The Twilight Series belongs to S. Meyer, no copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing with the characters.

AN: I'm not sure about this chapter but I promised an update. So review and let me know what you think. There will possibly be a little surprise with the next chapter. I'm not 100% sure but I'm thinking that Leah may get lucky and maybe Jake will wake up a bit. Should I or shouldn't I, let me know.

Chapter 25

Making Nice With a Little Kidnapping

It was Tuesday morning and Leah was running the borders. She still hadn't come up with a way to approach the Cullens and get them to listen to her. She needed to employ some of Jared's techniques and think outside the box. She had thought about calling them but realized, she probably have to apologize and she definitely was not going to do that. And she wasn't sure about venturing into Cullen territory alone.

She knew that Jake had gone to see Bella on Monday; she'd watched him ride one of the motorcycles he and Bella had fixed to Forks. She hoped he had made some effort to talk to Bella about a possible alliance. Though he probably had spent his time holding her hand and trying to get her to notice him; she growled at the thought.

She had been spending time to look over Ephraim's journal and the others that Old Quil had given Sue for her to read. She had found some interesting information on how the previous packs had functioned along with information on imprinting. She didn't specifically find any information she could use to null the imprint but she was coming up with her own theories about what imprinting was and how it affected them. It wasn't a necessarily a way out yet, but it could be.

Seth took over for her at noon and she decided to head over to Jared's house. She wondered if he would have any ideas for addressing the Cullens. Either way, he'd need to be involved in the process; it was part of his role as Beta. Plus, he probably had a bit more tact than she did.

Knocking on his door, she waited patiently for him to answer. She knew he was inside but when he didn't answer after a few minutes, she gripped the door handle and turned. It was unlocked, so she stepped into the room. She assumed his parents would be at work and she tried to think if Jared had any younger siblings. It probably didn't matter because they would hopefully be at school.

Her ears perked up at some sounds coming from one of the rooms down the hallway. She started to make her way when suddenly she realized just what those sounds were. She turned on her heel and headed back to the kitchen. Opening the fridge she found some leftovers that didn't look too bad and heated them up. She then made her way to the couch in the living room, sat down, and turned the TV on to distract herself from what was going on.

Some 45 minutes later, a flushed Kim came strolling down the hallway, "Jared, what else do you want besides the leftovers? I think there might be some cake left. I can bring that, too."

Leah turned to watch as Kim walked into the kitchen and said, "You'll have to get him something else besides the leftovers," holding up her empty plate. "I got hungry waiting for you two to finish up."

Kim screeched and Jared came running. Leah took one look at him and raised an eyebrow, "For God's sake, Jared go put on some pants. We need to talk."

"Leah, do you just break and enter into people's homes now?"

"I knocked and you didn't answer. The door was unlocked. But seriously, I'll help Kim make you something to eat if you put on some pants. I need to discuss our meeting with the Cullens with you."

Jared walked back to his room and grabbed a pair of shorts. Walking back out to the kitchen he found Leah and Kim working on making some steaks and potatoes. He wondered how long she had been there but then decided against finding out, it was already embarrassing enough. He sat down at the table and decided to figure out what the plan was. "So, what's the plan for the meeting?"

"That's it," Leah answered honestly. "I don't know. I can be perfectly capable of being nice to those leeches but I don't know they'll be willing to listen to me much less set up a meeting."

Jared laughed at her predicament. "Maybe you could start off by not calling them leeches. That's probably the first step. Why not just try calling them and setting something up?"

"That would be all well and good but they're not going to know about the changes in the pack," she started and grabbed a plate of food for herself. Double-patrols had definitely increased her appetite. "I doubt they'll talk to me unless I'm willing to apologize," she finished with a scowl.

Kim set a plate down in front of Jared and sat down with her own plate of food. Kim looked over at Leah and asked, "Would it really be that bad, apologizing?"

Both Jared and Leah laughed. Jared laughed because in the short time he'd come to know Leah, apologizing would be the end of the world as she knew it. She could hold a grudge like no other. "Believe me, babe. Leah won't apologize anytime soon and there may some truth to what she said," Jared admitted.

"So, force them to listen," Kim suggested.

