TO MY SURPRISE, Daylin was more than happy to ship me off to Florida for the weekend.

      It didn't take any convincing after I told him it was to meet Bella's mother. He hated leaving me home alone, and with him working practically double his original hours, he thought the trip would do me some good.

      The week flew by, and before I knew it was soaking up all the sun Jacksonville had to offer.

     Renée was beyond ecstatic to meet me, hugging me within the first second of our introductions. She was warm and erratic, but I had been prepared after Bella's constant forewarnings during the flight.

      I found it funny how different they were, but I could see the comfort that Renée brought to her. Watching them interact throughout the trip tugged at my heartstrings, and I, of course, found myself missing my own mom. I tried not to dwell on it too much, instead losing myself in the endless tanning and storytimes of Bella's childhood.

     In the blink of an eye, Sunday morning arrived. Edward and I were giving the mother-daughter duo some alone time before our departure that evening, silence falling over us as I ate breakfast. I knew he was eavesdropping on the two women outside, and a small smirk overcame my features.

     "You aren't as sneaky as you think you are, Eduardo," I hummed, stabbing a piece of pineapple with my fork.

He glanced over at me, the ghost of a smile gracing his lips.

     "You sound like Emmett,"

     "Is that so?"

     "Yes,"

      I grinned at the bowl in front of me.

      "You know," he began, "it's strange."

     "What is?"

     "I didn't think someone as... anxious and timid as you would be able to handle him. You're much stronger than you appear."

     His words didn't offend or catch me off-guard. I'd gotten far too used to his oddly polite bluntness at that point.

     "You think I'm strong?" I chuckled with incredulity.

     "I know being here makes you think of your mother, but you haven't shown it. I would consider that strong, wouldn't you?"

     My eyes lowered to the side as I pulled my lips into a tight line.

     "...I apologize, I didn't mean to-"

     "It's fine, Edward. You're not wrong, being here with Renée does make me miss my mama, but... it's okay, I'm used to it: the missing," I could hear my voice growing distant as my eyes wandered to the two sitting outside.

     "What about you? You ever miss yours?"

     Edward shrugged as I peered over at him.

     "I remember loving her deeply when I was a human; I was her only child," his voice was low, as it usually was, "but it's hard to miss someone from so long ago. She's just a memory now."

     I nodded, absentmindedly playing with my food as I decided what to say next.

     "Is Bella willing to do that to Renée? Leave her in the past?"

     He tensed up.

     "I suppose. She... she doesn't have the same attachment to human life as you do, I think,"

     I stopped chewing on the pineapple in my mouth at the mention of our mortalities, struggling to swallow as I knit my brows together.

     "What do you mean?"

     "I've heard you thinking about it - becoming one of us to be with Emmett. But, I know you don't want that," he spoke in a hushed voice, despite the fact no one was listening in, "you don't want to leave your brother behind. You want kids, to grow old. I just... I don't understand why she doesn't."

     He frowned, his hand on the table morphing into a fist. He appeared to be frustrated with himself like it was his fault that Bella was set on becoming a vampire. Setting my fork down, I shook my head.

     "Don't do that. Don't feel sorry for yourself, like this is your fault. Honestly, even if she weren't in love with you, I still think she'd want to turn," I explained, my gut telling me I was right.

      Bella had never been normal. From the moment I'd found out she wanted to leave her humanity behind, the idea felt right.

     "...Funny. Speaking to you, it reminds me of my talks with Esme."

     He gave me a little grin, and I felt compelled to reach my hand over the table to grab his wrist. I wanted him to listen to me.

"Bella loves you. You may feel the guilt now, but you won't when you're with her until the end of times," I spoke softly, ignoring the way his skin froze against my own.

     Edward nodded, gaze moving to his nearby mate. Letting go of his wrist, I pulled away and continued to eat the rest of my breakfast.

