The Life We Live

Chapter 7

Pairing: Bella / Leah

Rating: T for Language and Content - Subject to Change

It had been a few days since I had come in contact with the strange wolf and I was no closer to figuring it out than I had been even a week ago. It was insanely frustrating. I was so obsessed that I hadn't really concentrated on anything else, even Bella. But the connection I felt with the wolf was so profound, especially after a few days when I had time to reflect on it; re-live the moment a seemingly infinite amount of times over. I felt connected to it; somehow. It was consuming me, but I couldn't bring myself to care.

Sam and Seth both wanted me to take a break from my searching. They could see what it was doing to me. I did nothing except search in my free time. They urged me to stop and relax. It wasn't until Sam brought up my imprint that I relented. He was right, if I wanted to tell Bella the truth anytime soon, I would need to spend more time with her.

In fact, that's where I was heading right now, over to Bella's place. I had texted her earlier and asked if she wanted to hang out.

Sam had just left my place, after insisting that I give up my search, at least for the weekend. I reluctantly had agreed. I needed a break, as much as I didn't want to take one. Besides, I did have Bella to think about. I hadn't seen her in a few days, and even though I had been consumed with my search, my prolonged separation from my mate was still taking its toll. So I sent her a text asking if I could hang out with her in a couple hours.

Hey Bella,

I was wondering if you wanted to do something with me today? It's a pretty nice day and I haven't seen you in a while. Let me know if you'd be willing.

- Leah

I hadn't needed to wait long, since she almost immediately texted me back.

Sure! I'm free whenever you're ready, what did you have in mind to do today?

- Bella

I hadn't really thought about it. I guess since it was nice out, we could just go on a walk or something.

I'm not sure if you're an outdoor-sy person, but since it's pretty nice out; especially for Forks, do you want to just go walk around?

- Leah

Once again, I didn't need to wait too long for a reply.

I'm a very outdoor-sy person, just for a record, and I'm totally down to just walk around. Do you want to come over in an hour or so?

- Bella

I smiled to myself. I made a mental note to remember that Bella was an outside person and to arrange future hangouts, and hopefully dates around the outdoors.

I pulled up in front of Bella's house, shutting off the engine of my car. I decided that it would probably be better for me to drive than run here in wolf form. Since this was arranged, I think it might be a little odd if I just showed up on her doorstep without any form of transportation except my own two feet. I got out of my car and approached the door. Just as I lifted my knuckle to knock, the door opened. Bella grinned at me.

"Hey Leah! Come in, I heard your car pull up. I'll be ready in a couple minutes." I stepped inside and she shut the door behind me. "Feel free to make yourself at home. I'll be back in a few minutes." Leaving me standing in her entryway she headed back upstairs. Now left alone, I took this time to inspect her place. It was a gorgeous house, that was for sure. Sizable entryway, hardwood floors, and her walls were lined with paintings and photographs of different sceneries. I wandered into what I supposed was her living room. It was furnished with a simple leather couch with a dark wood coffee table in front of it, facing a LG plasma screen.

On the mantel of the fireplace, there were a few photographs, old ones by the look of them. I saw one of what looked like Bella and another female; although I wasn't sure, since these pictures looked like they had been taken decades before. I guess they were probably her mother or grandmother, since there was an uncanny family resemblance. The other person in the picture was a beautiful female; dark brown, almost black hair, lightly tanned skin, and a flawless complexion. From the look in her eyes and the smile on her face she seemed quite happy, but also might have had a fiery personality.

I heard a cough from behind me. I turned to see Bella standing in the doorway, leaning up against the frame, arms crossed, smiling at me. "Enjoying my family pictures I see?" I slowly nodded. She walked over to me, taking the picture I was looking at off the mantel.

"Ah, this was my.. great-aunt when she was around my age. It was taken, if I remember correctly in the 1940s or so. My mother gave me this when I started moving around and traveling, to remember family." There was a tone of sadness in her voice and I rested a hand on her shoulder.

