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Bella's POV:
Sam Uley...
Somehow, knowing his name was vitally important to Bella. She wanted to know everything about him. Bella didn't just want to know him, she felt as if she needed to know him. Bella wanted, no needed Sam to know her as well.

"I'm Bella Swan." Air caught in her throat at the smile that then graced Sam's face. He was ruggedly handsome with a chiseled jaw that bespoke of his strength and masculinity, but when he smiled, his face softened into something that could only be described as beautiful.

Sam gave a throaty chuckle, a deep husky sound that sent shivers racing down Bella's back. "I know who you are, Isabella." Her name on his lips sent feelings through Bella in strange, fascinating ways.

She had never heard her name said so sensually before. Keep breathing... she reminded herself internally. How did he know who she was?

"How do you know who I am?" The smile fell from Sam's face and his countenance seemed to noticeably darken. "You went missing some hours ago. Billy Black caught wind of your disappearance and asked for assistance, since we know the area well."

"We?"

"Myself, obviously, and two friends of mine, Jared and Paul. I'm know you'll meet them later." He seemed so confident when he said that.

Sam suddenly grasped her small hand in his large one. Bella was momentarily caught off guard by the feel of his skin on hers. He was all rugged man and she found that incredibly attractive. He was the complete opposite of...Edward. She had forgotten all about him when she saw Sam for the first time but now she remembered, though she wish she didn't.

The pain of betrayal flooded back with a wrathful vengeance and it left Bella gasping for air, desperately searching for relief. She felt strong arms encase her in a protective cage of warmth and love. From her perch in darkness, Bella could hear Sam speaking soothingly to her, whispering words of endearment and encouragement.

She honed in on his voice and it pulled her from the shroud of pain and anger that had surrounded her. Bella suddenly realized that she was sitting in Sam's lap with his arms still wrapped around her. He was now speaking to her in what she could only assume to be his native tongue. Tears welled in her eyes because of his gentleness. She hardly knew this man, yet she was connected to him in a way that was indescribable and completely undeniable. Bella's head was tucked tightly under Sam's chin and she deeply breathed in his scent. It was calming.

Sam pulled her head gently away from his body. She almost cried out in disappointment. He tilted her face up towards his. There gazes locked and time seemed to slow, which was alright for the both of them. Sam's deep voice broke the hushed silence.

"I know what he did to you. I know how hurt you are, Isabella. I'll be there for you, always, if you'll allow me." All she could do was nod. "There are things about me that are...strange. I don't want to scare you, ever, and I don't want to overwhelm you. I know that you've been through hell tonight." She had been through hell, but she wanted to know. Bella wanted to understand this pull that she felt. Does he feel it, too?

"I'm good with strange, Sam. Please tell me. I need to know why I feel so strongly about you, why how all of a sudden you're so..," she searched for the right word but came up short," important to me."
Sam looked at her intently, as if reading her soul to make sure what she had said was valid and true. "You knew the Cullen's were Vampires."

"How did..?"

"How did I know? Because I am there natural enemy." He paused, as if to give her a second to process his words. "Isabella, I'm a Protector, a defender of my people. I was born to protect my tribe from the threat of Vampires." Sam took a deep breath. "You see, many centuries ago, Vampires came onto our land and, as legend has it, some of the men of my tribe took on the form of our spiritual selves to enable them to defend our people. They became Wolves, also commonly called Werewolves. I transformed over a year ago. I was the first to phase in over a generation, which means I now have the responsibility of being Alpha of the pack. The pack only consists of Jared, Paul, and myself as of now."

Hearing that Sam was a Werewolve didn't change Bella's view of him, in fact, it actually made sense. Anyone could see that Sam had a protective air about him. He was a natural defender and Bella could only imagine how fiercely devoted he was to those he cared for.

It was endearing, knowing that he spent his time watching out for others and never really receiving the credit due him. He was a silent protector, not gaining attention for his accomplishments but still doing what he knew was right.

Shyly, Bella lifted her left hand to Sam's face. She gently stroked her thumb over his high cheekbones and under his eye. Sam leaned into her touch and tightened his hold on her. This was the first time she had intiated physical contact between the two of them. It was all the conformation Sam needed to know that she had accepted the bond, maybe without even realizing it.

"There is something else I have to tell you. Isabella, there is something called imprinting that occurs so that a wolf can find his mate, his one and only. The bond that is formed is instantaneous and irreversible." Bella pulled her hand away from his face. She hated to ask but she needed to know.

"Sam, do you have an imprint?"

"Yes." Bella felt the world fall in around her.

He was mated, probaly to some beautiful native girl with a rich heritage that was fit for an Alpha. She was filled with a deep rooted jealousy and a burning anger at herself for allowing her emotions to control her hopes.

Bella turned her face away from sam and was in the process of standing when Sam's arms tightened further around her. She struggled fruitlessly against his iron grip. Sam whispered in her ear.
"Where do you think you're going, Isabella?"

"Let me go, Sam. Let me up!" She doubled her attempts to get free. Sam's response was fierce and harsh, and straight to the point.

"No." His intensity caught her off guard.

"I shouldn't be here with you, Sam! You said so yourself, you have a mate and here I am, this weak and upset girl that jumps in your lap for comfort! This isn't appropriate. Let me go, now!" Bella's voice had risen throughout her little tirade and it ended in an almost yell.

Sam turned her roughly in his arms to face him. His facial expression caught her attention rather quickly. He looked angry, not at all like the gentle Sam there moments before. His nose was flared and his eyes were black, expressing his rage.

"You should be here with me, Isabella, and you are far from weak. You are the bravest, most beautiful thing that that has ever graced this planet. There is no one else for me! You are my mate! You're mine."

Bella barely had time to process his words before Sam was on her. His kiss didn't start off gentle or soft. It was fierce and possessive, but not harmful. Sam's lips were insistent and demanding and Bella was all too willing to give. His tongue slipped inside her mouth and tangled with her own. They both moaned, filled with a desperate need and passion.

Sam hand cupped her head tightly, angling her face for better access as his other hand curled around her hip. He slowed the kiss to a gentle, loving caress that spoke words that had yet to be uttered between the two.

As they pulled apart, they gasped for air and gazed at each other in what could only be described in wonder. They didn't separate from one another but continued to hold each other close, neither willing nor wanting to ruin such a moment.


I apologize for not getting this chapter up sooner but I was away this weekend. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!

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