Two Years Ago
Leah was running. Her tears blinded her vision as branches and underbrushes tore at her skin. Her feet sunk into the damp, rich soil, and she winced as she stepped down on a pine cone.
God damn it, I can't just run around out here naked forever. Sam would find her eventually. He always did. It did not matter how fast she could run as a wolf when their minds were connected. His ability to track by scent was second to none as well. Even before her first phase, Leah felt as if she was constantly searching for somewhere to be alone. Had she known that the massive black wolf had been Sam all along, she'd have walked right up and punched him in the snout the first time she saw him. That was the moment he had imprinted on Emily while Leah sat in the car by her side. Emily's face was nearly healed now, though she'd been deformed for life. Sam had done that to her and allowed the world to believe she had been attacked by a bear. When the truth of what had happened accidentally slipped from Sue's lips, Leah had gone into a blind rage and stormed out of their house. She ran into the woods and phased, hoping to run off her anger. She had ignorantly forgotten that Sam was one of the wolves patrolling, and his mind was the first one that reached out to her.
Sam grumbled, Where are you going, Leah?
Don't fucking worry about it, Leah snapped at him. You're the last fucking person I want to talk to.
Paul grumbled, Jesus, what's your problem now?
Leah rolled her eyes and picked up her pace, remaining silent. She gave in to her wolf, allowing the sentient being inside of her to take control as she charged further into the forest than she had dared to go so far.
Jacob patiently asked, Do you want me to go after her?
No, Sam ordered. Stick to your routes, you two. I'll go.
Leah regained control of herself and slid, digging her claws into the earth as she attempted to halt. I don't want you to find me, she thought. Just leave me alone! Have fun when you can't fucking hear me, she yelled at him and abruptly phased back to human before he could issue a bullshit alpha order on her to return home. She fought back angry tears as she took off again on foot. She continued to change course abruptly, sometimes backtracking for a short distance to confuse him as best as possible.
Leah had taken off on her own plenty of times since her first phase a few weeks prior. She had connected with Seth's mind once he'd finished phasing. While that experience had been horrifying itself, having the presence of Sam's thoughts inside her mind had been a specific kind of torture that Leah could not bear. It didn't help that she could feel how he still felt about her despite his uncontrollable urge to keep returning to Emily.
In the end, running from Sam had done her no good. Leah found her way to the back of the Cullen property, coming across a bend in the creek. The water appeared to be a few feet deep, though it was difficult to judge the depths of the crystal clear water. Sunlight broke through the canopy overhead, making the top of the water glisten. Good. Maybe the fucking water will throw off my scent, too. Leah ran directly into the creek, surprised to find it over her head in the center. The water was freezing, though her high body temperature never really seemed to ease. The many knicks in her rapidly healing skin tingled under the water as debris and blood were rinsed away. Leah closed her eyes and floated on her back for a moment, allowing the peaceful scene to slowly calm her anger as the sun shone off of her wet flesh.
After a few minutes of absolutely blissful quiet, the sound of a throat clearing instantly put her on edge. Leah sucked in her breath and pulled her entire body under the water. She could make out Sam's shimmery form at the side of the creek, glaring at her with his hands on his hips. She resurfaced and pushed her now short hair back from her face.
Glaring at him hatefully, Leah said, "What? I thought I told you not to follow me."
Sam snapped, "I am your Alpha, whether you like that or not, Leah."
She argued, "I don't give a damn what you are, Sam. I am not on patrol right now. My free time is mine, so please feel free to fuck off."
His face turned red with anger, and he stomped into the water toward her. Leah stood fully, brazenly ignoring her own common sense and complete nudity in front of Sam. It's not like he hasn't seen it all before. When Sam reached out to grab her left arm, Leah raised her right hand and slapped him hard across the face. Sam grasped both arms and shook her roughly. His cheeks were flush with his anger as he trembled in front of her. Leah growled out, "Are you gonna fuck my face up, too, Sam?"
His face fell as he abruptly let go of her, backing away. He shook his head in disappointment, clearly hurt by the insinuation. Sam tried to remain calm and carefully said, "I didn't hurt her on purpose, Leah. I tried to get away from her side. I warned her to stay back. I lost my temper, and she was too close."
Sarcastically, Leah hissed, "Yeah, Sam. Blame it on her proximity instead of your own shitty self-control. That's fucking fantastic."
Sam yelled, "You weren't fucking there, Leah!"
She stepped closer to him without regard for herself or the warning glare he gave. Slowly, she enunciated, "I don't fucking care, Sam. I don't care what happened or why you did it. I don't want to be a part of this bullshit. I don't want you as my Alpha. I don't want to be a fucking wolf."
He snapped, "None of us want this, Leah."
Trembling now, Leah screamed, "I don't want you in my fucking life, Sam!"
She could practically see the color drain from his face as it fell again. His tone was much softer as he said, "You don't really mean that, Leelee. I know you don't."
Leah no longer cared if her words hurt him. The pain he had caused her felt as if it had been carved deeply into her soul. She hissed, "Yes, I do." She stood on her toes and crossed her arms over her chest to cover her breasts, leaning her face closer to his. "You fucking destroyed me. It's the fucking constant rage that makes the wolves phase, Sam." Leah had no clue if her assumption was correct or not. Considering the temper that accompanied the initial phase, the theory made sense. Her voice rose as she said, "You ripped every bit of fucking happiness that I had away. You were fucking everything to me, and you knew it. The fact that I phased at all should tell you the horrible place my mind was in. Now it is worse." Before allowing him a chance to speak, Leah continued, "Then you mutilated my cousin for life with your bullshit temper. Why the hell would you think I would want to be around you? Ever? You single-handedly fucked up my whole fucking life!"
