When Leah and Quil arrived, the entire pack besides Seth was waiting. Everything packed in her car was moved into the spare bedroom. Leah was trying to organize the resulting chaos, sending Quil to the kitchen and out of her way. She texted her mom to let her know she would be moving in at Bella and Jacob's. Her reply was ecstatic, happy to have her daughter home again. Afterward, Leah went back to her task, listening to the voices filtering through from the kitchen.

She could hear the scrape of the chair as Quil sat down, and Paul asked, "Not ready to let her sleep alone yet?"

Quil said, "Bro, the Leech needs to think she chose me. It flat out told her that this morning. Aside from last night, she has slept alone for a while. I'll go when she wants me to."

Leah's stomach dropped from the twinge of bitterness she could hear in his voice. Go fucking where? Back home? Leah wasn't ready for that. She looked down at the piles of clothing she was folding and wondered when she had just assumed Quil would be staying with her. Leah didn't have a damn clue where life would take them moving forward. If the last twenty-four hours had taught her a fucking thing, it was that she was every bit as much in love with the goofy bastard as ever.

Leah refocused on their conversation as Paul said, "That's fucking bogus, and you know it."

"Paul," Sam said in warning.

Paul responded, "Damn it, Sam. Don't you start!"

Leah didn't need to be in the kitchen to visualize the looks on their faces. Jared was probably stuffing his face with an oversized muffin, looking like Michael Jackson with a tub of popcorn.

Sam grumbled, "Surely if I can mind my own damn business about Leah and Quil, you can." Leah had to stifle her laughter as she continued sorting through the mass of clothing.

Jacob said, "You have been doing well with that."

Sam said, "Well, I'm done breaking promises to Leah. Look, I know now that Quil had a part in helping her heal after all the shit that I put her through. If Quil makes her happy…" Sam didn't need to finish the thought to be understood. Leah was half tempted to run to the kitchen and hug the motherfucker. He had been making an effort, and she appreciated it. She was not sure if her future would end up with Quil or Hodie, but having the pack support either way brought her a sense of peace she had not known in three years.

"Thanks, man," Quil said quietly. "I just want her to heal and make sure Leah stays safe while she does it. If Hodie comes back here looking for her, she might choose him. I have to be fucking real about that shit."

Paul asked, "Well, what the fuck about the last two days?"

Quil's voice lowered in irritation as he said, "Shit happens, Paul. Lee and I are on the same page. That is all that matters right now."

Paul scoffed in aggravation. "Well, damn. I was hoping to help ya both get some, buddy," Paul teased and cackled.

That's it. Paul had grown on Leah a great deal over the last month, but she could hear the tension building in Quil's voice, and the conversation would only get more vulgar until Paul knew what he wanted to know. Leah walked into the kitchen and straight over to Quil. Before she could lose her nerve, Leah bent down, fisted his shirt at the collar, and kissed him square on the lips. Quil looked stunned as Leah pulled away. While ignoring the raucous and surprised reactions of the pack, Leah gave him the most dazzling smile she could muster. Quil chuckled and shook his head as she let go of his shirt.

Leah turned to a grinning Paul and said, "One day at a time is what this is right now. Got it? Mind your business and quit meddling, Lahote." The rest of the pack laughed as she left the room and went back to sorting clothing.

Jacob said, "Now, that was more like our Leah."

Quil admitted, "She's getting better. I'm not sure what clicked for her tonight, but something did. I left the house for a couple of minutes and found her like this. Leah said something snapped into place. She was pissed off. Never thought I would say it, but it was good to see it." Laughter filled the air again, and Leah wondered where Bella and Sarah were.

Jared asked, "So, what about the Claire situation?"

Sounding genuinely confused, Quil asked, "What situation?"

Paul said, "Oh, please, dude. You know what situation. The imprint shit."

Jacob asked, "Have you heard from her at all?"

Quil said, "Nope. It's only when I see her in person that I even think about it. I have not seen her since her dad threatened to kill my ass. It's fine by me, though. I never wanted it in the first place."

Paul guffawed and mumbled, "You wanted something."

Quil's tone hardened as he warned, "Don't!" There was a long pause filled only with an annoyed sigh from Jacob. Quil continued, "I know I'm a piece of shit for what I did, and I get that. Even if what happened was never my intention, that isn't an excuse. In a way, I took my pain over Leah out on Claire, and that never should have happened. I don't want to be with her. She deserves to be with someone that actually wants to be with her."

Jared asked, "But, not seeing her? Doesn't it hurt at all?"

Quil said, "No. It did at first, but now it is like she wants me to stay away from her. Claire is pissed at me for avoiding her since that night, and she has every right to be. I honestly don't have the urge to see her at all."

Sam grumbled, "She has a new boyfriend, Quil. Some kid in her class at school."

There was only sincerity in his voice as Quil said, "Good. I'm glad she's moved on. I hope it works out for her."

Embry said, "Maybe you broke the imprint somehow. If we are supposed to be what they need us to be ..."

Quil said, "Well, if that is the case, then I hope she keeps not needing me. Claire is a sweet girl, and some of you guys have gotten very lucky with your imprints. Some of us, on the other hand …"

Agreeing, Sam said, "For some of us, it was hell. Even if things are good now, we went through a lot of bullshit to get here. And honestly? If there is a way to keep from bringing Claire into this until later on, I'm for it."

Later on? Did Sam think it was inevitable? Between the imprint and mutual family connections, it was always possible that Claire and Quil might reconnect later on. Rather than jealousy, Leah could only feel sympathy for Quil. He didn't love Claire now, but he could. Someday. Again, Leah thought about how they were stuck in this limbo together. It was ironic that Quil had wanted to dance with her so badly. It seemed to be all they did, dancing around their situations and each other. They had done so from the beginning.

Do you want to dance?

Why? You don't have any rhythm.

