Chapter 8: Purpose

AN: The start of this chapter is going to be a tad different. Someone left a review about wanting to hear from Paul's POV and I think it would be nice to show you guys what has happened from Paul's eyes, well how he sees Bella, then we'll jump into the story.

These next few chapters will be light in terms of content. I think Bella has had enough danger for right now, don't you?

Also, if interested, I have created a Facebook group for this story specifically. You can look it up by the title, The Human Among Us and you'll see the banner page. I go through each chapter with a quick summary of the chapter and a line from that chapter. When this chapter is posted, I will include another sneak peek for chapter 9.

Love you guys!

There was something about Isabella Swan that made her a wild card in my book. She wasn't what I expected her to be. She didn't act the way I expected her to. She was different, and the moment I breathed life into her lungs, I knew.

Sam's riled state made me even more sure. I knew he couldn't stand my guts; asking Bella who she was just pissed him off even more. I was curious from the start. Why would she, someone who isn't even Native American, get tied to us? Someone who loved the enemy. Why was she here?

It was the next day when I got my question answered. She didn't even see me standing there at first, running right into me. She was warm, warmer than usual for a human. Her brown eyes were wide; scared. But she wasn't afraid of me. I could smell it. She was perceptive, very perceptive. She talked to me like I was a normal person like I wasn't the most dangerous thing around her right now.

I think that's when she became my wildcard. There was no fear in her eyes, no self-preservation, nothing. She asked me to the beach. At that moment, I had no idea what she wanted from me, but I knew why she was here.

When her heart synced with mine, I knew why the gods put her in Sam's path, and of course, they'd use him.

I didn't want to rip her head off when she touched me, the rage inside for once didn't shoot to the surface. Her hands were warm, calm, they didn't shake.

She lied to her best friend.

For us.

She defended me.

She was brave.

She's treated me like a person and didn't know a thing about me. Didn't know that I enjoy the feeling of blood running down my fingers or a face beneath my fist. She didn't know that I intentionally hurt a packmate just because. It wasn't just that Emily touched me. Her touch wasn't right.

But Bella's? It was like fire. Her small gesture said a lot. So of course, I'd defend it.

I didn't think she was crazy. She sought me out for protection, on two accounts, and of course, who was I to refuse? She, the only human being on this earth that could get close to me, was meant to. When you just have one person…they start to mean everything.

I think it was because I figured it out, I knew, and I had to covet. If she really was the only thing that I could have, I wasn't going to lose her. She was brave once again, confronting something that wanted her dead since it saw her. Her life couldn't end, I wasn't going to let it.

The faith she put in me. She trusted me. Her body was soft, warm, and she smelled like nature.

Then she was gone. Of course, I found her. She didn't just let the paper slip. She left a breadcrumb. I didn't have time to wait, and I knew there was only one thing that would get her to leave.

I could smell the blood before I even stalked upon the shack-like home. Bella's scream was like a battle cry, and I felt something I've never felt before. It was more than rage, it was something more than just a basic need to keep her safe.

I was so close to ending the pathetic leech's life, but it was right. I could chase her all night long and let them bleed out. Charlie was fucked up 4 ways to Sunday, and Bella…she was a mess. But she was strong, and she placed my hand to her heart, and it was like I was giving her life once again, her heart no longer faint, but beating stronger by the second.

Bella Swan wasn't just any wild card. She was my wildcard.

"Were you by any chance listening to our conversation?"

I wasn't really. It wasn't like the kid had a chance but I listened to what she said. I was her friend.

Her friend.

The fact was, Bella was mine.

She was mine in the purest form.

She was what made me human.

"Sure is good to be home," Charlie murmured, grunting slightly as Bella helped him sit into his recliner. Bella smiled. "I know it got stuffy over there," Charlie raised his brows, giving her a humorous look. "All good?" She asked, glancing over Charlie's head at Paul and Embry. "We're good. No one's been here," Embry stated, taking a few looks in the kitchen. "Embry, stay out of my fridge," Bella warned. Being on bed rest for the last few months gave Bella loads of time to really see into their lives. Embry could eat Sam out of a house, and that's on a regular diet. Seth was the shy, cute little boy who was probably the most optimistic person she's ever met. He was always chipper. Leah was quiet, but a really nice person once you got past her tough exterior. Jared was kind and sweet, always there to ease the tension.

