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 context.

Unknown POV

The vampire king Caius started a vendetta against The Children of The Moon. Their nomadic ways made them easy targets. Eventually, they became extinct in most of Europe. The one exception being their ancestral homeland of Vin Luna.

To the vampire Lucacini is a place shrouded in superstition. Those who wander across its borders never return.

Sir Jedidah Crohme's Pov

I like Leah Clearwater even though she didn't stand up to Lady Chloe in the powder room. Korzka's guards shamelessly eavesdropped, and started ribbing him. My phone beeped an incoming text message.

Geoffery: "Cevin is showing the symptoms, becoming High Alpha."

Holy Cow! My whole body went stiff, and my heartbeat sped up. The shape-shifters noticed and perked up attentively. Korzka himself glanced up quickly, I broke out in a cold sweat.

His phone started to vibrate loudly in the quiet hall. Korzka checked it frowning harder the more he read. He was still reading when Leah rejoined us in the hall. Korzka made a point of joking around before he took her hand. I didn't relax until after they went inside for the auction, with the doors closed behind them.

For years I've known my grandson's destiny is to become a High Alpha. His father the Late Ivan Eryin consulted the astrologers before he was born. Unfortunately, Cevin is too conscientious to challenge Elijah Korzka for Rex. He needs motivation and I know just the thing.

I shall arrange a mishap for his precious baby sister Miriella. Then I will leave clues leading straight to Korzka. That should be enough to goad Cevin into issuing the alpha challenge. I got away with discrediting Korzka once and will do so again. To this day he blames himself for Ioana's death.

That gives me an idea on how to alienate Korzka from Clearwater. It's risky because I have to get Jana involved. We will have roughly forty five minutes to make up a story heinous enough to blacken Korzka's character. Ioana's auction may be our only chance to get Leah Clearwater alone.

I'm not heartless. When this is all over, I will tell both Korzka and Clearwater what really happened to Ioana. The truth should relieve his guilt and her worry. Cevin will be the new wolf king but, Korzka will reconcile with his imprint as a consolation prize.

Leah's Pov

Elijah laced his fingers through mine and we followed Jedidah down the hall into a room that reminded me of a lecture hall. There was a large stage area at the end and tiered seating all around. The VIP area was like a balcony overlooking the rest with luxury leather seats. A fully stocked wet bar lined the side of the room with several trays of refreshments.

Elijah said, "Julien has invited me to Ivan's Peak. Is this agreeable to you?"

I said, "Of course. When?"

"When would you like me to come?" he asked.

I said, "How about later today if you're not busy? I want you to meet my mom."

"Julien will arrange it," he said.

He brushed against me in the isle between the seats. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply taking in his intoxicating scent. My eyes popped open to see him watching me with a knowing smile.

"I like your scent too Leah Clearwater," he reassured me.

"I want to be covered with yours," I admitted. Good lord! Did I really just say that to him? Our wolf smirks.

He said, "Okay." I hesitated and he added, "Leah I'm your imprint and you are mine. You are allowed to touch me."

He said I'm allowed to touch him. I decided to do just that. Still it felt daring to step back and embrace him from behind. I stood there letting out a sigh as I felt his warmth soak into me.

I tightened my arms hugging his hard muscular body closer. I wanted to savor the moment as long as possible. But, I could see people coming into the main room. The auction was about to start.

Elijah tilted his head back, his warm breath caressed my neck as he whispered, "You have no idea how much I wanted to do this."

"We needed to get it out of our system," I replied.

"Mhm," he muttered.

By unspoken agreement we broke apart. He waited politely until I was seated, and then did the same pressing his leg against mine. I enjoyed feeling the almost palpable energy reverberating between us.

When I first met the Makah Pack, I found them to be overwhelmingly touchy-feely. However, I learned physical contact reinforces the bond between our inner wolves and those close to us. It's a wolf thing.

I started tracing the outline of the tattoo on the back of his hand with my fingertip. He didn't seem to mind. If anything, the energy between us amplified, invoking feelings of belonging, comfort, and pack.

"So what do you do?" I asked.

He looked surprised. I expect he believed I recognized him like everyone else here.

"I mean during your down time," I added quickly.

"I am a licensed architect. My latest project is the reconstruction of key buildings in our historic district," he answered.

"Okay, so what are your hobbies?" I added.

"Deep sea fishing, hang gliding, and folk dancing," he smiled at me, "How about you?"

"I like cliff diving, line dancing, and bonfires," I replied.

We continued the game of twenty questions and I found out: Green is his favorite color, his favorite food is chicken and dumplings, and he does not like most sweets. He has traveled the world, but never been to Thailand. He plays the viola, and his friends would describe him as reliable.

He speaks eight languages, and likes classical music. His choice of vehicle is the Hummer. He values loyalty, his grandmother was the most influential person in his life, and he doesn't have any birthmarks. His first kiss was at the age of fourteen, and I am his ideal romantic date.

