A/N : Thanks again to those who reviewed the last chapter! I hope that this one will you as well!
Thanks to the wonderful don'tcallmeLeeLee - another angel personified with sentinel10 - who guided me through this chapter and helped me to make it better.

I've forgotten the disclaimer before but you all already know that I don't own Twilight and its characters. If I did, Bella would have been changed in the first book and I would be with Seth!

Enjoy your reading!


Leah didn't sleep well that night. She was glad to see Embry again but felt like an intruder in his house.

He was still living with his mother, but he had built a little outbuilding for himself so that he could receive his friends. He hadn't used it since Leah left, though. The other members of the pack were always too busy to hang out with him, and Leah felt a little guilty, knowing that she let him down when she left the town.

"Good morning, Sunshine!"

Leah groaned and threw her pillow on his face.

"You sadistic prick! You know I'm not a morning person, especially when I don't get enough sleep," she muttered.

"And here I thought that working with kids and being away from 'zombie land' was getting you soft!" Embry mused.

"That's true, but I'm not going to show you the soft side of me. I'll have to kill you after that and you're too damn cute to die this way."

"So you think I'm cute?" Embry smirked.

"Where's my second pillow when I need it?" she grumbled, rolling her eyes in the process.

Embry burst out laughing and sat next to his friend.

"God, I missed you, Lee… Living here without you isn't fun at all."

"I'm sure your girlfriend would love to hear that," she joked, feigning sadness.

Embry's laugh fell as he thought about his girl and Leah frowned, suddenly intrigued.

"Spit it out, Call. What's bothering you?"

"Nothing. It's just – I hate that I can't tell her what I really am," he finally confessed. "I hate that I'm the only one in the pack who can't be honest with the ones he loves."

"But your mother knows, right? Why can't you tell Joy?"

"The Elders weren't happy when you allowed me to share our secret with Mom."

"To hell with that! I wouldn't stand idly by when your mother were ready to kick you out!" she yelled.

"I know and I'm glad you didn't, but – when you left, they made Sam and Jake order us not to tell anyone other than the imprints about the wolf thing."

"So, in other words, as long as you don't find your imprint –"

"I'm screwed, yeah," Embry concluded sadly.

"That's bullshit! I can't believe Jacob agreed with that!"

"You have no idea how much Jacob has changed since he imprinted." He sighed.

"Trust me; I think I can imagine that," Leah grumbled. "What about the others?"

"Well, they all think that I should dump Joy. The only two who stood up for me were Seth and –"

"– Lindsey. Of course."

A lump formed in Leah's throat and she suddenly felt the anger that was rising while she was listening to her friend vanishing, leaving her completely empty.

"How does Seth cope?" she asked.

"You saw him," Embry replied. "He shut himself to the world. I tried to help him, but he doesn't want to see anybody. He lost more than his soul mate, that day."

"How did she…"

She tried to voice it; to say that her sister-in-law, the most lovable girl she'd ever met in her life, had passed away, but she couldn't. She was speechless because she couldn't understand why Lindsey had to die while people near her land's boundaries were walking without their heart beating.

Life is so unfair.

Embry's next words burned her soul and she collapsed to the floor, crying her broken heart out as they replayed in her mind, again and again.

She was pregnant. She died while giving birth to Seth's child.

Seated on the edge of his bed, caressing slightly the portrait on his nightstand, Seth didn't want to leave the room. He wasn't ready to face reality, but he had to. He had to talk to Leah, at least to share his hatred with someone who had already lost something because of the Cullens.

He opened his nightstand's drawer and retrieved the note his sister left before disappearing. It was deteriorated due to the countless times he'd read it, but he still could see Leah's words written in a hurry.

'Seth,

Hope you'll understand someday. I love you.

Leah.'

When he originally found the note, the first thought that crossed his mind was that it was sweet of her. Leah had never been prone to displays of affection, so a note saying 'I love you' was enough to make him happy. However, when she didn't come home that night, he began to worry. He tried to track her scent for days and after a week without any sign of her, her note finally made sense to him.

