Allies Ch.10

The guys roughed Greg up quite a bit before anyone thought to call the cops. Besides Sam, Jake, Seth and herself, the wolves had scattered when the police arrived, lest they be considered involved and together the four of them had dragged Greg's unconscious body to Leah's cabin and left him to bake in the sun in the front yard.

Blood oozed from his broken nose, both his eyes were swollen shut and had turned purple with bruises, his lower lip was the size of a grapefruit. The man was a mess, but not one of the wolves cared. Especially no Leah, whose lungs were burned with every breath, ribs ached with every movement of her body.

With the cops came an ambulance and most of Sam's pack, now fully clothed and presentable. Sue arrived in a cloud of dust as she screeched into the drive on two wheels, all panic and worry. Billy came too with Charlie and it was almost an exact repeat of the first night Greg had threatened Leah's security, except that this time the monster was finally put into custody.

Leah felt she could have cried with happiness and relief as her fear was lifted from her heart. She was surrounded by so many familiar and caring faces that she almost did burst into tears. But she stood strong as she spun the tale for the interrogating officer, one where Greg had indeed come into her room with a butcher knife, but had only cut her with it in an attempt to stab her which, in truth, he had. His sentence wouldn't be nearly as harsh, but she couldn't explain such a quick recovery if she'd told them the truth.

She'd continued to tell the man, a tall, gangly officer with a ridiculously shaggy mustache, that Jacob had burst in just in time and beaten Greg off of her, leaving him in his current state of unconsciousness. Thank the Lord, Jake wouldn't be charged with assault. It was self defense.

"Thank you, ma'am," the officer had said with a tip of his cap. "You were lucky that man of yours got there in time. A knife that big could've done some real damage."

Leah had only nodded.

"But now," he'd continued. "It's this guy who's got something to worry about." He gestured with his thumb to the ambulance holding Greg. "Paramedic in there says he'll probably be in traction for at least a few weeks."

"Good."

JPOV

It was the morning after Greg's arrest and Jacob stepped out form Leah's cabin to find Sam walking up the drive. His heart beat sped up, uncertain of how the older man would react to finding him here so early. It was obvious he's spent the night, but what was more obvious was the smell of sex that surely still lingered on his skin. Leah had needed him last night the same way Jake had needed her; for comfort. Yeah, he kept telling himself that.

Despite Jake's noticeable aroma, the two of them met halfway between the cabin and the end of the driveway and hugged briefly the way men often do. "What's up?" Jake asked when they'd pulled apart.

Sam shrugged, looking up at the cabin. "I want to talk about imprinting," he said simply.

"Alright," Jake nodded. "That's good. I have a few questions that I'd like answered."

"Yeah," Sam said with a heavy sigh. He couldn't quite meet Jake's gaze. "I know. I spoke to Quil Sr. and he's cleared up a few things for me. Things I wish I'd known sooner."

"So imprinting isn't all it seems." Jake said, not really asking because he knew he was correct. "We've been led to believe falsely then."

Sam nodded grimly. "Yes, and it is entirely my fault. I misunderstood the first time and… may have ruined many lives because of it."

"So tell me."

Jake's former alpha finally met his gaze, anguish and regret fueling his stare. "First, what is your relationship with Leah?"

LPOV

Leah peeked through the curtained window of the living room, eager to see who had stopped by this time to see her. It seemed every person on the rez had come over to check on her, many bringing food as if she'd lost another family member of been recovering from major surgery. If she weren't a wolf, then yesterday she could have been waking up from anesthesia, or Sue could've been getting the food for Leah's funeral. When she saw Sam out in the yard she stood back slowly.

The very last thing she felt like dealing with was Sam's up and down feelings towards her so she wandered back to her bedroom to continue to scrub the oak floor of her own blood. It was an eerie job and she nearly wasn't able to do it, but she'd managed so far without throwing up, which is more than she could say for Jacob, who'd tossed his cookies at least three times last night and once this morning as he'd attempted to help her with the task. Leah was certain it wasn't the sight of blood that caused his nausea, but the knowledge of what could've happened. Just remembering the terrifying encounter nearly 24 hours before made her sick as well.

Would she ever get over it? Would she ever feel safe again?

"Leah."

She jumped with fright and turned, scrub brush poised to throw, her muscles tensed to kick ass, but it was only Sam. For a moment, she considered chucking the brush anyway, but thought better of it. She was determined to be civil today. "Hey," she mumbled, dropping the scrub brush into the bucket of soapy water, now tinged pink.

Sam looked around her room briefly, no doubt noticing the very tangled sheets on her bed. "May I, uh, come in?" he stammered.

