Title: Legendary Travesty

Fandom: Twilight

Pairing: Leah/Esme, established Bella/Alice (Bellice)

Author: Mirandyscrow

Rating: R

Summary: AU Leah imprints in Eclipse. We follow her as she deals with denial, acceptance and the consequences that this extraordinary event causes. This story take place about two months before the beginning of Eclipse and will be a femslash pairing. If you don't like it then don't read it. Thanks!

Spoilers: Let's say everything up until Eclipse is fair game, but I'm twisting a lot of facts and timelines to suit my story.

Archive: Sure if you really want it. Lol, it would be a surprise to me, just ask my permission first. (It's nice when people ask)

Disclaimer: Did Bella and Alice hook up in New Moon? No? Well I guess that means Twilight isn't mine. Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer. Any and all other brand names belong to their respective owners. I do not make any money on this story. Please don't sue; I only have a box of Easy Mac as collateral. BTW Easy Mac is the property of Kraft. :P

Author's Note: I don't have a clue where this idea came from. I was actually focusing on going to sleep and this plus five other prompts popped into my head and played around in my skull until I wrote them down and attempted to give them a fair shot at being written. Now here we are.

Big thanks to faithlessfate for being an awesome beta and making this story worth reading! All careless mistakes are my own.

Chapter 7: Home Away From Home

Leah woke up with a spring in her step and an abundance of energy which meant she'd nearly gotten all her strength back. She quickly changed into the clothes that were left for her hanging from the doorknob. She was halfway down the stairs when her entire body went cold, her knees gave out and she tumbled down to the hardwood floor. She started shivering uncontrollably and a sweat broke out across her forehead. The vampires all came into the room, shocked. They were coming forward to help her, but then she was fine. She got up as if nothing happened and continued walking into the kitchen.

She opened the refrigerator, going straight for the water. She filled and drained her glass, turning for a refill when she felt the looks. She turned her eyes to the curious vampires on the other side of the counter. "What!?" she snapped harshly.

Jasper was the one to answer. "You looked like you were on the brink of death just now, you even smelt of it then you went back to being healthy," he stated a little mystified.

"I think you better sit," Carlisle said gently. She complied for once not complaining while he checked her over quickly. "You seem completely healthy now. No, spike in blood pressure or heart rate."

"Good, so she's healthy and we can dump the mutt," Rosalie griped. "I've smelled her scent so long I'm almost sure I can taste it."

Leah just flashed an unfriendly smile, growling in the blonde's direction. She gnashed her teeth and they came together with an audible click. Rosalie stepped forward, hissing in response.

"Act your ages," Esme looked between Leah and Rosalie. They both looked down, effectively scolded. "She is going to stay here for observation just in case she has a relapse," she stated sharply and clearly.

"My sentiments exactly," Carlisle said, glancing at his wife before gazing at each of his family members. His eyes and tone portrayed that the topic was not up for discussion.

The sudden silence was a bit stifling for Leah but she didn't have to worry about it much longer because as she opened her mouth to speak her stomach let loose a very audible growl. She flushed in embarrassment as all eyes settled on her once again. Tugging on one of the thick strands of hair hanging near her eye, she said. "So uh…breakfast?"

The vampires chuckled and all the tension in the room suddenly dissipated.

Esme flashed past her into the kitchen. "What would you like?" she asked already pulling a few ingredients from the refrigerator.

"Well, I don't know maybe-"

"Oh!" Alice jumped up, blurring to stand in front of Leah with a big grin. "How about stuffed brioche French toast with fresh berries? Or an omelette with Tasmanian Truffles? Or a lime, pineapple and mascarpone breakfast soufflé with dulce de leche?" She rattled off quickly, giddy with the opportunity to cook for someone other than Bella.

Leah's eyes widened with all the ideas spouting out of the tiny vampire. "No." she shook her head slowly when it seemed as though more suggestions would be coming. "No, that's okay really. I don't want all that trouble." She held her hands up in surrender, glancing at the other vampires to help her out.

"You're overwhelming her," Edward spoke softly, cutting off any other reply Alice may have come up with.

