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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the copy of Photoshop I used to do this, though I really wish I owned Taylor Lautner.

Author's note at the bottom.

Please comment if you can and thank you for reading.

"Talking outloud"

"Telepathic speech"

'Thinking'

Leader Lost Chapter 8

'Everyone is born and everyone has to die at some point. But have I given any thought to how I would die?' The spell caster concluded that everyone must contemplate this at some point and it made sense for him to in this case. Especially with the set of teeth that were hurtling towards him at this very minute.

"You don't want to do that and you know it!," were his only words.

The razor sharp teeth as well as the wolf attached to them froze. The sorcerer held up his hands and moved forward causing the wolf to whine and attempt to back up, but it was no use. Something kept him from going anywhere.

"Hey, wait a sec.." Paul started but a hand raised from Sam stopped him from going any further as they watched their master approach Jacob's giant wolf form. With a careful outstretched hand, he gently ran his fingers through the soft fur underneath Jacob's chin, feeling the tense jaw vibrating with the low growl coming from the back of the throat it was connected to. Bringing the other hand up now, both palms were kneading the sides of the wolf's face in a circular motion before reaching around to playfully ruffle behind his ears. The young wolf's eyes, determined to stay trained on his adversary, were struggling to focus as his eyelids fought a losing battle with gravity. The spell caster continued his ministrations for about five minutes as little by little, the growl died down to a rumble. Time seemed to have slowed to a crawl and the two wolves on guard could only wonder when it would resume and they might need to intervene. Paul was silently fuming and despite his absolute trust in his master, Sam was having doubts too. Jacob, meanwhile, seemed to completely forgotten where he was; having closed his eyes and tilted his head so the hands massaging his head could get better access. Even the sorcerer was enjoying this little relaxing time and hoped there would be more opportunities to do this in the future.

'Well, have I thought about it? No and today's no exception.'

"Good boy."

"GRRRR". Like a cold bucket of water had been thrown over him, the sudden realisation of what he was doing hit Jake like a freight train and his eyes snapped open as he reared back with a snarl and raised his hackles in an aggressive stance. For good measure, the sorcerer retreated a few paces back, scanning for a sign within Jacob's brown irises. He'd glimpsed it for just a second. Jacob's large feral eyes, so shocked and confused, had a distinctive gold ring around them. He had no idea what was happening to him. What was gradually changing inside him.

Checking either side of him, the spell caster his two warrior wolves rooted to the spot. Still, perhaps some reassurance was in order. Walking up to Paul, his obedient bad boy, he placed a hand on his shoulder feeling the tension drain from the powerful muscles.

"Don't think I don't appreciate the thought, Paul, but this time that won't be necessary, " he said, pleased when the youth simply locked eyes with him and nodded his understanding uttering a short gasp when his master gave his crotch a playful squeeze as a reward.

'No argument this time, he's learning', the sorcerer mused, but there was no time to get distracted. The hard part was over. Now they just had to cross the finish line.

"Give him time, my gentle wolves, his view of reality is just...reorientating itself." A strong sense of déjà vu overcame the sorcerer over what had just transpired though he hoped things would play out differently than before.

'Understatement of the year.'

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jacob Black ran for all he was worth; like the hordes of hell were constantly on his tail and right now, that didn't feel too far off the truth. But something was wrong, he wasn't being pursued and he had another problem. Someone this dangerous had to die or somehow disappear forever, but he wasn't sure he was the one to do it. He was scared. He was a coward and right now, he was out of options.

'Faster, come on faster!' He urged himself on as he tried to strain his muscles to carry him through the trees far away from this nightmare. If he was being honest with himself, it felt like the more distance he covered, the more he slowed down. An empty feeling threatened to overtake him with each step. The feeling of loss. The scope of all he would have to give now for his freedom. He hoped that with time, they would understand. If he stayed, he'd end up as a weapon and a real danger to all of them. His, Dad, his friends, the only home he had ever known and...

'Bella?' Weirdly, she hadn't crossed his mind at all before now. He'd been so driven to escape town with her before, but now he was beginning to wonder why. The excited butterfly feeling he got when he thought about her was gone and now it was almost like...she annoyed him. Like he'd already decided she wasn't worth thinking about.

He'd only paused to sleep. Just an hour here and there. He couldn't remember the dreams, but they reached out to him every time he closed his eyes like a soft caress. At times, he thought maybe he should be remembering something. Something important, but as soon as it came, it disappeared before he could grasp it.

'What..What have you done to me?'

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twelve hours had passed now and he still didn't feel safe.

Again, he felt his pace slowing despite not feeling tired. A growl of frustration slipped past his lips as for what felt like the umpteenth time as he tried to force his legs to run faster. He was starting to guess why this was happening. The anger and hate was subsiding and giving way to something new. Sleep was almost impossible. Not with those dreams plaguing him. He always woke up feeling tired like he'd been mentally fighting something the whole time he was asleep. Was this going to be his life now? Could he run forever? But it seemed like the only alternative was to end the life of another human being. Could he do that?

'No, I won't hurt him', he found himself thinking straight away in response; surprised how sure of himself he felt for the first time in ages. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation talking, but it felt good. Damn good.

'No one will be hurt. I'll find another way', he said again, a new feeling of understanding taking root and growing. He wasn't a killer. He'd been uncomfortable the few times the pack had tried to hunt in the reserve. Just cause you looked like a wolf didn't mean you were one on the inside. He refused to lose anymore of himself to anymore of this tragedy. The idea of ending a human's life was almost enough to make him retch on the spot even if he was a wolf.

A natural born hunter emptying his stomach at the idea of killing, he humourlessly joked to himself as an image of the pack doubled over in laughter at the mere mention of it sprang to mind. It was enough to make a toothy grin slip onto his face before being dragged back to reality by his present situation. Sure, he'd joined in on their antics occasionally but still tried to stand apart from them and now their laughter and boisterous fighting was sorely missed. In a way it had softened the transition from human to something else and right now, he'd give his tail to go back to those times. If only...

