Disclaimer: The Twilight book series and all recognizable characters and situations belong to Stehanie Meyer I don't own any of that. But I do so love her stage.

Chapter 19: Secrets and Girl Talk

Leah's Pov

What Elijah did next stunned me. He looked into my eyes and bared his neck to me. Toe curling adrenaline rippled through my body as I stood there transfixed.

"What's going on?" that was my mother.

Old Quil explained, "Korzka is presenting his pack to their alpha female. It's a remarkable honor that we are being allowed to witness the birth of this alpha pair."

"Why is that?" she asked.

Daniel picked up the story, "The baring of the neck is usually a private affair between an alpha pair and their pack. Now we wait to see if she accepts him."

My mom said, "Leah don't mess this up!"

Elijah's lips quirked and I saw a hint of the humor that's so much a part of him. I instinctively felt the need to be close to him; so I leaned against him making him support part of my weight.

It was amazing, I felt every inch of his hard body and still couldn't get close enough. I rested my head in the crook of his neck. His body heat engulfed me, satisfying me on a level I can't even explain.

"Are you sure about this?" I whispered for his ears alone.

"Yes," he answered decisively.

Relief rolled over me, the trust he had placed in my hands was surreal. Resisting the urge to kiss Elijah's lips was pure torture. But, I remembered he wanted our first real kiss to be private.

Without hesitation I planted a ceremonial peck on his neck. I felt a slight tremor run through him but he didn't move. Then he let out a sigh of pure bliss.

Over his shoulder I saw Sam and Jacob watching us with identical incredulous expressions. Emily still stood there with her mouth hanging open.

Adam, Julien, Beta Alexe, Delta Allen, Delta Fichsfer, Delta Watts, Seth, and finally Coinin, stepped forward one at a time and bowed deferentially to Elijah and I.

My mom sighed, "That was beautiful!" She glanced at Adam, "Is there such a thing as the beta pair? Or is this an exclusively alpha thing?"

He looked surprise, "You want me to gift my neck?"

"I might," she batted her eyes at him.

Daniel said, "Any mated wolf may follow Korzka's example. In fact I highly recommend it."

"You want my neck huh? What would you do to get it?" Adam teased my mom.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked.

He lowered his voice, "Accept my mark." His eyes were serious.

My mom opened her mouth and closed it. Finally she muttered, "We can discuss mating Adam, but this is my daughter's day. We're not stealing the spotlight."

"Are you leaving the pack Leah?" Jacob asked loudly dispelling the moment.

Sam who was walking towards Emily turned to listen.

Daniel answered for me, "There's no need for her to do that Alpha Black. Our packs are all linked. Think of it like an extended family."

Jacob turned his charm on Elijah and me, "Congratulations!" He openly leaned towards my mom to say conspiratorially, "I wish I could be back in La Push when this news breaks."

"Jacob!" she admonished him. Then she winked at him, "Me to."

Adam chuckled beckoning Collin and Mark forward to be introduced.

Elijah had stopped to speak with Old Quil, when Sam walked over with Emily.

She squealed and leaped on me hugging me so tightly around my neck I almost couldn't breathe, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, Leah! He is gorgeous."

"Korzka may I present my wife Emily?" Sam asked with a pained expression.

Elijah smiled politely at her, "Mrs. Uley. He lifted her hand and air kissed her fingers.

She gave him the "once over" appraisal. At first I thought I was imagining things, until Elijah abruptly let go of her. He kept his eyes on her while he raised my hand and planted an intimate kiss on my palm. Darts of heat flowed up my arm as my heartbeat increased.

Meanwhile, Sam stared at his wife, "Em?" He reached out and gently took her arm and pulled her back to stand beside him.

She blushed deeply and treated Elijah to a shy smile. "Call me Emily we're practically family," she added.

Elijah turned my hand over and rubbed his cheek against my fingers. His movements were so wolf like I couldn't help but smile, "Ah yes please call me Elijah," he replied.

Suddenly Anna was at Elijah's right side, "You're a sight for sore eyes." she said enthusiastically.

He gave her a side hug with his free arm. "Bini neoa Anna," he greeted her in Lucacinian.

"Have you been eating right?" she asked looking him over.

He said, "Yes ma'am."

She looked pointedly at me, "I take it this means we will be seeing a lot more of you?"

