Chapter 10

Paul avoided my question; he averted his eyes and struck up a conversation with Sam. I groaned impatiently and his attention snapped back to me.

"I need to know." I begged, "Please Paul."

Paul sighed. "Broken arm, 6 broken ribs, a blood-filled lung, that had to be drained, and server cuts around the chest, stomach, and thighs." He said barely above a whisper.

"Leah did this to me?" I asked in the same tone.

Paul's eyes hardened, his face tight, he nodded.

"I deserved it. Everything she said was true." I held up my hand to silence him, "Because Paul, I love you and I always have. I just don't want to be burned again, and Paul I want to do things right. I want you to move in and be a father to Layla, and slowly we can rebuild our relationship and family."

I don't think I'll ever forget the look on Paul's face. His eyes shown with happiness, his mouth wide, pure joy raided off his tanned skin. His lips gently brushed my forehead. "I love you too, and I'm so happy that were trying to make this work. I would love to take you up on your offer."

The room broke out with applause, Jake yelled "Finally!", but my eyes never left Paul's, and in those few seconds years of pain and sorrow past between us and floated into space-none of it mattered now.

The next few weeks were burly, many people came and went, and Paul and Layla hardly left my side. I would have to force Paul to go get food. But, I didn't manage to force him to go home; he slept in the chair next to my bed. Layla stayed with Sam and Emily, Seth sleeping over too. Many of the pack came to visit, but I have yet to see Leah. Anytime someone mentioned her name, Paul would start shaking and become stony. My lung was healed and I could breathe normally as long as I didn't exert too much energy-like Paul would let that happen anyway, my ribs were taped and healing along with my arm, the cuts were faded into deep pink scars. They weren't as bad as Emily's though, she had long scars down her face, but she was still beautiful. I met the entire pack by now and they all seemed pretty nice. Jake kept bringing this girl Bella around and she would annoy me.

"Jake's been great. He's like my little brother!" Bella whined ruffing Jake's hair.

Sadness shot across Jake's face before her could mask it. My eyes narrowed. I wish Paul was here, I thought bitterly staring out the window. He usually makes Bella feel uncomfortable so she leaves. But I missed spending time with Jake, so I guess I'd have to put up with it.

"Where's Paul?" I asked glumly, I just wanted to get out of this room and go home.

"Where's Paul?" a deep voice mocked entering the room. I rolled my eyes.

"Jerk," I muttered as he placed a pizza box on the bed and kissed my forehead.

"You love me."

I rolled my eyes again and grunted, smiling at Jake, over Paul's shoulder I spotted Bella motioning to Jake that she wanted to leave. I smiled even harder. "You're terrible." Paul whispered softly.

"We're gonna head out, you know let you too get reacquainted." Jake said shoving Paul back so he could hug me.

"See ya Jake, come visit me soon." I replied as they left, Paul and Jake shared a secret smile. I wondered what was going on.