Disclaimer - I do not own Twilight, if you recognize anything that means it's probably not mine. This is purely for entertainment.

"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
'Pack Mind'

Chapter 14

Bella P.O.V.

I yawn loudly as I crawl out of bed. My mind roams over the previous day with my Leah and I still can't help but grin when I remember how I marked her. She acted like she was annoyed but I could see the glee in her eyes. She was happy that I wanted everyone to know she was mine. I make my way to the bathroom for my morning rituals then head down for breakfast.

After I eat I start thinking about the Christmas break coming up and how I'll have so much more time to spend with my Leah. I freeze…'What am I going to get her?' "Alice!" I call out despairingly.

She blurs to a stop in front of me. "Yes Bella?"

I sigh knowing I'm going to regret my next words. "I need you to take me shopping."

Her eyes light up. "Really?" she asks me disbelievingly.

I nod slowly. "I need to find something for Leah for Christmas."

"Sure Bella! We can go today!" I let out a breath thankful for Alice.

I send Leah a text on the way to school telling her that I wouldn't be able to see her for very long today. Her reply makes me giggle because I could just picture the pout on her face. Alice decides to drive her Porsche today so we can leave straight from school. I hop in and we speed off. School passes relatively quickly and as soon as the bell rings Alice is dragging me out the door and into the car.

"This is going to be sooo much fun! You haven't come shopping with me in ages." I laugh but realize she's right. 'I need to make sure I still spend time with her too. She's my best friend and I can't just ditch her for my girlfriend.' I sigh…I hope things pan out down on the res so I can spend time with both of them…together.

Leah P.O.V.

I sigh unhappily because my Bella is not coming down until later than usual today. I decide to head over to see Emily. It's been awhile since I have spent time with just her. When I get there she's in the kitchen just humming while she works. "Morning Em!"

"Good morning Leah!" she returns happily. I really am glad we made up…I missed her so much.

"It's been awhile since we have had time together that was just us so I thought I'd come by."

She smiles "Bella busy huh?"

I nod sheepishly. "That's alright Leah just let me finish up here." I nod grabbing a muffin off the table and take a seat.

I watch as she works…I can't imagine having to feed the entire pack like she does often. "You're amazing you know that Em. I mean you feed the entire pack on a regular basis and not a single complaint."

She shrugs and chuckles. "It was a bit overwhelming at first but I can't help but enjoy it." I smile and continue eating my muffin until she finishes. "So what are you getting Bella for Christmas?" Those words stop me in my tracks with my eyes wide.

"Umm." She turns to look at me. "I uh...forgot it was coming up so soon?"

She giggles and I can't help but scowl. "I have no idea what to get her…I mean nothing will be good enough!"

She sighs shaking her head. "Leah you know better than that. She will love anything you get her." I nod it's true. Bella probably doesn't want me to even get her anything. She hates it when I spend money on her. As an idea crosses my mind I quickly explain it to Emily. We spend the rest of the day just chatting while I wait to hear from my Bella.

Bella P.O.V.

My arm is killing me… 'I thought Alice was going to rip it off dragging me from store to store.' I bought my Leah a small gift and told Alice I was done. She looked at me like I was insane. Next thing I know…here we are in Victoria's Secret. I groan. "Alice…why are we here?"

She just shakes her head. "Bella, you want to look good for Leah right?"

I scowl, she always uses that excuse because she knows it's my weak point. "Fine" I pout.

"Sorry Bella." She didn't really sound it though.

I tried on a few different styles but in the end I went with lacy red boy shorts that only covered half of my ass and a matching bra. I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious but Alice said I look great. I redressed and as soon as I stepped out of the dressing room I could tell Alice was in a vision. I waited patiently for her to explain. When she finished I could tell she was worried. "Alice? Alice what is it?"

"Edward…he's home."

I gasp. "Is this a good thing or bad thing Alice."

She shrugs and pouts. "I don't know…I just saw him and the same female vampire from before talking with Carlisle. Carlisle said something about waiting until we got home for the story." I couldn't help but worry. I knew we couldn't put it off though.

I take a deep breath. "Let's go."

She looked at me wearily. "Are you sure Bella? I mean I can understand if you don't want to be there."

I shake my head… "I need to be Alice…I'm part of the family right?" she nods. "So I need to be there…who knows maybe he finally grew up." Her bell-like laugh makes me smile as always. I just want to get this over with so I can go see my Leah.

The entire way there Alice was going in and out of visions. Just as we were arriving in Forks she smiled and turned to me. "He found his mate!" she said excitedly.

I was happy for him…even though he acted the way he did everyone deserved to be loved. "That's great." I responded.

When we arrived Carlisle was waiting for us on the porch. He spoke to Alice too low for me to hear and she nodded. We made our way inside and there on the couch was Edward and a young woman about my age. Since I knew what to look for I could easily tell she was a vampire. The pale white skin that I knew to be icy cold and her golden eyes that matched those of the Cullens. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. 'At least she is like them…animal blood.' I smile at her and turn to Edward who had…a sheepish almost apologetic expression when he looked at me. 'Well, this might be good.'