He gave her a cheeky grin, "Yes ma'am."

She linked her arm through his on the opposite side from me, "Come on in I hope you're hungry."

"Thank you for your hospitality Madame Anna," he said. He half turned to face Adam," I hope you made some Mlavah."

Adam smirked at him, "Of course."

"Excuse us," Anna said to Sam and Emily as she turned to walk Elijah and I inside.

Adam had outdone himself. Not only had he prepared Mlavah, a thick oily fish stew flavored with fennel. He also served roast lamb and forty clove chicken. A huge bowl of fire roasted vegetables sat next to a tray of pickled eggs.

There were thick slices of crusty black potato bread. Dessert consisted of fruit tarts and Emily's chocolate chip muffins. Then there was the wine. Adam had three flavors chilled and ready to serve.

When Elijah saw the food, he slapped Adam on the back, "It feels really good to be back here."

Adam said, "Welcome back."

The atmosphere around the table was congenial, as we got to know Elijah's guards and they us. In many ways it reminded me of the bonfires we used to have back in La Push.

We discussed how the pack is adjusting to life in Lucacini. Beta Alexe told us there has been a dramatic increase in vampire activity along Lucacini's borders. So far there is no link to the "Italian Vampires." But the Lucacinian Border Guard remains on high alert.

After lunch we separated into smaller groups to pursue our own conversations. Elijah disappeared into the other part of the house with Daniel and Adam. I don't know where Jacob, Sam and Beta Alexe went.

Several of Elijah's guards teamed up with Coinin to play dominoes. Seth, Collin and Mark volunteered to help Emily and Flori clean the kitchen. Eventually the girls chased the wolves out saying they would finish up.

I felt sorry for them and decided to see if they needed anything. Emily and Flori were standing in front of the sink gossiping about Elijah's guards. The both looked at me with guilty expressions.

I said, "Don't mind me. Did you girls need any help?"

Emily said, "We have it covered thank you."

Flori said, "Leah can I ask you something personal?"

I shrugged, "I can't guarantee an answer, but sure you can ask."

She blushed, "It's about Korzka. Have you slept with him yet?"

I felt the color rising to my face, "Sh! the wolves can hear you!"

Flori said, "Nobody is paying attention to us."

"We can hear you!," Delta Allen said from the other room. Emily and Flori froze and looked at each other. No doubt he'd heard them drooling over his body.

He stuck his head around the corner, "Look girls, we are trying to respect your privacy. Maybe you should save this for later?"

Mircea swaggered into the kitchen, "Now now children! I want to hear what Leah has to say. I would love to know how Korzka compares to us mere mortals."

Delta Allen rubbed his chin, "If you're so keen on gossip, why don't you have Flori tell us how you preform?"

Mircea threw his wife a kiss, "Go right ahead. Flori?"

"Mircea is good in bed. Very Good!" she answered without missing a beat.

Delta Allen put his hands on his hips. "Now you wouldn't be lying to me would you?" he asked with a fake sneer.

An outsider might wonder about Mircea encouraging Flori. However, he knows that while she might admire other men, she would never cheat. Once a woman accepts a wolf's mating mark, they are exclusive for life.

Mircea smirked at Delta Allen, "Stop trying to change the subject. What would your Portia say about you in bed?"

Flori said, "If we are revealing our secrets, may I suggest a game of Truth or Dare?"

Delta Allen said, "That's an excellent idea."

I went to the downstairs office looking for Elijah. I pushed open the door and stepped inside only to stop short. The air was filled with a thick tension. Elijah was leaning against the desk with his sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms covered with tattoos. Jacob, Sam, and Adam were in a semi-circle facing him.

Daniel was standing by the wall to the side of them. Beta Alexe was near the door just a few feet from me.

Jacob was saying,"So it turns out, it all revolved around Nessie...Renesmee."

Elijah's eyes rested on me for all of six seconds then went back to Jacob. I started to back out of the door, but Daniel waved me over to stand beside him.

Elijah just stared at Jacob for a minute, then shifted his gaze to Adam, "You didn't find it necessary to mention any of this?"

Adam dropped his eyes from Elijah for a moment before looking back up at him, "I knew the Quiluete pack enjoyed a treaty with the local vampire coven. It has been in effect for one hundred years. A couple of more months won't make that much of a difference. I wasn't briefed about...er Renesmee."

