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possiamo-andare · 4 years

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No More Divisions - Chapter Ten: The End ... Or Is It?

JJ x Original Character

MASTERLIST

hey guys! So, I'm thinking this is the last chapter. this last chapter is dedicated to @teamnick who was the first person to give me feedback and a true friend through everything. ilysm. I just wanna say thank you so much to everyone who has liked, commented, reblogged, etc. You are the reason I continue to write. To say I am extremely grateful for everything, is an understatement. Love you all <3

My parents never got a chance to talk to me. Shoupe said we were still suspects so they were brought to the first tent as we all waited in he second tent.

Did I ever mention I hated Shoupe?

I don't know how long we had to wait there, in the second tent. It could've been 2 hours or 2 minutes, I wouldn't have known the difference. I just sat there, my head against JJ's shoulder, and waited for Shoupe to come back tell us any news of what's happened with John B. or Sarah.

My head was spinning as I replayed the last 24 hours in my head. Only 24 hours ago, I had just met JJ and I still had no idea of who he was. I wasn't this close with Kiara or Pope. 24 hours ago, I was a naive Kook. Now, I'm so much more than that. I can't begin to describe what these people have taught me in the last 24 hours. I'm closer to these people than my parents. I can't see myself ever parting from them. They're my family.

And then there was JJ.

I never thought, never believed, he would have such an impact on my life. Then again, I was just a naive Kook 24 hours ago. Now, the things I had experienced with him has tied us together in a way that can't be undone.

JJ grabs my hand as we continue to sit and wait. "What're you thinking about?"

"About everything's that's happened. What about you?" I answer, taking my cheek off his shoulder and looking him in he eye.

He shrugs. "How I need some weed."

I laugh, catching Kiara and Pope's attention. Kiara looks to me, definitely overhearing what JJ said and starts laughing too. Pope joins in and starts laughing at Kiara's snorts. JJ is looking at us as if we're insane, but he had that signature smirk. I knew he thought we were hilarious. Soon, we were all laughing hysterically. I think it was all of the adrenaline and shock. We all couldn't believe the situation we were in and the more we all looked at each other, the more we laughed. It was contagious. This is what family is. This is what has been missing.

Even as Shoupe entered the tent, we continued to laugh. He tried to get our attention but it was no use. Finally, he screamed. "Hey!" We all stopped, smiles on our face, and looked to him. "Are you all high or something?"

This just made us burst out laughing again, this time JJ was laughing the hardest. Shoupe rolled his eyes, barely able to stand us now. He ordered the officers to bring us back to the first tent for some news he had to tell us.

Even as we were brought back to tent one, we were still giggling. Granted, we weren't in full blown laughter, but we still had huge smiles on our faces.

Then, something made it stop. I was the first to stop. I saw my parents, hugging eachother. My mom was crying into my dad's chest. This was so out of character that I had to stop laughing. Something must be wrong. My parents hadn't touched each other in years and now my mom was hugging my dad.

Soon after I stopped, JJ did as well. He had turned to me and saw the colour leave my face.

He approached me, concerned now. "Callie?"

I gulped. Kiara and Pope had their eyes on me too, not laughing either. I look to JJ, tears in my eyes. I knew something bad had happened. I didn't say anything though. I didn't want it to be true.

JJ grabbed my hand and looked to Kiara and Pope, who were already questioning Shoupe.

"What's going on?" Pope yelled, getting in Shoupe's face. Kiara was trying to hold him back.

"Tell us now!" Kiara yelled, louder than Pope.

Shoupe frowned, looking to the ground. He didn't have to say it; I knew. I let out a sob and JJ held me closer. I couldn't hold my weight anymore. JJ was the only person holding me up. And I could see him starting to cry too. He and I knew already bt Kiara and Pope didn't want to except it.

Shoupe finally spoke. "They're gone."

Kiara scoffed. "What do you mean?"

Pope interjected. "Like you lost them? They got away?"

Shoupe shook his head. He seemed choked up, which is weird. He never seemed to like John B., and now that they were gone he was all of a sudden upset. "They wouldn't have made it through the storm."

JJ let go of me. I sank to my knees. Kiara and Pope hugged each other as they cried. As we all reacted by crying, JJ didn't.

He lunged forward at Shoupe. "This is your fault! You fucking killed them!" Pope held JJ back as he clawed his arms at Shoupe. Surprisingly, Shoupe did nothing. Maybe it was because he knew all that JJ was going through and didn't want to add the that.

All I could do was cry. Not Sarah. Not John B. They couldn't die. Sarah, my best friend. My mind went through all of the memories we shared during our relationship and I cried harder. First day of middle school, making forts in her living room, riding our bikes together, having our first drinks at a party together. All these memories. I couldn't lose her. She was my sister. All I had. I could care less about Ward and Rafe right now. I needed Sarah.

They can't be real. I wouldn't let myself believe that this was real. There must be something Shoupe can do. He can't give up. He's stubborn. A little storm wouldn't deter him.

I walked to Shoupe, meeting his softened gaze. He seemed really affected what the news he just told us. "Can't you send out a search team?"

Shoupe frowned and looked to the ground. "No."

I scoffed, tears still rolling down my face. "Look at me."

Shoupe looked up, tears in his eyes. "No. I'm sorry Callie."

I turned red. I got all of my feelings, all of the hatred and sadness, and I spit at his feet. Officers instantly held me away from him. I kicked my legs, hoping to reach him but I was too far away. Shoupe tried to brush it off and say it's ok but they were already dragging me off, out of the tent.

I was scream crying.

Not Sarah.

I was yelling for JJ. He yelled back, following me and yelling at the officers. He the made the mistake of trying to grab ahold of one of them and he was instantly overpowered by an officer. JJ put up a fight though. At first he resisted but the farther he saw me being dragged away from him, the weaker he got until he finally gave up.

Not John B.

I could tell they were gonna bring me back to the second tent to calm down. I didn't want that. I'd been in and out of the tent several times now and I was tired. I was tired and being dragged around. I was tired of being manhandled by cops. I was tired of being made out to be a villain. I was tired and being told to calm down. And I was tired of living in a worl without Sarah. She had only be gone from my life for seconds, but I wanted to go back.

As I'm being dragged and as I fight back, I remember a moment from my childhood. Sarah and I had only been friends for about a year but she had twisted a boys arm for pushing me over. I remember her getting in trouble, but that's not why I remember the memory. I remember getting so anxious for Sarah when she had to go to the principals office and all she said was that nothing bad could ever happen to good people.

I wish that was true.

I wish that Sarah and John B. were here with us. Everything made sense when they were around.

When the officers tried to push me into the second tent to calm down I yelled again. "No! I wanna watch the sun come up!" I always felt close to heaven when I watched the sun come up. I needed to be close to Sarah.

It was still raining outside and my persistent nature made me get more wet by the second. The officers, who had to continue to drag me in and out, were very tired and I could tell that they were on their last straw. They both looked at each other, shrugged, and then nodded.

This time, I was not dragged and instead walked willingly back into the first tent.

I instantly searched for JJ. He was sitting on a bench, face in his hands. I could tell he was weeping.

I tried to make my way to him but I was stopped by my parents. They had ambushed me as I walked and smothered me with hugs. Although I appreciated, after a few minutes I pushed them off, saying I needed to be alone. The truth was I wanted to make sure my friends were alright.

Finally, when I pulled away, I tried looking for my friends again. But JJ wasn't where I last saw him. I panicked a little. I couldn't lose more friends. I scanned the tent, hoping to God they were still here and I hadn't lost them forever.

Finally, I saw them. Kiara was greeting her parents with a big hug and Pope was with his dad. They were hugging and crying. I tried to find JJ. I didn't have to look far because he soon made his way behind Pope. Mr. Heyward opened his eyes to see JJ and then motioned to him to come. JJ instantly moved towards Mr. Heyward, his arms open.

I smiled. Even though that wasn't his real father, I'm sure Mr. Heyward saw JJ as another son.

I looked back to my parents, who were still crying from the news. I knew I had to be with them now. So, I did. I went back to them and opened my arms, ready for a hug. They instantly wrapped their bodies around me. I was coddled. For the first time in God knows how long, I wasn't worried about my parents divorce or John B.'s innocence, I just wanted to stay here. Wrapped up in my parents warm embrace.

It's quiet here. The sun is rising and all I hear is the crashing of the waves. I close my eyes and think of Sarah and John B.

It's been 5 hours since I found out. The sun is rising and tonight it will be the first time the sun will set without Sarah and John B. I honestly don't know how I'm awake right now. I've been sitting on the dock near the tents for 5 hours since the rain let up, watching the sun come up in a world without John B. and Sarah, and I'm asking myself how I'm doing it.

I think it's easier when you don't have to stand on your two legs. I don't think I would've made it this long if I was standing. No one has come to bother me yet. JJ tried to approach me once, hours ago, but he never made it to the dock. He just stood a few feet behind me, watching me. I knew he was trying to make sure I was alright but didn't want to intrude.

My parents went home to grab some clean clothes for me and told me once they'd come back, I was coming home. I had to say goodbye soon.

I didn't want that. If I said goodbye, who knows when I'd see them again.

I heard footsteps behind me. My eyes fly open and I turn my head. It's Pope.

I try to smile but I only make myself start tearing up again. I can see the tears in his eyes too. He's walking towards me, his feet already on the dock.

"Hey." He whispers, his voice scratchy from all the yelling.

I nod at him, not being able to speak. J don't wanna speak in a world where my best friend is not in. It's not fair.

"I wanted to check up on you." He says, sitting down on the dock beside me.

I shrug. I can't speak. I can't say I'm okay and I can't say I'm terrible. Anything would be a lie. I try to speak once out of respect. "Hi." My voice is low and hushed and my vocal chords hurt from all of the yelling.

Pope looks away from me and watches the sun rise. "It's beautiful."

You look back to the sun. "It is."

Pope chuckles, looking like he remembers a fond memory. "I remember this time where I was watching the sun rise with John B. I was nervous for my scholarship and he told me something very profound for a reckless teenager. He said, nothing ever golden lasts. Just like the sun, it will set and the moon will come. Your feelings, they will pass and instead of the bad memories, all you will think about is the good ones. I miss them so much already, but this terrible feeling in your chest will fade. It will never be gone, but it will fade."

Tears slide down my face as Pope speaks. I look to him as he talks and he catches my gaze. This time I smile for real. "Thanks Pope."

Pope pats my back. "As for JJ," he says, looking back at the sun, smirking. "When something terrible happens to him, he distances himself from the people who care about him. We all deal with things differently."

I nod. Pope's right. "Never knew you were a relationship guru." I joke, playfully shoving his shoulder.

Pope smiless and gets up from the dock. He looks down at me and extends his hand. "Never thought a Kook would be my friend but here we are."

I smiled and grabbed onto his hand, letting him pull me up. Once I was on my feet, I opened my arms and gave Pope a hug. We stood there for a moment, just hugging and finally when we pulled away, I speak.

"Thanks so much. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Pope lets go of me and shrugs. "That's what friends are for."

And with that, he's gone. I watch him walk off the dock as I stand there, my legs terribly weak from sitting down for 5 hours. As I watch him go to Kiara and her parents and start speaking to them, something else catches my eyes. At first, since I see it in the corner if my eye, I think it's just a figment of my imagination but then, I turn my head and I see JJ walking towards me. He just exited the first tent and he's looking at me as he walks. I can't make out his expression, even as he comes closer to me. He has his hands in his pockets and he doesn't show any emotion. Finally, when he gets on the dock and closer to me, I see his red eyes. They're basically bloodshot which is probably what my eyes look like. I want to reach out and hug him and tell him he'll be alright but I don't want to scare him off. Pope was right; when JJ is ready, he will come to you.

When he finally is in front of me, he speaks. "Hey." His voice is low and raspy. I can't tell if he's trying to hold back tears or if his voice hurts, or both.

I nod. "Hi."

"I just saw your parents. They brought some new clothes and your phone." JJ says, looking down at his feet and pulling his hands out of his pockets.

I nod again. God, I wish I could say something to help him. "I should go then."

JJ nods. "Yeah..."

I awkwardly nod back and then proceed to turn around and walk away from him. I only get two steps away fro m him until I turn around and speak. "Do you wanna talk?"

JJ was looking at the sea, but as soon as I speak, he looks at me. I can see the tears in his eyes. "I don't think I can."

I nod, taking a step towards JJ and grabbing his hand. "I'm here for you. So is Kiara and Pope. Don't push your family away."

As I say this, tears are sliding not only down my face but JJ's. He doesn't say a word but he embraces me, hugging me tighter than before. We just stand there for god knows how long, hugging eachother and crying into each others shoulders. We don't say anything for a long time. There's nothing to say to make us feel better. Soon, JJ lets me go and brings his hands up to my cheeks. I smile through my tears and try to wipe them away. He's smiling back and crying too. Then, catching me off guard for a moment, he leans down and kisses me on the lips. It's only for a moment and I don't have time to kiss him back.

When he pulls away, he says, "I don't know where I'd be without you."

I smile again, my cheeks hurting. "Probably arrested."

JJ chuckles. "And what would you know about jail, Kook?"

I don't say anything but I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him back, savoring the moment his lips meet mine. "I love you."

JJ's breath hitches in his throat and I can hear him audibly gasp. My eyes fly open. I didn't mean to say it. It was almost as if my lips had a mind of their own. We're not even technically together and I've known him only for not even two days. How can I love him? I don't know but I do.

"Callie..."He whispers, grabbing ahold of both my hands.

I instantly tear the away, embarrassed by what I've said. I've chased him away now. JJ is definitely not the type of person the say that stuff, especially to a girl he's just met. I feel like an idiot. I've ruined something that could've been good.

"JJ, I'm so sorry," I begin to apologize, "I'm such an idiot -"

"Callie..."

"And sometimes I say things without thinking -"

"Callie!" JJ yells, for the second time trying to get my attention.

I instantly stop to hear what he has to say. I brace myself for what could possibly be the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me.

Finally, when he sees he's got my attention, he speaks, "I love you too."

I instantly smile, this time tears brimming in my eyes. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close. He instantly does the same and we're back to hugging each other tightly.

"Callie?" I hear my mother's voice from behind me and I turn around. Her and my father are standing right before the deck, watching their daughter hug a boy they've never met.

Once I see them, I let go of JJ and meet his gaze. He's back to acting pompous, his only defense mechanism when he meets people he doesn't know.

"I'm gonna go into the second tent. Kiara and Pope are there. I'm gonna sleep over at Pope's." He squeezes my hand one last time before walking by my parents and leaving me with them. I stay silent until I watch him enter the second tent.

Then I look to my parents. In my mother's hand, there are a new pair of black jean shorts and this time, an orange tank top. I look down at my dirty and still damp clothes and remember these are Sarah's clothes. I want to hang onto them for a little while longer. If I get rid of these clothes, it's as if I'm getting rid of the memories of her. My dad is beside my mom but there is a few inches between them, telling me they're back to their old shen again. I wonder why they haven't gotten a divorce yet. Love should be simple. It should he easy. My parents marriage was never easier.

Finally, I approach my parents and give them a quick hug before taking the clothes from my mom's arms. We don't say much, just stand there awkwardly.

Finally, my dad speaks, "So, who's that boy?"

I try not to smirk thinking about JJ. "I think he's my boyfriend."

