I had left Leah and Justin in the store together, yet had only just made it to the exit before the girl had come chasing after me, grabbing my arm and stopping me in my tracks.

"Gemma" her once angry eyes now filled with hope as she looked down on me "please, don't tell anyone about this. Not even Paul."

"What? Why?" the insensitive words left my mouth before I could stop them, my brain short-circuiting. I immediately clamped my lips shut; eyes apologetic as the taller girl's gaze turned into a glare.

"I'm sorry" I amended "I'm just surprised, that's all."

"I just don't want anyone knowing yet" she appeared to wordlessly accept my apology as she instead pressed her case.

"I understand that…they will find out though" I told her gently "the second you phase again; they will all know."

"Then I won't phase" she said resolutely, glancing quickly over her shoulder at Justin who still stood waiting for her out of hearing distance "It's not like Sam will complain, he finds it awkward as hell. But please Gemma, just don't tell Paul."

"It's not my secret to tell Leah" I sighed "and as much as I don't like keeping things from Paul, I know it's not my place. But you do understand they will find out soon right?"

"I know" she bit her lip "but the thing is - and I swear to god if you tell anyone this I will murder you – but this is the only thing I truly have that…well, that is mine."

"What do you mean?" I couldn't help but ask curiously. It's not often Leah comes across as so painfully truthful, after all.

"I mean I considered my life to be over when I phased. That one angry female who should never have become a wolf…hell, I don't even know if I can have children anymore. But now I have this, whatever this is. No one can take it away from me nor control it."

"Maybe because it's not something which needs to be controlled. He will be good for you, Leah" I nodded once with a small smile "Justin is such a lovely man, truly a kind soul. I think you have a lot to learn from each other."

"Then I have to ask you again, to let me tell the pack in my own time. When I can face Sam again…when I have my head sorted just a bit." She ran a hand through her dark hair, eyes remaining stoically on mine despite my previous words.

This clearly isn't something she is taking lightly. And when it comes to imprinting, I understand the whirlwind of emotions attached in their entirety. Poor Justin, I understood what was going on when it happened to me, yet he has no idea.

I wonder how he is going to take the news that the random girl who he suddenly formed a connection with is actually a shape shifting wolf…

"I promise you; your secret is safe with me." I gave the taller woman a solemn look "and I am not making that undertaking only as a solicitor who is bound by all that stuff, but also as a friend."

Leah as predicted wrinkled her nose at that term, but to my surprise didn't deny it entirely. Instead one corner of her mouth turned up into a hint of a smile, her head inclining just slightly in gratitude. Subtle motions, specifically done to not draw attention. Yet they were understood all the same.

"Now, go and drink that wine." I stated dryly as I turned on my heel "at least you've saved me the unnecessary calories."

She didn't respond, offering only another firm nod of her head before spinning on her heel and making her way back to Justin.

Even the steps she took looked lighter, the aura around her less depressing.

Already Leah has changed. It was like some kind of switch, yet one which really suited her. It seems that for her, imprinting wasn't some 'I am completely in love with you and will follow you anywhere' kind of pull. Rather, it was the moment she found her ability to feel at peace.

It's like she has skipped the part of her life which she would have spent mourning her loss of relationship with Sam and hating her cousin and has skipped forward to acceptance. She looks more comfortable in her own skin.

To witness that change in her was a complete pleasure. Yet I know that she still has a long way to come and a hell of a lot more to give.

And I am excited, to see what the future holds for them.

I watched them reunite for just a second, before casting a vague wave back in Justin's direction, who to his credit tore his eyes away from Leah for just long enough to give me on in return, before making my way back home.

It has been a long day to say the least… was it really only this morning that I took Mum shopping? And I now only have a couple of hours before we meet them for dinner.

Yet all I can think about is how tired I am. Today has been a weird mix of events to say the least.

Yep…I need a nap.

Sadly the next Monday meant two things: Firstly, my parents and brother had to head back to England and secondly, I had to go back to work.

And just like that life came back down to Earth with what felt like a bit of a crash.

Yet still I managed to get myself together well enough to be up, dressed and in the office a little earlier than usual. Paul had been less than helpful in that regard however, fussing over me until eventually I had to practically force him off me so we could leave the house.

I haven't been here since that man showed up after all. I'm not entirely sure how I will cope, but I know that I am going to have to face the music. There is no point in ruining what has turned out to be the best few days of my life by over worrying and stressing about things out of my control.

Since that day it has been quiet, according to the pack. Almost eerily quiet. Despite running all the patrols they hadn't even caught scent of a rogue vampire, nor any sign of the man who appears to have a vendetta against me.

