Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 16 (Patreon)

Leah Clearwater watched as her mother, Sue, hummed a cheerful tune while arranging the groceries on the kitchen counter. There was a lightness in her mother’s step that Leah hadn’t seen in years—not since before her father passed away. It was as if a weight had been lifted off Sue’s shoulders, and Leah could hardly believe the transformation.

The change had started when her mother got a job at that new factory on the outskirts of Forks. The factory was owned by a British family, the Blacks, who had recently moved into town and established themselves rather quickly. Leah hadn’t paid much attention to them at first—what did she care about some foreigners making sports equipment? But then her mother applied for a job there, and everything started to shift.

Sue Clearwater had always been skilled with her hands, especially when it came to working with leather. Leah remembered watching her mother repair old shoes, fix torn jackets, and even craft beautiful belts and bags with intricate designs. So when Sue heard that the new factory was hiring workers with experience in leather crafting, she decided to give it a shot.

The day she came home and announced that she’d gotten the job, Sue’s eyes were shining with excitement. “They said they’ve never seen anyone handle leather the way I do,” she said, a proud smile tugging at her lips. “And the pay, Leah, it’s more than I could’ve hoped for. We won’t have to worry so much anymore.”

And she was right. The salary Sue brought home was more than enough to keep the Clearwater family afloat. In fact, it was far more generous than anything they would have received if the company had been owned by a local. It wasn’t just the salary, either—the benefits were incredible. The factory provided health insurance, meal allowances, and even transportation for the workers who lived farther away. It was clear that the Blacks took care of their employees in a way that Leah hadn’t seen in Forks before.

The financial strain that had weighed on their family since her father’s death started to ease. They no longer had to rely on the charity of other clan members to get by. For the first time in a long time, the Clearwaters were standing on their own two feet. Leah saw the difference in the way her mother carried herself—the way Sue walked a little taller, the way she smiled more often, the way she hummed as she cooked dinner.

One evening, as Sue brought home a bag of groceries filled with fresh produce, meats, and even a few treats, she looked over at Leah and Seth with a proud, almost defiant smile. “We’re going to be just fine,” she said, her voice steady and full of conviction. “We don’t need anyone’s pity.”

Leah had never seen her mother so confident, so alive. It was a welcome change, but it also made Leah feel a pang of guilt. She had spent so much time brooding over her own problems, her own heartache, that she hadn’t realized just how much her mother had been struggling. It wasn’t until Sue found this job that Leah began to see the depth of the burden her mother had been carrying.

At first, Leah had been skeptical about the factory and the people who owned it. There were always rumors about newcomers in a small town like Forks, and she’d heard her fair share about the Blacks. But as weeks turned into months, and her mother continued to flourish in her new role, Leah’s skepticism began to fade. The factory was more than just a job for Sue—it was a lifeline, a place where she felt valued and respected.

The factory workers often spoke highly of the Blacks, especially the owner, Mr. Harry Black, and his young son, Teddy. It was said that Harry took a genuine interest in the well-being of his employees. He visited the factory regularly, not just to oversee operations, but to speak with the workers, to ask about their families, to make sure they were comfortable and happy.

Leah had heard her mother talk about how Harry always made time to chat with her, asking about her work, about Seth and Leah, and even about the tribal customs of the Quileute people. “He’s a good man,” Sue often said, with a warm smile. “He listens, and he cares. You don’t see that much from bosses.”

And then there was Teddy. The little boy with wild, curly hair and bright eyes who seemed to have the heart of everyone at the factory wrapped around his tiny finger. Whenever Teddy visited the factory with his father, the workers would light up, and Sue was no exception. Leah noticed how her mother’s face softened whenever she spoke about the boy.

“He’s such a sweet child,” Sue would say, her eyes twinkling. “Always so polite, and he loves listening to stories. I’ve been telling him about our tribe, about the old legends, and he’s so fascinated. You should see the way his eyes light up when I tell him about the Great Spirit and the wolves.”

Leah couldn’t help but be intrigued. It wasn’t every day that an outsider took such an interest in their culture, especially one so young. Teddy seemed to have a natural curiosity about the world around him, and he was always asking questions. Her mother often joked that he would make a great historian one day, with the way he soaked up every word she said.

But it wasn’t just the storytelling that made Teddy so endearing. He was always kind, always respectful. He would bring little gifts to the workers—cookies he had baked with his father, drawings he had made, even flowers he had picked from the garden. “He’s got a heart of gold, that one,” Sue would say, ruffling his hair affectionately whenever he visited.

Leah could see how much this job meant to her mother. It wasn’t just about the money, although that certainly helped. It was about feeling like she was part of something again, like she had a purpose. Sue would come home in the evenings with a smile on her face, her hands stained with dye and leather, and Leah could see the pride shining in her eyes.

One night, as Leah sat at the kitchen table, watching her mother prepare dinner with the leftover ingredients she had brought home from the factory, she felt a sense of peace settle over her. It was a rare feeling, one that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Leah allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things were going to be okay.

“Mom,” Leah said quietly, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. “You seem… happy.”

