A/N: My apologies for the delay in posting but school has arrived and with it, my inability to dedicate much time to writing. But no worries, I have no intention of abandoning any of my stories. I received positive reviews for the last chapter, which truly placed a smile on my face, so TY! A special thank you to lory77 for also taking the time to provide feedback regarding the future content of the story. This chapter carries an M rating for language and adult themes.

Melancholy were the sounds on a winter's night- Virginia Woolf

Winter

Chapter 10

A year before his mother died at the young age of eight, the destined Alpha got his first taste of fractured bones. He'd been racing Quil on Rachel's old bike and lost control after claiming his victory. He wasn't going to lie; it'd been painful but it was his mother's reaction that had left a greater imprint in his memory. Sarah Black had shed genuine tears at seeing her only son in so much pain and even though he'd found comfort in her presence, her reaction had confused him at the time.

Surely, she couldn't have felt the depth of his suffering? But as Jacob Black watched the first needle pierce his infant daughter's thigh and listened to her high pitched screams; he realized that yes, maybe she had. Oliver's look of horror mirrored his own and both turned questionable eyes towards the Cullen patriarch.

"Carlisle, is this really necessary? This looks all kinds of questionable to me.

Oliver was quicker in his reaction, snatching Genevieve off the exam table before the administering nurse could place the last band aid on her chunky thigh, as Jacob hovered near. The pack was readying for a shot-gun wedding, and Nessie had remained behind to assist the rest of the pack girls with the preparations. Jacob and Oliver had volunteered to stand in her place for Genevieve's four month checkup, and even though Nessie had done her best to prep both wolves for what was expected, they were still making it awful difficult for Carlisle to finish with the visit.

"Give her to me Oliver; she prefers it when I rock her to sleep"

The younger wolf turned indignant eyes his way and continued pacing with the tiny girl in his arms.

"I think I know what she needs Jacob"

Carlisle smiled sheepishly at the nurse but she was too engrossed observing the bickering pair.

"You two are so cute. I think it's refreshing to see a young couple be so engaged in their child's care"

And it was the Alpha's turn to look aggrieved.

"We are NOT together…she's my daughter. Oliver just doesn't understand the meaning of boundaries"

The unconcerned wolf continued pacing, whispering soft words of adoration to the crying infant as Jacob silently stewed; questioning if this was Karma biting him in the ass. Bella had fought tooth and nail with him throughout Nessie's upbringing, accusing him of overstepping his rights and trying to steal her daughter away. Well it appeared the tables had been turned, and Jacob Black didn't like it one bit. He waited for the young nurse to take her leave, and turned concerned eyes towards the ancient vampire.

"Give it to us straight Carlisle. Why so many shots? How is my baby really doing?"

The kind vampire smiled at the Alpha, choosing his next words carefully.

"Genevieve is perfectly fine, Jacob. These really are all the recommended vaccines given to an infant her age. She's leaning towards the higher end of the growth chart but…"

"What does that mean? Is she growing too fast?"

Oliver stole the words from Jacob's mouth and the Alpha glared in annoyance.

"Not necessarily, Nessie was already walking and speaking at her age. This isn't the same…Genevieve experienced a large growth spurt but it's still within the normal parameters, so I would say; we'll need to monitor it closely. She's a rare jewel Jacob, the first of her kind; much of this is going to be trial and error. I'd like for you to grant me a sample of her blood"

Oliver tightened his hold on his imprint as Jacob wavered. He didn't want her to be poked and prodded like some test tube baby but had to concede truth in Carlisle's words. There was much they didn't know and was debating on whether it was worth the effort. The Cullen patriarch's gaze softened, seemingly reading the Alpha's thoughts as he gently caressed the top of her tiny foot.

"Renesmee is her mother and my family accepts and loves her as such. Family ties run deeper than just blood, Jacob. I hope you know my intentions come strictly from my desire to keep her safe. I won't hide that I am fascinated by her, same as I was with our Renesmee, but it will never outweigh my affection. She's endured much today, we can worry about the blood sample in a week or two. Would you agree?"

"Yes. That's what we should do"

Jacob ignored Oliver's outburst and quietly nodded his agreement. He was touched by the ancient vampire's words and simply smiled as he waved his goodbyes, following his wolf out the door. They headed towards the Cullen's mansion as previously agreed. Isla was expecting the pack's third pup and Embry was adamant about not having his child be born out of wedlock. Jacob didn't agree with his friend's sense of urgency but understood. Embry had been tolerated but not accepted by many in La Push and the hypocrisy of it, pissed him off.

