A/N buckle up whores <33

CHAPTER 9 ... part 2

(Goddess — Laufey)
ALMA was in fact, not back by 8pm.

Now, this wouldn't have been as big of a deal considering Alma was well, Alma. She was pretty scary when she wanted to be, and it helped that she has a mean right hook – perks of being an athlete.

It did not help however that Alma was not answering her phone, which was odd considering Alma was sending Emily updates every hour or so.

So maybe there was cause for panic.

When Sam and the boys entered the Uley home at 9, a sour mood coating them considering there was a new leech in their midst, and they were crafty enough to evade every snapping jowl that bit in their direction.

The first thing Sam noticed was that Allison was sat with Emily on the couch, both on their phones and both particularly tense.

"Oh, thank god," Allison breathed out, hurriedly standing to greet her son and Emily frantically redialed whomever she was calling. "Sam, have you seen your sister?"

Sam had in fact not seen his sister, the last he saw of her was when she'd arrived to take Ruth and Peter trick-or-treating. After that it had only been glimpses through Embry's mind's eye.

He slowly shook his head, astutely aware of how Allison tensed, and Emily took a shaky breath.

"Is there something I don't know?"

"Alma isn't back yet."

Embry noticeably tensed then, jaw locked, and ears perked the moment his imprints name was brought up. He tried his best not to, but Embry was still brooding over what transpired between he and Alma earlier that night. The fact that she was supposedly missing did not help Embry's already enormous guilt.

"What do you mean 'she isn't back yet'?"

"I mean we've been spending the past hour trying to get in contact with her and all we've gotten is radio silence. I think something is seriously wrong Sam."

Sam grew ridged. Because now, not only was there a loose mosquito somewhere in Forks tree lines, but his little sister and his kids were completely MIA and had been for the past hour. Embry was already moving to spring into action, but Sam's hand caught his shoulder and his eyes gave him a look that said 'sit your ass down and screw your head on straight'.

"Paul, you and Embry'll look around the neighbourhood, see if they're still out trick-or-treating, maybe her phone died or something. Me and Jared will follow the scent that bloodsucker left to see if maybe it's follow her, or..." He paused then, sucking in a breath to compose himself before continuing. "Brady and Collin I want you guys to stay behind with Quil just incase she comes back and Jacob, you Leah and Seth can see if she went into Forks by accident."

Everyone nodded, not wanting to get on Sam's bad side at the moment. It was already bad enough that his sister was missing, now add the fact that his kids are with her and there's a vampire on the loose? Sam was basically a ticking time bomb.

As they all moved to start looking for Alma and the kids, Sam and Embry shared a look – an understanding that both would do whatever it took to get the three back to safety.

Embry sat in the passenger seat of Paul's SUV (a very mom car for La Pushes resident hothead) and the pair drove towards where families and children were walking around.

"Dude, seriously calm the fuck down." Paul spoke, a welcome sentence from where they used to sit in silence (sans the low buzz of the radio). "You won't need to worry about Uley if you keep bouncing your leg like that."

He stopped, moving to twiddle his fingers to keep his anxiety at bay. "Sorry man." Embry mumbled out, moving to look out the window once more.

Paul sighed, keeping his eyes on the road before saying; "I wouldn't be to worried, Uley's a strong chick, if any non-supernatural could evade a leech, it would definitely be her."

Embry offered her a tight-lipped smile. While his words to quell his worries, he appreciated Paul's sentiment. He couldn't help but to let his mind trail back to how he and Alma had left their last conversation. Unsaid apologies and truth's covered by the clock of unreleased anger.

'What if Alma got caught by a leech?'

'What if she's dead in some ditch and the police find her'

'What if...'

"Calm down, you can profess your undying love to your Juliet soon Romeo."

Before they could make it any further, Embry's phone buzzed to life. He moved quickly, almost dropping his phone in the process (Paul barked out a laugh at that).

"Yeah?"

"Get back quick. We found her it's...it's bad."

Embry doubted Paul could have driven any faster.

Luckily it was around a 20 minute drive from where they were, and since majority of where the boys had driven was one way dirt road, Paul was able to make the drive back to Sam's in less than 15 minutes.

As soon as the car began to slow in front of the Uley residence, Embry ran inside, not even noticing the tense atmosphere as looked over Alma's form, there were no noticeable injuries on her sans for her right hand she clutched against her chest – the same could not be said for Alma's mental state.

She was visibly frazzled, curls matted and slight tears in her dress. There was dirt scuffed on her shoes and her face had noticeable tear tracks – hell, Alma was still crying.

