Leah woke a few hours later to the sound of her alarm going off on her phone in the living room. Dreams of the past quickly faded as she realized what time it was.

Sonofabitch, I am late for patrol. Leah silently cursed at herself for forgetting to reset her alarm as she scrambled to pull on her discarded clothing. Hodie was peacefully sleeping on his stomach, the round muscular curve of his ass on full display. Leah could not help but smile as she glanced over him one last time. Leah grabbed her shoes and keys before running out the door.

Somewhere halfway between PA and Forks, Leah parked her car in the back of a convenience store lot, locked it, and bolted for the nearby woods. Leah wrapped her keys up into her clothes, tied them around her ankle, and phased, running for home. If anyone was phased while she was, they had remained blessedly silent. She would be bombarded enough by four worried wolves when she walked into work.
Leah made much better time getting home, but she was already half an hour late for her shift at the garage. She had missed her morning patrol altogether while sleeping comfortably next to Hodie. As she walked into her house, she groaned.

My cell phone is on his coffee table. There are probably a million missed calls on it by now. Leah rushed to make herself presentable, washing the smudged eyeliner from her face and putting on deodorant. When she phased to run to work, the cussing began. Paul and Jared were both letting her have it. Leah remained silent, shutting them out as best as she could. She phased out abruptly as she neared the treeline by Jacobs. Leah dressed quickly, pulled her hair up into the best ponytail possible without a brush, and jogged inside. She had only taken two steps past the door when Jacob began bellowing for her from the office. Leah cringed from embarrassment. Customers waiting in the lobby looked up at the doors to the garage in surprise and then toward Leah sympathetically. She glared straight at the security camera before forcing a smile at her customers as she hurried past them into the garage. Leah stomped toward the office and pulled the door shut behind her.

As he shifted from pissed off to nervous under her icy glare, Leah could practically hear Jacob thinking, Shit. Bad idea.

Alpha or no alpha, I bust my goddamned ass around here. Heatedly, Leah said, "I know I am late, and I missed patrol. I stayed with a friend and overslept. Do not scream at me in front of customers, Jacob. Next time, I will make sure they hear the aftermath, too. Embarrassing me in front of them is bullshit, and you know it. My business is my business. If you want to punish me, figure it out. I've got shit to do." Leah opened the door to walk away and glared back at him. "Another thing. You're the Alpha. Not Paul. Not Jared. Not anyone else. If my ass is in trouble, they can all keep their mouths shut and let it come from you. I mean it, Jake. I fucked up this morning, but how often have I fucked up, bailed, or failed to do my job? Paul is late for almost every patrol and has been for three years. He has no business cussing me for missing one shift."

Jacob opened his mouth to respond and shook his head. He had no argument to make. Leah went above and beyond what any of the other wolves did besides Jacob. Leaning on the doorframe, Leah asked, "Jacob, would you yell at Bella the way you yelled for me when I walked in?"

Jacob actually blushed, subconsciously rubbing the back of his head. Leah could not help but soften toward him as he grinned sheepishly. She really did love the fucker. He was family, after all.

Being Alpha makes him a fucking grouch sometimes, though. Calmly, Leah said, "You can tell me off without screaming and embarrassing me in front of the customers, bro. I could understand it if I still acted like a total cunt all the time, but I don't, and we all know it. Can you Alpha order Paul' to get the fuck off my back or something?"

Jacob chuckled as he stood and yanked her to him for a hug. He said, "I need that shit sometimes. I can always rely on the women of this family to keep my ass humble, that's for sure."

Leah smirked and nudged him. She said, "Man and wolf-ass." Jacob snickered, knowing it was true. Leah remained the only wolf faster than the Alpha. Leah could outrun them all.

Jacob said, "Honestly, I was worried about you. I am sorry. I shouldn't have screamed like that."

Leah sighed. "Honestly, I didn't have to come in here raging hot, either. Paul said some pretty nasty shit on my run here."

He said, "So I gathered." Jacob sat back at his desk and asked, "Wheres your car, LeeLee?"

Leah said, "On the side of the road bout halfway to PA. It's in a parking lot. It was faster to run here. I would still be on the road if I hadn't. I told you. I overslept."

Jacob said, "Not broken down, right?"

Leah chuckled and said, "No. Last night at the other job was pretty rough."

Jacob smirked at her and said, "So I heard. That was part of why I was worried."

What? Who the hell would have told Jacob anything? Leah could only stare at him skeptically. Jacob chuckled.

Jacob said, "Rick Clark's wife called. Wanted to thank the girl that saved his life yesterday. How come you never said you were working security, Leah?"

Leah said, "Because I wanted it to be private, really. I'm basically a bouncer. I didn't realize Rick worked there until after I had already started the job. How is he, anyway?"

Jacob said, "Dude broke his Jaw. She said it could be a while before he works again. Otherwise, he is fine. She said you crushed the other guy's cheekbone."

Leah sighed and said, "Yeah. It bothered me. You guys can take my right hook. Normal humans can't. I could have killed that guy. I have to have better control, Jake."

