LPOV

I woke up in a surprisingly good mood today. Other than the weird events that took place yesterday – a group of shirtless guys welcoming my return, my brother running off into the forest, Quil and Embry finding him without difficulty, Samuel having matching tattoos as the rest of the guys including my baby brother, and Jacob – my day was actually a decent one. I spent time with my family and caught up on everything I missed, well not everything – I didn't miss the way they all eyed each other when I asked about Samuel and his servants. Or why they all had matching tattoos like a group of douche-y frat boys. Even with my family's super obvious secret, silent conversation with each other, I didn't let that ruin my mood. It probably wasn't that big of a deal anyway, so I brushed it off and changed the subject.

I will find out sooner or later though. If I can somehow get Edward close enough to the Rez without actually crossing the stupid borders my ancestors drew, he could pick their minds and let me know what's up with everyone's secrecy. Or if my family decides to go to Forks out of the blue, I'll tell Edward to meet me wherever we go and "casually" bump into him. Geez! I'm way too smart for my own good, how do I come up with these ideas?

Man, I miss Edward. I miss all the Cullens. I wonder how they're doing….

I remember when Edward was telling me how badly he wanted to drain Bella dry every time he was around her – for some reason I found that to be completely hilarious. He, of course, glared at me for being a nuisance. I have never been Bella's biggest fan, and it's not like I hate her for no reason. She irritates me to the high heavens because even as little kids, trouble seemed to follow her everywhere! And since her dad was good friends with my dad, Billy, and Quil Jr., I usually got caught up in her trouble because she was always around. And now she has a vampire who is crazy in love with her. How does that even work? I asked Edward that once, he told me it didn't.

"Lee!" Seth called, knocking on my door. "You up?"

"Yeah, come in!" I sat up and noticed my blanket was lying on the floor across the room. That's weird. I don't remember flinging my blanket across the room last night. Weird.

"Morning, sis!" Seth smiled, hopping onto my bed. "How you feelin' today?"

"I feel great, Seth," I laughed. "What's up? I know you're not in here just to make small talk."

"You know me too well," he grinned. "I was gonna ask if you wanted to go to the beach with me? A couple of the guys will be there –

I made face at the mention of "the guys" because I knew which guys he was referring to. Not that I have a problem with any of them – with the exception of Samuel – it's just they all look at me like they know me. I know, it's ridiculous because they've all known me since childhood, but it's just the way they all have this knowing look. And when I saw Jacob, they all flipped like they knew exactly how I was feeling.

Seth noticed my strained face and said "- but if you don't want to be around them, we don' t have to. I just wanna kick it with you today, for old time's sake."

"No, no, it's fine. I don't care if your friends will be there. Let me wash up and grab something to eat real quick and we'll leave, okay?"

"Sounds good," he grinned. He got up to leave and turned before stepping out, "I'm really glad you're back, Lee. We missed you so much."

I smiled to myself as he walked away. Seth was such a good brother. He's the brother every girl wants. Sweet, loving, protective, positive. Why couldn't I be as optimistic as he was? Well, I suppose one of the siblings has to take the ominous role.

I bounded off my bed and jumped into the shower. I turned on the hot water but for some reason, it just wasn't doing it for me. Normally hot water relaxes me. Not today. I turned the knob and tested the cold water. It felt amazing. Yeah, I know. Who takes a freezing cold shower in the morning? But hey, if it feels good, let it be. The coolness of the water did wonders for me. Not only did I feel extremely relaxed, I literally felt the contrast of the heat of my surprisingly hot temperature collide with the cold water. I closed my eyes and let my thoughts drift off to yesterday.

I thought back to how weird Jacob was being. The way he was looking at me! I mean, I know Jacob used to have a minor crush on me when we were younger, but he grew out of it and got the hots for Bella – not that there's anything wrong with the girl, she's just really fucking clumsy. I can't stand clumsy. Anyway, it was nothing but a childhood crush, but the way he was looking at me yesterday shook every nerve in my body. I had this uncontrollable urge to be near him and it scared me. Although, I guess that part isn't as scary as hearing the growling of an animal in my head, begging me to go near him. To touch him.

