Racing Hearts

Chapter 15 "Sunshine and Storms"

Disclaimer: I only own my characters!

Friday, June 24th (same day) Annabelle POV

"Dad?" I answered my phone.

"Annabelle Grace Foster! I just had the most interesting conversation with a friend of yours." His voice was near shouting.

"Dad, what are you talking about? What friend?" I sat down the clothes I was packing. "What's wrong?"

I listened in horror as he explained that my friend Jeremiah had come to them in Beaufort. He had explained about the guy I was dating—that he was a player, had a temper, and a criminal record.

Anger seethed inside me. "He said what? That's not true! Paul is not any of those things!" I shouted and my bedroom door opened. Charlie raised his eyebrows at me. "Dad, hold on. Uncle Charlie is here."

I muted the phone before speaking. "Apparently Jeremiah took a little trip to North Carolina and told my parents a whole bunch of lies about Paul. Can you please, calm my dad down?"

Charlie sighed and held his hand out for the phone. "Give it here."

I listened closely as Charlie talked with my dad, calming him down. "Paul is a good kid, I promise you, Rick. Yes, he's had a little trouble before, nothing serious. Listen—do you think I'd let Annabelle date a guy who wasn't good for her? I'd never do that. Well then I guess you'll just have to come out and meet him for yourself. Yeah, we'll talk later."

Charlie handed me back the phone and I took it. "We'll be talking later about this, young lady." My dad said as I put the phone up to my ear.

"Okay, but Uncle Charlie's right, Dad. Paul's a good guy….Jeremiah is just mad because he's jealous. He wants to be with me and I don't feel the same. Just—why don't you come out and meet Paul like Uncle Charlie suggested? You'd really like him, Dad. I promise."

Dad sighed on the other end. "I'll think about it. Just—be careful, okay?"

We ended the call and Charlie sighed. "Well that was…awful."

I nodded. "I can't believe he went all the way to North Carolina just to tell my parents that…What's his endgame?"

Charlie shook his head. "I don't know. Make it so you and Paul can't be together? Try to ruin your life? I don't know, kid, I wish I did."

"I better finish packing." I said with a sigh. "That was a bit of rain on my happy sunshine parade."

Charlie chuckled and gave me a pat on the back. "Don't let it get you down, kid. If your parents come out here and meet Paul, they'll know nothing Jeremiah said was true. I wasn't lying when I told your Dad that Paul is a good kid, he really is. A little hot headed, but I think you're helping with that."

I smiled as Charlie left the room, thinking that Paul had really made leaps and bounds with his temper since we got together. I liked to think we brought out the good in each other.

…..

Sunday, June 26th

"Oh my god, this is glorious!" I lifted my face up to the sunshine and took it in as we stood on the boardwalk. "The sun. Oh how I've missed you."

Paul chuckled from beside me. "Miss it that much?"

I glanced over at him with a smile. "It literally rains almost every day in Forks. Yes, I do miss it that much."

Paul shook his head. "Guess I'm used to the no sun, living in La Push my whole life."

Grabbing Paul's hand, we walked along the boardwalk, Embry beside us. I could see them both getting some looks—some appreciative, some apprehensive. I grinned as one girl ogled Embry as she walked past with her friends.

"I think that girl thinks you're pretty cute, Embry." I teased him as we kept walking. Embry grinned back at me.

"Can't help that I'm such a ladies man. Somebody has got to keep the women happy, since everyone seems to be imprinting, dropping like flies."

Paul rolled his eyes. "Just wait until it happens to you, man. I can't wait to tease you about it."

"I'll leave that to you, guys."

We stopped at a stand that was selling pretzels, funnel cakes, and hot dogs. I got a funnel cake while the boys got pretzel dogs.

"There is just something about boardwalk food." I said as we sat down on a bench, facing the beach.

"So good." Paul said agreeing, as he scarfed down his pretzel dogs.

"I'll have to exercise horses in the morning but maybe after that, we could hit the beach?" I glanced at both of them, seeing what they thought.

Paul nodded and Embry shrugged. "I could use some beach time. Girls in bikinis, hit some waves…sounds good to me."

"I'm up for whatever you want." Paul smiled at me and I leaned over to kiss his cheek.

