Chapter 10

I was sprawled out on my bed staring at the ceiling and waiting for the phone to ring or for a knock at the front door. Surprisingly, life hadn't really changed much since the explosive pack meeting. We were still running patrols, just three at a time now and we kept a tighter perimeter. Sam was keeping in touch with Dr. Cullen, informing the pack with daily updates of the Cullen's current location. First they were in Boise, then Cheyenne, then Omaha. Apparently they were making their way across the continental U.S. following Edward and Bella's trail. Although I found it hard to care about Bella, I was kind of glad to find out that she was still human. I know I'd rather die than become a vampire. If the news came back that she had been turned, I don't know how we'd react. Jake filled his role as Alpha effortlessly and had healed enough to finally start phasing again. He had somehow managed to control his thoughts about Bella when he was phased. In fact, he controlled almost all of his thoughts when he was phased. I was impressed. Maybe it was the gift of the Alpha wolf; the uncanny ability to guard his thoughts from the pack in order to lead better. I guess that made sense.

I let my mind wander for another minute before I rolled over on my bed and checked my phone for the seventh time in the last 15 minutes. I was bored, but I really didn't want to get up and start doing something because I knew that as soon as I did, Paul would show up and I would completely forget what the hell I was doing anyway. He was supposed to be wrapping up his tour around 5 pm and it was already 4:30 pm, so I didn't have too long to wait. Neither of us had patrol duty tonight and Paul had promised to take me out on a proper date. I thought he was being silly because it was so obvious that we were together and he loved me, but he insisted. Who knew "asshole Paul" could be such a hopeless romantic?

I giggled to myself thinking about Paul and his goofy ways. In this time that we had spent together I was really able to see who Paul actually was and not the tough guy front he put on for everyone. I sighed and dragged my nails across my stomach. I hadn't seen Paul since yesterday morning and I was already feeling the pulses of desire coursing through my veins again. The sex was un-fucking-believable and I had never been so aware of what was happening in my body until I was with Paul. He ignited a fire inside of me that burned like a wildfire across the plains.

I looked at my phone again, just for good measure, and decided that I had enough time to get a shower before Paul came to pick me up. Seth was screaming at the television again, so wrapped up in Call of Duty I probably could have punched him in the face before he even knew I was in the room. Mom was out shopping or something. I grabbed a towel from the hall closet and locked the bathroom door. I spent the next minute poking at my face in the mirror while the water heated up. I looked down at my phone again. Still nothing. I went back to the mirror, this time checking my eyebrows, teeth, nose and hair. Everything looked normal and the same as always. I pulled my shorts off, yanked my t-shirt over my head and went back to the mirror. I pushed my chest out and smiled a little at my perky breasts. Even though I hated that they were the cause of a lot of shit among my pack, I thought they were really pretty. I poked at my belly button and absently wondered what would happen if I had a piercing there when I phased. It would probably rip out and be a waste of pain and cute jewelry.

I looked at my phone again and saw I had a new text message. I grinned when I read it.

I love you, Leah. Be there in 20. xoxo Paul.

I squeezed my thighs together in anticipation of seeing Paul…and kissing him…and touching him…and…DAMN, I was so worked up just from a text. I quickly wrote back.

I love you, Paul. Getting a shower. ;) See you soon…

I stepped into the shower and let the hot water rush all over my tingling body. I washed my hair quickly, still squeezing my thighs together tightly. I slapped conditioner in my hair, washed my body like it was a race and grabbed the shower head. I rinsed off all of the soap and conditioner and let the water rush over my throbbing clit. I dragged my nails up the skin on the inside of my thigh and shoved a finger deep inside myself. I bent over and gasped, quickly bringing myself to a moaning orgasm. God, I hope Seth didn't hear that. I sucked in big gasps of air until I slowed my breathing enough to get out of the shower and dry off.

I leaned over and read the text on my phone.

OMFG, make it 10.

I laughed out loud and hurriedly rushed to my room to get dressed. Damn was I grateful that Paul had taken me shopping. If it wasn't for the clothes he bought me, I'd be wearing the same stupid t-shirt and dirty cut offs every day.

I grabbed a pretty top that had some rhinestone embellishment and a pair of dark jeans. I didn't bother with a bra. I knew if I didn't wear one Paul would notice and it would make him want me even more. I decided to be daring and wear my red high heels. I knew Paul wouldn't leave the shoes unnoticed. It still shocked the hell out of me that he knew about fashion.