Jamie and Levi were two of a kind. Both were pranksters, but Jamie was the more composed twin, usually getting Levi out of trouble.

Quil, well he was the jokester, and he always had some corny joke.

"What do you call an alligator with a vest on?"

Bella raised her brow at him, then sighed seeing as he wasn't going to blurt it out like usual. "Um, I don't know, an alivestor?" Quil shook his head and started to laugh, banging his fist on the bed. "No, god, an InVESTigator!" Bella could only shake her head as his laughter filled the room, and his body shook. He plopped on the bed she was laying on, only for them to both freeze as there was a large cracking sound. Quil glanced over at Paul who just leaned against the chair he was in, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What was that?" Sam called from the other room.

Bella chuckled at the memory, standing slowly. "You get out of that boot soon right?" Charlie asked, glancing down at her foot. "Yeah, next Monday I believe, then I have to use those god-forsaken crutches," Charlie just patted her non-injured hand.

She sat on the couch, glancing at him seriously for a moment. "I know this is a lot to take in, and it's not every day you find out vampires and wolves exist, and that you've been around them your whole life,"

Charlie shrugged. "I wish I didn't know," He replied, grabbing her hand. "I'm sorry," Bella whispered. Charlie shook his head, in no way blaming her for what happened to them. "Bells. This isn't your fault. I would've rather you stayed than come save me. If this is anyone's fault, it's those damn Cullen's. They shouldn't have left you alone with her out there. I knew something was wrong with her,"

Bella's frows furrowed, and she tilted her head. "What do you mean?" Charlie frowned, readjusting himself before explaining. "The morning you called me when I was investigating those murders. She approached me, and she looked too off, too out of place. She had my lighter in her hand…"

Bella rubbed her arms as chills ran up her spine. "She was watching you," Bella whispered, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Well, she's probably long gone, right? I don't think she'd want to have a tango with wolf boy there," Charlie muttered, nodding his head in Paul's direction. "Dad, she'll stop at nothing to kill me, this isn't over until one of us is dead," She explained.

"You mean until she is dead. She won't get away next time. Sam wants your place added to our route. Paul will probably be here most of the time, right? So, you two should be alright. Although Chief, I would put off going into work any time soon. It'll probably be easier for us to keep an eye on you, and see if she makes a move," Charlie nodded, already calculating his sick hours. "You okay?" Bella asked, patting his hand. Charlie smiled, nodding. "You're okay, and that's all that matters,"

A knock sounded on the front door, and Bella glanced over, a spike of fear running down her spine. A warm hand squeezed her shoulder, and Bella looked up into the kind face of Embry. "You're fine. They have a heartbeat," He held out his hand, helping her stand, and walked her to the front door.

Bella glanced through the peephole, turning to look at Embry. "It's Jacob," She whispered, her eyes widening slightly. Embry frowned, and he internally groaned. "Your call, but we're ordered not to leave," Bella sighed softly, nodding. She rubbed his arm in comfort, watching him head into the kitchen.

She turned back to the door, opening it, giving Jacob a small smile. He looked slightly different; his long hair tied neatly with a rubber band. His face was starting to thin out a bit. He had half a dozen flowers in his hand. "Hey," He greeted, handing them to her. "Hey, thanks," Jacob chuckled, glancing at her foot. "You're all busted up loca, how's Charlie?" Bella let Jacob inside, leading him into the living room. "Look who's here," Bella smiled. Charlie smiled at him and held out his hand. "Good to see you son,"

Jacob slid his eyes over to the figure that sat in the chair adjacent to Charlie, frowning slightly. "Paul," Jacob greeted, the wolf nodding at him in acknowledgment. "I just wanted to stop by, wish you guys well. You two are lucky to be alive, or so I've heard," Bella was internally panicking as Jacob sat down.

She wasn't sure how to act around him. If he sees Embry, she wasn't sure if a confrontation could be stopped.

She slid her gaze to the kitchen, seeing Embry poking his head out. He was giving her a look of concern, wondering what was wrong with her. "Dad, thirsty?" She asked, and Charlie nodded, looking up in thanks, oblivious to her nerves.

