A/N: Thanks to the Beta Ladies, Ash and Mskohl for making me appear literate. Its not an easy task.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer created this playground.
Chapter 4 Taking the Old Girl for a Spin
"Give me a minute to go upstairs and change."
Nahuel looked at me inquisitively, "Change into what? Won't you be nude?"
"Of course, but I have to put these clothes away first."
"Then you will put on more clothes to wear outside to take off?
I could see where Nate was coming from. "These aren't everyday clothes, they need to be cared for properly." I twirled about in my dress to show him how special it was but mostly to show off my hot bod. It was one thing I could be sure I had going for me. Becoming a werewolf screwed up my ability to reproduce, go off to college, pass a basic physical and a plethora of everyday things but it did give me a banging body that defied gravity. The wonder twins supported the bra, not the other way around.
"That seems pointless to me, why don't you jump from the window?"
"I'm not sure I can phase mid-air like that and I'm afraid otherwise. I wouldn't want to break a bone. I heal quickly but it would hurt." I would not have admitted vulnerability to anyone else but he seemed to need explanation.
"I'll catch you; I promise you won't get a scratch." The safety net idea was intriguing.
"I'll land naked in your arms and we will behave responsibly and go straight to patrolling?" His automatic and prolonged boob check answered the question. "I'll take that as a no; besides, I have to formally introduce you to my pack tonight. I know you've met just about everybody but just shake hands and roll with it."
Upstairs I slipped into the short, flirty black dress lying on the bed. I didn't question it anymore, the dress would be a perfect fit and look good on me. A chick could get used to this. Seriously, I couldn't fathom Bella's issue, getting an Alice out of the deal would have been worth marrying an Edward, well almost, if there was a way around the smell.
I raced downstairs grabbing Nahuel's hand and rushed out the back door. Jacob and the fellas were there lounging in the backyard. No one was in wolf so that was a good sign. I looked to Jake and waited; he looked back at me, clueless. Yeesh, some Alpha; I guess I would be making the official introductions.
I held up my hand joined to Nate's, "Everyone, this is Nahuel, my imprint. He'll be running with me tonight." There was no surprise on anyone's face. They all recognized him and thanks to the shared mind it was nearly impossible to tell your own business.
"Nate," I looked him in the eye to see if I could get a feel for how he was taking this, "this is my pack." He was fine. I was worried for nothing. I gestured to them and began making introductions.
"You've met Jacob already, he's the Alpha of this pack and the heir of Ephraim Black, the last true chief of the Quileute people." Didn't I sound formal? I continued, "Ephraim made the treaty with the Cullens more than 70 years ago." I felt it was best to get the rank information out there. Nahuel and Jacob inclined their heads to each other.
"You play a mean game of Madden," Jacob acknowledged Nahuel with a 'formal' fist pound and like a champ my baby rolled with it as instructed.
"As do you," Nahuel returned. He had taken to video games like a duck to water or rather, like a boy to video games, it was a Y chromosome directive. I left Nate's side for one hour-long physical before Carlisle had to leave for the hospital and just that fast Jacob and Seth indoctrinated Nate into the ways of man.
"This is, of course, my brother Seth," Nate and Seth shared a genuine smile. They had really taken to each other, not surprising, everybody loves Seth. It could be because Seth loves everybody but I wouldn't be testing that theory out anytime soon. "Our father, Harry Clearwater was an elder of the tribe until his death last year. He was entrusted with keeping the secret of the truth in our legends."
"This is Kara, you might remember her from the two hour medical exam yesterday. We are the only two females in the history of the tribe to ever change into wolves." I had been running with Sam's pack during the vampire visit when Kara first phased. She was immediately pushed off on me. Sam didn't want to deal with a possible 'Leah part two' so Kara became mine. It was pretty cool having another girl around, somebody to guide so she never had to wear those stupid denim shorts. Only a guy would think that was packing light. "Her brother, Jared, is a member of the other pack. He was the second to phase and join Sam in protecting our people."
Kara grinned at Nate and offered her hand, "Very pleased to meet you." Kara had a huge grin on her face; she was checking out my imprint and finding him to her liking.
"I am pleased to meet you as well, Kara," Nate replied as he took her hand readily for a quick shake.
