Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 17 (Patreon)

The news spread faster than wildfire. By the time Leah woke up the next morning, she knew it was only a matter of time before everyone who mattered would know. The whispers followed her everywhere—among the elders, in the small gatherings that took place by the bonfire, even in the way her mother looked at her with eyes filled with both understanding and concern.

Leah felt suffocated by it all, the attention, the pitying looks, the murmured conversations that ceased the moment she walked into a room. She’d been a part of this tribe her entire life, but now she felt more like an outsider than ever. It wasn’t just about imprinting—it was about the fact that she had imprinted on someone who was already taken, on a man who had a wife and child of his own. It was the stuff of gossip, the kind of scandal that people would talk about for years to come, and Leah hated every second of it.

“Did you hear about Leah Clearwater?” she’d overhear them whispering. “The only female wolf, and she imprinted on a married man…”

It was maddening. And yet, the worst part wasn’t even the gossip or the attention. It was that Leah had finally come to understand what it meant to imprint, what Sam had felt all those years ago when he left her for Emily. The realization hit her like a tidal wave, and she found herself drowning in guilt and empathy for her past self.

For so long, Leah had hated Sam. She’d resented him for leaving her, for breaking her heart, for choosing Emily. But now, she understood that he hadn’t had a choice. That the bond, the imprint, was something beyond them, something they couldn’t control or resist. It wasn’t about love or loyalty or even desire—it was about fate, about something ancient and primal that neither of them could fight.

And that understanding made it so much easier to forgive him. For the first time in years, Leah felt the weight of her anger lift, the bitterness that had poisoned her soul slowly dissolving. When she saw Sam and Emily the next day, she didn’t feel the usual surge of pain or resentment. Instead, she felt… relief.

“Sam,” Leah called out as she approached him one evening after a pack meeting. He turned to face her, his expression guarded, as if he was bracing himself for whatever she might say. Emily stood a little ways behind him, her eyes filled with concern.

“I know now,” Leah began, her voice surprisingly steady. “I know what it’s like to imprint. I understand what you went through, what you felt. And… I forgive you. Both of you.”

Sam blinked, clearly taken aback. “Leah, I—”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Leah interrupted, offering him a small, sad smile. “I just wanted you to know that I don’t blame you anymore. It’s not your fault. It never was.”

Emily stepped forward, tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you, Leah,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I… I’m so sorry.”

Leah nodded, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. It wasn’t complete, and it certainly didn’t erase all the hurt, but it was a start. And that was more than enough.

But forgiving Sam and Emily was only the beginning. The real challenge lay ahead: telling Harry Black about the imprint, about what it meant, and about the choice they now faced.

Leah’s stomach twisted with anxiety at the thought. How was she supposed to explain something so deeply rooted in their culture to an outsider, someone who had no idea what it meant to be a shapeshifter, let alone what it meant to be bound to someone in such an intense, unbreakable way?

It wasn’t long before she found herself standing outside the office door of the factory, her heart pounding in her chest. She’d thought about this moment for days, rehearsing the words over and over in her mind, but now that she was here, everything felt jumbled and confusing. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart, and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Harry’s voice called from the other side.

Leah pushed the door open and stepped inside, feeling a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze. His eyes were kind, curious, and for a moment, Leah felt the familiar pull, the magnetic connection that made her want to be near him, to stay by his side no matter what.

“Leah,” he greeted her with a warm smile. “What can I do for you?”

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. “I… I need to talk to you about something,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s important.”

Harry’s expression shifted, concern flickering across his face. “Of course,” he said, gesturing for her to take a seat. “What’s going on?”

Leah hesitated, unsure of where to begin. “There’s something about my tribe, about us, that you need to know,” she started slowly. “It’s… complicated, but I’ll do my best to explain.”

Harry listened intently as Leah began to explain the concept of shapeshifters, how the tribe’s ability to transform into wolves had been passed down through generations. She told him about the packs, about the duty they had to protect their land, and about how they shared a deep, almost telepathic bond with one another.

But the hardest part came when she explained the concept of imprinting. She watched as Harry’s expression shifted from curiosity to shock, then to something unreadable as she told him what it meant, how it was an unbreakable bond that connected two souls, how it was beyond choice, beyond reason.

“And… I’ve imprinted on you,” Leah said finally, her voice trembling. “It means that, for me, you’re the most important person in the world. It’s not just about attraction or love—it’s about something deeper, something that I can’t control.”

Harry stared at her, his expression stunned. “Leah, I… I don’t know what to say,” he said after a long moment. “I’m… married. I love my wife, and I have a son.”

Leah nodded, her heart aching with every word. “I know,” she whispered. “I know, and I would never want to come between you and your family. But you needed to know the truth. You needed to understand why… why I might act a certain way, or why I’m drawn to you. It’s not something I can ignore, but it doesn’t change who you are, or the life you’ve built.”

Harry ran a hand through his hair, looking overwhelmed. “This is… a lot to take in,” he admitted. “I never imagined… I mean, this kind of thing isn’t supposed to be real, right?”

Leah let out a bitter laugh. “I know. But it is. And now we have to figure out what to do about it.”

They sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of everything pressing down on them. Finally, Harry sighed and looked at Leah, his eyes filled with empathy and kindness.

“I need time to process this,” he said gently. “But I want you to know that I respect you, Leah. I respect what you’re going through, and I promise that I’ll do my best to handle this… carefully.”

Leah nodded, feeling a small flicker of hope ignite in her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered. “That’s all I can ask.”

And as she walked out of his office, Leah felt the familiar pain and longing tugging at her heart. But this time, she felt something else, too—strength. She had faced the hardest part, and she had survived. She didn’t know what the future held, but she knew one thing for sure: she wouldn’t let this define her. She wouldn’t let the imprint control her life.

The next day, Leah woke up with a nervous flutter in her stomach, an excitement mixed with apprehension. She had decided to throw herself into work, to stay close to Harry while trying to figure out how to navigate the complexities of her new reality. Arriving at the factory, she felt a strange sense of anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, to share a smile or a quick word before getting lost in the routine of leatherworking.

But as she walked through the bustling workshop, her heart sank when she learned that Harry had left for a business trip to New York. The disappointment settled heavily in her chest, a stark contrast to the joy she had felt just the day before. Leah had wanted to see him, to feel that magnetic connection, but instead, she found herself alone in a sea of leather and tools.

Trying to push aside her frustration, Leah focused on her tasks, cutting and stitching with a practiced hand, but her mind kept drifting back to Harry. She couldn't help but wonder what he was doing, if he was thinking about her. Lost in thought, she barely noticed the soft chatter and laughter that filled the air around her until she heard an unfamiliar voice.

“Sue! There you are!”

Turning, she was surprised to see Hermione Black walk into the factory, her presence immediately commanding attention. Leah had heard stories about Harry’s wife—the beautiful woman who seemed to shine wherever she went. Leah had only heard about her in past, but now that she stood before her, she was struck by Hermione’s beauty.

Dressed elegantly in a fitted blouse and flowing skirt, Hermione had an aura that was hard to ignore. Her brown hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face. Those chocolate-colored eyes sparkled with kindness, and Leah felt a pang of insecurity wash over her as she took in Hermione's hourglass figure. Everything about Harry’s wife seemed perfect, and Leah felt dwarfed by her presence.

“Hi, Hermione!” Sue Clearwater managed, forcing a smile even as her heart sank a little lower because she don't know what to say because of her daughter might disrupt the beautiful family.

Hermione returned the smile, her warmth radiating in a way that made Leah feel simultaneously welcomed and inadequate. “I came to check on things and see how the factory is doing. I know Harry mentioned you were working here now,” she said, her voice like honey.

Sue nodded, trying to maintain eye contact despite the insecurities swirling within her. “It’s going well! We’ve been busy with orders, but I enjoy it.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Hermione said, glancing around at the workers, who were all smiling and responding to her kindness. “You know, Harry talks about you a lot. He really appreciates all the hard work you put in.”

Sue felt her heart race at the mention of Harry. “He does?”

“Of course! You’re doing such an amazing job,” Hermione encouraged, genuine admiration in her tone. “And you’re so talented with leatherworking. It’s not easy, but you make it look effortless.”

Sue felt a flush of pride at Hermione’s words.

Leah, working near her mother was saddened by the realization that Harry would be returning home to this stunning woman. The knot of insecurity tightened in her stomach as she tried to reconcile her feelings.

Hermione continued, engaging Sue in conversation about the factory and the upcoming community events. Leah could see why Harry was so drawn to her; Hermione was not only beautiful but also genuinely kind, taking the time to chat with every worker and make them feel valued. Leah’s heart sank further as she realized that she didn’t just feel inferior because of Hermione’s looks, but also because of her kindness.

As the day went on, Hermione eventually excused herself, promising to return for lunch with some treats for everyone. Leah watched her leave, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. It was clear that Harry loved his wife, that they had built a life together filled with love and joy.

And Leah couldn’t help but feel like an intruder in their world. She had imprinted on Harry, and while that bond was unbreakable, it didn’t change the fact that he was committed to someone else. She felt like a ghost haunting a happy couple, destined to remain in the shadows while they lived their lives.

With a heavy heart, Leah returned to her work, her hands moving mechanically as her mind raced with thoughts. She couldn’t shake the image of Hermione’s perfect smile or the warmth in her eyes. It felt as though she was standing at a precipice, and beneath her, the ground was crumbling away.

Leah took a deep breath, trying to find a sense of clarity amidst the chaos of her emotions. She had to remind herself that while the imprint was a powerful bond, it didn’t mean she had to act on it, especially if it meant disrupting the happiness of a family.

But as she worked, she couldn’t ignore the whisper of hope that lingered in the back of her mind. Maybe there was a way to navigate this. Perhaps there was a way to honor her feelings for Harry without tearing apart what he had with Hermione.

As the day drew to a close, Leah left the factory with a heavy heart but a determined spirit. She had to find a way to forge her own path, to be more than just someone who had imprinted on a married man. She would create her own identity, separate from the bond, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to connect with Harry without disrupting his life.

