Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer
A/N: Thank you so much for reading and following this story I so hope you will all stay to the end! Big thanks to everyone who has reviewed it means a lot to me that you take the time to let me know your thoughts and feelings please continue to do so! So as promised at the end of the previous Chapter we are leaving the books and sailing into uncharted waters…hang on…
And now the story continues!...
Extract from In The Arms of The Angel – bySarah Mc Lachlan
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay….
Chapter 4: Waiting for that second chance, for a break that would make it okay
Bella woke she was exhausted what with everything that had happened yesterday and the dream again. Between them she felt like she hadn't slept at all. The dream had started the same but this time there was a change, she had touched the silver wolf. He had rubbed his large jaw against her hand in the lupine way and then in return she had rubbed her face against his soft fur. At her touch a deep humming noise came from the wolfs chest and Bella had thought it was because the wolf was happy. Somewhere, deep within her, Bella wanted the wolf, her wolf to be happy as she sensed he was not.
A small smile appeared on her lips as she remembered that Jake and Billy had come for dinner last night. It was the first step in patching up the friendship between Billy and Charlie. These past few weeks had been just as hard on the fathers as it had been on their offspring. Each had of course supported their child and blamed the other for causing the problem in the first place. The men were extremely relieved that Jacob and Bella were finally friends again.
Whilst Charlie and Billy watched the game on TV Bella had questioned or more like interrogated Jacob as he finished off the lasagne she had made for dinner. He told her all about pack and the fever that sets in before the change. How their bodies ran hot all the time as a result and; how they healed mega fast. Bella nodded absorbing it all. As Bella served him a huge dollop of the Chocolate fudge cake she had made, he also told her how the pack needed huge quantities of food to fuel the change from man to beast. Bella laughed thinking how convenient for them to have an excuse to pig out!
Bella was also curious about Sam and Emily. Jacob pleased to be the centre of Bella's attention once more did not stop to think about what he was telling her. He told her about Sam and Leah and about the imprint. The imprint intrigued Bella but she wisely decided not to ask Jacob to elaborate. Somehow she felt it was of great significance to him. Bella had also tentatively asked how Emily got scared, even though she had a good idea what had caused it. Of course Jacob obliged in detail.
Bella listened carefully as Jacob explained that anger fuelled the change from man to wolf and she remembered the day before when Lahote had been angry with her. Now she understood why Sam had Alpha ordered Jacob to stay away from Bella. He also explained about what being Alpha entailed.
Yes Bella had a lot on her mind when she finally went to bed. As she lay on her pillow watching the fluffy clouds high in the sky pass by her windows, her mind drifted back to her dream and the silver wolf. She smiled to herself as she remembered how she had got up in the night and opened her window. Now that summer was just around the corner it was finally starting to warm up in Forks. Bella could not be sure she may have imagined it but she thought she saw a flash of silver in the forest behind the house. No… she was just so stressed and tired her mind was playing tricks.
She reached across to her nightstand and checked her cell. Two missed calls number withheld oh great she thought at least the stalker was consistent even if her whole world had been turned on its head yesterday and 2 texts from Jake.
Fantastic lasagne so missed your cooking and chocolate fudge cake was really good thx xxx glad we are friends again love u see u tomoz night nightxxx
Hi Bells xx damn Sam needs me to patrol tomorrow morning maybe see you in the afternoon? Wanna meet me at First Beach we can go for a walk like old times xxxx
Bella smiled to herself yeah Jacob maybe we can she thought as she text back.
Charlie had already left for work when Bella came down to the kitchen she grabbed herself some cereal and planned her day. She would catch up on the house work she thought as she looked around. During her months of depression she'd let things slip and she was ashamed of how thing s looked. Bella was a little house-proud if she were honest with herself.
Having scrubbed and polished and washed everything she could find in the laundry baskets plus two sets of bedding Bella breathed a sigh of relief. A quick glance at the clock showed her it was after 1pm already. She made herself a sandwich and decided to drive over to LaPush. Jake had said he would meet her around 4 o'clock.
Her old truck groaned as she pulled on the hand brake and parked up at first beach. Stepping down from the cab, Bella took in a deep breath she could practically taste the salt in the air. The sea called to her very soul and always calmed her that's why she loved to come here. The steel grey waves crashed upon the shore and the sunlight caught the tops of the waves giving them a silver edge. High above the sea birds circled their cries carried on the wind. The beach was deserted just the way Bella liked it.
A light warm breeze blew along the beach and peeling off her jacket Bella relished the feel of the suns warmth on her face and shoulders. Tying her jacket around her hips, she started to walk along the edge of the water stopping every now and then to pick up and examine fine sea shells glistening on the wet sand. Some she slipped into the pocket of her shorts. They would look nice on her bedroom window ledge she thought.
