That stupid, motherfucking, vampire.

He left me. I was standing in the forest, his words sinking in, and I realized he left me. It shocked me. But what was most surprising, was that I was ok. I was free, and I was just coming to terms with it.

I walked back to my house, shaking my head as I did, and concentrated on not falling. All those fucking months I'd wasted on him. All the friends I'd given up. Everything I was going to give up. I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid.

Don't get me wrong, it still hurt he left, and I would miss all of the Cullen's, but I wasn't the mess I'd always expected. I would miss Emmet, the big brother I never had, and Alice, my crazy sister. I'd never gotten to know Rose or Jasper, but if I had I'm sure I'd miss them too.

I was going to have to visit the hospital a whole lot more now, as I didn't have Carlisle to patch me up. Esme was like a mother to me, and I would miss her.

But, I could see Jake again! I hadn't seen him in ages, and I gave him a call when I got in.

"Hello?"

"Jake?"

"Bella! Long time no see!"

"Tell me about it. So, um, what are you doing today?"

"Um, nothing. You want to come down?" he said, sounding hopeful.

"Yeah, I do actually. I'll head off just now,"

"Cool, see you soon!" he rang off and I grabbed my bag, getting changed into better clothes. I didn't really make an effort at school, but I was single now. I looked outside, smiling at the sun, and pulled on a light-blue sundress and flip-flops. I was going to insist Jake took me to the beach.

I sprayed some deodorant, shoved on my sunglasses and grabbed my bag. Then I climbed in my truck and was off.

Jake ran over to my truck when I pulled up. He hugged me, and spun me around and around.

"Good to see you, Bells," he said.

"You too, Jakey," I said, grinning at him.

"Looking good," he said, looking at my outfit. I blushed, "Still got your blush, I see,"

I smiled, "Beach, now,"

He laughed and led me towards the sandy shores.

We were sitting on a driftwood tree when I saw them approaching.

"Who are they?" I asked, and Jacob looked up to see who I was meaning.

"Sam, Jared and Paul," he said. The three men were walking down the beach slowly, making sure they got the attention of everyone. They had on only shorts and sunglasses. I kept my own Ray Bans on, and looked at the ground.

"Hey, kid, this is our spot," said the one Jake had said was Paul.

"Should have been here quicker then, shouldn't you?" Jake said, standing up. Paul started shaking slightly, but Sam shook his head at him.

"Don't, Paul, there's too many people,"

Paul stopped, but the air was awkward. Jake wasn't moving, and neither were they. I didn't really know what to do, so I just sat there.

"Hell, I don't mind sharing with them," Jared said, sitting next to me, "Beer?" he asked me, and I took it. I didn't usually drink, because Edward was against it, but I'd been drunk a few times, and it seemed the perfect way to celebrate, "Oh yes," Jared said, handing one to Jake.

The atmosphere slowly became more comfortable, as Paul stopped being so uptight. Though, he refused to even look at us. I drank about nine beers.

"Come on, Bells, let's get you home," Jake said, standing up, and practically pulling me up. I was surprised to see the sky had darkened.

"Oh, look at the stars," I whispered to him, and Sam and Jared laughed.

"Maybe we gave her one too many," Jared said, "She's the Chief's daughter, right?"

"Yeah," I said

"Rather you than me mate," Paul muttered.

"Nah, Charlie's cool, he won't mind," I said, "Oh shit, Jake how much have you had to drink?"

"Um, about three, why?"

"Well, you can't drive me home then,"

"Why not?"

"Because he ain't that cool!" I said, laughing hysterically, "I'll just drive myself,"

"Geezo," I heard Paul say, "You're going to get yourself killed. Here, I'll drive you,"

I shrugged and put my arm around his shoulder, making him take most of the weight. I stumbled through the sand and up to my truck.

"Are you this clumsy without the drink?" Paul asked and I blushed.

"Hey, you gave me it," I said, tripping on yet more nothing and making Paul struggle to pick me up, "I'm not usually drunk,"

"Yeah? So what changed?"

