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!

**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 contex

Chapter 15: Interlude

"And when one of them meets with his other half, the actual half of himself, the pair are lost in an amazement of love and friendship and intimacy and one will not be out of the other's sight even for a moment." -Plato on twin souls 2,500 years ago.

Leah's Pov

Elijah looked up startled, "What's the matter? Are you distressed by our Imprint?" He hesitated then reached over and brushed at a stray tear.

This subtle show of support stunned me. I shook my head.

"No? Then what is it?" He coaxed gently.

I was mortified to be sniffling in front him. It's so unfair! I hoped to imprint for years, I finally do and get stuck with rejection. I couldn't think of a single way to explain, without losing more of my dignity. So I choked out, " I...I don't know."

"Don't worry just let it out. You had quite a shock just now," He cooed a slight alpha resonance in his voice. It wasn't an alpha order, but I felt compelled to obey.

"Why do you care? You don't want this," I waved my hand around in a parody of our earlier gestures. I tried act unconcerned, but even to my own ears I sounded defensive.

The look he gave me suggested I had just said something foolish.

I exaggerated a sigh, "What? You made the choice to walk away." I was not trying to be bitter, but my heart was about to be crushed.

His expression shifted into one of reassurance, "I beg to differ. I sent Lightfoot to seek you out on my behalf."

His words shocked me right out of my tears. I stiffened and scooted back, swiping at my face with my fingertips. He offered his handkerchief.

I took it and dried my eyes. Just to be ornery I blew my nose and tried to hand it back. He reached for it, but shook his head at the last minute.

"Keep it," he said with a flash of amusement.

I glared at him, "You think this is funny?"

"Somewhat," he answered bluntly.

"Julien didn't mention anything," I whispered.

"It was his choice," he answered just as quietly.

I raised my chin, "What's wrong with you? You couldn't face me so you sent another wolf? If that's not bad enough you think this is funny?" I huffed.

Elijah didn't give me the satisfaction of rising to the bait. Instead he stifled a laugh.

"Care to share the joke?" I asked.

He shook his head somewhat ruefully, "You wouldn't appreciate my thoughts right now."

In spite of myself I was curious, "Try me."

His eyes wandered across my, face before dipping to my lips and lingering there. "I was thinking of how I would like to kiss all of that sass right out of you," he admitted candidly.

The surge of pleasure I felt was off the charts. He wanted to kiss me?

"Of course I do, you're my imprint," he confessed.

It took me a minute to catch on that I had spoken out loud, "So what's stopping you?" I dared him archly.

He looked like he was considering it. He finally said, "When I kiss you we won't be rushed or in public."

I felt my resolve weakening, "Why didn't you come?"

Elijah lowered his voice, "I thought you were spoken for." If he was lying he hid it well.

"Why would you think that?" I gaped

"You were with a young alpha and a little girl who looks like you," He reminded me.

Comprehension dawned and I breathed out, "Wait a minute, you thought I was dating Jacob Black?"

He nodded once and I couldn't help myself I burst out laughing, "Well you could have asked."

He smiled slightly, "I deserved that."

I asked, "Why didn't you come when you found out the truth? Julien knew where to find me." I couldn't let it go.

He frowned, "I had prior commitments ..."

Oh really? My lips tightened, "I see!"

He held up a hand, "Kindly allow me to finish."

I smirked, "Go ahead and try to sugar coat this!"

"I have enemies who will use you to get to me...," he began.

I scoffed. "If you're scared of some phantom danger don't worry I can take care of myself," I said cutting him off.

His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward on the bench, "I will do one of two things. I will arrange a proper security detail for you, or I really will walk away. What I will not do is have you in danger because of me. The question is will you accept? These guards are trained to be invisible most of the time."

He waited for my response, looking like the Alpha he is, strong, formidable, and uncompromising. The underlining steel in his manner gave me pause, but this is not the 1800's. If I capitulated now I would always be a doormat, "Look I appreciate..."

His eye's flared trapping me in them. I stared right back and it became a contest of wills. I could sense a trace of his wolf spirit powerful, yet disciplined, a law unto himself. Suddenly I understood why he commands such respect.

My wolf spirit caved under the raw power of his wolf. I followed right behind her lowering my eyes first. Our wolf, "Our mate will not bend it's not in his nature".

I heard Elijah say, "Leah look at me." It was the first time he used my given name and little shivers ran along my spine. I was afraid to look at him, afraid of what my eyes might reveal.

I shook my head stubbornly keeping my eyes glued to my lap. I wanted to bare my neck to him but I couldn't. It just didn't feel right. This went deeper than pack politics. This was raw, personal, a recognition of our mate. Elijah lifted my chin. I looked into his vivid green eyes, and just like that gravity shifted!

