Tilting my head to the side my hair sat on, I frowned looking at the screen. I wasn’t a gamer, never had been. It was more the Kid’s thing to do. For me my music and Books where my escape. And the odd movie on Netflix or Prime.
“So what’s the issue here?” I asked the pup dismissing #Quils huffs. But my ears heard Call.
Rolling my tongue over my teeth. “Other than the chick who left her cheap perfume all over him. She got into his phone abs got his number.” -
The pups stopped dead and burst out laughing. They both turned back towards the door looking at Call.
‘Not so smooth ‘Bry?’ One called out.
@HotHeadSheWolf
"Hey, I cannot be blamed for a crazy woman unlocking my phone with my thumbprint while I slept." Sure I shouldn't have fallen asleep to begin with but wasn't about to point that out.
'He gave #Sumina his number tonight!' The other pup called out without looking away from the game. I stole one of Leah's moves and flicked a bottle cap at the back of her head.
"No, I gave her my email she could sign up for next month!" I clarified. "Besides... She's too fragile. It would not be >
I shook my head. Why was I still here? and why was I taking part in this conversation?
‘Evolution.’ My wolf teased, making me roll my eyes at her.
Turning to the back again I narrowed my eyes listening to the pup and Call, but hearing Embry had me tilting my head again.
‘We know he isn’t like what he makes the others see. They see one side, just like you only show them what they expect. Embry is evolving too.’
I took a step back as the sound of the cap flying in the -
Air. The pups got it in the back of his head, but we all knew it wouldn’t hurt him.
‘Embry Call has standards?’ It was a joke but it made me frown a little. I bit back.
“If Call didn’t have standards do you think you all would be here right now?” Okay so the Beta’s head raised up for a minute.
The pups shifted and I rolled my eyes. “Don’t spread rumours, not when you don’t know the facts.” I said, turning to take the now empty bottle to the recycle bin in their kitchen.
I just laughed at the pup, I knew he didn't mean it as an insult. “You’ve seen the girls I hook up with of course I have standards!” I took a swig from the bottle as Leah... What? Defended me?
“There’s a difference between taking advantage and a one night stand. If that's what you want; you pick someone else that how to play that game.”
#Sumina was not a one and done kind of girl... Or #Jess either. Which was why I thought #Tony and her would hit it off.
I knew Leah was >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< right, but I still gave a look that said. ‘I can handle the pups’ and smile that said ‘but thanks.’
‘So that Bad Boy reputation is all bullshit?’ #Mac laughed.
“I wouldn't say that. But the women that started that rep knew what they were getting onto, they just got pissed when they wanted more and I didn't.”
Leaning back on the kitchen counter, I crossed my arms over my chest. The Kid watched me with intent, but he didn’t say anything. He knew it wasn’t the pups I was just saying it to, and it wasn’t just Call I was standing up for.
Rumours had plagued my existence for years. So, no one knew better that me how to play that game. I had given into it for years, become what was expected of me. Until I learnt that I didn’t have to become what others wants me to be.
I was a free -
Spirit to choose my own self worth. And Call, he had been walking a parallel path to my existence. At least now I knew he was.
The assumption that we’re made of him or me, we knew how to play them to our advantage.
I rolled my eyes at Embry, once again reading the unspoken words. And sent some back this time myself. I wasn’t doing it for him. This was a lesson for the pups. For them to be better than those who believed everything they heard.
@HotHeadSheWolf
#Mac nodded like he got it, but as far as I knew he was always a long term relationship kinda guy. And #Seth... Well he never anything else about me, had the gift of focusing on the best on people but not blinding himself to their less appealing traits either... He didn't judge. Something he and his older sister got from there parents.
Leah’s eye roll made me smirk and #Seth pushed off the doorframe and bumped Mac’s shoulder. ‘C’mon dude. Let's get out of here before they >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< rope us into cleaning up.’ #Seth teased but he knew in the morning whatever pups weren't working or in school would stop by and clear out all the bottles and cans left on various surfaces.
