Chap 6
- Sam POV -
Alrightboys,nosesdown.Iwanttofindthisleechandgethimoffourland,I said to Jake, Jared and Paul.
I was absolutely terrified about leeches being on the land because of all the imprints and the innocent people of La Push. As of now we had five imprints - Mione, Harry, Em, Kim and Josie.
I'vegotascent,Paul said. Ever since imprinting on Mione, Paul had become much calmer and much less volatile. He still had his moments but was all around a nicer guy.
We started running after the scent until Jared growled and we heard a thump.
Whatthehellman?Jake asked. Paul and I turned and noticed Jared and Jake staring at a moving lump.
Whathappened?I asked.
Jaredjusttrippedoverawhitewolf,Jake said. Paul and I shared a look before walking over to the boys. Sure enough, the moving lump was a small white wolf. Paul nudged it with his muzzle and the wolf let out a loud whimper.
She'spretty,Jared said.
I was about to say something when a loud roar sounded and a large lion burst through the trees.
WHATTHEFUCK!Paul said as we all jumped back. The white wolf jumped to her feet and raced over to the lion and hid slightly behind him. The lion checked the wolf over and nuzzled her muzzle as she whimpered. We all looked at one another in shock and cocked our heads to the side as the lion affectionately cared for the small wolf.
The lion looked back at us before rounding up the wolf and they took off running.
PleasetellmeIactuallysawthat.Therewasalioninthewoodsright?Jake said as we started heading back to my house.
Youdid.Ihavenoideawhatisgoingon,I said. The rest of the run home was silent but the same images were running through our minds.
We all phased and threw our clothes back on before walking inside. The other boys and Leah were sitting at the table whilst Em was cooking.
"Sam, what's wrong?" Em asked.
"I need to call the Elders," I said.
"Is it a vampire?" Em asked worriedly.
"We met a lion in the woods," I said and the room went silent.
"A lion? Alpha are you ok? Lions don't live in the La Push woods," Quil said.
"Dude, we friggen saw a lion! We're not kidding!" Paul said.
I hugged Em and kissed her head before grabbing the phone out of its cradle. I dialled Billy's number. He agreed to call the other elders and arrange for a meeting.
"I found it weird that the lion was heaps protective of the wolf," Jared explained. The oven went off and I grabbed the quiche out for Em and placed it onto the bench for her to cut it up.
While we ate, I kept thinking about the wolf and lion. Their scents were vaguely familiar but I couldn't work out where I knew it from.
"Sam, are you ok?" Em asked as she wrapped her arms around me. I kissed her head and smiled.
"Yea Em. Just thinking," I answered.
I watched as my pack ate and joked around but my thoughts kept drifting back to the weird sight in the woods.
- Mione POV -
"What the hell?" I said as Harry and I sat in my room. "Did we really just see four horse sized wolves?"
"We did and I don't know what is going on. All the wolves we have ever seen are never that big," Harry said.
"Could just be the breed that lives here. Breeds differ all over the world," I explained.
"Maybe. Let me guess. You are about to go on a research binge?" Harry said and I smiled sheepishly. "Just promise me you will keep eating and spending time with friends and just use this as a sort of side project."
"I promise. I just want to understand the legends and wildlife of La Push," I explained. Harry kissed my head and while I walked into the kitchen to start preparing dinner, he went upstairs in search of Sirius.
Halfway through making dinner, the doorbell rang. I turned the oven down and walked out to the front room.
I had just opened the door when a body collided with my own. I was about to fight back when I heard a familiar deep, rumbling laughter and saw a flash of bubblegum pink hair.
"Dora honey, don't kill her," Rem said in a joking tone. I hugged the clumsy auror tightly and smiled as she squealed.
"I've missed you so much baby girl," Tonks said once we broke apart. I moved to hug Remus and smiled as Teddy cried out my name. I plucked my godson out of his father's arms and hugged him.
"I've missed you guys too. Come in out of the cold," I said. I moved aside so they could walk in.
"Sirius! Harry! We have company!" I called out as I bounced Teddy up and down.
"Myne! Missed you!" Teddy said as he hugged my neck.
"I've missed you too cub," I said as I kissed his head. Sirius and Harry emerged from upstairs and hugged the two newcomers.
I passed Teddy into Harry's arms and went back into the kitchen to finish dinner. The phone started ringing as soon as I walked into the kitchen so I grabbed it on my way to the stove.
"Hello?" I said.
"HeyMione,"Leah's voice came through the phone.