"Jake?" She questioned, who shook his head. "I'll get it for you Bells. You should sit," Bella waved her hand, "I need to move around anyway, I've got it," She was already heading into the kitchen, and Jacob didn't miss the way Paul watched her, standing moments after, following her into the kitchen.

"So uh Charlie, what's up with him? I didn't think he stepped foot off LaPush," Jacob whispered, leaning close. Charlie raised his brows, turning his head in the direction of the kitchen. "Oh you know, they're friends, and he's been helping Bella and I out a lot since the ordeal," Jacob hummed.

"Just friends?" Charlie reared back at his question, noticing the inflection in his voice. "Jake…I think if Bella were dating the boy I'd know, and if she was, it wouldn't be anybody's business but hers. He's not as bad as you think," Jacob shrugged, glancing back at the kitchen.

"Can I ask you something?" Jacob asked, and Charlie nodded, his mustache twitching slightly. "I was wondering if I could take Bella out, you know, once she heals up nice," Charlie wanted to hit his head against something, anything, at that moment. The teenage years weren't something he missed personally. "Look Jake," Charlie started, but an eerie, faint, howl sounded from the depts of somewhere, cutting him off.

Jacob heard the back door slam shut, and he stood, leaning his body to get a look at who left. "You've got to be kidding me," Jacob muttered under his breath, heading towards the kitchen. "Bells…" Jacob trailed off as he rounded the corner, stopping as he saw Paul whispering something very intently in her ear. "Does he need us?" Bella whispered, her attention on Paul, oblivious to Jacob's presence. Paul shook his head, inclining his head.

Bella glanced over, raising her brows in surprise. "Hey, is everything alright?" She questioned, noticing the expression on his face. "I uh," He trailed off, shaking his head. "Nothing," He whispered. The phone rang, and Bella reached over, grabbing it off the hook.

"Swan residence," She answered, brows furrowing. "Hello?" She asked again, glancing at Paul. She pulled the phone away from her ear, glancing at it in confusion. "Wrong number," She shrugged, hanging it up. It rang again, and Bella frowned. "Paul," Bella whispered, staring at the green contraption with hesitance as it stopped ringing. The phone rang again seconds later, and Bella jumped. Jacob watched as she slipped her arm around Paul's forearm, frowning. "What's wrong?" He asked, confused at their reaction, their silence to him worrying him even more. Bella snatched the phone off the hook, spitting out a "what?", only for her eyes to go wide. "Mrs. Deaton, yes, this is she. Did you just call? Oh, bad reception...I apologize. What can I do for you?"

Jacob's eyes slid down to Bella's hand, which slid down his arm and intertwined with Paul's. "Next week? Um, I can, I can do that. Can I bring a guest? I'll be on crutches. Great, I'll see you then. Thank you!" She hung up the phone, a wide smile breaking out on her face. "I got in!" She stated enthusiastically, slightly bouncing on her good foot, throwing her arms around Paul's neck. Jacob swallowed, moving into the kitchen from the entrance, biting his lip.

He turned his head to look back into the kitchen. Paul had embraced Bella, his hands comfortably resting on her waist, his face in the crook of her neck. Jacob walked back into the living room, plopping down onto the couch. Charlie glanced over at the long look on his face. "There's plenty of fish in the sea kid," Jacob sighed, shaking his head. "Not like her. I just don't know what she sees in him," Charlie grabbed his glass of water, taking a sip. "You're not supposed to. If you're her friend, you want her to be happy,"

Jacob knew he was right. He and Bella weren't the friends that told each other everything. He could barely call themselves best friends, but she was his friend. They clicked when she moved back to Forks, and she was even more beautiful when she returned. There was something kind about Bella.

"He's dangerous Charlie. I've heard the stories, how he…" Charlie's stone-cold look stopped Jacob from talking any more. "I don't need you to repeat it. I was there. I remember," Jacob reared back in surprise, shaking his head in disbelief. "He's a murderer!" He snapped, standing angrily.

"You watch your tone with me boy. I know what he was then, and I know what he is now, and a murderer is not it!" Charlie raised his voice, barely managing to stand on his own. "What the hell is going on in here?" Bella asked, emerging from the kitchen taking in the scene before her. Jake was standing almost chest to chest with Charlie, breathing heavily.