"That brings us to Quil and Embry." I introduced them together because that's how I saw them: Quil 'n' Embry, like peanut butter and jelly. The functionally retarded duo. I didn't think it was a fair assessment but that's how my girl Rachel saw them, ever since they accidentally revealed the wolf secret to her twin sister Rebecca. They are identical, but Rachel's point was even if their eyes were deceived their noses should not have been. One of them, Rachel, smelled like she was doused in eau de Paul while Rebecca did not. She had a point but, 'eh, these are my brothers.
"Quil is a direct descendant of the last pack that patrolled this area."
Quil was dog-tired from covering for me for the past two days and only managed a, "S'up."
I didn't quite know what to say for Embry; Embry, whose origins are unknown, is a really nice guy? "Embry was the fourth to phase and join the pack."
Embry chose to be the social one, "Nate, my man, welcome to the pack." He extended a hand which Nate ignored.
"It's Na-Hu-el," Nate was slow and careful in this enunciation but Embry looked baffled.
"But Leah calls you 'Nate'.
"Yes, she does, but do not confuse yourself with Leah. She is beautiful and although your features are quite feminine, you are not. Nahuel will do." Embry was a little pissed, understandably so. Nate either didn't notice or didn't care; it was hard to tell with him.
"Dude, I told you. You look like a bitch." Quil chose now to perk up. Figured.
Embry gave Quil a hard shove, "Way to have my back, douche!"
A couple of shoves later and Jacob intervened, "Cut it out guys. Embry you do sorta look like a chick; you know this, we've been telling you for years. It's okay, some girls like that. Now go up to the house and get some grub, then you guys can head in for the night." Quil and Embry made to leave when Jacob called them back. "Look, Esme cooked these all-natural free-range chickens. They're tough as shit, you might have to phase back to get through it, but don't say anything. Okay?" Jacob was serious about protecting his favorite leeches from hurt feelings.
As Embry and Quil retreated, Embry looked back over his shoulder at Nahuel and I knew all had not been forgiven. I would have to take some time when Embry and I were phased together to explain Nate's ways.
"Kara and Seth, with the winter break being over I only want you guys to stay on until eleven tonight, you need to be ready for school tomorrow." Jacob, our high school dropout Alpha spoke.
I interrupted him because as Beta I can do that. "Jake, why don't you go back to school? Sam will bring you up to speed for the semester you missed." Sam's made up job as the in-school suspension and truancy counselor was a touch of brilliance on my Dad's part. It kept Sam at school all day with his own little classroom to manage both unruly students and monitor those who inexplicably missed a couple weeks of school. It was where we stayed until our control got to the point that we could mix with the student body. I spent a month in his class, Seth stayed a week, and Paul graduated high school from that room, with honors mind you.
"It's not a good time for that Leah, now let me finish!" I didn't say anything else but this conversation was not finished; just wait until we phase, he had not heard the last of this. Brain to brain nagging was one of the best things about being a wolf, some things had to be said, again and again and again, and this was one of them. Jacob couldn't put his life on hold afraid the Cullens would disappear with his imprint. I often told him white people never leave their pets behind and the Cullens are the whitest people I know. He didn't appreciate it, but I liked telling him again and again and again.
"Now, Leah and Nahuel, I want you running deep tonight. Jared and Paul will be covering the outer perimeter with you. Sam and I will coordinate your efforts." When it came to late night patrols our options were limited, the younger wolves really needed a full night's rest for school so that left the rest of us to work the overnight. Once the youngsters developed fully they wouldn't need as much sleep.
"Do you have questions?" Jacob looked at both Kara and Nahuel, but he had never asked this before so it was solely for Nate's benefit, otherwise the whole meeting would have been in wolf.
"I have a few questions, Jacob." Nahuel started off when I interrupted him.
"Jacob, I may in and out at different times tonight to be human so I can explain to Nate." Jacob nodded but Nate looked annoyed.
I grabbed his hand anyway and took off to my tree to stow my dress.
"I'm sorry I cut across you back there," I rushed to get that out of the way. I didn't want him upset with me. "I would rather answer your questions, that's all."
"You want me all to yourself, is that it?"
