Admission and Pain

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight characters. And I suppose it's all for the best because I guess there has to be those poor, pitiful girls who believe that love is all about living with some controlling, creepy stalker who has a thing for pitiful damsel in distress types. Who else will feed the male ego into letting them believe that a woman cannot live or even stand out without him? Which is why Leah rocks!

Leah pulls back from the kiss, biting her bottom lip and fighting the urge to lick Jacob's lips to just taste him one more time. Her eyes shoot open as she a thought suddenly hits her and as much as she knows her actions will seriously piss off her Almighty Alpha; she'll work that out with him later. Getting up from the coach, she moves through the living room, past the kitchen and out the back door making a beeline for the trees. Once she's far enough away, she strips off her clothes, tying them to her cord and phases reaching out for Embry.

'I can't believe you, Embry. That's – that's my sister you're talking about screwing around with.' Seth whines as he runs his circuit. No matter how hard Seth has tried, he can't shake the thoughts of some other guy holding, hugging and kissing all up on his sister. 'It's bad enough that Sam did it.' Seth thinks to himself as an image of Sam and Leah making out pops in his head.

'Seth, you really need to just calm down.' Embry huffs as he frowns at the mental image in his head. 'I get it; no guy wants to see a make-out session regardless of who's involved. But don't you think you're overreacting?' Embry questions as he pivots and runs along the river. They've both run this circuit so many times that they run it without thinking, seeing or even smelling. A little bit of info that their Alpha wouldn't appreciate but it's not as if anyone was going to tell him.

'I just might.' Leah breaks in causing Seth to claim up and whimper.

'Lee, how long have you been listening?' Seth asks cautiously afraid of what his sister will do if she finds out he was reliving old memories of her and Sam.

'Long enough to realize that kissing Sam was disgusting.' Leah says with disgust. 'And that you definitely need to get yourself a girlfriend if you're worried about me and Embry kissing.' Seth is suddenly bombarded with images of him kissing Leah, her sweet scent enveloping him and feeling her warm, hot –

'EMBRY!' Seth growls out as Embry chuckles.

'Sometimes it's hard to keep the filter up.' Embry says with no hint of remorse. 'So what's up, Lee? It's not time to switch shifts or is there trouble?' Embry asks stopping as he notices Leah heading in his direction.

'Everything's fine but I need to talk to you. Right now.' Leah says as Embry's tail begins to wag and he turns to meet her half way.

'You two aren't going to make-out or…or do it, are ya?' Seth asks as the two wolves race to cover the most distance before meeting one another.

'Oh, grow up, Seth.' Leah snarls but images pop up of Embry sitting on a couch, shirtless, his cut offs unfastened, arms spread straight out on the back of the couch. The image gets closer and closer as Embry licks his lips –

'Alright, ALRIGHT! Y'all – y'all talk and I'm going to phase out for like 20 minutes. Ugh, you two are nasty.' Seth grumbles as he stops and he's suddenly gone.

'Nice image.' Embry throws out laughing as his tongue lulls out his mouth.

'Hey, I can't let you just beat me in made up images.' Leah states triumphantly. Embry slows down, silently admitting defeat as Leah has already covered 2/3 of the terrain that he's already ran since staring her patrol. 'That's cuz 'I'm the best'!' Leah says in her best Toad voice.

The two duck behind some trees, phasing and dressing themselves before coming out and into the open. Embry waits patiently knowing that Leah has to deal with her shorts and t-shirt; his mind can't help but wander to the days where Leah just wears a simple dress to patrol in since it allows her to change quickly. He chuckles some more, walking out to meet Leah once she's out in the small clearing.

"I think you've played way too much Mario Kart." Embry says with a knowing smile and a shake of his head.

"I think you've finally gotten tired of me beating your ass in it." Leah states shifting her weight to her right foot, crossing her arms and holding her chin up cockily. "But…you did finally beat me in something." Leah says with a deep sigh. Embry is caught off guard by the statement and finds himself confused by what Leah could be referring to. "You were right about Jake." Leah says clearing up Embry's confusion.

