-I Know You- Just Say Yes

Summary: Picks up from the last chapter. Bella and Paul reflect on the nights events. Are there any hidden feelings?

Bella untangled herself from Paul's hold. Mike was still a mess on the ground. She pulled out her phone and called Charlie. Paul went around to check on Mike, tapping his face again.

Mike winced and groaned in pain which said enough for Paul. "Weirdo's alive." He said. Bella gave him a nod wincing at Charlie's lash of outburst. I should throw that asshole off the cliffs! I always knew something was wrong with that boy! Bella started on trying to calm a raging Charlie down, holding up her hand in Paul's direction. He pulled out his own phone calling Sam.

He gave his alpha a quick run down, rolling his eyes at Jacob's voice in the background. The boy was already in a fit. "Nah, don't come. I've got it handled and Bella is fine. Charlie is on his way probably with the SWAT team. Got to go." Paul hung up the phone before Jacob could get to the line.

Bella finally wrapped her conversation. "Dad's on the way. Should we go looking for my truck? Where's my keys anyway?" She asked. Her face scrunched up in Mike's direction, barely stomaching to look at him.

Paul went digging in Mike's pockets, grabbing her keys. It was pitch black out and Paul started trekking towards the trees right behind the store. Bella hesitated following him. She hated the woods with a passion. It reminded her of Edward. Although that was almost 2 years ago, it still haunted her. It was just so cold. But on the other hand, Bella didn't want to stay in Mike's presence and went to catch up.

Paul, obviously hearing her flutter of a heartbeat and clumsy feet slowed down so she could catch up. "Swan." Paul said, bringing Bella's attention to him. "Hmmm?" She asked. He stopped, and turned around facing her, causing her to stop in her tracks as she inclined her head to look him in the face. It was hard to see as a matter of fact.

"Being real right now. Are you alright? You're taking this pretty well." He asked concerned, once again an emotion he's never emitted towards her, at least not seriously.

Bella nodded jerkily. "Mhm. I'm fine." She said, crossing her arms over her chest. She couldn't really see him, but she knew he was looking at her with his I know you're lying face.

She could feel the heat from his body, reminding her how cold it was. "Honestly? I'd either be dead or a popsicle. And that's what terrifies me." She whispered. It was the truth. Truth be told, she never wanted to see his face again. "Right when I'm about to leave, I get knocked out cold and shivering. And he's touching..." She trailed off then, her nose twitching in disgust.

"Touching?" Paul asked, his voice hard. I'll chop his dick off. Yes Paul might not have been Bella's biggest fan and sure he teased her, but she was still pack and he was serious when need be. He'd still beat the living shit out of somebody if they proved to be a threat.

"Let's keep going." She said instead, and felt around for him, grabbing the hem of his shirt. Paul growled at her softly but turned around, letting the conversation go. For the moment.

She followed him deep into the woods, her mind trying to tell itself that she wouldn't get lost. That someone was with her this time. She unconsciously gripped his shirt tighter. Paul was following tire tracks while also wondering what had Bella so wound up.

"Chill Swan, everything's good." He said after she squeaked at animals scurrying around the woods. She just nodded and followed along blindly. She took a chance and glanced back behind her, unable to see anything. She did hear police sirens so if she for some reason get separated, she could find her way back.

"Ah here we go." Bella let go of his shirt, and through a canopy of trees the moon light shined down on it. Lighting up her truck like a beacon. She smiled and patted the side. Paul got inside and put the key into the ignition, starting the truck, only for it to die out.

"Shit." Paul grumbled and went to open the hood. "I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think your truck is coming back after this one Bella. It's been real messed up." Bella chewed on her lip, upset at the death of her rust bucket.

Paul closed the hood down and want to her side. "I can let an officer or something know. They can tow it. Come on." She walked side by side with Paul, thinking about another vehicle she'd have to get. Her feet caught on an uprooted piece of tree, causing her to fall forward. Paul reaches out quickly, grabbing her by the shirt. Her hands gripped his arms for support as they stared at each other in silence.

