Chapter 12 (Sam POV)

"Sam," Emily said capturing his attention immediately. The sound of her voice, drawing him in closer to her.

"Yes." Sam sat next to her on their bed, putting his arm around her waist. His hand on her instantly made him feel at ease, bring a smile to his face. He loved her more than he imagined possible, leaving no doubt of the supernatural effects of imprinting.

"Are you ever going to talk to Jake about the whole alpha thing?"

"No. Well, at least not anytime soon.

Once Bella knew their secret there was no reason to keep Jacob away from her so Sam ordered him back to his house. The stupid sucker actually looked a little reluctant to leave. Jacob was not a loud person and therefore him living with them shouldn't have been difficult, but it grated on every one of Sam's nerves. Everything about Jacob made life difficult for Sam and he knew exactly why.

Sam's wolf could feel the alpha leadership in Jacob, no matter how hard Sam tried to ignore it. He felt a constant pain, like a thorn wedged under his skin.

Knowing Jacob would phase, Sam had been watching him and felt ready. Until it actually happened, and he saw how much Jacob hated him. Instead of offering the role of alpha to the teenager, Sam kept it and ordered the others to keep being alpha a secret from Jacob. He couldn't risk having Embry confide in his best friend or Paul saying something pigheaded.

"He is too stubborn and I do not trust him," Sam said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Emily licked her chapped lips. "What do you not trust about him?" Her voice remained smooth as her hand rested over his.

"I don't know. I can just feel it."

"Have you ever thought maybe he is so stubborn because his wolf knows the truth about being alpha even if Jake doesn't?"

Sam hadn't thought of that. His fingers threaded through her long hair as he contemplated what it could all mean. It made sense. Handing over the reins to Jacob would make it easier for him, but he believed the teenager lacked the maturity to handle it.

"He isn't ready," Sam told her.

"Maybe, and maybe not."

"Besides, when did he become Jake? I thought only his friends called him that."

"We are friends." Emily shrugged. "And I have been hearing about Jake for a really long time, from, you know…"

Sam hated that neither of them ever actually said Leah's name. Was it really so hard to acknowledge her?

The pressure of being alpha weighed heavily on Sam as he undressed for bed. He sighed deeply.

"Are you okay?" Emily asked him, laying down on their bed.

"Yes," Sam answered. It was a half truth and the sigh which escaped her mouth told him Emily knew it. Why couldn't he be more honest with her? Sam guarded his thoughts, even towards his faithful imprint.

Emily rolled over to her side and Sam settled in behind her, his arm around her waist. Their intimacy felt like a never ending rollercoaster, with heights of passion, sudden stops and curves which came out of nowhere. Sam felt like they were in a curve which he hadn't seen coming.

Leading his pack had become a full time job, and he wondered if Emily enjoyed her role as the alpha's mate, but he never asked. Through imprinting they skipped the initial attraction most new couples experienced. They were thrown together suddenly and without thought to what either really wanted.

In the privacy of his mind, Sam often thought of Leah. He missed her and wished he could still love her. Actually, he did still love her. He had dreams of a life with her he was only able to experience in his subconscious. Feeling Emily next to him, he immediately felt guilty for his thoughts of Leah. Wasn't imprinting supposed to take away his desire for her? Unfortunately it did not. He felt everything, but was helpless to do anything about it.

Emily became his hopes, his dreams, his life the moment he imprinted on her. She gave him a purpose and part of him loved that. He felt complete and knew he would need no one, but her, for the rest of his life.

"Sam?" Emily whispered softly.

"Yeah?"

"I don't want... her coming towards the house. I want to trust you all, but…"

"Emily…" Sam rolled her to him, brushing her long hair from her face. Her scarred cheek rested against her pillow, his hand touching her smooth skin. Sam didn't know if they intentionally choose the side of the bed so her injury wouldn't be staring him in the face, but deep down he appreciated not having the reminder. He didn't need it because he'd never forget. "I promise you, I will think of a different plan than having that tick anywhere near you."

"Thank you," she said, hugging him tightly.

Sam held her tightly, his lips finding hers. They kissed passionately, their clothes ending in piles around them as Sam made love to her.


Sam awoke the next morning before the sun. Leaving Emily still sleeping, he tucked the blankets tightly around her naked body, grabbed a quick breakfast and left to relieve Embry from his nightly duty outside Bella's house. A quick jog to the trees and he exploded in his wolf form.

What was he thinking? Embry thought, trying to keep himself from falling asleep. For the past week outside of Bella's house he sat in the same place, creating a spot under the trees for himself. Her screams, while concerning, were his only source of entertainment, but since reconnecting with Jake she slept peacefully. Exhaustion kept him from noticing anyone else had phased in.

