Disclaimer: The Twilight Series and all recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. I don't own any of that. But, I do so love her stage.

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

Note: I need to establish a budding relationship between Leah and Elijah before she learns he's the wolf king. It's more meaningful, this way instead of him being an imprint she barely knows.

Erick Ganae is Elijah's personal assistant.

Chapter 25: Elijah and I

Leah's Pov

Two weeks later

Barnabus Obikhan remained at large. Elijah split his time between Jeroisa City and Leydwolf. We didn't see each other as often as we wanted. But, we always found time for a telephone call or text.

Meanwhile, my days fell into a predictable pattern. I would have breakfast with Seth and head out to the clinic. Mornings were spent with Dr. Crain and the research team. Cevin Eryin's change progressed more rapidly than expected.

Dr. Crain and the team, we had to scramble to keep up. Any given morning we could be found huddled around the conference room analyzing the latest findings.

My afternoons were spent working at the local hospital. Getting home at a decent hour was impossible.

Elijah invited me for lunch at my favorite cafe near the hospital. Our eyes met across the table as I enjoyed in the sight of him, "I've really missed you."

He smiled at me with his eyes, "Would you like get away this weekend?"

I picked up my wine and sipped before answering, "What did you have in mind?"

"The Gala Casino? We could fly out on Saturday and spend the night." he offered.

I had seen the "Floating Casino" on a reality television show about a famous rock band.

"Would you like to go?" Elijah prompted when I didn't respond.

I said, "That sounds like fun."

"Would you prefer your own room or to share with me? " He asked seemingly nonchalantly, but I could hear the traces of emotion in his words.

I tried not to let my jaw drop with shock. How was I supposed to respond? He's my soulmate. Everything in me wanted to be with this man. But, I was also enjoying being courted.

"Tell me what you want, not what you think I want to hear," he prompted gently.

I began to shake my head without realizing it, "I think it's to soon."

"Okay I'll have Ganae arrange a suite," he replied softly.

"Are you disappointed?" I asked.

He gave me a slow smile, "No, take all the time you need."

I leaned forward , "I'm really close to changing my mind."

"It's okay Leah there is no pressure, not between us," he replied softly.

"Deep down I want it both ways," I confessed.

He didn't reply, apparently content to wait for my decision.

I was tempted. I really was! But then I reminded myself that shape-shifters live a long time. We can wait a little.

I shook my head and sat back, " Is there a dress code on the ship?"

He said, "No wear what makes you comfortable."

Later that evening I received a text.

Gange: Hello Dr Clearwater, Erick Ganae here. Korzka is sending a car round Saturday. Should we pick you up in Jeroisa City?

Me: No Ivan's peak

Gange: Very Good, Korzka will meet you at The helipad at 8:30 a.m.

Me: I'll be there

Gange: What dining arrangements would you like? Should I reserve seats at the captain's table for you?

Me: No thank you. I wanted Elijah all to myself.

Gange: Very Well if you have any questions call me.

Me: Okay and thank you

-end of text-

The next few days seemed to drag but, Friday finally came. Delta Allen, Collin, Seth, Mark and I drove down to Ivan's Peak. I spent the morning catching up with my mom, Jacob and the rest of the pack. Old Quil even came up to see me.

That afternoon, my mom and I spent a couple of hours down at the cabins with Emily. She is pregnant again and was not feeling well.

I played with the twins while my mom warmed up some leftover food Adam sent. Afterwards, we decided to take the kids back to the lodge with us so Emily could rest.

After a late dinner my mom put the twins to bed. I said goodnight and went to pack my overnight bag. At the last minute I threw in a pair of sexy black silky pajamas with lace inserts. In all honesty I was still toying with the idea of sleeping with Elijah.

It seemed like I just fell asleep when my alarm clock went off. I rolled out of bed and went straight for the shower, got dressed, and put on make-up.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, pleased with what I saw. My navy blue dress was daring enough to be sexy, and yet demure enough to be classy. It was made of latticed lace with a sheer yoke and illusion hemline. A pair of metallic leather Zenobie sandals completed the look.

I smelled something baking and went down to breakfast. My mom and Adam were sitting at the table drinking coffee. They both looked up when I came in. A nice variety of food was laid out.

"Good morning, have you two been up cooking for hours?" I asked helping myself to fresh backed bread with creamy butter, eggs, grits and sausage.

Adam nodded, "You came with a lot of hungry wolves to feed."

My mom grinned, "He doesn't need any excuse to cook."

Delta Allen walked in and grabbed a bacon strip from a platter.

Adam frowned at him. "Use the tongs," he scolded.

Delta Allen ignored him and spoke to me instead, "Are you ready?."

"Yes," I got up to rinse my plate and put it in the dishwasher.

My mom gave me a hug. Adam winked at me, making me wonder how much Elijah has told him. Those two are as thick as thieves.

Delta Allen walked out to a black mini van and hung my garment bag inside. He put my overnight bag in the back. Then he opened the passenger side door for me.

"So what are you going to do tomorrow?" I asked.

He started the van and glanced over at me before he shifted the gears, "Portia and I are going to drive out and visit my sister. She just had a baby so I get to meet my niece."

I said, "Wow that's really cool."

The helicopter pad was on the other side of the compound near the training barracks. Elijah came over to meet me. He was wearing a short sleeve button down shirt, dark trousers, and Gucci penny loafers. The look was casual for him but it was still dressy.

He instantly pulled me into a passionate kiss. "Are you ready?" he asked when we came up for air.

"Yes," I replied breathlessly.

He said, "Very Good" and led me to the helicopter itself.

The pilot waited for Elijah to help me into the cabin. Then he leaned in and watched me buckle up.