Sue looked up, surprised, and then her smile softened. “I am, Leah,” she replied. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like we’re going to be okay. This job… it’s given us a chance to start over. And I’m so grateful for that.”

Leah nodded, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat. “I’m glad,” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. “You deserve it.”

That night, as Leah lay in bed, listening to the sound of her brother, Seth, laughing with their mother in the living room, she felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was a small spark of hope, but it was enough. And for now, that was all she needed.

Leah didn’t know much about the Blacks, or why they had come to Forks, but she knew one thing for sure: they had changed her family’s life for the better. And for that, she was greatful.

Leah Clearwater stood on the porch of her family home, staring out at the darkening sky, her mind racing. It had been a long time since she’d felt this uncertain—since she’d felt this lost. Patrolling the woods as a wolf had become an endless, monotonous routine. There was no purpose in it anymore, only the hollow echo of Sam’s voice commanding her to stay, to remain bound to this place that had become a cage. Every day was the same: wake up, patrol, endure the invasive thoughts of the pack, and then try to find something, anything, to occupy the hours until she fell asleep, only to repeat it all over again.

But that wasn’t enough for Leah anymore. She needed something more, something that was hers and hers alone. She needed a purpose that didn’t involve being a shifter, or Sam, or even the tribe. The thought had been gnawing at her for weeks now, and finally, she’d come to a decision: she needed to get a job. She needed to do something that didn’t involve the supernatural, something that would allow her to feel human again. And the only place she could think of was the factory where her mother worked.

Leah took a deep breath and went inside, where she found her mother preparing dinner. “Mom,” she began, her voice wavering just slightly, “I… I want to work at the factory with you. I need something to do other than patrol, something that’s not just… this.” She gestured vaguely around, encompassing the house, the woods, the entirety of her current life.

Sue looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes, but it quickly turned to understanding. “Oh, Leah, you’ve been thinking about this for a while, haven’t you?”

Leah nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. “I can’t keep doing this, Mom. I’m losing myself. I need something that’s mine, something that will give me a reason to get up in the morning. And you’ve always said that I was good with leather, that I learned quickly.” She paused, uncertainty creeping into her voice. “Do you think Mr. Black would let me work there? Is there even a chance?”

Sue’s face softened with a warm, motherly smile. “Of course there’s a chance, sweetheart. You’re skilled, and you’re a hard worker. And you’re right—you were always good with leatherwork. You picked up the patterns and techniques faster than anyone I’ve ever seen, even me.” Sue reached out and squeezed Leah’s hand. “I’ll speak to Mr. Black tomorrow. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to have you.”

Leah felt a rush of relief, a weight lifting off her shoulders. “Thank you, Mom,” she whispered, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope.

The next day, Sue kept her promise and approached Mr. Harry Black at the factory. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man in his early twenties with salt-and-pepper hair and a kind smile that put people at ease. Despite his intimidating stature, he was known for being approachable and genuinely concerned about his employees’ well-being. When Sue asked him if there was a possibility of Leah joining the factory, Mr. Black's face lit up.

“Leah, you say?” he repeated, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You’ve mentioned before how skilled she is with leatherwork. I’d be more than happy to have someone of her talent join us, especially now that we’re growing and the demand for our products is increasing.” He paused, his eyes twinkling with a touch of amusement. “I hear she’s a hard worker, just like her mother.”

Sue chuckled, feeling a surge of pride for her daughter. “She is. And I think this job would be good for her. It would give her a sense of purpose, something she really needs right now.”

“Well then, it’s settled,” Mr. Black said with a decisive nod. “Bring her by tomorrow, and we’ll get her started. There’s plenty of work to be done, and we could use another set of skilled hands.”

When Sue returned home that evening and shared the news with Leah, Leah felt an unexpected surge of emotion rise in her chest. It wasn’t just happiness—it was relief, hope, and excitement all tangled together in a way that made her eyes sting with unshed tears. “Thank you, Mom,” Leah said, her voice thick with emotion. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

The next morning, Leah dressed in her best clothes, which admittedly weren’t anything fancy, but they were neat and clean. She wanted to make a good impression, to show Mr. Black and the other workers that she was serious about this. Her mother led her to the factory, and as they approached the large, brick building, Leah felt a flutter of nerves. But there was also a thrill of anticipation, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

The factory was bustling with activity. The sounds of machines humming, leather being cut and stitched, and people chattering filled the air. Leah followed her mother inside, feeling the warmth and energy of the place seep into her bones. It was different from anything she’d ever experienced before, and she found herself drawn to it.

Leah stood frozen in place, her heart hammering against her ribcage as she stared into Mr. Black's green eyes. Time seemed to slow, and for a split second, everything else faded away. It was as if the ground shifted beneath her feet, as though the universe itself had twisted, forcing her to acknowledge one irrefutable truth: she had just imprinted on this man.

It wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be possible. But the surge of warmth that flooded her veins, the overwhelming sense of connection, was unmistakable. Her mind swirled with a thousand thoughts, but all she could focus on was him—on Harry Black, the man standing in front of her, who looked at her with polite curiosity but no sign of the earth-shattering realization that was currently tearing her world apart.

