Stephanie Meyer owns all. I hope you enjoy, though I'm not sure how good this is, and please excuse my mistakes, Hugs and much love to you my wolf sisters and brothers.

All critiques are welcome, though this is just a hobby to me, it's the only way we learn what we are doing wrong or right.

To Hurt To Heal 2

Paul's Story

Chapter Three

Let The Seduction Begin

(Paul's POV)

As luck would have it, we didn't get far, Dolly had called Bella on her cell phone to say she'll be there after all and Bella then called Kim, but instead of going back to Jacob's house, we ended up at Sam's. I have to admit, I was very curious about her change of mind, but hey, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

You know, that saying never made any sense to me. I wouldn't look a horse in the mouth, gift or otherwise.

After we unpacked everything, again, setting things up in the kitchen, I joined my brothers outside on the deck, Sam was taking care of the grill. I was out there about 15 minutes when I caught her scent; I would smell her even if she was in the midst of bloodsuckers and a pile of garbage. Before she could knock, I rushed to the front door wanting to be the first to greet her. I didn't care about the snickers and smirks from my brothers, thinking big bad Paul is loosing his cool, but when it came to her, I didn't give a damn what anyone thought.

When I opened the door, I almost swallowed my tongue and I wondered if she would mind if just tackled here, throwing her over my shoulder, taking her somewhere and ravish her, damn being slow. She was wearing a dark blue, above the knee jean skirt, wore low on her hip, and a red alter top that showed tantalizing glimpse of her stomach that I wanted to run my tongue across to see if it taste as good as it looked.

Yummy chocolate.

On her feet she wore a simple pair of red sandals; her hair looked like a curly cloud of soft spiral cotton curls, which brushed past the softness of her shoulders and down her back. I gave her a few once overs, before raising my eyes to hers. Damn, I forgot just how green and mesmerizing her eyes were.

I leaned against the door jam and continued to check out. "Hello sexy." I said when my eyes connected with hers again.

She was smirking at me, then gave me the once over too. "Hello Paul." Then she grinned. "I have to admit, you're hot, for such a jerk." Then she walked by me into the house.

Yeah, I knew she had a thing for me, she thinks I'm hot.

I couldn't help but laugh, that girl was mean, well, more up front and honest, just the way I like her. I have to say again, the faiths knew what they were doing. As I followed her to the kitchen area, that feeling I felt the night I imprinted on her, still has me confused, because it truly felt as though I was imprinted on too, unless, nope not going there, it's just crazy.

I'll have to think about that another time, because the sexy way she's walking is distracting the hell out of me, I felt like kneeling and panting like a dog who wanted to be petted.

The girls greeted her much the same as they greeted me, treated her like a long lost sister and I was grateful for that, though she seems very reserved, I can tell she doesn't trust easily, but I bet, once you had her trust and friendship, she will stick by you no matter what. Anyway, I was very grateful with the way they greeted her because there is prejudice all over the world, peopleagainst interracialrelationships, but you will find none of them here, not because we, in the past, were an oppressed race, treated badly, not because we were truly different as wolves. People are more than their outer appearance and I for one love that we all come in different size and color; it makes us all so much more unique and beautiful. Besides, love knows no color and neither do we.

Besides, the hot sexy, mean woman is just my type.

I look around at the girls, two Indians, one white and one African American, yeah, beautiful, and if anyone have an issue with the girls, us Indian, shape shifting men were blessed with, they best keep it to themselves.

I took one longing look towards Dolly, where she was now helping with food preparations; I reluctantly went outside to join my brother. They looked at me with smirks and grins when I rejoined them, but wisely said nothing. I grinned slightly at all of them and went back to join Sam and Jacob at the grill and kept my ear opened to the conversation in the kitchen.

It was quiet for minute, and then Bella spoke. "Dolly, would you like something to drink?"

"Sure what do you have?" She asked

"We have homemade iced tea, lemonade, red wine, beer and soft drink." Bella informed her.

"I would love a glass of lemonade." She replied and I could hear the smile in it.

For a few I heard Bella retrieve and pour her a glass of what she asked for and must have poured herself a glass.

"Would you sit with me?" Bella asked. "I've been on my feet all morning and need to take a break."

"Sure." Dolly replied hesitantly, then. "Next time I'll host us."

My heart did a happy jig when I realized that meant she didn't plan on going anywhere. Anyway if she tried I would be right on her tail.

I walked over and sat with Jared and Kim, she had come out just before Dolly showed up to join him. The chair I sat in allowed me to see everything that went on the family room without being obvious. So when she followed Bella and sat in the sofa that faced the sliding glass door, I could see her a lot better.

But followed her to the connected family room to have a seat. I could see her better now and watched out of the corner of my eyes as I listened. I know why she asked Dolly to sit with her, but I hoped she didn't get too personal because one thing I remember about Dolly, she is a very private person.