Sam was revered in the reservation and his friend was often greeted with looks of indifference and unkind words. They both stemmed from the same tree but Samuel Uley had yet to acknowledge Embry as his kin, leaving him a bastard in the eyes of the tribe. It left a sour taste in Jacob's mouth. He was a Black, commanded respect from many because of that fact, but Jacob had only recently begun feeling worthy of that respect and was convinced there was more to a man than the bearing of his name. The Quileute were a proud people, with deep roots to the land and the magic of their ancestors, but the Alpha was convinced, some of the old ways needed to be left in the past.

Lack of resources and poverty afflicted a great portion of their people and Jacob wasn't interested in hiding behind his name. Atearas, Clearwaters, Uleys and Blacks…all strong names but with the distinction came great responsibility and it was that growing sense of responsibility that felt like a festering splinter piercing his side. Fatherhood was like viewing the world through a different set of eyes and Jacob was beginning to worry about his legacy, not for himself but for his child, his wolves and future generations to come. Jacob hated tapping his in-laws for financial assistance but knowledge was a commodity he could live with borrowing and was already laying down the foundation for his pack.

Emmett Cullen loved all sort of gambles but he also possessed a shrewd acuity for the game of investments and Jacob had tapped him for advice; forcing the majority of his wolves to invest their meager savings under his guidance. Oliver was also of one mind and his new found focus had impressed the Alpha most. He'd enrolled in Bates Technical College part time, seeking an Audio/Visual Technology Certification with the hopes of one day owning his own recording studio. Collin appeared to have found his niche as well and was blossoming under the mischievous vampire's advice. Brady had a weakness in denying his best friend and the three young wolves made a pact with the promise of Oliver finishing school.

Brady would be the brains of the operation; Oliver would handle the talent and Collin, the business end; three equal partners in their business venture. It was an ambitious endeavor, but the Alpha was happy to see his wolves with some direction and purpose. Leah's foul protests as they neared the Cullen mansion brought the Alpha out of his deep thoughts. Isla had formed an unlikely friendship with the temperamental she- wolf and had called upon her to be her maid of honor.

It would be an intimate affair; Tiffany Call had long given up on her son and had returned to the Makah reservation. She'd yet to confirm her presence at the wedding that was scheduled in two days time. Embry pretended not to care, but his soon to be wife knew different and had reached out to make a personal appeal. The quiet wolf had been adamant about marrying on reservation soil and had humbly requested Billy's permission to hold the ceremony in the council's meeting chambers. The location had neither hampered nor discouraged Alice's plans.

Embry was one of her most favorite wolves and she had promised to tone down her efforts if he allowed her to gift them the décor as a gift. Rosalie and Bella were gifting them the bridal party's wardrobe and the pack was providing the food. Emily had always held a special place for Embry, feeling wretched over her husband's inability to acknowledge him as family and was not accepting any buts on her pledge to bake the wedding cake. The pack girls now gathered for the dress fittings and Jacob could only imagine the monstrosity that Alice had shoved Leah's way.

"Babe, you look hot. I say it's a keeper; I could think of a couple of things I'd like to do with you in that dress"

"TMI Paul…" Alice's bell like voice echoed outside and the two wolves shared an amused grin as they made their way inside the house.

"First of all, don't ever call me babe again, unless you're looking to get neutered. And why don't you wear this dress, if you're so dam fond of it?"

"I'll wear it, if you ask me nicely Leah"

The she-wolf huffed in disgust, violently stripping off the dress and throwing it at his face before stomping off towards the dressing partition.

"Holy crow Leah…put some clothes on!"

Bella's face was a picture of embarrassment, and Nessie headed straight for the squirming child reaching her way. The sight of his daughter in his wife's arms, pulled at the Alpha's heart as he took a seat next to his dominant wolf.

"Please, it's nothing we haven't already seen"

"But it's something I haven't, and there are innocent eyes present"

Leah looked around the room as she pulled on her cutoffs, taking in the scene. A smirking Claire sat by Kim, Anna and Emily's side while Isla joined in making funny faces at Nessie's infant daughter.

"You're talking to a room full of imprints. These girls see more action than a bookie on Super bowl Sunday, so spare me your shock. Innocent eyes, my ass"

"What does a bookie have to do with imprinting?"