The memory of the conversation they had as she walked to her car that day nearly brought her to tears. It was the same day she met Hodie, the day that everything had changed. No wonder he made that comment about not having rhythm, she thought. Damn you, Leah Clearwater, and your big-assed mean mouth. He was already insecure about his bad dancing and thought highly of what he had seen Leah do. Quil put my stupid ass up on a pedestal, and I basically kicked him from it. Leah huffed at herself angrily. Leah couldn't help but feel angry with Quil, too. He had pushed her away for so long, only to speak up again at the worst possible time. She thought of his words the night before.

I told you that he would fuck up and when he did, you would come and find me.

He had been right, in a way. Leah needed him far more than she had ever expected to need him again. So why then did she have to love Hodie so damn much, too? Am I that fucking desperate for someone to love me that I fall for anyone who dares even try? Leah scoffed, irritated with herself and the negative attitude she had worked so hard to get rid of. The Leech's manipulations were still fucking with her, she knew. She closed her eyes and took a calming breath, pushing her worries to the back of her mind.

What the hell did you just say in the kitchen, Leah? One day at a time.

"You okay?"

Leah jumped at her sister's voice. She looked up at Bella, who leaned in the doorway holding a very sleepy Sarah. Leah held her arms out, and Bella carefully transferred her daughter into Leah's arms.

"Oof," Leah whispered. "I've missed a whole month. I feel like she has gained a ton. Beth is still so tiny. Guess it made me forget how much my little monster weighs." Leah rocked from side to side on the floor, and Sarah yawned against her chest.

Bella said, "She's missed you."

Leah grinned and asked, "How can you tell?"

Bella said, "She watches the screen door a lot. I think she's looking for you. Besides that, Momma is nowhere close to coming out of her mouth. Eee is, though."

Leah had to bite back a laugh and whispered, "Sorry."

Bella grinned and said, "Don't be. I'm glad you're home."

Leah asked, "Even if I'm bringing danger and Quil's loud ass with me?"

Bella said, "Sure. Though you should know, Billy may be moving in before long."

Leah asked, "Really? Wants to escape before the twins get there, and the screaming doubles, doesn't he?" Bella giggled and nodded. Leah said, "He's never home anyway. For a man in a wheelchair, he sure is actively social. This just means we will see Charlie more. I'm cool with that."

Bella said, "I'm glad you and Charlie are close, Leah."

Leah said, "I know I've never asked, but do you care that we call him Dad now, too? Me and Seth?"

Bella scowled at Leah and rolled her eyes. "Oh yes," Bella said sarcastically. "I just hate the smile you two put on his face, too. It's terrible." Leah laughed and stuck her tongue out at her playfully. Bella held her hands out for her daughter and said, "I'll go put her in bed. I'll see you in the morning?"

Leah said, "You bet. I'm going to go talk to Jacob about getting back to work at the garage."

The sound of chairs scraping the floor and loud men shuffling their way out the back door made Sarah stir. She whimpered crankily against Bella's shoulder. "Shoot," Bella hissed and then sighed as she walked toward the nursery.

Leah walked to the kitchen and shook her head as Jacob finished off a cup of coffee. She laughed and said, "You're a serious coffee addict."

Jacob snickered and leaned against the counter. He said, "You're one to talk. It was the first thing you asked for after four days of incoherence."

"Touche," Leah said. "Which reminds me, I left my creamer at the guesthouse." Jacob rolled his eyes and moved over to sit by her on the island. Leah asked, "Where was Seth tonight? Where did Quil go?"

Jacob scratched his head and said, "Uh, well …" He hesitated nervously, obviously concerned about giving her what could be bad news.

Leah sighed and said, "Just spill it, Jacob."

Jacob grumbled, "Colin phased today."

Leah scowled bitterly and sarcastically thought, Great. "Jacob," she asked, "When did he phase?"

Jacob admitted, "Around the same time that you tried and could not do it. We think the Leech got trapped in the house overnight. It was waiting for a chance to get you by yourself. I think that was why he mimicked Sarah. It got my attention so that I would leave the front room, and it could sneak out."

Leah asked, "You guys think him being so close by for a full day was enough to finally trigger Colin to phase?"

Jacob said, "Well, Colin was here at the wedding. He hid in Billy's room with Brady and Seth, eating and watching TV most of the time. I think the vamp was either in the closet in your room or the coat closet behind the front door. A few people left early because of the snow, so it could have pretended to be one of them to get in the house. No one would have questioned it."

Leah gaped at him and asked, "Seriously? What the fuck?" Why the hell does it want to fuck with me so badly? Why isn't this bastard looking for Hodie instead?

Jacob said, "Hey, Sis. None of that shit is your fault, either. So don't go there." Leah huffed, looking away from him. She was almost aggravated that he knew her so well.

Jacob said, "Quil said something about the tick needing to think you chose him. What is that about?" Leah stood and walked to the fridge. She began searching for the leftover containers and told Jacob about the dream while she made herself a plate.

Without skipping a beat, Jacob asked, "Do you intend to listen?"

Leah scowled at him as she shut the microwave door a little louder than intended. "You know, Quil asked the same goddamned question," she said and hit the reheat button. "It bothered me more then, but I still don't like it."

Jacob laughed and said, "Hey, I just wanna know if you have some kind of plan because of this tick. What happens with you and Quil or Hodie is none of my damn business."

Leah grinned over at him as she put the containers back in the refrigerator. She said, "Well, that is a good thing because I don't have a plan for that at all. As far as the vamp goes, Hodie and I had a plan. He was going to run until he lost this thing and then come here to be with me. I planned to protect him, you know? Then this thing tricked me and beat my ass. I truly believe Hodie thinks I'm dead. I want this Leech to move on and leave all of us here alone. I hope all that trouble to intimidate me this morning just means he will kick rocks. He saw for himself that Quil and I are definitely more than friends."

