Disclaimer: I own Jules, whatcha think of that?

A/N: So, we didn't get the 380 mark, but ah well. I was in the mood to update so here is the next chapter! Anyway, thank you for the people who reviewed. Weren't that much, but honestly I didn't expect too many anyway, I know I said that the drama would start now but this chapter there isn't too much drama. At least, not the kind of I imagined, but this chapter came out longer than thought so the drama has to be scooted upwards.

Anyway, I went clubbing, after I don't know how many months!, and I saw the most gorgeous guy. He was like this Paul look a like and I just swooned seeing him. Too bad he wasn't going to the same place I was or else I would've jumped him! Hihihi! The guys I did meet well they were only after girls who didn't talk too much so I suppose that ruled me out! Lol! Nah just kidding, it was fun, while it lasted but I don't think I'll be going clubbing often, it's just not my cup of tea! Besides, it's not fun when you get separated from your friends and you wind up somewhere completely unfamiliar! Which happened to me, sadly enough I wasn't the only person lost and I found myself being groped my a very 'happy' male!

Embarrassing! Not to mention that I'm fairly clumsy and that someone held out his foot so I would fall down only to be approached by a guy that I shouldn't swoon seeing him! . As if! Right?

Enough yapping now, here is the next chapter and please review! Let's see if we can get it to the 400 reviews! Whatcha think?

Hot Temper With The Shortest Fuse

3:30 AM. The time was practically shouting in my face, telling me that it was late and that I needed to sleep, but somehow sleep wouldn't come. Even though my body was exhausted, my mind was on overdrive. Too many thoughts were going through my mind. Mainly about me overreacting. I hated being upset with Paul but you know what's worse. Me feeling guilty about it. I'll be honest, it was slightly selfish of me to blame Paul for out argument but I didn't know what else to do, except blame myself.

I sighed and turned on my side again, the night was cold. But this was La Push, it was always cold. You'd think you'd get used to it all. Another sigh escaped my lips and I turned on my back, facing the white ceiling. This was severely messing with my emotions. One part of me was still angry, while another part of me wanted to hide beneath a rock because there was some embarrassment. While the last part of me wanted to apologize. I wasn't so sure which part to respond to.

Before I knew it I had gotten up and I quickly eyed my attire. It was innocent. White cotton pyjama pants and a black camisole. Completely innocent. I walked out of my room and stopped in front of Paul's room. His door was closed and I hesitated before opening the door and getting in. His soft breathing was the first thing I heard when I closed the door behind me. He was spread over his big bed as he lay on his bare stomach. His legs poking out from underneath his blanket. I doubted he actually needed it. His hair was messy and his mouth was slightly open. At least he wasn't drooling.

Yet he still was gorgeous.

I sighed again and moved to the other side of his bed. He seemed to be asleep and I didn't want to wake him up. As I lifted his blanket to scoot next to him he moved so abruptly that I yelped and I dropped the blanket as I took a few steps back. I could see his brown orbs peer at me with confusion.

Sleep was still in his eyes.

"What are you doing Julie?" I stuttered. What was I going to say? That I was feeling lonely and wanted to annoy him instead?

"I couldn't sleep." I mumbled and he closed his eyes and yawned. He pulled away his blanket and patted the empty space. I beamed and lay down next to him, he wrapped his arm around my stomach and I felt his breath on my shoulder as he buried his face into my neck. I put my hands on his, just taking in the picture for a moment.

Paul was exactly the person that neutralized me. I was, and I know that, quite dramatic, not intentionally of course, but I wasn't that good at letting out my emotions quite well. I rather keep it in and just wait for the bomb to explode. Paul didn't like that. He rather had me explode in smaller doses to prevent the major nuclear bomb.

It was kinda sweet of him to do that.

"I'm sorry." I mumbled and I turned my face to his. I felt his hand rub circles on my stomach and I tried to ignore the clenching in my stomach. "I suppose that might not cover it completely, but I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to freak out on you, honestly."

"Hey shhh." Paul soothed. "I know that. Trust me, I've been keeping tabs on your mood swings, I'm used to it now." He added lightly. I shoved my elbow in his stomach.

"Ouch, yeah guess I deserve that."

"Damn right you did."

Silence engulfed us and I savoured the moment. I suddenly realized that Paul and I didn't have much 'take it easy moments'. I mean, we just got back together from this enormous fight, not to mention that both of us were always in this strange frenzy that seems to take up practically all of our time. I mean, we did see each other quite often but sometimes it wasn't enough. Or so it felt. Paul's hand suddenly moved to my face. It traced my cheek till it reached my bruise. I flinched moving away from his hand. He mumbled a sorry and than a curse.

