Old Alpha Meet New Alpha
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight characters but I don't think I'd be any less excited about watching Oprah tonight that has the stars of Twilight and hopefully TAYTAY! \(^o^)/ WOOOHOOOO!
John awakens with a start his body covered in sweat, his chest heaving and his cheeks stained with falling tears. It's the same nightmare he's had over and over again since the attack on Leah two days ago. It starts off innocently and sweetly enough with him sitting in a car with a girl. It's not just any girl and not just any car. It's his first car; a '74 red Chevy Camaro that had been a gift from his Uncle Hank. The girl with him was Lisa, his first and last girlfriend, wearing her favorite green t-shirt and worn jeans. They were just out riding after seeing a movie when suddenly a deer darts out in front of the car. John turns his wheel swiftly to avoid hitting the deer but he was speeding and he loses control of the car. The car tumbles and flips over so many times that it leaves him dizzy. When he comes to he's outside of the crumpled car and he sees a body lying not too far away from him.
Adrenaline courses through John's veins as he cries out Lisa's name and runs to her. Every bone in his body should be broken – or at least something. He ignores the lack of pain and carefully runs to her as then suddenly a burning body jumps from the car – when did the car catch on fire? He watches in horror as the burning mass lands on top of Leah and begins tearing at her viciously. He hears duel voices calling out his name begging for his help. Everything after that is blank.
Getting up and heading down the hall John slowly opens the door to find Leah lying on her stomach. Her back looks mildly better but she's still suffering from a fever and the wounds are slowly closing up. His Grandma Nadie made an aloe-peppermint mix that she added with the milk and has been applying to Leah's back daily. Each of the guys has stopped by everyday to sit with her and to see if she needs anything. As usual she's been stubborn and adamant that she's alright and doesn't need anything. At times her fever has gotten dangerously high to the point she's delirious and calls out to her father and re-lives old conversations. According to Nadie she's supposed to be fine in another 2-3 days. It's impressive based on 'normal' human standards but for John the attack never should've happened. Just like the car accident.
Walking down the stairs he heads towards the kitchen to find the room empty. With a sigh he heads over to the phone that's hanging on the wall by a billboard with a list of phone numbers. John's debated over whether or not he should do what it is he's about to do. Leah has called home at least once a week to check up on her mother and two of the Elders in her tribe. She talks to them for hours each using a phone card to pay for the long distance call. Just as a precaution she's given their numbers to his parents; in fact, his mother, Janice, has spoken to Sue many times. It was mostly about getting Leah's high school transcript so she could apply for college and how she's been adjusting. He'd want someone to inform his family if something had happened to him and he was miles away from home. But at the same time…he's worried about what the news of her injury will bring. Will they have her come home? Will they blame him? Does she blame him?
John sighs heavily resting his head against the wall next to the phone. The last few days he's gone over the scenario in his head over and over again – analyzing every detail. He knows that it didn't have to happen; a small part of him has tried to rationalize that the attack was unavoidable – if not her then someone else. However, what has really been weighing on his mind was a conversation with Leah the day before.
~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~
John sits surrounded by the rest of his pack all in some vain attempt to watch television but really all closely looking over Leah. Leah's pain seemed to have eased from Nadie's treatment and she seemed to be alert albeit still in some discomfort. John had tried to get the guys to run their patrols but he eventually gave in knowing that they'd all want to make sure that Leah was feeling up to par with their own eyes. Leah sits on the floor with her legs tucked underneath her, her hands balled up into tight fists resting underneath her chin and elbows resting on the small coffee table before her. John looks around from his spot directly behind Leah seated on the couch with Paul to his right, Giovanni sitting in the recliner to his left, Leo seated next to Leah and Ted next to Leo.
Despite everyone's attention seemingly placed on the program flashing before them – John knows that the entire pack have their senses keened on Leah. Every move she makes from a ragged intake of air and every sound she makes it closely monitored. The guys have long since given up asking Leah whether or not she's okay since it only seems to aggravate her to be doted on – her anger flaring up; not to the point of phasing but definitely enough for the others to receive a cold, hard and dark glare that sent even Gio retreating back a few steps.