I nod telling him that I'd give him a chance and he relaxed. There was an awkward silence and I finally couldn't stand it anymore. I walked up to the new vampire and held my hand out. "Hi, my name is Bella. It's nice to meet you." Everyone let out sigh of relief.

She took my hand and shook it gently…it was ice cold but I was used to it. "Amber." Her smile was radiant…though my Leah's was still better.

We all talked for a few minutes before the question was asked…it was Rosalie who voiced the one thing we all wanted to know. "So how did you meet my brother?" I could tell she was happy that Edward found his mate but like any good sister she was suspicious.

Amber could see the suspicion as well. "How about I start from the beginning?" we all nodded for her to continue.

"About six months ago I was driving home after work and a blizzard hit. I lost control of the car and slammed into a tree. The force threw me through the windshield." I grimaced. "I don't remember much after that except the feeling of something hard and cold like stone picking me up and I was fading in and out of consciousness. Next I felt the burn that I now know was venom in my veins. From what they told me Kate was out hunting and came across the crash site. She knew I would die without the change. She managed to keep control of her thirst long enough to run me back to Eleazar who changed me." I smiled. The Cullens have told me about their 'cousins' from Alaska.

She took a breath before continuing. "When I woke they explained to me what happened and about my new life. They taught me how to hunt and they were helping me to keep from harming humans. About three weeks ago Edward stopped in to visit the Denali coven and we met. It took some time for us to convince him to explain what happened here and when he did we were all raging. Tanya, Kate, and Irina take women to bed often. Hell even I have had a couple women." I grin. I like this girl already. "It took a couple weeks but we finally managed to convince him that times have changed. Relationships aren't about children and money these days. They are about love, and love can be found in the most unexpected of places." She turns to Edward with a loving look.

Edward smiles at her and turns to me. "I want to apologize for my reaction. It was inexcusable and I can just hope that you are able to forgive me."

I smile and nod. "It means a lot that you are willing to make an effort. That's all I ask." We all talk for a few minutes more and I found out they will be staying. Esme is ecstatic to not only have her son back but to gain another daughter. I slip out and call my Leah to tell her I'm on my way.

Leah P.O.V.

My Bella finally called and she's on her way I sigh happily. I can't contain myself so I wait on the front porch practically bouncing in place until she pulls up. She runs around the car and jumps into my arms much like the day before. She still smells like them but I'm getting used to it. The smell doesn't bother me as much now. I'm starting to think that the overwhelming part of the smell has to do with our feelings towards them. I have started to like most of the Cullens after what I've heard from Bella and the few times I've met them.

She gives me a long passionate kiss before she speaks. "Sorry I took so long baby we just had some unexpected company." I raise an eyebrow asking for an explanation. She smiles. "Well, Edward's home…now don't freak." She adds quickly when she feels me tense. "He met his mate and she…well let's just say she wasn't happy when she found out about what happened. She managed to talk some sense into him…he even apologized." I shrug if he wasn't going to cause problems neither would I.

"So Bells what do you want to do? We have a couple hours before I have to go on patrol." She grins mischievously and I gulp. She grabs my hand and drags me up the steps into the house. She says a quick hi to my mom and keeps pulling me up to my room. When we get inside she shuts and locks the door then starts towards me. I'm supposed to be the hunter and I started feeling like the prey as she prowled towards me. I couldn't help but back away slowly. Next thing I know I trip onto the bed and she pounces. Her head comes in for what I think is a kiss but before I can respond her lips snake to the side and press against her almost healed mark on my neck. I try to be annoyed but it's just so damn hot I can't help but moan.

After she refreshes the mark she kisses her way to my lips. I try to pout but I can't help but smile against her lips. We start kissing and hands start to roam. This time her hands get closer and closer to my breasts…I'm not sure if she means to but she brushes my nipple and it jumps to attention. My hands make their way down to her hips and I hold her tight. After a couple minutes I can't help myself and they snake their way down to grip her perfect ass. She jumps but doesn't stop. I smirk inwardly that is until her hand grips my breast and I moan into her mouth.

Then just when I think she's ready to go further she just stops and puts her head on my chest leaving us both breathless. She looks up at me and smirks. 'That tease!' she knew exactly what she was doing and giggles at the expression on my face.

Bella P.O.V.

In my time with my Leah I'm starting to grow more confident. When she gripped my ass I knew she was smirking so I couldn't help myself. I palmed her breast and just when she started to moan I stopped everything. It wasn't very nice I know but I shrug inwardly…she started it. The look on her face was priceless and I couldn't help but giggle. We cuddle on her bed until she has to leave for patrol and I go home. I wasn't sure how much longer I was going to be able to wait…I ruin a pair of panties almost every time I see her anymore…I couldn't help but wonder if I was ready.