Chapter Prologue:
I slept restlessly, dreaming only of one, single thing—a giant, brown wolf with emerald green eyes. In my dream, I was in wolf form as well, and together we ran through the forest and played as if we were old friends. My dream however quickly turned into a terrifying nightmare, and someone or something dressed in flowing, black robes came to take my brown friend away from me. My heart broke into a million pieces when the shadowy reaper appeared through the trees, opening his cloak and encasing my wolf friend within its folds. I remember nothing else, but darkness. Then, I awoke.
THE TRUE ALPHA: THE EJ BLACK CHRONICLES
Chapter 36: Venezia Finale
Leah's POV
"Where are we going, EJ?" I ask my imprint for the umpteenth time on our stroll down the stone walkway that next evening. I rest my head on his shoulder, pulling him closer to me, our arms linked together.
After the most romantic, and not to mention erotic, night of my life, I woke to find a magnificent breakfast in bed and a note in EJ's elegant handwriting telling me that a "surprise" awaited me this evening. I hate surprises, and the suspense has literally been killing me the entire day.
"You'll see, Leah." EJ chuckles, a smile broadening on his face. I deliberately frown up at him, disappointed.
"Just a little hint." I try to persuade my beloved to divulge any minute detail of his intentions, stroking my fingers tauntingly down his forearm and giving him a seductive look.
"Nope, my lips are sealed." EJ hisses as my fingers run down his warm skin to his palm. "Didn't you get your fill of me last night?"
He laughs, placing his arm about my shoulders to avoid any further stimulation, and I grit my teeth in utter frustration.
"No, I could never get my fill of you." I slink my arm under his about his waist, pressing my body against his chest. His arms instantly encase me, and I feel his lips gently kiss the top of my hair. I deeply inhale, memorizing his scent—that intoxicating aroma of fresh-cut roses.
"Neither could I." EJ whispers as we continue to walk toward our destination, fully immersed in one another.
I sigh, regretting the moment I even considered leaving EJ. He is so special to me, the one I was created for. How could I ever deny him? He is all I've ever wanted and more. I gave into him last night, sharing the most intimate expression of love possible and solidifying my full commitment to him. Since last night, I have never been happier in my entire life, and I curse even the thought of ever rejecting him for someone else. I force myself to push away those thoughts and concentrate on the present and our future lives together.
"Not much further." EJ assures me as we near the end of the block. My heart begins to thud in my chest. "Just around this corner . . . ah, here we are."
As we reach the surcease of the alleyway, I notice a small shop positioned to our right. I feel my heart sink with dissatisfaction.
"You brought me to a shop?" I ask him, dumbfounded. He knows that shopping is not one of my favorite pastimes, and I begin to wonder why he has brought me here.
"Do you see the sign out front?" EJ motions toward the large sign, resting atop an easel along the stone walkway and marking the entrance to the store.
"Yes, but . . ." I do a double take. My eyes widen as I read every last word written in English below the Italian translation etched onto the sign:
New Exhibition from American Artist: Leah Clearwater One Night Only
Tears begin to well up in my eyes, and I let my arms drop from EJ's body. I stare at the sign in disbelief, my heart beating an erratic rhythm.
"EJ . . . what . . . I mean, how?" The warmth of EJ's arms is now all about me as he pulls me into his chest from behind.
"Surprise." He kisses my cheek, glancing toward the shop, grinning from ear to ear.
"You brought my artwork here?" I force myself to blink and turn around to face EJ, caressing his cheek with my hand.
"Well, I had some help from your mom and our family of course." EJ beams, his gorgeous green eyes pouring into mine.
"EJ . . . this is the sweetest thing you've ever done." I face the store again, a smile playing across my lips. "It's one of my dreams to show my artwork . . . and here in Venice . . . I'm speechless."
"Well, then let's not keep them waiting. Shall we?" EJ lovingly takes my left palm into his right.
I nod, feeling a twinge of nervousness begin to build in my stomach.
"Relax. You'll do wonderful." EJ's calming words relieve the apprehension within me, and I endearingly smile at him, reveling in the unconditional love and care he has for me.
As we cross the threshold to the makeshift gallery, I count almost two dozen patrons already inside the shop. About twenty of my paintings and drawings cover the walls complete with mattes and glass, antique frames, and a small table of hors d'œuvres is positioned toward the back of the gallery.