She shrugged. "Don't slip."

"How are you feeling?"

"I little sore," she admitted, her eyes never quite meeting his. "I can't breathe too well but Dr. Blood says I'll heal pretty quick. No big deal."

Sam had moved over to the broken window, his legs now brushing the side of her bed that she'd slept fitfully in Jacob's arms the night before. "It was a big deal," he said, inspecting the damage. "When I'd learned what happened… I was so afraid, so angry."

Leah rolled her eyes. "Because you care?"

"Yes I do," he said, turning his attention back to her. "But after talking to Jacob I've realized that it doesn't really matter. Not anymore."

Leah nodded, wondering what all Jake had told him.

"Anyway," Sam said with a gruff sigh, clearing his throat as well. "I just wanted to check on you."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

The two of them stood awkwardly for a long, quiet moment, Leah wishing he would just leave and give her peace. At long last, their eyes met and she could see a longing in his gaze, one she couldn't explain or quite understand. He looked… sad.

"Sam, what's wrong?" she asked, letting her bitter guard down enough to care a little.

His gaze fell and he shook his shaggy head, put on a fake smile. "Just thought I – we – nearly lost you," he lied. "It's sobering to imagine what life without someone you care for can be like."

"Yes, I know full well what that's like." Both with her father and with Sam.

He sighed. "I know you do and I am so sorry…" Were his eyes actually watering, or was it the dim light?

"Ok," she said, unable to come up with a better response. She pretended she hadn't noticed the tears in his eyes, and she was sure he appreciated that. "I, uh, accept your apology."

"Ok, well…" he mumbled, tears gone as quickly as they'd shown up. "I'll see you around."

Leah shut the door behind him, leaned against it, and glanced at the bloody mess on her floor. So Sam really did still care… She found that she couldn't finish the cleanup and decided to watch t.v. in the living room to try and numb her mind. Reruns of Beevus & Butthead ought to do it.

She found Jake sprawled across her recliner, eyes glazed over as he watched the late morning weather report. Leah nudged his bare shoulder as she went by to sit on the couch. "Looks like our streak of sunshine-y weather is over according to the weatherman," she said, offering to start a conversation. Her heart sunk a little, wishing that the awkwardness between them would've dissipated after a second night of lovemaking.

"Yep," he mumbled, then looked over at her. "What'd Sam say?"

"Nothing, really. Just checking in to tell me he was worried, that he still cared," she said. And with more conviction, "I swear it's like he never imprinted sometimes. He seems like he's trying to tell me something but… I don't know."

Jake turned the television off with a click of the remote, and tossed it onto the end table nearest the recliner. "About that," he said.

"About what?"

"Imprinting." He sat up and put his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together. "It's not exactly what we all thought it was."

Leah frowned. "Explain."

"I've been questioning it for a while now, since Nessie's been hanging all over Nahuel," he began. "But since talking to Sam, I've had my theories confirmed."

"What theories?" she pressed. "You've never mentioned them to me."

"Well, its true that we are supposed to be our imprint's everything, or whatever it is they need," he said, picking the remote back up and pulling on the buttons. "A babysitter, friend, big brother, protector, lover… I always thought that as they grew or entered new phases of life, our role was to change with them. And in the long run, ultimately become their lover and make bigger, stronger wolves."

"But?"

"But it isn't true. We don't ultimately become their 'soul mate'. We stay whatever it is they need us to be and that isn't always a lover."

"Then how do we make better wolves?"

"Let me finish," he said with a mock glare. Leah crossed her arms over her chest, winced at the soreness she felt there. "Anyway, I believe that the reason I imprinted on Ness is because one of these days she'll need me, but not as her man."

"So you fooled yourself into thinking that since you were 'supposed' to be her man, that you were in love with her?" she asked.

"Yes, but now that I think about it, I'm not," he said with a shrug. "Sure, I love her, but as a friend. And I think a few of us have been thinking along the same lines. Now, Rachel and Paul, they were meant to be, well… you know."

"Lovers? Sex partners?" Leah teased.

Jake shook his head in disgust. "Yeah, thanks for that image. Anyway, Quil and Claire have a while to go before they are sure, Jared and Kim are lovers so… I guess it all depends on what that special someone needs."

"What about bigger babies?"

"Rachel has the same blood running through her veins as I do and therefore, she'll have the next alpha if need be. Jared and Kim will have monster pups I'm sure and the rest of us, well… We'll have regular wolf babies I guess." He smiled.

