I paced the treaty line, staring anxiously at the other side in hopes Bella would appear and run into my arms. My doubts of her reuniting with the leech were slim but they weren't gone. She loved him once upon a time, she could find that love again.
But she was my imprint; of course she wouldn't run back to him. They weren't meant to be.
I was the one that imprinted though; I was the one that felt the bond. What if she couldn't feel it and I could? It would be really easy for her to just go back to the routine she knew.
But, our bond couldn't be broken...it wasn't one-sided.
Or was it?
Will you please be quiet; Bella is not going to run into the leeches arms. Jacob groaned as he watched me from his place upon the ground. I shot him a look and continued pacing. Paul, she loves you not him. The imprint isn't one way, she feels it too, I'm sure of it.
Thanks, Jake, I just wish I was there with her. I fell down in a huff, holding my paws over my nose. My ears fell flat against my head as I released a hopeless whine.
Jacob rolled his eyes and stood up, towering over me. He was almost taller than Sam now, yet he still didn't want to take his place as alpha. Sam asked him several times already, but Jake cowered every time the word alpha and Jacob appeared in the same sentence.
I personally didn't care less. Sam was a good leader, but I could also see the potential in Jacob. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind or stick up for someone. He sticks too his decisions and controls the situation. He's also the mutt that befriended all of us after his transformation without a second thought. All great qualities of a great leader. They both had them, but honestly, I would be alright with Embry in charge. As long as we kill Victoria and save Bella from the evils of her friendship with vampires.
Maybe after this she can finally move on from her life before wolves.
Jacob, more or less, kept up with my train of thought. He looked up during my alpha comparison, snorted at Embry's mention, but nodded along with the end. Don't worry man, she'll be back soon. Speaking of, why are we waiting here when you could be at her house?
Until the leech is gone, we can't be on their land. I grumbled, staring at the creek in front of me. He snorted, shifting to sit beside me.
What is one leech going to d- hey what's that? He froze, sniffing the air and then whining as he scratched his nose. I sniffed and took in the sickly sweet scent as it grew stronger. I howled once, urgently, and took a defensive stance by Jacob.
What happened?
What's wrong?
Is there a leech?
One is on its way here now, must be the ex, Jacob growled, both physically and mentally. I followed suit, a little louder when I saw a flash of white stop in front of me. His eyes were pitch black as he glared at Jacob and I harshly. I felt Sam, Jared, Embry, and Quil come up behind us and felt calmer. Six against one were damn good odds if the leech decided to pick a fight today.
Paul, back off a little and let me see what he wants, Sam ordered stepping forward. Annoyed, I stepped back and let Sam take the lead.
"You are the leader?" He asked Sam who, in turn, nodded his big head. "I'm not here to break the treaty. I'm here is regards to Bella." I growled at him again, not wanting my Bella's name to roll off his stone lips. His eyes snapped to mine.
Where is she? I snarled, remembering that Bella told me he could read minds. He cocked his head to the side and put his full attention to me.
"I left her at my house," he replied shortly, "I came alone because I want to know why, if I'm right, you…a werewolf…are dating Bella. Do you know how dangerous that is? You call yourself protectors, yet here you are putting her life in danger. If I have to I will take Bella with me because I will not have her in danger."
Even Sam knew not to get in my way. Not when it involved my imprint. He only gave me wary warning before moving out of my way.
You have no right to threaten me bloodsucker. I love Bella and I'd let nothing happen to her. Where were you when she was in the hospital close to death? I have never hurt her, but look at you. You left her in a forest where she got lost and Sam found her. She's found a family and I will not allow you take her from me, so help me I will break the treaty if it means keeping her from harm such as yourself.
He stared at me stumped, taking in the information. "She was in the hospital? Why?"
Because you left her to deal with two revenge-filled vampires who were looking to kill her; the red-headed leech came close but she ended up in the hospital alive.
"Victoria… I didn't think she would come back. Don't worry, my family and I will keep Bella safe now-"
To hell you will, Bella won't go anywhere with you-
"Paul," My head snapped towards the faint yell. Bella.
Without thinking, I sprinted towards the voice, swiftly maneuvering between trees and bushes. She stood in the mercy of a group of trees confused and lost.
I phased quickly and pulled on shorts before catching her in my arms. She squealed, having not seen me before gripping me tightly.
"Edward said he was going to go find you and he was so angry, I thought you were going to get hurt," she whispered, touching my face. I smiled, kissing her hairline softly.
"You think one leech could take me on?" I coaxed smirking, she hit my chest admonishingly but I saw the corners of her lips quirk up.
I heard a snort and snapped my head around when I realized the pack and leech had followed me. I growled, realizing he was on our land but he held his hands up in surrender.
"I just wanted to make sure she was okay," he stated, looking between her and I anxiously. I glared at him harshly and moved Bella behind me.
"I won't hurt her," I snarled, holding in my urge to go wolf. Bella's hand on my back also helped a little.