"I was celebrating!" I said, laughing, and making it even more difficult for Paul to support me.

"Celebrating? Celebrating what?"

"Edward left," I said. We stopped.

"Edward? Edward Cullen?"

"Yeah. Did you know him?"

"I knew of him. Did you?"

"He was my boyfriend," I said, trying to walk again, but his grip was tight on my arms.

"Your boyfriend?" he started shaking slightly, "Do you even know what he is?"

I froze, shocked by what he just said.

"How the hell do you know that?" I said.

"Bella, you knew? You fucking knew? And you still went out with him? Have you got a death wish?"

"Hey, fuck off. That's my private life, Paul, and you've got no right to pry,"

"Tell me you didn't sleep with him," he said, "Please, tell me you didn't fuck him,"

"What the fuck, Paul, I said keep out!"

We started walking back to my truck and climbed in, in silence. The speed he drove at scared me, but I didn't say anything.

We pulled up at my house and I turned to him.

"Thank you for driving me home," I said, "And I'm sorry I shouted at you. And just so you know, no, I didn't,"

He visibly relaxed.

"Thanks," he said, and I opened my door, "Wait,"

He leaned over me and slammed the door shut.

"What the hell?"

"There's a vampire out there," he said, starting the engine. I heard him pumping the gas, but the car didn't move. We both looked out the window at the same time.

"Emmet!" I cried, at the same time as Paul growled.

I jumped out of the car and flung myself on him. He wrapped his arms around me and spun me around.

"Oh, don't do that, I'll throw up," I said, when he set me down. He kept a hold of me though, in case I spontaneously lost my balance. Which wasn't that unusual for me.

"Hey, let her go," I heard Paul say.

"Bella!" Emmet said, turning to me, "I leave you for five minutes and you start running with the dogs?"

I frowned and hit his chest lightly, "Don't talk about Paul like that, Em, he drove me home and kept me alive. Apologise,"

Emmet bowed my head, "Sorry," he muttered.

"Don't sweat about it," Paul said, smirking.

"Bella, honey, not to be mean, but you smell awful,"

"Thank, Emmet, you always know how to make me feel good,"

"No, first off, you stink of drink. Do we need to have a little talk about that, Bella?"

"Shut up, what else is wrong?"

"You smell of dog,"

"Dog? I haven't been near any dogs!"

Emmet laughed, and I caught a glimse of Paul's jaw, which was set tight.

"Closer than you know," Emmet said.

"You'd better shut your mouth, before I shut it for you," Paul said to Em. I giggled because, well, that was crazy.

"So I shouldn't tell her, mutt? You know, people think I'm not that bright, but I know all about your legends. I know that you can't tell her, because of the alpha's word. But what's stopping me?"

"Don't you dare-" Paul said.

"Bella," Emmet said, tilting my head up, "He's a werewolf,"

"You little fucker!" Paul shouted, shaking slightly. I ripped the sunglasses that were still on my head and looked at him.

"You're a werewolf?" I said. He didn't say anything, just kept staring into my eyes, and I couldn't look away. His eyes were beautiful, and I started to notice how beautiful the rest of him was.

"Oh shit," Emmet said softly.

A grin spread over Paul's face. Wow, that was going to have to happen more often.

"Right, lovebirds," Emmet said, and I tore my gaze from Paul to look at him, "Congratz, man, on imprinting. I'm happy for you,"

"Really?" Paul asked, sounding genuinely surprised, "But she's like your sister,"

"Firstly, she is my sister. No likeness about it," I smiled at him, proud to call him my brother, "Secondly, I guess this is good. It means she won't ever have to date any scumbags. Well, other than you. But I know for a fact that she couldn't be safer than if she's an imprint,"

Paul nodded.

"But I'm warning you man, if something does manage to hurt her, you're going to get twice as bad from me. And if you break her heart, I'll break your face,"

Paul nodded again.

"So, Bells, my baby sister, you've found the love of your life,"

"I'm so confused," I said to no-one in particular.

