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.

Thank you for reading, following and reviewing this story. I really appreciate it!

Authors note please read: I will be uploading the second half of this chapter today. The whole chapter ran over 6000 words so I broke it into two parts for easier reading. Leah meets Matthew in part 2.

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

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

Home away From Home

This used to be titled

Leah's Imprint part 1

Adam Lightfoot's Pov

Julien and I watched Seth's eyes open as wide as saucers. A variety of emotions from disbelief to optimism crossed his face.

"You're saying the king...uh... Rex imprinted on Leah?" he asked.

"Yes," Julien answered.

He glanced at me and back at Julien, "Well now you know she's not dating Jacob. Why not call him so he can come meet her? "

Julien shook his head, "The Rex will be tied up in briefings for the next couple of hours. Then he will depart for a State visit to The United Kingdom. Speaking of which, I have to run soon. I need to get back and debrief."

Seth's face fell, "What about the imprint?"

I tried to reassure him, "The Rex will have to deal with it when he gets back. He didn't exactly plan this."

Seth smiled, "Leah has two guys chasing her, one of them a king! His face sobered, "Does he have a girlfriend? This is kind of important."

Julien said, "He is single at this time."

Seth let out a relieved sigh and looked at me, "That's going to make things so much easier."

Julien started to take off his shirt, "I had better get going."

Seth raised both hands, "Wait...can I come with you? I'd like to meet The Rex. I don't care if it's just for a few minutes."

Julien shook his head, "Sorry Kid I'm attached to my balls."

Seth rolled his eyes, "That's an image I could do without, but there must be something you can do."

Julien looked over at me thoughtfully, "Wait Adam acting as First Beta could authorize an audience."

Seth looked at me inquiringly.

I sighed, "Sure, I'll accompany the pack to Ivan's Peak and run back out to pick you up. Make sure you tell your mother you're leaving. Oh and Julien go over the proper etiquette with him."

Leah's Pov

Coinin was getting on my nerves for no apparent reason, so I wandered over to sit with mom and Old Quil. Seth came over to say he was going to hang out with Julien and phased.

Julien also phased. His wolf was all black except for a large white patch around one of his eyes. Adam watched Seth trot over and said, "You two be careful." I can't get over how these guys think nothing of running around as a wolf in public. According to Adam eighty percent of Lucacinians are connected to shape-shifter families. I guess that explains it.

It was almost dusk when the twins started to get fussy. My mom sent Adam to round up the pack again. In no time we had the Hummer loaded and were headed out of the city.

I stared out the window and watched the paved highways give way to country roads. Soon we were passing fenced in pastures with hundreds of sheep on both sides of the road. A few buildings dotted the landscape.

The Hummer slowed down and we passed a graying shifter running besides a horse drawn cart filled with straw being driven by two teenage boys. It was a scene straight out of National Geographic Magazine.

Emily started taking pictures with her cell phone. "This is incredible old world charm, but why the horse and wagon?" she asked.

Adam replied, "This country is moving towards modernization, but we try to preserve our ancient villages and culture. Many of our farmers, artisans, craftsmen, and musicians cling to the traditional methods passed down for generations".

Night fell rapidly and soon it was all dark except for the headlights from the Hummer. The further out we traveled the wilder the countryside grew until stretches of tree line hugged the road dissected by trails leading to isolated pockets of civilization.

I heard a wolf howl just when we left the main road. We drove alone an incline for about four miles before we crested the hill. To the north was a settlement of rustic cabins nestled around a clear lake. The driver turned onto a cobblestone driveway lined with beech trees.

We drove along the drive and around a curve to approach a rustic multi storied manor house with a middle part and two wings. The Hummer continued around to a side entrance and rolled to a stop. Double French doors stood open highlighting the couple waiting to greet us.

The man an alpha with dark hair graying at the temple separated himself from the woman and walked over to us.

Adam lowered his eyes briefly and stepped over to hug him. He turned to Jacob and Sam, "Meet my uncle Alpha Daniel Lightfoot your host."

"Welcome to Ivan's Peak Pack Bishop," Daniel said in a deep cultured voice.

Jacob walked forward for the alpha to alpha greeting. "Thank you Alpha Lightfoot, May I hear your terms?" he politely requested with a slight bow.

Earl Bishop once explained that the formal Pack Greeting between alphas is a symbol of peaceful intentions when officially visiting another packs territory for an extended length of time.

Daniel bowed gracefully. "We offer sister links for the duration of your stay," he proposed.

Jacob said, "We accept and thank you for hosting us." The two alpha's stood and shook hands causing everyone to relax."

