~A/N Thanks again for all of those that have shown interest in this story. I actually had a little bit of anxiety over it the past couple of weeks. I can't believe it, but this story has more followers than any of my other stories. I hope I don't let you guys down, but I might have to go at a little slower pace for a little while.

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight and all recognizable characters are the sole property of Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter 8

Bella drug the box out of the back of her closet. She thumbed through the many wasted packets. She'd missed almost every deadline by then. Edward had promised perhaps in a few years if she had control, she could start. There was nothing stopping her now except she'd have to settle for the community college this semester. It was the only one she wasn't too late for. She also pulled out her laptop, a gift from Emmett and Rose at graduation. She looked up the college website. She was pretty sure she could get the application done online, but she'd have to go in person for the rest of it like speaking with an advisor and submitting her transcript. She honestly had no idea what she wanted to do yet, so she'd take basics the first few semesters.

Paul was leaps and bounds ahead of her in the career department. He actually enjoyed what he did and was quite good at it. They had been together officially for five days. She'd seen him everyday. They had been out on a date, but most of the time he camped out on the couch with her. Charlie had been trying to give them privacy, she thought it was more for his sake than hers. She couldn't help it, being with him made her so affectionate. Charlie might have hated Edward but he was mostly hands off. Paul was the opposite and his hands were always all over her. She loved it.

Bella pretended she was perturbed when she caught him outside again Saturday night. He still kept sleeping out there every night. She felt bad about it, but she slept so much better knowing he was there. At least til the Cullen's left town, he still felt it was necessary. They had promised to leave that Saturday which was ironically her wedding date. Scratch that...it wasn't any longer. Sam, Paul and most of the pack met with them the day after she broke the engagement. She was all set to go along but at the last minute, she said "forget it." She let the pack handle it, she wasn't even sure if some of them knew what he'd been doing to her and she felt somewhat betrayed by all of them. Alice had bugged her non-stop, so she agreed to see her and Rose Friday, but she made them swear Edward wasn't coming along. She trusted Rose would see that didn't happen.

Charlie tapped on her door. "Come in, Dad."

"Hey Bells...I thought maybe before you get busy, we could talk a little." He meant before Paul got there, she was expecting him any minute.

"Sure, about what?"

He went on to say he was so relieved the wedding was off and he was happy that she seemed happy, but he still felt like he was missing something. She did the best she could explaining it all. She told him she'd been blinded to Edward's manipulations and spending time with Paul, someone so completely different opened her eyes to it. He agreed and seemed happy with her explanations, but there was a "but." It was one that she'd pondered a few times as well.

"Bells, I should have said more, but maybe I didn't feel like I had a say so, since I didn't actively take part in raising you. I don't pretend to know everything about you, but when you were with Edward...you were one way. When I finally saw you with Jacob, I saw another side of you. The two of you were laughing and cutting up most of the time or arguing which the two of even made that sound fun. Everything was so serious when Edward moved back. I...I couldn't figure out why a teenage girl would want to be so serious, like that, but then I doubted myself again. What the hell do I know?"

"You know more than you give yourself credit for and I know exactly what you mean now." She didn't say his name again, but Charlie did.

"You still miss Jacob?"

"Yes."

Charlie said he'd just gotten off the phone with Billy. He knew he really missed him even if he still swore he wasn't worried about his safety. Charlie assured him he felt like he'd be home soon. She knew Seth and Sam were both going to try and blurt out the truth that might get him back next time they made contact. She also considered that once the date passed, he would come back.

"Any thoughts on how things are going to go when Jacob returns and you're with someone completely different? I...I just suspected there was more than friendship there. I hate to see you all caught up in something complicated again. I see you have the college papers out again. That's good."

She showed him her application on the laptop screen. "I promise that I'm going to take care of myself. I'm sick of every decision I make revolving around a boy. I'm committed to Paul and I know it seems fast to you, but don't worry. However, I'm not giving up my friendship with Jacob if he'll have me and we all might have some adjustments in the beginning, but I think it'll all work out eventually."

Her father gave her a hug, they both smiled when they heard the knock downstairs. "I'll get it. You coming down or you want him to come up?"

She told him to send him up because she had a few more steps to complete on her application. She hadn't discussed her plans with Paul yet, but she didn't think it was a big deal other than him mentioning Sam made sure the imprints were protected. She hoped that didn't mean she had a bodyguard or anything. She also wanted to get a part-time job close to the school if she could. She had no desire to go back to Newton's.

"Hey gorgeous, whatcha up to?" he asked when he walked through her opened door.