     Sometime later it was time to get going. All I thought about on the plane ride was seeing Emmett. It was borderline annoying how much I'd missed him. I chalked it up to the fact we hadn't spent much time apart, ever since I'd discovered his secret. It felt ridiculous, I'd never been a clingy person. I could go a week by myself in a room, alone. Now, I'd prefer it if Emmett were with me.

     We got back late. Daylin greeted us at the airport, to my delight. It felt good to see him - being with Bella and her mother had made me miss my own family.

     He took me home, and we talked about our weekend apart. Apparently, he was still neck-deep in work at the station. People were still going missing in Seattle, and the whole team was working double-time to try and help.

     I didn't stay up very late that night. I was tired from the flight, and sleep welcomed me with open arms. I assumed Edward must've told him how tired I was because Emmett didn't show up at my window that night.

      That didn't stop me from dreaming about him though. He stayed in those.

༻༺

     I struggled to get out of bed the next morning, dreading the fact that it was Monday. Even so, it was the last Monday of my high school experience.

      It felt surreal that it was all ending, but I still had no clue about my college plans. I'd never been crazy about school, and since Daylin chose the police academy over higher education, he left the decision up to me. I'd already gone through all my options, specifically the ones that kept me with Emmett. There weren't many, to my disappointment. I knew I could follow him and his family for as long as I chose, but was that the life I wanted to live?

     What about my brother?

I pulled up to the high school with a lot on my mind. Once parked, I sat in the car, still thinking. I didn't realize how long I'd been there until I heard a knock on the window.

I blinked, turning my head to see who was trying to get my attention. It was Emmett, a curious look in his eyes. I grabbed my bag from the driver's seat before getting out. He pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead, a gesture I'd grown to adore.

We stayed like that for a minute, unmoving. I could tell he'd missed me too. I pulled away to lean against my truck.

     "Hunt good this weekend?"

     He gave me a weak shrug and sniffed.

     "We've had better,"

     I narrowed my eyes, trying to read him. Emmett only ever had good things to say about his hunts. He loved it: the rush of adrenaline, the power, the payoff. So why the lackluster response? Had something gone wrong? I went quiet, blatantly observing him.

     "Hm..."

     "You're staring, tiny. Do I look extra good today or something?"

     My lips curved into a smile, and I sized him up.

     "No, not necessarily,"

     "Aw, your breakin' my heart,"

     "Get used to it, you brute~"

     He repressed his laughter, his arms trapping me against my car. His eyes captivated me, as they always did.

     "...I missed you," I admitted.

     "You were runnin' through my mind, every day,"

     "Even though I was only gone for three days?"

     "You could leave my side for an hour, and all I'll think about is seeing you again," Emmett muttered, one of his hands moving towards my face. The tips of his fingers traced my cheek, leading to my jaw. He gently took hold of it, his thumb running against my bottom lip as his face moved closer to mine.

     Not a word was spoken as he used his grip on my chin to slightly part my lips. I'd lost all my senses at the point, the world around us melting away into nothing.

     However, fate had something else in store.

     The loud rumbling of a motorcycle made me jump, head whipping towards the sound. It didn't take long to spot it.

     There, in front of the school, stood someone very familiar. It took me a second to remember who he was, but when I did, confusion overtook my face.

      It was Jacob Black, the boy I'd met months back at La Push.

      I watched as he hopped off his bike, narrowed eyes meeting anyone's gaze with a challenge. He'd certainly made an entrance; that combined with his monstrous height and muscles, he gained quite a bit of attention. Mine included.

     I knew Emmett had addressed his presence too. A protective arm slid around my waist as he turned to lean against my truck, his mouth set in a hard line.

     "What is Jacob doing here?" I wondered aloud.

     "Nothin' good, that's for sure,"

     I was caught off guard by the coldness in Emmett's tone, not used to the way his words dripped with venom. Even so, I continued to watch Jacob. He looked like he was waiting for someone.

