Wednesday afternoon arrived much too quickly. Unsure what would be expected of her, Leah had donned a plain black tank top, dark jeans, and her favorite pair of chunky combat boots. If her job required a fight, she would rather be barefoot. Her shit-kickers were the next best option since broken shot glasses were a probable hazard. Leah had pinned the top half of her hair back to keep it out of her face. She tied a black bandana around her head and put eyeliner on carefully, finishing her smokey eye look. Leah was already hoping she would not regret it and end up with raccoon eyes by the end of her shift. Leah had put some red-tinted gloss on her lips and smirked at her reflection afterward.

Leah mumbled, "I look like a fifties biker bitch. Everything but the bullet bra."

Charlie and Sue gaped at her from the couch as she passed by them toward the front door.

Leah huffed and asked, "What? Do I look bad?"

Sue said, "You look great, honey. If I could pull that look off, I would go for it."

Charlie winked at Leah and teased, "Oh, me too."

The front door flew open, and Leah hopped out of the way to keep from getting hit. Quil, Seth, and Jared walked into the house and gawked at her. She had to bite her lip to keep from smiling as Jared elbowed Quil in the side to close his mouth. Seth narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. Leah forced the scowl back to her face and growled, "Oh, for fuck sake!" She pushed through the boys, purposely brushing the front of her body against Quil on her way out the door. Serves the bastard right.

Jared mumbled, "Those fucking jeans are straight-up painted on."

Absently, Seth said, "They are Bella's old jeans."

Charlie teased, "How do you know that, Seth?" Seth blushed and laughed, shaking his head as he dodged the question.

Sue was cackling and yelled, "In or out, V."

Leah snickered as she climbed into the car. She pulled out of the drive with Quil still staring after her from the open door. Leah silently contemplated his behavior for about half of the ride to work before turning the radio on to drown out her thoughts. Leah parked her car in the back lot where she had seen some of the bouncers come and go. She locked up her car, pocketed her keys, and jogged toward the front door.
Rick greeted her happily and reached to shake her hand. He said, "We usually just use the back door that opens up to the rear lot. You don't have to run all the way around to come in."

Leah chuckled and said, "Good to know." Calling a different bouncer to watch the door, Rick escorted Leah inside. She was tossed a black t-shirt that said SECURITY on the back in neon orange. She glanced around at other bouncers who had removed their sleeves. Some had cut a V into the collars to loosen the neck. "Do I get to alter this thing?" Leah looked up at Rick mischievously.

Rick said, "Sure, Boss doesn't give a damn. As long as SECURITY can be seen, you can do what you want to it."

Hodie yelled, greeting her across the bar, and she gave him a brilliant smile. Leah asked Rick, "Where are your scissors?" The sleeves needed to go immediately. She had a hard enough time controlling her high body temperature without a blanket called a t-shirt weighing her down. Rick chuckled at her and walked her to the bar.

Rick said, "Hodie, hand her some scissors." Hodie grinned and readily retrieved them. Leah spread the shirt out on the bar. She cut the collar and sleeves off, along with a couple of inches from the bottom. She slit the shirt slightly up the bottom front and gave the scissors back to Hodie. Leah tugged the shirt over her head and tied the separated bottom edges around her waist. Rick chuckled at the surprisingly feminine result. He escorted her back behind the stage before pounding on a wide, windowless door. He smirked at her as the lock clicked and the door cracked open. Leah was introduced to the various dancers, doing her best to ignore looking directly at them in different states of undress.

Although it was a Wednesday, the place began to fill in around eight pm. It was the first night for the dancers to be there, and most patrons seemed more curious than anything. Some had come for what they thought was a club night. Many stayed for the entertainment. Leah did have to assist in removing a couple of drunkards throughout the evening. Around midnight, she tossed a man twice her size out the front door by herself. The expression on his face as he landed on his ass left Rick choking back laughter and wiping amused tears away as he pulled the door shut behind her.

When it was time for the dancers to leave, Leah escorted each to their cars. She was headed back inside for the final time when a strange scent caught her attention. Leah spun around, searching for a bloodsucker. She chuckled with relief as she watched a dancer named Chelsea light up a joint inside of her car. Leah turned back toward the building and was startled again as a large man with long, dark hair glared at her.

No, not a man.
The scent hit her again, this time mixed with bleach.
A vampire. Shit. Leah narrowed her eyes at him as he continued across the lot. She hurried inside once he was a considerable distance away. Leah vaguely wondered if he had intended to snag one of the dancers. She had not been close enough to see his eye color.
Rick said Leah could leave, though the place would be open for another half an hour yet. She grinned and pulled off her security t-shirt, tucking part of it into the back pocket of her jeans. Pulling cash out, she hopped up into a bar stool.

Hodie walked over, grinning. He asked, "Do you want a beer?"

She grumbled, "Hell, no. I gotta be back at work in about eight hours. I have to drive one of them home."

Hodie handed her a bottle of water instead and said, "Damn." Leah tried to pay him, and he waved her off. Hodie pushed his blonde hair back and said, "I got it. I'm about to head out of here, but I guess you need to get home." Leah silently cursed herself for the blush she could feel creeping across her cheeks and chuckled.

She asked, "What do you have in mind?"

Hodie leaned back in surprise. "Hmph," he bit back a grin, "how much time before you head home?"

Leah said, "I can probably kill close to an hour, but I would have to go home after that. I have to drive back to LaPush."

Hodie asked, " La Push? I wondered, honestly, but I didn't want to assume. I get out there once in a while."

Leah asked, "Yeah? What the hell do you wanna hang around there for?"

