“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.
-
“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 >
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.
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. -
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.
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 >
< 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.
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 -
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.
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 -
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.”
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.”
‘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 -
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.
-
“Just don’t sing Perfect, and don’t look at me when you sing. We should be good.” I said it loud enough for those outside to hear, because I heard them loud and clear.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I kept one ear trained on the conversation going on inside. I had to stop myself from smirking when the pup quickly corrected himself from offering to sing for her. A little switch on #Seth’s lips told me he was doing the same thing.
I knew he was still singing another song for her... But not in 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 way.
‘Why didn't your friend in there sing tonight?’ #Mac asked.
“I tried... We all did really, but he's has some serious stage fight. I going to try again next time.” I >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< shrugged and swigged from my beer again. I heard the guitar star inside again and I help but look back over my shoulder.
Galway girl…. Of course the pup would pick that one. I stood up and went to set my glass on the kitchen counter top beside the sink. I knew #Mac would have been watching how much I drank, and then it would become an issue when I wanted to climb onto my baby and ride off.
He didn’t know how our metabolism made it impossible for us to get hard drunk, and if we managed it with the moonshine, it didn’t last too long.
I could hear #Mac’s voice coming from outside. And my eyes -
we’re on the pup again. The open night was for fun, but he had to want it without anyone pushing him into it. And that made me smirk. Because our of all the pack, I hadn’t expected Call to react the way he did. So, the pup could be giving some leeway.
@HotHeadSheWolf
The pup had good taste and a good way to get the focus off of him; it was a good song to get people in a party mood and not sorting and watching the person singing.
‘He really is good.’ #Seth said as #Mac went back up the steps the stand near the open door.
“Better than he gives himself credit for.” I said quietly. Not the kid paid attention to anything when he played.
‘That sounds like someone I know!’ #Seth rolled his eyes and kicked my boot lightly.
“Seriously!?” I >
#Mac Caught me eye and nodes me towards himself, I frowned shrugging my shoulders asking him what he wanted. I pointed to the fridge and I nodded.
Grabbing a few beers out of it, I handed one to #Quil and a soda to the #Goofball, before making my way to the door and holding out the bottle.
“Most men would get a bottle cap in their forehead for that.” I was smirking still listening to the pup play abs sing.
‘It’s a good thing you like me.’ He teased and ducked his head -
So I elbowed him in the stomach softly. ‘Or maybe not…’ he coughed out.
We both turned hearing Call and the Kid.
‘Ton is amazing, but… Embry, now you’re up selling yourself. It’s a shame I can’t find that video anymore for some reason from tonight. It had flashed up on my Insta and then it was gone and replaced with Ton’s. Tell him Leah!’ #Mac unscrewed his beer.
“Tell him what?” I asked throwing them both a bottle each. “He knows how go he is.” Taking a swig of beer.
I tried not to laugh when Leah elbowed mac in the side, but quickly bit my tongue before she decided to turn that kind of attention to me.
I turned to look at all three of them in turn. I had heard talk of a video, but I was busy with the show and because #Mac was here... I played dumb. "Video? Really??... Why can't people be part of the moment instead of thinking about update their status!" I rolled my eyes.
"But it good... Tony should be the one they're talking about >
The kids eyes darted around the circle as #Mac spoke, we’re as I didn’t react at all. Drinking from the bottle I shrugged my shoulders when #Mac tried to get me to jump in.
“Hey don’t look at me, this is between you and Call.” Even if I did wonder why or how Call was doing it. He wasn’t known for his modesty. And yet, he was still keeping his piano skills from the rest.
‘That’s different and you know it.’ My wolf told me. I knew she was right. The piano thing was so much -
more. It was something for his abs #MsC to share.
‘It’s was a good vid.’ the Kid said taking a drink. ‘And wait… Ton writes his own stuff too? We’ll have to ask him to play some of that when he comes to gig with his band.’ #Seth said.
But now, I was watching Call out the side of my eye. Mister big head, the best at it all. And still tonight he showed another side of himself.
I laughed when #Mac looked to Leah for backup. “It's how the guy... And the band to all make a living you. Attention on one of them is attention on them while band.” I shrugged and it was true, that is what open mic nights was really. Showcasing artists, getting their names heard.
Once word of a night in La Push spread; I knew we’d start getting Bookers showing up at the #HWH for Forks and Port.
When #Seth mentioned it was a good video I just motioned up and down my body.
>
@HotHeadSheWolf
< “I mean...” I smirked. “Of course, it was! I was on it.” both of the guys rolled their eyes and knew Leah had a smart comment ready for me.
Music wasn’t something boastful for me. It was something I shared with the people that were important to people and the ones that I loved, that was especially true when I played the piano for my mom.
‘That makes sense, guess we never saw it that way.’ The kid said bringing his bottle to his mouth and having a drink.
‘It’s all good publicity, sometimes they even get paying gigs from these nights.’ #Mac added in agreement with Call. ‘Reaching an audience, they may not have done before.’
