A/N

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Taken by complete and horrifying surprise, I looked down and in my frantic movements to get down the tree, I lost my balance. I fell back spine first onto the ground. I didn't just land on the mossy earth, either. The small of my back hit the pointed arch of an uprooted branch when I grounded.

It felt like I had been snapped in two.

"God dammit! Son of a…motherfucking….shit…on…a…stick!" I cursed aloud as I was unable to move. I saw stars and it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me too.

Seth, who had been a yard or two away from the tree, rushed to my side. He bent down beside me and said, "oh God, Embry! Are you ok? You took quite a fall."

My teeth were barred in agony as I gritted out, "no problem. It'll heal in no time." It sure as hell didn't feel like it would, but I lied for Seth's sake. The kid cared too much.

"oh…oh, ok Em…but you look like you're in pain…should I go get Carlisle?" he whimpered out when he saw me try to move and I almost howled out in pain.

"No, NO! Don't, I'll be near him during patrol and I'll see him if I still feel some pain. Does that make you feel better?" I asked while trying not to move. Seth had his hands on his knees but I could tell he was itching to help me but he kept his distance because I looked like one movement would put me in pain.

Seth nodded his head, "yeah, yeah it would. I'm so sorry I surprised you like that, man" he looked guilty. Then, because of my terrible luck, he looked suspicious, "what were you doing in that tree anyways… right outside of my sister's window?"

I was hoping at this moment that Seth wasn't the kind of guy to kick a man while he was down. The pain started to subside due to my wolfy healing abilities but I laid it on thick to get out of this situation.

I grimaced again, acting as if I was in worse pain. Seth twitched in horror and went from prying to concern in a second. I fake gritted out, "Seth, ummmm, could you maybe help me up before I answer you?"

"oh, yeah, of course, of course!" he said as he lent a hand to my sorry lying ass.

I lifted my head a bit right as I was about to grasp his outreaching hand, then I heard someone say, "I got it from here, Seth."

The familiar smell of lavender and cedar hit me as I recognized her voice. Seth's head turned and his hand retreated. My head hit the ground in defeat with a loud thud. I stared to the heavens, why… WHY?!?!?!?!

I mean, Seth would be mad at me if her knew what I was doing in that tree, but that paled in comparison to what Leah was capable of.

Seth said, "ummmm…ok Leah. He hurt his back really bad. Be careful."

I could hear no hint of malice or mischief as she said, "don't worry, he'll be fine. Seth, go to bed, it's been a long day for you."

I heard Seth's steps go towards the house, "thanks, Lee. I owe you one. I'll see you later, sis."

My pride was keeping me from reaching out my hand and BEGGING him not to leave me with her. I knew doing that would definitely incriminate me. I just lay there like a vegetable, ready to accept my fate. Who knew what kind of torture she had in store for me.

I looked up from where I lay and glared at the branch I had fallen from, you suck! I thought, and if I thought no one would see me and think I was certifiable, I would have pointed at it angrily, too.

I heard Seth walk up the porch steps, open the door, and walk into the house. My savior was finally out of site and I closed my eyes, waiting for Leah to do something.

I heard the crunch of her bare feet hitting the ground as she stalked towards me. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. She was standing next to me with her arms crossed over her chest and she was looking towards the road in contemplation. She had been acting so weird lately, I didn't know what to expect.

She tapped her foot in annoyance, took a few more steps towards me, and put her hands on her hips. This got me a better look at her face. Her expression was steely and reserved. Her eyes made their way towards me and I saw no emotion there. I really wondered why she wasn't making me pay; she had to have known I was watching her from that tree.

After staring at me for a view moments, she finally said, "your back healed yet?" Before I could respond she added, "Seth is gone so don't try to pull any shit with me."

I did as she asked, "yeah, it's totally healed, I'm fine."

She nodded her head, "ok then. Get your ass off the ground and let's go. We're late for patrol."

As she started to walk away, I got up on my own. I was not about to push my luck and ask her to help me up. My back still hurt but I was fine, I would not be going to see Doctor Sparkles.

