WARNING - This chapter is spoiler central if you have not read Watermelon Sugar. Enjoy xo.

As it turned out, Hodie had been curious, too. He followed Leah into the kitchen and sat at the island with her. Leah grabbed him a drink from the fridge, and Bella repeated what she had told Leah just minutes before. Bella texted Rose and asked her to come back to the house, making Hodie more nervous. While Leah had grown used to the Cullens for the most part, the anxiety she could feel coming from Hodie kept her wolf on edge.

Rose walked into the kitchen smirking and said, "I'm guessing that you told them Emmett flipped shit a little."

Bella admitted, "I did."

Hodie asked, "This whole group does not have many secrets, does it?"

Leah said, "This is why I had hoped to integrate you slowly. We are one giant family of blunt misfits, and we are always in each other's business, honestly."

Getting back to the conversation, Bella said, "Now, Hodie said he's named after Emmett, right?"

Hodie said, "My great-great-uncle. I have his middle name."

Rose asked, "What is your full name?" She remained calm, though she was nervously picking at her manicured nails.

Hodie said, "Broderick Dale McCarty." Wide-eyed, her head whipped up as Rose gaped at him. Slowly, she smiled, shaking her head in disbelief. Bella had stopped what she was doing, glancing toward Leah and appearing equally surprised.

Rose asked Hodie, "What did your family say had happened to your uncle?"

Hodie said, "Well, I was told he and his brother were working for the railroad. They were sort of stuck with supporting their family then, sometime near the Great Depression. The brother heard him screaming and went to check on him. Found him gashed up, gasping for air. He ran for help. There were chunks of flesh, clothing, and blood, but his body was gone when help returned. They figured whatever attacked him had come back and dragged him away. He has a headstone somewhere, but they never actually found the rest of him. He was injured too badly to have gotten away on his own. My great-grandmother was his sister. Our family suspected vampires, though they had never seen one tear someone apart like that. I'm not the only singer. No one would believe our family, though we tried to warn others. My ex-fiance and best friend did, at least. My family just moved around, sometimes going separate ways. That's what my mom and I did. We just kept moving."

Rose remained wide-eyed as she listened, nodding along as he spoke. She said, "I have to tell you, I have every reason to believe my husband is your uncle."

Hodie asked, "Why would you say that?"

Rose said, "Because his name is Emmett Dale McCarty, for starters."

Hodie scoffed and leaned back in his chair. "You're shitting me," he said incredulously, shaking his head.

Rose explained, "I found him in Tennessee. He had been mauled by a bear. I carried him almost a hundred miles to ask Carlisle to save him."

Hodie asked, "Who is Carlisle?"

Rose said, "My vampire father of sorts. Leah can probably fill you in on all of that. I'm sure you will meet eventually."

Hodie asked, "He turned you?"

Rose laughed and said, "Yes, but that's not pertinent at the moment." She was still grinning as she explained, "Emmett was my singer, Hodie. The second I smelled his blood, I just … knew. He reminded me of my friend's son with his curly black hair and big blue eyes. Of course, I never saw them blue again, but I couldn't just let him die. I think I loved him right then and there, to be honest. He loved me right then, too. He thought I was an angel." Rose scoffed, shaking her head. "Can you imagine? Me? An angel? Please. I was living in the woods, half-naked, dirty, barefoot, and had leaves stuck in my hair."

Bella teased, "It was the half-naked part, Rose."

Rose grinned and said, "Anyway, it was in Tennessee."

Hodie said, "That's where I'm from originally. I was born in Tennessee, near Gatlinburg. We lived in Sevierville until I was six. Pigeon Forge for a few months, basically hiding up in the boonies. Bears everywhere, by the way. We literally had padlocks on the trash cans because of the bears. Anyway, a vamp came after my mom. It found us pretty quickly, and we booked it to Georgia. I can't tell you everywhere we have lived since then. We never stayed anywhere very long. We went back once to look for the family, but everyone had moved on. We visited our old family cemetery, though. That is where Emmett's headstone is, next to his mother. There are old, unmarked metal crosses for many of them. I remember some kind of ledger existing to mark the plots. Supposedly, Emmett's father and brother are there, too." For a moment, the room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Rose and Hodie both stared at each other in silent awe.

After a long pause, Rose asked, "Hodie, are there any others of your family still living?"

He said, "Not in my immediate family, no. Not that I know of. I'm sure I have cousins somewhere that I've never met. My great-grandmother married really young. Like fourteen. It wasn't that long after Emmett died. I was told they were close. She mourned him for a long time. Her father believed marrying her off would pull her from her grief, but it didn't."

Rose scoffed again, rolling her eyes. She said, "Women were chattel back then. Sold to the best prospector for the highest price. Traded for favors and power."