My mom scoffs. "You think? Isn't he a Maybank? You really think -"

"I think," I sigh, cutting my mom off. "That I just lost my two friends and I dont wanna talk about it."

I try to walk past them but I only make it so far before my dad calls out for me. "We have your phone."

I stop and turn around to face them once more. I don't want my phone because I know there will be hundreds of messages from students at school and my family, all asking me about Sarah and John B. and I'm not up for that right now. But, I do have photos of Sarah on my phone and I'd really like to have them to look at. So, against my better judgement, I take the phone from my dad.

"Thanks. I'll get changed and meet you in the car." I fake a smile to them and they nod, walking away from me.

Once they're gone, I finally allow myself to open my phone. The second I do, as I guessed, I am flowed with missed calls and texts. Some people from school ask me if I got the $25,000. Some ask me if I've been kidnapped. Some even ask if Sarah and John B. are still alive.

I start going through my messages. Some of them are contacts from school or my family such as aunts and uncles, and some are unknown numbers. As I scroll and delete messages, I come across a voice mail. It's not a normal phone number, but one you would find if you were on a boat. The number is a four digit code and you've never seen it before. Better yet, they left a voicemail so I click on it to check who it is. I type in my four digit code to access my voicemail and then press play on the voicemail.

"Hey Callie..." it's Sarah. My stomach drops. I look at the time. This is after Shoupe told us they had died. I'm breathing rapidly. Sarah's alive? "I'm here with John B. and I want you to know we're okay. We're gonna be fine. I can't tell you where we're going but I just want to let you know I love you and I'll see you soon. Bye."

I not crying but I so surprised that my legs feel weak. I can't believe it. Once the voicemail ends, I turn off my phone and try to catch my breath. Where is she? Is she still on the boat? Is she on another one? Where are they going? I can't believe that this is happening. Two seconds ago I was mourning my friend's death and now, I just found out they're both still alive.

I instantly think of JJ, Kiara and Pope. I need to tell them. Now.

I run as fast as my feet can carry me. My feet are hurting but I can't stop now. I run up the hill where I was, past the first tent and into the second. Kiara, Pope and JJ are all sitting beside eachother and speaking. No one else is in the tent right now. The second I run in, their eyes look to mine. I'm out of breath and they all look concerned.

"Callie?" Kiara asks, confused as to why I'm out of breath.

"They're alive." I breath out, my breath finally catching up to me.

They all look to each other, confused now. I know they don't believe me. As they look at each other, I open my phone and go back to the voicemail.

I open it and before I can put in my four digit code, JJ speaks, "Callie, what are you talking about?"

I put in my four digit code and put the message on speaker. Once the message starts, I see all of their eyes widen. Kiara grabs onto Pope as Sarah speaks and I can see the tears in JJ's eyes. I grab his hand the second he starts the tear up and he looks at me, smiling. He's not crying because he's sad, it's because he's happy.

Once the voicemail ends, Kiara, Pope, and JJ look at me. They're all smiling. I smile back this time too. This is really happening. They're not dead.

"Oh my god..." Pope says, smiling like a madman.

I was smiling like that too. "I know. They're not dead."

"I can't believe it." Kiara says, smiling at me.

"We can't tell Shoupe." JJ says, looking at all of us. "If he knows they're alive, he'll never stop."

I nod. "Then there's only one thing we can do."

Kiara, Pope, and JJ all look at me, smiling but confused. I couldn't ask for better people in my life.

"What is it?" JJ asks, smiling at me. He reaches for my hand and I smile back, grabbing his hand. I'm so glad he's mine. After everything that's happened, JJ Maybank might just be the best thing to ever happen to a Kook like me.

"We wait until they come back. When they do, we do what we always do: we help our family." I say, smiling at my family.

They smile back.

I don't know what the future holds, but I have my family with me. And that's all that matters.

#jj maybank #outer banks #jj obx #jj outer banks #john b obx #john b outer banks #john b routledge #kiara carrera #kiara outer banks #obx #pope outer banks #pope obx #pope heyward #jj x callie #jj x oc #sarah outer banks #obx fanfiction #obx netflix

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blazingtheway · 3 years

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Tonight’s the night – All bets must be paid! – Storyline 9 – Together - Part One

↬ Embry Call ↫

Tonight, was the night, the keyboard and the guitar #Tony had left in the bar were loaded into the jeep. Along with my Nana’s guitar, if I had to 𝕊𝕀ℕ𝔾 in front all of La Push and half of Forks… I sure as hell wasn’t gonna do it without Nana’s help. It wasn’t like I hadn’t had a chance to play the beauty that #Tony had hired to the #HWH while it was in my care.

#Quil had arranged to get off work for the night because he didn’t want to miss it… and had promised to video chat with Bear and Mom so they wouldn’t either.

I flipped through the notebook I’d kept the line up in… and told myself not to second guess it. I had put #Tony and #Ness in the last two slots to close out the night on a high note. Then there were about ten people on the reserves for no shows. It was a good mix… though I had little hope for the few comedy acts that had signed up.

I climbed into the jeep and headed off to the bar… My heart was pounding a little… MCing the night was fine… Once I had the song behind me it would be a good night. I really hoped that Leah had a bottle Paul’s best stashed under the bar for tonight… or at least that black absinthe we drank the night we hit the club together.

The group chat buzzed in my pocket. I had been ignoring it all day because the guys were relentless about this! I had to chuckle though. They were all hyped for the show.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘Tonight’s the night!’ #Seth came out the back with a box of whisky and another of wine in his arms.

‘It’s going to be a rocking night.’ #Mac called out from behind the stage.

#Charlie stood by my side as we both cut up the fruits, and the citruses that would be needed. “As long as my ears don’t bleed, I’ll think it a success.” I told them.

The guys had been planning this open mic night for some time, it had been an idea to keep business coming in on nights that were slow. And today was night One.

‘Embry had the list, and he was going to make sure that the line-up is at least worth a laugh. We had a few interesting requests.’ #Mac told us.

‘I still can’t believe that ‘Bry didn’t try to get out of today.’

“He’s not the kind of guy to back down from a bet. He will pay up.” Smirking as I looked at the time.

Nodding towards the door. “It’s time.”

#Seth left the boxes on the side for me to stack the extra under the bar for later and went to open them.

Our phones were buzzing in our pockets, but I didn’t look to see what was being said. I knew it was the pups. They had been excited for the last few days.

“Well, if no one else comes. We know that we will have the guys and the girls over.”

#Seth laughed reading out a message.

[ 𝙱𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚏 𝙱𝚛𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐? 𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗? ]

I shook my head. The one thing I knew about Embry Call, he wasn’t one to back out of a deal.

↬ Embry Call ↫

Jeez!!! They were not laying off at all! But I was not about to give any of them the satisfaction of those little blue ticks. No way!! If they wanted to know how the night was gonna go, they’d have to show up!

Jake had to make the pup draw straws for who was patrolling tonight. This whole thing had kind of snowballed… But that was good. It was about getting a full house at the Clearwater’s bar on a Monday night.

I pulled up outside right as #Seth opened the door and shouted back inside. ‘He showed!!! YES! Twenty-five bucks richer!’ He tucked his phone back into his pocket and I rolled my eyes. “Were you betting on whether or not I would show up?” I glared at the kid as I stepped out of the jeep.

He clutched dramatically at his heart. ‘Hey, I was on your side I bet that you would.’ He flashed that too-sweet-to-be-wholesome smile of his.

“Just get over her and grab a guitar, kid!” I smiled and walked to the back to grab the keyboard and my grandmother's guitar. When I walked in, I saw the new guy and Leah behind the bar. “Hey!” I called to them.

“You guys ready for this?”

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥!’ The kid shouted out, more for the others than for me. I heard that Jeep rolled up into the parking lot before the doors were open.

Rolling my eyes i ducked under the bar to set up the glasses before standing up again. ‘I think that’s everything.’ #Charlie said drying his hands off. Before both of us looked over to Embry.

‘It’s looking to be a good night.’ #Charlie said.

And me? I gave a dead pan look. “If you break the speakers with your terrible singing, you are so working off the cost here at the bar.”

Giving Call the 𝘐’𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 sign with my fingers.

‘Lee, give the guy a chance will you.’ #Mac jumped down from the stage. And I scoffed at him. ‘Can I help you with anything there Embry?’

“I’ll give him a break, when it’s time for him to pay up.” Smirking I pushed a glass of #Mermaidspunk over the bar. I’d made it before ready for now.

“In case you need some liquid courage Call.”

↬ Embry Call ↫

I headed right to the stage and started the unzip the keyboard case; since it was the only thing that really needed any setup. I plugged it in and started to fire up the sound system. I looked over to the bar and shook my head. “I hope you put some moonshine into that, Trouble!” I chuckled and set the beautiful black guitar in its place. “Don’t you need a special license to sell lap dances?” I smirked at her.

I looked to #Mac and nodded. “Can you keep this behind the bar for me until I’m up?” I handed him the white case and he nodded. ‘You brought your own? I thought you’d want to play the one #Ton brought… you were drooling over it when we were setting up.’ #Mac chuckled.

“Oh, I will!” I grinned. “#Ness and a few of the guys want me to play from them. But I had to bring something special for my debut.” I laughed., heading to the bar.

I smiled at the new guy, extending my hand to him. “#Charlie, right? Embry… Welcome home. And yes, it's gonna be a great night.” I rolled my eyes at Leah and took a seat on a barstool, setting the notebook and sign sheets down in front of me. I lifted the cocktail and drank; I wasn’t giving Leah the satisfaction of knowing I never wanted to see this blue concoction ever again!

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

The excitement from both #Seth and #Mac was palpable and a little contagious, rubbing off on #Charlie too.

Me? It was trilling to see a plan coming to launch of course it was. But I was going to hold off on the back patting until we saw a few of these nights, and could see if it made a difference to the feet through the door.

‘Would you for once just go with the vibes of the moment? Let your hair down, have some fun? Look at the boys, do it for them.’ My wolf was lapping up the euphoria around us.

I had to remind her that I wasn’t into the vibes of the moment. I needed something more solid to hold onto. Which earned me a huff from her.

My eyes moved over to the bar watching it all unfold. And I shook my head. ‘Embry is taking this seriously.’ She noted at the same time as I did. “Do you really think I wouldn’t have some of Paul’s so called 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 in stock. But the real question is will I be stupid enough to give you any before the night even starts?”

#Charlie lent over the bar and shook his hand with Call. ‘There is magic under the bar?’ He asked looking a little confused.

Smirking, “I’ll let you into the secret later.” Which just made him laugh.

“Enjoy.” I told Call, knowing too well he wouldn’t say no to the drink.

Nodding my head over to the notebook. It was the first time I had seen Call with something like that. “What’s going on there?”

↬ Embry Call ↫

Leah was doing that internal conversation thing again and I tried not to smile when noticed. "C'mon!! I know I lost the bet... but that doesn't mean I shouldn't get some liquid courage before I pay up!" I teased her and finished off the cocktail in one go.

I looked down at the notebook and back up to her. "Just the contact details of the acts the setlist and a few ideas of where to slip in the back-up acts if someone doesn't show... and any of the acts that have backing tracks or need someone to play while they sing." I rambled off the list to try and stop myself from thinking of getting up there to sing.

"Oh, and I told anyone that I couldn't guarantee slot that they get priority if you guys do this again... I hope that's okay. #Tony and #Nessie are up last because the closing acts are the most remembered."

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘Wow there dude… slow down. I know people think these colourful fruity drinks aren’t much to look at. However, they pack a punch.’ #Charlie tapped in the bar, and then headed out to the back for some more glasses.

I stood there now, wiping down the counter. Smirking at the way the new guy was worried that Call wouldn’t make it through the night. “Yeah, slow down Call. Before the singing turns into a striptease. I’ve told you before, I don’t have the licenses for that yet.”

‘You should invest in them, keeping in mind how much Paul likes to undress.’ #Seth chimed in before moving towards the lights to test them.

Stopping I crossed my arms over my chest now, listening to Call rattle off his list. He lost me half way in. Tilting my head, I looked at him wide-eyed.

‘See, we knew Embry was the best choice to MC.’ #Mac clapped his shoulder. Grabbing a cloth to clean down the tables by the stage.

“Hmm… you are the music nerd here Call, if that’s what you believe needs to be done…” I shrugged. “Then that… is what we do. Is there anything… other than the moonshine. You need from me?”

The sound of voices and vehicles outside told me that the night was about to get going.

‘Hello beautiful people!’ A new voice, but one we started to recognise sang. It was #Tony who came rushing through the door.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I chuckled at #Charlie's suggestion to slow down. But said nothing he'd soon see how alcohol the guys around her can handle.

I turned to #Seth and laughed. "Do we really want to encourage #Paul to take off more clothes?" I asked with a quirked brow and saw the kid visible shudder at the thought.

I looked up at her and smirked at the stunned expression on her face. "Just don't scare off the acts..." I teased her. "Artists are sensitive. And keep the whiskey flowing." I winked at her; certain it would earn me a slap.

I turned back to the door when I heard #Tony outside. "Hey, Tony!! I knew you'd show up early!!" I chuckled. Just in time for a sound check."

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I shuddered at the same time as the kid. It was clear we both had the same image in our heads.

#Paul had this thing about jumping on the bar and dancing. And I was adamant it would not occur tonight.

“Wait. Is Paul on that list of yours? Tell me you did 𝘕𝘰𝘵 give him a spot tonight?”

Narrowing my eyes at Call my fingers found a bottle cap. Picking it up I flicked it to hit the back of his head as he turned to greet #Tony.

“I make no promises to either of those two things. You know what happens when people bug me.”

#Tony came to join Call at the bar. His soft boyish looks, with the music nerd charms, and shyness of the first time we met, came back.

‘Me… ye.. yes… sure I would. We have to sound check.’ He was speaking to Call, but his eyes were moving with me.

If I walked up bar, his eyes were there. If I walked down bar his eyes were there. ‘Hi… Hello, Leah.’ He finally got it out.

“Hey Tony.” I placed a can of soda on the bar for him, noticing the blush on his cheeks. “You look set for the night.”

↬ Embry Call ↫

“Hey!!!” I rubbed the back of my head. #Tony laughed. ‘She never misses, does she?’ He greeted me with a hug.

I grinned a sly cheeky smile to let her think the maybe... just maybe I had, before coming clean! “I did... but then too many serious acts signed up so... Lahote got bumped. Rachel was very happy about it.” I laughed.

#Tony was still a nervous wreck around her, but most guys were. “#Tony is always ready for a performance right?” he had already lifted the set list I left open on the bar and was nodding.

‘Hey, whose this last one? I've never seen this name before.’ he looked at me with a quirked brow.

“#Ness is a hidden gem believe me.” I smiled. “She just doesn't perform much... Or at all. Family gatherings, barbeques. She's only singing tonight because it's here.”

I patted Tony on the back and pointed to the stage telling him to climb up and help me with a soundcheck.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

“I guess I won’t fire you.” I told Embry before leaving the two of them to do their thing.

‘We aren’t paying him sis.’ #Seth mused and earned a roll of my eyes.

“Won’t stop me from firing him.”

Passing #Charlie with the glasses tray, I made my way to the office. There had been some invoices from today’s delivery I wanted to file away.

Pushing the door open, I made my way to the desk. Hearing the footsteps, I turned to look back at the door.

‘Lee, do we want a special cocktail for tonight? Like you did with the Mermaid thing?’ #Mac asked leaning into the doorframe.