By this time, Leah had made it to the other side of the road and was waiting for me at the tree line. Once I caught up to her, without looking at me, she said, "Let's get this over with, then. Shall we?"

Right before she took her first step, I grabbed her arm and said, "Wait. We need to talk."

Her head whipped around but she kept her emotionless façade.

"There is nothing to talk about," she said as she forcefully pulled her arm away from my grasp. She took off into the forest and I followed close behind. I had a few minutes before we would hit the edge of the La Push border closest to the Cullens, where we usually phased.

I walked close behind her and took a heavy sigh. I didn't know where to begin nor did I think airing out all of what happened or my feelings would do any good.

I decided to go for broke, "did you know I was up in that tree?"

Ok, so maybe I didn't TOTALLY go for broke.

She gave away no emotion as she said, "I had a feeling you were, but I was in a rush. As far as I know, you were there to meet me before patrol, which we had agreed on."

I did a double take as I looked at her profile. I was so confused, "but we didn't…"

She stopped abruptly and turned to speak to me, she sighed in frustration before she said, "don't you remember, Embry?" She spoke to me like I was a young child, "I told you to come by my house and check to make sure I was awake for patrol. Thus, you were in that tree, right?"

I was staring, mouth agape at her. I was totally awe struck as to why she was offering me an out. She looked at me expectantly again. I just nodded my head like an idiot. She turned and started walking towards the border.

I stood there like a dumb ass for a minute, shook my head in amazement, and decided to catch up with her. I opened up my mouth once I was even with her, "but…uhh, but you know the truth…"

She made an aggravated huff and said, "what does it matter Embry? Hmmm? Do you WANT to get your ass kicked to Canada?"

I tried not to giggle at her use of a phrase I had thought of earlier, "so, you knew I was there and maybe why but you're not going to beat me up?"

She shook her head in amusing disbelief and answered, "oh, but the day is still young, pup. Also, that fall off the tree already did a number on you. Or would you like me to add insult to injury?"

I cleared my throat, "no, no. I'm good."

Rolling her eyes at me, she just kept walking until we hit the border. Without hesitating, she pulled her shirt over her head and pulled down her shorts.

"Woah, no warning Leah?!" I said while turning my site in the other direction.

She untied her hair and let it cascade down her back. She bent down, found the leather string in her pants pocket, traded it with her hair tie, and knotted her clothes to her ankle.

Turning to face my back, she answered, "oh, so NOW we're worried about staring at Leah. What a change…" The sarcasm in her voice was thick and she almost chuckled at her own joke.

Before I could turn and make a rebuttal, she had phased. I just stood there in irritation, watching the dark grey wolf sprint away from me.

This is what my life was like for the next couple of weeks: watching her run away both physically and emotionally.

We kept our distance from each other and didn't talk about anything touchy the whole time. We acted like everything was normal. Even though Jake's patrolling schedule seemed a little harsh at first, it wasn't all that bad. He was there most of the time, which helped cut the tension between Leah and me. On the days Leah would bitch about patrol, which she did frequently, he would generously let us take naps or even leave early. Every patrol was boring and hassle free.

However, outside of that, I was going through hell. Being around Leah and inside her mind half of the day was killing me! The dreams were driving me nuts too. I had almost the same dream every night. Me and Leah would be somewhere, not always the beach, maybe the forest or my room. We would lie down together and be comfortable then I would go in for a kiss and I would wake up. I was so frustrated in part because of the dreams and also her icy mood towards me. I only got to see her smile or be close to her in my dreams. However, it wasn't the same; I wanted the real Leah back.

Thursday rolled around; I woke up at that same ungodly hour and headed to the edge of the forest. Once I got there I saw Leah's wolf form retreating away from me for what seemed like the millionth time in these last weeks.

Still feeling exhausted, I pulled off my shorts and threw them on my ankle. I really was in no hurry to catch up with her. One of the reasons why I did not want to be within range of her is if I slipped up….which I always planned on happening just in case although it hadn't happened yet.

I really couldn't prevent the inevitable any longer so I phased.

The minute I was in her thoughts, she barked the same orders she did every morning; you can take the southern and western borders while I take the north east. You wait for me if you see anything and we'll only howl for Jake if it is COMPLETELY necessary. You got that?

