(A/N Sorry about the delay folks. Hope you like this one.)

I don't own Twilight. I only own Julian...1/2 of Team Sandwater.

CHAPTER 10-LEAH'S P.O.V.

Didn't I make you feel like you were the only man -yeah!
Didn't I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can?
Honey, you know I did!
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I've had enough,
But I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough.

"Piece Of My Heart"

Big Brother and the Holding Company

Even with Alice making me try on clothes the day was turning out to be fun. Julian hung out with Seth when I was trying on outfits. They did a little bit of shopping too. Julian didn't have many clothes. I guess it's hard to carry around a lot in that small trailer he's been living in. I really think he needs…and wants…roots somewhere.

Julian and I slip away to grab something from the food court. "What's up with Starbucks?" he asks as I steal his fries. "They have good, high-priced coffee," I explain. He snorts. "It's coffee," he grumbles. "Yeah," I reply, "but it's good coffee." "I guess I just don't get it," he sighs. "I'm not surprised," I tease, "being an old man and all." Julian raises an eyebrow at me. "Old?" he asks, "you're the one that fell asleep first last night. I was readying for an encore."

I blush at that. "I've been meaning to ask you," I say softly, "what's up with the whole 'hand on my throat' thing?" Julian takes a sip of his soda and shrugs. "Just a little trick I picked up," he explains, "I'm guessing it worked." My blush deepens. "Yeah," I admit, panting. He grins. "I don't go for the whole S&M thing," he comments, "for obvious reasons I don't go for pain. It doesn't mean my bag of tricks is empty." "You got more?" I ask, shocked.

Julian's grin drops. "Yeah," he replies. He's uncomfortable all of a sudden. I don't say anything. Truth is, I don't know what to say. Good? That's an understatement…excellent is probably a better word. "I didn't know I was supposed to be waiting for you Leah," he says softly. "Oh," I say surprised. "Julian I don't care. Other girls might…but not me. I get it. Trust me, I've done a lot worse than gotten laid a few times." He still doesn't say anything.

I reach over and take his hand. "Look Julian," I say softly, "you have to deal with my past. It's no problem. We're in this together. I'm ready to deal with any problem you have. I don't care if it's Maria…Vietnam flashback…guilt over your mom…or the fact you're more experienced than me. Make sure you hear me loud and clear. I. Don't. Care."

He's still not looking my direction. "Sam was my only experience," I admit. Julian turns to look back at me. "As funny as that sounds," I go on, "you were an eye opening experience for me." "What do you mean?" he asks. "Neither Sam nor I were…well versed in the act," I go on. Julian motions with his hand for me to continue. "It's…kind of embarrassing," I admit.

Julian doesn't speak. "When you…went down on me…last night," I say hesitantly, "I wasn't expecting to…enjoy it…that much." "Why not?" he asks. His face is clearly puzzled. "Because when Sam had," I explain, "it just wasn't that enjoyable. Most women have a hang-up about that part of their body anyway and he…just didn't get into it. We were both young and inexperienced and it's painfully obvious now." "There's nothing wrong with…that part of your body," Julian says firmly. "Regardless," I go on, "before it was good for just foreplay. But I didn't expect it to be so…intense." I shiver involuntarily. "It's good you know what you're doing," I finish, "because I don't."

He chuckles slightly. "Seriously," I go on, "I'm looking forward to getting an education." "You make me sound like a man-whore," Julian grumbles. "You're over forty years older than I am," I point out, "I'm hoping you're going to be the one to teach me a lot about life…in and out of the bedroom." He sighs. "Alright," he agrees, "I think I can do that." I smile as he relaxes.

"You ever had a three some?" I ask. That got a blush out of him. "Oh my God," I stammer, "you have!" "Once or twice," he admits. "Julian…you bad, bad boy," I tease. He shifts uncomfortably. "So I'm guessing you've gotten head while driving?" I ask. "Um," he stammers, "yeah." I gawk. "Who was the best?" I ask. His eyes lock on me. "You," he says.

