A/N: Hello lovely people! I'm back from the future…LOL. I wanted to take a moment to address some questions and comments I've received on the content and future of this story. I can share that we are indeed approaching a major turning point; one that has many implications for the pack and future generations. I always strive to be true to the characters I depict, as well as their journey and am well aware that every author who decides to publish on FanFiction, runs the risk of putting readers off with their material. Having said all of that, I am grateful to all who have taken the time to read and provide the valuable feedback; to those that have favored and followed, even when you don't quite agree…Special shout out to brankel1, Miami12, Red Swarm, PastOneonta, lory77, cherryblossomszahime and Maxsmomma for taking the time. I appreciate you…

M rating for language and themes

Chapter 13

The Alpha returned to his human form. He didn't need his lupine nose to help track his she-wolf. The string that bound them together was taut with her grief, and he allowed his wolf spirit to guide his steps. Leah was far from predictable, but Jacob remembered the night her father passed all too well, and knew she retreated into dark places when wounded. She was mistaken of course, but was so gone in her despair that she wasn't registering anyone's words. So the Alpha followed; sighing deeply as he watched her ransack the cabin.

"Leah…"

She moved through the room with purpose, stuffing her belongings into a large trash bag as silent tears streamed down her sculpted cheeks. Leah wasn't about to stick around for what came next. The bitter memory of Sam's helpless gaze as he ripped a hole though her heart the night he ended their relationship, clear on her mind. Leah hadn't expected to feel this gutted. She knew she was in danger of falling for the dominant wolf, but hadn't realized she'd stepped off the precipice. Jacob placed a restraining hand over her wrist as she moved to wrench another bag out of its box.

"LEAH…STOP!"

He put a good amount of muscle into the order and the she-wolf glared back in resentment. It was an unspoken agreement between them. Jacob understood how much she hated being ordered around, and as long as she was willing to taper down her insubordination, he was more than happy to grant her the freedom of choice. But this was for her own good. At least, that's what he told himself. The she-wolf dropped the empty bag on the floor and made to flee, but Jacob's massive arms caged her into a pin. She struggled with all her might, landing a solid jab to his nose and the Alpha growled in frustration.

"Quit it Leah that hurt. Will you get your head out of your ass and listen? Paul didn't imprint...your brother did"

"Don't lie to me Jacob… I heard Paul…"

"Why would I lie about something like that?"

"But Paul said…"

"He was trying to calm Embry down, but he was talking about Seth. Emb was one step away from neutering your brother for imprinting on his newborn daughter. Seth imprinted, Leah. Not Paul…"

"Seth…?"

"Yeah, Seth. If you'd bothered to stick around, you would know that; hard to miss the sappy looking smile on his face. I guess that explains the whole crushing on the preggers imprint, huh?"

It was hard for her to find humor in his words, and she placed a shaky hand over her mouth to stifle her sobs of relief. Seeing her so unraveled troubled Jacob deeply, and he moved to wrap her in his embrace but she pulled away; an influx of shame washing over her.

"I didn't come here to judge you. I just needed you to know before you did something you would regret"

She took a seat on the bed, her stomach queasy with nausea as the Alpha came to sit by her side.

"Who else knows?"

"What does it matter? It's over…"

"Tell me …who else knows?"

"It's hard to say. Tokola helped you into the trees…Jared was still patrolling when you phased, so I'm not really sure…I managed to convince Paul to stay put, but who knows how long that's going to last. He freaked out when he heard your howls…"

Jacob placed a hand on her shoulder, hoping to ease some of the tension away. There wasn't much else he could say. Paul hadn't imprinted, but there were no guarantees that he wouldn't, and it was a reality, neither should ignore. But that was a conversation for another day, so the Alpha happily shared the details of their newest pup. He pushed his strength onto her; hoping to help her regain her balance, until a familiar scent approached and he prudently took his leave.

Paul stood by the door of his home, taking in the mess strewn all over the floor. A large bag lay carelessly by the foot of their bed and he could see several of Leah's undergarments piling out. Anger struck first...always anger, but then came the hurt.

"I'll clean it up" were the first words out of her mouth and Paul nailed his mouth shut; a barrage of profanity threatening to explode. He watched her pick up the first piece of clothing, and it was all he could endure.

"Are you expecting me to pretend that you weren't getting ready to bail on me without so much as a word?"

His tone was steady and controlled but Leah recognized the repressed anger in his words. She slouched down on the bed; regret and embarrassment clear on her face.

"I thought you imprinted…"

The words held much significance, primarily as they pertained to her, but he refused to justify her. This was supposed to be a partnership, but Leah's actions left a huge question mark in his eyes. He couldn't fault her fear; but the fact that she'd been willing to walk away from him without a fight, hurt deeply.

