Salvation

AN: Enjoy! This chapter and the next two are filler chapters. I want to progress their love. But before all that happens, Ben needs to know a little known fact about Lee-Lee! She's preggo and I still don't know how he's going to take it. He might hate her for a while or not. I am still undecided. What do you guys think? I am currently accepting comments. Let me know what you think! I might use it as part of the story.

PS... if there are any grammatical errors, blame my beta-reader. It took her three days to send me this chapter. I ended up fixing more mistakes than the ones I had. I apologize for the incovenience.


Letting Go

Leah's POV

I had a hard time concentrating on my new job. I was working in the Rez high school as a science teacher. It was my first week there and I've be honest, I liked it, but every free second, I found myself thinking of Benedict. The working hours were flexible. The teaching curriculum was simple and didn't cause me so much stress. The students were kind and I don't like to brag, but according to the principal, I had the best students in my three Biology and Anatomy classes. I was enjoying grading papers and exams. It was a different approach to what I was used to, but it was work. I was glad that I had something to do, while I waited for my child to be born.

I couldn't contain myself any longer. I was excited! Every morning after I took a shower, I would stand in front of the full-length mirror and observe my growing belly. I couldn't hide the fact that I was pregnant anymore. My baggy clothes weren't enough. It was almost time for everyone to find out that I was expecting. Inside me- within me- a small miracle was developing. I placed my hand on my stomach and felt a fluttering feeling inside me. I sighed with contentment, knowing that inside me a miracle was slowly developing. I remember all those years that I thought that I would never become a mother. They were only distant memories that I never wanted to recall.

I smiled at my reflection and began to wonder how my unborn child was going to be like. Would it have my feisty temper? Would it be docile and tranquil like Seth? Would it be optimistic like Elliot? Kind and benevolent like my father? What was it going to be, a boy or a girl? Whatever it was, I would love it the same. I couldn't wait to meet my child! Time was surely flying! In less than four months, I would hold my precious child. I would hold it in my hands and rejoice in the motherly love that slowly grew inside my heart. Everything, every aspect of my life was changing. I didn't care about me anymore. My child was my life. I read books on what to expect and with every discovery, I grew to love my child with such a love that trump over any other feeling of love I thought I felt in the past. I wanted to show my child the world. I wanted to be the best mother in the planet. I knew that I would never be able to compare myself to my caring and loving mother, but I would try to be the best mother I could be; at least a reflection of her love.

It was a cloudy evening when I went to the hardware store and browse around for different shades of green paints. I was planning on changing the wall colors of the room that was going to be for my child. I'd bought a beautiful set of yellowish blankets for the crib that was still unassembled, when I decided that the soft, muted blue color of the room's walls weren't exactly perfect for my child. I was holding two different shades of paints in my hand, comparing them, when I felt a gentle pat on my shoulder, startling me.

"Holy fu-Byron!" I said startled. "What are you doing here?" I asked, hoping that my heart didn't leap out of my heart.

"You seem nervous, Lee," he said, as he eyed me questioningly. "How are you?"

"Fine," I said, looking down at my hands. "How are you?" I said, placing the containers on my sides.

"I'm doing great. Thank you." He muttered. There was a brief pause, as he stared attentively at me. "Leah, you seem different. Did you do something different to your hair? A new makeup? You are glowing!" he said, a smile on his lips, taking the paint containers out of my hand and placing them on the shelves beside us. "Whatever it is, it looks nice on you. How are you? It's been a while since I last saw you."

"Um, thanks, I'm fine." I said, looking at him placing the paint containers on the shelves and leaning against the large post. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm working, Leah," he chuckled, pointing at the burgundy working vest he wore.

"Work? Aren't you in college?" I asked puzzled. "I thought that you lived in Seattle and went to school there."

"I do," he said nonchalantly. "Ben and I try to balance our lives between La Push and Seattle. I think that we are doing sort of good." He laughed cockily. "I gotta work to make money, right? He chortled, looking down at the floor.

