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The drive back to La Push felt like it took forever. Hodie remarked that she was crazy for traveling that distance three days a week. When Leah reminded him that it meant she got to see him three days a week, he gave her one of his crooked, dazzling smiles. It was enough to calm her fearful heart somewhat, though she was worried. They had just gotten past one argument. Would this be the breaking point already? Was he going to run away from her screaming?

As Leah turned into the driveway, she pointed out the garage.

Hodie asked, "Is that where you work?"

Leah nodded and parked her car behind Jacob's motorcycle. The back patio light flipped on as Jacob stepped outside. Hodie followed nervously behind Leah toward the kitchen door. His eyes grew wide as he got nearer to Jacob's massive frame. Leah laughed as Bella ducked under Jacob's arm to come out and hug her.

Bella grinned at Hodie and asked, "Who is this?"

Introductions were made, and Hodie shook both of their hands politely. Leah said, "Sorry to just show up, you know, at almost four in the morning."

Jacob grinned and said, "Yeah, right. I'm assuming something happened. Come on in, I just made coffee. Just don't talk too loud. The kids are sleeping." Jacob and Bella both stepped back inside. Leah turned to face Hodie, reaching to cup his cheek. Hodie reached to hold her hand instead, threading his fingers through hers as he forced a smile. Leah discreetly brushed away fresh tears and led him into the house.

Bella, as usual, started her day as the rest sat down to talk. Leah sipped happily at her coffee, indulging herself for one blissful second before everything imploded. She was exhausted and had slept very little. Hodie looked dead on his feet as well. Leah suddenly remembered his hurt foot. She mentioned it to Bella, who handed him a small bottle of pain relief tablets. Hodie swallowed two of them and thanked her as Bella went to work making breakfast. Leah chuckled as she swiped a muffin off the counter.

Bella warned her, "Those are from yesterday."

Leah tore it in half and said, "They are still just fine today." She offered one half to Hodie, who accepted it happily.

He took a bite and moaned. "Oh my Gawd," he mumbled with his mouth full. "What kind is this?"

Bella said, "Ern, orange cranberry, I think." Hodie took another bite and moaned again.

"I need like a hundred of these things."

Bella giggled and said, "Well, help yourself."

"My cousin makes these," Leah told him.

Hodie asked, "Thee cousin?" Leah laughed and nodded.

Jacob said, "Hey, guys? If we're gonna chat before I leave, we should start."

Leah blurted out, "Well. Hodie knows what vamps are."

Jacob choked on his coffee, and Bella glanced at Leah worriedly.

Leah said, "You guys spend too much time with Sam and Emily, I swear. They would have had the same damn reaction."

Jacob glanced at Hodie suspiciously and warned, "Leelee?"

"We were talking in my car, and there was some laughter across the parking lot from the club," she said. "Two vamps came at us, tried to get into the car."

Jacob stared at her curiously for a moment, and Leah knew he was wondering the same thing she had the whole way there. How had the bloodsuckers not smelled her wolf?

Hodie began laughing and said, "She ran them over." Leah couldn't help but laugh with him as he shook his head. He said, "It wasn't funny then-"

"It was hilarious," she interrupted.

Hodie teased, "You playing hot potato with a severed hand was hilarious."

Leah said, "Their skin is freezing." She rolled her eyes as if her reasoning should've been obvious.

"Wait, guys. Back up," Jacob said. He held his hands up, looking very lost.

Leah explained, "I sent one of their heads flying out from behind my rear tire when we ran them over." Jacob burst out laughing as Bella cringed. "Sorry, sis," Leah said. Hodie glanced at Bella and back curiously.

"Bells and I have some vamp family," Jacob admitted. Hodie was instantly on edge, looking up at Leah in alarm.

Leah reached to hold his hand and said, "Hodie, it's okay."

He looked at Jacob and Bella apologetically, waving his hands in front of him. "Look, I'm sorry, but ... I have spent my whole life running from these motherfuckers. There is nothing okay about it."

Jacob said, "We feel that way about most of them, honestly. The few that we consider family only drink from animals. You can tell them apart from the others by their eye color. Animal drinkers have yellow eyes. Human drinkers have red eyes."

