First as always..thanks to you all of you for your reviews, I am totally stoked that so many of you are loving Crimson Aurora. I've been having so much fun writing lately, (and RenesmeeAlice AKA TwilightAliceRenesmee was pushing me to get another chapter and it's incredibly hard to say no to her) and my Sociology class is over...so I wrote this chapter for you because there were going to be some things that i didn't want to have to explain through Bella's character from Leah lol if that makes any sense at all.

So this chapter is in Leah's POV if you haven't figured that out, and the next chapter will be in Zaynn's, that one should be up on Friday. Then it will be back to Bella for the remainder of the story like it was intended to be. This is also the shortest chapter..I'm not sure if Zaynn's will be as short but if so, they were bonus chappies anyways right...?

!!!!HAPPY READING!!!!

LA PUSH ~ Leah's POV

I WAS BOTH HAPPY AND NERVOUS THAT BELLA SAID YES. I WANTED nothing more than for all of my family and friends to meet the love of my life. More so than that, I couldn't wait to rub him in Sam and Emily's face. I love my cousin, this is understood, and I know what happened was unexpected and inevitable; I wanted everyone to know that it didn't matter anymore. I was happy and I had found true love.

I found the person meant for me and it couldn't be a better man. Well, actually he found me. His skin resembles the color of sand and his hair is as beautiful as silk. His eyes are like a milk chocolate sea filled with promise Kisses and Hershey hugs. An underwear model will kill for his body; not that I've seen much other than his chest, his back and his legs, but a girl can dream and I do on a nightly basis by the way.

That night after Bella made a delicious dinner and we spent a few hours hanging out in the front room with everyone we retired to our apartment. Every time Zaynn shuts the door behind him, he pulls me to him and hugs me tenderly. I always expect it, but every time he grabs my hand gently, when our bodies are as close as they are going to get, it astounds me.

"So what should I be expecting?" he asked as he held me in his arms. The heat emitting from him was so comforting, it made me feel safe and happy. I didn't ever want to leave his arms, but we needed to get to bed so we could go to La Push in the morning.

"I've never brought a man home before, so I don't know. With Sam, I didn't have to because everyone already knew him." Zaynn had said before that he was happy that Sam did what he did. He was very angry that I was hurt but grateful for the opportunity to be with me now. Which really isn't the case because Zaynn imprinted on me, that's why I never found anyone, I was predestined for someone else.

"That makes me a whole lot less nervous," he whispered sarcastically into my hair sending goose bumps all the way down to my toes.

"Okay, Quil and Paul are a little over the top, Jared is more laid back and down to earth. Sam is the Alpha, as you know and he thinks he is God's gift to everyone. Emily is sweet and kind and all that jazz that makes me just want to hurl." He wanted to know what to expect and that was it. I don't see any of them making a big deal out of this, I'm sure Billy has told them everything.

"So this Jared, he sounds like my kind of guy." He said as he twirled a piece of my hair between his fingers. "Will he be there?"

"I'm sure he will be because he is attached to Quil's shirttail. Where you see one you see the other because they are the best of friends." I said as my lids started to feel heavy. The day could not have been any longer listening to Jasper lecture, then watching him and Emmett demonstrate tactics on how to avoid a vampire's razor sharp chops. Zaynn must have heard it in my voice because he started rubbing my back lightly with the tips of his fingers, lulling me to unconsciousness.

Before I went completely under, I thought of my father; how when the time comes, he will not be here for Zaynn to ask for my hand or walk me down the aisle. I crushed myself closer to Zaynn and wrapped my arms around him, fighting back the images I did not want to see. I fell asleep that night thinking about two of the three most important men in my life and holding onto the only one left in some ways. Now that Seth has imprinted on Aviva he is rarely around.

The next morning when I woke up I leaned over to rest my head on Zaynn's chest as I did every morning. When my head fell to the bed, I was not instantly alert until I smelt it. The eggs and bacon illuminating from the kitchen was attempting to bring out the animal in me. This is why I never ate breakfast; it turned me into a savage beast.

