"Faster Quil!" I laughed as he carried me piggy-back style in the water.
The pack: Sam, Jared, Paul, Jacob, Quil, Embry, Seth, and I were currently on the beach. We usually hung out here either cliff diving or relaxing on the shore. It was a good way to unwind after pack duty.
Quil fell face first into the water taking me down with him. I swallowed a mouth full of salt-water. "Ugh! You klutz!" I laughed playfully hitting his arm.
"Hey!" He splashed me repeatedly. He attempted getting up but I lunged and dragged him down once more. "No you don't!' I said roughhousing with him some more.
To be honest some days I hated this whole wolf-deal but my brother Seth and the three stooges Jacob, Quil, and Embry made it bearable. I could always let loose around them, they made me have fun whether I wanted to or not. Sam, Jared, and Paul on the other hand were a different story. They didn't make things easier for me quite the opposite.
"Leah!" Sam called sternly. I had a feeling Sam was about to do just that when I slowly made my way to where he was.
I regret to admit Sam Uley was my first love. Sam and I went out in high school. I thought he was "the one" until, he proved to me he wasn't by imprinting on my cousin Emily. Having to be near him constantly was a real bitch. Having him order me around was even worse.
"Yes Sam?" I asked looking down. I still had trouble being myself around Sam. It's like I always had my guard up around him.
"You need to cut your hair."
"Damn."I thought automatically reached for my hair.
I hoped he wouldn't notice. Sam insisted we all keep our hair short. My hair was starting to grow out, just barely reaching my shoulders. I loved my hair, I was basically in tears when Sam made me cut it the first time. I was about to protest when I saw the look in Paul's eyes. He was just waiting for me to get all worked up so he could join in.
"Okay, I will." I said nodding but not really intending to. Sam was probably just sore that I was having fun.
Seth came up from behind me and rested his chin on my shoulder. "Were going back to Jake's house? Wanna come?" He mumbled into my shoulder.
"Sure." I said putting an arm around him. Seth was too sweet. He was probably making sure Sam, Jared, and Paul didn't upset me too much.
"Emily should have lunch ready soon." Sam stated standing up. "We should head over now."
I looked at him pleadingly but his face remained stern. What I hated more than being around Sam was being around Sam and Emily at the same time it was nauseating. "Sam . . ." I started. I was trying to think of an excuse not to go back to their place. It was always awkward and Paul got a kick out of seeing me squirm.
Paul found his opportunity to be an asshole. "C'mon Leah I'll even carry you there." He said quickly grabbing me by the waist and tossing me over his shoulder.
"Paul, you asshole! Let me down." I said kicking my feet and hitting his back with my fists. But he wouldn't give, when he finally set me down Sam and Emily's place was within view. I shoved him as best I could and ran in-between Embry and Jake. I placed an arm around both of them and let them carry my weight until we got to the porch.
There she was the perfect little housewife. She greeted Sam with a hug and kiss. I moved to stand behind Paul so I wouldn't have to witness the scene. Paul looked over his shoulder and scoffed.
"Leah come sit with us." I heard Emily say sweetly as I walked by the table where she, Sam, Jared, and Paul sat. I had grabbed a plate of food intending to go with Seth or even inside by myself.
"Umm—I was . . ." I sputtered. But, Sam was giving me his Alpha stare. Paul moved aside so I could squeeze in-between Jared and him. It was a pretty tight squeeze considering they were both pretty massive.
"Hey, I didn't get any of that." Jared said staring at my plate. I held my fork out to Jared.
"Here."
He ate the forkful of macaroni salad with a look of ecstasy. I giggled. Jared loved food as much as Seth.
"We can trade plates if you want?" I suggested sweetly. Jared's plate was half-eaten. That way I could leave earlier. Jared agreed without hesitation.
Through my peripheral vision I could see Paul staring at. I turned my head to look back at him as if saying "Can I help you?"
"Why are you being nice all of a sudden?"
"What's your problem?" I asked indignantly. I hadn't even wanted to sit here in the first place.
"What's the problem?" Sam asked annoyed that we were interrupting his gag-fest with Emily.
"Nothing." I said. "Just Paul's unreliable temperament."
"You're certainly reliable, you're always a bitch!"Paul spit back out at me.
I could feel tears well up my eyes. I immediately tried to mask my emotions as anger.
I got up quickly not bothering to retaliate at Paul. I'd probably just get my feelings more hurt than they already were.
Seth, Embry, Quil, and Jake immediately followed me. Seth placed his arm around my shoulders while the others walked along side me protectively.
When we got to my house I was already feeling better. No thanks to Paul. Why did he have to push my buttons!
"Thanks guys." I said looking around at them. I truly loved each of them. "I want to thank you guys . . ." I said looking to Jake, Quil, and Embry. "There aren't that many people in my life I can count on, I have my mom, Seth, and you three. At least, I think I have . . ."
"You do." Jake said with a smile. Embry and Quil nodded in agreement.
"I think there's ice cream in the freezer." I said with a smile all four boys immediately ran inside the house. I laughed to myself.
"Hey." I heard a voice behind me.
Paul was making his way towards me. I ignored him walking away.
"Leah . . ." I kept walking.
"Hey! Don't ignore me Leah." Paul said dangerously holding my forearm in a vice-grip.
I recognized that look in Paul. So, I didn't try getting away from him. I moved close r to him, making eye contact, letting him know I acknowledged his presence. I place my unrestrained hand in his. He welcomed this rare sign of affection and tightened his hold on my hand while loosening his grip on my forearm.
"Calm down Paul." I said even managing to smile. Paul really needed to keep his temper under control. We all feared he'd phase unexpectedly in front of someone he wasn't supposed to. When his breathing started to normalize I gently let go of his hand walking backwards a couple of steps to create some breathing space between us.
"I wanted to apologize."
I shrugged. "It's fine. Tell Sam I'm not upset anymore."
"He didn't Alpha command me if that's what you're thinking. I'm really sorry for lashing out at you. You don't deserve it."
I nodded. It was the first time Paul had been so kind to me. "Thanks Paul. It means a lot . . ." I trailed off not knowing what else to say.
"See you . . ." I said cheerily turning back.
I didn't make it far because Paul grabbed my hand. I looked at him. "What are you doing?"
"I don't know." He said letting go of my hand I dropped my arm to my side. "But I don't care." He leaned downed caressing my faced and kissed me. I soon found myself kissing him back. Even I didn't see this coming.