Chapter 12

Do You Believe in Magic, Paul?

If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning, just you and me
and maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet ya tomorrow so late at night

Do You Believe in Magic – 78violet

I felt even worse when I woke up the next morning. My head felt like it weighed a hundred pounds, my eye was nearly swollen shut, my lower lip was twice it's normal size and my neck hurt. Fortunately, I was able to get something other than just over-the-counters pain relievers. I don't know where or how Paul got them, but I was happy nonetheless and didn't question the pain killers origin.

The night before, I was unable to sleep and Paul had slept all day, having ran patrol the whole night and part of the morning. So we stayed up and talked. The conversation had started light subjects and at one point it suddenly took a turn towards our childhoods. I told him about the distance of my parents, the screwed up vacations and the moment I discovered dancing.

But then came Paul's turn and it made me realize I could have had things a whole lot worse.

Paul never knew his dad since he up and left when Paul's mom, Mollie, found out she was pregnant.

"Once my mom died and I was living with Paula, she would tell me that I was just like my dad, and at first, I didn't understand. How was I like him? Was it in a good way, or a bad way," Paul's eyes stayed on the ceiling, but I could see them narrow. "My mom always said that my dad just couldn't be here and I just accepted it. I never really asked about him anyhow, but when my aunt started telling me how much I was like him and then in what ways I was like him...it just pissed me off. Here she was, comparing me to man that was angry, temperamental, and mean. And it wasn't as if I could ask my mom about it..." Paul let out a sharp sigh. I cuddled closer to him, trying to comfort him since I didn't know exactly what to say.

"Imagine my surprise when I found out that Paula had dated my dad,"

"No way,"

"Way," Paul smirked, our eyes meeting. "Turns out, my mom sorta stole him from Paula. Since I was a product of their relationship, my aunt couldn't help but dislike me. I guess I look just like my dad," He shrugged.

"Wait, wasn't she mad at your mom, too? You said they were close," I asked, confused.

He shrugged his broad shoulders again. "They were. See, Paula was the older sister, so I don't think she could ever really be mad at her little sister, but that anger had to go somewhere, so it was projected onto me,"

"That's horrible. It wasn't your fault..." I paused, going to bite my lower lip, but stopping realizing it would bring me pain. "Do you know your dad's name, or what he looks like," I wasn't sure if this was subject I was allowed to touch on, but Paul's mouth just dipped down at the corners.

"As far as I know, his name is Jonathan Mercanti and I'm kind of a photocopy of him..." I could tell that Paul was unsure of how to feel about that. I opened my mouth to say something, but let out a huge yawn instead.

"Go to sleep, Princess," He chuckled. I snuggled against him, getting comfortable.

"Shut up," I slurred as I fell asleep. Of course when I fell asleep, I woke up in the technicolor tent. I spent most of my time dealing with Kalen and him freaking out over what happened to me. After I managed to calm Kalen, we worked on my technique. I felt better and more comfortable handling and using my powers and it showed. I was able to summon the power I wanted at will and mold and shaped them anyway I wanted. Kelan was impressed and praised me. The voice in my head agreed, but I was doing better because I had started to rely on my memories.

At first I had blocked them out, not wanting to deal with the past, but I was able to learn and see what exactly I needed to do.

When it was nearing time for me to go back, Kelan joined me in the tent.

"You don't have to come here as often now that you can manage your powers, but I suggest you use them in your world. You need to be accustomed to using them where ever you are," He told, kneeling next to me.

Use my powers, in my real life?

So far, everything with the whole faery situation had seemed like a dream to me. It didn't seem real and I was okay with that, but bringing the two worlds together...I wasn't sure if that was something I could handle. It would mean telling someone about my powers and the truth about me. I should tell Paul. I mean, he would understand. He's a werewolf who kills vampires, I'm sure he would okay with the fact that I was a reincarnated faery queen and I had elemental powers.

I just nodded to Kelan, who brushed a hand over my injuries, not hurting me, but rather, easing the pain and lulling me to sleep.

After eating breakfast with Emily and the pack, I was able to go back to the red house, seeing as how my dad left early that morning for his flight. When I got to my room, I found a folded piece of paper being held down by a small, flat sliver box. I picked up the box, deciding to read the note first as Paul set my bag on the ground and came to read the note over my shoulder.

