Chapter Two: Paul's POV
It had started out as an average day. He'd done night patrol, getting three hours of sleep before forcing himself to get to school. Most wouldn't think Paul cared about his grades, but he did want to pass and graduate eventually. Didn't want to be stuck in high-school forever. Or stuck at the Rez for that matter.
Before he had phased back, Sam had told him to give Talise's a message. He hated being the messenger. It meant he had to remember what to say, then he had to remember to tell the person, then, if the person had a return message to give, he had to start the process all over again.
Personally, he had never spoken to Talise Uley. Yeah, sure, he briefly knew who she was. They were in the same grade after all. When they were little, they played around. All of them did. Jared, Paul, Embry, Jacob, Quill, and Talise. But that was back in Elementary. They had all spilt ways once middle-school hit.
Well, he and Jared had. The other four had stayed a close-knit group. He knew that the boys would die for Talise, especially Embry. He had a crush on her since the first-grade. Of course, once they hit High-School, Embry's crush had… diminished out of fear of Sam, but Paul assumed it was still there.
The average day was fine until he and Jared were leaving lunch. Jared nudged him, pointing after Talise's retreating back. Paul caught a glimpse of black hair disappearing into a classroom and he gave Jared a confused look.
"Message," his friend said bluntly. "Talise." "Right!"
Strolling forward, he walked into the classroom where Talise was sitting in the back with an open book. He almost laughed, Sam had told him that she was sort of a history nerd. The textbook about World War II proved it.
She heard his footsteps and looked up when he stopped beside her desk. Their eyes met and Paul felt something go through him. Something he didn't expect. Longing, desire, want, love. Talise squirmed under his uncomfortable gawk.
"Yes?" she asked. "Can I help you?"
Her voice sounded like… not like bells. No, Paul wasn't that cheesy. No, more like a soft ocean breeze. It was light, airy, and sweet. Realizing his mouth was opening, he snapped it shut. What he did need to tell her…? Message. Yes.
Swallowing deeply, he forced himself to speak.
"Sam wanted me to give you a message." She slowly closed the book, pursing her lips. Her face went from puzzled to resigned. "He wants me straight home after school, yes?" "Yeah… said to cancel any plans you have."
That wasn't want she wanted to hear. He could practically hear the disappointed sigh she tried her best to hold back For a moment, he thought she was going to yell at him, but instead she asked him to deliver a message for her. He nodded, wincing at how quickly he'd responded.
Her smile unnerved him. It was cold, calculating. She told him what she wanted him to say.
"Tell him… No. I won't. I've had plans with Sue and Seth for the past three weeks. I'm not canceling." Then the cold smile disappeared, becoming brighter. "Will you tell him that? Please?"
Staring to nod, he startled when Mr. Bronze addressed him.
"Paul, shouldn't you be in class." Ah, yes. Science. His favorite. He managed to startle a reply before rushing off, leaving Talise behind him despite the bubbling feeling of protectiveness.
Deciding it wasn't smart to return to class, not right now, Paul left the school building. He phased once he was far enough away, taking a long run to clear his thoughts. Then Sam was yelling at him.
'Seriously, Paul? My sister?'
'It's not like I had any choice.'
The Alpha huffed, exhausted. Paul knew the feeling. Right now, Sam was doing all the morning patrol by himself, letting Jared and Paul get their schooling in. He barely slept anymore, having to look after Talise evenings while Jared and Paul took their turns.
'There's gonna be rules.'
'Well, duh, I'm not stupid, Sam.'
'We'll talk. Soon.'
'Okay… oh and she said she's not coming.'
Wincing at Sam's howl of frustration, Paul continued down through the woods. He knew Sam was upset. It was normal. Sam had raised Talise after their father had run off and their mother fell into a downward spiral of depression that later took her life.
Personally, Paul was proud of Talise. Yeah, sure, she was disobeying Sam, something he himself could never do, but she was going to the third safest place on the Rez. The Clearwaters. Harry Clearwater was one of their elders and his wife, Sue, was ferociously protective of her children, biologically or honorary.
'Stop thinking, Paul'
'Sorry.'
'Can you finish?'
'Sure. Take a nap, boss.'
'I'm not your boss.'
'Sorry… Alpha.'
Sam hated it when Paul called him 'boss'. It made the younger man laugh. Sam was his boss. He oughta have fun with it. Not get all grouchy. Then again, he was exhausted. He needed at least three weeks' worth of sleep.
Feeling Sam phase out, Paul started the rounds. Knowing he was the only one in, he let his thoughts run free. Once Jared made an appearance, he'd have to cover again, but for now, he let himself picture Talise's face.
It was surprising how simple the imprinting process was. It merely took eye-contact with the right person and boom. Now he had these feelings that he never thought he'd feel. Sure, he'd had casual relationships before. But none of them invoked the feelings he was having now.
There was a few downsides, however. Talise was weary of him. She had been since middle-school. She skittered away from him, made sure Embry or Jacob were around if they had to engage in a conversation.
In all honestly, he didn't expect Talise. They had never been really good friends, just part of the same friend group. No, in fact, he thought Embry would be dating her. But now, he'd have to break it slowly to them both. Talise wouldn't break her best-friend's heart without reason. Especially if it was because he declared his love to her.
No. Right now, he had to start with being friends. Friends was good. That meant he'd have to engage Embry and Quill, who seemed nervous of him. At least they didn't hate him as much as Jacob did. Talise wouldn't let them be mean if he joined them for lunch. She'd be polite and sweet even if she was a bit confused.
So, he'd start there. Friends… then maybe something else. Whatever Talise wanted him to be. He wasn't going to push her. He knew his temper and knew pushing wouldn't give him the response he wanted, and he might lash out. He wasn't going to let that happen. Not now. Not ever.