Disclaimer: The Twilight Series and all recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. I don't own any of that. But, I do so love her stage.
A/N: Anything written in italics is a flashback, random thought, or text message depending on the context.
Chapter: 29 The Tangled Webs We Weave
Unknown Pov
The Wolf Court is held in the pack mind. A Canis shape-shifter can phase with designated judges and allow them to examine his or her memories. The Canis shape-shifters report that it is impossible to fake a memory in the pack mind. Memories and thoughts are said to feel distinctly different. Therefore the findings of the Wolf Courts are considered infallible. The Wolf Court is considered an invasion of privacy so it is seldom used except in the most extreme cases.
Leah's Pov
With a slow spreading chill I realized I just slapped the King of Lucacini. Oh. My. Gosh. A couple of days ago I'd been making out with the king of Lucacini!...Oh! Perfect, Just Perfect!
Beta Alexe took a step towards me, but Elijah put up a hand stopping him in his tracks. "I allowed that because I probably deserved it," he said quietly.
Elijah's betrayal cut deep and being in the same room with him felt overwhelming. I stepped around him and headed for the door.
"Leah wait," he called me back. I ignored him and stomped out the door. I refused to look at or even acknowledge any of the wolves standing in the hall. They were co betrayers, Delta Allen, Collin Littlesea, all of them!
"Leah!" Elijah repeated this time from right behind me. I wanted to keep walking but the imprint bond was causing me to hesitate.
My wolf side wanted to be whatever he needed me to be no matter how much my human side disagreed. I stopped abruptly and pivoted to face him.
"What?" I snapped crossing my arms.
"Would you like to hear my side of the story?" he asked quietly.
"Actually I would rather not," I replied.
I turned around and slammed straight into the muscular wolf standing behind me.
Adam's hands shot out to brace me so I wouldn't fall. He narrowed his eyes and studied my face with concern, "Oh honey," he whispered.
His support reminded me of how my dad used to comfort me. I almost broke down but managed to choke out, "Who all knows about this? Does Jacob know? Oh my gosh does Sam?"
Adam's hands patted at my shoulders, "Yes Alpha Black knows and your brother. We left it for you to inform the rest of your pack except your guards. They were only given details relevant to their jobs."
I felt myself relax slightly the pack knowing before me would have been even more humiliating.
Adam lowered his voice, "Listen I know you want to hang Korzka up by his thumbs right now. But for your sake I think you should hear him out."
I tried to walk around him but he moved with me stubborn wolf!
Still seething I asked, "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't Seth or any of you?"
"Because Korzka asked us not to," he replied nonchalantly.
I felt like an idiot, "So he forced you guys to lie for him also? Can't you see that's so messed up Adam! He didn't even tell me his real name!"
Adam hesitated, "I wouldn't say forced..."
He spoke to Elijah over my shoulder. "You really need to fix this!" He spoke low enough that the people around us couldn't hear him.
"Agreed, but this is really between Leah and I," Elijah answered him flatly.
He stepped into my line of sight and I noticed a slight reddening on his face, "Leah I need to speak with you privately."
He offered his arm, "Would you accompany me to Ivywood House? or we could go over to Alpha Blacks Den or even Ivan's Peak if you would be more comfortable."
Normally I would have jumped on a to visit Ivywood, the official Jeroisa City residence of the King of Lucacini. But the way he just assumed I would leave with him irked me.
"Nope! I'm not going anywhere with Your Majesty or should I call you Matthew?" I replied sarcastically.
He looked at me with a hint of guilt in his eyes, "Look Leah, Elijah is my middle name. Waiting to tell you this was a mistake on my part. One I would like to explain if you will allow it."
I was relieved because I couldn't imagine calling him Matthew. I crossed my arms, "Dude just say whatever you need to say."
Elijah sighed deeply, "Very well when we imprinted it was one of the most profound experiences of my life. You see I never expected to imprint, let alone to be in a mutual one."
I really did understand what he was saying. Imprinting is a very personal and life altering event. It felt amazing to share something so intense and emotional with my imprint. Which made me wonder how he could lie to me afterwards.
Elijah was saying, "I spent the next couple of hours in an euphoric haze. I kept asking myself how I'd gotten so lucky. Until I found you in Sir Jedidah's back room."
"So I bid on his fundraiser. Get over it!" I hissed.
"You weren't there just to bid. You made it clear that you were a sympathizer," Elijah watched me silently daring me to disagree with him.
I took a deep breath and counted to ten, "Why wouldn't I care? The man lost his daughter. Even now years later he still has no closure because you won't come clean."
Elijah just shook his head, "But I have Leah. Before I challenged Ivan Eryin for Rex, I voluntarily took this to the Wolf Courts. A trio of judges chosen by Red Barnabus himself exonerated me.
Sir Jedidah is a grieving father who can't accept the fact that he hand picked the security guards who murdered his child.
I planned to use my own security for her, but deferred to both Sir Jedidah and Ioana herself against my better judgement.
