You are mine, Isabella Swan. Forever
By LilyAurora
o-o-o-o-o
Chapter Seven
o-o-o-o-o
Turning the radio up in the kitchen, I finished washing the dishes. Charlie had already left for work, so he didn't have much time to question my sullen mood.
Thank god.
What was I going to say? Yeah don't worry dad I had another argument with Jake because he thinks we should be together and if I let him bite me, then I can decide between him and Paul, he's the first one who bit me. Yeah, so not happening.
All this thinking was driving me insane. Checking the time I still had a good few hours before my shift at Newtons started. Writing out a quick list, grabbing the shopping money and my keys I headed out to the store. Hopefully this would keep me busy for a while, distracting me from what had happened yesterday.
Climbing into the truck I sighed. Paul's hand print was still on the window. How could I distract myself when I had constant reminders of him ever where. Pressing my hand against the glass it amazed me how large his hand was. Mine barely fit into his palm.
Shaking myself free from my thoughts, the truck roared to life as I manoeuvred onto the main road, heading off to the store.
Grabbing a cart, my mind still wondered off. No matter how hard I tried, thoughts of Jake and Paul filled them. Jake because he was being an unbelievable ass about this whole thing. Yeah, I know he was mad at me but still, there was no need for him to spit those spiteful words at me. He knew how fragile my heart was and to say Paul would do the same damage as Edward had, well it was a low blow even for him. It was times like that the 16 year old Jake showed himself. The one who was not good with controlling his emotions and attacked in a way to protect himself. Then there was Paul, what could I say about him, he was so sure, so confident. It scared me. Not him, no. At first I thought it was him that scared me. In the woods, he did a little with how possessive he had been but when someone oozed confidence and sexuality like he did. Well it would make anyone a little nervous, especially a confused, broken hearted teenage virgin. How could I compare to any of the other girls he had been with. I couldn't but then he had picked me, marked me as his and not them. That there, was something to think about.
Why did everything have to be so hard. Huffing and throwing things into the cart harder than I intended, resulted in a deep chuckle behind me. Spinning around, I groaned.
"What are you doing here?" I hissed. "You're supposed to be giving me some space, Paul."
Shrugging his massive shoulders. Which for once were covered in a tight black T-shirt and showed off every single one, of his muscles. He pushed off from the shelf he was leaning against and walked towards me.
"I changed my mind," he smiled down at me. That sexy smile he didn't show often.
Tilting my head back slightly to look at him I narrowed my eyes. "Oh well that's a great way to start off, you lying," I huffed before turning to stomp off.
"Hey now," his warm hand wrapped gently around my arm. "I won't apologise Bella, for wanting to see you."
"But you said you'd give me space," I wined.
"I know what I said," he snapped before letting my arm go.
"Look Paul. Just give me some time to digest everything. It's only been a few days, since well you know," I pointed at my neck, as his eyes followed my movements.
"You sure you just don't want some time to think on what Jake said?" he growled.
"What? No, you think I'm considering what Jake said?" I questioned.
He stared at me. Dark brown eyes holding mine.
"You do, don't you? That's why your here, you think I'm going to let him mark me as well," I hissed, looking around to make sure no one was listening to our conversation.
He shrugged. "You have another option..." he paused, "...a safer one."
Glaring at him I spun around pushing my cart away. He caught up to me quickly.
"Where you going, Isabella?" he whispered spinning me around pulling me against his chest.
"To finish my shopping. God damn it Paul, will you back off," I pushed at his chest startling myself and him. He had practically wrapped himself around me.
He held his hands up in mock surrender.
"Look, just give me a few days. I need to think about some things."
His eyebrow raised. I just rolled my eyes at him.
"No, not Jake. I-I don't want Jake like that Paul. He's my friend, just my friend," this was getting a little repetitive.
"He wants you," he spat.
"I don't care," I snapped. Eyes wide, hand held in shock over my mouth. "Sorry I'm just a little stressed out."
Smirking down at me he ran his hand up and down my arm. "No problem, I know a few things that could help with that little, problem," he wiggled his eyebrows at me. "Plus, we like your feisty side."
"We? Oh," I laughed nervously, making a point to ignore his other comment. "Look Paul, I really have to go. I have work later and I need to get all this done before my shift starts."
He raised a large hand towards my face running a finger across my skin. My eyes fluttered closed, a soft sigh escaping me.