Daniel turned to the middle aged woman with short dark curly hair and pale blue green eyes, "Meet my wife Ana, our den mother here at Ivan's Peak."

Adam introduced the rest of us by rank starting with Sam.

Ana greeted us warmly and said, "Our den is open to you make yourself at home."

She ushered us inside through a mud room into a spacious two story lounge area with a high beamed ceiling. Leather sofas and chairs were arranged into several seating areas. Woven folk art rugs lay scattered on the polished flagstone floor.

There was a large painting of an older dignified shifter superimposed over himself in wolf form hanging over the wood burning fireplace.

The other side of the room was a large cozy kitchen. A long beautify carved wooden trestle table was pushed up near a second set of French doors.

"Coinin!" a tall thin woman with long jet black hair, threw herself into his arms. Her almond shaped hazel eyes gave her an exotic look.

"That would be my cousin Flori," Said Adam. "Mircea is her husband," he inclined his head towards a blonde man who was removing something from the oven.

The shifter looked up and smiled at us before glancing at Coinin, "Dude welcome to the dark side! When did you start phasing?"

Coinin hugged Flori and smirked at Mircea, "You used to say you were bringing your pet wolves and I believed you." Mircea smirked right back at him. Coinin said, "When I was young, Mircea and his pets spent several summers with me in Upstate New York."

Mircea snorted and said, "Come and help me with the food." Coinin went to wash his hands but looked over when a man walked through the doors.

This guy was hot. In gray jeans and a t-shirt his body was muscular from working out. His glossy black hair was styled in a crew cut. His face all angles and planes bore the Lightfoot family resemblance. He paused by the door glancing around with the cutest pair of gray eyes I've ever seen.

He was the embodiment of what I usually find attractive in a man, non-shifter, rugged good looks, nice body, yet I felt totally indifferent to him. I realized with a growing sense of dismay my libido was discombobulated. I just didn't see him as a potential partner. Instead I yearned for something insubstantial, but what?

"This is our youngest son Hunter," Anna said making the introductions.

Mircea announced the food was ready. The idle chatter around the dinner table failed to keep my attention and I found my mind wandering. As soon as dinner ended I hung back to watch everyone else.

Coinin and Old Quil were still at the table talking when the pack except for Jacob and I, excused themselves for the evening. Hunter offered to show them their cabins. Adam mom and I walked them to the door.

Just as Adam closed the door Daniel was saying, "You met our Julien?"

Jacob shrugged, "Yes nice fellow."

Daniel frowned and turned to Adam, "Did something happen? Why wasn't Julien with the..."

Adam cut him off, "Julien had his orders." A look passed between him and Daniel that I couldn't decipher.

"Will all of you excuse us for a few minutes?" Daniel asked.

My mom looked at me, "Lets help Ana clean the kitchen."

Adam kissed my mother and squeezed her hand before walking over to talk with Daniel.

Jacob and I started clearing the table giving Adam and Daniel privacy. Mircea happened to be standing close enough to eavesdrop on them. Suddenly he stilled looking incredibly stunned. He glanced from Adam and Daniel directly over to me.

"Cee?! Vrei su fpui ca Rex emprimati pei acest lupeu?" He blurted.

Ana and Flori stopped what they were doing and turned around.

From the corner of my eye I saw Coinin stand up, "Cee?" he choked out.

Adam turned to glare at Mircea his eyes dark and hard. He started speaking rapidly in their language, obviously reprimanding the young wolf.

Mircea stepped back and shifted his gaze to the floor baring his neck in submission.

Daniel raised his hand for silence and Adam said something to him. The two seemed to argue for a minute, but Daniel appeared to have the last word. Abruptly Adam switched to English and said, "I'll agree but only out of respect for you uncle." before he stopped talking.

Daniel looked at his son in law, "Mircea it wasn't your place to listen in on our private conversation, let alone comment on it."

I saw Flori and Ana sneaking glances at me.

Mircea bared his neck even more. "Emi Pari Reau," he replied softly.

Adam crossed his arms, "Speak English!"

"I am sorry I was out of line," he said to each man in turn.

"Agreed! Don't let it happen again," said Adam.

I felt bad for Mircea. Being reprimanded publicly is embarrassing. Apparently Jacob felt the same way.

"If you will excuse us, we should turn in," he suggested inclining his head towards the door.

Daniel nodded, "Of course Alpha Black. Mircea will show you to your cabins. Please excuse our breech of manners."

Jacob said, "No need, Old Quil and I can find our own way to the cabins. We will see you all in the morning." He headed towards the door.

