All of the characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. I just like to tell them what to do.


Leah POV

I stumbled into the protective cover of the woods, finally able to control my limbs. My mind was racing as the lingering pain from... whatever that was slowly faded. As I slowed my pace, I heard a rhythmic thud behind me. Sensing my little brother trailing me, I sent out my first feeble thoughts, hoping to deter him from following. Sethie please... not now. I can't-

Seth's youthful mind cut into my own before I could finish. I'm sorry Lee. I was going to come on my own but... they all saw.

I winced as I realized what he meant. Slowly, I turned and found myself nose-to-nose with Jacob. I took a startled step back as fury flashed in his eyes. He took a step towards me, filling in that safe space again as he ragefully forced his thoughts towards me. Leah, what the FUCK was that? You and a leech? A VOLTURI? You could have gotten us all killed! You're my Beta because I thought you had SENSE, but... His thoughts trailed off as he shook his massive head.

I fumbled through my head for the explanation I knew Jake would want to hear. In my rush to find it, thoughts of my time with Demetri spilled out, completely laid out for Jake and Seth to see. The forest, the cliff, even a hazy view of him rushing to my side in the meadow. I quickly tried to shake them off as I stammered in my head. I know Jake. I'm... Well I don't know what I am. I looked up at him indignantly. I don't know how it came about, but I can't be sorry over it, Jake. I won't. You have your happiness with your little demon spawn, Jake. Let someone have theirs for once.

Jake started pacing in front of me, a constant growl emitting from his chest as thoughts blurred through his head. I knew he was trying to process it, so I stood quietly, casting Seth a desperate look and willing him to interject. But my loyal little brother... all he could do was sit a small distance away, his mind blank as he watched our Alpha pace. Finally Jake stopped and his eyes snapped back to mine. It can't continue Leah. For the safety of the pack, and the-

I snarled and took a defensive step towards him. If you DARE say it's for the safety of the Cullens and... HER... you're wrong Jake. I know you are, and somewhere in that hazy brain of yours, you know it, too!

I watched as Jacob straightened up, his head above mine as he looked down his nose at me. I'm not going to have my imprint in danger over some infatuation, Leah. You can end it yourself or... I can end it for you.

From the short distance between us, I heard Seth let out a surprised huff. Both of us knew that Jake was capable of using his almighty Alpha command to get his way. We also knew that he didn't like doing it. I closed my eyes, collecting my thoughts before looking up at Jake again. One more day. He's not like them Jake. But... I impatiently dug a paw into the ground, knowing my explanation would be in vain. One more day.

Jake let out a low growl, his stance as uneasy as my own. He looked back at Seth, then slowly let his eyes wander to the clearing, where we could just make out the voices of the Cullens. Then he turned back to me. One more day. And then it's done.

I gave him a small nod, feeling my heart grow heavy as I thought of my newest challenge. Wordlessly, I crept by him, nudging Seth as I passed him. Thank you for watching out for me when I was defenseless, little brother. When he didn't respond, I continued my path, aiming to weave my way around the clearing.

Lee... His response finally broke through as I wove through the quickly-thickening brush. I stopped and turned, watching him rise from his haunches. Howl. You know... if it gets ugly out there.

I dropped my head in a quick nod, almost amused at how the tables had turned. I joined Jake's pack to keep an eye on my little brother. As it turns out, I needed him more.

Demetri's POV

I kept my head down as I made the short trek across the clearing. I looked up just in time to see Master Aro in front of me, his knowing smile unwavering as he stretched his hand out to me. I knew there was no hiding as I obediently reached out my hand, squeezing my eyes shut as he invaded my thoughts.

"Yes, Demetri... I see," I heard him muse as he saw my interactions with Leah. He finally released my hand and waited.

After a few moments, I opened my eyes. Master Aro was standing in front of me, and just behind him, with that spoiled little smirk, was Jane. Both were looking at me waiting for an explanation. I lowered my head, afraid to look Master Aro in the eye. I feared that anything I said would cause them to harm Leah.

Finally Master Aro broke the silence. "Demetri, my boy. Your plan is brilliant!" He rubbed his hands together and continued as I looked up at him with a confused look. "Befriending an ally of the Cullens... why didn't I think of it?" I heard a hiss come from Jane's direction as he continued, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You have a hold on her, Demetri. This could be quite an advantage." His cheshire-cat smile spread across his face as my gaze dropped to Jane. Her glare was unwavering as her eyes darted between Master Aro and I as he continued. "Bring her to us, Demetri."

I took a step back from Master Aro, content that my secret was safe. I gave him a short nod, gathering my thoughts before I spoke. "Shall I start right away, Master? I know you would like her here as soon as possible."

Master Aro nodded quickly, "Yes yes, my boy. I would like to return to Volterra as soon as possible, and I'd like her to... accompany us. Find her quickly, Demetri." He waved dismissively as he turned to leave the clearing behind the guard, motioning to Jane to follow. "Do hurry back."

I waited until they disappeared into the trees before turning and bolting in the opposite direction. I quickly picked out the tenor of the Leah's thoughts and followed them. I had to find her quickly, not to turn her over to my masters, but to warn her.


Special thanks to SashaMclicky for helping me! And you know I love the comments. The next chapter will be soon, I promise!