Jacob nodded his agreement. He suggested, "You could be a bouncer at Paul's, you know? Lot less chance of fighting off a dude with a gun, Leah."

It's too damn bad they didn't wire Rick's wife's trap shut, Leah thought. She gestured toward herself and said, "I don't want to be a bouncer at Paul's. I want to have my own fucking life and experiences outside of just this fucking town. Besides, Paul and I can barely stand each other as it is."
Jacob nodded, understanding all too well what she meant. Jacob loved his garage and life with Bella, but he never wanted to be Alpha. Or a wolf, for that matter.

Both looked up in surprise as Quil opened the office door, damn near running into Leah. Quil said, "Oh! Hey, are you alright? Where were you this morning?" He smiled for just a moment before stepping back in surprise. He looked Leah over and scowled, shooting Jacob a glance before handing him some sort of receipt. Quil said, "Tried to call you since you didn't come home or show up for patrol."

Jesus, attitude. Quil just turned on a fucking dime. "Yeah, I accidentally left my phone behind," she said apologetically. "I'm sorry I missed patrol."

Quil shook his head, refusing to look at her. "Hope you locked it," he grumbled before turning and strutting away angrily.

Jacob watched him walk away in confusion and asked, "What the hell was that about?" Jacob leaned toward Leah and sniffed at her. "Well, that makes sense, now," Jacob said, chuckling in amusement.

Bella is right. Jacob is becoming his father. Leah asked, "Did you seriously just smell me?" Oh lord, I probably still smell like Hodie. And bar. And sex. Leah groaned.

Jacob wagged his finger at her and teased, "Youuu ... stayed the night with a guy." Leah blushed as Jacob cackled. She shoved the office door closed. Jacob was grinning at her mischievously as he asked, "What's his name?" Leah leaned back against the door, crossing her arms over her chest.

Hell, no. Ain't nobody ready for that. Leah asked, "You're seriously not mad?" She glanced out the window toward Quil. He happened to be staring back. So was Sam. Leah bit her bottom lip and turned her back to the window.

Jacob said, "I'm not mad. Why the hell would I be mad? Quil and Sam might get mad, but it's really no one's business who you sleep with. Quil himself once pointed out that Paul fucked half of La Push before imprinting on my sister. We all know Quil has always been a skirt chaser, too." Leah snickered as Jacob rolled his eyes. "You're an adult. If you wanna do your thing, go do it."

Leah laughed and said, "My thing?"

Jacob was shaking with silent laughter. He said, "Leelee, you wouldn't be with someone you didn't trust. I know that, and you know that. Quil's kicking himself in the ass right now. That's not your fault, either."

Leah admitted, "I still hate it. I still care about him, too." Leah was hesitant to ask what had been on her mind for weeks but forced herself to say it. "Did you bail out on that one patrol on purpose? So Quil could talk to me in private?"

Jacob rolled his eyes and sighed. "Yes, Leah, and I am sorry. He told me how it went, though."

Leah said, "I kind of figured. I honestly loved Quil, Jake. I still care, but I won't go through that again. He stabbed me right in a wound that had barely healed, and I don't know if I could forgive that completely." She confessed, "It's hard, though. It was hard to run from him that night."

Jacob asked, "What about this other guy?"

Leah couldn't help but smile in response. "He is … really great. So far," Leah said. "Yesterday was kind of a turning point."

Jacob chuckled softly and said, "You still haven't told me his name." Leah slowly shook her head no. The last thing she wanted was Jacob gossiping to Charlie.

He would probably do a full background check on the poor guy after everything Bella went through with the bloodsucker. God, how in the hell can I ever tell Hodie the truth about my people? About me?

As if reading her thoughts, Jacob asked, "Have you seen him as a wolf, yet?"

Leah frowned and said, "No. I'm sure the whole pack would know what he looks like by now if I had." Her mood was becoming sourer by the second. Hodie is probably not my imprint. I won't be able to hide the truth from him forever. Quil is pissed and probably thinks I lied to him. If Sam finds out I'm seeing someone, he will act like a big baby.

Jacob reached over to rub her arm. He said, "Hey. Don't do that. Don't start getting in your head and worrying about shit you can't control."

Leah teased, "That is your job, right?"

Jacob chuckled and said, "Yes. So let me do mine, and you go do yours."

Leah paused again as she opened the office door to leave. She whispered, "Do not say anything, though."

Jacob winked and said, "You know better. It is your damn business." As Leah walked back toward the lobby, she saw Quil make a beeline for the office. She flinched as he slammed the door behind him. Leah glanced back and caught Sam looking from her to the office suspiciously. She huffed, choosing to ignore them both, and went on about her day.

When Leah got off work, she made a mad dash for the woods. She undressed quickly and phased, immediately sprinting toward where she had stashed her car that morning.

Paul sang, Oh, look. Saint Leah decided to join us.

Leah growled back, I see you're still in a shit mood.

Seth grumbled, Where the fuck are you going, Leah?

Seth must have been listening to Paul for a while, Leah thought. He sounded irritated and rarely cursed.

