Charlie Watched his daughter leave with Leah. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Bella was dating a woman. He didn't have an issue with her being gay, he just didn't expect it. He was happy that she was no longer dating the Cullen boy, he had a weird feeling about him. And he knew Leah quite well from his friendship with Harry. Leah even went fishing with the two of them when she was younger. Harry had tried to bring Seth along too but the boy was too hyperactive and found the activity boring. Charlie smiled at the memory of an 11 year old Leah very sternly telling 5 year old Seth that he'd scare all the fish away if he kept talking so loud. She had looked at him like she was incredibly mature and flashed Charlie an apologetic look on behalf of her brother. The two had kept arguing and Seth had somehow fallen out of the boat. Harry had to hoist him back in by the life jacket and Seth began to cry. He had sobbed that Leah pushed him in, Leah looked fairly guilty but ignored the commotion. She kept her hands on her fishing pole and stared out at the ocean. Once Harry had settled Seth down he confronted his daughter and she caved, telling the truth that she had pushed him in, because he was scaring all the fish. She insisted she just wanted him to look in the water to see if he could find any fish. Charlie had to suppress his laughter and could see Harry was doing the same as he scolded his daughter. They had to cut that fishing trip short as the boy was soaking wet and miserable. Leah continued fishing with them for another year or two after that but once she had become a teenager she had deemed it "uncool" to be fishing with her dad and his friend. Charlie had been a bit sad that she had stopped fishing with them as Leah had become like a second daughter to him. He didn't get to see Bella as often as he had wanted and with Leah being around so often, and close to Bella's age, he grew attached to her. So to see that his own daughter was now dating her, he was conflicted. He knew Leah was a nice girl who would be a good influence on his daughter. But as a father he feared anyone dating his daughter. The fact that Leah had fought a boy because he had laid hands on his daughter also spoke well to the fact that Leah would take good care of Bella. Charlie was pulled out of his thoughts as he saw Bella quickly kiss Leah. He felt awkward at watching this exchange, like he shouldn't have witnessed it. He was about to turn away to return to his work when he noticed Leah turn away from Bella's truck. He stopped and continued to watch. Bella got into her truck as Leah jogged away from it. This seemed odd because Leah didn't have a car and Charlie had driven her to the station. He figured Bella would give her a lift to the school and Leah would get home the same way she had gotten to the school. He continued to watch Leah as she jogged right into the forest. He was even more confused by this and a little worried. The forest around the station was quite thick and there had been a few sightings of large predators in the woods surrounding Forks. Charlie stood watching the edge of the forest, waiting for Leah to reemerge.
"Hey Chief" one of the deputies pulled Charlie's attention back to the station.
"Yes?" Charlie asked, looking at the deputy while still keeping an eye on the forest, out the corner of his eye.
"Where should I file these assault reports?" The deputy held up the notes Robert had taken.
"Ah, don't worry about it, I'll take care of it" Charlie took the paper from the deputy and moved back to his desk, forgetting Leah's strange behaviour.
When Bella pulled into the parking lot at school there was only one period left. She frowned as her stomach growled, she hadn't gotten to eat lunch because of the whole situation. As she hopped out of the truck she felt a cool breeze pass her and her hair lifted momentarily. She looked up and was met with golden eyes. Bella started and jumped back, hitting her truck lightly. Rosalie Cullen was standing in front of her with a small smile.
"Look, your mutt stunk up the school. She needs to stay on her side of the border" Rosalie stated, not unkindly.
"She was only here because of what Liam did" Bella protested with a scowl.
Rosalie paused for a second and began walking towards the school. She turned back to look at Bella with a questioning look of 'are you coming?'. Bella looked at Rosalie dumbfounded for a second and then caught up to her, walking beside her. Bella didn't understand why Rosalie was talking to her. She never really spoke to Bella before and had been outraged when she found out about Leah imprinting on her. Bella figured she may as well air this here, her family wouldn't be far and with it being such a public place she knew the chances of Rosalie hurting her were very low.
"Why are you talking to me?" Bella asked abruptly.
Rosalie chuckled before answering. "I guess that question is understandable"
She hadn't answered Bella, just acknowledged the question.