Yet still my bodyguards always remain with me. I have tried telling them that it's ridiculous and unnecessary, but will they listen?

There is a better likelihood of pigs flying.

Which is why from now on Paul is insistent on driving me to and from work and scouting the perimeter of the office before he leaves. Then to make matters worse one of the pack members will always check in on me on my lunchbreak, or just happen to be nearby at various intervals during the day.

It will probably be frustrating but admittedly I am grateful for their protection.

Although I am fairly certain that a few members of my office will be convinced that I am having an affair with all these men wandering in and out of the office at random intervals. And those who think otherwise will be constantly accosting me to ask who's single and whether I would set them up.

Yet as always the answer to both of those questions will be a firm no. The last thing the pack wants is another love triangle, and the last thing I want is any rumours going around that I am some kind of whore.

"Have a great day at work baby" Paul murmured as he dropped me outside the office, leaning over to drop a firm kiss on my mouth "and keep your cell on. The second you need us, you call."

"I will" I rolled my eyes lightly at his overprotective tone but kissed him twice anyway. He knows that despite my slight attitude I am incredibly grateful for him and the rest of the pack, as well as feel a lot safer for their protection.

After all not everyone has vampires and weird men after them constantly. However much I try not to think about it and focus on all the good in my life, it's still forever lingering in the back of my mind…

I am in constant danger.

"Hey girl!" I was greeted at the welcome desk by an enthusiastic Jamie who immediately alleviated my stress slightly. A grin immediately took over my face at her cheery tone, remembering that I had made the deliberate decision to not tell them about my engagement.

After all, it's sometimes more fun to gauge people's reactions in real time.

"It's has been so long since I've seen you" she continued "and…. Woahhhh, what is that?!"

"What is what?" I asked, feigning innocence as I casually tucked a strand of hair behind my ear with my left hand.

"That blinding rock on your finger!" she practically screeched as she leapt up and ran over, faster than you would think possible in heels "you better start giving me some details lady, and fast!"

"What this old thing?" I stuck my hand out in front of me as she approached, my cool outer shell breaking in its entirety as she finally reached me. Instead I shamelessly started screeching along with her as she grabbed my hand, inspecting the jewel carefully.

"Please tell me this is what I think it is!" Her eyes flickered from the ring to my face "Gemma Mitchell I swear to god you better tell me right now."

"Okay okay! I'm engaged!" Is all I could yell as her arms came around me, squealing shamelessly into my ear as we jumped together on the spot.

"Ugh you lucky girl!" she tabbed at the corner of her eye with a tissue "what did this happen? How did it happen? And more importantly does Paul have any friends who are half as attractive as he is? Because damn I wouldn't mind getting in on that."

"A few days ago now" I gushed unashamedly "but I am not giving you all the details until Samantha gets here. I don't want to have to go through it all twice!"

"You'll be going through it all at least twice anyway!" Jamie all but snapped "I am going to want all the details! Oh babe I am so happy for you!"

She hugged me once again, the folder I was holding lodged awkwardly between us as we swayed from side to side.

"Thank you!"

"Come on then! We have to go and tell the rest of the guys the news!" she continued as she grabbed my hand and yanked me through the door and onto the main officer floor "this is just so exciting!"

Thankfully the work day rolled by rather smoothly from there on out, my colleagues seemingly keen to make it a day for celebrating rather than doing any serious work. Even Jackie put aside her work for an hour and bought the entire office cake, bless her.

Although she does keep insisting that she was the reason Paul and I are now together, as she encouraged me to go and talk to him when we went out for lunch. In fact, to this day she still refers to him as the "hot construction guy", despite knowing his name and the fact we have been together for months.

I'm happy to go along with that though, given that was only the second time I had met Paul. She definitely doesn't need inside access to the world of imprinting, nor the rocky start to our relationship.

Plus she bought us all cake – I am definitely not going to start disagreeing with her on the semantics of the beginning of our relationship.

Unfortunately come the end of the day Paul got caught up at the shop, having taken on an unscheduled service for the extra money. And so instead it was Sam who picked me up from work, pulling up outside the office bang on time.

Or if anything even a little early… I am pretty certain I saw his truck pull in a solid ten minutes before I exited the office after all. Trudging across the car park I made my way over to the familiar vehicle, not at all surprised to see my friend sat watching me intently.

He, like the other guys, seem convinced that I am going to be swept away by a vampire the second I walk anywhere alone.

"Hey thanks for picking me up. You really didn't have to come all this way." I said guilty as I climbed into his truck "I will be perfectly fine getting to and from work – Paul is overreacting."

