"I Smell Like Dead People"

Awkward wouldn't even begin to describe the situation. I mean, what was I supposed to do? Should I ask if the mauled-by-a-bear story was true or not because I was thinking it wasn't. It would be rude if I did, I guess.

Emily was a nice girl, only a few years older than me -- I think maybe a three or four year difference between our ages. The story behind the scar that marked her face was a bear attack, though I was guessing it was a cover up story. I had seen others with different marks, and they had gotten them from fighting for their lives. Ambrosia couldn't heal them, and the marks became reminders that they were survivors.

I think someone was waiting for me to say something so I did.

"These cookies are really good, Emily," I said. She muttered a thanks and I smiled awkwardly.

Embry had brought me over to Emily's place, saying he was going to explain everything once the others arrived. They weren't here yet and my supposed best friend slipped out of the room -- I'm assuming to get away from my questions.

When Embry walked back in, three other guys followed. I recognized them. Sam Uley, Paul Lahote and Jared Cameron. It was the cult.

What the Hades was going on?

"What's she doing here?" It was Paul who spoke. Obviously, he wasn't too pleased with my presence. I bit back my reply because I'd probably say something to get him mad. I was not willing to find out what happens when you piss off a werewolf.

"She wants explanations," Embry said.

Paul scoffed. "Not until she explains why she smells like a corpse."

"Seriously? It's one thing when I'm related to death, but it's insulting when people actually say you smell like it. I mean, come on. I don't smell like rotting flesh." I heard Emily agree with me, saying something about smelling like lavender. I was about to make a comment about how it's the scent of the soap I use but Embry spoke before I could.

"Wait, what did you just say?"

I shrugged. "Well, my cousins call me Corpse Face, but I doubt it's because I actually look like a corpse. I tell you, I hate the death references just because of my dad. I mean, I call Andi 'Coral Head' and Natty 'Sparky' because it actually makes sense."

I didn't realize they were already staring at me as I ranted. A blush crept its way to my cheeks. "Uh, sorry. I'm not making any sense, aren't I?"

They all nodded and I forced a smile on my face.

"Would you mind explaining?" Sam said. I hesitated. Would telling them really be a good idea? I mean, they're werewolves so they gotta be able to accept the crazy. Right?

"How about we trade? My secret for yours," I offered. "You go first."

"Uh, no way," Paul cut in. "I get the feeling that you know more about us than we know about you."

"Well, duh, I know you guys are werewolves. I just want to know how, and why."

They looked at each other warily. I rolled my eyes. Hey, I was the demigod and they were the monsters. It makes more sense if I was the one hesitant to trust them.

"Fine," said Sam after a moment. "What do you want to know?"

I shrugged. "Just the important stuff."

"Like?"

"Like who else is a werewolf, since when, how did it happen. I want the important stuff."

"Well..." Sam started. I listened intently, slightly wondering how my father was tied in in all of this. I mean, no one had mentioned anything about the Greeks. Maybe my heritage wasn't connected to theirs. But why doesn't Hades want me to know more about them.He even sent Alecto to warn me about getting close. Was it because these wolves were a whole other myth? Was I only allowed to interact with my kind? That's BS, considering the Romans and the Egyptians. They had different gods but our paths crossed once upon a time. There was no excuse for my fate not to be intertwined with the werewolves'. I mean, I did find out about the vampires.

And what the Hades am I taking about? Didn't I promise myself at one point not to get off topic?

Anyway, where was I? Wait, now I remember.

"So basically you're saying those legends of your ancestors are true? You guys are protecting people from the 'cold ones'?"

"Yes, we are," said Sam.

I nodded. "Oh. Okay," I muttered. "Did you guys have anything to do with the Cullens' sudden disappearance?" I wondered aloud.

"How do you know about the Cullens?" Sam questioned. Embry shot me a worried look and I returned it with what I was hoping was a reassuring look.

"I've had my suspicion for months. It was only last year when I got answers," I answered. "It's kinda hard to keep the fact that you're dead a secret from someone like me."

I muttered a curse under my breath, hoping they hadn't caught onto my last statement. Unfortunately, they did.

"What do you mean?" Sam asked. They all watched me intently.

"What do you mean what do I mean?" I wasn't exactly ready to tell my secret. I mean, their secret was a big one but I felt that mine was bigger. Or maybe I felt that way because they were these giants while I was just a seventeen year old girl.

"It's your turn to do the explaining, Corpse Face," said Paul. I heard a low growl but dismissed it as I glared at the werewolf.

"First, don't call me that. Only certain people can call me that," I said. "And second, it's not exactly easy for me to explain this."

"Lee, we told you about us," Embry cut in. "It's your turn."

I sighed. How exactly was I going to do this?

"How much of the Greek myths do you know?" I asked.

"Don't change the topic," growled Paul. "We want answers."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm trying to give you answers. Just tell me, how much about the Greek myths are you familiar with?"

"A lot, considering we're best friends and it seems to be your favorite topic. Thanks, by the way, for helping me pass English last year," Embry said.

"What do they have to do with your secret?" Paul questioned. Honestly, I was getting frustrated with his impatience.

"You know the Greek gods, right?" I asked, ignoring Paul's question.

"Can you stop stalling and answer our questions," said Jared.

"Like Zeus, Poseidon and Aphrodite?" I was kinda glad Embry was cooperating. If it weren't for him then I would have snapped at the other boys for being so impatient.

I nodded. "They're real," I mumbled in a low voice. They were werewolves; they probably had super hearing so they most likely heard me.

