For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

–Rudyard Kipling

Chapter 20: What Ever Happened?

2 years later…

I leaned on the back of Paul's truck and watched the sun set over the beach. Absentmindedly, I fiddled with the diamond engagement ring around my finger as Paul and I waited for the others. I hadn't seen everyone in a few weeks since classes for my sophomore year of college had just recently started up again.

"One of these days you are going to twirl that thing right off your finger," Paul smiled with a twinkle in his eye as I immediately stopped playing with the ring. I smacked him in the chest; Paul pretended it hurt just to humor me. He glanced over my shoulder and waved at an approaching couple.

"Hey guys!" Henry Hearst called out as he and Leah joined us. I immediately enveloped both in a giant hug.

After the whole Shawn incident Leah kept it a secret that she had imprinted on Henry. Once it was out though Henry instantly became part of the family. It was nice that Henry had someone who knew about the transformation he had to endure each month. I felt sorry for Megan who had to go at it alone and hopefully one day found someone who cared enough to help her through it. Since Leah and Henry got together I think everyone in the pack was grateful for the change that Henry brought about in Leah. Whereas once, Leah was distant and bitter, she was now friendly, happy; according to Sam she was back to how she used to be.

"Hey Henry didn't expect to see you here," Paul said as he tossed a questioning glance in Leah's direction.

"Relax Paul, his phasing cycle doesn't begin until tomorrow night," Leah answered as she grasped Henry's hand in a comforting manner. Even though Henry was a welcomed member of the group Paul always got a little on edge around the time Henry was suppose to start phasing; it was just his eternal nature to protect me.

Brady, Collin, and Seth suddenly appeared each carrying a large cooler.

"Thanks for leaving use with all the heavy stuff," Seth complained even though he exhibited no of struggle. Leah just rolled her eyes at her little brother.

"Hey Maddie did you miss us?" Brady teased.

"Of course, I missed you most of all," Paul gave a playful growl and the others just laughed.

"We'll go get the fire started," Collin interjected and the little group moved off to our area.

Other people were arriving and creating their own campfires, most, I assumed, were from the high school in Forks.

"Maddie!" I heard Kim calling my name. I spun around and saw her approaching followed by Jared, Sam, and Emily.

"Kim!" I hugged my friend tightly before embracing Emily as well.

"Who's watching Jeffery and Lucy?"

Embry's mother volunteered, she's become our resident nanny," Emily laughed as I caught Sam trying to check his phone without calling attention to his action.

"Chill Sam, I'm sure they haven't done nearly enough damage to warrant a call from Embry's mom," Paul joked.

"Yet," Jared added.

"Watch it you two or I'll double your patrolling duties," Sam threatened as he shoved his phone back into his pocket.

We made our way over to the campfire where the others had a large bonfire already going. Brady and Collin were debating over what was the best way to roast a marshmallow, while Seth and Henry were planning yet another camping/fishing trip.

I snuggled into Paul's side as the sun continued to drop lower below the horizon. I took the time to look around at my second family. Leah and Henry huddled together, whispering and stealing quick kisses every so often. Jared had his arm wrapped around Kim and every so often he would touch he stomach gently and the two would share a loving look. Kim was only three months pregnant but Jared was already on high alert and was willing to answer any whim Kim experienced. Seth, Brady, and Collin all roughed about, acting with careless abandon while Emily and Sam reveled in their night free of parenting duties.

I glanced at Paul and flushed slightly when I caught him also looking at me.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too,"

He kissed my lips still sending butterflies through my stomach.

"Oh great!" Seth's comment drew everyone's attention.

"What's wrong?" Kim asked as we all looked in the direction that Seth was glaring.

"She's here," Seth continued as he shot daggers towards one of the three girls that were greeting some people from the earlier group.

"Who?" I tried to figure out which girl he was referring to; there was one brunette followed by two blondes.

"Georgina Phoenix!" Seth mumbled eliciting agonized moans from Brady and Collin.

"Which one is she?" I continued.

"The tall brunette who's walking around like she's the ruler of the world," Brady answered.

"Sorry we're late!" Embry's voice broke the group's concentration. He and Quil trudged over and sat down near Seth.

"Did we miss anything?" Quil asked before he shoved a marshmallow into his mouth.

"Seth was just telling us all about Georgina Phoenix," Jared informed the two with a mocking tone.

"Who's that?" Quil asked with his mouth full of marshmallows.

"The she-devil of Forks," Seth replied and he pointed to the brunette once again. I watched her and even though light was fading I could still make out enough to tell that she definitely walked with a superior air about her. The two blondes shadowed her every move while a boy with short brown hair and glasses carried drinks over to the Georgina girl looking eager for approval.

I glanced at Embry and noticed his face had developed the look of someone who had just been smacked in the face. His eyes followed Georgina like a hawk.

"Embry are you ok?" as I questioned Embry, Quil waved his hand in front of Embry's face.

Embry's expression reminded me of Paul's the first time we met.

"Guys I think Embry's just imprinted," Sam comment pulled Embry back to reality just as realization dawn on Seth.

"What? On Georgina Phoenix?! No, impossible." Seth pleadingly turned to Embry, "Dude please snap out of it, this girl is completely unlovable."

Embry shot Seth a deadly look before rising to his feet and walking off in the direction of the girl. Seth and Quil followed after him. Paul and I exchanged looks.

This should be interesting.

Later that night…

I was nodding off as Paul and I lay on my bed in my parents' house; they of course didn't know he was there.

"So what do you think about a summer wedding?" Paul's voice drew me out of my sleepy slumber.

"I think I like the sound of that," I replied. Paul ran his hand down the length of my right arm sending shivers coursing through my body.

"Cold?" Paul asked with a knowing smirk.

"Most definitely I think I need my superman to warm me up." I giggled as Paul drew me even closer to his warm body and planted kisses on my forehead, cheeks, nose, and finally lips.

I closed my eyes and inhaled Paul's soothing scent as I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Life couldn't be better.

So Embry is definitely in for a wild ride with his imprint. I want to thank everyone who took the time to read my story and also a special thanks to everyone who reviewed, your comments really help me get feedback and better understand where you want the story to go. The first chapter of the sequel should be posted in about two days. I hope everyone enjoyed reading this story just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

PS: let me know if you want the names of the bands/singers of certain songs used for chapter titles.