Paul seemed to glide forward, pulling Jacob away, giving him a hard look. Jacob shrugged out of his hold and looked at Bella as she helped Charlie back down. "Breathe dad. I haven't seen you this mad in…ever. Jacob, what the hell are you doing?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest, waiting for an explanation.

Jacob stared at Charlie who shook his head. Jacob scoffed and pointed a shaking hand in Paul's direction. "He's a killer Bella. A murderer. I can't just sit here, and watch you…hug him, and be comfortable when you don't know! I heard the stories, I remember. He murdered his parents in cold blood while they slept! You need to know the truth,"

The room was silent, and Charlie shook his head, scoffing to himself. Jacob walked forward, grabbing her arms, shaking her slightly. Bella blinked back tears, pursing her lips. "You don't know him. You don't…I believe he had good reason to. You can leave now," She shrugged out of his hold, turning away from him.

She went to Charlie, making sure he was alright. During the healing process, he couldn't be under lots of stress. "Bella…" Jacob grabbed her arm, and Bella turned her head in his direction with a glare. Paul stalked towards him, grabbing him by the arm. He pulled Jacob to the front door and opened it, shoving him outside.

Paul closed the door behind him, walking down the porch steps. Jacob stared at him wide-eyed, backing away, but Paul continued forward, grabbing Jacob by the shirt, knocking him against the wall of the house.

Paul leaned in close, his nose twitching. "If you ever put your hands on her again, I'll show you murder. Do we have an understanding?" He asked, raising a slim brow, his voice was eerily calm and steady, the promise of his threat strong. Jacob nodded, looking away.

"Why her?" Jacob asked, giving himself the courage to look back into the dark pools Paul had for eyes. "I mean, why choose the one girl that…first Cullen and now you. You don't deserve her. She's too good for you," Paul eased up, letting Jacob go. "And you're not bad enough for her," Paul taunted, tilting his head at him. "When you become one of us, remember this conversation. Touch her again like that, I'll break every bone in your body, wait till they heal, and break them again. If you stress Charlie out, you stress her out. I think you know where this is going,"

Jacob cautiously moved around Paul, glancing back at him. "I will never join your gang," Jacob spat, turning around and heading towards his car.

Paul walked inside, listening to the shower upstairs. He closed the door behind him, stopping at the bottom of the stairs. "She's not upset with you," Charlie called, leaning back in the recliner. "Just…Jesus kid," Charlie sat his beer down. Paul made his way to the couch, sitting down next to him.

"I've never seen her so damn happy. She smiles, not that uncomfortable smile…but she looks at you like…like you hang the moon. She doesn't say it, but you're important to her. Shit, you're the reason we are alive. I remember you at a young age, you never said a word. She makes you human, doesn't she? You can look at her and know that everything is going to be alright. You love her,"

"I don't think I can love," Paul responded truthfully, tilting his head slightly, listening to Bella as she moved around upstairs. Charlie shook his head in disagreement. "With the right person, you can. You'll die for her? You'll do anything she wants? Be anything for her? You hide it well, but I saw you, that gleam in your eyes. You wanted to kill him. You would if he weren't Bella's friend. Look son, I don't believe in all that soulmate crap, but I can't lie and say that I've never seen two people on Earth that are meant to be together than you two. I know my daughter, and she doesn't go for the book smarts, or the bad boy, the popular guy, it's you that intrigues her. Your heart,"

Paul glanced over at Charlie, his brows furrowing. It was the first time any expression could be seen on his face. "She's the only person I care about," Charlie turned on the tv, picking up his beer. "Then that's enough for me, don't tell Bella I had one okay?" Paul chuckled, standing up. "I don't have to tell you no funny business, right?" Paul just chuckled, his tongue swiping over his bottom lip. "Goodnight Charlie,"

Bella was already in her room when she heard the shower cut back on. She pulled on her robe, grabbing the brush on her nightstand. She brushed through her knots, staring at herself through her floor mirror. She looked much different than the last time she was here. She had some life to her. She wasn't that shell of a broken girl.

She glanced at her window, a distant memory of Edward popping up into her mind. It no longer hurt. She felt nothing. Except for blame. This was their fault too, and like the cowards they were, they left her to deal with the aftermath. She wondered what her purpose was if vampirism wasn't the life. What would she do with hers?

