Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Saga. Stephenie Meyer does. I only wish I do…mainly for Edward…
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Countryside
We were still on the interstate, and I had no clue as to where we were going.
"Uh…Leah?" I said, looking out the window. I saw no billboards or road signs that could help me pinpoint our location. "Where are we?"
"Huh?" She turned her head and smiled at me. "Oh, I'd say Colorado."
"Did you say, Colorado? As in, the state?" I asked, jaw dropping. We lived in Canada, and it only took us an hour to get all the way here.
"Yeah. I wanted to get away from people I know." Leah sighed. "So, uh, Alex…have you had a girlfriend?"
"Well…." I started to say, but in the back of my head, I heard someone say 'lie'. "No, not really. What about you?"
Leah laughed. "No, no girlfriends." She stopped laughing, and her face took a more serious expression. "I've had a boyfriend before; I thought he was the one." She turned to me and smiled. "But that's all changed now."
"So, where are we going?" I asked, reaching for the radio. My phone vibrated in my pocket multiple times, and I knew without looking that it was Lily. Oddly enough, I felt no desire to hear her voice, so I ignored it.
"Not much longer." Leah said, avoiding the question. I crossed my arms, and Leah snorted. "Impatient, are we?"
"You're the one dragging me halfway down the country." I said. "I just figured it would be nice if you could tell me where we are going."
Leah sighed. "We're going to a cabin I rent in the country. Most of the time it's pretty peaceful, so I thought it would be a good place for us." Her eyes gazed at my bare arms, and she reached in the back for a jacket. "Here, you might need this." She said, handing it to me.
"Thanks." I muttered as I slipped the jacket on. If she said it's her own cabin, then I doubt people will be out and about to see me. Must be for stray hikers, or something.
"So, tell me about your parents." Leah said, turning onto a dirt road. She went slower now, as people were walking the dirt path, and she watched where she went.
"What do you want to know?" I said. Hopefully it won't be that bad, but whenever I took a trip down memory lane, I had a little twinge of sadness build up inside.
"How were they? Personality, wise." She said, flipping the radio to a recognizable station.
"My dad, he wouldn't hurt a fly…well, except for when he had to feed….but he would always work at it. He was a veterinarian, so I guess you can say he is like Carlisle." I sighed. "Every night, he would take me out to go hunting, because my mom couldn't. She can only change during the full moon, and when she did change, we would have family hunting trips. My mom was very nice too. My dad told me that was one of her qualities that turned him on." I looked out the window, trying to stop myself from crying.
"And you miss them." Leah stated, not making it a question.
"Yeah. I miss them a lot." I said, still trying to ignore the vibrating phone.
"So, what kind of emotions did you feel when you saw them?" Leah asked, taking another turn.
I looked at her then. "How did you know?"
Leah chuckled. "Sorry, but this is going to sound really weird." She snorted. "When we are wolves, our minds are linked; only inside the pack though. We can hear thoughts you want to say, and everything else."
"Let me guess, Seth is in your pack?" I said, giving a weak laugh.
She nodded. "So is Jake. He's the alpha." Leah sighed.
"And what are you, the Zeta?" I asked, laughing.
"Nope." Leah said, shaking her head. "I'm the Beta."
"Who all is in your pack?" She's making it sound like there are a lot of people in the pack.
"Well, I'll name the ones you know, first." Leah took a deep breath. "Jake, me, Seth; in that order, because we were a renegade pack to begin with. Quil, Embry and Kendall. Kendall is the lowest rank, but she gives a run for all the boys. Then there are my three cousins, and my little brother, and they are in between Embry and Kendall." Leah laughed. "Of course, that doesn't really matter, because it's Jake giving all the shots, and me as well. Sometimes Seth gets to, but only rarely."
"Wow." I said. That isa lot.
"So, are you going to answer my question?" She said, pulling into a gravel road now.
"It was kind of weird seeing them." I shook my head. "For starters, my mom is now a vampire."
"Yeah, Seth mentioned that." Leah laughed. "Boy, he gave me a replay of his expression. He had to make a double-take."
"The only thing I could figure is how." I sighed. "A…friend of mine told me that venom doesn't affect children of the moon, so I'm curious as to how she was able to do it."
"I wish that would happen with me." Leah said. "When shapeshifters get bit, the venom kills them. It's like a poison to us." Leah sighed. "Anyway, after you left, Carlisle asked the same question. Jake was still watching so he gave me that replay. She said she somehow stopped the chemicals in her blood, and allowed the venom to take over." Leah laughed. "She also said it only took one day for her transformation to be complete." Leah stopped the car and unbuckled her seat belt. "We're here." She said.