I didn’t need to think long. “Why don’t we let the new guy pick something?” I asked sitting down in the chair and opening up the laptop.

‘Sure thing. I’m sure #Char will enjoy the opportunity.’ He winked and pushed off.

“Just remind him to make enough mix to cover half the night. The girls are all going to be here, and they always pump up the others too. So, we don’t want to be making the special to order tonight.”

#Mac saluted me, making me throw a pen at his head. ‘Ouch! Employee abuse!’ He laughed and left.

↬ Embry Call ↫

"You might once you hear me sing!" I laughed. "Volunteer or not."

#Seth laughed and shook his head. 'Wow... what happened to that over-confident, cocky Embry Call we all know and love!?' He teased me.

"That Embry doesn't sing!" I laughed. #Tony patted my shoulder before he headed to the stage. 'You'll do fine dude.' #Tony hopped up onto the stage and I head to the opposite side of the bar while he counted off into the mic. Leah had vanished to the back.

We made the necessary adjustment to the sound system and when I got back to the bar #Charlie had set a tall glass of something pink where my empty glass was. 'Try that and tell me what you think?' He smiled.

"Me? I'm really not the best person to ask about cocktails." I laughed and Charlie shrugged.

'We know who have the best taste when comes to this kinda thing.' Adding a little melody to the word 𝙬𝙚 made me quirk a brow.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘In coming.’ #Seth’s voice rang in my ears as I put in the last of the data on the accounts and turned off the laptop. Standing up, I combed my fingers through my hair and gave her a little volume. ( Not that it needed it. )

“I’m on my way.” my voice was low, and I knew he would hear me. “Here we go.” I mumbled coming out from the office and then out onto the main bar area. Stopped by the door, a little shocked at seeing a tall pink cocktail waiting before Call. “Who knew we could refine your tastes when it came to booze Call?”

Looking up and down the bar smirking as some of the locals had started to make their way in. my phone chimed, and I took a moment to check the screen.

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙴𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢- [ 𝙴𝚖𝚖𝚊 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕, 𝚂𝚊𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙴𝚖𝚖𝚊 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢𝚜𝚒𝚝. ]

I didn’t need to reply, all that mattered to me was that my young cousin #Emma showed up to look after #Kishil.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I tilted my head at #Charlie again and sipped on the pink thing. It tasted like strawberry, watermelon and not nearly enough vodka. "What do you mean 𝕨𝕖?" I asked, returning to the bar... and the new glanced from me to #Tony, who was turning red and watching Leah coming out from the back.

'Oh!!' #Charlie went a little pink now too... 'I thought you two were... Never mind.' he pointed between me and #Tony.

#Seth started to chuckle. 'Don't worry #Charlie... Happens all the time. This one looks the part... but he oozes toxic heterosexuality once you get to know him.'

I glared at #Seth but couldn't help it... I laughed. "It's the v-necks isn't it?" And #Charlie nodded animatedly in answer.

People started to trickle in slowly and I signed in anyone the showed up and was singing of performing tonight.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Tilting my head down but my eyes remained on the #Charlie and Call. Rubbing the tip of my nose with the back of my hand, to hide the smirk that was growing within me.

I wasn’t one to really laugh, and it was happening a little too much for my liking these days. Moving out from behind the bar, I needed to get away from this conversation.

‘Wait until you meet his wife.’ #Seth continued ‘they are really made for each other.’

The glance in the mirror shows #Charlie’s face full of confusion ‘The Wife, you’re married?’ He asked Call. Now I was really smirking because the scent coming from outside told me this was going to get good.

‘And I have arrived.’ #Quil stepped into the bar and laughter erupted. ‘What? What did I say?’

#Seth and #Mac were all but rolling on the ground. #Tony glanced over list and #Charlie, his eyes widened looking from Call to #Quil and back again.

“Spirits help me.” I muttered heading over to talk to some of the locals about the changes of the night.

↬ Embry Call ↫

"Speak of the wife and he shall appear." I teased, laughing with the others, as #Quil announced himself and came up to the bar.

'Please!! WE all know you're the wife. Not me." He rolled his eyes and hugged me.

"Oh, I beg you to explain why I'm the wife, because I do the laundry and make the coffee in the morning. Right here. In front of Leah. I dare you!" I smirked and #Quil made a zipping motion over his lips.

'Smart move.' #Seth chuckled. I heard a van pull up and that meant the pups were here, several familiar voices sounded from outside... all talking about seeing my Jeep and settling their bets with one another.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Hearing my name, I turned my attention back towards the bar area. #Quil was smiling and happy. The light kiss from the wind on my arms was all the answer I needed. He had been going through a hard time with #Claire. Not that the kiddo was giving him trouble, but more like 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 and the protector in him wanted her never to hurt.

‘Hey Leah.’ He waved from over there and I gave him a curt nod of my head in reply.

“It’s about time you got your hairy arse down here to have some fun.” I joked, making him shift on his feet. Seeing the tablet in his hands I knew he was going to call #Claire, and #MsC in for the show tonight. Ma was going to be with #MsC tonight too, as they planned for it to be a girls night for them. Before coming to the bar, I’d ridden out to Port to get them their favourite pizza for the night.

“Is that thing charged up?” and seeing him shift I shook my head and then jerked my chin to the back. “You know where the chargers are in the office.”

‘You’re a life saver Leah, thanks.’ He called out before running around the bar counter and into the back. And the pups came tumbling in threw the door.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I rolled my eyes at #Quil... of course, he forgot to charge the tablet. But before I could mock him Some came in that I knew had signed up for the night, so I called them over to the bar and get them signed in... told them the running order and they headed back to their friends to order a drink.

I'd already added Tony's name to the line-up. "Hey." I said quietly to Leah. "Is #Jess coming tonight?" I had already floated the idea of introducing #Jessica to #Tony. When it came to appearances #Jess was way out of his league, but she was sweet and the type to recognised a good person no matter how weird and awkward they were

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I finally made it behind the bar. #Charlie was actually managing the small crowd of people at there just fine. He had the ropes down in the little time he had been here.

Showing me the cocktail, he had created for the night, asking me to try it. When I took a sip, I raised my eyebrow. “It’s a Cranbury and hibiscus sour with a twist… of… Juniper?”

The keen sense of taste meant that I could pick out even the hidden scents and flavours in things. ‘A woman who knows her drinks.’ He laughed. ‘However, we need to give it a better name?’ Seeing his mind working until he had something. ‘How about #StarlightCalling?’

‘I like it.’ #Mac said walking into the back, so I grabbed the chalk pen and started to write up the black board for the night.

“Hmm?” Call’s voice made it to my ears, but I didn’t turn as I knew he was behind me. Once the board was done I turned to face him. “Jess? Yeah, she said she would be here after they close the practice. Why?”

And then I saw #Tony, and Embry’s match making idea came flashing back. “Are you really going to do that?” I nodded to #Tony.

I wasn’t someone who interfered in people’s life. Not unless they were heading off the cliff side. Or the spirits were kicking my arse to step in. But the rest of this lot. They were in each other’s business all the time.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I listened to Leah talk to the new about the cocktail. Strawberry and watermelon were kinda close.

"See that's a proper cocktail name... not like that last one!" I laughed, yes #MermaidSpunk was what I had called it, but I never meant for it to make it onto the cocktail menu.

I grinned at Leah and shrugged. "It can't hurt to introduce them, right? I mean #Tony gets too nervous to talk around pretty girls and #Jessica is more than capable of talking for too... so... it seems kind of perfect." I watched Leah, to gauge her reaction.

"Plus, you know if it led to anything he would worship her. And she loves to be doted on." I gave Leah my most charming smile. Setting up any Clearwater definitely needed Leah approval... on pain of death.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Charlie slipped another glass in front of Call. I changed it up before giving it to the boss lady, you know… best foot forward and all. Give this one a try.’

“Don’t call me that.” I told #Charlie narrowing my eyes at him.

‘Yes Boss.’ And then he rushed to the other side of the bar to serve.

“Do you think smacking him now is too soon? I should leave it another week, right?” I didn’t mean to ask the question, it was for my wolf who just rolled her eyes at me.

Shaking the thought off my head, I turned my attention back to Call. Listening to him plead his case. I knew what he meant. #Jessica was a mile a minute on the best of days.

“I’m not her keeper. She can made her own decisions. But… if his worshiping makes her change her plans for her life. I will have something to say. You know she is going to college; she wants to be a vet.”

And I hoped that she was strong enough not to let a guy change those plans she was working towards.

“Do as you wish. It’s just an introduction.” And I had to say, #Tony from what I saw was a good guy.

‘Where is my stage at?’ I dropped my head letting my hair cover my face before flipping it back and combing my fingers through it.

“Your stage is at home where no one can see you Lahote!” His wife walked around the front laughing as he stood there glaring. “Don’t make me ban you from here!”

↬ Embry Call ↫

"I think it's probably best if he knows what he's getting into from day one." I chuckled and by that, I meant that this place was family to her.. and hiring #Charlie meant he had an in for a spot in hers. Which came with an inevitable series of head slaps.

I lifted the drink and sipped. "Oh..." I was oddly surprised "Okay that one I like. Still needs more alcohol... but..." She knew I meant there was plenty for the human. But to us, it was fruit juice.

I shook my head and laughed. "Please! Like anyone could stand in #Jessica's way." #Tony wasn't the type anyway. "He plays a lot of gigs in Seattle..." I winked at her. "I've thought this all through."

I laughed at #Paul and #Rachel gave me the DO-NOT-give-him-the-microphone look. I looked at my phone and smiled. "Almost time!" And waved over a few more acts to sing them in.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

As #Charlie walked past me to grab some glasses, I smacked him up side his head. “Start as you mean to go on.”

I grumbled but I raised my eyebrow when he, fist pumped the air. ‘Yes! I’m in!’

It was #Seth and #Mac who started to clap and cheer. ‘Pay up.’ #Seth said and #Mac handed him ten bucks.

“Shameless.” I snapped at them, and they just bowed getting back to work.

Turning back to Call I shrugged my shoulder. “She is a Clearwater. But… sometimes she goes off the rails.”

Pouring out a drink for #Rachel and opening a bottle of beer for Paul. I had to shake my head at the look She was giving to Call. #Rach knew her husband too well. My eyes darted to the door, there was movement at it. Someone stepping towards, and then away from it.

“Hey kid, can you take this next order here.” I pointed to the next person waiting. And then stepped out from behind the bar, making my way towards the door.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I laughed and shook my head at the guys. They were taking bets on how long it would be before Leah hit the new guy. And they didn't let me in on it!!! I would have words later.

I held up my glass to #Charlie and grin. "Congrats! You're one of us now."

'One of us! One of us!' #Paul droned in the robotic voice, rousing a laughed from the gathered pups. I Slapped a broad palm down on his shoulder.

'Wait... what Clearwater are we talking about?' Rachel asked after she thanked Leah for her drink.

"#Jessica... and no! No, setting up... no meddling. I'm just going to introduce them and see what happens." I gave her the closest thing to a stern look I could give any of the prints and glanced over my shoulder to see #Tony talking to some of the other musicians. "#Tony is.... sensitive. So just let it happen or not happen on its own." I spoke softly to #Rachel, but I was acutely aware of Leah heading to the door.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

As I walked to the door, I could hear every word being shared at the bar.

Of course would want clarification on if it was #Jessica or me the conversation was about. Even with being human, nothing got past her when it came to set ups. Everything else she never heard. I tuned out from them all. Crossing my arms over my chest. I came to a stop just out of eye line of the doors.

Standing a few steps away, I watched and listened. Not just with my eyes and ears. But with all the gifts blessed on me by the spirits.

It was a girl, she was young, but old enough to be here. Her scent was the first this I noticed, human sure, but there was a light ting of anxiety mixed with it. The sound of her heartbeat was racing a mile a minute, but it was the muttering to herself that made me smirk.

‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ She whispered to someone, and he muttered back before coming in. She was nervous that was apparent.

I made my way outside, and she crashed right into me. My hands reached out catching her before she could fall.

‘I.. I… I—‘ once I was sure she was back on her own feet I cut her off.

“You’re sorry, I know.” She blushed beetroot in her face. “Are you planning on coming in tonight?”

She looked back towards the road and then me. ‘I… I…’ she wasn’t going to be able to talk. ‘You’re Leah!’ It wasn’t a question.

My eyes moved over the small case she was carrying. Too small for a guitar, I thought.

“Yeah… I am…” she blushed again her cheeks a deeper red. I had seen her on the Rez but hadn’t really spoken to her. ( I didn’t speak to many )

“How about this…” I said. “Come on in, sit at the bar with me, have a drink, and then see if you find your words?” I told her.

‘I don’t drink.’ She managed to say.

“Wow. She speaks?” Waving my hand in the air. “I have soda, and alcohol-free drinks too.” Nodding back towards the door. “Coming?”

Taking two steps back I stopped in the door way. “You don’t have to say a thing. Just sit, have a drink and watch.”

Her eyes were back on the road, but then I saw the deep breath she took. And then she followed me in.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I finished my drink and made my yeah up onto the stage to make the final preparations. #Tony jumped up and helped me. plugging in a laptop to the sound system and hitting play on his pre-gig playlist just to get the mood going.

It was instantly obvious the La Push was not used to live music when eyes started to turn to us as we move equipment and instruments into place, I positioned and bar stool in front of the mic. The first few acts we acoustic singers... it was a mellow start to the night.

#Tony caught my attention and whispered something to me. I nodded in agreement and headed to the bar... seeing the timid girl that followed Leah back to the bar.

I caught #Mac's attention and he nodded and went to grab my guitar for me while I took in the unknown girl and the instrument case she carried with curiosity.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

My eyes darted over the floor, noticing how as soon as the music started to play, people had moved away from the bar.

‘Hey Lealea.’ #Emily was coming up behind us with #Sam.

“Hey Em, Sam.” Nodding my head to them and letting them pass us by, Emily smiled big at the girl. ‘Hi Sumina, how is your mom?’ Raising my eyebrow. Of course, my cousin knew the girl.

‘She… she is well thank you Emily.’ She smiled but the nerves were still there.

‘It’s looking good in here.’ #Sam said. And I nodded towards the guys, telling him it was all them.

“So, Sumina…” pulling out a free stool for her before I made my way around the bar. “What can I get you?”

She pulled up on the stool and sat down. Her eyes moved from me to Embry and then #Seth. Those cheeks of hers red again.

Clicking my fingers in front of the two. “Don’t you both have things to do?” Rolling my eyes. They looked like they wanted her for breakfast.

‘Me... yeah. I’m right on it.’ The kid said and rushed back to the customer he was serving. Embry was still eyeing her up as I filled her a glass of soda.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I rolled my eyes when she snapped her fingers at me. Of course, she assumed I was checking her out or something. I smiled at #Sam and #Emily... but the second #Mac passed my heart sped up. Was I really going to do this? Sing... here? I exhaled heavily... but curiosity about #Sumina pricked at me.

"She's not on my lineup." I said as though I talking to the pup next to me, speaking so low that only wolf ears would pick it out over the music. "Find what she plays and if she wants to perform."

