Leah had been mortified several times in front of her father. She remember clearly each one of them.

The first one was when she had her period. Her mother was working at the hospital and Harry was watching a game with Billy Black in the living room. Of course, Sue had warned her about the upcoming changes of her body, but that hadn't made it less horrifying nor painful when it happened. When she'd told Harry that she needed something to ease up the pain and prevent her from tainting her pants, he'd gave her a beer and made her sit on one of his fishing raincoats until Sue's arrival. She'd heard him say to his wife that he was so not prepared for that and, as the fishy scent clung to her skin for two days, she couldn't agree more.

The second time was at Sam's prom. She already had the sex talk with Sue, who seemed to be way ahead of parenting that her husband, but Harry proceeded to sit her down with her boyfriend and expose her the different types of STD, pregnancy apparently being the worst of them 'because this one is not deadly, but it can make you lose your mind permanently'. Not only Leah felt extremely embarrassed, but she also wondered if Harry was different before her conception.

She didn't even want to remember her prom, which took place a month after her breakup with Sam, and the awkwardness of being followed by both her father and her ex.

As she arrived in his room, at the hospital, that fateful day, ready to announce him that she was pregnant with his best friend's 17 year old son who also happened to change into a giant wolf, she knew that it would be another day to set in her 'never again' wall.

The surprised look on his face as he saw her coming said it all. Their bond was so broken he didn't believe she would come visit him. She surprised herself too when she decided to see him when she'd awaken that morning. She wasn't ready to deal with his judgement, but she needed to talk to him. Seth and Jacob had advised her that the battle would take place the day after, and it was part of her last wishes if something went wrong.

She would have settled for a great dinner and some cliff jumping for the adrenaline - and maybe a last intimate moment with Jacob, if he agreed - but a part of her was ridiculously hopeful and also needed some closure with her father, so she left her parents' house quietly while Jacob was sleeping, hoping that he wouldn't realize her absence - he was starting to get in her nerve with all his coddling and worrying about her every move when he wasn't training with the Cullens; and she also had to have a discussion with him later.

"You look better than the last time I saw you," she pointed out, chuckling nervously.

"Oh, yes. About that. Your mother had told me what happened and… I hadn't got the occasion to… thank you for… you know, saving my life."

She'd never heard him stutter and felt more uncomfortable as she sat beside him.

"Don't mention it. You would have done the same for me," she dodged swiftly. "How are you feeling?"

"Good, good. The doctors said I'll be able to go out in two days or so."

"Great, that's really great."

"You don't have to beat around the bush, Leah. I know you. You have something to tell me or to ask."

She gasped and stared at him with wide eyes, making Harry chuckle.

"You have that weird habit of scraping your nails when you're nervous. When you were a little girl, you used to do that with a pout when you'd done something to your brother and you didn't want to be punished. Your mother would fall for that every time."

"Well, I've done nothing to Seth lately, if it makes you more comfortable," she joked.

"I don't think you're here to ask me for a favor either. You're way too grown-up to need an old man like me to do something for you," he said, almost sadly.

"Always straight to the point, huh?"

"Us Clearwaters are well known for this quality."

"True…" she sighed. "Okay, so -"

"Hi, everyone! Am I late?"

Leah rolled her eyes, slightly irritated as her annoying brother stood in front of her, grinning widely, with a camera.

"What the hell are you doing there with this?" she growled.

"Well, I wanted to capture this moment! So, have you told him already?"

"No! Go away!"

"I'm beginning to feel a little worried, children," Harry said, eyeing them suspiciously.

"Well, maybe you should grab the call button, just in case your heart wouldn't support the shock!" Seth suggested.

"Great! Just great, Seth!" Leah snarled. "How am I supposed to say anything now?"

"Just go with the flow!" her brother answered, pointing the camera at her. "Wait. Go ahead. And… Action!"

"Get that camera out of my face or I swear I'll make you swallow it!" she warned him, glaring.

"Oh come on, Beast! It's just for fun!"

"Seth, shut down this camera and don't annoy your sister. It's not good for her to be stressed in her state," Harry scolded.