Later that evening, Paul, Embry, and I joined Andrew and Roger at a local Mexican restaurant near our hotel.

"Hey! Enjoy some sight-seeing today?" Andrew asked as we got to the table.

"We pretty much hung out on the boardwalk. Enjoyed the sun. Oh god, the sun." I laughed as I thought about it. "I think I may have actually gotten a bit of a tan already."

"You look pretty pale to me." Paul winked at me as he put his arm next to mine. I rolled my eyes as the others laughed.

"I'll always look pale to you." I put my hand in his as I looked over the menu. "How did Lucky seem before you left this evening?" We had stopped at the barn when our plane got in this morning but Andrew had shooed us off to go have fun, enjoy our day. It would be like this for most of the week. I would workout the horses in the mornings, help with stalls and feed then be free again for the day.

"He's doing good. I'm really hopeful for the race next weekend. Most of the horses in the field are like Lucky, still really picking up, so I think he'll do good." Andrew said and then the waitress came over to take our orders.

I took advantage of the fact that the race was a week away when I ordered, getting chicken fajitas with a side of rice. Towards the end of the week, I'd have to watch myself more, make sure I didn't gain weight near the race.

The waitress came back with our drinks and two baskets of chips and salsa. It was spicy but I liked it.

I enjoyed the way that Paul, Andrew, Embry, and Roger got along. I really liked the way Paul and Andrew seemed to hit it off.

As I watched them talking, I thought about the differences between Paul and Jeremiah.

Paul was easy-going and laid-back, Jeremiah not as so. If I chose to walk away from Paul, he'd let me go, even though it'd hurt him. And he wouldn't do what Jeremiah was doing now.

Paul would be able to grow with me, go places with me, build a life with me. I could kiss him without him thinking about killing me. We could have kids.

There's just one little problem. My mind reminded me. The Volturi.

I nearly gasped as I remembered what we had promised them. That I'd turn when I graduated.

I shook my head. I couldn't think of that now. I'd worry about that later.

…

"So what was up with you at dinner?" Paul asked as we were hanging out in my room. We had a little bit before Paul was to return to his room.

I glanced up at him. "What do you mean?"

"In between the appetizers and the main course, you started acting weird."

Should I tell Paul? Why hadn't I thought of it before to tell Paul? But I didn't want him to freak out here in California, with nowhere to phase and run it off. So I'd lie.

"I was just thinking of that awful conversation with my dad, again. I really hope he comes out so you two can meet." I said with a shrug.

"So we're at meet the parents already, huh?" Paul smiled, leaning closer to me. I fell back into the pillows.

"Well I mean, I am your mystical, magic imprint so I don't think meeting the parents is a huge deal." I smiled over at him as he flopped down beside me on the bed.

"I don't either. In fact, I'd like you to meet my dad as well. Maybe the stars will align and our parents will be in town at the same time." Paul stroked my face gently. I knew Paul's dad was out of town on business a lot.

"That would be great. Though, they'd probably say we're moving really fast for teenagers…" I ran my fingers over his muscled shoulders.

"Isn't that what all teenagers do? Go too fast, fall head over heels?" Paul asked, pushing my hair away from my face.

"That is true…" I glanced up at Paul. "Are you suggesting that I've fallen for you?"

Paul grinned. "No, but I've fallen for you, beautiful." Paul paused, seemingly shocked at himself. "I…did not intend to say that."

Warmth raced through me. "Well I'm glad you did."

I kissed Paul then, moving closer to him. His hands slid over my back, over my hips, holding me against his warm body.

A strange feeling raced through me as Paul moved his lips down my jaw and then my neck.

I yanked him towards me so that his body fell on top of mine. I brought his lips back to mine and enjoyed the way his body felt against mine.

His hands moved my legs so they wrapped around his hips and I dug my fingernails into his back as he deepened the kiss while his body moved against mine.

He pulled back a moment later with a groan. "Okay, okay, we should, um, stop." He sounded breathless as he slid free of my arms and legs. He sat back against his legs.

"Why should we stop?" I asked as breathless as he was. He grinned at me.

"I like the way you think but um…well…I don't think we're there quite yet." His grin turned sheepish.

I nodded in agreement. "You're probably right." I raised my eyebrows at him. "Have you ever…?"

