AN

Thanks as always to everyone who read and reviewed and the awesome beta's at PTB.

I'm so chuffed that people nominated Tristan for best original character in the Fandom Choice Awards 2014 and he was voted third. I was damn happy to just be nominated, so to place anywhere was a bonus. Thanks to anyone that voted and the anonymous who nominated me to start with.

Here's the third chapter in return x


Chapter 3 - The Wedding

The next morning, I made my way nervously down to breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I was anxious about the reception I was going to get, seeing as I hadn't realized until four o'clock this morning that I'd told no one I was leaving the club.

Safe to say, by the time I'd found my phone, there were twenty missed calls, five voicemails and ten texts from the girls asking if I was okay. I'd managed a quick text back to tell Emily I was fine, but in the light of day, all of them would want details. I had no idea what I was going to say.

As I rode in the elevator, I tried not to think about any of it ... especially how, just hours ago, Tristan had me pinned against these very walls. Instead, I examined my reflection in the glass mirror. I didn't look too bad considering my lack of sleep and heavy drinking. Clear skin was at least a small compensation for being a wolf.

Soon enough the elevator reached the lobby and the doors opened. I wandered out and followed the signs for the dining room. Clearly, I'd arrived at rush hour. There were people everywhere, and it took me a minute to spot the girls. Finally, I noticed them chattering in the corner of the room along with, to my disgust, Sam, Jared and Paul. I rolled my eyes and joined the breakfast queue, picking out pancakes and orange juice, then made my way over to their double table.

As soon as I reached them, Emily glanced up. Her smile faded and a look of concern appeared. "Are you okay? We were worried. You just disappeared."

I glanced at Paul, who sat with his arm slung lazily across the back of Rachel's chair. He raised his eyebrows at me, and Rachel shot him a dark warning look.

I dragged my eyes away. "Sorry, Emily. It just got a bit too much for me. I came back early and crashed. I should have texted, but it slipped my mind."

Paul coughed dramatically, causing Sam and Jared to glance between us. Luckily, the girls didn't pick up on it. I quickly slid into a chair at the end of the table next to Kim.

As I dug into my breakfast, I listened to the conversation around me. A few questions were thrown my way, but I brushed them off and carried on pretending that everything was normal. It turned out to be a difficult task. The few times I looked up, Paul's eyes were fixed on me and glaring. I ended up flipping him off, which caused Sam to raise his eyebrows and stare at me as well. Me and Paul hating on each other was hardly rare, but we tried to be tolerant of each other in public for the pack's sake.

Food finished, I excused myself and went to the bathroom for a breather. I reminded myself that I just had to make it through breakfast and then I could head home. Composing myself for round two, I walked back out with my head held high. My strut ended abruptly. Paul stood outside the door, leaning against the wall. His expression carried disgust and contempt.

"Don't start," My fists clenching as I went to shove past him.

Paul pushed himself off the wall and blocked my way. I ended up taking a step back from his imposing stance. "Listen, Clearwater, I kept you're nasty little secret the first time because I didn't I want the whole rez' to know my brother had been slumming."

"Fuck you, Paul." I tried to shove past him again, but his hand grasped my arm, holding me in place. My body shook, fighting the urge to phase.

"Stay away from him. You hear me?" There was a low growl in his throat. "If you don't, I'm sure everyone would love to hear how you dumped them last night for a quick screw. Those bridges you've been working so hard to build can easily be burnt."

I tore myself away from him, pushing him forcefully. "Get out of my way before I call security and tell them you aren't even a paying guest."

"Is that really the best you got?" he snorted.

"Trust me, if we were back on the rez', there'd be a lot more." I rolled my shoulders. "Tell them what you want, Paul. See if I care."

Without waiting for him to reply, I walked back to the table forcing myself to move calmly. My hands were still shaking, but this time from nerves. I didn't deal with confrontation well. Despite everyone thinking I was the bitch queen, it was only a game face. I hated it. Slumping into my seat, I offered a small smile to everyone and poured myself a coffee. The irony was that Paul really had nothing to worry about. Seeing Tristan again was not going to be an issue. I bit my lip in frustration. I couldn't wait to get home.


