Chapter 3: Time is Upon Us
Jacob sighed in frustration, his foot tapping against the pavement. He knocked once more on the Swan's door, glancing at Bella's truck in the driveway. Was she asleep? Jacob got the feeling that for some reason Bella didn't want to hang around him anymore. First it was Embry, even though they were two years apart, he was a good friend, always helping him out with school, Billy, sneaking beer at Bonfires, and even girl advice. Until Sam suddenly reappeared after two weeks of going missing, snatching him up along with Jared and that weird guy. Then Quil was gone too, hanging around with that stupid gang, always missing school, coming from the woods at odd fucking times, watching him. They all were, and it creeped Jacob out. Jacob was a big boy though, shrugging off their heated looks with pride. He had Bella. She was always there for him when they were younger, of course, and he had finally thought that after losing his little band of friends, he'd have her, but no.
Edward Cullen swooped in and snatched her away before he could rekindle that friendship he so desperately craved. He thought the day Sam found her in the woods was the moment he could swoop in and be that friend. Maybe turn that into something more. He had always loved Bella. She was just so beautiful and bright. She was so kind and sweet, even in the food department. God, he missed her cooking. That little plan of his was even wrecked after about a month of Cullen's departure. Bella stopped coming to see him, was never home, and he always saw Sam or Embry leaving her house at night! He hated it. She was always hanging with Sam and his groupies, and Jacob was not afraid to admit that he was hurt by her abrupt move at leaving him high and dry. He talked to Billy about it, but his father never had much to say on the subject, except to be patient. It frustrated Jacob to no end.
He knocked again on her door harshly, sighing in defeat.
~THAU~
Bella should have expected the looks she received when she walked into Forks Grocery. It was Spring Break and on a Monday, the day where almost everyone wanted to go shopping. She chewed on her lip at the long lines, but again looked at the list Emily had written down for her. Emily was going to make something delicious it seemed, and Bella's mouth watered just looking at it. She internally sighed and grabbed two buggies. She turned to her companion, who was patiently waiting for her to do whatever she was going to do. "Split up? I'll take this half." Bella tore the list in half, handing the other to Paul. "And this is for you. Oh, Forks Grocery is really weird about placing items in really weird places. So let's see, the chicken is actually going to be by itself rather than with the rest of the meat, near the eggs I believe." She tapped her chin, looking thoughtful for a moment. She handed Paul the slip, who gave her a nod, waiting for her to go ahead first.
"Meet me at the front?" She asked as they made their way toward the aisles. Paul gave her a nod and a smile before walking off to grab what was on the list. Bella smiled a bit, and headed towards the cake aisle. Emily was making chocolate cake and between all the wolves, they could eat about five of them, leaving Bella to pick up six boxes of cake mix. She hummed quietly to herself as she started to put them in the buggy. She crossed off the 'cakes' on her list with the pen in her pocket, and moved on to the next item. She went in search of chips, finding most of the shelves empty. She shook her head, grabbing the barbecue flavor, and three of the Sour Cream Onion's. As she made her way down the aisle, eyeing the snacks, she heard someone giggling. At the end of the isle was a little boy, no older than five making his way towards her, touching everything he could get his hands on. He wobbled into her laughing, making her smile. Bella looked around seeing nobody else. She then knelt, giving the cute, freckled boy a playful grin. "Hi, there" She smiled, touching his nose.
He giggled, tugging on her hair in curiosity. "Soft" He said, reaching up a bit more to caress her hair. Bella felt like a dog for a moment before letting out a laugh as he pulled the pin from her hair, her brown curls falling around her face. "Toby" Bella froze a bit at the familiar voice, sighing to herself. Only she'd run into some child in Mike's possession. She stood back to her full height, wincing as Toby got a good tug in. She plastered on a fake smile, gesturing towards Toby. "So, he belongs to you?" She asked, patting him on the head. Mike nodded, blinking a few times. Suddenly he had no filter as he blurted, "Damn! You're so pretty." He face palmed and nodded, flushing a dark red. "Yeah, that's my nephew, Toby. Sorry." He walked forward, bending down to pick up the grinning boy. Mike gave out a frustrated grunt, as Toby kicked him in the shin, successfully dropping him back to the floor, and running into the direction of a woman that looked like Mike's twin.