"She's beautiful, just like her niece." I whispered the last part, almost hoping she didn't hear it, but the small smile she gave me in return told me otherwise. She placed the picture back on the mantel and turned to me.

"Anyways, are you ready to go?" I nodded as she grabbed my hand and drug me to the front door. This time I grabbed the knob to open the door for her and gestured for her to go first. "Ladies first?" Bella laughed at my actions in a playful way and made her way outside. I stepped out after her and shut the door. I waited for her to lock it and then we both started walking in the direction of the small park that was nearby.

As we walked we talked about random things. I had asked how she had been since we last spoke. "I've been good. I don't really get out too much, except to hang out with Cullens." I growled softly at the mention of those bloodsuckers. I hated how my mate was close to them. It disgusted me, but she was my mate. If this is what she wanted, I couldn't stop her. I could object, but something told me that it would be pointless. Although, if I could get her opinion on the Cullens out of her, perhaps I could gauge how well she would take learning about me.

"Ah, the Cullens. Lot of people on the reservation don't like them. Something about a superstition." Bella laughed.

"Yeah, Jacob told me the same thing, except he was a little more.. forceful about it. Tried to outright tell me they were dangerous and they I needed to stop talking with them. I hardly think they're dangerous, odd maybe, but they're far from dangerous. At least to me." I furrowed my brow.

"Does that mean they are dangerous to others then?" Bella's eyes widened a second, then she sighed.

"I know they try hard not to be, but sometimes things happen." I growled. The thought of the Cullens slipping up, especially around Bella pushed my buttons. "Anyways, enough about the Cullens. I assure you, I'm in no danger around them. Although your concern is appreciated. How have you been?" I knew this was a deflection, but I decided not to press it any further.

"I've been.. decent. I've been wrapped up in a project. Otherwise I probably would have texted you earlier. But Sam basically cut me off and told me to relax."

"So I'm just the second best thing next to this project of yours?" My eyes widened in horror and embarrassment; I was sure that my face was flushed red.

"I.. uh.. that's not.." I ran my hand nervously through my hair. Bella's lips slowly curled into a smile and then she giggled. I scowled at her. "You are teasing me aren't you? It's so not like that Bella." That just caused her to laugh louder.

"I know that, your face was just so priceless. Anyways, I know how things get. You got busy, nothing to worry about." I nodded gratefully at her. Not really noticing my surroundings, I was a little startled to realize that we had reached our destination.

"So, anyways, there's a small trail around the park, if you're up for it Bella?" She nodded at me, waiting for me to lead the way. I started towards the trail's beginning; it was a fairly short one, only about a mile or two. But it was fairly secluded and not a lot of people were walking it, give me and Bella plenty of time to just talk and get to know each other, without random people around.

We were walking side by side, both not talking. I noticed Bella's hand hanging at her side next to me. Without even thinking about it, I reached out to intertwine our fingers. Bella looked at me curiously, but then gripped my hand. I smiled to myself.

"So Leah, this 'project' of yours. I hope this isn't too invasive, but what are you working on?" I immediately started to sweat. If I were to tell her, I'd have to tell her about shifting. But was the really such a bad thing? I knew she accepted the Cullens. She wasn't a stranger to the supernatural. She must have taken my silence as reluctance to tell her. "I mean.. you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I was just curious. You know, maybe I could help?" I shook my head.

"Sorry Bella, it's not that I don't trust you or anything. It's just that I'd like to work on it on my own for a while. That's all. I appreciate the offer though. When I get a little further in progress, I'd be happy to tell you." She seemed satisfied with that answer because she squeezed my hand and smiled at me.

We continued walking, hand in hand. "So Bella, what was your life like before coming to Forks? It was probably a lot more exciting than living in this small town." I was genuinely curious as to what her life was like. Getting to know my mate's past was an important part of getting to know the woman I had imprinted on. She seemed a little reluctant to talk about it, but she indulged me none the less.