He had begged Jacob to help him but his Alpha had said that it would be good for everybody if she would 'find her place in the world by herself'. For Seth, Leah's place was in La Push, with her family and her pack.

He went to the Cullens' house, hoping they would do something for him – after all his sister and he had done to protect them, he thought they would return the favor – but they didn't.

That was when he realized that everyone – except him, Lindsey and Embry – was glad that she left.

He watched as Sam's pack stopped phasing to be with their imprints because they convinced the Council that Leah was paranoid and that Jacob was handling the situation perfectly; then his Alpha had to alter the treaty and allow the Cullens in La Push – which would be impossible if Leah were there. They didn't care about the dozen of young boys phasing because of their presence, as long as Renesmee could walk freely on First Beach and admire the sunset on the cliffs with Jacob and her mother.

He had to lose his sister to finally see that she was right from the beginning and he understood why she left, but that wasn't enough to lessen his pain. Lindsey Adams mended his broken heart by living with him and giving him the family he missed so much.

And now, she's gone, and I have nothing left but pain.

He'd always had a crush on Lindsey since they were kids, and he was the only one in the pack to actually imprint on a girl he already loved. He couldn't help but smile when he thought about the day he told her that he was a shape-shifter. He'd asked Leah for her help and she basically phased in front of Lindsey, who fainted straight into Seth's arms because of the shock. Afterwards, he yelled at Leah for frightening his imprint and his sister replied that he was beating too much around the bushes. For a moment, he thought that Leah was trying to make them split up, but when she welcomed Lindsey in their family after the latter had woken up, still shocked, he knew that the she-wolf was genuinely trying to help.

Leah's straightforwardness was something she had in common with his imprint.

God, how I miss them…

His heart constricted when he left his bedroom. His house, usually full with laughter, was awfully quiet and it was killing him. Leah's departure was hard to take, but without his soul mate, he felt like a walking black hole. He wasn't feeling anything but pain, each step he was making towards the stairs was plunging him more into the void his heart had become.

He stopped in front of his older room; the door was opened, and he fell into his knees as he turned his gaze on the little crib in the middle of the blue room.

My baby boy…

If he'd thought that the day he heard the news of Lindsey's pregnancy was the best of his life, the one when they'd found out she was expecting a boy was definitely better. They were going to name him Harry Peter Clearwater, after his father and his grandfather, and they were hoping Leah would be their child's godmother, even though Emily was trying to make them change their minds.

Now that Leah was back, he had to lose Lindsey and their unborn child. Why couldn't he have all that he wanted for once in his life? People around him were happy, even if they didn't deserve it. Sam and Emily had a child after breaking Leah's heart to pieces. Bella had Edward and Jacob by her side, as she always wanted. Paul, Jared, Quil, Collin and Brady had their imprints.

And there he was, mourning the life he'd dreamed about and which would never bound to happen.

Life was truly unfair.

He crept towards the nursery and hauled himself onto the rocking chair he'd made for his soon-to-be wife. He closed his eyes and imagined Lindsey, singing for their baby a lullaby his mother used to sing. He began humming the song while swaying back and forth, his eyes still closed, and his heart skipped a bit as he thought hearing Leah's voice along with him.

Such a wonderful dream…

He didn't want to open his eyes; he didn't want to be alone in that room, with misery his only company. He felt bad for having pushed his sister away. Knowing her, she was probably far away from La Push. Not that he would blame her, though.

"I need you, Leah…" he breathed, broken hearted.

Her scent suddenly enveloped him as he felt a warm hand pressed on his shoulders.

"I'm here, Sethy, and I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

Seth looked at his sister who was fixing him something to eat. He wasn't hungry but he knew better than saying it to Leah. He was glad she was there with him, even if he couldn't enjoy it fully.

"Here. Let me know if you like it," she said, placing a plate in front of him.

