My hair was currently being curled by Alice. She definitely enjoyed treating me like her personal Barbie. "So many split ends, can I call you Ella for short?"

I sighed. "No Alice. Ouch, would you cut that out already?" I complained. I felt her tug my locks of hair into place.

"Gosh, I want red hair."

"I'm a brunette." I retorted back. It was completely useless to try to explain this to people. Brunette's often have tints of red in their hair. Duh, it's called natural highlights people! "Do Paul's hair."

"Later, ooh so you have a big wedding coming up. Then you got the part when I took you to your audition. And you need to train for the war. Good thing it's been postponed till next year." Alice blabbered on.

I liked her, but sometimes she could blabber on like Lindsey. "Alice, I am having a small wedding."

"Big wedding, yay! I will help with the plans. You have no worries. I am an excellent wedding planner and I am also free of cost. We consider you a Cullen now."

"It's only been a week and a half." I replied.

"I know that silly girl. You just fit in well, plus your dad and our family go way back." She finally finished with my hair and helped me into some leggings. I put on a dress sweater next and some furry boots.

"These don't have real animal hair right? Plus I really don't think this is proper attire for training." I protested, though I also was curious about the boots.

"Yes, you think I would buy cheap Payless shoes? Think again." She said flippantly and clapped her hands in delight.

I sighed, but managed to escape the makeup. I went outside to go join in on the fight training session that currently was going on. The Cullens were teaching Paul some new tricks. I could see that Paul was getting real into it. He managed to take down Crow.

"Aw, look how cute my baby sister looks." Crow teased me and was pinned by Paul in the process.

Crow moved though and surprisingly proved my assumption wrong. Paul was pinned instead. "Damn," he cursed and tried to get out of his lock. "And you're dead. Remember wizards may look frail and old, but they got a steel grip because of their magic."

I felt someone pounce at me. My Dad knocked me right to the floor. "What the hell?" I snapped at him.

"You're dead too. Jeez I told them to put you in karate, not those foolish ballet classes. Never trust adoptions." My father muttered and helped me to my feet.

It only resulted in me being knocked to the floor once again. "Thank you." I replied sarcastically.

"Stop trusting others so easily," he muttered. I got up on my own. Training has already been a pain in the ass and I could tell it would only get worse.

"Hey! How's my favorite niece?" I heard a familiar shrilly voice call out.

My aunt Jennifer hopped down from a tree and landed to her feet. She bounced on her heels and hugged me to her. "My god, you look too much like her. You're just missing her eyes."

I nodded, still awkward by how calm and close she seemed to act towards me. "I guess so."

"No, never deny your beauty. What guy fucked you up?" She wondered aloud.

That caught Paul's attention and I saw him tense up. "Great, well I need to focus." I replied.

"Really Tom, you're making her fight?" She said and clucked her tongue in annoyance at my father.

Tom nodded. "I wonder what pathetic human is going to be elected this term for president of the idiots." My dad muttered randomly.

I rolled my eyes only to be knocked to the ground again. I think Paul was having a tough time at watching me train. Hell, I had a lot of bruises and wounds from only five days of constant practices and drills. Esme and Rosalie were taking turns watching Jace while Paul and I trained for the war. I wanted to trade them right now though. Watching Jace was a lot easier than learning to save your ass during warfare, well except when he was grumpy.

"Tom!" I heard a melodic voice echo from way up in the tree. "Finally I have found you. What have you done to the children?"

I glanced to see a woman. She was from my near death experience. It was my mother. So much was going through my head right now, she was alive? She wore a flowing minty green dress that drew direct attention to her piercing matching eye color. Tom just shrugged as if he could care less that the mother of his children was standing right in front of him.

"You survived sweetie." He muttered quietly.

"Don't start that with me. You did this!" She snapped and lunged for his neck.

"Now darling, remember the government is the one who was after you. I didn't bring you into this mess. We were fine until you cheated."

"That's the least of our problems! You stole my children and then hired a warlock to spell bound me on an island for sixteen years. You took my children away!" She bellowed at him. "Well now I'm back and I'm not going to let you taint them any longer."

I gaped and glanced at Crow. He looked more baffled than me. "Whoa, mom you're alive. You son of a bitch!" he shouted at my father. "You told me she died!"

"Whoops, looks like I must have switched stories up. Kids go hug your mother."

