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I woke the next morning feeling relatively refreshed, thanks to a rest much better than originally expected. Paul had refused to let me go all through the night, curling his body protectively around mine with one hand splayed over my stomach and the other arm holding me to his chest.

Thanks to his constant affection I had woken only once in a blind panic, shouting out in fear at the figure my mind conjured up in the darkness. The figure which always takes the same form of that man.

These days he scares me more than any vampire could.

Yet Paul had woken straight away, whispering into my ear and rocking me back and forth. He told me all about how the wolves were still out there, resting but always on alert just outside the house. He told me that no matter what they would keep me safe.

It had taken only a few minutes for his soothing touch to calm my racing heart, sinking back into his scorching embrace as he continued to whisper lovingly into my ear.

Which is why when I woke again the next morning I felt surprisingly well rested and ready to start the day. Whatever it has in store for me, I am determined to make it a good one. I took time off from work for a reason and to spend it moping around was not it!

To live my life in fear would be to let him win.

If Bella can face vampire attacks and literal brushes with death yet still function happily with Edward by her side, I can absolutely do the same. I have Paul after all.

With him in my life, I can conquer it all.

My imprints familiar gait coming up the stairs pulled me out of sleep completely, looking up just as he entered the room with a cup of tea in hand. He smiled as he took in my no doubt rumpled state, my eyes blurry and my hair mostly falling out of the braid I had put it in to sleep.

I probably look a complete wreck but for some reason he adores it. He makes no secret that he thinks I am at my most attractive with bed hair. Though I do understand after seeing him walk in with messy hair and unshaven stubble, wearing nothing but boxers.

So sexy I basically combust on the spot every time, there's simply no denying that.

As though reading that in my eyes he put the tea on the table, crawling up the end of the bed and gently pushing me back into the pillows. His broad frame stretched out over me as he kissed me lazily, before dropping his head onto my shoulder and pressing his nose into my neck.

"Ugh, you're so heavy" is all I could sputter, arms winding over his shoulders all the same "but good morning"

He smirked at me as he shifted his weight onto his forearms, coming to rest in-between my legs. I watched entranced as he turned his head to the right, kissing the inside of my wrist in greeting.

"I'm glad you're awake" is all he said before tilting his head towards the tea "drink that and have a shower. I am going to make breakfast."

"Are you?" I couldn't help the suspicion that laced my voice as I watched him slide back off the bed. I sat up as he walked towards the door, covering my bare chest with the sheets "do you need help?"

"Nope" he sounded confident as he eyed me "I think I have watched you enough to handle it. Besides this is your day so birthday rules apply – you have to do whatever I say!"

"I am fairly sure that was not the rule on your birthday" I rolled my eyes but reached for the drink anyway "but thank you for the tea."

"Welcome!" he called back as he made his way down the stairs "but don't rush, it may take me some time to work out where everything is!"

Well, that's comforting…

I took my time showering, standing under the hot spray as I exfoliated and shaved from head to toe, having already decided that today would be worth the effort. As it is I have already put a ban on negative thoughts or conversations. After the hell we have both been through the past 24 hours, all I want is a little peace.

When I eventually re-emerged it took only a second to clock the difference in the room, namely that Paul has deliberately laid out a set of my clothes on the bed. These are nice clothes too, my favourite cream jumper, jeans and ankle boots.

At least they actually match which is something I am definitely grateful for – Paul clearly wants me to wear this particular outfit so I dread to think what I would do if it looked ridiculous. Probably wear it anyway if I'm honest, this clearly means a lot to him so I'll be damned if I ruined the day just because I'm fussy.

But thankfully I don't have to worry about that, because this outfit is gorgeous!

Pulling on the clothes, I finally moved to open the blackout curtains to risk a look outside, trying to assess whether this outfit would withstand the usual levels of rain in this town.

And yet I almost keeled over in shock at what greeted me, blinking against the rays of sunshine which graced my features. It's sunny?! It's only just hitting April in La Push…and it's sunny?!

This is definitely a sign that today is going to be a good day.

The smile didn't leave my face as I set about fixing my appearance, curling my long hair so it fell in beachy waves down my back and finally applying proper makeup for the first time in a while. I decided that considering Paul has told me he has put effort into the day, the least I can do is look nice for it.