Before Bella knew it lost in her thoughts, her feet had carried her up the rocky path to the cliff top. She stepped very carefully towards the edge. The view was spectacular from up here she thought, on a clear day like today she could see for miles. Before her lay the coastline stretched out in all its rugged beauty. She edged a little further and could just see over the side of the cliff to the sea crashing on the rocks below. How on earth did Sam and the others dive from here? Bella wondered as she recalled the day that she had watched them with Jacob from the layby on the coast road.
Jake had promised to take her cliff diving. She swallowed hard Hmm maybe not such a good idea after all she thought. She felt a little cold, from the brisk breeze that was blowing and she looked up to see the sky had darkened, the sun hidden behind grey clouds that had gathered overhead. In the distance Bella could see lightening far out to sea. A storm was coming.
The wind built up and whisked her hair up into the air. She lifted her hand to smooth her hair back when a strand whipped into her eye, causing it to sting and water. Temporarily blinded Bella staggered forward and her foot slipped over the edge of the cliff she screamed just as a strong arm shot out and pulled her back.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Came a man's voice from behind her "Trying to commit suicide now eh Swan?" He was angry Bella could feel it and she knew that voice…..Paul Lahote her stomach flipped nervously.
"No…I…I just lost my footing" she quietly replied looking at Paul's hand that was still grabbing her arm. He followed her gaze and quickly withdrew it.
"Yeah ..yeah!" He snapped. "If that's what you say. So what are you doing up here alone?"
"I was just walking and well I was curious about cliff diving." She sighed not really wanting to tell him of all people. Bella kept her eyes on the ground she didn't want to give him any encouragement to talk.
Paul's eyes widened. His imprint cliff diving?….Not on his fucking watch! He thought.
"Well.." he replied "You know what they say about curiosity and the cat?"
Bella looked at him unsure, a small frown on her pretty face.
"It killed the cat." He said rather matter of fact. A smug look on his face.
Bella stared at him, as usual he looked angry and not sure of what to say next, she turned to go back down to the beach.
"Don't come up here alone again little girl" He practically growled out as he watched her walk away "I don't want to have to tell the Police Chief his daughter jumped to her death over her lost love." he laughed darkly.
That was a low blow thought Bella, as she turned slightly in his direction "I told you I was here just looking and I certainly would not kill myself over Edward Cullen!" she snapped
"Good, the leech is not worth it." He snapped back
Bella turned around and started to walk fast down the path. She could feel his eyes on her back. She was really angry with Paul and despite everything Emily had told her she decided he was not worth her time or consideration "Fuck you Paul Lahote "she thought. She was so angry that she stumbled slightly and then….she fell straight down onto her knees, skidding slightly on the slope. She sat back and almost cried with the pain and the sight of her blood dripping down her legs.
Paul was by her side in a flash all his anger dissipated at the sight of her on the floor. He glanced at her knees they were badly grazed by the rocks and tiny pieces remained embedded in her skin. He hunkered down beside her
"Are you ok Bella?" he gently asked he could see her face was pale even more pale than usual if that was even possible he thought.
"I….I…don't like blood." She whispered eyes closed.
"You have to be fucking kidding me?" Paul chuckled "You dated a vampire for fucks sake and you can't stand the sight of blood?"
"No..It's not the sight ..It's the smell" she whimpered
"Oh that's even better …you've made my day you know that?" He laughed "Funniest thing I've heard in a long time".
"Well I'm glad I could do something for you" Bella mumbled as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Oh shit. Paul thought. Now I've made her fucking cry.
"Come on" he said picking her up bridal style "I'm taking you to my house, it's not far and we'll get those knees cleaned up. Bella felt too dizzy to protest and rested her head against his bare chest. It felt warm and somehow comforting.
000
Sam was running patrol with Jacob. He was pleased that Jake was happy again now that he was allowed to see Bella. There was some harmony at last within the pack..well apart from Paul of course. But Paul was always the cord that was out of tune with the rest.
Sam huffed to himself. He hated what he had agreed with Lahote, that he would Alpha order him not to share the imprint with the pack. Sam felt like it was an abuse of the Alpha power. Lahote had managed to keep most of his brothers out of his mind and most did not want to go there anyways it was so dark. But Jake was different.