I looked out to see a log cabin overlooking the dense trees. I could hear fish swimming in the nearby lake, and birds in the treetops.
"This place is gorgeous." I said, getting out of the car.
"Yeah, well, doesn't beat Hawaii." Leah laughed, moving to the trunk. She grabbed a picnic basket, and hesitated with her hand on the trunk. She then grabbed a fishing pole and a blanket, and closed the lid. "While I set up, you fish for food." She tossed me the fishing pole.
I eyed the pole, and tested it out. We started to walk near the lake, and I saw a worm crawling in the dirt. I picked it up and put it on the hook. "You think it's a good idea? I might scare the fish away."
Leah laughed. "Well, you haven't scared me away." Leah looked at me then, and I stared back. She cleared her throat and stopped at the edge of the lake. Being an idiot like me, I walked straight into the lake, fish nibbling at my bare feet. Leah continued laughing. "Why did you take your shoes off, dummy?"
I shrugged. "Doesn't really bother me." I walked to where Leah was, and I cast the hook into the clear water. Leah spread out a blanket, and took out some plates.
"I'll be back, I need to get firewood." Leah said, and I nodded. While she was gone, I caught two fish. When she returned, she chuckled. "You're doing the exact opposite of scaring. You're attracting the fish."
"What can I say? I'm a likeable guy." I said, reeling in another fish. Leah grabbed my arm when I set the fish down with the others. Her touch sent caused my heart to beat faster.
"Easy big guy, I think we got enough." She said, and I turned to stare at her. She let go, and grabbed the fish by the tails. "Sorry." I heard her mumble.
"Leah…" I said, following her to the small fire.
"No, I don't want to give you the wrong impression." Leah said, concentrating on the fish.
"Leah…" I said, turning her towards me. Her brown eyes connected with mine. "Leah, I know there is something. Don't you?"
She chuckled. "Yeah, I know."
"Good, because then this would seem awfully rude." I said, courage kicking up inside of me. I grabbed her face gently, made sure no venom was in my mouth, and leaned in. I heard her sudden intake of breath, and I placed my lips upon hers.
Unlike the kisses I had with Lily, the ones with Leah were slow. It was a little more than a peck, but we didn't go crazy. When it was over, she shook her head.
"Alex, why are you doing this?" She whispered, smiling.
"Doing what?" I asked playfully.
"Why do you like me?" She said, looking straight into my blue eyes, which I inherited from my mother.
"I like everything about you, Leah. You're pretty, you have a great sense of humor, and a great personality." I said, kissing her cheek.
She concentrated on the fish again, setting the cooked one on a plate. "Most people wouldn't believe you."
"Why not?" I asked, sitting on the blanket.
"Let's say, that after my boyfriend dumped me for my cousin, I became a total psycho." She snorted.
I shook my head. "I can't see you like that."
"It's true." Leah said, sitting on the blanket, but still close to the fire. "Even Seth, didn't want to hang with me." She shook her head, and I knew that this conversation was over.
"So let's change the subject." I said, smiling. "Tell me about your parents."
"Well, my mom, Sue, she's really nice, and she's pretty. My birth dad, Harry, he was a typical man in La Push. He hung out with Charlie, my step dad, and Jacob's dad; fishing and watching sports."
"What happened to Harry?" I asked as she put another fish on the plate.
"Well, he grounded me and Seth after we broke our curfew. We were at Jake's house, so we didn't see the problem, and we got mad." She sighed. "We phased then, and gave our father a heart attack. He died in the hospital." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"I'm so sorry." I said, placing an arm around her shoulder. She leaned into my chest.
"I'm glad I can tell someone about it. The only ones who really know are my pack, because they've seen it in my mind." She gave a weak laugh. "I haven't had the guts to tell someone in person."
"I'm glad you did." I said, and kissed the top of her head. We began to eat then, and afterwards we packed up and headed to the cabin.
"Hey, you want to go on a hike?" Leah said, pointing her thumb towards the trees.
I shook my head. "Can't. I transform every night."
"No problem." Leah said, going to the trunk. She pulled out a backpack. She smiled. "Back up clothes."
I raised an eyebrow. "How did you get my clothes?"
"Jake showed me your place, and I snuck in through the window." She laughed.
"Are you serious?! And what would have happened to you if I were home, you could have been hurt!" I said in a serious tone. Leah then stopped and hugged me; thankfully she was not looking at me that moment, because the sudden surprise sent color to my cheeks; not to mention the thought that passed through my head that it felt really good to hold her.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to worry you" I then heard her giggle, grabbing her shoulders gently I pulled her away to look her straight in the face.
