Patiently Impatient

Nadie Logan & Embry Call

Paul walked along the beach, feeling the cool sand against the bottom of his bare feet. He knew that he should be at school as it was his senior year but he didn't really have an motivation to go. Looking around, he sniffed the air, taking in the saltiness with the crisp smell of soon to be fallen rain. It was quiet out and he felt himself begin to relax. Rolling his shoulders, he realized he was rlaxed because he was the only on out here, there was nothing or no one for him to be careful around...until he heard someone else's footsteps on the sand and he sighed as he began to head back to his car. It was probably Sam here to yell at him for not being in school, he thought bitterly as he shoved his hands into his pockets. So much for peace and quiet, he sighed again and ran his fingers through his hair. He began to turn around to tell Sam that he was going to school when he froze.

---

Nadie looked up at Quil and bit her lip. He had been a mess since Jacob had joined Sam's group and now it seems that Embry had as well. Her boyfriend stood frozen and she bit her lip as she thought about what to do. Embry had been gone for a week and now he was back although it seemed he hadn't seen them yet. She gave Quil's hand a gentle squeeze as she looked at the group of guys in front of them. "Maybe they had a good reason," she whispered and Quil looked at her. "You know that is a lie. They abandoned us...me..." he said with venom and her eyes widened slightly. "Quil" she whispered before he frowned and looked about ready to cry. He pulled her into a hug and she hugged him back. "It's okay," she whispered as she looked up and her eyes widened slightly. She got lost in a pair of chocolate brown eyes.

@ What if....
Riley frowned at the house sat in front of her, it once was a place of peace and joy. Now it was to become her safe haven, heaving a sigh she winced as the air left her lungs. Pain radiated through her body, thoughts of the last few months she'd been recovering ran through her head. The pain she felt now, was nothing compared to those few hour of torture. Breaking herself from her thoughts she turned, looking at her grandparents. Her grandfather pulled the last bag from the back of the vehicle, normally she'd be helping. But now she was incapable of lifting anything over a few pounds. "I've got to go speak to Uley." Her grandfather told his wife setting her bag down on the porch. "Can I come." Her soft voice broke through the atmosphere, shocking the two people she'd be living with. "I really need to stretch my legs." She explained before either of them could protest. Her grandfather nodded, before the waved to her grandmother and headed down the road. Upon reaching the Uley's house, they separated, he heading inside while she walked around the house and out into the sand, heading out towards the open water. Biting her lip noticing she wasn't alone, sighing when he turned. She felt her heart ache, as she broke their gaze. Turning she rushed back towards the front of the house, deciding to wait on the porch for her grandfather.

---

Embry sighed looking over at Quil, he hated that he'd to watch his friend do this alone. Granted he had Nadie, but she just wasn't one of the guys. Their friendship was something they'd only had in this small town. From infancy had they always been side by side. And this last week had been hell for him, not only did he have to go through phasing, but he had to do it without his best friend. Sighing he figured he'd at least apologize to him, knowing he'd be joining them soon. He smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. Only for him to stop dead in his tracks, staring deeply into Nadie deep orbs. A soft gasp leaving his lightly parted lips.

Paul felt his breath catch in his throat when she made eye contact with him. He felt breathless and light but as if gravity had changed. Watching her, he almost groaned at the loss when she turned away. He stood for a moment just staring before he processed that she had turned and begun to leave. "Wait!" He called out. He jogged to her and smiled gently. "Hey, I'm Paul," he said with a smile as he looked at her. She was hands down the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life and that included the ones he fantisized about.

---

Nadie finally tore her gaze away from Embry and she felt like running to his arms and begging him to never let her go. Glancing up again, she but her lip before looking away and back up at Quil. He was giving her a strange look and she blushed. "Sorry," she said and Quil nodded. "It's okay," he said honestly before he leaned down and kissed her. "Everything had been weird lately," he said softly and she nodded. "Quil," she said softly before looking up at Embry again and frowning slightly.

@ What if....
"Riley!" Her grandfather snapped, pulling her attention from the male quickly invading her space. Moving quickly towards her grandfather, only to notice a rather large male standing tall on the porch. "Come, I don't want you hanging with this t.trash." He sputtered out. Riley felt shock consume her when the male on the porch face harden. "She seems fine to me." He snapped to the older man. "Looks can be deceiving." Her grandfather bellowed back. "And if your child or grandchild's health was in question you'd want the best for them." He quirked a brow at the younger man. "Unless family means so little to you." He growled.

The younger man started to shake his eyes darkening, as his fist clenched.

---

Embry stood there watching Quil watching interact with Nadie, he felt his blood boil when their lips touched. His eyes burned fire, he noticed Quil turn and looked at him. Though once he face he's long time friend he wanted nothing more than to bash his face in. Growling out, he turned before taking off running. Warmth taking over his body, as he felt his bones start to pop out of place. His muscles felt like they were ripping from his skeleton.