As the day came to a close, the factory bustled with the sounds of workers packing up their tools and chatting excitedly. Leah felt a mix of exhaustion and relief wash over her; today had been another day filled with complexity and emotions. Just as she was about to step into the transportation van that would take the women of La Push back to the tribe, she heard a familiar voice calling from behind.

“Miss Clearwater, could you stay a bit longer? I have to talk to you about something important,” Hermione said, her tone warm and inviting.

Leah hesitated, glancing at the van and the women already settling in for the ride home. It would be so easy to join them, to escape the uncertainty of what Hermione might want. But curiosity got the better of her. “Sure,” Leah said reluctantly, stepping aside as the van pulled away without her.

Hermione led Leah into the office, the air inside a mix of leather and warmth, feeling like a safe haven from the chaos of the day. Once the door closed behind them, Hermione turned to Leah, her expression serious but gentle.

“Harry told me about your situation,” she began, and Leah’s heart raced. She hadn’t expected Harry to confide in his wife about the confusing feelings surrounding their imprint bond. Embarrassment surged within her.

“I’m really sorry about what happened,” Leah blurted out, guilt flooding her voice. “It’s not something I chose.”

Hermione smiled, the kindness in her eyes disarming Leah. “It’s all right. Are you okay? Can you explain to me what this imprint thing is?”

Leah took a deep breath, realizing that she needed to be honest. “Imprinting is… it’s a deep connection, something that happens when a shapeshifter finds their soulmate. It’s not just a romantic feeling; it’s a bond that ties us together on a profound level. It’s supposed to be a perfect match, but…” Her voice trailed off, unsure of how to express the complicated emotions swirling inside her.

“But what?” Hermione encouraged gently.

“But it’s complicated when the person you imprint on is already married,” Leah admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard to reconcile those feelings, especially when I don’t want to come between you and Harry.”

After Leah finished explaining, Hermione nodded thoughtfully. “I see. If you want to break the imprint bond, I can help you with that.”

Leah’s eyes widened in shock. “No! You can’t break an imprint bond!” she protested, her heart racing at the thought.

Hermione smiled gently. “Of course, anything can be broken. Any connection can be severed. But you don’t have to do anything. If you want to, I can help. But it’s entirely up to you.”

Leah felt a weight lift slightly off her chest as she admitted, “I don’t want to break it. I almost gave up on imprinting someone until I imprinted on Harry. But I won’t disrupt your happy marriage. I’ll just stay near him and keep the bond.”

Hermione regarded Leah thoughtfully. “And what about you? Isn’t that something you can’t ignore? I have no fear of Harry choosing someone else, you know. I know him very well, and we love him. I loved him very much.”

Leah swallowed hard, the truth of Hermione’s words hitting her like a wave. “I know it sounds selfish, but I can’t help how I feel. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Hermione’s kindness was overwhelming. “I have no problem if you are involved in any relationship. If you want to, you can even move back with us. For Harry, he has enough love to give both of us. I don’t mind sharing him with you.”

Leah blinked, caught off guard by Hermione’s openness. “You mean that?”

“Of course,” Hermione replied, her voice steady. “If you have any concerns, we can talk when Harry comes back. My conscience won’t allow me to make you suffer because of a bond you didn’t choose.”

Leah was stunned. She had expected anger or jealousy, but Hermione’s compassion was unlike anything she had ever experienced. It was a kindness that felt almost alien, especially coming from a woman whose husband she had imprinted on.

“Thank you,” Leah said, her voice barely a whisper. “I never expected a wife to be this calm about her husband getting involved with someone else. You’re incredible.”

Hermione smiled softly. “You just have to understand that my priority is Harry’s happiness, and I see that you care for him deeply. It’s not something that can easily be dismissed.”

With that, Hermione led Leah to her car, and Leah found herself contemplating the depth of their conversation. It felt surreal, almost dreamlike, as she processed the kindness and understanding Hermione had shown her.

As they drove back to La Push, Leah found herself seated next to Teddy, Harry and Hermione’s young son. Teddy was a bright spark of energy, and his laughter filled the van, lightening Leah’s heart. He turned to her, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Miss Leah! You’re funny! Do you want to play a game?” he asked, his enthusiasm infectious.

Leah couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through her as she engaged with Teddy. “What kind of game?” she asked, intrigued.

“Let’s pretend we’re all superheroes!” Teddy exclaimed, animatedly gesturing with his small hands. “You can be the strongest one, and I’ll be your sidekick!”

As Teddy talked animatedly throughout the ride home, Leah felt a sense of hope begin to blossom within her. Despite the confusion and complexity of her feelings for Harry, and the unexpected bond she shared with Hermione, there was a newfound strength in her connection to this family.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to stay close to Harry, to have the imprint bond without crossing boundaries. Perhaps she could carve out her own space within this tangled web of relationships, finding her place not just as Leah Clearwater, the girl who imprinted on a married man, but as someone who could also share in the love that surrounded them.

As they arrived in La Push, Leah stepped out of the car with a renewed sense of purpose. She would embrace this strange journey ahead, ready to navigate her feelings with integrity and compassion, just like Hermione had shown her. For the first time in a long while, Leah felt hopeful about what the future could hold.