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.

**Please see the authors note at the end of this chapter for info and acknowledgements***

Chapter 35: Mates

Leah's Pov

My eyes roamed slowly over Elijah taking in every detail, from his abs, to the intricate tattoos covering most of his skin.

His body played havoc with my resolve to fight with him. After all this male was made just for me.

"You're so beautiful," his voice pulled me out of my reverie.

I'm an average looking girl. But, if he thinks I'm beautiful, who am I to argue?

I looked up to find him watching me watch him. His eyes held such promise that I shivered, embracing the rush of sensation which pulsed through me.

Abruptly I remembered, I just saw him with another girl.

"Elijah...," I allowed my voice to trail off. Scolding the Alpha King was a daunting prospect. I opened my mouth and closed it.

"Leah?" he asked.

"Do you want me or that other girl? You can't have both of us!," I blurted out hoping I didn't sound as vulnerable as I felt.

His eyes widened a little and he started to speak, but changed his mind and bared his neck instead.

"I will always choose you Leah," he replied quietly.

Pleasure hummed through my body. "You don't have to keep doing that," I whispered feeling magnanimous.

"I'm still a wolf Leah," his low baritone caressed me like a physical touch.

"So what?" I asked.

He blinked not trying to hide his surprise, "I keep forgetting you weren't raised among the packs."

I lifted my chin, "What's that supposed to mean?"

He smiled with his eyes, "You already know the answer to that."

"Are you laughing at me?," I huffed out.

He smirked exposing his neck again. The move was seductive and alluring at the same time.

There was a moment of clarity as I tried to ignore just how good that felt. A trace spirit-walking vision brushed over me and I understood. There is a reason the canis shape-shifters mate for life.

Imprinting is the purest form of the mating drive found in every living adult. Most wolf parings involve humans who can't compete with a shape-shifter.

The mating bond shares some of the wolf magic, extending the lifespan of our consorts.

Even so, the wolf has the advantage of enhanced strength and senses.

Once again the magic steps in, causing the wolf to yield to their mate; to become what the mate needs him or her to be.

Shape-shifter mating bonds seem to favor the human. But, in reality they level the playing field.

It works a little differently between two shape-shifters. Elijah outranks me, yet he's offering his neck as his gift to me. It shows that we are equal partners within our relationship.

It's one of many nuances of rank found within the wolf packs. An alpha offering his neck to their human or werewolf (child of the moon) partner is a common sign of affection among alpha pairs.

"Do you really mean it Elijah?" I waited with baited breath.

He stared straight into my eyes, "Yes."

I felt my resolve start to melt under the heat of his intense gaze, as he offered himself to me.

"You can't have anyone else ever!," I whispered emphatically.

His eyes twinkled and he began to caresses my cheek, "Noted."

Abruptly he dropped his hand causing his muscles to ripple, bringing my eyes back to his body.

He has a shape-shifters physique, reminiscent of a body builder. The legs are overdeveloped, exaggerated even.

I have seen my share of shape-shifter bodies. But Elijah's is amazing, even for one of us.

"You're gorgeous!," the words left my mouth without my permission.

"So are you," his answer was exactly what I needed to hear.

I allowed my eyes to flutter shut and moved into his arms. "Elijah," I whispered allowing my body to melt against his.

He held me close, soothing needs I didn't even know I had. I pressed myself tighter into his embrace.

My hands explored his upper body noticing the texture of his skin, before I moved in to kiss him.

His tongue teased my lips seeking entrance. I accepted and parted my lips gently stroking my tongue against his. I could taste his mouthwash and a deeper essence which was unique to him.

He deepened the kiss and I returned it with everything in me, it was pure bliss.

I was vaguely aware of him picking me up and I wrapped my legs around him.

I was about to cement my bond to this wolf forever, and it felt so right. We were born to be together.

That was my last coherent thought as I discovered, there is nothing like sex with your soul mate. Being with Elijah blew my past experiences out of the water.