"So how is everything at the cottage? Do you have everything you need?" Bella asks.

"Yes, I do. Thanks for asking." Dolly replied.

"I heard something about your family restoring that old castle like structure up the hill. How is that going?" Bella asked.

"It's going great actually. My parents love restoring old historic places and when I told them about that place, they sent some people to check it out; they did some research and agreed that the history of that place deserves to be saved. They also hired local people to do the work. It's their history after all."

"That's great, I'm happy about that." Leah said, as she came to stand behind the sofa. "A few of us use to play up there as kids. It was our stronghold." Her voice took on a playful tone. "Where we defended the kingdom from enemy attackers."

They girls all laughed. When the laughs stop. "I would love to meet your parents." Bella told her.

"maybe one day." Dolly answered off handedly. I got the impression her parents was a subject she didn't want to talk about.

Bella got the message. "If there is anything you ever need, please don't hesitate to ask." She informed her.

"Same here." Leah added.

"I'll do that, thanks." She replied, and then continued. "La Push is a beautiful place, I truly love it here."

"Yes it is." Bella agreed." I have always felt more at home here, than anywhere else, then again, anywhere my Jacob is, that's home to me." I heard the smile, the happiness in her voice.

I turned to look at him and he had a happy smile on his face. I was very happy for my brother and hope to have that kind of happiness too. It went quiet for awhile, until Bella continued.

"I know you and Paul met before and I take it, it wasn't the best of first meetings." Her voice filled with curiosity.

"You can say that." I glanced at her because I could hear a reluctance in her voice to answer any questions, I just hope Bella don't go too far with it.

"I won't ask." Bella said hesitantly. "But if you want to talk, I'm told I'm a good listener.

"I really don't want to talk about that, gut I'll keep it in mind. It's just that I always feel it's better to discuss these things with the person I have the problem with than anyone else." She told Bella. "I truly hope you don't take that as an offence."

"Of course not, but I would like us to me friends, you are a part of our family, just by the fact that you helped us, something you didn't have to do."

"I do appreciate that and I'm sure we can be friends once we get to know each other better. Besides." She hesitated before continuing. I turned and openly watched them, I was curious about what she would say next. She was staring at Bella intently. "Vampires are great enemies of ours especially the ones who don't stick to the rules of law they swore to live by. Anyone who thinks they are capable of true human emotions is sadly mistaken." Then she smiled. "Anyway, I wasn't going to allow a vampire to hurt a wolf's mate and especially not a wolf." She turned and saw me watching her; she winked at me then turned back to Bella.

This woman was something else. I love the way she thinks. I hate vampires more than anyone and with good reason.

"Thanks, we really appreciate it." I heard glass being put down on the coffee table. "Can I say something to you?" Bella asked.

"Sure, go ahead." She replied, but I could tell she was on her guard. "Within reason." She added.

"I know Paul came off as a jerk to you, but he is really not like that, he is really a good guy who loves and cares very deeply, so when he hurts he hurts just as deeply." She stopped for minute. "Won't you give him the chance to explain to you about his past and why he acts the way he does sometimes." Then she stops again before continuing. "He really feels deeply for you in a way that only he can explain."

I knew Bella was referring to the imprint, but it went beyond that.

"I know he is not the jerk he pretends." Dolly replied. "Believe me, I know more than all of you think I do or can explain right now. I would really rather not talk about that, if you don't mind. This is something Paul and I will have to work out for ourselves, eventually."She smiled to take the sting off. "I'm sure you understand."

"Oh we do." I heard Leah say. "You know Dolly, you will fit with us, there is one thing we hate is when women go on and on about things that should be resolved with her and her man." She grinned. "Unless that is he is abusing her in anyway, then we want to know, so we can protect her and help beat his behind."

They all laughed at that.

"Of course no man around here would ever abuse his woman; he'd take his own life first." Bella added, and then she winked. "They'd rather love us thoroughly. They're very viral men."

"Yeah." Leah agreed. "I saw her look down at Dolly, who had turned to look up at her, then wink and smile. "I'm sure Paul will be the same way with the woman he loves too, he seems as viral as my Sam."

I saw dolly slowly put her glass down, then looked back at Leah with a smile I knew didn't reach her eyes. "I'm confused on when this conversation became about sex." She was saying, and without giving anyone time to respond she continued. "look, I like you girls, you have took me into your family in spite of our differences, I'm truly grateful for that and I do want us all to become very good friends, but I was never that woman who talked about her sex life with friends, not even my best friend. We stood by and supported each other through good and bad decision, though we try to advise each other against the bad, we are there for support none the less." She stopped and took a deep breath. "I don't mean to be rude but the first thing you should know about me is, I'm very straight forward. I hope you understand."

"Of course we do." Leah replied. "We are really not that type of women either."

(Dolly's POV)

I don't know why I got so upset, they meant no harm, I guess the phone call that I got earlier, the one that made me quickly change mind about Bella's, invitation, had me more rattled than I thought.

