A/N Ok I apologise for the lack of updates, I have been pretty swamped under with uni work. I have finally got this one done and I have my other work in progress with my beta plus a companion story for my Bella/Carlisle story which will be up tomorrow.

I hope to have a quicker update here than this one, so please R&R.

Bella

Standing in front of my mirror I smile at my reflection. For the first time in my life I - Bella Swan - am actually happy with how I look! Tonight is my big date with Paul and I can't wait. Don't get me wrong, I love the pack and everything but, shit, I need some alone time with my man. He made me feel like a completely different person, when I was round the Cullen's I always felt as though there was an expectation of how I should act but with Paul, I felt more confident, more capable of just being me and I couldn't wait to see him!

It has been one hell of a long week, the pack got two new members and I can't shake the feeling that there is something going on that I don't know about. Even my own father seems to know something; he has been watching me like a hawk and nearly every night he has taken us both up to La Push to see Jake and Billy. It has been that way ever since the pack ran off to see what was going on with the vampire. Anytime I asked Charlie why we were spending so much time there, all he would say was that he thought I would be happy especially the times when Paul joined us for dinner…still I had that feeling.

After falling asleep in Paul's arms I finally woke to the sunlight streaming in the window and an empty be;, a little confused I threw on my clothes from the previous day and headed downstairs. As I reached the kitchen door, I could hear low voices talking; it sounded as though the whole pack was there. I strained to hear what was being said -


"We talked about this last night guys, we agreed not to mention too much just now" I heard Jake say. "You know she is fragile, can she handle being told this?"

What was going on? Who were they talking about? Thousands of questions were running through my head, when I heard Paul speak "Morning Bella" how the hell did he know I was there and did he know I was eavesdropping?

Blushing I pushed the door open and walked in, everyone was there, undistinguishable looks on their faces. I smiled at them "Morning guys, everything ok?"

Sam returned my smile "Everything is great, just going over last night"

I bit my bottom lip in worry and sat down "Is everything ok? Did you take care of the vampire?"

"We did, it was a random one who just had the bad luck to cross on to the rez" Paul said, guilt flashing on his face before being masked with a smile.

I gave a suspicious look to all of the pack "You're not telling me something - you all look too innocent! What's going on guys?"

"Nothing Bells, the leech was a little stronger than usual, that's all" Jake said smoothly, I looked at him trying to figure out if he was lying, damn he was always good at hiding his emotions, all I could see was a pit of brown staring back at me.

I looked around at everyone, something wasn't right, they weren't telling me something and I wanted to know what it was, I got to my feet and faced Paul "I need to get home, I have some work to do for school, could you drive me please?"

"Sure, lets go" he turned to the pack "try not destroying anything while I'm gone" they all gave him withering looks as we left.

On the drive back to Fork's, he was unusually quiet, I had no idea what to say until he parked outside my door; turning to me he cupped my cheek "Be careful Bella, if you need me call…promise me?" there was an urgency to his tone so I agreed immediately. "I will talk to you later baby" I nodded and jumped out of the car heading to my front door.

Subsequently that was the day Seth and Leah Clearwater phased. Poor Leah, my heart broke for her. Sam had called me later that evening to say that Paul was on his way to pick me up; I just hadn't realized what I was going to be met with.

"Right Bella, Leah has phased back to her human side but none of us can get through to her .We need your help…please?" Sam begged the moment I walked in the door.

I nodded at him and pushed past him to walk into the living room, seeing a tall boy I didn't recognize standing next to the door; he gave me a strained smile as I surveyed the surroundings. On the couch was a female who had been covered with a blanket, but I could see she was naked underneath., I turned to Paul and Sam "Can someone please go get her some clothes? Where is the rest of the pack?"

The new boy stepped forward "I'm her brother Seth, I'll run home and get some for her" I smiled at him as he ran from the room.

