Author's Note

Sorry it takes me so long to post new chappies. When I decide to write, it pretty much only takes a day or so to whip one up...it's the "deciding" part that takes so long. *sigh*

Author's Response to Questions, Comments, Reviews

christie122 (8/29/2010) – I love Leah's reaction to Sam's name! Now what do I have to do to get you to write more? Lol. *~*~*~* Oh, IDK, my friend...answer all questions I have about stuff...help with book research when I need it...bring coffee to the DMV for me (hehe...yeah, yeah, you did that already)...rewatch epis with me...go with me to see any and all vamper movies...what else?

o0FLAM3S0o (8/29/2010) – Love it :D *~*~*~* Thanks, Maggie! =)

Twilightdragoness (8/29/2010) – Well your off to a good start. I was laughing so hard at how Leah just didn't want to accept this. And wow did she blow her top there at the beginning. "(not that there were man—Native Americans don't have much body hair)." Think you ment to say Many in this part. Only thing I notice that might be an error. Anyways the wait was most definatly worth it. Oh this is gonna get ugly, but it's also gonna be a fun ride. *~*~*~* Thanks, dragoness...I really can't tell you if it's going to get ugly or be fun, but I'll sure try to make it interesting. *grin* As for the typo...thanks...fixed it...and DEFINITELY keep pointing that shit out, because I hate it when I miss stuff like that. In the future, however, please give me the entire paragraph the typo is in...it took for FOREVER to find where this error was because it was buried.

Maribunny (8/29/2010) – I love the chapter, it's not your typical gooy sweet first love. Leah is still in charter but it's nice to see Sam still persistent, and I love that without thinking he just ask her to marry him. Funny how this all thing happen with both of them naked. *~*~*~* The "Marry me," part was supposed to be like the end of New Moon (the movie) where Edward proposes to Bella...that's why I ended "New Home" that way. I know...I'm silly. And I know I kept telling ya'll that they were naked...hehe...wanted to be sure everyone didn't forget. As for the "love" scene...I read A LOT of erotica...love the not so gooey sweet lovey dovey. :p

Alana84 (9/17/2010) – Great start, nice plot and the character portrayal was great too, as well as the character interaction, more so, everything is well written! Poor Leah and Sam, she must be angry with this whole scenario and Sam must be pretty confused, eh, wondering what the hell is going on and whatnot! Cannot wait to read more, so please update soon… *~*~*~* LOL. Well, here's your update! And, I'm so glad you're enjoying my crazy stories. =) Yeah, I bet Leah's angry (and Sam's confused)...gotta feel bad for these two. *sigh* But, with the imprintation (I know, not a word), things should get easier...soon...maybe. Hehe.

maying38 (9/18/2010) – I liked it until Sam asked Leah to marry him. I do not really care about imprinting but since I love Leah and she seems to still have her wits about her I was willing to give it a chance (since you didn't make her a zombie with the imprint). But Sam should not have asked her to marry him right off the bat. With regards to your writing - I like it. PS - I don't care that Leah imprinted Seth should not have just let her go like that. She is after all his sister and his loyalty is to her first. Leah's wounds run deep and I am glad that you didn't just make the hurt go away after she imprinted. That would have been annoying. *~*~*~* LOL. Well, I guess we all see these things differently...and only I know what's going on my their minds (since it's my fic and all), but I understand you not wanting Leah's deep-seated hurt to just disappear with the imprint. However, in keeping with Meyer's mythology, that is what's supposed to happen, right? Think of Jacob and the way he goes all goo-goo over Renesmee and can even tolerate Rosalie (Rose and Jake share Nessie for Christ's sake)...and how his love for Bella completely evaporates once Renesmee is born. If I were to stay true to that, I'd have Leah all mush by now, a zombie, as you put it. So...I guess I'm veering a bit, because I too don't want her to just melt. Hehe. As for Seth...well, I guess they've ALL become quite reliant on Alice (and the other Cullen powers)...plus, though Leah still has trouble with things (the Sam Uley thing more than the hating vamps thing), Jacob's "pack" (can only 3 be a pack) now completely trusts the Cullens (they ARE family), so...I guess Seth is just going with it (the trust of youth, I guess). I know, I know, they don't know the Bon Temps people well yet, so shouldn't they worry about Sam Merlotte? Well...no...he didn't even want to go...he only went because everyone told him to (including Seth...it was Seth's idea that Sam go after Leah). But, like I said, they all trust Alice (and the Cullen vamps)...and their instincts. Seth isn't worried, because no one else seems to be. But don't worry...they're coming...the pack (and some)! =) Okay...about the "Marry me," part. To be honest, I'm TOTALLY anti-marriage, so I don't know why I have my characters marrying (and mating) in the things I write. LOL. I'm huge on pre-marital sex (because, how can you know you're compatible or not...and because...well...it's fun) and cringe at the very idea of marriage..."it's an archaic institution," as far as I'm concerned..."as antiquated as the peculiar institution" (and yes, you can quote me...cuz, well, I quoted me)...so...WHY DO I WRITE THAT SHITE? All I can say is IDK. *sigh* However, I was trying to end True Twilight: New Home exactly how the New Moon movie ended. New Home...New Moon...do you see my thinking now? Here's a heads up...unless I change my mind along the way..."Leah's New Sam" IS going to end with a wedding...so stop reading now if you don't like that idea. But...thanks for reading if you continue to do so. =)

