Jacob asked, "So, how did it go?"

"How did it go?" Bella's face was flushed as she leaned against the door and smirked at Jacob. "I hate you sometimes."

Paul had stared up at her suspiciously as she finally turned to talk to him. Before she could speak, he said, "Hey. We don't have to hang out. Don't let Jacob push you around."

Her nervousness dissolved as disappointment took its place. "So … you don't want to?"

Paul's demeanor changed on a dime as he held his hand up to stop her. "No," he said, walking toward her. "That's not what I meant."

"Are you sure? Because I was kind of worried Jacob scared you off? I'm surprised he dragged me out here," Bella said quietly, knowing Jacob was likely eavesdropping from the couch.

"Uh, yeah. Me, too," Paul said and scoffed.

"I did tell him I need to make more friends," she admitted and laughed.

"Friends. Ah," Paul said and grinned back at her. "Friend zoning me already?"

"I didn't say that," Bella said quietly. Her cheeks were warm as she glanced up at him. Paul placed his hand on the porch railing next to her as he leaned over her. She could feel his body heat soaking up the space between them and yearned to lean into him as she would with Jacob. It brought her an immediate sense of comfort, and she relaxed somewhat.

Paul scoffed as he sensed the change in her. Incredulously, he asked, "You don't feel intimidated with me this close?"

"I'm used to Jacob hulking over me like this," Bella said.

"So, what do you want to do tonight, Bella?" Paul leaned back a bit, apparently satisfied with her reaction.

Bella gave him the sweetest smile she could muster and said, "I don't care. What would you normally do on a Thursday night?"

Paul leaned away and blinked dramatically. "Fuck, it's only Thursday?" He grinned back down as she giggled and said, "There isn't much to do here on a Thursday. Have you ever been to Port Angeles?"

"Please." Bella rolled her eyes. "I spent a month here every summer until I was eighteen."

"Well, alright then," Paul said excitedly. "Um, dinner? Drinks? Movie?"

Bella snorted and countered, "How about a bookstore? Junk food? Bar?"

"Fuck," Paul groaned. "Marry me?" He beamed as she cackled. "Are we taking my truck?"

"Unless you would rather ride bitch on my motorcycle," Bella teased. Color returned to her cheeks as he bit back another groan and adjusted his stance.

Paul coughed and cleared his throat nervously. He teased, "You will keep me on my toes, huh?"

"You bet," she said. "You want to meet me here later?"

Paul teased, "What? Will you get ready here?"

"Sure," Bella said and shrugged. "I have everything I need here. Believe me. If you ever need to find me, this place is a better bet than anywhere else." Bella laughed again as he blanched.

He said, "Shit. You are Leah's step-sister, huh? I vaguely remember hearing you were moving home for a while. I forgot Sue was engaged to Charlie."

Bella asked, "Is that a problem?" She and Leah had come somewhat close over the years, and she looked forward to being able to call her a sister. While Bella had only visited, Leah had been raised here. "Oh, please tell me you and my sister ..."

His voice dropped low, his tone almost mocking as he said, "Noooo." When Bella raised her eyebrow in question, he laughed. "She and I bump heads, too. Sam is my cousin, remember?"

"Oh," Bella said. Of course. How could I forget? Sam was Leah's ex-boyfriend, and the seething hatred between them was mutually alive and well. "I remember, now." She grinned back up at him again and said, "Well, if the asshole in the house can manage to be around them both, I'm sure we could. Mutual friends and all of that." She glanced back down at his chest, appreciating the definition of his muscular form. His abdomen was more defined than Jacob's, and his build was somewhat slimmer.

"There is that word again," Paul teased. He reached up to gently cuff her chin with his forefinger, pulling her attention away from his abs.

Absently, she asked, "Um, what word?"

"Friend." He winked at her and turned away, leaving her standing on the porch as he walked back to the lawnmower. "Six-thirty," He yelled and turned to grin at her before pushing the mower into the garage.

