Thank you ANGEL FALLEN FROM HEAVEN, InazumaNina, Apocalypse owner, MariMart, birdy, RemainsoftheSphinx,Cestrenes97, PixieDustRed, Ksave, Mae, chibi-no-baka, dog1056, sammy4x4, Elia the Huntress, and Guests for reviewing, as well as everyone who faved/followed this story. You guys are so wonderful, and you truly light up my world. Sorry if I forgot anyone!

Chapter Title from Taylor Swift song, I Know Places

birdy: Me too. It gets darkest before dawn. And while the moon comes out for a while in this chapter, it's gonna get a heck of a lot darker! (I hope I didn't scare you with my weird analogies. I love you. You're awesome.)

Mae: Steve can be a bit slow when it comes to attractive women he likes. You'll have to read below to find out exactly how it turns out... hehe. (I really want to tell you. This is killing me) I wait for your reviews like a crazy stalker, so I think we're even! Thank you so much for the review, and as for the last question-definetly not. Hope that isn't bursting any bubbles, but I want this to remain a focused Steve/Leah story.

Guests:

1) Thankyouthankyouthankyou! It really is lovely to hear that. I hope this satisfies you.

2) Oh my, thank you. A clue: this story has way more female friendships than I had first intended. I don't regret a thing.

Thank you! I'll try. I just want to hug you!


Despite Seth and Emily's pep talks, Leah was growing increasingly nervous the closer it got to five thirty. She went though the motions of helping everyone set up, getting wood for the bonfire, running down to the store to get ice for the drinks.

At five twenty five exactly, two figures came from the beach car park, picking their way through the sand. Everyone paused for a second, turning to look at the newcomers, then going back to their activities. The boys were having an arm wrestling tournament, and Emily and Sue were setting up the food. Leah sat with her back to Steve, and though she smelt his scent, she continued to watch the flames of the fire flicker.

A hand patted her on the head, and she looked up to see Billy looking down at her. He gave her a small smile, then turned back to watch the flames.

Sighing, Leah stood up and turned around. Steve broke into a big grin when he spotted her, throwing a large wave. He introduced himself to Emily, then handed her a large bowl. She thanked him profusely, her eyes scanning him and his companion.

"Steve," Leah nodded, "and Natalie," she offered the woman a strained smile. Natalie returned it, except her's was not at all strained. She looked genuinely happy.

Steve raced up to her, coming to a stop in front of her, arms hanging awkwardly like he wasn't sure what to do with them. He paused, uncertain, then offered her a hand to shake. Leah stared at him curiously, then shook it.

If Leah, or any one of the pack had been looking anywhere other than at Steve (or in Leah's case, his blue eyes), they would have noticed Natalie's eyes rolling as she hit herself over the head.

"So, you made it," Leah filled the awkward silence.

"Happy to be here," Steve beamed, staring back into her gorgeous brown eyes, hints of honey looking like molten gold.

"Food's ready," Emily hollered. The boys jumped up from where they stood around the arm wrestling table, racing over to the food. Well trained, they lined up behind Jared, waiting impatiently.

"Guests and ladies first," Emily explained to a confused looking Steve, waving everyone else over to the food. When Leah went to line up behind the boys, Emily glared at her and shook her head sharply. Cautiously, Leah followed all the non-pack members, ignoring the playful glares sent by her pack mates, and loaded up her paper plate with just under a dozen hot dogs. She sat down at the campfire, next to Natalie, glancing over at Steve, who was happily munching away. That's when she realised he had a good dozen hot dogs stacked up on his plate.

Natalie noticed her staring and rolled her eyes again, "He always eats like a god damn horse," she told Leah, smirking. Leah couldn't help but smile back, finding Natalie's good humour oddly contagious, especially when she wasn't sure she liked her.

"I'm big, okay? I need protein," Steve protested, his eyes twinkling.

"Keep telling yourself that," Natalie said, she and Leah sharing another grin.

Emily cleared her throat as everyone munched through their dinner.

"So, Steve, Natalie, what do you do?" she asked. Steve's smile immediately dropped off. He looked faintly panicked.