#Tony stepped up to the mic and started talking. 'Good evening La Push... Now I'm not your MC tonight. But since he was strong-armed into opening the show tonight, by our lovely host. Miss Leah Clearwater and her brother.' He pointed to the bar. 'I figured he at least deserved an introduction. So Let's kick off this shindig! With La Push's own Embry Call!!!" He clapped and everyone else joined in as enthusiastically as #Tony... he really was born for the stage.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I shook my head to Call, as to say not to push the girl. I didn’t do coddling of anyone ever, but even I could tell when someone had taken a brave step.

The way she held onto the case on her lap, I leant over the bar. “If you want, I could put that back here. It will be safe, and you won’t have to worry about it?”

But she declined the offer. Half hugging it as she set the glass down on the bar.

#Jessica caught my eye and had seems the girl taking a seat. Motioning me over to her.

“I’ll be back, if you need another drink.” I pointed to #Charlie. “Charlie will serve you.” He smiled at #Sumina.

Stepping around him I stood before #Jesica. ‘Cuz, it’s so good to see Sumina out tonight. She doesn’t get out much, helping at home with her family takes up all her time.’ And of course. #Jessica knew her too.

‘Her mom has M.S, and well, Sumina helps to look after her.’ My eyes drifted to the girl and then Emily, it was all falling into place. ‘She used to play the violin at school.’ #Jessica hadn’t stopped talking.

“Why don’t you go and make her feel welcome? Maybe take her to the table with the guys?”

Just as I said the words #Tony was on stage, and I heard my name with a few whooping sounds for Embry’s name. Rolling my eyes at #Tony, I shifted back behind the bar.

Reaching under it, I pulled out a bottle, filling a shot glass up I set it down beside Call. “Don’t say… I don’t do anything for you.” The moonshine was all he was getting from me.

“Now, it’s time for pay back Call.”

#Quil was out from the back too, and holding up the screen showing Claire, Ma and #MsC what was happening in the place before he went to sit down with a drink, making sure the mom’s and #Bear had a good view.

‘Did we miss it?’ #Kim and #Becca came rushing into the bar. Breathing a sigh of relief, seeing that they were on time.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I opened the case and lifted out the guitar. Smiling when she handed me the shot of moonshine, and I knocked it back. "Thanks, Trouble." I winked at her, but I was fooling no one with my heart racing in my chest.

I was never betting against Leah again. The only person here that ever heard me sing was #Quil and his teenager imprint #Claire. She had been four, running a fever and we couldn't get her to sleep.

I took my grandmother's guitar to the stage. "Don't let me down Nana." I whispered. I stepped up and sat on the stool in centre stage, nestling the beautiful white guitar across my knee. The hand-painted, white dove as perfect as the day my grandfather bought it for his wife.

I said nothing... I didn't know what to say... not right now anyway. So, I just play, #Paul let out another holler. Fuck... Everyone was paying all their attention to me I swallowed hard and just sang.

( Music: The Fray - How To Save A Life - Acoustic Cover )

youtube

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

My arms crossed over my chest; I narrowed my eyes at him. “Break a leg Dimples.” Sarcasm dripping from each word. Then I snapped my teeth at him. They thought they were whispering but I heard every word being said around us.

‘Did Embry just wink at Leah?’ #Kim asked.

‘Forget that… did he just call her Trouble, and is living to breathe still?’ #Jessica asked.

‘Wait. She just called him Dimples? Are we in the Twilight Zone right now?’ One of the pups asked.

But I didn’t pay attention, this was unlike us. But we had gone through a few things, right? He had called me a friend, right? Also, why would I kill him before payback?

As he settled himself, I got back to work. A few people still sat up at the bar, but most had moved towards the stage area. A glass in hand I was pouring an IPA when he started to play. It was nothing new to hear Call on the guitar, he was good at it.

But then… he began to sing.

The world stopped around me, the people froze and then the sounds around me were blocked out. My wolf sat up looking at him, just as I was she was speechless too. The door opened and a breeze of wind kissed my hot cheeks, making my skin react in a way I wasn’t sure of. His voice... it was… his voice… he could sing? Really well… the Spirits…. Tilting my head to the side as the words of the song he picked settled in my mind. Another song I knew so well.

‘Leah… Leah…’ a cool hand moved over mine to stop the tap.

“Spirits.” The IPA had over run. And I hadn’t even noticed it.

‘It’s okay, I’ll get the cloth.’ #Charlie said. And I was thankful that all eyes were on the stage and on Embry.

The local girls and some townies swooned, their bodies moving towards the stage. I shook my head, getting a fresh glass. As much as I didn’t want to listen, the more I was drawn into the sound. It was just like the first time I had watched him playing the piano.

‘Did you know he was this good?’ #Mac was the one to ask me. And I just shook my head.

‘He 𝙞𝙨 really good.’ #Charlie added.

↬ Embry Call ��

I'd chosen the song because it was easy enough to sing, I could play it on the guitar in my sleep. But her... In #Harry's namesake bar, surrounded by these people. Leah stood there behind the bar she literally bled for… to get what she needed to give this to her little brother.

After seeing her with blood splattered across her face... After learning everything she'd gone through alone...

"𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘨𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨?

𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵

𝘏𝘢𝘥 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦."

They struck deep. I had let her down all those years.

There were a few shocked faces in the crowd... and from the people that knew me... #Quil held up the tablet and I knew my mom and #Bear were watching.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I had moved towards the door at the back of the bar, resting my shoulder on the door frame. Listening to the words, the sound of the music, but more so. I moved here to feel and hear those who spoke over the wind. They were here, they were listening, they were feeling it all. They moved over the floor towards him, touching him to tell him.

‘𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖..’

Even if he didn’t hear them, I knew they were with him. The words of the song started to settle on my heart and mind.

𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵

𝘏𝘢𝘥 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.

And I knew… I was reading into something that wasn’t there. He hadn’t thought of me as a friend, not until recently. And ever since, he’d been there, shown up when I least expected him too. And yet music always spoke to me in a way people’s words never could.

↬ Embry Call ↫

The door of the bar opened and a soft breeze swept my hair across my face for a moment, until it swung closed again... but long enough for that phantom hand on my shoulder to make itself known.

It was then that I noticed the stunned faces were ones of happy surprise. My eyes dropped to the guitar in my hands and for a second, I could have sworn I smelled my grandmother's perfume. I smiled... I was singing in public and smiling?

I heard the message I had unknowingly meant to deliver when I chose this song out of a world of music I could have picked from. I searched Leah out in the crowd... she tended to get a little lost when she listened to music... the way I did when I played.

Something else I had overlooked for too long.

This was how I told myself that was over. She wasn't alone anymore. Whether she liked it or not.

The song ended and the pack were the first to start clapping.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

He was happy, he was smiling, even if his heart had been beating hard, there was an ease to it now. When I looked up again, my eyes found him looking right back, with those dark brown eyes of his, which took me off guard. I hadn’t expected him to seek me out in a bar full of people. I wasn’t used to being seen.

When the sound of clapping came, it took me a blink of an eye to pull those walls up and correct myself. With everybody’s attention on Call and the stage. It wasn’t hard to put my mask in place. The song was still humming in my mind, but then my gaze moved to the guitar he was holding. It wasn’t the one he brought out to the meetings, or the nights they were all at the beach or on the cliffs. It was white, with a painted dove sat on a branch of flowers. And when I thought back to what he whispered before he started to play and sing… The realisation struck me.

‘It’s Chenoa’s guitar.’ My wolf whispered and I knew it had to be. He was calling on his nana for her support and he was playing her guitar on the stage of #HwH. Embry Call had become the first person to play and sing in the bar we had opened to keep our fathers name alive, and something made him bring his nana’s instrument with him. There was something cathartic about learning this.

‘Gohiyudi ( Faith ), the path he is walking is bringing it all to light slowly.’ I heard the whisper of #TheGreatWolf in my mind. And I knew it to be true. But what path was it? and what did it have to do with his Nana and my Father?

↬ Embry Call ↫

#Tony came up to the edge of the stage and I handed him the guitar. There weren't many people I would hand this guitar to... but he was on that shortlist. Quil was there with the tablet and quickly blew a kiss to two of my favourite girls on the screen, but now it was time to do the job I had actually done this for.

#Tony was admiring the hand-painted dove on the Gibson. Not that I could blame him, it was a beautiful instrument… "Alright!!" I aid into the mic when I stepped back in front of the mic. "Now that's over let it never be said that Embry Call welches on a bet!" I laughed and took the mic from its stand.

"I would like to thank #Tony for the introduction, and stick around guys… Because he will be up later tonight and it’s not a show you want to miss. But tonight, is all about the music and the performers on this very, very special night. The very first Open Mic night here at Harry's Watering Hole... So, I feel like it is only right, to raise a glass..." I waved over #Seth, and he brought me a beer. "To the man himself... Harry. Never far from our thoughts" I held up the beer and smiled pointedly at Leah. Then lean forward to clink my bottle to the one in #Seth's hand.

Cheers of Harry's name rang out through the room.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

My eyes moved over the crowd as they all cheered and lapped up all Embry Call had to offer. Rolling my eyes when he said that he had paid up, I couldn’t help but feel he had been holding out. Had #MsC known that he could sing like that? Of course, she must have.

‘Leah, could you grab some of the tonic waters from the back?’ #Charlie asked, bringing me out of my head.

“Sure, is there anything else you need?” I wasn’t used to stepping back from the bar, and this had become a busy night. But the guy’s had it in hand.

‘No, that’s all thanks.’ He told me as I pushed off the frame, I froze.

Half turning my head back to the stage where Embry called out my Da. My heart stopped, and a lump grew in my throat when he found my eyes again. I had been thinking of Da, and now he was calling his name out as were the people in this bar? Some who knew him so well, and others who didn’t. But his name was being whispered on the air, and I knew it would travel with the Spirits back to his ears.

Clearing my throat, I didn’t do or say anything. Just found myself disappearing into the back and into the store room.

↬ Embry Call ↫

Everyone in the bar raised a glass or bottle and clinked against their companions, murmurs of respect and cheers of #Harry's name rang out. I wasn't surprised or offended by Leah making a swift exit. It had less to do with me than it did with her need to be alone with her feelings.

"Yup, next tonight we have and Fork's local Joshua Weber coming at you with an original song. Let's him a proper La Push greeting ladies and germs! Josh Weber!!" I called out enthusiastically into the mic and people clapped as #Josh stepped on the stage. I shook his hand before he took a seat on the stool in front of the mic.

I waited until he started to play before I motioned to #Mac for another beer. I want to the back to find Leah. Making good on that promise not to let her be unseen anymore.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

So much was changing.

‘Evolving’ my wolf corrected my thought. ‘It’s evolution Leah, growth. Something you tell the pups they need all the time. So why not the wolves too?’

Pushing the door to the store room open with my shoulder, I stepped inside turning the light on. The single bulb hung in the middle of the room, casting its light over the room like a ray of sunlight in a dark day.

‘That’s a little poetic for you.’ She huffed at me. ‘Don’t hide now, it was a nice thing Embry did. A sign of respect towards a man who gave him as much as he did you.’

I wasn’t mad at Call; it wasn’t something I could explain. How I felt when I heard the name of my father. It wasn’t anger; it was shame. At the sin I carry on my shoulders.

‘Not you sin Leah. Not—‘ she cut off as the sound of footsteps came from behind and his scent too.

I took a deep breath; how did he always manage to find me? . Continuing to look for what I came in out for.

“Is it fair payment if you knew you could sing?” I said without lifting my voice.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I chuckled when she turned to face me. "I never said I 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟'𝕥 sing. I said I 𝕕𝕚𝕕𝕟'𝕥 sing." My heart was still unsettled from being on the stage... not the talking part... that was no problem... but singing.

"Make my hands go clammy... and my heart race... " I shook my head and laughed. Holding out the beer to her. "I do not like it one bit!" And she was being overly complimentary... at best my voice was below average.

I knew she wouldn't want to toast to Harry... she'd had a moment alone with her thoughts. I held up my bottled and smiled at her. "To the music."

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

His heart stuttered, and I narrowed my eyes at him. Embry Call was one of the most confident in the pack. There was never a time I saw him react this way. Well, other than the time he looked up from the piano in his moms house, to find me stood in the door watching him play. How Mom had been the one to break the silence then.

“Hmm… Is a difference is there?” He was playing on words now, the way I did so often. He was learning that was for sure.

He held out a beer to me, making me raise my eyebrow. The sound of a new voice came from the front of the bar as the new guy started to sing. Looking from him to the bottle, I stepped up taking it, clinking it to his.

“To the music.” This I could toast without feeling like he was seeing something he shouldn’t. Taking a mouthful of the chilled beer.

↬ Embry Call ↫

She knew there was, she knew as much as I did, those words set to music always said a thousand times more than anything else. "You know there is." I saw what music did to her. That faraway look she got.

I tapped the neck of my bottle to hers when she reached out, giving her a smile before I drank. #Josh's voice was still travelling through the bar. "I better get out there before he's done." I almost reached and put my hand on her arm... but u thought better of it and dragged the raised hand through my hair instead.

"See you out there." I smiled and made my way back out front. Leaving her alone with her thoughts, I didn't need to hover to show her I saw her. #Seth was busy at the bar but paused for a second to give me a quizzical look. I just smiled and took up a spot next to the stage.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

“Hmm… maybe.” I said taking another gulp from the bottle before looking back over his shoulder.

Why had he come in here? To give me a beer? It wasn’t necessary. So…

“Yeah, you should.” I agreed with him when he said about returning to the front, and then he was gone.

I rubbed my neck pushing my hair back and over one shoulder. What was that about? I asked myself once again.

Finishing off the beer, I set the bottle down to the side. I would put it into the recycling later. Right now, I grabbed the cases #Charlie had asked for, returning to the front of house again.

‘Life saver Leah.’ #Charlie came to take the tonics from me. And I saw the kid give me a look.

“You, okay?” I asked him in a low whisper.

‘Yeah… You?’ He replied, then his gaze moved to the stage.

“Always.” Picking up an empty tray, the guys had the bar covered so I went to work on gathering the empties and listening to the guy on stage.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I knew that Leah was back out front, I heard her talking to #Seth. But I didn't look for her because I didn't have to. But also, because #Tony came up next to me, still holding my Nana's guitar.

"Dude." I chuckled. "I thought you were going to put that away for me."

#Tony gave me that look... the deeply thoughtful look he got when he had something to say... I wondered if it was something to with my singing. 'Do you know what this is?" HE raised the guitar slightly holding it in both had like it was delicate glass.

"It's my grandmother’s guitar." I said dryly.

'This is a limited run Gibs--' I cut him off... the awe in his eyes telling me he was about to say something I couldn't unhear.

"Tony." I was firm but not cruel. "It's my grandmothers guitar."

'Bry this is--' He started again.

"No... #Ton... I don't--" Joshua stopped sing and I looked at my friend again. "I gotta go. Please put it in the case for me." I clapped for josh and fixed a smile on my face as i climbed onto the stage to bring on the next act.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘Leah!’ #Emily reached out, she didn’t touch me but just wanted me to stop beside her.

‘This is amazing, you all have done so well. Thank you —‘ holding my hand up, I shook my head.

“You have nothing to thank me for. You just needed a night out. So enjoy it.” Leaving her I went towards the bar with my tray full of empties. Setting them down, I didn’t mean to listen. I wasn’t searching out their voices. But I heard #Tony and Call.

Frowning as I set the glasses into the washer. What was Tony trying to tell him? But Call, clearly didn’t want to know. My feet started to move before I could stop them and the next thing, I knew I was stood before #Tony.

