AN

Hey all,

Thanks for your patience and reviews. You guys sure know how to make me smile!

I'm glad people liked the little Leah and Seth moment.

Here's the next chapter as promised. I hope you enjoy it; we are going back to Cris for a chapter now.

Cris's POV

The day was soon spent. It was supposed to be an easy weekend, but with this morning's events that was impossible. To add to things, Jake had called me in the afternoon to set up tonight's meeting. Everyone was expected to attend as it was the first serious pack council we had held together. The fun and games were over; this was purely business.

I surveyed the room; I knew everyone by name now, and we all sat around the living room in small groups. It was dark again outside and the day had flown by fast. Regardless of Sam's pack patrolling, we all did some rounds for our own peace of mind.

I looked at the anxious faces around me. Everyone was here except Jared and Paul who were on duty.

I noticed Jake's group looked a little awkward tonight; the appearance of Leah seemed to have been a complication. Jake was standing some way behind her, looking irritable, and Embry was glancing at both of them suspiciously. Seth in the meantime was sitting as close to her as possible, looking protective, and Quil was smirking at all of them.

I looked back to Leah; she was a different person from this morning. She was clean and sober for starters, but more than that, she was in boyish clothes and her long hair was gone. It was almost the same shortness as Jake's (Corey and Brady had finally pinned him down and cut it in the week). Despite the changes, she was still as pretty as earlier.

Everyone seemed settled enough to commence the meeting.

"Right, Jake? Sam? Shall we start?" I motioned for silence.

I didn't mean to take charge, but it kind of happened whenever we were in the Cullen's house. This was my temporary base.

Jake spoke next. "Actually, I'm taking a step back. Leah's in charge."

I looked to Leah who was hesitant and heard some sarcastic remarks from Sam's side of the room. They were quickly stubbed out with one look from me and their alpha. It was a surprise to me that she was Jake's choice for alpha. Not because I thought she was a bad choice, but because I knew so little about her. I carried on regardless as if it was Jake I was speaking to.

"So, are there any new developments?" I questioned.

Leah stood up slowly to speak. "Well, I went through the papers today…"

"Who cares…?" Brady yawned.

Leah froze and glared at him. I heard Seth growl and I was angry at Sam; he really needed to check his guys more often.

Leah took a deep breath and lifted her shoulders higher. "Let's get this over with shall we?" She spoke clearly to the room, "I don't care who likes me. Jake wants me as alpha, my pack supports this and you all better deal with it. If someone has something to say let's have it!" Nobody moved. "What about you, ass wipe?"

Brady cowered at the stare she directed his way.

She looked satisfied; "Fine then. Let's continue!"

There was silence, but with that over and done with Leah came to life and started describing the murder in the paper to us. No one could explain it, and then she mentioned Edward's phone call. Edward had said Carlisle had managed to get a copy of the coroner's report. There were no signs of anything vampire related; it was however, hard to be sure of the cause of death as the body was so crushed and the internal damage she suffered was indescribable. They couldn't even identify the woman at the moment. Edward warned us to be vigilant regardless. The Cullen's also offered to keep an ear out for anything unusual.

It wasn't exactly helpful and only confirmed what we knew.

Leah looked to Sam next and questioned him; "So, what did you guys find today?"

"Nothing at all; the area is clean and clear. I even borrowed Jaden to check the tree's in case they were staying off the ground." Sam's information was as useful as Edward's.

I had to ask them; "Everyone has to think carefully. Is there anything odd about what you've seen? Anything at all - no matter how minor."

I was shocked that Jaden spoke next. "Actually, Corey was jumpy in the woods last night."

I looked at my brother. "Something happened?"

"No! It was nothing; I was just surprised by Jaden flying round me." It figures Corey was embarrassed. He would never willingly admit being spooked by anything.

I raised my eyebrows at him.

Corey sighed. "OK. So, I'd just landed a jump, when I saw Jaden moving outside my line of sight."

"Dude, I had only just arrived! I found you, hackles and all, standing like that in the wood. That wasn't me!" He and Jaden had clearly had a misunderstanding.

I interrupted. "Did you actually see anything, or did you just assume it was Jaden?"

"Err… No, I saw nothing clear." Corey looked ashamed like he'd let us down.

I felt a similar disappointment; little black marks kept falling against him.

