Leah POV

Before I feel asleep, I decided to put the bed and mattress back in place. I doubted the leeches would care, but I didn't want to make a big deal of the fact I'd found a way to talk to the girls.

As I tried to fall asleep, thoughts of Cris, Seth and Embry ran through my head. I missed them. I was a pack animal and as much as I'd tried to fight it in the past, being apart from any of them went deeper than I could ever admit. I tried to remember the safe feeling of being in Cris's arms and the softness of his lips. My brother's smile. Embry's laugh. They would find us. I just needed to buy as much time as possible and make their job easier.

I wondered how Nessie was doing. The kid had no idea about the real world and survival. I just hoped she'd hold strong and didn't find out about her mother until we were free.

Jeez, Bella...

Was I sorry?

Was I sad?

Did I care?

The ripple of her choices had ultimately all led us to this point today. Was it karma that she was the first to die because of them?

It didn't take away from the fact she was a mother though, or a wife. For the first time in my life I was glad Charlie and Sue weren't around to suffer this. The mess we were all in and Bella's death would have destroyed them. No parent should have to outlive their child.

I sighed heavily. I needed to rest. Who knew what tomorrow would bring...

I woke up to the sound of my door slamming open. The three brutes from yesterday were pinning me down before I had a chance to move. I thrashed and tried to kick out at them, but they just held me down tighter. Seconds later, Sophia walked into the room. She was carrying a large needle, filled with some sort of liquid. I began trying to lash out again to no avail.

Sophia snorted. "Leah, the more you make a fuss, the more likely I am to miss and stab you elsewhere. I really wouldn't suggest that as it will hurt like hell."

I knew it was a losing battle so for the time being I stilled.

She injected the needle into my ass cheek, slapping it playfully after she'd finished. "Well, at least all that padding is good for something." She laughed.

I felt my senses becoming duller but didn't pass out this time. Satisfied, the vampires released me and left us alone. Sophia, went to the door and pulled a chair in from the corridor.

She positioned herself some distance in front of me as I shifted myself upright on the bed. We sat in silence for some ten minutes as she studied me.

I looked at her finally and raised my eyebrow. "Is this my torture, having to deal with you everyday?"

She laughed almost humanly and straightened the blouse she was wearing. "Hardly, Father just wants to make sure you're looked after and in good health. Breakfast will be here shortly for you. You've got to keep your strength up now after all."

"What did you inject me with?" I finally asked.

"Nothing that will do any lasting damage. It's a new concoction - something we made up just for you. Unfortunately, my sister Anna was a bit over zealous before and gave you a higher dose of tranquilizer than necessary. We want your wolf sedated - not you unconscious for days," she explained.

While I was relived it wasn't permanent, I still hated the woman and wanted to hit her with something that would sting and wipe that nonchalant expression off her face. "So, I have to ask, did you help tear your brother apart or just watched?"

To my delight, her face faltered for a second before she regained her composure. "You think that we're monsters, don't you? What happened to Nahuel was... unfortunate, but it was for the best. Father's work is very important. We couldn't let him ruin that."

"You really are all brain washed," I hissed. "You're worse than a cult."

"Perhaps, or maybe your mind isn't open enough yet and that is the problem." Apparently pleased with herself, she continued, "Lucky for you, Father has requested your presence for dinner tonight. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to explain things to you better."

I snorted in disbelief. "If you don't mind, I think I'll respectfully decline. I already have plans."

Sophia smiled at me and pushed the chair against my cell wall. "It wasn't a request, Leah. Just be sure you wear the dress or an accident might happen to your friends next door."

Before I could argue anymore she was gone, locking me into my chamber once more. In any other circumstance I'd have told them where they could shove their demands, but her last sentence highlighted exactly what the stakes were.

Some time later, a tray of food was delivered to my room. I did a double take at the giant silver plate and cutlery containing bacon, pan cakes, bagels and varying breakfast treats. My mouth watered at the cartoon of fresh orange juice and I couldn't help, but gulp some down. I tried to remember the last time I had eaten. I was famished. I was about to scoff my food down, when I heard someone cough next door. My stomach dropped as I looked at the food again...

I remembered Rachel's words.

"Sometimes they even forget to feed us."

Before I knew it, I was on scrabbling across the floor and shoving the bed aside. Using the knife, I managed to pry off the vent cover. The passage between our rooms was nowhere big enough for the whole plate, but my arm would fit easily.

I managed to reach through with the knife and poke it through the hole into the Girls' room. It landed on the floor, making a small noise. In seconds, Rachel was on the floor peering through at me.

"Brought you a gift." I smiled.

