Leah POV

Tick, tock, tick, tock…

I sat in silence, chanting a rhythm to myself as I watched the pendulum of an old grandfather clock swing at a snail's pace. With thirty minutes to go before noon the tension in the living room was palpable, so I had escaped and found myself sitting on the floor against a wall in the hallway.

Cris joined me a couple of minutes later and silently sat down next to me. I leaned my head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around me. I tried to focus on the sound of his heart beat instead and sure enough found a soothing rhythm.

Eventually he spoke, "Edward finally apologized and the Denali clan agreed not to call the Volturi."

"Well, I suppose that's progress." I paused. "Has anyone spoken with Sam?"

Cris nodded. "Jake did earlier. He's waiting to hear what Sophia has to say. The pack is still searching, but they're a couple of hours away if we need to regroup quickly."

"Ok, that's good to know." I sighed.

We stayed there, sitting together as the minutes went by. Finally, there was movement in the living room and everyone began to file past us and outside. Cris stood and offered me his hand which I took. He pulled me up and together we took our place outside with Shay, Embry and Seth.

"She came from that way before," Alice stated, pointing to east side of the forest.

I noticed that Jasper was aligned protectively close to her just as Emmett was to Rose, which made me roll my eyes. Sure it was cute, but they could both hold their own much like I could. Esme and Nessie were still nowhere in sight and hidden in the depths of the house, which was probably for the best. I realized that subconsciously, we had all formed a defensive line between the forest and them.

The hairs on my neck suddenly stiffened as I sensed someone approaching. There was a slight swift movement between the trees ahead of us and I found my feet planting themselves firmly into the ground and my fists clenching. The wolf in me wanted to come out desperately. Seconds later, she appeared.

The first moment that I saw her I knew she was the one who had been haunting us all this time. She was of athletic build, with long blonde hair and an air of authority and self assurance. Her skin looked well tanned and if it weren't for her maroon eyes, you wouldn't know her and 'morticia' were related.

Sophia eyed us all in delight. "What an excellent turnout! Although, I had been expecting the other mutt pack to be here as well, after all what I have to say concerns you all..."

Jake and Edward growled simultaneously.

Carlisle quieted them both with one look and took the lead. "We'll be sure to convey any message you have to them as well. You'll understand they are busy at this moment."

"Oh yes, very much wasting their time, no doubt!" She grinned, before taking all of us in. As her eyes met me, she looked me up and down like I was dessert. "Well met, She-wolf."

I went to step forward, but Cris gripped my wrist holding me in place. I stood my ground. "Where are they?" I demanded angrily.

"Oh, Leah, you really should learn to control that temper. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your cousin just because you couldn't shut your mouth and show a little respect, would you?" She tutted, "Cris, I really would have thought you'd have your bitch under better control."

Cris's grip on me became tighter, but his calm poker face remained in place. "I would suggest you speak whatever you have to say now. Antagonizing us will get you nowhere."

"Spoil sport." She mocked before waving him off dismissively. "Very well, your stench is beginning to hurt my nose anyway..." Sophia coughed ceremoniously. "Joham wishes me to convey his message. He has been watching you for years and found that you are an abominable excuse of vampires. You live amongst human cattle, following a 'vegetarian' life style and have set up house with your mortal enemies, the wolves!

You upset the hierarchy and insult the race of vampires and shape shifters alike; none of you deserve a place among us. The only good thing you have ever created is the half breed woman, and that was by pure accident. Joham has therefore judged that like vermin you should be exterminated before you spread your poisonous way of life any further, for he is a creator of life and progress... he is the future and you have no place in it.

However, Joham is as kind and merciful as he is wise. He has shown you how easily he can crush each of you, along with your tribes and the people you love, without even trying. Your gifts are fruitless against him and you are alive simply because of his grace. He therefore extends to you a one off offer... an exchange..." She paused and looked at us all coldly. "We have Bella, and the three tribal women. We will give them back to you, but it will cost you Renesmee and the bitch and you will have to promise to never search for them. In exchange, we will let all of you live. If you do not agree, you will all be exterminated, Bella too, and as for the woman, well, Joham is always looking for new breeders. They are mortal and easily broken, which is a little disappointing, but beggars can't be choosers."

