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This one is only in Paul's POV, folks.


Paul woke up late for patrol, cursing himself for not getting up with his alarm the first time it went off. He had not wanted to disturb Bella when she looked so peaceful. The hurt on her face had driven away some of his anger, but Paul could feel that Bella was hiding something. There was a reason she didn't want Jacob to show him the memory, and Paul was determined to know what it was.

Paul was more convinced than ever that Bella had ADHD like Jared. He had seen the signs as she emotionally shut down in front of him. Paul had taken a page out of Kim's playbook and, setting aside the current issue, tried to let Bella know they were okay. Releasing that tension was like watching a tire deflate as her energy waned. He had seen Jared do it a million times, and too much sugar or caffeine caused the same results. From fidgeting and mood swings to her ever-present fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses, Bella and Jared were so alike it was almost comical. Jared was the only wolf she had yet to meet, and Paul felt that should change soon. After all, his girl should meet his and Sam's mutual best friend - and Bella was his girl, even if she didn't realize it yet.

Paul was sure of one other issue concerning Bella. Spending the night with Shari had been a mistake. Not that It hadn't been enjoyable to an extent. Bella had been on the verge of opening up about something the night before, and he could feel it in his bones. Instead, his approach to the situation had created a wall between them. He could practically visualize it erecting in front of them as she told him off. Suddenly, he could not bear the thought of her leaving with so much anger between them. He had been relieved when she agreed to stay. He knew things were far from settled, however. Just because she felt comfortable enough to sleep in his arms didn't mean she was going to put her heart on a fucking plate for him.

You gotta get your shit together, Lahote. You went home with Shari to distract yourself from the person you should have been waiting to hear from. Idiot.

Paul sighed as he tried to calm his racing heart, afraid the knocking in his chest would somehow rattle her awake. Paul was unsure of himself where Bella was concerned, and it was not a feeling he was accustomed to. He wasn't used to caring so much. I'm definitely not used to being such a sad sack.

He needed someone he could confide in about Bella besides Jacob or Sam. He needed his best friend, but Jared had been absent from Paul's daily life lately. Paul used to patrol with Jared most often. Sam had been pairing Paul with himself and Jacob lately. He wondered if it was so Paul would be available for Bella when Jacob spent his free time with Reagan. Sam had a soft spot for Bella that became more evident every time Paul saw them interact. He wondered how much of it was because she was their true alpha female versus genuine affection. Paul simultaneously did his best to avoid asking himself the same question. He had never closed his eyes and nearly said the wrong name during sex, either, but last night he had. Paul was not proud of it, and Shari didn't deserve it.

Paul slid out of her tight grip as his alarm went off for the third time. Bella was startled awake by the motion, and he cursed. She sat up swiftly and gasped as she took in her surroundings. Remembering Jacob mentioning her nightmares, Paul wondered if Bella had one just before waking. He could not tell if her eyes were watering or if she was on the verge of crying.

Paul said, "I am late again, Punkin. Do you want to drive my truck home? I can get it after patrol like I offered to do yesterday. Maybe we can chat some more, huh?" Bella nodded and sniffled before looking away to wipe her eyes with her thumbs. Paul asked, "Are you okay?"

Bella nodded again and tentatively asked, "Are we okay?"

Paul tried to reassure her by bending down to kiss her forehead. "You and I are fine as long as you say we are, Babe. I am sorry about what Shari said. How I reacted … all of it."

Paul squatted next to the bed to be at eye-level with her. He stuck his bottom lip out in a pout and quietly asked, "Can you forgive me for being an idiot?" There was a slight tug at the corner of her mouth as he did his best to apologize.

Paul said, "I barely slept, Bella. You were worried about our relationship, and I acted like a dick. That and your sad, beautiful face. That is all I could think about." Her brow furrowed as she glared up at him suspiciously.

Paul said, "I would not blame you for thinking I am blowing smoke up your ass, but I swear I am not. You are so important to me. You know that, right? Even if I was pissy about the whole thing, I would never just toss you aside, Bella. Please tell me you know that."