"Sooo…" Bella pushed, she wanted answers. After what had happened earlier today she was in a no bullshit kind of mood.
"You have to know that I'm very protective of my family" Rosalie began "So once the mutt claimed you, there was no longer a reason for my family to be involved with you."
Bella winced at the bluntness of Rosalie's words.
"But they insisted on putting on a little show for the Volturi. You being human and knowing about us puts us in a lot of danger. I was of the opinion that we just hand you over to them and continue our lives but Carlisle would never have that."
"So you being protective of your family is why you've always hated me?" Bella asked, her voice hoarse and quiet due to her being unprepared for how blunt Rosalie was being. Rosalie heard her with no problem though, due to her super hearing.
"I've never really hated you Bella. I hated that you would so willingly give up your humanity when you had a choice not to" Rosalie stopped and struck Bella with a long stare.
"I didn't have a choice, Carlise turned me because an ignorant man decided he had a right to me and used me for his entertainment." Rosalie began walking again.
Bella didn't have a response for Rosalie, she was flabbergasted.
"If your mutt hadn't taken care of that Liam boy I might of had some words with him"
"You would have talked to Liam because he harassed me?" Bella was even more surprised.
"Not for your honor but for his ignorance. There's one thing I can't stand and it's men thinking they can take whatever they want." Rosalie's eyes darkened and her voice got dangerous.
"Well, th-thank you?" Bella stated, a bit unsure if it was the proper response.
"Your mutt saving your humanity and teaching that stupid boy a lesson…" Rosalie trailed off in thought for a second.
Bella remained silent as they continued into the school.
"Leah, right?" Rosalie pondered.
"Yes" Bella was more than surprised that Rosalie was calling her by her name and not a slur.
"I guess I like your mutt-" Rosalie stopped herself "uhm, Leah."
Bella stopped walking, her mouth hanging ajar.
"You really shouldn't make that face, it's quite unattractive" Rosalie laughed as she continued walking and disappeared around a corner.
Bella stood for a long time as her brain attempted to process what had happened. This was the longest conversation she had ever had with Rosalie. Of all the Cullens, Rosalie hated the pack the most, or was at least the most vocal about it. And here she was telling Bella that she liked Leah. Using Leah's name instead of mutt. Bella shook her head in disbelief before pulling her attention back to her surroundings. She was a few doors down from her last class and quickly walked over to it. She opened the door as quietly as she could but the teacher stopped talking and every head in the room turned to look at her. Bella could feel her cheeks get incredibly warm as she ducked her head and found her seat quickly. The teacher continued droning on but Bella could still feel eyes on her. She sighed to herself, by now the whole school was probably aware of what happened in the cafeteria and she could already tell she wasn't going to hear the end of it any time soon.
Leah phased in her mother's backyard and rushed into the house, pulling her borrowed sweatpants on.
"Mom?!" Leah called out as she pulled Bella's tank top on.
"Leah?" Sue asked, surprised as she walked into the kitchen to greet her daughter.
"Oh, it's good to see you" Sue pulled her daughter into a tight hug.
"Yeah you too mom" Leah reciprocated the hug.
"So what do you need?" Sue asked, pulling away from the hug and eyeing her daughter.
"Why do you think I need something? Can't I come visit my mom?" Leah asked, defensively.
Sue raised an eyebrow at her, not believing Leah's excuses.
"Okay" Leah sighed loudly. "Charlie invited me to dinner at their house after he found out Bella and I are dating"
"Ahh, you're meeting the parent" Sue chuckled lightly.
"But that's the problem, I already know Charlie" Leah whined.
"Don't whine Dear, it's childish." Sue reprimanded her.
"I just don't know what to do!" Leah ignored her mother's previous comment. "What do I even wear?"
Sue laughed lightly. "I don't think you have to wear anything special. Like you said Charlie already knows you. I'm sure he just wants to get to know you as an adult a bit better"
Leah chewed her bottom lip, nervously, thinking over what her mother had said.
"Do I bring something? Is it rude to show up empty handed?" Leah questioned further.
"It might be nice to bring something, yes" Sue nodded her agreement.
"What do I bring? I can't exactly bring him a fish" Leah started pacing "I could bring him beer!" Leah stopped and smiled triumphantly.