"What's so funny?" I asked a little tiredness going through my voice.
"You, I mean come on don't you think that I would have know if you were there. Then I wouldn't have to take my sweet time climbing slowly into your window." She then smiled up at me. I gave a long sigh then chuckled.
"Man do I ever really need to take a long run." I groaned, stretching my legs. Leah took my hand in hers and tugged.
"Well than lets hurry up and pack some things and then we can head off" We started to head towards the cabin.
Inside the cabin, it smelt exactly like the woods. There was a picture on a nightstand, and it was Leah, Seth and Jake, doing crazy stances. I chuckled and watched Leah head straight to the fridge.
"For crying out loud, Leah. We just ate!" I chuckled even louder.
Leah turned her head and stuck her tongue out at me. When she turned her attention to the fridge, she spoke. "When a wolf's gotta eat, a wolf's gotta eat." She stood up straight, holding hamburger meat in one hand, and cheese in the other. She closed the door with her elbow, and laid the stuff on the counter. "Want any?"
"Yeah." I said. "I like them medium."
"Me too." Leah said, smiling. I can't believe we have so much in common. I sighed.
"So, Leah, how well do you know your way around the kitchen?" I asked, nonchalantly.
Leah chuckled. "Fairly good actually. I hate raw meat, so I learn my way with cooking utensils."
While she cooked, we continued talking. We talked about favorites; color, gemstone, music, and the list of commons kept growing bigger.
When we were done eating, she led me to the door. "You ready?" She asked, smiling.
I took off my shirt and watched Leah do a double-take. "Yeah, you?" I asked. I've seen Jake transform, but it would be different with Leah.
"I'll meet you out there." Leah said, kissing the tip of my nose.
I smiled at her then nodded. As she walked past me I gave a slight glance back and I began to notice all the curves that her body actually held, shaking my head to escape the sudden urge warming up in my body. I decided to run outside at full force. Propelling my self, I landed on my hunches into the near by brush; where I stripped out of the remaining clothing I had on and shivers were trembling down my body. Then the transformation took hold of me in sweet pleasure. The change is something I would never give up for anything in the world, it makes me stronger than what I am; all my senses become heightened and that is when I become a true animal.
I think I'll do a quick lap around while waiting for Leah. I thought while scratching my ear. She is after all a girl and probably takes awhile. I laughed at the idea, and then I heard a low growl behind my back and a sudden shadow cast over my head.
I know a certain girl who would have fun knocking your butt around for a few hours, said a delicate female gray wolf that now stood in front of me stretching its limbs.
Leah?! I asked walking closer to sniffing the air between us. The gray wolf stepped closer to me closing the distance between us and touched her nose to mine.
It is indeed me, in the fur no less! She giggled then licked my muzzle snapping me back into reality. You ready to run? She asked with excitement in her voice. Something about her in this form made my heart beat faster and blood hotter.
Heh, I'll race you, I edged on, walking over to stand right next to her and shifting into a starting position, And I'll even give you a handicap, I grinned and gave her a small wink. She nudged me with her shoulder and got into the same position as me.
Your the one that is going to need a handy-fleabag. She snorted.
Hey wait a minute! I yelped
Go! she yelled, then sped off into the darkening trail.
No fair you cheated!! I screamed then chased after her. It took me awhile to finally spot her then I caught up.
What took you so long slow-poke? She asked laughing, You know I actually had to slow down to figure out where I had lost you at. I knocked my body into hers, nipping at her shoulder. She then skidded to a stop and hit her head into my shoulder. Oh, don't start pouting Alex, she teased.
I'm not pouting, you cheated it wasn't a fair start, I said nudging back at her, she then chomped on my ear and started tugging on it.
Yeah, but I would have beaten your butt either way.... so I finished it early. I then yanked on her tail.
Oh, whatever! I said sarcastically while batting at her with my claws, she started to bat back at me, it felt like we were playing tag in a circle and not getting anywhere.
Come on Alex, think about it I was basically the first and only female shifter at the time amongst a bunch of dudes, I had to find something to be good at, she spoke in between giggles as we nibbled at each others throats.
Okay, I suppose I understand what you mean. I then pinned her down to the leafy floor. But from now on everything has to be kept fair between the two of us at least, deal? I said smiling down at her and she lifted her head up and licked my cheek.
Ok, this is something I will keep between the two of us. She said this while settling down in the leaves.