John understands their concern and Leah's frustration but what has him really worried still is her increased body temperature and her lack of appetite. Leah's body temperature has remained around a constant 122 degrees leaving her sluggish, sweaty and irritable. John frowns looking at Leah's back that is fully exposed thanks to a shirt his mother has given to her. Leah's back is covered in scabs, blisters, and a few skinned over wounds. John can feel the heat rolling off of Leah's back that is hot enough to warm his shins; that being quite a feat. Despite being a female and the smallest of the pack her appetite was enough to put any huge grown man to shame. John sighs noting Leah's turkey's sandwich still sits in front of her barely touched; he recalled that it was her favorite type of sandwich with mayo, mustard, dill pickles, romaine lettuce, red onions, American and Swiss cheese all on a Kaiser bun. Any other time she'd have dove into the sandwich and, if you were lucky, could catch her picking up crumbs with her pinkie. The fact that the sandwich has been left with only a small bite for so long despite the amount of hungry wolves in the vicinity is also proof that the others want her to finish it – otherwise, it'd be up for grabs.
John gets up with a sigh and heads towards the kitchen – the only acknowledgment received of his departure is Leah leaning back using her hands to support her weight up. Heading to the kitchen John pulls out a glass jug of milk, the medicine his grandmother has pulled together for the both of them. John looks down at his chest it very much similar to Leah's back only with small patches here and there trailing from his chest to his throat and even some on his hands. Drinking a small glass of the milk John sits down waiting for Leah to be called in for her medicine – it's the only way he can be present for her treatment without being frowned at. Hearing some shuffling upstairs John waits as Nadie moves into the living room. "Leah." She calls walking by.
"Ma'am?" Leah calls back her voice sounding softer and bit hoarse then usual.
"Kitchen." Nadie only calls back as she walks in and smiles at her grandson. John barely registers his grandmother's mutterings as he hears Leah sigh and her heartbeat races as she slowly stands up – her back stiff from the tightened and healing wounds. Leah groans in frustration as each of the remaining wolves all hold their breaths waiting for anything to go wrong or if she needs help. "She's a stubborn and independent young lady, huh?" John looks at Nadie and chuckles nodding his head suddenly becoming aware of the same breathe he was holding as the rest of the pack.
"I'm just steadfast." Leah says walking into the kitchen smiling at Nadie proudly.
"Pig-headed works too." John throws out earning that now infamous frown with the cold, hard stare. John smiles, a rare sight on the alpha, back at Leah who rolls her eyes heading over to the kitchen sink. John's smile falls as Leah stands looking down at the counter with her hands planted firmly on top of it; her shoulders tense and even though he cannot see her face he knows that she's looking at the obstacle with deep dread.
John's done his best to allow Leah to keep her pride but cannot help but wonder why she is so opposed to receiving help. Getting up from the kitchen table John walks past Nadie to stand behind Leah. Letting out a sigh he gently pushes Leah's waist getting her to turn around and placing his hands firmly on her hips picks her up and sets her on the counter. John turns around heading back towards the counter to avoid seeing her frown but stops short hearing a soft, "Thank you."
"You're welcome." John says turning back to watch Leah as she proceeds to lay down across the sink. Something about her quiet and reluctant appreciation has always bothered him – when she first arrived she was stubborn not wanting to accept too many of the 'hand-outs'. He assured her at the time that she'd pay them back for the food, clothing and shelter. This statement seemed to easily put her at ease but since the attack her stubbornness has grown. Almost as if she'll wear on their patience or something.
"Alright, lose the shirt." Nadie orders pushing past John as Leah quickly complies and lies across the sink which already has a basin sitting in it to catch the milk mix.
John sits back quietly watching Leah's face as she closes her eyes relaxing under the soothing effects of the medicine. "I'm sorry." Leah finally says breaking the silence of the room. Nadie doesn't react to Leah's apology but only continues pouring the milk over her wounds and occasionally removing some loose and dead skin. John's features is sheer confusion as he gets up and moves closer towards her.
