AN

A big big thank you to the reviews so far. I hope I keep pleasing you guys! So for those of you that tried to guess who it was, the answer is below!

Thanks to my beta imadoodlenoodle again!

Enjoy. xxx

Leah's POV

I bounced backwards away from the man and froze. I knew the plains of that chest, I had memorised it once and now avoided it regularly.

"Hey Lee-Lee, you're back."

Sam had caught me off guard.

I hated it when he called me that, 'Lee-Lee' was dead. I tried to tell myself 'keep breathing; the car's not far', but even as I was reciting it I couldn't help but open my gob and be snide. "Don't worry I'm going."

"Stay, it's a party."

Why was the moron even bothering? Was he suicidal?

I gritted my teeth; "I'm hardly a party animal."

I didn't do small talk either, so I went to shove past Sam. To my disbelief, he grabbed my arms and pushed me back into the bathroom, locking the door swiftly behind him. My blood started to boil; what the hell was he playing at? Didn't he want any more children?

Sam obviously noticed my building rage. "Calm down Leah. I need to speak to you, but as you never give me the time of day, I've resorted to kidnapping."

He gave me the smile that years ago made me go weak at the knees, but it didn't work anymore. My body was certainly quivering, but it was violently. I used the remainder of my sanity to think clearly and weigh up my choices.

Fight him?

I didn't see that working out too well for me. He was an alpha and much stronger than me. Besides, I couldn't ever let my hate loose on Sam; I wouldn't be able to stop, so it would be kill or be killed. I still cared enough that I didn't want either of us dead.

Cripple him?

That was an option! Not permanently of course, but temporary crippling was an appealing idea. Hmm, did I really need more hate directed at me right now? One broken nose under my belt was probably enough for tonight.

That left me with one other option: Back down, threaten, and failing that push.

I managed to reduce my convulsions to a shiver and resorted to a hard slap across his face. The sound resonated off the walls, and I felt a smug satisfaction at the fading hand print across his cheek.

"Finished?" Sam questioned, his face like stone.

Hardly! I was calmer, but I was still savage.

"Screw you Sam! Do you want me to call for Jake?" I wasn't sure he'd actually come and it sure sounded childish. It was, however, pleasing to see that it wasn't something Sam wanted, yet to my annoyance he still didn't budge.

I tried to push past him, but he blocked the door and shoved me back gently. After several more attempts, I gave up, threw the toilet lid down and slumped on it. My hands were gripping my knees trying to keep control. I remembered to continue my 'keep breathing' mantra, but Hawaii felt like years ago!

Sam got on his knees and shuffled towards me. He tried to hold my hands, but I jerked them away in an instant; he was walking a fine line because option one and two were still open to me.

"Leah?' he questioned softly, trying to catch my eye.

I looked everywhere except at him, but it didn't stop him talking.

"I'll never be able to make it up to you after what happened. It doesn't mean I won't ever stop trying though. Both me and Emily love you."

I cringed at his words. "Cut the crap Sam. What do you want?" I finally looked him in the eyes; I used to get lost in them for hours. How many years would it take to forget?

"We want you to be our child's godmother." He showed no humour as he spoke. "You're family Lee-Lee, and I want my child to be blessed enough to have you in their life."

So that was it? They thought it'd make everything good if I was its godmother? No thanks! I wasn't masochistic enough to rub salt into my own wounds just yet. "I think we'll all be better off if I decline, don't you?"

He'd had his chance. If that's all he wanted to waste his breathe on, then I was out of here.

I had won; Sam looked tired and sat back on his heels. I didn't care and used the opportunity to get away. I made my way swiftly down the stairs, ignoring the glares radiating from Paul and Rachel, who were still loitering in the hall.

"Poison…" Rachel muttered towards me as I descended.

It took every inch of self control I had to keep going and not knock Paul out, (I could hardly hit her).

As I reached the bottom, I realised tonight must be one big joke and the bloody punch line was now blocking my exit.

Emily stood by the front door looking worried; I tried not to take in the extended curve of her tummy. Unfortunately, her and her litter didn't move. Automatically, I changed course. Sod going home; I needed a drink first.

Ok, one cup was not going to do anything for me! I found two large empty bottles in the lounge and filled them from a nearby keg. I felt like a thief in the night stealing the alcohol away, but technically it was Seth's and therefore mine by default.

As I turned to leave, I saw Jake watching me from across the living room. He was sitting in an armchair near the make shift dance floor. His eyes were the only part of him that the lights touched and they told me he was angry; no doubt with me, but he didn't interject and let me carry the bottles through the kitchen and out the patio doors.

I needed air and solitude desperately, so I wandered round to the side of the house. The stars were out and the expanse of space was inviting; I wanted nothing more than to get lost in the night sky and I half sat, half fell, down on the grass.

"God I hate parties!" I exclaimed, throwing the first shot of spirit down my throat. It tasted worse than the first one, but I felt the warmth spread through my stomach immediately.