Claire turned to a giggling Kim and Esme Cullen cleared her throat as the she-wolf smiled cheekily in apology, remembering whose house she was in. Alice handed her another dress and Paul turned towards their youngest wolf.

"So, is this thing going down tonight or what?"

Oliver answered with a coy smile. Embry and Isla were settling for a shot gun winter wedding, but the wolves were adamant about not breaking tradition and had planned a surprise bachelor outing for their pack brother.

"Hell Yeah…Quil's bringing the booze and Seth's in charge of making sure he gets there after patrols. We've got it all arranged; Leah, Jasper and Emmett are going to cover the first shift so we can all hang…"

The Alpha smiled, his mind taking a stroll down memory lane. They'd been the three amigos, and Jacob had been present for the majority of their most memorable events. The first kiss… the first time Tanya Jennings allowed Embry to cop a feel. His first heart break and surprisingly it'd been shy Embry who'd beaten them both in losing his innocence. Life was changing for them all; Embry would soon be a father and Jacob reveled in the possibility of seeing their children grow up together.

The Alpha drove his wife and child home, feeling oddly nostalgic as he showered and dressed for their night out. He couldn't remember the last time he'd gone out with the purpose of cutting loose and welcomed the change of pace. Tonight, they were choosing to forget the responsibility placed on their young shoulders and were simply enjoying the company of one another. Even Jared and Sam had agreed to tag along for the night.

The Alpha pulled up to the bar's parking lot, picking up the familiar scents. Most of the pack was already inside and the slight slurring in Collin's words told Jacob that Old Quil's moonshine had made its appearance. Solace stood alone against one of the walls and Jacob came to stand at his side, ruffling his tousled locks and gulping down the rest of his drink. The kid was an enigma the Alpha had yet to figure out, but it was only a matter of time. Solace oozed the dominance and charisma of an Alpha male and yet Jacob never felt the antagonism that usually struck when around another dominant male.

It was quite the opposite actually; he favored his steady and observant nature and often found himself seeking his company as they worked quietly side by side in the garage. The Alpha smiled at his young wolf and Solace answered with his crooked grin. Quil was already beginning to make an ass of himself and Jacob headed towards his other childhood friend. An exuberant Seth pushed a surprised Embry through the door and the Alpha was pleased by the barely concealed emotion in his friend's eyes.

They out drank all the humans combined; the unattached wolves flirting shamelessly with the single girls out for the night. It was a night the Alpha would always think back on fondly. Jacob drove Embry home with an inebriated Quil and Seth in tow. The rest of the wolves followed closely behind, dividing into Brady and Paul's vehicles. Flashing lights came up on them abruptly and a loud voice sounded from the police's bullhorn.

"Pull over. Pull over now"

Embry met Jacob's gaze and signaled to the very drunk wolf in the back seat. Seth tried his best to straighten Quil up, as Brady and Paul maintained an appropriate distance behind, but pulled over to the side of the road as well. A female officer walked to the front of the vehicle, shining her flashlight inside to investigate.

"Step out of the vehicle sir"

Embry looked confused and squinted at the female officer.

"Why? You haven't even told us why you pulled us over"

"Embry, don't argue with her, just do what she says"

Seth was half mumbling, half ordering.

"Sir, I won't ask you again…step out of the vehicle, now"

"But I wasn't even driving"

"Melissa…" shouted the officer, "I need some back, I got a smart ass over here"

Embry turned towards his friend for help.

"Aren't you gonna fucking say anything?"

"Yeah, do as she says and get the fuck out of the car Embry. Are you trying to get us all arrested?"

Her partner walked cautiously towards the vehicle as Embry raised his hands, slowly exiting the passenger seat.

"Turn around and put your hands against the car"

The first officer shoved him roughly against the vehicle as her partner began the frisk.

"What have we got here?" She asked, groping him through the front of his pants.

"You've been a very naughty boy Embry Call"

The young wolf turned his head to the side in shock.

"How do you know my…."

Music blared from Brady's speakers and the wolves hooted and hollered, as the two women dressed in officer uniforms danced provocatively for the young wolf.

"Motherfuckers…"

Embry blushed and smiled in disbelief as the two pretty dancers gifted him with a kiss on the cheek; congratulating him on his coming nuptial. Collin forked over the payment, and winked at his pack brother. What did he expect from a pack of wolves after all? Paul watched the scene unfold through amused eyes and was strangely surprised at his lack of interest in the busty dancers. He'd enjoyed himself greatly tonight, but couldn't deny that his she-wolf had crossed his mind on more than one occasion that evening.

