Mind Over Matter
I woke with an early start soaked in sweat. I was lying on my stomach and Paul was wrapped around my body. His knee was resting on my butt. I was burning up and needed to pee. I wedged myself out from under Paul's vice grip causing myself to fall to the floor with an audible thud. Paul sprang to his feet letting out a feral growl before realizing what he did. I could only stare at him in shock before bursting into a fit of giggles.
He rushed to my side with a worried expression on his face. "Oh my God, Bella. I'm sorry... I just... You surprised me is all," he mumbled.
I raised my brow at him, it was odd hearing him calling me 'Bella'.
"I'm okay. No pain, no gain," I replied.
I ignored his offered hand and stood, stretching, before walking to the bathroom. I hopped into the shower letting the water relax my muscles.
When I heard the door being shut I almost slipped and fell. I peaked around the curtain, the sight had me stunned speechless. Paul was peeing while I was in the shower, one hand against the wall for support. I could feel the blush creep up my neck. I wrapped myself in the side of the curtain and cleared my throat. He let out a grunt in response and I rolled my eyes.
As I went to turn back to my shower my leg got twisted in the curtain and I slipped, the curtain ripping at the top and bending the rod before collapsing, causing me to fall out of the tub backwards. I landed unceremoniously against the cabinets with a thud.
"Jesus, Swan! Are you okay," Paul rushed to my side and paused, gaping down at me. I looked down, a blush creeping all the way up to my hairline. I was completely naked.
"Oh my gosh!" I sat up curling into a ball to cover my breasts.
Paul's brain must've finally kicked back into gear as he slowly stood and handed me a towel, before generously helping me to my feet. I was grateful that I had at least finished my hair before the whole ordeal. I quickly wrapped myself in the towel as Paul reach over and turned off the water. When he turned back to me, I could feel the static in the air between us. I swallowed thickly before looking up into his smoldering eyes. My breathing becoming shallow as his eyes gaze into my own. I look away feeling the blush coloring my cheeks.
When I turn back, Paul is fixing the curtain and rod. Suddenly I hear footsteps on the stairs and before I can think Paul grabs me into the tub behind the now fixed curtain, and flips on the water. His hand covering my mouth, while holding his free index finger to his lips. I can hear my heart beating in my ears. A loud knock on the door makes me squeal a bit.
"Bells? That you?" Charlie asks through the door. Duh! Who else? I thought.
"Yeah dad," I call out, closing my eyes trying to listen for anything out of place. Paul turns the water off.
"Just letting you know I'm heading into the station. Might be there late. Don't wait up" he called walking back down the steps.
I waited till the front door shut loudly before letting out the breath I was holding. When I opened my eyes, Paul was only a breath away. I tilted my head to look up at him. He was so much taller than the first time we met. I could feel my breathing hitch as his eyes darken with lust. His nostrils flare and he steps closer, pressing his hard body against mine.
"I can smell you princess," he says in a husky tone.
"Smell me?" I squeaked.
He gives me a sultry look before leaning in and running his nose along my neck. His hot breath on my skin sends shivers down my spine. Again, my heartrate accelerates.
"Oh yes, and you smell absolutely divine," he whispers in my ear, his teeth grazing my earlobe.
I take a deep breath trying to clear my thoughts before opening my mouth to speak. But I can't form the words I want to say. At that moment Paul presses his lips to mine in a searing passionate kiss, his tongue diving into my already open mouth. A moan slips from my occupied lips and he reaches down to cup my ass before lifting me. I wrap my legs around his waist and feel him growl with pleasure. All coherent thoughts pushed away to the back of my mind.
Every touch between us is surging with an electrical tension. The atmosphere is completely charged, edging us on making it impossible to think clearly. I decide to give in and reach my tongue through his lips. He let's out a groan and squeezes my ass before pressing me against the shower wall. My arms reaching up running through his short hair and tugging slightly. He lets out a moan from his chest as his hands traveled up my body, still wrapped in a towel. His hands knead my breasts as he grounds his hips into me. His lips release mine, causing us to gasp from lack of air, and travelle across my jaw and down my neck to my collarbone.
