AN

Hey all, sorry this one took me a while to update. Things might start slowing down a bit as I am no longer ahead with my chapters, but I will update as quickly as possible. Reviews as always are the best inspiration! xxx

Cris's POV

Of all the times I turned down patrolling with Leah, she had to run into a half-breed!

As soon as I was satisfied she was safe and resting I had flown out the door, called Lee, and started tracking back to the road. Jared had also been alerted by Seth and was running perimeter checks with his pack.

Lee requested permission to run ahead, he was fast enough that he was at little risk so I gave him the nod. Within seconds he was gone from sight. I was cautious from then on, Lee showed me that the crash site was now crawling with the emergency services so I stayed back while he snuck around to the other side of the highway. I checked the La Push side anyway, while Lee continued to follow the blood trail. It went for miles and miles until the gradient started to climb and then all of the sudden it just disappeared.

I could feel the confusion he felt, but we had all experienced this before. We knew there was a leech around that had no scent and in Leah's mind I had heard the half-breed talk of her sister skinning animals. I assumed this meant her sister was our mystery guest, and she must have somehow covered the tracks.

I called Lee back, there was nothing we could do if the scent was gone. I also decided to head back towards the house. I told Jared what we had found on the way and he was thankful. I then closed my mind off for the remaining run home; I was tired, frustrated and stressed. I couldn't help it, I had so many things to worry about: Lee, Leah, Corey, leeches, patrols - the list went on.

What the hell was I thinking of earlier, telling Leah that I loved her?

Way to add stuff to my already full plate. I could only be thankful that I was leaving in two days.

Yes, two days - that was all. I just had to keep myself together for two days! I had come back for Leah, I had seen her through her fathers anniversary, and I had held her while she cried. I even excelled myself and stopped her getting crushed today. I was her friend and I had done my job.

I honestly don't think she actually realised how big or fast that truck was coming down the road. I had seen it, and had even run along side it in the forest in order to overtake it. I felt sick at the thought of her taking a blow from an eighteen wheeler. She was far from immortal and she was precious.

God, why did I tell her I loved her?

I didn't even mean to, it just came out! I was an idiot, I couldn't risk hurting her. I didn't believe I would imprint, but what if I did?

I had seen what Sam did to her.

Worse, what if she was confused about her feelings like she was with Jake?

What if she only wanted a friend, but her insecurities and loneliness made her crave more?

What if she didn't even care about me that way and I pushed her away?

Sure, she held my hand and jumped me at the beach, but that was different. I surprised her and she was pleased to see me. I growled at my own stupidity.

"Wow, you make imprinting look like a breeze."

I realised I had failed to shut out Jake and he was back.

"Thanks." I thought sarcastically. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough. I'm sorry about me and Leah."

He was apologising? Why? - I forgot he could hear me.

"Because, it's given you a complex. It's funny, I had my own issues when she started spending time with you."

"Glad I amuse you Jake."

"Sorry."

I could almost picture him grinning as he apologised again.

"You always were smug about things." I half joked back.

"Not always. It's an act. You know that Cris - the things we do as alphas."

"I suppose." I actually knew fully well about the façade we all put on.

"Look Cris, Leah's fragile. You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it. We are destructive, as are our lives. She deserves stability. It's nothing against you. Despite what you think, I like you, but I can see all the ways this could end badly. You're doing the right thing, which is more than me and Sam ever managed."

I could see the honesty in Jake's words, but it was tainted with something else.

"You still love her?" The question had brushed across my mind before I had really processed what I was asking him.

"She's my best friend, but she's not my imprint. I love Nessie."

That didn't really answer my question.

"Do you think it's odd that none of my pack have imprinted?" It was something I had been considering for a while. Several of the La Push wolves had imprinted, and yet not one of my pack had.

"A little. Considering it was supposed to be rare, it's happened an awful lot here. Maybe your destiny isn't born yet. It's impossible to ever know. Maybe she exists, but you just haven't been in the same place yet. Either way, Leah doesn't deserve to be put at that kind of risk."

"Jake, you speak as if I have a chance with her."

"Seriously Cris? Are you really asking me that? It's the point I'm trying to make; Leah cares about you, more than she is willing to admit, which makes you the most dangerous thing in her life right now."

I paused to consider what he said. There was no malice or spite in his thoughts, just concern. Refocusing on my surroundings, I realised where I was.

"Look, I'm back at Leah's. I'll catch you soon Jake."

"Sure, sure. Just remember what we talked about."

I phased out and pulled my clothes on quickly under the safety of the trees. It was getting dark outside and I made my way across the back lawn and in through the kitchen door.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" I walked in and shouted at Leah, who was hoping around on one leg trying to cook.

"I've a house full of wolves to feed. What do you think?" She laughed and hopped back in the direction of a large cooking pot on the stove.

I had to admit it smelled good. Meatballs and sauce was the decision made by my keen nose. My tummy grumbled in appreciation.

"Look's like you got back in time." Leah smiled, looking at my noisy gut.

"Sit down." I ordered and before she could complain, I had spun her around and seated her on a kitchen chair. "Now stay there." I pointed at her, treating her like a small child. I received a cute pout in return and wanted to slap myself for losing focus.

