Total eclipse of a heart (Embry Call)

43. A cracked heart

Human mind is one of a kind - the neuropathic ways it forms with each new memory, new feeling and sensation, each new day are unique. Each event takes up space and it remains as physical proof that it once happened. The mind can build up defenses to protect one self from the horrid memories of events that are difficult to bear - a natural conception, like a fail safe. They're gifted with the ability to forget, to ignore certain painful emotions and experiences supernatural creatures cannot.

I was once a human, gifted with the ability to suppress traumatic experiences. I'm not a human anymore. I cannot hide nor forget, and as such I cannot forgive.

"We have to kill her." Jane sneers, crouching as if to prepare for an attack. Perhaps she's the smart one out of the two, because as she takes a defensive approach, Alec steps before me only to fall to his knees at my feet.

"Do what you must, my little huntress. If you seek retribution, my immortality is at your disposal." Bowing his head, Alec didn't flinch. He didn't even try to run.

With their combined gifts, I would hardly be a threat for the twins, yet Alec is willing to die. And I'm more than tempted to grant that wish.

"How could you kill her?" I speak through gritted teeth, angrier by the ache in my chest that shouldn't exist. I thought dying would lessen the pain but it feels as if it exacerbates it.

"If I didn't, they would. Then they'd kill the rest of your family and take you against your will." Alec lifts his head up, his face contorted in agony - almost pain.

"I heard your heartbeat, sensed the smell of your blood and panicked. I took away their sense of smell and limited their sense of hearing long enough to protect you." Shaking his head, he closes his eyes for a moment as if the words he's about to speak are heavy for him as well.

"Your mother was collateral damage. A way to minimize the bloodshed."

"And you left me there? Why?" I lower myself to face him, forming fists that rest on my thighs.

"Because I wanted you to have a choice." Alec sighs and I almost believe him to be regretful. Could he be? Could a vampire ever feel regret?

"But I made my choice clear and you're still here." Glancing at Jane and her all too willing to fight smile, I shake my head too.

"Leave. Leave and never come back." I tell them, my eyes focused on her bloodthirsty smirk. "I'm not sure what you made me into, but I have a feeling you don't want to stick around and find out."

Jane's smirk falls and mine appears, the confidence inside me growing. I may not be a vampire but their sudden fragility makes me believe they aren't unbeatable despite their gifts.

I think she knows that too.

"You're breaking my heart." Alec places a hand over my bawled up fist and I look back him with a frown. His eyes are filled with liquid, one that cannot spill and his lips are parted.

"Good thing a few cracks cannot kill an undead man." Standing up, I put my hands behind my back and watch him straighten up.

"Even so, the cracks can never heal. A curse immortality brings. But I do hope you don't suffer for the choices I've made to keep you safe. Truly." Alec steps back, unable to look away. He seems to know I'm not changing my mind and he seems certain a long time would pass before he sees me again.

I hope it does.

Forever is not long enough for me to forgive his deeds.

"Goodbye Alec."

And with a slight nod, he's gone and I am left -

"VALERIE" - not alone?

"Valerie?!" Another male voice calls and I frown, looking at the door quizzically. I could have sworn it was my dad.

"Embry?" I breathe out, unable to shout. Hearing them come closer, I'm shaken with the prospect of seeing those I love once again.

Embry had come for me as I always hoped he would.

He came for me. He loves me. After all the pathetic attempts to push him away, keeping secretary and lying, Embry is still there.

The door swings open, his brown hues find mine instantly. The appeal of an imprint bond had never been greater as his lips curl into a sincere smile and I am unable to remain calm.

Throwing myself into his arms, my own wrap around his neck and pull him closer.

"Ugh", Embry huffs and I realize I have to lessen the strength which I've used to hold him.

"Sorry." I mutter, moving back to look at his face, placing my palms on his cheeks before I feel the venomous tears fill my eyes again.

"I was so scared." He croaks, tears falling from his long eyelashes and I feel my heart crack at the sight. Perhaps Alec was right, your heart can crack even after it had died.

"I'm here." I whisper, watching him nod happily before he leans in and presses a kiss to my temple.

There are no questions about what happened to me or how different I may seem, not judgement or fear, only love. And that's Embry - the definition of a soulmate. He's warm and kind and never gives up on those he loves. The rarest, most difficult kind of a man to find and he is mine.

"I'm here." I repeat, lifting my chin as a hint that I want more than a comforting forehead kiss.

Understanding, Embry smiles as our lips touch, managing to give me just a moment of peace. No traumatic thoughts filled my mind and no pain gripped my heart as his arms wrapped around me. His inability to stop smiling had ended our kiss fairly soon, but I'm grateful.

"I see you've found her." Frowning, I look to the door behind Embry only to realize I wasn't hallucinating.

"Father?" My voice goes higher as he nods, stepping closer. He looks around, scanning the surroundings for threats, likely expecting Jane or Alec to pop up from somewhere.

Embry pulls me closer to his chest, his arm tightly wrapped around me, desperately looking for contact.

"They're gone." I narrow my eyes in suspicion, noticing my father's eyes linger on the couch I've laid upon, the dried blood a giveaway I had been close to death's door.

"You don't have a scratch on you." My father states, looking back at me with eyes wide and jaw clenched. "The car was filled with blood." He states, looking me over with concern. "This couch is soaked in blood." He continues, stepping closer and I feel Embry tense.

"We found her." Embry all but growls as if to make sure that's all he cares about and I notice him move me further aside, nearly behind him. His arm falls and I'm no longer feeling safely wrapped in a cocoon of his love.

Nodding, my father raises his eyebrows, his forehead wrinkling in the process. In seconds, his gun is up, pointed at Embry who pushed me behind his tall frame.

Gasping, I cock my head in order to see my father who had lost all the concern and cold indifference had settled in. He smiles, but it's more of a sneer as he speaks.

"Apparently not soon enough."