She stared at the floor, trying to figure herself out. Where does she stand in life? What is her purpose outside of the pack? She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even hear the shower stop, or even hear the bathroom door open. "Bella?" She blinked, snapping her head in the direction of the closet. Paul was wrapped in a plain white towel, holding a change of clothes that looked to be Charlie's. "Sorry, I was just, thinking is all," She looked away, her cheeks turning pink as he let it drop from his waist. "Do you think we have a purpose? You know, in life?" She questioned, glancing at him through the mirror, meeting his eyes.

"I believe so. Look at us. Our purpose is fighting vampires," Bella had to chuckle, leaning back against the pillows on her bed. "What about normal people? People who don't know any of this exists. What's their purpose? What's mine?" He was silent for a moment, and she could hear the rustling of clothes. The bed dipped beside her, and Paul grabbed the brush from her hands. She sat up on the edge, waiting patiently. "You have to find it," He whispered, and Bella let him do his thing, feeling his fingers gripping small pieces here and there.

"About what Jacob said earlier….it doesn't change anything," She said, chewing on her lip, the slow settling sun shining through her room. "I'm still not the good guy," He responded, using a hair tie to keep the large braid together. Bella turned towards him, shaking her head in wonder. "But you aren't the bad guy," She leaned her head on his arm, turning her head at the sound of her cell. She reached over, seeing Sam's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey," She answered, brows furrowing. "Slow down, yeah, he…of course. We'll be there shortly," She hung up, sighing. "He said we shouldn't be there long, but this is urgent apparently," She stood, glancing down at him, her eyes going to his arm. She reached her hand forward, her thumb tracing his scar. She sat back on the bed, flicking on the lamp.

She ran her fingers along the smooth skin of Paul's back, her fingers grazing over a scar. "You don't mind?" She questioned softly; the soft glow of the lamp illuminated him in a soft light. He shook his head, watching her intently as she explored some of the year-old scars.

"What happened to you?" She whispered, her eyes glossing over as she ran her fingers across a large scar that wrapped from his chest to the side of his body. He gently grabbed her hand, placing it over his heart. Bella felt his heart beating steadily under her palm, and she splayed her fingers, staring into his eyes. She leaned her forehead against his, carefully wrapping her arms around his neck.

His hands rested against her waist, and he closed his eyes. "Come on, everyone's waiting," She whispered into his neck.

He nodded, pulling her closer. "I killed them…" He whispered, and Bella stayed still, listening intently. "Because they did this to me," He guided her hand down to his stomach, and she could feel the rigged flesh against her fingers. "I've never known kind hands. It's why I wasn't the most…nicest to Emily," He moved a single strand of hair that escaped her braid, pushing it behind her ear, watching her intently.

Her eyes glistened with tears when she glanced back up at him. "How old were you?" She asked, eyeing one on his neck. She met his eyes again, trying to see anything beyond that dark gaze of his. "4, when it started. 13 when it ended. They were asleep, like nothing happened. Your dad had come by the day before, and it only made them more…evil. My mother…she used to come in my room at night, and cry. Sometimes I wasn't even asleep yet when she would run her hands…" Paul didn't finish, and he blinked once before focusing back on her.

"Jesus, Paul…I…I'm sorry," She whispered, feeling saddened by his childhood history. She could fill in the blanks on her own, and her heart broke for him. He shrugged, grabbing her hand. "I'm not. This, I'm okay with," He squeezed his hand for emphasis.

She smiled softly, running her thumb along his hand. "Good," She whispered.

"God, it's been a minute," Bella patted the dashboard of her truck, sitting back as Paul drove to LaPush. "It honestly needs a tune-up," She commented, leaning into the seat, humming softly as it started to rain. Paul suddenly stepped on the brakes, and Bella braced her hand on the dash. The truck came to a halt, the tires skidding on the concrete. Paul braced his hand on the back of Bella's headrest to prevent whiplash if need be. "What the hell was that?" She asked, peering into the darkness.

Paul pointed to the left of them, and Bella sighed, rolling her eyes. "Who the hell rides out in front of a truck at night? I didn't even see him," She watched the biker dressed in dark clothing, ride off, completely oblivious. Paul continued on to Sam's, the truck descending into a comfortable silence.

