A/N: Thanks again to all my followers and reviewers! It means a lot to me. I'd like to hear about any thing in particular you like?

I just want to clarify for the guest who is fed up with Corrie. LOL, I don't blame you. She is frustrating but I just want to clarify her character better before you read the chapter - which might have done that for you anyways.

Corrie is inexperienced with guys - the way she feels about Paul is totally new to her and she is freaking out because of it. She doesn't have much friends even though she is friendly with a lot of people it's because of her role in sports and because her best friend Val is a popular girl. This summer is a turning point for her because she is experiencing boys for the first time in an intimate way. She is only seventeen and is still a bit immature - she has an attitude sometimes.

I find imprint stories tend to make the girl seem like such a mature person who lives on her own and etc. or someone who doesn't have a good relationship with her family most time. But Corrie is very close to her family and cherishes them a lot, she is especially envious of Leanne for being fully Quileute and living on the Rez. Corrie wishes she could have grown up there with her grandmother. She feels a strong connection to that side of her bloodline and her father's mother.

So while it may seem like, "Oh she likes Paul she should just get over Leanne's crush," she can't help but feel loyal to her cousin and family - although her father causes her to test her loyalty often. She assumes that Leanne and Paul were more serious than they actually were because of how Leanne talked about Paul at the bonfire, at their grandmother's house and in this chapter.

You will see that the major setbacks in her relationship with Paul have a lot to do with her family more than vampires and those types of supernatural situations. It is important that Corrie be forced to grow up and mature in being Paul's imprint. She has to learn how to put him first because the bond they share is much stronger than anything else.

I wanted to take a different angle in my story, one that is more "realistic" in that an imprint at seventeen years old wouldn't just be on her own all the time at home and obsessing over her wolf, she'd have other obligations to consider like family and school which would get in the way. But I'll still add the supernatural in there, no worries.

So I hope you guys understand better and that this chapter and the next one to follow will help clarify her situation so we can move on to the next phase in their relationship. I also hope you get a clear picture of Paul, his struggle as a wolf and his insecurities, the reasons why he has an attitude problem and why he needs his imprint but yet still fought against it before.

But on the bright side, we are getting very close to Corrie finally giving in to Paul! So hang in there!:) Sorry for the long note!

No Copyright infringement intended on Stephenie Meyer's work!

Paul

Who did Corrine think she was, coming to the beach like that? She rejected me. She didn't want to be friends. It was hard enough accepting that she wanted nothing to do with me, and then she wants to hang? And I hated my wolf for being so damn happy to see her. Did it really not know any better?

We bickered then we talked all friendly and shit, and then she got up and left to go to Jock Boy. I was a fucking fool to get my hopes up. She had come there for him not me. How could she be so heartless? She's my imprint for Christ's sake, why wasn't it working?

Jake had punched me for bringing those girls back to our group, saying that Corrine had seen and was upset. "That's not the way to handle things," Sam had lectured me. But they were all just pissed that I'd busted our ball, now I had to find the money to get a new one.

She didn't care about me at all, or she would've never left. She'd made her choice, and once again, it wasn't me. I knew this because I could feel her emotions. I felt everything – her nerves, her lust, her curiosity, her embarrassment and her guilt. It was the guilt that really did me in. She didn't need to feel guilty, she needed to do the right thing and stop running!

How could she leave me after we touched? Didn't she feel that? The way our bodies seemed to come alive when I massaged her foot? It was like finding an oasis after wondering in the desert. We needed to be together. I knew that I hadn't imagined the way she looked at me, the way she actually smiled at me, completely unguarded. She wanted me to be close to her, she'd practically melted when I'd picked her up from the sand. She fit so perfectly in my arms I never wanted to let her go. Why didn't she want more?