“Hey #Tony.” Nodding to the guitar. “Let me take that from you. I’ll put it in the case and back in the office.”

Holding my hand out, showing the man this may sound like a question, but it was an order.

#Tony looked up at the stage towards Call and then to the guitar, and then to me again. Reluctantly he handed it over. “Now, don’t forget to get yourself a drink.”

My face had that look telling those in my way to move, and they did. The guitar held close to my body; I grabbed the case on my way. Taking them back into the office.

↬ Embry Call ↫

The next act up was one of the pups I had convinced to sing and another on guitar. Telling them it was for the good of the pack, making sure #Seth and Leah's big event was successful.

After I introduced them, I saw Leah taking the guitar from #Tony and taking it to the back. I knew the second #Tony mentioned the words 𝓁𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝑒𝒹𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 that he was going to tell me something about the Gibson's value. But it wasn't just an instrument to me...

When the pups stepped up onto the stage, I took a seat next to #Sam and #Emily, giving Emily a kiss on her scarred cheek. "It's great to see you out for others." I smiled at her.

'There was no way I was going to miss seeing you and the boys perform.' She set her hand on the back of mine. 'You really do take after your Nana.' My heart skipped. I forgot that #Emily would have heard her singing in Neah Bay. 'Stop hiding your light Embry Call.'

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I set the case on my desk and opened it with one hand, the other was still holding the guitar in it. The way Call had spoken to #Tony was out of character for him. He wasn’t rude to the guy, but at the same time he didn’t want to hear what #Tony had to say about the instrument. I think I could understand why. Sometimes the value and the recognition of an object, lay in the heart and soul.

I placed it down carefully into his case, but I couldn’t stop my fingers lightly glide over the painted flowers and the dove. It made me smile a little. The Dove was not painted on, from afar that was what it looked like. It was in fact made of Mother of Pearl. The shine and the glimmer under even the dim light in the office couldn’t hide its beauty. Closing the case, I left it sitting on the desk, before returning out to the bar.

“Hey, do you guys want to take a break? I’m happy to take over.” #Mac and #Charlie both stepped out from behind, leaving #Seth and I. But unlike other times when they would head in the back, or outside they moved toward the stage to watch. The two pups who were up there were talented, they had the crowd pulled in.

‘Leah…’ #Tony stepped up to the bar, and I poured him a drink. ‘I’m sorry.’ He looked a little lost, glancing back towards where Call was. ‘I wasn’t trying to… it’s just…’

Setting the glass down in front of him, I motioned him to come in closer.

“Sometimes Ton, we are all happy with what we know. He didn’t mean anything by it, you know what he is like. But something tells me, he is happy with what he knows of the guitar maybe?”

Who was I to know?

↬ Embry Call ↫

#Seth seemed delighted about how the night was going but Leah... I grinned to myself. She was being... well Leah. I shook my head, instead of saying what I thought out loud, I pulled out my phone and text her.

To Leah - [𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚎𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎. 𝙻𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝.]

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and turned back to chat with #Tony. 'How come I've never seen these two guys play before?' He asked watching the pups.

"They just only really sing at parties and tribal meetings... When we get together at my house." I answered. But the kids really were good.

'Seems to be a lot of hidden talent around here.' #Tony gave me a look. I smiled, nudging him with an elbow. "Shut up."

'You've been with me and band before... you never told me you could sing like that.' He raised a brow.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I set a fresh cold one in front of Call, and another soda in front of #Tony, the two were listening to the pups so I just knocked on the bar, so they knew their drinks were there.

“Who’s next?” combing my fingers through my hair, I combed it over one shoulder as a group of townie girls stepped up to order.

The song the pups were performing, had my lips moving until I locked down. But I knew I was okay as all eyes were on the stage. I got to making the #StarlightCalling a group of girls had ordered with, 1 ounce Vodka, 2 fluid ounce cranberry juice, 1 ounce hibiscus liqueur, with a splash of sours and a twist of Juniper and Orange.

Stopped before I shook the cocktail, as my phone buzzed. Normally I’d not look at it, but with everyone here but Jake and a few pups I wanted to make sure everything was okay.

Raising my eyebrow, I read the text twice. What was it with him and this thing he had about living in the now and in the moment?

‘It’s not a bad lesson to have.’ My wolf mused.

To Embry Call - [𝙽𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚜 -𝙻]

Hitting send I got back to work.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I didn’t know why but… I tuned into the kid's heartbeats while they played. They were fine… As far as I was aware they hadn’t been on a stage like this before and they were… Fine. How? My brow crinkled but I applauded with the crowd as they finished and headed up on the stage to bring on the next act.

“Up next we have a performer all the way of Port Angeles. And you have the joy of experiencing the beauty of an Open Mic Night. It's not all about singers and songwriters. On a night like this, you get to experience performances ranging from all kinds of genres. So, let's give a proper La Push welcome to Chloe who is going to play the keyboard.” I smiled and looked through the crowd.

As she weaved her way through shyly and mounted the stage. She looked nervous so I placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her as I led her to the bench by the keyboard, angled to face the clapping crowd.

She started to play, and I headed back to the bar. Checking my phone when I got there and laughed.

( Music: Maroon 5 - Memories (Piano Cover) - Toms Mucenieks )

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I leaned on the bar and spoke almost into the beer bottle. “Leah… What's the story with the girl with the violin? Do you think she’ll play?” I knew all the Spirit Warriors in the room that cared to listen would hear me.

I mean… she must have wanted to… she did bring the instrument with her after all.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Applause erupted across the bar, and #Seth whistled high nearly taking our eardrums out. Closing one eye, I tilted my head away from the sound. “Kid. Chill out.” But I didn’t mean it with malice. This was a big deal for the pups, they hadn’t played like this I didn’t think. For the Elders, the pack, the imprints sure. But people who they drank with? Nope.

#Mac and #Charlie made their way back from the table they had been sharing with #Jessica and some of the others. Both grabbed trays and started walking the floor correcting the empties, as I glanced over to the girl who Embry had introduced.

I shook my head at the way some of the pups leant forward towards the bar when she sat down, her eyes glued on Call, and then the keyboard. The moment she started to play, the lyrics of the song were right there, however she was playing it on a different tempo. And I liked it.

𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵

𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵

'𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴

𝘖𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩

𝘛𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺

𝘛𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺

'𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶

Setting beers and some shots down one the bar, my ears picked up my name. Chewing on the inside of my cheeks I thought for a moment before turning my back to find the bourbon.

“Sumina? Jess said she isn’t the kind to step up. Maybe you can use that charm you were born with on helping the girl?” My voice was low, only for our ears.

Embry had a point. #Sumina had come this far, she had brought the violine with her. “But don’t push too hard. If not tonight, she could try again next time.”

↬ Embry Call ↫

I listened to Leah as she spoke and kept working. I took a breath this girl looked like the broken bird type… The easily intimidated type. But there was something about her… and the quiet ones were always the ones that were overflowing with talent. I glanced at the guy beside me and smiled to myself.

I caught #Jessica’s attention and motioned her over with a nod. “Jess.” I smiled and heard #Tonys breathing stop as he noticed her. “Will you keep my buddy #Tony company?… I gonna try to convince your friend to get up and play for us.”

#Jess looked over at the girl still clutching at her instrument case. ‘Be nice!’ #Jessica had a fire in her eyes, that instantly vanished when she turned to #Tony and introduced herself. Now he looked like a broken bird.

I made my way over to the girl and took a seat on the stool next to her, trying to make myself seem shorter… I failed. “Hi.” I smiled at her. “I’m Embry.”

‘I know.’ The girl almost whispered. Of course, she did… the whole Rez knew who I was.

“So… I see you brought a violin tonight? But you aren’t on my list. Do you want to play?” I tried to make my voice gentle… It felt weird. The girl shifted.

“Okay, I’ll be straight with you. Leah and #Seth are both counting on me to make tonight amazing for the bar and the locals… And I really don’t want to let them down. I have an empty slot I need to fill. So, is there any way to get you to go up there tonight?”

It was a lie I would have to find somewhere to fit her in… but my gut was telling me there was a little bit of magic inside this timid creature.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Paul came to stand beside the bar, his eyes moving back to his wife at the count of every ten. “You know if you can’t stand to be ten feet from your wife, you could have just called over for the next round.”

He was a pain in my arse on most days. But when it came to #Rachel, #Paul was more than himself in every way. ‘That’s what I said to Rach, but she said I had to come and get the drinks.’

‘I got this one sis.’ #Seth stepped up with four bottles of beers and started to gather the sodas too.

“The cocktails too?” I looked at the kid with a raised eyebrow.

‘Nope, that’s you and Char.’ I smacked him upside his head and started on the next cocktail order.

‘Who is the girl ‘Bry is hitting on?’ #Paul asked and I shook my head, now glad that I wasn’t dealing with that one.

‘She went to school with Jess. Summer or something?’ #Seth replied. It wasn’t like they couldn’t all hear the conversation.

‘He doesn’t want to let you and Leah down? Since when?’ #Paul was teasing knowing he was being heard.

‘Have you seen my face? Who would want to let me down?’ #Seth countered.

My attention had refocussed on #Tony who now had a big smile on his face as he spoke to #Jessica.

‘Seth and Leah are my cousins…’ She was telling him when I heard their conversation. #Tony’s eyes darted up to find me, as I acted like I didn’t hear a thing, working on my drinks. But that look he was giving me, taking in the difference in the two Clearwater women he was glancing between.

↬ Embry Call ↫

The girl's mouth opened and closed a few times like she was about to say something, but no words came out. "Do you have any music with you?" The question was out before I'd really thought about it.

'Um...' she nodded. 'Yes, I do."

Words! we were making progress. She pulled out an old weather piece of sheet music. and held it out to me. I smiled and opened it, my eyes running along the bars... I knew this on. But the sheer state of this I had a feeling she would play it with her eyes closed.

I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet. pulling out a thickly folded sheet of music too. I handed hers back. "That's your favourite right?" She nodded. and I handed her mine, twice as battered as hers. "This is mine."

'I thought you played the guitar.' If it weren’t for my heightened hearing, I'd barely have heard her. It was hard to ignore the conversation on the other side of the bar too. "I do... but I was reading music before I could read." I laughed.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Rolling my eyes at #Paul, and his questions I set the cocktails in a tray in front of him.

“Here why don’t you take these to the table.” Pointing to the table behind him. “Do something helpfully instead of gossiping like an old mamma in the Rez.”

He grinned at me. ‘You just want my fine arse to service your customers Clearwater.’ Earring him another roll of my eyes, but he went and did it for us. By the time he came back, his drinks were ready.

‘Want to take your break now Sis?’ #Seth asked. I shook my head telling him he could go. ‘You know Mac and Char have got this. We can both go now.’

“I will after I get a few more drinks out.” I told him.

But I was staying close to see if #Jessica needed an out. As well as to listen in on how Call spoke to the girl.

#Jess seemed to be happy talking to #Tony a hundred miles a minute, and #Sumina, she had actually spoken to him.

Fighting the urge to look over towards them, I couldn’t help it in the end and saw the page he had handed to her, and then taking one out of his own. I hadn’t known that Embry Call kept a page of music in his wallet.

Something else I had never noticed around him.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I pried a few more words from #Sumina and I smiled at her as we spoke about the music. She held out the music to me refolding it back along the same lines as it had been folded into all these years in my wallet.

"Why don't you hand to that... pick what you would like to play tonight. If you did decide to get up there and then come find me and let me know?" I tilted my head slightly. "No pressure... Even if you decide against playing come tell me what you would choose. Just remember... you would be doing me a huge favour."

I let the blushing girl mull over my words and I caught #Charlie's attention. "Put this lovely ladies drinks on my tab for the rest of the night will you?" The new guys smiled and nodded.

'Oh, I don't drink.' she said softly.

"That's ok... but whatever you drink tonight is on me. Enjoy the show." I moved back over to #Tony and #Jessica she was laughing and touching #Tony's arm, He was bright red.

"You almost ready to go up Tony?" I asked retaking my seat.

'Are you singing tonight? Why didn't you tell me!?" #Jess beamed. And #Tony looked like a man that wanted to say. 'You never gave me a chance." But he was too busy trying not to stare at the girl.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

My phone buzzed in my pocket, I set the glasses on the bar taking the money from the girls. “Take it slow girls, it’s stronger than it tastes.” They were already red in their cheeks, giggling and their eyes moving over to the pups. Yeah… #Charlies cocktail was giving them all Dutch courage.

‘Sis are you looking at this?’ #Seth jumped up onto the back counter.

“Look at what?” Holding up the bottles of beers I had in my hand. “This is what I am looking at right now.”

‘The socials are blowing up. I just sent you a video of Call singing. He is trending in Forks and the surrounding areas.’ He was giving me that smile that he did when he wasn’t sure how I would take things. And he was right. Setting the bottles down, I took his phone to watch the video.

The Kid was right, and it was Call on stage. He was playing and singing, lost in the moment. The song was perfect for him, then I scrolled the comments and laughed. “They think he is cute? Don’t they hear him singing? Talented? A performer… no… but cute?” Shaking my head. When I looked up #Seth was still waiting for it. “What?” I asked.

‘Nothing…. Just….’ My kid brother shrugged his shoulders.

I knew what he was getting at. “Yeah… You still need to go and find this girl and have her take the video down…. But… let Call have a moment…” I felt #Sam come around the bar.

“I know…” I told #Sam holding a hand up. “Just give Call the night, let him see it and then the kid will sweet talk the girl into taking it down.” The look #Sam gave me was priceless, he just stood there smirking at me. “Stop it.” I muttered at him.

‘What? I didn’t say anything.’ He muttered back.

“Words.. no… But that face… Yeah…” Growling at him jokingly.

We couldn’t have Call online locally. Today… sure it was fine, maybe in a month and a year, but online videos had a way to resurface. And it would be hard to explain in ten- or twenty-years’ time why Call still looked the same if he hadn’t given up his Spirit.

Call had returned to the bar and sat beside #Tony and #Jessica. ‘And maybe Ton’s will blow up with his performance?’ #Seth whispered.

‘Doesn’t matter, we need that video down before the night is out.’ #Sam said and then with a handful of beers went back to his wife and their table.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I smiled between the two of them and nodded. "Oh yeah... #Tony here has a band. They're really good." I tapped #Jessica's shoulder. "Next time I'm going to a proper gig of his you should come along #Jess."

'Please!' She rolled her eyes at me. 'Like I would ruin my reputation being seen alone with a scoundrel like you!' Her expression softened like some flipped a switch and she bounced on the balls of her feet. '#Tony can take me!' her voice rising in pitch. 'You'd take me, wouldn't you? It would be so cool to see you play with a whole band!'

And boom! there it was! Of course, in #Jessica's mind, this meant nothing more than going to see him play.... but #Tony was one of those guys that to know him was to love him... one way or another... I just needed to make sure he didn't trap himself in the friend zone.

I had been so focused on them that I hadn't heard much of the conversation behind me before I had to get back on the stage to bring #Tony on.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘Break?’ #Seth asked me again and this time I nodded my head in agreement.

‘Why do you need back up with a loca?’ #Mac was the one to tease him, and smack him in the middle of his shoulder blades.

The kid of course played the part well, acting like #Mac’s hand stung him when we knew it was impossible.

‘Here, take a beer.’ #Charlie slid two bottles to us and pushed us out from behind the bar.