Thanks to the sun it is also finally time for me to breakout my shades, which haven't made an appearance once since moving here. Yet they complete the entire look sitting on the top of my head, their black frames matching my bag which I collected from the foot of the bed.

You know what, today I look nice and I only hope Paul thinks the same.

I absentmindedly followed the smell of breakfast, making my way out of the bedroom and down the stairs towards the source of the delicious smell. Yet that also made me pause halfway down the flight, cocking my head curiously.

This is my house right? I mean what is going on today? First Paul has great fashion sense when it comes to female clothing and now he can magically knock up what smells like amazing food?

He must have been kidnapped and replaced with a lookalike, that is the only feasible conclusion I can draw.

"Hey sexy" I greeted him cheerfully as he stood in the kitchen. Immediately he turned with a smile, face only brightening when he caught sight of me. Upon seeing this I deliberately twirled on the spot, fanning my long hair out and down my back to show him that I have actually put effort into my appearance today.

And by the looks of things, it has gone down well and is very much appreciated.

"Good morning" he murmured as he approached, running his fingers gently through the blonde locks "you know I think you look beautiful every day but honestly…wow."

"All in the outfit" I assured him with a smile "is there any particular reason you went for this one?"

"I like seeing you in it" he replied with a shrug "does there need to be any other reason?"

"Well no, but-" I was cut off as he kissed me, my mind automatically going blank the second our lips touched. There is something about being kissed by Paul which throws me off guard every single time. I dare say I will never tire of it, nor ever get any less turned on.

Even now after one relatively innocent kiss, I am ready to drag him back upstairs and preferably remain there for the rest of the day.

As if sensing my sudden shift Paul pulled back, pressing little kisses to my cheeks and nose before walking away with a self-satisfied smirk. Damn him, he knows exactly what he is doing! And he loves every second of it.

But I say two can play that game, so my lovely man better start watching his back. Because whatever he throws at me, I'll make sure I am one step ahead.

"Stop plotting and come and eat" Paul only stated as he turned, two plates of scrambled egg in hand.

"Plotting what?" I asked with false innocence, widening my eyes as I blinked rapidly. Sometimes it is scary the extent that he can see straight through me. Half of the time I am convinced he knows what I am thinking before I truly do myself.

Yet I suppose I am the same with him, which is why I know for a fact he doesn't believe my innocent façade for even a second.

"You know what. Trying to plot how you can turn me on and then leave me to suffer" he smirked as he pulled out my chair for me expectantly. Blimey he really is pulling out all the stops today.

"Well you had gotten out of bed before I woke up" I pulled my best sad expression as I sat down, pulling him towards me by his shirt which he must have pulled on before cooking "and then I had to shower alone…"

"Oh well that must have been so hard for you" his voice dropped, taking on the seductive edge I know so well as his lips ghosted over mine and made their way down my neck. I supressed a shudder as his teeth nipped my earlobe lightly, one hand settling on the top of my thigh.

Immediately heat flooded through my core, hands twitching as I tried my best to calm my traitorous heartrate. I can't let him win so easily…

"It was" I instead managed to squeak out, my own hand threading through his black hair as I attempted to pull him closer to me. Only he didn't budge, instead maintaining that irritating distance for a second before he pressed a slow and lingering kiss to my collarbone.

My head automatically tilted back as his hand on my thigh slid even higher, one finger rubbing suggestively over my now throbbing core. Oh fuck, why do I always react to him so easily?

"Well that's too bad" the hand retreated suddenly, Paul standing back up to his full height as he eyed me with a self-satisfied smirk "But I am sure you will survive."

Wait what? I blinked up at him from my very turned on state, trying to get my bearings back as he dropped a kiss to the top of my head.

"So eat your breakfast sweetheart, we've got an entire day ahead of us after all" he pushed my fork into my hand.

I felt my mouth drop open before I could control it, my mind flailing as I attempted to remember how to pick it back up again. Paul on the other hand merely sauntered over to his seat, falling into it in a manner far too graceful for a man his size as he began to eat.

Yet the mysterious glint in his eye didn't leave for the entire meal.