"Did Jake give you a hard time?" She asked, just remembering about his outburst. "He's jealous," Paul chuckled. Bella sat up a bit straighter, looking at him. "Jealous? Does this have anything to do with Sam, and his other friends?" Paul shook his head, glancing down at her.

"Just you. He likes you," Bella's brows rose, and she hummed. Was she really so oblivious? "Am I really that dense? I never paid him much attention last year, and he gave me something for my birthday, I just always thought we were friends. But regardless, that didn't make him right to just call you things and not know the truth," She crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head. "Do you think things will change when he phases?" She questioned. "I mean, his feelings, his whole attitude once he knows the truth," She clarified, shuffling her foot.

"Maybe? I don't want you to ever be afraid of me, or…upset, but when he phases, his temper will be uncontrollable, and if he hurts you, physically, emotionally, I won't be in control of my actions," He stated truthfully, pulling into Sam's driveway. He put the truck in park, and Bella reached over grabbing his hand. "You could never scare me," She admitted. She shrugged at his intrigued look. "You don't sugar coat, so I know what to expect. I gather, the people you care about, you'd raise hell behind them,"

Paul shook his head in disagreement. "Person. Not people. You know my darkest secret, all of it. When I first phased, I showed Sam what I did, the gruesome details, but you know why. I don't care about anyone else the way I care for you," He admitted, staring her deep in the eyes.

Her eyes glossed with tears, but none fell. She smiled a watery smile, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I'm honored to hold that place in your life. Come on, Sam looks like he's about to blow a fuse," She nodded her head at the figure standing on the porch. Bella moved to open the door, and Paul grasped her hand gently. She turned back towards him, her eyes widening in surprise as he placed a kiss near the corner of her mouth, a smirk playing on his lips when he pulled away.

"You don't play fair," She said, opening the door, slowly hopping down. The truck was already cut off, and the driver side door shut, Paul standing beside her in an instant, closing her door. "I wasn't playing," He whispered into her ear, making her blush. She didn't respond, but walked beside him, raising her brows Sam's way. "You look like hell, and I'm in a boot. You sounded worried, what's wrong?" She questioned, stopping in front of Sam. He looked annoyed; his face set in a scowl. "Jared's brother phased a few hours ago," Sam said, glancing back inside the house. Bella waited, knowing he had more to say. "Something's wrong," He commented, shaking his head. He sighed heavily, sitting on the step. Bella sat down beside him, moving a bit so Paul could maneuver around her and Sam.

"What do you mean?" She questioned, briefly glancing behind her to see Paul's retreating form into the house. "He…it's like he's, I don't know. He's just... If I weren't afraid that Paul wouldn't stop, I'd let him choke the kid. He can't stand Jared, he somehow blames me for dragging him into this, but that's not it. Josiah is Jared's half-brother, and from what Jared has told me, he is barely Quileute. He shouldn't be able to phase, that's the problem. Bella, I think there's something coming, something big, they're preparing us for something," Sam ran a hand down his face, sighing heavily.

Bella's heart stuttered in her chest, different scenarios playing in her mind. "Something like what?" She asked, biting her lip in worry. Sam glanced back at her; his eyes weary. "War,"

"So you're telling me that anyone with a hint of Quileute blood will phase? This isn't normal?" She questioned, trying to get on the same page. Sam shrugged. "No, it's not," He stated frustrated, moving his shoulders backward and forwards. "Not according to the legends. There were three bloodlines. Black, Uley, and Ateara. Josiah? I have no clue where he comes from. Jared's mother isn't Quileute, and as far as she knew, the father was Caucasian. I mean the only explanation would be her own history, but she's adopted, has no idea who her parents were, and last I knew, it didn't run through the females," Sam growled to himself, bringing himself to a stand, pacing in front of her. "But Leah," Bella mentioned her brows furrowing. Sam shook his head. "As weird as that is, Harry was full blood. Somewhere down my family line, the bloodlines mixed, only natural. It works for her because it was passed through Harry. That makes sense, he doesn't,"

Bella chewed on her lip, frowning at the conclusion she came to in her head. "Is it possible that…one of them were…her father?" Sam paused, looking down at her, the expression on his face told her enough. "I don't want it to be, but Embry's father is unknown, and the only one old enough to match Jared's mother would be…Quil's grandfather," Bella glanced back into the house, seeing the smiling face of Embry. "So that leaves Billy and…your father. One of them is Embry's dad," She whispered gravely, glancing back at him one more time in hopes he didn't hear her.