Hodie laughed anxiously and said, "That's a nice tip to have, but it doesn't make me feel any better. I have had yellow-eyed vamps come after me, too. I always wondered about the difference, though. My family has been on the move from these things all of my life."

Bella declared, "You're a singer."

Leah gaped at Hodie as he nodded. This was why his mom moved him around? God, I hope his mom wasn't like Renee. The glance Bella shot Leah said that her sister had the same thought. Bella's birth mother was not what one could call a mother at all.

Bella said, "I am, too." Hodie looked back at Leah and Jacob skeptically. Bella continued, "Singers are especially hard for them to resist. My adopted brother is a vampire, Hodie. He was a singer, too. My birth mother is a singer. Supposedly, so is my daughter, though we aren't sure just yet. My real dad is human, but I have an entire family of vampires. Parents. Two brothers and two sisters. They are amazing people."

Leah said. "Not all of the vamps are terrible, Hodie. Now the assholes we encountered tonight? Obviously not so friendly. The Cullens are actually pretty great, though."

Hodie asked, "The Cullens?"

"Our vampire family," Jacob said. He turned to Leah and added, "It's good that you brought him here, Leah. In case the two you ran over decide to track him."

"I thought so, too," she said.

Hodie said, "They can just track us here if they wanted. I've had to jump states before."

"I have, too, Hodie. But this place? La Push? You'll be safe here," Bella gave him a sympathetic smile. Leah could practically see the mother hen inside of her sister ruffling her protective little feathers over the man she just met.

Hodie asked, "Why? I mean, how?"

Jacob said, "Let's just say that there is a treaty that protects our reservation. Smart vamps don't come here much these days. Those who do, don't stick around long. With our vampire family, we're doubly protected from human drinkers."

Hodie said, "It won't help us tonight, though. We both have to work."

Jacob said, "Let me worry about that for now." Leah shot Jacob a worried glance, and he laughed. He said, "Just go to work later and trust me, LeeLee. Okay?" Leah sighed and nodded. She did trust him. More than almost anyone.

Hodie looked from one to the other skeptically. He said, "It is kind of a relief that you guys know about vamps and shit, honestly. I feel shitty about exposing anyone to danger, though."

Leah could feel the guilt rolling from him to her. She reached for his hand, and they both immediately began to calm down as their fingers entwined. Leah looked up to find Bella sending a knowing look at Jacob. The couple could silently communicate in a way that made everyone around them both annoyed and amused as whole conversations passed in absolute silence.

Leah teased, "What, Bella? We can't all hear what you are thinking as Jacob does."

Hodie asked, "You can hear her thoughts?" There was no skepticism behind his question, no surprise.

Leah scoffed. This guy is unbelievable.

Jacob chuckled, winking at Bella. He said, "Nah. We just know each other very, very well. She's my soulmate, ain't you baby?"

"Aren't," Bella corrected and gave Jacob a brilliant smile.

Hodie chuckled as he turned to Leah and said, "Okay. I can already see why they are your favorite people."

Jacob cracked up laughing and gave Leah a playful shove. Bella carried plates full of food to the table, leaving Hodie wide-eyed at the massive portions. Jacob nudged Leah under the table with his toe and asked, "Has he seen you eat yet?"

"Stuff if," Leah said and took a bite of sausage. "He has seen me eat, thank you."

Embry stumbled into the kitchen with a happy smile on his face and his nose in the air. Bella giggled as she handed him a plate full of food. Embry sat at the island and started eating. It was a minute before he was awake enough to glance around the room.

"Holy shit," Embry said and choked. He took a drink of coffee to wash it down before turning back to Hodie. He stood and held his hand out to shake. "Nice to meet you. I'm Embry."

Hodie shook his hand, looking amused as he turned to Leah. "This is the guy who knows who I am, huh?" Her mouth full, she grinned and nodded.
Embry said, "Glad to see she brought you around, man. Wasn't sure after-"

"Embry!" Bella interrupted.

Embry grinned at Leah sheepishly. He looked back at Hodie and said, "Sorry. We, uh, tend to be blunt around here."

Jacob said, "Too blunt."