And thanks to the following members who have added my story to his/her "favorites" and/or "story alerts" – o0FLAM3S0o, Twilightdragoness, tnc94, cullensrock, reita189, annvander, Alana84, maying38, and amaterasu1973.


Posted: Monday, 20 September 2010 (5,182 words/20 double-spaced pages in Word)


Chapter Two

Running into the trees, Sam Merlotte quickly caught up with Leah Clearwater, then changed his pace to follow her unnoticed. She'd taken off in a panic, that much was obvious to him, but he wasn't going to just let her go—not when he was sure he'd found the one. And he knew that she was. Funny thing to him was that, so did she—but she was running from him anyway, as if she could outrun fate.

But not for long, he thought as he pursued. Weaving through the trees, he watched her veer, first away from the Cullen estate, and then toward it...and then away again, as if she couldn't decide where to go. As she fled (toward the smaller house he'd seen), she kept glancing in the direction of the main house, making Sam wonder about her relationship with those inside (not the actual relationship—he knew she was the sister of Seth Clearwater—he was thinking more about dynamics). Then her head seemed to straighten out (she'd clearly made her decision)—and that was when he made his move.

His muscles bunching, Sam sped forward, nipped at her heels (which only caused her to stumble—but not fall—then increase her speed and continue on), then leapt onto her back to take her down. Snarling, the smaller gray wolf immediately rolled, throwing him off (and across the leaf-covered ground), then turned and bared her huge, white teeth. When he advanced on her, she began snapping at him viciously, the sound almost like two swords striking one another. She was obviously angry—he didn't blame her, but that didn't mean he'd let her go.

Avoiding her sharp teeth wasn't easy (she got him a few times), eventually causing him to back off for a bit. He made a few more attempts, but not able to get close enough to take her down, he started circling her instead.

Sam watched as she turned, never taking her dark eyes off him and, her hackles raised, growling the entire time, and contemplated how to proceed. His end desire was to have her on her back in his bed...or on top of him.

Umm. To accept my proposal, he corrected himself silently. Though it had been asked spur-of-the-moment, he very much meant it—and he wasn't going to take no for an answer—no matter how much she balked.

But he could see that it wouldn't be easy, that Leah Clearwater wasn't an easy woman to deal with—but he was okay with that too.

Completing another circuit around the wolf woman, Sam yipped at her. He wanted her to know that she had nothing to fear from him, but she wasn't taking it at all. After another menacing growl, she threw her head back and howled loudly.

Great! Sam thought. Now the entire neighborhood knows we're here.

"Leah," he said after shifting back. "What the fuck's wrong with you?"

Standing there (somewhat nervously), as Leah, in her huge wolf form continued to growl, now circling him, Sam just waited. He was fairly certain she'd do him no harm, but damn she was big. It made him wonder at the size of Jacob, since she'd said he was the largest. He'd once shifted into a lion (to help Sookie during the were wars), but these shifters were even larger than that. It was mind-boggling, really.