"We'll figure it out okay? We'll do some digging, but right now, all you can do is watch out for them. We're a family now. If something does come this way, we'll be prepared. As for Josiah, all you can do is hope he's up for learning quickly," Bella advised, holding her hand out. Sam grabbed it, pulling her up. He wrinkled his nose, which didn't go unnoticed by Bella. "What?" She asked, raising a brow. "I showered," She said, smelling the sleeve of her shirt. Sam just laughed softly. "No, you don't stink. You just reek of Paul is all," Bella hit his arm playfully. "You say it like it's a bad thing," She chuckled, her smile wide, and her eyes shining with warmth.

Sam scoffed, smiling down at her in return. "Just be careful Bella. He's shown that he'll do what it takes to keep you safe, and as hard as I was trying not to listen, I heard what he said, so you know that he means what he says. He'll kill someone, human, not human, half-human, before they hurt you," Bella nodded in understanding. "I know, and I know he means it with every fiber of his being. When you say 'be careful', you don't mean in regards to him do you?" She asked, looking up at him.

Sam shook his head, his smile dropping from his face. "When you love, people get hurt. I'm only saying, be careful of yourself. Our hearts are our greatest strength and weakness," He placed a kiss on her hair, pulling her inside. "Just say hi to Emily before you go. She'll hit me with the rolling pin if you don't..." He joked, smiling back down at her, the conversation leaving her mind briefly as she laughed. "And we wouldn't want that, now would we?"

Bella leaned over, grabbing the pen out of the cup, signing her name on the dotted line. She smiled at Mrs. Deaton, who gave her a pearly white smile in return. Mrs. Deaton was in her senior, almost 65 in two short years, although she didn't look a day over 40. Her mocha brown skin was flawless, and she had long, curly black hair that went past her shoulders. She wore nude lipstick, that did nothing but highlight her caramel brown eyes. "You're all set. You should be receiving an email within the next few days about the start date, your classes, and any other financial information. We never get many students like you, wanting to tackle the education side of things. Oh, before I forget, here is an elective class you can take, It's a hands-on class for aspiring teachers. I think you might like it. As you can see, we have easily accessible ramps, and walkways so that you won't struggle too much. I hope you heal up nice. Also, tell Chief Swan I said hello, and thanks for fixing my flat," She smiled at the end, and Bella nodded, shaking her head. "Oh dad," She whispered to herself, saying goodbye, and grabbing the paperwork off the table.

She and Paul got into her truck, and Bella couldn't help but glance at him as he pulled out of the parking lot. She wasn't ashamed to say that she was once again taken back by the man that sat beside her. He was strangely beautiful in a mad kind of way.

He had that golden tan, the whole bad boy look down to a pat, not by choice, but it oddly fits him. His hair was in its usual spiked fashion, but she could tell it had grown a bit. His small lips sat symmetrically almost, and Bella was sure that if you held a paper in front of his face, every part of it would match.

He was dressed in something a little warm today, a black hoodie over his black t-shirt, accompanied with a black pair of ripped jeans, and a shoe brand Bella wasn't familiar with. He was ruggedly normal, and that's what made him perfect.

"What are you thinking about?" Paul questioned, glancing down at her in wonder. He could feel her staring and wondered what held her attention. She blinked, her eyes widening a fraction. "Nothing important," She said, a small smile on her face as she turned her attention back to the road.

"Oh there! A bookstore! I haven't been there since…" Her excitement slowly disappeared, replaced with the memory of what almost happened to her that night. "Since?" Paul questioned, pulling up in front of the storefront, watching her face as it morphed into different expressions faster than he could keep up with. "Edward saved my life that night. I got turned around, I was looking for a book on supernatural mythology, and it was really late when I left. I was supposed to meet up with my friends for dinner at the Italian restaurant a few blocks away, and these drunk frats just came out of nowhere. I want to say that I was lucky, but I believed Alice saw their decision, and…that's history, but I'm with you, so nothing to worry about," She gathered her wallet, already halfway out of the truck. She'd been hopping in and out of it so much that she got it enough to maneuver on her own.

