Chapter 26

I took a nap after Jacob left for the vampire lair. I woke around midnight and he still wasn't back. I let out a nervous whine, taking in my surroundings. Has Jacob come back at all?

No I haven't seen him. Seth replied, there was a worried tone to his voice too.

I'll switch off with you Seth. I wanted to ask him to go check on Jacob but I didn't want him going off to the vamps alone – especially since Jacob went MIA.

I don't mind going, Leah. he said perkily. He seemed almost excited to go.

I know you don't, Seth. But I don't feel right letting you go on your own.

Aw come on! If your gonna be on our side your gonna have to start acting like you are. The Cullens aren't the bad guys.

I resent that.

Hey just come with me to the Cullen's house and I'll see what's up with Jake, then you can leave, kay?

I let out a huff. The random whiff of leech stench on the wind was bad enough. But I was getting really worried about Jake. Okay. I agreed, loping towards his thoughts.

Once we got to the Cullens I paused. The stench burned my nose and my throat. I don't know how you can stand this Seth.

Aw you get used to it. I'll run inside. I turned my nose away as he phased and pulled his clothes on then sat while I watched him enter the house out of my sight.

I couldn't stay sitting for long though. I got up, too nervous to keep my feet still. A nervous whine broke from my throat. Keep it together, Leah. I told myself. I had to get over this.

Seth emerged a couple minutes later. "He fell asleep and I think it's best to keep him asleep."

I nodded my head in agreement. He hadn't slept in days and I know that a nap would do him good.

"Bella's got a fever and she's real cold. I offered to stay and keep her warm." He added without hesitation. A low snarl breeched my lips. "Hey easy, Leah." He held his hands up. "They're my friends, you don't have to worry. Just go run patrols." He turned and walked away, taking his new 2nd position way to seriously. I eyed his shorts and was tempted to tear them off but I walked away.

I picked up a lope and found our well worn trail. I started galloping faster, leaving my worries behind me.

I was able to think more once I ran. I was loving my new Samless life. I missed La Push but being out of his mind almost made up for that. I wish Jacob had done this sooner.

But this wasn't going to last for long. He said once this was all over he would send me and Seth back to Sam. I didn't want to go back, but Jacob could use his alpha voice and make me easily. I couldn't go back, I wouldn't be able to stand it. I had to find a way to stay with him.

The moon was low on the horizon and the woods was filled with the predawn glow when I felt Seth phase.

Hey get over here. He said.

Wow look who's bossy now. I sneered but I turned and headed towards the house making it there in record time.

He was human and had a plate of all kinds of breakfast foods on it: eggs, bacon, sausage and a huge cinnamon roll. My stomach growled fiercely. "Esme made us breakfast." He smiled triumphantly as if to say 'I told you so.'

If the vampire stench hadn't mixed in with the food I think I might have caved and ate it. Instead I shook my head at him. His sunny smile turned into a frown. "Come on, Leah. When was the last time you ate?"

I frowned as much as I could in wolf form and shook my head again. He sighed. "Well ok, I'll just leave it out here." He set the plate down and stalked off to the house to go eat his fill.

I took timid steps towards the food, inhaling it's delicious smell. But the vampire stench was strong. I wouldn't be able to eat this if I really wanted to. I quick dug a hole and dumped the food off the plate into it.

My stomach snarled at me as I galloped off to continue patrols. Looks like I'd be eating as a wolf for a while.