I swept a bit of lip gloss across my lips and heard a knock on the door. Seth was still yelling at his stupid game so he didn't even look up when Paul opened the door and let himself in. I rushed out of my bedroom and my eyes nearly flew out of my head.

Even though I saw Paul every day now, I still couldn't get used to seeing him dressed up. He was clearly wearing some designer someone-or-other. I couldn't even form a rational thought. His jeans were dangerously low on his hips and his perfectly tailored shirt hugged the curves of his body so beautifully my mouth went slack. My audible gasp made Paul's lip twitch up into that wickedly sexy smirk that kindled the flames inside of me.

He laughed loudly and took three big steps toward me and reached out to tuck my hair behind my ear and wrap his other arm around my waist.

"Hey, beautiful. Did you miss me?" Paul whispered into my ear before he pressed his hot mouth against my neck, rendering me completely useless.

"Uh-huh." Was all I could mumble as his hands wandered across my back and settled right above the curve of my ass.

"Come on, Leah, where's the fire in you, woman? You act like you've never seen me before."

I finally shook my head and put both hands on Paul's chest and shoved him back just a little.

"Whatever, Paul. You're okay, I guess." I answered coyly.

"You guess? Looks like I'm taking Seth out to dinner then." He joked as he jerked his head in Seth's direction. Seth was still jumping around the room screaming at the television. He looked like a crazy person.

"Are you telling me you'd rather spend the evening with my crazy ass brother than me? And you're into fashion? Is there something you aren't telling me, love?" I grinned at him, squeezed his hips and twisted my mouth up into a smug little smile.

"Oh, you really are still evil, aren't you?" Paul growled in my ear and sent shivers down my spine.

"I try, baby."

"Let's go. I'm starving, babe." Paul wiggled out of my embrace, grabbed my hand and headed for the door.

"See ya later, Seth." I called over my shoulder and Seth just nodded in my direction.

Paul held open the door to his Chevelle and patted me on the butt before I sat down. I shot him my bitchiest stare and set my jaw. He knew he'd get a rise out of me by doing that and he winked at me through the windshield as he made his way to the driver's side.

"Nice shoes, Leah." Paul winked again.

"I've heard people call them 'fuck-me pumps' but what do you think, baby? Do they say 'fuck me' to you?" I reached over to his lap and dragged my nails along his dark jeans.

"Leah everything about you screams 'fuck me' but I just wanna get you to dinner first, okay? Can we do that before I make you forget your name?" Paul squeezed my hand gently and placed it back in my lap. I stuck out my bottom lip, pouting a little in protest.

"Fine. But you'd better make good on that promise, Paul. If not I might rip your head off." I crossed my arms across my chest and smirked at him.

"Have I broken a promise to you yet? I don't even think it's possible." Paul's words melted me again. He was telling the truth, like always. I relaxed my arms and let the cool breeze from the window blow my hair against my cheeks.

We had a pretty nice dinner that included several courses, but all I could think about was Paul's tight, hot body that was hidden behind his designer clothes. I fantasized about ripping those clothes to shreds and devouring the beauty they were hiding. Between the main course and dessert Paul had apparently asked me a question that I had missed because I was so lost in my thoughts I wasn't really paying attention.

"Leah, did you hear what I just said?" I snapped my eyes back up to catch his narrowed stare. He was clearly a little annoyed with me but apparently a little amused, too.

"What the hell is up with you tonight? You haven't said more than 10 words since we got here."

My eyes widened and I opened my mouth to try and think of something cute or clever to say, but my brain left me with my mouth hanging open looking like a complete idiot. I finally managed to make a sound come out, but it didn't help my case.

"I, uhhh…" and I froze like a moron.

"Really? You didn't hear a single word?"

Paul's beautiful face twisted into a frown. He looked hurt and my heart broke into pieces. I immediately tried to back pedal and apologize for being so distracted, although I found it a little funny that the reason I wasn't paying attention to Paul's words was Paul's body.

"Babe, please, really I'm sorry. It's just…I can't even think straight around you when I'm horny. You are seriously making me insane." I blushed a little, not because I told Paul I was horny, but because I was in a really decent restaurant and didn't want anyone to overhear our conversation.

