PLEASE READ THIS NOTE: The beginning of this chapter contains summaries of how Hodie, Quil, the pack and imprints are doing from Leah's POV. This is only really relevant if you've read the two previous stories. If you're not here for that, feel free to scroll down to the * marked area OR skip this chapter. No offense will be taken. Things are about to get ... busy lol. The Lemons will begin soon. You've been warned. LOL.

Hodie coming back into the picture hit the entire pack like a whirlwind as he was enthusiastically embraced by her family. Quil's positive attitude toward the situation seemed to be the ruling factor for the rest of the pack because he insisted that they could make things work. Hodie made the trip to LaPush two or three times a week to spend time with Julien. Awkward at first, Leah soon became comfortable with his frequent presence. While neither addressed it out loud, they frequently had to avoid the attraction between them. Brief brushes of skin as they practically danced around each other in the house and the sudden heat of Hodie's stare left her and the wolf longing. Being around each other was otherwise as easy as breathing.

Hodie seemed genuinely happy to be back in the area. Tom put him back on his old shift at the nightclub, where his work family welcomed him happily. Hodie had stepped out of his comfort zone, visited Emmett, and was now renting the Cullen guest house. Bella had been concerned with how thin Hodie was when she first saw him again. It did not take long for him to gain some weight back under the influence of Bella and Emily. One mention of concern from Bella to Alice found Hodie showered with more new clothing than he knew what to do with and a full pantry. Thursdays were spent with Leah, Julien, and everyone bustling around Jacob and Bella's house. Hodie got plenty of childcare practice with the various others Leah babysat. Sarah took to Hodie quickly once her bashfulness with him faded and was more than happy to occupy his attention when Julien was sleeping or held by someone else.

Hodie came to know Billy well over the next few weeks, finding it easy to confide in the older man. Of course, Billy blabbered some of what he learned to Sue and Charlie. He often spoke of the pride he had in the three of them. Billy was amazed by how easily Quil and Hodie had learned to cooperate. Neither young man started any arguments with the other. Despite his age, somehow, Quil had developed the most level head of the three. Hodie tended to agree with whatever Quil suggested, without complaint, grateful to be included. Each spoke with the other so openly that anyone who did not know better would have thought they were long-time friends. No one was more grateful for this development than Leah.

Quil was entirely taken with Julien and would run to the house to see him several times a day. On the days Hodie did not visit, Quil spent his lunch break with a fork in his right hand and his son tucked in his left arm. He was slightly less attentive when Hodie held him, never wanting to disturb their bonding time. Quil's newfound maturity and enthusiasm for a positive family dynamic only made Leah love him more. Julien brought immense joy to them all, and she had no complaints with either man concerning his care. If there was one thing she did not doubt, it was that her son was equally yet immeasurably loved.

September and Bella's twenty-first birthday passed quickly. Cold Wolfe Auto Repair and Paul's were busier than ever. Sam and Emily's twins were a year old already, leaving Leah almost wondering where the last year had gone. An investor had come across some of Emily's paintings online and requested more of her work. He had spread word about her paintings to others. Within a couple of weeks, her online shop was sold out. The accumulated sales and requests for more pieces allowed her and Sam the opportunity to add to their home, creating two bedrooms in the back of the house for the twins to eventually occupy. Some trees were cleared out for a shed to be installed where Emily could paint without distractions when Sam was home.

Paul and Rachel's twins were not as easygoing as Sam and Emily's twins. While in the infant stage, they were frequently fussy, colicky (or karma for Paul, as Bella called it), and Bobby was set off easily. At nine months old, the two were a double force of nature, crawling into any space or situation they could. Having their twins had created some peace between Rachel and Paul. The boys wanted to be held by Paul constantly, much to Rachel's frustration, and he could settle them instantly. His parental instincts had surprised everyone. Paul, however, remained his ornery self and was possibly louder than ever.

Angela left her job at Paul's at the beginning of September when she got hired as a bank teller in Forks. Paul offered to hire Hodie as a bartender, more than happy to utilize his previous surfing career to create some new hype for his establishment. Hodie was indebted to Tom, and while somewhat content at the club, he promised Paul that he would consider it for Julien. Leah could not help but feel as if he were considering it to be close to her also. Every penny Hodie had was going into renting the guesthouse, paying Tom back, getting caught up on his bills, and gas money to visit his son. Jacob and Bella offered to rent him their spare room while he saved up if he ever decided he wanted or needed to live in La Push. All in all, things were progressing well for everyone.