After breakfast Paul had dutifully cleared away the plates before practically bundling me into his truck, closing the door on me before I had the opportunity to grill him too hard. After all this behaviour is completely out of character for him. If he hadn't been wandering around all morning with a shit eating grin all over his face, I'd be convinced there was something wrong and he's gone overboard trying to distract me.

But no, I know my boyfriend far too well at this point. He is excited, although about what I am yet to find out.

"I have a lot of work booked in down at the shop next week so I may be pretty busy, just so you know" he informed me as he pulled out of the driveway "you should come down and take a look."

"I've been meaning to" I couldn't help but shoot him a guilty look "life just got in the way, I'm sorry."

"Don't say sorry" he immediately reassured me "We've both been super busy, it's no one's fault. Just want to keep you updated considering the amount of work you put into the place."

"Yet you're the one who got it off the ground" I rolled my eyes at him "all I did was find a shell for a business."

That much is true. Paul has been working around the clock to get the place in working order, and the reception it has received has been nothing short of amazing.

In fact, he already employed Jacob part-time to help around his schoolwork. He decided that he would be by far the best option, considering he is both part of the pack and good at working on cars. The rabbit he put together only proving that fact.

Yet even with the extra set of hands he is going to need at least two more mechanics as well as someone to watch the books. He is yet to find anyone, so I have been filling in where possible. I may not be a qualified accountant but I know enough – I needed to learn to get through my Masters after all.

But needless to say I will not be keeping it up for long. Hopefully he finds someone, and fast.

"Right, we are here" he said after just ten minutes of driving along the familiar roads. Yet now he has stopped on the side of one, in the middle of nowhere in particular.

What is he playing at?

My confusion turned to understanding however when I was pulled gently into the forest, moving far enough off the road so not to be seen.

"I am going to phase" Paul explained unnecessarily as he began to strip, passing me his clothes "would you look after these until I change back?"

"Sure" I couldn't think of anything else to say as he finished undressing before stepping away and turning his back on me, leaving a good ten meters between us.

It seems that no matter what the boys will take no chances around us. They always phase with their backs to us, so to avoid the risk of any claws reaching further than they should. They also always leave far more space than necessary.

Yet it's for our own good, this we know. Emily is a constant reminder of that fact.

Once phased Paul's wolf gave a dramatic shake of his fur, before turning back around to face me slowly. I didn't hesitate in making my way over to the still stationary wolf, throwing my arms around his large neck in excitement.

Ah how I have missed this side of him.

"Hello you" I greeted affectionately as I pulled back, scratching behind his ears as one would a dog "I haven't seen you in a while, I missed you."

His answering puff of air had me smiling, the wolfs large brown eyes never wavering off my face as he slowly stepped forward once more. I meanwhile only smiled softly at how careful he always is around me. Never making any sudden movements and always watching my exact position at all times.

Upon confirming to himself that once again I wasn't about to run away screaming his tail started wagging enthusiastically, pink tongue darting out to lick my face happily.

"Ewww, Paul!" I couldn't help the sputter of laughter as I wiped away the slobber, nose wrinkling at the adoring wolf stood in front of me "it's a good thing I love you, because that was gross!"

His answering whine had me smiling again, watching carefully as he suddenly folded his legs under him, laying down on his belly as he looked at me expectantly.

"What?" I asked, confused. I am also slightly amused though, given that even laying down he is absolutely enormous, his body alone reaching my waist. It is always so clear why vampires would find him intimidating.

But to me he's just a huge teddy bear. Not that I would wound his male pride by saying that out loud…

Obviously unable to speak he just looked from me, to his back, then back to me again. That is when it dawned on me.

"You want me to get on your back?" I asked, confused. After all this is not something we have ever attempted before. What if I fall off?

The large wolf nodded his head once, puffing through his nose once more.

"But what if I am too heavy?" the question sounded stupid to my own ears as I voiced it. Paul's wolf clearly thought so too as he snorted, brown eyes literally rolling at my words.

He does have a point. He is enormous after all, the size of a horse and packed with muscle. Far stronger than his human counterpart who spends half of his life easily carrying me around the place, just because it makes him happy.

Plus his wolf is designed to kill vampires for goodness sake, I very much doubt he'll so much as notice the weight of a woman on his back.

