Winter is Coming

Paul stood on First Beach, taking in the restless waves as they crashed into the shore. He knew he needed to get back to Roisin's - there was still tons to do for the cookout that afternoon - but he wanted this time alone here to clear his head and enjoy the view. He wasn't sure when they would be back to La Push, even though Roisin assured him they could come back eventually.

This wasn't forever, Paul told himself. They would come back. They were just on the run for now. But soon they would figure a way out of it. Find a way to get Rian and Roisin's family off their backs and then they could really start their lives together. Maybe finally figure out just what that would be without the constant threat of Summer or Winter.

Sighing, he shook his head as he sat down on the sand and continued watching the waves. He knew more than anything that he wanted to be Roisin. But it still was proving harder than he thought it would be to leave.

And he couldn't help the growing feeling that they shouldn't run. That they should face Roisin's brother head-on. But everytime Paul had tried to bring it up, Roisin cut him off with some other task or question about leaving. Maybe he should speak to Sean about it. It seemed if anyone could get Roisin to listen, it would be him. Perhaps if Sean and Paul teamed up on this, they could convince Roisin not to run.

But that was if Sean agreed. And Paul still wasn't sure if this was just a gut feeling or if it was his subconscious not wanting to leave the only home he had ever known. It was a bit ironic, seeing how he had been considering leaving La Push eventually and had even been a little bit jealous of Leah when she got out.

"Thought I'd find you here," Jared called out. Paul looked over and smiled slightly, turning back to the ocean. "Getting your fix? Thought you guys were going somewhere that had a beach."

"We are, but it's not the same," Paul said, taking a deep breath through his nose and committing the scent of the beach to memory.

"Mae still pissed?" Jared asked. Paul snorted and looked at his best friend.

"What do you think?" he asked. Jared chuckled and shook his head.

"I don't get it. She understands the imprint, right?" Jared asked. Paul shrugged. "There's no way that you weren't going with them."

"I know that. Sean knows that. Roisin knows it. But I'm beginning to think that Mae is attempting to delude herself," Paul said. He wasn't sure just what the fae had against him, but figured it was some sort of best friend thing.

It had been Mae and Roisin for the longest time. Then Sean. And now he was joining their little motley crew. Paul supposed she was still adjusting.

The two wolves then lapsed into silence for some time, both of them thinking about the same thing. That Paul was leaving with Roisin and they hadn't gotten any closer to figuring out what to do other than run.

"You ready to go?" Jared asked. Paul glanced at him and nodded. "Never thought you'd be the first to leave. Well, suppose you're the second after Leah - but we all expected that one.."

"Yea… never thought I'd leave either. Not like this, anyway," Paul admitted.

"On the run from a bunch of angry fae?" Jared said, his voice light, though Paul knew that it was mostly for his benefit. "Yea, I'm pretty sure there was no pool on that… running from an angry father or the law, sure. But angry fae - not even on the radar."

Paul chuckled and looked over at his best friend, his thoughts turning to everything they had been through together over the last few years. Shifting for the first time. Protecting the tribe from vampires and all that entailed. Not all that long ago, Paul was wondering what to do with the rest of his life with his biggest worry trying to figure out what he wanted to major in.

Now he was going on the run with his imprint, who happened to be powerful, runaway fae royalty. Oh, with a prophecy about her.

"You'll keep in touch, right?" Jared said.

"Of course. It's not like we have to go underground or anything," Paul scoffed.

"You never know… and well, Kim will be angry if you don't come back to visit," Jared added. Paul had to chuckle.

"Right. Kim?" he asked. Jared rolled his eyes.

"Just don't want this to be the last time I see you and all," Jared said.

"It won't. Maybe once we figure all this court shit out, we'll come back," Paul said.

"Still think you should have told the packs about her brother's ultimatum. You know us, we'd stick by you guys," Jared then said. Paul sighed and looked back at the ocean.

"I know. I tried to get her to come clean on that with you all, but Ro's still pretty adamant that we need to leave before something worse happens," Paul said. "No one got hurt with Cathal, but she doesn't want to chance it a second time."

"Everything ready for the cookout?" Jared then asked, changing the subject. Paul nodded and pushed up from the beach.

"In fact, I should probably get my ass in gear before Ro comes after me," he said, holding a hand out to Jared to help him up.

"Yea, that's probably not a good idea. I remember what she did with that Shadow dude," Jared said. "Better be careful with choosing your battles. She might set you on fire."

Paul chuckled as they started back up towards the parking lot.