"Really, Leah? Scrambled eggs?" He frowned.

"Your fridge is empty. I did what I could, but I'll go shopping later."

"No! I mean – don't leave. Please," he begged, his eyes watering. "I can't – I don't want to be alone here."

Leah's gaze softened and she smiled sadly while squeezing his hand.

"Do you think you can go to the grocer's shop with me?" she asked softly.

Seth shook his head and Leah sighed deeply.

"Okay. I'll call Embry to ask him to go for us."

"Thanks. Wait – Embry?"

"Yeah. I slept at his outbuilding yesterday," Leah answered nervously. "He told me what happened. I'm –"

"If you're going to say that you're sorry and that it shouldn't have happened, save it," he snapped.

"What do you want me to say, then?"

"I don't know! Maybe you could begin with the reason why you left?"

Leah slammed her hands against the table and took deep breaths to prevent her from phasing. She was overcoming with so many emotions which were running through her veins at that moment that she found it hard to control herself, but she didn't want to let her wolf side take over. She was still a shifter, but she gained too much by staying human that she truly didn't want to spoil her efforts.

"I thought you were clever," she growled. "I thought that you would see the reasons for yourself and that you would understand then."

"I guess you were wrong and I was really stupid, then," he replied harshly.

Truth to be told, he really wanted to hear his sister's explanations. Not that it would make the situation less awkward than it was, but he needed to understand why she didn't call him in two years, at least to say that she was alright. That was the only reason why he still resented her.

"I don't think it's time to talk about that, Seth," Leah retorted.

"So when would you like to talk, huh? When you'll be leaving again? Will you talk to me, then, or will you freak out and leave me a note on a freaking post it, like the last time?"

Leah stepped back under the weight of Seth's words.

"I – I told you I won't leave you –" she stuttered.

"You really think I'll believe you unquestioningly after what you did?" he scoffed. "You promised you wouldn't let me down before, and you did."

"Okay, if you wanna play it like that… You let me down way before I did, Seth," she spat, glaring at him.

"Why? Because I imprinted and you didn't?"

"Watch your mouth, kid," she warned him.

"That's your problem, Leah. You're still thinking that I'm a kid, but guess what? I'm not! I'm 22 and I was going to have a family while you were still stuck into your own pity-party. You let me down, you let our Tribe down because you were too selfish to enjoy the fact that people you cared about could be happy without you and didn't need you anymore. Now you're back and you're acting like you're sorry for me, in fact, you must be happy to see me in pain!"

The loud thud made by Leah's hand on his flesh made him stop abruptly. His cheek was burning due to the violent slap he received and he suddenly felt like a jerk as he locked his gaze on his sister's.

"Don't ever say that again, you hear me?" she snarled as she managed to control the tremors of her body. "I will never enjoy seeing you in pain. And if you think that leaving you was the easiest decision I've ever made, you're totally wrong. Now, I know you're hurting and I'll let this one pass because I deserved it. But you just showed why I had to leave. You don't know me at all, Seth Clearwater."

"Whose fault is it?" he snarled back.

"Yours."

Seth shivered as he heard Leah's reply, knowing that she was right. She'd changed so much since Sam had imprinted on Emily that he couldn't tell what she was thinking or feeling anymore. He'd given up trying to understand her when she began being mean to the Cullens. At first, he'd thought that she still blamed them for what happened to their family, but when she left, he realized that she was speaking the truth.

He was about to say that he was sorry, but she didn't let him say a word as she went on her rant.