"I really wish I could hit him right now." And here it came. The rant in which Paul would completely bite off my Dad's head.

"Well I don't want you to hit him." I told him honestly. He didn't mean for it to happen.

"I seriously can't believe you let him to this to you." Paul growled. There was a menace in his voice that wasn't there before and I didn't like the sound of it.

"Nobody let him do this Paul. It was an accident." I reminded him. He pulled away his arm from my stomach and bolted upright. I got up as well and stared at Paul.

"Do you know what this is called Jules? It's called abuse and don't you tell me that isn't true because it is. Whatever he's doing its abuse." I felt taken back by that confession and felt breathless.

No it wasn't, it wasn't abuse. Maybe he was neglecting me but that wasn't so bad. I could live with that. Was living with that for ages now.

"Say something Julie." Paul urged. I pulled away my eyes from his face and looked at my hands, which were folded limply on my lap.

"You got it wrong Paul. It's not abuse. He doesn't hit me on a regular base, nor does he call me names."

"No he emotionally blackmails you." Paul put in sarcastically. "Really Jules, that makes it better." I felt tears burn in my eyes.

"He doesn't emotionally blackmail me. We just don't… connect."

"It doesn't justify his actions Julie. It's not a good enough reason. You're his daughter damnitt." Paul sighed and rubbed his face with his hand letting both of us catch our breaths.

"Can we not talk about this?" I mumbled as tears spilled over. I felt his hands on my neck as he brushed away my tears with his thumbs. I closed my eyes and took a deep shaky breath.

"And do nothing? Don't think so Jules. You need to do something, or at least, let me do something."

"And you'll do what? Hit him?" I pulled away from him and got off the bed.

"I would never hit him." I knew that even Paul didn't believe that. "Although he does deserve a few punches." He growled that last part and I let out a few shaky laughs even though it wasn't funny at all. Because I knew that Paul would really hit my dad.

"Let me help you, please." I shook my head before he even finished that sentence.

"I don't need any help. Trust me, nothing is going to happen. He'll ignore me again and I'll ignore him and things will be the way they were." I responded and even though I hated the thought of it, it was true. Reality was often harsh.

"I really don't get this Julie. This masochistic behaviour of yours." Paul muttered as he stood up and stood in front of me. He towered over my five feet five frame. Apparently he was taller than I thought he was. He was six feet four and I personally thought that was huge.

"How was patrol?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Don't you pull that trick with me Julie, it's not going to work." Paul growled at me. His eyes stood casually but in his posture there was some sternness, some stiffness that dominated.

"Just don't, okay? I know we're not exactly the Brady Bunch but every family has its flaws. And so do we." I answered.

"I don't care if you're the Brady Bunch or not, that's not even my point." He grabbed my shoulders shaking me slightly. "You need to stop this self inflicted pain. You can stop this if you let me help you. You deserve a better father Julie. Don't take for granted what you could've had." Paul said firmly. His voice held a certain amount of anger and disbelief. I think the latter was most definitely aimed at me. But he didn't know that this was what I was used to and I didn't know how to change it.

"I know it's difficult." Paul continued. "And you don't need to answer me right now, but you have to face this one day. I rather have you face it now you can. You can't delay the inevitable, Jules." Tears blurred my vision and Paul's face was blurry through my tears I leaned against his chest letting a few tears roll down my cheek.

"I don't want to do this. I'm sorry. But I don't want to do this." Paul sighed and I felt his frame shake slightly. I pulled away and stared at him, why was he getting so worked up about this?

"Are you okay?" I asked carefully as I eyed his shaking. He nodded as he pulled me close again. I wrapped my arms around his neck and focused on his embrace. His arms held me tightly against his chest. Just holding me together as I gave him permission to do that for just a little while.

"You never told me how your patrol was." I mumbled. Desperately trying to ease the tension in the air that seemed to hang over the both of us. Paul shrugged casually.

"It was fine, I thought I had caught a scent of the redhead but the rain washed it away." I stiffened. Red hair? Paul didn't catch my reaction which I was thankful for but there were so many factors playing an issue that made me sick to my stomach.

"Red hair?"

"Yeah, the vampire." Paul elaborated. He looked at me strangely. "Why?"

"No." I shook my head. "J-just asking, that's all." He frowned but nodded anyway. "What about her?"