Standing there my eyes took another wonder around the place. #Seth and #Mac had been right; this was working well. Bringing the bottle to my mouth I almost choked when I overheard my younger cousin call Embry Call a 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙡.

“She has the Clearwater BSdar, that was for sure.

‘Leah? Did you know Tony could sing?’ #Jessica asked me as I walked past them.

I combed my fingers through my hair, rolling my eyes at them. “Yeah, I knew, and… he is pretty good too.”

#Jessica’s hand flew up to rest on her chest. ‘In Leah language that means you’re amazing.’

#Tony’s cheeks and ears burnt a deep crimson and his eyes fell on the soda he was nursing.

“I said no such thing.” I muttered making my way to the far side of the stage, finding a spot in the dark and out of the way.

My breaks were always taken outside, with the night, the Spirits, and the moon if she was up. But tonight, I’d sit by a window instead, I wasn’t going to miss out on the atmosphere created by a live performance.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I climbed up onto the stage applauding the act that had just finished. I pulled the mic off the stand and grinned out at the crowd. "Okay people.... Now we have a real treat for you we have another talented singer-songwriter coming up to perform another original song for us."

I caught #Tony's gaze as he swiped his hand across his throat telling me to stop. He had signed up with a Hozier cover... But there was no way I was letting him sell himself short like that. Even if he played and sang that song brilliantly.

"Let's give up for #Tony singing Only When I'm With You." People clapped and I watched #Jess nudge a tomato red #Tony towards the stage. Ever the professional he moved, even though I had blindsided him he leaned in as I passed him at the side of the stage. I didn't give him the chance to speak. "Don't think, Ton... just play. Trust me."

Tony stepped up and started to play.

(Music: Warren Attwell "Only When I'm With You" )

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↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Climbing up onto a table I sat with my back against the wall and the window open. Combing my fingers through my hair I pulled it over one shoulder, letting the cool breeze dance over my hot skin. I turned the cap of the bottle and opened it, taking a long drag before I turned my attention back into the room.

My eyes moved over all the pack who were here, the imprints they were all having a good time. My lips curled up when I saw #Quil still talking on the tablet, #Bear, #MsC and Ma were still on and watching. I’d expected them to log off once Call was done, but from the conversation I could hear they were enjoying the show. #MsC, got a little excited when she saw #Tony taking the stage.

My eyes followed something happening between Call and #Tony. Something was off there, a conversation without a 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯? And when he started to play and sing, it was all forgotten.

I glanced at #Jessica, who had taken a seat next to #Emily. Whispering in her ear and smiling. So, it was fair to say she was okay with the introduction to #Tony. She sat forward listening to him singing, the guy was good. He was really good.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I watched #Tony smiling and waiting for that moment where he let the music take over. The second the calm came over him, #Jessica started to toy with the necklace she was wearing, and I grinned. I knew she was a good pick... even though she was one of those obviously beautiful types.

I looked around to see where Leah was, and I spotted her by the window and smiled... I knew she would appreciate the song, it was one she never would have heard before.

But #Sumina seemed to be edging her way towards me trying to get my attention and not at the same time. I gave her a smile and motioned her over. she weaved through people to get to me, clinging to her violin. "Did you decide what to play?" I asked assuming that she would.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Closing my eyes, I sat there trying to place the song. But I couldn’t. Why? I knew most the music people would pick to listen to, not this one…

𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶... 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺....

‘Just let go, isn’t that what Call asked you to do? Listen and take it in.’ My wolf lay her head down, listening with me.

𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦....

I heard turned my head towards the outside when I heard his bike coming down the street, it wasn’t long before he’d pulled up and his eyes found mine looking back at him. He came slowly running over to the window, resting his elbows on the ledge.

‘Did I miss her?’ #Jake asked leaning in, and I shook my head, now understanding why #Jarde had left.

“No, you are in time.” I told him, as he pointed towards my beer, and I handed it to him.

‘Thanks, I need a drink.’ He downed it all in one. ‘Who is the guy singing, he is really good.’ He asked.

“A friend of Call’s, and he is...” The two of just watched and listened to #Tony, and then the crowd erupted clapping and cheering when he was done.

↬ Embry Call ↫

Looked around to catch Nessie's eye, she was waiting for me to spot her and nodded her head approvingly at me. She knew she was meant to go on next, but she clearly approved of me squeezing the girl in between the two of them.

I spotted #Jake coming in and grinned. I knew he wasn't going to miss her hitting the stage. Even if he heard her sing all the time... tonight was different. The way for Leah and #Seth... and #Harry was in everyone's mind tonight too.

The crowd went crazy for #Tony and I called too... whistling and cheering for him. #Jessica gripped my arm and squeezed with her tiny hand. 'He's so good!' If it wasn't for my heightened hearing, I wouldn't have heard a word. I nodded and smiled in the way that said I told you so.

As I headed back up to bring on #Sumina, hugged #Tony as we passed each other. "Told you!" I said. "Go let Jessica buy you a drink." He looked at me confused. "Just do it." Patted his shoulder and stepped back up to the mic.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Jake went up behind #Ness, but of course she knew he was there at the same time as I did. Still the way he engulfed her and lifted her off her feet, had me shaking my head. These two were always expressive, as I guess were all the wolves and their imprints.

After seeing #Sumina moving towards the stage, I moved my eyes outside again, listening to the whispers on the air who were happy and contend with the way these things were going.

‘Here you go.’ I jerked my head back into the bar and looked at the man stood beside me holding a bottle of beer out on offer.

Raising my eyebrow at the townie, I tilted my head to the side. ‘I saw how you gave your beer to your friend.’ He gestured towards #Jake.

“You have a keen eye, but if that’s true you would know that I work here so I have all the drink I want.” Now he gave me a pearly white smile.

↬ Embry Call ↫

Grinned seeing #Ness and #Jake when I stepped up the mic, people were still clapping. "Thank you very much #Tony! Everybody should watch this space because there's a good chance this guy will be back here with his band and full setlist very, very soon."

I watched #Tony made his way to #Jessica with a broad smile and I really hoped he'd ask her for her number before the night was out. But that was one step I couldn't push him to. He had to get there on his own... or maybe #Jessica would.

"And up is another local talent, from right here in La Push. Playing an old, beautiful classic on violin... Please welcome. Sumina." I had no idea what her last name was. She hesitated at the side of the stage, so I reached out my hand and helped her step up. I lowered the mic for her and gave her an encouraging smile and whispered. "Just breathe." as she settled the violin against her collarbone."

As I stepped down, I heard the line Leah gave the guy that was coming on to her and I laughed to myself.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

“ Violin…” of course that’s what was in the case. It hadn’t really occurred to me until now, it was the perfect instrument for such a shy girl.

#Sumina took a couple of deep breaths, she listens to Call’s advice.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone play the violin.’ The guys voice brought my attention back to him. He was still stood before me with the bottle held out.

“Well, here’s a good time to educate yourself in some culture.” I took the bottle of beer, but I didn’t drink from it.

‘And she takes the beer finally.’ He teased shifting his weight, attempting to sit down on the table beside me.

“She has… but she didn’t invite you to join her… so, thanks for the drink… I’m going it alone tonight. I don’t 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 where I work or live.”

↬ Embry Call ↫

I kept my eyes on the girl on the stage. She took a deep breath and lifted the bow. AS soon as she started to play I found #Quil.... it was late but Mom and #Sue were still on the screen and #Claire looked sleepy on the other half of the screen.

'Her Mom said it was okay." he assured me.

"Make sure they see this." They could really hear us over the sounds of the bar so I typed out. [This one is for you Mom.] and hit send. I heard Leah blow the guy and went back to where she stood. Stepping between her and the guy and perching on the table where he had attempted to sit.

"Who says you have to go it alone?... there's talk among the pup about heading to the sanctuary after closing... you could join us when you're done here." I spoke to her and completely ignored the guy.

#Sumina made the bar fall silent other than her playing.

(Music: J. S. Bach: g-minor Sonata No. 1: Siciliana | Sumina Studer )

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↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Raising my eyebrow, I watched Call interject. He put himself between something he would never have. The guy looked between us in shock, lost for words. And knew he was dismissed.

My first instinct was to bite his head off.

‘Don’t you dare...’ she growled inside of me. Making me internally roll my eyes at her.

Parting my lips l, I stopped myself from saying what I was. He was inviting me to the sanctuary again?

The sanctuary was the Nick given to #Quil and Call’s home. They had an open-door policy ( as in the door was always open ), for the pups and anyone who needed some place to go. It had been the only place the pack had until #Seth and I opened #HwH.

“Maybe…”

Is all I said because #Sumina started to play, and the sounds whispered to me, and I was pulled into listening to just her.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I smirked... 𝑀𝒶𝓎𝒷𝑒... that was a new one. Further away from a 𝒩𝑜 than I was expecting... But I'd take it and wait until the end of the night.

I watched the girl play, that composition... was one my grandfather played a lot on the piano that now sat in my mother’s living room. "I knew she had a little magic in her." The thought slipped out loud without my intention to voice it.

She was amazing, and eventually, the music even took the shy, stiff stance she had in the centre of the stage. I looked over my shoulder and Leah and whispered... "It's always the quiet ones." Just before the whole bar erupted into applause and the girl turned bright red.

I rushed up to the stage to get to her before she made a run for it.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

“Hmm.” A 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘, was the understatement of the moment. She was talented. The way she played took you on a journey you didn’t even know you were willing to travel.

It hadn’t been a piece that I knew, but it was going to be one that would become a part of my life.

I broke the magical connection with the music when she stopped and turned my eyes to Call.

“The open books too...” I whisper right back at him. He hadn’t asked, and I wasn’t going to divulge information. But he had taken the stage by storm too.

‘Leah?’

I heard my name being called from behind the bar, so jumping down I made my way back to work. The sound of the violin unforgotten.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I rested my hand on the stunned girl's shoulder as she backed away from the mic. "That was amazing!" I smiled at her and then stepped up the mic. "Ladies and gentlemen! One more time for Sumina!!"

She managed a smile and slipped away off of the stage. "Well, it looks like we'll be ending this night on one hell of a high note! Because we have yet another hidden gem for you all. The #HWH is proud to present to you... Nessie Cullen!!!"

People clapped and I watched her spin her tiny form around in #Jake's arm and kiss him before she slipped free ad made her way up the stage.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Patting #Seth on his shoulder when I walked past the table of girls he was sat on. Charming them with his smile, but I knew what he was doing.

‘Need me back?’ He asked, the girls pouting up at me hoping the answer was No.

“Nah, we can manage.” I replied and continued to the bar.

My head turned back again, and I smirked. I hadn’t thought that #Ness would perform, she hadn’t been the kind to show off her talents. Hiding them just as her father did.

But she stepped up into the stage, smiling, a hint of rosiness visible in her cheeks.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I moved the keyboard while the pack all roared for the woman, we all watched grow up too fast. Her heart was beating fast... but that was how it always was with her... Her confidence was unshakeable. But the extra flush of pink in her cheeks made me wonder. I pulled away the stool knowing she preferred to stand when she played.

"Knock 'em dead, short-stuff." I whispered to her and stepped down and she dragged a hand through her dark hair and started to play. I went to stand with #Jake now and #Ness played, she didn't even glance at her fingers before she started to sing.

( Music: Monsters (Acoustic Version) )

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↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Just as I got to the bar, I had my hands around the bottle of whisky and poured out the four shots #Mac was going to grab next. ‘Thanks Lee.’ He took them from me and slid them over to his customer. I had to say, having the new guy on the team was making it so that the rest of us didn’t have to move like crazy. ( I was kind of missing it. )

As #Ness took her place, I pulled my phone out of my back pocket. Hitting my contacts and then the call button. I didn’t care about the time difference; I knew he would be up. The call was answered within two rings, and his pale face was looking back at me.

‘Leah? Is everything okay?’ #Edwards topaz eyes looked worried because I didn’t really call him unless there was a reason.

“Everything is fine.” I tapped on my ear to tell him to listen. Flipping the camera on my phone, I set it down so that he could watch and listen to his daughter. I wasn’t sure why but knowing this was #Ness’s first time up on stage. I thought he should see it in real time.

↬ Embry Call ↫

#Nessie's voice was incredible. it had this haunting quality that made everyone stop and listen. like they were doing right now.

"She's so good." I smiled leaning over to nudge #Jake with my arm. 'She's amazing' He watched her with that look he got only when she was around. 'That's my girl.' he whispered as she swayed to the music she was playing, her eyes closed as she sang.

I glanced over at Leah holding up her phone, and I knew she wasn't recording. I grinned, she really was the best of us... second maybe to her brother but it was something she never got credit for. Probably because she never asked for it.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Esme, #Bella, #Rose were the next to come into view of the screen. #Edward moved to give his mom the centre seat. And I knew even if the others weren’t in view of their camara, they would all be watching if they were there.

I set the phone to the side and started to move towards the other side of the bar. My ears not once listening to anything other than #Ness. The girl on stage who I had watched grow from a baby into this beautiful woman in a matter of weeks and months, was in her element. And it had been her father and her grandmother, who had taught her how to play.

‘Leah?’ #Charlie pulled my attention. ‘I’m just going to head out back for some sodas, do you need anything?’ He asked, and I shook my head. Telling him I was all good.

↬ Embry Call ↫

When I got up on the stage I stopped #Ness and whispered my idea into her ear. She nodded and looked at #Tony lingering shyly by the stage, until the pale beauty winked at him and invited him on to the stage, #Jess was standing right by the edge of the stage now.

#Ness shifted the keyboard to the end and blew #Jake a kiss. "Since you have been such a great audience tonight, we thought we would give you one last treat." I said into the mic while #Tony grabbed a bass guitar from the rear of the stage.

I stepped back and gave him the centre stage. And grabbed the gorgeous, sleek black guitar and set up behind the two of them.

"This one the dedicated to the owners and staff... without them tonight would not have been possible... So #Seth, Leah... #Mac and the new guy #Charlie. From every artist here... This one's for you.” #Tony's unshakable confidence when he stood on a stage making an instant come back.

He nodded to #Ness and she started to play the intro... then #Tony sang.

( Music: Coldest Water (Acoustic) – Walking on Cars )

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↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Seth and I exchanged looks. ‘Wasn’t Ness meant to be the end of the night?’ He was stood beside me now, and I shrugged my shoulders.

“It’s Call, who even knows what’s happening in his head?” I asked picking up the tray to go grab the empties. “And Is it done?” I asked the Kid, who nodded letting me know that #Tony blew the girl away, who now had her eyes glued on the stage, and her phone was pointing out too. “So much for living in the moment.”

As there was movement on the stage, I stepped up to my phone to disconnect the call. #Esme was holding her chest and said thank you for thinking of them, but then stopped talking when they heard what we had. Raising my eyebrow when heads started to turn towards the bar. #Seth and #Mac took big bows, leaving #Charlie and I looking at each other and me rolling my eyes.

“I guess the show isn’t over.” I said to the guys and the Cullen’s, as the song started and #Tony came into himself once again. He became so much more of himself with a mic before him.

‘Sis, you like this song.’ #Seth whispered.

“I like a lot of songs.” I replied, stepping out from behind the bar. I went one way and #Charlie the other.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I couldn't help but smile as #Ness seamless harmonised with a guy she'd never sung with before. And I contributed a litter with backup up vocals. But this show was #Ness and #Tony's.