"Ok…"

"But if I were to decided to have children with Renesmee they'd be stronger than anyone else's because I am the true alpha. But there's no chance of that happening," he said. Funny, Leah thought, it didn't look like it bothered him so much anymore.

"So, Sam and Emily will have kids. Won't one of them be an alpha too?"

"Uh," he hesitated. "Not rightfully. But Sam and Emily are kind of a sticky situation."

"How so?"

Jacob looked her in the eyes and seemed to be carefully choosing his next words. "Emily wants Sam to be her lover – she's in love with him – but what she needs? Is a protector, a friend."

Leah drew a blank, not really comprehending. "But… Sam loves her back."

"That's where it gets sticky." Jake said ruefully. "He does love her, but only as a friend."

Leah's mouth popped open and for once, she was speechless.

"Yeah," Jake continued. "He believed the same thing that I did, that if you imprint on someone, they're automatically your soul mate. But he realized after a while that it wasn't Emily he wanted as a soul mate."

"But…" she uttered, searching hard for words. "That means he left me – all those years ago – for… no reason?"

Jake nodded grimly, sympathy clouding his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lee," he said. "But he knows he can't have you back, that he must keep his commitment to Emily and honor his vows. It would break her heart if he were to leave her."

She looked at him incredulously. "But he can up and leave me, no problem?"

"He didn't know, Leah." Jake insisted.

"He ruined my life because of a stupid misunderstanding," she whispered, eyes brimming with tears.

Jake's features softened and he reached over and tentatively took her hand. "Surely your life isn't ruined," he said. "He can't come back to you, can't bear to hurt another woman. So you're going to have to find someone else."

Her tears dried up instantly. "What makes you think I want him back?" she said with accusation.

"Because, Leah. I can read you like an open book. People don't hurt or yearn for an old flame that they've gotten over. You still love him, or think you do anyway."

Leah's heart, having already been put through the ringer the past handful of weeks, was on the brink of shattering with all these unexpected realizations. Sam still loved her. It was something she'd dreamed, prayed of hearing for many years but, at that moment, it didn't really affect her. Maybe it was because Sam wouldn't divorce Emily, or maybe the fact that Leah had actually given up on him a long time ago and really had moved on, that kept her from rejoicing in her heart.

She was still for a moment, aware of Jacob's hand on hers, and just let herself feel her emotions. Sam loved her still. How did she feel about that? Surprisingly, her answer was: indifferent. Leah did not care that he still loved her and that realization was completely liberating. Her life had been sad and lonely since the break up with Sam. But now she felt… fine.

That mess, the whole break up and yearning for another chance, was behind her. Hell, she'd just survived an attack on her life. Life was great because she still had it. If she could survive that, she could do anything, including moving on.

Leah was suddenly struck with an epiphany: Life was just too damn short to be dwelling on the past. Why waste time being bitter when you could simply get over it and move on, when life could end with a blink of an eye? However, she did feel a small sense of satisfaction knowing that Sam was now the one suffering…but she pushed it aside. Deep down, she didn't really want him hurting, although he'd unknowingly brought it upon himself.

For once in a very long time Leah felt somewhat at peace. She no longer had a stalker – thank God – she was no longer burdened by the chains of jealousy and bitterness. A weight had suddenly lifted and she was happy. And she could thank Jake for all of that.

"Leah?" Jake squeezed her hand, uncertain as to her complete silence. "I-I know you're really upset but, well… Like I said. You've got to find someone else. I do too."

She looked at him and nodded. "Yeah."

"Don't cry okay?" he pleaded. "I hate seeing you cry, I can't stand for you to be hurting."

Leah's eyebrows raised with surprise at his vulnerable show of tenderness towards her. Could he possibly…?

"I just want you to know," he continued in a soft, deep voice. "that I'm here, Leah. I care and I'm not attached to anyone…"

She was so not expecting this completely open and tender side of Jacob, and she found it so appealing she couldn't help but let her heart swell with affection for him.

"What are you saying exactly?" she asked, eyes narrowed, heart suddenly racing with unexplained fervor. Did she dare hope that he too had grown to care, or even love her? Was it even smart to consider such a thing, considering her previous relationship with an imprinted man?

"I'm saying," he said with a great gust of a sigh. "that you don't have to need Sam, or want him because, well, I'm here for you."

Her heart fluttered with a giddiness Leah hadn't felt since she'd first med Sam, and it was a happy and welcome reprieve from usual bitter countenance. Dare she accept his proposition of dating – if that's what it was – with her alpha? A man she'd known practically forever? Was it a safe?

"You and… me?" she asked. "Together?"

