-Cold

Summary: After Edward left, she felt empty, but without Paul? She was cold.

Pairing: Bella/Paul

Edward and his family left Bella almost a year ago, and for the last 6 months, Bella has found herself under the charm of Paul Lahote. She didn't think she could cal for an asshole like him, but she did.

Maybe not falling. But she felt something. They had a strange relationship. He was her first in every sexual department she could think of, and despite him having the term "man-whore", he was gentle her first time, and every time after that. Never pushing that wild boundary unless she asked for it.

And she did ask for it most nights. Her closeness with him brough her closer to a new family. A wild one. Sam was like an older brother to her, someone that looked out for her. The others? Just goofballs, but they made her smile. Jacob was her sun, her best friend. Although he hasn't really forgiven her for her "relationship" with Paul.

Paul. He wasn't a brother, not really a friend. He was sex. A shoulder. An anchor. Something different. She wasn't sure what would happen when he imprinted. Sure she wanted him to experience happiness, and to be loved forever. But there was this chip on her shoulder that showed envy and jealousy.

She didn't want to let him go just yet. That was the true definition of toxic. She asked for signs if it was possible for her to take that sex into something more meaningful. He wasn't a bad guy. Not really.

There was something about him that gave her this edge to be herself and she loved it. She knew she had some calming affects on him as well. Bella thought she knew everything about being cold, but she knew nothing until she was faced with it.

Edward has returned and was hoping to rekindle their love. He realized his mistake, and wanted to make things right. He'd change her if that's what she still desired. But Bella didn't think she could. She was so used to being warm. Surrounded by it. Filled with it. To smell the scent of woods and pine.

She wanted him to leave. After connecting their proximity to the phasing of the wolves, she didn't wish it on the young boys and wanted this little life she built for herself. One with this bad boy who was currently glaring at her. His brown eyes were icy as he stared at her.

"Are you out of your fucking mind? The moment they get back and you want to see them? Has these 6 months meant nothing to you?" Paul asked. He jerked away from her as Bella's face crumbled, lowering her hand. He didn't understand. He was sure that the moment she saw Edward, she'd change her mind.

"No! I'm merely asking them to leave." She explained. Paul scoffed. "Sure. You know you still dream about him." He stated seedily. Bella's eyebrows drew together in shock. She thought she stopped sleep talking almost a year ago. Those dreams...Paul was right. Those dreams were about Edward, taking him back even. But she made her decision.

She would be staying. She opened her mouth only to have him turn away from her. "Leave it. Don't come back here if you have any intention of accepting him. You'll be dead to me." His words cut deep, but Bella knew where he was coming from. She was the only woman Paul has ever trusted, and if she took Edward back, those secrets would die with her departure.

She didn't like this feeling. Leaving him. But she knew deep down that Paul still feared she'd leave. Still feared that Edward's hooks in her were rooted seeping inside and that one tug would be her undoing. But it wasn't. It wouldn't be.

Cold

Edward stared at Bella heartbroken. "Is, is there anything I can do to...I'm sorry." Edward whispered. He grabbed her hands, looking into her eyes. "Please love. Give me one more chance." He begged, and Bella found herself lost in his eyes.

Her lips started to pull at a smile. She almost nodded her head. You'll be dead to me. Bella shook her head snatching her hand away. "I've got to go. It's...we would appreciate it if you left." Bella walked away from her first love, following the path from the woods back home.

She felt tired all of a sudden and just needed to rest. Her past was officially gone for good, and honestly? It drained her. She always thought she'd take him back. Whenever she imagined that metting. But she overcame a large step in her life to love and life.

It was late when she crawled into her bed, knowing she would call the volatile wolf, but needed to think about her next move. Did she want Paul?

Cold

Tapping on her window awoke her. She woke up groggily, standing slowly. Walking to her window and lifting it up, she faintly made out Paul. She moved towards her bad as the young wolf did his thing. He was in her line of sight within seconds. His eyes were angry and yet puffy.

Bella knew he cried. It only went to show how much he actually cares about her. "So I'm assuming you took him back." He stated. Bella stood slowly, her tired eyes assessing him. "Why do you have to be so stupid?" She asked softly, grabbing him by the shirt he so decently wore.

"I don't think I like the cold." She whispered.