Mike shook his head, and glanced down at Bella. They were too close for her comfort, and she grabbed the buggy, ready to leave the aisle. He smelled like cheap cologne and mint, two scents Bella despised. Mike was the one guy who never gave up, always came back for round two. "So how's your Spring Break going? Throwing a party?" He asked, glancing at her buggy. Bella shook her head, pushing some hair behind her ear, and biting her lip. Mike groaned softly, thinking of all the things he wished to do with that lip. She never understood how beautiful she really was. Before he could stop himself, he lifted his hand, pulling her lip from her teeth, gently swiping his thumb across it. Bella's face scrunched up, pressing her back against the shelf.
"Um, what are you doing?" She asked, her brown eyes widening at the look that crossed his face. He looked to be in some other world as he stared at her lips. He leaned forward, and Bella pushed against him with her palms. Mike finally registered that she wasn't inviting him closer and leaned back. Bella used that space to grab her buggy, and moved forward to grab something else from that aisle. She groaned as it was on a few shelves higher and briefly thought about telling Emily that Forks ran out of it, but she couldn't do that to her friend. She really did want to leave the aisle though, feeling rather uncomfortable. Mike had never tried to openly kiss her like that, and she never expected him to either.
She shuddered and stood on her tiptoes, reaching for the cookies that Emily insisted on having. "I've got it." Mike stated, walking towards her. Bella ignored him and lifted a leg, hoping that'll give her some extra leverage. "I've got it." She snapped, her fingers just grazing the plastic. Mike plucked it down from her and held it, looking guilty for once. "Sorry Bella. I didn't mean to almost…you know. You're just so pretty. I was thinking that since Cullen left, and you had some time to grieve, I guess if you wanted to go out sometime. Not like a date, but an outing?" He asked hopefully. Bella pursed her lips, not keen on turning him down for probably the 90th time this month. "Can I just have the cookies, please?" She asked, looking drained. She reached for them, only for Mike to pull them back. "Come on, just once. I promise no moves."
Bella rolled her eyes, reaching for the cookies again. "Mike..." She growled softly, and glanced up to see if there were any more cookies of that flavor, and rolled her eyes. Of course they'd be the last ones. She grabbed the cookies from him and glared as he held on. "Not interested. Can I just have the damn…" She grunted as she backed a few steps, gasping as he jerked them back. The momentum caused her to lean backwards, and she started to brace herself for the fall she knew would surely break something, but it was futile as her fall was broken by a large hot hand pressing against her back.
She looked up, her eyes slightly widening at the growl, she could feel building in his chest. Mike froze, his blue eyes enlarging as he took in the man that stood behind Bella. Oh god. Mike thought. The man looked liked he wanted to gut him and then strangle him with his own intestines.
Paul simply looked down at Bella, and then the cookies Mike held in his hand. He too took a quick look on the shelf, opting to grab another pack. He really didn't feel like getting blood on him this afternoon. Paul leaned down, his lips grazing Bella's ear. "Are those the cookies you need?" He asked staring Mike down.
Bella held in her shiver and nodded silently. It was clear Mike was using that as his leverage, but dammit she needed those cookies.
Paul hummed; a smile crossing his face, except this smile was sadistic. Intending to terrorize the living hell out of whomever it was that happened to be his target. Mike audibly gulped, his brain going to mush. He suddenly found himself snatched forward by his blue polo, staring into pitch black eyes that seemed to search into his very soul. His feet even dangled off the ground. The cookies were suddenly snatched from his hand, landing in Bella's small ones. Paul leaned in close, his eyes cold, and unemotional. "Fuck off. Next time I won't be doing any talking." He growled. Mike paled, knowing that the threat alone in his voice was a promise.
