Chapter 27

I found that days dragged when you were doing something you hated. I was trying to keep a cheerful disposition up so I could stay here but it was getting tough. I refused to accept the Cullen's handouts and hand-me-downs so I was forced into a raw diet and savoring my only pair of tattered shorts and tank. I tried to stay wolf as much as possible so there was less of a chance that I'd rip them.

Morning, Jacob. I greeted him one morning.

Good, you're up. How long's Seth been out?

Not out yet. Seth mumbled sleepily. Almost there. What do you need?

You think you got another hour in you?

Sure thing. No problem. He got up quickly, shaking out his fur, eager to please his master.

Let's make the deep run. Jacob directed at me. Seth, take the perimeter.

Gotcha. Seth jogged off.

Off on another vampire errand. I grumbled.

You got a problem with that?

Of course not. I just love to coddle those darling leeches. I replied, puckering my face.

Good let's see how fast we can run.

Okay, I'm defiantly up for that! I dashed around the circle catching up with him and started passing him.

Nose to the ground, Leah. This isn't a race, it's a reconnaissance mission.

I can do both and still kick your butt.

I know. He caved, making me laugh.

We went off the trail and out closer to our old territory. Jacob was slowing with concentration but I kept his pace because I had absolutely no idea where we were going. We're getting pretty far out here. I commented.

Yeah. If Sam was hunting strays, we should have crossed his trails by now.

Makes more sense right now for him to bunker down in La Push. He knows we're giving the bloodsuckers three extra sets of eyes and legs. He's not going to be able to surprise them.

This was just a precaution really.

Wouldn't want our precious parasites taking unnecessary chances. I thought sarcastically.

Nope. He agreed, ignoring my mockery. It kinda surprised me. The Jacob I knew hated the leeches almost as much as I did.

You've changed so much, Jacob. Talk about one-eighties.

You're not exactly the same Leah I've always known and loved either.

True I agreed. Am I less annoying than Paul now?

Amazingly . . . yes.

I felt like I was going to explode but I kept my emotions hidden. Instead I replied smoothly. Ah, sweet success.

Congrats.

We ran in silence for a couple moments. I was enjoying the change of scenery and so was he. It gave me an opportunity to stretch my muscles and take in the rugged terrain. I fought back a bit of hunger but Jacob noticed and made a decision to take me hunting on our way back.

Yum, yum. I thought bitterly.

It's all in your head. That's the way wolves eat. It's natural. It tastes fine. If you didn't think about it from a human perspective –

Forget the pep talk, Jacob. I'll hunt. I don't have to like it.

Sure, sure. He complied, letting me have my space. He was starting to treat me like a pack member now, almost like a friend. I felt a tug at my heart, I hadn't had a friend in so long.

Thank you. I almost whispered in my head.

For?

For letting me be. For letting me stay. You've been nicer than I had any right to expect, Jacob.

Er, no problem. He thought uncomfortably. Actually, I mean it. I don't mind having you here like I thought I would.

I snorted. What a glowing commendation! I laughed.

Don't let it get to your head.

Okay – if you don't let this get to yours. I paused, wondering if I should really bring this back up. I think you make a good Alpha. Not in the same way Sam does, but in your own way. You're worth following, Jacob.

I clearly surprised him and it took him a while to work up a response. Er, thanks. Not totally sure I'll be able to stop that one from going to my head, though. Where did that come from?

Should I tell him? He had his mind so set on us leaving. I remembered the conversation he'd had with Jared. He'd been so sure of himself, that he'd send us back to La Push after this was over. Might as well get it over, Leah.

I want to stay with you.

I watched him stumble to the ground and I flew past him. Shoot, he took that worse than I thought he would. I slowly walked back to here he was frozen.

I won't be a pain, I swear. I won't follow you around. You can go wherever you want, and I'll go where I want. You'll only have to put up with me when we're both wolves. And, as I'm planning on quitting as soon as I can manage it . . . maybe that won't be so often.

He didn't reply so I continued.

I'm happier now, as part of your pack, than I have been in years.

I want to stay too. Seth piped in. I like this pack.

Hey, now! Seth, this isn't going to be a pack much longer. We've got a purpose now, but when . . . after that's over, I'm just going to go wolf. Seth, you need a purpose. You're a good kid. You're the kind of person who always has a crusade. And there's no way you're leaving La Push now. You're going to graduate from high school and do something with your live. You're going to take care of Sue. My issues are not going to mess up your future.

But –

Jacob is right. I approved.

You're agreeing with me?

Of course. But none of that applies to me. I was on my way out, anyway. I'll get a job somewhere away from La Push. Maybe take some courses at a community college. Get into yoga and meditation to work on my temper issues. . . And stay a part of this pack for the sake of my mental well-being. Jacob – you can see how that makes sense, right? I won't bother you, you won't bother me, everyone is happy.

He turned around and started running back towards the west.

This is a bit much to deal with, Leah. Let me think about it 'kay?

Sure. Take your time.

He didn't say any more. I could wait this out. Surely he had to see how this worked out great for everyone. He could be wolf, I'd stay out of his way, and Seth would go back to school. He said himself that I wasn't that bad. I hoped with all my heart he'd let me stay.