Chapter 23

After phasing, I ran towards the Cullen's lair, sniffing for my brother or Jacob's scent. I wondered how they'd react to me joining their little two man pack. Of course they'd probably be ticked off, but in my opinion they were better than the old pack. The old pack wasn't in my mind anymore, I didn't hear their thoughts. No Sam.

I nearly let out a joyous yap but I kept my mouth shut. Instead I sped up, weaving in and out of the trees like I was dancing. I felt happy enough to dance or at least jump in the air. . . which I did.

A breeze blew over me that carried Seth's scent. I pivoted and turned to follow it, keeping my nose in the air. I could hear the steady patter of Seth's paws and he heard me too, because he let out a sharp warning howl.

I nearly laughed, but I decided to keep my mind silent and freak them out. I galloped towards my brother and I saw Jacob's panicked thoughts racing towards us.

Well, I guess that's enough for the fun. Morning boys. I greeted smugly.

Seth let out a shocked whine and then they both snarled. What a welcoming.

Oh, Man! Go away, Leah! Seth complained. He let his emotions get the best of him and let out a strangled howl, backing on his hind legs so his front danced in the air.

Cut the noise, Seth. Jacob growled. They were on look out evidently.

Right. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! he whined, pawing the earth with his pads like he was throwing a temper-tantrum.

I slowed into a trot as I reached them. Stop whining Seth your such a baby.

Jacob lay his ears flat and growled at me. His new alpha stature was intimidating and I couldn't help but take a step back. What do you think you're doing, Leah?

I sighed. It's pretty obvious, isn't it? I'm joining your crappy little renegade pack. The vampires' guard dogs. I laughed to myself at my own joke.

Jacob didn't find it funny. No you're not. Turn around before I rip out one of your hamstrings.

Ha. Like you could catch me. I smiled a wolfy grin and tensed, preparing to launch. Wanna race, O fearless leader?

He didn't find that funny either. I watched as he took a deep breath and held it, forcing him to calm down. Seth, go let the Cullens know that it's just your stupid sister. I'll deal with this.

Ouch, but I could tell he was trying to be as mean as possible to get me out of here. Well that was just too bad, I wasn't going anywhere.

On it! Seth yipped, loping off to the leeches.

I let out a small whine of worry, leaning after him. You're just going to let him run off to the vampires alone?

I'm pretty sure he'd rather they took him out than spend another minute with you. He snapped.

Shut up, Jacob. Oops, I'm sorry – I meant, shut up, most high Alpha. I nearly laughed again but bit my tongue.

Why the hell are you here?

You think I'm just going to sit at home while my little brother volunteers as a vampire chew toy? Well that was mostly true.

Seth doesn't want or need your protection. In fact, no one wants you here.

My ears flipped back slightly in recoil. Oooh, ouch, that's gonna leave a huge mark. Ha, tell me who does what me around, and I'm outta here.

So this isn't about Seth at all, is it?

I kept my thoughts from straying. Of course it is. I'm just pointing out that being unwanted is not a first for me. Not really a motivating factor, if you know what I mean.

I heard his teeth grind against each other and he lowered his head, narrowing his eyes at me. Did Sam send you?

What a stupid question. If I was here on Sam's errand, you wouldn't be able to hear me. My allegiance is no longer with him.

His thoughts were deeply sarcastic. You're loyal to me now? Uh-huh. Right.

I twisted my mouth in annoyance. My choices are limited. I'm working with the options I've got. Trust me, I'm not enjoying this any more than you are.

I kept my thoughts focused because I felt him prying around in my head. It was unsettling, normally they tuned me out. My hair bristled in agitation.

Seth interrupted us with images of Edward and I whined, him being so close to them and unprotected. Wow, he looks bad. He murmured to himself. Once he turned towards home I felt my muscles relax and my fur fall flat again.

What's going on? Catch me up to speed. I asked.

There's no point. You're not staying.

I had a strong urge to stick my tongue out at him. Actually, Mr. Alpha, I am. Because since apparently I have to belong to someone – and don't think I haven't tried breaking off on my own, you know yourself how well that doesn't work – I chose you.

Leah, you don't like me. I don't like you.

Thank you, Caption Obvious. I snorted in amusement. That doesn't matter to me. I'm staying with Seth.

You don't like vampires. Don't you think that's a little conflict of interest right there?

You don't like vampires either

But I am committed to this alliance. You aren't

I'll keep my distance from them. I can run patrols our here, just like Seth.

And I'm supposed to trust you with that?

That offended me more than it should have. I took a step forward and made myself as tall as possible so I could look him in the eye. I will not betray my pack.

He exploded at me. This isn't your pack! This isn't even a pack. This is just me, going off on my won! What is it with you Clearwaters? Why can't you just leave me alone?

From behind us Seth whined. Jacob had offended him. Great not only was he offending me but now he was gonna take it out on my brother.

I've been helpful, haven't I Jake? he asked timidly.

You haven't made too much a nuisance of yourself, kid, but if you and Leah are a package deal – if the only way to get rid of her is for you to go home. . . Well, can you blame me for wanting you gone?

Ugh, Leah, you ruin everything! He sniped.

Yeah, I know. I thought glumly. Story of my life.