"Before I moved to Forks? It was really just a lot of traveling around. Directly previous to living here, I was in Arizona; Phoenix to be exact. It was nice there, although I'm not really a big fan of large cities. I prefer smaller towns and cities. They seem more comfortable I guess." I laughed.

"I'd love to live in a big city someday. I sort of hate living on the reservation, where everyone knows everyone. People judge you for the smallest, inconsequential things. It gets old. I wish I could just go somewhere where no one knows me; start fresh you know?" She nodded.

"I know how you feel. I've moved away more than once for the mistakes I've made." She whispered the last part, I think to herself. Because if I hadn't had wolf hearing, I don't think I would have picked it up. I didn't press it because I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to have heard that.

"Anyways, yeah. My life before Forks hasn't been too interesting."

"That can't be true, where have you traveled to?" Bella was silent for a second before answering.

"Well here obviously, and Phoenix; I've visited a few European countries like Italy, France, England, Spain and Germany. I lived in Russia for a while, as well as Canada. As for states, I've also been to Oregon, New York, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, and California." My eyes widened a little. I hadn't been expecting a list that long.

"Wow, you've done a lot of traveling. That's impressive. I'd love to travel outside the United States. I've never even been outside Washington. Hell, I haven't even traveled far from the reservation." Bella laughed.

"Well maybe someday I'll take you with me." She smiled.

"That would be amazing! I'd love to." Our eyes met as I said that. I felt the pull, even stronger to her. And judging from her faster breathing and her grip tightening around my hand, I'd say she felt it too. I blinked. I was subconsciously aware that Bella and I were in a very secluded spot on the trail. No one was likely to walking and see us, unless they were actively searching.

"Well, I mean that you know. I'd take you with me if that's what you wanted." I gulped and nodded.

"I wish I could, but I have.. responsibilities here." Bella snorted.

"What's so important that you can't put it off to travel the world?" I shook my head.

"I want to tell you. But I can't." She pressed me further.

"What can't you tell me? I want to be here for you. You can trust me." I sighed and ran my free hand through my hair.

"I know I can Bella, it's not that. I'm just scared. I'm afraid I'll scare you off." Bella chuckled.

"Trust me Leah, if anyone needs to be worried about being scared off, it's you." I furrowed my brow, confused.

"What.." I was suddenly interrupted by a clapping sound coming from the treeline by the trail. Both Bella and I looked in the direction of the sound. I was so wrapped up in Bella and her proximity to me, I hadn't heard someone approaching. As the figure stepped out of the treeline, I growled and pushed Bella behind me.

It was Jacob, followed closely by Paul. Both boys were smirking, arrogant looks on their faces. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Bella and Leah? What are you two doing out here, so.. unprotected." I snarled at Jacob, although that sound probably confused Bella.

"Jake, what are you doing here?" Bella sounded confused, and to my surprise, a little angry. Wasn't Jake her best friend?

"I'm here for you Bella. You know that we're meant to be. Whatever Leah has said about me is a lie. Anything she's told you about the relationship between you two, it's a lie." It took a lot of self control to not punch Jacob right there. My feelings weren't a lie.

"What the hell Jake? You just pop up out of no where to tell me that 'we're meant to be.' What are you talking about Jake? Leah hasn't told me anything. Something that we were going to remady." She gave me a look and I quickly looked away. Jake laughed.

"Oh Leah, that is just too good. You haven't told her yet? Well, that just makes it easier for me. You haven't filled her head with lies yet. She's untainted by your filth." A growl echoed around us, but this time it wasn't me. All three of us looked at Bella. She had a look of anger in her eye.

"Leah isn't filthy Jake. I can't believe you would call anyone that. What happened to the Jake that I know?" He huffed.

"That Jake was weak, and he grew up. And I think the new Jake is much better. I'm going to prove it to you. You're just confused Bella. Hanging out with the Cullens has messed up your mind. And Leah isn't helping either. You belong with me, you know this. I'm your best option." Bella snarled again. What was going on with her? I mean, it was normal for Jake, Paul and I to growl, but Bella was human.

