The Pack

The Interview

Jacob's POV

It was getting harder and harder to stay at work. I loved my job with a passion and for many years it has been the source of my happiness. I lived for my job and the smiles that it brought to peoples' faces. However, lately being at home has been far more rewarding one so many levels. There was one smile that lit up my world. I was finally at peace. I was on Embry's site today waiting for him to arrive he was having trouble with an arch in the living room. The decoration around the arch was what was causing the problem. I'd never done anything like it before but I was always up for a challenge. Most of Embry's staff was early but Embry never was, I expected to have a little time for myself so I piddled with the blueprint for the house I was building from the ground up. I still wasn't sure what I was going to do with it now that I was living with Leah. I knew I wasn't going to want to sell it or rent it. The plans were still up in the air. I zoomed in and focused on the area where the fireplace was supposed to go and then I heard someone clear their throat. I peeked over my laptop and Sam gave me an uncharacteristic smile. There was a smugness there but I could tell something was off.

"Sam? If you're here to see Embry he isn't here yet. He isn't due on site for another fifteen minutes," I explained.

"Actually I'm here to see you. I was driving by and I saw your truck." He sat down in front of me and I lowered my laptop. I waited because this was bound to be good. Sam and I hadn't found need to talk in years and now here he sat.

"I need a job," he said bluntly and he wiped his hands on his jeans. "I had to quit my job once everything happened with Eden. I wanted to be there for Emily and our baby and my job said they wouldn't hold a position for me and they weren't lying. I need to be able to provide for my family and I'm asking for your help." I sat back and gave it some thought. Most of the time Sam and I didn't see eye to eye. I sighed if I moved Quil into being my second like I was planning I would have another slot available.

"Do you have a background in construction? I know you are handy but I thought you were more of an electrician by trade?" I asked because I seriously didn't know.

"If you don't want to hire me just say so. You don't have to look for a reason not to," he snapped and I frowned. My sympathy for his situation was starting to dwindle. I know he had stopped phasing but I hadn't and my fuse was still very short.

"That's not what I'm doing. I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish with all of this. I'm all for throwing you a life line Sam. I'm just trying to figure out how to make you fit in the grand scheme of things. I have never had a licensed electrician on staff it would be beneficial but what I'm asking you is what else do you have to offer."

"I could intern and learn. You know that I can do this Jake. I bet I know what's holding you back and trust me you have nothing to worry about," he gave me the same smug grin.

"What are you talking about?"

"Leah. You're worried about her being around me. You don't have to worry about that I have no interest in your girlfriend and if she comes on to me I will give her the brush off," he chuckled and now I was pissed.

"I'm not worried about you being around Leah because Leah doesn't want you. Plus, Leah is rarely here … if that's the reason you were taking the job then you're mistaken." I stood up and he narrowed his eyes and did the same.

"I am going to come right out and say it. It's a little weird you picking up where I left off with her," Sam blurted out. "I mean were you checking her out while we were together? It just makes me wonder."

"Leah and I have our own history and we are picking up where we left off. Our relationship has nothing to do with you!" As soon as my voice had rose Embry entered the room with a wide eye worried expression.

"Everything okay in here? I heard yelling," Embry inquired as he hesitantly entered the living room of the house.

"No, Sam was just wondering if I had any open positions," I was shocked I managed to relay this message calmly. "I'm sure we'll be able to find a position for you. You can work with Embry he's knows how I like things done. You can start on Monday," I muttered. After the conversation we'd just had I didn't really want to hire him but we were all family … sort of. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I turned him away. He looked surprised by my decision and he seemed grateful.

"Thank you," he said quietly and I nodded.

"Give Em and the baby my love," I responded. Just as Sam went to leave I saw Leah's car pull into the driveway. I watched carefully. He slowed down in his pace to his car. As they passed each other they greeted each other briefly and Leah proceed into the house. I don't know what I was expecting … but his concern over her has startled me. It had been years since they'd been together and he still seemed to want to claim possession over her. I heard Leah chat with Embry before making her way to me.

"Hey you!" She brushed my hair back and kissed my forehead. "You dipped out so early this morning I didn't get to make you breakfast." She handed me a plate. I scooted my chair back and gathered her into my lap. I kissed her passionately, much more passionately than I should've considering I was at work.

"You're welcome," Leah breathed as we both came up for air. "I need to remember to cook for you more often." She hopped up and pulled her keys out of her pocket.

"You leaving so soon? You just got here," I whined.

"I have to take advantage of the fact that I have the house to myself so I can get some work done without you distracting me! I just wanted to make sure you ate something." She gave me a naughty little smile. "Don't work to late tonight!" She waved and left as quickly as she came. I wonder if she knew … how hard it was for me to be away from her now. Snickers drew me from my thoughts.

"I never thought I'd see you in the honeymoon stage boss. I have to say you look like a sad puppy. I promise not to keep you here too long and then you can go home," Embry teased and I shook my head. I was sure I was bound to look a little pathetic but my care level was a minimum.

"Let's get to work then," I said as I grabbed my tool box. Embry and I did what we did best. He shared stories about Angela and him. He told me that every man goes through it when they find the one.

"So is it easier for you now that you're married?" I asked and he gave it some thought.

"Yes and no. I know I'm here for a reason to provide for her. It makes it easier to leave because of that. Plus, we talk throughout the day." Embry hunched his shoulders.

"I'm glad to see you happy boss … it's been a long time." I couldn't help but grin a little.

"Thanks Em."