Hodie grinned and said, "I'm a surfer. Get some pretty good waves out there from time to time."

Leah said, "Well, you got balls. That water is cold as hell." He nodded in agreement and chortled. Leah said, "Most of the so-called surfers we get out there are teens from Forks fucking around on foam boards."

Sarcastically, Hodie said, "Oh, I've met a few. Watched one almost kill herself on her boogie board a couple of years back. One of your local giants rescued her ass."

Leah cringed. She knew who he was implying since there had been no other rescue incidents since then outside of a certain Swandive. Leah had been on the beach with Sam when Lauren Mallory damn near drowned herself.

Leah said, "God, I can't stand that bitch."

Incredulously, Hodie asked, "Huh? You know who I'm talking about?"

Leah said, "Yeah, it was Lauren. I was there. Sure don't remember seeing you. Of course, I had my head up Sam's ass back then. The, uh, local giant? That's Sam."

Hodie laughed and asked, "Is that your ex?"

Leah said, "Yep. He's married to my cousin now." She rolled her eyes and laughed, hoping any leftover bitterness wasn't too apparent.

Hodie was staring at her as if the idea were unfathomable. He said, "No shit? Well, his loss." Leah held her breath nervously, positively sure that if she opened her mouth again to speak, fucking moths would fly out of it. It had been a long time since a man had made her feel both nervous and desirable. "Well, now I know how you tossed the big guy out earlier tonight," Hodie said, chuckling. "You run around with all the giants out there or just that one?"

Leah said, "I grew up with, and I work with every single one of them." Hodie gaped at her and chuckled nervously.

Rick, who hovered nearby, asked, "You work at Cold Wolfe?"

Leah nodded, turning toward Rick. She said, "Yep. Been there?"

Rick beamed at her and said, "Wouldn't take my truck anywhere else."

Leah grinned back at him proudly and said, "I'll tell Jacob that. He'll love it."

Rick said, "Tell Billy that Rick Clark said hello, too."

Leah gaped at him for a moment as she realized who he was. "Keys under the floor mat," she said. Leah winked at him, and he let out a booming laugh.

Rick said, "Well, I'll be damned. You are Harry's little girl, aren't you?"

Leah blushed and said, "The one and only."

Rick slapped Hodie on the shoulder and said, "Better be careful with this one. Her friends make our security look like fucking pipsqueaks." He winked at her and laughed as he headed for the door.

Leah shook her head and said, "Small world. I talked to him on the phone all the time and didn't even recognize his voice."

Hodie asked, "How about sitting outside with me for a while?"

Leah stood and said, "On one condition. Now that you know so much about me. What is your real first name?"

She laughed as he hopped over the bar and landed next to her. "Brody," he said, winking at her as he led the way outside.

Leah barked out a loud laugh. She asked, "Why the hell do you go by Hodie instead?"

He said, "Mix of Brody and Hodad. It started as an inside joke from someone I knew in California. He taught me how to surf. The nickname just kind of stuck."

Sarcastically, she asked, "Where are we going? Gonna pop a squat right here in the gravel?" Hodie laughed again as he kept walking.

They slid through a row of cars and approached a light blue S10. He lowered the tailgate and sat down. Anxiously, Leah followed suit. She danced just slightly in her seat to the sound of the music still pouring from the club. Leah took a deep breath, scoping out their surroundings. The last thing she wanted was for the nearby vamp to surprise them.

Hodie asked, "Are you nervous?" She looked over to find him staring at her, smirking. She immediately sat still, staring back. Leah took in his suntanned skin, allowing her eyes to ghost over him greedily just as he was doing to her. Hodie had a row of freckles lightly dusted across the center of his nose and cheekbones. His teeth, while slightly crooked, were white and healthy. Leah bit her lip as she fought back the urge to trace her hand along his jaw. Hodie was physically far from her type. Then again, Leah did not have enough experience to truly determine what that was. Leah shook her head, finally looking away. Hodie laughed and scooted closer. Leah could feel the butterflies take flight in her chest as his arm and shoulder brushed against hers. Each looked up toward the building as the music cut off abruptly. The rest of the staff piled out the back door, heading toward their vehicles. The others waved goodbye to Hodie, eyeing the two of them with blatant curiosity. Leah would need to leave soon but was in no hurry to go. She and Hodie sat in silence until only their two vehicles remained. As darkness again settled around them, Leah looked up to catch him staring at her.

He confessed, "I like you, Leah."

She teased, "I thought that was pretty apparent when you asked for my number."

Hodie reached up and cupped her cheek with his hand. His expression turned to one of confusion as he trailed his thumb along her cheekbone. "You are very, very warm."

Leah said, "Yeah, always." She brought her hand up to cup his cheek, and his eyes widened at the heat from her palm. "I'm always very, very warm." He clearly had ideas of what else on her body was nice and warm. Leah could hear the uptick in his pulse, smell the rush of lust that washed over him.

His soft but husky voice made her shiver as he said, "I really want to take you home with me, Leah."

Damn. He's not wasting any time. His words seemed to pull the air straight from her chest. He smirked at her again as she leaned slightly away. "You don't even know me," Leah said and chuckled nervously. "I know even less about you."

He said, "Well, I am Broderick McCarty, but my mom called me Brody. Broderick Dale when I was being a little asshole. To everyone else, I am just Hodie. I'm twenty-six. I am a surfer, bartender and live in a poorly lit shithole efficiency apartment. I have been single for over a year and celibate for about half as long. I traveled nonstop while growing up with my single mom. I could not even tell you what state my dad lives in or if he is even alive at this point. I have lived in PA for almost three years. It's the longest I have lived anywhere."