"Yeah, Shorty. You need to give her a break," Emmett all but yelled.

"You'll have to excuse Alice," Carlisle said with a soft smile. "We don't get to use the kitchen much and she's been reading up and watching the Food Network like a madwoman every since she starting d-

Leah's ears was assaulted with a barely there whispered hiss before Carlisle continued.

"-meeting Bella," he finished with what he thought was a charming smile.

Leah looked around the family in confusion before glancing at him like he was pond scum and turned to Esme with an adoring smile. "Whatever you make is fine," she answered. "Though now Alice has me a bit curious about how the stuffed brioche French toast will taste."

"Ha!" Alice tossed an 'I told you so' look toward Emmett and danced into the kitchen to help Esme with the preparation.

As Leah saw the production Alice was putting on just for her breakfast, she wondered what exactly she'd gotten herself into.

-x-

Breakfast as it turned out was perfection. She was a little unnerved that all the vampires had taken to staring at her with rapt fascination as she chewed every bite, until a chastising hiss from Esme forced their eyes elsewhere. It was a small reprieve but she still felt their curious glances. After she was finally able to break away from Alice's seemingly unending stream of questions about how the food tasted and felt in her mouth she decided it would be a good idea to go back upstairs for a few minutes alone.

Leah stared out the large window facing the forest; pondering the conversation she had with her mother just a couple of days ago, among other things. She knew she'd probably be leaving tomorrow now that she no longer was exhibiting symptoms of her imprint withdrawal and nearly healed of her fight injuries.

She still needed to have a talk with Esme before anyone else knew. She paused in thought.

Esme…

Ignoring the vampire was probably the one of the most idiotic things she'd ever done. Those days had felt so long. Had it really only been just two weeks that she'd carried the proverbial stone in her stomach? A large stone that weighed down her every movement and thought until her stomach roiled and bubbled producing the acid to dissolve it to tiny stony fragments and bits of cutting sand. The small pieces traveled through her body everyday making her regret her decision. She hadn't known disregarding the connection would come to kill them both until Jake revealed it. She turned from the window as she sensed the vampire in question before she even smelled her.

"Your mother's on the phone." Esme handed Leah her cell phone. She was about to give Leah some privacy when she was stopped by a warm hand brushing her own. The wolf nodded toward the armchair, encouraging Esme to stay. The vampire sat down, focusing on the distant sounds of the forest, making a sliver of discretion for Leah, but she was unable to stop herself from hearing the full conversation the wolf was having with her mother.

"Have you been eating, Leah?" Sue asked almost immediately.

"Yes Ma. I'm eating plenty," Leah responded an exasperated sigh and a roll of her eyes. "Esme fixes a feast anytime my stomach slightly gurgles," she grumbled into the phone.

"There's nothing wrong with that," her mother remarked. "It means she cares about you so you better appreciate it. How are you getting along with the rest of the Cullens?"

"I'm minding my manners if that's what you mean." The younger woman said a little too quickly.

"With everyone?" Sue asked in disbelief.

Leah could practically hear the raised eyebrow her mother was surely sporting. "Yes, with everyone."

"Uh…huh." Was the reply.

She cringed when her mother called her on her lie. "Okay, so maybe not everyone," she corrected. "I'm trying to. I really am but it's…hard. Before I realize what I've done, I'm growling or glaring in his direction."

"That's to be expected, Leah. Have you talked to Esme, yet?" Sue asked bluntly.

The vampire in question looked up sharply at that, unintentionally focusing her hearing back into the conversation.

"Uh…no. I haven't," She groaned, glancing at Esme. "…but I will before I come home," she said quickly.

Her mother paused for a moment too long. "About that, Leah."

"Where's Seth?" Leah said, her question overlapped her mother's statement. She knew something happened in La Push after her departure but she wasn't quite sure if she wanted to know all the particulars just yet. "Where's Seth?" she repeated. "w-was he okay?"

"When I came home there wasn't a scratch on him," Sue said. She very happy to reveal the fact, considering how bad some of the injuries from the fight were.

Leah felt a proud smile slide across her face. "Served them right for messing with my little bro. He's a Clearwater."

