Leah's POV

I woke up in my own bed, which was much better than yesterday morning. Reaching for the curtain and peeking underneath the sky appeared grey, but there was no rain. It was an overall good start for weather in La Push.

My body shivered and dispelled my good mood by flashing me an image of the dead wolf again. I was pretty sure it had featured in last night's nightmares, along with Jake kissing me and the torn up body found in the mountains. I didn't want to remember how they all linked together in my dreams, so I shoved the nightmare out of the mind.

I checked the clock; man it was early. Why did I always wake up when I had a chance of a lie in? I was patrolling with Seth later, but not until lunchtime. The way I figured it, he wouldn't be up for hours.

The rest of the house seemed quiet, and I assumed Jake had actually gone home after my refusal to talk to him last night. I was civil during the meeting, but that was it. He had kept his distance as a result. I was impressed, even when Corey and Cris had that little spat he stayed out of it and left me in control.

As acting alpha, I had decided to pull my guys out of there the minute things started to escalate. We had enough dramas without getting drawn into anyone else's. Besides, I was going to lose my temper. Corey was walking a fine line. I didn't appreciate the way he pointed at me like a piece of meat during his outburst. I had also only tolerated his pathetic flirting because of Cris's apparent amusement. It wouldn't have been a good end to my first day in charge if I had shredded him to pieces.

My mind reluctantly took me back to Jake. I was pleased he and Seth were alright at least. They had a 'little chat' outside when Jake came around. They went far enough away that I couldn't hear them clearly; I could however, make out that Seth's voice was the loudest and most constant.

Who knew my little brother had such balls?

I knew I was probably over reacting, but Jake was a jerk yesterday. I didn't know how long it was going to take for me to be able to speak to him again. I had lost my trust in him and was now totally confused.

He had kissed me.

Sure, a big hunky boy kissing a girl doesn't sound like a bad thing, but things were too complicated for it to be that simple.

Firstly, I was only just back; I had already argued with Sam the night before, and been faced with a dead wolf only a few hours before hand. I may be strong, but I'm not made of stone. There's only so much a girl can take in twenty four hours.

In the end, Jake screwed me over when all I was actually trying to do was have a serious conversation with him. I was being honest and open. Yes, that included emotional, but I didn't want his sympathy. I wanted support and understanding, maybe even some clarity to help me get some perspective. I knew that I was always getting clogged down with the constant crap in my life and that I couldn't always see past it.

Worst of all, the only reason I was actually trying to work through my problems with him, (the person I relied on the most), was so that I could be a better alpha for him.

And why was that again?

Oh yes, so that he could be with Nessie.

I can't believe he even had the nerve to do it!

What right did he have to try?

He trashed our friendship in thirty seconds. A kiss is so much more to me than just a kiss. Jake knows this; he knows everything about me. That includes the little and big things, like how I feel about imprinting to the reasons I run in the rain.

The pack regularly had the audacity to moan at me for never opening up and always being a bitch, but when I did, shit like this happened. First Embry tried it and then Jake did.

Well screw them all - no one kisses me without permission!

The little part of my conscience - that I often blocked out - was jumping up and down saying I wasn't totally unwilling with either of them, but I quickly beat it back into submission.

I knew I had said to Jake that I would be responsible, but I was a big girl, so I decided to get up and do some exercise instead of wallowing. It still wasn't warm, but I missed the ocean, so I grabbed my board shorts, tankini, and faithful vest and got changed. I knew it wasn't swimsuit weather, but I didn't exactly have a normal body temperature and I hated wet suits; I was so used to shedding my skin that wearing another was claustrophobic.

After grabbing a towel and slinging it over my shoulder, my next stop was the shed; I had an inkling Seth's junk included an old surf board. I reached the door and pulled it open, catching it as it fell off its hinges.

Didn't Seth fix anything?

I put the door back on the best I could and almost freaked out when I saw the shed. It was a mess! There were pipes, kegs and God only knows what the hell else, strewn all over the place. I saw two overturned crates and our old coffee table - that was obviously the seating area.

How could the guys relax in here?

I managed to get to the back of the shed after climbing over more of Seth's crap. On the way, I discovered my old bike and some other odd forgotten trinkets.

Who knew the shed was this big?

I was beginning to think I'd find Narnia; at least I'd fit in there, being a mystical creature and all.

Finally, I spotted the surf board in the corner behind some boxes. It looked old, but with some love, care and turtle wax, (mental note - buy some later), it would be fine. If my memory served me right it had been used about twice. Typical Seth - he always was impulsive.

