The Twilight Series belongs to S. Meyer, no copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing with the characters.
AN: I'd love to say that I came down with Ebola or broke both my legs in a horrific skiing accident and that's the reason for the delay with this chap, but alas it's neither of those. The delay is merely a muse which ran away from me and when she returned - she demanded that all my focus was put into a new story. That being said, I will have 2 O/S's that I'll be posted on March 1st, along with starting to post a new multi-chap fic. My plan is to finish this by the end of the month and then get going again on Still Breathing and Unsaid Things. The new multi-chap is completed, so I'll post chaps when it suits me and focus on finishing up some of these WIPs. So, please enjoy this chap and if need be, don't be afraid to drop a PM begging, pleading, or even commanding me to update! :D
The information Rosalie had provided got Leah thinking. In the past couple of days, she had received enough to piece together what could possibly be the reason for the difference in Bella and Jared's imprint. What she needed was time to think about it—which meant they needed to get home. She wouldn't be able to concentrate with Angela and Rachel around.
She had never thought about being an investigator, but it made her feel like one. Solving puzzles was something she found both tedious and thrilling, but so much depended on the puzzle. If she got frustrated with it—she found it a painful experience. If it was too easy, the same thing. But if it was just the right amount of a challenge, she was hooked.
"Look, we should get going," she started; her words cut off by the sound of a disturbance outside the room.
"Sir, you can't go in there. The room's been rented out," James said. His words heard clearly by both Leah and Rosalie.
"Well, I'm going in there anyway. If you think you're going to stop me—you'd better get a few more people," a husky voice said with a chuckle.
Rosalie groaned, muttering, "Couldn't he leave me alone for a few hours? He's worse than a child."
Leah turned toward Rosalie, asking, "You know who's out there?"
"I'm ashamed to say it—but yes."
The doors crashed open and the occupants jumped at the sudden noise. A large man with dark blonde hair and golden eyes filled the open doorway. The scent of vampire filled Leah's nostrils and she couldn't contain her growl. Instinctively, she didn't believe him to be a threat, but his presence was overwhelming to her. While she knew she would be matched in strength with Rosalie, there was no way she would be with this vampire.
"Honey Bee, you're alright," the vampire crooned, rushing over to Rosalie's side. His eyes traversing her figure as he looked for signs of injury or distress.
"Of course, I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
Rosalie couldn't help the annoyed tone to her words. The sound grated on Leah's ears. Her bell-like voice was akin to nails on a chalkboard. Leah scowled and bit her lip in an attempt to contain her growl, but it was futile.
The sound brought the male vampire's attention to her. His amused voice asked, "Who exactly are you hanging out with, Rose? That one's not like us, but she's not all human either."
Rosalie sighed, fidgeting in her seat. It was such a human-like gesture that it seemed out of place on the beautiful vampire. The three human girls glanced back and forth at each other and the tableau in front of them.
"Rachel, do you mind shutting the doors," Rosalie asked.
Rachel did as Rosalie asked and once the task was completed, only then did Rosalie begin talking again. "Emmett, I asked you a question."
"Which one? I can't remember and I think I asked you one or two of my own," he replied teasingly to her.
"Why are you here? And why wouldn't I be alright," she repeated, this time her words were slow and carefully enunciated.
"Oh, those questions." His smile broadened, revealing a set of dimples.
His demeanor suggested that he wasn't serious by nature. Perhaps the best way to describe him would be to liken him to a man-child. Basically a child trapped in a man-sized body. The dynamic between the two was strange, but at the same time Leah could feel some semblance of a bond between them. Rosalie had mentioned that vampires had mates, so this must be hers.
"Well, see you told me you were going shopping in Seattle and then no sooner did I make myself comfy and set-up to play Xbox all day; I get a phone call. Want to guess who it was from?"
Rosalie didn't respond to his question. Instead, she glared at him. Either she knew or was getting tired of him beating around the bush.
"Alice—that's right, Alice. You remember her? Our little future seeing sister. Well, she calls to tell me that your future's disappeared. You're completely off her future-seeing radar and she's sure you're dead or going to be dead. She was ready to come here to find you, but I calmed her down and said I'd do it. Looks to me like it was a good thing I did."