Paul shook his head. "Close, but no cigar. What about you?" His expression seemed cautious. I think if I said yes, he'd hate it, knowing that someone else had touched me. As much as I would have hated it if he had said that he had been with someone else.

"I have not. Nor have I ever felt that I wanted to as strongly as I do right now…" I sat up and wrapped myself around him. "I did promise Charlie that we weren't going to have sex on this trip."

Paul's eyes widened. "Chief Swan had the talk with you before this trip?"

I laughed at his expression. "Yes, yes he did. I promised we were definitely not there yet. I think I was wrong." I teased him, but at the same time, not teasing. I wanted Paul more than anything. I was his imprint. We were bound to be together, what was the harm?

Paul groaned and pulled back. "Oh don't say that. You don't understand how much self-control I had to use to pull away from you."

I grinned at him. "You said you didn't have great self-control."

"I'm learning." Paul said, rolling his eyes. We both looked at the knock on my door. "That would be Andrew, who must have psychic abilities."

I laughed. "No, just really good timing."

Paul left and I got ready for bed. This trip was certainly getting interesting.

…

Alice POV

"Oh!" I gasped as the vision played in front of my eyes. Annabelle, asking Bella awkwardly if she'd take her to get on…birth control? She was thinking about going farther with Paul—eventually—and wanted to be safe.

"Darlin', what is it?" Jasper asked and all eyes were on me.

Edward coughed but couldn't quite conceal his grin. Of course, he had seen what the vision was.

Everyone looked between Edward and I. I was glad that my face couldn't flush like a normal human's—but I'm sure Jasper could feel my embarrassment. "Nothing important."

"Ooookay." Jasper said, going back to his game of Chess with Emmett. Edward and I exchanged a look.

That was going to be an awkward conversation.

…

Annabelle POV Monday, June 27th

Lucky galloped around the track easily and I smiled. I loved this. I loved the early morning light, the sound of his hoofbeats against the dirt, his snorting breath, the way he moved beneath me.

Riding a horse was like heaven. We passed the pole and I pulled my reins back, slowing Lucky down. He didn't want to—neither did I—but I made him slow. He snorted and shook his head but did as I asked.

"You two looked great out there." Andrew said, patting Lucky's neck as we walked off the track.

"He wasn't even trying. That was just fun." I grinned, sliding off Lucky and switching horses. Sparrow, the maiden filly, was a bit more nervous than Lucky. She wasn't used to all these horses and people along the rail.

I patted her black neck after Andrew gave me a boost up. "It's okay girl. Don't worry about anything but listening to me, okay? It's just me and you."

Andrew gave me my instructions and off we went. We started out slowly, trotting before cantering to warm her up. A horse flew up on the inside of us and she spooked sideways.

I kept my seat—barely—and tightened my reins. Blinders might be needed for her. "Hey, that's just another horse. Nothing to be afraid of, my pretty girl."

We cantered on as I let her get used to the track. I didn't want to go any faster until I was sure she was under control. When I was sure she was listening to me and my hands on the reins, I asked her for a gallop.

She sprung out eagerly, galloping down the track. At Andrew's gesture, I let her go and she took off. Her pace was different from Lucky's. While his was smooth and easy, hers was a bit rough.

But she had speed and was willing to give it her all. We flashed by Andrew and Roger before slowing down.

I cooled Sparrow out before taking her back to her stall. As she and Lucky ate their breakfast, I cleaned up the soiled shavings in their stalls, replacing them with fresh ones.

Before long, I was headed back to the hotel, to see if Paul and Embry were awake yet. I stopped by their room but it was quiet. They must still be sleeping. That was fine, I needed a shower anyways.

I showered quickly before finding my bathing suit in my clothes. A new one that I had just purchased, at Katie's insistent. I mean it was cutie but I wasn't usually a bikini type of girl.

I put it on but threw a pair of jean shorts and a tank top on over it. I brushed my hair and threw it up in a bun on my head.

There was a knock at my door and I smiled before going to answer it. Paul and Embry stood there, still looking tired but awake. I could see both of them were wearing swimming trunks as their shorts.

"Breakfast before the beach?" Embry asked with a yawn. I nodded.

"Yes, I'm starving. Let me just grab my bag." I grabbed the beach bag I had bought last night on the boardwalk, packed with beach towels and sunscreen.