"What ha-"

"What are you."

***

2 HOURS EARLIER

It had been years since she'd seen him, hell it'd been decades, but Alma Uley was never one to be rendured speechless – and she sure wasn't gonna be silent now.

"Joshua, still terrorizing children I see?"

He smiled, an ugly toothy thing that bordered rot. Despite it having been years since she'd seen Joshua, he was still the same as Alma rememberd. He still wore those stupid t-shirts that better fit someone in their twenties rather than this sad pathetic sixty something year old. He still owned that stupid denim jacket, the same one that he worse before walking out on Allison, Sam and Alma. Hell, Joshua still had that same stupid smirk and those same eyes that he just had to pass down to Alma.

"Alley Lou," she hated how her nickname rolled off his tongue, "is that anyway to speak to your father?"

"Funny, I could have sworn my dad was dead in some ditch, guess you're looking for some other sad sap you pathetically shared your gene pool with."

He clicked his tongue, keeping his hands stuffed in his pockets. It was then that Joshua finally saw the two children held protectively in Alma's grasp. He smiled then, something so sickening and stomach twisting then had Alma almost keeling over.

"Now now Alma, I thought I taught you better than to disrespect your elders." He infact only taught her to pack a punch and to not be a wuss when someone throws the first punch.

"And who are you little guy." Joshua's breathe stunk of nicotine and cheap booze (Joshua Uley Perfume No.5).

Even if Emily taught Parker Uley to be kind to everyone, he could tell that this man was the exception to that rule and sunk further into Alma's legs, trying to hide from the Cheshire grin that threatened to swallow him whole.

"Cute kids," He muttered, turning his attention back to his daughter as she tightened her grip on her niece and nephew, "they yours?

"No," She responded bluntly, "now fuck off back to whatever hole you crawled out off." Alma smiled sarcastically. She quickly began to usher the kids away from Joshua, closer to where there would be more bystanders, safety in numbers and what not.

But a loud click had Alma pausing, turning to see that Joshua had pulled out a gun and pointed it towards them. He tsked, shaking his head like he was reprimanding a misbehaving child.

"Can't a man catch up with his daughter?"

"Leave right now Joshua or so help me God I'll-"

"You'll, what?"

Alma clenched her jaw, there was no safe way to go about this situation. No lights were on in the house they stood by and even if Alma were to fight Joshua, she'd be risking the kids. Even if they managed to escape, Ruth couldn't speak and Parker was far to scared to even comprehend letting Alma go. So she began to play the waiting game.

"What do you want." She gritted out, holding Ruth and Parker closer.

He smiled, grotesque and unnerving. "Let's go for a drive.

He ushered them to the back of his Toyota. A part of Alma was relieved that only Parker was awake, Ruth was better protected (and as was Parker) safely tucked in Alma's arms.

He pulled up to some restaurant in Forks (an almost hour long drive filled with loud silences), unlocking the car door for Alma to get out. Joshua began to herd them into the restaurant, moving to open the front doors like he was some chivalrous gentleman (he, in fact, was not either of those words).

When they sat down, Joshua shoved a menu in their direction, "Order whatever you'd like."

"Is this some game? Do you get your rocks off taking people in your shitty car."

"No, I just want to spend time with my daughter and grand children." Joshua moved to poke Ruth's nose, but Alma quickly swatted his hand away, moving Ruth further into her chest.

"Keep your grubby hands off of her you sick fuck."

His hands clenched around his menu, his face fighting to keep that stupid smirk. "Now Alma-"

"It is one thing to pull this shit with me, but to pull Sam's kids in this is sick."

"Excuse me for wanting to get to know my grandkids, is it such a crime for me to want to be back in your and Sam's lives."

"You had years to come back Joshua, don't bullshit me!"

He closed his eyes, breathing in through his nose before he laid back once more. "I'm gonna use the bathroom real quick," He looked up at the waitress who was making her way over to their table, "Go 'head and make your orders while I'm gone."

He got up, making sure to graze his concealed arm against Alma's tense figure. "No funny business Alley Lou." He gritted out.

She waited until Joshua was out of her sight before flicking her gaze to the pretty blonde that waltzed up to their table.

"Hi, how can I-"

"I need you to call the cops." Alma quickly said. The waitresses eyes grew tenfold at that, mouth opening and closing like a gaping fish. And hide the kids, I don't want them in his line of fire once he finds out."

Parker began crying, clutching onto Alma like his life depended on it. "NO! Auntie Alma please don't leave me, I'm scared!" His little voice shook and Alma could have sworn her heart broke in two at his desperate cries.

