Darling Nikki ↠ Charlie Swan

chapter two

chapter two ~ meet the pack

"Okay, I know I said I would bring Embry to you, but there's been a change of plans. Instead, I'll be bringing you to Embry," Jacob said, his voice casual as he took the car keys out of my hand and helped me into the passenger seat. Before I could protest, he closed the door with a firm click and was already jogging around to the driver's side.

"Wait, so you're taking me to him?" I asked, frowning. The whole situation still felt a little surreal, like I was living in someone else's life, but Jacob's nonchalance made me feel like maybe I should just roll with it.

"Of course," Jacob answered, starting the car with a roar of the engine. "Embry's been waiting for this moment for a long time. You solved his paternity problem for him, since his mom refuses to tell him who his father is. Plus, he's excited to be a big brother."

I turned to look at him, trying to process what he was saying. "Oh God, he didn't know who his father was?" I repeated, a little too loudly, maybe. The weight of that struck me harder than I expected.

Jacob gave a short laugh, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah, but don't worry about it. It's a good thing you showed up when you did, or else he probably would've gone crazy on his mom about it. And trust me, we did not need that happening."

I exhaled slowly, the tension easing a bit. I could imagine how that might've played out—Embry not knowing the truth, probably wondering why his mom was keeping him in the dark, and feeling lost in the process. "I'm just glad I could help," I said softly, more to myself than to him.

We pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, and as Jacob drove, we started talking like old friends. It was strange how quickly I felt at ease with him—maybe it was the shared history of our connection to Joshua or maybe it was the way he seemed so unbothered by the mess of it all. Either way, the conversation flowed smoothly, and I was starting to feel more comfortable with what was happening, even if it was all happening so fast.

The house we pulled up to was small but cozy, nestled on a quiet street surrounded by woods. It looked like the kind of place people settle down in when they're ready to put down roots. I got out of the car, following Jacob to the front door, feeling my nerves creep back up.

"This is Nikki," Jacob announced as we stepped into the house, and suddenly, all eyes were on me. A group of people sat around, standing up as we walked in.

"Hello," I said, my voice a little shaky as I tried to smile and take everything in.

The first person to speak up was a tall, lean guy with shaggy hair who was already grinning at me. "Wow, she is not what I was expecting," he said, and then immediately extended his hand. "I'm Quil."

"Nice to meet you," I said, shaking his hand, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in my stomach.

"I'm Seth," another guy said, his smile wide and genuine. "And let me just say, it's an honor to meet you."

"Thanks," I said, feeling a warmth from his words. The whole situation was strange, but I appreciated the kindness.

"I'm Embry," the last guy said, giving me a nod. His voice was quieter than the others, but it had a depth to it that made me think he was processing everything just as much as I was.

"It's nice to meet you all," I said, my hand instinctively going to my baby bump as I absorbed the attention. There was something comforting about their casual greetings, though, something that put me at ease despite how awkward everything felt.

Once the introductions were over, the group resumed whatever they had been doing before we arrived. There were a couple of women in the kitchen area, and I noticed them exchanging a few curious glances before one of them stepped toward me.

"Hello, Nikki, I'm Emily," she said, smiling warmly. I couldn't help but notice the scars along one side of her face. She was beautiful, though, and the scars didn't take away from her smile or the kindness in her eyes.

"Oh, hello! You're Sam's fiancée, right?" I asked, surprised. I hadn't expected her to be here, but now that I thought about it, I remembered hearing her name before.

"Yes, that's me," Emily replied, still smiling. "You should get some food before it all disappears," she added, her voice teasing as she pointed toward the dining table.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Right." It was strange, being here among so many strangers—except they didn't feel like strangers. Everyone seemed so comfortable, so familiar with each other. I felt like an outsider, still figuring out where I fit into all of this.

I walked over to the table where the food was laid out, grabbing a plate and starting to fill it with a little of everything. As I was reaching for a spoon, I noticed the boys—Quil, Seth, and Embry—standing off to the side, eyeing the food with longing but not making a move toward it. It was like they were waiting for something, or someone, to give them the green light.

"Nikki, that's Kim, Rachel, and the little one is my niece, Claire," Emily said, nodding toward the women who had been chatting as I entered. "Go ahead, help yourself."

"Thank you," I said, offering a small smile as I reached for the spoon Emily handed me. "It's nice to meet you all."

"You're having a baby!" Claire exclaimed, her eyes wide as she pointed at my belly. "Uncle Sammie said that's my cousin in there."

I smiled, putting my hand over my bump. "Yes, I am, and he's right. It's your cousin in here."

"Thank goodness it's a girl," Rachel said with a grin. "We need more estrogen around here."

I laughed, feeling a little less out of place. "I agree," I said, settling into a chair and making my plate.

Once I had my food, I joined Jacob on the couch. We both watched as the boys descended on the table like a pack of ravenous wolves, devouring everything in sight. The sight was both impressive and slightly disturbing, but I couldn't help but laugh at the way they ate.

"Wow," I said, shaking my head as I took a bite of my food. "That's... impressive."

"Man, they are pigs," Rachel sighed, rolling her eyes but smiling fondly.

"I know," Kim agreed, laughing softly.

As we were talking, I suddenly heard Embry shout from the dining room, his voice loud and a little too excited. "Aiyana!"

Everyone turned to look at him. Sam raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"That's what I want to name her," Embry said, looking at me. "Aiyana. It's pretty, and it means eternal blossom."

I blinked, a little taken aback. "Okay, Aiyana it is," I said, smiling at Embry's enthusiasm.

"Wait, you're letting him name her?" Sam asked, his voice a little incredulous.

"Yeah," I said, shrugging lightly. "Why not?"

"Not fair," Sam muttered, but there was a playful edge to his voice.

"Are you jealous?" I teased.

"No," Sam said, though he clearly wasn't convinced.

"Totally jealous," Embry added, grinning.

I leaned back in my chair, feeling like I was finally beginning to fit into this strange new world. "You can pick out her middle name, Sam," I said.

"Aiyana Kateri," Sam replied without hesitation.

"Awe, that's cute," Kim said, smiling.

"Aiyana Kateri," I repeated, rubbing my belly gently. "Okay, I like it. Hear that little one? Your brothers have picked out your name."