‘Explains why Ton is so good at the promotion stuff, the list of things he rattled off to Sis about how to get the word out was astonishing.’ The kid said, and I had to agree.
-
If I was an amateur, I would have spat out the beer in my mouth, but I just scoffed at Calls remark.
“Yeah, that’s why it was a good vid. It had nothing to do with your gift, and talent… It was all about the looks.”
And don’t get me wrong, we were a damn good-looking pack. Us walking into rooms made heads turn. I was never shy or underplayed it, those were true facts. But when it came to music, the way it could make a person feel, the way it could -
connect you with a world when you were an outsider… It deserved to be recognised.
I nodded to #Seth, “Yeah he’s great at all that stuff... And he does for the music store too.”
I took another mouthful from my bottle and nearly choked on it when Leah said I was gifted and talented. What!? Did she really at say that? I met her gaze briefly and shook it off.
I grinned smugly, though there was still uncertainty beneath it. “My thoughts exactly!”
The kid had passed of the guitar now and was talking with a few of the other younger pups.
“But that one...” I >
< I pointed my bottle at him, speaking quietly even though he was not paying attention to anything outside the conversation he was having. “That one is gonna be a tough nut to crack.”
I gave another look to his... To our... Beta and smiled at the encouragement she’d offered him earlier.
All of us turned to glance inside, the door was still wide open. And I wondered if the doors to this home were ever closed at all. But pushed those thoughts away, I watched the pup.
His smile was genuine and from his soul. There was nothing fake about this boy. The innocent push he gave Brady at a joke made something shift in me.
‘Is that why you put him up to playing here tonight? An extension to the open mic night?’ #Mac was the one to ask.
And I liked that thought -
That tonight could give him a platform in a place where he felt safe enough to share his talents.
“You don’t have to stand on a stage to share your skills.” I replied. “All nuts have a cracking point, you just need to be patient enough to find it.” I took another mouthful of my beer.
Now the question hanging in the air had to be. What was right for this pup?
I nodded to #Mac. “Yeah... That and it's the only place he feels comfortable to do it. Here at tribal meetings... But even at the bigger town events...” I shook my head. The few days leading up to the open mic is notice it was a confidence issue. “And sure he doesn't ℕ𝕖𝕖𝕕 to get on stage... But I’d ike him to least believe he could, that way it's a choice and not thinking he's not good enough.”
The corners of my mouth twitched when that inner Beta in Leah come out to play >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< “But until we can build him up enough he has a safe place here me.”
#Seth nudged me gently and smiled that smile of his that always got him his way. A confidence issue might not be a problem now, but it wasn't a good thing either. For pack or the kid.
@BadBoyEmbryCall Had a good point there. ( Not that I would admit it to him right now. ) It was one thing to know you’re skilled, and it’s a completely different thing to believe you didn’t have what it took.
‘He is young, give him time to find himself. Not everyone is born being the best and brightest of the tribe.’ The kid joked a little.
I stepped back when some how #Seth and #Mac ended up in a head lock. #Seth making it look like #Mac had him.
“Kid, you’re asking for a good beating -
If you keep that up.” Rolling my eyes at the two of them, my eyes fell on Call. He had done a lot for these boys. Try is place, the way they knew he and #Quil would never turn them away.
“Come on them Third in Command… what is your bright idea here?” Keeping my voice low as laughter broke out in the house.
I laughed hard at #Seth’s 𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑙𝑓 routine. I mean... Sure the kid was part of the OG pack... But he was still the kid!
But of course, Leah put him in his place. My gaze met Leah’s again. I knew I couldn't pull what I did with #Sumina tonight. The pup would hear in my mind if I planned to fake a dropout and try to get on stage... If not before then surely after.
“I’m kind if running out of those when it comes to this one.” I admitted with a chuckle and not a hint of >
< embarrassment at the admission.
The #Mac tapped my arm with the back of his hand again my arm. ‘What about #Tony? Maybe if he sees how shy that guy is and how he is on stage...’ he trailed off with a shrug.
That was a brilliant idea... Maybe #Tony could even give him a few of those pro tips from actually taking voice lessons and it would seem like it was just flattery... Though why he thought annoy in the pack would do that I didn't know.
Raising my eyebrow, I stood there. Leaning on the door frame now my eyes back on the pups.
#Quil started to make his way towards us popping some popcorn into his mouth from the blow he was carrying.
‘Why do I feel like the only grown up in there?’ He asked, holding the bowl out towards me as he passed.
I took a handful. “We all do our part so you don’t feel like a one of the kiddos.” I teased.
‘That would hurt Lee, but I know it comes from Lo….’ He coughed. ‘… from -
A place of caring.’ That was a close call, his mind must have been elsewhere to make a slip like that.
‘Good save.’ #Seth muttered through a cough.
Rolling my eyes at them. “You do know #TheGoofball has more maturity than the four of you combined.” It wasn’t a question.
My attention back in doors, I whistled calling the pup towards us. He jumped up smiling big as always. ‘What’s up Leah.’