I was fine. I wasn't on self destruct or anything, but it had been a long day and Sam had really bad timing. I couldn't believe his nerve - it seemed like he couldn't give me any peace.

Suddenly, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise and sensed someone near. I spun my head around and made out a silhouette sitting in the shadows of the house. From the darknesss, the brightest most serene blue eyes looked right back at me.

"Bad night?"

The voice that spoke was deep and husky, causing a shiver to run down my back at the sound.

"Something like that," I grumbled and turned back. I guessed this was either Shay or Cris - they were the only ones unaccounted for.

"Tonight's not really what I expected either." His voice was low.

I heard him stand and walk in my direction. Sitting down next to me, he waved his cup in front of me. "You got anymore? I'm out."

I tried not to pay him any attention because I hadn't invited him to join me after all.

"So?" he questioned, holding his cup out further and nodding at my bottles.

He expected me to share?

I was about to bite, and turned to tell him where to go, but his eyes stunned me again – they showed conflicting emotions.

"Yeah, here. Sorry." I found myself reluctantly handing him a bottle of his own and apologising.

I was pleased when he said nothing further, and we remained drinking in contented silence. I guessed he had as his own problems by the worry lines etched across his stern face. However, he could keep them - that was fine by me.

It was a surprise when I reached the bottom of my bottle. I noticed the music in the house had quieted and there was the faint sound of laughter and talking, coming from the back garden. I guessed that was where everyone had congregated to end the night.

"I think… I might be empty..." The man slurred. He turned the bottle upside down, shaking it in a cave man fashion. Looking satisfied when nothing came out, he hiccupped loudly.

"Yup… me too." I felt pretty drunk, but I could still think and that was a problem. "I'll get more!"

I stood too quickly and felt my head spin as I staggered and knocked into Mr. Blue Eyes.

I blushed and gasped, "Oops!"

He still didn't say a word.

I stalked off to the house, using the front door this time to avoid the remaining guests. I was on a mission. I imagined myself in wolf form on the prowl, looking for my victim which had a special scent. I giggled at my own stupidity. At times like this, I was truly Seth's sister. Unfortunately, I was also too busy to pay attention to my surroundings and tripped over a rug. There was an almighty thump as I hit the ground, and I had to wait a few minutes for the world to stop spinning before I could push myself up. If I were normal, that would have hurt!

Cursing at my own idiocy, I made my way through the house and was pleased to see the coast was clear. To satisfy myself, I checked the back window and I was right - everyone was on the lawn. I didn't bother to see who'd stuck around and went back to my search.

After knocking into another table, apologising to a door frame, and almost killing an innocent vase, my eyes found the prize! Bingo!

I was busy filling our bottles from the keg, delighted with myself, when I felt someone's hot breath on my shoulder. I turned to find Jacob's face inches from mind.

He was smelling me and his own musky smell, in such close proximity was more intoxicating than anything Seth could supply. That was until he spoke. "Leah you're drunk."

That snapped me out of it. "What? It's alright for you guys, but not me?"

"I thought you were going home?" he sighed.

Oh, great, now I was getting the disappointed look!

"Things change." I wasn't in the mood for Jake's intervention tonight; he was a little too late.

"Leah..." he sighed again and softly pushed a strand of my hair back into place behind my ear.

Why was I so charged at the moment? My body leaned in towards the heat Jake was giving off. In return, his face tilted closer to mine. Closing my eyes instinctually, I waited.

I felt his lips press hard against my forehead and his arm wrap around me before he dragged his lips to my ear. "Please Leah. Go home and sleep things off. I'm sorry about Sam; I told him it was a bad idea."

So they were talking about me again! "Go to hell Jake. Why don't you worry about your own imprint instead of me. I'm not your problem!"

I pushed him away and watched as he staggered back. Collecting the bottles, I went to find my silent drinking buddy. Even though I could barely walk in a straight line, I somehow made it outside. There was no sign of him though, and I was vaguely disappointed. However, that soon passed, when I remembered it meant all the more alcohol for me.

I fell backwards on to the ground, bottles in hand, and sloshed some of the cloudy nectar down my dress. Cursing, I lifted the first bottle to my lips and began to drink in large gulps. At some point the world finally left me alone.

Jacob's POV

I thought we'd come to an understanding, but Sam just couldn't leave it alone. He approached me at the bonfire, asking me to help him when Leah got back. When he said he wanted her as godmother, I told him not to even think about it. I hardly thought that if Leah was unable to have her own kid that involvement in her ex's was going to fill any holes.

Unfortunately as always, Sam and Emily thought they could fix her. Their hearts were in the right place, but not their heads. When I saw him follow her upstairs, I had to keep myself from dragging the selfish bastard back down; she hadn't been back five minutes. Sadly, I knew Leah wanted to fight her own battles, so instead I listened in case it kicked off.