Hodie shrugged at them. "It's okay, man. We hashed shit out, I think," Hodie said, squeezing Leah's hand. "And, look, I'll just put it out in the open. I know the Dude is your friend. I honestly don't wish him any bad vibes or anything. I care about Leah." Hodie turned back to smile at Leah and added, "I guess I get why he didn't want to lose her. Guess I don't, either."

Leah shoveled in a bite of food to keep from grinning like an idiot. She could see Bella trying not to tear up as she clattered dishes, putting more plates together. This sap.

Angela came into the kitchen with Ethan asleep on her shoulder. She looked up at Hodie and grinned. When she lifted and put on her glasses, she gasped. Angela said, "Oh my gosh. I thought you were Emmett." She introduced herself cheerfully. She placed a loud peck on first Jacob's cheek, then Bella's, and finally Embry's. Angela sat down at the island, and Bella put a plate in front of her.

Leah stood and said, "Pass the baby, please." Angela held Ethan out to her, and Leah sat back down with him on her chest. "This is Ethan," Leah told Hodie. A shrill cry came from the other side of the house, and Jacob hopped up, grinning. "And that is my little monster." Hodie looked up at her, wide-eyed, and she laughed. She clarified, "My niece, Hodie." He visibly relaxed a little, and Angela chuckled.

Jacob came back carrying a cranky Sarah. Her little chocolate eyes lit up at the sight of her Auntie Lee. Sarah reached her arms out, shrieking excitedly. He asked Leah, "Baby trade?" He set a wiggling Sarah in her lap and put Ethan on his chest.

Embry shook his head, frowning. "Hmph. Why is it that Sarah can scream and Ethan is just chill? The second Paul or Quil even blinks, Ethan screams."

Leah muttered, "Because the kid knows a jackass when he sees one." Everyone but Hodie cackled at her remark.

Bluntly, Hodie asked, "Is that common? You all dogging each other like that?" Embry sputtered into his coffee and turned away, chuckling.

Jacob said, "Actually, it is common. At least for Paul. We are all one big family around here. We take care of each other. We all have our flaws, and we address each other when needed. We all talk smack once in a while, yes. There is very little that any of us would say about each other that we wouldn't say to their faces. Paul is my brother-in-law, and Quil is my cousin. Trust me, they are both jackasses. They give it worse than they get, believe me. Especially Paul." His wide sunny smile was as infectious as ever. Hodie looked over at Leah, his half-cocked grin making her damn near swoon.
Leah started sharing tiny bites of her eggs with Sarah, who ate happily for her Auntie Leah.

Bella asked, "Jacob, do you see this? Sarah will eat absolutely anything Leah feeds her. Why does she fight me on it?"

Leah teased, "Because Auntie LeeLee is her favorite, huh?" Sarah clapped her hands and laughed happily. Leah gave her another bite of scrambled eggs in an attempt to keep her last piece of bacon out of Sarah's slobber-covered fingers.

Bella said, "She's going to get your shirt filthy, Sis."

"I don't care," Leah said as she made Sarah laugh again. "Her laugh will sound just like yours, Bells." Leah looked up to find Hodie watching her. He looked positively smitten. Leah blushed, grinning at him.

Though Hodie couldn't hear their low, hushed voices as they hovered in the opposite corner of the kitchen, Leah could. Jacob was telling Embry about the earlier conversation. Leah continued feeding Sarah, pretending not to listen as they discussed the incident and Hodie being a singer.

Embry whispered, "He does kind of look like a smaller Emmett."

Jacob nodded in agreement. "Maybe it's just a thing about singers," he joked. "Could help us identify them in the future, I suppose. We'll know if they look like Emmett, Rose, or Bells, huh?"

Embry asked, "What do you think of Hodie?"

Jacob handed Ethan to Embry and said, "He seems alright. I'm pretty fucking sure he's head over heels for Leah, though."

"Yeah, he just stares at her, man," Embry said. "Kinda like Bells does with you. He's into her, for sure. You think he's her imprint?"

Jacob said, "I have no idea. She brought him straight to me after what happened. I haven't asked her what she's feeling yet. I know I started feeling what Bella felt even before the imprint. It started to hurt to be away from her."

Embry said, "Same, man. I was drawn to Angie before Ben died. I think I slept outside her house for like a week after the imprint, too. Does he know about the pack yet?"