I couldn't get enough. So I had my wolf over and over until I was totally satisfied, and he let me. He eagerly indulged my every whelm.

Even the most passionate encounters must come to an end. Eventually, we lay wrapped around each other enjoying the aftermath of our time together.

I was suddenly filled with doubts about giving in so easily. I'd just taken a huge leap of faith. And I knew any future breach of my trust would destroy both of us.

It was a sobering thought.

Elijah lifted his head which was buried in my neck and leaned over to peer into my face, "Is something wrong?."

I sighed, "Elijah".

His eyes blinked lazily reminding me how wolf-like he really is, "Yes?"

I cleared my throat, "If you ever betray me again, I don't care about the consequences, I. will. leave. you. for. good."

His whole demeanor changed. He rolled over onto his back bringing his arm up to cover his eyes.

"Look at me!" I demanded.

He shook his head, "Would you like to use the shower first or shall I?"

I said, "No, I want you to look at me."

Elijah didn't argue or yell. He simply rolled out of bed giving me a tantalizing view of his backside."

"Don't you walk away form me," I challenged.

His back stiffened, "We can discuss this anytime you like. But what you may not do is threaten me."

"I don't make threats, I make promises," I retorted.

A pulse of Alpha power leaked from him. My wolf side was impressed at his control. He didn't phase, try to dominate me, or injure me with angry words.

My human side was impressed that he could pull this off buck necked.

"I see. Is there anything else?" he asked stiffly.

I must have really angered him because he was acting detached, concealing his emotions from me.

When I didn't reply, he continued into the bathroom leaving the door open. I heard shower doors sliding open, and the water being turned on.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and just sat there, unable to believe what just happened. He had a chip on his shoulder? How dare he!

He was the one who kept betraying me! Well I didn't care how defensive he was, I wasn't about to shut up.

I hopped off the bed and marched into the restroom, only to stop short totally distracted by the view. It should be illegal for a wolf to be so hot.

I looked down my nose at him, but deep inside I was craving some make-up sex. And why shouldn't I have some? Let him service me!

His eyes met mine in the mirror communicating without words. I was taken aback when he dropped his guard and let his feelings show.

Wow he wasn't just pouting. He was really hurt by all of this!

His shoulders relaxed, "Look I'm sorry for snapping at you, but I'm trying my best here."

His accent was heavier than usual another indicator of his emotional state.

I sighed, " I should not have threatened you. But I've been cheated on in the past and I can't go through that again. I have to protect my heart."

He wasn't convinced, "I'm sorry you had to go through that. Don't worry, your heart is safe with me. Just like mine is safely in your keeping, because you own it."

I blinked, "I own your heart?"

"You always have," he replied.

I decided to accept that, "Okay then,".

Elijah opened his arms and I jumped right into them.

He buried his face in my neck, "Woman." He breathed deeply, "You smell so good."

It was at least another thirty minutes and some rather nice shower sex before the two of us emerged from his rooms.

The upper floor was deserted as Elijah led me to an elevator. However, the main floor was bustling with activity. Hunter Lightfoot rushed toward us once we entered the media room.

Elijah is not a fan of public displays of affection. I guess I wanted to make a point so I deliberately entwined my hand with his.

I soon found out that I underestimated my wolf.

His eyes twinkled, "You can have me any way you want my Leah."

Hunter must have overheard because the man blushed, "Delta Conin Hemming sends his regards sir. He will be joining True Alpha Datchu out of Pondhollow."

Elijah nodded, "Very good are there any last minute changes Mr. Lightfoot?"

"No sir," Hunter Replied.

Elijah gently squeezed my hand, "Leah are you joining me for the march, or are you meeting up with Pack Bishop?"

I pretended to think about it, "Well I guess there will be less dust up front with you."

"Okay then, we best get started before we are late," he said teasingly.