"Yeah, something like that." That was a better answer than, I am truly afraid of what you might say. Time to touch on that. "Nate, you kinda hurt Embry's feelings when you told him he looks like a girl. He's sorta shy and he was just trying to be nice."
"I know it wasn't nice, I didn't mean for it be."
"Okay then, mind telling me why?"
"It was something he said, but it is of no consequence. I am far too old to still react to overheard comments. He didn't mean any harm, I am sure. However I do not want him calling me Nate." I wonder what Embry said to irritate my baby? I probably didn't want to know, not that Embry would have said anything he wouldn't say to my face. Sharing a mind tended to make us unflinchingly, brutally, didn't your mama teach you better, honest with each other.
"Does it bother you that I call you Nate?" I had been doing it since day one, or yesterday to be more accurate.
"No, not at all, I rather like it," Nahuel was quick to reassure me, "you seek to claim me by renaming me, I am precious to you." He summed that up neatly. I hoped I was precious to him as well.
When we made it to my tree I carefully removed my dress while Nate retrieved my bag, scaling the tree as easily as I had yesterday.
"Were you planning on walking around naked tonight?" Nate wasn't making eye contact when he finally voiced his question.
"I don't see a way around it; I can't be in wolf the whole time because I'll need to talk to you on occasion." I snapped my fingers. "Nate! Up here, look at my face!"
His head popped up, his eyes met mine and suddenly I felt even more exposed.
"Have I told you today how beautiful you are?" His voice was husky with intention.
He reached for me and I didn't know if I had the will to resist but I managed to step back. "Yes, you told me twice in the shower this morning. I haven't forgotten."
"The shower was hours ago and I will never tire of telling you." He had his arms around me and I hadn't seen him reach this time, nevertheless, I was held fast. His lips were on my neck which was the strangest, erotic, adrenaline rush ever. I was equally fearful and irrationally turned on by the idea of him biting me. I wouldn't stop him, he was my imprint, and if he wanted to stake me I would help him sharpen the stick.
"You told me again in one of the second floor bathrooms and don't forget afternoon nap time in which I didn't get any rest." His hands were firmly clenching my ass and any minute now my legs would be around him with no conscious thought on my part.
I flattened my hands on his chest and pushed, "Nate, we have to patrol." He let me move him. "No nookie until after we're done."
He flashed me a mischievous grin. "It is your choice for now. You cannot parade around me in your natural glory and expect me to behave, put your dress back on and I will carry your bag."
"Fair enough." I took my dress from his out stretched hand and again I was in his arms without seeing him reach for me. He dipped his head and his lips closed around my nipple making me gasp. He let me go just as fast. My poor nipple was begging for more and the untouched one called me a cruel bitch. My people had NO idea how much I was sacrificing for their safety tonight. Nate knew. I glared at him and he took the opportunity to pull my dress over my head.
We took off at a pace faster than a regular human run but not so fast that we couldn't carry on a conversation. It took no time for us to match our strides.
"What is there to know about running around looking for vampires? I try to avoid them myself."
"We have two perimeters that we monitor now. The inner one is around the La Push border, the treaty border. We let the younger more inexperienced wolves cover this territory. No vampires, Cullens or otherwise, are allowed onto the reservation."
"This includes me, doesn't it?" Nahuel sought confirmation.
"Yes, for now. I .....think. Maybe......later..we can....."
"Shhh Leah, it's okay I understand. I am dangerous; your people are wise to still recognize this. So many do not heed the warnings anymore; they believe it is all make believe."
He fell silent momentarily before starting up again. "It has made the hunting easier though, not having to pick those who would not be missed. Long ago we could not take a villager in his prime; it would spark stories of monsters haunting the hills. No, we had to hover around the villages waiting to drain the sick or old. Not tasty, but sufficient." I was sickly fascinated by his musings. I sorta wanted to tell him keep going but I couldn't ignore the whole 'vampire drinks human blood topic' especially with him reminiscing about the pitchfork and torches days.
"Nate, you know that since we're together, I think... I mean you have to...." Shit what if I told him and he said 'I gotta bounce, see ya later.'
"Beautiful, you can tell me anything."
"You have to give up human blood, absolutely."
