Hey,

I hope everyone is staying safe and happy! Thank you to those who have favored, followed, and reviewed you are my inspiration and I appreciate each and every one of you! I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. I hope you guys liked Chapter 12. Here's Chapter 13. I just have a little information for you guys. I quit my job and I'm stressed out and I think my writing is suffering so please send some good vibes my way! I am going to try my best to not let it interfere with my writing. I still plan on having this as my priority. But, nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it!

I have posted Scarred Angel on Fanfiction, Tumblr, and Archive of our own as well. Enjoy!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, bullying, alcohol abuse, physical abuse, anger issues, stress, emotional abuse, and negative thoughts.

Disclaimer: I only own my OC's and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.

Chapter 13:Who I Am Now

"Being with you never felt wrong. It's the one thing I did right. You're the one thing I did right."

― Becca Fitzpatrick, Crescendo

9:46 a.m. Inside the Chiago House, La Push, Washington

I grinned at the overcooked yellowish-brown scrambled eggs in front of me tossing my phone to the side. It was sweet that he was cooking for me and I hadn't expected to be served breakfast in bed. "You didn't have too," I murmured, eagerly stabbing my fork into the eggs, taking a bite. I froze biting into a shell, sending him a shy smile as I tried not to show the panic on my face. If I spit it out then I risked hurting his feelings. I swallowed it quickly, taking a sip of the orange juice to wash it down. I was grateful for the food, I just wasn't sure if I could eat the rest of the eggs.

"It tastes bad right," Paul sighed, wincing at the eggs. I was about to tell him that it wasn't bad as he reached over me taking my fork and scooping some of the eggs onto it, shoveling it in his mouth before I could stop him. I watched his face contort into disgust as he took the paper towel and spit it out a frown overtaking his face. I wanted to trail my fingers against his cheek to see him smile. "Why did you swallow that? It had shells."

"This was really sweet," I said, setting the tray off to the side, reaching out to take the fork from his hand. "You cooked for me." I could feel my heart thumping wildly in my chest. I set it back on the tray, moving to get up so my cheeks didn't flush from the kind gesture. Paul's hands rushed to try and help but I brushed them away because I wasn't injured physically and there wasn't a need to coddle me. "But, we can't eat that." Paul pursed his lips, staring down at me the frown still on his face. I reached over taking his hand, pulling him to me trying my best to ease the frown. "You're amazing and the sweetest," I said, balancing on my toes pressing a tentative kiss to his cheek. "Why don't we make breakfast together," I hummed, tugging him towards the door, grinning internally at the smile that broke out across his face. Mission accomplished. He paused, letting go of my hand getting the tray taking my hand again.

Paul followed me out of my room, and into the kitchen. I let go of his hand, tying my hair up into a bun. I glanced back at Paul, seeing his eyes trail to my neck. I turned my head, so the marks weren't in his line of sight. "Laryssa?" I tilted my head to signal that I heard him as I busied myself with gathering the ingredients. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to turn and face him. It felt different with him seeing them in the morning light than it did with the small lamp from my room. Warm hands settled around my stomach and I felt him bend down setting his chin on my shoulder. His warmth and his woodsy scent encased me, causing me to let my body relax into his arms. "I didn't mean to stare."

I rested my hands on top of his arms, stroking my thumbs against his warm skin. "I know. I just-" I paused unsure how I really felt. I knew for sure that I didn't like them. I was embarrassed that they marred my skin and I should've done more to stop it. It should've never gotten to that point. I didn't want to think about Rivers, yet every time I saw my reflection or there was attention drawn to my neck my mind flashed to him. "I don't want to even think about Rivers."

"Okay," Paul said, his arms tightening around me and I felt like no one would hurt me ever again. I couldn't wrap my head around the sudden thought of him being my comfort and I was terrified about what that could entail. "No talk about Rivers. Unless you want too." I turned in his arms, hooking my arms around his neck, shoving my thoughts to the backburner. Paul leaned down, rubbing his nose against mine affectionately.

"Thank you," I said, biting my lip, trying to contain my grin at the tickling sensation. "What does that mean?" Paul looked at me, his eyebrows scrunching in confusion. "This," gently I pulled him down towards me, brushing my nose against his mirroring his action.