"You're not funny," Paul said.

I let out a breath. "I wasn't trying to be."

"Seriously, Lee, stop messing around."

"I'm not. They're real. So are the monsters and other myths."

Paul shook his head. "Oh yeah? Where's you're proof?"

"She's standing right here," I muttered.

Paul burst into laughter. "You're no goddess."

"Never said I was one," I said. "But I am a demigod."

"No way."

"Has Embry told you guys anything about me?" I wasn't exactly willing to tell them my whole story. It was a long shot that Embry would tell them anything about me, but maybe he had. I mean, they seemed so sure that there was something off about me. They probably would have asked him or something.

Jared snorted. "He doesn't shut up about you."

Embry elbowed Jared in the ribs and muttered some profanities at the guy.

I ignored them, continuing. "Then you should know that my only parent is my mom."

"But you know who your dad is," Embry said. "He's alive and sends you gifts and things."

"That is true. I also said he and my mom were divorced. I lied about that. He and my mom were never married. He was married to someone else when he was with my mom. Infidelity isn't exactly uncommon with the gods. Probably the only married god that hasn't fallen off the wagon is Hera. Again, not surprising since she's the goddess of marriage."

"Lee, you're getting off topic," Embry warned and I realized he was right. I was starting to ramble again. I muttered an apology.

"If what you're saying is true and gods really do exist, then who is your father?" asked Sam.

I shrugged. "I thought you would have figured it out. I mean, you guys did say so yourselves. I smell like dead people."

"And we're supposed to guess who your father is?"

"I'll give you a hint: dead people. Another hint: his wife? She's his sister's daughter and he kidnapped her."

"Hades?"

"Ding ding ding. We have a winner! You don't get a prize."

"Wait, your dad is the god of death?"

"Technically, Thanatos is the god of death. Hades is god of the Underworld. And can I just say that the Underworld isn't as bad as people make it out to be. Hades' palace is rather boring but Elysium is awesome. The Field of Asphodel is creepy, what with the wandering souls. The only hellish place there is the Field of Punishment. But seriously, Elysium is great. Silena Beauregard throws some good parties. I've only been there like twice but still."

And they were staring at me like I had grown a second head. This rambling thing has got to stop.

"Do you always get off topic," asked Jared.

"It's probably her ADHD," mentioned Embry.

"Hey, don't blame the ADHD. It's kept me alive all these years so you better be thankful." And I probably shouldn't have said that. I'm really going to need a filter because my mouth just can't stop saying things I don't mean to say.

Embry was by my side in an instant. Stupid me was probably blushing at the close contact. "What do you mean it's kept you alive all these years? Are you saying you've been attacked before?"

"Apparently you missed the start of this conversation when I said that monsters exist. Demigod happens to be their favorite snack." Is there some tape around here? I'm gonna need it before I say something stupid again.

The werewolves looked at me worriedly, especially Embry. I let out a breath and smiled reassuringly. "I'm alive, so what's the deal with those worried looks?"

"Since when have monsters been trying to kill you?" Embry started shaking and I got a little worried.

"Since I was twelve, I think. If it weren't for camp then I'd probably be dead by now." Filter! Filter, please! Or maybe I should just shut up.

"Ashley, I don't think you should say any more things like that," muttered Emily. I had totally forgotten she was still in the room. For a moment, I thought it was just me and the wolves.

"Are you okay, Embry?" I didn't get a reply. Instead, he dashed out of the room. I started to get up but Sam stopped me.

"Let him go," he told me. "He'll be fine."

Of course, I was hesitant but I stayed where I was.

"So, how do you know about the Cullens?"

"Wait, you all actually believe this crap?" Yep, I really didn't like Paul Lahote.

"You want some more proof?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Not just some story. I want actual evidence."

I nodded. "Sure." I pulled out my pen, holding out for then to see.

"That's a pen."

"Not anymore," I muttered as it turned into my Stygian iron sword. "I prefer my Celestial bronze dagger but I thought it'd be cool yo show you my magical pen. Is this proof enough for you?"

Paul shrugged. "I guess it is. So, how do you know about the Cullens?"

And so I told them of how I learned about the Cullens. There were a lot more questions after that because apparently I left out the part where I have cool powers. And they promised not to tell Embry that I was almost killed a few times.

It was probably forty-five minutes later when Embry came back. I was relieved to see him because, honestly, I didn't like being left alone with the rest of the wolf pack. Not that I didn't trust them but I wasn't exactly friends with these people.

"Thanks for leaving me with the cult," I muttered sarcastically when the two of us were alone outside.

"It's not a cult," he defended.

"I was joking."

"So what happened after I left?"

"Nothing much. You missed my magic trick, though."

"Magic trick?"

"I have this pen my brother gave to me. It turns into a sword," I explained.

"You have a brother?"

"Haven't I mentioned him before?"

Embry shrugged. It was quiet for a moment until he spoke.

"Lee, there's something I need to tell you."

A/N:

Cliffhanger bc you guys probably already know what Embry's gonna tell her. This chapter was getting long so I thought I could put it in the next chapter.

I am so sorry if anyone seems OOC. I hope this chappy was alright. If it wasn't then tell me. I'll make up for it in the next chapter hopefully.

Fun fact: The original version of this chapter was what made me start writing TTEOAD. I was going to have Ashley IM Natty and Andi to help her explain and she was supposed to cut Embry with her Celestial bronze knife because she was curious if it would work on him since he's not the kind of monster she's used to. Embry running off was not planned.