"I know you feel it Bella, the way we react to one another. I affect you, just as much as you affect me," he shifted slightly. "Don't take too long Bella. I'm not sure if I can keep myself and my wolf away from you. It's becoming, difficult," with one last look he was gone.
"Oh shit," I breathed out. Willing my heart to slow, to it's normal pace. My hands were holding on to the cart for dear life. Knuckles white. Taking a few minutes to calm myself, before finishing my shopping. I continuously glanced over my shoulder. It felt like he was still here. My body still tingled slightly, the way it always did when he touched me. No, he left it was just the after effects of him being so close to me. Loading the truck, I couldn't help myself but scan the tree line for any signs of a silver wolf. Spotting nothing, I felt a little disappointed. Was I even allowed to feel like this, since I had asked him to give me space. Why did everything have to be so confusing.
Jumping from the truck and stumbling slightly. I grabbed a few of the bags before walking up to the front door and unlocking it. So much for trying to clear my head, the unannounced visit from Paul had thrown another spanner in the works. He was, worried maybe? Did he even get worried? He didn't seem the type, he oozed confidence but then, I sometimes forgot he was only 16. Maybe he wasn't worried, but he was a little unsure.
Damn it all to hell.
Slamming the cupboards, I still had hours before my shift started. There was no way I was going to slum around the house. I would be constantly thinking and that's something I didn't want to do. The more I thought about things, the more I would worry. It was a vicious circle. I needed something to take my mind off everything. Why couldn't I have just a normal life.
Baking. That sounded like a good idea. It would keep my mind occupied and if I timed it right by the time I was done with the cooking and clean up my shift in Newtons wouldn't be too far away. Smiling I grabbed everything I needed. Cookies and pies were the way to go. Emily had the muffin Queen title. Not that I didn't like muffins they were just her thing. I preferred pies and cookies, especially the soft chewy kind.
Twisting my hair into a messy bun and flicking the radio on I began weighing out everything I needed. Wooden mixing spoon in hand and bowl tucked under my arm I swayed to the music. When Edward had left I had stopped listening to music. I had stopped doing a lot of things. Living being one of them, but now, god how I loved music. Well apart from classical. How I convinced myself to listen to only that and cut myself off from everything else when I was with him, I'll never understand but I did do everything to please him, what ever he wanted I would do, play dress up, eat what he said, do what he said. The thought made me want to bash my own head in for being so stupid. I had given up so much for him, changed so much. Idiot. That right there was the reason I was holding back. I didn't want to lose myself again.
So lost in thought I didn't hear the front door open or see the tall figure walk into the kitchen leaning against the door frame, eyeing the way my hips moved to the music, his eyes darkening the longer he watched me.
So when I turned slightly and caught him in the corner of my eye I screamed. Dropping the bowl.
"Easy there," he breathed out catching the bowl with ease.
"What the hell," I slapped at him. "You scared the shit out of me."
He just stood there smirking.
"What are you doing here, you adding stalker to your resume as well as hairy fluff ball?"
He snorted moving back towards the door.
"So?" I urged. "What are you doing here?"
He just looked at me.
"Paul?"
"I..." he looked confused.
"You what?"
"I don't know," he shrugged his massive shoulders.
I giggled he looked cute with that look on his face.
"What's so funny?" he asked huskily.
My breath caught. "Nothing."
"Tell me Bella," he whispered moving towards me.
"What are you doing here?" I tried again.
He shrugged again.
"Never mind. How the hell did you get in?" Waving the wooden spoon about. Paul watched me with an amused expression on his face.
"Front door," sarcasm evident in his tone.
"Funny," narrowing my eyes at him I watched for any sudden movements. If he came within a few inches of me my brain would turn into the gooey mush thing and I would lose my trail of through. So distance was a good thing. Yeah, a lot of distance. "I thought you agreed to give me some space?"
Paul smirked at me as his dark eyes followed my every movement, his eyes landing briefly on the spoon, his smirk turning into more of a grin.
"I never agreed to that."
"Huh," I huffed he was right he hadn't. "Well you can show yourself out," I snipped turning away from him
"You want me to leave Bella?" he breathed against my neck. Damn him, he had done that sneaky silent moving thing again and his voice. I sighed. Just like honey.
"I, huh?" Distance, my mind screamed at me. But my body refused to cooperate.