Her heart raced as she pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the time. It was nearly three. It finally dawned on her that she would be going out in just a few hours. Anxiety slammed her as she stepped back into the house where Jacob eagerly waited.

As Bella finished explaining, Jacob asked, "If it went well, why do you hate me?"

Bella said, "Because now I have to go out with someone new, and you won't be there to keep me from doing something stupid." She huffed as she plopped down on the couch.

"You are so damn codependent," Jacob said, laughing.

Bella glared at him and gave him the finger before turning toward the television. "I have to be ready in about three hours."

"Hours, you say?"

Her head whipped up to look at Jacob, well aware of the tone in his voice. She tried to fight a grin. "No," she warned. "Down, Boy. Sit, Booboo, sit!"

"Hardy har har." Jacob suddenly stood and yanked her off the couch. He threw her high over his shoulder and walked toward his bedroom.

"Jacob, I'm going out with Paul later," Bella chastised him. Jacob tossed her onto his bed, and she bounced before flopping onto her back. He hushed her with a kiss as his hands reached to untie the knot in her shirt.

He laughed as he pulled his mouth away from hers, and she raised her arms for him to remove the shirt. Jacob said, "I am happy that you have plans, Bells. But good friends don't let their cranky, horny, impulsive friends go out with Paul Lahote."

Bella giggled as his mouth moved to her neck. "So what? Are you ensuring I am not horny so I won't sleep with him on the first date?" She whimpered as his hands engulfed her breasts.

"Precisely," He muttered against her shoulder and continued kissing down her chest. "Plus," he grunted as he kneeled between her legs. "Cranky Bells is no fun." Jacob shoved his hands under her ass and lifted her, yanking her onto his lap.

"Fair precaution, I suppose," she mumbled back. A burning need flowed through her, as it always did. The best part about sleeping with Jacob was how well they knew what the other needed. The worst part was the exact same thing. Even if she wasn't in love with Jacob, their connection was intense enough that she could rarely tell him no. She frequently started it, in fact.

"Bells?" Jacob pulled away to stare her in the eye.

"Yeah?" She asked.

"Shut up," Jacob teased. Bella barely had a chance to giggle before his lips pressed back to hers.

(Paul POV)

Paul's black button-up shirt hung open over a white tank. His favorite jeans and boots were comfortable despite his dislike of heavier clothing. Running around naked in the woods was very freeing. More people should try it, in his opinion.

He turned in the mirror, looking over his appearance before leaving to pick up Bella. His hands trembled on the drive over as he realized he was unsure if they were hanging out as new pals or if they were going on a date. Bella definitely seemed interested, that was sure. The disappointment on her face when she presumed he was blowing her off damn near broke his heart.

The truth was, Paul had decided that he would do just that; Blow her off. He was still unsure if Jacob was trying to fuck with him, and despite what she had said, Paul had never seen Jacob act the way he had that day.

There is more than meets the eye there. Paul knew Jacob well enough that had there been any claim on her affections, it would have been made known immediately. Besides that, Paul knew that Jacob had his sights set on a drop-dead gorgeous blonde he met nearly a month ago. They had not patrolled together in over a week, however.

Has something changed now that Bella is back in town? I sure hope I am not walking right into a shit-show. What the hell is it about this girl I like so much anyway?

When Paul pulled into the drive, he realized one thing he liked about Bella Swan. The tiny white spaghetti-string top she wore was barely more than a bra and somewhat hidden under a baggy, open jean jacket. Her midriff was bare from under her breasts down. Slung low on her hips was a long, black and white patchwork skirt. Tiny pieces of lace adorned it in rows. Her wild curls hung loose down her back, and her sweet scent slammed Paul as soon as he exited the truck. She had put on very little makeup, and Paul could smell a hint of strawberry coming from the soft pink lip gloss she wore. Beaded bracelets and multiple rings were barely visible under the long jacket sleeves. Her nails were painted black and curved to a point. She looks like a head shop threw up on an Instagram model. And he fucking loved it.

"Hey," he said as they blatantly looked each other over.

"You look nice," Bella said.