"Come on, Leah," he tried again, not bothering to turn as she went around him. "Don't be like this."

At his back now, he felt her brush up against him, the fur of her flank fluttering across his bare back (and ass). And then he felt skin on skin—her hands gripping his upper arms from behind and squeezing firmly.

"This won't work, Sam Merlotte," she said, emphasizing his last name.

"Why the fuck not?"

"Because. We are too different."

"Bullshit!" he said, spinning around to face her. Grabbing her upper arms, Sam pulled her close. "I'm a shifter," he said as he pressed himself against her. "You're a shifter. Seems perfect to me," he said, his mouth capturing hers in a blinding kiss.

"You're...a dog," she whispered with disgust, backing away once she'd gathered the wherewithal to do so.

He snorted. "I can be anything you'd like me to be, Leah Clearwater," he said with a lopsided grin, his light blue eyes twinkling playfully.

She blinked. "Anything?"

Sam's first reaction was to nod—but then, thinking about what he'd once told Sookie, he frowned. Then he shrugged and said, "Except humans; they're too complicated. And I don't like shifting into birds; flying's hard," he explained. "Though, I once turned myself into an owl to escape...something."

Leah frowned, then glanced around. "How about a rock?"

He shook his head. "Nothin' inanimate. And it has to be something I've seen," he said as he took a step in her direction. Itching to touch her again, he could hardly contain himself, but he stopped his approach when she held up her hands and took several steps backward.

"Don't come any closer, Sam," she all but snarled.

Frowning, Sam dropped his hands. "Fuck, Leah!" he snapped. "What's this problem you have with my name? I think yours quite lovely."

Leah shook her head. "N-no problem. I just d-don't...do...Sams," she finished lamely.

Giving her another one of his crooked grins, the man chuckled, then reached for her so quickly that she found herself trapped in his arms. "What's the story behind that?" he asked as he leaned in and kissed the skin just below her left ear, then nibbled his way down the column of her slender neck.

Shivering, Leah managed to bring her hands up to the man's chest. "N-no story," she mumbled, her head tilted slightly away from him, giving him easy access to her neck, but still pushing (slightly) against him. "S-Sam...don't," she protested—weakly—shivering again. "Stop."

Sam smiled as he looked down at the woman in his arms. Her hands still on his chest, she'd closed her eyes and was taking deep breaths. The muscles in her arms had flexed again, then relaxed—and then so did the rest of her. She didn't seem quite so intent on pushing him away now. "Is that a 'stop' or 'don't stop,' Leah?" he asked her. "Because, I can't tell."

This caused her to tense up again, then bolt out of his arms.

"It is stop!" she nearly shouted, then shook her head and started pacing. "You are confusing me."

Sam grinned. "Good."

Leah stopped pacing and just stared at him, then swung around and stormed away.

Sam chuckled at this. "Where ya goin', Leah?" he called out before following her.

"Go away!" she threw out over her shoulder as she went.

"Uh-uh," he said, matching her pace.

He'd easily caught up, threading his finders into hers and holding tight. She tried to tug her hand from his, but couldn't—and so continued on, with him holding on and padding along next to her. Then, when she made the turn to go to the cottage, he halted her by pulling her in the other direction.

"What're you doing?" she asked as she was now being pulled the other way (the way she had come out here...the way she didn't want to go). She tried, again without success, to pull her hand from his, but his strength greatly outweighed hers. "I'll phase if you don't let go," she threatened.

Sam laughed. "Go ahead. I'll just shift and follow you. I could run all night, couldn't you?"

Frowning, Leah dug in her heels—then squealed when she felt him swing her up into his arms. One side of her naked body pressed firmly against his bare chest, she tried desperately to free herself, but could not.

"Stop struggling, Leah," he scolded. "It won't do any good; I'm stronger than you are."

She ignored him, arching her back and thrashing about until he shifted her position enough to trap her against him—almost to the point of preventing any movement whatsoever. Only then did she settle—but only because she realized she had no choice—for the moment.

They hadn't gone very far when he stopped and set her on her feet, then bent over and picked something up.