Both siblings gaped at their father, dumbfounded.

"How… How do you know?" Leah managed to blubbered.

"Your mother told me."

"Of course she would do that," she mumbled.

"Then Billy visited me yesterday and shared the news with me…"

"Is there anything sacred in this tribe? I can't believe it -"

"And finally Jacob came to see me."

"What? The little piece of -"

"Don't blame the kid for that,"Harry cut her seething daughter off. "I think it's very brave of him to come and assume the consequences of his actions."

"Oh my God! It's even better than all I've imagined!" Seth rejoiced, only to be hit with a bottle of water. "Hey! You really need anger management!"

"Seth,could you leave us a moment, please?" Harry asked, the tone of his voice leaving no other choice but to comply.

"I don't know why I came, since you already knew," Leah grumbled.

"I'm glad you made the gesture of coming to see me though. It's an important step for you and I won't lie, I think you're too young for having a baby. Especially with Jacob Black. Apparently you haven't followed my advices about abstinence being the best contraception."

"Here we go! I know I've messed up, thank you for pointing it out!"

"Why are you here, Leah? Are you there for my approval? Because I know for sure that you don't need me. You've said it and proved it enough those last two years!"

"I don't know," she answered truthfully. "You're right, I don't need you, but I just… You're my father and I wanted to be the one to tell you the news. I wanted to see you, in case -"

"In case something goes wrong tomorrow?" he conclude more gently.

Leah's chest tightened as she thought about the different outcomes.

"I've talked with Jacob about his plan. It's risky, but it has a chance to work," Harry went on. "He's young, but he's a good boy and I trust him to do everything he can to protect his family."

Her father's word made her shiver. She knew that Jacob considered her as family, he'd told her countless times, but the way Harry oriented his sentence made her feel different. She unconsciously put her hand on her stomach, which made his father smile weakly.

"You know, the last thing I wanted for you was to be linked with a Protector. I didn't want you to be involved in this world. When Sam broke up with you, I took it as a blessing for you. You deserved better than staying here, constantly worrying over what your husband would be doing or if he would ever come back. I knew you would pick yourself up and move on with your life. You've always been the strongest of us all…"

"I'm not," she countered, feeling her eyes water. "I might seem strong, but I'm not. I'm flipping out right now, you know? It's too much for an human being in so little time. I don't know what I'll do with the baby if I ever survive. I don't know where I stand with Jacob and I don't want to know either because he's too young to raise a baby, no matter how responsible he is. And for the record, back when Sam left me, I was crushed, Dad, and I needed you to comfort me."

"I'd never been good at comforting people, Princess," he retorted. "Remember the day you've found out that burgers were made of cow meat?"

Leah dried her tears and shook her head. She had no idea what he was talking about.

"You went in Forks with your class to see an exposition or something like that. When you came back, you were devastated because they were killing cows to make burgers. You were fascinated by cows at that time because your mother didn't want you to have a dog. I told you that they were giving their lives for a good cause, because burgers were great and tasty and they were your favorite, like chickens and nuggets so their death weren't in vain since they were making a little girl happy,, and you cried harder,vowing that you'd never eat burgers and nuggets anymore. I was in the doghouse for a week after that."

"Wow… Remind me to never try to seek comfort by your side…"

"Anyway, after a week, you got over it and you asked your mother for nuggets. You ate all your plate and you thanked the chickens for the meal they gave you. I like to think that my speech cheered you up enough to get over it."

"That, and maybe my love for nuggets!" Leah laughed weakly.

"I'll still take that small victory." Harry smiled at his daughter. "I know I haven't been the best father and I don't expect you to forgive me for my reactions. But I know that you're going to be okay, and I'm happy that you came today. It means a lot to me."

Leah nodded and stood up, unable to say what she knew he expected. It would take a long time for her to being able to see past the hurt she still felt, and time was a luxury she couldn't buy.

"I… I have to go. I'm glad you're okay," she managed to say. "Take care of yourself."

"You too, Leah. I know you will…"

She ran outside as fast as she could, her last nerves crumbling down as she heard him say "I love you."