#Mac gave me a look like he was about to offer to help. “It's all good.” I walked over to the pups still playing the Xbox. “I have two volunteers right here.” They grunted some agreeable sounds and #Mac laughed, following Seth to retrieved his keys.
Leah was just leaning there taking >
I wasn’t sure why #Mac was nodding. What did he know about one abs done deals? The man gave his heart to the most inappropriate women. He cared for them too hard and fast. And was always left heartbroken afterwards.
The last one had done a deal on him, to the point he had lost some of the glimmer in his eyes.
Each time he fell into that hole, #Seth abs I had been there to pick him up. #Seth with kindness, and me… well… with a hard kick on his arse. -
The kid came over and nodded to the door. ‘Are you coming sis or staying a little longer?’ He asked grabbing his keys.
I looked over to the pups who were looking right back at me. Why were they still hanging here? Was it because of me, or was this just how they were?
“Hmm… I’m coming.” I told him. “But I’m going to mine.”
@HotHeadSheWolf
I saw Leah watching the pups on the couch... There could have been a number of reasons that they were still here. Something at home they didn't want to face... or just not wanting to come crashing in this late and waking everyone up.
I set my beer aside and walked the three of them to the door. When we got outside and #Mac was talking to #Seth by his truck I said the Leah. "That's what this place is all about." I nodded to the guys too engrossed in the game to pay attention >
I followed the others out, nodding a night to the pups. It had been an interesting night. Insight into their life I always stayed away from.
“Hmm?” I wasn’t the kind of person to be distracted. But stopping in my tracked, turning my head back I glanced at the three of them. #Quil and the pups all at it like the game was the be all and end all. Something normal for the boys in an abnormal life.
“I told you before Call, you and the wife… you do more for these boys than -
You take credit for.” This right here was what I meant and had tried to show him when he came to my house to tell me about his past.
“The fact that they don’t feel like they have to leave….” I shook my head. I got it. I understood it. “And questions are overrated.” I never really asked them. People somehow always told me things without me asking.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I shook my head and laughed. "It's not just for the boys." I smiled. "We've had the imprints here too... #Rachel... #Kim... #Ness. They come here when they have things on their mind."
I stopped next to her bike and checked out the beautiful machine. "The door always open to you to... not that you'll need it... but if you ever did. And you could help them when they need it too. Just by showing up."
I knew talking wasn't her style but action, was... and the only way action >
“Nice, this is where all the murder plans come together for Paul, Jay and Jake. I approve.”
Stopping beside my baby, I waited for Embry’s eyes to him a once over. He always did it, as did the pups. #Jake was the only one who had ridden my boy. And even the alpha was kicked off. My baby didn’t like being man handled.
Shifting my weight, I flung my leg over my bike. The curve of his seat made to fit perfectly to me. Flicking my hair to the side I started him up and then -
sat back. Looking up at Call. “Was that an open invitation to ride your place Embry Call? Aren’t you worried how it will look? I mean the trauma of seeing me here will know Paul out for good.”
Sarcasm filled my words, but deep in my heart I knew what he was saying. I was a woman of action, and now it was time for me to show I meant it.
“If you need me, if they need me, I will always be here.”
The cool wind with the dampness from the rain before kicked up, blowing my -
hair over my face, and into him.
“Looks like the spirits agree.” I whispered to them more than anyone else.
@HotHeadSheWolf Damn! She got sitting on that bike... But if she caught me checking her out she’d kill me... Metaphorically at least.
“You’re always welcome, Leah.” I said, genuinely. “The same as everyone else. For any reason or no reason at all.”
Then she did that thing with her hair and my mouth went dry. “We all know that... But sometimes all they need is some company even in silence... You the kind of things you wouldn't ask help with.” Because we did know that Leah have our backs no >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< matter what... Which is why I felt so ridiculous about not going to her and #Jake when the bills started to pile up. But when it came to money I think I inherited my Mom's pride.
The around swirled around us... seeming like it did even touch #Seth and #Mac only a few yards away.
Stepped back from the bike, only seeing her eyes now. “Goodnight, Trouble.” I grinned. “Thanks for, stopping by.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching my leg out abs kicking his shins. “Who are you calling Trouble, I’m the only saint in these here parts.”