Hodie said, "You're not wrong. I'm pretty damn sure that's how it was for her, too. My great-grandma ended up having like eight kids. A few died, and she lost a few pregnancies in between. She was constantly pregnant and died in her thirties giving birth to her last one. It died, too. When her kids became adults, they all split up, went their own ways. My grandfather was their second son. He stayed with his father and married at nineteen. He had one son with her, and both died shortly after childbirth. He remarried, divorced, and married a third time in his thirties. My mom and her sisters were born. My last name should not be McCarty, but my mom despised my grandfather. He was a bit of a hypocrite. He was a real jerk to her when she got pregnant with me because she wasn't married. He was always bitter about not having any living sons. My biological father split the second he found out my mom was pregnant. She didn't think either of them deserved for me to carry their names, so she gave me the last name McCarty. My full name was kind of a fuck you to everyone, she said." Hodie chuckled and added, "She chose to give me Emmett's middle name because he seemed to be the only male in the family worth a damn."

Rose laughed and asked, "Hodie, do you know your great grandfather's name?"

Hodie frowned and said, "No. I can't remember if anyone ever told me that. I only know the stories the way I was told, and I was pretty young when I heard most of them. Like eight or so. Some of them weren't very flattering, honestly. I was a kid, and my brain sort of held on to the better parts."

Rose grinned and said, "Well, she was Lydia. Their father was Broderick. Emmett says you look just like his father. He said if you had not been holding hands with Leah, he would have sworn you were a ghost. When he finds out you're named after him, he's gonna flip shit all over again."

Hodie asked, "Emmett sees ghosts?" He glanced between Leah and Bella uneasily and scoffed. "My mom saw them. All the time. She said they gave her warnings."

Rose asked, "Do you see them, Hodie?"

He hesitated to answer before nodding and saying, "I have seen a couple. Not people I knew, though. Sort of random experiences, like many people I suppose."

Leah chuckled and squeezed Hodie's hand across the table. She said, "It's not such a strange thing to believe around here, Hodie. I mean, I share my body with a wolf spirit. No one is judging you here, baby." He smiled at her gratefully, relaxing a little.

Rose said, "Emmett swears he did when he was human. He saw them a lot. He thinks we don't have souls anymore once we become this. He thinks it's why he doesn't see them now."

Bella said, "He has never told me that."

Rose said, "He doesn't tell anyone. Most people didn't believe it back then. He wasn't allowed to talk about it when he was human. His dad would knock the shit out of him because he was afraid Emmett would be institutionalized. They needed his income."

Hodie said, "Must have been pretty startling when he saw me today. If I look like the ghost of the man that used to knock the shit out of him. That fucking sucks."

Leah grumbled, "That's fucking disgusting."

Rose said, "There is a lot about Emmett that people don't know. He's had one hell of a life and an afterlife."

Hodie sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. "I honestly can't believe this shit," Hodie said. "I … what are the fucking odds?" He looked up at Leah, and she squeezed his hand.

Rose asked Leah, "Man, isn't this wild? So much shit has come full circle. I'm honestly starting to believe that if any kind of fate-controlling spirit really exists, it is the one your people believe in. I have been drawn back here over and over again since 1935. I understand the love and pride your people have for their land. I honestly love it too."

Leah looked over at Bella, who had yet to say a word. She added the last layer to the lasagnas as she chewed at her bottom lip.

Leah asked, "You're not surprised about any of this, are you, Bells?"

Bella looked over at Leah guiltily. She said, "When I saw him, I suspected it was possible. Or that there was some kind of familial connection somewhere. I mean, it can't just be that all singers look like some variation of Emmett and me. I mean, if that were the case, surely vampires would have figured that out after literally thousands of years on earth. Also, the Denali girls look nothing like me. They do look like you, Rose. Victoria seemed to be the odd one out. So much just doesn't make sense." Bella tore open packages of fresh mozzarella. It was a moment before Leah heard her sniffling. She got up to embrace Bella, hugging her close.

Leah knew precisely why the topic bothered Bella so much. Billie Cullen and Bella Swan had never met, but all who had met Billie agreed on one thing. She and Bella looked far too much alike for it to be a coincidence. The two had once upon a time shared a particular fate that only Billie had to suffer through. It haunted Bella, the memory of this girl she had never met and the idea that she could have helped her somehow.

Rubbing her back soothingly, Leah said, "Sis, we've talked about this." The two had spent many nights discussing the fate of an unknown girl when nightmares left Bella struggling to sleep.

Her chin dug into Leah's shoulder as Bella nodded and said. "I know. I think it will always just … piss me off. I honestly don't know how to let it go."

Rose said, "Oh, we're talking about Billie. Trust me, Bella. You didn't fail that girl. I did. Our family did. You didn't."

Leah huffed and said, "I'm telling you both, she made her own decisions. None of you did anything wrong." The whole topic was a moot point, as she had told them both before. The girl was dead, and it couldn't be changed. They tortured themselves for no damn good reason.

Hodie asked, "Should I, uh, ask who Billie is? I thought that was Jake's dad." Leah grinned, sitting back down next to him.

Rose said, "So, Jake's dad is Billy. My brother's wife was also named Billie. She was human. He was a vampire. She died, and he … destroyed himself."

