Hey everyone! I know it has been a while since I last posted but I'm back at school now and don't have any free time to work on this. But slowly but surely I will finish this story and continue to post.

This chapter is a short one but I decided to stop it because I was getting into a bigger scene and wanted to save it for the next chapter.

But I hope you enjoy this chapter and please leave a review if you have any feedback!

Chapter 9

Moving in with Sam was great. Over the next couple of days, we fell into a regular schedule. When Sam was away for work or pack duties, I would either make myself busy cleaning up the house, going into town, or wandering around the woods at the back of Sam's house.

I visited Bella often, though most of the time it was when she was visiting Jacob. Sam was still adamant that I be on the Cullen's land as little as possible while Edward also wasn't happy that Bella was on the packs land.

Secretly, I wished that both sides would just admit defeat and stop being enemies, but some things would need more time.

I was finally able to meet the full pack a few days after I moved in, and while Sam was polite and said I didn't need to make anything, I accepted the role with determination.

The pack had grown immensely in the last few months and there were now eight members. When they came over for dinner, I saw Paul for the first time since he attacked me and he walked up and formally apologized. His eyes held the guilt of what he had done and I instantly forgave him, giving him a hug for good measure.

As the boys gathered around the living room, happily munching on the muffins and eggs I made (I decided with going for breakfast for dinner), I couldn't help but admire the close bond all of them shared. Sam sat in the big recliner like the proud father while the boys tackled each other for the couch.

Jared, one of the first people to shift after Sam had also imprinted on a girl named Kim. She and I instantly bonded because we understood the depth of the imprint, and while she was a year younger than me, I already counted her as one of my closest friends.

She stood next to me in the kitchen as we watched the boys fight over the last muffins while we held our cups of tea.

"It's really nice having you around," Kim said. "Ever since I found out about Jared's secret, I've felt alone since I couldn't talk about it with anyone. Being with Jared in wonderful, but I've felt cut off from my other friends. It's just not the same when you're hiding a massive life-changing secret."

I gave a subtle laugh. "I feel that same. Granted, I didn't stay close with a lot of my high school friends, but with my mom and uncle its been hard trying to explain why Sam and I always wanted to be together."

Jared loudly called Kim over and she happily obliged and I looked at Sam who was staring at me with those deep eyes so I made my way over to him and sat down on his lap, happily snuggling up as he wrapped his arms around me.

I noticed Jacob was sitting quietly on the couch. He had been struggling a lot with the Cullen's return, especially since it took the attention of Bella. He and I had been hanging out occasionally, but I always sensed the looming sadness within.

Quil, the newest addition to the pack, was quite the jokester. As we were sitting around the living room, he began telling all of the funny stories about each pack member.

"And we all remember the first time Sam saw Annalise."

Sam shifted underneath and I gave him an amused look.

Quil laughed at Sam's expression. "I swear he didn't think of a single thing for the rest of the week. It was great for all of us, no commands whatsoever. All of us got some actual sleep."

The room erupted in laughter as each of the boys shared a time when Sam was busy daydreaming about me instead of doing alpha duties.

"Don't worry," I whispered in his ear. "I think it's incredibly sweet."

I gave him a light kiss on the forehead and he responded by kissing me possessively on the lips which earned shouts from the entire room.

The rest of the night was spent laughing and sharing stories and I sat there in joy at this new family that I suddenly had, and for that moment, everything was perfect.

Cuddling up to Sam that night, I smiled as he gently kissed my cheek and then my neck. Having this alone time with him was wonderful and he never failed to show how much he loved me.

"Is there any update on Victoria?" I asked, rolling over to face him.

He paused kissing to frown slightly. Victoria was still at large, and I know it was frustrating for him to think about it. Just yesterday he and a couple others had been chasing her as she dashed in between the treaty lines, with the Cullens on one side and the pack on the other. And they almost had her except Emmet, Edward's brother had mistakenly crossed the border and Paul got territorial so they had to stop pursuit to defend their lines.

"Nothing's improved." Sam finally muttered. "She keeps trying to switch tactics but hasn't broken through yet. If anything, she's trying less and less so maybe she'll finally give up. I'll need to leave in a little while to go run perimeters and make sure everything's in order but I'll be back by the time you wake up."

I gave a slight pouty face in mock disappointment. "You're leaving me?"