"To think you have the nerve to tell me that I was jealous! I took everything in charge since Jacob didn't want to, and nobody helped me go through it. I let you all stop patrolling because you were human beings and not Jacob's or the Cullens' lapdogs. You used me so that you could live well with your imprints, and what did I get? Nothing! Not even a 'Thank you, Leah, for having put your life on hold for five freaking years while we were happy with our soul mate'! I had to live there for five years and to go to each of your imprint's birthday party or whatever they wanted to celebrate, and I was okay with that, but did you once remember when my birthday was? I gave the packs five years of my life when everyone didn't care about what I was doing. Nobody stood up for me when I needed support; nobody was there when I tried to make things right for our tribe, and when I asked the Cullens to leave, everybody told me that I was just being a bitch towards them, especially you! Why would I stay there if even my own brother wouldn't defend me? You really want to know why I left? I did it because you were a bunch of ungrateful bastards! But I'm not here to throw all your faults on you, I'm here because I loved Lindsey as much as I love you and because no matter how many times you disappoint me, I can't stand seeing you unhappy! " she cried out before storming outside the house.

Seth bowed his head, ashamed. He remembered Lindsey's reply when he'd told her about Leah's runaway.

'If I were her, knowing how bad we've treated her, I would have left way before now…'

He hadn't talked to his imprint for two weeks after that day, but he'd eventually forgiven her, even though he hadn't forgotten how hurtful her words were.

He panicked as he realized that his sister was gone. He'd pushed her buttons and he got what he wanted; an explanation. Now, he knew he was as much to blame as the Cullens and that thought made him sick.

He had to find her before she left again.

La Push's fresh air and the sound of the waves crashing down the cliffs had a relaxing effect on Leah. She'd run straight to the spot where she was hiding when she needed to be alone and had climbed into a tree to look at the sunset.

She didn't mean to be that harsh with Seth. In fact, she didn't want him to know how much she had suffered when she was living in the Reservation. She'd tried to protect him and his ideals since their dad had been buried.

"I take it your reunion didn't go well," a male's voice said from under.

"Go away, Embry."

The latter ignored her orders and climbed next to her.

"Seth is looking for you," he declared. "He said he'd messed up big time –"

"I was the one who messed up," she corrected. "I know he's hurting, and I can't shut my big mouth –"

"Maybe you needed to get those things off your chest. You've bottled your feelings for too long, Lee. It would have happened one day or another."

"I know." She sighed deeply and nestled her head on Embry's shoulder. "I've missed you, Doc."

"I know you did, Grumpy," he chuckled.

"What will I do with Seth?" she finally asked sadly.

"Just be with him and talk to him. Help him through the path that will make him get over his loss."

"I don't know if I would be able to do that –"

"You're the living example that a shape-shifter can live without his imprint. If someone can make it, it's you," Embry proclaimed.

As her friend said those words, Leah felt her heart sinking and she pushed her nails into the wood to keep her emotions in check. Embry sensed her discomfort and grimaced.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have –"

"I'm fine, Doc. I did what I had to do and I'm happy, now. Even if I owe you for that," she retorted.

"Don't mention it. I'm actually proud of you for doing the right thing. Now it's time to share your experience with Seth. I'll help you. I promise."

"Keep your filthy hands away from my brother," she growled playfully, earning a guffaw from Embry.

"Don't worry. I've already tried a Clearwater and I'm scarred for life!"

"You know you liked it!" she replied.

"You were my first! Of course I liked it!" he laughed. "And if I remember well, you were enjoying that as much as I was."

Leah rolled her eyes and elbowed him hard on the flank.

"Shut up, you jerk! I needed that to forget the pain," she said as she remembered their numerous times at his house where they hid from the pack to achieve her plans. Truth to be told, Embry was a wonderful lover, but she'd rather die than admit it out loud.

"That hurts! I feel like a used handkerchief!" Embry whined.

"Come on, Boots! We have to find Seth!"

"Seriously, Leah? You're quoting 'Dora the explorer'? Are you on meds?" Embry joked.

"I'm working with kids. What's your excuse for knowing this quote?" she quipped.

Embry muttered something to himself before climbing down from the tree, followed closely by Leah. As they were ready to leave their secret place, they heard some rustling in the bushes in front of them. Embry grabbed Leah's arm and put her behind him as a too sweet scent burned their noses. The she-wolf tensed when she caught a glimpse of the pale face in front of her.

