Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 26 (Patreon)

Leah's return to the reservation in her sleek, black vintage Corvette caused an instant buzz. The car, a rarity in its own right, gleamed under the sun, catching the attention of everyone in La Push. As she rolled up to her family’s house, the sound of the engine turning off was like a call to arms for the boys on the reservation. One by one, they came out to gawk at the car, their eyes wide with admiration and envy. Leah had been away for over a month, and while no one worried too much—after all, she had gone off with the Blacks—no one had expected her to return with something like this.

Her brother Seth was the first to run out, his jaw dropping when he saw the Corvette up close. “Whoa, Leah! This is insane! Where did you get it?”

Leah smirked, tossing her keys in the air and catching them effortlessly. “Gift from Harry. Can you believe it?”

Seth’s eyes widened even more. “A gift? Man, you really hit the jackpot. Let’s go for a drive!”

Without hesitation, Leah jumped back into the driver’s seat, and Seth eagerly hopped in beside her. The Corvette roared to life again, and soon they were speeding down the reservation roads, the wind whipping through their hair. As they passed by other members of the tribe, more heads turned. Leah had always been respected, but now she had something that set her apart, and for the first time in a while, she felt the eyes on her were admiring rather than pitying.

But not everyone was happy for Leah. Sam Uley, the alpha of the shapeshifter pack, stood at a distance, watching her new rise in popularity with a scowl. The tension between him and Leah had never really dissipated after she became the first female shapeshifter, and now, seeing her flaunt her new life, driving around in a car that symbolized freedom and independence, it irked him more than he cared to admit. Leah had once been tethered to the pack, to him, through their bond as shapeshifters and the imprint that had once controlled her emotions. Now, it was clear she was living her own life, outside the pack's influence.

Sam couldn’t let that go unchallenged. He waited until later in the day, when Leah returned from her drive with Seth, and found her alone, walking near the edge of the forest. His wolf instincts kicked in, and without thinking, he shifted into his wolf form, hoping to assert his dominance as alpha. The pack dynamic was clear—alphas controlled, and the others followed. Leah had always been difficult, but Sam believed that, as her alpha, he could still exert control over her.

He tried, lunging toward her, growling low to display his dominance, his massive wolf form towering over her. But something was different this time. Leah stood her ground, her eyes cold and unyielding. She didn’t flinch, didn’t shift, and more importantly, didn’t submit. Sam felt a wave of confusion wash over him as he tried again to force her into submission, to make her obey like every other member of the pack. But no matter how many times he growled or how hard he tried to dominate her with his alpha will, it didn’t work.

Leah simply crossed her arms and gave him a hard look. “Not anymore, Sam. I’m not yours to control.”

Sam growled, his frustration boiling over. This had never happened before. He could always control the pack through the alpha bond. Why wasn’t it working? What had changed?

Leah's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "You can't control me, Sam. Not anymore. I’m not part of this pack the way I used to be."

She didn’t elaborate, but deep down, Sam could feel it. Leah had changed. Her connection to the pack had shifted in ways he didn’t understand. Maybe it was her time away, or maybe it was something more profound—something beyond just the car or the time with the Blacks. But one thing was clear: Leah was no longer bound by the same rules. She was free.

Sam backed away, his confusion mixing with anger. He had always believed he could hold the pack together, maintain control over them, but Leah had slipped out from under his influence. As he retreated, shifting back into his human form, he realized he would have to come to terms with this new Leah, or risk losing her forever.

Ever since Leah had started running with Harry and Hermione in their wolf forms, she had felt the deep and almost inevitable shift in her loyalties. She had once been bound by the mind link of her old pack, tethered to Sam Uley and the others in a way that had felt suffocating. But now, with Harry as her new alpha, everything had changed. She belonged to the Black pack, and for the first time in a long time, Leah felt free. Free of the constant emotional undercurrent that had plagued her in Sam’s pack, free of the old burdens that had weighed her down.