Leah scoffed and asked, "This is where you chose to stay? Washington?"

Hodie said, "Let me tell ya, Leah, home is where you make it." There was just a hint of bitterness in his voice as he added, "This place is as good as any."

Leah admitted, "I'll have to take your word for it. I have lived in the same place all of my life."

Hodie said, "That sounds great." He reached for her hand and, fighting back a nervous smile, wrapped his own around it. He said, "I wouldn't know what those kinds of connections are like. My mom liked to keep moving. She died a couple of years ago, and everything changed. I moved here on my own and started over." He shrugged as if it had been nothing, though his eyes betrayed the bitterness he felt over his loss.

Softly, Leah admitted, "My dad died almost three years ago. It still seems like yesterday."

Hodie said, "You still live with your mom, I guess?"

Leah grinned and said, "Also, my soon-to-be step-dad, Charlie, plus my little brother, Seth. My future step-sister is my best friend, and her fiance is my boss and future Chief."

Attempting to keep her story straight, Hodie asked, "And the cousin married the ex?" Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he asked, "They don't all live there, do they?"

Leah laughed and shook her head no. "Just the parents and little brother.

Hodie asked, "How old are you, Leah?"

Leah said, "I'll tell you if you don't repeat it. I look older than I am."

Hodie leaned away, smirking as he looked her over. He said, "Well, now I really want to know. I won't tell, though."

He probably thinks I'm like thirty and just look younger, Leah thought. She said, "I'm twenty-one. I look older, and people treat me that way. Which I prefer."

Hodie tried and failed to bite back his grin. "That makes sense," Hodie said and chuckled, though he looked relieved.

Leah laughed and asked, "Did you think I was like forty?"

Hodie barked out a loud laugh and said, "No. For a second, I was afraid you were underage and using a fake ID or something." Leah snickered as he tried to be serious, failing to hold back his embarrassed laughter. He cackled and said, "I was like, praying. Please, God, do not let my judgment be that fucking off because this woman is too damn hot to be jailbait." It was Leah's turn to feel embarrassed. Her cheeks began to hurt, unable to keep the smile from her face.
Hodie asked, "So? Ever think of getting your own place?"

She rolled her eyes and said, "Every single day of my life. I'm saving for that, though. I think everyone I know just expects I will stay in La Push forever, but I don't know if that is what I want to do. For now, though, it's home. I also doubt I'll find a job as easy as mine is at the garage for what I make now. I could live on my own now if I wanted. I'm not sure what is holding me back anymore." Outside of the shapeshifter vampire-killer family bullshit. Hodie was still staring at her intently, rubbing small circles on her palm with his thumb. She shivered, staring down at their entwined hands. Leah asked, "So, why have you been single so long?"

Hodie shrugged and said, "Just haven't found the one, I reckon."

Leah grinned as his slightly southern accent slipped and said, "Yeah. I can understand." All too well. Not the one for Sam. Not the one for Quil. Leah didn't want to think about how she was probably not the one for Hodie, either. Though they were some of the prettiest blue eyes she had ever seen, looking into them was not realigning her entire universe the way an imprint was said to do.

He asked, "How long ago did the ex get with the cousin?" Leah expected him to be smirking again but found only genuine interest there.

She answered, "It has been a couple of years. They are kind of made for each other, honestly."

Hodie nodded as if he somehow knew what she meant. He asked, "So, why are you still single?"

She scowled as she thought of Quil, and Hodie laughed. Leah blushed and blurted out, "Look, I'm going to be blunt here because I honestly just prefer it. I have been with two people. That's it. I am not a sleep-around and get my kicks when I feel like it, kind of girl. I was with one person after Sam, and ... it did not work out."

Once again, Hodie couldn't hold back his laughter. He said, "I like how blunt you are. It's kind of refreshing."

Leah teased, "We will see if you think that when you see me pissed off. I can be a real bitch." Literally.

Hodie said, "I guess that will have to wait. I have no intention of being the reason I see it." He lifted his hand to gently touch her face again as she unconsciously leaned toward him. Her breath hitched as she looked into his lust-filled gaze before his eyes dropped to stare at her mouth. Hodie lightly ran his thumb from just under her bottom lip and down her chin. Tentatively he asked, "Leah? Can I kiss you?"

Leah could not help but smile at his request. Most guys would have gone for it without ever bothering to ask. "Yes," Leah said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hodie smiled before leaning in to delicately press his lips against hers. Leah shivered as he slid his tongue along her bottom lip, silently begging for entrance. She parted her lips and sighed into his mouth as his tongue brushed across hers. Leah instinctively turned further into him, wanting nothing more than to let herself enjoy the moment. Hodie raised his other hand to gently cup the back of her neck. Leah had enjoyed kissing both Sam and Quil, but neither could kiss like this. Leah pulled away from Hodie feeling slightly dizzy, turned on, and suddenly very inexperienced. Both struggled to catch their breath, the sound of their racing hearts like drums in her ears. She giggled as Hodie grinned at her.

Leah sighed and said, "I should really be heading home." She could not help but laugh again as he frowned, disappointed. Leah hopped down from the truck, her legs feeling like jelly. Hodie reached out for her wrist, silently guiding her to come to stand between his legs. She stepped between them carefully as he leaned to kiss her again. He moaned as his tongue slid across hers, and the lust she felt for this perfect stranger shot straight through her core. Leah responded a little more aggressively than she had intended and wrapped her arms around his waist as he slid his hands across her upper back. Leah was unsure how long they remained that way, but she finally broke the kiss and stepped away.
Breathlessly, she grinned and said, "I really have to go."

