AN

Here it is, chapter 33! Enjoy. xxx

Jake's POV

I was in the forest phased behind Leah's house and trying to figure out the best way to approach her. I'd been stalking back and forth for ages; there was no doubt she was inside, and it only amplified my nerves.

Two weeks had passed since I kissed her, and despite hours spent trying to talk to her nothing worked and I was still being ignored.

I always knew Leah was capable of holding a grudge and had a tendency to over react, but I never imagined she would, or even could, hold out on me for this long; I must really have pissed her off this time . . . what other explanation was there?

There was only one thing I was certain of; I definitely did not understand women.

I had exhausted numerous approaches at getting back in Leah's good books and nothing had worked:

My first chance to apologise was of course at the training session. Unfortunately, I never got the chance. Instead, I lost my temper and tried to kill Cris - something that obviously didn't go down too well with my beta . . . or Cris.

I admit it wasn't the proudest or cleverest moment in my life. Especially as it had only taken one glimpse of him and Leah alone on the beach to change my mood so swiftly and bring out something possessive and feral in me. I still have no idea if it was an alpha vs. alpha thing, or just a Leah thing, but either way I didn't like the loss of control I felt.

God damn it . . . why the hell was Leah so good at getting under my skin?

Of course, things could only go from bad to worse after that incident because I then had Claire's birthday to contend with.

I had to fight every instinct I had that day not to take over, especially when Sam started throwing himself around the kitchen. Instead, I did my best to take Leah's direct orders and even waited until she was alone to attempt apology number two.

Sadly, that went down like a lead balloon and no progress was made.

Next, I tried catching her phased instead of dealing with her in person, so she cleverly put us on separate patrols. Only once did I manage to catch her off guard and in response she phased back immediately, leaving me with only a glimpse of confusion and hurt; attempt number three was another failure.

At this point, I gave up and listened to the pack. The direct approach clearly wasn't working and so I gave her space like they told me. I should have realised taking advice from the guys was never going to be productive.

Regardless, I held strong even when I found out Sam was visiting Leah about quitting, and when Cris saw her car parked on the beach front I sent him instead of me.

I knew Cris was peeved at the time; he had been trying to talk to me about the imprint bond in order to understand Sam quitting, and he didn't seem best pleased when I refused to check on Leah myself.

What he didn't know was that I hated asking him. Sending the new alpha in my place, to my beta, was something that definitely didn't sit well with me at all.

It wasn't that I didn't like Cris. I mean sure, he's a little unattached and unemotional about pack stuff sometimes, and we all know that he is big on responsibility, but he's a nice guy. He's always been polite and the few times he has let himself go he's been quite funny.

None of that mattered though because Leah was mine, she was my best friend and my beta, and although I had made a conscious decision to let all romantic notions about her go, that didn't mean I'd just give her up to anyone either.

The wolf and the man in me agreed strongly on this subject.

Every inch of me knew I was being selfish - I had Nessie. It was unfair to keep Leah to myself as well, but I wanted both women in my life. I now understand only too well how Bella could choose Edward over me and still claim that she loved me.

Anyway, after that night and feeling jealous of Cris, I changed tact again.

This time I took the old fashioned human approach of the telephone and knocking on her front door.

To my annoyance though, anytime I managed to get near Leah she was all business, and then, when I knew she was off duty, she was always out.

By this point poor Seth was suffering almost as badly as I was. She had dubbed him as the go between and her messages to me were far from polite; Seth's face flushed red every time he repeated her words.

What could I do though? Really?

She was acting alpha. If I undermined any of her orders, I undermined my own decision and short of becoming a stalker, I had to respect her wishes.

The only possibility left was to confront her openly and alone. Failing this I was going to crawl into a hole.

I felt my mind shift as I thought that last part and Sam joined me.

"Who are you confronting?"

"Keep out of it Sam. I didn't invite you."

I hated it when he caught my thoughts unintended.

"Get over yourself Black."

Sam was just as irked.

I sighed, pushing Leah to the back of my mind; "Anything new?"

Thank God Sam was never one for small talk. "No. All's quiet; it's been two weeks and there's been nothing. You heard from the leeches?"

"Do you really have to call them that? And no, only the usual from Ness."

Besides the Leah problem, I was also worried about this vamp that was getting past our boundaries. It was impossible to track someone with no scent and as long as she was free to roam, La Push and the imprints were at risk.

"Earth to Jake?"

"Sorry Sam. I was just thinking."

"Yeah. I saw that. We'll find her though. She'll slip up soon enough."

Considering Emily was at risk, Sam seemed self assured.

I felt doubtful; "Maybe, but let's hope its sooner rather than later - before lives are lost. I don't think she's going to be this friendly forever."

"Are you really ok Jake? Is that all that's bothering you?"

"I'm fine." My thought was sharp and warned Sam not to intrude further.

"I was only trying to help."

"Well don't. You've done enough damage around here." I mentally snapped back.

"That's not fair Jake."

"That's life."