Adam said, "Jacob these are for my Jeep. It's parked just outside." He tossed him a set of keys.

Old Quil said, "Goodnight" and followed Jacob out.

Daniel looked at his wife and daughter, "Please show our other guest to their suites."

Meanwhile, Coinin startled when Adam patted him on the shoulder. "Let's go for a run," said Adam.

Flori said, "Please come with me."

I said goodnight and followed her through an archway, down a corridor leading to a stairway. On the second floor she turned left and walked down another hallway stopping in front of a door.

"This is your suite," she said stepping back so I could enter.

I walked into a small foyer. The walls were covered with knotty pine paneling. A whimsical curved wooden table was pushed against the wall with a silhouette drawing of a howling wolf hanging above it.

An archway in front of me led to a cozy sitting room. A small dining table with four chairs was tucked into the corner near a galley kitchen with stainless steel appliances. An island complete with wet bar separated the two areas.

I opened a door to the left to find a king sized swinging bed was suspended from the ceiling. A pair of French doors offered a breathtaking view of the Carpathian Mountain range. The bed was covered with snowy white linens and mounds of pillows.

The room was beautifully decorated. A painting of a wolf cub sleeping on a large rock was hanging over the electric fireplace. A door to the left led to a modern bathroom complete with shower stall, Jacuzzi tub and a separate closet dressing area that Alice would envy.

"We put you in here, but if you would be more comfortable in one of the cabins we can make arrangements," Flori volunteered.

"This is perfect, thank you," I replied.

"Then I'll bid you goodnight," she said closing the door behind her.

I opened the sliding door in the dressing area to find a huge walk in closet. My luggage shipped ahead of time was placed neatly side by side.

I spent the next hour unpacking and arranging my things before slipping into my yoga outfit. I started my stretches, but my mind kept going back to that conversation between Daniel and Adam. Mircea gave me the distinct impression they were talking about me. However, the conversation started out about Julien. I just didn't get the connection.

One week later

Ivan's Peak Main Manor House

Unknown Pov

Pack Bishop had a busy first week at Ivan's Peak. They settled in and started to form friendships with the locals. Adam proudly introduced Sue to his family members who lived in the area. Jacob split his time between Ivan's Peak and apartment hunting in Jeroisa City.

Old Quil found a kindred spirit in Daniel Lightfoot. The two men spent time at the historical library researching legends and Shape-Shifter history, followed by lively discussions over brandy. In one such discussion Daniel explained the meaning behind each of his intricate tattoos.

Old Quil learned of an old shape-shifter tradition the Yakiki ceremony. Following her wedding ceremony a shape-shifters bride presents her groom with a wedding ring on a breakaway chain. During the Yakiki ceremony a tattoo artist copies the design of the ring onto the groom's finger.

Old Quil shared the story with the pack and Sam decided to surprise Emily with a Yakiki ceremony for their anniversary. Daniel and Old Quil made all of the arrangements. Daniel offered his ballroom for the ceremony and Adam volunteered to do all of the cooking. Pack Bishop was amused to learn the First Beta once attended culinary school to train as a gourmet chef.

Leah's feelings of pent up restlessness and longing increased as the week wore on. Let's add in the fact that Coinin has been avoiding her and the Lightfoots treating her deferentially, we have one confused she-wolf.

Leah's Pov

Today is Emily's anniversary and surprise Yakiki ceremony. I spent the morning helping my mom and Ana finish getting everything ready. Daniel and Old Quil made the major arrangements, but Ana convinced them they needed a woman's touch.

The grand ballroom is beautifully decorated in Emily's favorite colors of white and light teal. Adam's been cooking all morning and the food smells delicious.

Old Quil kept practicing the old Quileute prayers for the ceremony. Florie and Coinin were caught up in a horror movie and I went to see what the fuss was. Coinin glanced over and smiled at me but it didn't meet his eyes.

"How have you been Leah?" he asked.

"Pretty busy how about you?" I answered.

Suddenly Seth plopped down on the sofa between us and grabbed the bowl of snacks.

"What are we watching?" he asked loudly.

Seth has been so annoying since we got here. I stared at him and happened to see the amusement in Coinin's eyes before he turned back to the movie.

"Ok what's going on guys? Obviously you two are working together," I pointed out.

Seth had the grace to look guilty, "We just wanted kill time until...I mean soften the blow."

"What are you talking about?" I demanded.

Coinin stood up and looked down at me, "Look Leah we can't see each other. You will understand soon."

I almost wilted with relief to hear him say that. I still find him attractive but these days I'm longing for something else, something I can't even define.

