Bella roused Leah Wednesday morning for work.

Hodie grinned as he woke, keeping his eyes squeezed shut as he stretched, and said, "Morning, beautiful." Leah moved to sit up, and he wrapped his arms around her, yanking her to him. She laughed as she tried to squirm away and landed heavily on top of Hodie.

Her words came out in a whoosh as Leah said, "Good morning." Hodie groaned and chuckled before peppering her face with kisses. She kissed him back briefly and sighed. Hodie pretended to pout as she pushed herself off of him, laughing. She said, "I have to get ready for work."

Sleepily, Hodie asked, "Sure you want to?" He covered his mouth with his fist and yawned.

Leah chuckled and said, "I have to. Awful hard to call off when you're sleeping at your boss's house." She grinned as Hodie climbed from the bed, still naked and now hard as a stone. He quickly pulled on the shorts he was supposed to have slept in, his socks, and sneakers. Leah asked, "Going for a jog?"

Hodie said, "Yeah, I think so." He walked over to kiss her cheek and ducked into the bathroom for a couple of minutes before heading out the door.
Leah yanked the sheets and pillowcases from the bed and carried them to the laundry room. She finished getting ready with enough time to run all of her stuff out to the car.

Bella had been waiting happily in the kitchen with coffee, waffles, and fruit for Leah. She ate quickly and attempted to clean up her mess, only to be shooed out instead. Leah went to the garage and began cleaning the lobby. As she checked through the baked goods for anything outdated, Quil practically stumbled through the door. He wore a hat and sunglasses, though the sun was out of sight through the heavy cloud cover that morning. Quil scowled when he saw her and groaned, rubbing his eyes under the glasses.

Leah asked him, "Are you alright?" She reached to touch his arm, and he jerked away from her. Surprisingly, the rejection still stung.

Stumbling toward the garage doors, he croaked out, "I'm fine." It was nearly ten minutes later when the sound of yelling began. Leah carefully headed toward the garage door with coffee for Jacob. She was nearly smacked by the door as Quil burst through it. Jacob followed on his heels as Quil walked briskly past her and out the door. Embry followed behind them a minute later, looking as confused as Leah felt. She set the cup of coffee on the office desk and chased Embry outside as more yelling ensued.

Embry yelled, "What the hell is going on? It's too early for this bullshit."

Jacob snapped, "Ask Quil!" He stomped past them and back inside.

Embry looked at Quil and said, "Bro?"

Quil grumbled, "Jake's pissed because I'm hungover."

Leah rolled her eyes and walked around to the back of the building, lighting a cigarette on the way. Quil and Embry both gaped at her in surprise for a second before continuing their conversation. Standing out of sight, Leah leaned against the back of the building quietly.

Embry whispered, "Did you know she started smoking again?"

Quil whispered back. "I didn't know shit. Is 'ole boy a smoker? Why am I even asking? Oh, for fuck sake." Leah couldn't help but grin as he spat out one of her favorite phrases.

Embry cackled and asked, "Can you do your fucking job today?"

Quil scoffed, "Of course, I can do my fucking job. I'll be just fine once I get some caffeine." His voice dropped to a whisper again as he said, " I just really am in no mood to see Leah today." Leah could hear the gravel crunching under their feet as they moved further away from her. They should have moved even farther.

Embry asked, "Man, what the hell happened last night, anyway? You went back in the house and wouldn't say a goddamned word when you came back out to the car."

Quil grumbled, "I walked in to grab my keys off the table, and heard … well, I didn't just hear them fucking. I could actually see them fucking."

No, no, no, no … I thought I shut the door! How did I not hear him come into the house? Of course, even asking herself that question was ridiculous. Leah had been entirely engrossed at the time.

Embry groaned sympathetically. Bitterly, Quil admitted, "Yeah, well, let's just say I finally understand how she felt when she heard Claire and me. I could beat my own ass for taking Claire to our spot like that. Yesterday was one of the worst fucking days I've ever had. I think I need to talk to Jake about maybe trading patrol times for a while. I need … some space or something."

Embry said, "That might not be a bad idea. Come on. Let's go talk to Jake. You seem a bit more awake, and he has probably calmed back down by now."

Leah heard them walk back inside and sighed with aggravation. She took no joy in Quil's pain. Leah knew how he felt all too well. She silently thanked the spirits that she had only found Emily sleeping that day at Sam's house. Leah didn't want to imagine what she would have done had she seen Sam pounding into Emily the way Hodie had done to Leah the night before. Leah had barely been able to handle overhearing Quil with Claire, and it had been nothing even close to what Quil had walked upon.

