WARNING: Thanks to certain potty-mouthed individuals of the Pack, contains pretty strong language.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter VII

Leah's pov:

I quickly caught Paul's scent and gave chase. There was no way in hell I could leave him on his own. Not now. Not after he'd heard everything. Ok, so nothing had been proven or set in stone ... It was all conjecture at this point ... Suspicions. But I knew Paul. I knew how he'd react. And how did I know this ? It's 'cause I'd act exactly the same way if I were in his shoes ... Like me, Paul tends to act impulsively. Always thinks with his heart. Not his head. And just like me, when he's hurt, stressed or angry, he reacts wildly. Rashly. And without rational thought.

The good thing about being in wolf form - although it has its drawbacks at times - is that you're able to see your Pack brothers thoughts all too clearly. You feel what they feel. You hurt when they hurt. Cry when they cry. Laugh when they laugh. Basically, every freakin' emotion is shared and felt just as strongly ... although you may often wish you didn't. So, yeah ... I knew only too well what was going on inside Paul's attractive head. A myriad of tangled up emotions were raging within him and driving him absolutely crazy. And those emotions were like a minefield, ranging from acute shock, disbelief and anger to sheer confusion, panic and fear. The moment I felt the first jolt of those feelings I was genuinely scared ... for Paul. And what he'd do to himself ...

My fears were justified when I realized where Paul was headed. First Beach ... and the cliffs.

By the time I tracked Paul down, he'd shifted back and to my horror, was standing at the very edge of the precipice ... as naked as the day he was born. He had his arms wrapped tightly around his midriff as if he were desperately trying to hold himself together and not fall apart. Paul had his back facing me and appeared to be staring blindly towards the horizon. Lost in his own little world. A slave to his own thoughts. And oblivious to the heavy downpour of rain. Not wanting to startle him, I padded cautiously towards him. I was still some distance away from Paul, when he did just what I feared he would. He began to take a step forward ...

My heart was literally in my mouth. I froze in panic. Something which I never did. Now, I'm fast, there's no denying it. I've the reputation of being the swiftest member of the Pack ... I may be cocky - hell, I know I'm fucking cocky - about that fact, but even I could see there was no way I'd be able to close the vast distance between us and reach him in time. Feeling helpless and so very scared, I gave an anguished and frustrated howl knowing I'd failed my Pack brother. I was about to lose Paul and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Suddenly, a flash of russet darted past me at breakneck speed. The next thing I saw was my imprint take a massive leap towards Paul, who was struggling to get his balance. Paul's arms began to flail wildly and as he began to topple over, Jake clamped his huge jaws around his wrist and immediately tugged him back in the opposite direction. Back to safety. I could see Jake's muscles flex and he braced himself as he quickly hauled Paul's butt away from the cliff's edge. All the while I could hear the pair of them breathing deeply and the sound of Jake's claws frantically scrabbling against the surface of the gravelled path as he tried to secure purchase for both of them. Once it sank in that they were both out of harm's way, I shifted back and hastily donned a pair of denim cutoffs and a black, off-the-shoulder t-shirt before sprinting towards the pair of them. When I reached them, Paul had sunk to his knees and had his head bowed. Jake meanwhile, still hadn't shifted back and lay between Paul and the cliff edge. His head rested on his huge paws and he was panting heavily.

Seeing they were both unharmed, my relief gave way to anger. "Jeez, Paul ! What the hell were you thinking of back there ? Were you trying to scare me to fucking death, or what ? That's twice you've nearly given me a freakin' coronary today. Well ?"

When he didn't reply, I found him staring blankly at the ground. He looked so lost and vulnerable and his soulful dark eyes were confused. I knelt beside him and cautiously wrapped my arms around him and drew him close.

"Sorry, Paulie ... I didn't mean to yell ... It's just when I saw you there - when you began to fall - it really wigged me out, Paul. I honestly thought we were going to lose you ... and I couldn't bear that. You're family ... I - we - need you and love you- "

Paul withdrew slightly and I felt his whole body stiffen. He raised his head and finally met my gaze. His brow was furrowed and he rubbed his nape anxiously then spoke. His voice was so soft that I could barely hear him.

"L-Lee ? Wh-What happened ? Wh-Why am I here ?"

"You don't remember ?" I asked warily, unsure of how he'd react.