"Nothing much Jules. She's been tormenting the reservation for a few months. You remember those missing tourist, well apparently she's been killing them." My mouth felt dry and I blanked out every word he said. So there was a red haired vampire running around. Set loose and Paul and the others couldn't even catch her. She was just one vampire. The pack, it was enormous. How could they not catch her?

"Hey, Jules? You there. You zoned out on me for a while." Paul snapped his fingers in front of my face and I looked at him startled.

"How long have you guys been chasing her?" I asked. Paul shrugged nonchalantly.

"Give or take a few months." He replied. I gulped.

"Why is she here anyway?" I blurted out as I sat down on the edge of the bed. Paul crouched down in front of me. His warm hands resting on my knees. His warmth seeping in through the fabric of cotton pants.

"Bella Swan." He replied. Bella Swan? The chief's daughter? I voiced that thought out loud.

"Yep, that's her." He said.

"And a vampire is after her?" I said sounding astound. I couldn't believe that. Why would a vampire stick around for so long just for Bella Swan. She wasn't that special, right? Paul nodded.

"Why?"

"Well, to sum it up. She dates a vampire who killed the redhead's mate because he was trying to kill Bella." I blinked a few times. I tried to wrap my head around it. So Bella's boyfriend had killed the redhead vampire's mate, because he was trying to kill Bella.

Typical.

"So you're telling me, that Edward Cullen is a vampire?" I sounded bleak.

"Yeah." I think I'm going to be sick. Who would even do that? Date a vampire? Was she crazy?

"Has she grown mad? Is she stupid? How can you possibly date a vampire? He would suck up her blood, right?" I exclaimed. Paul shushed me by putting his finger on my lips.

"Well, they claim not to drink human blood." Paul explained as he seemed to approve my reaction.

"They're vampires." I replied in an obvious tone. "It's what they do!"

"Trust me, I'm with you but since they're not 'harming' people on the rez, well there isn't much we can do. Except protect our own people from them."

"How do you do that?" I asked. It seemed strange to keep away the Cullens from the reservation, but since Paul mentioned it, I've never seen a Cullen on La Push. Ever!

"The treaty. They're prohibited from stepping foot on La Push." I sighed. So we were all safe from them.

"Wait a minute." I suddenly murmured. A horrible thought entered my mind and it was making my insides churn. Blood was leaving my face and I felt slightly light headed. "Doesn't their father. Carlisle Cullen work at the Forks hospital? The same hospital my parents work in!!!" I almost screamed that last part.

"Hey, easy now. Don't worry. I don't think they would harm anyone from the reservation since it would give us permission to hunt them. But this treaty is going way back. They haven't broken it."

"Yet!" I put my face in my hands as terrible scenarios ran through my mind. My parents, they were in the hospital with a vampire. Someone who lives off blood. I felt Paul wrap his arms around me and I buried my face in the crook of his neck.

"Don't worry. We're protecting them." Paul assured me. Another thing that bothered me.

"Can I be honest with you?" I mumbled as I pulled away from him. I cupped his one cheek in my hand. "I really don't like the idea of you hunting these vampires." Paul rolled his eyes. An amusing grin was on his face.

"You don't have to worry about us. We're stronger than you think. We're made to kill those things." Yeah, that's what worries me. It meant that that they were putting their lives on the line. And that may be very noble but if something ever happened to Paul. I don't know what I'd do.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it. I mean." I swallowed. "You can still get hurt. You're human." I pointed out. "They're not." I put my hand on the spot above his heart. "I'd don't know what I'd do without you." I confessed quietly. I knew he had heard me. With his superpowers and all! I sighed. "You have no idea how important you are to me."

"I think I do." Paul murmured back and I felt my chest tighten when I saw the affection in his eyes. He kissed the tip of my fingers and I bended forward. Kissing him gently on the lips.

His lips that always made me crave more. Not to mention his hands. God they're hands were made to make my toes curl. I know that this confession of mine made some feelings more prominent than others. But since none of us really told each other this out loud, well it was bound to make a certain impression. Which is why I didn't complain, not that I ever did, when Paul grabbed my waist and gently lowered me on his bed as he hovered over me.

My own hands were more preoccupied with roaming over his back. I never got enough of him. Once we were in such a comprising position my brain would shut down and I would let my instinct take me further. I think that it was the same way with Paul. His hand went down my side and settled on my hip. My stomach clenched and I arched my back into him continuing our open mouthed kisses. His breath was raspy, I could hear him growl as it rumbled in his chest and I responded by hitching one of my leg around his hip. His hand went from my hip up my shirt. Taking the hem of my camisole with him. His bare skin came in contact with mine and my stomach clenched.