"Sorry for what?" He asks scooting a chair over and sitting down so he's at least looking at her face.
"If I'd been paying more attention you wouldn't have gotten hurt. Or I should've been quicker and knocked the thing off of me." Leah answers looking down with a small frown her voice lanced with disappointment and anger.
She's blaming herself?
"Leah, it wasn't," John begins with a small smile – something he finds himself doing more and more around her.
"Then you wouldn't have gotten hurt. You shouldn't have put yourself in danger like that…for me." Leah says whispering the last part and John stiffens as his smile becomes a hard frown and his brows furrow.
"Are, are you saying I shouldn't have bothered saving you?" John asks as his hands tighten into fists and his nails began biting into his flesh. He doesn't understand how she could think or say such a thing to him. Leah looks up at him with embarrassed surprise. "What was I supposed to do? Just stand there and let you die? How much sense does that make?" John demands his temper quickly flaring.
Leah bites her bottom lip feeling her anger and embarrassment growing. A small part of her feels the need to lash back out at the angry man before her – old defense mechanism. She wants to growl out that she 'didn't ask for his help' and 'that she could've taken care of it herself'. She doesn't understand why men react to her apologies with anger and frustration. She remembers having the same feeling of regret, disappointment and anger in herself years ago when she first phased and was caught up in the Newborn War over, then, Bella Swan. She had gone to apologize to Jacob because he was injured protecting her. He turned on her telling her that she 'needed to be more careful and if she hadn't been so stupid he'd not be in this mess'. She had quickly turned back on him hurt that her apology and attempt to make some kind of amends fell on deaf ears. The two of them had a serious yelling match which involved insults, harsh language and threats of bodily harm until Billy asked her to leave. After that Leah had given up being nice to any of the other boys after that, Seth being the exception.
Leah knows it wrong to pin the sins of the others on this new pack but right now with her hurt ego; sometimes it's hard. John gives her a look as if realization is dawning on him. "Has something like this happened before?" John asks his eyes softening looking into Leah's.
"I wasn't paying attention. We were fighting an army of newborns." Leah says looking down avoiding meeting John's eyes. She found her anger melting away just looking into his warm grey eyes that showed so much concern for her. "One lunged at me and Jake,"
"Your former alpha, right?" John clarifies as Leah nods.
"He wasn't my alpha at the time. He didn't want it and so he was beta. But he jumped in front to save me. He wound up getting hurt – really bad." Leah says her fists tightening up remembering Jacob's screams of pain. "I was blamed for his injuries…and no one cared how much I apologized. I, I didn't mean for him to get hurt." Leah says feeling a lump catch in her throat. She's never talked about that day, not even with Jacob once they were friends, and all the pent up emotions she had from that day seem to be building up to finally break out. Her eyes begin to sting recalling all the hurtful things they had said to one another – she missed him; she missed her Almighty Alpha, Jacob Black.
"They blamed you for the attack?" John asks in disbelief noticing both Leah's eyes and nose starting to turn red.
"Yea, but," Leah begins but doesn't get to finish before John growls her into silence.
"No, buts, Leah. It wasn't your fault – neither attack. We both made a conscious decision to protect you. If he wasn't man enough to own up to his decision then that was his problem – not yours." John states feeling his anger over Leah's former pack mates growing. He had an idea that Leah's pack wasn't that supportive or understanding of Leah being thrust into the world with them. He had listen to her try and explain their crude, abusive and cold behavior as all of them just being 'kids' but it didn't make any of it right or okay. They were a pack of immature, over-grown children who instead of stepping up and accepting their responsibilities instead hid behind childish antics and foolish teenage lust.