"OH!" Embry says his eyes widening as he draws out the word. Leah simply nods her head as Embry looks down at her.

It's interesting how the two warriors have found themselves in this situation. What had started out as simply two friends sitting down and talking, rather Leah talking and complaining, about Jacob Black and his time spent with the Cullens. Leah was upset that Jacob was spending so much time with Bella and her daughter, leaving Leah feeling as if she didn't have anyone to talk to. Embry had shown up at Jacob's garage looking to borrow a tool so that he could fix his dirt bike, just to have something to do for the day, and found his beta sitting up on the stool with a deep scowl on her face. Embry could tell that she was upset and looked as if she really needed to vent; it's a look that he's used to seeing on his mother's face. So, Embry did something he never thought he'd actually do and that was asking Leah 'what's wrong?' Something even more amazing happened was that Leah opened up to Embry and just started talking.

Needless to say, Embry was caught completely off guard by sudden opening of the flood gates. All he could was sit down on the bucket seats Jacob has in his garage and just listen to everything that Leah had to say. He didn't interrupt her along the way, give her judgmental looks but instead nodded his head at the appropriate points, let his expressions show when he was surprised, understanding or approved. Leah hadn't she told Embry what was bothering her that day but went back a little bit further. After a few hours, she took in a deep breath and looked down at him as if surprised that he was still there, listening to her. She had apologized for unloading everything on him all of a sudden but he quickly brushed it off saying that he was glad she opened up to him.

Leah was so appreciative that she had invited Embry over to her house for dinner which he gladly accepted. It seemed to be the perfect deal; Leah would talk and vent to Embry while he'd lend the quiet, sympathetic and empathetic ear. After a certain point the two had pushed past Leah's troubles, problems and demons and just became comfortable hanging out with one another. Despite the fact that they were pack mates the two hadn't 'clicked' together for one reason or another. Embry simply pointed out that it could've been because she hadn't grown up as close to him as she did with Jake and Quil; after all majority of the pack was made up of the Council member's children and grandchild.

The two grew comfortable with one another that they became playful and teasing with one another. When Leah had mentioned her leech jizz thoughts Embry was surprised just like everyone else but mainly because Leah had decided to put it all out there in front of the entire pack. It seemed to be a conversation that they would've held over Halo or in his shed while he was working on his bike. He didn't bother asking her why she brought up then but instead pushed her to think more about it. They shared thoughts, feelings and ideas about imprinting, shape-shifting and the wolves inside of them. It was Embry that had pointed out to Leah that imprinting couldn't be about kids because no one was pregnant and after Jacob's attack it wasn't certain that any of them could live long enough to see kids grow up. Embry had even gone so far to mention that maybe if Leah was right it'd explain why everyone was so protective of her as the female; not because she was weaker but because she'd be the better candidate for raising the next generation of wolves. She'd have the maternal instincts but wouldn't be so quick to coddle the cub or cubs and would teach them not only human societal rules but the pack rules as well.

Somehow or other at some point Leah had gone on about Jacob wondering when he was going to run off into the sunset with Bella and the Cullens. Embry's not sure why he said it at the time, but he did, telling Leah that Jacob cared more for Leah then he let on. She had, of course, laughed at the idea; she was, in fact, rolling around on the rug in his room, in tears laughing at the idea of Jacob Black holding any feelings for her. It was no secret between Jacob, Quil and Embry that Jacob Black used to have the biggest crush on Leah Clearwater before Bella Swan ever showed up. Maybe he said it to get Leah to stop from complaining about him; maybe she just needed to know that he as her leader did actually care and respect her. He later told a part of himself that he said it because he wanted Leah to feel better about herself and if he expressed his interest in her that it'd only make their situation awkward.

'Sex for Science' didn't make things awkward but it seemed to bring them closer together. Sometimes they'd stay up late after their patrols and talk about the different reasons for why Leah hadn't had her period; it was an awkward conversation in the start but Embry had pushed past that for her. Eventually the pair would fall asleep on Leah's bed and Embry would wake up the next morning content with the good night sleep that he had. Or during their discussions, he'd push her, she'd push him back and a wrestling match would ensue leaving them winded, laughing and happy regardless of who won or lost. Leah had started off as a friend he'd just listen to becoming a friend that he could sit up with and talk about anything and everything to…now? Embry looks back at Leah as she stands looking back at him expectantly awaiting his response. He smiles half-heartedly knowing that she's expecting to hear an 'I told you so'. Embry sighs shaking his head as he chuckles dryly to himself; he can't say that to her.