I was relieved when a few minutes later my beta stormed down the stairs. She collected some bottles of drink before catching my eye. Leah was waiting to see if I would stop her, but I didn't have the heart and so I let her walk out the back door (hopefully to go to home).

The night passed without any other drama, and it was nice to have the packs all together. We should really try this more often. Even the Barrow lot seemed to be getting on with everyone although I hadn't seen Cris since the beach.

I walked around the empty house surveying the damage. Everyone was now out back reminiscing, but I stayed inside to clear up and move some furniture back. I was using my time constructively because it meant there would be less to do tomorrow and it kept me from thinking about Nessie.

Today had been an overall good day, but it got harder when I had to watch the guys with their imprints throughout the evening. I smiled, at least the day had ended well - Leah was back.

She looked beautiful tonight, and I had initially done a double take. I didn't think anyone had seen Leah in a dress since high school. I sincerely hoped she felt as invigorated as she looked.

I would be sure to thank Rebecca before I killed her; she was supposed to let me know when Leah was returning. Instead, I had no idea and had to control myself. I wanted to hug her as tight as Seth did, but things like that never went down well.

I laughed to myself because Leah had brought out several emotions in me tonight - first joy, then annoyance, then horror. My heart hadn't beaten that fast in years. When she'd first laid eyes on Corey, I had freaked, feeling like my chest was being ripped open. It was ridiculous seeing as she wasn't mine, and she never would be.

I admitted that it had lifted my spirits to see her, but as much as I wanted her to, she still didn't fill that permanent hole in my chest. I slowly went to the mantel piece in the lounge, where I knew there was picture of Ness from Christmas. I could never compare her or Leah because they were opposites in every way.

I got lost in thought looking at my other angel; she was breathtaking. Her soft brown hair fell around the sweetest eyes in ringlets. Her narrow frame was so petite and perfect - Nessie was like glass to me. In the picture she was hugging her uncle Emmett and grinning at the camera. I saw the bracelet I gave her that morning around her wrist and my promise ring on her right hand. We weren't in a relationship yet, so the ring had been my promise to love and protect her forever. In what manner, would be left to her.

I acknowledged that Nessie wasn't as innocent as she looked. She had grown up in a house full of vampires after all, with each of them raising her in some way or other.

It was funny - she was as head strong and stubborn as her mother and as crazy and kooky as her aunt Alice. If you then added a dash of vanity and attitude from Rosalie, plus Esme's caring nature, you would have the base of my girl's character. However, with all of that said, she was still her own person, with her own individual traits. I had no doubt being doted on made her rather demanding sometimes, but she still consisted of every quality I had ever wanted. She was as made for me, as I was for her.

My heart ached. Ness was such a happy person; it hurt me incredibly hearing her tears whenever we spoke on the phone. The distance was breaking both of us, and my instinct told me to run to her every time. My baby should never cry.

I must have been staring at the picture for some time before I heard heavy footsteps in the house and a loud bang. Some minutes later Leah appeared, skulking across the room. She was trying to be quiet, but was far too drunk to do it effectively. I might have found it funny, but she was heading for more alcohol and enough was enough.

I walked up behind her, but she didn't even sense me.

How much had she had?

I smelt her, and it was definitely Seth's mix - how was she walking after the two bottles earlier?

"Leah you're drunk."

She had turned, and her rose lips were mere centimeters from my face. Her eyes were looking into mine so deeply that I felt like she could see my soul. I was so close that I could even see the tiny creases in her skin. Sadly, as soon as I spoke she took a defensive stance. "What? It's alright for you guys, but not me?"

Didn't she see? She was drinking for the wrong reasons. "I thought you were going home?"

"Things change," she snapped.

"Leah…" I watched as a piece of soft black hair came out of place and gently tucked it back behind her tiny ear. I could feel how little distance there was between us as she leaned in to me further.

I couldn't help but naturally close the gap, and she closed her eyes. The little part of me she had wanted to kiss her so badly that it made me realise how dearly I'd missed her. I put an end to my thoughts because I would never touch any girl when they were this drunk, and Leah clearly didn't know what she was doing because she had never acted like this with me before.

I lifted my lips away from hers and kissed her on the forehead instead. I hugged her with as much pressure as I could to convey my feelings for her. Needing her to get some shut eye, I whispered in her ear, "Please Leah. Go home and sleep things off. I'm sorry about Sam. I'd told him it was a bad idea."

Me and my big mouth - the look she gave me said she was savage.

"Go to hell Jake. Why don't you worry about your own imprint instead of me. I'm not your problem!" She shoved me and grabbed more alcohol.

I let her go as her words ripped through me. What was I doing? A part of what she said was right. I should have been prioritising Nessie, but didn't she see she would always be my problem? My confusion spun like a never ending circle. I was trapped between my night and day.

I punched the wall in frustration leaving a huge dent. I had no idea how to sort things out. I physically and mentally couldn't be without Ness much longer, but I couldn't leave Leah yet. She had only just come back and there was so much to resolve.

AN

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