"Since when do you work here?" I asked intrigued. He was working in the same place my niece Brittany worked at. How convenient, right?

"Um, a few days ago. Probably two weeks now. I don't know. I lost track of time..." he said, shrugging. "Brittany got me the job. She's making it hard on me, but I'm trying hard to make her see that I've changed. It's not going to be easy, but, I'll manage."

"How do you manage to work here and go to school in Seattle? Don't tell me that you are phasing and running back to Seattle? It's not healthy for you or your brother." I asked, shrugging. "Isn't it hard to balance your life?"

"Not really. I only work part times. I go to school from Monday to Thursdays and come to La Push. I don't have such difficult classes like Benedict. I take easy classes and I don't need to drive back and forth. I've a way on getting to places in mere minutes… ok, better yet, seconds." He chuckled.

"What are you talking about? It's impossible. It might take you a good half-hour to make it to Seattle from La Push." I said, shaking my head. How can a person travel such distances in mere seconds? It's impossible. Not even us, in our wolf form could accomplish such feats. "How do you do it?"

"It's a secret," he whispered, placing his index finger on his lips. "I have to go now. I don't want my boss to get angry at me. I've worked hard to make her trust me again. I don't want to let her down." He said, smiling heartedly at me.

"Brit-Brit got you this job? Isn't she the boss here?" I asked confused. "I thought she hated you? I really thought that she couldn't stand you," I said sarcastically, raking my fingers through my long ebony hair.

Byron shrugged and took a step backwards. "Yep, your niece, Brittany, got me this job. And yes, she did hate me. But after a while of begging, we talked about things. We came to an agreement... It-" He said casually, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't know if I should tell you."

"Why can't you tell me? I'm Brittany's aunt. I have a right to know anything that concerns her."

"Fine," he grinned. "Only because some day, you'll be my sister-in-law. Well, Brit and I are only friends for now. If there is going to be anything -romantic- between us, then we'll let time decide. We won't rush into things. It only complicates things. We are just going to enjoy our time together as friends."

"She's nicer than I thought she was. I guess she inherited it from her father." I muttered, looking around the store. "What did you do to make her forgive you?"

"You have no idea how hard it was to make her forgive me…" he sighed. "I thought that she was going to be like you. Well, she was like you. She treated me the way you treat Benedict. She didn't want to see me… but, I'm glad that I was near her when she needed me. I'm glad that she gave me an opportunity to prove myself to her. I still have to a lot to prove to her that I'm a changed man, but the road to her heart isn't going to be easy… Brittany understands me. I only wish that you could give my brother a chance to prove himself to you. If you only knew how much he loves you. Benedict really got the worst deal of all the imprinters!" he scuffed.

"What are you talking about?" I snapped. "I got it the worst!"

"Nope. He got the short end of the stick when it came to imprinting on you." He said bitterly, his green eyes resting on me.

"What do you mean?"

"You have hurt him, Leah!"

"I hurt him?" I asked indignantly. "He was the one that left me, remember that?" I snapped. "I should be kind to him after he hurt me? I seriously doubt it!"

"Leah, you are a smart woman. You know that we are humans and we make mistakes. We aren't perfect. He thought that by leaving your side he was doing the right thing. Put yourself in his shoes. He was only fifteen years old! He thought that after Hawthorn discovered our secret you would hate him. He was afraid of hurting our people, especially you. He wanted to be strong to protect you, not the other way around. In my opinion, he needed to get away from here… from you! You were smothering him. He would've never grown to the person he is today if he'd stayed here. He needed to live his own life! He was being suffocated by our parents and even by you! He would've never become the man that he is today if he hadn't left this place. You know that it was the right thing to do! He tried calling you many times, but you denied him. You were the one that completely isolated him from you." He said angrily, straightening his back and standing at his full size. His shoulders were broad and the muscles on his neck flexed when he turned to face me. The deep green color of his eyes made my heart skip a beat, when I remembered Benedict's eyes.