I rolled my eyes: this isn't my first patrol, oh mighty beta. I think I can handle it.

I had been getting a bit snappier with her lately, and she had taken notice.

Yeah yeah, get your ass in gear, mutt! she slightly growled out as I saw her running the border.

It seemed like insulting each other was our only middle ground at this point. However, that couldn't erase the fact that my mind was going to wander soon if I didn't do anything to stop it. I did the only thing I could do and did do in times like these: thought of reruns from my favorite TV shows.

So my mind was filled with Archie yelling at Edith, Gibbs back handing Denozo, two angry beavers, JD and Turk's bromance, Karen popping pills, Brain taking over the world, and Clark crushing on Lana.

This was the usual except I mixed it up each day and it never seemed to bother her. She just watched with me while doing her patrols. She seemed pretty amused by most of it. When I showed one scene of Karen talking to her bartender 'Smitty,' I swear I could hear her canine laugh from where I was running miles away from her. I was glad that I was keeping her entertained.

Then I came to the last little snippet in my crazy train of thought: Lana and Clark from Smallville. Leah immediately scoffed. She never made any comments or even acknowledged my existence. Maybe I should have shown reruns of Smallville earlier…

My little picture show came to an abrupt end as I asked; what? You don't like the show?

She sighed; no, no. I love the show even when it got complicated. I just always had a problem with Lana. I was rooting for Chloe.

I was so confused; you know, I always thought you and Lana were so alike. It's one of the reasons why I liked the character so much… Ok, my mind might have went too far on that explanation.

I'll ignore that last comment. She brushed off my remark like she always did when things got too personal these days. She continued; Anyways….are you kidding me? Me like Lana? That's bullshit! she said in horrifying disbelief.

To prove her wrong I brought both of their images to view. I pointed out the hair and she said; mine is black and longer.

Pointing out their similar eye color she said; hers are light and happy while mine are dark and muddy.

There was really no winning with this woman.

I pulled up their smiles. They weren't terribly similar but only because Leah's could outshine Lana's any day. I made the mistake of showing Leah's smile from a couple weeks ago in the river when I was tickling her and from my reoccurring dream. It wasn't a problem because she cared, it's because it got me thinking.

It came in an almost snowball effect. I guess repressing it this long will do that. Thinking of her smile made me think of her eyes then her soft, kissable lips. That turned into being on top of her in the forest and in my dreams. The worst part was the feeling that trailed in after all these snippets. I tried to keep them all inside but there was no use.

Leah, I… I began while trying to show her what I felt and how confused I was. I would have rather not felt this way but I was regardless and I couldn't keep it hidden from her forever.

She betrayed not a thought or emotion as she said; Embry, forget it. You don't have to explain anything nor will anything come of it. Just keep patrolling and leave it.

She was acting so odd. I expected her to yell at me and call me an idiot or at least act as confused as I was feeling at this moment. I tried to explain to her; Leah, I don't know what's going on but I can't stop thinking about you.

I said leave it, Embry.

But Leah…

LEAVE. IT. She stated in her beta voice.

I felt that crushing feeling in my chest but it was heart ache this time. I breathed heavily as my paws kept hitting the ground. My vision was blurring.

What right does she have?

I was breathing harder and my heart was beating fast. She could be so frustrating! I broke the command.

I bit out, for God FUCKING sakes, Leah! I just told you I care about you and you…you….

I was in such a rage that I almost didn't notice her phasing out before I was done speaking to her.

I stopped immediately, noticing the crushing silence. Where the hell could she had gone, I though frantically.

Luckily I was near the north border so I looked for her scent there. I tracked it a bit until I noticed it veered back to the west and near La Push. I lifted my snout off the ground to see where I was: the woods near La Push cliff.

I saw her sitting on a rotted and uprooted tree by the precipice. She had her elbows on her knees as she zoned out towards the rising sun.

I phased and quietly put my shorts on some ways away from her. I didn't want to frighten her, we really needed to talk.

