I am sooo sorry that this took so long. I looked at the last update the other day and realized its been like 3 months and I was so ashamed. I'm sorry that this took so long to update and I'm hoping that I can get these chapters out rather quickly from now on, depending on class loads. Thank you so much for all of you who have bared with this story! You guys are amazing. This chapter was not beta-d because I wanted to get it out to you asap! So mistakes are all mine. I don't own anything but the plot and the OC's. So without further ado, the next chapter.

Chapter 2-On The Other Hand

Paul's POV

I paced back and forth in my room, my wolf clawing at the surface. It has been almost a week since he's seen his mate and he's anxious. The pack is starting to notice that's something is up. I'm more volatile and edgy, snapping on the littlest thing, which brinks the point of dangerous considering my already heated temper.

I couldn't take it anymore and ran outside, phasing instantly. Thankfully nobody else was phased but it's not like it would have mattered anyway. My wolf was on a mission. My wolf ran almost on instinct right to the Quileute territory line. I crept along the line until I could get a good view of the reservation through the thick foliage. My eyes darted around looking for any sign of her. I caught a flash of loosely curled mahogany hair and slightly paler russet skin and my heart soared. My wolf wanted to run to her and claim her repeatedly. I phased back so I could get a closer look. I slid on my shorts as I crept around behind the trees looking for the beautiful face of my mate. When my eyes finally found her again I had to fight the growl bubbling in my throat. Someone was touching her; a male was touching her, in more than just a friendly way. One hand stroked across her cheek while the other rested on her hip. I moved slightly closer and I saw her tense. Her eyes snapped up and scanned the forest behind his head until her eyes locked with mine as I moved into her vision. Her orbs of melted chocolate widened slightly and she seemed frozen in place. Her company, who I currently wanted to tear limb from limb, seemed confused by her reaction and looked behind him to see what had spooked her but I was already disappearing behind the trees. I phased as soon as I passed their territory line started running back towards Makah as fast as my paws would carry me. I could feel her running behind me, trying to catch up, but I kept going.

Paul, wait! Please talk tome! I have to explain! Her panicky voice screamed in my head. I ignored her and pushed myself faster.

Paul please! She pleaded again something in her voice pierced my heart but I couldn't stop. I was too angry to stop. If I could just get to the boundary line Goldie wouldn't follow me.

Paul! I am your fucking imprint and I said stop! She growled in my head and my body immediately stopped. Fucking imprint.

Phase back. She said in a demanding tone and I snorted. You may be my imprint Goldie but you're not the Alpha here.

Paul please phase back. She said softening, obviously hearing my furious thoughts, and then shifted back to my beautiful human Goldie, naked as the day she was born. My lust spiked and then my anger. I hated how much control she had over me. I phased back and was within an inch of her face glaring down at her before she could blink. She gasped and instinctively took a step back.

"What?" I growled.

"Paul, please, just let me…" She trailed off and squirmed under my harsh gaze.

"Stop stalling. Explain. Now." I growled again, more wolf than human. She straightened her shoulders and looked me in the eye, her pride and stubbornness kicking in.

"It wasn't what you think…" I snorted and she glared at me. "Let me finish!" She almost growled. Seems like I'm not the only one with a temper, I'd be damned if my lust didn't spike at that realization. I just stared at her, waiting for her to continue. "It wasn't she glared defiantly. If I wasn't so pissed I might have been proud, my little firecracker.

"You reek of him! Don't tell me its not what I think." I growled again.

"Paul." Her spicy tone softened considerably. "I'm sorry. It hurts every time he touches me even slightly affectionately. I want to run to you every time but what can I do? I'm an 18 year old female shape shifter with a reservation that's all about 'passing on the gene'. My father keeps trying to set me up with a 'future husband'." I growled menacingly and tears slipped down her cheeks. "I don't want this. I only want you, but what can I do? What you saw today is the closest Travis or anyone else besides you has come to me. I promise." She said sniffling, my anger slipped away quickly as I watched the tears crawl down her beautiful cheeks.

