@HotHeadSheWolf
< deeper into her than she'd let me before... Here... With the pack and the pups.

I walked over to the counters again and poured to doubles of the moonshine and then walked back to hand on to Leah. "Well played, Clearwater." I held my glass out to her.

@BadBoyEmbryCall

The room came back to life, all the faces who had been waiting with baited breaths let them out all at once when my fist didn’t meet his face. And let’s face it, I only held back because he was holding a guitar. I couldn’t have him saying I only got the hit in because his hands were full.

‘Sure, sure… keep telling yourself that. I know you called him a friend remember?’ I could snap at her, but it would have to wait until later.

-

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

‘She didn’t twist that one ‘Bry, she won fair and square.’ The Kid said laughing, as he pushed up to stand to go get himself another beer.

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself to get a good nights sleep Call, fine by me.” I took the new glass from him, setting the other now empty one on the table. “Moonshine? Still in need of the liquid courage?” I asked clinking my glass to his.

‘Oh, so we don’t get any of that?’ #Brady scoffed, jumping up -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

to go pour out a few shots of the moonshine for himself and a few others.

“I only play to win, you know that.” I told Call and hit the shot back in one swoop.

Closing my eyes, I made a face as the clear liquid burned it’s way over my tongue and down my throat. The heat burning in my stomach.

“Is…. Is it me… or is this crap getting worse with each batch he makes?”

@HotHeadSheWolf
"Nah! Just need something strong to toast with." I knocked back the shot and felt the burn all the way down until the heat settled in my stomach.

I rolled my eyes at #Seth. "Thanks for the backup Kid."

I scoffed at #Brady. "You know where the glasses live! And go easy on that. #Collin has better things to do than babysit your wasted arse!"

I turned back to Leah and nodded. "It's like he's trying to find a brew that can make a wolf gor blind."

@BadBoyEmbryCall

#Collin glanced up, he was sat on the floor now, his back resting on the couch and his furball curled up with her paws over his lap, and her head resting on top of it.

‘He’s not been too bad of late.’ One of the other pups called out winking at #Brady, giving him some back up.

“That just means he is due a firestorm, let’s not have that happen tonight huh.” My eyes were set on the pups, and without words they knew it was a one and done deal on the moonshine for them.

-

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

‘Hey, Sis get’s back up first.’ Quickly the Kid held his hands up. ‘Not that she needs it… Never… Not at all...’ That trademark #Seth cheeky smile was back.

‘You need to back away slowly.’ #Mac whispers into his ear, but of course we could all hear it.

“I smell Pizza and popcorn, is there any left?” My burning stomach needed something to settle it, as the low hum of the moonshine kissed my mind.

@HotHeadSheWolf
I laughed at the pups. It had been a while since #Brady went full Monty after too much moonshine. We all knew it was because he was behaving himself while Collin figured this whole, imprint outside of the tribe thing.

I had completely forgotten about the pizza. “Shit!” I made my way to the oven opened it, there's a lot of steam but nothing was burnt. Just extra crispy crusts. I slice them and the pups started linens up and stealing slices. I put two slices each on plate for >

@HotHeadSheWolf
< Leah and #Mac and grabbed one for me.

“To the victor go the spoils.” I grinned a Leah and handed her the plate. “And I won't make you battle it out with the peasants since it's only your second time dealing with this bunch.” I said, handing Mac his plate.

@BadBoyEmbryCall

‘I think it’s burnt.’ #Mac said low, leaning into me. But I knew it wasn’t. It’s was close but it had tipped over that edge just yet.

“You think so huh?” I asked, because how would I explain to my human friend that I could smell it and I could tell it was safe to eat.

Music, teasing, talking where all forgotten as soon as the oven door opened the the house filled with the scent of pizza. Even a couple of pups who had been standing outside to cool down came running in. -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

“If you need crowd control, you know I can help.” It would take two words and then would fall in line.

I took the plate from Call and smirked, still watching the madness unfolding.

‘It’s okay, you can just forget about me. I’m only your best friend and house mate.’ #Quil jumped around the pups to grab some for himself.

“I’m special Quil, special enough to make Call forget about his wife.” Grinning as I said it. Because it wasn’t true. Their friendship went deeper -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

than blood.

‘Looking to take over my job?’ #Quil teased me coming to stand beside us all now too.

“Spirits NO! You couldn’t pay me enough.” Shaking my hand I picked up a slice and took a big bite.

@HotHeadSheWolf

I laughed at #Quil. “Thanks bro’ that really takes a weight off my shoulder.” I smirked at him. “I really appreciate that.” he just rolled his eyes at me and murmured. ‘And he says Leah can twist anything to her advantage.’ I could hear the chuckle in his voice. The wife comment was so normal now we hardly acknowledged it?

I took about from the slice of pizza. “I really should have put in the effort the add more to these...” I laughed. But I was distracted when I came home. >

@HotHeadSheWolf
< The fight with #Jake was still fresh.

