Yay! Breaking Dawn is over! Now the real test, do I have enough skill to continue the story on my own without the books as a crutch, hmm. Lol, I really hope you guys enjoy this! Now I have a proposition for you and I want some feedback today if all possible. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning for a ski trip that will last all weekend. There are 6 more chapters until you are caught up with me do you A) want me to post them all today so you have something to read all weekend? Or B) post only 3 today and post the rest when I get back? I think I might know what your answer is but I thought I'd ask :D. And please if all possible comment on each chapter so I know how you like the development of the story!

Thank you loyal fans, for if it wasn't for you – I'd just be a twerd with way too much time on her hands. Enjoy!

Chapter 40

I had to leave.

Seth was strong enough to take care of himself. All danger was gone. I wanted my own life, not something formed by the pack. I wanted to live.

So I was leaving.

I signed up for courses at the community college in Port Angeles. I found an apartment and bought a used truck and found a job at a local coffee shop. After a reunion with my old pack, I phased and haven't gone back since then. I'm going straight... well maybe those aren't the best words but you know what I mean.

I placed another box in the u-hall trailer that was hitched to my truck. We rented the little thing to haul my belongings down there since my dinky truck couldn't hold them all in its bed. The sun was peeking through the clouds, giving me hope. I walked back up the steps and through my house to go pack another box in my room when I felt a shimmer, a phase.

I stepped cautiously to my room, expecting Seth or Jacob to jump out at me. "Nice try." I laughed, pushing my door open. But what I saw startled me even more. Leaning on my open window was Sam, with a stupid grin on his face.

How many countless nights had a dreamt that he would come back? How many days had I wished he would show up magically like he just did? But I wasn't relieved or even happy, I was mad. "Does Emily know you're here?" I spat.

He frowned. "No I just came to say good bye."

"Well bye." I flashed a sarcastic smile and waved slightly. I turned my back to him, pulling clothes out of my drawers.

"I also came to apologize." I heard him slither through my window. Great.

"Oh?" I turned back to face him, he was right in front of me now; I could almost feel his breath on my face.

"I've been a jerk, Leah, and I don't want you to leave with us like this." His eyes softened and he grinned a toothy smile.

"Us?" I hissed. "Sam there is no us. You abandoned me."

"Leah, I imprinted, it was involuntary."

"Once you changed you shouldn't have held out on me like that. You broke my heart, Sam." I paused taking a deep breath. "I forgive you but if I never see you again, it will be too soon."

I turned away from him so he wouldn't see my tears. I didn't hear any retreating footsteps. "Get the hell out of my house, Sam." I whispered. "Good bye."

"Leah . . ."

"It's too late, Sam. Just go." I said softly, my voice cracking.

He left then, I heard him slide out the window. I didn't turn around until I felt the shimmer in the air. I then sat on my dresser and put my head in my hands. This is what I wanted. But why did it have to hurt so badly?

I heard the front door open, it must be Seth and Jacob. They were coming to help me move to Port Angeles – Seth as my brother and Jacob as a farewell to his second. I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes before they stepped in the door, hoping my face wasn't red.

"Hey, Leah! Road trip!" Seth chanted, busting through my door. I met him with a smile.

"Thank you so much guys."

"No prob, Leah." Jacob said but then he paused, I looked up at him and he was staring at my face. "Hey you ok?"

"Yeah . . . why?" I added a hint of sarcasm

"No reason." He shook his head and looked around my room. "You got this all mostly packed, need us to bring these boxes out?"

"Um, yeah that would be great." I muttered, filling my box to hide my red face. I heard the shuffle of boxes as they carried them out the door.

I finished the last box headed towards the door but was stopped by my mom. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, mom." I muttered.

"Bye honey, I'll miss you so much." She gave me a hug. "Good luck!"

"Thanks, love you." I replied, stepping out of the awkward hug. When I made it outside I found Jacob and Seth arguing.

"Leah, I called shot gun but Jake won't let me have it!" Seth whined, it looked like he might drop on the floor and throw a temper tantrum.

"What are you, three?" I snorted. "Alpha gets shot gun anyways."

"Yes!" Jacob cheered, shoving a fist in the air.

"But I can't fit in the back!" Seth whined.

"Jake's bigger than you, Seth. You think he'd fit any better? You can ride on the roof if you really want." I slammed the door of the u-hall trailer.

"Really?"

"No."

"Ha!" Jake laughed, punching Seth in the shoulder.

We all piled in, me in the driver seat and Jacob in the passenger seat with Seth sprawled out across the half part of my one and a half cab truck, grumbling all the while. Jake fiddled with the radio as I drove out of the reservation. In my rear view mirror I swore I saw a black wolf race across the road. I half smiled, Too late to catch me now, Sam. I was my own person now. I pressed down hard on the gas, leaving a trail of dust and my old life behind me.