Paul lahote felt his body react before his mind could process everything. He felt himself running to the riverbank and puking.

"oh my god. Oh my god."

At this moment he was feeling every emotion you think of. Anger, joy, excitement, but most of all Fear. Fear and nervousness. He never thought about having kids, Especially with his background. Being born in Tacoma, His parents divorced when he was eight and his father originating from la push, brought him to the reservation. His mother had given up Custody and Paul barley saw her. His relationship with his father was…well, it wasn't horrible, but it wasn't the best either. His father always worked and wasn't home very often. So as soon as Paul turned sixteen, he moved out his father's place. There weren't many rules about a sixteen-year-old living on a houseboat with his father's permission and for three years Paul lived on that boat but after he met Bella, he knew he would need a house. It was funny because before he phased, that tiny boat was home but after he phased, and he fell in love with her, his wolf wanted a den. A den with just their scent. With her scent. He wanted breakfast in the morning and movie nights on a rainy day. But now…. now they were adding a new addition. A baby. A freaking baby. Someone who would have Bella's eyes and his hair. Someone …who would look up to him. Someone that would need him and in truth Paul had no idea if he could do it. he didn't exactly have the best example of how to take care of a child. And dear god what if he treated his son or daughter like his parents treated him? The kid would be screwed.

But the inner pinning of his wolf, led Paul back inside their house. Right to where his mate lie. She was tangled within the blankets, soft snores filling the silent room.

Paul stood in the doorway and for once managed to Calm down. That was a challenge for him even before he phased. Anger, especially after his parents divorced. He couldn't express his feelings properly and even now, he still struggled. So how was he supposed to process that he was going to have a kid?

Once again, Paul followed his wolf's instinct and simply calm down.

1,2,3 breathe. 1,2,3 breathe. 1,2,3 breath-

Pauls breathe hitched when he finally heard it. It was such a small sound that you had to literally intentionally listen for it.

The sound of fluttering. So soft. Paul gasp. That was his child's heartbeat.

His revelation was interrupted when a low howl sounded. A low howl meant a pack meeting…great.

Paul closed his eyes and immersed himself in the scent of his mate and the sound of his child.

And that's when it hit him. He was going to have a kid. A freaking kid. Now, he wasn't one for tears, but he wasn't ashamed to cry now. After a minute, Paul wiped his eyes, wrote a quick note and joined Seth who was waiting outside.

"Everything good bro?"

Paul shoulder bumped Seth and nodded.

"yeah…hey we have some news to tell you later on."

Seth nodded but stopped when he smelt something strange.

"hey…do you smell that?" Seth asked

Paul took a big whiff of the air and didn't smell anything at first but then it hit him. A female scent that did not belong to his mate and to make maters worse the scent was mixed with arousal.

"Who the hell was sneaking around my house." He growled, his body trembling.

"It smells familiar…but I can't get a good read on it. but hey, don't worry lets just get to Sam's and we will figure everything out later."

Paul nodded and said, "Remember to guard your thoughts once we phase."

Seth craned his neck in submission and with that said, the duo took off.

…

The pack stood around Sam and Emily's backyard in a silent frustration. Ever since this morning, they had been on Edge. They had been chasing the redhead for months and it only got worse once the Cullen's returned. Now, she was toying with them.

After seeing everyone gather, Sam finally spoke.

"listen everyone."

Everyone went silent.

"…These past few months have been stressful. Trust me I get that but now we'll have to take our efforts into higher gear."

"What do you mean?" Jacob asked

Sam sighed. "Well…in order for us to get this redhead…we will have to work togather with the Cullen's."

And as expected a collective growl vibrated throughout the air.

"What the heck Sam, there are eleven of us and one of her! we can take her. we don't need the Cullen's help especially with the leech lover on the sidelines distracting Jacob!" Leah snarled

"Shut up Leah!" Jacob snarled. Body shaking. "your just bitter!"

Before an argument could be started. Sam ushered an alpha order over both of them.

"now listen here…...we don't have time for petty arguments. We will work with the Cullen's; the redhead can't handle eighteen people. And speaking of Bella, she's the one the red head is after. So, the Cullen's and I have decided on how to protect her and keep our sanity. For now, the treaty is up lifted. We will take turns patrolling around her house. Jacob, your father, harry and old quill will be doing everything they can to keep Charlie on the rez as long as possible. And another thing, Emily will invite Bella down here as much as possible. She will also be spending time with the Cullen's. So, we will rotate guard duty. Bella swan is to not be alone. If she is not with the Cullen's or on the rez, someone is going to be with her at all times. Jacob, the Cullen's said they would be the ones to tell her what going on. So, give her a few days to adjust and then invite her down here."

