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.

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

Note: Mark is one of the younger wolves who phased right before the Voltouri conflict.

Chapter 23: And so it began

Leah's Pov

Julien said to Elijah, "Obikan claims he was asked to seize the totem by someone he trusts. Dr. Andrews collaborates his story."

Elijah's jaw clenched so tight it looked painful. I felt pure malice pooling off his body almost palpable enough to touch, "Who asked this of him?" he asked silkily.

Beta Alexe took a step back, "You did."

Elijah blinked, "I haven't spoken to Obikan recently."

Julien let out a long breath, "I knew it!"

"Has Adam learned anything useful?" Elijah asked.

Julien and Beta Alexe shared a look. Julien answered, "No he doesn't know what to think. None of us did when Dr. Andrews got involved."

Elijah nodded, "Don't worry I intend to get to the bottom of this."

Beta Alexe said, "Speaking of which..."

Julien abruptly cleared his throat and glanced at me.

Elijah's eyes followed his coming to rest on me. He put up a hand to silence his guards.

Julien nodded once. Beta Alexe put both hands in his pockets and waited.

Elijah came over and squatted so he was almost eye level with me. Placing a hand over mine on the table he spoke softly, "Unfortunately I have to go and take care of this."

I'd never thought that being what Elijah needed me to be was something I'd have to deal with so soon. But, I knew this was important to him. I didn't even ask questions I simply said, "No problem."

He smiled, "Thank you. You can stay and have dessert if you like. Everything is covered."

I said, "It's fine really. I'm ready to go."

He caressed the back of my hand with his thumb, " I'll make this up to you."

"How about a run out to the Seagaia Hot Springs?" I suggested.

"I think we can manage that," he said with a mysterious smile.

I watched the guards body language change. They weren't happy, but no one objected.

Elijah helped me slide back my chair and waited for me to stand. Then he put his hand on the small of my back guiding me back out into the circular courtyard. He led me through a side pair french doors, onto a deck which wrapped around the building, leading to the parking lot.

He stopped to grab a backpack from his truck, "Delta Allen will drive you home if that's okay?"

He waited for me to nod before tossing his keys over to Delta Allen. He took off his shirt and shoes and put them neatly into the backpack. He looked so cute in his socks. I bit my lip

He glanced at me inquiringly, "What?".

I let out a giggle and tugged at his undershirt, "Who wears these anymore?" What I really meant was I associate white undershirts with older men like Charlie Swan!

I hugged Elijah before he could answer me. A slight shudder ran through his body. I held on tighter feeling some of the tension begin to melt from his body.

I initiated a deep kiss because I knew I could. I didn't give him any warning just shifted my position and starting kissing him.

His fingers found their way into my hair. Our breaths mingled as I teased his lips coaxing him into parting them.

Our tongues dueled in our own intimate dance. There is an intense quality to kissing Elijah that I can't get enough of. I idly wondered if we're going spend all of our time making out next to cars.

That reminded me he had to go soon. Pulling away I stared into his eyes for several heartbeats and then snuggled close to him. Over his shoulder I could see his guards, removing their shirts and shoes before phasing one after another.

Beta Alexe turned into a russet wolf a few shades darker than Jacob. I'd seen Julien phase before. But something about his jet black wolf with the snowy white patch around one eye is startling every time I see him.

I pushed back and gave Elijah a quick peck on the lips before climbing into the truck. Collin and Mark surprised me by jumping into the back in wolf form. I hadn't even noticed they were here. Delta Allen closed the tailgate and walked around to the drivers side.

Elijah closed my door and backed up. He waved, turned and started towards his guards pulling his undershirt over his head. I have never thought of a back as sexy until I saw Elijah's.

His broad shoulders and sculpted triceps framed an intricate tattoo. Beginning on the back of his neck it extended down to cover his entire back disappearing into the waistband of his trousers.

He phased and in his place stood a majestic, yet familiar wolf.

My thoughts flashed back to my graduation night at Dario's house.

My gaze landed on a large mural that dominated the entire back wall. A depiction of a huge alpha wolf seated on a large boulder curved with symbols that remind me of my wolf tattoo. The wolf's coloring was a unique blend of black and white reminiscent of a purebred Siberian husky. The painting was so detailed, it was hard to miss the sadness in his piercing green eyes.

There was a human quality to those eyes and they were captivating. He seemed oddly familiar. Is he real? No way! The artist's signature read "Chase Hemming 2009".

It thrilled me that even back then I recognized Elijah! The mural, the painting at the auction, all this time it was him!

I watched Elijah's guards form a line behind Julien and Beta Alexe. Elijah took point and disappeared into the woods followed by the others.