Sam leaned down close enough to nearly caress her face with his own, directly meeting her stare. His body heat radiated toward her in his anger, making her shiver. Through clenched teeth, he said, "If you knew everything …"
Leah said, "I don't need to. None of your explanations change anything, Sam. I came here to be alone, and I want you to leave. If you want some fucking respect from me, you could try giving a little of it first. Spirits or no spirits, I don't owe you shit, Sam. If anything, you fucking owe me." Despite the rage that rolled through her, Leah found herself brazenly tracing the hard planes of his chest in her mind. His anger only fed his high body heat, and the muscles in his shoulders tensed as he tried to remain calm. She was trying her damnedest to ignore the intense attraction she still felt for Sam. He was her first love. Her first everything. She still mourned the loss of their relationship as if it had ended yesterday rather than eight months ago. So much time had passed, and yet his ongoing bad decisions still cut her to the quick. Learning about imprinting and why he had left her in the first place had been no comfort at all. It had, in fact, only made the pain worse. Here she was, a new wolf, trapped in this nightmare existence with her ex believing he was some reigning supreme being somehow in charge of how she was allowed to live? Fuck that. Leah was unsure how their ancestors had made such a monumental mistake by pairing Sam with Emily. Leah had long heard that Sam and Emily fought nonstop when others were not around. The scars on her face were the worst physical proof that Leah could imagine, aside from death. Between blood loss and going into shock, Emily had nearly died. Regardless of what Emily had done, Leah would never wish death on Emily. The mere thought of it was too painful to contemplate, regardless of what she felt for her cousin now.
Sam shook his head emphatically and huffed. "We were fighting over you," Sam said as calmly as he could manage. "You weren't the only person hurt by what I did, Leah."
Leah snapped, "Yeah, and the scars across her face are proof, aren't they? I fucking hate you for that shit, Sam. Almost as much as I hate you for myself."
Sam threw his hands up in exasperation, and Leah instinctively flinched as she took a step away from him. She tried to bite back an involuntary sob and swallowed anxiously. Sam gaped at her in horror for just a moment before reaching out to grab her again, gently this time.
His voice broke as he pulled her toward him. His palm gently slid across her cheek as he said, "Leelee, baby, I would never hit you." He did not release her as she attempted to back away.
Ignoring the tears leaving jagged trails down her cheeks, she asked, "Why were you fighting over me?"
Sam scowled at Leah as if the answer should have been obvious. Wiping away the tears with his thumb, he said, "Because we hurt you. We both hurt you and hate ourselves for it."
Carefully, Leah said, "Well, I guess we are all in agreement, then. Because I fucking hate you, too. Both of you."
Sam shook his head again, refusing to believe her. He said, "You still love us, too. You still love Emily because she is your family. Despite everything, and despite what you say, Leah, you still love me, too."
The wolf was snapping at him from inside of her, and she jerked herself free from him. She intended to slap him again, and he caught her wrist in his massive fist. Instead of pushing her away or letting go, Sam yanked her flush against his chest. His hot skin pressing against her cold, hard nipples made her gasp. The next thing Leah knew, his mouth was crushed against hers, invading it greedily. Still holding her wrist, he pulled her arm up to wrap around his neck the way she used to do. Though her anger still flowed through her, Leah instinctively responded in kind, kissing him back passionately. His mouth was warm and familiar, his large rough hands caressing down her back. He had not touched her this way in far too long. Hell, no one had. Her temperament the last few months had left others unwilling to even approach her, let alone attempt to provide any sort of physical comfort. Leah could not even recall the last time someone had hugged her besides Seth, and that had been the day Harry died. Lust shot through her, anticipating more of the passion Sam had for her when they were together.
Before he fucking left me for Emily. The thought of her cousin quickly fled as Sam lifted her with his hands under her ass, and she wrapped her long legs around him. She slid her other arm around his shoulders as Sam released her mouth to kiss along her jaw and down her neck. He was hard as stone underneath her, his tattered shorts the only barrier between them. Leah sucked in air through her clenched teeth as her back was roughly pressed against a cold boulder at the side of the creek bed. Oblivious to nearly everything else but his lust, Sam moaned as he lowered his mouth to her breast. She whimpered as he pulled her nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. Her hand flew into his hair, instinctively tugging as she writhed against him.
He groaned after pulling his mouth away from her. He sounded nearly disappointed as he complained, "Oh, fuck me." Sam looked her in the eyes, pure anguish burning behind his own. He admitted, "This is everything I have been fighting, Leelee. I still fucking love you. I can't help it."
Without thought, Leah blurted out, "Stop fighting it, then." She didn't want to care about how much this hurt. Leah selfishly wanted what was familiar. What she knew well and had missed for too long. She said, "I need you. Right now." Damn him and Emily to fucking hell for this entire situation. She couldn't let go of her anger, regardless of how desperately she wanted him. Thoughts of Leah sure hadn't stopped Sam from cheating on her with Emily. Why the hell should it stop him now? Leah demanded, "Fuck me, Sam." He returned her angry glare before crushing his mouth back to hers. She reached between them to help shimmy down the waistband of his shorts, allowing his hard cock to spring free. Leah wrapped her hand around it to rub the head along her wet core before guiding him inside of her. Breaking their kiss, she cried out as he eagerly rammed himself into her slick, tight center as far as he could. Heat flooded through her body, her head pounding with an urgent need for release. Sam began an agonizingly slow rhythm, pulling almost out of her before pumping into her hard and fast. Her nails dug into his shoulders as he picked up his pace. Leah whimpered and gasped as Sam thrust into her again and again. He was relentless in his movements as she plummeted over the edge, continuing at a steady pace while she came around him. He did not stop or slow down, thrusting through her orgasm and quickly building up another release. She was trembling, pulsing around him as her leg muscles began to cramp. She encouraged his movements, not wanting it to end.
Sam grunted between his thrusts. "God, I miss this. I miss how good you fucking feel, Leah." He began to growl, low and steady. The vibration of it buzzed inside of her, pushing her over the edge. Leah screamed as she came a third time. His cries joined with hers as he bit down on her shoulder and spilled himself inside of her. He collapsed against her for a moment, his heavy body crushing her between himself and the rough boulder supporting them. Once upon a time, she had loved having his full weight covering her body after sex. Now, as they lay against the creekside, Leah could barely breathe.