Seeing through my joke, he chuckled and passionately kissed me on the lips. "Never by choice."

I fell asleep nestled into his warm arms and dreamed about my future with Sam.

The next morning, I woke to those strong arms once again wrapping around me.

"Sam?" I asked groggily.

He leaned down to kiss me on the cheek.

I felt him lean away and I reached out and pulled him back down.

"No," I mumbled, causing him to chuckle. "Don't leave me."

He kissed me passionately. "Never leaving you, just stepping out to put on some coffee."

I stretched out on the bed, pulling my arms above my head to stretch out my tired muscles.

"I guess that's acceptable."

While Sam was in the kitchen, I slowly got out of my bed and threw some water on my face. Walking into the kitchen, I gasped to see Sam standing there with roses. There were candles lit on the counter and breakfast laying out on the table.

"Sam?" I asked slowly as he smiled widely.

"Happy Birthday, Annalise."

I run and throw my arms around him as he spins me around.

Kissing him, I smile. "Wow, thank you, Sam! This is incredible."

He leaned down to kiss my neck. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Grabbing my hand and placing his other hand over my eyes, he leads me out into the living room.

"Where are you taking me?" I giggled.

"Shhh, I'm bringing you to your birthday present."

We walked ten steps into the living room and he stood behind me, placing his arms on my hips.

"Happy Birthday, Annalise." He whispered in my ear.

I opened my eyes and gasped, bringing my hand up to my mouth.

"Sam…."

Before me stood a grand piano, standing in all its splendor in the corner of the room. Its wooden display was smoothly polished and caught the light perfectly on its soft wood.

"How did you…" I trailed off again, taking a step closer.

I looked back and loved the goofy, happy grin on his face.

"I made it."

My mouth dropped. "You made it!? Sam, I can't even begin to describe how amazing that is!"

I ran over to him and jumped into his arms.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have missed playing piano for so long now."

"Well go on." He said, setting me down. "Play it."

Grinning, I sat down and let my hand run along the intricate details of the wood. Setting my fingers gently on the keys, I took a deep breath before letting my fingers pick up the familiar rhythm of my favorite tune. Sweet music filled the room as I let myself go in the song. Playing piano gave me a sense of security and belonging that I needed.

I spent the next couple of minutes lost in the song before stopping and looking up. Sam had moved to the couch and was happily sitting and watching me. He had a silly grin on his face which sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"That was beautiful." He said as I went over and sat down next to him, leaning against his shoulder.

"Thank you," I said softly, kissing him on the cheek. "I can't tell you what this means to me."

"I have been noticing for the past several weeks that you have this restlessness to you, and after talking with Bella and your mother actually, I figured out what you had been missing."

"You talked with my mom?" I ask curiously.

He nods. "She called me when she found out you were going to live with me and gave me the whole rundown of if I hurt you she would hire a hitman…"

He laughs at my shocked expression. "I'm just kidding, about the hitman part. But she did threaten me if I ever hurt you. Which I would never."

He leans over and gives me a hug which I instantly respond to.

"Now it's my turn to take you somewhere. Why don't you change into something nice and let's leave in thirty minutes."

I stare with wide eyes. "Really?"

He chuckles. "Yes, dummy. Now go get changed out of your pajamas, otherwise I'll have to keep you here all day."

I lean over and give him a small kiss, lightly teasing him before turning back and locking myself in the bedroom, laughing as I hear his protests from outside.

I quickly run a brush through my long tangled hair before changing into a soft, white dress that flows around my waist and stops just about my mid-thigh. I love this dress because it has a slight exposure of my back that shows just enough skin without being too provocative.

I strap a pair of brown ankle boots on my feet before stepping into the bathroom and applying a light layer of makeup.

After a few last minute adjustments, I step back and take in my appearance. Satisfied, I step out of the bedroom and smile when I see Sam patiently waiting on the couch, watching the latest game on the TV.

"Wow," he said, standing up. "You look absolutely beautiful."

I feel my stomach flutter when I see the look in his eyes and my heart swells with love. I never could imagine what life would be like without him. He completes me.

He grabs my hand, running his thumb softly over my palm as we walk out the door together. I hop into his truck as he slides into the driver's side. Soon he's pulling out of the driveway as we head on our way to who knows where.

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