"Jesus, you're becoming as big a bitch as Leah."

"Come here and say that you dick."

"I've got better things to do than be part of your mini drama. Collin and Brady are here to take over your shift anyway."

Knowing the next shift was covered, I phased out immediately before I said something I'd regret. I didn't really like Sam, there was too much bad water under the bridge, but we still tried to change over in this manner regularly. It ensured communication between the packs, which was especially important at the moment.

It was strange and also welcoming to think I would soon be speaking directly with Jared.

None of it mattered though; for now I was off duty and free to see Leah, and this time I would get her back.

I suddenly realised that while waiting for Sam, I had paced so much so that a path was evident. My anxiety was quickly building. Even being an alpha, Leah was the only one who could crush me if I gave her an inch and this wasn't pack related which made it that much harder.

Eventually, I took one final deep breath and phased back into human form. Having had enough with being polite, I strolled across her lawn and straight in through the back door.

I was in luck; Leah was sitting at the kitchen table reading the paper. I awaited the onslaught. Instead, she looked up briefly, raised her eyebrows at me, and then continued to read.

"Hi . . ." I said, still expecting a torrent of abuse or flying kitchen utensils.

Leah was silent and didn't move, which I found extremely unsettling, but finally she slammed down the paper and scowled at me.

"You're a loser. You know that?" she spoke with venom through her tightly pursed lips.

I nodded carefully buttoning my own mouth; this was progress where Leah was concerned. She was at least talking.

"You ever kiss me again and I'll kill you." She was glaring menacingly now.

It didn't frighten me, in this case Leah being a bitch was a very good sign and terms were good.

I continued nodding, trying to hide my smile.

"You're still not forgiven."

It seemed Leah was determined to make her point with the minimum amount of words and maximum amount of attitude.

"Well don't just stand there like a moron." She huffed this time and gestured to the chair nearest me.

I sat my bum down secretly delighted and she returned to reading the paper. I started to get impatient as the minutes ticked by and I could barely see her over the top of the pages.

"Where's Seth?" I dared to ask.

I had just realised the house was quiet except for the turning of pages and the painfully slow beat of the kitchen clock.

"Why? You scared he might beat you up again?" Leah didn't look up from the newspaper, yet I had no doubt she was smug, and her sarcasm was welcome on this occasion. "Don't worry Jacob, he's at work - you're safe from the big bad wolf."

More minutes of silence passed.

"So, how have you been?" I probed.

"Fine," she replied shortly.

I started to get fidgety; the passing seconds becoming louder and slower with each rotation of the clock hands.

"Are we going to talk about this?" I said cautiously.

Leah's voice was sharp and clear; "No."

I hadn't really expected anything different; she never did like talking about the elephant in the room.

"Ok. Well, do you want to do something?" I offered.

I figured I would try and not make a big deal out of anything to get some normality.

"Not if lips are involved."

Damn it! I was going to be paying for this for months and I had to make sure I didn't bite back.

She put the paper down more slowly this time and exhaled. "What did you have in mind?"

"Cinema?" I suggested.

"No, it's too dark."

"Cliff jumping?"

"No, it's too windy."

"Beach?"

"No, it's not sunny enough."

"Race?"

"No, you're too easy to beat."

"We could just chill out here?"

"No, I've been here all day."

"Leah!" I growled. She was being deliberately awkward.

"What?" she snapped, daring me to push her.

I let out a sigh and backed down; "Ok, what do you want to do?"

"What about hanging out with the guys?" she asked, a small smile playing on her face.

"Err, sure. I guess I could give Embry and Quil a call." I wanted to be alone with her, but if the pack being together would make her happy and more at ease today then so be it.

"No, I meant Cris and Jaden. They are stuck up at Vamp Central and hardly anyone visits them. Damn rude if you ask me, they are helping us with patrols after all."

I was surprised by Leah's thoughtfulness. Don't get me wrong, Leah was kind and caring and always looked after us, but that wasn't her pack to care about and she didn't tend to get involved in other people's business.

"Isn't there something else you want to do?" I questioned hopefully.

"Not really, and you haven't seen Cris and Jaden for ages. It could be fun?"

I knew she was right. Since Corey and Shay left and with patrols, I hadn't really spent any time with our new allies, but I had been busy.

I looked at Leah again, it was becoming more and more impossible to say no. She was looking at me with an enthusiastic smile; a smile that had not been directed at me for two weeks.

I relented; "Fine. If that's what you want."

She jumped up and started clearing the table with an unusual bouncy energy, and a few minutes later we were out the door.

I was hoping she would phase, so I could hear her thoughts and get an insight into the last two weeks, but Leah wanted to drive instead.

Reluctantly, I gave in and got in her car. As Leah drove, I decided to flick the stereo on. I couldn't help but start laughing at the CD.

"What?" She looked over at me confused.

"Beethoven? I'm surprised is all . . . very un-you! I was expecting something a little more angsty." I was beyond amused.

