Hey! Sorry that it's taken me so long to update. I've just had a lot of difficulty writing this next chapter so I hope you enjoy it regardless.

Please don't flame me for my random updates.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN TWILIGHT!

Ellie P.O.V

I woke up and was momentarily confused at my surroundings. The bed I was in was far more comfortable than mine and the sheets were softer. The other, fairly large difference was that I could feel something heavy and warm wrapped tightly around my waist.

I grinned before even rolling over because I could already tell without looking that it was Collin who was cuddled up to me so intimately. I turned towards him carefully so that I didn't wake him up and lightly traced my fingertips over his relaxed face, going over last night's events in my mind.

*Flashback*

Collin pulled me up from the bench and lightly kissed me on the lips again, sending a tingle shooting through me. He pulled away with a grin before wrapping his arm around my waist and guiding me back towards the deck to walk inside.

I couldn't take my eyes off his face. I couldn't get my mind off the fact that someone as amazing as him could really be my soul-mate. I sighed happily and leaned closer to him; smiling up at him as he smirked down at me, sending shivers down my spine.

As soon as we stepped into the living room the entire pack broke out into wolf whistles (A/N pun so intended!).I blushed heavily and Collin grinned at them all, high-fiving Brady and Embry who were standing nearby.

Sam grinned, "I see that you took the news well then."

I beamed back at him, "I guess I'm a wolf girl now huh?"

The pack applauded and I found myself swept into a hug by Jared and Paul, who I hadn't really spoken to before. They swung me around a bit and I unconsciously cringed at the feel of their arms on me. Paul's eyes widened as he noticed and he looked to Jared who nodded and they both gently lowered me back to the ground.

Collin was at my side in a second, looking over me worriedly, obviously picking up on my fear. I tried to smile reassuringly at him but I found myself unable to.

"Are you okay?" he asked, anxiety spread thickly across his face.

I traced the curve of his cheek lightly and smiled softly when he turned his face into my palm, giving it a gentle kiss.

"I'm fine."

"Ellie," Sam started, causing Collin and I to flick our attention to him, "I know that right now is still a stressful time for you but we need to know what you want to do about your father."

Collin pulled me even closer and tighter to his body at the mention of my father. A growl rolled out from deep within his chest and I stroked his arm gently to show that it was alright.

I didn't really want to do this but I knew I had to.

"I guess we should probably report it all to the police and the council."

Everyone stared at me and I felt completely put on the spot by their blank looks.

"Um, did I say something wrong?"

Collin rubbed my shoulder and I looked up at him.

"You didn't say anything wrong sweetheart, the thing is that the punishment for harming an imprint is death and, the last time he attacked you, you were my imprint."

I stared in shock, looking around at all the serious faces surrounding me. "You're joking right?" The silence at my words sent realisation hurtling at me like a damn brick wall, "You're not joking."

I couldn't believe it. I mean for the past few years my father had become my worst enemy, a complete asshole. He had hurt me so many times, beaten me until I was unconscious, and broken my spirit. He was the epitome of cruel and unfeeling and constantly belittled me at the one place I was meant to feel safe. But I could remember happier days. When Mum was still alive and Dad would pick me up and place me on his shoulders to see the fireworks more clearly, or wake me up with tickles followed by a pancake breakfast. He was the father who would gladly take me to choir practice every Thursday night and pick me up to drive me home, singing along to The Eagles on the radio. And here I was with the choice to either leave him to die or let him go free.

Collin sensed my unease and drew me close, whispering soothing reassurances into my ear.

I started at a hand on my shoulder and turned quickly to find Sam looking at me with his usual 'strongman' look, but this time there was a higher dose of concern in the brew.

"You don't have to decide right away. I mean obviously we're going to have to tell someone, but it's cool if you want to wait to decide."

I took a deep breath and exhaled loudly through my mouth. I had no idea what to say. I was torn.

Collin finally looked away from my face and toward Sam, "Look why don't we give her some time to decide? Ellie's probably feeling overwhelmed and giving her an ultimatum right now is a pretty shitty idea."

