After the talk I shared with Sam on the beach, I'd avoided him at all costs which wasn't easy considering my cousin was marrying him and I was her maid of honour for the wedding.

Falling back into the routine of patrol was easy though. Jake had spoken to Seth, who was a member of our original pack, and Embry and Quil, who joined shortly after I left, to arrange new patrol times. Today was just another day in La Push as I made my way out of the house to begin my patrol with Jacob. As I phased, Jake's voice immediately came into my mind, "How are you holding up?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his overprotective nature to his fellow wolf pack members. "I'm fine Jacob, how many times do I need to remind you?" I knew he was trying to help me but I didn't need any support from anyone. I've managed to get over this myself so far and I could get through the rest of it alone.

"Everyone knows your stronger than most people Leah but we still worry about you. What Sam and Emily have done isn't fair to you. No one would be surprised if you told them you couldn't participate."

I shook my head as I thought about it. "It's not like Jacob, you know the guilt I'd feel if I didn't do this."

"Guilt?" Jacob said angrily. "You have no reason to feel guilty. Look what they've done to you."

I stopped my patrol and lay down as I put my head down and let my mind think through what Jacob said. "I couldn't tell them I won't be their maid of honour at such short notice."

"You can't or you won't?" Jake asked me. "Think about it Leah, take some time out from patrol and speak to Emily about it. You need to let her know."

"I can't leave patrol early. You know the risks if there happened to be a stray vampire."

"Leah, you know I could get one of the other's to cover." He went quiet as he seemed to be thinking of what to say next. "Just talk to them, you need to sort this out, for all of you."

I stood up and made my way back to my house as I shut my thoughts off from Jacob whilst I tried to make sense of his words. Once I had phased back and changed I went inside to my room where I spotted the box of Sam's. I knew I had to talk to them both but I didn't know if I could bring myself to bring up the memories and hurt I've buried.

I walked up to the front door of Sam's and Emily's as I clutched the box hoping he wouldn't be home. Luck appeared to be on my side when Emily opened the door.

"Leah, what are you doing here?" She asked. I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she worried about the wedding.

I smiled a little, "Hi Em, is Sam home?" I asked as I held up the box.

"No, he's out in town right now. Do you need him for anything?"

I shook my head relieved, "No, I just found some of his things at our house and wanted to return them to him. Is it ok if I come in? I need to talk to you about something."

"Of course, come on in." She said as she stepped to the side. "Is everything ok?" She asked as we walked into the kitchen.

I sat down as I looked around the room remembering the pack meetings we had in this kitchen. "Well, not really." I admitted as I placed the box on the table, trying to think of the words to use. "I'm going to have to step down as maid of honour." I told her as I looked intently at the table, unable to see her expression.

"What? Why?" She asked quietly.

"Emily I love you like a sister you know that but I can't stand beside you at the wedding and pretend I'm happy for you both. You broke my heart when he imprinted on you. I know it's in the past but I can't get over the hurt." I slowly looked up to her. "I'm really sorry, you I am."

The hurt was written all over her face as she sat in front of me. "You said you were fine with being maid of honour though. I thought you were past the hurt Sam and I put you through."

I shook my head, "I thought I was. I tried really hard to push it aside but I couldn't Em, it hurts too much." I sighed as I looked at the table again. "I'll support you with the wedding plans though, I just can't have a part in the wedding."

"I understand." Emily said as she slowly nodded. "I really hoped you'd be there by me."

"Emily I will be, you know I will. There's too much history between Sam and I. I don't think it would be the best idea."

She nodded slowly, "I thought you were over it now. Sam told me what you said to him at the bonfire."

I shook my head, "I meant it Emily. I am over Sam but how could I stand beside you knowing it should be me in your place." I stood up slowly and walked to the door. "If you did want to be close as we used to be, you'd remember that we never made the other one feel unhappy with a decision. We're family Emily but family wouldn't expect them to stand next to them as they marry their ex fiancé." I walked out quickly before I could hear her reply and made my way into the woods. I didn't phase as I wanted to keep my mind clear from my fellow wolf pack members. I made my way to the beach as I walked along enjoying the salty breeze. I replayed our conversation wondering what would happen next. I just hope I would be strong enough to attend the wedding knowing that a part of my heart would be breaking.

Thanks to all my readers for your support with this story. I would appreciate any reviews or improvements you have or any ideas in which you'd like me to add to the story.