I grinned widely when I noticed his cheeks start to flush pink. Before I could stop my hands, I cupped his cheeks, peering at him closer shocked at the sudden color. "Babe," He whined trying to hide his face from me. I let my hands drop, keeping my triumphant smile on my face. I understood why he was so adamant about making me blush, the light blink that was covering his cheeks was endearing and I wanted to see more of it. I laughed when he buried his face in my neck muttering to himself.

I couldn't hear his muffled words. "I didn't hear you," I teased, scratching the back of his head. I could feel his warm breath and his wide grin on my neck. "I know why you like to make me blush now." I shivered when he brushed his lips against the right side of my neck lightly. Paul kissed my jaw, trailing up towards my lips. I smiled against his mouth, wanting to tug him closer to me, "distracting me won't help." It was a downright lie, but he didn't know that, not yet at least.

Paul pressed a quick kiss to my lips before he pulled away. "I didn't think you would notice that I did that."

I stared up at him, rubbing the back of his neck not wanting him to feel pressured. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." I was sure that he would tell me in his own time.

He grinned at me, his hands running up and down my sides softly. "No, I want to. You just caught me off guard Laryssa." Paul leaned down towards me, pressing his forehead against mine, his eyes held mine. I stared into his deep brown eyes and my heart started to beat wildly when I realized how he stared at me. He always gave me his full attention and his eyes gained a soft look. "This," he brushed his nose against mine again, "is what my parents used to do when they were together. You reminded me about that when I drove you home from school. I guess it's comforting for me." I watched as his cheeks colored more, but he didn't shy away from me as I would've if I were in his shoes. "I wasn't sure if you were comfortable with me kissing you, so I thought I could show you affection this way too."

I could feel my heart swell at his words. Gently I pulled him towards me, kissing his forehead, the tip of his nose, both of his cheeks and pressing a light kiss to his lips. I wanted to show him that I was comfortable with kissing. Then I brushed my nose against his, "Just so you know, I am comfortable with you. I would tell you if I wasn't but I think I have been comfortable with you since you hid me from Alex." He smiled pulling me impossibly closer to him. "I didn't think that I could make you blush." Paul laughed, knocking his head against mine, squeezing my waist playfully. I laughed when I heard his stomach grumble. "C'mon let's make some breakfast."

"I still can't believe you swallowed that," Paul said with a huff, pressing kisses all over my face. I giggled, relishing in his affection. "After this, do you have any plans for today?" Before I turned he rubbed his nose against mine, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. My breath hitched before a pleased smile made its way onto my face. "What can I do to help?" I turned on the back burner, tossing four sausages patties into the pan.

"Put the bread in the toaster, please." I heated another pan before I started cracking eggs into the bowl, "No plans." I added after I poured a little bit of milk into the bowl whisking the eggs. "Did you have something in mind?" I put some butter into the pan, letting it melt before I put the eggs in.

"Yeah, but if you want to stay at home, we can do that too." His arms hooked around my waist again, peering over my shoulder at the eggs. "Why did you add milk?"

"Something I saw my mom do," I smiled, moving them around in the pan like how she used too. He let me go, putting the egg carton and milk back in the fridge, tossing the sausage wrapper in the trash. Paul pulled out two plates, setting the toast on one of the plates, buttering them, while I focused on flipping the sausage and cooking the eggs. I glanced at him, smiling at how focused he was on buttering the toast. I was starting to get used to the bubble of intimacy he provided. If someone had told me that one day Paul Lahote would be in my house, cooking breakfast with me I wouldn't have believed them. I moved beside him, placing the food on the plates. "See how fluffy the eggs are."

10:46 a.m. First Beach, La Push, Washington

I leaned against Paul, watching the waves crash against the sand. It was almost peaceful. No one was here. I closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder feeling his chest rise and fall steadily. I could feel how tense he was. I tugged on the material covering my neck adjusting it. "I can feel the questions swirling around us." It was like we were in a bubble and multiple unsaid questions were bouncing around us.

"What," Paul laughed, his arms tightening around my stomach, his fingers tracing shapes onto my side.

I opened my eyes, tilting my head to stare up at him. "Ever since I covered them, you're tense," I sighed, rubbing his arms gently. His eyes darted to my neck before they flashed back to mine. "Tell me what's on your mind." He tensed again, "please," I added. I didn't want to push him, he hadn't pushed me and I had no right to push him.