I was more than confused. Paul was at my side now.

"A wolf?" she sniffed and glowered at Paul, "absolutely not."

"Um mom, I don't really think that's any of you business since you technically do not have custody of me, he does and approves so back off. Also I'm pretty much an adult and a mother so I do not need your advice." I replied. I was beginning to get used to the twists and turns in my life, it hardly affected me. It was beginning not to come as a surprise to me anymore. But whoa, my mom cheated on my dad?

"Oh sweetie, I meant that he must have not have told you about William."

"William?" I asked confused.

"Your future husband honey, it was decided when you were just a baby."

"What the hell?" I asked. I glanced at my Dad. "You knew this, didn't you?"

Dad shrugged and glanced at Mom. "Well, I kind of let that slip my mind."

"Asshole," I muttered. "I'm not marrying some guy who sounds like he's a rich stuck up bastard."

"Actually he's much more powerful and charming. Perhaps you have heard of a story? Hades needs a new wife and you remind him a lot of Persephone. William is his code name. A Greek god is more suitable than a silly shape shifter."

I clenched my fists. "Hell no! I am not an object."

Paul wrapped his arms around me protectively. This made Dad laugh. "Okay, you are just too much. You're lucky Hades is going to spare you."

"Greek Gods do not exist! I shouted at him," I yelled.

"Yeah they do." Crow muttered sadly. "Sorry sis, but unless you want to piss of a Greek God, I would do what they say."

"I have a son." I said firmly. "You marry him mom." I was pissed at her. So much could have been prevented if she would have just been there. I don't care if my father kept her bound to an island.

"Well, you can always have more." My Dad replied and went back to gazing at my mother. "You look good Kaleen."

She shot him a warning glance. "It was your duty to protect her and now you have failed. We're lucky if the gods don't kill us all for your moronic mistakes."

"Now, you see she's alright. We just have to have the Gods break the imprint bond and the problem will be solved." Tom assured and kept his feet firmly planted to the ground.

"This is crazy," I replied exasperated. "How could you do this to me?"

"How could we not? You're better off with a God than with him." Tom countered back.

I had fury radiate throughout my entire body. "Damn it, why are you doing this?"

"I just told you. Stop acting like a child." He responded picking a piece of lint off his shoulder.

"Great, this is just perfect!" I snapped. "Paul you can't let them do this. Besides it's impossible to break the imprint bond, right?" Paul wouldn't look at me.

Tom snapped his fingers and thus my mother was gone. It was just Tom, Crow, and Paul. "Paul you passed. Ariella you keep failing this test." He replied.

I scoffed. "Would you quit doing those types of tests? It's beginning to get annoying."

He shook his head at me in complete dismay. "Not until you grasp the concept of it. You must trust no one."

That test really pissed me off. I can't believe I keep falling for them! We went back to doing drills. I was getting better with practice though I hated the bruises I would get in return. At the end of our training for the day, I wanted nothing more than to go straight to bed. My whole body would be sore tomorrow and my legs were killing me.

Paul had decided to continue phasing. I didn't mind though, a one year age difference wouldn't be a problem for either of us. He still would be older technically anyway so why get mad? I decided to check on Jace first. He was sitting on Rosalie's lap and looking intently at the picture book she read to him. I smiled and he babbled as soon as he saw me.

He kept getting older and older. Paul and I were looking forward to his first Christmas, which was only a week away. I felt guilty that I couldn't give Paul his birthday gift, but he said it was fine. He was eighteen now though, well physically. The Cullens had a tree set up, but it was more for Jace and Renesmee's sake. I met Bella and Edward's daughter. Though she was only three, she looked like a five year old. She would be home schooled until her aging slowed down. I think this upset her, but I wouldn't meddle. She was not my child. Jace was pretty big for his age, even if he was going to be seven months soon. I felt sad in a way that he was growing up real fast.

Paul constantly made the joke that he would soon be eighteen and walking out the door to leave for college. He didn't realize how upset it made to even think of that. Jace would always be my little boy, even when he's thirty and has kids of his own. I sure hope he waits to have kids and not repeat his parents' mistakes. Of course I have no regrets having him, but I rather him have an easier life.

"Look Jace, your mommy's back." Rosalie cooed.