"Ok cool," I said enjoying the surprised looks on their faces. None of us said another word we just watched the movie.

"Leah why don't you go lay down? It's still a few hours until the Yakiki," said Flori and I realized I was falling asleep.

I thought it was an excellent idea especially since I was having lower abdominal cramps. It felt like I startled awake as soon as I lay down. I stared at the ceiling a few minutes before I realized the cramps had become bad enough to wake me.

I started making a mental list of conditions associated with lower abdominal cramps in women. Fibroid tumors? Endometriosis? I climbed out of bed stopping dead in my tracks to stare at the sheets! It's a good thing my suite came stocked with personal items including tampons.

I went into the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower so it could heat up. I stepped into the shower and turned my face into the spray eyes closed letting the steaming hot water run over my body easing some of the aches.

I spun around letting the spray run down my back. I couldn't think of a single reason why my cycle returned. So I clung to my femininity like the greatest treasure hoping it wasn't a fluke.

I turned off the water and wrapped myself in a big fluffy towel and emerged into the dressing area. I chose purple lace underwear and sat at the mirrored vanity to blow dry my hair and style it until it fell just like I like it. I applied minimal make up.

A glance at the clock got me moving to get dressed. On the way out, I studied my reflection in the three way floor length mirror.

The girl staring back at me looked feminine and confident a long way from the genetic dead end who was maid of honor at Emily's wedding. The taffy colored skirt and matching blouse hugged my body showing off my curves to perfection. My jeweled designer sandals added the perfect touch making sure the outfit was not too dressy or to casual.

One last look in the mirror and I headed down to the ballroom. Inside the pack had gathered and their glances were curious. I saw Jacob's nose quiver slightly and realized they were scenting me.

Over the years I have gotten so used to scenting women's cycles, I don't really notice them anymore. Because it was me, my pack brothers noticed, but no one said anything.

The native shifters had the opposite reaction. There were at least seven extra shape-shifters here, Lightfoots we met over the last week. Not one acted like anything was out of the ordinary.

There was a small commotion as Sam and Emily entered the room. He was dressed up in black pants and a white dress shirt. She was wearing a white strapless dress that fell to mid-calf.

She stopped short, "What's going on Sam? You said we were going dancing."

He leaned in to whisper, "Surprise." and beckoned Old Quil over to explain the ceremony.

Emily flushed and covered her cheeks with her hands, "But your ring Sam! We left it in the states."

He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small velvet box, "I always keep it close Em."

She gushed, "Oh Sam!" and he leaned down to kiss her.

My mom walked over and handed her the small gift bag with a matching breakaway chain, "This is from Seth, Leah and I congratulations."

The Yakiki ceremony itself was very beautiful. Emily presented the ring to the tattoo artist who made a few sketches. She thanked him and gifted him with a basket of baked goods. Then she fastened the chain with the ring around Sam's neck while Old Quil recited prayers asking blessings on their union.

Sam led Emily to sit in a pair of decorated chairs next to the table where the tattoo artist had set up. Emily held Sam's right hand. Sam laid his left hand on the specially made arm rest so the tattoo artist could go to work.

He worked fast and within fifteen minutes the tattoo was complete. I had to really look hard to tell it was a tattoo instead of a real ring. According to Daniel shifter scientist developed a special ink for Yakiki tattoos. The finished product was impressive.

Daniel signaled the live band and the party started. Jacob walked over dance with me.

"So Leah how did it happen?" I didn't pretend to misunderstand him. In fact I expected him to bring it up. A good alpha is aware of what's going on in his pack.

I looked him in the eye, "I don't know Jacob I started a couple of hours ago. I need to see a doctor to find out more."

Jacob sighed, "Mirille knows a little clinic in Jeroisa City versed in shifter medicine. I'm going to pick up the cars I bought for the pack on Saturday. Do you want to come with me? You could see a doctor and drive one of the cars back if you can phase."

I smiled picturing myself in wolf form running around with a tampon hanging out, "My cycles never last more than two days. It should be over by Saturday."

He raised his eyebrows, "So are you coming?"

I said, "Yes Jacob, but right now I want to party."

In many ways I was having my own personal celebration. I truly feel happy for my cousin.

A/N:Mircea overheard Adam tell Daniel about the imprint and blurted it out. Coinin was taught Lucacinian as a child so he understood. The word Cee means what.

This is a bit of a filler chapter setting up part 2 so bear with me.

The ring ceremony becomes significant when Leah meets Matthew Leah's Imprint which I'm going to upload shortly.