"Hey Leah. How are you?" I asked as I stirred the food.
"I'mgoodandyou?"She asked.
"I'm good. Did you want to speak to Harry?" I asked.
"No,IactuallywantedtoaskifyouwantedtogooutshoppingtomorrowfordressesfortheChristmasDance,"Leah said.
"I'd love to. Did you want me to drive?" I asked.
"It'scool.I'lldrive.I'llpickuupat9ifthat'sok,"Leah said.
"That sounds great. I'll see you then," I said. We said goodbye and I hung up the phone.
"Who was that?" Harry asked when he walked into the kitchen.
"Leah. We are going out shopping tomorrow for dresses for the dance," I explained.
"Snowflake, do you like Leah?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"Of course. She's an awesome friend, like the older sister I never had. Why? Do you like Leah?" I asked slyly. Harry blushed fire truck red and mumbled something.
"Yea I really do. I'm gunna ask her out on a second date after the dance," Harry said.
"Good for you. She'll be a crap load better than Ginny," I said after giving him a hug.
"Thanks sis," Harry said.
"Alright, unless you're helping get out of the kitchen," I said with a smile. Harry laughed but held up his hands and left the kitchen. I turned back to the oven and put the tray of veggies in the oven.
An hour later I had the roast lamb, gravy and veggies served up on the table and everyone walked in.
"This looks wonderful Mione," Rem said as I served it all up.
"Thanks Papa Rem. I like cooking so apparently it has become my job," I said.
"Harry was telling us about school. How are your classes going baby?" Tonks asked as we ate.
"They're good. Bio and English are my favourite subjects. How are things in England?" I asked.
We spent the rest of dinner talking about England and the Weasleys.
"Molly is adamant she will find you two," Rem said as I served up desert. The phone started ringing and I quickly grabbed it.
"Hello?" I said as I gave Teddy some ice cream.
"HeyMya,"Paul's comforting voice came down the phone and I smiled.
"Hey Paul. What are you doing?" I asked.
"JustwaitingforDadtocomebackwithpizza.Whataboutyou?"He asked.
"Just eating dinner with the family," I said.
"WellIwon'tkeepyoulong.Ijustwantedtoknowifyouwantedtocomeovertomorrownight.MawantsmetobabysitthebratsandNinahasbeenaskingforyou,"Paul explained.
"Sure. I'll have Leah drop me over once we have finished shopping," I said.
"Awesome.Seeyouthen,"he said. I said goodbye and hung up the phone.
"Where are you going Snowflake?" Dad asked once I sat back down.
"Well first I'm going shopping with Leah tomorrow and then going to Paul's tomorrow night to help watch Nina and Liam," I answered.
"Who is this Paul kid then Snowflake?" Rem asked with a smirk.
"Papa Rem, leave me alone. He's a really close friend," I said with a groan.
"What are you and Leah shopping for tomorrow?" Dad asked.
"Dresses for the Christmas Dance," I answered.
"You'll need to tell me what colour she is wearing. She told me we needed to match," Harry said with an eye roll.
"I'll take you shopping to pick out the right colour," I said with a smile. Harry smiled back and we all finished our desert.
When the guys moved into the living room, Tonks and I stayed in the kitchen to wash up. Well, I washed up, Tonks just rested against the counter.
"So, where did you meet Paul?" Tonks asked.
"He's friends with my cousin and he has been helping us settle in," I explained.
Tonks smiled at me and I shook my head.
"Do you like him Mione?" Tonks asked.
"I think I do. He's heaps sweet and super protective. A guy slapped my arse last week and Paul broke his nose. I'm just," I trailed off as I thought about Ron.
"Just what honey?" Tonks asked.
"I just don't want him to turn out to be someone like Ron," I answered honestly.
"From what you, Harry and Sirius have told me, this boy is nothing like Ron. He seems like the kind of guy who would put you and your wishes first. I can't wait to meet him," Tonks said.
"I'll make sure you two meet him before you leave," I said. Tonks hugged me and I finished washing up.
Once we had put all the dishes away, Tonks and I walked into the living room where the boys were all watching a baseball game.
"Alright guys. I'm going to bed because Leah will be here at 9," I said before I walked around the room kissing everyone on the cheek.
I slid under my covers and found myself drifting into a dreamless sleep.
At 8:45 the next day, I was sitting on the porch swing reading a book when I heard a car honk. I looked up and smiled at Leah.
"Hey gorgeous. How are you?" Leah asked as I jumped into the car.
"I'm good. What about you?" I asked.