Irritated isn't the word for it, Seth growled.

I have to go get my car, Seth, Leah explained. I'll be back for patrol, I promise.

Seth huffed and asked, Where the heck is your car?

Leah ignored her brother and fought like hell to keep Hodie from her mind. She phased and dressed quickly when she finally reached the convenience store. Leah sighed with relief, spotting her car right where it had been left that morning. She had been hoping all day that it had not been towed. Leah unlocked her doors, climbed in, and sped toward Port Angeles.

Please let Hodie be home. Leah knew he was off on Thursdays. He would have messaged her a dozen times by now. Quil's comment about hoping she had locked her phone had been bothering Leah all day as well. He obviously sent something he knows I would not want Hodie to see. Her stomach rolled with dread at the thought. Why now? After months, he wants to be interested again? Does he believe that as long as I have not found my imprint yet, that my lonely ass will crawl back?. Considering how Hodie made her feel, Leah was not assured she would even want Quil back now. She had been furious with Quil for months. There were many things she missed about him, sure. His friendship, more than anything. They had become close friends before. Sex had ruined that.

Hodie, on the other hand… Leah could not help the happy smile that came at just the thought of him. She had felt a pull to Hodie from the first time Leah heard his voice as he leaned across the bar behind her to speak into her ear. The memory of him hovering over her, saying he wanted to make her cum made her shiver. Everything about his mouth mesmerized her. His voice was somewhat raspy and deep but soft. Kissing him turned her on more than Sam or Quil ever had. Leah pulled into the parking space next to Hodie's truck. Well, at least he is here.

Leah rushed up the stairs toward his apartment and knocked. She rocked on her heels, grinning as she waited for him to answer. The smile fled her face as he swung the door open and scowled at her. Without saying a word, Hodie shoved her cell phone into her hand and shut the door in her face. Shocked, she could only gape at the closed door for a moment. She cussed Quil internally, knowing he had done what she had feared, precisely. When she regained her voice, Leah yelled, "What the hell? Hodie?"

When he wouldn't answer, she knocked on the door again. She was furious at the rejection. Is he really not going to even talk to me? She pushed the power button on her phone, finding it turned off rather than dead. Her phone began to ping as multiple messages filtered through. She immediately turned off the sound and knocked harder. It swung open, and Hodie glared at her.

He snapped, "What?" He was furious with her.

Leah hissed, "What the hell did I do?" She glanced down at the multiple chat bubbles flooding her screen. "For fuck's sake, I was late for work one time!"

Hodie said, "Read the messages from your boyfriend, Leah," and shut the door again.

Leah screamed at his door, "Hodie, what the fuck? I don't have a fucking boyfriend!"

Leah groaned as she read all of the messages from Quil. He had not been joking when he said he hoped her phone was locked. Leah could not contain the angry tears that rolled down her face at the numerous messages. Hodie had probably picked up her phone to turn off the bombarding sounds, she thought.

Leah, where are you?

Why aren't you here?

Did you not fucking come home last night?

You better be safe, Leah. Answer your phone.

Leelee, please answer me. I just want to know if you're safe.

Leah, damn it. Please talk to me.

Why the hell aren't you even answering? Would you at least tell me you're fucking safe somewhere?

You have no idea how much I miss you. We have to talk about this shit.

Leah, why the hell aren't you here yet?

God damn it, Leah, please answer the phone. I'm worried fucking sick.

Leah, I swear, if you don't get here soon -

It was the last message that hurt the most. The last one that had been read. The one Quil sent her while she still stood in the office with Jacob.

I hope he was worth it.

She reached up to pound on the door again. "Hodie, you have it all wrong. You don't understand," she yelled at his door. The door flew open, and Leah cringed as it banged against the metal railing next to the stairs. Leah had never seen him angry like this.

Hodie asked, "Is this why you have avoided coming home with me? Because you had another guy to go home to?"

Leah sobbed angrily and yelled, "No, Hodie. It is not like that."

Incredulously, he asked, "Then why are you crying, Leah? Why did you sneak out this morning?" Hodie crossed his arms over his chest, though she could tell he was itching to comfort her. Leah was beginning to see now that consoling a female in distress is something Hodie felt compelled to do. He did no such thing for Leah, now.

Leah said, "Because I am pissed. I had a shit day outside of waking up next to you. I did not sneak out. I woke up an hour late for work. Well, an hour late had I slept at home, anyway. I had to rush home to LaPush and dress for work. I totally missed my other morning job altogether."

Hodie asked, "Why didn't you wake me?"

Leah's voice was rising in self-defense as she explained, "Because I was freaking out, Hodie. I don't run late. It is just not something I do if you couldn't tell." Leah shook her phone at him. "Neither is not going home. It wasn't anything personal. If I could have, I would have turned off that fucking phone and crawled back into bed with you." She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand.

Hodie said, "So, you would just ignore your boyfriend like that to fuck around with me?" It was his tone more than the accusation that cut.

She scowled at Hodie and insisted, "Quil is not my boyfriend. He's a life-long friend, a co-worker, and many other things. We are not together. We had a … thing."