     Not even a second later, Edward's Volvo pulled in. The quiet purr of its engine was the exact opposite to Jacob's motorcycle.

That's when it hit me: he was here to see Bella. I stood in place and silently observed as the girl in question appeared from the car. She walked up to Jacob, Edward close behind. By the look on his face, he was less than happy.

     The situation seemed tense. I felt my stomach tighten in discomfort, and before I could stop myself, I took a few steps forward. Emmett grabbed my wrist, pulling me back.

     "Where do you think you're going?"

     "I-I dunno, I just... I feel like I need to go over there," I stammered, blinking with a frown. My eyes stayed trained on the three across the lot, and the more I watched, the more anxious I felt. But Emmett's grip didn't let up, so I was forced to watch the scene unfold with bated breath.

     "You're not getting involved. That kid is bad news, I'm serious," Emmett began sternly, "do you hear me, Evelyn?"

     I clenched my jaw, annoyed.

     "Don't speak to me like I'm a child, or I'll behave like one and storm over there. Do you hear me, Emmett?"

     He went quiet, and I knew I'd won the argument. But for the sake of future issues between us, I stayed put.

      I didn't stop watching, even as I grew more concerned. I was at a loss for words as Bella got on the back of Jacob's bike, the two driving off in a hurry. I didn't hesitate in jogging over to Edward. Curiosity and anxiety coursed through my veins, and before I could even get out a word, he turned to me with pleading eyes.

     "Please, follow them,"

     "What just happened? Is Bella okay?"

     "I can't guarantee that unless you go the reservation. Please, Evelyn..."

     A line appeared between his brows, one that showed his worry and stress. I knew the feeling all too well.

     "She's not going, Edward. Just because Bella ditched you doesn't mean Evelyn is following after her," Emmett declared from behind me.

I glanced back, and there he stood with his arms crossed.

     "If it were the other way around, you'd want Bella to follow me," I scolded him, my stance mirroring his.

     "Yes, and Edward would feel the same way I do right now."

     I scoffed, over the melodrama that the boys were serving up. Could they be any more grossly possessive?

     "I understand if you're jealous because she's with Jacob, but she'll be fine. I promise, Edward. I-I met him once, and he was fine,"

     Edward glanced at Emmett, who sighed deeply.

     "Hey, none of that," I was fast to scold them for their secrecy, "none of that weird talking-without-talking shit. Is there another reason y'all don't like me and Bella goin' around there?"

I desperately wanted some answers.

     "Why don't you just go and find out if you're so curious," Edward spoke through gritted teeth, storming off to class as the bell rang. I stared after him, shaking my head - he could be so difficult.

     "Emmett, you know how I feel about all this secretive stuff."

     "But it's none of your business," he whined.

     "That's not true. Bella is my friend, and if there's really a reason to be worried, it is my business. So you either let me tag along or... or..."

      "Or what?"

     "Or... I'll sit by Tyler at lunch. In fact, I'll sit in between Tyler and  Eric. Doesn't that sound just wonderful?"

      While my threat was rather funny, it also held weight with Emmett, whom I'd realized was easily jealous. We stared at one another, my brows raised, daring him not to believe me. It didn't take long for him to give in, a soft groan emitting from his throat.

     "Alright, fine. Just please don't do anything stupid,"

     "What do you think I'm gonna do?"

      He huffed in disapproval.

     "Oh, I dunno, get high with a couple of reservation boys?"

     His pout was irresistible. I stood on my tiptoes to place a small kiss on his cheek. The corners of his eyes crinkled up, the dimples I adored reappearing like magic. I shook my head, chuckling.

     "You're an easy man to please, McCarty,"

     "Hard not to be pleased when I've got you. And hey, drop Bella off at her house after? Edward would appreciate it."

     I nodded and gave him a big hug. When he finally let me go, I made my way back to my car.

      As weird as it sounded, I felt proud of myself. I'd never ditched before, ever.