Sam answered my next question "The rest are patrolling, she's terrified but she won't hurt you Bella…however if we tell you to move back - do it"

I nodded and moved forward to the couch kneeling in front of her, she had long brown hair that was falling in her face. I gently pushed it away and looked at her face, god this girl could give Rosalie a run for her money in the goddess stakes. Her eyes were tightly shut and I could feel her trembling, I lay my hand on her arm, feeling a twitch under it. "Leah, my name's Bella…I'm here to help you" I waited a few minutes to see if I could get a reaction, nothing… I tried again "Leah, sweetie, if you can hear me say or do something please? I just want to know that you're ok" I saw some tears fall from her closed eyes, I felt my own well up at this poor girl.

I looked at the guys in concern, maybe someone else should be doing this but they were watching me with support and admiration in their eyes. I moved slightly to adjust my position when Leah's hand shot out and grabbed my wrist "Don't go" she whispered.

I looked down in surprise to see a pair of dark watery eyes staring back at me "I'm not going anywhere" before I could blink, she had sat bolt upright and wrapped her arms around my neck sobbing. Surprisingly she had managed to keep her blanket on as I rubbed her back "shh its ok" I whispered soothingly.

Seth came back quickly with his sisters clothes and looked floored to see his sister responding. The guys left so I could get Leah into something; after a few more tears I managed to coax her into her clothes and called the guys back through, we all sat on the floor, both my hands occupied - one clenched tightly in Paul's grip the other in Leah Clearwater's - as Sam told her what had happened.

It turned out she had phased on her own and went into shock. Paul had found her and had managed to get her to phase back into her human form before bringing her back to his, but when she wouldn't respond to him or Sam, they decided to call me to see if I could bring her around.

As time wore on I realized I had to head home. Just before I got into Paul's car, Leah followed me and wrapped me in a tight warm embrace and whispered in my ear "Thank you for all your help tonight Bella, I will never forget it!"

Even in just a week, she had become a fierce friend, almost like a sister. I had to go shopping for my date tonight, the one thing I normally hate the most in the world but I got my girls Angela, Emily, Leah and Kim to help. Surprisingly I had so much fun and it warmed my heart to see everyone accept Leah straight away, she was feeling like a freak being the only female wolf but we made sure that she knew we loved her just the way she was. I used the trip to get to know Emily a little better, out of everyone she was the quietest, always on the sidelines just watching people. When I asked Sam he had explained because of her scars, she always felt a little self-conscious; I asked him about the scars but I was told that whilst it was his fault, it should be Emily who explained. I felt tears pricking at my eyes at the memory of our conversation…shit, I grabbed a tissue and dabbed at the side of my eyes. I was determined to not wreck all my good work for tonight!

We had wandered over half of the mall when I finally came across a little boutique tucked into the back; we went in and milled around. I grabbed Emily's arm "Come and help me look around" I saw a blush cover her beautiful face, it had taken a lot of convincing to get her to come along. Every time I brought it up she would change the subject, finally after some pressure from me, the girls and the pack she had given in.

I had noticed as we wandered over the mall, she would pull her hair over the scars trying to hide them. I felt a tug at my heart strings, Emily was stunning and the scars only added to her exotic look. I saw a blue silk dress hanging up, lifting it I showed it to her "Oh Bella, it's gorgeous, go try it on" she grinned at me.

I nodded and grabbing her hand, walked to the fitting room, I made Emily sit in the corner of the room as I changed; trying to think of how to go about this delicately, I decided to throw caution to the wind "Em, I'm not trying to pry or anything but…"

Emily held her hand out cutting me off, she gave me a small smile "I know what you're going to say, Sam mentioned it. He feels so bad for what happened" her voice broke and she lowered her eyes, forgetting about my dress I crossed over to her and kneeled in front of her.

Putting a hand under her chin, I forced her to meet my eyes "Don't look away from me Emily, you have no need to."

A single tear ran down her unblemished cheek "But how can you stand to look at me? That's why I didn't want to come with you today Bella, you don't need a freak following you. I see the stares, hear the whispers - it's not fair to inflict them on you!"

"Oh Emily, don't be silly, you're not a freak, people are ignorant sweetheart but they don't matter. What does matter is that you have a family who loves you unconditionally and would do anything for you" she smiled through her tears as I leaned forward to embrace her.