"So what, you expect me to settle for the 'best option?' I personally think that's a bunch of crap Jake. I never have and never will look at you as anything but a friend. And right now I'm not even looking at you like that." Jake glanced at Paul and the pair smirked again.

I hadn't noticed, but as Bella and Jake were talking, Bella had inched her way in front of me. And now that I looked at our positions, Bella was standing in front of me, facing Jake and Paul. "Well then Bella, it looks like Leah and the Cullens have brainwashed you even more than I thought. I guess we're going to have to do this the hard way." This time I was the one to snarl at Jake, who just laughed at me.

"Like you're a threat Leah. You cowered last time we 'fought.' And if we hadn't been.. interrupted, I would have made you submit. There's nothing you can do. You're just a pest at this point. And I'll so enjoy making you submit to me. Maybe I'll let Paul have you, I'm sure he could tame that temper of yours." At this point I was shaking like a leaf. The only thing that was keeping me from phasing was the fact that I could hurt Bella by phasing right now. "Well I guess if Leah won't tell you, I will. Or well, I'll show you what Leah was too scared to show you." Bella looked a little confused but kept her eyes on Jake as he walked into the trees, leaving Paul with us.

"Trust me Bella, you'd best do what he wants. He's the most powerful of all of us. It would be little work to force you to submit. You're better off giving yourself to him willingly. It's a great honor to be picked to be the mate of our Alpha." Before Bella could answer, Jacob walked out of the tree line, this time in his wolf form. He had grown since I last saw him. Now he was larger than even Sam. I had no doubt I couldn't stand up to him, but I had to try, for my imprint's sake.

"So you see Bella? This is what Leah was too scared to tell you. We were blessed by the gods with the ability to shift into giant wolves. We are the most powerful creatures there are. We can kill your little vampires with little difficulty. It's only because of the Elders we had held back. But now with Jake taking his place as Alpha, he'll kill Sam and take his rightful place. And Elders or no Elders, we'll destroy the Cullens. You're best off with the winning side."

I carefully looked at Bella's reaction. Her eyes her closed, her hand pinching the bridge of her nose. She slowly opened them and I gasped. Her eyes were a piercing yellow color, exactly the color of the strange wolf I'd been hunting. But how? How could I not have known? Bella gave me a look that said We'll talk about this later. I nodded slowly at her, still fairly confused. I was shocked into inaction really. I just watched the scene unfold in front of me. I just couldn't do anything but blink and try to process this.

Meanwhile Bella had started to speak. "Frankly I don't give a damn if you think I'm 'best off with you.' Because I'm not. You are not my mate Jake, nor will you ever be. And Paul, you're a fool if you're following this nutcase. You think I'm impressed by the fact you say you could destroy the Cullens? Because I'm not." Paul snarled at Bella.

"You will submit to him Bella! We are your superiors, you will submit." Bella growled at Paul, then suddenly whipped her head towards Jacob, suddenly lunging for him. I snapped out of my daze in time to see Bella shift into her wolf form, the same wolf that I had been hunting.

A/N: Okay, I know this was a totally unfair place to leave it. I was considering continuing, but I want the next part in Bella's point of view, and I hate POV switches in the middle of chapters. Rest assured I won't make you guys wait too long for the next one. I've already started writing it. It should hopefully be up in the next couple of days.

Anyways, I didn't know you guys were going to be so particular about the last chapter. I admit, I didn't think it all the way through, but honestly, I kept Leah from recognizing Bella for consistency sake. Because if Leah could immediately recognize Bella in wolf form, she would have figured it out in the second chapter. I understand why that irks some people, I guess. But oh well, now she knows.

The next chapter is going to be Bella's point of view for sure. I'm planning on including more of Bella's backstory in it, since Bella sort of has to come clean. Or at least somewhat clean. I also plan on including my OC sometime in the near future, so look out for her.

I hope this made up for some of the annoyance of the last chapter. Oh and if some of it doesn't make sense, it will in the next chapter, trust me. And remember I write un-beta'd so any mistakes are my own.

A Charmed Vampire