Paul took it from my hands and hoisted it onto his shoulder. "Good morning." He leaned down to kiss me and Embry pretended to gag. I smiled as we pulled back and started walking.

"Embry, I know we were joking about you imprinting last night but I cannot wait until you imprint so I can tease you."

Embry just chuckled as we headed towards the IHOP down the street. I was thinking about pancakes when I noticed someone staring. Was that—no it couldn't be. I frowned and tried to get a better look at the person but they had moved on in the crowd.

I shook my head. It couldn't be Jeremiah. He wouldn't be here in sunny California, out in the daytime.

I smiled as Paul's arm slid around me and I leaned my head against his shoulder. Embry refrained from commenting as he read over the menu.

"I'm thinking French toast, what about you?" Paul asked quietly, his thumb absently rubbing my hip. It was very distracting to me.

"Hmm…I'm thinking chocolate chip pancakes. I'm enjoying what I can, while I can…even if I probably will have to run a few times later this week."

"I'll run with you." Paul said, kissing the top of my head.

"You're so sweet." I told him. We ordered our breakfast and Embry was telling us about his conversation with Sam.

"So far nothing on their end. They haven't seen any sightings of the—Jeremiah." Embry rolled his eyes as he saw my expression. While I didn't like Jeremiah, I still didn't like the use of bloodsucker or leech.

I knew Paul had told Embry about Jeremiah's trip to NC. "Maybe he's still on the East Coast." Paul said, not too confident.

"I don't know what to hope for. I don't want him on the East Coast near my parents, but I don't want him here or in Washington either." I sighed, taking a drink of my orange juice.

Paul gave me a squeeze. "We won't let anything happen to you—or anyone else."

"Can I just say how funny it is, how quiet it's been since Bella was turned and then a new relative of Bella's comes into town and we're back on patrol?" Embry grinned at me, to make sure I knew he was just teasing.

I groaned. "Hey, I was brought to Washington against my will!"

Paul chuckled. "It's turned out halfway decent though, right?"

I smiled up at him. "I'm really glad I came to Washington."

"Me too. Best thing that's ever happened to me." I leaned up to kiss him.

We ate our breakfast and finally headed to the beach. It wasn't too crowded yet so we snagged a great spot near the water.

Embry and Paul laid out the beach towels and I tossed Embry a bottle of sunscreen before handing Paul one.

"Will you get my back and legs?" I asked as I shimmied out of my shorts and top. I watched in satisfaction as Paul's eyes widened and took in my bikini before roaming around the rest of me.

"If he won't, I will." Embry let out a low whistle and Paul turned to glare at him. Embry just shrugged and started applying his own lotion, averting his eyes.

Paul walked closer to me and I heard the bottle cap open. A moment later, I arched as the cold lotion hit my back.

Paul rubbed it onto my shoulders then went down my back. I felt the warmth of his body as he stood closer while applying it.

His hands smoothly moved down to my legs and I flushed as I felt his thumbs rubbing the lotion onto my thighs. Inappropriate thoughts flashed through my mind and I squeezed my eyes shut trying to clear my mind.

"You've probably got the thighs covered." I mumbled, sounding breathless. I heard his throaty chuckle.

"Not sure I do." I jumped as his finger grazed the edge of my bikini. I stepped forward, feeling warm.

"Um, should probably get my lower legs." I whispered and he grinned up at me.

"Yes Ma'am." He finished up my legs and I grabbed the bottle from him. I made sure to get my arms. I didn't need to be sunburned and hurting on race day.

"Return the favor?" Paul winked at me, gesturing towards his back. I quickly rubbed it onto him and then tossed it in the bag.

His expression intense, Paul put his arm around my waist and yanked me against him before taking my lips.

His hand grabbed my bun and the kiss became different, rough.

I nearly gasped as his tongue slid over my lips. I stepped back, heart racing.

"What was that?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.

He grinned, shaking his head. "Just making things clear for the lookers."

I flushed in irritation. "That was you...marking your territory?" I hissed at him and I heard Embry try to cover his laugh with a cough.

"Need to make sure your lookers know that you're spoken for." Paul shrugged, still grinning.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, because the fact that I'm with two guys couldn't have implied I was with one of them."