The auction was starting so we kept our voices low. Lady Chloe bid on lots 3 and 4 which were antique paintings of people in historical clothing. I noticed one couple particular couple kept bidding her lots up. When lot #5 came up it was a print of a famous Chase Hemming painting. I wanted it anyway and placed the starting bid before the auctioneer finished the description.

The same couple started bidding the price up. Elijah was watching them with narrowed eyes.

"You are overbidding. The print is not that valuable," he told me.

I kept upping my bid, "I don't care I want it."

He said, "I will gift you the original." The man on the floor stiffened.

I almost dropped my paddle, "Where did you get the original?"

"It was part of my grandmother's estate," he replied.

I tried to refuse, "I can't accept that."

He wiggled his eyebrows at me. "I insist. She would want you to have it," He replied.

What a happy coincidence. I couldn't think of anything to say so I went with, "Thank you."

The man, a Child of the Moon looked up at us when I stopped bidding. He won the print for eight thousand dollars. Elijah shot him a Wolfy grin. After that, the couple slowed down on bidding up Lady Chloe's lots.

Chloe purchased five additional paintings. The auction ended and we all filed out into the main room. Lady Chloe had another engagement and left right away. Elijah stopped to chat with an older shape-shifter whom he introduced as one of his former teachers.

Sir Jedidah approached us, "High Alpha Korzka, do you have a minute? I was hoping to discuss our mutual friend." His face fell, "It's been so many years and I would like to know how he turned out."

Elijah's face softened, "Of course." He looked at me, "I will see you later today?"

I said, "I'll be there."

Seth asked me, "Did you and Jacob pick up the cars?"

I said, "Yes."

"Can I get a ride back with you? I'm off duty now," he said.

I said, "Let's go." We started for the exit, but I heard someone calling me.

I looked over to find Jana watching me. She motioned with a nod of her head towards a gray door. With all the excitement, I'd forgotten all about Ioana's auction. I started making my way over to her Seth quickly following.

Jana's eyes narrowed. She said to Seth, "You need an invitation to come with us."

I sighed. "Seth wait out here."

He said, "But..."

"Don't worry, Jana is going to show me a private collection. I won't be long," I told him.

"Okay, but hurry back," he said.

I followed Jana through the door and down a hall to a more shabby part of the building. She passed several closed doors and stepped into a large modern office.

Once I followed her in, she closed the door and turned to me, "This area is usually kept off limits. Sir Jedidah even had these rooms soundproofed."

That wasn't unusual most of the offices and private homes around here were soundproofed for privacy. She stopped near a large bookcase and pressed against the wall. A hidden panel slid open revealing a large room set up as a gallery.

"That's really cool," I said.

She said, "These old buildings have a lot of hidden nooks and crannies. This is a silent auction you can submit your bids online." She pointed to a computer terminal tucked into a corner. It reminded me of an ATM. She handed me a card with a website address and password and some numbers.

"Those are your access codes and customer number. You can follow the bidding online. This auction closes on Saturday. The lot numbers are under each painting. Our Chase Hemming works are all on the back wall," she said.

"Why all the cloak and dagger?" I asked.

She said, "Everything you see in here either belonged to Ioana or had special meaning to her. Sir Jedidah wants to make sure these things go to someone who cares."

I looked around fascinated. The room was like a shrine to Ioana. In the center of the back wall was a life sized painting of her. Her white blonde hair was swept up into a conical shape reminiscent of a 1960's beehive. She was wearing a scarlet off the shoulder ball gown which hid her shoes. The painting was signed "Chase Hemming 1981".

The left wall was covered from floor to ceiling with with photographs of Ioana. A number of them had someone cut out of them. Jana came to stand beside me looking at the pictures.

She said, "You know the Alpha Rex killed her right?"

My heart jumped, "Wait...wait you're saying the wolf king killed her?" I asked remembering he is Adam's alpha.

"He wasn't the king back then, but yes," she answered.

"That's a big accusation," I responded.

"She was killed and her bodyguards staged an accident to cover it up," she replied.

"What do her bodyguards have to do with the wolf king?" I asked.

"He and Ioana were engaged. They were on his payroll," she explained.

"That doesn't mean he was involved," I said.

"That's where you're wrong. There was a secret witness," she said.

'Why would the king murder his fiance?" I asked.

She sighed, "Ioana cheated on him with his worst enemy and got pregnant. Sir Jedidah was the only one who knew the baby wasn't his."

Something was not adding up. "Why didn't he just leave?" I asked.

"It was a crime of passion. The king walked in on Ioana and her lover. The three of them had a big fight and Ioana told the wolf king she was leaving him. He stormed out, got drunk, and sent her bodyguards after her. Later when he was sober he tried to call it off, but it was to late. She was already dead," Jana explained.

I felt like crying. There was an unborn child involved! That makes him the worst type of monster!

"Why did the witness keep it secret?" I asked.

She shook her head, "To be honest I don't know. He recently came forward on the condition that he remain anonymous. His family could be in danger because of this. That's why we're raising funds to hire investigators."

Apparently the king of Lucacini is a thug. I said, "Okay I'll look around."