As the hazy aftermath of what they had done settled around her, Leah began to panic. God, Leah, what have you done? She could not catch her breath and frantically tried to push him away. Sam removed himself from her body and carefully placed her back on her feet. They washed themselves off with the cold water, and Sam tucked himself back into his shorts. Her breathing finally began to calm as he looked back into her eyes guiltily.
Vehemently, Leah said, "We can't do this again." Silent tears divulged her renewed heartbreak. Despite what had just happened, nothing had changed. They had only furthered every sense of betrayal they each carried. Emily was still his imprint. When she wanted him, he would always go. He would be whatever Emily needed in the end. Sam watched Leah silently as she turned and walked out of the water. Leah glanced back at him mournfully one last time before phasing and running for home.
Present Day
Leah opened her eyes and groaned from the pounding noise that had yanked her awake. She was so tired that she felt hungover, and her head throbbed in time with the sound.
What the hell is happening with all of these dreams lately? The memories were so clear, that they left her wondering where she was. It took a moment for her to recognize a persistent knocking at the door. She cracked one eye open and quickly shut it against the sunlight streaming through the window. Leah glanced through watery eyes toward the alarm clock on the nightstand and groaned again.
Fuck me. Leah had hoped they would get another solid hour in. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. Somehow, Hodie remained asleep, his breathing deep and even. As the knocking resumed, Leah jumped up and rushed to the door. As soon as the lock clicked, the door swung at her. Leah caught it blindly and shoved a snarling Quil back. His back hit the opposite wall as she stepped from the room and pulled the door shut gently behind her. The dark hallway was a stark contrast to the bright bedroom. Rubbing her eyes again before glaring toward him, Leah quietly hissed, "What? Be fucking quiet!"
Quil said, "Pardon me. I don't want to wake your precious boyfriend."
Leah whispered, "Hush before you wake Ethan." We are two doors away from the nursery, for fucks sake.
Quil sneered at her and said, "Everyone is outside, Leah."
Her vision finally adjusted as she rubbed her eyes a third time. She glanced up at Quil across the darkened hallway and noticed the numerous bruises on his face. Either Paul or Sam must have really worked him over to still have bruises after two days. His blackened left eye had a blood spot on the outside corner, and his lip looked as if Quil resplit what was already healing. Leah had honestly thought Quil getting a good smackdown would make her feel better, but she had been wrong. She felt like shit. Leah bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling as she fought the urge to touch his bruised face.
Quil said, "Looks pretty, huh? I got my ass beat by Paul the other night and again by Sam at fucking work today."
Leah gaped at him in shock, noticing other faded bruises. She figured one or the other would have given him a good lick or two, but not both. Quil looked like he had been held down and kicked like an unwanted dog. She blinked back tears and rubbed her eyes again as she looked away.
Jacob called out, "Uh, guys?"
Leah glanced up at a weary-looking Jacob hovering cautiously in the kitchen doorway. He beckoned for them to come with him. Leah silently followed him through the kitchen and outside with Quil behind her. Bella was staring at Leah sympathetically as she swayed in place with Sarah sleeping peacefully on her chest. The rest of the pack, Angela, and Emily were all waiting in the backyard. Emily was taking deep breaths, rubbing her enormous belly.
Leah asked, "Em, are you okay?"
Emily forced a smile at Leah, "False contractions. It's okay. We're okay," she said, though she didn't sound sure.
Jacob said, "Leah, sorry to wake you up early, but we all need to talk." He sighed heavily and rubbed his palm over his face in aggravation as he addressed the others. "I just want to say right now that absolutely no one is in trouble, nor will they be."
There were multiple snarls from the pack as the others glared at Quil. Sam, however, looked like he was just barely holding back. He stared at Leah as he paced, gripping his hips to keep his hands from shaking. It was a habit left over from his numerous Alpha speeches. The scowl on his face seemed frozen there.
Great. Pissed off, jealous Sam. This should be fun. Leah glanced at Emily again uneasily.
With a firmness he rarely used, Jacob said, "I mean it. There is way too much bullshit with this pack thinking we are all in charge of each other. I am just," Jacob paused, glancing toward Bella defeatedly. "I'm fucking over it, guys."
Sam complained, "We have rules for a reason, Jake." With his back to Emily, Sam could not see the devastated look on her face as she kept her eyes on him only.
Calmly, Jacob argued, "It was a stupid rule, Sam."
Sam yelled, "Was it? Look at the results, Jacob." Sam waved his arm between Quil and Leah.
Leah scoffed and said, "Spit it out, Sam. For once, just say what the fuck you mean!"
Paul interrupted, yelling, "How the hell could you two start a relationship knowing it could cause problems? That neither one of you is meant for the other?"
Leah whipped her head toward Paul and growled, "First of all, Quil and I were never actually a couple. Until now, has any of it affected your fucking life at all? No. Mind your business, Lahote."
Sarcastically, Paul said, "Yeah, I guess that setting Quil up for me to beat his ass is no cause for me to not mind my own fucking business." Quil turned to glare at Leah, crossing his arms over his chest.
Paul and his big fucking mouth. Leah rolled her eyes and said, "The only thing that I told Billy was that I heard something fucking around in the garage. What you do with your fists is your fucking problem, Paul."
Quil asked, "Why were you even out there, Leah?"
Leah spun on him and snapped, "Why were you? Of all the fucking places, Quil? There? You fucking knew that shit would hurt me if I found out. What the hell do you want me to say? Hope she was worth it?" Leah cringed at the sound of a pained whimper from Emily, and Sam snarled at them both.
Sam yelled, "You're talking about our own fucking family, Leah." The kitchen door shut quietly as Bella and Angela carried the children back inside.
Leah snapped, "I'm not talking shit on anyone, Sam. It's a private fucking reference, okay? Quil knows what the hell I'm talking about."
Embry said, "I know what she's talking about, and he deserved it." Glaring, Quil pointed at Embry as a warning.
