Skin Deep

Chapter 25

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta animegirlkiki for betaing this story, and of course thanks to every single person who has reviewed. Thank you all for reading this story, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Embry P.O.V

First we arrived in Las Vegas.

Alec, Corin and that dick Santiago came with. Corin was all excited, he had been going on about some art exhibit he would have to check out when we got there. Corin...freaked me out. He kept on asking me to model nude for him...I know.

It wasn't anything sexual, thank god. Apparently he was some ancient Greek or Roman artist and back in his day if you were offered to be used as a piece it was a great honor. But I told him no. I was not stripping nude in front of a vampire. I did it enough in front of my pack and they were the only exception, well them and Sara.

Corin got me to agree to at least do a painting, he said he would pay me. "You have wonderful cheek bones, a very strong masculine vibe to, we should go for a scene native to you're culture," he said.

I looked over to Sara who was doing her best not to laugh. Then I looked over to Alec who was trying not to laugh as well. Although unlike Sara whose eyes were filled with a warm humor his eyes were filled with a dark one. He was like a little kid who loved watching a bug get its legs ripped off.

I so did not like that little freak. First of he looked a little to much like his sister, and Jane was one sick puppy (no pun intended) he looked so angelic and innocent, like a cherub from one of those old Catholic paintings. Except for the eyes of course. They betrayed what he really was, a monster. I remember the almost battle; I remember how his power crept up on us like an evil mist. I knew all about him and his sister. I remember what the Cullens told us.

The second reason I didn't like him was the way he looked at Sara. It was the way a little brother looks at a older sister he loves and the way she coo's over him, you would think he really was an angel. If only she knew what he really was like?

Third and final it was his sister that made me dislike him more. When Jane found out he was coming with us she blew a gasket. She wanted to come with but that Aro creep said no, bad enough he lost one star pupil, didn't want to lose the other one. I was glad she wasn't coming, I swear she had come an inch to snapping and attacking Sara, she looked at her with such hate I thought she was going to unleash her power on her.

But Alec had a stern talking to her and Jane believe it or not burst into tears and Alec took her somewhere private to talk. She saw us off at the airport giving her brother one final hug and kiss on the cheek and shooting Sara a glare that promised she would love nothing more than to test the full limits of her power on another vampire, mainly Sara.

Corin was okay except for how hard he tried to get me to pose for him. Sara gave him a look a few times when I began to agree to more risqué work. Apparently Corin had some power that made let him manipulate emotions with his voice; Sara said he was a siren of some kind.

Speaking of siren's that Heidi chick saw us off as well. She and Sara hugged, she said something to Sara I could not make out; her face looked apologetic and regretful. Sara spoke back and Heidi went to stand next to that Demitri guy who wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Aro had already phoned the Cullen's already and told them we would be visiting soon. I was very nervous, what would happen when the wolves learned of my...oh hell they are going to be pissed.

I was so right.

First we got to Vegas and we got things settled in our new location. Than Marcus called the Cullens and planned a visit between us, them and the wolves.

I tried to spend time with Sara, but so did the others. I had nothing to fear from Corin and Alec, they were a brother and a friend to her, it was Santiago I had to really compete with. I saw the way she looked at him; it hurt my heart to see her look at him like that. It was the look she should only have for me.

I cursed Vincent from the grave; I hope he is burning in hell right now. If he hadn't turned her then he wouldn't have tried to make his mate, she wouldn't have had him killed and that crazy vamp bitch wouldn't have ran to the Volturi to help her kill her and Aro would have learned of her. If it wasn't for Vincent me and a human Sara would be home right now and everything would be fine and simple.

We went back to Forks after three days, I decided to dress like I usually did, I felt very awkward compared to the fine dressed vampires. But when I faced my old comrades I wanted to face them as the Embry they knew.

Marcus came with us, and of course the trio. Along with a few guards. We got to the Cullen's to find their house decked out. Welcome back signs, flower petals leading to the front door and all kinds of over blown stuff greeted us.

"Oh sweet lord Alice," Sara hid her face behind her hands.