"Ok, but that doesn't explain why you would leave without even talking to me first. Where were you even planning to go?"

"I don't know…I wasn't really thinking clearly. I just…I panicked, OK"

"Don't I get a say? Even if I had imprinted Leah, Embry's daughter is a day old. Why would I possibly want to end my relationship with you over imprinting on a baby?"

"You can't be serious? We both know how this would've ended"

"No Leah, I actually don't. I would've fought for you, no matter what. But it's pretty clear that you don't feel the same way. You were ready to just walk away without even hanging around to make sure that it was actually true. How am I supposed to feel about that?"

"You can't put that on me. You know what I've been through. What was I supposed to do?"

"You were supposed to trust me, Leah. You were supposed to know me better than that. And I'm NOT fucking Samuel Uley, so stop comparing us…"

"I know I didn't handle it very well, but…"

"You didn't handle it at all. You ran, like you always do. When are you gonna stop running Leah?"

It was a conversation that needed to be had, but the haunted look in her eyes was hard to swallow. He placed his hands on the sides of her waist; forcing her to meet his eyes. A costly mistake; his anger and indignation crumbled under the vulnerability of her gaze. Didn't she know, what she meant to him? He should've forced her to answer; demanded that she explain herself, but it wouldn't change the way he felt about her.

Paul loved this woman, and it was clear she wasn't convinced, so he needed to leave no trace of doubt. He caressed her lips with his; trying to tell her with every kiss, and every touch; hoping to erase any uncertainty. There was no other place he'd rather be; and no one else he'd rather be with. Her hands were greedy, but so were his, and they fell into a rhythmic dance they'd practiced many times; perfected almost, in the time they'd shared.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I feel like an ass"

"You are an ass, but you're lucky I'm so fond of it"

His smirk was sinful as he emphasized his point, pulling her roughly by her shapely rear end. Leah rolled her eyes but rewarded him with a soft kiss, lying as close to him as their entangled limbs allowed.

"I didn't even get to meet the little ankle biter. And Seth…oh my God, Seth must be over the moon"

"Yeah, it was pretty barf worthy. I thought the sun was about to shine out of his ass. Kinda feel bad for Sol though…."

"What do you mean? Why…"

"I don't know. I got the feeling he was disappointed it wasn't him. I could be wrong…hard to say with that kid. He doesn't really give away much"

Paul looked deep in thought as he placed his arm behind his head, thinking about his young pup. His? When had he begun referring to him as his? The thought caught him off guard and was a bit rattled at the realization that he felt a deep sense of responsibility for both Oliver and Solace. The pack had become his family, but the bond he'd formed with these two young wolves felt different. And even though he couldn't quite yet bring himself to voice it aloud, Paul was certain he'd always be there for them, regardless of pack ties.

He glanced over to his beautiful companion; reaching to place a tender kiss on her nose. Anger, was the one emotion he had no problem with expressing, and knew he needed to work on the rest. Leah deserved better from him, but she was yet to declare herself as well. The panic he'd witnessed from her, told him all he needed to know. She cared…and cared deeply.

"Are we OK?"

It was a loaded question. She wasn't just asking if he'd forgiven her; Leah was asking if he understood. And No, Paul didn't understand, but he wasn't sure she was ready to have that conversation just yet. He hesitated, wavering on whether he should push the topic further. Leah placed her head on his chest, and the conflicted wolf bit the inside of his cheek. He answered with a soft smile, pulling her body up and top of his.

"Yeah, we're good," he whispered against her lips, trying to ignore the sour taste his lie left behind.

"A hundred and one… hundred and two…hundred and three…"

Collin ignored the sweat dripping off his face as he continued to count off his push-ups. Brady chuckled at the look of exasperation on his girlfriend's gaze.

"This is pointless…let's just call this a tie or we'll be here all night"

The young wolves' shared housing had become a wolf's den; an unofficial hangout for the rest of the pack. Anna had grown accustomed to the overwhelming testosterone that surrounded her, every time she visited her boyfriend's new home. But this was beyond ridiculous. Brady only got but a handful of Fridays free from patrols, and Anna was not above using her influence to get her way.

"Brady, we're going to miss the movie. Make them stop, you promised…"

Collin was doing everything and anything he could to distract himself from his imprint woes, and Solace was all too happy to tag along for the ride. Oliver's time had been split between getting their business venture off the ground, patrolling and spending what little free time he had with Genevieve; leaving Solace more withdrawn than ever. Collin had found comfort in Solace's company, and Anna understood. She'd been nothing but supportive of the two young wolves battling off on the floor, but Brady knew he could only push her so much. Date nights had transformed into outings of four; and missing the sappy drama movie she'd picked out for them tonight, would be detrimental to any plans of coaxing her into spending the night.