John was only 17-yrs old when he first phased; a year older than Jacob but he still stepped up to become the alpha. He didn't want it but it was his birthright, his job, his duty. He didn't know how to be a leader like his father and all those before him but he tried his best. He knew he couldn't lead like his forefathers but he led as he saw fit and it worked. The idea of abusing and torturing his pack mates the way Leah was aggravating him. As far as he saw it, sure Leah didn't react in the best possible way either but how much shame, pity, and the feeling of 'not belonging' could he put up with before he too turned and lashed out?
"Leah, you're apart of my pack now." John says coming out of his thoughts and pulling Leah up. He was now suddenly aware of his grandmother's absence and handed her towel to cover her naked chest. "No matter what I want you to know that you're worth protecting." And pulls her into a hug. "I'd give my life to protect you just like any of the guys would do the same. And I know you'd do the same for us."
~*~*~*~ End Flashback~*~*~*~
John's not sure what possessed him to hug Leah but he does recall feeling a sense of comfort wash over them both. He's fought against having her in the pack but he was out-voted and honestly she's some how worked her way into his life instead of just being a co-worker or an associate.
Picking up the phone he slowly begins to dial pushing his fears and worries aside. Her family has a right to know what has happened and he will take full responsibility for it. Holding a breath he waits for someone to pick up – anyone. Or so he thinks.
The moments the two vampires were out of sight a blinding rage erupted amongst the wolves over the failed slaughter of the intruders. The two packs minds combined as one through their alphas; allows the many thoughts to blend as one as fear over the female's promise, excitement over the one they did capture and blame is lain upon the missing she-wolf. Jacob isn't sure who mentions his beta's name but he soon quickly became overcome with a sense of grief, loss, regret, jealousy and disappointment. The true Alpha's feelings washing over the rest of the wolves as they all join him in the mourning of their pack mate.
The run back home obviously had given them time to think over the situation – Seth was hurt and quickly healing; albeit the wrong way but healing still. Two vampires were on the loose and if there was anything the older wolves learned was that vampires were vindictive and cold-blooded killers; revenge was certainly on the horizon. Finally that so many lives should not have been lost; there should've been someone still patrolling – correction, more should've been patrolling besides Leah. Leah shouldn't have been the only one out there. Scenarios run through Jacob's head of 'what ifs' involving Leah and the leeches. Would anyone have heard her howl if she'd called for reinforcements? Would she try to tackle them on her own? If anyone had heard her would they only be in the same situation? Would Leah be hurt instead of Seth?
The harsh truth that all of the wolves had to deal with was that they had limitations placed on them. Their territory range now only stretched so far and the reach was only as far as their imprints would allow them. When the packs returned to the Clearwater home they were bombarded with questions from the girls inquiring if they were okay, why was Seth hurt, did they get them?
Jacob's body had tensed when Nessie ran to hug him tightly expressing her fears and joy that he was alright. He felt slightly sickened that her presence was slowly washing away his anxiety over Leah's absence but he was thankful that it wasn't enough to completely rid him of the thought. That was enough for him to remove her tiny and pale hands from his body as he stepped forward to report the current situation to the Elders. He fought back a growl as their eyes took on a look of disappointment when it was learned that the leeches escaped. They had all failed – a pack of grown men failed where a single woman could've succeeded; a serious blow to their egos.
Tensions grew high as Nessie offered to call her grandfather to tend to Seth's arm which was healed at a nauseating and unnatural angle. Growls and snarls erupted throughout the small room and Jacob barked at her to do no such thing. He had recalled Leah telling him that one of the cubs had trained to become an EMT – Eli, in fact. The young man stepped forward quickly at Jacob's command and quickly went to work breaking and resetting the bone. Leeches had killed their people, on their land and, even though it was never spoken it was agreed, that it was leeches fault that the true Alpha had seriously shirked in his duties in ensuring the safety of his tribe and his pack.