"Are you ready to go Dr. Clearwater?" Delta Allens voice broke my reverie.

"Sure. By the way what was that all about in the restaurant? Is something wrong with Seagaia Hot springs?" I tried to sound casual.

He frowned at the change of subject, "Excuse me?."

I rolled my eyes, "I saw the looks passing between you guys."

He looked down, "Oh that...We were surprised when you choose such a popular spot. We were even more surprised...er...when Korzka agreed to take you."

"Why?" I wanted to know.

He said, "Rumors of your imprint are already spreading. Once folks see Korzka you two won't have any real privacy."

"Really? Mircea said it's a nice romantic spot I don't want to miss!," I replied.

He snorted, "You just took Lucacini's most eligible bachelor off the market. People are going to be curious about you."

I watched his face, "You're serious aren't you? Why didn't Elijah just warn me?"

He hesitated.

"Well?" I prompted him.

He said, "Er..it's not my place to have an opinion about the R...er Korzka's decisions."

"Why not? Aren't you his friend?" I asked.

"You'll have to ask Korzka these things," He said firmly.

I turned to stare out the window at the passing scenery. Apparently a simple question was considered gossip.

He sighed softly, "Listen you're my new alpha female. I'm honored to be head of your security detail. But, that doesn't mean I'm allowed to speculate about Korzka. I'm sorry."

I said, "It's fine." I was really thinking these foreign wolf packs take themselves way to seriously.

"Are we okay?" he asked tentatively.

I smirked, "Yes if you call me Leah."

He hesitated again.

I was getting tired of this, "I can guarantee you Seth, Collin, and Mark are not going to call me Dr. Clearwater. You're going to have to call me Leah to fit in."

He shook his head, "Okay but only in private with you and the detail."

The rest of the ride home was uneventful. The next morning I wandered downstairs and looked out of the window. Gray skies and the patter of rain forecast a rainy day.

Seth sat at the kitchen table staring at his laptop.

I glanced longingly at his coffee.

"Nope, get your own," he said without looking up.

"What are you reading?" I asked searching for a coffee mug.

He scratched his head, "I'm trying to figure why everyone was so upset last night. I'm sure you heard something about it."

I said, "Oh yea, Julien came and broke up my date over some totem."

He shrugged, "Apparently it's important for state functions. Old Quil sent me an article about it."

I read over his shoulder.

Totems of the Ancients

Many centuries ago the vampires openly resided in Romania then know as Danica. Their natural enemies the shape-shifters lived in a perpetual state of unrest. They faced constant violence and battled to survive.

These ancient wolves lived in isolated groups with the people they protected, but there was no central leadership. Gradually the small packs began to unite into larger packs for safety and protection.

The Romanian vampires began warring with the Egyptians. During this time period a wise spirit walker had a vision.

He saw a world where the vampires went into hiding and the human populations ruled. In this vision of the future, the three shape-shifter classes were united under one leadership.

He recited his vision to the elders, the astrologers, and all who would listen. Soon runners were sent out to the Aves and Felidae.

A great gathering was held and the three shape-shifters classes met. Over the following fifty years a government was formed. A central meeting hall was built with three doors. One for each class of shape-shifters.

The Totems of The Ancients were carved by the first Kings as sentinels to guard the meeting hall against dark magic. They would serve as a reminder of the past to all who entered.

It is of historical interest that the throne room at Castle Leydwolf was built over the ruins of that original meeting hall.

The tradition of the Totem Guards persist to this very day. The modern day council chambers in Jeroisa City feature three entrances. The Keepers of Relics places the original totems into niches near the doors prior to the opening of the Round Table.

Aritcle one of the Jeroise Pack of 2005 added an elected fourth member to the traditional ruling body, forming The Council Of Four as we know it today.

Seth clicked out of the article, "No wonder they were all upset."

"It sounds like the Wolf King is in trouble!" I replied.

Seth scratched his head, "Old Quil said no self-respecting Rex will attend any state function without his totem. I wonder if we can help."

I sighed, "I don't want to get caught up in his affairs. It's bad enough that he's so close to Elijah."

My brother gave me the oddest look, "We're already caught up in it. His beta is dating mom."

I slumped down in my chair, "I know."

Seth said, "This is about Sir Jedidah isn't it? I'm surprised at you listening to rumors."

I said, "You're right. I'm sorry."

Seth said, "Relax Leah I'll fix you some breakfast."

Thank you for reading, following and reviewing this story.

A\N: If you feel so kind as to leave me a review on this chapter, I thank you in advance.

In the next chapter Leah is caught up in a dangerous situation. Also, Cevin Eryin questions everything he knows about his grandfather.