My stomach sank as Sophia smirked at the growls and roars erupting around us. She was staring at me solely. "I know what you're thinking, She-wolf, but Joham is very intelligent; he has many ideas about how to get that reproductive system of yours going."

Something large shoved past me as a russet wolf surged forward towards Sophia.

"Jake, no!" Edward yelled. "If you hurt her, they could kill them all."

Sophia didn't move or even blink as Jake's teeth stopped inches from her. How someone could consider themselves so untouchable was beyond me. She really had to believe Joham was a god and she was some kind of disciple. That or she was as bat shit crazy as he was.

"You have till dusk to decide. That should give you enough time to discuss things with the other pack. After all, they do have an invested interest too." She laughed and turned to head back to the forest.

I stepped forward. "What about the Barrow baby?"

Sophia froze and turned back smiling. "Not part of the deal, but maybe Joham would let you spend time with her. He can be very generous, especially if he's getting something in return, Leah." This time she disappeared before anyone could comment.

Madness erupted around me, but all I could focus on was Cris's hands as he turned me gently and lifted my head so he could look into my eyes. "Leah, before you even consider it. You are not an option."

I kissed him gently. "Of course not." Not even twenty four hours into our relationship and a lie had spilled from my lips. Cris seemed to buy it for now though and we broke our moment and turned to see the disarray around us.

Everyone had grouped together and were talking about the available options, except for Jake who was still phased and pacing angrily some meters away. I heard Embry ask Edward if he got a read of Joham's location, but he said Sophia was too well trained and had kept her mind closed.

I sighed knowing that had really been our only hope, and gestured to Cris that I was going to join Jake, leaving him to join the debate. I had a feeling my opinion would be null and void anyway as I was a part of the whole ordeal.

Stripping down quickly, I phased. My mind was bombarded with two alpha's arguing brutally with each other. They didn't even realize I was present.

They want Nessie - then give them Nessie. Three lives for one, that doesn't sound too unfair to me. Sam snarled.

Fuck you, Sam. My imprint is not up for debate. Did you also forget that Leah was a part of the deal or are you going to sell her out too?

Of course not, Jake, but maybe they would give up the girls just for Nessie? They can keep Bella, she started all this shit after all. Leah would still be safe and I'd even promise to help you find Nessie after!

Are you crazy? Have you forgotten our most sacred rules about hurting an imprint? You'd never help me anyway, that's bullshit. You heard Joham, if we ever looked for Nessie and Leah, they would kill us and them!

I know, Jake, but if we don't give them Nessie we all die, including Emily and our baby, including your sister, and that's after Joham has done god knows what to them. You'd honestly let your own sister suffer that? All I'm asking is that we sacrifice one person for the good of everyone.

You can't ask that of me. I would never expect you to sacrifice Emily! I would never ask you too either. And you are still ignoring the fact they want Leah too.

It was time for me to intervene. I already knew if push came to shove Sam would sell me out for Emily, I didn't need to hear it. Imprint beats ex girlfriend any day of the year.

The problem was I already knew that what he was saying was essentially right. Guys, I want to go.

Leah? Shit, I didn't hear you phase in. Don't be ridiculous, it's not an option. Jake was mortified.

Jake, maybe we can delay them by just sending me for the time being. We could say that if they exchange the girls for me and hold up their end of the bargain we will consider giving them Nessie for Bella too. We won't really ever give them Nessie, but if we could get me on the inside, we could find out where they are and attack them. We could end this thing for good. I don't really believe they will leave us alone even if we give them myself and Nessie anyway. I think Joham wants us dead regardless; he just doesn't want to risk his prizes getting damaged in a war, then he loses everything too.

Leah, it's a good plan, but it's not feasible. Do you really think that even if you convinced Sam and I to let you go, Cris would agree or Seth?

Leah, I'm with Jake. You're not going anywhere. I still stand by my previous point. We give them Nessie and hope it's enough.

You really are a selfish inconsiderate bastard! Jake growled.

Sam sighed. Jake, I have to do what's best for Emily and the tribe. You're the one being selfish!

Meaning? He snorted.

Meaning, you shouldn't even be fighting against us. Joham has Rachel and you still won't come to your senses. I don't want to break the treaty, but I will if I have to, for everyone's sake.