"So, you had a good time then?" Seth bounced the basketball along our gravel drive as he spoke. "I said you would."

I grunted as I dipped and tackled the ball from his hands, spinning around I dunked it in our old net. The hoop itself was rusty and on its last legs, but my father had fitted it years ago, so it wasn't going anywhere. Rubbing my sleeve across my sweaty forehead, I looked back at him. "It could have been worse," I lied.

Seth offered me an over-enthusiastic grin. "Was it wild? Bachelorette parties are supposed to be wild. Was there a stripper?"

I rolled my eyes, throwing the ball through the hoop again. "You've watched far too many movies. Besides, you've met our cousin, right? Short, bakes muffins, has a stick up her..."

"Leah!" he shouted, before laughing out loud.

"You know it's true." I grinned and threw him the ball quickly, testing his reactions.

His movement was lightning fast, and he easily caught it before taking some more shots.

Seth had called by unexpectedly about an hour after I got home, and we'd spent the whole afternoon in our front yard, messing around. I'd been genuinely glad for his company and the opportunity to burn some of my negative energy. Even now, his inane chatter kept me preoccupied and my thoughts off a certain tattooist.

"That's not going to be part of your speech at the wedding, is it?"

Seth's voice brought me back to reality. I snorted. "There's no speech, Seth. I just have to show up, look pretty and smile. Then everyone sees that I'm over Sam and that things are peachy keen, and we all get on with our lives."

"You are over Sam, though, right?" My brother frowned, pausing mid-throw.

I laughed. "Yes, Seth. I'm over Sam. Hell, I'm over both of them. What they did wasn't right, but I need to move on. I'm trying to be a better person, and mending things with Emily is part of that. I'm not going to be painting her nails and braiding her hair, but being friends makes things easier. Not just for me, but for everyone."

"Jacob's rubbing off on you." He bounced the ball to me.

I bounced it back, giving him an evil smile. "Hey, I'm still a bitch. Don't you forget it."

He laughed. "Never could."


Seth left around dinner time. I still didn't think of the house as mine, even though I was the only one that ever stayed here anymore. Settling on the sofa in my PJ's, I flicked through the channels, trying to find something to watch. I was halfway through a movie when there was a knock at the front door.

Curious, I peeked through the curtain. I let out a sigh. Why couldn't people just leave me alone?

I opened the door reluctantly.

Rachel stood in front of me, a slight smile on her face. She held a six-pack of beer in one hand and a pizza box in the other. "You can't tell me you're not hungry. Wolves are always hungry."

"What do you want, Rachel?" I groaned. "If Paul sent you..."

She laughed. "This has nothing to do with Paul. So, can I come in?"

I didn't know what to say, and using that as an opportunity, she slipped past me and inside. I watched in disbelief as she put the food and drink on the coffee table and sat down on the sofa. Silently, I followed her and sat down at the opposite end. My stomach grumbled and I decided I may as well make the most of things so helped myself to a slice and a beer.

Rachel watched me, her fingers tapping on the arm rest. "I'm sorry if Paul's been giving you a hard time. He told me about you and Tristan ... that it wasn't the first time."

My teeth clenched. "You're not responsible for him, Rachel."

"Maybe, but I know what an ass he can be." She leaned over and grabbed a beer. "I think it's cool, anyway. You and Tristan, I mean."

Putting my bottle down, I glared at her sternly. "Look, I appreciate the visit, I really do, but there is no 'Tristan and me'. If you're after gossip, there's nothing to tell."

Her face fell slightly. "I wasn't here to gossip, Leah. I noticed how quiet you were this morning and thought you might like a friend."

The concept of a 'friend' was foreign to me these days. Sure, I'd been making an effort with all of the girls, but that was for the greater good. I didn't expect any of them to count me as an actual friend. "Look, I didn't mean to jump to conclusions. I'm not great at the whole caring and sharing thing. Everyone always has an agenda these days."