Instead, she went back to her jock and kissed him in front of me, then had the nerve to get upset because I was with two girls. Why did I do it? Cause I was feeling petty as shit! She thought I was a whore anyways, so why not live up to her expectations? It didn't matter to her that I cared about her foot, she couldn't see that I was trying my best to be good to her and control my temper. She basically ran to him when he called her, like she was his. So what could I do but find someone that wanted me? It wasn't even in my plans. Those girls saw me when I was leaving and convinced me to stay. So why not have some fun, it's not like I slept with them or anything, I couldn't. I wouldn't.

As much I had had been denying the imprint, today I knew that I couldn't deny any longer that I wanted Corrine for myself. I didn't want him to be the one that she kissed like that. But what could I do about it?

You're a douche.

Fuck off Leah! God, why did she have to be in my mind right now?

You're so off base. You don't even know how to think right.

Who the fuck asked you?

I saw everything through Seth's memory. You should have been nicer to her if you wanted her to stay. You bickered like little kids.

I tried to make up for it, didn't Seth show you that?

No, I guess he wasn't paying attention at that point.

Well don't judge when you didn't see the whole picture. I tried, we were getting along and then HE showed up and she ran off with him.

You really don't get it do you?

Get what? I asked, even though I really didn't want to hear what she had to say.

If she has to choose, give her a reason to choose you. DO MORE Paul, WIN her.

I wanted to protest but it occurred to me that the bitch was right for once. Since I didn't have it in me to fight the imprint anymore, maybe now it made sense to actually fight for it instead. I had to prove myself to Corrine, didn't I?

Dumbass! Life would be so much easier if you could just imprint on yourself.

Leah was so lucky that we weren't running together, I was itching for a fight. Not being able to see or talk to my imprint had me in the foulest of moods. She had no idea what I was going through, staying away as a human at least.

Bring it on Loser!

Before I could catch myself Leah was on top of me snapping at my back. We snarled and tumbled and bit each other for a while before Sam phased in and Alpha-commanded us to stop.

I phased back and stomped my way home. It was after eight that night anyway and I was done with patrol.

I didn't need anyone invading my head, telling me I'm dumb. I knew I was dumb. And it hurt. It hurt like a bitch to know that things had gone south before we even had a chance. Everybody who had their imprints were happy but me. If only I could have stuck to my guns and ignored her from the start. I should have never gone to Jacob's either of those times she came there. I should have resisted the pull.

But how can I? I wouldn't be in this position if I could! None of us would be. Sam would still be with Leah if he had a choice, wouldn't he?

Corrine kept telling me to stay away, to forget her and it pissed me off! She didn't understand that I couldn't stay away, that my wolf automatically drew me to her. This was the part I hated. I had no control over my emotions anymore. The wolf wanted her, so I wanted her. I was obsessed with a girl that I couldn't have because of my past which included her cousin. Leanne meant nothing to me but Corrie seemed to think she did. What had Leanne told her?

I made it home and went straight to the fridge for some cold water. My cuts were already healing up nicely. I'd get Leah back another time. But I knew that she was right. If I wanted Corrine I had to make her choose me back. I had obviously made my choice, even if it was against my better judgment. I wanted her to want me even though I really had nothing to offer her but my love and protection.

But would she choose me over that stupid jock she was with? I knew he was the obvious choice because he wasn't part wolf, and he was rich - and he didn't come from La Push. He wasn't dangerous or forbidden for her to be around. How could I really compete with that? And what if I made her choose me and then fucked it up? I'd never forgive myself for hurting her and she'd certainly as hell never forgive me. She knew what I was like, that's why she kept resisting. If only I could show her that she could trust me. I wouldn't mess this up, no way.

I wanted her so badly.

A banging on my door brought me out to the living room. I opened up to find Dianne smirking at me. "Well hello there sexy," she licked her lips for effect.

"Hey." I answered gruffly. I was not in the mood, but I let her in anyway.

"Your mom home?"

"You know she isn't."

She smiled. "What's your problem? You got into a fight?"

Shit. She shouldn't be here to see my scratches disappear. "Sort of."