The wheels in Leah's head begun to turn, she could do that, force them to listen. But she needed to have a back-up plan just in case the Cullens were immediately put on the defensive. Jared didn't have a choice, he was coming with her no matter what but she didn't think showing up with the rest of the pack would help her case. She needed a way into their territory.

"You figured something out, Leah," Jared asked.

"Yeah, I think so. Kim, I need you to come with me. We need to go shopping."

When Leah and Kim returned with a two shopping bags, Jared became nervous. He wasn't so sure about whatever plan Leah had come up with. He wondered if it was too late to back out of being Beta.

"Jared, you won't believe how brilliant Leah's plan is. And I get to help," Kim exclaimed jumping up and down.

Jared could only groan. This was not good. "Are you going to explain your plan to me, Leah?"

Leah's eyes gleamed with mirth. She couldn't believe she hadn't thought this up earlier. "Simple, what's the one thing that will assure the Cullens will speak to us? Or should I say the one person?"

"What? You're planning on kidnapping Bella," Jared responded with shock.

"Not kidnapping, she's just going to give us a ride. That's all."

"Fine, holding her hostage if it makes you feel less like a criminal," he replied sarcastically. "And why do you think she'll give you a ride? I don't think you've endeared yourself to her."

"Oh, I know that. That's where you come in," Leah smirked. "We're, well you're going to get her to stop and then we'll explain the situation."

"And why would she stop for me?"

"Cause we're going to make you look like Jacob," Kim squealed and pulled a box of hair dye from the shopping bag. "I can't believe that Leah's letting me help. This is so much fun!"

"No, no way! Get someone else to help you, Leah," Jared refused. Horrified at the thought of his fur being dyed; he now realized what Leah's plan entailed. She and Kim were going to make his wolf look like Jake. He then assumed he'd stop Bella in wolf form and Leah would explain to Bella that she was giving them a ride to the Cullens. Actually, Leah probably wouldn't explain, she'd tell Bella.

"Come on, Jared. It won't be that bad. It will wash out after a few washes. I'll even give you a bath," Kim offered suggestively.

"Leah, ask Jake. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to see Bella."

"I can't, Jared. He wouldn't be my ally if things started to go to shit. He'd probably sacrifice me on the off chance Bella would notice him. It has to be you."

"Fine," he huffed.

An hour later, Jared's wolf was as close to Jake's russet-colored wolf as could be. Kim was so impressed with hers and Leah's work, she had Leah grab his mom's full length mirror and bring it outside. Jared stared at his reflection in the mirror and decided he looked real close to Jake's wolf. Maybe not as large but Bella wouldn't notice the difference.

"Jared, you need to look more lovesick and pathetic," Leah said to him. Jared hung his tongue out the side of his mouth and widened his eyes in what he thought looked like a puppy begging. "Much better," Leah laughed. "If I didn't know better I'd think you were him. You ready to go?" At Jared's nod, Leah walked over to the brush and pulled her clothes off, attaching them to her leg, she phased.

So, we'll need to meet her on her way to the Cullens. You'll stay phased and get her to stop. Once she's stopped, you'll need to get her to come over to where I'll be waiting.

You realize this plan is just a bit crazy, don't you?

Sure, but I'm pretty sure this will work. So, in the end does it matter if it's crazy?

I guess.

They ran in silence after that. Soon enough the found themselves waiting by the main road out of Forks. Leah knew they would hear Bella's truck long before she showed up on the scene. They went over the plan, one more time. Jared was to hang out by the side of the road and get Bella to stop. Once she had stopped, Jared was to have her follow him and then Leah would talk to Bella and convince her to bring them to the Cullens.

They heard the rumble of Bella's truck, she was at least two miles out still. Leah turned to Jared and asked, Are you ready?

As ready as I can be. She better not run me over.

Don't worry about that. She may not choose Jake over the leech but she doesn't want him hurt, at least not physically. Now remember, you need to look sad and remember to whine a bit.

I can't believe I let you talk me into this. This is insane.

Sure, sure. Now it's show time.

Leah phased back and pulled her dress over her head. She watched as Jared walked out to the side of the road. She heard the roar of Bella's truck as it got closer. The squeal of the brakes when she stopped.

"Jake, what's wrong," she heard Bella ask and Jared answered with a low whine. "Jake, I don't speak wolf. You'll have to change back." Leah heard Jared whine again and listened as he started to make his way towards Leah.

