It's Your Call

Chapter Seven: Torn Apart

A quiet laugh floats around the room at Seth's innocent question. The tensions slowly starts to subside as the seconds pass. Kaien sighs and turns to me, running a hand down his face.

"I'm sorry, (Y/n). I didn't mean for this to happen."

I place a hand on his broad shoulder and rub my thumb across it lightly. Smiling at him softly, I shake my head.

"Kai, you're fine. It'll blow over. Jared can't stay mad for long anyways," I tell him reassuringly.

Kaien and I both let out a quiet laugh. I turn to Embry and find a look of hurt and annoyance on his face. His gaze switches between Kaien and I quickly. I send Kaien an uh what glance before turning my eyes back to Embry.

"Kai?! You've known him all of twelve hours and he already has a nickname but you've known me your whole life and I don't have one?!" Embry shouts, flailing his arms around.

Not a second later the entire room bursts open with laughter. I wipe away a few tears and hold my hand on my shaking stomach. After calming myself down, I wrap my arms around Embry's neck and pull him close.

"Oh come on Emmy, you know that's not true," I coo to him, my voice sickly sweet.

His face automatically becomes flushed as I smile up at him. His eyes turn soft as they gaze into mine.

"W-Well o-okay then," he stutters out nervously.

I shake my head and let go of him, sitting down on the couch. Kaien walks over and sits next to me, nudging me as he does so. A second or two later a still blushing Embry follows and sits on the other side of me.

"Kaien, about your reinstatement," Sam starts once the room settles down.

Oh. Right.

I forgot that was the reason why he was here. I guess I figured out why he left the pack in the first place. And why Sam actually let him leave. I just hope and pray that Sam lets Kaien.

The tension in the air grows thick. All eyes falling onto Sam. And to my surprise, they all hold the same emotion that is in mine.

Hope.

I don't understand why they all want him to stay. But I know why I do. It has been decided by whatever spirit guides us that Kaien and I need to be around each other. Not in the same way as Embry and I do, but just as necessary. If Sam says no, I don't know what I'll do.

"Kaien," Sam starts again. "You're back in."

A shriek escapes my throat as I fling my arms around Kaien. I quickly let go of him and sit back down, embarrassed.

"S-Sorry, just excited," I laugh nervously.

Kaien leans over and places a chaste kiss on top of my head. "It's alright, I'm excited too," he chuckles.

A smile traces my lips and I lean into Embry. He wraps an arm around my waist and kisses my temple before sitting his head on top of mine.

"It's good to have you back man," Embry says, holding a hand out to Kaien.

"It's good to be back," Kaien replies, taking Embry's hand in his.

"Well, you guys wanna head to La Push again?" Jake asks.

•••

"What's the point in going to the beach when it's freezing cold outside," I groan, walking toward our normal set of logs.

"It won't be so bad when Sam starts the fire," Embry replies, grabbing my hand.

I smile at him sweetly and pull on the hoodie he gave me. I decided to dress a little better than I did last time. I'm wearing jeans with some converse and a t-shirt. Embry loaned me one of the hoodies he had in his truck on the way over, that way I wouldn't be too cold.