"You've been in my head… been there, done that. But I'm pretty sure one thing I don't have to worry about - life is definitely not going to be boring with Ro…"

OOOO

Paul looked around the full house, glad that Ro had done it. All the packs were there, as were their imprints, the tribe elders, and his dad. The Cullens had come as well - including Nessie, who was at the moment chasing Seth, Brady and Collin around the yard. Thanks to Roisin, the weather was nice and balmy, though Paul still didn't understand just how it was she did it. Roisin admitted that morning that she wasn't completely sure either, as it had been another recent development.

All fae who had fought with them had shown up, mingling around with the wolves. It was far more low-key than Mae's parties with a more casual air. Sam was at the grill with Emily and Roisin flinting in between the verandah and the kitchen, refilling food. Roisin was making a point to try and talk with everyone in the process. The house was rather full.

She was far more relaxed, he noted. Probably because they were leaving in only a few days and had a plan, albeit a rough one. Though, he knew she wouldn't feel completely okay until they put as many miles between them and her brother as possible.

"She's happier today," Sean said, popping up next to Paul and causing him to jump slightly. He scowled at the shadow fae, though Sean only smirked in response.

Guess this was one of the things Paul was going to have to get used to. The fae popping up at random times. He looked back over, seeing Roisin stopping to talk to Kim.

"Yea. Even though this is essentially a farewell party," Paul said.

"You don't seem so happy," Sean said. Paul turned, finding the fae studying him closely - something he had been doing a lot of lately.

"I mean, I'm happy to go with you guys," Paul said. "Don't get me wrong. I'm more than happy with Ro. It's just… kind of hard to leave, you know?"

He looked back out at the room, taking in the packs. His family. Yea, it was definitely turning out to be more bittersweet than he thought it would be. But he had promised Roisin. Where she went, he went.

"She looks like she fits in," Sean then said. Paul glanced at him again and then went back to watching Roisin joke around with Jared.

In that moment, he could feel her. And she did feel at home. Paul wasn't sure if it was a part of Roisin that she recognized, but it was there nonetheless. A soft smile came over his face. It still felt good to see her getting along with the packs and their imprints and families. How well she got on with his dad when he introduced them earlier. His father had been slightly in awe, though Roisin had been fairly nervous.

Especially since she was essentially whisking his son off to potential danger. At least his dad was used to him being in danger.

"I've actually been thinking about the prophecy a lot lately," Sean said. Paul turned back to him, unsure of where he was going with this. Sean's eyes were fixed on Roisin. "I think we were so caught up in the Fae world, that we forgot to think bigger."

"Bigger?" Paul asked, his eyes widening slightly. Sean nodded slowly.

"Maybe she's not meant to bring together the fae courts… maybe she's meant to bring together other worlds," Sean said, glancing at him. Paul was about to protest, but then stopped and looked around the room again.

Emmett Cullen was attempting to talk a fae that looked as though it was literally made out of rock into an arm-wrestling match while Rosalie rolled her eyes. The fae in question was game, grinning broadly at the vampire. Brendan and Carlisle were caught up in a deep discussion on fae healing. Alice and Jasper were standing in another small group that included fae and wolves, while a fae with long, near white braids was asking about her ability to see into the future. Edward and Bella stood in another group of only fae, Edward seemingly still surprised that he couldn't hear anyone's thoughts while Bella teased him. Embry was busy flirting with another fae, while Quil played wingman. Roisin was still talking to Kim and Jared, though Jacob walked up and tossed an arm around her shoulder, commending her on her cooking skills as Emily and Sam carried more platters of food in from the grill and headed towards the kitchen. Roisin smiled up at him and then looked across the room, meeting Paul's eyes, her smile growing.

Paul wondered just why he hadn't seen it before. True, the Cullens and wolves had stood together for a while now. But seeing how easily she had earned their respect, then brought the fae into their world. How easily it all seemed to fit together though it probably shouldn't have.

As he watched her, Roisin's skin began to glow a bit brighter, the sun starting to rise just under the surface. She felt more than content right now. She felt happy, accepted. Home.

"It seems I was right. You were the key," Sean said. Paul looked over at him, yet again confused. "By imprinting on Ro… you helped create this. Worlds that were once broken, now made whole. Though I'm not sure just how long ago they were broken… I can't ever remember the fae being friendly with wolves or vampires… must have been a really long time ago..."

"But… we're still leaving," Paul said.

Even if this was what the prophecy was talking about, Darraugh was still coming for Roisin. Possibly Rian. If he was anything like Roisin described, Paul didn't see him giving up just because she had brought together these groups like this. The Winter prince wouldn't let her go so easily from what it sounded like.