"Man, that chick sleeps with vamps and now one wants her dead. Why don't we just give her to the leeches and that will solve all of our problems." Ramon sneered

Before anyone could register what was going on, Seth clearwater was bashing Ramon's face in.

"you bastard! I'll kill you if you threaten her again!" Seth yelled.

It took Sam, Jared, Jacob and Paul to get the violate wolf off of Ramon, but Paul was the one to calm him down.

Seth was struggling in Sam and jacob's grip when Paul approached him.

"Seth." Paul called.

Seth froze.

"She's going to be okay."

Seth whimpered. Paul understood. It took an extreme amount of Self-control for Paul himself not to phase and scoop up his wife and run for the hills. Seth saw Bella not just as a big sister but as a mother figure. She was everything Sue and Leah clearwater were not, but he also watched her deteriorate when the bloodsucker left. He felt personally responsible, everyone treated Seth like a child. Except for Bella. She didn't belittle him.

"She's been through enough. and now she's has to deal with this! You know how Bella is! She'll blame herself for this! And then shell try to do something stupid like sacrificing herself!"

Paul rubbed his fingers through Seth's hair and motioned for Sam and Jacob to let him go.

"I'm not going to lie to you. I'm pretty sure once she finds out the full story, she is going to freak out but I'm sure …I'm sure Jacob and ...and the leech will convince her to calm down. So, everything will be fine. But you have to relax man. You can't just blow up at the flip of a hat. Especially around the other pups. You're their Example. They follow you whether you know it or not. So, why don't you go on over to Charlie's and help Bella out. I'm pretty sure she'd be happy to you. "

With that said, Seth leaned into Paul's touch and then shot off into the forest. However, he felt Leah's fist coming before he even had time to turn around.

"Leah Stop!" Sam ordered.

Paul turned around to see a raging Leah, yellow eyed and frozen with her fist trembling at her side.

"I don't know why Seth has been following you lately, but it needs to stop! He doesn't need to be around the likes of you! You're a horrible example for him! and you need to stay away from him! "she yelled.

"Everyone needs to shut up! We are working with the Cullen's and we are protecting Bella swan! End of story! Now go inside and eat. Were also having a pack and imprint only bonfire tonight. Paul, a word?"

With that said, the pack was dismissed, and Sam led Paul to the tree line away from prying ears.

"That was good work calming Seth down."

Paul nodded.

"However, there is some truth to what Leah said. Seth has been following you and recently he's been beyond disobedient and disrespectful and it truly didn't start until he started following you around. I mean he's been driving that jeep around and is too young to do so. And-"

Paul cut his alpha and said "but that's the problem Sam. You just Said Seth is too young. The kid fights vampires for crying out loud and yet he's too young? We were all too young man. You, me, jake, all of us! We were all too young and had all of our dreams crushed! And you, you had the brunt of it man. So, you should understand out of all of us. I mean, you have Emily, quil has Claire, embry has Rachel, Jacob…well Jacob has his cars. And so, on but Seth. Seth doesn't have anything. So, he confides in Bella and its really helped him. She treats him like he's normal. She treats all of us like were normal. And I guess that's what the pack needs right now…some ...sense of goddamn normalcy."

"...our lives will never be normal Paul and that what everyone needs to get through their head. We don't get that luxury. And just because he's upset doesn't mean he gets the excuse to behave like – "

"me?" Paul finished. "well, I've been trying ok. I know that's not enough for you, but I am trying. Are we done yet? because I would really like to go home."

"That's fine. Be back tonight for the bonfire. We'll be in chief blacks' backyard."

…

Bella stretched as she finished dinner and checked on the laundry. It had been a long day and it was now six o clock. She had gotten to pauls around three thirty and unfortunately awoke to him gone. He wrote a note, something about a pack meeting.

She sighed, she missed him already. It wasn't the same visiting during the day. They always had to rush their time togather or hide. And she was sick of hiding but with the pack searching for Victoria endlessly, it wasn't the time to bring out a relationship no one ever expected.