When she had said the word us a strange fuzzy sensation went through me and at that moment I began to realize what it really was that I wanted out of a relationship. It wasn't just a partner or lover that was the most important thing of all, but it was that of a good friend. Someone I could have more than one thing in common with and could talk about anything with and in some terms they would understand what I was getting at.
Umm, you can get off now Alex I mean I am showing you my belly or matter of fact you laid me down like this. Leah said this sarcastically, while she poked me in the chest with both her paws like she was boxing.
I started laughing, Sorry Leah, I guess I forgot you were down there. I said beaming at her; she got up and shook herself.
Yeah, whatever you just liked the feeling of being dominate, she said nonchalantly and started swatting her tail at me; …and thanks to you we are off schedule so we better get going. She started walking on the trail again, and I trotted over to her right side.
So, where are we heading this time Ms. Adventure Planner? I asked playfully.
We are going to my favorite place on top of the mountain here, she said casually looking forward.
Wow! You actually told me this time? I said with enthusiasm. So is that a good or bad thing? I asked grinning
To the guys, this whole day would mean it's a very good thing, Leah said laughing. We started to run again; but only this time we didn't hold anything back. We glided along side one another like we were two of the same wolf, merging with the wind. After some time Leah began to slow down and then started into a walk and finally came to a stop at the edge of a small clearing where I was shortly behind her.
Is this it? I asked breathing in the cool sweet air.
Yes, yes it is, she said smoothly as she walked out into the clearing and sat down to look out across the range. I slowly walked over to her and sat down next to her and tilted my head inwards to her face.
Hey what's wrong? I asked with concern, Leah shook her head.
Nothing, I was just remembering something, she said leaning her head onto my shoulder.
What was it? I said laying my head on top of hers.
It's a good memory though, this is the place where my parents got married… and that's why I love it here because this is basically the place where I grew up Leah looked up at me smiling as a tear fell from here eye. I rubbed my face against hers in a comforting motion as I whispered in her ear that everything would be okay. She nodded then yawned.
Maybe we should head back to the cabin now? ... You seem really tired Leah, I said nudging her under the chin.
No lets sleep out here for the night, I got robes for us from the cabin for when we wake up in the morning. She said casually as she lay down on the grass.
What about other hikers? I asked as I lied down next to her laying my head on hers, my eyes starting to feel heavy.
Don't worry people don't come up this high on the trail..... oh, and good night Alex, Leah said as she snuggled closer to me.
Night Leah I said softly before falling into a sweet dream of living a peaceful life with her.
_Next morning_
I woke up the following morning to the sound of chirping birds, I rolled over to see Leah sitting up giggling with her robe already on Darn ! I thought.
"I know it seems unfair; I mean I get to see a teenage boy with a fine built package and you don't even get a doggie treat." she stated this happily while grinning. At that moment of realization I leapt over to the near by bushes for cover.
"Yeah you are right, you could have woken me up when you got up instead of staring at me for who knows how long?" I whined a light blush brining color to my cheeks.
"Oh, quit your fussing it wasn't that long!" she said tossing me a robe; "I'm not that big and bad of a pervert.... or am I?'" she asked giving me a wink and then we both just busted out laughing.
"Let's hurry back to the cabin because I'm starving!" I said with excitement as I stood up tying a knot in my robe belt.
"I thought you would be" said Leah smiling as she took my hand in hers; "Would you like to go get some lunch later down in la push?... I mean it is a long drive back."
As I was about to say yes, all my sudden thoughts went to home and how I remember I left school for this magical place. I had seen Lilly staring at me speeding away in a car with another girl and the sensation of revenge with a mixture of madness that flashed through her eyes; I solemnly looked down at Leah and shook my head.
"I would love to and you know it, but there are some things I have to handle back at home so I can't. I'm really sorry.... maybe some other time?" I gave a soft smile. Leah looked straight at me smiling and I could see the sadness in her eyes and I really knew the moment was gone when she let go of my hand and softly spoke the word, 'ok.' and we began our slow and silent walk down the mountain. How I yearned to stay here free from everything, that nothing would have changed especially the smile that I had seen in Leah's eyes; but now that was all gone as we made our decent back into reality and to what our lives really were.
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A/N: Yay! Long chapter again!
Okay, I know that you might be thinking. 'How in the hell can they speak with each other while in wolf form?' I'll get to that, trust me.
Thanks to Christina, who wrote a good half of this chapter. Next chapter is most likely going to be all me, and its called Rivalry. Bet you can guess what it's about.
As always, read and review!