"He doesn't touch you again or I'll tear him to pieces." I growled. "I don't care if you have to tell them all you're imprinted, I don't want anyone else to touch you. You are mine." I growled fiercely before softening. "I'm already having a hard time keeping at bay with the marking you and claiming you as mine for everyone to see. Smelling/seeing other men on you drives me over the edge."

"I'm sorry." She whispered. "No other guy will touch me. I promise." I nodded, wrapping my arms around her tiny frame as she hugged me. I buried my face in her hair and fought back the growl that was rising in my throat at the male's scent that lingered on her body. As if she felt my fight, she slipped away from me and bolted away before I could react, leaving me confused. She reappeared not even a minute later, soaked from head to toe. Her wet curls clung to her neck and shoulders, the little droplets running down her body, glistening in the tree filtered sunlight. She ran at me again, effortlessly jumping into my awaiting arms and wrapped her legs around my waist. I buried my face in her neck and smiled. All Bella. All mine.

Later that night-Bella POV

"Bella-" My father started as I walked through the door. I held up my hand to stop whatever he was going to say. I was still floating on the euphoria being with Paul brought me and I wanted to keep it that way. I made my way over the fridge to pull out the hamburger to start dinner. I heard Jake's approaching footsteps as I was examining the pile of hamburger that had grown about two pounds more than what I had originally set out this morning to defrost.

"Am I cooking for more than I originally planned to?" I asked without even bothering to turn around.

"Um yeah…Leah is coming over…" The pure love in my brother's voice when he said her name used to make me roll my eyes, I mean come on she was my best friend before he imprinted, but now I understood.

"So we needed four more pounds of hamburger for Leah?" I asked skeptically as I mixed in the seasonings for the hamburgers.

"No…uh…Sam's coming too." Jake said hesitantly. I froze instantly and slowly turned toward my brother, my eyes narrowing.

"Why?" I practically growled. You know for someone who was supposed to be the 'Great Peace Keeper', I sure was an aggressive one.

"B, calm down." Jake put his hands up in a surrendering gesture and took a step toward me. I gave him a look telling him to get on with it. "Dad thinks Sam would be a great match for you with him being Beta and all. Says he's really responsible and a real role model. He thinks Sam will do you some good."

"You mean control me." I said flatly as my brother looked guilty. "I am sick of this!" I shouted in frustration.

"B…"

"Don't 'B' me Jacob! This is getting fucking ridiculous! You know I got cornered by Madden today? Dad's last 'perfect match'…he's not even a wolf! He tried to put his hands all over me in public today! Almost cost me-" I cut off abruptly realizing what I was about to say…way to go Bella. Jake gave me a questioning look but I just growled in frustration. "You know what never mind! I am just sick of this! I have a destiny to protect my people, be their all mighty peace keeper and bring them peace and prosperity but no where in my destiny does it say I have to put up with HIS" I pointed to the living room where my father was "fucking match making! Don't you think there is enough pressure on me already! What if Sam ever imprints? What would I do then? Huh? Did you all think of that one? What if we got married and had a family then he fucking imprints Jacob." I had tears in my eyes and I could see the serious guilt and empathy my brother had for me but it only made me angrier. We were 18 now, he was the fucking Chief of our tribe and Alpha of out pack but I knew he wouldn't do anything to help me because deep down, he agreed with my father. Some fucking twin he is.

I quickly washed and dried my hand and threw the dish towel down on the counter.

"You fucking make dinner because I'm not going to." I growled at my brother and stormed out of the room, passing a clearly confused Leah.

I heard her ask what that was about before I tuned them out as I reached my room at the top of the stairs and shut my door. I flopped down on my bed and buried my head in my pillow, thinking about earlier in the day with Paul to calm myself down. I heard distinctly feminine steps coming up the stairs and come to a stop in front of my door.

"Come in Leah." I said right before she knocked.

"Stupid wolf hearing." She muttered as she walked in causing me to giggle. Wait, since when do I giggle? Leah must have been thinking because she gave me a peculiar look. She sat down on the edge of my bed and reached her hand out to brush my hair away from my face. "You okay?" I shook my head no and she hugged me. "You're not telling me something aren't you." She asked pulling back to look at my face.