"Maybe it's time to stop running. For Ro to finally face her brother and Rian," Sean said. "I think she can do it. Especially if she's got us to stand behind her. Though... would probably help if you two got hitched before then…"

Paul choked on his drink and looked back over at Sean, unsure if he was joking or not. Yea, sure Paul knew that he loved her, wanted to be with her, and the imprint had sped up the normal dating process for them. But he still wasn't even 19 yet - still had a couple months to go. He wasn't ready for anything like marriage. Was he? Was Roisin? Sean just raised an eyebrow at him.

"It was only a suggestion," he replied as he looked back at Roisin. "Just a way to further solidify your connection, though perhaps the imprint will be enough. And I know you've been thinking the same thing. That we should stay and face her brother, that is."

"Right, yea," Paul said, still sputtering a bit. Sean took a deep breath and sighed.

"So, when should we tell her?" he asked pointedly, not wasting time. "Maybe you should tell her. She's less likely to hit you… And even if she does, the make-up sex would be well worth it."

"No, we're telling her together," Paul said, frowning at Sean and slightly surprised that his jealousy that always seemed to pop up with others didn't seem to apply with Sean. Whatever. Now wasn't a time to ponder on that. "I tell her and she'll think I'm trying to convince her to stay here because I don't want to leave. We both tell her together."

Sean cracked a small smile and nodded.

"I'm really going to like having you around, Paul…"

OOOO

Roisin dropped off the plate of new hamburger patties on the table next to the grill and then quickly checked over to make sure that Sam had everything, before turning to go check on everything in the kitchen. The wolves could certainly go through food, though the fae could as well, now that she thought about it. They did have a lot of people here even if the Cullens didn't eat or drink anything.

But before she could walk into the kitchen, Jared looped his arm through hers, dragging her over to a cooler and table of drinks set up outside.

"You and I are doing a shot, Ro," he said, grinning at her. "And seriously, the weather thing that you do… going to miss it."

Roisin's eyes widened slightly as she looked into the house and saw Paul standing with Sean, the two of them deep in conversation about something. Probably their plans. Though where was Mae? She usually loved these things. While she had spent a good portion of her time sulking in her room lately, Roisin had hoped she'd come down for at least a little bit.

"Ahem."

Roisin turned to Jared, seeing him holding out a shot glass of tequila expectantly. Rolling her eyes, she took it, smiling slightly at him

"Is this where you give me the talk?" Roisin asked, smirking. "And promise to kick my ass if I ever hurt Paul?"

"Nah, I know you won't. Unless he's an asshole and deserves it. Which, to be honest, he does occasionally," Jared said, holding his glass out. Roisin clinked hers against his, and then they both drank their shots. "And honestly, you could probably kick my ass, now that I think about…"

Roisin chuckled as she looked back into the house, seeing everyone still mingling and getting along. If you had told her a few months ago that she would be playing host to fae, wolves and vampires, she wouldn't have believed it.

Part of her was sad that she would find this unique, yet warm group just before she had to leave. Roisin's smile faltered slightly. Part of her wished they could stay, settle down in Forks - she had felt like this was where she was supposed to be from the beginning, after all - but that was impossible. Her brother would be back and she knew that he wouldn't be convinced to leave her alone. Not yet, anyway.

"It's hard to leave, isn't it?" Jared asked softly. Roisin looked over at him, seeing the sad smile on his face. She nodded and looked at the yard, watching Nessie laugh as she played tag with some of the younger wolves.

"It's never been this hard to leave a place," she admitted. "Once it's over, I want to come back. We're not selling the house and land… just in case…"

"Good to hear you're thinking of coming back. I know I'm going to need Paul to be my best man in a few years," Jared said with a chuckle. "And well, I suppose you guys could just shoot me an email to let me know where to be for your wedding."

Roisin looked back at him, her eyes wide and her cheeks flush. Sure, she had a few passing thoughts about it, but for the most part, she hadn't seriously thought about marrying Paul. Not until now, anyway. Jared laughed loudly.

"Knock it off, Jared. Give the poor girl a chance to breathe," Emily chided from the grill. "Even Sam and I aren't married yet."

Roisin shot the woman a grateful smile before turning back to Jared, a playful frown on her face.

"I may be 150, but I'm still rather young in fae years," she said. "There's still plenty of time…"

Though even as she said it, she knew the truth. It wasn't going to be nearly as long as she wanted. Not unless they managed to convince a vampire to follow them around and then forever live in Forks. Maybe that was a possibility… Well, no. It wasn't. That meant forcing all the packs to never age and Roisin wasn't sure if that was what they all wanted.