"Here," he said, holding out what he held.

Leah blinked, then glanced at his hands.

"We don't have much time, so you ought to put this on.

Frowning, Leah took the item. Then, realizing what it was (Sam's shirt), she quickly slipped it on. And there was no more time to discuss anything, because they were no longer alone. Out of the trees appeared Leah's pack (in human form—Alice would probably kill them if they ruined the clothing she'd chosen), along with Emmett and Edward Cullen, the human (ish) brother and sister (she knew the woman's name to be Sookie), and the two male vampires who'd been sitting at the opposite end of the table as Carlisle and Esme. Glancing at Sam, Leah sighed with relief; somehow, while she'd been putting on his shirt, he'd pulled on his pants. At least we're not completely naked, she thought wearily as she gave in and dropped her forehead to the man's arm.

XxXxXxX

Against his better judgment, Jacob stayed at the table when Sam Merlotte went after Leah. He was nervous about the situation (it seemed he was the only one), but tried to relax since Seth was so calm. After all, Seth was Leah's brother—if Seth wasn't upset, then why should he be.

Frowning (and still holding a sleeping Renesmee), Jacob watched Seth. He'd refilled his plate and was eating happily, and had resumed his previous conversation with Jason Stackhouse when they heard a crying wolf howl in the not-so-far distance.

"That's Leah," Seth said in the middle of what he'd been saying to Jason.

Jacob nodded, then quickly, and as carefully as he could, shifted Renesmee into her mother's outstretched arms before standing. "Seth?"

On the other side of the table, Emmett stood up. "You're not leaving me out of this."

Jacob frowned, then shrugged.

"You should go too," Bella interjected, her eyes going to her husband.

Nodding, because Edward knew why he needed to be there (mindreading), he pushed to his feet.

"Well shit!" Jason burst, his fork clattering to his plate. "I'm comin' too."

Sookie frowned at this. "I don't think that's a good idea, Jason," she whispered.

Jason snorted. "You just gonna leave Sam out there to...to strangers." Jason glanced at those standing and sitting around. "No offense," he added. "But really, we don't know ya'lls."

Several shrugged, but Sookie looked upset. "All right then," she said, wiping her napkin across her mouth, then standing, "I'm coming too."

This caused both Eric and Bill to be standing before anyone could blink, Eric's hand clutching Sookie's upper arm while he shook his head, and Bill saying, "Then I too will go." The two vampires glared at one another for a second, then both looked toward those moving out of the dining room, following quickly.

"Well, I'm staying," Pam drawled as she reached for her glass—she didn't give a damn about this shifter business.

XxXxXxX

"Leah?"

Leah's head came up, her eyes focusing on her brother—Seth looked quite worried—then she settled them on Jacob Black.

"You called?" her pack leader said, his gaze shifting from her (and her exposed legs) to a shirtless Sam Merlotte.

Clutching the man's bare arm, Leah frowned. Then she scowled and stepped from behind the man, his long shirt covering her to mid thigh. "You could say that," she snapped furiously. "Why the hell was I left to do this alone?" she snarled through clenched teeth as she wildly gestured about.

Jacob's brows pinched. "I was told you'd be fine."

"Well, I am not fine!" she snapped, then threw her arms up in the air. "Do I look fine to you?"

"You look kind of like you've been rolling around in the dirt with this guy," Emmett said, being his usual tactless, but amazingly observant, self. Then gesturing, he went on. "And I think you've still got some leaves in your hair, Leah."

Edward rolled his eyes and waited for Leah to phase and come after Emmett. He could see the woman trembling, as if she was struggling to control herself (which she was), and Emmett was grinning, probably hoping the shifter would come after him (though they'd never actually had a fight)—Emmett very much liked a tussle.

Then Jacob spoke again.

"Are you all right, Leah?" he asked his beta, his tone serious—he didn't want any more sarcasm, but he did very much care about what was happening to the woman.