She looked at the knife bemused. "Thanks, I guess. I'm not sure it's much of a weapon though."

"Hardly, but you can use it to pry the cover off," I explained.

She needed no further instruction as she proceeded to open up the vent her end. As soon as it was off, she passed the knife back to me. "You better keep it. Don't want them to find it in our room, just in case."

I went to put it down, but she grabbed my wrist before I could pull away. "Emily's getting worse," she whispered.

"Shit." I grasped her hand back. "Hang on, I have something. It's the best I can offer."

I pulled my tray over and used the cloth napkin they'd supplied to pass a food parcel through, followed by the carton of juice. The hole was just big enough for them to fit.

"Leah, we can't. You need to eat too." Rachel was close to tears at the sight of my offering.

"Don't be silly. There's plenty for me." I looked back at my empty plate, clearly lying. "All of you need to eat."

"Thank you." She hurriedly carried the food away into their room.

I heard her softly talking to Emily, encouraging her to eat and drink. I sat back against my wall, content to hear their quiet munching. My stomach grumbled, but it was worth it.

The day passed slowly from there on. Rachel and Kim took it in turns, rotating between Emily and I. I still hadn't seen her or spoke to her directly. From what I gathered, she was on their bed and they were forcing her to remain still and rest. I found myself laughing lightly and talking about home with the girls. It seemed to boost all of our moral. As the afternoon turned to dusk, I explained I had to leave them for a bit. I figured that I'd be called for 'dinner' soon.

Sometime after, a parcel was poked through a hatch in the door. The brown package landed on the floor. There was a small note in flowing writing attached.

"Something more appropriate."

I opened the parcel hesitantly and was horrified at the frilly yellow summer dress inside. What was the point in arguing though? I changed quickly, glad I had no mirror to see myself in. After that, I sat in my 'new' chair, waiting.

Eventually, Sophia arrived. She didn't speak and merely nodded at my appearance, gesturing for me to follow her. I did as she asked, trailing down the long corridor, counting doors as I went. I had to hold my tongue when I passed the door which held Nessie as we continued upwards to the steps. I wasn't restrained in anyway which I found odd. They obviously thought I was no threat.

As we made our way to the next floor and out into the open, I had to blink and shelter my eyes from the blinding light. I had evidently become too used to my dark cell. Something to remember if I ever planned to escape. Sophia seemed impatient at my stalling and grabbed my upper arm, dragging me along. My eyes adjusted just in time to see us crossing a huge round hallway. Stairs spiraled upwards, mirroring each other on either side while doors and corridors ran off the room in different directions. I looked forward at the biggest double doors which Sophia pushed open with her free hand. She didn't pass the threshold however and simply shoved me forward forcefully.

I stumbled into the room bare foot on cold tile floors. The doors behind me slammed shut. I appeared alone as I looked around at the various machines and computers surrounding me. Medical equipment, vials, swabs, syringes and papers scattered the room. From the decor it was an old building, maybe some kind of derelict mansion. It was certainly in need of repair as huge cracks ran through the ceiling and walls and the plaster had fallen down in places.

Unable to sense anyone else, I moved forward to the nearest table, tentatively touching the papers. They were written in the same flowing writing as my parcel note had been. These pages were like gibberish however. I understood words like - genetics, hormones, cell count, but the rest meant nothing to me. I was about to lift the top sheet and read further when a hand touched my shoulder softly. I jumped five feet in the air, throwing myself backwards and away from the contact. Cursing at my lack of caution, it hit me just how reliant I had become on my supernatural senses. Without them I was so off the ball. That had to change.

"I didn't mean to startle you." A dark skinned hand reached out to me, beckoning me forward. My eyes trailed up the hand, following his arm to a suited tall body. Blood red eyes, braided hair and an unsettling smile stood before me. "We haven't been introduced. I'm Joham, it's a pleasure to finally meet you Leah."

He looked un-offended by my frozen position. "Come, let us eat."

Joham moved forward, but I didn't follow immediately. Anger was boiling inside of me and I was fighting to set my wolf free, but she just wasn't there. I desperately wanted to rip this bastards head off. He was the cause of all the problems in La Push. He had torn apart my family and threatened those I cared about. My mouth felt dry and my stomach twisted at the thought I was so useless. There was no way I could take him un-phased. Disgruntled, curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided I may as well see what game this asshole was playing. He had disappeared behind a curtain at the far end of the room.

Quietly, I followed, shifting the drape to the side and stepping into an alcove where a beautiful table was set with candles and plates and cutlery laid out. The red velvet drapes and deep burgundy carpet made the area all too intimate.