Ok, I want to blow that reply off…but I can't. The way he's looking at me tells me he's dead serious. "You're kidding?" is the only reply I can come up with. "Nope," he admits, "you factor in everything…body, the way you move, my ability to read you…" "You can read me?" I gawk. Julian leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. "Can't you read me?" he asks.

"Yeah," I admit, "I've picked up on some things." Julian nods. "I pay attention," he comments, "like when you sat on my lap this morning. You were tense." "I was nervous," I explain, "I didn't know how we were going to do the whole morning after thing." Julian shrugs. "I'm beginning to think there's nothing we can't do," he replies, "I mean I've admitted to being ex military…human blood drinker…and had more than one three-some. Yet you haven't run away yet."

"I'm not going to," I continue, "I'm getting so much more. No shit Julian, I got the most amazing imprint in Quileute history." "Even with the bad stuff?" Julian asks. I can't help but smile at that. Usually he sounds much older than he looks…right then he sounded like a little kid. "Bad stuff?" I tease, "Julian, stop sounding so guilty. Both are past are just that…the past. We're moving forward." Julian squeezes my hand and nods. "Alright Leah," he whispers, "we're both moving on."

We dump our trays and I take his arm. Julian is the perfect height for me…tall enough the top of my head rests under his chin if I'm standing in front of him. I like that. We see Seth, Embry, and Jasper in the arcade and wave as we pass. He gets a few looks from women, but I never even see him look anywhere but straight ahead.

We step outside…around the corner in a side alley…so he can smoke. "I think you like them," I complain as I point at his cigarette. "I do…sometimes," he admits, "not often though. Back in Asia I could go through two packs a day." "You should quit," I comment. "Yeah," he admits as he lights up, "maybe Maria will magically decide to get off my ass and I will." I step forward and wrap my arms around his waist. I press my head to his chest and smile as the sound of his heartbeat reaches my ears. "What's your Mom going to think about me?" he asks.

"My mom is going to love you," I reply, "imprint or not. You're good looking…smart…charming…and funny. The fact you're my imprint is just the icing on the cake." "What about the soldier part?" he asks. "Vietnam wasn't a popular war." "My granddad was there," I explain, "so was Jake's and Quil's granddad. Trust me…that's not an issue." "And the motorcycle?" he asks. "We're immortal," I point out, "it's not the deathtrap for us like it is for her." Julian nods thoughtfully. "She'll think it's cool you were a medic," I point out, "and you've been to medical school…how many times?" "Two," he replies, "I've done ER and OB/GYN as my specialty." "See," I point out, "she's going to love you."

"I've never had someone want me to meet their mom," Julian admits. "Good," I say firmly, "that means more to me than anything." He grins and kisses the top of my head. "Seth ok with this?" he asks. "Seth is thrilled," I reply quickly, "he thinks you're 'awesome'." Julian grins. "Cute kid," he mumbles. I roll my eyes as Julian drops his cigarette butt.

Julian looks down at me at the same time I look up. Those deep blue eyes have me swooning and I lean in to kiss him. He smiles and leans forward to kiss me too. Our lips brush and I feel Julian's body lock.

Before I can blink Julian spins me around, turns, and drops into a crouch in front of me. I look around. I don't see anyone…but I smell them. Vampire. "Jude…Jude…" a voice calls mockingly from the shadow. "Go Leah," Julian whispers to me. "Like hell," I whisper back. Adreniline pours into my system and I shake in preparation to phase. "We need back-up," he whispers fiercely, too low for human ears, "and a large wolf might draw attention here." I huff. "Go," he hisses.

I begin to hesitantly back up. I don't want to leave him but I have to both save him and protect our secrets. He's right. A vampire on vampire fight is much quieter. "Good," the voice calls, "she stinks." "What do you want Christine?" Julian snarls. "Maria has a rather large bounty on you Baby," she coos as I continue to back up, "alive you're worth a small fortune…and no one knows you're here but me." I get to the end of the alley and turn to run.