Bella brushed away more tears and bit her lip to keep from smiling as she nodded. How in the world she believed them only friends, Paul would never understand. Surely she didn't let all her male friends hold her the way he did?

Besides Jacob, anyway. He shoved the thought away, not wanting to think about that either.

She lay back down a minute later, staying silent. Paul left her lying comfortably in his bed and rushed into the woods. He tossed his pants on a tree limb and phased.

The patrol began as it always did, with an exchange of information. Regardless of what it seemed, patrolling was not only about running circles around La Push, looking for vampires. The boys genuinely cared for their community, helping clean up property and repair things for folks when capable. Vampires were not the only disrespectful outsiders that they ran off, either. Drug dealers and vagrants attempted to desecrate their beaches with criminal activity and blatant disrespect. Moonshiners and weed were one thing, but Meth and Heroin were the last substances anyone wanted plaguing the youth in La Push. Especially when it was so easily obtainable in Port Angeles or Seattle. Fentanyl overdoses had become a plague on the entire country, and the council feared the potential influence in their immediate area.

Paul was particularly fond of intimidating those who dared disrespect their lands. He cussed them at the top of his lungs when he had to clean up the mess later, whether it be neglected campfires, litter, theft, graffiti, or other vandalism. He forced some of them to scrub their fresh spray paint away and empty their pockets if he caught them in the act. After all, how could they retaliate? By calling the cops and incriminating themselves? Most of the folks Paul confronted never came back, and that was how Paul liked it, precisely.

Quil and Seth had managed to run off a suspicious person that afternoon, but the fool had promised he would be back. Paul readily accepted the chore of guarding the beach to wait for him as he scoured the area. After a few hours of peaceful guarding, his mind slipped to the memory of Bella curled up in his bed.

Jacob pulled Paul from the thought as he asked, So, I'm guessing you two talked things out?

Paul could feel the cringe that rolled through Jacob, Sam, and himself simultaneously as Leah made herself known. Paul, I swear to God, if you are using my little sister to get your dick wet…

Geez, Paul grumbled, interrupting her. Don't start, Leah. I've been getting enough bullshit from Seth and Quil already. He sighed, silently wishing he was still in bed, and wondered if Bella had gone home yet. Remembering Jacob's question, Paul answered, We talked a little bit. We are going to talk more later when I go get my truck. I told her to drive it home when she was ready.

Good, Jacob said. Reagan is picking me up later tonight, so don't be surprised if Bella wants you to stick around.

That's fine by me, Paul said. He would rather be home with her now.

Sweet Jesus, Paul, Leah mumbled. The shock she felt washed over him as Paul realized he was unconsciously projecting his heartache to the others. Leah said, Have you ever had feelings for anyone before? Do you even know how to have a relationship? Bella is really fucking sensitive, Paul.

He snapped, Yes, I know this, believe it or not. And no, I don't fucking do relationships.

Leah snapped back, But would you do a relationship for Bells? Would you put your bullshit side-bitches away for good and commit?

Paul calmly, firmly answered, Yes. The singular word was soaked in conviction so thick that it choked them all. No one said a word as even Jacob was impressed by the change in their pack brother.

Jacob asked, What about this Shari situation?

Paul said I'll deal with that shit when the time comes. I need to worry about focusing on Bella. If she wants to be with me, she will tell me eventually. I'm going to be ready when she does.

Sounding awfully sure of yourself over there, LaWhore, Leah teased him.

Yeah, yeah, Paul said. I'm not exactly getting around these days if you haven't noticed. Last night was the first time I was with anyone in months.

Jacob asked, What made you decide to go home with Shari anyway?

Paul growled in aggravation. Because I needed to get my mind off this. He showed them his accidental encounter with Bella kissing her date outside the restaurant.

Leah asked, Why were you there, anyway? She was on a date, dumbass.

Pure coincidence, Paul lied. I was getting food. I thought they were going to some fancy spot in Forks.

Jacob asked, How did you know about that?

Again, Paul lied. Hell, I don't know. She must have told me when I offered to take her to the parade.