Cate,

"I'm sorry" doesn't begin to cover after what I did, but I am sorry. For everything. I still love you and I hope that you can forgive me. I hope you like your present.

Love,

Dad

I sighed. Of course. The Tim Rostov way of apologizing always involved a present of some sort. I lifted the lid off the box, revealing a set of car keys.

"..."

"Wow, he got you a car," Paul whistled.

"I...I don't even drive..." I stuttered out, my eyes glued to the keys. I didn't even have my permit. My dad usually went overboard with his presents, but this was, by far, the biggest present I had ever received from him.

"You wanna check it out," Paul asked me. I turned to face him, still slightly shocked.

"Sure," Paul grabbed my hand and led me downstairs. Luke was coming out of the kitchen with a bag of chips when he saw me with the keys in hand. He glared at them.

"Come on," I sighed. "I'll show you it," He led us outside and around to the side of the house where the black car was usually parked but in its place sat a shiny blue SUV.

I rushed over to the car, taking in its large frame. I unlocked the door and climbed in, inhaling the scent of new car. Luke joined me, sitting in the passenger seat while Paul stood outside the SUV, his head poking in to take in all the features.

"It's a fully loaded Lexus Hybrid," Lucas explained to me as I took in the features.

"Hey, Luke, why don't you use it for now," I held the keys out to him and he looked at me.

"Why? Cate, this is your present," But his eyes were stuck on the keys. I chuckled.

"I know, but I don't even drive yet and I won't be able to for awhile. I don't want the car just sitting here, so go ahead," I grabbed his large hand and put the key into it, closing his fingers over it.

"Thanks Catie," He smiled at me and I did my best to smile back at him. "I'll teach you how to drive when you're ready,"

"That'll be great. Thanks Luke," I hugged him and took comfort in his warm embrace. "I'm going to go lay down," I told him, pulling away. He smiled and nodded. I got out of the SUV and took Paul's hand.

Once we were back in my room and settled in my bed, Paul turned to me, holding himself up on his elbow.

"Alright, what's wrong," He asked, brushing my hair out of my face. I sighed.

"It's just... My dad has always apologized with presents...and that worked for the little stuff. Missing a dance recital or a talent show, but something like this..." I gestured to my face, which was feeling and looking better, surprisingly. "I just hope he realizes that buying me a Lexus doesn't make this go away,"

"Is that why you gave it to Lucas for the time being," Paul asked, his fingers running through my hair.

"Partly. I mean it makes since for him to use it until I'm able to, but I just don't want a reminder around,"

"That's understandable,"

I snuggled against Paul, nodding. He wrapped his arms around me, putting me against him. I smiled and looked up at him.

"You gotta let me up," I told him, trying to extract myself from his grasp only to have him pull me back towards him.

He smirked. "And why should I do that,"

"Because, I need a shower," I raised an eyebrow and he rolled his eyes, but let go of me. I grabbed my towel, a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom.

It felt wonderful to stand underneath the hot spray, washing away yesterday's problems. It was then that Kelan's words whispered through my mind.

I pulled the water towards me, forming a ball in my hand, bouncing it back and forth in between my hands. I let the water ball fall, splashing against the bottom of the tub. This would work, just doing little things, but there was still the issues of telling Paul.

I knew I had to do it. I didn't want to, but he trusted me enough to let me know about him, I should trust him enough to let him know my own dirty secret.

I finished my shower and got dressed. I headed back to my room, toweling my wet hair. I found Paul skimming through my iPod, an eyebrow raised.

"What," I questioned and his eyes shot up to mine, his lips forming a smirk.

"You have...interesting taste in music," He commented, still scrolling through the songs. I rolled my eyes.

"Thanks," I took the player away from him and found the song I was looking for. I placed iPod on it's base, letting the song come out of the speakers.

"Do you believe in magic, in a young girl's heart..."

"Wow, nice," Paul chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Who is this,"

"That's not really important," I half smiled at him. How to start a conversation about me being magical... "Do you believe in magic, Paul," Yeah. Let's be blunt.