Bella sighed as she seasoned the roast but as she cut the onions, she felt a horrible wave of nausea.

It was then Bella found herself puking into the sink and at the same time the front door opened.

"hey bells! Guess who I ran int-Bella?" her father's voice called.

Bella couldn't respond because she was still vomiting.

"bells?" her father called again as he entered the kitchen. This time he finally stepped in and came to stand over her.

"Bella? what's wrong? Did you eat something bad?"

Bella couldn't respond. Another wave of nausea hit her.

"is there anything I can get her?" a familiar voice asked "maybe a Gatorade or ginger ale."

Bella recognized it as Alice and eternally groaned. She hadn't seen the Cullen's except for Emmettt and Edward for a whole week.

Of course, her father would let Alice in he adored her.

"those drinks don't help her." another voice said, this time she recognized it as Seth.

Bella felt herself relax some, knowing he was here but she couldn't exactly greet him with her head in the sink.

"Seth can you get the roast!" she called before she blew chunks into the sink again.

Bella puked for a full thirty minutes. Seth actually stood beside her the whole time and held her hair.

When she was done, she felt the room spin.

"here Bella, have a seat." Seth said as he squatted down in front of her.

"Bells? Are you okay? You puked for thirty minutes straight that can't be normal kiddo." Her father said as he came beside her and handed her a glass of water.

Bella drank but couldn't drink it all. The room was spinning, and she felt nauseas again.

"Bella?" Charlie called but Bella couldn't answer back. Black spots were starting to show in her vision.

"Crap. She's getting ready to faint again. Charlie, we need to get her to the hospital." Seth said

"no. no hospital." Bella groaned as she opened her eyes.

"Bell…" Seth chided.

"I…I just need to sleep. That's all. Hey, did you take the roast out of the oven?" she asked

" I did. But you shouldn't be worrying about that. I'm worried about you. Here drink some more water." Seth said as he handed her the glass.

Bella took another sip but then pushed it away, her eyes felt so heavy.

"Alright bell, why don't you take a nap on the couch?" Seth suggested.

Bella nodded groggily and without complaint allowed Seth to carry her to the couch.

Once he put her down and threw the blanket over her, she fell right asleep.

…

Charlie's mouth dropped when he saw Seth pick Bella up. He had known the kid since diapers and was very concerned as to why a fourteen-year-old could pick up a nineteen-year-old.

"Don't worry Charlie I'm not on steroids. I do a lot of construction work and heavy lifting around the rez, so picking up Bella was nothing."

Charlie nodded.

"I'm going to go out and get her some medicine. If she's not better by Wednesday I'm taking her to the hospital."

"Charlie would you mind if Carlisle came and checked on her. I sure it would prevent a visit to the hospital, if he came and checked on her now." Alice suggested.

Seth gave the pixie a dark look. He knew Bella wouldn't want to go to the hospital, but she wouldn't want Carlisle hovering over her either.

"Why don't we just let Bella sleep Charlie. I'm sure the doc, has some other things he needs to take care of. Don't want him to be bothered, especially if it's just a twenty-four-hour bug?" Seth suggested, hoping the older man would hear him out.

"yeah, your right Seth. It could just be a bug. But I'm going to go to the store. I'll be back. Are you two ok by yourself? I won't be long."

"don't worry Charlie, well be fine. Well watch Bella for you." Seth replied, uncomfortably.

As soon as Charlie left, Seth pulled out his phone and began to text Paul and as he did, he sat on the edge of the couch and ran his fingers through Bella's hair.

She groaned in contentment and managed to put his head on his lap.

A small sigh was heard on the other side of the room.

"is there a problem?" Seth asked the small vampire.

"yes, I can't see past you and the other mutts and to make things worse I can't see Bella at all. Its probably because she has been hanging with you all."

"well, the last time I checked, Bella distanced herself from your coven on her own. And why does it matter who she hangs out with. If she can hang out with you, she can hang out with us"

"you lot are dangerous, and she shouldn't be around you." Alice hissed

Seth let out a growl and said "we are dangerous? We are dangerous? Do you have any idea what she went through when you all left? Do you know your mind reader of a brother left her in the forest at night in the freezing cold? Her father had to call a whole search party just to find her, and you know who found her? the wolf pack did, and all she would repeat was that he's gone. And then for the next eight months, my brothers and my family had to put her back togather. and For Eight months, we had to watch Bella deteriorate. She literally fell apart. She wouldn't eat, she couldn't sleep, she was having nightmares and would wake up screaming. But what boggles my mind is that as soon as Edward, becomes suicidal you all want to call her. After months of no contact, you show up, begging her to leave so that she can help your family's selfish ass after you all abandoned her and to make it worse, my mother was having a heart attack at that same moment. So whatever reason you're here for you should just leave. Our deal was to guard her house not to stress her out."

