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.

Chapter 26: Magical Beings 101

Leah's Pov

"She's having another dessert, how can they eat so much food?" the woman two tables down complained to her husband.

Elijah and I shared an amused look. The elderly couple were astonished at the amount of food we were eating.

"Maybe they have a tapeworm. We'll be lucky if they don't eat everything," the old man grumbled.

He was watching me so I deliberately took my last bite of cake. Elijah raised his wineglass in salute towards the couple. The man looked away. Elijah's eyes met mine as we both tried not to laugh outright.

To be fair they were unaware of our enhanced hearing. Also, we really had eaten enough for at least five people.

"Are you ready to go?" I asked

Elijah nodded and stood up taking my hand, entwining our fingers. After we left the restaurant, we got caught up in watching, a game of Bocce ball on deck. I noticed a speed boat in the distance keeping abreast of us.

I could easily make out a couple of people aboard snapping pictures with long range camera's.

"What the heck?" I wondered out loud.

"That would be the Paparazzi," Elijah pointed out.

"Why? are any famous people on-board?" I asked.

He said, "It's a possibility. This cruise line caters to the wealthy who take their privacy seriously."

I couldn't help teasing him. "Are you trying to impress me with your wealth?" I asked snarkily .

He wrapped an arm around me. "Is it working?" he whispered in my ear.

"What?" I choked out looking up at him. He chuckled. One thing I really love about my imprint is his sense of humor. I tend to be serious so we balance each other.

"It's getting late. Maybe we should head back to the cabin," I suggested.

We took the elevator up to our floor. Elijah held the cabin door open and followed me into the room.

He walked over to the bar and opened the refrigerator grabbing a bottled water.

"So what are we doing tonight? dancing?" I asked.

He looked up with the water bottle arrested half way to his mouth, "I thought we would visit the casinos."

"You like to gamble?" I asked wanting to know everything about him.

"No this trip is for you. I want to watch your face when you ah..Gamble with ritzy people in four inch heels," he teased.

His eye were so full of laughter that I just rolled my eyes. I vaguely remember saying that in our truth-or dare game. But the fact that he remembered and was making it happen for me was amazing.

I said,"Elijah I don't know what to say except thank you."

He leaned towards me and planted a gentle kiss on my lips. He said "You're welcome," against my lips.

I kissed him long and slow. Again and again I kissed him until all the pent up heat between us was out of control. He slid his arm down my leg and picked me up never breaking the kiss.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. I was vaguely aware of him climbing the stairs coming to a stop in front of my door. He gently let me slide down his body until I was standing on my own two feet. He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine.

He was breathing as hard as I was. He took a step back, "Leah if I'm going to keep my composure we probably should stop now."

I thought that was a good idea and reached behind me to open my door almost falling into my room, "Okay I'll meet you downstairs in a bit." I whispered so low I'm surprise he heard.

He gave me one last lingering look that was so hot and possessive that I felt my whole body flush. He said, "Okay then." and disappeared into his room with a swagger that made me want to go after him.

I must had stood there leaning on the door frame for at least two minutes before I heard his shower start and stirred myself to action.

Approximately forty five minutes later I caught my reflection in the mirror. My eyes looked alluring with sparkly shadow and kohl, my cheeks were accented with the slightest amount of blush, brilliant red lipstick made my lips pop. My sleek little burgundy sheath dress hugged my figure to perfection.

The necklace Elijah gave me and my diamond earrings added just the right amount of elegance. A pair of designer black sequined pumps completed the look. My eyes sparkled and I looked glamorous.

Confident I could hold my own with any crowd on the ship, I went downstairs. Elijah was standing near the door flipping through his phone. He looked distinguished in his charcoal gray suit paired with a stark white shirt and tan lace up brogues. His silver cuff links caught the light when he moved.

He did a double take when he saw me, "You look stunning."

I had left my purse on the table, so I went over to transfer the essentials into my evening clutch. I could feel his eyes on me.

I turned around and met his eyes, "Stop staring at my butt."

He gave me a cheeky grin, "But I like staring at your butt."

I blushed so hard I could literally feel myself turn red. Meanwhile, my wolf was laughing her head off.

The evening went off without a hitch. Elijah escorted me into one of the casinos with his hand on the small of my back. Affluent looking people mingled with drinks in their hands, or focused their attention on the tables.

The women sported designer clothing and expensive haircuts. The men were equally impressive with their custom suits and imposing bearing that screamed money and power.

Elijah and I wandered around the tables looked for something that interested me. I recognized some famous faces including one from the Forbes 100 list. Several people greeted Elijah including a U.S. senator. They shook hands and Elijah introduced me as Dr. Clearwater.

