faith….” – William Jenkins

❁ Harper ❁

‘You make me put my hand right up the cows arse!’ #Juan wasn’t happy about the little joke I played with him today.

As I pushed the door to the practice open, #Jessica’s head popped up from behind her desk. ‘Hand up what exactly?’ She asked and it’s all Juan needed to give her the full story.

‘Buttercup here acts all sweet and innocent Jess, but you know what. Don’t be fooled.’ He pushed down on the hand sanitizer pump one too many times and rubbed his clean hands until they were dry.

“I never once said I was innocent thank you.” Setting my bag down, I took the messages #Jessica held out towards me.

‘Sure, if that’s your game.’ He huffed at me when he noticed the smile on my lips.

‘What happened?’ #Jessica asked fighting the urge to laugh.

“Nothing happened, we were at the Taylor farm. And some of the cows needed their check-ups.” #Jessica raised her eyebrows at me. She knew me too well now and could tell there had to be more to the story.

‘Dr Jenkins here set me to work, and you know me Jess darling. I am always up for working hard. But…. This one….’ He pointed to me as he spoke. ‘Told me that the cows needed to be examined internally.’

‘Okay… that sounds fine to me so far.’ #Jessica leant on her desk, with the palm of her hand holding her chin up.

‘Sure, and I agree with you. And I know what I’m doing.’ He continued.

“On paper with big animals” I corrected him, this made him huff and turn his back to me.

‘As I was saying. Your boss pointedly sent me off to examine the animals, but then she dared to say in front of the farmer…’

‘Mr Taylor.’ #Jessica helped.

‘Yeah Mr Taylor… that I wasn’t going in deep enough. That I have to be in shoulder deep… When the gloves only go as far as the elbow.’ He pumped more of the liquid into his hands and rubbed.

“Welcome to a vets life here at the Rez, what did you expect it to be? We need to learn how to get neck deep when it’s needed… So, chalk it up to being a good lesson learnt. Knowing how far you should go and where you shouldn’t.”

Setting the messages in my hands down once I saw that #Jess had dealt with them all, she only gave them to me to review. “Next time you won’t make the mistake of questioning yourself, because now you have first hand experience.”

‘What am I missing here?’ #Jess glanced between the two of us.

‘The cow started to shit on me while I was inside of her!’ #Jessica looked from #Juan to me and I shrugged.

“He stimulated the wrong area.” I told her. “Something you need to learn about too. It’s chapter 31 you need to review and then we can talk about it.” I’d given them both the same book on larger farm animals anatomy.

‘I’m going to need to get so drunk to forget about today.’ #Juan said picking up his helmet.

‘Sounds like it. Why don’t you come down to #HwH tonight? We are all meeting up for drinks?’ I tried to get #Jessica’s line of sight however there was no stopping the girl when she started talking. ‘My cousins own the bar, it’s really cool. They have pool and darts, and they have a stage for live music too.’

I dropped my eyes, rubbing my forehead. It wasn’t that I didn’t want him to come, I just wanted a chance to give the others a heads up before #JuanDiaz stepped out in La Push.

‘If I didn’t know better Dr. J. I’d say you don’t want me out in town?’ He turned his full attention on #Jess again. ‘But as you invited me sweet cheeks, I will be there. What time will you be there. I need a bath, and to soak my arm in disinfectant first.’

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He was acting up. I knew #Juan’s history, I knew mess wasn’t an issue for him. The issue here was how hard me and Mr. Taylor had laughed at seeing it all unfold.

‘Anytime after seven and we will all be there, maybe you will get to meet some of the others from around town.’ She smiled her purest of smiles at him.

#Juan left the two of us to close up, he said he couldn’t wait any longer to strip down and climb into the shower. Not an image I needed or wanted in my mind.

‘Did you not want me to invite Juan out tonight?’ #Jessica asked and I shook my head. I couldn’t expect her not to be her. She was a kind soul, and this was what she did. She had done the same thing for me when I first came to town.

“No, no. It’s fine. We maybe just need to give Leah, Char and Teddy a heads up on how he is?”

❁ Collin ❁

I hadn't been sleeping, I was lying awake all night having different versions of the conversation I knew I should have already had with Harper, over and over in my head.

'No offence... but you look like shit, dude.' The voice was part amused and part concerned when it came through the speaker on my phone. 'You need to talk to her... before you drive yourself crazy. The longer you wait the harder it will be.'

I knew that he was right. But we couldn't all be like #Seth... an endlessly optimistic romantic that could pack up his life and follow a girl halfway across the country. It wasn't that I wouldn't do that... I would. In a heartbeat. Harper was the axis that my world turned on. But after seeing the family and life she built here... I didn't want to give her a reason to run.

"I just... I don't want to frighten her. She has so much going for her here..." I started.

'Collin, stop. You know that won't happen... Maybe she'll need time to wrap her mind around it and that is going to suck. But you've said yourself that she's already feeling the bond.'

"Shit!" I grumbled and thumped my head to the table as I heard a familiar engine pull up outside. #Seth laughed when he heard the voices approaching the door. 'Told you ignoring the group chat was a stupid idea.' He laughed, I looked back up at the screen in time to catch him watching Kenzi walk by.

Large hands clapped onto my shoulders. 'C'mon Loverboy! We aren't taking no for an answer.' Then it was followed by a chorus of excited chattering and hooting into my phone at #Seth when #Quil and #Brady followed #Embry into my kitchen.

The third in command of the Black Pack took my phone and started talking to #Seth. #Brady dragged me towards my bedroom. 'You need to chill out... You've been stressing out over what to tell Harper. You need to relax, or you’ll end up blurting it all out at once.' He shoved me into my room and pointed to the bathroom door. 'Shower. Fast.' he smirked and pulled the door shut.

In less than 45 minutes... I was sat in the back of a jeep and pulling up in front of the #HWH.

❁ Harper ❁

‘You know I will leave the baby here with Dam and be on the next flight up there. I will happily kick that man in the balls and then stomp on them for fun after too.’ #Jenna was on a roll after I told her what had been going on since our last catch up. ‘No, not that top. Wear the yellow jumper if you are keeping your hair up tonight.’ She added, so I pulled off the black shirt and took out the yellow jumper she knew so well. Stepping back in front of the tablet screen. ‘Yes, much better.’

“Jenna, stop threatening to leave the baby. I need cuddles and kisses, so if you visit. You bring Carl with you.” I told her. “And you know I can fight my own battles. It’s just teething problems right now. I’m sure things will settle down soon enough.” I told her.

Jenna had become a new woman after having her baby. She wasn’t as carefree, more of a protective mama bear. A Look I’d never seen in her before now.

‘Fine, but I’m telling you. I’m here and—’ I cut her off telling her I had it all in control.

Saying our good byes I promised to call again soon. With the new year being busy, and spring around the corner she knew I would go MIA for some time until things cooled down again. And then we would only have quick calls here and there.

As I made my way out of the door, I pulled my big coat on. The evenings were colder than the days, however it wasn’t so cold tonight. As I walked down the path, I changed my mind and started walking out towards the bar.

The coolness in the air aided in unwinding, shaking off the madness from the day and take a moment to think of nothing. I could unclutter my mind and… think. That was until I heard the loud sound of a bike coming down the street. There were a number of people in town who rode bikes, however this one I knew too well now. As I came to a stop at the crossing before the bar, He slowed down and rode by my side.

#Juan flicked the front of his visor up and smirked. ‘Hey Buttercup, you should have told me you were walking. I’d have given you a ride.’

“I wanted to walk.” I told him, keeping my hands pushed deep into my pockets. Smiled as I thought of what #Jenna had wanted to do to him.

‘I can understand that. We all need some me time.’ He brought his bike to a stop, pulling it up onto its kickstand before he took his helmet off and hang it on his handlebar. He rubbed his fingers through his short hair, climbing off his bike, before looking to me again. ‘Shall we?’ He pointed to the door and then he froze.

I followed his gaze. ‘That bike.’ He started. His mouth about dropping to the ground. ‘Why do I know this beaut?’ he asked. But I didn’t voluntarily give him any information. He would work it out.

‘It’s that girl… the fine one on the road that day. I couldn’t forget this bike or her—’ he cut off when he saw me looking at him with daggers in my eyes.

“This bikes owner deserves more respect than you are giving right now Dr Diaz.” My voice was a little curt with him. I didn’t like him or anyone talking about #Leah in that way.

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean… It’s just a beautiful bike, a beast. I still cannot believe it belongs to a girl.’ He said whistling at the bike now.

“Woman.” I corrected him. It just makes him wink at me, so I stepped around him heading towards the door. But #JuanDiaz had fallen into step with me.

‘Do you ever lighten up?’ He asked pulling the door open for me. ‘Ladies first.’ He smiled with another wink. But I stood there looking at him.

“Lighten up? I am not uptight—” Stopping as I could hear #Kenz in my mind telling me I needed to stop being so uptight all the time. Was I still that way?

❁ Collin ❁

There was more of the pack in the bar, not that this was shocking news to me. The bar was the place we could all hang out; while at the same time trying to appear less intimidating to the others in the tribe that didn’t know what we were. They were prone to thinking of us all like a gang.

I was greeted with cheers of 'Hello stranger!' and so in. They were exaggerating; they had seen me... on runs, at #Embry's and #Emily's place. But it had been a while since I'd joined them here. I took a seat at the bar and smiled at #Leah behind it. The former setting down a pint glass of milk in front of me and smirked and that only #LeahClearwater could. 'Let me know if you want to let your hair down and I'll bring you a diet coke. You can go wild!' She laughed.

'How come he gets free drinks, and I don't?' #Brady leaned on the bar next to me. He was teasing; sometimes I wondered how the #HWH stayed in business with the way the pack drank. #Leah flicked a bottle cap at him before she handed the beer to a customer. 'A; because if I need something fixed, he actually shows up on time and 2. He never tries to drink up all of my top-shelf liquor.' She turned back to the other customers and #Brady fixed his expression into mock disdain.

'Goodie-two-shoes.' He growled at me, teasingly and I just swigged from the glass. It was about ten minutes of catching up with the younger pack members (Who still annoyingly thought that #Brady and I were one of them... despite the fact that we were in the pack for the battle with the new-born army. Before they were starting to feel the effects of the change) before someone came in and whispered that;

‘Collin’s imprint is outside with a strange dude on a kickass bike.’

I had to stop myself from growling for two reasons. One: She had a name! It was like any of them didn't know it. Two: A stranger? As in someone on the Rez that the pack hadn't been aware of before. With a shared hive mind, it was hard for anyone on the reservation not to look familiar, either you'd met them or just recognized them from a shared memory. As years went on it was harder to tell.

"Did you know she was coming tonight?" I asked Brady. Was that why they had been so pushy?

'No... I swear... but, it's a small town and the #HWH is really the only place to be.' Brady wasn't lying. He was a pain in the arse most of the time, but he was a terrible liar. I'd always liked that about him. But after joining the pack it caused a few problems. Thank the Spirits for #Sam's gag order.

Too many eyes were on me now but a pointed clearing of the throat from the Black Pack's beta had them all rushing back to their previous conversation. I struggled to keep myself from staring at the door... well, from sprinting for the door if I was to be perfectly honest. I settled for a few sidelong glances and waited to see if she would come in.

❁ Harper ❁

As soon as we stepped into the bar, there was a buzz in the air. A hum of energy that screamed of too many men under one roof. However, it wasn’t a place you would feel unsafe. I wasn’t sure how #Leah did it, however there was always order when she would be here, and if there weren’t things were addressed fast.

‘The guys in this place are pumping the roids huh?’ #Juan inhaled a whistle the moment his eyes landed on the tall woman, with long dark hair and a ‘Don’t mess with me.’ sign over her forehead. And even with it visible. #DiazJunior was moving towards #Leah like a moth to a flame.

“You really shouldn’t.” Are the only three words of warning I shared as it was clear he wasn’t going to listen to me.

‘Harper!’ #Jessica jumped up from her seat from behind a table surrounded by a lot of people. And okay, maybe #Juan had a point about the men here? However, I recalled #Leah and #Seth telling me that it was in the tribes blood to be bigger, faster, and better than the rest of the world.

‘Oh No…’ She mouthed rushing over towards me. ‘Did you warn him?’ She came to stand beside me, we both were watching the train crash about to take place at the bar. ‘Maybe Leah will want to have a drink with him? you know… Maybe?’ She whispered.

“Shouldn’t we be warning Leah? You believe Leah would fall for his charm and smiles? After which the sky will start to rain candy.”

#Juan stepped up to the bar, rubbing the back of his neck before he shrugged out of his jacket. As #Char came up to ask how he could help #Juan, he made to let the girl stood beside him go before him. The girl was short, fair hair, wearing jeans and a pink tee. She smiled at #Juan, but his attention was elsewhere, and she could see it when she followed his sightline.

‘Have you seen the others?’ #Jessica whispered, and I shook my head in reply to say no.

“Juan caught up with me as I walked up to the bar.” I told her.

‘Why did you walk?’ she questioned, and I told her I just felt like I needed to enjoy the fresh air.

When #Leah was free, she asked who hadn’t been served, looking around but something told me that she had #Juan in her sightline. He stepped up, nodding his head. We could just make out his voice over all the sounds in the place as he ordered himself a beer and asked her to join him for a drink in her break. #Leah eyed him and then dismissed him with a bottle of beer set before him. She told him she wasn’t into drinking on the job at the start of the night.

‘Is that a lie? I mean she did say at the start of the night, so no. it’s not.’ #Jessica answered her own question.

#Juan didn’t move away from the bar.

“I can’t see anymore of that...” I told #Jessica nodding my chin towards the bar. “Should I go over and help Leah? stop this?” What was I going to do? Tell #LeahClearwater to take it easy on him?

‘No, come on he is a good guy, and my cousin is always looking out for everyone. Maybe she will agree to go on a date or something?’ There was an air of well wishes in #Jessica’s words.

Just as I started to worry and my heart started to beat that little harder, imagining all the outcomes that could follow, I made myself look away. And then it happened. That pull from the heart. I felt him close by before I saw him. I wasn’t sure how, but I knew Collin was here.

❁ Collin ❁

The second she stepped inside all my senses came alive, out of all scents in the room (and there was so many) I could pick hers out with ease. It set my heart speeding and my nerves tingling. The pull in my chest eased with the knowledge that she was close. The male scent with her was new... And the first words out of his mouth had all the guys bristling. I shook my head... some people's sense of self-preservation was just non-existent. Another cleared throat from Leah settled it.

Her sway over the packs without the voice of the alpha was proof of how they respected her... even though none of them would admit it. She had become a voice of reason.

I smiled… my eyes on the half-full glass in my hand. I stood from the stool, timing it just right to pass the new guy as he made a beeline for the bar... for Leah. Poor guy had no idea what he was getting into. I sized him up in the three seconds it took us to cross paths... Cocky... maybe a little arrogant, used to getting his way. Especially with women. But probably not a bad guy. That was about as generous as I could be considering that he had walked in here with the woman I imprinted on.

I reached the girls just in time for it to be believable that I could have overheard Jessica. "Really?" I chuckled. "Have you met Leah?" #Jessica squeaked with fright and whirled to see me, slapping my arm for startling her. I leaned away so even her light slap would glance off my arm, mostly so she wouldn’t hurt herself.

'You scared the hell out of me!' She huffed and I smiled at Harper.

"Hi." My heart thundered enough that a few of the pack glanced at me and, I could feel the grins on their faces. They weren't mocking... they never were. Not for an imprint. Never for an imprint. There was nothing more sacred. #Jessica's eyes flitted between Harper and me. She made a soppy sound and took a step back to pretend to give us privacy.

I took a step closer to Harper, my lips pressing into a tight line and somehow still smiling. "I've always been a little socially awkward." I leaned in close to her ear... but if any wolf in the room wanted to... they could hear me. But the guys would do their best not to overhear if possible. "Are we at the point where I can kiss you to say hello?" I pulled back to see her face, her beautiful eyes. "Are we there yet?"

'YES!!' The high-pitched sound left Jessica and I laughed as she clamped her hand to her mouth like it had slipped out against her will, and then she excused herself to run to the ladies room. I just chuckled and smiled a lop-sided smile.

❁ Harper ❁

My heart rioted within my chest, the sound of the bar had died down and my sight had tunnelled to the point that Collin was the only person in focus, making me forget my words again. I could see him smiling, his eyes lowered to something in his hands, the way his tall body moved around the people without coming into contact with any of them. ( Or was it that they were the ones who moved out of his path towards me? ) However, just as he made #Jessica leaps out of her skin I couldn’t help but to smile wide.

#Jessica jumped, she was speaking, I could make out the sounds. However, all I could see was him moving towards us and then when he was right before me, the world came back to life in a highspeed catch up.

Sounds came hurtling in a combination of voices, music, and the thudding of my heart.

#Juan and his bad choices were out of my mind; I didn’t give him another thought now. Because I knew #Leah would have some way to set him straight. Or she would take him up on the offer. Who knew?

“H…Hi!” I replied to his greeting, biting the corner of my lips. My nervousness of seeing him, of feeling all the things I did making me push the rim of my glasses up my nose.

Then #Jess made the most girly of sounds before giving Collin and me a little space. As he took a step towards me, I in turn did the same towards him. Questions in my mind falling like a waterfall. Was he feeling everything I was? Was he as nervous as me? Was his heart doing the same things mine was right now?

The closer he was the hotter my cheeks grew. Making even more questions fall into line. Was he about to kiss me? Or was it a friendly hug? Would he care that other people would see us? Were his friends here? Would it make a difference to him?

I’d been out of the dating scene for so long, and I was always so awkward in public, that I always overthought everything. And then he did it again. With one sentence all the worries and thoughts rushed away. I found myself laughing softly at his questions, as well as at #Jess’s reactions.

I could feel a number of eyes on the two of us, but I pushed that away. “I guess if we are to take advice from Jess…” I said as she ran off towards the restrooms. “We are at that place.” #Jessica’s face had changed to the colour of a red tomato; making me wonder what her outburst did to my burning hot face right now.

“Hi…” I said again, and this time I turned my face towards him lightly letting my lips touch his. He had lent into whisper in my ear. I took the step forward as he had been the one to ask for permission without making the assumption, I would be fine with him just coming on to me.

Did he even understand how much I respected him for what he had just done? Placing my hand on his chest I closed my eyes and this time kissed him again. Taking in his scent, feeling so warm this close to him.

“Hi…”

I whispered again for the third time. Pulling back, pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose once again, so that I could look up at that smiling face of his.

❁ Collin ❁

I could hear her heart beating faster as I approached. Was she as lost as I was at the sight of her? Half of me was utterly certain she was, and the other was terrified to hope. That soft stammered Hi… my heart hammered.

Heat burned the back of my neck spreading all the way to my ears. I smiled when her cheeks tinted rosy, pink. When she said ‘Hi’ for the second time I was done for, she was moving closer and the scent of her filled my head. It was dizzying… in all the best ways. She didn’t need to reach up to kiss me; I barely needed to tilt my face towards her for our lips to touch. The brief gentle contact could have floored me.

“Thank the Spirits!” I muttered and chuckled softly. My free hand came up to rest on her upper arm. I wasn’t sure I could have survived the night if she’d said no… I mean, of course, I would have… Okay well, maybe I’d have found a way to get her to sneak off with me a little early.

“Hi.” I said back to her so softly, I wasn’t sure she’d hear it… my fingers moving over the soft fabric of her sweater. Of course, she could wear bright yellow and look stunning… I smiled. Everything about her revealed a piece of who she was at heart, her car… her clothes… even her furniture.

I felt her hand settle on my chest and the fact that my heart was thundering behind my ribs came rushing back to me. I didn’t care, I wanted her to know that just being close to her made my heart race. The second kiss doubled its pace. I leaned in, parting her lips just slightly with mine; just enough to feel the heat of her breath against my lips.

I smiled again and said. “Hi.”

Ears and face flushing bright red when I realised, I had said it twice… but hadn’t she done the same? Honestly, I was just so happy to be close to her that she could say or do anything, and she would have my undivided attention. My smile grew when she pushed her glasses higher on the bridge of her nose… I loved it when she did that.

“You look be—“

I was cut off by a cleared throat… ‘Sorry to interrupt—‘ It was the new guy… I really needed to get his name. He was standing just a step away from us. A beer in one hand and a distinctive blue cocktail in his other hand… the notoriously strong cocktail #Leah had invented. He extended it to Harper.

“Are you?” I asked with pinched brows, the expression on his face not sitting right with me.

The words had tumbled out before I could stop them. I cleared my throat and tried to reel my wolf back in.

“Ah… Are you new in town?”

It wasn’t the best save… but I wasn’t that guy, the jealous and possessive guy that needed to lay claim to a woman… even if she was my soulmate. Just knowing that was more than enough.

“I don’t think we’ve met yet… I’m Collin.” I squeezed Harper’s arm gently before extending my hand to him.

His eye dipped to the glass in my hand, and he tilted his head. I was used to that look though… A grown man in a bar drinking a glass of milk. It was weird. But normal was overrated.

He looked to Harper like he was trying to read something in her face before he introduced himself.

❁ Harper ❁

There it lay, in the depths of his deep brown eyes. Collin didn’t laugh at me for being foolish, he wanted to take part in it. And really, he’d been the one to ask me to join him on the path of foolishness first. Which I’d happily been traveling on since the first cup of hot chocolate we shared. Being this person, who was lost of words, lost from knowing what to say when I was with him. it was a mile off from the confident and eloquent woman the world knew me to be.

As he said ‘Hi’ back to me again, my smile grew just for him. The way his hand rested on my arm… The tingle his lips caused on mine… The thunder in his chest was palpable, the heat radiating from him told me he indeed felt all the things I did, right?

Even the roaring from the crowds of people around us couldn’t take away how there was something special between us. Maybe it was time for me to listen to my friends? To give myself over to the fact that maybe, just maybe someone this kind wouldn’t break me.

My thoughts cut short, I was listening to Collin speaking, and then his eyes were gone towards the side. Only then did I notice #Juan, he stood with a short round glass full of a two-toned blue liquid with a slice of lemon on the side of it. #JuanDiaz had brought me a drink? Was he feeling well?

The shock froze me in the moment while Collin spoke. Had I been witnessing an edge in Collins voice? No, I told myself. Because with a blink of an eye it was gone. I had to have imagined it. But #Juan, I saw the tension in his shoulders. The way his eyes travelled over Collin and the hand he had placed on my arm. And then #Juan like Collin eased back into himself, plus a cocky grin.

‘Doctor Juan Diaz, I’ve been in town a few weeks now. Finding my comfort zone with Buttercup here. And finding my feet at the practice as well. But you…’ He winked at me before returning his eyes to Collin. ‘I want to know how come you kept this handsome fella hidden from me Buttercup?’

I cringed at the nickname. It was going to stick, I could tell #Juan wasn’t going to let go of it.

‘I didn’t know you would be here Collin, otherwise I would have gotten you a--- glass of milk?’ There was a teasing in there, and I couldn’t help but want to stamp on #Juan’s foot. Like really, really, Really hard.

Something in the room changed, there was a palpable electricity humming around us.

“I wasn’t hiding him.” I just didn’t feel like talking to #Juan about my personal life.

“Collin isn’t a big drinker, and in my eyes it’s admirable that a man doesn’t give into pressure to do what the world expects of him.” I was frowning a little too hard because it caused my glasses to slip down my nose a little.

‘I didn’t mean anything by it buttercup, actually I can respect a man who knows what he likes. I was genuinely saying I would have gotten him a top up.’ He held the glass up towards me. ‘Miss Clearwater said you may like this, as I didn’t know what your poison is yet.’

The word yet. Hadn’t been missed by me. Before I could take the glass or refuse it, #Jessica was back. ‘Oh, Mermaidspunk. I love those.’ She took the glass from #Juan and sipped on it. ‘So, what did I miss?’ She asked looking between the three of us.

#Juan gave her a wink, turning his attention to her. ‘Nothing much Sweet Cheeks, Buttercup was introducing me to her friend.’

I shifted on my feet, making #Juan and #Jessica turned their eyes to me. I was starting to understand that these two never miss a beat. I sheepishly looked to Collin. Hearing #Juan call Collin just a friend. It didn’t’ feel right. But why was I second guessing myself? Was it because once again I had someone in my life whom I cared for dearly?

I wasn’t sure what it was about #Juan. He knew how to push my buttons by just saying ‘Good Morning.’ Making me doubt myself.

#Juan’s attention moved slowly away from me and back on Collin again. ‘So, Collin… What’s your attentions here?’ he pointed from me to Collin and back again. ‘Going to keep this one honest?’ he was laughing as he swigged from the beer in his hand.

“How do you know I plan on keeping Collin here honest?” I chimed in. “It’s the 21st century you know. Woman can take men astray too.”

#Jessica stifled a giggle by bringing the cocktail to her lips. And I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole!

❁ Collin ❁

There wasn't an ounce of falseness in this woman, every time I was close enough to look into her eyes I could see all the way into her soul. Something was happening behind those eyes, some big realizations. My eyes dropped to her hand against my thundering heart. Was she starting to realize that what I felt for her was a whole lot more than what would normally come from...? What was it now? Two dates and a night with her friends? I smiled at the reminder of how that night ended; dancing with her in her kitchen.