Rachel let out a low whistle. "God, you never used to be this angst-ridden. You used to be fun. I can remember all the summers I spent on the beach with you and Rebecca. So what if you're a wolf now and I have a douche bag eternally bound to me? We're not that different. Even I get sick of Emily's muffins." She grinned.

I raised my eyebrows and laughed. "Careful, that's heresy around here."

"I know. Tell me about it." She took another sip of her beer. "The other girls are great and all, but I always feel like I'm holding back around them. Kim once said I had a potty mouth... who even says that anymore?"

"Wow. Way to unload, Rachel. You sure you're not the one in need of a friend?" I could definitely relate to what she was saying, but assumed I was always the odd one out. I never considered some of the girls themselves might be holding back.

Rachel seemed unbothered and just smiled. "Okay. I can't deny it. I need a friend too. So, what do you say? Can we make this a regular thing? Beer, pizza and un-refrained cursing? I won't even mention Tristan again, well, at least not for a week."

I chewed my lip as I thought it over. "What the hell." I shrugged. "Welcome to the dark side."


After my eventful weekend, the rest of the week seemed to go without a hitch. Rachel came round a few more times, and I actually realized that we did still have a lot in common. She kept her promise and didn't mention Tristan again. In exchange, I silently vowed not to bring up Paul.

Work was busy as a waitress had called in sick and the remainder of my spare time was spent patrolling or with a fake smile on my face as I helped with the finishing touches to Emily and Sam's wedding, along with Alice Cullen of all people. All I could think was that I better get some fucking brownie points and respect for this, because I was honest to God trying.

Finally, the end of the week came and, before I knew it, it was the night before the big wedding. It would be a lie to say I didn't lay awake all night remembering how Sam used to be the love of my life and how Emily betrayed me. I had been dreading this day for years and the fact that I was now contributing to it wasn't lost on me.

Sure, I no longer cared about Sam, but today would be a closing chapter of my life.

I took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. I was the sole bridesmaid and was wearing a long, strapless, lilac dress with high ivory heels. My hair had already been curled by Alice before she went to help Emily, and I'd done my own light make-up. I felt pretty, which helped loosen the knot in my stomach a little.

Glancing at the time, I quickly grabbed my bag and made my way out on to the porch. Rachel had offered to pick me up on the way so that I didn't have to walk miles in my new shoes. In other words, she didn't trust me not to ruin my outfit between my house and the beach. Fortunately, Paul was already at the wedding, so I wouldn't have to suffer his presence.

I checked the time again. Rachel was late. Oh God, Alice would kill me if I messed up her schedule. Everyone would think I probably did it on purpose.

The fact that Alice had organized this wedding still blew me away. It was proof of just how much things had changed around here. There was once a time when Sam would have spat on any help the Cullen's offered. I guess it showed that what an imprint wants, an imprint gets. It was well known that Alice was the wedding guru, so how could Emily refuse her offer of help?

Years ago this would have bugged the shit out of me, but I had gradually come to understand each of the Cullens a little more as my pack tied me to them through imprinting and friendship. It was for this reason that, not only had Sam allowed Alice to help, but Jake had also lifted the treaty for one day so that they could attend the wedding should they wish to. Yeah, Sam wasn't too happy with that bit of it, but then again, Emily was the one who sent out the invites. He was such a fucking doormat.

That thought alone made me glad it wasn't me marrying Sam today. After everything we'd been through in the packs, I'd finally seen who he really was. I didn't mean that he was a bad person, but after seeing inside his head and the way he handled things, I realized we would never have worked.

I just wished we hadn't ended so badly. I was younger then and his betrayal had been crippling. To say he and Emily left me with some issues was an understatement

I guess, my only wish about today was that I didn't have to go to another pack occasion alone. Sadly, there was no point in going down that route. It just led me back to Tristan and the web of lies that surrounded my life.

I honestly wished that I had never gone on that damn bachelorette party. To say that I had forgotten my first encounter with Tristan would have been a lie, but I'd certainly had enough baggage at the time to not put too much weight into any feelings he may have evoked in me.

