A/N – Now that VBS is done and we are back on our normal schedule, I kindly present you the next chapter (and it's the longest one yet)! You'll have to forgive me for changing Paul's eye color. I have a small obsession with grey eyes (thank you Draco Malfoy…..). Ahem anyways hope y'all enjoy!

Oh yeah haven't done this in a while:

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended

The forest is dark and misty. I'm standing in the middle of a small clearing and I feel a sense of anticipation and dread. A twig snaps behind me and I jerk around to see a flash of silver. I've seen that flash before. The night I got lost when Edward left. I keep looking around waiting for Sam to come out and guide me back home, but I see no one.

The wind picks up, blowing my hair in a tornado around me. My vision obscures for a moment but when the wind dies and my hair calms, I gasp. I am surrounded by giant wolves. My heart pounds, panic sets in quickly as I take in the massive forms breathing gently around me. There are five of them: black, brown, dark red, grey and black, and dark silver. I look over all of them but as my eyes reach the silver one I freeze. I know him.

My mind focuses on the silver one, the rest of the wolves fading to the background. I have no fear as I approach him. I raise my hand, hoping to pet the wolf. Instinctively I know he won't hurt me. He will protect me, love me, care for me. I want this more than anything in the world.

The wolf leans his head towards my hand and I make contact with the softest thing I have ever touched. I feel more than hear the rumbling in his neck. Mesmerized, I continue to stroke the wolf as his eyes close and he presses further into my hand. His hind legs fold and the wolf gently lays down. I sit beside him and lean into his warmth. This is exactly what I need. I feel safe.

I didn't realize my eyes had closed until I feel the fur under me disappear only to be replaced by searing skin. My eyes jerk open and I quickly back away. What the hell? The panic is back full force.

"Sweet B?"

I know that name. It's my nickname. Who gave it to me?

My face turns to the sound. Stormy grey eyes. Chiseled features. My eyes trail down his body taking in every dip of his abs, the cutest outtie belly button, dark hair trailing down to….

I jerk myself to my feet looking everywhere but the person sitting in front of me. I hear him rise to his feet and approach me. My eyes squeeze shut as I feel his hand on my cheek.

"Sweet B, open your eyes for me. I need you to see and remember. It's not much but it is so important. Please."

I open my eyes and find them directly connected to his. There's a storm brewing in his eyes, one that I don't know if I can handle. He studies my face as I study his trying to bring forth the memories that he is desperate for me to see.

A bonfire. The legends. A conversation on the beach with a complete stranger. This stranger. Quil and Jacob's angry stares as we leave.

I gasp in remembrance. The legends are real! Those guys are shape-shifters! They protect their tribe from the cold-ones, vampires like James and Victoria.

My head swims for a moment as I recall cleaning and rearranging my room with Angela, tossing clothes, and finding the items Edward hid and burning them. My life with vampires ended that day.

I bring up more memories. Paul. His name is Paul. He drives a BEAST of a motorcycle and it is so effing sexy. We went for ride to the diner. He told me something there. What? What was it?

"… everything that mattered before is in the shadow in the light of your soul mate"

I sat up quickly in my bed as if I was physically pulled from my dream. Soul mate? What was that about? I put my hand on my head and glanced at the clock. 5 AM. Looks like it's time for me to get up. I know I'm not going to be going back to sleep anytime soon.

As I made my way to the shower I contemplated the dream. Some things I knew were certain: the wolves were real, the Quileute legends were true, and I have never met the wolves in wolf form. There's no doubt in my mind about that. But I have met that man. Paul. And he's significant to me for some reason. I could tell we had a very important conversation at the diner.

But for the life of me, the words that we actually spoke would not come.

I readied myself for the day and headed down to the kitchen to get coffee started. I was trying not to think too hard anymore because I knew if I do, I would WAY overthink everything. Embry was coming by later, he'd help me out. Maybe Paul would come with him. Not sure why but my heart warmed at that thought.

Charlie clumped down the stairs dressed for a day at the station. As he grabbed a cup of coffee, he gave me a tentative smile that I returned. I thanked God that I didn't lose any more than a few days of my memory because if I had lost a lifetime, I don't think I would have mentally survived. "So, you think you'll be ok by yourself today Bells?" Charlie asked gruffly. I thought about it a moment before I replied.

"Well, Embry said he was coming over later to talk and try to help me remember the last couple of days. I am trying not to stress over it too much, but I hope he can shed some light as to why I would even consider taking a walk through forests of La Push." Charlie chuckled at me. "Yeah, I'm kind of curious about that myself. I have to head in to the station now. Apparently there was a body found near the rez and the state police have been called in. Someone has to liaison between the tribe and the state." He gulped the last of his coffee and approached me and kissed the side of my head. "I love ya kid, you know that right?" His eyes focused intensely on me and I couldn't help the blush that rose to my cheeks. "Yeah dad, I know. I love you too." He smiled at me and said he'd be home for dinner.