I smiled at Jace. "Hi Jacey," I picked up Jace and he babbled even more. He gripped my hair to play with it. He definitely loves playing with hair. Guy hair had a different kind of amusement for him though. Jace only grabs men's eyebrows. He does it to Paul all the time. I giggled at the thought and kissed my son's cheeks. "Has he been fed yet?" It was late and usually I feed Jace and bathe him before putting him down for the night.

"No, I was going to feed him, but I thought you'd want too." Rosalie said.

She seemed to understand parenting. I suddenly felt heart stricken for her, poor Rose. All she ever wanted was to have a family, but then she was changed because her fiancée and his friends raped her. She almost died, but luckily Carlisle found her. At least she had Emmett now, which was better than no one. I don't know what I would do without Paul, which is why my father's test made me so angry. He really doesn't realize what Paul and I have been through. I wonder if he would have imprinted on me if I would have gone through the change before I met him.

I took Jace from Rosalie and made my way to the elegant kitchen. Since Esme was into décor, there was plenty of kitchen equipment, even if they don't need to eat. I grabbed a baby bottle and fixed up a bottle of formula for Jace. He drank it hungrily. I swear he was going to be a wolf just like his daddy. His appetite was just like his father's. I shuddered at that. I really wish Jace wouldn't have to go through being a shape shifter. It would just complicate his life. I want my son's life to be easier than mine and his father's. I know that Paul struggled a long time with his temper, or so everyone in the pack claims. I also had a first hand encounter with it when he punched a hole in the wall. Thank god he didn't hit me. I personally don't believe that he would hit me intentionally. All I can do is just hope the best for Jace when his time comes to phase.

I wiped some excess of the formula from Jace's cheek with a bib. I burped him and judging by his droopy eyes, he would fall asleep quite soon. I bathed him with warm water before putting him down for the night. Jace fell asleep as soon as I tucked him in. I couldn't help but smile. He looks so cute!

The night fall came and I myself was showered. The movie director found my number somehow and called me a day ago to let me know that he didn't care if I could act. He just wants me to play the star in his movie and needs to me in Los Angeles in two weeks. I felt slightly nervous, but I would just quit school. This is the opportunity of a life time and I can always get the G.E.D. My dad says it comes with being a Halfling. The change enhances our appearance and draws people to us. It had to do with predator traits or whatever. It was how we manage to lure our prey in.

Paul insisted on coming with me. He wants to be there for me and doesn't want me to miss out on seeing Jace grow up. There would be seven months of filming and that includes trainings. I was looking forward to this because I could finally do what I have wanted since I took my first ballet lessons as a child. Dance. I was looking forward to learning new techniques. I used to do dance back in Arizona, but when I came to La Push there wasn't any dance classes. I remember hating it when I first moved here, but eventually got used to it.

I was lying back on the bed in the room I was staying in. Paul came in then, we shared this room. He wore a dark blue dress shirt and black slacks. He even had on dress shoes, which made my eyes literally pop. Since when does he dress up that nice, well aside from Sam and Emily's wedding? I had never seen him dressed like this unless if it was forced.

"Did Alice get to you?" I asked. Surely that could be the only explanation.

"No, she didn't. She lent me the clothes though. You don't like it?" He asked. Paul's features looked fairly disappointed.

I felt guilty now and shook my head. "No, it's just you usually dress differently."

He sighed. "I know. I want to take you out to eat. It's been a tough week and we haven't had a lot of alone time."

I see where he was going with this. He was right in a way. Things haven't been the best between us. "Alright then, I guess I better redress." I felt guiltier when I realized I haven't apologized for the mean things I said to him when I left La Push. "Paul I'm sorry for the mean things I said. I know you would never hurt Jace. I was just trying to get you not to follow."

"It's fine, I forgive you. Get dressed Ari and we'll go out."

I would have protested but just as I was about to there was a knock on the door.

"Ariella?" Alice called out from behind the door. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah," I replied and she opened the door. She held a sealed dress bag in her hands.

"I saw you wearing this." She didn't mean this literally of course. She meant in a vision. "It'll look fabulous on you." She gushed and handed the bag to me. I was girly, sure. I just didn't go full out like other people. When I think other people, I mean Alice. I really shouldn't have taken Bella's warning so lightly. Until I "learned to dress better" Alice wouldn't leave me alone.

"Thanks." I replied meekly, "how thoughtful of you Alice."

