As always, I want to thank Stephenie Meyer for dreaming up Twilight, and for putting up with all her fans, like me, who like a good twist on a dream. All characters are lovingly borrowed for entertainment purposes only, as well as all quotes and chapter titles, which are or based off of famous works and quotes. (The new groups: Anica and her family and Embry's new friends are mine, and I'm quite proud of them, and how I've wound them into the Twilight universe.)

This chapter almost made my head explode, first with the complexity of what I figured out and also because I realized a whole train of thought that I was setting up almost derailed completely based on a story point that just didn't make sense. Never mind. Thanks to AGoodWitch for helping me get back on track, and for being generally cool like that. She has stories. Go read them. She told me about a one-shot contest she's just started. Go enter it. Time change also becomes important this chapter, so I've added that to the categories.

Doing Good

"In the waythis strange gentleman was going on, he would leave the world without having done any good to himself or anybody else." -Around the World in 80 Days, by Jules Verne.

Chapter 10- The Future is now

We've got to understand, the future's in our hands…

Chorus: The future is now/there's no better time to get in line/The future is here/Today, hey/The future is now/Let's stand up and fight we know it's right/Nothing will stand in our way. –The Future is now, by Joanne Harris

POV: Leah

Times: 1am Seattle, 9am Dublin, and 10am Paris and Amsterdam

Place: Emil's Vineyard- Somewhere outside Colmar near the Vosges Mountains, Alsace, France

I was exhausted by the time we arrived at the small vineyard despite the short plane ride. Neither Anica nor I wanted to waste any time, so we took the first flight to the Basel Mulhouse airport we could get on. It was still pretty early when our plane touched down. Anica's oldest son Lucian was waiting for us. He had Anica's dark hair and light olive skin, but his eyes were much brighter. Anica's eyes were hazel, and for the first time I got the sense that they might have had the same luster as her son's when she was younger. It reminded me the way a leech's eyes would change. It only added to her mystery. When I took a closer look I could immediately sense some kind of other-worldly quality to Lucian, there seemed to be intense determination in every move he made. But his movement was effortless. He had almost the same grace as the Cullens, a grace I sometimes recognized in my own pack: something that united all of us as more than human. But his movement was sleeker than my own. I wondered if I was only seeing what I wanted to see, or if I could simply notice what an average person would overlook. Lucian's clothes were uncomplicated and more modern than his mother's. I was a bit confused as to how young his brother Emil and their sister Roxanna might be, for Lucian appeared to be 35, at most. The family must have moved to the vineyard not too long ago. His hair was long and pulled back into a ponytail, and he had a short mustache. Of course his English was a good as his mother's.

He drove us in a small car on the highway up to the city of Colmar, and then back south on a much smaller road appropriately known as the "wine route," to get to our destination. The vineyard was in easy running distance of the Vosges Mountains, and I immediately knew that was where I would head to phase. It seemed almost too perfect, and I wondered if Anica could sense more from me than she let on. Lucian was very knowledgeable about our surroundings and often pointed out the names of vineyards as he drove, but I was too nervous to pay attention. Anica would glance at her son from time to time from the front seat, and then turn with a reassuring smile for me. Lucian's mouth would harden only slightly as she did this; he seemed determined to be civil to me and placate his mother. To maintain my calm I reasoned he was well aware of his mother's personality rather than thinking it was in relation to me.