There was no response.

"Ma?"

"Leah, I need to tell you-"

"Well," Leah cut off her mother with an exaggerated yawn, "I'm feeling a little tired so I'll have to call you back later. I love you. Bye." she ended the call, looking at the vampire that was suddenly in front of her, reaching for the phone. Esme stiffened and her nose wrinkled slightly.

"What?" Leah asked, confused until she felt the approach of Jake and Seth. She looked toward the forest, watching as a large russet and slim, sandy brown wolf broke through the tree line heading straight for the house. She eagerly ran downstairs and out the front door just in time to impact with the lanky bundle of fur that jumped on her chest, forcing her to the ground. Seth started licking her face.

She grimaced and moved her head rapidly from side to side, trying to fight off the tongue. "Damn it, Seth!" she batted her brother's furry head, laughing. "Stop messing around! Phase back and hug me like a normal person."

Jacob walked forward, pulling on his shirt. "Hey, Leah."

"Hey," She said quickly. "Would you convince my brother to get off me?"

"Well, I think he's having more fun here but I guess I'll just have to go beat Emmett on the video game alone." He shrugged, walking past the two siblings into the Cullen home.

Emmett's indignant, "Hey!" is heard from inside the house followed by a few laughs.

Seth jumped off his sister, dashing to the other side of the garage for privacy while he phased and put on the clothes tied to his back leg.

Leah sat up, dusting herself off. She shook her hair free of dirt. "I'll be upstairs cleaning off," She mumbled, running to the stairs.

"I was just about to fix Leah's lunch, you two are very welcome to have something as well." Esme said gliding passed Seth who was standing in the doorway a little hesitant. He glanced at his sister in question.

"You may as well. She's going to fix enough to feed a village anyway," she said, continuing upstairs.

"You always eat my village-sized portions," Esme called from the kitchen, unable to keep the teasing tone from her voice.

"It's an easy feat. The food's great," she told the vampire with a big grin, hurrying up the stairs.

Leah did a quick wash off and changed into a new shirt that was conveniently left for her. She could barely contain her eagerness to spend some time with her brother. When she made it back to the kitchen, unsurprisingly Esme had finished preparing lunch. Three big plates with over-sized and over-stuffed chicken club sandwiches, three individual bags of chips, and tall glasses of orange soda sat on the table, waiting. She sat down, glancing at Jake and Seth before she noticed the smaller portioned plate on the other side of Jake. She frowned.

"Alice will be back with Bella in a moment," Edward answered her silent question.

Leah frowned deeper, ignoring Jake's warning look. "Leah…" he started.

"Whatever, Jake." she cut him off. She was going to say more when Rosalie interjected.

"At least one good thing comes from Lassie's smell," the blonde announced. Everyone turned to hear the rest of her statement. "It'd be easier not to want to eat the human when there's such an unappetizing smell lingering in the air."

Bella walked around the corner. "Nice to see you too, Rosalie," she muttered under her breath, knowing everyone in the room could hear her and tucked some hair behind her ears. Alice pulled her along to the bar quickly.

"Alice!" Bella squealed when the small vampire picked her up and placed on the empty stool.

"It was for the best, judging from my vision. I'm sure you didn't want to break your nose so close senior pictures do you?" Alice joked.

Bella rolled her eyes in annoyance and tried to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks. "Hello, everyone," she said, shifting to get comfortable on the stool. Nearly everyone said hello.

Leah just grunted in greeting, picking up her sandwich. Her mouth was opened to take the first bite when a throat was cleared. Esme raised an eyebrow, silently conveying her disapproval.

"Hello, Bella," she responded through gritted teeth, running her tongue across her teeth certain that the two words would leave a bad taste in her mouth. The small smile she got from Esme resulted in such warmth and happiness blossoming in her chest that she almost wanted to go so far as hug Bella to see her mate's next reaction. They settled down to eat while the vampire family sat in front of the television, watching Emmett and Jasper battle each other on what seemed to be a pretty intense racing game but the wolves still felt their curious gazes as they ate.