I get to the side door of the mall and run into Nessie and Alice. "Leah!" Alice squeals, " I found the cutest shoes to go with the purple dress..." "Vampire," I choke out, "outside…after Julian."

Nessie and Alice both snatch out their cell phones and begin whispering in earnest. Exactly three seconds later I feel wind rush past me and see a blur too fast for a human eye to follow carrying the scent of vampire…Jasper. My pack comes up about five seconds later. "Let's go," I order.

We rush out the door as fast as possible with all the witnesses around and I lead them to the side alley. Julian is sitting against the wall holding his stomach. Jasper has a fire started behind a nearby Dumpster. I rush to Julian's side. Embry is watching the mouth of the alley for witnesses. "You ok?" I ask. "Yeah," he whispers, "I had to attack. If she got away she would've called Maria and this state would be crawling with vampires." "Jude had her handled," Jasper says from behind me, "not bad for a half-breed." "Hybrid," I snap, "half-breed is a derogatory term."

"Hybrid then," Jasper corrects. He sighs. I think he feels my emotions…which are going haywire. I feel a calming sensation wash over me and I cut my eyes to him. I give him a polite nod and turn my attention back to Julian.

"Seriously," I say softly, "you ok?" Julian winces and nods. "She broke a couple of my ribs," he confesses. I feel my bottom lip quivering. "I let you get hurt," I whisper sadly. "You didn't let me do anything," Julian hisses, "you couldn't phase here…too many witnesses. You did what was best…you got Jasper who could attack without giving our secret away. You did good Leah." I don't really feel all that better but my lip stops quivering. "Can I get you anything?" I ask. "Yeah," he replies, "blood."

I hear every one of my pack inhale sharply. "I won't heal near as fast if I don't hunt," he says softly. "Will mine work?" I ask. "Bad idea," Jake and Jasper say at the same time. "I can bite without producing venom," Julian says, "I've done it before…though I'd rather not bite you." I move my hair to the side, exposing my neck. "Well you're in luck," I tell him, "because I heal fast." "Leah, you're nuts!" Jake exclaims.

I turn around and glare at him. "Jasper can take me to hunt," Julian says, "no point hurting you." "Julian it's ok," I whisper, "I don't mind helping you." "Won't you drain her?" Embry asks. Julian shakes his head. "Even at my thirstiest I have control," he replies, "if she'll give me enough to heal my ribs I can hunt till I'm full." "What do you think Alice?" Seth asks.

Now that says a lot. Both Jake and Embry look dead set against this. Jasper doesn't look all that happy about it either. Yet Seth knows I have to help my imprint. He knows I would do anything for Julian. He understands the depth of my emotion more than anyone does. Any of the other wolves would…and are…cringing away at having a vampire bite one of them. Seth is willing to let me help my imprint.

"No matter how far I look," Alice replies, "I don't see going to Leah's funeral." "I can't watch," Embry says, walking away. "Can you Jude?" Jasper asks. "I mean…no offense Leah…but the thought of drinking blood that smells like yours…" He shudders. "She doesn't smell bad to me," Julian replies. "Then do it," I whisper.

Julian spreads his legs and I kneel between them. Our chests are pressed together. I put a hand on the back of his head and pull him gently towards me. Air hisses from between clenched teeth as his body comes forward. "When I said I needed blood," he hisses, "I didn't mean yours." "It's ok," I whisper, "it's my fault you're hurt. Please…let me help you."

I feel Julian's nose nuzzle my neck before his lips part. His teeth graze my jugular and I force myself not to shudder. Instead I pull him closer to me. "Go ahead," I whisper. He inhales deeply, my scent bringing out a growl. It doesn't frighten me. I know he wouldn't hurt me.

I gasp as I feel his teeth sink through the skin on my neck. I bite my bottom lip and pull him closer. The pain is sharp and quick…like plucking an eyebrow or getting a shot at the doctor's office. I grip him tightly as I feel him drinking from me. The feeling is…erotic. Seriously, my nipples are hard against his chest and my panties are wet. I hear him purr and I gently stroke his head…purring myself. The skin in his mouth is throbbing but it's not bad. In fact the pain is…sublime. I'm so turned out right now I'm thinking about jumping him right here in this alley. Seriously, just hiking up my skirt and mounting him right here with his mouth clamped down on my neck…witnesses be damned.