"Oh, you want me to follow you. Sure, I guess but I don't have much time. Edward's expecting me."

Jared and Bella made their way to where Leah was waiting. Bella's mouth dropped open at the sight of Leah. Leah did her best to be non-threatening and even attempted to smile. "Hey, Bella," she greeted. "Do you think we could talk for a few minutes?"

Bella looked from Leah to the russet wolf that was already walking over to some deeper brush and back to Leah again. "That's not Jake, is it?"

Leah shook her head. "Listen, I'm sure Jake's talked to you and told there have been some changes in the pack. I need to talk to your leech family, I mean the Cullens. I don't exactly think I can pick up the phone and do that without doing some heavy groveling. Which I won't do," she said with a scowl.

Bella crossed her arms over her chest and looked straight at Leah asking, "Why should I help you? You don't even like me."

At least the girl had a little back bone. She hadn't run off screaming and for that fact alone Leah was impressed. "Well, I could ask you the same question. Why should I protect you? That's what my life has been about since I became part of this. Do you think I enjoy running around as a giant wolf? Getting to see my ex-fiancé on a near daily basis? See him and my cousin in love? Listening to Jake moon over you; everything is Bella this and Bella that. It's annoying."

"I've told Jake that we're friends, nothing more. What else am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know," Leah answered truthfully. The only answer there seemed to be was Bella leaving; if she left, Jake would have no choice but to get over her. Though, they'd end up listening to him mourn over her then.

"Why do you care about Jake, anyway?"

"I don't," she snarled and felt the all too familiar pang in her chest. Absentmindedly, she rubbed at the spot. "I just don't care to listen to it anymore. It's bad enough being in Jared and Sam's head when they think about Kim and Emily. But at least their obsession is borderline normal if you take into account the supernatural aspect. Come on, Bella. Just do this one little thing for me, for old times' sake."

Bella scoffed, "You mean when you used to get Rachel and Rebecca to gang up on me, every summer? Like when we'd play scalp the white girl? I had a bald patch until the next summer from that. How about when you three lead me out to the forest and left me there after telling me about all the bears and wolves? I didn't sleep for a week. Or are you talking about the time you pushed me off the dock into the water? Maybe it was when the four of us went skinny dipping and you stole my clothes so that I had to run back to the Blacks' house naked? So, I owe you a favor?"

Leah blushed, she hadn't remembered doing all those things but most likely she did. This was going to be harder than what she thought. "Okay, I'll apologize for tormenting you when we were younger but I still refuse to apologize for what I said the other day. There was a lot of truth," at Bella's glare she toned it down some. "Fine, a little truth in what I said. So, if it's okay with you. We'd like a ride with you to the Cullens. I just want to talk to them about a possible alliance and what's going on in Seattle. After that we'll be on our way."

"Who's we," Bella asked.

At that moment, Jared stepped out from the brush and both girls burst out laughing. Jared's once russet-colored skin was now a bright orange. All he was missing was the green hair and eyebrows and he'd look exactly like an Oompa-Loompa.

"Jared, what happened to you," Bella asked.

"Leah and Kim," he grumbled as he looked down at his arms.

"I didn't think it would stain your skin, Jared. I really didn't," Leah said contritely. "It just doesn't make sense. What length the hair on our head is affects our fur but not the hair on the rest of our bodies? I forced Seth to check out my wolf's legs and underarms to make sure if I shaved it wouldn't be noticeable in wolf form. Can you imagine if it would have and I got a bikini wax?"

"Whatever, Leah. So, Bella are we doing this or what? I'd like to get home and try washing this off before anyone else sees me."

"Fine, let's go."

The three of them rode to the Cullens in Bella's old truck. Jared sat in the middle in order to keep Leah from killing Bella or vice versa. Neither of them liked each other and Jared wanted to shift himself uncomfortably but there wasn't enough room to move. Before the Cullens had returned the pack would patrol their territory and Forks. So Jared had seen the Cullens' house before.

