I woke up to the annoying sound that could only be heard in a hospital. I groaned, not from pain, however, but from the thought of being in a hospital again. I heard movement beside me, before heated fingers wrap around my hand.

"Bella?" Paul whispered, hope filling his voice. I open my eyes, only to close them again as they get assaulted with the bright light. Blinking excessively, I slowly find my will to see Paul's gorgeous face.

"Paul," I reply back, squeezing his hand lightly. He smiles, though I could see pain littering his face. I wonder why he is feeling this way, the skin above my eyes wrinkling as I scrunch my eyebrows together in confusion.

"Bella, I'm so sorry that I wasn't there to help you... I'm so sorry, I knew she was going there but I thought you were in Forks and safe." He rambled, shaking his head as tears prickled in his eyes.

I have only seen Paul cry two times, and I knew it wasn't a normal thing. I reached my free hand towards him, wanting to rest it on his cheek, but as I lifted it, I realized just how heavy it was and how weak I was.

A large cast was holding my arm down; making it looked deformed and strangled. I started to feel the warm sensation of pain as the injury hit me. Other places of my body started hurting, my stomach especially, and I tried holding in my whimper of pain.

Of course, Paul noticed and quickly pressed the button above my head. He then looked back down at me with sorrow in his eyes, trying to convey how sorry he was.

"Paul, don't be sorry, I should have told you where I was going. It was a simple mistake, and you were doing the right thing at the time." I said, hoping my words would ease the guilt in him.

"But I felt your fear and you pain, and I still didn't do anything about it. I knew something was wrong-"

"But you couldn't have known something was wrong about me." I interrupted, rubbing my thumb along his hand comfortingly. The door opened, and a nurse walked in with a smile of her face, though it changed when her eyes flickered to Paul. She almost looked like she was irritated.

"Hello dear, I'm glad that you are awake," she stated, looking over my vitals, "are you in any type of pain?" She asked, looking over my injuries next.

"My stomach and arm hurt, but the rest of my body just feels sore," I said honestly, not wanting Paul to get mad at me for lying. She nodded, writing something down before smiling and telling me she would be right back.

Turning back to Paul, I hoped he would continue the conversation, but he only kissed my forehead, not meeting my eyes.

"I'm gonna get Charlie, he is in the cafeteria getting coffee," he said, giving me a small, almost non-existent smile before disappearing through the door. I sighed, hating that Paul felt so guilty that he couldn't stay in the same room as me.

Charlie and the nurse walked in at the same time, both smiling, though Charlie's was more sincere than the nurse's. I smiled back at him, though I could really feel pain from my stomach now.

"Hey Bells, how are you?" He said, sitting in the seat Paul was just sitting in and touching my good arm.

"I'm good," I said, my lie coming out strained. He grimaced, looking over at the nurse who quickly grabbed a needle with some liquid in it and put it into the IV beside me.

"That should numb the pain dear, but you might also get tired because you need sleep if you want to heal," she stated firmly, smiling at me and Charlie before leaving us to ourselves. I stared at the door longingly, hoping Paul would walk in again, but he never did.

"He's talking to the boys, telling them you are awake," Charlie said, seeing my disappointment. I nodded, biting my lip as I looked up at him.

"How long have I been out?" I asked him.

"4 days," he replied softly.

"Have you been here the whole time?" I asked surprised as I looked at the dark bags under his eyes. He nodded, giving me a small smile. I gave him a look, not liking that he has stayed here in uncomfortable positions for four nights.

"Don't give me that look Bells, I was worried about you," he replied, raising his hands. I sighed, knowing he was right and gave him another smile. I felt drained, and the pain in my body was starting to numb some. I could also feel my eyelids getting heavy with sleep. "Paul has been here the whole time too."

"He has?" I asked surprised.

"He really cares about you Bells," he said, smiling.

"What did you do?" I said, narrowing my eyes at him. He huffed, playfully annoyed at my question.

"I did nothing to the boy, but I did tell him that I approve of you dating." He stated smiling. I grinned wanting to hug him but couldn't.

"Thank you, Dad," I whispered, tearing up.

"Of course, Bells," he stated gruffly, obviously overwhelmed by the emotion. "Now go to sleep."