As much as Alma wanted to hold him, to comfort him like Sam used to do for her, she needed him and Ruth safe, and the only way that would happen is if they were far away from her.

She placed her hands on his face, caressing his cheeks and running her hands along his hair. "I know how scary this is, but I promise I wouldn't have you do this if I didn't know it would keep you and Ruthie safe." She kept her voice stern, trying to keep from crying. "I need you to go hide behind the counter with this nice lady and keep your sister safe with you, can you do that?"

He nodded, still sniffling and tiny hands furiously rubbing away the tears that feel from onyx eyes.

"I want you to keep your hands on your ears, like this," She moved his hands to demonstrate, smiling at him to help ease his fears, "see, it keeps all the scary noises away, yeah?"

Once again, the scared boy could only nod.

Alma placed a soft kiss against his forehead, holding him and Ruth against her like it would be the last time (as it very well could considering the current predicament). She ushered them away, eyes following where they hid and nodding toward the waitress in thanks.

That was one thing taken care of, along with calling for the cops this made escaping 10 times easier.

Now all Alma needed to do was stall.

"Where are they?" Joshua immediately cut to the chase, jittery and fidgeting as he slide back into the booth.

"You're high." She deadpanned, noticing the white smudges under his nose, "You sure you didn't just imagine other people."

He seemed to pause at that, seriously contemplating whether Alma was telling him the truth. And, luckily for Alma, Joshua seemed to believe her bluff.

"I've brought you here for a reason," No shit, "Your being lied to."

Once again, Alma was not surprised by the words the Joshua spewed.

"How, pray tell, am I being lied to?"

Luckily for Alma, Joshua Uley was a textbook Narcissist. Once you got him talking, the bastard couldn't shut up, fueled by the attention he garnered. In some situations, this was a fate worse than hell, but for Alma, this was the best cause scenario for her current predicament.

Joshua was unpredictable, especially now, as his blood was pumped with adrenaline, alcohol and cocaine. He was a ticking time bomb, any wrong move could have him attacking her like a beast, uncontrollable and unbeatable – a man with nothing to lose. Alma needed to be careful.

"I know you remember those old stories the elders used to tell you youngins' at the annual bonfires. You used to believe that someday you'd be some Snow White, taming Taha Aki's beasts. But then you got smart, like your old man, you got skeptical and you left this shit town."

"But they're not just stories Alley Lou."

Alma froze at that, furrowing her brows because what the fuck is he on about?

"You're a smart girl Alma," He jeered, "put that brain of your's to use."

And even if Joshua was out of his mind, Alma couldn't help but find some truth in his nonsensical words.

The disappearemces, the way Sam acted, the way Embry acted. How the council trusted Sam and the boys, how Allison trusted every word that came out of his mouth. How Doctor Cullen's hands were freezing, how he looked liked a ghost.

But there was no way, they could be – could they?

Joshua smiled, one that had Alma clutching her stomach in nausea.

"It makes perfect sense, doesn't it Alma." He was taunting her, like she was 5 years old again and being reprimanded for knocking over a vase. "Oh, poor Alley Lou, taken for granted. So trusting, so kind."

Alma clenched her jaw, fighting back her tears. He let out a cackle, seeing that he got to Alma, finding joy in her tears.

"Fuck you." She just managed to whisper out, words being the only way to keep her dignity.

He tutted, moving his hand to brush the hair in her face away, gleefully smiling at Alma flinching away – always got off on his children's fear.

"You should be thanking me, the only one brave enough to tell you the truth."

Truth, such a funny word. Truth was how you got close to someone, but it was also the double-edged sword wielded for betrayal.

With tears in her eyes, and a pain dulling her heart, Alma swung at Joshua. No matter how stupid the move may have been, Alma was tired of listening to his stupid, stupid, voice.

Instead of coming into contact with flesh, Joshua had managed to grab her wrist and slam it into their table, a sickening crack echoing through the air, mixing between gasps of shock and Alma's cry of pain.

She clutched her hand against her chest, cradling it as it pulsated. Once more, Joshua tsked, and Alma just wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

It was then that flashing blue and red lights finally filled the restaurant, making Joshua go wide eyed and foamy at the mouth, like a rabid dog.

"You called the cops? You fucking bitch!" He swung, landing a punch along Alma's jaw, but she was able to retaliate. She grabbed his head, slamming it against the table, and, with all her adrenaline and strength, she held him there, seething and grunting in pain.