As her sister quietly stepped back outside, Leah said, "God. Not fucking one of you can keep your mouth shut except for Bells." Damn it if her sister did not give her a beautiful smile and snort.
Jared asked, "Bella? You knew?" Bella could only bite back an awkward grin, and she cringed guiltily.
Jacob yelled, "I fucking knew. It was none of any of our business then, and honestly, it isn't now."
Paul grumbled, "This is bullshit."
Leah snarked, "So sorry to fucking inconvenience you, Paul. Maybe there would have been more prospects around here for Quil if you hadn't already fucked half of La Push."
Using the Alpha tone he rarely chose to impose over his pack, Jacob yelled, "This is over with. It was already over with by the time I found out about it, so everyone can just calm the fuck down."
The wolves visibly calmed somewhat as his words fell over them, though Sam was still trembling.
Jacob said, "Leah, look. Something … happened."
It did no good for him to attempt to ease the information at her. Quil had no such intention now that he knew she was responsible for the worst ass-beating of his life. Leah still had to fight the urge to touch his bruised face, though some had already faded since he first woke her.
Loudly, Quil announced, "Claire Young is my imprint."
Everyone except Sam and Jacob gasped in shock. Quil turned toward Leah, looking every bit as guilty as she currently felt. Her head spun. She felt like her knees would buckle from under her and quickly sat down. This was everything they had both feared. Everything Quil wanted to avoid, and Leah wanted to fight against. If she had not already grieved the loss of their connection for nearly a year, the pain of their fears fruition would have been unbearable. As it was, it still hurt pretty fucking badly.
Quil appeared defeated, anguished as he said, "I imprinted on Claire almost six months ago. I've fought against it for a long time and tried like hell to keep it to myself. I was trying to break it if I could."
Leah asked, "Why? We were done a long time ago, Quil. Months before that, even. You could have been with her all this time. You could have been happy. Why would you fight it?"
Quil declared, "Because I love you." There was another collective gasp as the others looked around at each other awkwardly. Sam gestured toward them both and glared at Jacob in exasperation. Quil ignored Sam and said, "But, you already know that. You wanted me to fight for you, Leah. I have been, in my way. I love you, even now. Still. Even though you've got another dude asleep in the fucking house. Even though my ass got handed to me because of you."
Paul said, "Your ass got handed to you because you were fucking around with Claire in my garage, numbnuts." Jared barked out a loud laugh. One stern glance from Jacob silenced Jared quickly, but Paul wasn't finished as he said, "Sam finding out was your fault, too. You did this shit to yourself, bro."
Sam insisted, "This is exactly why the rule about pack dating pack exists."
Quil snapped, "That's bullshit, Sam, and you know it! Emily, I'm sorry. I love you like a sister. I'm not saying that Sam doesn't love you because he does. More than anything." Quil turned back to Sam and continued, "But he still loves Leah, too. It has never been a secret, even if you won't admit it, Sam. That rule wasn't put into place to protect other pack members from being hurt. It was put into place because you couldn't stand the idea of having to see the thoughts of someone Leah might end up with. Especially when you have to see hers. You are still possessive of her. You don't love her enough to want her anymore, but you sure as hell don't want to see her with anyone else. She doesn't fucking belong to you!"
Leah was stunned by the speech. Quil had always shown jealousy where Sam was concerned. Now he was defending her right to be happy with someone else, anyone else, while the bruises she had caused him still healed. Had she underestimated his love for her that much?
Sam snapped, "Now fucking wait a minute."
Quil yelled, "It's the truth! I know it is because I feel the shit, too." He turned to look at Leah, softening his tone considerably, and said, "I finally gave in. I gave up." Quil shrugged his shoulders and scoffed. "I left after we got into it over the messages. I went down to the beach. I know you walk down there when you're upset, and I was hoping you would show up so we could try to talk without everyone else around. When you didn't, I decided to leave. That's when I ran into Claire."
Leah nodded and said, "And she is head over heels for you already. I know. I've seen it." Leah could not blame Claire for pursuing Quil, even if she hadn't been his imprint. If anyone knew how charming Quil Ateara V could be, it was Leah Clearwater.
Paul asked, "Why the hell was she even down there alone so late?"
Quil admitted, "Honestly, I think she was searching for me. She's been following me around for weeks. The imprint pull has been hard on her already."
Sam growled, "You better keep your fucking hands off of her, Quil." Paul and Jared high-fived, chuckling. They were getting far too much amusement from the display in front of them.
Quil snapped, "Quit being a fucking hypocrite, Sam. We are the same ages you and Leah were when she started sneaking out to spend the night with you. At least Claire is my imprint. Do you honestly think I'm purposely going to hurt her or try to fuck her life up?" He glanced back toward Leah apologetically.
Tentatively, Bella said, "I think Sam and Emily are kind of worried about Claire falling victim to the, uh… baby boom around here." Hands on his hips again, Sam nodded once dramatically.
Oh, god. Leah and Quil had never used protection. They had not needed to since she was not having periods now. Had he remembered to think about that with Claire? It's not like the wolves could exactly cart condoms around in their pocket-less, tattered basketball shorts. Leah was numb. She did not know what to think, do, or ask. There was a loud whimper from Emily as she clutched at her stomach. His sour attitude dissolved as Paul looked up at Jacob worriedly. He stepped over to put his arm around Emily to support her. Jacob pulled out his phone and dialed it quickly.
Jacob said, "Rose? I know you planned to come to help me and Embry finish up today, but do you think you can bring the doc? Pretty sure Emily is in labor … Oh, he is? See you soon, Blondie."
Emily, like Bella, had chosen to give a home birth with the help of Carlisle and Rosalie. Luckily the run from Port Angeles only took twenty minutes. Because of a storm, they had barely made it in time for Carlisle to catch Sarah when Bella gave birth. Leah silently prayed for her cousin that it went as smoothly and quickly.
Jacob turned to Emily and said, "Carlisle and Rose are on the way, sweetheart. He was next to her when she answered. I can meet you over there soon." He looked at a distracted Sam and said, "Sam, Em really needs to get off her feet."