"Do..." his breath hot against my neck, "...you..." I could feel his lips brush against my skin, "...want..." oh god I think my legs had officially turned to jelly, "...me..." his fingers brushed against my arm, "...to leave?" Too much. His presence, his voice, his scent. Oh, I was in trouble. Deep deep trouble.
"I..." his nose ran along the column of my neck, burying deeply behind my ear. His face nestled in my hair, "stop it. I can't think when you touch me." Stepping easily away from him. We both knew he could of held me in place, if he had wanted to.
"What do you want Paul?" I was seriously getting fed up of asking the same thing.
"I thought you knew that answer already Bella," his honey devil voice husky, his dark eyes watching me carefully.
"You promised me some time," I tried to reason with him.
"I changed my mind," he replied.
"Why?"
"Because I can," he smirked
"That's not fair," I wined.
"That's life," he answered as he took a step towards me.
"Oh no you don't mister!" I shouted waving my wooden spoon in front of me like a weapon of mass destruction.
He eyed the spoon with an obvious amused expression. "You gonna hit me Bella."
"Yes, if you come any closer," pointing it at him. "I'll break it over your stubborn head."
He looked shocked for a second as he moved back against the wall, but a genuine smile graced his face which made him even more handsome. "There she is," he whispered.
Furrowing my brows I just looked at him. I never had the chance before, to just look. To study him like he always seemed to be doing to me. The distance between us wasn't much, 3 strides and he would be directly in front of me, but he kept his place against the wall. Just watching. His arms crossed against his chest. His skin looked soft even with all the muscles underneath. God he was ripped. I mean seriously ripped. You could wash clothes on his abs, was that an 8 pack. Oh god.
"What you baking Bella?"
His question caught me off guard.
"Bella?" he called pulling me from my thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, um cookies and pies."
"What kind?"
"Oat and honey cookies, cherry and apple n cinnamon pies but not together separate like one cherry and one apple n cinnamon," why was he asking me about this?
He smiled. "So you like to cook?" he asked with real interest.
"Yeah, I guess it's just something I've always done."
He looked confused for a second. "What about when you lived with your Mom didn't she cook for you?"
I laughed. "My mother was more of a child than I was, let's just say I leant to look after myself from an early age."
His forehead furrowed, as he looked at me. He didn't seem happy with that answer.
"No big deal," I shrugged. "She loves me. I know that, she just wasn't there much. Well not in a motherly kinda way."
"Huh," was all he said.
Watching him out of the corner of my eye. I set the wooden spoon down before checking on the cookies grabbing an oven glove I pulled out the tray setting it on the side before transferring them to a cooling rack. Paul just stood there, silently watching me.
"What else do you like to do?"
Glancing at him over my shoulder I shrugged. "I like to read... .a lot."
"Ok... what kind of books?"
"Paul, what's with all the questions?"
He just stared at me not answering, just looking at me before rolling his eyes, "Emily and Sam both think I should get to know you better."
"Ok, so is that what fuelled your visits?"
"Kinda."
"Kinda?" I repeated.
"Yeah."
"Not gonna give me anything else?"
"Nope."
"Right."
He moved then just a slight shuffle but I froze watching him, eyes wide.
"Do I make you nervous Bella?" Oh there was that deep sinful sexy voice of his.
"Yes," I breathed out.
"Good," he whispered.
"I need time Paul."
"Why?"
"I... because..."
"Because I effect you and you don't know how to handle it."
"Yes, I mean no. I don't know. You're so..." flapping my hands around.
"You know you're mine don't you Bella? I'm not giving you up, not for anyone. Especially not Jake," he growled.
"I don't want Jake. I told you already."
"He wants you," Jesus why were we having the same argument as earlier?
"I don't care," I yelled. "I can make my own damn mind up. Plus Jake's angry with me so I don't think you need to worry about him trying to steal me away."
"He has no right to be."
"Yes he does," I snapped. "He has every right, if I had just made it clearer to him."
"Bella," his toned softened. "We all knew how you felt about him, even Jake knew. He was just in denial or some shit, he wanted to believe there was something more there than there actually was. Answer me this, if I hadn't marked you, would you have been with Jake like he wanted?"
Swallowing thickly I shook my head. "No, no I wouldn't have. I don't think of him like that. I never have."
"Exactly so why are you beating yourself up over it. Jesus the kid needs to back off."