"He'll explain it all," Emmet said, "Guess you don't need me anymore," he added quietly.

"Emmett McCarthy Cullen!" I scolded, "Don't you dare leave me again. The rest of your family may not care about me, but that is not you,"

"Actually, Bella, you're wrong. Rose and I are living in the big house again, and Alice and Jasper have got a little house in Forks,"

"What?" I shrieked.

"Yeah, I came to tell you. Here, our phone numbers. Call us when you want to see us. Good luck, little sis,"

He kissed my forehead and then, no Emmet.

"So…" I said, looking at Paul.

"Well, I think we should get inside. Charlie's probably going off his nut,"

I giggled and he came around to my side of the truck, picking me up and running to the porch.

"Paul," I said, as he turned to go, "Don't leave me,"

"Bella, I don't think your dad will be in the best of moods. And I kind of want him to like me. So I'll come around tomorrow… if that's ok?"

"Meet me in my room tonight," I whispered, looking up into his eyes. I heard his breathing speed up and he nodded.

After the third time I aimed the key at the lock, I got it in, and went inside.

"Bells?" Charlie called, coming into the hall.

"Charlie!" I said, hugging him.

"Have you been drinking?"

"Uh huh, but don't get mad. I was celebrating! Down at La Push"

"Celebrating, huh?"

"Yeah, my freedom,"

"Right, you're grounded. Hell Bella…" his eyes went wide, "Did you drive home like that?"

"No dad," I said, "Paul drove me home,"

"Paul? Paul Meraz?"

"Yuh huh," I said, "Do you know him?"

"Yes, I know him. Who's he to you?"

"Ok, Charlie, I think it's time I told you. I got married three months ago, to a Mr Paul Meraz,"

"What?"

"Wait, there's more," I took a deep breath, holding in my laughter. I put my hands on my stomach, "Congratulations, Charlie, you're going to be a grandfather,"

Charlie's face paled, and he looked like he was going to faint.

"April fools!" I shouted, howling with laughter. He sighed.

"So you're not pregnant?" I shook my head, "Or married?"

"No, Geeze. I'd have invited you,"

"Bella, you're grounded, until I decide otherwise. Now get upstairs,"

I saluted and shakily climbed to my room.

"Paul," I whispered into the blackness of my room. I shut the door and felt arms snake around my waist, pulling me tightly to his body.

"Bella," he said, "You're very naughty,"

I giggled, "So you heard, then?"

"Yes. Poor Charlie almost had a heart attack," he said, his breath hot on my neck.

"Hmm," I said, "Maybe I should go and see if he's alright," I made to go to the door, but his arms tightened.

"You're not going anywhere," he said.

"Why not?"

"Because you smell of vampire. And I need to change that,"

I smiled in the darkness, and reached out, turning on the light.

"Good, now I can see you," I whispered, spinning in his arms.

"Bella," he whispered, "There's something I want to ask you. But you don't have to answer it, ok?"

"Ok, ask away,"

"Are you a virgin?"

I froze, and looked at the carpet.

"Um, yes," I mumbled. He squeezed me slightly, but I didn't look away from his feet.

"Bella, look at me," I couldn't deny him anything, and looked up, "I'm happy,"

"Happy? How can that make you happy? I don't know anything,"

"Bella," he said softly, "It means I'll be your first, your last, and your everything in between. If… if you'll have me?"

I grinned up at him, "Of course I will!"

I jumped into his waiting arms. I hadn't even kissed him yet, and I knew I was in love with him. He walked with me over to the bed, and climbed with me under the duvet. We kicked our shoes off and he pulled me closer to his body.

"You're perfect, you know that?" he said.

"Not as perfect as you," I whispered, pushing my lips onto his. His lips were soft and melted into mine.

"Bella," he said, "I think we should go to sleep,"

"Do we have to?" I asked.

"Yes," he turned me around so my back was against his chest, and kissed the base of my neck, "Night beautiful,"

"Night," I muttered.