"No. I remember being at your house ... trying to fall asleep and failing ... Then hearing voices. Your voices. You were talking. About me. Abou- " Paul froze and I saw the blood drain away from his face. He suddenly appeared so young. So frightened. And so alone. "You know ..."

I watched him silently and worried my lower lip. Unsure whether to confirm or deny what he thought I knew. Paul leapt to his feet, his midnight-hued eyes sparkled with unshed tears and an unexpected fire. His lithe frame trembled with anger as he kept clenching and unclenching his fists.

"Go on then. Tell me. Tell me what you know ... Tell me I'm a goddamn, fucking freak ... That I'm a monster no one wants or needs ... never mind loves ! Just tell me what I've always known, damn it ..." he yelled, his broad chest rose and fell agitatedly. "Tell me I'm worthless ... That no one gives a shit about me. Be honest, Leah. Just ... Just fucking tell me !"

For once in my life, I didn't know how to respond. How to fucking react. Me. Leah Clearwater. Queen of Sass. Mistress of Sarcasm. And bitch extraordinaire. The girl who always has a snarky remark on the tip of her tongue was now rendered into silence. And I felt helpless. Utterly helpless as I watched the Pack's original, big, bad wolf unravel and fall apart at the seams before my very eyes. And it was painful to witness. Seeing the one who used to be full of confidence that sometimes bordered on arrogance, come undone so spectacularly.

"I-I dunno what to say- "

"How about the fucking truth, huh ?" he snarled, meeting my gaze head on. "Come on. It's just words ... Nothing I don't already know. Hell ! What's that saying ? Oh, yeah ... sticks 'n' stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me ... Can't feel any fucking worse than I already do, can I ? So, spill- "

"Paul- " I began hesitantly, noting the tension in his body and the sudden iciness which turned the colour of his eyes from warm molasses to cold obsidian. I suddenly became aware of Jacob growling softly as he placed his huge body between us. Shielding me. Yet somehow, I wasn't scared of Paul. Wary ? Yes. Scared ? No. Somehow, deep down in my gut, I knew Paul would never harm me. Sure, he'd cuss me out ... verbally tear me a new one ... but he wouldn't lay a finger on me. Especially with my imprint in such close proximity.

"Cat got your tongue, Leah ? Just say it ... Get it over 'n' done with, for fuck's sake and put me out of my fucking misery ..." And just as quickly as his temper had flared up, it suddenly died down. "Please, Leah ..."

He suddenly seemed to cave in. It kinda reminded me of a wildly flickering flame on a candle. Burning brightly and fiercely before suddenly waning and blowing itself out. Paul looked exhausted. Drained of his strength and spirit, thanks to that unexpected loss of control.

"Please ..."

That hushed plea combined with a rare softeness in his anguished eyes convinced me to try and get him to confide in me. But for that to happen ... for Paul to be willing to open up to me, it meant that he'd only talk to me. One on one. And that meant asking Jake to give us space. I turned and exchanged a meaningful look with him. Thankfully, Jake cottoned on and shrugging his powerful shoulders nonchalantly, he padded softly up the path away from the cliffs.

Sighing, I spun around to face Paul. "Ok ... I'll tell you what you want to know ... after you tell me why you have a wild hair up your ass. What's bugging you, P ?"

Paul shook his head violently in denial. "I-I can't ... I'm not ready for that ..." he paused, then sighed heavily when he met my determined gaze. "Fine ... Phase and I'll show you ..."

And as always, temptation got the better of me. I phased.

XXXXX

Afterwards, we both shifted back and silently watched each other.

Paul's gaze was wary. And unusually hesitant. Nothing like his usual bold glare. It was as if he feared my response. That I'd reject and condemn him for what had happened. But I couldn't do that to him. I hadn't the heart nor the stomach for it as I knew the lure of an imprint better than anyone. You can't help who your inner wolf desires and wants for a soul mate, any more than you can stop yourself from breathing. And Paul's had its heart firmly set upon our grieving Alpha and wouldn't be swayed from its decision. And now our fiery Beta was securely and eternally snared in a trap of its own wolf's making, leaving him helpless and entirely without hope.