"Wait," I stopped, my voice drowsy, "can you see if Paul can come in here?"

Charlie left, and I closed my eyes from a quick second until I heard the door open again. Paul stood there, looking down at his shoes.

"You called for me?"

"Come here," I whispered, getting more tired with each passing second. He walked forward, standing beside me, but looking anywhere other than me, "Look at me." He glanced up, meeting my eyes softly. I reached forward and he knew what I wanted because he took my hand in his large one. "Listen to me Paul, I don't blame you for what happened, and you should stop blaming yourself too. It's Victoria's fault, please, I'm alive and I hate seeing you sad and upset-"

"Shh Bells," he whispered, waiting for my heart monitor to slow down, "you're right. You are alive, and I couldn't ask for anything more right now. I do blame Victoria, I blame her with a passion, I just…I almost lost you Bella."

"But you didn't," I said sleepily, resting my head back.

"I know," he replied back, leaning down to brush my hair back.

"Paul," I said softly. He saw what I wanted and bent down, attaching his lips to mine sweetly. I basked in the kiss and closed my eyes when he pulled away, my mouth turning into a soft smile.

"Sleep," he whispered. I nodded and drifted off once more, my hand tightly being held in his strong wolf one.

I woke up again, feeling more refreshed and less painful. Groggily looking around, I saw Paul's forehead lying on the bed, light snores leaving his body. As I listened to his small ones, loud ones started emanating from the man on the other side shocking me.

Jacob was lying back in his chair, head back and mouth open wide. I giggled, wishing I could take a picture of him. My giggle must have waked Paul up, because the bed shifted and his hand tightened in mine.

"Hey," he whispered, eyeing the Jacob. I smiled, squeezing his hand, which brought his focus back on me.

"Hey," I breathed back, feeling giddy. He saw my happiness and a smile grew on his face. He leaned forward and brought his lips to mine, kissing me tenderly as he smiled into it.

"Hey lovebirds, you mind doing that when someone else isn't in the room?" Jacob groaned, leaning up. I snickered, passionately kissing Paul's lip again. Jacob gagged and I pulled away smiling over at him.

"Hey, Jake," I stated, biting my lip. I felt like I haven't talked to Jacob in a very long time. He had the same thoughts in his eyes because he leaned forward and pulled me into a half hug.

"Hey Bells, I'm glad that you're okay," he replied, before pulling back and kissing my cheek.

"How long have I been sleeping?" I asked, thinking about the drugs that the nurse had given me.

"You've been sleeping for a good 8 hours," he replied lightly, chuckling. I grimaced, not liking the thought of sleeping that long. "Stop looking like that, you know that you needed it."

"Yeah I know," I grumbled grouchily. Both boys laughed, Paul giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"So I heard your Dad approves," Jake said looking between us. I blushed, my eyes drifting down as I nodded. When he didn't say anything, I looked up to see him looking away with a hidden anger in his eyes. I haven't seen him look like them before, though he had always seemed off when he was around us.

"What's wrong, Jake?" I asked, tapping his hand.

Paul made a motion to get up, and my head snapped around to look at him confused. He smiled comfortingly and shook his head. "I'll give you two a little time."

I frowned as he left, wondering why he would have to leave. Jake cleared his throat, gaining my attention again. "Bella, I-I…how do I-um, Bells-"

I sighed, shaking my head exasperated, "What's wrong, Jake?"

"You remember, the night of my change, at the theater?" He said trailing off. I stiffened, knowing exactly what he was talking about. I nodded once, not so sure I wanted to listen to the rest of his words. "And, well, you know how I feel about you Bells…"

"Jake…" I whispered, looking away uncomfortably.

"I know, it's wrong to feel this way about you, especially since Paul imprinted on you, but I can't help but feel angered that he imprinted on you and I didn't," he murmured looking away.

I sighed, pulling his face back to face me, but his eyes looked anywhere but at me. "I'm sorry Jake, that this is hurting you, but I-I love him Jake, he's the one for me, and I really can't imagine my life without him anymore."

"I know, and I can see that…I guess it will be something that I will have to get used to…" he muttered, closing his eyes.