Joham was waiting for me and immediately pulled out a chair and gestured for me to sit. I deliberately ignored him and sat in the opposite seat myself. He shrugged, took off his blazer and hung it on the back of the chair. I still hadn't spoke.

"I must say. After everything I've heard about you, you're much more cooperative than I'd imagined." He smiled. "I was expecting some kind of hell cat."

Finally, I found my voice, bitter as it was. "Well, aside from cowardly drugging me, your daughters more than made it clear you have leverage."

He clapped his hands together. "Ah, yes, the human women... it pleases me that you see the bigger picture... I'd hate to waste such good stock needlessly making a point. And, it saves us so much time. "

I shook my head and turned away from him disgusted. A side door opened and a half breed girl I hadn't seen before pushed in a serving trolley.

She placed an ice bucket holding steaming hot water and a dark bottle in the middle of the table. For Joham she set out a champagne flute and for me, some water in glass along with a plate of steaming food. I looked at my dinner; it appeared to be some kind of stuffed chicken with fresh vegetables and fries. Having missed breakfast, I was almost salivating, but my pride kept me from diving in.

I looked up from my plate at Joham. To my horror, he was lifting the bottle out of the bucket and filling his glass. A thick red liquid flowed out. My nose curled up at the bitter iron smell that filled the room, as he lifted his blood glass towards me .

"Cheers," He smiled sipping his drink. He sighed at its taste, closing his eyes and savoring it.

I felt sick as I tried to pick at my plate, my appetite easily lost. It was useless, I couldn't force even a mouthful in. What the hell had I gotten myself into.

Joham watched me for some time. "I see you are not comfortable. I will ensure that your dinner is kept warm and delivered to your room."

Rudely, I threw down my fork, letting it clatter on the plate. "Quit acting like you're a civilized human being. You're a murderous deviant. I'm here. I can't escape. Just get to whatever sick point you're heading for."

He sighed, picked up a napkin and dabbed daintily at his mouth. The leech was a nut job.

"I can understand why you're apprehensive..."

"Apprehensive?" I snorted. "You're a blood sucking, homicidal, rapist... Hannibal Lecture was less creepy and more humane!"

Joham stood up like lighting and took a step towards me snarling. A glimpse of the real monster broke through. It made me feel better, victorious even, to get the rise.

His hand was inches away from grasping my throat, but I refused to even flinch. As quickly as his anger had come it disappeared though. He laughed and wiggled his finger at me. "Careful, Leah. You wouldn't want anything happening to your friends."

I stilled myself, breathing sharply. He had me.

"That's better." He nodded. "Understand that I am always fair. I give respect where respect is due and expect it just the same in return. People who disrespect me don't get very far - they don't live very long either."

Joham relaxed back into his chair. His face melting to its previous charming state. He coughed for effect. "I think we could make a good team, Leah. You're special. You're one of a kind - unique. If you let me I could treat you like a queen, build you an empire, provide everything you could ever desire. Money, power, children... anything."

I snorted. "All I want is the freedom of my friends and family. The safety of our tribes. You... dead. Can you give me that?"

"You never know; we may be able to compromise. Perhaps in time, if you worked with me I may release the women. If they lived that long that is. You see, humans are so, so fragile and accidents do happen." He smiled, clapping his hands together once. "But, that's your problem right there... you're so young. You must stop thinking on a human level - you aren't human. You. I. We - we can live forever, while humans pass us by in the blink of an eye. They should be no more to you as a pet is to them. Enjoy them, love them, spend time with them if you must, but they will all too soon be insignificant dust. You need to think about the bigger picture... when you are left behind, who do you really want to be? I can help you."

"You're deluded. You offer nothing more than candy covered lies, from a rather distorted point of view. You forget that you promised us Bella as part of your bargaining, knowing she was already dead. It's all smoke and mirrors, so lets just cut the crap. You might fancy yourself a genius, but you obviously didn't you do your research very well." I laughed bitterly. "I hate to disappoint you, but you won't be getting any pups out of this she wolf."

He reached his hand across the table and I withdrew mine before he could touch it.

"So young and so miss informed." He smiled. "Leah, where is your wolf right now?"

"She's still here, trust me," I snarled.

Joham nodded. "Yes, she is, but she's subdued. Physically, right now, you are as close to human as you can be without losing her completely. With the right mixture of drugs, the right balance and care, I will be able to keep you human long enough for your biological system to wake up. Then you can be a wolf again and live forever. You would never need to give up phasing completely. I just need time, Leah. Time and I can give you what no one else can. You can be an eternal mother, with eternal children, and the world at your feet."

If I had been any less of a person, perhaps my bitter old self, lost in despair, I would of considered his offer... oh hell, who was I kidding. "Even if it was possible, I wouldn't ever bring a child into this world around you."