"Fine" I conceded as I eyed him nervously "but please don't drop me."

Again another eyeroll, this time accompanied with an amused shake of the head.

Tentatively I approached his side, swinging one leg over as I eased myself onto his back.

"Ugh, this okay?" I asked, suddenly feeling quite unsure. I mean how is one supposed to approach getting onto a wolfs back? Even if said wolf is their shapeshifting boyfriend.

Evidently it must have been fine as I squeaked as he lurched to his feet, automatically falling onto my stomach as my face planted itself in his fur. Ugh.

Ignoring his snort of what I interpreted to be amusement I pushed myself back up again, squaring my shoulders as I shuffled slightly, trying to find the most stable position.

Paul didn't seem to have a lot of patience though as he immediately set off at a brisk walk, seemingly making the assumption that I would be able to find my own balance.

And it turns out he was right.

"Okay this is quite fun" I admitted as he happily trotted through the treeline. It had taken me a few minutes to get my balance, yet soon realised that he's actually quite comfortable despite the weirdness of the situation. And from his position I can finally reach the grey fur on the top of his back, running it through my hands gently.

From the purrs of appreciation Paul is letting rumble through his chest, I take it he likes the attention.

I let out a slight squeak as he upped the pace, automatically clinging to him tighter as he moved into what can only be described as a canter. Yet still he managed to take good care of me, keeping his back somehow straight and supportive as he weaved his way through the trees.

I've made up my mind, we are going to have to do this more often.

Plus I will be recommending it to the other imprints if they haven't already tried this out – it's great fun! As long as you don't think about exactly what is happening. Then it just gets a bit weird.

We remained on the move for a further 10 minutes before he eventually stopped, whining once to signal that I should probably move off him now. I slid off him with ease, landing on the floor with a light thud and watching as he turned, once again moving away so that he could phase back.

"That was fun, you know" I grinned when he was finally back on two legs "I may even upgrade you from Labrador to pony!"

"Oh very funny" he mocked as he pulled his clothes back on, much to my disappointment "I just didn't want you walking far today, especially when you look so hot."

"Well thank you" I couldn't help but tug him closer to me, sliding my hands up his chest as his arms automatically came around my waist.

"And now the final stage" he paused, spinning me around in his arms so that my back pressed against his chest "I promise."

He accompanied his words with a light kiss to my neck, making me shudder against him despite the relative warmth of the sun.

And then suddenly, that sun disappeared.

"What are you doing now?" I asked as he placed his large hands gently over my eyes as he walked me forward "Okay I understand what you meant on your birthday – not being able to see is horrible!"

"And I will repeat what you asked me" Paul's voice remained tinged with amusement "do you trust me?"

"Of course" I conceded.

"Well then" he remained sounding smug "I guess you'll just have to put up with it"

I huffed lightly but did as he instructed anyway, allowing him to steer me forward slowly. Although I swear if I end up tripping over a tree root and breaking my ankle there will be hell to pay. Especially given Paul was the one to pick these boots out, they're hardly great for any kind of hiking through the woods after all. I mean they are heels for goodness sake!

Thankfully it wasn't long before he finally removed his hands, making me blink rapidly against the bright rays.

"Wow" I managed to spit out as I took in the gorgeous sight in front of me. True to Paul's word I hadn't had to walk far, yet this place it just beautiful.

We stood in the middle of a glade, one which I have never been to before. It is small, yet full of natural light which filters through the shelter of thick trees surrounding it. The grass covering it is plush and green, as though no human had stepped foot on it for quite some time. And as for the smell…

Inhaling deeply I couldn't fight the smile that overtook my face. It's so fresh, so clean. As though every one of the flowers and buds contribute to one symphony of heady aroma, the sheer beauty of the place taking over every one of my senses.

"We discovered this when we first started patrolling" Paul explained quietly "as far as we are aware no one but the pack knows of its existence or ever come here."

Carefully he guided me over the longer patches of grass towards the centre, which contained a set up I had somehow missed upon my first inspection of the beautiful space.

The boys have clearly been very busy, setting up various blankets and cushions into an adorable little nest. On one of the blankets sat an enormous picnic basket, filled to the brim with anything you could ever want for the perfect day out.