His ears started turning red as Hodie angrily sucked in his breath. He asked, "Had or have?"

She growled in exasperation as she said, "Had. Over with. Like nine or ten months ago over, Hodie. I told you, it didn't work out."

Hodie asked, "So, why these messages?" He continued to glare at her in disbelief.

Leah explained, "I work with him at two of my other jobs. We have a shit-ton of mutual friends and family. I see him every single day, and to be honest, it drives me nuts. For months now, we have just avoided each other unless necessary. He started acting weird and jealous the second I got this job. I have not done anything to show him any interest in a long, long time. I don't go chasing after multiple guys at once, Hodie. I'm not that kind of person."

Hodie asked, "Why should I believe you, Leah? You only spend time with me late at night. We text. We never actually talk on the phone."

Leah said, "Because of my insane schedule. Hodie, think about this, please? You know Rick knows half of my family. Has he ever said anything to indicate I was with someone else?"

Hodie sighed and said, "No."

Leah asked, "Have you seen me even remotely flirt with anyone but you? Is my phone being blown up when we hang out?"

Again, Hodie sighed and said, "No. Look, I am sorry, Leah. Even if what you are saying right now is true, I still feel like you are hiding shit from me. You are telling me that shit with this guy is over with, but he knows you didn't come home last night? That doesn't make sense to me."

Leah said, "We are neighbors. We grew up together. It's fucking La Push, Hodie. Everyone knows everyone else."

He grumbled, "That's convenient." He rubbed his hands over his face and huffed in aggravation. Hodie said, "I don't want to be with someone I can't trust, Leah."

Leah began trembling from the anger that was creeping through her. While she had withheld certain things, she had also been as honest as possible with him. Other than proof of Quil's interest in her, there was no reason to distrust her. Leah had done nothing wrong. She was standing there trying to defend herself. Meanwhile, he had been ready to toss her away without an explanation or a second thought. Leah had pulled down so many walls, pushed back so much fear to get closer to him, only for history to repeat itself with yet a third man.

Congratulations, Leah. One misunderstanding and you became as valuable as the dried-up condom in his bedroom fucking trash can. Convenient timing, too.
Leah was visibly shaking now, devastated. A heavy, familiar sense of rejection washed over Leah and her wolf, humiliating them both. Trembling, Leah raised her hands protectively and backed away from him toward the stairs. She could not escape the heartbroken sob that ripped from her as more angry tears spilled down her cheeks.

She choked out, "You have no ... no idea how much courage last night took for me. You are all the fucking same."
Hodie's face fell as he tried to reach for her. Leah turned and bolted down the stairs. Hodie followed her and slammed through the main door to chase her outside. Leah spun and threw her phone at him. It missed him by inches, shattering to pieces as it smashed against the brick wall behind him. He ducked away from the shrapnel, staring after her in shock.

Leah yelled, "Do not fucking follow me." She climbed into her car, slamming the door behind her. Leah didn't want his compulsive comfort. She didn't want to hear any bullshit about being friends like guys always tried to pull. What was the point if he didn't trust her? She pushed the lock button and cranked the engine as Hodie walked toward her anyway. Leah threw her car into gear and sped out of the lot.

Maybe the dreams about Sam have been a warning, she thought bitterly. Maybe, I should just start having one-night stands like Quil does and stay fucking single.

Her tears did not stop the entire drive home. Sobbing, she climbed from her car and stomped toward the treeline. Even after phasing, she could not seem to get a grip on her despair. She snapped at the other voices that greeted her, flat out demanding for them to leave her the fuck alone. Leah charged angrily through the forest, practically begging for a bloodsucker to take her fury out on. When she finally began to wind down, and the anger subsided, she was near the Cullen property. Leah could still faintly smell Hodie on her skin and wanted it off her. Coming up on a bend in the creek she knew well, Leah stepped into a small clearing and phased. She rushed into the cold water, sobbing. Leah sat in the shallow end, pulled her knees to her chest, and gave in to her heartbreak. It was fitting that she should end up here, a place that had seen far too many of her secrets. Leah fought the urge to go back to his side, to beg him to let her prove herself somehow. She had destroyed her phone. There was no way for him to reach her. She briefly contemplated calling Tom and quitting the club, avoiding Hodie altogether. After a few minutes, she chastised herself for even considering it. If she could face Sam and Quil every day, she could face Hodie. Leah did not take that job because of Hodie. She would be damned before she quit because of him. Eventually, Leah forced herself to pull it together. She finally phased back and returned to patrol, eager for the hot shower that awaited her at home.

It was not home that Leah ran to at the end of her patrol. She headed for Bella's, wanting her calming comfort. Leah phased and dressed quickly, heading toward the kitchen door. The motion light kicked on as Leah crossed the backyard, and the door swung open for her before she could reach for it. Bella smiled up at her happily, and Leah instantly broke down. Bella led her in by her hand to the table.

Bella asked, "You hungry?" Just mentioning food made Leah's stomach rumble.