When it comes to his feelings, Paul's a true wolf and guards them fiercely. Yet I knew how privileged I was when he lowered his defences and shared everything with me. I saw every single thought and recollection he'd had since he'd first phased and I experienced all of his emotions. Especially the ones he felt towards Sam. And it was impossible to deny how intense or genuine those feelings were. I thought mine for Jake couldn't be surpassed, but Paul's for his imprint eclipsed even mine. You could safely say that Paul adored Sam and astonishingly, continues to do so despite the piss poor way Sam treated him. But what really upset, saddened and angered me was the way our proud Beta had bowed to the imprint's will. That he sacrificed his own needs and happiness to ensure Sam's were fulfilled ... and he suffered the anguish of seeing his imprint live his life and love someone else for the last two years in absolute silence. Paul had kept it all to himself, leaving the rest of us in complete ignorance of his pain ... And the worst thing of all ? What truly pissed me off more than anything ? That Paul gave himself to Sam ... had submitted to the imprint and became what Sam needed him to be. He'd become Sam's personal punchbag and whipping boy and let himself be ruthlessly taken, before being cruelly rejected and Alpha commanded to stay away from his own imprint.

Incensed by how badly Sam had treated Paul, I was unable to contain a furious snarl and vowed that as soon as I'd gotten our Beta back to my home to rest, I was going to confront the dumbass, son of a bitch and tear him a new one. Ok, so Sam had no idea about the imprint, but what he did to Paul was inexcusable. It was indefensible. And I intended to make Sam suffer for the agony he'd made my Pack brother endure for the past two years. And even more so, for the deep, overwhelming anguish Paul continued to experience.

I've always been accused of being a hardass, unfeeling bitch by a lot of people. Most of the time, it's the godgiven truth and I tend to shrug it off and not give a shit. But Paul's plight has really gotten to me. Has truly moved me. Having seen his memories and shared his feelings about the imprint, I'd've had to be an absolute heartless, soulless bitch not to feel for him. To not have any compassion for our fiery, arrogant, helpless hot-head. And I do feel for him. More than I ever imagined possible. How could I not ? Not when I know of his imprint; of how Paul longs to be with his mate and for Sam to claim him again; of Paul's craving for any possible contact, no matter how slight, with Sam, yet knowing that he's trapped ... that the Alpha command has him well 'n' truly over a barrell and that he can't fight it. But what truly breaks my heart is Paul's memory of Sam's rejection, especially after seeing the one I'd always perceived to be the most dominant member of the Pack, submit to such a violent ass-kicking before being brutally ravished. I saw the faint glimmer of hope appear fleetingly in Paul's dark eyes - hope that Sam would actually see, recognize and accept someone who truly loved and would always love him no matter what - only to have it swiftly snatched away from him.

I felt the bitter sting of tears begin to well in my eyes and I smiled at him sadly. I'd never seen Paul look so vulnerable ... so fragile. His eyes were haunted. Shadowed with torment and endless grief and it hurt to look at him. He held himself rigidly, arms wrapped tightly around his midriff once more and I couldn't shake off the feeling that he believed I'd also reject him. That I'd turn my back and walk away from him. That I'd leave him alone. I approached him cautiously. Hoping that he'd understand that I was going nowhere. That I'd always be there for him ... whether he wanted me to be or not. Before he got a chance to back away and make a break for it, I wrapped my arms around his waist and simply held him close. At first, I felt him tense. Then, he slowly relaxed in my embrace and simply allowed me to hug him. And I was only too happy to do it. It was only too clear that he needed it ... that he needed some comfort. Some kind of solace ... even if it was from me.

As soon as he leant against me, I suddenly became aware of how he'd changed physically. And I was shocked by it. He was smaller and slighter in build. Before, at six foot three he'd towered over my five foot ten inch body, but now we were both of a similar height and I was able to meet his gaze levelly without having to tilt my head back. Not only that, there were two other obvious changes. The first being the drop in his body heat. His skin felt cooller against mine. The second was the change in his scent. It was slightly sweeter than usual, yet extremely alluring. And they were all, according to Saul Black's journal, definite signs of a pregnant submissive.

"Come on, you ..." I spoke softly, not wanting to startle him. "I'm taking you home."

"Huh ?" Paul's molasses-hued eyes anxiously met mine. I pulled back and grinned at him affectionately.

"You heard, numb nuts, you're coming home. With me. You look all in."

