Total eclipse of a heart (Embry Call)

30. What I see

"You're here. Again." I pointed out, more than aware of the spine chilling coldness of his presence in my mind. It's impossible to ignore; he is impossible to ignore. The worst part is I didn't even try to anymore. I wanted to hear from him, to see him again and have a proper chance to actually speak up because the last time we spoke was anything but a conversation - an order would be a better way of putting it.

"Did you not expect me?" I sensed the smile in his words even if I couldn't pinpoint him just yet. Sometimes it was more about the feeling of someone watching you even as you sleep instead of seeing the one that's invading your mind. I really hoped he would show his face tonight.

"I thought you wouldn't risk it. You seemed adamant not to speak to me when we finally met." Defensive, but straight to the point. That's probably my best option to stop myself from speaking about things I'm sure he would rather not delve into right now. I didn't want to risk him leaving so soon.

"I want to protect you, little huntress. As mad as it may be, I have grown to care for you." That's when I felt his breath on my neck, his lips brushing the delicate skin and instead of protesting, I let out a heavy sigh, a sing of my inner turmoil. It's yet another thing I cannot deny - Alec and I share a connection. Perhaps it's the bond he claims we have where I'm his mate, his destined vampire lover or whatever they call it, but the draw was there and it was getting harder to resist.

And I tried. I really did.

"Is that why you sent me halfway across the world to save the wolf who imprinted on me? The one you used to say would never be fast enough to save me once you get your hands on me?" Challenging his previous dream visits and the awful, frightening visions he'd put in my head, I fought back - the lies, the secrets, the undeniable connections. I had to, for Embry.

"I was jealous. Darling, don't you get jealous?" Alec chuckled, his icy fingers trailing down my arm slowly, gently and as much as I craved for his touch it felt so, so wrong. I never told Embry about these dreams in detail and I know it's because I'd have to own up to enjoying them. If there is something you can't share with your significant other then it is very likely what you're doing is wrong, hurtful, a possible relationship bomb that would destroy everything.

"You have to stop that." I step away, turning around to see him, unconsciously trying to relieve the ache in my heart at the thought of missing the opportunity to lay eyes upon him again. He's so beautiful it hurts and his hair is slightly different, short and darker, out of his face. But his eyes remain red pools that remind me how he got them and why they remain like that. I'd much prefer the golden hues of the Cullens on him.

"Or what? You say one thing but wish another. Embry is a warm body to cling to for a while but he can't offer you immortality like I can. He can't protect you like I can." Alec's usual smirk disappears, a scowl replacing it instantly as his eyes narrow.

"If protection means death and more death I would inflict, I'd rather die." Heart beating fast, I feel myself squirming in my bed, grasping reality faster and faster as his face changes into one of anger. There is no mercy in his eyes, not even for me and as he moves closer towards me, I feel myself panicking. Could he hurt me in a dream?

"Woah!" Steady, warm hands clasp around my arms, gently holding me down as I attempt to sit up, a scream dying in my throat. Cold. I felt cold as the dream lifted and all I could think is I'm no longer safe. Not when Alec wants me to be an immortal by his side. That's my worst nightmare.

"Are you okay?" That voice, the raspy worrisome question, it's something to hold on, to keep myself sane.

"Just a nightmare." I smile meekly, looking at the faintest lines of his beautiful, caring face and I sigh, knowing he's there and with me, feeling a little safer, a little braver.

"Good thing I'm here to cuddle them away." Snuggling, Embry pulled me into his chest and his arms embraced me tightly. Usually I'd complain I'm too warm or push away to have some solitude to think, but I needed this -needed him.

"Whachu' thinkin about?" He whispered in my hair, probably picking up on my heartbeat still being a little too fast for someone feigning sleep.

"About seeing the Cullens tomorrow. The house and everything...Bella too. I haven't seen her since she turned. Not that I missed her, I'm just nervous to see a newborn of their species." Biting my lower lip, I stop myself from mentioning Jasper and his stories about his life before the Cullens and how different they are when they're new. I also didn't want to mention Jasper, the only vampire I find myself thinking of as a friend. Maybe it's because of his past as a soldier, a fighter who had been under pressure to do things he didn't always agree with, but Jasper and I have an understanding that runs deep. I doubt Embry would get that. Or maybe he would and I'm making assumptions without giving him a chance to prove himself, but if I tell him about Jasper I have to tell him about Alec too and I'm not ready.

"I saw her. She's...pretty tame although she kicked Jake and Seth's ass." Embry tried to calm me down but his choice of words might not be the best. At least I know they're alive so it's not that bad. Though Jacob's temper seems to be worsening, he's physically unscathed.

"Thank you." I whisper, finally closing my eyes, hoping Alec won't be waiting for me on the other side. Warmth welcomed me instead and for once, the dreams I found myself in had color and substance, bathed in love and sunshine.