Author's Note: I do not own Twilight or the characters. Twilight is the creation of Stephanie Meyer. No copyright is intended.

Ch. 1

"This is stupid, Seth," I say.

Why on Earth would Seth want me to meet a vampire? What is the point of this? Doesn't my brother know me at all? And why the hell did he force me to dress up?

"Be nice." He replies. Right. Sure. Me, Leah Clearwater, be nice to a vampire. What is my brother on? What I really want to do is run into my room and scream.

Then, the door opens, and the most beautiful boy I have ever seen walks into my house. I gasp.

"Leah, meet Eli Lock," Seth says. I gulp and shake his extended hand.

This must be what it's like to imprint. I feel that if this beautiful boy ceased to exist, I would die. I've never understood how Sam felt when he broke my heart. Now I know that he didn't have a choice. He couldn't have resisted the pull of his soul mate.

"Hi." I say. Genius. I am such a social genius. Not.

"Why hello," he says, sweeping into a low, formal bow and kissing my hand. I blush.

"Um…how old are you, exactly?" Seth asks him, suddenly uncomfortable. I smirk at my little brother, reminding him that this was all his idea.

That's what you get, I think.

"Old," he replies. "I was seventeen in the year 1593."

Oh my. That's…um…good to know. I guess.

"Anyway," I say, breaking the awkward silence. "Who are you?"

"Elijah Lock." He replies instantly.

"No dip, Sherlock." I say dryly. "How did you get past the other wolves?"

"Friend of the Cullens."

Oh. Wonderful. Spectacular. My soul mate is a friend of my immortal enemy. Figures. Why am I not surprised?

"And Sam Uley decided to just let you on our land?" I ask, suspicious. How very unlike Sam.

"Not exactly," Seth answers. "He's allowing him on our land for one hour at my insistence. Now you're wasting time."

"Seth, from one wolf to another, would you please tell me why you wanted him on our land?"

"Because I think that this fight is stupid. We need to resolve this conflict. When vampires pass through and cause trouble, that's when we can defend our land. But only in that instance." He responds. His tone seems to say, duh.

"Well, when you become alpha you can change the treaty. But until then you abide by the current rules, mutt." I say.

He ignores the insult.

"So, Eli, do the Cullens know you're here?" I ask.

"Well, they must since my future has most likely suddenly vanished."

"Since they know you're here, let me show you the wonders of La Push." We walk outside. "That," I say, pausing for dramatic effect. "Is a beach." I finish.

"Really?" He replies, layering on the heavy sarcasm. "I never would have guessed."

I lead him around to the back of my house.

"And that is the forest, where the shape shifters prowl on both sides of the line. I advise you to stay out of these woods. Someone might make a mistake." I continue.

I don't know how I can sound so indifferent to him, when it's obvious that I have imprinted on him.

"Hey, Leah!" Seth calls. "Hour's up!"