Paul scoffed and shook his head. "You look fucking beautiful. Way too pretty for junk food and bars."

Bella teased, "Not bookstores?"

"Mmm," He groaned. "Hot librarian." He puffed his chest out proudly as she cackled and reached for her hand. As she stepped off the wheelchair ramp, Paul glanced down at her platform sandals. Bella lifted her skirt as she climbed into the truck, showing off the thin gold strings crisscrossed up her calf and tied just under the knee. Paul took a slow, deep breath and asked, "How do you walk in those?"

"Carefully," she said. "But, you are so tall that I thought you might appreciate a little boost. Less neck strain." Paul noticed the wide, heavy hoop earrings she wore as Bella pulled all of her curls to one side.

Hmm. Less neck strain? Paul teased, "Planning on kissing me, Bella?" There were plenty of other things Paul could think of that might cause some neck strain - for her.

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch, Paul," she said. He gave her the most devilish grin he could muster, gloating to himself as she turned pink. Now that he could see most of her upper torso, he watched as her skin flushed nearly to her navel and adjusted his stance.

"Paul, wait!"

Paul cringed as he recognized the voice and tone. Fuck. This is like getting called up to the chalkboard with a fucking boner. He forced a smile and looked over at Billy. "Yeah, Chief? Do you need something?"

Leaning out of the front door, Billy asked, "Can we talk alone for a minute, son?"

Paul chuckled at the abject horror on Bella's face. "He's going to give you the talk or something," she whispered. "Probably because my dad isn't here and they aren't used to me running around with anyone except Jake."

Paul whispered, "Um, Bella? Is your dad marrying Sue or Billy?"

Bella nearly shouted, "Right?"

"Don't you worry about anything, Bella," Billy called out sweetly. "I just want to talk to Paul about the yard for a minute."

"Mmmhmm," she groaned sarcastically.

Still holding her hand, Paul grinned as he brought it to his lips and kissed her knuckles. He said, "I'll be right back."

"Smooth," she deadpanned. She glanced toward Billy and snorted. Paul winced from the stern glare Billy gave him and walked to the house.

"Come inside," Billy said quietly.

Jesus, he really is going to give me a talk? Fuck. She's twenty-two, my man.

As Paul shut the door behind him, Billy motioned for the sofa and said, "Have a seat."

Lord. Paul had suffered this type of conversation with overprotective fathers since age twelve. Not that most of them were wrong or anything. Paul wasn't necessarily proud of his past, but what was done was done.

Of course, they had believed he spent much more time chasing ass than he did. The only secret he kept from others was the things he could do. He was a shifter in every sense, and he could become much more than the wolf when he wanted. Paul spent a great deal of time testing out his skills. His spiritual counterpart had no interest in anything except the wolf, and Paul did not have to share his thoughts in other forms. He despised the lack of privacy in the pack's mind, yet still sometimes ached to show them what he could do. Not telling them made him feel like shit.

Perhaps some of them shared this gift, too? Or others that they didn't know of? Guilt was not a sensation that Paul handled well, and he shoved his thoughts aside in aggravation.

"Look, Billy," Paul said as he sat on the edge of the sofa, "You aren't going to have to worry about Bella with me."

Billy asked, "Can you promise me that? That girl may as well be my own daughter, Paul. I feel no different than if that were Rachel or Rebecca sitting in your truck right now."

"I understand," Paul said, nodding. He was going to have to play things differently with Bella. He could already feel the threat of his future alpha leering over his shoulder, and Billy was the last person he wanted to be pissed off at him. "I can promise that I will let her run the show. I mean, I'm going to flirt with her, Billy. That's just a given."

Billy's eyes twinkled with mischief as he bit back a laugh. "That's to be expected, son. But protect her. You both tend to stumble into trouble. Bella is …" Billy hesitated, searching for the right words.

Don't give me that, 'Bella is not like other girls' bullshit.' Paul didn't need to be told that there was something different about her. He understood that from the moment they met. Besides, he despised cliches. Paul had been lumped into far too many according to other opinions his entire life.