I sighed as I looked at the task of moving the dusty old boxes. They were an unfortunate overspill of stuff that didn't fit in the attic. Picking them up one by one, I tried to clear a path. To my distaste, the dust started to irritate my nose and caused me to let out an almighty sneeze. The result was that even more dust was thrown into the air. I started to curse, but fell silent when I noticed my name penciled on the corner of a shoe box in mum's handwriting.

I was immediately curious and put the box to the side while I got the board out. I carried both items out of the shed and put them down by the back door. I tried to remember seeing the box before; then I remembered I had given Seth the task of storage. Cautiously, I sat down on the top step and lifted the box lid.

I couldn't believe the contents.

I knew mum had wanted me to keep these things, but I ignored her and threw them out. She must have saved them from the trash. I looked down at the top picture; it was Sam and I at Prom.

I shut the shoe box immediately, I wasn't sure I wanted to look any further. Part of me wanted to burn the contents, but the fact that mum kept them made me reluctant. A curious part of me also wanted to know her reasoning. Undecided, I grabbed the box and surf board and headed to the beach.

I arrived to see the waves churning wildly and white horses riding in to the shore. It wasn't the same as Hawaii, but it still looked fun. Any distraction to my life was always welcome.

I put the box down along with my towel and pulled off my top and shorts. The minute I was free I ran into the ocean, faster than I really should have. As soon as the waves reached my waist the currents started to pull me and I was glad for my wolf strength. I proceeded to swim out and played around for a bit on the surf. After a while, I moved out past the waves to a smoother part of the ocean and sat up on my board.

I scanned the beach; my box was still there with my clothes next to it. Then I noticed something white under the cliff to left. My eyes strained, I wasn't sure what it was, but at the moment everything was best investigated.

I paddled back in and threw my board down with my stuff while I crept up to the cliff. The cave was covered from the beach and was a good hiding place; if I hadn't been out in the ocean I would have missed it. I was ready to phase at any time, but as I got closer there was no movement to be heard. The only sound was light breathing. I moved in again and saw a white wolf curled up inside; it was either Cris or Corey. The wolf's size led me to think it was Cris.

I admit I was relieved, if not slightly confused. My first thought was - why were they out here? My second - they were a dumb ass! Didn't anyone learn anything yesterday? Cris of all people was pushing for responsibility.

I picked up a rock and took aim - a shock would serve him right. I threw the stone and it landed by his head. The wolf was up and growling in an instant; his posture was low down and ready to pounce.

Automatically, I stepped back; his size was intimidating and I realised what a foolish thing I had just done. He was ready to attack and then his signature eyes found me. The wolf's alarm faded quickly and he stretched his long body, flexing his paws.

Even though, I was facing a recently dangerous and startled alpha, I couldn't help but smart off.

"Morning Cris! Bit hypocritical sleeping out here alone, don't you think?"

I gestured to his sleeping spot on the cave floor and looked back at him. I used the opportunity to take in his wolf form properly. I was glad he didn't want to fight me last night; the wolf was much bigger than me, maybe level with Jake, definitely larger than Sam. I wasn't a wimp, but I wasn't stupid either.

I realised he was the first of the Barrow pack I had seen phased, and he was definitely setting a standard; though I doubted the others would be any match. Mind you, after seeing the colossal build of Shay, his shear power would be an interesting comparison.

Looking over Cris again, his fur was a blinding white and his coat was thick and short. His paws were the size of dinner plates and the teeth he bared looked deadly. I noted the powerful muscles in his legs and assumed he was also fairly swift. Regardless of the terrifying power he conveyed, his wolf form was beautiful and majestic.

After a minute of me staring, the wolf barked at me impatiently. I wondered why he didn't just phase and then I realised he had no clothes. I started to laugh; I knew better than most people about inconveniently shredding things.

"Wait here idiot; I'll lend you my towel," I shouted as I jogged back to my stuff.

Before heading back, I took a minute to throw my own clothes back on. I then went and shoved the towel at him before retreating to allow him some privacy. After a few minutes, Cris joined me sitting on the sand. I tried not to make a sarcastic remark about his lack of clothes, or that the fact my towel was now tied securely around his waist protecting his dignity.

"Morning," he said yawning widely. "How did you know it was me?"

I didn't answer and merely pointed to my eyes. I would recognise them anywhere, the striking colour was hypnotic. Besides, the only other white wolf I knew of was Corey.

"Oh, cool." He shrugged. "So, it's early right?"

"Yep." I popped the 'p'.

Cris stretched his long muscled arms above his head sleepily. "Guess you didn't bring coffee?"

"No, was I supposed to?" I smiled slightly as I answered.

"Just thought we might have a morning ritual in the making." Cris tilted his head and flashed me a friendly smile.