Chief Swan stood front and center, pointing a gun towards Alma and Joshua, demanding they put their hands up. She did so, acutely aware of Peter and Ruth's cries for her as they were held back by the waitress who helped hide them. As her adrenaline climbed down, the pain in her jaw and wrist skyrocketed by tenfold.

"Wait, wait, I know this kid." Charlie spoke, quickly walking to the young girl, he turned to his colleagues, jutting his head to a disoriented Joshua, "Book 'im."

In a blur, Alma was moved to Chief Swan's cruiser, holding Peter and Ruth to her chest as they bawled. Even in her confusion, Alma still remained on high alert, untrusting of anyone who passed the window.

"Let's get ya home kid." Charlie muttered, heart pulling at the sight before him.

She kept her eyes trained forward and, despite her wrist's throbbing pain, kept her grip around Parker and Ruth iron tight. Even if Joshua was nowhere in sight and both kids were lulling to sleep, Alma couldn't afford to let her guard down – not again.

"You did good you know?" Charlie spoke from the front seat, peering at Alma through the front mirror. "Real brave of you to do what you did."

Alma merely shrugged, worried that if she spoke so much as a syllable, she'd end up bawling right then and there. Alma just wanted to sleep, to lay under soft covers and pretend that no one had been lying to her, that wolves weren't real.

Yeah she was having a hard time with that one.

It was a blur from there, like a distant memory as Allison clutched Alma, crying into her shoulder as she pressed kisses on her face. She remained passive as she was led to the sofa, unmoving as Peter and Ruth refused to leave her arms.

"Are you okay Alma?"

She was not.

It was not until Sam barged in, wild eyes finding her and his kids as he stalked towards them that she finally spoke.

"What are you?"

He stopped in his steps, rigid as Alma glared up at him. She moved Peter and Ruth from her body, placing a blanket on top of them and kissing their foreheads before returning to hatefully glaring at Sam.

"You'd think Joshua would be the last person to tell the truth, but hey, crazier has happened."

"What do you-"

It was then that Embry and Paul made their way into the cabin (though Embry shot in before Paul could even make his way in).

"What ha-"

"What are you."

He froze, just like Sam and every other occupant in the room. So they were all liars.

"When were you gonna tell me that you were some furry freaks?"

"Alma, I didn't want to hurt you."

"And yet you did! Not only was I ostracized for years, wondering what I did wrong, but I just had to save your kids from that fucker we have as a father."

"Alma let's calm down-"

"NO!" Her breathing was heavy. No one quite knew what to do at the moment. Sure, they planned on telling Alma, but it had to be on their terms – on Embry's terms.

"I always knew you were a piece of shit Sam, but a monster?"

"You better watch it Uley." Paul Lahote gritted out, fist visibly tightening as he glared her way.

"Or what," She sneered back, matching the intensity of his gaze, "You gonna hit me?" She turned around, pointing her gaze to Alma, "I bet that wasn't even a bear, was it?"

"Shut up!"

"Calm down Paul!" Sam demanded, pushing the shaking man to the door, "Go cool off."

When Paul didn't make a move to leave, Sam reiterated, "Now!"

Despite how tense Sam stood, he turned a softer town towards Alma, "let's just sit down and talk-"

"No, no way am I sitting in a den of wolves." Her breathes came out as pants and it wasn't until then that Embry made his move, placing his hand on Alma's shoulder, only for her to flinch from his touch.

He looked like a wounded puppy then (or wolf, more accurately), kicked and downtrodden. It became to much.

She could barely breathe out a 'don't touch me' before she was running towards the bathroom. She was painfully aware of Embry's calls from the other side of the door, bewildered by how he begged for her to open the door, to speak with him, 'I can explain' he desperately whined. Everything made sense, how they followed one another, how they looked towards Sam for guidance.

It made Alma sick.

So, she climbed out the window, heart palpitating with the beat of fast knocks and desperate pleas.

"Alma please!"

But Alma didn't stop.

Not until she was in her car and backing out of the drive, forced to see Embry Call run out of the cabin, hands in his hair and desperate pleas pounding against her head.

"Don't go!"

KOREY SPEAKS !

so...that just happened...

alma is under a lot of stress at the moment and finding out that wolves are real and that two of them are your ex best friend and brother is not funky fresh. So yea, she may have said some less than stellar stuff, but I'm team Alma ALWAYS.

I wanted Alma's reaction to feel real cause usually OC's are like "oh okay, that's something super cool and normal that I don't care about at all" but I just know I'd be running for the hills if some dude transformed into a WOLF in front of me???

Anyways, hope y'all enjoyed!

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