"I don't think beer is a wise choice." Sue stood, watching her daughter.
"Why not?"
"You're underage and he's a police officer." Sue stated as if it were the most obvious thing.
"Right…" Leah sighed and slumped into a kitchen chair.
"You could bring him your father's famous fish fry" Sue suggested.
"We don't have any fresh fish…" Leah complained.
"Well you could go and catch some, you've got a few hours until dinner time" Sue smiled lightly at her daughter. "Then when you get back I'll help you cook it"
Leah thought this over. She hadn't been fishing since her father had passed and hated the idea of going without him. Even when she had gotten older and thought it was lame to hang out with her dad they still went fishing occasionally. She would never admit it at the time but she liked their peaceful time together out on the water. When she was out on the water with him she was his little girl. Again she would never admit it to anyone but she loved it. Leah shook her head in protest and swallowed down the sadness that had formed a lump in her throat.
"I'll go buy some fish off someone" Leah stated as she stood, her face a blank slate as she hid her emotions.
"Okay, I'll be here when you get back" Sue explained sadly as she saw the emotional struggle her daughter had just gone through. She understood why Leah felt the way she did and didn't want to push the issue more.
Sue dropped Leah off at the Swan residence and then drove back home. Leah was going to run to the house but Sue said the fish fry might not make it and she didn't mind giving her a ride. Leah then stood on the Swan's front porch and took a deep breath. She could smell the fish fry through the paper bag she was holding. She also got a whiff of Bella's scent which comforted her and she relaxed a bit. She knocked on the door and listened, she heard Bella coming and was grateful. Bella opened the door and pulled Leah into a tight hug.
"Hey," Bella said lightly.
"Hey" Leah responded as she pressed her lips to the top of Bella's head and inhaled deeply.
"Come in," Bella said as she broke the hug.
Leah followed Bella inside and removed her jacket, hanging it on the coat rack. Leah knew Charlie hung his holster there when he was off duty but didn't see the gun. Bella noticed Leah's gaze and gave her an apologetic smile. Bella led Leah into the kitchen and she saw Charlie was sitting at the kitchen table, cleaning his hand gun.
"Ah Leah" Charlie said as he finished up what he was cleaning and wiped his hands on a rag. "Good to see you again" He stood, his face more serious and stern than Leah was used to.
"Good to see you too " Leah being more formal than usual, assessing that this situation required manners.
Charlie extended his hand and Leah shook it firmly. She then noticed Charlie's eyeing the paper bag Leah was still holding.
"Oh, mum and I made Dad's fish fry" Leah smiled a sad smile as she held the bag up for Charlie to take.
Charlie's face softened as he took the bag "Thank you".
"No problem. Mum thought it'd been awhile since she had sent some over…" Leah trailed off leaving her father's death implied in the situation but not wanting to say it out right.
"Have a seat, Leah" Charlie gestured to the seat across from where he had been sitting. Leah obliged and sat down, placing her clasped hands on the table. Charlie sat back down and Bella sighed, taking the fish fry and putting it in the fridge. Bella then went back to putting the finishing touches on dinner.
"So, Leah" Charlie started as he began cleaning his gun again. "What are your intentions with my daughter?"
Bella groaned, embarrassed. Leah smiled at Bella for a second before turning her attention back to Charlie.
"I love her, Sir" Leah stated firmly. "And I plan to do whatever it takes to make her happy" Leah was speaking from her heart and the emotion was evident in her words.
Charlie grunted his approval but didn't want to surrender his tough father act just yet. It was hard for him to continue this act because of how much he already knew Leah's character.
"I can't have my daughter dating someone who gets in trouble with the law" Charlie stated firmly.
"Yes, Sir" Leah nodded, slightly ashamed. "I understand that Sir but if I had a second chance I would have done the same thing." Leah looked Charlie in the eye, her wolf prowling just below the surface, agitated by the thought of someone touching Bella again. "If protecting Bella means getting in trouble with the law I have to apologize in advance because I will always be there to protect her."
Bella had paused what she was doing in the kitchen. She could feel the powerful presence of the wolf in Leah's words. Charlie had paused his gun cleaning and continued his eye contact with Leah. He too had felt the power behind the words and frowned at Leah for what seemed like ages.