I leaped up out of bed at the magnificent smell that was calling my name. Zaynn turned at the noise my feet made when they hit the floor. He eyed me lovingly, "Good morning beautiful, how was your night?" The hunger subsided momentarily as he held his arm out for me to embrace him. I slinked to him and slowly wrapped my arms around his bare masculine waist that always made my heart skip a beat if I laid my eyes on it. This time was no exception. He put one arm around me and hugged me to him, his other hand occupying the spatula.

I ate the delicious breakfast Zaynn made for us; he sat across from me at our little table and did the same. His feet rested under my chair because he didn't have enough room, so I laid mine on top of his. After I finished—the fastest meal I've ever devoured—he took my plate and washed it in the sink along with his, before drying them. I took a shower, Zaynn already had before I even woke up, and we headed to the house to find Bella, Aviva and Liora.

"Leah, we need you back here by tomorrow morning, there is still a lot to do." Jasper said, more of a demand, as we stepped onto the porch. I nodded and continued into the house. Bella and I recently formed a great bond and I wouldn't want it any other way, but the rest of the bloodsuckers still give me the heebie-jeebies.

Bella was in the study reading a book when I found her, Zaynn went upstairs to get Aviva and Liora. "Leah," she said as she shut her book and stood from the chair she was sitting in, "Just the person I wanted to see, will you do me a favor?"

"Of course," I replied.

"While you're in La Push, will you go by Billy's and pick up a part for Jake's rabbit? It'll be faster than sending for it."

"No problem, I wasn't aware his rabbit was out of commission." Which I wasn't, but then again, I didn't really ever pay attention. Rose and Jake shared that common ground along with Edward. I generally kept to myself, but now that I have Zaynn, I am always with him.

"It's not out of commission," she hissed playfully. "It just needs some fine tuning." she clarified.

"Okay… well that makes no sense to me whatsoever, but I will grab it and bring it back with us." I assured her.

"Thank you so much Leah. Now, don't have too much fun." she hugged me tightly.

Zaynn walked in then, with Aviva and Liora following close behind him. "Are we ready?" he asked as he stepped in the doorway.

"Yeah, I'm ready."

We each held one of their hands, forming a circle before they blinked and we were in La Push, on First Beach. Aviva and Liora waited with us to make sure we didn't have some weird emotional breakdown from the ride. There was a moment where it felt like my mind was still back in Denali, but that passed quickly and they left.

"So, are you going to tell me where we are?" Zaynn asked as I took his hand and started walking down the beach toward my mother's shop. It was beautiful, just how I remembered it; warm and overcast. This was a nice break from the wet, cold snowy weather we have in Denali. Denali's bearable but barely.

"This is First Beach; I use to spend a lot of time here." I said looking out toward the sea. This is where I escaped when Sam had disappeared for weeks, feeling lost, the sea helped me to find my way. When Sam imprinted on Emily, again, I came to First Beach. It's like my safe haven. I also came here when I was lonely before, during, and after Sam.

We walked leisurely and talked about La Push. He commented on how beautiful and green everything was as we walked. Zaynn didn't remember what it looked like here, but he said he remembered the smell. As we walked further I could see someone ahead of us on the beach, a little girl was running in circles around him. When we got closer, I realized who it was.

"Quil," I yelled releasing Zaynn and running to him. He turned at the sound of his name and his eyes grew wide when he saw me. Claire noticed me too and started clapping her hands. Quil held his arms out for me so I could give him a hug, the look on his face when I darted around him at the last second and scooped Claire up, was priceless.

"Oh," he huffed, "I see how it is. Give Claire some love and not your old friend Quil. Okay, okay, I'll remember that." He crossed his arms to feign being upset; he was not a good actor.