Jake was temporarily stunned. You'd attack the Cullens and take her by force? Over my dead body!

I couldn't believe how quickly the situation was spiraling out of control. Will you two pack it in, no one is going to fight. We are all on the same side!

No, Leah, we're not. If Nessie isn't handed to Joham, then there will be two very distinct sides and you will have to decide which one you're on. Sam was sad at the thought of turning against us, but determined nonetheless. Let us know what you decide.

Before either Jake or I could reply, he phased out. I couldn't bring myself to be in Jake's mind any longer and followed suit. By the time I was dressed, Jake had joined me in human form. Everyone else had moved back inside.

"Do you think he would really turn against us?" Jake asked.

I shook my head. "If push came to shove, then yes. I can even understand his logic – it's a lose-lose situation whichever way you look at it; he's just trying to preserve as much life as possible. That doesn't make it right." I met his eye. "You know my suggestion is valid."

"I know, Leah, but-"

I cut him off. "Jake, I'm a shape shifter. I'm strong. The girls aren't and Nessie is far too innocent to be dragged into any of this. I'm also an adult, with no imprint bond. I'm a safe bet and the most mentally balanced one. All it takes is me phasing once, just once, and I'm certain I could lead you to them."

Jake grabbed my hand. "I can't even believe we're even contemplating this. Leah, it's too much for you to do alone. It probably wouldn't even work."

"Then what's there to lose?" I squeezed his fingers gently.

"You." He shook his head.

"This is my decision. No matter what happened in the past, Emily, Rachel, Kim, they're all family; and Emily's carrying our next generation, my family. Then there's Maxine's baby and as much as I detest her, there's also Bella. Trust me, she's not a priority, but she's a factor."

"And what if you were drugged or blindfolded so you couldn't see where they took you? I doubt they'd let you phase freely either," Jake asked.

"It's most likely they wouldn't let me see, but I had a backup plan too."

Jake snorted. "Oh do tell."

I smiled and pointed towards the garage hidden among the trees some feet away. "Joham might be a smart bastard, but I'd bet he thinks himself above technology and wouldn't even consider I was being tracked. Half the cars in it that garage have micro GPS tracking devices. Rosalie installed them herself in case Nessie ever had took off in a teenage fit."

"And, where exactly are you suggesting you hide it? What if you phase?" he said, in disbelief.

"I won't phase and as for hiding it, well, that's a lady's prerogative." I raised my eyebrows and flushed red as Jake realized what I meant. "I'm doing this, Jake, with or without your support."

"That's really not much of an option is it?"

"No. Not really." I agreed.

He thought about it for a moment. "I'm not passing comment until you put it to everyone else. Fair?"

I nodded. "Fair."

We made our way back into the house together and as soon as we entered everyone paused their debate. They'd moved a large table into the center of the room and were all sitting very diplomatically around it. I nodded at my pack briefly to signal I was ok, and took the empty seat next to Cris. Jake sat down next to me, with Embry and Seth opposite us.

Carlisle met my eye. "We were just establishing that we're all in agreement about our position with Joham's demands."

"Which is?" Jake cocked his head.

"Nessie and Leah are not bargaining chips. They are out of the question," Edward clarified. "Bella, is... we will find another way to save her."

It was time to add more shit to the fan. "It might not be that simple."

Everyone waited patiently for me to continue.

"Sam, isn't on the same page. He wants to give them Nessie in exchange for Emily, Kim and Rachel. If we don't agree, he is willing to declare war against us and hand her over himself."

Rosalie slammed her fists on the table. "I always hated that dog. Like we don't have enough problems, we're all in the same boat. Christ, he'd be doing Joham a favor having us kill each other."

"He's a desperate man. Let's not judge him so easily. No doubt he's thinking that if we don't give them Nessie, all of us, are as good as dead anyway. He's trying to do damage control." Carlisle said calmly.

"No life is worth more than another." Jasper added. "Besides, Sam and his pack wouldn't be able to defeat all of us. We're too strong."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable with fighting Sam. It's not an option for me." Embry snapped. "You can't expect any of us to kill our brothers?" He turned to me. "Leah?"