My brows shot up at the buttercup comment, but I managed to contain my grin. I bet Harper just loved that new nickname. I cringed a little internally that it had been the idea I’d given Harper that had brought him here. But I was going to focus on the fact that it meant Harper wasn't going to be on call all night, every night anymore. I wasn't going to wake up in the middle of the night worrying that she was so exhausted she might have wrapped her car around a tree.

"Oh, so you’re staying in the Tribal support housing then?" I tried to sound enthused. "If you ever need anything fixed just let me know. Maintaining those houses is kind of my responsibility." I chuckled and wrapped my arm around Harper's back when she said she hadn't been hiding me. Then I instantly worried that maybe that was too possessive? My wolf grumbled low.

No. He was right, I wasn't going to second guess every move I made with her. Plus, Harper was a force to be reckoned with... if I did something she didn't like she would let me know. But then #Jessica came back and any awkwardness was pushed aside. I chuckled at her as she took the glass from #Juan and tried not to roll my eyes at the name of the cocktail. The guys in the Black Pack were all a little crazy.

Before I could formulate an answer to his question that consisted of minimal stammering (Because let's face it... it happened more often than not when I was talking to or about Harper) she had answered him herself. A reply that made me beam proudly. "Would I be imposing if I asked to join you guys?" I asked, noting the tinge of pink in Harper's cheeks.

'That's a great idea!" #Jessica smiled and looped her arm through #Juan's. 'Let’s go find a seat.' After she led the new guy off, I smiled and leaned into Harper’s ear again and whispered. "You can lead me astray any day, Dr Jenkins." The scent of her filled my senses before I tightened the arm around her and pressed a kiss to her hair.

❁ Harper ❁

“Yeah, that’s where I’m staying for now. It’s a great idea and set up for the tribe to welcome in outside help from those like me.”

As I witnessed the exchange between the two men, I saw a genuineness in #Juan that had been missing all the time we spent together. And just as that thought was being processed, I tuned back into their conversation.

‘You help with the upkeep of those places?’ #Juan’s glance moved from Collin to me again. This was new to me; I didn’t know that Collin helped to maintain the community support housing here on the Rez. ‘I’m pretty handy with tools myself, but…’ he took a drink from the beer in his hand. ‘If you have time, the kitchen cabinets are a little loose. I was going to find the hardware store this week and fix them. But if I could maybe borrow some tools from you.’

As we all stood there I saw #Leah’s head pop up and she was looking towards me with a wink, and then she was on to serving the next customer. Sometimes it felt like she and #Seth were apart of conversations just by the way #Seth smiled from a far, or like now #Leah did something to say ‘I’m right here if you need me.’

When #Jessica led #Juan away I was in the mind to turn around and tell Collin he didn’t need to put himself through a night of this. However, when his warm breath was felt on my skin, I lost my train of thought. Goosebumps covering the skin under my jumper, and I could feel a ripple like lightening move over my cheeks. How was it possible for me to react in this way? In the past I had been the one to counsel #Kenz and #Jenna away from feeling this way so fast. Now look at me?

“Are you so easily led astray Mr. Littlesea?” I whispered unsure if I would be heard over the sounds within the bar. Turning myself into his hold around my back. “What would the world say?” The teasing tone was enough of a giveaway. My eyes found themselves looking at him, taking in each facet of his face. I felt myself leaning to kiss him, however I heard someone clearing their throat behind us.

Pulling back so fast, I felt myself about to trip over my feet, but I managed to save myself. ‘Hi, we saw you come in and wanted to say hello.’ The smiling face of #Rachel and her husband #Paul greeting us.

❁ Collin ❁

I nodded. "Yeah, well... The town is so small... we can't keep every profession covered" I chuckled. "Half the kids in town pick their careers based on what the tribe needs, and the other half go to college and never come back."

I listened to the usual male response... the one that most wives on the Rez heard right before they have to call in someone like me; to fix an even bigger problem than the one they started out with. But there was still a chance he did actually know what he was doing.

I heard #Brady scoff from the bar when #Juan made it sound like a casual thing, that I stopped by and helped out on occasion. But I didn't react to him; acting human was as easy as breathing to me now.

"Well..." The awkward urge to raise a hand to rub the back of my neck to the way I tended to when I was feeling... well, awkward. But one arm was around Harper and the other held a fast warming, half-full pint glass of milk in the other. "I actually helped build some of them..." I nodded in #Brady's direction. "Along with Brady over there... and my boss." I was babbling. "But, I can drop off a few essentials for you." My smile may have had a hint of cockiness in there... but I was curious to see if he was full of it or not. Plus, there was no damage he could do that I couldn't fix.

Then Harper and I were the only people in the world for a moment. "Normally... I'm pretty responsible... but under the terms of our foolishness agreement." I smiled at her. Spirits, she was so beautiful. "I think you—" I stressed that word. "Just might be able to."

The way she was looking at me made my face and ears and neck burn so much I was convinced my face had to be bright red now. The urge started to swell up inside of me, to ask her to come with me, somewhere we could be alone, and I could tell her everything I had left to say. She knew... She knew that this thing between us was so much more than ordinary. She had to... how else could one look from a person like her almost make a Spirit Warrior buckle at the knees?

I was completely blind-sided by #Paul and #Rachel's approach. Being around her always took up all of my attention. But here... with half of both packs in the same room, I only needed to think about her. I didn't need to be on alert for anything. Because Leah and the guys wouldn't let anything at all go wrong. I mean that was always the case, but we had always done more when the guys were there with the imprints... to just let them be... let them drop the drive to protect so they could just be in the moment with the ladies. And now... I was one of them.

I could see #Paul noticing the shift in me, and he smiled. I think he had probably felt this more than any of us. In the beginning, he had always been so afraid that he might hurt #Rachel because of his temper. But when everyone was together, he was able to let us take on the role of keeping her safe and just be a normal guy in love. Or as normal as a guy like #Paul could ever be.

"Hey cuz!" I grinned; of course, I was happy to see her. She rolled up on her toes even in heels to kiss my cheek.

'I didn't know that you were coming tonight.' She smiled and looked around at the sheer number of wolves in the #HWH tonight.

"#Embry and #Brady dragged me. But luckily the good doctor came to my rescue." I thought I could hear the two at the bar roll their eyes. #Rachel pulled a face like she'd just seen a cute baby or puppy and leaned into #Paul a little more. #Rachel turned her attention to Harper and smiled that bright beautiful smile that reminded me so much of Auntie Sarah... or at least the pictures I had seen and the flashes in #Jacob's memory.

'You look amazing Harper... seems like our little rainy slice of paradise is agreeing with you.' And every single word was pure and genuine. The dichotomy of #Rachel… the sweetest, kindest gossip queen with the occasional flair for drama that you would ever meet. It was a combination that shouldn't work but did.

❁ Harper ❁

Every time Collin and I met I discovered something new and interesting. About him, about his tribe or even about the world itself. It was refreshing to be in a place where you looked forwards to what you could learn about another person, and he did not disappoint. We were different people, with crossroads overlapping over certain parts of our lives, making me aspire to be more and to uncover more. However, as we weren’t alone right now, I set this information to the side to ask him more about it later.

I rained in my shock and excitement of hearing he hadn’t just participated in a small way to help his tribe, but he, his best friend and boss had really gone all in. Learning the reason why the next generation of the tribes people picked their vocation had my gaze wondering the floor of the bar until I found the laughing #Jessica, recalling the first day we met. The girl wouldn’t take no for an answer, and now I was so thankful that she pushed until I broke. She would someday become a powerhouse for this tribe, and I would be so proud of her for it.

Leaning into Collin a little further, still keeping my voice low. I was smiling so much when I was around him that my cheeks could feel the tension. “I’m not competitive, however if I were. I would step up to the challenge to see if I could.” The words he brought out of me. Then the blush followed not so far behind.

“I didn’t do the rescuing alone tonight.” Placing my hand over my heart. “I would say it’s teamwork.” Both #Paul and #Rachel shared a look, and she did that cute thing with her lips, mouthing something to him.

Smiling as #Rachel spoke, I glanced down to my jumper, a reel of heat hitting my cheeks and I was the same tint of red as Collin had turned.

“I will have to thank my friend Jenna for this choice, she likes to keep things bright when it’s dark outside.” I pointed to the windows. “And you look pretty too.” I was so bad at this, thinking how gorgeous someone looked was easier than telling them. #Rachel smiled and giggled the sweetest way.

‘She looks sexy in anything she wears. And—’ #Rachel spun around and covers her husband #Pauls mouth.

‘Do not dare finish that sentence, Leah will kick us out.’ She nudged him in the side, which just made #Paul grin wide and hold her closer.

Just behind #Rachel and #Paul’s shoulders I saw a number of young boys around the pool table, however no one was playing. They were all watching us? I saw a face amongst them I recognised, smiling I waved and mouthed a ‘hello’. It was the boy who had delivered the pizza to my house the day Collin and the others came to help build the flat pack. All the boys around him turned their eyes from me to him and then back again. And them they all were talking to the boy.

I shifted hoping I didn’t embarrass him with his friends being around, however before I could do anything more, I felt them all straighten up and this time they turned their attention back to the pool table. “I’ll have to check on him later.” I muttered to myself.

❁ Collin ❁

The look she gave me when I told them about the housing project had me standing taller. I mean it had been my job. We got paid... but of course, because it was for the tribe the Boss had obviously made given them the best possible price that wouldn't leave him short-changing his crew. but it was a job we had all put in extra hours on and were pretty proud of.

My ears burned. Was she teasing me... in an entirely new way from our playful banter? Spirits, I hoped so because I liked it, even if I had no idea how to respond to it. I smiled when she we'd rescued each other... I knew that this guy was a colleague, but he riled me. To hear her say I rescued her too; soothed this rather unpleasant alpha male thing that the pack had warned me might wake up after I imprinted. In a very loose sense of the word since there was a long, long line between me and the alpha role; even if I was #EphraimBlack's Great-Grandson too. My fingers tightened on the brightly coloured fabric by her side, just to remind her I was here and the was the brightest and most beautiful part of my world.

Even if I couldn't tell her that yet. I cleared my throat at #Paul and shook my head for him not to continue that.

A: Because that was my cousin he was talking about, and it was hard enough sharing a hive mind with him sometimes and B: It too soon to introduce Harper to all of the crazy that was the #PaulLahote we all knew and loved.

I followed Harper's gaze to the pool table. Oh hell! Those pups had no poker face at all. What on earth were they playing at? I heard Harper's whisper, but I could tell that was speaking to herself... my eyes drifted to #Jessica and the new vet... then back to the pups not playing pool. Her words made me stop and think that maybe I should do the same. But I saw #Embry shift at the bar... and move to the gathered pups. Because that was just what he did.

"If we both want to maintain our hero status we probably shouldn't leave #Jessica alone with #DonJaun over there." I chuckled.

Rachel reached out and squeezed my arm. 'You two enjoy your night.' She smiled and led #Paul away.

"Do you want a drink before we join them?" I asked Harper. My mind still trying to puzzle out if Harper had been trying (succeeding) to tease me.

❁ Harper ❁

#Rachel and #Paul smiled as they left the two of us, and I could still feel the caress of heat on my cheeks from the way I had attempted to flirt? Or tease? Whatever it was, I was slowly becoming aware of the fact that I had failed at it terribly. I wasn’t #Jenna, she almost always had a way with how she spoke to men. And it was clear I didn’t.

Clearing my thoughts and throat, I shifted on my feet. “I’m not sure the title is one that could be lost. A hero for life when you sign on the dotted line, isn’t it?” My gaze gliding back over to #Jessica who was speaking animatedly. With #Teddy joining the fray now too. He found me looking and blew a kiss, mouthing ‘Come on over.’ With a flourish of his hand.

“I agree we should go and join the others.” I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose. “Even if Jessica is good with Juan; I am certain she would like to have some back up.” However, I was convinced that both Collin and I would be no match for #MissJessicaClearwater.

Tilting my head, I considered the question about a drink. Then I pointedly turned towards the bar. “A drink would be good; would you like another one of these too?” This time I glanced down to the glass of milk in his hands. “I’m happy to go grab then for us.” I started to slowly walk backwards away from him.

Then I paused at the realisation, and once again he made me smile. “Did you just call him Don Juan?” Blinking my eyes, I lowered my voice just a little. “Are you becoming a rebel now too?” There had been nothing wrong with what he said. #Juan had been going around giving #Jess and I nicknames, so why could he not be given one too?

❁ Collin ❁

That flush in her cheeks made my heart stutter a few beats. She was so beautiful, but I could tell by her expression that she was completely unaware of it. “Something like that.” I chuckled, I had to admit that having her refer to me as a hero; did a strange new alpha male thing in my chest… this one was a little more welcome… but still not quite right, not quite me.

I laughed again. Something that happened so naturally with Harper. “Hey, he was the one that tried to flirt with Leah.” I grinned, one corner of my mouth curling up. “Around here, trying that and not leaving in an ambulance earns you a nickname.” I leaned in and brushed a kiss to her temple. “Nope! Not this time. You bought the pizza, it’s my  turn now. What would you like, Buttercup?” I teased, a little I did it without faltering. I knew she drank wine… but I wasn’t sure what her preference was when she was out… thought I was sure whatever it was, Leah was making it as we spoke.

My gaze never left Harper though. The rosy hints still showing her cheeks, the glasses that had slipped so slightly down the bridge of her nose. I smiled. She was… perfect. I reached up and pushed her glasses up gently the way she always did. “Beautiful.” I whispered, unable to stop myself from voicing how I felt right at this moment.

❁ Harper ❁

“As he is still alive and walking, I will hope for the best…” pausing before continuing. “And prepare for the end of the world. Maybe?”

I couldn’t argue with the facts. #JuanDiaz had taken his life in his own hands at the time he decided to step up to the bar and say whatever it was that he did to #LeahClearwater. I had heard many stories from her brother #Seth about how men sometimes didn’t walk away. However, seeing that #DrJuanDiaz has indeed walks away from the bar, and had been served drinks. Could it have been that #Leah liked him?

I glanced over to him stood beside #Jessica and #Teddy, talking animatedly and then I turned my eyes on #Leah. Telling myself ‘No way.’ It was more likely that she knew why ‘#DonJuan’, had come here to La Push. And she understood how I / we needed his arms, hands, and legs intact.

“Oh… Sauvignon Blanc… I believe Cha and Leah have some hiding behind the bar for me.” I was back with him now. the night in questions popping into my mind. “Let us not forget that you taught me how to make my own pizza. So, really… Isn’t it my turn again?” We were stopped half way to the bar when I smiled tilting my head to the side. He was watching me closely.

When he kissed the side of my head. New butterflies came to life in my tummy, roiling to life and taking my attention off the point I was attempting to make. I closed my dark eyes, feeling a warmth and fervour radiating from him. It made me lean in a little more.

‘Buttercup’? however as the word sat with me for a moment, when he said it… it somehow didn’t sound the same way it did when #Juan said it. “You really are on a rebels walk tonight Mr. Littlesea.” I whispered to him, that was until my world paused at his term. ‘Beautiful’, then he was the first person ever to push my glasses up the bridge of my nose. My mouth went dry at the intimacy that one action brought with it. And now, I really had no words to say.

❁ Collin ❁

"Only if Nova and I get to bunker down with you." I smiled, a little proud of my own wit. I had to chuckle at her remark. "I asked you over for lunch and then made you cook it yourself... if anything that means I owe you two." I grinned, but  she wasn't the keeping score type, and the only reason I hadn't cooked before she arrived was that I knew that she would love it. She really couldn't be more perfect.

"Me?" I teased. "A rebel? Not my style at all." I dropped my hand, letting  it skim over the arm of her brightly coloured jumper... Beautiful was such an understatement. She was struck silent and that made my heart pound.

"You go rescue #Jess. I'll just be a second." I wanted to kiss her again... but I was walking as  for as the bar, and it would be mere moments before I was next to her again. Was it too much? Desperate even? But despite those thoughts, I brushed a swift kiss against her cheek, my lips grazing the corner of her mouth in a way that made my  stomach come alive with butterflies.

Never too much... never desperate... not with Harper. With her, it was always just right.

When I got to the bar, I could tell #Leah already had the drinks poured behind it, a round for the whole table, not just Harper and me. 'She's a catch, pup.' she said in that way she did when she was about to get deep in that #Leah-specific way of hers... which was to say very deep without really saying much. 'You can't keep her in the dark forever.' And  there it was. She was right, of course. She was right far too much.

"I'm not going to." That was all I said... like a sulking teenager because really, I had nothing else, I could say that wasn't an excuse.

'Actions, Pup.' And there it was  again... all that heft behind two tiny words.

"As soon as I have her alone." There was no coming back from it now. Every warrior in here heard that, and I knew they were eager to welcome her into the folds of the pack too... it had been so  long since anyone had shifted or imprinted. The whole pack and all the imprints were buzzing with the excitement of it. I wanted Harper to experience that part of all of this too... to show her that she could have the most incredible family here. One that would cherish her and the memories of the family she'd lost.

With a smile #Leah set the drinks on the bar in a way that told me my brief yet highly effective lesson was over. Before I gathered up the drinks, I noticed #Embry and  #Quil shuffling the pup from earlier outside for some air,assuring the pup over and over that they weren't going to make him go home.

I looked at #Juan and #Jess talking closely over the music and typical bar noise. 'Not your problem tonight.'  

Leah's hand came down on the bar, she was solely trying to get my attention but covering it by wiping the perfectly clean surface with the cloth in her hand. 'His brothers have this.'

I knew it was true... and they would make damn sure of it  too... especially now that they knew my intentions. Besides... I wasn't known for my stellar advice. "Does Juan..." I trailed off not wanting to finish the question. "Is he..."

Leah cut me off. 'What the new guy wants, or thinks isn't a  factor. Harper is a grown woman; he can fancy who he wants... and he isn’t the one, she's been staring at doe-eyed for the last fifteen minutes.'

"It wasn't fi-- Wait? Was it?" I glanced back at Harper for a second, when I turned back #Leah was giving me a  look that had me gathering the drinks and weaving my way to the table.

❁ Harper ❁

“Okay.”

The utterance from me which had to be the answer to all the above.

The end of the world, with the baby girl and him…

Him not being a rebel…

Going to be with #Jess…

Whose turn it was to go to the bar…

Because let’s face facts. I didn’t really know... All I knew was that I’d spent time with him and #Nova, and yes nothing was disregarded about anything in those days and moments. However, keeping track of other things had not been something I could do. ( Unless it was about where things went after they were used. )

My fingers grazed the spot where his lips stroked mine, leaving a warm glow on my cheeks. The butterflies in my tummy had started to dance, as I looked back over my shoulder at Collin stood beside the bar speaking with #Leah. Smiling I found myself bumping into the side of someone.

‘Slow down there, Dr. Jenkins, what’s the rush?’ My cheeks smarted from embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry Mr Murry, how is Princess Poppy feeling now?” I asked the man who had a small brown hamster that had come in for an infected ear.

‘She is doing so much better; Jia has been helping with the cleaning tasks. The advice you gave for her school project has her doing as much as she can now.’ He was smiling as he spoke to me.

“I’m so glad to hear it, anything we can do to keep the youngers involved the better.”

Excusing myself I stopped beside #Jessica. I stood listening to #Teddy sat at the table, telling the group how his boss had promised to give him the lead on an upcoming collection. And what an amazing opening he had planned for, then I felt someone step up on the other side of me.

‘A vet and a carpenter walked into a bar…’ #Juan gave me a crooked chortle. ‘Doesn’t it sound like the best joke could start that way?’ taking a pull from his beer. ‘You don’t have a drink. Let me go grab you one.’ He continued.

“Firstly, some of the best jokes keep us all smiling, at a time when our worlds may be dark. And secondly, Collin is already at the bar fetching me one. Thank you.” Contemplating what he could mean by the joke comment.

‘I didn’t see him being your type. The guy is handsy.’ Now I turned to face #Juan.

“And since when is your boyfriend wanting to touch you a bad thing?” I asked, feeling #Jessica’s eyes on me.

‘Did you just call Collin your boyfriend? Spirits Harper… that is so cute.’ My face flushed as she pulled me into her arms and hugged me. Telling #Teddy what I had just declared.

I couldn’t help but turn my attention towards the bar, happy to see that Collin had turn to walk our way. Because had I really just made such a declaration without speaking to him first? However, he had just told me he wanted to have #Nova and I with him at the end of the world, right?

❁ Collin ❁

I couldn't help overhearing the new guy’s so-called joke... I told myself that it wasn’t an elitist thing. But my mind went straight to the fact that this man was far more highly educated than me and clearly didn't have a problem pointing it  out. But this was the effect of the imprint; this was a normal reaction to someone talking about me, to my soul mate. But I needed that territorial crap to go to sleep... it wasn't the real me.

I focused on what #Leah said... What  the new guy thought or said was inconsequential. Only what Harper felt mattered.

‘Handsy.’ Damn! Was I? I was doing this all wrong...

But then...

My heart started to beat harder than ever in my chest. I paused as I made my way to the table. Had she really just said that?

'Play it cool pup.' I heard #Paul say, from somewhere across the bar and I started to move again.

I passed Harper her drink first, trying to control my smile but not too sure I was succeeding. Then I handed  #Jess another cocktail before passing the guys theirs. "So, what did I miss?" I asked.

'I was telling everyone about the show I have coming up. you and Harper should come. It would be so great to see someone with a great artistic eye  there.' #Teddy very pointedly looked from #Juan to me. 'And speaking of! You still owe me a viewing of your work, Mr Littlesea.

I chuckled and slid my phone across the table. "That's true! Put your number in there and we'll make a date." Then  I wrapped my arm around Harper's waist... because Handsy or not Harper wasn't complaining. Her referring to me as her boyfriend was a sign that she wanted to be closer to me, wasn't it?

'I feel like I'm missing something here?' #Juan  said looking around the group.

'Collin is an amazing photographer.' #Jess spoke first... because she was Jess and that's what she did. 'And #Teddy here has been dying to get a look at Collins work.'

❁ Harper ❁

“Thank you.” I smiled taking the glass of wine,  trying to hide the frolics of the conversation that died thankfully with a nudge from #Teddy when he saw Collin coming. I really didn’t want him to be brought into the mess that was alive in my mind.

All eyes turned to me upon Collin’s question, however it was #Teddy who jumped to answer before #Juan or #Jessica. I could kiss that man, the way he turned the conversation towards his upcoming art show gave me room to breathe, and my heart to settle from the race it had been running. However, at the same time I didn’t miss the look he gave #Juan who was clearly amused as he was drinking his beer.

Listening to them all speaking had my eyes wondering towards the Bar for a moment to watch how #Char and #Leah worked together. There was an easy about them, like they knew when they needed to move and dance around one another while they worked.

My attention drew back to the discussion, and I felt myself standing a little taller proud of this man I hadn’t known long, and yet hearing someone praise his talents felt right and wholesome. When Collins arm came around me, drawing me in closer. I didn’t fight it, because as much as calling him Boyfriend terrified me, the tow that had now become a sentiment when he was close made itself be known…. And eased my fears.

I watched him out of the side of my eye as he teased #Teddy with is words.

‘Don’t you dare tell my Char that I was this enthusiastic at the mention of a date with you Mr. Littlesea.’ #Teddy winked at me as he added his number to the phone contacts.

I was smiling again… I found myself doing it so much more these days. However, as my mind drifted from the dialogue to the glass in my hands, I once again thought that not many people had this in their life. How lucky I had to be.

‘A dollar for your thoughts.’ #Juan whispered to the side of me. And I jerked my head up.

“Me?” lost a little in the thoughts still.

‘Yeah. I’ve not seen you this quite before.’ #Juan arched a brow, and I lifted the glass in my hand up so that he could see it as the others spoke about Art and photography.

“I was thinking about this wine… You know that Sauvignon Blanc mostly comes from France, or from New Zealand. However, when #Leah and #Char found out I like a glass of wine now and then, they ordered me in a case. It’s called Eight Thousand Lakes, a Sauvignon Blanc that was made in Washington State not far from here. On a vineyard she told me her brother Seth had visited. So, of course, I had no choice but to try it.”

The wine glass had fogged from the crisp cool of the liquid within it, as I swelled it, the scents of Peach, Citrus Fruits like  Grapefruit and  Lemon, as well as Passionfruit made themselves known to me.

‘Are you just going to look at it, or do you plan to drink it?’ My eyes moved to #Juan, who was giving me a cheeky grin.

‘Let the girl saver the moment, don’t rush her.’ #Teddy said, winking at me.

So, I did in my own time take a sip. It was cold; however, it was the crisp and zesty flavour that was welcoming.

“Worth the wait.” I teased the taste in my mouth. I didn’t know much about wines; I just knew what I liked which #Leah told me was the only thing that mattered.

‘Give me a beer any day and I’m happy.’ #Juan said and I shrugged.

“We all have things that are right for us, it’s best we don’t judge others for their tastes in life.”

‘You are such a nerd.’ He laughed.

❁ Collin ❁

All it this made me smile... The was her friends covered up her declaration in front of me. Even #Juan didn't sell her out, so there was finally a mark in his plus column. I happily dove into the conversation with her friends... she seemed a little stunned by her own words. Then again... so was I, the best possible way.