"You will find the right girl, Jake. I know you will. She is out there waiting for the right moment to walk into your life. I love you Jake but that girl will love you in the way that I can't." I breathed, kissing his cheek. He looked down sighing before flashing me a small smile.

"I hope so, Bells," he said, though I could see that I was still hooked over his heart. It would take him a while, but I knew fate would bring him to his soul mate just like it brought me to mine.

Paul walked in at that moment, and Jake patted his back before getting up and telling me it was time for his patrol. I nodded and said bye before I was left with Paul. Surprising me, he gently lifted me, sliding in behind me so I was lying against his chest.

I held in my gasp of pain as it jostled my ribs, but sighed when I was able to relax against his chest. His scent covered me in his warm glow and I felt myself fall deeper into his safe embrace. I felt safe and protected in his arms, and I felt loved. There was no other place for me than right here.

"So…I heard your conversation with Jacob," he whispered, softly wrapping me in his arms.

I snuggled closer, tensing up against him. "I'm sorry," I whispered, hiding my face in his chest. A deep rumbled sounded though his chest as he laughed.

"I'm not worried or even mad, I knew he liked you a lot, he was blind not to, but there was one thing you said that caught my attention…" he trailed, his voice warm as if he was carrying withheld happiness.

"What was it?" I asked, closing my eyes.

"When you said that you loved me," he said, trying to sound calm. I moved, trying to turn and face him, but my ribs protested and he quickly moved himself around me instead.

This allowed me to gaze into his eyes with the intense amount of love that I felt at that exact moment. I reached up and touched his cheek gently. His eyes shone with so much love and happiness that I couldn't help the prickling in my eyes. Just seeing him this happy made me feel like the happiest girl in the world.

I never felt any luckier for having Paul by my side than I do now. He was my light in the darkness and the warmth that I needed when I was cold. I could picture us with a family and then as grandparents sitting on a swing as our grandchildren played in the front yard.

I saw my future and the love in his eyes, keeping me tied as I felt my future mold into a stone molding. It wasn't changing because he was my 'everything' and there was no other way my life could go without feeling the happiness that I do now.

I knew he was waiting for me to answer him back so I leaned up and touched his lips with the softest of touches, wanting to convey my answer as clear as day. He rested his hand in my hair, his hand running though my hair in soothing motion before he pressed his lips harder against mine with passion.

When we pulled back, I was softly crying with happiness as I looked up at him, our foreheads resting together as we tried catching our breath.

He brushed the tears from my eyes, kissing each tear that trailed down my face before I stopped entirely. Breathing out, I ran my hand through his hair, before saying," I truly do love you, Paul Lahote."

He smiled brightly, and I could see his eyes turn glossy as he tried also to contain his happiness and joy. He brought my lips back to his fiercely and when we pulled back, he whispered in a tone so full of love that it had me quaking in his arms, "As I love you, Bella Swan."

I giggled at his admission and kissed him again, harder and more passionately. He smiled into my lips, slipping his arms around me more as we both laughed with giddiness. When we quieted down, however, a slight fear slid into me, a fear that I had to tell Paul about.

"Paul, I was broken once, and I know that what happened wasn't real or as strong as it is with us but…I can't go through that amount of heartbreak again," I said, clutching him tighter. He shook his head hiding me from the world as he took me into his embrace.

"I promise you Bella, I will never ever hurt you. I can't. I will make you the happiest woman in the world and you won't ever deal with this again because I'm not going anywhere." He breathed into my hair, trailing kisses from it down to my face as he placed a soft meaningful kiss on my lips.

I nodded, smiling once more as I felt the truth of our love sing through me. I could feel Paul, as if our connection allowed us to know what they are feeling and thinking. It was the best feeling in the world and I didn't want it to go away ever.

We stayed silent for a while, and at some point I must have fell asleep because I re-woke to a dark room and a sleeping Paul behind me.

I trailed light designs on his arms, enjoying the peace and love inside of me. Closing my eyes, I breathed in Paul's scent and relaxed into his arms.

"That feels wonderful," Paul whispered behind me, sighing in content. I smiled, continuing the line down his arm. "Mmm- how are you?"

"Never better," I breathed lightly.

"Good, I love you," he replied just as light, kissing the back of my head.

"I love you more," I replied smiling.