Senator James looked at me curiously. His eyes flicked down to Elijah's hand holding mine, "Do I detect a California accent?"

I smiled politely and said, "Actually I'm from Washington" but didn't elaborate.

He said, "Well nice to meet you. Enjoy your evening."

We made our way to the roulette table arriving the same time as Inga. She handed me a casino credit slip worth twenty thousand dollars. I looked at Elijah in alarm.

He smiled indulgently and indicated the table with his eyes. He said "Enjoy yourself"

And I did, I enjoyed every moment of gambling with Elijah's money. I had a streak of beginners luck and doubled my initial twenty thousand. Then I gambled it away. Elijah didn't let me think about it to hard. He kept encouraging me and feeding me different exotic drinks. It wasn't a problem because my metabolism kept burning the alcohol off.

When I finally cashed out for the evening, I had about two hundred and fifty dollars left. Elijah and I walked along the rail side walkway on our way back to the elevators. The water was inky black and the stars seemed brighter than on land. The night seemed magical and I was loath to end it.

Eventually, we made our way back to our cabin where we shared a soulful good-night kiss before calling it a night. I was still wound up so I did some yoga before shutting the lights off.

I pulled on my black silky pajamas and climbed into bed. I must have dozed off because suddenly a pair of familiar arms embraced me. Elijah's lips began to plant light kisses on my neck and shoulders. An exquisite heat poured through my body making my toes curl.

I sighed and leaned into his body which dissipated. I opened my eyes. The dream had been so vivid I almost expected him to be there.

I fluffed the pillows and lay back trying to reorient myself. My body felt heavy with longing for my imprint. I wanted to go back to sleep but I couldn't. After tossing and turning for awhile, I gave up and got out of bed.

Maybe a glass of wine would help me sleep. I cracked the door and peeped into the hall. Elijah's bedroom door was closed and the light was off.

As quietly as possible I went downstairs into the main cabin. The room was dark except for the lights from the cruise ship flickering through the window. A slight movement caught the corner of my eye.

Elijah was stretched out on the divan with his sleeves rolled up. I thought he was sleeping, until I noticed his eyes following me.

"Elijah?" I said softly.

He peered up at me. His eyes were gazed and far away like he wasn't really seeing me, "Is this some kind of test?" he mumbled.

I assumed he meant my sexy pajamas.

A few seconds passed before he abruptly sat up still looking sleepy, "Leah? are you okay?"

"Yes I am. Wouldn't you be more comfortable in bed?" I asked.

He seemed to consider my question, "I wasn't asleep,"

"What are you doing out here in the dark?" I asked.

He rubbed his hands across his face, "Spirit Walking."

I stared at him for a split second before I burst out laughing.

"If you're going to make fun of me, I'm going back to bed," I said flippantly.

He was oddly silent. "Elijah?" I queried not liking the nagging suspicion that I may have offended him. He tilted his head back and our eyes met. I just stood there gaping at him.

His lips twitched, "Close your mouth."

Wait was he was serious! "Are you telling me you are a real Spirit Walker?" I choked out.

He nodded, "All Korzikan wolves are. It's our pack ondah."

I understand about spirit walking in theory. But, spirit walkers themselves are cloaked in mystery. I had never met a real one until now.

"What's it like?." I asked curiously.

He frowned, "Spirit walking? Sit down first?"

He offered me his hand and somehow I ended up nestled into his lap. I closed my eyes and snuggled, embracing the comfort of our little pack. Wolves are social beings. Just holding him was soothing away the rest of my earlier frustration.

We sat like that for quite awhile before I asked, "So do you talk with the spirits?"

"Not exactly, my questions are responded to with visions and impressions," he replied.

I was distracted by his hand on my back. His thumb began to caress my spine which sent my pulse racing. I caught a twinkle in his eyes. He was doing this on purpose!

"Elijah! Behave," I scolded him.

He smiled sheepishly, "Yes ma'am."

"So how does it work?" I wanted to know.

Elijah said, "Usually it involves rituals like fasting or meditation. But, sometimes like tonight it happens spontaneously."

I said, "It sounds intriguing."

"It can be," he mumbled.

"My people, our legends involve Spirit Warriors," I told him all about Taha Aki and Utlapa.

He listened with a surprising amount of interest. He mentioned there are similar wolves in most pack origin stories. I cuddled closer to him as we continued to chat.

Eventually I started to doze off, "I should go to bed."

He mumbled something inaudible.

I snuggled closer, "I'll just rest here a few minutes first."

Waking up in Elijah's arms is like snuggling into a warm pillow. I blinked, my head was resting in the nook of his shoulder and he was breathing into my hair.