"I got this, Dad," Jacob said as he entered the room. He sat next to Paul and began lacing his boots.

Billy asked, "Where are you going all dressed up?"

Jacob grinned and said, "I have a date."

Paul asked, "With the blonde?"

Jacob winked up at Paul from his bent-over position, and Paul laughed. As Jacob sat up straight, he said, "What you and I need to talk about is Bells."

Paul said, "Yeah. And she has been waiting outside in the truck, so can we hurry this up? Not to sound like an ass, but you guys want me to treat her respectfully, and she's staying out in the truck. It's kinda rude."

Billy's stern expression was back as Jacob laughed, nodding. "Look, man. Treat her like I would." He looked up at Paul wide-eyed and said, "Actually, scratch that. Treat her better than I would. I mean … Bells and I give each other a lot of flack and fight like we're married. Treat her like the guy trying to win her away from her shitty husband."

"Jacob Black!" Billy stared at his son in disbelief.

Jacob said, "It's true. Even you can't deny that we are like an old married couple. And, I'm sorry that you and Charlie aren't going to share grandkids someday."

Billy scoffed, rolling his eyes as if Jacob spoke pure nonsense. Ignoring him, Jacob turned back to Paul and said, "Listen. Be kind. Be careful what you say because she is shy, has social anxiety, and takes everything to heart. She's too goddamned trusting, and if you take advantage of that, I will, personally, bury you alive. Got it?"

Paul was unsure if he should be afraid or laugh, but there was no humor on Jacob's face. He was entirely serious. "Got it," Paul said calmly despite the anger slowly licking up his spine.

I'm an asshole. I get that … but I don't treat chicks the way I treat the pack. And Leah. I give them all shit because they're my frien… Oh. There was that word again. Friend. Bella was looking to make friends. Paul realized he would have to treat her differently than his other friends. Maybe Jake gets my brain better than I realize. "I get it," Paul said, nodding. "I know what you're saying. I won't pick on her, I promise."

"Thank you," Jacob said. "She's honestly the most important person in my life, Paul. She has been since I was two. Bella is like my fucking soulmate, but we are not in love with each other. Can you get that?"

And, back was Jacob from that afternoon. Even if they weren't together, he felt possessive, and it showed. It showed in Billy's annoyed expression as well. Paul asked, "Are you two more than friends, though? Or were you more than friends?"

Jacob laughed as he glanced at his father and said, "That depends on how you look at it, I guess."

Bella's comment that afternoon suddenly made sense, too. Paul knew then that his instincts had been right. These two have been fooling around right under everyone's nose. Probably for years. No wonder Jacob kept her a secret. Paul couldn't help but chuckle. He could get behind that kind of fun, and he certainly wasn't one to judge. He couldn't claim he wouldn't have done the same thing if he had been raised with a female best friend.

Jacob stood and said, "Come on. Let's not keep her waiting any longer." At the front door, Jacob yanked something out of his pocket and pretended to shake Paul's hand out of Billy's view. Jacob leaned in and whispered, "I doubt it'll happen, but just in case."

Paul narrowed his eyes in disbelief at the condom package in his hand. Despite the smile on his face, his voice was laced with venom as Jacob whispered, "If you fuck her without wrapping it, I'll do worse than bury you."

Unable to help himself, Paul loudly quipped, "Just one, bro? I've got a full box in my truck." He slapped the condom against Jacob's chest in Billy's direct view and grinned. "Keep it. Maybe you'll need it for your blonde. Too small for me anyway." Paul laughed as Jacob's face twisted into a rueful grin, and he chuckled despite himself.

"I'll get you back for that one," Jacob warned him.

"We'll see when you hit that Alpha growth spurt," Paul teased and shut the door behind him.

By eleven pm, Paul was counting his lucky stars. The bookstore they went to didn't have much to offer. Each found something that sparked their interests, and Paul snuck them to the counter as she became engrossed in another selection. She thanked him profusely and suggested they swap when finished with them.