"We're both on leave from the army," Natalie said calmly.

Paul snorted, "You're in the army?" he laughed. Steve immediately frowned at him, but Natalie wasn't bothered.

"I'm more of a consultant, actually," she smiled, "though I'm not really supposed to talk about it."

Paul sniggered, "Of course," he laughed. Jared whacked him over the back of the head, then continued to stuff his face.

Steve was still staring at Paul. Slowly his gaze moved over to Sam. Maybe he hadn't seen them, or maybe he hadn't recognised them. A furrow began between his eyebrows. It didn't go away as he munched carefully on his sausage, looking slightly suspicious.

Once they finished eating, Billy Black told the story of Taha Aki, the Cold Ones and the Spirit Wolves. Even Leah, who had heard the stories so many times she could recited them from memory, word for word, was entranced by the web of tales Billy weaved.

"That was amazing," Steve said softly. Leah smiled. No one could tell their history like Billy could.

Slowly, the pack drifted towards the table they were using for their arm wrestling tournament. Leah and Steve followed, watching the competition, while Natalie walked towards the water's edge.


Natasha had been watching everyone at the bonfire, reading them all. When the group broke up, she followed the one most likely to tell her everything to the waters edge.

"I'm Nat," she grinned cheerfully at the dark haired girl, who sat with her feet in the water, watching the sun set.

"Oh," she turned, surprised, "I'm Kim," she introduced herself.

"Kim, I don't want to pry, but is something going on with that big guy, Sam, and Leah?" Natasha asked, "It's just, Steve kind of likes her, (but don't tell him I said that) and he was kind of worried he might be interfering."

"So you two aren't together?" Kim asked, an innocent expression on her face.

Natasha shook her head, "Nope."

A mischievous grin formed on Kim's face, and Natasha knew she was about to get the motherload.

"Leah'll be happy. But you didn't hear that from me," Kim peaked over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening.

"Sam and Leah were engaged. Then Sam met her cousin Emily, and that was it. Both of them, head over heels," Kim whispered.

"Why does she still hang around them? I'd run fast as I could!" Natasha said, not as shocked as she pretended to be, but not unmoved either.

"Well, we're all pretty close, you know? All grew up together. And Leah and Em were super close before. I think Leah's sort of forgiven her?" Kim pondered.

"What about Leah and Sam?" Natasha asked, curious.

"She still hates him. Not really sure how he feels about her- I mean, she did make life pretty miserable for him for years."

"Can you blame her?" Natasha asked, "That's disgusting!" The disbelieve and revulsion she felt were strong enough that Natasha wasn't sure if she herself had answered, or if it was simply the persona she wore.

Kim faltered, "The circumstances were kind of weird. But Emily did turn him down for ages, because she didn't want to hurt Leah's feelings? I think she realised it was too late, and they got together anyway."

"But you're right. Sam can still be a bit weird when it comes to Leah. Like, he still loves her a little bit? Did Steve tell you what happened on the cliff yesterday? All the guys were talking about it," Kim asked.

"No. What happened?" Natasha asked, deeply suspicious.

"The guys went cliff diving, and Steve was there. I guess Sam knew Leah kinda liked Steve, because Sam just lost it. He nearly shi- uh," for a second, Kim looked panicked, "lost his shit."

"Mm-hmm," Natasha hummed, "weird."

"Leah's a good person. I just wanted to tell you, 'cause you seem protective of Steve. She's had a tough life she didn't deserve. But under all of the prickles and spikes, she's incredible," Kim told her. Natasha smiled back.

"Good to know."

"What are you guys talking about?" a voice called out. Both women turned around to see Leah looking at them suspiciously. Kim looked panicked again, but Natasha just smiled.

"Kim was just telling me how beautiful the sunsets around here could be," she said.

Kim let out a small sigh of relief. Natasha stood up, dusting sand off her pants.

"Where are the toilets?" she asked Leah politely.

"Up near the car park," Leah pointed towards them.

"Thanks," Natasha seemed honestly thankful, despite having seen them when she first arrived. She started walking away, then stopped.