"Good." He finally said. He slid the gun closed, stood and walked to the halway.
Leah could hear rustling as Charlie put his gun away. Then water started running in the bathroom as he washed his hands. When Charlie returned he had his usual friendly demeanor.
"I'm glad you're dating my daughter, Leah" Charlie gave her a friendly smile.
"Thank you, Sir" Leah smiled, relieved.
"Oh stop with that Leah, just call me Charlie" He sat back down at the table and gave her the fatherly smile she was used to receiving from him. Over the years Charlie had become a sort of extension of her father. And sometimes when Leah got in trouble and feared her parent's reaction she would seek Charlie out. He would always take her to the diner for dinner and give her sound advice before driving her home to face the music.
"Sure" Leah choked out. Before today the last time she had seen Charlie was at her father's funeral. She wasn't prepared for the kind fatherly look he had given her and she could feel the sadness threatening to spill out.
"Do you need any help?" Leah turned to Bella, looking for a distraction.
"No, I'm done. I was just waiting for you two to finish your…conversation" Bella rolled her eyes as she brought over two heaping plates of spaghetti and meatballs. Bella went back and returned with a third plate and sat between Charlie and Leah.
They ate and talked idly about work and school. Leah told Charlie she had bought a house recently and he lit up, offering to help her renovate any time she needed. Charlie asked if Leah had caught the fish for the fish fry and she explained she hadn't been fishing since Harry had passed.
"You should come fishing with me this weekend" Charlie smiled lightly, knowing he could never replace Harry.
"I don't know…" Leah struggled with the offer. She had never gone fishing without her father.
"We could even bring your brother so he can find the fish for you" Charlie grinned at her, bringing up the old memory.
Leah laughed loudly, remembering when she pushed Seth in and her lame excuse for it. Charlie joined in the laughter. Bella looked between the two of them lost.
"Alright Charlie I'll ask Seth if he wants to come too" Leah said, still laughing a bit, making up her mind that it would be fun to go fishing with Charlie.
"Good, it'd be nice to have someone to fish with" Charlie looked a bit sad and Leah recognized that Charlie had lost Harry too.
"I can't promise that Seth will come though" Leah warned "I don't think he went fishing again after he...fell off the boat"
They continued their dinner with light small talk and once they were done eating Leah helped clear the plates. When Bella and Leah were done cleaning up the kitchen Leah turned to Bella, her expression full of sorrow.
"Want to go for a walk?" Leah asked Bella, trying to tell her she needed to let her wolf stretch and cope with the emotion.
"That sounds great" Bella replied understanding the sorrow filled look Leah was giving her.
Bella felt for Leah. She knew Charlie and Harry were close and she had even seen pictures around the house of Charlie, Harry and a young Leah all decked out in fishing gear. One picture showed a young Leah on a boat, excitedly showing Charlie a fish. Charlie's expression in the photo was full of pride. Bella liked looking at these photos a lot after her and Leah had started dating. Before that though Bella felt a bit guilty and jealous. She was jealous that Charlie expressed such pride about Leah. And Charlie told stories about the young girl frequently when speaking about fishing, which was often. She felt guilt because she didn't like fishing herself. She knew Charlie enjoyed it but when Bella visited he would turn down fishing trips with Harry to try and do something Bella enjoyed.
The two grabbed their jackets and put them on. Charlie warned them not to go too deep into the woods and asked Bella if she still had the bear spray he had given her. He had given it to her originally when she started dating Edward, just in case. But now with her going into the woods with all the large predator sightings he worried.
"Don't worry Charlie, my people are close to the forest" Leah reassured him.
Charlie had doubts that Leah's heritage would protect them from large animals that could rip them apart.
"Just humor me and stay close to the tree line" Charlie pleaded.
"Okay" Bella sighed as she led Leah out the back door.