Paul snickered. "What,"

"Seriously," I sat on the chair in front of my desk while Paul sat on the edge of my bed, facing me. "Do you believe in magic,"

He shrugged. "I don't know," He eyed me, probably thought I was still slightly loopy from the pain pills.

I played with a piece of my hair, keeping my eyes locked on it. "Well, what if I told you that I...have magical powers," I couldn't bare to look at him and see the look on his face declaring me as insane.

"You mean like a witch," He asked. I could hear the skepticism in his voice.

"No," I shook my head. "Like a faery," I brought my eyes up to his and found them disbelieving and confused.

Paul got up from the bed and walked over to me, using his hands to lift my head up to look at him. His gaze was smoldering.

"What are you trying to say, Cate,"

"That I'm a reincarnated faery queen and I can control over the basic elements of the universe..."

I sounded like a complete lunatic but I had to make him believe me.

It was quiet for awhile, Paul's gaze digging into mine. I tried to show him that I was only being truthful.

"Show me," He said suddenly, catching me off guard.

"Wh-what?"

"Show me,"

I sighed. "Alright. I mean, you've already kinda of seen it when I blew the lights out..."

"That was you," He confirmed.

I smiled at him and nodded. "Yup, all me." I got up and went to the bathroom, filling the cup kept in there, with water and bringing it back to my room. I looked at Paul, wringing my hands.

"Okay, now just watch," I told him. I focused on the water and lifted it out of the glass and into the air. I didn't look at Paul, I just kept my concentration on the water.

I brought the water into the palm of my hand, forming into a ball. I noticed Paul walking closer to me. He stuck his finger into the ball, his finger coming out wet.

"Wow," was all he could say. I let the water go back into the cup. We just stared at each other until Paul wrapped his arms around me. I clung to him, suddenly needing the support and then, for some reason, I just started crying. Full out, sobbing crying into Paul's chest. He just held me tight and whispered that it was alright.

Maybe it was the stress of the past three months of keeping a secret that made me break down. Whatever the reason, I felt better after I was done.

And then I started into the whole story of me finding out and all the 'dreams' I had been having and then, very reluctantly, I told him about Kelan. His eyes narrowed and he seemed to shake slightly and I did my best to placate him.

"Really, Kelan is a friend and I've told him that I only want you," I rushed out, tripping over the words, trying to calm Paul. "I mean I told him that I love you and only you, so don't worry about that and plus I don't really have to go and see him anymore since I've gained control over my powers, so it's all-"

"What did you say," Paul interrupted me, his eyes wide. I was confused for a second until I realized what I had just said.

"Um," I choked out.

Paul's face simply lit up into a smile. "You love me?" He asked and I adverted my face, trying to avoid answering. I don't know what I was delaying, but I just didn't want to be the first to say it. I was having trouble taking that dive.

"Well, I love you," Paul blurted out and my head swung to look at him. How did he...

I sighed. "I love you Paul," I whispered. The words that I never thought I would ever utter, had just left my mouth and seeing the look that graced Paul's face made it all worth it.

His grin was infectious and I couldn't help but chuckle as he pulled my face towards his, pressing his warm lips against mine. He took care as he kissed me, being careful not to press to hard on it, but that didn't stop the kiss from being passionate and heated.

Finally, I pulled away, resting my forehead against Paul's. I knew in my heart for awhile that I loved Paul, but telling him took a weight off my shoulders that I didn't notice was there until it was gone.

I pressed another kiss to his lips, smiling, knowing Paul would always be my slice of happiness when everything went to hell.

Paul's POV

Cause you're a pretty little windstorm on the boulevard
Something like a sunset,oh you're a shooting star
And I might drive myself insane if those lips aren't speaking my name

Love Like Woe- The Ready Set

When I left Cate's house I could help the smile that was stuck to my face. She, Cate, my imprint, the one who didn't believe in love, had told me that she loved me.

FINALLY!

I knew that Cate would need time to get use to the idea that I was truly and deeply in love with her, but for it to happen so quickly...well I couldn't help but be happy.

But I couldn't help but think that maybe things were going a bit too fast. I mean, she moved here in September and was only the end of November. Three short months and we had already admitted our love for each other. I couldn't exactly compare my imprinting to Jared's or Sam's. Sam's story was just messed up and Kim was already head over heels in love with Jared when he imprinted on her and she had lived on the rez her whole life. I had imprinted on a feisty, neglected, dancing New Yorker.