It was a Saturday afternoon near the end of September when things shifted. Taking advantage of the unusually sunny day, Leah chased after Ethan and Sarah in the backyard. Ethan abruptly stopped giggling and froze when Angie arrived. He watched her climb out of the car before beelining to her. Ethan squealed as she tossed her son in the air and hugged him tight, happy to see him. Bella came outside to greet her while carrying Julien.

"Ahhhh," Angela said, "It's nice to be off work by three."

Leah teased, "And no drunks to put up with."

Angie laughed and said, "And no yelling at Paul."

Bella handed Julien to Leah and then grunted as she hoisted Sarah onto her hip. "She's getting so big," Bella said and grinned.

"They all are," Leah said as she rocked her son. "Bella, are you ever going to let me take you out again now that you are actually twenty-one?"

Bella joked, "Listen, honey, if you wanna ask me on a date, you gotta ask Jacob. But, no, seriously, I don't care about that stuff. What about you, though? You haven't even been to the gigs? Quil has begged you for months now."

Leah said, "Gigs are the only time you get out of the house besides going to the grocery store. I don't mind chilling with the kids so you can watch Jake play."

Angela asked, "You haven't had a night to yourself since giving birth to Julien, have you?"

Leah grinned down at her son as she shook her head no. Leah didn't mind spending the evenings with her son. He was the most precious gift she had ever been given. Leah was surprised to find herself somewhat tempted, however.

Bella said, "If you lay him back down and leave his diaper bag here, I'll just keep him tonight. Have a little break."

"You don't have…"

"I want to," Bella said, cutting off Leah's protest. "I'm going to feed Sarah soon, and by the time that is done, Jake should be getting home. Seriously, leave him with me."

Leah asked, "You're sure about this?"

Bella said, "Of course. One condition? Change him for me before you leave."

Leah laughed and patted her son's diaper-covered bottom. She carried him inside to change him and fed him before she left. Leah thanked Bella again and walked out the back door. Julien was a gift she never wanted to take for granted. Leah would have to trust leaving him in the care of someone else eventually. Before you turn into a damn helicopter mom.

Leah decided it was time to get her first drink in months. She had wanted to wait to celebrate Bella's birthday, but that idea was a bust. The guys didn't have a gig this weekend, and it had been far too long since Leah had seen Jasper or Alice.

Quil was waiting for her patiently in the kitchen when she got home. The smell of taco seasoning hit her, and her stomach growled. Leah grinned and asked, "You cooked?"

"It's been a while," Quil said. He stood to greet her, despite having seen her numerous times throughout the day. He gave her a long, soft kiss and said, "I just thought I would help out. Shit has been crazy, and I haven't done much at home. I'm sorry about that."

Leah eyed him suspiciously and smirked. She asked, "Did you ask Bells to keep Julien tonight?" The gleam in his eye as he stifled his laughter was his answer. I knew Bella seemed too insistent with her offer. "What made you ask?"

Quil said, "The fact that you haven't relinquished his care to anyone since he was born, and it is time that you took a break."

Leah said, "It's difficult. I almost lost him, Quil. It makes it hard to let him out of my sight."

Sympathetically, Quil said, "I know, Leelee."

Leah said, "Besides, you and Hodie help take care of him all the time."

Quil said, "Yeah, sweetheart. With your supervision, pretty much. I'll be surprised if you don't check on him before dawn."

They assembled their plates and sat down together to eat. Leah took a bite and moaned.

Quil laughed and said, "It's just a taco, sweetheart."

"Hard to fuck up a taco," she mumbled and took another bite, contemplating how to ask Quil her next question. After a couple of minutes, she finally asked, "How do you feel about going to the club tonight? Hang out with some of the Cullens if they are up for it? Maybe we can bring Embry and Angela or something?"

Quil asked, "Why the club? Hodie works tonight, right? And Chelsea, I imagine."

"Fuck Chelsea," Leah grumbled, and Quil cackled as he tried to take a bite. "Anyway, you said you were cool with being around Hodie," Leah said.