Jacob whispered, "No. Everyone was left to decide when to tell their imprint unless there wasn't any other option. Whether he is her imprint or not, I'm going to leave it up to her."

Embry said, "But the council -"

Jacob interrupted, "Sue is on the council, Em. What do you think she will want for Leah? Just to be happy, like most of our parents do. I will have Leah's back with whatever she decides. She has a right to her own life."

Leah smiled happily down at her niece. "You have the best Daddy, little monster. Did you know that?"

Sarah squealed, "Da!" Jacob immediately grinned at his little girl and walked over to take her from Leah. Leah stood, carefully holding her shirt out to contain the mess, and walked over to shake scrambled eggs into the trash can. Hodie watched her, chuckling. Without being asked, he began cleaning up the leftover mess around the table and carried their plates over to scrape off. Leah stole the sausage off of his plate before he dumped it and shoved it in her mouth. Hodie's eyes went to her lips, and he instinctively licked his own. Leah damn near swooned again and glanced around the room dumbly. Ever observant, Bella was staring at her sister and snickering.

Leah scowled and said, "Bitch." Bella cackled, enticing more laughter from Sarah.

Hodie leaned toward Leah and whispered, "She's the cutest thing I've ever seen." She turned toward him, expecting him to be staring at Sarah. Instead, his eyes were on Leah. She grinned and kissed his cheek. As Leah turned to step away, Hodie pulled her back and kissed her on the lips. More squeals poured from Sarah as her family both mocked and cheered them. Leah pulled away and rolled her eyes in embarrassment.

This is why I am not a PDA person like the rest of these horn dogs.

Angela said, "That was hot. You should do it again."

Bella grumbled, "Embry, give me the baby and go fuck your girlfriend." It was Jacob's turn to laugh as he shoved the swear jar at Bella.

Leah couldn't hold back a yawn as she looked at the clock. "Jacob, you are way late."

"Meh, I'm the boss," he said, and Hodie chuckled. "You both look exhausted. Go sleep in Billy's room if you want."

Leah looked up at Jacob in surprise. "Really?"

Jacob said, "Dad hasn't stayed here in like a month. Bells just put new sheets on the bed yesterday. You really wanna take him home to be interrogated by Charlie before his coffee kicks in?" Leah cringed. Grouchy non-caffeinated Charlie was not a joy in the morning. Not to mention, he'd probably make Hodie crash on the couch. At twenty-one, that is just too goddamn embarrassing. Not to mention the pack just walks in with Seth whenever they want to. At least here the door has a fucking lock on it. Gratefully, Leah said, "Thank you, Jacob."

Bella called out, "Leah, there are clean towels kept in the cabinet by the shower. You're both welcome to use it. You know there is stuff that fits you in the mall."

Hodie asked, "The Mall?"

Leah laughed and said, "Bella's vamp family has money. Her sister Alice buys her clothes constantly. Her closets are overflowing. It's ridiculous."

Bella said, "Alice thinks I don't know she's buying for you girls now, too, but she is. Funny how one of the lingerie sets she snuck in there came in four different sizes." Bella giggled as Leah blushed, knowing she was one of the four.

Leah told Bella, "You are spending too much time with the rest of these fools. You're starting to get as much enjoyment from embarrassing others as they do."

Angela grinned and mumbled, "Amen."

Leah walked toward the hallway and beckoned for Hodie to follow her. She went first to grab clothes to sleep in. Hodie laughed at the overwhelming number of garment bags sticking out far past where they should reach. Shelves behind them had been organized with numerous items. It only took a few seconds to find the lingerie sets Bella had mentioned. To call the bra and panty sets risque was an understatement, and she snickered as she snatched the set in her size. Leah dug out clothes for herself and then raided the other closet as well. Alice had taken quite a shine to Jacob. His closet was nearly stuffed full as well. Hodie focused his attention on a dark blue leather jacket, admiring it.

Jacob peeked around the doorway and asked, "Finding what you need?"

Leah had just yanked the last item Hodie might need from the pile of T-shirts. "I think so," Leah said. "For him to sleep in, anyway."

Jacob chuckled and said, "Sorry. I'm not as organized as Bells. Hodie, take that jacket if it fits, man."

Hodie looked at Jacob in surprise, and Leah glanced down at the $500 price tag on the sleeve. Hodie said, "Woah. No, man. I can't."