So that's why I bear some of the responsibility for her death. I have no one to blame but myself. If I had followed my instincts and used my men, she would probably still be alive."
Elijah seemed so sincere. I wanted to believe him but there was one mitigating factor.
I said, "They have witnesses who saw you send the guards after her."
Elijah looked into my eyes, "Leah I believe that Jana person made up that story for your benefit; because the first and only time I've heard most of it was from you.
Sir Jedidah should know almost everything she told you can easily be debunked.
First of all my engagement to Ioana was a political one not a love match. We had an agreement that if she wanted someone else she was to tell me so I could step aside.
This is something I insisted on because I wanted her to be happy.
Secondly, I was aware that Ioana's child was not mine. I believed he was sired by her late husband.
Finally, The night Ioana died in Vin Luna, I was fifteen hundred miles away at Leydwolf."
"I believe you. But that doesn't change the fact that you lied to me," I spat.
Elijah shook his head, "Think back Leah, I asked if you would get to know the man that I am before you judged the wolf king. I also cautioned you there were two sides to every story. The truth was right there in front of you."
I stared at him, "So that's your excuse? Did you think I would never find out?"
He said, "Of course not. I planned to tell you."
"Oh really when? After I fell in love with you?" I snapped.
For the first time since I met him Elijah wouldn't meet my eyes. "Not necessarily," was his answer.
I felt my eyes widen, "Oh My Gosh! You wanted to use my feelings against me!"
Elijah's eyes shot up and I realized he wasn't wallowing in shame. His eyes were filled with pain. Oh wow!
He said, "Leah I had barely met you and my opponents had already managed to turn you against me."
I took a deep breath, "Don't change the subject. I had a right to know Elijah!"
"You wouldn't listen Leah!" he retorted.
"That first day no, but you had plenty of chances to tell me later!" I countered.
He reached out to touch me, but then lowered his hand, "You're right. But can you try to look at it from my point of view?
When you didn't recognize me that first day, I thought we were being offered a second chance to bond as a couple.
I believed that if you got to know the real me, Elijah the man not Elijah the Rex, then you wouldn't believe everything you heard about me.
At this point all I can do is offer is to make amends. I know I was selfish, but I won't apologize for wanting you."
I almost gave in. But he had a way of making decisions for me without my input. If we were ever going to survive as a couple, I had to break him of that habit. The way I was feeling I couldn't imagine making it easy for him.
Someone started clapping in the background. Cevin Erying was leaning against the wall near Red Barnabus's door.
I wondered how long he had been standing there listening.
He said mockingly, "I have to hand it to Your Majesty. You almost convinced me."
Elijah slowly turned his head to look at him, "This is a private conversation Alpha Eryin."
Cevin tsked at him, "You know sir I always gave you the benefit of the doubt. But now I hear you've been consorting with vampires.
And I just watched you try to sway Dr. Clearwater with your slanted version of the truth."
He glanced at me, "I noticed The Rex didn't tell you why my grandfather objected to his hearing in the Wolf Courts. It was rigged.
Red Barnabus choose the judges sure. But, Barnabus is human. Only The Rex and his friends know what really happened during that so called hearing."
Elijah looked at him impatiently, "If you persist in inserting yourself into my private conversations Eryin, you can expect an official censure."
Now Cevin looked angry. Elijah stood totally still as the two High Alpha's stared at each other.
Cevin scoffed, "Go right ahead! Just remember using my family, especially my dead baby cousin is a new low even for you!".
Elijah blinked, "Baby cousin? Do you mean my godson?"
Cevin stared at him and then he burst out laughing, "Well done sir! He can't be your godson he's dead."
"You're speaking of Ioana's son? No no, Alpha Eryin he's very much alive. You met him a couple of weeks ago," Elijah insisted.
Cevin snorted, "I think I would remember a ghost..." His jaw dropped, "You're talking about Coinin Hemming!"
Elijah stiffened almost imperceptibly as someone cleared their throat.
"As interesting as all of this is Korzka, you might want to save this conversation for later. There's no need to air this publicly is there?" asked a gruff voice with a melodic accent.
I was suddenly reminded of all the wolves standing around the hall watching us avidly.
Elijah, Cevin and I turned to find three new shape-shifters in the hall. Two of them were identical twins wearing nondescript dark suites. Both wore their hair styled in numerous braids which reminded me of dreadlocks.
The elderly shifter who had spoken could only be described as regal. He was at least six feet tall with braided hair framing his face in a leonine mane. His broad shoulders and muscular arms filled out his traditional dashiki shirt.
Elijah looked at him pointedly.
He didn't falter under Elijah's gaze. Instead he oozed an authority and confidence that was almost palpable.
Elijah relaxed as an unspoken communication seemed to pass between them.
The newcomers eyes flickered over to me, "Ah of course your Jumate de Soli."
I had a fleeting glimpse of most piercing dark eyes I have ever seen, before my eyes instinctively dropped in deference.