He looked nonplussed. "You will come around. I'm sure."

There was a knock at the door and Sophia let herself in quietly.

Joham looked at the clock briefly and sighed. "Is it that time already? Do excuse me, Leah. No rest for the wicked."

He stood from his chair, bowed respectfully and left the room as quick as he had entered. I stared after him as I tried to process everything. Why hadn't he just raped me already? What was the point of this evening.

"Don't just sit there then. Come," Sophia ordered, interrupting into my thoughts.

Reluctantly, I followed her out through a side door and down a smaller corridor. We passed a kitchen and came out into another corridor which lead us back around to the big reception hall. The place was like a maze. After being out in the light, I dreaded going back into the dark, but I held my tongue and trailed back towards it anyway. Sophia offered me no more words, snide or otherwise, simply locking me back in.

True to his word though, my dinner had been delivered to my room and was still warm.

The next day proceeded much the same - I received my injection. I gave my deluxe breakfast to the girls. I chatted to them on and off and slept when I could. When I was on my own, I tried to map out in my head the parts of the building I'd seen so far. We were definitely on the lowest level from what I had been privy to.

As soon as evening arrived, I received another dress - this one red - along with a request for dinner. Shortly after, I was escorted by Sophia out of my dark cell to the big bright science room once more. Joham joined me, smartly dressed and silent as death, before leading me to the dining area behind the curtain. I followed in silence. Dinner was already laid out for us. Blood for Joham. Food for me.

Having been in the same situation the night before, I wasn't as taken aback to the scene. I'd had all day to get around it and was able to stomach my food a little better. It still wasn't easy, but I kept the food down and ate in silence. All the while, Joham sipped his blood wine. If I was being honest, as much as I detested him, a part of me was pleased to be out of my room and in the light.

Once I'd finished, Joham started to talk again. "Nessie isn't taking too well to her natural diet."

I growled at him. "I thought if I behaved you'd leave them alone."

"The women, yes. Nessie, no. She's here for other reasons," he scoffed.

"If you touch her, it will be that last thing you do." I didn't care if he thought it was an empty threat. I would find a way to end him.

Joham looked surprised. "Goodness, no. I don't personally wish to taint myself with her. She's a project for my sons - the next generation." He sighed. "You must know something of biology, Leah. In order for a species to populate healthily, it is imperative that there is genetic diversity. Before that however, Renesmee must follow her instincts and learn to feed again. The idea of 'vegetarian' vampires is ridiculous and makes her weak. Haven't you noticed how strong my children are?" He smirked.

I laughed bitterly. "You're fighting a losing battle. Nessie won't drink human blood. I can tell you that now."

"Trust me. She will come around. If she doesn't, she will simply get thirstier and thirstier and I will shut her in a room with a human - perhaps even someone she knows, until she breaks and feeds. It's quite simple. It will happen. The choice and means, however, will ultimately depend on her."

My stomach was in my throat. "You're sick. Why tell me all of this?"

"Because it's the natural order of life. I'm trying to get you to understand. For example, the Barrow Alpha..."

"You leave him out of this." I snapped. Images of Cris flew through my mind.

"Well, you paired yourself with him. Am I wrong? It wasn't just emotional. You sought the strongest, reliable mate and it wasn't a human. You didn't, what is the word - imprint. Even you, underneath it all seek to further your bloodline with the strongest match available. Attraction is biological. Nature tells us to procreate and spread our seed and only the strongest survive. I am simply abiding by that law in a society which has gotten beyond itself." He paused. "I used to study biology as a human you know. It wasn't called that back then, of course, but it was the same thing. I can't remember much, but I know I bred animals. Not much has really changed. Only the world."

"My pack is coming." I muttered, crossing my arms defiantly. "They will kill you, and I will help."

"You shouldn't be so sure of yourself." He stood up and left the room briefly.

I was at a loss as to what to do and where he had gone. It didn't take long for him to return.

I looked at the small child in his arms. A little girl who already looked to be six months old. She had her sleepy head resting on Joham's shoulder as he held her gently. Walking over to me, without any option, he handed her to me. I had little choice but to hold her, or drop her. The girl with tanned skin and short black hair, twisted in my arms at the exchange and looked up at me with her little brown eyes.

I looked at Joham, totally confused.

"I thought you might like to meet Megan. She's is the daughter of Maxine from Barrow. See, not everyone I create is evil," he explained.

His thoughts were completely fucked up, but I'm sure he knew as much as I did the significance of this little girl. I looked down at her once more as she smiled at me and tugged my hair. "Hey, Megan," I whispered.