Leah scoffed and teased, You offered to go to the parade? On a date? Sam and Jacob cackled as Paul huffed.

Paul said She is going with me to the carnival sometime next week. We already talked about it. She was disappointed she already had plans for last night when I asked her to go.

Wait, Sam said incredulously. She was disappointed to go out with someone else instead of you yesterday, and you thought last night was a good time to sleep with Shari?

Bro, she was kissing the dude, holding hands on the beach, wearing his jacket and shit. She didn't look like she was too worried about me, Paul grumbled.

Leah teased him, God, Paul. Cupid finally stomps your dick in the mud, and it just had to be my sister?

Ignoring her, Paul asked, So what happened with the reservations, anyway?

They missed their reservations because of the parade, Jacob supplied. I suggested the restaurant because Bells and I like that place.

Paul snickered and said, Hey, Jake? Next time, don't suggest the place across the street from where I hang out?

Noted, Jacob said and chuckled.

Everyone froze as Sam suddenly signaled an alert. They could see his view from where he was now crouched near the edge of the woods by Paul's house.

Bro, why are you over there?

Shortcut, Sam grumbled. Hush.

A radio was blaring as a vehicle sped toward Paul's house. He grinned as he realized his truck was in the drive and Bella was still there. The smile fell from his face as he recognized Shari's truck pulling up behind his own.

"Oh shit," Sam growled as Shari left her radio blaring and started texting someone.

Probably me. Fuck, Paul groaned.

Fuck is right. Jacob growled. Her stupid radio will trigger Bells in about five … four… three… Paul's front door swung open, and an angry Bella leaned in the open doorway while glaring toward Shari.

If looks could fucking kill, Leah said and cackled as Bella folded her arms under her breasts.

She saw you with Shari last night, Paul. She knows that is her, Jacob warned.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, Paul chanted under his breath as he beat his feet for home, abandoning his patrol entirely.

Sam huffed at them as Paul noticed that Jacob and Leah were also racing toward his house. Why the hell are you all heading over here?

Leah said, I'm not on patrol, and if you guys think I'm missing this shit, you are all nuts. Jacob remained silent, though his agreement was felt by the others.

Paul was nearly halfway home as Sam watched Shari set her phone down and turn toward the small pale woman in the doorway. Jacob and Paul both whined as Sam stared over Bella's exhausted face. Her eyes were red-rimmed and swollen with dark circles underneath. She looked like she could fall over.

Fuck, Paul growled. How had it only been two days since the Camaro had almost creamed her? The last three days have felt like a fucking month, he complained.

Sam said, Jake, maybe you should take her home and let her have a nap, eh?

Or just let her sleep where she fucking is, Leah suggested.

Everyone went silent as Bella called out, "You think you could turn that shit off? Some people are trying to sleep."

Shari smirked at Bella as she leaned one arm and her head out the window. In a sickeningly sweet tone that Paul had never heard from Shari, she mocked, "Well, hey there, House Key. Tell my lover he left this behind." Shari tossed a brown leather wallet in Bella's general direction and laughed. She turned up the volume on her radio, cackling as Cold Hearted Snake blared from her speakers and sped away from his house.

Jacob growled. Does she know she just looked like a total psycho doing that shit?

Paul grumbled, I honestly didn't even know she was sure where I lived. I never let her drive my ass home for that very reason.

Leah laughed outright and said, I had no clue you were that damn naive, Paul. When a girl fucks someone, she knows where the hell they live. Trust me.

Bella proudly kept her features hard until the truck was out of sight. Once alone, her shoulders slumped as she burst into tears and slammed Paul's front door shut behind her.

I'm gonna kill that bitch, Leah snarled as she changed direction and charged toward Shari's house.

Jacob and Paul continued on their way to his house, damn near frantic as they fed into the collective worry over her well-being.

Maybe you should just let me handle this, Jacob suggested.

No way, Paul said. This shit is between me and Bella, Jake. You can't save the day for her all the time, ya know? Jacob's wolf didn't like that answer and growled in response.