"Come here Quil, I was just playing," I reached up to put my arm over his shoulder. It was one of those one armed hugs because I still had Claire in my other arm. When I released him, he stared straight ahead for a moment and walked forward smiling.

"You must be Zaynn." he greeted him with his arm stretched out.

"Hello, you are…?"

"Quil, I'm Quil," he said as their hands met and they did that man hug thing that men do. When they pulled apart a moment later, Quil introduced Claire, "And this cutie is Claire Bear." he tickled her on her neck and she scrunched together, giggling and leaning into me for my protection.

We continued down the beach with Quil and Claire by our side. Claire was on Quil's shoulders, tapping him on the head like he were a pony. "Giddy up Quil, giddy up." She said before Quil started trotting circles around us. This went on all the way, until we reached the Indian souvenir shop that was settled right off the beach where my mother worked.

Jared and Kim were standing outside the shop, Jared leaning against the large wooden box that held saltwater logs, and Kim was leaning up against him. They were so engrossed in their own conversation that they didn't even notice us when we arrived and stood there staring at them. After a good five minutes of watching them, I decided to get their attention.

"Ahem," I cleared my throat.

"Oh," Jared jumped as I startled him. "Leah, what are you doing here? Hey," he said as he slipped out from underneath Kim and strutted towards me to give me a quick hug. "This is great; Sam is going to be so happy to see you." Then he looked to my side and noticed Zaynn, "Oh hey, you must be the infamous Zaynn. I'm Jared." He put his hand out and Zaynn used his free hand to do the man hug thing again. "It's nice to finally meet you man, you're all the talk around here lately."

Oh no, that's what I really hoped wouldn't happen: And why would Sam be happy to see me? I pushed that aside because it really didn't matter and looked up at Zaynn to see his response to that. It looked like he didn't mind at all, as he chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. He is completely unaware of the fact that that drives me wild.

"So, is mom here?" I asked peeking around them trying to see inside the little store.

"No, she stopped working here a few weeks back, I work here now," Kim said shyly.

"Oh," I was unaware of this. "Do you know where she might be?" I can't believe my mother would quit—she owns this shop—why would she pay someone else to run it when she could do it herself.

"She's either at home, at Billy's, or at Charlie's." Jared informed me. We stayed and reacquainted for a while. I remembered that his birthday was coming up on the 27th, the big 21. He had plans to go to Emerald Queens Casino at Exit 88.

"Oh, do you remember when we tried to go to the Lucky Eagle Casino on your 18th birthday?" I remembered it perfectly. I giggled, "Who was it that told us you only had to be 18?"

"Billy, he thought it would be funny… ha," he said to Zaynn, "Guess who won $1,000 bucks at the slots in the hotel across the street." He asked holding his hands up in a cheering gesture.

"ME," I said curtly, he was really trying to steal my glory. He laughed loudly and crouched forward to hold his sides.

"Leah," he breathed deeply, "You screamed," he laughed some more. I knew it was funny but boy could he over exaggerate. "I FREAKING won, all dramatic and like you couldn't believe it." He laughed again, lighter this time. "It was the funniest thing I've ever witnessed."

"Thanks," I glared at him. His laughter died down not to long after that and I was ready to go see my mother.

"Do you have a car?" I asked Jared, I didn't want to be stuck walking everywhere if we only have until the morning. Last time I was here he had a little pickup truck, hopefully he still did.

"Yeah, well… not exactly."

"What the heck does that mean?" I asked completely confused by his answer. "How can you not exactly have a vehicle? Either you do or you don't."

"I have a motorcycle," he answered simply.

"A motorcycle," I laughed, "How did you obtain a motorcycle?" I could picture it now, Jared driving a motorcycle with Kim holding on for dear life behind him.

"Billy gave it to me; Jake rebuilt it along with another that belonged to the bloodsucker." I never knew Jake had a motorcycle, I can see why I never saw it though; that's when I was at a very dark and empty time in my life that I'd rather not think about.

"Shoot, I guess we'll just have to walk."