"Jake...Jake is that you?!" A young voice interrupted his thoughts. He'd been keeping his mind closed to the pack link for fear it would be used to influence him or give away his location. He now realised in his exhaustion he'd let his defences slip.

"Seth?"

"Who else? Thank god. I've been trying to reach someone in the pack for ages. Nothing. What's happened. Where are you?"

'Trying not to go off a cliff,' Jake muttered more to himself feeling the confusion emanating from Seth through the pack link. Outrunning a fantasy. Something that, despite everything he'd learned since becoming a werewolf, had come to life from the pages of a novel or something else geek related. When had they become the pawns of a tabletop board game? Jacob silently thought to himself as he filled Seth in on what had happened over the last few days. Normally he'd worry about convincing someone else of this absurd fantasy, but Seth knew him. Knew this wasn't something he'd lie about, not with the raw emotion travelling down the link along with his thoughts. The only detail left out was what happened after that bright flash of light and he felt strangely indignant over sharing it. Like it wasn't any of Seth's business.

"This is unreal." Seth said at last in bewilderment.

"Damn right insane more-like!"

"So you're leaving them?"

"Out of options right now. As far as I'm concerned we need to put as much distance between us and the master as we can."

"The who? Jake, are you alright?"

"Wha...M'fine, just tired is all."

"But what about Embry, Jared, T..Leah!", and before the newly phased wolf had finished the thought, Jacob knew what was coming and dreaded it. 'I'm not going anywhere without Leah.'

"Seth, listen, just get out of there, we can..."

"Do what you want. I'll grab Leah and meet up with you," the stubborn wolf replied before leaving the conversation.

"Seth!" The sandy coloured wolf suddenly skidded to a stop, panting hard. Damn if that kid didn't aggravate him sometimes...all the time, but he understood. There was no way in hell Seth would abandon his only sister to whatever the maniac had in store. Though given his preferences, she may be in far less danger then the rest of them, but where did that leave Seth? There was no way Jake could let him end up in the clutches of that...that...guy. "Wait for me. I'm coming."

As his large brown wolf form turned and ran back the way he'd come with renewed strength, he realised he now desperately had to think of a new plan and think of it fast. Great, here he was, once again, going back to the last place on Earth he wanted to be, but for Seth, the kid who looked up to him, he had to fight on through. Nothing would stand in his way. He would protect. He just had to disarm the spell weaver and smash the crystal. Surely that would break his control over the others, right? Then boot him into a police car maybe for disturbing the peace or something like that. No more pain. No one hurt.

'He won't be hurt.' And for the first time since he started running, the feeling of loss began to dissipate as his four legs carried faster than ever before.

'....ever again.'

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The three of them were still in the clearing, appearing to be asleep when Jake finally made it back after running most of the night. It almost irked Jake how this guy could lounge around and snooze after everything he'd done. Sam and Paul had phased back into their wolf forms and had curled up around him, forming a protective circle with their bodies. However, Jake knew them and could clearly see their ear's occasionally flick side to side. They were still on alert for danger. At last, he caught sight of Seth on the opposite side. There had been no sign of Leah or any of the others and the newly phased wolf would not be swayed from getting answers. He was still having bursts of anger and Jacob couldn't contain him by himself.

'Right, now I'll circle around, approach from behind and distract Sam and Paul so you can...Jake! Hey, earth to Jake!' Seth was really starting to worry now as Jake's unfocused eyes slowly turned to meet his through the tree line. The larger wolf had shown nothing, but tunnel vision since they had arrived at the clearing; careful to stay out of the wind so they wouldn't be scented. Leah was nowhere to be found and all attempts to reach her through the link had failed. So, since Seth refused to leave without answers, here they were. Coming back to himself, Jacob's wolf finally blinked and he shook his large head.

"Sorry Seth, yeah yeah, you circle and I'll do my thing."

"Jake, you're really out of it. Why don't we swap? I'll jump the lunatic and..." This immediately caused the previously sedate wolf to snap to attention, his fur bristling.

"Don't touch him!", rang loud and clear down the mind link followed by a stunned silence in which neither dared to speak. "Sorry, I'm...I'm just on edge. I'm older and know what he's capable of, I'll confront him. Just...don't take any risks with Paul and Sam. Lead them away. Don't try to fight them."

"Uh..Can do, 'Alpha', same to you", and with that, Seth got ready to make his move. Maybe he should have insisted on the switch, but Jake's reasons made sense. He trusted to know what the right thing to do was. He must know something Seth didn't. Moving through the shrubbery, he began purposely started lightly making the surrounding bushes rustle as he passed them.

Watching carefully from his hiding place, Jacob observed his two pack mate's ears prick up and with a look at their master who cracked an eye open and merely nodded; They took off into the tree line, hot on Seth's trail. After allowing time for the three of them to gain some distance, Jacob stepped forward into the clearing feeling strangely excited for the impennate encounter. It was now or never. However, once again he froze on the spot as his thoughts seemed to silence as he drank in the cause of his torment who had now decided enough was enough and it was time to get up.

"Ah finally! I was beginning to wonder." That face. That voice. Jake felt like he could listen to it forever. In the soft glow emitted by the crystal, it permeated his mind, his being, leaving him in awe.

"You." Jacob uttered tonelessly. His voice cracked from hours of no use.

'Nothing will stand in my way.'

"Me. By the way, if you're curious about your current condition..."

"Condition?" As the sorcerer gestured downwards, Jake looked down at his hands to find they were...hands. He'd phased back, but when?!? He didn't remember doing that.