"Alice...that is the small vampire with the visions right?" Alec asked.

"Yes."

"Master Aro covets her greatly. Jane really hates her for that, more so than that Bella girl."

"Why? What did she ever do to her?" I asked.

"Master Aro prizes us on our gifts, in the guard the stronger you're power the higher you're rank, since me and Jane have the strongest abilities we are the highest ranked. If this Alice were to ever join her power would make her out rank Jane and me. Jane knows Aro favors those with gifts, she is very territorial when it comes to Aro's affections. She really did not like you when you joined Sara," Alec said with a smile.

"Really? She seemed to be friendly with me for a while," Sara said sounding surprised.

"That was because I was trying to court you. She hoped she could whisper sweet things about me in your ear and learn you're innermost secrets to pass on to me so I would have a better chance."

"You tried courting Sara?" I asked. Did he really think he had a chance looking like jail bait?

"We all did, as soon as we learned that Aro was adding a new female to the family all us male guards tried," Corin said.

Sara got a embarrassed look on her face. I dropped the discussion because I did not want to hear how a bunch of guys were trying to hook up with her.

As we walked to the house the door flew open. Kate and Tanya ran to Sara calling her name. They hugged her and she hugged them back. They were so happy to see one another. All the Cullen's came out and greeted us. I noticed Nessie wasn't among those here. They all watched the Volturi with cautious eyes. I saw Carlisle looking at Marcus amazed. "Marcus?" he asked.

"Carlisle, old friend how are you?" Marcus said with a smile that seemed out of place.

Everyone looked at him amazed. Marcus chuckled at their flabbergasted looks. "I know, so odd to see me talk or make a facial expression, I am still trying to relearn all that, you have Sara to thank for that," he said looking at Sara warmly.

We all huddled inside, the guards followed behind Marcus. Some staid outside, guarding the house, I think the Cullen's liked them better outside. I sat next to Sara and Santiago sat on her other side, I wanted to growl at him or do something to make him move but I kept quiet.

Of all the Volturi Alec got the most nervous looks, I saw Jasper, Edward and Bella keeping a close watch on him, he was the biggest threat after all. He watched them closely with a small smile, clearly enjoying the reaction his presence invoked in them. "Where is that little girl of yours? It would be nice to see her again," he said.

Bella and Edward hissed at him and he smiled. "Alec, do not be rude," Sara chastised.

Alec looked down. "Sorry Sara," he said.

The look on everyone's face was priceless. One of the most deadly and dangerous vampires in the world and Sara had him wrapped around her little finger. That's my girl.

"Well I am sure you may not know the whole story of this," Marcus said. He explained the situation. With commentary from me, Sara, Corin, Alec and Santiago of course. "So for three months of the year she stays in Italy, for the remainder of the year she stays in the states. She is more than welcome to visit any of you of course."

"So wait, Embry works for you?" Bella asked.

"Yes I do," I said.

"Man the wolves are going to be pissed."

"I know," I said.

"They will be here within the hour," Carlisle said, his face looked concerned when he addressed me. "Embry, you should know the elders and your mother will be here as well."

Oh crap. I can only imagine the drama that would soon unfold. With the wolves, the elders, Billy and mom lord knows this will not be going good.

Sara P.O.V

We met the wolves outside. Nessie was over with her grandpa Charlie, the Cullens did not want her anywhere near the Volturi, not that I could blame them, after what happened last time.

The wolves phased to get here, Sam's and Jake's. Almost the whole La Push wolf tribe showed up. The elders drove here, I saw Embry's mom, she looked horrible, and I saw the dark bags under her eyes that clearly showed she had not been sleeping well.

"Embry! Oh thank god! Where have you been?" she asked.

She tried to walk over to him but the wolves kept her from getting close. "What is she doing back?" Sam asked. "She broke the elder's law, you know what must happen."

Santiago and Alec stepped forward. "Lay one hand on her wolf and you're entire reservation will burn this night," Santiago said.

The wolves growled, the tension rose. But a wave of calm flowed, Jasper using his power of course. Embry spoke next. "If any of you harm her you will have to answer to me."