"No more thanking me Ariella. You're a part of our family now. Well have fun," She replied musically. The Cullens had such a lyrical twang to their voice. She danced away and I turned to Paul. Now how we such nice people on good terms with my monster of a father?

"Lucky," I mumbled and went into the bathroom to change. I heard him chuckle but ignored it. I wanted to look at the dress before he saw it, just in case it was a little too much. I was quite surprised to find a formal white dress. It seemed like a dinner date dress. It wasn't too fancy, but would bring out my features. White contrasted good with my brunette/reddish hair and bright blue eyes. I wasn't vain about my appearance, but after a week of living with the Cullens, it was shameful for me to deny my beauty.

Plus the change brought out my features more. "Not bad," I muttered to myself and slipped on the dress. It felt silky and soft against my skin. The dress fell about two inches from my knees and had matching flats to go with it. Thank god Alice realized that I loathe high heels. They were uncomfortable to my feet and I could barely walk in them. You would think that I would have more balance after this change, but nope. It only seemed to draw attention to me, rather than make me invisible like I once was. Paul claims that guys were always starring at me and he must be bluffing. Only four guys have ever been interested in me: Tony, him, Crow, and Seth. I rather not count Crow since he's my brother.

I already brushed my teeth and applied some lip gloss to my light pink lips. I added some earrings that matched the dress. Alice had put the earrings in a tiny bag and enclosed it with the dress. I hardly ever wore earrings, except on special occasions. I left my face make-up free since Paul detested it. He claims I don't need it.

Paul stood waiting as patient as a man could for his date to be ready. He must have heard the door open because right on cue he took in my appearance.

"Wow," was all he managed.

"It's not the first time I dress up." I muttered blushing. Damn my pale complexion, thus another reason why I miss Arizona. I lost my light tan after a few years living here. Well it was kind of tan but not really when you compare me to Paul. I was jealous of his skin tone. He sometimes calls me milk, but only because he's teasing and knows it bugs me. I just pull out the dog jokes and that gets him to shut it.

He gulped. "I know. You look beautiful Ariella, I mean you always look beautiful, but—"

I smiled. "I know Paul; you don't look so bad yourself." He took his hand in mine and we walked out of the room. "Wait, Jace?"

"Rosalie and Esme practically jumped at the offer to babysit for him. I compromised and told them to take turns." He chuckled.

I couldn't help but giggle. We took Paul's truck and he drove me to a restaurant that I didn't recognize. We were quiet mostly on the way there, but the silence didn't bother me. Once parked, Paul opened the door for me and took my hand.

"Thanks," I said and we held hands as we made our way to the front door. My eyes popped as I realized that we were attending a pretty expensive restaurant. "Paul, wow!" That was all I could manage to say.

"I got us reservations a few days ago." He clarified. The waiter greeted us with a genuine smile. "My reservation is under Woods." Paul told him.

The waiter nodded and type into the computer. "Two reservations for Mr. Paul Woods?" The waiter asked.

"Yes that's correct." Paul responded.

"Can I see an ID, it's for restaurant policies." He asked.

Paul pulled out his wallet and showed his driver's license. We were then led by the male waiter to our table. I took in the fancy table clothes and the classical background music. It felt different to be at such an elegant restaurant. Paul and I took our seats. The waiter handed us menus. I glanced at the options that the menu offered. I was in the mood for something Italian. I choose Fettuccine Alfredo mentally and noticed Paul's gaze on me.

I blushed. "What are you going to order?" I asked him.

Paul smiled, "rack of lamb with a side order of steamed asparagus."

He still seemed to have his eyes on me. "Do I have something on my face?" I asked.

"No, you just look really beautiful tonight, not that you don't every night." He replied, now gazing into my eyes.

I blushed once again and reached over to put my hand on his. "Aw, you're acting like a gentleman."

"When am I not?" He asked confused.

"Nothing, it's just that normally you aren't like this." I replied.

This made him frown. "I thought you would like this."

"I do! I'm just sort of surprised, but happy though. Tonight's been great so far." I said quickly. Paul didn't need to worry about my so called happiness. I was happy, sure. I just sometimes had remorse over things that were not in my control.

This brought his expression back to normal. We continued chatting and then ordered our food once the waiter returned. We got sparkling apple cider since we were not old enough to drink. Well Paul was, but I wasn't and we both agreed remain sober. I wouldn't touch liquor again, not after the Tony incident.

