Disclaimer: I.D.N.O.T.

Chapter 17

"Hey, all!" I called as I closed the door behind me. 9:30, according to the clock on the wall. Damn. The table was clear and I could hear Emily washing up in the kitchen. So much for breakfast. I walked into the living room to find most of the pack already gathered, at least the older members.

"Finally," someone mumbled under his breath.

"And now you decide to show up. Late as usual." I caught that one and glared at Paul. I sat down on the edge of the ottoman stiffly, barely keeping my wolf in check. If there was anyone who could push my buttons it was definitely Paul. Consider my good mood ruined.

Sam waved his hand and continued, "Now that Leah has joined us…" Typical Sam - completely ignoring the jibes and acidic comments made in my direction. Sometimes he really could be a total asshole. I could just pummel him. Both him and Paul.

"LEAH!" I jumped back to reality as Embry yelled at me.

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to fill us in or not?" Sam asked, frowning.

"Uh, yeah, of course. What exactly do you want to know, again?" I asked sheepishly, an embarrassed blush creeping across my cheeks and heating my ears. Once again I wished my hair were a little longer.

"Jeez. See what you get? She takes the job, but can't even report properly…" I shot another death glare in Paul's direction.

"The new girl. Report." Sam ground out, this time giving Paul a warning glance.

"Her name is Megan Masterson. She moved up here with her mom. Has an older brother in college in upstate California. Dad and mom aren't split up, but I'm not sure exactly where he is. Mom does graphic design, works from home, home schools Megan. Pretty quiet, average family." I rattled off, sitting up a bit straighter.

"Yeah, but what of the smell? The leeches? Any lead on that?" Quil gently nudged.

"Nope. Nothing. I've gotten to hang out with her several times, and the smell isn't always there. When it is it's very faint. Neither she nor her mom have mentioned anything about the Cullens." I concluded.

All eyes finally left me, and I sighed into a slouch. It was surprisingly nerve-wracking having everyone looking to me. The guys exchanged looks, and Sam stared into the distance for a little while.

"I'm just not at ease with this." He stated flatly after a few minutes of contemplation. "If it was a one time thing I'd just say she had to get a physical for school or something."

"But she's homeschooled…" Embry breathed.

"Yeah. And it's a repeated thing."

"And she's in the woods around here a lot." Jared was even sounding suspicious now. I couldn't believe it.

"Guys!" I stood and looked at them all, "Come on! She's an 18 year old girl! Seriously?!" I asked, incredulous.

"And the Cullens all look to be nothing more than teenagers too, don't they?!" Paul burst out.

"I think I'd be able to tell if she were a leech, Paul! She ate dinner at my house last night! She ATE! Bloodsuckers don't exactly woof down brownies!" My fists were balled at my side, and I was practically shaking.

"ENOUGH!" Sam boomed. "Calm. Down." The room shook with the double timbre. "Everyone will calm down. Now."

I sat back on the ottoman.

"I in no way believe this new girl - Megan?" Sam looked at me and I nodded. "Megan – to be a vampire. However, something is going on here. And with everything that we have had happen over the last few months we really need to figure out exactly what that is." Everyone nodded solemnly. This past year had been a rollercoaster, too many threats, too many leeches. "Leah." I looked up and met Sam's gaze. My heart shuddered in chest, old aches stretching out as his deep chocolate eyes focused on me. I clenched my jaw and refused to look away.

"I want you to keep befriending Megan. The closer you get the more information you might uncover. If you find out anything relevant, you let us know." I nodded. "However," he turned to look at the rest of the pack, "I want everyone else to keep their eyes and ears open. Especially where Megan is concerned. We can't afford to sit around on our haunches." Everyone nodded, and looked at my hands in my lap.

"We tell the young ones to keep on alert and report anything unusual. But I don't think we need to alarm them. Goodness knows they all just got back in check after a few months ago." Sam passed his hand over his face, wearily. That was true. Most of the younger members had been really on edge since the issues surrounding the wedding and the Volturi's visit. The newest members barely had control of their inner wolves at all to begin with. I listened to Sam rattle off the patrol schedules for the week in silence, nodding when needed and headed out the back door as soon as the meeting was adjourned. I didn't even wait when Jared called out for me, running behind me as I headed for the woods.

A/N: Way long in coming, I know. No excuses. Just know that I am back and ready to write. Look for more soon. Would love to hear what you think! Ta-ta for now ~Kate