I heard his breath hitch, "Laryssa," His tone told me that he was on the verge of anger. "I'm fine."

I had told myself that so many times. Each time that I did, I was far from fine. "But you're not." I looked down at his arms and how my hands were rubbing his arms. "Something shifted, you're holding me tighter. Your body is on edge," He sighed, leaning over me resting his head on my shoulder. "You can talk to me."

"I can't. Not about this," Paul said, sitting upright and I let my hands drop from his arms. "You've been through a lot yesterday and I don't want to burden you with my anger."

I couldn't help the anger that flashed through my body. I was tired of people protecting me. I got up turning to stare down at him. I may not have been in serious relationships or any relationships for that matter, I just knew that this wasn't how I wanted things to be between us. I didn't want to be the one who released all of my baggage on him, and he took everything while I destroyed him. "Burden? You are far from being a burden to me."

Paul looked up at me, his eyes scanning my face. He leaned his arms on his knees, turning back to the water. "You don't need to know Laryssa."

"Am I so fragile that people can't come to me," I asked, glaring at the sand at my feet. "Do they think that I'll break? Do you think that I will?"

"Laryssa," Paul started, getting up from the sand. He took a step towards me, and I took one back. I couldn't think straight when he touched me and I saw the hurt flash across his face. "I just-" He cut himself off, rubbing the back of his neck roughly.

"You don't want to push me and I don't want to push you," I ran my fingers through my hair, tying it up quickly. He told me that I could ask him anything, without judgment and I wanted him to know that he could do the same. I didn't want him to think that I could spiral off the deep end. "I don't want to argue. I just don't want this to be a one-way street. You can come to me."

"Hey, it's going to be us against the problem, not me against you," Paul said and my eyes darted to his face. I nodded, rubbing my arms against the sudden chill. "Are you cold?" He took a hesitant step forward and when I didn't step back, he moved towards me, setting his hands on my arms, rubbing them gently.

"I want to know what's bothering you. Just like how you've got me, I've got you too," I shivered, holding eye contact with him. "If you don't want to tell me, I understand. Yo-You can lean on me." Paul nodded, pulling me into his arms. "I want you to know that."

"You went through something traumatic yesterday. Cody… He put his hands on you and hurt you. I don't think that was the first time. Embry mentioned that when you ran into him, you looked frightened and how you had nail marks on your wrist," Paul drew back and took my wrist that Cody had grabbed multiple times in the past few years. "I know you wouldn't do that to yourself," I looked down at his fingers trailing over my skin. "You have a habit of digging your nails into your palms, not here. Laryssa, I'm not ready to put what I'm feeling on you. I know that I can come to you, but I can't with this. At least not right now."

I blinked rapidly, my mind flashing to every time Cody grabbed me or belittled me. "You'll talk to someone?" My voice came out shaky. I understood why he didn't want to. If I put myself in his position, I would do the same thing.

"Yeah," His hand rubbed my spine, "Jared and Sam." I nodded, resting my face on his chest. "Laryssa?" I hummed, listening to the oceans calming sounds. "Will you look at me?" I leaned back slightly, glancing up at him. "I told you earlier this morning, I will never let anyone hurt you ever again and I mean that."

"Extra muscle," I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Paul laughed, knocking his head against mine to brush his nose against mine. "As your boyfriend."

I smiled at him, wrapping my arms around him pulling him into me. "That too." Paul rolled his eyes at me, shaking his head. His eyes told me that even though we were joking, he was serious about what he said. "As far as I'm concerned what happened is in the past. I won't have to deal with him but I'm going to reach out to my old therapist."

"Therapy," Paul questioned, a small frown on his face.

"Not a fan?" I hadn't been a fan of seeing therapists at first, in fact, I had despised the idea altogether. I had gone through four women before Garcia finally helped me breakthrough my shell.

"No not really," Paul shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. "Bad experience when I was younger." I understood what he was saying, one of the first women that I had seen made me feel so uncomfortable I almost didn't go back to therapy at all. Paul sat back down, pulling me down so that I was resting against him. His arms wrapped around me, drawing me tightly to his chest. "Does… does it help?"