I sat down next to her and she stiffened just a bit. I tried placating her, "calm down, Leah. I'm just confused. That's a hazard of being in someone else's head, you see and hear things you may not want to but they exist none the less." She relaxed just a bit but I could tell she was still very uneasy.

I had calmed down considerably since my outburst and so had she. I thought honesty would be good at this point.

She sighed heavily and shook her head, "you don't like me, Embry, that much I know. We're pack mates, that's it. You need to find a girl very badly if you were so lonely that you resorted to me," she snorted.

I slouched my shoulders and ran my hands through my hair nervously. She had been hurt badly by Sam and everything else. Although she no longer harbored any feelings for Sam, it still hurt. It was written all over her face and laced within every word she uttered. She was always doubting herself and putting herself down.

"Don't put yourself down like that, Leah. I didn't just develop these feelings because I had no other choice."

She looked at me skeptically, "oh really? Then why have you all of a sudden gone 'gaga' over me, hmmm?"

I gave her the only answer I had been trying to convince myself of the last two weeks, "I finally saw you. You let your guard down just a bit that day at the river and in the woods. I saw a beautiful woman there, and I liked what I saw." I spoke softly, I was kind of scared of her reaction.

She sighed, "this conversation is so odd. Nothing can go on between us. Even with your explanation I don't see why you suddenly find me so attractive."

I corrected her, "I've always found you attractive. I've had the lamest school boy crush on you for a while, I was just never able to admit it to myself or anyone else until now."

We both looked at each other in the eyes this time. She looked so bewildered and unsure but I could tell she was about to make a leap of faith. I welcomed the butterflies because me and Leah were close again.

The real Leah, the Leah I wanted and needed was back. She was letting her guard down and I didn't know why. I was just praying that this would last, that I would be able to show her that I was serious and I wasn't going to let this go so easily. I really liked her and I was sticking my neck out as far as I could to make this work. I still kept the idea in the back of my mind that I could end up hurting her but at this moment I wanted her so badly that there was no doubt in my mind that I would fight to keep her if I ever imprinted.

I leaned in closer to her, expecting her to pull away automatically but as if she were a magnet to me, she tilted towards me. My heart was beating so hard I expected it to hop out of my chest. I could hear hers do the same.

She stopped for a moment. I could tell she was hesitant because her eyes kept shifting away from mine then back. I leaned in closer to encourage her. With this, she started to lean in again. When we touched noses she sighed and closed her eyes, "this is so not a good idea. What if you…"

Before she could move away or continue that thought, I gently brought my hand to the nape of her neck to keep her close to me as I tenderly said, "ssshhhhh, stop worrying." My sudden moved caught her off guard as she opened her eyes to looks at me again. She looked nervous but she didn't need to be nervous.

God, I can't believe we're this close again and of our own free will this time!

I smiled at her beautifully surprised expression. She glared and said, "well don't say I didn't warn you." It almost seemed like she was saying this to herself as much as she was to me.

I chuckled lightly, "you could tell me the sky would fall and I would still do this," I said as I finally brought her closer to me and was almost able to touch my lips to hers.

OWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

A howl broke my perfect moment.

OH MY FUCKING GOD! DE JA VU!!!!! WHAT THE FUUUUUUUCK!

For the second time in my miserable, miserable life, I was stopped short of kissing Leah. I sighed in deep frustration as I disappointingly moved my face from her to look into her eyes.

She looked at me as if to say 'I told you so.' I shook my head in defiance and brought my face closer to hers again. I was not going to lose this moment! She lightly put her hand on the arm that was connected to the back of her neck. I closed my eyes, this was her telling me to stop. She leaned her forehead against mine again and said softly, "Em, we should go, it's Jake."

I growled lightly in frustration, "first your brother then Jacob. There is a conspiracy theory against my happiness, I'm sure of it."

She chuckled, "oh stop being such a big baby!" she pushed away from me and I dropped my hand when she dropped hers. I opened my eyes and looked at her mocking smile. "Kissing me isn't that great, you won't be missing anything." She got up from the log and headed to the forest.

My head dropped in defeat then it perked up again as I digested what she just said.

I practically jumped from my seat and jogged to where she was walking, "wait, what? I mean, we have almost kissed three times in the last two weeks. It'll happen again and we can't be interrupted every time." I said hopefully.

