Chapter 8

I practically jumped down the stairs into the living room. I had assumed that Leah would be already downstairs waiting for me but I was left empty handed Jacob and Seth were talking, both looked at me as if I had lost my mind.

"Good night?" Jacob asked Seth glared at me. He probably still felt that I was bad for her and he was probably right but at this point, I couldn't break Leah's heart anymore, and I was too happy to be but so concerned.

"Yeah, the dance was a better experience than I thought it would be." I said standing by the stairwell; I didn't want to miss Leah coming down the stairs the sooner I could connect with her again the better.

"I was actually referring to the activities that happened after the dance?" Jacob said leaning forward expecting me to give him details on something that was really none of his business.

"Look I don't really want to hear any of this so I'm going," Picked up this wicker basket full of snacks, "I gotta meet Shelly." With that, he was gone.

"So I take it he and Shelly hit it off." Apparently, my imprint was a good matchmaker.

"Yeah he talked about her for most of the night. It actually was a good thing he was preoccupied because if he had known, like I did that you and Leah were in the same room for most of the night . . . he probably would have busted through the door phased and ripped your head off." He laughed but I could tell laughter aside that he was serious.

"Then I guess I was lucky then." Before Jacob had, another chance to inquire about last night Jasper and Edward enter the room with most of the camping supplies.

"There's more in the back if you want to lend a hand?" Edward said obviously giving a way out, as a norm, I would have taken it but I needed to stay by the stairwell, I was determined not to leave it. "Or how about you Jacob? Grab a bag?" Jacob grunted and mumbled something under her breath but went to help anyway.

A few minutes later Leah came bounding down the stairs. Her eyes immediately found mine. She laughed at me, rightfully so I knew my expression was comical, I was actually relieved to be rejoined with her. She walked toward me and moved a strand of my hair behind my ear. She opened her opened her mouth to say something when Renesmee came in and joined us.

"Leah! I'm glad you decided to join us." She squeezed her, "Leah hates these kinds of things." Renesmee said to me acknowledging my presence, then she took a moment notice Leah and my proximity.

"I don't hate being outdoors, it's the leechy vampire outings that I don't generally care for," Leah explained then her face searched mine, "but it doesn't bother me anymore, I'm good." I think she might have assumed she had hurt my feelings.

"Since when Leah you always gripe and complain when I ask you to these things." Renesmee countered.

"Since shut up that's when," Leah rolled her eyes, "are we going or what?" Leah headed toward the door.

"I call shot gun!" she skipped to Leah looping her arm with hers.

"Hey Leah I think it's nice of you to let us climb your mountain!" Jacob laughed at his own joke (he was the only one). Clearwater Mountain was beautiful as well as magnificent in size, most definitely not would one would think when they thought of a small hike. Leah's eyes widened as she took in the terrain part of me wondered if the hike would be too much for her, I didn't want to exhaust her, not with such trivial activities anyway. I assumed that she would be able to handle because Jacob and Seth both originally planned to go, but maybe she wasn't as durable as they were. She did seem more delicate . . . to me anyway. We all got out of the vehicle and stared at the mountain Leah was now frowning at the monstrosity with her hand on her hips as if she were trying to figure out how to tackle it.

"Don't frown!" I said now at her side I intentionally brushed against her shoulder, "It will be fun. If you don't think you will be able to keep up in human form you can phase I won't mind . . . Although I do prefer your human form" She did look particularly enticing today, the short khaki shorts, and green top the meshed so well with her complexion. On the other hand, it could be that she always looked good to me and that today I knew that could and would touch her.

"You think I am worried about keeping up!" She rolled her eyes, huffed at me, and proceeded to walk toward the mountain. I knew that Leah was competitive from all the stories that Jacob had shared about when she was younger. What I said must have struck a small cord, but she wasn't mad the look on her face was more of a flirtatious one. I quickly followed her; I didn't want to experience any space between us there had been enough of that for the past couple of months.

Everyone approached the mountain at a pace of leisure. Most spoke in whispers the loudest couple would to have to have been Jacob and Renesmee. The two were extremely amusing together. Renesmee was not the most coordinated entity I had ever witness she had already tripped three times each time she fell, a hearty laugh would rolled from Jacob as he offered his hand, she'd take it then shove him each time. Eventually, he ended up phasing and she rode his back to avoid anymore-falling spells. I thought it was very courteous his action to keep Renesmee safe but Leah saw fit to stare in horror.

I had also taken the time to watch Leah's stride and taking on the mountain. She was more sensible with her steps than Renesmee, even though she didn't watch her steps it was as if she knew the land. "What?" She said finally noticing that fact that I was now staring at her.

"Does that hurt him?" I asked not wanting to admit to her that I was studying the way she walked. I didn't want her to believe that I was obsessed with her even though in some ways I most definitely was.

"It must not. He has done it several times before" She looked over in their direction and her face frowned up once more. She shook her head and continued walking. I looked at the other couple as well it made me wonder if Leah would be able to do the same for me. I envisioned myself atop the big grey wolf I witnessed months ago.