"The first three times I tried, no. But the fourth, it did. Sometimes you just have to find the right person," I intertwined our hands, closing my eyes. "The woman I saw, her name was Annabelle Garcia. She liked to be called Garcia, and she helped me through one of the darkest times in my life." I smiled at the memory of the woman with salt and pepper hair and warm green eyes. "Anyway, it feels so serene here."

"It does," Paul murmured. He shifted, pressing a quick kiss to the side of my head. "So, Sam and Emily are having a bonfire tomorrow night. Wanna go?"

"Yeah, Jared and Kim-" I jerked out of his embrace, fumbling with my phone when I finally remembered I didn't text Kim back this morning. Shit. Shit. Shit. Kim was going to kill me.

"Babe," Paul asked, his eyebrows furrowing in concern. I pulled up Kim's contact, knowing that she was at lunch.

I smiled shyly at Paul as I listened to the line click over. "OH MY GOD! LARYSSA!"

I winced at her screech, holding the phone away from my ear. I listened to her shout question after question not bothering to take a breath, "Kim… Kim… KIM!" She went silent on the other line. "I'm okay," I breathed tugging on my right earlobe, moving to stand. "I guess I wanted to punch Cody, instead of smacking him." I smiled when I heard her snort out a laugh. "How bad is it?"

"No one is talking. We shut that shit down," Kim murmured, and I could only imagine the look of satisfaction she held on her face. It was weird to hear her curse. "I'm keeping an eye on Jay and he seems okay. A little withdrawn. Alex tried to speak with him this morning, but Jared intervened." I pinched the bridge of my nose. This wouldn't have happened if Alex would've just left me alone. "Laryssa?"

"I'm here," I gritted my teeth walking away from Paul. As much as I wanted to place the whole blame on Alex, part of what happened was on me. I should've never let Cody put his hands on me for so long. I could hear her unanswered question, "I'm just frustrated."

"We are having a girls' night, tonight. So you can get some normalcy," The tension from my shoulders eased. "That means we are going to gorge ourselves on junk food, watch some rom-com or comedy, and no boys allowed. Well besides your brother."

"I'll get the junk food," I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face.

"I know Paul's with you and he'll eat it. I'll get it," Kim laughed, and I could hear Jared on the other end asking for some brownies. "Lunch is almost over. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay," I said, handing up the phone. I quieted the stress, sending a silent prayer for my dad to let the drama settle for a while. I was starting to get tired of handling everything. I was at my limit and I wasn't sure how much more I could take. I shook my head at my thoughts, I couldn't go down that path.

"Laryssa," Paul said softly, his warm hand resting on my shoulder. "Everything okay?" I nodded, taking his hand in mine. I eyed the cloudy sky, knowing that it was going to start sprinkling soon. I needed to speak to Garcia soon. "Laryssa?"

I turned facing him, holding onto his hand still. I felt the first sign of the rain when the cool drop dripped on my cheek. "Kim and I are going to have a girl's night tonight." I tilted my face up, letting the small drops of water splash against my cheeks. Involuntarily I let my eyes drift close, the conversation with Kim made me feel drained. I wanted to sleep, preferably not alone, I just couldn't find it in myself to ask him to take a nap with me. "Do you have to work tonight?"

"Not until Monday," I shivered in content when I felt his warmth encase me. I inhaled deeply when his woodsy scent filled my nostrils. "So does this girl's night mean no guys?" He sounded like he was whining.

"Afraid so," I smiled into his gray shirt, wrapping my arms around his waist tightly. We stayed like that for a few moments before I felt my eyes start to get heavy. I fought against it, trying my best to seek out the cool air instead of his warmth. "Can you take me home?" I listened to his heartbeat, the calming rhythm was starting to soothe my anxiety.

"Yeah, baby," Paul kissed the top of my head, "are you tired?" I nodded, keeping my arm around his waist when he started guiding me back to his truck. "Laryssa?" I hummed in acknowledgment, yawning before I glanced up at him. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm frustrated and tired." I rubbed my hand over my face, feeling the drowsiness still trying to take hold. I wasn't sure if I should tell him what I truly felt. "After I hit Cody, Alex put himself in front of me. I don't know why he decided to do that and I don't want to care. Kim told me that Alex is trying to speak with Jay but Jared intervened." I sighed, staring at the sand, pulling my hair down. "I'm tired of the drama. It's one thing after another. I just want a break."