Jacob had failed and his beta wasn't there to back him up, support him and give him advice as she was known to do. For the first time in a very long time Jacob Black felt alone. This feeling of loneliness and abandonment did not leave him as over the next few days all of the wolves were now patrolling changing shifts every 3-hrs. The two leeches had appeared multiple times during that period killing an innocent and running just fast enough to keep the wolves on their tails until their limit was reached. A huge circle was slowly being made around the entire area mocking their weakness. The Cullens had offered their services but it was quickly refused by Jacob after Bella had taken it upon herself to be the acting representative between the Cullens and the La Push wolves. She berated Jacob for his 'irrational and primitive behavior'. All leeches found within their territories were supposed to be brought to the Cullens to talk and explain their situation. The wolves were not to harm any of the leeches because a possible alliance could be formed. At the time Jacob agreed upon it not wanting anyone to be hurt unnecessarily; but that was before the three leeches that showed up were responsible for the deaths of 15 people – a family of 5 with the oldest being merely 14-years old and the youngest 5.
He stood stoic, unmoving as his face and his mind remained perfectly neutral and blank. Edward stood aside watching him closely trying to understand the massive man before him who took a tongue lashing from his wife. Bella insisted on calling them monsters for killing the female leech and then making a mockery of her body by taunting the others. Guard dogs. That's what they were and had become to the Cullens; oversized, under-rated and mindless guard dogs. Over the years they had done anything and everything the Cullens asked of them and now suddenly they were the monsters – the murderers and killers. Jacob did not let it go unnoticed when he asked Bella was she aware of the attacks in the area that she quickly looked away and as part of her old human habit began to stutter while averting her gaze. The Cullens all knew but since it wasn't within 'their' territory there was no need for them to get involved. How convenient.
Jacob's annoyance only grew when he asked the Cullens of his missing beta. It was Carlisle who eventually admitted that he knew Leah was planning on leaving – they all knew. Edward knowing exactly the day she left – Jacob didn't ask but the look in Edward's eyes gave Jacob all the confirmation he would need. He was strongly advised by the blonde leech to keep his anger and frustration in check when her niece was involved. "It's not our fault your bitch left you." She spat angrily as he turned his back to leave. The remark had hit a nerve with all of Quileutes present but none openly acknowledged the remark; why? Because their Alpha chose not to.
To Jacob all of this transpired years ago but it had only been about a month ago. Since then the two packs combined as one after so many years apart – the combination has been able to ease the sense of loss over Leah's departure if even a little bit. Jacob had hoped that recombining the two packs would make patrolling and working together easier but without Leah things were becoming tougher. Sam seemed hell-bent on exerting his power within the pack even if it was just below Jacob. The only problem was that Jacob didn't want Sam as his beta; he didn't want any of them to fill the position. It was Leah's position and assigning it to another didn't sit right with him.
He knew she was coming back and when she did he wanted to show her how much she really meant to him. That, in his eyes, there was no one that could ever replace her. Letting out a heavy sigh he sits back in the Clearwater couch fighting back a yawn. The Clearwater home has become their meeting place for the last few days. The comings and goings of the wolves reminding him of earlier times where he'd walk in and would be able to find Leah laid out on the couch, the same couch he's sitting on now, sleeping soundly or in the kitchen grumbling about feeding a pack of overgrown size teens 'who all needed to get off their lazy asses and get jobs to help with the grocery bills'.
Now the 'Leah noises', as he referred to them, are now gone – absent. The house seems to have been left with a sense of unsettling ease. Or maybe the 'unsettling ease' is because of the amount of imprints around. With the threat the wolves have been overwhelmed with a sudden desire to protect their imprints and leaving them in a localized location seems to help put them at ease. Jacob frowns at the thought of so many imprints all at Leah's place; she'd not have it. Well maybe not all of them are so bad. Jacob looks down beside him to see Claire sitting quietly looking through a book. He'd not really acknowledged her presence until now and is mildly impressed at her close proximity to him – all the others have chosen to stay away since he snapped at Nessie even Rachel. Jacob notes Claire's small frame, her tiny hands holding the book in her lap, her black hair neatly plaited in a single braid as she quietly hums herself a tune; a tune Leah would normally hum while she was busy. Jacob frowns trying to remember how old Claire is – Leah always kept him up on these kinds of details. Eight.