"Leah, we have room for one more in our car if you need a lift home," she offered.

Confused, Leah nodded.

"I'd like that."


When Leah left Steve at the arm wrestling table, she forgot how volatile Sam and Steve's first meeting had been.

Standing by the table, watching, Steve realised someone was watching him. Looking up, he saw Sam, frowning at him over the table. Steve nodded back, not wanting to start any thing. Though if something did start, he'd gladly jump in. Sam walked over next to Steve, crossing his huge arms over his chest.

"Why'd you bring her?" he asked Steve, who mirrored his movements, crossing his arms.

"Natalie? Is there some reason I shouldn't have?" Steve asked back, in a perfectly civilized tone.

Sam glowered, but made no move to uncross his arms.

"Stay away from Leah," Sam said.

"Why do you care? You're married," Steve nodded to the gold ring on Sam's finger.

"None of your damn business," Sam thundered lowly.

"I'll stay away from Leah when Leah tells me to. I'll pack my bags and leave for good. But only if she decides so. It's her decision," Steve told Sam sternly, "Not anyone else's."

The pack was not sure what to do, once again the bystanders of what looked like was about to become an epic fight.

Seth piped up, trying to break the mood, "Hey, Steve, think you can beat me?" he called mischievously. Steve grinned.

"You're on," he called. Embry and Quil made room for Steve to sit down, sliding across the wooden bench. Steve and Seth grasped hands, grinning at each other.

Jared called, "Ready, steady... GO!" and within a second, Steve had Seth's hand flat against the hard wood of the table. The pack roared with laughter, clapping both guys on the back. But Embry was confused.

"Why did Seth let Steve win?" he asked Jared curiously, under the noise the rest of the pack was making.

"Trying to get in good with the future brother in law," Jared explained, laughing. No one noticed the stunned expression on Seth's face as he stared at his hand.

"Can I have a go?" Sam asked. The noise disappeared, and the pack looked at Steve, ready for the volley of insults to begin again.

"Sure," Steve said. Sam gestured of Seth to get of the bench, but he paused, worried. Prompted by a heavy glare from Sam, Seth reluctantly stood up. Sam took his place on the bench, and the two men clasped hands. Sam turned to looked at Jared, wondering why he wasn't calling them to start. Jared cleared his throat.

"Ready, steady, GO!" he called. Unlike with Seth, Sam didn't have his hand immediately forced against the wooden tabletop. Surprisingly, neither did Steve.

They stared across the table at each other, their hands shaking with effort. Steve started pushing Sam's hand closer and closer to the table, until Sam's muscles gave up, and his fist thumped against the weathered wood. Relieved, the pack cheered.

Steve offered his hand for Sam to shake, "Good game," he told the larger man.

"Good game," Sam said stiffly. Steve stood up.

"I'd better talk to Nat. She'll be mad I left her so long. Thanks for the game, Sam, Seth," Steve nodded, walking away to where Leah and Kim stood, looking out at the waves. Kim said something to Leah, and she smiled.

The pack converged on Sam, clapping him on the arm.

"Didn't think you had it in you to let him win," said Jared, impressed, "Way to be the better man, Sam."

"I didn't," Sam said softly, watching Steve's retreating back.

"What?" Jared asked, the rest of the pack quieting watching the exchange in confusion.

"I did not let him beat me," Sam said slowly. They stared. They then turned as one to stare at Steve. His hand was dangerously close to their pack mate's as they watched the dimly glowing moon together.


"Steve," Natalie called out, "I think we'd better go, a couple of cars have been broken into in the car park. I'm scared to leave mine there."

The men were all approaching Steve, but paused at Natalie's words.

"Which cars?" Jared called out.

"Um, a black ute and a red one. Windows and lights smashed, and the paints pretty scratched," Natalie said, frowning innocently.

"Black ute?" Paul said, "SHIT!" he took off up the sand dunes to his car.

"Red?" Jared said, "Sam, isn't that yours?" he asked curiously. Sam groaned, and followed Paul across the sand at a break neck speed.