Leah got an idea. Her eyes darted behind her and back to her plate before she nudged Seth with a wink and a mischievous smirk, taking an over exaggerated bite of her sandwich. He smiled back and started eating with gusto. Jake didn't join the brother and sister in their display, he appeared deep in thought as he finished his lunch. The vampires gave up any discretion and outright stared at the teens eating, tilting their heads to the side in awe and Bella snorted into her glass at the whole scene.

Edward's calm voice broke through smacking and crunching. "We're being played."

"Oh not cool," Emmett grumbled then smiled.

"You guys made it too easy," Leah said after she swallowed the last bite of her lunch. She stood, reaching for her plate when a gust of wind passed her, materializing in front of the kitchen sink as Esme. She scowled at the vampire but the twinkle in her eyes softened the expression, a secret moment passing between them going unnoticed as Jacob spoke.

"Charlie must have finally accepted your little expedition," he said suddenly, glancing back and forth between Edward and Bella, anger and annoyance clear on his face.

Alice came forward. "Actually he did," she said before Bella had a chance to answer him. "I told him about a dear friend's 'intervention' and how I needed Bella there for emotional support so he's been lenient. She just recently got ungrounded for good behavior which you would know if you weren't being an immature little puppy," she spat.

Jake stood abruptly, towering over Alice easily. "Who was talking to you?" he growled.

Jasper calmed the room as Leah grabbed Jake's arm, tugging him outside. "Let's take a walk." She said. It wasn't a request.

"What the hell was that, Jake? Do you have a death wish?" Leah whispered fiercely once they were good distance away.

Jake crossed his arms. "I had a right to know."

"No, actually you don't because she's not dating you, remember? Did you really think confronting her right in front of the entire vampire coven she considers family is going to encourage her to talk and fall in your arms simultaneously?"

"Don't even begin to pretend like you're suddenly Bella's biggest fan. The only reason you're out here now is because I ruined the lunch your little Stepford wife made," he snarled at her. "Been screwing her while the family is out?" The second he stopped speaking his head snapped to the side.

He clenched his jaw, holding back his urge to hit Leah back. "I deserve that."

"Yes, you did and I should do more than slap you. I won't because you're just hurt right now," she said, stepping closer to him. "So this is your only warning. Talk about Esme like that ever again and you'll wish I'd only just followed through on my earlier threat to make you a eunuch."

He grumbled something that could have been 'sorry', phased, and ran off.

Leah watched the larger russet wolf disappear behind some bushes before she stripped to tie her clothing to her right leg. She phased, pausing when she felt eyes on her. She turned to see someone looking at her from the distant master bedroom window. The grey wolf could practically feel the open admiration and awe being directed at her. She was unable to see the figure very clearly but she had no doubt in her mind that it was Esme.

-x-

Leah finally found Jacob in a small clearing. She stepped behind a tree to put on her clothing before sitting on a nearby fallen log beside the sullen boy. "What happened since I've been gone?"

"That's kind of what I came here to talk to you about," Jake admitted softly.

"Well, what happened after I was gone?"

"You know me and Sam fought."

"Yeah I remember," Leah groused, her hands unconsciously going to slight scar at the back of her neck.

"There was an elder meeting as soon as your mother got back to La Push. They were all shocked when she revealed that you'd imprinted on Esme Cullen. The bigger shock was how Sam handled the situation." Jake ran a hand through his hair. "Sam, isn't allowed to interact with anyone other than his imprint unless it's for protection of the tribe."

"How can that even be possible? Leah asked a little puzzled. "He's the Alpha."

"Not anymore," Jake said sternly. "During the fight, I rose up and took my birthright. The fight soon became a fight between me and Sam for Alpha of the pack and I won."

"I can't say that I feel the slightest bit sorry for him. He knows I can't control my imprinting or maybe he's already forgotten about the beauty mark he gave Emily," Leah said, her mouth formed a grim line. "He just better stay out of my way when I come home." She glanced at the boy sitting next to her.

Jake rubbed his temples like he was warding off an oncoming headache before looking her apologetically.

"What's wrong, Jake?" Leah began to stand.