I decided that bowl of cereal was what I needed so I made it and ate quickly then took my coffee and a book outside. I love sitting on the front steps and just enjoying the peace and quiet. A sense of déjà vu threatened to overwhelm me as I lowered myself to the top step. The fog wasn't as dense this morning and the sun was shining heavily through the clouds. Maybe we would get some real, actual sunshine. I settled down for a nice read.

It seemed like only minutes before I heard a car crunching in the drive way. I jerked up from the book realizing I had company. I checked my phone and realized I had been out there for almost three hours. Shaking my head at myself, I stood up to greet my visitors.

Embry emerged from the backseat of the car and Sam from the driver seat. When the front passenger door opened I couldn't help but gasp. It was Paul. He looked exactly like he did in my dreams. They were all wearing cut off shorts, flip flops, and shirts that were pulled so tight across their chests and stomachs, I could see every muscle and dip of their abs.

Good Lord in heaven, it was such a pretty sight.

I mentally shook my head and smiled at them. Embry approached first, which I was glad for. I may know the other men, but I was comfortable with Embry having spent so much time with him in Jake's garage.

"Hey guys." I felt the blush rise in my cheeks as I approached them. Embry and Sam smiled at me. I'm not sure what Paul did because I was too afraid to look at him. For some reason all I could think about doing was jumping into his arms and kissing him senseless.

Whoa, slow down there Cletus!

"Good morning Bella," Embry said. "Got a few minutes to talk? I know you have some questions and you are just itching for them to be answered." I chuckled at that. "Yeah, Em. I know I am missing a lot of information and I just want it all back. Why don't you guys come in and I'll get some lunch together and we'll talk. Personally, I am starving!"

They all chuckled, but my ears focused on one chuckle in particular. It was deep and rumbling and did things to me that I couldn't understand. The need to be near him seemed to intensify but I held back. I didn't want him to think I was TOTALLY nuts. Just a little bit nuts would do.

We made our way inside and I directed them to the table while I grabbed sandwich fixings. "Well Embry, Sam, P-Paul," I couldn't help the stutter on his name, "I had a dream last night and have remembered a few things, but I know I'm still missing a lot." I went on to explain the dream to them as I worked on our lunch. By the time I finished, I had a large plate of sandwiches that I set on the table for them, keeping one for myself.

Sam seemed to be contemplating my words as we began to eat. "You seem to have the gist of it. You know of the pack, that was one of the major things. There are some events that we cannot tell you about simply because we are not sure of a lot of what happened. You were the only one present for them." I look at him curiously. Did something big happen? Paul remained silent, staring at me intensely. I tried to avoid looking at him because if I did I feared I would never look away.

"Bella," Embry said, glancing wearily at Paul. "You didn't trip in the woods. We weren't hiking to Jacob's. You were hit in the head with a rock by Edward Cullen."

Say what now?

"Edward? The same Edward Cullen that left me in the forest to 'live a normal life' and said I was no good for him? Yeah right Em, good one. Now what did I really do? Jump off a cliff?"

The guys exchanged glances and in the corner of my eye I could see Paul's shoulders tense tightly. They had to be kidding, Edward and all the Cullens were gone.

"I wish I was joking Bells, I really do. But it's true. He had you in the forest, had dazzled you to believe that you still loved him. We could see the vagueness and aloofness in your face and eyes. He used you as a shield to taunt Victoria. When it didn't work, he hit you on the head with a rock and took off."

I stared at Embry wide eyed. There was no way what he was saying was true. Edward would never come back for me, he promised. I looked at Sam who nodded his head at me. Oh God. It was true? I let myself be pulled in to his lure?

I finally dragged my eyes to Paul. His eyes were storming like they had in my dream and his fists were clenched. He seemed to be growling, but managed to speak. "Yes, Bella. He had you. We were riding back from the diner to the rez to talk to Sam. He grabbed you right off the back of my bike. There was nothing….." he stopped and seemed to struggle for words. His body was shaking uncontrollably. "PAUL, OUT!" Sam ordered him. Paul shoved himself away from the table and was out the back door before I could blink. I heard something shredding and then a long howl.

I jumped from my chair and looked out the back window just in time to see the silver wolf disappear into the forest behind the house. "Sorry, I had to order him out." Sam said. "Paul has not been dealing with the events of the last few days very well. His temper is sitting right on top and the slightest thing has set him off. He had to get out before he phased in the house." I just nodded my head in understanding. I certainly didn't want to have to try to explain to Charlie why his kitchen was destroyed.

I turned back to Embry. "So I'm guessing that you guys were there when he confronted Victoria? Why?" Embry smirked before answering my question. "Actually that was my idea." My eyebrow raised in question.

He went on to explain how they figured out Edward had snatched me from the back of Paul's motorcycle and taken to the trees to hide any scent he would have left; how they met up with Victoria and her need for vengeance and the deal they made with her. My head swum as I took in the information. Edward took me from some one that was apparently very important to me. I still had no idea why, but I knew that to be true.