His? When had he begun thinking of her as his? He didn't know and more importantly he didn't care because Leah was his, even if she liked to pretend otherwise. Her scent was no longer hers, mixed with his woodsy aroma and that's just how he liked it. Isla was staying with the Clearwaters until her wedding day and Paul cursed under his breath, knowing he wouldn't see her until then. The dominant wolf envied his pack brother's fortune. He'd never held any desire to imprint but did begrudge the certainty that came with the bond.

Leah was a wild card, and the notion of settling down didn't have the same sour taste it once did for the young wolf. A conundrum indeed; he fed off the spontaneity that came with their relationship but couldn't deny his increasing desire to have her presence in his home. Solace, Oliver and Jared had helped with the expansions to his cabin, but the young wolves were already making plans to secure an apartment of their own. It was a subject he hadn't yet figured out how to introduce, but it weighed heavily on him.

The wolves bid their goodbyes for the night, and the next day dragged on as the pack and Cullen girls busied themselves with last minute wedding arrangements. Jacob granted Isla's few friends' entry into the reservation for the nuptials. It would be a skeleton crew patrolling during the ceremony and the Cullens had volunteered to take shifts patrolling during the reception. Tiffany Call surprised her son with her appearance and Embry greeted her with a fierce embrace.

Billy's majestic voice held everyone under his spell as he welcomed all who joined to witness the event. Embry's happiness was palpable as Jacob and Quil led Renesmee and Leah towards him. They took their place as Charlie began to lead a glowing Isla down the aisle. The bride wore an elegant sheer wedding gown, but it was the tranquility and joy in her features that truly accentuated her beauty. They spoke their own vows and Embry's eyes brimmed with unshed tears as he kissed his new bride.

The La Push Recreation Hall was adorned with exquisite orchid floral arrangements, the ambience contrasting the wintery chill. It was a private celebration but it didn't damper the enthusiasm of all that gathered as the pack and Cullens joined the ecstatic couple on the dance floor. Paul congratulated the new bride with a sweet peck on the cheek and headed towards the woman that had captivated his gaze all evening. Leah donned a nude strapless gown, accenting her beautiful copper skin. The dominant wolf kissed her bare shoulder and turned her by the waist.

Leah gave him the one over, lifting her brow in appreciation of how good he looked in his suit.

"Let's get out of here" he whispered and she shook her head in disbelief.

"The party just started and we haven't even sat down to eat"

"So? There's only one thing I'm interested in tasting tonight"

His eyes were dark and full of mischief, causing a sudden heat to rise up the she-wolf's body.

"Don't I even get a dance first? I'd like to enjoy the feel of this dress for a bit longer, Paul"

She was fishing for a compliment and Paul didn't hesitate, but her ridiculous insecurities bothered him.

"It's a beautiful dress, but not as beautiful as the woman wearing it"

She smiled prettily and followed him onto the dance floor. Paul held her possessively close and placed a lingering kiss on her neck. They swayed to the sound of the music and Leah sensed many eyes on them but found she couldn't care less. Her gaze hadn't drifted over to her ex all night long and it made her feel lighter, happy even. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning her head on his broad shoulder.

Sue Clearwater clutched her son's hand as she observed the swaying pair. Seth understood the silent gesture. Leah was happy and even though he worried over their involvement, she'd made it abundantly clear that it was her risk to take. They worked…how, he didn't understand but she was happy and that was all he cared about. Leah gazed up at the besotted wolf, readying to agree to an early departure but the loud sound of broken dishes stole her attention.

Collin stood unnerved; shards of broken dishes at his feet. A young native woman stared back at him in confusion. Edward's gift allowed him the advantage and he moved as humanly possible, ushering her Alice's way. She'd come with a final bill for the floral arrangements, and the pixie quickly signed the invoice as Seth and Brady escorted a trembling Collin outside. Paul watched in amusement and chuckled at the wolf's misfortune, recognizing the young woman. She was a Soma, daughter to a Quileute who'd had success with his floral business and had since moved away from the reservation.

Paul had briefly dated her older sister Jackie during his wilder days and was well aware of her father's pretentiousness. Collin had just imprinted, but the dominant wolf knew he had his work cut out for him.