"I wish I wasn't right." Embry says surprising Leah by his admission.

He watches as her eyes widen in surprise and she bites her bottom lip with her brow furrowed. It's the face she makes when she's thinking, she's processing everything inside of her head and he holds onto her. Embry isn't sure what Leah is thinking over; maybe it's the fact that two un-imprinted wolves have suddenly expressed feelings for her? Maybe she's trying to figure out who's being sincere? Is she weighing the risks? Or maybe she's thinking about the pros and cons of a relationship with either one?

"Lee," Embry breathes out as he gently cups Leah's chin, raising her face so that she'll look into his eyes. Embry finds himself swimming in them again just like always since the beginning of their friendship. It has been the soft hazel color that no matter how bad of day he's had either at school, dealing with his mother or even putting up with the Cullens' stink it always makes everything alright. Embry has considered himself lucky to have had these pools to gaze into; Quil wouldn't be interested, Seth could just look into a mirror and Jake was too busy playing nice with the hybrid to take notice – but not anymore. Seizing the opportunity, Embry lightly brushes his lips against Leah's enjoying the softness, warmth and fullness of her lips before placing a light kiss against them.

Hearing her breathe hitch, he smiles as he plants another light kiss followed by another and another. Leah sighs softly before returning the kiss and Embry feels his whole body singing and tingling with the excitement of his and Leah's first kiss. He licks her bottom lip earning a soft moan from her after he breaks their kiss and rests his forehead against hers. Her hands are resting lightly on his chest as he has one hand resting on her hip and the other underneath her shirt just at the small of her back. The forest is quiet around them but the suddenly silence does register to either one of them as they are both caught up in the tender moment and within their own thoughts.

He tears through the trees, his nostrils flared, breathing heavy and his tongue hanging out tasting and dissecting every scent in the air. He doesn't register the others thoughts and questions as his huge paws come down heavy upon the ground easily breaking fallen trees and his claws rip into the earth with a heated viciousness that outside of the simplest animalistic nature. He's driven by pure rage, jealousy and vengeance. The animals of the forest since his presence from miles around and all seek cover to stay out of the black wolf's path. In the darkness, he is camouflaged and a small mouse shrieks in horror as it is caught unawares by the massive beast and collapses on the forest floor; its tiny heart beating faster than its body can handle.

~*~*~*Flashback~*~*~*~*

Sam was heading home from his patrol to see his sweet Emily when he happened to overhear Quil inside talking to Emily in a hurried and frustrated voice. He normally would've gone in and questioned his brother to find out what was going on but he held back because Quil was no longer his brother. Quil had decided to betray him same as Embry, Seth, Jacob and especially Leah. He was no longer there alpha and didn't feel comfortable getting involved into their affairs; mainly because if they had problems then it'd affect Jacob's pack. Sam can't help the smile that graces his lips thinking about the possibility of discord within Jacob's pack and how the Council will take the news.

"Slow down, Quil, slow down." Emily orders Quil as she turns around and puts a sandwich down in front of him. "Now say that again. Leah said what?" Sam's ears prick at the mention of his ex-girlfriend. There's a small tinge of pain whenever Leah's name is mentioned and his chest echoes the loss.

"Leah has been thinking about imprinting. She's got these new fucked up theories about why we imprinted." Quil says completely ignoring the sandwich. Quil had come to have someone to vent on, not to eat and besides if Leah found out that Quil had eaten anything of Emily's it'd mean he'd be banned from Leah's fry bread for weeks – so not worth it.

"And she doesn't think it has to do with babies, right?" Emily clarifies as Quil nods his head.