Her fists clenched at her sides, Leah focused on Jacob Black for a second, but unable to answer him just yet, let her eyes travel from face to face. Emmett Cullen, who was usually one of two things—in fight mode or playful—was somewhere in between (she wondered who he was here to fight—probably anyone), and Edward Cullen, who usually managed to keep to himself unless the family needed his mindreading capabilities (ah-ha, that's why he'd come, she thought). Seth was there because Jacob was (what is it with the hero-worship my little brother has for Jacob Black, she wondered). And the other man (Jason) probably because his sister was there. The sister, Sookie, blonde and rather fiesty-looking, stood between the two fang-sporting vampires—the blonde one extremely tall and exceptionally handsome, the other average, but still quite nicely put together (both crouched slightly and...are they actually hissing?). And Sookie—there was something strange about the way the woman was narrowing her blue eyes, like she could see right into Leah's head.

Then it hit Leah—another mind-reader! Great!

"Oh no!" Leah burst, poking her finger toward Sookie. "You're like him!" She pointed at Edward, causing everyone's gaze to shift to the man—Sookie included.

Raising her eyebrows, Sookie shook her head. "Umm. No. Trust me, I am not a vampire."

Leah rolled her eyes. "Well, thank you, Captain Obvious!" she snapped. "Been around them long enough to know you're not a parasite."

"Hey, I thought I was Captain Obvious," Jacob teased.

Rolling her eyes again, Leah scowled. I swear, I'm surrounded by idiots!

"Not all of us are, Leah," Edward said with a smirk, which caused Leah to growl (she hated it when Edward picked around in her brain). "And she's talking about the mindreading," Edward went on, his eyes going to Sookie, hoping to get them back on track—sometimes Jacob's train veered, but it was usually easy to redirect him.

Jacob blinked, then nodded. "Oh. Of course she is." He glanced once at Sookie Stackhouse, then back at his beta. "What exactly's going on here, Leah?" he finally asked.

"Looks like you have a new pack member," Sookie threw out. She'd been reading Seth Clearwater, who's young mind was positively giddy at the prospect of his sister finally imprinting (and freeing all their minds from her pain-filled and hateful thoughts—he hoped).

"WHAT?" Jacob and Leah replied in unison.

Sookie moved to get closer, but was immediately prevented from doing so by Eric and Bill. "Would you two get the fuck outta my way!" she cursed as she pushed by them and went directly to where Jacob Black stood. Waving a hand at Sam, Sookie smiled. "Sam's a shifter. Leah's a shifter. Perfect!" She smiled.

Jacob frowned. "But...he's not Quileute.

Sookie shrugged. "So! Ya'll don't think you're better than other shifters, do you?" she asked, her voice ringing with irritation.

Still frowning, Jacob gave a slight shake of his head, his gaze going to the object of Leah's imprint. Running his eyes up and down the partially clothed man, Jacob considered the situation—and the man. Not a large man (or small), with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes, Sam Merlotte stood as tall as he could, and, though he was surrounded by craziness, he didn't look at all fearful. In fact, if anything, he looked defiant and ready to take what he wanted—and that was Leah Clearwater.

Briefly, Jacob looked at Leah; she looked far less accepting of this than someone who'd just imprinted should be, but that very much went along with her personality. Leave it to Leah to defy her imprint, he thought as he ran a hand through his hair.

"What are you?" Jacob finally asked the man standing behind Leah.

"A shifter, same as you," Sam Merlotte said at the same time that Leah blurted, "he's a mongrel!"

Growling slightly, because he didn't like his beta speaking out of turn—his question hadn't been directed at her—Jacob continued to eye the bar owner. He'd liked the man the moment they'd met, but hadn't known why exactly—now he did (the man was a shifter and he'd be great for Leah—if a bit older than her).

Off to the side, Edward chuckled (at both Leah's words and at Jacob's conclusion about Leah and Sam), but didn't say anything. Emmett, on the other hand, couldn't stop himself. "That's the pot calling the kettle, isn't it?" he asked with a booming laugh.

Leah snarled at this (she didn't take well to teasing and Emmett Cullen was one of the worst she'd met). For so long she'd hated what she was and blamed the Cullens for it. None of this would've happened if they'd never returned to Forks, she thought furiously.

"Well, they did return," Sookie said, interrupting Leah's thoughts. "You ought to grow up and get over it like the rest of us have. You're not the only one who's had to deal with the supernatural!"