"Thank you Bella, I guess you're curious about my scars?" a look of shyness crossed her features.

"Yes I'm curious but you don't need to tell me if you don't want to" I said not wanting to push her.

As she opened her mouth, I heard a knock on the fitting room door "Bella its Leah, Angela and Kim, can we come in?"

I looked at Emily who nodded "Sure come in" I called out.

They filed in the door, Leah coming straight over to us and hugging Emily tightly "I'm sorry, I heard what you said and trust me Emily, if anyone does anything to upset you well they will incur the wrath of the amazing Leah Clearwater!" We began to laugh at Leah's ability to dissolve a potentially upsetting situation into something funny.

"Thanks Leah, I guess you know I was going to tell Bella about my scars" she said quietly.

A pained look crossed Leah's face as she nodded "I saw what happened in Sam's mind, take your time telling us, on you go Em tell agony aunt Bella here" she smirked at me as she took Emily's hand.

I stared at her, my mouth slightly open "Agony Aunt…where the fuck do you get this stuff from Clearwater?"

She grinned at me and nudged me slightly "Well, you're the one who has been here for us all in our time of need, so it seemed appropriate."

I stuck my tongue out at her as Angela and Kim sat against the wall waiting for Emily to speak. As we turned our attention to her, she took a deep breath before telling us what had happened. "It was about a month after Sam told me that he had imprinted on me, everything had been great at first. Jared and Paul phased at the same time and joined Sam, brothers in every sense but I wanted more from life. At the time I knew what imprinting was but not the full extent of what it does to you. I had looked at colleges away from Washington and had made the decision to leave here; I wanted an education then I would come back here and start a family. It was never my intention to leave Sam but when I told him what I was thinking, he over reacted and thought I was ending things with him, I remembered he doubled over in pain, crying over how I would never come back to him." She stopped to take another breath and closed her eyes.

"That's when I made my mistake. I went to him and sat in front of him, trying to explain that I wasn't leaving for good, it was only so I could go to university! I asked him to come with me as in all honesty, I couldn't see my life without him…he got mad and began to rant about his role as a protector. This only worked me up and I accused him of using it as a cover to not being open to life's adventures. He began to shake violently as he screamed at me, telling me was this what I thought he wanted…that he didn't want to just discard everything in La Push and go with me but he couldn't do that, he had a role to fulfill. We shouted at one another a bit more when his shaking got worse, it was then he realised he was going to phase. I couldn't get away quick enough. I was in the direct line with his claws, I can still see that look of panic in his eyes as he cut through my skin, it took months for it to repair even slightly and I was in and out of hospital; Sam footed every single one of my bills. I used to protest but every time I did, I could see the guilt there. No matter how many times you tell him it was an accident, he blocks it out - in his mind it was entirely his fault. He even said afterwards that if I wanted to leave to go to University then he wouldn't stop me, that he no longer had the right to have a say in my life. That was the moment I saw the light, I could cut myself off and get an education but loose the man I was in love with or I could embrace my future and live with him…I chose him!"

By the end of her story we were all in silence. God she was so strong, people kept telling me I was strong but they had the wrong one there, it was Emily; not many people could come away from that still smiling and optimistic. Tears were streaming down all of our faces when we launched ourselves at her, wrapping her in a group hug.

In the end I did buy the blue dress, it took a bit of persuading but I gave in and for the first time I have voluntarily worn heels. I just hope Paul is on the ball tonight or I'm going to end up on my ass. Checking the time, I inwardly rejoiced that Paul should be here soon so I finished off putting on my makeup and took a seat on the end of my bed; a wave of nerves running through me, why the hell was I so nervous tonight? It was Paul…

I was pulled from my daze by my dad yelling "Bells, Paul's here!"

I grinned and walked down the stairs slowly to avoid falling. As I reached the bottom I was met with two shocked looking males, my hand flew to my face "Is there something wrong?" I stuttered.