Her new pack was different—unconventional, magical, and exhilarating in ways she could never have imagined. Leah had always been the fastest runner in Sam’s pack, the one who could outrun almost anyone. But here, in the Black pack, she found herself challenged in ways that made her feel like a cub again. Harry and Hermione, with their deep magical connections, had their own unique abilities that made them powerful and swift in their forms. Leah, despite her natural agility, was now the smallest and the slowest among them. And yet, instead of making her feel inadequate, they encouraged her to push harder, to train and grow stronger. She relished the challenge, and the camaraderie that came with it.

Their latest adventure had taken them back to the Kansas ranch, where Teddy, in his werewolf form, a tiny cub, running circles around them. Leah couldn’t help but smile as the young werewolf tried to keep up, barking orders and pouncing through the fields with endless energy. The ranch had become their safe haven during Teddy’s transformations, a place where they could all let loose and embrace their forms without fear of judgment or exposure.

As they ran together under the full moon, Leah felt a joy she hadn’t experienced in years. The wind in her fur, the soft pads of her paws hitting the earth, and the presence of her new pack all around her made her feel alive in ways she had never thought possible. There were no mind links here, no constant barrage of thoughts or feelings from Sam or the others. For the first time, Leah’s mind was her own. The absence of the mind link with Sam was like a weight lifted from her shoulders, one of her deepest, most painful problems finally resolved.

She no longer had to feel the constant pull of Sam’s emotions, his regret, or his guilt. No longer had to hear his voice echoing in her mind, reminding her of what they had lost, or what could never be. That part of her life was over, and as she ran beside Harry and Hermione, she realized how much better off she was.

Harry, though not a traditional alpha in the shapeshifter sense, led them with quiet strength and an unshakable bond that made Leah trust him. He didn’t demand control, didn’t push his will onto her or anyone else in the pack. Instead, they ran together as equals, their connection forged not by mind links or forced loyalties, but by mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.

After Leah returned from her journey with Harry and Hermione, word quickly spread through the Quileute tribe about her time with the Black family. The elders, curious and perhaps a bit cautious, had requested to meet Harry and Hermione in person. Leah had already explained everything to them—the tribe’s history, their abilities as shapeshifters, and the connection to their ancestral spirit wolves—but the elders insisted on telling the story themselves. It was a matter of tradition, and certain things could only be shared in a sacred setting, under the light of the campfire, surrounded by the tribe’s most respected members.

Leah, understanding the significance of the campfire ritual, felt a twinge of excitement at the prospect of introducing Harry and Hermione to this ancient tradition. The campfire was a sacred place, where only the shapeshifters and the tribe's elders gathered to pass down their stories and their wisdom. Outsiders were almost never invited, making this a significant event for Leah's new friends.

When Leah informed Harry and Hermione of the elders' request, they both agreed without hesitation. Harry, always interested in learning more about other magical beings and traditions, was intrigued by the idea of participating in such a deeply rooted cultural ceremony. Hermione, with her insatiable thirst for knowledge, was equally eager, though she respected the gravity of being invited into something so personal to the tribe.

The night of the campfire arrived. Leah guided them to the clearing in the woods where the tribe’s gatherings were held. It was a quiet night, the sky dotted with stars, and the soft sound of the ocean could be heard in the distance. As they approached, the warm glow of the fire flickered through the trees, and the scent of burning wood filled the air. Around the fire sat the elders, wrapped in blankets, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. The other shapeshifters, including Sam, Embry, Paul, and were already seated in the circle, their expressions serious as they waited for Leah to arrive with the newcomers.

Harry and Hermione were welcomed with nods of respect, though there was an unspoken weight in the air. This was a sacred place, and everyone present knew the importance of what was about to happen.

Billy Black, as one of the most revered elders, stood up and addressed the group. “We gather here tonight, as we have for generations, to share our stories and pass down the knowledge of our ancestors. Leah has spoken highly of you,” he said, turning to Harry and Hermione, “but our traditions must be honored. The stories of our people, our connection to the wolves, must be shared by the elders, as they were shared with us. Tonight, we will tell you the true history of the Quileute tribe, our abilities, and what it means to be a protector of this land.”