Bella's never been so mesmerized before. She almost felt like she was in another world when she looked his eyes. For a moment she thought this was imprinting, but she didn't feel what the other imprints felt. She was reminded that Paul was not human, he was half beast.

That wasn't it though. That wasn't what caught her and threw her for a loop. Here they were surrounded by darkness, pitch black, save for the white of the moon, and his eyes were bright, almost glowing. Around the brown pool was a gold rim, purely...lupine. Her breath caught when she realized that she was being seen from they eyes of the wolf. She wondered why. His hand slid to her hair, holding the back of her head.

Paul was deep in thought at this moment. He wondered what the hell was so special about her? She drew everything to her and he didn't understand why. Or how. He wanted to grip her hair tighter, just to really feel her. HIs wolf was in agreement. He didn't like her and sometimes he really despised her, especially at the beginning. It wasn't all just because of her affiliation with vampires, but she challenged him. She had a fire in there somewhere, and he just loved to see it come out.

But did he want that fire to burn him? Burn him so much it felt good? Paul knew he was too raw for imprinting, he wasn't made like that. Despite what people thought, Paul wasn't good enough for it. His emotions were too big for it. He wasn't the type of guy that would fall to his knees and appease someone he may or may not like or love. He'd say screw it, and fight it until he couldn't fight anymore. Till he died.

The problem for Paul when it really came to Bella? She was too good. Too pure for him to taint. To fuck up. So he held her at arms length. Gave her that edge, made her just tip-toe along it, never actually dipping her feet in. Oh but he wanted her to. He could see it, that she wanted to leap and just be free. He observed her more than Jacob did, more than Jacob wanted to see. She'd never see him in the light he wanted her to.

When she looked at Jacob, it was like she was hiding still. Reserved. Right now? During the times he can do nothing but get a rise out of her? This was her. She was open at this very moment for him to see that she was...lost. So fucking lost. But yet so grounded. She was scared of something, but she wouldn't let it rule her. She wanted something, but she didn't know what to ask for.

Her heart was calm, like a river, consistent. He leaned in some, his forehead touching hers. His voice was soft when he spoke again, mildly playful, but yet curious. "If I kiss you right now, are you going to punch me in the face?" Not that it would hurt him, but she'd sprain the hell out of her hand. He could see that little glare in her eyes making him grin. She pushed away from him with a huff. "You always ruin a good moment, and that's so not funny. As if you'd actually kiss me." Paul was feeling triumph. He almost had her where he wanted her.

Sure this wasn't the time to joke and play around with her, but he sure as hell hated the look she's had in her eyes. "That almost sounds like you want me to." He said, his eyes shining with challenge. Take the bait Swan. She took in a deep breath, and he could see her nostrils flaring. "Don't antagonize me." She snapped, getting in his space. Almost. "I wouldn't dare." He said, laughing just to add in the effect.

She let out a sound of annoyance and frustration, turning away from him, stumbling slightly from that root. He caught her by the arm, gently spinning her around so that she was at his chest again. She was giving him that look that said she wasn't afraid to actually hit him. "If you kiss me right now...only for this to be some joke, I swear..." She trailed off, knowing that he knew how creative she was with threats.

Paul let her go, and she rolled her eyes. "See? I knew-" Finally. He grabbed her chin, and dipped his head low, his lips crashing onto hers. He made sure that she knew that this wasn't a joke. Kissing her right now is something he's been wanting to do for a long time. Her eyes closed almost immediately, her body almost melting. She's never been kissed the way he was kissing her. With vigor, passion.

I Know You

Mike was arrested for attempted murder and assault, and was currently awaiting trial. Bella was currently at Forks General about to be examined. Paul was sitting in a chair, the two just sitting in silence. He was waiting for her to ask the question that's been plaguing her since they kissed. "What happens now?" She asks. Paul's answer was quick. "Whatever you want Swan." She sent him a glare. She hated those kind of responses. "What do you want?" She asked him. He chuckled and stood. "Whatever you're willing to give." He kissed her forehead when the nurse came in. "I'll wait outside."

The door closed behind him and Bella just watched the door. This was a side she'd never seen of him.

AN: This feels like a nice place to stop. I think I should do a "Where are they now" and that will be the end.