"Oh Embry not this again," his mother said.

"I am serious; you kill her than you might as well kill me too."

"Jake control him before he digs himself any further," Sam said.

Jake looked at Embry oddly. Like he saw something the others could not see. "I don't think I could even if I wanted," he said.

"Jake what are you saying?" Billy asked.

"He means I am not longer a member of his pack or Sam's," Embry said. He reached under his shirt and showed them the Volturi pendant. "I have joined the Volturi."

The air was filled with deadly snarls. Many of the Quileutes phased in their anger. Embry's mom clasped her mouth with her hands and looked ill; Billy looked shocked as did the other elders.

"You did this!" she pointed a finger at me. "Why can't you just leave us alone! Haven't you ruined him enough?"

My throat became tight and my heart hurt. Embry grabbed my hand. "It was the only way I could be with her."

"No! I will not allow this! I will not allow a wolf to abandon us for the Volturi of all people! Have you forgotten they came to kill us Embry?" Sam asked.

"Technically they came to kill the Cullens, you just offered your services," Jamie said. He was the only wolf who had not had any reaction; he looked kind of bored actually.

Sam continued like he had not been interrupted. "We outnumber them Carlisle, let's finish them now!"

"Sam, if we kill them Aro will bring the full wrath of his coven on us," Carlisle said.

"So, all the wolves we have now, add your friends we can truly meet them on equal footing."

The guards grew tense, they drew closer to Marcus and me, and their eyes tense and waiting. "Sam I swear to god you so much as raise a hand against her I will not hesitate to strike you down!" Embry growled.

"They are human eaters you fucking moron!" Paul roared, "Look at their eyes, you join creatures we are sworn to kill."

"Sara still has yellow eyes Sam and I love her I swear I will kill anyone who lays hands on her!"

"As much as I hate the little bastard I agree," Santiago said.

Marcus waved his hands. "Please let us be sensible beings here, there is no need to fight."

"Yeah whatever leech, why don't you take your guards and that whore back to where ever the fuck in Europe you came from old man," Paul said.

His words hurt me, I had never done anything to harm him or anyone he loved, but here he was saying such horrible things about me. I looked away and Embry nudged mew with his shoulders. "Don't listen to him, he is a dick."

Marcus spoke and I shivered, there was rage in his voice as he spoke, it was quiet as the grave but held the promise of great violence and bloodshed. "Watch you're tone boy, I have killed more men then all of god's plagues and Hungry once ran red with the blood of the men I killed. It is not the vampire you should fear, it is the old man, so back your shit down and show respect for your elders and betters."

The guards smiled loving their leader acting all big and bad, the Quileute's in wolf form began to pace back and forth glaring at us. Waiting for the right moment to strike.

Jasper was good at keeping a real tense situation calm but even he had his limits. Thank God Corin lent a helping hand...or tongue. "Come on now gents, there is no need to be so uptight." his words were smooth as silk and calming as the sound of wind chimes. All the tension almost evaporated. "Sure there is a bit of a culture shock but come on don't these two kids deserve some happiness after everything they have gone through?"

His words made sense; I was filled with confidence and certainty. I and Embry should be together, we deserved this, all the hell we had gone through and come out unscathed. Well almost unscathed.

I could see the wolves relax; see the anger and looks of betrayal and hurt leave their eyes. Corin winked at me from the corner of his eye.

"Well maybe this can work out, I mean if Jake can imprint on a hybrid than surely another wolf can be involved with a vampire," Billy said.

I jumped for joy in my head. Billy was the chief and Embry's dad, surely everyone would follow his lead. Well almost everyone. "Hello!" Embry's mom slapped Billy's shoulder. "She is a vampire; he can't have babies with a vampire!"

"Well if he was a girl and she was a boy it could be possible," the wolf called Jamie said.

Once again he was ignored. "Plus I don't want my son working for a bunch of monsters who kill innocent humans."

Marcus spoke. "Miss. Call Embry will not help us acquire our food in any way. In fact he will be remaining in Washington while he works for me. Tell me have you ever heard of Volterra industries?"