Leah watched out the window as the made their way down the long driveway. Both sides were surrounded by large trees. The driveway was just narrow enough for one vehicle, she wondered if they had ever nearly ran into each other if one was trying to leave and another was coming home. The driveway began to widen and Leah saw as the house came into view. She had only seen it through the others' memories. It was large and ostentatious with large glass windows and a large porch on the front of the house. Off to the side and separate from the house was a five-car garage and another large building that was perhaps at one time a barn. She rolled her eyes at the display of wealth and the waste that it was. These leeches didn't need to eat or go to the bathroom or sleep, so what was the point of this large house? She took several deep breaths to calm herself down.

Bella pulled the truck to a stop and the three of them got out. "Swan," Leah called softly and Bella moved to stand in-between Jared and Leah. It was part of Leah's somewhat fail safe plan; she didn't think they'd attack with Bella standing so close. She nearly started laughing when she saw Edward come rushing out, stirring up the air and demanding, "Bella, what are you doing with these creatures? They're dangerous."

"Hey, what's up, Eddie-boy? Is Papa Cullen home," Leah asked. "Bella and I were just talking about having a spa day. We used to have some much fun when we were younger didn't we?" Leah fought the temptation to tug on Bella's hair; she wasn't quite sure why this girl made her feel this intense need for violence.

Edward growled and Leah remembered that she had forgotten to block her thoughts. Damn mind-raper, I didn't ask you to poke around in my head. Now are you going to get your daddy or what?

Thankfully the rest of the Cullens had made their way outside at Edward's growl. Carlisle came to stand by Edward while the rest paired off and stood on the porch. The big Cullen took one look at the three of them and starting laughing. "What happened to you? You look like a pumpkin threw up on you."

Edward turned around and glared at the other vampire before whipping his head back around to glare at Leah and Jared. "Umm, Leah," Jared whispered.

"Yeah, I know. I'm working on it," Leah mumbled uncertainly.

"Leah, you wanted to talk to me," Carlisle asked politely.

"Yes, of course. We've come to discuss a possible temporary alliance to take care of Victoria. There are still some details to be sorted out but I'd like to set up a meeting tomorrow, if you're available with the rest of the pack."

Edward continued to growl and glare in their direction. Leah looked at him and rolled her eyes before saying, "What is your problem? Do I look dumb enough to hurt Bella with you and six other vampires standing here? That's just an insult to me. Or does it bother you that I'm a girl and I'm calling the shots? Weren't you born back in the day when women existed to take care of men? I'm sorry but that isn't how the world works anymore. We can read, write, and do 'rithmetic and last time I checked we even have the right to vote. So, calm yourself down before you give yourself the equivalent of vampire hemorrhoids."

"I would need to discuss this further with my family," Carlisle started. "Obviously there are some issues that may need to be worked out as there is quite a bit of hostility."

"Of course, that's understandable. I've explained to the pack already that I won't apologize for what I've said because I do believe there is some truth to it. Though upon further reflection, there could be some benefits to us working together as much as I hate to admit it. Also, have any of you checked up on the situation in Seattle?"

"Seattle?"

"When I was still going to school, there was an overwhelming stench of vampires. Of course, I didn't know what it was at the time. It's part of the reason why I phased in the first place. There's also been multiple deaths with unusual circumstances," Leah answered and then started remembering what two classmates had told her. She remembered the smell she had noticed in the different parks and wooded areas around and in Seattle.

Edward's eyes widened at her memories and a whispered conversation happened between him and Carlisle. Leah, Jared, and Bella watched as Alice and her mate, Jasper ran off into the woods.

"Alice and Jasper are going to check things out in Seattle. If we should decide to meet with the pack, we'll notify Sam."

"Actually, there have been a few changes. Sam is no longer in charge of the pack, I am. I'm sure you can get my home number from the hospital employee list or Edward will give it to you later, right Eddie-boy? Will it be alright if Jared and I phase so we can make it home before dark? I'd hate to make Bella leave right away to bring us home."

"Of course," Carlisle answered.

"See you later, Swan. It's been fun," Leah said. Then she and Jared turned and walked away from the group, leaving five confused vampires in their wake. Jared undressed and phased first and starting running. Leah pulled off her dress, attached it to her leg and phased running after him.

Well, I think that went well, Leah told Jared.

Sure, if that's your idea of well. Now how the hell am I going to get this washed off?

Kim said she'd give you a bath. I'm sure the two of you will think of something, Leah groaned forgetting that even mentioning Kim's name was enough to get Jared's mind on the never ending movie of Kim.