Born to the role of Alpha Jacob was already developing abilities with which he would lead the pack in the future. Not being able to keep him out of the pack minds however hard everyone tried was one of them. It was only because he was currently Alpha that helped Sam keep the young man out. He swallowed hard he was going to lift the ban and soon. The pack needed to know especially Jake. Everyone could see he was in love with Bella and it was obvious she was not in love with him. At least not in the way Jake wanted. She loved him but like a sibling nothing more.
Sam huffed to himself again. The only reason he had kept the Alpha order in place for this length of time was at Emily's request. She really believed that Paul and Bella would complete the imprint but Sam wasn't so sure. In some ways he thought it was a good thing that it had stopped after all he would never have put the small girl and Lahote together not in a million years.
Paul Lahote was an enigma in many ways thought Sam. Everyone thought they knew his life story and of course his reputation went before him but, nobody really knew him. He had never made real friends only acquaintances and he never had any girlfriends. Well apart from one or two girls on the Rez who were always ready to "service" Paul if he couldn't be bothered to go out to Port Angeles looking for someone new.
The truth was Paul used women for one thing, and when he got it, they were quickly shown the door. He lived for the next sexual conquest; it was what excited and drove Paul on; probably more than the sexual act itself Sam had suspected. Love never came into it. It was just a four letter swear word to Paul.
Sam dug his claws into the soft earth of the forest floor and sped up to catch Jakes young wolf. His mind drifted again back to Lahote. He found Paul hard to get on with, he was constantly pushing the limits of his authority and there were times when he wished he wasn't part of the pack. Sam remembered when he had first phased and a few weeks later he had sensed there was another on the Rez like himself. His paws had taken him to Lahotes place one night and he discovered Paul in the midst of the fever prior to the change.
Everyone else so far had suffered during the change but not Lahote. To enable the final changes the subject needed to feel immense anger. That's why it had taken so long with Jacob. He was such a happy balanced guy that the build-up for him was slow and painful. In fact it had taken the ban on seeing Bella plus some descriptive sexual innuendo about what he would do to Bella from Paul himself to finally push Jake over the edge and phase.
Anger had never been a problem for Paul he was angry all the time so the change to wolf had been smooth. At least Sam was not on his own, but he would have given anything for it to not be Paul. Jeez the guy was legendary for fighting even before he became a wolf. But the worst part had been the ability as Alpha to see inside Pauls head and feel his emotions. Nightmare on Elm Street didn't quite cover it. The guy was living in a nightmare, practically possessed by his demons, broken and damaged, Sam wondered how he managed to survive each day and god only knows the night. Thankfully Paul had learned how to lock down most of it from his pack brothers but the imprint was proving too difficult hence the Alpha order.
Let's face it Sam thought, most of the pack were afraid of him, at how big and strong the guy was plus that hair trigger temper waiting to explode. But in battle…. well Paul was a natural both fighting and for his strategic planning. They needed Paul and he fucking knew it.
"One more Lap Jake and we will head on in. It'll be time for Quil and Jared to take over." Sam instructed and the two wolves picking up speed disappeared into the forest.
000
Bella was still feeling dizzy as Paul carried her towards his house. She kept her eyes squeezed shut mainly from the embarrassment of being pressed tightly against Pauls bare chest. Bella was deeply aware of not only the heat emanating from Pauls body but also his scent. Bella loved Jake's scent it was all woodsy and comforting. Paul's was different. It was spicy and musky and oh my God she thought it was enticing… exciting!
He climbed the steps to his house which when Bella dared to peep reminded her of Jacobs but it was painted white whereas the Blacks house was red. Paul opened the front door and walked on through to the kitchen where he carefully placed her on the kitchen worktop.
"You gonna be ok?" He asked "If I let go will you still be seated upright and not roll over? His voice was full of concern.
"I won't roll, I'll be fine thank you" she quietly replied.
"Ok" he said "Let's get you cleaned up." and he walked over to the sink to get some warm water to wash her knee's.
Bella had never truly looked at Paul before. He stood at the sink with his back to her and the first thing she noticed was the colour of his skin. Unlike the coppery toned skin that Jacob and the rest of the Quileute boys had, Paul's skin was lighter like warm caramel.
Bella's eyes roamed across his broad back and she watched the lithe muscles move as he filled and lifted the bowl of water. Before he turned, Bella's eyes travelled on down to the cut offs that hung low on his hips, the material stretched around his pert backside and huge muscular thighs. Bella licked her lips and took in a deep breath. Jeez she thought I once told Jacob he was kinda beautiful Paul takes it to another level.
He turned and caught her gaze "Checking me out Swan" he laughed "I can feel your eyes on me so don't deny it." he winked.
Bella swallowed and a blush crept up her neck and onto her cheeks virtually shouting "Guilty as Charged!" on her behalf. "Ummm no I'm not." she managed to squeak.