"Edward, you have caused enough damaged, please just leave. I won't be hurt here, I held trust in you, and now I hold the same amount of trust in them as well. You should too; all they have done is love me and help me. This is my life and believe it or not, I choose Paul, not you."
I applauded my girlfriend silently and wanted desperately to turn around a kiss her but now was not the time. "I will hate myself for the rest of my life if I were to bring any harm to her. She is my life and I don't plan on giving her up anytime soon."
The leech looked stumped, staring between Bella and I with apprehension. Slowly, defeat started to worm its way into his stone cold features. In that moment I felt his pain, if it was me she was letting go...it was too painful a thought to manage.
He finally looked me in the eye and nodded once in defeat. Relief swarmed my body…relief that I didn't even realize I needed. Bella felt it and squeezed me to her tighter, smiling tightly at the leech…Edward.
"Thank you, Edward, I promise this is the right way. You will find your place in the future." Bella whispered, ducking under my arm and walking over to him. I had to hold myself down so I wouldn't grab her and push her behind me again.
She touched his arm softly and gave him the smile that I fell in love with. The compassionate, self-less woman that couldn't hold a grudge and found the best in everyone was mine. She picked me and I got to keep her for the rest of my life.
Edward looked up at me as he listened to my thoughts and gave me a sharp look. "Just remember, if you hurt her I will kill you." He growled like an overprotective father. I nodded, not taking his threat with vengeance.
"I know," I replied simply, staring down at the gorgeous brown-eyed beauty by him. She grinned, walking back over to me and wrapping an arm around my waist.
"But I would like to ask you, Sam, if we can renew the treaty so my family and I can stay and help with your problem with Victoria. We will not bring any harm only help." He stated, staring over at my black alpha wolf. He seemed to be considering it and nodded telling him something through his mind.
"I will bring him over once they arrive." He stated, turning around as he went to leave. Hesitating, he turned and called out, "I'll see you around, Bella."
"See you around," she replied, waving slightly. He turned and disappeared in the forest without a glance back.
"God, I love you!" I exclaim, spinning her around. She squealed wrapping her arms around my neck in fear. When I set her down, I latched my mouth on hers and kissed her with all the passion I could create. The emotional roller coaster that I was on directed itself to this kiss and when I finally let her go, we were both breathless. The bond connecting our soul grew stronger than ever in that moment.
"I love you too, Paul," she replied giggling, "but what for this time."
"Because you are the most compassionate, selfless creature I have ever met and you're all mine." I state kissing her again. A blush lit her cheeks but she smiled through it kissing my lips softly.
"No one else's," she whispered, hiding her face in my chest. I grinned and wrapped my arms tighter around her. I saw the others looking at us with disgust and flipped them off.
"You didn't have to stay and watch idiots," I growled at them. They snickered, shrugging their big wolfy shoulders and running off to their respective homes and imprints.
"My car is by the highway if you want to walk with me." She says, looking up at me with puppy dog eyes. I roll my eyes and start walking with her.
"Like I would say no," I mumbled looking down at her obvious amusement. She looked away, but not fast enough for me to see it grow. I poked her in the side making her giggle and then we were walking silently to her beast of a truck.
Once I saw it, I walked ahead of her and opened the passenger side but she only walked around and got in the driver's side. Grumbling, I got in and looked over at her stubbornly.
She laughed at the look and kissed my lips quickly, "don't give me that look; you drive me around all the time," she chided, turning the truck around towards La Push. I moved over to the middle seat and threw an arm around her shoulder, kissing her cheek.
"It's not my fault; I just love driving you around. Plus I have more control…" I say mysteriously, trailing off. She eyed me shortly, wondering where I was going with this.
"More control over what?"
"My emotions and keeping my eyes open," I whisper, dragging my nose down the line of her jaw. She gave a short intake of breath but kept her eyes on the road.
"I think my emotions are in check and my eyes are wide open," she says strongly, though her voice had a slight waver to it.
"Are you sure?" I ask, letting my breath fan across her face. She gulped in reply which I simply took as a challenge. I kissed her neck lightly making a line down until I reached her shirt line.
"Paul, do you want us to crash?" She gasped closing her eyes in pleasure. I smirked, sucking on her neck weakly.
"I thought you had control?" I asked grabbing the wheel and turning it back onto our lane. She quickly resituated her hands on the wheel and gave me a dirty look.
Holding my hands up in surrender, I moved back over-missing the space between us already-and looked out the window. I could feel her battling with her emotions before she sighed and reached over to grab my hand. I smiled moving back over, though not continuing my ministrations from before.
"Should I go to Sam and Emily's?" She questioned about to make the turn. I shake my head quickly and point the other direction.
"Do you mind if we go to my place?" I asked timidly, remembering the phone call I had made earlier in the day from my mom.
"Sure," she says shocked for whatever reason, "you look uneasy, why?"
"Well, my mom and sister arrived home early and they wanted to meet you. I figured this was perfect timing and my mom said she would make dinner. I mean, you don't have to, she just hasn't met you yet and my sister really wants to meet you-"
"Paul…Paul…Paul shut it! Of course I will meet your mom and sister. I know they are important to you and you love them a lot, so I'm sure I will love them just as much. Don't worry," she comforts me, squeezing my hand. I smile in relief and kiss her cheek tenderly.