Unfortunately, seeing him that night in Seattle had only confirmed my initial assessment and proved that there was more to him than just a hot body and cocky attitude. We meshed. That was the only way to explain it. Talking to him, being in his company, laughing with him, it had all been so easy and comfortable. And the sex ... Oh. My. God.

I cursed myself for thinking about him again and turned my anger to Rachel, who was now very, very late. I was debating whether it was worth calling her to get an ETA, when I heard the sound of a vehicle driving down the old dirt track that led to my house.

I relaxed a little and readied myself to jump in the car. I was taken back however, to see a black Jeep pulling in. I raised my eyebrow uncertainly at the unfamiliar vehicle, and it wasn't until the driver got out that I realized who it was. I was going to kill Rachel.

I quickly tried to compose myself, but within seconds I was face-to-face with an incredibly handsome suited figure. My traitorous heart leaped in my chest, but was quickly countered by the knots forming in my gut. I did not need this shit today.

"What the hell are you doing here, Tristan?" My voice was purposely sharp. It was too easy to be a bitch, especially when I remembered our last conversation.

"I could ask myself the same thing." He snorted back, bitterly.

"I mean it. What are you doing here? I don't have time for this. I'm waiting for a lift."

I was more than ready to head back inside and lock the door on him until Rachel arrived.

"Yeah, about that. Rachel's running late so she asked me to pick you up in her place. I could hardly refuse seeing as you're a vital part of the wedding." He walked back to his Jeep and opened the side door for me. "I'm not all that pleased about this, either."

I growled. I had very little choice in the matter seeing as I had to leave now. Angrily, I made my way over to the Jeep and got in. Tristan shut the door on me forcefully as soon as I was seated and came around to his side, climbing in. What was he even doing here? It had never even dawned on me he'd be invited. Only my stubbornness stopped me from asking him directly.

There was an awkward silence between us as he pulled out of the drive and onto the road. My nerves were on fire. Christ, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.

Despite everything, it was impossible not to notice how incredible he looked in his suit. It was classic black, with a white shirt underneath that stretched across his broad chest. He smelled good too, and his aftershave was applied lightly enough to not offend my sensitive nose.

I indirectly peeked at his face as drove. His jaw was tense, highlighting his sharp facial features and his green eyes were fixed on the road ahead. God, even angry and brooding, he was the personification of sex to me.

My cheeks reddened. Had I no shame? Today was going to be hard enough without thinking about something, or should I say someone, I couldn't have. Fortunately, that thought was enough to re-ignite my rage.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" I snapped.

His fingers tensed around the steering wheel, but he didn't even glance my way.

"Well?" I demanded.

He continued to drive without a glimmer of acknowledgment.

"Ignoring me. That's really mature." I snapped. "What are you, five?"

He slammed the breaks on and pulled the car over at the side of the road, banging his fists on the wheel in anger. Eventually he looked at me. "What do you want me to say, Leah? You're the one who informed me we had no obligations to each other. Don't make the rules, then criticize them."

I went to speak but closed my mouth, unable to think of any defense. The man had a point. It didn't mean I had to like it.

Tristan scoffed, "Well, I never thought I'd see you speechless."

I could definitely see where Paul got his insolence from. I crossed my arms and stared out the window away from him. Internally, I was fighting with myself to keep my cool and not blow up completely. I couldn't explain what he'd done to get me so riled, but my hackles were up, almost literally.

"Now who's ignoring whom?" he muttered.

"Screw this." I climbed out of the Jeep, leaving the passenger door wide open, and started stalking down the middle of the road. I didn't care if I was late to the wedding or not, I couldn't be in the car with him any longer. He made me crazy.

"Where the hell are you going?" I heard his car door slam and footsteps running after me.

Even in heels I walked at a quick pace, and it took him a second to catch up with me. When he did, he grasped my arm and spun me round. "Are you mad? Get in the car," he demanded.

I shook him off and kept walking, only to be grabbed again. My defensive instinct came into play and, before I could even stop myself, I slapped him. I stared at the red mark on his face, horrified with myself. Tristan looked just as disgusted and turned back to the car without a word.