Jacob asked, "Definitely more? Last night wasn't just a drunk one-nighter for you two?"

She admitted, "It was supposed to be, but I'm not sure now. I mean, it was last night, maybe. This morning? Definitely not." Jacob barked out a loud laugh that made her cheeks turn red. The microwave dinged, allowing her to put her back to him for a minute while she retrieved her food. Leah sat back down next to Jacob to eat. The back door swung open, and Quil shook a bottle of coffee creamer at her before putting it in the fridge.

Leah asked, "What the hell did you do? Go to your mom's?"

"Of course," he said, grinning. "You are a crank in the morning. I would rather make Mom mad than you." Leah choked as she laughed and covered her mouth while she coughed. Quil rolled his eyes at her and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. He handed it to Leah and asked, "Jake, you sure it's cool that I'm here with her for a while?"

"Shut the fuck up," Jacob teased, waving him off. "If Leah can put up with your ass, I can. Thanks for not slamming the door, by the way."

Quil stared at Leah as he said, "Old dogs can learn new tricks. How is it on day two?"

Leah laughed and asked, "The stuffing? Amazing. I wonder if I can convince Emily to make some chili."

Quil said, "Jake, I think someone's appetite might be coming back."

Leah rolled her eyes and teased, "Being easily annoyed sure is." Quil walked over and kissed the top of her head before leaving the room. Her mind trailed back to Colin and the timing of his first phase. Leah asked, "Do you think Colin phasing when I couldn't means that …"

Jacob finished her sentence and said, "That you really can't anymore? Like he took your place somehow?"

Nodding, Leah said, "Yeah." She sighed down at her plate as her interest in eating more disappeared.

Though he spoke quietly, Leah and Jacob could hear Quil say, "That's her half-full signal, Jake. Make her eat like five more bites."

Leah grumbled, "Who are you? My father?"

Quil barked out a laugh. "No, but you're welcome to call me Daddy if you're into that," he mumbled back, and Leah choked for a second time. Jacob buried his face into his arm to muffle his laughter as Leah stood to scrape her plate into the trash.

Leah warned Jacob, "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

Jacob guffawed and said, "Same to you, sister. Do you want to work a few hours at the garage tomorrow? See how well you handle it back on a half-day?"

Leah gave Jacob a brilliant smile. "I'd love to," she said as she rinsed her plate before putting it in the dishwasher. "I've been bored as hell for weeks. It is hard to not dwell when there is nothing else to do. I don't even know what is in my savings anymore. I told Rose today that I was serious about building a house behind this place. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, though."

Jacob said, "Leah, we would love it. Bells would love it, for sure. She likes having you close."

Leah said, "I know she does. I pretty much abandoned her for the last month, didn't I?"

Jacob reassured her, "Bells understands more than you know. She isolated herself for months after Ed left her and Victoria chased her around. She's just glad you're home now. Me, too."

Leah said, "Thanks, Alpha. I'll see you in the morning, I guess."

"Goodnight, Leah," Jacob said as she left the room. Leah went to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Quil was already asleep by the time she reached the bedroom. Leah shut and locked the door before undressing. She slid in between the sheets and sighed, hoping that for tonight, at least, the dream world would leave her be.

Leah was thrilled to be back at work the following day. The amount of work that had been slacked off in her absence was almost offensive. Jacob was behind on orders, and without Quil or Rose there to help over the last month, the schedule was four full days behind. Leah got busy cleaning the lobby, tossed outdated baked goods, and ended up physically tired much sooner than she had expected. Rose showed up mid-morning to help put a dent into the repair schedule. Quil stayed busy in the garage, and Leah spent the rest of her shift returning calls, largely uninterrupted. She assumed Jacob or Quil had told Emily about her request when Emily dropped off a crockpot full of Chili for everyone at the garage. All in all, it was a productive day, and Leah was happy to be back at it.

Leah quickly got back into her routine, and before she knew it, a week had flown by. Sue and Charlie brought her dresser and other belongings from her childhood home. Her ancient wooden bed frame was given to Jacob. He planned to refinish it and get a new mattress before taking it back to Sue for Sarah and Ethan to use when they slept over. Despite what happened after the wedding and the next day, Quil had seemed distant. Leah supposed he was trying to keep his promise by only asking her to give him that one night. Since then, he had not attempted to be intimate with her at all. He slept at her side or on the couch and paid attention to whatever she needed, but her torn heart craved more than that. Though her dreams remained somewhat jumbled, her memories no longer confused her. There had been no sign of the tick all week, leading Leah to believe she had been correct about the final warning.

By the following Saturday evening, Leah was eager to enjoy herself somehow. Missing the club and her many coworkers there, Leah convinced Quil, Jacob, and Bella to accompany her for a couple of hours. Sarah was dropped off with her grandparents for the night, and the four piled into the Nissan.

Leah instructed Jacob to park in the rear lot with her coworkers. Though she doubted anyone would check, Leah did not recognize the new bouncer at the front door. She was the only person among the party legally old enough to enter. They followed Leah through the back door and into the bar. Tricia ran out from behind the bar and almost bowled Leah over as she threw her arms around her. Leah chuckled anxiously and hugged the girl back so that she would let go.

Tricia gushed, "You look so much better." She glanced up behind Leah and seemed surprised to find Quil standing behind her. "Uh, hey, Quil."

Leah tried to ignore the twinge of aggravation that threatened to sour her mood. Somehow, over a month later, the memory of Quil leaving with Chelsea and Tricia still cut. His cockamamie scheme the next day hadn't helped, either. Ugh. Maybe not remembering some shit was better.

Leah forced a smile and said, "How is your girlfriend?"

Tricia glanced up toward the stage and shrugged. "Fine," she said. "We miss you around here."

"BRO!"