Still attempting to hide his disappointment, Hodie said, "I guess I will talk to you soon, then."

Leah said, "You can text the number I gave you if you want." She gave him one more brilliant smile before walking toward her car. Hodie did not climb into his truck until Leah was safely in her car and pulled out of the lot. She glimpsed back to make sure he was leaving behind her, worried she may have been too distracted to notice if the bloodsucker had returned. As his taillights traveled in the opposite direction, Leah smiled into her rearview mirror and sped toward home.

She had not been surprised when Quil chose to resume pretending to ignore her at work. Determined she would not let it get to her when she was already exhausted, Leah kept herself as busy as possible. Her mood improved after Hodie sent her a good morning text and continued randomly throughout the day. When a picture of him laying shirtless in his bed came through, Leah had nearly spit out her coffee. She excused herself from the busy front lobby and ran out the side door toward the house. Bella looked up in alarm as Leah burst through the kitchen doorway. Her shoes squeaked on the wooden floor as Leah came to a halt. She turned in time to catch and stop the door from slamming behind her.

Bella sighed with relief and whispered, "Thank you."

Emily chuckled, wiping a flour mess off of the counter.

Bella whispered, "Ethan and Sarah both just went down for a nap."

Leah snickered and said, "It is nine in the morning, Bells."

Bella said, "Yeah, and mommy needs a fucking break." She poured herself some coffee and asked, "So, what are you doing? Aren't you working at the garage today?"

Leah grinned excitedly and said, "Yeah, but I have to show you something." She was not exactly thrilled about Emily being able to hear the conversation. However, Leah did not have the heart to disclude her. Leah pointed at a bewildered Emily.

Emily held up her hands and chuckled, asking, "What? What did I do?"

Leah warned her, "You gotta keep your trap shut."

Emily scoffed and said, "Okay? I can keep a secret, you know?"

Leah and Bella glanced toward each other, grinning. "No, you can't," they said at the same time.

Emily snickered at them and shook her head. She said, "I will keep it to myself, I swear." Leah pulled her phone from her pocket and showed them each the picture Hodie had sent her. Emily said, "Wow, LeeLee, he is..."

Her cheeks were beginning to hurt from grinning as Leah gushed, "Hot as hell, I know."

Bella said. "Wow. He does sort of look like Emmett."

Emily asked, "What is his name? What is he like?"

Leah chuckled again and said, "Nuh-uh! I am keeping shit to myself until I see if it goes anywhere." Leah shot both women a warning glare and added, "I don't want anyone giving me any grief about this and trying to fuck this up for me."

Emily frowned and leaned back, instantly on edge as she asked, "Why would anyone try to fuck it up, LeeLee?" What she was really asking was, Why would I fuck it up?

Leah huffed and said, "I am not talking about either of you. How many of the guys do you think will support me having this extra job if they think I am just doing it to chase an outsider who is not my imprint?" Emily instantly calmed and nodded. It would not be pleasant for Emily to deal with Sam or his jealousy issues, either. After all, it hurt her, too.

Bella said, "You deserve the chance to go for what you want, Leah. You are the only female shifter. None of us know if you will ever imprint, to be honest. You don't deserve to be alone." Carefully, she added, "Not for that or any other reason."

Emily said, "She's right." Leah could not help but feel skeptical of the support. It made sense that Emily would want Leah to move on. She, too, believed Leah was still in love with Sam. The problem was that Sam still felt possessive of Leah, even now. Neither of them realized how fully Leah had let go of her romantic feelings for Sam since her relationship with Quil had been a secret. Despite his love for Emily, he still saw Leah as his first love. The difference was, Leah was not the one who got away.

He walked away from me first. Things had been said and done that Emily would never know. While Leah had once felt justified in that betrayal, she no longer felt that way. Just thinking about her past actions only made her feel guilty. Leah didn't hate Emily anymore. Hell, she didn't even hate Sam anymore.
Pocketing her cell phone, Leah said, "Look, I gotta get back. Just… hush, okay? If anyone finds out, I know where to look."

Bella and Emily both chuckled as Leah swiped a cherry danish from the counter, quietly shut the kitchen door, and jogged back to the garage.

Patrol Thursday evening was going well until Jacob decided Paul could go home early. Paul immediately took off to help Rachel out at their bar. Before that, the evening was peaceful, with no vampire scents for miles. Halfway through patrol, Jacob decided to head home. Leah would have groaned out loud in frustration if not connected to the pack mind. Jacob had been good about not leaving Leah and Quil alone on patrol to avoid arguments or distractions. After over six months of ignoring each other, he left her and Quil to patrol entirely alone. A few minutes after everyone else phased out, Quil directly sought out her thoughts.

Leah snapped, Do you need something?

Quil snarled at her, immediately on edge. Are we ever going to be able to just have a fucking conversation, Leah? Or do you plan on hating me forever? I miss you, so you know.

Leah huffed and thought, So fucking talk to me, Quil. You shut me out, remember? I don't fucking hate you … most of the time.

His thoughts were full of regret as he said, I never meant to shut you out, Leah. I pushed you away, yes, but I have always been right here.

Leah couldn't help the mournful whimper that escaped as she felt his sadness wash over her. She was surprised as she spotted herself in his line of vision. Leah stared ahead of her as Quil walked up next to her and nuzzled into her side. Leah thought, You know, if Jacob phases back in and sees you here by me instead of on the other damn side of the reservation, we will never hear the end of it.

Quil snapped, God damn it, Leah, I don't give a shit. Quil nuzzled his face against her neck and sighed. Leah let out an involuntary whine, laying her chin across his snout.