Emily said, "It is just false contractions from stress."
"All the more reason," Jacob insisted.
Bella asked, "Em, is everything set up for the delivery? Just in case?"
Emily glared at Sam and said, "Everything is ready to go besides my husband, I guess." Her words brought him out of his angry stupor, and he sprung into action. Sam helped walk Emily to his car and to climb inside. He shot one last murderous glare at Quil before speeding off.
Jacob turned toward Leah and teased, "Still wish you had married him?"
Leah scowled at him for a moment and said, "That's a no." She cringed at the collective laugh around her. "Are we done with our little meeting? I need to go wake Hodie. We have to drive to work."
Jacob said, "You can't drive that car right now, Leah."
They all looked up as a wide-eyed Jared interrupted, yelling, "Hodie? The Surfer?" It was Quil's turn to look surprised. Evidently, he had not been told who her new beau was.
Leah threw her hands up and huffed, "Yes, Jared. The surfer." She turned back to Jacob and asked, "Why can't I drive my car?"
Jacob said, "The ass-end is all banged up. It's damn near sitting lop-sided, Leah."
Paul barked out a laugh and muttered, "That's what she said."
Leah said, "I think you should all come with me." They followed her to the car, and Leah groaned as she looked at the damage. It did not appear quite so extensive last night in the dark. Leah popped the trunk and chuckled as she pulled out the severed hand. She playfully tossed it at Seth. He immediately pulled a lighter from his pocket and set it on fire before dropping it to the ground.
Leah scowled and complained, "Seth! I was planning to use that for bait."
Seth grumbled, "It stinks, Leelee. You might as well pull that carpet from the trunk. You will never get the smell out."
Paul asked, "How did you get his hand, anyway?"
Leah said, "He was hanging onto the passenger window when we got away from him. I guess it ripped off. Hodie rolled the window down, and it was just hanging there. Scared the shit out of us both of us for a second." Hodie had been very scared. Leah had found it fucking hilarious, but she didn't want Jared and Paul picking on Hodie.
Any sane human would have screamed like that. They all turned toward the house as the door swung open. Hodie was dressed for work, staring wide-eyed at a half-naked Leah amongst a circle of shirtless giants.
Hodie said, "Uh, Leah, we are going to have to leave shortly." Thankfully, Bella distracted him and led him back into the house with the promise of food.
Quil asked, "Is he good to you?" Everyone turned to look at him in surprise.
Leah said, "Yeah. So far, anyway."
Jared laughed and bolted for the house, yelling, "I want to go meet Hodie!"
Jacob huffed, rolling his eyes as Paul, Seth, and Embry darted after him. He handed Leah the keys to the Rabbit and patted Quil's shoulder as he headed for the house.
Jacob said, "I'll go save Hodie. You two talk."
Affectionately, Leah said, "Thank you, Alpha." Jacob gave her an encouraging smile. Leah turned back toward Quil as Jacob walked away. Unable to stand it any longer, she reached up to touch his bruised face. He hissed at the contact but did not pull away. Leah was blinking back tears, angry at herself. Hell, she was mad at everything. All the wasted time. All of the things he never just fucking said. All of that pain just to end up right back here. Again.
Quil said, "I'm sorry, Leah. I can't help but care about Claire. I never wanted to actually be with her. A big part of me still doesn't."
Her voice was barely above a whisper as Leah said, "I know." She understood in her own way. A part of her still wanted Quil, too. Leah had seen the way the guys all felt about their imprints. She had felt how much Sam genuinely loved Emily, regardless of his feelings for Leah. She had felt the undying devotion her Alpha felt for Bella more times than she could count. Leah finally pulled her hand away from his face and took a step back from Quil. Leah said, "I'm sorry, too. I guess I finally understand how it feels to care about two people at once. I know you thought I still wanted Sam all of that time, but I really didn't, Quil. I stopped loving Sam when I fell for you."
Bitterly Quil said, "You care about this guy now, too."
Leah admitted, "Yeah, I do. I really want to see where this goes. He's a good guy, Quil."
"God damn it, I fucked things up so badly, Leah." He brushed away angry tears with his thumb. "I did the same shit to you that Sam did, didn't I?"
Leah grumbled, "You slept with my cousin after we were already over with. I mean, it was kind of shitty, but you didn't cheat on me with my best friend. So don't even say that shit again." She glanced toward the house where she knew Hodie was currently surrounded by the pack. "He has met so many people today. He is probably overwhelmed."
Quil smirked and said, "I can't say I blame him. I remember my first day. His is probably a little less painful, though."
Recalling the pain of the initial phase, Leah said, "Without a doubt." She sighed. "I need to go get dressed for work."
Quil said, "I'll see you soon." He turned abruptly and walked toward his car without another word. Leah watched him for a moment before taking a deep breath and heading inside.
Hodie seemed to be doing just fine when she walked in. He talked animatedly with the rest of the pack in between bites of the BLT Bella had made him. Hodie grinned up at Leah in amusement as she darted through the kitchen.
Leah teased, "Bella, I thought Paul was grounded." She laughed as Bella remembered, pointing at Paul.
His mouth full of Lemon and Poppy Seed muffin, Paul said, "Wha?" At least a fourth of his muffin had crumbled all over his chest. "Wah I ooo?"
Leah shut the door and prepared to dress for work. She caught her reflection in the mirror above the dresser and scoffed. It was no wonder Hodie had looked so shocked to see her outside in the clothes Leah had slept in. She had gone out with no bra or underwear underneath the form-fitting pajama set. Every single one of her curves had been on display. Thank God most of the guys don't even notice anymore.
She was startled as the door opened. She spun, covering herself, and then laughed as she realized it was only Hodie. He was grinning lasciviously, gawking at her. She laughed and said, "We don't have time for that." Leah pulled the tags off the new lingerie set and stepped into the panties. Hodie's mouth hung open as he watched her pull on the barely-there bra, and Leah chuckled. She started to pull on a shirt, and he rushed over to stop her.