Jacob said, "Dude, I will never wear that thing. Not that it's bad, it's just-"

Leah interrupted and said, "If it's not an earth tone or plain black, Jake won't wear it." She laughed as Jacob smirked and nodded in agreement.

Before leaving the room, Jacob said, "I promise, man. Have at it. There is other shit in there I'll never touch in a million years. Feel free to take anything you find that fits you."

Hodie remained hesitant to take anything, though Leah eventually talked him into something he could wear to work that night. When Hodie hesitated to grab the jacket, Leah shoved the rest of their items into his arms, pulled the leather jacket from the closet, and carried it with her. Hodie followed her back to Billy's room, and Leah gestured for him to go in. Leah pushed the door shut behind her and locked it.

Hodie said, "Okay, I gotta ask a couple of questions." He looked bewildered and a little overwhelmed. Leah beckoned for him to follow her to the bathroom. He glanced around curiously at the spacious handi-capable bathroom and set their clothing down on the vanity.

Leah explained, "Billy is in a wheelchair. He stays here occasionally. They had this room built to make it easier for him."

As Leah turned the shower on, Hodie said, "Okay, the first question. Jake, Bella, Embry, and Angela, right?" Leah nodded at him, anticipating his next question. "Are they all, like, together?" Hodie asked, and Leah laughed again.

She admitted, "They're all very close, but no. Others have asked, though. I've wondered myself, to be honest. Embry and Angie sort of met because of Jake and Bella's relationship. High school best friends and all of that."

Hodie grinned, nodding his head. He asked, "So, Bella's sister. The one with a shopping problem?"

Leah said, "That's Alice." I need to call her. Damn. I'll just ask Bella to do it.

Hodie asked, "She truly doesn't care that she buys them shit they just give away? That leather jacket is worth half my rent."

Leah chuckled and shook her head no. "Seriously, they are beyond loaded and very generous. They're vamps but you would honestly almost never know it. They're good, kind people like Bells. Bella could ask them for a fucking yacht and probably get it, but she would never do it. She and Jacob aren't rich by any means. They don't want anything except to know bills are paid, everyone is fed, and to take care of the people they love."

Hodie said, "They sound way more responsible than most people that young. You are twenty-one. How old are they?"

Leah shook her head and said, "You won't believe it. Bella just turned twenty in September. Jacob, on the other hand, will be nineteen in January. Ange and Embry are the same ages as they are. Most of our circle are under twenty-one." His mouth dropped open in surprise, and she chuckled again. "I told you."

Hodie said, "I like your friends, Leah. Didn't expect to meet so many at once, but they seem like good people."

Leah said, "I'm sorry if this has all been … just too much. I know what happened this morning was a shock." Hodie walked over and cupped her face with his hands before pressing his lips to hers. Leah opened her mouth to him, drinking him in. He was grinning as he pulled away. Leah chuckled nervously and started gathering towels. She said, "I'm going to take a shower."

Hodie smirked at her and said, "I guess the other questions can wait." He turned to leave the room, and Leah called him back. He leaned in the doorway, captivated as she wiggled her tight shorts over her hips.

Hodie asked, "Preparing for your performance?"

Leah looked up, hoping he was teasing. She was relieved at the smile on his face. She held her hand up for him to pause for a moment, listening for who was in the house. Jacob and Embry had left, but it sounded like Emily had arrived. Determining that they were safe, Leah tugged Hodie to her. Hodie had experienced awkward, nervous Leah the other night, she thought. There was an entirely different side to her he had yet to meet. Despite everything that had happened, Leah had been aching to touch him from the moment she had walked into work yesterday. Hell, she had wanted his hands back on her since she had crawled out of his bed on Wednesday.