Leah turned toward the front door as Emmett and Rose walked in, gaining the attention of almost everyone in the place. Jacob raised his hand in acknowledgment and pulled Bella behind him through the crowded room toward them.

Leah asked Quil, "Did you tell them we were coming?" He winked at her and grinned before returning to silently observing the room.

Tricia said, "Go sit with your friends, Leah. I'll come around and get your drink orders in a second."

Leah said, "Bucket of beer, some shot glasses, and a bottle of bourbon. Her eyes were wide as Tricia mouthed okay and walked away. Leah was stopped by some regulars on her way to the table, the drinks arriving a few minutes before Leah did. Quil seemed reluctant to leave her side, and after their last two experiences here, she could not blame him. Emmett was having far too much fun playing bartender at the table as he poured out shots. Leah tried not to think about how much he looked like Hodie at that moment.

As she sat down, Leah asked, "How is it going over here?" Bella groaned as a shot glass was pushed her way. Rose chuckled and got up to walk to the bar.

Leah said, "You can do it, Bells."

Bella said, "One of us has to drive home, you know?"

"Leah," bellowed a voice she recognized instantly.

She stood and happily spun toward Rick, looking much better than the last time she saw him. Jacob and Quil greeted him loudly as Leah introduced him to Emmett and Bella.

Suddenly, Rick looked around the table again and smirked. Quietly, he said, "It's a good thing you kids work on my truck. Half of ya aren't old enough to be here."

"Well, look at that, Jake," Leah said, gesturing toward the older man. "Rick just weaseled another free fucking oil change."

Rick burst out laughing and pulled Leah in for a hug. He guided her a few feet away from the table to talk to her privately, unaware that the distance did not matter. Only Bella wouldn't hear him, despite the crowd and loud music. Leah watched Rose return with two sodas and sit them on the table in front of Bella.

In a very fatherly tone, Rick asked Leah, "Are you safe now? Are you all healed?"

Her heart melted on the spot, and Leah hugged him again. She said, "I'm a lot better. I appreciate your concern. I truly do."

Rick said, "Harry was my friend, Leah. I wish I could have been there to have your back. Don't think that I don't know how much I owe you."

Leah said, "You don't owe me a damn thing, Rick."

Sounding very much like her father, Rick said, "Don't bullshit a bullshitter, Leah." She could hear laughter behind her as her friends listened and pretended they didn't. Rick said, "I know about a lot more shit than you probably think. It's like that here." Glancing up toward Chelsea, he said, "That one has a big fucking mouth."

"So I've come to realize," Leah grumbled, refusing to look over at Chelsea.

Rick said, "There's some money left over from the benefit. My bills are caught up. There was … much more raised from your little dance number than you realized." He laughed as Leah's cheeks flushed, and she turned to glare at Emmett.

He had to have stuffed the tip jar. Probably Jasper, too. Emmett winked at her and turned back to his conversation with Jacob.

Leah said, "Well, I'm glad it helped you out. You deserved it."

Rick said, "I just gave Boss a thousand dollars, Leah."

Skeptically, Leah asked, "Why? I mean, what for?"

Rick said, "To send Hodie."

Leah's breath caught in her throat at just the sound of his name. "I heard you two split, and I'm sorry about that," Rick said. "I also heard you sent him some money to help him stay safe." Leah damn near whimpered as she blinked back tears. It was almost easy to ignore how much she missed him when it was just her and Quil. Hearing someone else talk about him was a bit harder to ignore.

The tears that had welled in her eyes made his cheeks flush as Rick shook his head. "I know this fucker that beat your ass did that shit over Hodie," Rick grumbled. "Now, I don't know if Hodie's life is in danger, but if it is, maybe that money will get him farther away. If he owes someone money, maybe he can pay them some of it back."

Leah explained, "He doesn't, Rick. This … he has a stalker. This creep keeps finding him. This person tries to make him miserable by fucking with his life. Hodie ran to try to keep me safe, but the guy didn't care. He told me to stay away from Hodie. This fucker has broken into Jacob's house at least twice that we are sure of. I'm only telling you this for your safety. This is not a joke, and you gotta stay out of it. And keep it to yourself, all of it."

Scowling angrily, Rick asked, "Cops ain't helping you guys with this? Charlie knows about this?"

Leah sighed and said, "It's a long story. Yes, Charlie knows everything, and he is doing what he can. I appreciate that you are trying to help Hodie. I have not heard from him and don't anticipate that I will. I didn't realize Tom could still reach him. Hodie stopped reading or answering any messages from me."

Rick asked, "Does he know you got the shit beaten out of you for him?"

Leah nodded once, and Rick cursed under his breath. "I know it's fucked up," Leah said bitterly, and Rick scoffed.

He said, "He worked the benefit that night. He helped raise that money, and if it helps him somehow, he's welcome to it. I know you have been off for a while, and if you need anything ..."

Leah forced a smile, interrupting Rick as she said, "You're a real gem, you know that? I appreciate it, but I'm doing alright."

Rick said, "I guess I should get going. Wife is out in the truck." He pointed at their table and yelled, "You guys be careful, now."

There was a chorus of we will and see ya later as Rick left them and Leah rejoined her table.

Jacob asked, "You okay, Sis?" The others all glanced toward her with concern, and Leah scoffed.

"I'm fine. Line 'em up, barkeep," Leah said to Emmett. He laughed and refilled all four shot glasses. Bella didn't complain this time, though she cringed and shivered with the burn of the alcohol. Lights flashed, indicating the end of Chelsea's set. Emmett grinned as the stage lights changed color, darkening the atmosphere, and cheered as Rose turned toward the stage.

Emmett lowered his voice and wore a mischievous grin as he said, "We like this one." Jacob perked up as Red's first music choice began and nodded along to the beat.

Rose said, "I don't know how people work here without bumping uglies in the parking lot." Emmett roared as Bella's face flushed red.