I laughed at Teddy. "I won't bring it up... but if he asks. I won't lie for you, Mr Waterson." I winked at him and looked mock offended, making me laugh again It was hard to focus on the conversation, but my mind wanted to pull all of my attention to Harper's side conversation with #Jaun. But one corner of my mouth curled up when she got all nerdy about her wine. Spirit's this woman was perfect... a quick glance around the room at the faces I knew told me that even without imprinting; all my friends would agree. I made mental notes of everything I had just heard.

I liked these people the way Teddy told #Juan off without really telling him off about rushing her. The way she stood up for herself without a hint of bitterness... I liked it all. When the new guy called her a nerd my fingers curled into her jumper, and I tightened my arm around her subtly... no more than a tensing of the muscles in my arms really.

"She really is." I said to #Juan, but my eyes focused on Harper alone. "And it is by far one of her most attractive qualities... if you ask me."

❁ Harper ❁

My glasses slipped down my nose a little, making it so that my eyes connected to Collins without any hurdles in the way. The softness in the way his gaze found my, made my heart skip and my tummy flutter with those butterflies once again.

‘You both are way too sweet for me.’ I heard #Juan says; however I didn’t dare pull my glance away from Collin. There was that connection and pull, telling me I was home. A feeling that only a few weeks ago would have had me running out of this bar.

“I didn’t know…. Ugh…. That…there were more qualities you were attracted to?”

My words stumbled and I could swear that I could hear a roll of laughter coming from afar and then it was gone.

“Care to enlighten me? Not to build my ego, more on a Scientific level, of what I should do more of.”

Okay…. Lord… I really was a nerd, and I didn’t even try to hide it when I was around him. This was the level of comfort I had begun to feel around him.

‘I’m so going to need something stronger.’ I could hear #Juan asking the others for their drinks order before he was gone again.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart stumbled when her eyes met mine, enough to make me ignore #Juan's macho act... I grew up in a pack of wolves and warriors, with Alphas, territory wars and armies of vampires... If I hadn't been sucked into the atmosphere of toxic male egos #JuanDiaz had no hope of making it happen now.

I waited until #Juan excused himself from the table to answer.

"I'll give you the whole list if you let me walk you home later on tonight." It wasn't until I raised my glass to my mouth and took a drink that I realized there were too many interpretations of what I had just said, and I choked as I swallowed... managing not to spurt milk out of my mouth; thank the Spirits for that! "I mean um... Just... you, not that... Just to  walk you home... to the door... you know... so we can... talk..."

I felt an elbow against my bicep and #Teddy saying. 'Ow... Jeez...' He rubbed his elbow. 'Calm down Man of Steel.' He teased me and pointed to Harper. 'She got the message... and what the hell do they put them in water around here?' He pinched the muscle on my upper arm and looked around the bar at the other guys in the pack, appraising the muscles in the room.

I laughed... still a little awkward but my heart was  returning to normal. "Just... Genetically blessed." I smiled; at least that was the truth... just a much understated one.

❁ Harper ❁

Leaning into him a little, I was trying to calm myself. If I started to overthink everything, I knew that I would end up in a spiral.

I took a sip from the cold wine in my glass and coughed at the same time as Collin finished asking his question. My mind had gone to the most innocent of things. Thinking he just wanted to walk me home, not sure how he knew I had walked here. But I must have told him.

However, when I saw his face turn a shade of pink, mine mirrored it with new meanings coming to light.

Wait... was he really asking for a walk home, or did he want “coffee”?

I mean… we were taking it slow… but we hadn’t really had the time to talk about more. Or act on it…

I hadn’t even shaved my legs! What if he did want “coffee” tonight? What would he think of me?

Did I want more? Was I ready for the next step?

STOP!

I told myself. This was just a request to walk me home. It was Collin. It was all going to be fine.

‘By the spirits.’ I swore I heard #Leah mutter as she walked past with a tray full of empty glasses, the lip of her towel darted out to hit Collin in the back of his head.

‘Do better.’ Did she mutter at him? or was it in my imagination? And then she was gone.

“Uhm…” I set the glass down on the table, it was safer to hide the slight shake of my hands.

#Teddy had come to my aid again, taking the attention from me and moving it to the men all lined up beside the bar and the far side of the bar. They were all trying to look busy, with some of them smiling when I caught their eyes.

This time I leant into Collin and whispered into his ear.

“I would love for you to walk me home.”

❁ Collin ❁

She choked... great I was going to kill my own imprint by being the definition of awkward AF.

The tribe was going to tell legends about the idiot wolf that caused his soul mate's death by being... well an idiot!

Her heart started to  hammer and that really didn't help mine slow. I wanted to glare at #Leah... but there was no chance that she would come to my rescue. #Embry would normally intervene when things got bad... Changed the subject... say something to draw the  attention away from our screw-ups. I looked around. He still hadn't come back inside.

Seriously? ‘Do better’, was all my beta had to offer? #Teddy was becoming my new hero.

I didn't even flinch at the towel flicking into the back of my  head, I was stunned by my own foolishness... and there it was... rescue. I leaned in to Harper and whispered... "Sorry... good thing we have our... foolish little bargain, right?" I smiled and gave her a nod to confirm that I would indeed like  to walk her home after all.

❁ Harper ❁

“Let’s be foolish together, remember?” My gaze met his once I could trust myself not to turn as red as a tomato again.

‘I think we need to move those boys off the pool table and show them what a real game looks like.’ #Jessica said standing up from the table, jabbing her thumb over her shoulder towards the back of the bar.

‘Why do we need to move them away? You could do with some eye candy darling Jess.’ #Teddy was up on his feet and downing his martini. ‘Harps? Handsome one… You both in?’ He lent over the table. ‘Twos?’ Nodding his head towards the pool tables.

“Uhm…” I looked over to Collin. “I’m up for a game if you would like to play?” I asked him.

‘What, no one going to ask me to play?’ #Juan was back with a fresh round of drinks for everyone, setting a cold glass of milk down before Collin. ‘I’m always up for a game.’ He was smirking at #Teddy with a wink.

Thanking #Juan for the second glass of wine. “Okay, well why don’t we play round robin? Or I don’t mind sitting to the side and watching.” I said, looking over towards Collin not even sure if he was up to playing at all. I didn’t want to assume or make the choice for him.

I knew we needed to make #Juan consider La Push as a second home for him. I wanted this partnership with his practice to be successful, and soon enough I was meant to be going to Port Angeles to fulfil my side of the deal too.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her and raised my glass to my lips, the back of my neck and my ears heating, I wanted to press another kiss to her cheek or the side of her head again, but #Juan was still watching us closely. So, I brushed my fingers along her waist where the still sat over the soft fabric of her jumper.

I had been staring at Harper, so until #Juan spoke I had assumed #Teddy was talking about him and not me. I smiled when Harper spoke up about sitting out for a game, she was too sweet not  to. But I leaned in and whispered to her. "You should play the first round with #Juan... he's new in town. We should make him feel welcome." I kissed her cheek and turned into her, so it would look like a couple having a cute moment. I mean... she had used the word boyfriend after all. "This place is full of people I grew up with. I'll play the winners."

#Juan may have found some way to get on my nerves... but he was a stranger here, and he should know that La Push was a good place to be. Especially when him being here meant the Harper wasn't going to be on-call twenty-four hours a day, every day. That was a good thing. I worried about her... and selfishly, i knew it would mean she would have more free time I hoped to monopolise. (Only if she wanted to, of course.)

I turned to face all of them. "Why don't you four play... I'll take on the winners?"

❁ Harper ❁

There. There was the reason why I felt like myself with this man. He had spoken the words I had been thinking. However, more so he took the time to understand the need to open and welcome someone into the fold. I had been an outsider here not so long ago. With no one but #Sue and #Leah to call my own. And it had been my foolishness that I had not seek them out right away upon arriving in town.

I placed a hand on his chest, feeling his hand on my side stroking the fabric of my jumper. It was just the two of us and the bar filled with silence all around us. “You are amazing Mr Collin Littlesea.” I whispered just for the two of us. “Thank you.” I mouthed and then his lips touched my skin, and I closed my eyes.

‘Sounds like fun in the making.’ #Juan clapped his hands loud, and I jumped out of my skin and out of the moment. ‘Let’s go people.’ He now rubbed his hands together.

‘Teds you and me against the boss and the Squid?’ #Jessica was already making her way across the bar.

“Squid?” I asked confused.

#Juan laughed hard. ‘It’s what you call an ex-navy officer. Sweet cheeks wanted to learn some slang.’ He told me before following her.

“Oh joy.” I muttered. “He is going to have her talking like a sailor before the week is out.” Shaking my head, I turned to look at Collin again. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” I slipped my free hand into his, gently squeezing it with the fresh glass of wine in the other.

❁ Collin ❁

There it was again, that spark of kindness... the purity of her friendship. My heart thundered beneath her hand. Every molecule of oxygen left my body when she called me amazing. "Not even close." I chuckled. "But I try."

I nodded at her comment about #Jess... "Maybe... but she's too sweet to swear, so at least that's something, right?" I laughed.

'She is right here, thank you very much! And I'm not so easily influenced.' #Jessica nudged one of the guys that were playing before us with her hip... he was closer to her age so I was sure they knew each other from school. They cleared the table, having already heard us talking about playing. #Brady came up and stood next to me.

All the guys around me tensed when  Harper startled... as did I. It was that split second difference that people missed, it wasn't #Juan's action that caused it... it was the fact that it scared her, added to because she was an imprint. I tightened my arm around her, there was  something underlying here. I leaned in close, letting my cheek brush against hers, telling her I was right here and everything was okay, without saying a word.

I flashed Harper a bright smile. "I am completely sure. Plus... I'm kinda a pool  god... so really it's only fair that I go up against the winners." It sounded like a brag... but it was also true. #Brady and I had spent far too much time on this table trying to best each other. The fact that we were both math nerds meant the games could go on for hours.

'That's a lot of big talk.' #Juan smirked.

'Only if he can't back it up.' #Teddy added before #Brady had a chance to back me up. I was really starting to love this guy.

I reluctantly took my hand back from Harper's waist and smiled at her. "Go show 'em how it's done." I winked at her and instantly regretted it. Then I turned to #Brady and whispered. "You need to step up your best friend game or I'll have to replace you with Teddy." I laughed when he shoved my shoulder lightly.

❁ Harper ❁

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling from ear to ear, witnessing the exchange before him and #Jessica has me shaking my head, and then pushing the fame of my glasses up the bridge of my nose.

“No one is saying you are easily lead astray Jess, just that we wouldn’t want you to be influenced.” I tease and she knew it was what I was doing.

‘I’m not the bad influence in this situation Dr Jenkins.” #Juan stood with his cue in hand now.

I gave him a look saying ‘Yes, yes you are.’ However, turned my attention to Collin and his best friend. Saying Hi to Brady.

There seemed to be a charge in the atmosphere of the bar, all the guys who were stood carefully, laughing, and joking seemed to stop the moment before, and then they were shaking it off.

I must have been imagining it, right?

The light touches from Collin had me reeling, I knew that it would be rude, but some part of me really wanted to spend more time with him. To learn more about him. However, I knew we had time. “Don’t worry, I will hold my own out there.” The wink from Collin making me giggle from the surprise. He was really coming out of a shell tonight.

‘What’s going on here?’ #Paul had come to stand beside us. Making himself at home between #Juan and myself. ‘Why does no one invite me to play? I’m good you know.’

He waggled his eyebrows as he spoke, until his eyes met #Juan. Stepping up he held his hand out toward the new member of our practice. Introducing himself. The handshake felt like it lasted a few moments too long.

‘It’s because they know better than to take you away from your wife.’ #Rachel nudged #Jessica as she climbed up into a stool to watch the game.

#Teddy handed me a cue and some chalk.

“Would you like me to rack the balls up?” I asked setting the small blue square down to the side.

There was a hum in the bar, as I glanced around there was an energy engulfing all those around me. By the time my eyes fluttered to the door. They were already half way inside.

‘There she is!’ #Jenna called out pointing towards us ( me ), and I dropped the cue on the table   and rushed over to meet them.

‘Are you about to hustle the locals?’ #Kenze whispered for the three of us to hear.

“No…” I laughed. “You made it.” I called out as their arms flew around me and squeezed hard.

‘Wild dogs couldn’t stop your friends from coming out. Sue was kind enough to offer to babysit for us, so we could have a night out.’ #Dam was the next one to hug me. Lifting me off the ground and kissing my cheek.

In the time it took us to hug and talk, for #Dam to set me down on my feet. I saw that #Seth had been rushed by  half the bar. He turned and winked at me, then held his hand out for his Fiancé to join him. Introducing her to those he knew. ( Which seemed to be everyone. )

‘They make a good couple don’t they.’ #Jenna was still holding me.

“They really do.” I smiled feeling such  warmth at watching them. “I’m so happy for her and you. With Damian and Seth… I don’t have to worry about you.” The words were out before I knew I was saying them.

‘Now it’s us, who are always worried about you.’ #Jenna said her eyes moving over the floor.

‘So, where is he?’ She pointed to Collin. ‘That is him.’ She beamed. ‘Cute!’

‘Hey. You’re married wife.’ #Dam joked ‘I should go say hi to him.’ He continued.

“Be nice please.” I warned them both.

‘Never.’ and #Jenna was off.

❁ Collin ❁

The looked that Harper shot #Juan gave me far too much pleasure...I wasn't this kind of guy! What the hell was wrong with me? I wasn't the jealous type, and I knew logically that I had no real reason to be.

 "I have no doubts." I smiled at her; the laugh seemed more amused by my wink than it did mocking; so that was something.

Paul's arrival after Harper's reaction wasn't a shock. He was never fond of strangers in town and had no doubt been keeping an ear on the new guy. He made  himself known to #Juan... who to his credit (and detriment) didn't show any hint of hesitation with him.

"Maybe if you stopped taking your shirt off and jumping on the table when you win, you'd get more invitations." I laughed at #Paul. He just smacked my shoulder lightly.

I had known that this was going to happen. But I was suddenly very glad for the night I had spent with Harper, #Teddy, #Char and #Jess. At least it just meant two new faces. #Seth had stopped by with #Kenzi shortly after they'd arrived. Them being here was another reason I wanted to speak to Harper. So she would have her friend to speak to about everything... I still had no idea when they were all leaving. I was loving having #Seth back home so  much that I still hadn't had the heart to ask that question yet.

I let the guys that hadn't seen #Seth yet push forward and reunite with him. Some were meeting his imprint for the first time, and I wondered if #Kenzie could tell the Spirits Warriors from the humans? She knew what to look out for, after all. Harper looked so happy to see her friends from home... sisters really. I smiled as a watched her with the girl I knew to be #Jenna. The love these girls shared was so clear, that tug in the centre on my chest made itself known again.

I made my way around the crush of people wanting a piece of #Seth and headed towards them as the one #Seth had told was #Damien mentioning saying ‘Hi’ clearly intending to size me up. Which I was fine with... I knew I only had the best of intentions with Harper. I was always as honest as I could be while protecting the tribe's secrets.

I met #Jenna halfway between we had both started and I held out my hand to her. #You must be Jenna." I smiled. "I've been hoping we'd get a chance to meet. Harper talks about you all the time. I'm Collin... it's nice to meet you."

❁ Harper ❁

#Jenna stopped in her tracks, the sound in the bar was heaving making it difficult for me to understand or hear what the two were saying. However, when she finally gained her composure, her shoulders seemed to be a little less tight.

I kept making my way towards them when I heard her saying. ‘Oh, you are good.’ Holding her hand out toward Collin for him to shake. ‘Harper has told us a lot about you too.’

I cleared my throat, giving her a warning to mind her full stops.

‘Yes, yes.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Harper also wants me to be nice. And play nice.’ The last part she said a little louder, I assumed for me. ‘She forgets, I never have been one to play nice. It’s her and Kenz who kept me in line all these years’

“Collin. Meet Damian… Jenna’s husband.” I interjected, hoping he would stop his wife from  whatever it is she was doing here.

‘Hi.’ #Damian said holding his hand out now after looking Collin up and down. ‘I’m not just Jennifer’s husband, Harper is like a baby sister to me. And I’m very protective of my family.’

I grimaced, my glance moving across the bar wishing #Kenz would come over to help. I stilled seeing how there was a group of girls all around her, with #Rachel ( Collin’s cousin ) in the middle. However, #Seth was looking towards me and then the others.

‘I’m an easy-going gal really Collin, I’m also not one for mincing my words. So, let’s not beat around the bush. If you break my best friends heart… I will hurt you; I will plan to sell your parts to hog farmers.’

“Jenna!” I jumped in between the three of them and dragged them both back. “Collin I’m so sorry. She doesn’t mean it.”

‘Yes, she does.’ #Damian said looking down proud of his wife.

‘Oh, I like this one.’ #Damian and I turned to see #Juan and #Teddy both saying those words at the same time.

“Aren’t you both meant to be playing pool?” I reminded them.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled when #Jenna said I was good… she knew what I was doing. Just like #Seth had told me she would. “Thank you… I actually have a rather nervous constitution. So, I really had to psych myself up to walk those ten feet.” I shook her hand; it was strange… the first time I saw #Kenzi she ran right in for a hug. These girls were all so different, with the common thread being how much they love one another.

I smiled again and laughed. “Play nice? That will make it very hard for you to figure out if you approve or not, wouldn’t it? No need to play nice… you can hit me with all your best shots.” But my attention was pulled away from #Jenna the second Harper closed the space between us and introduced #Damian. I couldn’t help  it, she just… pulled focus. I was sure everyone had to be captivated by her. I did look away long enough to give him a firm handshake – not look like the one #Juan had given me earlier – “Nice to meet you…” He was straight to the point too… I could see why they were so suited. He was tall, not much shorter than me, and had that clearly military stance. “I have a baby sister too… so I know exactly how you feel.”

I saw the expression on Harper’s face… but I was always good at this  part; meeting friends and family… even when my shyness was out of control, people tended to like me. I gave her a smile that said, ‘I got this, don’t worry.’

I turned to Jenna and nodded, laughing softly. “If you think I have a  chance to be important enough to her to break her heart… I’m going to take that as an endorsement.” I smiled, feeling a little proud of that one. Somewhere in the bar #Embry voiced his approval, but I didn’t turn to find him.

“And if I ever do… I won’t even put up a fight, promise.”

The husband and wife raised their eyebrows at one another. “I’m going to need a partner to play against whoever wins this round… You game?” I smiled intently at #Jenna, jerking my head toward the  table.

Both #Paul and #Brady let out a resounding. "Hey!" of protest that made me laugh so hard I snorted…

Damn! I had been doing so so well!

❁ Harper ❁

#Jenna’s eyes darted to me at hearing the sweet way Collin laughed. The little piggling snort had been adorable. And I saw her eyes soften in that moment too. She liked him from all that she had learnt about him from me over our video calls, and then I was told by #Seth that the two girls had round robin him about Mr Collin Littlesea after he had asked me out for coffee. However, she had told us all that she still planned to make him work hard for his place in the circle. To which both #Sue and #Leah had told her ‘You should.’ It was all the Go Ahead, she needed for this.  

‘Don’t let your nerves get the better of you, not tonight.’ #Jenna told him. However, from the way #Dam steps back up, giving Collin in approving half smirk, I knew he liked what he saw and heard too.

‘Also, THAT IS WHAT I KEEP TELLING THEM BOTH! What’s the point in playing nice, we need to get to the goal so we all know where we stand.’ #Jenna continued to say to Collin.

I should have known; I should have had faith in him. The way in which he stepped into the conversation with #Jenna and #Dam. His regards of their relationship to me, and the understanding he exuded towards these people who were my all, gave me chills in the nicest possible way. Something as simple as telling Dam how he understood him, because he too is an older brother to his sister #Ananya.

‘We can’t play pool when my so-called partner is missing.’ #Juan said distracting me from #Jenna and giving me a cocky grin.

‘And there is no way I am not going to come over and say Hi to the Thompson fam.’ #Teddy interjected, turning to #Dam and continuing to speak. ‘You found the place okay I see.’ They hugged.

‘Yeah, we came with Seth. The guy has all the low down.’ #Dam joked giving #Juan a handshake.

‘Oh right, I keep forgetting this is Seth’s home town.’ #Teddy laughed before heading over to the bar spotting his boyfriend smiling towards him.

To my dismay #Juan and #Damian had hit it off from the moment #Dam and the others walked into the practice to check it out. The two men had so much in common, and without the need to air their past they were drawn to each other like magnets.

My ears were back in #Jenna and Collin, she took a hold of his arm and turned him towards the back of the bar and the pool tables. ‘As long as I don’t have to play Harps, the gal only ever talks about angles, degrees, speed of the hit and the momentum of the strike. I love her, but she takes the fun out of it.’ She half turned her head blowing me a kiss and mouthing. ‘I like him’, with a wink.

‘Now...’ She turned back to Collin. ‘Tell me… What are your intentions with my sister from another mister?’

I stopped in my tracks, dropping my head, and wishing the ground of the bar to open up and swallow me.

‘You know I’m not sure my sisters insurance will cover spontaneous ground openings.’ I knew that kind, warm voice anywhere. He makes my lips curl up into a broad smile before my eyes met his.

“How do you always read my mind?” I asked

‘Because… It’s always written on your face, like a neon light.’ He replied without missing a beat. He pushed the rim of my glasses up my nose. ‘You really need to have those tightened.’

I wasn’t sure why, but a bubble of emotions rotated my stomach, and my eyes prickled. ‘Hey, none of that. It’s a good night. And you know Jenna is just messing with the goofball.’ #Seth wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me into him. ‘I think Will would have really liked him, Harps.’ He leant down to whisper it in my ear. ‘He would be happy seeing you like this, in a town that you are now making your own.’

Another arm came to rest on my lower back, I didn’t need to see #Kenz before her head was squeezed into my side. ‘Can another get into this love fest?’ Both #Seth and I opened out the circle and engulfed her into the centre of it.

“Without you Kenz, none of this would have been possible.” I told her and kissed her cheek. She had been the one to step up and give me the permission I needed to leave Thompson. She had been the one to talk #Jenna around to it too.

‘Ugh. Get a Room… Just not together!’ #Leah broke the magic of the moment by smacking the side of #Seth’s head with the back of her hand as she walked by. Leaving us all laughing, before we went to re-join the others by the tables.

❁ Collin ❁

I gave #Jenna a nod when she told me not to be nervous. But I could see the cheekiness in her that also said maybe a little. "Don't hold back. I can take it... I hope." I smiled at Harper again, they could rack me over hot coals if it meant they'd trust me with their friend's heart... then I would come back for more.

I could see some approval in #Damian's eyes when I told him I had a younger sister... I really wished #Ana had come home for the weekend all of a sudden.

When they mentioned #Seth my tension eased a little. "We're all delighted to have #Seth home. We... um... went to school together. He was two grades above us."

I grinned and allowed #Jenna to thread her arm through mine and I raised my brows at Harper as if the action was a stamp of approval. But then my heart almost stopped, and I did a double-take... The way #Jenna described her playing style. "Wait... She does?" My eyes locked back on her and my heart thundered back to life again. I swallowed hard. That was hot! But before I could open my mouth to say we needed to get this game going, she was asking me about my intentions.

"Um..." I rubbed the back of my red-hot neck, feeling that tingle in my ears. "First... I think... getting the rest of her stuff out of boxes so she isn't living out of them. I'm still working on a long game to get all that flat pack furniture replaced with quality pieces." I laughed trying really hard not to get distracted by her conversation with #Seth. "But that might take a while... and eventually... hopefully, fall completely and utterly head-over-heels in love."

The pack all took a collective breath... but I kept my gaze trained on her as she spoke closely with #Seth. I could see the pink in her cheek. My smile widened when #Kenzi wriggled her way between them. She was so like #Ana, I knew the two of them would hit it off instantly.

They were a beautiful little family, and I couldn't help but a swell of pride at what #Seth said about her father. It was high praise considering he had the honour of meeting the man.

"If I'm worthy." I said softly... hopefully.

'You can't take your eyes off of her, can you?' #Jenna's voice was still playful, but thoughtful too.

"I can't understand how anyone ever could. She's..." What? Beautiful? Perfect? All of that... but... "Everything." I whispered just before they headed back towards us.

❁ Harper ❁

‘Everything!’ #Jenna came around the table, whispering the word in my ear and kissing my cheek before she set to break. My eyebrows drew together as I felt confused at what she meant by  ‘Everything’?

‘It’s about time, I felt myself growing old in the time it took you all to walk halfway across the bar.’ #Juan stood with another round of drinks. But then he pointed to #Damian. ‘These are on him.’

I smiled leaning back on the wall watching them all mingling, I listened to the conversations all taking place. The excitement in the area all around us was palpable. It felt like the world was alive. “You would have loved them all mom and dad.” I whispered to no one as my eyes prickled again. My nose tingled as I felt goosebumps coming to life on my body.

‘Are you okay?’ #Jessica came to stand beside me and I just nodded my head slowly, not daring to use my voice in case it gave me away. ‘It’s good to have them here?’ She asked soft and sweetly. And I nodded once again. ‘Okay..’ She squeezed my arm stepping away when she was called away by some of her other friends.