…

She didn't have time to break down, as Seth told her that the were expected at the battlefield they'd chose. The cooperation between the Pack and the Cullens seemed to be positive, as they both knew the landscape and put their assets in common.

The vampire scent, though, hit her like a wall when she arrived making her nauseous and grumpy. Jacob came by her side - for which she was glad even if she had to throw a rock at him for speaking with her father without her permission - and stood with her protectively as she followed Jasper's orders and left her scent around the clearing. The Pack was flanking them, forming a kind of impenetrable wall in front of them, the one who'd trained with the Cullens trading his place with the next in line once he finished.

She was grateful for their protection and hope that the little surprise she'd prepared for them back in la Push would show them how truly touched she was. She'd hired her Mom, along with Emily, since they were the ones who cooked for the guys, and she'd given them a little extra from what she'd earned during her days as an intern in the Seattle daily so that they could buy all they needed to make everyone their favorite meal. She couldn't do it herself as her cooking skills were limited to say the least, and she was supposed to spend the night with Bella in the mountains, where Edward and Jacob decided to hide them just in case.

Bella arrived later with her boyfriend and processed to rub against trees like Leah did previously. Leah dreaded the moment she would finish, because it would mean that they would have to leave. She felt incredibly guilty as she thought about hiding while the Pack would be fighting to save her life.

"Okay, we're done, here," Edward finally said with Bella in tow. "Jacob? Remember our plan?"

Jacob nodded and, in a swift move, lift her from the ground and carried her in his arms. Leah's blood boiled when she saw Bella put her head on his shoulder before taking off.

"Does he really have to do that?" she asked through clenched teeth.

"His scent is masking Bella's this way. Hiding you would be useless if you left a trail," Edward explained.

"He could have given her a piggyback ride!" she mumbled, annoyed.

"Jealous, much?"

She didn't respond and instead walked towards the members of the Pack, who were still in their wolf form.

"Okay, guys. I'm not good with speeches, so I'm going to make it quick," she started, earning instantly their attention. "You're a bunch of idiots. I can't stand the majority of you, but… You're my bunch of idiots,so if I heard that one of you got hurt or worse, I…"

A lump formed in her throat and she choked on her words. A gangly sandy brown wolf then trotted to her and place his nose on her stomach. Looking into his eyes, she instantly recognized her brother and her heart broke as she thought that she could lose him too. Fortunately, Jacob had decided to put him on camp watch the next day, so he could stay with her and protect her if needed. She petted his massive head and gave the rest of the Pack a watery smile.

"I know you have a reputation to defend. Show the leeches how brave and merciless a Quileute can be, but stay careful and protect each other, okay? Now go back to your human form so I can hug you properly!" she added after their collective yip.

One by one, she hold them into her arm, letting her know how much she cared for them without actually saying it. Even Sam got a hug, added with a plea he didn't expect.

"Make sure Jake comes back in one piece, please."

"Leah -"

"Look, I don't care that you're not Alpha anymore. You're the eldest. It's your duty to make sure that nobody gets hurt here. Nobody deserve to fight, but Jake… He's important to me, you got that?"

"I do."

"I might not know him as you do, but I know he will be distracted because Bella and I won't be there. So try to keep him focused and don't let him play the hero."

"You really care about him, don't you?"

"How can't I? He's the kindest soul I've ever met," she answered sadly.

She felt Sam's hand pressing slightly hers, responding silently to her request.

"Do me a favor and don't play the hero either," he added.

"Psh! You know me!" she scoffed.

"That's why I ask!" he retorted, smiling.

She heard someone clear his throat behind her and shivered as her eyes locked with Jacob's. She wondered how long hed been there and how much he'd heard, but didn't dare to say it out loud.

"Ready to go?" he asked, picking her up.

She closed her eyes and nestled in his arms, not wanting to show how much it pained her to leave the Pack behind.

...

The campsite was already settled when they arrived and Bella was waiting for them anxiously. Leah couldn't help the low growl that came out of her mouth when Jacob hugged his other friend quickly.

Why does he have to be that touchy feely with her?

"You okay?"Jacob questioned, sensing her mood change.