I caught a glimpse of Leah smoking out of the corner of my eye, I covered my reciprocating smiley taking another big bite of the pizza.

@BadBoyEmbryCall

I didn’t say anything, just leant on the table. My legs crossed at the ankles, eating the pizza and listening. Watching. Taking in the conversations breaking out in the room. Everyone of them had their own subjects.

There was talk about the pups who stepped on stage. I was never one to praise them. But they would know, I’d show it in my own way.

Someone wanted to slip out to give my baby a once over. I turned my head slightly and that conversation stopped. They all knew-

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

I could hear them. And I’ve kick their arses if they touched him.

#Nova was getting her belly rubbed by anyone with a free hand, and she was lapping it up.

#Quil, #Mac and the Kid joking with Call.

‘Do what to these?’ #Mac asked with his mouthful.

‘He loads them up. You need to try one of those.’ #Seth replied, rubbing his stomach eyeing the slice on my plate.

“Touch it and you will pay.” I told him, looking around for my glass to refill it with the bourbon.

@HotHeadSheWolf

I nodded when said #Seth said that #Mac needed to try my loaded pizza. "Oh yeah... these supermarket pizzas aren't quite a full meal, extra cheese, whatever meat we have in the fridge... Adding german sausage to a pepperoni pizza..." I made an approving grunting sound. "So good!!"

I laughed at #Seth eyeing up his big sister's pizza. "Even I'm not stupid enough t touch her food Kid!" I laughed.

And one of the pups who had been looking in the cupboard for vodka hand Leah the >

@HotHeadSheWolf
< bourbon when he spotted her looking at her empty glass. He even smiled at her... just a friendly smile.

"You were hotting the moonshine earlier..." I said to him, noting the vodka bottle in his other hand. "Keys in the bowl." I pointed to the bowl on top of the fridge.

He huffed... but he relinquished the keys and put them in the bowl, #Brady had just dumped his in as soon as he came in the door. #Paul tended to do the same.

@BadBoyEmbryCall

I found myself rolling my eyes at the Kid and Call. “It’s worrying when Call has learnt a lesson, but you haven’t Kid.” I told him, finding the bourbon bottle floating in the air to my side.

When I turned to find the pup stood there smiling at me, I glanced at him and the bottle with a raised eyebrow. Why was he smiling at me? Nodding my head once I took it and filled my glass with a double, watching the exchange with him and Call.

-

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

I hadn’t noticed the bowl on top of the fridge, and before my mind could take a trip down the rabbit hole, I got it. I understood what was happening. And I should have known.

“Good to see the Third -in- command is taking decent care of the pups.” My voice was low so that #Mac couldn’t hear what I was saying between bites and chewing.

@HotHeadSheWolf
I chuckled at Leah and just nodded. "They know they can crash here, so there's no reason to do anything stupid" I whisper behind the bottle of beer I had half raised to my mouth

I finished off the slice of pizza in my hand... but of course, there was none left, so I pulled out a bag of Doritos and a jar of salsa that was already open in the fridge. A quick sniff told me it couldn't have been in there that long.

I scopped up some of the dip and held out the bag offering it >

@HotHeadSheWolf
< to Leah, #Mac and #Seth.

"Want some?"

@BadBoyEmbryCall

#Mac chuckled and I knew why. “That explains the feet in the face thing.”

I knew he had stayed here with the guys the last time the two of us had come. But really, I don’t know why I hadn’t expected it. #Mac was easy going, laid back, and easy to talk with. He didn’t rush to fill silences, and he didn’t ask too may questions. Of course, the Pack had to behave when he was around. But as I stood here watching them all. I could see that some how the pups were cool with this.
-

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

“Nah, I’m good.” I shood my head not wanting the chips. Finishing off the first slice and then holding out the plate towards the kid with the second slice.

‘Really?’ He asked and I nodded. He didn’t need to be asked twice, the slice flew off my plate. And I moved to go put the dish in the sink and wash my hands.

‘Leah, is there anything you want me to play?’ One of the pups had picked up the guitar again, sitting down on the couch.

-

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

“Play whatever you like kiddo.” I told him running my hand under the tap in the kitchen.

@HotHeadSheWolf I dropped the chips on the table headed over to the pup that asked Leah what he could play for her. "Hand it over. You can sing, You didn't get on stage tonight so you owe us." I took the guitar and perched on the arm of the couch.

'What are you playing?' He asked. And just smirked "You have four chords to guess." I started to play, if he did get it I could play the short intro again.

But the kid fixed his gaze on the floor, like he always did. He was one of the shyer guys in >

@HotHeadSheWolf

the pack.

I gave Leah a look that told her she would be been able to get him to go on tonight. I was impressed by him... but I hadn't managed to talk into going up tonight. I was hoping seeing some of the others would make him feel better the next one.

https://youtu.be/bW6HArs0mHU

@BadBoyEmbryCall

Drying my hands, I went to pick up my glass from the table and then moved to go sit with some of the pups. They made room, smiling up at me as I pulled the chair out and sat with my legs crossed. I didn’t say anything, just listened to the animated story that was being told about school and work.