We pulled up to rows and rows of grapevines on a relatively small tract of land. To the north was a chateau, looking exactly like what I expected. It was older in style, and made of stone. It was two-storied with a bunch of windows and a few balconies, too. Emil greeted us first when we arrived to his vineyard. Lucian must have been only slightly older than Emil, for there were only minimal differences in looks between the two brothers. But Lucian had a far stronger presence. Emil's eyes were more like the hazel of his mother and his hair was much shorter and lighter than Lucian's- it also had a lot of red in it. He was clean shaven, but other than that, he and his brother could have been twins, their features were the same. Both men were rather handsome, but had nowhere near the beauty of a vampire, or even my brothers, in my opinion. Lucian was too sharp, his brother too plain. Emil's greetings were the height of politeness, so of course I surmised that he liked me less than his brother. I wasn't that concerned with what he thought. Eveline and Kathryn, tall, long and almost muscular women, followed their uncle from the house. Eveline was a little older; probably about the same age I appeared to be, around 23. Kathryn was probably closer to my actual age, 20. They each had their father's dark hair, but I could detect the faintest bit of red in Kathryn's hair. I wondered if she saw it herself. They had inherited their father's eyes and powerful manner. I remembered Anica's description of "almost grown" in reference to her granddaughters and chuckled. Simona was the last to greet us. Her hair was vivid gold, and flowed down her back in a long braid. Her eyes were also unusually intense- they were green. She wore a skirt unlike Eveline and Kathryn, and glasses. None of the other's clothes stood out. I myself had on a blouse and skirt because I felt that if I was staying as a guest with Anica's family, I would make the effort to be a bit more presentable, at least when we met. The women smiled at me, Kathryn even coming forward to give me a hug. I pulled back in shock, involuntarily. She didn't feel very cool to me, the way her grandmother, or any other human did. She spoke quickly-

"Grandmother told us she mentioned our magic to you…" she tried to explain, but Emil cut her off.

"Kathryn!" He said warningly, but Anica stood serenely next to me.

Simona spoke in a sure voice. "No Emil, it's alright," then she addressed me- "you might have noticed Anica is a very good judge of character. It is part of her talent. I sense you are no danger to us; indeed, I am not surprised in the least that Anica has brought you here. You need our help." Emil huffed out in anger and bolted for the Chateau. I couldn't focus on him.

"How can you be sure?" I blurted out.

"Intuition. The magic must affect your temperature in the same way as ours," she said, lightly taking my hand. Hers was also warmer than a human. "Anica can only guess what you are, we are not sure, nor do we expect you to tell us, for we must earn each other's trust."

I processed that, and it was silent for a moment. I knew Carlisle said it was a difference in gene count that caused the varying temperatures, but was there magic involved? Nessie had 24 pairs of chromosomes too, but she wasn't a shape shifter. What was the difference? Was there even such thing as magic in today's world, or just some phenomena we can't explain?

Then Eveline, who must be quieter than her sister, spoke for the first time. "I see you in the mountains later this afternoon. Do you require us to hide you?" She cocked her head as she looked at me, and Lucian stared even more intently behind her.

"You see me in the mountains?" I asked apprehensively, but then I knew she hadn't seen me phased, or she wouldn't have known it was me. "You can see the future?"

"Well I only see a person's future based on their decisions, if you change…" she was looking worried as she spoke- as if she had frightened me.

"I understand. I know a vampire who does the same thing." I reassured her. They did not look entirely pleased by that, and I smiled. "I know, it's disconcerting. I didn't know vamps had extra powers either."

Lucian answered me. "We did, but we've never heard of one seeing the future as some of us are able to. This vampire must be very powerful."

"Well, I suppose, yes…" I started slowly.

"Oh come on! You have to tell us what you are!" Kathryn cried.

"Kathryn!" It was Anica who chastised her this time. "You cannot expect it of her. We are friendly now, but we each must protect our families. Leah knows this well. So do you."

"I apologize," the expression on her face made her seem more like Eveline.

Simona began to motion me inside. "Are you tired? Do you require rest, or something to eat? I know your trip was not long, but…"

"My nerves are on edge." I finished, nodding my head. "Physically, I'm not tired at all." We walked toward the large building and entered through a pair of main double doors. I followed Simona to the kitchen. I saw Emil out of the corner of my eye as I passed, and I tried to nod respectfully toward him. I figured he was as protective of his family's secret, whatever it was, as I was of mine. I understood completely. I was his guest; he was letting me, possibly a great threat, into his vineyard for no foreseeable benefit to his family that he could see, only risk, to help me. I wondered how I'd managed to earn more trust from the rest of them. I was never more grateful that I had found Anica.

The kitchen was one of those huge ones you see on cooking shows, with every pot, pan, cooking utensil, and appliance known to mankind in one room- the ones that could support a small army. In the center was a big island with lots of shelves and drawers, with stools placed around the edge for sitting. I counted 5 ovens, one in each corner of the room, and a large one across from the main counter space on the island, built into the wall. I sat down on one of the stools. Anica questioned me.

"I have watched your eating habits carefully young one. Your appetite is much greater than an average human. You must be careful. Luckily, I am quite used to voracious eaters." She motioned to her family, "They can out-eat even you!"