Julian's mouth releases my neck and I feel his tongue slide over the wound. It stops the bleeding immediately. I feel a little weak, but otherwise fine. Well…the emptiness like I had last night after Julian withdrew from me is there. "You ok Leah?" Nessie asks. I nod slowly. I look up at Julian. He's stopped hugging himself and now has his arms around me. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I'm not," I whisper back, "we'll discuss it later." He gives me a funny look. "Trust me," I whisper as softly as I can manage, "you don't want to have this discussion now."

Jake roughly yanks me to my feet. I'm a little wobbly. "Leah," he growls, "don't fucking do that again." I roll my eyes. "I'm fine Jake," I grumble, "just a little woozy. I'll be fine before Julian finishes his hunt." Julian gracefully rises to his feet. "I'm sorry," he says again. I yank myself free from Jake's grasp and wrap my arms around his neck. "Hurry back to me," I whisper. Julian nods slowly. "Let's go," Jasper orders.

Jasper takes Julian's arm and leads him away. Julian keeps looking at me with a sad look until they're out of sight. "Next time you're in wolf form I'm going to give you an alpha order not to do that," Jake grumbles. "I thought it was sweet," Nessie pipes up. Everyone turns and looks at her like she's crazy. "You wouldn't let me drink from you if I was injured?" she asks. Jake opens his mouth to say something, but quickly closes it.

He huffs. "It's not the same," Jake says. "It's exactly the same," Nessie replies, "he was hurt…she wanted to help him…everything's ok." "You're not venomous Nessie," Jake snaps, "he is." "No venom," I cut in, "other than his teeth breaking the skin it didn't hurt at all. Alice, you got a mirror?" Alice digs in her purse and hands me a small mirror. I check my neck. "See," I point out, "it's healing just fine." Seth examines the wound with clinical curiosity. "It looks fine," he agrees.

"Now," I say trying to turn the conversation, "I need a milkshake. Alice…Nessie…shall we?" Nessie nods eagerly. I figured she's be all for not only a milkshake but also getting some more girl time. I turn to see Seth covering up the remnants of the fire. "We'll meet for dinner when the boys get back," Alice calls. I turn to walk with Nessie and stumble. Whoa…head rush. Alice catches me before I can fall. "Still woozy," I explain. "Come on," Alice says eagerly, "I'm buying.

With a vampire on one arm and a hybrid on the other we walk back towards the food court. "Are you really ok?" Nessie asks. "Surprisingly," I reply, "yeah. Hell, I'd do it again." Nessie looks a little shocked. "Didn't it hurt?" Nessie asks. "A little," I admit, "not bad though." We step up to the counter and I order a strawberry milkshake. Nessie gets one too. Alice doesn't…but she does pay.

We take our seats and I sip slowly. Much better. "I'm impressed Leah," Alice comments, "that took more guts than even I have." I shrug nonchalantly. "Seriously," she goes on, "you risked you life to help him." "He wouldn't have killed me," I reply. "You can't know that," Nessie says. "I made up my mind to trust the magic," I reply, "so I'm trusting it."

We're quiet for a few minutes. "It's…weird," I comment, "at least I think it's weird. I mean…is enjoying it when someone bites you weird?" Renesmee is gawking at me. "You…enjoyed it?" she asks. Did I say that out loud? Oh shit! "Hell yeah it's weird," Nessie goes on, "I mean…unless you're like a sicko or something…that's weird." I let me head drop. Ok…I knew I was weird. Maybe if I drop it this too shall pass.

"You're not weird Leah," Alice assures me, "at least I don't think you're weird. However, maybe you are. I mean you are a shape shifter. A vampire is your mortal enemy. Therefore you shouldn't have liked it…but you did. Then again, he is your imprint." Alice shrugs. "No, you're not weird," she assures me, "maybe a little kinky…but not weird." I scoff at Alice. Nessie starts giggling again.