Once inside the tree line Leah stripped down, Bella kept her distance as Leah phased. Once the wolf was relatively still Bella approached and placed a hand on it's side. Leah relaxed instantly and they both walked slowly into the forest. They didn't go too far, they could still just see the house through the trees and bushes. Leah sat and tilted her head upwards letting out a sorrow filled howl. She hadn't properly grieved the loss of her father. She didn't want to confront it because it was her fault he was dead. Way off in the distance Leah heard another sorrow filled howl belonging to her brother. He was running patrol and felt Leah's sorrow for the death of their father.
'It's not your fault, Lee' Seth told her gently using her childhood nickname.
Leah whimpered and Bella wrapped her arms around Leah's neck.
'He had a bad heart' Seth continued but Leah could feel his sorrow.
Leah let out another long sad howl, only slightly comforted by her imprint and brother.
'Lee, it's okay to be sad' Seth continued 'You don't have to act tough all the time'
Leah lowered her head, trying to make more contact with Bella, taking comfort in her touch.
Leah let out a soft howl followed by a whimper and Seth howled with her.
"Bella…" Charlie's voice was full of concern.
Both Bella and Leah started, Leah raised her head quickly to look directly at Charlie. He was holding his gun, pointed right at her. Bella was hugging her and if Charlie fired there was a chance he'd hit Bella. Leah growled in fear of her imprint getting hurt, her wolf more in control than her. Charlie was very slowly walking towards them, keeping his gun aimed steadily at Leah's head.
"Bella come towards me very slowly," Charlie instructed, never taking his eyes off Leah.
"No, Dad!" Bella released Leah from the hug she was giving her and spread her arms wide in front of Leah's wolf form. "You can't shoot her"
"Bella!" Charlie hissed, frightened at the loud and sudden movements she was making around the beast.
"You need to come towards me now" He repeated, sternly.
"No, Dad she won't hurt me. Put your gun away" Bella pleaded, tears now rolling down her cheeks.
"Bella, that's a wild…" Charlie struggled to categorize what the wolf was. It looked like a wolf but it was much larger than any wolf he had ever seen. "Wolf. You don't know what it will do" Charlie was still walking slowly towards them.
"No Dad, please just listen" Bella pleaded with her father "she's safe I promise"
Leah's wolf hated the gun being pointed in Bella's direction and wanted to attack the threat. Leah had to fight with every fiber in her body to prevent her wolf from doing so. She had two options, try and run and risk him firing and potentially hitting Bella or let the secret out and phase back. Technically Charlie was now connected to the pack due to Bella being her imprint but Leah knew that was a thin technicality. Charlie did know all the pack stories though and if anyone outside the pack were to know the secret Charlie wasn't a bad candidate.
"Where's Leah?!" Charlie now just noticing her absence. "Did the wolf's pack drag her off?"
Leah made up her mind. She calmed her wolf, promising her imprint would be safe and then she phased back to human. Leah stood behind Bella, seeing as she was now naked and her clothes were pretty far from them.
"Leah no!" Bella had felt the shift as the fur that was rubbing up against her arm disappeared.
Charlie stood, gun still raised, now pointing at thin air where Leah's wolf head used to be. His mouth was hanging open and he stared at the two women. Leah still strategically behind Bella to hide her naked body.
"How?..." Charlie whispered as he lowered his gun and re-engaged the safety.
Leah was glad that he had done so and that his instinct turned the safety back on.
"I told you my people were close to the forest" Leah tried to joke to break the tension.
Charlie shook his head in disbelief but seemed to break free of his trance.
"How about we go inside?" Leah offered.
Charlie nodded but didn't move still standing in front of the two women, disbelief written all over his face.
"Hey Charlie," Leah laughed awkwardly "I'm naked so if you want to go on in ahead of me that'd be ideal."
Charlie composed himself a bit and nodded awkwardly as he turned back towards the house.
"What are you doing?!" Bella scolded Leah as they walked back to Leah's clothes.
"I didn't have many choices, he had a gun pointed towards you. I couldn't risk him missing me and hitting you." Leah explained as she pulled her pants and shirt on. She didn't bother with the rest of the clothing, it was all for the benefit of pretending to be normal and that was long gone.
"He wouldn't have shot with me that close" Bella insisted.
"He wasn't listening to you. Besides what were you going to tell him?" Leah scooped up the rest of her clothing "you found a massive wolf in the wild and tamed it?" The two walked towards the house.