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry." I ran after him, pulling at his arm. "I didn't mean to do that. I just reacted to being hauled about."

Finally, he shrugged me off. "Whatever, Leah. Just get in the damn car." His voice was cold and unwavering.

Feeling incredibly guilty, I obeyed, and we made the rest of the trip in awkward silence. By the time we arrived at the beach, I was more than ready to escape the cramped vehicle and avoid Tristan for the rest of the day.

With the engine stopped, silence fell between us. I tried to think of something to say that didn't sound abusive. Slapping him had totally filled up my quota of bitchiness for the day. I still couldn't believed I'd done that.

Looking out the window, I could already see people walking down towards the huge marquee and aisle that had been put in place. My eyes widened as I noticed the wooden walkway, surrounded by tiny white fairy lights that led down to the place where Sam was waiting for his bride. I let out a deep breath. Shit. This was really happening. Sam was getting married.

Suddenly, I could feel Tristan watching me. "I suppose you wish this was your wedding."

The cutting remark caught me completely by surprise and actually stung. I shook my head, disappointed. It was one thing to be annoyed with me, but he didn't need to be vindictive. "Fuck you," I muttered and started to unbuckle my seatbelt.

"Wait." His hand caught mine and stilled them as his voice softened. "I didn't mean that."

"Then why say it?" I spat, desperately trying not to break. This day was too much for me already. My body shuddered involuntarily.

"I ..." He paused and fixed his gaze on me. "For a reason I can't even grasp—I want to know what's in your head."

There was something incredibly honest about the way he spoke, and that scared me. It was hard enough fighting my own attraction to him, but knowing he still might care made things even harder.

I shifted his hands away. "I have to go."

Tristan nodded and slumped back in his seat. "Sure thing, Leah." He looked deflated as if I had just sucked the air out of him.

I shook my head and found the seat belt button. Gathering my dress, I slipped out of the Jeep, pushing the door shut behind me. I kept my back to him and drew in a deep breath, trying to put all thoughts of him aside for the next hour. My first destination was the small bridal tent set across from the marquee.

As I made my way down the wooden path, I heard the sound of Tristan's car door opening and closing and the click of a lock. "Don't look back. Just keep walking," I scolded myself.

Firm hands suddenly grasped my upper arms, turning me around. Tristan dipped down, searching my eyes. "I'm sorry, okay? I don't mean to be a jerk."

I shrugged my shoulders, fixing my eyes on the horizon. "Whatever."

"Meet me after the wedding?" he asked as his hands gently made their way down my arms until he held my fingers loosely. "Please. "

I drew my eyes back to him. His expression was so desperate. How could I deny him? I knew it was a bad idea, but my head had already nodded.

He gently released me, scratching his neck nervously. "You look beautiful, by the way."

I was about to say something sarcastic, when a high pitched-voice called me. I glanced down the beach to see Alice waving frantically. "I really do have to go." Before he could answer, I was half-way to the marquee.

Don't ask me how, but I managed to make it to the bridal tent without turning into a wreck. I took another deep breath and pushed all thoughts aside. One shit storm at a time, I reminded myself. I focused on the task in hand as the sweet stench of Alice hit my nose and she hauled me inside the bridal tent.

Before I could even move, Emily was clutching my arms. "Where have you been? Oh my God, Leah! I thought you'd backed out. You're my only bridesmaid, and I thought ... oh, I don't know what I thought, I'm just so glad you're here."

"Wow, calm down, Em. Of course I'm here. I promised, didn't ?" I soothed, rubbing her arms reassuringly.

"I know, but I just figured you may have changed your mind. I would have understood." She was breathless, and her cheeks flushed.

"You worry too much. This is about your future and not our past. Just let it go, Emily. I have. Now let me have a look at you?" I gently pushed her away from me so that I could take in her dress.

It was intricate and yet simple. The beautiful white gown hugged her body, pulling her in at the waist and highlighting her natural curves. The lace sleeves emphasized the elegance that we all knew she carried. I walked around her slowly, tears pricking my eyes as I noted the long train at the back and the delicate veil pinned in her long straight black hair. I was happy for her.