Hodie asked, "She was a singer, wasn't she?"

Rose said, "Yes. Let's just say my brother had a thing for singers. He used to date Bella." Hodie gasped as he looked over at Bella in disbelief. She chuckled, nodding to him that it was true.

Hodie said, "No offense, Rose, but, Bella? Why?"

Rose laughed and said, "None taken. My brother was what I call..."

Leah interrupted and said, "Narcissist?"

Bella said, "Serial manipulator?"

Leah said, "Serial killer?"

Bella said, "Gaslighting asshole?"

Leah said, "Amen, sister," She whooped her fist in the air as Bella giggled.

Rose clarified, "An intelligent idiot. Well, among the others. Edward could read minds. Multiple thoughts at the same time, all the time. I believe it eventually drove him mad. Especially when Bella chose Jacob over him. Then his wife died, and he just couldn't take any more."

As Bella slid the lasagnas into the oven, she said, "Don't make it sound like that."

Rose asked, "Like what?"

Bella said, "As if I left him for Jacob. He dumped me and moved away. I fell for Jacob. Edward wanted me back, and it was too late. I didn't choose Jacob over Edward. I chose Jacob before Edward ever came back."

Hodie laughed and said, "I'm confused."

Leah said, "It's a long story. I'll fill you in later since my version is funnier anyway. All Bella does is talk about how good Jake is in the sack."

Bella laughed and said, "Bitch, I do not. Rose, do you hear this shit? I make her lasagna, and this is how she behaves."

Rose complained, "Jesus, Mary, and Esme."

Leah cackled and choked out, "I told her she acts like Esme now, too."

Rose told Hodie, "Esme is our vampire mother-of-sorts. Bella adores her, don't you, Bella?"

Bella said, "I do. She's the sweetest person to ever exist."

Rose said, "Please. You just haven't seen her temper. Go break one of her priceless vases when she's thirsty sometime." She bit back a grin as Hodie shivered involuntarily

Bella teased, "No way. I prefer being her favorite, thank you very much."

Laughing, Rose lied, "Oh, you are not."

Leah rolled her eyes and said, "Please, she is my mom's favorite, too. Bella could replace every other word with fuck, and my mom would act like the bitch just shit gold or something. Meanwhile, I say damn at the wrong time, on the wrong day of the wrong goddamn month, and suddenly I'm the devil child with a terrible mouth."

Laughing, Bella wiped tears away as she darted toward the bathroom.

Rose laughed again as Leah asked, "Is this bitch ever gonna get bladder control back?" Hodie was chuckling, watching them with amusement. Rose asked, "So, Hodie, what do you think of having a shapeshifter for a girlfriend?"

He grinned over at her before turning to stare at Leah. He said, "I love it. My girl is a badass. I already loved watching her knock the shit out of assholes at work. Watching her go after that vamp was … well, first, it was scary as hell. I was afraid she would die on me. Then when I thought about it later, it was kinda hot."

Leah asked, "Me turning into a wolf is hot?"

Hodie laughed and said, "It's the warrior part of it. You just selflessly jump in to protect others every day, Leah. And, you look beautiful doing it, either way. That's fuckin rad." Leah blushed furiously and grinned. The wolf was thrilled with his praise, practically gloating.

Rose said, "You know, that even sounds like shit Emmett would say. He thinks Leah is really something. Me too, though."

Hodie teased, "You telling me my hundred-year-old uncle thinks my girlfriend is hot?" Leah blushed and scoffed as Rose grinned at her mischievously.

Rose mumbled, "Well, I wouldn't kick her out of bed." She winked at Leah and said, "I need to get back to work, though. I'll talk to Emmett about the whole familial situation." As Leah continued gaping after her, Rose headed for the back door and mumbled, "This shit is fucking crazy."

Hodie laughed at Leah's open mouth and said, "You're gonna catch flies, Darlin."

Leah shook her head and said, "I knew that bitch could not possibly be straight. She stares at me as much as I stare at her."

As Bella re-entered the kitchen, she asked, "Trying to tell us something, Sis?"

Leah said, "Listen. It is perfectly healthy and acceptable for a straight woman to find another woman sexy. That does not mean she wants to sleep with her."

Hodie laughed loudly and said, "You just said Rose wasn't straight because she checked you out."

Leah was cackling, red with embarrassment. She said, "That is not what just happened, and you know it."

Hodie teased her, "Now I know why you got a key to their guest house." Leah playfully slapped his shoulder, shaking her head. He reached over to cup her cheek and placed a soft kiss on her lips before staring into her eyes. "I love you," Hodie said.