"Well… another one bites the dust"

It was a harmless comment, but the truth of it left the she-wolf unnerved. Imprinting was supposed to be a rarity and Collin was now the eighth wolf to imprint, leaving Paul, her brother, Tokola and Solace the only unattached wolves left. The odds were not in her favor. Leah smiled weakly and found a seat at her family's table, while Paul Joined Jacob outside to check on a shell shocked Collin. The young wolf felt the pull but he was fighting with the urge to go after her.

Collin was satisfied with how his life was shaping; had finally found some purpose with this new business venture and had even managed to find a nice girl he enjoyed spending time with. Why did this have to happen now? Jacob tried to appease his young wolf, quoting a line to a song he'd heard long ago. Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. And it was true…Jacob was a living testament. The Alpha had once been certain that Bella was meant for him; had recently decided that he was ready to begin a family when Genevieve came along. No rhyme or reason, but he'd come to accept both and understood that there was always a greater purpose.

Paul wished the young wolf luck and offered him some Intel before excusing himself and Leah for the night. They congratulated the newlyweds one last time before making their exit. Leah removed the deathtraps on her feet and welcomed the feel of earth between her toes as she followed after her wolf. The cabin would be empty for the remainder of the evening; Paul had threatened Oliver and Solace with bodily harm if they dared step foot inside. The she-wolf settled onto his couch, enjoying the quiet and privacy the remote cabin provided.

Paul shook his head in protest and pulled her up to her feet, continuing their dance in the middle of his living room.

"You're crazy, what are you doing?"

"I'm dancing with my girl. Is that OK?"

Leah met his fierce gaze; it was the first time he'd called her anything of the sort and try as she might, couldn't bring herself to deny it. The belonging his words evoked shook her to the core and she leaned in for a gentle kiss. Paul was hungry, had been starving for her for days now and wasted no time in removing the beautiful garment off her curves. They weren't going to make it into his bedroom and he laid her down on his dining room table.

The she-wolf wrapped her legs around his waist and welcomed his warmth. Paul was fighting with his control; he wanted her, wanted her so bad it hurt and leaned forward for a bruising kiss. It was a violent merger, and after several encounters, their carnal desire made way for gentler hands. Paul carried her to his bed, pulling her close; their ragged breaths matching their exertion. Leah sighed tiredly, sharing her feelings of content as she left the comfort of his bed for hydration. His kitchen window provided a great view and she stared out into the darkness of the woods.

"You were smart to move out here Paul, it's so peaceful"

He took a seat at the edge of his bed, wavering with doubt, but Paul had never lived on the side of caution.

"There's always room for one more"

The she-wolf's head snapped towards him; his lupine eyes providing a clear view of her shock. Leah watched him carefully, trying to decipher his words. Was he talking about room for the night or could he possibly be alluding to more? Paul could almost see the wheels inside her head turning and laughed, trying to downplay his nerves as he made his way towards her.

"You're practically here almost every day…I mean, might as well right?"

"That's not the same fucking thing and you know it. You shouldn't joke about something like that"

The determined wolf steeled his nerves.

"Who says I'm joking Leah…move in with me"

The she-wolf searched his gaze, no trace of humor anywhere.

"Paul…"

He pulled her by the hips, her body flushed against his.

"We're good together Leah. I want to make a go of it"

"Sleeping together and living together are nowhere near the same. I'm a royal bitch in the mornings"

"You don't say…" he finished with a light chuckle.

"I'm fucking serious…"

"I know…"

"You haven't seen me at my worst"

"I've come close; you're moody and you can't cook to save your life"

"I'm messy too"

Leah didn't know who she was trying to convince.

"Well it's a good thing Sol isn't. He's a regular Martha Stewart"

"And what about them? Don't you think you should talk to them first?"

"I have, they're good with it"

Leah's jaw slackened in shock. He'd talked to them…which meant he'd been thinking about it before today. Just hours prior, she'd done the same; thinking about the future of their relationship. The she-wolf didn't know what motivated her to agree. She was falling for him, she knew and Leah had never been a coward but she couldn't deny the fear creeping inside of her. She didn't want to lose him; was finally feeling she was exactly where she belonged. Would life be so cruel again? It couldn't possibly be. The she-wolf brushed her fears to the side and nodded her head, meeting his passionate kiss with her own. Tonight was for celebrations; she told herself and allowed him to lead her back to his bed. Their bed, she thought, ignoring that pesky feeling of doubt.

Playlist

Carry All the Weight- A Boy and His Kite

Love of Your Life-Eric Lumiere

Little Bit-Lykke Li