‘I’m going to wipe this table with your arse Mr Garyson.’ #Jenna pointed her cue across the table to her husbands chest.

‘Sorry fokes, I don’t take any accountability for the competition and the competitive nature of my wife. She is a beautiful beast and I love her for it.’ #Damian winked at her and then took a shot potting two balls in opposite pockets.

‘Damn.’ #Juan and #Teddy whistled.

‘Now there is a shot we all need to write home about.’ #Juan said and he wasn’t wrong. #Damian had been the one to brief us girls on what we were doing wrong and how to correct it.

Out of the corner of my eyes I saw Collin, he looked in place, like he had been in the middle of this core ground of people who mean the world to me. I gave him a small smile and a half wave.

❁ Collin ❁

I swallowed hard when #Jenna whispered, that word in Harper's here. By her reaction, I could tell that she hadn't heard what I had told her friend.

My heart broke for her as she sent that quiet whisper to her mom and Dad, I couldn't imagine the  loss she felt. Then she smiled and waved at me, I gave her one right back.

#Seth materialised next to me, clapping a hand on my shoulder. 'She's okay, Collin.' I turned to face him, raising a brow. 'Or... on her way towards being okay. And you're a big part of that. She's building a home here.' He gave me that signature smile of his.

"I'm not worried about that... I would go anywhere with her... But I'm not so sure she would embrace the guy she just met travelling across the country to follow her." I gave #Seth that knowing look, and he instantly found #Kenzi in the crowd and winked at her.

'Maybe not yet... But she isn't looking to move on anytime soon... she has the practice here. She seems... settled. For the  most part.' #Seth explained. 'The rest of it... will come with time.'

"Sometimes I just worry... that maybe there are parts of her life I can't ever understand, you know? How can I help her when -" #Seth cut me off.

'She misses her parents?'  He gave me a small smile and glanced back at her. 'Just because your parents are still with you doesn't mean that you can't help her... You don't need to know what that pain feels like. You just need to learn what helps her through it. Not what  makes it stop, not what makes her put it away to deal with on her own. Whatever it is... go through it with her. It's never going to go away, but you can still make a difference. And you can... you were literally handpicked by a higher power to  be that person for her.'

I smiled at him and pulled him into a hug. "It's really good to have you home, bro'." I patted him on the back. "We really missed you." #Seth broke the hug and messed my hair the way he used to when we were kids.

"Hey!!" I laughed and he shoved me lightly.

'Now go get your girl.' He said with a grin.

"I'm not so sure I can say that yet." I laughed... but I tilted my head, thinking. "Although she did call me her boyfriend earlier tonight." I smiled far  too wide, and I knew my whole face had to be bright red. "Not to me... but to the others."

'Wow... progress!' #Seth grinned. 'You know what that means right?'

I looked around to make sure no one was too close to overhear who shouldn't. "I know. I'm going to tell her, I promise." Then I made my way over to Harper.

I made sure that she saw me coming before and moved behind her and leaned in to whisper. "A little birdie told me that you take a mathematical approach to playing pool. Is that true?"

❁ Harper ❁

‘Are you planning on becoming a wall flower tonight?’ I turned my concentration away from the shot #Jenna had lined up. Smiling at the friendly face gazing back at me with a tray in his hands. Then #Char stepped up to stand beside me, giving me an easy reach over to him. So, I gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

“Why, do you believe I would bring the vibe of the décor down?” I teased and he nudged me in my ribs.

‘Nah, I’m sure Leah would be up for a life size image of you bringing more of the guys in, to play and have a few drinks.’ We both turned our eyes towards the bar. #Leah had just rolled her eyes and slapped someone over the head. ‘She does that a lot.’ #Char told me. ‘Not that I blame her, some of these guys need putting in their place.’

When I started to draw my glance back it stopped on Collin and #Seth, they were huddled together. Face to face speaking with some seriousness. I pushed the rim of my glasses up my nose. ‘Do you need to wear those things all the time? I’m sure I’ve seen you without them.’ I heard #Char’s question, however I kept watching those two on the far side.

‘Harps?’ He nudged me again. ‘Stop stalking your boyfriend.’ He whispered in my ear just as Seth and Collin hugged.

“Wh…What?” I was shifting in my spot.

‘Do you think my boyfriend would keep anything from me?’ He winked collecting the empties and then he was back off to work.

They all would know soon enough what I had let slip. Lost in my thoughts I saw Collin coming towards me, and I smiled. With him came a warmth, an invisible yarn drawing him towards me, and with each step he took. The weight from my chest and shoulders lifted.

I slipped back into his body, resting my temple to his cheek. “Hmm… A little birdie did, did she?” I was looking at #Jenna, and then #Kenz, then settled on #Jenna. It was her.

“Wouldn’t you agree the game of pool is more about mathematics than it is skill?” I asked lifting my chin to the way #Juan was about to shoot. “By using math, we can all predict where the ball will go if Juan hit from various angles and distances. Giving us the knowledge if he is making the best shot or not...” The not so inner nerd was out in her full glory. And that tingle of excitement and thrill made me shiver.

Now I whispered close to Collin’s ear. Closing my eyes. “If I have this correct, Yellow ball will go to the far-right pocket, hit the ledge and bounce back.” I wasn’t watching. That way he couldn’t say I was cheating. The sound of the cue hitting the ball came and I held my breath. Was I right? or had #Juan somehow compensated to make the shot?

❁ Collin ❁

I heard the boyfriend comment several times in a row, #Seth's expression changed and he took it as confirmation of what I had told him.

When I was close to Harper again, my whole being hummed. That incredible feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be washed over me and I soaked it in. I knew she felt it too, the way she leaned against me. The perfect, affectionate touch of her resting her face against my cheek.

"An anonymous birdie." My arms came around her, poking her gently, and playfully in the ribs when her gaze settled on Jenna. Then I whispered, turning into her so my nose brushed against her hair. "Easy, #Nerd... you trying to blow my cover and get me killed!" I laughed, teasing her like this gave me more joy than  I thought possible.

My hands stayed on her waist while I had an internal battle with my wolf about whether or not to stand here in a crowd with my arms completely around her, holding her to me like I wanted to be possessive or otherwise an Alphahole move.

Dammit!!! #Ana and her stupid book quotes were rubbing off on me!

My stomach tightened when she made her prediction and closed her eyes. The white ball connected, the yellow rolled... slowing as it approached the right-hand pocket  but not enough, it hit the corner and redirected. Stopping not even two inches from the pocket. A collective 'Oooooh!' of disappointment went up from the spectators and I released a breath I hadn't realised I was holding alongside hers.

"By the Spirits, that's so sexy!" the words rushed out in a breath and my stomach tightened. The words had only been for her to hear... or they would have been if we hadn't been in a bar full of Spirit Warriors with superhuman hearing. They were  very intently trying to not listen now... Apart from #Embry who chuckled and muttered to someone. 'That pup is weird. I fucking love it.'

My arms had slipped around her completely, still gentle, but apparently, the excitement of her prediction  had overridden any concern I had about coming off as possessive. I was of course blushing from head to toe now too because I had called her sexy. I used the words, beautiful... cute... kind... intelligent and many more like those; but this was a first.

That word wasn't like the others, it felt different. They all made my heart race... but this one made it race differently. It was true, of course, but the way her mind worked... the way she solved the world around her. It did  something to every nerve ending in my body.

❁ Harper ❁

“Sure, let’s go with that. It’s all about getting the cute guy killed.” I teased, he wasn’t going to drop my friend in it, and was still sticking with the ‘anonymous birdie’, thing. Which I hate to say, I could respect a guy for.

The warmth of his breath tickled my skin, and the consoling sounds of from around the table had that smile back on my lips and growing. “See. I told you. Mathematics.” Upon opening my eyes, I found #Jenna’s fixed on me… no… Collin behind me. She was watching him with such intent that she hadn’t noticed that I was now watching her.

She tilted her head from side to side, the same way she did when we were children and she had been lost in her thoughts. Or she was trying to divulge her mind with a mystery and coax out the answers to the meaning of it all.

The air in my lungs had been knocked out of me, and I knew my face would have been a deep shard of beetroot. Had I just miss heard him? ‘Sexy?’ My stomach roiled at the meaning this word had. I mean Cute, sweet, kind, pretty… Those were things people stuck to when they spoke about me. but ‘Sexy’?

“Uhmm...” There were no words on my lips willing to make a sound. When I decided to place one of my hands over his, that was when it came to light how he had engulfed my body into the circle of his strong arms, and I felt at home in them. I turned my face towards him. My eyes finding his with the most intense pull calling me closer and closer. That song I’d been hearing singing to me.

‘Are you two going to join in, or do we need to find another two to play?’ #Teddy clapped his hands and clicked his finger snapping me out of whatever place I had just been transported to.

❁ Collin ❁

My whole face flamed now. I got called boyfriend and cute in the one night! I smiled wide. Spirits, I wanted to take her out of here right now and have her all to myself. But I couldn't take her away from her friends while they were all together. Who knows if this would ever happen again after they all went home? There was no way I would cut this night short.

That unsure sound she made when I called her sexy made me laugh softly. "That might have been a little  forward. But what can I say..." I chuckled. "Nerds are hot."

For a moment I forgot where we were, until #Teddy reminded me. The dramatic flair in his snapping and waving was something I now recognised as innately Teddy-esque behaviour and I was here for it. "Hell yes." I grinned. " I need to see this one in action." If she could predict someone else's shot like she had... then I had to see what she could do with a cue in her hand.

I turned into her one last time, taking in the  scent of her hair while trying my best not to make it look like that's what I was doing. I kissed her cheek and stepped back, releasing the light hold I had on her. "Ladies first?" I said and realised it had sounded like a question when I hadn't meant it to be one. I recovered by taking her drink and smiling. "Go show these guys how it's really done."

❁ Harper ❁

I smiled and laughed softly, “Nerds are hot.” I agreed, letting my head fall forward to hide the embarrassment of saying those words out loud. I was starting to become a little bolder with him and because of him. Collin made me feel like being me was with it.

I pushed reluctantly out of his arms. I wanted to draw him in, to kiss those cheeks of his. The red tint on his tan skin was endearing and I did not wish to see it ever stop.

‘Harper Lee Jenkins.’ #Teddy impatiently came around the table and tugged me by the sleeve of my yellow jumper.

“This is your fault Mr Littlesea, I was happy hiding away in the corner.” I place my hand on his cheek once he took my glass from me. Smiling back to Collin as #Teddy heaved me along with him.

‘Oh, you people have no idea what you are getting yourself into.’ #Kenz came bounding over to the table as #Dam handed me a cue.

‘Why do I feel like I’m about to be played?’ #Juan asked racking the balls up on the other side of the table.

“Are you all talk Diaz?” I pushed the rim of my glasses up my nose. The entry in the bar seems to shift, it was like everyone around the bar and the other table all collectively shifted to get themselves a better view.

‘Less talk Jenkins, let’s see you break.’ He winked stepping back with a beer in his hands now.

I glanced back to where Collin stood, smiling at him. “This is going to go wrong now that you are all watching me.” I told them all as I bent down and lined the cue up to the white ball. The point I wanted to hit between the centre of the balls in my sight. I pulled back, adjusting the tip of the cue to hit the centre of the white ball and watched it roll down the table.

❁ Collin ❁

My grin widened when she agreed with me... was that a compliment aimed at me? I mean... she knew that I was one of her people. I loved how her confidence was growing around me and how mine was with her too. The more we got to know one another the more, sure of ourselves we became.

There was a change in her heart when she stepped away and slightly dim in her eyes and a flash of what I only call something naughty. I smiled, even though my body told me to hold tight and step back from her.

"You shine too bright to be hidden, Harper. You just think you go unseen, but I see you... Always." I smiled. I turned my attention to #Kenzi. "I cannot wait to see this." The smile was evident even in my voice.

I smirked at #Juan's comment and then Brady piped up. 'You have no idea New Guy.' and slapped me on the shoulder. #Brady and I only ever got to play each other now... and sometimes #Embry and #Paul. The former because losing never bothered him, even if he acted cocky about  beating us one day and the latter because he was so bull-headed he was convinced every time that he would beat us.

"Never gonna happen." I beamed at her. "You've got this."

'Yeah!! C'mon Doc! Show 'em how it's done!' #Brady slapped his  hands together and #Kenzi said something to #Seth about him being crazier than he had told her. But there was affection in her tone. My gaze was glued to Harper as she lined up her shot. I watched her make the shot, but my eyes didn't leave her  until the ring of people around the table made a collective sound of approval. Then I saw the strong even break fan out across the table, a bright yellow ball drop into a corner pocket ad that sound became a full-on cheer.

"Oh yeah..." I  said to myself knowing the wolves would hear me, but not caring. "Definitely sexy."

'I didn't realise I was your type, Littlesea.' #Damien had come to stand next to me at some stage. I had been too enraptured with his unofficial little sister to have noticed. I couldn't tell exactly what the look he was giving me meant. I chuckled... "You could have been... If I hadn't met her first." I smiled and caught #Teddy winking at me.

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks burnt as I glanced over my shoulder at #Brady cheering me on. “Both of your confidence in me is  much appreciated.” I told the two friends now stood beside one another, and I finally noticed that people started to pay attention. I wanted to shrink back into the background, I wasn’t used to being noticed like this. It made my mouth dry a little. However, in that moment my eyes found Collin’s. with a calm washing over me. I gave him a half smile and a shrug of my shoulder. “I was trying to be modest” I told him.

‘Modest my arse! If you got the skills. Show them off darling. You were born to shine.’ #Jenna scoffed. 

My hand arched, I rested the cue between my fingers. Keeping my feet, a little wider than my shoulder-width apart. My eyes were switching from the contact point on the cue ball to the point I was aiming for on the next targeted ball. My first break had scattered the balls close enough to a place where I could slowly start to make my way around the table.

‘She’s a little wolf in sheep’s clothing.’ I heard #Juan clicking his tongue; however, it had been said with a laugh and no malice. I pulled the cue back and hit the white ball with the correct velocity to send two balls across the table. One hit the edge of the table knocking the red ball out of the way, and the other glided into the corner pocket.

“Bottom left.” #Kenz called out, her smile growing with each ball that hit it’s mark. I stood, stepping back assessing the table before taking the next shot. Each time I moved; my eyes found their way back to Collin. And now with #Dam there looking at him.

‘She’s going to clear the table?’ I heard a voice saying from the far side, beside the other table.

‘Ten bucks on the doc, she’s so going to nail this.’ Another voice said.

‘I’ll take some of that.’ This voice made me giggle. It was #Leah. And one by one I made my way around the length of the table.

Standing up I pointed my cue to the bottom left pocket. “8 ball?” I asked #Kenz witnessing her jumping up and down. Filled with excitement. “Okay.” Leaning over the table, I used my height to leverage one foot off the ground. Drawing my cue back and taking my shot. I held my breath watching and waiting.

❁ Collin ❁

Her eyes sought out mine in the crowd and I gave a small, soft smile, for no one but her. We connected in that moment... it wasn't the first time... but the first time with so many people around. I felt a tug in the middle of my chest again, urging me to go to her. Jenna's words made me smile, her friends were amazing... even if they were clearly trying to figure me out.

But, honestly... that made me like them even more. Mine would do (and had done) the same thing if she wasn't my imprint. My relationships tended to start out great... but not stay that way. But now... they were all just happy for me.

My heart pounded when that look of concentration came over her face. She pocketed another ball with ease. My mouth  went dry... it really was hot! Watching her, knowing her mind was processing the possibilities and the angles... I had never been drawn to someone like this when surrounded by people. If I had been able to focus on anything but her I would have been uncomfortable with the butterflies in my stomach when surrounded by my closest friends. But... there was only her.

We found each other's eyes between every shot... and I wondered if she could tell that she was fanning a fire in me. #Kenzi's excitement and giggling probably saved me from following through on the desire to grab Harper and kiss her right there.

Geez... what the hell was that? I mean, I pretty much always wanted to kiss her... but with a much different kind of desire than this.

I watched her line up her next shot and felt a hand on my shoulder. #Paul had squeezed himself between me and #Damien. 'You got this, pup.' He whispered so only I would hear while people talked and boasted about Harper around us, he casually drank from the bottle in his hand. 'The bond amplifies a lot of things... this especially. But if any of us has a hope of controlling it... it's you.'

Damn! Was I really that transparent? I glanced around but only #Leah  and #Embry seemed to be throwing an occasional glance my way. One of them sent him here... because we all knew when #Paul imprinted, he didn't even try to control it... but that was okay because #Rachel was more than capable of showing #Paul  her limits. Then and now. He was so taken with her he'd have done anything she asked.

'Looks like our resident geek may have just found his match!' #Paul said, louder now to make it seem like that's what he came over for.

"Why do you think  I'm sticking to being on her team." I nudged him. "No way would I want to go up against her." I smiled at Harper and gave her a wink. The desire softened when my gaze sank into warm eyes.

❁ Harper ❁

The crown erupted, drinks were sprayed, the ground shook. Out of my peripheral vision I saw #Juan pushing his hand into his back pocket and holding up a note. And then out of nowhere #Leah tugged it out of his fingers, flicking it on his nose. She was grinning while she looking him over. And he for the first time ever looked lost for words.

‘Oh my god! That was amazing!’ #Jessica rushed me before I could straighten up, and my girls weren’t far behind.

‘I thought you were going to crack under the scrutiny  just the way you still at school.’ #Jenna kisses my cheek.

‘Hush. She’s nothing like what she used to be like back then. Haven’t you noticed the transformation in hers since bending here?’ #Kens nudged #Jenna.

I followed #Jenna’s eyes to Collin, and her lips tightens  before smiling. ‘Yeah I am.’

‘HARPER LEE JENKINS! You have been holding out on us!’ Before I could question #Jenna on that look, #Teddy had joined the fray too.

#Rachel’s husband #Paul drew my attention away from the conversations breaking the sound barrier around me. His tone jovial and light, however his voice rang louder.

'Looks like our resident geek may have just found his match!'

My face flushed and I knew without a doubt I was a beetroot red.

‘You know what they say… Nerds rule and the Geeks follow, like honey to a flower. And our nerd is a beautiful flower. Inside and out!’ #Kenz tugged on my jumper to bring me down to her height and kissed my cheek after she said that. Whispering into my ear.

‘He is smitten, but so are you my lovely.’ I swallowed down the urge to go to him, it had been prominent within me, calling to him all night.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her take shot after shot after shot, it felt like my skin got tighter with each and every shot she made. Watching her leaning over the table gave me thoughts I really didn’t want to think here… we weren’t there yet, but my wolf stretched and prowled beneath my skin. She was so perfect, I reminded myself again and again that she was more than what I saw, more than the incredible body and silky hair, more than that fucking sexy arse… long legs… my gaze travelled up and even with the modest neckline of her yellow jumper… Spirits!

I shuddered out a breath and #Paul kicked the side of my boot. It did nothing… not until her face tilted up. She wasn’t looking at me, she was concentrating, squinting, and adjusting her position in the tiniest increments. Some of the expressions she was making would be comical… possibly even a little unattractive to others… but no… she was beautiful to me, her nose scrunched up and them relaxing and making her glasses slip  too low on the bridge of her nose. I laughed softly, my smile returning to one that felt more… Like me.

‘You know…’ #Damien’s voice might have startled me had his scent not been there this whole time. ‘Most guys wouldn’t have an issue teaming up with a girl and then having her show them up like this?’ There was condescension in his tone… but it was forced. The fact the #Paul scoffed under his breath instead of bristling at the comment confirmed my suspicion.

“Wha-“ My brow  furrowed while my mind worked… “How is she… OH!!” Now my brow shot right up to my hairline. He couldn’t think that I was mad about this incredible show of skill, could he?

“That’s not what she’s –“

‘That thought never even dawned on you, did  it?’ His brows pinched together. There was a hint of confusion in his tone… like he couldn’t fathom how I hadn’t been thinking that. He was gauging my reaction… testing the waters to see if I was one of those guys… with a fragile ego.

“No… I was just….” My eyes went back to her and she hit the shot that would clinch the game. “Fascinated.” My eyes didn’t leave her, but my peripheral vision could follow the path of the ball to the pocket.

The crowd lost it and I watched her friend swarm her with a huge smile until I heard #Kenzi’s words to her. #Paul took the glasses in my hands without being asked and went to her. “That was unbelievable.” I beamed and leaned in to kiss her, my fingers brushing her cheek. Not asking this time, not caring that people were staring. “Trust me.” I smiled, but it was cheeky now. It hadn’t sounded like a question!!

I took her hand to help keep her steady while I stooped, to wrap my arm around the back of her legs and  lifted her high, settling her easily onto one shoulder. My arm rock solid beneath her and my hand on her waist, stabilising her. #Seth was there in an instant taking her other hand, to let her find her balance and his other hand rose in case she panicked and tipped backwards. The only time this move went wrong was when what we called Imprint error occurred, but there was always someone there to catch the lady in question.

#Brady instantly had a chant going of  ‘Doc, Doc, Doc…’ and someone switched the music.

( Music  - Survivor - Eye of the Tiger)  

I wasn’t shocked to see #Embry had slipped behind the bar and was hunched over what I was assuming to be the laptop controlling the sound system. I saw  #Kenzi almost jumped into #Jenna’s arms… and #Jenna looked like she was actually prepared to catch her.

‘I love this town so much!!’ #Kenz squealed and followed us as I carried Harper to the bar, joining in the chanting.

❁ Harper ❁

My face and all of me was burning red hot, he had kissed me and then without any warning I was in the air. His strong arms had scooped me up onto his shoulders and I was supported to sit up there with #Seth and the others close by.

Hearing the song playing as well as the chanting, I bristled with that inner voice wishing I had indeed remained that wall flower, not allowing the others to talk me into showing off my ‘nerdy talents’.

‘Hold on tight.’ I heard someone shout.

“Oh, I intend to!” I half squealed out keeping my hands in Collins and #Seths not letting go. And yet there was that soft hum in the air telling me ‘He will keep you safe.’ Which I genuinely believed to be true.

‘Goofball, set the woman down, my insurance doesn’t cover people in the air.’ #Leah made her way around the side of her bar, a small towel in one hand and a tray stacked high of empties in the other. She hit two young men over their heads who had been chanting the loudest with the towel, and then whispered something to them and they rushed into the back area, returning with two mops and a bucket. She then proceeded to make her way around the back of the bar. As she passed #Leah back/side kicked the man hidden there. Telling him to get out from her bar. The grin he gave her was cheeky and kind of….

‘Damn that man is fine!’ I heard someone say. He was okay. I guessed. The view from all the way up here was like flying over all these heads. Even with my heart pumping fast, I could enjoy the moment.

“Oh!” I was slipped down from the shoulder, hands keeping me upright and safe until my feet hit the ground. I turned to face Collin and found myself pushed right into him. Face to face, chest to chest. My beetroot red face giving a nerdy smile. “So, this is the first time someone has done that to me.”

My eyes dropped to his lips and then back to his eyes. “Still want to keep watching those Hallmark movies with a pool hustler?” I asked close to his ear over the loud crowd still formed around us. I felt an arm come around my shoulder and pushed back seeing it to be #Brady, Collin’s best friend.

‘Doc, I need you to do that again next weekend. I could make some money off the bets.’ He gave me an even more shockingly cheeky smirk telling me it could be a joke.

“Are you planning on cutting me into the final amount?” I asked with the same cheek in my voice.

‘Spirits, I like her!’ He playfully flicked my nose. ‘You are in Batman.’ I laughed recalling the first ever conversation the two of us shared.

“So are you, Robin.” I giggled shaking my head.  

A round of drinks were held up beside us and I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’ve had all I wanted to drink tonight.” I knew I had to walk home, and I wouldn’t be doing it inebriated, it wasn’t something I would ever do again, not after… I stopped that train of thought from materialising.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed at #Leah. "Like I would drop such precious cargo." I couldn't help but laugh at #Embry getting his arse kicked and still  managing to get checked out by a random girl.

I smiled at Harper, keeping her close in the crush of  bodies, even though I knew that they were all almost as aware of her as I was.

"Keep playing pool like that and it won't be the last. " I smiled, my lips pressing together into a tight line. My eyes fell on her lips. "Actually... right now. I kinda want to take you home. Light some candles... pour you a glass of wine and solve some complex math problems with you." I leaned in close and dropped my voice. I heard snickers going up from some of the pack that there was no way Harper could hear.

And I heard #Brady somewhere behind me whisper to someone. 'Told you my boy's got game!' I knew there was no chance he had actually told someone that; before he appeared next to Harper.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Are you  seriously making weekend plans with my girlfriend before I even get a chance to?" I laughed.

The unfamiliar jealous streak didn't raise its head when it was the guys from the pack. I was glad of that at least... For some of the guys... back in  the beginning, it hadn't made a difference. Maybe because we were all struggling still... maybe our bond was deeper now, the trust was unshakable.

I smiled and turned to the bar asking for two glasses of water. It was only then; when I turned  back to her and wrapped my arm around her shoulder again. I realised it... My neck flushed with heat, my ears burned and the heat in my cheeks almost hurt. #Brady had a huge grin on his face when I looked back.

"I just called her my girlfriend, didn't I?"

'Yup!' Brady said loudly.

"And she heard me... right?"

'Most definitely.' He nodded and I drew my gaze back to hers.