I sighed as suddenly his hand slipped underneath and his hand roamed over my bare back. I wasn't wearing a bra which meant there was more freedom, more than we were used to. As his hand brushed my side I shuddered. His mouth pulled away from me as he looked down at me inquisitively. I didn't want to know how I looked right now. Probably all mushy because that's how my insides felt. At least I wasn't the only one breathing loudly, that would've been slightly embarrassing.

"I think we should stop now. Or else I won't want to." Paul confessed. He is voice was raspy. I nodded, feeling slight disappointed as Paul rolled off me. We both took a few minutes to calm down. I propped myself on my elbow facing him.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked. He looked at me with the sweetest face every. I couldn't explain it. It was just so endearing.

"You just did." Paul pointed out and I rolled my eyes.

"Funny." I told him. Paul grinned and I tapped is nose.

"Go ahead."

"You'll tell me when something big happens, right?" I wanted an honest answer from him. Because I couldn't bear it if something happened and I didn't know that. Paul groaned at that and closed his eyes before taking a deep breath.

"Jules, can you do me a favour and just not worry? Things are going pretty darn well." He assured me. Or at least. He tried to.

"Liar." I breathed out. "That redhead vampire is still out there!" I pointed out.

"Yeah, minor detail you need to ignore." I glared at him. A minor detail? It was a vampire for crying out loud! I scoffed.

"Look Julie. I don't want to exclude you from it all but I rather not involve you in the pack business."

"Why not?"

"Because, unlike you we are able to protect ourselves from the leeches. You on the other hand, you will only get your self hurt. Or worse." Paul shuddered and I shivered along with him. "Not to mention if they find out our weak spot. Well we'll be in a shit load of trouble!"

"So I'm a weakness?" I felt hurt by that. I know I wasn't that strong as most imprints. And with that I meant Summer and Emily. Both of them are so remarkable. But I also know that I'm not as lenient as Kim. And I sure as hell ain't a female wolf like Leah, but still. It hurt. More than it should've.

"No Julie. I didn't mean it like that. It's just. If you get caught in the middle of all of this. Both of us might not survive." I bit my lip. "I don't want to put you in a situation like that. I just don't."

"But you risk your own life. Let me be a part of that." Paul hissed in anger and glared at me.

"You're crazy! You are not going to be a part of that Julie. God, you're being an idiot! What part of you been fragile don't you understand?" Paul ranted. I rolled my eyes and slapped his arm.

"Paul." I hissed. "You're overreacting."

"Me? Dude, you're the one suggesting something that's freaking ridiculous. Not to mention that these kinds of liabilities will get us killed!" Now that really did hurt!

"One, who are you calling a dude? And two, I'm not planning on being a liability." I hissed and I got out of bed ready to walk away again.

The way our moods swung made my head spin and I was sure that I was going to grow a few grey hairs if we continued like this. I felt Paul's arm around my waist as he halted me in my steps and lifted me off my feet. I grabbed his arms for support. The sudden movement wasn't expected.

"What are you doing?" I yelped.

"You got it all wrong!" Paul hissed. "I didn't mean it that way. But you have to understand that I tried explaining it gently to you. But I cannot and will not involve you into something you cannot protect yourself from. So just, do what the other imprints do." Paul finished. That last bit was pathetic. It made me sound like I was being held by a leash. Which I wasn't.

"And do what?" I snapped. "Cook the whole day?" Paul sighed and I pulled my hands out of his grip and put them on my hips.

"No, that's not what I meant. Jesus Christ, you're frustrating." He murmured that last bit and I felt a stab of hurt in my chest. Sometimes it seemed that his mouth wasn't connected to his brain.

"God!" I exclaimed and I slapped his chest as tears of frustration and anger appeared in my eyes. He saw those tears and softened trying to pull me into a hug. I dodged him and pulled away.

"I swear to God, you'll be the reason I'll be grey pre-maturely." Sorry. Paul raised his eyebrows in unbelief.

"What about me? It takes to two to tango baby. You're not the only one." I'm sorry too. I stuck out my tongue and just like that both of our anger was forgotten though the whole issue was still present. Only we were less aggressive.

"We're so dysfunctional." I murmured and raised my hands to my head and Paul chuckled.

"True, but I wouldn't want it any other way and look at the bright side. We're communicating." I let out a laugh and wrapped my arms around his waist lazily kissing his chest.

