Sheriff Greg had lived in Pickens County all his life. Went to school. became a cop, Got married, had kids, got promoted and lived his life. His children didn't like the south and wanted to get away from the small-town life while his wife…well she was a different story and he didn't feel like talking about her. What he was focused on was the construction going on next to beaver cut furniture. The beaver cut or the cut as the townspeople called it had been in here for years and the owner Paul was quiet but efficient. Everything in the store was made by hand and everyone in the whole state of Alabama would travel to get their hand on his goods. He also sold fresh produce and milk from his store twice a week. He had recently bought the empty store next to him and no one knew why. It was funny because the people of Pickens didn't like anyone from McMullen but when it came to buying things…they didn't care...as long as it was good quality and that Paul made stuff beyond quality. By now everyone in town had seen the paler than snow girl with chocolate brown eyes and mahogany hair with red highlights. She stuck out like a sore thumb. However, no one dared approached her. no one wanted to get on as they called him mayor Paul's bad side. The man had a nasty temper and rightfully so. When he first came to this town…the people of Pickens gave him hell, but it was the tiny town of McMullen that embraced him. Ever since then McMullen town had become very popular. They were picken's county main source of wood, produce and milk. And now…an unknown shop was being built. Greg was going to find out what it was.

Paul for the first time in his life was content. The room smelled of sawdust and vanilla. Jolene had decided that the town needed a tea shop. Not coffee…tea. Tea and baked goods. It made sense, Alabama and sweet tea. Jolene decided to name the shop sweet tea. It wasn't finished yet and she still needed a menu but with Ms. li and Caroline's help…she would have it done soon. Paul was side eyeing her as he finished sawing the wood for the counters. She was laughing with Ms. li and mason Clark.

Ever since she saw him phase, they had been closer than before. She moved into her cabin the same night. For the last couple of weeks all he smelled was her and his nights had been peaceful. Of course, there were things no one could heal, not even her. The sound of his children's cries and questions haunted him but there was nothing he could do. The sound of the door opening distracted Paul from his thoughts. He had to refrain a growl. The sheriff was in and he was not alone.

Jolene's laughter was cut short when a cough interrupted her conversation. She looked up to see an older man with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes and a tall dark skin woman with long braids and hazel eyes.

"…Ms. Li! Mason Clark! How y'all doin?" the man greeted

"Hey...sheriff? Miss Tabitha. How y'all?" Mason Clark replied tensely. Mason didn't like this. The sheriff stayed away from them and what was worse he brought Miss Tabitha with him. She was the president of the Pickens county community council and she was a snob. Always looking down on everyone just because her father was the mayor of Pickens county. She also had a thing for paul. Mason just hoped she didn't go too far today.

"We's good. Its all good. The sheriff and I wanted to just confirm that ya'll was coming to the county fair especially you Paul…" Tabitha said as she sauntered over to the working man, her hips swaying.

Of course Paul wasn't paying attention to her. He continued doing his work but had his ears open.

"hey…Paul?" the sheriff called out.

Paul stopped what he was doing and met Greg's blue eyes.

"sheriff Greg. What do you need"? he replied stiffly ignoring Tabitha's presence.

"just wanted to see what you were working on and just to make sure you was coming to the county fair. We all love seeing your horses…and that fine wooden furniture you make. Tabitha sure loves them."

Before Paul could reply a soft voice interrupted them

" im sorry to interrupt but Paul…where's that tape measure? Is it in the truck? May I have the keys?"

It was Jolene looking up at him with her chocolate eyes. He was grateful for the distraction.

"yes... it is in the truck. Here... come on. Ill grab them. Uh…Sheriff yes I'll be there. Have a good night sheriff, Tabitha. Mason can show you the door."

With that said Paul put his hand on Jolene lower back and ushered her out.

Digging through the tail gate of his truck he found d the tape measure. It was one of his extra's.

"...Thank you.." he whispered without looking up. While they had become close...he still kept her at a distance. The night he phased had been the only night he had a full-length conversation with her. He had to be careful. If he let her get too close...he would lose her. but them again. How can you lose something you never had to begin with?

Sue Clearwater swan sighed. Her head was killing her and the kids wouldn't stop screaming. Her great niece and nephew. Sarah and Nathan lahote black uley. It was confusing with the three last names but it made sense. Paul had signed their birth certificate while Rachel had been their mother and Sam…well Sam was supposedly their father but she didn't believe it. It had been five years since Paul got out of prison and had been banned from la push. The lahote name had been taken from the books and truthfully away from the twins. While lahote was on their birth certificate no one dare spoke that name.

"honey im home! You ready for the bonfire!" the voice of her second husband yelled

"yeah let me just finish getting Sarah and Nathan ready!" she replied as she straightened her hair.

She and Charlie had gotten married a few years after his only daughter had selfishly moved back to phoenix and refused to come home. No one spoke her name either. It seemed that she had tried to kill herself because her ex-boyfriend left her. it was only after she married Charlie did she, Billy and Sam tell him the truth. About the pack and the cold ones. Charlie went ballistic and went away for a few weeks. Returning oddly calm. He said he got over it and they could move on.

It had taken some time… but they worked through it. They even added Charlie unto the council and as chief of their police force. Being a step grandparent was hard, but he loved it. Sam would often turn to him for advice…speaking of Sam…sue sighed. She would have to watch her only daughter sit next their supposed chief along side Emily. Sue felt like puking. Her only daughter living in a polyamorous relationship because she was too prideful to let go of the man that was not good for her or Emily. Sue was afraid for her daughter but also Sarah and Nathan. Sam treated them like crap. It was why the twins tended to go between her house and Billy's house. They loved Jacob and Billy, but it was hard for them too. Everyone refused to speak Rachel's name. so many things-

"MA! Lets go! Sam hates starting late and I really don't want to get my ass kicked because of you!" she heard her son yell.

Sue sucked in a breath. Ever since he joined the pack...seth had become extremely disrespectful toward her and any women for that matter.

It was said because in the pack men were the kings. Specifically, sam.

"Watch your mouth boy! Don't you dare disrespect your mother like that!" she heard Charlie roar

"and what are you going to do about it!" she heard Seth growl "you're not my dad!"

Sensing a fight n the rise, sue dialed Jacob's number. He was the true alpha and Seth would listen to him. Well his wolf would anyway.

It was going to be a long day and the kids were still not dressed.