"Laryssa." When I didn't look up, he cupped my chin so I could look up at him. "You're confused about Alex." He stated, his thumb brushing against my skin. "I know you can't just turn your feelings off. He was your best friend for a long time, he was the one you confided in. It's alright to miss him-"

"Is it," I asked, a hit of anger lacing my tone. "Everything was a lie. He was controlling, judgemental, and he didn't respect my boundaries. He made a bet on something that wasn't his to take. Why am I missing someone like that?" I was angry at myself for missing him. "If he would've just left me alone, none of this would've happened." I blew out the air through my nose, freezing when I realized I snapped at him. "God, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"I know babe," Paul brushed his thumb against my cheek again. "Everything is confusing. The only thing that makes sense is to take one thing at a time. How does that sound?"

"Less stressful," I murmured, taking his hand in mine. I couldn't help but smile when I heard his stomach groan in hunger. "Let's go to Forks and eat."

"You're not tired?" He asked, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I shook my head, pulling him towards his truck. I could always sleep later, I didn't want to miss out on time with him.

3:46 p.m. Inside the Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

Paul stared at Laryssa. She glanced at him, sending him a small grin before she focused back on her painting. His eyes trailed down to her neck, seeing the necklace on her neck. She tugged on the turtleneck, adjusting it for the fifth time. She had mentioned that it was only to hide it from Jay, he suspected that she didn't want anyone to see what Cody had done.

Paul turned his attention back to the notebook, sketching a few designs for his next craving. He listened to her hum to herself. He glanced at the clock knowing that he was going to have to leave her soon. "What time did Kim say she was coming?"

"Five," Laryssa yawned, rubbing her face to try and keep herself awake.

Paul set his pencil down, seeing the yellow streak of paint on her cheek. He smirked at her, grabbing his phone to snap a quick picture at how adorable she was. "Babe," He called, smiling when he captured a few pictures of her. Laryssa tilted her head to the side, quirking an eyebrow up at him. He pocketed his phone, moving towards her. "You look adorable with paint on your cheek." Laryssa turned to stare at the small mirror, frowning at her reflection. Paul took a small napkin, brushing it against her cheek. "What are you painting?"

Laryssa gritted her teeth together like she was holding back a yawn. "Sunflowers," She said, closing her eyes when he touched her soft cheek. He couldn't get enough of the skin to skin contact, it was as if once he started he couldn't stop.

"I feel like the tables are reversing," Paul murmured, seeing her struggle to keep her eyes open.

"What do you mean," She asked, leaning into his touch.

Paul held in his snort when Laryssa sagged into him after he put his arm around her. "Let's take a nap."

"But you're gonna leave in a little bit," She whined, fighting half-heartedly against his attempts to pick her up. "Do you even want to take a nap?"

"Silly girl," Paul swooped her into his arms, ignoring her small protests. "I like to sleep whenever I can, I just don't get too a lot." He carried her out of her art room and to her room, setting her down on her bed. "How long have you been fighting your sleep?"

"A while," She mumbled, scooting over for him to lay beside her. He pulled off his shirt, laying beside her. Laryssa moved closer to him, tucking herself under his arm. Paul knew that she was more comfortable with him since they had taken a nap together. His hand stroked her hair absentmindedly. "Paul?"

"Yeah, baby," He questioned, tilting his head to look down at her. Paul maneuvered himself so he was curled around her. She inhaled deeply, pressing her palms against his torso. He smiled to himself when he realized she was asleep. His fingers stroked her soft dark hair, trying his best to try and focus on sleep. Yet, he couldn't. "Rest well, baby," Paul whispered, his fingers trembled against her hair.

Flashback: 1:05 p.m. Emily and Sam's House, La Push, Washington

Paul grimaced rubbing his shoulder from where Jared sank his teeth in it. It healed on the outside, it didn't heal on the inside yet he could still feel his skin stitching together. He glared up at the rain, trying to ignore the fact that Jared caught him off guard and it pissed him off. "Paul!" Emily called urgently holding his phone up from underneath the porch. He jogged to the porch, glancing at the unknown caller id. He shook his head, flinging the water at Emily. She smacked him where Jared dug his teeth in wiping the water from her face. "Aren't you going to answer?"