But the three of us singing and playing together brought a memory of a time when I believed that maybe this... or something similar... could have been my life. Not that I had any regrets about the path I was put on.

The crowd clapped and #Tony closed out the night with a booming;

'𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕃𝕒 ℙ𝕦𝕤𝕙!!!! 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥!!'

#Ness kissed him on the cheek, and he flushed a brighter red than I had ever seen. then she jumped... literally, jumped off the stage into #Jake's waiting arms.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Watching the three of them and the way they just seemed to know where the other would be needed. It was as though they have been performing together for a while.

‘They are so good.’ I could hear some of the pups saying and cheering.

My eyes moved to #Jake and he was lost in watching #Ness. And Embry Call….

I tilted my head to the side, finding the tablet before #Quil, #Bear was gone now. But Ma and #MsC were still watching, smiling wide as the Wife’s.

I clapped with the others, not part taking in the wolf whistling of course. Shaking my head.

Speaking out low to #Ness, telling her, her family were on my phone at the bar. I knew she heard me when she dragged #Jake towards the phone.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I clapped a hand on Tony's shoulder and grinned at him. I nodded towards #Jess... indicating for him to go to her. 'Oh, I can help out.' He offered. 'We should put some music on until the place closes.'

"I'll do it go get the girl." I grinned and shoved him toward the side of the stage gently. I move to the back of the stage to play music from the laptop hooked into the system.

I glanced back at #Jake and #Ness and the Alpha peppering her face with kisses... I wondered if he knew Leah had her parents on video chat.

Then I made my way back to my usual spot at the bar.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Emily and #Sam stood up. I was surprised they had made it to the end of the show. “Are you both heading out?” I asked as I last them.

‘Emma is babysitting, and Sam needs to drive her home.’ She squeezed my hand. ‘Uncle Harry would be so proud of you and Seth.’ She smiled. I nodded my head once as they said their good byes and make their way out.

‘Shots!’ #Paul jumped up and ran to the bar.

“Here comes the after show.” I muttered to #Rachel, making her laugh.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I heard what #Emily said to Leah and smiled. I stopped the pair on the way out to say good night and laughed when #Paul rushed up to the bar and shouted out for shots.

It did not take the pups long to gather around and going in. I smiled at Leah and laughed. "I think it's time to break out the 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 stuff." she knew I was talking about #Paul homemade moonshine. "To celebrate what was clearly a very successful event." I offered up as a very valid excuse.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

#Seth looked over to me and I shrugged. ‘Embry is right, we should all celebrate tonight.’

I found myself taking a few steps back. “I never want to hear those words in the same sentence again!”

Everyone who now made their way to the bar laughed. ‘Oh, come on Leah, give him a break. Embry did an amazing job.’ #Rachel pulled at his cheek and hugged his arm.

Nodding to the place, so #Seth knew where the bottle was hidden.

“I’m fine with the celebration, but nope on the rest.” Smirking, I was looking directly at him. “He did okay tonight.” That was about all he was going to get with an audience watching and listening.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I laughed at Leah... some things would never change. But I knew the reason she wasn't gushing praise was because;

A: It wasn't her style.

B: she wasn't surprised, if she didn't think I could pull off a great show she wouldn't have asked me to do it in the first place.

And C: she knew that even though I lost the bet... I'd won tonight and she would never admit that. That thought made me flash her a smug grin as her eye met mine... so many words simmered behind them.

I turned to #Rachel and #Paul and asked, pointedly making sure both #Seth and Leah heard. "What did you guys think of #Tony? Hell of a voice, right? And with his band behind him..." I shook my head and made a mind blown gesture with my hand.

'He's in a band? Leah!" #Rachel said excitedly. "You hire them for a night! it would be amazing!"

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I saw the look Embry gave me, and I could hear his voice in my head. Why? Why could I hear him laughing and telling me I knew he rocked this night?

‘Keeping in mind how he has been showing up at home, are you really surprised?’ My Wolf asked. And I knew she had a point. Grabbing the tray full of empties, stopping to turn back to Rachel. I had to give Embry that glance which said 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮.

“Yeah, Tony is in a band.” Moving around #Mac to make my way into the back. “And they are already booked up, not just for a night either. #Tony and I have spoken. He is excited to have a new venue, for him and his band to test out the new stuff.”

#Mac and #Seth high-fived one another earning another eye roll.

‘This is for sure Something we should all drink too.’ #Seth pushed the glasses out. The moonshine was only for the pack, the others all got tequila. And I went to fill the glasses in the washer.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I grinned and let them all talk about #Tony. But when #Seth started to pour the shots and Leah... like always ducked out of the celebration. Because she never took her glory.

I ducked under the end of the bar and cut her off. If she was anyone but Leah... I'd have taken the glasses from her and led her back. But this was 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕙 ℂ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣...

So, I leaned and whispered low enough that with the music and people chattering meant that only she would hear. "This is #Seth's win, Leah... and #Mac's. Just drink with us, please?" Then I stepped out of her space... which was harder than it should be... she smelled so good... and made my way to my spot next to #Paul.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

A frown kissed my brows as they moved together. What in the name of the spirits was Call doing. A low growl was about to escape when he cut me off. But at least he didn’t dare to full on stop me.

I snapped my teeth, about to give him a comeback. But she stopped me. We turned to look at the kid, the smile and laughter, the happiness, and the joy. And then there was my friend, a true friend to both my brother and me. #Mac looked as happy as #Seth.

‘How does Embry get it, but you don’t?’ She asked. And I kept going into the back. ‘Come on Leah, why hide from the kid and Mac?’ She asked.

So, I set the tray down beside the washer. Making my way back out, I just stood to the side. The kid knew I was there right away, his shoulder brushed mine and he set a glass in front of me. ‘To an amazing success of the opening night here at #HwH.’ #Mac toasted.

↬ Embry Call ↫

That snap of her teeth made me chuckle... a little nervously... but still a chuckle. The guy all looked at me like they thought I was pushing my luck with Leah. And I was.

Oh boy, I was!! But there that impossible to ignore hand on my shoulder and that promise I made to myself to stop letting her step into the shadows all the time. Stop letting her minimise all the good she did.

I smiled when she joined us... she knew that it would mean a lot to #Seth... and I was pretty sure she wouldn't join us at the sanctuary.

I raised my glass to #Mac's toast and we all tapped our shot glasses together. Clinking my mine Leah's and #Seth's last. and we all drank, #Paul's hooch burning all the way down.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

The kid turned his glass to me first. ‘To us sis, we are doing it just as we dreamt.’ It was his dream, but I was willing to anything and everything to make it happen.

His eyes moved over the bar, the pups, the wolves, the imprints. Family… friends… and the other customers too. This was for them all to have a safe place, somewhere to go and know they could be themselves. And we had done it.

My glass tapped Calls last, and I couldn’t help the pull to lean forward and smack him one up the side of his head. “You know what that is for.” I narrowed my eyes, and then downed the hell potion #Paul made for 𝙁𝙪𝙣.

Closing one eye I shook my head; the clear liquid burned a new hole down my throat.

‘Spirits Paul… are you trying to kill us?’ #Jake laughed, banging his chest.

‘It’s a good batch right? The next one is on the go’ #Paul was proud of his creation.

‘Hey, have you put up the signup sheet for the next one? Now is a good time to do it.’ #Tony mentioned.

↬ Embry Call ↫

"Hey!!!" I flinched away from her but she got me... she always got me. "Okay... I deserved that. Kind of!" I had shoved my way into her space again. But if I had to take a few lumps to prove to her that I saw her... I was okay with that.

I laughed patting #Paul's back. "It has a kick, that's for sure." I glanced around the bar... the club didn't even open on Monday night because business was so slow... this place was full, and it had been for the whole show.

Hopefully, the takings at the bar would be just as good at the weekend. I spotted #Sumina slipping out the front door and I patted a shoulder to catch up with her and thank her for playing... and hopefully get her back When Leah did this again.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘You deserved a lot more. Lee is being nice to you.’ #Jake added, his arms moving around #Ness, pulling her back into his chest.

‘Thank you, Leah.’ #Ness slipped my phone back over the bar and I took it pushing it into my pockets. ‘Grandma Esme said she will reach out soon.’ Whatever that meant.

I saw #Sumina picking up her case, sheepishly she weaved her way towards the door, and I made to step out of the bar. Stopped short when I saw Call do the same thing.

He was better at the peep talk think, the girl had done really well. He would get it across to her. So, I turned and went back to collecting the empties.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I stepped out into the cool night air and realised how warm it had been inside. "Sumina." I called to her, stopping the few pups that were gathered outside, away from the heat inside I would imagine... from chattering. The girl stopped and tucked her dark hair behind her and gripped her arm nervously.

"You were amazing tonight." I said with a smile.

'Oh...' she squeaked. 'Um... t-thank you.'

"My mom was too sick to be here, but my friend had her video chat watching the show. Her dad used to play that composition on the piano. So, I know you brought her a lot of joy." The girl actually smiled at that.

'Is he flirting with Sumina?'

'No way!'

'She's so not his type.'

'You heard her play... you telling me, she didn't go from a three to a seven after that in his eyes?'

Oh, someone was getting a broken nose. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a flyer for tonight.

"Listen my email is on this... Would you play next month? We would really love to have you back. Don't answer now just think about it." The pups were gossiping again. "Do you need a ride home?" I looked around she didn't seem to be heading to a car or to have a set of keys on her.

'Oh no it's not far though I'll be fine.' She stepped back. 'Thank you... for tonight.'

I turned to the pup and walked over yanking #Collin out of the circle. "No way... Collin will drive you home." I gripped his face with one hand. "And look at this face. He's as harmless as a kitten."

The pup was about to protest. But I dropped the jeep keys into his hands and he knew it was decided.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

The music still played in the background, people were still excited, cheerful and talking about the show.

As I moved in the crowds, for once I listened to what was being said. And it was all good things. People had really come out to show their support to those who stepped up and showed off the talents they were hiding. My eyes moved around the bar, and I caught the eyes of the guy who’d gave me the beer before. He smiled and shrugged as to say. ‘Yeah, I’m still here.’

Making me shake my head. ‘He is cute, and he has been eyeing you up all night long.’ I had heard her coming before she had even spoke.

“Have we not spoken about this before?” I asked #Rachel, who started to collect the glasses from the table I was stood beside.

‘We did, but I’m not breaking the rules here. I didn’t talk you up to this one, he is liking what he sees all on his own.’ She winked at me, setting the glasses on my tray.

“And there you go, pimping me out again?” This just made her grin, turn and wave at #Paul who was watching his wife closely.

↬ Embry Call ↫

The goofball took #sumina over to the jeep after his far nicer attempt at convincing her that it wasn't a good idea to walk home alone.

'Did you just give her your number?' One of the kids laughed.

"No!" I scoffed... "She's Jessica's age!" Age was just a number, but she was too young... and timid was not my thing. I took a bottle of beer out of the kid's hand that had said she went from a three to a seven.

'Hey!!' he started to protest but I grabbed him into a headlock.

"Count yourself lucky Leah didn't hear that crack about #Sumina!" I released the kid and headed back inside. I stopped next to #Paul sipping on the beer I'd taken off the kid. His eyes were, of course, trained on his wife.

"She's not trying to set Leah up again, is she?" I chuckled... it didn't go well the last time.

'Nah... she's just... offering encouragement.' #Paul and I both laughed at that. Like Leah needed encouragement. If she wanted something she'd get it... but if she didn't... there was no convincing her to go for it.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘I mean if you just told me what your type was, it would make life so much easier for me.’ #Rachel followed me from table to table. And I gave her the mother of all eye rolls.

“You do know, the only reason you are still talking is because of your mom and dad?” Okay sure the imprint thing too. But I wasn’t going there.

‘Please, you couldn’t be without this face.’ She dropped the glasses on my tray and then cupped her own face. ‘It’s way too cute for you, and you know it.’ #Rachel winked at me, so I stepped into her and leant down a little.

“Why, shortie… Are you telling me you want to leave your oaf of a husband and shack up with me? I mean…’ I pointedly let my eyes travel over her. ‘I guess I could try anything once.’ I so wouldn’t. But my point was made by the beetroot red her face was turning. Because of the low wolf whistles coming from the table behind us, who clearly were listening into a private conversation, and then there were the dropped jaws of the pups coming back in from the outside. And #Paul.

He came out of nowhere and pulled #Rachel up into his arms. “Oh… Spirits… No! I’m not even chancing that… She would leave me at the drop of a hat.’ He was joking, and it occurred to me how much mine and his relationship had changed over the years.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I such in a sharp breath when #Rachel brought up #Leah's type and I looked at a #Paul. "Just encouragement huh?"

#Paul shrugged and smiled smugly. The look that said 𝐼𝓂𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔. I chuckled and swigged from the stolen beer again, almost choking when Leah checked out #Rachel! and for that typical male idea of Girl-on-Girl... it was practically a biological impossibility for a pack to picture an imprint like that. But she still managed to shock the pup that had just come back inside. I laughed at them and by the time I turned back #Paul was gone... wrapping his arm around his wife.

Shaking my head, I went to the stage and started tidying everything towards the back of the stage so the bar could run as normal tomorrow.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘Where is the #Goofball gone?’ #Jake asked, kissing #Ness on the cheek but his gaze moved over the bar.

‘Bry got a little protective over #Sumina, and made Collin drive her home.’ One of the pups said, as I stepped around the back of the bar with the empties.

‘Did he now?’ #Rachel perked up again, from the stool #Paul set her down on. And like that she was on to the next victim.

‘She is a nice girl Bry, why didn’t you take her home yourself?’ She asked looking after Call who was at the stage now. And didn’t wait for a reply. ‘Jessica, your friend Sumina, she’s not seeing anyone is she?’

#Jessica wasn’t sure what was happening, she had been in deep conversation with #Tony, who was still here. ‘Uhm… Yeah… She is…’ My cousin replied.

‘Leah?’ #Mac called and pointed to the clean tray of glasses. Nodding my head, I picked it up and walked it

over to where he was serving.

‘Sis, maybe less of the hitting on Rachel when I can hear you? I don’t need that image in my head.’ The kid was smirking and teasing. We all knew full well, that none of us could or would ever have those images in our minds. I only did it to get #Rachel to put her cupid bows away.

I smacked the kid over the back of his head. “Like that’s even possible, and also…. You know… don’t listen.”

Drying my hands off, I saw that Call was working the stage alone. Taking a deep breath before I walked away from the pack at the bar and towards him.

“Need a hand with anything here?” I asked.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I laughed and shook my head, of course it turned into this. "First off, that was not protective that was common a sense... a light breeze could knock that girl over. Second... She lives too close to home!! and third, 𝕀𝔽 I was interested, I would have taken her home."

I couldn't help but notice that #Tony ad #Jessica were still talking... I wondered if he'd asked for her number yet. I kept tidying up the stage and looked around a Leah. "Sure... you start wrapping up the cables for me. Do you know what you want to do with the whole set up? How long is your lease on all of this?"

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

“Figure out the best way to use it I guess.” Rolling the sleeves of my button-down shirt up. “Hmm… I believe Ton talked the guys into a six-month contract. And then we could think about how and if we wanted to go on with it.”

I totally kept out of the conversation #Rachel was trying to start. ( Actually, I stayed out of most of what this lot all talked about ). The last thing I needed was to be dragged into giving an opinion when I didn’t have one.

