Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. One way you can tell - I'd never do that to Jacob and Leah.
Chapter 2: Who's There
Leah was out early running her circuit. She had had enough of the Cullens and their creepy weird ass family. Jacob could keep company with them, she didn't care. But she sure as hell wasn't going to cozy up to them. Jacob and Seth were busy devouring stacks of pancakes that Esme had prepared. They'd invited Leah to join them but she honestly couldn't get past the sickly sweet stink of death to enjoy the food. She'd rather eat dirt. So she hadn't even bothered going inside.
The woods were damp from the rain and her paws barely made a sound as she ran the course. Yearning for a little freedom she pushed the limits of the territory. Running south to the edge of the border.
There was no risk from the vampires right now. The Volturi had left about a week ago. Still everyone was on edge. Sam's and Jacob's packs still patrolled nightly. But no one had come across any weird scents, no vampires had dared show their faces. Leah thought to herself that they were probably scared stiff. Ok, bad pun but still, scared enough to stay the heck out of Dodge. If the Volturi, who were vampire royalty, with all their "witnesses" and henchmen were afraid, then the average vampire was probably terrified.
With that in mind, Leah pushed through the boundry. She ran, feeling the exhiliration of new scents and fresh territory.
Oh god, oh god, oh god – please make it stop, please!
Who's there? Leah thought. It was a new voice and it was terrified.
Oh my god, I'm hearing voices. It wimpered.
I'm not 'voices' you sap. I'm Leah.
Help me. Please help me. Oh god, what am I going to do. Oh god let this be a nightmare. Help me…
It sounded like another pup had just phased. Most of the boys in the tribe that had hit puberty had already phased. Who was left? And she was nowhere near Quileute territory. Who could it be?
Leah? The voice cried. Don't leave me, please. Please help me.
Wait where you are, I'll find you eventually kid.
Leah sniffed the wind and determined its direction. Then ran crosswind to find out if she could pinpoint the sorry pup's location. No dice. So she moved downwind and tried again. This time, bingo – new wolf smell. About 5 minutes later she came across his sorry ass.
Leah slowly approached the new pup. Just in case he wasn't what he seemed. But he was exactly as he seemed. The pup was curled in a ball. He looked miserable, wet and dirty. Leaves and dirt covered his fur. He lay trembling.
Leah saw the pup pick up his head and prick his ears toward her as she approached. She gingerly poked her head out between some undergrowth. The pup reacted poorly. He immediately freaked out, reared back and ran. He crashed through several small trees, tripped over his big feet and careened into a tree. He ran out of sight but Leah saw the tree shake when he'd crashed into it.
Shit. What the hell, you asked for my help you moron.
I didn't think you were…you were….well, whatever you are!
What the hell, I'm exactly like you, dipshit!
No. I'm really a guy. I'm not like this.
Look, I hate to break it to you. But you really are exactly like this.
The pup started howling.
Stop that. You're not helping yourself and if anyone hears you they'll think there's a freakin emergency or something.
Still more howling.
Shut the fuck up!
Silence.
Well, that shut him up. Now what, she wondered. She followed his scent several hundred yards and found him again.
Leah walked slowly toward the terrified wolf.
Is this the first time for you?
What?
The first time you phased into a wolf?
Is that what happened to me?
Hmm, yes. That is exactly what happened. You are a shapeshifter. You changed into a wolf. And I'm sorry but things are going to be a lot different from here on out. Where are you from?
Leah didn't recognize his voice or um... thoughts.
You don't sound like someone I know.
I'm from Tahola, near Forks.
Well, that's interesting. The Hoh tribe is located around there but not our tribe.
What tribe are you talking about?
Aren't you Quileute?
No, I'm from the Hoh tribe.
Uh oh.
What do you mean uh oh?
Leah quickly shut down her thoughts. She focused on bringing this pup in. She'd bring him to Jacob and be done with the situation. They could figure out what messed up situation he'd come from after Jacob calmed him down and sent him on his way.
Just follow me and be quiet. Ok?
Ok.
And for a change, Cory did what he was told.
Leah led the frightened pup back toward Jacob's territory. It was slow going. He didn't know how to follow a scent trail and she didn't want to lose him. He'd likely panic and start howling again. He kept peppering her with questions.
Holy shit, how many of us are there?
What the hell do we eat? I'm starving.
Why won't you say anything to me? Where are we going? Are we there yet?
Finally Leah couldn't take it anymore.
Shut the fuck up or I'm gonna leave you out here. And trust me you don't want to be out here without a pack. You don't know what could be lurking out here.
Silence.
Thank you! As soon as we get to the rest of my pack, we'll answer your questions. And yes, get you something to eat. But for now just shut it. I can't think with all your yammering.
Ok, I'll shut up. Just don't leave me out here by myself. He pleaded.
For the first time in over 48 hours, Cory's panic started to subside. He didn't know who this Leah wolf was but she didn't seem like she was going to leave him out here. And a spark of hope entered his mind that maybe he wouldn't be alone and hungry much longer. He might not be able to go home but maybe there was someplace else he could go.
Finally they crossed over the border into Jacob's home range.