Everything fell away from her at that moment. Time seemed to stand perfectly still. The uncollared freedom she felt earlier was replaced by something new. Firm yet not painful, connected, and possessive, this new grip held her in place. Eerily similar to the heat of his stare, a different kind of warmth embedded comfortably into her flesh. Her whole body prickled with goosebumps, the hairs on the back of her neck rising in alarm while butterflies exploded throughout her chest. Her wolf was unsure of what to do, simultaneously wanting to embrace Hodie and push him away. She had the sudden sensation of being tethered, jerked painfully into place directly through her heart - A heart that seemed to stop and start again.
Internally, her wolf howled mournfully, confusing Leah the human further. Human Leah did not want to feel free. Human Leah was filled with love, lust, and a fierce protectiveness over the man in front of her. The wolf wanted his affection and admiration. The wolf wanted independence even more. Despite this, Leah was sinking helplessly.

What the hell is happening? This doesn't seem like any imprint the guys experienced. It was usually the wolf that wanted to be imprinted. Not the man. Then again, Leah Clearwater, you're not exactly a typical shifter. Or a man.

Hodie slowly lowered his eyes, staring down along the side of her neck. A feather-light warmth comparable to the caress of his fingertips ghosting behind them, Hodie slowly raised his eyes back to hers. The soft, lust-filled look on his face mimicked her own, she had no doubt. What had felt like minutes had been but a moment as everything snapped back into place around her. Her head cloudy with emotion and without much choice otherwise, the wolf began to calm. Pure love settled over Leah like a soothing blanket, replacing every doubt or fear she had. Without hesitation, Leah stared into his eyes and clearly said, "I love you, too."

Leah did not hear Bella sniffle while pretending chopped onions were to blame. She did not hear the sound of Quil and Embry approaching the kitchen door from outside. She did not see Quil freeze at the window and then break down at her words. Leah did not see him sprint toward the woods, barely making it before he phased and released a mournful howl.

It was his second howl that finally pulled her attention.

Bella yelled, "Shit! What is wrong?" She was shoving a large bowl of salad in the fridge as another howl rang out. Leah immediately kicked off her shoes and sprinted outside toward the trees. She shed her clothes once she was out of sight and tossed them on a branch before phasing. She listened silently for a moment, searching through the cluster of thoughts rolling around the pack mind.

She fucking imprinted on the sonofabitch.Quil was in turmoil, his mind bouncing back and forth between Leah telling Hodie she loved him and Claire's father threatening him within an inch of his life. His thoughts finally settled on Leah, frozen, staring at that sonofabitch as if he held the world in the palm of his hands.

Quil grumbled, She did. She imprinted.

Embry answered You don't know that.

Quil snapped, Did you not see her fucking face? It was just like when Paul imprinted on Rachel.

At the mention of his name, Paul snarled, You're being fucking stupid, Quil. You imprinted on Claire. You're just gonna have to wait for your girlfriend to turn eighteen.

Quil snapped, Shut the fuck up, Paul.

Embry told them, I honestly think she imprinted on him that night of the vamp attack.

He replayed a memory through Leah's eyes of looking up at Hodie before the world seemed to shift around her. She had been so engrossed with protecting Hodie and helping Alice that she had not even noticed who else was phased at the time. Leah didn't even know the Pack mind could reach that far. Had Jacob been phased that night? Has that made some kind of difference? Leah had no idea whose memory it was she was seeing. She tried her damnedest to keep her frustrated thoughts hidden and let them finish what they had to say about her.

Paul asked, Can someone only partially imprint?

As he phased in, Seth said, Seriously, you guys are talking about this again? You have got half of La Push freaking out and people calling Charlie!

Paul said, Quil is being a crybaby 'cos he heard your sister tell Hodie she loves him. Quil snarled at him in response.

With a little more sass than necessary, Seth reminded Quil, Dude, you gotta let it go. You imprinted on Claire. You know, MY COUSIN? Leah deserves to be fucking happy. You said so yourself.

Leah damn near announced herself and cheered out loud with love for her baby brother.

One day, Seth, you'll fucking see, Quil snapped. I seriously hope the one person you want more than anyone isn't the one you can't fucking have. Whoever it is.

Seth growled at Quil angrily. You've become a real fucking dick lately. Do you know that? Quit feeling sorry for yourself.

As Paul roared with laughter at Seth's outburst, Quil snapped, You know, if you would all quit ragging on me, I would be a lot less pissed off. Maybe I'll start thinking about your sister to get you to get off my ass, Seth. Quil promptly brought up a vivid memory of Leah's face, gasping in pleasure with her arms above her head, clutching a headboard.

Seth screamed internally and promptly phased out, making Paul laugh so hard that he collapsed to the ground and rolled in the dirt.

Quil is fucking lucky he isn't nearby. Leah would have been more than happy to nip a chunk from his flank right then. Of all the people he had to let see that memory, it had to be Seth and Paul? Quil was lucky Leah wasn't petty enough to show them some of the stupid involuntary faces he made when he came. Bastard.

Paul said, God, Sam finally decides to let Leah go, and now I gotta hear about her all the time from you instead.

Quil asked, What do you mean he let her go?

Paul explained, He said he talked to her today. He told her he wanted her to be happy, no matter who it's with. He said it was like a weight fell off of both of them.