Everything is so fucked up. Leah could not blame him if Quil wanted distance to get his head straight. She hoped they would still patrol together in the morning. It was time for them to finish clearing the air. Leah still wasn't sure if Hodie was her imprint or not, but she had no intention of losing him any time soon, even if she still loved Quil, too. She already knew that Quil wasn't meant for her. It was ironic that she accepted it now that Quil had revealed how attached to Leah he was despite everything, including the imprint itself. Embry had been right the night before. Fate had made itself known six months ago when Quil imprinted on Claire. Leah would have come across Hodie at some point, too.

Probably instantly falling in love with the sexy bastard on the beach. Quil and I would have just hurt each other anyway. Wanting him to fight for her had been nothing but a pipe dream. Wasn't it? Leah didn't want to chase pipe dreams anymore. She wanted something solid, a partner that wanted her alone and loved her out loud. Leah wanted a family and a future with someone that would love her unconditionally until the day death took one of them away. The realization of these things, though they had always been things she had wanted, seemed to settle into her very soul. They weren't just the hopes of a teenage girl anymore. They were the very firm goals of a young woman who had seen more heartbreak than she should have in her short life.

Leah made her way back inside, poured her own cup of coffee, and headed to the office. The cup she had left for Jacob had been drunk already, a light brown ring soaked into the papers underneath it. He had already had coffee at home and was practically bouncing with energy as he worked on a part order. Leah shut the office door behind her and sat down.

Still focusing on the screen, Jacob asked, "What's up?"

Leah said, "I know Quil wants to change his patrol times. You can change mine around instead. I'll figure things out if you do. I just want to make this easier on everyone, honestly." Jacob stopped clicking and turned his chair to face her.

Jacob said, "Are you sure about that? You have a pretty set schedule and barely get enough sleep as it is. I was actually thinking about giving Seth your Thursday patrols so you can rest. I would still like for you to stay somewhere on Fridays, too, since we need to worry about vamps in the area with Hodie being a singer."

Leah grinned and said, "Well, look at you with a solution already."

Jacob said, "I've been thinking about it for days, actually. Sue already asked me if I could find something for Seth to do. He got bored with his cooking lessons with Bells and Emily. There are no yards for him to mow in October, and I think your mom would like some more alone time with Charlie if we are being honest." Both laughed, and Leah shook her head.

Leah said, "I bet she is loving the little vacation from me, even if she was worried."

Jacob smirked and said, "Charlie being around has helped, I think. You two have a good relationship."

Leah admitted, "I think Charlie is the piece we always needed. No offense to my Dad. I love him, but they should have divorced when we were kids. Charlie gives mom peace. He always has."

Jacob said, "I've thought about that too. I'm not saying he didn't still love Renee for a long time, but I don't think she is why he stayed single all those years."

Leah nodded and said, "You think he was secretly waiting for my mom." He seemed surprised as she grinned up at him and said, "Me, too. He was too damned good to steal her from my Dad. Charlie loved Dad, too."

Jacob said, "Yeah, he did. It is funny, isn't it? Imprinting is just insane, but that is nothing compared to what our hearts can do to us all by themselves. I don't think it is such an uncommon thing for people to be in love with two people at once anymore."

Incredulously, Leah asked, "You trying to tell me something, bro?"

Jacob laughed, his cheeks reddening as he shook his head no. "Bells is still my one and only, Lee. Don't worry."

Leah said, "I would never think otherwise, Jake. You two can't keep your hands off each other. Neither one of you leaves enough space for anyone to even try coming between you."

Jacob wagged his eyebrows suggestively and said, "That's kind of the idea." Her loud laughter had Quil and Embry looking over toward the office. Jacob pointed it out to Leah on the security screen. "Nosy fuckers," Jacob said and laughed.

Leah said, "We all are, honestly. We all bitch about it but none of us can mind our own damn business. Ugh, speaking of which ... I would like to ask a favor."
Jacob chuckled nervously and asked, "What would that be?"

Leah said, "Let me have patrol alone with Quil in the morning. I promise I'll be there. I'm gonna go home tonight after I take Hodie home. I really want a chance to talk with Quil privately. I don't want to fight with him or anything like that. I really just want to find some peace for both of us."

Leah waited, smirking at the frown Jacob always wore when calculating something. She said, "Jake, what are you thinking? You look like you're trying to poop over there. You're going to burst a blood vessel or something."