She got a surprised look on her face, I saw many surprised looks from the wolves. "You creatures run Volterra industries?" the older elder said, I think he was old Quil, young Quil's grandaddy.

"Well they live in Volterra so it would figure they would run Volterra industries," Jamie said rolling his eyes.

"Yes we do, as you know we are one of the largest companies in the world, our work ranges from pharmaceutical, medical, and many other technological projects. I planned on having Embry stay here so he can handle the shipping and handling of our property over in Seattle. He would be well paid and be given full benefits as well as a paid scholarship to any college of his choosing."

"You see mom, this helps my future," Embry said.

"Except for the babies part Embry, I want grandchildren."

Embry took a deep breath. "I am sorry mom, but that won't be happening."

She began to cry and covered her face with her hands. Billy took her hand and tried to calm her down.

"Embry they tried to kill us, how can you side with them?" Sam asked.

"That is the past," Marcus said.

"Besides, between me and Embry I am sure we can keep everyone safe from Aro," I said trying to ad something helpful.

Sam glared at me and I flinched. I did not look away. I was sick of this. I am sick and tired of people pushing me around! All my life I have been to weak to stick up for myself, well that is over now. I stepped forward and rose my voice.

"I am sorry you all hate me, I cannot help being what I am, I didn't ask for it. You think I wanted this? You think I like killing poor animals? You think I like having some power I can't really control, you think I like not being able to get old, have children, be around people without wanting to suck out their blood?"

Santiago placed his hand on my back and rubbed small soothing circles, I wanted to shake it off but it felt nice having him touch me. It gave me comfort.

"I wish it was different, I wish I was human so much, but even my power can't make that happen. I can't help it if I love Embry, he is the only man I...have loved." I wanted to include Santiago but I don't think the wolves would like that.

"I am sorry that I have brought such grief on you miss. Call, I am sorry this is hurting you all. I know you all love him and I am sorry that us being together hurts you."

"Not they're affection you're hurting as much as their pride," Jamie said.

"Jamie, be quiet!" Sam snapped.

"Look there is nothing anyone here can do. They want to be together and Embry has already stated he will avenge her death which will obviously result in his death, so unless anyone here is willing to kill Embry this whole thing is pointless. So anyone up to murdering a fellow wolf tonight?"

No one spoke.

"Thought not." he turned and walked toward the woods.

"Where are you going?" Sam asked.

"Home, the Big Bang theory is on tonight."

"Get back here now, that is an order!"

"Blah, blah, blah, blah," Jamie said ignoring Sam.

Sam bristled, glowering at his brother. "I would keep an eye on that one if I were you," Marcus said as Jamie disappeared in the woods. "He has no loyalties to anyone but himself."

"I don't need advice how to run my pack from a leech!" Sam roared.

"Really?" Marcus cocked an eyebrow. "Seems to me you barely have a pack at all."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sam said narrowing his eyes at Marcus.

Some of the Quileute's and wolves shifted nervously. Like they were worried. Marcus could see the ties that bind people, emotional bonds, like a visual empathy. He could see who was in love with one another, who was most loyal...and who was most disloyal. Did Marcus see some weak links in Sam's pack? Was he seeing a dangerous situation brewing.

I remember Embry telling me how Sam was having a rough time controlling such a large pack. In real life wolf packs range from five at the smallest, to thirty at the largest, I wasn't exactly sure how many Sam had in his pack but I know it was more than what Jake had. I had to wonder what has been going on in La Push since I have been gone.

Why would wolves be disloyal to Sam? Was their some unseen politics going on that I could not see? Was Marcus seeing a fight coming that we could not?

"You say you love Embry, but it seems that big vampire has the same goo-goo eyes Embry has for you, and I notice he is still touching you," Jared said.

Santiago let go of me and I cursed myself softly.

"As you know my power allows me to control desire...while I was away I missed the Cullen's and the Denali coven terribly. I wanted them so bad and it became a desire of sorts. My power could not bring them to me so it found members of the guard to fill those needs, I needed a brother and it bound me and Alec as brother and sister, I needed a friend and it gave me Corin and...I needed someone to love me and be loved by me and it gave me Santiago."