Leah admitted, "Yeah, actually. I haven't eaten since late last night." She sniffled and wiped her tears away.

Bella said, "So, how about I make you something, and you tell me what's wrong?" She opened the refrigerator and slid a can of soda across the table to Leah. It was her favorite, and Leah smiled at Bella gratefully. Bella tried to keep all of the pack's favorite foods around when she could help it. It was just one of the many ways she showed her love.

Leah paused to listen, only hearing the sound of sleeping children in the house. "Where is everyone?"

Bella said, "Jacob and Embry are in the garage going over inventory." She was pulling pans from under her cabinet, eyeing her sister. "I heard you had a rough day today."

Leah looked up sharply and huffed, "Of course you did. What did your gossiping fiance have to say?"

Bella chuckled and said, "Just that you were late and Paul was being Paul. Also, that you put him in check this morning. I think he actually likes it."

Leah laughed and said, "Sometimes, he needs it. Me too, though."

Bella said, "So what else happened? You sure as hell don't cry because of Paul."

By the time Leah concluded telling Bella about the last two days, Bella had placed a bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches in front of her.

Bella said, "My grandma Swan always called this the best comfort food. when I was little." Leah tried the soup and moaned as the hot, thick liquid soothed both her throat and stomach. She dunked a piece of her sandwich in her soup and grinned at Bella. The combination was also a childhood favorite of Leah's.
Somehow, Bella managed to put the love she had for her family into everything she cooked. Leah could feel the warmth flowing through her and sighed. It was the calmest she had felt since pausing to steal a glance at Hodie that morning while he slept. Leah pushed the thought away and grinned at Bella again.

Leah said, "Thank you for this. It's perfect."

Bella chuckled and said, "I told you." Leah ate in silence for a few minutes while Bella cleaned up the mess she had made. She looked up behind Leah and scowled as multiple sets of footsteps shuffled in through the kitchen door. A hand reached around Leah's shoulder to snatch part of a sandwich, and Bella slapped it soundly with a spatula.

"Hey!" Leah immediately froze as she realized that Quil stood directly behind her. She took a deep breath as she rolled her eyes and dunked more of her sandwich.

Bella said, "You are in deep shit, Quil."

Confused, Quil asked, "What the hell did I do?"

Leah nearly choked as Bella glared at him over her head and said, "You know what you did." Bella pointedly turned her attention back to her sister as she sat down across from her. Leah was sipping her soup straight from the bowl in an attempt to remain silent. Jacob sat next to Bella, looking equally confused and amused.

Quil mumbled, "Check your messages today, Leah?"

Bella snapped, "Quil!" She shot him a warning glance, and Leah had to bite back a grin.

Leah said, "Bella, thanks for … everything." She pushed back her chair and stood.

Bella glared at Quil and said, "You don't have to go, Sis."

Leah winked at Bella and said, "Actually, I do." Leah wanted to be clear that her coming attitude was not aimed at her sister. Leah forced a smile and turned to Quil. Her voice was thick with sarcasm as she said, "See, I literally crushed a man's face with my fist yesterday. I watched Rick Clark get knocked out cold with a broken jaw." Quil and Embry gaped at her in surprise over this news. Leah said, "I overslept, had to run from Port Angeles to La Push, and run back in between three of the five shifts I pulled over two days. Not to mention the drive there and back, which is over an hour one fucking way. I missed patrol, pissed off my pack, and had to listen to Paul run his fucking mouth every time I phased. Finally, I was purposely sabotaged by a jealous prick, all in the last twenty-four -"

Quil yelled, "Jealous prick?" Embry groaned and headed for his bedroom as Ethan began crying.

Leah looked at Bella apologetically and said, "Sis, I'm sorry."

Bella rolled her eyes as Jacob pulled her into his lap. Her voice dripped with sugary sweet sarcasm as Bella said, "You are not the one yelling. But, if Uncle Quil wakes up Sarah, he gets to watch her all night." Jacob snickered as Quil cringed and scratched his chest nervously.

I love this bitch so much, Leah thought, staring at her sister. It was hard to believe she had ever hated her now best friend. Bella really was basically a pack mother. She was nowhere near the timid mouse Leah had known as a child. Bella kept the boys on their toes, and if the little mama was not happy, no one was happy. Leah most enjoyed watching Bella put men that towered over her in their places, and she accomplished it without even breaking a sweat. Leah had to literally throw punches to get her point across most of the time. The problem with that was that sometimes she got slugged back with fists much harder than her own. Leah could easily remember a time when almost everyone would have gladly slapped the hell out of Bella Swan for the heartbreak she put Jacob through. Those days had long passed. None of the pack or imprints would even dream of slapping Bella now. They would chew their own arms off first. She was simply loved that much. Leah didn't know what the hell she would do without her.
Embry walked into the kitchen with a freshly changed Ethan and Sat at the end of the table by Jacob.

Quil grabbed Leah's wrist and said, "You and I need to talk."

Leah glared at him and snapped, "If you want to keep your jerkin' hand, I suggest you move it."