Jacob burst out laughing and shook his head at her. He said, "Well, we've had a few trails lately. I would rather still be patrolling, too. If all seems clear, you two can chit-chat for a little while. I'll stick to the outskirts while you do, just in case. Quil can patrol afterward. You can do whatever until you come here. Quil and I can spread further out when Paul phases in later. Are you good with that?"

Leah said, "I'm great with that. It sounds kind of perfect, actually."

Jacob said, "Yeah, well, if I'm gonna take you off Thursday patrols, I figure we might as well just start now."

Carefully, Leah said, "You know, there will come a day when I want to stop phasing, Jacob. It will be much sooner than most of the wolves. I'm not saying right now or any time soon. I'm needed, and I know that. I would never stop being helpful or loyal to our family, Jake. I would still work here and help with the kids or whatever else I could. I want my own, though. I'll never even know if that is possible until I stop phasing. I would obviously like to get my own place first ... Get married someday, I don't know. I still care about Quil, but we both have to get past this. I really love Hodie, too."
Jacob was silent for a moment, contemplating all that she had said. Jacob knew these were things she wanted for herself someday. He was her cousin and one of her oldest friends despite being a few years younger than her. The age difference between them didn't matter now, but it had seemed enormous only a few short years ago.

Jacob asked, "Do you think Hodie is your imprint?" He leaned back in his chair, glancing at his empty coffee cup. Leah handed him hers, which she had only managed to take a sip out of anyway.

Leah said, "I don't know, Jake, but something happened. You know, I felt this crazy sense of being unshackled when Sam said he was going to try to let me go. Then, it was almost like a reverse feeling with Hodie. I loved it and hated it all at the same time. The wolf was going crazy, but all I could see right then was Hodie. I swear to God, my heart literally skipped a beat or three."

Shaking his head, Jacob said, "That is… crazy. It could be that female shifters get to choose who they are tied to."

Leah scoffed and said, "That would mean Sam couldn't let go of me until I was ready for him too. I have been ready for a while, chief."

Jacob offered, "Maybe until he said it, the wolf didn't accept it."

She said, "Well, that is food for thought, I guess." Leah glanced up at the security screen, seeing customers entering the lobby. "I guess I'll get back to work. Thank you for the chat, Jake."

Jacob refocused on his ordering as he said, "Any time, Sis." Leah grabbed the empty coffee cup and headed out to greet her customers.

When it was time for her break, she sprinted to the house and moved the bed linens to the dryer before attempting anything else. Leah found Hodie chatting in the living room with Bella, Angie, and the kids. Hodie hopped up to greet her, giving her a kiss that damn near made her toes curl.
Before Angela could say anything, Leah pointed at her and said, "Shut it, Paris."

Hodie laughed and asked, "How are things going over there?" He had showered and dressed for work already. His face was unshaven, the stubble thicker along his jawline and chin. Leah reached up to rub her thumbs against the bristly growth, grinning.

Leah said, "That's kinda nice." Hodie glanced over at the other two watching them and actually blushed.

Hodie said, "That doesn't answer my question."

Bella giggled and said, "There's lunch in the fridge for you, Leah." Leah stuck her tongue out at her sister and pulled Hodie behind her towards the kitchen. Bella had made her a loaded sub sandwich, and Leah offered half of it to Hodie.

He waved her off and rubbed his belly. He said, "No thank you, Darlin'. I already ate a whole one by myself."

Leah snagged a bottle of water and sat down to eat. When finished with her sandwich, she said, "So I got some good news today. Jacob is taking me off Thursday patrols, which means I will only work in the lobby on those days.

Hodie grinned and said, "I'm off on Thursdays."

Leah teased, "I know. Maybe we can go on a real date finally."

Hodie leaned across the counter from where she sat and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "That sounds like a great idea," Hodie said. "So patrol, huh?"

Leah said, "Yeah. That is the other little secret of my schedule, Hodie. The mysterious third job. The wolves patrol La Push to keep Vampires away. At least two wolves are patrolling at all times. That's the whole reason Jake and Bella told you it was safer here. We do our best to keep everyone safe."

Hodie said, "You probably should have been a cop."

Leah said, "Nah. Not that I wouldn't like it. It's just really hard to keep a gun and badge pinned to your fur."

Hodie roared with laughter and shook his head at her. He said, "Well, maybe we can get these guys out, too." Hodie pointed his thumb toward the living room and added, "Seems like they could use a night out. Everybody around here seems to just bust ass all the time."

Leah said, "They do. Bella and Emily cook for everyone. The guys either work at the Garage or at Paul's bar. The shifters who don't have jobs end up patrolling more often than the others."

