"So… you want to kiss in front of us…" Carlisle reiterated

"Preferably when Emmett is not around." I added quickly.

"This could be very dangerous for you. And unfortunately I don't know if I'll be of much help. Vampires typically don't care of werewolves' health, so there is no known cure for a werewolf who has been infected with our venom. Do you know of any remedies or nostrums that your people use if touched by vampire venom?"

My heart sank. Carlisle almost never 'not knows anything'. The only other time he's been completely at loss was during the birth of Renesmee.

"Not really. My great- grandmother used to prattle about some recipe book that held the secrets of 'warding away unholy illnesses'. But that could have been referencing to anything." I recalled as I shuffled my feet on Carlisle's undoubtedly expensive office carpet.

"Can you get me that book? And any other old remedies book?" he asked. I nodded my head, still slightly disappointed that he won't be able to help.

"In the meantime, Leah, maybe you should ask Edward and Bella about this, seeing as their situation was once so similar to yours. Edward could probably give Ben a few pointers." He suggested.

I nodded again. I've been doing that a lot lately.

"I'll go get the book. Though I'm not sure it will be much help. It's just full of traditional cures for everything from chicken pox, to a mysterious burn in the lower regions." I informed him, as I exited his office.

Just as my foot touched the stairs, I heard Emmett's car pull up, its powerful engine roaring. As he entered the house, his face lit up mischievously at the sight of me. The second he opened his mouth to unleash some smartass comment, I interrupted him.

"DON'T. SAY. A. WORD! If you say anything about fainting, I swear to mother earth, that your cold body will soon return to her!"

He had the decency to atleast look scared for a few seconds as we stared each other down. But that certainly didn't last long.

"So, how'd ya like Ben's cold body?"

"Grrr…Aargh! I'll end you!", I yelled as I ran down the rest of the stairs.

"My word! Such anger! I've always wondered what a PMSing werewolf would be like." he said as he swerved out of the way of my attack, sending me hurtling into the arms of Ben. Great. Where did he come from?

"Well, I knew you'd be excited to see me, but not this excited." he said while grinning as he held me tightly. From the anger at Emmett's stupid jokes to my embarrassment at having thrown myself at Ben, I'm quite sure I am fire-engine red right now.

I didn't really know how to respond, so I settled on the lamest thing ever.

"H...Hi."

I stuttered saying 'hi'. Kill me now. It takes a special kind of idiot to stutter saying 'hi'.

"Hi.", he said sexily. He smirked down into my face and held me a bit tighter.

Great, I stutter on hi, and he makes it sound like a one-liner from a romance novel.

"I've talked to Carlisle," I started, "About our…dilemma."

"And what's the verdict?" he asked, his lips brushing my ear.

You know, I could just simply take my chances with this whole kissing thing. And even if I did die from a smooch, it wouldn't necessarily be the worst way to go.

Then again, that would be rather traumatizing for Ben. He'd have an eternity of listening to Emmett's poorly-timed 'kiss of death' jokes.

"I'm afraid he couldn't help much. There's no record of this type of relationship. But, I'm going to get my grandmother's Quieluete remedy book. It could possibly have a remedy for your venom if we decide to…well test…"

"If I kiss you. I won't take that risk with you, Leah. Hopefully there is a Quieluete remedy." He said determinedly. His damn determination to keep me safe only made me want to kiss him even more.

I sighed and stepped out of his embrace, while absentmindedly glancing at the clock.

"SHIT! I'm late for work! Duffers is gonna massacre me!" I immediately began frantically gathering my things and heading out the door.

"We can get there quicker if I drive." Ben offered.

"But I already drove here…"

"But my car is faster and safer. I's much rather escort you if you're in a hurry." He argued. I groaned. Did all vampires go the same 'how to be a chivalrous boyfriend' school?

"You sound like Edward. And I'm letting you know now, I'm no Bella. I'm not frail or accident prone. I can drive myself."

"I know youre perfectly capable of driving yourself, but honestly I just wanted to spend some extra time with you." He said in a pacifying tone. Oh , he is good. Now I feel guilty for being so sassy.

"I guess, that would be fine, then." I said sheepishly, to which he responded with a dazzling smile and ushered me out of the door.