Emmett asked Bella, "What's wrong, Sis? Getting ideas?"

He roared with laughter again after Bella glared at him and said, "Emmett? No." Bella took a drink of soda and sighed.

Jacob, who had sat with his back to the stage the whole time, asked, "Are you bored, Bells?"

Bella teased, "No, but I wish you would watch the stage like I know you want to. I'm not going to get mad."

Quil said, "He's not worried about you getting mad. He just doesn't want to visualize Leah up there."

Leah snapped, "What?" Jacob's face turned red as Emmett tried to hide his laughter.

"Oh, I forgot," Bella said and laughed.

Confused, Leah said, "Jake didn't see the dance."

Jacob said, "Yeah, I did. Embry was supposed to send you the video? He sent it to me instead."

Leah asked, "Why did you watch it?"

Jacob admitted, "I was half asleep when it came through. I didn't even realize it was you until you flipped off the camera."

"He screamed and threw his phone," Bella said and cackled, making Emmett burst out laughing again.

Rose complained, "I still haven't seen this damn video. You were supposed to show it to Alice and me." Quil pulled his phone from his pocket and began searching through it.

Incredulously, Leah asked him, "Seriously, you still have it?"

"As if," Quil snipped and slid his phone across the table to Rose. Jacob traded seats so Bella could watch it without him sitting between them.

Emmett teased, "Jake, you're ridiculous."

Jacob said, "She's practically my sister."

"Well, she ain't my sister," Emmett mumbled, making Rose laugh. Her phone went off, and Rose chuckled, handing the cell back to Quil.

Leah smirked and asked, "You just sent yourself that video, didn't you?"

Rose teased her, "Hey, you shook your ass in my husband's face. If anyone is allowed a copy, it's me."

Leah huffed and asked Quil to show her the video since she had not seen it yet. She was pleasantly surprised by Embry's camera work, even more so by how little she recognized herself in the video. Leah said, "I can barely believe that is me. I feel like a totally different person now."

"Sounds like some of it is coming back, though."

Leah turned to the sound of Jasper's voice and hopped up to hug him. She asked him, "Where the hell have you been? Why didn't you ever come by?"

Jasper said, "My apologies, ma'am. I wasn't sure you wanted the extra company."

"Listen, if I get injured again, and you don't visit, I'll be very pissed at you," Leah threatened, and he laughed as he nodded in understanding.

Rose asked, "So, how far away do you want to build your house, anyway?"

Leah said, "I would like at least some woods between us. Maybe I'll put a pathway through them between the houses. Once the fucking wild Ivy takes over, it'll look like a fairytale path for Sarah. Plant some flowers along the way, maybe."

Bella said, "I'd love that."

The guys ended up moving a table over to bullshit while Leah told Rose what she had in mind. Leah asked Rose to take whatever inspiration it brought her and just go with it. Preferably at a total that wouldn't take fifty or more years to pay off. Rose reminded Leah that Esme practically had a warehouse full of all sorts of eclectic pieces.

Leah said, "I want to come home and be calm. I want it to feel like a hippie died in there and just left everything. But, you know, without the pot and cat piss stench. I also want durable furniture because these fuckeggs are cracked." Leah pointed her thumb toward the four supernatural men behind them.

Jasper yelled, "Is that an invitation to come over and wrastle?"

She nearly spat out her drink at the confused look on Quil's face from Jasper's unexpected comment. She joked, "When I can phase again, sure." She looked around curiously as the others did not laugh.

Her brow furrowed in worry as Rose asked, "Why can't you phase, Leah?"

Leah cringed and said, "I don't know. The wolf is there, but it won't let me."

Rose asked, "Have you told Carlisle?"

Leah said, "Carlisle is great, but he doesn't know everything about us, Rose. Hell, we don't even know anything about female shifters."

Jacob said, "I think maybe she went too long without shifting."

"I think it is leftover brain damage," Quil said, and Leah glared his way. Quil said, "What? Sweetheart, you had brain damage. It's not an insult."

Rose said, "He's right, Babe. And it could be that. I hope you talk to Carlisle, sweetie. Just trust me, if not him."

Leah laughed and said, "I do trust you. Literally, with my life. I'm not sure how much more trust I can muster." Leah doled out more shots, and eventually, the beer bucket was empty. The evening was good but not exactly what she wanted. Though she had tried to ignore the feeling all night, the place didn't seem to have the same appeal without Hodie. Her newfound lack of trust in Chelsea did not help matters.

As one of the bouncers went outside for a cigarette, the urge for one was too strong to ignore. The others watched her warily as Leah hopped up, announced she would be back, and followed him outside before anyone could argue otherwise. Her coworker turned around happily at the sight of her and offered her a cigarette. Leah accepted one gratefully and moaned as the first drag filled her lungs.

She said, "It's been almost a month since I've had one."

He laughed and rubbed his large stomach as he asked, "Well, damn. Why do you want one now?"

Leah said, "Sounded good."

He asked, "Are you coming back to work soon?"

Leah said, "I don't know. I'm still dealing with some shit."

He said, "Understandable."

The back door flew open as Chelsea stormed out with Tricia on her heels. Chelsea stopped to glance at Leah and rolled her eyes. She stomped to her car with Tricia bitching at her back the whole way.

The bouncer asked, "What was that about?"

Leah said, "She tried to fuck my friend. Shit has been weird ever since."

He asked, "The one that has been with you the last three times I've seen you?"

"Yeah, Quil," she said. She snuffed the cigarette out just as Jasper came to find her and beckoned her back inside.

The group hung out a while longer before heading home. Emmett talked Jacob and Quil into racing him back to the house so that Rose could drive Leah and Bella home. Leah was almost sad she could not join them as she climbed into the car. She fell asleep on the ride home, only to wake up nauseous as hell. Quil was already in bed when they arrived. Emmett and Jacob sat in the living room, chatting over some random action movie on the big screen. Leah barely greeted them before she had to turn and make a beeline for the bathroom. Leah wretched loudly for what felt like far too long. She was thankful that Sarah was not home to keep Bella up all night, as she was sure to have been heard.