Cate was so different from any other girl that I had ever met. She was witty and smart. It didn't hurt that she was the most beautiful girl I ever had the pleasure of looking upon. She had huge blue-green eyes that sparkled when they met mine whether it be with anger, annoyance or complete happiness. Her soft, shiny blonde hair was almost to her elbows, and I loved to run my fingers through it, enjoying the feel of it. Her tiny body fit perfectly next to mine just as her slim fingers laced through mine perfectly.

I think part of the reason things went so fast for Cate and I is that up until she had come to La Push, she had been on her own for the most part. Her parents away working and her brother away at college, she was left alone, having barely any attention. When she came here, there were more than enough people willing to give her attention. From Sue being a parental, to the kids at school, to even me, the attention was at her fingertips and I think it scared her to suddenly have so much attention on her, so she clung to one source of attention and luckily, that happened to me.

I was happy, for once, for my forceful nature. Maybe without it, she wouldn't have been drawn to me and then I would have a hell of a lot harder time trying to win her heart.

Once the wolf was out of the bag, pun intended, things got a lot easier between us. We didn't have a huge secret hanging over us, well apart from one.

I'll admit when Cate started rattling on about magic and faeries, I thought I had given her too many pain pills, but then I thought I was the one on drugs when I saw the water float out of the glass into her waiting hand.

But hey, I was a wolf, she was a faery and all that was overridden when she accidentally blurted out that she loved me. I didn't care about anything else after that. She loved me and I loved her and I could finally say it to her. I could see her hesitance in saying it first. From my experience, girls liked it when the guy made the big gesture first. So that's what I did, I told her first and it was totally worth going first after hearing her say she loved me, Paul. "Love you" and "Paul" in the same sentence made my head and heart spin and totally sent me off the deep end, in a good way.

I took a sharp turn into the woods, stripping off my clothes and quickly transforming, wincing as I finally took my wolf-form.

Hey Paul! Damn, you're happy...Oh! Congrats man!

I gave Jared a wolfy grin. Thanks dude. I'm just...happy. Things seem to be looking up. I probably shouldn't let him know about-

Cate's a faery? Magic? Dude, what were you two smoking and where can I get some? He chuckled.

Jared, you can't say ANYTHING TO ANYONE about it, alright. Cate's freaked out enough about the whole thing. I warned him, growling slightly as I began my runs around the new borders we had established since the leech family had left.

Alright, I'll keep my mouth shut, but I can't promise it won't slip.

I rolled my eyes, annoyed. Just do your best, asshole.

Damn, you'd think you would be less of a bastard considering all that happened today...Oh hey man! A Lexus Hybrid. Shit, her dad must be loaded.

Just shut the fuck up and run.

Jared snickered, but shut his trap and kept on running.

I sighed, learning all that I had today about Cate, was still weighing on my mind and I was trying to process it now that it was coming back to me.

I wasn't good with weird. Cate seemed to do okay with it, but me not so much. I was barely use to being a wolf even after six months. So, it was hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that she was magical, despite the fact that she had showed me.

But now wasn't the time to deal with it, not with another person in my head. This would have to wait to later, when I was alone.

Yeah, cuz we both know what you like to do with your "alone" time when you think about Cate.

I'm so kicking your ass! And as if you don't do the same with Kim!

That's the difference. I could hear his snicker. I do it with Kim, not my hand.

He was going to die.

AN: Um, hello, is there anyone there? Oh! Hi there! I'm sorry I haven't updated. Excuses: My grandma was in the hospital and then she had a quadruple heart bypass. Yeah...but still I'm sorry for not updating but I decided to sweeten this chapter with some Paul POV. I actually really love writing him! I always like writing male characters more than female. Hmm.

Anyways, links are all up on profile and they are very neatly organized. The new one for the Lexus is up!

Thank you all SOOO much for sticking with me and reviewing! Reviews make me so happy! I love all of you for reading and reviewing. You guys rock!

You know what I need? Someone to give me a swift kick in the ass when I'm taking to long to update. Seriously. Anyone up for the role?

Once again. Thanks soooo much! LOVE YOU ALL!