I bit my lip and contemplated on whether or not to tell her about Paul. She was my best friend, but she was also Jake's imprint. Leah was a year older than me but we had always been best friends since our dads were practically inseparable, that is until Harry died about a year ago. It was actually what triggered Seth's, Leah's baby brother who was about two years younger than me, change into a wolf. Everyone watched Leah too for signs of changing since I had already wolfed out, proving girls could too, but she never did. Jake went to offer his condolences and bam! Imprint. Her and Jake had been around each other since Jake's change but I guess they never really made eye contact since they both harbored a crush for one another but refused to admit it.

I felt a hand shaking my shoulder and I snapped out of my thoughts. "Err…sorry. What did you say Leah?"

"I said you're hiding something from me aren't you." I took a deep breath and steeled my resolve.

"No." I said while shaking my head yes. She gave a confused look but then her face changed as everything clicked. She mouthed 'they're listening, aren't they?' and I nodded my head yes. 'Later' she mouthed again and I nodded again.

"Alright Bella. I'm always here if you need to talk. Now come on down to dinner, Sam and Jacob are waiting."

"Where's my dad?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Conveniently forgot that he had told Brady's dad he'd watch the game at his house." She rolled her eyes, annoyed by my father's antics too. She'd always thought that everyone put to much pressure on the 'golden girl'. I guess Paul's little nickname for me earlier made sense.

"How forgetful of him…I told Jake he was going senile." I smirked and Leah laughed as we walked down the stairs. We walked around the corner and I had to fight the grimace that threatened to grace my face at the sight of Sam and my brother laughing as they put the last of the condiments and burger toppings on the table.

"Hey Bella." Sam smiled. I exhaled deeply and smiled back.

"Hey Sam."

It wasn't Sam's fault after all, he wasn't the one I was mad at. It wasn't even that I didn't like him, I did. He was quite handsome, strong, and very level headed. My father was right, as much as I hated to admit it, we'd balance each other nicely but he was not my Paul.

Dinner went by pretty quickly and I even had a good time with Jake, Leah, and Sam. We were hanging out in the backyard around a small fire when a piercing howl cut through the peaceful night air. Jake, Sam, and I all jumped to our feet.

"What? What is it? Was that Seth's howl?" Leah asked kind of panicked.

"Yes. Don't worry Leah, he's fine." He said soothingly to Leah then turned to me. "We'll be back, Bella stay here with Leah."

"Jake you are not serious." I said gobsmacked.

"One hundred percent. Stay here Bella." He said radiating authority, almost in his alpha timbre. Too bad I can't be alpha ordered huh Jake? I glared at him but dropped back into the chair, seemingly compliant. As soon as he was far enough away, I'm gone. Jake kissed Leah and headed off into the woods. Sam was about to follow, when he turned back toward me.

"Bella…" Sam started. "I'm sorry." He said apologetically and ran his thumb across my jaw. "We should be right back." He kissed the top of my head and then took off after Jake.

"You're going to go after them aren't you." Leah smiled knowingly a few minutes later.

"Yes." I said not even denying it.

"Be careful. I want to know everything later…I have a feeling Jake doesn't always tell me everything, something about protecting me." She rolled her eyes. "I also want to know what you've been keeping from me." She smirked with one eyebrow raised.

"Deal." I smiled and then took off into the woods. I cleared my mind as I stripped off my shorts and t-shirt and tied them to my leg before shifting mid-leap. One plus to being the 'peace keeper' was that if I tried, I could block out the fact that I shifted and my thoughts from the pack while still hearing theirs and any other shape shifter's.

Collin, Brady and I have got him cornered Jake. He's one of them. -Seth growled

We'll be there in two minutes. -Sam

Do not do anything until we get there. -Jake ordered.