"Leah, I think you should probably stay seated."

"I don't want to sit," she said getting more and more irritated. "What. Is. It?"

"Leah, you can't come back to La Push," he exhaled in a rush.

"What?"

Jake looked away. "I said-"

"I fucking heard you!" Leah shouted as she began to vibrate

"Leah…" Jake said warningly, standing as well.

"Does Sam get to stay?" She said, coming closer to the new Alpha.

"Leah…"

"Fucking answer me, Jake! Does that bastard get to stay on the reservation after everything he did?"

"He does," Jake confirmed. He watched as Leah's body began to gain a light dusting of grey fur. "Please calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down!" she growled. Her canines lengthened and peeked from under her upper lip. "Whose decision was this?"

"The tribe and pack made it together," he said quickly, holding his hands out in a placating motion. He didn't want to fight with Leah. He knew the news wouldn't be taken too well but he'd never seen her be in between transformation like this and he wasn't sure what to expect from her. "We decided that would be better for everyone, considering your unusual imprint-"

Leah snorted at that but remained silent. The fur on her arms and face was receding.

"-that you lived outside of the reservation. You'd be closer to Esme and you'd have your own space where you two could be together until you finally reveal your relationship to Carlisle. Of course you'll be able to visit your mom and Seth." Jake watched her for a second, lowering his hands. "So tell me, what's been happening with you here?"

Leah got his hint loud and clear to change the subject. She closed her eyes and took a calming breath. She remembered his statements from earlier and decided she wasn't exactly prepared to let him off the hook that easily. "You want to hear about me and my 'Stepford wife's' sexcapades, Jakey?" she asked, mockingly. "Maybe how I took her doggy style?" she shot at him.

His gaze was trained on the ground below, shame painting his features. "I really am sorry about that, Leah."

"I accept your apology now that I can, you know, hear it," she said, watching him fidget nervously for a minute more before she told him what she remembered from the night she nearly collapsed with exhaustion to the present.

Jake looked at her for a little while after she was finished. "I've never heard of anyone being driven to their imprint like that. They usually just get so weak that they are unable to do anything but lie down and die."

"I think I was on the way there for a little bit." Leah twirled a blade of grass between her fingers. She looked at the boy to her side. "I owe her my life and love now more than ever."

Jake smiled softly at her admission then turned serious. "I think Bella is my imprint."

"She's not," Leah said at once, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at the declaration.

"How can you know?" Jake barked, defensively. "You were completely against imprinting before now and now you're like some sort of advocate or something."

"I know I'm quickly running towards being a hypocrite but I can't help what I feel now. I'm saying Bella isn't your imprint because you just said 'I think.' If she was your imprint, Jake there would be no thinking about it. You'd just know. Trust me." She gasped, clenching her hands to fists as she felt a twinge of longing flow through her. "Let's head back," she said, moving quickly behind one of the larger trees to undress once again.

-x-

Leah came back to find Seth predictably on the video game with Emmett. It looked to be a very heated battle between the two of them. Her brother did manage to toss a distracted greeting her way without looking away from the large screen of the television when he sensed her in the room. Rosalie was in her usual armchair, uninterestedly cheering Emmet on. When she heard the soft, beautiful piano music float downstairs she knew where Edward was. Alice and Bella most likely in former's room but her only concern was Esme who she'd yet to see. Carlisle was missing too…

"Lee."

"What's up, Seth?" she said. Her brother looked upset and she broke free from her thoughts instantly. "Why the long face?"

"We have go back to La Push," he told her with a frown.

"I knew it would be a matter of time." she sighed, hugging him tightly. "I'll be home to visit before you know it, okay?" she said as she pulled back.

"Yeah, I know," He said. "It's a shame, though. I was looking forward to knocking out your wall and making a cool bachelor pad."

"I hate to break it to you Seth but living with your mom will never scream 'bachelor pad.' "

"Semantics," he dismissed with a grin, reaching up to mess up her hair.

"Ooh a big word." Leah ducked her head, catching his arm and pulling him into a headlock. "You been reading the dictionary again?"

"Aww, Lee let go!" Seth laughed, struggling halfheartedly.

