Total eclipse of a heart (Embry Call)

04. Embry Call

I couldn't sleep that night, completely lost in my own mind and a thousand different scenarios it created. Most of those scenarios ended with my death, only a couple where I escape with my bare life. The worst part is, I could see myself survive only of I call for reinforcement and that would mean I'm a useless waste of air. A hunter that can't hunt on its own is useless and I never want to be useless.

The word itself brings out a flicker of anger from deep within me and I'm aware there's no chance I'll falter and call my father and still be who I am, who I was always meant to be. I can either sacrifice my pride and live or give up and put my life at a risk.

Pride or death. 

I can't choose. Not yet. Not until I know more. I have to dig deeper and build my case, form a different plan if it's necessary.

"What got into you? You're usually the last one up." Rachel murmurs, walking past me and into the kitchen.

I'm still jittery and my mind is racing, but I can't let Rachel know. She might be a part of that pack or she might be covering for them. I can't trust anyone. I'm behind enemy lines now. I can't count on anyone.

I get up and follow after her, dragging my feet a little.

"Can't sleep when I change my usual sleeping spot. It's an adjustment." I give her as just tight lipped smile and hand her a cup to pour herself some coffee. Rachel is addicted to caffeine, while I am more of a tea person. I'm lucky she doesn't notice my scrapes, deciding to keep those to myself.

"You could have woken me up. I wouldn't mind." She replies, taking her first sip of coffee for the day.

"Duly noted." I put a pot of tea on the stove and wait for it to boil, leaning my back on the counter.

"Want to go with me to Emily's?" Rachel asks, taking a cookie in her hand. "You can meet a bunch of Jacob's friends there." She adds and I quirk an eyebrow, realizing this is a perfect chance for my step two. This is how I could integrate in their society.

"Sure." I try to seem unphased, keeping yet another emotion inside. I wonder how many emotions can a person stuff deep inside before exploding.

We didn't talk much, getting ready to go since she could feel I wasn't in the mood. Personally, I hate talking early in the morning while Rachel is the one that never shuts up, but she doesn't seem as chatty as usual. And I'm thankful. Talking is the last thing I want to do right now. 

Throwing on a random pair of jeans and a red blouse, letting my hair down and decide not to put on any make up, so I'm ready to go before Rachel is. She takes too long to dress, but I'm not surprised. 

"Your brother never came home last night." I speak up, wondering where the hell is he. I like Jacob and I think he might like me too, but he's already acting shady and I'm not sure if that's something I want in my life. I'm a hypocrite, I know!

"He stayed with a friend." Rachel answers, throwing another shirt back into the closet and picking out a new one.

"And your dad?" I realize he still isn't home either. Does anyone ever come home here?

"Staying with Chief Swan in Forks a little longer. They love their fishing." Her answer seems generic, a little rushed and definitely rehearsed. I hope I'm not reading too much into it, but I'm getting suspicious. 

Once she's dressed, we make our way over to Emily and she warns me.

"When you meet Em, try not to stare too much." 

I furrow my brows, licking my lips before talking.

"Why would I stare?" 

"She was attacked by a bear a while ago and it left her scarred. Her face is...just don't stare." Rachel's explanation isn't helpful, but it can't be that bad.