“Leah?” Sue’s voice cut through the fog, snapping Leah back to reality. She blinked rapidly, realizing that she had been standing there, staring at Mr. Black for far too long. Embarrassment burned in her cheeks, and she quickly looked away, avoiding her mother's gaze.

“I, um…” Leah stammered, struggling to find her voice. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Black.”

Harry smiled, a kind and friendly smile that made Leah’s heart ache. “It’s nice to meet you too, Leah. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do here.”

She nodded, unable to speak again, afraid that her voice would betray the tumultuous emotions churning inside her. As he walked away to speak with another worker, Leah stood rooted to the spot, her mind racing. She barely registered when her mother nudged her, murmuring something about paying attention and not making a fool of herself in front of the boss. But Leah couldn't focus on anything else. Her heart was still reeling from the shock of what had just happened.

For the rest of the day, she worked in a daze, her hands moving on autopilot as she tried to sort through her chaotic thoughts. Every time she glanced up and caught a glimpse of Harry—whether he was giving instructions to other workers or checking over inventory—her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a magnetic pull that made it hard to look away. It wasn’t just attraction. It was something more profound, more intense, something that made her feel like she was tied to him, like her very existence was now inexplicably linked to his.

And that realization terrified her.

How could this be happening? How could she have imprinted on a man who was already married, who had a family, who clearly adored his wife and son? Leah felt sick to her stomach, the guilt creeping in as she thought about his wife, about the little boy she’d heard about running around the factory from time to time. How could she allow herself to feel this way? How could fate be so cruel?

She remembered the searing pain when Sam left her for Emily. The betrayal, the heartbreak, the sense of being ripped apart from the inside out. She remembered every single moment of agony, every time she had to force herself to breathe through the hurt, and now… Now, she was in danger of becoming exactly what she despised: the woman who would come between a loving couple.

The thought made her chest tighten, and she had to swallow hard to keep the tears from welling up in her eyes. She couldn't do this. She couldn’t be that person. But how was she supposed to ignore it? How was she supposed to pretend that this connection didn’t exist when every fiber of her being screamed at her to be near him, to learn everything about him, to make him happy?

And then there was the wolf inside her. The wolf that was now restless and agitated, pacing back and forth in her mind, growling every time Harry walked by, demanding that she go to him, that she make him hers. It was a primal instinct, an urge that was almost impossible to resist, and it took every ounce of Leah's strength to keep herself in check.

As the day dragged on, Leah could barely concentrate on her work. Every stitch, every cut of the leather felt wrong, out of place, as if her hands no longer belonged to her. She could feel her mother’s worried glances, but Sue said nothing, perhaps sensing that this wasn’t the time to pry.

When her shift finally ended, Leah nearly bolted out of the factory, desperate to escape, to put some distance between herself and Harry. She rushed through the woods, her breath coming in ragged gasps, until she finally reached a secluded spot by the river. Her knees buckled, and she sank to the ground, burying her face in her hands as the sobs she had been holding back finally broke free.

“What am I going to do?” she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. “How am I supposed to handle this?”

She sat there for a long time, her mind racing through all the possibilities, all the ways this could end. None of them were good. None of them offered her any hope of happiness or peace. She couldn’t stop the imprint; she knew that. It was an unbreakable bond, something beyond her control, something that would never fade, no matter how much she wished it would.

But she couldn’t hurt his family either. She couldn’t be the reason his wife cried herself to sleep, the reason his son grew up without a happy home. She had already been on the receiving end of that kind of pain, and she wouldn’t—couldn’t—inflict it on someone else.

“I have to stay away,” Leah whispered, her voice hoarse. “I have to keep my distance.”

But even as she said the words, she knew it would be impossible. She was bound to him now, tied to him in a way that she couldn’t escape, no matter how far she ran or how hard she tried to fight it.

And what made it worse was the longing, the desperate yearning that tore through her every time she thought of him. The way his smile had made her heart skip a beat, the way his voice had sent shivers down her spine. It was like a drug, addictive and all-consuming, and Leah didn’t know how she was going to survive it.

When she finally returned home that evening, her mother took one look at her tear-streaked face and pulled her into a hug. “Oh, Leah,” Sue murmured, stroking her daughter’s hair. “What’s happened?”

Leah hesitated, her throat tightening with the effort to hold back another wave of tears. “I… I imprinted, Mom,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “On Mr. Black.”

Sue’s arms tightened around her, and for a moment, Leah allowed herself to lean into her mother’s comforting embrace. “Oh, sweetheart,” Sue said softly, her voice filled with sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”

Leah nodded, her heart aching. “He’s married, Mom. He has a wife and a kid. And I… I don’t know what to do.”

Sue pulled back, cupping Leah’s face in her hands. “You’re strong, Leah. Stronger than you know. You’ve survived so much already, and you’ll survive this too. Just take it one day at a time, all right? And whatever happens, know that I’m here for you.”

Leah nodded, swallowing back the lump in her throat. “Thank you, Mom,” she whispered, her voice raw with emotion.

But even as she said the words, she couldn’t shake the feeling of hopelessness that clung to her, the knowledge that no matter how hard she tried, she would never be free of this bond. She was tied to Harry Black now, and nothing in the world could change that.