Who do they have cornered? I saw through Seth's mind that it was another wolf. It was a dark tan color with a black face, a black tail and one black leg. He looked to be young, he was only about the same size as Colin and Brady, our two smaller wolves. Collin, Brady and Seth had him cornered against a rock face about three minutes away. The wolf was snarling and growling, his eyes darting around, watching the three while looking for a way out. I picked up the pace trying to get closer so I could read the rival wolf's mind. I arrived to the area, creeping around the side as not to be noticed by my pack.

Shit. Where are you guys? Their whole pack is here except for that chick! -the trapped wolf asked, clearly panicking. I was right, he is young.

We'll be there in two minutes Chase. Just stay strong, don't let them know you're scared. -another wolf said in a concerned tone. The bond between them seemed to be stronger than just wolf pack brothers, maybe they are related. I didn't have much time to think before his voice sounded in my head.

Quil, Talon, go to Chase. Embry, Jared with me. -Paul ordered as they came bursting through the trees. I watched as the large, burly chocolate brown wolf leapt over Brady, Seth, and Collin and landed next to Chase growling. The other large wolf followed suit, landing on the left side of Chase. He was the exact opposite of Chase. Black all over with dark tan on his face, tail and leg. I dipped into his thoughts and realized that the chocolate colored wolf was Quil and he was Talon, Chase's older brother. Apparently they were the only wolf pack members that weren't one child families. Interesting.

Vicious snarling brought me back to the present and I turned my attention back to the other group. Jake and Sam were squaring off with Paul, a gray wolf with dark spots on his back and a medium brown colored wolf. They were all snarling, positioned to attack.

Paul, please. I let my voice ring out in his head only. Paul, he's my brother. This is my pack…don't. Please. I pleaded. I watch his stance relax a little, that is until a breeze from behind Jake and Sam hit his nose and he growled low and deep, his stance tensing tenfold, his attention aimed at Sam. I opened my mind to him, showing him my confusion.

He smells like you. Why does he smell like you? He growled in my head. The scene from earlier ran through my head and I gulped. This was not good. I could feel Paul's rage coursing though my veins like it was my own. Paul growled low and menacingly again, taking a small step forward.

I told you, You. Are. MINE! No other man is to touch you. I told you I'd rip them apart. He has to pay for touching you. I shivered at his words knowing he was completely serious.

Paul! Don't! I screamed in his head, panicked. Please. He doesn't know I'm imprinted, please. You know no one knows! Don't do this. Don't hurt me like that!

Paul froze. I could not only hear it in his thoughts but see it in his body language. I was about to sigh with relief when Jacob took that as his opportunity and lunged at Paul. I screamed, the pain of my imprint's pain causing me to shift back to my human form clutching my sides. I let out another blood curdling scream before I heard the scuffle stop and the pain lessen. Through the pain I could feel his worry and guilt. Hands touched my face, and I could tell someone was trying to talk to me but the blood pounding in my ears was drowning them out. I fought the darkness trying to take me over, I needed to see if Paul was okay.

"B…Bells…Bella! Can you hear me? What's wrong? Bella, open your eyes!" I could hear my brother pleading. I felt the pain dull out almost completely allowing me to breathe and open my eyes.

"Bella." My brother sighed, relieved.

"You gave us quite a scare there Bella." Sam smiled.

"P…the other wolves?" I questioned raggedly.

"Gone. Don't worry about them, they won't hurt you. I won't let them" Jake said fiercely. I almost snorted considering the whole reason I was in so much pain was because of Jake.

"Sam why don't you carry her home? I'm going to run back to Leah then do a perimeter check." Jake suggested. I began panicking.

"No! I can walk! Please I'm fine…I don't need to be carried!" I said in a rush looking between my brother and Sam. Jake looked skeptical while Sam looked a little hurt.

"Fine but Sam is walking with you incase you need him. Seth, go see your sister at my place, she's probably freaking out. Collin, Brady, good job today, go home and get some sleep." Jake ordered. After the other boys had left and I was on my feet, Jake gave me a quick kiss to my temple and then took off.

"Are you sure you're okay to walk?" Sam asked after a few minutes of walking.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I don't know what happened back there." I lied and Sam looked at me a little skeptically. "Plus, its only like five more minutes until my house." I smiled.