Paul just quietly laughed. Oh yes you did check me out he thought to himself. Setting the bowl on the side he gently eased Bella's shoes off and wiped away the sand from her feet and between her toes which sent little tingles of pleasure up her legs. He then carefully cleaned her knees of gravel and wiped away the blood. For a big guy he was surprisingly gentle.
Bella watched his face as he looked down at what he was doing. Paul was handsome and then some she thought. His hair was jet black and he had the high cheek bones of his people but whereas Jacob had full sensuous lips, Pauls were uneven. His lower lip more full and..and…Bella wondered what it would be like to kiss that mouth. Her breath hitched… What the hell was she thinking must be the effect of the blood and feeling faint she decided.
Paul stepped away and tipped the water down the drain. "I'm going to have to put some antiseptic on those knees" he said. Walking over bottle in hand he quickly smiled at her. "This might sting a little."
"Ow..ow..ow!" yelped Bella leaning forward and grabbing onto Pauls shoulders. His face was very close to hers as he looked up at her from under thick black lashes and WOW!…Bella thought as for the first time she looked directly into Paul Lahotes eyes…..
Oh. My. God! She thought they were stunningly beautiful and had an almost ethereal quality.
Looking back at Bella was a pair of hazel eyes that were gleaming with specks of gold and green. Bella was used to the dark eyes of Jacob and his friends so she wasn't prepared for seeing this or the strange feeling she felt almost like a light buzzing rippling through her body. She had read and heard the phrase come to bed eyes but didn't think they really existed until now!
"You ok?" Paul asked his face full of concern "Has the stinging stopped?"
In a daze Bella managed to reply "Um yes" and noticing she was still gripping Pauls shoulders she quickly withdrew her hands placing them in her lap. He smiled at her..a gorgeous little boy lost smile Bella idly thought. He then produced two enormous plasters from a huge first aid kit.
Bella felt like she was six years old again as she looked down at her poor knees and the two huge plasters stuck on each one. "That's a rather well stocked first aid kit you have there." she nodded toward the box.
"A necessary part of wolf pack life." he grinned back. Bella wasn't sure what he meant but decided not to go there. She went to get down but Paul reached out and lifted her.
"From what I've seen." he said "its better not to tempt fate where you are concerned Bella."
She looked up into his face and smiled "Thank you Paul."
There was an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds before Paul blurted out "Would you like some coffee?"
Bella looked surprised but then agreed "Yes please that would be nice" she nodded. Whilst he busied himself with getting the coffee, Bella took a look around the kitchen. It looked very new and was certainly not a flat pack bought through some DIY chain. She ran her hand along the wooden surface of a cabinet door feeling the grain of the rich oak wood.
Paul turned and watched her intrigued. Her eyes wandered to the gleaming cooking pots hanging over the large stove. "Do you cook a lot Paul? "She asked.
"Nope." He replied "I usually go to Emily's and eat with the pack…. I don't really cook."
"But this kitchen!" she laughed "I thought you were a serious chef." Underneath Bella was a little envious. Charlie's kitchen was old and worn compared to this. "The wood is really nice." She sighed. A little intrigued as to why he had such a lovely kitchen she asked "What do you do for a living Paul?"
"I'm a carpenter by trade. "He replied as he filled the coffee percolator. "I built this kitchen."
"Wow." She quietly said. "You're really good. Is there anything else that you have made, here in the house?"
Paul looked at her a little startled. "Well there is the fire place in the sitting room" he motioned to the door on the right.
"May I take a look?" She enthused. He nodded stunned. Bella walked over and opened the sitting room door and stepped inside. She was immediately taken aback by the beautiful fire place that dominated the room. She turned to find Paul leaning in the open doorway watching her, his arms crossed against his chest. Bella wondered if he was annoyed at her cheek but, she could see a small smile playing on his lips.
"Is that drift wood?" she said nodding her head towards the uneven shaped fire place mantel shelf.
"Yes." Paul replied "Collected the wood myself from First Beach."
Bella ran her hand along the smooth bleached wood. "It's beautiful." She sighed "What a wonderful idea to use it this way". She stared at the fire place and imagined that it would be real cosy with a fire burning in winter. There were two large wooden bookcases." Did you make these as well? She asked looking round at him. He nodded in reply.
The book cases were well stocked with books which surprised Bella. She did not have Paul down as a book lover. Bella turned once again to look at Paul. His head was cocked to one side as he watched her. Rather like a wolf Bella smiled to herself.
"Anything else?" she called over her shoulder a small smile on her lips.