The air was silent. "Do you mean to tell me my son is willing to throw his life away and you are cheating on him with another man?" miss. Call shrieked.

"Not exactly," I said.

"Sara never thought she would see the boy again," Santiago said. "As you know she used her power on him to make him not love her, but his love still burned."

"And that was what caused me to go crazy, don't you all get it? I can't live without her. Even if that means I have to share her with another man."

"What? You're going to fuck her with him?" one of the wolves asked snidely.

"Shut up you little snot!" Miss. Call snarled at him. She turned to Jake, her eyes pleading. "Jake please, you are his best friend and his brother, please do something," she begged.

Jake sighed. "There is nothing I can do. He is not my wolf any more. But even if he still was I would not stop him. Embry is his own man; no one has the right to tell him who to love, even if that someone is not what we want, though I think Embry has chosen perfectly."

"Thank you Jake," I said.

"Billy do something!"

Billy sighed. "Jake is right, you saw what he was like when she left, do you want him going back that way?"

"Of course not!"

"Me neither. Embry, son. You have my blessing both as you're chief and you're father."

"This is a blasphemy and a slap in the face to our way of life!" Old Quil wheezed.

"But we cannot stop him. We must let love and nature take its course," Sue said.

"Elders please," Sam begged.

"We have spoken. Embry may stay with Sara," Billy said firmly.

Miss. Call broke out into sobs. "Mom," Embry said.

"I want you out," she said. "I want you to pack you're things and get out of my house Embry. I won't have you under my roof knowing you are with her and working for these monsters. I can't take this anymore, obviously you are a grown man to ruin your life, than you can find your own place to live."

She wiped her face and turned her back and left and waited in one of the cars and I could hear her crying.

Embry looked sad. He did not try and stop his mother or call out to her. My heart ached for him so bad. Billy spoke again. "Embry, you are welcome to move in with us."

"Really?"

"Sure, we'll give you Rebecca's room. Lord knows she won't be using it any time soon," he said a little sadly.

"Would it be too much to ask that I rejoin your pack Jake? I mean if you don't want me back because I work for Marcus than I understand."

"Are you kidding? Why would I pass up the chance of having an inside man," Jake said with a smile.

"Thanks man," Embry said.

"Well now that we are all one big happy family can you wolves scram now, you're stinking up the place," Alec said with a twisted smile.

"Alec!" that boy, he needs a serious time out.

"Sorry Sara," he quickly said.

They all left, Embry went with them to go to his house and pack. After that he was going to move in to Billy's. He kissed me on the cheek. "I will see you later. I start work at the port next week and I need to go over everything with Marcus."

I kissed him on the lips. "When will I see you again?" I asked.

"Tomorrow. I will come back tomorrow, I swear, I need to have one last talk with mom before I leave."

"I am so sorry Embry, I know what it is like to want things to be better between you and you're mother," I said.

"So am I, but if she can't accept you then I don't want her in my life. I love her and will be there for her if she needs me, but if she can't accept us than this is for the best."

We kissed one more time and he phased with Jake and they ran off to La Push. As he passed Santiago they glanced at one another and I could feel the tension between them. I sighed, I was going to have my hands full with those two, I know it.

"Well we will head for Seattle. I need to get things ready for Embry to take over for me," Marcus said. "It was good to see you under better circumstances old friend."

He and Carlisle shook hands. "It is amazing to see you back with us Marcus. I never thought I would see you like this."

Marcus smiled. "Me either, I never had a reason to exist with Didyme dead, but now I have a reason to live again." he smiled at me. He walked over and kissed my hands. "I will collect you next week, I imagine you wish to spend much time with your kin."

I hugged him tight. "Thank you Marcus, I owe you so much."

"As I owe you child. Just promise me you will live well and happy. I know Didyme would be happy to know you are happy."

I hugged Corin next. "I have no desire for your wolf boy but I swear I will get him naked for a piece," he said.