I snapped my eyes open and shook my head in attempt to clear it of all thoughts. I turned the shower off and quickly left the bathroom to get dressed. I was downstairs in a second, greeted by Seth and my dad.

"Morning, dad," I said, taking a seat across from him.

"Morning, princess," he smiled, he lifted a piece of bacon and waved it at me. "Hungry?"

"Well I kind of, but I just brushed my teeth and everything's gonna taste gross," I scrunched up my face.

"Doesn't stop me from eating," Seth said with a mouthful of food.

"Do you even chew?" I asked, my eyes widening. No wonder he was so huge!

He swallowed his food and gulped down the rest of his milk and grinned. "Of course I chew! Ready to go?"

"Where are you two headed?" my dad asked, eyeing us with curiosity. "Please don't do get into trouble today."

"Please," I scoffed. "What's the worst we could do? Name one horrible thing we've done."

Me and my big goddamn mouth. Seth and I have done enough stupid shit in the past to earn us both life-time cells in prison. It's a good thing dad's friend is a cop, otherwise Seth and I would've been screwed a long time ago.

"Let's see," my dad said, setting his fork down. This should be interesting. "You two nearly burned our house down."

Okay, yeah. But in my defense, I was 7 and convinced that Seth – who was pretending to be squirttle (the Pokemon) at the time – would actually put out the fire with his water-gun attack. I know, we were a couple of fucktards. Also, I'm sure every kid almost accidentally burns their house down anyway. Doesn't really count.

Seth was cracking up.

"Twice, actually." My dad was shaking his head as he thought back to a memory.

Okay. So maybe nearly burning your house down twice isn't exactly the greatest thing to do with your little brother. I don't really remember why we accidentally set it on fire the second time, to be honest.

"Oh and don't forget Billy's house," he added, smirking.

Oh geez! Mom and Sarah nearly killed me, Seth, Rachel, Rebecca, and Jacob for nearly burning down the Black house. I don't think I ever ran so fast in my life when I saw my mom coming at us with a broom in hand.

"I didn't say to remind me of our criminal record, dad," I groaned.

"Wait – I think I'm missing one…..thousand more," he laughed, grinning hard at mine and Seth's blank stares. "I'm just kidding, you two! You're not criminals, you just have a harder time learning right from wrong than most kids."

My dad is hilarious.

"I think I've been offended by you enough today. We're gonna bounce," I joked, shaking my head in mock pain. "See you later, old man."

"Be careful – both of you!"

"Let's go to the beach-each!" Seth sang, attempting to sound like Nicki Minaj, as we walked down the road.

I just stared at him. A 6-foot guy just sang a line from a Nicki Minaj song. I don't know what's worse, that my little brother listens to Nicki Minaj or that I recognize her lyrics.

"What?" he asked, looking confused.

"How are we even related?" I asked, cocking my head to the side.

"So how's it feel to be back?" Paul asked me, taking a huge bite of his hot-dog.

He, along with Jared, were already on the beach – swimming of all things – when Seth and I got there. They were shirtless and didn't even seem bothered by the freezing cold water and cool wind.

"Fine, I guess," I shrugged. "Nothing's really changed since I left." Except for the fact that you and what looks like the rest of the male population of La Push have matching tattoos and are all over 6-feet all.

"Did you miss it here when you were away?"

Hell no! "Yeah. For sure."

"Well, welcome back," Jared said, throwing me a small, genuine smile.

"Thanks. So, uh, are we just gonna sit here all day or can we actually do something?" I asked, bumping my shoulder against Seth.

"We will in a minute," he laughed, but he looked annoyed. "We're just waiting on someone."

"Who?"

Paul and Jared smirked. Seth exhaled sharply and said in a flat tone, "Jake."

"Oh." As hard as I tried, I couldn't keep my lips from shifting up into a small, stupid smile.