Quil glared back angrily but let go of her wrist as Embry roared with laughter. Leah pushed past Quil toward the door.

Jacob gave Quil an annoyed glance and asked, "What was all the sabotage talk, anyway?"

Leah asked, "Remember when he said he hoped I locked my phone?"

Quil warned, "Leah. We need to talk. Privately."

Leah said, "Privately? Like everyone in this room doesn't know our business anyway? Quil," Leah scoffed, fighting back fresh tears, "Your messages cost me a relationship today."

Quil hissed, "Well, at least you are finally admitting you had one."

Leah said, "It wasn't any of your fucking business, Quil. Do you really think I haven't seen you chasing tail out on First Beach? You had no right to do what you did today. You are no better than fucking Sam, acting like you have any right or say in what I do."

Through clenched teeth, Quil growled, "I am not like Sam." He shook his head at her angrily.

Coldly, carefully Leah said, "You were today." Leah was beginning to tremble again as she seethed. What she hated more than anything about the pack connection was the sense of obligation that came with it. She wanted a life of her own, a chance to feel like a normal human being, to have a normal relationship. Could you ever truly stop loving someone when you have literally seen inside of their mind? Leah pushed the thought away and said, "Quil, neither one of you cared about me enough to actually be with me, but you both don't fucking want me to find anyone else!"

Quil said, "I wanted to be with you, Leah."

Leah said, "And that is not my fucking fault, Quil. You could have been with me and chose not to. For some reason, you and Sam both think you have a say in what I do just because we had a relationship. Quil, I'm trying to move on. But now, thanks to your messages today, he thinks you are my boyfriend and that I am a cheater."

Confused, Embry asked, "Who? Sam?"

Bella clarified, "No. The new guy." She shrugged at Leah sympathetically. The lack of privacy was both comforting and very frustrating for the entire family.

Embry was scowling disappointedly at his best friend as he asked, "Dude, what the hell did you send her?"

Leah said, "I hope he was worth it. That was the last message Quil sent after finding out I had forgotten my phone at the apartment, among other things. The other messages were incriminating enough, but that last one topped them all."

Quil pointed at Leah angrily and said, "This is ridiculous. You run your mouth to everyone and their mother just like Paul does. That is supposed to be fucking fine. When I'm honest about my feelings, its a problem? That is bullshit, Leah."

Leah snapped, "You are only honest when you are fucking jealous, Quil. You didn't want a fucking thing to do with me until I started this other job. That's what is bullshit!" Leah glanced over at Jacob, who had stood and snatched Ethan from Embry before hurriedly leaving the room.

Quil refused to look at anyone but Leah as he said, "When you want to actually talk about this shit privately, feel free to let me know." He let the kitchen door slam behind him, setting Ethan off again. Embry rolled his eyes as Jacob stepped back into the kitchen, comforting his nephew. Jacob was biting back a grin as he gave Ethan back to Embry.

Jacob snickered and said, "I was trying to use Ethan as an excuse to leave the room. I thought I was going to lose it when you said that shit, Leah."

Embry said, "It's absolutely true. He's my best friend and all, but jealousy brings out the dick in Quil."

Leah admitted, "I just don't understand him. I mean, he's not wrong. I am a mouthy bitch. We all know that."

Embry said, "Leah, he wasted almost a year where he could have been happy with you, and Quil is mad at himself. He hates the idea of you moving on while he still cares. He is taking it out on you, and it's his own fucking fault. You haven't done a damn thing to feel sorry about."

Bella was still staring out the screen door angrily. She said, "Quil is banned from the house this week, Jacob. He and Paul need to learn how to respect my sister and sleeping, colicky children. If they want to bark like dogs, they can fucking stay outside."

Jacob burst out laughing and said, "Paul will be learning soon enough. He still says you cursed him with all of the twin comments."

Bella scoffed and said, "Genetics cursed him. Rachel is a twin, and Paul is an idiot. I love him to pieces, but I don't have a clue how he planned to be a psychologist."

Embry laughed, "Yeah. He'd have fudged some people up."

Jacob said, "He just wanted to get paid to listen to people's twisted secrets and boss them around. Paul's an odd duck, but he doesn't actually mean any harm. I would probably beat his ass every day if he did."

Embry chuckled and nodded toward Leah as he said, "Hell, Leah should do it now. He needs it."

Leah said, "I should probably warn you guys that I don't have a phone for the time being. We got into it over the messages. Hodie basically said he couldn't trust me, and I sort of threw the phone at his head. It is in about a million pieces right now."

Jacob's eyes widened with alarm as he asked, "You shattered it off his head?" He relaxed as Leah laughed and shook her head no.

She said, "It hit the brick wall next to him."

Embry was oddly excited as he scoffed and asked, "Wait, did you say Hodie? Hodie? Really?" He grinned, looking over at Jacob, who leaned his head back and laughed in disbelief.

Leah rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, I said Hodie. It's a nickname." I just knew someone would make a comment about his name.

Embry asked, "He is a surfer? Right? Blonde, kinda built white guy. He's like thirty."