"I can't, Lee," he protested quietly as a flicker of guilt crossed his face as he suddenly remembered the broken window pane. "Not after what I did- "

"Quit being such a dumbass, Paul. 'Course you can. You're coming with me. End of. So, suck it up and deal with it. 'Sides, wasn't your fault. Quit worrying about it ... I've got the window thing covered. So, what you waiting for ? Phase and get that furry butt of yours back to mine like yesterday, mister ..." I softened the words with a warm smile, one which he slowly returned once he realized I meant every single word I'd said.

And it was true, I meant it all. Once I got Paul home, I was going to make damn sure that he'd get some rest ... and while he did that, I'd unfinished business to sort out. Business that came in the shape of an oblivious, fuck-witted Alpha ... and gods help him when I caught up with him. After all, the bastard fucking owed Paul big time and he also owed me a new window ... I was going to make damned sure that Sam paid up both debts in full - one, particularly, with interest.

XXXXX

Sam's pov:

God ! I miss him ... I really miss Paul's company. His sly wit and sarcastic mouth, as well as that quick, razor sharp mind and ballsy "I take no shit" attitude. And I hate not being able to see Paul and hear that deep, husky growl of his. Things haven't been the same since we fell out and it seems so long ago since it happened that I'm not sure what caused the rift in the first place. And that's one thing I deeply regret. That we allowed things to get so bad. Don't get me wrong, Jake's been a good friend lately and he's like a little brother to me. But when all's said 'n' done, he's not Paul. He's not my best friend and no one will ever be able to take that away from Paul. No one will ever be able to replace him and I swear on my life that's the god's honest truth.

Hell ! There are times when Paul Lahote genuinely pisses me off. No one can get under my skin quite like him ... he's got it nailed and he doesn't even try ! Winding me up is something he's got down to a fine art. No matter how hard I try to ignore him when he provokes me, I always fail. When it comes to making me lose control, my Beta has a real talent for it. And now that I've lost him, I feel as if a vital part of me's missing. And honestly ? Whoever said that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone, was no liar. I see it now. All too clearly. And it saddens me. Deeply. I had a good friend in Paul. A loyal one, who trusted me implicitly. A brother who always had my back at all times. And how did I repay him ? I turned my back on him. Let him down. Accused him of being a liar ... when he'd always, unfailingly, spoken the truth. I'd betrayed our friendship. Betrayed him. No wonder Paul finally had enough ... that he gave up on and wanted nothing more to do with me ... that he hated me. And I can't blame him for feeling that way, considering how badly I'd treated him.

But the time's come for me to do the right thing. To pull my finger out of my ass, as Leah so quaintly puts it and try to fix things up with Paul. To begin to make amends ... though I'm fucked if I know where to begin. All I know is that I have to make things right between us. I need to. 'Cause I can't go on like this any more. Not without Paul. I've already lost someone I cared for deeply and I'm damned if I fucking lose him as well.

The good thing is that I've finally sobered up. I've not touched any booze for a week. Not a single drop of grog's passed my lips. And I plan on it staying that way and if I do slip up, to try my damnedest to keep my drinking to a minimum. For the first time in weeks my head's clear. I can think rationally and coolly. And it's a damn good feeling, being able to think straight and actually remember what I've done, rather than blackout for hours on end only to come round feeling as sick as a dog after a heavy night in the company of Bud, Jack, Jim or Jose. I just wish I'd cottoned on to that weeks ago, instead of thinking I'd see my life more clearly, that it'd look better, through the bottom of a glass or a bottle. At least then, I wouldn't have ended up screwing up my best friend's life and alienating him.

So, yeah ... this self-imposed exile of mine ends as of now. I'm going to track down my Beta so I can begin to make things up to him. Knowing Paul - and he'll be well within his rights to feel this way - he'll be pissed at me. Really fucking sore. But I have to do it. Even if I die trying. 'Cause when it comes down to it, I've suddenly realized and accepted that my life sucks now that he isn't a part of it. It's a grimmer, colder, poorer place without him. It just feels so utterly wrong. And that's why I need to do this. Why I want to do this so badly. I owe it to him ... to me ... to both of us to at least try. That's all I can do and hope that he misses me as badly as I miss him ...

XXXXX

Leah's pov:

In the end, I didn't have to hunt down the piss poor excuse of a wolf we have for an Alpha. Nope, the moron actually made things surprizingly easy for me and that was something I hadn't anticipated.