"I hurt him... again."
"You did no such fucking thing," he growled. "Look Bella, you need to take control of your own life stop feeling guilty for things you had no control over. If you wanted to be with Jake, then you would be with him, but we both know it's not him you want," he smirked then.
I scoffed. "Oh really and who is I,t I do want?"
"Me," he whispered moving closer.
Grabbing the wooden spoon and waving it threateningly at him. "Oh no you don't. I'll whack you! I swear to god I will."
"Then whack me," he moved closer. My eyes were transfixed on the way his muscles rippled as he moved. Shaking the thoughts of how soft Paul's skin would feel under my fingertips. I shifted slightly. Damn it. I needed to control myself around him.
"Please Paul, don't," I practically panted out.
He stopped mere inches from me, his head cocked slightly to the side. Dark eyes holding mine.
"You want me Bella. I can smell it thick in the air. Just remember this..." his body pressed fully against my own. His large hands held onto my hips, as he pulled me to him. The wooden spoon dropped to the floor forgotten. "You are mine," his nose rubbed against his mark causing me to shiver. "Never forget that," his lips pressed against my neck before he was gone. The only sign he had even been here, were the goose bumps running across my skin. Taking in a few deep breaths, I held onto the worktop for support. If it felt like this from just a quick brush of his lips against my skin. What would it be like if I... no shaking my head. I was thinking ahead of myself, but my knees weakened from the thought. Glancing quickly at the clock, I had half an hour before work.
After splashing cold water over my face a million times to cool off. I managed to arrive in work just on time. Mike smiled and waved as I ran through the door to the staff room. Throwing my things into my locker, I grabbed my vest top and badge making my way to the checkout.
"Hey Bella, cutting it close," Mike chuckled.
"Yeah sorry about that Mike, won't happen again."
"It's ok lucky for you, you're friends with the bosses son."
"Yeah, lucky me," I don't think he noticed the sarcasm.
Work as usual was beyond boring. I managed to tag some boots, re arranged a few stands and then dust the glass counters that held the hunting knives. All the while, Mike kept trying to make conversation.
"You can go now if you want Bella, I'll lock up."
Glancing up smiling at him. "You sure Mike? I don't mind hanging about."
"Nah, go out I'll see you Monday."
"Ok, night Mike, have a good weekend."
Yeah, you too Bella, night."
Practically running to the staff room. I grabbed my things threw my vest in my locker and clocked out. Waving to Mike as I dug my keys out of my pocket. Doing nothing sure as hell made you tired. Unlocking the truck yawning. I scanned the trees wondering if Paul was out there watching me. All his unannounced visits today convinced me he was. But like earlier I was met with nothing. Shrugging, I climbed into the truck. Just wanting to go home and sleep. The last week had been so stressful.
Pulling up outside the house I literally slid out of the truck. Dragging my bag behind me, locking the truck up yawning I hadn't even taken 3 steps, before I was grabbed yet again from behind. Warmth enveloped me.
"God damn it Paul," but before I could even finish that sentence he had me pinned against the side of my truck, his body pressed hard against mine. Covering me completely.
"Do you know how hard it is not to take you right now," he growled. "Do you know what it takes to control myself around you Isabella?" his nose ran trails up and down my neck scenting me. His face rubbed against. It was very affectionate the way he was touching me, not in a sexual way more in a reassuring way. "What do I have to do to prove to you, that you're what I want. You're all I want," he whispered. His large hand hooked under my leg pulling my knee up as he pressed himself against me. I couldn't help the slight moan that escaped my lips.
"What are you so afraid of?"
Tears filled my eyes as I tried to turn my face away from him.
"Tell me Bella, talk to me," his dark eyes pleading as they held mine. His hand cupping my jaw with a gentleness I would never expect, as his thumb rubbed softly against my skin.
"I'm scared of being hurt again," I whispered as the tears fell. "I'm scared of giving myself over to someone for them just to tear me down."
Releasing my leg he brought both of his large hands up to cup my face. Using his thumbs to brush the tears from my cheeks. His touch was so gently, so soothing.
"I won't hurt you Bella," he cooed at me.
"You can't be so sure of that Paul. We don't even know what the marking is. All we do know, is it's different to an imprint, Billy said so. You can walk away if you want to."
"I won't," he stated.
"You don't know that, we don't know anything."