Paul followed behind patiently as she went inside, automatically going to the romance section. He glanced at the titles, softly chuckling at the one series on display called 'Dusk'. He briefly read the synopsis provided, shaking his head as the things people come up with.

"I heard about that. There's a movie coming out about it. The main character's name is Becca I think," She went back to her exploring, even eyeing a few sci-fi thrillers. Paul's phone vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out, glancing at the text message from Sam.

Can you pick up the usual?

Sending a quick 'yes', Paul looked up, seeing Bella trying to grab a book on a higher shelf. He made his way behind her, plucking it off the shelf. She smiled at him, grabbing it from his hands. "Thanks," She flipped through it, stopping on a page. "Sam needs me to get something from the store, it'll only take a minute. Good here?" He asked, looking around, finding the store empty except for the cashier. She nodded, lost in her book, her 'uh-huh' making him smile softly.

He was gone before she even poked her nose from under her book. She eyed the Dusk book, grabbing it off the self, wanting to see what the 'supernatural' world had to offer. She grasped up all of her purchases and went to the counter. "Woah, are you like, going to read all these?" Bella nodded, waiting for him to ring it up as she dug through her old, tattered wallet. "You look really familiar," He commented, and Bella tilted her head at the voice, glancing up at the cashier.

She swallowed, unable to forget a face like his. It was only ironic how things like this seemed to happen to her at the most inopportune times. She just hummed in response, hoping that he wouldn't recollect the last time they met. "Oh yeah…I definitely remember you. The crazy boyfriend of you isn't with you," He commented, looking around, almost scared. "Can you just tell me my total?" She asked, ready to leave. She'd wait outside if need be.

He looked almost flustered as he nodded. "Yeah, uh $35.62. Hey look…I was really fucked up, and hanging with the wrong crowd, and I want to apologize," Bela stared into his blue-green eyes, trying to tell if he was being sincere or not. "Well…I just hope you think twice before running up on some poor girl," She grabbed the bag after he slipped the receipt in. He gently grabbed her wrist, and Bella glanced down at his hand in disdain. She hated when people grabbed her for no reason.

"Can I..I know this is a lot I'm asking for, but can I take you out? There are a few restaurants around town,"

Even if he weren't a rapist, he didn't fit the bill for her. Her eyes were on something else. "Thanks, but no thanks," She pulled her bag off the counter, but he grabbed it instead, his other hand squeezing hers. "Really? I mean I'm not that bad of a guy. I could really show you a good time," He smiled, the hat on his head making him seem that much darker. Bella glanced outside the window, feeling a thrumming of energy. She eyed Paul who was coming up the sidewalk across the street.

"You have about 15 seconds to get your hand off me, and my bag or my friend is going to remove it for you," She glanced at his nametag, the name Bill printed in black letters. "Bill," She finished.

Bill tilted his head, looking around the store. "There's nobody in here but you sweetheart," The bell over the door dinged, and Bill glanced up at the figure that walked inside. "I'd recount," He threatened, and Bill swallowed as the biggest person he's ever seen in all his life walked forward, his face set in a scowl. "I think she asked for you to leave her be," Bill swallowed again, his fight or flight instincts kicking in. He let go of Bella and her bag, stepping back a bit. "Breaking fingers is his idea of a good time," Bella warned before Paul ushered her out.

Bill wouldn't forget the dark look that sat on the man's face before he left. He just smiled, an eerie, pearly white smile, before disappearing from view.

Outside, Bella and Paul were walking towards her truck and she looked over at him. "Would you have really broken his fingers?" She asked. Paul shook his head. "No, just his hand," He shrugged like it was the most natural thing. Bella snorted a laugh, shaking her head. "You sir, are different than the average human or shapeshifter. But, in a messed-up way, I like it,"

In an uncharacteristic move, Paul winked at her, opening the truck door.

AN: Short in terms of content, but we see Bella and Paul's relationship slowly blossoming. Again, the next few chapters will be light compared to the serious drama.