I finally dragged my eyes away and acknowledged Alice with a nod. She was standing some distance from me in a long silver gown and practically vibrating on the spot. "Good job." I smiled.

Alice giggled. "Thanks, Leah. I hope you're happy with your dress, too. I think you look quite stunning. I was a bit worried because you are so naturally pretty. I didn't want you to outdo the bride."

Emily smiled. "She'll always shine brighter than me. It's who she is. You do look beautiful, though. You both do." Her voice shook with sincere emotion and her eyes glistened. She took a deep breath. "Thank you, Alice for arranging this, and thank you, Leah for being my bridesmaid. You missed Mom—she's gone down to the marquee already, but she's amazed by everything you've both done."

I blushed. I really hadn't done that much. I simply turned up whenever my presence was required. I was just glad that before she started to cry with sheer happiness, there was a cough outside.

"I believe I have a daughter in there to marry off?" Emily's father's voice rang loud and clear.

"One minute, Mr. Young." Alice squealed – yes, she actually squealed—and then clapped her hands together. "Gosh, I guess it's time." She quickly ran around Emily, straightening her dress and brushing her hair. "Well, I think my work here is done. Go knock him dead." She grinned and quickly hugged Emily before moving to do the same to me.

I laughed and shook my head at her. I was no longer uncomfortable in her presence, but hugging was taking it a little too far. Alice clearly understood and, after more wishes of good luck to Emily, pranced out of the tent away from us.

It was funny, but now that Emily and I were alone, I could see how nervous she really was. I realized that I was too. I'd never imagined being in this position. In fact, if I'd pictured it several years ago, I would have probably wanted to curl up and die. I guess it proved just how much time could heal.

I took Emily's hand, which was shaking. "You okay?"

She gulped and nodded. "Yeah. It's just, this is it, you know? All those years we spent as kids planning our weddings, imagining who our husbands would be, and now it's all actually happening. I want nothing more than to marry Sam. It's just a little overwhelming."

"Well, you have an unyielding love that's forever. It's bound to be a little bit daunting. I've got your back ,though," I reassured her.

"And that's why I love you, Leah." She hugged me gently, and I returned it.

"Come on, enough of the mush. Let's go get you married." I laughed into her shoulder.

Thirty minutes later, I stood at the end of an aisle watching Emily and Sam seal their vows with a kiss. It was a strange warm feeling that I felt. I was glad to say that there was no bitterness inside me and, although I was sad that it was something I was unable to have, I just couldn't begrudge them this any longer.

Once the ceremony was over, the bride and groom moved out of the marquee and onto the beach for photos. I knew I would have to join them eventually and take my smiling spot, but I hated big crowds so I stood back and let the tent empty out.

As the crowds began to thin, I noticed Tristan was sitting in the end row staring towards the beach with a queer expression. Something seemed off, so I slowly walked over to him. As I reached his row, he seemed to break from whatever trance he was in and looked up at me in surprise. His brow gleaned with sweat and his hands were trembling.

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly, standing at a few seats away.

"Who are they?" His voice was hoarse, and he nodded outside to a group of beautiful people standing under the cloudy sky.

"That's the Cullens." I pointed them out one by one by name, and each time Tristan frowned a little more.

He shook his head in disapproval. "I don't like them."

His reaction seemed strange to me. Humans were normally enticed by the Cullens, not repulsed.

I looked him over once more and noticed he'd shed his suit jacket and loosened his shirt collar and tie. His hands continued to tremble though as if cold, and I couldn't make it out.

I shuffled along the seats and sat down next to him. "You don't look so good. Do you feel okay?"

His face had lost some of its colour. "I don't know. I felt shit as soon as I came into this tent and it's only getting worse. I think I must have caught a bug or something. I feel so hot and my whole body aches." He fanned himself before pulling at his collar a little more.

I leant over, concerned, and felt his forehead. I gasped in horror and withdrew my hand immediately. He was burning up. I quickly made a grab for his hands. They were the same temperature as mine.