Bella directed him to a small dive that barely looked open from the outside. Inside was a fifties-style diner, complete with milkshakes served in giant glasses and layered with whipped cream. After admitting he would eat pretty much anything, Bella had nudged him and asked if he was hungry like a wolf. He had found it hilarious, noting how good it felt to be able to joke with an outsider about what he was. She ordered him a burger and numerous sides. Until the moment it arrived, he worried he would be leaving hungry. Instead, he was served the best triple bacon burger he had ever eaten. Each side was large enough to feed four people. Baskets of fried mushrooms, onion rings, waffle fries, and fried pickles were spread around the table. He was shocked that she had ordered the same burger for herself, wondering where she would put even a third of it. Before he could question her, she cut hers down the center and asked if he wanted the other half. He laughed as their waitress looked over at him wide-eyed and told her she might need to bring more ketchup. He stuck his tongue out as Bella smothered a fried mushroom in ranch dressing and then gently reached over to wipe a drop of it off of her lip with his thumb. Bella had flushed bright red and let out a deep breath. Paul was glad the table covered his lap as he distracted himself with food.

Bella chattered most of the time. Paul listened intently, enjoying her frequent blushing and excitement over the most random things. Considering her supposed shyness, Paul was surprised to find her loquacious. Her mannerisms let on that it was because of anxiety, however, and so Paul did his best to help her feel calm. Twice he simply grinned and shook his head as she offered to be quiet. He enjoyed her company and quickly understood why she and Jacob got along so well. Paul also found he wasn't annoyed when she mentioned her best friend repeatedly. Now that Paul had a little more information about their relationship, he no longer worried about stepping on his future Alpha's toes.

Later, they sat in a lively bar on the edge of town, surrounded by strangers and having a good time. Bella insisted on buying them a couple of drinks. Paul waited patiently in their booth with his back to the wall while watching after her carefully. She was nearly surrounded by patrons at the bar as she clutched onto her top and looked over at Paul in a panic. He was on his feet instantly and pushing his way over to her. It looked like the straps had come undone, but one glance and Paul could see they had detached somehow.

"I knew I should have brought a spare shirt," she grumbled apologetically. "If you would grab my jacket …"

Paul chuckled as he slid off the black button-up and held it open for her. She carefully slid into it one arm at a time and clutched it shut. She buttoned the middle quickly and tied the bottom behind her back.

"Can you help me with the sleeves?" The cuffs dangled past her fingertips, making Paul cackle. Somehow his shirt looked much baggier on her than Jacob's had. Her scent was blending with his, getting his wolf excited. He unconsciously stepped closer and lifted her hand to his lips. He half expected her to make some quip about having already pulled that trick. Instead, she looked away shyly, grinning. Her cheeks were flush with embarrassment now as Paul slowly rolled the sleeves up for her, taking the time to slide his warm hands across her skin. He realized how intently he had been staring into her face as she sucked in a deep breath. Paul couldn't help the laugh that escaped him as she reached for their drinks. Paul took them from her and nodded toward the bathrooms.

"Wanna finish fixing your shirt or whatever?"

She smiled at him gratefully and excused herself as they walked in different directions. He remained standing to keep an eye on her as she exited the bathroom and sat down as soon as he had her in clear sight. She grinned as she joined him and said, "Thank you."

"For what?" Paul pushed her drink toward her across the table, glancing toward her chest as he did so. She had removed the remainder of the tiny white top and wore his shirt unbuttoned low enough that the lace of her white bra peeked out. He looked back into her face and cackled as she rolled her eyes and took a long drink.

"I was going to say thanks for not hovering next to the bathroom. Jake is a little … overprotective," Bella said.

"Yeah, I can tell," Paul said.

"He has his reasons," she defended and shrugged, taking another drink.

Not to be outdone by his companion, Paul knocked his drink back. As he set his nearly empty cup down, he asked, "Such as?"

"I'm a little crazy." Bella scoffed at herself as Paul chuckled.

Called that one, I guess.

