Chapter 38

I was running the circle at the spot closest to the Cullen house when I heard heavy feet clomping down the stairs. That must be Jake. Seth thought, listening through me.

He phased in shortly after. We have to go talk to Sam. At the mention of Sam thoughts popped in his head of the night before. Alice and Jasper had run away last night and even though it was technically abandonment Jacob didn't call it that.

I am in no mood to listen to your pessimism, Leah. Either shut-it or leave. Jake had been in short supply lately, all the worry and stress was messing with his emotions. I decided the best thing to do was stay quiet.

If I'm aloud to ask, why are we talking to Sam? I questioned.

The Cullens are inviting some of their friends to come and act as witnesses to the fact that Nessie isn't an immortal child. We have to tell Sam that there will be some new vamps in the woods soon. We all joined together about 3 miles from the border and Jacob let out a long howl. Sam and his pack were just getting there once we reached the border.

Jacob paused before saying anything, Sam must have been talking. He repeated what he had said to us about the new vamps and Sam's tail twitched with annoyance. There was a long pause while Sam replied. I watched Jacob's mind and wheels were starting to turn in his head, he was contemplating something. I'll have to talk to them about it. I immediately saw the 'them' was meaning us and not the Cullens.

Talk to us about what, Jake? Embry asked.

Sam says it would be better if we joined together for the next month to prepare.

I let out a menacing snarl and was joined by the others. I'll never go back to Sam's pack. I growled.

Leah, it's only for a short time.

But you won't be coming with us. Seth stated.

I can't leave Nessie. He defended.

So you're abandoning us! I was losing my temper.

I'm not abandoning you! Might I state that this isn't supposed to even be a pack. It was supposed to be just me going off on my own but you all followed me so now you're under my rule. This is really what is best for the pack. I won't have time to prepare with you guys like I should. Sam will get you ready.

I'd rather be unprepared and die then go to Sam's pack. I snarled. The other's minds agreed with me.

Jacob was getting mad and upset. He was debating something deep in his mind. Before I could dig it out he spoke in a tone I'd never heard. You WILL go to Sam's pack until after this is all over. After this is over you can do whatever the hell you want. But for now you ARE part of Sam's pack. Alpha and regret dripped from every word. The words pressed down on us and we were forced into submission. When we got up, we couldn't hear Jacob anymore.

Welcome back. Sam said pleasantly.

I rumbled a long snarl. I will follow you Sam because those are my orders and I am loyal to my pack. This is not my pack, I don't know if I can speak for the rest but as soon as all this crap is over we are out of here. I looked to my sides and the others nodded in agreement. I half noticed that I was standing at point.

Sam's brow furrowed. For now, this is your pack and I expect your devotion.

We will be devoted out of loyalty to our pack. Get it straight, Sam.

Sam consented but was pissed at my lack of respect. Fine.

He was about to say more when a new voice joined us. What's going on?! We all sighed. A newborn.

Let's go. Sam thought, looking me in the eye. I bared my teeth in response but followed after him. We ran behind his back and I noticed again that I was in point with the others flanking on either side.

Until Jake comes back, Leah, you're our Alpha. Seth thought, a little smug at his upgrade to second. I smiled a bit but hated the circumstances that led to this.