"You do know that I knew that? Jasper and Alice did not bring me to the area totally ignorant. Huilen and I fed on animals with them during our journey here. Unsavory business but not as bad as I would have thought. Also Jacob and Seth have both taken me aside for what they called, 'Man to man' talks during your numerous exams. I do understand the basics. I will not feed off humans. I know the consequences."
Whew! That was easy. "Wow, just like that you're giving up blood? For little ole' me?"
"You are not little and I am giving it up for me." I huffed, bristling at his comment but he went on. "I like the idea of not being a monster. I did not know another way of life existed for my kind."
I didn't have anything to say for the moment. I wanted him to wax poetic about how much he wanted to be with me but that wasn't going to happen. Did he care that I was mad? Was I really mad or just disappointed that he didn't flatter me? I guess I was disappointed; after all, I wasn't little. I was little for a werewolf but that was about it.
I was lost in my semi-faux disappointment.
"Leah, you were telling me about the perimeters." Nate reminded me.
"Oh yeah, the inner is for the younger wolves and the outer will be covered by us. We pushed the patrol area out during the meeting, remember them discussing it?" He nodded. "So basically we check our line to prevent breeches. If a breech has been made we will send a warning to the inner and everyone on the outer will fall in to track and destroy the invading vampire. See? Simple enough. "
I stopped and Nate pulled to a stop too. "I'm going to phase and check in." I stripped the dress off and handed it to him. "Stand back." He moved away obediently. "I'll go slowly so you can keep up with me, alright?" I let the fire ripple along my spine and felt the wolf overtake me. A tiny 'pop' reminded me I forgot to take my panties off again; they exploded into thousands of tiny bits. One day I would get the hang of this. My front paws thudded onto the ground and I stretched. I was ready for a good run. I loved this forest with its giant trees, minimal under growth, and constantly damp forest floor. It was made for the large animal to run free.
It's about time Leah. Do we have to have a rule of no sex while on patrol? Jacob's thoughts cut through all other mental chatter but he wasn't really irritated, like a true imprinter he was happy that I had imprinted too.
Please DO....I so don't want to see my sister getting done. There was fear with a tinge of nausea in Seth's thoughts. He had been dreading my return from fear of seeing me doing the nasty.
Silly Seth, I can't see me during sex. Of course the mirror in my guest bedroom was in a pretty good spot.....STOP! Old Quil naked! I used Sam's method of distraction for mental clearing. Just as I got to Old Quil's wrinkled chest sprinkled with gray hair, it worked for me just like thinking of my grandma worked for Sam. Something always slipped through. Consequently, I swear I could pick Emily's hoo-hah out of a line up. It was not a talent one bragged about, but we all shared it.
Ick, Leah stop. That's even worse. She's practically my sister too. Seth's stomach was rolling.
It's not a talent you needed to share with me. I could have lived my whole life happily without knowing that. Kara had no idea how lucky she was to have missed running with the larger pack. She would be intimately acquainted with every part of Kim's body. Paul spent hours thinking about Rachel's ass and the sway it made when she walked on the beach as opposed to the road. Fortunately Rachel and Paul had not moved to sex when I left the other pack. With Jake's pack the experience was G-rated. Quil worried about potty training strategies and Jake obsessed over growth. Did Nessie grow last night? How many days since the last visible spurt? At least his worries were laid to rest.
A slight tug on my fur and Nate was on my back! On my back, like I was a pack animal.
I couldn't even say, 'Get down.'
Jacob and Seth were immediately laughing. He's got your back! from Seth.
It's his turn to ride you simultaneously from Jacob indicated that more slipped through than I could control earlier.
Nate stroked my fur and leaned forward to hug my neck, "Magnificent."
Awwwww, Kara in a burst of girly rainbow goo thought it was sweet. Shut up guys! How else is he going to keep up?
Nate continued stroking my fur then scratched behind my ears. Oh that felt good. Real damn good. "I always did want a dog." He patted the top of my head.
Please just shoot me now, large caliber gun right between the eyes. My whole pack including Kara was laughing now. I could throw him off but that would hurt me more than it would hurt him. I could scratch, get off my damn back on the ground, but that was silly.