Alice just rolls her eyes. "Seriously," she continues, "some humans bite each other. Vampires not so much…venom leaves scars." She ponders for a moment. "Maybe some of the myths about it being a sensuous act are true." "I'm wishing I had kept my mouth shut," I grumble. "Now, now," Alice says cheerfully, "this is actually interesting. I mean, not only can he bite you…but you like it." Alice leans back and taps her finger with her chin…her "deep in thought" pose. "Ok," she continues, "to sum it up…no you're not weird…he's your imprint. It makes sense that if he could drink your blood that you would not only be ok with it but also want him to. If you're ok with it and he's ok with it…do it. And talk to Carlisle…just in case."

Nessie and I polish off our milkshakes and toss the cups. "Not a word to Jake," I warn her. "My lips are sealed," she promises. "We mean it Ness," Alice warns, "you want to be one of the girls…you have to act like one of the girls. That means you keep secrets." Nessie nods solemnly. "How's it look?" I ask. Alice examines it carefully. "It's just a bruise now," she replies, "looks more like a hickey than anything. You could cover it with your hair if you wanted." I do just that. "Look ok?" I ask. "Looks fine," Nessie promises.

We find the rest of the pack back at the arcade. Jake and Embry are looking at me like I'm a freak…which isn't anything new. Seth's acting like he doesn't have a care in the world. He finishes shooting zombies and comes over to stand beside me. "You ok?" he asks. "Fine Seth," I reply, "seriously…it doesn't hurt at all." He nods thoughtfully.

"That was pretty cool of you Leah," he comments. "I'm glad you think so," I grumble, eyeing Embry and Jake who are racing each other at a different game. "It was," Seth presses, "it tells me something." "That I'm nuts?" I ask. "That he's your imprint and you would do anything for him…just like you should do for your imprint," Seth replies. "Jake can give you all the shit he wants…if Nessie had been sitting there with her ribs broken, he'd have cut his own throat with a broken beer bottle to ease her pain." I nod in agreement. "It's one thing to fight a vampire to protect your imprint," he goes on, "but to willingly let one bite you…that says something."

I feel the pull in my chest and I look to my left to see Jasper and Julian walking towards us. Alice goes skipping up to hug her man. I approach Julian slowly. He looks sad. "You ok?" I ask. He nods solemnly. "I was about to ask you the same question," he admits. I smile at that. "I'm not the one that got my ribs broken," I reply. "No," he agrees, "you were just bitten."

Alice comes in to interrupt us. "The pack wants steak," she announces. Julian nods. "You can't be hungry," I tease him. He gives me a hard look and I want to kick myself. That just sounded wrong. "I didn't mean it like that," I blurt out, "I just meant since you just hunted…" "And just fed off of you," he snaps, "I get it." He takes a deep breath and I see him struggling. It's weird to see him struggle not to get upset…his eyes slowly change color and you can see them fight to stay blue as he fights to say calm. "I'm going to the truck," he says in a defeated tone, "just come on our when y'all are ready." He then turns and slowly begins walking towards the exit.

I take a step to go after him and Jasper grabs me by the wrist. "Let him go," he whispers in my ear, "let him calm down Leah." I hear a growl coming from behind me…Seth. I wave him off and nod at Jasper. "He feels guilty," Jasper explains, "I've been feeling it from him ever since he bit you." "But I told him to," I whine. "He doesn't feel guilt about that," Jasper explains, "he feels guilty because he liked it." "Just give him a few minutes to calm down," Jasper suggests, "then go after him."

I give him about ten minutes and excuse myself. I found Julian sitting on the tailgate of his truck with his face held to the sky. A light rain is falling against his face. His eyes are closed. There's a lit cigarette in his left hand. "You know why my friends call me Jude?" he asks. "It's not short for Julian?" I ask. He shakes his head. "The people, who didn't call me 'Doc' in the military started calling me 'Jude'," he explains, "because of the song 'Hey Jude' was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon's son Julian."

