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.

Chapter 20: Crossroads

Leah's Pov

Sam had just taken a swig of beer. He chocked spewing beer everywhere. I looked at him and was surprised to see a flash of genuine regret in his eyes as they met mine. Elijah sat there watching Sam closely.

Meanwhile, Emily looked frantic and jumped up spilling puzzle pieces off her lap, "Help him Leah he's choking!"

Adam snorted, "He's choking on crow."

She looked at Sam as if to reassure herself he was okay. Then she crossed her arms and asked defensively, "What's going on?"

Mircea said, "They're having a pissing contest to determine who has the biggest...Ah you know." He glanced at Anna surreptitiously.

She asked, "Should I get the measuring tape?"

The younger wolves including Coinin burst out laughing. Elijah looked at me and raised his brow. I shook my head slightly.

Sam started to speak, but Elijah silenced him with a look. Sam just hung his head. I hate to admit it, but I enjoyed watching that slap down.

Elijah offered Sam one of the imported beers he was drinking, "Would you like to try one Alpha Uley?"

Sam nodded, accepted the beer and took a big gulp. He let out a long heartfelt sigh.

Adam chuckled, "Relax Sam."

"What?" Sam sputtered.

Adam shrugged, "You're forgiven."

"Okay but there's something I have to do first," Sam muttered under his breath. He deliberately caught my eye and lowered his, "I apologize Leah. I was out of line."Wow! He truly had matured during the last four years.

I said, "I appreciate that Sam, thank you."

Emily didn't ask any more questions. She took Sam's hand and said, "Come let's get you cleaned up."

Elijah looked at Flori, "Truth or Dare?"

The rest of the game passed uneventfully. We learned our share of secrets. Mircea is afraid of clowns. One of Jacob's most embarrassing moments was farting in his sleep at the Cullen's house.

Before I knew it, the game was over. Elijah told me he had to meet with Adam and Daniel, but he would come and find me when he was finished. His guards except for Beta Alexe and Delta Allen were given the rest of the day off.

Seth said goodbye to mom and me before he left for the city. Sam and Emily packed up the twins and headed home.

The next two hours passed in a rush for me. I went upstairs, took a shower, and changed into my favorite faded blue jeans. I paired them with a backless off white halter top. I added my favorite designer flip flops. I combed out my hair and carefully applied my make-up.

I stared at myself in the mirror. Imprinting is not exactly love at first sight. Well it is and at the same time it isn't. It's more of a recognition of my soul mate on an almost cellular level. I have no doubt that Elijah and I belong together. I am already his in every way that matters.

On the other hand, the intensity of my feelings for him almost frighten me. I have known him a few hours, and I'm already half in love with him. It's a deeper love than anything I have experienced. Everything in me wants to be whatever he needs me to be.

My phone beeped startling me out of my thoughts. I checked it surprised to see a message from my attending physician. I'm not due to start my residency for another three weeks.

I swiped the phone to read the message.

Elenor Crain: Good evening. It has come to our attention that a true alpha has started the transition into high alpha. This is an ultra-rare metamorphosis among the canis shape-shifter races. He has been gracious enough to allow us to document the process.

I am putting together a group of top notch physicians who are interested in the more obscure elements of shape-shifter medicine. Competition for a spot on the team is fierce.

This would be a good opportunity for you to experience the esoteric aspects of our discipline. I realize this is very short notice, but the case is time sensitive.

Intake will be tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Edgor Medical Research Clinic in Jeroisa City. You will need to report in by 7:00 a.m.

You can expect to spend the next four days in the city, followed by one day a week until the process is complete. Please send me a confirmation text if you accept the assignment.

Elenor

Me: I would be privileged to accept. Thank you for considering me

I took the time to pack a bag and put it by the front door before I went to find Jacob. He rented a pack house in the city for use of the younger wolves.

He was standing by the fireplace talking to Julien and Beta Alexe. I said, "Hi Julien. Jacob can I speak to you for a minute?"

"Sure is it private?" he asked.

I said, "Not really. I got volunteered for a medical research project starting tomorrow. Do they have room for me at the pack house?"

He shrugged, "Yea but you might be more comfortable staying at my place."

Beta Alexe said, "I don't mean to pry but are you working with doctor Craine?"

I said, "Yes why?"

He sighed, "They said she is heading a special project. Is Cevin Eryin really emerging as High Alpha?"

"Sorry that's confidential," I replied.

Beta Alexe nodded, "Of course."

Jacob's eyes widened, "Cevin Eryin as in Mirella's brother? Come on Leah we won't tell anyone you said anything."

He was starting to get on my nerves. "Jacob I don't know the patients identity. And even if I did I couldn't disclose it." I replied.

"What's going on?" Adam asked from the doorway.

Julien said, "Beta Clearwater is on Dr. Craine's special project. We're just trying to find out if the rumors about it are true."

"It's true Adrian Girgore just confirmed it," Elijah said walking in behind Adam.

"Who's that?"I asked.

Daniel followed Elijah in. He said, "Adrian was Cevin and Lady Miriella's foster father when they were young."