"You do not eat as much?" I asked her, intrigued.

"I have no need. I once did," she said.

Oh- so that would account for the eye difference. Once upon a time her eyes were as bright. I kept my face impassive.

"I'm sure my brothers could keep up with your family," I smiled a little wistfully and I was glad I would be able to talk to some of them soon. Kathryn laughed in response.

"If that is true, that is awfully impressive," she continued between laughs. "How many brothers do you have?"

"Just one that's related to me. There are others who are… related by magic, let's say. My biological brother included."

"I see," Kathryn said, "we too have a fair number of "magical" siblings."

"Speaking of my brothers, there are a few who I think I need to speak to sooner rather than later. Would you mind showing me a private room where I can make a few phone calls? Or somewhere outdoors, even?"

"You should eat something first. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen, but your day is going to be very difficult," Eveline said. Simona left the room.

"I believe you." I sighed.

Simona returned with a cook, who soon brought over yet another huge crepe, (I'd quickly become addicted,) a couple of croissants, a plate of ham and cheese, and a cup of hot chocolate. I found out after that was my appetizer. Anica did know me well. I sat back down on the stool and dug in to the tasty food.

****

POV: Embry

Time: About an hour later, 11am Amsterdam time

Place: Somewhere in the region of Zeeland, the Netherlands

Last night I asked at the front desk where I could go to find a really random, really rural place to visit. I claimed to be tired of people. The front new more about the tourist stuff. But I hung around and kept asking people walking in. There were apparently these uninhabited islands way to the south, but I couldn't get a straight answer as to if people were even allowed. It didn't matter much, I wouldn't be human. I packed my things, went back to the rail station and took the intercity train to the port of Flushing, (Vlissingen, in Dutch.) I got to the station and started walking around. I was on an arbitrary road when my phone rang. It was Leah- fabulous. I would have to talk to her, and I would try to be polite. I knew she wouldn't be bothering me for no reason; besides, since we were due for an inter-mind wolf meet up later anyway, it'd be better to get the drama part over with. I picked up the phone.

"Hi Leah." There was only a small sigh in my voice. She sighed in response, took a deep breath, and got right to the point-

"Em, listen, we need to talk about what happened, and I don't think either of us wants to do it no-holds-barred, especially with witnesses, so I'm calling you. You know Jacob hasn't told anyone, not even Sam, and I was thinking I'd call Sam and Seth separately. Frankly I'm not keen on the idea of trying to explain what happened when I'm trying to hold back visuals from my brother and my ex."

I didn't answer her. I just exhaled. Frankly I was trying to control the shaking that started and hold back a few steamy visuals of my own- which meant she was right of course. So I said it.

"You're right."

"And now I wish I could tell you that something has changed in me, give you some idea as to where my mind is, but I really don't know. I still feel like I'm on the threshold of something big and I know I have to reach it alone. But I can't tell you how I know that, because I don't. I'm sorry to be so frustrating. Since we've split up I feel like all I've done is think, and I've come to a slightly different conclusion than the one I left you with."

My heart sped up in response. I was even more thankful she couldn't hear the hope seeping out of the brain I'd desperately tried to lock it up in. How humiliating! So I wouldn't let myself say anything more than-

"Oh?"

She did sound frustrated. "I can't seem to get away from the clichés, argh!" Somewhat to herself- "I hate this!," and back to me, "I think I just need time to figure this out, but... the thought of you and me- I brought it back from the dead." She breathed out, and there was this long dramatic pause as I stood riveted, "You and I aren't aging, and it took Edward almost a century to find the love of his existence. Who said it was going to work out right away, even if we've already transformed? How do we know how we'll feel in the future anyway? I was wrong to push you away so fast- but I was too overwhelmed. Now I'm just saying, maybe."

I shook my head to clear it, probably a wolf instinct. What she was saying sounded reasonable, but it wasn't a direct yes. The answer could be no. I could invest myself and end up with nothing. Despair compressed my heart in that moment. She could say yes, and then change her mind, like my nameless, vacillating father. It was a major risk that I wasn't sure I could go along with. I had felt some of her pain over Sam, and Jacob's pain with Bella, and watched my mother pretend everything was how she'd chosen it… I settled for following Leah's example. "Lee, I can't get my hopes up. We've already been through too much already to turn into a Jacob and Bella now."