No… Brady needed to take immediate action, and so he rose from his seat; jumping on to Collin's back and instantly bringing his best friend to the ground. Solace's lazy grin boasted of victory.

"Sol wins…now let's go"

"Bray, you fucking Judas, how could you?"

There was no need to respond. The sight of Anna's arms around his treacherous friend's neck was answer enough. The two wolves headed for a quick change of clothes before meeting the besotted couple outside. Neither had any real interest in sitting through Anna's Indie film, but the prospect of staying home on a Friday night was even less appealing, so they'd jumped at the invitation.

Collin had patrolled near Michelle's home several times since his walk of shame. Her window remaining shut each night, and his confidence shrinking with each passing day. Solace held mixed feelings about spending time with the downtrodden wolf. A small part of him was irritated by Collin's foolishness, but deep down he understood. Solace held a magnetic allure that often conflicted with his introverted personality; especially when it came to the opposite sex.

His striking features often allowed him the luxury of surpassing the awkwardness of small talk. But after the initial hook up, he struggled to establish the connection needed for any kind of relationship. It wasn't for lack of desire; Solace yearned for a family of his own. He was wise enough to know, he was years away from being both financially, and emotionally ready to make that happen. He was young… but he still longed for something of his own. Imprinting seemed like the obvious solution, but like Collin, Solace too, struggled with his self-worth. Except Collin was fairly ignorant to the root of his own problem and it was there, that Solace struggled with his irritation.

Blaming his imprint or her background was pointless, and the perceptive wolf was contemplating on how to best help him see that. The movie theater was unsurprisingly packed and they took their place in the long line with Anna nestled between the three hulking wolves. It was rather entertaining, and the blue-eyed imprint suspected they didn't even realize how they always positioned themselves in a defensive stance when family and imprints were around. She smiled when Brady's hand wrapped around hers. Dating a six foot chick magnet didn't come without its challenges, but Brady was both loving and attentive. It made the constant ogling and passing comments by girls, easier to overlook. Collin's attention shifted sharply to his left; the feint scent of vanilla reaching his lupine nose.

For Michelle, the last couple of weeks had gone from bad to worse. Collin's words had hurt her deeply and still, she missed him. Each night she battled with her own resolve; chanting the reasons why the window to her room needed to remain shut. She was more than curious to know if he would've returned, but understood her self-respect was worth more than the need to be with him. Her feelings ran much deeper than the physical attraction; frightening her but depressing all the same. He didn't feel the same way…at least that's what he'd led her to believe. And yet there was something in the way he touched and looked at her, that contradicted his every word. And it was that small bit of doubt that fueled her uncertainty.

Michelle had spent the last weeks moping around; struggling to complete the many assignments her nursing courses generated. Her parents worried and in attempt to appease them both, she agreed to a date with the son of her father's prominent business partner. Tim was a business major at U-Dub; both handsome and well mannered. He was charming and took interest in what she had to say, but the spark that ignited inside of her whenever Collin was near just wasn't there. Michelle felt her cheeks flush with the memory of their last encounter; a tingling forming at the back of her neck. Her eyes rose to her right and were met by the fiery gaze of the man who'd been haunting her thoughts.

Her eyes widened in surprise; a blatant look of anger on his face as he eyeballed her companion. He had a lot of nerve… Anger boiled inside of her. Collin had a way of infuriating her like no other, but it was one of the reasons she was so attracted to him. The passion he evoked in her was unmatched. Michelle huffed out her distaste and reached for her date's hand; leading him towards auditorium 9. Collin's eyes narrowed as he dragged an unsuspecting Solace out of the line.

"Change in plans. Sol and I are catching a different flick. We'll meet you in the lobby Bray"

Solace appeared confused, until he caught sight of the pair ahead. A sly smirk graced his lips; a spark of mischief building inside of him. This would be interesting… And he followed his determined pack brother with newfound glee. Brady wavered; Collin was a match itching to be lit, and the probability of this ending badly was high. He'd often served as Collin's buffer, but understood it was time his best friend stood on his own two feet. Solace's wink eased a bit of his concern, and he released a long sigh before allowing Anna to lead him in the opposite direction.

They sat two rows behind, and Collin proceeded to spend the first half of the movie spouting off derogatory comments about his unbeknownst adversary.

"Look at this joker. Looks like he came out of a catalog"

Solace listened attentively, but knew Collin was no closer to understanding his own ire. When he made to follow her out of the movie theater, Solace chose to intervene.

"Collin, before you make an ass out of yourself, tell me… Why should this girl choose you?"

The young wolf looked stunned by his pack brother's question; anger and betrayal, thick in his voice.

"What kind of fucking question is that? I thought you were my boy…"

"I am Collin, but if you don't have an answer, than how do you expect this girl to choose you over anyone else? I know why she should be with you, but do you?"

