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.

Leah's Pov

"Good morning Miss Leah, should I set out another plate?" asked Adam Lightfoot. The only sound in the room was the bacon sizzling in the pan.

"Look I'll stop by later," I said rushing towards the door. "Miss Leah wait," Adam said casually moving the frying pan to the back burner.

Amused dark eyes met mine. "Are you OK?" he asked grabbing a t-shirt from the back of a chair and pulling it on. "Stay and eat. There is plenty of food," he said adding a third place setting to the table. He went back to the stove and started putting the bacon onto a plate.

Mom entered the kitchen barefoot and walked straight to Adam. She hugged him from behind wrapping her arms around his waist. "I think I'm in heat," she whispered.

He turned and gave her a peck on the neck. Her arms tightened pulling him closer to her. I lowered my eyes trying not to watch them kiss, unfortunately I heard everything. "Leah's here," he mumbled.

I kept my eyes glued to the table. Everything was silent. I could hear her adjusting her robe, footsteps approached.

"Hi honey," my mom dropped into the chair across from me her face slightly flushed.

"Hi mom, I..I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt..," I began.

She raised her hand in the universal signal for silence. "Adam is making a Traditional Lucacinian Breakfast. Aren't you curious?" She smiled at me.

"I am," I admitted. The smell of breakfast stirred my appetite the second I entered the house. "Now that I think about it what would a nation of shape-shifters eat?" I asked trying to sound casual.

Adam sat a steaming coffee mug in front of my mother and started putting serving dishes on the table. The food was interesting, eggs scrambled with chopped tomato and herbs. Bacon strips with a glaze, and a thick stew loaded with several types of meat.

Adam ladled the soup into two large bowls for us and a small one for my mom. He put a spoonful of everything else on one plate and sat it between them with two forks. He moved his chair closer to hers and slid in. Wow he's not shy at all.

My mom dug into the scrambled eggs and held her fork to his mouth. He opened it allowing her to feed him. The body language between them was fascinating to watch. They kept leaning towards each other so they were always touching. I shouldn't eat too much, watching this I'm not sure how much I can keep down. I reached for my food.

Soup for breakfast felt strange but I didn't want to offend Adam. I took a bite, Oh my!. It was delicious creamy and hot with just a hint of cinnamon.

Adam grinned when he saw my reaction, "Most Lucacinian dishes are high in calories and fat to fuel our bodies," he said. I nodded my mouth full of food. The soup was extremely rich and satisfying. We ate in a companionable silence with occasional small talk. My mom's face was glowing.

It was finally sinking in that she slept with Adam who she just met yesterday. This is just not like her! Hell she dated Charlie six months before spending the night over there. I don't get it. Why Adam? What's so special about him that she would just jump into to bed unless...

My heartbeat sped up. "Did you imprint on her?" I blurted.

Both of them looked up at me. He shook his head.

So what happens if he imprints? Have you thought about that mom? You saw what happened to me! OK she's a grown woman it's not your decision.

My mom put down her fork and sat up straight, "Leah honey I know what I'm doing."

Adam cleared his throat, "Miss Leah sometimes..."

I interrupted, "I was curious that's all. It's really none of my business." There that's nice and mature. I just hope she protects her heart.

Adam was watching me but he appeared distracted. My mom reached over and patted my hand.

"Thank you honey," she said.

I really didn't want to fight with them. I don't have anything against Adam personally, but to date a shifter is to risk inviting heartbreak. I have to get out of here.

"Thank you for breakfast. I'll call you later mom," I said getting up. I rushed out the front door coming face to face with the two shifters walking up the sidewalk.

Coinins Pov

A short time earlier

Last night after the party broke up the alpha's surprised us with a young adult sleepover at the clubhouse. Adam donated two twelve packs of imported beer; and Emily packed the leftover food into the industrial sized refrigerators. However, they wanted at least one older shifter to stay over. Adam privately asked me to volunteer since it would allow me to bond with the pack.

Jacob pulled rank and assigned Seth and Shou Ariwa stay and help me. After the younger wolves partied themselves out, us babysitters stayed up the rest of the night drinking and playing poker.

Or maybe I should say losing to Shou. I looked at my newest hand of cards and tossed them on the table, "I'm out," I said getting up from my chair.

Seth chuckled, "About time man! We really should start cleaning up before Jake gets here. He's not going to be happy with this place.

I snorted, "Who care if he's upset?"

Seth said, "Some of these guys are barely old enough to drink. Jake wanted us to watch them because they're used to burning off liquor." That makes sense.

I looked around. Young shifters were asleep on the couches and floor wherever space permitted. The floor and tables were littered with empty beer bottles and used paper plates. The trash can was overflowing. The television was paused in the middle of a video game. In fact Collin was passed out on the floor with the game controller still in his hand.

I shrugged my shoulders, "It's not bad reminds me of frat parties."