Tristan snorted. "So this is what it takes to get you to care?"

I just stared at him, praying to a God who had long abandoned me so many years ago.

"Leah, I'll be fine. Just give me a minute." He tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes, which looked dilated.

I felt sick. I knew his symptoms all too well. Granted, it didn't make sense, but there was no doubt he was showing signs of phasing for the first time. Everything that had happened between us no longer mattered. I had to get him out of here. The risk was too high.

"Tristan, I think I should take you back to Paul's to rest," I suggested, cautiously rubbing his back.

He waved me off angrily. "I'll be fine. I'm..." He didn't finish his sentence as he suddenly clutched his stomach and bent over himself in pain. Tristan's back started to shudder beneath my hand.

I sensed movement behind me and saw Edward approaching with concern, but with every step closer Tristan groaned with pain and his convulsions became more violent. He clutched my hand suddenly and squeezed it with unexpected strength. I felt my bones cracking.

"Shit. Tristan, let go." I pulled my hand out of his before he crushed it completely.

I looked to Edward, who was no doubt reading our minds. "Get Jake, discreetly. Tell him to meet me at my house - it's closest. Don't let on to anyone else what's happening. I don't want to ruin Emily and Sam's day."

Edward nodded and without a word disappeared.

In the meantime, I pushed my chair back to clear some room and took my shoes off so I could walk properly. I wrapped my arm around Tristan who was still bent over double and tried to lift him up, but he was too heavy.

"Tristan, please, I have to get you out of here. Stand up." I tried to put all my strength into lifting him. Eventually, I felt him move beneath me, and he pushed himself up.

His face was now racked in pain and his whole body was violently shaking.

"Leah, what's happening to me? Something's wrong."

"It'll be okay. I promise." Looking at him, I realized, he wasn't even going to make it back to mine, and we would just have to settle for the tree line. "I need you to walk, okay?"

"I don't think I can." He gritted his teeth in pain again.

"Sure you can. Come on." I reassured him and stepped forward supporting his weight.

He followed slowly, putting one foot in front of the other, while leaning on me. I felt weak under the pressure, which reaffirmed that something was wrong. Still, I was determined to get him away from everyone.

We made it to the side of the marquee quicker than I'd hoped and slipped away from the main entrance out of sight. As soon as we hit the air, Tristan took a deep breath and his convulsions eased ever so slightly. I could only guess that the smell of the Cullens in the enclosed space had brought this on. I was going to kill Jake for letting them on Quileute lands. What if Tristan wasn't the only one affected?

Gradually, we made it across the sand and to the tree line. As we hit the cover of the forest, Tristan threw himself away from me and landed on his hands and knees on the floor. He vomited violently. I went to touch him, but he shook me off.

"What's happening to me?" He sounded tired and confused, but at least his body seemed to be calming down.

Maybe the fresh air and distance had been enough to stop the phase. I knelt down next to him. "You just need to stay calm, and then you should be okay," I reassured.

He nodded and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He hung his head low. "It fucking hurts."

I was about to console him when I heard a twig snap behind me. I felt myself being lifted quickly and planted some feet away.

I struggled against the person's grip, until Jake came into my vision.

"Leah, what are you doing so close to him? He could seriously hurt you if he phased," my Alpha scolded me.

"Jake, he's okay. I'm pretty sure he's calming down," I protested.

"Do you want me to look at him?" The voice came from behind me and I realized it was Carlisle.

My heart sank. "Oh, Jake, you didn't. You're such an idiot!"

I shoved past him and ran back over to Tristan. I was horrified to see him already on his feet, snarling at the doctor. His convulsions had returned and his body was starting to shimmer with energy. I could tell by his expression he was going to attack Carlisle, who looked like a deer caught in headlights.

"Tristan..." I called out, but it was too late.

A huge dark brown wolf exploded in front of me. I was too close and the impact of his phase hit me and threw me backwards into a tree. I felt something in my body twist and was too stunned by the force to move. My eyes kept up with everything, though, and I watched in horror as Jake phased and met Tristan head on.