"What do you want princess?" he asks against my skin, his voice thick with lust.
I couldn't answer him, my mind was completely lost. I could only focus on the feel of him against my body, and the searing need that was coursing through me. His hands traveled up from my breasts to my shoulders, as he suckled at my neck, and pushed my arms above my head till our fingers were interlocked and placed on either side of my head. I let out moan as he licked up my neck before pressing his forehead to mine.
"Tell me," he prompted, his voice shakey.
"Y-you," I croaked out. My throat was completely dry and my chest was heaving.
"What about me do you want beautiful," he whispered, peppering my face with soft kisses. I moaned loudly as he ground his hips towards me again. I can definitely feel his erection under his cut offs.
"Every-everything," I gasped out. I heard him let out a low chuckle.
"Everything, Isabella?" Oh the way my name rolled off his tongue.
"All of you," I whispered against his lips. I could feel that infuriating smirk on his lips as he gently tugs on the front of my towel. It falls open revealing my naked body to him. He holds my hands against the wall as his mouth captures one of my nipples. I let out a loud gasp, the sensation of his hot mouth on me causes me to become wet.
The only thing I can think about is him. He completely consumed me and with every touch, a trail of fire followed. Igniting something deep down inside of my very soul. I wanted this, I welcomed it. His touch made me fall apart at the seams, leaving open mouth kisses from one nipple to another. He trailed back up my neck along my jaw before capturing my lips. He stopped me when I reached for the zipper of his cutoffs.
"Not in here Isabella," his voice was thick and husky.
He wraps his arms around my body, hugging me tightly before stepping out of the tub and heading back to my room. He lightly kicked the door shut before placing me gently in the center of my bed. I was completely naked, hiding nothing, before him. I let my gaze travel down his neck, admiring his broad shoulders, before continuing down to his pectoral muscles to his delectable abs. Then staring at that absolutely delicious V that disappeared beneath his low hanging cutoffs. I licked my lips as I glanced back up into his eyes.
"Like what you see, baby?" His voice sending shivers throughout my body. I nodded as my throat seemed to suddenly go dry.
His hands moved to his zipper and oh so torturously slow he undid them before letting them fall to his feet, and stepping out of them. I swallowed thickly and bit the corner of my lip suppressing a moan at just the sight of his Adonis body before me. His skin was the perfect shade of caramel, stretching tightly over every contour of muscle. I wanted to run my tongue over every inch of him. I wanted to taste his body. I watched as his own eyes traveled over my own body, his tongue slipping out to lick across his lips. I felt a familiar blush wash over me at his smoldering gaze.
"Beautiful," he whispered softly.
For once I didn't feel shy about my body. I wanted him to see me, all of me. I bit my lip as he made his way towards the foot of the bed, his hand caressing my foot lovingly. I shivered as he leaned down to gently kiss my ankle. He slowly trailed open mouthed kisses up towards my soft dark curls before blowing his hot breath over my wet center, before turning to repeat the same process up my other leg. I felt myself tingle with anticipation as he hovered over me, his eyes full of lust. I let out a loud gasp as he swiped his tongue over my wet folds, sucking ever so gently before hungrily devouring me, his fingers slipping inside me. I don't know how long he continued his ministrations before a tightening formed in my center.
"Let go, princess. C'mon baby, you're so close. I can feel you almost there," he whispered against my soaked folds.
I reach down running my hands through his hair and tugging slightly. It didn't take much after he spoke that I came, letting out a loud moan calling out Paul's name. He quickly lapped up every drop before kissing his way to each nipple one last time. He places a gentle kiss upon the light pink mark over my heart before trailing kisses to capture my lips. He released my mouth with a gasp, pressing his forehead to mine and looking deeply into my eyes.
"Are you sure Isabella? This will seal the imprint. My wolf wants to mark you baby," his voice cracks slightly.