"What for?" Kim asked.

"To go see my mother."

"Oh right, I have a car," Kim's beautiful voice chimed in and she saved my butt literally. She held her keys in the palm of her hand for me to take them.

"Oh you are a lifesaver Kim, thank you," I said as I snatched them from her hands and gave her a hug. "How long do I have?"

"You can use it until tomorrow when you leave, I can ride with Jared."

"Thank you so much Kim," I grabbed Zaynn's hand and pulled him towards the parking lot.

"Hey there's a bonfire tonight, you guys should come," Jared yelled after us. That is probably exactly what they want, Zaynn to be there so they can all corner him and do whatever it is they plan on doing. Not if I can help it.

Kim's car was nothing special, a Honda Accord probably late 80s early 90s. It was an automatic and had no radio; the Cullen's would have a hay day with this thing. It started roughly idling then evened out before I put it in gear. We drove down the street that led to Billy's; our first stop. "Don't let me forget about the part I'm supposed to grab for Jake," I told Zaynn.

"What part?" He asked looking out the windows idly.

"I don't know, Bella just said there was a part for his rabbit she wanted me to grab."

"Okay."

We pulled up to the red cabin and parked in the yard. When I got out I could see Billy in the window, he was smiling widely. Before we even made it to the door, Billy was rolling out the door to greet us. "Leah, what a surprise," he said as I leaned down to hug him.

"Hello Billy, how have you been?"

"This old man still gets around," he joked.

"Zaynn," he looked away from me and up at Zaynn, "it's good to see you again, and how does it feel to be home again."

"I don't really remember much of it, but the smell, the smell I remember clearly, like it was yesterday.

"Will you be joining us tonight at the bonfire?" He asked looking at me.

I couldn't help the irritated expression that crossed my face, "I don't think so Billy, we only have until tomorrow morning. We have to get back for training. Jasper has us all on a tight schedule and he made it clear that we are to be there tomorrow morning."

"Everyone will be there so you can see everyone at once; it would be really nice if you showed up." Of course he would use his guilt trip on me, he knew me like the back of his hand. Thanks mom, "Ok Billy, we'll come, but only for introductions. Zaynn's already heard the stories; I don't think we need to sit through that." I really just didn't want to let Old Quil loose on him.

"Leah, it is a tradition for every member of the tribe to be there, don't go breaking traditions now."

"Of course not," I agreed completely, devastated that he had that kind of effect over me. I guess being Ephraim Black's descendent, that should be expected. Zaynn nudged me and mouthed "part." "Oh, Bella asked me to grab a part for Jake's rabbit, do you have it?" It's a good thing Zaynn reminded me because it totally slipped my mind.

"Yeah it's in the house, on the kitchen table. You want to grab it for me?" he asked looking at Zaynn.

"Sure, no problem," he ducked through the door and was back in seconds. "Is this it?" he asked holding it up for Billy to see.

"Yeah, that's it."

I decided it was time to ask about my mother, "Is my mother here?"

"No she's down at Charlie's making him dinner." My mother has been making Charlie dinner ever sense Bella got married to Edward. Apparently, his cooking is rancid and she wouldn't allow him to continue to eat at the Diner every night like he did before Bella moved in with him. My mother is a wonderful cook, as long as you like fish or traditional Indian recipes.

"Okay, we're going to go see her."

"I'll see you tonight," he ordered.

"We'll see you there," I said dryly, I did not want to go.

We made our way down to Charlie's; my mother's car was parked in his driveway with his cruiser parked on the street. I parked the car and we headed toward the house and up the stairs. It didn't even take two knocks before Charlie answered the door, Billy must've called him.

"Leah, what a surprise," he smiled and I knew my assumption was dead on.

"Billy?" I asked as I gave him an awkward hug.

"You got it," he said as he shook Zaynn's hand. "Good to see you've survived."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked putting my hand on my hip.