"Carlisle, go!" I yelled. "You're making it worse."

He looked at me stunned and was gone in a flash, leaving the two wolves to circle each other growling. I couldn't understand why Jake couldn't talk him down or command him, and then I realized he probably wasn't his Alpha. Sam was.

I managed to push myself up, but my ankle was bent at an unnatural angle.

"Shit." I could barely walk. I stumbled and fell on the forest fall. My cry of pain was enough to break the wolves focus, though. Jake looked at me questioningly with concern, while Tristan whined sadly and took a step towards me. I didn't sense any danger in his movement, but Jake still jumped between us and growled in warning.

Tristan halted and stared at him before letting loose a wild howl and turning tail into the depth of the forest.

Jake quickly came back and nudged me.

"I'm fine, Jake, but you need to go and get him back. I'll call Paul and catch you up." I shoved him away from me and in the direction of Tristan.

He took the hint.

Ignoring the pain in my ankle, I reached for my purse, which had been tucked under my arm the whole time. Fumbling with my phone, I hurriedly called Paul. After about thirty seconds, he picked up.

"This better be good, Clearwater. I was eating," Paul's irritating voice grumbled.

"It's your brother," I said sharply.

"I thought I told you to stay the fuck away from him—"

I cut him off. "Paul, he phased!"

"What? That's not even funny!"he yelled.

I heard Rachel in the background asking him what was wrong.

"It's not a joke. He ran off into the forest. Jake took after him, but I don't know if he can hear him."

I heard shuffling on his end of the phone. "Rachel, babe, take the phone. Leah will fill you in. I have to go..."

"Leah, what's going on?" Rachel sounded worried.

I quickly told her everything.

"Are you okay? Where are you?"

"I'm fine. Well, my ankle's sprained, but it will heal shortly, so I'm okay." I snorted. "Are the Cullens still there?"

"No, they all left five minutes ago. Alice apologized to Emily and said something about the sun coming out. I take it you don't want to tell Sam? Do you want me or one of the guys to come get you?"

"No. Just cover for us, okay?"

"Okay," she agreed. "Be careful."

I hung up and put the phone away, while I waited for my leg to heal. I couldn't believe what had just happened. It didn't make any sense. If Tristan was supposed to have been a wolf then surely he would have phased when he used to live here, or was the presence of the Cullens on our land really enough to trigger it?

It was so unexpected that I felt in shock. I also felt sick knowing that if I hadn't stayed behind in the tent and noticed the state Tristan was in, things could have been a lot worse. The Cullens were incredibly lucky that they didn't get hurt.

"Leah, is everything all right?"

I turned, caught off guard to find Sam behind me, looking worried. Jared was with him, looking just as confused. Shit. This was not what I wanted to happen. None of this was.

I decided to come out with it. "Paul's brother phased."

Jared looked stunned. "Tristan?"

"I knew that howl didn't belong to any of the pack." Sam started to take off his suit jacket and unbutton his shirt. "I have to help him."

"Sam, don't be ridiculous. It's your wedding day!" I exclaimed.

"It's my duty. Emily will ... she'll understand." He looked back towards the beach anxiously.

"Really, Sam, there's no point. Paul and Jake are out there. And, while I think Paul is the biggest dick alive, he's his brother. He couldn't be in better hands," I reassured him.

"Sam, Leah's right. They can handle this, and he probably doesn't need any more voices in his head anyway. You should be with your wife. I'll help if they need back up," Jared added.

"See, it's all in hand. Seriously, you go back to the beach." I gestured back towards the ocean.

He looked hesitant. "Fine, but you're coming back too then, Leah. You're Emily's bridesmaid, and if I'm not needed out there, then neither are you, right?"

The bastard had me. What could I say? It was my turn to stare off into the forest concerned. I not only wanted to be out there backing up my Alpha, but I wanted to know how Tristan was. The first phase was a terrifying and painful experience, and the help you got in those first few hours could make the world of difference.

I turned back. Jared seemed to understand my dilemma and offered me an unhelpful shrug. Sam just looked worried, which made me realize that I had to go back to the beach.