"We wouldn't be. Neither one of us is clinging to an Edward. But I understand what you're saying. I think we should just step back, and handle whatever news Jacob has for us now, because that's what we're good at. I should tell Seth and Sam myself, and you should tell Quil and soon, it's really late there. This way no one will get a shock from the pack mind. I have to call Jacob next, I told him I'd call when I arrived, but it's a little intense here. Did he tell you when we're meeting up?"

"Yes, he said 4pm for us, so Seth and Quil can sleep a little. Where are you anyway? What do you mean by intense?"

"4 o'clock? Alright. It's a long story. Basically I'm on the grounds of my landlord's son's vineyard in eastern France. How about I let you know when I know what's going on," she said. That sounded like my group. I hadn't really thought about where Fayina might be, or if my companions had found her yet. They had taken off so fast. I felt guilty for not calling them for a moment, but I really had too much on my mind already. I reminded myself again that they weren't nearly so worried, and focused.

"So talk to Jake, and tell him to call me with whatever time you figure out. I've still got about an hour of walking to do, I figure. I'm not in the best spot yet. I'll call Quil in the meantime." Inward groan.

"Call me back if you need me," she said firmly.

"Right," I said evenly. (Of course I need you!! I want you so bad! Get it together Embry, poker voice--) "I'll probably just climb into your head later," I still grumbled a little, and then paused. "What do you expect me to tell Quil anyway?" I was losing my grip and my voice was abruptly louder, "I still don't understand this."

"Tell him the truth. You don't need me to tell you how to talk to your friend," she said in a voice that was a little too anxious still to be soothing.

"Right," I said again, "But you're still making this harder than it needs to be." I'd be frowning at her if I could see her. I was trying to ignore my arms that'd be reaching for her too; being away from her sure wasn't helping me. Uta couldn't push her out of my mind completely, especially now.

"Well maybe I am. The point is I don't know. I can't get my hopes up either Embry, because if I do this and you imprint- then not only am I left alone again, I'd still have no fucking clue why I turned into a Wolf. And if I imprint, then I've turned around and smashed your heart…" I swear I could feel her shudder, "I know what that's like. I won't do that. This is too important to rush."

It clicked into place. "Why didn't you say that in the first place?" I yelled exasperatedly.

"Ok, Ow! Sensitive ears!" she yelled back.

"Right, sorry."

"Me too. I did say it…badly. We just stepped away." She paused for a long moment, before changing her tone. It was more optimistic, somehow- "It's going to work out Em, have a little faith in destiny," she said.

"Destiny?" I smirked.

"Sure, why not?... look, I've got to call up two scary Wolf-men and convince them it was my fault so they don't kill YOU for not staying here with their Lee-Lee all the while begging them to understand me so they don't travel to France to string me up by MY heals for hurting their brother." She blew out a breath.

"Good luck with that," I said sarcastically. Scary Wolf-men? I shook my head again, this time in admiration. Only one of the reasons I'd fallen for this girl. She'd almost have me laughing, almost, if I weren't so depressed over it.

"Thanks very much." The bitter Leah was back, but only for a moment. "Please try to convince Quil not to kill me too. I swear I'll let him beat me in a race if it helps."

I did laugh then. "I'll remember that. Both of us, at least," I told her.

"Fair enough," She grumbled, "Au revoir."

"Talk to ya later," I said, hanging up my phone.

****

POV: Leah

Time: Shortly after hanging up with Embry, about 10am Dublin and 11am Paris time

Place: Emil's library, 1st floor of the chateau.

The group had left me in a spacious library with a massive mahogany desk in the corner, and multiple seating areas of deep jade and blue throughout the room. The couches and chairs were all oversized and comfy-looking. I was pacing predictably as I was talking to Embry, but now I collapsed into a chair after hanging up and tried to turn my focus to how I was going to possibly explain myself to Seth and Sam. I didn't want to rely on Jacob again; he was nice enough to be putting up with me considering I was causing so much drama for one of his oldest friends. But I would warn him that Seth, Quil, and Sam would know now. As I contemplated, I couldn't stop my body from quivering a little. Fleetingly I wished I could speak to Seth and Sam together, at the same time so I'd only have to do this once, but I really couldn't handle them hearing all the feelings that would no doubt explode from me if we were all Wolves. Seth and Sam would be concerned for different reasons. Seth would care most about me, and would probably be most upset by the fact that I had opened my heart again, only to close it off before really knowing why. I expected him to reason that I was scared, which I was, but not in the way he'd mean it.