Incredulously, Hodie asked, "You're wearing that to work?" He leaned back to look at her again. Leah slowly turned around, slightly bending forward so he could see her ass. Hodie groaned and stepped back, blatantly adjusting himself. Leah giggled and yanked on the thin, lacey tank top. She would need to swing by her house to grab one of her work shirts.
Leah teased, "Just think. I'll be wearing this, and only you will know it." He gaped at her and actually blushed. Leah had chosen a pair of jeans in her size, not realizing that the legs were overrun with slits, frays, and patches of black fishnet. They fit her like a glove, the low waistband leaving the dimples in her lower back on display.
Hodie walked over to answer a knock at the door, revealing a grinning Bella. Leah could hear the squeal of a high-pitched voice through her phone. Bella pulled it away from her ear, cringing.
Leah said, "Ali! I need new clothes. Preferably PJs that fit. I don't think Charlie appreciates my ass cheeks very much."
Hodie burst out laughing as Alice asked, "Do the jeans fit? Who was that? I don't recognize the voice?"
Leah said, "They fit as well as everything else you pick, Alice. That was Hodie. You'll probably meet him eventually." Leah contemplated asking the Cullens to come to the Halloween Party when another idea struck. She asked, "Alice, how do you feel about finding some super sexy Halloween costumes for some broke-ass women I work with?" She laughed as Alice squealed again.
Alice said, "Get bust, waist, and hip sizes for me. I'll take care of the rest."
Leah said, "How about I send you the address of my new job, and you come to meet them later tonight? They usually head home near one am. If that is okay with you, I'll talk to my boss about it when I get there." Hodie was smirking at her, shaking his head.
Alice squeaked, "I'm so excited!" Leah could picture the tiny energizer bunny that was Alice hopping around.
Leah said, "We really have to go, guys." Hodie nodded in agreement. They would be cutting it close as it was. "Love you," Leah told Bella and kissed her on the cheek as they headed out. "See you soon, Alice."
Bella resumed her conversation with Alice behind them saying, "No, she broke her phone. Jacob left to protect Rose or Carlisle in case Sam freaks out. He is pretty on edge."
Leah and Hodie said quick goodbyes on their way out the door. Seth stood quickly to shake hands with Hodie and told them to be safe, glancing protectively at Leah. Leah rolled her eyes over her protective little brother. She grabbed Hodie's hand and pulled him out the door.
He chuckled as they walked toward the Rabbitt. "Whose is this?" Hodie asked as he climbed in.
Leah said, "Jacob looks at this dumb car like it is his baby. It's a little cramped for him, but he rebuilt it himself at fifteen, so he loves it."
Hodie teased, "It's wheels, and it runs."
Leah chuckled as she nodded in agreement. She drove toward her house and whipped into the driveway.
Hodie asked, "Is this your house?" He was staring up at her childhood home, grinning.
Leah said, "Yes. And I promise I'll show you the inside soon. We just don't have time right now. I'll be right back," She snatched her shirt, ran back to the car, and they sped toward Port Angeles.
Leah had fully expected Hodie to have a million questions on the ride to work, but he remained mostly quiet. He did ask if the guy she was talking to alone outside was Quil. When she admitted that it was, Hodie had only nodded and dropped the subject. They spent part of the drive discussing ways to bring in money for Rick, which Leah said she would pass on to Tom when she talked to him about Alice. The last part of the drive was spent with Hodie worrying about his Truck, hoping the bloodsuckers had not demolished it somehow. Hodie had been relieved when they got to work and found the blue S10 safe and sound where they had left it for the night. There were no signs whatsoever of the vampires they had run over. Leah wondered if the handless leech had been able to put his friend's head back on or not. Hodie held her hand as they walked inside, giving her a wink as he let go and headed for the bar. Leah headed straight for the dressing room and changed shirts after locking the door.
Watching Leah change shirts, Chelsea said, "Woah. Woah. That bra looks like it belongs out there on stage. Where the hell did you get it?"
Leah said, "Well, the friend that picked it out will be here later tonight. You will have to ask her. I'm about to go talk to Tom about it. She agreed to help find you girls some sexy get-ups for the Halloween Party." All but Amara looked around at each other excitedly.
Leah addressed her softly. "Hey? You okay?"
Amara pouted and said, "Leah, I'm really sor…"
Leah held her hand up to cut her off and said, "Don't." She had already had enough arguing over people poking around in her business for one day. "It's cool. We are fine, okay? Hodie and I are fine, too. Let's just start over." Leah held her arms out, and Amara darted into them to hug her, looking very relieved. Leah rubbed her back affectionately for a moment, determined to let the whole issue go. There was something about Amara that Leah really liked, though she wasn't sure what it was. The tiny woman was very soft-hearted, almost to a fault. It was hard to remain upset with her.
Amara grinned up at Leah and asked, "So, you and Hodie made up?"
Leah wondered what Amara would think if she knew how much had gone on in just the last twenty-four hours. She said, "Yeah, we're good. He stayed with me last night, and we talked it all out. I will see you out there, okay?" Leah waved at the other women and headed for the office.
Tom had been happy about the costume idea and even thanked Leah for taking the initiative. Tom was hesitant when she suggested they host a wet t-shirt contest and get a live band to help bring people in. After Leah helped him visualize the band strategically placed on the stage between two dancers at a time, he was sold. Her next idea of raffling off lap dances had him practically giggling in his chair. He asked if she had decided about dancing, and she admitted she had not even had the time to think it over yet. She had purposely avoided bringing it up in the car on the drive to work. While she hated to admit it, Hodie's objection troubled her. If nothing else, she wanted to do it for Rick. Part of her wanted to do it just to face her own fear. Leah tore vampires apart and had faced death numerous times now. Surely she could handle one little dance on stage. Tom asked her to call and give him her decision by Monday morning so he could finalize plans and start putting the word out.
The evening flew by. Leah and Hodie took a break together toward the end of the night, sharing a cigarette behind the bar between feather-light kisses that grew dangerously close to inappropriate. The sound of a deep chuckle mixed with tinkling wind chimes caught her attention. She pulled away from Hodie, grinning. He looked up and immediately froze in alarm.