"See? Plenty of time," Emily added before she looked at Sam and kissed him.

"What's this, not getting weepy, are we?"

Roisin looked up, smiling instantly as she saw Paul and Sean walking out on the verandah. She walked over and fell into Paul's arms, closing her eyes as she reveled in his warmth. For a moment, she forgot about everything standing against them and just enjoyed this. Being with him. Feeling his arms around her.

"Okay, I was joking," Paul said. Roisin looked up at him.

"I'm not crying. Not yet, anyway," she admitted.

"Aha! Knew it! Ro is going to miss all of us!" Jared shouted triumphantly.

"Of course I am, you idiot," Roisin replied looking over at him. Goddess, how had she managed to get this close to people so quickly?

"Come on. Take a walk with us," Paul said softly.

Roisin nodded as she stepped back and took his hand, walking in between Sean and Paul as they made their way through the yard and into the clearing behind the house.

"So… Sean and I have been talking," Paul started out, a nervous hitch to his voice. Roisin looked up at him, a bit worried when she saw the anxiety in his eyes. She then looked at Sean, though his face betrayed nothing.

"About what?" she asked. Paul took a deep breath and stopped, turning to face her as Sean stepped over to his side.

"We were thinking we shouldn't leave," Paul said. Roisin frowned. Not leave?

"That makes no sense. We know that Darraugh is going to come back here for me," she said automatically.

"Ro, maybe it's time to really face him. Face your family," Sean said softly.

"But they won't listen," Roisin said.

"They would if you told them the full truth about why you ran away. Why you can't be with Rian," Sean replied. "They would understand."

Roisin's eyes widened as her cheeks flushed again, but she wasn't sure if it was anger or fear. She didn't think she could tell them. Not what Rian had done to her. Paul squeezed her hands, causing her to meet his eyes.

"You can do it. And we'll be with you," he said. "Me and Sean. Even Mae, if you tell her too."

Roisin felt her heart begin to race slightly at the idea of it. Seeing her family. Telling Mae. Telling them how Rian had hurt her. Maybe it could work. Wait… it couldn't.

"You know how deals are," she said grimly, looking at Sean. "I don't think even that would get me out of the betrothal. Rian would still come for me…"

"But what if you've already fulfilled the prophecy. They couldn't argue against that, could they?" Paul said. She looked at him, confused. When had she done that? Unless…

"You think the imprint could be enough?" she asked, not quite believing it herself. "I'm not sure…"

"It's more than that, Ro," Sean said, stepping closer to her. "Have you stopped to look around?"

Roisin frowned, not understanding what he was talking about. Just as she started to look back to the house, a chill ran down her back. And not from her emotions. It was a literal chill. Like the first bite of winter.

Her head whipped around toward the far end of the clearing, fixed on the trees.

"No," she whispered, her breath starting to come out in misty puffs. "No. No. No."

She felt Paul tense. Could see him and Sean turn to look where she was staring out of the corner of her eye. But even holding onto Paul's hand right now couldn't stop her from shivering involuntarily.

Roisin started backing away, her eyes wide in terror.

"It can't be," she whispered.

But suddenly, she stopped as though her feet were frozen to the ground. Unable to look away. The trees began to rustle until finally a lone fae stepped out and stopped. A smirk came across his pale face as his ice blue eyes settled on her. Even though he was far from her, she could feel the frigid cold that seemed to follow him wherever he went. Roisin shook her head, not wanting to believe her eyes. But it was true. Her eyes weren't lying to her. This wasn't one of Cathal's tricks.

Rian had found her.

OOOO

And now you see why I needed to add in the last chapter. In my previous plans, the story jumped from the fight with Cathal to Rian arriving, and I realized that was a bit too intense. Plus, it didn't give me enough space to explain what happened with Tara and how that went down (probably because I originally hadn't intended her to be taken – just that one of Roisin's mortal friends got serious hurt by a fae). And well, I wanted more of Roisin bonding with the wolves, more Paul bonding with his father and Sean. I needed to flesh out those relationships a bit more, and this works out much better.

But yea, I've now finished writing. I'm going through and doing final edits on everything and posting chapters as I go. There's really only about three more chapters after this – plus the bonus steamy chapter that will go up on AO3 only. I wasn't sure if I was going to do one yesterday as I just wasn't feeling it. But after a good night's sleep, I woke up with inspiration and got it written after starting over completely in a relatively short time.

And whoever was guessing that the prophecy wasn't talking about just the fae courts… you're about to get your answers in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading and following!