I heard the kid and #Mac climb into #Seths truck and close the doors.
“Keep it real Call, and let that voice of yours do it’s thing.” Pulling my baby back off his kickstand. I waited for #Seth to pull out into the street before I did the same. “See you soon Dimples.”
And I set off after The Kid and #Mac. I didn’t want to wake any of the -
Neighbours up, so I didn’t sleep up until we past a few houses and then swerved to over take, giving the two a Curt nod before I was gone.
Call’s words played on my mind, the invitation to be there for the pups. To show up, and the night itself.
“What a night. Blessed by the Spirits.”
@HotHeadSheWolf
I stepped back, but just fast enough that it was a glancing blow. "I should have seen that coming." I laughed and I heard #Seth chuckle too.
I shook my head at her comment about my voice. "I don't plan on losing any more bets to you Clearwater." I watched until the bike was out of view... or at least I told myself it was the bike I was watching.
When I came back inside the pups were playing rock paper scissors for who gets the sofa bed and who got the air mattress on the >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< floor. "You crashing here?" I asked. I knew it was obvious but it gave them a chance to bring up anything that might be on their minds.
'Dad is heading out fishing early in the morning.' Was all he said so I just nodded and said goodnight, grabbed my phone and headed into my bedroom.
As the wind blew in my hair and I turned the wrong way I heard #Seth’s voice on the air saying ‘where is she heading to at this time.’
It made me smack when #Mac said they should plan on getting his arse handed to him in the dead of night by following.
And i kicked up a gear. The roads were silent of people. But Mother Nature and the spirits never slept, the sang to me as I slowed when I reached my first drive by.
I checked the house out, the lights were out and there -
Was no sound around. #MsC would have been fast a asleep by now. Riding off when I was happy. The next house wasn’t far to go and this time I stopped.
Ma’s house was silent too. Lights out and the world was calm. I sat there on my bike, looking at the roses on my Da’s climber. He had cared for that thing like it was a third child.
Is that #Quil and Embry were doing with the pack and the imprints? They had stepped up and adopted them into the safety of their home?
@HotHeadSheWolf
'Bry?' The pup stopped me in my tracks before I closed the door. 'Momma T is gonna okay isn't she?' His use of the nickname the all the pup's in #Jake's pack used from hearing in #Jake and #Quil's mind for all these years.
I sighed. I really messed tonight with Jake. "Yeah kid... she's going to be fine." I offered him the best smile I could muster. "It was just had a weak moment... but that's what the pack is for. We pick each other when we stumble."
The kid nodded and >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< pulled out the bed section of the couch and I pulled my door shut. I dragged my hand through my hair. I needed to make this right with kids.
I know that #Jake and I will be fine, we were long overdue for a talk anyway. But the pups... I grabbed my headphones and flopped down onto my bed... sleep wasn't going to me friend tonight.
Placing my keys on the bowl beside the front door, I kicked out of my boots and then shrugged out of my jacket hanging it up. The lamps in my house were on timer, so that I never walked into the dark. It was something Ma had told me once.
‘Never leave your house in the darkness, because when you return. You want your home to me the light that bring you back to you.’
She was right, back then I was surrounded by the dark. So, a few lamps lighting my path when I came home -
had become my line of peace.
Normally at this time I would have hit the shower right away. But instead I went to open my windows. Letting the night in and letting the spirits know that I was open to them always.
MsC and Ma… were on my mind now. And as much as I didn’t want to think about it. Calls words to #Jake had hit somewhere.
“She will be fine…. We will made sure of it.” I told myself, sending it on the air as a prayer too.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I plugged my headphones into my phone. Looked at a few of the videos the pups put into the group chat for the guys that were on patrol and couldn't be here tonight. I was weird watching myself play... but hearing myself sing?
That was weird... So I skipped the watch the others. #Tony and #Ness were amazing. I heard #Quil leaving the bathroom and I went to wash up and brush my teeth. I didn't want to keep the pups awake by showering so I'd do that in the morning. By the time I >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< was done #Quil's heavy breathing told me he was asleep already and the pups were still muttering about a girl one of them was chatting to at the bar.