It'd be harder on Sam. I thought back to the day I left, less than 2 weeks before, (now more like 2 lifetimes in my head) and remembered how surprised Sam had been when I'd told him. He wouldn't begrudge me a new life, or even a new love, but I think part of him would hope that I'd find it somewhere outside the pack. He'd have the same issue as Jacob, another Alpha looking out for us all. I reflected that if Sam and I both had our happiness and we could be friends together, like Bella and Jacob were now, then he would be happy for me. But Embry and I weren't firmly together. I didn't know if we'd ever get there, or if that's what I really wanted. That was the challenge, and that restlessness would upset Sam.

Once upon a time Jacob and I were in the same position in two different mystical, insane, love triangles that had taken over the pack. Sam and Emily were still like Bella and Edward, no issues there. But I no longer felt like a "Jacob." Suddenly I knew I was more like Bella now, but with only a miniscule amount of her certainty. I felt like Embry had taken over Jacob's role, trying to convince me that we were perfect together. Those elusive questions pulling me away, which Anica had encouraged me to answer, had taken the spot where my "Edward" should be. That was all I knew for sure. I had to have the answers, and on this vineyard enveloped by magic I felt closer to an answer than I ever had. This was the magic of old legends, the guiding force behind every one of those myths-turned-truths. Now I could see Anica at the start of another opening in my life. would keep going on this path, so that one day soon I could give Embry a yes, or an explanation of just what the hell was going on. I came down from the land of metaphorical, and back to the library

Time to call Jacob. I wasn't worried about this phone call at least, and I hoped nothing changed there. I dialed his number.

"Hey Leah, calling to tell me you're in one piece?" He seemed to be in a good mood.

"Nice Alice work." I responded.

"Why thank you. Want to know what time?"

"I spoke to Embry about 20 minutes ago, so I know, 4pm my time. We spoke a bit, It was a good step, and I suggested he call Quil directly so that he's not blindsided by Embry and I later."

"That's probably best. Are you guys ok?"

"Basically I've come to the point where I told him maybe, ya know, but not now. And I explained myself better. I hope it helped."

"Good. Then I can leave it there."

"Uh huh." I said.

" It's only 2am in Seattle right now, and Sam and I wanted to make sure no one would cross Seth and Quil while letting them get a nap in, at least. I know you and Embry can handle staying anonymous in daylight. Embry's got to make sure he's far off the beaten path too. Breathe Leah, and call Sam and Seth. You haven't called home lately, which gives them a clue that something is up."

"I will." I was sure he was right. I breathed out, and smiled for a millisecond. I was getting better this calming business. "I'll be up some mountains when I phase."

"I believe Embry will be on the water somewhere, and the pack will let Quil and Seth have some privacy. They'll keep the lookout, along with Emmett and Rosalie."

Emmett and Rosalie? "Does this have anything to do with the news?" I asked.

"We'll discuss it. Make your phone calls!" Jake said abruptly.

"Alright," I groaned, giving up. I couldn't let myself get more anxious than I was. I hung up and then called Sam's house, where I figured the older pack mates would be after a patrol. I was right. I asked for Seth. The time passed quickly as I spoke to Seth first, and then Sam.

"You spent a night with Embry. But didn't he take off with new friends?" Seth wanted to know.

"It was my fault Seth. I think we could be happy together, but if I just stayed with him, I'd never find out who I am, as a female Wolf. You know me, I need to know. If Embry and I were meant to be together, why didn't he imprint on me? Maybe we're meant to be partners and co-protectors, but why are we the Wolf pair? Why wasn't I Sam's or even Jacob's imprint? I had too many questions. And not to mention, I panicked big time and completely screwed up my explanation to Embry the next morning. I didn't think," I lowered my voice even though no one could hear me, "I'm not thinking of Sam all the time anymore Seth, and Embry's on my mind, but this is the first time I can concentrate even a little bit on myself. Embry gave me that," back to normal volume, "That's not quite how I said it, unfortunately, and I don't blame Embry for leaving. I promise you, I'm ok."