Leah was always partial to Claire never giving her a hard time for being an imprint. Leaning over Jacob takes a look at the book Claire is holding and is surprised to see it's full of pictures – pictures of them. One picture in particular grabs his attention; it's a picture of him and Leah sitting on a log together both forever frozen in a moment of carefree laughter. He remembers that day very well because it was for a bonfire, one of many during the summer. It was something that the tourists usually took part in to get a glimpse of a somewhat 'normal celebration' on a reservation. He had brought Nessie along since she was really excited about seeing the fire, eating the hotdogs and hearing some stories. Leah had shown up in a dark green summer dress and her hair in light curls framing her face perfectly. She looked beautiful and he told her so smiling softly as she blushed at the compliment. The two of them sat watching the goings on, talking about anything and nothing special, every once in a while a knee, hand or an arm would brush the other carelessly. Leah didn't seem to think much of the contact but Jacob recalls it making his heart beat faster. The reason why they were suddenly laughing in that one moment was because Paul had walked by making some smart ass comment about Leah's appearance and Leah casually tripped him up. Honestly, neither were expecting Paul to actually lose his balance and tumble like he did and the simple fact that it worked sent them over the edge.
Those were simpler times where the imprint wasn't so all encompassing. Nessie didn't see Jacob as anything other than a big brother and she just his little sister. He was free to interact with his beta however he felt – playing with her hair, bumping her roughly, wrestling, arguing, joking and even hugging her. All of that changed the moment Renesmee came closer of age and she began to expect more of him – more alone time, spending more time at the Cullens, less time patrolling, less time with his friends and most of all less time with his beta.
"Claire, where did you get this from?" Jacob asks pointing at the book finally coming out of his thoughts.
"Aunt Leah." Claire answers looking up at Jacob her eyes wide and surprised as if him talking to her as odd or unusual.
"Leah gave it to you?" Jacob asks feeling a hint of jealousy wash over him. His beta had given this little girl, an imprint, her fiancé-stealing-muffing-making second cousin's niece a gift before she left? Claire slowly nods her head looking some what guilty. "When?" Jacob asks looking at the pictures which appears to be more of a scrapbook with small details written about certain pictures.
"Before she left." Claire whispers softly hanging her head.
"Did – did Leah say good bye to you, Claire?" Jacob asks and Claire quickly nods her head. "You miss her, don't you?"
"I miss her very much." Claire admits. "But Aunt Leah said that if I miss her to just look through this book and it'll make me feel better." She declares proudly her eyes shining. "And…you know what?" Claire asks almost conspiratorially as Jacob responds back with a soft 'what'. "It works. Looking at the pictures helps me remember Aunt Leah and how much fun she was. I hope she'll send me new pictures from her new home."
"New home?" Jacob asks shifting in his seat to sit closer to Claire. "What new home?" Jacob asks his eyes narrowed as he tries to keep his racing heart in check.
"Aunt Leah said she was looking for a new home. A place where'd she," Claire suddenly stops and frowns looking up at Jacob with sad and sorrowful eyes. "You miss Aunt Leah too, don't you?" Claire asks as Jacob nods his head slowly. "I'm sorry. I wasn't supposed to make you sad, Jacob." Claire apologizes confusing him.
"What do you mean?" Jacob asks with a frown.
"Aunt Leah said I wasn't supposed to look at this book when you guys were around. She said it might make you sad or angry." Claire explains gently tracing Leah's face in a picture of the two of them smiling and pointing at the camera. Jacob sighs not knowing how to respond to the little girl's orders. Was Leah expecting them to just forget about her? A part of him, of them all, did for a moment but it would never be anything permanent, would it? Did she not want the others talking about her in their presence? Did she leave everyone else with something to remember her by but him? Was she planning on never coming back?