Her dark eyes turning on the blonde she'd not yet actually met, Leah narrowed them and glared daggers at the woman's condescending words. Leah was definitely younger than this woman, but that didn't mean she was an idiot; and she definitely didn't need a scolding from someone she didn't even know. A growl rumbling in her chest as she trembled angrily, Leah took a step in Sookie Stackhouse's direction.

Seeing this, and knowing the size of these shifters, Bill Compton flashed forward to protect Sookie—Eric, of course, going with him (because he wouldn't stand for another man—especially Bill—doing his husbandly duty). And Jason wasn't far behind them.

Sookie rolled her eyes. "You two need to stop this," she said to Eric and Bill through gritted teeth (ignoring her brother), once again pushing around the men. They were constantly stepping in to protect her and, while...reassuring, it was sometimes quite annoying (and it was getting old). Haven't they figured out that I can take care of myself? Hello, super, light-comes-out-of-my-hands, fairy powers here! she said silently (and sarcastically) to herself. Sookie then glared at her brother (who immediately backed off), then reached back and weaved her fingers into Eric's (much to Bill's obvious frustration...and jealousy), then took another step toward Leah Clearwater. "And so do you!" she said, speaking to the angry woman trembling in front of her.

Leah snorted at this, her eyes zeroing in on Sookie and Eric's clasped hands. Oh. My. God! she thought. Another leach-lover!

Sookie blinked, then frowned at Leah. "Well yeah," she said, "husband!"

Leah stared at her, her mind silent for a second—then she turned away, her mind racing. God, I hate vampires, she thought. They've ruined my life!

"Ruined your life?" Sookie said, confusion in her voice. "At some point, Leah, you have to take responsibility for yourself and stop blaming everyone around you."

"You have no idea what you're talking about!" Leah snapped as she spun back around.

Sookie shrugged. "Well, that may be, but you can't blame all your problems on vampires. Believe me, I've tried."

Leah opened her mouth to respond, but someone beat her to it.

"Actually, Leah's problems might be our fault," Emmett interjected.

"Might be!" Leah snarled.

Emmett shrugged, a playful grin on his face. "It's sort of our presence that makes them shift," he explained.

Sookie frowned. "Oh. Well. Still. You gotta just get the fuck over it, Leah," she counseled. Then, after a moment of silence (and a bunch of Leah's garbled thoughts flying at her), Sookie shook her head and said, "Besides, do you really hate them? Cuz, I'm not gettin' that from you. You're hurt and angry, and tossing the word hate around, but I don't hear true hate."

Unwilling to respond, or to accept anyone's help, especially someone she didn't know (and frankly didn't much like), Leah turned her back on the crowd—but this left her facing Sam Merlotte, who immediately reached out and pulled her into his arms.

"So, where were we?" Sookie asked, her eyes going back to Jacob Black. "Oh yeah...Sam can shift into almost anything," Sookie informed everyone. "How's that for a shifter?"

"Fuck, Sookie!" Sam burst (his arms still around Leah). "Do you think it's your right to give away all my fuckin' secrets? How would you feel if I—"

Sookie rolled her eyes as he spoke, then cut in. "Give me a fucking break, Sam. You already told Leah and the next time she shifts, they'll know it too," she said, pointing at Jacob and Seth.

Sam brows pulled together. "How the hell do you know that?"

Sookie just stared at him, wondering if he'd forgotten she was a telepath.

"What are you guys?" Sam finally asked, looking to the darker-skinned men. "Mind-readers?"

Seth shrugged, leaving it to their alpha to answer. "In our wolf form," was all Jacob said.

Out of nowhere, Edward chuckled, then filled them in when everyone glanced at him. "Sam apparently barks in his sleep."

"Damn it, Sookie!" Sam snarled. "Can't you keep your thoughts to yourself?"

Sookie shrugged, but Leah wrenched from Sam's arms. "You've been with her!"

At this both Eric and Bill growled, very much overpowering Sookie's, "Eww. No!" Sookie loved Sam Merlotte and considered him one of her very best friends (despite their differences), and had kissed him (on occasion), but...not lately. Eww.