"EJ! Leah!" A familiar voice rings out, and the pixie-like figure of Alice Cullen dances toward me, her arms outstretched. "You're here."
"Alice." I roll my eyes as I partake in our hug, and as I look over her shoulder toward the rear of the shop, I notice several more of our family members as they make their presence known: Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie. "I should've known you were behind this."
"Well, it was EJ's idea mostly." Alice pulls away from me, her golden eyes beaming. "But I helped a little."
"Everything looks wonderful, Alice." EJ hugs his aunt. "Thank you so much."
"It was nothing, EJ." Alice sighs, releasing her nephew, and then turns to me. "Now, Leah, are you ready for your introduction?"
"Introduction?" I gulp, feeling the nervousness steadily return to my stomach.
"Don't worry." Alice comforts me, placing her arm around my waist and guiding me toward the rear of the gallery. "I'll do all the talking."
She smiles at me, removing her hand from my waist, and I glance back at my EJ, who in turn gives me a flirty wink. I instantly relax, my face restoring its broad grin.
Alice retrieves a champagne glass and clinks it several times with her fingers, not requiring a metal object to do the job for her.
"Everyone, may I have your attention?" She begins her speech in Italian and then translates it into English. The throng of art enthusiasts turns their focus immediately on Alice. "I have the esteemed pleasure of introducing to you the artist whose beautiful work we are presenting here tonight: Miss Leah Clearwater."
She gestures for me to join her beside the table of hors d'œuvres, and I oblige, a hint of crimson flushing on my cheeks. Give me a field full of bloodthirsty, newborn vampires, and I welcome the fight. Give me a room full of art critics, and I melt into a pile of mush.
However, to my ultimate comfort, the crowd obligingly erupts into a fleeting round of applause.
"Miss Clearwater is an American from La Push, Washington, and has been studying art for the past two years at the University of Oregon. This is the first formal showing of her work, and what better place than Venice?" Alice chuckles, and the audience mirrors her sentiment. "Please enjoy your evening with us, and remember all paintings are for sale to the highest bidder."
"You're selling my work?" I whisper into Alice's ear, shocked.
"Yes, you've always wanted to make a living as an artist, right?" Alice winks at me, and I realize that she is right. It has always been a dream of mine to earn money doing what I love the most, painting. "Now, you are."
"Thanks, Alice." I reply, watching the guests return to my paintings.
"No problem." Alice places her hand on my shoulder. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some paintings to sell."
I laugh as Alice scurries off toward a middle-aged couple dressed in fancy attire. Her persuasive vampire powers will definitely serve her well in this setting, and I can only hope for the best.
"Miss Clearwater." A voice in a British accent greets me from my right. I turn, and a short, stocky woman appears before me, dressed in a blue, vintage gown. "Your paintings are just brilliant, my dear. I persuaded my husband to buy three of them for our new home in Tuscany."
"Thank you so much." I show my gratitude for my new fan as EJ's arms embrace me from behind.
"Is this handsome man your husband?" The old woman asks, and my heart skips a beat at the word, husband.
"Well, not exact--"
"Yes, I'm EJ Black. Nice to meet you." EJ interjects, letting me go and shaking the patron's hand.
"Likewise, Mr. Black." The woman smiles, eyeing EJ up and down in approval. "And when is the blessed event?"
EJ and I both look at each other, and he reaches down to my waist, placing his right hand atop my belly.
"Soon." EJ responds, caressing my swollen belly gently, and never deflects his gaze from mine.
"Ah, young love. I remember that feeling." The woman sighs, possibly lost in the memories of the past. "Don't ever let those feelings go. Cling to them as if they are your very lifeline. Now, if you'll excuse me . . ."
We watch our new friend join whom I assume to be her husband near the entrance of the gallery, and then EJ turns back to me, taking my face into his palms.
"You know something?" EJ says, looking into my brown eyes.
"Yes, Mr. Black?" I furrow my eyebrows and wonder what he could possibly have to say.
"You are my lifeline, Leah, and I'm never letting go." EJ leans in, pressing his lips softly to mine.
I melt into him, allowing the soothing warmth of his lips to intoxicate me.
Neither am I, EJ. Neither am I.
"Thank you, EJ, for everything." I express my appreciation to my imprint as the last patrons of the evening exit the gallery. I wave to them and shut the door to the shop behind them.
"You're welcome, love." EJ smiles as he takes down the only painting that didn't sell, my abstract work called "The Great Eye."