"Are you guys ready to go? I don't want to leave my car up there any longer," Natalie asked.

"Yeah, sure," Steve said, marching up the dunes.

"And Leah needs a ride home, so she's coming with us," Natalie said casually. Steve grinned to himself, and he and Leah walked together.

Upon arriving at the car, Leah realised the passenger seat was filled with bags. Noticing her look, Natalie explained, "Emily gave me some leftovers to take home. To be honest, I'm surprised there were any with the amount everyone ate, but I'm grateful. She certainly knows how to cook!" Natalie beamed, slipping into the drivers seat of the black convertible, doing up her seat belt.

Steve awkwardly opened the back door for Leah to climb in, slipping in after her. The back was cramped and small, but neither person minded all that much, and after a conversation that was as flowing and stilted as Steve himself, the two exchanged numbers.

It wasn't until they'd dropped her home that she realised Natalie had a far nicer car then two rusty old pickup trucks. Why hadn't the thieves left a dent in the perfect paint job?


"I thought something trickier and nastier was more your style," Steve said, leaning forward from the back to look at Natasha as they drove back to their motel.

To her credit, Natasha did not pretend she didn't know what he was talking about.

"Sometimes, you have to take victory in the little things, Steve," she explained. Steve leant back in his seat, resting his head on the back.

"I get Paul, but what did Sam do to you?" he asked curiously.

"Wasn't personal," Natasha said vaguely. Knowing he wasn't going to get any more out of her, he sighed.

"They aren't going to find out it was you, are they?" Steve asked.

"What do you take me for, a common vandal? I wore gloves, and I used a rock I found. It's in the boot."

"Do you take gloves everywhere with you?" Steve wondered. Natasha didn't answer, so he took it as a yes. For half an hour, the drove in silence.

"Why are you here, Nat?" Steve asked wearily.

"Checking up on you. Someone has to watch your back," said Natasha.


When he got back to his room, he collapsed on his bed, his confused brain tired. Just like this morning, he dreamed of a girl. But brown hair turned black, and pinup curves turned to daring muscle. Red lips turned pink. But the sharp wit and determined attitude remained the same. And for the first time, Steve realised he could let go of Peggy. She had a good life, a wonderful husband and children.

And Steve's romance was just beginning.


Seth practically battered Leah's bedroom draw down when he raced inside. Leah had heard him thumping up the stairs when he was dropped home from the bonfire, but she had thought he was excited, not downright panicked.

"Seth?" she said, standing up, her little brother running toward her, only to stop in front of her, breathing heavily.

"What is it?" she demanded, "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Seth shook her head, "It's about Steve." Cold dread ruptured from the pit of her stomach.

"He beat Sam at arm wrestling," Seth tried to convey the urgency.

"What?" Leah was confused.

"Sam and Steve were arm wrestling, and everyone thought Sam let Steve win. But he didn't. And he beat me too, easy. I mean, that was kinda weird, but beating Sam is just... impossible," he breathed out.

Leah only stared at her babbling brother.

"He's stronger then Sam, Leah. And Embry says he smells weird on like, a deeper level then most people, and he shared it with me, and it was just wrong, Leah," Seth looked at her with sad eyes.

"I find out my imprint actually likes me back, doesn't have a girlfriend, only that he's some kind of super strong freak," she said, plonking back down on her bed.

"I... " Seth tried to comfort her, but he didn't know what to say.

"Leah," they looked up to see their mother in the doorway, "you have no idea what is up with him. Sure, maybe he's taking some unknown drug that can make you the strongest person alive, but maybe he's a different shapeshifter from around the world. You can't be the only ones. It'd explain why you imprinted on him," Sue comforted her daughter.

"But then he would have imprinted on me, mum," Leah said, swallowing back tears for the second time that day.

"Well, maybe where he's from, it works differently," Seth offered, trying to help.

"Let us worry about it for now, darling. Go to sleep," Sue cooed, stroking Leah's hair. Leah's emotionally exhausted body soon fell asleep. And even with the information Seth had loaded onto her, she dreamed of blue eyes and blond hair.


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