"Do you know where she is?" Jacob asks softly looking down at his hands. Claire looks up from her pictures looking up at the huge man with bright eyes. She's used to seeing Jacob with a smile on his face, always joking and playful. Whenever her Aunt Leah was around Jacob was never too far away whether it was teasing her, joking with her or they were all out arguing. Claire may not know much at the tender age of 8 ½ but she recognizes when someone is missing their friend – like when she misses Quil. Adults are still a mystery to her and the wolves especially so; along with that Nessie girl. So Claire does what she thinks is best to comfort the body next to her; she leans against him shaking her head in response. Claire finds herself soon wrapped up in a tight one-armed embrace as Jacob sighs deeply and all she wishes is for her Aunt Leah to come back and make everyone feel better, to tell them that everything will be alright because she's there to protect them. Aunt Leah protected all of them – by herself. And for that Leah is Claire's hero; so until then she'll try to protect the others as best she can. She'll look out for them and help them not feel sad when thinking about her Aunt Leah.
Jacob isn't sure how long he sits holding Claire wishing the small girl some how still held Leah's scent and presence with her. But eventually he pulls away as the Elders show up which is never a very good sign. Jacob excuses himself as more of the wolves and their imprints make their way into the living room preparing to hear the latest news from the borders, the police courtesy of Charlie and anymore victims from the area hospitals' gossip. Walking into the kitchen he stops hearing the phone ring and without a second thought picks up the phone thinking it to be most likely Nessie. Since his last outburst she's restricted herself to the Cullens' home – and honestly, right now; that's perfectly fine with him. The imprint pull tugs at him every once in a while but it's nothing he can't ignore by focusing on his duties and Leah. "Hello." Jacob greets half-heartedly.
"Uh…yes, hello." A man on the other end greets and Jacob straightens up not recognizing the voice. He has an accent that he can't place right off. "Is Sue Clearwater available?" The man asks sounding nervous.
"May I ask whose calling?" Jacob asks for some reason feeling his patience beginning to wane. For some reason the wolf inside of him is tense and suspicious of this caller.
"Well…is, is this Seth?" The caller asks and Jacob freezes as a small growl escapes his throat.
John had stood debating over whether or not to call Sue and inform her of her daughter's current condition. However, he eventually gave in and dialed the number trying to hide the nervousness and worry that he was certain would be evident in his voice. John found his anxiety quickly disappear the moment a deep masculine voice picked up the other end. He didn't know why or how but something about the man on the other end didn't sit right with him – like he was a threat. John dismissed the thought as completely ridiculous because he didn't know who he was talking to and for all he knew it could be Leah's brother, Seth. The moment his ears caught the low growl his shoulders immediately squared and his nostrils flared. The Alpha.
"Who's asking?" Jacob asks his grip on the phone tightening his voice sounding tight with forced politeness.
"Is this the Clearwater's residence or not?" John asks after letting out a heavy breath.
"It is. Now answer my question." Jacob demands turning his back to the open doorway to the living room where Sue is sitting.
"If Sue isn't there then I will just call back." John responds back trying to keep his tone even and not let his aggression get the better of him. He recalls Leah talking about how her alpha and the other alpha…Jacob and Sam, were very volatile around one another. It had become apparent that two alphas could not co-exist within the same territory without wanting to tear the other to pieces or dominant one another.
"And you're just going to wind up with me again, buddy." Jacob says darkly with a smirk playing on his face. This was the other reason for why the Clearwater home became the base; in case, Leah called he could talk to her. "Look what is this about? Sue is currently busy with tribal matters and whatever message you have I will relay to her."
"I'd feel much more comfortable talking to Ms. Clearwater about the matter." John answers sounding very calm and professional; something about the rival's tense and overly aggressive display putting him at ease. He's not in control.
"Is this about Leah?" Jacob growls out sick of playing this polite conversation with a complete stranger – a male, with an accent, asking for his beta's mother. The growl on the other end of the line is what sets Jacob off. "Who the fuck is this? Where is she?" Jacob demands angrily his voice rising as he feels fire shoot up and down his spine rapidly. Another wolf? Leah's with another pack?
"Where's her mother?" John snaps back not bothering to hold back his aggression. As far as John is concerned this man is nothing more than just some worthless ass. A man who didn't appreciate what he had in Leah same as the others. Someone who took her for granted and made her feel used, abused and inadequate.