"Leah thinks we imprinted because we are weak." A growl escapes Quil's lips at the thought and Emily, tentatively, takes a step back. Sam holds his breath wanting to hear more of what Lee-Lee has been saying. "She says that because me, Sam, Paul and Jared all liked being wolves more so than staying human that we imprinted to keep us in check." Quil adds and Emily frowns. "She also believes that so far we are the only ones that even changed because we live on the southeast side of the rez putting us closer to the Cullens than the rest of the boys on the rez." Sam can't help but nod his head in silent agreement on that point. He had wondered why he had to phase out of all the young boys and men on the rez but if location was key then it made sense.

"Okay, well…those are just Leah's theories, Quil." Emily says slowly. Sam can hear the fear and anxiety in her voice over being in a room alone with a riled up wolf. Quil has calmed down by getting this conversation off of his chest and Sam doesn't see any immediate danger to his imprint.

"Yea that's what Jake said." Quil admits with a heavy sigh, the tension freeing from his body with the gush of air. "But you want to know what the funniest thing about this whole conversation that we've had?" Quil asks chuckling lightly.

"What's that?" Emily asks finding herself relaxing with Quil's smile.

"Leah and Embry trying to have cubs together." Quil says laughing. Emily gasps and Sam feels his heart clench and the air sucked out of him.

"What do you mean?" Emily asks her voice low.

"Leah and Embry are like an item now or something." Quil says shrugging his shoulders. "What started this whole mess was the thought that if Bella could pop out a vampire baby then Leah should be able to have wolf cubs." Quil explains. "She thinks that the Cullens presence is preventing her…body…from…working normal, I guess. But she thinks that if she can get far enough away from the Cullens then she can start having a family."

"With Embry?" Emily asks in disbelief. Quil nods his head.

"Well whether or not it works is between them but 'Sex for Science' does seem to be a go." Quil says and that was all that Sam had needed to hear.

~*~*~* End Flashback~*~*~*~*

It's that final part of the conversation that has Sam tearing through the woods, his mind running faster than his legs are carrying him; his thoughts going over the time he's spent with Leah. He recalls the moments that they shared together, their first kiss, the first time they made love and the way she'd smile at him when he'd call her name. Lee-Lee was his; not Embry's.

He didn't believe; he doesn't want to believe it.

His rage continues to build as he thinks about someone else hurting his Lee-Lee. Embry was going to imprint and that would Leah hurt and broken – again. He promised himself that he'd never let anyone or anything hurt Lee-Lee ever again. But she made that job harder for him when she left his pack to follow Jacob's. And if it was true, deep down inside he know that it's totally not true but if it was, why would settle for such a low ranking wolf like Embry? Jacob he could understand because Jacob was the only wolf that ranked higher than Lee-Lee. He'd still deal with Jacob as he's about to deal with Embry but why mate beneath her?

Sam skids to a halt as he picks up the scent that he's been searching for. The questions of his pack still go unheard as they now only sound like muffled sounds trying futilely to break the wall of his pounding heart and rushing blood inside his head. He recalled passing Embry's scent not too long ago and followed that same trail based upon sheer instinct. What has brought him to this full stop is the second scent that has joined the one he seeks. It's a sweet, warm and intoxicating scent.

Leah.

Sam stalks forward, silently moving through the forest as he edges closer and closer to the two. He stops watching as Embry calls Leah's name and cups her chin lightly. And to his horror the two begin kissing – right in front of him. The dark colors of the forest and the two people around him disappear and are replaced with a deep, heated red color. The fur on his hackles rises, his claws dig into the earth, his muscles tense and his head only rings out one thought 'NO'. With a feral snarl, Sam tears through the trees and lunges at Embry with the intent of removing the object of Leah's affection.

The attack happens so fast that neither, Leah or Embry, is aware of what the danger is until it's too late. Embry feels the wind knocked out of him as he hits the cool forest floor, his ribs cracking under the pressure of his attacker and his neck heating up with the hot, heavy breath of his enemy. Embry tries to push off of the ground but finds himself unable to before a tearing pain rips through him as he feels teeth biting into his shoulder, neck and back. Fear overtakes him but it's not fear for himself but for the girl he was just holding in his arms.