Leah was stunned. So, Sam had felt it, too? What the hell was going on? Had Sam somehow kept me from imprinting completely until today? Is that what had happened with Hodie inside? Leah was confused, her mind overrun with questions. She hurt for Quil, too. Despite everything, her love for him had not faded. Not really. Her newfound feelings for Hodie seemed to overshadow it. It overruled it.

Had this been how Sam felt when he imprinted on Emily? Hell, maybe I did imprint on Hodie. What the fuck? Her head spun with more questions, making it hard to concentrate on staying silent. Rather than giving her presence away, she ignored the rest of their conversation and phased back abruptly. Leah dressed quickly, content that there was no danger nearby. She scowled, contemplating all she had just seen while she slowly walked back into the house.
The smell of the famous lasagna greeted her as she entered the kitchen, and Hodie was staring up at her happily from right where she had left him.

Hodie asked, "Is everything okay, Darlin?"

When Leah looked down into his eyes, her uneasiness began to fade. Leah smiled at him affectionately as she resumed her place at the table, allowing her disconcerted thoughts to drift away from the forefront of her mind.

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter as they had supper with Jacob and Bella. Leah and Jacob fed the kids while Hodie helped Bella clean up afterward. When asked why Embry had not joined them, Jacob said he was on patrol and planned to eat with Angie when she got home from work.

Suddenly Jacob chuckled and said, "Bella, Jared said Kim went to the doctor today." Bella raised an eyebrow at him, smirking.

Bella asked, "It's a boy, isn't it?"

Jacob nodded as he chuckled.

Leah grumbled, "Poor Beth and Sarah. They're going to be surrounded by boys."

Jacob said, "It will be like you and Emily when we were little."

Leah turned to grin at Sarah and teased, "Boys everywhere, honey. Yuck." Sarah laughed and slapped her hands on her highchair. Her excitement was shortly forgotten as she wobbled toward the spoonful of pureed lasagna Leah held.

Jacob grinned proudly at his daughter as Leah said, "Get it in there, Jacob Junior. This kid is going to turn into a lasagna noodle." She made a face at Sarah, who laughed in return. Leah scooped peas into Sarah's mouth and chuckled as she scrunched her face up in a scowl.

Leah pouted at Sarah and crooned, "I'm so sowwy, honey. Mama said you have to eat your peas." To Leah's chagrin, Sarah turned and grunted at her mother, sending Jacob into a fit of hysterical laughter. Leah was busy giving Sarah another bite as the crumpled end of a wet lasagna noodle smacked against her cheek and hung there. Sarah screeched out a peal of laughter that sent Jacob into another fit. Leah peeled the noodle from her cheek and tossed it at Bella before wiping her face.

After one of their silent signals, Jacob stood to carry Ethan to the nursery. Bella said, "Why don't you two go watch a movie or something. I'll finish feeding Sarah. She needs a bath afterward, anyway."

Leah asked, "You sure? I really don't mind."

Bella chuckled and said, "I know you don't. Sarah's gonna take a bath with momma in the great big tub."

Leah teased, "Until she falls asleep and Jacob puts her to bed before he climbs in, I know, I know." Hodie laughed as Bella's cheeks flushed, and she shrugged.

As Leah stood, she teased, "Don't forget to turn the radio on, sister." She took Hodie's hand and led him to the living room. She resisted the urge to scoff as she pictured Rachel and Kim gossiping about her and Quil. Her mind whirled as she contemplated everything that had happened in just a few days.
Six days, Leah.

Hodie asked, "You okay?" He sat on the couch waiting as she stared absently across the room. Leah blushed and sat down next to him.

She said, "Lost in thought." She forced a smile as she reached for the remote. "You want to choose?"

He said, "I chose the last one and fell asleep. Your turn." Leah scrolled through the selections quickly, grinning as he cringed when she hovered over a popular teenage vampire romance. She laughed and quickly moved to the Classics. Hodie stared at her incredulously, one eyebrow raised at her black and white selection.

Leah admitted, "Guilty pleasure."

Hodie pulled Leah against his side and kissed her forehead. "My mom loved this movie," Hodie said, grinning. Leah wrapped her arms around him and snuggled him close as they lay down on the couch together. The house went silent around them aside from the TV and radio. Hodie eventually drifted off, his arm around her waist and holding her back flush to his chest. Leah lowered the volume, content to focus on the movie and forget everything else.

The sound of the kitchen door opening caught her attention. Despite the background noise, Leah could still make out the sound of someone shuffling around the kitchen.

Embry and Angela must be home. Leah checked the time on the tv as she contemplated waking Hodie and dragging him to bed. Angie won't be home for at least another hour.

Leah grinned as she heard Embry say, "Sweet," followed by the sounds of him pulling items from the refrigerator. "I get chicken cacciatore tomorrow, too," Embry said, chuckling.

Quil teased, "You and Paul will both be huge someday."