❁ Harper ❁

“Maybe I should hang my cue up while I’m on a win. There is a chance I could underperform the next time.” If I didn’t set my mind to it, it was possible. However, I set my mind to everything I did from the start.

I couldn’t stop myself from giggling like a silly teenage girl once again. Just being so close to him, with his arms around me, and added to the mix this cheekiness? The fact that maybe we were both starting to become less guarded from the other? Or it was just the way we were both surrounded by those we loved and who loved us?

I bit down on my lower lip, my eyes darting down as I slowly returned them to meet his through my eyelashes and glasses. The frame had slipped down the bridge of my nose again, however it did nothing to hide the apples of my cheeks blustering with heat. His proposal of wine, candles and complex math problems had my heart racing so fast.

“You know how to promise me a good time.” And I was not being funny. It would be so good to sit and workout how his mind worked. How he came to his solutions and the steps he took. “I know the Trisecting an Angle problem has already been solved, however I would give it a run for it’s money with you.”

‘Yeah, there is nothing to worry about here. I don’t need to give Harps or, her new bow the talk. Not from the way they want to spend their time alone. ‘ #Jenna’s voice carried and then my heart stopped.

My heart stopped; my mouth fell open with a dryness making my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth. From behind me there were some squealing sounds however, all I saw was the back of Collin’s head as he spoke to his best friend.

‘He, said it. he called her his girlfriend! And on the same night as she said it to us too!’ The high-pitched voice belonged to #Jessica

‘Oh, they are so cute together.’ #Teddy said in his mother hen voice.  

When he turned to face me, his eyes were the only thing I saw. Shock, a warmth, a sense of something being right took a hold of me. His eyes, that smile, the crinkle at the corners of his lips. They all drew me in. My lips curled up and I tilted my head to the side, unconsciously placing my hand on his cheek letting my thumb brush down once softly.

“Would you like to get out of here?” I asked just for him to hear, unsure where the confidence came from. Maybe, it was because I didn’t want to have this moment shared with anyone but him. And I really, really  REALLY… Wanted to kiss him.

❁ Collin ❁

Both mine and #Brady's brows shot up and eyed her, both saying "No way!" At the same time and laughing. I knew then that #Bray wanted a game with her too; it had been a while since we had a challenge.

'You can't do that to me!' #Brady said  dramatically. 'I've been stuck playing with these peasants for years! I need a challenge.' I laughed because I'd called it. A hand shot up from somewhere and cracked him across the back of the head. #Leah, of course.

The way she was laughing and  smiling made my stomach come to life with fluttering again. I spied #Jenna and her husband watching us. I heard her heart begin to race and if it had been possible for mine to beat faster, I knew with would have, but it was already beating like the wings of a humming bird.

"Now you're just talking dirty!" I teased, stunned that the words came out without so much as a stutter. Then #Jenna and #Jessica had my cheeks burning red hot. I pressed my lips together and fixed my gaze on her as  #Jessica revealed that she had said boyfriend tonight too. She couldn't have known that I had overheard that.

I pulled her closer like I was protecting her from all the attention. The whole bar cheering for her was one thing. But this  kind of attention was intimate. It was from all the people that loved her the most. Just when I thought I was going to be lost forever in her eyes, her light touch on my cheek brought me back, but only to the awareness of her... the rest of the  world dulled in comparison. Because here... here I could let that happen. Here I could be hers and only hers, I didn't need to think of the world around us and the dangers it could hold for her. My brothers were here, nothing could get to us  here.

My smile softened but lost none of its joy and excitement when she asked if I wanted to leave with her. But then thoughts swarmed in her eyes, and she gave an unsure shake of her head. The rest of the world came back into focus. #Jenna was  leaning her head against #Damien's arm and watching us. #Kenzi was bouncing on her toes just like #Jessica while #Seth watched her like she was performing a masterful ballet.

I reached up and pushed her glasses gently up the bridge of her nose. "Look around." I said as softly as I could while making sure she could hear me in the raucous bar. "They're all happy for us... right? I think they'd be angry if we didn't give this everything, we've got...."

My eyes moved around again. #Rachel was pouting like she was watching two kittens playing and #Paul was whispering something to her. #Brady and the guys were already making space for us to slip out the side door. I leaned in close to her ear. "And I really want to kiss you with no one watching right now."

There was a flurry of movement and I look around to see #Paul hoisting my cousin onto the bar and jumping up after her. He swept one of her legs over his hip, dipped her backwards and kissed her in such a way that it probably should have been saved for the bedroom. The bar began cheering again. He was giving us an opening.

"Looks like this is our chance, Dr Jenkins..." I smiled. "What do you say?"

❁ Harper ❁

He knew how to make me feel like the only woman in the world. Something my mom had once explained when I was young. Dreaming of my Prince Charming after watching Cinderella for the first time.

‘When you feel your heart flutter with warmth, when you feel like the boy in front of you sees you and no one else. When you close your eyes and only see his face. You will know, this is the boy you should try to be happy with.’

These were things Harper thought only took place in fairy tales, never in reality. This was until she saw how #Seth looked towards #Kenzi, and #Damian looked towards #Jenna. Then she believed they deserved all their happiness. She was overjoyed for her friends, her sisters. However, never saw it in her own life.

She smiled as Collin pushed her glasses up her nose and asked her to look around. As she did so,  #Juan’s voice wasn’t drowned out as he came to the bar, talking with #Char about how things had changed for him since he left his service. However, I shook my mind free from listening to them. I knew my friends would be safe here, that they would be taken care of. Just one glance away from Collin and around the bar showed me how they were all mingling in with the people of this small town. But more so, how the town for some reason had opened its arms to us all too.

“Astonishing.” I muttered under my breath. How things had transformed from my first night out here. Where I had sat here at this same bar, I had started to talk to #Charlie and made my first friend in La Push. To now, where even if I do not know all these people by name, their faces felt known to me. “I would have to agree, they want the best for us.”

The commotion came without any warning. “Paul Fucking Lahote! Get your arse off my bar! Rach, you can stay.” #Leah crossed her arms looking up at the sight unfolding for us all to witness. She was smirking so I could only hope, Rachel’s husband would live to walk home tonight.

I turned to Collin, nodding my head. “Let’s go.” I feed my fingers into his hand and tugged him back away from the bar. There seem to be a clear path, however it wasn’t to the front door, but to the side entrance. I didn’t look back as I started to run. Laughing unconsciously as we burst out into the cold night, I couldn't help the joy over taking me, I was laughing as I slowly came to a stop half way down the parking lot. Turning back and bumping right into him. My eyes slowly looked up, laughing still at the way I exited the building without looking to see if anyone had noticed. All because I knew he wanted to leave and for the same reason as I had.

“Hi…” I smiled and laughed up at him. “Do you still want to be foolish together?”

❁ Collin ❁

Those moments when it was just her and I left in the universe were perfect. There was only her, looking right back at me in that way only she could.

I smiled when she looked around and whispered that word. I was so proud of my brothers at  that moment. We were a close-knit group for a good reason. But this was Harper's family... blood or not, and they were treating them as such. This was #Kenzi's family, #Seth's family.

They would be mine too... If Harper chose me. These people  would be my people, and I couldn't have picked them any better if I'd had the decision to make.

I laughed softly at the scene on the bar but abruptly turned away when #Paul groped my cousin's rear end.

Her slender hand slipped into mine and  our fingers laced together. I laughed and let her tug me towards the door. I tried to ignore the pats on the shoulder I got as I left. Luckily, the guys were all fast enough that I doubted Harper noticed them.

I was so bewitched by her  playful laugh that I barely noticed her stop and turn back to me. Only my wolf stopped me from continuing to plough forward when she bumped into our chest.

"Hi." I smiled as big as possible, lifting the hand she wasn't holding to her cheek.

"With you?" I pressed a sweet, quick kiss to her lips and whispered against them. "Always." I slipped my hand out of hers and wrapped both arms around her waist.

I lifted her off her feet, my heightened senses telling me that anyone standing outside the bar was around the front, and we were alone... all the wolf-ish ears were inside. I spun us both around like a scene from one of her romance movies and kissed her. It a was sweet, innocent kiss and I couldn't help but laugh softly  against her lips.

"So?" I set her back onto her feet, even though I had lifted her mere inches... she was really tall. I recalled #Jessica's words. "Boyfriend?" I tilted my tilt with a grin while my neck and ear flamed red.

❁ Harper ❁

The sounds of the bar muffled a little as the door swag shut behind us. There was a charge in the air, the kind that told you, something good would happen. There were no bad thoughts.

That song from my dreams, it played in the air around me, a warmth came in from within the cold night. The laughter not subsiding, just being with him felt so different. It felt. Warm. Welcoming. Right!

The soft kiss sent those butterflies in my tummy fluttering to life, they were tried to escape, and at the same time they were here to stay. “Always.” I whispered back into his lips.

Laughing softly again when he lifted me off the ground. I bent my head to look down at him, my hair flying and the world going around. I felt like one of the girls in the Hallmark movies. When she got her guy.

“Still laughing I came down my arms staying around his shoulders as my feet settled to Earth.

My face, neck, body all flashed a deep crimson. I found myself thanking whoever looked out for me that the night and lights sheltered me from sight. However, I could feel my flush. “Well… I… I… Uhm…” what could I say? The truth. “Boyfriend.” I nodded slowly my big brown eye looking up at him through my glasses. He didn’t look like he would run, and he had called me his…

“So…” I matched him and tilted my head. “Girlfriend?” My lips curled up into a big smile. My eyes searching his for a sign.

❁ Collin ❁

Hearing her say that one sweet, perfect... sacred word was unlike anything else had ever felt. "Always." I mumbled again. Did it make her skin tingle all over too?

Her cheeks were flushed and her whole face lit up... She was too beautiful for words. Those gorgeous eyes turned  up to me and touched the tip of my nose to her. Spirits! I loved how tall she was! My smile took over my features when she turned the tables on me. "Oh!! Sneaky, Dr Jenkins, flipping the script like that. But!" I paused for dramatic effect. "To the victor go the spoils.

So... I suppose that all depends on the answer to one deeply important question." I pulled her close again and kissed her, just once, softly. Then I pulled back to see her face completely and fixed a very serious expression onto my face or tried to at least. "Are you ready  to be a grandmother?" I laughed and quickly added. "Don't answer yet though. Let me walk you home. I have another story I would really like to tell you. If you'd like to hear it?"

My heart started to pound, and I gave her one more soft sweet kiss. Trying not to let the nerves show. Would this be the last time I kissed her? Had I achieved making the end of this night here with her friends and family the perfect ending... if that was where this was leading? Would she ever look at me like this again? I began filing away the memory of every  single glance, and smile she'd given me tonight for safe keeping.

❁ Harper ❁

I wanted to correct the quote. However, I had let out enough of my nerd tonight and he still wanted to know more of me.

And yet the quote wouldn’t die down…

“To the victor belong the spoils,

                            Of the enemy.”

I thought to myself.

He felt like a beacon of light in the darkness of the parking lot. And the funny thing was, there were lights everywhere around the #HwH lot. And still it was him and the warmth of his smile, the way it lifted the both of us. It was all I could see.

“Not just a pretty face I will have you know.” I flushed again. This time half covering my face in the shadows created by the moon, who would be the witness to this night, these moments with him. But more so, the fact that the urge to leave and run had not returned even now.

I looked up a little to catch him looking right at me. Our lips touched for the briefest of times, and it was still… perfect.

My heart started to thunder at the clause, making me tilt uncertainty and now a little uncomfortable with what this one important question could be.

When he asked it, and burst out laughing. I had no choice but to join him. Laughing I parted my lips to reply, however stopped when he told me to keep a hold of it until he walked me home.

Why did this man make everything so easy? To laugh, to smile, to be with him,  and to kiss him when we we’re both Like this?

“Stories?” I asked him. “Okay. Are these the stories you promised me?” I hadn’t forgotten about that, he told me there stories of his history which he would someday share.

Taking a step back off from him, my hands found one of his and tugged him further away from the building.

“Yes please, tonight feels like the perfect night for stories.”

I could not wait to hear what he would share. The high from having my Thompson family here, him, everything. It all felt so… Serendipitous.  

❁ Collin ❁

Even with the apprehension building in my gut, I couldn't help but smile around her. "You are so much more." I said... "But it's a really pretty face."

Her heart was beating as fast as mine when we kissed, she had to be feeling  everything that I was.

I smiled at her as we walked and nodded. "I have so many stories to tell you... but this one is part story... part history and how it's all... evolved ."

I walked with her letting her tug me along for a few steps  before I lengthened my stride to catch up. "You remember that I told you about The Great Wolf? And how his descendants shared their form with a wolf too?" There was no reason I couldn't start now, I just wanted her to be home when I told her  about me... and us. It was important to me that she was in her safe place when she heard everything.

❁ Harper ❁

I was flying on cloud nine.. until now I didn’t even know this thing, this feeling, this sensation could really and truly be felt.

And all mighty roar of laughter came rippling out from #HwH as someone opened and closed the door. However, it still wasn’t enough to pull my attention away from Collin and how it felt to be alone with him.

My heart beat picked up once again when he started to walk in step with me. I pushed the rim of my glasses up my nose before answering.

“The Great Wolf?” Thinking back to the time we sat on the beach with  #Nova running and playing. And the story he had began to share with me.

“I actually do. It’s why everyone here love the wolf? They are the tribes protectors?”

The chief had said it too when he gave me the hand carved wolf. Saying it would look over me and protect me.

❁ Collin ❁

I didn't need to turn and look but my senses were on high alert a real of laughter flowed from the door of the bar. My ears training in the sounds, but it was only someone going inside. Without my brothers around I was the protector again.

I nodded, I never doubted that she was listening when I told her. She had been so intrigued and asked questions, she clearly longed to learn about the tribe. But that was who she was... I believe that she would be the same about any new place and  people; hungry to learn.

"Yes." I beamed, a chill sea breeze picked up and I slipped my hand from hers and wrapped it around her shoulders. It was nowhere close to as cold as it got here, but I could keep her warm in any weather. "And the relationships with the women who protected them changed too. Because the Warriors never left their bodies. They no longer needed an anchor, their physical bodies didn't need protection. They became almost invulnerable... to all but one creature and one deep-seated human flaw... a trap that powerful people too often fall into."

I crossed the street, after checking for cars, still making our way back to her place like we had walked this exact path together a thousand times. Bringing  her home felt like coming home too... I knew it was presumptuous and I knew I shouldn't think like that right now. But the thoughts were there and denying that would be lying to myself... What I knew for sure though was that I never let those  thoughts influence her, her needs came first.

❁ Harper ❁

The cold wind had not infused itself into my bones yet, however it was well on its way. Until Collin drew me into his side and his arm wrapped around me.

Within moment, I could swear that I have imagined the cold. We were walking as close as we could be, on the sand path and I felt so comfortable in his vicinity.

I looked up a little confused. Recalling all I remembered from the story he had begun to share and then the dreams I had subsequently.  Smiling as I remember seeing Leah. And Collin, and myself too. The song I hear being sang while I took the place of a protector of a Warrior, who in my dream had been Collin.

“So, the warriors no longer left their bodies? And that meant that the women no longer had to sit in guard of their Warriors?” This hurt for some reason. I had fallen in love with the idea that the warriors were out protective over their tribes, while the women kept them safe.

“What flaw?” I asked, excited to be learning something new. My eyes were turned to him for a moment before I set them back on the ground making sure I didn’t trip or fall.

“There are so many traps powerful people find themselves in, but the warriors. They were pure, weren’t they?”

However, the answer came as I said the words. “Uhm… but they were still humans?” I bite down hard on my lip. Because I knew I was jumping ahead.

“Sorry, you can blame the wine. It makes me a little Impatient. Please... you go on.” I placed one arm around his back and rested it on his waist. Making it easier for the two of us to walk like this.

❁ Collin ❁

She seemed almost disappointed to learn the warrior's bodies no longer need guarding when they went into battle. I knew it was silly and I knew what I had to tell her next would fill in that gap in the story and still... I felt a twinge in my  chest when I heard that hint of sadness in her tone.

Then questions started to pour from her lips, and I smiled, I loved how curious and full of questions she was. "No need to apologise." I chuckled. "You can ask me any questions you have; I might not have all the answers. But I can find someone that will know."

We turned a corner onto her street, and I felt her arm come around me and it was I wanted to tell her, that these... these little gestures, were just as protective as the  women the stood guard. "The women became the guardians of their humanity, keeping them grounded and making sure the power of their wolves didn't take over. And the way they found each other changed too."

I turned to her and smiled. "I'm sure you know wolves mate for life, considering..." I chuckled. Of course, she did... she probably knew better than those of us that were living it.

❁ Harper ❁

Chewing on my bottom lip, I walked step in step with him listening to the story.

I couldn’t help but smile at the memory of Jenna commenting on Collins height. And how we seemed well fitted. She said that without knowing how much I loved talking with him. How a text conversation after a day of working hard, hadn’t been dreaded by me. On the contrary I have enjoyed it so much side falling asleep with my phone beside my pillow. This man made me feel like myself.

And when he told me these stories. He brought them to life. And I like this somewhat more… my imagination took a hold and the small village of my dreams turned and evolved into a new space. Where the Warriors when to battle, and the women of the tribe become the…

“Guardians of their humanity.”

This idea gave me a heat filled and joyful kick in my step. It was crazy I knew. However, there were women not to be questioned. They had a duty, and they knew how to do it.

“Oh… yes…” I started, following him down my street. “You know it’s true. We have found that, most wolves are known to be monogamous. Which of course means they only have a single mate.

They will stay with this mate for as long as possible. Even when they are in a pack. And no other female wolf will encroach on another females mate. The have a respect for the bond.”

I say with a nod of my head, pushing the rim of my glasses up the bridge of my nose.

❁ Collin ❁

The thought of how perfectly we fit side-by-side threatened to completely derail my train of thought. There was no need to focus on where I stepped to make sure I didn't trip her up (Which definitely happened in the past... I had caught the  girl. Thank you, Spirit Warrior reflexes) but now... we just seemed to fall into a pattern.

I smiled when she started to talk about wolves, they were clearly on the long list of animals she loved. I clung to that fact even if I logically knew that it wasn't the same thing. My stomach flipped again when she nudged her glasses back up again.

I nodded and chuckled softly. "Exactly... so the Warriors... the Wolf warriors, when through a lot of changes, the young boys of the tribe would grow up and once they reached a certain age they would begin to change. They would grow bigger and stronger than the other men. The Great Wolf's magic was only passed along in his bloodlines. The first time they shapeshifted they would be  inducted into the pack. This would push forward their development to that of a full-grown man. They were stronger, faster, and almost impossible to kill. They developed the ability to heal rapidly from all but the most fatal of wounds, they  never fell ill. They had heightened senses and reflexes even in their human bodies. And they stopped ageing. Taha Aki outlived two of his wives. But the Spirits needed to find a balance; because nothing in nature with so much power should be  unchecked." I smiled and stepped with her, up onto her porch.

"And what could possibly be more intoxicating than the power and freedom to run with the wolves? What is the one thing that would always bring you home and make you human again?" I  moved to stand in front of her, my eyes met hers and my heart suddenly started to pound. My wolf stirred and radiated his answer inside my chest.

❁ Harper ❁

“True Love….”

The two words make from my lips before I knew I had even said them. I had stepped up to my pouch, however I had been so engrossed in the tail that it hadn’t registered where I was standing.

I turned to face him, a step higher then him, so close that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face. And it made the butterflies in my stomach dance to a song they were making up themselves.

“The women… they were the ones to become the anchor the Wolf warriors required to not forget who they were and why they were blessed.” I asked.

“And they had Taha Aki too? To guide them if they became lost?” I couldn’t see how young warriors would know what to do without help.

“Pack…” I whispered. “The warriors followed the mentality of the Wolves too?” There had been so much to unpack in this story.

However, one thing stuck with me. I couldn’t let it go. So, I held up a finger.

“You.. know… there is a flaw… in the story… Wolves cannot heal themselves in that way. I mean if you said they were geckos… I would believe it a little, they have the ability to heal, and regrow. I mean have you seen how fascinating it is when they lose their tails, and they dance around like they have a beating heart in there… and then… you will see the same one with his/ her tail regrowing…. it’s a miracle in a living creatures body.”

Okay, so I had gone off into a tangent. I placed the finger on my lips  and shhh myself.

“Sorry… I am listening. This is all so fascinating.” Realisation dawned upon me, that we were stood outside me door.

Fishing out my keys from my pocket, I played with it uncertainly. Finally, my eyes found his. Smiling. “Would you like to come in for a hot chocolate and to keep telling me the story?”

❁ Collin ❁

My heart stopped... or at least I swore it did... only for a moment when those words fell so naturally from her lips. Lips that I was now fixated on, she was so close. Close enough to kiss if I wanted to. But the next time I kissed her... she  would know the truth. I just hopped and hoped she would want that kiss too. It wouldn't matter how long that took, I would wait.

"Yeah... they had their chief, their Alpha. And if you remember the first story, I told you. You'll remember that  he knew what was like to be separated from his human form for a very long time. So, he was their guide too. And he knew the importance of the women when it came to their unique magic, underestimating how much he needed them was his greatest  mistake."

I smiled too widely when she spoke about healing and then geckos. One corner of my mouth curled up. "Don't be sorry." I beamed. "I love your tangents. I always learn something new." I glanced towards the door and back at her. "I was  kind of hoping you'd ask... But only if you promise to tell me more about the geckos when I'm done? But unless it's the magic of the Great Wolf's blood, I'm not so sure their regrowing limbs is the same as the Warrior's healing abilities... But  a six-foot-long gecko shape-shifter sounds really cool."

❁ Harper ❁

I played with the keys in my hands, the cold chill had started to work it’s way into them and I hugged myself hiding them into myself. My face flushed again, and my nerves made me giggle a little. ( or it could be the wine itself. )

“It’s a deal!” I told him. “I am happy to talk about animals as long as you are willing to listen.” Unlocking my door and pushing myself into my quiet and dark house. Only one lamp beside the couch had betel left on.

“Come on in, make yourself comfortable.” I bent down unzipping my boots and stepping out of them, setting them to the side beside the door, and then I headed to the kitchen.

“Now… where were we?” I called back as I rushed to the fridge taking out the cream and milk. “Oh yes. The Great Wolf not underestimating the women of his tribe? And wait a moment.” I stopped peering out from the opening of the kitchen to the living room.

“Did you just say six-foot-long geckos? What is this? Jurassic Park?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her seeing the goosebumps rising on what little skin she had exposed. It struck me again how beautiful she was, and how she didn't fall into the trap that women needed to wear tiny dresses and high heels to be attractive... I had no  doubt that she would be just as beautiful if she did.

My heart skipped a beat or six when she leaned over to take off her boots and I very quickly fixed my gaze on my own feet as I toed out f my own boots. I knew she liked a clean home, and  the soggy streets of La Push really didn't make it an easy task. I left mine next to hers. Looking around and thinking... Home. My eyes settled and the doorway to her kitchen with the emerald, green curtains... the kitchen I dreamed about so often and never knew would, one day, be a reality.

I nodded. "Yes... after leaving his body vulnerable and having it stolen, he learned the Spirits had a plan for those women too."

I laughed. "Did I not mention that the wolves were six-foot tall from paw to shoulder? Sometimes bigger... and eight to ten feet long."

❁ Harper ❁

The warmth felt like a glow when I watched him stood in my living room. The contrast of his height, his build, the sweetness of his smile and the softness in his eyes. I smiled back, feeling the uncertainties wash away the more time I spent in his company. And I still could not believe it to be true.

The guiding voices were talking to me. #Kenz giggling and saying. “He should make you want to Swoon, and your heart should swell with love.” And we all witnessed her falling in love with Seth, it was such an amazing transformation from the girl she once had been.

And then I smiled hearing another voice. “Don’t let yourself become lost in anyone. Men shouldn’t make you swoon, there should be a 50/50 meeting in the middle.” #Leah… Her thoughts on the topic so different. She believed in standing on your own two feet. Not allowing another the power to break your heart. But at the same time, they should have the balance in how the two people feel.

But I could find a happy medium, couldn’t I? With Collin, it all went possible. And this thought  scared me. How could I. Harper Lee Jenkins, feel so deeply about a boy I had only just met?

“No...?” I answer shaking my head. Had he mentioned it? Had I forgotten? No? Maybe?  

“I am sure if I heard about six-foot-tall wolves. I would have so many more questions. Like what is there in heir genies to make something like that possible. What would their metabolism be like to maintain such bulk of their bodies. How would it be possible to shift from –“ I stopped myself. My mind was spinning at the science behind it all. When this was a fairy tale of sorts.  “I’m sorry.., I’m… I will let you tell the story.”

Turning back into the kitchen I got to work on making William Jenkin’s special Hot Chocolate, hoping Collin would like it, a little something of my dad for him to share with me.

❁ Collin ❁

I caught her looking at me in a way that made me blush... not the way a lot of girls did... the leering all of the pack members got always made me uncomfortable. She was crazy beautiful, glowing really. Those eyes... and that sunshine bright  smile. I could hardly look away from her.