"What are you doing there?" Embry snarled, ready to pounce on the intruder.

"I heard Leah's voice and – I just wanted to welcome her properly."

"Go back to your territory, leech. Nobody wants you here," Embry snapped.

"Jacob has allowed me to come whenever I want."

"I don't care what Jacob has said. You are not welcome here," Embry said through clenched teeth. "Stay the fuck away from our land or so help me God, I won't hesitate ripping your sparkly ass off."

Leah frowned, surprised by Embry's behavior. She knew that he didn't love the Cullens either, but he looked like he was ready to carry out his treat. He was shaking so hard that she was even more surprised that he hadn't phase already. She took a few steps back, for her safety, and looked at her enemy who didn't seemed fazed, as if she already knew he wouldn't attack her.

Of course he wouldn't, she's Jake's imprint, after all.

Renesmee looked at Leah, a hint of sadness going through her brown eyes.

"I'm really sorry. For everything. I'm glad you've come back to help Seth."

"I wouldn't be gone if it wasn't for you," Leah argued.

"I didn't mean for it to happen, Leah. You always were so mean to me and my family when we've only been friendly to you–"

"That's your apology? Really?" Leah scoffed.

Renesmee bowed her head and bit her lower lip, like her mother used to do when she was trying to brainwash her brain-damaged suitors. Too bad Leah was immune to those tricks.

"Stay away from my sister, murderer," Seth's voice rang, startling both women.

The hybrid immediately took a defensive stance while the she-wolf felt more and more confused. For each step Seth did towards Renesmee, the latter was taking a step back. Leah could tell that she was afraid and that both Embry and Seth were trying to phase, but for a mysterious reason, neither of them did.

Eventually, Renesmee gave up. She gave Leah a last time glance and retreated, probably straight to Jacob's arms. Embry and Seth collapsed then, breathing heavily, and Leah finally understood what had happened to them.

"Why did Jacob order you not to phase?" she asked, intrigued.

None of them were able to answer her question, which made her even more suspicious.

"Did he command you not to say a word about that?"

Embry shook his head yes and Leah's anger awakened. She couldn't believe Jacob would do such a thing to his friend and pack brothers. Except if it had something to do with –

"Did Renesmee or one of the Cullens kill a human?"

Again, Embry nodded and Leah had to bite her tongue to prevent her from phasing at that moment. She knew Jacob would do anything to protect the Cullens, but going that far to cover them? Ordering his brother not to tell a soul that they'd killed an innocent person? That wasn't the Jacob she knew and loved. But once again, he proved her that he was able to become the worst bastard ever to protect his beloved blood drinkers.

A part of her didn't want to know what happened; she didn't want to be a part of that supernatural world anymore, but curiosity got the best of her, as usual. Even though she was trying to live a normal life far away from Quileute Magic and its consequences, she couldn't escape what she really was; a warrior, born to protect her tribe from the Cold Ones. And she was incredibly furious.

"I told you so!" she seethed. "I told you the Spawn would be dangerous when she left Jacob unconscious with just enough blood in his veins to survive! 'She wouldn't kill a fly, Leah. You're overreacting'. Fucking imprinted zombies! What if she'd killed one of your –"

Seth's whimpers made her stop dead. Realization dawned on her as she looked into her brother's eyes, silently reading his broken soul to find the answer she needed.

With that, she couldn't hold it much longer, everything she had bottled for those years came out in a piercing scream and she finally exploded. Embry gasped as he stared at his friend's wolf form, her silver fur was longer than before and she seemed taller than what he remembered.

Her crave for justice was immeasurable, her mind was running wild and each of her thoughts was focusing on one goal: punish the ones who destroyed her family at all cost.

As she ran towards the Cullens' territory, followed by the two other wolves in their human forms, Seth couldn't helped but smirk darkly, knowing that Jacob Black would finally have what he deserved.