"Can't complain. So, do you have an idea about your dress?" Leah asked.
"I was thinking knee length or longer but other than that, no idea," I answered.
"I think you'd look amazing in a purple or blue. We'll keep clear of red because I heard Ashleigh is going to wear that colour and pink and orange are out because Dana and Kristy are wearing those," Leah explained.
"They are going to look atrocious in orange," I said.
"I agree. It does hardly anyone favours," Leah said with a laugh.
"What colour are you thinking?" I asked.
"Maybe a cream colour or white. I really haven't put much thought into it," Leah said.
"You could always go a white dress with a coloured sash," I said. Leah smiled and nodded.
The rest of the drive was spent talking about classes and just general stuff before Leah turned to me with a smirk.
"So Mione, do you like Paul?" Leah asked.
"What? Of course I do. He's my best friend," I answered.
"No dummy. I mean, do you like him as more than a friend?" Leah said.
"I think I do. I'm just scared," I answered honestly. Leah was about to say something when we pulled into the mall. We walked into the first dress store and I started looking through the racks.
"Why are you scared?" Leah asked.
"My ex was not a very nice guy after a while. I just, can't deal with that again," I answered. I pulled out a white one shouldered dress and handed it to Leah.
"Sweetie, I've known Paul a long time and I know how much of a dick he can be. That being said, he is actually a wonderful guy deep down and I know he'd treat you like a queen," Leah said.
"Wow Leah, that was actually nice. What happened to you? Are you sick?" I joked. Leah stuck her tongue out and flicked my nose.
"Look, I know Paul would take care of you and I also know that if he did anything to hurt you, the boys would destroy him," Leah said to me seriously.
"Thanks Lee," I said.
"Come on Shortcake, let's find you a dress," Leah said. I scrunched up my nose at the name but sighed as we started looking through the racks with a vengeance.
"Thanks for today Leah," I said. We had been shopping for the whole day and now I was going to Paul's.
"You're welcome baby girl. I'll drop your stuff at your place," Leah said.
"Thanks," I replied.
"Hey, remember what I said earlier," Leah said with a pointed look at Paul's house.
"I will. I'll see you tomorrow," I said. Leah smiled and waved before she drove away. I walked up the front path to Paul's house and knocked on the front door.
"Hey Mione," Liam said as he opened the door.
"Hey Liam," I said. Liam let me into the house and I smiled as Jolene hugged me.
"Thanks for helping Paul tonight. He doesn't need it but Nina likes having you around," Jolene said.
"That's alright. I don't mind," I said with a grin. "I probably would have just been watching reruns of Bonesanyway."
"Mione!" Nina cried before she raced down the stairs and jumped into my arms. I hugged her tightly and kissed her head.
"Hey baby girl," I said.
"We are gunna have so much fun. We can play Barbies and do my hair and watch Disney movies," Nina said quickly. Both Jo and I giggled at how excited she was.
"Ok but I've got to spend time with Liam too ok," I said.
"But boys are yucky," Nina said as she stuck her tongue out.
"You won't think that in a few years," I said with a grin and Jo laughed.
"Oh yes she will be. I'm quite content for her to think boys are yucky until she turns 35," Chris said as he walked into the living room.
Jo and I laughed and I noticed someone was missing.
"Where's Paul?" I asked.
"He's asleep I think. He came home from Jake's and went up to bed. Ok kids, we are heading off. Be good for Paul and Mione and do what they say," Jo said before she and Chris kissed the kids on the head. "Dinner is on the table."
I walked Jo and Chris out before turning to the kids.
"Alright. While you two go eat some dinner, I'm going to go wake Paul up. Then, we will put a movie on," I explained. Liam and Nina ran into the dining room while I walked upstairs.
I pushed Paul's bedroom door open slowly and walked into the room. Paul was lying on his back on his bed. I moved slowly over to the bed and watched as his dark eyes fluttered open.
"Hey," I whispered.
"Hey Angel. When did you get here?" Paul asked sleepily.
"About ten minutes ago. Your parents just left and Lee and Neen are eating dinner," I answered as I sat down on the side of the bed. Paul grabbed my hand and pulled me down do I was lying half on him and half on the bed.
"So if they are eating I can have at least 15 more minutes of cuddling and sleep," Paul said as his arms wrapped around me.
I didn't say anything, instead just closed my eyes and breathed in his familiar scent.
15 minutes later we walked back downstairs just as Liam and Nina finished dinner.
"Come on Mione. Let's go play Barbies," Nina said. She pulled me back upstairs and into her room.