"I won't Bella," his breath washed over my face. "I don't want anyone but you. Don't you understand that."
"No I don't understand. I don't know anything about you!" I practically screamed at him.
"Then get to know me."
"What?"
"Get to know me, it's not difficult Bella. We spend some time together," he shrugged. "No big deal."
"I don't know," Paul made it sound so easy.
"What have you got to lose Bella?"
"I'm not sure..."
"You don't know me, you said so yourself. The only way you're going to rectify that is if you get to know me, yes?"
"Yeah, but no touching. I can't think when you touch me."
He chuckled. "No touching," he whispered as his thumbs brushed against my cheek once more; before he removed them from my skin, taking a step back. I missed his heat instantly.
"Sam's having a barbecue tomorrow." Was he asking me to go?
"Ok?" I replied carefully. Not knowing where this was leading.
"I want you to come."
"Oh, ok."
"The Elders meeting is on Sunday. They have requested your presence." He didn't sound very happy about that.
"Mine? But why?"
"Because of me. I want you as my mate," he growled.
"Oh right," I blushed at hearing him say mate. "I can do that."
"Which one?" He quickly asked.
"Both. I'll come to both."
"Good. I would have dragged you there if you had said no," he smirked at me.
"To which one?" I teased.
"Both," he whispered. That honey voice making an appearance, causing my body to tingle.
"Paul."
"Bella."
"You're so annoying," I huffed trying to distract myself from him and the way my traitorous body reacted.
"I know," he was so confident.
"Sometimes, I forget you're only 16."
He narrowed his eyes. "17 actually, missed the above year by a few days."
"Oh right."
Eyes sparkling his grin grew bigger. "What's wrong Bella? Not liking the idea of having a toy boy?" he winked at me.
"What no it's just... never mind. Look I have to go before Charlie comes out looking for me."
"Sure," he chuckled.
"So can you move please."
He stepped closer.
"Paul."
"Bella."
I let out a frustrated groan. "Please move Paul."
"There you go, manners don't cost a thing," he replied cheekily.
"Funny, coming from the boy who has no idea what personal space is," I replied huffing as I wiggled slightly.
His eyes danced with humour. "I like it when your all feisty," he purred. "I also know what personal space is Bella."
"Really? Well I think you have been given the wrong information, you're not supposed to crowd people when they don't want you too."
He made this little happy noise. "I don't crowd people Bella. I only crowd you," he smirked. "And I know, you want me too."
"You..." I poked at his chest, "...you're driving me insane. You know that don't you." I added seriously.
His eyes bore into mine before that damn smirk appeared on his face. "I'm sure, I can drive you insane for a lot of things Bella." The evil honey voice washed over me, causing my eyes to flutter shut and inhale. Big mistake. My head swam with the pure manly goodness that was all Paul. Large fingertips brushed against my cheeks causing me to open my eyes slowly and look at him. His thumb brushed across my lower lip. His eyes darkening.
"Paul," I breathed out.
He tore his eyes from my lips, one of his hands dropped to my waist pulling me in closer and tighter to his body. The one on my face tilted my head back.
"Paul..."
"Shhh," he soothed. "I need to do this," he spoke quietly his eyes flicking between my eyes and lips.
He smiled then. Not his smirk but that genuine smile. The one that made my knees weak and breath falter.
"Just once," he whispered before lowering his face to mine.
I moaned as I felt his lips brush against mine. He pressed harder, moving them slowly. I could feel his tongue probe gently against my lips. Opening my mouth slightly, letting him in, he gently stroked his tongue against my own. Oh, he tasted just as good as he smelt. I moaned deep in my throat pulling him closer. He was so hot, so soft and oh so alive. He continued to kiss me for a few moments then gently pulled away smiling down at me. Pecking me once, twice before stepping back.
Lifting my fingers to my lips, I smiled at him.
He watched me closely. "That, was just a preview Isabella," he whispered, before turning and running towards the forest. A smile plastered across his handsome face as he left.
"Wow," I whispered before walking towards the door. Such an innocent kiss. I thought to myself but god how I wanted more. How I wanted him to devour me. Wrap his body around mine and kiss me until I couldn't think straight.
My hand paused on the door handle as my eyes widened. "Oh crap..." the sudden realization nearly bowled me over. I had made my decision whether consciously or not. I wanted him. I wanted Paul.