"Not possible," he grumbled, shaking his head.

"Is too," I stated.

He shook his head again before replying, "Our love is equal."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, except, I might love you just a tiny but more," he chuckled, kissing my neck. I shivered, reaching back with my good hand and tapping his nose.

"Now that, Mr. Lahote, is not fair."

'Hasn't anyone told you, honey, that life isn't fair?'

"You have a comeback for everything don't you?" I remark, groaning playfully.

"Of course," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

I rolled my eyes, leaning back into him once more, "When do I get to leave this place?"

"The doctor said it would take a few weeks for you to heal," Paul said softly, obviously knowing that I didn't like being here.

"Ugh," I groan, pouting.

"You need to heal Bella, and the fastest way to do it is here," he stated simply.

"But I don't wanna," I grumble, sounding like a five year old. He chuckled again, rubbing circles on my stomach, being careful not to hit any of the healing bones.

"You have to, love, I need you better," I smile at the nickname, turning my neck so that I could see his face clearly. He kissed my lips softly, smiling sadly down on me.

"I know," I sighed and turned back down. I looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was at least 5 in the morning.

"The girls are gonna come see you," Paul said after a while, breaking the silence.

"Emily and Kim?" I asked. I felt him nod and I smiled saying again, "I missed them."

"They missed you too, Emily is bringing her niece Claire who is visiting for the week," he continued, shaking his head.

"What wrong with that?"

"Quil saw her for the first time yesterday…" he trailed off, knowing I would figure it out. I thought about his words before gasping.

"Quil imprinted on Claire? How old is she?"

"Three," he murmured, sighing in anger. "It's so wrong, but the good thing is, he only sees her as a little sister and she sees him as a big brother. Remember, we can be anything our imprint wants, only for their situation, he needs to be a big brother and then we she grows up he could be her best friend until she is old enough for them to be something more, but as of now, he doesn't see her like that, nor will he for a long time."

I took in the information, biting my lip. "How did Emily take it?"

"She locked him out of the house and hid her from him." He replied laughing. I giggled, but shook my head.

"But he couldn't help it," I whispered, feeling bad for the boy. Paul shrugged, smiling slyly as he looked at me.

"She knows that, she is just too stubborn to admit it." He muttered, chuckling at Emily's attitude. I stayed silent, looking forward as he continuously drew circles on me. "Bella, do you think you can tell me what happened? In Port Angeles I mean…"

I sighed, closing my eyes as I remember her happy, red eyes as she believed I was dying or already dead. She had followed me, knowing that I would be alone.

"I went to the library and then to a small café to sit and read. When I got the text from you, I quickly left," I said, blushing when I realized how desperate I sounded. He chuckled, kissing my red cheeks.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, love."

I smiled, resting my head back on his chest."Well, while I was driving, she landed on my truck and I just stared at her. I didn't realize I was swerving into oncoming traffic until the truck honked. I spun back onto my lane but I was rear-ended and my truck skid and crashed into the tree.

"She…she showed up beside me and said this would make it easier and look accidental." I muttered, shuddering as I saw her burning eyes in my thoughts.

Paul was shaking under me, trying to get his anger under control. I quickly grasped his hand and rubbed my thumb around the palm of his hand soothingly. Slowly, the shaking stopped and he leaned forward, breathing in my scent.

"I'm so sorry, Bella," he whispered, kissing my head.

"Don't be," I breathed, picking his hand up to kiss it, "hopefully she thinks I'm really dead and leaves all of you alone."

"Hopefully she leaves you alone, Bella. I'm more worried of her coming back and finishing the job, not about her coming back to mess with us. We can handle ourselves," he stated, shaking his head.

"Can we talk about something else now?" I asked, not wanting to continue this talk. He looked at me for a few seconds before he finally gave way to a small smile and nodded. I rested my head back on his chest, closing my eyes.

We started talking about minor subject, finding comfort in the joking Paul offered up again, losing the stiffness in his body and finally relaxing with me. By eight in the morning, I was sleeping with a smile on my face, curled up next to my boyfriend, the person that I now trust with my heart and my life.

This was a different love then it was with Edward, and this one felt cleaner, purer…safer. I finally believed that I made the right choice.