I walked over to the pan and stirred the sauce a little. I think it was pretty much done, but while I was here it meant Leah couldn't be. I kept my back to her and continued twirling the meaty mixture with the wooden spoon.

"So . . ." Leah started then paused ". . . thanks for earlier."

I continued stirring, but replied nonetheless. "For?"

"Jesus, do I have to really say it?" She huffed.

I grinned to myself. "Yep."

"Fine. Thank you for interfering." Leah spoke like a spoilt child.

"You're welcome." I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Hey Cris, you do realise whenever you turn up, drama seems to follow?"

I stopped stirring and considered that we did seem to be a catalyst for something or other, both of the times we had come here.

"Well, I better stop visiting then." I tutted.

"Nah. It's kind of worth it."

I heard her stand and hop towards me. Leah on one leg was hardly sexy, more amusing, but I still daren't look at her. I felt her hand run across my back as she stood next to me and leant on the worktop watching me stir.

I gulped. I was really struggling to act normal around her. It was like admitting my feelings out loud had opened a floodgate. I felt like an over hormonal teenager and I didn't like it. I was Cris, I liked control and normality. I liked to take things slowly and be logical. Unfortunately, for some crazy reason that all seemed to be going out the window tonight. My conversation with Jake brought me back to reality.

"I thought I told you to sit down," I snapped.

Leah didn't look offended, she did however hop back to the seat, and I felt my anxiety lift slightly.

"I think it's done," I commented and grabbed a nearby pan to drain the pasta for serving.

I didn't even need to call the guys. Within a minute Lee, Embry and Seth were sitting at the table, knife and fork in hand ready for their dinner. Leah rolled her eyes and grabbed herself a plate as I placed the bowls down on the table and let the free for all commence.

It was nice - the food and the atmosphere I mean. Even with the sadness of our lives, everyone always seemed to come together after one of these incidents. It was like it made us all appreciate the family we had and take a moment to enjoy it.

As per normal the guys ended up eating like pigs, taking seconds, then thirds, then forth servings. At one point Leah offered Seth a bib and Embry a shovel and I almost choked on a piece of spaghetti from laughing. Lee, bless him, just smiled quietly.

It took some time but finally everyone was full, (Seth had even unbuttoned his shorts to make sure he got as much grub down as possible). I helped Leah stand and hobble to the sofa, while the guys stayed behind to clear up.

I watched as Leah sat down taking the weight off her foot. I was sure it would be fine by tomorrow morning. I went to walk away and help the lads, but Seth ordered me to sit down and keep his sister company. I did as instructed and joined her on the sofa. She was lazily flicking through the TV channels, and I smiled as she started to get impatient at the lack of things to watch.

Not long after she settled on a movie, Seth, Embry and Lee came out of the kitchen.

"Hey guys, we're pretty buzzing from earlier and are going to run a patrol," Embry said aiming at us.

Leah turned round and frowned at him. "Can't you hang on a while? Jared's pack is covering until midnight."

Seth nudged Embry, egging him on. "Err, no; we would rather start now."

I felt Leah's anxiety at them being out their alone.

"Well, why don't I come along?" I suggested.

I noticed Leah smile at my idea.

All three looked horrified and shouted in sync; "No!"

Both Leah and I looked at them sceptically.

"Well, we'll see ya! Have fun you two!" Seth said shoving them both out the door before we could question them.

The minute they were outside I heard them cracking up before they ran off and away from the house.

"What was that about?" Leah asked.

"I think I've got some idea." I smiled and got caught up in her anxious brown eyes, "They'll be alright. I think they were just ever so unsubtly giving us alone time."

"Idiots!" she replied nervously with a light laugh, but at least sunk back into the sofa.

"Yeah, idiots." I mimicked and also sat back.

Silence filled the room as both pretended to watch the TV. Unfortunately, the boys ever so obvious behaviour seemed to have caused an awkwardness between us.

Eventually I couldn't stand it any longer and got up; I wandered to the kitchen to make us coffee. A few minutes later, I turned to see she had followed me and was leaning silently against the kitchen table watching me; the situation seemed so familiar and so us.

I handed her a mug of coffee which she accepted silently. We continued to stand there, both without speaking, just sipping our drinks.

"Why is this so weird suddenly?" Leah questioned breaking the tension.

"I don't really know."

Clearly, it was a lie; I knew fully well what was going on with me. I was scared to be alone with her; since seeing her on the beach, I had been gradually losing my resolve around her. I didn't know how much longer I could avoid my true feelings and that alone terrified me and made me anxious.

She gave me that gentle smile she so rarely used and put her mug down; "Cris, I think we need to talk. Don't you?"

Unfortunately, my reaction was to let out a heavy sigh. I was dreading where this was going and wanted to put it off, "I don't think now is a good time."

Her soft expression quickly fell and became one of irritation. "I live in a house of shifters. I think now is probably one of the best times we'll ever get."

I couldn't stand the look she was giving me and so reluctantly, I gave into her. "Ok, what's up Leah?"