I tried to keep a straight face, but I felt a smirk creeping into the corner of my mouth; "I hardly think it counts as a ritual, especially when I've only been back two days. You're not stalking me or something are you?"

He laid back on the sand, leaning on his elbows as a prop. "You were at my house remember? Also, I was here first; other way round me thinks."

"Yeah, because that's totally my style!" Sarcasm had always been my friend.

"So then, where have you been?" he asked curiously.

I had avoided all questions yesterday and he hadn't even tried to ask anything. I felt relaxed enough today to be civil; the water really did work wonders. "Hawaii; I stayed with some friends for a while."

"Fun?" he queried.

I looked him over as I thought. His hair was short, black and scruffy against his chiseled face. I tried to take in the rest of his features; even with his bare chest exposed I found it hard to look at anything other than his eyes.

Ok, so it was totally lame, but I love eyes. I have a hundred reasons why, for example: they can't lie and they tell you so much about a person.

Cris's eyes were bright and engaging. He didn't break eye contact often, which to me said he was confident in himself. Although, he definitely wasn't cocky. I noticed he also had dimples when he smiled and if you looked closely it showed his face had some short black stubble.

I forced myself to give his body the quick once over; like all of the shape-shifters he was a copper skinned masterpiece. He still had his own physical traits and I noted that he had height on his side for certain. In regards to his waist and legs, they were muscled, but also fairly lean. It wasn't until you reached his upper body that he became broad; his shoulders, arms and chest were filled out and completely toned.

I came back to earth and answered his question; "Yeah, too much. I didn't want to come back." I changed the subject, "Cris, what are you actually doing out here alone?"

I didn't understand his presence.

"I should be asking you the same thing, given yesterday's events." He sighed and all playfulness fell away to leave the saddest face behind. "How are you? Can I ask you that today?"

I glared at his question. The one thing I liked about him yesterday was the way he didn't treat me as if I was fragile.

"I'll take that as no then, shall I? I assume there's been no more news?"

He was trying to talk pack stuff and he hadn't even answered my question.

I snapped at him in frustration, "Take it how you want. And, no - there's been nothing new that I know of. Now answer my question; what are you doing out here?"

His face remained heavy with frown lines. "I'm sure you can guess . . . I had a big fight with Corey. Well not so much a fight, but I pulled rank after you left."

He gradually explained to me what happened. I tried to imagine if it was me and Seth, but I couldn't. Seth would never push me like that. Mind you, I had spent years making sure he feared and obeyed me, and that was before we even phased.

"It'll be fine. Family's fight, alphas and betas fight. I know what it's like and it's natural. Sounds like you were both well overdue a bust up." I tried to reassure him.

"Maybe; I know he won't talk to me for ages though. He'll sulk because I showed him up. So you got any siblings then?" Cris seemed genuinely interested and the distraction to both of our lives was no doubt welcome.

"Yeah. Believe it or not, he brought you the Dracula mugs!" I tucked my knees up under my chin and lazily traced a circle in the sand with my finger. I was smiling to myself about Seth's little quirks.

Cris raised his eyebrows, "Seth huh? That explains a lot. I wouldn't have put you two together though."

"And why not?" I stopped drawing and looked at him, unsure of what was wrong with us as siblings.

"His disposition's a lot sunnier than yours." He laughed as he spoke.

It warmed me that his sad face had gone. Like Seth, he just didn't look like the kind of person who should ever be sad; he seemed too nice.

I couldn't argue with him with him though. His opinion of my brother and I was accurate. Seth was like a ray of light. I just shrugged his comment off instead and we sat listening to the gulls as we gazed out to sea.

"It complicates things, I bet?" Cris said.

"What? Seth?" I had been lost in my thoughts.

He nodded at me, and I continued, "It's not so bad now. It caused big problems back at the start though. I guess it wouldn't have been so bad if I was a bloke."

"It's still not easy, look at me and Corey. Is Seth ok with you being alpha?"

Cris had a better understanding of my situation than most, but he didn't know Seth.

I chuckled. "Yeah, I've always bossed him around anyway. Plus, I'm already his beta and older sister. Seth's pretty chilled out all in all."

"So you're going to do it then? Be alpha?" Cris looked impressed.

"I'm going to try, if that counts for anything. If it all works out, then I guess we'll be working together." Being in Cris's head seemed better than being in Sam's.

Cris smiled slightly and turned his head back to the ocean. "I love watching the ocean; it reminds me of back home. It fascinates me."

"So what else fascinates you here? You don't seem to love La Push quite as much as your brother." I was curious to the difference between them.

Cris smirked and said nothing.

I prodded further, flicking some sand at him. "What are you smirking at? I personally hate La Push; it sucks the life out of people. It's hardly beautiful."