"What was I supposed to do?" I asked annoyed. "Are you saying that it's my fault that he left me? It was my fault that all these things happened? All I did was protect him! It was my duty! I was his imprint! I cared for that boy and I only wanted what was best for him. If loving him was wrong, then I hate it!"

"Leah, I'm not blaming you. I'm just saying that you aren't the only victim here!" he paused and raked his fingers through his hair and shook his head. "I'm just- I'm glad that Brittany is giving me a second chance. I feel alive, even if she's just extending me crumbs of her love for me. I'll gladly take them. If you knew how much life means to me right now, thanks to Brittany, you would understand what I'm trying to say. I just need you to see, how much Ben would change if he knew that you'd forgiven him. Imagine how Baby boy would feel if you at least gave him a second chance."

"A second chance?" I whispered, scuffing. "Another chance to have my heart broken by him?" I asked bitterly. "I seriously doubt it."

"I don't think that he'll break your heart, Leah. It was never his intention to hurt you. On the contrary, everything he did was for you." he said crossly. "Why are you punishing my brother for making a wise decision? He has to pay for what you consider a mistake for an eternity? Leah, why are you so scared to give someone a second chance? Don't you think that life has given you a second chance, Leah?"

"No!"

"That baby that you are carrying, isn't a second chance? Didn't you tell people that you would never be able to have a child?"

"How did you know?"

"I've known, Leah," he said coldly. "I have known. I'm surprised that Benny hasn't figured it out."

"He can't know," I said alarmed. "You can't tell him."

"I wasn't," he said, looking down at the floor. "IT's not my place to speak about it. This is something that you have to tell him on your own."

"Byron," I said surprised. "How did you know?"

"I also patrol around your house, Leah." He said in a low voice. "I heard you crying for Elliot. Can you really love someone that isn't your imprint?"

"You loved Marie Black, didn't you?"

"I loved Marie Black since I was three years old. I thought that she was going to be my life."

"Do you love my niece?" I asked confused. "Have you forgotten Marie Black?"

"I haven't," he said sadly. "I doubt that I'll ever forget her. She was my first love. I know that I imprinted on Brittany. I care for her welfare and I want to make her happy. I am wishing with all my heart that I can love her the way my brother loves you." He said, dejected. "Have you stopped to think that my brother could be your salvation, Leah? I know that he can love your child like it was his own."

"Salvation!" I laughed sarcastically. "Please, my child doesn't need a father! He had a father! Elliot was his father and-"

"You stand there, in front of me, trying to be strong, Leah," he sighed sadly. He took a step closer to me and placed his large hands on my shoulders. "But you need my brother, just as much as he needs you. Yes, I know that your child had a father. I know that if he was alive, he would be the best father for that child, but he is dead. He died five months ago, Leah. He left this earth and he left behind a child. I know that you may not see it from my point of view, but I believe with all my heart that Benedict can be your salvation. He'll love anything that comes from you, Leah."

"I don't need anyone,"

"You keep on telling yourself that, Lee," He said, shaking he is head. "And one day, everyone will leave your side. You'll be truly alone. Don't let it get that far, Lee."

"Shut up!" I said, angrily, pushing him away from me. "Don't you ever say that! I will never give your brother a second chance. My child only needs my love. I won't be stupid again! I know how much people can hurt me! I won't forgive him! He'd hurt me! I don't need anyone, just my child to live a complete life." I lied, as tears fell down my face. "I don't need your brother. It was a waste of my time imprinting on him. He was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life."

"Leah," Byron said, his eyes opened wide, as he looked at me. "You don't mean that, right?"

"Yes!" I hissed. "I mean it! Your brother was a waste of my time! It's the truth. Your brother was a big mistake!" I hissed. The moment the words came out of my lips, I felt a sharp pain in my heart. Why was I lying? Benedict had been a beautiful part of my past. He still was a beautiful part of my life. I guess I was so hurt.

"Benedict," Byron said and took a step back. "She doesn't know what she is saying! Don't listen to her! You aren't a mistake, lil' bro." he said in anguish. "She's just hurt, Baby boy."