We all turned our attention back to the couch, and some how Call’s eyes found me again. The thing that hit hard was that once again I knew what he was telling me. -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

How in the name of the Spirits did he do that? I pushed the thought away for later, right now I was listening to the pup. Watching him and the way his eyes didn’t meet anyone as he started to sing. The fact hit me that I didn’t even know he could sing.

‘He’s so good.’ The pup next to me said, making me reach out and smack him upside the head. Voices like this didn’t deserve to be spoken over. And then there was Call… when he played the Spirits danced.

@HotHeadSheWolf

The pup kept his eyes on the floor as he sang, he knew everyone here liked his voice but still... He lacked the personality of performed.

But when he reached the third verse those iconic lines, he belted them out, eyes shut tight.

‘I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now.’

When the song was over the pups all did what they knew they had to with him.act like it >

@HotHeadSheWolf

< another song, just another night.

I gave Leah an I told you so smile. But not a boastful, egotistical one. More like a; Can you help me with this kid? Kind of smile.

@BadBoyEmbryCall

My heart would have jumped out of my chest if I were anyone else but me. The moment the pup found himself and his passion, the truth of his being came crashing out of him.

The air danced and gave me the sensation of being pushed towards the kiddo. But I stayed put in the chair.

‘Embry?’ My wolf told me to look and I did. And once again I read in his eyes a conversation that I understood.

When in the name of the Spirits did this become a thing?

My eyes moved past the -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

two of them towards the windows. What was the message here? Did I really need to ask? No…. But was I really going to help with this??? It’s wasn’t a pack issue. The kiddo would grow into himself right? He would find his connection with the Earth and this talent… Right?

No one made a big deal of what just happened, #Mac was the only one stood there in as much shock as me. ( He just couldn’t hide it from his face. )

@HotHeadSheWolf I just clapped on hand on the kids back and squeezed his shoulder. I handed him back the guitar. “Why don't you play a little Ed Sheeran for us?” I asked with a smile. “I’m gonna head out back a cool off...” with this many wolves in the room... It got hot fast.

I smiled at Leah as I passed her to grab another beer from the fridge before heading out the back door to set in the steps and let the cool air work this magic.

@BadBoyEmbryCall

When Call smiled I wanted to kick my foot out and trip him up. But that wasn’t my style. That was my inner #Bex coming out… or more #Rachel really. Seeing people falling and laughing was the Black thing. The Clearwater’s preferred the smack upside the head.

Sitting back I shifted crossed my legs at my ankles listening at the pup played with the stings of the guitar now.

“How come you didn’t open the show for us tonight at #HwH.” I asked and the room went silent, until -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

They realised what they were doing. Turing to start up small conversations again.

‘I… me…’ he poked his chest.

“Well, I’m not asking the Spirits.” I told him taking a sip from the glass.

‘I’m not that good Leah. I….’ The look I gave him stopped his words.

“You don’t have to be good…” ( Spirits he was so much better than 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 ) “… You just need to trust that you are safe, protected, and we would want you to do something for yourself. It’s clear to see… you enjoy it.”

@HotHeadSheWolf

I smiled hearing the conversation in the house. I leaned back and propped my elbows on the step about me. I knew she wasn’t one to lavish praise but it really couldn’t have hurt to tell the kid he was good. But that was Leah, you had to read between the lines.

#Seth and #Mac stepped out onto the back porch and came down the steps to stand in front of me. #Mac fanning himself with the collar of his shirt. ‘Damn it’s hot in there.’ He chuckled.

Seth tapped my foot with his >

@HotHeadSheWolf
< and laughed. ‘Since when do you have a death wish?’ He teased. ‘Singing a done like that to my sister!’

I shrugged and took a swig from the beer. “I thought I would make her regret asking me sing again.” Before #Seth could interject I continued. “I know, I should have known better.”

@BadBoyEmbryCall

‘I love to play and sing, but just for you guys. Here… at the beach.’ He was looking to the ground again.

He was one of the shy ones in the pack, never in the front, never wanting to be the centre of attention. But this wasn’t the same thing.

“You know…. Sumina was at the bar today. Do you know her?” I ask matter of factly, and by the way his eyes widened I had gotten my answer. “She played for us tonight, and I believe Call has her thinking about playing again the next -

@BadBoyEmbryCall -

time too.” Swelling the liquor in my glass around as I spoke.

‘Actually when I dropped her back, she was seriously considering it.’ The #Goofball added.

My answering smirk had him giving me that smile of his. It was perfect timing. “Something to think about.” Taking a sip from the glass as I saw the clogs in the pups mind ticking along.

‘Let me sing something for you…’ he corrected himself when my eyebrow tweaked. ‘… for everyone’ he said his eyes back down.

-