I own nothing apart from Lorelai and the plot

Chapter One

I stared at the multiple acceptance letters in shock and happiness. Everyone who knew me thought that I was just one of those drop-kick guys that would end up doing nothing with their life, probably serving time or working in a fast food restaurant. No one knew that, despite how much school I actually missed, I was actually smart and wanted to go to university and study.

And at this moment in time I was holding two letters that provided that future I desperately wanted.

Ever since becoming a werewolf I had begun to loose hope that I would, one day, end up studying medicine. My once calm temper had exploded into thick resentment that my life had changed for the worst. There were no bonuses to being a werewolf; no privacy, no choice and no free will. Every wolf in the pack has to listen to the alpha and for us that meant following Sam Uley's every word.

This did nothing to resolve my explosive temper and it wasn't an uncommon past time for some of the others in the pack to deliberately provoke me for their amusement. They had even made a game out of it and keeping track of who was in the lead; 10 points if I start glaring, 30 points if I try to hit one of them, 50 if I start shaking and finally, 100 points if I phase.

And here I thought being in a pack was supposed to be like having a family. Some family they are.

I groaned, flopping down on my bed and staring at the letters; both were offering me a full scholarship, and it was the only way I could afford to go. I wouldn't have to pay for accommodation, the school offered dorm rooms with the scholarship, and my text books would be supplied too.

I bet you're all wondering what the big deal is. I should be happy; I got in to two different universities with full scholarships. But things aren't always so simple. I had spoken to Sam before about me leaving if I got my scholarship, and it was my mistake of mentioning it in front of the rest of the pack.

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"Paul, we can't afford to lose anyone, especially with the threat of the leeches around." Sam had said, smiling unsympathetically.

Everyone knew that he would never let any of us leave to have a life outside of being a werewolf, everyone knowing that he's still bitter that he had to stay and play alpha.

"Paul wants to go to university?" Quil had asked, snorting with laughter, "To study what? The art of phasing?" His comments were followed by the howling laughter from Jacob and Embry.

I had clenched my hands by my sides, trying to keep as calm as I could to prevent their words from being true. "I want to study medicine." I said after a moment, my voice surprisingly calm.

However, staying calm wasn't fun enough for them. Of course they had to stir me up to get their amusement out of it. "You want to be a doctor?" Embry asked incredulously.

Jacob laughed loudly, "Yeah right Paul. As if anyone would let you help them with their medical problems. If anything, you'd just add to the list of a person needing medical attention."

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I had left quickly after that, knowing that their words would quickly have me running through the forest on four legs and covered in fur. I hate to admit it, but they're all right; how could I ever hope to be a doctor when I can't even stay calm for five minutes after being in the same room as other people? Being a doctor had always been the one thing that I knew I could reach; I had the intelligence and the memory to be successful but my people skills and anger management were nothing more than piles of dust.

But now that I had the letters I could do something. Sam didn't need me amongst the others; the pack size had doubled over the past year with the Cullens back in town. Jacob was his second in command and patrols were given to all of the younger pack members.

I got up and began to pace around my room; if Sam knew that I was planning on going to university he would order me to stay. I had to be discreet about this which meant one thing.

No phasing.

It was easy enough to do now. I didn't patrol anymore and the only vampire activity around here was the Cullens and they basically took care of any vampires that came their way. I glanced back down at the letters, considering my options. Washington University was the closest but still far enough and one in New York which was well known and had a high medical facility.

New York it was.

After ringing to accept my position in the class I searched through anger management courses that were close to the university. I had considered taking a course over the past year yet the mere thought of that crossing through my mind left me listening to the ridicules of every member of the pack, snickering at my desire to remain calm.

They all knew how to alienate someone, that's for sure.

"Paul, are you home?" Mum yelled out, the front door slamming behind her.

I grabbed the letters and went down the stairs to greet her. She had wanted me to go to university since I was a kid and when she had found out about the specific part of my gene that I had inherited she had lost all hope that I would have the time and chance to go.

I raced down the stairs, a smile on my face and for the first time in months, it didn't feel forced, "I'll get those Mom." I said, taking the bags from her easily.

She looked at me curiously obviously wondering what my good mood was caused by, "What has got you in such a good mood?" She asked after a moment, watching me put away the shopping.

"I've got some good news." I said slowly, smiling to myself when I heard her impatient sigh, "I just received two acceptance letters to universities, both a full scholarship."

"You got in?" She whispered, looking at me in shock. A smile broke out over her face and she pulled me into a hug, "I'm so proud of you Paul."

"What's everyone so cheerful about?" A gruff voice interrupted.

Mom pulled back, smiling at her husband, "John, Paul's got some good news." She gushed, ushering him into the kitchen.

Dad looked at me with a raised eyebrow, "What's going on?"

"I've got two scholarships." I said quietly.

Just as mom had Dad's face broke out into a giant smile and he pulled me into a hug, "Good on you boy." He pulled back, his hand gripping my shoulder, "You can't let them know; you can't phase and let them know about it."

"I know Dad." I said firmly, "I haven't phased at the same time as others for a few weeks and if I have to I'm pretty good at hiding my thoughts now."

"I just want you to be extra careful. Don't phase unless you absolutely have to. Which university have you accepted?" Dad asked, sitting down at the kitchen table.

"I chose New York. The only thing I need to worry about paying for is food, books and extra things like clothes." I told him.

He nodded, "How long is it?"

"It's a five year course but I'm hoping to try and get it done in four." I said thoughtfully.

That night we celebrated; Mom was still gushing over the chance I may have a better future. I'd told them my plans on taking an anger management courses and both supported my decision and for the first time things were looking good in my life. But both of my parents were uneasy about me staying in La Push for any longer than a couple of week and soon it came for my last night with my family.

"You don't call us for anything. Do you understand?" Dad said firmly, looking me dead in the eye.

I hesitated and finally nodded with a sigh, "Yes Dad. You two have to promise me that you'll call if anything happens." I countered back.

Dad smiled, "Nothing will happen but okay."

"Mom, please don't cry." I said desperately after turning to her. Tears were leaking down her face and she burst into tears and threw her arms around me, "I'm going to miss you too Mom."

"You had better take care of yourself, young man." She said firmly, wiping the tears from her eyes.

I nodded and we headed out to the car. I looked up surprised to see Jared standing in front of me looking confused, "What's going on man?"

Out of everyone in the pack I had been closest to Paul. We'd been friends before either of us had become werewolves and our friendship had increased when we both realised what had happened to us. He was truly my pack brother, and the only one I would miss once I left. But I couldn't risk Sam finding out if I told him. I just hoped one day I would have the chance to explain to him why I did what I did.

"I've got to drive the old man out to the airport." I said, after taking a deep breath, "He's going away to visit some family."

Jared shrugged, believing my story, "Sam wants you at his place by seven tonight. You'll be there right?"

I raised an eyebrow, "Where else would I be? Shopping for dresses?" I asked sarcastically.

Jared rolled his eyes, "Whatever man, I'll see ya later."

"Yeah, see you man."

I took one last look at my closest friend and got in the car ready to escape my prison.

A/N so this is the new Paul story. Please try to remember it's an author's universe fic, and I still love the pack as much as any. So read and review and let me know what you think.