"NO! STOP IT!" Leah yells somewhere behind him. Shutting his eyes, Embry lets the familiar heated lava shoot down his spine as the desire to kill whatever has dared attack him and Leah takes over. In a matter of seconds, Embry's copper-toned body is replaced with the mass, bulk and fur of a dark grey wolf with a black patch on its back. During his transformation, his attacker's grip had loosened and Embry finds himself able to kick its legs out from underneath it. Jumping up he whips around and latches on to the intruder and jerks his head quickly to the left causing the beast to lose its balance. Jumping back, Embry quickly scans the area trying to find Leah and jumps letting out a vicious snarl as something bumps into him.

'Lee.' Embry whispers with relief to find her alright and phased into her wolf form.

'LOOK OUT!' Leah yells as Embry quickly turns his head to see Sam lunging at him. His thoughts are a kaleidoscope of confused thoughts, emotions and actions. Leah's voice keeps ringing in his head as the huge black wolf tries to snap at him again. She's trying to reason with the other alpha but, of course, it doesn't work because he can't hear her thoughts. She's tried to get his attention as a human but the danger is much too high considering how they don't know what has put him on this rampage. Lowering his ears, Embry growls at Sam as his ears lay back flat, his chest puffs out and his legs stiffen. The wolf inside of him is snarling at the challenge placed by this rival – what?

Leah runs up and latches onto Sam's neck and begins shaking her head viciously. Sam yelps in pain but with his huge shoulder, he easily brushes her off and to the ground. Embry takes his chance and bites onto Sam's muzzle and quickly jerks his head, again, toppling over the black wolf and pinning him to the ground. Placing his paw on his neck, Embry growls a warning of submission but is knocked over as Sam jumps up and bites into his back. A painful howl erupts from his throat as he feels Sam's teeth and claws tearing into his haunches and back.

The taste of blood on his tongue only excites Sam more as he feels victory just within his grasp. He can feel his prey slowly weakening under his vicious attacks; the muffled sounds from earlier are now louder and there seems to be more but he ignores them completely. The red haze still clouds his vision as he only focuses on mauling the smaller wolf before him. With a sharp yelp, he feels teeth and claws biting into his back and haunches and releases the wolf, turning around quickly to break free of this new attacker's hold. The moment he whips around he finds nothing but he can smell his blood now mixed in with that of the rival male. Turning his attention back to his focus, he lets a wolfish grin cross his muzzle finding him whimpering, limping and barely standing before him. Puffing his chest out in assured victory, he rises to his full height and lunges out at his hapless victim and bites into its neck, his claws finishing the job that had already started. The smaller wolf's howl of pain is music to his ears but there's a twinge of pain and…guilt?

It had all happened so fast that before Embry knew what had happened it was too late. He saw Sam standing over him; he tried to get Leah to go for help, to call for Jake, Quil or even Seth – anyone. He knew he couldn't win this fight alone, not against an alpha male. But both of their thoughts were too jumbled and focused on minimizing the amount of damage received – but that failed. In a flash, light gray fur was in his line of sight and before Embry could realize what had happened, Leah had jumped in front of him, stopping Sam's attack but at the cost of her receiving the blows instead of Embry.

'NO!' Embry howled as Leah's own painful howl masked his own resounding throughout the entire forest. Tears fill Embry's eyes as he struggles to get back on his feet and save Leah. With one eye open, Embry still struggles to plant his feet as Leah's body is viciously assaulted, her blood filling the air around him, her back being ripped open as Sam shook Leah's neck.

His horror is soon replaced with rage and confusion as the rest of his pack joins in. Time seems to lose all meaning for Embry as he drags his body over towards the wolves as Jacob, Seth and Quil all search his mind for an explanation of what has been going on. Jacob seeing all that he needs bows his head as he tears off into the forest moving as fast as he possibly can. His heart clenching as he tries to reach out to Leah, trying to calm her down and make sure that he's alright.

'Sam STOP!' Jacob orders as he continues heading towards the pair. Relief is short lived as Sam releases his hold on the wolf and she drops to the ground like a rag doll, her body returning back to its human form.