Alice didn't get to refute because the front door swung open and there stood a red-faced Charlie swan and next to him…...was Paul lahote.

...

"Alice, I would like for you to leave…please." Charlie said gruffly. "and please refrain from visiting for a while."

Alice looked up in surprise.

"But Charlie…" She began however the chief wasn't having any of it.

"LEAVE! I AM DONE BEING MANIPULATED AND I AM DONE WATCHING YOUR FAMILY MANIPULATE ANS HURT MY DAUGHTER! INSTEAD OF YOUR PARENTS TAKING CARE OF THEIR SON, YOU ALL CALLED MY DAUGHTER! MY DAUGHTER! WITH OUT SO MUCH OF A CARE AS TO WHAT WAS GOING ON AROUND HER! NONE OF YOU CALLED! NONE OF YOU CHECKED! BUT YET YOU WANTED HER TO SAVE YOUR BROTHER'S SORRY ASS! THE VERY ONE WHO HURT HER! SO, DON'T YOU DARE TRY TO MAKE EXCUSES TO ME ALICE CULLEN! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE! AND IF I SEE ANY OF YOU CULLENS ON MY PROPERTY, I WILL PERSONALLY ARREST ALL OF YOU!"

Alice had no choice but to leave the house.

Charlie still red face then turn to Paul lahote.

"and you are?''

"uh…I'm Paul lahote sir, we met outside remember. I'm here to pick up Seth. And I also believe chief black was supposed to call you. He had something to ask you, I believe."

Charlie shook his head and sighed.

"oh yeah that's right. I'm sorry you had to see that. what did you say your name is again?"

"Paul lahote sir."

Charlie set the groceries on the kitchen table and turned to fully look at the teenager? Man? Who was standing in his kitchen looking…? upset?

The man had black hair, copper skin, black shades and wore a skintight black shirt with cargo pants.

"lahote…lahote…I've heard that name before. One of my deputy's had to arrest you more then a few times for drinking and disorderly conduct. what are doing hanging around Seth? He's a good kid."

Paul stood to his full height and took off his shades, Grey eyes full of coldness.

"I can assure you Mr. Swan, my past does not define me. now- "

"Paul?" a hoarse voice called.

All eyes turned to Bella who had awoken after hearing her father yell at Alice Cullen.

At the same time the phone rang, and Charlie went to answer.

Paul quickly and yet swiftly walked over to Bella.

"hey baby." He whispered. "how are you feeling?"

"I'm better. I just needed to sleep. Just tired you know. "she responded.

"mm" Paul replied. "hey honey do you remember anything before I left our house this morning?"

"ahhh no why?" she ask

Paul sighed. That meant she had no recollection of telling him she was pregnant and maybe that was good thing. But Paul was…well he could be impatient and wanted to know when she would finally tell him? was she scared? Scared of his reaction? Did she not want his baby? Is that what his was? A sudden feeling of rejection ran through Paul.

"babe?" Bella whispered bringing him out of his dark thoughts.

"huh...oh uh never mind. But Seth text me. said you were throwing up and about to faint again. This is the second time you fainted or were on the verge to. Have you eaten today?"

"um…I think I had a pop tart for breakfast. That's about it. everything else was puked up…Why?"

A chuckle was heard from Seth.

"oh bell. You're so oblivious. We- "

"Bells you awake?" Charlie called as he stepped into the living room.

"hey dad. yeah, I'm up. did you all eat?" Bella asked as she forced herself to stand.

"well speaking of eating. That was Billy, their having a get togather at his house and he invited us. But since you haven't been feeling well maybe you should stay home."

"what? No way dad. I'm fine now. I just needed to rest."

"alright then...if you sure. But anyway, Seth thanks for coming over. I'm sure you don't want to keep Paul waiting. We will see you in an hour or so."

"wait, dad…um you remember that friend I wanted you to meet and we were supposed to have dinner with? "Bella asked as she glanced over at Paul nervously.