After our chat on the cliffs and having decided it wouldn't be the smartest thing to have a nineteen year old shifter streak across the Res in all his glory, Paul and I quickly shifted and made our way to the forest which backed onto the house I shared with my imprint. Jake was already waiting for us at the treeline and it didn't take long for the three of us to get home. It was still raining heavily and the three of us were soaked to the bone. The first to shift back and get dressed was Jake and he immediately went inside to find a spare pair of cutoffs for Paul. He returned shortly, his soft dark eyes apologetic as he tossed Paul a clean pair of black denims.

"Sorry, bro ... they're the first thing I could lay my hands on. They, uh, may be a bit big ..." The tone of Jake's voice matched his eyes exactly ... it was rueful and apologetic.

Paul merely shrugged his fur covered shoulders and sloped off behind some bushes with the cutoffs in his jaws. He soon re-appeared, looking extremely self-conscious. Jake had been correct in his assessment. The cutoffs, which would've fitted Paul perfectly in the past, now hung loosely upon his slighter, more lithe frame, skimming lean hips and barely covering the taut curve of his ass. Paul hurriedly averted his gaze, rubbed his nape uneasily with his right hand whilst tightly clutching the waistband of the cutoffs with his left to stop it from sliding down further. A faint stain of scarlet tinted his high cheekbones.

"Thanks," he murmured softly, managing to look sheepish, yet vulnerable at the same time.

I saw Jake's eyes soften with compassion, then he slung an arm across Paul's shoulders before saying, "Come on, man ... Lets see if we can find you a belt. You look like you've lost a bit of weight ... not surprizing really, if all you've had is Leah's cooking. Hell ! It's shocking we're both still here consideri- OUCH ! "

I brushed past the pair of them, not bothering to hide the smirk on my face as I took in the startled expression on my imprint's face. "Just for that Jacob Ephraim Black, you're making us something to eat. And when I say "making" I don't mean picking up the phone and dialing for takeout !"

There was a faint snort of amusement. I turned around and saw a trace of a grin play across Paul's lips. He shook his head and struggled to keep a straight face as he watched the incredulous look that was stamped on Jacob's.

"Oh, that was harsh, bro ... Real harsh," he remarked teasingly.

I winked at him and deliberately misquoting Metallica, replied, "Harsh, but true, Paul. Harsh, but true ..."

XXXXX

Half an hour later, the three of us were lazing around in the living room, having already eaten a chicken stir-fry Jake had thrown together. Well, when I say eaten, Jake and I had, pardon the pun, wolfed it down, but I couldn't help sadly noting that Paul had picked absently at his meal and pushed it idly around the plate, before claiming he wasn't that hungry. Jake watched him in concern, but didn't push the issue with him. And to top it off, he gave me a warning glare to back off and leave our Beta alone. I reluctantly complied.

Anyhoo, there we were, sitting in front of the idiot box watching The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers and we'd just reached the part where Aragorn had taken a swan-dive off the cliff with a warg, when I felt Paul tense beside me. And that's when I heard it. The stealthy, familiar tread that I knew so well. A low growl of anger escaped my lips and I leapt to my feet and was soon out of the door, ignoring Jake's worried protest of "No, Leah ... Don't ! "

Now, being the fastest wolf in the Pack definitely has its advantages as I quickly discovered. And the intense rage I felt, only increased my speed and agility. Before I could stop myself, I'd drawn my right arm back and using all of my strength lashed out with my fist. It connected sharply and with devastating accuracy with my target. Sam's head reeled back and he swayed unsteadily before trying to regain his balance. I struck him again, all the while trying to keep my inner wolf at bay ... to remain in control.

"How could you, you bastard ?" I snarled. "How could you do that to him, huh ? What the hell did Paul ever do to you to be treated like shit ? Have you any idea how badly you've hurt him ? Well, have you ?" By now, my palm was itching like crazy, like it always did when I had the overwhelming need to hit something ... or someone. So, I gave in to temptation. I hit him again. Hard. Right in the gut. And felt some satisfaction as he grunted in pain and doubled over.

"Lee, please ... I want ... I need to- " Sam coughed and spat a mouthful of blood, before raising a trembling hand to wipe the back of it against his split lip.