Combing my fingers through my hair I pulled it off to one side, nodding my head before climbing onto the stage, and towards the cables he motioned to.

‘Why are you playing it so hard to please Embry Call?’ #Rachel huffed at him, placing her hands on her hips. But it was Rach and she had a soft spot for Call. We all knew it. She then pointed towards the table full of girls who were watching him like a perfect piece of steak.

I recognised the girl with the brown hair. She had been the one to upload the video of him.

‘He has a fan club Rach, the boy doesn’t need any help.’ #Quil chuckled drinking a beer by the bar.

↬ Embry Call ↫

"Do you have anywhere to store the speaker and drums?" I looked up at her trying not listen to the madness to other were talking about. "Because it was thinking... my room at mom's is empty if you need extra space. and she had and alarm on the house too. "If you move the speakers off of the stage at least you don't need to worry about those when you’re open."

I laughed at #Rachel. "I'm not playing anything. Tonight, was about putting on a right night for the bar... how would look if word got out that the MC was sleeping with the performers?" I shrugged and dropped some cables into a box. "I mean business would triple... but for all the wrong reasons!" I winked at #Rachel and she rolled her eyes. "Also, I've always had a fan club..." But i tilted my head curiously at the table she was looking at.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Rolling the cable around my elbow, and arm, and holding it in my hand, making a neat pile of them to the side, I bent down to grab a plastic lock box. Placing them inside, I looked back at the drums and then at the speakers.

Biting the inside of my cheeks, why hadn’t I thought about this? The guitar and the keyboard would be safe with Call, but these.

“I guessed they would be fine up here. But…. I can’t do that to Ms. C’s place. Turning it into a storage room.” Shaking my head.

‘And what a tremendous show you put together, right Leah? He did such a good job.’ I glanced over to #Rachel and then to Call, was I needed in this conversation really? ‘See, she agrees with me.’ She winked at me.

Picking up the box that was full, I raised my eyebrow. “𝙎𝙝𝙚… has a name, and 𝙎𝙝𝙚 didn’t say a word.” I stepped down from the stage to carry the box full out into the back. I’d place it in the office for now.

‘Your Fan clubs are worth a follow.’ #Paul joked, earning himself a smack from #Jake, telling him to watch it but he was laughing too.

↬ Embry Call ↫

“I don't think she would mind; she never uses the room. It would just be a few months and then if it works out, we could start looking for something more long term. For it, all good here... I mean it's been here a few nights now and it's all been fine."

I laughed at #Rachel speaking for Leah... sure she was an imprint, but she was really testing the limits tonight. I didn't need Leah to lay on the praise... the fact she'd asked for my help with the night, to begin with and trusted me... was more than enough.

I glanced over at this 𝒻𝒶𝓃 𝒸𝓁𝓊𝒷 of mine. There were some good-looking girls at that table. A quick glance at the Pups and #Quil... #Jessica brushing some imaginary lint off #Tony's shoulder and hearing the chatter about the Sanctuary.... I turned back to #Paul and shook my head. "Not tonight... I'd rather head home and play a little more music."

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

‘Final Call!’ #Mac’s voice came down to the back of the bar. But really, I knew it was only because of my wolf that I could hear him so clearly. Out of habit, I put the box down out of the way and rushed back out towards the bar. Stopping when I saw #Seth, #Mac and #Charlie working to get the last round of drinks out.

“By the Spirits, I feel like a spare wheel.” I mused, making my way behind the bar Asking who was next and getting to work.

I knew Call was helping with the offer of keeping some of the things at his mom’s place. But I would need to ask #MsC myself. I needed her to know that I could step up and ask her, rather than letting her son offer up her house. Setting two IPA’s on the top, I moved to pour out two whiskeys too.

‘Seth, Mac… New guy… Are you coming to the Sanctuary after closing?’ Paul asked the guys.

‘Not sure what that is, but...’ #Charlie pointed to his boyfriend sat at the end of the bar talking to a group of girls. ‘My date is here to take me home. Maybe next time.’ He winked at #Teddy who raised his cocktail glass before diving back into the conversation.

‘Sure.’ Seth said. ‘And Mac is coming too.’ He messed with #Mac’s hair. ‘It’s a good night we need to celebrate.

“Go after the doors are closed.” I told him in a low voice. “I got closing.” The three of then had made me proud tonight. And this was the only way I knew how to tell them.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I was about to take the box from Leah so she could head back to the bar, there was always a rush for the last drink orders of the night. But she got it... because, that was just how she worked.

I shook my head when she told the guys to leave after they locked up. "You know she only does that so she has an excuse, not to come over and let her hair down." I laughed and then #Tony jumped up onto the stage.

"You should stay with #Jess." I smiled at him and watched her drift back the girls and lean in to whisper. "Did you get her number yet?"

'I was thinking since you know her you could give her mine... and we--' I lifted a hand and cut him off.

"Not happening. “I shook my head. "I know you're nervous... and she could say no.. and that would suck." I shrugged. "But if you aren't willing to take the risk. You don't deserve her. And that would suck too... because I know you do. So... start rolling wires and let her go home wonder what if... or go let that girl know you see her worth. Your choice." I turned back to the back of the stage and shifted the drum kit back against the wall where it would stay until other plans were made.

I grinned when I heard the thud of #Tony's feet as he stepped down from the stage.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I froze pouring the whiskey, I didn’t need to turn around to see him. Embry Call’s voice said it all. What was up with him?

‘He is getting bolder if you ask me.’ My wolf was smiling as if she was on board with how he was doing it.

‘The tables are cleared, and you know we can do the rest tomorrow Sis.’ #Seth tried to push his face into my eye line. ‘Come, the last time seeing you there made the pups happy.’

Hand flat on his face I pushed it out of my way. “Get to work.” I told him.

#Jake and #Ness both laughed. ‘That wasn’t a no.’ #Ness said. The two got up and started to clean up the empty tables, to help us out with the others too.

I was going to kill Call, the plan was hatching in my head when my wolf told me to listen to him. To what he was saying to #Tony. And then she whispered,

‘He is evolving.’ But then there was something in me that knew. This was Call, Evolution or not. He would have looked out for #Jessica.

↬ Embry Call ↫

Her pause mid pour did not go unnoticed, I smirked and took a last look around the stage to see what would be let. I laughed at the way she planted her hand on #Seth's face.

"C'mon #Ness... We all know it's a No." I smirked, adding a hint of 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓋𝑒-𝓂𝑒-𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 to my tone because trying to fool into thinking that was what I really thought was a fool's errand.

'Call is definitely going soft.' I heard one of the pups muttered. 'Nah... It's Leah's cousin... if he's fixing her up he has to make it look good or she'll kill him.' another followed up. These kids really needed to be whipped into shape... I was definitely taking car keys at the sanctuary tonight... no matter how sober or drunk they were.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I flicked the cap from the bottle of beer in my hand through the bar, hitting the back of Call’s head. Giving him a look saying 𝙄 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. Because let’s face it, he was so pushing his luck tonight. #Tony moved to sit beside #Jessica, and I knew that all ears if not eyes were on him.

Setting the drinks, I had made down, I reached over the bar and smacked three of the pups on their heads. A chorus of ‘Hey!’ or ‘Sorry’ followed making the Wolves laugh as I narrowed my eyes.

“If you are all done drinking, get your arses out of the bar.”

I told them, really, I was trying to give #Tony some privacy to at least try to ask #Jessica for her number.

‘Better idea is to help clean up the bins and the recycling, so we can all leave here together.’ #Jake ordered; he knew what I was doing. And he was onboard. “They—“ #Jake shook his head to stop me.

‘We are family. And you know you need to Prove Bry wrong now.’ I just rolled my eyes at my Alpha, and friend.

↬ Embry Call ↫

"Okay... I deserved that." I rubbed the back of my head and did everything in my power not to train my ears on #Tony and #Jess. But at least the pups got a smack too.

I laughed when the Pups started to help clear up. "Alpha trumps Beta." I teased Leah. "So... I tilted my head at her. You coming to the sanctuary or what?" Deliberately putting her on the spot in front of the others.

#Paul came over and nudged me on the arm, whispering. 'Dude!' and directing my attention to #Jessica... typing something into #Tony's phone and handing it back.

"Damn..." I chuckled. "He actually closed the deal." I heard one of the pups muttering something about needing to learn how to sing.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

Picking up a cloth, I started to wipe down the bar. The guys all had the final orders in, and had also started to shut down the bar. #Mac making his way out onto the floor to guide the pups with what was needed and how to do it.

My hand stopped mid wipe and my eyes slowly lifted to glance at Call. The look this time growling 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙮 𝙁𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡?

There was bold, there was upfront. But this guy had gone from not giving a crap one way or another, to direct questions, and not backing down? It felt like everyone around us had stopped breathing. Eyes wide they were watching me and then Call. But before I needed to say anything, all their attention was moved. Every head turned to look back at #Tony pushing his phone back into his pocket. He was smiling like a cat who had gotten himself a bowl of cream.

Which told me, that if this thing actually went ahead with my little cousin. Then #Tony and I would be having words.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I swallowed hard at that glare. I wasn't flirting with the line anymore I straight up crossed it... and I was gonna pay. And even with the glare... there was that sense of something else in her eyes.

I saw her looking over at #Tony. And I whispered knowing the pack would still hear. "He's a good guy, I promise... He's just shy and awkward."

I heard him tell #Jess he was going to say goodbye and head off. Then he made his way over to me with a huge grin. 'She gave me her number.' He beamed and I chuckled, all the pups were trying not to.

"I saw!" I smiled at him. "Just make sure you call... no texting unless she texts you first. After the first call, you can text her all you want." He nodded. "You sure you don't want to come to ours and hang out, play a few tunes?"

He declined and asked me to make sure #Jess got home safe. But in this bar with this crowd that was always going to happen.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

My eyes softened a little at seeing #Jessica beaming, she was a good-looking girl, ( I mean of course she was, Jessica was a Clearwater after all. ) But it was her heart, her and #Seth had hearts of gold as the elders would say and when it came to these two it was true.

Call’s soft whisper made it to my ears, as well as everyone else that was around us. and I could see the change in the way they all stood or sat there. She wasn’t an Imprint, but she was family. And even if I would tell them that they didn’t need to worry about her, it wouldn’t stop them all from doing so.

“It’s a good thing I trust in what you are saying.” I whispered back. And out the side of my eyes I saw the flash of shock on #Jake and #Seths face. They knew I didn’t trust many, and definitely not words. It was about action with me. But how could I tell them… Call had shown his actions to be trustworthy a few times over now.

I stepped out into the back, emptying, and then refilling the glass washer when I heard the advice Call gave to #Tony.

‘See, what did I say?’ my wolf asked me. and I knew what she meant… 𝙀𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!

↬ Embry Call ↫

#Jessica was beaming like she'd just struck gold... when really it was #Tony. She was a solid eight... And #Tony even though I loved the guy like family... Off stage; he was a four.

But that was #Jessica... like her cousin, she saw right through people and not in a way. Like the saw what was beneath the skin.

I was half startled though... did Leah just say she trusted me? I mean I knew she did when it came to most things, especially regarding the pack. But to hear her say it out loud...

#Jessica walked #Tony to the door and looked around her quickly to see if anyone was watching before she kissed his cheek and turned to walk away, her cheek and his bright red now.

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

I never did this, and I wasn’t sure what made me do it now. As I got to work cleaning up the back of the bar, I was honing in to #Jessica’s heartbeat and found it right away.

There was a skip and a dance to hers, something I noticed about it from when she was young. When she was happy, or nervous it played like a tambourine. It used to make me roll my eyes, but now listening to the sound of #Tony’s beat too.

“Fools.” I muttered. His was jumping all over the place, and then it spiked. What had happened out there? ‘Leah, I’ve got the earnings for tonight.’ #Mac had the cash tray in his hand, as will as the print out from the till with all the card transactions.

“And?” I asked drying the glasses.

‘It’s a winner, we’ve done better tonight than we did on the weekend.’ He looked proud and chuffed.

#Seth’s head pops out towards us, ‘And?’ He asked even if I knew he had heard the conversation.

‘We surpassed the goal we’d set.’ #Mac told him and then high fives the kid.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I couldn't help but overhear them talking about the night takings and it made me smile. I felt a firm pat on my back from #Jake as he slid onto the barstool next to me.

And ness pressed a kiss to my cheek. 'Well done 'Bry...' she smiled at me. 'You all did so well tonight... and to just for the bar... There were so many happy faces her tonight.'

I smiled and nodded. "You were amazing tonight you know that right?" I grinned at her and now she nodded. Modest wasn't something #Nessie bothered with... But neither was boasting.

'Dude..." #Jake exclaimed. 'You told us you couldn't sing! where did that come for.'

"Uh, uh!!" I shook my head. "I said I DIDN'T sing. Not couldn't."

↬ Leah Clearwater ↫

The guys headed back out and started to usher the stragglers out of the door. But as each of them walked past Call, they patted him and thanked him for tonight.

I knew I should thank him for everything he did, but…. ‘It’s still hard to thank someone who did something for you?’ My wolf asked. And I told her. Or reminded her. That it was the guys who asked Call to MC and not me.

Following the guys out from the back, I tried not to listen to all the pups talking to the girls trying to stay to ‘help’ them out. Instead, I made my way to the toilets to make sure they were empty.

#Tony was gone, #Jessica was still beaming, and Call. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say he hassled me tonight.” My voice could be heard by those who needed to hear it.

‘I’m going to agree with Leah.’ Those words came from #Paul.

#Quil asked if he were ill because that was the only way he would agree with me.

↬ Embry Call ↫

"That was not a hustle!!" I laughed hard. "She still won the bet!!" My heart did that thing again and #Nessie laughed. 'Wow!! Embry Call... and we all thought there was no rattling that ego... and one little song had you nervous.' She did not skimp on the mocking tone.

I nudged the hybrid with my elbow.

I could see that #Jessica was avoiding me, but her eye flickered up to me every few minutes and I laughed. "Okay, c'mon Clearwater junior." I shoved #Jake off his stool, he protested with a loud, 'Hey!'

I patted the now empty stool and jerked my head to call her over. "I don't do girl talk but I'll give you three questions. That's it!" I teased the girl. But the only person here that knew him other than me; was #Mac and I didn't think she'd ask him anything.

↬ Embry Call ↫

I just walked; I didn’t know where I was going. I just knew I was going the right way. The slightly discoloured from age, white rigid guitar case in one hand. The other was restless dragging through my too long hair and over my face, shoving it in and out of my pockets. All while Picture This played into my ear through my head phones.

( Music: Magnet · Picture This )

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My mind reeling. I didn’t know what the right thing to do was? The money could do so much…

I knew Nana and Grandad would do anything to help mom get better. I knew my Grandad would want me to do everything in my power to help mom get better. But this? I exhaled heavily and suddenly became aware that I was standing at the end of the path leading up to Leah’s door.

I chuckled and tilted my head up and laughed. “Are you kidding me?” I whispered. And the song changed. Three notes in and I was lost again remembering the moment I sang to Leah at the Sanctuary. I took the hint and dared to knock lightly on her door. I was about to get my arse handed to me.

(Music: You And Me · Lifehouse )

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TBC...

#LeahClearwater #Leah #HotHeadSheWolf #SpiritsHotHead #EmbryCall #Embry #BADBOYEMBRYCALL #Twilight #TwilightRP #TwiRP #AUStories #Youtube

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