When I back in my room sprawled over the bed with my headphones in and Lewis Capaldi playing in my ears I tried to beat back the thoughts that kept me from sleep,
Taking my phone out I scrolled my playlist, finding the song and hitting play.
The song had been stuck in my head all night, I’d even been humming it to my wolf as we watched the pups play their games on the Xbox.
Throwing the phone on the bed, I pulled my hair up into a messy bun I went to the bathroom to face up and brush my teeth.
Humming along as I finished up changing into a sleeping shirt, I moved to pulled my covers down. -
The window was still open, and when my gaze went out the sound of rain became the backing track for the music.
The air had been cool before, but now it was fresh too. So, as I climbed into bed, my eyes still on the open window. The sound of the music ending as I lay there in the dark. The day had come to its close. And it had exceeded my expectations ten fold.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I was restless.... the ten minutes had felt like an hour. And this wasn't one of my usual exaggerations. I sat on the end of my bed My thumb and forefinger running back and forward of my shut lids like I was trying to wipe the numbers on my screen out of my mind.
Why? did I do this? I told #Tony I didn't want to know. Why didn't I stick to my guns?
I tossed my phone onto a pile on clothes only floor... staring at my closet door. Sure... after everything that Leah had done, >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< we weren't in dire need of that money... yet. But that was so many mortgage payments... so many prescriptions and bills paid. Maybe even a place to stay in Seattle if #Carlisle got Mom into a trail.
"Please tell me what to do." I whispered tilting my head up, pleading to my grandfather's spirit.
One squeeze of that invisible hand on my shoulder had me pulling on clean clothes and grabbing my grandmother's guitar. That today... was worth at least four thousand >
My phone was in my hands again now, opening the group messages I started to watch the videos the pups who came to #HwH tonight had taken for those who had missed out.
#Ness was so like her dad, when it came to playing. She lost herself in the moment just as he did.
And then there was #Tony. The guy had really blown everyone away. The day I had seen the other YouTube video of him playing didn’t live up to how he sounded live.
#Sumina, she was a dark horse. So lost and -
unsure of yourself, but when she too found her moment. It was amazing.
My fingers hovered over the video of Call, who knew losing a bet with me would be the reason for him to step up and show something he didn’t share before. I hit play and watched.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I just walked, I didn’t know where I was going. I just knew I was going the right way. The slightly discolored from age, white rigid guitar case in one hand. The other was restless dragging through my too long hair and over my face, shove it in and out of my pockets. All while Picture This played into my ear through my head phones.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IKrq8Jv0yQE&feature=share
My mind reeling. I didn’t know what the right thing to do was? The money could do so much… >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< I knew Nana and Grandad would do anything to help mom get better. I knew my Grandad would want me to do everything in my power to help mom get better. But this? I exhaled heavily and suddenly became aware that I was standing and the end of the path leading up to Leah’s door.
I chuckled and tilted my head up and laughed. “Are you kidding me?” I whispered. And the song changed. Three notes in and I was lost again remember the moment I sang to Leah at the Sanctuary. I took >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< the hint and dares to knocked lightly on her door. I was about to get my arse handed to me.
Watching the pups playing and singing has my lips curled up into a smile. ( Something they wouldn’t see. )
People who had a pull towards the arts, they had this look in their eyes, the way they become lost in the moment. And to see the pups in that trance was the reason for the smile.
When I set my phone on change on the side table, I played with my pillow but before I could settle my head down. The whispering on the breeze picked up.
“I’m listening.” I whispered back -
They weren’t the normal sounds the spirits sang to me before I joined them in their realm. There was a heaviness to this. It sat on my chest, my heart filled with an anxious feeling that wasn’t there before.
I pushed the sheet back and climbed out of my bed. My feet taking me to my window I looked out over my back yard and into the forest behind.
“Tell me…” I asked them, I closed me eyes and listened intently. But it wasn’t the spirits who answered.