"Leah," Benedict's said voice called out from behind me. I held my breath and stood still. Can my life get any fucked up? The minutes seemed like hours. I'd placed my hand over my aching heart and slowly turned around to face Benedict. "Is it true? Am I such a horrible mistake?" he asked sadly. His face contoured into a grim expression. I couldn't bring myself to lie anymore. I had been caught in a lie that would forever hunt me. "Am I that horrible of a mistake? Answer me, please."

"Benedict," I muttered. I felt the urge to run away. The way his eyes searched mine was intolerable. I couldn't see his face any longer. My tears were clouding my view. I felt like my insides were being broken and ripped to tiny pieces.

"You know," he laughed, hurt. "It's the truth! I'm worthless. I'm the greatest mistake in the world! I don't know how you imprinted on me. I'm no body. I'm just- ugh! I'm- you don't have to see me again, Leah." He said, smiling behind the mask of sadness that covered his face. "I won't bother you again. I promise to leave you alone. You don't want me, right. I'll leave you in peace. It's not fair what I'm doing to you."

"Ben," I said. It was the only word that I could articulate. "I-I, no, you aren't-"

"No, you are right," he said, taking my hand in his. "Leah, I'm sorry for every ounce of pain I've caused you. It was never my intention to hurt you. I thought that I was doing the right thing for you. I thought that by doing the same thing By was doing with Brittany I would obtain the same results. I should've known," He said, taking a step forward, as his warm hand caressed the back of mine. "I left La Push to become a better person. I wanted to become an architect to build you the most beautiful house in the world. I wanted to give you that big house with a wraparound porch that you always wanted. That's why I am in school. I'm going to be an architect in less than a year. I wanted to surprise you. But it's not going to happen. I am going to let you go, Lee. Please, be happy. If you ever decide that you need me… you know where to find me. Alright?"

"I don't need a house with a wraparound porch," I mumbled. "I just-"

"It's alright," he said, cupping my face with his hands. "I understand. You don't need me. Don't pity me anymore. I'll leave now, Leah."

"Let's go, Ben," Byron said, walking closer to his brother and placing his arm on Benedict's shoulder. "Let's go, bro. You'll be fine."

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Benedict said, nodding, as he slowly released my face. "I love you, Leah. I will never forget you. Thanks for the best years of my life. I'm so sorry that I wasn't enough to make you fall in love with me."

"Gianna!" Benedict called, when he took a step back. A young looking, brunette girl approached us. She had on boots, a short miniskirt and a blue blouse that showed up her perfect body. Her long curly hair tumbled down her shoulders.

"Gianna is in the bathroom," the young girl said. Her eyes rested on me. I could see the familiar green eyes that observed me. "I can help."

"Take Benedict back to the dorm, please." Byron said, as he glared at me. "Ary, just take him far from here." He said, looking towards her.

"OK," she nodded, as she continued to look at me. "Come on, Benny-boy." Ary said, as she hugged Benedict. He nodded and walked away with her.

I don't know what happened next, but I was running after them. I wanted to scream at her for touching Benedict. I tried running fast, but Byron's hand stopped me. He violently turned me around to face him. His angered expression startled me. I knew that he was willing to defend his brother, but I didn't know to what extent.

"Leave him alone, Leah!" he growled. "You had your chance. You fucking blew it! Let him live his life. Stop being selfish! Why can't you see the good things when they are in front of you? My brother was the answer to all your damn problems! Good luck raising that bastard child of yours!"

"Shut up," I said angrily, slapping and clawing at his face with my nails. "You don't know shit! You have no damn right to speak to me!"

"I hope that he finds a woman that can truly appreciate him! I hope he forgets you, Leah. All you've caused him is heartache after another. I never thought I say this, but I fucking hate you. I hate you for making him suffer! He doesn't deserve this! You are the damn adult and you are acting like a fucking little girl. I hope you don't regret the mistake you've made, because you probably lost my brother forever!" He said, pushing me away from him. "You made your choice! Leave my brother alone and never talk to him!" he threatened, turning around and walked away.