Jacob tapped Leah on her shoulder gently. "Hate to break this up but we have to go," he said, sounding even sadder than Seth. Leah suspected it was because his 'staring lovingly at Bella' time was cut short. Jake ran to the front door, impatiently waiting for Seth.

Leah sighed and whispered, "We'll talk soon." She released her brother who ruffled her hair before running after Jake. She combed her hair back on her head with her fingers, jogging to the door. "I'll have my revenge, Seth!" she yelled, grinning when she got a yip in response.

-x-

The next day, Leah sat impatiently on the stool at the kitchen counter waiting for Carlisle to check over her vitals and give her the verdict, though she was positive she knew what he was going to say.

"You've got a clean bill of health, Leah," Carlisle said right on cue.

The female wolf hopped off the stool, tearing the Velcro cuff off of her arm. "Thanks for all you've done," she replied with the most convincing fake gratitude she could muster and held out her hand. Carlisle's hand clasped her in a firm but polite grip while she squeezed his hard in challenge. He looked at her amused while he broke the handshake. He kissed Esme, who had just come in the room with a new duffle bag, and left for work.

Only the ticking clock served as sound between them as they looked at each other from across the room.

"Well, we're alone," Leah said lamely.

Esme only smiled kindly. "So it would seem." She responded, coming further into the room. An unseen force was tugging at her heart and urging her to get closer to the younger woman.

"And we need to talk." Leah came forward, unable to put off touching Esme anymore. She held Esme's face between her hands as soon as she was close enough.

"We should…talk," Esme agreed, reveling in the heat of Leah's hands. She reached up to smooth a loose strand of hair behind the wolf's ear.

"Yeah, talk," Leah whispered. She bent slightly, kissing Esme gently, her lips softly grazing their cool counterparts. She flicked her tongue over Esme's lips, groaning when the vampire eagerly allowed her tongue into her mouth. She swirled her tongue around her mate's, tasting the vampire's unique flavor.

Leah broke the kiss; a hand lightly scratched the nape of the vampire's neck as she just gazed into her eyes. Their connection took a hold of them as Leah pulled Esme into another more heated kiss. She trailed her hands down the vampire's waist, coaxing her closer. Esme wrapped her legs around Leah's waist, deepening the kiss. Leah's hands dropped to squeeze her mate's ass, causing the vampire to moan into the kiss. Leah broke the kiss for air, refusing to remove Esme from her arms.

"Does every part of you taste this sweet?" Leah murmured. She placed small kisses across Esme's jawline and down her neck. Her teeth nipped sharply at the base of the vampire's neck, smiling against the cool skin when Esme gasped and bucked lightly in response. Leah's hand crept up Esme's shirt when the doorbell sounded throughout the house.

She tightened her hold on Esme and snarled in the direction of the front door. Esme caressed the side of her face and she calmed. Leah let her head fall forward onto Esme's shoulder. "The world has terrible timing," she grumbled.

"I'm glad we were stopped," Esme said softly.

Leah stiffened and started to extricate herself from Esme. The vampire tightened her legs to keep her in place. "I don't regret what we did…" Esme started and the doorbell rang again. "I'll be right back. Don't leave. Remember, you owe me a discussion." It took all of two seconds for Esme to make herself presentable and answer the door.

Leah shifted from foot to foot, suppressing the urge bolt out the back window. She paced back and forth before finally sitting heavily on the couch. Esme was next to her in an instant.

"Like I was trying to tell you earlier," The vampire began. "I don't regret what we did but we needed to be stopped. There are some very important things we need to discuss and we haven't gotten to know each other despite your four day stay here."

"Where should I start?" Leah thought to herself.

"The beginning is usually a pretty good starting point," Esme said wryly.

Leah's eyes snapped up to Esme. "You heard that?"

"Yes," Esme replied, confused. "What is going on between us?"

"I don't know why you were able to just hear my thoughts; that's probably a side effect of my telepathy connection with the pack," Leah said, breathing deeply as she gathered her thoughts. She looked through the patio doors toward Esme's garden. "When Quileute wolves lay eyes on their soul mate, a deep and powerful connection is formed called an imprint. She becomes the center of your universe and every beat of your heart, every breath in your body is dedicated to loving and protecting her." She glanced at the vampire to her side.