Both Charlie and Paul broke into massive smiles "You look stunning Bella" Paul said softly reaching for my hand. I let him pull me into his arms, soaking in his embrace, I felt a smile grace my face, this was where I belonged.

I pulled away and looked at my dad "So you going to be ok tonight?"

I saw him flash a look at Paul before speaking "I'm going to Sue's diner to meet Billy, then we are going back to his – you're coming to La Push tonight as well aren't you?"

I looked at Paul unsure of what I was doing "Yeah Charlie, don't worry…you will probably be landed with the guys tonight, I know they were all planning a little trip to see Sue."

I loved Sue, she was Leah and Seth's mother and was the owner of the diner in La Push. After her kids phased she was let into the secret and was now being overrun with boys who had abnormally large appetites - but she loved it!

Charlie began to laugh "Well I'll be sure to keep a low profile, don't want those animals hijacking my night"

The three of us chuckled as we headed out to the cars. Waving a goodbye to Charlie, Paul helped me into my seat and we set off. Turning to face him I asked "Where are we going?"

He gave me a heartwarming, panty dropping smile "Surprise" he turned his focus back to the road, I took the time to stare at his features, mesmerizing them so when at night I could see him in my sleep. My eyes drifted down his face to his neck and then those muscles hidden underneath the white shirt he was wearing, all the way down to the one area I hadn't seen yet but was dying to. I wanted to be with Paul in every way possible, I know he was taking things slowly because of what had happened with the Cullen's…but screw slow, I wanted him.

I heard him chuckle and I raised my eyes to be met with an amused expression "Having fun there Swan?"

"Yeah loads Johnson" I teased back winking at him. I felt his eyes drift over my form, resting on my breasts and the centre of my legs feeling my body burn with desire, oh hell…I wanted him to switch off the engine and take me over the hood of his car. He gave me a lazy smile before pulling into a car park and coming to a stop.

We were in front of a restaurant and hadn't been driving that long…he got out and ran to my side, opening the door for me. I grabbed his hand and let him drag me to the door. Going inside, I nearly stopped breathing, it was stunning, it was pretty dark, the only light coming from candles adorning the tables, I heard Paul give our reservation over as we were led to a table that was in the back. Sitting down I looked at him in amazement "This is gorgeous, how did you find it?"

He smiled, embarrassment tingling his cheeks "Emily told me about it, I thought you would like it?"

I reached across the table "I love it, thank you" We looked at our menus as the waiter too our orders, after placing our order, we sat and looked at one another, I once again took in his features, he appeared to be doing the same to me, this was it…the moment I told him how I felt. I opened my mouth "Paul..I lo" just then the waiter appeared with our food…fuck!

We chatted about school and work as we ate, I told him about the shopping trip "Emily told me about the scars"

He looked at me carefully before answering "Sam feels guilty over it, no matter what we tell him, its one of those things he will carry forever" a frown crossed his face as he looked at his food and mumbled "I'm scared that I'm going to do something like that to you Bella, I'm the one with the quick temper"

I set my fork down and looked at him "In the time we have been together Paul, you haven't, so why do you think you're going to?"

"I nearly did, the first time I phased" he had set down his fork a fierce look in his eyes.

"But you didn't, that's the point, what happened to Emily was a tragic accident and nothing is going to change it but that doesn't mean it's going to happen to us" he smiled at me as we started to eat again, I sat in silence for a moment as something struck me, a moment of pride rushed over me as I realized it didn't upset me, instead I began to laugh.

Paul looked at me in confusion "What's funny Bella?"

"It just hit me, this is the first date, I have been on where my date actually eats food, when Edward took me out and he used to sit with a disgusted look on his face as I ate. It's nice to be doing something so normal for a change, I think it's finally hit me that this is the life I want to lead, I want to do human things like eat and god know why I am admitting this but peeing as well. Shit they can't do anything like that and I wanted to live that life…not anymore, you are now officially looking at Bella Swan 100% wolf girl" I grinned at Paul who was looking at me with a mixture of pride and amusement on his face.