Jana said, "Take your time. I have to get back to the floor."

I really liked Chase Hemming's art and decided on a drawing of some kittens playing with yarn. I placed a bid of one thousand dollars. I would ship it to Rachael back in La Push. She collects all things kittens.

It was a little expensive, but I wanted to help. Jana happened to close the bookshelf door when she left. I couldn't get it open. I pulled out my cell phone. It didn't have a signal. I wondered how long it would be before Jana realized she had effectively locked me in the gallery.

I tried pressing on different parts on the wall, nothing happened. Finally I decided to push against it. Maybe I could budge it. Just as I was about to put my weight on it, the panel slid open. Gravity propelled me forward into a pair of familiar arms.

Elijah asked "Are you okay?"

I said, "I'm fine. The door jammed and I couldn't get out. How did you know where to come find me?"

He said, "I followed your scent." Elijah eyed me carefully," What are you doing back here?"

"Checking out this private auction," I waved my hand around.

Elijah's eyes scanned the room, "You shouldn't be in here."

"Why not? I have an invitation," I replied.

His eyes narrowed, "These back rooms are the headquarters of a lot of political discontents. Please tell me you're not involved in Sir Jedidah's Schemes."

Something about the coolness of his gaze made me hesitate. "Yes well I want to help him," I admitted.

Elijah rubbed the back of his neck, "Sir Jedidah is a self-styled malcontent working to overthrow the crown."

I said, "I can't speak to that, I'm just here for Ioana."

"Ioana?" he asked patiently.

"Yes she was murdered. She didn't deserve what happened to her." I said.

He sighed, "No she didn't. Until now Sir. Jedidah has been relatively harmless. I'm deeply disturbed to hear he's exploiting Ioana's death for political gains."

I said, "No it's okay, he is raising money to hire investigators to expose her murderer."

He narrowed his eyes, "The perpetrators have already received pack justice."

I said, "Sir Jedidah wants the true killer brought to justice."

Elijah said, "Sir Jedidah wants some type of personal gain. I will find out what that canny old wolf is up to."

We were talking in circles. I briefly wondered how Elijah knew so much about this. Then I realized him, Julien and probably Adam are friends. No doubt they are all loyal to the wolf king.

"Is it possible the wolf king is responsible for Ioana's death?" I blurted out.

He looked me in the eye and said, "Yes."

"Then why do you keep defending him?" I asked.

Elijah said, "I'm confused, defending who?."

"The wolf king is a horrible person. Any man who would order a pregnant woman to be killed is a lost cause. I don't care if he was drunk. I don't care if she was cheating on him. There is no excuse for what he did!" I replied.

Elijah looked shocked, "Is that what Sir. Jedidah told you? Do you really believe that?"

I said, "That girl Jana told me. I'm good at reading people and I believe her. Think about it this way, why would she lie? What would she have to gain from any of this?"

He sighed, "Ioana was assassinated during the war by those entrusted with her safety. That said, we bear some of the responsibility for her death, because we didn't protect her. Sir Jedidah himself organized the cover up, so her death wouldn't further divide the packs."

I snorted, "That's what he wants you to believe so you will keep being his lapdog."

He looked bemused, "Who? You keep saying that. Who do you think I serve?"

"Matthew Hemming the wolf king!" I answered

He gave me a blank look, "Matthew Hemming...hum," he mumbled to himself.

"Leah have you ever seen the wolf king? A photograph perhaps?" he asked quietly.

I didn't know where he was going with this, but I answered anyway, "No."

He sighed, "Will you do something for me?"

I said, "Yes."

"Will you get to know the man that I am before you judge m... eh the Wolf King?" he asked.

I didn't understand what getting to know him had to do with any of this. My confusion must have shown on my face.

He said, "There are two sides to every story Leah. You are rushing to judgement without hearing both sides."

I said, "I suppose you want to tell me the kings side of the story. You really don't believe he sent the assassins do you?"

He said, "No."

Elijah told me he values loyalty. I was beginning to see that first hand. I didn't want to fight with my imprint over this.

I smiled, "I would love to spend time with you Elijah."

He said, "Thank you. Let me walk you to your car. Seth is out there waiting for you."

Unknown Pov

Leah didn't catch Matthew Elijah's hints that he is the Wolf King. If she had, it would have changed the course of their relationship. As it stands, they are headed for a rockier path.

A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing this chapter. It means a lot to me.

To everyone who left me a review, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To guest reviewer: I'm sorry for taking to long to update, but I work two jobs outside the home. I write for fun in my spare time. The good news is I am uploading the next chapter in a few minutes.

To E.M. I feel honored to be the first writer you reviewed on this website. Thank you for the thoughtful review! As for the child imprints, you are right in that I wanted an alternate story line for Jacob.

I have to admit I was unsure about the idea of child imprints in the original books. I will come up with an explanation of why the guardian imprints on kids.

I already have something in mind. I am committed to finishing every story I have started. It might take me a little longer, but I have so many stories in me bursting to be told.

Again thanks everyone!