Julien said, "We knew this was a possibility. Does his mother being a werewolf have any effect?"

"We don't know yet. Eryin is the first hybrid to undergo the transformation," Daniel replied.

Jacob said, "I guess that explains why Leah's team is studying him."

Elijah said, "Eryins transformation is a happy coincidence for the medical researchers. The real reason he is in Jeroisa City is to petition the RT envoy."

Julien looked shocked, "What! That's a bold move on his part."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"The Round Table is our legislative body of government. They are responsible for making and enforcing both pack law, and the governing parliamentary systems. A citizen may petition the Round Table to settle a grievance through the RT envoy," Adam explained.

"Doesn't that clash with old Jedidiah's goals to overthrow the crown?" asked Beta Alexe.

"We have no way of knowing until we read the petition," Elijah said quietly

Jacob pushed forward, "By the way, I happen to have read the petition. It has nothing to do with Sir Jedidah's aspirations."

"Alpha Eryin took you into his confidence?" Daniel asked coldly.

Jacob answered calmly, "Yes he has."

Adam held his hand up towards Daniel, "What does Eryin want?"

"To change the line of succession in Eryin," Jacob answered.

Julien make a rude noise, "He wants to chop up a thriving country to satisfy an inherited vendetta".

Jacob shifted his weight from one foot to the other, "I wouldn't expect you to understand Julien. You all are loyal to the Rex." He looked right at Elijah, "Of course you all are on his side."

Elijah maintained eye contact with Jacob, "I'm not convinced that keeping a childhood promise, is a legitimate reason to rip this country apart Alpha Black."

Jacob sighed, "Listen, I am going to tell all of you the same thing I told Eryin. Miriella is my imprint, but it's in my best interest to remain neutral in this affair."

Daniel relaxed, "Good man."

Elijah smiled at Jacob in approval.

Suddenly Jacob was all business, "How long are you staying it the city Leah?"

"Four days starting tomorrow," I replied.

He said, "Okay you stay at my place. I have a room at the pack house I can use."

He reached into his pocket and gave me his apartment key. "Oh and use the truck," He added as an afterthought.

"Do you need help with your bags?" Elijah asked.

Julien gaped at him.

"What? I'm not above helping my imprint with her bags," Elijah said teasingly.

I said, "I'm going to find my mom and say goodbye to her. I'll see you outside."

Elijah was putting my bag in the back of the truck when I came out. My eyes were drawn to the tattoo on the back of his neck disappearing under his collar. I wondered how far down his back it went.

He turned and came over to meet me, "Are you available to dine with me this week? I know a nice sea food restaurant down on Wulfrin's Cove."

"I'd like that," I replied.

He pulled out his phone, "May I have your number? I can leave my private cell number. I will also text contact information for my personal assistant Erick Ganae. You can text me the address."

I started to rattle off my cell number while mentally going over my wardrobe, "Which day do you prefer?"

"Do you have plans for tomorrow night?" he asked.

"I Would like that. About what time?" I asked.

"I'll pick you up around seven," He replied absently, still programing his phone.

I cleared my throat, "Elijah can I ask you something?"

He mumbled, "Uh-huh."

"Why did I imprint twice?"

He went still. "Oh gosh," he groaned and reached for me, drawing me into his arms. I closed my eyes and inhaled the sensual scent that was all Elijah. There was nothing chaste about this hug, it was rather the hug of a lover.

His lips found the hypersensitive curve of my neck planting a light kiss. I almost moaned from the potent heat it created inside me. "Leah," he sighed my name.

His arms tightened briefly then he drew back a little. Which left us standing face to face almost touching, "A human imprint sub-consciously accepts the imprint magic and seals the imprint. What happened with us, is different because you are a wolf. Your inner wolf accepted the imprint that first day at the street fair; but your human side also had to consciously accept the magic."

I was confused, "So why didn't it happen when I first looked into your eyes?"

He grinned at me, "Because your heart had not accepted the magic yet."

I said, "Okay one more question then. Why were you so surprised?"

He sucked in a sharp breath, "A mutual imprint is when two wolves imprint on each other. Imprinting itself is rare, but a mutual imprint is so rare we believed it was a myth. Until now such an imprint hasn't happened in centuries."

I ran an unsteady hand down his arm, "Why is it so unusual?"

Elijah considered me for a minute, "I would imagine it's because there are so few of you. Our species of wolves seldom if ever mate with each other. Calculate that with the rarity of imprinting and you have your answer."

I frowned, "Why don't we mate with each other?"

Amusement sparkled in his green eyes, "Leah there are well under twenty of you."

I know I am rare, but didn't realize how rare. "You're telling me there are well under twenty she-wolves in all of Lucacini?" I asked suspiciously.

He frowned slightly, "No I'm telling you there are under twenty of you in the world."

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

This was a filler chapter, but it sets up moving into the main plot.

Teaser: In the next chapter things heat up between Leah and Matthew leading to their first kiss and possibly more.

Leah also finally meets Cevin Eryin and accidentally reveals a secret which leads to a surprise twist. As always I can promise you drama.