"Leah, I was asking you if you wanted to move in with me." Paul's eyes dropped to the plate of cheesecake that was placed in front of him. He was clearly panicking and I wasn't helping matters by not paying attention to his questions. His hands began to tremble and I hated myself.

I was a terrible, terrible person. Here was this gorgeous, sweet, passionate, romantic man trying to have a serious conversation with me and all I could do was fantasize about his body.

"Oh, oh my God, I'm so sorry baby! Of course I'd love to move in with you! I love you. Please don't be mad at me for being so distracted. It's just…you are so damn hot it's hard to think or speak."

Paul's face lit up like the full moon on a clear night. The anxiety melted from me swiftly and even though I was still blushing I let my smile spread wide across my face and reached across the table to grab Paul's hand.

"Leah, I mean it. I want to be with you all the time. I don't want anything to get in the way. I've been saving some money from my modeling gig and I think we could find a nice little place on the rez. Are you sure?" Paul's face still had a tiny hint of worry.

"I am one hundred percent sure I want to move in with you. Now can we get out of here? I need you."

I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. Move in together? Shit, why not Leah, you love this man, what the hell are you waiting for? Almost instantly my head was filled with images of a pretty little house with a perfect kitchen and Paul taking me in every position throughout the entire house without any attempt made to quiet my screams. I licked my lips and winked at Paul, hoping he'd finally give up this whole "date" thing and take me back to the little cabin so I could show him just how much I really wanted to move in with him.

Paul tore his eyes away from mine for just long enough to get the attention of the waiter, quickly paid the check and left a good tip. I smiled inwardly; glad to know that even though Paul wasn't rich, he never shorted a waiter.

Paul jumped up and pulled out my chair for me, offered his arm and escorted me out of the restaurant. When we reached his Chevelle, he again opened the door for me and waited until I was seated before closing the door.

Once Paul was settled in the driver's seat, he leaned over to me and nuzzled along my neck with his nose.

"God, Leah, you smell so fucking good. I can't wait to taste you." There he was. My hot, angry, sexy, incredible man was back, his words and hot breath ripping through my body like I was about to phase. He had me completely unhinged and hadn't even touched me. Fuck yes, it was on.

Paul drove like a maniac down the dark roads on his way to the beach and I was truly glad that he had superhuman sight. If I hadn't known that he could see everything I would have been terrified.

We reached the beach and Paul parked the car as close to the cabin as possible. I looked down at the ground and bent down to slip off my heels. Even exceptional balance couldn't keep heels from sinking into the soft earth.

"Keep them on." Paul growled against my cheek and had me in his arms so quickly I didn't even have a chance to protest. I threw my arms around his neck and nibbled on his ear as he rushed through the trees to the little cabin.

We reached the cabin in seconds and before I could even tell Paul to put me down so he could open the door, we were already inside and I was on the bed. He quickly lit the small oil lamp and the warm, flickering light danced across his high cheekbones and his wicked smile. I gasped when he pulled off his shirt as he made his way over to me on the bed. The connection we shared was so much stronger than just lust or love. It felt like every part of me was constantly aching to have him near me. He completed my heart and soul and I was never going to let anything get in our way.

He crawled up over me, sliding his knee between my legs and resting over me on his elbows. His gaze burned with desire and passion and the images of ripping off all of his clothes flashed through my mind again.

"Leah, I love you." I was never going to get tired of hearing that. I lifted my head off of the bed, pressed my lips to Paul's and whispered, "Paul, I love you, too."

We kissed sweetly for a minute or two before both of us became too excited to take it slowly. I pulled my shirt off and reached down to kick off my shoes and unbutton my pants, but Paul grabbed my hand and stopped me.

"I said keep them on." His eyes flashed with anger for just a second and he gently pushed me back down on the bed. He unbuttoned my pants and wiggled them off of me carefully but left the shoes on my feet. I looked at him a little puzzled and he answered my question before I could ask it.

"Yes, these are 'fuck-me' pumps and I'll be damned if I don't get to see them in action." Paul's strong hands reached up and gently removed my panties, brushing the back of his hand against my inner thigh as he pulled them down. He grabbed my left ankle and kissed the top of my foot and did the same with my right. I groaned as he kissed his way up my right leg, his fingers dancing up my left. He was moving so slowly I thought I might explode. I grabbed fistfuls of hair and held on. I knew better than to be demanding with Paul; he'd get there when he was good and ready.