Seth smirked "I guess you didn't hear Jake and Earl threaten them with double patrols if they trashed the place. I'm just trying to help them out."

I waved my hand around, "This kind of thing is expected at a first time drinking party."

Seth said, "That's part of why they wanted supervisors. The other part is Emily would be upset if she saw this room. Shifters don't like to see their imprints upset."

Shou said, "I'll take care of this." He tossed his cards over his shoulder and jumped up. He started kicking the younger shifters awake. "Where does Mrs Uley store the garbage bags?" he asked. That's more like it. I'm not cleaning up after them.

Seth must have agreed with me. "I'm going to my mom's house for breakfast. Do you want to come?" he asked.

"Let's go," I said. I made a point of tossing my own beer bottles before following him out the door. If anyone objected to us leaving they didn't say anything.

And so without further argument Seth and I began the drive around to his mom's house.

"Coinin can I ask you something?" he said quietly.

Why is he so nervous? "Sure," I answered.

"How do you feel about Leah?" he glanced over to see my reaction.

Oh crap here it comes! "Look Leah is very attractive girl it's just..." I started to answer but he slapped his hand on the steering wheel.

"Don't deny you like her! Anyone with eyes can see that," he interrupted.

"Please let me finish! I'm hesitant to move in on her boyfriend's action," I said.

Seth got real quiet then said, "You know about Dario?"

I said, "Of course, he is my roommate!"

Seth whistled, "Well that complicates things, but for the record I'm rooting for you." I turned towards him with a confused look on my face.

"She likes you too." He said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I shook my head, "I don't know man. Dario and I grew up together."

"My sister settled for Dario. You are making her happy. In fact, I haven't seen her this relaxed since we first phased," he replied. I haven't done anything yet.

I said, "Seth I am attracted to her. But, I have to talk to Dario before I approach her. I owe him that much." I'm not looking forward to telling him I want his woman. But there is something special about this girl. I haven't felt like this since Grace. Let's not even go there.

That was pretty much the end of our conversation. We each became engrossed in our own thoughts.

"Something sure smells good," Seth broke the silence as he parked the Jeep in front of the house.

"Smells like Cavhory Soup," I answered opening my door.

Just as Seth was about to knock on the door it opened and an anxious Leah stepped out crossing her arms defensively.

"You're here early why?" she asked Seth ignoring me.

"I invited Coinin to breakfast. What's the problem?" he retorted.

She glared at him, "You knew about this didn't you?".

He shrugged, "About what?"

She started rubbing her forehead like she was in pain, "Look mom and Adam are inside. Uh I have to go." With that she quickly walked away headed toward the forest.

"Is she normally like that?" I asked.

Seth didn't answer me. "What's Adam doing here?" he wondered aloud. He stood there a few minutes before his eyes widened. "Oh! Look you go after Leah. I'm eating at the diner," he said and headed back towards his Jeep. I wonder how Adam feels about our enhanced senses sniffing out his business. He has to hear us out here.

I found Leah at the beach sitting with her head down. Her fingers were wiping her face as if she were crying. I knew that she could hear me walking closer, but she didn't acknowledge me. Seth's words rang in my head she likes you too.

I had the feeling that she wanted to be alone. But, I couldn't stop myself from approaching her. Why am I so captivated by you Leah? I dropped to one knee in the sand next to her.

"I need to be alone!" She snapped still without looking up.

I stood up and said, "Sure I'll leave." Why are you avoiding me? I turned to walk away dejectedly, but she grabbed my hand. The warmth of her hand was strangely sensual, almost like feeling her aura. She said, "I thought you were someone else, I'm sorry." I nodded but didn't stop.

She didn't release my hand. "Come sit down Coinin," she said quietly.

Following some instinct I didn't understand, I sat behind her with my legs stretched out on either side of her. I loosely wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her back against me. At first she sat rigidly, so I focused on rubbing soothing circles on her arms massaging them. I was surprised she allowed this. Gradually she relaxed and rested her back against me.

She was almost dozing when I asked, "So what's wrong?"

Her body tensed, "Coinin have you noticed anything weird about these new wolves?"

"Not really," I responded in an unspoken invitation for her to continue.

She sighed deeply, "It's subtle but there is a huge difference. They are more…well I don't want to say feral; but their mannerisms are closer to a real wolf pack than ours. They are so touchy-feely. They're like a force of nature that makes us seem domesticated."

I cleared my throat, "I might be able to explain that. These guys have embraced their inner wolf spirits and keep them close to the surface. Adam said this happens to us naturally as we mature. We're just pups Leah. Although, we see the wolf as a separate entity, in reality they're as much a part of us as our eye color."

She swallowed, "I'm not sure I understand that but OK. I feel stupid but I'm worried about my mom."

"Is she safe?" I asked.

Leah must have noticed my growing concern because she squeezed my hand a little harder.