Courtesy of Emily no doubt, but the fact that Paul has gone to all this trouble to organise the day for me…

"Who knew you could be so romantic?" I teased his as I pressed a succession of kisses against his mouth. He only grinned at me, taking my hand and helping me sit on the blanket.

"Every now and again I have my moments" he shrugged bashfully "I just wanted somewhere where we can both truly relax. The guys are on patrol around here so we are well protected. But they are out of earshot so we have all the privacy in the world."

"Well, I love it" I grinned "and it's just so pretty!"

"I thought you may think so" he smiled back "I know how you feel about nature. And with everything going on I wanted us to really relax and enjoy ourselves. So here we are…"

"I think this is the best idea you have ever had" was all I could think to say, before falling into his embrace as he kissed me in the midday sun.


Two hours later we found ourselves stretched out on the blankets, Paul lying perpendicular to me with his head on my stomach, as we both stared up at the fluffy white clouds. I in turn also laid down with my head propped up on multiple cushions, my left hand slowly pushing through his inky black hair.

"How are you feeling?" he asked eventually, after we had laid in silence for near enough twenty minutes. Between us we had eaten enough of Emily's cooking to sink a battleship, both basking in the sunlight as we spoke about anything and everything which came to mind. In all honestly I can't remember the last time I have felt so happy and at peace, as though everything makes sense in the world.

And it is all because of him.

"You still awake?" he prompted again, catching my hand which still caressed his hair and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

"Just about" I murmured back happily "but I haven't been this relaxed in a long while. This place is so beautiful"

"Good, that is all I wanted" there was a pleased tinged to his voice "but you can't go to sleep."

"Why?" I murmured drowsily, forcing my eyes back open from where they had shamelessly fallen shut. I am just so comfortable and warm…

"Because relaxation isn't my only reason for dragging you out here." His cryptic words had be waking up slightly as I tried to consider their implications.

"No?" I lifted my head, peeking at him through my sunglasses.

"No. Because I have a motive you know" he continued conversationally, pulling himself into a sitting position and turning to face me.

"You did?" I couldn't keep the curiosity out of my voice "you mean other than to spend time with me?"

"Well I always want to spend time with you, Gemma" he rolled his eyes "believe it or not that kind of comes with the being in love with you thing"

"Right" is all I could think to say, hoping that it would prompt him to continue with his odd little speech. I mean where the hell is he going with this?

"I just wanted to know something" he continued, all of a sudden rising to his feet and holding out his hands. I automatically reached out to him, allowing him to pull me to my feet. To my surprise though he didn't move any further and instead remained facing me, holding my hands in his.

"Like what?" I asked suspiciously. I mean really at this point can he act any weirder? Shifting from foot to foot like some sheepish child who has been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"I just have a question. And I have spent forever thinking about how to ask."

"Paul…you know you can ask me anything. I am always going to be here for you" I felt my forehead creasing in concern as I squeezed his hands in mine. Is he unwell?

"I mean I had time to think about it…I had to call your dad first after all, to ask his permission" Paul carried on "I wanted to do this properly. Yet anything I have thought about or written could never do justice to how I feel about you. So I decided that I would just speak to you, straight from my heart."

Is he talking about what I think he might be?

Paul took a deep breath before taking a half step away from me. His dark eyes glistened in the sun as he looked down on me, endless swirls of honey sucking me straight into their depths. Vaguely I became aware of him holding a dark cube, which he must have pulled from his jacket as he stood.

"I took you here today in an attempt to personify how you make me feel, every second of every day. So happy, relaxed and like nothing else in the world could ever matter. When we have each other, we are complete."

I couldn't so much as speak as he slowly lowered himself onto one knee, opening the little box carefully as he held it in front of him.

"With this in mind I make the promise to love you and care for you always. I want to spend the rest of my life striving to be a better person for you, so we can move forward and build our future together."

He cleared his throat, looking up at me with hope and pure adoration shining in his deep eyes. He paused for only a second to gather his thoughts before uttering those fateful words. The words which had my heart stuttering over itself as I stared at him in shock and disbelief.

"Gemma Mitchell, will you marry me?"