"Apologies, but there will be no phasing tonight. My warriors have hidden some runes in a few well chosen locations so I'm afraid you'll have to do without a tail tonight""What do you want, Jacob Black? Do you even know?" he said smiling at his former champion, who was standing who was standing just metres away, mouth agape.

"You...you think you know...what I want."

"Oh I know. Here you want to fetch that over there." Holding up the crystal and placed it firmly on the ground before backing up until he was at the opposite edge of the clearing. It was so funny to watch the wolf's eyes sleepily drift between himself and the crystal, trying to comprehend what he was seeing and gather his thoughts.

'If you say...What?! No!'

"Come on. But if you don't want to do it, them simply...don't," the mage continued.

Made sense. Giving a snarl in frustration, Jake began placing one foot in front of the other, keeping his eyes on the guy standing across the clearing from him though he wondered if he could take his eyes off him. It was like he was in a dream and only the two of them existed. Like none of Jake's frustrations mattered here and he could revel in it. Still, he had a task to perform. Jacob's unfocused eyes snapped to attention and he started taking powerful strides forward; having regained the ability to move. Nothing would stand in his way. That feeling of loss withering away a little step by step until somehow his fingers closed around the smooth edges of the crystal. He didn't dare breathe. A frown began to mar his features as he stood up straight and examined the crystal. Something was wrong. A cough brought his attention back to the sorcerer, who didn't look worried in the slightest.

"Well, you've got what you want so I guess, game over for me," He said to Jake who nodded stiffly. The sorcerer was inwardly dancing with joy while Jake's spun with confusion.

'I want you gone.' He wanted this feeling of loss gone too. It was still there, prodding at his head, telling him there was something else he had to do with the crystal.

"After all, we must all protect what's important to us." Jake froze.

"Pro...tect." Those words felt important. Hell, everything he said felt important right now. Smashing the crystal? It suddenly felt like the last thing he should be doing.

'I want you gone.' He tried to bring the cause of his problems on a nearby rock. 'I want...' What was he doing? Jake barely knew anymore.

"Jake, you've got it!" Jacob was suddenly startled as Seth made his way back into the clearing with no sign of Paul and Sam anywhere. He should have been happy the kid had gotten away but instead he couldn't help, but huff in irritation. How dare Seth interupt his time with...with...

'I want you...'

Seth, meanwhile, had picked up on his friend's confusion and lack of haste and seeing that the spell casting lunatic was wide open and vulnerable. Why wasn't he doing anything? Didn't Jake realise this guy had done something to his sister? To the rest of the pack. It was enough to make him shake with rage and he wasted no more time in taking the fight to him.

"If you won't, I will!", he yelled before breaking into a charge, fist raised to strike at this maniac.

Jacob's eyes took in the scene in front of him and rapidly turned from shock to anger to resolve. His heart lunging in his chest.

No!

He was going to be hurt.

The master was going to be hurt.

His master was going to be hurt.

Nothing else mattered.

He knew what he had to do.

Everything happened in a blink of an eye, but for the three people involved, it might as well have been an eternity. All that was heard was the sound of footsteps followed a scuffle, then a growl and finally silence. Knowing that he had to look, the sorcerer opened his eyes to meet the sight before him. The sight of Jacob Black, his former champion, restraining the impudent younger Seth Clearwater. Jake's biceps and back muscles bunched up with the effort to keep him from going any further.

Jake was frozen in place. Still as a statue staring into Seth's confused eyes. Why? He didn't feel confused. This was the least confused he felt in days, but what had caused him to move. A moment of pure panic had surged in his mind and his body had lunged forward almost on auto pilot. And it felt right. He'd forgotten why he'd even come here. Why Seth had come here? It didn't matter right now. A few feet away, the sorcerer breathed a sigh of relief.

'Close one, what took you?' The spell caster mused to himself. He'd been worried for a split second. The notion of indirectly following a command without refusal was making quick work of his wolf's last defences and seeing his master in danger had sealed the deal. That wasn't to say he hadn't had doubts. He'd never tried this magic before, but now was no time to debate with himself. Silently moving round to his champion's front, he noticed a calm look wash over Jacob's face as if some great epiphany had dawned upon him. Jacob closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh before opening them again to reveal bright golden irises. It felt like an eternity before he spoke.

"I will protect."

"Jake, stop, you don't know what you're doing!" Seth struggled, but Jacob felt him firmly and continued as if he hadn't heard.

"He commands and I obey! For, I am his wolf! You are my enemy, Seth. Nothing will stand in my way of protecting him," he whispered in a deadly tone sounding more confident with each word. Seth understandably couldn't believe what he was hearing and tried to respond before Jake roughly shoved into the waiting arms of Sam and Paul, who had emerged from the trees. "Nothing."

"Good job, boys". Their master acknowledged their efforts. Their orders hadn't been to catch the younger wolf, buy him a bit of alone time with his former champion. A look of bliss passed over the two wolves faces at the praise.

"Thank you, Master."

"Always, Master."

The brown wolf suddenly stood ramrod straight as if remembering something important, marched off the way he'd come, plucked the crystal off the ground where he'd thrown it in his hurry to intercept Seth and power walked towards the spell caster. Before his master could blink, Jacob Black was standing in front of him, crystal in hand with a very sincere and earnest look on his face. Surprised at his speed, the sorcerer took the crystal from his outstretched hand and was further surprised as his wolf's powerful arms placed themselves under his own.

"I belong to you. I'm nothing without your bidding", Jake whispered confidently into his master's ear. Inside, the spell caster fought to contain himself. It was one thing to imagine the outcome and another thing entirely to experience it. What a rush. Breaking his champions hold, he reached up and wrapped his arms around Jake's neck and whispered in turn.

"It's good to have you home, Champion." as Jake closed his eyes at the sensation, replaced his hands around the sorcerers middle and basked in the feeling of holding his master close to him. Nothing would top or ruin this moment. Nothing...