"You guys are crazy over there with your inhuman abilities and your strength and whatever else goes on. I don't know how much more there could be." He turned and led us into the house and there my mother was, in all her cooking robe and hair net beauty.

"Mom," I said as I picked up my pace and grabbed her up.

"Leah what are you doing here?" she asked as I squeezed her tighter.

"We came to visit, I needed a break from the... well Jasper really; he's all business and no play and it's so tiring." I slumped down into the seat at the kitchen table, showing them how tired I truly was.

"Zaynn," my mother said, "It's so good to see you." Mom hugged him gingerly and she held her hands on his arms when she backed away. "You look like you're hanging in there, are they feeding you enough?"

"Yes, Bella is a wonderful cook." Zaynn replied and mom shot a daggered stare at him.

"Leah doesn't cook for you?" She asked staring me down in disapproval.

"No, she does and she's a wonderful cook as well, Bella just cooks most of the time, that's what I meant." It was so funny seeing Zaynn try and make up for what he said. I can't even explain how much I love that man.

"You better cook for your man," my mother replied. "That's what a good wife does."

"Whoa mom, your jumping ahead there don't you think?" Not that I didn't like the sound of that, I just didn't know how Zaynn felt about it.

He smiled, "I'm sure she will make a great wife." He caressed my hair, leaned down, and kissed me softly, taking my breath away momentarily. My eyes stayed shut longer than they should have after he pulled away. When my eyes opened, I stared at him while my breathing returned to normal.

"You got it bad Leah," my mother joked poking me in the shoulder.

"Thanks for pointing that out." Zaynn joined Charlie in the front room and I heard him explaining the rules of the game. I'm sure Zaynn would get into it, most men did. I started helping my mother with dinner; she was making Charlie's favorite and also my father's, fish fry. My father made the best in the Northwest, mom tried to make it like him but it never tasted the way his did.

"So, why did you hire someone at the gift shop?" I had to know why; it didn't make any sense to me. She's still young; it couldn't be because she couldn't stand that long anymore. She's always taken good care of herself; she's as healthy as an ox.

"Well dear, I know you know Charlie and I have become close since Bella moved away and I spend most of my time here, now that you and Seth have moved away. Well…" she was beating around the bush. "It only seemed logical that I move in."

"Whoa, a little sudden don't you think?" I was shocked. I knew they were close but I didn't know they had already progressed to the moving in stage.

"Look who's talking," she smirked back at me.

"Humph…" I crossed my arms and pouted a little. When it came to my mother, I was always and forever a child, she would always bring that out in me. And I had nothing to say, she was right. But my situation is a wholly different thing. Mine is set in stone, from birth it was destiny. Maybe that's why some of the others never imprinted, because their mates were born way before or even after them.

"Now Leah, I don't want you to make a big deal out of this. I'm a grown woman and I can and will make my own decisions." She wasn't facing me; I don't think she could've stood up to me if she were. She knew why I was pouting about this. I bet everyone has been thanking their lucky stars that I haven't come to visit sooner.

"I'm not going to make a big deal out of this but I am going to say this, I will never think of him as more than Bella's father and I will never, and I mean never, call him Dad." I have to make that clear now. There was only one man in the world that I would ever call dad, and that would be my father. He is not with us anymore, so I will never refer to another man as Dad again.

She was facing me, and she had this expression on her face that looked pained. It showed her age and I didn't like it, she was stronger than that. "Leah we would never expect you to do any of that, I love your father so much. Your father would want me to be happy and Charlie makes me happy Leah." She walked behind me and rested her chin on my shoulder, hugging me tenderly around my waist. "I love him too, but there will always be a place in my heart just for your father."

My eyes were wet from the traitor tears that were now trickling down my cheeks. We don't talk about my dad; it's just something I've grown accustomed to. To hear my mom talk about him, it's just depressing. I had to stop this now, "I'm sorry. I want you to be happy mom; I just never knew how you felt. We never talked about it, so I didn't know. If Charlie makes you happy, then I'm happy for you." I smiled the most sincere smile I could muster from the guilt I was feeling. My mom is only human and a human's biggest instinct is companionship.