"I wonder why that one didn't sell." I ponder, crossing my arms against my chest and watching my imprint set the painting down on the wooden floor.
"Because Alice bought it already." EJ scoffs, sauntering up to meet me at the door. He takes me in his arms and pulls me close. "She growled at anyone who gave it a second glance."
"So, that's why that one man ran out of here, shaking uncontrollably." I smile, rubbing my nose against EJ's and closing my eyes.
"Mmhmm." EJ brushes his lips back and forth over mine. "Leah, you look absolutely beautiful."
"I think you are a bit biased." I open my eyes, staring intently into his. His expression is soft, one of nothing but pure adoration.
"That's true, but as I told you before, I'm not blind." He presses his lips to mine, and my being surges with desire for the man before me, the man who has made all of my dreams a reality. He has made me a mother and a professional artist, but most of all, he has given me someone to love, someone who is wholly devoted to me and no one else.
After several minutes, we break apart from each other's lips, breathless. EJ reaches up and runs the tips of his fingers desirously across my lips. I in turn purse my lips, and he moans, his body quivering against the touch of my kiss.
"Where is everyone?" I take a deep breath, trying to quell my desires for him to take me in a public place.
"They're . . . um, getting ready for the next surprise." EJ roughly exhales and gives me a wicked smirk.
"There's another surprise?" I am stunned. What could possibly top the surprise of getting to show and sell my artwork in Venice?
"Yes, love." EJ answers, clearing his throat. Suddenly, he appears nervous and begins to fumble with something in his trousers' pocket. "But . . . there's something I need to do first."
"What?" I quizzically ask as EJ's hand leaves his pocket and he lowers himself to one knee. "Oh, shit . . ."
"Leah." EJ takes my left hand, kissing it softly. "I know we've been through a lot these past few weeks, and I can't say that it's been easy. But I can say that I love you. I've loved you since I was a child, Leah. I've had a crush on you for years, and then when you came back to La Push on my birthday, my feelings surmounted and I imprinted on you. It was the best moment of my life, Leah. I became a man and found the love of my life both in one solitary moment. Who could ask for more than that?"
For some unknown reason, I begin to cry like a blubbering idiot at his words. They touch me in a way unlike any other.
"Thank you for loving me, Leah, for giving me a second chance. I couldn't bear to face this world without you." EJ raises his left hand, revealing a black, velvet box. He lets go of my hand briefly to open the box. "So, with that being said . . . Leah Clearwater, will you marry me?"
As I take in the modest, diamond ring, I cup my hands over my face, realizing that it is my mother's engagement ring, the one my father gave her when he proposed. I'd recognize the antique setting anywhere.
"EJ . . . it's my mother's ring." I smile through my sobs. Memories begin to cloud my mind. Memories of fastening my mother's ring around my finger dozens of times as a small child, dreaming of the perfect wedding day. Then, I remember my father Harry, his bright, warm smile and infectious laugh, and I wish he could be here to see this day.
"She wanted you to have it." EJ removes the ring from the box. "But you didn't answer my question . . ."
"Oh . . ." Swept away from my memories, I look straight into his green eyes, no hesitation or further contemplation necessary. "Yes, EJ. I'll marry you."
"Really, Leah?" EJ stands up, sending the velvet box forgotten to the wooden floor. "You'll come live with me in Volterra, you and Tessa?"
"Of course, EJ." A smile of elation widens on my face, and EJ crushes his lips to mine, pulling me into his arms.
EJ detaches himself from my lips, taking my left hand and sliding the diamond ring down my third finger. It is a perfect fit.
"Now, you're mine." EJ jokingly remarks, taking me back into his arms.
"No . . . now, you're mine." I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Forever and ever." EJ smiles, giving me one last peck on the lips.
Then, he unexpectedly lifts me into his burly arms, carrying me toward the back of the gallery.
"Now, onto my next surprise . . ."
I giggle in utter happiness as we exit out the back door. Once outside, EJ sets me down on the stone pavement, and I look around in astonishment.
The entire courtyard is covered in garlands of lavender and lilac blossoms; the overwhelming fragrance enters my nose immediately.
"SURPRISE!" A massive group of familiar faces calls to me. My family is there; my mother, my stepfather, Seth, the Cullens, the Blacks, and even a few wolves are all in attendance.
"Mom!" I immediately run to my mother's waiting arms, and she hugs me tightly against her chest.