"He is not overreacting Gemma" Sam rolled his eyes "you were attacked, we all feel the need to protect you just as much as Paul does. So you'll have to take on every single wolf to lessen the security."

"But-"

"Besides" Sam carried on as though I hadn't spoken "I am thanking for you this – It gives me a half hour break from Emily's wedding planning schedule."

"Oh dear" I giggled, former guilt forgotten "is she that bad? At least you only have 5 more days of it!"

"Yes but honestly Gem" he shot me a desperate, half-crazed look "I thought having a quick wedding may alleviate some of the stress…but I genuinely have not had a moments peace from it in days."

"You have my sympathy but also understanding. Em has probably had this day planned for as long as she can remember. She is so excited for you guys to finally be husband and wife."

"So am I" the goofy grin which always appears when we talk about his fiancée took over his face entirely "I have waited my entire life for it… but still, wedding planning is awful. I just need some quiet."

Sometimes it is like this man can read my mind. There is nothing more I would like right now that some peace and quiet.

"Well that I can do" I immediately leant my head back against the seat and shut my eyes "I have also had quite a loud and excitable day…feel free to not talk to me for the next twenty minutes."

"Gem?" he stated after a second's pause.

I hummed in response, cracking one eye open to look at a relieved Sam.

"You're the best." Is all he said, before we both shut up and continued our journey in complete, blissful silence.

And honestly, I swear Sam drove slower than usual just to make it last.

"Paul said to let you know he'll be back soon" Sam called as I hopped out of the cab when we got home "but for the time being we've got the usual patrol on and I'll be listening out. So if you need me, yell."

"Thanks" I shut the door with a smile "Give my love to Em and tell her to stop stressing. She is going to make a beautiful bride."

"Don't I know it" Sam looked wistful for a second, before putting the truck back into gear "but I will do, see you later G."

"Bye" I waved him off quickly, before unlocking the front door and stepping into our house with a sigh. Immediately I kicked off my heels by the door, slinging my jacket and bag onto the table in a careless heap as I meandered my way towards the sofa.

"Oh sofa I have missed you" I murmured as I half collapsed onto it "I am exhausted."

Predictably the sofa didn't reply, only welcomed me into its embrace as I sank into the plush cushions with a groan. First day back at work and I am completely exhausted. If this is what taking a holiday does to you I am not a fan…I feel like I have just pulled an all-nighter, completely drained and ready to drop.

Without entirely registering my movements I lazily grabbed at the blanket we always keep folded up on the cushion, bringing it up and over my shoulders.

Office clothes be damned, I am just going to have to lie here for a little while. I should count myself lucky that I have managed to take off my heels and coat.

I'll just shut my eyes…only for a minute…

...

"Gem" I murmured in irritation as a voice broke through into my subconsciousness, forcing me to resurface as something heavy landed on my shoulder.

Ugh there is definitely someone else here.

What time is it?

"Gem, are you okay?" Paul spoke again. He smoothed back my hair as I slowly opened my eyes, realising that despite being on the sofa, I'd fallen asleep. By the clock on the wall I have been out of it for just over an hour, and it is way past the time I usually start making dinner.

So much for only closing my eyes for a minute.

"Yeah, I'm just really tired, I haven't slept well with everything going on" the excuse came out of my mouth before I had registered it, blinking rapidly to clear the sleep out of my eyes. Yet still I didn't sit up, content lying in warmth and comfort as I took in Paul's gorgeous face.

Ugh, every time I look at him he just gets better. I swear it should be illegal for someone to be so good looking.

"How long have you been home?" I instead asked with a muffled yawn.

"I literally just got here, sorry I'm a bit late. Can I get you anything? Do you want tea?" he asked, pressing a kiss to my forehead before standing from his crouched position.

"No I'm fine" I smiled before sitting up, hugging him as he pulled me to my feet "I'm sorry I meant to put dinner on, what would you like?"

"What have we got?" he asked, as we moved into the kitchen. I outright giggled as he attempted to raid the kitchen, before eyeing the near empty fridge with suspicion.

"Eugh not a lot" I sighed lightly and pulled my long hair into a loose bun "We need to go to the store tomorrow. But you're at work then patrolling right?"

"Yeah" the guilt was clear in his voice "but I can always cut work short if you need help."

"Absolutely not" I laughed slightly as I dug pasta out of the cupboard "believe it or not I looked after myself entirely before you came into my life, I think I am capable of going to the store alone."

Paul hesitated, but didn't voice his concerns as I fixed him with a firm look. The last thing I want is for him to start treating me like I am entirely made out of glass.