"Oh!" I laughed, shaking my head. "Then I left out a big detail." Then her science-geek side rushed out all at once, that was so hot. I followed her to the kitchen, "Yes, their metabolism was  incredibly high, so high that their body temperature even rose to higher than a bad fever. Those were the early signs that the change was upon a young boy, the tribe called it The Rage Fever. They became quick to anger and lash out because of  the changes in their bodies." I remembered her telling me about her dad's special hot chocolate. So, I watched her closely, not offering to help, hoping to learn from watching.

"Normally a moment of intense emotion would cause the first change. Anger, fear, or a deep protective urge. And we need to remember this isn't just science it’s the union of biology and magic and while turning into a giant wolf is pretty magical, I believe that the bond they call imprinting between the  Warrior and his protector is the most magical of them all."

My gaze never left her. "The shapeshifters would lay eyes on the one the Spirits had chosen for him for the first time, or at least the first time after they joined the pack... and  instantly they became bonded, it's love at first sight only a million times more that... The bond is unbreakable and the relationship between the two can take all possible shapes. True love, best friends unlike anything you would think  possible, he could become the greatest big brother of all time to her. More times than not they would fall in love, because the Spirits chose Souls that would complete the other. Nothing and no one could come between them."

My heart was  pounding as I spoke and I realised I had moved closer as I spoke, until I stood right next to her. "It was like every love story possible combined and became just theirs."

❁ Harper ❁

He came with me, and I was fine with it. My mom always said the kitchen was the heart of a good home, and acts like this. Made me feel like my house, was becoming a home with a heart. I once described to #Kenz how I felt a connection to this man, how it was like something drew me in towards him. that sensation was prominent once again now.

I set to work. There sat a saucepan on the hob, half filled with milk with a dash of cream. The rest of the cream had been placed into a bowl with a table spoon of powdered sugar, a dash of vanilla bean paste, with a drop of cognac in it. I set it to the side. Taking out two big hot chocolate mugs, I reached over to the chocolate jar on the counter. Taking out two large Hershey chocolate kisses, whispering to myself “It’s a kiss for your heart.”

I turned my attention to Collin, “Rage Fever?” Wondering how high the fever would become. 99, 100? 103? That was hazardous for any human. However, these warriors were magical.  

Nodding and smiling up as I worked from time to time, acknowledging I still was listening to his story ( because it was fascinating to me. How well he immersed himself and me into the words he spoke.) I unwrapped the two kisses and set them into the bottom of the mugs.

“Young boys?” Had I miss understood the story on the beach? “Only boys were these warriors?” I asked as I worked. My eyes searching out his when I spoke. However, my attention had moved on to the next thing. “A union of both Biology and Magic. I like the sound of this.” It was Hogwarts meets science all rolled into one. Something I would like to believe in. Imprinting between the  Warrior and his protector is the most magical.

“Imprinting?” My mind went to a baby bird. I shook my head still listening.

I took out a bar of melting chocolate next. Checking on the milk so that it didn’t burn, I started to then shave the bar finely. Once I had enough,  I added it to the now simmering milk, with a dash of maple syrup. Taking the time to whisk the cream up into soft cloud like peaks.

My heart started to beat harder when hearing about shapeshifting warriors, and their one true love. What a mythology to live your life by.  The images from my dreams came back to me now. I saw the women in their tribe, looking to the skies for their warriors to come home to them.

 “A bond is unbreakable and the relationship between the two can take all possible shapes.”

I could feel myself mentally floating with the words of his story. There was that invisible line between my chest and his, and as he told me this, I felt that thread become stronger. How, I had no idea. However, with such a beautiful history, how could I not sense something? The way to be with… with someone they were bound to by their souls. A friend, a brother, a lover…  

Seeing that the milk was now ready, and the chocolate melted, I took the pan off the hob, and pour the hot chocolate into the mugs and top it with three spoonful’s of that delicious, whipped cream. Adding some shavings of the melting chocolate. I smiled to myself; it didn’t look like Dad’s. However, I knew it was as close to it as I would ever have from now.

Smiling when the two mugs sat on the counter, I turned to the side, jumping out of my skin finding him right there beside me. My cheeks were burning  as our eyes met. He was the first man that I reacted to in such an intense way. And I  made my dad’s hot chocolate for him. The thing that astonished me, I felt no fear in the moment of sharing something so meaningful to me with him.  

“Love story…” My eyes never once leaving the earthy pools of his. “Became just theirs.” Uncertain why I felt the need to repeat the words. And why I felt than… bond… that pull… that… song… singing to me.

❁ Collin ❁

I paid as close attention to everything she did as I could, though my heart was racing as fast as my mind was. I heard her whisper, and I remembered our no-coffee-coffee-date. How her dad added a Hershey's kiss to the hot  chocolate.

"Well, the stories we were told always said it was only the boys... but..." I tilted my head. "These stories were typically told by men. So, who knows really? Quileute women are strong in all sorts of ways. So, I don't believe that they were only chosen to be Guardians of our Warriors. Maybe those stories just didn't survive." That fact saddened me, but all we could do was make the stories of strong Quileute women weren't ever silenced again.

I reached out to rub her arm when she jumped. "Sorry." I mumbled. "Sometimes I just can't resist, this tug I feel." I touched my fingers to my chest where I felt that invisible cord that tethered me to her.

Taking in a deep breath I managed to tear my eyes from her and drop them to the cups. I picked one up and took a sip. I needed to know what this tasted like... I didn't know where this conversation might lead. I made a deeply approving sound. The vanilla and cognac balanced the sweetness of the maple syrup. "Oh wow..." I smiled and met her eyes again. Spirits, they were beautiful. "This is... incredible. Love in a cup." My thumb stroked against her arm, her father's recipe.

One of the few pieces of him she had left... and she was sharing it with me. In that moment the story didn't matter anymore. The plan didn't matter. Only she did. I lifted my hand from her arm to cradle her jaw, stroking her cheek, I knew what this meant to her. My gaze never faltered from her, and I whispered.

"Thank you."

❁ Harper ❁

When he touched his chest, I knew that sensation. I knew it because I felt it too. It was right there. my fingers had unbeknown to me moved to that exact place on my own chest. I wondered if he heard the songs like I did? Could it be some magical connection that made me feel like…. I stopped myself from thinking of the word Home. Because that could be true. I couldn’t be a woman of science and believe in magic too? Or could I?

There it happened once again, his lightest touch to my arm had those butterflies alive and dancing in my tummy. But they all stopped teasing me ( or I stopped noticing them ) when he lifted the cup to his lips. My heart beat so fast, I hadn’t though what I would say if Collin did not like the drink. Would my world shatters? Would I be able to move past it? Would I ….

’This is... incredible.” He said. ‘Love in a cup’ He said.  

And all the uncertainty washed away in a flood of warmth that exuded from this man. I didn’t know how it was possible. But this man… I… I knew my dad would have liked him. And this thought made a lump grown in my throat. The thought that Collin would never see my dad, never speak to him. I didn’t know why. But it my eyes fill.

“You are welcome. I’m glad you like it.” I whispered looking down to the ground, even with his hands cupping my face. I give myself a moment or two to gather myself, because it felt like he understood. I wasn’t sure how. It just felt that way.

Letting a few moments pass in silence before I found his eyes again. “You stopped telling your story.” I whispered.

❁ Collin ❁

I pressed my lips into a tight line when she mirrored my action. She felt it too? The same way I did... I heard the other imprint describe their bonds... they all had different words and feeling for it, they all had a unique experience... and this was hers.

I wet my lips and set the cup down after another sip. Was there a right way to do this? Or more importantly, was there a wrong way? Was this the wrong way? "Not stopped." I smiled through the anxiety that tightened my chest.

"Just... paused."

I looked to her table and back to her. "Why don't we sit?" Picked up the cup again and trailed my hand off of her arm as I moved to take a seat, not wanting to nudge her to the table if she'd rather stand.

I fixed my gaze on the cup, the scent of it was soothing but it couldn't compete with the conflict happening in my mind right now. "What if it was a story?" I said to the curling steam, but then I forced myself to be brave enough to look her in the eye. She was going to think I was crazy or teasing her.

I reminded myself that she hadn't been raised with these stories, that it was going to take time with her. I took a breath and met her gaze. "What if was history? Real life, tangible history. What if I could prove to you that it's all happening in the world today?"

Please don’t be afraid of me. The silent plea ran through my head over and over again, I swallowed hard, letting go of the mug when I noticed my grip tightening. It was sitting on the table but, I had both hands wrapped around it because I didn't know what else to do with my them. I didn't want to explode in my hand and terrify her.

❁ Harper ❁

I took a few small sips from the mug, playing with my hands around the rim of it. It was too hot for me to drink it just yet. However, the scent of it just reminded me of home… of dad…. Of his soft soothing voice….

My eyes travelled with Collin as he took a seat on small kitchen table. This wasn’t the first time he sat there, however with the dark of night. Only a few lamps on in the house, the shadows outlines the frame of his face. His hair, and those eyes that I could see…. Looking….. worried….?

My heart sank… and my eyes burnt a little. I felt a cold chill clawing its way up where only moments ago I felt warmth, and want, and….

I looked down at my mug, the hot chocolate moved in circles as I told myself I would be okay. That I had to know this day would come. I worked too hard, never had time for anything or anyone. That I had cancelled on him more than I had met him. This had been the reason that I had hidden away my first six months here. And now….

I pushed the frame of my glasses up my nose. Pushing back this uneasy feeling of dread back. Telling myself it would be okay, that I would be fine. He would walk out of here and I would tell him it was fine…. That I….

I sat down across from him. Setting the mug on the table in front of me, however then my hands now had nothing to do. So I curled my fingers around the mug again, absorbing the heat. Because now I felt so cold.

His eyes didn’t meet mine. So I did the only thing I knew. I dropped my eyes to my mug so that he could do this without having to look into my eyes.

‘You will be fi—‘ the thought had just start to permeate when he spoke again. And my ears, mind, and heart  could not determine which had the correct message?

He wasn’t breaking up? Or dissolving this relationship that hadn’t even had its time to flower and bloom?

I blinked a few times, my mouth dropping open. “What if it wasn’t just a story?” This was what he was telling me? “So.. you aren’t breaking up with me?” The words spilling without my mind having time to stop them.

Why did I have to say that? “Sorry… Uhm… forget I just said that…” I had to be the biggest fool  in this town! Lord help me and my over active mind!

I waved my hand in front of my face, letting out a much-needed sigh of relief. And then I was frozen at this joke he had been playing with me.

❁ Collin ❁

I saw a change in her, one that scared me more than the thought of telling her everything. Something was causing her pain and I couldn’t stop myself from flicking my eyes around the room to see who or what it was before my wolf ruffled inside  my chest and told me that it was me.

I was causing her pain. My fear and anxiety was hurting her.

She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose again and even with the sadness in her eyes, she was breath-taking. I did a double take… That  was what was hurting her? She thought…

Wait… was it even possible for me the break up with her? Had our playful exchange tonight meant as much to her as it had to me?

That really wasn’t important right now.

No… actually. It was. It was  this thought that had put that look on her face, and there was no way that I could ignore that. I reached out and gently took her hand before she dropped it. “Spirits… no! Harper…” I took a breath. “That is the last thing I want. Ever since I  met you…. I…” I smiled, the tension easing for a fleeting as my mind flipped through memory after memory with her. “I have more happy memories with you than in the last few weeks than I've made my whole life. And I know we could still make more than we could ever imagine together.”

I couldn’t let the momentum I had gained in telling her the truth fade out though; I needed to see this through. “There are just things you need to know, about me. Things that are going to be hard to  believe, but none of them are about not caring for you Harper.” I tried to keep the fear from my gaze again. Not wanting it to hurt her again. “But if it changes how you feel about me… I’ll –“ Something caught in my throat. “I’ll understand.”

If she was going to choose me she needed to know exactly what she was choosing. I set our clasped hands on the table and wrapped both of my hands around hers, enveloping it completely.

“Close your eyes for a second, and think like the woman  of science that you are… Think about my hands, how they feel… what is different?” I knew that explained away our differences, it was human nature; it was how people made the strange world around them feel safe.

“Please don’t be afraid of me.” I hadn’t meant to whisper the words, and I knew she didn’t need enhanced hearing to pick it up.

❁ Harper ❁

I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of all the times I laughed or smiled. The times when I wanted to be with him, and I knew I couldn’t. The times I had fallen asleep after saying ‘Good Night.’ To him. And still the first thought that came to me was that he would leave too.

I knew that it was something I had accumulated over the years, the feeling of being left behind. However, right now. With my hands in his, with his telling me exactly how I too feel. I had to know it was the truth. The underlying issue here was in me I told myself. Not in him.

I let him hold my hands, and I listened to what he asked of me. My mind raced thrusting his words forward.

‘There are just things you need to know about me.’

What did he mean?

‘Things that are going to be hard to Believe.’

So far, I had believed him whenever he told me something. Should I not have? “Close my eyes?” I asked as the more of his conversation starts to play on a loop.

‘But if it changes how you feel about me….’

Wasn’t this exactly what I had been telling myself?

‘I’ll understand.’

I wanted to say. ‘What is I don’t want you to understand? What if I want you to fight for me?’

However, those words need making it to my lips.

I closed my eyes, seeing the tension growing on his. I took in the deep breaths and tried to do as asked. I felt the warmth from the mug I had been holding. And then… his warmth? It was comfy and welcoming… and….

“Warmth. You are so warm.” I whisper, as my hands started to frown clammy.

My eyes shot open at hearing him speak. “No, why? I am… I am not Collin… mind scientific mind, starting to flood…

‘What if it wasn’t a story?’

‘What if was history? Real Life, tangible history?’

‘Their body temperature even rose to higher than a bad fever.’

 ‘The Rage Fever’, ‘Shapeshifter’s’ ,‘Warriors.’

‘Magical Blood of the Great Wolf.’

My eyes shout open, and I laughed out of the madness of what conclusions my mind had started to draw. The sound of uncertainty. However, his eyes, the intense way they were focused on me.

‘The women became the guardians of their humanity, keeping them grounded and making sure the power of their wolves didn’t take over.’

My brow eyes dropped to the hands holding on to me. “Collin? What…. Wh…..”

The words drying in my throat.

“Funny.” I was being gullible.

❁ Collin ❁

I stayed silent while she thought about everything I said and asked her to do. Though I did wonder if she could hear my raging heart beating in my chest even with her human ears. I let her think and assess. When her eyes flew open I saw exactly  what I expected. Disbelief and shock…

“There are things I didn’t tell you, Harper. But I have never lied, I never will… I never could. This isn’t a trick or a prank.” She still hadn’t pulled her hand away and could feel it warming in my  gentle hold. “My fever set in when I was thirteen. I’ve been part of the Spirit Warrior pack since then. And I can prove it.” I needed to leave no doubt that I was telling her I was one of the men from the stories.

My eyes moved around me the room… how could I prove it? I obviously wasn’t going to shift in front of her. Maybe I could pick up the refrigerator? Or… my eyes settle on her kitchen drawer and then her sink. This was an idea I had crossed off my list a long time ago  because it seemed too extreme. But I needed something she couldn’t explain away like a body temperature.

I lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles hoping it would convey how much I did not want to let go of her. My eyes locked back on hers. “I can show you… I’m not a monster, Harper.” My eyes begging now for her not to see like that. Begging for her to still see the guy she walked on the beach with and watched movies with. Guy, she called her boyfriend in front of the most important in her life.

“I promise you don’t need to be afraid of me.” Something behind my eyes stung and stood up. I was overly cautious not to make any sudden moves like maybe I had started to sprout fur like a creature in a horror movie. Like I suddenly become something she would have nightmares about.

I opened a drawer and pulled out a small, sharp chef’s utility knife, there was no need to make this even more dramatic than it was about to be with a larger blade. I  pressed the tip of the blade to my left index finger until a bead of blood appeared and made a low hiss when I sliced a short shallow cut hardly half an inch, just enough for her to see.

I dropped the knife into the sink and held my finger over it. Letting a few red drops splash against the bottom of the basin. It all took no more than a few seconds, I moved swiftly. Not wanting to give her too much time to get scared of the crazy guy in her kitchen with a knife.

Spirits I was an idiot! What was I thinking?

❁ Harper ❁

The drink was now forgotten. The scent of it make have been one I couldn’t pass in. However, right now the only thing… person… my interest were in had to be the man sat before me.

He said he didn’t lie. They were things I needed to  learn. But with every passing silence moment, the heart in my chest hit a faster beat.

I try to laugh again, however the sound of it was lost in the air between my lips. “No… that’s… it’s… it’s a story.” I say again. And then I follow his  gaze around the room.

What was he looking for? “Prove it? Prove what Collin?” Uncertainty creeping into my assured, voice. And then the kiss on my hand.

“Where are you…” the question didn’t completely come out as more of what he said started to sink in.

‘My fever set in when I was thirteen. I’ve been part of the Spirit Warrior pack since then.’

This was impossible! What he was saying.. it was out  of a fictional Novak or a movie. And then I started to see those who were close to Collin. His best friend, his cousin son in law.

The jokes about there being something in the water in this town. How the men were so much taller and bigger and….

“Collin! No!!!!” The words out before his action registered completely. I unceremoniously jumped up from my chair. Running to grab the tea towel and then… he was by me… I was trying to gab his hand, cover it with the towel. “What  were you thinking, what… why Collin? Why—“

My eyes frantically trying to search his eyes until I went to look at the injury. The blood had dried up, and before my eyes. The skin started to knit together.

The gecko came to mind. He had said that the wolves were healing… his finger… the blood, and not the cut was gone? Just a fine pale mark where I knew he had been bleeding from.

I dropped the towel and stumbled back away. The side of my hip hitting the edge of the cooker sending pain shooting up the side of my body.

“I am dreaming…. You are playing a trick on me… this… it’s not real….” I was babbling my mind and my heart at war with my scientific thoughts and that little voice saying. “How? How is this possible?”

❁ Collin ❁

A second before she started to rush to me, I remembered why I had dismissed this idea. I had just cut her imprint... I remember Paul hurling a book across a room just because Rachel got a paper cut. He was a lot better with things now... but we were still brand new at this.

I let her wrap the towel around my hand but rested mine on hers and slowly pulled my hand back for her to see the bleeding stopped within seconds. "I'm sorry Harper... I wasn't thinking... I shouldn't have..."

Spirits I was a fool!

Her eyes were on my finger again and the skin closed leaving a pale pinkish line that would be gone in no time at all. I heard the bump as she collided with the stove. I knew I shouldn't but... the top was still hot from the pan she used to make the hot chocolate; so I put my arm around her and pulled her into me, making sure she couldn't add a burn to whatever injury she'd just gotten because of me.

Only then did I let myself wince at her pain, it tightened  my chest and made my heart beat like it was being squeezed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think about what seeing that would do to you. I'm so sorry, Harper. It only hurt for a second... and hardly at all." She would think I was insane for trying to comfort her by telling her I was okay. I held her into my chest, wondering how long it would be before she let me near her again after this. "It's not a she trick Harper. I promise you." I said into her hair. "If you take my temperature, it will be  one hundred and eight... maybe higher because I just healed." I pulled back just enough to see her face so I could answer her question.

"I'm a direct descendant of the Great Wolf... on my mother’s side. I have the same magic in my blood as the people in the stories I told you." I stopped and tried to control the shake in my voice. "I can uh... show you... if... or when... If you want to..." The stammering was back in full force now. "I can show you, my wolf. Whenever you're ready  to see... if you ever want to. I could show you."

There was still so much to tell her. Would she know she was my imprint, and I was hers? Would she guess that? Then there was #Seth and #Kenzi too... was it my place to tell her about them? And  there was #Paul and #Rachel... she'd met #Brady and #Leah too... Should I tell her all of it or just let her process what I had told her already?

❁ Harper ❁

My own pain shot through me like a lightning bolt, and yet I couldn’t  take any time to register it before his arms drew me in and I felt that tug in my chest calling him to me again. HOW? How could I want to be here?  There was something that had all of a sudden become stronger? Or was I just projecting in the moment?

“You… You hurt yourself to show me something…. To prove something to me…. Me…. Collin…. I never wanted that…” I never wanted to be the reason of another person’s pain.

“I… You… We… This…” I couldn’t string my words together. So, I stopped to give myself the time I knew I needed. I couldn’t exhale without thinking I was about to faint. Yet at the same time I also knew that I wouldn’t black out. Not with my heart beating so fast.

The laughter from before came rushing back. The walk to the bar, seeing him there, the amazing fun I had… Us in the car park calling one another… I stopped thinking. He asked me to be his girlfriend…However, asked me not to give him my reply until after he had told his story.   

“All this time… Since I met you… 13… Thirteen...” I pulled back to look into his eyes. With my tears threatening to fall. “You are trying to make me believe…” But I had no choice, I had seen his hand, the blood and now it was like nothing had happened but the pink mark.

“This… this is… This is outrageous.” I laughed but there was no humour in it.

“On your mothers side?” I knew his mothers side. The Chief of the Rez came to my mind and the wolf. I broke away from him. Stumbling back out of his arms. My eyes not leaving him... I should have been running out of here, right? Screaming? Shouting? I shouldn’t  be feeling this clinical about what he was saying and telling me. And yet my emotions weren’t far too.

Without saying another word, I turned and walked out of the kitchen towards my bedroom. There was one thing I needed to see. To make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Turning the lamp on in the room once I pushed the door open, I sat down on my bed not daring to touch it now. The wood carved wolf sat looking at me, and now I knew something additional that had to be the reason the Chief had given it to me? Did this mean that he knew about Collin? About what his nephew is? About This? With tremendous will I reached out my hand and picked it up.

“You were meant to protect me, to look over me. I told you my secrets, I told… I… I…told you my wishes….” Now I was crying, and I didn’t know why…. Was I really sitting here and thinking that this was true? How could I even go there.

Standing back up, I  took off my glasses and wiped my eyes.  The small wolf in one hand, I returned to the kitchen. Straining to keep myself still, I stood at the door, I felt myself roar internally to get out from here. “Show me. If you are really what you say you are… Show me.”

❁ Collin ❁

My chest ached. I had made her voice sound like that... I did that to her. “I know, I'm sorry... I didn't think it through... A small injury like that... To one of the pack, it feels like a scratch. But I should have been thinking about what it  might make you feel and I wasn't.” Something squeezed my heart. There was so much guilt in my voice... She was supposed to be my highest priority and I let her down already. “I won't let anything like that happen again; I promise you. I was so stupid.”

I let her slip away, I always would... At least, in this way, I wouldn't ever force her into an embrace she doesn’t want. No matter the reason for it, although, I wasn’t sure how far away I could promise I would let her go. When  she was out of my sight I slumped over the sink; bracing myself and drawing in deep breaths as silently as I could. Having her walk away from me like this was unlike anything I had ever felt. It was like she had taken all the air from the room  when she walked out.

I heard her words and the soft hints of her sobs hit me in the chest like a sledgehammer. ‘You will not crumble.’ the voice in my head force me upright. I sucked in air, one breath at a time.

Gathering the little  composure I could muster, I picked up a sponge and rinsed the blood... my blood, from her sink, then I cleaned the knife and I set it on the side to dry. It was silly, but order helped me cope and kept me grounded.

When I heard her approach,  I tried to erase all signs of angst from my face. I couldn't cause her more pain. I couldn't bare it. Her reddened eyes turned the butterflies from earlier into razor-winged creatures that cut up my insides... appropriate karmic retribution. “If you're sure that's what you want... We can do that. But... I'm--” I looked around her kitchen. “We can't do it here. We should take your car that way if you--” I swallowed hard... I couldn't say ‘if you’re too scared to get back into a car with me, you can leave.’. “Y-you can leave anytime if you need to.”

I took a step towards her. “There's uh... Difficulties phasing indoors... And then...” I glance out her window. All her neighbour's houses were dark, but all it would take was one late-night bathroom trip for someone to glance out their window. “There’re the neighbours... We can't let just anyone see. I promise you'll be safe, will you come with me?”

The  question was one and a million at once. Are you afraid of me? Do you trust me? Will you stay with me? Will you ever see me like you have all this time ever again? Will you ever love me, Harper? Please don't be afraid of me!?

Okay, so that  last one wasn’t really a question and yet... It was the most important one right now.

❁ Harper ❁

My fingers were so tight around the small wooden wolf that I could feel the bite of it in my palm. One way for me to tell that this… this was all real. I was awake, and this was not a dream.

I knew what a rollercoaster  life could be, how nothing was a guarantee, how your world could be turned around, and you have no say in any of it. And here once again I stood on the precipice. With no power, being nothing more than an observer.

I swallowed back the  lump growing in my throat, with my burning eyes drifting to his hand. And each time it felt like my lungs were going to collapse in on themselves. Why? And how could I feel this much pain over… His injury?

And words from the stories told  to me came.

‘Soulmates like nothing seem before, our love is, like none felt by another. Our pain when losing one another is devastating.’

#Sue had once spoken these words. About her love for her late husband #Harry. Saying in another time, she knew that he would be her one and only. And this time, he was the love of her life.

Was she telling us about this same thing? About impossible love and connection with one soul to another? Did she know about this too?

As he took a step forward, I took one step back. My body started to shake from a cold that had taken a grip of me to the depths of my insides.

“Neighbours…” wasn’t that a good thing? People who could hear? Who could see? Come if needed? However, my lips when opened said.