Leah addressed him. "Corey, get over it. Mistakes happen. All of us have learnt a harsh lesson over the last 24 hours."

Her words were sharp, but I appreciated the truth in her bluntness. The brother and alpha in me were conflicted.

"So if it wasn't Jaden, it was possibly our mystery guest." My concern was growing. "What are the chances they know about Barrow?"

Everyone looked at me in confusion.

"It's unlikely. Why?" Sam answered.

Dread filled me. "Lee's cousin is missing!"

"Since when?" Leah seemed to connect the dots.

"About the same time we left. Lee thinks she ran away." My mind was racing with worry and I fell back into the seat behind me.

Leah walked over and knelt down, looking at me with something similar to sympathy, "Cris; calm down. The timing is unlikely to be the same person; think of the distance. What makes you think it's odd?"

I calmed myself and looked at her. "They found her diary, and she was hiding something. They think maybe it was an affair - or something seedy - and that she left before anyone found out."

"You don't agree?" Leah questioned. She stood up and walked away from me at the same time.

"I knew this girl from growing up. Lee's even closer; it's why he's worried. Everyone else has just accepted it and expects her to be in touch when she's ready, but she isn't the kind to run away from her problems." I sighed, "You're right though. It can't be linked; it's too close in time frame."

"There's no telling, but we can keep it in mind. People do strange things when they're hurting." Sam was watching Leah as he spoke, but she paid him no attention.

The meeting continued much in the same manner. There was nothing more anyone could think of, but we were on high alert. Patrols were to continue with at least two on at a time. With the Cullen's gone, the borders were extended, but this also gave us no boundaries to worry about.

I included my pack in these plans; well me and Jaden at least. Tomorrow I was sending Corey and Shay home. I knew there was danger here, but I wasn't willing to let Lee carry on unsupported. Nor, was I going to chance my people's safety. Right now we knew nothing, which meant everything was at risk.

I didn't want to send my brother away. I would worry about him but tactically it made sense. I needed to be here to show our support for the La Push wolves and maintain our alliance. Besides, I was the only one who could communicate with the other packs when phased. Corey, on the other hand, was my beta and could run the pack from Barrow. I decided to keep Jaden with me for his wings. Shay, in the meantime, would put my mind at rest by knowing he was protecting our home and my little brother.

My decision was set, and I made my announcement at the end of the meeting. There was clear disappointment from the packs because they were losing two of us, yet they could hardly ask me to put my own people second. I knew Shay and Corey were surprised; it was news to them too. Corey looked particularly unhappy, but it was my choice to make, and if things changed so would my decision.

The meeting finally disbanded and Sam's pack left quickly, excited that Emily was cooking tea for them all.

Jake's lot, well, I supposed it was currently 'Leah's lot', stayed behind chatting. Leah stood in the corner of the room alone, avoiding all conversation. I was considering approaching her when Corey wandered over to her. I watched on embarrassed - and slightly amused - as he started trying to make her laugh. Leah didn't look impressed, in fact she looked plain bored and irritated; Corey never was any good at reading people. As I thought this, Leah caught my eye and the tiniest smile crept up her face. Corey took this as a sign he was actually entertaining her.

To the day I die, I will never know how my brother ever got laid, or who he learnt from. I could only cringe as he pulled out the worse chat up line ever.

"You know, if I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put I and U together." He actually winked at her and his grin was growing every second, along with his confidence.

What the hell was he thinking? This was an alpha female, a she-wolf, not some bimbo in a bar.

Leah snorted in disgust; "Oh, really? Because, if I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put F and U together."

Embry and Quil almost doubled over, Seth rolled his eyes at the new alpha, and Jake just grunted. Shay and Jaden meanwhile hid their faces and pretended to look at a picture on the wall.

Corey's face looked like a slapped arse; it was a harsh comeback, but it was a lame chat-up line as well. I covered my mouth and coughed to stop the laughter that was building. I loved my brother, but his ego needed deflating sometimes. I earned a cold stare from him nether the less.

"I say, Cris…" Corey had a friendly enough expression, but I knew from his tone he was about to start something.

"Yes Corey?" I answered politely; I had years of practice with him.

"As your little brother is so lame, why don't you entertain the new alpha instead? You've fought one on one with all the others, and poor Leah's missed all the fun." He was going somewhere with this.