"Paul, I want you. Of course I'm sure. I've never been more sure," I replied with confidence.
He captures my lips and the sound of foil can be heard before he positions himself between my legs at my entrance. I gasped as I felt a slight pinching sensation as he enters me, stretching me. He stops, letting me adjust to his girth before pushing inch by delicious inch the rest of the way.
"You can still change your mind Isabella," he whispered against my neck. His voice was strained.
"No! Don't stop," I replied, thrusting my hips to meet his, breaking through and giving him my virtue, I froze at the small sting of pain. He gently pushes the rest of the way in, moaning as he completely fills me. I gasp before letting out a long moan at the feel of him, feeling so full.
"Paul... move," I gasp.
Slowly he pulls out almost all the way, before reentering at a slightly faster pace. Each thrust getting a bit faster and then harder. I moan loudly with each thrust, getting louder. Something comes over me and I reach up and bite him right on the shoulder over his collarbone as I feel myself release. He hisses with pleasure before sitting up, pulling me with him. In one quick move I'm on my hands and knees facing the outside doors and Paul's thrusting into me at an incredible pace. I feel him growl and then I feel his teeth sinking into my neck, my eyes rolling as he releases inside me.
Suddenly the door to the balcony bursts open, and Embry rushes inside.
"Paul didn't you hear me howl..." his voice cutting out as my vision focused, his cheeks flushed a bright red.
I let out a gasp and cover myself as best as possible. I felt Paul let out a feral growl before removing his teeth from embedded in my neck.
"What the fuck, Call?" Paul spat towards a very embarrassed Embry.
Paul grabbed my duvet and quickly wrapped it around the both of us before continuing.
"What do you want, Call?" He asked.
"It's Jacob. Sam wants to trigger the phase tonight. Told me to come get you. I'd definitely shower before though, you reek of Bella," Embry replied not facing us.
I felt odd. I turned to look at Paul. The mark I left was still visible even though it was healed.
"I don't think it'll help, Emb. She marked me," Paul replied with a smug grin on his face.
At that Embry turned around, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head. His eyes searching us before landing first on Paul's shoulder and then on my neck.
"Oh fuck," he replied.
"What about the bonfire tonight?" Paul asked.
"Guess we'll be welcoming a new pack brother tonight. He knows what to expect so hopefully he'll be in control of himself," Embry paused looking at me before continuing returning his gaze back to Paul. "You're still attending, right?" He asked Paul glancing at me.
"Of course I'm going, Call," Paul snapped.
I had an inkling that I wasn't invited to this particular bonfire. It wasn't exactly known in the pack that I was Paul's imprint. Well they'll know something now, especially after seeing the mark and smelling him. I didn't exactly think about the ramifications when I bit him, it sort of just happened. It felt as if I was possessed when it happened. I moved to get out of bed when Paul grabbed my waist, pulling me back towards him.
"Where do you think you're going," he said, growling slightly.
"Um you might not have noticed, but the... erm... condom is kinda inside-" I was interrupted by Embry who obviously didn't want to know.
"Okay, so don't need to know that. I'll just let Sam know you're on your way," he replied walking out the door. His expression one of embarrassment.
"It's not like we invited you into watch, Call!" Paul shouted towards the closed door.
I could hear a faint chuckle from outside. I shook my head, Men. I finally made my way into the bathroom and discarded the condom discreetly, tying it up and wrapping it in toilet paper. I looked at myself in the mirror sighing, the mark over my heart was gone. My hair looked a mess though, literally just fucked. I giggled at my inside joke as I started to run the brush through to tame my unruly locks.
"What's so funny princess," Paul asked wrapping his arms around my naked body. I leaned back against his warmth and sighed with relief.
"My hair is a disaster and literally just fucked," I replied with a giggle.
"Just fucked hair looks so good on you though," he smirked kissing my temple.