Leah said, "Hodie, that is Alice and her husband, Jasper."
Hodie forced a polite smile and said, "I thought I recognized her voice." The vampire couple approached them slowly, casually enough that no human would ever suspect them for what they were. Hodie couldn't suppress a shiver, and Leah squeezed his hand in an attempt to comfort him.
Suddenly, Alice said, "Oh!" She stopped where she stood, her face going blank as she stared into space.
Leah asked, "Alice?" The tiny vampire shook her head and, for a moment, looked very worried.
Alice looked at Hodie and asked, "You're a singer?" Hodie glanced at Leah anxiously and nodded. Alice stepped closer, assessing him. She finally smiled at him, recognizing the clothing she had picked out herself. "I had a vision of someone in that outfit, but I didn't know who it was. Just someone in Bella's house. Does the leather jacket fit?"
Hodie and Leah both chuckled in relief. "Yeah," Hodie said. "Yeah, thank you. It fits great. It's locked in the car. I was worried someone would steal it here."
Alice said, "Maybe I'll have to find you a spare, just in case." She frowned then, scrunching up her nose. "And, Leah's whole outfit." Jasper raised an eyebrow at that before rolling his eyes at Leah in amusement. He reached a hand out to Hodie, who hesitated a moment before shaking it. Leah could physically feel Hodie relaxing next to her and winked at Jasper. Leah knew he could manipulate the emotions of others, as he used his gifts on Bella frequently just to mess with her. Leah would never admit it to anyone, but Jasper happened to be her favorite Cullen. He had a very subtle sense of humor and seemed to live by the mantra of, "Be kind or be quiet." Jasper genuinely enjoyed seeing all of the pack members when he visited Bella. They had learned a great deal from his experience before the newborn battle, somewhat endearing him to the pack. She especially enjoyed watching him embarrass the fuck out of Emily.
I really am a spiteful bitch. She has probably had the baby by now. Leah said, "Damn, I should probably check on Emily.
Alice said, "I just talked to Bella before we got here. Jacob had to drag Sam out of the house. He freaked out a little bit. Everyone is fine now, though. Sam even apologized to Carlisle. It's a boy. Big surprise." Alice cringed and giggled.
Leah chuckled and said, "Ouch. Not so much a surprise, though. Emily was huge, the poor thing. Come on, let me introduce you to the girls. I, uh, hope nudity isn't a problem."
Alice guffawed as Jasper playfully nudged her. "Please. I buy your underwear," Alice said, and Hodie burst out laughing as he followed the others inside.
Jasper was more than happy to watch the last couple of performances while Alice got everything she needed. The girls all immediately fell in love with her enthusiasm. When Alice asked who the last woman was that needed a costume, Leah said, "Me!"
Chelsea asked, "Are you going to do it, then? You're going to dance?" Alice turned toward Leah wide-eyed in surprise.
Leah said, "I haven't decided, but I still want to look hot that night. Alice can make that happen. That is her specialty." Alice beamed from the praise.
Red teased, "I gotta say, I'm surprised you two are friends. You're night and fucking day."
Alice said, "Under normal circumstances, we may not have been. Her sister is my best friend. Plus, Leah saved my life once, and I'm forever grateful." Leah looked at Alice in surprise, remembering that day in the clearing. The whole reason Leah charged at the newborn was that he was gunning for Alice's back.
Leah grumbled, "He was a chump, trying to attack the smallest person out there."
Amara gave Leah a shy grin and said, "She does that for us, too. Keeps us safe."
Leah laughed and rolled her eyes."It's about time for me to escort them out, Alice. I need to go out to the back door for now," Leah said.
Red stood and said, "One more dance."
Alice winked at Leah and said, "I'm going to go sit by Jas and watch! Might help me decide on her costume."
Alice and Jasper stayed through closing, walking out with Leah and Hodie as they left. Alice quickly won Hodie over with her cheerful personality. While they chatted nearby, Leah leaned against the back of the building and lit a cigarette. Jasper walked over to lean next to her, nudging her very gently with his elbow. It was something he did to Leah almost every time he saw her, never failing to make her laugh somehow.
Jasper grinned and asked, "How's it going with the new fella?"
It was impossible to not smile back at him. Few got to see how playful Jasper was underneath all of his stoic silence, though he'd taken quite the shine to both Leah and Emily. Leah puffed on her cigarette and snickered. She gestured from herself to Hodie and quietly asked, "Do you see this? Alice is just chattering his ear off, and he's fine with it. Hodie seems to befriend chicks easily."
Jasper said, "The majority of your friends are guys. That might end up working out well for you two. Like a balance thing. Is he your imprint?"
Leah lowered her voice and said, "No. At least, I don't think so. He met the whole pack today but doesn't actually know about the wolves yet."
Jasper smirked as he surmised, "So you haven't seen him in wolf form yet."
Leah commenced telling Jasper the whole story of the vamps and taking Hodie to Bella's for the night. He roared with laughter when she told him about the hand in her trunk and Seth burning it later. It drew the attention of the others, who walked over to where Leah and Jasper were standing. Hodie lifted her hand to pull a drag from her cigarette, and Alice wrinkled her nose at the scent.
Alice teased, "If I put you in an expensive gown for Bella's wedding and you smoke in it, you can't resell it. I'm just saying."
Hodie asked, "Bella and Jacob are getting married?"
Leah said, "Yeah. Alice is the wedding planner. Bella asked me to be her maid of honor the other day. Alice, please don't put me in anything with fake flowers or bows. I'll abandon ship, I swear to God."
Alice faked a gag and said, "Ugh. Don't you know me at all yet?"
Leah said, "Alice, I'm sure whatever you pick will be fantastic. I'll do my best to not ruin it." Jasper shook his head as Alice beamed.
Jasper drawled out, "Lee, honey. I know Ali looks tiny, but on the inside, her head is this big." Jasper held his arms out wide, laughing.