Faster than the others, Leah reached the woods behind Shari's house and phased out quickly. To their surprise, Sam ordered, Everyone, calm down. His command was too late to affect Leah, but Paul and Jacob immediately slowed as they calmed somewhat.

Sam grumbled out I will call Jared and see if he can come patrol with me and then go try to reign Leelee in. You two take care of Bella and make sure she gets some rest. Both of you, damn it and don't argue about it.

Thanks, boss, Paul said as he and Jacob resumed their earlier pace. Now that they were the only ones phased, Jacob lowered his guard. The sadness Bella felt blanketed him so suddenly that he gagged and stumbled over his own front paws.

The emotion was passed to him like a hurtling brick, slamming him in the chest and leaving a powerful, resounding ache behind. Paul wanted to fucking cry. Shari will be lucky if I ever even fucking glance her way again.

I hope Leah beats her ass, Jacob countered as he hacked and resumed his pace a third time.

Paul phased in the woods behind his house and tugged his pants on as he hurried to the back door. He threw the door open, startling Bella as she stood at his kitchen sink, staring out the window. One glance at her tear-streaked face had him frozen in the doorway. As his front door opened, Paul said, "We already know what happened, Bella. I'm really fucking sorry."

Jacob trudged toward Bella, and he wrapped his arms around her. She turned toward him and silently buried her face against his chest. The imprint connection had her slumping against him in less than a minute, barely able to keep her eyes open.

Paul watched, feeling helpless when Jacob scooped her into his arms. He offered, "Lay down with her wherever you want. She is too exhausted to deal with this shit right now."

"No," Bella grumbled in her half-asleep state. She blindly reached behind her for Paul and mumbled something neither of them understood.

Quietly, Jacob said, "She needs me, but she wants you."

Paul sighed. "Is this how it's going to end up? Both of us, fucking helpless when it is the other person she needs at the moment?"

Jacob said, "I don't know." He stared down at her face cradled on his shoulder. Her mouth hung open slightly, and a soft snore escaped, making them both chuckle.

Paul gestured toward the couch, and Jacob walked over to sit down with her in his lap. Paul assumed they snuggled this way frequently as Bella curled in on herself, laying against Jacob comfortably. Paul sat on the other side of the couch and turned on the TV. He kept the volume low as he flipped through movie selections. Finally settling on something Jacob seemed interested in, Paul relaxed against the arm of the couch and waited to see what the remainder of the night would bring.

About forty-five minutes later, Sam and a dirt-covered Leah crept through the front door, barely able to conceal their laughter. Jacob and Paul glanced at each other warily. The two weren't exactly well-known for their camaraderie these days.

Looking over her skinned knee and dirt-covered cheek, Paul asked Leah, "You didn't actually kill Shari, did you?"

A still sleeping Bella snorted and mumbled, "Bish." Her eyelids fluttered open as the others roared with laughter. She looked around the room and sighed before closing her eyes and shoving her face into the space between Jacob's arm and ribcage. He shook with silent laughter as he grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch. He covered Bella with it, and she instinctively yanked it over her head to shut them all out. Jacob grinned at Paul, shaking his head.

"I swear she is like a toddler sometimes," he grumbled.

"Shut it," came the muffled reply from under the blanket, earning more collective laughter from the group.

Sarcastically, Leah said, "To answer your question, Paul, yes. I just buried her. That's why I'm filthy."

"Seriously," Paul groaned, "What happened?"

"Leelee scared her a little. That's all," Sam said proudly. "She reigned herself in. I was impressed."

Leah boasted, "Oh, trust me, I wanted to do worse."

Jacob goaded, "Spill it."

Leah said, "I waited for the bitch to get home. Sam got to me first, but he let me deal with her. She saw my holy tank top and called me trash. That was her second mistake."

"Oh shit," Paul grumbled. Leah was well known for her temper and fast fists. Shari had not just been out of line; she had been foolish.

"I told her she looked like Snooki and should stop wearing the hair bumps for a while," Leah said, grinning wickedly. "Then I grabbed her face and smashed the back of her head against her front door."

Jacob gaped at her in shock. "You didn't?"

"She did," Sam said and chuckled.