Mike barely had any time to get his bearings, before he was dropped back on his feet, and he didn't waste time as he hauled his ass the way he had come. Bella sighed to herself in relief and embarrassment, putting the cookies in the buggy, glancing up at her new friend. "Can't go anywhere alone, huh?" She chuckled. Paul just grunted in response, looking her over for a moment before grabbing her half of the list steering them towards their next item.
~THAU~
"Does he always do that?" Paul asked, once they had got inside the truck. Bella buckled her seat belt and shook her head. "No, he's more of the pestering type. I didn't think he'd try to kiss me...or fight me with a box of cookies." She snorted. Paul let out a chuckle of his own as he pulled onto the freeway. "You scared the hell out of him, though I tell you I've never seen anyone look that pale." Paul glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, looking thoughtful "You aren't scared though?" He asked, wondering if Bella's self-preservation skills were really as shitty as Sam claimed. "No. I mean, you've given me no reason to be scared of you" she explained "You're intimidating sure, but I know that you won't hurt me. I've heard a few stories concerning both male and female, but it's all about boundaries, right? I know that unlike the rest of the pack, you have a specific line that should not be crossed." She stated softly, glancing at him. The sun hit his face at a forty five degree angle that left him glowing.
He had no imperfections on his face. His lashes were long like all boys had, making her slightly envious of them. They created a slight shadow that brushed along his cheek bones. It almost hurt to look at him. He really was a beautiful man. His deep voice drew her out of her thoughts, her eyes shifting to his, giving him her full attention. "You're pack. There's no reason to hurt you, or for you to be intimidated." He said, his eyes meeting hers for a second, before they turned back to the road. Bella tilted her head to the side, confusion etched across her face. "But the guy's..." She started, not really sure where she wanted to go with that thought. "That's different. You're different. They fear me because they don't understand. You don't understand me either, but you're with me right now because you want to be, not because you have to be." he answered her silent question.
Bella was quiet for a moment, tossing his words around in her head. She felt a little sad that he was alone for the most part, but she made her decision very quickly regarding him. "Well I'm happy to be here." She smiled, turning to glance out of the window. She was excited to have a friendship that wasn't based on a 'connection' or one that became a friendship because you were dating their 'brother'. Paul didn't say anything else as they drove back to Sam's. Pulling into the driveway, Bella unbuckled her seat belt as Paul pulled to a stop. She hopped down, catching herself on the door. "Stupid left feet" She murmured quietly, making her way to the back. Paul was already out, and decided to hand her a few bags as it was apparent that she was too short to grab the one's, way in the back. This time it was one of the twins who came to greet her, as she walked up the porch.
Levi Collin was just as tall as the rest of the boys, standing at 6ft. His hair was a curly brown mop that hung in his eyes every time he looked down. His eyes were a light brown that shined when the sun hit them just right, and a bright white smile to die for. He pulled her in tight, his nose rubbing against her hair. He looked her over with his own eyes, something all her imprinters did, before giving her a smile. His eyes went to the food in the bag, a look of excitement crossing his face. "Yes! You and Paul went shopping." He made his way out to the truck, a "Thanks Paul" leaving his lips as he grabbed some groceries. Bella shook her head and walked into the kitchen, setting everything out for Emily. She squeezed past Paul and Levi, walking to grab the last few bags left. She was able to reach the last three, closing the hatch on the truck.
Paul met her at the door grabbing the last few bags, and placing them on the table. Bella decided to go shower, ready to wind down for the day. It was already rolling three thirty, and Emily usually finished dinner around 6. While she showered, many of the wolves were switching places, leaving Sam's house open for more visitors. It was a usual Monday night for the pack, a tad busy, but calm as they caught up with each other about their weekend outside of La Push. Bella spent her time between the kitchen and Kim, the two gossiping over the latest romance novels. During her time with her makeshift family, she'd glance in Paul's direction, the man seemingly content with being on his own in a room full of people.