Leah held her breath at the sound of his voice. Hodie stirred just slightly behind her, and she took slow, deep breaths as she pretended to focus on the TV. The scrape of a plate sliding into the microwave made her shiver, and Hodie instinctively tightened his arm around her.

Sarcastically, Embry said, "Like you don't eat as much as we do. Your poor mom is in the red from your potato chip habits alone."

Quil chuckled and said, "I know, it's ridiculous. Every time I eat over here, she talks about what a Godsend Bella is."

Embry asked, "So, can Claire cook at all?"

Tentatively, Quil said, "I uh, I don't know, actually." His voice lowered to a whisper as he said, "I don't know if I wanna talk about that shit when Leelee's in the house." There was an awkward pause, and Leah could practically swear she heard Embry roll his eyes.

Embry said, "First of all, listen." Leah kept her breath slow and steady as they were silent. Embry said, "They're asleep in there on the couch with the tv on. Just be quiet."

Quil whispered, "Hush before you wake her. She's a light-ass sleeper."

Absently, Embry mumbled, "Well, if he's her imprint, she's probably dead to the world right now." There was another awkward pause before he said, "Bro, I'm sorry." The microwave dinged. For a few minutes, only clinking dishes were heard.

Quil finally broke the silence and said, "I honestly don't know if Claire cooks or not, but I'm gonna beg Bella to teach her if she doesn't."

Embry said, "Angie's pretty decent. Bells and Emily have taught her quite a bit. I need them to start teaching me a thing or two. When we move into the old house, it won't only be her responsibility. You should take some lessons with me, bro. Make your fucking mom dinner."

Sarcastically, Quil said, "You're so funny." When Embry finally stopped laughing, Quil asked, "You think Leah will cook for him?"

Embry snickered then said, "We all know that Leah has no interest in being Susie Homemaker."

So that is what they think, huh? Good. Those hogs can feed themselves. Leah wanted her own family to care for one day, but she devoted enough time to her many pack responsibilities. She would help, of course, if Bella were to ask. Bella, however, rarely asked for help with anything outside of babysitting.

Quil said, "He's getting a damn good woman."

Say what? Quil wasn't exactly the type for paying compliments. He preferred backhanded, playful razzing to sentimental conversations.

Quil said, "I'm sorry, bro. I know you're sick of hearing it, but I fucked shit up so badly. I wish to fucking God I had never given in with Claire. She's sweet. I care about her, but I know it's because she cares about me. I honestly don't even know much about her. This stupid fucking imprint. If I could have chosen for myself, I would have picked the woman on that fucking couch. I don't give a damn if she can have kids or not. That bothered her, but it has never bothered me."

Leah fought to keep her breathing steady, blinking back tears. Again she wondered how she had managed to underestimate his love for her as much as she had. Leah felt wracked with guilt and yearned to throw her arms around Quil despite being right where she was supposed to be. Hodie has to be my imprint. What else could that crazy shit that happened today have possibly been? Was this how Sam had felt? Quil? Laying in the arms of someone perfect for you while you miss someone else, too? Some kind of gift from the spirits over here. Eternal trauma. Happily ever after, my ass. Leah rolled her eyes.

Embry said, "You're handling it a little better than you were earlier."

Quil said, "I calmed down a lot after I had some time to myself. Honestly, at this point, I don't know what else to do except pray like hell that he is good to her. Sam wasn't. I sure as hell wasn't."

Embry huffed, "You weren't exactly bad to her, Quil. You did what you thought was the right thing to do at the time."

Quil grumbled, "I should have just taken the ass beating from the start and insisted on fighting for her. She wanted me to fight for her."

Embry said, "To what end, Quil? You would both still be exactly where you are right now, bro. Port Angeles isn't far away. Hodie surfs in La Push. They would have crossed paths eventually, just like you and Claire."

Quil said, "Regardless, I just hope he treats her right. I can tell he's … enamored with her at least."

Embry reassured him, "I highly doubt she would fail to put him in his place if he didn't treat her well. He seems genuine, from what little I've seen. I don't think he would still be here after all that has happened this week if he didn't care about her."

Leah smiled, hugging Hodie's arm tighter around herself. Embry wasn't wrong. Hodie had handled the last week amazingly, all things considered. A few days ago, her immediate fear was that Hodie would run from her kicking and screaming. Now all she could focus on was Quil's heartbreak as he talked about her in the next room.

Quil chuckled and said, "Yeah, that's true. Do you," he hesitated, "Do you think it is ridiculous that despite all of it, I just want to do whatever will make her happy? I know it's not my right to want to protect her, but..." Quil huffed.

Embry said, "You want what is best for her because you love her. That is what love fucking is, bro. I love Angie, and she is everything to me. Her mental health, though? Has to be a priority. It has to be. I just want to keep her happy and safe."

Quil said, "She's your imprint, Em. That's what you're supposed to want to do."