Joham slipped away and left me and Megan alone. I used the opportunity to talk to her softly, telling her about Cris and his pack and how they would come for us. It alarmed me that she had grown so quickly. It was Nessie all over again. There was no way I could let her end up like all the others in this place.

It was late by now and gradually she fell asleep against me. I held her tightly against me glad for the comfort. All to soon, Joham returned, taking her from my arms. A part of me wanted to keep her with me and away from the monster, but I wouldn't date to put her fragile self in the middle of a tug of war. He took her out of the room before coming back to his usual chair.

"You could raise her you know. I would give her to you." He smiled.

I shook my head. "Why? What is it you need my consent for? You know full well that I'm no match for any of you as long as you pump drugs into me everyday. And, don't think I didn't notice Sophia withdrawing my blood with her needle this morning. You're clearly already running tests on me. Why bother with this act."

"Life is easier if you are willing. I respect what you are. You haven't been treated right by your people. If you are to be here long term, I would rather accommodate you. You should know, for the monster you think I am, I never raped anyone. They have all been willing. I wish to persuade you, Leah. I will not rape you. I will however resort to more brutal methods of persuasion if you keep up this act. Think about it."

I did think about it. All night long. I worried how long his charm offensive would last - when his promises would start running out and the real beast would come out to play... Rachel, Kim, Emily, Emily's baby... how long did I wait for the pack before any of them were in danger.

I also worried about Megan. Holding her in my arms had brought out a natural instinct to protect her. She was so fragile and innocent and she still had a chance in life to be good.

I tried reaching for my wolf, but as usual she was nothing but a rumble deep down. I felt frustrated, unable to vent or throw myself about in a normal tantrum. I was sick of being the bigger person and worrying about the consequences of every little action I made. Every time I spoke out of turn I wanted to slap myself. They had all the power.

Settling under my single sheet, I focused on the sound of the waves outside my room, trying to find a rhythm that would send me to sleep. It was working and helping me relax when I heard a low pitched hoot. I ignored it. We were on an island, but that didn't mean there wasn't any wild life nearby. I shut my eyes again and tried to pick up a rhythm once more.

The damn bird hooted again. It sounded quite some way out, but was such a deep pitch it carried clearly on the night wind. What the hell was the Owl's problem...

Fuck me sideways... an owl!

It was impossible.

My eyes flew open. I was scared to hope.

Another hoot...

I couldn't help it. I cleared the room in no time, dragging my chair with me. Using it to reach the window, my head was level with the bars. I looked out at the dark sky. It was a clear night and the stars were out. I was crazy. Even if Jaden was out there, the chances of him finding me would be impossible. Anyway, he was back in Barrow, injured.

Hoot...

A massive shadow swept across the light of the moon temporarily. Oh hell, here goes crazy...

"Jaden," I yelled, not caring who heard me. If it was him. I had once chance. "JADEN. JADEN. JADEN," I screamed.

I heard the girls next door calling for me panicked. They must have thought I was having a breakdown.

When no sign of the owl appeared. I started to feel stupid. What had the chances been. Now, I just caused the girls to worry and probably drew the attention of every leech in the building on us. I was just about to step down, when two claws the size of dinner plates gripped my window bars. I almost fell off my chair in surprise.

Heavy wings beat down on the building as Jaden tried to use his powerful talons to pull the bars away. It was to no avail and he released the bars and flew backwards reluctantly. I smiled brightly as he hovered some feet away, looking at me. It was the biggest fucking snowy owl I had ever seen and I was delighted.

He clearly couldn't phase back to talk. I had seconds to tell him as much as I could. I could already hear footsteps running down the corridor.

"The girls are in the room next to me. Emily's sick, but they are all ok. Nessie's kept separate. They are trying to make her drink human blood, I think. I've seen Megan, she's safe. There's half breed and vampires here, don't know how many. We're in the cellar or something leading off a big hall. I can't phase they are injecting me. I don't know how much time I have left to stall Joham before he carries out any threats."

By now, keys were fumbling desperately at my door.

"Hurry, go. Tell Seth and Cris, I'm ok. Tell Embry, I'm..."

I didn't have time to finish as I was slammed backwards into the floor. Jaden immediately flew off like a bolt into the night. I smiled even as a fist came towards my head and blackness invaded me...

AN

So, hows that for an update? Would love your feedback!

I will be catching up with the latest reviews very soon, but I've not dealt with the yet as I've been constantly writing in my spare time. I hope that makes it up to you guys as far as excuses go :)

Thank you again for the beta skills of dontcallmeleelee and the ongoing support I get from you guys, the readers!

xxx