"I'm just asking why you want to go there, Leelee," Quil said and sighed.

Leah said, "To see people. Tom, Rick, Red, and Tricia ... if they all still work there. Have a drink. See a fight or two."

Quil said, "Or seven."

"Drinks or fights?"

"Both," he said, and she laughed. Quil shoved half of a taco in his mouth, and she shook her head. Leah truly loved him, even if he was often more pig than a wolf. "We could eat and get ready real quick," he said around his mouth full of food. Leah beamed at him happily as she took another bite.

Quil nudged her shin with his foot and asked, "What will you do if you get drunk and the imprint gets you all worked up?"

Leah nearly choked and laughed as she coughed. Now there is a thought. "I hadn't really considered that," she admitted. "I'll be coming home with you, either way."

Quil grinned and said, "I know."

Tentatively Leah asked, "But what would you do if that happened? Would we fight?"

Quil said, "You know, after all the shit that has happened … I know you are mine. I know you still dig each other. I know how hard the imprint makes things. I won't be mad." He laughed and teased, "At least take him out to the car or something. Don't fuck him in one of the bathrooms."

"Very funny." Leah said, "Something tells me you have never taken a close look at their bathrooms."

Quil burst out laughing and winked at her. He was incredibly gracious about their situation. Quil knew everything about her lingering feelings for Hodie. The truth was that despite seeing him frequently now, she missed Hodie when he was not around. She was honest with Quil about her feelings, and he did not judge her for them. Quil seemed to get a little too much enjoyment from the imprint effect. For the second time, Leah found herself understanding Sam a little more.

Though neither had attempted to cross any lines, the attraction between Leah and Hodie remained. The heat of his stare gave Hodie away frequently, and she would turn to look at him. Hodie would be wearing a sweet smile and lost in thought every time. She would catch Quil silently watching them both and give him the most genuine smile she could muster. Leah had expected Quil to get angry when he sensed her reactions to Hodie. If he did, it never showed. Instead, Quil would give Hodie a brief sympathetic smile and go on about his business, leaving them be.

The one thing Leah had failed to communicate with Quil were the fantasies that had begun to creep up on her about being with them both. She longed to simply lay between them most of all. She wanted to fall asleep feeling whole and enveloped by them. The oddest thing for her was that the wolf craved it as well. When Leah was in a room with both men and her son, she was the most content she had ever felt. The whole dynamic changed the minute Julien was asleep, and they were alone. By the time Hodie would leave, she would be out of her mind with need. Leah found herself dragging Quil to bed, begging him to fuck her senseless again and again. He was often so aroused by the lust emanating from Leah that he was more than willing. It had been months since Quil last panicked over the thought of sharing Leah with Hodie. Quil almost seemed to enjoy observing her reactions when Hodie was near. The memories of it were arousing, and Quil smirked as she shifted in her seat but continued eating silently.

After they cleaned up the supper mess, Leah drug Quil into the shower with her. He teased her with his hot hands as they washed up, leaving her turned on and slightly annoyed as he stepped out of the shower to finish getting ready. It took Leah a bit to shave, and she chuckled at the sound of Quil doing the same thing at the sink.

He sounded almost worried, hesitant as he asked, "Leelee? Are you sure you want me to come? If you need time to yourself, it's okay. I have more time out with gigs than I need, honestly. I would understand if you want to see Hodie alone."

Leah held her breath for a moment, stunned. Did he … did he just give me an out to sleep with Hodie?

Leah said, "Of course, I want you with me. Why would I not?" She leaned out of the shower and kissed his shaving cream surrounded lips. Quil gave her a dazzling smile and chuckled as she leaned back under the water to rinse his shaving cream from her face.

She gradually became more anxious as she finished getting ready. Quil gaped at her in surprise as she pulled her pajamas and tennis shoes on.

Confused, he asked, "Change your mind?"

Leah grinned and said, "Nope. There's a dress Alice left me over at Bella's, and I'm going to go get it."

Quil barked out a laugh as he pulled on his jacket and said, "Sure, sure. Let's go say goodnight to Julien, too."

Bella was chuckling as she opened the door and made a show of checking out Quil. "Can't remember the last time I saw you in anything but overalls and basketball shorts, bud."