"I wonder . . .," I said looking at her playfully. Part of me wanted her to phase so that I could try it, but then I wouldn't be able to converse with her and as curious as I was my need for her verbal company won out.

"Oh no, Nahuel, that will never happen!" She looked at me as if I were absurd, "I am a wolf not a horse!" Her reply to my curiosity surprised me, as her imprint isn't she supposed to ensure that I am content at all times?

"Why not?" I pouted placing myself in front of her so that I could see her face more clearly, "Are you not strong enough to carry me?" She contorted her face in such and annoyed manner, I could tell that she was actually considering performing the task even though she really didn't want to. I didn't see what the big deal was, to me what Jacob was doing was nothing more that carrying Renesmee. I would have no problem with carrying Leah, actually, I would prefer to have her so close, and have our heartbeats connected. I could carry her up the rest of the mountain and be blissfully happy. I wondered if it would be okay if we went on ahead of the others, I was sure I would be able to find the campsite.

"Yes" Edward answering my question I had to hand it to Edward for as much as he was bound to know he kept the information to himself. Leah looked back him confused.

"Yes what?" She said she was now scowling at me waiting for my answer.

"We'll see you at the top," I said picking happily picking Leah up and speeding up the mountain. Within three minutes, we were at the top of the mountain I placed Leah on the log gasping from the rush.

"Not funny!" She placed her hand over her chest while she waited for her heartbeat to slow. I could hear pounding of heartbeat against her chest cavity but if I knew Leah at all, she had to have enjoyed the rush as much as I did.

"You enjoyed it, admit it" I toyed with her, she turned my head and pouted as if I had offended her maybe she was jealous of my wicked speed. I squatted in front of her grabbing one of her hands, "Come on, Leah, you know it was fun" I smiled staring into her eyes, after a few seconds her pupils dilated slightly and she exhibited trance like behavior.

"Okay, maybe it was a little fun," she said closing her eyes, shaking her head slightly. When she opened hers eyes her whole face carried a new expression, "and I know something else that would be even more fun." She leaned toward me and gently placed her soft full lips against mine, causing the desire to devour her to come to the forefront of my mind. I quickly dismissed the notion, I was actually quite proud of myself control. I grinned at her playfully; I knew exactly how to get back at her for trying to ruin my resolve. I grabbed her from the log and began to spin her as fast as possible.

"Nahuel I am getting dizzy," she laughed exhausted, I stopped and placed her feet back on the ground. Maybe I over did it a little because she was having trouble putting one foot in front of the other. So much so that I had to catch her before she fell face first, I couldn't help but find the whole thing hilarious. She pulled away from me, probably to say something about my laughter but then our eyes caught and the pull that she had over me drew me in. I must have been having a similar affect on her because her breath caught in her chest and leaned toward as if she were under a spell. How was I to deny such a face? I ensured that her mouth was closed before I allowed myself the pleasure of tasting her lips.

"Whoa, that's a new development" Alice said as she and Jasper approached the campsite. They put the equipment down and approached us. Jasper sent me a look that made me fear for my life.

"When did this happen?" she put her finger to her chin as if she were thinking. She pulled Leah to the side and started to ramble on how she knew that we were going to get together. Meanwhile they left me alone with Jasper.

"This is not smart," he whispered.

"I know it's not the smart, but I have no choice." I replied trying to keep my voice low so that Leah wouldn't over hear.

"Do I need to remind you that you could kill her?" He said unpacking the equipment. "If you are getting soft I could always assist you in keeping you miserable or angry with her.

"I couldn't disappoint her now; I have done enough of that already." I helped him start setting up the tent.

"Well she does seem happier," Jasper commented, "even though she is being completely and totally confused by what my wife is saying."

"Yeah I better get in there." I said just so that I could get away him and get back to Leah. Before I could rescue Leah, Alice instead brought her over to the both of us.

"I am sorry honey you will have to pay up and you might as well inform Emmett too, and I am sure Edward already knows. That is what happens when you bet against me." Alice said as she skipped over to Jasper. Leah looked at her as if she had lost her mind. Sometimes it did seem like the Cullen's had a little too much time on their hands.

The next to hear the news that Leah and I were a couple were Rosalie and Emmett. I knew that Emmett would be more than accepting to the news. He immediately went to Leah and began to aggravate her. While Leah was being tortured, Alice collected her money from Jacob and told him the news.

"Yeah I had a feeling," he glared at me, "I was trying to get the details this morning, but the dude is extremely uptight." Alice looked back at me and laughed.

"I believe that I would be able to find out if any real juicy drama happened between them!" Renesmee giggled, I assumed that she was planning to pump Leah for information. "Leah tells me everything . . . eventually." I wondered if Leah would share our personal information with the child . . . but then again there would never be anything to tell being that we couldn't share bodily fluids. I groaned inside, I was now permanently stuck in a grade school romance, nothing but holding hands and sweet virgin kisses from here on out, that was exactly what a man damned near 200 years old stuck in a 17-year-old body wanted to do for eternity.