Paul shook as he tried to control himself. He didn't get where this guy got off calling him those kinds of things. He had never even seen the guy around here before. "Paul," he heard Sam say warning and Paul gulped in air as he breathed out. Slowly, his fists unclenched and he looked up at the man and his imprint. Looking up to see everyone looking at him, he sighed softly. "I didn't mean to offend anyone," he said softly as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

---

Nadie bit her lip as Quil pulled her away and toward their class. She wondered what had made Embry run off like that and then she wondered why she cared so much. Sitting down in the back, she took her seat on one side of Quil while the two seats on his other side were empty where his friends used to be. Looking up, she wished Embry would come through the door or even Jacob, just so Quil didn't feel so alone anymore.

She didn't really pay any attention for the rest of the day and soon she was at her house, getting ready to leave for a run. She loved running and the freedom that came with it. Soon, she felt the forest beneath her feet as she moved through it gracefully.

@ What if....
Sam noticed the change in Paul, it could only mean one thing. He'd imprinted. Sighing out, he turned his attention back to Mr. Blake. "I'll call Carlisle, have him here in the morning." He informed the older man. "You will only be able to see him here." He motioned back to his house. Mr. Blake nodded, he'd take that then having to put his granddaughter though the pain of ridding in the car. "It's better than nothing, thank you." He said before motioning for his granddaughter to follow him. Riley looked at her grandfather, not speaking as she trailed away from the men. She didn't want to see a doctor, nor did she want to leave. But she had to, hopefully Carlisle could prescribe her something for pain. Throwing a quick look over her shoulder, she noticed Paul talking to the other male. Though his eyes stayed focused on her, a chill ran through her body as she turned quickly and headed the other way.

---

Embry felt like fire had consumed his body. The phasing process one he still hadn't gotten used to, but yet he already loved it. Sighing out as his paws dug into the dirt as he ran, his clothing and shoes shredded behind him. He knew his mother would kill him, but right now he didn't care. He just had to get away for Quil, before he did something he'd regret for the rest of his life.

Paul felt his heart break as she left him so easily, without even telling him her name. Maybe she didn't feel it too, he thought sadly before looking at Sam and sighing softly. "I know, get to school," he said with a sigh as he began to walk down the porch. "See you later Sam." he said, not really wanting to talk about what had just happened.

---

Nadie ran through the forest, feeling the dirt again her shoe covered feet. She loved being out here, away from everything. Just her and the occasional animal that she saw. She easily jumped over most tree trunks and rocks that came in her way but as she was jumping over atree trunk, her foot got caught. With a cry, she fell to the ground. She gasped as she felt searing pain shoot up her leg. Pulling her foot free, she cried out in pain before looking down at her ankle. She was pretty sure it was a bad sprain. Looking aorund, she called out for help, hoping that someone else was there. She felt tears fill her eyes as she pushed herself up with the tree trunk. Each step was agony and soon she had to stop and rest. Tears trailed down her face as the pain and frustration filled her.

@ What if....
Riley bit her lip taking in her surrounding, she remembered this place from her child hood. Though things have changed a great deal, the place it's self radiated warmth and a feel calm serenity. Smiling she spotted a small dinner, something had her wanting to turn there and stop. Though she didn't think her grandparents would approve. "Why don't you go and get you something to munch on," he grandfather smiled at her, before pulling out his wallet. He offered her money. "Thanks." She said before, turning and walking toward the doors.

---

Embry looked over at Jake, their ears perched up as a noise. Looking around they weren't certain what it could be, quickly moving through the close brush. Embry froze, a familiar smell wafted through the air, Nadie. Are you sure? Jake asked. Hearing soft sob, had Embry's paws pushing his body forward. Dirt flying out behind him, as he rushed to his imprint.

Paul drove through the streets, heading toward school. He sighed loudly before looking at the clock and realizing that the day was over. Turning slightly, he drove to the parking lot of the diner and pulling in. Stepping out of the car, he headed inside. Sitting on the bench, he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to relax.

---

Nadie felt tears run down her face as once again she tried to push herself up. She heard something coming and her eyes widened as she let out a soft squeak of fear. "Please?" she whispered. "Is anyone there?" she begged slightly as she pushed herself up. Looking around, she tried to figure out what was coming and soon, her body began to shake. It was cold ad she was scared and it had started raining.

@ What if....
Riley watched Paul walk in, she bit her lip before tucking her head. She didn't want him to notice her, she wasn't about to let herself get swept up by any one. She couldn't trust men, and would never allow it to happen again.

---

Embry paused letting his body phase back into human. Pulling on a pair of shorts, ones he'd managed to get after he'd calmed down earlier this morning. Once the jeans were secure on his hips he took off on foot, hearing her please broke his heart. He couldn't believe he wasn't there for her. Rushing through an opening, his eyes landing on her small frame. "Nadie." He barely got out, just the tears on his face almost had him falling to his knees. Willing his legs to move he moved to her, before bending and lifting her effortlessly off the ground.

Paul felt her scent hit his nose like a hammer and he looked up. Seeing her huddled in the corner, his expression softened and he frowned. Pushing himself, he walked over to her. "Hey," he said every so gently. "I was wondering what your name was? I'm Paul...we met early. At Sam's" he said softly as he looked at her. She really was the most beautiful thing that he had ever seen in his life.