"You're incredibly stubborn, you know that?" Sam laughed.

"Yeah, I know." I smiled back.

We arrived back at my house and a frantic Leah met us on the back porch.

"Jake and Seth told me what happened! Are you okay? Are you hurt? What the hell happened? I knew I shouldn't have let you go! Not like there was anything I could really have done stop you anyway but still! Does-"

"LEAH!" I yelled cutting her off mid-rant. "Take a deep breath. I'm fine, no I'm not hurt, I'll tell you later, and not there was nothing you could do to stop me."

Leah took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. "With me. Now." She said seriously. "Sam tell Jake we when out for a bit when he gets back. We'll be back."

"But-" Sam started as he moved to step in our way.

"Sam, you may be a wolf but that doesn't mean you're invincible and I will shoot you." Leah practically growled. Sam gulped and stepped aside for us to pass by. It really is too bad she didn't shift. She would have made one badass wolf. I followed Leah to her car and she motioned for me to get in. We drove for about 45 minutes until we reached the outskirts of Forks. She pulled the car over and shut it off before turning to me expectantly. "Spill."

I told her the whole story from how met Paul, the imprint, everything, all up to the events of tonight.

"Huh. Well that explains a lot then." Leah sighed.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"Why you seem different, why you're extra aggressive toward your dad's matching making, what happened tonight, even the confrontation between Jake and Paul."

"What do you mean the confrontation between Jake and Paul?"

"Jake said Paul wouldn't strike back. Just kept blocking Jake's attack, so unlike Paul."

"He wouldn't strike back?" I asked amazed. Paul fought his aggressive nature for me?

"No. Jake got a few good shots in but mostly Paul just blocked them all, refusing to retaliate. Jake thought it was odd given Paul's volatile nature but I guess it makes sense now."

"Please don't tell anyone Leah. It would end badly…for everyone." I pleaded.

"You know I won't. I may be Jake's imprint but I was your best friend first. I'm glad you even trusted me enough to tell me." She smiled. I smiled back and hugged her. It felt good to tell Leah.

We were about ten minutes into Forks when a silver flash next to the car caught my attention. I looked around puzzled but them I saw it, saw him.

"Leah!" I yelled as she slammed the breaks.

"Is that who I think it is?" She asked referring to the giant silver wolf in the middle of the road.

"Yeah." I said breathlessly as tingles shot through my body as our eyes locked.

"Well what the fuck is he doing in the middle of the road! I could have hit him! You all may be able to heal rather quickly but my car and I cannot!" She screeched. I chuckled at her, earning myself a glare. "Not funny Isabella." I flinched a little as she used my full name and she smirked. "Well go on. Go get your man. I'll think of something to tell Jake and them." I smiled and hugged her again before getting out of the car. Paul moved to the side a little to allow her to drive by him. I walked over to Paul and threaded my hand in the hair on top of his head. Leah drove up next to us. "Be careful Bella." She said and then she was gone.

"Paul." I sighed. He shifted back into his human form and wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Goldie." He sighed. "Are you alright? I tried to block the pain from you. I just…I'm so sorry." He was shaking a little.

"Paul, I'm fine. Look at me, I'm fine. I'm worried about you. Leah said Jake told her you didn't fight back. Why didn't you fight back?" I asked, tears in my eyes.

"You asked me not to." He stated simply.

"But you could have gotten seriously hurt."

"Yeah, but I couldn't hurt you like that which if I had attacked your brother, no matter how much I hate him, it would have. I didn't really think about the if I get hurt, you feel pain thing." He said guiltily. I giggled though watery eyes.

"I love you Paul."

"I love you too Goldie."

"You and that nickname." I giggled and rolled my eyes.

So there it is. A lot has gone down in this chapter, let me know if you have any questions. On a quick note, the towns people in both tribes do know about the wolves. I feel like there was more I wanted to address but I can't remember…So I'd just like to thank you all again for baring with me. I love you all! Review, Comment, Question! =)