Defining Normal | EMBRY CALL

Envoy

Leah knows better. Really, she does. Still, she doesn't hold her tongue - whether she's able to is an entirely separate issue - and she lets loose a string of comments so vile that she actually feels a prick of shame.

"You don't get to walk in here like the world revolves around your white ass!"

Leah doesn't mean to say it, not really, but it's true. She has no right to be on the Reservation, running around like she's one of the pack. She's just some nosy outsider, some neo-colonialist bitch with a superiority complex. Imprint or not, she doesn't deserve Embry. Embry's selfless, giving to the point of concern, genuine and soft. When Jake had kicked her to the side after that mutant Renesmee had been born - the fuck was that about anyway? - Embry was there, reassuring and loyal. He deserved the world and more, not some damaged little brat.

Jared had torn her a new one - literally - when he'd corralled her into the woods, but it doesn't change how she feels. Actually, it does - she hates Lex even more for getting between them. Leah's been there from day one, when they'd all phased and had to figure out how the fuck to deal with battling vampires on the daily.

Leah could deal with vampires. Could Lex?

Embry's mind is a blank slate. Even Quil, normally the master of incessant chatter, is speechless. An awkward moment passes, one where Leah feels like she should say something, anything, but what is left to say, really?

I can't believe you said that, Quil offers, finally. I knew you didn't like her, but that's something else.

His disappointment is palpable. She was expecting reproach, sure, but Quil's disapproval cuts deeper than any alternative.

That's not protecting me, Leah, that's being an asshole for no good reason. I'm old enough to choose what I want. I don't need you fucking this up even more, Embry growls.

Choose? What part of fucking fate did you sign up for? The bit where you sign your life away in a single freaking blink? You're insane if you actually think what you have with her is real.

Jesus Christ, just because you had your heart stomped on doesn't mean you need to mess up my life. I'm choosing to be with her because I actually care about her. Sam made his choice. We are not the same. I could walk away if I wanted to, but I'm not going to pretend I don't love her, because I do. If you care about me, deal with it.

Love her? You can't be serious. She doesn't give a fuck about you!

Embry's circling Leah, his muzzle coming dangerously close to her flank. His incisors gleam a brilliant white as he snarls, blinding and threatening. A warning.

Okay, okay, that's enough. Em, I'll see you at home, okay? Let me talk this out with Leah before you guys kill each other.

Fine, he snaps, casting her one last bitter look before loping away.

They sit in uncomfortable silence until Embry fades from the collective consciousness. Finally, when it's just the two of them, Quil crosses the clearing to lean against her side.

Just like I like you, even though you're an asshole, he has his reasons. You don't have to like her. Just try and be nice. Please.

Being nice to her is physically painful, Leah grumbles, but there's a lightness in her eyes, the playfulness he's been missing.

Do it for me? Quil pleads, offering her his best attempt at puppy-dog eyes.

Fine. God, you've got me on a tight leash.