     Daylin would kill me if he knew, but it was the last week of school. I decided to take my chances. It didn't take long for me to get on the road, heading towards La Push with an array of questions.

༻༺

     Arriving at the red home Embry had brought me to on my first visit to the res, I parked next to Jacob's bike. Getting out, I looked around timidly. It almost felt like I was trespassing... but I wasn't, right? Embry and Quil always told me I was welcome.

     Still, I felt like someone was watching, waiting to pounce.

     Spotting the garage where I'd first met Jacob, I decided it was the best place to start my search. I was just beginning to make my way over when an unfamiliar voice stopped me.

     "You. What are you doing here?"

     I stopped, hands gripping the strap of my satchel as I grimaced. Slowly turning, I was met with the sight of three boys. Or men? I wasn't sure, all of their shirts were missing and they were ripped.

     Oh yeah, not intimidating at all.

     "Um, I'm looking for my friend,"

     "Who."

     It wasn't a question, it was a demand.

     "Bella. Uh, Bella Swan? She's here with Jacob, I think..."

     The tallest man stepped towards me, a cynical look falling over his face. I could tell he was the leader, just by his aura. His energy overflowed with dominance, and for some reason, I felt the need to submit. This was his territory, no questions asked.

     "God, she smells like them," one of the boys cringed, causing me to blink.

     Did I smell bad? But also, who was "them?"

     "Um, I'm sorry?"

     "Paul," the leader barked.

     The one who spoke out of line grew quiet. No doubt there was a hierarchy going on here.

     "M-My name's Evelyn Crawford, I've hung out with Embry and Quil a few times?"

     I hoped that by mentioning the other two boys, I'd be granted a pass. By the looks on their faces, they knew who I was talking about.

     "So you're the pale-face those two hang around with. Hm."

     I nodded, walking closer to them. Each step made me feel like a newborn doe; wobbly and unsure of myself. I felt weak in comparison to the three giants, but I tried my best to look unphased.

     "And you are?" my voice wavered, much to my dismay.

     "Sam Uley. This Jared and Paul."

     Jared gave me a nod and smile, while Paul merely glared.

      What was his problem?

     "It's nice to meet you- wait," I cut myself off, recognizing the leader's name, "you wouldn't happen to be Emily's fiancé, would you?"

     "You know her?"

     "Um, yes. I met her here a while ago with Embry. She makes the best blueberry muffins," I gushed, which seemed to soften Sam up a bit. He nodded in agreement, the smallest of smiles making its way onto his face.

     "Evelyn?"

     Now what?

     My body turned, and I instantly spotted Bella and Jacob. I could tell they were surprised to see me.

     "What- what are you doing here? Did Edward send you?"

     I felt my demeanor grow sheepish at Bella's question, giving her a hesitant shrug.

     "I-It was my choice,"

     "What? Do you think I'm too dangerous for Bella to be around, too?"

     I cocked a brow at Jacob's question.

     "That's what I came to see for myself. I wanted to know what's got Edward's panties in a twist."

     I watched as his mouth twitched, amused by my answer.

     "We were heading back to the house. If I see Embry or Quil, I'll let them know you're here," Sam interjected with a curt nod, him and his friends taking their leave. I waved goodbye, but Jared was the only one to acknowledge it.

Paul's sharp glare never disappeared. The knot in my stomach told me I wasn't supposed to get along with him anyway.

     "Charming," I mumbled.

     "He always is," Jacob shoved his hands in his pockets, jaw set.

     Silence bestowed itself on us, the questions in my head becoming louder as the seconds ticked by. My curiosity was bursting at the seams, begging to be released. If I wasn't so shy, I'd be your everyday Nancy Drew.

     "Jake and I were just about to take a walk on the beach. Wanna come?"

     I should've just said sure, and gone with them. However, that didn't happen.