Jake sighed. "Yeah, stupid, right?" I just thought, after these past weeks… I don't know. Pretend I didn't say that."

"No, no!" Leah hurried to say. It was now or never: take a chance with him, or risk a missed opportunity. Jeez, she was scared. "I sort of, you know, kind of like that idea."

"Really?" He was honestly surprised. Well, jeez, Jake.

"Yeah," she said somberly. "But I don't know if I should put much trust into a relationship with you."

His expression turned to hurt instantly. "And why not?" he demanded.

"Jake, you could leave me too," she said quietly. "Just like Sam and as soon as Renesmee grows tired of her beau she'll come crawling back to you. Then what?"

"I already told you. Ness is only meant to be my friend for whatever reason."

"I don't know, Jake. I'm…"

"Scared?" he offered. "Come on, Lee. It's me. You can let your damn guard down for sec."

She sighed. "Alright, I am scared. More scared than I've been with a psycho stalker trying to kill me. What if your wrong about the friendship thing with Renesmee?"

"What if I'm not?" he countered. He had her there. Jake reached out his hand, palm up. Hesitantly, she took it and they stood together. He encircled her in his strong arms, giving her a tentative and only slightly awkward hug. Leah clung to him and sighed, letting out all the nervous tension she'd been dealing with for nearly a month, and then she laughed.

"What?" Jake asked, mumbling in her hair.

"This is so weird."

He chuckled then and squeezed her tighter. But let go instantly as she tried unsuccessfully to strangle a cry of pain. "Sorry, sorry!" he said, pulling away. "Forgot." He smiled sheepishly.

"It's okay," she gasped. Again, he took her hand and then slowly led her down the short hall.

"Listen," he said, stopping short. "I'm not sure what this is, you know, between us. But I'm willing to take a chance if you are."

She met his gaze and nodded. "I am." She hoped.

He started to move again and she allowed herself to be lead to her room. "This is scary for me too, you know," he continued as he opened the door with a nudge of his shoulder. Leah couldn't help but to glance at the darkening stains on the floor, but she bravely stifled a shiver that the sight caused. "I was afraid you'd be mad when I told you I liked you."

"I wasn't mad," she said indignantly, pulling her gaze away from the floor and up to his face. He motioned for her to sit on the bed. "And so what if I was?"

He chuckled, ran his warm hands down Leah's arms. "So what?" he asked. "You scare the hell out of me, Leah."

"What?" she said, genuinely surprised. But he silenced her with a soft kiss on the mouth, one that made every cell in her body hum with anticipation.

He nodded, breaking away. Leah suppressed a growl of disappointment. She didn't want him to stop kissing her. "Yeah, you do. You're one mean mama jama."

She shook her head as he gently pushed her back onto the rumpled blankets, and shivered with heat when he kissed a trail down her neck. She let out a quiet whimper and grabbed hold of his shaggy black hair, pulled him closer to her to feel his solid, secure presence.

"I don't think I will be anymore," she mused breathlessly. "You see, I realized just now that life is too short to be unhappy all the time."

"We can live forever," he breathed, pressing his pelvis into hers, a seductive glint in his fiery eyes.

"Doesn't matter…"

Leah wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him more deeply, still reeling from the fact that she had grown to care so deeply for this man, the once-annoying kid her brother played recreation baseball with. If she was honest with herself, she could almost swear she loved Jake, but to admit such a thing, especially at the beginning of a relationship, was too risky.

Yeah, Jake said he'd never return to Renesmee, but the future was so utterly unpredictable that Leah would not make such a declaration. At least not now, so soon. She'd put her heart on the line before and ended up broken, so she was going to be careful. She would take risks, but she would be smart about it.

It was difficult though, to be cautious and not let her emotions run wild, particularly when Jake lay atop her, ridding her of her clothes faster than humanly possible. When he kissed every inch of her exposed skin and whispered sweet words in her ear, it was hard to contain the three words her heart urged her to voice. She had to bite her tongue as he pressed his bare body to hers and filled her completely, beginning a languid rhythm within her.

She would wait, she decided. The moment they were sharing, though intimate, couldn't be interrupted by her jumbled thoughts, it was too precious. So Leah cleared her mind of any worry of the future and concentrated on the moment and the one who had become so important and special to her so recently. And when they came together, in a rush of heat and desire, as they both cried out their release, her every worry and concern was blown into oblivion and all she could do was feel. Feel pleasure, fell companionship, feel safe for once in a very long while.

The End

A/N: I'm already working on a sequel. And I'm sorry for the delayed update. College started back and its been very time consuming. God bless!