With Embry's head resting heavily against his paws, Sam remained silent to not interrupt Embry's thought process. He has the absolute worst luck ever in girls. First Bella and then... Well, at least Bella is back and he could go in that direction again. I know she thinks they are just friends, but the way they were all… whatever when Bella talked to us, it was obvious they care about each other. Even Emily noticed, lookin' all jealous… Maybe there is something more to it than just boredom on Jake's part… But seriously, anyone but Emily…

What!? Sam roared.

Oh my god! Sam? Embry leaped to his feet, instinctively shaking the dirt and leaves from his fur. Oh god, how long have you been there?

Long enough!

Oh shit!

What the hell is going on? Sam demanded.

I don't really know.

You know a hell of a lot more than I do. Spill it!

Embry whined for a moment not wanting to betray his best friend, but Sam didn't care. He needed answers. I will order you if I have to, Sam warned.

I don't know much...

Embry showed Sam: The look between Jacob and Emily as they stared into each other's eyes and grinned at each other. Their smiles could have been seen as a friendly gesture until they began to match perfectly like a shared secret. Embry felt confident if he noticed then so would someone else and gave Jacob a swift kick under the table.

"What the hell, Jake?" Embry whispered so low only another wolf close by would hear him.

"It is not what you think," Jacob whispered back.

"It had better not be," Embry warned, unconvinced. His eyes probed into his friend's and found Jacob was not telling the truth.

"Okay, so it kinda is," Jacob added.

"Have you lost your damn mind?"

"It is nothing serious. I'm just bored."

"You had better find a hobby or something before Sam has a good reason to kill you."

"Too late…" Jacob said a look of regret washed over his face.

"God, Jake… How late is too late?" Embry asked.

Jacob grinned, his eyes glazing with memories. Embry didn't know exactly what Jacob was thinking about, but it appeared passionate and he felt convinced Jacob had slept with Emily.

Sam released a nightmarish howl which both crushed his soul and boiled his blood. How could this happen?

The alpha wolf felt short of breath and his body trembled. Feeling emotions so intense, he probably would have phased had he not already been a wolf. His heart ached as he felt the cables, which bound him to Emily, tighten around him. He wasn't sure if the pressure held him together or would eventually crush him completely. Typically the man and wolf felt emotions slightly differently, except when it came to imprinting. With imprinting the man and wolf were one.

A low moan escaped from his snout as Sam collapsed to the ground. Immediately, Embry darted from the trees towards him.

Sam! He yelled.

A wolf's imprint was supposed to be untouchable. It was the most cardinal of all pack laws because to hurt an imprint would destroy the wolf attached to her.

That is what he wanted… Sam's laid on the earth, broken To destroy me…

What if he didn't know? Embry suggested, desperate to give Jacob an out.

How could he not know? He knew how important she is to me! I know, because I told him myself.

Jake said it wasn't anything serious. I know what he did was wrong and unforgivable, but don't over react you haven't lost her.

Emily was his.

You are right!

Sam felt the cables relax, and he sprang to his feet. Even though she had cheated on him, Sam knew he would forgive her. An imprint could do anything. Whatever she wanted from him, she would have. But that was not the case with Jacob. He would pay for what he had done.

Get some rest, Embry. I'll take over. Sam growled.

Okay, but Sam…

Embry, you will tell no one what you have shared with me, Sam ordered.

He nodded, appreciative of the order which restricted him because he didn't have to debate on whether to tell Jacob. It wasn't an option. Once close to home Embry phased out, leaving Sam alone with his thoughts.

Sam had to figure out how he missed something which must have happened right under his nose. For hours, as Sam continued to patrol, anger seeped into every fiber of his bones.


He hated Jacob Black almost more than the leech who had been terrorizing his community. Raking through his thoughts, he looked for times Jacob and Emily were together. There were very few times to choose from, most were of them in the kitchen. They stood side by side, working together effortlessly. Then another memory of them returning soaked to the bones, claiming to have car trouble.

Instinctively, Sam knew not to trust Jacob. He thought it regarded the pack and Jacob leading, but instead he betrayed him.

Sam felt another wolf phase in and tried to relax his thoughts, but his anger still burned strong.

Sam, you okay? Jared asked.

Okay enough. I'm going to phase out, Jacob will replace you in an hour.

Sounds fine to me. But Sam, I had an idea about the leech. I know we want her destroyed, but I also want her gone quick. I don't like that she keeps coming back.

Sam could feel Jared's need to protect his imprint and Sam felt the same way.

What do you suggest? Sam asked.

She is the Cullen's problem. They should be handling this.

I don't know Jared, I don't want them coming back here.

They don't 'all' have to come back.

I'll think about it. As always, howl if you need me.

Will do, laters.