He quickly made his way to her and gave her a kiss. He pulled back and asked the obvious question. "What's all this?"

Of all the things at the top of the box, he saw the NYU envelope. His eyes widened. "New York?"

"It's only the packet, relax...I'm not going to any of those colleges."

His head fell back and he said "thank you" towards the ceiling. "Sorry, I don't want to be one of those controlling dickheads, but if you moved to New York, my wolf was going to turn me into one."

"You're teasing," she patted the bed and moved the box so he could sit with her.

"Maybe, but good thing, you don't plan on testing it?"

She showed him her screen like she'd shown Charlie, "Community College in Port Angeles, see...close by. I'm not going far."

They talked a little more about what her plans or non-plans were and she soon found out, he did mean actual bodyguard. Carlisle had alarmed them slightly with the whole Volturi talk. "You're in luck, Embry and Leah are both registered as well and although, I don't believe him, Quil said he's probably going." That meant she had her pick of bodyguards and she mentally had already chosen Embry for obvious reasons.

She had a couple of details to go over and she wanted to read through the application once more before electronically sending it. She told him she really needed to go for a visit Monday and how she was about to start applying for jobs as well. He helped her pack the college applications away. "You keeping all of those?"

"Yeah, for now. I still don't know what I want to do. Can we just leave it at that?"

"Sure, are you mad or something?" It was the first time he didn't seem so self-assured.

"No, of course not, but I have to know that my future is in my hands and nobody else's. Can you accept that?"

He bent down kissed her forehead. "Yes, but we promised to get to know each other better. I can't deal with any conflicts just yet, so can we not say anymore about it?"

She agreed. In all honesty, she felt exactly the same way.

Paul changed the subject and announced he was hungry despite having dinner at Emily's. He really wanted some ice cream, so they decided to go the diner. She told Charlie good night and he said he was turning in early since he had an early shift.

Bella let him order whatever he wanted which was a huge 3 scoop ice cream sundae. She asked why they didn't get the bananas and make it a banana split. He made gagging noises, and she laughed. She made the mental note, Paul doesn't like bananas.

The two of them were in their own little world when a shrieky voice that Bella hadn't heard in awhile came up beside them.

"Bella Swan, funny running into you here," Jessica was talking to her but looking at Paul.

If she was polite and said "hello", maybe that'd be it. "Hi, Jess, how are you?"

"I'm fine, but how are you...you poor thing? I heard." Bella had no idea what she heard, but she planned on ignoring her fake pity.

"Don't let us keep you, I see you're on your way out, so bye," Paul winked at her, she didn't know what he was about to do.

"Hi, Jessica...I'm Paul, Bella's boyfriend. I've heard a lot about you."

Frozen and speechless, Jessica stood there with her mouth hanging open. Finally, she found her voice again, "I...I guess I was wrong. Nevermind Bella, I thought Edward dumped you again, but I see you...and this," she pointed at Paul. "I mean, wow...you've changed. Poor Edward."

"Poor Edward...really? Word of advice, Jessica, sometimes you should keep your mouth shut about things you know nothing about. Yes, I dumped Edward because he turned out to be a controlling asshole. Before you leave here tonight to go spread gossip, get your facts straight. Now, like I said earlier...don't let us keep you. I'm trying to enjoy some ice cream with my hot, new boyfriend."

That finally did the trick, Jessica looked around to make sure no one was watching. They weren't, the diner was dead at 9 pm. She didn't say another word, other than they heard here murmur on the way out, "Well, that was rude."

She looked across the table and he was licking his lips. He had a hungry look in his eyes even though he'd polished off the majority of the sundae. "Look at you getting all fiesty. I like it, Blue. So you think I'm hot?" he wiggled his eyebrows.

Bella slid out of the booth and Paul tossed some money on the table. He put his hand on the small of her back as they walked out to his truck. As soon as she reached for the door latch, he spun her around to press her up against the cool metal of the door. He didn't hesitate to kiss her breathless right there in the parking lot. He breathed in her ear, "Come back to my place tonight, instead of hanging out in Daddy's domain. I need some private time with my girl."

"Oh...okay," she wasn't sure what she was agreeing to, but after that kiss; she was up for anything he had to offer.


Bella and Paul were completely wrapped up together on his sofa. They had gotten comfy there that first night after she looked at all his designs, but she'd cut it short. She was still trying to process how quickly their physical activities escalated. Paul lifted up off her. She looked at him with concern. She didn't know why he was quitting on her. He grabbed both her hands, "Come on."