"Yes." Paul answered trying his hardest not to sweep her up into an embrace. That coy little look over her shoulder had sent his wolf into a spin. Bella waited expectantly.
"My bed". He laughed as he looked at her face watching as her little mouth popped open in surprise. "But.." He continued "I'll understand if you don't want to go and look". His eyes were trained on hers watching for any sign of fear.
Bella simply saw what he said as a challenge and lifted her chin defiantly. She had a little wicked smile on her face as she looked steadily back at him "Well lead the way" she said "But you're staying outside". Bella followed Paul down the hallway which gave her another opportunity to admire his pert backside in those low slung cut offs. Paul opened the door to his bedroom and stood back.
"You're safe." He smiled holding his hands up palms facing Bella "I won't come in "then he added. "Unless you ask".
"Humph" replied Bella "In your dreams Paul Lahote." She laughed.
Yes Paul thought you star in my dreams in this very bed as he watched her go into the room. Bella looked around the neat room. It felt like no one actually slept there which was strange considering in front of her was the most enormous Sleigh bed she had ever seen. She walked over and ran her hand across the smooth wood and the intricate carvings in the head board. Paul had carved a pack of wolves running around the edge. Bella marvelled at his talent and wished she had a bed just like it. Paul Lahote was a man of many surprises she thought to herself.
Walking out and closing the door Bella followed Paul back to the kitchen. They sat down at the wooden table and drank their coffee.
"You are really talented Paul." Bella told him. "Everything you have made is simply beautiful." Paul thanked her, a little embarrassed at himself. Feeling more comfortable around Paul, Bella then had a brilliant idea.
"You have been really kind to me today Paul." she said "And I would like to repay the favour."
Paul studied her with those scorching eyes "You don't owe me anything Bella." He replied. Bella just smiled got up and opened his fridge looking in.
"Have you eaten lunch?" she queried
"No not yet ." Paul replied puzzled.
"Good" she called back head inside the fudge "I'm going to make you lunch… I see you have eggs…got any cheese and ham?"
Paul picked up the empty coffee cups and placed them in the sink "Yes top shelf" he replied
"Great that's settled then. I'll make us some omelettes." Bella reached for a pan but it was too high. Paul quietly came up behind her and grabbed it for her. Without realising it, Bella stepped back into his body just for a few seconds and sighed slightly, before taking the pan from his huge hand.
Paul leaned against the sink and watched her busy humming to herself as she cooked. He couldn't help it and he would pay dearly later he thought but he let his imagination wander. He could picture Bella here in his kitchen, as his lover, his mate. He smiled to himself his wolf was practically turning somersaults he was so happy.
They sat together at the table quietly eating. The omelettes tasted like nothing he'd eaten before Paul thought to himself but then again his imprint had cooked them just for him so they were bound to taste out of this world. A cell buzzing drew Bella's attention away from the cheese omelette she was eating. She took it out of her jacket pocket and answered it.
"Hi Jake yes I'm ok ..no really." She looked at Paul and raised her eyebrows rolling her eyes theatrically. "Look I had a little fall and Paul helped me." She grinned at Paul. "Yes I'm at his house." Paul could almost hear every word Jacob said the kid was practically shouting down the phone. "Yes we are alone." she replied her eyes narrowed slightly whatever he said she didn't like. Paul managed to stifle the growl that was building in his chest "but I'm ok ..I'm safe…don't fret Jake.." Bella continued. "Ok if you can pick up my truck I'll see you in 5." Bella ended the call. "Let's tidy up." She said grabbing the plates.
Paul heard the truck outside before Jake sounded the horn to let them know he was there. "Looks like my ride is here." Bella smiled rather shyly. Paul nodded he thought she looked a little sad. He walked her to the front door and opened it. There was Jacob at the bottom step he caught Pauls eye he was not happy. Bella turned to Paul.
"Thank you for today Paul." She said quietly her face tilted up to look him in the eye as she spoke.
"You're welcome." He managed to say in return, feeling the animosity rolling off Jacob towards him
Bella looked into his eyes, hesitated then took a chance. Standing on tip toes she placed a small kiss on Paul's cheek before turning and running down the steps. Jacob caught her up in a big hug and twirled her around before helping her into the cab. As the truck pulled away a stunned Paul went inside and closed the door. He lent his back against it and his hand drifted up to the spot Bella had kissed.
She had Kissed him he thought bewildered…his Imprint had kissed him…wow!
A/N: I think Bella is starting to lower her guard around Paul and the Imprint is starting to seep in…what do you think? I hope the little trip into Sam's mind may have answered a few questions you may have been secretly thinking. Oh Paul baby….I hope you finally get your angel! xxx
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