A/N: I originally wrote this as a one-shot and have had to reconfigure this to tie in with the plot as it was the idea that triggered this little piece.
More lemons ahead with a smattering of revelations!
It was the same old argument.
Jake had been devastated when he hadn't imprinted on Bella but had eventually consoled himself with the knowledge that she would always be in his life. It was her imprint he took issue with and he wasn't alone. The others were also uncomfortable with Paul's infidelity and had nominated Jake as their spokes-person.
"I don't see how you can stand it Bells. He doesn't even respect you!"
"Jake I love you but this really isn't any of your concern."
He saw the way she was closing down and shutting him out. "I see it in his head, honey. We all do. You shouldn't have to put up with it."
Bella wasn't quite unaffected as she appeared but she had learned to conceal her true feelings.
Ever since she'd woken in Paul's bed and laid down the terms of their arrangement, Paul had reverted to his verbal assaults. He was more open in his pursuit of women, baring no mind for Bella's sensibilities. She turned a blind eye and almost wore herself out, justifying her relationship. They couldn't understand why she didn't give in and forgive Paul.
In the mean-time Bella had connected with the Spirit Wolf, safe in the knowledge that wolves were monogamous. It wouldn't occur to them to cheat on their mates. Nor would he ever leave her as his enemy had.
The Wolf often visited, catching her on a break and showering her with affection. It made it easier for her to ignore Paul's insults.
Lately, there were times when the battle between man and wolf threatened to unbalance their arrangement and Bella's detachment began to affect Paul deeply.
He was no longer satisfied with his part of the deal and began to resent Bella's preference for the animal. He hadn't wholly embraced the change and that was becoming more evident in his treatment of his imprint.
He wanted to be the one that shared her smiles and held her at night. Her constant rejection tore at him and he found he tended to act first and regret later.
XxX
The conversation made its way through the pack-mind as Jake's control evaporated.
From the corner of his eye, he spied the subject of his ire and made his way full-throttle, catching him off guard as they were herded into the woods by the ever-present Alpha.
XxX
She had pulled into the driveway when Jared came running out from the trees.
"Bella, you need to come to La Push."
He lifted her into passenger seat before reaching the driver's side and revving the engine.
They arrived to see the grey and red wolves circling each other, their Alpha close by.
Bella wasn't sure who she was running to but Sam's sudden grip on the back of her shirt stilled her.
"Jacob! Paul! You shouldn't be doing this. You're supposed to be brothers, stop it!"
There were a few more swipes from the pair before the red wolf wondered over to the bushes, leaving the silver to phase in the open, the sound of Bella's heartbeat increasing resulting in a smirk.
"Get cleaned up. Report to mine in an hour."
Bella made her way over to Paul, acting as his crutch as his body succumbed to the blows he'd no doubt justly earned.
XxX
She pushed him into a chair, getting hot water to mop away the now dried blood that marred his face and chest.
"Why do you have to attack each other?"
"Maybe you should blame your conversations?" The appearance of the golden orbs demonstrated Paul's surrender, leaving the Wolf to deal with her. He'd been the more tolerant at first but the way she behaved with his pack-mate was becoming unacceptable.
She stilled, confused. "I've never said anything to Jacob. Or anyone else for that matter."
He gave a snort. "That doesn't stop them running their mouths off."
She'd had enough. "Well, let them say what they want. It's our decision."
"You mean it's your decision."
Her movements stilled as he rose from the chair, uncaring of his naked state. He'd been passive enough but she'd pushed him too far.
Pulling her close, he merged his lips with hers. Pressing her against his body, she felt him twitch against her, waking her from the sexual slumber.
She wasn't surprised to feel the mattress as her body was pinned to the bed, as he began his descent on her skin. One hand held both of her above her head whilst the other plucked at her nipples, leaving her writhing against him.
He took his time, playing all her pleasure spots, getting satisfaction from her moans.