After finishing my hair, I turned around in his arms. I didn't look any different but yet I felt completely different. For once I wanted to hear the voice of my sylph, but I heard nothing. No words of wisdom, or words of worry. Just nothing, and peaceful silence. I knew then, that she approved of my mating with Paul. We had sealed the imprint and I felt complete for once. I know I was too young for my species to mate or find our perfect match, but it felt right. My birthday was months away and soon I would be filled with need to take Paul over and over in the first week. The thought caused me to blush.
"What are you thinking about so hard, princess," he smiled at me.
"Since the imprint is complete, well after my birthday..." I blushed harder. "And since we're officially mated, I'm going to.." my voice trailed off. I just couldn't say it out loud.
"You're going to what? Talk to me baby," he whispered.
"I'm going to be filled with need my first week after I turn eighteen. You know... lust," I replied sheepishly.
I couldn't keep the eye contact after such an admission. I was still embarrassed about it. Of course I was going to be insatiable my first week, it was considered the ceremonial week of mating. It was rare that a mermaid found their mate so young. I'm not saying it doesn't happen because it does. The youngest pair in the history of merfolk were thirteen when they found each other, it was the most powerful pair, that the energy could be felt throughout the seven seas. The woman was so beautiful, but her beauty was sought after by the gods and envied by the goddesses. I couldn't remember much about the tales but it was rumored that she caused the end of Atlantis. Of course they were probably just stories.
"Oh really," he smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Trust me, we'll have to go camping or something," I replied with confidence, a blush coloring my cheeks anyway.
"I think we can figure something out."
"Aren't you late for something, Paul?" I asked, a slight wave of deja vu falling over me as I spoke.
"Mind over matter, baby" he winked at me.
What? I wondered.
"Okay," I whispered. "I'm going to get ready to go to Port Angeles. Maybe Angela and Jessica want to meet up," I sighed.
I know Lauren mentioned the beach and Embry just mentioned a bonfire as well, and of course Paul had accepted to go, but I couldn't find it in me to actually go. I looked up and saw his crestfallen face at my statement.
"You aren't going to be at the beach later," he asked. I opened my mouth to answer when he cut me off. "We still need to talk about what you said at the hospital yesterday," he said, tugging my chin to look up at him.
I couldn't believe it was just yesterday. I know I completely did something I honestly didn't think I would do. I sealed the imprint with Paul, and I let everything holding us back, go.
"We still have time to talk later," I promised.
"Fine. I also want to talk to you about something else later as well. I've gotta go though, so I'll text you when I can," he leaned down and kissed my lips before running his nose over his mark. I gasped when he licked it, looking up at me with his wild eyes and a smirk on those delicious lips. He made me wonder how I was able to go without him for so long, as I did.
"I'll text you when I get to Angela's. If she agrees to go with me," I replied before reluctantly turning to get dressed.
After saying good bye to a reluctant Paul, I made my way over to Angela's house after she agreed to go with me over the phone. I sent Paul a text that we were leaving. We had decided to go together in Jessica's car, as my truck didn't exactly get great gas mileage.
The drive to Port Angeles was nothing short of noisy. Us girls gossiped just about everything going on in Forks high. Jessica revealed that Mike and her were going through some distancing. They were attending the Sadie Hawkins dance as their final fling, and then they were breaking it off. Mike's parents wanted him to focus next year on getting a full ride to UCLA. He had a shot at getting a football scholarship and his parents were putting their foot down. So Jessica and Mike were officially going to break up.
I pitied her a bit. She seemed so unhappy with the decision but she respected his parents and understood their logic. We pulled into the dress shop and headed straight for the juniors section. We tried on dresses and gossiped about boys. Angela and Edward were currently dating but she didn't have the same feelings as him.
Jessica had found a hot pink dress that complemented her cleavage quite nicely. While Jessica went off to find shoes and accessories, Angela approached me with a look of gloom.
"Hey Bella, I know you know what the Cullens are. And well I'm beginning to think that Edward and I aren't what he thinks we are. You see..." she took a deep breath before continuing. "They have extended family members over and well I can see the way he looks at one of them. I honestly don't understand why he doesn't get the nerve to ask her out, instead of making me feel like a third wheel when she is in the same room," her voice was so small.