"Doesn't mean I won't end up killing you." I confessed mischievously.

"You couldn't even if you wanted to." That was so true. I felt his lips on the top of my head. Warmth spread through my veins and I perched myself on my toes and kissed the base of his throat. His slight scruff tickling my skin.

"I love you."

"I love you too. More than you will know Julie Lynam."

"You forgot my middle name." I quipped.

"Oh, right. Julie Virginia Lynam. Is that better?"

"Much." I grinned loftily, my expression mirroring that of Paul. We were most definitely dysfunctional. But if was honest, I wouldn't want it any other way. Because no one else would be able to put up with my antics like Paul did. And I knew that nobody else would understand Paul the way I did.

The way he wanted to be understood. Because that part, well that part was completely mine. And nobody else's.

^*^

I could hear movements. Soft, hushed voice. I wasn't coherent though, and nor were they. Or so I thought. I sighed and turned on my side instead. I was aware of the fact that I was in Paul's bed. I was also aware that Paul wasn't next to me. It was far to cold for that, hence the blanket that has been draped over me. Suddenly I recognized the voices.

Paul and his mother Hestia.

"Julie was with you the whole night?" Hestia questioned. There was a certain authority to it and I knew that Paul wasn't going to lie about it.

"Uhh, yeah." He sounded slightly embarrassed that Hestia had caught us. I felt guilty. I never meant to cause him any trouble.

"Did…something happen?" My heart lurched.

"Mom! No! Sara is just across the hall, I would never!" Paul protested. He sounded slightly hysterical. So he does have a dramatic streak!

"I was just checking sweetheart. I'm your mother." She reminded him, I heard him grumble something incoherently. "I know you're an adult Paul." Hestia replied. "But you're still my son."

"Yeah, yeah." He mumbled.

"Breakfast will be ready in an hour. Make sure to wake up Julie and tell her to put some ice to her cheek. I really don't like the colour it's turning." She sighed. "Poor thing, do you want me to talk to her mother?"

"I don't think she'll appreciate that." Paul responded. My heart stopped in my chest. Was it that bad?

"But still." She sighed. "I'll be downstairs."

The door closed behind her and Paul sat down on the edge of the bed. I kept my eyes closed and my breathings as delayed as possible. Giving him the idea I was still asleep.

"Julie?" I felt his hand on my shoulder. His warmth seeped in and my skin took it all in immediately.

"Jules? I know you're up."

Busted.

I snapped my eyes open and looked at him sheepishly. He rolled his eyes in a amusing way and I smiled at him as I got up. I saw that he was already dressed and ready. There were circles underneath his eyes but he seemed radiant anyway. I moved forward and rested my head against his shoulder, pecking the base of his throat. I felt his lips on my head as his hands went to my hips. His warmth was so easy to drown in and that's exactly what I did.

"You were talking in your sleep." He mumbled. I frowned. Really? I never talk in my sleep.

"Really?" Paul nodded and he looked slightly troubled. I didn't understand what was troubling me and I wasn't so sure if he wanted to tell me just yet.

"Oh, well that's strange. I never talk." I responded.

"No you don't.'" I sighed and moved away from Paul commenting that I needed to get dressed and walked to the guest room where I was supposed to stay. But I sorta didn't. As I walked into the room and grabbed my clothes from my duffle bag I suddenly realized that if I was talking in my sleep, than it was about my previous dream. My mind blanked out. I turned around feeling slightly dazed when I saw Paul stand in the doorway. He was leaning against the door casually. His hair was sticking out like he just got out of bed but it looked really nice. He was wearing a simple brown shirt with his normal jeans, hugging his low hips.

"I'm gonna take a shower." I said as I moved past him stopping just to peck his mouth. He pulled me in deeper than thought. My hands were clutching my clothes as his tongue invaded my mouth, exploring the all too familiar area. I was replying quite eagerly when he suddenly pulled away.

"Whoa." I mumbled.

"Do me a favour." He told me. "Don't worry, alright?" I nodded, feeling slightly isolated from the whole problem that was occurring. I wasn't so sure what was worrying him but I nodded anyway. Hoping to ease him.

"Good." And he rested his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes.

I didn't like the sentimental Paul; it didn't suit him that well. It just doesn't not to mention that I felt slightly responsible for his problems. It always revolved around me.

Whereas it shouldn't.

Because without me the world would keep spinning around, but without me Paul wouldn't function.

At least that applied to me as well.

A/N: You know the drill! The song inspired for this chapter is I Want You by Kelly Clarkson! Amazing song!