Leah gaped at him in surprise. She glanced around at the others nervously and said, "He's not thirty. He's twenty-six. How do you know Hodie?"

Embry said, "How do you not know Hodie? I mean, I don't know Hodie, but I know of him. He used to be a professional Surfer. Like, pictures on t-shirts, autographs, posters, and professional sponsorships kind of surfer. He was huge for a minute. He had some big sports mag interviews and shit, too."

Leah looked around the room incredulously and said, "As in, famous? You are saying he was famous, right? We can't be talking about the same guy. He's a bartender. And, like, dirt poor."

Embry said, "Well, I don't know what he does now. He stopped competing a few years back."

Leah said, "His mom died. Around the same time as my dad."

Embry snapped his fingers and pointed at her. He said, "Yeah, that's it. He talked about traveling with his mom in some interviews he did. She was the only family he had or some shit."

Leah said, "Oh my god." Seriously, what were the chances?

Jacob teased, 'Leelee, I think Embry has a little crush on your new boyfriend." Embry rolled his eyes and laughed.

Embry said, "He's almost as pretty as you, dude."

Jacob teased, "You would know. You had a poster." Leah gaped at them again in surprise as Bella giggled in disbelief.

Leah asked, "You had a poster of him? Are you fucking serious?"

Embry said, "What? I was into surfing then, and I was like ... thirteen when I hung that up."

Leah said, "So Quil knows who he is, too?"

Jacob and Embry both nodded, fighting back laughter. Leah chuckled and said, "Well, it doesn't matter anyway. Thanks to Quil, Hodie thinks I'm a cheater. I really don't want to see him at work tomorrow, but it's not like I'm not used to the discomfort of exes at work. I really need to go home, shower and sleep. Later guys."

Leah didn't wait for their goodbyes as she hurried out the door. Leah cursed herself again, remembering her cigarettes were on Hodie's kitchen window ledge. "Hope he fucking enjoys them," Leah grumbled as she changed direction to go buy a new pack.

It was close to midnight when Leah finally stopped trying to force herself to sleep. She crawled out of bed and tugged on a tiny tank top and shorts set. Leah glanced at her reflection and groaned. She really needed more clothes.
Or to stop bursting out of them when I get pissed off. These shorts are a gnat's ass away from underwear. It's a damn good thing I am rarely self-conscious these days. It was pointless to remain too uptight about nudity when you were naked most of the time. Regardless, Charlie was in the house tonight. Sue would probably not appreciate her ass cheeks hanging out in front of her stepdad. The idea was not exactly thrilling for Leah either. Unfortunately, for tonight, it was these or nothing. Leah gathered all of her dirty clothing and tossed a load in the washing machine, grateful that the new set Charlie had bought for Sue was whisper quiet. Leah suspected it was partially because of her odd work hours and frequent late-night laundry sessions.

Leah quietly crept outside and sat on her front porch steps. She lit a cigarette and exhaled slowly, groaning out her frustration. Leah rolled her neck, attempting to relieve her tension. She tensed back up as the screen door opened behind her. Leah looked up, cringing, expecting to see her pissed-off mother. Instead, Charlie leaned in the doorway, smirking.

Leah teased, "My favorite stepfather." Charlie chuckled and walked outside, tying his robe around his pajamas as he sat next to her. Leah nudged him with her shoulder. She said, "I had a shitty day, Charlie. How about you?"

Charlie chuckled again. "That sounds like your dad," he said. "I'd say, Hey, old man. Harry would go," Charlie lowered his voice, imitating her father, "Oof. I had a shitty day, Chief. Gimme a beer."

Leah laughed, nodding. "Sounds like him. Is it weird? Talking about him now that you are with Mom?"

Charlie grinned and said, "Nope. Your mom and I talk about him all the time."

Leah asked, "Really? How come you don't do it in front of me?"

Charlie nudged her knee with his. "You're never home," he teased. "So, you wanna tell me what you're upset about?"

Leah raised an eyebrow at him suspiciously. What is this? Is Thee Charlie Swan trying to have a personal conversation? "You don't want to know," Leah said and shook her head. "Let's just say that because of a misunderstanding, my new relationship just ended before it could really begin."

Charlie said, "Ouch." He reached over to snag her cigarette and took a drag before handing it back. Leah laughed.
He winked and teased, "Don't tell on me, I won't tell on you."

Leah teased back, "Yeah, right. Like mom won't smell it when you go in and kiss her." He grimaced and chuckled.

He said, "Good thing I filled this up today." Charlie pulled a flask from his robe pocket, and Leah laughed again.

As he handed it to her, Leah said, "Someone hung out with Billy today." She traded him the cigarette for the flask and took a swig of Wild Turkey. She said, "When Bells turns twenty-one, you grandpas are gonna have to take the kids so I can drag your daughter to the bar."

Charlie guffawed and handed her cigarette back. He said, "Yeah, that will be the day. I don't think she has ever touched a sip of alcohol in her life."

Leah said, "Yes, and her lack of filter is going to be hilarious once she has a drink or two in her. Unless she is one of those flirty drunks."

