Broken shades (Twilight)(Embry Call)

A New Beginning

"When forever was a sentence, sentence to death
Oh, when you were a running tear, I was a drop of sweat
And, the edges of your soul, I haven't seen yet
Now I'm glad I get forever to see where you end"
-Forever-Noah Kahan

**Chapter 10: A New Beginning**

The last of the boxes were finally unpacked, and Kayla let out a deep breath as she looked around the small but cozy living room of the new house. It wasn't much, just a modest place nestled in the woods of La Push, but it was hers—and Paul's and Jared's, too. The three of them had pooled their resources to make it happen, and now, standing in this space that felt so full of warmth and possibility, Kayla couldn't help but smile.

For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, a blur of hospital visits, therapy sessions, and legal proceedings. Her father was out of the picture now, turned over to the authorities after Paul and Embry had found her, broken and bleeding, on the floor of their old house. She didn't like to think about that night too much—the pain, the fear—but she couldn't ignore the strange sense of relief that came with knowing he was gone for good.

Paul had been a rock through it all, fiercely protective and full of guilt for not being there sooner. Jared, too, had stepped up in ways she hadn't expected, his usually playful demeanor tempered with a seriousness that showed just how much he cared. The two of them had made it their mission to keep her safe, to help her heal, and now, standing in this new house that felt like a fresh start, Kayla realized just how lucky she was to have them.

She moved to the window and looked out at the forest beyond, the trees swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. The peace she felt now was something she had almost forgotten existed, and she savored it, letting it fill her up as she leaned against the windowsill.

Her thoughts drifted to Embry, as they so often did these days. Ever since she had woken up in the hospital, his face had been the first thing she saw, his voice the first thing she heard. He had been there, always there, holding her hand, whispering to her, promising her that everything would be okay.

And then, when she had finally pieced together what had happened, when she had realized the truth about him, about Paul, about all of them—she had been overwhelmed, to say the least. The secret of the wolves, the imprints, it had all seemed so impossible, so surreal. But at the same time, it had made perfect sense. Everything she had felt around Embry, the way her heart had seemed to beat in time with his, it was all because of the imprint.

They were bound together in a way that defied explanation, but despite everything, she hadn't wanted to run away from it. If anything, it had only deepened her feelings for him.

The door to the living room creaked open, and Paul poked his head in, a smirk on his face. "You all set in here, sis? Jared's trying to figure out how to work the stove, and I'm pretty sure he's going to blow something up."

Kayla laughed, shaking her head. "I'll go help him in a minute. I think I'm done for now."

Paul walked in and slung an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a quick, affectionate hug. "I'm glad you're here with us, Kay. Things are finally starting to feel... right again."

"Yeah," she agreed softly. "Me too."

They stood there for a moment, just enjoying the quiet, the sense of belonging that came with being together. It was still strange, living in a house without the constant undercurrent of fear, but it was a good kind of strange, one she could get used to.

"Embry coming by soon?" Paul asked casually, though there was a teasing edge to his voice.

Kayla felt her cheeks heat up, and she rolled her eyes. "Yeah, he's picking me up in a bit. We're going out."

Paul grinned, clearly pleased. "Good. You two deserve some time together. And hey, if he gives you any trouble, just let me know, alright? I'll set him straight."

She laughed again, but the warmth in her chest grew as she thought about Embry. They had decided to take things slow, to explore their relationship at their own pace, despite the imprint. He had been so patient, so understanding, never pushing her for more than she was ready to give. It was one of the many things she loved about him—how he put her needs first, even when it was hard for him.

The sound of a truck pulling up outside caught her attention, and Kayla glanced out the window to see Embry's familiar vehicle. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him step out, his eyes immediately searching for her through the glass.

"I guess that's my cue," Kayla said, turning to Paul with a smile. "Don't let Jared burn the house down while I'm gone, okay?"

"No promises," Paul called after her as she headed for the door, his voice laced with humor.

Kayla stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. Embry was already waiting by the passenger side of the truck, his expression lighting up the moment he saw her. It was a look she was still getting used to—a mix of adoration and something deeper, something that made her feel like the most important person in the world.

"Hey," he greeted her, his voice soft but full of warmth.

"Hey," she replied, her own smile widening as she walked over to him.

He opened the door for her, and she climbed in, the leather seat familiar and comforting beneath her. As soon as she was settled, Embry closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. When he slid into the seat next to her, he didn't hesitate—he reached out and took her hand, threading his fingers through hers.

Kayla felt a rush of warmth at the simple gesture, and she squeezed his hand gently, feeling the strength and steadiness in his grip. It was moments like this, quiet and unassuming, that made her realize just how much he meant to her. How much she loved him.

"So, where are we going?" she asked, a playful lilt in her voice as she turned to look at him.

Embry grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "It's a surprise. But I promise you'll like it."

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued but trusting. "Alright, I'll hold you to that."

He started the engine, and they began to pull away from the house, the trees blurring by as they drove down the familiar roads of La Push. Kayla leaned back in her seat, her heart light as she watched the scenery pass by.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like everything was going to be okay. The past was behind her now, and with Embry by her side, she was ready to face whatever the future had in store.

As they drove into the fading light of the evening, Embry's hand holding hers the entire way, Kayla couldn't help but feel a sense of peace, of contentment. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

And that, she realized, was more than enough.