I'm so sorry!!! My computer got a virus so I wasn't able to get online and post new chapters!! Hope I didn't upset anyone. I really appreciate the comments, please post your responses I want to hear them! I'll post the two chapters I was able to write on my sister's laptop (I had Full Moon on my flashdrive) – Enjoy!

Chapter 56

The sound of Kaase's alarm clock woke me up the next morning before the sun was up. I was in his arms, sleeping peacefully. He groaned, rolled over and hit a couple buttons on the buzzing machine. He returned his arms around me and whined. "I don't want to go to work."

I giggled. "You could always stay in bed with me." I pressed my lips softly to his.

"Mmm, that sounds great." He laughed, but then sighed. "I can't take any more time off though, I've run out of sick days."

"That's a shame." I muttered as he slid from beneath the covers and made his way to the adjoining bathroom. I couldn't help but notice he was limping slightly. I sat up, "Are you limping?"

He straightened a bit, then laughed. "No, of course not." But he was, and I couldn't help but wonder if my super strength had something to do with that.

I covered my face with my hands, gosh how terrible am I? I did not have as much control as I thought I would. I can't believe I hurt him. But at least it could have been worse there were many other ways I could have injured him. I remembered the scars that stretched over my sweet cousin Emily's face, a dark symbol of our strength and unpredictability. Until I lost my powers I have to be more careful.

Kaase reappeared from the bathroom, dressed in Carhart pants and a navy blue shirt with 'Vanderzee Lumber' printed across the front in white letters. He smiled at me before sitting down on the side of the bed to pull his steel toed boots on. I slid over and wrapped my arms around him.

"Kaase, I'm so sorry." I whispered.

He turned to face me, genuinely surprised. "What for?" he laughed.

"I hurt you." I mumbled.

He tucked a stray hair behind me and whispered back, "Leah, you warned me. It's perfectly fine, please don't beat yourself up about this." I nodded and leaned my head against his shoulder. He stroked my hair and muttered in my ear, "I love you so much, Leah."

"And I love you." I returned. He finished pulling his boots on and kissed me goodbye. I was left alone in his house.

I sat there a couple more seconds before getting up and retrieving my clothes strung around the room. I swiftly made the bed after changing then padded sleepily to my own apartment.

I was already dressed and was too tired to change clothes so I plopped on the couch in my clothes. I set the alarm on my phone to wake me up if I fell asleep and sure enough I did.

After dozing for about an hour the sunlight streaming through the blinds woke me. It was still a couple hours before I had to leave for my morning classes. I decided now would be a great time to call my mom and invite myself and Kaase over this weekend.

"Hello?" My mom's strong voice answered on the other line.

"Hey, mom." I replied, keeping my voice light and bright.

"Leah!"My mom exclaimed. "Oh I haven't heard from you in so long! How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great mom," I replied, "actually I was calling to ask if me and a friend could come down this weekend."

"Leah, you don't have to ask. As far as I'm concerned this is your house still too."

"I didn't want to surprise you." I smiled, knowing I already was. I couldn't wait to see her face.

She snorted. "Well I can't wait. Who's this friend?"

"You'll find out mom." I teased. "We'll see you Friday night alright?"

"Ok, sweetie." We hung up after saying goodbyes. I never thought I'd be excited to be back on the reservation. It held so many recent bad memories but after being away it was the good ones I was remembering.

****

The rest of the week went without incidents. I spent every minute I could with Kaase and the other moments I was studying or at work. I have always been good at school so college wasn't terribly hard. I wondered what would have happened to my life if I had gone to Washington State instead of staying home and becoming a mythical protector. But it was in the past and I was in the future.

Kaase and I drove down Friday after we were both done with work. The drive seemed so slow, we couldn't get there quick enough. "Are you nervous?" I jeered.

He laughed. "If you can stand up to my family I'm sure I can survive meeting your mom."

"Yeah but the pack will be around. Hopefully Sam's pack will stay away." I muttered half to myself. I had said my goodbyes to Sam and wasn't wanting to see him again.

Finally we pulled into my short driveway. I directed Kaase to park off to the side. Mom ran out of the house as soon as we emerged from the truck, tagged by Seth. She ran up to me, gathering me in a strong hug.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so glad you came." She actually looked close to tears. Geez mom, keep it together.

"Mom," I grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the other side of the truck. Kaase stood next to Seth, hands in his pockets, a dazzling smile on his face. It took me a moment to find my breath again but I was able to continue, "meet Kaase, my imprint."

Mom's eyes got wide, staring at me then at him. Tears welled up and spilled over. Then, doing what mom's do best, she hugged Kaase around his waist. I felt my cheeks get beat red and Seth gasped. Kaase looked surprised but he recovered quickly and hugged her back. "It's nice to finally meet you Mrs. Clearwater."

"Oh, I'm so glad she found you." She muttered, pulling away from him.

Kaase laughed. "Yeah, I am too."

"Leah," She turned back to me. "I have a surprise for you too!"

I glanced at Seth as I followed her back to the house but he was looking at his feet. I became worried. I stepped into the house after my excited mother, greeted by the warm smells of home.

A man was sitting in my dad's chair in the corner, and for a second I thought it was him. Angry tears rose in my eyes when I realized it was Charlie Swan. Who gave him the right to sit in my father's chair? My hand's trembled. Kaase slid his hand in mine, stilling them.

"Leah," My mom pursed her lips into a bright smile, as Charlie rose from his seat. I watched in horror as Charlie slid an arm around my mom's waist. I felt a growl rise in my throat. "Charlie and I have been hanging around each other for a while and. . . we've decided to get married!"

I bit my tongue and stormed as quickly as I could from the house, leaving them standing in their happy atmosphere. Seth followed after me, warning Kaase to stay away. The pain was coming but I fought it, I fought it harder than I ever had. It stopped halfway up my spine. I roared, tears welling in my eyes. I took deep breaths pushing the pain back into the depths of hell. I clenched my hands tightly, nails drawing blood from my palms.

"Leah. . ." Seth came behind me.

I snarled, turning to face him. He had his hands up in defense. I shook my head at him. "I'll be back." I said in a gurgled voice, half a growl. I turned north and ran. I ran faster than I ever had. I fought to escape the horrors of what I had just found out. My mom had forgotten my father, Charlie seemed to think he could take his place. That leech dad was no friend of mine, and they would get no praise from me. The branches tore at my skin and clothes as I ran faster into the serenity of the forest.