"Jake! Jake!" Both of them turned at the commotion. Jacob's arms instinctively tightened around his masters form to shield him if necessary. There stood Paul and Sam holding a struggling Seth between them. Truth be told, they'd been there for over a minute without being noticed; not daring to interrupt the spell caster's work. Jake regarded Seth's struggling with little more than a passing curiosity, returning his gaze to his cherished one in case he was required to do something about it. His eye followed his spell casting master as he strolled over to where Seth was being held.

"You played your role well, little puppet, but for now sleep," he simply said as Seth's eyes instantly rolled to the back of his head and he slumped in the other wolves arms. Jake briefly wondered what his master meant by that, but thought better then to ask about it. He didn't need to know the master's reasons for doing things. If that was what the master wanted then it was right. End of story. Anticipation grew in Jacob's heart as the sorcerer turned and started back towards him.

"Hmm, I do have a soft spot for a man, who arrives baring gifts, but before that, one last matter to attend. That...", he said pointing at Jake's silver collar. "...is the collar of a prisoner. Are you a prisoner, Jacob Black?"

"Only if you command me to be, my Master," he responded with a lazy grin. Not wanting to wait any longer, the young mage reached into his pocket and fished out a small jewel.

"Remember this?" he said smiling at the confusion in his champion's eyes. Something about it felt familiar and yet, Jacob couldn't place it. He couldn't help, but breathe an internal sigh of relief when his master gave him the answer and thus put an end to the feeling the werewolf had already disappointed his beloved. "It's the memory of how we first met and now I've decided on a way to use it." Closing his eyes for a moment and holding the memory marble close to the crystal; a golden light was emitted softly.

"I'll wear it with pride." Jake reached out as if to take the jewel, but the sorcerer put a hand up for him to stop.

"Well said, stand ready", he said pleased as his wolf stood at brace preparing himself for whatever his master had planned.

Here he was, most muscular of his warrior wolves, returned to his rightful place at last. However, he wanted this chapter to close with a bang and why not make a ceremony out of it. He could just say the spell he wanted and be done with it, but his flair for the dramatic demanded he make this an event everyone present remembered.

'Everyone awake,' he added taking note of the sleeping Seth being laid on the ground by his warriors.

"Step forward Sam," the sorcerer uttered and the alpha was by his side in an instant. "With this, I transfer that which is given freely. The ability to command and compel all that I see fit. The title of 'Alpha' warrior and wolf. What say you, Sam, my black wolf?"

"I freely give my consent of the transfer if it pleases you, Master." Silently, Sam felt as if a huge burden had been lifted. Even before becoming a wolf slave, he would probably agreed to this transfer if Jake had consented. But what neither he nor Jake wanted didn't matter anymore and right now; that felt right.

"And what of you, Jacob Black? Do you accept the role bestowed upon you by me? To serve as my personal hand of discipline and ferocity?" he said in a commanding voice. The wolf to which he was speaking giving him a slightly puzzled look and bowed his head before he answered.

"In a heartbeat. Let me show everyone who owns me. I want all of them to know." To act like he wanted anything else before the one he couldn't imagine being without would be f**king crazy. It honestly felt odd to the young wolf that the master had phrased it as a question when in his mind there was no debate and only one answer. All clutter had been removed from his mind.

"Well said." Formalities over, the spell caster began to chant, calling on the crystal's power to accomplish this final task. The existing collar around Jake's muscled neck began to glow, resonating with the amber jewel as it's form shifted into its new chosen form. As this new champion collar finished transforming, the sorcerer allowed the jewel to leave his palm and float towards it merging into it so his warrior would wear the memory for all to see and know who he was. Who he represented. The time for subtly was over. Finally he was finished and the magic faded and the sorcerer stood there for a moment to admire his work as his new warrior remained standing at brace, head bowed and not daring to move unless commanded.

"Obey me, my new Alpha, you are now fit for duty!"

The young wolf looked up and examined what now adorned his shoulders. The silver collar was long gone, replaced with something more elegant, befitting his new status. As Jacob looked himself over; a smile appeared on his lips. He was top dog and that meant; he would rarely stray from his beloved's side. He felt powerful. Like he could punch a hole in the moon if he chose. Any enemies who stood in the way of his master's goal would be crushed under his fist or massive jaws. Whichever was chosen for him.

'You command and I obey!' and for the last time followed his own thoughts and desires. He stepped forward, got done on one knee and spoke.

"I'll go to the moon and back for your smile, my Master." and he meant it. This was who he was. Who he was meant to be. His master was everything to him and he would spent the rest of his life protecting him from anything and everything. Everything. "You are my all." All was silent as the sorcerer went over Jake's words in his head.

'Yep, this'll do nicely.' Absence grows the heart in this case. And there in the glow of the crystal the mark of ownership blazed its way across Jacob's left pectoral muscle.

Series Guide
1. Tame Wolf
2. Wolf Warrior
3. Furry Tailed Tarzan Part 1
4. Furry Tailed Tarzan Part 2
5. Collaring of the Bad Boy Wolf Part 1
6. Collaring of the Bad Boy Wolf Part 2
7. Leader Lost Part 1
8. Leader Lost Part 2
9. Leader Lost Part 3
10. Leader Lost Part 4
11. Leader Lost Part 5
12. Leader Lost Part 6
13. Leader Lost Part 7
14. Leader Lost Part 8
15. Leader Lost Part 9
16. Leader Lost Epilogue

Extra
1. Alternative Jacob
2. Alternative Jacob 2

Author's note: This chapter feels rushed and rambling, but I didn't want to spread it out anymore. Sorry, I repeated myself by having Jacob run away again, but I realised I wanted more of his thoughts on the situation and this was more exciting to write then a straight up 'cast spell, enslave wolf' chapter. The next chapter and the epilogue will be released together, hopefully soon.