Quil grinned and said, "I clean up good, don't I?"

"I'll say," Bella said and laughed. Leah darted for the bedroom as Bella asked, "I guess she is raiding the mall?"

"Of course," Quil said. "I'm going to go see my boy for a minute."

Bella said, "Jacob's holding him in the living room." Leah listened to Quil talking to Julien as she dressed, telling him to be extra good for his aunt Bella. The love he felt for their son was thick in his voice. Leah had to take a deep breath as she was moved to tears. Bella quietly entered the bedroom and gaped at Leah with her mouth open wide.

Worried, Leah looked down and asked, "What? Does it look bad?" The dress she had chosen consisted of two layers, both hugging her curves like a second skin. A silky black slip dress lay underneath, barely reaching the top of her thighs. The top layer was a patterned lace nearly the exact shade of Leah's skin. It had a low, square-cut neckline that displayed her ample cleavage, short sleeves, and a bottom hem that stopped a couple of inches below the black slip. It was one of the most daring dresses Leah had ever chosen to wear.

Bella grinned as Leah pulled on black pumps and said, "You look amazing. I have to give Alice props for this one. You know, you have your own house now. She could put your portion of the mall over there."

"Nah," Leah said and laughed. "She knows I like to be up your ass."

Bella rolled her eyes as she laughed and asked, "So you two going on a date for once?"

"Me and Ali? Of course, we are. You turned me down," Leah teased.

Bella laughed and said, "You and Quil, obviously."

Leah could feel the heat in her cheeks as she said, "Um, we are going to the club for a little while." Not wanting her sister to feel left out, she said, "We could always see if mom and Charlie will keep the kids if you wanna come?"

Bella scoffed and said, "Not even." She gave Leah a brilliant smile and said, "Did you invite our other family?"

Leah said, "Not yet. I'm going to text Rose before we head out."

Bella grinned at Leah mischievously and whispered, "Did you tell Hodie you guys are coming by?"

Leah said, "No, and I'm not going to. He's working, though. Tom put him right back on his old schedule."

Bella said, "I figured as much since he's always down here on Thursdays and Sundays now." She dropped her voice to a whisper again and asked, "So is this dress choice for him or Quil?"

Leah cackled and said, "Um, both, I suppose? You know, Quil offered to let me go alone tonight."

Bella gaped at her in surprise for a moment and shook her head. "He'll give you anything you want, won't he?"

"Maybe not anything, but for the most part, yes," Leah admitted. "Do you think someone can have two soulmates?"

Bella said, "I know it. You certainly do. It's almost like the universe saw how much pain you were in and decided you needed twice the love."

"Triple," Leah said and smiled. "I have Julien now, too. I never knew I could love someone so much."

Bella grinned as she nodded in understanding. "Being a parent is amazing. Sarah is everything."

"Are you thinking about more any time soon?"

Bella shook her head no and said, "I think I'll wait before setting off another round of pregnancies. Jacob is building another cradle as it is so you and I can rock two sets of twins at once." Leah cackled and followed Bella from the room.

"Now, that is cruel," Quil said and grinned as Leah walked into the living room. "Going to see Hodie looking like that and coming home with me." Leah blushed and laughed as Quil handed Julien over to her.

Jacob chuckled and said, "You look real nice, sis."

"Thanks, Alpha," Leah said and grinned at her son. She gently kissed the tip of his nose and forehead, unable to stop herself from talking sweetly to him just as Quil had done. Leah reluctantly handed him to his aunt and scooped Sarah up from the floor where she was playing.

"Eeee," Sarah squealed and giggled as Leah peppered kisses over her face.

"Oh, I love you, baby girl," Leah said. "Help mama take good care of your cousin Julien, okay?"

To Leah's chagrin, Sarah scowled over at her infant cousin. "Boy. Uck."

Julien's eyes went wide, startled as Jacob burst out laughing. Bella soothed him quickly as Jacob grinned at Sarah and said, "That's right, Sarah. You keep thinking that until you're about twenty-five."

"If she is anything like you two, you'll be a grandpa by thirty-five, Jacob," Quil teased.

"Don't you dare jinx me, Quil, I swear," Jacob said and laughed.