     "Something tells me you know," I blurted out, eyes trained on Jacob.

     "Know what?"

     "...you know what," I pressed, anxiously chewing on my bottom lip. I couldn't decide if it was brave or stupid to say something so vague. Hopefully, we were on the same page.

     "...I do, yeah,"

     "So," I began, my mind connecting the dots, "the treaty with the Cold Ones... it's real. That's why the Cullens can't come to La Push - they legally aren't allowed to."

     Jacob hummed in approval.

     "Yep, you got it. Might wanna remind your colossal boyfriend to keep that treaty in mind next time,"

     "You mean Emmett?"

     "I-It was just an accident over the weekend, while he was hunting," Bella quickly reassured me.

     Her reasoning didn't sit right with me. I was prepared to call her out when I felt someone approaching me from behind. I glanced back, spotting Embry.

     "Long time no see! Haven't seen you in a minute, girl,"

     Guilt washed over me. I hadn't been to the reservation in nearly a month, thanks to finals.

     "Sorry, Embry. Things have been crazy hectic lately,"

     "I assumed. C'mere, gimme a hug short stack."

     I grinned, gladly moving into his open arms. If there was one person I loved hugging more than Emmett, it was Embry. He was always so warm.

     "What're you doing here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be in school right now?"

     "Supposed to, yeah," I chuckled, "am I a badass now?"

     "More like a babysitter hired by the bloodsucker,"

     I rolled my eyes at Jacob's comment. The word "bloodsucker" irked me.

     "Oh shit, you know?" Embry looked taken aback, eyes wide.

     "Yeah... kinda found out that night we smoked," I shrugged, my nonchalance making him laugh.

     "Damn. Not the best time to be blazed, huh?"

     I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck.

     "No, absolutely not. But I have to know," I paused, my hand slowly dropping down to my side once again, "how do you know? I mean, the same question goes for you, Jacob."

     It was a question that'd been bothering me since I'd arrived at the res.

     Embry's smile faded, and he looked over at Jacob for assistance. The two seemed to have a conversation; I wasn't sure how, but their eyes said it all.

     "C'mon. Walk with me, I'll explain everything," Embry suddenly sighed, holding a hand out to me. I took it as we made our way to the edge of the forest.

     My eyes shot to Bella's and I gave her a questioning look. In return, she gave me an encouraging smile and a thumbs up.

     Despite my confusion, I was ready to get some more answers to the never-ending mysteries that plagued my life here in Forks.

༻༺

     On our walk, Embry stayed true to his word. He told me everything.

     And I mean everything.

     I wanted to say that I was shocked, bewildered, scared - anything. But I just wasn't. Embry was still the sweet boy I'd met on the beach all those months ago, regardless if he was a werewolf.

     Well, shapeshifter.

     After finding out the Cullens were vampires, I was getting better at rolling with the punches. The impossible was now possible, and I made sure to keep that in mind as I adapted to the new world I found myself in.

     He told me about his ancestors, what it meant to phase, his telepathic connection to everyone, imprinting, pack dynamics - any question I could imagine, he had an answer for. Even his abnormally high body temperature was explainable.

     It felt like a final weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I hated how I consistently found new questions to ask, but I knew I was the one to blame. More specifically, my curiosity. While it was a curse, I considered it a gift as well.

     Without it, I'd probably have no clue that vampires or wolves even existed. There was no denying that life was more interesting knowing they did.

     After an hour or so of walking in the forest, we found ourselves in a clearing.

     "So when you shift," I began, grabbing Embry's attention as we sat on the soft grass. Taking off my satchel, I set it aside.

     "Uh-huh,"

     "Does it... hurt?"

     He shrugged.

     "It happens so fast, by the time I've shifted I can't remember if it hurt or not. Guess that's a good thing," he grinned.

     "Funny. I can't imagine you being any bigger than you already are," I chuckled, causing him to playfully punch me in the arm.