At 9:30 I slumped down onto the lounge and sighed.
"I'm buggered," I said as Paul laughed and sat down beside me. "I forgot how much energy little kids have."
"Well, I don't know about you but I am starving. I'm going to order Tony's. Do you want the usual?" Paul asked. On cue, my stomach growled. "It'll be here in 15 minutes."
While Paul ordered the food, I put a movie on. When Paul returned, he pulled me into his lap and I snuggled into his chest.
"Did you have a good day today?" Paul asked as the opening credits of Star Wars came on screen.
"Sure did. Leah and I both got dresses and we even bought ties for you and Harry so we match," I said.
"It isn't pink is it?" Paul asked hesitantly. "Not that you won't look gorgeous in any colour."
"Don't worry. It isn't pink. I've ready worn pink to a dance before and I think either Dana or Kristy are wearing pink," I answered with a giggle. "It's blue."
"I bet you look gorgeous," Paul said as he smoothed down my hair.
I snuggled into his warm chest and smiled as he kissed my head. Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang and Paul grabbed his money. He walked back in with our pizzas and I smiled at him.
As we ate, I found myself looking at Paul and comparing him to Ron. Where Ron was rude and misogynistic, Paul was sweet and caring. He was protective definitely but never put me down or spoke to me as if I was a lesser being. He would offer differing opinions to my own and accept that my opinions were mine and didn't try to force his views on me. He praised me when I did well in an assignment or school work and never made me feel bad about doing well like Ron would do.
"What are you thinking about?" Paul asked, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Just stuff," I answered vaguely.
"Uh uh. You aren't getting away with that one. Tell me," Paul said. I shook my head and Paul sighed. He stood up slowly and grabbed our empty pizza boxes. At first I thought he was mad at me but when he came back into the living room with a smirk, I stood up. "You're going to tell me."
I shook my head and took off running. Paul gave chase and we raced around the lower level of the house. He grabbed me around the waist and we fell down onto the floor. Paul took the brunt of the fall but was soon leaning over me with his arms on either side of my head.
"Tell me or I start to tickle," Paul threatened. I made a motion of zipping my lips and started shrieking as he started tickling me. Paul sat on my legs and kept tickling me. "Tell me!"
"Never," I cried. I tried moving out of his grip but he was too strong. He kept tickling me and in the end I just lifted my hands and pushed. He obviously wasn't expecting it because he fell backwards, pulling me on top of him.
"Come on Angel, tell me," Paul whined as I lay on top of him panting. I looked up at him and brushed a small lock of hair from his face.
"I was just thinking about how different you are to my ex," I commented softly. I felt Paul's arms come up to wrap around my body and I smiled as he traced gentle patterns on my back.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He whispered.
"It's a really good thing. It means that I feel safe and respected with you," I replied just as softly. Paul's dark eyes searched mine and it felt like he was looking deep in my soul.
I couldn't explain it but whenever Paul was around I felt complete. When we were apart, it was like a large piece of me was missing.
"I'm glad you feel that way Mya," he said. I felt him start to move and before I knew it, he was on his feet with me in his arms. He walked into the living room where the movie was still playing and sat on the couch with me in his lap. "I always want you to feel safe and I want you to know that I will always respect you."
He hands started massaging and kneading the muscles on my back and neck and I moaned. I turned in his lap so I was facing the TV and I moaned again as he massaged my back.
"You know, this would be easier for both of us if you were lying down," Paul commented. "If you want a proper Paul Meraz back rub, you need to be comfortable."
He grabbed the DVD out of the player and a handful of others before leading me upstairs to his room.
"Ok, lay down," he said as he pointed to the bed. I lay down and watched as he put the movie in and fast forwarded it to where we were up to. "Now, you need to take your shirt off."
"Why do I get the feeling you just want me naked in your bed?" I said with a grin as I took my shirt off. I was glad I had worn a sports bra today and I was glad I had glamoured my scars.
Paul just laughed and I lay down again. His hands went to my back again and I groaned as he worked out the kinks in my back.
After a while, I turned my head to look up at him. He was concentrating on my body so that he wouldn't hurt me and I found it endearing.
"You're staring again," he said softly as he looked me in the eye.
"Well, when I'm looking at something very handsome, one can't fault me for staring," I said boldly. Paul's hands stilled on my back and I watched as he looked deeply into my eyes, his darkening by the second.
"I'm going to kiss you," he whispered as he moved closer. I nodded and felt my eyes closing as our lips met.