Paul massaged his shoulder glowering at her as he clicked on the green button. "Hello." He frowned hearing the scattered chatter from the background. "Who is this?"

"Paul?" Jayden's voice came through the speaker causing him to falter. Jayden didn't sound like himself, he sounded wary as the backroom noise ceased, "It's Jay… Laryssa's brother?" His mind flashed to Laryssa. She was okay. If she wasn't she would've called him or Kim would've.

"Sorry, I didn't have your number saved. Are you okay," Paul straightened his spine, hoping there was nothing happening with him.

"Uhm yeah…" Jay trailed off, "Did uh Laryssa call you by chance?" Paul could hear him pacing somewhere.

Paul tensed snapping his fingers at Jared when he passed him. "No, she didn't. Is something going on Jay?" Jared dashing inside signaling that he was going to get his phone. Paul heard him stop pacing. "Is Laryssa okay?"

"I don't know," He murmured after a few seconds. Paul raced into the house, fumbling with his keys."I keep hearing that something happened between her and Rivers. It doesn't sound like her and I don't know what's going on. I thought maybe she called you or texted you and told you what happened." Paul slammed his hand against the counter, trying to keep his cool. "Sue's calling me back. I'm sure it's nothing. I gotta go." Jay hung up. Paul stared at the phone, ignoring Emily's concerned voice. His eyes flashed to Jared, seeing him scrolling through his phone. Paul tried to focus on her so his anger didn't blow up.

"Kim said Laryssa punched Cody," Jared said surprise tinting his tone. His eyebrows furrowed at his statement. He couldn't see her becoming physically violent at all. "Laryssa said she was okay, Kim thinks she's lying. Kim gave her chocolate to help with her stress. I don't know much else since Kim had to take a test." Jared glanced at him, reaching out to touch Paul's shoulder. "Try calling Laryssa." Paul fumbled with his phone, his fingers shaking as he tried to pull up her contact. "Emily, will you call Sue?"

Paul held the phone up to his ear pleading with her to answer. He pinched the bridge of his nose when she didn't pick up. Paul redialed, "Answer your phone baby."

"She's driving home," Emily asked, tapping Paul's shoulder gently. He hung up, darting to his truck before they could stop him. He threw himself in the driver seat, peeling out of the driveway. His truck wasn't going fast enough and he needed to get to her. Paul stepped on the gas when her house came into his sight. He pulled into her driveway, seeing her car parked and her slowly trailing up the porch steps. Paul breathed out a sigh of relief, slamming on his breaks barely putting his truck in park. He jumped out running towards her, watching her take a few steps toward him before breaking out into a sprint. Paul caught her, feeling her push her face into him. "I've got you," he breathed out a sigh of relief, trying to shield her from the rain. "Let's get you out of the rain."

"How-," Laryssa pulled away from him. He took a few seconds to trail over her. Paul saw the tears and the rain. He leaned down, freezing when he saw deep red scratches on her neck. "Paul?" Paul felt his anger start to rise. He already put the pieces together and Rivers was going to pay. He hoped to god that his brain was playing tricks on him and the marks on Laryssa's neck weren't real. Paul reached towards her neck, feeling her raised skin. "Rivers," He needed to confirm. Laryssa shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. "Laryssa, I need you to go inside." Her brows furrowed as her shaking grew more noticeable. His gaze narrowed in on the marks again and his shaking increased. She wasn't safe near him and he wasn't going to risk even more harm coming to her. Paul tried to contain his tremors, "Baby… please." Laryssa stepped back before she rushed up the stairs. Once her back was turned he darted for the cover of the woods.

Just as he made it into the treeline, he shifted his focus on Rivers. How dare he put his hands on her. He shouldn't have left her alone. He knew Rivers was an ass, but not once did he think he was an abusive ass. Rivers flashed through his mind and before he could stop himself he was running towards his house.

A body barreled into him a few miles from Rivers' house. "Paul!" Sam's sharp tone caused him to stop. "Don't."