She asked, About what, Quil? About Me? About doing the right thing? About our pack? It seems you want to pick and choose what the hell you think is worth your effort.

Quil snarled again and thought, This shit has been hard for me, too, Leelee. He nuzzled harder against her side and whined as he thought, I miss you. All the fucking time.

Leah laughed as she pulled away and thought, Could have fucking fooled me. It hasn't stopped you from sniffing around anyone else, has it? You seem to get around as much as Paul lately. I've seen Claire following you around too. What is she now, fourteen? Run out of prospects at the bar? Leah knew that Claire Young had, in fact, just turned sixteen and looked a great deal like a younger, paler, pre-scarred Emily. Claire still had a little bit of baby fat. Like most of the women in their family, Claire had recently grown quite heavy in the chest. Many of the local boys were blatantly taking notice. Claire, however, had her eye on one Quil Ateara V. Leah also knew that her thoughts sounded jealous and petty, but she could not help herself. He had ignored her for months, and that bullshit still hurt.

Quil admitted, I thought it would get better. Easier, somehow. I guess I finally understand why it is so hard for Sam to let you go.

Leah huffed, Oh, here we go. I am so sick of everyone giving a damn what Sam thinks about my business. It doesn't matter anymore. What any of us wanted will not change the outcome, Quil. In the end, you have an imprint out there somewhere. She is not me. You said it yourself.

Quil flinched from the bitterness in her words. I honestly hate myself for hurting you, Leah.

Sadly, Leah thought, Sometimes that makes two of us Quil. Despite her anger with him, Leah nuzzled back into Quil for just a moment before darting away from him as fast as she could go. Quil could take over the watch on her side. Leah did not give a damn how far she had to run as long as she could be alone.

Friday evening, Leah was ready and eager for someone to test her. The club was packed and technically overcapacity. An unexpected party bus had shown up in the parking lot with a bachelor party of 15 in tow. Most of them were already past the serving limit when they had stumbled in the door. While all had gone well at first, Leah eventually had to yank two of them away as they attempted to climb onto the stage. She was glad she had chosen to wear a tank under her shirt as the larger of those men mistook her for a dancer. He managed to tear her security shirt down the front, only to grumble at the tank top underneath.

He slurred, "Heyyyy. That's cheating." He cried out in pain as Leah pinched his earlobe with her sharp fingernails.

She yelled, "I'm not a stripper, dickface. I'm security. Go sit your ass down, or I'll toss you out on it." She gave him a hard shove backward, causing him to land heavily onto his chair. He glared up at her from where he now sat, though he wisely decided to stay put. Leah did the best she could to retie the shirt across her front and looked up to find an angry Hodie glaring at the man she had just shoved. She stared until he finally looked up at her. She winked at him and watched as a wide grin spread across his handsome face. Distracted by Hodie, someone darted behind her. Leah spun to yank another man away from the stage when he decided to grab the entertainment. The dancer, Amara, had attempted to sidestep him and tumbled. Leah shoved the man away from her and rushed to catch Amara. Falling face first, the woman was shocked when she landed in warm arms. She peeked one ebony eye open through her thick curtain of fire engine red hair to see who held her.

Leah teased, "Hiya, honey." She grinned at her before literally rolling her back onto the stage. There was a collective laugh around the club. Leah grabbed the guy responsible before he could head too far away from her and drug him to the front door. Rick opened the door, grinning at Leah, and she shoved the man outside. Leah blushed at the sounds of cheers from the amused patrons and co-workers behind her.
Leah said, "I am going to go check on Amara real quick." The tiny, embarrassed woman had run from the stage in tears. Leah was unsure if it was because of the laughter after Leah put her back on the stage or because she was frightened of the patron. Either way, Leah felt like shit. She knocked on the dressing room door and waited for the click of the lock before heading inside. Hodie stood among the dancers, trying to calm a sobbing Amara.
Leah said, "Hey. I am sorry if I embarrassed you out there. I just didn't want you to get hurt." Amara hopped up from her seat, pushed past Hodie. Her skin felt cool as her arms snaked quickly around Leah. Leah blushed and briefly hugged the nearly naked woman back. Leah asked, "Are you okay?"

Amara nervously chuckled as she wiped away tears and said, "Yeah."

Tom suddenly yelled, "Hodie!" Leah looked up as Tom walked into the room and pointed at Hodie. "What are you doing here?"

He said, "I was checking on Amara. She had a good scare."

Tom grumbled, "Well, Leah has her now. Get out of here." Hodie walked past Tom and back out to the bar.

Amara said, "We don't mind Hodie. He doesn't mean any harm."

Tom said, "Be that as it may, he is not allowed in here, ladies. Neither am I. Lock this damn door." Tom glanced up at Leah and smirked as he added, "Come see me in a minute." He stepped out of the room and pulled the door shut behind him.

Leah could not help but sweep her eyes over the scantily clad voluptuous blonde woman named Chelsea as she asked, "Damn, girl? Are you in trouble?"

This woman could give Rose a run for her money, Leah thought. She said, "I have no idea." Chelsea had watched Leah assessing her and smiled at her flirtatiously. Leah bit back an awkward chuckle before turning to smile at Amara. "I just wanted to check on you. Are you sure that you are okay?"

Amara said, "I will be fine. I am just not a fan of being grabbed. I don't understand why some people think they can just do whatever they want. We are dancers. That does not make us prostitutes."

Leah said, "Even if you were prostitutes, no one has the right to touch you against your consent. Not ever. If it happens here, I will beat their asses. That is my job, and I will protect you to the best of my ability."

Amara grinned and said, "Thank you for catching me. I thought I would land on my face out there, for sure."