"You need a bath," she said with a naughty grin. She rubbed her hands over my chest and shoulders and I shivered. Her touch usually would excite me, but today it repulsed me. The scent of her arousal repulsed me. All I could think was that I wished she was somebody else. My wolf stirred and I suppressed a growl.

I grabbed her wrists and gently pushed them towards her. "I'm sorry Dianne, but…I can't do this anymore." I looked at her- her jet black hair, her hazel eyes, her high cheekbones, her lanky yet curvy frame; and felt nothing.

The smile fell from her face and her eyes narrowed. "What the fuck does that mean Paul?"

"Exactly what I said. Look I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Why the fuck not!"

"Because…because I just need to stop doing shit like this."

"What are you talking about?"

"I need to stop hooking up alright? Geez Dianne! I gotta get my life together, okay?" Was she stupid?

"You're not serious." Her eyes narrowed at me, growing dark with anger.

"You need to go. I'm sorry. We had a great run." There were a ton of guys she could be with anyways.

"FUCK YOU!" she screamed, trying to shove me, which of course didn't work.

I opened the door and closed it behind her, locking it. I ran up the stairs and took a shower and then flopped into my bed.

I needed to sleep.

Tomorrow was another day to deal with the sins of my past.

"Paul, get up!" My mother nudged me. I grunted and rolled over, trying to ignore her. "I need you to go to the store for a few things. The house is bare, I got paid but it isn't much, I got bills to pay."

This was the one thing I dreaded: a reminder of the fact that I didn't contribute financially to my household. With my dad gone, we only had the one income. Sometimes the Council gave the pack a stipend but it wasn't a regular thing, because other people might need help. The Rez was a poor town to live in, but it was home and we didn't need payment to protect our tribe even though it was hard to give up our lives and dreams to protect everyone and get little to nothing in return. It was a secret, the wolves, so we couldn't expect anything. Only those who knew about our work were appreciative. The Council tried to help us whenever they could, Billy and Sue especially.

But what job could I really get here? Sam was working construction, Embry's mom ran the convenience store and he and Quil worked shifts with her. Seth and Leah didn't need to worry about anything, Sue made enough as a nurse at Forks General and here at the tribal clinic. Collin and Brady were young so their parents had them covered. Jake fixed cars for people, but Jared and I? We were the bums. We didn't even contribute to Emily's grocery bill unless stipends came around. I was tired of doing nothing but running around and ripping vampires to shreds. Hell, if we got to do that more often maybe it would be more worth it. We hardly got to touch vampires now, as the Cullens didn't drink human blood.

Sometimes I couldn't help but feel like my life totally sucked.

"PAUL!" she screamed on her way out the front door.

"I'm up Ma!"

I got up and stumbled to the bathroom with my eyes still closed. I did my business and got dressed in simple jeans, t-shirt and my Nikes – my last pair of trainers that I couldn't afford to shred. She'd left the money and grocery list on the kitchen table. I sat down and inhaled a huge bowl of cereal, then boiled the last pack of hot dogs which I ate with ketchup. I was still hungry. Lots of times I just tried to ignore it because I hated to feel like a burden on Emily or my mom. No one in the pack knew, but sometimes when I was really desperate I'd hunt in wolf form just to get a free meal. But that was only when I'd pissed off the others so much and I knew they didn't want to be around me. But I hated raw meat and I didn't enjoy eating the Cullen Way either.

I got into my old truck and went down to our little La Push grocery.

I pushed the cart down the aisle, picking up what my mother wanted, trying my best not to make eye contact with anyone. I could already hear the whispers.

"That's one of Sam's boys, the steroid crew."

"He slept with my cousin Ginny, she said he's really good in bed."

"He thinks he's all that, but he isn't. That whole gang needs to just leave La Push."

Sometimes wolf hearing had great benefits, but most times it just pointed out to me and my brothers just how much we were misunderstood by our own tribe. The very people we worked to protect.

"Hey Paul. I saw your truck outside."

I rolled my eyes and sighed before turning to face Leanne.

"Hey," I said without emotion.

"Haven't heard from you in a while?"