Paul's memories flashed to Sam showing him all of the reasons why he should. "If this was Emily-"

"No," Sam shut him down. Paul felt Sam's sympathy and that was the last thing he wanted, "You can't harm him. You know that. Control your anger. Right now Laryssa needs you." Paul froze focusing on Laryssa's face. "Be with her." His eyes darted back to the beaten up house, listening to the sounds coming from it. He took a step closer, hearing skin meeting skin harshly. "Go Paul."

"His father is beating him," Paul stopped, his ears twitching at the pleads coming from Rivers' mouth. Sam came to stand next to him as they stared at the house. The anger was beginning to diminish as he listened to Cody cry for his father to stop. He had been on his way to kick his ass, instead, he was feeling sympathy for him. It sounded as if he was being beaten until he was black and blue. "It's gone on long enough," Paul sighed, glaring at the broken house. He moved towards the house, nudging the car until the alarm started going off. Darting back to the tree line he saw Cody jump out the window, running as his life depended on it. Paul stared at Cody's black eyes and a split lip. He could only imagine the pain on his body.

"Are you going to tell Laryssa," Sam asked, his gaze still on the father messing with his car.

"Not now," Paul closed his eyes seeing the marks on her skin. "I don't know if I can even shift back," He admitted, still not feeling in control of his body.

"Take a moment. Jared is with her," Sam brushed against his shoulder, "Focus on a happy memory." He shook out his fur, sniffing the air. He could smell the stale alcohol stench now that the rain had lightened up. Paul's mind flashed to his mom, remembering her passed out on the sofa with a beer bottle still clutched in her hand. The flash of anger had his temperature rising. Steam was starting to rise off his body. "A happy memory." He huffed at Sam's command running back to her house, letting his memories of her wash over him.

Laryssa laughed holding the ice cream out of his reach. Paul made a move to grab her, and she danced out of his reach sending him a breathtaking triumphant grin. He remembered laughing as he chased her around the counter trying to steal a bite. Just as he caught her, she pressed the cool vanilla cone against his cheek. He pulled back with wide eyes seeing her bashful grin.

Paul felt the familiar pull of his heart calming. He saw Jared pacing back and forth on the porch, glancing at the open door every so often. "C'mon Paul…"

4:24 p.m. Inside the Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

Paul blinked when Laryssa pressed her nose into his chest. He smiled down at her wondering how the tip of her nose was so cold. Her hand moved from his chest to his side until she was holding him closer to her. Her legs intertwined with his. Laryssa held onto him like he was her lifeline. It was something he couldn't quite put into words, he just knew if she woke up she would see his cheeks flush. She sighed softly when he stopped running his fingers through her hair. Paul pressed a quick kiss to the crown of her head, listening to her breathing. "This isn't you napping with me. It's more like me drooling all over you while you stare at the walls."

Paul smirked, pulling back to stare down at her. He didn't realize she was awake, "I see it more like me getting to keep you in my arms all to myself, even with the drool." Laryssa snorted peeking up at him rubbing his back. He leaned down brushing his nose against hers, before pressing a quick kiss to her lips. She closed her eyes reaching up to cup his face as she pulled him back to her lips. His eyes closed as he relished in the softness of her. Laryssa grinned against his lips, pulling away for air. Paul tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, moving so that she was sitting on his stomach. She smirked down at him, her hair encasing them in their own personal bubble. His senses were on overdrive with the smell of roses and paint. Paul stared at her, his fingers moving to mess with her necklace. "You're so beautiful."

Laryssa blinked rapidly, a small smile working its way onto her face. She sat up brushing her hands across her face, hiding from him. Paul sat up rubbing her lower back, trying to decipher what she was saying through her hands. He leaned towards her pressing a kiss to each of her hands. She peeked at him from between her fingers and he could see her pink cheeks. He grinned at her waiting for her to be comfortable again, he would wait however long she needed. Laryssa took a deep breath in, letting her hands drop to fiddle with her necklace. Her eyes met his and it reminded him of when he imprinted. He reached up to brush his fingers across her cheek, he remembered the anger in her eyes and now that he saw them he could see a different emotion, one that made his heart clench, and his stomach swirl pleasantly. "I think one day my cheeks are going to stay permanently pink."

"I like the sound of that," Paul watched her eyes trail over his face. She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Though I might have to fight to keep all the boys away from you." Laryssa barked out a laugh, rolling her eyes. "I'm not kidding."