"I was so worried about you." She speaks into my hair, pulling away. Reaching down and grabbing my left hand, my mother examines her ring now resting on my finger. "It looks beautiful on you, Leah."
"Thanks, Mom, but what are you doing here?" My eyes are blurred with tears as I question my mother, taking in her angelic face. "And everyone else for that matter?"
"You think we would miss your wedding?" My mother Sue replies, smiling and patting me lightly on the shoulder.
"My wedding?" I turn to EJ, who nods in response.
"Yeah, Leah, when I asked you to marry me, I guess I should've said 'Will you marry me now?' " EJ laughs, taking my right hand.
"What?" I give him a shocked look.
He pulls me to him and whispers, "Will you . . . marry me now? Tonight?"
"Yes." I unwaveringly answer in return, linking my arms around his neck, but we are ripped apart by Alice's freezing hands.
"Now, Leah, let me get you all gussied up." Alice exclaims, a makeup bag firmly in her hand.
"No, Alice." I recognize Sam Uley's deep, husky voice interject from behind me. "She looks fine the way she is. In fact, she's never looked more beautiful."
"Thanks, Sam." I blush slightly at my former lover's words, turning around to greet him. We've had such a history together, but all of that is now forgotten. I have finally forgiven him.
"EJ is a lucky man." Sam gives me a brief hug and then turns to EJ. "He better treat you well or he'll have to answer to me."
"Oh, I will." EJ says, shaking Sam's hand. I sense a little tension between the two Alphas, but that is to be expected.
"I know you will. I have no doubt in my mind." Sam sighs, rolling his eyes. "Now, let's get this show on the road before the pixie has heart failure. She's straightened the collar of my shirt about a dozen times already."
"Yes, but before we do, I have a favor to ask." My Alpha Jacob breaks into the conversation, wedging himself between Sam and me. "May I have the honor of giving away the bride?"
"Of course, Jake. I would like that." I smile at my Alpha with a pang of sadness in my heart. I know that once EJ takes on his duty as Alpha it will end my reign as Jacob's Beta, and I will then hold my allegiance to EJ. "And will Nessie be my matron of honor?"
"Already taken care of, Leah." Esme places her frigid arm about my shoulders. I glance over at Nessie, who is wearing a gown in my favorite lilac color, and she smiles. "Seth and EJ's brother and sisters are waiting for you up front with Marcus. We're ready when you are."
"I'm ready." I reach out my right arm, and EJ lovingly takes hold of it.
I've never been more certain of anything in my entire life. EJ is my heart, my home. Now that I have given myself to him completely, I feel no hesitation, no regrets, no sorrow for what could have been. There is only the man before me, my imprint, my lover, the one who will finally make my life whole again. With our marriage and the birth of our daughter, we will be a family, something I have pined for ever since I was a little girl.
No more sadness. No more tears. No more fears of an unknown future. With EJ, I have nothing but love. And it's true what the old Biblical saying affirms, "Love conquers all."
The crowd of our family members retreats to reveal a small aisle down the center, leading to Marcus, who stands at the surcease. I assume that he will be the one to marry us, to lead us in the vows that will officially make us husband and wife.
"Well, if you're not going to let me fix you up, the least you can do is carry a bouquet." Alice exasperatedly huffs and plops a bouquet of lavender flowers in my left hand as EJ begins to lead me down the aisle.
I clutch the bundle of flowers close to my heart and peer over at my beloved. He smiles at me and winks; he has never looked more handsome than tonight, our wedding night.
I focus my attention back down the aisle, greeting our guests with a grateful smile. Jacob faithfully follows a few yards after us, not wanting to interrupt our blissful moment together.
Suddenly, as we near the end of our course, Edward swoops in front of us, pushing EJ and me backward into the crowd. My ears are met with the blood-curdling screams of our family members, and EJ protectively throws his body over me. I hear Jacob's familiar growl from behind me, and I assume he has now phased.
Frightfully, I look up over EJ's shoulder just as a shadowy, cloaked figure descends upon Marcus, sending him paralyzed to the stone ground.
Attn: Please be gentle! Let me know what you think. If you are a fan of the Supernatural TV show, I have posted a one shot called, "Sam and Dean Go to Forks: A Supernatural Story." It won one of the one shot awards on Freedom Fan Fiction Writers last weekend. It's a crossover fic between Supernatural and Twilight. I would appreciate some feedback on it. Thanks!