AN: thanks for the reviews, you are amazing. And as usual a hug to astridt244 for being there when I need her.

Chapter 8

When she went to bed, Paul told her he was going out for a run, and she didn't doubt him at all. He didn't know why he felt guilty for lying, but he shrugged it off as one of the things that were unexplainably linked to Bella.

When he was in the forest he made a phone call. "Hi Sam, can you phase now? Just kick whoever is patrolling out of it. Okay?"

"Sure Paul, is everything okay?" Sam asked seriously.

"Yeah, just need some privacy." Paul grumbled.

"Give me five minutes then phase." The line then went dead.

Paul watched the time ticking impatiently, there was nothing more nerve wreaking than waiting to confess his misdeeds to his Alpha. The time was up and he phased, the feeling of being a wolf always exhilarated him and he relaxed into his new shape with pleasure.

Paul! How're you doing? Sam asked.

Hmmm, I'm a bit confused. Paul replied and then let his mind recall all that happened in the last few days since he had met Bella.

Fuck Paul! I don't know what to think! Sam swore and Paul could read in his Alpha's mind disbelief, disappointment, anger, betrayal and indecision. What am I supposed to do with this shitload of info? Have you thought about Jacob's feelings when you fucked her? Not likely, as usual you took whatever you wanted without respect for other people!

Stop right fucking now dickhead! Can you take a moment and think about my behavior? When the fuck have I ever gotten attached to a woman? Why the hell my wolf is drawn to her? I don't give a rat's ass if you're disappointed; I want to know why I have this connection to her. Paul growled angrily.

Sam took some time to see again Paul's memories. It seems strange now that you told me, I'll need to speak with the Elders, they might know something that we don't. As of now I'll keep the secret, but I swear Paul if you don't fucking behave and take a step back from her, I'll personally get there and kick your ass. She's still Jacob's Bella, even though he doesn't know she's alive... and you know it.

She isn't his; she picked the leech and left him in the dust. He's better off without her. Paul said hauntingly.

You would too. Sam snarled maliciously.

For me it's different, my eyes are wide open. I really see her. Paul whispered.

And what the hell do you see? Sam said.

Bella is a different woman now, she is strong and self-sufficient. She's brave and she's making the best out of the worst situation ever. Will you keep our secret? Paul asked.

Since when is your secret and not just hers? Paul you're getting in too deep, just leave her and come back. Sam tried to convince him.

Is that an Alpha order? Because I'll fight it, I'm not going to leave not now... and then he stopped, not sure what he really wanted to say, well he was sure, but didn't want to voice his thoughts yet.

I'm not giving you orders Paul, just some advices... but I see you're a lost cause, I wonder what she has to enthrall men in this way... Sam said defeated.

She's just herself, now Sam we both know I'm not sentimental and I usually I'm a fuck-and-run man... this time is different and I want to know why. Paul told him.

Sam growled. I hate being pulled into this, I'll ask Billy not to tell Jacob yet... but Paul eventually he'll have to know and you'll have to prepare yourself for two things... Jacob's anger and Bella leaving you for him. I'll give you a call as soon as I know something.

Paul phased back quickly, he was pissed and he knew why. The thought of Bella going back to Jacob had sent his wolf into a fit of anger he was unprepared for, possessiveness and jealousy were rearing their ugly heads.

As soon as he got into the house he noticed that Bella was sitting on the couch and was obviously waiting for him. Her eyes were dark and she looked angry. "Where have you really been Paul?"

He glared at her and was going to snarl back that it wasn't her fucking business but then his anger left him. He walked to where she was and sat on the couch too. "I've gone to talk to Sam, I couldn't keep the secret much longer but at least he promised not to reveal what I told him to anyone yet." Then Paul turned to look at her. "But eventually he'll tell Jacob... will you go back to him?" He asked.

Bella's eyes never wavered from his when she answered him. "No."

It was such a short answer and he needed to know more. "Why not?"

Bella then looked down and he saw that she was watching the wedding ring. "Because... he didn't feel right... I mean... when I left with Edward and we slept together... a veil was finally torn from my eyes, I had stubbornly held onto something that wasn't real... but with Jacob, although I knew I loved him... well, he didn't feel the right man... I don't know how to explain it better. I won't go back to Jake because I don't belong with him."

Paul nodded and took a deep breath. If his wolf had bonded with her, then she must have a link back to him. Was this the reason she hadn't been able to be either with Edward or Jacob? "What about me?" He blurted out because he couldn't keep it inside anymore; he needed to know what she was thinking.

"Your wolf is... different. Since we met I feel an affinity to him, I can feel him when we're together. With Jacob's wolf we just got along, but I only loved the man." Bella replied.

Paul snorted. "And with me you just could eventually like the wolf?"

She smiled at him. "Honestly, I'm not sure... it's still too early to tell how I could feel about anything with you."

He observed her and he knew she was telling the truth, she was basically confessing to him that she would be probably willing to give him a chance if their relationship developed further, with time and willingness from both sides. "I don't know what to say... hell, I don't even know what's right or wrong at the moment... You're right it's too soon to talk about anything like that..."

Bella moved closer and put her head on his shoulder. "Let's take a day at a time."

"That we can do." He said and then took her into his arms, stood up and walked towards the bedroom. "Let's get some sleep I think we'll need to be well rested to organize our trip."

Bella nodded and snuggled closer onto his chest. He loved the feeling of her in his arms, and now that he knew that she wouldn't leave him for Jacob his heart was definitely lighter. Paul knew that he would have to face Jacob eventually, but right now the only thing that mattered to him was in his arms.