Disclaimer: all of the characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. I just like to tell them what to do.

Leah's POV

I ran through the woods at top speed, barely seeing the thick tree trunks as I dodged them. I desperately wanted to change my course and return to La Push, but I still heard the Alpha command in my head from the large russet-colored wolf to my right.

Don't even think about it, Leah. Damn it. Caught again.

But Jake… why do they need us again? Haven't we already done enough for the leeches?

For the last time… A growl rumbled through my head, and escaped from the muzzle of the Alpha; Do NOT call them that.

But it's what they ARE. I retaliated with a growl of my own.

Suddenly there was another voice in my head, a youthful male voice that made me wince more than the stern voice that was already there. It could only belong to the sand-colored wolf to my left, my little brother Seth.

Can't you get over it already, Lee?

NO. I shivered as I thought of getting over calling those things anything but what they were. Leeches. Bloodsuckers.

But they'd do it for us.

I rolled my eyes as I ran. My little brother: always the voice of reason. Or so he thought.

Leah, I told you. The Volturi are coming back to check up on Nessie –I cringed at that name. Above all else I didn't think I wanted to be in danger over the demon spawn - and they're dangerous. The Cullens need all the protection they can get.

Yeah sure, Jake… anything for your precious imprint.

Suddenly there was silence in my head as we cut through a sun-drenched clearing and Jacob let out a ferocious growl.

Now you've done it, Lee.

Shut it, Seth. You know I'm only coming to protect your ass. Mom is going to freak out when she finds out as it is.

I could tell he was going to come back with something to make me see another side of what we were about to walk into, but the edge of the woods came into view and the three of us slowed down at the same time. I could smell the sickly sweet scent of the leeches wafting from the house just beyond the trees, and sucked in a deep breath, willing myself to hold it until this was over.

I found a spot out of view just in time to hear Seth and Jacob phase back to human form, relieved that I missed their nakedness. I phased back myself, and retrieved my clothes, which had been tied around my ankle. I pulled on my shorts and tank top – scant clothing even for the frigid weather of Fork, Washington, and stepped out to join the boys.

Jacob glared at me as I approached. "Can't you just BEHAVE?" he asked through gritted teeth.

I stopped in my tracks, returning his glare. "I didn't HAVE to come, remember?"

Jacob turned toward the forest edge and threw his hands up in frustration, then wordlessly headed out of the trees and made his way to the Cullens' mansion. I stayed where I was, watching him and seriously debating just running for it again.

Suddenly Seth walked by and nudged me. "You know he's grateful you came, Lee. He'd do anything for Nessie, and it does mean a lot that you would, too."

"Arg… you're such a softly, Seth," I replied, reaching up to ruffle his already messy hair, then turning back to the mansion and taking one more breath of fresh air. "Let's just get this over with, and get away from the stench."

Seth and I started following Jake's path to the mansion. I heard Seth chuckle as we walked and glanced over at him, shaking my head at the goofy grin on his face. "What's so funny?"

"Well," he answered, looking up at the massive house, "I was… kind of hoping Esme would have some food for us." He looked at me hopefully. "She may not eat human food, but she knows her way around the kitchen."

"Of course you were," I retorted, rolling my eyes and punching Seth in the arm as we made our way up the front steps and into the door that was left open for us.

Definitely not getting right to things, and definitely adding more. Just leave some feedback if you want to see how far the rabbit hole goes!