The food was amazing. I hadn't had Fettuccini Alfredo in so long. For dessert we shared a slice of Napoleon cake. It was quite delicious in my opinion. I felt so full afterwards and felt happy to have Paul to lean against his side as we walked. His arm wrapped around my waist as we continued our walk back to the car. Once in the car we drove back to La Push. Wait what? What are we doing here; I'm banned from La Push? I had another surprised though. We stopped near First Beach and Paul got out.

"Where are we going?" I asked him.

"Just get out, Sam won't know."

"Doesn't matter if he finds out, I don't want to be here Paul." I snapped.

"Please Ariella, I want to show you something and then we can go back." His eyes begged me to go so I couldn't say no.

"Fine," I replied and got out. I could feel the sand squish underneath my flats but let Paul lead me. We reached a cave and he helped me across some rocks. When we entered I was so surprised. Inside there were candles everywhere and letters carved beautifully into the wall of the cave. Garlands of vines surrounded the name that was colored in with different paints and oils. It was my name. So many colors and designs trailed around the letters that spelled out the letters of Ariella.

"Do you like it?" He asked me. "It took me about a year to make."

I felt my eyes water. "Oh wow Paul. It's so beautiful!" I gushed, taking in some sea glass he added into the structure. I couldn't believe he made this. I know Paul wants to be an architect, but this is the first time I have seen his artistic side. It was absolutely amazing! I also noticed a blanket with a bunch of pillows. We hadn't had anytime to be alone since we moved in with the Cullens. Yes it's been a week, but the imprint could surely make the both of us go insane. I was beginning to turn into a sex manic, but can I blame myself? Paul was so damn hot and I just wanted to lie in bed with him for an eternity if I could.

I was the first to move. Our lips met and I felt us fall back on the blanket. His lips grazed my collar bone as his hands brushed the hair from my face. I moaned and began to undo the buttons of his shirt. That's when I felt his pocket buzzed from his slacks. Paul groaned but pulled away. "Sorry," he said kissing my forehead lightly. He retrieved the phone from his pocket and growled a what.

His face suddenly got cold and his eyes blackened he got up off of me. His fist went into the bland side of the cave. "Shit!" He cussed and the phone fell straight to the sand.

I picked it up and answered the hellos. It was Jared. "What happened?" I asked.

"Embry's gone missing and Lindsey just called us about an hour ago. She says he hasn't been home in two days and usually he calls if he's out for more than a day. Do you have any idea where he might be?"

"No I don't. I've been with the Cullens the entire time."

Paul's hand was outstretched. He looked calmer. I put the phone in his hand. "I'll be there in half and hour. I have to take her back home."

"Lindsey! She might be endangered too."

Paul shook his head. "Quil and Jake are with her."

I nodded and let him finish his conversation with Jared. Once he snapped his phone shut he helped me to my feet. "Come on, I'll take you home."

"What?"

"Sam gave me permission to let you back in. He can't ban you because you're an imprint and especially since this happened."

"And Jace?"

"I'm going to pick him up." He said and led me out of the cave.

"Paul, it would be safer at the Cullens."

He scoffed. "We can take leeches too; it's what we're born to do."

I shook my head. "No Paul. I want to stay with the Cullens."

"Ariella, for once can you listen?" He snapped. I flinched at the tone of his voice.

He sighed and took me into his arms. "Let me protect you."

"I can protect myself. Christmas is in a week and I want to spend it with the Cullens. They have a tree and this is Jace's first Christmas. I want it to be special."

He just nodded. "Fine," he replied. He was still pissed off, but he was letting it go for my sake.

We drove back in silence and I just leaned my head against the window. We reached the Cullens in twenty minutes. "Are you going to go back to La Push then?"

"I have too, Sam's orders and besides I want to find Embry."

I nodded. "When will you back?"

"When's he's found."

"You better be here December twenty-fifth." I said and got out of the car.

Paul drove off without a word. Men just keep pissing me off today.

So Embry's gone MIA. Sorry for taking long to update but I've been sick and piled up with school work. Let me know what you thought of the chapter! :D Anyone know any good Hunger Games Fanfics? I'm looking for some and am currently working on. Read the hunger games, it's so good!