That's when I noticed his tattoos. His arms were covered with typical tribal symbols. However, the intricate designs on his hands were almost identical to Elijah's except for a few subtle changes.
I wasn't surprised when Elijah introduced him, "Leah this is the Felidae Rex, Dr. Tiberius Uvimayah. Tiberius meet Dr. Leah Clearwater."
Tiberius formally raised my hand to his lips to bestow an air kiss,"Yes, yes, I am pleased to meet you Dr. Leah Clearwater."
I offered a professional smile, "Likewise, Dr. Uvimayah."
He nodded at Cevin, "High Alpah Eryin."
Cevin nodded his head returning the greeting.
Tiberius turned back to Elijah, "By the way I've spoken with my advisors. The pride supports the return of the ancient totems."
"Good two out of three means the decision will be in my favor," Elijah replied.
Tiberius eyes flickered back to me, "It was nice meeting you. Now you if you all will excuse me I need to visit Red Barnabus."
He hesitated then added, "I approve Dr. Clearwater. You're just what this one needs to keep him on his toes." He nodded towards Elijah.
He said it with such a straight face that I almost burst out laughing.
Elijah's eyebrows went up and I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes. He shook his head ruefully, "You're probably right."
The hall was quiet for a few minutes after Tiberious and his guards disappeared into Red Barnabus's room. I noticed they shut the door firmly behind them.
Cevin said, "Well that was embarrassing."
Elijah actually smiled at him, "Agreed that didn't reflect well on us."
"Sir, you went to the Wolf Courts once before. Why not try again? Would you consider me as a judge?" Cevin asked tentatively.
Elijah looked at him searchingly, "Perhaps, I will consider it."
I put my two cents in, "I think it's a good idea."
Elijah's eyes flicked over to me, "Do you now? Well I would rather you trusted my word. But, if that's what it takes to convince you I accept. I will allow you to examine my memories whenever you like."
I think his attitude in addition to his betrayal drew out a little of "The Bitch of La Push".
Just to spite him I asked, "May I invite High Alpha Eryin?"
An expression of hurt flashed in Elijah's eyes and I could feel him withdrawing from me. Whatever he was feeling he wasn't about to share it.
Adam tried to interfere which drew my attention to him. He said, "Leah I don't think that's a good idea."
I was tired of him and the others double teaming me, "Adam back off!" I growled in a low almost guttural voice I hardly recognized.
His reaction shocked me to the core. He took two steps back and dropped his eyes exposing his neck.
A Canis shape-shifter instinctively defers to a more dominate wolf. This should not have happened.
Adam may hold the position of First Beta, but he is still an alpha wolf. All of Elijah's men are even Delta Allen.
Adam is in fact one of the most dominate of the dominate wolves I know, second only to Elijah and maybe Cevin now that he's a High Alpha.
So why was he submitting to me? This wasn't some courtesy submission to his alpha female. He was actually acknowledging my wolf as the more dominate between the two of us."
I vaguely heard myself muttering, "Alpha's don't defer to me. This can't be happening."
"Leah you are an alpha wolf didn't you know that?," Elijah asked drawing me back to my surroundings.
Adam was smiling at me, "You've always been a True Alpha. Why do you think you were able to defy both Jacob and Sam so much? Remember we when said you were a potential Rex?"
Cevin and Elijah appeared to have put aside the animosity between them.
Cevin was saying, "We're watching history in the making."
Elijah was watching me with something like pride,"Agreed, so many High Alpha's starting to emerge signals the coming of a True Rex. But I think there is more to it than that. I believe we are witnessing the beginning of the Baptiste Prophecy."
Um...High Alpha? Suddenly I remembered Cevin's intake interview at the beginning of the research study.
Dr. Craine asked, "What was the first thing you noticed when you started to emerge?
Cevin said, "The first thing I noticed was the more dominant wolves in my sister packs were suddenly deferring to me. Then the fever started much like a normal first phase."
What the heck? Oh hell no!
Unknown Pov
Excerpt from the Baptiste Prophecy of 1959
On the crux of change when the lunar eclipse conjuncts Pluto will be born a Guardian Lupa. She heralds the Ultra Rex who will lead the packs into the new era. What's old will be new again as the Dhampir are reborn to fulfill their true destiny.
A\N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to review the last chapter. You all are amazing. I would also like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed, followed and favored this story. It means the world to me.
So what did you think of this chapter? Has Elijah been censored enough for Leah to start letting him make it up to her? I have a general outline with enough wiggle room for her to hold out a bit. What do you think?
Do you think Leah is emerging or is her wolf simply stronger than Adam's? Remember Leah didn't really accept her inner wolf until recently.
The Dhampir are human\vampire hybrids like Nessie.
The Jumate de Soli is an Alpha Female who has not yet officially mated with a Pack Leader.
Teaser for the next update: The chapter is tentatively titled "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" but that could change. Until Next Time..Red