Collin struggled to come up with a response, and deflated back into his seat; resignation heavy on his face. Solace waited until the theater cleared out, and turned to face his friend.

"You don't think you're good enough for her"

The words stung more than they should.

"I'm not… Michelle's educated and her family's got loads of money. I only got but a hundred dollars to my name"

"So? What's wrong with that? Look at Nessie and Jake. Her family's filthy rich and the Cullens are freaking vampires...if they made it work, than anyone can. It doesn't matter if you feel worthy or not, the question is; do you want to be? Because if you do; then stop whining and do something about it. This thing with Oliver and Brady is going to work. I know it is; it's just a matter of time. But you gotta stop acting like a dick and let her see the real you, man."

"What if she doesn't like what she sees?"

"Then all that fucking education went down the toilet if she can't see past petty ignorance. But I don't think that's gonna happen, man. You imprinted on her for a reason…maybe it's time you found out why"

Collin nodded, giving Solace a long, appraising look. It was the most he'd ever heard him speak, and never imagined the quiet wolf held such insight.

"Thanks man. That means a lot…"

"It's all good Collin, I understand better than you think I do"

Solace's gaze betrayed his sadness, and a look of understanding passed between them.

"We should go, Bray's probably freaking out…"

They headed towards the lobby; an anxious Brady scanning the corridor in search of them. Collin spotted Michelle by the theater's entrance, and met his best friend's gaze before walking towards her.

"Give me a minute Bray…"

Her rich vanilla scent, helping to calm his frayed nerves.

"Michelle? Can we talk for a minute?"

The sound of his deep voice was a painful reminder of how much she'd missed him, but it did nothing to lessen her anger, and she remained unmoved.

"Please?"

Michelle continued to ignore the imprinted wolf, but his soft pleas eventually wore her resolve. Collin wasn't known for his delicacy, but his genuine words of remorse left Brady in a state of shock, and he immediately turned towards Solace for answers.

"What did you say to him?"

"The truth…"

Anna reached on her tippy-toes, placing a soft kiss on the young wolf's cheek. Solace stood tense and unsure. He wasn't used to platonic displays of affection, but was basking under the look of pride in her clear blue eyes. Michelle was up to her neck in studying for her upcoming Mid-terms, but agreed to hear Collin out if he made the trip to the library the next day. The young wolf forced back the bile down his throat, as he watched her get into her date's sports vehicle. He couldn't blame anyone but himself, and was surprised he hadn't lost his shit. There was much work to be done; much to make up for, and yet felt more hopeful than he had in a really long time.

"Come on old man, you know the drill…"

Jacob turned the dialer of the insulin pen to the correct units. Billy was stubborn as a mule when it came to his diabetes, so he had taken to monitoring his meds. It was a painful reminder that time didn't stop for all, and Jacob was struggling with the reality of his father's declining health. Billy was larger than life, but was feeling the progression of his disease, and the Alpha couldn't bring himself to fathom a world where he ceased to exist. It had been the two of them for so long, that once Jacob married, the idea of not having Billy under his roof was never considered.

The Quileute chief was well aware of his son's growing unease, and was trying his best to adhere for his benefit. People left…seasons changed; it was a fact of life that Billy had longed learned and accepted. Forced to accept, when he'd lost his Sarah; and had marched on for his children's sake. Soon, Jacob would have to walk on without him. But not just yet…there were still a few lessons to be taught. Billy pushed the plunger down, and smiled sardonically at his only son.

"Happy?"

"Yeah smart ass...tickled pink"

Jacob released a loud sigh. When had he become this man? Bella had once described him as her personal sun, but these days Jacob felt more like a black cloud. Responsibility came with a heavy price and his carefree days were long gone. Overseeing the garage, keeping the pack in line, and now, fighting with his father to assure his health. Everything felt like a battle… Self-pity was a trait he held in low regard, but even he had moments of weakness. The Alpha stepped outside his door, seeking reprieve in the cold air and soothing scent of the forest.

Renesmee poked her head into the living room and Billy smiled, reaching for his infant granddaughter. He placed a lamb wool blanket over her small shoulders and wheeled them both outside. Genevieve's temperature ran warmer than most humans; nowhere near the pack's, but Billy suspected she was destined for the supernatural world. She loved the outdoors and he often held her on his lap, as they waited for the Alpha's return on their front porch. Billy looked up at the light grey sky; a telling picture of pending snow.

"There's a storm coming this way, my son…"

Jacob released a tired sigh as he stared into the forest, towards the west, where a wooden cabin lay nest; a faraway and defeated look in his eyes.

"I know…" was all he whispered; sadness and resignation, thick in his voice.

Playlist

Hole in My Hand- Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Need It- Half Moon Run

Pictures of You- The Cure

Earth- Hans Zimmer