Sam stands frozen in horror as he looks down at the bloody, torn and battered woman beneath him. The scent of her blood engulfs him everywhere, in the air he breathes, the taste on his tongue and as he slowly steps back, he sees her blood covering his paws and chest. The true realization of the scene hitting him full force as he phases back to his human form, falling to his knees, his eyes full of tears and his chest constricting. He wants to hold her, pull her into his arms telling her that he's sorry, that he'll never hurt her; that he never meant to hurt her.

The rest of the wolves all arrive in the small clearing at the same time and if fear, worry and confusion weren't at the forefront of their minds, someone would've commented that they've all just run faster than Leah ever has. The scene before them is surreal that no one knows what to do, who to help or who to blame. Embry, Sam and Leah are all covered in blood with all three's scent mixing together into a horrific, metallic cocktail. All they see is Leah lying limp on the forest floor, Embry struggling to crawl towards her and Sam kneeling not too far away from Leah looking broken and shattered.

It's Jacob that immediately makes the first move, phasing and running towards Leah as she seems to be the one in dire need of help. He gently strokes her hair whispering her name trying to get a response from her but only gets silence. The wolf inside of him is enraged and rabid, the urge to turn and attack the black wolf and leave him in worst shape than his beta is almost overwhelming – almost. The human side in him although feels the need to cry, scream and plead for Leah to say something is suppressed by the rationale that 'Leah needs help'.

"Quil run to the Cullens and get Carlisle. NOW!" Jacob orders as Quil bows his head and tears off following the order. Leaning down Jacob can hear Leah's faint and shallow breathing which is soon replaced with a strained moan as his head shoots up. Looking over Jacob sees Seth whimpering and licking at his sister's wounds trying to wash away the blood and for comfort, whether it's for his or hers is uncertain. "Seth, don't do that." Jacob orders softly as he gently pushes his head away. Seth whimpers pitifully, begging his alpha to let him continue and Jacob sighs, nodding his head in consent.

As much as it hurts him to leave her right now he gets up and moves towards Embry. The other wolf's body now shivering from the strain he's put himself through trying to reach his pack mate. The moment Embry feels Jacob hand on his shoulder, he collapses from exhaustion. His body relieved to know that the fighting is over, that help is on the way and that Leah will be looked after. Embry lies panting desperately gulping up air as he sees Quil run into Carlisle and the rest of the Cullens. They had all heard Leah's howl and were on their way to see what was going on. Anger ripples through Embry and Quil both as the Cullens delayed response frustrates them both. Looking over at Leah, now, surrounded by Seth and the other wolves darkness quickly moves in, beginning to consume him. Embry never sees the Cullens arrival but he can smell them and the moment he hears Jacob's voice ordering them to tend to Leah he gives into the exhaustion and dark.

A/N: So this idea just suddenly hit me at 3am this morning and I just had to type it up. I really didn't want things to go this far but that's what my mind and fingers came up with. Who knew? But there goes this update that I've managed to finish. I wish I could say that I'd have maybe three more updates ready to be posted by the end of the day but I'm headed off to an amusement park. ^-^ YAY! Yesterday was a restful day without much happening outside of the soccer game my niece played in. I tell you there is nothing cuter than a bunch of preschoolers running around trying to kick a ball up and down a field. Some just kick it straight out of bounds, some actually have control (one, really), others just stand there dazed and confused while others, my niece, just run as fast as their little legs will carry them after the ball but then lock up once the ball is in front of them. LOL. Too cute! Like my sugar levels sky rocketed that's how cute it was.

But you all know what to do. Read and review. Tell me what you think. Some of you wanted Embry to try just a little bit harder for Leah and so now he's thrown his hat into the race but damnit, if Sam just didn't show up and ruin the whole thing with his blind jealous rage. OH! I HOPE Jacob tears into him. YOU HEAR ME, ULEY! *shakes fist at Sam* I HOPE JACOB RIPS THE FLESH FROM YOUR PAWS AND SHOVES THAT SANDWICH EMILY TRIED TO MAKE QUIL EAT UP YOUR ASS! *Sam cringes* That's right you better cringe! *flinches at Sam* Punk-ass bitch!