I shook my head. "No. I won't let it come to that. Blood won't be shed on my watch. There's another solution though. Edward, did you hear my conversation with Jake outside. Is it valid?"

Edward's haggard black eyes met mine. "I heard... It is a possibility, but not one that anyone at this table will entertain I am sure."

"Leah, what's he talking about," Cris growled.

"I'm sorry," I whispered to him, before relaying my idea to the whole room...

"So, what do you think?" I finished and braced myself for the verbal assault. I was met with silence instead, until Cris's chair scraped backwards and he walked stormily out of the room.

Shay apologized and promised to bring him back in, but I knew in my heart that wasn't going to happen. I could relate. I couldn't sit through a similar conversation if it was about him. I turned my attention back to the room.

Seth was the first to speak. "Leah, it's too risky."

I shook my head and looked to my beta. "Embry?"

He looked uncomfortably between Seth and I. "I don't like it, but Leah's right. We need to be practical. We're all dead anyway, right? Unless we can take Joham out, nothing matters. Leah could give us that chance; for Quil and Claire as well."

"Thank you." I mouthed at him, and he solemnly nodded.

I could tell Seth was about to argue though and stopped him short. "I really need your support in this Seth." We looked at each other for a moment, before he relented.

"We're stronger as a pack," he said sadly, shaking his head. "But, if you weren't my sister, I'd think we had nothing to lose."

"Leah," Rosalie said quietly. "You don't have to do this."

"She's right. We count you and your pack as family. We would protect you to the end, just like Nessie," Carlisle pleaded.

"I know and I thank you for that, but I'm the only one with the power to turn the tables in our favor. Worse case, if the tracking thing fails, there's still good old phasing and even the chance to get close enough to take Joham out myself," I explained.

After some further debate, no one else could present an option that didn't end in everyone's imminent death and my plan was analyzed out in full. Rosalie left to try and find a suitable tracking device, and I excused myself from the table to go after Cris, leaving the remaining parties to come up with a plan of attack if it worked.

I didn't have to go far to find him. He was sitting on the porch step, with his back to the door. Shay was standing in front of him, talking in a low voice.

Shay caught my eye and nodded to Cris. "You two need to talk."

I caught his arm as he walked past me. "Thanks, Shay."

He smiled and patted my hand.

I joined Cris on the step. What was it about porches? Half the drama in my life happened on one porch or another.

Eventually, he reached for my hand. "I'm sorry for walking out, but I won't let you do this."

"You don't have a choice." I really didn't want to argue, but I owed him an explanation. I was walking out on us and there was a possibility I wasn't coming back. "I need to do this."

"Why?" He looked at me angrily. "Haven't you done enough for everyone already? Why should we have to be the ones torn apart?"

"Cris, this is bigger than us," I replied sadly. "We've all agreed we won't give them Nessie and I'm not going to stand about and do nothing until Sam shows up and the people in my life start killing each other."

His eyes bored into me. "I don't care about any of that. Everyone else is putting the people they care about first, why shouldn't I?"

"Because life's not fair. It doesn't work that way and you know it. I have the power to do something and I can't live knowing that I didn't try. What about Maxine's baby and the girls?" I tried to explain.

"You're not going. I'm not losing you, Leah," he stated more calmly this time. "If I have to tie you to a bed I will."

"Cris, you don't get to make those decisions," I said, sadly. "I am my own person. Don't try and control me."

He squeezed my hand, "I'm sorry, I would never try to control you, but I care about you and I can't just let you walk into the lion's den knowing I might never see you again. What if it was Seth, would you let him go?"

I shook my head. "It's not about Seth though, is it? I can do this. You need to trust me. You really think that after how long it took us to get here I would let anyone stop me from coming back to you."

"It's the state that you'll come back in that worries me." Cris muttered.

"I'll be fine," I reassured him.

Cris's face suddenly darkened. "You know he could rape you? Joham could do anything he wanted to you once you were there and none of us would be able to stop it."

"Don't make it worse," I shuddered, sickened by his suggestion.

"Why not? If you want to do this then you need to be realistic about the type of monster he is - he's an incubus. He could break you, Leah, and your plan might not even work."

"You think I don't know that?" I snapped, fighting off my own fears.

It was Cris's turn to shake his head. "Forget it. I can't do this. I can't stand by and watch you throw everything away." He dropped my hand and got up before walking away from me once again.