Hodie asked, "So why is Jacob taking you off on Thursdays?"

Leah confessed, "Quil. He's trying to get past everything and needs space. I offered to adjust my schedule if it was necessary. Jake already had a solution, though."

Hodie grumbled, "I thought he had a new girlfriend?" He offered an apologetic smile, and Leah reached out to squeeze his hand.

She said, "He does, sort of. Her father won't let them date right now."

Hodie asked, "How old is he again?"

Leah tried to hold back her cringe. Quil looked older than Hodie if she was being entirely honest. He would need to keep phasing for at least ten more years for his age to catch up to his appearance. Leah admitted, "He's nineteen."

Hodie gaped at her in surprise and asked, "None of you look your ages, do you?"

Leah said, "No. Sam is twenty-three and Emily is twenty-five. Paul and Jared are my age at twenty-one. Jacob, Embry, and Quil are all nineteen. Well, Jacob is almost nineteen. Seth is seventeen.

Hodie asked, "So, how old is this girl?"

Leah said, "Uh, sixteen."

Hodie said, "That's not too terrible."

Leah said, "It is a weird combination as far as their personalities are concerned, but he cares about her. He can't help it."

Hodie frowned and said, "And he still loves you, too. I feel for the guy. He's got a lot going on, huh?" Leah looked at Hodie in awe. He kept surprising her with his empathy and optimism, even when his jealousy was apparent. Hodie was her opposite in so many ways.

Maybe he is my imprint. They're supposed to balance you, right? Be your perfect match? Leah stood and moved around the counter to embrace him. Hodie grinned before pressing his lips to hers. He wrapped his fists around the bottom of her shirt as he pulled her flush against his chest. Leah was lost in him for a moment before the back door shut behind her. She pulled away and turned quickly to see who it was. She chuckled with relief as Embry grinned at them.

As he walked through the kitchen, Embry said, "I swear. Esme, put some kind of spell on this fucking kitchen. Folks are always macking in here." Hodie laughed, although he was watching Leah suspiciously.

Leah asked, "What? You okay?" She anxiously moved away to clean up her mess.

Bluntly, Hodie asked, "You were worried that it was Quil, huh?"

Leah looked up at him apologetically and nodded. It was pointless to lie to Hodie when he could sense it somehow. Leah said, "I just worry about causing anybody any more pain than necessary, Hodie. He has already hurt enough. I love you, and I have no intention of hiding that. I just don't want to rub it in his face, either. Quil has a bad temper when he gets jealous. I'm really tired of fighting."

Hodie narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously and asked, "He's not, like, abusive with you or anything, is he?"

Leah scoffed, shaking her head. "No, of course not. Quil just says mean shit when he is jealous. Such as the text message bullshit, for example."

Hodie visibly calmed, nodding his head in understanding. He said, "I've been known to lose my shit a time or two when I get jealous. You being so open about everything now really helps with that, though. I appreciate it. I would rather know the truth, even when it hurts me. Lies hurt more."

Leah put her plate into the dishwasher and leaned in to kiss his cheek. She said, "I agree. Love you. I have to get back to work." He gave her a dazzling smile and headed back toward the living room with the others as she walked out the door.

Quil avoided Leah for the entire day. She and Hodie had thanked Jacob and Bella for all they had done before heading to Port Angeles that evening.
They were cheerfully greeted when they arrived at work, and the shift passed quickly. Tom came out of his office to praise Alice, who had come by the club several times to talk to the dancers about the costume situation. Alice had even shown her plans to Tom to seek his approval. Hodie was busy cleaning glasses, though he could hear their conversation. When Tom asked if she had decided to dance or not, she glanced anxiously at Hodie, who happened to look toward her simultaneously.

Leah took a deep breath and sighed. Please, don't let this start a fucking fight. She said, "I think I'm going to do it." She could see Hodie tense up in her peripheral vision, though he continued with his chore. "Only once. For Rick," Leah clarified. "In whatever Alice puts me in. She knows me and my comfort level by now, and I trust her for that."

Tom beamed at her. "Excellent," he said enthusiastically, though he had glanced toward Hodie as well. "I also thought more about the band idea."

Leah admitted, "That came from Hodie."

Tom said, "Well, it was too late to get one with all of the Halloween parties going on that weekend. I did find a DJ with great reviews that had someone cancel his gig. The DJ can be placed in the rear of the center stage instead of a band. That will give the dancers more room to move around anyway."

Leah grinned and said, "That's great! I think we could find some people to auction off for dates."

Laughing, Tom said, "That is hilarious, but I'm not sure anyone around here is single."