---

Basie felt herself being picked up. Seeing Embry, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his neck. His scent filled her and calmed her down. "Embry," she whimpered softly as she pressed herself as close to him as possible. His heat slowly began to stop her shaking and she relaxed against him. After a few more minutes, she drifted off to sleep in his arms.

@ What if....
"Riley." She told him, flipping through her menu. She couldn't deny she felt something drawing her to him. Though her fear had her ignoring him, hoping he'd just leave. She didn't want to be under anybody's scrutinizing eyes. Watching ever wince she wouldn't explain or every little whimper from her mouth if she moved the wrong way.

---

"Nadie," he whispered out, his arms pulling her closer to him. He felt her body calm down, so much that she'd fallen asleep. Smiling to him self as he carried her towards Sam's, he nibbled on his lip lightly before placing a soft kiss to her head. Basking in the feeling that radiated though him.

Paul looked at her for a moment and smiled softly. "Riley," he said to himself. "That's beautiful," he said honestly as he looked at her. "Would you mind if I joined you for a little bit?" He asked gently as he watched her. "You don't have to talk to me or acknowledge me," he said gently as he watched her cautiously.

---

Quil was driving when he saw Nadie being carried by Embry. Getting out if his truck, he ran over. "What the hell did you do to her?" He demanded as he shoved his best friend and took Nadie quickly. He stumbled a bit under her weight but managed to keep her up. Nadie slowly woke to and whipped out "Embry". Her eyes opened and she looked at both of them. "Quil...." She whispered softly.

@ What if....
"Actually I do." She told him, rolling her eyes. She felt a tug at her heart, almost as if she felt his pain. Biting her lip she placed her menu aside, looking up at him. Taking in his features, almost gasping at how beautiful this male was. Tucking her head quickly, she didn't want to encourage him.

---

Embry felt his heart tug when Quil took her from him, he had to remember that she was his. The only thing that kept him from phasing again, was her well being. He had to make sure she was okay.

Paul looked at her for a moment, feeling the pain fill him. Pulling away, he took a step away and cleared his throat gently. "Um...right....I'm sorry Riley," he said softly. "I'm really sorry," he said again as he moved away. "See you later I guess," he said as he moved back to his seat at the bad area.

---

Nadie pushed herself out of Quil's arms gently and she gasped when her foot hit the ground. She flinched and stumbled. Feeling someone's arms wrap around her, she leaned her weight against him. "I'm fine. I just twisted my ankle," she said softly as she tried to relax. "I'm okay," she said again as she looked at both of them. "I just want to go home," she whimpered softly.

@ What if....
Riley bit her lip, she felt bad. A feeling that overcame her, she'd always been cold to guys, though never felt this way. Her eyes lifted taking in his slumped figure. What was it about him that drew her in, was it he was actually interested in her, and not just wanting to sleep with her. She didn't understand it.

---

Embry responded when Nadie swayed off balances, his hands landing on her waist. This didn't go unnoticed by Quil. "Fuck off Embry." He his old friend snapped at him. "She doesn't need you." Quil's words stung him, he knew he'd been a horrible friend, but she was his and he'd do what ever it took to make her realizes it. His body slowly started to shake, wanting to rip the young man apart. Though he knew Nadie was standing to close, if he was to phase he could end up really hurting her. And he couldn't have that. Jacob's voice rung out, causing Embry to turn. His feet caring him away from his imprint. A gut wrenching feeling hit him, though a wave of relief washed over him, knowing she wouldn't be harmed by his phasing.

Paul looked up when his soda was handed to him and he tried to relax. This is bad, he thought. She seemed to hate him already and he hadn't even spoken to her. How could he have 'screwed up this bad so quickly. He sighed loudly and ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to relax. This is crazy, he thought.

---

Nadie watched as Embry ran away and she bit her lip and wanted to stop him. Looking up at Quil, she smiled gently as he brought her home. Finally getting there, he helped her to her room. She laid down and tried to relax. "Thank you," she said softly. After a few moments, he left to go to work and she sighed softly. "What the hell is going on?" She thought as she ran her fingers through his hair.

@ What if....
Riley thanked the girl as she set her food down in front of her. All of a sudden she wasn't so hungry, though she could still feel the hunger pain in her stomach. Sighing she took a fry into her mouth slowly chewing, her eyes watching him, unsure of why she felt even a sight attraction. Especially what she just recently went through.

---

Embry went back to patrolling with Jake, though in the back of his mind was Nadie. He couldn't help but wonder if she was okay, granted he hated that it was his friends girlfriend that he imprinted on. But he couldn't help it, could he?

Paul couldn't help but glance over at Riley every once in a while. He knew he should stop and leave and never talk to her again after all she had made it clear that she didn't want him around. He winced slightly at the thought due to the physical pain that came with the idea of ever having to leave his imprint.

---

Nadie hobbled over to her window and opened it. She had a window seat made so she could read and the window was perfect because she could open it in the rain and she wouldn't get wet. Looking out into the forest, she sighed softly and rested her head on her arms on the window sill. "Embry what are you doing?" she whispered softly as she watched the rain hit the ground.