Leah said, "My sister is the biggest klutz that I know. I'm used to catching her ass. Guess I should go and see what Tom wants. Who is next, and what time do you go out?"

Another woman sitting in the opposite corner was painstakingly applying bright red lipstick. It was a stark contrast to her entirely black attire and dark makeup. "Me. Ten minutes or so," she said.

Leah said, "I'll be out there." She nodded at them and left the room. A minute later, she knocked on the office door and anxiously waited for Tom to answer. I wonder what the hell this is all about? How well does Hodie know Amara? Sure, he seems like a compassionate guy and all, but the girl was in underwear and tassels. Also, Leah, why the hell do you care so much? Hodie is not even your boyfriend. Annoyed with her jealousy, Leah knocked on the door a second time. Tom opened the door smiling, though Leah was unsure if he was happy or mad. While not unfriendly, Tom often appeared sterner than anything. As he had the first time, Tom motioned for her to have a seat on the suede couch.

Leah asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

He said, "No," and pointed to the monitor on the wall behind her head. "I watched you save Amara when she fell. That is how I knew Hodie was in the dressing room. Only the female staff should be in that room, Leah. I am going to make sure everyone knows that later tonight."

Leah asked, "So if the guys come in, am I supposed to run them out?"

Tom said, "Absolutely. There are no cameras in the dressing room, as you can see. There are no cameras that face the stage, either. Cameras are facing other angles to monitor the main space. The hallway is covered, however. I do not care how naked those girls get on stage. They expect privacy in that room, and I want to make sure that they have it."

Leah said, "I think you are a pretty decent employer. I care that you care about their comfort, privacy, and safety. That says a lot about you. Is there anything else that you need?"

Tom leaned back in his chair, snickering. He said, "I was wondering how you like the job and if you have considered staying on yet."

Leah could only grin at him proudly. It was nice to feel appreciated.

Tom asked, "Do you like the job?"

Leah chuckled and said, "I do like the job, but our agreement is the same. At least for the time being. My schedule is just too insane to promise otherwise."

Tom said, "I had something made for you." He opened up a filing cabinet drawer. He pulled a flimsy plastic package out and tossed it to Leah. She caught it, looking down at it in surprise.

Tom said, "Go ahead and open it." Leah chuckled nervously and tore into the plastic. She pulled out three black tank tops, each with the orange SECURITY logo on the back and her first name monogrammed on the left breast pocket. Pointing at her torn shirt, Tom said, "Guess it was just in time, too. I saw that shit, Leah. Next time someone tries ripping your shirt off out there, punch the mother fucker. I'll back your ass for the cops. They tripped. I fucking saw it."
Leah laughed in surprise for a moment before shaking her head. "Thanks," she said. "These are great. I appreciate it."

Tom said, "Every single time I have seen you, you have been in a tank top. I figured it was a safe bet."

Leah muttered, "Yeah, I'm not the biggest fan of bulky clothing." She chuckled awkwardly, and Tom laughed.

Tom said, "As long as that security logo is on your back, I don't give a damn what you wear."

Leah teased, "Pink wig and a Catholic schoolgirl uniform. Got it."

To her surprise, Tom laughed again and said, "Don't push it. Go on. It's almost showtime."

Leah stood and headed for the dressing room. The dancers laughed at her enthusiasm as she changed into one of the new tanks and trashed the ripped t-shirt.

Chelsea was blatantly gawking at Leah as she said, "You have a great body, girl!"
Leah blushed and scoffed as she gathered her other shirts.

Chelsea gushed, "You can dance, too. I've seen you here on club night. Maybe you should be up on stage."

Leah barked out a loud laugh. Leah Clearwater, shapeshifting stripper. I'll get right on those business cards. Leah said, "I applaud what you ladies do. I really do. Dancing is hard fucking work, and people do not get enough credit for it. Whether your clothes are on or not is your own damn business. Ballet dancers perform naked all the fucking time, and people don't hop on stage to grope at them. All that said, I have brothers that would come in here to drag me out kicking and screaming if I even considered it."

The woman with the red lipstick said, "Brothers, huh? Are they tough like you? You should bring them sometime." She snickered as she continued checking herself in the mirror.

Leah laughed and said, "Yeah, only one of them is single, but he is seventeen. Sorry, ladies. I am going to run these to my car. I will be right back in." The dancer waiting to go on nodded at her, and Leah made her way outside.

As she walked back from her car, Leah noticed the vamp she had seen on Wednesday crossing the parking lot. He appeared strikingly familiar, standing under the bright light above the back door. With his hair, height, and build, Leah could have sworn he was Quileute. Of course, that was impossible. Vampire venom killed the wolves, according to the legends. The current pack had been lucky enough to avoid learning if it was true or not. This vampire, however, was every bit the same size as Sam, at least. He wore a black leather vest over his otherwise bare chest and dark jeans, the scent of bleach and incense all that betrayed his nature. His long hair hung down his back in a thick black braid. He finally turned away and continued the same direction she had seen him go on Wednesday, disappearing into the trees behind the parking lot. Leah let out a sigh of relief and rushed back to work.

At the end of her shift, Leah headed straight for her car. She needed to get home and shower. Leah had every intention of sleeping until it was time to get ready for work the following afternoon. She smiled as Hodie yelled her name. Leah loved the sound of her name on his lips as his raspiness made her shiver. She leaned against her car and waited for him to catch up to her.

Worriedly, he asked, "Are you okay?"

Leah said, "Yeah. I just need to get home. I am exhausted. I feel like my ass is dragging on the floor behind me." Leah blushed as he pointedly moved to look at her ass.