Delta Allen was standing by the main door talking to one of the guards. His eyes honed in on our entwined hands.

He briefly lowered his eyes and bowed his head, "Korzka." Then he turned to me, "Dr. Clearwater will we be joining the Alpha Rex this morning?"

"Yes we will," I replied.

He nodded and fell into step following Elijah and I outside.

It had stopped raining but the air still felt, damp lending a pristine fresh ambiance to the area.

The clearing had filled up considerably and I spotted quite a few familiar faces.

Everyone seemed to be in a festive mood. The other guys in my protection detail were casually playing cards even though they were on duty.

Wolves wearing the uniform of the black guard were everywhere, but they were laughing and talking together.

I spotted a group of Children of The Moon across the clearing slightly apart from everyone else. They seemed happy enough playing with a Frisbee.

Perhaps the most surprising sight was Adam and my mother riding up the dirt path on a huge shinny black motorcycle. Daniel and Anna followed on a red Three Wheeler.

Apparently, Pack Lightfoot was making a grand entrance.

I noticed everyone lowered their eyes respectfully to me after bowing to Elijah.

"Why are they doing that?" I whispered.

Elijah squeezed my hand reassuringly, "They are showing you respect as their future Queen Consort just as they should."

"But why? I've never met most of these people," I replied.

He side hugged me, "It's no secret among our kind what we have been up to. A mixing of scents used to be a popular way, for an alpha to introduce his mate to a crowd. It also warned other males that she was spoken for."

I felt my face heat up to the roots of my hair, "Are you telling me they're submitting because we smell like sex?"

I felt more than saw him nod, "Yes that and our imprint makes you their alpha female."

I caught a flash of red hair from the corner of my eye. Beta Alexe was running around giving Luenta a ride on his back. Both of them were laughing like they were having the best time.

I watched him come to a stop under a tree. He gently let her down and sat down patting his lap invitingly.

She climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms around him. He started to kiss her.

I couldn't believe my eyes. He is married! I glanced at Elijah to see his reaction. He didn't even bat an eye.

This same woman was all over him just this morning, and now he didn't care that she was making out with his Beta?

What is wrong with this wolf? Did they pass her around like some kind of pack tart?

Delta Allen casually walked over to them and cleared his throat loudly.

They broke apart like two guilty teenagers.

Beta Alexe stood up and acknowledged Elijah and I. Then he reached down to take Luenta's hand and help her to her feet.

She curtsied prettily to Elijah then she saw me standing there.

Her eyes widened, "It's a she wolf."

"Shh! You should know better. She can hear you," Beta Alexe cautioned her.

Her eyes moved from me to Elijah then down to our entwined hands," Wait is that...her voice trailed off.

She gave Elijah the biggest grin and he mirrored it back to her.

I had seen enough! She was here first, but this was my pack now! She was in the presence of the alpha female and needed to behave accordingly.

First I would put her in her place. Then I would scold Beta Alexe for cheating on his wife!

I leaned against Elijah making him take most of my weight. Let the little harlot see that I had claimed him.

She started walking towards us.

I growled a low warning at her. I didn't want her anywhere near my pack, let alone Elijah.

Beta Alexe didn't even try to hide his shock. He pushed her behind him and dropped his eyes making it clear he was not challenging me, "Dr. Clearwater has Luenta offended you?"

Conversations died down as every wolf in close proximity turned to watch.

The area was suddenly quiet except for Adam's voice in the distance saying, "I have no idea. I don't even know when she met Lady Alexe."

What! I swung around to face Elijah, "That's Lady Alexe? your Beta's Wife?"

"Yes," he answered in a guarded voice.

I realized this was a pivotal moment. What I did next would set the tone as what our relationship would be from now on. To Elijah's credit he didn't intervene. He let me think it through.

I said, "We need to talk."

Thank you for reading, following and reviewing this story. It means the world to me. In the next chapter a startling truth comes to life. Stay tuned and please consider leaving a review.