"I've been busy."

"As always. For someone without a job you're always busy," she giggled and pushed her hip out as she stood staring at me.

"I have a job." I really didn't appreciate the jibe.

"Well, I wanted to know if we could get together soon."

"Sorry, can't."

She pouted and straightened up. "Why not?"

"Because, I can't. I'm done with all the dating drama for now. I just need to focus on myself. I need to get my shit together." I need to win your cousin by turning my life around.

She snorted, "Oh really?" Her eyes showed she found this amusing.

"Yes." Bitch.

I was so tired of everyone expecting me to never amount to anything.

Fuck! Don't I deserve respect? At least a little? Couldn't I have someone who had faith in me? I could only wonder if my own imprint would be any better towards me, would she support me and help me be a better man? The Spirits were supposed to give us what we needed.

"I gotta go Leanne, take care."

"Paul, wait, don't do this! Please! I mean, I really like you. I always have. I don't see why we have to stop for you to do that? I've waited so long for this!" Her desperation sickened me. None of them could understand that they were not what I was longing for, what I needed. I had found her, and none of them could compare or substitute.

"Leanne, I'm sorry but it's already over, okay? You like the idea of being with me, and I just can't be the guy in your fantasy. Please don't make a fuss. We went out a couple times and that was it, don't make it into something it wasn't."

"You're a real piece of shit, you know that?" She spat, pointing her finger all up in my face. I was tempted to bite it clean off and spit it out in her face.

"Yeah, thanks for the news flash, bitch! NOW GET OUT OF MY FUCKING WAY!"

She stumbled back a few paces away from me, properly astonished; and I heard the gasps of customers around us. I didn't fucking care, why should I? She had it coming. I didn't have to take her insults just because she's a female and we're in public! She was nothing but a big-ass pain in my butt, she was ruining everything for me and Corrine.

I bought the groceries and loaded them up and went back home to unpack them. I made a couple sandwiches for myself and got the newspaper out.

Now how many more mistakes would come back to haunt me before I got my life together?

Corrine

I had just come back from the biking trail and was giving Apollo a cleaning in the driveway when my phone rang. I fished it out of my shorts and was surprised to see Leanne's name.

"Hey what's up?" I answered with a smile.

"Corrie? Can I come see you?" I could hear her sniffling on the line.

"Of course! Is everything okay?"

"No it isn't. I just need to get out of La Push for a bit."

"Well come over it's okay," I reassured her.

"Alright I'll be there in a few minutes, I'm already on the highway."

"Okay."

By the time I was finished with my bike my cousin was pulling up on the curb. She got out, dressed in what I figured was her work uniform, an orange dress that stopped at her knees with a white collar and buttons down the front. She was a mess, her nose was red and her eyes puffy. She came straight to me and threw her arms around my neck as she sobbed into my shoulder.

"Shhh, it's okay. What happened?" I asked her. "Come on, let's go out back." I led her around the house to the back patio which looked out on to the backyard and we curled up on the two seater.

"Today I saw P-Paul and he basically told me it's over." She sobbed again, blowing her nose loudly in a tissue she pulled from her bag. My heart started to hammer in my chest and I had to take giant breaths not to freak out.

This was exactly why I had been pushing Paul away! I knew that my cousin liked him a lot, and she was there first, so I had no right to have feelings for him. If Paul and I started spending time together Leanne would be really hurt by that, and our relationship would suffer. Her current state in front of me was all the proof I needed to know that I was right all along. She's my family, it would be unforgivable if I hurt her on top of Paul's rejection. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling like the scum of the earth.

"You have no idea how long it took me to get the nerve to ask him out – years. When we were like ten, this boy Parker knocked my ice cream down. I started to cry and Paul punched him in the arm and made him buy me another one. From then I always thought he was the coolest boy on the Rez. When we got older my fondness just kept growing. But I never said anything, I was too shy and he never noticed me again." She stopped to blow her nose again and I nodded sympathetically, trying to hold myself together in the meantime. Leanne had always been shy and quiet, like a bookworm. I had always been the tomboy, the more outgoing one. I knew it had to have been hard for her to get the nerve up to even talk to Paul. I felt the same way, boys were not my strong suite either. That was one thing we did have in common. This summer was a turning point for both of us, to actually go on dates.