Alice slapped him playfully, her windchime giggle echoing across the lot. Her smile slowly faded as she focused on something behind Leah. Hodie sucked in a deep breath as his whole body stiffened up beside her. Jasper and Leah both spun around to find two figures walking toward them. Their footsteps were too light and silent for their natures to be mistaken. When Leah saw that one of them was missing its right hand, she stepped over in front of Hodie protectively.
Hodie grumbled, "It's him, Leah."
Jasper took a few steps toward them calmly. His deep southern drawl surprised the strangers as Jasper asked, "Something I can do for you, fellas?"
The amputee said, "I think she has something I'm looking for." Leah instantly dubbed him Lefty. He was in the same clothing as the night before, now filthy and torn. His high-pitched laughter sounded more akin to screeching as he cackled, watching her assess him.
He asked, "Where's your car, honey? Maybe in the shop?" Lefty stared hard at Leah, wiggling the fingers on his remaining hand at her.
Leah said, "I planned to give your hand back, but it had a little accident." She flicked her cigarette toward him.
The smile left his face as he asked, "Where is it, cunt?"
Jasper feigned ignorance and whispered, "He doesn't know where his cunt is?" Leah could see Jasper trying not to grin and had to bite back her own.
Playing along, Leah said, "Oh, Jas. He was calling me a cunt. I'm more of a bitch, actually." Literally.
Hodie quietly hissed, "Why are you antagonizing him?"
Not taking her eyes off the strangers, Leah said, "We're just having a conversation, aren't we?" The overhead light made it nearly impossible to see into the dark where they stood. Leah turned her back toward the light to see them more clearly. Though Lefty was the same vamp from the night before, his companion was not. Leah scowled at the second vampire as he leered at her. Leah got a distinct impression that the vamp was checking her out. She shuddered with disgust and Jasper snickered.
Jasper whispered, "Not just you. Hodie, too."
The second bloodsucker had his nose in the air, leaning to look at Hodie. He tapped his nose with his forefinger and winked at his companion.
Lefty asked, "Who is the singer?"
"Who is your new minion?" Leah glanced back at Jasper and joked, "I guess you couldn't put your other buddy's head back on, huh?" Jasper outright snickered as Lefty became instantly enraged.
Leah muttered, "See this shit, Jas? More worried about his hand than his pal."
Lefty said, "You talk too much, bitch."
Leah said, "I hear that a lot."
Jasper stood up straight, seeming suddenly much more intimidating. He was the Jasper she had first met in that moment, pulling his soldier persona on as easy as a second skin. He said, "Bout time for you fellas to head out, isn't it? There is nothing here that you're looking for." Leah put another cigarette in her mouth, staring straight at Lefty as she lit it.
Lefty seemed to accept the challenge as he said, "Nah, I don't think so. Not until I get my hand or the singer. Seems only fair." He gave Leah a cruel smile and said, "Then again..." His eyes trailed down her form appreciatively, making Leah shudder and his friend snicker.
Leah began to tremble, instantly angry. She growled out, "Over my dead fucking body. You're not eating or fucking either of us. Your hand is a pile of ash in my fucking backyard. You're just shit out of luck, pal."
Lefty's face fell in devastation at the news of his destroyed appendage. He charged straight at Leah, his remaining hand reaching for her. Jasper intercepted him and sent him flying backward, bowling over his friend.
Alice chirped out, "Shit!" Incensed, both men rushed toward the group.
Leah snarled and threw her cigarettes to the ground at Hodie's feet as two sets of vampires began to fight. She was shaking violently, fighting not to phase with Hodie so close. She said, "Hodie, run!"
Hodie hissed, "Are you fucking nuts? I'm not leaving you here." Jasper and Alice were each trying to hold the others back. Leah could tell Alice would not be able to hold the vampire she struggled with much longer.
Leah begged, "Hodie, please forgive me, but you need to run. Get in the car and go. Now!" She shoved the Rabbitt keys in his hand.
Leah turned back to the fight as a sickening screech filled the air, and Alice screamed. Leah charged toward Alice, phasing as she leaped over Alice and onto his back. He released his tight grip on Alice to throw Leah off of him. She charged back at him, snapping her teeth around his ankle and breaking his foot from his leg. He screamed as he turned and slashed into her side with his fingers. Leah yelped as her flesh tore, and she fell to the ground in searing pain. Blood dripped from her side, distracting Jasper for less than a second, though it was long enough for Lefty to deliver a kick at her other side. Jasper recovered quickly, managing to get him under control. Leah stubbornly dove back onto the one who had torn into her. She sank her teeth into his shoulder and ripped his left arm away.
Rather than running, Hodie had stumbled backward and landed on his ass. He scrambled back in shock, unable to tear his eyes off of the fight in front of him. Despite her assault on the monster between them, Leah remained incredibly aware of him and the fear emanating from him in waves. Leah finally managed to get her jaws around the tick's head and ripped it clean away. Alice darted over to tear the head off of Lefty while Leah finished dismembering the other. Hodie had stood at some point and now leaned against the wall, watching them silently. Shaking, he bent down to retrieve the cigarettes. He pulled one out and could barely get it lit as the cigarette wiggled between his trembling lips.
Leah was afraid to look up into his eyes. She was scared of what she would see there when she did. More than that, Leah worried about what she might not see. She released an involuntary whimper at the mere thought of losing Hodie again already. Her wolf urged her to walk over and curl up at his feet. The pain in her side was too great, and she whined as she tried to stand. She ached to touch and comfort him, for him to do the same for her.
Alice said, "It's a good thing I dress in layers." Before she could say boo, Jasper had unbuttoned his white dress shirt and removed it, holding it out for Leah to cover herself. Alice slipped out of the plain black skirt worn over her leggings, waiting.
I appreciate it, but damn, I'll smell like a leech for the next few hours, Leah thought.
Hodie said, "Leah?" Her name had never sounded so unsure, so frightened on his lips. She finally turned to look at him. Leah gasped as their eyes met before the world spun around her and everything went black.
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