"No ! I don't give a shit about what you want or need. For once, you're going to shut the fuck up, Sam Uley and listen. And you better listen good, asswipe. Paul did fuck all to you. Did nothing wrong. His only crime was to imprint on you, everything else is down to that evil, conniving, lying Makah cunt you buried a few weeks ago. Not Paul. In all the time he's been with you, he's never lied or deceived you and has always had your back. All he ever wanted was for you to be happy- "

"H-He imprinted ? On ... m-me ?" Shock swiftly drained the colour from his face. Sam's eyes had widened considerably and I could feel the combination of horror, guilt and self-loathing emanate from him. And going by his expression, it was only too clear that he knew nothing of the imprint. "I-I didn't know ... Paul ... he never said ... never told me. Fuck ! I swear, Lee on my life I didn't have a goddamn clue ... I'd never have treated him the way I did if I had ... Why didn't he say something, for fuck's sake ? He should've told me ..."

I glared at him through narrowed eyes. Even though I believed Sam when he claimed he hadn't known about being Paul's imprint, I was still fucking furious with him.

"Samuel Uley, don't you dare ... don't you fucking dare lay all this on Paul. Y'hear me ? He couldn't help imprinting on you any more than he can help breathing. He was going to tell you ... He wanted to, only he was worried about how you'd react ... that you'd reject him. By the time he'd got the freakin' nerve to tell you, it was too late. You were too busy sniffing 'round that skank Emily like she was a bitch on heat."

"He should've told me, Lee- "

"I don't need you to tell me that, Sam. I know. But would you have listened to him ? And I mean really listened to him, if he had ? Hell, no ! That piece of ass deliberately lied to you, Sam. Made a fucking point of coming between you and Paul. Painted him out as the villain of the piece, thanks to all her shit-stirring and made a damn moron out of you in the process ... She sure had you fooled, Sam. Conned you real good. Had you by the balls and led you like a fucking lapdog ..."

Sam's broad shoulders began to slump, "Don't, Leah ..."

"Don't what, Sam ?" I demanded, closing the gap between us and getting into his personal space. "Don't tell it like it is ... or rather was ? I don't give a shit about Emily-freakin'-Young. If anything, I'm glad she's kicked the bucket. I'm only sorry for the poor bastard whose car she bounced off of and ruined ! So, don't expect me to feel any sympathy for that malicious slut, 'cause you'd be wasting your time." I paused briefly to study Sam and tried to quash the tiny flicker of compassion I felt towards him. "I saw what you did to Paul that night ... He showed me. He didn't want to. Didn't want anyone to know. But I made him. I practically forced him to tell me what's wrong with him, 'cause he's my brother and I love him. And I did it 'cause I was worried sick about him. I still am ..."

Something I'd said seemed to have an effect on Sam. He frowned, making his brow crease with worry and his whisky-hued eyes softened with genuine concern.

"Why ? What's wrong with him ?"

"Oh, so now you care about him ? Why the hell couldn't you show this caring side before over the last two years ? You really hurt him, Sam ... and I don't just mean physically. You hurt him mentally and emotionally as well. He's not the same wolf he once was, thanks to you and that parasite you shacked up with- "

"Oh, come on ... that's not fair- "

"You're shitting me, right ? What's not fair is how the pair of you treated Paul. Made him feel like a leper in his own Pack. Like he didn't belong. All Paul wanted was to be there ... to be near you. To make sure you were happy and safe. And you couldn't even let him have that. You denied him. Made him feel unworthy. You knew how tough things are for him and Raine at home ... How much of a bastard Frank is. You moan that Paul's not been there for you ... but where the hell were you for him over the past few months, when things got bad with his old man ? Nowhere, that's where ... Being there for someone, especially someone you claim to care for, is a two-way street, Sam and you let him down. Badly."

Sam sighed heavily and carded restless fingers through his dark, cropped hair. "And that's why I've got to see him, Lee. I owe him- "

"Damn straight you owe him," I muttered angrily. "You more than owe him."

"I know," Sam hissed, his golden-brown eyes were tempestuous and full of fire. "That's why I've been looking for him. Is he in there ?" His eyes flickered towards the door of my house.

"What's it to you if he is ?" I hastily prevaricated. "What the hell gave you the idea I'd even let you see him ?"

"He is, isn't he ?" Sam made a move towards the house, only for me to shove him back angrily. He tried again and I shoved him back once more. This time with far more force and aggression.

"Move, Leah ... I need to see him. Don't make me hurt you- "

I barked an unamused laugh and slowly shook my head. "Oh, no ... over my dead body, buster. Do I look as if I care about what you need or want ? This is what about Paul needs - what he wants - right now. Not you. And I'd like to see you try ... I've seen the way you hurt people and it ain't pretty ..."