Elijah climbed aboard and came to sit by me. He pointed out my headset and showed me how to switch it on. Then he adjusted his own headset.

The door closed and the pilot went into the cockpit. The blades began to rotate above us, but the familiar throttle sound was muffled.

The pilot spoke Lucacinian into the headset and Elijah looked over at me, "Here we go."

I felt a slight pull as the helicopter shot up the ground falling away below us. Elijah started pointing out landmarks as the countryside sprawled below. After a few minutes everything below us seemed to be miles of forest.

About forty five minutes later we entered the port town of Fort Bukeraton. We circled around and headed out the the cruise ship which was about three miles offshore. We descended onto the ship's helipad. The pilot released us. Elijah climbed out first then he helped me out.

Beta Alexe was waiting near the ship's entrance doors with four people I assumed were guards based on their nondescript black suites. All of the males bowed and the one female curtsied as we approached them.

"Beta Alexe," Elijah said formally and then turned to the guards. "This is Vincent Serban, Apostal Radu, Dragos Lone , and Inga Dinu," he glanced at me, "Ruby Squad I present Dr. Leah Clearwater my imprint."

I looked at the four newcomers. They were all human, buff with distinctive military postures. They all had tattoos on their hands that were similar but not identical to Seth's.

"Hi," I waved at them with a smile. The men nodded with military precision while Inga smiled and said, "Hello."

Beta Alexe shook hands with Elijah and moved to me. He surprised me by taking both of my hands in his for a quick squeeze. "Have a good time both of you," he said softly before heading to the helicopter.

Two young men in polo shirts with the cruise logo and black pants were waiting to take our luggage. The guards escorted us through a pair of double glass doors into a lobby with some elevators. The baggage handlers brought up the rear.

We rode the elevator up three floors into a small lounge area with seating. Apostal Radu directed us down a wide hallway to a single door.

He slid a card through the locking mechanism, "Your rooms are through here."

Our stateroom reminded me of a five star hotel suite. The decor was ultra chic with modern leather furniture including an oversized divan, and natural finishes. Floor to ceiling windows overlooked a deck complete with a Jacuzzi and lounge chairs.

A circular staircase led to the second floor and two luxury bedrooms complete with private baths. There was an exercise room, and a media room with a Big screen television and some wifi ports.

My room was decorated in tones of cream and burgundy. The king sized bed was piled with pillows. Mirrored sliding doors led into the bathroom. I refreshed my hair and make-up and went downstairs to find Elijah.

He was standing near the bar using his cell phone. His eyes lit up when he saw me. He said something in his language and disconnected the call.

He came over and pulled me into a side hug, "Do you want to relax and order lunch here or walk around ?"

I leaned against him inhaling his scent, "Walk around."

We spent a lot of time exploring the ship which featured four different casino's and a movie theater. There were several shops brimming with exotic wares.

I picked out some colorful scarves for my mom and several magazines. I picked up some post cards depicting the cruise ship to send back to La Push.

Elijah tried on some novelty sunglasses with blinking dice on the sides. I insisted on buying them for him even though they were a hundred and fifty bucks.

I noticed a stone on display in a crystal and gemstone shop window. It was beige and shaped like a flower with crystalline petals. I went in to ask about it.

The shopkeeper told me that it was not a stone, but a desert rose. He said that they are formed when lightening strikes sand and melts it. The sand solidifies into flower like forms. I purchased it.

When we got tired of walking around, we wandered into a small French specialty restaurant. I let him order for us since I couldn't decipher half the stuff on the menu.

He Pulled a shinny black jewelry box from his pocket, opened it and sat it on the table in front of me, "I have something for you."

I gasped as I looked down at an elegant gold necklace with an exquisitely crafted black diamond pendant matching the tattoo on his left hand.

I said, "Wow this is beautiful."

He looked pleased, "It was designed just for you. It's a family tradition."

I said, "Really?"

He said, "Yes, every alpha female is gifted with the pack symbol."

I ran my finger across the pendant, "I think that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. How are we going to make this work with me living in America?."

Elijah eyes grew serious, "I've been thinking about that."

"Are you interested at all in moving there?" I asked quietly.

He shook his head, "It's just not possible Leah."

I said, "Can't we at least discuss it first?"

His eyes met mine, "We have a lot to talk about. Maybe it's time."

"Oh yea? like what? It seems straightforward to me. One of us is moving." I added.

"You need to know about me and my family, my ties here," he answered.

I hated I had even bought it up. I have family ties to. But, fortunately I planned on doing my residency here for at least two years. We didn't need to decide right this minute."

I said, "I don't want to talk about this right now."

He said, "Okay but we will be having a serious talk sooner rather than later."

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

More authors notes: For everyone who has asked me when Leah will learn the truth, that chapter is on the schedule. Please enjoy the teasers below.

Teaser: (for chapter 26) Elijah surprises Leah by fulfilling a long time wish. She learns his pack ondah and we have a surprising appearance by someone from her past. (more bonding)

Teaser for the following update: (Chapter 27) All couples have their rough patches and Elijah and Leah are about to experience their first.

His side: The Pre-Round table is approaching and Elijah has to tell Leah the truth about himself. She needs to hear it from him before the ceremonies expose his secret for him. Meanwhile, Seth has assured him she won't be happy with him. However, an unknown enemy sets the wheels in motion.

Her side: Leah finds out that there is more to her imprint then she ever imagined. But a betrayal stirs up old feeling and hurts. What's a she wolf to do?

I would love to hear feedback about the chapter. Please consider leaving me a review. Meanwhile, chapter 26 will be uploaded within the next two days.