"Leah…" Seth sighed. I tested my theory…

"I bet you're thrilled I found someone new, are concerned for each of your Wolf siblings, think I didn't give him enough of a chance, and closed off my heart out of fear."

"Only partially. What you're saying makes sense, and I'm purposely keeping all this vague since you're my sister and I so don't want to know. You and Embry better focus later or I'm coming after you. It's just… I suppose I'm desperate for something to work out for you Lee, you don't deserve all this pain. Not that Embry does either, of course."

Wow. "Thanks Seth. Trust me, if Embry and I were meant to be, we will be. Do you know what we're talking about later?"

"We've been picking up some weird stuff lately. Hard to explain. I know you'll work this out. Thank God you called first. I promise we'll let you two be."

"Thank you. Alright, put Sam on. "'I've got a new man in my life' Take 2." I groaned.

"Yikes. Good Luck." I heard him compose his voice before he called out, "Sam! Leah wants to talk to you." Sam came to the phone.

"Hey Lee-Lee, I was wondering when you'd finally share with me what everyone in Dublin and Amsterdam seems to already know," he said cheerfully.

"Yeah, about Amsterdam, and Embry, Sam…" I began, "I'm the reason Embry left London," I said gloomily. Sam sobered in an instant.

"What do you mean Leah?"

"I don't know how to put this… I couldn't have you in my head… well; let's just say that Embry's been on my mind a lot more than you have in the last week and a half." I finished lamely.

Sam picked up on what I was trying to say. "Did you sleep with him?" he asked, bluntly.

"Yes." I answered immediately. I couldn't lie.

"Did he hurt you?" He asked.

"Other way around," I hurried to explain, "At first we thought we had finally found real love…" I proceeded as I had with Seth, except I changed the part about how I was free of Sam. I only told Sam how I was beginning to get a better handle on myself, thanks to Embry. Sam listened patiently, but I was very glad to not only be free of his head, but his expressions, as he listened to me. I finished with- "It was my fault. I'm sorry to put the pack through even more drama than I've already caused, especially for Embry, Jake, and you, but I couldn't help it. I need to be where I am."

"We'll deal with this then. But I'm still worried Leah. How do you know this is the right thing? What happens if it's years before you settle down with Embry? What happens to each of you if you never do? What happens if one of you imprints? I'm worried more about each of you, my family, than I am about the pack as a whole."

"That means a lot Sam. I knew you'd be worried, and I am too. I called Embry today to talk about some of those very questions, and we decided not to decide right now. I haven't given up on him, and I'm certain he hasn't given up on me," I said. We each took a few moments. Impulsively I made a decision. "Listen, Sam, what has Jake told you about my landlord?"

"Everything he knows, I think- that she's a freaky old lady who might read minds and apparently scared the hell out of Jasper, not an easy thing to do that, why?"

"Well it turns out Anica doesn't read minds, but she does have some kind of sixth sense. She sensed a lot about me, and watched me carefully. I'm not worried, she said she can't tell what I am, and she already knows about vampires…"

"She recognized Alice and Jasper for what they are?" he interrupted.

"Yes, it seems her family has some kind of secret just like we do. She admitted to having some kind of magic, and she said she knew I was good. She told me I'd have a major impact on her family. She wants to help me. She brought me to this remote vineyard so I can safely phase, and her family welcomed me with open arms, literally. Open arms that didn't feel cool to me."

"They've got a higher temperature."

"Yep, and they didn't try to hide it. I only admitted to some magic too and that there was more of my kind."

"Careful Lee, this seems too good to be true."

"Oh, trust me, I know Sam. I'm on red alert. But I had a connection with Anica right from the start. Not like an imprinting, but like I was recognizing an equal I guess, an ally. I'm even more aware of it now."

"They're really helping you?" Sam asked.

"For now, I'll watch myself."

"And we'll watch out for your pack mates later. Have you told this to Jacob?"

"Not yet, I was still too worried about my big news, honestly."

"I guess I understand, but tell your pack what you've told me, and thank you for keeping me informed, I know I'm not your Alpha," he paused and his voice changed slightly, "Let yourself love Leah. I want you to be happy. Even if it's with another Wolf," he sighed.