I don't want to see Jacob. Not now. He makes me feel all these weird things that leave me dazed and confused. I seriously cannot think properly around him because I always hear that animal in my head. I don't want to have to face him and act like an idiot. Jesus, I wonder how stupid I looked when I was gaping at him yesterday. God! I probably looked like the world's biggest moron.

And what about him? His eyes were so intense I couldn't tear my eyes away from them. When he looked at me, it was almost like he was looking into the deepest depths of my soul – yes, I'm aware I sound like a huge cheese-ball for saying that, but it's true! He just…I don't know, it's just something I've never experienced before and I don't know whether I want feel that way again or not. Despite how utterly confusing it was to feel such a draw to him, I can't escape the fact that it felt really fucking good to be near him. I mean, when he hugged me – I don't think I felt so alive.

Don't even get me started on the weird growling noises he was making. For some reason, I found the sound to be so sexy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not into bestiality, it's just that sound….it sounded just like the growling voice in my head, just a more deep and masculine.

"Sorry for keep you all waiting." Speak of the devil.

"'Sup, Jake?" Paul shooting a cat-like grin to Jacob and unsubtly nodding his head in my direction.

"Sup," Jacob nodded, not even looking at him. He was looking directly at me with a smile on his face. And there goes the growling sound in my head again. I think I need to get my head examined or something because this just can't be normal. Everyone has a human voice as a conscious and I have an animal. Why can't I be normal?

"Hey, Leah," he said in a husky voice. He took a seat right next to me.

"Hi, Jake," I said, trying to keep my voice from sounding too enthusiastic.

Come on, Leah. Get a grip!

"What's up?"

"I was hoping you all could tell me," I said, meeting his eyes. "Seth said we were gonna do something but we had to wait for you."

"We should go now," Seth said, getting to his feet.

"Where are we going?" I asked, following Seth. Jacob was immediately standing by my side. I smiled to myself.

"You'll see," Seth grinned.

My phone decided to make its presence known by blaring lyrics from an Ed Sheeran song. I snatched my phone from out of my jacket pocket and grinned when I saw the name on the caller ID.

Edward.

"Edster!" I laughed, as I answered the phone.

"Hello, Leah," he laughed his usual musical laugh. I noticed Jacob, Seth, Paul, and Jared, all tense at the sound of the voice on the other line.

"Hey, hold on for a minute, kay? Don't hang up," I said into the phone.

"Of course."

"Hey, uh – I'm gonna take this real quick," I said to the four who now had dark looks on their faces. I gave them all a quizzical look and stepped walked a couple of feet away from where they were.

"Okay, I'm back! Holy crap, I miss you Edster! How are you?" I was squealing like a little freaking girl but I couldn't help it. I haven't heard from any of the Cullens since I told them I was coming back home.

He was laughing. "I'm doing great, I miss you too. I'm just calling to check in on you."

"Still worried about my safety?" I asked mockingly.

"With your blood, I doubt any vampire will go near you," he was laughed. I heard the booming sound of Emmett's laugher in the background.

"Funny," I said flatly. "Did you call just to insult me?"

"No," he chuckled. "I actually wanted to invite you over to dinner. We all miss you – especially my sisters."

"Tell them I miss you too," I smiled.

"Will do. So will you come?"

"Duh!" I practically screeched. "I haven't seen you all in forever!"

"Fantastic! How's tomorrow at 8 sound?" he asked.

"Sounds perfect! Just text me the address."

"Of course – "

"LEAH!" Emmett bellowed into the phone, cutting Edward completely off.

"Heeeey!" I squealed, laughing hysterically at how excited and childish he sounded.

"I miss you, Sacajawea!" Sacajawea. I tried to set him on fire the first time he called me that but gave up when I could catch him. From that day on, that became my permanent nickname from him and I gave up trying to kill him.

"I miss you too, Shrek!" And that was my nickname from him. He was not happy about the name, so naturally, I never stopped calling him that.

"Do me a favor, will you?" he asked.

I was feeling generous today, so I grinned and said, "Okay, shoot."

"Wear something sexy to dinner tomorrow." I heard Jasper's voice in the background saying "I hope she sets you on fire tomorrow."