Description
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the copy of Photoshop I used to do this, though I really wish I owned Taylor Lautner.

Author's note at the bottom.

Please comment if you can and thank you for reading.

"Talking outloud"

"Telepathic speech"

'Thinking'

Leader Lost Chapter 8

'Everyone is born and everyone has to die at some point. But have I given any thought to how I would die?' The spell caster concluded that everyone must contemplate this at some point and it made sense for him to in this case. Especially with the set of teeth that were hurtling towards him at this very minute.

"You don't want to do that and you know it!," were his only words.

The razor sharp teeth as well as the wolf attached to them froze. The sorcerer held up his hands and moved forward causing the wolf to whine and attempt to back up, but it was no use. Something kept him from going anywhere.

"Hey, wait a sec.." Paul started but a hand raised from Sam stopped him from going any further as they watched their master approach Jacob's giant wolf form. With a careful outstretched hand, he gently ran his fingers through the soft fur underneath Jacob's chin, feeling the tense jaw vibrating with the low growl coming from the back of the throat it was connected to. Bringing the other hand up now, both palms were kneading the sides of the wolf's face in a circular motion before reaching around to playfully ruffle behind his ears. The young wolf's eyes, determined to stay trained on his adversary, were struggling to focus as his eyelids fought a losing battle with gravity. The spell caster continued his ministrations for about five minutes as little by little, the growl died down to a rumble. Time seemed to have slowed to a crawl and the two wolves on guard could only wonder when it would resume and they might need to intervene. Paul was silently fuming and despite his absolute trust in his master, Sam was having doubts too. Jacob, meanwhile, seemed to completely forgotten where he was; having closed his eyes and tilted his head so the hands massaging his head could get better access. Even the sorcerer was enjoying this little relaxing time and hoped there would be more opportunities to do this in the future.

'Well, have I thought about it? No and today's no exception.'

"Good boy."

"GRRRR". Like a cold bucket of water had been thrown over him, the sudden realisation of what he was doing hit Jake like a freight train and his eyes snapped open as he reared back with a snarl and raised his hackles in an aggressive stance. For good measure, the sorcerer retreated a few paces back, scanning for a sign within Jacob's brown irises. He'd glimpsed it for just a second. Jacob's large feral eyes, so shocked and confused, had a distinctive gold ring around them. He had no idea what was happening to him. What was gradually changing inside him.

Checking either side of him, the spell caster his two warrior wolves rooted to the spot. Still, perhaps some reassurance was in order. Walking up to Paul, his obedient bad boy, he placed a hand on his shoulder feeling the tension drain from the powerful muscles.

"Don't think I don't appreciate the thought, Paul, but this time that won't be necessary, " he said, pleased when the youth simply locked eyes with him and nodded his understanding uttering a short gasp when his master gave his crotch a playful squeeze as a reward.

'No argument this time, he's learning', the sorcerer mused, but there was no time to get distracted. The hard part was over. Now they just had to cross the finish line.

"Give him time, my gentle wolves, his view of reality is just...reorientating itself." A strong sense of déjà vu overcame the sorcerer over what had just transpired though he hoped things would play out differently than before.

'Understatement of the year.'

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jacob Black ran for all he was worth; like the hordes of hell were constantly on his tail and right now, that didn't feel too far off the truth. But something was wrong, he wasn't being pursued and he had another problem. Someone this dangerous had to die or somehow disappear forever, but he wasn't sure he was the one to do it. He was scared. He was a coward and right now, he was out of options.

'Faster, come on faster!' He urged himself on as he tried to strain his muscles to carry him through the trees far away from this nightmare. If he was being honest with himself, it felt like the more distance he covered, the more he slowed down. An empty feeling threatened to overtake him with each step. The feeling of loss. The scope of all he would have to give now for his freedom. He hoped that with time, they would understand. If he stayed, he'd end up as a weapon and a real danger to all of them. His, Dad, his friends, the only home he had ever known and...

'Bella?' Weirdly, she hadn't crossed his mind at all before now. He'd been so driven to escape town with her before, but now he was beginning to wonder why. The excited butterfly feeling he got when he thought about her was gone and now it was almost like...she annoyed him. Like he'd already decided she wasn't worth thinking about.

He'd only paused to sleep. Just an hour here and there. He couldn't remember the dreams, but they reached out to him every time he closed his eyes like a soft caress. At times, he thought maybe he should be remembering something. Something important, but as soon as it came, it disappeared before he could grasp it.

'What..What have you done to me?'

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twelve hours had passed now and he still didn't feel safe.

Again, he felt his pace slowing despite not feeling tired. A growl of frustration slipped past his lips as for what felt like the umpteenth time as he tried to force his legs to run faster. He was starting to guess why this was happening. The anger and hate was subsiding and giving way to something new. Sleep was almost impossible. Not with those dreams plaguing him. He always woke up feeling tired like he'd been mentally fighting something the whole time he was asleep. Was this going to be his life now? Could he run forever? But it seemed like the only alternative was to end the life of another human being. Could he do that?

'No, I won't hurt him', he found himself thinking straight away in response; surprised how sure of himself he felt for the first time in ages. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation talking, but it felt good. Damn good.

'No one will be hurt. I'll find another way', he said again, a new feeling of understanding taking root and growing. He wasn't a killer. He'd been uncomfortable the few times the pack had tried to hunt in the reserve. Just cause you looked like a wolf didn't mean you were one on the inside. He refused to lose anymore of himself to anymore of this tragedy. The idea of ending a human's life was almost enough to make him retch on the spot even if he was a wolf.

A natural born hunter emptying his stomach at the idea of killing, he humourlessly joked to himself as an image of the pack doubled over in laughter at the mere mention of it sprang to mind. It was enough to make a toothy grin slip onto his face before being dragged back to reality by his present situation. Sure, he'd joined in on their antics occasionally but still tried to stand apart from them and now their laughter and boisterous fighting was sorely missed. In a way it had softened the transition from human to something else and right now, he'd give his tail to go back to those times. If only...