Travelling back from Forks in the dark is one thing…but going alone to the supermarket which is on the reservation? Another thing entirely.

"I'll go straight after work." I said decisively as I started chopping the vegetables, still a little drowsy from my unanticipated nap.

"Okay baby. If you need someone to help with the bags though call Embry, he's off patrol tomorrow." Paul clearly chose the sensible option of not arguing, before pulling a packet out of the fridge with triumph "Ah, I have found chicken!"

"Okay then…chicken and pasta it is. And tomorrow I'll go to the store."

Twenty minutes later I eyed the pasta in front of me, spearing a bit onto my fork as I stared at it suspiciously.

"Why aren't you eating?" Paul asked, pausing with his own fork halfway to his mouth "what's wrong?"

"I don't know" I replied honestly as my stomach rolled slightly "it just tastes weird – you sure the chicken was in date?"

"Yeah definitely, I double checked" he reassured me with a crooked smile "and don't worry it's definitely cooked."

"Well I know that bit!" I rolled my eyes "believe it or not it wasn't my aim to give us food poisoning"

"I wonder if I can even get that anymore" Paul said thoughtfully "As wolves we can eat raw meat, hell that's what Sam had when he first phased and couldn't work out how to become human again."

"Well for both our sakes, please don't go around eating raw chicken" I shook my head in exasperation, already knowing that is exactly what was going through his mind "I doubt that running the risk of food poisoning would be worth the knowledge you can possibly eat undercooked meat."

"Fine, I won't" he held up his hands in surrender "it's just an interesting thought…Maybe I'll try it out on Seth."

"You will do no such thing!" I pointed my fork at him threateningly "If I find that you've done anything like that to the poor boy, no sex for a month!"

"Awh Gem" he practically whined "you couldn't do that to me!"

"I could and I would, so leave Seth alone."

"Is that an order?" I paused at his tone, looking up at his now mischievous face.

"No. It's a promise" I began conversationally, before pausing as I eyed his handsome features. After all, it has been a couple of days now and I suddenly feel completely fine…

It was this thought which had me casually dragging one bare foot up his calf under the table, moving up his leg playfully. His eyes widened fractionally but still he took another bite of pasta, seemingly intent on ignoring my unspoken challenge.

"So how was your day today?" he asked conversationally.

"Oh it was fine" I continued as my foot made it to his knee, taking a sip of water casually "the girls predictably lost the plot when they found out we are engaged. And Jackie bought us cake to celebrate, which was nice."

"Yeah?" I watched carefully as his lips twitched, the only outward sign of his frustration as I completely bypassed his crotch, instead skipping straight over to the other thigh "what did the girls say?"

"Oh you know a lot of screeching…a lot of excitement and a hell of a lot of 'does Paul have any cute friends?'"

"And what did you say?" he asked, his entire body tensing as I once again made my way up his leg, foot just brushing the bulge in his pants.

"Oh not a lot. Just that they're all hot but-"

My foot had so nearly reached its end goal when Paul stood abruptly, the chair skidding out behind him as he stalked around the table with a playful glint in his eye.

"They're all hot, hmm?" he approached me slowly, sizing me up like a predator would its prey.

"You didn't let me finish my sentence" I continued; blank faced as I picked up my fork again. I had just speared another bit of pasta, only for the fork to suddenly be taken out of my hand, bowls swept to the side as suddenly I was sat on the table, Paul leant over me.

"What?" I blinked innocently up at him "you don't like dinner?"

Pasta forgotten, I squeaked as suddenly I was thrown straight over his shoulder, his hand coming up and slapping my backside playfully.

"Ughhh put me down" I groaned into his back "do you want me to puke?"

"Well I think you should have thought about that before Miss Mitchell." Paul dumped me onto the sofa with a laugh, crawling on top of me before I could even get my bearings back.

I hummed as his lips descended onto my neck, placing hot, open-mouthed kisses up my jawline.

"You're running out of time to call me that you know" I breathed as my hands grabbed at the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head none too gently and chucking it carelessly onto the floor.

"And that is fine by me…just means I'll finally get to call you Mrs Lahote." He practically growled into my ear, all but ripping the clothes off me with equal enthusiasm.

Those were the last proper words spoken for quite some time.

Filler chapter alert I know!

But don't worry we have so much exciting stuff coming up... after all we love a good wedding, plus we are heading into the shitstorm known as Eclipse. Not only does that mean spending more time with the rest of the pack, but it also marks the return of Bella.

All that over the next few chapters, so stay tuned people.