Chapter 36

Bella didn't kill Charlie that day, luckily. Since then I'd accompanied Jacob several times to the Cullen's house. Running patrols wasn't really a necessity anymore so we had some extra time. I didn't like being there and all the Cullens were openly aware of this but I kept returning. I needed practice in my human form.

That's where I was when mom showed up. I was sitting on the floor next to Jacob's chair when I smelled her. I looked over at Seth and he was looking at me with wide eyes. "Mom?" I whispered.

"She decided to come with Charlie today." Edward spoke. Seth and I jumped up and ran to the door. They were just getting out of the car when we nearly tackled her.

"What the hell are you doing here mom?" I asked as Seth gave her a hug.

"Leah! Watch your language. I'm aloud to come here, I wanted to give Charlie some company." Her eyes pleaded for me to understand. I didn't argue with her anymore.

I walked next to her, hovering while she walked into the house. Her posture was stiff and she was obviously extremely nervous. Hopefully she'll realize how stupid she was to come here and never come back. But she didn't, she sat down on the couch with Charlie and chatted with the Cullens casually. I returned to my spot and sat down but never took my eyes off of her face, only occasionally to look at Seth.

Seth was ecstatic. That's how I should have been I guess, I hadn't seen my mom in forever but under these circumstances it was extremely hard to be happy.

Mom's face never lost the worried tone although she would smile and laugh along with them like they were humans. Whenever Charlie would get worried and look at her she would smile pleasantly and glance at both of us. One time she rested her hand on top of his.

My blood boiled. What was she doing?! She was dad's wife! Sure dad was dead but didn't she love him still? Instead of letting my anger get the best of me I leaned against the wall and took deep breaths, staring daggers at that hand that rested on top of Charlie's.

Besides me, mom and Charlie everyone was perfectly calm. I glanced up at Jacob who held Renesmee on his lap. Only a couple months ago he would have given anything to kill these leeches and now here he was, voluntarily sitting and laughing with them. I silently wished that I could be that calm here, but it seemed impossible, knowing what they are and what they do. Edward looked over at me and cocked a half smile. I narrowed my eyes and bared my teeth slightly. Stupid mind reader Stay out of my head. I thought.

He looked away but continued to smile.

Mom and Charlie stayed about an hour and Seth and I went out side with them. Seth said good bye and hugged my mom again but I only nodded to her. She looked at me with a worried expression. I had always been a daddy's girl, I never was really close to my mother.

After they pulled away I said to Seth, "I need to run, do you want to come with?"

He looked at me with concerned eyes. "Yeah, I'll come with, Leah."

So we phased and took off. Seth was fighting hard to keep up with me so I slowed down. I wanted to run with him. He wasn't very surprised at the annoyed thoughts running through my head. I think mom and Charlie are just friends, Leah.

I can't help but worry, Seth.

We were silent but the running helped me. Seth's thoughts were calm and I was able to relax. I listened to the sounds of the wood, the birds and squirrels chattering above us and the river running swiftly. But then I heard something off. Seth heard it too.

It sounds like footsteps. he thought. We paused to listen, and sure enough we could hear two sets of heavy foot falls running towards us. Should we howl? Seth asked.

Let's wait, there's only two.. I thought back, still worried though.

Off in the distance a chocolate colored and a grey with black spots colored wolves appeared, weaving through the trees towards us. Its Quil and Embry. Seth thought.

Leah! Seth! Two sets of thoughts we hadn't heard in months rang in our heads.

Quil? Embry? Is that you? What are you doing here? Seth and I thought together.

We're switching packs, of course. Quil thought.

We couldn't take it anymore. Embry agreed. Where's Jake?

He's with Renesmee. I thought, showing my authority over Seth and ultimately over them also. They lowered their heads a bit. C'mon.

And so we all took off. It was so off, running with Quil and Embry. They had been the 'enemies' for so long. But I was the only one who was uncomfortable with this, Seth was overjoyed.

Jacob nearly started crying and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Jacob and mine relationship had been growing stronger but he didn't need me anymore, he had his old buddies back. I didn't like the add, I liked the pack small. This felt way to much like the old pack. But I guess I'm just a stick in the mud.