"Thank you Leah," she released me and stepped in front of me. She cupped her hands around my face, and then hugged me tightly. At least this part of the trip is over with, now I can move on to the worst part, ugh.

"I need to get out of here."

"Wait Leah, where are you going?"

"I'm going out to the woods for a moment, I need to think." I walked past the living room and I saw Zaynn in my periphery, he turned and watched me stomp by. Hopefully he will follow. Once I was through the door, I was running. I pushed past the trees, stripping my clothes on the way, I didn't care if anyone was around; I needed this relief.

I didn't even worry about my socks, I just thought of the thrill of being one with nature.

My body started to tremble and my blood started pulsing, my adrenaline pumping. Fire exploded over my entire body and the heat flooded through me. Before I knew it, I was on all fours, paws on the earth beneath me, my gray coat covering every inch of me and my tail, long and thick behind me.

I ran as fast as my legs would take me, dodging shrubs, and jumping fallen tree trunks. I wasn't going anywhere and that was the thrill of it.

Leah, where are you Leah?

My mind was one with Zaynn's now. Zaynn knew every reason I was running and he knew how much I needed to be running. I would never be able to hide anything from him ever, for eternity. If we ever wanted to stop phasing, we would have to leave our home with the leeches, and I don't know if that will ever happen, Jacob is there for life. Jacob is my Alpha whether he accepts it or not, that's just how it is. My loyalties are to him and the pack, Seth and Embry.

Leah, Zaynn called into my thoughts again.

I'm running southwest. I wanted him to be running next to me; I needed him to be here.

I'm coming, wait up, I'm sorry Leah.

It's not your fault Zaynn don't be sorry.

I'm sorry that you're in the pain you're in Leah, when you're down I'm down.

I know, I just have to get past this, where are you? I had slowed to a trot so I could give him space to catch up, he was not getting here fast enough, and I need him.

I'm coming up on your right, I turned and he mauled me to the ground. I was a lot faster than him but I had no time to act, my mind is everywhere tonight.

Don't be sad Leah; I'm sure Charlie wouldn't want you to think of him that way; if he and your father were close friends then I'm sure he wants the opposite.

I know it's just hard to picture my mother with someone else; I don't want to picture it.

Everything will work out for the best. He nudged me with his snout and licked my face gingerly. Even when he's an animal, he's very sweet.

We don't have to go to the bonfire tonight; we can stay out here all night if that's what you want. He crawled off me and I picked myself up into a sitting position. He circled around and sat next to me, tangling his tail with mine.

No, we need to go, you need this, I nudged into him with my shoulder. Old Quil has even more stories than Billy; you're in for a real treat.

We ran back to the spot I dropped my clothes and Zaynn phased just past them. "I'll be waiting in front of the house," he said as he disappeared through the thick brush of trees.

I phased quickly, threw my clothes back on, and rushed to the front yard. Zaynn was there just as promised; I really looked forward to all the unbreakable promises in the future to come. He is the only reason I am going to get through this, if it weren't for him, I would still be running.

I made peace with my mother and we ate dinner with her and Charlie before heading to La Push for the bonfire. Mom and Charlie would drive separately. On the way there my mind was racing. Everyone will be there, meaning Sam and Emily. I haven't seen them in forever. I couldn't help but wonder what it was going to be like. Would they be happy for me? Would they think it was completely bogus and some sort of joke? Would they be mad? I almost turned the car around three times before we got there but Zaynn stopped me and reassured me that nothing anyone could say or do mattered when it came to the love we felt for each other. He held my hand as we walked to the large fire atop the hill that over looked the ocean.

Of course, the first person I would see with wide eyes would be…

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Let me know what you think of Leah...I had a lot of fun writing in her POV

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