"I'm glad to hear it wolf girl" he joked "I'm glad your over those bloodsuckers Bella, it's wonderful to see you smile, I remember seeing you that first day on the beach, you looked so battered and defeated, when you had tears in your eyes, I wanted nothing more than to hold you, to take those pains away. I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you. I love you Bella" he said softly, his eyes staring into mine as if trying to read my soul.

My world stopped moving, my breath ripped away from me "You love me?" he nodded, trying to judge my reaction when I broke into a massive smile "I love you to Paul, your everything to me, I was just waiting for the right moment to tell you"

His face broke into a massive grin and he stood up from his chair, he came to my side and kneeled in front of me, the fact we were in public had vanished from our minds, it was only the two of us. He cupped my cheeks between his hands and whispered "I will love you for eternity Bella" he leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. We lost our self in the kiss when a waiter appeared to tell us that we were in public, god I was mortified but I couldn't care, I was with my Paul and we were in love.

Finishing our dinner quickly, we paid and left hand in hand, as we reached the car, he leaned against the hood of his car and pulled me to him, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his urgently, my tongue pushing against his lips as he opened quickly, his hands fell from my waist to cup my ass, I pushed my hips to meet his causing him to hiss in my mouth, we forgot about the world around us, nothing existed outside of our own bubble when I heard his phone ringing, groaning he pulled away "Its Sam's tone, it must be important" I pulled away from him and let him answer, leaning against the door I watched him carefully, I couldn't believe he told me that he loved me, seriously someone must be smiling upon me to have brought this man into my life.

I smiled, closing my eyes, this was the perfect night ever, nothing could ruin it…or so I thought until he shouted "Fuck, we will be right there" my eyes flew open, he looked as pale as he could, worry shining in his eyes "Bella, don't ask questions just get in the car, we need to get to the diner now"

I nodded and ran to my side and threw myself into the seat, he peeled out of the car park as though it was life or death, and I was scared, what was going on? I know he said not to ask questions but fuck that "What's wrong Paul? You're scaring me?"

He swallowed thickly, a look of fear crossing his face "Sam and the pack can smell a leech, maybe more than one, they figured safety in numbers and everything"

"Ok, let's get there" I said quietly, I was scared…why the fuck did the vampires have to screw up my life once again, this should be a happy night not one where we are running to fight for our lives, will we ever be free from them?

Paul made it to the diner in record time, a little embarrassed over the fact that as a police officer he had done nearly three times the speed limit, he jumped out his seat as we parked and raced around to grab my hand, I saw the pack outside with Emily, Angela, Kim, Billy and my dad. As we reached them Sam was saying "Right Leah, Seth you need to get everyone somewhere safe, watch over them" they nodded just as all the wolves stood up straight, as if their hair was on end, they started to growl in synch, a shiver ran down my spine at the sound, Paul squeezed my hand softly to let me know everything was ok. "Everyone not a wolf get inside now" Sam ordered, the group nodded and began to head inside.

I nodded and moved to the side where my father was, as the pack moved forward…looking all around "What's going on Bella?" I heard Angela ask.

I turned to look at her "It means there here" I saw her face go deathly white, I walked away from the group as subtly as I could. There were trees just in front of the pack; I wondered if that's where the vampires were. "Bella come back" I heard my father whisper behind me. I ignored him and continued forward until I was at Paul's back.

I laid my hand on his shirt causing him to look at me in frustration "Bella go inside with everyone now"

I shook my head defiantly "No, I'm not leaving your side"

He sighed deeply "Baby I only want you to be safe, please go inside, you could get hurt" he was right, I knew he was and if I was out here, he would be distracted trying to protect me, I couldn't face him being hurt because of me.

I nodded "Be safe" I whispered before turning around to head inside the dinner.

I got a few steps when the growling increased, then I heard it…two simple words that brought me literally to my knees "Hello Bella"

My eyes squeezed shut, tears falling down my cheeks as I felt a set of warm arms wrap around me…no, not now…please not now, I wasn't ready for this, everything was just starting to go right…