I lay still feeling his chest rise and fall. His arm was draped over me. One of his legs was over both of mine. I could feel the fabric of his pants against my bare skin.

I ran my fingers lightly up his chest and whispered, "Elijah."

He sighed and adjusted his head. Moving very slowly I tried to shift without waking him. He rolled over onto his back almost taking me with him.

He said something that sounded like my name and sat up. He ran his hands through his hair looking all rumpled from sleeping in his clothes.

One of his shoes was near the edge of the divan the other one was on the floor. It looked like he had kicked them off during the night.

I said, "Morning."

"Good Morning," He replied. He ran his eyes over me taking in my pajamas and bed head.

I felt my lips twitch.

He raised one eyebrow inquiringly.

"I never pictured our first time sleeping together like this", I waved my hand around.

He looked ruefully,"Agreed."

I stifled a yawn, "Are you ready to get up?"

He said, "Not quite" and gave me a mischievous smile. He stretched and leaned over to kiss my chin and started working his way towards my lips. He kissed me softly then hard then softly and then hard again."

"I just can't get enough of kissing you," I whispered against his lips.

He broke the kiss and stared into my eyes, "Kissing you robs me of any ability to think straight my Leah."

I sighed with pleasure and pressed my lips against his. Our morning kiss quickly turned into a make-out session but I wasn't complaining. It was incredibly erotic.

Eventually, natures call had me getting up and headed to my room. I took time to do some yoga before showering.

Feeling strangely invigorated I chose a dark teal pencil skirt paired with a white camisole top with teal polka dots. I kept my make-up light and pulled on a pair of stripy sandals before I went to find Elijah.

I was surprised to find him waiting outside my door freshly showered with his hair combed back. He had changed into a designer black and gray pin striped shirt and tailored dark gray trousers.

I stared at him with wide eyes and lifted my nose to scent the air, "Oh!"

I don't know why I was so shocked. But to be fair, other than Alice I hadn't run across any vampires since I left La Push for college.

Elijah maintained eye contact with me, "Several just now came aboard."

"This ship is full of famous people! why take the risk?" I muttered.

He nodded, "Exactly! These are probably seasoned hunters looking for a thrill."

A shiver of unease ran down my spine. Back in La Push we always fought vampires as a pack. Elijah and I were the only wolves on this ship, "I assume you have a plan?" I asked.

He shrugged, "We allow them to see us."

"Why? I'm sure they can smell us," I pointed out.

He said, "Because right now our job is to prevent them from hunting."

I swallowed, "So we're just going to walk into room with them?"

He said, "Yes, they won't risk us phasing."

I glanced around, "What if they try to play mind games with us?"

He smiled reassuringly at me, "Use your shields like we do in the pack mind."

Building mental barriers to conceal private thoughts in the pack mind, is a skill we started working on back in La Push, with Earl Bishop. I wasn't sure how well it would work with vampires. But I could try.

Elijah said, "Don't worry reinforcements will arrive within the hour."

I frowned, "What reinforcements?"

He said, "The military patrol is dispatching a response team as we speak. They will shadow these vampires and track them when they leave the ship." He indicated the door with a nod of his head, "Are you ready?"

I said, "One thing first." and gave him a long good luck kiss.

We silently took the elevator up to the main deck, and followed one scent which lead to the loading area near the helicopter pad.

The closer we got the more anxious I felt. The odor seemed familiar like I should recognize it. Elijah took a detour through the service area. Just before he opened the utility door leading outdoors, he pushed me behind him protectively.

I finally remembered why the scent was familiar. However, Elijah was blocking my view of the deck. I couldn't see his face, but the air around us changed with the warning pulses he exuded. The vampire hissed in response. This one was as alpha as Elijah in his own way.

I said, "Elijah stop it! Just stop!" and used my arm to elbow my way past him out onto the deck.

The vampire was standing unnaturally still. His golden eyes never left Elijah's obviously recognizing the greater threat.

"Hello Leah," Dr. Cullen said warily.

A\N: Thank you for reading, favoring and reviewing this story. It means the world to me.

Yes Leah wore four inch heels to the casino.

Teaser for the next update:

All couples have their rough patches and Leah and Elijah are no different.

Her side of the story: Leah is about to learn there is more to her imprint than she ever imagined. But a betrayal brings up old hurts and insecurities.

His side of the story: The day they met Leah unknowingly spoke disparagingly about the wolf king to his face. So he choose to conceal his identity. He wanted her to get to know the real man before she judged him.

Now time is running out and he must tell her the truth before it comes out in spite of him. What will happen? Stay tuned for the next update.