Embry said, "She's my imprint, but I loved her before that. I wanted whatever was best for her before I ever phased for the first time. I knew there was something about Angie the second I met her. Between Ben and her momentary crush on Jake, she didn't see me at all at first. Jake and Bells had to practically point me out to her."

I knew it, Leah thought, biting back a grin.

Quil chuckled and said, "I swear to God, everyone in this fucking place is just a mess. You think she is still attracted to Jake?"

Surprisingly, Embry laughed. "I do. Jake does. Bella does. Angie does. She thinks Bella is hot, too. Nobody cares. If I wasn't in the picture, I honestly wonder if she would want to date them both."

Quil laughed and said, "Dude, you're missing opportunities."

Incredulously, Embry asked, "To what? Watch?" There was another silent pause before Embry laughed and muttered, "Shit."

Quil hissed, "Dude, you would watch Jake and Angie?"

Embry chuckled and said, "Nooooo. That's my brother. You're a sick fucker." Quil laughed as Embry said, "I don't wanna see any of my brothers going' at it, man. I would watch Angie and Bella, though."

Typical, Leah thought, rolling her eyes. It's a damn good thing I can keep secrets. At least when the guys gossip about shit, it's fucking funny. Leah huffed as she again thought of Rachel and Kim discussing her and Quil. She froze as everything in the kitchen went silent. Shit. Leah concentrated on making her breathing slow and even again. Eventually, she heard Quil chuckle softly, and dishes began clattering as someone loaded the dishwasher.

Quil whispered, "Do you think I'll always love her?"

Embry said, "I'm not sure, man. It's been three years, and Sam just named his kid after her."

Quil scoffed and said, "Yeah. What the hell do you think that was today? Do you think Sam had some weird Alpha hold over her he didn't realize, or what?" Leah wasn't surprised that Quil had drawn the same conclusion as she.

Embry said, "Hell, man, I don't know. I don't know what that crazy moment was with those two, either."

Quil said, "I've never heard the old man say anything about a partial imprint, but something definitely happened today. She looked just like Paul when he imprinted on Rachel. We both saw it."

Embry chastised him playfully, saying, "Yeah, you saw it. Howling and getting everyone riled up on the way."

Quil said, "I couldn't fucking help it. It just cut me so goddamned deep. I wasn't ready to hear her say that shit to someone else."

Embry sighed and said, "I know, bro. Come on. I'll give you a lift home before I go pick Angie up from work."

Quil said, "Better yet, just take me with you. I think I need a drink or ten."

Embry scoffed and asked, "You want to go listen to Paul's mouth?"

Bitterly, Quil said, "Nope. But, I'm nineteen. I look ten years older than the girl I can't date for two more years. The woman I'm in love with is with somebody else, and I can't get drunk without at least a fifth of something. And, since I'm underage, Paul's is the only place where I'll find it."

Embry grumbled, "Along with every thirsty girl on the Rez. What if he starts another fight?"

Quil said, "He won't. Not when I'm spending money at his place. Rach would stomp his ass first."

Embry said, "Please, he'd like it. That's just initiative."

Quil laughed and asked, "So, you wouldn't watch Angie with Jake, but what about Rachel?"

Twisting Quil's words, Embry said, "You really are a sick fucker."

Leah had to bite back a laugh. She heard the door shut behind them as they left. Leah sighed and lifted the remote to turn off the TV. Rather than dwelling on their conversation, Leah carefully turned to face Hodie. She was startled to find him awake, staring at her silently. As she resettled herself, Hodie pulled her against his chest. He slid his hand slowly down from her waist and over her backside, palming her lower ass cheek in his hand.

Leah whispered, "Did I wake you?"

Lust shot through her as he stared into her eyes. He lifted her leg over his hip before grinding his erection against her. "Hmmm, something did," he croaked out sleepily.

Leah pulled away from him and stood. She held her hand out to him and said, "Let's go to bed."

Hodie stood and stretched before taking her hand. He pulled her toward him long enough to kiss the tip of her nose before following her from the room. Leah swung the bedroom door closed behind them and intended to get ready for bed. She turned her back to him and reached to unbutton her jeans. She gasped as his arms engulfed her waist, stilling her hands. Hodie gently moved them away, unbuttoned her jeans, and slid down the zipper. He drew one hand up under her shirt to cup her breast as his other hand moved into her panties. Hodie rubbed his middle finger gently against her clit. The sensation jolted through her, and Leah moaned, leaning back against him. She reached up to cup the back of his head as Hodie lowered his mouth to her neck. He slid his hand lower, circling her opening with his finger before sliding two fingers upward inside of her. Hodie rubbed his palm against her clit as he bit down on her neck. Desire rolled through her body, putting her wolf in a frenzy. Her head spun, caught between the urge to both fight against him and submit entirely.
Hodie scraped his teeth over her earlobe and said, "Mmm, I love this hot little pussy, Darlin."