Leah was pale, weak, and shaking when she emerged from the bathroom after brushing her teeth. Quil stood groggily in front of her, waiting. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to bed. There was already a bottle of water on her nightstand, and she took slow sips to make sure it would stay down.

The door was still open, and Emmett called out, "Leah? You okay?"

Leah complained, "I've never barfed from alcohol in my life. That just sucked."

Quil peeked out the door and asked, "Rose, would Carlisle be willing to see her tomorrow?"

Emmett chuckled and asked, "You mean today?

Rose glanced at her phone and said, "I'm sure he would. He would probably come now if I called."

Leah said, "It's Sunday. Don't be ridiculous. Besides, it's just the alcohol."

Quil snapped, "Leah, you can't phase. You still get winded and dizzy. Don't think I don't know you puke up half of what you put down, either."

Leah snapped, "From anxiety. It's not like I do it on fucking purpose, Quil."

Quil argued, "You can learn to combat the anxiety if you're honest with Carlisle."

"Yes, Dr. Quil," Leah grumbled sarcastically. "What have you been doing? Reading Paul's psychology books?"

Quil stepped back as if she had slapped him. He snapped back, "It's amazing how your attitude changes when I step between doing what you want and what is fucking best for you." The others stood around the living room slack-jawed as Quil picked up his shoes and yanked his shirt off of the end of her bed. Quil didn't say another word as he walked directly out the front door and yanked it shut behind him.

After a moment of awkward silence, Leah said goodnight to the others, shut her door, and flipped the lock. She lay in bed awake for a while, listening as the others began a different conversation in the living room. Eventually, Leah gave in to the negative thoughts that prodded her consciousness, hating herself and life in general at that moment. She silently cursed the fucking tick that had brought so much trouble with it, blaming its manipulations nearly as much as her selfish actions. Leah had always prided herself on being truthful to the point of fault. Somehow she had become someone who would rather ignore the problems in her life, hoping the answers would fall into her lap. She missed Hodie and hated herself for hurting Quil all the time. Not for the first time, Leah had to admit that whether mental or physical, something in her had changed. Leah huffed in aggravation and sat up, knowing sleep was anywhere but close. She worried about Quil, about where he was and what stupid, half-drunken, angry thing he was doing somewhere. Leah stood and dressed, wishing like hell that she could phase and run for miles.

Or at least be able to get to my fucking spot. Leah hadn't been there since the night Hodie left. Quil had been the only one brave enough to even approach her that night, let alone comfort her in any way. Then, like earlier, she had snapped at him when he didn't deserve it and had shown genuine concern for her welfare. Leah grabbed her keys from the dresser and opened her bedroom door. She wasn't sure when everyone had moved to the kitchen, but the living room was dark. Leah crept to the door, intending to go out the front and jog to her car. The deadbolt, however, had no intention of letting her leave quietly. The sound of the bolt unlocking seemed to echo across the room. The seal around the door frame made a loud sucking noise that Leah had never noticed before.

God damn, loud-ass door. What did I ever do to you?

"Leelee."

Leah glanced back at Jacob, silently pleading for him to leave her be as she slipped outside and pulled the door shut behind her. Leah carefully shut the screen door and turned to run for her car. She gasped as she smacked face-first into Quil's shoulder, her elbow catching his abdomen. He grunted as she stumbled backward a step, and he frowned at her, rubbing his belly.

Quil asked, "Where are you going?"

Looking down guiltily, Leah admitted, "To look for you. I'm sorry for snapping earlier."

Quil silently held his arms open, and Leah flew into them. He hugged her against him tenderly, and Leah sighed with relief. He said, "I had to take a walk because of my temper, Leah. Not yours."

Leah argued, "I was being a bitch."

Quil laughed and asked, "You think I'm not used to that?" Leah chuckled against his shoulder, burying her face into his neck. He said, "Your temper doesn't surprise me, you know? You have been a spit-fire all of your life."

Leah asked, "So, what bothered you, then?"

Quil said, "Worry. About too many fucking things. Your health most of all."

Leah asked, "And the rest?"

Quil said, "Leelee, I don't want to bother you with that shit."

The front door swung open, interrupting them as Emmett and Rose stepped out. Emmett grinned at the sight of Leah wrapped up in Quil's arms and said, "We are taking off, guys." Rose winked at Leah and took Emmett's hand before they shot toward the forest.

Jacob asked, "You two good out here?"

Leah turned to smile at Jacob and nodded. A cool breeze floated past them, and a shiver ran through her. She nearly missed the worried glance Quil shot at him before Jacob said goodnight and shut the door. Quil pulled her to the porch steps, and they sat down together, staring out into the dark.

Leah asked, "So, what's going on with you? What have you been hiding?"

Quil said, "Don't say it like that. I haven't hidden anything."

Leah rolled her eyes and said, "Fine. What have you not been telling me about?"

Quil said, "For one, Old Quil isn't doing so hot. My mom is on my ass about me not being home more. I need to help her with his care if he doesn't improve soon. I guess she doesn't think it's very good of me to worry more about my friends than him. Then again, I can't exactly tell her much to help her understand. Old Quil knows the truth and tells her to leave me alone, but she's right in a way. I need to help her with him more."

Leah asked, "What kind of things does she need help with?"

Quil said, "Cleaning the house, making sure he takes his meds. Bella has been making him lunch during the week. Ethan gets dropped off here, and Angie takes Old Quil lunch before she goes to work."

Leah said, "Wow. You guys had this whole system going on that I had no idea about."

Quil said, "Emily takes him baked stuff all the time because it's soft stuff he can eat, you know? He's getting kinda chunky. I think mom is worried he will fall one day, and I won't be around to help her or something."