"I'm serious," she said. "I had a little bit of a nervous break. Jake brought me out of it. It was right before he first phased. It's part of why we are as close as we are."

"He did a hell of a job keeping you a secret," Paul said.

"Sam knew," Bella said. "He was the one that found me. He was already a wolf then, but no one knew yet."

Paul asked, "You're the girl, huh?" Images rushed through his mind as he tried to sort through the pack memories burned into his brain. He leaned back and looked her over, comparing her to the frail, soaking wet teenager in a thin yellow raincoat. Sam had carried her two miles back to her house in the rain, wearing nothing but a pair of basketball shorts and a frown. As the paramedics removed her wet clothing to get her warm, Sam excused himself from the house - but not before getting a solid glance at the fading bruises on her torso. Charlie's voice had raised in concern as a long, fresh set of stitches expertly patched the inside of her right arm.

"You're the vampire girl," Paul said in disbelief. Bella flinched as her face scrunched up in a scowl. "I knew you looked familiar."

"I went by Isabella then," she said. "I changed it to Bella after… Let's just say that I'm not the same person, and I'm a l-lot … a lot better."

Paul frowned as she fumbled over her words, seemingly becoming more anxious by the second. He reached out to take her hand, and she looked up at him in surprise. "Hey," he said, trying to calm her as his head spun with this new information. "We all have pasts, okay? I may not understand the appeal of dating a Leech, but you may not like some of the shit I'm sure you heard about me."

You are talking straight out of your ass, Paul Lahote. If she had been anyone other than Bella, he would have called her a leech-lover and lost interest. Maybe it was knowing how important she was to his alpha. Or, maybe it is just her. He wasn't sure of anything except that he needed to get to know her, and he had felt it from the start.

Paul glanced over toward the jukebox as someone squealed. Two overly-tanned blondes were feeding the machine rapidly, far too excited over their selections. Perfect distraction, he thought as he stood. Already holding her hand, Paul nodded toward the dance floor and somehow managed to keep her there for the remainder of the night between drinks and bathroom breaks.

While Paul was decent on the dancefloor, Bella was a vision. Her moves were smooth and sensual, without the slightest hints of bashfulness or insecurity. Paul had to pull away from her as he fought back the tent in his pants and silently cursed the promise he had made. He was dying to grab her ass as she danced against him. The scent of her gloss made his mouth water as he stared at her full top lip and wondered how it tasted.

The bartenders called the last call just before another song played. Paul asked, "Well, do you want to dance one more time or grab one last shot?"

Bella slid her hands up behind his neck and hummed contentedly in response. They began moving to the music again, but she remained facing him this time, not letting go. "Paul?"

"Sup, baby?" He grinned down at her as she scoffed and laughed.

Her tone was playful, secretive as she said, "We have hung out for about eight full hours now."

"Oh?" Paul looked up toward the clock and gasped dramatically. "So we have," he teased. "Are you tired of me? Ready to go home now?"

She said, "Actually, I wondered if this was technically a date or not."

Paul chuckled nervously and instinctively tightened his hold on her. "That is up to you," he said, recalling the promise he made Billy once again. "You are the one with all the power here tonight, Bella."

Paul winked down at her expecting her to blush. Instead, she gripped the shoulders of his tank top and lifted on her toes to kiss him. He needed no encouragement to kiss her back, immediately opening his mouth and sucking her lip between his. Bella moaned and stumbled forward. Paul yanked her flush against his chest as she slid her tongue into his mouth. She tasted like alcohol and something sweeter, like honey. Her scent seemed to intensify with his body heat, and Paul damn near ground his dick against her abdomen. His head spun as she pulled away, and he grinned down at her stupidly.

"I was tired of waiting for you to kiss me first," she said. Paul leaned down to kiss her again just before the lights came on. Paul draped his arm across her shoulder. He was surprised as she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him.

Paul smiled down at the girl under his arm happily, feeling she belonged there. He swallowed and took a deep breath as Bella leaned her forehead against his chest. "We should go grab your jacket and head back. We have a long drive home."