Oh my fucking God. Leah squirmed against his hand as he steadily pumped his fingers into her. Soaking wet and damn near frantic, she reached between them for his belt buckle. His soft, husky chuckle next to her ear made her shiver. "I need you," she panted, blindly working the clasp from behind her. When she finally pulled his belt apart, Hodie tugged on her nipple. Leah almost came right then and bit down on her bottom lip to keep from crying out in frustration.

Thank God the radio is still on. It would somewhat muffle their noises, at least. She growled as Hodie removed his hands from her body and dropped them to help pull off her shirt. He stopped her as she reached to unclasp her bra, turning her toward him to admire the black lace barely concealing her full breasts.

Hodie smirked at her and said, "That's hot, baby. Maybe you should leave that on for a little bit."

Leah giggled and rolled her eyes as she playfully pushed against his chest with her hand. She said, "You should take those clothes off before I do it for you."

His smile fell away as he grabbed her by the waistband of her jeans and roughly yanked her to him. She gasped as she crashed into him, his hands moving to grip her ass. Leah was thrown off for a moment as his tone with her entirely changed. He seemed almost angry, his voice threatening but heavily laced with lust as he said, "Is my Darlin little wolf going to eat me?"

The wolf immediately responded, creeping dangerously close to the surface as if Hodie had called right to it. Hodie was challenging her. Leah growled at him in warning, the warmth of the wolf flowing over her in waves.

He grinned at her wickedly as she locked her eyes on his. "There's my wolf," Hodie said, reaching up to brush the hair from her face.
Again, the world fell away for her as she unconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck. He crushed his lips to hers, and Leah kissed him back just as urgently. Hodie suddenly pushed her away and took a few steps back. It took a moment for Leah to think clearly as she watched him undress. Leah practically whimpered as she ogled at him, craving the warmth of his golden skin against hers. The resulting chuckle that came from him was frustrating. She ached to have him inside of her, his hands on her flesh and his gruff voice crooning out her name. Hodie removed his jeans and kicked them to the side as Leah finished undressing. Before he could say or do anything else, Leah was practically climbing him. Hodie braced her under her ass as Leah wrapped her legs around him. He carried her back to the bed, sitting on the edge with her in his lap. Leah put her feet on either side of his hips, rising just high enough to position him before sinking onto him. Both moaned as she slowly began to ride him. Her hands gripped his shoulders to balance herself. Her calve muscles burned as they bore the brunt of her weight. Hodie groaned in frustration as she climbed off of him to change position. Leah turned around and straddled him on her knees, facing away from him. Hodie guided himself into her, and she swiveled her hips as she arched back against him. He ran one hand up between her breasts, eventually wrapping it around her throat. With his other, he scraped his nails along her inner thigh and upward to her sex. As he worked her clit with his fingers, Leah trembled and whimpered. She struggled to keep her rhythm as her pleasure washed over her, and her walls clenched around him. Hodie remained rock hard inside of her, sliding his teeth down the back of her neck.

Panting, Leah said, "Lean back a bit and spread your legs." Biting his top lip and his head thrown back, he did as she instructed. When she bent forward between his legs and put her palms to the floor, he whimpered loudly and delivered a hard slap to her ass. Leah growled, slamming herself back against him.

Hodie made a gasping noise that made her pause. "Oh, fuck, baby. Please, don't stop," Hodie grunted, bucking into her as he scraped his nails down her back. Leah could barely contain her whimpers as she rocked against him. It was both pain and pleasure when he leaned forward to grab a handful of her hair, pulling it as he thrust back against her. Hodie abruptly let go to grip her thighs and stood, taking control. Trembling, Leah dropped down on her forearms as he held her lower body suspended with his hands. Leah moaned as he slammed home, the head sliding deliciously against just the right spot. His fingers dug into the flesh of her thighs as he pounded into her. She grunted and whimpered as the head of his cock bashed painfully against her cervix again and again. He slid one hand toward her clit, circling it with his finger as he pumped into her faster still. As he stopped and pinched it painfully, Leah shuddered violently with her second orgasm. He rammed himself into her a few more times, groaning out her name with his powerful release.

Hodie pulled out of her, and she turned to her back, slowly dropping her trembling legs to the floor. He sat down and collapsed back on the bed as he tried to catch his breath. On unsteady legs, Leah slowly stood and walked into the bathroom. Separated from the intense, lust-filled lure she felt toward Hodie, Leah shut and locked the bathroom door. Her mind was whirling, her heart ripped in half. Her connection with Hodie was so intense that it was frightening. The heartache she still carried for Quil was all the more frustrating now that she loved Hodie, too. For the first time, Leah felt a great deal of guilt for all of the grief she had given Sam after he had left her for Emily.

After using the bathroom, she peeked out to find Hodie under the blanket and sound asleep. She turned back into the bathroom to take a quick shower and hoped to clear her head.

Leah had not noticed the bedroom door, still slightly ajar. She had not heard the approaching footsteps under the noise of their lovemaking. Leah had not seen the shadow that had frozen a few feet outside the door. She did not know that her naked body had been on full display or seen the green eyes that burned with grief before hurrying away into the night.