You know the drill. The fabulous Stephenie Meyer owns the characters. I just have them do my bidding.

Demetri's POV

I jumped from branch to branch, high above the forest floor. I kept my eyes on the small gray wolf below, watching as she ran her patrols. There was something different about the She Wolf, and I was determined to find out what it was – and why I was so drawn to her.

I knew I shouldn't have wandered away from the camp we built by the cliffs, just on the outside of the forest. But just like in Volterra, I had to get away and be on my own for a couple hours. I never expected to pick up her scent while I was wandering the forest. Or to be so fascinated. But now I had to know more about her.

Suddenly she stopped. I froze for a split second, pressing up against the trunk of the tree and hoping my scent hadn't betrayed me. I lowered into a crouch on the branch, watching carefully as she paced between the trees, seemingly lost in thought. I felt a frown come across my face as I remembered something I heard – couldn't the wolves hear each other's thoughts? Of course… she was telling her fellow pack members that we had arrived already.

I relaxed a little when I saw her stop pacing. She shook her head, and something in that simple movement almost reassured me that she had kept quiet. I was about to step over to another branch when I heard it. She was howling – a low, almost painful noise that made me want to jump from the trees and comfort her. I drew back, listening. Really Demetri? You aren't the comforting type. Best if you keep your distance.

Leah's POV

What on EARTH was all that about? I couldn't help but thinking about what just happened as I ran along the La Push border, turning sharply before I reached the trees that ended out by the highway. Why is he being so nice? And why on earth can't he just leave me alone? Then again… maybe I don't mind it so much. Maybe he's not so bad except for the fact that he's a –

Lee? Is that you? Seth suddenly broke into my thoughts. Just in time. I'd somehow forgotten that I wouldn't be alone in my head.

Yeah Sethie. Sorry about earlier. I didn't think I needed to go further than that.

I should have known better though. This was SETH. If he heard anything, he was going to ask. Sure enough the next words I heard were So… what did you forget at home, Lee? What do you need for patrols?

I struggled to think of some excuse. I knew I didn't need anything while we were around the Cullen house. They always provided clothes and food for us when we needed it, and even I had to admit it was nice – despite the horrible smell that always came from the clothes. Finally I settled on the lamest excuse I could muster: I thought I left the coffeepot on.

There was a long pause. Yeah, we need to replace that thing. It'll burn the house down one day if we're not careful. I sighed with relief, glad he bought my answer. I ran along the edge of the forest for a minute in silence, then suddenly: Who were you talking about? Something about… a stalker?

I stopped running. How was I going to explain any of that to him when I didn't even know? My legs crossed over each other as I started pacing back and forth, thinking carefully. The months I'd spent trying to hide my thoughts from Jake and Seth paid off when I finally found the tiny corner of my mind that they couldn't reach. After a couple of minutes, I stopped and shook my head. It's nothing Seth. Nothing to worry about. Get your nose out of my head! I immediately felt bad for snapping at him.

Sheesh… sorry Lee. It's the brother in me. He got quiet after that. He rarely does that. I took a deep breath, realizing how much what I said must have stung, and let out a low howl before I took off through the trees again.

I took advantage of the silence as I let thoughts of my recent visitor take over that corner of my mind. I've seen the female vampires in his coven… why isn't he tied up with one of them instead of following me everywhere? And what the hell is wrong with me? I seem to be as fascinated with this leech as he is with me. Oh GOD! I didn't…? No, it couldn't be an imprint, or I'd be dying to see him again. But… I don't think I'd mind it… shut UP, Leah! You can't be serious!

I had to force myself to stop thinking. I couldn't believe I was actually thinking about this leech – and kind of hoping I'd see him again. I spent the next couple hours thinking of random songs as I ran along the patrol paths without even thinking. Even after three years, I still had them memorized.

Suddenly someone broke through the quiet. Leah, you out there? Good thing I stopped thinking. I knew I'd never hear the end of it from Jake.

Yeah… I'm still out here.

The Cullens and I had more time to talk. All of this could go down as early as tomorrow. We need to start keeping an eye on the meadow.

I groaned. The last thing I wanted to think about was protecting that little half-leech. I had other things on my mind. But the obedient Beta in me replied. I'll check it out, Jake. Just have to widen this circle. I took a sharp turn, and headed towards the meadow.

And when you're done with that, Leah, take a break. Esme cooked a ton of food, and you might want to grab some before that brother of yours eats it all. Ugh like I could eat in that house. Speaking of Seth… any idea what's bothering him?

I hung my head as I ran. I knew perfectly well what was bothering Seth. We DID have a little argument… I'm sure he'll be fine soon. He's always moping after our little fights. I slowed down as I reached the meadow, sniffing carefully and only smelling the regretfully familiar smell of the Cullens. When had they been here? All clear at the meadow for now, Jake.

Great… I've got this for now, Leah. Take a break. I'm sure I can find you when I need you.

Just then my stomach growled. Maybe food wasn't such a bad idea. I chuckled in my head as I turned away from the meadow. Just as I lifted my paw to take off, I hear a faint thump behind me. I started to turn back, and there he was – by my side before I was even facing the meadow. He slowly ran a single finger from the tip of my nose to the top of my head. "I told you we would meet again."

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