"Yeah. I'm hungry. I don't think I've eaten today." That wasn't totally a lie.

"Leah… That's not wise!" he chastised her.

"I know, Mom! Sorry if I had other things to worry about!"

"I've made sandwiches in my backpack, if you want," Bella proposed.

"Thanks Bells," Jacob said, rushing inside the tent.

"Yeah, thanks, Bells!" Leah repeated sarcastically. Though she started to have some empathy to the poor girl, her proximity to Jacob still irritated her, even if she had no claim over him.

She ate in silence, looking at the sunset and thinking about what would happen the next day. As she wasn't in the mood to take part of the terrible trio's conversation, she grabbed the notepad she got when she was with the Cullens and began to scribble on it to ease up her mind.

"What are you writing?" Bella asked, trying to involve her in their group.

"Nothing important," Leah said. "Just some things crossing my mind."

"She's writing a story about Jacob," Edward started to explain, earning a glare from the writer.

"Me? Really?" Jacob said, surprised.

"It's just a succession of thoughts, not really a story."

"You have to let me read this!"

"It's silly, you won't like it. And it's inspired from you, but it isn't really about you."

"You wrote it, of course I will love it! Come on! I wanna read!"

"There's no way in hell I'll let you read this!"

"Tell me at least what's it about! Is it an action story? A love story?"

"Fine! It's about a boy who wanted to be the man of the house since the death of his mother. He wished to be able to take care of his family and he's been given super powers. But with those powers came more responsibilities and he doesn't like this. He has to find his path and to concile the normal life he wants with the fact that he has the power to save the world. Happy?"

"It really sounds like Jake," Bella intervened. "How will your story end? Will he choose the normal life or his powers?"

"He can't choose. That's part of him. He takes his responsibilities and tries to make a better world for the generations to come. That's the reason why he's born, but that doesn't mean that he will stay unhappy. At least I hope so."

"What about his family?" Jacob suddenly wondered.

"Well, they are very supportive and proud of him."

"No, I mean, will he have his own family? Will someone want to be with him, to have his kids, knowing that he his a superhero?"

"I guess so," Leah stuttered, avoiding his intense gaze. "I haven't written that part yet."

"I think he deserves this,anyway. He's sacrificing everything to help the world, the least you can do is giving him some love," Bella declared.

"Love isn't everything, Bella!" Leah spat harshly. "You might be in love and deliriously happy with Edward and you'll probably have your happily ever after, but that's not the case for everyone! You can love someone with all your heart and not being good enough for him. You can love someone and not being able to handle what comes with it! Love hurts. Love kills. Love is selfless in a world of selfishness. And I wish I was selfless, but I'm not."

"I'm… I'm sorry. I was talking about the book. I didn't realize that you…" Bella stammered.

Realizing that she'd opened up her heart to perfect strangers about her feelings with Jacob, Leah threw her notepad away and ran outside the tent. She needed to get away from them, at least for a moment, to regain her composure and not to lose her dignity completely.

She heard Jacob calling her name from behind her and shook her head as she felt his arms closing around her hips from behind. For a moment, she felt safe and content. It was a gesture she loved, a gesture so intimate and meaningful that she wanted to believe she deserved it.

But she didn't.

She didn't lie when she said Jacob was too much for her to handle. He was too mature for his age, too kind with people he cared about, so comprehensive with her even when she didn't say anything it was irritating. He was ready to give his life to protect her, and what did she had to offer in exchange?

"I'm sorry," she breathed as his embrace tightened.

"You were right," he said in the same tone, putting his head on her shoulder.

"About what?"

"Love. How selfless it is and how selfish we are."

She turned around to face him and was struck with the desperation on his eyes. Her heart stopped shortly and she lifted her hand to stroke his cheek. She wanted to say a lot of things, but she couldn't. She couldn't face her feelings for him at that moment.

"I want you to stay with me forever," he started, making her heart beat faster.

"I can't. I can't stay here."

"I would give up anything for you."

"You've already given up too much, that wouldn't be fair to you. They need you here."

"I need you more."

"You know I won't stay here."

"I know and I'm ready to follow."