This was how he liked her best, weak and submissive to his needs. As much as he cared for her, he didn't appreciate her attitude and sly trapping of the man whose body he shared.
As he flipped her onto her stomach, releasing her hands, she waited until he gave the command, the memory of his last spanking still present.
Jake had caught Paul with another girl and had run to inform Bella.
"Paul is his own person. We've made a deal."
"How can you let him do this? If you were mine I'd never leave your side!"
"Jake, I know this is difficult to understand but I'm okay, in fact it was my idea."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because Paul sees me as the leech-lover and probably always will."
He pulled her close for a hug, wrapping his arms around her, unaware that Paul's wolf had seen the embrace.
The Wolf took his time as he scented her behind, his finger playing idly with her clit, allowing the frustration to build, his hand pleasuring himself in the meantime.
Only when he was ready, did he position them both for penetration, his hands holding Bella in place.
XxX
The Wolf exalted in the knowledge that he'd be her one and only. The whole town had been filled with talk over how close she'd been with the Leech, barely having a moment apart.
Before he left her in the woods.
He growled at the thought as Bella reached climax first. Even then he lingered inside, his hands on her breasts eliciting enough friction for another round.
XxX
The smell of sex preceded them both as they reached Sam's house.
The alpha noted that Bella had at least made an effort to wash.
"You're late."
Bella mumbled an apology but Paul was unrepentant and back in control, basking in the knowledge that Bella's scent provoked the previously irate Jacob.
"This antagonism needs to stop. I will not allow my pack tearing strips of each other."
"You should tell him to respect Bella."
"You should tell Baby Alpha to keep his nose out of my business."
It was Bella who took the stand, her frustration evident.
"Both of you stop. Jacob, whatever Paul and I do is between us. Paul, Jake is my friend. He wouldn't have anything to complain about if you kept your thoughts to yourself."
The golden orbs returned briefly as he responded with a snarl. "The pup needs to know you're mine. So do you."
She turned to him slowly, her eyes warming. "Yes I'm yours."
She blinked and he was gone, leaving Paul staring down into her eyes, praying for acknowledgment.
"Bella…" Jake's words shattered the budding illusion.
"Enough." She turned to address the group. "I'm tired of everyone butting in to our business. You need to focus on your own and we'll do the same. Please."
She left the cabin, aware of Paul behind her as they returned to their separate lives and homes.
XxX
That night, Paul thought about his imprint.
They hadn't had the best starts. He'd been so angry to be lashed to the Leech-lover.
He'd wanted to block her out but the damn imprint tied his will-power in knots and he'd seduced her into his bed, taken her virginity.
Since then it was the Wolf that could get his fix with her body opening every damn time, leaving the memories to him. They were the only thing her had of her.
He'd been a fool to think he could get his cake elsewhere!
Damn it, she was supposed to want him, not the Wolf! The Wolf wasn't meant to be a separate entity, it was an extension of himself.
"You're getting close." The voice had come from within. It wasn't the first time he heard it. However, it was the first time he listened.
He waited for more but was denied and so stewed in his own frustration. The feeling mingled with dissatisfaction. He'd thought the sex would be enough but now, thanks to Jake and the Pack, he was looking further into this messed up situation.
Bella had never protested, always looking the other way, eager for the Wolf to show once more.
Then there were the plates of food he arrived home to, originally accrediting to Emily.
Sam soon set him straight.
"It's the imprint. Jake's always saying that Bella's a care-taker. Not even you are immune to that. Though I don't see why she bothers."
He never questioned her about it, preferring the artificial role of ignorance he'd unknowingly assumed the day the imprint struck.
All the while Bella was left dealing with the business of picking scraps from the buffet, instead of having her own seat.
Well, no more, proclaimed Paul. He'd do whatever it took to get Bella to see him as she saw the Wolf.
If the only difference between them was the colour of his eyes than that could easily be fixed…