"Corin," I sighed.

"I know, I know. I can't help it, you woke my inner artist."

I hugged Alec. "You be good, if I find out you have been misbehaving I will be really cross with you," I said sternly.

"I have never been good a day in my life," he said.

"It's not so bad you know, being nice, compassionate and merciful," I said.

"Hmph, all overrated, scary, ruthless and sadistic are more fun...but for you I think I can try."

Santiago was last. "Well...um..." I didn't know what to say. Do I say I love you? I will miss you.

He grabbed me and kissed me long and hard, I kissed him back, unable to resist the pull in my heart. I heard giggles, wolf whistles and and embarrassed coughs. We pulled back, the world seemed fuzzy to me.

"I will see you again my love, I will wait, no matter how long," he said, his eyes full of tender love.

I watched as they drove off in the car. As soon as they were gone Rose, Kate and Tanya jumped on me.

"Oh my god!" Tanya shrieked.

"A hot werewolf and a hot Spaniard!" Kate said.

"That's my girl!" Rose laughed.

I felt so happy, I felt like I would cry. There were hugs and kisses and warm welcomes from everyone. It felt so good to be back. We went inside and I told them everything that happened. All the vampires I met, I told them about poor, sweet Elanor, I told them how boring it was, how I never once drank human blood no matter how much they tempted me.

They loved the part where I told Caius off. Emmett and Garrett gave me high fives.

Bella and Edward promised to bring Nessie back soon so I could see her, I could only imagine how much she grew since I last saw her.

We all went out to hunt. I admit, I had a guilty pleasure. Hunting. It wasn't as fun eating those livestock Aro got for me, it had been easy and simple, and at least with wild animals I could run and hunt. Like I said it is a guilty pleasure, once was a time I would have fainted at the idea of drinking animal blood.

We laughed, we played, we drank. It was a fine welcome back gift, my friends and family surrounded me. I felt so happy, so, so happy to be back. With people who could understand me, people who would protect me, people who would show me the light and not keep me in the dark.

I still had a lot of things to do; I had to figure out what I would do about Embry and Santiago. I doubt I will be able to make any progress there any time soon.

But I forgot all about them. There would be time for that later, right now I am enjoying the time I had left with my family. I never had so much fun I my life, being away so long helped me realize just how much I truly missed them. They were all so precious to me now; each had made a place in my heart.

They did something I thought no one could. Not Just the Cullen's or the Denali's, but Embry and Marcus, Alec, Corin and Santiago. Each had filled the void my mother made. All my life I never knew love or affection, I was raised to believe my life was worthless and that I was a waste. But they helped me realize that the happiness of power, money, status all the things I wanted in my human life, they can only give us a happiness that is skin deep.

Only the joy of family and friends can truly pierce the core of our heart. Only that happiness could truly show the world for what it is.

I envied my ancestor Didyme. I tried so hard to make people happy but it came with double standards and hurt more people than I meant to make happy. But she could bring happiness to everyone just being around her. I had to wonder, was it Marcus and her human children that brought her such joy to share with the world? Had she neither human family nor a man to love would her power have been so powerful?

Who's to say? But if you all could do me a favor if you please. If ever you had a loved one hurt you, if ever a friend has betrayed you, if ever you were told you were worthless, stupid, ugly, a burden, or some other horrible description do not listen to them, you are beautiful, you are a star that shines with its own light and as hard as it may be to do learn to forgive and forget what has been done to you.

Anger and vengeance are a poison that will make you into something ugly, something like you're tormentors. Ask yourself this instead, what made them the way they are? What drove them to become so mean and hateful?

So please, choose love and mercy and May you know the love and joy I have come to know and please share this love and joy with those around you. Share your light with the world and make everyone a star.

Thank you all for your time and I hope that if we ever meet again you're life to will be brighter than before.

Goodbye.

Fusedtwilight: Well thats it. But don't worry, we will see Sara again. I plan on having a big crossover between this story and my other two stories, to love and imprint and the brother I never knew. Stay tuned for war of the wolves to see Sara again.