Paul's tongue finally found my throbbing clit and I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Holy fucking SHIT!" I had lost all control of my brain. Paul's mouth kissed, licked and hummed all over me and I couldn't control myself. My hands grabbed at the sheets and my heels dug into the edge of the bed. Streams of obscenities poured out of my mouth uncontrollably and I finally came on Paul's face.

He reached over for a corner of the sheet and wiped the sweat and me off of his face.

"Leah, you are delicious. I could do that all night." Paul's deep voice made me clench in anticipation.

"I'd let you baby, but I need you inside me first." I gasped and watched my breasts rising and falling with every deep breath I took.

Paul stood up next to the bed and unbuttoned his jeans, letting them slide down his hips slowly. His rock hard erection was straining against his boxer briefs but he didn't move like he needed relief right away. He was fucking teasing me with it. Again.

"Paul, come here. Please?" I widened my eyes and turned on the sugary feminine charm. He winked at me, recognizing that I was desperate but still doing things on his own time. God, this man was going to be the death of me.

After what seemed like an eternity, Paul pulled off his boxer briefs and climbed back onto the bed. He reached down and slowly guided his erection into me. He moved with purpose. He eased himself slowly in and out, tilting his hips and grinding against my clit, working my body deliberately toward another huge orgasm. Moans came from deep within me and combined with Paul's powerful grunts as his thrusts and grinding brought me to a beautiful deep climax. I wrapped my legs around him, crossing my ankles behind his back. He climaxed inside me moments later, collapsing against my breasts.

"Thanks." I gasped breathlessly. "I needed that, baby. I love you."

"I love you, too." Paul growled against my heaving chest.

The next day, Jake called us all together for a pack meeting. Sam had just received an update from Dr. Cullen and he wanted us all to hear it together. I braced myself for the worst. I wasn't sure what the news would be, but I couldn't imagine that it would be good for any of us. We met up out in the woods where we could just phase and hear our thoughts. As annoying as that could be, it was incredibly useful when we had important news that needed to be shared immediately.

Thanks, guys. Sam let them hear it. Jake started us off. I shifted nervously on my paws.

Dr. Cullen called this morning and said that Edward and Bella have decided to return to Forks. Apparently Bella wanted to see Charlie again and she convinced Edward that it would be okay.

Fuck! Paul growled loudly.

Bullshit! Embry cursed and pawed at the ground.

This is gonna suck. Seth spoke the truth.

What the hell does he think is gonna happen? Quil shouted his thoughts.

Guys, easy. We need to have a plan. Sam, did Dr. Cullen give you a time frame? Jacob was shockingly calm. I assumed he was guarding his thoughts again to protect us from the pain he must be feeling about Bella's return.

Yeah, he said they should be back the day after tomorrow. Dr. Cullen had warned Sam that Bella wasn't safe with Edward anymore. Sam gave us one final image from his mind that was terrifying. He flashed to the hiker that he had found after a vampire attack. The young man's body was sucked dry, but it was anything but neat. His neck and torso had been shredded open, exposing his collarbone, ribs and all the way down to the vertebrae. His skull was crushed and he barely looked human.

We collectively shuddered. That just could not happen to Bella. I'll admit it, she pissed me off a lot, but no one deserved to die that way. It was just too gruesome and horrible.

We are running patrols four deep until they come back. Sam, Seth, Jared and I will take the first shift. Leah, Embry, Paul and Quil pick up the second shift. Brady and Colin I want you both on the rez on high alert. If you hear anything, I want a pack call. Let's go.

I trotted off behind a tree to phase and pulled on my shorts and t-shirt. Paul met me and grabbed my hand.

"This is going to be totally fucked, babe. I don't know what the hell we're going to do."

"Fuckin' tell me about it. She's gonna die." I shivered violently even though I wasn't cold and Paul pulled me close to him.

"Not if we can help it." He words were confident, but his tone was unsure.

Seth howled.

We phased immediately, shredding our clothes.

What happened? What is it? Seth, what the hell? Are you okay? Shit. All of our minds flooded at once. I knew from his thoughts that he wasn't hurt or in danger.

I smelled a Cullen. They're close.