I tried to follow him, but felt my knees bending under the pressure of everything and fell to the porch, staring at the aged wood. I couldn't bear to sit and watch yet another man walk away from me. It was just so sad that we had lasted less than eight hours when I had hoped for a lifetime. I felt myself crying silently as everything that had happened in the last forty eight hours hit me like a ton of bricks and the horrors of my future came alive in my imagination. I had to be strong; so many people were counting on me.

Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me into their embrace, stilling me. "I'm sorry," Cris whispered into my hair.

Gently, he lifted my chin up so that our faces were inches apart. He was looking at me so deeply, my breath caught. "You have to know... you're stuck with me, Siku... and if there really is nothing that I can say or do to change your mind about this plan, then you better just prepare yourself, because I will find you, ok? I will come and get you."

I kissed him softly, comforted by his words as my tears stopped, and he responded just as tenderly, gently wiping away the remains of my wet cheeks. We broke apart and he stood, pulling me up with him. His hand slipped into mine where it belonged.

"We have till dusk, right?" he asked sadly.

I nodded.

Cris looked embarrassed. "Can we spend it at the cabin together? Call me selfish, but I need to have you to myself for a while."

"Sure." I nodded, as we walked off the porch and away from the house together. I was glad for the opportunity to be with him alone. As great as last night was, we hadn't really talked and there was stuff I needed to say to him. As much as I believed he would come after me, I didn't honestly know if there would be anything for him to find. If at any point I thought I was going down, I'd be sure to take a few leaches with me.

He paused suddenly. "Hey, I'm just going to tell everyone we'll be back in a bit, so they know we're ok and don't disturb us. I'll also check if there's anything they need before we go." He kissed my cheek quickly and jogged back into the house.

I waited for him patiently, but was distracted by a movement at the side of the house. I realized Nessie was peaking out at me.

"You know it's rude to eavesdrop?" I said sarcastically. "What are you doing out here anyway?"

Nessie looked angrily at the house. "Esme went to speak to Carlisle and I heard dad go into the garage. I wanted to know what was going on. Now I know."

That couldn't be good. "What did you hear?"

"Enough to know that if Joham doesn't get me then everyone will die. I'm not stupid. I know who Joham is. I saw what he did to Nahuel." Her big brown innocent eyes stared at me.

"You need to go back inside. We're handling it, ok?" I reassured.

She shook her head bitterly. "You mean you're handling it. I can't let you do that, Leah. It would kill Jake if anything happened to you."

I was getting fed up with all this self obsessed imprint bullshit. "Nothing will happen to me and Jake will be fine, trust me. You're the most important thing to him."

"You're wrong. Jake doesn't love me. He loves you," she said quietly.

"That's the silliest thing I've heard all day. You're his world." I knew this only too well from past experience.

She refused to meet my eye. "I'm his world out of obligation. I know he loves me, but he doesn't 'love me' love me."

"I don't follow you." I really didn't like where this conversation was going, and I certainly wasn't the person she should be going to for a heart to heart on Jake. All I wanted to do was to spend my last few hours with Cris, not molly-coddle a teenager.

"I love Jake and I chose to, but I know if it wasn't for the imprint he wouldn't ever have looked my way."

"Ness, I really think you are over thinking it. Imprinting is complex. Jake will be yours for as long as you want him, and even after that. He loves you. Now you really should go back inside." I took a step towards her, but she moved away.

"He loves you too. I heard your conversation outside this morning. It hurts him seeing you with someone else. Do you know that there's not a day that goes by when he doesn't say your name."

"There's not an hour that goes by when he doesn't say yours." I pointed out.

"I don't doubt that, but that doesn't change the way his face lights up when someone says your name, or the way he is giddy after speaking to you, or the way he gets pissed off when you've wound him up. I don't have that kind of hold over him and I never will."

I shuffled uncomfortably. "I don't know what you want me to say."

"The truth would be a good start," she snorted.

"Meaning?" I snapped.

"I can live with the fact that Jake will always have feelings for you. My mother loved two people at once, so I understand how it's possible. But, if there is something there between you that I'm in the way of then I would try and break the imprint."