Charlie followed Bella's eyes and widened when they landed on Paul.

"yes? Why?" Charlie asked anger lacing his voice.

"oh crap! Paul we gotta go! Remember we promised Sam and Emily we would pick up the pies!" Seth suddenly shouted.

"alright by Bella, by Charlie! See you guys later! Hey bell! Maybe you can bake some of those great brownies!" Seth cheered and with that said, Bella brain went into overdrive.

"Brownies! Oh, Jacob would love that! Dad! I'll be back!"

"Wait! Bella!" Charlie called after her. but it was too late, his daughter had a one-track mind and right now that mind was really to bake brownies.

…

As soon as Alice Cullen entered her home, she heard a loud laugh behind her. She turned to see Emmett, a big goofy grin on his face.

"What are you laughing at?" she asked

"oh man, I have never seen Charlie get so angry! That was great! You should have seen your face!" he howled

"Hey Carlisle guess what! Charlie swan threaten to arrest us if he ever saw us on his property!"

With ample Speed, Carlisle alongside Esme were standing in front of a distraught Alice and a laughing Emmettt.

"Alice? What happened?" Carsile asked

"…So…So I stopped by at Charlie's…"

"Alice!" Esme immediately scolded. "We told you that Carsile or I would be the one to inform Bella on what was happening. That wasn't your place! What did she say when you told her?"

"Well, I didn't get to because, when I walked in, a wolf had walked in with us. So, I couldn't exactly bring it up. and then to make matters worse. Bella was sick. She puked for thirty minutes straight."

Emmett's laughter was brought to a halt and at the same time, Rosalie, jasper and Edward returned from hunting.

"thirty minutes straight…that's not normal…" Carlisle mumbled.

"What's going? What with all the tension?" jasper asked

"Alice…I really wish you wouldn't have disobeyed me. With everything going on…We don't have time for mistakes. Your job is to watch for Victoria, not pester Bella and her family." Carlisle scolded.

"wait, the wolf said that to you?! And Bella's sick?" Edward asked as she read Alice's thought.

"Edward don't do it! Leave Bella swan alone! Carlisle and Esme said they would speak to her soon! So, dot even try going out of your way!" Rosalie hissed "you and Alice are always so desperate to get to Bella that you forget to think clearly first! I mean the poor girl doesn't even know what's going on! Let Carsile and Esme talk to her first!"

While the family argued amongst themselves. No one noticed A very angry Emmett slip out.

….

Paul was on patrol with Jared and Embry when he smelt it. the sickly-sweet smell of sugar and bleach.

Pack mind in italics:

"leech! "Paul growled.

"right behind you!" Jared answered.

"hey guys I see him! it's a Cullen. The big burly one. He's on the other side of the treaty line." Embry answered.

The trio ran to the treaty line, right where the river flowed in between the Cullen territory and the wolves.

The big leech was passing the line and looking beyond pissed. But once he saw them, he stopped and said "YOU! "he was pointing at Paul. "We need to talk! Right now! and Its about you know who!"

"what the hell is he talking about Paul?" Jared asked

Paul didn't answer

"…Don't go near him Paul it's a trap! And we never talk to the Cullen's without Sam present." Embry reminded.

"hey! Don't ignore Me bastard! I can either jump over there and kick your ass or you can over here and still get your ass beat! I don't care which!"

"man, this guy is nuts! Paul you're not really going to- Paul no! "embry shouted but Paul ignored him and with a swift movement jumped right over the river and landed in front of the leech.

"oh crap! Jared GET SAM! PAUL DON'T! -"

The last thing they saw was the big burly leech knocking Paul out with one fist.

….

Paul groaned as he smell the scent of coffee and something else. With sharp sense, he stood up. The last thing he remembered was jumping over the treaty line to see what the big leech wanted and then everything went dark.

"I didn't realize I hit you that hard. Sorry man." A deep voice said.

Paul recognized the stench and the voice. It was the big burly vampire.

"What the heck man! You don't call someone over and then knock them out! What's wrong with you! My pack is probably tearing your family to pieces! They probably think you drained me or something! What is with you!?" Paul shouted

Paul was ready for the bloodsucker to swing, or yell or get mad. Instead, he leaned back pulled out a cigarette, lit it and then slid a phone over to him.

"call your alpha, let him know your ok and then…then we'll talk."