"Oh Ang. I had no idea. Why don't you tell him how you feel? Is there someone else you're interested in?" I failed her as friend. I was so out of the loop.
"He thinks we're mates because, like you, my mind is also silent but not all the time. So he thinks that is the only explanation. Except, I kind of like someone else," her face was so heartbreaking.
"Well maybe you can break things off before things get more complicated. Who is the lucky guy who caught your attention?" I asked.
She blushed deeply before answering. "Jasper," she whispered.
I gasped out loud. Jasper was my best friend and Ang was a sweet girl, all in all they were perfect for each other. The only thing I wondered was, were they mates? I know Jasper blocks everything out, like turning off a switch to his emotions. He might not feel a mating pull if there is one. I'll definitely have to ask him about it, or maybe I could shoot him a text.
"Then maybe you should talk to both of them together. Be honest and open. You don't want to do something because it makes someone happy if it requires you giving up your happiness. Just talk to them together so they both can understand," I replied.
I hugged her tight before releasing her and twirling in front of the three-way mirror. The royal blue gown was perfect and it complemented my skin tone beautifully. It was backless and hugged my body as if it were made just for me. It accentuated my curves beautifully and pushed my breasts up more. Paul is going to lose it when he sees me in this dress, I thought smirking to myself.
"Oh my gosh! That's absolutely stunning Bella!" Jessica beamed returning with her new purchases.
Angela came out wearing a ballerina pink flowy dress. It hugged her torso before flowing in layers at her waist, each one a shade darker than the last. It was strapless and the top was embroidered with beautiful pearls. She was absolutely beautiful.
"OH Ang!" Jess and I sighed in unison. She was gorgeous.
"You don't think it's too much?" She asked sheepishly.
"Of course not!" I said, heading back to the fitting room to redress before heading to the shoes and accessories.
Angela picked out a pair of pearl white two inch heels. The straps were embroidered with light pink pearls, they matched her dress beautifully. She picked out a pearl necklace with matching studs. She was going to look absolutely gorgeous. While I was picking my accessories and shoes, Ang and Jess went to pick out a dress for the Sadie Hawkins dance. I found a pair of silver strappy heels with rhinestones on them. I picked a pair of simple drop earrings to match the rhinestones on my shoes. I was admiring a single drop necklace when the girls met up with me.
"We're going to try the dress shop down the road. These are a bit too much for the Sadie Hawkins dance. Wanna meet up after to grab a bite," Jessica asked.
"Sure, I'm going go check out a bookstore around the corner. How about Chinese? I saw a buffet by the water front a ways back," I replied.
"Sounds perfect," Angela sighed.
"Meet back in an hour," Jess called, as her and Angela made their way to the exit before disappearing outside.
I quickly made my purchase of my new dress, shoes, and accessories. I was about to swipe my bank card when a little silver clutch caught my eye. It was perfect and just what I needed to place my phone, and maybe a powder to refresh at the dance. I quickly handed it to the cashier and paid. After walking to the bookstore I was relieved to discover they were well stocked. I bought a new copy of Wuthering Heights and a couple of William Shakespeare novels. I even ventured into the supernatural section and found a few romance novels.
I made my way to the register and paid. Looking at the time on the large clock hanging on the wall, I realized I had a few minutes to get to the restaurant. It was starting to get darker when I left the shop. I don't exactly have the best sense of direction in large cities. As long as I can smell the ocean I can find my way.
I was wondering around when I realized I was lost. I couldn't smell the ocean over the foul smell of rot in the alley I turned down moments ago. I was heading towards a lit parking lot when a group of guys turned into the alley. I froze, I could smell the alcohol as if they bathed in it. I felt my heartrate accelerate as they whistled and cat called towards me. It made me anxious. I turned to leave the way I came, when I bumped into another group. They were wearing shirts with Greek letters, obviously frat boys in college.