"I don't know" Bella seemed agitated "but you're going to be in so much trouble now"
Leah shrugged and held the back door open for Bella. Charlie was sitting at the kitchen table with his head in his hands. He looked up when he heard the two girls enter.
"The tribal legends …" He made solid eye contact with Leah.
Leah was about to answer when her phone started ringing.
"All true, hold on" she answered before fishing through her jacket for her phone. She saw her mother's picture on the phone and sighed deeply. She was hoping she'd have a little more time before she got chewed out. Seth must have phased and told someone about what had happened. She loves the kid but he needed to leave people to their own business sometimes.
"Hey Mum" Leah answered the phone sheepishly.
"Bring them back to the house." Sue spoke with the authority of a tribal elder and Leah knew there was no room for argument.
Before Leah could acknowledge the demand her mother had hung up the phone.
"Alrighty then" Leah ran her hand down her face with a sigh. "We're going to have to continue this conversation at my place"
Charlie didn't protest much, but insisted they take the cruiser. He also insisted that Leah sit in the back and Bella in the front. So for the second time that day Leah rode in the back of the chief's cruiser. Charlie kept glancing at Leah in the rear view mirror, maybe checking to make sure she was still human. When they pulled up outside the Clearwater residence Leah noticed the cars of the other tribal elders. Leah groaned and wished she didn't have to go inside. Charlie led them inside, anxious for answers. When they entered they were met with Quil Sr, Billy, Seth, Jacob, Sam, and Sue. Leah sauntered into the living room and plopped down on the couch.
"Alright who wants to yell at me first?" Leah raised an eyebrow as she surveyed the many eyes on her.
"Are you fucking serious?!" Sam yelled "you exposed tribal secrets and you want to act all cocky?!"
"I had a feeling you'd want to go first, Sam" Leah shrugged "hey, no offence but why is Jacob here?"
"I'm my Dad's ride" Jacob rolled his eyes.
"Fair enough" Leah shrugged again and then looked over at Bella, patting the couch cushion beside her.
"So everyone here knows?..." Charlie looked at Billy and Sue with a hurt expression.
Sue gave him a sympathetic look and Billy looked a little apologetic.
"Is what Seth said true?" Quil Sr questioned Leah.
"I don't know, what'd Seth tell you?" Leah wrapped an arm around Bella's shoulders as she took a seat beside Leah.
"That Charlie had a gun pointed at you"
"Then yes it's true" Leah nodded once.
"Why didn't you run?" Sam blurted.
"I didn't want to make any sudden movements when he had a gun pointed so close to my imprint, Samuel" Leah returned with venom in her words.
"What's an imprint?" Charlie pipes in, looking lost.
"Why don't you just tell him everything then, Leah?" Sam responded with more anger.
"He already knows about us, it's not like we should really keep anything else from him!" Leah growled the last few words. Sam started growling back his fists trembling slightly.
"That's enough!" Sue boomed over the two.
They both quieted down, recognizing an elder speaking and that they must show respect.
"Why don't you have a seat Charlie?" Sue suggested, gesturing to an open arm chair.
The elders began speaking to Charlie and answering his questions. It seemed that they were going to let him in on everything. Leah had a feeling this was because he was very close to two of the three of them. Leah half paid attention to the words that were said, waiting until they got to the part about reprimanding her. Bella yawned and Leah pulled her into her lap so Bella was sat on her sideways. Leah wrapped both arms around Bella, tightly, and Bella yawned again as she rested the side of her face just above Leah's chest. Bella was exhausted from the adrenaline rush she had experienced from Charlie almost shooting Leah. Bella's eyes closed slowly as she drifted off to the white noise of the chatter around her.
"Poor thing is probably exhausted from everything that happened today" Sue sighed as she looked at Bella in Leah's arms.
Leah nodded her agreement and then looked over at Charlie to see how he was doing. He was having an incredibly in depth conversation with Billy and seemed to be taking things quite well. Jacob came over to the couch and lifted Bella's feet very carefully. He then sat down beside Leah and replaced Bella's feet in his lap.
"I think you made the right call" Jacob stated "Seth showed Sam and I everything, play by play and I would have done the same thing" Jacob looked at Bella's sleeping face with sympathy.