He lowers his head and looks at me. "Dad started calling me that when I got back," he goes on, "for a different reason…Saint Jude. Saint Jude was the patron saint of lost causes." He sighs. "I guess he figured it was fitting." "I've always called you Julian," I whisper, "even before I knew that. Believe me…you are not a lost cause."

Julian's chin drops to his chest. "I shouldn't have bitten you," he says softly. "Why not?" I ask. "It felt…" he begins but I cut him off. "It felt right," I state firmly, "it felt wonderful. It felt so right and so wonderful I want to do it again." Ok, I've got his attention. "I thought…" he begins. "Shut up and kiss me," I interrupt.

I pull him to me and our mouths lock with a now easy familiarity. Damn this man is sex on two feet. I break it off before it can build too much. "Let's get out of the rain," I whisper. He nods and hops off the tailgate before helping me down.

I'm on him as soon as both doors close. "Julian," I purr in his ear, "were you paying attention when you were drinking me?" "To what?" he breathes. "Your senses," I reply as I nibble his earlobe. "All I could sense was your blood," he admits hesitantly, "all I could smell…and taste. All I could hear was your heart and all I could feel was your blood cooling the burning in my throat." I give a teasing giggle. "You missed a lot," I whisper.

He moves his head to look at me. "If you weren't so preoccupied," I explain, "you would've felt this." I then take his hand and placed it to cup over my once-again-perked nipple. "You were purring as you drank me," I continue, "but if you hadn't been preoccupied…you would've heard me purring right along with you. Your eyes were closed…so sight was out. I know what you were tasting…that's obvious."

I then give him a shy smile. "Scent Julian," I whisper, "the sense you use primarily to hunt with. If it had been paying attention…you would've smelled me." I kiss him gently on the lips. "You would've smelled me…wanting you," I purr, "you know what I mean?" I take his wrist and guide his hand so that it can run up the inside of my thigh. His eyes widen in surprise. "Yeah," I pant as I move closer to him, "I wanted…and still want…like that."

Our kiss is hesitant…but building. Julian eases off my mouth and begins kissing down my jaw. "Want dessert?" I breathe. "No," he says firmly, "no more." "We can do a nightcap later then," I pant as my hands move under his shirt, "a midnight snack if you want." "No," he repeats, "no more." "You didn't like it?" I ask. "I did," he confesses, "I've never liked human blood…but yours was…" He pauses. "Like nothing I've ever tasted. Leah, I have a confession to make. I took more than necessary."

That explains the light-headedness. "I'm yours Julian," I whisper, "take whatever you want." "It's not mine to take," he frowns. "It's mine to give," I argue, "if I'm giving…take it." He shakes his head and I frown. "I'm not going to argue with you Julian," I whisper, "just know we belong together."

With that I move my mouth back to his. I push the action…making the kiss needy and frenzied. Julian responds eagerly. I let my nails lightly run over his chest. Julian is pinned between my body and the driver's side door and I'm not letting him out. My tongue brushes his and I have him panting. My heart soars at that. Julian caresses my face as our tongues explore each others mouths and I start debating in my head if I want to take this to the backseat or just lay one of the front seats all the way back. Thank God for darkly tinted windows.

The darkly tinted windows don't stop Seth from tapping on them. "Come on guys," he calls out, "we're hungry." I growl and Julian has to bite the inside of his cheeks to keep from laughing. He cracks the window. "I'm trying to seduce your sister," he says with mock sincerity, "go away." Seth only rolls his eyes. "He better not be biting her!" we hear Jake yell follow by a loud smack as Nessie pops him in the back of the head. Seth turns around and glares. "They're fine Jake," he growls. "We were," I correct, "till my baby brother interrupted us."

Seth gives me a teasing grin. "Come on Leah," he presses, "let's go get some food." I raise my head and look at Julian. "You could probably use some meat," he comments, "you know…keep your strength up." I give him a mock scowl. "We can finish this later Leah," continues softly. "Promise?" I ask. "Promise," he agrees. I slowly move off of him. "Ok," I relent, "let's go get some food."