“You saw Tony’s performance tonight?” He nodded his head. “Good isn’t he?” -
The pup nodded once again. “Hmm…. Well, Mac and Call here think they can ask Tony to help with your singing. If Tony agrees… I want you to go.”
He shifted on the spot, his dark hues darting over the men stood beside and behind me.
“This is not an order, but a request… I hope you will step up and accept. It’s an Opportunity to better yourself.”
He looked to Call, and I saw the confusion and fear in his eyes.
I turned to #Quil when he called himself a grown-up! "Grown-up? Really... Have you seen the Fortnite stickers on the inside of his bedroom door?" I smirked at them all. I didn't mention the ones plastered to his bed frame, it would start the virgin jokes and I wasn't about to do that to my best friend.
'That was Claire and you know it!' He laughed. It was.... but still I said. "If you say so."
When she the kid over I smiled. Not the nerves in his eyes. "Trust me you want >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< come with me to Tony's place he has the most amazing guitars and his recording setup is amazing you could hear yourself on playback... He took voice lessons his whole life and went to arts school, you could pick his brain about college." I raised my eyebrows and gave him an encouraging smile,
He looked from me to Leah a few times, then to #Seth; who said. 'Sounds like a good deal to me!'
He shrugged and looked a Leah. 'If you think I should then I supposed it can't hurt.' >
Listening to Call I raised my eyebrow. I was learning something new here too. #Tony want to art school? He had said something about the voice classes. But it made me smirk. I could see him as an Arts nerd.
When the pup turned to me, I shrugged one shoulder. “What I think… is that its an opportunity many would do anything for. What I think is that you have Call here, and even Ms C… you could ask her for help with things you don’t understand.. when she is having good day.” -
We had talented and people such astonishing skills on the Rez. No one thought to use them.
“So… Yeah… I think it’s a good idea… But!” I stepped heard looking him in his eyes. “Don’t mess around, if people are going to give up their time for you… You need to step up too.”
I excepted him to step back, to try and run. But he didn’t. Nodding his head his smile was back. ‘I will, I promise I will. Thank you.’
Combing my fingers through my hair. “Thank Call and #Mac not me.”
@HotHeadSheWolf
I shook my head at Leah. She no idea how much these kids admired her… and sure they were shit scared of her at times too. But she was a role model to them as much as #Jake was. The kid turned and thanked me, he really didn’t need to.
“I’ll call #Tony and set it up.” I said to the kid and nodded to the circle of guys he’d been speaking to. “Go on, enjoy yourself.” Someone had turned the speaker back on. When her did I turned to her and gave her an I-told-you-so kind of smile >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< She’d know exactly what it was about.
I told it her it would be good for the pup to see her here more and this was just more proof of that. She’d never admit to that, but I knew… and that was good enough for me.
‘Thanks Leah.’ The pups said turning to return to the others inside. I couldn’t help it and smacked him upside the heads
“This also means I want to see you playing and singing more.” Pocketing my free hand, I brought the bottle to my lips but it was empty.
‘Here, I’ll go and get the next round.’ #Mac said, taking my bottle with him.
Leaning on the wall, I turned to face the yard, listening to see who’s playlist they were playing indoors. But I saw Call giving me that -
Look again. The words he was saying without opening his mouth.
‘Someone finally learnt to speak your language as well as you.’ My wolf mused.
I narrowed my eyes at him. Telling him fine. I heard him. But I needed to do it my way. These small steps I was taking were got the pack, the pups and the tribe.
‘And for you… it’s time Leah.’ My wolf whispered to me.
‘This is a good thing you are going.’ #Seth said nudging Call. ‘It’s good to see the pup happy and excited.’
@HotHeadSheWolf
I had to pull my attention away from Leah when #Seth spoke to me. It seemed to be getting harder to do. There was just so much going on behind those fucking stunning brown eyes. I didn't want to miss something.
I nudged #Seth back. "Any excuse to hang with #Ton and that epic collection of guitars. Plus I need to coach him if he's going to ask Jessica out." I grinned a Leah. "Can't give this one extra excuses to kick my arse." I teased. I gave Mac a quick thank you as he >
Why did it feel like Call was always waiting, watching, trying to see the things no one had dared to before?
‘When did that happen? Tony and Jess?’ #Quil looked at each of our faces.
Of course I didn’t say anything, words weren’t my forte. I turned my head to really look at him.
‘And you’re okay with this Leah?’ He was looking confused.
‘We’re you even in the same bar as the rest of us tonight?’ #Seth laughed. ‘Ton even got Jessica’s number. -
And sis knows… he is one of the good ones.’
“Jess is a big girl now. She’s got this.” I told #Quil. But it was some Call said that had me thinking.
“Don’t coach him too much. If Jess was happy enough to give him her number, then she sees something she likes there. She doesn’t need a Embry Call two point zero.”
ᒪEᗩᕼ ᑕᒪEᗩᖇᗯᗩTEᖇ
Embry Call