I am not sure who was more surprised Elijah or me. I saw his eyes widen in that split second before images flashed past my eyes.

First I saw Elijah and I deep sea fishing from a private yacht. Next we were riding in the back seat of a convertible. I was dressed in white lace waving to a crowd. The final image was of the two of us on a sofa, holding a set of newborn twins, while photographers took pictures.

I was amazed at the intensity of the imagery having only seen imprinting in the pack mind; and even then I used to shy away from those memories.

I blinked confused. What the hell just happened? I felt ecstatic, restless and intoxicated at the same time. Elijah smiled at me the most sensual thing I've seen in my life. He placed his arm around my shoulder pulling me against him.

I could hear his heart hammering as fast as mine. His arm tightened wrapping me in a cocoon of his strength. I snuggled into his warm body content to ride out the aftershocks of imprinting. This was much more intimate than my experience in Jeroisa City.

In my peripheral vision, I could see Elijah's entourage pretending they weren't watching us. Even Beta Alexe and Chloe were stealing glances from across the room. Their expressions ranged from shock to disbelief. Chloe looked as confused as I felt.

Julien walked over and crouched down in front of us, "Did I see what I think I did? Did she just..."

I could feel Elijah shake his head, "This is not to be discussed publicly." His low command stopped just short of being an alpha order. I agreed with him. I just wanted to let it be. The experience was too profound for mere words.

Julien seemed rattled, "Understood, and congratulations to the both of you."

I felt sluggish but managed to say, "Thank you."

I heard Elijah speaking softly in Lucacinian and was vaguely aware of Julien walking away.

I snuggled deeper into Elijah's side secure within his arm which fit me perfectly. I would have been content to stay there all day but he started talking.

"Leah I always intended to come for you. I asked my staff to work with your pack arranging your security detail. These are highly trained professionals who won't take chances with your safety," he said for my ears only.

I tried to sit up. His arm tightened but he let me up, "They're talking to my pack? How did you even know about them?"

He looked at me like the answer should be obvious," Julien briefed me."

Memories came flooding back. Julien and Adam with their heads together. Then I remembered the confrontation at Ivan's Peak. Did all of the Lightfoot's know? Did Coinin?

My face flushed red, "Who all knows about this Jacob? Sam?" The idea of Sam knowing about the imprint before I did was wreaking havoc on my equilibrium.

Elijah took both my hands in his, "Delta Clearwater knows the details, but he agreed not to disclose them. We left it for you to inform your pack."

"I didn't know there were Lucacinian Clearwaters," I mumbled.

"Delta Allen where is Delta Clearwater?" Elijah asked the shifter standing closest to us.

The man turned, his light gray eyes a startling contrast against his skin and dreadlocks, "He is outside sir," he answered in a Jamaican accent.

"Ask him to come in please," said Elijah.

Allen nodded and started speaking into his mouthpiece.

Elijah looked into my eyes, "Leah he wanted to tell you everything, but I wouldn't allow it. The responsibility for this belongs to me. If you're angry I have wide shoulders, I can take it."

At first I was confused and then I picked out his scent. A scent I'm so used to that I don't pay attention to it anymore.

I looked up as the guards parted and Seth came through. He was wearing a nondescript black suite like the rest of Elijah's security detail. He even sported a new tattoo matching theirs on his left hand.

His recent behavior begin to make sense. He spent most of last week in Jeroisa City and the rest of his time chaperoning Coinin and I.

"You little traitor," I mumbled under my breath.

He had the nerve to smile at me. "Leah don't make a scene," he said pleading with his eyes.

Authors Notes: Is it my turn to go and hide? I'm sorry this chapter is so short but I wanted Leah and Matthew's first meeting chapter free of a lot of drama.

In this story I am playing with the concept of Twin Flames or Twin souls vs soul mates in relation to imprinting. More information on double imprints will be in the coming chapters.

In the next chapter: Leah and Matthew make a decision, Chloe makes an unexpected revelation, and Jedidah Crohme makes a move causing Matthew to question Leah's loyalty. And a few surprise twist.

Soon the battle lines will be drawn in the Leydwolf/ Eryin feud and the faith of Lucacini hangs in the balance. The La Push shifters will have to choose sides risking friendships, loyalties and even imprint relationships. Will Leah side with Matthew or Cevins side? Stay tuned to find out.

Please feel free to leave me a review. I would love to hear how I am doing. If you choose to review thank you!

Disclaimer: The quote from Plato is from the "Beings of Light" website on their "Twin Flames" page

To guest reviewer: Ioana and Matthew were not imprinted. She died before they officially mated.