*End Flashback*

After those words Collin had swung me up into his arms and carried me upstairs to my room where he proceeded to rub my back soothingly and kiss all along my neck until I had calmed down enough to sleep, wrapped in his arms.

My fingers stopped their intent exploration of Collin's face and withdrew to pull his arm from around my waist. I wiggled my body around until I was able to slip out from under his arm. The moment I was absent from the bed Collin flipped over and threw his arm across the empty expanse, his other arm slipped under his head. This movement revealed his chest in excruciating detail and I couldn't help but pause to admire the view so unwittingly presented to me.

He groaned quietly in his sleep and I snapped out of my trance enough to pull on a long cardigan over the tank and shorts that Emily had loaned me, and to slip on the converse I had worn there.

I squeezed quietly through the door and onto the landing. I looked around quietly to see if anyone else was up yet. The silence that greeted me was confirmation enough that no-one else was awake. I crept down the stairs and through the living room, quickly writing a note to explain my whereabouts.

I cracked the door open and slid out of it, happily greeting the brisk air that met my face. I loved being around such a huge group of friends but I liked time where I could hear my own thoughts. I wandered out the back yard and onto the rough gravel of the beach, kicking the sand covered pebbles in my path. I had no particular destination. I mean, where do you walk at 5:30 in the morning?

Glancing up I caught a glimpse of the cliffs coming up. I immediately decided that I would watch the sunrise from on top of the rocks.

Picking up the pace I made my way quickly to the base of the cliffs and begin to scramble up the uneven path along the face. I ran the last few steps to the top and quickly threw myself down near the edge.

It was calm, tranquil. I liked it. Especially after all the noise from the night before. I felt guilty for cringing at Paul and Jared's touch but I couldn't help it. It seemed like every male who touched me (apart from Collin) scared the living shit out of me.

The waves were crashing loudly against the cliff base and I was mesmerised by the movement of the water below me. I wondered what it would be like to sink beneath the waves and- Okay NO! Bad Ellie, I am not suicidal. At least I don't think I am... Although what do I have to live for? Shit I'm going crazy I have Collin to think about, and the pack.

I scrambled away from the edge of the cliff and wrapped my arms tightly around my knees. These thoughts I was having weren't the first of their kind to ever pass through my mind. Hell, I had perfect pale lines littering my wrists, evidence of my self-harm. I'd been cutting since I was 13. I was now 17 and I couldn't stop. It made me feel better.

I absentmindedly pulled up the sleeve on the cardigan and traced the lines criss-crossing my arms with shaking fingers. Just as I touched my hand to the deepest cut I'd ever inflicted upon myself I felt a shiver up my spine, as if someone was behind me. I listened to their breathing and was surprised to instantly realise who it was. Paul.

I whipped my head around, not realising I had left my wrists uncovered until I heard the low growl in his chest. I looked up and saw his eyes black with anger, making me unconsciously cringe in fear. He stopped growling but didn't hesitate to stalk over and gently but firmly take my hands in his. Paul examined my forearms closely, running his hand over the thin marks every now and again.

I held my breath when he looked up at me, expecting disgust or even worse, pity. I didn't want his pity or anyone's for that matter. But when I finally looked into his eyes all I saw was understanding. It confused me. I mean, how the fuck did he know how I felt? How did he understand the amount of pain I had gone through?

He nodded once, as if confirming something, before releasing my hands and plonking himself down next to me, mimicking my pose looking out at the ocean. We sat in a comfortable silence until he spoke.

"You're a cutter?" I looked up slowly to see him staring back at me, nothing but questioning in his gaze.

"Yes," I choked out, surprised at how difficult I found it to speak.

Paul nodded quietly before turning his arms out, showing me the inside. I was shocked to see scars that mimicked my own littering the insides of his arms.

"You as well?" I asked, my voice trembling as I reached out to touch them.

