Yes, another chapter finally *grins*

Stephanie Meyer owns the characters... I've just grown rather fond of them and like to boss them around!

Leah's POV

This leech really has some nerve. What is he doing touching me like this? And why is it so… calming? Oh no, not-

Suddenly I wasn't on four legs anymore. I looked down, realizing that I'd phased back without even thinking about it. I looked up at the tracker, who had suddenly pulled his hand back and was looking towards the ground. I hurried to cover myself and bend to untie the clothes from my ankle.

As I stretched down, I jumped as I felt cool fabric covering me. I quickly stood up, and realized that the hunter had removed his cloak and draped it over my shoulders. I straightened up, pulling the cloak around me as I studied him. I ran my eyes over his face, biting my lip a bit as I saw just how perfect his features were, even with the eerie crimson eyes. I dared to let my eyes fall from his face, and they landed on his hand, which I was surprised to find extended out to me.

I looked back up at his face, trying to figure out if he was leading me into a trap. The tracker must have read my face before he spoke, "I won't hurt you, Leah. I would just like to take a walk with you."

I tightened the cloak around me, soaking up the last bit of coolness from it. I oddly found myself wanting to go with him, even if it WAS a trap. I raised an eyebrow at him, then pulled my hand away from the cloak and reaching for his, suddenly finding myself eager to touch his icy skin again. As he wrapped his fingers around mine, I found something almost soothing about his cold hand against my fiery one. He looked a bit shocked at the contrast as he glanced down at our hands, then he silently started walking. I quickly fell in stride beside him.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, and I used that time to figure out just what I was doing. I occasionally stole a glance at the hunter, and caught him peeking back over at me. I tried not to laugh at the curious look he had on his face as we made our way through the trees.

I became a bit uneasy as we walked out of the woods, making our way to a high cliff. I could feel my heart pounding, and I realized he could hear it as he slowed to a stop. He took a step in front of me, and I carefully lifted my head to face him. I couldn't take it anymore – I had to break the silence. "Have you figured out your fascination, Bloodsucker?"

He smirked at the name, "Please, call me Demetri." He lifted up my hand, which I realized was still trapped in his, and turned my palm up, reaching up with his other hand to trace a finger from my wrist to the tip of my middle finger, almost concentrating as he spoke again. "You're not like other girls, Leah. I feel drawn to you. I've been curious since the last time we were in Forks, and when I found out we would be back, I had to see you."

I felt my eyebrows pulling together. "Three years? Really? What's wrong with all those fancy bloodsuckers you live with?" In my mind, I tried to recall the faces of all the females that the Volturi brought along on their last visit. Even in my blurry memories, they were all so disgustingly beautiful.

He cringed a bit. "Honestly? They're so full of themselves. I can't stand being around them. Can you imagine living with so many women that expect you to serve them?" He shook his head, frowning as he let go of my hand and started walking towards the edge of the cliff, sitting down on a rock.

I hesitated for a few seconds, and then followed behind him, sitting down on the large rock next to him. I glanced over at him, then followed his eyes out to the ocean. "I…" I started, knowing what I was going to say, and not really believing it. "I'm sorry, Demetri. I didn't know. But I imagine it's like being the only girl in a pack full of guys."

He looked out over the water, considering the comparison. After a long silence, he nodded in satisfaction. "I'd imagine it's the same." He turned to look back at me, and I found myself staring at those crimson eyes again. He sighed as he continued, "pack of wild boys… castle full of uptight women… both can wear on your nerves." He looked up, "am I right?"

I felt a smile spread across my face – not something I planned to do around this leech, but he made me feel at ease. And he did have a point. The guys in the pack were all uptight, I suppose because most of them had their imprints to worry about. I slowly nodded in agreement, opening my mouth to speak when his face twisted into a grimace. He quickly stood up, sniffing the air. I watched him carefully as he turned back and looked at me apologetically. "There's someone in the area… someone is looking for me."

I quickly jumped up, looking around for a quick escape as my nose started to burn even more. There was another leech very close by. I quickly reached for the opening of the cloak and started to pull it off to return to its owner when Demetri was at my side. There was almost a sadness in his eyes as he tucked my hair behind my ear. "I thought we'd have more time. I'm sorry, Leah." He quickly leaned in and kissed my cheek, leaving me stunned for a moment, then nodded and turned, letting me know it was okay to shed his cloak and run.

I took a deep breath, the strong scent of the new bloodsucker filling my nostrils as I shrugged out of the cloak and carefully placed it over Demetri's shoulder. I took a few steps away and phased, looking back at him and briefly meeting his eyes before I turned and bolted into the trees. As I ran away, I found myself hoping that I would see him again.

Still loving the feedback... gives me ideas and leads to more stories that I adore!