"Beauty is all about perception, and Corey has never seen things the way I do." He took a leaf out of my book changing the subject. He pointed at my memories sitting between us. "What's in the box?"

"Just some old stuff I found in the garage." I was putting off looking through it.

"Cool . . . like what?" He gestured towards it again.

I didn't know; I hadn't even looked properly myself. The box was a can of worms, and I realised at that moment that I wasn't ready for it.

Cris must have seen my hesitation, "Leah, you can just be blunt and tell me to butt out. That's the same look you gave me when I asked if you wanted coffee yesterday."

"Sorry, it's just complicated," I said quietly. It hit me that I just apologised to someone.

"Coffee's complicated?" Cris was trying to keep a straight face.

I didn't know why, but I felt compelled to be honest. "You just surprised me. People and me, we don't tend to get along too well. "

He stood up and brushed the sand off his legs, keeping the towel tight around his waist. "Well, I won't ask you again then, no more surprises." He was momentarily amused. "But, if you ever want non-complicated coffee, or maybe even a friend, then I'm around. I'm not people; I'm just Cris. I can tell you, it's nice to have someone to relate to. Not many people get the alpha and brother stuff."

He started to look embarrassed and glanced down at himself. "Oh, and err . . . thanks for the towel. I'll leave it by the edge of the forest if that's ok."

"Sure." I smiled politely.

"Don't kick my ass, but maybe you should head back too. I don't want to explain to your alpha why I left you alone on a beach." Cris was getting more nervous by the second.

"Fine," I huffed, "I'll head home as soon as I get my towel. I got stuff to do anyway."

"Cool. Thanks. I'll see you later . . . maybe." Cris gave me a relived smile and turned to walk back up the beach to the tree line.

Maybe it was the swim, maybe it was Cris's company, but I felt lighter. Cris was just easy to talk to. He was different to Jake, who had crossed a line yesterday and changed something our relationship.

Realising the full weight of the situation I was in made me worry about how long it really would take to get back to that comfortable place with Jake. I had spent years insisting my feelings for him were nothing more than platonic, never allowing myself to consider anything more. He was imprinted, and that was it.

Yesterday blurred all those boundaries. All I knew was there was no way I was going to lose myself to another person who could never love me back. Besides, Jake always looked at me with pity, or went totally over the top being protective. Someone like Cris on the other hand, had no expectations and treated me reasonably normally. It was a long time since that had happened (even though it was my own fault). Before Hawaii I might not have taken the time to realise it, but a new friend might not be a bad thing.

I felt bad thinking Jake might actually kick Cris's ass for leaving me here and to my own surprise I gathered up my stuff, including the old box, and started to head home. I found the towel near the tree line as promised.

When I got in, I tucked the memory box safely under the stairs. Why spoil a potentially good day?

Seth and I still had hours until we were due on patrol, but I was feeling evil. Seth still hadn't been shopping, the shed was a mess and the door needed fixing. He'd had it too easy during my absence. Right now he was going to get his ass out of bed and do something constructive.

I decided what method was best. I could imagine my parents tutting at what I was about to do - it was hardly mature. What the hell, Seth was well overdue a prank.

I crept up to his room and opened the door. There he was, my lazy little brother.

Most people might think it was sweet the way his sleeping face was smiling, or the way his legs were too long for his bed. Some people might pick up the arm that hung limply off the side and tuck it back in. Maybe even lightly kiss his forehead and wish him sweet dreams.

No, not me!

"Fuck . . . LEAH!" Seth screamed leaping from his bed.

Well, I had successfully woken two people with a fright this morning. I fell to my knees laughing and dropped the empty jug in my hand. Seth was hopping up and down with cold water dripping all over him and his bed. I finally got up and threw him the towel I held in my other hand.

"Saved you a shower Honey. Now you can get to work." I blew him a kiss and turned tail still laughing manically.

Oh yes, screw yesterday, today would be a good day.

AN

Hey all,

So that's another week flown by and the latest chapter. Let me know what you think of it, I hope the story is still going good. As always feedback is both appreciated and welcome.

I'm not sure what's going on at the moment, but my story traffic hasn't moved for the last week and a bit, even though I have had reviews etc, so I have no idea how many people are reading this at the moment!

An update to this story now though, is that my beta and me have got into a nice little weekly routine, so that should continue and I've drafted up to chapter 45 - I'm just hoping I can keep everyone interested enough to keep reading! (I can't make it any shorter without cutting out things out and that wouldn't do everything in my head justice.)

So currently as I upload, i'm on 149 reviews! Who's going to be the wonderful person to make me hit 150?

The last chapter didn't have many reviews so I'm hoping you guys still liked it, if there's ever anything bad though, constructive critism would be most welcome! xxx