“Okay…”

I didn’t know if I could do this. Why was I even trying?

“Okay.” I said again, this time it felt like those four letters meant so much more. There has to be some level of me, who knew. Okay meant I could do this.

The resolution was simple. I needed to know. To know that this man I had thought to be kind, and  loving, wasn’t a liar. “My car.” I whispered.

I needed to know the truth, but the shake of my free hand when I stepped back towards the door, the way my legs felt like lead weights, every warning a body could give you to stay. To not go. I did not adhere to.

Before I knew it, my feet were in my boots, I had the sense to put a coat on, and then picking up the keys to my bug. I glanced towards him once before opening the door and stepping out into the dead of night with the cold air cutting into my face.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her knuckles turn white around the wooden wolf in her hand. From here I could make out my Uncles unique style, I had quite a few of his traits having picked up my practical skills from my Father and my artistic ones from him. But  where The Chief used knives, files and picks I used power tools and precision instruments.

I didn't think this was the time to tell her, that the wolf she held was a pretty accurate rendering of my own wolf form, minus my patchwork coat of every shade of brown imaginable, the wood was its beautiful, natural shade. She would see soon enough.

When she took a step away from me a strained sound died in my throat as I tried to stifle it. Something in my soul shattered, and I took two steps back. Each one almost killed me, but if she wanted space then she was going to get it.

I wanted to wrap my arm around her and warm her shaking form like I had when we walked back from the bar.

How was it possible to miss her when she was right here... only a few feet from me? But I did.., I missed her desperately.

I followed her staying three steps behind her. "We'll do this at your pace, Harper. As fast or slow as you want." I didn't step back into my boots until She was stepped outside. "I've had ten years to get used to this... you've had ten minutes." I couldn't help but assess the coat she was wearing... was it warm enough? But a good chunk of her job was outdoors and she had what she needed to dress for La  Push weather. I moved to the passenger side of her car and looked at her across the roof... we both easily towered over the car.

It was then, standing there looking into the glistening fathomless eyes... that something occurred to me. I  patted my pocket to check that my phone was with me. "Would um..." I shook away the nerves... "Would you like someone to be there with you when..." I hated the idea... of there being someone else there when she say my other half for the first  time. But I didn't want her to be afraid. "There are people you trust - ah!' The sound slipped out when I felt the stab when the thought that I was no longer someone she trusted occurred to me. I crushed the feeling. I had to be stronger than  this.

"People that know... like... eh... #Leah." I chewed on my lips... "Or #Sue... and um... #Seth..." I didn't suggest #Kenzi because I knew Seth could never allow his imprint to be around me when this was happening, even if we both knew I wasn't a danger to anyone. That was the one thing I had no doubts about. I clung to that singular thread of certainty. She was safe with me, even is she had no way of knowing that yet. "They'll come... if you want them to?"

❁ Harper ❁

When I replay his words…. Something broke inside of me, but not for myself. It broke for him. Thirteen…. That number of a child’s ages. He was but a baby when he says this…. I couldn’t finish the thought.

Because didn’t these things only occur in movies and books? Vampires, Zombies, Werewolves, Mummies… Things that all went bump in the night? Or was this more like Spider-Man?

WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING? How could I an intelligent woman be allowing myself to think all these things? Was it even a cut? Did I really see it happen? Maybe he has just pretended to injure himself and then use ketchup? Maybe… maybe… may… be…

“Why are you being so… so… so… accommodating…” The words blurting out as I walked down.

He was stays back from me, he was agreeing to my requests. He was even trying to keep me calm. And calm wasn’t what I needed. And once again, I thought I would like to wake up from this dream. I didn’t like this one. Not the way I have liked all the others with the two of them in them.

When our eyes met over the hood on my bug, I felt that hum in my chest again. The one that always is followed by the toil and need to be beside him. It told me to go to him, to rest my head on his chest, to listen to the truth of his heart.

And then my heart stopped beating. “Sue… Leah… Seth?” I whispered their names as more tears began to freely rolls down my cheeks. I shook my head, lifting my glasses to wipe at my face. “No…. This… whatever this is…. It’s between you and me Collin Littlesea.”

But my mind was spinning, if this was a joke, a prank… But then I saw in my mind his cut forming together, the blood stopped, the faint pink line on his skin.

Anger took a hold, anger that stood here in the cold of this night. That…. “I’ve been drinking… and so have you…” I couldn’t drive. I couldn’t get in behind the wheel  of his car and take that  risk over another person’s life. “You have to drive. Wait. No… you were drinking too.” My hand fisted with the wolf went to my forehead, and I half bent over thinking about this.

Maybe I didn’t want Seth here? He would tell me the truth; he would tell me that this joke of my mind had gone too far?

No!!! No… I couldn’t take him away from Kenz at this late hour… I could do this… I could do this myself… no… I couldn’t…. However, I wasn’t going to burden them again… Whatever came… I had to face it…

When I dared to look bad over the car, my heart started to beat rapidly with the humming in my ears. Why… Why was I trusting him still?

❁ Collin ❁

"I don't want you to be afraid of me, Harper." My voice shook. "I'm not a mons-ter." My voice broke on the word. "I promise you, I'm not a monster."

I wanted to beg her not to be afraid of me. She could be angry, annoyed, or furious. She could think I was certifiably insane... all of that would be better than her thinking I was some kind of demon. But how could I ask that of her? She just found out that the guy she was dating wasn't even human.

I could feel her horror at the  names I mentioned. And I understood... I hoped that offering her that safety net meant more to her than finding out from them all personally. But I was relieved that she just wanted it to be us.

"If you change your mind... any of them will  come if we call." None of the people I mentioned ever switched their phones to silent.

I hadn't thought about the fact she had a few glasses of wine. I walked around to the driver's side, the shock had certainly sobered her up enough to drive  but she was still shaking. "I can drive... I wasn't drinking tonight." I didn't really drink at the bar... only occasional for celebrations. I decided not to explain to her that I would have had to drink a whole bottle of vodka before it would  affect my ability to drive.

And I was a lightweight compared to the other guys that drank regularly. "I was drinking milk and water... remember?" I knew that bringing it up would make her think clearly enough to remember that. I held out my hand for the keys. "I can drive if you want me to." I wasn't going to suggest walking, more than one imprint had run off during this... well, I guess it had become a ritual now.

I could have suggested we could wait, but she seemed so determined and I didn't want her to think I was trying to hide from her. Her heart was thumping so hard it was worrying.

Music: Man or a Monster (feat. Zayde Wølf) · Sam Tinnesz

Continued in Part 2

[written-within-the-stars]

Do Not Allow Fear to Guide Your Reactions - Solo by Harper

“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” — James Stephens

The morning had gotten away from me. I may not have been running late as I parked my bug in my spot. However, the fact that I liked to be at the practice with at least an hour to go over the day and plan for any unforeseen call outs, had not taken place this morning.

#Jenna and #Kenz had called to have breakfast together, things had gotten busy for me again with setting everything up for practice sharing with the #DiazFamily. And having #Juan in town I was sure would add another element of difficulties with my time. So, having my friends on a screen call gave me something to smile about.

#Carl had pushed out his first tooth #Jenna told me. #Kenz added that the baby boy liked to test the tooth out by biting his uncle #Seth as often as he could. They missed me, and I in turn missed them so much too.

Without knowing #Juan or seeing him they had jumped on the ‘We don’t like him’, train. However, I had to stop that and nip it in the bud. Reminding them that in the long run this deal would be of help to the community of La Push. The bigger picture was most certainly going to be a well needed achievement.

Or so I kept reminding myself as I pushed the door to the practice open to find madness taking place.

“Stop… Everyone… Please stop.” I kept my voice calm and collected, the shouting stopped, and the pulling stopped, and more so it gave time for the frightened soul before me ran to hide under the first set of chairs it could find.

‘There he goes again.’ A short man with light blonde hair huffed rushing over towards the chairs and started to pull on the lead. While the woman with him faffed around like a lost chicken. There was a mix of emotions palpable in our waiting area.

“Stop. Please don’t do that.” I told him setting my bag down beside the door and holding my hands up. “Jessica?” I asked her for some kind of explanation.

She rushed over to my side filling me in. The man and woman were Mr and Mrs Reeds. The poor scared soul was Prince Harry II. This was his first visit with us, after he hadn’t done well with another vet.

‘I’m sorry, we don’t know why he is like this. We don’t know what we are going to do if he keeps up this way.’ Mrs Reeds said rubbing her forehead.

“There is nothing wrong with him.” I told the woman. “He is feeding off the energy around him.” My eyes were on the man. “If we all calm down and let him be. Maybe you can both step away…” I pointed to the chairs to the far side of the waiting room. “Maybe even go take a seat over there.”

It wasn’t a request and Mrs Reeds could tell. She slowly started to step backwards, but Mr Reeds hadn’t let go of the lead. “Listen, you have come here to me. So, have faith I know what I am doing and talking about.” I told him.

Once Mr Reeds finally let the lead fall and stepped away. I shrugged out of my jacket and went to sit on the ground by the wall where the puppy was hiding. I could only see his body from where I had placed myself and seeing him trembling broke my heart.

‘Now what?’ Mr Reeds grumbled, and I had the right mind to tell him he could leave. But when I looked past the anger on his face, I saw that he was scared too.

I kept my voice as calm and low as I could. “Now we talk, and we wait for your puppy to feel safe.”

The couple explained that the puppy had a bad experience with their vet, some child had let off fireworks just as they had taken him out of their truck. That he had changed ever since, and they couldn’t even get him vaccinated.

As the two spoke to me, #Jessica gave them something hot to drink. Mrs Reeds leant into her husband and started to cry. I could see they weren’t bad owners; they were just unprepared.

I asked Jessica to bring me out some toys and the jar of peanut butter, as well as the first vaccines for the puppy. All the time I asked no one to speak to him or look at him. With a tug toy and a ball in my hand, I sat with my legs wide open on the ground. Throwing them around and playing with them. Slowly out the side of my eye I could see he started to show some interest in what was happening. But he was still shaking.

I explained to the couple that he was still young, and that they needed to rebuild his trust in them. The sounds of the fireworks and then I was sure their reactions had fed this fear into him.

Slowly the puppy moved his nose out from under the chair, I kept my attention off him, but at the same time watched him out the corner of my eye. He was a beautiful white husky puppy, with the most breath-taking ice blue eyes.

Mr and Mrs Reeds explained how they had wanted to get one for years, however their house had been too small. Now they had their forever home, they had the space to give their husky baby the right place to call home.

I rolled the ball out, but before I could stop it, it had rolled to the door of the practice where it was stopped by a foot. With my eyes moving up the leg and body, I stopped myself from groaning when I found #JuanDiaz grinning back at me.

He didn’t make any comments which I had been expecting. ( The look on his face told me he’d been watching me on the ground for a while and I hadn’t even noticed him. ) He set his bag and helmet down to the side, shrugged out of his jacket, and went to sit on the floor opposite to me. Rolling the ball slowly back.

As much as I really did not wish to, I could see the reactions from Ms Reeds and Jessica as he took his place.

‘What’s up Buttercup?’ He asked motioning for the ball. ‘I didn’t take you for a lay about on the job.’ He teased.

I rolled the ball back to him, and I saw how Prince Harry II pushed forward, his paw tapping the ground trying to play with the ball from afar.

“That name is not going to stick.” I told him, keeping a professional smile on my features. I threw the tug toy towards him, showing the puppy how we were playing.

#Juan rolled the ball back towards me, then caught the tug toy. ‘Oh, I feel like it’s already there.’ Throwing the toy back as I rolled the ball over to him again.

“Looks like someone wants to come out to play.” I smiled over to the couple who were watching #Juan closely. “This is Dr Diaz from Port Angeles; he will be here from time to time helping, with out of hours coverage and supporting the community.” I told them.

#Juan said his hellos and then told me the puppy had moved to my side. ‘He likes you.’

‘All the animals love Dr Jenkins.’ #Jessica told him.

I felt a paw on my thigh as the ball came rolling back towards me. I moved slowly to dab my finger into the peanut butter, but Prince Harry II didn’t trust me to take it. I played with pushing the ball towards him now, and he barked, it was playful. He was still shaking; however, it had reduced significantly.

‘Oh my god, he’s not played like this in weeks.’ Mrs Reeds told us. #Juan asked her to remain seated and not to move just now, which she did.

Slowly the puppy started to jump over my legs, using them as an obstacle. He was clumsy with his legs and feet, but when he finally came and licked the peanut butter from my finger, I could have cried. The poor thing was telling me that he was putting his trust in me.

By the time we were done, Prince Harry II had been jumping all over #Juan, rolling and tumbling over him and making him laugh ( and starting to make the annoying man look a little more human ). We had vaccinated the puppy, we had checked him over, we had even managed to make it a game to weigh him.

As #Jessica, #Juan and I stood in the doorway waving the Reeds off, I smiled to myself. This had been part of the reason I had taken a leap into this vocation.

‘Not a bad start to the day, even if I say so myself.’ When I glanced at #Juan, he looked pleased with himself too.

“No, not a bad start at all.” I agreed.

[written-within-the-stars]

Unwelcome Surprise - Solo by Harper

A masterpiece... may be unwelcome but it is never dull.

-Gertrude Stein

‘What’s up buttercup?’

I jumped out of my skin as a hand reached out and squeezed my shoulder making me scream from the fright of my life.

‘Easy… Easy… I’m not trying to kill you.’ He said, but I didn’t hear a word, nor did it register who it was trying to kidnap me.

I dropped the paint brush in my hand to the floor, bent my knees and kicked out, hitting him in the kneecap making him fall back to the ground.

‘FUCK HARPER! That…. Hurts…’ My mind, eyes, and the pounding beat of my heart had me on high alert before I could register who I had attacked.

“Oh… No… I…” My words were lost as I pulled my headphones off. “What are you doing here?” My heart still pounding hard in my chest I pushed myself as far back as I could away from him.

‘I... Came to help. Fuck.’ He was lying flat on the ground, his knee pulled up to his chest holding it with both hands.

“Don’t you know, you should NEVER come up behind a girl like that?” Still in shock I slide down the wall and then remember too late that this was the wall I’d been touching up the paint on.

We both sat in our places without talking gathering ourselves. I wasn’t sure how long it took before he slowly half sat up and glanced over to me. ‘Are you okay?’ This time his voice was low, something like pity ( or at least that was how it sounded to me. )

“I’m fine. It wasn’t my legs which were taken out from under me.” I retorted

‘One leg… And I’ve taken harder from a goat in the past, trust me.’ #JuanDiaz kept his deep brown eyes on me. ‘And I mean… If I knew… I wouldn’t have tried to make funny like I did.’ He dropped his head to the side, as if he were watching a caged animal.

“Knew what exactly?” I slowly make my way back up on my feet, trying to see just how much paint I had wiped off with my back.

‘I know that move Harper, I’ve taught it to many women who have been attacked. There is no shame in it, it’s good to learn self-defence.’

I spun around; my eyes burrowing into him. “You know nothing. And I am not ashamed. I just… I…” What was it about this man? Why did he know which buttons to push. “It’s none of your business and I do not wish to bring my personal life into this work arrangement… thank you…”

He had come to his feet, shaking out his injured leg to the side. He held his hands up in the air. ‘Understood.’ Is all he said and then stood there just looking at me.

“Now, would you like to tell me what you are doing here?” I asked once again.

‘I came to help.’ Was he reply.

“I didn’t ask for your help.” I responded.

‘Tough luck, I’m here now.’ That smug grin was back in place. ‘Rosa told me you were going to spend your down time setting the reservation support residential unit up for me. And let’s face it, I’m not willing to sit back and let you make it all pink and girly.’

I knew he was teasing me; I knew I should not bite, I knew I was better than this, however…

“Pink and Girly? I would have you know I have excellent taste in home décor.” Now some part of me wished that I had indeed set the unit up with nothing but neon pink.

Bending down to pick up the brush I had dropped. I frowned. “Great, Char just polished the floor too.” Rushing over to the kitchenette for a damp cloth.

‘Let it dry.’ He followed behind me. ‘Once it’s dry, I can scrape it off, it will be like it never happened.’ He was leaning on the small island. That was when I noticed the boxes by the door.

Pointing towards them I gave him a questioning look. ‘Like I said, I really did come in peace.’ His gaze moved around the unit. ‘But I can see you have it in hand.’ He was smirking again.

“I had a lot of help from my friends.” I told him washing the brush out.

‘What would you do if I sang out of tune?

Would you stand up and walk out on me?

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,

And I'll try not to sing out of key.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.’

He was singing the song off key. And yet with his eyes closed he hit some notes that really didn’t need to be so high.

“Please… please don’t do that again.” I couldn’t help the small smile creeping onto my lips.

‘Wow, so she does smile. Just not for me.’ This made the smile disappear.

“Would you like a tour of your new home while you are here in La Push?” I didn’t wait for his reply and started to walk towards the bedroom.

“You have seen the kitchen, and the living room. I have a small table coming for you tomorrow which can be placed—” He cut me off.

‘In front of that window. I can tell there will be some beautiful sunrises to be seen as I eat my breakfast.’ I wasn’t going to tell him that was why I had thought it to be the perfect placement.

“This here is the bedroom; it may look small however that is a full-sized queen in there.” Walking in I pushed a door open on the far side. “The closet is small; however, we have added some racks in there.” He was right behind me looking over my shoulder. I ducked out and around him.

Heading out into the small hallway I opened the door to the shower room. ‘What no tub? And I so like a soak with some bubbles in the evening.’ He was frowning. And now so was I.

“I…” I hadn’t thought that maybe he’d like a tub and not the shower, but he burst out laughing. Pulling me back out of my thoughts.

‘Relax, this is all perfect. It’s a lot nicer than anything I was expecting from a shared unit.’ He told me leaning on the doorframe with his hands pushed into his pockets.

Did I want to hit him? Yes, would I allow him to get under my skin? No.

“It is a shared unit; however, I have ensured that only you will stay in this one. It will be assigned to the Practice until we tell them we no longer need it. Chief Black has been very kind to us, as have the council.”

I had bought the Chief a bottle of whisky as a thank you gift, only to find out that he didn’t drink. So, he had asked me for a bottle of my watermelon juice. ‘I heard it’s very refreshing.’ He had said. And I knew #Jessica must have told him about it.

‘They don’t need to do that; Really I’m used to sharing accommodations.’ The expression on #Juan’s face had changed. He was no longer joking, and I could tell this was the Navy man who I was speaking too now. #Damian would have the very same look when he meant business.

“What is it you said… Tough Luck… it’s yours.” I told him.

I made my way back into the living room space and then gazed at the boxes. “Do you have any more of those?”

#Juan shook his head. ‘I travel light. I am guessing there is a washer and drier, or a laundrette in town?’

“Down stairs… You will find the laundry room for everyone who visits. There is a small convenience store there too. And then in town there are— ” As I spoke, I could tell that for once #Juan was listening and taking it all in.

Once I was sure he knew what we had in town, I made to leave. “If that is all.” I walked over to the door and stopped. “Oh, the keys.” Pulling them out of my pocket I set them down on the island, picking up my jacket to slip it on.

‘I wouldn’t do that; you have paint on the back of your shirt. Do you want to change into something of mine?’ He pointed to a rucksack beside the door, and I shook my head. He stepped behind me and tested the paint. ‘It’s actually dry.’ He laughed.

#Juan walked me out of the unit and then followed behind me down the stairs, in the front of the building we stopped beside my car.

‘I guess I will see you at the practice.’ He said before his attention was pulled to the sound of a motorbike.

We both stood watching and I smiled when I saw the long dark brown/ black hair flying in the wind. Her leather jacket opened with her white t shirt showing, over her jeans. #Leah looked like a Goddess set out to fly free as she sped by fast.

‘Well, damn! Is there anything sexier than a woman with a beast like that between her legs?’ He whistled low, bending his head back to follow #Leah as she turned the corner of the street. If I didn’t know better, I was sure that her head turned to look back when #Juan spoke. But that was impossible. There was no way, she could have heard him.

“I really would not if I were you. I hate to burst your bubble, however I’m not sure you are Leah’s type.”

‘Leah? A beautiful name too.’ He was grinning from ear to ear. ‘Is she seeing anyone?’ His eyes were still on the last spot he had seen her disappear.

“That is none of mine, or your business Doctor Diaz.” Opening the door to my car, I climbed in.

‘Don’t be like that. At least tell me where I can find her?’ He was bent down.

“Nope.” I slammed the door closed and started my ignition.

I was sure before long he would find himself at the door of the Bar, it was the only one in town. And I hoped I would be there to watch him try to speak to #LeahClearwater.

“Now that will be fun to witness.” Glancing at my rear-view I saw him still stood there, his shoulders bobbing up and down as though he were laughing.

( Music: With A Little Help from My Friends · Benjamin Francis Leftwich )

[written-within-the-stars]

Meet the Diaz Family – Solo by Harper

"Sometimes Life will throw you a curve ball, just to see how you react." - Unknown

The sky was blue, with not a cloud to be seen. Something I had come to learn while living out here was that this didn’t happen often, and when it did you should make the most of it.

Today was the day I had set out early in the morning to drive into Port Angeles, to officially meet with the practice we would be partnering up with. I had sent the proposal out to four teams, outlining what we could achieve if we worked together, however only the team at Little Paws, with Big Hearts Veterinary Practice were willing to step up.

I knew it was asking a lot, for very little payback. However, in small communities such as Port Angeles, Forks and La Push, I was certain more people would be willing to help and support one another. However, I couldn’t be correct all the time.

Now I stood looking up at the practice that was three times the size of the one I was running in La Push. Under the lobby entrance I could see the double doors, and yet I couldn’t seem to move my feet.

Of course, #DrDavidHill’s practice in Seattle had been bigger. And my time there had taught me so much, however standing here. Now. It seemed to be a turning point, and one I wasn’t sure how to interpret.

‘Dr Jenkins? Is that you?’ The confident voice came from behind startling me into jumping out of my skin. ‘Oh, my dear. I didn’t mean to scare you.’ She placed a hand on my back giving a small rub before coming to stand beside me. ‘She’s a beauty, wouldn’t you agree?’ Her eyes were taking in the building at the same time as I was.

“Please… Doctor Castro-Diaz… It’s Harper… and yes, she really is.” It was all I could say to the woman stood with me.

‘Okay, well then it’s Rosa.’ She smiled with a wink.

I stood beside Doctor Rosario Castro-Diaz one of the three co-owners on the practice I was admiring. She had tanned skin with deep dark brown eyes, her long black hair was draped over one shoulder, and she wore a chequered pant suit. She was carrying a tablet in her hand, as well as her briefcase. And her big lips were curled up in a smile.

‘It never gets old if you love this work. No matter how hard the days and nights maybe, it will never get old.’ She smiled to me and then gestured towards the large door. ‘I believe I have a tour to give you, and welcome you to the team?’

I walked side by side to her, I was going to be spending the morning here. Getting to know the building and all the people who worked in the practice. And it started with the support staff.

They were the heart and the soul of any large practice. The frontline to the people coming in with their sick pets and animals. The ones who had the time to give that extra care and attention too. Without them nothing would be worth it in the building. I listened as Rosa explained as she introduced me to each member of the team.

Opening a frosted glass door, she pointed towards a man hunched over a lab table. ‘And that would be Doctor Henry Diaz. The lead here at the practice and yes… you guested it… My husband.’ There was a sense of pride as she spoke of him.

‘Oh please. We all know who the true leader of this place is.’ Setting the test tubes down he crossed the room, taking off his gloves, holding a hand out towards me. ‘We’ve been waiting on you Doctor Jenkins, we are glad you are here.’ He took my hand in his and shook it twice before letting it go.

As we all spoke, we continued to tour the facility. I learnt that Henry and Rosario met at the University of Washington-Seattle while they were studying to become vets. After they graduated Rosa left for five years to work in Europe. She wanted to travel and see the world, learn how others worked in the field outside of the U.S. While Henry stayed home. He worked hard with his father to rebuild the family practice into something bigger and better. He had dreams of what they could do and offer, and he brought his visions to life.

After five years, when Rosa came back, they both rekindled what they thought may have been lost, and yet somehow, they started exactly where they left off. And after a year Henry asked her to marry him. It was a love story that you could only imagine seeing at the movies or read in a book. I smiled to myself recalling a conversation with Collin. He had told me that love stories were real and that we were surrounded by them.

Rosa’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. ‘It was the boys mothers who named the practice Little Paws, with Big Hearts. And it just felt wrong to rename and modernise something which was named with love.” She told me as they walked me through the Operating rooms. Pointing out all the new equipment they have in place and what other things were to come.

Our last stop was a meeting room surrounded by frosted glass again ( they liked their glass in this place ), and when Henry pushed the door open, he smiled at whatever he saw inside. ‘Well, thank you for joining us.’ He said stepping inside.

Rosa shook her head smiling as she ushered me inside too, before crossing the room over to a man sat back in a chair with a bagel in hand, wearing a white t-shirt, ripped jeans, and a leather biker jacket. A helmet sat on the table beside him.

‘It’s not everyday we have breakfast brought in.’ The man said, standing to meet Rosa and placing a kiss to her cheek.