"Jake...Jake is that you?!" A young voice interrupted his thoughts. He'd been keeping his mind closed to the pack link for fear it would be used to influence him or give away his location. He now realised in his exhaustion he'd let his defences slip.

"Seth?"

"Who else? Thank god. I've been trying to reach someone in the pack for ages. Nothing. What's happened. Where are you?"

'Trying not to go off a cliff,' Jake muttered more to himself feeling the confusion emanating from Seth through the pack link. Outrunning a fantasy. Something that, despite everything he'd learned since becoming a werewolf, had come to life from the pages of a novel or something else geek related. When had they become the pawns of a tabletop board game? Jacob silently thought to himself as he filled Seth in on what had happened over the last few days. Normally he'd worry about convincing someone else of this absurd fantasy, but Seth knew him. Knew this wasn't something he'd lie about, not with the raw emotion travelling down the link along with his thoughts. The only detail left out was what happened after that bright flash of light and he felt strangely indignant over sharing it. Like it wasn't any of Seth's business.

"This is unreal." Seth said at last in bewilderment.

"Damn right insane more-like!"

"So you're leaving them?"

"Out of options right now. As far as I'm concerned we need to put as much distance between us and the master as we can."

"The who? Jake, are you alright?"

"Wha...M'fine, just tired is all."

"But what about Embry, Jared, T..Leah!", and before the newly phased wolf had finished the thought, Jacob knew what was coming and dreaded it. 'I'm not going anywhere without Leah.'

"Seth, listen, just get out of there, we can..."

"Do what you want. I'll grab Leah and meet up with you," the stubborn wolf replied before leaving the conversation.

"Seth!" The sandy coloured wolf suddenly skidded to a stop, panting hard. Damn if that kid didn't aggravate him sometimes...all the time, but he understood. There was no way in hell Seth would abandon his only sister to whatever the maniac had in store. Though given his preferences, she may be in far less danger then the rest of them, but where did that leave Seth? There was no way Jake could let him end up in the clutches of that...that...guy. "Wait for me. I'm coming."

As his large brown wolf form turned and ran back the way he'd come with renewed strength, he realised he now desperately had to think of a new plan and think of it fast. Great, here he was, once again, going back to the last place on Earth he wanted to be, but for Seth, the kid who looked up to him, he had to fight on through. Nothing would stand in his way. He would protect. He just had to disarm the spell weaver and smash the crystal. Surely that would break his control over the others, right? Then boot him into a police car maybe for disturbing the peace or something like that. No more pain. No one hurt.

'He won't be hurt.' And for the first time since he started running, the feeling of loss began to dissipate as his four legs carried faster than ever before.

'....ever again.'

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The three of them were still in the clearing, appearing to be asleep when Jake finally made it back after running most of the night. It almost irked Jake how this guy could lounge around and snooze after everything he'd done. Sam and Paul had phased back into their wolf forms and had curled up around him, forming a protective circle with their bodies. However, Jake knew them and could clearly see their ear's occasionally flick side to side. They were still on alert for danger. At last, he caught sight of Seth on the opposite side. There had been no sign of Leah or any of the others and the newly phased wolf would not be swayed from getting answers. He was still having bursts of anger and Jacob couldn't contain him by himself.

'Right, now I'll circle around, approach from behind and distract Sam and Paul so you can...Jake! Hey, earth to Jake!' Seth was really starting to worry now as Jake's unfocused eyes slowly turned to meet his through the tree line. The larger wolf had shown nothing, but tunnel vision since they had arrived at the clearing; careful to stay out of the wind so they wouldn't be scented. Leah was nowhere to be found and all attempts to reach her through the link had failed. So, since Seth refused to leave without answers, here they were. Coming back to himself, Jacob's wolf finally blinked and he shook his large head.

"Sorry Seth, yeah yeah, you circle and I'll do my thing."

"Jake, you're really out of it. Why don't we swap? I'll jump the lunatic and..." This immediately caused the previously sedate wolf to snap to attention, his fur bristling.

"Don't touch him!", rang loud and clear down the mind link followed by a stunned silence in which neither dared to speak. "Sorry, I'm...I'm just on edge. I'm older and know what he's capable of, I'll confront him. Just...don't take any risks with Paul and Sam. Lead them away. Don't try to fight them."

"Uh..Can do, 'Alpha', same to you", and with that, Seth got ready to make his move. Maybe he should have insisted on the switch, but Jake's reasons made sense. He trusted to know what the right thing to do was. He must know something Seth didn't. Moving through the shrubbery, he began purposely started lightly making the surrounding bushes rustle as he passed them.

Watching carefully from his hiding place, Jacob observed his two pack mate's ears prick up and with a look at their master who cracked an eye open and merely nodded; They took off into the tree line, hot on Seth's trail. After allowing time for the three of them to gain some distance, Jacob stepped forward into the clearing feeling strangely excited for the impennate encounter. It was now or never. However, once again he froze on the spot as his thoughts seemed to silence as he drank in the cause of his torment who had now decided enough was enough and it was time to get up.

"Ah finally! I was beginning to wonder." That face. That voice. Jake felt like he could listen to it forever. In the soft glow emitted by the crystal, it permeated his mind, his being, leaving him in awe.

"You." Jacob uttered tonelessly. His voice cracked from hours of no use.

'Nothing will stand in my way.'

"Me. By the way, if you're curious about your current condition..."

"Condition?" As the sorcerer gestured downwards, Jake looked down at his hands to find they were...hands. He'd phased back, but when?!? He didn't remember doing that.

