Thanks for the reviews, everyone. They're seriously greatly appreciated. So I decided the story needed just a little more Seth so here's a break from the Blackwater, but I promise there's more coming up soon.


Chapter Seven

My paws hit the ground hard as I ran. I could feel the icy rain whipping through my fur as I quickened my pace, daring Seth to try and catch up with me.

Slow down, Leah. What's the point of patrolling together if I can't keep up with you?

I mentally rolled my eyes and continued running, debating whether or not to speed up even more. I hated patrolling with Seth. I don't know how Jake managed to do it, but I found it harder to control my thoughts around Seth every time we patrolled together.

It was like some sick disease consumed me. My indulgence was becoming more than a just a distraction. Everything, everywhere reminded me of Jacob. With every movement I felt his hands on my skin. With every breath I felt his lips on mine. With every glance I felt his eyes locked with mine. What we had was an animal attraction and being in wolf form made the lustful feelings difficult to suppress. He was in the moon, the trees, the wind.

And so I was reduced to racing through the forest as quickly as possible, trying desperately to keep my mind clear, hoping that I wouldn't make a mistake and think about him.

That's so creepy, Leah.

What are you whining about now, Seth?

You're not thinking anything, and it's freaking me out. I need to hear you think. It makes me feel less alone.

I smiled to myself as Seth relayed his thoughts to me, remembering his irrational fear of the dark he carried on even after he became a wolf.

Well, I could sing you a song if you'd like. How bout a little Madonna…or some show tunes, perhaps?

God no! You're almost as bad as Jacob. If I have to listen to him think about replacing carburetors and shit anymore I swear I'm gonna lose it.

I could hear myself cough a laugh as Seth whined, knowing that I had figured out Jake's method for keeping Seth out of his thoughts.

I slowed my pace as Seth and I continued to run the borders of the forest, knowing that we didn't have much farther to go.

Hey, Lee…can I ask you a question?

My heart's pace quickened and I could feel it again, the paranoia, as I heard Seth's voice. It was quiet, timid even, and I couldn't help but wonder if he were about to ask it, the question that would turn everything upside down. It was a question that would make the dream I had been living in a reality, and I wasn't ready for that.

Are you okay?

I let out a deep breath when I heard the question. Easy enough. As long as he think about Jacob and me in the same sentence, I figured I was in the clear.

I mean, you've been acting kind of weird lately, and you haven't thought about Sam in a while.

The next part sent me into a quiet frenzy. Sam. Sam. What Seth had said was true. I hadn't thought of Sam in a while. It was as if all the parts of my brain occupied on Sam had been scooped out and what could have been and replaced with Jacob, something newer but equally painful, but like a fresh wound.

And because I don't spend my time thinking about that sorry assed son of a bitch something's wrong with me? What kind of fucked up logic is that, Seth?

The thought came out bitter, like absinthe. What Sam and I had was something that I savored while it lasted but wished I'd never partaken in once the aftertaste set in. The damage it had done to me was just too much sometimes.

Okay, okay, sorry I asked…I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

I'm fine, Seth.

I rolled my eyes as we approached the border of the reservation. Sometimes I wished Seth would stop caring so much. Things would be so much easier for him if he didn't try to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, not to mention he wouldn't bug the shit out of me as much.

Uh, Lee…sorry, but I have something else to ask you.

What now, Seth?

What do you think about Charlie?

Chief Swan? Why?

Well…he uh, asked me a question the other day. I – I told him he should ask you but he said I was the man of the house and I think he's going to…

I could feel my stomach churning as Seth's thoughts became scrambled, already suspecting what he was going to say.

Just spit it out, Seth.

He wants to marry mom.

Shit.

I knew that it was coming, but I hadn't thought that they would have the guts to get engaged so quickly. I knew my mom was a grown woman and she could do whatever the hell she wanted, but it seemed too soon, like my dad had died only yesterday. Everything had been so close to wonderful a lifetime ago. I loved my family and I loved Sam, then suddenly wonderful became impossible. But maybe my mom was right to try and forget. Maybe it was time to move on, time to start again.

My mom had Charlie. Sam had Emily. Seth and Jacob had the Cullens. It was like everyone had found where they belonged and I was left behind, alone.

Leah…Leah? Where are you? Are you okay? I-I'm sorry but I thought you should know.

I ran farther and faster, trying to finish patrolling as soon as possible. I needed to get some sleep, I needed to get a hold of my emotions, but most of all I needed Jacob.