"Don't you want to give us another try? I promise I will do whatever you want."

I gasped and dropped back into the chair I had previously occupied. I remembered. A grey room, a breakfast tray. And Edward. Telling me he loved me and would change me, that we would live happily ever after.

I didn't realize I was shaking until I felt warm arms wrap around me and I felt the vibrations on his skin. Instinctively I turned my face into the bare chest pressed against my side and breathed deeply. The scent calmed me and I was able to relax. I knew that it was Paul holding me and I should be afraid of a virtual stranger in my home, but I wasn't. I was comforted; I felt treasured and loved.

I kinda liked the feeling.

I felt him speaking more than heard him. "It's ok Bella, he's gone now. Gone forever and you are safe. We will protect you no matter what." I nodded into his chest and sighed deeply. This felt right. I heard a throat clearing behind Paul's back and glanced up to see Embry smirking at me. "Hey Paul, you might wanna put these on before you traumatize Bella here," he said as he held up a pair of basketball short. My eyes widened as I immediately pulled back from Paul's warm embrace and turned my head. I knew my face was on fire with blush. I heard Sam and Embry chuckle for a moment before a low growl stopped them.

It took me a moment to compose myself enough to turn around and face them, but I finally did. The guys were looking between each other having a silent conversation. Finally Paul nodded and Sam and Embry stood. "Bella," Sam said. "There are things that Paul still needs to talk to you about so Embry and I will leave. If you remember anything else about the time you were..." he paused to find the right word. "Well, while you were away, please let us know." He gave me a gentle smile that I returned. "Thank you Sam for all that you've done for me. I know there's a lot more to what happened than just what was said today but we'll get there eventually." He nodded and started towards the front door.

Embry stood also and gave me his shy smile. "He's right you know, you can call us anytime. There is more that has happened but we don't want to push you or anything. Step by step, start with this knuckle head first." He laughed and punched Paul's shoulder. Paul grunted and glared at Embry, but you could see the smile behind his eyes. There was something between these two that I could see but I don't think they noticed. I'd have to think on that later.

After the door shut behind them, I slowly turned back to face Paul. My head was down, I just couldn't face him. I didn't understand where these feelings were coming from and they scared me. This man was a stranger as far as I knew and I was alone with him in my house.

"So….." I said quietly. I felt him step closer to me and shivered. Not from cold, but from his proximity. He stood close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off his body. I glanced up through my lashes to see his bare chest right at eye level. His fingers grabbed my chin and raised my head to look into his eyes. The storm was gone, but there was something else there. Relief, pain, love. I let my eyes trail over his face and examined each aspect from his high cheek bones to his full lips that were begging to be kissed. His hair looked so soft and was ruffled from his previous transformation. I wanted to reach up and run my fingers through it, but I refrained.

I held my breath as I felt his eyes examining me too. They lingered on the bandage on my head that covered the stitches and I felt the low growl that emanated from his chest. On instinct, my hand raised and pressed against his warm cheek and his eyes immediately returned to mine.

"Hey," I said. "Don't worry, it's all over and I'm ok. Well mostly ok I suppose but I'm here and alive and I know don't remember everything I'm supposed to but I know that it's important for you to know that and I don't know why but I know you'll help me and…"

My babbling was cut short by warm lips pressing to mine. I gasped lightly as his soft, pliable mouth began massaging mine. He tasted sweet yet musky and manly. I groaned when his hands found their way around my body and pressed me to him. My hands were trapped between our bodies and I carefully moved them up to grab at the hairs at the back of his head like I had wanted to do moments before.

Were they sure I didn't die? Because this had to be heaven. I felt his lips part slightly and his teeth grabbed at my bottom lip making me gasp again. He took that opportunity to invade my mouth with his tongue and I let him. His tongue twined with mine and I reciprocated as best I could. He didn't seem to mind my inexperience. I had never been kissed with such passion and need and oh my God what are his hands doing to me. They were roaming my back from top to my bottom now and massaging every inch and I think I'm going to pass out.

Oh wait, I just need to breathe.

I pulled away slightly gasping for air. He laid his forehead on mine and panted lightly. I couldn't help the dazed smile I knew was on my face. I mean really, that was the best kiss of my life. And with a virtual stranger at that. Oh Lord, I'm in trouble.

"I'm…" Paul started. "NO!" I wasn't going to let him apologize! "Don't say you're sorry! I'm not. That was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. I don't understand why it was so intense or why it felt so right, but it was and it did and I enjoyed it so there's nothing to apologize for."

I pulled back and smiled at him to show him the sincerity in my words. He studied my face for a moment before smiling and nodding his head. "Ok then," he said. His hand grabbed mine and he pulled towards the front door to sit on the porch steps. "Let's talk."

A/N – WHEW! Well….alrighty then Paul, way to be aggressive there! Hope you enjoyed this little bit of lime juice. I don't usually write them, but I needed to cheer up AnneValkyria a bit. Hope it helped love! As always, leave me a note and tell me what you think!