Elijah rubbed the back of his neck, "I find the secrecy troubling Lightfoot, but this is not the time to discuss it."

Adam lifted his chin, "Permission to speak freely sir?"

Elijah nodded once, "Granted."

Adam said, "First of all, we're talking about seven vampires, surrounded by the largest pack in North America. Secondly, I have taken steps. I asked Alpha Black to work with his counsel to write a complete report, including a copy of the treaty as well as details of the encounter with the Voltouri. I need all the facts before I can make any recommendations."

Elijah straightened, "Now that's an answer I can accept. What's the status of the report Alpha Black?"

Jacob squared his shoulders, "It's almost finished. My father is checking our archives for a couple of details."

Elijah said, "I want the complete report before the end of the week. He glanced at Daniel, "Offer Alpha Black any assistance he needs to finish it."

Daniel inclined his head.

Elijah waved his hand at them dismissively, "This has been enlightening, but right now it's past time for us to rejoin the others."

I said, "We were just getting ready to play Truth or Dare. Will any of you join us?"

A bemused smile crossed Elijah's face, "Why not?"

He watched the other wolves tramp out the door. Bits of a conversation between Jacob and Adam drifted back to us.

Jacob said, "That went well."

Adam sighed, "Yes." He chuckled, "I'm still expecting to be called out on the carpet."

"But why? Korzka seemed reasonable," Jacob responded.

Adam said, "Korzka has little tolerance for." A door closed shutting off their voices. I distinctly heard a muffled snort. Elijah's eyes met mine and I couldn't hide my smile.

"Shall we go back in?" he asked innocently.

I said, "Sure."

Jacob had joined the others waiting for me in the sunken seating area. Flori was sitting with her back resting against Mircea's legs. Sam grabbed a beer and walked over to sit on the floor next to Emily, who was working a puzzle with Levi.

The first round of the game was relatively benign. On Collin's turn he chose truth. Florie asked him, "What is the strangest place you've done it?"

He swallowed and looked around, "I haven't, I'm still a virgin."

Jacob didn't give anyone time to react. He said, "On that note" and nudged Collin.

Collin looked relieved. He asked Delta Allen, "Truth or Dare?"

Allen scrunched up his face, "These questions are brutal. I'll take the dare."

Collin snickered, "I dare you to point out the sexiest pair of legs in the room."

Allen took his time looking around. Finally, he pointed to Adam, "He has the sexiest legs."

Everyone burst out laughing.

Allen pulled a card and smirked at me, "Truth or Dare?"

I said, "Truth."

He gave me an evil grin, "What do you secretly want to do in four inch heels?"

I chanced a glance at Elijah. He raised one eyebrow inquiringly.

I gave Delta Allen a disapproving look, "Gamble with a bunch of rich people at some ritzy place."

He threw back his head and laughed, "Good answer."

It was my turn, "Truth or Dare Seth?"

Seth said, "Truth."

"What lie do you still feel guilty for telling mom?"

Seth said, "Mom remember when great-grandma's vase got broke and dad took the blame?"

I covered my face with my hands, "Oh gosh!"

My mom said, "Yes."

Seth said, "Leah and I were wrestling and knocked it over."

My mom rolled her eyes, "I wondered about that."

Seth asked Elijah, "Truth or Dare?"

Elijah said, "I will take the dare."

Seth said, "Explain to the cutest girl in this room why you think she is cute."

Elijah hedged, "Each is cute in her own way."

Seth smirked, "You have to choose the cutest one."

Elijah smiled at Lily who was sitting on my mom's lap, "Lily you're the cutest girl in this room because of your dimples." He put emphasis on the word girl.

She babbled at him.

Daniel looked at Elijah with mock disgust, "Let me explain something Korzka. When you get questions like that, you always pick your own woman!"

He winked at me, "This wolf will be lucky if you put up with him. You're way out of his league."

Elijah smiled at me with his eyes, "Yes she is!"

Sam had just taken a swig of beer. He choked spewing beer everywhere.

A\N: Thank you for reading, reviewing and favoring this story. If you would be so kind, please consider leaving me a review. Thank You!

Teaser: The next chapter will explain mutual imprints I promise! It's already written and I just have to finish editing it before I post it. Plus Leah gets a text that jump starts the the rest of the plot. All for now

A\N