"Shut up Jake, it's calming! You think it's easy being around idiots like you daily?" She thumped me for good measure, but it didn't dampen my mood.

It felt like we reached the Cullen's house all too soon; I was enjoying the alone time in the car with her. It was nice to be in such close vicinity after weeks apart, and I knew she was thawing out to me - her thump had been somewhat playful, and I had caught her smiling as we drove and I whittled on about my week.

As she parked out front I hopped out and slammed the car door a bit too hard. I had forgot my own strength and cringed at the bang, earning another scowl off Leah.

I was surprised when no one came to the front door. I hoped they were out, then Leah would have to spend the day alone with me. I led the way up the steps regardless and knocked.

Disappointingly, after a few seconds, Jaden opened up; "Hey guys. I thought I heard your car Leah. You don't need to knock; you should know that by now!"

I glanced at her, confused by his overly friendly welcome, but she avoided my gaze and strolled straight in.

Jaden was already retreating to the lounge and shouted back, "Either of you up for the Play Station? I'm just halfway through a match."

I looked to Leah again; I wanted to do whatever she wanted. I'd been apart from her for long enough and we were all supposed to be hanging out, that was her intention of bringing me here.

"You go Jake," she said.

"What are you going to do? We'll do it together." I was surprised; she didn't normally turn a game down.

"It's all good Jake. You go play the game." Leah's answer was dismissive, and my anxiety was increasing by the minute.

"Hey Jaden, where's-"

Leah was interrupted before she could finish by Jaden; "Cris is out back!"

"Thanks Hedwig!" she hollered before turning to me again.

"Go Jake, I'll be back in a bit with our fourth man." She pointed me in the direction of the lounge.

I felt sick. Had I missed something?

Leah had an open all hours invitation at the house, called Jaden 'Hedwig' and turned down playing a game?

"Jake, are you alright? You look weird." Leah was staring at me sceptically.

"Sure, sure," I said walking away worriedly to join Jaden.

I decided to throw myself into the game until she came back. It didn't take long to become completely absorbed and Jaden was good company. The little dweeb was bloody competitive too. Iwas therefore shocked when I next looked at the clock; hours had passed and Leah and Cris hadn't joined us. It was now starting to get dark.

The knot in my tummy tightened as I started to feel insecure. It was crazy, Leah was unable to let anyone get close to her; it had taken me a decade for God's sake. I was just being paranoid, her absence was completely innocent. She just lost track of time like I did . . . right?

I quickly stood up and went to find them. Following her sweet scent it wasn't hard; they were in the back garden, and despite the overcast sky and dusk they were lying on some sun loungers and laughing.

I had never felt more redundant than at that moment as I watched her with Cris.

My emotions became torn.

Part of me was tempted to walk away and leave her alone.

Leah was laughing, like properly laughing. The smile across her face wasn't strained or faked, it was genuine and happy. She looked relaxed and every part of her body was angled towards Cris. She moved like they were synchronised.

Who was I kidding though? I wasn't going to just walk out of the house without saying goodbye. After all I could just be over reacting. This was Leah, my Leah.

I opened the door loudly enough to get their attention. Their chatter and laughter stopped immediately and they both turned to me.

"Hey mate!" Cris nodded at me enthusiastically.

"You ok?" Leah questioned, looking at my expression worried.

"Yeah, I suppose. You guys didn't come back in." I was lying.

As if she realised, Leah looked embarrassed; "Oh, crap. We got carried away talking and it completely slipped my mind."

I scuffed my feet on the ground; I wasn't used to this treatment from Leah. Had I been right all along?

"Right, well, I just came to see if you were ready to go Lee. I thought maybe we could rent a movie, get some pizza?" I looked at her expectedly.

It was an old tradition of ours; we would rent the most ridiculous horror films we could find and then stuff ourselves with pizza and popcorn. We often ended up ignoring the film and mocking each other. It was our way of bonding.

To insult me though, Leah didn't move and actually looked awkward. "Actually, I was going to stick around a while."

As if to appease me she continued, "You can take the car if you want?"

Leah was already standing, trying to feel in her pocket for the keys.

"No! Don't worry. I'll run, it's fine." I tried to brush it off, I was being dumped. Leah had never turned me down before and I wasn't entirely sure how to handle it.

I watched on with envy as Cris whispered something I couldn't hear to Leah and she playfully slapped him round the head. They had already forgotten I was there already.

"Err, I'll see you later yeah?" I called out trying to regain her attention.

Leah looked up at me briefly, "Oh ok, bye!"

"See ya, Jake," Cris added.

They both turned back to their chatter, I was clearly only background noise. I left grumbling and thinking what a stupid jerk Cris was. I couldn't put my finger on it, but he really annoyed me today. I was sure it was his fault; he was keeping Leah from me.

'Hey mate!' he'd said - yeah, whatever!

As I stormed through the house hurt, I shouted a sulky goodbye to Jaden.

He yelled back as I exited, but I barely heard him as my eyes focused on the silver Volvo pulling into the drive.