He was taking her to his bed. She tried to hide her nervousness. Was five days his limit of taking their time? She wanted to do more, but she hadn't been prepared for what seemed to be happening. Paul pulled her down on his bed. "I was thinking maybe if I get your scent all ingrained in my sheets, I can sleep here sometimes. Not to mention, that I want you in my bed." He threw his leg over her and the two of them fell back to the mattress. She decided to shut down all her rational thoughts. All she could see, hear and feel anymore was Paul. Everything else ceased to exist. She didn't have to imagine anymore what that brief contact with his excitement would be like pressed against her. He was more than willing to tease her with as much contact as she could handle now.

She couldn't conceal how much he was turning her own when his hand went under shirt. It was long before he was also inside her bra. She moaned and kissed him deeper. Paul moved against her with a rhythm that she imagined was the way he performed the actual act. All the more reason, for her to want to freely give herself to him, but as he started to undress her she couldn't help it; she balked. They hadn't even confessed their love for one another yet. She wasn't sure if it was possible to love someone in such a short amount of time. Was it all because of the imprint?

He noticed...he was already so in tune with her feelings. He gave her a soft kiss, "Hey, it's okay. I said we were going to take our time, but I got carried away."

"I'm sorry," she said as he rolled off her and to his back. He said it was fine and that he completely understood. She curled up against him and rested her head over his heart. He was stroking her hair and the combination of that and hearing the vibrations of his heart were calming her.

He spoke up again, "No pressure, but we can do other things, you know? We don't have to go all the way to still have some fun. I...I mean, I want to make you feel good, Bella. Look at me." She lifted her head and met his eyes which were still hazy with desire. "You want that, don't you? Do you trust me?"

"Yes, I trust you."

He reached for the hem of her shirt and she lifted up so he could pull it off. He had promised to not go too far, but for her to let him take care of her. She knew what he meant, but she was still worried that she was somehow going to mess it up. After, a slow and sensuous process, he had her in only her underwear. He never took his pants off, but he still did exactly what he said he would. His kisses were deeper, and longer as his hands moved all across her body. She had been a second away from begging, because of the obvious ache she felt at the apex of her thighs. He was gifted, since he knew exactly what to do next. Once he slipped his fingers inside her panties, it didn't take long. Bella grabbed onto his muscular arms as she quivered and rode out her high.

He'd been so patient and giving to her, she wanted to repay him; but when her hand dared to venture to the button of his jeans, he grabbed her hand. "Whoa, better not unless you changed your mind."

"But, that isn't fair."

He rolled back on her and hushed her up with his mouth and then proceeded to show her some of his many skills until they both were satisfied.

Paul joined her back on the bed after he'd gone in the bathroom and changed into a pair of sweats. She had put her shirt back on as well. She pulled his arms and the two of them cuddled on top of the covers. She started to apologize again, but he stopped her. "But you're so good at this...you practically ooze sexuality all the time and now you're stuck with this virgin and her underlying issues."

"Ooze, huh?"

"Yes, I can't be the first female to have told you that."

"I don't remember because I don't care about any other females, since being with you. As far as tonight, it was perfect. Hell, I just thought I was only getting a sugar fix on our date and you gave me way more than that, so relax and enjoy. We'll take it one day at a time."

Was it proper to get all giddy after a guy gives you, your first ever assisted orgasm, because that's what she was doing. She couldn't wipe the smile from his lips. "You want to spend the night?" his question pulled her out of her celebration.

"Oh, um...I don't know. I want to, but Charlie."

"Should know by now that you're a grown woman," he finished her sentence. He added that he might want to ravish her during the night if she stayed, so he guess maybe he should take her home.

She was quietly considering what it would be like if she started sleeping over. He told her she was always welcome and he said that rolling around his bed just might have given him the ability to rest there again, but added...not yet.


Bella dreaded the meeting with Alice and Rose with every minute that brought her closer to the appointed time. She had done something, rather didn't do instead, and she knew it was going to cause a problem. She never told Paul she'd agreed to the meeting. Her guilt got the best of her and she sent out a quick text, saying it wasn't a big deal but that it was about to happen. She had no idea if a pack member had also been watching the house and then she mentally kicked herself. They probably were and would ascend on the property as soon as the Cullen car pulled up. She decided to send the alpha a message as well.

Less than fifteen minutes later, a red Mercedes pulled in. She'd been sitting on the porch, no need to invite them in. Her eyes shifted to the woods. She saw movement, but couldn't differentiate how many sets of eyes were on her. Word traveled fast, in an instant, perhaps. Alice bounded out of the passenger side and ran to her side. Bella didn't need contact from her, she stepped back and held up both hands giving her the universal stop signal.

