cold -embry call-

nine

Weeks had passed and Jacob was everything but okay. He had resorted to ignoring the pack, only doing what he needs to do and that's it. "Jake," I call as I walk into the Black house after school. Knocking lightly on the boy's door. "Go away." He says as I open the door. "Come on, Emily misses you." I take his hand, pulling him up. "C'mon, Alex, leave me be." "No way." I pull his hands again, finally getting him up. "Fine, but only for you." He says. I smile, pulling him into a hug when he stands. "I'm sorry about Bella," I whisper. He sighs, wrapping his arms around me. "Yeah, me too." "Come on, let's go."

I step back, looking up at him with my hands on my hips. "Get yourself cleaned up first, you kinda stink." I pinch my nose, waving my hand dramatically in front of my face. He laughs, pulling me against him again, holding me to his chest. "Do I? Do I really? I stink, huh?" He laughs as I squeal, trying to get away from him. I laugh, finally pushing him away. He gently pushes me toward the door. "Let me get changed." "I'll be in the living room," I say, walking away. Soon enough he comes out, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Wanna just walk?" He asks, I nod.

He keeps his arm around my shoulder as we walk, it's not a romantic gesture but my heart swells at the contact, he's my best friend, other than Embry. We walk up to Emily's and he quickly drops his arm as Embry runs out, picking me up in a hug before immediately setting me down again. "Why do you smell so much like Jacob?" He growls. "I hugged him?" I shrug, my brows furrowing. "And we were messing around cause I said he stunk." I continue, not realizing the mess I was getting Jacob into. "Keep your hands off her." Embry snaps, pulling me inside. "We're just friends."

My brows furrow again as I walk back outside, grabbing Jake's hand before he walks away. "Come inside." Jake stops me at the doorway. "Go to your boyfriend, leave me alone, Alex." He snaps at me, glaring. "Jake, I-" "Leave me alone." He pushes my shoulders, shoving me toward Embry before storming away. Embry wraps his arm around my waist, steadying me before starting to go after Jake. "Let it go, Embry." I set my hand on his chest, stopping him. He turns to me, a scowl on his face. "He just pushed you and you're fine with it?" He asks. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Alexandria, he literally shoved you for no reason." "Okay." I shrug, sitting at the table. "Andria-" "It's fine, Embry. Let it go." I pull him down to my height, kissing his cheek. "For me?" He sighs, nodding. "Only for you." Emily sighs, smiling. Paul and Seth walk in, motioning Embry out. "Do you patrol by yourself?" I ask, grabbing Embry's hand. "Of course not, Sam patrols with me." "Okay." I look at Sam who nods. "We'll be careful." He promises. Embry grabs my chin, lifting my head and pressing his lips to mine as his hand tightens on my jaw.

Paul wolf whistles causing me to pull back and slip my middle finger up. "Shut up, Lahote." I laugh, kissing Embry's cheek before he leaves. "So, little Swan, what happened with Bella and Jake?" "She chose Edward. As she always will. I wish Jake would move on, I hate seeing him hurt." I sigh, setting my chin on my arms. "And I wish Embry would just let me and Jake be friends the way I'm friends with people. I'm a physical person." Paul sets his hand on my thigh. "Physical person, you say?" He smirks. "Not like that!" I groan, pushing him away. He laughs, louder this time.

"I would never step between yours and Embry's relationship." He smiles, ruffling my hair. "Who knew Paul Lahote had such a soft spot for a Swan." Emily giggles, sitting at the table with her coffee mug in hand. "I don't." Paul defends, shoving my shoulder jokingly. I smile, patting his shoulder. "Sure thing, Lahote." I lean against him as he drops his arm around my shoulder. "Hey, Seth, I'm gonna be picking you for school from now on so you don't have to walk," I say, looking at the boy. His face lights up and he nods. "I like riding with you and Embry. It's fun." I smile.

"Thanks, kid. Are you having issues with anything? I can probably help." I lean forward as he nods, running to grab his backpack. I'll walk him home tonight before going to get my truck later, hopefully, Jake will be in a better mood. "I need help in math and science," Seth says, moving over to sit beside me. We work all night, forgetting I had to be back at home since it's a weekend. Seth and I had fallen asleep at the table. "Andria, baby, wake up. Come on." Embry whispers, shaking my shoulder. I sit up, stretching and looking at the door. It's bright out. I immediately look at Seth.