Disclaimer: The Twilight book series and all recognizable characters and situations belong to Stephanie Meyer I don't own any of that. But I do so love her stage.

**Please see the authors note at the end of this chapter for info and acknowledgements*****

Anything written in italics is a flashback, random thought, or text message depending on the context.

Chapter 36: Confessions

Leah's Pov

Once Elijah confirmed Luenta was actually his Beta's wife I was at a loss for words. From what I saw this morning, Lady Alexe and Elijah are much more than casual friends. Finally I said, "We need to talk."

Elijah's Pov

A few minutes earlier...

The morning was going exceptionally well. Immediately after we stepped outside, I noticed The Alexes were up to their usual shenanigans. My Beta hoisted Luenta onto his back for a runabout.

I'm always pleased to see Luenta, my sweet girl so happy. I looked forward to introducing her to Leah. Hopefully she will love her as much as I do.

Leah seemed surprised that the crowd afforded her such high respect. I expected nothing less from them, and I told her so.

I was caught off guard when Leah stiffened and growled at Lady Alexe. She surprised everyone grabbing their attention.

My Beta asked Leah if his wife had offended her. I watched to make sure he maintained the correct posture.

He is very protective of Luenta, we all are. But, the packs are not democracies and my Beta knows our traditions. He may ask questions, but Leah is under no obligation to answer him.

As First Alpha Female Leah is within her rights to chastise any member of the pack. She doesn't have to discuss her reasons with anyone but Lady Alexe herself.

Even so, she can wait until she is good and ready to summon the Beta Female.

Under the Jeroisa Pact of 2005, Lady Alexe has the right to petition the Round Table, if she feels she is being treated unfairly.

When Leah didn't respond my Beta looked at me. I shook my head slightly. This was not my business or his.

If things were not so serious, it would be comical. Eugene was standing there looking more like a bear than a wolf.

Luenta was peeping around his back at Leah. All I could see was her bright mop of hair and wide eyes.

I could hear First Beta Lightfoot speaking from a distance. I echoed his sentiment. Lady Alexe has been out of the country. When did the two women meet?

Leah swung around to face me, "That's Lady Alexe? Your Beta's Wife?"

I remembered Lady Alexe spent some time in Arizona when Leah was in college there. The two of them must have met then, "Yes" I answered.

An expression of sadness flickered across her face. She took a deep breath, "We need to talk."

Leah's Pov

Elijah smiled kindly at Beta Alexe and Luenta, "You will excuse us please."

He offered me his arm, "Walk with me."

The crowd was starting to return to whatever they had been doing now that the drama was diffused.

Elijah was allowing me to lead him so I choose a spot under a shade tree. It was secluded enough to allow private conversation without leaving the clearing.

I plopped down on a wrought iron bench. Elijah sat besides me giving me his undivided attention.

I said, "What's going on between you and Lady Alexe. Tell me the truth are you involved with her?"

Elijah gaped at me then shook his head running his hand along the back of his neck, "No, why would you even think that?"

Relief flooded my body. It didn't even occur to me to be embarrassed, not with him.

I said, "I saw you two being cozy this morning. You let her put her hands on you. For all I know, you may have touched her butt when you pulled out her keys."

He appeared to be thinking over what I just said. His eyes started to twinkle, "You were jealous."

"Yes," I answered simply. It was the truth after all.

He smiled, "If it makes you feel better, I am very jealous when other men are around you also."

I rolled my eyes, "Name one time you were jealous of me.''

He said, "Well that night at the hospital the First Beta and Delta Allen were basking in your approval. Meanwhile, you were very angry with me. I was so jealous that I was tempted to reassign both of them to Castle Leydwolf."

I blinked. He was serious.

He said, "Leah I am very fond of Lady Alexe. But, we were never interested in each other romantically. In fact, she was my brother Malachi's sweetheart.

By the way, she is a high spirited person which led to this mornings hijinks.

Right now I don't know whether to thank her, or apologize to you for behaving in a way you found compromising."

"You have a brother?" I asked.

His face fell, "I had a twin brother."

"I'm so sorry," I whispered wondering what happened to him.

He wrapped one arm around me, hugging me, "Malachi, Luenta and I grew up together. Those two were inseparable from a very young age. Malachi was born with heart problems and died when we were young teenagers.

Luenta was inconsolable for years, long past any normal mourning cycle. Sometimes she still gets depressed. I think if Malachi had lived long enough to phase they would have imprinted.

Sometimes I wonder if my being such a strong wolf took something from him. I phased unusually early as a child. It was a sign that I would become a High Alpha. Malachi was approaching his first phase when he died. His heart was just not strong enough.

Luenta and I enjoy a special friendship because of our history together. I look out for her because I know Malachi would want me to. Luenta's outlook on life improved when she mated with Eugene. He's been really good for her."

"Wow thank you for trusting me with that," I whispered.

We sat silently for awhile both lost in our own thoughts. Finally I said, "Maybe I should get up so I can go and face everyone. This is going to be embarassing."

He said, " I will inform Eugene that he can reassure his wife. I will explain later that it was all a misunderstanding."

"I still owe her an apology." I mumbled.

He sighed, "Perhaps but she will understand. She wouldn't want you to feel bad or make a spectacle out of yourself. She probably has figured out by now that this was a mistake. Would you like to meet her?"

We were distracted by the sight of Adam jogging our way. He skid to a stop in front of us, "You two are going to have to delay whatever discussion you are having. We have much a much bigger problem to deal with right now."

He pulled a gossip paper from under his arm and showed us the front. Bright pictures of me and Elijah on the casino ship were plastered all over the page. There was even a distant one of us talking to Dr. Cullen. The title said, "The Unmasked Face of The King of Lucacini Revealed."

"Where did this come from?" I almost yelled."

Adam said, "The alpha of Pack Stanley picked it up at the airport on his way down for the run. I put a call in to Earl Bishop and he sent a group out to investigate. Apparently these pictures are all over the American newsstands. They are also showing up on the internet."

This wasn't good. It's easy to tell Elijah and I are shape-shifters if you know what to look for. Dr. Cullen being in the one picture made it so much worse. All it took was one vampire seeing the pictures and the our secret would be out. The whole vampire world would know the King Of Lucacini is a shape-shifter.

I had a feeling all hell was about to break loose.

A/N: Thank you for reading, reviewing and following this story. This is a short chapter but I need to move the story along from Leah being angry at Elijah. I wanted them to start bonding because I'm about to introduce a new level of problems for these characters. Please consider leaving a review.

This is a filler chapter,