"Apologies, but there will be no phasing tonight. My warriors have hidden some runes in a few well chosen locations so I'm afraid you'll have to do without a tail tonight""What do you want, Jacob Black? Do you even know?" he said smiling at his former champion, who was standing who was standing just metres away, mouth agape.

"You...you think you know...what I want."

"Oh I know. Here you want to fetch that over there." Holding up the crystal and placed it firmly on the ground before backing up until he was at the opposite edge of the clearing. It was so funny to watch the wolf's eyes sleepily drift between himself and the crystal, trying to comprehend what he was seeing and gather his thoughts.

'If you say...What?! No!'

"Come on. But if you don't want to do it, them simply...don't," the mage continued.

Made sense. Giving a snarl in frustration, Jake began placing one foot in front of the other, keeping his eyes on the guy standing across the clearing from him though he wondered if he could take his eyes off him. It was like he was in a dream and only the two of them existed. Like none of Jake's frustrations mattered here and he could revel in it. Still, he had a task to perform. Jacob's unfocused eyes snapped to attention and he started taking powerful strides forward; having regained the ability to move. Nothing would stand in his way. That feeling of loss withering away a little step by step until somehow his fingers closed around the smooth edges of the crystal. He didn't dare breathe. A frown began to mar his features as he stood up straight and examined the crystal. Something was wrong. A cough brought his attention back to the sorcerer, who didn't look worried in the slightest.

"Well, you've got what you want so I guess, game over for me," He said to Jake who nodded stiffly. The sorcerer was inwardly dancing with joy while Jake's spun with confusion.

'I want you gone.' He wanted this feeling of loss gone too. It was still there, prodding at his head, telling him there was something else he had to do with the crystal.

"After all, we must all protect what's important to us." Jake froze.

"Pro...tect." Those words felt important. Hell, everything he said felt important right now. Smashing the crystal? It suddenly felt like the last thing he should be doing.

'I want you gone.' He tried to bring the cause of his problems on a nearby rock. 'I want...' What was he doing? Jake barely knew anymore.

"Jake, you've got it!" Jacob was suddenly startled as Seth made his way back into the clearing with no sign of Paul and Sam anywhere. He should have been happy the kid had gotten away but instead he couldn't help, but huff in irritation. How dare Seth interupt his time with...with...

'I want you...'

Seth, meanwhile, had picked up on his friend's confusion and lack of haste and seeing that the spell casting lunatic was wide open and vulnerable. Why wasn't he doing anything? Didn't Jake realise this guy had done something to his sister? To the rest of the pack. It was enough to make him shake with rage and he wasted no more time in taking the fight to him.

"If you won't, I will!", he yelled before breaking into a charge, fist raised to strike at this maniac.

Jacob's eyes took in the scene in front of him and rapidly turned from shock to anger to resolve. His heart lunging in his chest.

No!

He was going to be hurt.

The master was going to be hurt.

His master was going to be hurt.

Nothing else mattered.

He knew what he had to do.

Everything happened in a blink of an eye, but for the three people involved, it might as well have been an eternity. All that was heard was the sound of footsteps followed a scuffle, then a growl and finally silence. Knowing that he had to look, the sorcerer opened his eyes to meet the sight before him. The sight of Jacob Black, his former champion, restraining the impudent younger Seth Clearwater. Jake's biceps and back muscles bunched up with the effort to keep him from going any further.

Jake was frozen in place. Still as a statue staring into Seth's confused eyes. Why? He didn't feel confused. This was the least confused he felt in days, but what had caused him to move. A moment of pure panic had surged in his mind and his body had lunged forward almost on auto pilot. And it felt right. He'd forgotten why he'd even come here. Why Seth had come here? It didn't matter right now. A few feet away, the sorcerer breathed a sigh of relief.

'Close one, what took you?' The spell caster mused to himself. He'd been worried for a split second. The notion of indirectly following a command without refusal was making quick work of his wolf's last defences and seeing his master in danger had sealed the deal. That wasn't to say he hadn't had doubts. He'd never tried this magic before, but now was no time to debate with himself. Silently moving round to his champion's front, he noticed a calm look wash over Jacob's face as if some great epiphany had dawned upon him. Jacob closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh before opening them again to reveal bright golden irises. It felt like an eternity before he spoke.

"I will protect."

"Jake, stop, you don't know what you're doing!" Seth struggled, but Jacob felt him firmly and continued as if he hadn't heard.

"He commands and I obey! For, I am his wolf! You are my enemy, Seth. Nothing will stand in my way of protecting him," he whispered in a deadly tone sounding more confident with each word. Seth understandably couldn't believe what he was hearing and tried to respond before Jake roughly shoved into the waiting arms of Sam and Paul, who had emerged from the trees. "Nothing."

"Good job, boys". Their master acknowledged their efforts. Their orders hadn't been to catch the younger wolf, buy him a bit of alone time with his former champion. A look of bliss passed over the two wolves faces at the praise.

"Thank you, Master."

"Always, Master."

The brown wolf suddenly stood ramrod straight as if remembering something important, marched off the way he'd come, plucked the crystal off the ground where he'd thrown it in his hurry to intercept Seth and power walked towards the spell caster. Before his master could blink, Jacob Black was standing in front of him, crystal in hand with a very sincere and earnest look on his face. Surprised at his speed, the sorcerer took the crystal from his outstretched hand and was further surprised as his wolf's powerful arms placed themselves under his own.

"I belong to you. I'm nothing without your bidding", Jake whispered confidently into his master's ear. Inside, the spell caster fought to contain himself. It was one thing to imagine the outcome and another thing entirely to experience it. What a rush. Breaking his champions hold, he reached up and wrapped his arms around Jake's neck and whispered in turn.

"It's good to have you home, Champion." as Jake closed his eyes at the sensation, replaced his hands around the sorcerers middle and basked in the feeling of holding his master close to him. Nothing would top or ruin this moment. Nothing...