"Figures," Rosalie muttered. "The one time I'd like her to not be watching my future she is. I thought for sure if I kept you focused on thinking about your reward for letting me go shopping alone that would keep her from looking to see what I was doing."
"And what exactly were you doing, Rosie?"
"Nothing, just catching up with the girls. You remember Angela," she replied, pointing to Angela. "And these are two of her friends, Leah and Rachel."
"Ladies," he greeted with an elaborate and completely out-of-place bow. "Now I don't want to seem a certain way, but two of you have such a lovely skin tone. You wouldn't happen to be from La Push, would you?"
Rachel blanched while Leah replied through gritted teeth, "What's it to you?"
"Nothing really. I'm just wondering why my Rosie's here in Seattle visiting with one of the wolves—that is what you are, isn't it," he stated, looking at Leah.
"Emmett, knock it off. They had a question about something and I answered it," Rosalie scolded him.
"You know this means we'll have to keep this out of Edward's mind, don't you?"
"Yes, but you said Alice didn't see me…how is that possible? She always sees us whether we want her to or not."
Angela spoke up, "Is this the first time this has happened that you know of?"
Both Emmett and Rosalie nodded.
"Maybe it has to do with Leah then. She's a wolf and maybe Alice can't see her and by extension she can't see you," Angela surmised.
The ring tone of Emmett's phone only milliseconds later proved Angela's hypothesis. Emmett answered it and Leah could hear a frantic Alice question whether they were alright as now both of their futures had disappeared. Emmett assured her they were okay and explained he didn't know what the reason was behind the glitch, but he'd contact to her if they ran into trouble.
"I really think that's our cue to leave," Leah stated again. "The last thing I need is for your entire family to know about our meeting and what was discussed. I really appreciate you meeting us and answering our questions."
"I don't know how what I told you will be helpful, but I hope it is," Rosalie said genuinely. "Perhaps, someday once things are taken care of and if you're bored we could have that match I talked about."
"What match," Emmett asked curiously.
"She was telling us about your family playing baseball," Rachel answered softly.
"Really, Rosie? You suggested a vampire versus wolf baseball game? That would be epic! Name the date and time—I'm in," he exclaimed.
Leah snorted, "First, I'd have to get the pack to agree to it. That might take a while, but don't worry you'll be the first one I'll call."
Standing, Angela, Leah, and Rachel said their farewells to Emmett and Rosalie. In just over an hour, they had gotten information that may or may not be the key to breaking Jared's imprint. Now all Leah needed was time to put it all together.
Seth ran in wolf form over to Sam's house. He figured that was the best place to start. Phasing back to human, he pulled on the pair of shorts he had carried in his teeth. He wondered aloud if there was a better way to bring clothing because it wouldn't be very convenient if he was using his mouth to hold his shorts versus as the weapon it could be to tear apart a vampire.
"There's always a better way. I guess that will be the first thing I'll show you," Sam said.
He turned and was shocked to see Sam was standing across the yard from him and had heard his quiet question. These enhanced senses were going to take some getting used to. In a way, Sam answering his question felt invasive, but on the other hand—he had gotten an answer.
"Hey, Sam. Umm…Leah said I have to learn wolf stuff and…umm figure out how to reverse what I did yesterday."
"How about you and I will work on a few things first and then I'll call the guys, so you can work on removing the order? I think it will be better if you've worked out some of your excess energy first."
"That sounds good. Is it normal to feel this way?"
"Like you drank a four-pack of Red Bull?" At Seth's nod, Sam continued, "The first few days you'll feel like it. Yesterday, I'm sure you were exhausted, but after that you get a big burst of energy."
Sam showed Seth how to carry his shorts around his calf, giving him an extra leather tie that he had. He also showed Seth a few places that were close to his and Emily's house where they kept extra shorts and suggested that Seth find a place to do the same near his house.
Once their shorts were secured, they phased. Sam hung back and gave Seth minimal directions. The events of yesterday were still fresh in his mind and he didn't want to wreak their tentative peace. As the two of them ran along the patrol routes, Sam explained how the pack functioned, patrol schedules, and what where possible signs of a vampire.