     Not gonna lie - it kinda hurt.

I held back a wince, gritting my teeth as I forced a smile.

     "Trust me, it's very possible! You should see Jake and Sam, they're giant when they shift. But, I'm the fastest~"

     "Oh really now?"

     "Well, Leah's pretty fast, too. I keep telling her we need to race, so we can figure it out fair and square,"

     "I believe it," I giggled, his competitiveness reminding me of Emmett.

     A few moments passed before I spoke up again.

     "Dumb question, but... what color is your fur? Coat? I don't know," I struggled to find the right words. I knew I sounded silly.

     "Not a dumb question," he was quick to reassure me, "we've all got different fur, actually,"

     "What color is yours?"

     "A few different colors. Mainly gray, I think,"

     "Do you think you could... show me?"

     "You want to see? Are you sure?"

     "In what universe would I find out my friend is a shapeshifter and not want to see him as a big wolf?"

      He pursed his lips and looked up, jokingly contemplating.

     "Hm, valid point. Wait here,"

     He stood up and made his way to some of the nearby trees that currently surrounded us. I heard the rustling of clothes, and then silence. However, that silence was soon replaced by the sound of heavy paws hitting the ground. From behind the brush appeared a gigantic wolf.

     I felt my lips part, going completely still. I didn't move from my spot on the ground, in complete awe.

      "Holy shit," I breathed out, watching as Embry approached me.

I wasn't scared when he told me what he was, but seeing it with my own eyes felt a tad different. I mean, he was bigger than any creature I'd ever seen. He could bite my head off in an instant.

     "Embry, you're... you're beautiful. Kinda terrifying, but..."

     He walked in circles a few times before laying on his side - just like a dog. With him no longer towering over me, I felt my anxiety slowly start to dissolve. He lowered his head, laying his muzzle on my lap.

     I noted that his eyes, despite being fit for a wolf and a completely different color, were still his eyes. He was still Embry. My face brightened as I raised a hand to his head, gently resting it between his ears.

     "Can I pet you, or is that a no-no?"

     He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch. He was so soft.

     "I think I like this version of you better. Way less annoying,"

     A soft growl emitted from him, making me laugh. Nonetheless, he stayed still and let me continue to scratch behind his ears. Eventually, I found myself laying against him, his large form practically curled around me.

     It was hard not to think about everything while sitting in silence.

     "...Embry," I called out. Even though my voice was quiet by nature, it sounded far away. Like it wasn't really me talking.

     His yellow eyes peeked up at me.

     "Can I... vent? With no judgment?"

     He whimpered, getting up from beneath me to run back where he'd initially come out. I was left alone, brows pulled together in uncertainty. My worries washed away as a fully clothed, human Embry came back out. He strode to our spot, sitting down next to me.

     "Sorry, pack telepathy. I didn't want anyone eavesdropping," he casually explained, "what's up?"

     With a shaky breath, I told him everything on my mind. I explained graduation, and what would come after. I spoke of my fears for Emmett and I's future, how I wouldn't be able to stay with him forever; unless I made the change of course. I made sure to emphasize my distaste for an immortal life, how I wanted to have kids and grow old. I wasn't made to be a vampire, I wasn't brave or inhumanely beautiful - I wasn't a Cullen. But despite it all, I wanted Emmett. I needed him.

     I loved  him.

     While I'd tried to ignore my feelings over the past few months, I knew that burying them so deep only made it hurt more when I decided to unearth it all. My emotions had been clawing at me to tell someone, anyone. Now, I was airing out everything. So caught up in my ranting, I didn't notice the tears welling in my eyes, leaving my vision distorted.

     I blinked, allowing them to glide down my cheeks. Embry noticed and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I leaned my head into the crook of his neck, a few sniffles involuntarily escaping me. I tried my best to wipe the wetness from my face, embarrassed by my tears.

