SOPHIE's POV
The pack had been silently staring at me for a while and it was starting to creep me out. I understood I was there uninvited but seriously they need to stop looking at me like that.
Finally, Paul stood up, walking over.
Was he gonna shout at me? Was he gonna ignore me? Was he gonna attack me? I really didn't know. I couldn't read his expression and it was really messing me up.
He was right in front of me now, looking at me.
In one movement he grabbed me, and pulled me into his arms.
"Thank God you're home." He sounded pleased to see me.
I tried to hug him back but it felt weird. This was new. We never really hugged much.
He let go and looked me up and down.
"Did those leeches treat you well?" He asked, frowning.
I laughed. "Yes, big brother. The Cullens were fine."
He nodded, still slightly frowning.
"It's good to have you back." Sam's voice echoed through the house.
I was grateful. They were all being so nice to me. I didn't know what to say or do. Should I apologise for leaving? I did feel bad about it… I just thought it was for the best.
I could see Sam standing there, waiting for the pack to return to the meeting.
"I'll wait outside…" I tried to offer.
Unfortunately, my brother was not having that at all.
"The hell you will." He growled, pulling me in with him and sitting me next to him.
The rest of the pack returned to the meeting, but I could feel Jake's eyes boring into the back of my head.
Don't look at him. Don't.
My head moved slightly to catch a glimpse of him.
You fucking idiot.
He smiled when he caught me looking and I felt my face heat up. Damn imprint still messing with me. I didn't know if being with Jacob was what I wanted in my head, but my heart wanted him.
Well I'm in control you stupid bitch. I told it, rubbing my hands anxiously.
I couldn't focus at all on the meeting, and found myself looking round at each of the pack members and back on Sam again.
To be fair, I had already been briefed by the Cullens.
If I could make it through this meeting without freaking out, I'd be fine.
JACOB's POV
When Paul convinced her to stay, I was relieved. I kept worrying she was gonna bolt into the woods, but she didn't.
This is your chance. I thought to myself.
I caught her looking at me, which made me smile. At least she still felt something for me. It was something I could build on.
Sam droned on for a while about old vampires and minding our defences. I couldn't find the will to listen. I was used to vamp fights and I didn't see why we all had to be here for this. But he was the Alpha… annoyingly.
So I waited. And waited. I wanted it to be over so I could talk to Sophie.
And finally, everyone began to leave.
I chased her and Paul out of the pack house, and found them talking outside.
"Why didn't you come to me?" He asked her.
She looked uncomfortable, but she was looking straight at him. God was she stunning. I really had missed looking at her.
"I didn't know what to do. It seemed safer. No one wanted me here." The sadness on her face made my chest hurt.
She really thought we didn't want her. Stupid fucking Embry. I thought to myself. It was all his fault.
"Who cares about those idiots? I'm here for you. Always." He insisted.
Well so was I. Well I tried to be. Ugh, he was right we are all idiots.
She smiled and nodded at him. I took a breath, and walked over to them.
"Sophie." Her name was like music to my ears.
She spun around instantly, staring at me.
"Hey Jake." Her smile made me feel warm all over.
I turned to Paul, hoping he would fuck the hell off. But he just stood there, watching me with his arms crossed and a frown on his face.
Sophie placed her hand on his arm. "It's okay, Paul."
Paul frowned, but he did leave her and was watching from the tree line.
"So…"
"So."
We both stood looking at each other, awkwardly smiling. I just wanted to pull her into a hug and never let go. But I knew I couldn't.
"I'm glad you're back." Was all I said.
She smiled more sincerely at me. It was starting to feel like it used to, before everything went to hell.
"Me too." She told me.
Neither of us knew what to say. We both just stood there looking at each other.
And that was enough.
SOPHIE's POV
I wasn't surprised when Jacob cornered me outside. And even though my feelings were still confused, I didn't want to keep running. I wanted to at least be civil.
"I'm sorry."
It was a peace offering. I wanted to make things better between us. As hard as that might be.
"Me too." He reciprocated.
Thank God for that. I was worried he was gonna absolutely destroy me.
"Look, I know things are weird between us." He began.
That was an understatement. We had been so hot and cold I genuinely didn't know where I stood. I guess that was what happened when you put two wolves together. Bad idea in my opinion, but here we are.
"But I want you to know, I won't push anymore."
I was shocked. Was he giving up? Why did that make me sad?
"But I won't stop trying to win you over." He assured me. "Because with or without the imprint, I want to be with you."
He could never know how much that meant to me. As much of a moron as he could be, he really knew how to win my favour.
I smiled. "Okay."
We began walking over to Paul, both feeling better about everything,
"Oh, and by the way… I kind of broke your boyfriend's nose…"
"WHAT?!"