Hodie winked and said, "Looks pretty good from here."

Damn it, why does this guy have to be so cute? Also, why is he always so covered up? Leah looked over his button-up shirt and jeans.
Leah asked, "Do you wear a wetsuit when you surf?"

He laughed and said, "Well, that was random. But, yes, I do." Leah was intrigued. She spent every day of her life with attractive, half-naked men. The idea of not having everyone know what your man looked like undressed was appealing. Now that she was thinking about it, she felt guilty about showing the shirtless picture of him to Bella and Emily. She decided then that anything else he sent would be kept private.

Leah asked, "How about when just swimming?"

He laughed and said, "Nope. What is going on in that noggin' of yours?"

Laughing, Leah asked, "Noggin'?"

Hodie laughed and said, "Yes, that noggin'. Right here." He reached up to cup her face. "I can not believe you were just going to go home and not tell me goodnight."

Leah grinned as she leaned into him, loosely wrapping her arms around his waist. Hodie brushed her hair back from her face and pulled her closer, pressing his forehead to hers. He whispered, "I still want you to come home with me."

Leah grinned, shaking her head no. She said, "Not yet." God damn, it is tempting, though. She could not understand the nearly constant draw she felt to this stranger. I like him so much already, damn it.

Hodie asked, "What if I swore that I would be a perfect gentleman? We could talk for a little while, and I would let you sleep in peace."

She blurted out, "Even more tempting." Suddenly embarrassed, she froze and then chuckled. "I said that out loud, huh?"

Hodie laughed and kissed her forehead affectionately. He asked, "Can I kiss you goodnight, then, if you won't come home with me?" Leah could feel the heat rushing through her, anticipating his kiss. Silently, she nodded, and he pressed his mouth to hers. Instead of the timid response she had met him with before, Leah kissed him back eagerly. His hands dropped to her waist. Leah moaned as he slid them across her back and down to her hips. Leah wanted desperately to rip his shirt open, to slide her arms inside of it and feel his warm skin. Hodie moaned into her mouth, and Leah could feel herself soaking into the thong she wore under her skin-tight jeans. Kissing alone did not usually turn her on this much, and certainly not this quickly. She pulled away from him slowly, looking up into his eyes. Panting, he grinned at her.

Hodie asked, "Sure you want to go home?"

Leah said, "If I don't, the one I will have to worry about behaving will not be you."

Hodie chuckled and said, "I will keep asking until you do."

Leah said, "I might have to hold you to that."

He kissed her again briefly before Leah bid him goodnight, climbed into her car, and drove home.

Leah and Hodie quickly fell into a routine. They would text daily, sending pictures from time to time. After her shifts at the club, they would talk in the parking lot, flirt, and kiss a little. Or a lot. True to his word, he asked her to come home with him every time. Her fear made her hesitate every time as well. Despite that, Hodie remained respectful and patient.

The guys at the garage had noticed the uptick in her attitude, though she tried to remain her typical, snarky self when they were near. With the additional stressors, Leah found herself seeking out certain vices. Leah had, unfortunately, returned to the smoking habit she had at nineteen before phasing the first time. Most of the security team at the club smoked. After a while, the craving became too enticing to ignore, though she tried to refrain unless she was alone. Leah had also fallen dangerously in love with coffee. It was the only thing keeping her from feeling worn out all the damn time. It had been three weeks since Leah had met Hodie. Somehow, it felt longer with their daily text conversations, yet incredibly new every time he kissed her.

A few days later, Leah sat at home with her parents. She was itching for a cigarette and vaguely pretended to watch their movie choice as she waited to leave for patrol.

Charlie grinned at Leah and said, "It's nice to see you just relax for a minute, kid. You're constantly on the move these days."

Leah grumbled, "Yeah. I'm a little more tired these days, too." She had believed the hours at the club wouldn't be an issue. Leah worked at the garage and helped Bella out on Wednesdays. In the evening, she worked at the club. Leah had just enough time for a three-hour nap before getting up to patrol on Thursdays. She worked in the lobby all day and patrolled again later. On Fridays, Leah worked at the garage and then the club. By the time she got to bed on Saturday morning, she was asleep before her head hit the pillow. Luckily, she was able to recover somewhat on Sundays. Sundays were her one day off from all of her jobs. Unfortunately, she spent most of it sleeping.

Charlie said, "I bet so. What have you been up to lately?"

Leah said, "Working mostly. I'm still adjusting to the extra travel and everything. I was thinking I might need to start staying overnight somewhere on Fridays. Cut the mileage in half, but it would cost more than the gas. I'm not sure it's worth it, but I really like this job."

Charlie said, "You know, I might have a solution for that. Let me talk to Jacob in a little bit." Charlie chuckled, turning back toward the TV. Sue shot her daughter an encouraging wink. They each turned toward a sharp rapping on the front door. Jacob stepped into the house grinning, holding a happy Sarah in his arms. Bella came in behind Jacob and shut the door. She smiled at their parents snuggled up on the couch like a couple of teenagers. Sarah squealed as Charlie sat up, and Jacob handed her to him.

Grinning, Jacob asked, "Did I hear my name a minute ago?"

Charlie beamed and said, "Yeah, Bud! Glad you guys swung by," He turned his full attention to Sarah and said, "Hello, baby girl." Sarah squealed in response, reaching her tiny hands up to grab at his mustache.

Bella said, "Watch her, Dad. She is very grabby lately. She yanked some of my hair out yesterday."

Sarah bounced on his lap and pulled at his face as she shrieked, "Da! Da!"