Leah said, "If you need to start sleeping at home again …"

"It doesn't matter where I sleep," Quil interrupted. "As long as you want me here, I'll be here."

Incredulously, Leah said, "So, as long as I need you-"

"Want," Quil said, interrupting her again. "As long as you want me here. There will be times you don't need me here, Leelee. There might be times you need me here but don't want me to be here. I want to be here when you want me to be here."

Leah said, "I don't know if I'll ever not need or want you around, Quil. As much as I used to love Sam, and as much as I love Hodie still … You are irreplaceable to me. Even though you can be unpredictable and wild. Even though you can piss me off faster than anyone on the fucking planet besides Paul," Leah paused, searching for the right words. "You are a part of me. Even the wolf recognizes it, Quil. I trust you. The wolf trusts yours. I don't want to make you promises I don't know if either of us can keep."

"I don't want promises, either," Quil said, resting his forearms across his bent knees while he stared out at the forest. "I'm fully aware that you love Hodie. To be honest, it sucks to hear you say it." He turned to her and placed his right hand on his chest as he said, "You love me too, though." Quil looked away from her again to hide the tear that escaped down his left cheek. Quil said, "I'll be damned if I miss a fucking second with you right now, Leah. I don't know if he is going to show up here. Part of me is fucking terrified of it. Part of me thinks it's inevitable. I don't want to waste right now trying to figure this shit out. I don't want to be bitter when it happens. So, for right now, as long as you want me around, I will be."

You can love them both. Rose's words came back to her, only making Leah ache worse. Quil's heartache cut her as deep as it always had. Leah shivered, hoping like hell that her words wouldn't hurt him further. As the discussion was already being had, Leah took a deep breath to prepare herself to continue it.

It's now or never. Tentatively, Leah asked, "What if I don't want to choose?"

Quil snickered and teased, "Gonna dump us both, huh? Runaway with Jasper or something?"

She leaned away, laughing at him in disbelief as she asked, "Jasper? Really?"

Quil laughed and said, "Please, If Alice croaked tomorrow, he would probably beg you to marry him or something."

Leah laughed and said, "You are ridiculous. I very much see him in a similar light as Jake, just so we are clear. Like a brother. A very undead brother."

Quil chuckled and said, "Well, that's a relief. Less competition."

Ugh. And now we have come full circle. Leah rolled her eyes and said, "I don't want there to be competition, Quil. I don't want to have to choose." He side-eyed her silently, contemplating what she meant and looking too afraid to ask.

Leah said, "I want you both."

Quil gaped at her in disbelief for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry. Did you just fucking say what I think you just said?"

Leah nodded and said, "I want to be with both of you. I don't want to choose." She stared across the yard again, not wanting to see the anger on his face. After a long silence, Leah said, "I know that both of you are too fucking jealous for that shit."

Quil said, "You are just as jealous as I am, Leah. What happened to the whole marriage, kids, and happily ever after bullshit you wanted so much?"

Leah said, "I still want those things. The likelihood of having that, though? For me? Slight."

Incredulously, Quil asked, "You'd rather give up the shit you've always wanted than have to choose between us? Are you sure about that?"

Leah said, "I'm not entirely sure about anything anymore."

Quil asked, "How do you think this would work, Leah? He gets you one weekend, and I do the next?"

Leah huffed and said, "I don't know how it would work, Quil, but I would be willing to put the fucking work in to figure it out."

Quil said, "Leah, don't get pissed at me for being honest. How would you feel if I asked you for the same fucking thing to be with Claire, too?"

Leah said, "I understand why you are upset, but you don't have to be a dick about it. We've argued about this bullshit before. When you get jealous, you start acting like a dick. Then I get mad, and it becomes a whole thing. Can we just not fucking do that right now?" Leah's voice broke on the last sentence as she fought back frustrated tears. She asked, "Do you understand that we're sitting here arguing about the right way to go about staying together? I know you think I'm taking the easy way out by not wanting to choose, but that's not what I'm trying to do."

Quil asked, "What are you trying to do, then, Leah?" The sheer hurt in his voice cut through her. She had fought so hard to keep him when he ended things. Losing him hurt more as time had passed. Quil had helped Leah heal after Sam, but Hodie hadn't healed Leah's heartbreak over Quil. Hodie had been someone else for her to love. Neither of them diminished her love for the other. Leah didn't want to lose either one. Perhaps Rose understood her better than she ever realized.

"Keep you," Leah said softly, the hurt evident in her voice. She turned to face Quil and moved to straddle him. He rolled his eyes, unable to keep from chuckling as she settled herself onto his lap. Leah said, "I just want to keep you, Quil. I want to keep loving you, keep you in my life. Whether Hodie thinks I'm dead or not. If he shows up here one day ... " Leah cupped Quil's face in her hands, forcing him to look her in the eye as she continued, "I don't want to choose between you, Quil. And I won't. I also choose not to lose you. Ultimately, it will be up to the both of you, I guess."

Quil scoffed and teased, "So, what? This is a package deal kind of thing? You have to share me with Quil or have a nice life, Hodie?" His laughter fizzled out quickly as Leah just smiled at him. He had hit the nail on the head, even if he believed the idea ridiculous. Leah dropped her hands between them and shrugged.

Quil shook his head at her, laughing bitterly. He said, "You say this now. You want this now because he is not here. You could feel completely different once your mind is healed and Hodie is in front of you again."

Despite the importance of their conversation and the anger they both felt, there was a need building in her. She unconsciously toyed with the hem of Quil's shirt, lightly brushing her fingers along the waistline of his jeans.

Leah said, "I won't feel any differently about you. I never did. I was mad at you for a while, sure. I never stopped loving you. Hell, I dream about you." Leah put her hands under his shirt, letting his warmth seep into her palms. Quil leaned toward her and wrapped his arms around her as her hands slid to his back.