But Leah did see Sam shake his head and, falling back into the man's arms, sighed with relief. Over her head, Sam glared furiously at Sookie—who ignored him.

"One time Sam shifted into a lion and totally saved my ass," she went on with an embarrassed smile (she didn't seem able to stop herself from telling them about Sam).

"Jesus Christ, Sook!" the man burst.

"Hey! Watch the J.C., Sam," Sookie scolded. "You know how much I hate that."

"Then you watch your mouth with my personal business," he returned—but he no longer sounded all that upset, probably because Leah was clinging to him (burying her head in his chest, probably to shut out all the insanity going on around them).

"Lion," Sookie whispered, pointing at Sam, to redirect the attention back to the shifter.

Jacob's brows raised. "No shit, really?"

Sam rolled his eyes at Sookie's persistence, then shrugged.

"Hey cool! I'd like to see that," Seth quipped.

"Yeah, me too," Jacob replied.

Sam frowned. "I don't know," he said with a shake of his head, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

"Oh, come on, Sam. Show them," Sookie begged. "It'll be fun."

"Wait!" Leah cut in as she pulled herself back from him again. "Show them your cute doggie first."

"Cute?" Sam said with a frown. "Now, why do I feel like that's an insult?"

Emmett snickered. "Oh, come on, show us your cute doggie."

Edward glanced at the larger man and shook his head. "Not helping, Em."

"Plus, that just sounds weird, Emmett," Jacob added.

Ignoring them, Emmett made lip-smacking noises and slapped his hands on his thighs calling, "Come on, Sammie, show us the doggie."

Sookie giggled at this; she wasn't used to such playful vampires. "Actually, I named him Dean the dog, before I knew it was Sam."

"Come, Dean, come!" Emmett commanded, causing several to erupt with laughter.

"Yeah, cuz that sounds so much better!" Jacob said with a roll of his eyes.

Fortunately, Sam was laughing as well. "Fine!" he said, but looked pointedly at Sookie. "But you're gonna pay for puttin' me on the spot like this, cher."

"Oh, I know," she said, but smiled (she didn't care). "I'll even work a shift with Arlene, if you want...and I'll even be nice to her."

Sam shook his head, then shifted to his go-to form—a collie—then, stepping out of his pants, yipped a few playful barks.

"Hey, cool!" Seth said. "He didn't even rip out of his pants. We always do...if we don't take them off first," he explained to those looking at him with confused expressions.

"Well, look at him," Emmett said with a smirk. "Not exactly a very big pooch, is he?"

Frowning, Jacob's head was tilted to the side as he examined Sam's...doggie form. "Cute."

Leah giggled (uncharacteristically), which got everyone's attention—including Sam the collie, who immediately shifted again, this time to the lion Sookie'd told them about. Seeing this, Leah jumped back a step. She wasn't exactly scared, but she was surprised. Then she clamped her bottom lip between her teeth as Sam the lion circled around her, rubbing his massive head and reddish mane against her. Turning his head, he let out a massive roar—causing everyone to freeze in place for a long moment, except for Sookie, of course, because she'd seen this form before.

Grinning, Sookie said, "Isn't he magnificent?"

Several nodded.

"Yeah. Magnificent," Jacob said dryly. "But...not compatible with Leah."

"And how exactly are you compatible with my daughter?" Edward interjected. Though he'd grown accustomed to the idea of Jacob Black being his son-in-law (someday), that didn't mean he was thoroughly happy about it.

Jacob frowned and once again ran a hand through his long, black hair.

"Edward does have a point, Jake," Emmett said.

Jacob glanced back at large vampire and glared. "Don't really need your input, Emmett."

Emmett just gave him a dimply grin.

"I was wondering what was going on with you and that kid," Jason threw out—only to receive a dirty look from his sister. "It's kind of...icky." Jason shivered on the last word.

"See, compatibility really doesn't matter, but—"

And Sookie was cut off by another shift—Sam going from lion to wolf form.

"Holy crap!" Jacob burst, just about jumping out of his skin.

"Oh my goodness," Seth said, creeping forward some, "he looks just like Leah. Except...for the eyes. Leah, he looks just like you."