Leah asked, "None of the dancers? What about Tricia?"

Tom barked out a loud laugh, causing others to glance at him in surprise. He said, "Tricia took your advice, and had a date with Chelsea after work Saturday. It seems to have gone well."

Leah cackled at the news, genuinely happy for them both. She suggested, "We could have people sign up to be auctioned when they come in. We could pass around a little signup sheet with the customers. We could do the same thing for a wet t-shirt contest. Patrons could put money in jars for the contestant they think should win. The one that makes the most keeps their jar of money, and then the other jars go to Rick."

Tom chuckled at Leah again and said, "Alright, alright. We will figure it out. Thank you, Leah. I'm glad you and Hodie are feeling better, by the way. We missed you both around here."

Leah grinned and said, "It was only a few days."

Tom winked at her and said, "Well, some of us know quality company when we find it. Have a good night, Leah." He stood and said goodnight to the others before heading back to his office.

Leah helped the others a bit and then headed out to the lot for a smoke. She looked up from lighting her cigarette to the sound of a deep chuckle. The native vampire was walking toward her on his way through the lot. Leah smirked at him and asked, "How are you?"

He gave her a curious look as he paused. "Still dead," he answered, and she laughed. He said, "I see you haven't quit."

Leah said. "Nah. I could, honestly. I just really like them." The vampire shook his head and actually grinned.

He asked, "I bet you are a stubborn one, aren't you?" She nodded her admittance as she took a drag from her cigarette. "Give your Alpha my regards," he said sarcastically, and Leah laughed again as he walked away.

Hodie's voice called out from behind her, "Hey? Are you ready to go?"

Offering him a drag from her cigarette, she said, "Yeah."

He took it from her, nodding toward where the vampire had gone. "Who was that?"

Leah said, "Some Vamp that stays in the area. I'm pretty sure he lived nearby when he was human. He has yellow eyes, though. I wouldn't worry about him."
Hodie remained silent on the ride to his house, anxiety rolling off of him in waves. Leah followed him upstairs to grab the remainder of the items she had left there from Alice. Leah quickly sorted through them, filling only a couple of bags with all of her stuff and depositing the rest of the bags in the dumpster. Hodie helped her, escorting her back to the car.

Finally breaking his stoic silence, Hodie huffed and asked, "Are you sure you really want to do the dance?"

Calmly, Leah said, "Yeah, Hodie. I do. Not just because others want me to, either. It is to make money for Rick for the most part ... but it's partly for me, too."

Bluntly, Hodie asked, "Why?"

Leah said, "More or less to prove to myself that I can do it. That I don't have to be afraid of it."

Hodie narrowed his eyes at her in disbelief. He said, "Baby, you take on fucking vampires. Are you telling me you're afraid of a dance?"

Leah admitted, "I wanted to be a professional dancer, Hodie. I lost all my confidence with it. I don't want to be a dancer anymore, but I would like to get my confidence back."

Hodie nodded to indicate he understood and sighed. "I still have a bad feeling about it, Leah. I worry something shitty is going to happen while you are up there. I can't explain it, but it is the same feeling I had the other night."

Leah wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning against him as she asked, "That feeling of dread?"

Hodie nodded and said, "I just want you to be safe. If it is something you really want, I'll get the fuck over it. I'm going to be on edge all night until it's over with, though. I'm just saying, Darlin. Don't be surprised. I'll do my best to stay cool, but-"

Leah pressed her lips to his, interrupting him. As she pulled away, she said, "I understand. I appreciate you being concerned and that you're trying to be supportive. I was worried we would fight."

Hodie said, "Darlin', I already told you. The decisions you make about your life are yours. I honestly feel you would ask for my interference if you wanted it. Until you do, I'm just going to do my best to cheer you on. It's no less than I hope you would do for me."

Leah hugged him tightly against her again, not wanting to leave his side. "I'm going to have to stay around here more often," Leah said. "I hate leaving you here alone, and I'm worried as hell about it. I didn't realize it until now, but I really think you shouldn't be unprotected."

Hodie said, "I haven't survived being a singer this long by sheer luck, you know? I have my tricks."

Playfully, Leah asked, "Do you, now? Think you might show me one day?"

Hodie kissed her again and said, "I hope that never happens, but yeah. It is possible." They stood that way for a while, locked in each other and neither wanting to let go. Eventually, Leah couldn't stall any longer. She needed to get home, do laundry, and still get up early enough to have a chat with Quil before work. She kissed Hodie goodbye once more and drove toward LaPush, feeling as if she had left half of herself behind.