Leah said, "She swung at me, and I pinned her hands up above her head with one hand and put my elbow in her throat. I told her if she ever even looks at my little sister again, I'll come back and finish what I started."

Paul rubbed his hands over his face and groaned as Sam and Jacob cackled.

Leah said, "Which reminds me." She pulled his wallet from her shorts pocket and tossed it to him. "You need to take better care of that."

"Thanks," Paul grumbled as he opened it cautiously. He groaned as he found a note stuffed inside it and yanked it open.

Pauley, Come see me soon. XO.

He laughed in disbelief as he tossed the note and wallet on the coffee table. He said, "Yeah, I doubt that offer still stands. It will be awkward the next time I go to the bar." Paul forced a grin at the others before realizing that Bella was peeking out from under the blanket and carefully watching him. His smile became genuine as he grinned at her, barely able to make out the slight smile lighting up her partially hidden face.

"Hey, sweetheart," Paul said. "You okay?"

She nodded against Jacob's chest, making him chuckle. She whispered, "Jake?"

"Yes?"

"You have a date with Reagan," Bella reminded him. He glanced at the time on the television and loudly sucked air between his teeth. Jacob stood with Bella in his arms and quickly deposited her in Paul's lap. Jacob bent down to kiss her forehead as she giggled at him, and he darted out the front door.

Bella looked up at Paul and blushed as she said, "Hi."

Paul brushed the loose strands of hair out of her face as he asked, "So, uh? Am I still forgiven?"

"That depends," Bella said. "Was I dreaming, or did I hear Leah say she assaulted that cunt?"

Paul's mouth dropped open in surprise as Leah and Sam roared with laughter. Bella turned toward them, grinning. She said, "Well, that is a pleasant surprise. You two might be able to tolerate one another after all."

"Someone woke up feisty," Sam said, cackling.

"You love it," Bella teased as she turned back to Paul. She said, "I told you before, I was not even mad at you. I was only mad at her and myself."

Paul said, "I sure wish you would talk to me about whatever it was that you needed me for last night."

Her face went blank as Bella looked away and shook her head no. "When I figure it out, I will tell you," she nearly whispered. A moment later, she was yawning. Paul glanced up between Sam, Leah, and the door, silently hinting for them to take off. A knowing look was exchanged between them as each stood to leave.

Paul called out, "Wait. Leah? How did you get so dirty when you didn't actually fight Shari?"

"She shoved me from behind when I went to leave," Leah said nonchalantly and shrugged. "Then she ran into the house and locked the door. It is all good. I'll find her again." She gave Paul a dazzling smile. Sam stared at Leah besottedly, and Paul fought the urge to shake his head. No matter what they had gone through, Sam held a love for Leah that would never entirely fade.

They said their goodbyes to Bella as they left the house, and Paul waited for the door to shut before addressing Bella again. He asked, "How about we find some dinner and then sleep?"

"That sounds amazing," she said. "The last three days felt like a month."

"I said the same thing earlier," Paul admitted, laughing.

Bella curled up on the sofa alone while Paul sought out his cellphone. Sure enough, he had texts from Shari waiting for him - first telling him she had come by his house. Her second message was complete bullshit, claiming she had kindly dropped off his forgotten wallet and his girlfriend was a total bitch about it. Her third message was a threat to press charges against Leah and Bella for the assault.

You said you would handle this, Pauley! Do I mean nothing to you?

Paul sighed heavily and closed them out before calling the local pizza delivery. Paul intended to have a chat with Shari, but it would not go the way she was expecting.

An hour later, Paul and Bella were stuffed and curled together in his bed. Bella quietly thanked him for his patience while sorting out her thoughts before falling asleep. Paul lay awake for a long time, wondering how many more of her dates he was going to suffer through before she admitted she wanted him. After his folly with Shari and the dramatic aftermath, Paul knew he would wait as long as it took.


Give me those critiques, guys. How do you feel about the way things are going? How should Paul deal with Shari when he sees her? So much drama already, and we still have eight dates to go! I hope you are all enjoying this story and stick it out with me. Drop those reviews, pretty please!