Quil asked, "You dream of me, huh?" He leaned in to place a light kiss against the side of her neck, making her shiver.

Leah said, "I dream about you all the time."

Quil placed more kisses up her neck toward her ear, and Leah moaned. He asked, "What do you dream about me, Leah?" Her heart began to pound as she tilted her head back, and Quil kissed along the front of her throat. Leah knew he could sense her response, knew her body well enough to anticipate her response. She could feel him getting hard through the rough denim of his jeans. Leah closed her eyes, shutting out everything but the heat of his mouth on her throat and the growing ache between her legs. "Leeleeeee," Quil crooned and chuckled against her skin, making her shiver as she opened her eyes.

Dazed, Leah asked, "Huh? What did you ask me?"

Quil laughed and asked, "What dreams do you have about me?"

"Oh," Leah said and giggled. The sound seemed to jolt through him, and she bit back a whimper as his erection twitched underneath her. "I dream about your hands," Leah admitted as his mouth returned to her throat. She said, "I dream about that first kiss and the way my lips tingled afterward."

His right hand shot up to grip the hair at the base of her head. Quil asked, "Is that so?" Quil pressed his lips to hers, and Leah immediately opened her mouth to him. He lifted his left hand to unzip her hoodie and reached inside to grab her waist. Quil gasped into her mouth as he realized Leah wasn't wearing a shirt underneath it. The cold December air made her nipples immediately pucker as he leaned back to look at her. "Holy shit," Quil said, finding her entirely bare under the open hoodie, her full breasts on display. Leah giggled again and grabbed his wrists. She placed his hands over her breasts and moaned as he caressed her, trailing his thumbs over her hard nipples. A husky, lust-filled tone returned to his voice as he asked, "What else do you dream about?"

Leah arched against his hands as she closed her eyes. She moaned and said, "Your hands are like magic. I want them everywhere." Her hands wound up into his hair as she pulled his mouth back to hers. Her clit throbbed as Quil toyed with her nipples, stroking the cold, hard buds and tugging them almost to the point of pain. One hand crept down between her legs to rub her sex through the leggings she wore. The material between her legs was wet to the touch, and Quil moaned into her mouth.

He pulled away and whispered, "Tell me more, Leah."

Leah asked, "Do you remember the night you walked in on me at the guest house?"

Quil continued rubbing her through the material and asked, "How could I forget? I just about crawled into that bed."

"I wanted you to. I was dreaming about you," Leah whispered before dragging the tip of her tongue up his throat. Quil moaned, and she bucked as he rubbed harder. She said, "I dreamed about you fucking me."

Quil moaned again as she slid her nails down his sides. "About how big your dick is," she said and moaned as he tugged her hair and clamped his mouth around her left nipple. Quil swirled his tongue around it before gently pulling it with his teeth. Leah whimpered and began panting from the steady movements of his hand against her sex. She said, "I dream about the way you feel inside me, but it's never as good as the real thing." She opened her eyes, pulled back to meet his hungry stare, and said, "I want you."

Leah pressed her mouth to his for a deep, sensual kiss. She pulled his bottom lip between her teeth as she reached for the button of his jeans. Leah gasped as Quil growled and reached between her legs with both hands to rip the crotch of her leggings open along the hem. He groaned as he stared down at her sex, steaming with heat in the cold winter air. She lifted herself slightly off his lap to get his zipper down as Quil ran his middle finger along her slit. Leah shivered, finding it difficult to focus on helping him wiggle his jeans down to expose his prick when his finger pushed upward inside of her. Quil freed his thick member with his other hand and stroked it a few times as he stared at his hand at her sex. Leah moaned as he slowly removed his hand and then helped guide her over him.

A little at a time, Leah sunk onto him, thrilling at the familiar mixture of pleasure and pain. He focused on her mouth, kissing her eagerly while cupping her breasts and allowing her control. Quil brought his lips back to her throat, sending another surge of heat through her limbs. Leah rocked herself over him harder, pulling him deeper as her calf muscles bore the brunt of her weight. Quil wrapped one arm around her waist and used his opposite forearm to support himself on the steps as he bucked upward. Leah clamped her mouth over his shoulder to keep from crying out as Quil took over the pace. He held her firmly in place, her exposed breasts pressed against his shirt-covered chest as he rapidly thrust upward into her. She yanked the front of his shirt upward to feel his skin against hers, his high body temperature easing the ache in her hard nipples. Leah could barely control her volume as her stomach muscles clenched and her legs began to shake. When she knew it could be any second for her, Leah scraped her nails down the middle of his back. Quil cried out, grunting as his cock pulsed inside of her. The feeling of his release sent her headlong off a short cliff.

Leah buried her face against his neck as she tried to catch her breath. It was a full minute before either could move from where they sat, still coupled. "You," She panted, "should start doing yoga with me. Your core strength is amazing." Quil burst out laughing underneath her, pulling her from her post-orgasm-fueled haze. She looked down at where they remained connected and groaned. "Damn, Quil. I liked these leggings," Leah grumbled, making him laugh again.

"I like them better like this," Quil said and wiggled his eyebrows at her suggestively. Leah laughed and slowly, carefully lifted herself off of him. Leah pulled her hoodie closed and zipped it as Quil lifted his hips to button and zip his jeans.

Leah walked around him toward the front door and sighed. "I think I need a shower before bed."

Quil said, "So, are we going to finish that conversation later?"

She answered, "Yes, and you can tell me the rest of what you haven't been telling me, too. We have all day tomorrow if you want to talk more."

Quil laughed and asked, "You mean today?"

Leah shook her head stubbornly, dismissing any more discussion for the night. She held her hand out for him to take and asked, "Are you coming with me?" Quil stood and grabbed her hand. He followed her quietly to the bathroom and locked the door behind them without another word.