"You look like you need to cool down." Paul grabbed me and threw me over his shoulder.

"Paul!" I gasped as he moved towards the water. "It's going to be cold, don't you dare!"

"Hold your nose!" He shouted right before tossing me into an incoming wave.

I came up, sputtering. I wiped the water out of my eyes and when I saw Paul's face, his easy, relaxed—having fun—expression, I couldn't help but laugh. "I hate you."

"You don't." He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He held me against him and moved forward as the waves went past.

Paul was like a rock against the waves and the three of us just floated, jumping waves, diving under when we couldn't jump them.

The stress of the past few months floated away as we laughed and dived and jumped. This was exactly what I needed. A day of fun, with my boyfriend and our friend.

…..

Annabelle POV Race Day (Saturday, July 2nd)

Race day was here and I was so nervous. I was in an unfamiliar place, the race was bigger, and Lucky was acting up.

"He's never acted like this." I said to Roger as Lucky's hindquarters danced. Roger nodded grimly.

"Could be the heat or the crowd. You might have a heck of a race on your hands." He told me as Lucky bumped Andrew with his hindquarters.

"Usually he's a mid-pack horse but…it's up to you once you're out there. He seems anxious and if he starts fighting you to get to the front, just let him go. If he runs himself out early, oh well. I'd rather have that than him get anymore worked up." Andrew shrugged.

I nodded and Andrew gave me a boost up. I looked up and saw Paul waiting at the rail. He gave me a smile and I tried to return it.

Lucky's muscles were tense and bunched. He hadn't acted like this in either of his previous races. Of course, he was still young and this was a different track—though we'd been riding it all week. Race day was different.

I thought about Sparrow's race, yesterday, and how well she had done. It had been a dead heat between her and another filly—we made it just under the wire with a nose ahead.

Lucky was usually a mid-pack horse as Andrew had said but today, he was all out of character.

The pony rider didn't attempt conversation as Lucky acted up. I concentrated on keeping him in check and noticed the dark patches of sweat on his neck already.

I didn't have a great feeling about this race.

Finally, it was time to load into the gate. Lucky balked, something completely out of character for him.

"Hey boy, it's just the same old gate. Same as the one back in Port Angeles." I rubbed his neck and eyes rolling, he went in. I could see Jason a few horses down—he was riding the second favorite in the race, Lucky being the first—and he was eyeing Lucky. He had noticed the odd behavior too.

As the last horse loaded, I prepared myself. I didn't know what exactly the race would be like so I would just wing it if I had to.

The bell rang and Lucky leaped out, one beat ahead of the others. He roared to the front and I guided him to the rail. If he wanted to be front runner, fine, but we'd save ground by hugging the rail.

I held my reins tightly as he pressed for more. I'd listen to Andrew's let him go instructions, but not quite yet.

Horses surrounded us to the right and behind us. Sandbar, an early speed horse, ran closely beside Lucky. Jason's horse was two over, he liked to be in front.

Lucky yanked at the reins again, wanting to go and sighing, I let him out. He burst ahead of the others and flew down the track. I groaned. There's no way he'd have anything left at the end!

When we came around the last turn, I glanced back and could see other horses making their moves. Lucky was ahead by three lengths.

"Okay boy, you gotta try to keep it up. We're almost to the finish. You can do this!" I encouraged him with my voice and hands—and he responded.

Astonishment zipped through as Lucky gave more. He stretched out and gave it his all.

I was in shock as we crossed the finish line in first place—six lengths ahead of the closest horse!

Lucky pulled up at my urging, going to a canter and then a trot. "Guess all that acting up before the race didn't tire you out, huh boy?" I rubbed his neck and the pony rider came up to us.

"That sure was some race!" They exclaimed excitedly with a grin and grabbed a hold of Lucky's reins. "I wasn't sure he'd have it in him to win after that blazing pace! You broke a track record, kid!"

"I—what?" I gasped as I saw the times go across the board. We had broken the track record and Lucky had held the front from beginning to finish.

Andrew and Roger were waiting for us at the entrance to the Winner's Circle. "What a race!" Roger crowed at me and shook his head. "I was sure he was going to fizz out in the end."

Andrew looked excited too, but grim. "I expect we'll be getting a visit from the racetrack vet and officials after that performance."