Leah smiled slightly as she sat beside them, feeling a deep sense of pride that Harry and Hermione were being trusted with such knowledge. She knew this was a rare honor.

Billy began to tell the story, his voice rich with the weight of centuries of tradition. He spoke of the tribe’s origins, how their ancestors were able to leave their human forms and transform into wolves to protect their land from dangers both natural and supernatural. He explained how the ability had been passed down through the generations, emerging only when their people were threatened. He told of the battles they had fought, the sacrifices they had made, and the burden they carried as the guardians of their home.

As the story unfolded, the flames seemed to flicker in rhythm with Billy’s words, as if the fire itself were alive with the spirit of the tribe’s ancestors. Harry and Hermione listened intently, absorbing every detail. They had experienced so much in the wizarding world, but this—this was something entirely different. It was magic, but not the kind they were used to. It was older, rawer, and deeply connected to the earth and the natural world.

When Billy finished, there was a moment of silence. The gravity of what had been shared hung in the air.

“We share this with you,” Billy continued, “because Leah has imprinted on you. And we respect that. But remember, this is not just a story. It is who we are. It is what we protect.”

Harry nodded solemnly. “We understand. Thank you for trusting us with this.”

Hermione, her eyes bright with curiosity, leaned forward slightly. “Your history is incredible. We’ve heard many kinds of history, but nothing like this. We’ll honor what you’ve shared.”

The elders seemed pleased with their response. Leah, feeling a deep sense of contentment, knew that this was a turning point. Harry and Hermione were not just outsiders anymore—they were part of something larger, something ancient and sacred. And in a way, so was she. The Black pack, as unconventional as it was, had been accepted by the Quileute tribe.

As the night drew on and the fire burned low, Leah felt a new sense of belonging. She was no longer torn between two worlds. She was part of the tribe, part of the Black pack, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly at peace.

As the campfire dwindled to embers and the stories of the night came to an end, it was time for Harry and Hermione to take their leave. The tribe members, both the shapeshifters and the elders, stood in quiet observation. Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance, a silent communication that was so natural between them that it almost seemed like magic in itself. It irked Leah, who, despite her bond with the new Black pack, still found their unspoken connection a bit too intimate for her liking.

Before anyone could speak or say their goodbyes, Harry stepped forward, and to the astonishment of the entire tribe, he shifted seamlessly into a massive black wolf. His fur was dark as night, and his striking green eyes glowed in the dim light, captivating everyone. Moments later, Hermione followed suit, transforming into a large brown wolf, her chocolate-colored eyes soft yet fierce, complementing her mate's more intimidating presence.

A hushed silence fell over the gathering as the tribe watched, awestruck. Even the elders, who had seen many things in their long lives, were taken aback. Never had they imagined that these outsiders—who had been welcomed into their sacred traditions—possessed such abilities. They had always considered their own shapeshifting powers unique to their tribe, but Harry and Hermione had just revealed a new kind of magic, one that seemed just as ancient and powerful.

Harry and Hermione exchanged one last glance as wolves before bounding off into the forest, their powerful legs propelling them swiftly through the trees. The sight of the two massive wolves running together was breathtaking, leaving a sense of wonder in their wake.

The tribe, still in shock, turned their eyes to Leah, who stood quietly among them. Before anyone could ask, question, or demand an explanation, Leah narrowed her eyes, a small smirk playing at the corner of her lips. Without hesitation, she shifted into her own wolf form—a sleek, silver-gray wolf that darted after her new packmates, leaving the stunned tribe behind.

As Leah raced through the trees, she felt the wind against her fur and the thrill of freedom in her veins. She had always been the fastest in her old pack, but now, running alongside Harry and Hermione, she was simply trying to keep up. And for once, she didn’t mind being the smallest or the slowest. She was part of something greater—a new pack, a new life, with no more mental links to Sam or the pain of her old pack.

Leah followed Harry and Hermione deeper into the woods, their paws pounding rhythmically against the earth. The bond between them was growing stronger, and as she ran with them under the starry night sky, Leah realized that she had found her place, her true pack. And it felt like home.