I felt confused. "You would try and do what Emily couldn't?"

"Yes." She nodded.

"Why?" I couldn't help, but be curious.

"Because I care about him that much and I don't want him to ever wonder what if. Eternity is a long time to spend with someone that doesn't really want you."

Where the hell was Cris when I needed him? I pinched my nose, trying to release the stress. "You're far too young to be thinking about things like this, Nessie."

"You didn't answer the question," she stated.

"You're kidding me? You really want to know if there is something between me and Jake?" I was incredibly frustrated by her need to drag up the past at a time like this. I had enough to deal with.

Nessie nodded.

I sighed. "Maybe once I would have said yes. You have to understand everything we have been through. I think I was in love with him at one point, but things change."

"Do you love him now?" There was fear in her voice.

"Yes. He is my best friend and it took me a long time to come to terms with the fact we would never be anything more. Do I want him now?" I looked at the house that held Cris inside. "No. I want Cris. I'm in love with Cris."

"Ok." She nodded, but she still looked stressed.

"Look, Jake made his choice, Nessie. He chose you. You shouldn't ever doubt that and if you do then you're stupid." I was irritated by her insecurities.

"Leah, I didn't mean to offend you." She apologized. "I just had to know. I may have never got the chance to ask you again."

"Well now you know, and despite your lack of optimism I will be coming back," I said sharply.

Nessie laughed bitterly then. "No, Leah, you've got it all wrong. You've already done so much for my family. It's time I repay the favor. Just look after Jake for me."

"Nessie, what are you talking about?" My gut instinct told me something was desperately wrong, but before I could react, her small body slammed into me at full force.

Had I been expecting it I would have remained standing easily, but caught off guard the attack bowled me over. I rolled over quick enough to see Nessie's brown hair disappearing into the forest. The girl was purposely running straight into trouble.

I was already on my feet. "Fuck! Jake, help!" I yelled. I knew I had to keep on her trail though and had no time to lose so phased and took off after her. I had to stop her before she went too far. She was about to blow everything.

Leah? Cris had phased. Where the hell are you going?"

Leah? What's going on? Seth had joined us.

I thought we agreed on a plan? Embry snapped.

Where's Nessie? Jake's panic filled my mind.

Sorry everyone, but curiosity killed the cat, and your cat just found out everything and decided to take matters into her own hands... I showed them a brief flash of my conversation with Nessie, skipping the Jake bit. She's not far ahead and I'm catching her quickly. It's ok. I'll get her back, just cover me.

Jeez, ok. Edward and the rest of the clan are following too. Edward didn't catch her thoughts until she took off! Why couldn't she just stay put? Jake whined, worry evident in his mind.

Well, perhaps if your imprint wasn't an emotionally confused teenager shrouded in secrets and cotton wool you wouldn't have this problem. I snapped in disbelief as thoughts of how she had spoiled my afternoon with Cris came to mind.

Leah, just focus on your heading. Don't get distracted. Cris reassured me. We still have lots of time.

I could tell I was about five minutes ahead of everyone, but Nessie was almost within my reach. She looked behind at me quickly and tried to pick up pace. She might be Edward's daughter but she had nothing on me speed wise.

Being a wolf, I had very little to grab her with and so as gently as I could, my teeth latched on to her shirt to pull her to a stop. It partially worked, until the thing ripped in my mouth and sent her tumbling beneath me. I was unable to stop and careered over her before coming to a halt. I turned around snarling at her ready to kick her butt to high heaven for the hell she had put us through, but my growl caught in my throat. Somehow, we had been intercepted.

"Phase back." Sophia commanded, a knife pressed tight against Nessie's throat.

I wasn't willing to call her bluff and did as she commanded. The voices of my pack, Jake and Cris crying out to me fell silent in my mind as I changed form.

Sophia laughed bitterly. "I don't believe you've ever been officially introduced to my sister, Anna?"

I heard a click behind me and turned to see the gothic bitch pointing a pistol at me. I didn't have a second to react before I realized a dart was sticking out of my arm. I tried to curse, but before anything slipped through my lips darkness took over.

AN

Another update for you lovely readers, which I hoped you enjoyed!

Dontcallmeleelee gets beta praise yet again!

Also thank you for all of the reviews. They really make my day. x