Leah kissed Hodie, drawing his bottom lip into her mouth. When she let go and kissed him again, he invaded her mouth greedily. He groaned when Leah sucked on his tongue and lightly scratched her nails along his scalp. His hands moved to her hips and up her back, making her shiver. His caresses became rougher as she whimpered into his mouth. Leah reached for his shirt, and Hodie pulled away abruptly. He grinned as he hurried out of his clothing. Leah reached up to unclasp her bra, tossing it to the floor. Hodie looked her over with hungry eyes before kneeling in front of her. He shimmied her panties down and slowly looked up at her, locking his eyes with hers. Her heart raced excitedly as a delicious heat flowed through her. The look on his face was nothing short of predatory. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him, and it thrilled her. Her wolf was thrilled, too. The lust on his face at that moment was the kind of adoration her wolf could not get enough of. To be acknowledged, valued, emotionally connected, and fiercely physically desired were specific needs she shared with her wolf. The absolute longing Leah felt for him in that second was both titillating and terrifying. Quil Ateara V had never looked at Leah like that. Sam hadn't either, and they had been engaged.

Leah said, "We have to be quiet." Hodie followed her silently into the shower and shut the wide glass door. Instead of giving in to his advances right away, Leah took her time boldly washing them both. Each kissed and caressed the other, neither able to keep from touching. As the last of the soap was rinsed away, Leah reached down to wrap her hand around his shaft. He twitched in her hand from the contact and moaned. She began stroking him with her warm, wet hand, eventually rubbing her thumb through the drop of precum at the tip before circling her thumb around the head. Hodie sucked in a sharp breath and brought his lips down to the side of her neck. He latched onto her, barely grazing his teeth against her flesh. Leah pulled him tighter to her, encouraging him to suck harder. Hodie let go and spun her toward the shower wall. Leah moaned as he lightly scratched his fingernails up her abdomen before caressing a breast in each hand. He returned his mouth to the back of her neck, rubbing his erection against the crack of her ass. Leah reached behind her to grip his hips, grinding herself against him. She moaned a little louder, and Hodie nipped at her earlobe in response.

His voice was low, husky as he said, "Tell me what you want, Leah." The sound of his deep voice vibrating against her ear as his hands explored her body made her whimper again. She could not seem to form any words as she pressed herself tighter against him. His right hand slid toward her sex as Hodie sought her clit with his middle finger. Leah bucked against his hand, desperately wanting more. His left hand was alternating between caressing her breast and tugging at her nipple.

Leah said, "I want you." She was panting now, squirming against him.

Hodie asked, "To do what?"

Leah said, "Fuck me. Right now." She whimpered as he bit her shoulder, sliding his left hand across the front of her throat.

Hodie whispered against her ear, "You want it rough, baby?"

Leah could only nod once before Hodie bent her forward and sheathed himself inside of her with one hard thrust. She held her breath as she tried to keep from crying out. Both pleasurable and painful, Hodie rocked himself inside of her forcefully. When she cried out a little too loudly, he lifted his hand from her throat to cover her mouth.

God, yes! This was what she needed, what she craved from him. Raw. Rough. Frenzied. Hodie made her feel feminine while simultaneously admiring and respecting her strength. He wanted to give her exactly what she wanted, taking control yet allowing her to be the one in charge. There was an ache with every thrust as he pulled away, and pleasure pounded through her body each time he slid back home. The waves of conflicting sensations were overwhelming. He felt incredible inside of her. He felt right. Hodie held his right arm around her abdomen and guided her to stand upright as he continued thrusting into her from behind. Oh, fuck me, Leah thought as the angle changed and the sensation intensified. Hodie released her mouth to slide his hand to her breast while lowering his other hand back to her clit. With a few rapid but firm strokes of his fingers, she was shaking and clenching around him. Leah bit down on her fist to keep from crying out as she came. With a few more thrusts, Hodie was shooting his release inside of her. They stood wrapped together that way for a moment while they each attempted to catch their breath. Leah whimpered again as he slowly removed himself from her body. Leah turned around and pulled him to her for a much softer, more intimate kiss.

After cleaning up and redressing, Leah led Hodie to the bed. Both had moaned, content, as they had crawled into the bed and relaxed.

Leah asked him, "How is the foot?"

Hodie shrugged and said, "Still a bit sore, but better than it was."

Leah teased, "Good. I was worried you made it worse in there."

He chuckled and said, "Woulda been worth it."

Regardless of wearing clothes to sleep, Leah felt more comfortable next to Hodie than she had in her own bed in a long time. Like the first night, he put his arm under her head, pulling her to his chest. Temporarily sated, exhausted, and blissfully unaware of the upcoming brawl in the garage next door, both drifted off to sleep.