"Even if that was plausible, I only have eyes for you," Laryssa admitted, running her fingers through her hair. "What," She questioned when he grinned at her.

"It's very plausible," Paul flipped her, hovering over her ignoring her puzzled look, "but I wanna hear what you said after that." Laryssa raised her eyebrow, pursing her lips at him. "C'mon baby tell me one more time," Paul whined showering her face with kisses.

Laryssa grabbed his face leaning up to press her lips against his. "I only have eyes for you Paul Lahote," She mumbled against his lips, hooking her leg on his hip. His mind drew a blank as he pulled her closer. Laryssa pulled away smirking at him before she used her body to flip them. Only she misjudged the space on her bed and they both tumbled off. Paul hit the ground with a thud, gawking up at her in shock. "Shit baby, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" She moved quickly pressing her hands to the back of his head, peering closer to his face.

He sat up with a laugh, taking her hands in his. "You're amazing," He brushed his lips against hers. "Damn babe, you really know how to make me lose my breath." Laryssa groaned burying her face in his shoulder. He chuckled at her, his eyes narrowing in on a shoebox of pictures shoved underneath her bed. Paul reached over plucking the first photo out of the box, seeing himself before he transformed. He froze when he noticed his arm slung around Tif. The one who held the title of first love while simultaneously making him feel like he was nothing. Laryssa lifted her head up, moving so she could see what held his attention. "I wish I met you then," He murmured, glaring at the offending photo. He destroyed everything of hers and if he could've he would've erased the memories too. "Then things would've been different."

Laryssa brushed her fingers against Alex in the photo, a sad smile had made its way onto her face. "I don't think so," She glanced at him. "That photo was taken five months after my dad died. It was the first time I smiled. I wasn't who I am now and if we met then I wouldn't have taken a chance." Laryssa set her hand on his cheek, pulling him to look at her. "Just like you're not who you were then. Or am I mistaken?" He thought back to who he was before his shift and she was right. Paul shook his head, resting his head on her chest to listen to the beat of her heart. "Sometimes we have to go through something traumatic or heartbreaking to learn something."

Even though she was telling him the truth, it didn't hurt any less when she told him she wouldn't have taken a chance. If he were being honest, he wouldn't have even given her a second look. Tif was the only one he had eyes for then. "What did you learn?"

"Not to give up," Her voice quivered, but she wrapped his arms around him tightly. It was as if the roles reversed and she was holding him together, "to keep fighting even though I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel."

"I guess we met at the moment we were supposed to," Paul said, rubbing her arms. "Although, I'm not really sure what I learned from that, at least I can't pinpoint one specific lesson. I just know that I'm happier with you and you have this way o-of making my heart happy Laryssa." He closed his eyes when he heard Kim and Jared's voice followed by Jay and Seth's footsteps. "They're here," the disappointment flooded through his tone at the thought of leaving her. He knew she needed it though and he was only a phone call away. He got up, pulling her with him and down the stairs.

5:26 p.m. Inside the Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

"Paul," She called sprinting down the steps, skidding to a stop in front of him. Laryssa grabbed his hand pressing something into it, reaching up to kiss him quickly. She pulled away too fast for his liking and she rubbed her nose against his. "Text me when you make it home," Laryssa sent a bashful wave to Jared before she jogged back to the house. He glanced down at the paper she placed in his palm, unraveling it slowly. Her writing was messy but he could still make out the words.

Paul,

I didn't get a chance to respond since the others came and time seemed to go fast. It feels like that way too often with you. I wish it would stop moving so damn fast so I could have more time with you. Sorry, I'm rambling. What I have with you Paul, I don't want with anyone else. Like I told you before I tossed us off the bed, I only have eyes for you. I feel alive with you and I've never felt that way before. Everything I've never done, I want to do with you.

L.

"What does it say," Jared peered over his shoulder, glowering at Paul when he pressed the note into his shirt. "Really?"

He wanted to keep it between him and her for a little longer. "You'll see it later," Paul couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face. His eyes darted back to the house, listening to her and Kim laugh. "Laryssa is my imprint and I get to spend the rest of my life with her."

"It just hit you… didn't it," Jared laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "It only gets more real from here."