"I have nothing to give you except a lousy life away from you friends and your family."

"You are my family too, Leah. You and the baby, and I don't want to lose you either."

"Let's say we keep the baby and we leave far away from here. What will happen when you'll find your soulmate?"

"I don't believe in soulmates. But I could ask you the same. What if we leave and you find someone better than me?"

She wanted to say that she would never find someone who'd touched her soul as he did, but it wouldn't solve anything.

"What if something happen in la Push and someone die? What if they ask you to come back? I don't want you to resent me for keeping you away from doing your duties."

"What about you? Are you willing to abandon them after mending fences with your mother? With Seth? Don't you plan to come back at all?

"Not if I keep the baby. I won't risk him being cursed and I don't want to live in constant fear of him changing because of the Cullens or another group of vampires running around the Rez."

"So you'd keep it?"

"I - I don't know, Jake!" she cries and pulled away from him, overwhelmed by their conversation.

"Would you stay with me if you weren't pregnant?"

"The problem would be the same," she sighed sadly. "I would take too much from you. I would want to be with you but I wouldn't because my heart wouldn't take it if something happened to you. I would want a family with you, but I wouldn't do it because I would always be afraid of not being strong enough to raise them knowing what fate they're risking by staying in the Rez. I wouldn't settle for a job here either, because I would become bitter knowing that I had better, that I could do better than that. We would end up being unhappy, and that's not what I wish for you Jake. You deserve so much… You deserve to be loved fully, without fear, without anger, without emotional issues… You deserve to be with someone who lives, and I'm barely surviving."

"You're wrong."

She gasped as Jacob grabbed her hand and molded her body against his.

"You see that? Feel that? We fit, Leah. We fit and that's it."

"Jake -"

"No Jakes, no buts. We fit. You know that. You're scared of what your life could be. You're scared to be happy. But you're not scared with me. I can hear it when you sigh when I hold you in my arms. I can feel it when your body relaxed against mine and I can see it when you're smiling in your sleep. You're not scared with me and most of all you're not scared of me. That's all I ask."

As if to confirm his statement, she could feel the tension of her body leaving her slowly. He lifted her chin and locked his gaze into her distraught one.

"I know I'm making you happy. I see no anger when I look into your eyes. There's no anger between you and me, and all the anger I felt before you came into my life vanished since I found you. Your friendship and you trust made me grow. You're making me better, Leah Clearwater."

She could feel his heart thumping, echoing with hers as his words anchored in her mind. She'd seen his transformation since she arrived, from a lovesick teenager obsessed with a girl to the chief of the Pack ready to do whatever it took for the good of his people. A part of her was proud that he credited her for his transformation, but she didn't want him to fall from an obsession to another one. He was young, it was a crush and he would have a lot of them later, if they ever survive.

"I can see a lot of sadness, for sure. Probably because you can't let go of the bad things that happened to you, but you let yourself go with me. You're not afraid to show me your weaknesses and I love this part of you. I just wish you'd let go completely of the past. Maybe we're too young to have this baby, but I want to have children with you in the future, no matter what you decide now. We could make so much things together, so much new memories. You just have to give me a chance. Let me love you, Leah, and let yourself live with no regrets."

He'd been right about a lot of things and she wanted to believe him with all her heart. But she was a rogue spirit and as much if he managed to mellow her heart, her mind was still reeling with all the bad things that could happen to them. His expression became desperate and he tightened his grip around her.

"You've faced your fears and dumped your anger. Even if you're not ready to cherish your memories, I'm offering you my heart and all the love I have for you. Don't let it die,please. Take a leap and grab it…"

At those words, she crashed her lips to his with a force she didn't know she had in her. She couldn't say no when all she wanted was to feel loved. She had lost that fight, and Jacob Black was the key to her damnation.

A/N: I'm sorry to cut the chapter here, but it was already longer than what I usually publish, and I know that the battle scene will be a pain to write, so I will need to start it with something... Spicy! ^^

I'm already writing it as I type, so I just wanted to thank you for all your wishes and your reviews. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter!

Lot of love from France!

Leilani.