Chill out Leah, is he even heavy on your back? Jake urged me to be reasonable. He wasn't heavy on me, freakish strength came with the whole werewolf thing.
So! I don't want him riding me. It's just wrong!
Leah get over yourself, the only problem you really have is he's a boy and you're a girl. I never heard you bitch about Kim or Rachel catching the occasional wolf ride. Jacob was right but it chafed.
It had taken me long enough to actually start my patrol so I let it ride or rather I let him ride, for now. I gave in to the wolf and found my stride. It wasn't so bad. I was as slow as Jacob but that would have to do for now.
Bitch. Jacob's response was automatic and without animosity.
Whatever dude, I think I'll tell Esme you called me a bitch again. I might even be able to work up a tear.
You'd better not. It wasn't an order but Jacob didn't want me to say anything, jokingly or not. Esme was a sensitive and gentle creature much like a kindergarten teacher, but one from the old school. The really old school, one room schoolhouse old. She came from the era before timeouts, discipline was a paddle, the switch, a leather strap or in Esme's case it was a wooden spoon. It looked like a normal spoon, but it seemingly moved at the speed of light. She only used it when the guys were getting rowdy at the table, but what did she expect? They were the proverbial pack of wolves. She's kinda funny about you, so don't play like that.
Quil 'n' Embry joined the mental chat room on their way back to La Push. The spoon came out tonight. Quil bragged.
What'd you do? Seth wanted to know. He had never gotten the spoon; neither had I. Hanging out at the Cullen's was not my favorite past-time like it was for the guys. I checked in with Jacob and visited on occasion to watch over my Mom but I didn't hang out. Of course I used it as an excuse like my whole pack did to explain our prolonged absences. Hanging out at the Cullens was also code for wolf business.
Man, you know that shit I said, "I hope Leah won't be such a bitch now that she's getting some." Embry reminded them but it was news to me. Well Esme didn't flip out, but she did bring up her ban on the "b" word in reference to our sister while holding that spoon in a menacing manner.
It was weird you know, usually you don't ever see the spoon coming, you only see it retract, if you see it at all. Quil was reflecting on his various spoon encounters. The knuckle raps didn't really hurt. They figured Esme missed teaching so she enjoyed a game of school marm from time to time. That had to be the case otherwise why would she set such a formal table, nothing less than a ten piece place setting graced the dining room. It couldn't be because she enjoyed doing dishes, it was a lucky day when half of them returned unbroken. She cooked, they ate, and they managed to have fun while doing it.
The boys agreed with me and set off on their own reminiscing. They had really missed hanging out in Esme's kitchen and dining room while the witness vamps were in residence.
Quil went off on a tangent about a food fight instigated by Emmett. All the guys joined in, enjoying the mental chit chat. Quil and Embry decided to keep running for another hour or so just to hang out, it had been ages since we had all been together like this. Jacob checked in with Sam. It was odd how they could choose to broadcast their thoughts like speakerphone. Jacob and Sam could open communication between the packs. Our projected thoughts were communicated but not our internal ramblings. It was kinda neat. Paul and Jared were just coming on when the unmistakable scent of a vampire assaulted my nostrils.
The smell was still faint but harsh even though I had spent the past two days housed with vampires. This was not a vegetarian vampire. I stopped in my tracks to gauge the distance of the incoming enemy. The smell was intensifying fast, coming straight at me. Adrenaline and fear shot through my body in equal force. Would I be able to keep my imprint safe?
Leah, do not engage. Let it chase you straight to us. Jacob made a request rather than an order, but I didn't want to give my back to a vampire with Nahuel on it. I wouldn't be fast enough to escape while carrying him; I would rather stand and put myself between him and the advancing vampire.
I could hear Sam broadcasting through Jacob, Give her an order dammit, I knew this imprint on patrol was a bad idea. He yelled at Paul and Jared to hurry up. I crouched into an attack stance. There was a slight change in pressure on my back and Nahuel appeared ten feet in front of me. The vampire scent intensified. I stalked forward and caught a single glimpse of the raven haired male vampire with brilliant red eyes.
That single glimpse was all I was afforded. One moment it stood fiercely staring at us, the next its head rolled on the ground.
I had not seen a thing and, hell, I was looking.