"Thanks, at least I've got two people in the pack who aren't going to crucify me" Leah smiled at Jacob kindly before suppressing a yawn. Leah's own adrenaline rush come down had caught up with her. Jacob draped his arm around the back of the couch, behind Leah's head, and gave her a brotherly smile.
"I'll shake you when they decide to yell at you"
Leah was grateful for his kindness as they had sent Seth to bed a little while ago seeing as it was a school night. She had no doubt he was still awake and listening but it was nice to have someone in her corner right beside her. Leah closed her eyes but remained sitting upright, not sure where her new found friendship with Jacob lay. She didn't have to ponder long as Jacob moved his arm around her shoulders. Leah rested her head on his shoulder and was grateful yet again that he was here. She would never admit it to him but he was an alright guy. Leah hadn't fallen asleep, she was just resting before all hell broke loose.
"Quil, it looks like everything is going to be okay" Sue tried to reason with him.
"We can't let this go unchecked. If we do every wolf is going to think it's okay to blab all over town" Quil retorted.
"These were very unique circumstances" Billy interjected. "We'll make a stance that it is not okay to share tribe secrets and that this was a 1 in a million situation"
"Everyone will claim their situation was unique" Quil was not going to let this slide.
"Yes, but not many have imprints. A wolf has no loyalty to his-" Sam quickly corrected "to it's tribe when their imprint is endangered"
Sam had had time to put himself in Leah's situation as everyone had been talking. He thought he would have probably attacked Charlie if it had been himself and Emily in danger. Leah was surprised at Sam's sudden change of heart and that he was defending her actions. There was silence for a minute and Leah was curious as to what was going on. She lifted her head and opened her eyes.
"I see we've come to a conclusion then?" Quil Sr scowled at the room.
"It appears so" Billy nodded.
"Leah Clearwater" Quil Sr turned and looked her dead in the eye. "Just because your mother is an elder and you have a history with your alpha does not mean you will receive special treatment." Quil Sr took a moment to look at Sue then Sam then back to Leah. "Do you understand what you have done here tonight?"
"Yes" Leah said solemnly, being sure to look ashamed.
"Good, this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated again" Quil Sr stated before taking his leave.
Charlie looked over at Leah and Jacob, noticing how small his daughter looked in their presence. He noticed Bella was fast asleep and frowned slightly. After her long day today he didn't want to disrupt her.
"Sue, would you mind Bella staying here tonight? I don't want to try moving her or wake her" Charlie asked Sue as he stood.
"Not at all Charlie, I can drop her back at your house with enough time before school to get ready, tomorrow." Sue smiled sweetly.
"Leah," Charlie turned back to look at her "are we still on for this weekend?"
Leah beamed at Charlie, more excited than ever for the weekend fishing.
"Ofcourse, your place just after sunrise?" Leah inquired.
"Sounds good, I'll see you Saturday then?" Charlie surrendered a small smile.
Leah nodded as she stood, gently, careful not to jostle Bella. Leah walked up to her old room, that Sue had quickly converted into a guest room and tucked Bella in. She quickly went back downstairs and saw that Charlie, Jacob and Billy had left already. She found Sam and her mother sitting in the living room. She smiled at them meekly, unsure of where she stood with both of them.
"I would have done the same, Lee-Lee" Sam used his old nickname for her and sighed sadly, grateful it hadn't happened to him. Leah understood he wasn't mad at her when he used that nick name and quickly turned to face her mother.
"What are you and Charlie getting up to on the weekend?" Sue had a feeling she knew but wanted to hear it from Leah.
"We're going fishing" Leah smiled, finding she was actually very excited to get out on the water again.
"That's great, Dear. Why don't you go get some sleep?" Sue instructed. Leah didn't need to be told twice, she was exhausted. As Leah climbed the stairs she heard her mother offer Sam a cup of tea. As Leah climbed into bed beside Bella she wondered when the last time Sam had been in her house was. Bella rolled over and snuggled against Leah's side, flopping an arm and a leg over Leah's body. Leah smiled to herself as she wrapped an arm around Bella, holding her to her side firmly. She quickly drifted off to sleep.