"Don't worry about her fucking mother. I'm her Alpha. Now where is my Leah?" Jacob demands the alpha tone prominent in his voice no longer fighting back the snarling.
"She's not yours." John growls back into the phone becoming angrier and angrier by the other wolf's boldness to lay claim to Leah. "She's part of my pack now. She left yours." John adds a dark grin crossing his lips. Jacob chokes, literally, at the bold declaration; it acting as a punch to the gut. Had Leah really left him for another wolf?
"Jacob?" Sue calls walking into the kitchen pushing past the rest of the wolves. The others had quickly filed into the kitchen at the mention of Leah's name all giving the enraged Alpha plenty of space. Jacob's entire body is tense, his focus clearly planted on the wall before him and his body trying to fight back the tremors signaling an impending change.
"I will get her back." Jacob snarls.
"And then what, huh?" John growls menacingly. "Be nice to her for a couple of days before falling back in line behind your precious imprint?" John spits angrily. Over the months John has overheard Leah telling the others about the pack in La Push, the imprints and her interactions with them and the guys. It was actually the information about imprinting and the restriction placed on the wolves that eased John's tension and anxiety over a fight breaking out. He knows that they won't risk endangering their imprints for Leah – he's seen Leah's truth.
Jacob feels as a cold shiver shoot down his back at the caller's harsh words. Is what this asshole saying Leah's words? Is that what she thinks? Is that how she felt? Does she really think that he won't do anything and everything to get her back? She's his beta, his friend, his confidante, his partner-in-crime, his balance.
"Listen to me and listen to me good you piece of shit." Jacob growls lowly into the phone. His voice is so soft that only the wolves and the newly arrived half-vampire can hear him.
"No, you listen to me." John interrupts his eyes narrowed and his chest puffed out. "Leah is no longer any of your concern. She is with me now and she is very happy right here." Jacob feels his heart stop beating and restart again pounding so loudly that it drowns out anything else the other alpha is saying. Is Leah with him? Is she happy with him?
There is no doubt in either alpha's mind that if they were face-to-face that they'd be staring each other down. A fight would be inevitable as they both are focused on one single spot before them as if that focal point was their adversary's stare.
John's not sure why now all of a sudden he feels the need to say what he has to Leah's former alpha. He knows how his words could easily be misconstrued to imply a more intimate relationship between the two of them. He's normally not like this – an asshole. The Elders in the Council had mentioned to him trying to develop an intimate bond with the female wolf as such a union would have to lead a stronger bloodline for, if not the next generation, but for future generations. He'd shot the idea down because the thought of bedding Leah for the sake of 'breeding' disgusted him and although he was all for perfect balance between man and spirit that was taking it a bit far. But there was something about Leah that intrigued and drew him towards her; maybe it was the wolf spirit in her or her coy smile that made him feel like a stupid teenager again. All he knew right then in that moment was that he was not going to let any other male, especially another alpha, get too close to her. He would protect her and along with his pack become the family and support she's always needed and deserved for as long as she wanted.
"If you ever really cared about her you never would've let her leave." John states calmly shaking the red haze from his vision. "If Ms. Clearwater wants you to know about Leah then I'm sure she'll let you know who I am and where Leah is." John says and then hangs up.
A/N: Alright so here goes the next update. Man...this has to be my longest chapter yet. Just to clarify a couple of things the La Push incident happened 2-months after Leah left home. Leah's attack 3-months away from home. I didn't do a good job of proofreading my last chapter and so my order is not chronologically correct - sorry. ^-^ But, hey, at least I updated, right? So sorry if it's super wordy but if you made it this far then YAY! *looks around* Don't tell Fatally-Yours-XD but....you get a high five....*sighs* from me. -_-; I loathe high fives but since I'm in such a great mood I'll allow it.
Awh, shit MY BUFFALO WINGS! BYE AND THANKS FOR READING! REVIEW TOO! =(