‘Harper, I’d like you to meet Doctor Juan Diaz, he is the junior partner in the practice and my brother-in-law.’ She whispered something under her breath like ‘Behave yourself.’ Before stepping to the side leaving me stood before #Juan, whose eyes wondered over me from my feet to my head.

‘Well, aren’t you a tall one.’ Were the first words he said to me. Setting my back up tight.

“Why, aren’t you used to women who look you directly in the eyes?” I shot back in a even tone before I could stop myself. And then thought that #Leah would be proud for not backing down.

‘Damn… Sil… I like her…’ He held his hand out, however I didn’t take it right away.

I had been told that #Juan grew up knowing that he wanted to be just like his dad and big brother. He idolised them both to the point that he followed in their footsteps and studied to become a vet. However, as he worked on his degree, he questioned if it was the right path for him. A fight with his father saw him leaving home to enlist into the Navy, and he went to service.

Now, honourably discharged he came back home. While in service he completed his training, however, now he was finishing off his last year of certification at University of Washington-Seattle. He was working with his brother and Sister-in-law specialising in, Larger Animals, Emergency and Critical care, Surgery, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

He glanced to his hand and then to me again, so I took it and curled my fingers tight before I shook it.

‘So, I hear we will be bunk mates.’ His lip curled up into a grin. ‘Nice to meet you roomy.’ He winked and I dropped his hand.

“I’m sorry what?” I turned my attention toward Rosa and Henry who were sitting at the table, asking me to join them.

They clarified that to start with #Juan would be the main point of contact for me, he needed more time with farm animals, and that La Push would give him the experience he needed.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not looking to train another person. I have someone I am mentoring as it is. I was looking for support with the practice out of hours.” I finally sat down, not paying him any mind as I hear him scoff at the mention of me training him.

Sure #Juan was older than me, but the fact was I’d been practicing longer than him.

‘Juan…’ His brother chastised him. ‘Harper, Juan doesn’t need hand holding, it’s just that the state here requires him to do a set number of hours in his chosen specialising field. We were hoping that with this partnership we would give him that opportunity.’

‘And who knows… you may learn a thing or two?’ he muttered with a full mouth. I really didn’t like this man.

Narrowing my eyes, I turned my full attention toward #Juan. I knew my stuff, I had worked hard for years to be where I sat now, and I wasn’t going to have some man tell me otherwise. “I will never say no to learning Doctor Diaz Junior.” The Junior hit home because he stopped chewing. “However, let’s make one thing clear. As much as I would like the help with La Push, and help you all here too. I will not allow anyone to walk over me. This is a 50/50 deal; I have a lot to offer for the right Partnership. ” We both sat there staring the other down. My eyes did not flicker.

‘Oh, I like her.’ Rosa mused taking a bite out of a slice of watermelon. ‘This is going to be the most perfect partnership this practice has seen.’

[written-within-the-stars]

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[written-within-the-stars]

Was There Any doubt? – Solo by Harper

"With hard work and effort, you can achieve anything." –Antoine Griezmann

‘Finally, what time do you call this Nerd?’ She was working on upside down curls, and I had to twist my neck to speak with her.

“Leah, I told you I was working, and then I had to change before I left to come meet you.” I looked towards the clock on the wall. “Did I misunderstand the time we were to meet?” I was never late to anything; I was actually ten minutes early.

She clicked her tongue, her arms crossed behind her head. And her legs curled around the base of the punch bag. Her long dark hair pulled up into a ponytail hung to the point that it was touching the ground. You could see each and every defined muscle working at its fullest when she seamlessly pulled her body weight up to touch the top of the bag with her shoulder. And she wasn’t even breaking a sweat.

‘Nah, I had a free hour which never happens, so came early to get in some extra cardio in before you arrived.’

This was Leah Clearwater’s idea of fun. Some people would have just shown up on my door with a bottle of wine, and maybe a take away. However, not our Leah. She calls you and tells you to meet her at the gym, after work for a sparring match to burn off some energy.

‘Well, what you waiting for? An Invite? Bags down and warm up. Once I’m done, I’ll come and wrap your hands for you.’ She back flipped off the punching bag, somersaulting, to stand up straight like she did those in her sleep. Walking up to me, Leah placed her index finger under my chin and closed my parted lips. ‘The show is over Miss Jenkins. Get a move on.’

“Uhm… Ummm… yes… Uhm… warm up…” I stumbled over my words, setting my bag and water bottle down to the side. “Where would you like me to start?” I asked because I had some catching up to do now. Unzipping my jacket I set it down too, following Leah’s recommendations.

‘You’re in good shape, so I’m going to say two reps of Arm curls. Two reps of Stir the pot. Some Pushups, double up power squats, Split squats double rep, 40 Jacks, two 25s of sit ups and then we can hit the ring.’ She was stood beside her bag, her water bottle in hand as she spoke.

It was safe to say I started to pick up my things. “Uhm, you know what, I forgot…” the woman moved so fast that I didn’t see how she blocked my path.

‘Okay, okay. At least the stretches, and if you’re arse is hurting in the morning. You can’t complain that I didn’t let you warm up.’ Nodding her chin towards the ring. ‘I’m going to go show those fools what a real spar looks like, come over when you are done.’ Leah took my things from my hands. ‘Nice water bottle.’ Smirking at me as though she knew it was from Collin and Nova. With that said, she coolly sauntered over to the group of men whose eyes were everywhere but on her face.

‘Who’s up for a one on one?’ I heard her say, and they wall fell over one another to become the man in the ring.

“Poor men.” I said incomprehensibly. When Leah came to visit #Seth and us in Thompson, we had all gone hiking, worked out and we had taken her to the boxing gym. It had taken her lest than half an hour to work the whole gym over. All the men who thought she would be an easy win, were sent home with severely bruised egos, a couple of them had somehow managed to hurt their hands too.

‘Come on, you can do better than that Toby.’ I heard her say, as I started to stretch my body out. I watched Leah in the large floor to ceiling mirrors, she worked like a warrior. Her feet moved so smoothly that there was no way you could tell where she would hit next. Her body flowed to the music, and it felt like I was watching her dancing, not boxing.

Then there were the punches she was throwing, the touch of her glove to the flesh of the man names #Toby somehow looked flawless until the point where he stumbled and fell back into the ropes. His movements in comparison to that of Leah were acuter. And there was a part of me that cheered every time she touched her gloves together. She did it after each winning point, until the sparring match was done.

#Toby was hot and bothered, breathing uneven, he couldn’t stand and then there was Leah. She stood in the centre of the ring pointing to the next man. However now they all were following #Toby with their eyes, who was being helped to the benches. ‘Oh, come on, I’ll take it easy on you.’ I wasn’t sure if she was teasing them or if she really would have taken it easy on them or not.

My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my phone. When I glanced at the display it was an unknown number. “Hello, this is Harper Jenkins.” I answered on the third ring.

‘Hey there Harper, It’s Billy Black here. I hope this is a good time?’ I stilled nodding my head, until I recalled that Mr Black would not be able to view my head movement.

“Hello Chie— Uhm... Billy. Hi. Yes, yes this is a good time to speak. How may I help you?” I felt like a little girl when I heard this man’s voice. He had been such a kind person and helpful when we last met. Some parts of him reminded me of my father, which now made my heart swell at those thoughts.

‘Ahh. Good. Good. I wanted to let you know as soon as the meeting was over.’ The meeting? I thought to myself and then it clicked.

Leah and Sue had told me that the council had been in talks over my proposal. They had set two meetings to review the documentation, the plans, and the agreement I had put before them. With both #SueClearwater and the chief himself recommending the partnership with the practice in Port Angeles too. I was confident; however, you really couldn’t call the outcome of these things until they were done.

‘It is a go from the council Doctor Jenkins, they are happy to provide you with the support you need to make things happen.’ His voice was calm, however some part of me imagined that Billy Black was smiling on the other end of this call.

“Really? They… They said Yes?” my voice went up an octave, and I jumped in my spot. “Wow. Billy… How… When… How… How can I ever thank you?” I couldn’t believe that it had actually passed on the first attempt. Some part of me was ready to go back with revised plans.

‘It wasn’t me Harper, it was all your hard work, and yours was the most detailed plan they had ever seen. They were impressed with what they saw, and everything they have been hearing about your work. Congratulations. I’ll let you go and celebrate; we can talk more details later. Well done, Harper… well done!’ I smiled giving Billy my thanks and ended the call.

With the phone still in my hand, I hit call to the first number I always rang in a time of great achievement. I jumped on the spot waiting for an answer.

‘Hi, It’s William Jenkins. But you know that. You called me. I know you wanted to talk to me. However, I’m not here. You know what to do.’Beep…

My heart fell, I stopped jumping and my heart kept sinking. My eyes burnt at the fact that I had in the moment forgotten that…

‘Hey, what’s going on?’ Leah was beside me and I wasn’t sure when she had arrived. ‘Harps?’ She asked but she didn’t touch me.

“Nothing…” I cleared my throat, wiping my face with the back of my hand before turning to face her. A smile replacing the pain that my heart felt in this moment. “Uhm... that was Billy… he called to tell me that the council approved of my plans for the practice to build a partnership with the place in Port Angeles.”

Leah took the phone from my hand and pressed end on the call after seeing who the call was made to. ‘Was there any doubt that they would? Anything you set your mind to would be for the good of the animals here and in Port.’ Leah set my phone down before taking a hold of my hands.

‘Now let’s have some fun in the ring.’ Winking at me she started to wrap my hands. Asking me to explain the plans to her.

I knew what Leah was doing, and I highly appreciated it.

[written-within-the-stars]

Who doesn’t like Chicken Nuggets? – Solo by Harper

“𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒, 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓅 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂!”

– 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓛𝓮𝓮 𝓙𝓮𝓷𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓼

‘Hey Doctor Jenkins, you made good time. Shame the rain caught you though.” #Jessica came rushing towards me to help with the boxes in my hands. And I knew we weren’t alone.

“Do I look that bad Jess?” Smiling I shook my dripping wet hair and glanced down at my wet clothes.

‘No… Well… Maybe a little?’ She was already rushing off to the back of the practice, returning with a dry towel for me as I shrugged out of my coat.

“Nice to know you will always be honest with me Jess. Who is here?” I asked her. We knew the code by now. If we were alone #JessicaClearwater would always call me Harper. However, if there was company in the practice then she addressed me as Doctor Jenkins.

‘There is someone in exam one, I told her that you were on the Hamond farm. However, she wanted to wait. But you dry off first, there is a fresh set of scrubs in the back, and I can dry your clothes off for you, so you don’t have to go home wet?’ #Jessica said pointing to my clothes. ‘Or not.’ She called running after me once she grabbed the tablet from her desk.

I pushed the door to exam one open, glancing at the sight before me. “Hello there.” frowning a little. “I apologise for the state of me; however, I didn’t want to make you wait... It’s Gemma, correct?” I asked the girl a few years younger than me. Recognising her out of her uniform had taken me a couple of minutes.

‘Yes, that’s right. I work at the Diner.’ She shifted, pushing her short curly black hair behind her ear. ‘Thank you for seeing me Doctor Jenkins, I know I don’t have an appointment, but I didn’t know what to do.’

I smiled back at her, unsure what it was she wanted help with until she opened her oversized coat. Both #Jessica and I glanced at each other and then back to #Gemma. ‘He is so small, and he wouldn’t stop shaking.’ It was then I saw the small golden-brown Chihuahua. #Gemma slowly coaxed the tiny puppy out, holding him out towards me.

‘It’s a puppy, you didn’t say you had a puppy with you Gem.’ #Jessica frowned following me into the exam room, but I stopped her.

“Jess, could you go and get the heat pads, blankets, and ready a flee bath too.” She set the tablet down on the side before rushing away. “Now Gemma, would you like to explain this situation to me?” Because I had learnt my lesson on assuming the worst in people.

‘I don’t know where to start.’ She said as I motioned for her to put the puppy down on the table while I grabbed a pair of gloves.

“Start wherever you feel you can. However, I would like to know how you have an under-age puppy, and where is his mom?” The puppy was whining, shaking, he had hair lost due to a flee infestation. I could see the small black flees crawling all over his body, over his eyes and up his tummy as I lifted up to look. His eyes were infected, and he had a swollen belly. Which told me right away that the poor thing was malnourished and suffering from a severe roundworm infection.

‘Well, this morning when I went into work, I thought I heard some sound coming from the trash, and I didn’t think much of it –‘ I shook my head to stop her.

“Maybe we start from the point when you found him?” I asked.

‘Nugget, I named him Chicken Nugget. I wasn’t sure what to feed him, and he took a liking to the nuggets I was eating –‘ She stood there fidgeting, scared, uncertain, a mix of it all? However, this time she corrected herself as I examined the puppy.

‘Someone left him in the trash at the back of the diner. I’m not sure how long she… he… was there… I asked around and no one saw who left him, or if he just got himself lost. There is no collar or tag. But then while I was trying to find out where he came from, he just fell and wouldn’t stand up. He was crying before and then nothing. I was so scared that I came rushing here right away. I’m sorry… I didn’t know what to do.’ #Gemma started to cry at the same time as #Nugget did when I pushed lightly down on his tummy.

“Hey, it’s okay. You did the right thing by bringing him here.” I sighed, frowning as I looked up at the knock at the door. #Jessica pushed her head in. “Is it all ready?” She told me it was. “Gemma, would you like to come in the back with us? Nugget seems to be attached to you.” He had been trying to get back to her when I had been examining him.

‘May I? Thank you.’ She followed us as we rushed him to the back of the practice and started the process of bathing him.

‘Who would do something like this?’ #Jessica had a lump in her throat as she asked helping to keep #Nugget calm in the water while I cleaned him.

‘I don’t know; however, I do hope there is a special place for them in hell.’ I hadn’t expected #Gemma to say it. However, we all know that we were thinking it. ‘Is Nugget going to be, okay?’ She asked as I cleared the bath and then started a fresh one.

“Let’s take it one step at a time.” I wasn’t going to promise her it would be fine, as much as I hoped it would be. “He is only five to six weeks old, he is under weight, the flees are sucking him dry. And this.” I turned him to show them his tummy. “It’s worms. I can bet you that he hasn’t been vaccinated. Because that doesn’t happen until they are eight to ten weeks.” I told them as we went in for bath number three. With each bath, the water became cleaner, and the flees had started to drop off #Nugget’s body. He was starting to relax with the warmth of the water.

“He hasn’t been looked after at all.” My heart was breaking as we took him out of his last bath, #Jessica took over to dry him, and then set him onto the heat pad with the blankets wrapped around him.

‘It’s okay Nugget, I’m right here.’ #Gemma moved with them as #Jessica set him down on the table for me to administer the dewormer and fleeing medication.

“Jess, let’s get an I.V. set up, he is dehydrated too, and I bet he is hungry.” She rushed off to do as I asked returning right away with warm bags of fluids. I set the puppy down, connecting the I.V. to him after giving him a little sedation.

“Gemma, he is too young for a chip, but I did check just in case. There isn’t one. We can keep him here, to look after him.” She just nodded her head; however, she was only looking down at the little shaking puppy.

“Gemma?” I asked placing my hand on her shoulder.

‘Sorry, yes?’ Her eyes were red rimmed, stepping around the table I placed my arm around her giving her a hug.

“I know this is hard to see, however look at him. I can tell he is a fighter. We can keep him here, there is a lot of care that is needed for him.” She shook her head.

‘No, please. I’d like to take him home if that’s okay. I can help look after him. If you tell me what he needs… I will get it and I will do it.’

“Have you ever had a dog before?” I asked and she shook her head. “Gemma… He will need to be bottle fed every few hours, medication administered, he will be sick and have diarrhoea due to the deworming.”

‘I will do it all. I will take really good care of him.’ She wiped her face. ‘I will do it I promise. I can’t leave him here on his own.’ She spoke with determination now.

“He wouldn’t be alone; I promise to stay with him.” However, I could see she wasn’t going to be persuaded to leave him. “How about you and I stay here with him tonight. And if you still feel like you are up to it in the morning, then we can talk about home care? Jessica and I will help you all the way.”

‘Why would you do all this for me?’ #Gemma wiped her face with the back of her hand.

“Because, when there is someone who is in need of help, you should stop and help them.” I told her. “Come on. Let’s get you situated and talk about what to expect. Jessica will be right here with Nugget until we come back.”

Placing my arm around #Geema again, I helped her out of the room. She needed some air, and I knew she wouldn’t want to see #Nugget being moved into a kennel to keep him safe.

‘Thank you, Doctor Jenkins.’ She turned her head back to see the puppy.

“We are going to be bunk mates tonight Gemma, you can call me Harper.”

[written-within-the-stars]

Family means more than sharing the same Bloodline. – Solo by Harper

❝ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩… 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. ❞

- 𝑀𝒶𝑒 𝒲𝑒𝓈𝓉

The morning was colder than I had felt in the past few weeks. Spring had slowly started to make itself known. The trees were just starting to show signs of new leaves, the ground wasn’t as hard, and I was sure I’d come to find the blossoms of the spring flowers popping their heads out of the ground soon.

I had managed to wake up early enough to take a run before showering and having a cup of coffee. The last few weeks had started to calm a little for me, however I knew what this was. It was the calm before the Spring storm for me, and I loved every moment of it. Sure, it meant little to no sleep most nights, it meant the practice would be full of new babies, it would mean no time for myself. However still, I loved it. It was a joy to see the changing seasons in a place, and I wasn’t sure when it happened. But with the small group of people I had started to call my own in La Push, it finally was starting to feel like I fitted in here.

My phone rang as I was just about to turn on the blow dryer remembering that my hair was still wet. Seeing #Sue’s name flashing up I answered right away. “Hi Sue, is everything okay?”

𝙎𝙪𝙚: ‘Oh, good Harper darling you are awake.’

𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧: “Yes I’ve been up for a while now. Is—" she cut me off before I could finish my sentence.

𝙎𝙪𝙚: ‘Darling I know this is a lot to ask first thing in the morning, but could you drop by now? I have an…. Well… I really…. Need you and your help.’

𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧: “Oh, sure. Yes! 100%, I am on my way now. Is everything okay?” My mind started to make a list to the issues which Sue would think of calling me for. “Is it an animal? What kind of animal is it, and can you tell what is hurt?”

𝙎𝙪𝙚: ‘Hmm…. Great! As fast as you can... I will see you soon, hurry my dear.’ The call had been ended.

𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧: “Sue—” She hadn’t sounded like herself, and she didn’t even answer my questions?

I frowned but I fell into action, rushing out of my room, I checked my calendar thankful to find that the day was light today. With the morning clear, no one due in, meant I wouldn’t have to ask #Jessica to move anyone around. But I shot off a quick text to her.

To Jessica: [I have an emergency at Sue’s. I will most likely be in a little late, and I could be bringing an injured animal back with me. Not sure what or how bad things are, just set up the O.R as soon as you are in. HLJ ]

𝙏𝙤 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖: [𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚢 𝚊𝚝 𝚂𝚞𝚎’𝚜. 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚓𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎, 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚞𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙾.𝚁 𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗. 𝙷𝙻𝙹 ]

As soon as send was hit, I rushed to my hallway closet for some supplies I kept here at home. With the call outs I’d come to realise that going back and forth to the practice wasn’t the best use of my time in the middle of the night, so I had stocked myself up at home too.

My case full of all I could imagine I may need, at least with the plan to transport the injured animal. I rushed out of the house, throwing my coat on as I ran out the door and into my car. The drive to #Sue’s wasn’t long at all. At this hour of the day there were only a few people on the streets driving.

As I waited at the stop sign, my gaze fell to the side and I saw her coming up from behind in my wingmirror. Her long dark hair blowing in the wind as she weaved past speeding down the road before me. This wasn’t a good sign. If #Sue had called me and called #Leah too what could it have been?

By the time I was parked up, I saw that the door was open and #Leah’s black bike sat before the house. The drive way clear for me to take my beetle in. I climbed out grabbing my case to see Leah stood in the doorway. ‘Come on Nerd, Ma has been waiting for you.’ And then she was gone.

“Leah! Leah wait… What is going on? Where is the animal?” I called after her as I rushed into the house closing the door behind me.

It had been a cold start to the day sure, but now my adrenalin had kicked in. Tunnel vision and a list of checks and tasks I needed to complete right away… and then I froze.

‘𝐻𝒜𝒫𝒫𝒴 𝐵𝐼𝑅𝒯𝐻𝒟𝒜𝒴!!!!’ Voices echoed as I came to the kitchen door.

They were all here... and where smiling and laughing as they saw the expression of pure shock on my face. I dropped my case by my side and jumped out of my skin looking around in shock. #Sue, #Leah, #Jessica #Charlie and #Teddy all stood before me. In their hands #Jessica and #Leah held tablets with #Jenna, #Damian and #Carl on one. And #McKenzi with #Seth shouting on the other.

“How… What… Why..?” I couldn’t find my words, my heart was pounding in my chest and I thought I was going to die from the shock of it all.

The kitchen had balloons and a banner up, pictures from my childhood with my mom and dad, with Jenna and McKenzi. Some with Seth and Damian, and then there were some with my La Push friends.

‘Did you think we would let your first birthday go by in La Push without all of us?’ #Jenna called out and the sound came from the speakers around the kitchen.

“I… I …. There’s no injured animal?” I finally asked still in shock as I saw the food set up on the table. There were waffles, pancaked. Juice, chocolate covered strawberries, bacon… and so much more…

‘Oh, Harper.’ #Sue came to hug me and kiss my forehead. ‘I said I needed you, the rest you worked in yourself.’ She had a smile on her lips as she spoke to me. ‘We made you a birthday breakfast. Alihelisdi Udetiyisgv… Happy Birthday!’

#Jessica was the next to come to hug me. ‘Happy Birthday Harps. I hope you like your bacon crispy, I helped Auntie Sue make it... And don’t worry, we don’t have to rush off to work. The morning is clear.’ I was still speechless trying to process it all. When I saw the calendar clear this morning, I should have known something was untoward.

#Leah set a cake in the middle of the table. ‘Our cousin Emily made the cake for you.’ She didn’t come to hug me, but the wink she gave was enough for me.

It was a sliver, white and blue cake. With snow caps, stars and bunting over a grey wolf , sat smiling in the middle of it. I smiled with seeing it. It was the most beautiful cake I’d even seen.

#Char and #Teddy came over to give me a big hug. ‘Happy Birthday Sweet cheeks.’ #Char lifted me off the ground as he pulled me into his arms.

And out of the side of my eye I could swear that #Leah growled at him for doing it. #Sue was by her side and nudging her towards the far side of the kitchen. That was…. Interesting…. I frowned, but my attention was pulled away from them.

‘Happy Birthday Darling!’ #Teddy pushed his way in after #Char set me down and his arms were around me next.

‘Hug her from me and make it TIGHT!’ #Jenna called out from the screen. And #Teddy was happy to do so.

‘Hey… And ME! and a kiss on the cheek too!!’ #Kenzi added laughing.

‘Okay, okay, let the girl sit. The food is going cold. #Sue mused as she took my arm and sat me down on the chair, still shocked with it all.

‘I told you all, we should have given her a heads up. The woman can’t talk.’ #Leah joked earning a soft smack from #Sue on her shoulder. However, #Leah was correct, I was still speechless.

“I… I…” I could feel a bubble of emotions, “I forgot that it was my birthday today.” I told them honestly.

‘Well, then it’s a good thing your family didn’t forget.’ #Kenzi said, and #Seth leant in to kiss her cheek. His arm was around her shoulder once again. It was something about them. Whenever they were close by, they were always drawn in towards the other. If he wasn’t reaching out to touch her, she was reaching out to him. It always made me smile to witness it.

‘We weren’t going to let today pass without a family meal, and it doesn’t matter where we are, we are always with you Harps.’ #Damian said winking at me from the screen as he held #Carl in his lap, playing with the wolf cuddly toy I had sent him.

‘Like Dam said… We aren’t going to forget even if you do Harps. We all miss you, but we are so proud of all you are doing there too.’ #Seth’s words hit a sweet spot in my heart and I can’t hold back.

Sitting here in shock and so full of emotions, there was a heave in my chest. My nose tingled telling me that the tears were on their way, and then they were here. I wiped them away with the back of my hand. Unsure when #Sue had come to stand behind me. She engulfed me in a hug and kissed my temple. ‘You have us. Always.’

My hands moved and I placed them on hers over the top of my chest, leaning into her as she placed her cheek to mine. I took the room and the tablets facing me in. I wasn’t sure how I had been so lucky. When my mom was alive, she used to make birthday breakfasts for dad and me, and then after she was gone. Dad and I continued the tradition. And if I was true, I most likely made myself forget, because this was to be my first birthday without my dad.

And here I sat… I was an orphan who still had a 𝐹𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎.

“Tha…. Thank You All…” I wasn’t sure what a girl like me had done to deserve such amazing people in her life.

‘Family means more than sharing the same Bloodline Harper Lee, it’s something our Spirits teach us. And something you will come to find, if you haven’t already.’ #Leah said softly in my ear from where she sat beside me on the table.

“I believe you, more so now that I am here.” I whispered taking the napkin she offered me and wiped away the tears.

#Jess squeezed my hand from the other side, her bubbly smile was contagious as always.

‘Alihelisdi Udetiyisgv…’ They said.

‘It means Happy Birthday…’ #Jessica whispered.