Andrew ended up being right. When I came back from the jockey room, the racetrack vet and racing officials were examining Lucky.

"How is he?" I asked Andrew as I stopped beside him.

Andrew sighed. "Tired, that's for sure. They're taking some bloodwork and they've checked him out. Clean bill of health so far."

I knew what they would be thinking—performance drugs or illegal activity. When a horse ran a race like that, it was always going to be questioned.

The vet stepped away from Lucky. "I don't see any issues with him. We'll let you know the results of the blood tests and if we need to speak to you further."

We waved them off and Roger put Lucky back into his stall. I looked in on him and saw him relaxing in the corner of his stall, eyes closing.

"What was all that about?" Paul asked, looking at us.

"When a horse runs like that, there's always a question about whether or not the horse has been given illegal drugs or something like that." I told him with a sigh. "Lucky ran that race as if he was being chased. He broke the track record. Going from gate to finish in the front like that…it's not the usual for him."

"People drug their horses?" Embry looked shocked.

"Sometimes. Racing isn't always good." Andrew answered, leaning against the stall door. "We know our boy wasn't drugged. What we don't know is what was up with that run."

"He seemed super edgy and hyped up. I mean he's never balked at the gate before." I said to Andrew and Roger, who both nodded.

"Well hopefully it was just a one time thing and he'll be back to normal once we get home." Roger patted me on the back. "You did us proud this week, Annabelle. Two wins and a heck of a race today."

I flushed. "It was the horses, really. They're so great."

"It was you too. People thought I was crazy letting a new jockey ride one of my best two year old's. My best decision ever." Andrew grinned at me and gestured towards the exit. "Now go back to the hotel, grab a shower. We'll meet in an hour for our celebration dinner."

I smiled. "Okay, I'll see you guys then."

Grabbing Paul's hand, we headed to the hotel.

….

Jeremiah POV

I stood in the shadows, watching Annabelle, Embry, and Paul leave the barn. The race hadn't turned out as I expected. I had paid that groom a good amount of money to make the horse uneasy, at the very least hoping Annabelle would lose her race, hoping for maybe a spill.

But no, she had run it and her horse had won. He had run like crazy—like he was being chased by bees or something—and even broke a damn track record. She had handled him perfectly.

I watched as she smiled up at Paul. She looked so happy, I just wanted to scream. She had given up something that had been freeing and normal for something that was pre-destined and trapping.

Imprinting took away your choice, your freedom. Why would she want to be a part of that?

I smiled as I thought about the Volturi. She could have her happiness for a year or so but then she'd graduate and they'd come for her, insisting on her change into a vampire. Would her wolf want her then? I knew Paul was one of the most against vampires. What would he do when the love of his life was one of them? When she smelled sickly sweet and had red eyes? When she couldn't give him little wolves?

I had the feeling watching them that Paul didn't know at all. I wondered if she was keeping it from him.

Well maybe it was time he found out.

…..

AN: Oh my gosh! Hi Readers! Sorry it's been awhile—though it says I updated on the 17th. As you may have seen, I updated the first few chapters, re-wrote and fixed some things in the first five chapters. My writing has really changed since 2009 (when I started this story—I was 15!) and I wanted to better the chapters.

I hope you're still here, reading since it's been awhile. I am back and updating. My goal is to have my fanfics all finished up by this time—or the end—of 2021. It's been a long ride and I want my readers to have their stories!

I will try to get you another update soon in this story and I want to thank you all for the views, follows, etc!

Please let me know your thoughts with a review!

To my reviewers:

deidaralover1234: First, thank you for your review! I don't think I responded to you before. Sorry if I have!

So glad you love the story and I hope you're still reading! I'm so sorry you didn't have anywhere to keep your horse! Barrels sounds so fun! I always wanted to do barrel racing! I used to ride as well—unfortunately I had to rehome my horses back in 2012 and haven't been able to get back into horses since. My writing keeps me in the world of horses!

I'm glad you like Paul being more involved with her. As you can see, it is definitely Paul and Annabelle 😊 I think he is better for her too! I don't know if you saw, but I do have an Embry/OC story as well 😉 But I'm always open to more ideas! (to start when I finish my current 17 stories LOL).

Always,

QuinnandSeth'sgirl15