"LEAH LOVES LEECHES!" I heard Emmett's voice boom through the area and echo across the terrain. It brought my attention back to Leah; any annoyance I had with our situation could be healed by just looking at her. If I had to suffer in that way, I could pick no one better to suffer with, I smiled to myself watching her annoyed expression.

After being released from Emmett Leah escaped my line of vision momentarily, when I did locate her I watched her from afar. She seemed appreciative of the atmosphere she was in she was at peace. Her peaceful expression made everything about her shine to me. I looked around making sure no one was about to approach me because people had a way coming out of nowhere in this coven. When I saw that, everyone was preoccupied that's when I finally approached her. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders capturing her affection.

"And what have you been doing?" I said wanting the details of her minds working. I kissed her ear an act that was far less dangerous than turning her around and doing what I actually wanted to do.

"I am enjoying this moment, the scenery is beautiful" She sighed and inhaled deeply. I could appreciate the depth and insight. She talked as if the land was a big piece of artwork and she was soaking it in.

"I am glad you are enjoying yourself." I said as I wrapped my arms around her waist pulling her even closer to me, "You know in my entire 150 years of living I have never been happier than I have the past couple of days." I reached out my hand for hers escorting her around the terrain. I decided this would be the best time discuss my family and my past with her. I felt she needed to know about all of them because there may be a time when my father would come after me again. Joham operated by his mood alone, so it was always hard to predict when he would show up, also shared his views of vampire supremacy with her and his desire to create the ultimate being. It angered Joham that he had yet to create another hybrid immortal with the venom gene. That's why I feel I have lived as long as I have part of Joham wants me dead, but since he hasn't been able to replicate his success (me), he rather not destroy me.

"Ana told me my father was actually intrigued by me coming her," I looked away from Leah because all of the information I was giving had to be giving her second thoughts about being with me. Who would want to stay with moving target marked for death? "He thought it may be possible that I would create a new entity with Renesmee, so he encouraged my departure, however if he knew the on goings here now, he would not be so pleased." Or least that was what I would hope; the only other alternative, is that he would become intrigued by what Leah is and want her for himself. I would not let that happen. I would kill him.

"Hmm," Leah's face had become somber, her eyes darted back and forth as she processed the information. In an attempt to lighten her mood, I picked her up and placed her in my lap. I don't know if it worked for her but it made me feel better. "That is enough about me. I want to hear everything about you."

"There's not much to say. I grew up with my parents and my brother. I was a daddy's girl and a tomboy. I guess I was a little to much of a tomboy that was why I ended up the way that I am. Of course that doesn't bother me now," She smiled and touched my cheek, "The only other relationship I've had was with this guy named Sam and he imprinted on my cousin Emily." She sighed and a sad irritation hit her eyes, "Could you imagine my fear when it seemed history was trying to repeat itself? When I realized my feeling for you and your feeling for Ren, in the very same moment, it tore me in two, to know that my imprint had already chose to love someone else; especially Ren." It caused me pain to know that I had been causing her pain ever since I step foot on the Cullen's doorstep. At least I knew I would never choose anyone over her.

"You two are close?" We had started walking back to the campsite. I kept her hand in mine unwilling to disconnect from her completely.

"I actually hated Ren at first, she was the reason my pack would be connected to vampires for the rest of eternity. When Ren turned about three we became close the older she got the more she confided in me about the things she couldn't confess to her family members . . . she talks to Seth some too but the two of us connected probably because we are both female." She shrugged showing her indifference but it seemed that Leah cared for Renesmee more than she let on; she acted as though she was her sister. I was curious how she would respond to my mention of Sam.

"You and Sam . . ." I paused choosing my words carefully.

"Go on," She seemed unaffected by my inquiry.

"You were in love for years. Did you ever become intimate?" I was not my place to question her past discretions but I had to know. I so wanted her to be pure even though I was not.

"I thought I loved Sam . . .," She said then inhaled deeply. I already had my answer I didn't want hear her say it. I went to interrupt her and she stopped me. "However, when we tried to have sex, something or someone always interrupted us, maybe that was a sign that we weren't meant to be." She looked me in the eyes and smiled lovingly. It was weird that her disposition was so different we me than with everyone else. I loved how she watched my expressions to make sure I was content. As the sun began to fade, I decided it was time return to the others.

As soon as we arrived back on site, I heard Emmett and Jacob's voice. They were real characters, but I was actually glad to have met them, they were the first decent males that I had met in all of my lifetime, not just them but all of the Cullen men had characteristics that I wished to acquire as my own. The rest of the night I learned of everyone's history proving that, they were not only strong physically but that they had all been through a lot in their pasts. It made me feel that maybe this was were I belonged because I had been through more than enough in my lifetime maybe this was supposed to be my safe haven.

Author's Note: I haven't worked with this story in a while! I hope I did it justice! Please read & review, because it makes me happy!