"Jake! Jake!" Both of them turned at the commotion. Jacob's arms instinctively tightened around his masters form to shield him if necessary. There stood Paul and Sam holding a struggling Seth between them. Truth be told, they'd been there for over a minute without being noticed; not daring to interrupt the spell caster's work. Jake regarded Seth's struggling with little more than a passing curiosity, returning his gaze to his cherished one in case he was required to do something about it. His eye followed his spell casting master as he strolled over to where Seth was being held.

"You played your role well, little puppet, but for now sleep," he simply said as Seth's eyes instantly rolled to the back of his head and he slumped in the other wolves arms. Jake briefly wondered what his master meant by that, but thought better then to ask about it. He didn't need to know the master's reasons for doing things. If that was what the master wanted then it was right. End of story. Anticipation grew in Jacob's heart as the sorcerer turned and started back towards him.

"Hmm, I do have a soft spot for a man, who arrives baring gifts, but before that, one last matter to attend. That...", he said pointing at Jake's silver collar. "...is the collar of a prisoner. Are you a prisoner, Jacob Black?"

"Only if you command me to be, my Master," he responded with a lazy grin. Not wanting to wait any longer, the young mage reached into his pocket and fished out a small jewel.

"Remember this?" he said smiling at the confusion in his champion's eyes. Something about it felt familiar and yet, Jacob couldn't place it. He couldn't help, but breathe an internal sigh of relief when his master gave him the answer and thus put an end to the feeling the werewolf had already disappointed his beloved. "It's the memory of how we first met and now I've decided on a way to use it." Closing his eyes for a moment and holding the memory marble close to the crystal; a golden light was emitted softly.

"I'll wear it with pride." Jake reached out as if to take the jewel, but the sorcerer put a hand up for him to stop.

"Well said, stand ready", he said pleased as his wolf stood at brace preparing himself for whatever his master had planned.

Here he was, most muscular of his warrior wolves, returned to his rightful place at last. However, he wanted this chapter to close with a bang and why not make a ceremony out of it. He could just say the spell he wanted and be done with it, but his flair for the dramatic demanded he make this an event everyone present remembered.

'Everyone awake,' he added taking note of the sleeping Seth being laid on the ground by his warriors.

"Step forward Sam," the sorcerer uttered and the alpha was by his side in an instant. "With this, I transfer that which is given freely. The ability to command and compel all that I see fit. The title of 'Alpha' warrior and wolf. What say you, Sam, my black wolf?"

"I freely give my consent of the transfer if it pleases you, Master." Silently, Sam felt as if a huge burden had been lifted. Even before becoming a wolf slave, he would probably agreed to this transfer if Jake had consented. But what neither he nor Jake wanted didn't matter anymore and right now; that felt right.

"And what of you, Jacob Black? Do you accept the role bestowed upon you by me? To serve as my personal hand of discipline and ferocity?" he said in a commanding voice. The wolf to which he was speaking giving him a slightly puzzled look and bowed his head before he answered.

"In a heartbeat. Let me show everyone who owns me. I want all of them to know." To act like he wanted anything else before the one he couldn't imagine being without would be f**king crazy. It honestly felt odd to the young wolf that the master had phrased it as a question when in his mind there was no debate and only one answer. All clutter had been removed from his mind.

"Well said." Formalities over, the spell caster began to chant, calling on the crystal's power to accomplish this final task. The existing collar around Jake's muscled neck began to glow, resonating with the amber jewel as it's form shifted into its new chosen form. As this new champion collar finished transforming, the sorcerer allowed the jewel to leave his palm and float towards it merging into it so his warrior would wear the memory for all to see and know who he was. Who he represented. The time for subtly was over. Finally he was finished and the magic faded and the sorcerer stood there for a moment to admire his work as his new warrior remained standing at brace, head bowed and not daring to move unless commanded.

"Obey me, my new Alpha, you are now fit for duty!"

The young wolf looked up and examined what now adorned his shoulders. The silver collar was long gone, replaced with something more elegant, befitting his new status. As Jacob looked himself over; a smile appeared on his lips. He was top dog and that meant; he would rarely stray from his beloved's side. He felt powerful. Like he could punch a hole in the moon if he chose. Any enemies who stood in the way of his master's goal would be crushed under his fist or massive jaws. Whichever was chosen for him.

'You command and I obey!' and for the last time followed his own thoughts and desires. He stepped forward, got done on one knee and spoke.

"I'll go to the moon and back for your smile, my Master." and he meant it. This was who he was. Who he was meant to be. His master was everything to him and he would spent the rest of his life protecting him from anything and everything. Everything. "You are my all." All was silent as the sorcerer went over Jake's words in his head.

'Yep, this'll do nicely.' Absence grows the heart in this case. And there in the glow of the crystal the mark of ownership blazed its way across Jacob's left pectoral muscle.

Series Guide
1. Tame Wolf
2. Wolf Warrior
3. Furry Tailed Tarzan Part 1
4. Furry Tailed Tarzan Part 2
5. Collaring of the Bad Boy Wolf Part 1
6. Collaring of the Bad Boy Wolf Part 2
7. Leader Lost Part 1
8. Leader Lost Part 2
9. Leader Lost Part 3
10. Leader Lost Part 4
11. Leader Lost Part 5
12. Leader Lost Part 6
13. Leader Lost Part 7
14. Leader Lost Part 8
15. Leader Lost Part 9
16. Leader Lost Epilogue

Extra
1. Alternative Jacob
2. Alternative Jacob 2

Author's note: This chapter feels rushed and rambling, but I didn't want to spread it out anymore. Sorry, I repeated myself by having Jacob run away again, but I realised I wanted more of his thoughts on the situation and this was more exciting to write then a straight up 'cast spell, enslave wolf' chapter. The next chapter and the epilogue will be released together, hopefully soon.