Leah looked at me questioningly and raised an eyebrow; what was I supposed to say?

I had no inclination to fight her. She wasn't anywhere near my size and I didn't want to hurt her. "I'm not in the mood, thanks."

"Oh come on; you're so boring…." Corey was smiling as he spoke, but his mood was swiftly changing. "You won't even play with her. What's wrong with you?" He pointed at Leah, looking her up and down suggestively as he did.

"What is this actually about?" I snapped back at him, I didn't like any kind of disrespect to women and he was using one of our allies in the conversation.

Corey went to speak, but Shay spoke up, "Corey don't be a dick! Let it go. Let's just go for a run."

"Keep out of it Shay, this is between me and my brother," Corey spat.

Shay's fists clenched; he had a very low tolerance for back chat.

I, on the other hand, watched on ashamed of Corey's bratty behaviour.

Leah's angry voice cut through all of us; "Screw this. If you guys are having a domestic, we are going."

She motioned to the rest of her pack and stormed out past me. The guys looked awkward and followed muttering apologies and goodbyes. Jake was last and gave Corey a fairly impressive death stare.

"Nice Corey, really mature. Make our guests leave why don't you!" I turned to go upstairs and end the impending argument.

"I'm sorry, but it's not fair Cris," Corey cried after me. "I don't want to go!"

"Tough; Tupit you can't always get what you want. This isn't an easy choice, but it's necessary." I made eye contact trying to emphasise my words sincerely.

It didn't work, and unfortunately it pushed Corey over the edge. He was livid about being sent home and used a few choice words.

Shay looked torn. I knew he didn't want to leave either, but he would never attack me verbally like my brother was. I was finally starting to get angry; my decision wasn't up for negotiation and Corey was pushing me.

I realised just how annoyed I was with him. The more I thought about it, the more this forest incident was starting to piss me off. I had let it slide at the meeting, he had looked so shameful, but his insolence now was changing my mind.

I thought back to last night; his attitude at the beach made it clear his only concern was having a good time. He'd badmouthed me and made me feel crap because I was the one being responsible. I had considered him right until this morning, but as always I let it go. I put it down to him being my brother and worried about the things he missed out on being a wolf.

On reflection, I was disappointed in him. He had even dismissed Lee's pain over his family problems and brushed it off. It was all because he didn't want it to spoil his party. I was more disappointed in myself for not putting my foot down. We were all meant to be family.

As Corey ranted, I pointed out to him the irony. If, last night he hadn't been so worried about getting back to the house and drinking he would have listened to his instincts. If, he had paid more attention, or got us together we could have looked around. It might have prevented this whole day and then he wouldn't be going home! I knew it was all ifs, but it was true.

He wasn't listening and instead he actually shoved me!

Shay hauled him back in horror, while Jaden got in the middle of us as I started to shake. I turned and walked out of the house before I could retaliate.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Corey had never been physically aggressive to me before. I knew he could act spoilt and he was young, but this was taking it to another level.

God, why was I always making excuses for him? Standing in the middle of the drive I took slow deep breathes, pinching my nose to try and clear my head.

Corey's voice came from the doorway behind me, "Cris, I really don't want to fight, but I'm not going."

I didn't turn and gritted my teeth, "You're going. It's not a request."

"Come on, I'm your brother. Send Jaden instead." Corey was playing the family card. It didn't surprise me, and confirmed everything I had been thinking.

"I'm not telling you as a brother; I'm telling you as an alpha! I'll command you if I have to." I turned and looked at him dead on.

"No! I refuse to go home; I hate our life in Barrow. It's so small and insignificant! We've been here one week and I feel more alive than I have in seven years. Don't take that from me." Corey was using a guilt trip now.

Shay and Jaden were watching our argument progress and I was not prepared to be shown up by my beta. I already took enough shit from Corey, but to be repeatedly disrespected in front of the pack was too much. I refused to let the other guys see him get away with things because he was blood.

I felt my release as I shivered into my wolf form and shredded my clothes. I took one step towards Corey, crouching low in an attack position. I could feel the anger and the need for him to submit running through me. To underline the fact that I shouldn't be messed with, I gave a low vicious growl.

Corey actually had the audacity to laugh, "You won't hurt me Cris."

That was it, I launched at him. He was never as quick as me, but he phased as I threw him to the ground, pinning his body beneath mine. His mind was alight with words of fury and behind them was shock that I had actually followed through.