"Thank you Sam, I know, I have to go. They're probably wondering what I have to talk about with you, I've mentioned Embry only very briefly to Anica, and definitely not that he's like me."

"I suppose I have to tell the guys about you now?"

"I told Embry to tell Quil."

"Oh good, I was grimacing for him in anticipation of this meeting." I made a noise. "Seriously, I'll be delicate with it, and leave out what they don't need to know."

"I know Sam."

"Those of us who were just on patrol have to sleep-Seth, Quil and I included, and we'll do an extra later to make sure. You should go too…stay focused," Sam said.

"I will. Sleep well and good luck."

"You too Lee, it sounds like you're going to need it." Sam hung up. I was glad it wasn't as hard as I anticipated. I didn't want to re-hash it though, in any case. I was thinking far too much. But I wasn't composed enough yet to return to the rest of them and face their questions. I looked around the library, pausing when my eyes fell on a sheet of paper lying on the desk. It was a letter. I turned to step away to avoid inadvertently registering any of someone's private correspondence, but the word "Quileute " jumped out at me from the corner of my eye. What the hell? I listened and looked around to make sure no was coming even though the door to library was huge and firmly shut. I picked up the letter. It was dated almost 9 years ago.

Dear Emil,

I'm writing to you because of how much I appreciate all of your help over the last few weeks. You've become a good friend, and I need your help once again. I know you're planning on moving to France soon and I know how much it means to Anica and Gabriel to have you all together, but you have to convince them that Roxanna needs to stay behind in Romania. I do not know if I can ever return to my home on the Quileute reservation again. You know I worried that it would bring the Werewolves to Washington of course and they might find something in our old legends, but now I must admit that that the situation is even more dire. Roxanna and I have become much more than friends. She is pregnant, and I cannot leave her. She will not leave me either, it's far too late for that. I do not know what my wife at home did to deserve such a terrible fate- that poor woman is already raising Sam by herself because of my nature. It's even worse for my Theresa and Embry. To think I will never get the chance to acknowledge them to the tribe, that Embry will live without a father, is an unbearable grief. I suppose it's nothing more than I deserve, but why must they share in my punishment? For Roxanna's sake, I'm glad she met me last month in India. But for the rest? There is nothing else I can do. The future is now. Please help me, I beg you, if only for your sister. I promise I will secure her happiness.

I'm desperate,

Joshua

I put the letter down. Sam and Embry are half-brothers. That was all I could concentrate on. Joshua Uley was Embry's father. And they had a half-sister! Lia was 8 years old. I remembered fleetingly that I had last seen Sam's father about a decade ago. He'd married Mrs. Uley after getting her pregnant, but he must not have loved her as much. It sounded like he really wanted to stay with Theresa Call. My head started spinning even further. I left the library without consciously choosing to, looking for Anica.

What would I do? Bring Embry here? Could I even find the words? And what was all this about Roxanna? It sounded like Joshua had no choice but to stay. Oh! They must find mates in a similar way too, and they seemed to have an extremely high reverence for fate. If Roxanna imprinted, or whatever they do, than Joshua couldn't leave. Wait- Roxanna imprinting? Did that mean there was still hope for me? What if women imprinted differently, or whatever it is these ancient people seemed to do? I barely noticed as tears started streaming down my face. I stopped dead in a hallway and wiped my eyes. Could I tell them more about me? Hundreds of questions flooded my mind. I needed to find Anica. I still didn't know exactly what I would say. Did Lia know about her other family? Who would tell Sam? I walked back along the main hallway and got lost trying to re-find the kitchen. I passed bedrooms, more than one dining room, staircases, endless paintings… where was Anica?? Finally I rushed through a large drawing room with grand views of the grapes, ornate furnishings and big heavy drapes. There were gilded fleur-de-lis patterns in the borders. I was too distracted to notice Eveline was sitting reading a book. She looked up as I came in and put down her book.

"Is something wrong Leah?" She asked.

Intially I was intending to add a whole lot more to this chapter, but it simply got too huge, and it's more fun to make you all wait anyway, leaning over this colossal cliffhanger! Fun! Will we ever get to the meeting itself? And what did they find at La Push??? Tune in next time to find out!