Charlie said, "I can see that." He pulled back from Sarah's hands and rubbed his mustache back into place. "Guessing the first word is Dad, huh?" Jacob gave him a wide, proud grin as Bella huffed.

She complained, "Of course. She spends all day long with her momma, but her first word is 'Da!' instead. Little shit."

Sue laughed and said, "It's honestly the most common first word. It was Leah and Seth's first word as well, and I can't recall Harry changing a single diaper."

Charlie redirected the conversation as he asked, "Just a hair early, isn't it?"

Jacob chuckled and said, "Just like everything else she does. Existing. Being born. Holding her head up," Jacob shot a stern look toward his beloved little girl and added, "The time she thinks she needs to get up every morning." Sarah squealed and laughed.

Charlie said, "Jacob, she is so much like you."

He held his hands up and said, "I know, I know. Dad tells us. All the time." After a brief silence, Jacob said, "So, Leah, I'm glad you're still here. We were hoping you hadn't left for patrol just yet. We need to talk to you guys." His eyes were shining with excitement as he rubbed his palms together. Bella blushed as Leah looked over at her, grinning.

Leah asked, "What is all this about?"

Jacob asked, "Bells, do you wanna go first?" Bella blushed darker, put on the spot. She took a deep breath before moving to sit next to Leah. Bella grabbed her hand, threaded her fingers through Leah's, and said, "I decided to give in and let Alice have her way."

Leah barked out a loud laugh. "I knew you would. Planning girly things isn't your forte, Swan."

Bella laughed and admitted, "No. No, it is not. I'm going to need to have your dress measurements."

Shit. "Belllllllaaa," Leah whined and laughed. "Are you forcing me to be a bridesmaid?"

Bella said, "Actually, I was hoping you would be my maid of honor. You know, since you are my sister and all."

Leah sighed and yanked Bella toward her. Bella happily snuggled against her side. "I'd love to, Bitch," Leah said and kissed her sister on the forehead affectionately.

Bella smirked up at Jacob and said, "Your turn." He sat on her opposite side, facing Charlie.

Jacob said, "Charlie, you know Dad is going to officiate our wedding."

Charlie teased, "Yeah? I'm already planning on flipping him off for the wedding photographer."

Bella rolled her eyes and said, "Rose is the photographer, Dad. I'm sure she'll think it's hilarious."

Jacob laughed and said, "Well, anyway. I have a request for you, Charlie. After you finish walking Bells down the aisle, I'd be honored if you would step to my side and be my best man."

Charlie's face lit up as he grinned at Jacob and then Bella. "I'd be honored, too, son," he said, "but shouldn't that spot belong to Embry or Emmett? What does Billy think about it?"

Jacob said, "They will be standing with me too. Everyone knows I wanted to ask you and all think it is great. You helped raise me, Charlie. You have been an enormous part of my life, and I would appreciate it if you stood beside me."

Charlie shook his head and rubbed his face with one hand while supporting Sarah on his knee with the other. He looked down into her face and grinned. Charlie asked, "Well, what do you think about that, baby girl? Should I do it? You like that idea?" Sarah squealed happily, bouncing on his knee and smiling back at him.

Sue said, "You should, Charlie." Charlie grinned at Jacob and nodded.

He said, "I'd love to, son. Thank you for asking me. So, hey," he redirected the conversation again, "Do you think Emmett and Rose would let Leah use their guest house sometimes? Fridays mainly, right, Lee? It would save her a couple of hours of driving, and she would get more sleep for the rest of her jobs." Charlie chuckled and winked at his stepdaughter. Leah could not help but smile back at him. Charlie loved her and Seth as much as he did Bella and Jacob. He already introduced them to people as his children, and Seth had even begun calling him Dad. Leah could not ask for a better stepfather. Though she both loved and missed Harry, Leah had also been fighting the urge lately to start calling Charlie her Dad. Leah looked up at Jacob, hoping he would agree with the suggestion.

Leah explained, "I was contemplating getting a motel on Fridays, but that would cost more than just driving the extra hours. I really like this job, Jake. I know it has only been a couple of weeks, but I want to keep at it. By the time Friday night rolls around, I am just exhausted. Then I have to drive back on Saturdays."

Jacob said, "I thought this job was temporary. We talked about this when you started. I worry about you overdoing it."

Bella said, "And staying overnight would help with that." Supporting her sister as she always did, she added, "If Jacob does not ask him, I will. Even if they cared, and they won't, Emmett would say yes to me." Everyone chuckled, nodding in agreement. His devotion was as unwavering for Bella as hers was for Leah.

Leah said, "Three years ago if someone had said we would have a giant family of shapeshifters and vampires, I would have called them fucking crazy." Sue glared at her daughter in a warning for her language.

Jacob said. "It's true. I can't picture not having Emmett and Rose in our lives now. They have been amazing to us. All of the Cullens have, honestly. Leah, it would save wear and tear on your car. That's just less for me to have to fix later. I'll call Emmett on the way home."

Bella advised, "Maybe you should go call him now before you forget." He smiled down at her and headed for the door as he pulled his cell from the back pocket of his jeans.

Leah said, "Thank you, guys." If someone had told her three years ago that she would not always feel so utterly alone, she would never have believed that either. She glanced up at the clock and cursed under her breath. Late for patrol. Leah pushed a giggling Bella off of her and stood up to stretch. "I gotta head out," she said and walked over to kiss Sarah on the cheek. She said, "I love you, baby girl. I'll see you later, my little monster." Sarah lifted her arms for her Auntie Lee, demanding to be held. Leah sighed and gave in, picking up her niece to snuggle her close for a moment. She reluctantly handed Sarah back to her Grandpa Charlie and headed for the door.