The patrol routes were varied to prevent them from leaving a worn path in the woods. It also ensured they covered the maximum amount of land they could during each loop. So far they had encountered two vampires that they had been able to easily dispose of, but there was a third one that was more elusive. Her flaming red hair was a beacon to them though every time it seemed she was within their reach—she managed to elude them. It was a big source of frustration among the pack.
As Sam watched Seth learn the duties, he noticed how easily Seth took to it. He was even more natural at it then Jake had been. The thought of why that might be lingered in his mind, but he was unable to answer it.
Alright, Seth—how do you feel if I call the rest of the pack? You think you're up to it?
Yeah, I think so. Could you phase out for a second first? Leah showed me the memory and I want to replay it once more just cause I want to make sure that I remember.
How did sh…damn it…show?
Seth felt Sam intruding into his thoughts. Thinking quickly, he erected a wall in his mind which gave him a visual of his thoughts with Sam being on the other side of the wall. It was a simple concept, but effective and allowed Seth to remain in charge.
Umm…I don't know who showed her, but she showed me. I guess we didn't talk about particulars. She just thought I needed to understand what I'd done cause I didn't realize I'd done it.
Sam knew Seth wasn't being completely truthful, but it seemed pointless to argue with the younger wolf. There was no sense in riling him over something so little. He phased back to human and waited for Seth to single to him that he could phase back.
A few minutes later, he heard Seth's yip and he phased. Throwing his head back, he howled for the pack. As he called them, he explained to Seth the different calls that might be used to summon or notify the pack.
The feelings or reason for your calls changes how they sound. Howls generally are a way to communicate that assistance is needed or we're gathering together. Yips and barks can symbolize happy feelings, answering a question, or telling someone to pay attention. A growl or snarl symbolizes displeasure or anger.
One-by-one the pack phased in. Each one called out a greeting and then asked where they were to meet. Sam showed them a clearing where some logging had been done recently and they ran toward the spot.
I can show them where to meet or they can find me too. We all have an internal homing beacon which leads us to each other. If the place you are is distinctive, it's okay to show where to go, but if it's not—then you have to use both. It takes a bit more concentration and practice to use our internal sense.
As they met in the clearing, Seth watched as each wolf took their place in a circle. He realized they placed themselves in order of their hierarchy. As the newest wolf, he should be the lowest—the Omega. It didn't feel right to his wolf and even the thought of moving from where he was, had his wolf rebelling. So he stayed at Sam's side. If anyone thought it was abnormal, they didn't say anything.
Alright, Sam, we're here—what's up? Jake asked.
I've been working with Seth for the past hour or so. I think it's time for him to work a bit with the rest of you and do some combat training. But first, there's something we need to take care of—I'll let Seth explain.
Seth swiveled his head and gazed at each member of the pack before beginning, I'm not sure where or how to begin, but I know yesterday I did something and I shouldn't have. I'm going to try and remove the order cause that's the right thing to do. But I also need to know that everyone will respect my sister and her wishes.
He paused, waiting for acknowledgement but then realized that none of them would be able to answer his request. Umm…sorry. I forgot. Okay, so here goes nothing.
He closed his eyes and envisioned the wall he could put up in his mind. On one side was the pack and the other the replay of him giving the order. He focused on the feelings of the pack—their anxiety and pain while tamping down his protective urge for his sister. She told him that she was capable of taking care of herself and Jared wouldn't hurt her. He had to believe in her and Jared. It was the only way for there to be peace in the pack. This was just one step that would bring them closer to the destiny that Sopiya foretold.
I rescind the previous order which forbade the pack from seeing, speaking, or thinking about Leah. From this moment forward, it will be as though the order never occurred.
He waited with bated breath. His heart thundering as he hoped it worked. When his mind was filled with a vision of Angela and Rachel talking about going shopping with Leah and later meeting Claire and Kim—he knew it worked. He thanked the gods for small favors and eagerly asked about the next challenge they had for him as a new wolf.
FF_8756144_35 02/23/13 9:50AM