Sam felt Jared's curiosity, but phased out without explaining. Angry and needing advice, Sam showed up on the front porch of Harry Clearwater.

After ringing the doorbell, Sam waited.

Leah opened the door, a permanent glare edged on her face. "What do you want?"

"I need to talk to Harry," Sam said, him already hurt and angry, running into Leah made no difference on his mood.

"Dad!" Leah yelled, immediately turning back towards the staircase which lead to her bedroom.

"Leah, wait…" It had been two months since he had seen her. Her natural beauty evident despite her simple running shorts, tank top and ponytail. Though she was never overweight, he could see the evidence of weight loss in her face and new found muscles in her shoulders and biceps.

"You're sick," Leah said, her glare intensifying as Sam got caught eyeing her.

Sam didn't say another word as he watched her march straight to her room, he heard the door slam. Her music blared, but her sobs could still be heard. Sam felt terrible as he wandered through the house until he found Harry in his office.

"Sam," Harry said, his eyebrows raise, curious and surprised. "What can I do for you?"

"I need some advice."

"Name it." Harry turned, giving Sam his full attention.

Harry Clearwater was the man who Sam admired more than any other. He once thought he would be his father-in-law and while that was no longer an option, Sam felt appreciative for Harry's support throughout his transition. Harry found him in the woods after his first phase and let Sam know he was in fact not going insane.

After he imprinted on Emily, Harry remained faithful to Sam, giving him reassurance Emily would make her way to him. Now Sam's relationship had never been more in jeopardy and he needed his mentor's advice.

Sam hadn't hesitated for a moment before arriving at Harry's home, but now he was there he was uncertain of what to say.

"Well, I wanted to get your opinion on something," Sam said.

Harry rubbed his jaw and rested his hand on his chest waiting patiently.

"What should I do if," Sam felt the same rage, which had washed over his body as a wolf, tremor down his human form, "if a another wolf were to sleep with an imprint who is not his own?"

"Whoa! That is a very serious concern." Harry leaned towards Sam in interest and curiosity.

"I know."

"Assuming the wolf knows she is an imprint." Harry's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he waited a moment before speaking. "Then the offending wolf would be ostracized from the pack and tribe."

Perfect, Sam nodded silently. "Is there anything the wolf could do to be redeemed?"

"No. We take imprinting serious." Harry took a deep breath, his face grimacing in what looked to be pain. "Do you have something you want to report to the Council?"

"Yes, but… Are you okay?" Sam asked.

"Just heartburn, it has been bothering me since breakfast. I need some water from the kitchen."

"I'll come with you."

Harry arose slowly, stretched his back and shoulders before moving towards the kitchen. Sam watched him intently as Harry grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water.

"Get your ass out of the way, Uley!" Leah yelled, shoving his back with her hands.

Sam stumbled forward surprised by her strength and even more from her touch. Most people felt cold compared to his heated skin, but not Leah. Her touch matched his own, causing his eyes to widen in shock.

"What the hell are you even doing here?" She continued to yell, her body trembling.

"Oh my god…" Sam put himself been Leah and Harry protectively. "Leah, try to calm down…"

Those words were a mistake. Leah completely lost it yelling for Sam to get out of her house and for him to never return again, convulsing more violently with each threat. Sam ignored her words, throwing the kitchen table as far against the wall as it would go.

"Sam… What is going on?" Harry looked at him confused.

"I think Leah is phasing," Sam replied.

The glass slipped from Harry's fingers shattering on the ground. Pieces of glass shot in all directions as Leah clutched onto the counter shaking.

"LEAH!" Seth screamed, seeming to appear out of nowhere. Sam didn't realize he was home.

Seth leaped towards his sister and Sam reached for him, pulling him away from Leah. The teenage kid was strong and put up a fight, luckily Sam was taller than Seth, giving him leverage.

"Let go of him!" Leah screamed. Suddenly her screams turned to howls and a large gray wolf stood in the Clearwater's kitchen. Leah appeared a little smaller than the other wolves, but still plenty big for a kitchen.

Harry screamed and clutched his chest, leaning against the counter.

Seth reached back with his fist, punching Sam in gut, repeatedly until he began to convulse as well.

"Holy shit!" Sam groaned. He threw Seth over his shoulder roughly, running with him to the living room.

Leah growled and leaped after Sam and Seth.

Sam dropped him to the floor as Seth's screams filled the room. It had to be Sam's werewolf reflexes which allowed him to get out of the way before Seth turned into a large sandy-brown wolf.

Leah's snout moved over her brother, then Seth sprung to his feet and Sam had two growling wolves moving towards him.

"Oh god…" Sam stared at the two wolves unsure of what to do. "Harry!" Sam yelled. "Harry, Harry, Harry!" He continued to wail with no response from the kitchen.