I could heard a -
hum of music? Who was listening to music at this time of night? But it was muffled to my ears.
The breeze picked up blowing into my face bringing with it a familia scent.
“What….” Turning my head towards my bedroom door, I frowned. But before I knew it, my feet took me out my room and through my house. Darkness filled the night as I unlocked my door, and there he was.
“Did you lose your—” I stopped short taking in the view before me. The way he head the guitar case -
In his hands. That heavy feeling amplified on my chest.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I stuffed my headphones into my pocket but the music still whispered out of them. Not that anyone but Me and probably Leah could hear as she made her way to the door.
My teeth worried my lower lip when Leah pulled her door open. Her eyes were dark... And I was ready for her to pissed that I was her door AGAIN... and at this hour of the night.
But the wasn't anger. My dark brown gazed searched hers. Worry? And pain?
"I'm sorry for showing up like this..." The muffled song >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< playing in my pocket changed.
"I... um..." My stomach was twisting and not because I was about to have my arse kicked. I need to ask you... no not ask..." This wasn't a favour I was asking for... this was something I needed, if she said no I had no idea what I would do. But I led her for a reason, she wouldn't turn me away. "I need you to do something for me."
Eyes narrowing I stood there looking down at him. Why was he here stood on my doorstep? The question repeated again. But I couldn’t ask or say anything.
The pressure on my chest grew, mixed with uncertainty, worry and… fear? The whispers stopped the moment I opened the door. It was like the spirits had pushed me to stand here, and now had abandoned me. ( It wouldn’t be the first time. )
I was about to tell him to spit it out. He was never shy with words. But again my words-
Lodged in my throat.
“Do something?” I raised my eyebrow.
Remembering we were stood outside, in the middle of the night. Even if only we could hear it, the music playing in his pocket. Words that filled the air between us.
If he needed something, if he came to my door. I wouldn’t, I couldn’t close the door in his face.
Taking a step back into my house. “You best come in.” I told him.
Not waiting I walked into my house, turning a lamp on.
@HotHeadSheWolf
I took a deep breath and stepped inside, my hand dragging through my hair. That phantom hand disappeared when I shut the door behind me.
I followed her into the living room and counted the numbers I’d shown up here unannounced lately. I fished my phone of my pocket and unplugged the headphones, stopping the music.
I didn’t make small talk…. It was far too late for that and Leah appreciated people that didn’t beat around the bush. “Do your remember when #Tony was trying to >
@HotHeadSheWolf
< tell me something about the about My Grandmother’s guitar?”
I held my phone out to Leah open to the browser where I’d searched for the value of it and the auction was still a little Over four thousand dollars.
“I need you to hold onto this for me… at least for now…” I knew Leah wouldn’t let me sell this unless all other options were exhausted if another financial crisis arose.
Turning to face him, my chest still felt like a rock the size of the Grand Canyon was sat upon it.
I flexed my hands stopping them to moving up to rub. I wasn’t in the habit of showing others what the Spirits did to me at time like this.
“Tony? Hmm… Yeah.” What was this about? And then realisation dawned on me a moment before he held out his phone.
At first I stood there, watching and taking him in. Then the case in his hands. Noticing how he held it.
Taking a few -
steps towards him, I took the phone and raising my eyebrow.
“Call…” shaking my head at him with a slow deep breath. Keeping my eyes on the phone, and the value it showed a moment too long.
“I thought you said you didn’t want to know. Why this then?” I held the device towards him.
But it hit me… I was questioning him? I… me… Leah Clearwater… someone who never asked questions… was asking questions now?
@HotHeadSheWolf
I sighed and dragged my hand through my hair. "I couldn't sleep... and I got curious. I figured it would be a few hundred dollars, you know... But that..." I trailed off and shrugged. I set the case on the armchair in her living room and stepped back like I didn't trust myself with it.
"I mean things are ok right now... but I can't stop thinking about what we could do with that money." I tried to catch her gaze keeping them trained on my phone. "But... I can't... I... if you >
ᒪEᗩᕼ ᑕᒪEᗩᖇᗯᗩTEᖇ
Embry Call