Rose was much more hesitant in her approach. Alice chimed in, "Bella, I'm so sorry this is what you've decided. I think you're making a mistake, but I love you enough to respect your choices."

She thanked her for that, but didn't think she was being that sincere. Once they were all standing there, Bella started wondering what was the point? She didn't know why they needed to talk.

"Don't listen to her, I may be in the minority with the family, but you're doing exactly the right thing."

"Rose..." Alice fussed.

Bella asked if there was anything else. Rose said only what they'd discussed with the pack. She reminded Bella about the Volturi and how Carlisle made the suggestion of faking her death as a solution. That was all news to her, but she had told Paul she didn't want to talk about the meeting when he asked her if she wanted to know what happened.

"Fake my death? Has that always been an option? Why did no one mention it before?"

"Why would we? You wanted to be a part of our family, so it didn't seem relevant," Alice stated.

Her best reaction could only be described as stunned. Was Alice really that far up Edward's ass that she never regarded her feelings? She already knew the answer to her own question. Of course she was. "You're a piece of work, Alice. I use to think you were such a good friend, but you were always looking out for Edward, never me."

Rose had a smug expression, but Alice disagreed. She tried to convince Bella that was not true. "Time to go," Rose urged. She looked to her right, a couple of wolves had moved into view and out of the trees. She told her that Carlisle and the pack would be in touch if necessary and for Bella to stop worrying and simply enjoy life.

"Bye Rose, thanks for actually caring," she completely slighted Alice and didn't acknowledge her again. The two of them drove away for what Bella hoped was the last time. She'd always thought she would miss the family so much if she didn't stay with Edward, but after the past few weeks, she found herself no longer caring. She didn't fit in their world.

Embry was the one to come out to talk to her. He shook his head, "Good riddance, but Bella we're all a little pissed at you. Why didn't you say anything about them coming over?"

She really had no excuse and she apologized, "Is Paul mad?"

"Yeah, he was at work when your message came through and he couldn't leave. He started texting all of us to get over here. Jared was the closet, he'd just passed by, but he doubled back. But it's none of my business, that's for you and your boyfriend to sort out later. I'm glad you finally see them for what they are."

Bella invited him in and made him a sandwich. She asked about school. They made a plan to go together Monday. She hoped to try and get some classes with him as well. He was going for his basics, but he thought about majoring in math.

"Math? Seriously, you like math?"

"Yeah, I like problem solving, I guess. Maybe, I could teach. The reservation always needs teachers and I could serve my community."

All of them were starting to have a glimmer of hope that the pack might not be needed long into the future, but Sam said they needed to take their time and not all try and give it up at once. Embry admitted, that it quickly became a part of him and even though they didn't want to be tied to it for a lifetime; they all agreed they weren't ready to completely give up the wolf.


2 weeks later

The reservation was having it's annual festival. Bella had never attended before, but she was looking forward to it. Actually, she always looked forward to spending time with him. They'd come a long way since the middle of the summer. She was starting college the next week and also at a new job, a bookstore that had a small cafe in the front. It was barely a five minute drive from school. Her father had almost convinced her to go car shopping. He wanted her to have something a little newer with better gas mileage. She felt weird about giving up the old red truck. Edward had bought her some obscenely expensive car that she had never even driven. She wondered what they did with it. They could have fed a small country with the proceeds from it.

Bella and Paul met up with the pack and walked around in a group. There were artists, craftsman, food vendors. It resembled a county fair. A portion of everything earned went back to the tribe to help with upkeep of the community center and other projects. There was also a fishing contest, so she made sure to stop off and see her father and Billy off. They swore they were winning this year, but they said that every year, Paul whispered in her ear.

She gave Billy a hug and asked the question she asked anyone that might know every few days, "Any word?"

"No, sweetie, not since the first letter." Apparently, Jake had written a letter. She felt like it wasn't her business to ask what it said, but it was enough to keep him hopeful.

Quil told them it was time for rides, but Bella shook her head. She pointed to her temple and told Paul, "I'll take chances with you or do more adventurous things, but carnival rides are where I draw the line. I don't trust machinery that is disassembled every couple of days and carted around from place to place, then set up in a rush, by...um." She paused, not wanting to cut down a group of people but in all honesty, some of the ride operators, were a little scary.