I took a step back, only to realize I was completely surrounded. Out numbered, and surrounded. I could feel the panic slowly rising as I tried to think of a way get past them. As long as I could distract them long enough to make a run for it. I was honestly considering morphing my tail just to put them out so I could make a run for it. I tried to remember how to fight if it came down to it. I could definitely break a nose and a few bones. They closed the circle around me, my back against the brick wall. I could feel my heart beating in chest rapidly as they spoke, reaching out to touch me. I couldn't hear them over the ringing in my ears, I flinched back when one of the guys brushed his hand on my face. There were nine of them, definitely outnumbered.
As I started to reconsider morphing my tail, I heard a loud ferocious growl coming from the entrance of the alley nearest the forest. I turned to look at what or should I say who made the growl. Relief flooded my body at the sight of Paul, Embry, and Jacob? I pushed through the group of guys running for Paul. He embraced me into a tight hug as Embry and Jacob walked towards the group of frat boys.
"How did you find me?" I asked, my voice shaking.
He hugged me tightly turning away from the fight that was now ensued, and walked me towards the forest. Once inside the treeline he held me gently as he spoke. "I could feel your panic, Isabella. The mark led me to you, it's like a supernatural GPS baby," his voice was strained.
I could tell he wanted to be helping Embry and Jake. He hugged me tightly and nuzzled my neck, licking his mark on my neck. "I don't know what I would have done if anything happened to you baby," he sobbed quietly.
I ran my nails gently over his back and through his thick hair soothingly. "I'm okay. Everything is okay now. Look at me Paul," I whispered, pulling his face to look at me. "See, nothing happened. You saved me, baby," I said as I reached up on my tippy toes and planted a soft kiss on his lips.
"I should've been there with you, Isabella."
"Hey, I just got lost is all. I forgot which direction the restaurant was in. When I tried to scent the ocean I couldn't over the foul smell of trash. But I'm okay now, I promise." I hugged him closer, and kissed his head.
"I should get you back to your friends baby. You need eat," he replied.
"Why don't you and Jake join me, let Embry get back to Lauren." I grabbed his hand we started in the direction of the Chinese restaurant.
"Okay baby," he sighed.
We were a few feet away when Jessica and Angela came running towards me with anxious eyes.
"Bella!" They exclaimed with worry.
"Where have you been? We've been so worried," Angela questioned.
"Yeah we tried your cell but it kept going straight to voicemail," Jessica added.
"Yeah we waited, but we kind of ate without you," Angela looked guilty.
"That's okay guys. I can still eat with Paul," I replied with a smile.
Both girls looked up at Paul curiously. Angela blushed looking away but Jessica was too busy staring at something behind Paul.
"How are getting home," Jess asked, snapping out of her daze.
"I can take her home," Paul replied.
"Okay Bella. We'll see you Monday?" Ang asked, hugging me.
"See ya Ang," I replied.
"Call me when you get home safely," Jess whispered in my ear. Of course she had no idea about Paul and myself.
After assuring Jessica and Angela that I'd call them both when I got home, we said our goodbyes just as Jake walked up.
"Hey Bells," Jake whispered, staring at Jessica's car disappearing into the night.
"Hey Jake," I replied turning to the restaurant.
I was absolutely famished. After finishing a couple of plates of noodles, rice and chicken. Then a plate of dessert, I sat and watched with wide eyes as Paul and Jake finished off a ninth plate.
"We should go before they kick us out Lahote," Jake chuckled.
I blushed as I realized several people staring at us. Paul and Jake could have probably finished the entire buffet. After paying, we walked outside in silence.
"I should get going. Don't worry, I won't say anything about you two. Mum is the word," Jake whispered as he turned to leave.
"See ya Jake," I replied.
He waved us off before disappearing into the trees.
"Want to share what happened back there," I said, turning to Paul. He knew what I was talking about as he sighed.
"Jake imprinted," he replied. I gasped.