"Yes, she's not in danger…physically. How much do you know about Adam Lightfoot?" She asked.

I couldn't figure out where she was going with this, "I know him pretty well, and he has watched over me my whole life."

She scooted over turning slightly so we were facing each other, "Adam and my mom either fell in bed together spontaneously, or they are moving way to fast. I kind of hope she's not getting involved with a shifter who could imprint."

I didn't understand why that would upset her. "Imprinting sounded straight forward when they explained it last night. And why shouldn't she date a shifter? You and your brother are shifters," I pointed out.

She hesitated but said, "Sam Uley and I were engaged and I lost him to the imprint. This happened while I was planning my wedding. It took me a long time to get over it." I had no idea she went through something devastating like that.

I scooted closer and draped my arm around her shoulders. We sat in silence for a while sharing body heat and comfort. Eventually, she relaxed again and rested her head on my shoulder.

I said, "Adam is not like that Leah. He is a good guy. He won't break her heart. In fact I'd give it a couple of months."

She frowned, "Give what a couple of months?"

"Adam, l give him a couple of months before he's on one knee asking her to be his," I answered.

She snorted, " They just met last night!"

"Leah I've known him most of my life and I've never seen him so smitten. He finally found the woman he wants, and to be honest it's about time," I replied.

She closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, "I keep forgetting these packs are much older than ours. I mean intellectually I know we don't age while actively phasing. But to actually see it in real time is mind-boggling. I wonder how old he really is."

"Who knows? I guess we could ask him," I said. We looked at each other and laughed. I still had my arm around her, she leaned in so close that I could feel her breathe.

"Thank you" she whispered.

Jacobs Pov

One month later

Tonight we held a farewell Bon Fire, and sought the blessings of the Great Spirit. It was incredible. Most of La Push came to see us off. We leave for Europe tomorrow. Adam e-mailed our itinerary. First we are flying into New York for an overnight stop. From there we are spending two days in London before taking a direct flight to Jeroisa City Lucacini. We will be the guest of Pack Lightfoot.

Unknown Pov

Stefan Alexander was as loyal as the next wolf. But now he questioned the judgement of his alpha. Apparently Cevin Eryin planned to enter Castle Leydwolf, the most formidable stronghold in all of Luccacini. All to make contact with a she-wolf under the protection of Pack Hemming. Stefan was too young to remember the alpha challenge between Alpha Ivan Eryin and Alpha Matthew Hemming that ended the shifter wars.

Matthews first official act as High Alpha was to demand Ivan step down in favor of his son Cevin. Pack Eryin and Pack Cole became sister packs until Cevin was old enough to take his rightful place. That command haunted Ivan until his death three years later somewhere in Italy.

Alpha Cevin Eryin's Pov

Castle Greywolf
Pack Eryin Territory
Northern Lucacini

I could smell her before I entered the room. Technically only the council is allowed in these closed meetings. But she has always been one to rebel against the rules. I remember her as a child daring me to play hide and seek in here. Of course we were caught by father. He punished us by making us sit through hours of council briefings for the rest of that day.

"Mariella you may as well come out and join us," I said ignoring the pointed looks of my council. As alpha I am allowed to bend the rules. Maybe she'll have something constructive to add.

She walked out of my adjoining office, her face slightly flushed. You should be embarrassed eavesdropping on us like that.

Joseph Gray head of the Elder Council called roll and banged his gavel officially bringing the meeting to order.

"Is everyone aware of this and my proposed action?" I asked waving the intelligence report.

"Affirmative," said Elder Gray.

"Discussions?" I invited.

Stefan Alexander shifter liaison to the council spoke up, "Alpha Eryin with all due respect we are banned from Hemming's territory unless specifically invited. I suggest you reconsider this." I raised an eyebrow, "Stefan review your notes!" Lazy bum that's plan B. I shared that with the pack, not the council!

"The she-wolf is still in America. The plan is to intercept her when she arrives, before she enters Hemming territory. There are two main points of international entry into this country Jeroisa and the Port of Bukeraton. Both are neutral cities," I looked at the papers in front of me.

"Our informants report she will be coming by way of Bukeraton. We'll be ready," I promised.

Mariella chuckled, "It should be easy. I doubt Pack Hemming is aware that we know their plans."

Don't be so smug little sister! Pack Hemming are not fools. But don't worry, I plan to cover all contingencies.

A/N: Thank you for reviewing, reading, favoring and following this story. I really appreciate it. I would love to hear your thoughts about this chapter. Feel free to leave me some feedback. Constructive criticism is welcome as long as it's constructive.

Teaser: Next chapter the La Push Shifters experience culture shock, Leah and Coinins budding relationship gets its first bump and Jacob gets a surprise.

Just to clarify: In the interest of moving the story along Coinin returned to Phoenix that last month to wrap up his affairs for the move. It's always been my intent for most of Leah's story to take place in Lucacini.