A Whole New World
Chapter 4: My New World Begins
Paul's POV
I was so nervous, but determined not to show it. I wanted to appear confident and in control; those weren't so hard. But I also wanted to let Isabella know I was really interested in her, without scaring her off. I still wasn't sure how old she was, and I was fairly certain she didn't have a lot of experience with men. And my body just wanted to be close to her. It took effort to manage to keep my hand from reaching over and grabbing hers. I just wanted to hold her hand, and stroke her soft skin with my thumb. Oh, ugghh this girl is turning me into a pansy.
"So, Isabella, did you leave a boyfriend behind in Arizona?" I asked. Please say no, please say no; I thought, preparing myself for the worst.
"No, I've never really had a boyfriend." She answered.
At first I was so relieved. At least I didn't have to convince her to break up with some loser before I could pursue her. But the relief only lasted a moment. I began to process what she had said. She's never had a boyfriend. She's so freaking innocent. I don't even know where to begin. I can't mess this up.
"Never, really!" I blurted out in a panic.
"Really, never." I could hear the hurt in her voice. I could feel it.
Oh crap she thought I was judging her or something. Fix it, fix it, I demanded of myself. Luckily for me instincts took over. I guess the imprint is good for something. My hand covered hers in a comforting gesture and I explained my response a little more lovingly. "Hey, I was just surprised because you're so beautiful that I was sure you would have guys falling at your feet."
And it was true. I really was shocked. All that sun in Phoenix must render high school guys stupid, or gutless. No matter. I was glad. She was mine and I didn't really like the idea of sharing, even in the past sense.
I lifted my hand and gave my attention back to the road and thanked God when she took over leading the conversation.
We talked about how I ended up picking her up, our ages, our likes and dislikes, why I didn't go to college, well the official story anyway. We talked about how I got my house, and why she was moving in with Charlie. I was really glad to hear it was at least a semi-permanent move. I told her more about myself in the 45 minute ride than I have ever told anyone but Sam and Jared. And they knew most things by default, not because I was sharing willingly. I was being so careful with my wording. I wanted to be as honest as possible with her, but I wasn't ready to reveal all my wolfy secrets yet. The girl hasn't even known me for 24 hours; she is so not ready for the freak show that my ancestors made me.
She scared me to death when she asked me if it hurt, right after I had skirted around my wolfing out. At first I was scared that somehow the imprint was giving her some kind of innate knowledge. When I realized it was just a cheesy joke, I laughed so hard my eyes teared up.
When we entered into the city limits, I began to get nervous again. I hadn't figured out how I was going to see her again. And I was going to see her again; as soon as possible. I should have never worried though because my sweet girl had this all wrapped up and handed it to me like a present with a bow on top.
"So, Paul, I was thinking, that maybe you might want to come and have dinner with Charlie and I tomorrow. As a thank you, you know, for going to all this trouble for me." she asked looking everywhere but at me.
I was not having that. I pulled up to the last stop sign before Charlie's house and gave Isabella my undivided attention. And I couldn't help it, I had to touch her. So I took my right hand and softly brushed my knuckles down her check, her skin was so soft. I rested a finger under her sweet little chin and gently lifted it until her eyes met mine. Ahhh. Now that's more like it. "Isabella, no thanks are necessary, but I would be absolutely honored to share a meal with you and Charlie tomorrow. Just tell me the time and you can be sure I'll be there. I would really like the chance to get to know you better." I told her.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the way her body reacted to the slightest touch on my part. I'm a smug bastard I know; it's one of my many flaws.
"Okay" she answered in a breathy tone that told me she just as drawn to me as I was to her. And then the most beautiful blush brought pink to her cheeks. "I, I'll just have to check with Charlie about the time."
"Do you have a cell?" I asked her. I needed to be able to get in contact with her and she needed to be able to get me if she needed me. She complied and soon we had each other's numbers.
"Call or text me with the details tomorrow, I'll be there sweet girl." I promised.
We arrived at her house and I took her things inside, her Dad offered to take them but I wasn't having that. I can take care of my woman. Besides I wanted to see where he was having her sleep. I needed to know she would be safe and warm. Her room was at the top of the stairs. Her Dad's was down the hall with just a bathroom and linen closet in between. It was small but cozy, and other than a draft coming in through her poorly caulked window, it was fairly warm. I'd check out the perimeter of the house later when I went on my Patrol. I wondered if the clothes she brought were warm enough. It was so much warmer in Arizona. She didn't seem to have much. I hated not having enough in High School. Well, I'd see to that for her later. I'm so glad I have my own money now and I don't have to rely on my loser Dad or resentful aunt.
Bella hadn't said a word to me as she followed me to her room and back down the stairs. Charlie thanked me for helping him out. Seriously, no freaking problem dude. It was the best errand I've ever been sent on in my entire pathetic life.
Just before I reached the front door I had to turn around and see my sweet girl one more time. And it seems she was waiting for me to do it. Her eyes found mine immediately, "Goodnight, Isabella." I said and then I walked out her front door.
It felt wrong to be walking away from her instead of towards her. And I could feel that pull urging me back to her. But it was time to man up. I had an Alpha to inform of some new events. I bet good old Billy wasn't going to be so pleased when he finds out I imprinted on Charlie's daughter. I know he and Charlie had big plans to get Jake and her together. And that will most definitely not be happening now. It was time to stake my claim, at least to those who could know. Where my Isabella is concerned I will be leaving nothing to chance.
I wonder what old gramps will think when he finds out I imprinted on a white girl. That doesn't do much for his imprinting is a gift, meant to keep our native blood pure and strong for the next generation theory; does it? Being a Quileute Elder he will most definitely find out sooner than I would have told him. Not that I'm ashamed of Isabella, no, she's perfect; or at least perfect for me. I just don't want Gramps or anyone else making her feel uncomfortable around the Rez.
When I arrived home I parked my truck, went inside to drop, well everything. I totally stripped down and walked out the back door. This was when I loved my little cabin in the forest. No nosy neighbors to worry about, just out the back door and phase. As soon as I phased, Sam could sense me.
"What's up Paul? Everything go okay picking up Chief Swan's girl?" he asked me.
"You mean my girl." I responded a little too aggressively.
And then I showed him, every moment; from my first sighting of her in the airport until leaving her moments ago. I wish I could have seen him. What does a wolf look like when they drop their mouth in shock and disbelief? I'd love to know. Eventually Sam came around and responded to my memories.
"You definitely imprinted. I've never seen you treat anyone with such care Paul. Wow. Well, you have the freedom to tell her everything. She seems pretty open to the imprint, but she can't truly accept it until you tell her about it."
"Not yet, Sam, it's too soon. I'll tell her, I will, when the time is right. She is only 17 and she's never even had a boyfriend before. I don't want to freak her out with a lifetime commitment to all this freaky crap." I responded reflexively.
"Don't wait too long, or she'll resent you keeping information from her. But I get it. You'll know when the time is right. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't bring her around. Emily and Jared will want to meet her. I know I do." Sam chuckled. "Well, you better go get some sleep before your Patrol it looks like you have a date with the Swans tomorrow." He was still laughing when I phased out.