Leah couldn't help the smirk that crossed her lips as she nodded. "Sam can be almost anything he's seen," she reminded them.

"Hmm. Did you hear that, Jake? Sam can be anything," Seth said with a grin.

Jacob nodded, but he wasn't really listening. "Wait! Before. Did you say I have a new pack-member?" he asked, turning on the blonde telepath.

Sookie frowned. "Well, sort of. Seth thought it and I told you."

Jacob glanced from Seth Clearwater to his sister. "Have you ever heard of a non-Quileute pack-member?"

Leah shrugged. "No. But outsiders have been adopted."

"Could you hear his thoughts when you were both in wolf form?"

Leah shook her head. "No," she whispered, glancing down at her clasped hands.

Seth frowned. "Phase, Jake," he suggested. "It might be that the pack-leader must make the connection."

Jacob bit his lip, then reached for the button closure of his jacket and slipped it off. Handing it to Sookie, who'd come forward to take it, his hands quickly removed the black Henley that Alice had chosen. Then, kicking off his shoes, he removed the rest of his clothing (socks, belt, dark pants...underwear), phasing immediately and eyeing the other wolf.

Can you hear me? Jacob thought.

Of course I can, Sam said—only he didn't actually say it...he thought it. Holy fuck!

Jacob laughed—or it would have been a laugh, if he was in his human form. Damn, the pup was right...and I guess Sookie was too, you are part of my pack. I hope you're prepared for this.

Prepared? For what exactly? Sam asked skeptically.

Jacob laughed, but it sounded sort of like a snort to the others. You might find it...difficult...to disobey me from now on.

Another wolf snort sounded—it was Seth. More like impossible, man, the younger wolf added.

Sam frowned. What?

Jacob frowned. Seth! Phase back! he commanded.

Seth pouted. See? he said, looking at Sam the wolf, then phasing back without question.

So, you're the boss? Sam asked.

Jacob shrugged. I am the alpha. It's my birthright.

Sam didn't know how he felt about it—he'd pretty much always been on his own—but he knew that he wanted Leah, and if he had to deal with Jacob in order to get her, then he would.

There's another pack that you and Leah could join, if you'd prefer, Jacob offered—then paused. Though he'd gotten used to Leah (and didn't really want her to go), he hadn't wanted her in his pack to begin with—and he certainly didn't want to force Sam to stay if he didn't want to be there, but... Then he frowned. "But...Leah wouldn't like it...living with the other pack again." Sighing, he glanced at Leah, then back at Sam Merlotte the wolf. The other Sam is the alpha there, he said, hoping that explained enough without him having to betray Leah further—wishful thinking.

The other Sam? Sam questioned. He definitely need more information.

Jacob's huge wolfy head bounced. It's a very long story. One better told by Leah herself...if you can get her to open up. But yeah. In short, he broke her heart by imprinting on another...her cousin.

Sam gave a wolfy whine.That's horrible! Wait. Imprinting? Like what's happened between Leah and me?

Jacob bobbed his head again. Yep! Feels strange, huh?

Sam nodded.

Try imprinting on an infant, man.

Sam wrinkled his nose and snorted, then continued questioning the younger wolf. So then, this Sam...

Uley, Jacob supplied. He was the first of our tribe to turn when the Cullens arrived back in Forks. Then, one by one, the rest of us followed, and Leah's the only female amongst us.

Sam frowned. And this Sam Uley...he couldn't help it...falling for Leah's cousin?

Nope, Jacob said, silently popping the p.

And it broke Leah's heart?

Yeah, she's as broken as Bella used to be...and we've been hearing about it since the moment she became one of us. You'll be our savior if you can put up with us.

Sam chuckled—if a wolf can do that. Just remember that if I question something you tell me to do.

Jacob nodded. Deal!

XxXxX

"So, Leah," Seth said as the group walked back to the house, "where're the clothes you were wearing earlier."

Leah bit her lip and fiddled with the hem of the shirt she was wearing. Right now she only had on Sam Merlotte's shirt.

Seth cackled a laugh. "Alice is going to kill you!"


Okay...so...okey dokey! Seems cleared up...maybe. But I doubt it! =)