He pulled her close and agreed. "Yeah, I'm with you, we'll go skydiving one day...it's safer. Besides, Quil has lost his cookies on those rides before and you don't even want to know how they attempt to clean up," he pressed his lips against her forehead. "Another one?" She nodded. It wasn't bad, but the truth was she had been having headaches quite often; most weren't that bad, but a few put her to bed. He had expressed his worry every time she told him about it, but it was probably residual stress. Although, she was the happiest she had been in a long while. There were still times when she was alone that she did feel depressed and anxious. She quickly whisked away the thought about a similar time she'd been like that because everything was different this time.

She and Paul decided to sit at a table and share a snack instead. "Did you mean that?"

"Mean what?"

"That we'll go skydiving?"

"Would you?"

"I think so, if you're with me. Yeah, I think it would be fun."

"Okay, then yes...we'll go sometime. I'll find us a place and surprise you when you're least expecting it." He winked and pulled a long strand of funnel cake off and shoved it in his mouth.

She had told him she didn't like surprises, but the thought of him showing up one day and taking her to jump out of a plane sounded pretty damn fun and spontaneous.

Bella was lost in conversation when an attractive woman with slick, black hair and hazel eyes approached them. Paul had stopped talking mid sentence, basically with his mouth hanging open.

She took notice to see what had caught his attention and his tongue. The girl was stopping at their table, he obviously knew her.

"Well, there you are, Paul Lahote. What the hell happened? Did you lose your phone?"

"Um, no...hey Lily. I...I've been working a lot."

"More reason to give me a call, right?" She winked at him. What was with this girl? Bella looked down at herself to make sure she hadn't become invisible all of the sudden because those two were completely ignoring the fact that she was sitting there. She cleared her throat to gain some attention.

"Oh yeah, this is," he actually paused.

"Bella," it seemed like he'd forgotten her name and who she was.

"Yeah, Bella. Lily-Bella; Bella, this is Lily."

The little twit barely acknowledged her and started back up, going as far as asking Paul about meeting up with her. Was she serious? She eventually flat out asked him if he was busy after the festival. That was the last straw.

"Are you that clueless?"

"Excuse me?" she finally made eye contact with Bella.

"We're together," she pointed back and forth, "Do you want me to paint you a picture? I'm his girlfriend."

"You're joking," she faked laughed.

Bella was waiting for the usual self-assured, always speak my mind boyfriend she thought she had, but he was still lost somewhere in the moment where his one time hook up girl crossed paths with his imprint. Where was his damn foot? She leaned under the table and got a clear view of his leg and kicked it as hard as she could.

It stung a little, but was worth it.

He cleared his throat and finally did his part, "Sorry, Lily, but yeah I should have made myself clear, this is Bella, my girlfriend. I'm totally off the market. It was...uh, nice knowing you and all, but you should take my number off your phone."

She looked at Bella again, like it still hadn't sunk in. She turned back to him, "Ugh...like I'd ever call you again. You're an asshole." She turned on her heal and stomped off after her declaration.

He continued to look dumbfounded and Bella was soon overcome with same conclusion. She stood up, "Where are you going?"

She responded, "She's right, you're an asshole." Bella did her own version of stomping off with a little less ass shaking and in the other direction, of course. She never wanted to see that skanky bitch again.

"Hold up, Blue..." he was chasing close behind her. "I'm sorry, it took me so long to get the words out. I wasn't expecting something like that. Come on, you don't mean it." He turned her around. She made her best attempt at looking infuriated, but he was right, she didn't mean it and she didn't want to leave him. She was having a moment of insecurity. That bimbo, who happened to be quite beautiful had obviously given him whatever he wanted and she was still suffering from some sort of hangup.

"How many others can I expect to run into?"

"I hope none, but I can't promise you won't. I was bad, but not as bad as my reputation, if that makes you feel any better."

It did.

"Here, I want to show you something." he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. All she saw were the guys, his sister, Leah and Emily. That was it...not a single other girl. "I blocked and then deleted all their numbers as soon as I got home from Billy's when he gave me that long ass lecture after we got arrested together...the night I knew you were my whole world."

He did that before she ever even hinted at leaving Edward. He had that much faith in them even after she inadvertently screwed up their imprint. Her lip started trembling. "I'm sorry. The past is in the past. I can't believe you did that. I...I," he tilted her face towards his. She wanted to say it. She'd thought it was happening, but she didn't want to say it too soon.

"It's okay, I do too."

How'd he know what she'd almost said or did he mean something different? He looked around, they had walked away from the crowd. Paul bent down and kissed her, "I love you, Bella. You're the only woman I see, the only one I ever will see." He held her face in his hands.

She smiled, and told him what he needed to hear which happened to be the absolute truth, "I love you too."

~Thanks for reading.