Sam's gaze was firmly fixed on my door and he gave a deep growl as he side-stepped past me. Trembling with sheer fury, I darted in front of him. Effectively blocking him from his goal.

"Leah ..."

"No ! You'll just hurt him like you did before. Did it even cross your mind that night, that Paul had needs and wants of his own ? Or were you too out of your fucking skull on hooch to give a damn ? 'Cause it seems to me you were too busy fucking him raw to care ! Did you even stop to think that he may not have wanted you to take him ? Way I see it, the damn imprint never gave him a fucking choice ... it forced him to be what you needed him to be ... To provide you with what you wanted, whether he liked it or not. Not once did you show him you cared ... or show him any tenderness. You just beat him up, took him brutally and left him battered, bloody and bruised. You used him and tossed him like trash once you got what you needed ..." I paused for breath and could feel my chest rise and fall agitatedly. I was on a roll now and nothing was going to stop me from guilt-tripping Sam to hell and back. "And to add insult to injury, Samuel Uley, what d'ya do ? You freakin' Alpha command him to stay away from you !"

By now, there was a distinct greyish tinge to Sam's russet skin tone. In fact, he appeared to become paler as my words began to sink in. And the more I revealed, the more shaken he became. "No. There's no way I'd do something like that. I'd never- "

I leant closer and stated bluntly, "You were wasted, Sammy. That's exactly what you did ! And the worst thing ? You don't remember any of it."

"All the more reason I get to see him then. To try to make things up to him."

"What ? So you can ease your conscience ? That's so not happening, Sam. You may be his imprint, but there's no way I'm risking Paul's safety by letting you anywhere near him. You don't deserve him ... He deserves better. Way better ... He deserves someone who'll care for and love him. Someone who isn't you ..." I was suddenly struck by the memory of Paul's last encounter with Sam. Of the clear image of Sam ruthlessly taking Paul. I was momentarily distracted by how good they looked together. Of how they just fit. How Paul gave his imprint everything out of love, only for Sam to return that gesture with nothing but raw anger, pain and lust. And then I saw it. The moment where Sam was caught in the throes of passion, where at the moment of release he lowered his head and savagely sank his teeth into that soft, vulnerable flesh at the base of Paul's throat.

And that's when I lost it completely. I immediately recalled that very same vicious bite mark ... how it refused to heal. And that's when I realized, to my horror, what it truly was.

"Oh, shit ! What the fuck have you done, Sam ? Bad enough the poor bastard had to imprint on you ... if it'd been just that, he'd have a chance to move on and find someone else if he got rejected ... But thanks to you, he can't do that, can he ?" I snarled, feeling the itch intensify to maddening levels in both of my palms. The need to phase and rip Sam's throat out became unbearable.

"What the fuck ? What d'ya mean by that ? What I've done ?" Bewildered, Sam met my baleful gaze head on.

"You've only gone and ruined his life, you ignorant fuckwit ! You bit him. Fucking marked him ... He'll never be free of you now ... Will never have a life of his own. Not after you bound him to you with that mate mark," I snapped. I was so consumed with fury, that I paid no heed to the distraught look on Sam's face ... a look which conveyed the guilt he clearly felt for condemning Paul to a painful, lonely existence. The life of a lone wolf.

All the while, I'd been circling Sam. Like a predator stalking its prey before closing in for the kill. They say that there's a fine line between love and hate. And don't get me wrong, I love Sam like an older sibling, but right now, thanks to his ignorance and unwitting cruelty, that line had become distinctly blurry ... It also didn't help that my inner wolf cried for vengeance for its wounded Pack brother. It demanded it. Craved it. Then, without warning, I spun around and found myself leaping for Sam's throat.

Only I never made contact with my target. I was abruptly brushed aside and as I fell to my knees, heard a familiar, husky voice shout my name.

"Leah, no ! "

Footsteps moved rapidly towards me, then I felt the familiar, gentle touch of Jake's hands as he helped me to my feet. As soon as I regained my balance, I turned to resume my attack on Sam. Only to find Paul standing before me. Right between me and my quarry. And going by his stance, the way he held himself and the steely determination in his dark eyes, he meant business.

Paul was going to defend his imprint. No matter what ...