"Kill yourself, Em," I said in a flat tone before hanging up.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket and jogged back to the guys. They were whispering furiously to each other.

"Uh…hey, ready to go?" I asked slowly.

"Who was that on the phone?" Seth asked. He, and the others were tensed and had hard looks on their faces. But none of them looked as bad as Jacob. He looked furious.

"You alright, Jake?" I asked, cautiously taking a step toward him. His eyes narrowed at me.

"Who were you talking to?" he asked rather harshly.

"Some friends of mine," I said, taken aback at his tone.

"Who are they?"

I saw their ears literally twitch and their eyes focus intently on me.

"Well?" Jacob pushed, sounding even angrier at my silence. I looked to Seth and nearly backtracked at the stern look he was giving me.

Were they always like this? Happy-go-lucky one minute and pissed-off the next? Why was it so important to them to know who I was talking to? It wasn't any of their business. Of course if I would have told them I was talking to a Cullen, they'd freak out because we grew up hating the Cullens because of some legend.

"If you guys are going to be assholes to me and treat me like some little kid, think again." I turned on my heels and stalked back home.

I was a good fifty feet away when I heard him calling my name. Had he been following me this whole time?

"Leah, wait," he said, coming to a stop beside me.

"What?" I asked flatly, trying my absolute hardest to ignore the welcoming feeling of his presence.

"Look, I didn't mean to snap at you like that," he explained. I shifted my eyes to him and saw the sincerity and regret on his face.

"Is it that big of a deal who I talk to?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

"No – well yeah, yeah it is. Listen, I know you just got here but things aren't the same around here as they used to be."

"What do you mean?" I stopped walking and looked at him curiously.

He looked troubled, like he was stumbling over how to answer me. "It's just not safe. People have been going missing here the past couple of months."

"What does this have anything to do with me being on the phone with my friends?" I crossed my arms and raised a questioning brow at him.

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just taking precautions, you never know who could be a threat. I don't want anything to happen to you…."

My face softened and I smiled, "That's really sweet, Jake. But nothing's gonna happen to me, not with all of you here. You guys all look way too intimidating to challenge. As long as I'm seen with any of you, I'm sure I'll be safe from any danger."

"Oh, I can guarantee no one on the Rez will lay a finger on you if you're seen with any of us," he said seriously.

"I know," I laughed. I could already feel my anger toward him and the guys disappearing. "So are you still mad at me?"

"I wasn't mad at you, Lee," he said quietly, "Just worried."

I rolled my eyes, he was starting to remind me of Edward and his incessant worrying.

"Come on," I said, grabbing a hold of his arm. My eyes nearly bugged out at how hot his skin was. I knew enough about humans to know that being this hot was not normal. Or safe.

"Holy shit, Jake! You're hot!"

He barked out a laugh and threw an arm around my shoulder. "I know."

"Don't get a big head, I was talking about your temperature. Are you sick?"

"Nah, I'm fine," he chuckled. He pulled me closer to him, making me feel safe and completely at ease. The growling in my head quieted to a satisfied pur. "I just run a little warmer than others. No big deal."

"If you say so," I said, not really believing him. "So what now?"

"How 'bout some food?" He asked. "I know a good place, if you want to go…."

"That sounds great!" I said, sounding a little too excited. I wanted to slap myself. "I haven't ate at all today."

"I know." He was looking at me with those eyes again. When I turned to look at him, he smiled and turned to face the road ahead.

a/n: So I had a little trouble writing this chapter because I didn't want Leah to make it obvious she was talking to the Cullens - but at the same time give enough subtle hints to give the wolves a hunch. Oh! And I actually don't have any problem with Nicki Minaj and her music - actually, I find her music to be quite catchy, LOL. If any of you get the chance, you should check out Ed Sheeran, he's a pretty good artist and I really enjoy his music :) Also, I usually always proof-read my chapters before I post them but sometimes miss a few things. So let me know if there any typos blaring in your face lol. And finally, please, please, review! =)