"Thank you, baby," I say softly giving her a loving smile. She was perfect.
"Now where to?" She asks, looking around confused. I chuckle, telling her to continue going straight and then turn right on a white stone road. She looks at the small house making me self-conscious. Was it ugly, did she like it? "Your house looks so warm and comforting," she breathes, shocking me yet again with her accepting thoughts.
"It's my safe haven," I reply simply, getting out of the truck. She does the same and walks over to my side quickly. I wrap my arm around her waist and hold her to my side as we walk towards the house.
She stops when she noticed little pencil marks on the white post connected to the porch. Running her fingers over it, she looks over at me in question.
"The blue pencil marks are all the times my mom measured my height when I was growing up. She would do it after ever holiday or birthday. She started doing it for my little sister which is why there are green marks." I explain, running over my last mark which was thanksgiving my freshman year. After that I stopped my mom from measuring me because I was in high school and too old for it.
My mom took it upon herself to start on the next child, keeping the dream alive.
It's such a unique idea, I love it!" She exclaims, reaching up to touch my last mark. I smile at her and drag her away from the piece of childhood. I couldn't tell her that I stopped measuring my freshman year also because it was the year I kicked my dad out. It was too harsh a memory to remember.
Opening the screen door, I smelled fettuccini alfredo waft in to my senses. Bella did as well and gave me a warm smile. I called, "Mom, I'm home," walking towards the doorway of the kitchen. Bella looked nervous for the first time since we arrived and stopped walking.
"What if she doesn't like me?"
"She will love you Bella…what's not to love?" I whispered back, kissing her cheek tenderly. She breathed out, looking at the door before nodding for me to continue walking her.
"Paul, I almost finished with lunch. Did you remember what we talked about- oh dear, I didn't realize you brought a guest." My mom exclaimed, smiling brightly at me as she wiped her hands on a towel and walked over to us. "You must be Bella, I've heard so much about you."
I grinned at my mom bright emotions and noticed Bella smiling at the warmth she was receiving. "Good things I hope," Bella replied softly, giving me a short look. My mom laughed and shook Bella's hand delicately.
"All good, I promise," she winked at Bella before throwing me a grin. I chuckled, rolling my eyes at both of them. "Please call me Heather."
"Of course, Heather," she replied bashfully, blushing. My mom opened her mouth to speak again but was interrupted my Melanie.
"Paulie!" She exclaimed running over to me. I leaned down and pick her up, spinning her around once before setting her back down.
"Hey Mel, how are you sweetheart?" I asked, smiling as I kneel in front of her. Her bright green eyes brighten as she jumps up on down.
"Momma bought me an art set; I've been drawing pretty pictures all morning!" She exclaims excitedly, clapping her hands.
"That's great Mel; you have to show me some of your pictures later. First I have someone I want you to meet." I state smiling before turning around towards where Bella's been standing beside my mom. She had a small smile on her face as she watched the two of us.
Melanie hid shyly behind my leg, her excitement hidden for a brief moment. I touched the back of her head and moved us over to where she was standing.
"Mel, I want you to meet Bella," I say, leaning down again. Her eyes widen in realization and gives Bella an unusually shy look.
"Hi," she replies in a small voice, "you're really pretty."
I laugh making Melanie and Bella blush. My mom giggled, winking at me.
"I don't think I compare to you cutie, I absolutely love your dress." Bella replied kneeling down by me. I grin as Mel does and watch as my 7-year-old sister twirls around in her dress before grabbing Bella's hand and dragging her to her room to show her more of her pretty dresses.
"I love her already, Paul," my mom states, walking back over the counter to continue making lunch. I grin, looking down the hall where my two girls had gone.
"She's amazing isn't she?" I breathe, smiling to myself.
"Do you want to know how I know she is amazing?" My mom asks, leaning against the corner of the counter. I raise an eyebrow, looking at her in question. "Because she has brought another piece to your heart and it shines through your eyes and the smile you wear on your face. She brings out the best in you, and you're home more which makes me a whole lot happier."
I smile, walking over to hug her softly, "don't worry, I'm not letting her go."
"Better not, she is a pure soul that you can't find often. I will help her hurt you if you ever hurt her…do you hear me. She is not like those other girls you brought home over the years, be wise son."
I nod, understanding my mom's point of view perfectly. I hear them coming back into the kitchen and turn to see Bella holding Melanie's hand as they walk into the kitchen.
Bella gave me an interested look when she saw the close quarters my mom and I were in. I smiled, shaking my head so she wouldn't ask questions.
"Well, lunch is ready!" Mom exclaims hitting a wooden spoon to a metal bowl. I roll my eyes which only earned me a hit with the wooden spoon itself.
I hide behind Bella who snorts and moves out of my way, "don't think your hiding behind me."
Mom smirks but doesn't make a move toward me, "I like you more and more with each second." She states which earns laughs from the whole room.