She caught his eyes and inclined her head, urging him to come closer. He obliged as it was only her request of him, and found a spot next to her on the floor. The room went silent for a few seconds at this strangeness, leaving room for a few cricket chirps, before conversation resumed, albeit a little quieter. Kim chatted happily along, accepting Paul's presence so close, although it didn't go unnoticed that she scooted closer to Jared, his hand unconsciously reaching out to run through her brown hair in comfort. Bella noticed the action with curiosity, wondering what their type of imprinting felt like. She didn't think she'd like imprinting in a romantic way, but it worked for her family, and she was okay with that.
After a while, she decided to go check in on Emily, pulling Paul along with her. She was new to this whole friendship thing, but she understood that at the moment she was the only thing that made him comfortable. She peeked in on Emily who was bustling away humming to the radio that she had going. "Bella, I know you're there. I've got it." Emily sang, throwing a smile over her shoulder. Bella swore the woman had eyes in the back of her head. As she leaned back, her eyes caught a figure out of the kitchen window, making her gasp. She knew this wasn't a good time to ignore Sam's warning, but she did anyhow, making her way outside and down the steps, halting to a stop as his vibrating frame registered to her. "Jake" She called out hesitantly. His hands were balled into fists, short puffs of air coming from his nose. Bella's eyes widened at how big he'd gotten, the changes visible on his face. "So, is this what we do Bella? Ditch friends?" Jacob snapped, hurt evident in his voice.
Bella pursed her lips because she knew she had nothing to say to him. She couldn't say anything to him really. Heat suddenly engulfed her again, Paul's hand coming to rest on her shoulder. She sighed in relief that he didn't ask her to go inside, but she could feel him tensing, coiling and uncoiling behind her. He would make a move if Jacob did. "It's got nothing to do with that. You should go home." She said quietly, her heart hurting for her best friend. Jacob took a step forward, his lip curling up in a snarl. "That's all you can say? Go home? What's happened to you? Ever since Cullen left, you've been so different. Sam got to you too, huh?" Bella held her ground as she swallowed. "Go home Jacob." She said sternly, leaving no room for arguments. She knew she was pushing his limit, but it wasn't safe for anyone, with him so close to phasing.
Jacob growled softly, his shaking intensifying. Bella pushed herself into Paul's side as she could literally see the steam rising from his arms. Paul nudged her backwards, his senses picking up Sam's truck coming up the drive. Seconds later Sam's truck came to a stop, sending rocks flying in every direction. He opened his door with caution, Jacob turning around slowly, his eyes wild. "Jacob" Sam said soothingly. His eyes flickered towards Bella, and then back to Jacob. "Paul, take Bella inside." Paul watched the situation with unease, but grabbed Bella's hand, leading her back inside. Bella looked up at him in protest, but his eyes said enough. It was too dangerous. Not one wolf had held back the phase as long as Jacob had, and it was either wait until he blew up seeing red or blew up with things a little hazy, but either way he was going to blow up.
"You!" he snarled "This is entirely your fucking fault" Jacob spat, pointing a shaking finger in the older man's direction. Sam held up his hands, his brows rising in off-chance that might've been soothing to the young boy. "You steal all my fucking friends! Turning them into some gang! Then you steal the only friend I have left? Fuck you Sam." Jacob moved to throw a punch in Sam's direction, only for Sam to dodge the blow quite easily. Bella gasped, jumping from time to time when it looked like Sam couldn't move fast enough. Paul's arm in front of her was the only thing that made her stay put. Jacob gave out a frustrated grunt as he missed again, bending over at the sharp pain that stabbed him in the stomach.
Sam pursed his lips when he noticed Jacob was trying to fight off the pain, so he rushed forward, pushing Jacob towards the woods. Bella unconsciously grasped Paul's arm, her eyes widening as Jacob seemed to grow more and more anxious and angry. Sam gave one big push causing Jacob to fall to the ground, his body convulsing. Sam quickly moved away, his body tense. Jacob let out a scream as his back arched and his bones started to break and mold. "Don't fight it Jacob!" Sam snapped, removing his shirt as he got ready to phase. His shoes were next as he egged Jacob on. "I've been watching you. I had to take them away Jacob. It didn't matter about your feelings." Jacob grabbed at his hair, his eyes going wide as he stared at the darkening sky. His heart was beating a mile a minute, his body scorching in white hot fire. "You're mine now" Sam growled, removing his pants and innerwear in one go, phasing immediately.