The intensity flowing from Leah's eyes kept Esme captivated and unable to look away. "Go ahead and ask the questions I'm sure you've been storing in your head since I woke up on Friday," she said, looking away from Esme and breaking the moment.

"Are you immortal?" Esme asked at once. It was her most important question and the question she dreaded getting an answer to as well.

"We age very slowly due to our mystical blood but wolves can choose to give up their phasing and age along with their mate. Since we phase in response to vampires, I'm pretty sure I won't be getting any older."

"And how old are you?"

"I'm nineteen, nearly twenty." Leah looked at Esme. "How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You can't possibly be as old as you want people to believe."

"Physically, I'm only twenty-six but all told I'm one-hundred and ninety six." Esme smiled tolerantly, expecting the dumbfounded expression that was sure to take over Leah's face.

"Wow." Leah's eyes bulged and she shook her head, trying to wrap her mind around the number. "Okay, you can continue your questions. I'm fine really," she reassured at the vampire's questioning look.

Esme seemed to rolling over the list of questions in her head. "Is my gender a problem for you?"

"You ask this after I've had my tongue down your throat?" Leah asked, tugging lightly at one of her twisted strands of hair. "That's really a loaded question. I can honestly say I've never saw myself as a lesbian or even bisexual." She shrugged "But I kind of figured if I ever imprinted that my imprint was bound to be female since phasing has only ever happened to the boys of the tribe. What about you?"

"Vampires are extremely sexual creatures that have a full understanding of how fluid sexuality and sexual attraction can be," Esme answered confidently. The vampire appeared to hesitate before she asked her next question. "Is imprinting always so painful?"

Leah felt about as big as a speck of dirt when Esme asked that question. "It's only when one chooses to ignore it is when it becomes painful." she avoided looking at Esme.

"That's what you did." Esme tried to study Leah's face. Leah nodded slightly. "Why?" she asked, breathlessly.

Leah felt a sudden pressure on her chest at the pang of guilt at Esme's hurt tone and turned away from the penetrating look in her mate's eyes. "I was never for imprinting. I hated the idea of two people who had never previously met before just being forced together by a mystical connection. It just didn't seem right and when my first love left me for my cousin… lets just say I got more than a little bitter at the concept."

Esme nodded in understanding. "No one can blame you for feeling that way." She came forward, placing a comforting hand on Leah's shoulder.

"No one can blame me but they certainly didn't become my allies or my sympathetic ear." Leah shook her head angrily. "I quite honestly didn't think it would affect you at all because the connection usually isn't as strong on the imprint's end. It kills me that I don't know for certain. There are tribe journals that talk about imprints but I am the only wolf of my kind and it hasn't been easy. You'd think the tribe would think I was some shining figure in a prophecy but no I'm treated like a plague on earth." She cleared her throat. "I'm getting off track. There are just so many answers I could give to that question. I could say I was scared of what your family would do to me when they found out, or angry because I was just so tired of the tribe legends butting their way into my life but none of that matters anymore." Her eyes were fierce when she met Esme's. "I'm more than willing to accept my imprinting, to accept you, Esme. Damn everyone else."

Esme's face lit up brighter than any sunrise could ever make her before it became grave. "There are so many people that are going to be hurt at the end of this."

"Like your husband," Leah spat the title, wishing she could have hid her despise better when she saw Esme flinch. "I guess when I work out all of my hate I'll have to thank him," Leah remarked after a beat.

Esme looked at Leah. "Why?"

"For bringing you to me," she said with a wide smile as she gave Esme a chaste kiss. "Well, now I have one more question for you."

"What's that?" the vampire asked.

"What do we do now?"

-End of Chapter Seven-

What are they to do now indeed? So there was the big talk. Are there any really important questions you think I've missed? Let me have it in a review or PM!

I want to welcome the new readers and thank the anons: Liz and Lynn!

Thanks for reading! Please R & R