Her face had turned hard and emotionless again. My window had been slammed shut.

She didn't look at me as she said, "Embry, it's never going to happen. Take it as a sign. This is not meant to be. You've told me how you feel and I appreciate the honesty but we have to go back to being normal. Now get your ass phased and let's see what Jake wants."

Ugh, old Leah is back.

I was about to say something when she began to get undressed, she knew that would get me to shut up. As much as she knew I wanted her, she was aware I was too much of a gentlemen to stare if I knew she knew I was there. I turned and undressed myself, once I turned to phase, she was already running towards Jake in wolf form.

This looks all too familiar, I thought bitterly before I phased, too.

The minute I became a wolf, I could hear Jacob chastising us; where the hell were you guys? I thought I'd check in on you two, knowing nothing was wrong but then I phase and you two are nowhere to be seen or heard from! What were you two doing that was so important, hmmm?

Luckily, I had a lot of practice from patrolling with Leah so I kept my thoughts in check. Even though I was beyond frustrated with her, I wasn't about to air out what just happened or anything else. I was going to keep fighting for her and I didn't think pissing her off beyond belief would help my efforts.

She didn't answer Jake, she stayed pretty silent so I decided to answer him; we just wanted a break, man. These patrols plus work and school has got us beat. I mean you've been good to us and all, but it can still be too much sometimes. Sorry, it won't happen again.

Leah and I made it to where Jake's russet form was standing, waiting for us. He sighed; it's ok guys, I overreacted. I'm just a little nervous for Nessie's safety. I know I have been riding you guys a little too hard the past couple of weeks, I'm sorry.

It's no problem, Jake. Right Leah? I said, trying to get her into the conversation or even acknowledge my existence.

She finally tuned in, yeah, sure, worried about child imprint…blah blah blah. So are you going to patrol with us now, oh mighty Alpha?

Jake rolled his eyes; actually, Leah, I'm letting you and Embry go. You can go sleep or whatever, I'll finish up.

I looked at him in delight; wow, Jake, thanks!

Yeah yeah, thanks Jakey, have fun. I'll be sleeping the day away… Leah said off handedly.

Jake interrupted her; oh, you're in for a rude awakening, Leah. Did you forget something? Ball room dancing today for Jared and Kim's wedding.

WHAT?! Me and Leah thought at the same time.

I totally forgot that was today! I thought in frustration. Ugh! My day cannot get any worse!

Well, Jake said, you two better get your rest before hell begins. See you guys at 2 pm.

Leah made a last stitch effort to get out of dance lessons; what about patrolling? Our whole pack except for Seth will be gone, what if something happens. She must have been really distressed if she was begging to patrol and playing the concerned sister card.

Jake chuckled at her desperate attempt; I have a deal with Sam, his younger boys who aren't in the wedding will be patrolling with Seth, don't worry Leah. Oh, and Sam offered to have some of his boys take over for us until tomorrow afternoon since he's noticed we have been stretching ourselves thin. This way, you don't have to sacrifice missing our lesson and you get time off until tomorrow night. I could tell he thought this might placate her, but she always focused on the negative.

Many thanks oh grand Alpha, Leah spit out sarcastically, not even thinking of the fact that we are getting a whole day off from patrolling.

With that, Leah and I headed back to La Push in silence. Once we hit the border, we phased and after I threw on my shorts I approached her when she was dressed.

I decided to make a bold move.

I grabbed her arm gently and spun her to face me. I daringly put my hands on her waist and brought my face close to hers, "now, where were we," I stated huskily.

Her expression immediately went steely and she shoved me hard enough to get me a distance away from her as she said, "do I have to spell it out for you again, Embry? LEAVE IT! This will never happen."

With that, she walked angrily out of my sight.

I knew confronting her like that was a gamble but I needed her to keep in mind that I still wanted us to be together and that there was an undeniable chemistry between us.

I was just hoping she would let down that wall once more and give me another chance.


Yep, another maybe kiss…sorry, I had to do it, lol.

So, the next few chapters are by far my favorite, so stay tuned!

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