Cozy • An Embry Story

.32

Author's Note:

This chapter is a long one, almost 5K words. It's the chapter Winnie is finally told what an imprint is.

Though a lot of Stephenie Meyer's "lore" is unfortunately used in this chapter to continue to be cannon with the actual books/movies. Let's remember how Meyer has culture vultured actual Quileute history, profiting off a warped narrative she never paid homage or respect to. I also fully respect anyone's decision to skip this chapter.

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Winnie's POV

At this time of night, La Push is cold and black.

During the day the res is woodsy, with the beach making everything scenic. Then night hits and the fresh salty air freezes over, and it gets so dark on the res the only light around is the moon or whatever house has their lights on. Yet, it's these little moments when the res is at its most peaceful.

I wait outside on the front step for Embry, weather proofed from the cold in a thick parka, and a knit hat. Usually I'd wait inside, where it's warm. But the idea of seeing Embry change was too exciting to miss. I haven't seen much of him since he told me the whole truth, promising me he had more to tell me with the pack. Yesterday I found out that tonight was the day I was going to get all my questions answered when Embry invited me to a bonfire the pack is having out on the cliffs..

It's crazy how just a few days ago they all were simply Embry's friends, just a group of guys. Now when I face them tonight they'll be a pack of werewolves.

"You're gonna freeze out here." Embry makes himself known as he walks up the path from Enola's yard. Not wearing his usual cut off shorts gives away Embry didn't run here. The light flannel jacket pulled over a gray hoodie with a navy blue beanie confirming he in fact drove.

"I was waiting for you," I explain, as he crosses over in two strides to drop his jacket around my shoulders. It's still hot from Embry's searing body heat, like a blanket right out of a dryer. While bent down, Embry pulls me by his jacket to give me a peck hello, too concerned to try for another kiss.

"Am I late?" Embry glances at his phone, seeing he's right on time as he promised. "Winnie, you could have waited inside. How long were you waiting for me?"

"Just ten minutes." I shrug off.

"Why are you out here?" Embry asks in that smooth, calm voice of his.

"I wanted to see if you'd run here as a wolf." I admit under my breath, which makes him chuckle. The sound ebbs away any feelings of doubt or insecurities I had.

"I can't believe I thought you'd be afraid of me." Embry laughs softly. "If you like, I'll run here everyday so you can see me as a wolf."

"Will I see the other guys transform too?" I can hear how curious I sound, like I'm in the middle of a gripping novel or some science experiment.

"Hmm, maybe. If you ask really nicely we can probably get Quil to show you. Or maybe if you pay Jared five bucks he'll do it." Embry suggests, standing up to offer me a hand. "Let's get going before you freeze."

"Not likely since you're a constant 108 degrees." I stand up, pulling up my snacks with me. "You think this is enough?" I didn't want to show up empty handed so I bought the biggest bags of marshmallows and hot dogs I could find. Though I'm pretty sure this wouldn't even feed Embry let alone eight werewolves.

"Don't worry, Sue Clearwater gets everything wholesale price. While Emily cooks in bulk." Embry explains, buttoning me into his coat. "I'll drive," Embry offers just as Enola's back door opens and she whistles sharply at us, the loud kind of whistle that uses her fingers.