Charlie chuckled and said, "Don't take Jacob. Those two are bad enough sober. When Billy moves in over there, it's going to be fucking hilarious. I'll finally get some payback for all the times I walked in on Jake getting handsy in my kitchen."

Leah laughed and said, "Your daughter is just as handsy with him."

Charlie groaned and said, "Aw, come on, kid. I thought you liked me?" Leah burst out laughing as he stole her cigarette again.

Leah said, "Thank you, Charlie." She swiped the flask from his other hand and took another long swig.

Charlie chuckled and said, "You're welcome."

Leah shook her head, waiting for the alcohol burn to subside before she spoke. She said, "Thank you for being you. I don't know what we'd do without you and Bella now. She really is my sister. I know I am grown, but you are a really great dad, Charlie. Honestly, I think Seth and I need you as much as Mom and Bella do. We all needed you long before my dad passed. I appreciate all you do. I always have. I just want you to know that. I couldn't ask for anyone better than you for my mom."

Charlie grinned at her, teary-eyed. He hmphed and slung his arm around her shoulder. "Love you too, kiddo," Charlie said and kissed the top of her head. Leah grinned.

That's a pretty big declaration for Charlie Swan. Leah leaned into him, giving him a side-hug.

He asked, "You gonna be alright out here?"

Leah said, "Yeah. I have to try to sleep again soon. Two jobs tomorrow. Will you ask mom to leave the water bill on the counter? I'll pay it in the morning."

Charlie said, "How about you let me get the water bill tomorrow, and you buy yourself something for a change." Teasingly, he added, "PJs that fit, maybe."

Leah laughed and said, "I was thinking the same thing earlier. Maybe I'll have Bella call Alice. Let Alice play wolf-barbie. If I start wearing hundred-dollar t-shirts, maybe I'll quit bursting out of them."

Charlie barked out a loud laugh and said, "Alice will probably call you herself since you said something." Charlie got a great deal of amusement from Alice's particular gifts now that he knew what she could do. Charlie pulled the flask from his pocket again, and Leah took one last swig.
Charlie chuckled and said, "Maybe that will help you sleep. Goodnight, kiddo."

Leah said goodnight to him and smashed the butt of her cigarette out. Instead of heading inside, Leah walked. She was surprised to look up and find herself all the way back behind Jacob's old garage. For a moment, Leah had the strongest urge to go inside and see the couch where she had spent so much time with Quil. She had the urge to sit there and cry like she had done off and on for weeks after Quil ended things. As Leah neared the back of the old garage, the noise from inside made her freeze. It was a solid ten seconds before Leah could move from where she stood.

Low and husky, Leah clearly discerned Quil's voice as he groaned, "Uhhhh, Claire."

Claire squeaked out, "Quil, you didn't tell me it was so-"

Leah clapped her hands over her ears and held her breath, trying desperately to not scream with rage. It was bad enough that the bastard was so petty to have revenge sex in their spot, but there was only one Claire on the reservation. Not only was she Emily's niece. She was also sixteen. Quil already knew how Leah felt about Claire chasing after him. She had lost one love to a cousin already.

Jealous-fueled anger brought tears to her eyes. I'm going to kill two birds with one stone. For the sabotage and revenge sex all in one. Leah sprinted toward Billy's house and knocked on the back door.

Paul snarled at her as he yanked it open and grumbled, "You fucking want something?"

Leah glared at him and hissed, "I see Jacob hasn't ordered you to shut the fuck up yet."

From the kitchen behind him, Billy yelled, "Paul!" Paul glared at her as he cringed. Billy said, "Have some damn manners, son. Get out of here. Go." Billy shooed his son-in-law away from the back door and greeted Leah warmly. Billy asked, "Is something the matter, dear?" Billy took her hand in his and squeezed. "Which one of these monsters has you so upset?"

Leah forced a smile at him and gently squeezed his hand back. "I'm fine, Billy," she lied. The look on his face made it clear he didn't believe her. Leah said, "I couldn't sleep. I just was out for a walk, and I know the garage is supposed to be empty now. Sounded like someone was messing around in there, though. I'm not sure what Jacob has left behind."

Billy said, "Oh, well, thank you, Leah. I don't think much is still in there. I can't access it myself anymore. It is probably just an animal. I will make Paul go check it out."

Leah leaned down to kiss his cheek. "Goodnight, Chief," she said, forcing the best smile for him that she could. Afterward, Leah sprinted past the garage with her fingers in her ears, wanting to avoid any more noises from whatever was happening inside. Leah had just passed the neighboring house when she heard Paul screaming at the top of his lungs. Leah felt the slightest twinge of guilt until the image of a furious Hodie came rushing back. She only hoped that when Sam stomped Quil's ass for fucking around with Claire, that Quil kept his mouth shut about her.

When she finally returned to bed, she couldn't stop thinking about Hodie, nor how it had felt to lay in his arms the night before.
I should be laying here content, happy at the prospect of something good. Not grieving a relationship that almost happened. Leah finally fell asleep somewhere near three, dreams of the past keeping her restless through the night.