Jacob let out a wail so loud that the birds in the trees went silent, his back arching, and his body flipping over only to land on paws. Jacob's body went still as he stared at the paws below him, his mind working to figure out what exactly was going on.
'Jacob, Calm down'
Jacob scurried forward into the woods, hoping to outrun the voice that he had despised for so long.
Bella watched in slight concern and fear as Sam followed after a skittish Jacob, her fingers wrapping even tighter around Paul's thick arm, as the sounds of growling and whimpering slowly faded, Bella let go of Paul's arm, her face a bit pale. She'd seen the guy's phase plenty of times before, but she had never witnessed their first phase. It was unnerving to say the least. "Alright there?" Paul asked in concern, leading her inside.
Bella shivered a bit, but nodded, glancing up at him. He just gave her a chuckle, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. As Emily set dinner, the wolves were courteous enough to let the humans grab first dibs before digging in. While Paul didn't grab a plate, he found Bella curled up next to him, a plate piled high that he knew was meant for him to eat on.
Bella picked around the plate, worry eating at her, eyes far away. "You should eat. He's fine." Paul whispered in her ear, pushing the plate more towards her. She jumped slightly, her mind so far gone that she had forgotten where she was. She nodded and immersed herself in the conversation that surrounded Jacob's first phase. "It's about time. I've been waiting forever for him to phase. Quil, you owe me twenty!" Jared held out his hand causing Quil to grumble a response.
Bella smiled at their antics, resumed eating, feeling oddly content. Her best friend was finally in the inner circle, and she couldn't be happier. She oddly wondered if their friendship would be altered when Jacob knew the truth about how and why he had phased. She felt guilty for a moment, until she felt a hand in her hair. It wasn't Paul, but Jamie who glanced at her knowingly.
Out of her brothers, Jamie and Sam seemed to be the most connected to her emotionally, none of which the elders or they themselves could understand. His fingers massaged her scalp, his face the spitting image of his brother. She could tell them apart by the dimple on his right cheek, and the slightly almond color to his eyes.
She gave him a grateful smile, taking notice that he didn't seem to be unnerved with Paul's presence. It was refreshing to see.
Once he was content enough that she was alright, he went for his third plate, Emily's reminding gesture to him, to save some for Sam and Jacob.
Bella leaned on Paul's shoulder, her eyes dropping slightly. Paul grabbed her plate as she nodded off, finishing off the rest, listening to the conversation around him, but making no move to be in it.
His pack mates glanced at him from time to time, so unused to seeing him around for so long, quite curious about his newly found choice of friendship with their human. They didn't worry too much though, as long as Bella was alright, that's what mattered.
He was still cold and distant, and his eyes made them very unnerved, but he was pack after all. Once it was clear Bella was knocked out for the count, Paul lifted her silently, his movements going unnoticed as the pack seemed to wind down. He laid her in bed, her slight pull on his shirt making him pause.
He raised a brow at her as she sleepily tried to form her request. She pulled him down to her, wrapping an arm around his neck, squeezing gently. She nuzzled his cheek in passing, letting the wolf go. Paul just tilted his head in curiosity staring down at the Brunette. He raised his hand to her cheek, her smooth skin under his knuckles. She turned over, mumbling something incoherent before her breathing evened out once more. Paul left the room, closing the door behind him, slipping out of the small, cozy home, unnoticed.
AN: So that's chapter 3 rolled up. So we see a little Mike and Paul confrontation, and Jacob has finally phased. Chapter 4 and 5 is already typed out, and I hope to have chapter 4 up next week for you guys and chapter 5 the following week.
See ya!