He nodded, "Before I phased. My mum died and my dad became abusive. I withdrew from the kids at school. I was still popular but no-one really liked me. I came to the conclusion that no-one would. That's when I started cutting. I kept cutting even after I phased and after my dad died. The problem was that after I phased the cuts healed almost instantly. I'd probably still be cutting if it weren't for Rachel. She's my imprint you know. And I realised that every time I cut it was hurting her as well. I stopped for her. It took quite a while but I managed to stop," he paused and took one of my hands in his, "I know that for now it seems like there's no-one there for you but you should know, it's going to be hard for Collin if you don't tell him and if you continue it's going to kill him because he's not able to help you."

I was shocked. I never knew how similar our lives were. I felt a tear roll down my cheek. Paul wrapped an arm around my shoulder and held me close. I struggled to stop myself from crying but when Paul rubbed my shoulder a sob ripped itself from my chest and the tears started pouring down in earnest. Paul ran his palm soothingly up and down my back, staying quiet the entire time. I was glad. I needed silence at that moment. I needed to break-down.

I finally stopped crying and pulled away sheepishly, wiping my nose and rubbing my eyes. Paul grinned down at me and nudged me slightly with his shoulder. I shoved him back and he chuckled softly before cuddling me and pressing a kiss to my temple.

"You know what Ellie? You're kind of like the sister I always wanted."

I grinned, "Yeah Paul. And you're the brother I wish I could get rid of."

He gasped in mock outrage before tickling me furiously, grinning widely at my giggles before standing up and offering his hand.

Collin's P.O.V

I woke up slowly, feeling like something was missing. I reached across the bed and found empty sheets. In a panic I threw myself forward and frantically looked around the room for Ellie. Her mint and chocolate scent was still in the air but she was definitely not in the room.

I leapt out of bed and flew down the staircase, my eyes snapping around as I reached the bottom. Just as I was heading for the front door it swung open in front of me and Ellie and Paul came in.

I felt my heart swell when I saw Ellie's beaming smile and was hit by a surge of happiness when it grew even wider at seeing me. She threw herself towards me and I happily caught her tiny body in my arms, holding her tight to me.

Nuzzling her ear, I spoke softly so that Paul wouldn't hear, "I missed having your soft little body beside me this morning."

She shivered at my words and blushed heavily before moving her mouth to my ear and whispering back, "We'll have to remedy that soon won't we."

I grinned at her before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on her lips and lightly caressing her cheek. I was just deepening the kiss when there was a loud cough let out by Paul. We broke apart to look at him as he smirked at us.

"You know Collin, that's my little sister that you've got in your arms, and I don't want to see this shit. So piss off upstairs or something."

I grinned at him before throwing Ellie over my shoulder, chuckling as she let out a small "Oomph."

I ran upstairs and within seconds was back in our room. I sat her down on the bed and just looked at her for a while. She looked gorgeous in the early morning light that streamed in through the window. Her lightly tanned skin glowed and her brown hair shone.

She grinned at me and I smiled back before leaning and placing a light kiss on her lips. I was rewarded by her soft gasp as she wrapped her arms around my neck to pull me closer. I slowly deepened the kiss, sliding my tongue along her lips asking for entrance. She granted it and our tongues duelled together slowly, fighting for dominance. I pulled away panting and turned my attention to her neck, nibbling down the smooth column until I reached the junction between her neck and shoulder. I licked and sucked at it, biting softly to leave a mark. I pulled away when I was done to look at the result of my work; there was a small red mark where I had lavished my attentions and I grinned, placing a kiss there. Ellie moaned softly and I groaned before lifting myself up to place another heated kiss on her swollen lips.

After almost an hour of making out we could hear the rest of the household waking up and moving around. With one last kiss. I climbed off of Ellie and helped her up, running a hand gently through her hair to tidy it up. She smiled at me as we walked out onto the landing, ready for her first full day with the pack.

Okay I would like to apologise again for the delay in this chapter. I've just had a lot of trouble recently coming up with ideas.

Hope it didn't suck! If it did, tell me. If it didn't, then still tell me.

thegleekofyourlife