"Paul is like the hottest guy on the Rez, he's so athletic, but so closed off to the world, it makes you just want to unravel all his secrets. I always liked that about him. Even his temper is sexy as hell." I knew exactly what she meant. He was mysterious and it was intriguing indeed. "Yeah I know he likes a lot of girls, and he probably already found someone better than me, but I don't care. I just want him to pick me! I thought I was finally getting what I wanted and then since the bonfire he just keeps ignoring me. Then today I asked him to go out again because I decided I wasn't going to be a wimp again, and he cursed me in front of everyone! I've never been so humiliated!"

That brought a fresh wave of tears and I ended up hugging her to my chest. How dare he curse my cousin! Why would Paul do that? I couldn't help but think that Leanne might have said something to piss him off. I was actually quite experienced in that field, How to Piss Off Paul 101. He was generally a sweet guy unless you gave him attitude - although at the bonfire I had given no attitude and he still cussed at me.

But I couldn't tell her that maybe it was her fault, that was not what she needed to hear and it was insensitive. But what then could I say? I couldn't admit to her that I'd seen Paul a few times since the bonfire, it would crush her. To make it seem like I understood him better than she did would certainly piss her off too.

"Leanne, maybe it's for the best, there're lots of guys who are good looking on the Rez, trust me, you've got it much better than I do here in Forks! You can find someone who really likes you!" I hated myself for saying this, but it was the truth. If Paul wasn't interested my cousin needed to move on, that had nothing to do with me and Paul. Hell, it was obvious now that I had to get over him too!

"I know that but it doesn't change how I feel. I've wanted him for so long. It's just not fair that he won't give me a chance to show him that we'd be great together!" she pouted defiantly and shook her head. Her long glossy braid hung over her shoulder. I enviously fingered the soft ends of her thick, raven hair and sighed. She was beautiful and smart, why didn't Paul want her? Could it really be that he pushed her away because he wanted me? Were his feelings…genuine? I had truly become a bad person for thinking this while my cousin was sitting right there in front of me, heartbroken.

"Did he say why he ended it?"

"He has to get his life together." She scoffed and rolled her eyes like it was a stupid reason. But I didn't think it was. Maybe Paul was going through something difficult and really was trying to turn his life around. It was intriguing and admirable to me, but I understood why it upset her, because he didn't want her to be a part of that.

"I'm sorry Lee. I wish there was something I could do." I murmured. But I felt nauseous with guilt. I felt like a backstabbing b-word because just yesterday I had melted at the touch of the very same guy she was crying over. He had basically made it known to me that he wanted me, he was always so protective over me even if it came out a little aggressive, and he'd asked me stop avoiding him…all these things made me feel like it was me he was choosing.

And I was terrified now because I wanted him too. I had woken up this morning with the acceptance that Marlon just couldn't compare, and that I was fooling myself into thinking that he could make me forget about Paul.

No one could, not even my own cousin.

My thoughts chilled me to the core.

Yes, Paul had done what I had feared, turned me into the kind of girl I didn't want to be, the kind of girl who would seriously consider betraying her cousin who was like her sister, for a boy.

"There's nothing anyone can do. He meant what he said, he doesn't want me. You're right, I just need to get over it." She sighed then, her tears dried up. I watched my cousin stare out into the woods, a pensive expression on her blotchy face. What was she thinking about? I could practically hear the wheels turning.

So I asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"Humph, just how much of a jerk he really is."

I nodded and sighed, feeling a headache coming on.

It seemed the Redbird girls both had a thing for jerks.

Next two chapters, Corrie and Paul make their last attempts to resist one another since things are so complicated, but no worries, after that they will make amends. this is just how my story goes, lots of ANGST.