Though it did seem they thought Paul's so called virility would have me running in his arms. Really? If that's all there is to recommend a man they can count me out, that does not tell me what kind of man he is.

I don't have a choice when it comes to Paul anyway, he was chosen for me, which is okay by me, I've already had strong feelings for him, since the moment we met. I just wish I could protect him from what may come, but it's too late for that because the fate's had other ideas.

I needed to get some air, time to think. Coming here might have been a mistake. I mean, what can they really do, not to brag, but I'm a bit more powerful than most in this room. I stood and did something surprising even to me. I hugged them both. "I'm sorry, I need to take a walk, I'll be back."

I glanced outside to where all the men were, though they weren't looking this way right now, I knew they heard every word of our conversation. There is no such thing as a private conversation in a house full of wolves. I turned and looked at Bella, really looked, this girl who once thought it was possible to have a true friendship with a vampire. What I saw now was a young girl who was put through hell by them; I decided then that they will never get another chance to do it again.

A girl with such a good heart didn't deserve that, to be so deceived and used by those monsters, Bella deserves the peace and love she has found with Jacob.

"Are you okay?' Bella asks. I could see the concern written all over her face.

I must have zoned out. "Yeah, I'm good." I replied, Then did something surprising, even to myself, I bent back down and quickly kissed her cheek, then Leah's then walked away.

When I opened the door to leave, the youngest wolf, Seth, was just about to enter.

"Hey dolly, leaving so soon?" He asks, as he entered the house.

As I looked at him, I had a strange vision of him and my little sister, Amita, him in wolf form and she leaning against him. It went as quickly as it came. Well, that was new.

"You alright?" He asked, concerned.

"Yeah, Hey Seth." I replied to his earlier greeting. "No, just getting some air, I'll be back." I hear the door close behind me as I walked out.

I walked to where I parked my SUV and got in, changing quickly into a pair of, low rise, stone washed, light blue, Mid thigh jean shorts, v-neck white t- shirt and a dark blue hooded sweatshirt that I kept in there, then changing my sandals for a pair of dark blue canvas sneakers.

After locking my van, I ran to First Beach, I needed the fresh air to clear my head. As I began walking, I saw a bald headed dark skin man walking my way. I stopped and prepared to defend myself. I should have brought my damn swords with me.

"Beautiful day isn't it?" The man said as he walked by me.

Paranoid much Dolly? "Yes it is." I replied. Damn, I'm jumping at shadows. I thought he was someone else.

"Yes, beautiful day for a walk." I don't think he wanted a reply, because he was already a few feet away from me, looking at the beach as he walked.

I shook my head at myself, then relaxed and continued walking.

(Paul's POV)

"What's wrong with Dolly?" Seth asks, as he walked in the room.

I stepped into the family room, my brothers behind me. "Why, what happened?" I ask him.

"Nothing happened." He replied. "She just seems kind of... down."

I didn't say anything to that, just started walking to the front door, as I walked by Leah, she mouthed. "Sorry about that."

I smiled a little at her but kept going. When I got outside I began to run, following her scent to the beach. Damn, she was fast; I found her walking on first beach. I walked slowly towards her and noticed a man the same complexion as her with a shaved head, about 40 feet away, walking purposely towards her. She stopped and seems to be waiting for something, but he just kept walking by her, saying a few words, I wasn't paying attention to what he said to her. I was focused on why a minute ago, she seemed to be preparing herself for a fight. It's almost like I could feel her every emotion, which is unusual for a single imprint, unless you were an Alpha.

I really need to get to the bottom of this. Dolly had some explaining to do.

I rushed over to her. Before I reached her, she stopped. "What do you want Paul?" She asks without turning towards me. She must have sensed me.

"Are you okay?" I ask, coming to stand in front of her."

She smiled and shook her head before answering. "You're not going to give me any space are you? Time to think." She asks instead of answering my question.

I grinned sheepishly and put my hands in my pockets. "Not really, besides, thinking can be over rated."

She grinned back. "Come here Paul." When I walked closer. "Give me your hand."

Which I did, gladly. She closed her eyes as she held my hand and I felt as though electricity was running through my veins. As I watched her, I felt confused, there is something familiar there, in her, just beneath the surface and just before I could catch it

She opened her eyes. They seemed to glow for a second before they went back to their light green color.

"It's too late now, it really did happen, can't turn back." She seem to be arguing with her herself, because she whispered it as she looked down at the ground. Then she suddenly looked right at me.

"What's wrong?" I ask before she could say anything else. "Tell me please, I want to help."

"What makes you think anything is wrong?"

It hit me right then and there. "You know how I know, and I don't think I'm wrong." I held both her hands. "Whatever it is, we are in this together, forever."

She relaxed and took a deep and gentle squeezed my hands. "You're right." Her look became intent and serious. "Paul, there's something you need to know."