"Are you listening yet?" I mentally shouted. "Are you so sure you're safe from me?"

"You won't hurt me." His mind was quickly confident again.

I loved this guy to the bones, but this was for his own good, things had to change. I still had him pinned on his back, while he struggled to get up. I did the hardest thing I had ever done next. I closed my canines around his throat. In desperation, I begged him to submit. I told him I would let him get up if he fell in line, there would be no shame in it, but he wasn't listening.

I had no options left and felt my teeth bite into him; it wasn't deep, but I tasted his blood in my mouth. Corey cried out in my mind while his wolf form yelped and finally went limp in submission.

I let him go quickly and stepped back. Part of me wanted to aid him, but the other part needed to dominate and follow through; "Right now, I am your alpha! You are leaving tomorrow."

It was the command I didn't want to give, but it reinforced what had just happened. I hated taking away their choices, and seeing Corey lying defeated on the floor almost broke me.

I felt his pride break instead and hated myself even more. I just hoped he now understood the line between brother and beta; he could hear my thoughts, and I whispered sorry as he phased back.

I watched as he lay naked on the lawn with his hands holding his now healing throat. His eyes were filled with hate. I turned and ran into the forest, leaving my pack behind and hoping I had just done the right thing.

"You did!" Lee's mind came through.

"How long have you been there?"

"We, have been here a while. You might have heard us if you and Corey weren't mentally yelling at each other." It was Alex.

Dylan's thoughts joined us; "Yeah, and you say we are gobby! Guess we aren't coming down then?"

"I'm sorry lad's, not at the moment. I don't know what's going on right now."

Alex reassured me, "It's ok. We can come when everything's calmer."

Dylan followed suit. "Yeah it's cool! Besides, it sounds like we missed the big party; just don't have the next one without us!"

My mood was lifted by the twin's attitude. I knew how much they wanted to be here, so their acceptance meant a lot. On occasions like this it was easy to see why, despite their age, they had become skin walkers. They were the jesters, but they weren't really naïve. They just always made us see the funny side.

"Hey Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb? Why don't you clear off and annoy someone else for a while?" Lee's mind was friendly, but they got the point.

"Yeah, yeah! We get it… Don't want to listen to your boring old chit chat anyway!" The twins chuckled in unison as they faded out.

Lee took the quietness as a chance to show me what was happening at home. Everything and everyone had gone back to normal. He was disappointed; it had barely been a week, but her diary meant it was a shut case. The authorities just didn't think the same threats were out there that we did and her parents refused to file a missing report.

I felt sorry for him. His grandparents were great, but the rest of his family, not so much. His parents had died when he was young and his uncle and aunt were alcoholics. They wouldn't be sober enough to keep up any search for his cousin. Hell, they hadn't even noticed she had problems. The only place they would try and find her was at the bottom of a bottle.

Lee could hear all of my thoughts; "I knew Maxi always wanted better. Maybe she got a chance to… Oh, I don't know!"

"Look, the boys are coming home tomorrow; they'll pick the search up again. We might find something!"

"Thanks Cris, but you know as well as me, if the twins and I couldn't track her, no one else will."

"Well, she could have only left by plane; you can't exactly hitchhike out of Barrow."

"The police said there were some private flights going out around the time, but if she went last minute she might not be recorded as a passenger. You know what some of these pilots do for cash!" Lee had covered every option. "I'm sorry to make such a big deal; it's just she was the closest thing I had to sister."

"Don't be stupid, I'd be the same about Corey." I thought of my brother, I knew he wouldn't speak to me for a while. He was too proud, but I'd be lost without him.

"It will be ok! We all think the world of Corey, but you were right. You were going to lose our respect if he kept getting special treatment. If he wants to be beta, he should act like it. Words were never going to be enough." Lee was like my conscience sometimes. "I'm going to go catch up with A and D. Just stop worrying; I'll get some sense into Corey when he gets here."

"Thank you." I said as Lee left me alone with my thoughts.

I had arrived at the beach; my legs had been on auto pilot. I padded along the sand until I found a cave set back in the cliff. I didn't plan on going back tonight. It was irresponsible, but it was the safest option. I didn't want any more drama with Corey and I felt ashamed.

Sadly and slowly, I lay down in wolf form to let the ocean song lull me to sleep.