     "Evelyn... Listen, I just want to let you know that-"

     "What? That it won't work out? That even if I did turn, to be with him, it would be breaking the treaty?"

     He shook his head and furrowed his eyebrows.

     "No, no. That... I support you. I support your happiness, no matter what road you may take to get there."

     That wasn't the answer I'd been expecting, at all.

     "Really...?"

     "Of course. I mean, don't get me wrong, I have my preference," he let out a heavy sigh, "but I understand that this isn't easy for you, and I don't want to make it even harder. So... I've got your back,"

     His instant acceptance and loyalty... it was enough to leave me feeling understood.

     "Embry... thank you. I- I clearly have no clue what I plan on doing, but it's nice knowing that either way, you'll be there. Right?"

     He smiled and nodded. It was warm and gave me all the encouragement and comfort I needed.

     "You know what?" he sat up straight, turning to me with a sudden fire in his eyes.

     "What?"

     "Let's make a treaty, right here and now. You and me," he demanded.

     I felt my eyebrows lift in disbelief as I copied his position, the two of us now sitting across from one another.

     "Like... a pact?"

     "Pact, treaty, oath, whatever you want to call it. That way we can be, uh," he paused, "legally bound to one another if anything happens?"

     "Are you trying to get married?"

     Embry snorted at my obvious joke, rolling his eyes.

     "You wish you could be so lucky," he snickered. "But I'm serious, you know. Let's make an oath. That way, no matter what you do, we can always be friends."

     I was at a loss for words, but not in a bad way. I felt incredibly lucky to have a friend like him, one willing to go through such great lengths to remain in my life.

     "Well... if we're going to do this, we need to make it official, don't we?"

     His face beamed at my response. I leaned over to my satchel, pulling out the beautiful sketchbook Alice and Jasper had gifted to me. Flipping open to an empty page, I peered up at Embry, pen in hand.

     "What should it say?"

     "Okay, okay. Write this," he spoke, giving me a moment to ready myself.

     "I, leave a blank space for me to sign, solemnly swear to remain loyal to Evelyn Crawford. I pledge to uphold our friendship and protect her from harm. I will respect and support her decision when it comes to her mortality and will continue to respect and support her, no matter what she does. If and when she becomes a Cold One, I will stand by these promises,"

     I wrote fast, keeping up as best as I could. His words touched me, and I felt my vision grow blurry once more.

     "Aw, are you crying?"

     "Shut up," I blubbered out, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand.

     "Alright, your turn."

     I stopped, thinking through what I wanted to say. As soon as I knew, I cleared my throat and began to write again.

     "I, Evelyn Crawford, solemnly swear to remain loyal to Embry Call. I pledge to uphold our friendship and protect him from harm, whether that be as a human or a Cold One. No matter my decision regarding my mortality, I will respect and support him. My respect will also be applied to his tribe and pack, the Quileutes. If and when I become a Cold One, I will stand by these promises."

     Handing him the book, I let him sign his name in the space he'd told me to provide. We both stared down at the piece of paper before our gazes met.

     "I know this may be dumb, especially since you don't even want to turn, but... I thought it might give you some peace of mind."

     I dropped the book, leaning forward to pull him into a hug.

     "Thank you. Really."

     We stayed like that for a moment, before he pulled away to look down at me.

     "Hákłtis. Forever,"

     "And that means...?"

     "Friends. Friends forever."

     Although my future was unclear, I knew I wouldn't be alone.

—edite

༻༺

I can't be the only one who loves this friendship, right? By the way, I've decided from now on to add a song to my chapters! It's whatever song I was mainly listening to while writing the said chapter, so listening is completely optional to enhance the ~vibes~ haha. As for this chapter, I mostly listened to I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab for Cutie, so... enjoy!

I hope you guys enjoyed reading! If you did, don't be shy to add a comment, vote for this chapter, and add Ethereal to your library/reading list! The support means a ton to me. Thanks, guys!

~ May